bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First description of a multisystemic and lethal SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern P.1 (Gamma) infection in a FeLV-positive cat
Authors: Carneiro Rodrigo Lima , Farias Jéssica Pires , Pinheiro Josilene Ramos , Farias Jackson , Vielmo André Carloto , Birbrair Alexander , Belmok Aline , Melo Fernando Lucas , Ribeiro Bergmann Morais , Chaves Gepoliano , Vidal Paloma Oliveira , Luiz Wilson Barros , Amorim Jaime Henrique
Published: May 2022

Background

Phylogenetic studies indicate bats as original hosts of SARS-CoV-2. However, it remains unclear whether other animals, including pets, are crucial in the spread and maintenance of COVID-19 worldwide.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the first fatal case of a SARS-CoV-2 and FeLV co-infection in an eight-year-old male cat. We carried out a clinical evaluation and several laboratory analyses.

Results

As main results, we observed an animal presenting severe acute respiratory syndrome and lesions in several organs, which led to the animal’s death. RT-qPCR analysis showed a SARS-CoV-2 as the causative agent. The virus was detected in several organs, indicating a multisystemic infection. The virus was found in a high load in the trachea, suggesting that the animal may have contribute to the transmission of the virus. The whole-genome sequencing revealed an infection by SARS-CoV-2 Gamma VOC (P.1), and any mutations indicating host adaptation were observed.

Conclusion

Our data show that FeLV-positive cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and raise questions about the potential of immunocompromised FeLV-positive cats to act as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 new variants.
Conserved RNA secondary structure in Cherry virus A 5′-UTR associated with translation regulation
Authors: Wang Deya , Yang Chen , Deng Yanmei , Cao Xue , Xu Wei , Han Zishuo , Li Qingliang , Yang Yang , Yuan Xuefeng
Published: May 2022

Background

A variety of cis-acting RNA elements with structures in the 5′- or 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of viral genomes play key roles in viral translation. Cherry virus A (CVA) is a member of the genus Capillovirus in the family Betaflexiviridae. It has a positive single-stranded RNA genome of ~ 7400 nucleotides (nt). The length of the CVA 5′-UTR is ~ 100 nt; however, the function of this long UTR has not yet been reported.

Methods

Molecular and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 75 CVA sequences, which could be divided into four groups, and the RNA secondary structure was predicted in four CVA 5′-UTR types. These four CVA 5′-UTR types were then inserted upstream of the firefly luciferase reporter gene FLuc (FLuc), and in vitro translation of the corresponding transcripts was evaluated using wheat germ extract (WGE). Then, in-line structure probing was performed to reveal the conserved RNA structures in CVA-5′UTR.

Results

The four CVA 5′-UTR types appeared to have a conserved RNA structure, and the FLuc construct containing these four CVA 5′-UTR types increased the translation of FLuc by 2–3 folds, suggesting weak translation enhancement activity. Mutations in CVA 5′-UTR suppressed translation, suggesting that the conserved RNA structure was important for function.

Conclusion

The conserved RNA secondary structure was identified by structural evolution analysis of different CVA isolates and was found to regulate translation.
Experimental approaches for manipulating choroid plexus epithelial cells
Authors: Jang Ahram , Lehtinen Maria K.
Published: May 2022

Choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells are crucial for the function of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) in the developing and mature brain. The ChP is considered the primary source and regulator of CSF, secreting many important factors that nourish the brain. It also performs CSF clearance functions including removing Amyloid beta and potassium. As such, the ChP is a promising target for gene and drug therapy for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). This review describes the current successful and emerging experimental approaches for targeting ChP epithelial cells. We highlight methodological strategies to specifically target these cells for gain or loss of function in vivo. We cover both genetic models and viral gene delivery systems. Additionally, several lines of reporters to access the ChP epithelia are reviewed. Finally, we discuss exciting new approaches, such as chemical activation and transplantation of engineered ChP epithelial cells. We elaborate on fundamental functions of the ChP in secretion and clearance and outline experimental approaches paving the way to clinical applications.
A case-based approach to teaching epidemic and pandemic-related global health diplomacy and security in African countries
Authors: Kevany Sebastian , Martin Shayanne , Reid Mike
Published: May 2022

A challenging concept to teach, few combined courses on epidemic-related global health diplomacy and security exist, and no known courses are currently available that have been exclusively designed for African nationals. In response, the University of California, San Francisco’s Center for Global Health Delivery, Diplomacy and Economics (CGHDDE) developed and delivered a workshop for LMIC learners to better understand how politics, policy, finance, governance and security coalesce to influence global health goals and outcomes.
Risk factors associated with quadbike crashes: a systematic review
Authors: Menon Preetha , El-Deyarbi Marwan , Khan Moien AB. , Al-Rifai Rami H. , Grivna Michal , Östlundh Linda , EI-Sadig Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Background

Quadbikes or all-terrain vehicles are known for their propensity for crashes resulting in injury, disability, and death. The control of these needless losses resulting from quadbike crashes has become an essential contributor to sustainable development goals. Understanding the risk factors for such injuries is essential for developing preventive policies and strategies. The aim of this review was to identify the risk factors associated with quadbike crashes at multiple levels through a systematic review of a wide range of study designs.

Methods

The study incorporated a mixed-method systematic review approach and followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for reporting systematic reviews, including a peer reviewed  protocol. This systematic review included observational studies investigating the risk factors associated with quadbike crashes, injuries, or deaths. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to October 2021. Studies were screened and extracted by three researchers. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Due to extensive heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not conducted. All the risk factors have been presented in a narrative synthesis for discussion following the guidelines for Synthesis without Meta-analysis (SWiM).

Results

Thirty-nine studies combining an aggregate of 65,170 participants were included in this systematic review. The results indicate that modifiable risk factors, such as the increasing age of driving initiation, reducing substance use, and the use of organized riding parks, could reduce quadbike injuries. Riding practices such as avoiding passengers, avoiding nighttime riding, and using helmets could significantly reduce crashes and injuries among riders. Vehicle modifications such as increasing the wheelbase and limiting engine displacement could also help reduce crash incidence. Traditional interventional methods, such as legislation and training, had a weak influence on reducing quadbike injuries.

Conclusion

Multiple risk factors are associated with quadbike injuries, with most of them modifiable. Strengthening policies and awareness to minimize risk factors would help in reducing accidents associated with quadbikes.

PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020170245
Meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy in the treatment of acute appendicitis
Authors: Zhang Guangzhe , Wu Bo
Published: May 2022

Background

This paper compares the postoperative recovery of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA), aiming to determine the optimal diagnosis and treatment plan for appendectomy.

Methods

Related literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang databases. Articles on LA and OA for AA published between 2010 and 2021 were selected to extract data. Besides, Stata16.0 was used for meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 777 articles were retrieved, and 16 of them were finally selected. Totally, 1251 patients underwent LA, while 898 patients received OA. According to the results of meta-analysis, LA was associated with lower incidence of adverse reactions [OR = 0.257, 95% CI (0.162, 0.408), P < 0.001], shorter operation time (SMD = − 1.802, 95% CI − 2.435, − 1.169; P < 0.001) and hospitalization (SMD = − 1.184, 95% CI − 1.512, − 0.856; P < 0.001). In addition, compared with the OA group, LA was found with less intraoperative blood loss (SMD = − 3.650, 95% CI − 5.088, − 2.212; P < 0.001) and shorter recovery time of gastrointestinal function (SMD = − 3.010, 95% CI − 3.816, − 2.203; P < 0.001). Aside from all these, the counts of leukocyte (SMD = − 0.432, 95% CI: − 0.775, − 0.089; P = 0.013), neutrophil (SMD = − 1.346, 95% CI − 2.560, − 0.133; P = 0.030), and C-reactive protein (SMD = − 2.391, 95% CI − 3.901, − 0.882; P = 0.002) all decreased in a significant manner after LA.

Conclusion

Compared with OA, LA boasts the advantages of less adverse reactions, shorter operation time and hospitalization, fewer complications, and lower inflammatory response, evidencing its safety and feasibility of applying in the treatment of AA.
Adverse events of intestinal microbiota transplantation in randomized controlled trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Chong , Chen Liyu , Sun Dayong , Li Cailan , Xi Shiheng , Ding Shihua , Luo Rongrong , Geng Yan , Bai Yang
Published: May 2022

Background

Intestinal microbiota transplantation (IMT) has been recognized as an effective treatment for recurrentClostridium difficileinfection (rCDI) and a novel treatment option for other diseases. However, the safety of IMT in patients has not been established.

Aims

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the safety of IMT.

Methods

We systematically reviewed all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of IMT studies published up to 28 February 2021 using databases including PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Studies were excluded if they did not report adverse events (AEs). Two authors independently extracted the data. The relative risk (RR) of serious adverse events (SAEs) and common adverse events (CAEs) were estimated separately, as were predefined subgroups. Publication bias was evaluated by a funnel plot and Egger’s regression test.

Results

Among 978 reports, 99 full‐text articles were screened, and 20 articles were included for meta-analysis, involving 1132 patients (603 in the IMT group and 529 in the control group). We found no significant difference in the incidence of SAEs between the IMT group and the control group (RR = 1.36, 95% CI 0.56–3.31,P = 0.50). Of these 20 studies, 7 described the number of patients with CAEs, involving 360 patients (195 in the IMT group and 166 in the control group). An analysis of the eight studies revealed that the incidence of CAEs was also not significantly increased in the IMT group compared with the control group (RR = 1.06, 95% CI  0.91–1.23,P = 0.43). Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of CAEs was significantly different between subgroups of delivery methods (P(CAE) = 0.04), and the incidence of IMT-related SAEs and CAEs was not significantly different in the other predefined subgroups.

Conclusion

Currently, IMT is widely used in many diseases, but its associated AEs should not be ignored. To improve the safety of IMT, patients' conditions should be fully evaluated before IMT, appropriate transplantation methods should be selected, each operative step of faecal bacteria transplantation should be strictly controlled, AE management mechanisms should be improved, and a close follow-up system should be established.
Association between Life’s Simple 7 and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in cognitively intact adults: the CABLE study
Authors: Zhao Yong-Li , Ou Ya-Nan , Ma Ya-Hui , Huang Yu-Yuan , Bi Yan-Lin , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: May 2022

Introduction

This study sought to explore the association between Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathological biomarkers in the cognitively normal northern Chinese population.

Methods

From the Chinese Alzheimer’s Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) study, 1106 cognitively normal participants were enrolled. The mean age was 62.34 years, and 39.6% were female. LS7 scores were summed with each metric assigned 0, 1, or 2 scores. The multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the association between LS7 scores and CSF AD biomarkers.

Results

We found that LS7 scores were significantly associated with CSF AD pathologies, including Aβ42/40 (β = 0.034, P = .041), p-tau181 (β =  − 0.043, P = .006), and t-tau (β =  − 0.044, P = .003). In subscales, the biological metrics (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose) were significantly related to CSF tau-related biomarkers. These associations were observed in the APOE ε4 allele non-carriers, yet not in carriers. The relationship of behavior metrics was found in the middle age and males.

Conclusion

Improving LS7 scores might do a favor to alleviate the pathology of AD in the preclinical stage, especially among the APOE ε4 allele non-carriers.
Dextran sulfate prevents excess aggregation of human pluripotent stem cells in 3D culture by inhibiting ICAM1 expression coupled with down-regulating E-cadherin through activating the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Haibin , Tang Xianglian , Wang Yiyu , Wang Ning , Chen Qicong , Xie Jinghe , Liu Shoupei , Zhong Zhiyong , Qiu Yaqi , Situ Ping , Zern Mark A. , Wang Jue , Chen Honglin , Duan Yuyou
Published: May 2022

Background

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have great potential in applications for regenerative medicine and drug development. However, 3D suspension culture systems for clinical-grade hPSC large-scale production have been a major challenge. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the addition of dextran sulfate (DS) could prevent excessive adhesion of hPSCs from forming larger aggregates in 3D suspension culture. However, the signaling and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive.

Methods

By using a cell aggregate culture assay and separating big and small aggregates in suspension culture systems, the potential mechanism and downstream target genes of DS were investigated by mRNA sequence analysis, qRT-PCR validation, colony formation assay, and interference assay.

Results

Since cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) play important roles in hPSC adhesion and aggregation, we assumed that DS might prevent excess adhesion through affecting the expression of CAMs in hPSCs. As expected, after DS treatment, we found that the expression of CAMs was significantly down-regulated, especially E-cadherin (E-cad) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), two highly expressed CAMs in hPSCs. The role of E-cad in the adhesion of hPSCs has been widely investigated, but the function of ICAM1 in hPSCs is hardly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that ICAM1 exhibited the capacity to promote the adhesion in hPSCs, and this adhesion was suppressed by the treatment with DS. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis of RNA-seq revealed that DS treatment up-regulated genes related to Wnt signaling resulting in the activation of Wnt signaling in which SLUG, TWIST, and MMP3/7 were highly expressed, and further inhibited the expression of E-cad.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that DS played an important role in controlling the size of hPSC aggregates in 3D suspension culture by inhibiting the expression of ICAM1 coupled with the down-regulation of E-cad through the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. These results represent a significant step toward developing the expansion of hPSCs under 3D suspension condition in large-scale cultures.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes for treating traumatic pancreatitis in rats
Authors: Han Li , Zhao Zhirong , Chen Xingyun , Yang Ke , Tan Zhen , Huang Zhu , Zhou Lichen , Dai Ruiwu
Published: May 2022

Background

The therapeutic and protective effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-exosomes (hucMSC-Exs) on traumatic pancreatitis (TP) remain unknown. Here, we established a rat model of TP and evaluated and compared the therapeutic effects of hUC-MSCs and hucMSC-Exs.

Methods

HucMSC-Exs were obtained by ultracentrifugation and identified using transmission electron microscopy and western blot analysis. TP rats were treated by tail vein injection of hUC-MSCs and hucMSC-Exs. Their homing in rats was observed by performing fluorescence microscopy. The degree of pancreatic tissue damage was assessed by HE staining, the expression levels of amylase, lipase, and inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA, apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay, and the expression levels of various apoptosis-related proteins were detected by western-blot. The expression levels of apoptosis-related molecular markers were detected by RT-qPCR.

Results

The colonization of exosomes was observed in pancreatic tissue. Compared to TP group, the histopathological score of pancreas was significantly decreased in the TP + hUC-MSCs group and TP + hucMSC-Exs group (P < 0.05). Compared to TP group, the activity of serum amylase and lipase was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased, while those of IL-10 and TGF-β were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The apoptosis index of the TP group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas that of the TP + hUC-MSCs and TP + hucMSC-Exs groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared to TP group, the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were significantly decreased in the TP + hUC-MSCs group and TP + hucMSC-Exs group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

HucMSC-Exs can colonize injured pancreatic tissue, inhibit the apoptosis of acinar cells, and control the systemic inflammatory response to facilitate the repair of pancreatic tissue.
Mesenchymal stem cells against intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies
Authors: Shi Yajing , Zhang Xiaolan , Wan Zhanhai , Liu Xin , Chen Feng , Zhang Jianmin , Leng Yufang
Published: May 2022

Background

Intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) causes localized and distant tissue lesions. Multiple organ failure is a common complication of severe intestinal IRI, leading to its high rates of morbidity and mortality. Thus far, this is poorly treated, and there is an urgent need for new more efficacious treatments. This study evaluated the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy on intestinal IRI using many animal experiments.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search from 4 databases: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of science. Primary outcomes included the survival rate, Chiu’s score, intestinal levels of IL-6, TNF-α and MDA, as well as serum levels of DAO, D-Lactate, and TNF-α. Statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

It included Eighteen eligible researches in the final analysis. We demonstrated that survival rates in animals following intestinal IRI were higher with MSCs treatment compared to vehicle treatment. Besides, MSCs treatment attenuated intestinal injury caused by IRI, characterized by lower Chiu’s score (− 1.96, 95% CI − 2.72 to − 1.19, P < 0.00001), less intestinal inflammation (IL-6 (− 2.73, 95% CI − 4.19 to − 1.27, P = 0.0002), TNF-α (− 3.00, 95% CI − 4.74 to − 1.26, P = 0.0007)) and oxidative stress (MDA (− 2.18, 95% CI − 3.17 to − 1.19, P < 0.0001)), and decreased serum levels of DAO (− 1.39, 95% CI − 2.07 to − 0.72, P < 0.0001), D-Lactate (− 1.54, 95% CI − 2.18 to − 0.90, P < 0.00001) and TNF-α (− 2.42, 95% CI − 3.45 to − 1.40, P < 0.00001). The possible mechanism for MSCs to treat intestinal IRI might be through reducing inflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, as well as inhibiting the apoptosis and pyroptosis of the intestinal epithelial cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, these studies revealed that MSCs as a promising new treatment for intestinal IRI, and the mechanism of which may be associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. However, further studies will be required to confirm these findings.
Structural changes in the Russian health care system: do they match European trends?
Authors: Shishkin Sergey , Sheiman Igor , Vlassov Vasily , Potapchik Elena , Sazhina Svetlana
Published: May 2022

Вackground

In the last two decades, health care systems (HCS) in the European countries have faced global challenges and have undergone structural changes with the focus on early disease prevention, strengthening primary care, changing the role of hospitals, etc. Russia has inherited the Semashko model from the USSR with dominance of inpatient care, and has been looking for the ways to improve the structure of service delivery. This paper compares the complex of structural changes in the Russian and the European HCS.

Methods

We address major developments in four main areas of medical care delivery: preventive activities, primary care, inpatient care, long-term care. Our focus is on the changes in the organizational structure and activities of health care providers, and in their interaction to improve service delivery. To describe the ongoing changes, we use both qualitative characteristics and quantitative indicators. We extracted the relevant data from the national and international databases and reports and calculated secondary estimates. We also used data from our survey of physicians and interviews with top managers in medical care system.

Results

The main trends of structural changes in Russia HCS are similar to the changes in most EU countries. The prevention and the early detection of diseases have developed intensively. The reduction in hospital bed capacity and inpatient care utilization has been accompanied by a decrease in the average length of hospital stay. Russia has followed the European trend of service delivery concentration in hospital-physician complexes, while the increase in the average size of hospitals is even more substantial. However, distinctions in health care delivery organization in Russia are still significant. Changes in primary care are much less pronounced, the system remains hospital centered. Russia lags behind the European leaders in terms of horizontal ties between providers. The reasons for inadequate structural changes are rooted in the governance of service delivery.

Conclusion

The structural transformations must be intensified with the focus on strengthening primary care, further integration of care, and development of new organizational structures that mitigate the dependence on inpatient care.
β-amyloid protein induces mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis through the CD36/PINK/PARKIN pathway leading to blood–brain barrier destruction in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Jianhua , Li Mengyu , Ge Yangyang , Chen Jiayi , Ma Jiamin , Wang Chenchen , Sun Miaomiao , Wang Li , Yao Shanglong , Yao Chengye
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction may occur at the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pericytes are a vital part of the neurovascular unit and the BBB, acting as gatekeepers of the BBB. Amyloid β (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain are the central pathological features of AD. CD36 promotes vascular amyloid deposition and leads to vascular brain damage, neurovascular dysfunction, and cognitive deficits. However, the molecular mechanism by which pericytes of the BBB are disrupted remains unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of low-dose Aβ1-40 administration on pericyte outcome and the molecular mechanism of BBB injury.

Methods

We selected 6-month-old and 9-month-old APP/PS1 mice and wild-type (WT) mice of the same strain, age, and sex as controls. We assessed the BBB using PET/CT. Brain pericytes were extracted and cocultured with endothelial cells (bEnd.3) to generate an in vitro BBB model to observe the effect of Aβ1-40 on the BBB. Furthermore, we explored the intracellular degradation and related molecular mechanisms of Aβ1-40 in cells.

Results

BBB permeability and the number of pericytes decreased in APP/PS1 mice. Aβ1-40 increased BBB permeability in an in vivo model and downregulated the expression of CD36, which reversed the Aβ-induced changes in BBB permeability. Aβ1-40 was uptaked in pericytes with high CD36 expression. We observed that this molecule inhibited pericyte proliferation, caused mitochondrial damage, and increased mitophagy. Finally, we confirmed that Aβ1-40 induced pericyte mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis through the CD36/PINK1/Parkin pathway.

Conclusion

PDGFRβ (a marker of pericytes), CD36, and Aβ colocalized in vitro and in vivo, and Aβ1-40 caused BBB disruption by upregulating CD36 expression in pericytes. The mechanism by which Aβ1-40 destroys the BBB involves the induction of pericyte mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis through the CD36/PINK1/Parkin pathway.
Regular weighing to prevent excessive gestational weight gain: a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Matsushita Tomomi , Honda Aiko , Hasegawa Takeshi , Inoue Eisuke , Noma Hisashi , Ota Erika
Published: May 2022

Background

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy results in maternal and fetal complications and could further impact offspring. The evidence regarding the association between regular weighing during the antenatal period and excessive weight gain is limited.

Methods

We will systematically review individual and cluster randomized controlled trials that evaluated regular weighing as an intervention compared to weighing only at the first booking of the antenatal visit. Trials that assessed the effectiveness of exercise, diet, or other behavioral interventions will be excluded. Pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy and no preexisting health complications are eligible for the review. The primary outcome will be the proportion of women at term who exceed the upper limit of the target range of weight as defined by the guidelines or recommendations for the population. We will search MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via EMBASE.com), Scopus, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL via EBSCO), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the trial protocol registers, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal. Full-text articles, unpublished studies, and ongoing trials reported in any language will be included. Two review authors will independently examine and screen for eligible studies and extract data for synthesis.

Discussion

We will discuss the effectiveness of regular weighing as a single intervention on reducing the proportion of women who have excessive gestational weight gain. This study will provide key information for countries to develop guidelines on antenatal care and strategies to tackle excessive gestational weight gain. We will create a “Summary of findings” table (Summary of findings table 1) according to the methods described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020212581
Convergence analysis of the shrinking approximants for fixed point problem and generalized split common null point problem
Authors: Arfat Yasir , Iyiola Olaniyi S. , Khan Muhammad Aqeel Ahmad , Kumam Poom , Kumam Wiyada , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we compute a common solution of the fixed point problem (FPP) and the generalized split common null point problem (GSCNPP) via the inertial hybrid shrinking approximants in Hilbert spaces. We show that the approximants can be easily adapted to various extensively analyzed theoretical problems in this framework. Finally, we furnish a numerical experiment to analyze the viability of the approximants in comparison with the results presented in (Reich and Tuyen in Rev. R. Acad. Cienc. Exactas Fís. Nat., Ser. A Mat. 114:180, 2020).
EDQWS: an enhanced divide and conquer algorithm for workflow scheduling in cloud
Authors: Khojasteh Toussi Ghazaleh , Naghibzadeh Mahmoud , Abrishami Saeid , Taheri Hoda , Abrishami Hamid
Published: May 2022

A workflow is an effective way for modeling complex applications and serves as a means for scientists and researchers to better understand the details of applications. Cloud computing enables the running of workflow applications on many types of computational resources which become available on-demand. As one of the most important aspects of cloud computing, workflow scheduling needs to be performed efficiently to optimize resources. Due to the existence of various resource types at different prices, workflow scheduling has evolved into an even more challenging problem on cloud computing. The present paper proposes a workflow scheduling algorithm in the cloud to minimize the execution cost of the deadline-constrained workflow. The proposed method, EDQWS, extends the current authors’ previous study (DQWS) and is a two-step scheduler based on divide and conquer. In the first step, the workflow is divided into sub-workflows by defining, scheduling, and removing a critical path from the workflow, similar to DQWS. The process continues until only chain-structured sub-workflows, called linear graphs, remain. In the second step which is linear graph scheduling, a new merging algorithm is proposed that combines the resulting linear graphs so as to reduce the number of used instances and minimize the overall execution cost. In addition, the current work introduces a scoring function to select the most efficient instances for scheduling the linear graphs. Experiments show that EDQWS outperforms its competitors, both in terms of minimizing the monetary costs of executing scheduled workflows and meeting user-defined deadlines. Furthermore, in more than 50% of the examined workflow samples, EDQWS succeeds in reducing the number of resource instances compared to the previously introduced DQWS method.
Prevalence and determinants of women’s satisfaction on the quality of safe abortion service in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaye Kiros Terefe , Taddese Asefa Adimasu , Birhan Tilahun Yemanu
Published: May 2022

Background

The standard of treatment in developing countries is harmed by a complex political landscape, an uncertain economic climate, rapid population growth, and clients are constantly complaining about the poor health system. Patients’ assessments of the benefits and shortcomings of the service provided to them are expressed as satisfied or dissatisfied. The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of women’s satisfaction on quality of safe abortion and factors associated with it in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was done to collect data from 618 women in the selected health facilities in Northwest Ethiopia. Women having the gestational trophoblastic disease (partial mole) and those who cannot hear or are seriously ill during the data collection period were excluded. The study subjects were chosen using a randomization process, and each participant was questioned after receiving all necessary abortion treatment and giving verbal consent. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine covariates significantly associated with women’s satisfaction on quality of abortion.

Results

The highest proportion of women who were reasoned out to terminate the fetus in the current pregnancy was due to financial problems (29.36%) and partner coercion (23.85%). Client satisfaction with safe abortion services in the study region was 25.10% (95% CI; 21.81–28.70). Women were 53.2% satisfied with the art of treatment/interpersonal abilities, 59.2% satisfied with the professional quality of care professionals, 54.5% satisfied with the physical environment, and 49.8% satisfied with the structure of the health care system, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, women’s living solely 0.47(0.26–0.87) & living with 2 to 4 people 0.11(0.04–0.29), college and above level of education 1.78(1.01–3.15), wanted the status of pregnancy 0.44(0.23–0.85) and post-abortion contraceptive users 1.70(1.01–2.89) were factors significantly associated with women’s satisfaction level.

Conclusion

In this study, one-fourth of the women were satisfied with the quality of safe abortion services. Family size, women’s educational status, maternity status, and post-abortion contraception use were predictors of women’s satisfaction with the quality of abortion. Ethiopia’s government should concentrate on addressing contraception needs in order to prevent women from having multiple abortions.
Leveraging 5G network for digital innovation in small and medium enterprises: a conceptual review
Authors: Olokundun Maxwell , Ogbari Mercy Ejovwokeoghene , Falola Hezekiah , Ibidunni Ayodotun Stephen
Published: May 2022

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role within a country’s economy considering that they provide a source of skills and innovation for entrepreneurship and their capacity for introducing, integrating and disseminating new technologies is incomparable. However, the world may be looking at an impending devastating recession delivered by the coronavirus pandemic. As governments intensify restrictions on business to halt the spread of the pandemic, the fear of the virus also reconfigures the very concept of business and the workplace. Therefore, there is a need for a greater focus on digital transformation considering that physical distancing requirements to curb the spread of this virus may become a cultural orientation for businesses and the workplace. A real digital transition is anticipated for small businesses with the 5G network technology. 5G network will not just be a technological connection but will affect different socio-economic sectors and will stimulate innovation in small companies. The goal of this paper was to carry out a literature review on the potential ways small businesses can leverage on 5G network for digital innovation. The paper proposed that small and medium businesses can leverage the 5G Mobile Technology through enhanced interpersonal communication, expanded remote work opportunities, innovative digital tools and supply chain efficiency. Finally, while many individuals and small business owners will profit from 5G technology some will work to undermine it. As a result, companies must keep this in mind when implementing 5G, or other new technology, and adjust their security protocols accordingly to remain secure.
Human pediculosis, a global public health problem
Authors: Fu Yi-Tian , Yao Chaoqun , Deng Yuan-Ping , Elsheikha Hany M. , Shao Renfu , Zhu Xing-Quan , Liu Guo-Hua
Published: May 2022

Background

Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. Despite the public health importance of louse infestation, information concerning the global burden of pediculosis and the epidemiological landscape of louse-borne diseases is limited. The aim of this review was to summarize the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of lice infestation in humans. We also discussed the latest advances in molecular taxonomy and molecular genetics of lice.

Methods

We searched five electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, VIP Chinese Journal Database, and Wanfang Data) and followed a standard approach for conducting scoping reviews to identify studies on various aspects of human lice. Relevant information reported in the identified studies were collated, categorized, and summarized.

Results

A total of 282 studies were eligible for the final review. Human pediculosis remains a public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cytb gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. The use of insecticides plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice.

Conclusions

Human pediculosis is a public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. More progress can be made if emphasis is placed on the use of emerging omics technologies to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of lice.

Graphic Abstract
Multi-expert multi-criteria decision analysis model to support the conservation of paramount elements in industrial facilities
Authors: Jato-Espino Daniel , Martín-Rodríguez Ángel , Martínez-Corral Aurora , Sañudo-Fontaneda Luis A.
Published: May 2022

The coupling of urban retrofitting with climate change adaptation and environmental conservation is impacting on current industrial activities such as electricity production based on fossil fuels. Therefore, new tools are required to support adaptive reuse towards the conservation of industrial facilities, in order to leave testament of their cultural and industrial heritage once their production activities cease to exist. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) can help analyse complex interactions between industrial elements, society, culture and nature, providing key benefits when approaching heritage investigations. In this context, this research concerned the design of a Multi-Expert MCDA (ME-MCDA) methodology to support the selection of paramount heritage elements in power plants based on the collection and processing of the views of a panel of experts to result in consensus groups. This approach was tested using a case study in the As Pontes power plant (NW Spain), which will be dismantled in a near future. The results achieved pointed out to cooling towers, boilers, chimney and turbine hall as the fundamental elements to preserve due to their relevance across a set of technical, historical and sociocultural criteria. These outcomes proved the usefulness of the proposed approach in favouring the valorisation of industrial facilities as heritage areas protecting the social and cultural history of a territory.
XYtracker: a new approach to estimate fault rupture extent in real time for large earthquakes
Authors: Xiao Ying , Yamada Masumi
Published: May 2022

We present a methodology for estimating fault geometry and utilizing the distance to the fault for the shaking estimation to improve the accuracy of real-time shaking estimates for large earthquakes. Most of the earthquake early warning system currently estimates the seismic intensity with the ground-motion prediction equations (GMPE) as a function of the hypocenter distance. However, using the fault distance computed from a finite source model can improve the accuracy of the shaking intensity estimation for large earthquakes. This study proposes a novel methodology, XYtracker, to estimate the surface projection of the fault extent and real-time seismic intensity. For large earthquakes, high-frequency ground motions tend to saturate over the magnitude range and strongly correlate with fault distance. As a result, this work can achieve the fault extent using seismic intensity and GMPE. We considered three types of fault models: point-source, line-source, and rectangle-source model. We found the most probable model parameters for each model by minimizing the residual sum of squares between the observed and estimated seismic intensities. The Akaike Information Criterion selected the most probable model among them. The strong motion data set of the 2008 Wenchuan, 2011 Tohoku, and 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes was used to test our methodology. The new method for estimating the fault geometry can obtain the ongoing rupture length and direction using the strong motion data. The model selection scheme with the Akaike Information Criterion selected the finite-source model to explain the shaking distribution. Results revealed that this new approach performed well in estimating the fault dimension. The method can promote the accuracy of the seismic intensity estimation for future large earthquakes, including the subduction earthquakes.

Graphical Abstract
Microbial synthesis of long-chain α-alkenes from methanol by engineering Pichia pastoris
Authors: Cai Peng , Li Yunxia , Zhai Xiaoxin , Yao Lun , Ma Xiaojun , Jia Lingyun , Zhou Yongjin J.
Published: May 2022

α-Alkenes (terminal alkenes) are important fuel and platform chemicals that are mainly produced from petroleum. Microbial synthesis might provide a sustainable approach for α-alkenes. In this work, we engineered the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris to produce long-chain (C15:1, C17:1 and C17:2) α-alkenes via a decarboxylation of fatty acids. Combinatorial engineering, including enzyme selection, expression optimization and peroxisomal compartmentalization, enabled the production of 1.6 mg/L α-alkenes from sole methanol. This study represents the first case of α-alkene biosynthesis from methanol and also provides a reference for the construction of methanol microbial cell factories of other high-value chemicals.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of biosecurity status in dairy cow farms
Authors: Harun Mohammedsham Husen , Shimelis Shihun , Andargie Bamlaku , Abdi Michael Yousuf , Bekere Hassen Yusuf
Published: May 2022

Background

Biosecurity plays an irreplaceable role in preventing diseases, increasing productivity of dairy herd and welfare on the farm, prevention of drug resistance and public health safety. Assessment of biosecurity measures were carried out both by observations and questionnaires from December 2019 to April 2020 in dairy cows’ farms. In addition to assessment of biosecurity, the present study also intended to identify factor associated to biosecurity and its specific component implementation.

Results

Out of 125 biosecurity practices considered to evaluate the overall biosecurity status of dairy farms, the scores ranged from 34 to 75. The overall percentage of the biosecurity score varied from 27.2 to 60%. Out of 20 dairy farms included in the present study, nine farms gained a percentage score of greater than or equal to 50% (ranging from 50.4 to 60%), thus their biosecurity status was evaluated as “Good”. The remaining 11 farms attained a percentage score lower than 50% (varying from 27.2 to 46.4%) and therefore graded as “Poor”. In this study biosecurity categorized in to four components: traffic control (21.5 ± 4.3), isolation (14.45 ± 2.2), sanitation (16.65 ± 6.83) and health management (3.25 ± 1.07) with their respective mean ± standard deviation of each component. Out of four biosecurity components: isolation and traffic control were implemented better, but sanitation and animal health management were poorly implemented. Fisher’s exact test analysis of the obtained results showed that among all factors assumed to affect biosecurity adoption, however only a significant association (P < 0.05) between biosecurity status and location of farms was appreciated.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the overall adoption of biosecurity measures in the dairy farms was evaluated to be poor. Thus, raising awareness of herd owners, facilitating dairy husbandry training by the concerned body, pushing herd owners to develop a biosecurity plan and practicing it. And, especially improvement of sanitation and animal health management systems should be prioritized by policy makers or the concerned organizations.
The development and quality of jackfruit-based ethnic food, gudeg, from Indonesia
Authors: Yudhistira Bara
Published: May 2022

Gudeg is one of the Indonesian foods that are identic with the city of Yogyakarta. It has a long history and development, which is closely related to the history of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. However, it is currently known as a Yogyakarta specialty. Based on raw materials and packaging, it is divided into many kinds during the development process. The type of raw material used in producing gudeg is divided into two, jackfruit and manggar, while based on the processing method, it consists of wet and dry. Presently, it is marketed in various packages, including kendil, besek, boxed and canned gudeg. Research on the nutritional content and functional properties of gudeg has been carried out, although it is still limited to the macronutrient content, while for the functional properties only the fiber content. This research has mostly been done on gudeg jackfruit than on manggar gudeg. Therefore, this study focuses on the history, processing, packaging, nutritional value and sensory properties of gudeg. This shows that product information is an important factor related to consumers’ perception of gudeg due to the fact they normally consider the sensory aspects, tradition, convenience and ease of cooking in selecting traditional foods.
A comparative study of permeability prediction for Eocene sandstones — Part 2: Application and modification of the Schlumberger-Doll Research equation
Authors: Weller Andreas , Zhang Zeyu
Published: May 2022

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry provides insight into the pore radius distribution (PRD) of rocks. Several permeability (k) of prediction models are based on the knowledge of the PRD. The Schlumberger-Doll Research (SDR) equation relates the weighted geometric mean of the transverse relaxation time ([Formula: see text]) and porosity to k. In the common form of SDR equation, porosity is raised to the fourth power. This exponent is not in agreement with theoretical models of permeability prediction. Modified versions of the SDR equation have been tested with varying exponents for porosity and other characteristic relaxation times or pore radii determined from NMR relaxometry. We have evaluated the quality of various k-prediction models using a sample set of Eocene sandstones with known values of measured permeability. A porosity exponent of five provides the best quality permeability prediction using the weighted geometric mean of [Formula: see text]. The replacement of the weighted geometric mean of [Formula: see text] by the weighted arithmetic or harmonic mean in combination with a porosity exponent of six indicates a slightly lower predictive quality. The use of average pore radii instead of average [Formula: see text] enables a better permeability prediction. The porosity exponents become smaller in these equations. This finding is confirmed by multivariate regression that provides noninteger exponents for porosity, relaxation time, or characteristic pore radii.