bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between pelvic organ prolapse and short birth intervals in a rural area of Nepal
Authors: Singh Rupa , Mahat Sandeep , Singh Sonam , Nyamasege Carolyn K. , Wagatsuma Yukiko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is one of the main contributors to reproductive health problems that affect women’s quality of life. Previous studies have reported the risk factors and prevalence of POP. The aim of this study is to examine the association between POP and short birth intervals in a rural area of Nepal.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Panchapuri municipality, located in Surkhet District of Karnali Province in Nepal. A questionnaire was used to collect information on POP, birth intervals, and other known confounding factors, such as age and parity. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between minimum birth intervals and POP.

Results
The study recruited 131 women. The prevalence of POP was 29.8%. The mean (SD) of maternal age was 32.3 (0.7) years. The median parity was 2, with a range of 2–6 children. More than half (64.9%) of the women reported a minimum birth interval of less than 2 years. Maternal age at birth, minimum birth interval, parity, and latest birth interval were significantly associated with POP in univariate analyses. After adjusting for the potential confounding factors such as age and occupation, the minimum birth interval was significantly associated with POP [AOR = 3.08, 95% CI 1.04–9.19].

Conclusion
The prevalence of POP was high in this rural area of Nepal. Age, parity, occupation, and minimum birth interval were significantly associated with POP.
Inverted Meckel's diverticulum associated with heterotopic pancreatic tissue causing intestinal obstruction: a case report
Authors: Kamel Mahmoud , Barsoum Hani , Talaat Suzan , Mustafa Eman 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Meckel’s diverticulum is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It can invert or invaginate into the small intestine lumen. It is usually associated with heterotopic tissue elements.

Case presentation
We present a case of inverted Meckel's diverticulum, clinically and radiologically diagnosed as intestinal obstruction due to intussusceptions. The diagnosis was suspected due to target sign shown on radiological examination. Pathologically, it was inverted Meckel's diverticulum obstructing the lumen in parallel plan mimicking the telescoping appearance, with heterotopic pancreatic tissue formed of exocrine and ductal components only.

Conclusions
Inverted Meckel’s diverticulum may present by vague symptoms and may simulate other causes of intestinal obstruction.
Advances in microbial remediation for heavy metal treatment: a mini review
Authors: Wang Shipei , Liu Ting , Xiao Xiao , Luo Shenglian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In recent years, microbiological treatment to remediate contamination by heavy metals has aroused public attention as such pollution has seriously threatens ecosystems and human health and impedes sustainable development. However, the aspect of actual industrial wastewater and solid waste remediation by microorganisms is not explored sufficiently. And what we focus on is technical field of microbial remediation. Therefore, in this review, we discuss and summarize heavy metal treatment via microbiological approaches in different media, including wastewater, solid waste from industrial factories and polluted sites. We also clarify the technical applicability from the perspective of biosorption, bioleaching, biominerization, etc. In particular, the exploration of the combination of microbiological approaches with chemical methods or phytoextraction are scrutinized in this review relative to real waste heavy metal remediation. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of hyperaccumulator endophytes.

Graphical abstract
The study of sodium and potassium channel gene single-nucleotide variation significance in non-mechanical forms of epilepsy
Authors: Khamdiyeva Ozada , Tileules Zhanerke , Baratzhanova Gulminyam , Perfilyeva Anastassiya , Djansugurova Leyla 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Epilepsy is one of the most common and heterogeneous neurological diseases. The main clinical signs of the disease are repeated symptomatic or idiopathic epileptic seizures of both convulsive and non-convulsive nature that develop against a background of lost or preserved consciousness. The genetic component plays a large role in the etiology of idiopathic forms of epilepsy. The study of the molecular genetic basis of neurological disorders has led to a rapidly growing number of gene mutations known to be involved in hereditary ion channel dysfunction. The aim of this research was to evaluate the involvement of single-nucleotide variants that modify the function of genes (SCN1A, KCNT1, KCNTС1, and KCNQ2) encoding sodium and potassium ion channel polypeptides in the development of epilepsy.

Results
De novo mutations in the sodium channel gene SCN1A c.5347G>A (p. Ala1783Thr) were detected in two patients with Dravet syndrome, with a deletion in exon 26 found in one. Three de novo mutations in the potassium channel gene KCNT1 c.2800G>A (p. Ala934Thr), were observed in two patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and one patient with residual encephalopathy. Moreover, a control cohort matched to the case cohort did not reveal any SNVs among conditionally healthy individuals, supporting the pathogenic significance of the studied SNVs.

Conclusion
Our results are supported by literature data showing that the sodium ion channel gene SCN1A c.5347G>A mutation may be involved in the pathogenesis of Dravet syndrome. We also note that the c.2800G>A mutation in the potassium channel gene KCNT1 can cause not only autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) but also other forms of epilepsy. To treat pathogenetic mutations that accelerate the function of sodium and potassium ion channels, we recommend ion channel blockade drug therapy.
Roles dissemination and implementation scientists can play in supporting research teams
Authors: Tabak Rachel G. , Bauman Ana A. , Holtrop Jodi Summers 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science is rapidly growing, with many scientists seeking to apply D&I science to enhance and expand the impact of their work. As the D&I field grows and collaborations of implementation scientists with other fields flourish, a description for the roles for D&I scientists as they collaborate with researchers from other fields could be beneficial. This paper exemplifies how the D&I scientist/researcher collaborative process might work and important elements to consider in doing so, as well as provide an outline on how collaborations might progress for different project needs. This is discussed through example scenarios to consider an implementation scientists’ engagement in a research project and describe potential roles for implementation scientists in supporting research teams. We then discuss characteristics to consider when incorporating a D&I expert into a team and considerations in navigating the scenarios.
Characterization of squalene synthase gene from Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.
Authors: Kalariya Kuldeepsingh A. , Meena Ram Prasnna , Poojara Lipi , Shahi Deepa , Patel Sandip 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Squalene synthase (SQS) is a rate-limiting enzyme necessary to produce pentacyclic triterpenes in plants. It is an important enzyme producing squalene molecules required to run steroidal and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathways working in competitive inhibition mode. Reports are available on information pertaining to SQS gene in several plants, but detailed information on SQS gene in Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. is not available. G. sylvestre is a priceless rare vine of central eco-region known for its medicinally important triterpenoids. Our work aims to characterize the GS-SQS gene in this high-value medicinal plant.

Results
Coding DNA sequences (CDS) with 1245 bp length representing GS-SQS gene predicted from transcriptome data in G. sylvestre was used for further characterization. The SWISS protein structure modeled for the GS-SQS amino acid sequence data had MolProbity Score of 1.44 and the Clash Score 3.86. The quality estimates and statistical score of Ramachandran plots analysis indicated that the homology model was reliable. For full-length amplification of the gene, primers designed from flanking regions of CDS encoding GS-SQS were used to get amplification against genomic DNA as template which resulted in approximately 6.2-kb sized single-band product. The sequencing of this product through NGS was carried out generating 2.32 Gb data and 3347 number of scaffolds with N50 value of 457 bp. These scaffolds were compared to identify similarity with other SQS genes as well as the GS-SQSs of the transcriptome. Scaffold_3347 representing the GS-SQS gene harbored two introns of 101 and 164 bp size. Both these intronic regions were validated by primers designed from adjoining outside regions of the introns on the scaffold representing GS-SQS gene. The amplification took place when the template was genomic DNA and failed when the template was cDNA confirmed the presence of two introns in GS-SQS gene in Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.

Conclusion
This study shows GS-SQS gene was very closely related to Coffea arabica and Gardenia jasminoides and this gene harbored two introns of 101 and 164 bp size.
Prioritizing Delivery of Cancer Treatment During a COVID-19 Lockdown: The Experience of a Clinical Oncology Service in India
Authors: Mallick Indranil , Chakraborty Santam , Baral Shweta , Saha Saheli , Lal Vishnu H. , Sasidharan Rohit , Santosham Ritesh J. M. , Chhatbar Samarth , Bhusal Subecha , Goyal Love , Maulik Shaurav , Phesao Vezokhoto , Arora Siddharth , Bhattacharyya Tapesh , Mahata Anurupa , Prasath Sriram , Balakrishnan Arun , Mandal Samar , Arunsingh Moses A. , Achari Rimpa , Chatterjee Sanjoy 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSEA COVID-19 lockdown in India posed significant challenges to the continuation of radiotherapy (RT) and systemic therapy services. Although several COVID-19 service guidelines have been promulgated, implementation data are yet unavailable. We performed a comprehensive audit of the implementation of services in a clinical oncology department.METHODSA departmental protocol of priority-based treatment guidance was developed, and a departmental staff rotation policy was implemented. Data were collected for the period of lockdown on outpatient visits, starting, and delivery of RT and systemic therapy. Adherence to protocol was audited, and factors affecting change from pre-COVID standards analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.RESULTSOutpatient consults dropped by 58%. Planned RT starts were implemented in 90%, 100%, 92%, 90%, and 75% of priority level 1-5 patients. Although 17% had a deferred start, the median time to start of adjuvant RT and overall treatment times were maintained. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered in 89% of those eligible. Systemic therapy was administered to 84.5% of planned patients. However, 33% and 57% of curative and palliative patients had modifications in cycle duration or deferrals. The patient’s inability to come was the most common reason for RT or ST deviation. Factors independently associated with a change from pre-COVID practice was priority-level allocation for RT and age and palliative intent for systemic therapy.CONCLUSIONDespite significant access limitations, a planned priority-based system of delivery of treatment could be implemented.
Covalent Organic Frameworks: A Molecular Platform for Designer Polymeric Architectures and Functional Materials
Authors: Jiang Donglin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Covalent organic frameworks comprise a class of polymer which covalently links organic units into well-defined architectures to create ordered structures and offers an irreplaceable platform for designing organic/polymeric materials. In this award account, we trace our paths and show our initiatives to explore this class of molecular frameworks, by establishing design principle and synthetic strategies and developing functions and properties. By elucidating interplays of ordered structures with photons, excitons, electrons, holes, ions and molecules, we scrutinize unique structural features and functions which are specific to the ordered structures. We predict the key fundamental issues to be addressed in future and show the directions from perspectives of chemistry, physics, and materials science.
Fatal distraction: implications of anthropogenic noise on the behavior and reproductive success of mason spiders
Authors: Raboin Maggie , Elias Damian O. 
Published: January 2021

Many human activities produce sound (e.g. airborne, waterborne, and substrate-borne waves), or anthropogenic noise, that can be a novel stimulus for many animals and is widely recognized as an issue of environmental concern. Substrate-borne noise in particular, might be especially harmful to animals that can sense and communicate using substrate-borne waves. One way anthropogenic noise can be harmful is by distracting animals from important tasks, like providing parental care to offspring. We investigated if substrate-borne sound from traffic distracts mason spiders (Castianeira sp.) from the essential task of building mounds to protect their egg sacs. We conducted 60 trials across 4 treatments to examine the effects of noise and the consequences to offspring survival. Preliminary analyses indicate that noise has impacts on behavior and underlines the necessity of investigating impacts of anthropogenic activities on a variety of animals including invertebrates.

Featured photo by Tom on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/2gsitFz
Lights, bats, and buildings: investigating the factors influencing roosting sites and habitat use by bats in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Toth Cory A. , Barber Jesse R. 
Published: January 2021

Bats are often useful bioindicators for ecosystem health and are disproportionately affected by sources of night light. Changes in bat behavior may manifest in two different ways: 1) some bats are light-exploiting and therefore attracted to areas with light sources, and 2) some are light-shy, traveling far out of their way to avoid lit areas. Grand Teton National Park provides an excellent natural system to study the effects of lights on bat behavior, as the park supports a large community of over a dozen species, as well as sizeable human infrastructure that generates night light. From June to August 2018 we used passive acoustic monitoring and radiotelemetry to study the activity and space use of bats in Colter Bay Village, specifically in the large parking lot at the center of the village and the adjacent naturally dark areas. We recorded 98,238 echolocation call sequences from 11 species, with the vast majority (~69,000) occurring in lit areas. Further, we recorded 4,665 location fixes from 32 tagged individuals from three species and, similarly, most location fixes (2,970) were in lit areas. All day roosts were found within buildings. We discuss the importance of these results and our work moving forward.

Featured photo by Shawna Wolf, taken from the AMK Ranch photo collection.
Environmental noise influences song frequency of Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Wang Yi-Ju , Taylor Charles E. , Cody Martin L. 
Published: January 2021

We explored how Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) alter their songs when encountering noise in Grand Teton National Park. Different strategies for avoiding signal masking are used by other species of birds, yet there is a lack of information of birds’ responses to higher noise levels -- above 65 dB; such levels are often found in National Parks that have many visitors. In this study, we investigated singing behavior of Yellow Warblers when facing noise that ranged from 30 dB to 80 dB. In these preliminary results, we found that some features of Yellow Warblers did not appear to change with background noise level, including mean minimum frequency, bandwidth and song length. Other song features we studied did show small but statistically significant changes with higher background noise, including the peak frequency and the mean minimum frequency, both of which were significantly negatively correlated with the level of background noise. This result is different from the positive correlations that are typically observed. We speculate that this difference is due to the very high dB levels of background noise that we observed.

Featured photo by wagon16 on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/G2W6Bk
Reducing errors in THz material parameter determination by model-based
time-domain extraction methods
Authors: Stock Daniel , Wigger Anna K. , Bolívar Peter Haring 
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate a reduction of THz material parameter estimation errors
by a factor of 40, using a time-domain material-model-based extraction
method, in comparison with the respective frequency-domain approach.
Based on simulated and experimentally measured THz time-domain
spectroscopy data with different levels of the signal-to-noise ratios
(SNR), an improved robustness of the time-domain scheme with regard to
noise is demonstrated. This approach thereby provides an additional
tool for the extraction of material parameters, which is especially
suited for the evaluation of spectral data of samples with strong
resonant absorption features, even if the SNR at those features drops
below 0 dB. The cause for the difference in performance between the
frequency-domain and time-domain methods is identified and a formal
description provided.
Direct chip-scale optical frequency divider via regenerative harmonic injection locking
Authors: Bustos-Ramirez Ricardo , Trask Lawrence R. , Bhardwaj Ashish , Hoefler Gloria E. , Kish Fred A. , Delfyett Peter J. 
Published: January 2021

A novel optical frequency division technique, called regenerative harmonic injection locking, is used to transfer the timing stability of an optical frequency comb with a repetition rate in the millimeter wave range (

∼

300

G
H
z

) to a chip-scale mode-locked laser with a

∼

10

G
H
z

repetition rate. By doing so, the 300 GHz optical frequency comb is optically divided by a factor of

30

×

to 10 GHz. The stability of the mode-locked laser after regenerative harmonic injection locking is

∼

10

−
12

at 1 s with a

1

/

τ

trend. To facilitate optical frequency division, a coupled opto-electronic oscillator is implemented to assist the injection locking process. This technique is exceptionally power efficient, as it uses less than

100

µ

W

of optical power to achieve stable locking.
All-fiber laser feedback interferometry with 300  m transmission distance
Authors: Wang Yifan , Li Yuhang , Xu Xin , Tian Mingwang , Zhu Kaiyi , Tan Yidong 
Published: January 2021

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, interferometry based on the laser feedback technique with long transmission distance is proposed. The system has the advantages of high sensitivity for uncooperative targets and a simple structure. Also, the quasi-common path orthogonally polarized light compensation method is designed to compensate for the drift in long-distance transmission and achieves more than 200 times reduction experimentally. Using a copper block as a target, the displacement resolution of 20 nm is demonstrated experimentally with 300 m transmission distance. The sub-microwatt power consumption of the measurement beam indicates the high sensitivity of the interferometry. The performance, in terms of linearity, is also evaluated. Although a lot needs to be improved, the proposed method is promising for further development toward practical applications, like sensors in remote, nuclear radiative, or other harsh conditions.
Auf dem Weg zum vertrauensvollen, unternehmensübergreifenden automatisierten Datenaustausch von Maschinen – Identifikation von schützenswertem Wissen im Zeitalter von Industrie 4.0
Authors: Adler Leon , Frank Andreas , Gimpel Henner , Heger Sebastian , Nüske Niclas , Starke Joachim , Waldmann Daniela , Wöhl Moritz 
Published: January 2021

ZusammenfassungDer unternehmensübergreifende Datenaustausch in der Welt von Industrie 4.0 birgt für Unternehmen immense Potenziale. So können Unternehmen wertvolles Wissen über den Einsatz ihrer Produkte gewinnen und ihren Kunden innovative Dienstleistungen anbieten. Umgekehrt können Kunden die Produkte zielgerichteter einsetzen, wenn sie beispielsweise Produktions- und Materialdetails kennen. Doch dabei möchte kein Unternehmen für sich geschäftskritisches Wissen an einen Partner im Wertschöpfungsnetzwerk freigeben. Zu groß ist das Risiko, Einblicke in beispielsweise Forschungs- und Entwicklungsergebnisse zu gewähren oder dem Kunden eine Kostenkalkulation aufgrund des genauen Prozessablaufes zu ermöglichen. Es ergibt sich die Frage, welche Daten bedenkenlos ausgetauscht werden können und in welchen Daten implizit wertvolles Wissen enthalten ist. Aus diesem Grund stellt der vorliegende Beitrag ein Vorgehensmodell zur Identifikation von schützenswertem Wissen vor dem Hintergrund des unternehmensübergreifenden automatisierten Datenaustauschs von Maschinen über Netzwerkplattformen vor. Mit Hilfe des Modells lassen sich Daten und Wissen analysieren und auf Basis der Schutzbedarfe und enthaltenen Potenziale einstufen. Ein möglichst umfangreicher unternehmensübergreifender Datenaustausch bei möglichst geringem Verlust von Know-how soll ermöglicht werden. Anschließend wird die Erprobung des Modells im Rahmen eines Anwendungsbeispiels vorgestellt und ein Ausblick gegeben.
Patient-reported outcomes for diabetes and hypertension care in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Authors: Masyuko Sarah , Ngongo Carrie J. , Smith Carole , Nugent Rachel 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assess patients’ perspectives on their health status, providing opportunities to improve the quality of care. While PROMs are increasingly used in high-income settings, limited data are available on PROMs use for diabetes and hypertension in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This scoping review aimed to determine how PROMs are employed for diabetes and hypertension care in LMICs.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov for English-language studies published between August 2009 and August 2019 that measured at least one PROM related to diabetes or hypertension in LMICs. Full texts of included studies were examined to assess study characteristics, target population, outcome focus, PROMs used, and methods for data collection and reporting.ResultsSixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and reported on PROMs for people diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes and receiving care in health facilities. Thirty-nine (57%) reported on upper-middle-income countries, 19 (28%) reported on lower-middle-income countries, 4 (6%) reported on low-income countries, and 6 (9%) were multi-country. Most focused on diabetes (60/68, 88%), while 4 studies focused on hypertension and 4 focused on diabetes/hypertension comorbidity. Outcomes of interest varied; most common were glycemic or blood pressure control (38), health literacy and treatment adherence (27), and acute complications (22). Collectively the studies deployed 55 unique tools to measure patient outcomes. Most common were the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (7) and EuroQoL-5D-3L (7).ConclusionPROMs are deployed in LMICs around the world, with greatest reported use in LMICs with an upper-middle-income classification. Diabetes PROMs were more widely deployed in LMICs than hypertension PROMs, suggesting an opportunity to adapt PROMs for hypertension. Future research focusing on standardization and simplification could improve future comparability and adaptability across LMIC contexts. Incorporation into national health information systems would best establish PROMs as a means to reveal the effectiveness of person-centered diabetes and hypertension care.