bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus in cow milk and milk products in Ambo and Bako towns, Oromia, Ethiopia: Prevalence, associated risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram
Authors: Borena Bizunesh Mideksa , Gurmessa Feyera Tesema , Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Sarba Edilu Jorga , Marami Lencho Megersa
Published: September 2022

Background
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the foodborne gram-positive bacterial pathogens that cause staphylococcal food poisoning worldwide and can contaminate foods of animal origin. The current study was conducted in Ambo and Bako towns, Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence, associated risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in cow’s raw milk and milk products.
Results
The overall prevalence of S. aureus from milk and milk products was 15.6% (94/601) with the highest prevalence detected in bulk tank raw milk at 17.50% (14/80) and the lowest in ‘Ergo’ at 13.11% (8/61). Age of cows, previous history of treatment, stage of lactation, udder washing, use of towel for individual cow, tick infestation, hygiene of the milker and utensils, and use of disinfectant were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for S. aureus isolation at the individual cow level. Accordingly, a higher probability of getting infected with S. aureus was detected in cows aged 5 years old, crossbreeds, had a history of previous treatment, mid-lactation stage, no udder washing practiced, no individual towel used, tick infestation, and poor milking hygiene. Personnel hygiene, container hygiene, and use of disinfectants were the major risk factors that had a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with bulk tank milk contamination with S. aureus. The maximum S. aureus counts at the farm and restaurant levels were 1.92x104 CFU/mL and 1.86x104 CFU/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed a higher resistance of S. aureus against amoxicillin (98.48%), oxacillin (98.48%), ampicillin (98.48%), cefoxitin (92.42%), and tetracycline (83.33%), of which 43.94% of isolates showed multidrug resistance. The high prevalence of oxacillin and cefoxitin-resistant isolates, which is indicative of the existence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was also detected in the current study.
Conclusion
Higher prevalence of S. aureus and the multidrug-resistant isolates in milk and milk products is detected in study areas. Therefore, to make milk and milk products safe for human consumption, hygienic handling of milk and milk products, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are suggested.
High transcriptional activity and clinical correlations in eosinophils of patients with late-onset asthma
Authors: Lin Ting-Yu , Lo Chun-Yu , Chang Po-Jui , Lo Yu-Lun , Lee Chung-Shu , Chang Chih-Hao , Yu Chih-Teng , Yao Jonathan Huai , Lin Shu-Min
Published: September 2022

Background: The immunological features of eosinophils in early-onset asthma (EOA) differs from that in late-onset asthma (LOA). Clinical trials of anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma showed a better response for LOA patients than EOA patients. We wonder if the transcriptional activity of activated eosinophils was different in EOA and LOA.
Methods: Eosinophils obtained from well controlled EOA and LOA patients and normal subjects were compared in terms of the mRNA expression of activation-related genes (integrins α4 and β2, CCR3, CCR5, and IL-5Rα, and IL-17RA) and specific markers (IL-4Rα, prostaglandin D2 receptor 2, high-affinity IgE receptor, TGF-β1, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and endosomal TLR-3, 7, and 9) in eosinophils activated by IL-5 or IL-17. The correlation between mRNA expression and clinical features and lung function were further analyzed.
Results: The transcriptional expression of most genes was higher in activated eosinophils from LOA patients than in those from EOA patients and normal subjects. After IL-17 stimulation, the expression of certain genes was higher in atopic EOA patients than in non-atopic EOA patients. Similar observation was noted in obese EOA patients. After IL-5 stimulation, the transcriptional expression of most genes in eosinophils from LOA patients was negatively correlated with indicators of lung function. These correlations were less pronounced in EOA patients: After IL-17 stimulation, some genes in EOA patients were negatively correlated with post-bronchodilator changes in lung function. There was no significant correlation between mRNA expression and treatment control levels among LOA or EOA patients
Conclusion: This study describes differences in the transcriptional active patterns of eosinophils and their correlation to atopy and obese by age of onset. High transcriptional activity in activated eosinophils and a negative correlation to lung function indicate the importance of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of LOA.
Characterization of various Appel polynomials sequences
Authors: Drissi Driss
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we characterize various sequences of the Appell polynomials by means of the formula of representation of powers viewed from a linear operator perspective. First we construct some Gauss-Weierstrass integral representation operators for various sequence of Appell polynomials such as Euler-Frobenius polynomials, Degenerate Bernoulli polynomials, Bell-Touchard polynomials and for the generalized Tempesta-Bernoulli polynomials. Secondly, we introduce the Appell polynomials as well as the Hurwitz zeta function as eigenfunctions (eigenvectors) of certain well chosen discrete version of Gauss-Weierstrass integral operators. Our approach is inspired by the Gauss-Weierstrass transform for Hermite polynomials.
Empirical Study on Financial Literacy, Investors’ Personality, Overconfidence Bias and Investment Decisions and Risk Tolerance as Mediator Factor
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Rasheed Abdul
Published: September 2022

The key objective of this research paper is to estimate the impact of financial literacy, investor’s personality and overconfidence bias on investment decisions by using risk tolerance as a mediator variable. Inclusive finance makes numerous financial products and services accessible and affordable to the micro-finance community, remarkably those absent from the conventional financial system. Financial literacy is a leading factor affecting an individual's ability to access financial services. This study employed Structural Equation Modeling to investigate whether financial literacy and other personality traits affect investment decisions. The Regression results showed that financial literacy, investors' personality, and overconfidence bias are significantly relevant to risk tolerance and investment decisions (β = 0.128***, S.D = 0.047, t = 2.746; p < 1%; β 0.378***, S.D = 0.051, t = 7.414, p < 1%; β 0.269***, S.D = 0.052, t = 5.155, p < 1%; β 0.195***, S.D = 0.054, t = 3.619, p < 1%; β 0.371***, S.D = 0.055, t = 6.706, p < 1%; β0.195***, S.D = 0.061, t = 3.190, p < 1%). As mediation results showed, risk tolerance plays a significant role in financial literacy, investors' personality, overconfidence bias, and investment decisions (β = 0.024**, S.D = 0.011, t = 2.15, p < 5%; β = 0.024**, S.D = 0.011, t = 2.17, p < 5%; β = 0.047**, S.D = 0.018, t = 2.55, p < 5%). The implications of this study also provide valued recommendations for regulatory institutions to improve financial inclusion in the emerging market context.

JEL Classification: G40, G41
Crispr/cas-mediated Genome Editing in Mice for the Development of Drug Delivery Mechanism
Authors: SOWBHAGYA RAMACHANDREGOWDA , MUKTHA HARSHA , RAMAKRISHNAIAH THIPPENAHALLI NARASIMHAIAH , SURENDRA ADAGUR SUDARSHAN , TANVI YESUDAS , NIVITHA KARAYI , RAJASHEKARA SOMASHEKARA
Published: September 2022

Background: To manipulate particular locations in the bacterial genome, researchers have recently resorted to a group of unique sequences in bacterial genomes that are responsible for safeguarding bacteria against bacteriophages. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) are two such systems, each of which consists of an RNA component and an enzyme component.
Methods and Results: This review focuses primarily on how CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be used to make models to study human diseases in mice. Creating RNA molecules that direct endonucleases to a specific position in the genome are crucial for achieving a specific genetic modification. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has allowed scientists to edit the genome with greater precision than ever before. Researchers can use knock-in and knock-out methods to model human diseases like Neurological, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Conclusions: In terms of developing innovative methods to discover ailments for diseases/disorders, improved CRISPR/Cas9 technology will provide easier access to valuable novel animal models.
Distribution fractions and potential ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in mangrove sediments of the Greater Bay Area
Authors: Zhou Huan-Zhan , Wang Jun-Feng , Jiang Hui-Min , Cai Ze-Xiang , Tang Guan-Hui , Song Ding , Liu Sheng-Teng , Xu ZhiMin
Published: September 2022

The restoration of mangrove forests in coastal wetlands of China were constantly established since 1990s. However, various pollutants, especially for heavy metals (HMs), discharged with wastewater might present a significant risk to mangrove forests during the restoration. In this study, sediments of five typical mangrove wetlands with varying restoration years and management measures were collected to evaluate the distribution fractions and potential ecological risk of HMs in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Cd (0.2–1.6 mg/kg) was found in high concentrations in the exchangeable fraction (37.8–71.5%), whereas Cu (54.2–94.8 mg/kg), Zn (157.6-332.6 mg/kg), Cr (57.7-113.6 mg/kg), Pb (36.5–89.9 mg/kg) and Ni (29.7–69.5 mg/kg) primarily presented in residual fraction (30.8–91.9%). According to the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analysis, sediment Cd presented high level of pollution (3 ≤ Igeo≤4), while Zn and Cu showed with moderately pollution (1 ≤ Igeo≤2). Besides, high ecological risk of Cd was found in sediments of five mangroves, with risk assessment code (RAC) ranging from 45.9 to 84.2. Redundancy analysis revealed that the content of NO3−-N was closely related to that of HMs in sediments and, pH value and NO3−-N concentration affected the distribution of HMs geochemical fractions. Furthermore, pollutants discharged from industrial activities rather than mangrove forest planting years determined the pollution levels of HMs. Fortunately, strict drainage standards for industrial activities in Shenzhen significantly availed for decreasing HMs contents in mangrove sediments. Therefore, future development of mangrove conversion and restoration should be linked to the water purification in the GBA.
Podocyturia: an Earlier Biomarker of Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Habib Robert H. , Chehab Omar , Jalbout Nour Al , Tamim Hani , Makki Maha , Bejjani Martine El , Lima Joao , Badr Kamal F. , Eid Assaad
Published: September 2022

Urinary podocin and nephrin mRNAs were measured by quantitative PCR (podocyturia) in Type II diabetics with normal albumin excretion rates (AER) at baseline, at 3-4 years, and at 7 years. Development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was collected as outcome. Visit 1 podocyturia was significantly higher in subjects who subsequently developed CVD versus those who did not. Visit 1 AER terciles exhibited similar time to CVD, in contrast with stepwise and substantial increases in CVD events predicted by Visit 1 podocyturia terciles. Covariate-adjusted hazard ratios were highest for podocin, intermediate for nephrin mRNAs, and lowest for AER. Podocyturia was also measured in patients with and without significant coronary obstruction, and in 480 normoalbuminuric subjects at the enrolment visit to the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Podocyturia > 3 x106 copies was associated with presence of obstructive coronary artery disease. In the MESA population, Visit 1 podocyturia was significantly higher in men, subjects with elevated BMI, and those with Type II DM.
Conclusions: Podocyturia is an earlier predictor of cardiovascular events than moderate albuminuria, is significantly higher in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, and in subjects with established risk factors for CVD.
Global site-specific health impacts of fossil energy, steel mills, oil refineries and cement plants
Authors: Oberschelp Christopher , Pfister Stephan , Hellweg Stefanie
Published: September 2022

Climate change and particulate matter air pollution present major threats to human well-being by causing impacts on human health. Both are connected to key air pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), primary fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3), which are primarily emitted from energy-intensive industrial sectors. We present the first study to consistently link a broad range of emission measurements for these substances with site-specific technical data, emission models, and atmospheric fate and effect models to quantify health impacts caused by nearly all global fossil power plants, steel mills, oil refineries and cement plants. The resulting health impact patterns differ substantially from far less detailed earlier studies due to the high resolution of included data, highlighting in particular the key role of emission abatement at individual coal-consuming industrial sites in densely populated areas of Asia (Northern and North-Eastern India, Java in Indonesia, Eastern China), Western Europe (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands) as well as in the US. Of greatest health concern are the high SO2 emissions in India, which stand out due to missing flue gas treatment and cause a particularly high share of local health impacts despite a limited number of emission sites. At the same time, the massive infrastructure and export capacity build-up in China in recent years is taking a substantial toll on regional and global health and requires more stringent regulation than in the rest of the world due to unfavorable environmental conditions and high population densities. The current phase-out of highly emitting industries in Europe is found not to have started with sites having the greatest health impacts. Our detailed site-specific emission and impact inventory is able to highlight more effective alternatives and to track future progress.
Investigation and application of multi-dimensional safety risk evaluation index system for coal mines in South China
Authors: You Qi , Yao Qingguo , Song Ruixin , Yu Kai , Xu Cuicui , Cao Haiying
Published: September 2022

The occurrence condition of coal seam differs greatly among various regions in China. The uneven development of coal mine safety production level in the North and South China is prominent. Due to the influence of personnel, equipment, mining technology, and other factors, the mortality rate per million tons of coal mines in A province in South China is 27 times the national average level. At present, not only the common factors such as enterprise safety production and government supervision, but also the pressure of regulatory and accountability, the pressure of social stability maintenance, and the external factors such as drastic changes in coal prices, coal supply guarantee, carbon peak and carbon neutralization, have imposed a double impact on coal mining enterprises and government supervision. The situation of coal mine safety production across China is very complex. In order to scientifically figure out the safety risk situation of coal mining enterprises in special periods and special areas, this study takes government supervisors, enterprise managers, underground front-line workers, and external factors as subjects and constructs a multi-dimensional safety risk evaluation system for coal mines in terms of work quality, work pressure, and economic factors. By horizontally and longitudinally comparing the scores of different main index factors, this system can timely discover the problems and weaknesses of supervisors at different levels and managers and front-line workers of different coal mining enterprises in the same region in work quality, work pressure, and economy, which can provide specific targeted suggestions for enterprises and governments on the safety management and safety supervision. This study not only pays attention to the hidden danger screening, risk control, and other factors that can directly reduce enterprise safety risks, but also considers the impact of personnel pressure, economic factors, external environment, and policy changes on the performance of safety production responsibilities by enterprise managers, government supervisors, and enterprise front-line workers. This is an innovation of this study. Finally, based on various subjective and objective weight calculation methods, a new comprehensive weight formula is proposed.
Distinct genomic routes underlie transitions to specialised symbiotic lifestyles in deep sea annelid worms
Authors: Martín-Durán Jose , Moggioli Giacomo , Panossian Balig , Sun Yanan , Thiel Daniel , Martin-Zamora Francisco , Tran Martin , Clifford Alexander , Goffredi Shana , Rimskaya-Korsakova Nadezhda , Jekely Gaspar , Tresguerres Martin , Qian Pei-Yuan , Qiu Jian-Wen , Rouse Greg , Henry Lee
Published: September 2022

Annelids have repeatedly evolved symbioses that allow them to colonise extreme ecological niches, like hydrothermal vents and whale falls. Yet, the genetic principles sustaining these symbiotic lifestyles remain unclear. Here we show that different genomic adaptations underpin the symbioses of phylogenetically related annelids with distinct nutritional strategies. While genome compaction and extensive gene losses distinguish the heterotrophic symbiosis of the bone-eating worm Osedax frankpressi, gene gains define the chemoautotrophic symbiosis of deep-sea Vestimentifera. Endosymbionts ultimately compensate most metabolic deficiencies of the host, which include the loss of pathways to recycle nitrogen and synthesise carbohydrates and amino acids enriched in bones in O. frankpressi. Unlike in chemoautotrophic symbioses, innate immunity genes to acquire and control endosymbionts are reduced in O. frankpressi, which, however, has a unique expansion of matrix metalloproteases to digest collagen. Altogether, our study supports that the type of nutritional interaction influences host genome evolution in highly specialized symbioses.
Challenging diagnostic of an accessory spleen mimicking a retroperitoneal tumor: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zouaghi Alia , Miri Rim , Mesbahi Meryam , Zaafouri Haithem , Khanchel Fatma , Cherif Mona , Hadded Dhafer , Riahi Wassim , Benzarti Yazid , Mleyhi Sobhi , Ghedira Feker , Souli Aslem , Chammakhi Chiraz , Maamer Anis Ben
Published: September 2022

Background: The accessory spleen is a congenital defect with an additional splenic tissue to the native spleen due to an incomplete fusion of splenic masses during the embryologic period. The preoperative diagnosis is usually mistaken for a retroperitoneal neoplasm. The aim of the present manuscript is to highlight the diagnostic difficulties of a retroperitoneal spleen.
Case presentation: A 41-year-old woman was admitted to the surgical department for an abdominal mass discovered by auto palpation associated with a left lower quadrant pain. The computed tomographic scan showed a heterogeneous and partially necrotic retroperitoneal mass located along the left primitive iliac vessels. Arterial supply to the mass arose from the aorta and the left iliac vessel. The spleen was normal. MRI examination showed a left retroperitoneal heterogeneous and necrotic mass, surrounding the iliac vessels extended from the aortic to the left iliac bifurcation, hyper vascularized at the arterial time with a peripheral capsule intensely enhanced, and there were two other lateroaortic vascularized masses. The patient underwent laparotomy resection of the retroperitoneal mass. The examination of the specimen concluded to an accessory spleen. The postoperative course was uneventful.
Conclusion: An accessory spleen on the retroperitoneal position is extremely uncommon. Preoperative diagnosis is still challenging. The main misdiagnosis is neoplastic disease.
Electronic Structure and Hyperfine Interactions in Crx NbSe 2 (x = 0.33, 0.5) by DFT studies
Authors: Agzamova Polina , Ogloblichev Vasily
Published: September 2022

The first principles calculations of the electronic structure and hyperfine interactions of CrxNbSe2 (x = 0.33, 0.55) chalcogenides are presented. As a result, the values of the hyperfine fields and the parameters of the quadrupole interaction were determined for different arrangements of chromium ions. Ab initio calculations are compared with data obtained by the nuclear magnetic resonance methods on the 53Cr and 93Nb nuclei. It has been shown that Cr3+ ions have a high degree of hybridization of a1g and eg orbitals of 3d-electrons with 4d and 5s orbitals of niobium.It has been established that two nonequivalent environments of chromium ions coexist in Cr0.33NbSe2 compound.
Maximising sexual wellbeing in cancer care: findings from a qualitative process evaluation exploring healthcare professionals’ views on acceptability and usability of an eLearning resource
Authors: Cassells Claire Victoria , Semple Cherith Jane , Stothers Sheena Ruth , Bingham Sharon Linsey
Published: September 2022

Background
Provision of healthcare professional (HP)-led sexual support in cancer care is lacking. Guidelines recommend that HPs should lead on provision of sexual support; however, HPs report considerable challenges providing this care. Barriers include a lack of awareness around sexual concerns and strategies to help patients with cancer and partners cope, coupled with a lack of relevant training, access to supportive resources and signposting opportunities. To address this gap, the Maximising Sexual Wellbeing| Cancer Care eLearning resource (MSW|CC) was developed. Quantitative evaluation of the MSW|CC has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HPs attitudinal barriers to the provision of sexual support. This qualitative process evaluation seeks to explore the mechanisms that may influence HP engagement with MSW|CC and adoption into practice.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HPs who had completed the MSW|CC and were providing routine cancer care in health and social care settings in Northern Ireland. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflective thematic analysis.
Results
Seventeen participants were interviewed and four key themes were identified. [1] MSW|CC raises HPs awareness of the need for holistic sexual support as part of routine clinical care, [2] MSC|CC prepares and equips HPs to provide sexual support in cancer care, [3] MSW|CC is coherent, engaging and acceptable and [4] MSW|CC: Moving forward.
Conclusion
Important insights were provided into HPs perspectives on the MSW|CC, lending explanation for attrition rates within a previous study. Participants derived benefits from MSW|CC, deeming it an acceptable resource for implementation and integration by HPs across cancer care settings.
Design and FPGA realization of Incremental Fuzzy controller for Stirred Tank Heater
Authors: Mengesha Yeshiwas Fetene , Haile Endalew Ayenew
Published: September 2022

In this paper, Field programmable gate array (FPGA) realization of fuzzy PI controller for Stirred Tank Heater system is presented. The commonly used PI controller in industry though it is simple for implementation lacks reliability when the dynamics of a system changes with time. Replacing PI controllers with AI systems can lead an effective control of a system even in the presence of model uncertainties. The digital implementation of AI systems in DSP or Microcontrollers have limitations of low computational accuracy and slow processing speed. Now adays, FPGAs are being largely used for digital implementation of algorithms because of their higher computational speed and accuracy. In this paper, fast and novel design approach for rapid prototyping of Fuzzy PI controller for Stirred Tank Heater is presented thoroughly. System Generator SIMULINK add on from VIVADO is used to generate Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) directly from MATLAB. The developed controller for stirred tank system is verified in Fixed point arithmetic using Xilinx Simulink blocks. The VHDL code is then generated, synthesized, implemented and made ready for physical implementation on Kintex-7 evaluation board.
Psychological Assessment of a Sample of Relatives of People with Borderline Personality Disorder Compared to Relative of People without Psychological Disorders
Authors: Guillen Veronica , Bolo Sara , Fonseca-Baeza Sara , Pérez Sandra , García-Alandete Joaquin , Marco Heliodoro , Botella Cristina
Published: September 2022

Background: To date, several evidence-based interventions have been created to help relatives of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but few studies have analyzed the clinical situation of the family members. The aim of this study was to explore the possible existence of clinical symptomatology in a sample of relatives of people with BPD and compare it to a sample of relatives of the general population. The second aim was to explore the personality of the relatives in order to determine whether they have dysfunctional personality traits or meet the diagnostic criteria for PD. Method: The sample consisted of a total of 106 relatives, 60.4% were mothers, and 39.6% were fathers. The sample of relatives of the clinical population was selected from relatives of patients attending a Specialized PD Unit for treatment. The sample of relatives of the normal population was obtained with the collaboration of third- and fourth-year psychology students. To test for differences between the two groups, Student's t tests were performed for quantitative and quasi-quantitative variables, and chi-square (χ2) tests were performed for categorical variables. In addition, Cohen's d was calculated as a measure of the effect size.
Results: The results showed that family members of people with BPD present greater depressive and anxious symptomatology, higher levels of expressed emotion, and worse quality of life than the control group. In addition, a high percentage of the clinical sample (50%) met the diagnostic criteria for different Personality Disorders.
Conclusions: These data suggest that relatives may need psychological help in various aspects. Therapists are therefore advised to bear in mind the importance of carrying out a psychological assessment of family members and, if necessary, to offer psychological intervention. It is crucial to invite the family to be part of the treatment, they are part of the solution.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04160871. Registered November 15th 2019.
Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of waste bread by an amylolytic Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius strain TM333
Authors: Ibenegbu Christopher C. , Leak David J.
Published: September 2022

The starch in waste bread (WB) from industrial sandwich production was directly converted to ethanol by an amylolytic, ethanologenic thermophile (Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius strain TM333) under 5 different simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) regimes. Crude α-amylase from TM333 was used alone or in the presence of amyloglucosidase (AMG), a starch monomerizing enzyme used in industry, with/without prior gelatinisation/liquefaction treatments and P. thermoglucosidasiusTM333 fermentation compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a control. Results suggest that TM333 can ferment WB using SSF with yields of 94-100% of theoretical (based on all sugars in WB) in 48h without the need for AMG addition or any form of heat pre-treatment. This indicates that TM333 can transport and ferment all of the malto-oligosaccharides generated by its α-amylase. In the yeast control experiments, addition of AMG together with the crude α-amylase was necessary for full fermentation over the same time period. This suggests that industrial fermentation of WB starch to bio-ethanol or other products using an enhanced amylolytic P. thermoglucosidasius strain could offer significant cost savings compared to alternatives requiring enzyme supplementation.
Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Water Supply System Pipe Failures
Authors: Fan Xudong , Zhang Xijin , Yu Allen , Speitel Matthew , Yu Xiong
Published: September 2022

Climate change is projected to have profound impacts on the resilience and sustainability of built infrastructure. This study aims to understand the impacts of climate change on water supply systems and to facilitate adaptive actions. A premium database maintained by the Cleveland Water Division, Cleveland, Ohio, USA is analyzed. It contains 29,621 pipe failure records of 51,832 pipes over the past 30 years, representing one of the largest dataset in current literature. From the database, pipe failure rate models have been developed for water pipes made of different types of materials at different ages. The influence of climate (temperature and precipitation) on fragility of water pipes are obtained. Based on the developed climate-fragility failure rate models, the impacts of climate change on the water systems located in different geographic regions are evaluated by predicting the failure rate and number of failures in the water systems in the next 80 years (2020 to 2100). Climate models are used to predict weather under different climate change scenerios. The results demonstrate that the impacts of climate change on water supply system are likely complicated and are dependent upon factors such as the geographic location, pipe material, pipe age, and maintenance strategies. Water pipes in the cold regions may experience less number breaks due to the warmer weather and less servere winter, whereas those located in the hot regions may experience more failures associated with more corrosion. Different pipe replacement strategies are compared, which demonstrate the importance of considering the aging of water supply system in future maintenance decisions. This study enriches current understandings on the impacts of climate change on the water systems. The results will help water utilities to design climate change adaptation strategies.
Evaluation of Joint External Evaluation to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases mortality outcomes in 96 countries
Authors: Lee Yuri , Kim Siwoo , Lee Sieun , Kim Min Kyung , Gostin Lawrence O. , Oh Juhwan
Published: September 2022

Background
This study assessed the association between Joint External Evaluation (JEE) scores and Covid-19 and other infectious diseases performance in 96 countries. To propose a revised JEE tool, potential JEE indicators were also examined.
Methods
The JEE scores were extracted across 96 countries from 2016 to 2019. We used Covid-19, fatality rate, infections per million, and deaths per million as main outcomes. Influenza, pneumonia, HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, Hepatitis B, and childhood vaccinations were included as other infectious diseases performance. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universal Health Coverage (UHC) index and others were reviewed as potential JEE indicators. We used multiple regression to assess the association between JEE scores and Covid-19 and infectious diseases performance. Then, Covid-19 outcomes and influenza and pneumonia mortality rates were regressed on potential JEE indicators.
Results
An average JEE score was 2.70 (SD = 0.92) in 96 countries. The detection (3.23) and other areas (2.30) sections received the highest and the lowest score, respectively. A positive association between the Covid-19 outcomes and the JEE scores was found. However, JEE scores and the other infectious diseases performance showed a negative association. The SDGs 2,4, and 8 were strongly associated with Covid-19 outcomes.
Conclusion
The JEE scores showed poor predictive value against the Covid-19 mortality outcomes in 96 countries. Thus, a revised JEE tool is needed to better prepare for future public health crisis.
Deep learning predicts patients’ outcome and mutations from H&E slides in Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
Authors: fu yu , Karanian Marie , Perret Raul , Camara Axel , Loarer François Le , Jean-Denis Myriam , Hostein Isabelle , Michot Audrey , Ducimetiere Françoise , Giraud Antoine , Courreges Jean-Baptiste , Courtet Kevin , LAIZET Yech'an , Bendjebbar Etienne , Du Terrail Jean Ogier , Schmauch Benoit , Maussion Charles , Blay Jean Yves , Italiano Antoine , Coindre Jean-Michel
Published: September 2022

Background. Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) have activating mutations of KITor PDGFRA genes and imatinib has proven effective in palliative and adjuvant situations. Risk assessment according to the AFIP/Miettinen classification and mutational profiling are major tools for management of patients with GIST. However, the AFIP/Miettinen classification depends heavily on mitotic counts, which is laborious and sometimes inconsistent between pathologists. It has also been shown to be imperfect in stratifying patients. Molecular testing is costly and time consuming, therefore not systematically performed in all countries. New methods to improve risk and molecular predictions are hence crucial to improve the tailoring of adjuvant therapy.
Methods. We have built deep learning (DL) models on digitized H&E-stained whole slide images (WSI) to predict patients’ outcome and mutations. Models were trained with a cohort of 1233 GIST and validated on an independent cohort of 286 GIST. All WSIs from center 1 are available under controlled access at the European Genome-phenome Archive via accession number X(process is ongoing, will be completed at publication).
Results. DL models outperformed the Miettinen classification for relapse-free-survival prediction in localized GIST without adjuvant Imatinib (C-index=0.83 in testing and 0.72 for independent validation). DL splitted Miettinen intermediate risk GIST into high/low risk groups(p-value=2.1e-03). DL models achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.81, 0.91 and 0.71 for predicting mutations in KIT, PDGFRA and wild type respectively in testing and 0.84, 0.93 and 0.56 in independent validation. Notably, PDGFRA exon18 D842V mutation which is resistant to Imatinib, was predicted with an AUC of 0.87 and 0.90 in testing and independent validation, respectively. Additionally, novel histological criteria predictive of patients’ outcome and mutations were identified by reviewing the tiles selected by the models.
Conclusions. Our results strongly suggest that implementing DL with digitized WSI may represent a reproducible way to improve tailoring therapy and precision medicine for patients with GIST.
An Iceberg I can’t handle: A qualitative inquiry on perceptions towards paediatric rheumatology among healthcare workers in Kenya.
Authors: MIGOWA ANGELA NYANGORE , Bernatsky Sasha , Ngugi Anthony , Foster Helen E , Muriuki Peterrock , Lusambili Adelaide , Luchters Stanley
Published: September 2022

Background
Delay in diagnosis and access to specialist care are huge problems for many children and young people with rheumatic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Most children with symptoms of rheumatic disease present to non-specialists for care. There is an urgent need to understand and scale-up paediatric rheumatology knowledge and skills amongst non-specialist clinicians, to promote early diagnosis, prompt referral, and management.
Purpose
We evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards diagnosis and care of paediatric rheumatology patients among health care workers in Kenya.
Methods
We conducted 12 focus group discussions with clinical officers (third-tier community health workers) nurses, general practitioners and paediatricians across 6 regions in Kenya. Interviews were conducted on zoom, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using NVIVO software.
Results
A total of 68 individuals participated; 11 clinical officers, 12 nurses, 10 general practitioners, 27 paediatricians and 7 others. Most (n = 53) were female, and the median age was 36 years (range 31–40 years). Half the participants (34 of 68) worked in public health facilities. Our study revealed gaps in knowledge of paediatric rheumatology amongst healthcare workers, which contributes to late disease diagnosis and poor management. Healthcare workers reported both positive and negative attitudes towards diagnosis and care of paediatric rheumatological diseases. Perceived complexity and lack of knowledge in the diagnosis and management, in addition to unclear health system clinical pathways, made all cadres of healthcare workers feel helpless, frustrated, inadequate and incompetent to manage paediatric rheumatology patients. Positive attitudes arose from a perceived feeling that paediatric rheumatology patients pose unique challenges and learning opportunities.
Conclusion
There is an urgent need to educate healthcare workers and improve health systems for paediatric rheumatology patients.
Prevalence of dietary supplements consumption among CrossFit practitioners
Authors: Quaresma Marcus V.L. Dos Santos , Marques Camila Guazzelli , Magalhães Ana Carolina Oumatu , Cirillo Letícia , Ciudi Roberta Beltrame , Oliveira Lucas Scalabrin , Santos Ronaldo Vagner Thomatieli dos , Nakamoto Fernanda Patti
Published: September 2022

Purpose: We aimed to determine the prevalence of the use of supplements among CFPs. Moreover, we sought to elucidate which factors may be associated with dietary restraint, a dimension of eating behavior that seems to be crucial for food intake, energy availability, fatigue, and performance.
Methods CFPs aged 18-64 years (n = 112; 57 male; 55 female) were included in this cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study. They answered an online questionnaire containing questions to assess prevalence, type, and reasons for supplements use, besides information about sociodemographic variables and prevalence of the main chronic morbidities. To analyze aspects of eating behavior, the “Three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) - R21" was used. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI) was used to assess sleep time and quality.
Results: Eighty-seven CFPs (50 male; 37 female) reported currently use of dietary supplements. Whey protein was the most used supplement (n = 70), followed by creatine (n = 54). Eating behavior dimensions of emotional eating, binge eating, and cognitive restraint displayed no differences between genders and CFPs of levels.
Conclusion: CFPs seem to be using some supplements with purposes which conflict with those supported by scientific evidence. Regarding eating behavior dimensions, physical exercise may be able to suppress emotional eating, possibly justifying the lack of difference in our results. The use of supplement is prevalent among CF practitioners, but it seems they need nutrition education.
Anatomic Variations Of The Superior Thyroidal Artery Origin And Its Clinical Effects: A Study In 375 Selective Carotid Angiograms
Authors: Eraslan Önder , Ergun Onur , Birgi Erdem , Temir Ertan , Durmaz Hasanali , Conkbayır Işık , Hekimoğlu Baki
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effects of long-term dietary zinc oxide nanoparticle on liver function, deposition and absorption of trace minerals in intrauterine growth retardation pigs
Authors: Zhou Binbin , Li Jian , Zhang Jiaqi , Liu huijuan , Chen Shun , He Yudan , Wang Tian , Wang Chao
Published: September 2022

To investigate the long-term effects of dietary zinc oxide nanoparticle (Nano-ZnO) on the relative organ weight, liver function, deposition and absorption of trace minerals in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) pigs, piglets were allocated to NBW (6 normal birth weight piglets fed basal diets), IUGR (6 IUGR piglets fed basal diets) and IUGR + NZ (6 IUGR piglets fed basal diets + 600 mg Zn/kg from Nano-ZnO) groups at weaning (21 days of age), which were sampled at 163 days of age. There were no noteworthy changes in the relative weight of organs, hepatic histomorphology, serum alkaline phosphatase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activities, and Mn, Cu and Fe concentrations in leg muscle, liver, tibia and feces among the IUGR, NBW and IUGR + ZN groups (P > 0.05), and no intact Nano-ZnO in the jejunum, liver and muscle were observed, while dietary Nano-ZnO increased the Zn concentrations in tibia, liver, serum and feces (P < 0.05), and mRNA expression of metallothionein (MT) 1A, MT2A, solute carrier family 39 member (ZIP) 4, ZIP14, ZIP8, divalent metal transporter 1, solute carrier family 30 member (ZnT) 1, ZnT4 and metal regulatory transcription factor 1, and ZIP8 protein expression in jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that dietary Nano-ZnO increased the relative optical density intensity of ZIP8 (mainly expressed in cells of brush border) and MT2A (mainly expressed in villus lamina propria and glands/crypt) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, long-term dietary Nano-ZnO showed no obvious side-effects on the development of the major organs, liver function and metabolism of Cu, Fe and Mn in IUGR pigs, while it increased the Zn absorption and deposition via enhancing the expression of transporters (MT, ZIP and ZnT families) in jejunum, rather than via endocytosis as the form of intact nanoparticles.
Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial pathogens in two tertiary care hospitals in Damascus, Syria: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdelwahed Rawan N. K. , Jassem Manaf , Kakaje Ameer , Kharat Mohammed , Alkhoury Michael , Kanaan Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background
Antibiotics resistance is a major concern as it renders antibiotics ineffective, which would have disastrous effects on patient care. The contribution of the Middle Eastern countries in limiting antimicrobial resistance is diminished due to instability and deteriorating healthcare infrastructure. This study aims to report on the antimicrobial resistance pattern in two tertiary care hospitals in Damascus, the capital of Syria in bloods, sputum, urine and others.
Methods
A cross-sectional study based on reports of bacterial cultures was performed between April and November in 2020 in microbiology labs of Damascus Hospital and Al-Razi Hospital. Identification of bacteria was performed using standard microbiological procedures. Susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion method. Interpretation of the results was done according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences version 26.
Results
412 cultures were positive for pathogens. Most frequently isolated pathogens were Enterobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Enterobacter was completely sensitive to doripenem and cefoperazone-sulbactam. The resistance rates of Staphylococcus aureus to vancomycin and linezolid were 23.5% and 24.5%, respectively. Escherichia coli was resistant to ciprofloxacin in 72.4% of samples. Klebsiella pneumonia had shown various resistance rates to all used antibiotics. Females had significantly higher frequency of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in urine samples, while males had significantly higher frequency of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis.
Conclusions
This study highlighted the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Damascus Hospital and Al-Razi Hospital, two of major hospitals in Damascus. The decreasing potency of antimicrobials is concerning and may require urgent interventions, such as effective surveillance, development of national guidelines for prescribing antibiotics to treat common infections, and awareness campaigns in the community.
Residual malaria transmission in central-western Senegal: role and bionomics of the local populations of Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles melas
Authors: SY Ousmane , Sarr Pape , Assogba Benoit , Nourdine Mouhamed , Ndiaye Assane , Konaté Lassana , Faye Ousmane , Donnelly Martin Jemes , Gaye Oumar , Weatman David , Niang Elhadji Amadou
Published: September 2022

Background
Understanding the behavior and ecology of local malaria vectors is essential for the effectiveness of the commonly used vector-targeted malaria control tools in areas of low malaria transmission. This study was conducted to determine species composition, biting behavior and infectivity of the major Anophelesvectors of Plasmodium falciparum in low transmission settings in central western Senegal.
Methods
Adult mosquitoes were collected using human landing catches (HLCs) during two consecutive nights and Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSCs) in 30 to 40 randomly selected rooms, from July 2017 to December 2018 in three villages. Anopheline mosquitoes were morphologically identified using conventional keys; their reproductive status assessed by ovary dissections, and a sub-sample of An. gambiae s.l. were identified to species level using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasmodium sporozoite infections were detected using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR).
Results
During this study 3684 Anopheles were collected of which 97% were An. gambiae s.l., 0.6% were Anopheles funestus and 2.4% were Anopheles pharoensis. Molecular identification of 1877 An. gambiae s.l. revealed a predominance of An. arabiensis (68.7%), followed by An. melas (28.8%) and An. coluzzii (2.1%). The overall human biting rate of An. gambiae s.l. was highest in the inland site of Keur Martin with 4.92 bites per person per night, while it was similar in the deltaic site, Diofior (0.51) and the coastal site, Mbine Coly (0.67). Parity rates were similar in An. arabiensis (45%) and An. melas (42%). Sporozoite infections were detected in both An. arabiensis and An. melas with the respective infection rates of 1.39% (N=8) and 0.41% (N=1).
Conclusion
Results suggest that low residual malaria in central western Senegal is transmitted by An. arabiensis and An. melas. Consequently, both vectors will need to be targeted as part of malaria elimination efforts in this area of Senegal.
Sentiment Analysis On Current Political Topics In Pakistan’s Twitter User Bases
Authors: Ibupoto Naeem Ahmed , Rasheed Zeeshan , Ashraf Shahzad
Published: September 2022

A micro-blogging social media offers a way to the people around the world to show their sentiments about any political, social and cultural issue of the time. In this paper, sentimental analysis approach has been used to analyse the positive and negative comments of Pakistani people about some top trending political issues of Pakistan between Januarys to July 2018. The collected data was processed by using Python program with the help of SQL query and database. We have used graphs and tables to present the data, collected under five hashtags; which were top trending political topics of that time. Results were analysed and compared with the present situation and the results were then presented with outcomes after analysis. It is clear from the results and comparison that social media has a strong influence in the present era and can be used as a predictor of any political situation prevailing in the country.
Analysis of Surrogate-Assisted Information-Geometric Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Akimoto Youhei
Published: September 2022

Surrogate functions are often employed to reduce the number of objective function evaluations in a continuous optimization. However, their effects have seldom been investigated theoretically. This paper analyzes the effect of a surrogate function in the information-geometric optimization (IGO) framework, which includes as an algorithm instance a variant of the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy---a state-of-the-art solver for black-box continuous optimization. We derive a sufficient condition on the surrogate function for the parameter update in the IGO algorithms to point to a descent direction of the objective function expected over the search distribution. The condition is expressed in terms of three measures of correlation between the objective function and the surrogate function. Our result constitutes a partial justification for the use of a surrogate function in IGO algorithms.