bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum K-Means Clustering Method For Detecting Heart Disease Using Quantum Circuit Approach
Authors: S Kavitha S , Kaulgud Narasimha
Published: October 2021

The development of Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum computers is expected to signify potential advantages of quantum computing over classical computing. This paper focuses on quantum paradigm usage to speed up unsupervised machine learning algorithms particularly the K-means clustering method. The main approach is to build a quantum circuit that performs the distance calculation required for the clustering process. This proposed technique is a collaboration of data mining techniques with quantum computation. Initially extracted heart disease dataset is preprocessed and classical K-means performance is evaluated. Later, the quantum concept is applied to the classical approach of the clustering algorithm. The comparative analysis is performed between quantum and classical processing to check performance metrics.
The Secrets to Domestic Bliss – Partner Fidelity and Environmental Filtering Preserve Stage-Specific Turtle Ant Gut Symbioses for Over 40 Million Years
Authors: Hu Yi , D’Amelio Catherine L , Béchade Benoît , Cabuslay Christian S , Sanders Jon G , Price Shauna , Fanwick Emily , Powell Scott , Moreau Corrie S , Russell Jacob A
Published: October 2021

BackgroundGut microbiomes can vary across development, a pattern often found for insects with complete metamorphosis. With varying nutritional need and distinct opportunities for microbial acquisition, questions arise as to how such ‘holometabolous’ insects retain helpful microbes at larval and adult stages. Ants are an intriguing system for such study. In a number of lineages adults digest only liquid food sources, while larvae digest solid foods. Like some other social insects, workers and soldiers of some ant species engage in oral-anal trophallaxes, enabling microbial transfer among siblings. But do queens, the typical colony founding caste, obtain symbionts through such transfer? Does this enable transgenerational symbiont passage? And does the resulting partner fidelity promote the evolution of beneficial symbionts? Furthermore, how might such adult-centric biology shape larval microbiomes? To address these questions, we characterized symbiotic gut bacteria across 13 species of Cephalotes turtle ants, with up to 40-million years of divergence. Adding to the prior focus on workers we, here, study underexplored castes and stages including queens, soldiers, and larvae, by performing 16S rRNA qPCR, amplicon sequencing, and phylogenetic classification. ResultsWe show that adult microbiomes are conserved across species and largely across castes. Nearly 95% of the bacteria in adults have, thus far, been found only in Cephalotes ants. Furthermore, the microbiomes from most adults exhibit phylosymbiosis, a trend in which microbiome community similarity recapitulates patterns of host relatedness. Additionally, an abundant, adult-enriched symbiont cospeciates with some Cephalotes. Evidence here suggests that these partner fidelity patterns extend from transgenerational symbiont transfer through alate gyne dispersal and subsequent colony-founding by queens. Like adults, larvae of Cephalotes species exhibit strong microbiome conservation. Phylosymbiosis patterns are weaker, however, with further evidence elevating environmental filtering as a primary mechanism behind such conservation. Specifically, while adult-enriched symbionts are found in most larvae, symbionts of older larvae are highly related to free-living bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillales, and Actinobacteria. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that both partner fidelity and conserved environmental filtering drive stable, stage-specific, social insect symbioses. We discuss the implications for our broader understanding of insect microbiomes, and the means of sustaining a beneficial microbiome.
Estrogen Receptor β Deficiency Impairs Gut Microbiota: A Possible Mechanism for IBD-Related Anxiety-Like Behavior
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Tianyao , Li Xin , Kong Anqi , Xiao Rui , Xie Ruxin , Gao Junwei , Wang Zhongke , Cai Yun , Zou Jiao , Yang Ling , Wang Lian , Zhao Jinghui , Xu Haiwei , Margaret Warner , Xu Xingshun , Gustafsson Jan-Ake , Fan Xiaotang
Published: October 2021

Background: Although lack of ERβ is an acknowledged risk factor for the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psychiatric disorders, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we revealed the role of gut microbiota in the development of IBD and related anxiety-like behavior in ERβ deficiency mice. Results: In this study, we showed that ERβ knockout mice upon dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) insult displayed significant shifts in fecal microbiota composition with increasing enrichment of genus Prevotellaceae_UCG_001, aggravated colitis severity and anxiety-like behaviors. In addition, DSS induced colitis also enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity in ERβ-deficiency mice, which linked colitis and anxiety-like behaviors. In line with these observations, RNA sequencing data further identified ErbB4 might be the target of ERβ involved in regulating HPA axis hyperactivity caused by DSS insult. Gut microbiota remodeling by co-housing showed both colitis severity and anxiety-like behaviors were aggravated in co-housed WT mice compared with single-housed WT mice, suggesting that gut microbiota plays a critical role in mediating colitis disease activity and related anxiety-like behaviors via aberrant neural processing within the gut-brain axis. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate ERβ has the potential to inhibit colitis development and anxiety-like behaviors via remodeling of gut microbiota, which reveals ERβ as a promising therapeutic target for treating IBD and related anxiety-like behaviors.
Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccines hesitancy in rural and urban West Africa: Implications for vaccination strategies
Authors: Faye Sylvain , Krumkamp Ralf , Doumbia Seydou , Tounkara Moctar , Strauss Ricardo , Ouedraogo Henri Gautier , Sagna Tani Linda , Barry Alpha Mohammed , Mbawah Abdul Karim , Doumbia Cheick Oumar , Diouf Souleyman , Kadari Cissé , Harding Mohamed , Donven Paule , May Jürgen , Puradiredja Dewi Ismajani , Fusco Daniela , Consortium ACHES
Published: October 2021

Background: Raising immunization coverage against COVID-19, in particular in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is crucial in addressing the current pandemic. Additionally, in Africa reaching the necessary herd immunity threshold is jeopardized by factors, such as vaccine hesitancy. To build confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, it is important to understand and address the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Yet, few studies for rural and urban Sub-Saharan Africa exist, which have analyzed these factors. Methods: This study reports on a cross-sectional survey in five West African countries (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone) to identify and describe factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in rural and urban settings. The survey was conducted at a time when in these countries the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines had not yet or only just begun. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression models, with robust standard errors. The general protocol is registered on clinicaltrial.gov (protocol number: NCT04912284)Results: Findings show that in West Africa COVID-19 adult vaccine acceptance ranges from 60% in Guinea and 50% in Sierra Leone to 11% in Senegal. This is largely congruent with acceptance levels of COVID-19 vaccinations for children. Multivariable regression analysis shows that perceived effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines increased the willingness to get vaccinated, rather than socio-demographic factors, such as educational attainment and rural/urban residence. Primary sources of information about COVID-19 vaccines, include television, radio, and social media. Conclusions: Communication strategies addressed at the adult population using mass and social media, which emphasize COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety, could encourage greater acceptance also of COVID-19 child vaccinations in Sub-Saharan countries.
Construction and Validation of A Novel RNA Binding Protein-Associated Prognostic Model for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yang Gen-hua
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims: RNA binding proteins (RBPs) dysregulation played crucial roles in human malignancies prognosis. However, the roles of RBPs in gastric cancer (GC) prognosis remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to construct a risk score model based on prognostic-associated RBPs to predict the survival of GC patients. Methods: The RNA sequencing data of GC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were download. The univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the prognostic-associated RBPs, and subsequently constructed a risk score model. Indeed, the risk score model was validated by Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves based on training cohort and test cohort from TCGA. Finally, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival of GC patients according to these prognostic-associated RBPs. Results: Four prognostic-associated RBPs (RNASE3, RNASE1, BOLL, and PABPC5) were identified, and then constructed a risk score model. Further analysis showed that GC patients in the high-risk group had a poorer overall survival (OS) compared with that in the low-risk group based on the risk score model. The area under the curve of the time-dependent ROC of the prognostic model were 0.706 and 0.631 in the training cohort and test cohort, respectively, revealing a good prognostic model. A nomogram was established, and showed a satisfactory sensitivity and specificity to predict the survival rate of GC patients. Conclusion: Four prognostic-associated RBPs were identified, and constructed a risk score model, which may provide promising treatment targets and prognostic markers for GC patients.
Optimal And Worst Examination Strategies For COVID-19
Authors: Tatsuki Onishi , Naoki Honda , Igarashi Yasunobu
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging threat to the whole world, and every government is seeking an optimal solution. However, none of them have succeeded, and they have only provided series of natural experiments. Although simulation studies seem to be helpful, there is no model that addresses the how much testing to be conducted to minimise the emerging infectious disease outbreaks. In this study, we develop a testing susceptible, infectious, exposed, recovered, and dead (testing-SEIRD) model using two discrete populations inside and outside hospitals. The populations that tested positive were isolated. Through the simulations, we examined the infectious spread represented by the number of cumulative deaths, hospitalisations, and positive tests, depending on examination strategies, testing characteristics, and hospitalisation capacity. We found all-or-none responses of either expansion or extinction of the infectious spreads, depending on the rates of follow-up and mass testing, which represent testing the people identified as close contacts with infected patients using follow-up surveys and people with symptoms, respectively. We also demonstrated that there were optimal and worst examination strategies, which were determined by the total resources and testing costs. The testing-SEIRD model is useful in making decisions on examination strategies for the emerging infectious disease outbreaks.
Robust Bias-Correction of Precipitation Extremes Using A Novel Hybrid Empirical Quantile Mapping Method: Advantages of A Linear Correction For Extremes
Authors: Holthuijzen Maike , Beckage Brian , Clemins Patrick J , Higdon Dave , Winter Jonathan M
Published: October 2021

High-resolution, daily precipitation climate products that realistically represent extremes are critical for evaluating local-scale climate impacts. A popular bias-correction method, empirical quantile mapping (EQM), can generally correct distributional discrepancies between simulated climate variables and observed data but can be highly sensitive to the choice of calibration period and is prone to overfitting. In this study, we propose a hybrid bias-correction method for precipitation, EQM-LIN, which combines the efficacy of EQM for correcting lower quantiles, with a robust linear correction for upper quantiles. We apply both EQM and EQM-LIN to historical daily precipitation data simulated by a regional climate model over a region in the northeastern United States. We validate our results using a five-fold cross-validation and quantify performance of EQM and EQM-LIN using skill score metrics and several climatological indices. As part of a high-resolution downscaling and bias-correction workflow, EQM-LIN significantly outperforms EQM in reducing mean, and especially extreme, daily distributional biases present in raw model output. EQM-LIN performed as good or better than EQM in terms of bias-correcting standard climatological indices (e.g., total annual rainfall, frequency of wet days, total annual extreme rainfall). In addition, our study shows that EQM-LIN is particularly resistant to overfitting at extreme tails and is much less sensitive to calibration data, both of which can reduce the uncertainty of bias-correction at extremes.
The Effect of Layer-by-Layer Building in Selective Laser Sintering on the Performance of Polymer-Based THz Optical Systems
Authors: Moagar-Poladian Gabriel , Tibeica Catalin
Published: October 2021

Additive manufacturing technologies have reached a point where ready-to-use items are directly produced from a PC-stored data file. Among these technologies, selective laser sintering has become a mature technology able to fabricate complex geometric structures using a variety of materials. Despite the versatility of this technology, it also has some drawbacks. One of those limitations, of major concern for building optical elements, is the step-like structure of the surface specific to the layer-by-layer building. In our paper, we present extensive full-wave electromagnetic calculations that consider the effect of those steps on the optical behaviour of refractive lenses made for the THz spectral domain. Our results show that at least up to 1.5 THz, the additively manufactured, stepwise lens behaves very close to its ideally smooth surface counterpart.
A 5-Year Longitudinal Study of Knee Pain Among Natural Disaster Survivors
Authors: Yabe Yutaka , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Sekiguchi Takuya , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuchiya Masahiro , Yoshida Shinichirou , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: October 2021

Background: Knee pain is a common symptom among natural disaster survivors as well as general population. However, its long-term course is unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the course of knee pain, especially focusing on the association between prior and subsequent knee pain, among people living in disaster-stricken areas.Methods: This was a 5-year longitudinal study of 1,821 participants. Knee pain was assessed at two, four, and seven years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Multiple logistic regression analyses were examined to assess the association of knee pain at two and five years after the disaster and knee pain at seven years after the disaster.Results: The prevalence of knee pain was 18.0%, 18.2%, and 19.7% at two, four, and seven years after the disaster, respectively. Throughout the 5-year period, 34.7% of the participants had knee pain at any time point and 6.2% had knee pain at all three time points. Knee pain at two and four years after the disaster was significantly associated with knee pain at seven years after the disaster (adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals): 3.17 (2.32–4.34) for knee pain at either of the two time points and 12.49 (8.42–18.54) for knee pain at both time points (p for trend <0.001)).Conclusions: In the present 5-year cohort study, the prevalence of knee pain was gradually increased. Among the people with knee pain at any time point, approximately one fifth of them had consistent pain. Prior knee pain was associated with subsequent knee pain, which was stronger in those with more prior knee pain episodes. Clinicians should pay attention to prior knee pain episodes to consider methods to treat knee pain.
Do Digestive Bacteria Suffer from Oxidative Stress: A Study on Ruminal Bacteria
Authors: MEYNADIER Annabelle , Pascal Geraldine , Kaleem Muhammad , Farizon Yves , Cauquil Laurent , COMBES Sylvie , Durand Denis , Enjalbert Francis
Published: October 2021

Heating oils and oilseeds results in oxidized fatty acids with potential antimicrobial properties, that could affect digestive microbiota and therefore health. A long-term in vitro study was conducted to check the effects of one hydroperoxide, 13OOH cis-9,trans-11-C18:2 (13HPOD), and two aldehydes, hexanal and trans-2,trans-4-decadienal (T2T4D), on rumen bacteria and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Rumen fluid was incubated with one of the three oxidation products for 54 h or 102 h. Controls without oxidation products were also incubated. Increasing incubation duration changed the bacterial community and caused acidification and probably oxidative stress, resulting in increased SOD activity. The bacterial community was highly affected by T2T4D, in particular the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and the relative abundance of the Bacteroidales S24-7 group family, leading to an alteration of fermentation responsible for a higher final pH than those in control cultures and a diminution of SOD activity. Other oxidative products did not affect SOD activity, and hexanal did not modify the bacterial community compared to that of the control. The modification of the bacterial community by T2T4D represents a potential risk for the health of its host. Oxidative stress needs to be investigated in digestive ecosystems.
Repeat Kidney Transplantation with Living Donor is as Safe and Efficient as First Transplantation
Authors: Oh Namkee , Lee Kyo Won , Cho Hyun , Woo Sook Young , Rhu Jinsoo , Lee Seunghwan , Kim Jong Man , Choi Gyu-Seong , Park Jae Berm , Joh Jae-Won
Published: October 2021

Background: The number of patients relisted for repeat kidney transplantation is increasing due to prolonged survival after first transplantation. This study is designed to compare the outcomes of second living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) with first LDKT.Methods: Data were collected retrospectively for 1429 LDKT, performed from 1995 to 2020 at Samsung Medical Center. Demographic data of recipients and donors, immunologic factors, and outcomes of 2nd LDKT were compared to those of 1st LDKT.Results: Among 1429 cases of LDKT, 1355 were 1st LDKT, and 74 were 2nd LDKT. Basic demographic data were comparable for these two groups of patients. The 5- and 10-year graft survival of 1st LDKT were 94% and 84%, respectively, while those of 2nd LDKT were 96% and 86%, showing no significant differences (p = 0.399). The 5-year patient survival of 1st LDKT was 98% and that of 2nd LDKT was 96%, while the respective 10-year survival was 94% and 93%, showing no significant differences (p = 0.766). Multivariate analysis confirmed that history of previous transplantation was not a risk factor of graft survival (HR 0.83, p = 0.677) or patient survival (HR 1.68, p = 0.396). Conclusions: Therefore, repeat kidney transplantation with living donor is reasonable treatment of choice for patients experiencing graft loss.
Why Couldn't the COVID-19 Epidemics Be Managed? In the Context of Complexity Science,A Solution Framework: Global Cooperation, Regional Policies, and Local Intervention
Authors: YİĞİT Talip , DİNÇER Murat
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim: The COVID-19 epidemics, is considered to be the most recent and already one of the most destructive epidemics in human history. As part of this study, primarily the biological, economic, and social effects of past epidemics and the COVID-19 epidemics on societies were examined.The aim of the study was to examine the similarities between countries' current state in the context of the COVID-19 epidemics and to develop an approach to epidemic management from a complexity perspective. Material and Methods: The analysis used data from 27 European Union member countries, the United Kingdom and the United States, and primarily examined the current state of the countries in the context of the epidemic using the Multidimensional Scaling Analysis method. In addition, SARS-CoV-2-induced cases, deaths and tests were examined via the correlation analysis method with nine variables that were identified in the context of the COVID-19 (average age, total population, urban population rate, population density, average life expectancy, per capita income, average education duration, hospital beds per 1,000 people, human inequality coefficient). Results: As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the current state of the countries, based on the impact and sources of the epidemic was quite similar, and that the variables mentioned were minimally related to the number of cases, deaths, and tests. Conclusion: These findings have been interpreted notas only showing that traditional approaches to today's epidemic management, and public health approaches have aspects that need improvement, but also that the epidemic is a multidimensional dynamic system and can be explained from the complexity perspective. As a result, the epidemic management framework was developed from the complexity perspective, which includes global cooperation, regional policies, and a local intervention approach. Therefore, the lifestyles of societies determine the size of the epidemic, while the management style determines whether or not the epidemic turns into a crisis for societies.
m6A-related lncRNAs are Potential Biomarkers for Predicting Prognoses in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Liao Yuwei , Liang Simon X , He Dong , Chen Zhikai , Yao Jinxiu , Liang Hongfeng , Yang Liye
Published: October 2021

Background: Breast cancer (BRCA) is a common cancer and major cause of cancer mortality in females around the world. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and m6A-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the prognostic value of BRCA. However, how m6A-related lncRNAs affect the survival of BRCA patients remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we obtained m6A-related lncRNAs by gene co-expression and used univariate least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analyses to construct a comprehensive m6A-related lncRNA model. Based on this model, a risk score was calculated for each patient. Next, Kaplan-Meier analyses, cell type enrichment analysis, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment were used to analyze the risk model. Finally, performance comparison was made between risk model and other common prognostic biomarkers in BRCA using ROC curve and nomogram. Results: The comprehensive risk model of 39 genes (10 m6A-related lncRNAs and 29 other genes) and basic clinical factors showed better performance in BRCA prognosis compared to other common prognostic biomarkers. By regrouping the patients with this model, we found that patients in the high-risk group had higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and differentially expressed genes between high- and low risk patients were enriched in tumor-related inflammation response pathway and lipid droplet pathway. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that our comprehensive 39-genes risk model based on the m6A-related lncRNAs is promising for clinical prediction and provides a treatment guide for BRCA patients.
Retrospective study on Oral health problems in and around Ambo town, central Ethiopia
Authors: Derara Milky , Tulu Begna , Bayissa Berecha , Ameni Gobena
Published: October 2021

Background
Data pertaining to epidemiology of oral health problems is important to understand the magnitude and pattern of different oral and dental health morbidities. Hardly any information is available on the oral morbidity prevalence in and around Ambo, the capital of West Shoa Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
Objective
This study was conducted to assess the magnitude, pattern and associated risk factors of oral health problems in and around Ambo town, central Ethiopia.
Methods
The medical records of 3,451 patients who received oral health treatment in two government Hospitals, Ambo General Hospital (AGH) and Ambo University Referral Hospital (AURH), and one Private Medium Dental Clinic, was reviewed retrospectively. Each patient was subjected to oral and dental examination by trained dentists. Data was extracted on the demographic characteristics of cases, the type of oral health problem, presence or absence of comorbidities and chief compliant of each patient. The data was summarized by descriptive statistics using proportions, mean and median. Chi-square test and univariate analysis was also computed to identify the socio-demographic risk factors associated to oral health. P value <0.05 was considered significant.
Result
Majority of the study participants were males from the urban areas of Ambo town and the surrounding, 58.1% and 58.7% respectively. More than half, 58.1% of the clients reported that they had oral morbidity secondary to dental caries followed by orofacial injuries 24.8% and periodontal diseases 10.8%. Oral health problems secondary to dental caries and malocclusions were significantly associated with urban residency and older ages of the study participants (P<0.05). Dental caries related oral health problems were common in females, whereas, orofacial traumas were common among male participants (P<0.05).
Conclusion
This study shows that oral health problem secondary to dental caries was the highest oral health problems followed by orofacial injuries and periodontal diseases. This necessitates the need for oral health system strengthening focusing on health promotion and expanding overall access to care.
The Contribution of Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunization to Vaccination Coverage and Disease Surveillance in the South West Region of Cameroon amid Sociopolitical Crisis and Covid-19 Outbreak in 2020
Authors: Njoh Andreas Ateke , Saidu Yauba , Bachir Hassan Ben , Ndoula Shalom Tchokfe , Mboke Eric , Nembot Raoul , Tambasho Afizu Chrakoh , Abizou Messang Blandine , Seungue Judith , Mbanga Clarence , Mbome Victor Njie
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The Southwest Region of Cameroon has been hit by an armed conflict for over half a decade now, which has negatively affected routine immunization and disease surveillance activities in the region. This negative effect was further acerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which alongside the conflict caused thousands of children to miss out on life saving vaccinations. Herein, we present the contribution of periodic intensification of routine immunization, in improving immunization and surveillance activities amid crises.MethodPeriodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) and surveillance was carried out in three rounds per health district. Prior to the intervention, the security profile of each district involved was reviewed. Data for this study was extracted on vaccination and surveillance activities from the District Health Information Software and from monthly regional reports for 2019 and 2020.ResultsIn total 54,242 persons were vaccinated in the SW region following these interventions. An increase in performance was observed in all 18 health districts of the region in 2020, with both DPT-3 and OPV-3 coverage rising by 28% points. Similarly, the proportion of health districts that investigated at least a case of acute flaccid paralysis increased by 83%, rising from just 3 districts in 2019 to 18 in 2020.ConclusionPIRI was a very useful approach to improve both vaccination coverage and surveillance indicators in this region amidst the ongoing conflict and Covid-19 pandemic.
Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 and Follow-up in Patients with Common Underlying Diseases on the Dynamic Changes of Antibodies: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yang Jin , Ma Libing , Guo Li , Zhang Ting , Leng Zhiwei , Jia Mengmeng , Chen Fangyuan , Qi Weiran , Zhang Xingxing , Wang Qing , Yang Yuan , Feng Luzhao , Ren Lili , Yang Weizhong , Wang Chen
Published: October 2021

Background: Assessing the humoral immunity of patients with underlying diseases after being infected with SARS-CoV-2 is essential for determining effective prevention and control strategies. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether underlying disease is a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, reveal the seroprevalence of people with underlying disease and the characteristics of dynamic changes in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and provide evidence for the scientific formulation of COVID-19 vaccination strategies.Methods: The probability ratio sampling method was adopted to systematically select 100 communities from 13 districts in Wuhan, China, followed by a random selection of households from 100 communities according to a list provided by the local government. Individuals who have lived in Wuhan for at least 14 days since December 2019 and were ≥40 years old were included. Individuals with other serious diseases besides COVID-19, from whom a sample could not be obtained or refused to participate, were excluded. All eligible subjects signed a written informed consent form and completed a standardized electronic questionnaire before being enrolled in the group. From April 9–13, 2020, venous blood samples were collected from all individuals; from June 11–13, 2020, and from October 9–December 5, 2020, all positive and matched negative families were followed up.Results: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in people with underlying diseases was 6.30% (95% CI [5.09-7.52]), and that of people without underlying diseases was 6.12% (95% CI [5.33-6.91]). Among people with underlying diseases, retirees, health workers, and people who have been exposed to fever or respiratory symptoms since December 2019 were more likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. The IgG titer of people with underlying disease decreased significantly over time (P <0.05), but the neutralizing antibody titer remained relatively stable throughout the follow-up period. There was no significant difference between the IgG titer decline rate of people with underlying disease and those without. The IgG titer of people with underlying disease and asymptomatic infection was lower than that in symptomatic infection.Conclusion: These findings imply that vaccination strategies for people with and without underlying diseases may not require special adjustments.
Risk Factors of Positive Resection Margin Differ in Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Distal Pancreatosplenectomy For Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Study Based On Leeds Pathology Protocol
Authors: Li Bo , Guo Shiwei , Yin Xiaoyi , Shi Xiaohan , Ni Chenming , Gao Suizhi , Li Gang , Ni Canrong , Jiang Hui , Lau Wan Yee , Jin Gang
Published: October 2021

Background: Positive resection margin indicates worse prognosis. The present study identified the independent risk factors of R1 resection in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatosplenectomy (DP) for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods：Consecutive patients who were operated from 1st December 2017 to 30th December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. A standardized pathological examination with digital whole-mount slide images (DWMSIs) was utilized for evaluation of resection margin status. R1 was defined as microscopic tumor infiltration within 1 mm to the resection margin. The potential risk factors of R1 resection for PD and DP were analyzed separately by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results：For the 240 patients who underwent PD, and the 146 patients who underwent DP, the R1 resection rates were 30.8% and 35.6 %, respectively. Univariate analysis on risk factors of R1 resection for PD were tumor location, absence of tumor necrosis, N staging, and TNM staging; while those for DP were perineural invasion, T staging, and TNM staging. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the location of tumor in the neck and uncinate process, and N1/2 staging were independent risk factors of R1 resection for PD; while those for DP were T3/4 staging. Conclusions：The clarification of the risk factors of R1 resection might clearly make surgeons take reasonable decisions on surgical strategies for different surgical precedures in patients with PDAC, so as to obtain the first attempt of R0 resection.
Parental engagement practices with young children during hospitalization: a cross-sectional survey from Pakistan
Authors: Mughis Waliyah , Rasheed Muneera A.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess the association between parental play and stimulation practices during hospitalization with child and family factors.
Methods

A cross sectional survey was conducted in Pakistan, with 458 parents of hospitalized children, to gauge parental education and knowledge about developmental milestones, and the stimulation activities they had recently engaged in with their child.
Results

Overall, about a third of the parents had not with their children in the past 3 days. Higher maternal education level was associated with a higher number of maternal stimulation practices (X2(1, N=449) =6.7, p=0.009). Child gender did not have a significant association with maternal or paternal engagement practices.
Conclusions

There is a need to introduce interventions to increase parental engagement during hospitalization, especially for the younger children with poor health status.
Identification on the Potential Mechanism of Radix Pueraria on Colon Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Chunli , Ma Xiaohan , Yang Liuqing , Ren Huijun
Published: October 2021

Radix Puerariae (RP), a dry root of the Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, is used to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the efficacy of RP in the treatment of colon cancer (CC). However, the biological mechanism of RP in the treatment of colon cancer remains unclear. In this study, the active component of RP and its potential molecular mechanism against CC were studied by network pharmacology and enrichment analysis. The methods adopted included screening of active ingredients of Chinese medicine, prediction of target genes of Chinese medicine and disease, construction of protein interaction network, and GO and KEGG Enrichment Analysis. Finally, the results of network pharmacology were further validated by molecular docking experiments and cell experiments. 8 active constituents and 14 potential protein targets were screened from RP, including EGFR, JAK2 and SRC. The biological mechanism of RP against CC was analyzed by studying the relationship between active components, targets, and enrichment pathway. This provides a basis for understanding the clinical application of RP in CC.
Toxicological Profile of 25I-NBOMe: Brain Distribution, DNA Damage, Apoptotic Signal and Glial Abnormalities
Authors: Monika Herian , Adam Wojtas , Marzena Maćkowiak , Agnieszka Bargieła-Wawrzczak , Anna Solarz , Agnieszka Bysiek , Katarzyna Madej , Gołembiowska Krystyna
Published: October 2021

4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) is a new psychoactive substance with strong hallucinogenic properties. Our previous data reported increased release of dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate after acute injections and a tolerance development in the neurotransmitters release and rats’ behavior after chronic treatment with 25I-NBOMe. The recreational use of 25I-NBOMe is associated with severe intoxication and deaths in humans. There is no data about 25I-NBOMe in vivo toxicity towards the brain tissue. In this article 25I-NBOMe-crossing through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the impact on DNA damage, apoptosis induction, and changes in the number of cortical and hippocampal cells were studied. The presence of 25I-NBOMe in several brain regions shortly after the drug administration and its accumulation after multiply injections was found. The DNA damage but no apoptotic signal was detected 72 h after the chronic treatment. A decrease in the number of glial but not in neural cells in the frontal (FC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was observed. The obtained data indicate that 25I-NBOMe passes easily across BBB and accumulates in the brain tissue. Observed oxidative DNA damage may lead to the glial cells’ death.
North Equatorial Current and Kuroshio Velocity Variations Affect Body Length and Distribution of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica in Taiwan and Japan
Authors: Kuo Yi-Chun , Hsiung Kuan-Mei , Lin Yen-Ting , Tseng Yu-Heng , Han Yu-San
Published: October 2021

The larval stage of Japanese eel travels a substantial distance over a long duration through the North Equatorial Current (NEC) and the Kuroshio, and the spawning behavior of mature eels leads to monthly arrival waves in eastern Taiwan between November and February. The total length (TL) of the glass eel relates to its larval duration and age; therefore, the TL can indicate the larval duration. The monthly mean TLs of eels along eastern Taiwan from 2010–2021 were used to estimate the batch age, and the recruitment patterns and relative abundances were compared. The TLs of glass eels followed a normal distribution, and the estimated ages were highly correlated with their mean TLs. Early recruit TLs were significantly greater than those of late recruits. The mean tracer drift time was longer in early recruitment months (November–December) than in later dates (February–March). The recruitment lag was approximately 1–1.5 months, with relative recruitment higher in the early recruitment months than in later months. Cohorts followed the main streams of the NEC and Kuroshio, and the monthly velocity changes of these currents could affect the TLs as well as the distribution patterns of Japanese glass eels in Taiwan and Japan.
The Impact of Sectoral Aggregation on Elasticities of Substitution Using Translog Cost Function
Authors: Hardadi Gilang , Pauliuk Stefan
Published: October 2021

Economic models are widely used to simulate policy scenarios, in which elasticities are used as measures of substitutability between production inputs. These models need appropriate levels of sector aggregation to produce policy-relevant results and to capture the variations of input substitutability among different sectors, while still adhering to the monotonicity and concavity requirements of aggregate production function. The purposes of this study are (i) to assess the cost (production) functions that fulfill these requirements appropriately, (ii) to analyze the impact of sector aggregation on the elasticities, and (iii) to determine the optimum resolution level for modelling cost function. This study utilized two databases to construct an industry-level panel dataset for 1995–2016, EU-KLEMS to obtain the price indices of the capital and labor inputs, and time-series monetary EXIOBASE v3.6, in both current and constant prices, to obtain the monetary inputs and price indices of intermediate inputs. Dynamic translog in GMM estimation is selected to derive the elasticities of substitution on different levels of sector aggregation since it performs better in reducing concavity violations, compared to pooled and fixed-effect estimation method. Selecting a higher resolution level is preferred to produce better model fittings, but it occasionally results in more concavity violations. Modelling cost functions at a more aggregated level leads to a larger estimate of the elasticity of substitution. The optimized level of sector aggregation for modelling cost function obtained in this study is at 86 industry sectors, capturing the different elasticities of substitution in various mining and manufacturing sectors of basic materials and electricity production.
Cost of Inappropriate Prescriptions for Malaria in Ghana
Authors: Aryeetey Genevieve Cecilia , Nonvignon Justice , Malm Keziah , Owusu Richmond , Baabu Bright Sasu , Peprah Nana Yaw , Agyemang Samuel Agyei , Nonvignon Jacob , Amon Samuel , Dwomoh Duah , Aikins Moses
Published: October 2021

Background
Malaria remains a global public health challenge despite efforts that have significantly reduced its burden. In addition to prevention, effective treatment using the recommended medicines and approaches is essential to further minimize the burden., Yet, inappropriate prescription of anti-malarial medicines remains a challenge. Malaria prescriptions are described as inappropriate when they do not adhere to standard treatment. Inappropriate prescription presents financial and economic burden for an under-resourced health system. This study examined the cost of inappropriate prescriptions for malaria treatment in Ghana.
Methods
This study used retrospective data collected from January to December 2016 in a number of study facilities in three regions of Ghana. Using stratified random sampling technique, folders of 1625 outpatients who had been treated for malaria were selected from 27 sampled facilities including private, public, and mission hospitals in the Upper East, Volta, and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana. Two physicians independently reviewed patient folders to assess inappropriate prescription for uncomplicated malaria using the standard treatment guidelines. Inappropriate prescriptions were expressed as the percentage of prescriptions for all uncomplicated malaria cases. Economic cost was computed from two sources-cost of medication and personnel cost (time spent in malaria treatment by prescribers and dispensers). Gross salaries of personnel were used to determine total personnel cost. The sum of the medication and personnel costs constituted the total institutional cost. Total and average costs for nationwide cost was calculated using sample estimates and the total number of uncomplicated malaria cases that received inappropriate prescriptions.
Results
The findings show that about 55% of malaria prescriptions were inappropriate during the review period, which translates into a total economic cost of approximately US$10.4 million for the entire country in 2016. The total cost (average cost) of inappropriate prescription for the study sample was estimated at US$2,515.92 (US$2.77). Total (average) medication cost was US$1,088.42 (US$1.20) and personnel cost was US$1,427.50. In addition, patients received an average of two prescriptions per malaria episode. In terms of ownership distribution of inappropriate prescription, non-compliance was highest in public facilities (58.3%), followed by private facilities (57.5%) and for mission facilities (50.7%).
Conclusion
Inappropriate prescription for malaria is a major threat to malaria management in Ghana. It presents huge financial and economic burden to the health system. Training and strict enforcement of prescribers’ adherence to the standard treatment guideline is highly recommended.
Improvement of CISSe / CdS / ZnO Structure Performance by SCAPS-1D.
Authors: Lachhab Saad Eddin , Bliya A. , Ibrahmi E. Al , Dlimi L.
Published: October 2021

This manuscript presents an optimization of the performances of the CISSe/CdS/ZnO structure. 12 tests were performed for each layer on thickness, gap energy and temperature using SCAPC-1D. Numerical data were compiled with the open circuit voltage, the short circuit density, the fill factor and the efficiency. The results obtained are confirmed with the measurements illustrated in the literature. The analyses indicate a progressive improvement in the performance of the structure for each test; an efficiency of 28.8 % was recorded for the CISSe layer while 30.07 % as an efficiency for CdS and 31.47 % for the absorbent layer. On the other hand, an open circuit voltage does not exceed 1.37V for the whole structure.Thus, these results are satisfied and encouraged.
“Honestly, this problem has affected me a lot”: A qualitative exploration of the socioeconomic impacts of chronic respiratory disease among people and their communities in Sudan and Tanzania
Authors: Egere Uzochukwu , Shayo Elizabeth H , Chinouya Martha , Taegtmeyer Miriam , Ardery Jane , Mpagama Stella , Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Ahmed Rana , Hussein El Hafiz , Sony Asma El , Wingfield Tom , Obasi Angela I N , Tolhurst Rachel
Published: October 2021

BackgroundOver 500 million people live with chronic respiratory diseases globally and approximately 4 million of these, mostly from the low- and middle-income countries including sub-Saharan Africa, die prematurely every year. Despite high CRD morbidity and mortality, little is known about the socioeconomic impact of CRDs in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the socioeconomic impact of CRDs among people with CRD to inform management of CRDs in Sudan and Tanzania. MethodWe conducted in-depth interviews with people with known or suspected CRD and focus group discussions with members of the community in Gezira state, Sudan and Dodoma region, Tanzania, to share their understanding and experience with CRD. The data was analyzed using thematic framework analysis. ResultsPeople with CRD in both contexts reported a significantly diminished capacity to do hard physical work, resulting in both direct and indirect economic impacts for them and their families. Direct costs were incurred while seeking healthcare, including expenditures on transportation to the health facility and procurement of diagnostic tests and treatments, whilst loss of working hours and jobs resulted in substantial indirect costs. Enacted and internalized stigma leading to withdrawal and social exclusion was described by participants and resulted in part from association of chronic cough with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. In Sudan, asthma was described as having a negative impact on marital prospects for young women and non-disclosure related to stigma was a particular issue for young people. Impaired community participation and restrictions on social activity led to psychological stress for both people with CRD and their families. ConclusionChronic respiratory diseases have substantial social and economic impacts among people with CRD and their families in Sudan and Tanzania. Stigma is particularly strong and appears to be driven in part by association of chronic cough with infectiousness. Context-appropriate measures to address economic impacts and chronic cough stigma are urgently needed as part of interventions to address chronic respiratory diseases in these sub-Saharan African contexts.