bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Telecentric 2P microscopy for 3D random access mesoscale imaging at single cell resolution
Authors: Janiak Filip , Bartel Philipp , Bale Michael , Yoshimatsu Takeshi , Komulainen Emilia , Zhou Mingyi , Staras Kevin , Prieto-Godino Lucia , Euler Thomas , Maravall Miguel , Baden Tom
Published: December 2020

In neuroscience, diffraction limited two-photon (2P) microscopy is a cornerstone technique that permits minimally invasive optical monitoring of neuronal activity. However, most conventional 2P microscopes impose significant constraints on the size of the imaging field-of-view and the specific shape of the effective excitation volume, thus limiting the scope of biological questions that can be addressed and the information obtainable. Here, employing a non-telecentric (nTC) optical design, we present an ultra-low-cost, easily implemented and flexible solution to address these limitations, offering a several-fold expanded three-dimensional field of view that also maintains single-cell resolution. We show that this implementation also allows for straight-forward tailoring of the point-spread-function, increases effective excitation power, and achievable image brightness. Moreover, rapid laser-focus control via an electrically tunable lens allows near-simultaneous imaging of remote regions separated in three dimensions and permits the bending of imaging planes to follow natural curvatures in biological structures. Crucially, our core design is readily implemented (and reversed) within a matter of hours, and compatible with a wide range of existing 2P customizations, making it highly suitable as a base platform for further development. We demonstrate the application of our system for imaging neuronal activity in a variety of examples in zebrafish, mice and fruit flies.
Microstructure and Properties of Additively Manufactured Al-Ce-Mg Alloys
Authors: Sisco Kevin , Plotkowski Alex , Yang Ying , Leonard Donovan , Stump Benjamin , Nandwana Peeyush , Dehoff Ryan , Babu Suresh
Published: December 2020

Additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys is largely dominated by a near-eutectic Al-Si compositions, which are highly weldable, but have mechanical properties that are not competitive with conventional wrought Al alloys. In addition, there is a need for new Al alloys with improved high temperature properties and thermal stability for applications in the automotive and aerospace fields. In this work, we considered laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of two alloys in the Al-Ce-Mg system, designed as near-eutectic (Al-11Ce-7Mg) and hyper-eutectic (Al-15Ce-9Mg) compositions with respect to the binary L→Al+Al11Ce eutectic reaction. The addition of magnesium is used to promote solid solution strengthening. A custom laser scan pattern was used to reduce the formation of keyhole porosity, which was caused by excessive vaporization due to the high vapor pressure of magnesium. The microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of the alloys were characterized in the as-fabricated condition and following hot isostatic pressing. The two alloys exhibit significant variations in solidification structure morphology. These variations in non-equilibrium solidification structure were rationalized using a combination of thermodynamic and thermal modeling. Both alloys showed higher yield strength than AM Al-10Si-Mg for temperatures up to 350°C and better strength retention at elevated temperatures than additively manufactured Scalmaloy.
Parental Bonding Styles in Schizophrenia, Depressive and Bipolar Patients: A Comparative Study
Authors: Abbaspour Aidin , Bahreini Masoud , Akaberian Sherafat , Mirzaei Kamran
Published: December 2020

Background: Numerous bio-psychosocial factors play a role in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. In this regard, the relationship between parents and their children is significantly involved in developing the offspring mental health. However, there is no clear-cut answer as to which parental bonding style is more strongly associated with psychiatric diseases of patients. This study aimed to compare parental bonding styles in patients with schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder in Bushehr province, Iran in 2018.Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, 130 patients with schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder who referred to four outpatients psychiatric centers in Bushehr were selected using quota sampling. The patients were assessed and compared in terms of parental bonding styles. Data were collected using a valid and reliable parental bonding instrument (PBI). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (ver. 22), Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests at a significant level of 0.05.Results: Results showed that the optimal parental bonding style (low control, high care) in bipolar disorder (43.05%), major depression (47.7%), and schizophrenia(38.5%) was the most prevalent style of parental bonding; however, 62.30% of the above patients suffered from inefficient paternal bonding styles and 51.53% from inefficient maternal bonding styles. Furthermore, the patients' maternal bonding styles were significantly different (p= 0.007) while their paternal bonding styles did not show any significant differences (p = 0.848).Conclusions: Most of the patients with psychiatric disorders were affected by ineffective parenting styles. The results also confirmed that despite the several bio-psycho-social factors involved in the development of psychiatric disorders, the crucial roles of parents, especially mothers, should not be ignored. It was further suggested that parents and parental bonding were important and fundamental factors for mental health promotion.
Direct RT-PCR amplification of SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples using a concentrated viral Lysis-Amplification Buffer prepared with IGEPAL-630.
Authors: Castellanos-Gonzalez Alejandro , Shelite Thomas , Nicole Lloyd , Aygul Sadiqova , Ren Ping , Williams-Bouyer Natalie , Melby Peter , Travi Bruno
Published: December 2020

The pandemic of 2019 caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is still rapidly spreading worldwide. Nucleic acid amplification serves as the gold standard method for confirmation of COVID-19 infection. However, challenges faced for diagnostic laboratories from undeveloped countries includes shortage of kits and supplies to purify viral RNA. Therefore, it is urgent to validate alternative nucleic acid isolation methods for SARS-CoV-2. Our results demonstrate that a concentrated viral lysis amplification buffer (vLAB) prepared with the nonionic detergent IGEPAL enables qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 by direct Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (dRT-PCR). Furthermore, vLAB was effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2. Since this method is inexpensive and no RNA purification equipment or additional cDNA synthesis is required, this dRT-PCR with vLAB should be considered as an alternative method for COVID-19 detection.
Correlation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index With Seminal Plasma Biochemical Index and Semen Parameters in Infertile Men
Authors: Mao Xiao-Dong , Yang Xinyuan , Pan Feng , Liu Kang-Sheng
Published: December 2020

In general, routine semen analysis makes only limited predictions about a man's reproductive potential and is not always able to explain why he is infertile. In fact, many male infertility cases are caused by sperm DNA defects ,which routine semen quality analyses fail to detect. The relationship between sperm DFI, sperm parameters and their diagnostic value were analyzed and evaluated by observing the seminal parameters of infertile patients without accessory gonadal infection. Specimens of 151 cases were collected from infertile patients who visited the male department of STD and reproductive specialty clinic of our hospital from August 2018 to September 2019. SCD test was performed to measure the DNA fragmentation in native. The routine semen analysis was performed with a semen quality detection system (CFT-920, Jiangsu Ruiqi Life Science & Tech Dev .Co.Ltd) and supporting reagents. Seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Fructose(Fru) 、a-glucosidase (a-glu), and zinc (Zn) levels are quantitatively detected by kehua-310, a fully automated biochemical tester provided by Nanjing Xindibio. According to DFI level, there were 31 cases in group I (DFI ≤ 15%), 81 cases in group II (15% < DFI < 30%), and 39 cases in group III (DFI ≥ 30%). Compared with group II, there were significant differences in sperm survival rate, PR% and Fru by non-parametric test (Z = -2.16 -2. 43. − 2. 20,respectively,P < 0. 05). There were significant differences in sperm survival rate and PR% between group I and group III (t = 4. 32, 4.25, respectively, P < 0.01). Compared with group III, there were significant differences in sperm survival rate and PR% by non-parametric test (Z= -3. 26, -3. 50, respectively).Sperm DFI was negatively correlated with sperm survival rate and PR%(R=-0.56,-0.46,P < 0.01). DFI was positively correlated with MDA content (R = 0.42, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with TAC (r=-0.40, P < 0.01).There was no correlation with age ,abstinence days, semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of normal form sperm, Fru, a-Glu, Zn (R = 0. 15, 0. 05,0.03,-0.03, -0.2, -0.16,- 0.20, 0.03, 0.15, p > 0.05).The survival rate and PR% of sperm decreased significantly with the increase of DFI level, antioxidant can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation, antioxidant can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation. Semen volume and sperm concentration were mainly related to the secretion volume of accessory gonads and total sperm count, but no correlation was found between them and DFI.
Risk factors for the development of neonatal sepsis in a neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital of Nepal
Authors: Manandhar Sulochana , Amatya Puja , Ansari Imran , Joshi Niva , Maharjan Nhukesh , Dongol Sabina , Basnyat Buddha , Dixit Sameer , Baker Stephen , Karkey Abhilasha
Published: December 2020

Background: Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening response to bacteria in bloodstream and a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the etiology and potential risk factors for neonatal sepsis is urgently required, particularly in low-income countries where burden of pathogens is high and epidemiology is poorly understood.Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted between April 2016 and October 2017 in a level three NICU of a tertiary care hospital in Nepal to determine the bacterial etiology and potential risk factors for neonatal sepsis.Results: Among 142 NICU admitted neonates, 15% (21/142) and 32% (46/142) developed blood culture-positive and -negative neonatal sepsis respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae (34%, 15/44) and Enterobacter spp. (25%, 11/44) were the most common isolates. The antimicrobial resistance of isolates to ampicillin (100%, 43/43), cefotaxime (74%, 31/42) and ampicillin-sulbactam (55%, 21/38) were the highest with blaTEM (53%, 18/34) and blaKPC (46%, 13/28) being the commonest ESBL and carbapenemase genes. In univariate logistic regression, various potential neonatal, maternal, environmental and laboratory parameters were tested. Of these, the odds of sepsis increased with each additional day of use of invasive procedures such as mechanical ventilation (OR 1.086, 95% CI 1.008–1.170), umbilical artery catheter (OR 1.375, 95% CI 1.049–1.803), intravenous cannula (OR 1.140, 95% CI 1.062–1.225); blood transfusion events (OR 3.084, 95% CI 1.407–6.760); NICU stay (OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.040–1.182); failure to breast feed (OR 1.130, 95% CI 1.060–1.205); leukopenia (OR 1.790, 95% CI 1.04–3.082),thrombocytopenia (OR 0.992, 95% CI 0.989–0.994) and increase in C-reactive protein (OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.016–1.040). In multivariate analysis, increase in IV cannula insertion days (OR 1.140, 95% CI 1.024–1.269) and CRP level (OR 1.021, 95% CI 1.003–1.040) increased the odds of sepsis.Conclusions: Our study indicated various nosocomial risk factors and underscored the need to improve local infection control measures so as to reduce the existing burden of sepsis. We have highlighted certain sepsis associated laboratory parameters along with identification of antimicrobial resistance genes, which can guide for early and better therapeutic management of sepsis. These findings could be extrapolated to other low-income settings within the region.
Linc00460/miR-641 promoted promotes proliferation and autophagy of breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Huimin , Wang Bin , Ren Yu , He Jianjun , Xu Jing
Published: December 2020

This manuscript aimed to investigate the oncogenic role of linc00460 in breast cancer both in vivo and in vitro and then specify its downstream microRNAs to build a ceRNA network. As for in vivo tests, we used subgroup analysis and nomogram for survival analysis. As for in vitro tests, qRT-PCR, CCK-8 and Dual luciferase reporter gene were used. Linc00460 expressed highly in breast cancer. The nomogram indicated that linc00460 was associated with worse prognosis. Linc00460 might negatively regulate miR-641 to promote the proliferation and autophagy of breast cancer cell. In conclusion, linc00460 could be a risk factor for breast cancer by regulating miR-641; and it has the potential to be a novel biomarker.
Cardiovascular Disease and Cumulative Incidence of Cognitive Impairment in The Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Covello Allyson , Horwitz Leora , Singhal Shreya , Blaum Caroline , Li Yi , Dodson John
Published: December 2020

Background: We sought to examine whether people with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) experienced a greater incidence of subsequent cognitive impairment (CI) compared to people without CVD, as suggested by prior studies, using a large longitudinal cohort. Methods: We employed Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data collected biennially from 1998-2014 in 1,305 U.S. adults age ≥65 newly diagnosed with CVD vs. 2,610 age- and gender-matched controls. Diagnosis of CVD was adjudicated with an established HRS methodology and included self-reported coronary heart disease, angina, heart failure, myocardial infarction, or other heart conditions. CI was defined as a score <11 on the 27-point modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. We examined incidence of CI over an 8-year period using a cumulative incidence function accounting for the competing risk of death.Results: Mean age at study entry was 73 years, 55% were female, and 13% were non-white. Cognitive impairment developed in 1,029 participants over 8 years. The probability of death over the study period was greater in the CVD group (19.8% vs. 13.8%, p <.001). The cumulative incidence analysis, which adjusted for the competing risk of death, showed no significant difference in likelihood of cognitive impairment between the CVD and control groups (29.7% vs. 30.6%, p = 0.64). This finding did not change after adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical characteristics using a proportional subdistribution hazard regression model.Conclusions: Overall, we found no increased risk of subsequent CI among participants with CVD (compared with no CVD), despite previous studies indicating that incident CVD accelerates cognitive decline.
Analysis on the Efficiency of Health Care Service Delivery and Influencing Factors in China: A Study Based on DEA-Malmquist Index and Tobit Model
Authors: Chen Kui , Ye Jun
Published: December 2020

Objective: To evaluate the changeing trend and influencing factors of medical and health service supply efficiency in 31 provinces of China.Methods: According to the input-output relevant index data of medical and health service in China from 2009 to 2018, data envelopment analysis- Malmquist(DEA-Malmquist) was used to calculate the total factor productivity, technical efficiency, and technical change. Meanwhile, Tobit model to analyzed the main effective factors of medical and health service supply efficiency in ChinaResults: In 2018, 21 provinces including Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Guangdong were effective in DEA of China's medical and health supply efficiency. Jilin, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu and Shandong were weak DEA effective, while Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Anhui, Fujian and Xinjiang were not DEA effective. From 2009 to 2018, the total factor productivity of China's medical and health service supply has been decreased steadily, which was mainly affected by technological changes. From the perspective of regions, the technical efficiency and pure technical efficiency of medical and health service supply was the highest in the east, followed by the central and the western region. Associate’s degree or above, gross regional domestic product, and health care expenditure were significantly associated with the increasing of medical and health service supply efficiency.Conclusions: According to their own conditions and constraints, all localities should take targeted measures to strengthen the allocation and management level of medical and health resources, promote technological progress, give full play to the role of education and economic development, increase the expenditure on medical and health care, improve the utilization rate of beds, shorten the average hospitalization days, effectively improve the efficiency of medical and health services supply, and better provide health care for people.
Characteristics of axial Length and Binocular axial Length Difference in Chinese Children and Teenagers
Authors: Mao Xiuyu , Chen Minjie , Dai Jinhui , Sun Xinghuai
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the characteristics of axial length and binocular axial length difference in Chinese children and teenagers. Methods: The axial length and binocular axial length difference of 4422 children were retrospectively reviewed in this school-based study, while duration of outdoor activities, total media exposure (including electronic devices usage and TV watching) and sleep were also analyzed. Results: The average axial length of all ages were 23.20±0.02mm in the right eyes and 23.18±0.02mm in the left eyes. The binocular axial difference was 0.16±0.24mm. There was a slow rising trend in axial length (AL) within age. Mean AL in boys was 0.49mm longer than that in girls. Those who wore frame glasses were generally having shorter AL in preschool children (mean AL: 22.29±0.69mm vs 21.84±1.06mms) and longer AL in elder children (mean AL: 24.11±1.34mm, 25.06±1.07mm, 25.39±1.02mm vs 23.07±0.83mm, 23.84±0.95mm, 24.05±0.98mm). No significant difference was found between age in AL and ALD since age 15 and age 12. Parental myopic background was related to AL in all age groups, and total media exposure was related to longer AL in junior and senior high school students. Longer outdoor activities, longer sleep duration were associated with a shorter AL in primary school students. ALD was only associated with age in primary school students. Conclusion Axial length and binocular axial length difference varied within age, and they did not show an increase since the age of 15 and 12, respectively. Male, longer sleep and longer outdoor durations were associating with shorter axial length in younger children; female, longer total media exposure and parental myopic background were associating with a longer axial length especially in adolescents.
Practical Aspects of the Application of Helical Tomotherapy for Craniospinal Irradiation
Authors: Lee Joongyo , Kim Euidam , Kim Nalee , Byun Hwa Kyung , Suh Chang-Ok , Chung Yoonsun , Yoon Hong In
Published: December 2020

We investigated the practical aspects of the application of craniospinal irradiation using helical tomotherapy (HT-CSI) by evaluating interfractional setup errors and intrafractional movement during each treatment in 83 patients undergoing HT-CSI between January 2014 and December 2018. Interfractional setup errors in each axis (mediolateral; ML, craniocaudal; CC, and anteroposterior; AP) were assessed as differences between pre-treatment megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images scanned (zygomatic arch to the C4 spine) and planning CT images. Intrafractional movements were evaluated as the difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment MVCT (T12–L4 spine) images at each fraction. Median interfractional setup error was acceptable in every axis (ML: 1.6 mm, CC: 1.9 mm, AP: 3.1 mm). Seven patients (8.4%) experienced significant intrafractional displacement from 1 to 10 fractions (0.35% for ML, 0.77% for CC, 1.26% for AP). Weight loss grade 1+ during treatment (p=0.016) was an independent risk factor for significant intrafractional displacement. The risk factor for significant intrafractional movement in pediatric patients was weight loss grade 1+ (p=0.020), while there was no factor in adults. HT-CSI could be a feasible treatment modality with acceptable setup verification. Inter- and intrafractional errors were acceptable; paying attention to weight loss during treatment is necessary, especially in pediatric patients.
Effect of Surface Treatments on Push-out Bond Strength of Calcium Silicate-based Cements to Fiber Posts
Authors: Elnaghy Amr , Mandorah Ayman , Hassan Ali , Elshazli Alaa , Elsaka Shaymaa
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate the effect of surface treatments on the push-out bond strength of Biodentine (BD) and white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) to fiber posts. Methods: Two brands of fiber posts were used: Reblida post; RP and RelyX post; RX. Each type of post was divided into four groups and exposed to surface treatment as follows: Control (no treatment), sandblasting (SB), hydrofluoric acid (HF), and TiF4 4 wt/v%. Push-out bond strength of BD and WMTA to glass fiber posts was assessed. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: BD showed higher bond strength than WMTA (P < 0.001). The push-out bond strength for posts treated with TiF4 4 wt/v% showed greater bond strength than the other surface treatments (P < 0.05). The BD/RP-TiF4 4 wt/v% showed the greater characteristic bond strength (σ0) (15.93) compared with the other groups. Conclusions: The BD/RP-TiF4 4 wt/v% showed greater bond strength compared with the other groups. The TiF4 4 wt/v% surface treatment enhanced the bond strength of BD and WMTA to glass fiber posts than the other treatments. Surface treatment of fiber post with TiF4 4 wt/v% could be used to improve the bond strength with calcium silicate-based cements.
BLADE: Bayesian Log-normAl DEconvolution for enhanced in silico microdissection of bulk gene expression data
Authors: Barbosa Bárbara Andrade , Asten Saskia van , Oh Ji-won , Fariña-Sarasqueta Arantza , Verheij Joanne , Dijk Frederike , Laarhoven Hanneke van , Ylstra Bauke , Garcia-Vallejo Juan , de Wiel Mark van , Kim Yongsoo
Published: December 2020

High-resolution deconvolution of bulk gene expression profiles is pivotal to characterize the complex cellular make-up of tissues, such as tumor microenvironment. Single-cell RNA-seq provides reliable prior knowledge for deconvolution, however, a comprehensive statistical model is required for efficient utilization due to the inherently variable nature of gene expression. We introduce BLADE (Bayesian Log-normAl Deconvolution), a comprehensive probabilistic framework to estimate both cellular make-up and gene expression profiles of each cell type in each sample. Unlike previous comprehensive statistical approaches, BLADE can handle >20 cell types thanks to the efficient variational inference. Throughout an intensive evaluation using >700 datasets, BLADE showed enhanced robustness against gene expression variability and better completeness than conventional methods, in particular to reconstruct gene expression profiles of each cell type. All-in-all, BLADE is a powerful tool to unravel heterogeneous cellular activity in complex biological systems based on standard bulk gene expression data.
Direct observation of the particle exchange phase of photons
Authors: Tschernig Konrad , Müller Chris , Smoor Malte , Kroh Tim , Wolters Janik , Benson Oliver , Busch Kurt , Perez-Leija Armando
Published: December 2020

Quantum theory stipulates that if two particles are identical in all physical aspects, the allowed states of the system are either symmetric or antisymmetric with respect to permutations of the particle labels. Experimentally, the symmetry of the states can be inferred indirectly from the fact that neglecting the correct exchange symmetry in the theoretical analysis leads to dramatic discrepancies with the observations. The only way to directly unveil the symmetry of the states for, say, two identical particles is through the interference of the two-particle state and the physically permuted one, and measuring the phase associated with the permutation process, the so-called particle exchange phase. Following this idea, we have measured the exchange phase of indistinguishable photons, providing direct evidence of the bosonic character of photons.
How do gibbons solve social dilemmas?
Authors: Sanchez-Amaro Alejandro , Ball Robert , Rossano Federico
Published: December 2020

Social primates face conflicts of interest with other partners when their individual and collective interests collide. Despite living in small, primarily dyadic, groups compared to other social primates, gibbons are not exempt from these conflicts in their everyday lives. In the current task, we asked whether pairs of gibbons would solve a conflict of interest over food rewards. We presented pairs of gibbons with a situation in which one pair member, the actor, could release food rewards at a distance, giving the passive partner a chance to take an advantageous position to obtain the rewards. Gibbons participated in three conditions: A No Food control, an Altruistic situation in which the actor could not obtain a direct reward from the cooperative act and a Test condition in which the actor could secure a small fraction of the total rewards. We found that gibbons acted more often in the two conditions involving food rewards, and waited longer when no direct rewards were available for the actor, thus suggesting that they understood the mechanism and that they faced a social trade-off between making the rewards available and waiting for each other to act. However, we found that in a majority of pairs, acting individuals benefitted more than the passive partners in both altruistic and test conditions. Furthermore, in some occasions actors actively refused to approach the location where the food was released. These results suggest that while gibbons strategize to solve the social dilemmas, they often allowed their partners to obtain better rewards. Our results highlight the importance of social tolerance and motivation as drivers promoting cooperation in these pair-living species.
Duration of Lockdown and Mental Health
Authors: Chaudhuri Kausik , Uddin Moshfique , Ahmed Suman
Published: December 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown has disrupted mental well-being of individual. A number of studies provide evidence that lockdown is associated with higher level of stress and anxiety that contribute to deteriorating mental wellbeing of individuals. The general conclusion of those studies is unidirectional meaning more lockdown days lead to more deterioration of mental health. However, resilience argument state that if people get more time with families and loved ones, their resilience level will improve and as a result mental wellbeing improves as well. As lockdown brings the opportunity to spend more time with families, this study hypothesise that mental health gets affected at the early days of lockdown but starts to improve at a later stage. Using data from UK household longitudinal data and adopting appropriate statistical tests, this study finds that the relationship between lockdown days and mental health is U-shaped, meaning that mental health becomes worse in the early days of lockdown but improves at a later stage. We have found that mental health starts improving after 54 days since the start of lockdown for the full sample. The results also indicate that females adopt much quicker that males. The average time females take to recover is 34.4 days whereas males take 75 days to recover.
Spectroscopic study of the Electronic Properties of AgH
Authors: Alrebdi Tahani , Souissi Hanen , Alkallas Fatemah , Aouaini Fatma
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Postoperative Pain After Cesarean Section at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019; A Cross-Sectional Follow-up Study
Authors: Demelash Getamesay , Woldegerima Yophtahe , Hailekiros Amare , Birlie Wubie
Published: December 2020

Background: Cesarean section is one of the most common obstetric procedures worldwide. Following this, parturients experience moderate to severe pain in the acute postoperative period. Therefore, in resource-limited settings, for full utilization of basic analgesic modalities and to take appropriates interventions, it is vital to know about the magnitude of the problem and its factors.Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with postoperative pain after cesarean section at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH), Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.Methods: A hospital-based prospective follow-up study was conducted among parturients who undergo cesarean section in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from mid-February to April 20, 2019, after approval of the ethical review committee. Consecutively, a total of 290 parturients were included with a response rate of 97%. To measure pain severity numerical rating scale was used. Data was entered into Epi-data version 4.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 (IBM Corporate). The association between independent factors and the outcome variable was determined at 95% CI with the chi-squared test, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: In this study, the incidence of moderate to severe post-operative pain after cesarean section was 85.5% (95% CI: 81.4%, 89.0%) within the first 24 postoperative hours. On the multi-variable analysis, preoperative anxiety (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.9), history of previous cesarean section (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.0), Pfannenstiel incision (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3, 8.0) and absence of regional analgesia (AOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.7, 7.9) were significantly associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain after cesarean section.Conclusions: In this study, a large proportion of parturients had experienced moderate to severe post-cesarean pain in the first 24 postoperative hours. Preoperative anxiety, history of previous cesarean section, Pfannenstiel incision, and parturients with no regional analgesia were significantly associated with post-cesarean pain. Pain severity needs to be assessed and documented by using pain-rating scales and there should be an interdisciplinary approach to provide adequate pain management in our hospital.
Reducing carbon emissions of households through monetary incentives and behavioral interventions: a meta-analysis
Authors: Khanna Tarun , Baiocchi Giovanni , Callaghan Max , Creutzig Felix , Guias Horia Bogdan , Haddaway Neal , Hirth Lion , Javaid Aneeque , Koch Nicolas , Laukemper Sonja , Loeschel Andreas , Zamora Maria Del Mar , Minx Jan
Published: December 2020

Despite the importance of evaluating all mitigation options so as to inform policy decisions addressing climate change, a systematic analysis of household-scale interventions to reduce carbon emissions is missing. Here, we address this gap through a state-of-the-art machine-learning assisted meta-analysis to comparatively assess the effectiveness of a range of monetary and behavioral interventions in energy demand of residential buildings. We identify 122 studies and extract 360 effect sizes representing trials on 1.2 million households in 25 countries. We find that all the studied interventions reduce energy consumption of households. Our meta-regression evidences that monetary incentives are on an average more effective than behavioral interventions, but deploying the right combinations of interventions together can increase overall effectiveness. We estimate global cumulative emissions reduction of 8.64 Gt CO2 by 2040, though deploying the most effective packages and interventions could result in greater reduction. While modest, this potential should be viewed in conjunction with the need for de-risking mitigation with energy demand reductions and realizing substantial co-benefits.
Data Analysis on Medical Service Utilization and Out-of-Pocket Spending Among Near-Poor National Health Insurance Members in South Korea
Authors: Park Sooyeol
Published: December 2020

Background: The near poor, a low income population which is excluded from the Republic of Korea's Medical Aid (MA) program, experiences insufficient use of medical services and high out-of-pocket (OOP) spending due to insufficient coverage by the country's National Health Insurance (NHI). This study aims to examine medical utilization, OOP spending, and occurrence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) among the near poor compared to MA beneficiaries and other NHI members.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted drawing upon a nationally representative dataset based on the 2018 Korea Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS). We classified people into MA beneficiaries, the near-poor population below 50% of the median income threshold, and other NHI members above the 50% median income threshold. Using propensity score matching between MA beneficiaries and the near poor and between the near-poor group and the group of those above the poverty line, this study examined medical utilization, OOP spending, and the occurrence of CHE among the study groups. Results: The findings suggest that MA beneficiaries make greater use of outpatient services compared to the near poor, but other uses of medical services were not significantly different among the study groups. However, OOP spending and occurrence of CHE were significantly higher in the near-poor group compared to the other two groups. Conclusion: We found that the near-poor group was the most vulnerable group in these terms among the Korean population. Health policy needs to take into account the vulnerability of the near-poor population.
Identifying the signature of prospective motor control in children with autism
Authors: Cavallo Andrea , Romeo Luca , Ansuini Caterina , Battaglia Francesca , Nobili Lino , Pontil Massimiliano , Panzeri Stefano , Becchio Cristina
Published: December 2020

Failure to develop prospective motor control has been proposed to be a core phenotypic marker of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, whether genuine differences in prospective motor control permit discriminating between ASD and non-ASD profiles over and above individual differences in motor output remains unclear. Here, we combined high precision measures of hand movement kinematics and rigorous machine learning analyses to determine the true power of prospective movement data to differentiate children with autism and typically developing children. Our results show that while movement is unique to each individual, variations in the kinematic patterning of sequential grasping movements genuinely differentiate children with autism from typically developing children. These findings provide quantitative evidence for a prospective motor control impairment in autism and indicate the potential to draw inferences about autism on the basis of movement kinematics.
Assessing the Efficacy of A Marine Reserve to Protect Sharks With Differential Habitat Use
Authors: Peñaherrera-Palma Cesar , Hobday Alistair , Hearn Alex , Espinoza Eduardo , Shillinger George , Ketchum James , Klimley A. , Frusher Stewart , Fischer G. , Semmens Jayson
Published: December 2020

Spatial management through the implementation of marine protected areas is one strategy to limit the extraction of sensitive marine species. Understanding the area used by marine life is thus a key step towards the evaluation of the management framework and efficacy of a protected area. To provide information of the protective coverage of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR), we assessed the habitat utilization distribution (UD) of hammerhead and blacktip sharks in the GMR. Fifteen hammerhead sharks and 27 blacktip sharks were tagged with SPOT and SPLASH satellite tags in the north and south-central regions of the GMR between 2007 and 2012. Our results show nearly 90% of hammerhead shark’s UD was enclosed by the reserve boundary during the cold season (June-October), yet this decreased to only ~30% with the advent of the warm season (December-April). Conversely, blacktip sharks’ UD was 100% enclosed by the reserve boundaries in all seasons. Season and depth were the most important environmental parameters defining the UD of hammerhead sharks; whilst year and eddy kinetic energy were the most important parameters for blacktip sharks. These findings suggest the size of the GMR may be effective for blacktip sharks but seasonally effective for hammerhead sharks.
OnionMHC: A Deep Learning Model for Peptide - HLA-A*02:01 Binding Predictions using both Structure and Sequence Feature Sets
Authors: Saxena Shikhar , Animesh Sambhavi , Fullwood Melissa , Mu Yuguang
Published: December 2020

Background:The peptide binding to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins is an important step in the antigen-presentation pathway. Thus, predicting the binding potential of peptides with MHC is essential for the design of peptide-based therapeutics. Most of the available machine learning-based models predict the peptide-MHC binding based on the sequence of amino acids alone. Given the importance of structural information in determining the stability of the complex, here we have utilized both the complex structure and the peptide sequence features to predict the binding affinity of peptides to human receptor HLA-A*02:01. To our knowledge, no such model has been developed for the human HLA receptor before that incorporates both structure and sequence-based features.Results:We have applied machine learning techniques through the natural language processing (NLP) and convolutional neural network to design a model that performs comparably with the existing state-of-the-art models. Our model shows that the information from both sequence and structure domains results in enhanced performance in the binding prediction compared to the information from one domain alone. The testing results in 18 weekly benchmark datasets provided by the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) as well as experimentally validated peptides from the whole-exome sequencing analysis of the breast cancer patients indicate that our model has achieved state-of-the-art performance.Conclusion: We have developed a deep-learning model (OnionMHC) that incorporates both structure as well as sequence-based features to predict the binding affinity of peptides with human receptor HLA-A*02:01. The model demonstrates state-of-the-art performance on the IEDB benchmark dataset as well as the experimentally validated peptides. The model can be used in the screening of potential neo-epitopes for the development of cancer vaccines or designing peptides for peptide-based therapeutics. OnionMHC is freely available at https://github.com/shikhar249/OnionMHC
Rate of Central Corneal Thickness Changes in Primary Angle Closure Eyes: Long-term Follow-up Results
Authors: Park Hae Min , Choi Jiin , Lee Won June , Uhm Ki Bang
Published: December 2020

Background Central corneal thickness (CCT) and its association with intraocular pressure, which is a pivotal parameter in glaucoma management, has previously been reported. In this study, we intended to investigate the long-term change of CCT in terms of rate in eyes with primary angle closure (PAC). Additionally, we aimed to analyze events that could affect CCT.Methods In this retrospective study, 27 patients with PAC who had a follow-up period of more than five years were evaluated. The rate of CCT changes from baseline was evaluated from the serial CCT measurements over the average follow-up period. The pattern of CCT change rate according to modes of treatment and history of angle closure attack was analyzed using the repeated linear mixed model analysis.Results A total of 52 eyes were enrolled. The CCT reduction rate of the entire study population was − 0.72 ± 0.22 µm/yr (P = 0.001) with statistical significance. The CCT thinning rate of the laser peripheral iridotomy (PI) group was − 0.53 ± 0.25 µm/yr (P = 0.034), that of the surgical trabeculectomy group was − 1.32 ± 0.43 µm/yr (P = 0.002), and it was not statistically significant (P = 0.112). The rate of CCT thinning in patients with a history of acute angle closure attack was − 0.81 ± 0.31 µm/yr (P = 0.009) and that in patients without an attack was − 0.63 ± 0.30 µm/yr (P = 0.001), and it was not statistically significant (P = 0.680). Baseline CCT appeared to be the only significant factor affecting the rate of CCT changes (P < 0.001).Conclusions We found a significant reduction in CCT over a long-time observation period in PAC eyes. We also found that the rates of CCT reduction were not affected by different treatment modalities or acute angle closure attack. The analysis of long-term CCT changes in conjunction with baseline CCT would also be helpful in the clinical evaluation of the PAC patients.
Community structure and metabolic potentials for biofuel production of an ancient beer starter ‘emao' revealed by a whole-metagenome study
Authors: Narzary Diganta , Boro Nitesh , Borah Ashis , Takashi Okubo , Takami Hideto
Published: December 2020

The community structure and functional metabolic modules occurring in ‘emao' – a traditional rice beer starter of ancient origin from north-east India has been unearthed for the first time using shot-gun whole-metagenome sequencing. Emao harbours potential microorganisms for saccharification, lignocellulose degradation, and biofuel production that correlate with probable metabolic functional modules. Eukaryotic microorganisms, especially moulds and yeasts, dominated over the prokaryotes in emao compared to previous metagenomic studies on such traditional starters where the relative abundance of prokaryotes was higher than the eukaryotes. The comprehensive microbial species diversity, community structure, and metabolic modules exhibited in emao would be practical in the formulation of mixed-microbial cultures for biofuel production from plant-based feedstocks.
Low Cerebrospinal Fluid Beta Amyloid1-42 in Patients with Tubercoulous Meningitis
Authors: Stroffolini Giacomo , Guastamacchia Giulia , Audagnotto Sabrina , Atzori Cristiana , Trunfio Mattia , Nigra Marco , Stefano Alessandro Di , Perri Giovanni Di , Calcagno Andrea
Published: December 2020

Introduction Tubercolous meningitis (TBM) is an important disease leading to morbidity, disability and mortality that primarily affects children and immune-depressed patients. Specific neuromarkers predicting outcomes, severity and inflammatory response are still lacking. In recent years an increasing number of evidences show a possible role for infective agents in developing neurodegenerative diseases. Methods We retrospectively included 13 HIV-negative patients presenting with meningeal tuberculosis. Lumbar punctures were performed for clinical reasons and CSF biomarkers were routinely available: we analyzed blood brain barrier permeability (CSF to serum albumin ratio, “CSAR”), intrathecal IgG synthesis, (CSF to serum IgG ratio), inflammation (neopterin), amyloid deposition (1-42 β-amyloid), neuronal damage (T-tau, P-tau, 14.3.3) and astrocytosis (S-100 β). Results Patients were 83% male and 67 % Caucasian with a median age of 51 years(24.5-63.5 IQR). Apart from altered CSAR (median value 18.4, 17.1-30.9 IQR), neopterin (14.3 ng/ml, 9.7-18.8) and IgG ratios (15.4, 7.9-24.9) patients showed very low levels of 1-42 β-amyloid in their CSF (348.5 pg/mL,125-532.2). Protein 14.3.3. tested altered in 38.5% cases. T-tau, ptau and S100Beta were in the range of normality. Altered low level of beta amyloid correlated over time with classical TBm findings and altered neuromarkers.Conclusion CSF Biomarkers from patients with TBM were compatible with inflammation, blood brain barrier damage and impairment in beta amyloid metabolism. Aβ1-42 could be tested as a prognostic markers, backing the routine use of available neuromarkers. To our knowledge this is the first case showing such low levels of Aβ1-42 in TBM; its accumulation, drove by neuroinflammation related to infections, can be central in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
Incentivizing appropriate malaria case management in the private sector: a study protocol for two linked cluster randomized controlled trials to evaluate provider- and client-focused interventions in western Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Woolsey Aaron M , Simmons Ryan A , Woldeghebriel Meley , Zhou Yunji , Ogunsola Oluwatosin , Laing Sarah , Olaleye Tayo , Kipkoech Joseph , Rojas Bomar Mendez , Saran Indrani , Odhiambo Mercy , Malinga Josephine , Ambani George , Kimachas Emmah , Fashanu Chizoba , Wiwa Owens , Menya Diana , Laktabai Jeremiah , Visser Theodoor , Turner Elizabeth L , O’Meara Wendy Prudhomme
Published: December 2020

Background

A large proportion of artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT) anti-malarial medicines is consumed by individuals that do not have malaria. The over-consumption of ACTs is largely driven by retail sales in high malaria-endemic countries to clients who have not received a confirmatory diagnosis. This study aims to target ACT sales to clients receiving a confirmatory diagnosis using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) at retail outlets in Kenya and Nigeria.

Methods

This study comprises two linked four-arm 2x2 factorial cluster randomized controlled trials focused on malaria diagnostic testing and conditional ACT subsidies with the goal to evaluate provider directed- and client-directed interventions. The study will be conducted at two contrasting study sites: a rural region around Webuye in western Kenya and the urban center of Lagos, Nigeria. Clusters are 41 and 48 participating retail outlets in Kenya and Nigeria, respectively. Clients seeking care at participating outlets across all arms will be given the option of paying for a mRDT – at a study-recommended price – to be conducted at the outlet. In the provider-directed intervention arm, the outlet owner receives a small monetary incentive to perform the mRDT. In the client-directed intervention arm, the client receives a free ACT if they purchase an mRDT and receive a positive test result. Finally, the fourth study arm combines both the provider- and client- directed interventions. The diagnosis and treatment choices made during each transaction will be captured using a mobile phone app. Study outcomes will be collected through exit interviews with clients, who sought care for febrile illness, at each of the enrolled retail outlets.

Results

The primary outcome measure is the proportion of all ACTs that are sold to malaria test-positive clients in each study arm. For all secondary outcomes we will evaluate the degree to which the interventions affect purchasing behavior among people seeking care for a febrile illness at the retail outlet.

Conclusions

If our study demonstrates that malaria case management can be improved in the retail sector, it could reduce overconsumption of ACTs and enhance targeting of publicly funded treatment reimbursements, lowering the economic barrier to appropriate diagnosis and treatment for patients with malaria.