bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Projections of Dry and Wet Events in Iberia Based on the WASP-Index
Authors: Andrade Cristina , Contente Joana , Andrade Santos João
Published: April 2021

The WASP-Index is computed over Iberia for three monthly timescales in 1961-2020, based on an observational gridded precipitation dataset (E-OBS), and in 2021-2070, based on bias-corrected precipitation generated by a six-member climate model ensemble from EURO-CORDEX, under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The WASP performance in identifying extremely dry or wet events, reported by the EM-DAT disaster database, is assessed for 1961–2020. An overall good agreement between the WASP spatial patterns and the EM-DAT records is found. The areolar mean values revealed an upward trend in the frequency of occurrence of intermediate-to-severe dry events over Iberia, which will be strengthened in the future, particularly for the 12m-WASP intermediate dry events under RCP8.5. Besides, the number of 3m-WASP intermediate-to-severe wet events is projected to increase, mostly the severest events under RCP4.5, but no evidence was found for an increase in the number of more persistent (12m-WASP) wet events under both RCPs. Despite important spatial heterogeneities, an increase(decrease) of the intensity, duration, and frequency of occurrence of the 12m-WASP intermediate-to-severe dry(wet) events is found under both scenarios, mainly in the southernmost regions of Iberia, thus becoming more exposed to prolonged and severe droughts in the future, corroborating the results from previous studies.
The Active Rather than Intrinsic Mechanism of Nucleosome Depletion by Poly(dA:dT) Tracts
Authors: Barnes Toby , Korber Philipp
Published: April 2021

Poly(dA:dT) tracts cause nucleosome depletion in many species, e.g., at promoters and replication origins. Their intrinsic biophysical sequence properties make them stiff and unfavorable for nucleosome assembly, as probed by in vitro nucleosome reconstitution. The mere correlation between nucleosome depletion over poly(dA:dT) tracts in vitro and in vivo inspired an intrinsic nucleosome exclusion mechanism in vivo. However, we compile here published and new evidence that this correlation does not reflect mechanistic causation. 1) Nucleosome depletion over poly(dA:dT) in vivo is not universal, e.g., very weak in S. pombe. 2) The energy penalty for incorporating poly(dA:dT) tracts into nucleosomes is modest (<10%) relative to ATP hydrolysis energy abundantly invested by chromatin remodelers. 3) Nucleosome depletion over poly(dA:dT) is much stronger in vivo than in vitro if monitored without MNase and 4) actively maintained in vivo. 5) S. cerevisiae promoters evolved a biased poly(dA) versus poly(dT) distribution. 6) Nucleosome depletion over poly(dA) is directional in vivo. 7) The ATP dependent chromatin remodeler RSC preferentially and directionally displaces nucleosomes towards 5’ of poly(dA). Especially bias and directionality would not be expected for an intrinsic mechanism. Together, this argues for a mechanism where active and species-specific read out of intrinsic sequence properties, e.g., by remodelers, shapes nucleosome occupancy.
Free Energies of Hydrated Halide Anions: High throughput Computations on Clusters to Treat Rough Energy-Landscapes
Authors: Gomez Diego , Pratt Lawrence , Rogers David , Rempe Susan
Published: April 2021

With a longer-term goal of addressing the comparative behavior of the aqueous halides F$^-$, Cl$^-$, Br$^-$, and I$^-$ on the basis of quasi-chemical theory (QCT), here we study structures and free energies of hydration clusters for those anions. We confirm that energetically optimal $(\mathrm{H_2O})_n\mathrm{X}$ clusters, with X = Cl$^-$, Br$^-$, and I$^-$, exhibit \emph{surface} hydration structures. Computed free energies based on optimized surface hydration structures utilizing a harmonic approximation, typically (but not always) disagree with experimental free energies. To remedy the harmonic approximation, we utilize single-point electronic structure calculations on cluster geometries sampled from an AIMD (\emph{ab initio} molecular dynamics) simulation stream. This \emph{rough-landscape} procedure is broadly satisfactory and suggests unfavorable ligand crowding as the physical effect corrected. Nevertheless, this procedure can break down when $n \gtrsim 4$, with the characteristic discrepancy resulting from a relaxed definition of clustering in the identification of $(\mathrm{H_2O})_n\mathrm{X}$ clusters, including ramified structures natural in \emph{physical cluster theories.} With ramified structures, the central equation for the present rough-landscape approach can acquire some inconsistency. Extension of these physical cluster theories in the direction of QCT should remedy that issue, and should be the next step in this research direction.
SARS-CoV-2: An Overview of Virus Genetics, Transmission, and Immunopathogenesis
Authors: Farrag Mohamed A. , Amer Haitham M. , Bhat Rauf , Hamed Maaweya E. , Aziz Ibrahim M. , Mubarak Ayman , Alosaimi Bandar , Alturaiki Wael
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, the human population is facing the third and may be the worst pandemic caused by human coronaviruses (CoVs). The virus was first reported in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019 and spread within short time to almost all countries of the world. Genome analysis of the early virus isolates has revealed high similarity with SARS-CoV and hence the new virus was officially named SARS-CoV-2. Since CoVs have the largest genome among all RNA viruses, they can adapt many point mutation and recombination events; particularly in spike gene, that enable these viruses to rapidly change and evolve in nature. CoVs are known to cross the species boundaries by using different cellular receptors. SARS-CoV-2 is believed to originate in bats and transmitted to human being through an ill-defined intermediate host. In the current review, different aspects of SARS-CoV-2 biology and pathogenicity are discussed including virus genetics and evolution, spike protein and its role in evolution and adaptation to novel hosts, and virus transmission and persistence in nature. In addition, the immune response developed during SARS-CoV-2 infection is demonstrated with special reference to the interplay between immune cells and their role in disease progression. We believe that SARS-CoV-2 outbreak will not be the last and spillover of CoVs from bats will continue. Therefore, establishing intervention approaches to reduce the likelihood of future CoVs spillover from the natural reservoirs is a priority.
Associations between the Structure of Urban Landscape and Particulate Matter: A STURLA Case Study in Philadelphia, PA
Authors: Cummings Lucas , Stewart Justin , Kremer Peleg , Shakya Kabindra
Published: April 2021

Understanding the relationships between land cover/urban structure patterns and air pollutants is key to sustainable urban planning and development. In this study, we employ a mobile monitoring method to collect PM2.5 and BC data in the city of Philadelphia, PA during the summer of 2019 and apply the Structure of Urban Landscapes (STURLA) methodology to examine relationships between urban structure and atmospheric pollution. We find that, while PM2.5 and BC vary by STURLA class, many of the differences in pollutant concentrations between classes are not significant. However, we also find that the proportions in which STURLA components are present throughout the urban landscape can be used to predict urban air pollution. Among frequently sampled STURLA classes, gpl hosted the highest PM2.5 concentrations on average (16.60 ± 4.29 µg/m3), while tgbwp hosted the highest BC concentrations (2.31 ± 1.94 µg/m3). Furthermore, STURLA combined with machine learning modeling was able to correlate PM2.5 (R2= 0.68, RMSE 2.82 µg/m3) and BC (R2 = 0.64, RMSE 0.75 µg/m3) concentrations with the urban landscape and spatially interpolate concentrations where sampling did not take place. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the STURLA methodology in modeling relationships between air pollution and land cover/urban structure patterns.
Data Interpolation by Optimal Splines with Free Knots Using Linear Programming
Authors: Thakur Lakshman , Bragin Mikhail
Published: April 2021

Studies have shown that in many practical applications, data interpolation by splines leads to better approximation and higher computational efficiency as compared to data interpolation by a single polynomial. Data interpolation by splines can be significantly improved if knots are allowed to be free rather than at a priori fixed locations such as data points. In practical applications, the smallest possible curvature is often desired. Therefore, optimal splines are determined by minimizing a derivative of continuously differentiable functions comprising the spline of the required order. The problem of obtaining an optimal spline is tantamount to minimizing derivatives of a nonlinear differentiable function over a Banach space on a compact set. While the problem of data interpolation by quadratic splines has been accomplished analytically, interpolation by splines of higher orders or in higher dimensions is challenging. In this paper, to overcome difficulties associated with the complexity of the interpolation problem, the interval over which data points are defined, is discretized and continuous derivatives are substituted by their discrete counterparts. It is shown that as the mesh of the discretization approaches zero, a resulting near-optimal spline approaches an optimal spline. Splines with the desired accuracy can be obtained by choosing an appropriate mesh of the discretization. By using cubic splines as an example, numerical results demonstrate that the linear programming (LP) formulation, resulting from the discretization of the interpolation problem, can be solved by linear solvers with high computational efficiency and resulting splines provide a good approximation to the optimal splines.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Dromedary Camels Immunised with a MERS Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Hala Sharif , Ribeca Paolo , Aljami Haya A. , Qasim Ibrahim , Gilbert Sarah C. , Alharbi Naif Khalaf
Published: April 2021

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infects dromedary camels and zoonotically infects humans, causing a respiratory disease with severe pneumonia and death. With no approved antiviral or vaccine interventions for MERS, vaccines are being developed for camels to prevent virus transmission into humans. We have previously developed a chimpanzee adenoviral vector-based vaccine for MERS-CoV (ChAdOx1 MERS) and reported its strong humoral immunogenicity in dromedary camels. Here, we looked back at total RNA isolated from three immunised dromedaries pre and post-vaccination during the first day; and performed RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis in order to shed light on the molecular immune responses following a ChAdOx1 MERS vaccination. Our finding shows that a number of transcripts were differentially regulated as an effect of the vaccination, including genes that are involved in innate and adaptive immunity, such as type I and II interferon responses. The camel Bcl-3 and Bcl-6 transcripts were significantly upregulated, indicating a strong activation of Tfh cells, B cell, and NF-kB pathways. In conclusion, this study gives an overall view of the first changes in the immune transcriptome of dromedaries after vaccination; it supports the potency of ChAdOx1 MERS as a potential camel vaccine to block transmission and prevent new human cases and outbreaks.
Efficacy of progestogens in the management of threatened miscarriage in women with multiple pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive technologies
Authors:   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Bespalova O.N. , Butenko M.G. ,   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Bakleycheva M.O. ,   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Kosyakova O.V. ,   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Sargsyan G.S. ,   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Kogan I.Yu. ,   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Women with multiple pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive technologies (ART) demonstrate higher incidence of miscarriage and obstetric complications than women in the general population. Gestagens are the mandatory therapy to prevent miscarriage in women with single pregnancies (level B evidence). Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of different progestogens (dydrogesterone and micronized progesterone) for the treatment of threatened miscarriage in women with multiple pregnancies resulting from ART. Patients and methods. This prospective cohort study included 75 women with multiple pregnancies resulting from ART and threatened miscarriage in the first trimester. Group 1 comprised 46 patients who received oral dydrogesterone at a dose of 40 mg/day. Group 2 comprised 29 patients who received oral micronized progesterone at a dose of 600 mg/day. In both groups, the symptoms of threatened miscarriage were eliminated within 2 weeks. All patients gave their informed consent for long-term supportive therapy with progesterone agents (dydrogesterone at a dose of 20 mg/day and micronized progesterone at a dose of 200 mg/day) up to 26 weeks of gestation without interruptions. Results. Treatment of threatened miscarriage in the first trimester using progestogens was effective in 93.6% of patients from both groups. Patients receiving progesterone developed cervical shortening twice as often as patients receiving dydrogesterone (55.2% vs 26.1%). Patients receiving vaginal progesterone were 4 times more likely to have bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion. Administration of dydrogesterone and micronized progesterone as a part of comprehensive treatment to prevent miscarriage in the first trimester with subsequent progestogen support up to 26 weeks of gestation was highly effective. Dydrogesterone was significantly more effective in prevention of obstetric complications. Key words: multiple pregnancy, assisted reproductive technologies, pregnancy after ART, posttransfer support, threatened early miscarriage, cervical weakness, dydrogesterone, micronized progesterone
A novel approach to investigate the deposition of (bio)chemical sediments: The sedimentation velocity of cyanobacteria–ferrihydrite aggregates
Authors: Li Yuhao , Sutherland Bruce R. , Gingras Murray K. , Owttrim George W. , Konhauser Kurt O.
Published: April 2021

Sedimentation velocities of various chemical sediments are typically calculated using Stokes's law. However, applying it to chemical sediments that form in situ in the water column is not ideal because the particle properties do not fulfill many of the assumptions underpinning the applicability of Stokes' law. As a consequence, it has been difficult to predict the sedimentation rate of ancient chemical sediments, such as Precambrian banded iron formations (BIF), because their primary sediments likely comprised aggregates of ferric hydroxides, such as ferrihydrite [Fe(OH)3], and marine bacterial biomass, including cyanobacteria. In this work we use a new experimental method to address the mechanisms by which primary BIF sediment, formed by the oxidation of dissolved Fe(II) by O2 and simultaneously incubated with cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., were deposited to the Archean ocean. Specifically, we formed the aggregates in situ over a wide range of initial pH and Fe(II) concentrations, continuously recorded the entire settling processes of aggregates under each condition, and then processed the data in MATLAB according to different settling mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that ferrihydrite–cyanobacteria aggregates settled to the ocean floor either through the formation of uniformly descending concentration fronts or through convective plumes. The sedimentation mechanism depended on both initial Fe(II) concentration and the pH. Correspondingly, two algorithms were developed to characterize the sedimentation velocity. These algorithms tracked the alteration of light intensity from low to high as sediments descended from an initially homogeneous state through a water tank, and as well calculated the average light intensity over time, from which vertical time series were constructed allowing calculation of the sedimentation velocity. Our method not only provides an accurate estimation of the in situ sedimentation velocity of cell–mineral aggregates, but also provides new insights into the physical mechanisms by which the primary sediments composing BIF were deposited.
A NOÇÃO DE SUJEITO NA SEMÂNTICA DO ACONTECIMENTO
Authors: Granzotto Werner Kelly Cristini , Sturza Eliana Rosa
Published: April 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo propor uma reflexão sobre a noção de sujeito na Semântica do Acontecimento, proposta e desenvolvida pelo pesquisador brasileiro Eduardo Guimarães, como uma Semântica Histórica da Enunciação. Para tanto, partimos da leitura de duas obras relevantes publicadas por esse autor, a saber: Semântica do Acontecimento: um estudo enunciativo da designação (2002) e Semântica, enunciação e sentido (2018). Numa perspectiva enunciativa, buscamos levar em conta a definição e a caracterização da noção teórica de sujeito, bem como seu lugar e seu funcionamento no interior da referida teoria, compreendendo que trouxe uma contribuição à ciência linguística ao provocar atualizações na forma de conceber tal categoria. Trataremos do funcionamento da noção de sujeito, exemplificando em textos. Como resultado disso, observamos que o sujeito é uma questão linguística e enunciativa, que é agenciado politicamente pelo espaço de enunciação e que mais cabe falar em “lugares enunciativos”, “posição”, “falante” que, ao enunciar, torna-se três: Locutor (L), locutor (l-x) e Enunciador (E) e “figuras da cena enunciativa” do que em sujeito propriamente. Esse entendimento mostra que ele não é pensado como uma figura una, homogênea e com intenções. Por ser assim considerado na Semântica do Acontecimento, é pouco recorrente a palavra “sujeito” nos livros citados.
BREVE PERCURSO HISTÓRICO DE ABORDAGENS LINGUÍSTICAS QUE ANTECEDEM E INFLUENCIAM A CONSTITUIÇÃO DA SOCIOLINGUÍSTICA VARIACIONISTA
Authors: Lacerda Marcela Langa
Published: April 2021

Este artigo objetiva resgatar uma parte da história dos estudos linguísticos que antecedem e influenciam a constituição da Sociolinguística Variacionista. Para isso, retoma brevemente a história da Linguística dos séculos XVIII ao XX, considerando fatos que interessam ao tema variação e mudança linguística, no âmbito das seguintes abordagens: (i) os estudos comparados, (ii) os histórico-comparados, (iii) os neogramáticos, (iv) os dialetológicos, (v) o estruturalismo; e (vi) o gerativismo. As ideias de Humboldt e Whitney e de Meillet e Martinet também são consideradas. Esta revisão permitiu, além da (i) sistematização de uma versão sobre as influências históricas que constituem a Sociolinguística Variacionista, identificada como uma metateoria estrutural, (ii) apontamentos sobre algumas tarefas atuais dos variacionistas, dada a guinada discursiva do campo, por meio de sua terceira fase, identificada agora com uma metateoria discursiva.
Apresentação
Authors: Módolo Marcelo
Published: April 2021

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Human Operating Risk Assessment for Outdoor Terminal Box of Electric Power
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Dai Zhengqing , Rao Jiahao , Tian Meng
Published: April 2021

In the process of maintenance and repair for outdoor terminal box of electric power, safety accidents often occur due to human factors. For the correct evaluation of operation process of man-made factors on the failure and the effect of outdoor terminal box, in this paper, the common performance condition of the CREAM (Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method) model be used to analyze the human behavior mechanism and behavior reliability of the terminal box operation process. Moreover, the SLIM (Success Likelihood Index Method) model is used to calculate the probability of human error, and the proportional hazard model is used to calculate the outdoor terminal box's own failure rate. Taking a circuit breaker terminal box as an example, the simulation results show that the corresponding probability of human error is 1.56%, the equipment failure rate is 0.84%, the risk value of the system is 10.7%, and the risk level of the system is 3. From the probabilistic perspective, the effects of human error are higher. Hence, if management department controls the influence factors, the risk level of system can be decreased.
Comparison of Tc-99m Pertechnetate Thyroid Uptake Rates by Gamma Probe and Gamma Camera Methods for Differentiating Graves’ Disease and Thyroiditis
Authors: Jin Meihua , Ahn Jonghwa , Jo Seong-gil , Park Jangwon , Jeon Min Ji , Kim Won Gu , Kim Tae Tong , Kim Won Bae , Shong Young Kee , Ryu Jin-Sook
Published: April 2021

Although technetium-99m (99mTc) pertechnetate thyroid uptake rate can be measured by gamma camera with scintigraphy as well as by gamma probe, the normal reference range known as quite different between them. This study was performed to compare their diagnostic accuracy for evaluating patients with hyperthyroidism. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive 371 patients (euthyroid 89, Graves 167, and thyroiditis 115) who had simultaneously measured data of thyroid uptake rates by both gamma probe and camera methods in our hospital from November 2019 to June 2020. The reference ranges in euthyroid patients were 2.0-4.7% and 0.3–1.9% for probe and camera methods, respectively. For differentiating Graves’ disease and thyroiditis, the area under the curve of the camera method was significantly greater than that of the probe method (0.988 vs 0.975, p = 0.030) on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. With a cutoff value of 0.7%, the sensitivity and specificity for the camera method were 93.4% and 94.8%, respectively. With a cutoff value of 3.0%, those for the probe method were 92.2% and 91.3%, respectively. In conclusion, 99mTc pertechnetate thyroid uptake rate measured by the camera method with scintigraphy had higher diagnostic accuracy than the probe method for evaluating patients with hyperthyroidism.
Pharmacokinetics of Liposomal Amphotericin B for Injection in Chinese Healthy Subjects Based on a Bioequivalence Study
Authors: Zhang Xueyuan , Qi Huanhuan , Wang Manman , Ji Yuhuan , Li Chunlei , Zhao Limei
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety of Liposomal Amphotericin B for injection in healthy Chinese volunteers based on a pilot bioequivalence clinical trial between a generic formulation and Ambisome ® Methods: This randomized, two sequence, open label, single dose,two period crossover study was conducted in healthy volunteers at the dose of 2mg kg Blood samples were collected at pre defined time points up to 674 h after the start of the 2 h infusion. Plasma concentrations of total, unencapsulated and encapsulated amphotericin B were determined. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non compartmental model . The formulations were considered bioequivalent if the 90% confidence interval ls (CIs) of the geometric mean ratio of C max and AUC of both products for free and encapsulated amphotericin B were within80.00 1 25.00 for L n transformed data. Results and conclusion: All the 12subjects completed the two period study , no subjects withdrew the study. The plasma pharmacokinetic profile of liposomal amphotericin B based on free, encapsulated and total amphotericin B demonstrated the characteristics of a three compartment al model. The majority drug in the circulating system after IV infusion of liposomal amphotericin B is remained liposomal form . Pharmacokinetic behaviors in Chinese population w ere consistent with that in western healthy population based on total and unbound amphotericin B concentrations in plasma. The generic liposomal amphotericin B for injection is bioequivalent to Ambisome ® in terms of the Pharmacokinetic parameters for free, encapsulated and total amphotericin B. Trial registration number at National Medical Products Administration CTR20200885 . Date of registration: May 22 , 20 2 0.
Treatment of Patellar Fracture With Kirschner Wire Tension Band With Absorbable Sutures
Authors: Jin shilong , Qin Fengwei , Chen qiyuan , Hu jinfang , Wei libin , Zhou yuanheng , Liu jian , Zhu xinlong , Gao cheng
Published: April 2021

Study designRetrospective cohort studyObjectiveTension band wiring is considered the standard treatment for patella fractures. However, it is limited for fractures with marginal involvement, comminution, and osteoporotic bone. Our experience indicates that these limitations can be overcome with the technique of Kirschner wire combined with absorbable suture. We evaluated the radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with patella fracture treated with this new technology.MethodsWe enrolled 32 patients who underwent the new technology for patella fracture at our hospital between 2018 and 2019. Fracture classification and surgical options were reviewed. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Levack score system, WOMAC test form of pain, stiffness and function, and knee joint range of motion (ROM) were applied for functional evaluation.Results32 patients were followed up for an average follow-up time of 13 months (11 to 24 months). All fractures were unioned, no wound infection, Kirschner wire exposure and second displacement of fracture fragment was found. None of the patients had knee stiffness, and the range of motion of the knee was 125.6° (110-135). The average NRS for knee pain was 7.5 (6-9) preinjury and 0.5 (0-2) at the last follow-up. Knee joint function recovered well, excellent and good rate was 93.75% (30/32). The average Levack score was 10.0 (6-12), which included twenty evaluations of “excellent” and twelve of “good”. WOMAC averaged 22.5 (14 - 38).ConclusionThe combination of Kirschner wire and absorbable suture for patella fractures is simple and clinically satisfactory, restores knee function well, and is a worthy orthopedic method.
Women's Views on Mode of Birth in Public Hospitals in Argentina: Inputs From a Formative Research to Optimize the Use of Caesarean Section
Authors: Perrotta Carla , Romero Mariana , Sguassero Yanina , Righetti Natalia , Gialdini Celia , AP Betrán , Ramos Silvina Ramos
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThis paper reports on women's perspectives on the birth mode in five public maternity hospitals in Argentina. The study is a formative research study component aimed at tailoring interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean section (CS) use. MethodsParticipants were postpartum women aged ≥15 years old in five hospitals in the provinces of Salta, Corrientes, Tucuman, Santa Fe and Buenos Aires City. Hospitals completed an institutional survey indicating the availability of obstetric services. The fieldwork was carried out from November 2018 to June 2019. Trained interviewers gathered data on obstetric history, companionship, mode of delivery preferences, and general opinion on vaginal and caesarean section births through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were coded and analysed with standard quantitative methods. ResultsThe five hospitals had a CS rate between 29.2 and 45.5. Four institutions indicated limited access to epidural and other pain management strategies and a restricted antenatal education schedule. The sample included 621 postpartum women with a mean age of 26 years (± SD 6). 60% of them had a vaginal birth (VB). More than 90% of women in three hospitals favoured VB, and in two, 67% (p<0001). CS preference was associated with giving birth in those two hospitals and the numbers of miscarriages adjusting by maternal age and previous pregnancies. The reasons for preferring a VB included faster recovery, feeling ready, and considering it more natural. Most women chose CS as the best mode of birth to avoid birth pain. CS disadvantages included post-procedure pain, dependence on others to take care of her or the baby afterwards, and prolonged time in the hospital. Six out of ten women would have liked to be asked by their providers about the MOB of choice. ConclusionsWomen giving birth in public maternity hospitals of Argentina preferred a vaginal delivery to a caesarean section. There is an ongoing need to improve access to pain management during labour and vaginal birth and include women's opinions along the decision-making process for selecting the mode of childbirth. Hospitals with a lower preference for VB will require additional efforts to understand women's needs and values. Trial registration: IS002316
Anti-hyperuricemic effect of Polydatin in model mice: promoting uric acid excretion and inhibiting XOD
Authors: Wu Shuxie , Wu Gao , Jiang Hong , wu hanbin
Published: April 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand the role of anti-hyperuricemic mechanism and nephro-protective effects of polydatin.
Methods

The oxonate-induced hyperuricemia mice model was established and uric acids in serum were observed. Kidney tissues were used to detect gene contents of URAT1, OAT1 and OAT3 by real-time-PCR. and to detect pathological features .The activity of XOD in liver tissues of mice was detected .
Results

Polydatin significantly reduced serum urate levels in hyperuricemic mice. Polydatin significantly inhibited increasing tendency of the mRNA and the protein levels of OAT1 and OAT3 ,and decreasing tendency of the mRNA and the protein level of URAT1 in hyperuricemic mice. Polydatin significantly inhibited the level of XOD in liver tissues of mice in a concentration-dependent manner in hyperuricemic mice. Polydatin showed a protective effect on the pathological injury of kidney in hyperuricemic mice.
Conclusion

The anti-hyperuricemic effect of polydatin was related to the down-regulation of renal URAT1, up-regulated renal OAT1 and OAT3 and inhibition XOD in the hyperuricemic mice.
Why are African Immigrants in Canada Reluctant to Use Mental Health Services? A Systematic Inventory of Reasons
Authors: Boukpessi Tchaa Balakiyéme , Kpanake Lonzozou , Gagnier Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2021

BackgroundStudies suggest that despite a high prevalence of mental health conditions among African immigrants in Western countries, they tend to underuse mental health services, compared with native-born people. This study explored the reasons for underuse of conventional mental health services among African immigrants in Canada.MethodThe study participants were 280 African immigrants who had experienced depressive symptoms but did not use conventional mental health services. They were presented with a questionnaire that contained 50 statements referring to reasons for not using conventional mental health services while experiencing depressive symptoms. They were asked to indicate their degree of agreement with each of the statements on a scale of 0-10. Responses were then analyzed using factor analysis.ResultsA eight-factor structure of reasons was found: "Symptoms underestimation and perceived self-efficacy" (important for 61% of the sample), "Relying on community support" (56% of the sample), "Cost and waiting time" (45% of the sample), "Influence of significant others" (34% of the sample), "Denying competence" (32% of the sample), "Fear of stigmatization" (23% of the sample), "Nature of the consultation" (10% of the sample) and "Social models" (8% of the sample). Scores on these factors were related to participants’ demographics. Conclusion﻿These findings strongly suggest that strategies to promote the use of mental health services among African immigrants must be multifaceted rather than focused on one single barrier. When implementing these strategies, policymakers should put more emphasis on increasing mental health literacy among African immigrant communities, as well as providing them with culturally sensitive mental healthcare.
Synthesis and Characterization of Analcime (ANA) Zeolite using a Kaolinitic Rock
Authors: Novembre Daniela , Gimeno Domingo
Published: April 2021

Analcime is nowadays an important component in dental porcelain sysytems, in heterogeneous catalysis, in the nanoelectronic field, in selective adsorption and in stomatology. Analcime synthesis from a kaolinite rock coming from Romana (Sassari, Italy) is here presented. A synthesis protocol is proposed that aims to make an improvement of synthesis conditions compared to the past. The hydrothermal treatment is in fact here achieved without aging times and without the use of sodium silicate, as reported in the literature. Lower calcination temperature, synthesis temperatures and crystallization times are verified in this work. The kaolin is subjected to calcination at the temperature of 650°C and then mixed with NaOH. The experiment is performed at ambient pressure and 170 ± 0.1°C. The degree of purity of Analcime is calculated in 97,57 % at 10h. Analcime is characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and thermal analysis. Density is also calculated. Cell parameters and the amount of amorphous phase in the synthesis powders is estimated with quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods. The experimental conditions make the synthesis protocol particularly attractive from an economic point of view. Both chemical and physical characterization of Analcime is satisfactory making the experimental protocol very promising for an industrial transfer.
Inoculation of Mother’s Own Milk Could Personalize Microbiological, Metataxonomic and Peptidomic Profile of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk Used for Feeding Preterm Infants
Authors: Mallardi Domenica , Tabasso Chiara , Piemontese Pasqua , Morandi Stefano , Silvetti Tiziana , Biscarini Filippo , Cremonesi Paola , Castiglioni Bianca , Pica Valentina , Stuknyte Milda , Noni Ivano De , Amato Orsola , Liotto Nadia , Mosca Fabio , Roggero Paola
Published: April 2021

Background

Human milk is a vehicle of bioactive compounds and beneficial bacteria which promote the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome of newborns, especially of preterm infants. Pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) is the second-best option when preterm mother’s own milk is unavailable. Since pasteurization affect the quality of donor milk, the effect on bacterial growth, human milk microbiota diversity and proteolytic phenomena in PDHM inoculated with different preterm milk samples, was evaluated.
Methods

Ten preterm milk samples was used to perform inoculation of PDHM at 10% v/v. Microbiological, metataxonomic and peptidomic analysis, on preterm milk samples at the baseline (T0) and PDHM and inoculated milk (IM) samples at T0, after 2h (T1) and 4h (T2) of incubation at 37°C, were conducted.
Results

IM samples at T2 showed a Total Bacterial Count not significantly different (p > 0.01) compared to preterm milk samples. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) level was restored in all IM at T2. After inoculation, metataxonomic analysis showed that Proteobacteria remained the predominant phylum while Firmicutes moved from 3% at T1 to 9.4% at T2 in IM samples. Peptidomic profile of IM resembled that of PDHM incubated for the same time in terms of number and type of peptides.
Conclusion

The study demonstrated that inoculation with fresh mother’s own milk could restore bacterial growth and personalize human milk microbiome in PDHM. This effect could be beneficial thanks to the presence of maternal probiotic bacteria which make PDHM more similar to mother’s own milk.
The Course of Primary Progressive Aphasia Diagnosis : A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Mouton Aurélie , PLONKA Alexandra , FABRE Roxane , Tran Maï , ROBERT Philippe , MACOIR Joel , MANERA Valeria , GROS Auriane
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThe Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) diagnosis trajectory is debated, as several changes in diagnosis occur during PPA course, due to phenotype evolution from isolated language alterations to global cognitive impairment.The goal of the present study, based on a French cohort was to describe the demographics and the evolution of subjects with (PPA) in comparison with Alzheimer Disease (AD) on a period of seven years. MethodsWe conducted a repeated cross-sectional study. The study population comprised individuals with PPA and AD diagnosis (N=167191) from 2010 to 2016 in the French National data Bank (BNA). Demographic variables, MMSE scores, diagnosis status at each visit and prescribed treatments were considered.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2016, 5186 patients were initially diagnosed with PPA, 162005 with AD. Compared to AD subjects, significant differences were found concerning: age (younger at first diagnosis for PPA), gender (more balanced in PPA), education level (higher in PPA) and MMSE score (higher in PPA). Percentage of pending diagnosis, delay between first consultation and first diagnosis and the number of different diagnoses before the diagnosis of interest were significantly higher in PPA group compared to AD group. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were significatively more recommended following PPA than AD diagnosis.ConclusionThis study improves the knowledge of PPA epidemiology and has the potential to help adopting appropriate public health service policies. It supports the hypothesis that PPA is diagnosed later than AD. The PPA diagnosis increases the prescription of non-pharmacological treatments, especially speech and language therapy (SLT) that is the main treatment available and most effective when at the initial stage.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03687112
Epidemiology and contact tracing assessment of COVID-19 and potential risk of transmission at different exposure settings: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Noman Abu Shadat M , Karim Mohammed Rezaul , Zahed ASM , Karim ATM Rezaul , Islam Syed S
Published: April 2021

Background: Transmission risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to close contacts and at different exposure settings are yet to be fully understood for the evaluation of effective control measures. Methods: We traced 1171 close contact cases who were linked to 291 index cases between July 3, 2020 and September 3, 2020. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of all index cases, close contacts, and secondary contact cases were collected and analyzed the secondary attack rate and risk of transmission at different exposure settings. Results: Median age of 291 index cases were 43.0 years (range 18.5-82.3) including 213 male and 78 females. Among all 1171 close contact cases, 39(3.3%) cases were identified as secondary infected cases. Among 39 secondary cases, 33(84.62%) cases were symptomatic and 3 (7.69%) cases were asymptomatic. Of the 33 symptomatic cases, 31(86.1%) male and 5(13.9%) female. Of these 36 symptomatic cases, 24(66.7%) cases between age 20-59 and remaining 12(33.3%) cases were age 60 and over. Of the 36 symptomatic cases, 11(30.6%) cases were identified as severe, 19(52.8%) as moderate and 6(16.7%) as mild. The overall secondary clinical attack rate was 3.07% (95% CI 2.49-3.64). The attack rate was higher among those aged between 50 to 69 years and shows higher risk of transmission than age below 50 years. The attack rate was higher among household contact (6.17%(95%CI 4.7-7.6; risk ratio 2.44[95%CI1.5-3.4]), and lower in hospital facility (2.29%,95%CI0.58-3.40; [risk ratio 0.91,95%CI 0.17-1.9]), funeral ceremony (2.53%,95%CI 0.32-4.73), work places (3.95%,95% CI2.5-5.42 [risk ratio 1.56,95%CI 0.63-2.5]), family contacts (3.87%,95%CI 2.4-5.3; risk ratio 1.53,95%CI 0.61-2.45]). Conclusions: Among all exposure settings analyzed, household contact exposure setting remained the highest transmission probability and risk of transmission of COVID-19 with the increase of age and disease severity.
Resilience to COVID-19: Socioeconomic Disadvantage Associated With Higher Positive Parent-youth Communication and Youth Disease-prevention Behavior
Authors: Marshall Andrew , Hackman Daniel , Baker Fiona , Breslin Florence , Brown Sandra , Dick Anthony , Gonzalez Marybel , Guillaume Mathieu , Kiss Orsolya , Lisdahl Krista , McCabe Connor , III William Pelham , Sheth Chandni , Tapert Susan , Rinsveld Amandine Van , Wade Natasha , Sowell Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with larger COVID-19 disease burdens and pandemic-related economic impacts. We utilized the longitudinal Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study to understand how family- and neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage relate to disease burden, family communication, and preventative responses to the pandemic in over 6,000 youth-parent/caregiver dyads. Data were collected at three timepoints (May to August 2020). Here, we show that both family- and neighborhood-level disadvantage were associated with parents’ reports of greater family COVID-19 exposure risk and diagnoses, less perceived exposure risk, more frequent parent-youth conversations about COVID-19 risk/prevention and reassurance, and greater youth preventative behaviors. More disadvantaged families may be adaptively incorporating more protective strategies to reduce emotional distress and likelihood of COVID-19 infection. The results highlight the importance of parent-youth communication and disease-preventative practices for buffering the economic and disease burdens of COVID-19, along with policies and programs that reduce these burdens for families with socioeconomic disadvantage.
Determinants of under nutrition among the elderly in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Yisak Hiwot , Maru Ismael , Abie Misganaw , Aragie Getachew , Ewunetei Amien , Mamuye Melkalem , Teshome Fentaw
Published: April 2021

Background: The number of the elderly population is expected to become the largest demographic group. Malnutrition in older adults is related with complications and premature death. The progression to malnutrition is often insidious and often undetected. No study has been ever conducted or documented to explore the nutritional status of elderly in south Gondar Zone . Hence, this study was aimed to assess the determinants of under nutrition among the elderly people aged ≥65 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 15, 2020. A community based study was conducted in south Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 290 elderly aged greater or equal to 65 years of age selected by systematic random sampling technique were included in the study. Pretested and structured questionnaire adapted from different literature was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements; weight and height were measured following standard procedures. Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to assess nutritional status of elderly. Descriptive and summary statistics were employed. Multiple logistic regression was fitted to identify determinants of under nutrition. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were computed to determine the level of significance. Results: Based on their BMI status 27.57%, 95%CI (22.4-32.8) of elderly were underweight and 2.1%, 95% CI (0.7-3.8) were overweight. Likewise, 29.7%, 95%CI (24.5-35.2) of elderly were malnourished and 61.7%, 95% CI (55.5-67.2) were at risk of malnutrition based on Mini-Nutritional Assessment tool. Rural residence (AOR= 10.32, 95%CI (3.62-29.39)), unable to read and write (AOR = 3.54, 95%CI (1.64-7.64)), decline in food intake (AOR= 13.47, 95%CI (6.14-29.52)) and household monthly income <35.6USD (AOR = 4.32, 95%CI (1.97- 9.46)) were significantly and independently associated with under nutrition in elderly population.Conclusion: The prevalence of under nutrition among the elderly in the study area was high, and making it an important public health burden. Place of residence, educational status, food intake and household income were the determinants of under nutrition.
Chews First Delaunay Triangulation refinement Scheme-Based Positioning of RSUs for Optimal Network Coverage in VANETs
Authors: P Selvakumari , Lakshmi Sree Rathna , D Sheela , A Chinnasamy
Published: April 2021

The temporal network fragmentation and uncertain vehicle mobility are considered to impact the communication connectivity among the vehicular nodes of the network. In this context, Road Side Units (RSUs) play an anchor role in enhancing the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication connectivity and support Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication. In the current scenario, deploying a huge number of RSUs in the vehicular networks at an initial stage is completely impossible as it incurs high installation cost and authority restriction. Moreover, the optimal placement of RSUs in the vehicular network needs to be enforced for attaining maximized network coverage. In this paper, Chews First Delaunay Triangulation Refinement Scheme (CFDTRS) is proposed for optimal positioning of RSUs in order to attain optimal network coverage in the vehicular network with minimized cost. This CFDTRS considered the factors of vehicular density, number of obstacles in the map, intersection popularity and global coverage into account during the placement of RSUs. It is proposed with the objective of deploying required number of RSUs within the range of data transmission in order to achieve maximal coverage in the convex map, such that each area of the convex map is completely covered with at least a single RSU in the existence of multiple number of obstacles. The simulation results of the proposed CFDTRS attained from the real time situations of simplex, moderate and complex maps confirmed improved packet delivery rate of 9.32%, throughput by 10.74% with minimized packet loss of 9.14% and reduced end-to-end delay of 19.31$, compared to the benchmarked schemes considered for investigation.
Multi-omics Analysis of Redox Imbalance-Related Mild Health Problems in Monkeys
Authors: Hamano Fumie , Tokuoka Suzumi M , Ishibashi Megumi , Yokoi Yasuto , Tourlousse Dieter M , Kita Yoshihiro , Sekiguchi Yuji , Yasui Hiroyuki , Shimizu Takao , Oda Yoshiya
Published: April 2021

Certain symptoms associated with mild sickness and lethargy have not been categorized as definitive diseases. Confirming such symptoms in captive monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) can be difficult; however, it is possible to observe and analyze their feces. Even among monkeys that are housed under carefully monitored conditions, some monkeys occasionally have poor stool conditions. In this study, we investigated the relationship between stool state and various omics data by considering objective and quantitative values of stool water content as a phenotype for analysis. By examining the food intake of the monkeys, the stool and urine they expel, and the plasma circulating in their bodies, we attempted to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the health status of a single individual and understand its relationship with stool condition. Our metabolomics data strongly suggested an association between lipids and stool water content. Lipidomic analysis revealed the involvement of saturated and oxidized fatty acids, metallomics revealed the contribution of selenium (a bio-essential trace element), and intestinal microbiota analysis revealed the association of several bacterial species with the stool water content. Taken together, these results suggest that selenium-induced disturbance in redox balance may cause minor health problems.