bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Subspecies Population Structure of Vibrio Cholerae in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad , Nasreen Tania , Liang Kevin Y. H. , Johura Fatema-Tuz , Kirchberger Paul C. , Sultana Marzia , Case Rebecca J. , Alam Munirul , Boucher Yann F. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cholera has been endemic to the Ganges delta for centuries. Although the causative agent, Vibrio cholerae, is autochthonous to coastal and brackish water, cholera occurs continually in Dhaka, the inland capital city of Bangladesh which is surrounded by fresh water. Despite the persistence of this problem, little is known about the environmental abundance and distribution of lineages of V. cholerae, the most important being the pandemic generating lineage (PG) consisting mostly of serogroup O1 strains. To understand spatial and temporal dynamics of PG and other lineages belonging to the V. cholerae species in surface water in and around Dhaka city, we used qPCR and high throughput amplicon sequencing. Seven different freshwater sites across Dhaka were investigated for six consecutive months and physiochemical parameters were measured in situ. Total abundance of V. cholerae was found to be relatively stable throughout the six months sampling period, with 2×105 to 4×105 genome copies/L at six sites and around 5 ×105 genome copies/L at the site located in the most densely populated part of Dhaka city. PG O1 V. cholerae was present in high abundance during the entire sampling period and composed between 24-92% of the total V. cholerae population, only showing occasional but sudden reductions in abundance. In instances where PG O1 lost its dominance, other lineages underwent a rapid expansion while the size of the total V. cholerae population remained almost unchanged. Intraspecies richness of V. cholerae was positively correlated to salinity, conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS), while it was negatively correlated to dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in water. Interestingly, negative correlation was observed specifically between PG O1 and salinity, even though the changes in this variable were minor (0-0.8 ppt). Observations in this study suggest that at the subspecies level, population composition of naturally occurring V. cholerae can be influenced by fluctuations in environmental factors, which can lead to altered competition dynamics among the lineages.
Construction of CRISPR/CAS9 system for industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain and genetic manipulation effect on 2-phenylethanol pathway
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Chen Zhe , Lin Lucheng , Wang Kun , Sun Jie , Zhu Tingheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

The market demand for natural 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) continues to increase. Saccharomyces cerevisiae can synthesize 2-PE through the Ehrlich pathway. There are few studies on the improvement of the diploid industrial strains of S. cerevisiae by gene editing technology. There is no report on the comparison of genetic manipulation effect among S.cerevisiae strains with different 2-PE yield background, and the study on knockout of 2-PE downstream product synthesis gene and its effect on the yield of 2-PE have not been found.
Results

The CRISPR/CAS9 system with high efficiency for diploid S.cerevisiae CWY132 strain for industrial production of 2-PE was constructed. When the length of the homology arm of donor DNA is increased from 60bp to 500bp, the efficiency of gene editing increased from 0–100%. Using CRISPR/CAS9 technology, the branched acetaldehyde dehydrogenase genes ALD2 and ALD3 and the terminal acetyltransferase gene ATF1 in the Ehrlich pathway of S.cerevisiae strains with different 2-PE yields were knocked out. The results showed that in the high-yielding CWY-132 strain, the 2-PE yield decreased from 3.50 g/L to 1.65 g/L when double ALD2 and ALD3 were knocked out, a decrease of 52.8%. When ATF1 was knocked out, the yield of 2-PE decreased to 0.83 g/L, a decrease of 76.2%; In the low-yielding strain PK-2C, the yield of 2-PE increased from 0.21 g/L to 1.20 g/L when ALD2 was knocked out, an increase of 471%. When ATF1 was knocked out, the yield of 2-PE increased to 0.45g/L, an increase of 114%. The results show that the same genetic manipulation strategy for strains with different 2-PE yeilds backgrounds produces significantly different or even opposite effects. In addition, we found that the insufficient supply of NADH in cells can significantly affect the production of 2-PE, and the tolerance of cells to 2-PE is also a key factor that limits the further increase of 2-PE production in high-yielding strain.
Conclusions

This study shows that the length of the Donor DNA homology arm is a key factor affecting the efficiency of CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing in industrial diploid S. cerevisiae strains. Our result also shows that it is not feasible to increase the 2-PE production in high-yielding strains by blocking the branch pathway in the Ehrlich pathway. Breakthrough in the 2-PE yield of the high-yielding strains requires improved strains’ tolerance to 2-PE and increase the cellular NADH level.
Malaria Elimination in Unguja Island Zanzibar: Individual Risk Factors for Continued Transmission.
Authors: Garimo Issa Ally , Gasarasi Dinah , Kishimba Rogath , Ali Abdulla , Shirazi Wahida Hasan , Al-mafazy Abdul-wahid , Ali Mohamedi , Mkali Humphrey , Abade Ahmed 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction: To achieve malaria elimination, understanding of the individual risk factors for malaria infection is critical to inform strategic planning and implementation. To address this, a community-based individual risk-factor study was conducted in Unguja Island Zanzibar.Methods: A matched case control study with a sample size of 103 cases and 309 controls was conducted in Unguja Island. Malaria cases from health facilities were reported via Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) mobile phones to a central database, after which an SMS alert was sent to the District Malaria Surveillance Officer’s (DMSO) mobile phone. DMSO followed up index cases up to household level and performed malaria test on all household members using rapid diagnostic tests (mRDT). Family members tested negative were considered as controls. Both cases and controls were interviewed with the same questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi-info version 3.5.1 using conditional logistic regression model. Results: The findings revealed that chance of malaria infection was higher among individuals who travelled outside Zanzibar [AOR = 60.47, 95% CI 15.73 - 232.44], who spend their time in outdoor activities during the night [AOR = 8.53, 95% CI 1.96 - 37.11], whose rooms were not sprayed with indoor residual spray (IRS) [AOR= 29.60, 95% CI 2.68 - 326.49] and those who did not have a bed net [AOR=16.25, 95% CI 3.32 - 79.50].Conclusion: Travel outside Zanzibar, outdoors activities during the night, lack of access to malaria interventions (IRS or bed nets) were the risk factors for malaria infection in Unguja. Ministry of Health should set a mechanism of encouraging people who travel to malaria endemic areas to attend the nearby health facility for malaria screening. Sensitizing people on using protective gear during the night and ensuring good coverage of malaria interventions would reduce the risk of malaria in Unguja Zanzibar.
The Financial Protection of National Health Insurance: Evidence From a Cross Section of State and Federal Workers in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria&nbsp;
Authors: Flannery Darragh , Garvey John , Inyang Uduakobong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Public health insurance schemes can offer households financial protection against health care costs and help to resolve inequality in health care provision. The current study evaluates the impact of the Nigerian National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in reducing financial hardship for a sample of Nigerian households working in the health and higher education sectors. The data allows us to examine the variation in the financial protection effects across different income groups and explore differences in standard of living by households with coverage and those without.Methods: Data was gathered in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. A cluster sampling technique is used to compare participants and non-participants in the NHIS and within this, identify equivalent groups with regard to household characteristics such as education level, income and household composition. A propensity score matching approach examines variations in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and number of household assets across the insured and uninsured groups controlling for cofounding factors.Results: The likelihood of experiencing CHE for a household that is insured is estimated to be 82% lower than that of an insured household, even after controlling for our variety of observable characteristics. OOPEs are ₦50,000 lower in households with insurance compared to those without. We additionally find a significant difference in standard of living, as measured by household asset ownership across the insured and non-insured groupsConclusions: There is a statistically and practically significant association between participation in the NHIS scheme and household financial protection. This provides support to policy-makers seeking to design and extend equitable health-financing policies.
Evaluation of bioconcentration of trace elements in the Western Mediterranean mouse (Mus spretus Lataste, 1883) at two Moroccan wetland sites
Authors: tifarouine LOUBNA , Benabbou Asmae , Idrissi Hamid Rguibi , Benhoussa Abdelaziz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Many micromammals were shown to be vulnerable to metallic trace elements and are therefore suitable for biomonitoring. The objective of our research is to assess the exposure of a small rodent, Mus spretus, as a bioindicator of pollution to trace elements. We have determined the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn and Fe in the liver, kidneys and heart of 71 individuals of Mus spretus in north-west Morocco in two areas: Merja Zerga and Dayet Erroumi. Tissue metal concentrations in this species varied widely with age, sex, sites and organs. The concentration of Cu in the liver was the highest among all the metals and was recorded in adult females of Merja Zerga with a maximum of 60 µg / g ; at Dayet Erroumi, it was around 14 µg / g. At the same time, we found a similar trend for Fe, Pb, Cr and Zn in the three organs in males and females at the two sites. Highly significant differences between females at the two sites were recorded for the variables weight (W) and head to body length (TL) (t = -3.992; p < 0.001 and t = -2.242, p < 0.05), however, males obtained equal values ​​in the two sites. Spatiotemporal monitoring in small mammals must be studied, but requires the application of a non-lethal estimator.
Alternate Delivery Platforms and Implementation Models for Bringing Evidence-Based Behavioral Interventions to Scale for Youth Facing Adversity: A Case Study in West Africa
Authors: Bond Laura , Farrar Jordan , Borg Ryan C. , Keegan Katrina , Journeay Katharine , Hansen Nathan , Mac-Boima Emmanuel , Rassin Alimamy , Betancourt Theresa S. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Youth Functioning and Organizational Success for West African Regional Development (Youth FORWARD) was launched as an implementation science collaboration focused on scaling out evidence-based mental health interventions for youth exposed to war and other adversities through novel delivery platforms. This implementation science case study examines the use of a collaborative team approach (CTA) as a scale-out strategy to foster the integration of an evidence-based group mental health intervention, the Youth Readiness Intervention, into youth employment programs tied to regional economic development in Sierra Leone.Methods: A case study methodology is used to explore the feasibility and acceptability of integrating an evidence-based intervention, the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI), into youth employment/entrepreneurship programs (EPP) in Sierra Leone, facilitated by the CTA. The authors analyzed field notes logged during program implementation, eight weeks of supervision notes, and 20 interviews with agency leaders and front-line staff delivering the YRI within this alternate delivery strategy. A linked Hybrid Type II effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized trial is evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the YRI within this delivery platform.Results: Extant data indicate the strong feasibility and acceptability of integrating the Youth Readiness Intervention into the EPP. Facilitators of integration of the YRI into the EPP include: mission alignment of the organizations with the delivery of psychosocial interventions, shared commitment to serving vulnerable youth, support from local District Youth Councils, and high interest from the youth served. Barriers include perceived competition between frontline organizations seeking funding for psychosocial interventions and EPPs, and challenges in flexibility between donors and implementation partners operating in a fragile/post conflict setting. The CTA was a feasible and acceptable strategy to support fidelity and quality improvement while scaling out the YRI.Conclusions: Youth entrepreneurship and livelihood programs offer a promising mechanism for expanding the reach of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to youth in fragile and post-conflict settings. Quality improvement and sustainment of EBIs are novel concepts in such settings. The CTA strategy institutionalizes the integration of an EBI into youth employment and entrepreneurship programs.Trial Registration: NCT03603613 (phase 1 pilot, registered May 18, 2018) and NCT03542500 (phase 2 scale-out study, registered May 18, 2018).
Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions: A Case of Malawi Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Kayembe Helex , Lin Yunjian , Munthali George N. Chidimbah , Xuelian Wu , Banda Lazarus Obed Livingstone , Dzimbiri Mastano N. Woleson , Mbughi Colleen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) have been used as a tool for poverty alleviation in many developing economies globally, including Malawi. However, their sustainability in many countries has been dependent solely on loan repayment, donor aid, and subsidies. Aim: This study aimed at investigating the factors that influence the sustainability of MFIs in Malawi. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2020 among the MFIs employees in the central region of Malawi. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect data online using a google form sent via social media platforms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software with Statistical significance placed at .05. Results: 120 respondents completed the survey representing a 79.3% response rate, of which 63% were male. The majority of the respondents fell within the age group of 31-40 years, representing 58%, having attained universities and vocational colleges' education level, representing 32.8%. With an experience of above 16 years, representing 41.2% of which were branch managers, representing 49.6%. The results of the ordinary least square regression indicated that reporting and loan management system (RLMS) (β=0.200, P=0.021), corporate-governance (β=0.257, P=0.004), and commercialization (β=0.161, P=0.047) were positively significantly influencing the sustainability of MFI. On the other hand, loan design/type (β =-0.211, P=0.006), loan portfolio management (β =-0.179, P=0.050) were found to be negatively impacting the MFI. Lastly, variables of over-indebtedness (B= 0.077, P=0.426), loan disbursement (β =0.121, P=0.104) were found statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Our study argues that commercialization, standardized reporting, and effective loan portfolio management systems, stakeholder-based approach to corporate governance, and favored board independence through scale and cost management is critical to improving MFIs' financial sustainability.
Hepatectomy with simultaneous resection of portal vein for Bismuth IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yang Zhe , Chang Kai-Wun , Zheng Shusen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Surgical resection is the only potential treatment choice for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Portal vein invasion used to be a primary cause of irresectable tumor. Nowadays, portal vein resection and reconstruction has become a routine surgical procedure.Case presentation: A 65-year-old male patient, suffering from jaundice and abnormal liver function was referred to our hospital for intensive examination. Before admission to our center, the patient had been undergoing percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) for six days for the palliation of jaundice and liver function. A series of check-ups and examinations resulted in the diagnosis of Bismuth type IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. The patient later received right hemihepatectomy and Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. As the portal vein was affected by tumor, it was partially removed and reconstructed. In addition, the portal vein thrombus (PVT) was removed, and a portal vein stent was placed. After surgery, the patient received six courses of chemotherapy. A gemcitabine-based regimen in combination with S-1 were used. Nineteen months after the surgery, the patient is still healthy.Conclusions: This report demonstrates that hepatectomy with simultaneous resection of portal vein for Bismuth type IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma may contribute to a satisfactory result. Consequently, combined resection and reconstruction is often required when negative pathological resection (R0 resection) is performed.
Changes in Triglyceride-glucose Index Predict the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in the General Population: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Anxin , Tian Xue , Zuo Yingting , Chen Shuohua , Meng Xia , Wu Shouling , Wang Yongjun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The relationship between baseline triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been confirmed by former studies. However, the effect of longitudinal changes in TyG index on CVD remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association of changes in TyG index with CVD in the general population. Methods: The current study included 62,443 Chinese population who were free of CVD. TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2], changes in TyG index was defined as the difference in TyG index between 2010 and 2006. Cox proportional hazard model and restricted cubic spline was used to examine the association between changes in TyG index and CVD.Results: During a median follow-up of 7.01 years, 2,530 (4.05%) incident CVD occurred, including 2,018 (3.23%) stroke and 545 (0.87%) MI. Risk of CVD was increased with quartiles of changes in TyG index, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) in Q4 group versus Q1 group was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.54) for the overall CVD, 1.38 (95% CI, 1.19-1.60) for stroke, and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.05-1.76) for MI. Restricted cubic spline also showed cumulative increased risk of CVD with increasing changes in TyG index. Furthermore, the addition of changes in TyG index to a baseline risk model for CVD improved the C-statistics (P=0.0097), the integrated discrimination improvement (P<0.0001), and the category-free net reclassification improvement (P<0.0001). Similar results were observed for stroke and MI.Conclusions: Substantial changes in TyG index can independently predict the risk of CVD in the general population. Monitoring long-term changes in TyG may be helpful in the early identification of individuals at high risk of CVD.
Shortest Link Scheduling in Wireless Networks Under The Rayleigh Fading Model
Authors: Huang Baogui , Yu Jiguo , Ma Chunmei , Li Fengyin , Li Guangshun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Many shortest link scheduling algorithms adopt non-fading SINR interference model, which assumes that the received signal power will always remain determinate as long as the transmission power of the corresponding sender is fixed. In fact, because environment always influences the propagation of radio signals, the received signal power is by no means a certain value. Rayleigh fading is a statistical model for radio signals propagation. It assumes that the strength of a signal on a receiver is a random variable, varying with the Rayleigh distribution. This paper proposes a shortest link scheduling algorithm under the Rayleigh fading model (SLSRF). The SLSRF partitions the wireless network area into hexagons and colors the hexagons with 3 different colors such that two neighboring hexagons have different colors. The senders of the links scheduled simultaneously are arranged in hexagons with the same color. The correctness of the SLSRF is proved through theoretical analysis, and the efficiency is illustrated by elaborate simulations. Our simulation results demonstrate that the schedule delay of SLSRF is less than that of some results under the non-fading SINR interference model. Furthermore, we extend the SLSRF to a distributed version, which is suitable for large wireless networks.
Efficacy of melatonin supplementation in the treatment of periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhen Yuexiang , Yue Hui , Xiao Yiting , Liu Qin , Zhao Meilin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the additive effects of the melatonin supplementation with nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on periodontal status in patients affected by chronic periodontitis. Methods: In December 2020, We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL databases and Google Scholar databases. Four RCTs were recruited with the same inclusion criteria. PD and CAL were the primary outcome measures. Subgroup analyses were performed according to health statuses and follow-up times, and Cochran’s Q and I-square ( I2 ) tests were used to assess heterogeneity.Results: This review included four RCTs. Four studies reported probing depth (PD) and 3 studies reported clinical attachment loss (CAL). Compared with the placebo groups, the melatonin groups showed a significant reduction in PD (weighted mean difference [WMD], -1.01; 95% confidence intervals [CI], -1.67 to -0.35; I2 = 76%) and CAL (WMD, -1.08; 95% CI: -1.36 to -0.79, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses revealed that the use of systemic melatonin + NSPT significantly reduced PD and CAL at the 2-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups compared to NSPT alone, and stronger treatment effects of reducing PD were observed at shorter follow-ups than at longer follow-ups when adjunctive systemic melatonin was used.Conclusions: Melatonin supplementation in adjunct with nonsurgical periodontal therapy can moderately improve the efficacy of NSPT in reducing PD and greater CAL gain in patients with periodontitis. With the limited evidence available, it is evident that additional good quality RCTs are required to demonstrate additional beneficial effects of oral melatonin supplementation on periodontal clinical parameters after NSPT.