bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Analytic Network Process (ANP), Local and Indigenous Knowledge in mapping flood vulnerability in an informal settlement
Authors: Membele Garikai Martin , Naidu Maheshvari , Mutanga Onismo
Published: November 2022

In developing countries, informal settlements are mainly located in floodplains and wetlands, hence, they are frequently affected by floods. The objective of this study is to demonstrate a methodological approach that integrates the community members’ local and indigenous knowledge and GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) in mapping flood vulnerability in an informal settlement. The study was conducted in Quarry Road West informal settlement located in Durban, South Africa. A mixed-method approach that involved a household survey (n = 359), interviews with key informants (n = 10) and focus group discussions (n = 2) were used in this study. The results of this study showed that there is a spatial differentiation of flood vulnerability in the study area. Households along the Palmiet River were highly vulnerable to flooding. A section of the settlement called Mcondo 1 was also highly vulnerable to flooding while maMsuthu had low flood vulnerability. The sensitivity analysis results showed that changing the indicator weights, correspondingly, affected the output of the flood vulnerability map. Therefore, this study can serve as a guide for decision-makers on how to elicit adequate community participation and comprehensively integrate local and indigenous knowledge with Geographical Information System in mapping flood vulnerability in informal settlements.
Comparative genomic analysis of five Coprinus species
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhang Ran , Ding Guoao , Wang Lingling , Wang Wei , Zhang Yan , Zhu GuiLan
Published: November 2022

Background: Although Coprinus is widely known for the phenomenon of deliquescence and production of fungal laccases and extracellular peroxygenases, the genome structure and genetic diversity of Coprinus species have not been extensively studied. To reveal the genomic structure and diversity in Coprinus species, the genomes of five Coprinusspecies were compared and analyzed.
Results: A total of 24,303 orthologous gene families, including 89,462 genes, were identified in the five species. The numbers of core, softcore, dispensable, and private genes were 5617 (25.6%), 1628 (7.4%), 2083 (9.5%), and 12574 (57.4%), respectively. Differentiation time analysis revealed that Coprinellus micaceus and Coprinellus angulatusdifferentiated approximately 181.0 million years ago. Coprinopsis cinerea and Coprinopsis marcescibilis differentiated approximately 131.0 million years ago, and they were differentiated from Candolleomyces aberdarensisapproximately 176.0 million years ago. Gene family contraction and expansion analyses showed that 1,465 genes and 532 gene families were expanded, and 95 genes and 134 gene families were contracted. Ninety-five laccase-coding genes were detected in the five species, and the distribution of the laccase-coding genes in the five species was not uniform.
Conclusion: These data provide a reference for a deeper understanding of the genetic structure of the genomes of Coprinus species. Furthermore, this study provides a reference for follow-up studies on the genome structure of Coprinus species and the diversity of specific functional genes.
Identification of key genes and pathways in atherosclerosis using integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Li Shihuan , Li Suqin , Li Qingjie , Zhou Qiaofeng , Liao Wenli , Yu Liangzhu , Ouyang Changhan , Xia hongli , Liu Chao , Li Mincai
Published: November 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that might induce severe cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. These risk factors in the pathogenesis of AS remain uncertain and further research is needed. This study aims to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of AS by bioinformatics analyses. GSE100927 gene expression profiles, including 69 AS samples and 35 health controls, were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 443 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and AS were identified, including 323 down-regulated genes and 120 up-regulated genes. For GO term analyses, the up-regulated DEGs were enriched regulation of leukocyte activation, endocytic vesicle, and cytokine binding, while the down-regulated DEGs were enriched in negative regulation of cell growth, extracellular matrix, and G protein-coupled receptor binding. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the up-regulated DEGs were enriched in Osteoclast differentiation and Phagosome, while the down-regulated DEGs were enriched in vascular smooth muscle contraction and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. The modular analysis of Cytoscape identified 3 modules were Leishmaniasis and Osteoclast differentiation. The GSEA analysis showed the up-regulated gene sets were enriched in the ribosome, ascorbated metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. The LASSO Cox regression analysis showed the top 3 genes were TNF, CX3CR1 and COL1R1. Finally, we found these immune cells were conferred significantly higher infiltrating density in the AS group. Our data showed the pathway of Osteoclast differentiation and Leishmaniasis were involved in the AS process and we developed three-gene model base on the prognosis of AS. These findings clarified the gene regulatory network of AS and may provide a novel target for AS therapy.
Chicoric acid enhances the antioxidative defense system and protects against inflammation and apoptosis associated with the colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium in rats
Authors: Alharthi Fahd
Published: November 2022

Although several anticolitic drugs are available, their application is associated with numerous side effects. Here, the potential anticolitic efficiency of chicoric acid (CA; a hydroxycinnamic acid) against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats was examined in rats. Animals were randomly assigned to the following five groups: control, CA (100 mg/kg body weight), DSS [(DSS); 4% w/v], CA + DSS (100 mg/kg), and the 5-aminosalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) + DSS group. The obtained data revealed that CA significantly prevented the shortening of colon length in addition to alleviating colon histological changes in colitis rats. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress-related enzymes, in addition to malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, were markedly modulated by CA. The results also indicated that CA exerted an anti-apoptotic effect in the colitis rats by inhibiting pro-apoptogenic indices (Bax and caspase-3) and enhancing Bcl-2, the anti-apoptogenic protein. Moreover, DSS caused an elevation of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, cyclooxygenase II, prostaglandin E2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Interestingly, these changes were significantly attenuated following the CA administration. At the molecular level, CA supplementation has increased the expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and decreased the expressions of nitric oxide synthase and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14. CA has been determined to lessen DSS-induced colitis by activating Nrf2 and its derived antioxidant molecules and suppressing inflammation and apoptosis cascades associated with the development of colitis; suggesting that CA could be used as an alternative naturally-derived anticolitic agent.
How common is cheating in online exams and did it increase during the COVID-19 pandemic? A Systematic Review
Authors: Newton Phil , Essex Keioni
Published: November 2022

Academic misconduct is a threat to the validity and reliability of online assessment, and media reports suggest that misconduct spiked dramatically in higher education during the emergency shift to online exams caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reviewed survey research to determine how common it is for university students to admit cheating in online exams, and how and why they do it. We also assessed whether these self-reports of cheating increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with an evaluation of the quality of the research evidence which addressed these questions. 25 samples were identified from 19 Studies, including 4672 participants, going back to 2012. Online exam cheating was self-reported by a substantial minority (44.7%) of students in total. Pre-COVID this was 29.9%, but during COVID cheating jumped to 54.7%, although these samples were more heterogenous. Individual cheating was more common than group cheating, and the most common reason students reported for cheating was simply that there was an opportunity to do so. Remote proctoring appeared to reduce the occurrence of cheating, although data were limited. However there were a number of methodological features which reduce confidence in the accuracy of all these findings. Most samples were collected using designs which makes it likely that online exam cheating is under-reported, for example using convenience sampling, a modest sample size and insufficient information to calculate response rate. No studies considered whether samples were representative of their population. Future approaches to online assessment should consider how the basic validity of examinations can be maintained, considering the substantial numbers of students who appear to be willing to admit engaging in misconduct. Future research on academic misconduct would benefit from using large representative samples, guaranteeing participants anonymity.
To analyze the correlation between cauda equina nerve redundancy (RNRs) and lumbar and leg pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Cao Yawen , Zhang Dan , Wang Shenglin
Published: November 2022

[Abstract] Backgroud: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of Cauda equina nerve redundancy (RNRs) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and low back and leg pain and its correlation with clinical risk factors. Methods: A total of 100 LSS patients admitted to our hospital due to back and leg pain from January 2021 to June 2022 were selected and analyzed. According to the occurrence of RNRs, they were divided into positive group and negative group, with 30 cases in the positive group and 70 cases in the negative group. The "rattan cord" type was the main type of RNRs, accounting for 30.00%. Results: Compared with the negative group, age, female, lumbar 4/5 spinal stenosis, sharp protrusion, multi-segment stenosis, and significantly increased ODI score in the positive group were all risk factors for RNRs. The effective sagittal diameter, median sagittal diameter and effective cross-sectional area of the positive group were significantly decreased and were protective factors for RNRs. ODI score was positively correlated with the incidence of RNRs (P< 0.05). The main MRI image change of RNRs is "rattan cord". Conclusion: The formation of RNRs is affected by many factors, such as age, gender, position of lumbar spinal stenosis, sharp protrusion, multi-segmental stenosis, ODI score, effective sagittal diameter, median sagittal diameter, effective cross-sectional area and so on.
Routine childhood immunization service readiness and uptake in the selected border District councils of Tanzania: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdallah Hamis A. , Kapologwe Ntuli A. , Kibusi Stephen M.
Published: November 2022

Background: Globally and in Tanzania, vaccine-preventable diseases are emerging and resurging for different reasons. This trend necessitated an assessment to find out the facility’s readiness to provide routine childhood immunization services among primary healthcare facilities and its uptake in district councils of Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 9 and 21 May 2022, to assess readiness, observation checklist was used to collect information from a sample of 32 health facilities which was randomly selected. A questionnaire was used to collect information from a sample of 250 caregivers to assess the level of uptake and factors related to childhood vaccination. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the collected data. Where chi-square and logistic regression models were used for categorical data and for controlling the confounders respectively. P-values of less than 0.05 at 95% CI were considered statistically significant. Data entry and analysis were conducted using SPSS version 26.
Findings: Of the 32 health facilities that were recruited in this study, the majority (81.3%) were owned by the government, of which 27 were Dispensaries and 5 were Health centres. All the healthcare facilities visited had functional refrigerators for storing vaccines and maintaining the cold chain. On average, the availability of basic childhood vaccines was 96%. More than half (78.1%) of health facilities suffered from a shortage of staff and 81.3% had no reliable transport for providing immunization services. Regarding the uptake of childhood vaccines, of 250 children studied, 56% were males, 82.8% were born at healthcare facilities, and only 73.2% of the children were fully immunized. The facility's readiness to provide immunization services and place of delivery were the main factors for the uptake of childhood vaccines (p<0.05). The odds of children being fully immunized were 0.37 less likely when delivered at home and 0.157 less likely when receiving services from those facilities which were not ready to provide childhood vaccines (AOR = 0.37, [0.136-1.1008] and (AOR = 0.157, [0.021-1.231]) respectively.
Conclusion: Primary healthcare facilities must always be ready to provide childhood immunization services to reverse the local and global trend of vaccine-preventable disease resurgence, especially in border district councils where disease importation is a possibility.
Bioinspired photothermal polyaniline composite polyurethane sponge: interlayer engineering for high-concentration seawater desalination
Authors: Zhao Xueting , Dong Jiajing , Yu Xiaohong , Liu Lingling , Liu Jialin , Pan Jiefeng
Published: November 2022

Interfacial solar evaporation has attracted substantial research interest as an eco-friendly means of desalination. A great deal of work has been devoted to exploring broad-spectrum solar absorbers, porous floating evaporation systems, and appropriate thermal insulation evaporators. During desalination, salt accumulation may block the evaporation channels and severely decline evaporation performance. Herein, we designed a salt-resistant solar evaporator (PANI-SPPSU@PU) based on a polyurethane sponge (PU) with the polyaniline (PANI) photothermal layer and a negatively charged sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (SPPSU) interlayer. The negatively charged interlayer appends an energy barrier, which reduces the amount of the salt ions diffusing into the interlayer and regulates the local salt concentration. With this negatively charged structure, the solar evaporator enables stable evaporation from a wide range of salinity (even saturation concentration) with a high evaporation rate above 1.91 kg/m2 h. A promising salt-resistant mechanism via the synergy of the diffusion effect and the Donnan effect is also proposed in this work. Therefore, it provides a promising pathway for practical solar-powered high-salinity seawater desalination.
Building climate resilience, social sustainability and equity in global fisheries
Authors: Prellezo Raul , Rocha Jose Maria Da , Palomares Maria L.D , Sumaila U. Rashid , Villasante Sebastian
Published: November 2022

The Paris Agreement adopted by the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (PA), aims to limit global warming, and establish provisions for engaging in international cooperation, including carbon market mechanisms. Little research has been done in developing universal operational tools to reach the benefits of achieving the PA climate targets. To fill this key research gap, CO2 permit markets are used towards a global market-based solutions scheme to implement blue carbon climate targets for global fisheries. The scheme creates a scarcity value for the right to not sequester carbon, generating an asset of carbon sequestration allowances, based on the past landings of the fishing industry. The scheme identifies fishing activities that could be reduced because they are biologically negative, economically inefficient, and socially unequitable. Results show that 17% to 76% of the global landings can be socially inefficient, with an unequal distribution of this inefficiency among countries and fishing areas.
The effect of storage periods and pre-incubation warming on embryonic mortality, hatching characteristics, and quality of newly hatched chicks in broiler eggs
Authors: Okasha Hamada Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Egg storage duration can affect embryo mortality, hatching characteristics, hatching time, and post-hatch chick quality. In order to assess these effects, the impact of storage duration (5d, 10d, 15 days) and short incubation period during egg storage (SPIDES) investigated further 18900 eggs of broiler breeder (ROSS 308) in 3×2 factorial arrangement design. Storage periods could significantly (P ≥ 0.05) influence on embryo mortality (total, early, middle and late), hatchability of both the total eggs and fertile eggs. All hatching time parameters as well as quality of chick also affected by all storing periods applied. SPIDES had a significant (P ≥ 0.05) impact on lower embryonic death rate, improved egg hatchability, significantly reduced all hatching time parameters especially hatching window (HW) and it gave the best quality to the hatched chick. Finally stored for 5d treated by (SPIDES) positively affected hatchability characteristics, shortening hatching time and the quality of chicks. Regarding on the results, it was confirmed that using the (SPIDES) treatment to prevent the harmful effects of broiler eggs being stored for a extended period of time is a viable option.
Differential gene expression and immune cell infiltration in patients with steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Ren Guowu , wen Shuaibo , Han Jie , Xu Zhiwei , Chen Feng , Shang Yuzhi , Wu Yukun
Published: November 2022

Objective
To study the differential gene expression and immune cell infiltration in patients with steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH), identify the key genes and immune cells of SANFH, and explore the relationship between immune cells and SANFH.
Methods
The high-throughput gene chip dataset GSE123568 was downloaded from the GEO database, and the differential gene expression was analyzed with the R language. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to analyze the protein interaction network and screen key genes, and enrichment analysis was made on key genes. The infiltration of immune cells in SANFH patients was analyzed and verified by immunohistochemistry.
Results
EP300, TRAF6, STAT1, JAK1, CASP8, and JAK2 are key genes in the pathogenesis of SANFH, which mainly involve in myeloid cell differentiation, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway, and cellular response to tumor necrosis factor through JAK-STAT, NOD-like receptor, Toll-like receptor, and other signaling pathways and give occurrence to diseases; immune infiltration and immunohistochemical results show that the expression of memory B cells and activated dendritic cells is reduced in SANFH patients, while in the same SANFH samples, Macrophages M1 was positively correlated with Monocytes, and Neutrophils was negatively correlated with Monocytes expression.
Conclusion
EP300, TRAF6, STAT1, JAK1, CASP8, and JAK2 can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of SANFH. Memory B cells, activated dendritic cells, macrophages M1, monocytes, and neutrophils may be involved in the occurrence and development of SANFH, and this may provide support for the basic research of SANFH.
Prognostic factors of pediatric pineal region tumors at a single institution
Authors: Valsechi Linoel Curado , Costa Marcos Devanir Silva , Dastoli Patricia Alessandra , Nicácio Jardel Mendonça , Suzuki Fernando Seiji , Leite Adriana Lima , Cavalheiro Sergio
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To identify factors of a worse prognosis among different histological types of pineal region tumors in pediatric patients treat at a single institution in a 30-year period.
Material and Methods: 151 pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) treated between 1991 and 2020 were analyzed. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were created and the log-rank test was used to compare the main prognostic factors in the different histological types.
Results: Germinoma was found in 33.1%, with an overall 60-month survival rate of 88%; the female sex was the only factor of a worse prognosis. Non-germinomatous germ cell tumors were found in 27.1%, with an overall 60-month survival rate of 67.2%; metastasis upon diagnosis, residual tumor and the absence of radiotherapy were associated with a worse diagnosis. Pineoblastoma was found in 22.5%, with an overall 60-month survival rate of 40.7%; the male sex was the only factor of a worse prognosis; a tendency toward a worse outcome was found in patients < 3 years of age and those with metastasis upon diagnosis. Glioma was identified in 12.5%, with an overall 60-month survival rate of 72.6%; high grade gliomas were associated with a worse prognosis. Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors was found in 3.3% and all patients died within a 19-month period.
Conclusion: Pineal region tumors are characterized by the heterogeneity of histological types, which exert an influence on the outcome. Knowledge of the prognostic factors for each histological types is of extreme importance to the determination of guided multidisciplinary treatment.
Stochastic Wasserstein Hamiltonian Flows
Authors: Cui Jianbo , Liu Shu , Zhou Haomin
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the stochastic Hamiltonian flow in Wasserstein manifold, the probability density space equipped with L2-Wasserstein metric tensor, via the Wong--Zakai approximation. We begin our investigation by showing that the stochastic Euler--Lagrange equation, regardless it is deduced from either variational principle or particle dynamics, can be interpreted as the stochastic kinetic Hamiltonian flows in Wasserstein manifold. We further propose a novel variational formulation to derive more general stochastic Wassersetin Hamiltonian flows, and demonstrate that this new formulation is applicable to various systems including the stochastic Schrödinger equation, Schrödinger equation with random dispersion, and Schrödinger bridge problem with common noise.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) Primary 58B20, Secondary 35R60, 35Q41, 35Q83, 65M75
Freshwater ecosystems’ benthic microplastic uptake in fish: the case study of Chondrostoma nasus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Mihuţ Claudia , Burcea Alexandru , McCall Grant S. , Matei Claudiu , Bănăduc Doru
Published: November 2022

The feeding characteristics of the nase, based on its mouth morphology and feeding behaviour make it a biological uptake vector for microplastics in the freshwater ecosystems. Fibres may have limited absorption through the gastro-intestinal tract and would be unlikely to find in the fish tissues. The presence of microplastic fibres in the gastro-intestinal content is a proof of how difficult it is for these fibres to become embedded in other organs. The absence of microplastic fibres found in its muscle tissue and gastro-intestinal tissue is important information for microplastic fabrication and management in aquatic ecosystems. The majority of fish have relatively low levels of microplastics, however, a few individuals have a higher dose. This is true for all types of microplastics analysed with the exception of individuals that had just one microplastic present in the analysed matrix. The microplastics are not concentrated in the fish tissues and gastro-intestinal tract content in relation with fish age, which may be due to their different mobility in the ecosystem, or due to the recent appearance of this type of contamination and the scale at which microplastics bioaccumulate. Such a relatively common fish must be included in assessment and monitoring systems of the European lotic systems. The risks involved include the transfer of the freshwater environments microplastics into human organ tissues via the food web of fishing species with the nase as a key basis.
Chaos–hologram: a novel technique in encryption information
Authors: Kadhim Meadaa W. , Kafi Dina Ahmed , Abed Ehsan Ali , Jamal Raied K.
Published: November 2022

In this work, hologram-chaos technique was used to encrypt information as one of the hologram applications using MATLAB program. The results showed that the information to be transmitted in complete secrecy can be easily identified using computer generated holograms through the process of computer hologram reconstruction, so this technique is not able to guarantee the confidentiality of information transmission. When coupling the hologram technology with the chaotic Lorenz system by performing several arithmetic operations of addition, multiplication and division for the matrices of Fourier transforms of the information to be sent (the Mona Lisa image) and the hologram of the Lorenz system, the results showed a complete encryption of the images to be sent and the disappearance of their features using the division process.
Post-abortion care services in Zambian health facilities: a qualitative study of users' experiences and perceptions
Authors: Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Munakampe Margarate Nzala , Mwila Meek , Makasa Musonda , Mukosha Moses , Jacobs Choolwe , Phiri Christabel Chigwe , Vwalika Bellington , Sichone Victor , Mangala Benedictus , Haketa Melisa , Kumwenda Andrew , Kaonga Patrick
Published: November 2022

Background: Despite attempts to increase Universal Health Coverage, availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality-related challenges remain barriers to receiving essential services by women who need them. We aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of women receiving post-abortal care services in Zambia, within a human-rights framework.
Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted between August and September 2021 in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. Fifteen (15) individual interviews with women seeking post-abortion care services were` conducted using audio recorders; transcribed data was analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: We report women's experiences and perceptions of the healthcare system, their experiences of abortion, and healthcare-seeking behavior. We used the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality (AAAQ) framework to understand how women claimed their right to healthcare as they sought and utilized abortion care services. Women who experienced spontaneous abortions delayed seeking health care by viewing symptoms as 'normal pregnancy symptoms' and not dangerous. Women also delayed seeking care because they feared the negative attitudes from their communities and the health care providers towards abortion in general, despite it being legal in Zambia. Some services were considered costly, impeding their right to access quality care.
Conclusions: Women delayed seeking care compounded by fear of negative attitudes from the community and healthcare providers. To ensure the provision and utilization of quality abortion-related healthcare services, there is a need to increase awareness of the availability and legality of safe-abortion services, the importance of seeking healthcare early for any abortion-related discomfort, and the provision and availability of free services at all levels of care should be emphasized.
On electromagnetic head-surface digitization in MEG and EEG
Authors: Jaiswal Amit , Nenonen Jukka , Parkkonen Lauri
Published: November 2022

In magnetoencephalographic (MEG) and electroencephalographic (EEG) studies, the accuracy of the head digitization impacts the co-registration between MEG/EEG and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The co-registration accuracy in turn affects the spatial accuracy in neural source imaging. Precisely digitized head-surface (scalp) points do not only improve the co-registration but can also be used to deform a template MRI to create an individualized-template MRI that can be used for conductivity modeling in MEG/EEG source imaging if the individual’s structural MRI is unavailable. Although optical scanners have been introduced for digitization, especially for dense EEG electrode sets, electromagnetic tracking (EMT) systems (particularly Fastrak®, Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT, USA) have been the most often applied solution for digitization in MEG and EEG acquisition. EMT systems may occasionally suffer from ambient electromagnetic interference which makes it challenging to achieve (sub-)millimeter digitization accuracy. The current study i) evaluated the performance of the Fastrak® EMT system under different conditions in MEG/EEG digitization, and ii) explores the usability of two alternative EMT systems (Aurora®, NDI, Waterloo, ON, Canada; Fastrak® with a short-range transmitter) for digitization. Tracking fluctuation, digitization accuracy, and robustness of the systems were evaluated in several test cases using test frames and human head models. The digitization performance of the two alternative systems was compared against the Fastrak® system. The results showed that the Fastrak® system is accurate and robust for MEG/EEG digitization if the recommended operating conditions are met. The Fastrak® with the short-range transmitter shows comparatively higher digitization error if digitization is not carried out very close to the transmitter. The study also evinces that the Aurora® system can be used for MEG/EEG digitization. Its real-time error estimation feature can potentially improve digitization accuracy, albeit some modifications would be required to make the system a practical and easy-to-use digitizer.
Rathke’s cleft cyst apoplexy in a boy was treated by endoscopic endonasal operation: case report
Authors: Guan Hongpeng , Zhang Ying , Wang Xuhui
Published: November 2022

Rathke’s cleft cyst(RCC)apoplexy is a very uncommon lesion attributed to the abnormal vascular supply of RCC fragile epithelial wall. It is extremely rare in children and very difficult to diagnose without pathological confirmation. Here, we report an 8-year-old boy who presented with headache. His MRI and CT showed that there was a cystic mass in his sellar region. He underwent endoscopic endonasal operation and the cystic mass was resected completely via trans-sphenoidal approach. The lesion was confirmed as RCC apoplexy by intraoperative observation and histopathological examination. His headache was completely relieved after operation. The authors recommend applying the management strategy of pituitary adenoma apoplexy to RCC apoplexy in the view of that there is no standardized management guideline for RCC apoplexy so far.
Patients undergoing endocrine consultation and first diagnosis of nodular disease: Indications of thyroid ultrasound and completeness of ultrasound reports
Authors: Negro Roberto , Greco Gabriele
Published: November 2022

Purpose
To evaluate reasons for performing ultrasonography (US) and completeness of US reports in patients undergoing endocrine consultation with the first diagnosis of nodular disease.
Methods
Since January 1 to June 30, 2021, we prospectively collected patient data (age and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations), reasons for performing thyroid US, and completeness of reports regarding the description of the thyroid gland and nodules. In the case of multiple nodules, we considered the nodule suspected of malignancy and the largest one. To evaluate the accuracy of thyroid nodule description, we referred to the five characteristics suggested by the TIRADS system.
Results
A total of 341 patients with thyroid nodules received endocrine consultation (female, 78%). The most frequent reasons for performing thyroid US were unrelated to a suspected thyroid disease (31.7%), followed by incidentaloma (23.5%), dysfunction or positivity for thyroid antibodies (19.1%), symptomatic or visible nodules (17.6%), and family history (8.2%). Gland texture was not reported in 41.9%. The depth of the lobes was the dimension reported most frequently (42.2%), but the diameter was not reported in 57.8% of the cases. As regards the description of the most relevant nodule, length was reported more frequently (75.9%). Margins and echogenicity were more frequently described (54.5% and 44.3%, respectively) than other characteristics (composition, 27%; echogenic foci, 6.7%; shape, 0.6%). No reports had indicated the malignancy risk stratification.
Conclusions
The results of the study demonstrate that in patients undergoing endocrine consultation with first detected thyroid nodules, US was mostly performed in asymptomatic cases, US reports were incomplete, and no risk stratification system was reported.
Hi-C analysis of genomic contacts revealed karyotype abnormalities in chicken HD3 cell line
Authors: Maslova Antonina , Plotnikov Vladimir , Nuriddinov Miroslav , Gridina Maria , Fishman Veniamin , Krasikova Alla
Published: November 2022

Background: Karyotype abnormalities are frequent in immortalized continuous cell lines either transformed or derived from primary tumors. Chromosomal rearrangements can cause dramatic changes in gene expression and affect cellular phenotype and behavior during in vitro culture. Structural variations of chromosomes in many continuous mammalian cell lines are well documented, but chromosome aberrations in cell lines from other vertebrate models often remain understudied. The chicken LSCC-HD3 cell line (HD3), generated from erythroid precursors, was used as an avian model for erythroid differentiation and lineage-specific gene expression. However, karyotype abnormalities in HD3 cell line were not assessed. In the present study we apply high throughput chromosome conformation capture to analyze 3D genome organization and to detect chromosome rearrangements in HD3 cell line.
Results: We obtained Hi-C maps of genomic interactions for HD3 cell line and compared A/B compartments and topologically-associating domains between HD3 and several other cell types. By analysis of contact patterns in the Hi-C maps of HD3 cells we identified more than 25 interchromosomal translocations of regions ≥200 Kb on both micro- and macrochromosomes. We classified most of the observed translocations as unbalanced, leading to the formation of heteromorphic chromosomes. In many cases of microchromosome rearrangements, an entire microchromosome together with other macro- and microchromosomes participated in the emergence of a derivative chromosome, resembling “chromosomal fusions'' between acrocentric microchromosomes. Intrachromosomal inversions, deletions and duplications were also detected in HD3 cells. Several of the identified simple and complex chromosomal rearrangements, such as between GGA2 and GGA1qter, between GGA5, GGA4p and GGA7p, between GAA4q, GGA6 and GGA19 and duplication of the sex chromosome GGAW, were confirmed by FISH.
Conclusions: In the erythroid progenitor HD3 cell line, in contrast to mature and immature erythrocytes, genome is organized into distinct topologically-associating domains. The HD3 cell line has a severely rearranged karyotype with most of the chromosomes engaged in translocations and can be used in the studies of genome structure-function relationships. Hi-C proved to be a reliable tool for simultaneous assessment of the spatial genome organization and chromosomal aberrations in karyotypes of birds with a large number of microchromosomes.
Hybrid Model of Alternating Least Squares and Root Polynomial Technique for Color Correction
Authors: Babbar Geetanjali , Bajaj Rohit , MITTAL NITIN , MAHAJAN SHUBHAM , Zitar Raed Abu , Abualigah Laith
Published: November 2022

Colour correction is an image-altering technique that modifies image color in such a way that it matches a reference image. Various researchers have already proposed many approaches. However, those models have been unable to reduce color errors between two images, which results in inefficiency and poor-quality images. This research paper presents an effective and improved color correction model wherein Alternate Least Square (ALS), and Root Polynomial (RP) are used together. The main objective of the proposed model is to reduce the error between a reference image and a target image to make it look realistic. The proposed model used the Amsterdam Library of Object Images (ALOI) to achieve this objective, which contains a picture of single objects captured under various illumination angles and colors. After this, a hybrid ALS + RP color correction technique is implemented on the dataset image that fixes its color for the reference image. The target image is then converted into three color models i.e., LAB, LUV, and RGB, into XYZ format. Finally, the color difference between a reference image and a target image is observed by calculating values for parameters like Mean, Median, 95% quantile, and maximum error. The effectiveness of the suggested hybrid color correction approach is assessed and validated in MATLAB software for each color model. Through extensive experiments, it is observed that the proposed hybrid model yields the least errors for the RGB color model. This is followed up by LUV and then LAB to prove its supremacy over other models.
Emergency Departments as Under-Utilized Venues to Provide HIV Prevention Services to Female Sex Workers in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Poxon Amanda , Leis Maria , McDermott Miranda , Kariri Antony , Kaul Rupert , Kimani Joshua
Published: November 2022

Background: Female sex workers (FSW) in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV and remain a key target population for efforts to reduce transmission. While HIV prevention tools such as PEP and PrEP are available through outpatient FSW clinics, these services are underused. Emergency medicine is a rapidly expanding field in Kenya and may provide a novel venue for initiating or optimizing HIV prevention services. This study examined the characteristics of FSW from Nairobi, Kenya who had utilized an Emergency Department
(ED) during the past year to broaden our understanding of the patient factors related to usage.
Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 220 Nairobi FSW attending dedicated clinics from June to July 2019. Participants were categorized into those who attended an ED over the past year (acute care users) and clinic-only users (control). A modified version of the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument assessed gender-based violence. Multivariable negative binomial logistic regressions evaluated predictors of health care use among these populations.
Results: Of the total 220 women (median [IQR] age 32 [27-39]), 101 and 116 were acute care and control populations, respectively. Acute care users had 12.7 +/- 8.5 healthcare visits over a 12-month period, and the control population had 9.1 +/- 7.0 (p<0.05). ED attendance did not improve PrEP usage, with 48.5%, and 51% of acute care and clinic users indicated appropriate PrEP use. Patient factors that correlated with health care utilization among acute care users included client sexual violence (OR 2.2 [1.64-2.94 ],p<0.01), PrEP use (OR 1.54 (1.25-1.91), <0.01), and client HIV status (OR 1.35 (1.02-1.69), p <0.01).
Conclusions:Many FSW at high risk for HIV were not accessing HIV prevention tools despite attending a dedicated FSW clinic offering such services. FSW who had attended an ED over the past year had a higher prevalence of HIV risk factors, demonstrating that emergency departments may be important acute intervention venues to prevent HIV transmission in this population. These results can guide policy design, health care provider training and facility preparedness to support strategies aimed at improving HIV prevention strategies for FSW in Kenyan ED’s.
Quantitative Analysis of China's New Energy Vehicle Policy Evolution——Co-word analysis based on policies at the central level
Authors: Zhang Wei Tong , Sun Jianguo , Tian Mingfu , Sun Yingying
Published: November 2022

Using co-word analysis and social network analysis, taking 179 new energy vehicle-related policy documents issued at the national level in China since 2001 as the research text, the target time is divided into four development stages according to the key node events, and the changes of national new energy vehicle policy concerns in different time stages are explored. It is found that China's new energy vehicle policy has a significant trend in policy theme in four aspects: benchmarking categories, support methods, implementation goals and management norms, showing the above four characteristics: The standard categories are becoming more and more complete, the supporting ways are adjusted accurately in real time, the policy objectives are constantly optimized and changed, and the management standard system is more perfect. By combing the evolution law of the central government's new energy vehicle policy, this paper finds out three policy suggestions for the formulation, revision and improvement of the current relevant policies. First, the government should adopt multi-channel financial services for new energy vehicle enterprises, and clearly introduce policies that can promote the friendly relationship between new energy vehicle enterprises and banks; Second, improve the accuracy of policy support for new energy vehicles and consider the development characteristics of different enterprises in the new energy vehicle industry; Third, pay attention to the policy propaganda of purchasing demand of new energy vehicles, and use local public transportation to drive private transportation.
Subject classification codes L52; L53
Evaluation of the damage caused by Coccotrypes rhizophorae in Rhizophora propagules along the Ecuadorian coast
Authors: Molina-Moreira Natalia , López Myriam Arias , Rodriguez Rene , Medranda Paul , Massuh Daniel , DeSisto Camille
Published: November 2022

Coccotrypes rhizophorae (Coleoptera), an insect native to Indonesia, has been introduced to several American countries, including Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. C. rhizophorae is the principal pest of mangrove species in the genus Rhizophora. Here, we examine the damage caused by C. rhizophorae infestations in a mangrove forest at eleven locations along the Ecuadorian coast throughout one year. We collected 13,200 Rhizophora spp. propagules in total (1,200 individuals per site per year). The total C. rhizophorae infestation rate was 45%. The total prevalence of Rhizophora spp. propagules infested by C. rhizophorae was significantly higher during the rainy season (55%) compared to the dry season. Bellavista Island, Corazón and Fragatas Island, and Guayaquil Historical Park showed higher damage prevalence compared to other sites. In all sites and in both seasons, the prevalent location of damage in affected propagules was in the basal area (59,81%). There was an inverse relationship between the population size inside the propagule (larvae and adults) and rainfall. The number of holes created by C. rhizophorae in Rhizophora spp. propagules was associated with the damage intensity. These results are critical for the management, conservation, and restoration of mangrove forests in Ecuador and other countries where C. rhizophorae is present.
SOD1-related cerebellar ataxia and motor neuron disease: A Cp modifier?
Authors: Marsili Luca , Davis Jennie L. , Espay Alberto J. , Gilthorpe Jonathan , Williams Chloe , Kauffman Marcelo A. , Porollo Aleksey
Published: November 2022

We describe a novel superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutation-associated clinical phenotype of cerebellar ataxia and motor neuron disease with a variant in the ceruloplasmin (Cp) gene which may have contributed to the phenotype. Our conclusions are supported by the genetic and protein structure analyses of the case.
Correlation between choriocapillary blood flow area and microstructural repair of macular as well as visual recovery in idiopathic macular hole
Authors: Li Jing , Li Huilin , Wang Wenjuan , Sun Bin , Cui Tong , Zhang Xiaodan , Gao Yan , Zhou Guohong
Published: November 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the changes of choroidal blood flow area (CBFA) and the absence diameter of Ellipsoid zone with idiopathic macular hole (IMH) before and after surgery and its correlation with visual function.
Patients and methods:
This prospective study was conducted in Shanxi Eye Hospital from August 2019 to December 2021. Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients with unilateral IMH were investigated. The choroidal blood flow area, the choroidal thickness and the diameter of Ellipsoid zone in the macular area were measured before and after surgery in the IMH eye. Meanwhile, we further explored their relationship.
Results
After surgery, all the macular holes were anatomically recovered. Compared with baseline, the BCVA of the eyes of IMH patients was significantly improved, the logMAR BCVA of IMH patients was 0.82 ± 0.33 before surgery and 1.65 ± 1.19 six months after surgery, respectively. The choroidal blood flow area was 0.463 ± 0.046 mm2 before surgery and 0.527 ± 0.130 mm2 six months after surgery. The diameter of the ellipsoidal Zone defect was 1811.47 ± 488.979 before surgery and 560.00 ± 341.858 µm at 6 months after surgery, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that logMAR BCVA was positively correlated with the diameter of the absence range of the ellipsoidal Zone (r = 0.69, 0.75, P < 0.05) before surgery, and the choroidal blood flow area before surgery was negatively correlated with the diameter of the ellipsoidal Zone defect (r=-0.493, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
PPV plus ILM peeling treatment with IMH can effectively promote the closure of macular hole and recesses. The choroidal blood flow area is smaller before IMH srugery、the larger of the diameter of ellipsoidal zone and the worse of the visual function; Along with and the smaller of the diameter of ellipsoidal zone after IMH and the gradual recovery of the retinal microstructure, the logMAR BCVA of the patient is also gradually improved, and the visual function is gradually restored. The integrity of the postoperative microstructure has been determined as a predictor of the visual function recovery after IMH.
Semi-Commutants of Toeplitz Operators on Fock-Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Qin Jie
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we consider the semi-commutants of Toeplitzoperators on the Fock-Sobolev space of the complex plane. This work generalizes several partial results in a different way instead of Berezin transform.
Planktonic Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy, Microfacies Analyses of lower-middle Eocene and middle Miocene Carbonates in The Silifke-Taşucu Region (Mersin, Southern Anatolia)
Authors: ŞAFAK Ümit , GÜNEY Ayşegül , Nurlu Nusret , SONSUN Hande
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.