bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group B Streptococcus and the vaginal microbiome among pregnant women: a systematic review
Authors: Lim Sungju , Rajagopal Shilpa , Jeong Ye Ryn , Nzegwu Dumebi , Wright Michelle L. 
Published: May 2021

Background
Vaginal microbiome studies frequently report diversity metrics and communities of microbiomes associated with reproductive health outcomes. Reports of Streptococcus agalactiae (also known as Group B Streptococcus or GBS), the leading cause of neonatal infectious morbidity and mortality, are notably lacking from the studies of the vaginal microbiome, despite being a known contributor to preterm birth and other complications. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to explore the frequency of GBS reporting in vaginal microbiome literature pertaining to pregnancy and to examine methodological bias that contributes to differences in species and genus-level microbiome reporting. Lack of identification of GBS via sequencing-based approaches due to methodologic or reporting bias may result incomplete understanding of bacterial composition during pregnancy and subsequent birth outcomes.

Methodology
A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guideline. Three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science) were used to identify papers for review based on the search terms “vaginal microbiome”, “pregnancy”, and “16S rRNA sequencing”. Articles were evaluated for methods of DNA extraction and sequencing, 16S region, taxonomy classification database, number of participants or vaginal specimens, and pregnancy trimester.

Results
Forty-five research articles reported employing a metagenomic approach or 16S approach for vaginal microbiome analysis during pregnancy that explicitly reported taxonomic composition and were included in this review. Less than 30% of articles reported the presence of GBS (N = 13). No significant differences in methodology were identified between articles that reported versus did not report GBS. However, there was large variability across research methods used for vaginal microbiome analysis and species-level bacterial community reporting.

Conclusion
Considerable differences in study design and data formatting methods may contribute to underrepresentation of GBS, and other known pathogens, in existing vaginal microbiome literature. Previous studies have identified considerable variation in methodology across vaginal microbiome studies. This study adds to this body of work because in addition to laboratory or statistical methods, how results and data are shared (e.g., only analyzing genus level data or 20 most abundant microbes), may hinder reproducibility and limit our understanding of the influence of less abundant microbes. Sharing detailed methods, analysis code, and raw data may improve reproducibility and ability to more accurately compare microbial communities across studies.
A Cross Sectional Study on the Mental Health Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic in a Sample of Nigerian Urban Dwellers
Authors: Okwaraji Friday E. , Onyebueke Godwin C. 
Published: May 2021

Aim: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a new type of corona virus first discovered in China in 2019; hence the name COVID-19. Some of its symptoms include cough, fever, and breathing difficulty. In severe cases the disease can lead to death. This study looked at the mental health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Nigerian urban dwellers.
Study Design: This is a descriptive cross sectional design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Enugu metropolis between the months of January and February 2021.
Methodology: Using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), The Short Screening Scale for Post traumatic stress disorder, The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2) this study investigated the mental health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic among 520 Nigerian urban dwellers.
Results: Results shows that 29.2%; 13.1% and 1.9% had mild, moderate and sever depressive symptoms respectively. Equally 21.9%, 13.3% and 5.4% had mild, moderate and severe anxiety symptoms respectively. Furthermore 37.3% showed signs of psychological distress just as 24.8% manifested symptoms of PTSD. Results further revealed significant associations between psychological distress and gender; PTSD and gender as well as anxiety and gender respectively.
Conclusion: Following the high level of mental health impacts of Covid-19 pandemic noticed among the subjects who took part in the study, it was therefore recommended that psychological testing and psychotherapy be included in the routine testing and management of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Comparative Effects of Solvents on the Herbal Extraction of Antidiabetic Phytochemicals
Authors: Iwuji Samuel C. , Ogbonna Chidimma V. , Iwu Chinonye I. , Okafor Wilson C. , Chibuike Emmanuel C. 
Published: May 2021

Aims: The study determined and compared the herbal extraction yields using water, ethanol and hydromethanol solvent and the solvent extracting the highest antidiabetic constituents.
Place: The study took place in the Department of Chemistry (Organic Laboratory), Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
Methodology: The antidiabetic contents of Moringa oleifera (Moringa) and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) were extracted by soaking using water, ethanol and hydromethanol (1:1) as solvents. The phytochemicals analysis was done both qualitatively and quantitatively (using Spectrophotometer (UV-V15)). Data collected were statistically analysed using SPSS version 10 tools.
Results: The crude ethanolic extraction was found to give the highest extract yield of 46.06% and 38.91% from Moringa and bitter leaf, respectively. There were more phytochemicals obtained from Moringa (28+) than from Vernonia crude extracts (21+). The antidiabetic phytochemicals identified in both plants included Steroids, Phenols, Cardiac glycosides and Terpenoids. Ethanol extracted the Glycosides, Terpenoids and Phenols in relative abundance.. Hydromethanol solvent extraction yielded the highest concentrations of Steroids from Moringa (59.87mg/100g) and bitter leaves (75.43mg/100g) as well as highest extraction of Cardiac glycosides from both plants. Water extracted the highest concentrations of Phenols from both Moringa (0.32mg/g); bitter leaf (0.25mg/g) and Terpenoids from Moringa.
Conclusion: This study suggests that the choice of solvent (s) for phytochemical extraction (s) should consider factors such as the plant material (s) and the phytochemical (s) involved. So, Water > Hydromethanol > ethanol could be used for extracting phytochemicals for diabetes therapy.
Evaluation of Sensitivity, Specificity, and Cost-Effectiveness of Paper-Based Microfluidics for DNA Diagnostics of Malaria versus Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) Versus Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) in Resource-Limited Settings: A Protocol
Authors: Adiga Usha , Rai Tirthal 
Published: May 2021

Objective: The objective of the study is to compare three techniques, routinely used rapid diagnostic tests (lateral flow immune chromatography) versus nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) versus Paper-based microfluidics for DNA diagnostics of Malaria, in terms of their sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic tests in detecting malarial infection among febrile illnesses, suspected of malaria, as well as to compare their cost-effectiveness.
Methodology: Three seventy febrile cases suspected of malaria with negative results with RDT will be screened by real-time PCR and DNA microfluidics techniques, sensitivity and specificity of these as screening tests will be compared. The number of extra positive cases detected by NAT gives us the yield. Cost-effectiveness analysis will be done by calculating the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and average cost-effectiveness ratio (ACER) for the tests.
Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis will be done using SPSS version 21. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive predictive values will be computed. Comparison of sensitivity and specificity of NAT, a paper microfluidic technique for DNA diagnostics and RDT will be carried out using McNemar’s test. Receiver operating curves will be generated separately to assess the utility of the NAT.
Conclusion: The Implications of this study from the patient's perspective would mean early diagnosis which forms the tenet of control of the disease by increasing the yield. Early diagnosis at the community level would translate into the application of efficient prevention mechanisms to spread the infection. The cost-effectiveness analysis would provide a scientific basis for the adoption of the best test for the diagnosis, given the economic feasibility of the study.
Physical and biological beam modeling for carbon beam scanning at Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center
Authors: Fujitaka Shinichiro , Fujii Yusuke , Nihongi Hideaki , Nakayama Satoshi , Takashina Masaaki , Hamatani Noriaki , Tsubouchi Toshiro , Yagi Masashi , Minami Kazumasa , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Mizoe Junetsu , Kanai Tatsuaki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe have developed physical and biological beam modeling for carbon scanning therapy at the Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center (Osaka HIMAK). Carbon beam scanning irradiation is based on continuous carbon beam scanning, which adopts hybrid energy changes using both accelerator energy changes and binary range shifters in the nozzles. The physical dose calculation is based on a triple Gaussian pencil‐beam algorithm, and we thus developed a beam modeling method using dose measurements and Monte Carlo simulation for the triple Gaussian. We exploited a biological model based on a conventional linear‐quadratic (LQ) model and the photon equivalent dose, without considering the dose dependency of the relative biological effectiveness (RBE), to fully comply with the carbon passive dose distribution using a ridge filter. We extended a passive ridge‐filter design method, in which carbon and helium LQ parameters are applied to carbon and fragment isotopes, respectively, to carbon scanning treatment. We then obtained radiation quality data, such as the linear energy transfer (LET) and LQ parameters, by Monte Carlo simulation. The physical dose was verified to agree with measurements to within ±2% for various patterns of volume irradiation. Furthermore, the RBE in the middle of a spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) reproduced that from passive dose distribution results to within ±1.5%. The developed carbon beam modeling and dose calculation program was successfully applied in clinical use at Osaka HIMAK.
Adaptive fuzzy constraint control for switched nonlinear systems in nonstrict feedback form
Authors: Tang Li , Yang Meiying , Sun Jing 
Published: May 2021

SummaryIn this paper, the adaptive fuzzy controller design problem is investigated for a class of switched nonlinear systems in nonstrict feedback form, in which the unknown functions are considered and are approximated. Moreover, the system states are constrained in corresponding compact. By using Barrier Lypunov function method and backstepping technique, the adaptive fuzzy controller is designed such that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded, the system output can track the desired signal to small compact, and all the system states satisfy the constraint conditions. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Superconducting Quantum Metamaterials from Convergence of Soft and Hard Condensed Matter Science
Authors: Beaucage Peter A. , van Dover R. Bruce , DiSalvo Francis J. , Gruner Sol M. , Wiesner Ulrich 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSuperconducting quantum metamaterials are expected to exhibit a variety of novel properties, but have been a major challenge to prepare as a result of the lack of appropriate synthetic routes to high‐quality materials. Here, the discovery of synthesis routes to block copolymer (BCP) self‐assembly‐directed niobium nitrides and carbonitrides is described. The resulting materials exhibit unusual structure retention even at temperatures as high as 1000 °C and resulting critical temperature, Tc, values comparable to their bulk analogues. Applying the concepts of soft matter self‐assembly, it is demonstrated that a series of four different BCP‐directed mesostructured superconductors are accessible from a single triblock terpolymer. Resulting materials display a mesostructure‐dependent Tc without substantial variation of the XRD‐measured lattice parameters. Finally, field‐dependent magnetization measurements of a sample with double‐gyroid morphology show abrupt jumps comparable in overall behavior to flux avalanches. Results suggest a fruitful convergence of soft and hard condensed matter science.
Biomimetic Dendrimer–Peptide Conjugates for Early Multi‐Target Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease by Inflammatory Microenvironment Modulation
Authors: Liu Peixin , Zhang Tongyu , Chen Qinjun , Li Chao , Chu Yongchao , Guo Qin , Zhang Yiwen , Zhou Wenxi , Chen Hongyi , Zhou Zheng , Wang Yu , Zhao Zhenhao , Luo Yifan , Li Xuwen , Song Haolin , Su Boyu , Li Chufeng , Sun Tao , Jiang Chen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCurrent therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments mainly focus on β‐amyloid (Aβ) targeting. However, such therapeutic strategies have limited clinical outcomes due to the chronic and irreversible impairment of the nervous system in the late stage of AD. Recently, inflammatory responses, manifested in oxidative stress and glial cell activation, have been reported as hallmarks in the early stages of AD. Based on the crosstalk between inflammatory response and brain cells, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive dendrimer–peptide conjugate (APBP) is devised to target the AD microenvironment and inhibit inflammatory responses at an early stage. With the modification of the targeting peptide, this nanoconjugate can efficiently deliver peptides to the infected regions and restore the antioxidant ability of neurons by activating the nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 signaling pathway. Moreover, this multi‐target strategy exhibits a synergistic function of ROS scavenging, promoting Aβ phagocytosis, and normalizing the glial cell phenotype. As a result, the nanoconjugate can reduce ROS level, decrease Aβ burden, alleviate glial cell activation, and eventually enhance cognitive functions in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 model mice. These results indicate that APBP can be a promising candidate for the multi‐target treatment of AD.
Stretchable and Soft Organic–Ionic Devices for Body‐Integrated Electronic Systems
Authors: Jo Young Jin , Ok Jehyung , Kim Soo Young , Kim Tae‐il 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIon‐conducting polymers such as hydrogels have soft, flexible, and stretchable properties that enable humans to intimately interact with other living things. They are important components of cells, tissue, and organs of the human being. Interestingly, these polymers possess sufficient mobile ions that are more sensitive to external stimuli of tactility, temperature, biological molecules, and electrical polarization than conventional solid‐state materials such as metals and oxides. The objective of this review is to summarize recent advances in such unconventional electronics using soft ion‐conducting polymers in various types of sensors and electronic components for signal processing, stimulation, and display devices for integrated systems. Differences in properties (such as soft and elastic properties, formation of electrical double layer, and direct doping/dedoping of active layer) between ion‐conducting polymer‐based electronic devices and conventional electronics are discussed, considering essential conditions for their biomedical applications, including decreased driving voltage due to mobility of ions, high stability and sensitivity in a biological environment, and biocompatible and biodegradable characteristics. Each part of an integrated system is successfully demonstrated using novel materials and geometries with advanced fabrications and low‐voltage operation for diverse bio‐interfaces. Finally, representative research efforts are introduced for integrating each part of electronics for biomedical applications.
Self‐Organization Principles of Cell Cycles and Gene Expressions in the Development of Cell Populations
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Bai Dongyun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA big challenge in current biology is to understand the exact self‐organization mechanism underlying complex multi‐physics coupling developmental processes. Using multiscale computations of subcellular gene expressions and cell population dynamics that are based on first principles, it is shown that cell cycles can self‐organize into periodic stripes in the development of E. coli populations from one single cell, relying on the moving graded nutrient concentration profile, which provides directing positional information for cells to keep their cycle phases in place. Resultantly, the statistical cell cycle distribution within the population is observed to collapse to a universal function and shows a scale invariance. Depending on the radial distribution mode of genetic oscillations in cell populations, a transition between gene patterns is achieved. When an inhibitor–inhibitor gene network is subsequently activated by a gene‐oscillatory network, cell populations with zebra stripes can be established, with the positioning precision of cell‐fate‐specific domains influenced by cells’ speed of free motions. Such information may provide important implications for understanding relevant dynamic processes of multicellular systems, such as, biological development.
Toward Programmable Moiré Computation
Authors: Gao Yuechen , Ye Shuqian , Lin Haoxiang , Zhu Xi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent advances in optical quantum computation set up a broad discussion on quantum supremacy and its practicability. Lack of programmability and extreme working conditions remain the challenges, calling for a programmable computation scheme. The quasi‐2D layered materials introduce new architectures for the optical neural networks (ONNs), which support various programmable computations following the on‐demand layer design. Compared with the traditional ONNs, Moiré ONNs architectures are more flexible to manufacture via layer number or twist angle control. A general Penn's model to demonstrate the mechanism inside is developed: the dielectric constant control through the layer and twisted bilayer angle dependence, respectively. Theoretically, this device can conduct demo computations ranging from boson sampling to image classification, where quantum computing shows its significant advantages. Instead of redundant 3D‐printing and lithography in traditional ONNs, the Moiré computation framework can train different tasks through programmable twists on single layers without replacing materials.
Science‐based maize stover removal can be sustainable
Authors: Nunes Marcio R. , De Mriganka , McDaniel Marshall D. , Kovar John L. , Birrell Stuart , Karlen Douglas L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) stover can be harvested for multiple uses or left in the field to sustain soil organic carbon (SOC), cycle essential plant nutrients, and protect soil health. This 13‐yr field study quantified effects of no (0 Mg ha–1 yr–1), low (1.0–1.4 Mg ha–1 yr–1), moderate (3.5–4.0 Mg ha–1 yr–1), or high rates (4.7–5.4 Mg ha–1 yr–1) of stover harvest from either continuous maize or maize–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation on grain yield, plant nutrient concentrations, and multiple soil properties at two sites in Iowa. Stover harvest increased plant macro‐ and micro‐nutrient removal, but did not affect average grain yields of either crops. Soil inorganic carbon (IC), SOC, bulk density, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) showed no significant differences due to stover harvest. Plant tissue and soil‐test nutrient concentration effects were also minor and site‐specific. Stover harvest significantly (p < .05) decreased exchangeable K and Ca concentrations by 8.3–23.8% and 0.3–22.5% but overall soil health indicator effects were minimal. Overall, based on crop yields, plant nutrient and soil‐test concentrations, soil health indicators, and carbon sequestration estimates, maize stover harvest can be sustainable provided: (a) grain yields consistently exceed 11 Mg ha–1, (b) stover removal does not exceed 40% of the aboveground biomass (i.e., 3.5–4.0 Mg ha–1 yr–1), and (c) plant nutrients (especially K) are closely monitored.
Investigating liquid fronts during spontaneous imbibition of liquids in industrial wicks. Part I: Experimental studies
Authors: F. Zarandi M. Amin , Pillai Krishna M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA large set of industrial wicks made from sintered polymer beads and fibrous materials were studied. Three types of liquid fronts were observed: sharp, semi‐sharp, and diffuse. The bead‐like microstructure with lower porosity is found to support sharp fronts, while the aligned‐fiber microstructure with higher porosities leads to a smudging/diffusing of the fronts. The previously developed sharp‐front model is found to predict the front height as a function of time quite well in the sintered‐bead wicks and the two “semi‐sharp” fibrous wicks. The liquid‐front height calculated from the liquid mass‐gain data was validated through visual observations for all but the two fibrous wicks generating the diffuse fronts. These latter cases, observed to start off as a sharp fronts, faded with time.
The portrayal of dwarfism without skeletal dysplasia in art: Proportionate short stature due to growth hormone deficiency and other disorders
Authors: Lapunzina Pablo , Tenorio‐Castaño Jair , Nevado Julián , Campos Barros Ángel , Pachajoa Harry , Ruiz‐Pérez Víctor L. , Castilla Eduardo E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this article, we analyze several works of art which portray individuals with short stature (“dwarfism”). We have focused on eight individuals who we believe have short stature due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or closely related disorders, rather than skeletal dysplasia. We discuss them individually, suggest the potential diagnosis, review the characteristics of their life and personal history, and briefly outline the artistic framework in which these works of art were created. This work is a posthumous tribute to the people with short stature portrayed in these works of art, who likely experienced harassment and inappropriate treatment by others and called by derogatory names. We have tried to acknowledge their identities with the respect they deserve.
The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the analyses of Holocaust survivors' offspring
Authors: Kogan Ilany 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis essay tackles the following issues: (a) The encounter of Holocaust survivor offspring whose damaged parents suffered from unresolved grief with a life‐threatening pandemic; (b) Changes of technique that may be needed during this period; and (c) The impact of countertransference of the analyst in the analytic cure in a shared life‐threatening situation. This theme will be examined by means of a case study, in which the life‐threatening situation of the pandemic reactivated guilt feelings. These feelings belonged to the patient's relationship with her mother, as well as to the Holocaust survivor mother, who committed suicide as a result of her unresolved mourning.
Safe spaces, unsafe spaces, and gendered spaces: Psychoanalysis during the pandemic
Authors: Ellman Paula L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the multilayered concept of space that has been unveiled during the pandemic and discusses our experience of space, what is safe and unsafe, and how it has become reconfigured and differently considered. The pandemic opens social fractures with regard to race and gender, and with that in mind the concept of space is discussed in terms of race, and also space that becomes gendered, as well as on those occasions when it is regressively experienced. Further elaborated are the ways that the use of space can become perverse, as well as contain creative life‐giving forces in an effort to defy the fear of illness and death.