bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equidad e inclusión en ambientes virtuales: un reto constante para la Institución Universitaria Politécnico Grancolombiano
Authors: Arias-Vera Julián Andrés , Chicas-Sierra Sandra Milena
Published: September 2021

El presente artículo es un estudio exploratorio de la relación entre la educación superior virtual y la promoción de la equidad y la inclusión. Para esto se mide la percepción de los estudiantes del Politécnico Grancolombiano acerca de la promoción de equidad e inclusión educativa en sus programas académicos virtuales. La investigación se presenta mediante un enfoque cuantitativo haciendo uso de la encuesta como instrumento para la recolección de datos, correspondiente a un diseño no experimental y con alcance descriptivo. El Politécnico Grancolombiano cuenta con programas virtuales que han contribuido a la inclusión y educación de personas de regiones como Santander, Amazonas, Arauca, Casanare y Putumayo, entre otras, lo cual evidencia el gran impacto de la institución en la población vulnerable y excluida, además, los resultados muestran que la institución realiza actividades de formación para profesionales con diversas identidades culturales, orientada a la excelencia, el respeto por la diferencia, las oportunidades, la libre interacción y comunicación, así como la posibilidad de acceder a mejores oportunidades laborales con niveles superiores al 90 %, por lo que cumple con lo establecido en su proyecto educativo institucional. Finalmente, se concluye la importancia de continuar generando actividades que promuevan la equidad e inclusión y lleven la generación de accesibilidad y oportunidades para todos, específicamente en lo que tiene que ver con los retos hacia el mercado laboral.
Comprehensive Study of Human FBXW7 Deleterious nsSNP's Functional Inference and Susceptibility to Gynaecological Cancer
Authors: Vasuki.K Archana , Christy.H Jemmy
Published: September 2021

Cancer is one of the world's major causes of mortality, and it plays a most important role in the world's declining life expectancy. F-box and WD-40 domain protein 7 (FBXW7), a typical participant of the F-box family of proteins, has been considered as an antitumor protein and one of the maximum deregulated ubiquitin-proteasome system proteins in uterine carcinosarcoma, endometrial clear cell carcinoma and cervical carcinoma with the greatest prevalence of alterations. FBXW7 variants with known clinical significance, as well as nsSNP’s in the F-Box and WD40 domains, were evaluated using functionality prediction web resources. Upon analysing the seventy-three deleterious nsSNP’s impact on protein stability and function, we identified that forty-one nsSNP’s of WD40 domain and three of F-Box domain imply decreased stability of the FBXW7 structure. Next to TP53 and PTEN, FBXW7 was reported with the highest percentage of arginine substitution among mutations related to cancer. The current research concentrated on two arginine residue locations (Arg465, Arg505) within the WD40-repeat domain, which is vital for substrate binding. Computational analysis revealed that significant deviation in stability and structural configuration of mutants R505L, R465H, R465P, R505G, R505C, R465C R505S and R505L structures. Protein–protein interaction network of FBXW7 populated with promising hub proteins NOTCH1, c-Myc, CCNE1, STYX, KLG5, SREB1, NFKB2, SKP1, CUL1, thus alteration in the FBXW7 leads to aberration in their signalling pathways as well as their substrate binding ability makes this protein as attractive target for personalized therapeutic intervention.
Prediction of Postoperative Survival Level of Esophageal Cancer Patients Based on Kaplan-Meier(K-M) Survival Analysis and Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO)-BP Model
Authors: Liang Enhao , Wang Yanfeng , Sun Junwei , Wang Lidong , Zhao Xueke , Song Xin
Published: September 2021

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a global safety problem, especially the low 5-year survival rate of patients after surgery, and their healthy life after surgery is directly threatened.Methods: Kaplan-Meier(K-M) survival analysis is used to screen the blood indexes of patients with ESCC. The gray wolf algorithm (GWO) is introduced to optimize the weight threshold of back-propagation (BP) neural network, and a prediction model based on K-M-GWO-BP is established.Results: According to the influencing factors of postoperative survival, the postoperative survival level of patients is predicted. K-M survival analysis is used to analyze the relevant risk factors, the redundant variables are eliminated, and the whole structure of the neural network is simplified. The initial weight of BP neural network is optimized by GWO.Conclusions: BP neural network model, PSO-BP, GA-BP, SSA-BP, GWO-BP, K-M-BP, K-M-PSO-BP, K-MGA-BP, K-M-SSA-BP and K-M-GWO-BP are compared, the prediction accuracy of K-M-GWO-BP neural network model is the best.
Enhance nitrogen removal in bioretention cells with addition of hydrothermal pre-treated pine barks as external carbon source
Authors: Tuo Jing , Cao Shiwei , Li Muzi , Guo Rong
Published: September 2021

The problem of poor carbon source is a common factor limiting the nutrients removal in bioretention cells (BRCs). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using modified biomass in BRCs filled with a mixture of fly ash ceramsite and pumice fillers to enhance nitrogen removal. Different pretreatment methods (hydrothermal-treated, acid-treated and alkali-treated) were attempted, and hydrothermal pretreatment showed a best performance in carbon release ability. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the lignin in hydrothermal pretreated pine barks (H-PBs) was destroyed, and the fiber structure became thinner with more irregular folds, which improved the accessibility of cellulose and attachment of microorganisms. The addition of H-PBs significantly enhanced the nutrients removal in BRCs, and the removal rates of TN and NO3−-N increased by 23.25% and 38.22% compared with those in BRC-A (without external carbon source), but the removal rate of NH4+-N was inferior to BRC-A. Besides, the large carbon release amount of H-PBs did not deteriorate the effluent quality, with COD removal rate of 87.98% in the 48 d. These results indicate that the BRCs by adding H-PBs could intensify the denitrification process.
Cultural Adaptation, Reliability and Validation of the Arabic Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire in Patients With Low Back Pain
Authors: Alrwaily Muhammad Z. , Alanazi Fahad
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: The Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (ÖMPQ) assesses the psychosocial factors in people with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders and predict those likely to develop persistent symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To culturally-adapt and assess the validity of the ÖMPQ in an Arabic population with low back pain (LBP).METHODS: The ÖMPQ was translated into Arabic. Eighty-four patients completed the questionnaires at baseline, 2 days later, and 3 months follow-up. The test-retest reliability, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), specific agreement, predictive validity and content validity were assessed.RESULTS: For construct validity, the Arabic ÖMPQ (A-ÖMPQ) had a moderate (r ≥ 0.3, < 0.5) to high (r ≥ 0.5) correlation with pain, disability, fear-avoidance and catastrophizing questionnaires. The test-rest reliability showed was high ICC2,1=0.92 (95% CI: .83 - .96). The A-ÖMPQ score at baseline can significantly predict disability at 3 months F(1,82)=33.87, p<.01; R2=.29.CONCLUSIONS: The translation of the A-ÖMPQ into Arabic was successful. The A-ÖMPQ showed very good psychometric properties, and thus can be used to evaluate the psychosocial factors amongst patients with LBP.
Machine-Learning Predictive Models For Dependency On Smartphones Based On Risk Factors
Authors: Giraldo-Jiménez Claudia F. , Gaviria-Chavarro Javier , Urrutia-Valdés Alexander , Bedoya-Pérez José Fernando , Sarria-Paja Milton Orlando
Published: September 2021

Background: Machine learning techniques allow highly accurate prediction of different tasks by measuring the event probabilities. This research proposes a prediction model for dependency on smartphones based on machine learning techniques. Methods: We performed an analytical observational study with a retrospective case–control approach; the different classification methods used were decision tree, random forest, logistic regression, and support vector machine. The sample demographic included 1228 students from a private university in Cali. The tests were 1) smartphone dependency assessment and 2) the Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire. Results: It was found that some of the variables related to smartphone dependency are academic curriculum, school, marital status, socioeconomic status, rules, discussions, and discrimination. Conclusions: The support vector machine model evidences highest prediction precision for smartphone dependency, obtained through the stratified-k-fold cross-validation technique.
Left Portal Vein Thrombosis Complicated by Acute Cholecystitis Cause Liver Atrophy: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Cheng-Hsien , Wong Yon-Cheong , Lin Being-Chuan
Published: September 2021

Background: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was infrequently complicated by acute cholecystitis. The clinical signs of PVT are usually non-specific and subclinical. The treatment aim was to re-canalize the portal vein and to avoid serious complications. An early anticoagulation treatment would result in favorable outcome. Case Report: We present a case of acute cholecystitis with sole left portal vein thrombosis causing left liver atrophy in a 59-year-old woman.Conclusions: While the surgeon is familiar with this uncommon condition, the PVT could be detected on the pre-operative images through a tailored CT or MRI. The condition of PVT is often subclinical and might complicate liver atrophy, an early anticoagulation treatment would result in a favorable outcome.
Mind the Gap: Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in astrocytes is a therapeutic target to prevent cognitive problems at menopause.
Authors: Voskuhl Rhonda , Itoh Noriko , Meyer Cassandra , Itoh Yuichiro , Mangu Darian , Suen Timothy , Jang Ellis , Tse Vincent , MacKenzie-Graham Allan
Published: September 2021

Aging is a risk factor for cognitive decline and susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. Some aspects of aging, like the loss of sex hormones, may be preventable. Menopause is associated with cognitive deficits and brain atrophy. Since standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does not mitigate these brain aging outcomes, a gap in knowledge involves understanding brain region-specific, cell-specific, and receptor-specific mechanisms underlying this neurodegeneration. Here, cognitive testing and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that ovarian hormones in female mice at midlife protect against hippocampal-dependent cognitive impairment and dorsal hippocampal atrophy. Further, this neuroprotection in females at midlife is lost in mice with selective deletion of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in astrocytes, but not neurons. This preclinical evidence identifies ERβ in astrocytes as a novel therapeutic target to prevent hippocampal-dependent cognitive deficits and reduce posterior hippocampus atrophy in menopausal women, a major unmet need in half the population.
Seasonal Variation and Tissues Specificity of Endophytic Fungi of Dillenia Indica L. and their Extracellular Enzymatic Activity.
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Prasher I. B.
Published: September 2021

Endophytes are an unexplored group of microbes that live inside the living tissues of healthy plants without any visible symptoms of the disease. This study focused on the exploration and characterisation of culturable endophytic fungi inhabiting in different parts the medicinal plant Dillenia indica L during different seasons. A total of 2360 segments from different parts like leaves (820), stems (820) and fruits (720) were screened to isolate endophytic fungi from the plants growing in Botanical Gardens of Panjab University, Chandigarh (India), during different seasons i.e., Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter of the years 2018 and 2019. A total of twenty-five (25) species of fungi belonging to twenty (20) genera were isolated from the selected plant during different seasons. The plant has the highest affinity for Lasiodiplodia theobromae followed by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Cladosporium cladosporides. The percentage frequency was found to be 96%, 64% and 20% for leaves, stems and fruits. The colonization rate for leaves, stems and fruits was 55.6%, 25.6% and 8.8%. The isolated fungi were identified by morphological, microscopic and molecular characteristics. Monsoon (Rainy season) had the highest number of isolates (312 isolates), followed by summer (208 isolates), Winter (164 isolates) and Autumn (114 isolates). Species diversity was highest during the rainy season (19 species) and lowest during the Winter (12 species). The isolated fungi also produce extracellular enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, asparaginase, cellulase and ligninolytic enzymes. The results indicate that Dillenia indica L. harbors novel endophytic fungi having agricultural, medical and industrial applications.
Magnetic and Restivity Investigation of Geologic Structures in the Basement Complex of Aran-Orin, Kwara-State, Nigeria.
Authors: Adeyanju 'Muyiwa Adekunle , Fatoye Oluwaseun Victoria , Oyanameh O.E
Published: September 2021

The study aims to integrate magnetic and vertical electrical sounding (VES) resistivity methods to determine groundwater prospective in part of Aran-orin Sheet 224. A total of three traverses were established in the study area for the vertical electrical sounding using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. A total of 17 VES points was established using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000C model with maximum half-current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 120m. A total of eight traverses were established for the magnetics survey with station intervals of 10 m and inter-profile spacing of 100 m. The magnetic and VES data were qualitatively and quantitatively interpreted using IPI2WIN and OASIS MONTAJ package respectively. The geo-electric sections reveal a maximum of 3-4 layers beneath the sub-surface an overburden thickness ranges from 8.2 m to 64.9 m and the corresponding lithology inferred are topsoil, weathered Rock, fractured basement and fresh basement. The depth to basement using half-width method showed that the depth ranges from 8.4-56.04 m, which corresponds with the electrical survey.
Changes in Wrist Joint Contact Area Following Radial Shortening Osteotomy for Kienböck Disease
Authors: Shiota Junki , Momma Daisuke , Matsui Yuichiro , Inoue Nozomu , Kondo Eiji , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: September 2021

We hypothesized that the contact area of the articular surface of the wrist joint could be evaluated using a custom-designed analytical program. The aim of the study was to compare the articular contact area of the wrist joint before and after radial shortening osteotomy for Kienböck disease. Nine wrists of 9 patients underwent radial shortening osteotomy for Kienböck disease. Computed tomography (CT) images of the wrist joint were reconstructed using a 3D reconstruction software package. Radioscaphoid and radiolunate joint contact areas and translation of the joint contact area from preoperative to postoperative were calculated using customized software. All patients reported a marked reduction of wrist pain at the 12-month follow-up. The contact area was altered following radial shortening, and the center of the contact area was translated radially and dorsally postoperatively. CT-based analysis revealed that the center of the contact area translated radially following radial shortening.
Health-Related Quality Of Life And Its Determinants Among Recreational Drug Users In A Rural Area In Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Njingu Atabong Emmanuel , Jabbossung Fombo Enjeh , Sunjo Nyuydzedze Stanley , Ayongi Stephen Eyong Njang , Kemndah Nembulefac Derick
Published: September 2021

Background

This study was aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its drivers among recreational drug users, compared to non-users using WHOQOL-BREF.
Methods

A total of 246 recreational drug users and 141 non-recreational drug users were recruited using consecutive sampling of adults in the community. Socio-demographic data, data related to recreational drug use and HRQoL were collected. Data were compared using t-test, analysis of variance and chi-square test. Determinants of HRQoL were obtained using multivariate regression models.
Results

The mean overall quality of life (OQOL) score was significantly higher for non-recreational drug users compared to users (75.89 ± 22.64 vs 61.08 ± 23.94, respectively, p < 0.001), non-users as well had significantly higher mean scores across all four domains of WHOQOL-BREF. After multivariable adjustment, use of recreational drugs negatively affected the psychological domain (β=-4.17, 95% CI -8.22 to -0,13) and the environmental domain (β=-4.47, 95% CI -8.48 to -0.45). Years of recreational drug use affected the social relationship domain (β=-0.55, 95% CI -0.88 to -0.22), OQOL (β=-0.57, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.19), and general health satisfaction (β=-0.71, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.35). Number of recreational drugs used contributed to poorer physical health (β=-1.45, 95% CI -2.57 to -0.33), psychological domain (β=-2.04, 95% CI -3.18 to -0.91), social relationship domain (β=-1.87, 95% CI -3.39 to -0.35) as well as overall quality of life (β=-2.13, 95% CI -3.89 to -0.37). Besides recreational drugs, monthly income also affected physical health (β = 5.17, 95% CI 2.96 to 7.38), psychological domain (β = 3.34, 95% CI 1.10 to 5.58), environmental domain (β = 2.64, 95% CI 0.42 to 4.85) and also the OQOL (β = 4.16, 95% CI 0.70 to 7.62).
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, recreational drugs significantly negatively affect the health-related quality of life of its users. People who use multiple recreational drugs and longer years of recreational drug use had a more widespread effect across the health domains. Higher monthly income could improve the HRQoL of recreational drug users.
A Study of the Effect of Number of Births on the Disability Status of China's Elderly Women
Authors: Yang Hua-lei , Zhang Shuo , Yao Yi-dan , Zhang Si-qing , Wu Yuan-yang , Xie Lin , Li Zhi-yun , Shen Zheng
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Under the background of aging population, the disability of the elderly is more serious, and childbirth affects the health status of elder women. The aim of this paper was to examine the relationship between the number of births and the risk of maternal disability in later life.
Methods

Based on data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2018, 4,686 elder women were selected as study population. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of number of children and other fertility behaviours on the risk of disability and to test whether there were urban-rural differences and gender differences.
Results

A high number of births significantly reduced the risk of disability among elder women. For each additional birth, the odds ratio of maternal disability in later life decreased by 4.3%, especially elder women with fewer than five births. Heterogeneity analysis found that this effect was present in the urban areas, and that an increase in the number of births increased the probability of disability for both fathers and rural mothers, but this result was not significant. Further examination showed that later age at last birth and longer childbearing period both significantly reduced the probability of disability.
Conclusions

This paper found an association between early fertility behaviour and the risk of disability in later life. We need to promote urbanisation and to have children within the right limits, not too many, and improve relevant supporting measures to ensure the health of female elderly in later year.
The dissemination of the “Shell sentence” and compliance with the Paris Agreement
Authors: Lopez Luis , Arce Guadalupe , Cadarso María , Ortiz Mateo , Zafrilla Jorge
Published: September 2021

The extension of Shell’s landmark sentence to all the foreign affiliates of multinational enterprises (MNEs) would imply a global emissions reduction of 2.76 GtCO2. Between 28% and 43% of the total 2030 emissions reduction target of not exceeding 2°C would be achieved. While 91% of multinational affiliates’ output belongs to high-income countries, 54% of their emissions occur in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, these commitments could crucially help emerging countries meet their mitigation targets. We place a special focus on MNEs in the vehicle industry and find that the current targets disclosed in the sustainability reports of the leading automotive MNEs (such as Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan, and Ford) ignore the upstream emissions of their production, as they consider only scopes 1 and 2. This biased approach would have them reducing only 8%-22% of the required reductions of their upstream emissions if the Shell sentence were to be extended to the automotive industry.
Investigation on the Inspection Technology of GH3535 Alloy Butt Weld With Linear Array Probe
Authors: A Xiaodan Yuan , B Yuan Zhang , Li Zhijun , C Kun Yu , D Jinlong Wang
Published: September 2021

The critical problem to accurately characterizing defects in GH3535 alloy weld is the deflection of the acoustic beam and scattering due to the coarse columnar grains. Signal-to-noise ratio is an important index to indicate whether the grain scattering is severein the ultrasonic inspection. In this paper, the phased array ultrasonic testing of GH3535 alloy butt weld was studied using sector scan mode with linear array probe. The soundfield characteristics of the linear array probe with different focusing parameters were analyzed, and the signal-to-noise ratio in the detection was calculated. The results show that: the acoustic beam of the linear array probe can cover the weld,based on the removal of weld reinforcement. The signal-to-noise ratio of transverse hole with φ3mm located at the weld-fusion lineis more than 15dB, when the front end ofthe probe is located directly above the transverse hole of weld-fusion line.
Differences between treadmill and cycle ergometer cardiopulmonary exercise testing results in amateur triathletes and their association with body composition and body mass index
Authors: Price Szymon , Wiecha Szczepan , Cieśliński Igor , Śliż Daniel , Kasiak Przemysław Seweryn , Gruba Grzegorz , Mamcarz Artur , Lach Jacek
Published: September 2021

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the method of choice to assess aerobic fitness. Previous research was ambiguous as to whether treadmill (Tr) and cycle ergometry (CE) results are transferrable or different between testing modalities in triathletes. The aim of this paper was to investigate the differences in HR and VO2 at maximum exertion and at anaerobic threshold (AT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP) and evaluate their association with body fat (BF), fat free mass (FFM), and body mass index (BMI). 143 adult (n = 18 female), amateur, Caucasian triathletes had both Tr, and CE CPET performed. The male group was divided into < 40 years (n = 80) and > 40years (n = 45). Body composition was measured with bioelectrical impedance before tests. Differences were evaluated using paired T-tests and associations were evaluated in males using multiple linear regression (MLR). Significant differences were found in VO2 and HR at maximum exertion, at AT and at RCP between CE and Tr testing, in both males and females. VO2AT was 38.8(± 4.6) ml/kg/min in Tr vs 32.8(± 5.4) in CE in males and 36.0(± 3.6) vs 32.1(± 3.8) in females (p < 0.001). HRAT was 149 (± 10) bpm in Tr vs 136 (± 11) in CE in males and 156 (± 7) vs 146 (± 11) in females (p < 0.001). VO2max was 52 (± 6) ml/kg/min vs 49 (± 7) in CE in males and 45.3 (± 4.9) in Tr vs 43.9 (± 5.2) in females (p < 0.001). HRmax was 183 (± 10) bpm in Tr vs 177 (± 10) in CE in males and 183 (± 9) vs 179 (± 10) in females (p < 0.001). MLR showed that BMI, BF and FFM are significantly associated with differences in HR and VO2 at maximum, AT and RCP in males aged > 40. Both tests should be used independently to achieve optimal fitness assessment and further training planning.
Higher baseline levels of CSF inflammation increase risk of incident mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease dementia
Authors: Contreras Joey Annette , Aslanyan Vahan , Albrecht Daniel S , Mack Wendy J. , Pa Judy
Published: September 2021

Background

Few studies have investigated how inflammation early in the disease course may affect AD progression over time despite converging evidence that elevated levels of inflammation are associated with AD in cross-sectional studies.
Methods

Two-hundred ninety-two research participants with CSF biomarkers from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate whether baseline levels of inflammatory CSF markers were associated with incident mild cognitive impairment or AD and time to conversion. Potential moderating effects of sex and APOE4 were also examined.
Results

Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-9, and IL-12p40 at baseline were associated with higher rates of conversion to MCI/AD. Interactions with sex and APOE4 were observed, such that women with elevated TNF- α and all APOE4 carriers with elevated IL-9 levels had shorter times to conversion. Additionally, TNF-α mediated the relationship between elevated IL-12p40 and IL-9.
Conclusion

Elevated inflammation markers are associated with incident MCI or AD, and the factors of sex and APOE4 status modify the time to conversion.
Trend of Mortality Rate Due To Traffic Accidents In Iran From 2006 to 2018
Authors: Erfanpoor Saeed , Hasani Jalil , Mirtorabi Seyed Davood , Manouchehri Reza Haj , Nazari Seyed Saeed Hashemi
Published: September 2021

Background: Traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of mortality and physical disabilities, endangering the lives of many people all over the world annually and are among the top public health problems worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the trend of mortality rate due to traffic accidents in the provinces of Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all the deaths caused by traffic accidents in Iran during 2006-2018 were investigated. Using the population of the country by age, sex, and provinces of the country, the mortality rate was calculated and the trend of 13-year changes was studied. The negative binomial regression was used to analyze the linear or nonlinear trend of reduction in mortality rate during the study years. Microsoft Excel 2016 and Stata version 14 software were used to analyze the data.Results: During the study period, 259995 traffic accidents deaths occurred in Iran, of which 78.6% were men and 21.4% were women. The mean age of the deceased was 37.6 ± 20.7 years (37.4 ± 20 years in men and 38.6 ± 23 years in women). The number of the deaths in these years has decreased from 27,567 in 2006 to 17,183 in 2018 and the mortality rate has dropped from 39 per 100,000 in 2006 to 21 per 100,000 in 2018.Conclusion: Despite the decreasing trend in the mortality rate of traffic accidents in Iran during the study years, this trend was different across the provinces. Therefore, it seems necessary to design epidemiological studies to be conducted in different area and provinces of a country, to better and more accurately determine the factors affecting the occurrence of these deaths.
Utilization of Skilled Birth Attendants and Associated Factors Among Women Having Children Less Than Two Years in Bench-Shako, South West of Ethiopia,2020
Authors: Gudeta Mogos Beya , Dirirsa Dejene Edosa
Published: September 2021

Introduction:-Skilled attendant delivery is considered the most critical intervention in reducing maternal death and ensuring safe motherhood. But, the level of maternal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia is among the highest in the world: indicate the proportion of births occurring at health facilities is low. Globally, about 289,000 women die each year due to preventable causes, yielding a maternal mortality rate of 210 per 100,000 live births. In Ethiopia, institutional delivery is low 34%. From the treatable and preventable woman deaths, 16 % occurs during delivery.To mitigate maternal death by identifying the utilization of skilled birth attendants and associated factors among women children less than two years is important.Objective: Assess the utilization of skilled birth attendants and associated factors among the women children less than two years in South West, Ethiopia, 2020G.C.Methods and Materials: Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 294 women children less than two years in Mizan- Amen, Bench Shako zone, 2020.Structured questionnaires were to collect the data by face-to-face interviews of a systematically selected participant. The data were analysed by SPSS software version 21.Results: Among the respondents (294), 30.6% of them had utilized skilled birth attendants. The contributing factors associated with the utilization of skilled birth attendants were:-Age of the respondents (21–25), governmental employees, having antenatal care follow-up, and nearest to the health facility.Conclusions: Generally, this study has indicated the skilled birth attendance was low. Mothers with government-employed, Age in years, having antenatal care follow-up, and nearest to the health facility in less than 30minutes were predictors of skilled birth attendant.
Dynamic modeling of hospitalized COVID-19 patients reveals disease state dependent risk factors
Authors: Soper Braden , Cadena Jose , Nguyen Sam , Chan Ryan , Kiszka Paul , Womack Lucas , Work Mark , Duggan Joan , Haller Steven , Hanrahan Jennifer , Kennedy David , Mukundan Deepa , Ray Priyadip
Published: September 2021

The global pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has significantly strained hospital resources worldwide. Improved understanding of the COVID-19 disease trajectory for patients requiring hospitalization would allow for the development of more targeted preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. A covariate-dependent, continuous-time hidden Markov model with four states (moderate-illness, severe-illness, discharged, and deceased) was used to model the dynamic progression of COVID-19 during the course of hospitalization. All model parameters were estimated using the electronic health records of 1,362 patients from ProMedica Health System admitted between March 20, 2020 and December 29, 2020 with a positive nasopharyngeal PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. Demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, vital signs and laboratory test results were retrospectively evaluated to predict clinical progression and outcomes. Several patient-level covariates were associated with differential impacts on the risk of progression. Specifically, while being male, being black or having a medical co-morbidity were all associated with an increased risk of progressing from the moderate to severe disease state, these factors resulted in a decreased risk of transitioning from the severe to the deceased disease state. Body mass index (BMI) alone was not found to be associated with an increased risk of disease progression, while higher age was associated with an increased risk in progressing from moderate to severe and from severe to deceased states. Regardless of the differential risk profiles, all covariates considered other than BMI and asthma were associated with an overall increased risk of transitioning to the deceased state. Recent studies have not included analyses of the temporal progression of COVID-19, making the current study a unique modeling-based approach to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Such dynamic risk stratification models have the potential not only to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19, but also a myriad of other acute and chronic diseases that, to date, have largely been assessed only by static modeling techniques.
Integrative multi-omics identifies high risk Multiple Myeloma subgroup associated with significant DNA loss and dysregulated DNA repair and cell cycle pathways
Authors: Ortiz-Estévez María , Samur Mehmet , Towfic Fadi , Flynt Erin , Stong Nicholas , Jang In Sock , Wang Kai , Trotter Matthew W. B. , Thakurta Anjan
Published: September 2021

Background
Despite significant therapeutic advances in improving lives of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients, it remains mostly incurable, with patients ultimately becoming refractory to therapies. MM is a genetically heterogeneous disease and therapeutic resistance is driven by a complex interplay of disease pathobiology and mechanisms of drug resistance. We applied a multi-omics strategy using tumor-derived gene expression, single nucleotide variant, copy number variant, and structural variant profiles to investigate molecular subgroups in 514 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) samples and identified 12 molecularly defined MM subgroups (MDMS1-12) with distinct genomic and transcriptomic features.
Results
Our integrative approach let us identify ndMM subgroups with transversal profiles to previously described ones, based on single data types, which shows the impact of this approach for disease stratification. One key novel subgroup is our MDMS8, associated with poor clinical outcome [median overall survival, 38 months (global log-rank pval < 1x10− 6)], which uniquely presents a broad genomic loss (> 9% of entire genome, t.test pval < 1e-5) driving dysregulation of various transcriptional programs affecting DNA repair and cell cycle/mitotic processes. This subgroup was validated on multiple independent datasets, and a master regulator analyses identified transcription factors controlling MDMS8 transcriptomic profile, including CKS1B and PRKDC among others, which are regulators of the DNA repair and cell cycle pathways.
Conclusion
Using multi-omics unsupervised clustering we were able to discover a new high-risk multiple myeloma patient segment. This high-risk group presents diverse previously known genetic markers, but also a new characteristic defined by accumulation of genomic loss which seems to drive transcriptional dysregulation of cell cycle, DNA repair and DNA damage. Finally, our work identified various master regulators, including E2F2 and CKS1B as the genes controlling these key biological pathways.
Determining the depth of surface charging layer of single Prussian blue nanoparticles with pseudocapacitive behaviors
Authors: Wang wei , Niu Ben , Jiang Wenxuan , Lv Mengqi , Wang Sa
Published: September 2021

Based on the dependence of the light scattering intensity of single Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) on their oxidation state during sinusoidal potential modulation at varying frequencies, we present an electro-optical microscopic imaging approach to optically acquire the Faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (oEIS) of single PBNPs. Frequency analysis revealed typical pseudocapacitive behavior with hybrid charge-storage mechanisms depending on the modulation frequency. In the low-frequency range (0.04–1 Hz), the optical amplitude was inversely proportional to the square root of the modulation frequency (i.e., ∆I ∝ f− 0.5; diffusion-limited process), while in the high-frequency range (1.25–100 Hz), it was inversely proportional to the modulation frequency (∆I ∝ f− 1; surface charging process). The contribution of each process was, therefore, determined and quantified using oEIS at the single-nanoparticle level. Because the geometry of single cuboid-shaped PBNPs can be precisely determined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, oEIS of single PBNPs allowed the determination of the depth of the surface charging layer, revealing it to be ~ 2 unit cells regardless of the nanoparticle size.
Genetic Mutation of Hb E/beta Thalassemia Patient in Bangladesh and Its Relation With Clinical Severity
Authors: Mahzabin Nishat , Aziz Md. Abdul , Islam Md. Akhlak-Ul , Jahan Nusrat , Sajib Md. Kamrul Hasan , Islam Ismat Ara , Chowdhury Md. Raiq Raihan , Dey Mily , Kabir Amin Lutful , Hasan Mohammad Jahid , Khan Md. Abdullah Saeed
Published: September 2021

Background: Hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia is a common inherited hemoglobin disorder among South Asian countries. The phenotypically diverse presentation of the disease is often attributed to coinheritance of β-globin (HBB) gene mutations. The current study described the phenotype and genetic basis of Hb E/β-thalassemia patients and assessed its relation with clinical severity.Methods: A total of 32 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Cases were confirmed by using capillary hemoglobin electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography. Those with positive findings were further analyzed with clinical information and ancestral data either from the interview or medical records. Data collection was confined to May 2019 and July 2020. Gene sequencing was performed using Sanger’s sequencing method for mutational analysis, and Mahidol scoring was used to grade clinical severity.Result: A total of 13 heterozygous mutations were identified in the HBB gene. Of all, IVS-1-5 (G>C) (n=17, 53.1%) was the most common, and codon 30 (G>C) (n=4, 12.5%) was the second most common mutations. According to the Mahidol scoring system, 37.5% (n=12) were classified as phenotypically mild, 43.8% (n=14) as moderate and 18.8% (n=6) as severe. The IVS-1-5(G>C) mutation was found to be frequently associated with severe disease and showed no mild form.Conclusion: The present study described the clinical severity and its association with genetic mutations in hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia patients. This finding could guide individually tailored management strategies for this particular group of patients.
A Discrete Relativistic Spacetime Formalism for 1+1-QED With Continuum Limits
Authors: Sellapillay Kevissen , Arrighi Pablo , Molfetta Giuseppe Di
Published: September 2021

We build a quantum cellular automaton (QCA) which coincides with 1 + 1 QED on its known continuum limits. It consists in a circuit of unitary gates driving the evolution of particles on a one dimensional lattice, and having them interact with the gauge field on the links. The particles are massive fermions, and the evolution is exactly U(1) gauge-invariant. We show that, in the continuous-time discrete-space limit, the QCA converges to the Kogut-Susskind staggered version of 1 + 1 QED. We also show that, in the continuous spacetime limit and in the free one particle sector, it converges to the Dirac equation—a strong indication that the model remains accurate in the relativistic regime.
Experimental Seismic Performance of a Reduce-Scale Stone Masonry Loess Cave With Traditional Buildings
Authors: Zhao Xiangbi , Xue Jianyang , Zhang Fengliang
Published: September 2021

The seismic behavior of the independent type of a stone masonry loess cave (SMLC) is examined. A tri-directional shake table test was employed on 1:4 reduced-scale specimen of SMLC. The specimen represented a typical traditional dwelling of the loess region in China, consisting of unreinforced masonry walls and inner loess, without any seismic treatment. The dynamic parameters directly measured by the test include the acceleration response, displacement response of each key position of the stone masonry loess cave, and the detailed record of the damage form of the structure under each loading. The analysis results indicated that the simplified model design method not only satisfied the main similarity relationship of the reduced-scale structure shaking table test, but also achieved excellent test results. Through the calculation results to determine the torsion angle of the node and the deformation between the layers, corresponding strengthening measures could be proposed for the life extension protection of this traditional building. Finally, according to the analysis of the test results, the damage state and damage level of the prototype of the SMLC is established.
Approximate Solutions to the Forced Damped Parametric Driven Pendulum Oscillator: Chebyshev Collocation Numerical Solution
Authors: Albalawi Wedad , Salas Alvaro H. , El-Tantawy S. A.
Published: September 2021

In this work, novel semi-analytical and numerical solutions to the forced damped driven nonlinear (FDDN) pendulum equation on the pivot vertically for arbitrary angles are obtained for the first time. The semi-analytical solution is derived in terms of the Jacobi elliptic functions with arbitrary elliptic modulus. For the numerical analysis, the Chebyshev collocation numerical method is introduced for analyzing tthe forced damped parametric driven pendulum equation. Moreover, the semi-analytical solution and Chebyshev collocation numerical solution are compared with the Runge-Kutta (RK) numerical solution. Also, the maximum distance error to the obtained approximate solutions is estimated with respect to the RK numerical solution. The obtained results help many authors to understand the mechanism of many phenomena related to the plasma physics, classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, optical fiber, and electronic circuits.
The Role of Autoimmunity on the Relation Between Erosions and Bone Mineral Density in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Clinical Research
Authors: Moret Margaux , Morizot Caroline , Bittencourt Marcelo de Carvalho , Allado Edem , Chary-Valckenaere Isabelle , Loeuille Damien
Published: September 2021

IntroductionBoth erosions and osteoporosis are present in rheumatoid arthritis and are related to RANK-L pathway activation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between erosion and bone mineral density (BMD) in RA and whether it can be driven by autoimmunity.Patients and methodsPatients followed in the Department of Rheumatology between January 2008 and May 2019 satisfied the 1987 ACR or 2010 ACR-EULAR criteria. Erosions were evaluated by the modified Sharp/van der Heidje erosion score (SHSe) on radiographs and bone mineral density (BMD) in g/cm2 and by the T-score at the hip on DXA. The presence and titers of ACPA as well as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) were recorded at intervals of less than 2 years for both DXA and radiography.ResultsA total of 149 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 61.1% were ACPA positive, 79.9% were erosive and 10.7% had a hip T-score ≤-2.5. ACPA status but not titers was associated with a higher erosion score (63.0 (53.2) for ACPA + vs. 45.5 (44.1) for ACPA – (p= 0.04)). ACPA titers were associated with lower BMD at the hip (value -0.216; p=0.01) but not with T-score. A higher erosion score was associated with a lower BMD (R2: 0,049 and value: -0.222; p=0.009) and T-score (R2: 0,158 and value -0.397; p<0.0001) at the hip. In linear regression, erosion and systemic bone loss were still associated with but not driven by ACPA status or titer. RF and ANA did not demonstrate any role in this association.ConclusionWe showed that the relationship between erosion and bone mineral density associated with RA does not seem to be driven by ACPA or other autoimmunity parameters. However, the presence of ACPA or erosion should lead to osteoporosis assessment.
Developing a Co-Production Strategy to Facilitate the Adoption and Implementation of Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions for Rural Health Systems: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Jungyoon , Estabrooks Paul , Aggarwal Alisha , McMillan Analisa , Alshehri Khalid
Published: September 2021

Background: Evidence-based colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) interventions exist, but have not been broadly adopted in rural primary care settings. Participatory adoption and implementation strategies may be promising in closing this gap through a clinical-academic partnership to guide rural practitioners to locate, select, and implement CRCS interventions that align with local context. We developed a prototype strategy adapted from the National Cancer Institute’s ‘Putting Public Health Evidence in Action’ curriculum in collaboration with two rural clinics to facilitate systems change related to CRCS. This paper describes the process of co-development and delivery of a systems-focused strategy to improve adoption, implementation, and sustainability of CRCS interventions. Methods: We used a bundle of implementation strategies with a core focus on academic-clinical partnership development and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to identify clinical partner interests/preferences on delivery methods and content needed to facilitate intervention identification and systems-change processes that improve CRCS rates. Clinic physicians and staff (n=7) at the rural clinics were asked to evaluate the approach based on overall reactions and perceptions of innovation characteristics using 5-point Likert scale. After completing the systems-change process, we conducted key-stakeholder interviews (n=5) to assess feasibility and acceptability on content/delivery format and plans for ongoing implementation of CRCS evidence-based interventions (EBIs). Results: Electronic blueprints for CRCS EBI selection and implementation (8 modules) were developed and followed by an online forum/live-streaming conference to allow for CRCS tailoring. The two clinics used different learning approaches: one completed the modules together while the other completed the modules separately to cover material before a group video conference. Across all modules, participants in both clinics reported positive reactions toward the systems-change modules. Both clinics reported improvements in how they perceived the characteristics of the modules and the participatory approach to tailor selected CRCS EBIs. Through the process both clinics developed a specific EBI implementation plan. Interview participants reported that the approach was feasible and acceptable, and provided suggestions for further improvements on content, delivery, and format of the approach.Conclusions: The bundle of implementation strategies used were feasible and acceptable in rural primary care practices to facilitate the use of evidence-based approaches to improve CRCS.
The relationship between recurrent implantation failure and sexual function in infertile Iranian women: A case-control study
Authors: Ghorbani Samira , Hekmat Khadijeh , Abedi Parvin , Ghanbari Saeed , Dibavand Narjes
Published: September 2021

Background

Recurrent implantation failure affects 3–5% of women, which means failing to implant after two or more high-quality embryo transfer cycles. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between recurrent implantation failure and sexual function in infertile Iranian women.
Methods

This was a case-control study of 180 infertile Iranian women (90 infertile women with recurrent implantation failure and 90 infertile women with no implantation failure). A demographic questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index were used for data collection. Data analyzed by means of chi-square, independent t-test and linear regression.
Results

The mean scores of different domains of sexual function including (desire, lubrication, arousal, orgasm, pain, satisfaction) were significantly lower in the group with RIF compared to the group without RIF. The total score of sexual function was significantly lower in the RIF group than in the RIF-free group (23.11 ± 2.24, vs. 25.99 ± 2.35, p < 0.001). Women in the RIF group were 2.65 times more likely to have a low score of sexual function compared to the women with no RIF (p < 0.001).
Conclusion

Women experiencing recurrent implantation failure may be at particular risk for reduced sexual function. Sexual function issues should be treated as an important component of comprehensive care.
Case Report: Intraoperatively diagnosed perforated Meckel’s Diverticulum containing gastric-type mucosa
Authors: Laham Omar Al , Albrijawy Reham , Alsamman Mhd Imadaldin , Shaheen Jack , Atia Fareed , Merhij Alhasan
Published: September 2021

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