bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features of B. 1.617.2 (delta) variant concern (VOC): first case in Iraq
Authors: Essa Rawand , Ahmed Sirwan , Bapir Dunya , Abubakr Chawan , Rasul Shero , Khdir Awat
Published: August 2021

Since the initial report of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in 2019, the virus has constantly mutated, resulting in the appearance of novel variants. In December 2020, the B.1.617.2 (delta) variant concern (VOC) was first reported in India, and rapidly spread around the globe, is now the main brand in the United Kingdom, and it has grown dramatically. Here we present the clinical features and laboratory findings of the first case of B. 1.617.2 (delta) variant concern (VOC) in Iraq. A 6-year-old female child presented with severe abdominal pain, headache, severe vomiting, and diarrhea, runny nose, alerted mental status, loss of appetite, and fever. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 delta variant B.1.617.2 by RT-PCR. The patient was treated by administration of glucose saline 4% for 3 days, ceftriaxone vial 1 mg every 12 h for 6 days, and an acetaminophen bottle on a need to prevent fever followed by a Flagyl bottle every 24 h for 3 days. Vaccination and prevention the spread of the virus and against it are important preventive approaches for delta variant. Sore throat, runny nose, headache, and vomiting, diarrhea are the major clinical features of the delta variant. This was followed by an elevation of the leukocyte WBC, and blood platelets. To reduce the impact of new delta variant B.1.617.2 infection; handwashing, wearing a double mask, avoiding crowded and closed settings, social distancing, lockdown, and ensuring good ventilation are major significant options against this variant.
Barriers And Facilitators To Implementing A Continuing Medical Education Intervention In A Primary Health Care Setting
Authors: Reis Teresa , Serra Helena , Faria Inês , Xavier Miguel
Published: August 2021

Background: Continuing medical education (CME), as a systematic attempt to facilitate change in General Practitioners’ (GPs) practices, is considered crucial, assuming that if physicians are up-to-date, they will change and improve their practice, resulting in better performance and ultimately better patient care. However, studies continue to demonstrate considerable gaps between the real and ideal performance and patient-related outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore GP’s perception of the factors affecting the implementation of a CME digital platform in a primary health care setting. Methods: Our work is framed in a larger effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 1 study, where a Digital Behaviour Change Intervention (DBCI), called ePrimaPrescribe, was developed and implemented with the aim of changing benzodiazepines (BZD) prescribing patterns. Our design used mixed methodologies to obtain an enriched knowledge on GPs’ perspectives on the facilitators and barriers to implementing a Digital Behaviour Change Intervention (DBCI) applied to CME. To do so, we used data coming from an onsite questionnaire, an adapted version of the Barriers and Facilitators Assessment Instrument (BaFAI) and in-depth interviews. Results: From the 47 GPs successfully included in the intervention arm of our cluster-randomized effectiveness study, we collected 37 onsite questionnaires, 24 BaFAIs, and performed 12 in-depth interviews. GPs reported as the main barriers to CME a lack of time, a perception of work overload, a lack of digital competence, a lack of digital infrastructure, and motivational and emotional factors. They reported as facilitators to CME delivered through a DBCI the convenience of the delivery method, the practical and pragmatic characteristics of the content, the liaison with specialists, and the possibility for CME to be mandatory. Conclusions: The perceptions of the barriers and facilitators reported by GPs represent an important contribution to improving knowledge regarding the factors influencing the implementation of CME in primary health care settings. We consider that our study might bring useful insights to other countries where primary health care plays a central role in the provision of care. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT04925596
Perinatal Exposure to a Glyphosate Pesticide Formulation Induces Liver Damage in Immature Rat Pups
Authors: Rieg Carla Elise Heinz , Cattani Daiane , Naspolini Nathalia Ferrazzo , Cenci Vitoria Hayduck , Cavalli Vera Lúcia de Liz Oliveira , Jacques Amanda Virtuoso , Nascimento Marcus Vinicius Pereira Dos Santos , Dalmarco Eduardo Monguilhott , De Moraes Ana Carolina Rabello , Santos-Silva Maria Claudia , Silva Fatima Regina Mena Barreto , Parisotto Eduardo Benedetti , Zamoner Ariane
Published: August 2021

The present study investigated the effects of perinatal exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) on liver of immature Wistar rats. Female rats were exposed to GBH (70 mg glyphosate/Kg body weight/day) in drinking water from gestation day 5 and continually up to lactation day 15. The perinatal exposure to GBH increased 45Ca2+ influx in offspring’s liver Pharmacological tools indicated a role played by oxidative stress, phospholipase C (PLC) and Akt pathways, as well as voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel modulation to GBH-induced Ca2+ influx in liver. In addition, changes in the enzymatic antioxidant defense system, decreased GSH content, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation suggest a connection between GBH hepatotoxic mechanism and redox imbalance. The perinatal exposure to GBH also increased the enzymatic activities of transaminases and gamma-glutamyl transferase in offspring's liver and blood, suggesting a pesticide-induced liver injury. Moreover, we detected increased iron levels in liver, blood and bone marrow of GBH-exposed rats, which were accompanied by increased transferrin saturation and decreased transferrin levels in blood. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were increased in the liver of rats exposed to GBH. We also detected increased phospho-p65NFκB immunocontent, corresponding to the active form of this transcription factor. Therefore, we propose that excessive amounts of iron induced by perinatal exposure to GBH in offspring’s liver, blood and bone marrow may account for iron-driven hepatotoxicity, which was associated with Ca2+ influx, oxidative damage and inflammation in immature rats. Further studies will clarify whether these events can ultimately impact on liver function.
Dynamic Deformation And Fault Locking of The Xianshuihe Fault Zone, Southeastern Tibetan Plateau: Implications For Seismic Hazards
Authors: Li Layue , Wu Yanqiang , Li Yujiang , Zhan Wei , Liu Xinzhong
Published: August 2021

The Xianshuihe Fault Zone is one of the most historically seismically active regions in mainland China. However, the seismicity along this fault zone has been quiescent for the past 40 years, since the Daofu M6.9 earthquake in 1981. Understanding its current deformation patterns and fault coupling characteristics is of great significance to estimate the potential risk of strong earthquakes. In this study, we analyzed the dynamic deformation and fault coupling characteristics along the Xianshuihe Fault Zone using Global Positioning System (GPS) data for 1999–2007 and 2016–2020. The results show that the deformation pattern of the Xianshuihe fault zone underwent a dynamic adjustment after the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes, i.e., the maximum shear strain accumulation rates of the Luhuo and Daofu sections significantly decreased from 6.0×10-8/a to 3.2×10-8/a, while that of the southeastern segment (i.e., Kangding and Moxi sections) increased from 4.5×10-8/a to 6.2×10-8/a. Additionally, the slip rate and deformation width of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone also changed during these two periods. Combined with the near-field cross-fault observation data, we suggest that the surrounding strong earthquakes 2008 Wenchuan Mw7.9 and 2013 Lushan Mw6.6 had evident differential impacts on the deformation pattern of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone. The fault-coupling inversion results show that the locking degree of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone continued to increase after the Mw7.9 Wenchuan and Mw6.6 Lushan earthquakes, especially the Qianning and Moxi sections increased significantly, with an average coupling coefficient of greater than 0.9 and left-lateral slip-rate deficits of ~5 mm/a and ~8 mm/a, respectively. In contrast, the locking degree of the Kangding section decreased with almost no slip-rate deficit, which may be due to the partial energy release caused by the Mw5.9 and Mw5.6 Kangding earthquakes in 2014. The analysis of the recent rupture history and strain accumulation characteristics of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone indicates that both the Qianning and Moxi sections have a high seismic potential for the next strong earthquake in the Xianshuihe Fault Zone.
Diagnosis of Schizophrenia with Functional Connectome Data: A Graph-Based Convolutional Neural Network Approach
Authors: Oh Kang-Han , Oh Il-Seok , Tsogt Uyanga , Shen Jie , Kim Woo-Sung , Liu Congcong , Kang Nam-In , Lee Keon-Hak , Sui Jing , Kim Sung-Wan , Chung Young-Chul
Published: August 2021

Previous deep learning methods have not captured graph or network representations of brain structural or functional connectome data. To address this, we developed the Brain Graph Covariance Pooling Network (BrainGCPNet) by incorporating global covariance pooling and BrainNetCNN into the self-attention mechanism. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained from 171 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and 161 healthy controls (HCs). We conducted an ablation analysis of the proposed BrainGCPNet and quantitative performance comparisons with competing methods using the nested tenfold cross validation strategy. The performance of our model was compared with competing methods. Discriminative connections were visualized using the gradient-based explanation method and compared with the results obtained using functional connectivity analysis. The BrainGCPNet showed an accuracy of 83·13%, outperforming other competing methods. Among the top 10 discriminative connections, some were associated with the default mode network and auditory network. Interestingly, these regions were also significant in the functional connectivity analysis. Our findings suggest that the proposed BrainGCPNet can classify patients with SSDs and HCs with higher accuracy than other models. Visualization of salient regions provides important clinical information. These results highlight the potential use of the BrainGCPNet in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Winter Cyclone Regimes Over The North Atlantic
Authors: Maslova Veronika N. , Voskresenskaya Elena N. , Yurovsky Alexander V. , Bardin Mikhail Yu.
Published: August 2021

To study regimes of winter cyclones in the North Atlantic, empirical orthogonal function decomposition was applied separately to the frequency, depth and area of cyclones obtained using 6-hourly NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data in 1952–2017 and the developed methodology. The first mode represented the opposite changes of cyclone anomalies in the northern and southern/central North Atlantic. The second mode was characterized by the greatest regional anomalies between its phases over Europe, off its coast and over the Mediterranean. The greatest changes of anomalies for the third modes were in temperate latitudes, both over the ocean and Europe. Linear trends were significant only for the first modes of cyclone parameters. The largest part of variability (74–90% of dispersion) of all cyclone modes corresponded to the periods up to 15 years and was used for spectral analysis, which identified significant spectral peaks: 2.5–3, 4.5, 6 and 8.5 years. These periods coincided with spectral peaks of the main interannual climate signals. Regression analysis allowed to identify the sets of teleconnection patterns responsible jointly for 60–85% of dispersion of the first cyclone modes. The North Atlantic Oscillation and Arctic Oscillation were the main patterns for the first modes of the cyclone parameters. For the second and third frequency modes, the East Atlantic (EA) pattern and a combination of the East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR) and Scandinavia patterns played the major role, respectively. As for the third depth and area modes, the association with the EA and EA/WR patterns was shown, respectively.
First Report of the L1014F kdr Mutation in Wild Populations of Anopheles Arabiensis in Cabo Verde, West Africa
Authors: Cruz Derciliano Lopes da , Paiva Marcelo Henrique Santos , Guedes Duschinka Ribeiro Duarte , Gomes Elainne Christine de Souza , Pires Silvia Gonçalves , Gomez Lara Ferrero , Ayres Constancia Flávia Junqueira
Published: August 2021

BackgroundDue to the lack of vaccines, malaria control mainly involves the control of the incriminated vector, Anopheles spp, using chemical insecticides. However, the prolonged and indiscriminate use of these compounds has led to the emergence of resistance in Anopheles populations from African continent. The surveillance of this resistance is more frequent in other African countries; however, Cabo Verde does not carry out this surveillance in the same way. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the circulation of the L1014F and L1014S alleles in natural populations of Anopheles arabiensis from the city of Praia, Cabo Verde. MethodsLarvae of Anopheles genus were collected in two areas of Praia and reared in the laboratory until maturity. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified by classical taxonomy and then, subjected to molecular species identification using molecular markers. All Anopheles arabiensis were subjected to PCR to screen for mutations associated to resistance in the Nav gene. ResultsA total of 105 mosquitoes, belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex, were identified by classical taxonomy were also identified by molecular taxonomy. The molecular identification showed that 100% of the An. gambiae s.l. analyzed were An. arabiensis.. Analysis of the Nav gene revealed the presence of L1014S and L1014F alleles with frequencies of 0.14 and 0.23, respectively. ConclusionsOur data demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of the L1014F allele in the An. arabiensis population from Cabo Verde and an increase of the previously found Kdr L1014S allele. The results presented in this study demonstrate the need to establish new approaches in vector control programs in Cabo Verde.
Mechanism Underlying the Anxiolytic Effect of Cinnamomum Camphora Chvar. Borneol Essential Oil Revealed by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Xiao Shanshan , Yu Hang , Xie Yunfei , Guo Yahui , Fan Jiajia , Yao Weirong
Published: August 2021

Background: Anxiety disorder, the most common mental health issue, can cause palpitations, fear, and compulsive behavior, and can severely endanger human health. Most drugs to treat anxiety disorder can cause a variety of side effects, therefore, it is important to seek natural and safe complementary and alternative therapies.Methods: The open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM), and light-dark box (LDB) tests were used to confirm the anxiolytic effect of BEO in mice. Further, we constructed a component-target-signaling pathway network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for the regulation of anxiety by BEO through pharmacological network analyses, and performed Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses of BEO targets, and analyzed the active components and targets of BEO through molecular docking.Results: In the OF test, BEO significantly prolonged the time spent by the mice in the central area (p < 0.05), in a dose dependent manner (r = 0.9992), and also significantly increased the number of central area entries (p < 0.01). In the EPM test, BEO significantly increased the time spent in the open arms (p < 0.01) and the number of entries into the open arms (p < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner (r = 0.9733, r = 0.9669). In the LDB tests, BEO significantly increased the light area duration (p < 0.05) and the transition number (p < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner (r = 0.9166, r = 0.9572), thus confirming its anxiolytic effect. Network pharmacology results showed that 33 active components in BEO acted on 54 targets, mainly through modulation of neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways, and RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity. PPI network analysis identified 48 key proteins, including estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), androgen receptor (AR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8). Molecular docking results showed that the main active components of BEO are borneol, β-caryophyllene, α-cadinol, limonene, and α- selinene, which act on the key targets CNR2, ADRA2B, and ADORA2A.Conclusion: Our results indicated that BEO has multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, thus providing a theoretical basis for further research on the mechanism of action of BEO as a potential anxiolytic agent.
Evaluation of the protective efficacy of a spatial repellent to reduce malaria incidence in children in western Kenya compared to placebo: study protocol for a cluster-randomized double-blinded control trial (the AEGIS program)
Authors: Ochomo Eric O. , Gimnig John E. , Bhattarai Achuyt , Samuels Aaron M. , Kariuki Simon , Okello George , Abong'o Bernard O. , Ouma Eunice A. , Kosgei Jackline , Munga Stephen , Njagi Kiambo , Odongo Wycliffe , Liu Fang , Achee Nicole L. , Grieco John P.
Published: August 2021

Background: Spatial repellents are widely used for prevention of mosquito bites and evidence is building on their public health value, but their efficacy against malaria incidence has never been evaluated in Africa. To address this knowledge gap, a trial to evaluate the efficacy of Mosquito Shield™, a spatial repellent incorporating transfluthrin, was developed for implementation in Busia County, western Kenya where long-lasting insecticidal net coverage is high and baseline malaria transmission is moderate to high year-round. Methods: This trial is designed as a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Sixty clusters will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive spatial repellent or placebo. A total of 6120 children aged ≥ 6 months to 10 years of age will be randomly selected from the study clusters, enrolled into an active cohort (baseline, cohort 1, and cohort 2), and sampled monthly to determine time to first infection by smear microscopy. Each cohort following the implementation of the intervention, will be split into two groups, one to estimate direct effect of the spatial repellent and the other to estimate degree of diversion of mosquitoes and malaria transmission to unprotected persons. Malaria incidence in each cohort will be estimated and compared (primary indicator) to determine benefit of using a spatial repellent in a high, year-round malaria transmission setting. Mosquitoes will be collected monthly using CDC light traps to determine if there are entomological correlates of spatial repellent efficacy that may be useful for the evaluation of new spatial repellents. Quarterly human landing catches will assess behavioral effects of the intervention. Discussion: Findings will serve as the first cluster-randomized controlled trial powered to detect spatial repellent efficacy to reduce malaria in sub-Saharan Africa where transmission rates are high, insecticide treated nets are widely deployed, and mosquitoes are resistant to insecticides. Results will be submitted to the World Health Organization Vector Control Advisory Group for assessment of public health value towards an endorsement to recommend inclusion of spatial repellents in malaria control programs. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04766879. Registered February 23, 2021.
The Role of Gold as Haven or Diversifier Invesment in Indonesia
Authors: Nusantara Agung , Nawatmi Sri , Santosa Agus Budi , Sudiyatno Bambang
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study is to analyzes gold ownership in Indonesia related to the treatment of gold whether gold is used as a haven or diversifier investment. To determine gold as a haven or diversifier investment, the research method used is the general correlation method and cross correlation. The variables used in this study are gold price variables, investment interest rates, LQ 45, exchange rates and inflation, using data from 2018.1 to 2020.10. The results show that gold in Indonesia is more of a haven than a diversifier investment. Based on expectations of gold prices for the next year, it shows that the relationship between gold prices - interest rates and gold prices - exchange rates is a strong complementarity, while the relationship between gold prices and LQ45 is a very strong substitution or diversification.
Immunogenicity of an Inactivated Novel Duck Parvovirus Vaccine for Short Beak and Dwarf Syndrome in Cherry Valley Ducks
Authors: Zhou Jiewen , Li Chuangfeng , Tang Aoxing , Li Hang , Yu Zhaorong , Chen Zongyan , Guo Xin , Liu Guangqing
Published: August 2021

Duck short beak and dwarf syndrome (SBDS) is a viral infectious disease caused by novel duck parvovirus (NDPV). It has brought serious economic losses to the Chinese duck industry in recent years. Currently, there exists no effective vaccine against this disease. In this study, we developed an inactivated virus vaccine based on NDPV-DS15 for SBDS. Immune efficacy was evaluated in 112 ducks, which were randomly divided into vaccination, challenge control, vaccination-challenge, and blank control groups (n = 28 each). Clinical characteristics, antibodies, viral excretion, viremia, and pathological changes were monitored and analyzed. No morbidity or death was observed in the immunized ducks, which showed normal weight and good mental state. High levels of serum antibodies (OD450 nm: ~0.63) were detected in ducks immunized with inactivated vaccine at 7 days post-vaccination (dpv), and the amount of virus neutralizing antibodies increased from 1:23 to 1:28.5 from 7 dpv to 42 dpv. The anal swab, serum, and tissue viral load tests showed that vaccination could significantly inhibit the replication of NDPV in immunized ducks. Moreover, NDPV could not be isolated from the spleens of immunized or vaccination-challenged ducks. Our results show that the developed inactivated NDPV vaccine, administered in an oil emulsion adjuvant, possesses good immunogenicity and represents a potentially powerful tool for SBDS prevention and control.
Analysis of Technical, Allocative And Economic Efficiency In Maize Production In Ethiopia Evidence From Low Land of Gudeya Bila : Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: Tesema Tolesa
Published: August 2021

Traditionally farming system of rural area in Ethiopia is based on producing maize without oxen ploughing which is characterized with clearing land by their own land and cultivating it without oxen ploughing. Thus for many years the farmers of Ethiopia are unable to meet their food security. This situation is continued currently in the study area in which the production system of maize is based on producing advanced methods of production that need improvements of efficiency of farmers .Therefore these studies analyze economic efficiency and constraints of maize production under shifting in the low land farming of Gudeya Bila district. The study was conducted using cross-sectional data collected during the 2020/2021 production year from 154 randomly selected sample households. To estimate the level of technical, allocative and economic stochastic production frontier model was employed and Tobit model was used to identify factors affecting technical, allocative and economic efficiency of sample households.The mean technical, allocative and economic efficiency were 78.78%, 69.99% and 56.66% respectively. The Tobit model results shows that education levels, family size, farm size, construction of terrace, frequency of extension contact, uses of credit, participation in off/non-farm activities and shifting cultivation had a significant positive effect on technical efficiency. Livestock holding and participation in off/nonfarm activities have positive effects and distance to plot were found to have negative effect on allocative efficiency while family size, soil conservation practice, credit, extension service, off/non-farm activities were found to have positive effect and distance to plot is negative influence on economic efficiency. The main conclusion steaming from this analysis was there is the possibility to enhance the efficiency of maize producers in the study area. Thus policies and strategies of the government should be directed towards the contraction of terrace, shifting from shifting cultivation to oxen farming, producing by fragmented of land rather than focusing only on single plot.
The Network Pharmacology Study And Molecular Docking To Investigate The Potential Mechanism of Acoritataninowii Rhizoma Against Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Pang Jiali , Pang Jiali , Qiu Zhi-Kun
Published: August 2021

Background and objective: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is considered as a progressively developing neurodegenerative disease with an insidious onset that induces increased cost of social burden and decreased quality of life. Acoritataninowii Rhizoma produced the effects of resuscitating and eliminating phlegm, dispelling dampness and appetizing, refreshing mind and nourishing the mind, and exerted the activities of anti-dementia and improving learning and memory. while little was relevant to its anti-AD mechanism. The present study explored the potential mechanism of Acoritataninowii Rhizoma defend AD by network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods: The bioactive ingredients of Acoritataninowii Rhizoma were screened by absorption, distribution, metabolism as well as excretion evaluation and obtained from databases retrieval. Genes associated with AD or ingredients were searching by databases, and the overlapping genes between AD and ingredients were analyzed by the Venn diagram. Moreover, the network of Acoritataninowii Rhizoma-ingredients-targets-AD was visualized by cytoscape software. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction, gene ontology, pathway enrichment and molecular docking were conducted to evaluate potential factors of Acoritataninowii Rhizoma against AD.Results: 4 potential compounds were considered as bioactive ingredients after screening ADME. 81 ingredients-related genes and 6765 AD-related genes were screened by databases with 61 overlapping genes. The bioactive ingredients derived from Acoritataninowii Rhizoma (e.g Cycloartenol, (1R,3aS,4R,6aS)-1,4-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3,3a,4,6,6a-hexahydrofuro[4,3-c]furan, 8-Isopentenyl-kaempferol, kaempferol) and target proteins (e.g AKT1, JUN, ESR1, CASP3, MAPK14, RELA) with high degree in the network were associated with in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) of DNA-binding transcription factor. Moreover, Acoritataninowii Rhizoma might play a significant in the treatment of AD which induced Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications.Conclusion: The bioactive ingredients and potential mechnism of Acoritataninowii Rhizoma defended AD was analyzed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. This study provided a research basis and scientific evidence for supporting the activities of Acoritataninowii Rhizoma against AD.
Case Report: Monochorinic Dizygotic Twins With Chi 47,XY,+21 /46,XX In Peripheral Blood Cells
Authors: Shen Mengjie , Chen Hongrui , Wang Yingying , Liu Dongyun
Published: August 2021

Background: A 38-year-old woman conceived twins by in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Ultrasound examinations showed signs of monochorionic twins.Case presentation: Standard karyotyping of peripheral blood cells from the twins showed chimerism 47,XY,+21/46,XX, mainly 46,XX line. Single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP-array) analysis of buccal membrane cells from the twins showed a single cell line 46,XX in the twin girl and a single cell line 47,XY,+21 in the twin boy. Three-year follow-up after the birth showed that the twin girl had normal development, while the twin boy had Down Syndrome.Conclusion: This is the first report on monochorionic dizygotic (MCDZ) twins by IVF with normal development/Down Syndrome respectively. To evaluate prenatal diagnosis of twins, early determination of chorionic status is important, and the amniotic fluid karyotyping is preferred rather than chorion villus sampling (CVS) or cord blood. It is important to perform genetic analysis of different tissues of MCDZ twins. Future research is needed to identify the causes and long-term consequences of chimerism in twins.
Surgery for Epilepsy Involving Rolandic and Peri-Rolandic Cortex
Authors: Jiang Shize , Lang Liqing , Sun Bing , Wu Dongyan , Feng Rui , He Juanjuan , Hu Jie , Chen Liang , Mao Ying
Published: August 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the risk factors associated with motor deficit following surgeries involving rolandic & peri-rolandic cortex and to introduce our surgical experiences dealing with lesions in this region.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who experienced drug-refractory epilepsies and received surgeries in our hospital. Medical records were carefully studied, and patients with lesions located in the rolandic & peri-rolandic cortex were screened. Those with detailed follow-up information were included. Lesion locations, resected regions, and invasive exploration techniques were studied to assess their relationship with the postoperative motor deficit.ResultsA total of 41 patients with lesions located in the rolandic or peri-rolandic cortex were included in this study. Of all these patients, 23 (56.10%) patients suffered from a transient motor deficit and 2 (4.88%) with a permanent disability after surgery. All eight patients with the anterior bank of precentral sulcus resected experienced motor deficit, and six of them gradually recovered within half a year. Seven patients with the anterior half of precentral gyrus resected did not experience permanent disability. A total of 14 (34.15%) patients received invasive exploration, and one of them had a permanent disability.ConclusionsThe anterior bank of the central sulcus is indispensable for motor functions, and the destruction of this region would inevitably cause a motor deficit. The upper part of the central sulcus could also be removed without significant neurological impairment if there is an epileptogenic lesion.
Modeling of Novel Processes for Eliminating Sidestreams Impacts on Full-Scale Sewage Treatment Plant Using GPS-X7
Authors: Faris Ahmed M. , Zwain Haider M. , Hosseinzadeh Majid , Siadatmousavi Seyed Mostafa
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Previous Long-Term Care Facility Admission as a Risk Factor For Scabies in a Medical Facility
Authors: Lee Eunyoung , Park Se Yoon , Lee Eunjung , Kim Tae Hyong
Published: August 2021

The aim of study was to elucidate simple and effective risk factors for scabies infection in medical environment for early detection and prevention of exposure to other patients and medical staffs. We conducted a case-control study of patients who were diagnosed with scabies among hospitalized patients between 2008 and 2019 in an acute-care teaching hospital. Each case was matched sex and age with two randomly selected controls without scabies during hospitalization. Clinical characteristics of cases at the time of hospital admission were compared to those of control group. Scabies group included 34 patients and 68 patients were included in control group. Scabies group was admitted more via emergency department and had more history of long-term care facility admission. Scabies group had more indwelling catheters, was more in severe medical status, incommunicable, in a bed ridden condition. Scabies patients also had higher C-reactive protein and lower albumin levels. After adjustment, previous long-term care facility admission alone was associated with scabies (risk ratio 12.74, 95% confidence interval 1.42-114.31, P = 0.023). Careful examination particularly patients with previous long-term care facility admission might useful for early detection of scabies infection.
The local implications of a macrostrategy on the villagers and the environment
Authors: Salhi Adil , Benabdelouahab Sara , Mettouchi Mehdi , Bouchlouch Zakaria , Benabdelouahab Tarik , Himi Mahjoub , Vila-Subiros Josep , Ponsati Albert Casas
Published: August 2021

Nature subcontracted mankind for temporary management stipulating a rigor that does not disregard the smallest details because this is where the difference between perfection and riskiness lies, which inevitably leads to disasters. It establishes binding general rules and local imperatives to be fulfilled otherwise it takes back the reins. For this reason, anthropic macrostrategies must frame their priorities and objectives according to a sustainable social-ecosystem. Here, we evaluate the environmental effect of the triggered landuse change of the metropolis-portuary-industrial park of Tangier (Strait of Gibraltar) on ecosystem services (i.e. vegetation and water) and anticipate their interactions with indigenous villagers. We established a multifactorial analysis including long-term (1985-2021) land-use dynamic assessment, 16-years pixel-based Mann-Kendall phenological trend, EPM soil erosion modelling and assessment of the total volumes of the detached soil, and an NDVI/NDWI monthly drought monitoring. Later, we compared these outcomes with a social survey with 171 households to analyze their living conditions, and their environmental perception and attitude. We have observed that anthropogenic intervention is the precursor of erosion which is likely to worsen natural weaknesses, which are already at the origin of a massive potential loss of soil estimated at 1.2 kg/m²/year. We correlated the negative phenological trend with the lane of the roads and infrastructure and we observed that severe drought episodes are long, frequent and at short intra and interannual intervals. We found a statistically significant association between the low level of education and the rural seclusion with the environmental degradation and the unavailability of water which can evoke serious risks. We anticipate the urgent need for an inclusive reform that implements a behavioral culture, encourages education, and creates social facilitation to build an upward spiral that produces better conditions and more opportunities for the rural society. Broadly, Managers should integrate scientific instructions to master the details and continuously improve macrostrategies to achieve integral and lasting success.
Non-line-of-sight imaging of moving objects obscured by a random corridor
Authors: Shi Tian , Liangsheng Li , Cai He , Zhu Xianli , Shi Qingfan , Zheng Ning
Published: August 2021

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging makes it possible to reconstruct hidden objects around corners, which is of fundamental importance in various fields. Despite recent advances, NLOS imaging has not been studied in certain typical random scenarios, such as tortuous corridors filled with random media. We dub such a category of complex environment “random corridor”, and propose a reduced spatial- and ensemble-speckle intensity correlation (RSESIC) method to image a moving object obscured by a random corridor. Experimental results show that the method can reconstruct image of a centimeter-sized hidden object with a sub-millimeter resolution by a low-cost digital camera. The imaging capability depends on three system parameters and can be characterized by the correlation fidelity (CF). Furthermore, the RSESIC method is able to recover the image of objects even for a single pixel containing the contribution of about $10^2$ speckle grains, which overcomes the theoretical limitation of traditional speckle imaging methods. Last but not least, when the power attenuation of speckle intensity leads to the serious deterioration of CF, the image of hidden objects can still be reconstructed by the corrected intensity correlation.
Incidence of Bloodstream Infections in Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Risk Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Santos Claudia Villatoro , Fukushima Elisa Akagi , Zhao Wei , Sharma Mamta , Youssef Dima , Spzunar Susan , Levine Miriam , Saravolatz Louis , Bhargava Ashish
Published: August 2021

Objective: To describe the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19).Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of adults admitted for COVID-19 with BSIs. Data were collected by electronic medical record review. BSIs were defined as positive blood cultures (BCs) with a known pathogen in one or more BCs or the same commensal organism in two or more BCs. Results: Of 565 eligible patients, 290 (51.3%) had BCs done, with 39 (13.4%) having a positive result. In univariable analysis, male sex, black/African American race, admission from a facility, hemiplegia, altered mental status, and a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index were positively associated with a positive BC, whereas obesity and low systolic blood pressure (SBP) were negatively associated. Patients with positive BCs were more likely to have severe disease, be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), require mechanical ventilation, have septic shock, and higher mortality. In multivariable logistic regression, factors that were independent predictors of a positive BC were male sex (OR=2.75, p=0.03), hypoalbuminemia (OR=3.3, p=0.01), ICU admission (OR=5.3, p<0.0001), SBP < 100 (OR=3.7, p=0.03) and having a procedure (OR=10.5, p<0.0001). Patients with an abnormal chest x-ray on admission were less likely to have a positive BC (OR=0.25, p=0.007). Conclusions: We found that independent predictors of BSIs in COVID-19 patients included male sex, abnormal chest x-ray, hypoalbuminemia, admission to ICU, low SBP, and having a procedure during hospital stay.
Characterization of captive and wild 13-lined ground squirrel cecal microbiotas using Illumina-based sequencing
Authors: Chiang Edna , Deblois Courtney L. , Carey Hannah V. , Suen Garret
Published: August 2021

Background
Hibernating animals experience extreme changes in diet that make them useful systems for understanding host-microbial symbioses. However, most of our current knowledge about the hibernator gut microbiota is derived from studies using captive animals. Given that there are substantial differences between captive and wild environments, conclusions drawn from studies with captive hibernators may not reflect the gut microbiota’s role in the physiology of wild animals. To address this, we used Illumina-based sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to compare the bacterial cecal microbiotas of captive and wild 13-lined ground squirrels (TLGS) in the summer. As the first study to use Illumina-based technology to sequence the microbiotas of an obligate rodent hibernator, we also reported changes in captive TLGS microbiotas across the year (summer, winter, and spring).
Results
Wild TLGS microbiotas had greater richness and phylogenetic diversity with less variation in beta diversity when compared to captive microbiotas. Taxa identified as core operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and found to significantly contribute to differences in beta diversity were primarily in the families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae. Captive TLGS microbiotas shared phyla and core OTUs across the year, but active season (summer and spring) microbiotas had different alpha and beta diversities than winter season microbiotas.
Conclusions
This is the first study to compare the microbiotas of captive and wild rodent hibernators. Our findings suggest that data from captive and wild ground squirrels should be interpreted separately due to their distinct microbiotas. Additionally, as the first study to investigate the microbiotas of obligate rodent hibernators using Illumina-based 16S rRNA sequencing, we reported seasonal changes in captive TLGS microbiotas that are consistent with previous work. Taken together, this study provides foundational information for improving the reproducibility and experimental design of future hibernation microbiota studies.
Immunosuppressive niche engineering at the onset of human colorectal cancer
Authors: Gatenbee Chandler , Baker Ann-Marie , Schenck Ryan , Strobl Maximilian , West Jeffrey , Neves Margarida , Hasan Sara , Lakatos Eszter , Martinez Pierre , Cross William , Jansen Marnix , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Whelan Christopher , Sottoriva Andrea , Leedham Simon , Robertson-Tessi Mark , Graham Trevor , Anderson Alexander
Published: August 2021

The evolutionary dynamics of tumor initiation remain undetermined, and the interplay between neoplastic cells and the immune system is hypothesized to be critical in transformation. Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a unique opportunity to study the transition to malignancy as pre-cancers (adenomas) and early stage cancers are frequently detected and surgically removed. Here, we demonstrate a key role for the immune response in tumor initiation by studying tumor-immune eco-evolutionary dynamics from pre-cancer to carcinoma using a computational model, ecological analysis of digital pathology data, and multi-region exome sequencing and neoantigen prediction in a total of 62 patient samples. Modelling indicates there are several potential routes to malignancy, each of which uniquely sculpts tumor ecology and intra-tumor antigenic heterogeneity (aITH). In patient samples, the immune microenvironment was characterized using the spatial distribution of 17 markers across registered whole-slide images, and patterns of intra-lesion aITH measured using multi-region exome sequencing and neoantigen prediction. The patient data were best described by a model whereby immunogenic adenomas do not progress to CRC because they are under immune control, and progression initially proceeds in adenomas with low immunogenicity followed by the gradual construction of an immunosuppressive niche depleted in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. There was little evidence for immune blockade (PD-L1 expression) in tumor initiation or progression. These results suggest that re-engineering the immunosuppressive niche may prove to be an effective immunotherapy in CRC.
Barriers to Circular Supply Chain Adoption: A Perspective of Electric Battery Industries of Bangladesh
Authors: Milki Md. Sajib , Islam Md. Ariful
Published: August 2021

The demand for electric batteries is increasing day by day in Bangladesh because of the increasing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage supporting power systems. There are 25 companies in Bangladesh that are trying to meet this rising demand. Since toxic materials such as lead (Pb) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4) are used in electric batteries, the supply chain of the industry needs to be more circular. The aim of this study is to explore the barriers of implementing Circular Supply Chain (CSC) in Electric Battery Industries (EBIs) of Bangladesh. Related barriers were defined using the PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal) framework, and the contextual relationship among the identified barriers was developed using Interpretive Structural Modelling (MICMAC i.e., Cross Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification technique), followed by a cause-effect analysis of the driving barriers to determine the root causes. Lack of sustainable development planning, lack of knowledge about the environment, health, and future generations, lack of coordination among industries and supply chain partners, increased competition, lack of investment in technological innovation, and low quality of circulated products are the root causes of the driving barriers to implementing CSC in Bangladesh's EBIs. The government and the supply chain partners of EBIs should take holistic approach on sustainable development. The results would help in the implementation of CSC, making it easier to achieve sustainable development by introducing economic growth, improving the environment, and creating more job opportunities.
Study On The Cutting Performance of High-Speed Machining Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Yang H.D. , Wu Y.S. , Zhang Junsheng , Tang H.H. , Chang W.J. , Zhang J.C. , Chen S.H.
Published: August 2021

The cutting performance of high-speed machining (100-350 m/min) Zr57Cu20Al10Ni8Ti5 (at.%) bulk metallic glass (Zr57 BMG) was studied, as compared with industrial pure zirconium (Zr702). The effect of cutting speed on cutting force, surface roughness, surface morphology and chip morphology was analyzed. Although the strength of Zr57 BMG is much higher than that of Zr702, the difference in main cutting force is small, which can be attributed to the thermal softening of Zr57 BMG material during machining. The machined surface characteristics and the formation of chips were investigated. Different from low-speed machining, the groove marks and adhensions on machined surface evolve into wave patterns and molten droplets with the cutting speed increasing from 100 m/min to 350 m/min. The appearance of wave patterns tends to destroy the machined surfaces, and the worst quality was obtained at the speed of 250 m/min. The free surface morphology of the chips, with cutting speed smaller than 150 m/min, show obvious serration and molten droplets between shear bands. With the increase of cutting speed, oxidation on the chip surfaces occurred, and the chip surface was gradually covered by powder particles due to the melting of Zr57 BMG workpiece materials. The machined surfaces of Zr57 BMG maintain amorphous structures after high-speed machining, which shows excellent application potential for the processing of Zr57 BMG.
Case Study and Literature Review of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Caused By a Pathogenic Mutation in The SHANK3 Gene
Authors: Xu Quanmei , Wang Simei , Wang Yilin , Wang Chunmei , Zhang Yuanfeng , Wang Juefei , Luo Jinju , Chen Yucai
Published: August 2021

Background: Phelan-McDermid syndrome is a rare genetic disorder resulting from heterozygous deletion of 22q13.3 with the involvement of at least part of SHANK3 or a heterozygous pathogenic variant in SHANK3. We would like to explore the possible pathogenesis and therapeutic direction of PMS.Methods: We identified a child who harbored a de novo SHANK3 gene mutation and had a speech delay and mental retardation. This pathogenic mutation (c.3679dup, p.A1227Gfs*69) may lead to early termination of protein transcription and is speculated to cause changes in protein function. The gene expression profiles of family members were evaluated by RT-PCR, which showed that SHANK3 expression was significantly lower in the child than in the other family members. The sites of pathogenic and likely pathogenic mutations in the SHANK3 gene reported by ClinVar were searched, and the mutation sites were summarized and marked. Results: The relevant literature was reviewed to understand the current state of research progress and possible future treatment directions. Researchers have found that CDPPB is a potent and selective positive allosteric modulator of mGluR5. In addition, it is important to further study whether NMD is involved in the expression of SHANK3 and to further investigate PTCs.Conclusions: Genetic testing is essential for children with development delay. It’s necessary to do further research about the therapeutic direction.