bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the SCREENIVF among Persian infertile couples
Authors: Kargar Somaye Taghadosi , Elyasi Forouzan , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Peyvandi Sepideh , fallah behnoud , Aghmashhadi Fatemeh Yahya Poor , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUNDTo determine the face, content and construct validity of the Persian version of SCREENIVF for the infertile Iranian population.METHODSThis was a methodological study of the psychometric properties of SCREENIVF. This report describes process and principles used in translation and cultural adaption of SCREENIVF on 20 infertile couples.RESULTSDuring the process, cultural differences were quantified and taken into account. Results from qualitative face validity indicated that all items have equal or higher effect scores than 1.5(1.5 score effect), which shows the importance of these cases in infertile couples. In measuring the content validity ratio, all cases' scores were higher than 51% in Lawsche table (51% for 14 experts). The content validity ratio scores for all cases were equal or greater than 0.57, so items were identified as "essential". The entire instrument's internal correlation was estimated by using alpha Cronbach 0.89, which shows significant reliability. Results from construct validity represents that five factor structure of SCREENIVF has a good fit to the observe data.LIMITATIONSThe researchers must be aware of the culture-based constraints for data collected through the questionnaire. Therefore, further studies are highly recommended with the larger sample size.CONCLUSIONIt seems that the Persian version of SCREENIVF is valid and reliable and can be used to screen for emotional risk factors in infertile couples under treatment in infertility clinics in Iran.
Hydrocolloids: Structure, preparation method, and application in food and pharmaceutical industries
Authors: pirsa sajad , Hafezi Kosar
Published: May 2022

Hydrocolloids are hydrophilic biopolymers with high molecular weight that act as thickeners, gelling agents, and foam and emulsion stabilizers. Also hydrocolloids act as inhibitors of the growth and expansion of ice crystals in frozen materials, and inhibitors of the growth of sugar crystals in different industries. Hydrocolloids are used not only to improve the rheological and textural properties of food products, but also are used as fat substitutes. Also hydrocolloids are used in the production of low-calorie foods and also their beneficial nutritional properties (non-absorbable fiber in the human body) causes their extensive application in the food industry. Although the use of hydrocolloids in food systems is low and in concentrations of one percent and less, but the presence of hydrocolloids has an important effect on the texture and organoleptic properties of diet foods. Food hydrocolloids or gums are high molecular weight hydrophilic biopolymers that are used as functional compounds in the food industry. Hydrocolloids are the most widely used additive in the food industry that have a variety of properties and applications, including dietary fiber as well as gluten and fat substitutes. Hydrocolloids are obtained from plants, animals, microorganisms, and modified biopolymers. Zedo gum is one of the plant hydrocolloids and secreted from almond tree which is native to Iran and has many medicinal and nutritional, food and industrial applications. The purpose of this article is to review hydrocolloids and their application in food, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Therefore, this article discusses the structure, origin, preparation methods, extraction and the applications of hydrocoloids in various industries.
Effectiveness and Predictors of Conversion in Mini-Laparotomy Cholecystectomy in Developing Country: A cohort retrospective study
Authors: Handaya Adeodatus Yuda , Andrew Joshua , Hanif Ahmad Shafa , Tjendra Kevin Radinal , Aditya Azriel Farrel Kresna
Published: May 2022

Background
Mini laparotomy cholecystectomy (MLC) is an alternative surgical procedure in conditions where laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is not feasible. MLC is a simpler and easier technique compared to LC. MLC involves smaller skin incision, low morbidity rate, and early return to oral diet. MLC has the potential to be the preferred surgical technique in developing countries due to its low cost and availability.
Method
A cohort retrospective study was performed on 44 patients who underwent mini laparotomy cholecystectomy due to ineligibility for LC. Patients were documented for successful mini laparotomy or conversion to laparotomy cholecystectomy. There are pre-operative aspects recorded and analyzed to formulate predictor factors for conversion surgery, as well as intra-operative and post-operative aspects. Patients also filled evaluation questionnaire based on Likert Scale about their satisfaction towards result of MLC.
Result
MLC is performed in 31 (70.5%) patients while 13 (29.5%) patients underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy. There were no complications nor mortalities observed during and after the surgery. Greater BMI, higher leucocyte count, higher bilirubin level, increasing severity of adhesion, and chronic cholecystitis were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the conversion surgery group. MLC also resulted in shorter post-operative hospitalization compared to conversion surgery. Patients showed great satisfaction towards the cosmetic aspect and recovery period after MLC procedure.
Conclusion
MLC is an effective surgery procedure for cholelithiasis and can be safely performed in patients with complication such as cholecystitis and gallbladder adhesion although these conditions increase the risk of conversion surgery.
Health services supervision in a protracted crisis: A qualitative study into supportive supervision practices in South Sudan.
Authors: Lutwama George William , Sartison Lodi Joseph , Yugi James Onyango , Nehemiah Taban Nickson , Gwang Zechreya Michael , Kibos Barbara Akita , Jacobs Eelco
Published: May 2022

Background: The health system in South Sudan faces extreme domestic resource constraints, low capacity, and protracted humanitarian crisis. Supportive supervision is believed to improve the quality of health care and service delivery by compensating for flaws in the health workforce management. This study aimed to understand the current practices of supervision in South Sudan and identify areas for quality improvement.Methods: The study employed qualitative approaches to collect and analyse data from six purposefully selected counties. Data were collected from 194 participants using semi-structured interviews (43 health managers) and focus group discussions (151 health workers). We used thematic content analysis to yield an in-depth understanding of the supervision practices in the health sector.Results: The study found that integrated supportive supervision and monitoring visits were the main approaches used. Supportive supervision focused more on health system administration and less on clinical matters. Although fragmented, supportive supervision was carried out quarterly while monitoring visits were either conducted monthly or ad hoc. Prioritization for supportive supervision was mainly data driven. Paper-based checklists were the most used supervision tools. Many supervisors had no formal training on supportive supervision and only learned on-the-job. The health workers got on-site verbal feedback and most times on-the-job training sessions through coaching and mentorship. Action plans developed during supervision were inadequately followed up due to insufficient funding. Insecurity, poor road networks, lack of competent health managers, poor coordination, and lack of adequate means of transport were some of the challenges experienced during supervision. The presumed outcomes of supportive supervision were improvements in human resource management, drugs management, health data reporting, teamwork, and staff respect for one another.Conclusion: Supportive supervision remains a daunting task in the South Sudan health sector due to a combination of external and health system factors. Our study findings suggest that strengthening the processes and providing inputs for supervision should be prioritised if quality improvement is to be attained. This necessitates stronger stewardship from Ministry of Health, integration of different supervision practices, investment in the capacity of the health workforce, and health infrastructure development.
Responses of anammox process to Ni(II): Reactor performance, Mechanisms and Inhibition Recovery
Authors: Li Yu-Qi , Zhao Bai-Hang , Sun Qi , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yu-Qing , Li Jun
Published: May 2022

The Responses of anammox process to Ni(II) were studied here. Anammox was the dominant reaction with Ni(II) concentrations no more than 25 mg/L. 1 mg/L of Ni(II) addition promoted nitrogen removal by Anammox. The higher the Ni(II) concentrations and longer exposure time, the more inhibition for anammox bacteria was gotten. The IC50 of Ni(II) to Anammox was determined as 83.86 mg/L by an exponential regression equation. The relative abundance of Planctomycetia in an anammox system with 100 mg/L Ni(II) addition decreased by 18.45% compared with that without Ni(II) addition. The inhibition of Ni(II) on anammox activity was mainly attributed to intracellular accumulation Ni(II) inhibition to HDH activity and microbial diversity. Two times increase of IC50 after 4 times circles of domestication suggests multiple intermittent domestication can increase the tolerance of anammox bacteria to Ni(II). EDTA washing can eliminate the inhibition of anammox activity by Ni(II) with Ni(II) addition no more than 25 mg/L. Our study provides an insight for practical engineering applications of anammox to treat ammonia-rich sewage containing Ni(II).
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in and around Aba-Asrat Monastery following Chemoga River, east Gojjam zone, northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Amsalu Nigussie , Regassa Reta
Published: May 2022

Background: The study was undertaken with the general objective of providing documentation of traditional medicinal plants (MPs), and associated indigenous knowledge of the people inhabiting in and around Aba-Asrat Monastery, East Gojjam Zone, North western Ethiopia. Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observation and focus group discussions in the field. A total of 160 (100 males and 60 females) informants were interviewed. The collected data were assessed quantitatively using various measures like fidelity level (FL), paired comparison, preference and direct matrix rankings. Results: Results of ethnobotanical study revealed a total of 81 medicinal plant species belonging to 77 genera and 48 families were recorded which are used to treat human and livestock ailments. Asteraceae with nine (9.68%) species and Solanaceae with seven (7.53%) species were families represented by more species in the study areas. Herbs were found to be the most widely used life forms which account for 42 (45.16%) followed by shrubs 29 (31.18%). The most frequently used plant parts were the leaves followed by the roots. The highest FL values were recorded for Plumbago zeylanica and Prunus africana having highest scores (100%) that treat diseases like wounds, eczema and fibril illness. Nicotiana tabacum was the most preferred plant species against leech for livestock. Conclusions: The major threats to plants in the study area were overgrazing, fire wood collection, agricultural expansion and charcoal. It is therefore, recommended that the declining plants species in the study area call for encouragement of sustainable use, conserve and manage it together with the MPs sheltered in it.
Process optimization for the rapid conversion of calcite into hydroxyapatite microspheres for chromatographic applications
Authors: Ashokan Anbuthangam , Kumar T S Sampath , Jayaraman Guhan
Published: May 2022

Microsphere hydroxyapatite (HAp) is widely used in various biomedical and chromatographic applications. The work described in this manuscript focuses on a dissolution precipitation method for production of HAp microspheres. This method overcomes certain drawbacks of conventional preparation methods used for HAp preparation, which produce polydisperse particles and are time-consuming and expensive. In the present work, the calcium carbonate (calcite) particles were directly and rapidly converted into HAp microspheres using an inexpensive dissolution precipitation method. The effects of the reaction temperature, time, and mechanical stirring rates were studied, and the reaction parameters were optimized. As confirmed by the XRD studies, the higher reaction temperature and time promote complete HAp conversion, while calcite residues were observed for lower temperatures and times. SEM images show the influence of reaction parameters on the surface microstructure of the microspheres produced. It was observed that the HAp microspheres undergo disintegration at a higher stirring rate. The reaction parameters optimized in this work were ideal for preparing HAp microspheres. The resultant HAp particles were utilized as matrices for chromatographic separation of protein mixtures.
A computational evaluation of FDA medicines' ability to inhibit Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD-2) for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Authors: Chandrasekaran Jaikanth , Balasubramaniam Jayasudha
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 infection is associated with a significant fatality rate in individuals suffering from severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Among the several possibilities, inhibition of Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase-2 or prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD2) in a hypoxia independent way is a prospective therapeutic target for the treatment of ARDS. Vadadustat, Roxadustat, Daprodustat, Desidustat, and Enarudustat are the available clinical trial inhibitors. This study is proposed to focus on the repurposing of FDA approved drugs as effective PHD2 inhibitors. This computational study utilizes e-pharmacophore hypothesis generation from the native ligand-protein complex (PDB ID: 5OX6) based on XP Visualizer information. The hypothesis containing five essential features (AAANR) was incorporated for FDA database screening, followed by Glide XP molecular docking and Prime MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations. Top scored ligands were investigated and Fenbufen was identified as an effective PHD-2 inhibitor by comparing with the native co-crystal ligand (Vadadustat). The manual lead optimization of Fenbufen structure was adopted to improve inhibitory potency, by increasing the binding affinity and protein-ligand stability. The newly designed compounds B and C showed additional binding interactions, excellent docking scores, binding free energy, and an acceptable range of ADME properties. Also, Fenbufen and Compound C owned preferable protein-ligand stability during MD simulation when compared with the co-crystallized clinical trial ligand. Based on our findings we deduce that Fenbufen can be proposed as an effective repurposable candidate as its structural modification showed a remarkable improvement in PHD2 inhibition.
Bedside gastrointestinal ultrasound combined with acute gastrointestinal injury score to guide enteral nutrition therapy in critically patients
Authors: Lai Jiawei , Chen Linli , Huang Daofeng , Chen Shuhong , Lin Jinzhan , Zheng Qingjiang
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND—To use gastric ultrasound to evaluate function and to determine the start time of enteral nutrition (EN) in patients with acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI).METHODS—We reviewed records from 105 patients who suffered AGI levels two (AGI II). We recorded several data points, including ultrasonographic transverse area of gastric antrum (CSA), left descending colonic or right ascending colonic diameter (D), colonic peristatic frequency (F), EN start time, EN dose, prealbumin (PA), and EN complications. The recovery of intestinal function after EN treatment was judged as success. If there was EN treatment complication, this was judged as failure. We analyzed the changes in gastrointestinal function after EN treatment, to determine feeding time.RESULTS—There were 69 patients in the successful group, and 36 in the failure group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, intraperitoneal pressure (IAP), APACHE II, PA and disease composition (p> 0.05).There were significant differences in terms of EN startup time, CSA, D, F, and PA, between the EN success and failure groups. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that combined CSA , D,F evaluation determined the best time to start EN.CONCLUSIONS—Monitoring gastric antrum transversal area, colonic diameter, colonic peristatic frequency using ultrasound can guide the timing of initiation of enteral nutrition treatment.
Validation of an instrument in Latin America to measure fear perception of the consequences of a large-scale war (War-effect)
Authors: Mejia Christian R. , Esteban Renzo Felipe Carranza , Mamani-Benito Oscar , Garlisi-Torales Luciana D , Bautista-Pariona Anthony , Vega-Useche Camilo , Cedillo-Balcázar Jamil , Braga-Souza Edilaine , Botello Carlos Jesus Iglesias , Ortiz Vanessa , Armada José , Rivera-Lozada Oriana
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The Russia-Ukraine war brought immediate and delayed socio-economic consequences. All the repercussions, in general, caused fear all over the world. Objective: To validate an instrument for measuring fear perception caused by the consequences of a large-scale war in Latin American citizens. Methodology: Instrumental study, 1705 residents of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and other countries were surveyed through a virtual format. A literature search, expert judgment, preliminary (then exploratory and confirmatory) analysis, as well as reliability assessment were carried out. Results: It started with 13 questions, the skewness and kurtosis values of the questions did not exceed the range ± 1.5 and showed significant correlations (>0.30). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index (0.962) and Bartlett's test (19558.5; df = 78; p = 0.000) had good indicators. The parallel analysis suggested a single factor, which explained 75.59% of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis generated an instrument with six items (χ2 = 47.33, df = 9, p = 0.001; RMR = 0.010; GFI = 0.990; CFI = 1.00; TLI = 0.990; and RMSEA = 0.050), with an overall Cronbach's Alpha = 0.949 (95% CI = 0.94 - 0.95). Conclusion: A six-item instrument that measures the perception of fear caused by the consequences of a large-scale war was validated in half a dozen Latin American countries. This short and valid instrument can be administered to a broad population in Latin America.
An assessment of the local sea-level budget and the present trajectory of sea-level rise at tide-gauge locations
Authors: Frederikse Thomas , Hamlington Benjamin , Harvey Thomas , Sweet William , Fenty Ian , Wang Ou , Fukumori Ichiro
Published: May 2022

Local sea-level changes deviate from the global mean and unforced variability often masks sea-level changes driven by greenhouse forcing. Both cause difficulties when local observations are compared to projections. We present two analyses of local sea level aiming at improving understanding local causes of sea-level rise and variability. First, we analyse local sea-level budgets at 557 tide-gauge locations from 1993-2019. On average, the sum of contributing processes explains 49% of the observed inter-annual variance. Sterodynamic processes explain most of the variability. The average observed trend is 2.6 mm yr-1 with contributors summing up to 2.7 mm yr-1. Secondly, we extrapolate the current trajectory of sea-level rise and estimate how unforced variability can mask or exaggerate future long-term sea-level changes. Unforced variability can cause sea-level changes up to multiple decimeters on 30-year time scales, and the differences between projections and the trajectory are thus generally not significant.
Development of a Multidimensional Pain Questionnaire in Professional Dance (MPQDA): a pilot study
Authors: Haenel Jasmin , Schoettker-Koeniger Thomas , Wanke Eileen M.
Published: May 2022

Background: Pain is part of the everyday life of professional dancers. It can indicate health risks and impair the ability to work. Suitable screening tools can be used to identify pain and its risk potential. A comprehensive, multidimensional, differentiated assessment tool for pain in professional dance does not currently exist.Methods: An initial questionnaire was developed in German and English and was assessed in a qualitative pretest. In a field study with a cross-sectional design including n = 72 dancers from Germany (n = 36 responses each in the English and German language versions), the questionnaire was optimized by item analysis, its psychometric properties (dimensionality, construct validity, reliability) were examined and the ability of the pain dimensions to classify the subjective ability to work in training was analyzed (ROC analysis).Results: The developed Multidimensional Pain Questionnaire in Professional Dance (MPQDA) was reduced and optimized in its psychometric properties. Regarding the subjective ability to work in training, the variables of the ability to work in rehearsals and in performances, as well as the accompanying symptoms of tension and mobility restrictions, showed a relatively good classification ability (Area under the Curve (AUC) ≥ 0.7 in the 95% confidence interval) and significant, moderate to strong correlations (Somers' D > 0.25, p < 0.05). The classification ability of the other pain dimensions was largely absent or poor.Conclusion: The MPQDA differentiates various pain dimensions in professional dancers and is available in a compatible manner in German and English. The clinical relevance needs to be explored further in the future.
New generation of nanozyme based-tooth bleaching gel with dual effect: tooth whitening and enamel microhardness improving
Authors: Jafari Samira , Meimanatabadi Mohsen
Published: May 2022

Teeth discoloration is one of prevalent aesthetic concerns resulted from intrinsic/ extrinsic reasons. Bleaching process can be a valuable treatment for patients with severe discolorations, which can cause an immediate change in their teeth color. According to literature review, use of commercial products owing to their high concentration of hydrogen peroxide can lead to lessen the enamel microhardness. Regarding these issues, the purpose of this present scenario is the design of novel three-components dental bleaching systems based on cerium oxide (CeO2) nanozyme with dual impact, whitening of teeth as well as enhancement of the enamel microhardness. This system composed of three sections: whitening gel (i.e. gel includes H2O2), the activator gel (i.e. gel includes CeO2 nanozyme) and supplemental gel (i.e. gel includes hydroxyapatite). Base on in vitro and clinical studies, the synthesized whitening system not only is able to bleach the stained teeth but also possesses the microhardness improvement ability. Interestingly, the clinical case reports in current study reveal the remarkable change of tooth color by using the prepared in-office whitening dental gel.
Investigation of Elemental Deposition in Lamdong Province (Vietnam) by the Moss Biomonitoring Method and Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Khiem Le Hong , Sang Nguyen Thi Minh , An Son Nguyen , Minh Truong Van , Anh Tran Tuan , Thang Ho Huu , Nam Le Dai
Published: May 2022

The results of an investigation of heavy metal air pollution in Lamdong province (Vietnam) using the moss biomonitoring method are presented in this paper. Barbula indica moss samples were collected at 30 different locations in Dalat and Baoloc, two major cities of Lamdong province. The concentrations of 10 heavy metal and metalloid elements, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Hf, and Ta in the collected moss samples, were determined by the neutron activation analysis method using the nuclear reactor at the Nuclear Research Institute in Dalat, Vietnam. The results show that the air in Lamdong province may be polluted by Mn and is moderately polluted by Sc, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Hf and Ta. The main sources of heavy metal pollution in the Lamdong atmosphere may be soil dust, traffic emissions, industry, bauxite mining and refining, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and combustion of coal and oil. By comparing heavy element concentrations in the moss from Lamdong with that of Hanoi, Thainguyen, and several European countries, it is found that heavy metal air pollution in Lamdong is much lower than in Hanoi and Thainguyen and much higher than in the European countries.
First assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons contamination and associated human health risk in Mullet (Liza aurata) from Tunisia: case of Bizerte and Ghar El Melh Lagoons
Authors: Ameur Walid Ben , Annabi Ali , Mhadhbi Takoua , Hassine Sihem Ben , Safouen Ghanmi , Megdiche Yassine El , Khadija Maaned , Ennaceur Soukaina , Trabelsi Souad , Hammami Bechir , Touil Soufiane , Driss Mohamed Ridha
Published: May 2022

Data about the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biota from Tunisian coastal ecosystems is scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first work to report these chemicals in the biota of Ghar El Melh Lagoon. In Liza aurata muscle from Bizerte and Ghar El Melh Lagoons (Tunisia), levels of 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were measured.Total PAH levels in mullet from Bizerte and Ghar El Melh Lagoons were comparable to or lower than those found in other fish specimens from around the globe. The nature of the detected chemicals reveals petrogenic and pyrolytic anthropogenic contamination in both studied lagoons.Threat to human health caused by mullet consumption was assessed and it was observed that PAH intakes don’t threat to local population's health.
Osteopontin promotes cell pelletizing and angiogenesis in triple negative breast cancer by activating the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway to regulate GPX4-mediated anti-lipid peroxidation levels
Authors: Guo Man , Li Weihan , Liu Mengyue , Wang Cao , Zhang Lu , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2022

Background
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) features high aggressiveness, metastasis rate, drug resistance as well as poor prognosis. Osteopontin (OPN) is a key protein in the process of osteogenesis and has been found to be a new tumor marker in recent years. This study will discuss the regulatory role that OPN plays in TNBC as well as its unconcealed mechanism.
Methods
The cell viability was tested utilizing CCK-8 while Transwell as well as wound healing was adopted to test cell invasive and migrative capabilities. The pellet size of each group was detected by tumor-sphere formation assay. HUVEC tube formation assay was used to measure the ability of tumor cells to form blood vessels. Western blot was applied for the estimation of globule-forming-, angiogenesis-, PI3k/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins as well as OPN. The levels of oxidative stress-related markers were assessed with the help of ELISA. Through transfection, OPN in MD-MB-436 cells was overexpressed and PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitor LY294002 was employed for the administration of cells. After that, a series of functional experiments were implemented to investigate the mechanism of tumor cells. Finally, in vitro experiment of tumor-bearing mice were performed to verify.
Results
The proliferative, invasive and migrative capabilities as well as angiogenesis of TNBC cells were conspicuously ascended in contrast with non-TNBC cell lines. OPN expression in TNBC cells was dramatically enhanced. OPN upregulation rapidly elevated cell proliferative, invasive and migrative capabilities as well as angiogenesis, which may be achieved by activating PI3k/Akt/mTOR to regulate GPXX4-mediated anti-lipid peroxidation.
Conclusion
OPN can promote cell pelletizing and angiogenesis in TNBC by activating the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway to regulate GPX4-mediated anti-lipid peroxidation levels.
Myocyte culture with decellularized skeletal muscle sheet with observable interaction with extracellular matrix
Authors: Nakada Satoshi , Yamashita Yuri , Akiba Seiya , Shima Takeru , Arikawa-Hirasawa Eri
Published: May 2022

Background: In skeletal muscle, muscle fibers are highly organized and bundled within the basement membrane. Several microfabricated substrate models have failed to mimic the macrostructure of native muscle, including various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Even in substrates coated with proteins consisting of skeletal muscle-specific ECM compositions extracted from skeletal muscle, the function of each ECM protein remains, but the structural features of the basement membrane are lost. Therefore, in this study, we used decellularized muscle tissue and mouse myoblasts C2C12. We developed and evaluated a system to analyze the interaction between native ECM and myocytes. Methods: Chicken skeletal muscle was sliced into sheets and decellularized with 1% SDS solution, 0.1N NaOH solution, and 50% ethanol to prepare decellularized skeletal muscle sheets (DSMS). C2C12 was then seeded and differentiated on DSMS. Immunostaining for ECM molecules was performed to examine the relationship between myoblast adhesion status, myotube orientation, and collagen IV orientation. Survival of myotubes in long-term culture was also confirmed by calcein staining. Results: Decellularization of sliced skeletal muscle created a flexible skeletal muscle ECM-derived culture substrate. C2C12 myoblasts adhered to scaffolds in the DSMS and developed adhesion plaques and filopodia. In addition, C2C12 myotubes showed orientation along with the ECM orientation within the DSMS. Furthermore, RT-PCR results showed that C2C12 myogenic differentiation was promoted on the DSMS since the expression levels of myoD, etc., were increased early. On the plastic dish, detachment of cells occurred from day 6 of differentiation, and few cells survived to day 12, but on DSMS, no detachment occurred even on day 12, allowing long-term culture.Conclusions: This study reports a novel myocyte culture method using sheet-like ECM structures obtained by decellularization. Myoblasts adhered to the sheet according to the orientation of the ECM, and the direction of myotube formation could be controlled. This culture technique reproduces a cell culture environment that reflects the properties of living skeletal muscle and allows studies on the interaction between the ECM and myocytes.
Relationship Between Catheter Related Cerebrospinal Fluid Infections and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index
Authors: NERGIZ Sebnem , OZTURK Pinar AYDIN
Published: May 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Utilization and compliance with iron supplementation and predictors among pregnant women in Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Beressa Girma , Lencha Bikila , Bosha Tafese , Egata Gudina
Published: May 2022

Globally, anemia affects 1.62 billion people (25%) of which 56 million are pregnant women. However, evidence for utilization and compliance with iron supplementation and predictors during pregnancy, in low-income countries, including Ethiopia, was sparse and inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to assess utilization and compliance with iron supplementation and predictors among pregnant women in Robe Town, Southeast Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among randomly selected 445 pregnant women attending antenatal care at health facilities from May to July 2015. Systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of compliance with iron supplementation. Odds ratio, along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the strength of the association. In this study, 54%; 95% CI: (49.4, 58.4%), 45.2%; 95% CI: (40.9, 49.4%), 4.3%; 95% CI: (2.5, 6.3%), and 2.2%; 95% CI: (1.1, 3.6%) of women received iron supplements during their first, second, third, and fourth antenatal care visits, respectively. The level of compliance with iron supplementation was 92.4%; 95% CI: (89.9, 94.6%). Having a formal education (AOR=4.45, 95% CI: 1.41, 13.99), high wealth quintile (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.68), medium wealth quintile [(AOR=0.33, 95% CI: (0.11, 0.98)], iron supplements for free (AOR=3.77, 95% CI: 1.33, 10.69), not experiencing discomfort related to iron supplements intake (AOR= 2.94, 95% CI: 1.17, 7.39), having comprehensive knowledge about anemia (AOR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.02, 6.70), being knowledgeable about iron supplements (AOR=3.30, 95% CI: 1.12, 9.76), having information about importance of iron supplementation during pregnancy (AOR=2.86; 95% CI: 1.04, 7.87), and ever being visited by urban health extension workers (AOR=0.31; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.83) was significantly associated with compliance with iron supplementation during pregnancy. The utilization of iron supplementation during pregnancy was low, with relatively high compliance with the supplements. Thus, comprehensive nutrition education and free provision of iron supplementation are crucial tools to increase utilization and compliance with iron supplementation during pregnancy. Further research with a strong study design using golden standard methods is warranted.
Synthesis and microwave absorption properties of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/CI composite coated with polyaniline within paraffin wax matrix
Authors: houbi anas , Aldashevich Zharmenov , Atassi Yomen , Telmanovna Zhenisgul , Saule MIRZALIEVA
Published: May 2022

In this paper, Ternary composites of polyaniline/NiZn ferrite/carbonyl iron (PANI/F/CI) are prepared via two stages: Firstly, Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 is prepared using a sol-gel method while carbonyl iron is commercially purchased. After that, PANI/F/CI composites are prepared using an in-situ polymerization technique of PANI in the existence of the Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and CI. X-ray diffractometry, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, TGA analysis, and SEM analysis are utilized in order to characterize samples. The morphology of the powders is investigated by SEM. The electromagnetic interference shielding and microwave absorption properties are measured in the frequency band of 8.8–12 GHz to investigate the microwave characterization. The results refer those microwave absorption properties are related to the absorber thickness and the loading ratio of the absorber within a paraffin matrix. Minimal reflection loss of -30.8 dB at the matching frequency of 10.3 GHz and the absorption bandwidth under − 10 dB of 2.8 GHz for 3.4 mm thickness with a surface density of 3.38 kg/m2 are noticed for the PANI/F/CI composite sample. The maximum shielding efficiency of 30.12 dB at 11.0 GHz for 3.2 mm thickness is observed for the PANI/F/CI composite sample.
Research on MEEMD Decomposition-Prediction-Reconstruction Prediction Model of Summer Precipitation Sequence in Wujiang River Basin
Authors: Wang Yongtao , Liu Jian , Li Rong , Suo Xinyu , Lu EnHui
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the low prediction accuracy of precipitation time series data, proposes an Modified Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition-Prediction-Reconstruction Model（MDPRM）. First,The non-stationary precipitation time series is decomposed into multiple decomposition terms by MEEMD. Then, according to the characteristics of different decomposition items,the particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM), convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) models are used for prediction respectively. Finally, the prediction results of each decomposition item are superimposed and reconstructed to form the final prediction results. The summer precipitation in the Wujiang River Basin in Guizhou Province from 1961 to 2018 was used as an example to verify the results. The results show that:compared with BP, SVM, RNN and other prediction methods, the MDPRM proposed in this paper has higher prediction accuracy, and can effectively guide the regional water resources allocation and scheduling, drought relief and disaster reduction.
Designing legislative responses to restrict children’s exposure to unhealthy food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing: a case study analysis of Chile, Canada and the United Kingdom
Authors: Sing Fiona , Reeve Belinda , Backholer Kathryn , Mackay Sally , Swinburn Boyd
Published: May 2022

Introduction:
Introducing legislation that restricts companies from exposing children to marketing of unhealthy food and beverage products is both politically and technically difficult. To advance the literature on the technical design of food marketing legislation, and to support governments around the world with legislative development, we aimed to describe the legislative approach from three governments.
Methods
A multiple case study methodology was adopted to describe how three governments approached designing comprehensive food marketing legislation (Chile, Canada and the United Kingdom). A theoretical framework outlining best practice design principles guided our methodological approach to examine how each country designed the technical aspects of their regulatory response, including the regulatory form adopted, the substantive content of the laws, and the implementation and governance mechanisms used. Data from documentary evidence and 15 semi-structured key informant interviews were collected and synthesised using a directed content analysis.
Results
All three countries varied in their legislative design and were therefore considered of variable strength regarding the legislative elements used to protect children from unhealthy food marketing. While some elements of best practice design were present, particularly relating to the governance of legislative design and implementation, the scope of each law (or proposed laws) had limitations. These included: the exclusion of brand marketing; not protecting children up to age 18; focusing solely on child-directed marketing instead of all marketing that children are exposed to; and not allocating sufficient resources to effectively monitor and enforce the laws. The United Kingdom’s approach to legislation is the most comprehensive and more likely to meet its regulatory objectives.
Conclusions
Our synthesis and analysis of the technical elements of food marketing laws can support governments around the world as they develop their own food marketing restrictions. An analysis of the three approaches illustrates an evolution in the design of food marketing laws over time, as well as the design strengths offered by a legislative approach. Opportunities remain for strengthening legislative responses to protect children from unhealthy food marketing practices.
A Retrospective Single-center Analysis of Prenatal Diagnosis and Follow-up of 626 Chinese Patients with Positive Non-invasive Prenatal Testing Results
Authors: Bu Xiufen , Zhou Shihao , Li Xu , Li Shihong , Li Hongyu , Ding Siyi , He Jun , Linpeng Siyuan
Published: May 2022

Background: This study explores the diagnostic efficiency of different prenatal diagnostic approaches for women with positive non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results by analyzing their clinical information and pregnancy outcome. Methods: We collected data on 626 NIPT-positive pregnant women from January 2017 to June 2021 and arranged subsequent prenatal diagnostic operations for them after genetic counseling, along with long-term intensive follow-up. A total of 567 women accepted invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD) (90.57%), and 262 cases were confirmed as true positives of NIPT. Results: The positive predictive value for trisomy 21 (T21), trisomy 18 (T18), trisomy 13 (T13), sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), rare autosomal trisomies (RATs), and microdeletion and microduplication syndromes (MMS) were 81.13%, 37.93%, 18.42%, 48.83%, 18.37%, and 41.67%, respectively. Discordant results between NIPT and IPD were seen in 53 cases, with the discordance rate being 9.35%. Additionally, there were 43 cases with discordant results between karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA)/copy number variation sequencing. Conclusions: Additional reporting of RATs and MMS with routine NIPT that only detects T21/T18/T13 and SCAs can yield diagnosis more accurately. However, NIPT cannot be used as a substitute for IPD owing to its high false positive rate and discordances with other diagnostic methods. We recommend CMA combined with karyotyping as the preferred method for accurate diagnosis of NIPT-positive women.
Rational solutions with zero background and algebraic solitons of three derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Wang Jing , Wu Hua
Published: May 2022

In this paper we provide a systematical bilinear approach to derive rational solutions (in terms of envelope | q |) living on a zero background and decaying algebraically for three derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equations, namely, the Kaup-Newell equation, the Chen-Lee-Liu equation and the Gerdjikov-Ivanov equation. We present a simpler unified bilinear form for these three equations. Their rational solutions with zero background are obtained in terms of double Wronskian via bilinear equations. Algebraic solitons resulting from rational solutions are presented. Asymptotic dynamics are analyzed and illustrated. Scattering of high order rational solutions are featured as waves with slowly varying amplitudes. Scattering of algebraic solitons behaves like usual solitons but asymptotically with zero phase shift.PACS numbers: 02.30.Ik, 02.30.Ks, 05.45.Yv
Factors inﬂuencing ellipsoid zone tear in pathologic myopia choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Jing Ruixia , Chen Defang , Li Xue , Wang Zhen
Published: May 2022

This study explored factors influencing ellipsoid zone (EZ) tear in pathologic myopia choroidal neovascularization (PM-CNV) and its relationship with visual acuity mainly using optical coherence tomography (OCT). We divided 21 (22 eyes) PM-CNV patients, who were divided into non-tear (n=10) and tear (n=12) groups by whether the EZ was torn or not. Measured central macular thickness (CMT), PM-CNV lesion hyperreflectivity (HF) height and area, and myoid ellipsoid zone (MEZ)) thickness on OCT. Analyzing relationships between these factors and EZ tearing. We found EZ tear group had thicker CMT (P = 0.006), higher HF height (P = 0.001), larger HF area (P = 0.001), bigger PM-CNV area (P = 0.028), greater HF/CNV area ratio (P = 0.038), thinner MEZ (P = 0.000), worse best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P = 0.000). After treatment with conbercept only 4/12 eyes showed recovery of EZ integrity in tear group, with even worse BCVA. OCT provides a new bioindicator as monitoring risk factor of EZ tear for PM-CNV. PM-CNV with higher and larger HF, bigger HF area relative to the PM-CNV area have greater risk for EZ tear and poorer visual acuity. Better visual acuity will be achieved when PM-CNV was treated before EZ tear.
Chronic pain, mental health and functional impairment in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nissen Alexander , Hynek Kamila Angelika , Scales David , Hilden Per Kristian , Straiton Melanie
Published: May 2022

Background: Limited research exists on pain and especially the co-occurrence of pain and mental ill health in general refugee populations. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic pain (CP) among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway; investigate the association between CP and mental ill health; and explore how CP and mental ill health associate with both perceived general health and functional impairment. Gender as potential effect modifier in these associations was also examined.Methods: Cross-sectional, postal survey questionnaire. Inclusion criteria: ≥18 years old; refugee from Syria; and arrived in Norway between 2015 and 2017. Study sample was randomly drawn from full population registries, and n=902 participated (participation rate ≈10%). CP measured with 10 items on pain lasting for ≥3 consecutive months last year. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were measured with the HSCL and HTQ scales, respectively. Ordered and binomial logistic regressions were used in analyses. Gender was tested as effect modifier with Wald test for interaction.Results: The overall prevalence of severe CP was 43.1%. There was strong evidence that anxiety, depression and PTSD were associated with higher levels of CP. In fully adjusted regression models, including both CP and mental health variables, CP was strongly associated with poor perceived general health whereas mental health showed much weaker associations. The association between mental health (anxiety and depression) and functional impairment was highly gender specific, with strong associations in men but not in women. CP was strongly associated with functional impairment with no difference across gender. Conclusion: The study shows a high burden of CP in a general population of adult refugees from Syria with likely substantial adverse consequences for daily functioning. The strong association between CP and mental ill health suggests personnel working with refugees’ health should be attuned to their co-occurrence as both problems may need to be addressed for either to be effectively mitigated. A clear mismatch exists between the burden on health caused by pain in general refugee populations and the amount of available evidence to guide mitigating strategies. Trial registration: NCT03742128
Methane hydrate nuclei in dynamic network of hydrogen bonds of supersaturated solution outside the region of hydrate stability: molecular dynamics study
Authors: Belosludov Vladimir R. , Gets Kirill V. , Zhdanov Ravil K. , Bozhko Yulia Yu. , Belosludov Rodion V. , Chen Li-Jen , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2022

Using molecular dynamics the evolution of metastable solution "methane + water" was studied at various methane concentrations at T = 270 K and P = 1 bar. We have shown that the process of hydrate formation is a collective process of the H-bond network reorganization in solution at the initial stage (0–1 ns) until the first fluctuating cavities appear. This is associated with preceding increase of tetrahedrality of each water molecule local order. The molecules with the high degree of tetrahedrality are distributed in volume uniformly. The formation of small and large fluctuation of sI cavities is shown before the steady hydrate growth begins. Later, the constantly presented hydrate cavities become the basis for few independent hydrate nucleation centers.