bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Serum Creatinine Levels and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Korea
Authors: Song Do Kyeong , Lee Hyejin , Hong Young Sun , Sung Yeon-Ah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Reduced skeletal muscle has been suggested as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Serum creatinine is used as a surrogate for muscle mass. Therefore, low serum creatinine levels may be associated with an increased risk of T2DM. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum creatinine levels and the risk of T2DM. We analyzed a total of 264,832 nondiabetic adults in Korea. In men, serum creatinine levels and the risk for T2DM showed an inverse J-shaped association even after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting plasma glucose. In women, there was a trend that serum creatinine levels were inversely associated with the risk of T2DM among those with serum creatinine below 1.1 mg/dl. However, serum creatinine levels were not significantly associated with the risk of T2DM after adjustment for age, BMI, SBP, DBP, and fasting plasma glucose. Reduced levels of serum creatinine were significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM in men with creatinine below 1.20 mg/dl. There was a trend that decreased levels of serum creatinine were associated with an increased risk of T2DM among women, although this result was not statistically significant.
Optimality in COVID-19 vaccination strategies determined by heterogeneity in human-human interaction networks
Authors: Goldenbogen Björn , Adler Stephan , Bodeit Oliver , Wodke Judith , Escalera-Fanjul Ximena , Korman Aviv , Krantz Maria , Bonn Lasse , Torres Rafael Moran , Haffner Johanna , Karnetzki Maxim , Maintz Ivo , Mallis Lisa , Prawitz Hannah , Segelitz Patrick , Seeger Martin , Linding Rune , Klipp Edda 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Interactions between humans cause transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrate that heterogeneity in human-human interactions give rise to non-linear infection networks that gain complexity with time. Consequently, targeted vaccination strategies are challenged as such effects are not accurately captured by epidemiological models assuming homogeneous mixing. With vaccines being prepared for global deployment determining optimality for swiftly reaching population level immunity in heterogeneous local communities world-wide is critical. We introduce a model that predicts the effect of vaccination into an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak using precision simulation of human-human interaction and infection networks. We show that simulations incorporating non-linear network complexity and local heterogeneity can enable governance with performance-quantified vaccination strategies. Vaccinating highly interactive people diminishes the risk for an infection wave, while vaccinating the elderly reduces fatalities at low population level immunity. Interestingly, a combined strategy is not better due to non-linear effects. While risk groups should be vaccinated first to minimize fatalities, significant optimality branching is observed with increasing population level immunity. Importantly, we demonstrate that regardless of immunization strategy non-pharmaceutical interventions are required to prevent ICU overload and breakdown of healthcare systems. The approach, adaptable in real-time and applicable to other viruses, provides a highly valuable platform for the current and future pandemics.
What a Stranded Whale With Scoliosis Can Teach us About Human Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: de Reuver Steven , IJsseldijk Lonneke , Homans Jelle , Willems Dorien , Veraa Stefanie , Stralen Marijn van , Kik Marja , Kruyt Moyo , Gröne Andrea , Castelein René 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Scoliosis is a deformation of the spine that may have several known causes, but humans are the only mammal known to develop scoliosis without any obvious underlying cause. This is called ‘idiopathic’ and is the most common type. Recent observations showed that human scoliosis, regardless of its cause, has a relatively uniform three-dimensional anatomy. We hypothesize that scoliosis is a universal compensatory mechanism of the spine, independent of cause and/or species. We had the opportunity to study the rare occurrence of scoliosis in a whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) that stranded in July 2019 in the Netherlands. A multidisciplinary team of biologists, pathologists, veterinarians, taxidermists, radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons conducted necropsy and imaging analysis. (Dorso-)lateral blunt traumatic injury to two vertebrae caused an acute lateral deviation of the spine, which had initiated the development of compensatory curves in regions of the spine without anatomical abnormalities. Three-dimensional analysis of these compensatory curves showed strong resemblance with different types of human scoliosis, amongst which idiopathic. This suggests that any decompensation of spinal equilibrium can lead to a uniform response, regardless of underlying cause or species. The unique biomechanics of the upright human spine, with significantly decreased rotational stability, explains why only in humans this universal mechanism of scoliosis can occur without an obvious cause, and is thus still called ‘idiopathic’.
Student Perspectives of Extended Clinical Placements in Optometry: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kirkman Jacqueline , Bentley Sharon , Armitage James , Woods Craig 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe number of students enrolled in health courses at Australian universities is rising, increasing demand for clinical placements. Optometry students have historically undertaken clinical training in short-block rotations at University-led teaching clinics in metropolitan locations. This is changing, with some optometry programs adopting extended placements similar to the longitudinal clerkships seen in the medical field. These placements are conducted in private community-based practices across Australia and New Zealand with many incorporating a rural component to the training. This study sought to explore optometry students’ experience of extended placements. MethodsNine focus groups were undertaken with 42 final year optometry students upon completion of a 26 week placement (of which at least half was undertaken in a non-metropolitan area, or area where a shortage of optometrists has been identified). Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted according to Braun and Clarke’s 6 step method. Key themes were determined following an inductive qualitative descriptive approach to analysis. ResultsFour key themes emerged from the analysis. ‘Changing identity’, was about how the students grew both personally and professionally, with the extended placement being considered the vital component that allowed students to begin thinking of themselves as clinicians. ‘Practicing resilience’ related to circumstances where students experienced personality clashes, miscommunications, bullying, and boundary crossing. ‘Optometrist under instruction’, related to students feeling that the placement was an ideal opportunity to trial the everyday reality of work without the obligation of an ongoing commitment or employment contract. Finally, ‘Rural practice is more rewarding’, was about practicing rurally being a ‘rite of passage’, a chance to seek different experiences, meet new people and for students to challenge themselves professionally. ConclusionsStudents felt that the placement prepared them for real-world practice. The majority of students enjoyed their placements. However, there were instances where the student-supervisor relationship was strained. This resulted in high levels of anxiety that was made worse by a perceived lack of university support. Students believed rural placements offered them a richer experience when compared with metropolitan placements.
Isolation and Characterization of a Halophilic Modicisalibacter Sp. Strain Wilcox from Produced Water
Authors: Marsh William , Heise Brenden , Krzmarzick Mark , Murdoch Robert , Fathepure Babu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We report the isolation a halophilic bacterium that degrades both aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons as the sole sources of carbon at high salinity from produced water. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA-gene sequences shows the isolate is a close relative of Modicisalibacter tunisiensis isolated from an oil-field water in Tunisia. We designate our isolate as Modicisalibacter sp. strain Wilcox. Genome analysis of strain Wilcox revealed the presence of a repertoire of genes involved in the metabolism of both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Laboratory studies corroborated the predicted hydrocarbon degradation potential. The strain degraded benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes at salinities ranging from 0.016 to 4.0 M NaCl, with optimal degradation at 1 M NaCl. Also, the strain degraded phenol, benzoate, biphenyl and phenylacetate as the sole sources of carbon at 2.5 M NaCl. Among aliphatic compounds, the strain degraded n-decane and n-hexadecane as the sole sources of carbon at 2.5 M NaCl. Genome analysis also predicted the presence of many heavy metal resistance genes including genes for metal efflux pumps, transport proteins, and enzymatic detoxification. Overall, due to its ability to degrade many hydrocarbons and withstand high salt and heavy metals, strain Wilcox may prove useful for remediation of produced waters.
Comparison of Two Novel Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Devices to A Partial Coherence Interferometry-Based Biometer
Authors: Chan Tommy , Yu Marco , Chiu Vivian , Lai Gilda , Leung Christopher , Chan Poemen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the repeatability and agreement of cornea and biometry measurements obtained with two swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) and a partial coherence interferometry-based device.METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients had three consecutive measurements for ANTERION (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany), CASIAII (Tomey, Japan) and IOLMaster500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, USA) on the same visit. Mean keratometry (Km), central cornea thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL) were recorded. Corneal astigmatic measurements were converted into vector components – J0 and J45. Intra-device repeatability and agreements of measurements amongst the devices were evaluated using repeatability coefficients (RCs) and Bland-Altman plots, respectively. RESULTS All devices demonstrated comparable repeatability for Km (p≥0.138). ANTERION had the lowest RC for J0 amongst the devices (p≤0.039). Systematic difference was found for the Km and J0 obtained with IOLMaster500 compared to either SSOCTs (p≤0.010). The ACD and AL measured by IOLMaster500 showed a higher RC compared with either SSOCTs (p<0.002). Systematic difference was found in CCT and ACD between the two SSOCTs (p<0.001), and in AL between ANTERION and IOLMaster500 (p<0.001), with a mean difference of 1.6 µm, 0.022mm and 0.021 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both SSOCTs demonstrated smaller test-retest variability for measuring ACD and AL compared with IOLMaster500. There were significant disagreement in keratometry and AL measurements between the SSOCTs and PCI-based device; their measurements should not be considered as interchangeable but the disagreement could be refined by readjustment of intraocular lens constant in clinical practice.
Self-assembling human heart organoids for the modeling of cardiac development and congenital heart disease
Authors: Lewis-Israeli Yonatan , Wasserman Aaron , Gabalski Mitchell , Ball Kristen , Volmert Brett , Yang Weiyang , Li Bo , Zou Jinyun , Ni Guangming , Pajares Natalia , Chatzistavrou Xanthippi , Zhou Chao , Qiu Zhen , Li Wen , Aguirre Aitor 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHD) constitute the most common birth defect in humans, affecting approximately 1% of all live births. Our ability to understand how these disorders originate is hindered by our limited ability to model the complexity of the human heart in vitro. There is a pressing need to develop more faithful organ-like platforms recapitulating complex in vivo phenotypes to study human development and disease in vitro. Here we report a novel method to generate human heart organoids by self-assembly using pluripotent stem cells. Our method is fully defined, highly efficient, scalable, shows high reproducibility and is compatible with screening and high-throughput approaches. Human heart organoids (hHOs) are generated using a two-step canonical Wnt signaling modulation strategy using a combination of chemical inhibitors and growth factors in completely defined culture conditions. hHOs faithfully recapitulate human cardiac development and are similar to age-matched fetal cardiac tissues at the transcriptomic, structural and cellular level. hHOs develop sophisticated internal chambers with well-organized multi-lineage cell-type regional identities reminiscent of the heart fields and the atrial and ventricular chambers, as well as the epicardium, endocardium, and coronary vasculature, and exhibit functional activity. We also show that hHOs can recreate complex metabolic disorders associated with CHD by establishing the first in vitro human model of diabetes during pregnancy (DDP) to study embryonic CHD. morphological and metabolically effects of increased glucose and insulin, showing the capability of modeling the effects of diabetes during pregnancy (DDP). Our heart organoid model constitutes a powerful novel tool for translational studies in human cardiac development and disease.
Pregnancy Complications in Venezuelan Women With Malaria
Authors: Romero Mariestefany , Leiba Elizabeth , Carrión-Nessi Fhabián Stevens , Freitas-DeNobrega Diana Carolina , Gamardo Ángel , Chavero Melynar , Figuera Luisamy , Camejo-Ávila Natasha Andreína , Marcano María Victoria , Lopez-Perez Mary , Forero-Peña David Alberto 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria infections, increasing the risk of maternal-foetal complications, mainly in areas of high endemicity. However, few studies of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) have been carried out in Latin America, a region with low endemicity and transmission of both, Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Despite the high malaria burden in Venezuela in the last years, no recent studies of MiP have been conducted. Hence, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pregnant women with malaria in Venezuela are described herein.MethodsA retrospective study in pregnant women attending to the “Ruíz y Páez” University Hospital Complex, Bolívar state, Venezuela between February and October, 2019 was carried out. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory information was analysed.ResultsThirty-seven out of 52 pregnant women analysed, were infected with P. vivax. Age ranged between 15 and 39 years, and adolescent pregnancies were common. Malaria infection was diagnosed mainly during the third trimester of pregnancy (63.4%). The distribution of symptoms and signs as well as clinical laboratory values was similar among Plasmodium spp. Although uncomplicated malaria was most frequent, 30% (13/52) had severe anaemia. A high proportion of studied women (44%) presented at least one complication during the pregnancy or delivery. Spontaneous abortion was recorded in four women, and three foetal deaths were observed. Six women had preterm delivery without any further complication.ConclusionsA high prevalence of maternal and foetal complications was found in the studied population, highlighting the requirement for a careful medical follow up during the prenatal check-ups, aimed to reduce the negative impact of malaria in the new-born and mother.
The Model and Strategic Design of Taoist Chinese Temples Built in the 19th Century in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Yeong YM , Utaberta Nangkula , ismail Nor Atiah Ismail , Rahman Khairul aidil Abd 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Chinese Taoist temples feature distinctive architecture styles which signify Chinese descendants. Majority of these authentic designs are inherited and imitated from ancient China c. 1600–221 BC ( the Shang dynasty (商朝) c.1600-1046 BCE and Zhou dynasty (周朝) 1046-256 BC), particularly with regard to Geomancy or feng shui (风水). This paper aimed to investigate the design typology, model, and strategic design of Chinese Taoist temples constructed in the 19th century in Malaysia. Ten temples were selected for analysis, and these samples were assessed qualitatively under consolidation of building model for analyzation. Results revealed that none of the buildings formed a quadrangle; instead, these building models were merely strategized in either a rectangular or a square shape. This could be due to the topological features and scales of the buildings. The results also showed that all the sample buildings attempted to compromise the theory of quadrangle, which is a good mechanism for air ventilation. Only half of the sample buildings achieved the scientific theory of ‘efficient pollutant clearance’ for maintaining air quality within the interior of the buildings as the remaining 50% of the building samples did not have a water outlet built within the parameter of their courtyards. The findings suggest that the owners of these buildings may not have an in-depth understanding of the principle of ‘quadrangle’. Therefore, the author suggests that a model of design typology must be clearly formulated in order to conceptualize a better interior environment for Chinese Taoist temples.
DFT Study of the Structural, Electronic, Bonding Nature, NBO Analysis, and Thermodynamic Properties of Halogenated (F, Cl, Br) and Heteroatom (O, N, S) doped Cyclopropane
Authors: Ubana Emmanuel , Louis Hitler , Enudi Obieze C. , Edim Moses M. , David Prince , Ita Benedict I. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The chemistry of cyclopropanes has been widely studied over the years as a result of its high reactivity which is due to its highly strained ring. The cyclopropane ring is highly significant in drug research as the 10th most frequently found ring in small molecules and as such, there is a need for research to improve further the reactivity of cyclopropanes in natural products and pharmaceuticals. In this work, we present an extremely comprehensive and detailed investigation on a variety of properties of cyclopropane including Geometrical properties, bonding nature, bond polarity index (BPI), natural bond orbitals (NBO), orbital charge analysis, Density of states (DOS), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), UV-spectral analysis, electron ionization, affinity and accompanied process, local reactivity parameters and the effects of substitution of heteroatoms Nitrogen (N-doped C3H8), Oxygen (S-doped C3H8) and Sulphur (S-doped C3H8) each in the place of carbon atom (otherwise known as doping) and also the substitution effects of Fluorine, Chlorine and Bromine each on one hydrogen atom in cyclopropane molecule (halogenation) and investigate how it chemically affects the properties outlined above. Results: It is observed from conceptual (CDFT) results that S-doped C3S has the highest reactivity of all the molecules studied. The UV-spectral analysis also predicts doped C3S as the molecule that gives the highest Bathochromic shift of all the molecules. Some other properties studied also give us the most potential sites for electrophilic and nucleophilic attack by electrophiles and nucleophiles. The NBO investigation revealed the strongest stabilization to the cyclopropane molecule for the heteroatoms follow the trend C3S<C3N<C3O. It is also observed that for the halogens the strongest stabilization for the cyclopropane molecule follows the trend C3Br<C3Cl<C3F<C3. The strong intra-molecular hyperconjugation interaction of the 2-centered bond (BD) and CR electrons of C-C anti C-C bond in the ring leads to stabilization of the cyclopropane ring as evident from the order perturbation energy analysis. Conclusion: The results obtained from the research will help scientists further improve on the reactivity of cyclopropanes as a motif in drug discovery through substitution (halogenation) and doping with heteroatoms (O, S, N)
A Novel Heterozygous Missense Variant in YWHAG Gene Cause Early-Onset Epilepsy in a Chinese Family
Authors: Yi Zhi , Song Zhenfeng , Xue Jiao , Yang Chengqing , Li Fei , Pan Hua , Feng Xuan , Zhang Ying , Pan Hong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Microbiomes Attached to Fresh Perennial Ryegrass- are Temporally Resilient and Adapt to Changing Ecological Niches
Authors: Huws Sharon , Edwards Joan. E. , Lin Wanchang , Rubino Francesco , Alston Mark , Swarbreck David , Caim Shabhonam , Stevens Pauline Rees , Pachebat Justin , Won Mi-Young , Oyama Linda B. , Creevey Christopher J. , Kingston-Smith Alison H. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGut microbiomes, such as the rumen, greatly influence host nutrition due to their feed energy-harvesting capacity. We investigated temporal ecological interactions facilitating energy-harvesting at the fresh perennial ryegrass (PRG)-biofilm interface in the rumen using an in sacco approach and prokaryotic metatranscriptomic profiling. ResultsNetwork analysis identified two distinct sub-microbiomes primarily representing primary (<4h) and secondary (>4h) colonisation phases and the most transcriptionally active bacterial families (i.e Fibrobacteriaceae, Selemondaceae and Methanobacteriaceae) did not interact with either sub-microbiome, indicating non-cooperative behaviour. Conversely, Prevotellaceae had most transcriptional activity within the primary sub-microbiome (focussed on protein metabolism) and Lachnospiraceae within the secondary sub-microbiome (focussed on carbohydrate degradation). Putative keystone taxa, with low transcriptional activity, were identified within both sub-microbiomes, highlighting the important synergistic role of minor bacterial families, however, we hypothesise that they may be ‘cheating’ in order to capitalise on the energy-harvesting capacity of other microbes. In terms of chemical cues underlying transition from primary to secondary colonisation phases, we suggest that AI-2 based quorum sensing plays a role, based on LuxS gene expression data, coupled with changes in PRG chemistry. ConclusionsIn summary, we show that fresh PRG-attached prokaryotes are resilient and adapt quickly to changing niches. This study provides the first major insight into the complex temporal ecological interactions occurring at the plant-biofilm interface within the rumen. The study also provides valuable insights into potential plant breeding strategies for development of the utopian plant, allowing optimal sustainable production of ruminants.