bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giving syphilis and gonorrhea to friends: Using in-person friendship networks to find additional cases of gonorrhea and syphilis
Authors: Rosenbaum Janet E. , Jennings Jacky , Ellen Jonathan , Borkovic Laurel , Scott Jo-Ann , Wylie Charleen , Rompalo Anne
Published: September 2020

Background: Syphilis and gonorrhea reached an all-time high in 2018. The resurgence of syphilis and gonorrhea requires innovative methods of sexual contact tracing that encourage disclosure of same-sex sexual contacts that might otherwise be suppressed. Over 75% of Grindr mobile phone application users report seeking “friendship,” so this study asked people diagnosed with syphilis and gonorrhea to identify their friends.Methods: Patients at the two Baltimore sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics and the Baltimore City Health Department were asked 12 questions to elicit members of their friendship networks before eliciting sexual networks. The study included 353 index cases and 172 friendship contacts, yielding a friendship network of 331 non-isolates (n=331) and sexual-only network of 140 non-isolates. The data were plotted and analyzed using exponential family random graph analysis.Results: Eliciting respondents’ in-person social contacts yielded 12 syphilis cases and 6 gonorrhea cases in addition to the 16 syphilis cases and 4 gonorrhea cases that would have been found with sexual contacts alone. Syphilis is clustered within sexual (odds ratio=2.2, 95% confidence interval (1.36, 3.66)) and social contacts (OR=1.31, 95% CI (1.02, 1.68)). Gonorrhea is clustered within reported social (OR=1.56, 95% CI (1.22, 2.00)) but not sexual contacts (OR=0.98, 95% CI (0.62, 1.53)). Conclusions: Eliciting friendship networks of people diagnosed with syphilis and gonorrhea may find members of their sexual networks, drug use networks, or people of similar STI risk. Friendship networks include more diagnosed cases of syphilis and gonorrhea than sexual networks alone, especially among populations with many non-disclosing men who have sex with men (MSM) and women who have sex with women (WSW). Future research should evaluate whether this friendship network method of contact tracing can be implemented by adapting automated mobile phone COVID-19 contact tracing protocols, if these COVID-19 contact tracing methods are able to maintain anonymity and public trust.
Sharing genomic data from clinical testing with researchers: public survey of expectations of clinical genomic data management in Queensland, Australia.
Authors: Vidgen Miranda Emily , Kaladharan Sid , Malacova Eva , Hurst Cameron , Waddell Nicola
Published: September 2020

Background: There has been considerable investment and strategic planning to introduce genomic testing into Australia’s public health system. As more patients’ genomic data is being held by the public health system, there will be increased requests from researchers to access this data. It is important that public policy reflects public expectations for how genomic data that is generated from clinical tests is used. To inform public policy and discussions around genomic data sharing, we sought public opinions on using genomic data contained in medical records for research purposes in the Australian state of Queensland. Methods: A total of 1,233 participants completed an online questionnaire between February and May 2019. Participants were adults living in Australia. The questionnaire explored participant preferences for sharing genomic data or biological samples with researchers, and concerns about genomic data sharing. Results: Most participants wanted to be given the choice to have their genomic data from medical records used in research. Their expectations on whether and how often they needed to be approached for permission on using their genomic data, depended on whether the data was identifiable or anonymous. Their willingness to sharing data for research purposes depended on the type of information being shared, what type of research would be undertaken and who would be doing the research. Participants were most concerned with genomics data sharing that could lead to discrimination (insurance and employment), data being used for marketing, data security, or commercial use.Conclusions: Most participants were willing to share their genomic data from medical records with researchers, as long as permission for use was sought. However, the existing policies related to this process in Queensland do not reflect participant expectations for how this is achieved, particularly with anonymous genomics data. This inconsistency may be addressed by process changes, such as inclusion of research in addition to clinical consent or general research data consent programs.
Customer satisfaction in the digital era: evidence from Islamic banking
Authors: zouari Ghazi , Abdelhedi Marwa
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Based upon an extended SERVQUAL model, this paper attempts to contribute to the Islamic banking literature by examining the impact of digitalization, as a service quality dimension, on customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach: Two dimensions, i.e. digitalization and compliance are added to the existing SERVQUAL model of five dimensions. Results are drawn from a self-completed survey of a convenience sample of 145 Tunisian Islamic bank customers for the year 2018. Factor analysis and regression analysis are used to determine factor structure and determine the impact of service quality dimensions, especially digitalization, on customer satisfaction in Islamic banking.Findings: The factor analysis extracted five dimensions of service quality, i.e. confidence, compliance, digitalization, tangibles, and human skills. The paper demonstrates a positive and significant relationship between the main dimensions of customer service quality and customer satisfaction, except for tangibles.Research limitations/implications: Although the outcomes lend support to the extended SERVQUAL model, the results are derived based on a relatively average sample size in one country (Tunisia). It might also be useful to enlarge the study sample for better generalization of the findings in other countries and include a comparison between Islamic versus conventional banking about service quality and customer satisfaction.Managerial implications: To remain competitive, Tunisian Islamic banks need to pay attention to the way the services are delivered and not take it for granted that customers are only focusing on compliance. Dealing henceforth with Generation Y customers, they must persevere in bringing their customer service into the digital era.Originality/value: This study is one of few which try to investigate the drivers of customer satisfaction for Islamic banks in a Digital Era. It reveals that although customers pay special attention to Sharia laws, the way services are delivered matters to them too. From now on, digital banking must appear among the Islamic bank features to stay relevant in the Digital Era.
Propensity for COVID-19 severe epidemic among the populations of the neighborhoods of Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2020
Authors: Braga Jose Ueleres , Ramos Alberto Novaes , Ferreira Anderson Fuentes , Lacerda Victor Macêdo , Freire Renan Monteiro Carioca , Bertoncini Bruno Vieira
Published: September 2020

Background: The state of Ceará (Northeast Brazil) has shown a high incidence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and most of the cases that were diagnosed during the epidemic originated from the capital Fortaleza. Monitoring the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic is of strategic importance and requires the use of sensitive tools for epidemiological surveillance, including consistent analyses that allow the recognition of areas with a greater propensity for increased severity throughout the cycle of the epidemic. This study aims to classify neighborhoods in the city of Fortaleza according to their propensity for a severe epidemic of COVID-19 in 2020. Methods: We conducted an ecological study within the geographical area of the 119 neighborhoods located in the city of Fortaleza. To define the main transmission networks (infection chains), we assumed that the spatial diffusion of the COVID-19 epidemic was influenced by population mobility. To measure the propensity for a severe epidemic, we calculated the infectivity burden (ItyB), infection burden (IonB), and population epidemic vulnerability index (PEVI). The propensity score for a severe epidemic in the neighborhoods of the city of Fortaleza was estimated by combining the IonB and PEVI. Results: The neighborhoods with the highest propensity for a severe COVID-19 epidemic were Aldeota, Cais do Porto, Centro, Edson Queiroz, Vicente Pinzon, Jose de Alencar, Presidente Kennedy, Papicu, Vila Velha, Antonio Bezerra, and Cambeba. Importantly, we found that the propensity for a COVID-19 epidemic was high in areas with differing socioeconomic profiles. These areas include a very poor neighborhood situated on the western border of the city (Vila Velha), neighborhoods characterized by a large number of subnormal agglomerates in the Cais do Porto region (Vicente Pinzon), and those located in the oldest central area of the city, where despite the wealth, low-income groups have remained (Aldeota and the adjacent Edson Queiroz).Conclusion: Although measures against COVID-19 should be applied to the entire municipality of Fortaleza, the classification of neighborhoods generated through this study can help improve the specificity and efficiency of these measures.
Evidence of vector borne transmission of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Gallinarum and fowl typhoid mediated by the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778)
Authors: Cocciolo Giulio , Circella Elena , Pugliese Nicola , Lupini Caterina , mescolini Giulia , Catelli Elena , Borchert-Stuhlträger Monika , Zoller Harmut , Thomas Emmanuel , Camarda Antonio
Published: September 2020

Background: The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778) is a major ectoparasite of poultry. Infestations are found in most laying hen farms in Europe, and breeder flocks have also been reported to be affected. Mite infestation has detrimental effects on animal welfare, it causes significant economic losses, and, additionally, D. gallinae is often considered as a vector for pathogens. Despite suspicion of a close relationship between the poultry red mite and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum (S. Gallinarum), the causative agent of fowl typhoid (FT), there has been no definitive proof of mite-mediated transmission. Therefore, an investigation was conducted to determine if D. gallinae-mediated transmission of S. Gallinarum could be demonstrated among four different hen groups.Methods: Two groups of 8 hens (A and B) were experimentally infected with S. Gallinarum in two isolators. After seven days, when birds showed signs of FT, about 25,000 mites were introduced. After 3 days, mites were harvested and used to infest two other hen groups of 8 (C and D), in two separate isolators. The health status of hens was constantly monitored; detection and quantification of S. Gallinarum were performed by PCR and qPCR from mites and organs of dead hens. The maximum likelihood estimation of the infection rate and mite vectorial capacity were calculated.Results: Clinical disease was observed in groups infected with S. Gallinarum (A and B) and in hens of groups C and D infested with mites harvested from the isolators containing groups A and B. In all 4 groups, S. Gallinarum was detected from liver, spleen, ovary, and cecum of hens, thus confirming the diagnosis of FT. Mite analysis demonstrated the presence of the pathogen, with an estimated infection rate ranging between 13.72 and 55.21 infected per thousand mites. Vectorial capacity was estimated to be 73.79.Conclusion: Mites harvested from birds infected with S. Gallinarum were shown to carry the mite, and then to transfer S. Gallinarum to isolated groups of pathogen-free birds that subsequently showed signs of FT. Mite vectorial capacity was high, demonstrating that D. gallinae should be considered an effective vector of FT.
Citizens’ Expectations from Government in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Authors: Zarei Leila , Shahabi Saeed , Sadati Ahmad Kalateh , Tabrizi Reza , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: September 2020

Background: The government is the main body in charge of controlling epidemics; hence, expectations from government’s intention and capacity would affect citizens’ behavior and flexibility. Given the severity of COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need for people's cooperation in the prevention and combat processes, understanding the public perspectives would be crucial and instructive. This study aimed to explore such perspectives towards the current pandemic among the Iranian. Indeed, we sought to provide a favorable platform for effective policies in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic by recognizing public expectations.Methods: This qualitative study used an open-ended online questionnaire to investigate the common perspectives of the Iranian towards government’s response to COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were selected using snowball and convenient sampling techniques across the country. The collected data were analyzed and described using thematic content analysis. Results: In general, 2547 participants agreed to participate in this study and completed the online questionnaire. According to the findings, the Iranian exhibited several expectations regarding the government's response to COVID-19 pandemic, based on which three main themes were extracted: (1) health-related expectations, (2) policy-related expectations, and (3) mass media-related expectations. In this study, a majority of the participants highlighted the need to consider and follow-up the patients and their families, provide financial and hygiene support during the pandemic, apply strict restrictions, and have close monitoring and controlling procedures. Furthermore, they mentioned that authorities and news agencies should observe honesty and transparency principals.Conclusions: Our findings revealed that people expect the government and other responsible institutions to minimize the burden of this pandemic on them through adopting effective policies. The study findings could help policy-makers become aware of people's expectations and develop better strategies.
Antinociceptive effects of magnesium sulfate for monitored anesthesia care during hysteroscopy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Gao Peng-fei , Lin Jing-yan , Wang Shun , Zhang Yun-feng , Wang Guo-qiang , Xu Qi , Guo Xiao
Published: September 2020

Background: Opioids are the most effective antinociceptive agents, they have undesirable side effects such as respiratory depressant and postoperative nausea and vomiting. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive efficacy of adjuvant magnesium sulphate to reduce intraoperative and postoperative opioids requirements and their related side effects during hysteroscopy.Methods: 70 patients scheduled for hysteroscopy were randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in the magnesium group (Group M) received intravenous magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg in 100 ml of isotonic saline over 15 min before anesthesia induction and then 15 mg/kg per hour by continuous intravenous infusion. Patients in the control group (Group C) received an equal volume of isotonic saline as placebo. All patients were anesthetized under a BIS guided monitored anesthesia care with propofol and fentanyl. Intraoperative hemodynamic variables were recorded and postoperative pain scores were assessed with verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) 1 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, and 4 hours after recovery of consciousness. The primary outcome of our study was total amount of intraoperative and postoperative analgesics administered.Results: Postoperative serum magnesium concentrations in Group C were significantly decreased than preoperative levels (0.86 ± 0.06 to 0.80 ± 0.08 mmol/L, P=0.001) while there was no statistical change in Group M (0.86 ± 0.07 to 0.89 ± 0.07 mmol/L, P=0.129). Bradycardia did not occur in either group and the incidence of hypotension was comparable between the two groups. Total dose of fentanyl given to patients in Group M was less than the one administered to Group C [100 (75-150) vs 145 (75-175) μg, median (range); P < 0.001]. In addition, patients receiving magnesium displayed lower VNRS scores at 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, and 4 hours postoperatively.Conclusions: In hysteroscopy, adjuvant magnesium administration is beneficial to reduce intraoperative fentanyl requirement and postoperative pain without cardiovascular side effects. Our study indicates that if surgical patients have risk factors for hypomagnesemia, assessing and correcting magnesium level will be necessary.Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn ChiCTR1900024596. date of registration: July 18th 2019.
MicroRNA bta-miR-365-3p inhibits proliferation but promotes differentiation of primary bovine myoblasts by targeting the activin A receptor type I
Authors: Hao Dan , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Xiao , Thomsen Bo , Yang Yu , Lan Xianyong , Huang Yongzhen , Chen Hong
Published: September 2020

Background: MicroRNAs act as post-transcriptional regulators that repress translation or degrades mRNA transcripts. Each microRNA has many mRNA targets and each mRNA may be targeted by several microRNAs. Skeletal muscles express a plethora of microRNA genes that regulate muscle development and function by controlling the expression of protein-coding target genes. To expand our understanding of the role of microRNA, specifically bta-miR-365-3p, in muscle biology, we investigated its functions in regulating primary bovine myoblast proliferation and differentiation.Results: Firstly, we found that bta-miR-365-3p was predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle and heart tissue in Chinese Qinchuan beef cattle. Quantitative PCR and western blotting results showed that overexpression of bta-miR-365-3p significantly reduced the expression levels of cyclinD1 (CCND1), cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) but stimulated the expression levels of muscle differentiation markers, i.e., MYOD1, MYOG at both mRNA and protein level. Moreover, downregulation of bta-miR-365-3p increased the expression of CCND1, CDK2 and PCNA but decreased the expression of MYOD1 and MYOG at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, flow cytometry, EdU proliferation assays and immunostaining results showed that increased levels of bta-miR-365-3p suppressed cell proliferation but promoted myotube formation, whereas decreased levels of bta-miR-365-3p resulted in the opposite consequences. Finally, we identified that activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) could be a direct target of bta-miR-365-3p. It was demonstrated that bta-miR-365-3p can bind to the 3'UTR of ACVR1 gene to regulate its expression based on dual luciferase gene reporter assays. Consistently, knock-down of ACVR1 was associated with decreased expressions of CDK2, CCND1 and PCNA but increased expression of MYOG and MYOD1 both at mRNA and protein level. Conclusion: Collectively, these data suggested that bta-miR-365-3p represses proliferation but promotes differentiation of bovine myoblasts through several biological mechanisms involving downregulation of ACVR1.
The Mi-EFF1/Minc17998 effector interacts with the soybean GmHub6 protein to promote host plant parasitism by Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Mendes Reneida Aparecida Godinho , Basso Marcos Fernando , de Melo Bruno Paes , Lima Rayane Nunes , de Araújo Janaina Fernandes , de-Sa Maira Grossi , Mattos Vanessa da Silva , Togawa Roberto Coiti , Albuquerque Érika Valéria Saliba , de-Sa Maria Eugênia Lisei , Silva Maria Cristina Mattar da , Macedo Leonardo Lima Pepino , Fragoso Rodrigo da Rocha , Fernandez Diana , Vignols Florence , Grossi-de-Sa Maria Fatima
Published: September 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Social determinants of male partner involvement in women's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission care Program in Malawi
Authors: Triulzi Isotta , Keiser Olivia , Somerville Claire , Salimu Sangwani , Ciccacci Fausto , Palla Ilaria , Sagno Jean Baptiste , Gondwe Jane , Marazzi Cristina , Orlando Stefano , Palombi Leonardo , Turchetti Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

Background

Male partners are rarely present during PMTCT ( Prevention-Mother-To-Child-Transmission ) services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Male involvement is increasingly recognised as an important element of women’s access to care. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among women accompanied and not accompanied by their male partners.

Methods
We included pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT programme between August 2018 and November 2019 in the Southern Region of Malawi . Eligible women were aged 18 years or older, living with a male partner, enrolled for the first time in one of the four selected facilities. We provided a KAP survey to women and their partners attending the facilities. Our primary objective was to assess and analyse the proportion of women who were accompanied by their partner at least once. We applied descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to study the association between being accompanied and explanatory variables.

Results
We enrolled 128 HIV-positive women: 82 (64.1%) were accompanied by their male partners and 46 (35.9%) were alone. Women’s unemployment and owning a means of transport are negatively associated with male attendance (respectively adjusted OR 0.32 [95% CI, 0.11-0.82] and 0.23 [95% CI, 0.07-0.77]), whereas high women’s level of knowledge of HIV is positively associated with male attendance (OR 2.17 [95% CI, 1.03-4.58]). Level of attitude and practice toward HIV were not significantly associated to our study variable.

Conclusions
Our study shows a high male attendance in Malawi compared to other studies performed in SSA. This study highlights the factors affecting male attendance which are women’s level of knowledge on HIV, economic condition (employment and owning a means of transport). Moreover, the study points out that gender power relationships and stringent gender norms play a crucial role thus they should be considered to enhance male involvement.
Influenza outbreak among students in Ghana: a report from three time points
Authors: Sylverken Augustina Angelina , Owusu Michael , Yeboah Richmond , El-Duah Philip , Gorman Richmond , Bonney Joseph Kofi , Aryeetey Sherihane , Adu Eric , Amoako Yaw Ampem , Adade Titus , Yeboah Eric , Bonney Joseph , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Drosten Christian , Phillips Richard Odame
Published: September 2020

Background: Influenza viruses are known to be responsible for a number of respiratory disease outbreaks worldwide. While there exists documented information on influenza which allows for effective strategic preparedness activities in industrialized countries, the same cannot be said of developing and underdeveloped countries. It therefore behoves on developing countries to document information on circulating strains of influenza. Such information will enable prioritization of prevention and more targeted preparedness strategies. In this paper, we report on three different outbreaks of Influenza A among Ghanaian students in December 2017, May 2019 and December 2019 in the Ashanti region of Ghana.Methods: Throat or nasal samples were collected from all students who presented with signs and symptoms of flu with flocked swabs, stored in RNAlater and transported to the laboratories of Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) at ambient temperature. Following viral RNA extraction, detection of viral nucleic acid of both influenza A and its subtypes including H1N1 and H3N2 was done by real-time reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).Results: A total of 112 samples were taken. An overall Influenza A prevalence of 51.8% (95% CI = 42.1-61.3) was recorded during the three outbreak time points. Of these, 11 (19.0%) were confirmed to be H1N1 (pdm09) and 47 (81.0%) were H3N2 strains. All the 11 H1N1 (pdm09) were identified during the first outbreak. The H3N2 strains were identified during the second and third outbreaks in May 2019 and December 2019 respectively. Our results show that influenza A virus activity was higher during the months of November and December compared to May. Age, contact with infected subjects, temperature, fever within the last 24 hours and headaches showed significant variations (p-value <0.01) with respect to influenza A. Wald’s test revealed that subjects presenting with headaches had about 5 times odds (95% CI = 1.4-17.7) for influenza A infection compared to subjects without headache (p = 0.014).Conclusion: Our study provides epidemiological information to better understand the incidence and burden of influenza to allow for prioritisation of prevention and control strategies. Such information would aid in controlling and preparing for future influenza epidemics.
In vitro propagation of three mosaic disease resistant cassava cultivars
Authors: SESSOU Amitchihoué Franck , Kahia Jane W. , Houngue Jerome Anani , Ateka Elijah Miinda , Dadjo Colombe , Ahanhanzo Corneille
Published: September 2020

BackgroundCassava is a staple food for over 800 million people globally providing a cheap source of carbohydrate. However, the cultivation of cassava in the country is facing to viral diseases, particularly cassava mosaic disease (CMD) which can cause up to 95% yield losses. With aim to supply farmers demand for clean planting materials, there is need to accelerate the production of the elite cultivars by use of tissue culture in order to cope with the demand.MethodsNodal explants harvested from the greenhouse grown plants were sterilised using different concentrations of a commercial bleach JIK (3.85% NaOCl) and varying time intervals. Microshoots induction was evaluated using thidiazuron (TDZ), benzyl amino purine (BAP), and kinetin. Rooting was evaluated using different auxins (Naphthalene acetic acid NAA and Indole-3-butyricacid IBA). PCR-based SSR and SCAR markers were used to verify the presence of CMD2 gene in the regenerated plantlets.ResultsThe highest level of sterility in explants (90%) was obtained when 20% Jik was used for 15 minutes. The best cytokinin for microshoots regeneration was found to be kinetin with optimum concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 µM for Agric-rouge, Atinwewe, and Agblehoundo respectively. Medium without growth regulators was the best for rooting the three cultivars. A survival rate of 100%, 98%, and 98% was recorded in the greenhouse for Agric-rouge, Atinwewe, and Agblehoundo respectively and the plantlets appeared to be morphologically normal. The SSR and SCAR analysis of micropropagated plants showed a profile similar to that of the mother plants indicating that the regenerated plantlets retained the CMD2 gene after passing through in vitro culture, as expected with micropropagation.Conclusion The nodal explants was established to be 20% of Jik (3.85% NaOCl) with an exposure time of 15 minutes. Kinetin was proved to be the best cytokinins for microshoot formation with the optimum concentration of 5, 10 and 20µM for Agric-rouge, Atinwewe, and Agblehoundo respectively. The protocol developed during this study will be useful for mass propagation of the elite cassava cultivars.
Comparison of frontal alpha asymmetry among schizophrenia patients, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls
Authors: Jang Kuk-In , Lee Chany , Lee Sangmin , Huh Seung , Chae Jeong-Ho
Published: September 2020

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) has been observed in several psychiatric disorders. Dominance in left or right frontal alpha activity remains inconsistent in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), patients with schizophrenia, and healthy controls. This study compared FAA among patients with MDD and schizophrenia, and healthy controls.Methods: We recruited 20 patients with MDD, 18 patients with schizophrenia, and 16 healthy individuals. The EEG alpha frequency ranged from 8 Hz to 12 Hz. FAA was expressed as the difference between absolute power values of right and left hemisphere electrodes in the alpha frequency range (common-log-transformed frontal right- and left-hemisphere electrodes: F4–F3, F8–F7, FP2–FP1, AF4–AF3, F6–F5, and F2–F1). Hamilton depression and anxiety rating scales were evaluated in patients with MDD. Positive and negative syndrome scales were evaluated in patients with schizophrenia.Results: Patients with schizophrenia showed significantly lower left FAA than healthy controls (F4–F3, schizophrenia vs. healthy controls: -0.10 ± 0.04 vs. -0.05 ± 0.05). There were no significant differences in FAA between patients with schizophrenia and MDD as well as between patients with MDD and healthy controls.Conclusions: The present study suggests that FAA indicates a relatively lower activation of left frontal electrodes in schizophrenia. The left-lateralized FAA could be a neuropathological attribute in patients with schizophrenia, but a lack of sample size and information such as medication and duration of illness might obscure the interpretation and generalization of our findings. Thus, further studies to verify the findings would be warranted.
COVID patients encountered by a general surgeon- 6 unique scenarios.
Authors: Jain Sumita , Mehta Deeksha , Aggarwal Lakshman , Goyal Alka , Sharma Chandra Shekhar , Mangalhara Naresh Kumar , Dadhich Yogendra , Bansal Somendra
Published: September 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to author disagreement.
Continuous glucose monitoring in older people with diabetes receiving home care - A feasibility study. 
Authors: Larsen Annette Bævre , Hermann Monica , Graue Marit
Published: September 2020

Background Hypoglycemic incidents in older people can cause severe health problems, enhance general age-related disabilities and cause frailty. Little is known about incidences of hypoglycemia in older home-dwelling people with diabetes. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of capturing hypoglycemia and issues associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia by use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and standardized questionnaires among older home dwelling individuals with diabetes type 2 receiving home care. MethodsCGM with the Ipro2 blinded monitoring system were performed for five days in six home-dwelling individuals ≥ 75 years diagnosed with diabetes and receiving home care. Demographic (age, gender, living arrangements) and clinical data (diabetes diagnoses and duration, diabetes medication, documented treatment goal, available glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c),) were collected from electronic patient records in home care services. Feasibility (ease of use, quality of data, time spent) of standardized questionnaires to identify the risk of hypoglycemia (the McKellar Risk Assessment Tool), risk of malnutrition (the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)), functional status (the Individual-based Statistics for Nursing and Care Services (IPLOS)) and cognitive status (the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE)) was also assessed. Questionnaire data was collected by a study nurse in the individuals’ home. Results The practical use of CGM was satisfactory, with no major remarks about discomfort or technical errors, except for one participant with skin reaction (redness). Collecting data with the McKellar Risk Assessment Tool, MNA and IPLOS worked well according to quality of data, time spent and ease of use. The MMSE survey required extensive training of personnel to be conducted. ConclusionThe feasibility study informs an upcoming study on the incidence and risk factors of hypoglycemia in home dwelling older individuals, where we will reconsider the use of the MMSE questionnaire. The use of blinded CGM in this population was well tolerated and can be used ‘as is’ for future studies.
Effect of dapsone alone and in combination with intracellular antibiotics against the biofilm form of B. burgdorferi
Authors: Horowitz Richard Ira , Murali Krithika , Gaur Gauri , Freeman Phyllis R. , Sapi Eva
Published: September 2020

Objective: Lyme disease is a tick-borne, multisystemic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Standard treatments for early Lyme disease include short courses of oral antibiotics but relapses often occur after discontinuation of treatment. Several studies have suggested that ongoing symptoms may be due to a highly antibiotic resistant form of B. burgdorferi called biofilms. Our recent clinical study reported the successful use of an intracellular mycobacterium persister drug used in treating leprosy, diaminodiphenyl sulfone (dapsone), in combination therapy for the treatment of Lyme disease. In this in vitro study, we evaluated the effectiveness of dapsone individually and in combination with cefuroxime and/or other antibiotics with intracellular activity including doxycycline, rifampin, and azithromycin against Borrelia biofilm forms utilizing crystal violet biofilm mass, and dimethyl methylene blue glycosaminoglycan assays combined with Live/Dead fluorescent microscopy analyses. Results: Dapsone, alone or in various combinations with doxycycline, rifampin and azithromycin produced a significant reduction in the mass and protective glycosaminoglycan layer and overall viability of B. burgdorferi biofilm forms. This in vitro study strongly suggests that dapsone combination therapy could represent a novel and effective treatment option against the biofilm form of B. burgdorferi.
Nigella A ameliorates inflammation and intestinal flora imbalance in DSS induced colitis mice
Authors: Hu XingJiang , Xu Nana , Yang Xi , Hu Xi , Zheng Yunliang , Zhang Qiao
Published: September 2020

Nigella A, also named Sieboldianoside A, has been extracted from many kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as Nigella glandulifera, Stauntonia chinensis DC., and the leaves of Acanthopanax sieboldianus. Nigella A exhibited potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant activities. However, whether Nigella A could treat ulcerative colitis (UC) is still unknown. As saponins always be regarded as the kinds of ingredients that could regulate immunity and intestinal flora. This research aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Nigella A on UC and explore its effect on intestinal flora. We noted that Nigella A and Sulfasalazine (SASP) could significantly improve the signs and symptoms, alleviate colonic pathological injury in DSS-induced mice. The changing of many specific bacterial genus such as Lactobacillus, Porphyromonadaceae, Bacteroides and Escherichia might closely related to the recovery of intestinal inflammatory response. This study initially confirmed the therapeutic effect of Nigella A and SASP on DSS-induced colitis by improving the diversity of intestinal microbial composition. Nigella A has the potential to be developed for the treatment of UC and other disorders related to the imbalance of intestinal flora.
Identifying the key nodes of HIV molecular transmission network among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Juan , Han Zhigang , Xu Huifang , Xing Hui , Cheng Weibin , Gu Yuzhou , Xu Peng , Lv Fan
Published: September 2020

Background

Identifying the most influential spreaders in HIV transmission networks is crucial to develop effective prevention strategies. The purpose of this study is to identify the key nodes of the molecular transmission network among MSM, which has significant insight into developing effective HIV prevention strategies.
Methods

We analyzed HIV-1 pol sequences provided through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China. Sequences were obtained from newly-HIV diagnosed MSM during 2015–2017. We calculated pairwise genetic distance, identified linked pairs of sequences (those with distance ≤ 1.5%), and examined key nodes of these potential transmission partners.
Results

Of 184 HIV recently diagnosed men who have sex with men (MSM), 40.76% were linked to other MSM. Social network analysis demonstrated that there were 9 key nodes were detected. From the results of multivariate logistic regression model, young MSM born in the 1990s and 1980s was 0.06 and 0.12 times as likely to be a key node as was the older MSM born in the 1970s and before.
Conclusions

There were a lot of subgroups connected by sharing comembers in HIV molecular transmission network among MSM in Guangzhou. Some HIV-infected MSM called as key nodes mediated the transmission of HIV among different subpopulations. Young MSM were less likely to promote HIV transmission than older MSM.
A Sharp-Interface Immersed Boundary Method for Simulating High-Speed Compressible Inviscid Flows
Authors: Wang Junjie , Gu Xiangyu , Wu Jie
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a robust sharp-interface immersed boundary method for simulating inviscid compressible flows over stationary and moving bodies. The flow field is governed by Euler equations, which are solved by using the open source library OpenFOAM. Discontinuities such as those introduced by shock waves are captured by using Kurganov and Tadmor divergence scheme. Wall-slip boundary conditions are enforced at the boundary of body through reconstructing flow variables at some ghost points. Their values are obtained indirectly by interpolating from their mirror points. A bilinear interpolation is employed to determine the variables at the mirror points from boundary conditions and flow conditions around the boundary. To validate the efficiency and accuracy of this method for simulation of high-speed inviscid compressible flows, four cases have been simulated as follows: supersonic flow over a 15 angle wedge, transonic flow past a stationary airfoil, a piston moving with supersonic velocity in a shock tube and a rigid circular cylinder lift-off from a flat surface triggered by a shock wave. Compared to the exact analytical solutions or the results in literature, good agreement can be achieved.
Breastfeeding practice in China from 2013 to 2018: a study from a national dynamic follow-up surveillance
Authors: Kang Leni , Liang Juan , He Chunhua , Miao Lei , Li Xiaohong , Dai Li , Li Qi , Liu Zheng , Zhu Jun , Wang Yanping , Liu Hanmin
Published: September 2020

Background

Breastfeeding is important for the physical and psychological health of the mother and child. Basic data on breastfeeding practices in China are crucial for understanding how to advance health-related goals.

Methods

This was an observational study. We used data from the Under-5 Child Nutrition and Health Surveillance System in China for the period 2013-2018. The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) were calculated for each year for subgroups of China. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to explore the time trends. The annual percent of change (APC) were calculated by log-linear regression followed by exp transformation.

Results

The prevalence of EIBF and EBF increased significantly from 44.57% (95% CI: 44.07, 45.07) and 16.14% (95% CI: 15.10, 17.18) in 2013 to 55.84% (95% CI: 55.29, 56.38) and 34.90% (95% CI: 33.54, 36.26) in 2018 (P trend <0.001). The respective APCs were 4.67% (95% CI: 3.51, 5.85) and 14.90% (95% CI: 9.97, 20.04). Increases were observed in both urban and rural areas, with urban areas showing greater APCs for EIBF (6.05%; 95% CI: 4.22, 7.92 v.s. 2.26%; 95% CI: 1.40, 3.12) and EBF (18.21%; 95% CI: 11.53, 25.29 v.s. 9.43%; 95% CI: 5.52, 13.49). The highest EBF prevalence was observed in the East, but the Central area showed the highest APC. The prevalence of EBF decreased with increasing age during the first 6 months, especially after 3 months.

Conclusion

The prevalence of both EIBF and EBF in China are improving in recent years. The rural and West China could be the key areas in the future actions. More efforts should be made to protect and promote breastfeeding to achieve near- and long-term goals for child health.
Investigating the genetic architecture of disease resilience in pigs by genome-wide association studies of complete blood count traits collected from a natural disease challenge model
Authors: Bai Xuechun , Yang Tianfu , Putz Austin , Wang Zhiquan , Li Changxi , Fortin Frédéric , Harding John , Dyck Michael , Canada PigGen , Dekkers Jack , Field Catherine , Plastow Graham
Published: September 2020

BackgroundGenetic improvement for disease resilience is anticipated to be a practical method to improve efficiency and profitability of the pig industry, as resilient pigs maintain a relatively undepressed level of performance in the face of infection. However, multiple biological functions are known to be involved in disease resilience and this complexity means that the genetic architecture of disease resilience remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 465,910 autosomal SNPs for complete blood count (CBC) traits that are important in an animal’s disease response. The aim was to identify the genetic control of disease resilience.ResultsUnivariate and multivariate single-step GWAS were performed on fifteen CBC traits measured from the blood samples of 2743 crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire) barrows drawn at 2-weeks before, and at 2 and 6-weeks after exposure to a polymicrobial infectious challenge. Overall, at a genome-wise false discovery rate of 0.05, five genomic regions located on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 2, SSC4, SSC9, SSC10, and SSC12, were significantly associated with white blood cell traits in response to the polymicrobial challenge, and nine genomic regions on multiple chromosomes (SSC1, SSC4, SSC5, SSC6, SSC8, SSC9, SSC11, SSC12, SSC17) were significantly associated with red blood cell and platelet traits collected before and after exposure to the challenge. By functional enrichment analyses using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and literature review of previous CBC studies, candidate genes located nearby significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be involved in immune response, hematopoiesis, red blood cell morphology, and platelet aggregation.ConclusionsThis study helps to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of CBC traits collected before and after exposure to a polymicrobial infectious challenge and provides a step forward to improve disease resilience.
Postnatal Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Women who gave Birth in the last 12 months Prior to Study Period in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia.
Authors: Abera Beyene , Araya Fitsum , Rad Mulugeta , Ysuf Elias Ali
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: - Postnatal care is care (PNC) given to mother and new born within first 42 days of delivery. Lack of care in this period may result in disability even death of either of mother or newborn or both. The aim of this study was to determine postnatal service utilization and associated factors among women, who gave birth in the last 12 months prior to May, 2019.METHODS: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 women who had given birth prior to May 1 to June 30, 2019(study period). The 17 kebeles of Jimma town is grouped into three similar groups based on occupation of majority of population. Three kebeles were randomly selected from each group. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistic, such as frequencies, proportions and means were calculated. In bivariate logistic regression variables with p-value less than 0.25 were selected for multiple logistic analyses and multiple logistic regression was conducted. Finally significantly associated variables were declared at p value less than 0.05.Result:-This study showed that prevalence of postnatal care utilization was 59.5%. Mothers who knew at least one danger signs which comes after delivery (AOR=11.5,(95%CI:5.56,22.7),who attended ANC (AOR=5.4, 95%CI:2.7,11.3 ), who get counseled to attend PNC ( AOR=14.9% CI :6.1,31.4),who attended at least primary school (AOR=2.3 ,95% CI:1.75,7.0),who did not travel more than 30 minutes to reach health facility(AOR=6.8,95% CI 3.4, 13.6 and those having more family size were more likely utilized postnatal service than their counterpartConclusions: - In this study utilization of postnatal care service was very far behind national target (which is 95% at the end of 2020, health sector transformational plan). Awareness about danger signs, educational status of the mother, counseling to attend to attend postnatal care, distance from health facility and family size were strongly associated with PNC utilization.
Characterization and Fine Mapping of a New Dwarf Mutant in Brassica Napus
Authors: Li Xin , Xiang Fujiang , Zhang Wei , Yan Jindong , Li Xinmei , Zhong Ming , Yang Piao , Chen Caiyan , Liu Xuanming , Mao Donghai , Zhao Xiaoying
Published: September 2020

Background: Plant height is an important plant architecture character closely related to yield performance of many crops. Reasonable reduction of plant height of crops is beneficial for enhancing lodging resistance and improving yield. Results: In the present study, we described a Brassica napus dwarf mutant bnd2 induced by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. Compared to wild type, bnd2 showed shorter stature, shorter hypocotyl, as well as shorter petiole leaves. We crossed the bnd2 mutant with its wild type and found that the ratio of the mutant to the wild type in the F2 population was close to 1:3, indicating that bnd2 is a recessive mutation of a single locus. Following bulked segregant analysis (BSA) by resequencing, BND2 was located into the 13.77 Mb-18.08 Mb interval of chromosome A08, with a length of 4.31 Mb. After fine mapping with SNP and InDel markers, the gene was narrowed to a 140-Kb interval ranging from 15.62 Mb to 15.76 Mb. According to reference genome annotation, there are 27 genes in the interval, and one of them BnaA08g20960D has a SNP type variation in the intron between the mutant and its parent, which may be the candidate gene conferring to BND2. The hybrid line derived from a cross between the mutant bnd2 and a commercial cultivar L329 has similar plant height but higher grain yield than the commercial cultivar, suggesting that the allele bnd2 is benefit for hybrid breeding of lodging resistance and high yield in rapeseed.Conclusion: In this study, we found a fresh resource and a new locus for dwarf in rapeseed, which may be benefit for functional analysis of genetic mechanism of plant architecture and grain yield in rapeseed.