bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Implementation of Mass Drug Administration for Prevention and Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Selected Southern Malawi Districts
Authors: Makaula Peter , Kayuni Sekeleghe Amos , Mamba Kondwani Chidzammbuyo , Bongololo Grace , Funsanani Mathias , Musaya Janelisa , Juziwelo Lazarus Tito , Furu Peter
Published: December 2021

Background

Mass drug administration (MDA) is one of the key interventions recommended by WHO for prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases. In Malawi, MDA is widely carried out annually since 2012 for prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH). No study has been carried out to assess effectiveness of the approach and to document perceptions of health providers and beneficiaries regarding use of MDA. This study aimed to examine perceived strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, as well as health providers’ and beneficiaries’ perspectives of implementing the strategy in Malawi.
Methods

As a cross-sectional implementation research, the study was carried out in three southern Malawi districts of Chiradzulu, Mangochi and Zomba. In each district, four health centres and 16 villages were randomly selected to participate. A mixed-methods approach to data collection focusing on quantitative data for coverage and knowledge, attitudes and practices assessments; and qualitative data for assessing perceptions of health providers and beneficiaries regarding MDA was used. Quantitative data were processed and analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 26 while qualitative data were analysed using NVivo 12 for Windows.
Results

Knowledge levels about schistosomiasis and STH in the districts varied according to disease aspects asked about. Majority are more knowledgeable about what schistosomiasis is (78%) and whether STH are treatable with drugs (97%); with least knowledgeable about the organism that transmits schistosomiasis (18%), types of schistosomiasis (11%) and what causes STH (20%). In 2018 and 2019 the districts registered high coverage rates for praziquantel and albendazole using community-based MDA (73%-100%) and using school-based MDA (75%-91%). Both the health authorities and community members perceived the MDA approach as good because it brings treatment closer to people.
Conclusion

With the high MDA coverage obtained in schools and communities, the implementation of MDA in the target districts is satisfactory. There are, however, several challenges including disproportionate knowledge levels, which are hampering progress towards attainment of the 2030 global NTD goals. There is a need for promotion of community participation and partnerships as well as implementation of other recommended interventions for sustainable prevention and control of schistosomiasis and STH.
The Influence of Long and Short Cycle Schemes of Self-Cycling Fermentation on the Growth of E. Coli and S. Cerevisiae
Authors: Tan Yusheng , Stein Lisa Y. , Sauvageau Dominic
Published: December 2021

Self-cycling fermentation (SCF), a cyclic process in which cells divide once per cycle, has been shown to lead to improvements in productivity during bioconversion and, often, whole-culture synchronization. Previous studies have found that in some cases, the completion of synchronized cell replication occurred simultaneously with depletion of a limiting nutrient. However, exceptions were also observed when the end of cell doubling occurred before the exhaustion of the limiting nutrient. In order to better understand the underlying mechanisms and impacts of these growth patterns on bioprocessing, we investigated the growth of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in long- and short-cycle SCF strategies. Three characteristic events linked to SCF cycles were identified: (1) the completion of synchronized cell replication, (2) the depletion or a plateau of the limiting nutrient, and (3) characteristic points of control parameters (e.g., the minimum of dissolved oxygen and the maximum of carbon dioxide evolution rate). Three major trends stemming from this study and SCF literature were observed: (A) co-occurrence of the three key events in SCF cycles, (B) cycles for which cell replication ended prior to the co-occurrence of the other two events, and (C) cycles for which the time of depletion or a plateau of the limiting nutrient occurred later than the concurrence of the other two events. Based on these observations, a novel definition for SCF is proposed.
Hypertriglyceridemic-Waist Phenotype is Strongly Associated With Cardiovascular Risk Factor Clustering In Chinese adolescents
Authors: Cai Rongrong , Zhou Jinyu , Bai Lin , Dong Yangyang , Ding Wenqing
Published: December 2021

There is limited research on the relationship between the Hypertriglyceridemic-waist (HTW) phenotype and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in adolescents, and its association with cardiovascular risk factor clustering (CVRFC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between HTW phenotype and CVRFs and CVRFC in adolescents. A total of 1478 adolescents aged 12-18 years were classified into normal triglyceride normal waist (NTNW, 66.4%), hypertriglyceridemia (HTG, 5.5%), enlarged waist (EW, 22.2%) and hypertriglyceridemia-waist (HTW, 5.8%) according to whether triglycerides (TG)≥1.47 mmol/L and waist circumference (WC) ≥90th percentile by gender and age. CVRFs in this study included elevated blood pressure(BP), impaired fasting glucose(IFG), high total cholesterol(TC), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C). After adjusting for gender and age, the HTW phenotype had a higher risk of Elevated BP, High TC, Low HDL-C and High LDL-C compared to the NTNW phenotype(the OR and 95% CI were 6.00 (3.79-9.52), 4.58 (2.68-7.83), 4.21 (2.44-7.26) and 6.15 (3.39-11.14), respectively). And the HTW phenotype increased the risk of CVRFC ≥ 2 and CVRFC ≥ 3 compared to the NTNW phenotype, the OR and 95% CI were 6.64 (4.08-10.80) and 11.74 (5.95-23.13), respectively. And similar results were obtained for both sexes when stratified by gender. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for TG combining WC in the prediction of the CVRFC ≥ 2 and CVRFC ≥ 3 were 0.690 (0.651-0.728) and 0.697 (0.659-0.734) in boys, and the AUC were 0.684 (0.647-0.722) and 0.695 (0.657-0.732) for girls(all P<0.01), which were higher than TG or WC alone. These results revealed that the HTW phenotype is closely associated with cardiovascular risk factors clustering, and TG combining WC performed better than TG or WC alone in detecting cardiovascular risk factor clustering in both genders.
Updated Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment of Pakistan
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Erdik Mustafa
Published: December 2021

Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment of Pakistan is carried out to compute hazard in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration (SA) for 975 and 2475 years return periods. A composite earthquake catalogue consisting of 32,700 events has been compiled having a magnitude range of Mw 4.0-8.2 in this study and used in the analysis to make computations at a rectangular grid of 5 km in the OpenQuake plateform. Ground motion values have been obtained for flat rock reference seismic site conditions with shear wave velocity of 760 m/s. The epistemic uncertainties inherent in ground motion prediction equations and maximum magnitude potential of seismic sources are taken into account through logic tree. Ground motion prediction equations are assigned equal weights in the logic tree while different various weight are assigned to the maximum magnitude potential models. Results of the study are expressed as ground motion contour maps, mean uniform hazard spectra for important cities in Pakistan. PGA ranges from 0.16 to 0.54g for 10 % of probability of exceedance, 0.23 to 0.72g of probability of exceedance 0.32 to 1.02 g for 2 % of probability of exceedance in 50 years. Spectral acceleration at 0.2 s range from 0.67 to 2.19g for 2% chance of exceedance in 50 years, respectively. While spectral acceleration at 1.0 s values range from 0.09 to 0.52g 2% chance of exceedance in 50 years. Comparison of results of this study with other well regarded references of suggest that results of the study are rational and are reliable.
COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates and Vaccine Uptake
Authors: Karaivanov Alexander , Kim Dongwoo , Lu Shih En , Shigeoka Hitoshi
Published: December 2021

We evaluate the impact of government mandated proof of vaccination requirements for access to public venues and non-essential businesses on COVID-19 vaccine uptake. We find that the announcement of a mandate is associated with a rapid and significant surge in new vaccinations (more than 60% increase in weekly first doses) using the variation in the timing of these measures across Canadian provinces in a difference-in-differences approach. Time-series analysis for each province and for France, Italy and Germany corroborates this finding, and we estimate cumulative gains of up to 5 percentage points in provincial vaccination rates and 790,000 or more first doses for Canada as a whole as of October 31, 2021 (5 to 13 weeks after the provincial mandate announcements). We also find large vaccination gains in France (3 to 5 mln first doses), Italy (around 6 mln) and Germany (around 3.5 mln) 11 to 16 weeks after the proof of vaccination mandate announcements.JEL codes: I18, I12, C23
Genetic Characterization and Recombinant History of a Novel Emerging HIV-1 Second-Generation Circulating Recombinant Form (CRF120_0107) Identified Among Sexually Transmitted Infections in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zhu Bo , Zhao Jin , Wang Xiaorui , Li Hanping , Liu Yongjian , Zheng Chenli , Jia Lei , Li Tianyi , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Lin , Li Jingyun , Zhang Bohan , Han Jingwan , Li Lin
Published: December 2021

Under the background of the main epidemic HIV strains (CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC) co-circulation in China, more HIV second-generation recombinant (SGR) strains with CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC as the backbone are emerging. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics and evolutionary history of a newly emerging HIV-1 CRF120_0107 composed of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC based on the near full-length genome (NFLG) in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. NFLG phylogenetic analysis revealed that these sequences formed a distinct monophyletic branch with a high bootstrap value (>90%), distantly related to all known HIV-1 genotypes. Recombination analysis showed that CRF120_0107 was composed of the predominant HIV-1 strains in China: CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. Further subregional phylogenetic analysis was performed that possible parental lineages of CRF07_BC segments (Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅴ) belonged to the CRF07_BC men who have sex with men cluster (MSM cluster), other CRF01_AE segments also mainly belonged to MSM Cluster (such as CRF01_AE Cluster 5). Bayesian analysis results inferred that CRF120_0107 placed its emergence in Shenzhen approximately between 2009-2011. The appearance of CRF120_0107 further highlights that more and more HIV-1 SGR strains containing CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC will be more generated frequently and will most likely be more conducive to accelerating the spread of HIV in China. This highlighted it is necessary to monitor MSM high-risk individuals with HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC dual infection to prevent the generation of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC recombinant strains, thus reducing the possibility of HIV-1 genotype resistance and the complexity of treatment in China.
A Deep Adversarial Model for Segmentation Assisted COVID-19 Diagnosis Using CT Images
Authors: Yao Hai-yan , Wan Wang-gen , Li Xiang
Published: December 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) is spreading rapidly around the world, resulting in a global pandemic. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease since lung infection or pneumonia is a common complication. However, training a deep network to learn how to diagnose COVID-19 rapidly and accurately in CT images and segment the infected regions like a radiologist is challenging. Since the infectious area are difficult to distinguish, and manually annotation the segmentation results is time-consuming. To tackle these problems, we propose an efficient method based on a deep adversarial network to segment the infection regions automatically. Then the predicted segment results can assist the diagnosis network in identifying the COVID-19 samples from the CT images. On the other hand, a radiologist-like segmentation network provides detailed information of the infectious regions by separating areas of ground-glass, consolidation, and pleural effusion, respectively. Our method can accurately predict the COVID-19 infectious probability and provides lesion regions in CT images with limited training data. Additionally, we have established a public dataset for multitask learning. Extensive experiments on diagnoses and segmentation show superior performance over state-of-the-art methods.
Single Machine Scheduling Problems With Sequence-dependent Setup Times and Precedence Delays
Authors: Lin Shih-Wei , Ying Kuo-Ching
Published: December 2021

Sequence-dependent setup times (SDSTs) and delayed precedence (DP) occur commonly in various manufacturing settings. This study investigated the single machine scheduling problem with SDSTs and DP constraints arising in an amplifier assembly company. A mixed-integer linear programming model and a lean iterated greedy (LIG) algorithm is proposed to search for the best job sequence with minimum makespan. Based on the characteristic of delayed precedence constraints of the problem, the proposed LIG algorithm implements a straightforward but effective lean construction mechanism, which can keep the search process within the feasible solution space and quickly converge toward the (near-) global optimum. Computational results reveal that LIG significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithm in terms of solution quality and computational efficiency. This study mainly contributes to providing a simple, effective, and efficient algorithm that can facilitate industrial applications and act as a new benchmark approach for future research.
Enhanced Conductance Response in Radio Frequency Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy
Authors: Wit Bareld , Vranik Radovan , Müllegger Stefan
Published: December 2021

Diverse spectroscopic methods operating at radio frequency depend on a reliable calibration to compensate for the frequency dependent damping of the transmission lines. Calibration may be impeded by the existence of a sensitive interdependence of two or more experimental parameters. Here, we show by combined scanning tunnelling microscopy measurements and numerical simulations how a frequency-dependent conductance response is affected by different DC conductance behaviour of the sample. Distinct and well-defined DC-conductance behaviour is provided by our experimental model systems, which include C60 molecules on Au(111), exhibiting electronic configurations distinct from the well-known dim and bright C60’s reported so far. We investigate specific combinations of sample electronic configuration, DC bias voltage, and radio frequency modulation amplitude. Variations of the modulation amplitude as small as only a few percent may result in systematic conductance deviations as large as one order of magnitude. We provide practical guidelines for calibrating respective measurements, which are relevant to RF spectroscopic measurements.
Assess The Diversity of Gut Microbiota Among Healthy Adults For Forensic Application
Authors: Wang Shuangshuang , Song Feng , Gu Haoyu , Shu Zhilong , Wei Xiaowen , Zhang Ke , Zhou Yuxiang , Jiang Lanrui , Wang Zefei , Li Jienan , Luo Haibo , Liang Weibo
Published: December 2021

Background: Human gut microbiota is individually unique that hints the microbiota in fecal traces left in the crime scene could act as a potential biomarker for forensic personal identification. Next-generation DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of fecal samples are revolutionizing our insights into gut microbial communities. While the formation of the gut microbiota is known to be multifactorial, it is unclear whether these characteristics can be applied to forensic applications. Therefore, the gut microbiota of healthy adults with different traits in Chengdu was investigated in this study.Results: Based on the STAMP analysis of each study group, the difference in gut microbiota composition in male and female subjects was observed. The male group was characterized by taxa in the phylum Proteobacteria, while the female group was described by Synergistetes phylum. The gut bacterial community assembly mechanism was mainly affected by the deterministic process. In addition, gut microbiota composition showed meaningful discrimination in each of the BMI groups. At the phylum level, in male subjects, increased representative phyla were Patescibacteria (p<0.05) in the underweight group and Bacteroidetes (p<0.05) in the normal-weight group, while in the female group, the significantly different phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, 44 unique genera were found to be significantly distinct across BMI study groups. By Fisher’s Linear Discriminant Analysis based on 38 of 44 unique genera, 94.4% of original BMI grouped subjects were correctly classified.Conclusion: In conclusion, subjects with different individual characters have specific gut microbiota, and can be discriminated by bioinformatics methods, suggesting it is promising to apply gut microbiota to forensic personal identification.
The Interdecadal Variations and Causes of the Relationship Between Autumn Precipitation Anomalies in Eastern China and SSTA Over the Southeastern Tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Huo Liwei , Guan Zhaoyong , Jin Dachao , Liu Xi , Wang Xudong , Xia Yang
Published: December 2021

Eastern China has a large population with rapid development of the economy, where is the important crop producing region. In this region, the spatial and temporal distribution of autumn rainfall in Eastern China is uneven, which has important societal impact. Using the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and other observational datasets, it is found that the spatial distribution of the first EOF mode of autumn rainfall anomalies in eastern China is consistent across the region, with significant interannual variabilities. Pronounced interdecadal variations are presented in the relationship between autumn rainfall anomalies in eastern China and sea-surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) over the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SETIO). The interdecadal changes have been analyzed by considering two epochs: one during 1979-2004 and the other during 2005-2019. It shows weak and insignificant correlations between the autumn rainfall anomalies in eastern China and SSTA over SETIO during the first epoch. On the other hand, they are remarkable and positively correlated with each other during the second epoch. The inter-decadal changes of the above relationship are related to the warming of SST over SETIO during the second epoch. It causes stronger low-level convergence and ascending motion over SETIO, with the co-occurrence of enhanced western Pacific subtropical high and anomalous abundant moisture over eastern China carried by a low-level southerly anomaly originating from the South China Sea. Simultaneously, the local Hadley circulation over eastern China becomes weak, corresponding to the anomalous ascending motion. The collaboration of anomalous water vapour transport and ascending motion strengthens the connection between the SETIO SSTA and the autumn precipitation anomalies in eastern China, and vice versa. In the boreal autumn of 2019, entire eastern China suffered extreme drought. It suggests that this drought event in eastern China is strongly affected by the negative SSTA over SETIO, which is consistent with the statistical results.
Treatment of Gouty Arthritis is Associated With Restoring Gut Microbiota And Promoting Production of Short Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Park Han-Ki , Lee Sang Jin
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Although factors initiating the inflammatory response to monosodium urate crystals have been identified, the role of the gut microbiota and their metabolites on gout remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate changes in both gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) according to inflammatory states of gout in the same patients.Methods: This study enrolled 20 patients with gout in the acute state who had active joints and were followed-up until the recovery state with no active joints. Blood and fecal samples were simultaneously collected within 3 days for each disease state. The stool microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and serum SCFAs were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Differences in gut microbiome and serum SCFAs were compared between the acute and recovery states.Results: Beta diversity of the microbiome was significantly different between the acute and recovery states in terms of weighted UniFrac distance. In the recovery state, Prevotellaceae (p = 0.006) and the genus Prevotella (p = 0.009) were significantly enriched, whereas Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.019) and its derivative genus Shigella (p = 0.023) were significantly decreased compared to the acute state. Similarly, the levels of acetate was dramatically increased in the recovery state compared to the acute state (p < 0.010). Levels of propionate and butyrate tended to increase but without statistical significance.Conclusion: Substantial alterations of bacterial composition with promotion of SCFA formation (especially acetate) were found after treatment in patients with gouty arthritis.
Applying the Input-output Price Model to Identify Inflation Processes
Authors: Przybyliński Michał , Gorzałczyński Artur
Published: December 2021

We try to examine the potential of input-output price model to identify mechanisms of price formation and transmission. Contrary to previous research focused on overcoming the specific limitations of the model, we test its overall performance. In the presented study the historical values of the commonly used Consumer Price Index were decomposed according to the classic input-output price model for an open economy. A sequence of ex-post simulations under various assumptions was used to identify the sources of inflation. This study required the use of input – output tables in current and previous year’s prices. The proposed method of decomposition might be a starting point to create a framework for studying different aspects of inflation process.JEL: C67, E31, E37
An Elementary Proof to eγ log log n > Ψ(n)/n for any n > 30
Authors: Hernandez-Serna Eduin
Published: December 2021

Let Ƥ be the set of all primes, Ψ/(n) = nIIn∈Ƥ,p|n (1 + 1/Ƥ) be the Dedekind psi function, we unconditionally show that eγ log log n > Ψ(n)/n for any n > 30, where γ if Euler's constant.
The characteristics of weather-related wind load parameters and wind power quality over the Dabanchen strong gale area
Authors: Xin Yu , Liu Zonhui , He Qing
Published: December 2021

Analysis of data from cup and ultrasonic anemometers on a 100 m-tall wind mast in the Dabanchen Canyon reveals that the turbulence intensities, gust factors, and peak factors measured by cup anemometers tend to be severely undervalued compared to longitudinal values from an ultrasonic anemometer, and onsite three-dimensional measurement data are preferred for weather-related wind load calculation. This difference is related to the rotating responses of cup anemometers during wind speed acceleration or deceleration and the higher vertical fluctuation speeds driven by dynamic interactions with the sloped canyon terrain. The higher lateral turbulence is key consideration for determining wind turbine classes in Danbanchen strong wind area. The longitudinal gust and peak factors under wind speeds exceeding 25.0 m s−1 are comparable with those of typhoon-prone open, flat regions. The chances of high turbulence and unstable stratification convective processes are very high; thus, wind power collection efficiencies are not high. Except the longitudinal turbulence integral scale, China’s wind-resistance codes are not applicable due to occasional undesirable strong gales with extraordinary turbulence structures. The measured vertical power spectral density of fluctuating wind in the high-frequency domain cannot reflect the rapidly adapting features of the vast terrain under strong gales.
Timing is everything: Clinical courses of Hunter syndrome associated with age at initiation of therapy in a sibling pair
Authors: Grant Nathan , Sohn Young Bae , Ellinwood N. Matthew , Okenfuss Ericka , Mendelsohn Bryce A. , Lynch Leslie E. , Braunlin Elizabeth A. , Harmatz Paul R. , Eisengart Julie B.
Published: December 2021

Hunter syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II, is a rare lysosomal disorder characterized by progressive, multi-system disease. As most symptoms cannot be reversed once established, early detection and treatment prior to the onset of clinical symptoms are critical. However, it is difficult to identify affected individuals early in disease, and therefore the long-term outcomes of initiating treatment during this optimal time period are incompletely described. We report long-term clinical outcomes of treatment when initiated prior to obvious clinical signs by comparing the courses of two siblings with neuronopathic Hunter syndrome (c.1504T>G[p.W502G]), one who was diagnosed due to clinical disease (Sibling-O, age 3.7 years) and the other who was diagnosed before disease was evident (Sibling-Y, age 12 months), due to his older sibling’s findings. The brothers began enzyme replacement therapy within a month of diagnosis. Around the age of 5 years, Sibling-O had a cognitive measurement score in the impaired range of <55 (average range 85-115), whereas Sibling-Y at this age received a score of 91. Sibling-O has never achieved toilet training and needs direct assistance with toileting, dressing, and washing, while Sibling-Y is fully toilet-trained and requires less assistance with daily activities. Both siblings have demonstrated sensory-seeking behaviors, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sleep difficulties; however, Sibling-O demonstrates physical behaviors that his brother does not, namely biting, pushing, and frequent elopement. Since the time of diagnosis, Sibling-O has experienced significant joint contractures and a steady deterioration in mobility leading to the need for an adaptive stroller at age 11, while Sibling-Y at age 10.5 could hike more than 6 miles without assistance. After nearly a decade of therapy, there were more severe and life-limiting disease manifestations for Sibling-O; data from caregiver interview indicated substantial differences in Quality of Life for the child and the family, dependent on timing of ERT. The findings from this sibling pair provide evidence of superior somatic and neurocognitive outcomes associated with presymptomatic treatment of Hunter syndrome, aligned with current considerations for newborn screening.
Influence of Zika Virus in mechanisms related of cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, apoptosis and inflammatory markers on glioblastoma cells
Authors: Marinowic Daniel , Viola Fabiana Spillari , Majolo Fernanda , Zanirati Gabriele Goulart , Azevedo Pamella Nunes , Zanatta Ângela , Plentz Ismael , Alcará Allan Marinho , Morrone Fernanda Bueno , Scheffel Thamiris Becker , Cappellari Angélica Regina , Roehe Paulo Michel , Varela Ana Paula Muterle , Machado Denise Cantarelli , Costa Jaderson Costa Da
Published: December 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common brain tumors in adults. Despite the presence of available treatments, it remains one of the most lethal and difficult tumors to treat such that most patients die within two years. Studies reported that infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) causes inhibition of cell proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis; moreover, these manifestations show a predilection for developing neuronal cells. In the present study, two GBM cell lines U-138 and U-251 were infected with ZIKV at multiplicities of infection (MOI) 0.1, 0,01 and 0.001 and tested for cell viability, cell migration, cell adhesion, induction of apoptosis, interleukin levels, and cell surface markers (CD14 and CD73). Our study demonstrated that the ZIKV infection promotes loss of cell viability and increased apoptosis potential. It was not evidenced changes in cell migration, however, the two glioblastoma cell lines displayed increased the cell adhesion behavior. There was small increase in the IL-4 level in the U-251 cell line after exposure to ZIKV, with no change in relation to INF-γ levels. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the percentage of cells expressing the CD14 surface marker in both cell lines and increased CD73 expression in the U-251 cell line. Our results suggest that ZIKV may be associated with decrease of cell viability and increased CD73 expression, enhanced adherence, as well as increased apoptosis rates. Further investigations are required to explore the potential use of ZIKV in the treatment of GBM.
Psychometric Evaluation of the NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems (NODS) for the Assessment of DSM-5 Gambling Disorder
Authors: Brazeau Brad W. , Hodgins David C.
Published: December 2021

The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems (NODS) is one of the most used outcome measures in gambling intervention trials. However, a screen based on DSM-5 gambling disorder criteria has yet to be developed or validated since the DSM-5 release in 2013. This omission is possibly because the criteria for gambling disorder only underwent minor changes from DSM-IV to DSM-5: the diagnostic threshold was reduced from 5 to 4 criteria, and the illegal activity criterion was removed. Validation of a measure that captures these changes is still warranted. The current study examined the psychometric properties of an online self-report past-year adaptation of the NODS based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder. Additionally, the new NODS was evaluated for how well it identifies ICD-10 pathological gambling. A diverse sample of participants (N = 959) was crowdsourced via Amazon’s TurkPrime. Internal consistency and one-week test-retest reliability were good. High correlations (r = .74–.77) with other measures of gambling problem severity were observed in addition to moderate correlations (r = .21–.36) with related but distinct constructs (e.g., gambling expenditures, time spent gambling, other addictive behaviours). All nine of the DSM-5 criteria loaded positively on one principal component, which accounted for 40% of the variance. Classification accuracy (i.e., sensitivity, specificity, predictive power) was generally very good with respect to the PGSI and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. Future validation studies are encouraged to establish a gold standard measurement of gambling problem severity.
Energy/Exergy Conversion Factors of Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Heat Plants
Authors: Francke Henning
Published: December 2021

From the system perspective, a geothermal heat plant is not only a source of heat, but, in case of liquid producing wells producing liquid brine, also a sink for relevant amounts of electricity, consumed mainly by the pump(s). This electricity demand is usually not given much attention, although being decisive for operation costs and offering chances for demand side management as a variable consumer. From the perspective of an integrated energy system, geothermal installations basically move energy from the electricity sector into the heat sector. So do electrical compression heat pumps, whose performance is rated by the COP, the ratio between useful heat and invested energy and useful heat, the COP. This study transfers the COP concept to geothermal sites, by defining and determining the energy conversion factor quantity (i.e. relative auxiliary energy or operating cost of heat provision expressed in electricity) for a selection of mostly German geothermal sites. Based on heterogenous data consisting of operational values for some sites and theoretical estimations for others, the calculated ε range from 12 to 116. In analogy, the concept is extended to the exergy conversion factor ζ, which is calculated to range from 1 to 36. A comparison with alternative heat provision technologies, such as heat pumps (COP ≤ 6) or simple electric heating (ε ≈ 1), quantifies the potential service geothermal plants can render to the grid by converting electrical energy into useful heat. This study aims at quantifying the potential benefit of geothermal plants on for the electric grid.
A new taxonomy was developed for overlap across ‘Overviews of systematic reviews’: a meta-research study of research waste
Authors: Lunny Carole , Zhang Jia He , Chen Alyssa , Neelakant Trish , Shinger Gavindeep , Stevens Adrienne , Tasnim Sara , Sadeghipouya Shadi , Adams Stephen , Zheng Yi Wen , Lin Lester , Yang Pei Hsuan , Dosanjh Manpreet , Ngsee Peter , Ellis Ursula , Shea Beverley J. , Reid Emma K. , Wright James M.
Published: December 2021

Background
Multiple ‘overviews of reviews’ conducted on the same topic (“overlapping overviews”) represent a waste of research resources and can confuse clinicians making decisions amongst competing treatments. We aimed to assess the frequency and characteristics of overlapping overviews.
Methods
MEDLINE, Epistemonikos and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for overviews that: synthesised reviews of health interventions and conducted systematic searches. Overlap was defined as: duplication of PICO eligibility criteria, and not reported as an update nor a replication. We categorized overview topics according to 22 WHO ICD-10 medical classifications, overviews as broad or narrow in scope, and overlap as identical, nearly identical, partial, or subsumed. Subsummation was defined as when broad overviews subsumed the populations, interventions and at least one outcome of another overview.
Results
Of 541 overviews included, 169 (31%) overlapped across similar PICO, fell within 13 WHO ICD-10 medical classifications, and 62 topics. 148/169 (88%) overlapping overviews were broad in scope. Fifteen overviews were classified as having nearly identical overlap (9%); 123 partial overlap (73%), and 31 subsumed (18%) others.
Conclusions
One third of overviews overlapped in content and a majority covered broad topic areas. A multiplicity of overviews on the same topic adds to the ongoing waste of research resources, time and effort across medical disciplines. Authors of overviews can use this study and the sample of overviews to identify gaps in the evidence for future analysis, and topics that are already studied which do not need to be duplicated.
The Effect of Habitat Structural Complexity on Gastropods in Anarid Mangrove Wetland
Authors: Ebadzadeh Haniyeh , Shojaei Mehdi Ghodrati , Seyfabadi Jafar
Published: December 2021

Structural complexity of mangrove forests are thought to provide critical habitats for a variety of invertebrates. We studied the influence of mangrove structure and seasonality on the gastropod diversity in the extreme mangrove ecosystem of the Persian Gulf. Sampling was conducted in two successive years (February and June 2018, February and June 2019) at two mangrove habitats i.e., pneumatophore zone and mudflats. The communities were characterized by the dominance of specific taxa and the comparably low species richness. In total, 18 taxa were identified, including 14 species occurring in the mangrove forest and 16 species in the mudflats. Assimineidae dominated the community in both mangrove habitats. Mean density of gastropods was 1.5-fold higher in the pneumatophore zone (86.12±135.21 ind.m-2) than in the mudflats (54.33±108.69 ind.m-2). Species such as Haminoea vitrea, Peronia verruculata, Assiminea mesopotamica and Platevindex tigrinus were found to benefit from the presence of pneumatophores, which highlights the importance of local habitat complexity. Gastropod communities varied significantly between the habitats, but there was little difference in the community structure between seasons. Distance-based linear models revealed that total organic carbon and total organic nitrogen best explained the variation in gastropods community structure.
Prevalence and Correlates of Pregnancy Self-Testing Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Western Kenya
Authors: Nganga Nina Njeri , Dettinger Julia , Kinuthia John , Baeten Jared , John-Stewart Grace , Gómez Laurén , Ochieng Ben , Marwa Mary , Mugwanya Kenneth , Mugambi Melissa , Pintye Jillian
Published: December 2021

In sub-Saharan Africa little is known about how often women use pregnancy self-tests or characteristics of these women despite evidence that pregnancy self-testing is associated with early antenatal care (ANC) initiation. Understanding the characteristics of women who use pregnancy self-tests can facilitate more targeted efforts to improve pregnancy testing experiences and entry into the ANC pathway. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among pregnant women enrolling in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with pregnancy self-testing among women in western Kenya. Overall, in our study population, 17% of women obtained a pregnancy self-test from a pharmacy. Pregnancy test use was higher among employed women, women with secondary and college-level educated partners, and women who spent 30 minutes or less traveling to the maternal and child health (MCH) clinic. The most reported reasons for non-use of pregnancy self-tests included not thinking it was necessary, lack of knowledge, and money to pay for the test. Future research should focus on understanding the knowledge and attitudes of women toward pregnancy self-testing as well as developing community-based models to improve access to pregnancy testing and ANC.
Using Molecular Weight-Based Fluorescent Detector to Characterize Dissolved EffluentOrganic Matter in Oxidation Ditch with Algae
Authors: Hidayah Euis Nurul , Cahyonugroho Okik Hendriyanto , Sulistyo Elita Nurfitriyani , Karnangingroem Nieke
Published: December 2021

Implementation microalgae has been considered for enhancing effluent wastewater quality. However, algae can cause environmental issues due to algae released extracellular organic matter, algal organic matter, instead of bacteria-derived organic matter in the biological process. The objectives of this study are to investigate the characteristics of dissolved effluent organic matter as algal-derived organic and bacteria-derived organic during the oxidation ditch process. Experiments were conducted in the oxidation ditch without algae, with Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris. The results showed dissolved effluent organic matter increased into higher dissolved organic carbon, more aromatic and hydrophobic than that before treatment. Fluorescence spectroscopy identified two component, namely aromatic protein-like at excitation/emission 230/345 nm and soluble microbial products-like at 320/345 nm after treatment, instead of fulvic acid-like at 230/420 nm and humic acid-like at 320/420 nm in raw wastewater. Fractionation of dissolved organic fluorescence based on average molecular weight cut-offs (MWCOs) has obtained that fractions aromatic protein-like, fulvic acid-like, humic acid-like, and soluble microbial products-like has respectively a high MWCOs 50,000 Da, a high to low MWCOs <1650 Da, medium MWCOs 1650 Da to low MWCOs. Biological oxidation ditch under symbiosis algal-bacteria generated humic acid-like and fulvic acid-like with a higher MWCOs than oxidation without algal. The quality and quantity of dissolved effluent organic matter in oxidation ditch algal reactor has been significant affected by algal-bacteria symbiotic.
Rapidly Spreading Deep Dissecting Hematoma Occurring One Month After A Minor Trauma: A Case Report.
Authors: Hamdan Rémy , Zwetyenga Narcisse , Macheboeuf Yvan , Ray Patrick
Published: December 2021

Background: Deep dissecting hematoma (DDH) is a rapidly extending blood collection that splits the hypodermis from muscle fascia, constituting a medical surgical emergency. The natural history of this condition includes trauma (even minor physical injury) shortly before onset of the lesion, occurring in a patient with advanced dermatoporosis. A delay of several weeks between the appearance of a superficial haematoma following a minor trauma and its sudden decompensation into a rapidly spreading DDH has been scarcely mentioned in the medical literature. Case presentation: We report the admission of a 70-year-old woman under anticoagulation to the emergency department of our hospital for the sudden appearance of a rapidly evolving hematoma one month after a negligible trauma to the right leg. A complete skin examination revealed clinical signs (spontaneous superficial skin haematomas, lacerations, wrinkles, stellate pseudo-scars) of advanced dermatoporosis, especially on the forearms. The initial biological testing disclosed an International Normalized Ratio of 3.15. The clinical aspect of the haematoma, its rapid extension and the cutaneous signs of dermatoporosis on the forearms allowed the diagnosis of DDH. Bedside ultrasound examination was used to eliminate differential or additional diagnoses and to assess the main features of the hematoma (dimensions, existence of blood supply). Due the extent of the lesion and the risk of extended skin necrosis, surgical debridement and hematoma drainage were performed. The operative report confirmed the diagnosis of DDH. Wound healing was obtained spontaneously after three months. Conclusion: DDH is the most serious complication of dermatoporosis. Given its rapid horizontal extension and the risk of skin necrosis it induces, DDH is a medical-surgical emergency and must be diagnosed early. This observation emphasises that in patients with severe dermatoporosis, on the occasion of a Vitamin K Antagonist overdose, a limb-threatening DDH can develop suddenly, even several weeks after a minor impact.
Is There a Benefit of Antenatal Corticosteroid When Given < 48 Hours Before Delivery?
Authors: Siegler Yoav , Justman Naphtali , Bachar Gal , Lauterbach Roy , Zipori Yaniv , Khatib Nizar , Weiner Zeev , Vitner Dana
Published: December 2021

Objective
We assessed the association between a short Antenatal Corticosteroid Administration-to-Birth Interval and neonatal outcome.
Study design:
A retrospective study between 2010- 2020. Eligible cases were singleton preterm live-born neonates born between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation and were initiated an ACS course of Betamethasone. We divided the first 48 hours following 1st ACS administration to four-time intervals and compared each time interval to those born more than 48 hours following ACS administration. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcome, including neonatal mortality or any major neonatal morbidity.
Results
A total of 200 women gave birth less than 48 hours from receiving the first betamethasone injection, and 172 women gave birth within 2-7 days (48-168 hours) from ACS administration. Composite adverse neonatal outcome was higher for neonates born less than 12 hours from initial ACS administration compared to neonates born 2-7 days from first betamethasone injection (55.45% vs. 29.07%, OR 3.45 95% CI [2.02-5.89], p.value<0.0001). However, there was no difference in composite adverse neonatal outcomes between neonates born 12-48 hours following ACS administration and those born after 2-7 days. That was also true after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusions
12-24 hours following ACS Administration may be sufficient in reducing the same risk of neonatal morbidities as > 48 hours following ACS administration. It may raise the question regarding the utility of the second dose of ACS.
Ependymoma associated protein Zfta is expressed in immature ependymal cells but is not essential for ependymal development in mice
Authors: Herranz-Pérez Vicente , Nakatani Jin , Ishii Masaki , Katada Toshiaki , García-Verdugo Jose Manuel , Ohata Shinya
Published: December 2021

The fusion protein of uncharacterised zinc finger translocation associated (ZFTA) and effector transcription factor of tumorigenic NF-kB signalling, RELA (ZFTA-RELA), is expressed in more than two-thirds of supratentorial ependymoma (ST-EPN-RELA), but ZFTA’s expression profile and functional analysis in multiciliated ependymal (E1) cells have not been examined. Here, we showed the mRNA expression of mouse Zfta peaks on embryonic day (E) 17.5 in the wholemount of the lateral walls of the lateral ventricle. Zfta was expressed in the nuclei of FoxJ1-positive immature E1 (pre-E1) cells in E18.5 mouse embryonic brain. Interestingly, the transcription factors promoting ciliogenesis (ciliary TFs) (e.g., multicilin) and ZFTA-RELA upregulated luciferase activity using a 5’ upstream sequence of ZFTA in cultured cells. Zftatm1/tm1 knock-in mice did not show developmental defects or abnormal fertility. In the Zftatm1/tm1 E1 cells, morphology, gene expression, ciliary beating frequency and ependymal flow were unaffected. These results suggest that Zfta is expressed in pre-E1 cells, possibly under the control of ciliary TFs, but is not essential for ependymal development or flow. This study sheds light on the mechanism of the ZFTA-RELA expression in the pathogenesis of ST-EPN-RELA: Ciliary TFs initiate ZFTA-RELA expression in pre-E1 cells, and ZFTA-RELA enhances its own expression using positive feedback.
The Effects of a Combination of 3D Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Activities on Community-dwelling Older Adults’ Mental Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Fan Ching-Chih , Choy Cheuk-Sing , Huang Chiu-Mieh , Chih Po-Sheng , Lee Chia-Chiang , Lin Fen-He , Guo Jong-Long
Published: December 2021

Background: Aging societies are of public health concern worldwide. It is critical to develop strategies that harness technology to enhance older adults’ mental health.Methods: This study aimed to explore the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality (VR) and hands-on horticultural activities on the mental health of community-dwelling older adults. The study used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 62 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n=32) and comparison groups (n=30). The members of the experimental group participated in an 8-week intervention program. Participants of both groups completed before-and-after intervention measurements for outcome variables that included perceived self-esteem, depression, isolation, mastery and achievement motives, which were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE). Results: GEE analyses indicated that the experimental group showed significant post intervention improvements in scores for self-esteem (β=1.66, P= .015), isolation (β=-0.96, P= .008), mastery (β=1.04, P= .042), and achievement motives (β=1.30, P=.034) compared to the control group.Conclusions: This study found beneficial effects of a combination of three-dimensional virtual reality and hands-on horticultural activities on community-dwelling older adults’ mental health. These findings suggest that future implementations of this program on a large scale could improve the mental health of older adults. Trial Registration: The study was posted in the www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05087654) on 21/10/2021. It was approved by the Institutional Review Board of En Chu Kong Hospital and performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.