bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual RNAseq Highlights the Kinetics of Skin Microbiome and Fish Host Responsiveness to Bacterial Infection
Authors: luyer jeremy le , Schull Quentin , Auffret Pauline , Lopez Pierre , Crusot Margaux , Belliard Corinne , Basset Câline , Carradec Quentin , Poulain Julie , Planes Serge , Saulnier Denis
Published: November 2020

a) BackgroundTenacibaculum maritimum is a fish pathogen known for causing serious damage to a broad range of wild and farmed marine fish populations worldwide. The recently sequenced genome of T. maritimum strain NCIMB 2154T provided unprecedented information on the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the virulence of this species. However, little is known about the dynamic of infection in vivo, and information is lacking on both the intrinsic host response (gene expression) and its associated microbiome community. Here, we applied complementary omic approaches, including dual RNAseq and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding sequencing using Nanopore and short-read Illumina technologies to unravel the host–pathogen interplay in an experimental infection system using the tropical fish Platax orbicularis as model.b) ResultsWe showed that the T. maritimum transcriptomic landscape during infection is characterised by an enhancement of antibiotic catalytic and glucan catalytic functions but a decrease in the sulfate assimilation process, compared with in vitro cultures. The fish host concurrently displays a large panel of immune effectors, notably involving innate response and triggering acute inflammatory response. In addition, our results suggest that fish activate an adaptive immune response visible through the stimulation of T-helper cells, Th17, with congruent reduction of Th2 and T-regulatory cells. Fish were, however, largely sensitive to infection, and less than 25% survived after 96 hpi. These surviving fish showed no evidence of stress (cortisol levels) or significant difference in microbiome diversity compared with controls at the same sampling time. The presence of Tenacibaculum in resistant fish skin and the total absence of any skin lesions suggest that these fish did not escape contact with the pathogen, but rather that they prevented pathogen entry. In these individuals, we detected up-regulation of specific immune-related genes differentiating resistant individuals from controls at 96 hpi, which suggests a possible genomic basis of resistance, although no genetic variation in coding regions were found.c) ConclusionHere we focus in detail on the interplay between common fish pathogens and host immune response during experimental infection. We further highlight key actors of defence response, pathogenicity and possible genomic bases of fish resistance to T. maritimum.
­­­Microbial Community Structure and Composition is Associated with Host Species and Sex in Sigmodon Cotton Rats
Authors: Strickland Britton , Patel Mira , Shilts Meghan H. , Boone Helen H. , Kamali Arash , Zhang Wei , Stylos Daniel , Boukhvalova Marina S. , Rosas-Salazar Christian , Yooseph Shibu , Rajagopala Seesandra V. , Blanco Jorge C. G. , Das Suman Ranjan
Published: November 2020

Background: The cotton rat (genus Sigmodon) is an essential small animal model for the study of human infectious disease and viral therapeutic development. However, the impact of the host microbiome on infection outcomes has not been explored in this model, partly due to the lack of a comprehensive characterization of microbial communities across different cotton rat species. Understanding the dynamics of their microbiome could significantly help to better understand its role during when modeling viral infections in this small animal model.Results: We examined the bacterial communities of the gut and three external sites (skin, ear, and nose) of two inbred species of cotton rats commonly used in research (S. hispidus and S. fulviventer) by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, constituting the first comprehensive catalog of the cotton rat microbiome. We showed that S. fulviventer maintained higher alpha diversity and richness than S. hispidus at external sites (skin, ear, nose), but there were no differentially abundant genera. However, S. fulviventer and S. hispidus had distinct fecal microbiomes composed of several significantly differentially abundant genera. Whole metagenomic shotgun sequencing of fecal samples identified species-level differences between S. hispidus and S. fulviventer, as well as different metabolic pathway functions as a result of differential host microbiome contributions. Furthermore, the microbiome composition of the external sites showed significant sex-based differences while fecal communities were not largely different. Conclusions: Our study shows that host genetic background potentially exerts homeostatic pressures, resulting in distinct microbiomes for two different inbred cotton rat species. Because of the numerous studies that have uncovered strong relationships between host microbiome, viral infection outcomes, and immune responses, our findings represent a strong contribution for understanding the impact of different microbial communities on viral pathogenesis. Furthermore, we provide novel cotton rat microbiome data as a springboard to uncover the full therapeutic potential of the microbiome against viral infections.
Household Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Health Insurance in Kampala City: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Kalyango Edward , Kananura Rornald Muhumuza , Kiracho Elizabeth Ekirapa
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Uganda is in discussions to introduce a national health insurance scheme. However, there is a paucity of information on household preferences and willingness to pay for health insurance attributes that may guide the design of an acceptable health insurance scheme. Our study sought to assess households’ preferences and willingness to pay for health insurance using a discrete choice experiment.
Methods: This study was conducted from 16 th February 2020 to 10 th April 2020 on 240 households in Kawempe division, Kampala city, stratified into slum and non-slum communities in order to get a representative sample of the area. Four household and policy-relevant attributes were used in the experimental design of the study. Each respondent attended to 9 binary choice sets of health insurance plans. Data were analysed using mixed logit models.
Results: Households from the non-slum and slum communities preferred plans that included both private and public providers to plans that included public providers only (non-slum 0.81 β , P<0.05; slum 0.87 β , p<0.05), and plans that covered extended family members to plans that had limitations on number of family members allowed (non-slum β 0.44, P<0.05; slum 0.36 β, p<0.05). Households from the non-slum community in particular preferred plans that covered chronic illnesses and major surgeries to other plans (0.97 β, P<0.05). Our findings suggest that location of the household matters in determining willingness to pay with households from non-slum communities willing to pay more for the preferred attributes.
Conclusion : Potential health insurance schemes should consider including both private and public providers, fewer restrictions on the number of family members enrolled for both communities; and coverage for chronic illnesses and major surgeries for non-slum communities. However, the inclusion of more family members needs to be weighed against possible depletion of resources.
Proteomics-based Multimarker Model Improves Neurofilament Light Chain for Predicting Neurological Outcome after Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Wurm Raphael , Arfsten Henrike , Muqaku Besnik , Ponleitner Markus , Bileck Andrea , Altmann Patrick , Rommer Paulus , Seidel Stefan , Hubner Pia , Sterz Fritz , Heinz Gottfried , Gerner Christopher , Adlbrecht Christopher , Distelmaier Klaus
Published: November 2020

Background: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a life-threatening event. Continuous advances in management increased initial survival, but the rate of favorable neurological outcome remains low. We have previously shown the usefulness of proteomics to identify novel biomarkers to predict this outcome. Neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of axonal damage, has since emerged as a promising single marker. The aim of this study was thus to assess the predictive value of NfL and compare it to our established model.Methods: NfL was measured in plasma samples from OHCA drawn at 48 hours after the event using single molecule assays. Neurological function at discharge from ICU was recorded on the cerebral performance category (CPC) scale. Predictive ability was assessed for NfL and compared to an established multimarker model.Results: Seventy patients were included into this analysis, of whom 21 (30%) showed a favorable outcome (CPC 1-2) compared to 49 (70%) with an unfavorable outcome (CPC 3 - 5). NfL increased from CPC 1 to 5 (16.5 pg/ml to 641 pg/ml, p<0.001). NfL alone performed moderately well with an area under the ROC (AUROC) of 79.4%. Prediction was significantly improved by combination of NfL with the established best performing model (F = 6.83, p = 0.01) with an AUROC to 89.7% (p for comparison = 0.017).Conclusion:The combination of NfL with other plasma and clinical markers is superior to that of either model alone and achieves a very good AUROC in this relatively small sample. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01960699. Registered 08 October 2013.
Global Transcriptome Profile of the Developmental Principles of in Vitro iPSC-to-Motor Neuron Differentiation
Authors: Solomon Emilia , Davis-Anderson Katie , Hovde Blake , Micheva-Viteva Sofiya N , Harris Jennifer Foster , Twary Scott Nikolas , Iyer Rashi
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHuman induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have opened new avenues for regenerative medicine. Consequently, iPSC-derived motor neurons have emerged as potentially viable therapies for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative disorders including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. However, direct clinical application of iPSC bears in itself the risk of tumorigenesis and other unforeseeable genetic or epigenetic abnormalities. ResultsEmploying RNA-seq technology, we identified and characterized gene regulatory networks triggered by chemical reprogramming of iPSC into motor neurons. We present meta-transcriptome signatures of 5 cell types: iPSCs, neural stem cells, motor neuron progenitors, early motor neurons, and mature motor neurons. In strict response to the chemical stimuli, along the MN differentiation axis we observed temporal downregulation of tumor growth factor-β signaling pathway and consistent activation of sonic hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling. Together with gene networks defining neuronal differentiation (neurogenin 2, microtubule-associated protein 2, Pax6, and neuropilin-1), we observed steady accumulation of motor neuron-specific regulatory genes, including Islet-1 and homeobox protein HB9. Interestingly, transcriptome profiling of the differentiation process showed that Ca2+ signaling through cAMP and LPC was downregulated during the conversion of the iPSC to neural stem cells and key regulatory gene activity of the pathway remained inhibited until later stages of motor neuron formation. Pathways shaping the neuronal development and function were well -represented in the early motor neuron cells including, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, axon guidance, and the cholinergic synapse formation. A notable hallmark of our in vitro motor neuron maturation in monoculture was the activation of genes encoding G-coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and downregulation of the ionotropic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expression. We observed the formation of functional neuronal networks as spontaneous oscillations in the extracellular action potentials recorded on multi-electrode array chip after 20 days of differentiation. ConclusionsDetailed transcriptome profile of each developmental step from iPSC to motor neuron driven by chemical induction provides the guidelines to novel therapeutic approaches in the re-construction efforts of muscle innervation.
LncRNA OIP5-AS1 Affects the Malignant Biological Behavior of Ovarian Cancer via the miR-153-3p/KLF5 Axis
Authors: Wang Shenglan , Liu Chuanchuan , Li Yongchuan , Qiao Jinwan , Chen Xinling , Bao Jin , Li Ran , Xing Yanxia
Published: November 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Visual Outcomes, Quality of Life and Satisfaction After Phacoemulsification in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Patients Without Diabetes
Authors: Beato Joao , Torres-Costa Sonia , Esteves-Leandro Joao , Falcão Manuel , Rosas Vitor , Carneiro Angela , Falcao-Reis Fernando
Published: November 2020

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) and cataract are major complications that lead to significant visual impairment of diabetic patients. This study aims to compare the changes in visual acuity, quality of life and satisfaction after phacoemulsification between type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic patients.MethodsFifty-seven diabetic patients (37 with no diabetic retinopathy [DR], 11 with mild/moderate nonproliferative DR and 9 with severe nonproliferative/proliferative DR) and 45 controls were submitted to first-eye cataract surgery by phacoemulsification alone or with co-adjuvant intravitreal injection of bevacizumab or triamcinolone. National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was recorded preoperatively and 6 months after surgery; and satisfaction evaluated at 1-month. ResultsCorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of the operated eye at 1 and 6-months (p<0.001) was significantly higher than preoperative value in the controls and all diabetic subgroups. The final CDVA in the severe nonproliferative/proliferative DR subgroup was significantly lower compared to the controls and the remaining diabetic subgroups (p<0.05). The mean NEI VFQ-25 composite score significantly improved in both control (15.413.2 points) and diabetic (15.413.0 points) groups, without differences among the diabetic subgroups (p>0.05). Overall patient satisfaction was 93% in both control and diabetic groups. ConclusionThis study provides vision-related patient-reported outcomes that support the benefit from phacoemulsification in all stages of DR, as long as there is adequate monitoring and treatment of retinopathy.
Psychometric Properties of the Hungarian Version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale 
Authors: Renata Ungvary , Ittzés András , Bóné Veronika , Török Szabolcs
Published: November 2020

Background: The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) is a widely used tool to assess attitudes toward infant feeding methods. Attitudes toward breastfeeding are one of the main influencing factors of feeding choice and breastfeeding duration. Adaptation of IIFAS to Hungarian provides an opportunity for cross-cultural comparisons and helps targeting breastfeeding support interventions.Methods: The original IIFAS was translated into Hungarian and back-translated to English. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 553 mothers whose latest child’s age was between 6 and 36 months. In addition to the Hungarian IIFAS, infant feeding status and socioeconomic properties were self-reported in the online survey. Psychometric properties, validity and internal consistency were determined and compared with international results.Results: The 17 item IIFAS-H showed good psychometric properties with that of Cronbach alpha=0.733. Further analyses proved that two shortened versions of the IIFAS-17 consisting of 11 and 9 items also showed good properties (Cronbach’s alpha=0.789, 0.787). After comparing our results to the international short versions of IIFAS, we found that they share 8 identical items. These common 8 items have similar good properties with the Cronbach’s alpha=0.763.Conclusions: The benefits of possible use of international comparisons of the 8-item version outweigh its slightly lower reliability compared to the 9 or 11-item versions. Based on our analyses, we suggest the use of the 8-item-long, shortened version (IIFAS-H8) of the scale.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Persons With Predisposing Factors is Dominated by Non-vaccine Serotypes in Southwest Sweden
Authors: Bergman Karin , Härnqvist Tor , Backhaus Erik , Trollfors Birger , Dahl Mats S , Kolberg Helena , Ockborn Gunilla , Andersson Rune , Karlssom Johanna , Mellgren Åsa , Skovbjerg Susann
Published: November 2020

Background: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV7 was introduced in Southwest Sweden in the child vaccination program in 2009, followed by PCV13 in 2010 and PCV10 in 2015. In this study we assessed the pneumococcal serotype distribution in relation to predisposing factors, clinical manifestations and outcome during seven years after PCV introduction. Methods: Clinical data from 1,278 patients with 1,304 episodes of IPD between January 2009 and December 2015 in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, were retrospectively collected from medical records. Pneumococcal isolates were serotyped by gel diffusion and/or Quellung reactions performed at the Public Health Agency in Sweden. Results: With the exception of serotype 3, the prevalence of PCV13 serotypes decreased during the study period, from 76% of all IPD episodes in 2009 to 25% in 2015 (p<0.001) while non-PCV13 serotypes increased, mainly among patients ≥ 65 years and in patients with predisposing factors (p<0.001 for both). Patients with predisposing factors were more likely to have IPD caused by a serotype not included in PCV13 rather than a vaccine-included serotype. Serotype 3 was associated with intensive care unit admissions while serotype 1 and 7F caused IPD among healthier and younger patients. PCV13 serotypes were associated with invasive pneumonia, and non-PCV13 serotypes were associated with bacteremia with unknown focus and with manifestations other than pneumonia or meningitis. Conclusions: Non-PCV13 serotypes caused the majority of IPD cases in Southwest Sweden, especially in patients ≥65 years and in patients with predisposing factors. Serotype 3, included in PCV13, was prevalent and often caused severe disease.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator Lasofoxifene Suppresses Spondyloarthritis Manifestation and Affects Characteristics of Gut Microbiota in Zymosan-induced SKG Mice
Authors: Jeong Hyemin , Kim In Young , Bae Eun-Kyung , Jeon Chan Hong , Ahn Kwang-Sung , Cha Hoon-Suk
Published: November 2020

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis is a male-predominant disease and previous study revealed that estrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect on the spondyloarthritis (SpA) manifestations in zymosan-induced SKG mice. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator lasofoxifene (Laso) on disease activity of SpA. Methods: Mice were randomized into zymosan-treated, zymosan + 17β-estradiol (E2)-treated, and zymosan + Laso-treated groups. Clinical arthritis scores were measured, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) small-animal positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed to quantify joint inflammation. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. Fecal samples were collected and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to determine gut microbiota differences. Results: Both zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice showed lower arthritis clinical scores and lower 18F-FDG uptake than zymosan-treated mice. BMD was significantly higher in zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice than zymosan-treated mice, respectively. Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly elevated at 8 weeks after zymosan injection in zymosan-treated mice, but it was not significantly changed in zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice. Gut microbiota diversity of zymosan-treated mice was significantly different from zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice, respectively. There was no significant difference in gut microbiota diversity between zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso -treated mice. Conclusions: Selective ER modulator Laso inhibited joint inflammation and enhanced BMD in SKG mice, a model of SpA. Laso also affected the composition and biodiversity of gut microbiota. This study provides new knowledge regarding that selected SpA patients could benefit from selective ER modulator treatment.
Comparison of Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Fingerprints to Enhance an Outdoor Radio-frequency Localization System
Authors: Sousa Marcelo Nogueira de , Sant'Ana Ricardo , Fernandes Riegel P. , Duarte Julio Cesár , Aploinário José A. , Thomä Reiner S.
Published: November 2020

Machine Learning framework adds a new dimension to the localization estimation problem; it tries to find the most likely position using processed features in a radio map. This paper compares the performance of two machine learning tools, Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost, in exploiting the multipath information for outdoor localization problem. The investigation was carried out in a noisy outdoor scenario, where non-line-of-sight between target and sensors may affect the location of a radio-frequency emitter strongly. It is possible to improve the position system performance by using fingerprints techniques that employ multipath information in a Machine Learning framework, which operate a dataset generated by ray-tracing simulation. Usually, real measurements produce the fingerprints localization features, and there is mismatching with the simulated data. Another drawback of NLOS features extraction is the noise level that occurs in position processing. Random Forest algorithm uses fully grown decision trees to classify possible emitter position, trying to achieve error mitigation by reducing variance. On the other hand, XGBoost approach uses weak learners, defined by high bias and low variance. The results of the simulation performed aims to be used as a design parameter to perform hyperparameter refinements in similar multipath localization problems.
Rosuvastatin Inhibits Atherosclerosis Development by Improving Lipid Accumulation and Polarization Conversion of Macrophages via Regulating Autophagy
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Qin Yating , Wan Xiaoning , Liu Hao , Lv Chao , Ruan Weibin , He Lin , Lu Li , Guo Xiaomei
Published: November 2020

Background Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular disease posing a great threat to public health. We investigated whether rosuvastatin (RVS) enhanced autophagic activities to inhibit lipid accumulation and polarization conversion of macrophages and then attenuate atherosclerotic lesions. Methods All male Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were fed high-fat diet supplemented with RVS (10mg/kg/day) or the same volume of normal saline gavage for 20 weeks. The burden of plaques in mice were determined by histopathological staining. Biochemical kits were used to examine the levels of lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines. The potential mechanisms by which RVS mediated atherosclerosis were explored by western blot, real-time PCR assay, and immunofluorescence staining in mice and RAW264.7 macrophages.Results Our data showed that RVS treatment reduced plaque areas in the aorta inner surface and the aortic sinus of ApoE-/- mice with high-fat diet. RVS markedly improved lipid profiles and reduced contents of inflammatory cytokines in the circulation. Then, results of Western blot showed that RVS increased the ratio LC3II/I and level of Beclin 1 and decreased the expression of p62 in aortic tissues, which might be attributed to suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, hinting that autophagy cascades were activated by RVS. Moreover, RVS raised the contents of ABCA1, ABCG1, Arg-1, CD206 and reduced iNOS expression of arterial wall, indicating that RVS promoted cholesterol efflux and M2 macrophage polarization. Similarly, we observed that RVS decreased lipids contents and inflammatory factors expressions in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by ox-LDL, accompanied by levels elevation of ABCA1, ABCG1, Arg-1, CD206 and content reduction of iNOS. These anti-atherosclerotic effects of RVS were abolished by 3-methyladenine intervention. Moreover, RVS could reverse the impaired autophagy flux in macrophages insulted by chloroquine. We further found that PI3K inhibitor LY294002 enhanced and agonist 740 Y-P weakened the autophagy-promoting roles of RVS, respectively. Conclusions Our study indicated that RVS exhibits atheroprotective effects involving regulation lipid accumulation and polarization conversion by improving autophagy initiation and development via suppressing PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis and enhancing autophagic flux in macrophages.
Diagnostic and Immunotherapeutic Value of CD248 in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Keying , Jiang Yao , Zhao Xiaolong , Liu Shaojie , Xu Chao , Ma Shanjin , Yang Fa , Wang Yan , Meng Ping , Shi Changhong , Han Donghui , Wen Weihong , Qin Weijun
Published: November 2020

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy in urinary system. Despite substantial improvements in available treatments, survival outcome of advanced RCC is unsatisfied. Identifying novel biomarker to assist early diagnosis and screen immunotherapy sensitive patients would be beneficial. CD248 is a promising candidate that deserves to be investigated.Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and clinical specimen were adopted to analyze CD248 expression between normal and tumor tissues. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to identify independent prognostic factors and construct a CD248-based prognostic signature. The correlation among present signature, tumor infiltrating immune cells, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and immunomodulatory molecules were evaluated. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and enrichment analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanism of CD248 in RCC progression.Results: CD248 overexpressed in RCC was related with a poor prognosis, and CD248-based prognostic signature could precisely stratify RCC patients with different survival outcomes regardless of training or testing cohort. Present signature could reflect immunosuppressive landscape of RCC (i.e. increased regulatory T cells infiltration and upregulated immune checkpoints), which accompanied with deteriorated clinicopathologic indexes. TMB and immunostimulatory molecules expression also increased with the risk score generated from present signature. CD248 co-expressed gene sets were identified through WGCNA algorithm, and several immunosuppressive GO terms and KEGG pathways were significantly enriched.Conclusion: CD248 is a valuable biomarker to improve diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of RCC. Immunosuppressive effect of CD248 co-expressed genes may provide insight for present study.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Peripartum Depression: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Hyunejune , Kim Sungmin , Kwon Ji Yean
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPeripartum depression is a common disorder with very high potential hazards for both the patients and their babies. The typical treatment options include antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy. However, these treatments do not ensure the safety of the fetus. Recently, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as a promising treatment for neuropathies as well as depression. Nevertheless, many studies excluded pregnant women. This systematic review was conducted to confirm whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was a suitable treatment option for peripartum depression. MethodsWe performed a systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. We searched studies in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases published until the end of September 2020. Eleven studies were selected for the systematic review, and five studies were selected for quantitative synthesis. Data analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3 software. The effect size was analyzed using the standardized mean difference and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined by the generic inverse variance estimation method.ResultsThe therapeutic effect size of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for peripartum depression was 1.394 (95% CI: 0.920 – 1.843), and the sensitivity analysis effect size was 1.074 (95% CI: 0.777 – 1.233), indicating a significant effect. The side effect size of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for peripartum depression was 0.346, (95% CI: 0.214 – 0.506), which was a meaningful result. There were no serious side effects to the mothers or fetuses.ConclusionsFrom a variety of perspectives, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can be considered an alternative treatment to treat peripartum depression to avoid the exposure of fetuses to drugs and the severe side effects of electroconvulsive therapy. Further research is required to increase confidence in the results.
Risk Perception and Adherence to Preventive Behaviors by the Public Amid COVID-19 Pandemic; A Community-Based Study Applying the Health Belief Model
Authors: Kamran Aziz , Isazadehfar Khatereh , Pirzadeh Akbar , Azgomi Ramin Nasimi Doost , Heydari Heshmatolah
Published: November 2020

Background: COVID-19, now a global pandemic, is a new, highly contagious, and preventable disease that has caused many deaths across the world. The correct understanding of the risks and following health instructions are among the most important self-care parameters. This study was aimed to assess people’s perceived risks and their adherence to recommended preventive behaviors regarding the COVID-19 infection.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 1861 people residing in Ardabil province in 2020. The data collected electronically by instrument which consisted from four parts: demographic specifications, the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs (perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, and perceived benefits), beliefs on the effectiveness of disease prevention strategies, and complying with health behaviors. The data was analyzed using SPSS-21 software.Results: Significant differences were found in the mean scores of the beliefs on the effectiveness of preventive recommendations, the constructs of the health belief model, and compliance to preventive behaviors considering the participants’ gender, age, marital status, and the level of education. The beliefs and intention to stay at home, collectively predicted 54.7% of the variance of preventive behaviors.Conclusion: Although a the majority of participants had positive attitude toward the effectiveness of preventive measures and adhered to them, some people who were not adherent to healthy behaviors could be key participants to the next waves of the disease.
Preparedness of Health Care Systems for Ebola Outbreak Response in Kasese and Rubirizi districts, Western Uganda
Authors: Kibuule Michael , Sekimpi Deogratias , Agaba Aggrey , Halage Abdullah Ali , Jonga Michael , Manirakiza Leonard , Kansiime Catherine , Travis Dominic , Pelican Katharine , Rwego Innocent
Published: November 2020

Background: The level of preparedness of the health care workers, the health facility and the entire health system determines the magnitude of the impact of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak as demonstrated by the West African Ebola outbreak. The objective of the study was to assess preparedness of the health care facilities and identify appropriate preparedness measures for Ebola outbreak response in Kasese and Rubirizi districts in western Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 189 health care workers using a structured questionnaire and visits to 22 health facilities to determine the level of health care system preparedness to EVD outbreak. District level infrastructure capabilities, existence of health facility logistics and supplies, and health care workers’ knowledge of EVD was assessed. EVD Preparedness was assessed on infrastructure and logistical capabilities and the level of knowledge of an individual health work about the etiology, control and prevention of EVD.Results: Twelve out of the 22 of the health facilities, especially health center III’s and IV’s, did not have a line budget to respond to EVD when there was a threat of EVD in nearby country. The majority (n = 13) of the facilities did not have the following: case definition books, rapid response teams and/or committees, burial teams, simulation drills. There were no personal protective equipment that could be used within 8 hours in case of an EVD outbreak fourteen of the health facilities. All facilities did not have Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) incident management centers, isolation units, guidelines for burial, and one-meter distance between health care worker and patient during triage. Overall, 54% (n = 102) of health care workers (HCWs) did not know the incubation period of EVD. HCWs who had tertiary education (aOR = 5.79; CI = 1.79 – 18.70; p = 0.003), and were Christian (aOR = 10.47; CI = 1.94 – 56.4; p = 0.006) were more likely to know about the biology incubation period, causes and prevention of EVD.Conclusions: Feedback on the level of preparedness for the rural districts helps inform strategies for building capacity of these health centers in terms of infrastructure, logistics and improving knowledge of health care workers.
Prevalence of Emotional Eating and Its Associated Psychosocial Factors Among Urban Chinese Undergraduates In Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sze Katherine YP , Lee Eric KP , Chan Rufina HW , Kim Jean H.
Published: November 2020

Background Emotional eating (EE), defined as eating to cope with negative emotions, has been previously associated with poor diet and obesity. Since there are limited data from non-Western populations, this study aims to examine the prevalence and associated factors of EE among urban Chinese adolescents. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 424 university students (aged 18-24 years) from two large universities in Hong Kong in 2019. Respondents were randomly invited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire that obtained background information, emotional eating subscale of Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Two-sample independent t-test and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the association of study variables with emotional eating.Results There was nearly a four-fold higher likelihood of EE among females (14.8%) compared with their male counterparts (4.5%) (OR=3.7). Having at least mild depressive symptoms was the only independent factor associated with EE among males (OR=10.1) while for females, EE was independently associated with not having a romantic partner (OR=3.45), having depressive symptoms (OR=44.5) and having at least mild stress (OR=5.65). Anxiety levels were not independently associated with EE for either gender. Higher EE scores were associated with worse perceived health and worse life satisfaction in both genders and associated with higher BMI among females. ConclusionsThis study revealed that EE is prevalent in female Chinese university students and not uncommon in male students. To address disordered eating, regional health promotion programmes may strategically target those at high-risk for depression.
Occult Foreign Body Aspirations in Pediatric Patients: 20-years of Experience
Authors: Liu Bo , Ding Fengxia , An Yong , Li Yonggang , Pan Zhengxia , Wang Gang , Dai Jiangtao , Li Hongbo , Wu Chun
Published: November 2020

Background: The purpose of our study was to assess the frequency of occult foreign body aspiration (FBA) and to evaluate the diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic methods for these patients. Methods: Between May 2000 and May 2020, 3557 patients with the diagnosis of FBA were treated in our department. Thirty-five patients with occult FBA were included in this study. A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed. Results: Twenty-three male patients (65.7%) and 12 female patients (34.3%) were hospitalized due to occult FBA. The average age was 3.60 years (range 9 months-12 years). Most of the patients were younger than 3 years old (n=25, 71.4%). Coughing (n=35, 100%) and wheezing (n=18, 51.4%) were the main symptoms and signs. All the patients were found to have a FBA under the fiberoptic bronchoscope. The most common organic foreign bodies were peanuts (n=10) and the most common inorganic foreign bodies were pen caps (n=5). The extraction of foreign bodies under rigid bronchoscopy was applied successfully in 34 patients. Only one patient needed a surgical intervention. Conclusions: Occult FBA should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic or recurrent respiratory diseases that are poorly explained, even in the absence of a previous history of aspiration.
A Novel Risk Scoring Tool to Predict Saphenous Vein Graft Occlusion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after Cardiac Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Cheng Yujing , Ma Xiaoteng , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Yingxin , Sun Yan , Zhang Dai , Zhao Qi , Xu Yingkai , Zhou Yujie
Published: November 2020

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) success is reduced by graft occlusion. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) are more likely to develop graft occlusion. Understanding factors associated with graft occlusion may improve T2DM patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive risk score for saphenous vein graft (SVG) occlusion in T2DM patients after CABG.Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 3716 CABG patients with T2DM from January 2012 to March 2013. The development cohort included 2477 patients and the validation cohort included 1239 patients. The baseline clinical data at index CABG was analyzed for their independent impact on graft occlusion in our study using Cox proportional hazards regression. The predictive risk scoring tool was weighted by beta coefficients from the final model. Concordance (c)-statistics and comparison of the predicted and observed probabilities of predicted risk were used for discrimination and calibration.Results: A total of 959 (25.8%) out of 3716 patients developed at least one SVG occlusion. Significant risk factors for occlusion were male sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate<90, smoking (currently), hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a rising number of lesion vessels, and SVG. On-pump surgery, and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and calcium channel blockers (CCB) were protective factors. The risk scoring tool with 11 variables was developed from the derivation cohort, which delineated each patient into risk quartiles. The c-statistic for this model was 0.71 in the validation cohort.Conclusions: An easy-to-use risk scoring tool that used common clinical variables was developed and validated. The scoring tool accurately estimated the risk of late SVG occlusion in T2DM patients after CABG.
Adjusted Dynamics of COVID-19 Pandemic Due to Herd Immunity in Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Enamul , Islam Md. Shariful , Das Susanta Kumar , Mitra Dipak Kumar , Amin Mohammad Ruhul
Published: November 2020

Background Amid growing debate between scientists and policymakers on the trade-oﬀ between public safety and reviving economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Bangladesh decided to relax the countrywide lockdown restrictions from the beginning of June 2020. Instead, the Ministry of Public Aﬀairs oﬃcials have declared some parts of the capital city and a few other districts as red zones or high-risk areas based on the number of people infected in the late June 2020. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 infection rate had been increasing in almost every other part of the country. Ironically, rather than ensuring rapid tests and isolation of COVID-19 patients, from the beginning of July 2020, the Directorate General of Health Services restrained the maximum number of tests per laboratory. Thus, the health experts have raised the question of whether the government is heading toward achieving herd immunity instead of containing the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods We propose an age-group clustering method to estimate the susceptible population and use the adjusted SIRD model with Unscented Kalman Filter to analyze the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission rate in Bangladesh.Results Our analysis on the susceptible population distribution suggests that the key propagation agent is the young adult due to their socio-economic activities. We demonstrate that the herd immunity threshold can be reduced to 31% than that of 60% by considering age group cluster analysis resulting maximum 53.0 million susceptible populations in the lower middle income country. However, the case fatality rate (CFR) analysis shows that the most vulnerable people belong to the older population (> 60 years) in Bangladesh following the global trend. With the data of Covid-19 cases till July 22,2020, the time-varying reproduction numbers are used to explain the nature of the pandemic.Conclusions Based on the estimations of active, severe, and critical cases, we discuss a set of policy recommendations to improve the current pandemic control methods in Bangladesh. Moreover, we suggest a fair trade-oﬀ between health versus the economy in order to avoid enormous death toll and to keep Bangladesh’s economy alive.
Emission impacts of supply chain disruptions for COVID and China’s solid waste import ban
Authors: Ryter John , Fu Xinkai , Bhuwalka Karan , Roth Richard , Olivetti Elsa
Published: November 2020

Climate change will increase the frequency and severity of supply-chain disruptions and large-scale economic crises, also prompting environmentally-protective local policies. Here we use econometric time series analysis, inventory-driven price formation, dynamic material flow analysis, and gate-to-gate life cycle analysis to model the response of each copper supply chain actor to China’s solid waste import ban and the COVID-19 pandemic. We demonstrate that the economic changes associated with China’s solid waste import ban increase primary refining within China, offsetting the environmental benefits of decreased copper scrap refining and generating a cumulative increase in CO2e emissions of up to 35 Mt by 2040. Increasing China’s refined copper imports reverses this trend, decreasing CO2e emissions both in China (up to 300 Mt by 2040) and globally (up to 63 Mt). We test model outcome sensitivity to supply chain disruptions and economic crises using GDP, mining, and refining shocks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, showing the results maintain impact magnitude alongside disruption effects.
Global chemical weathering dominated by continental arcs since the mid-Paleozoic
Authors: Gernon Thomas , Hincks Thea , Merdith Andrew , Rohling Eelco , Palmer Martin , Foster Gavin , Bataille Clement , Muller R Dietmar
Published: November 2020

Earth’s plate tectonic activity regulates the carbon cycle, and hence, climate, via volcanic outgassing and silicate-rock weathering1,2,3. Mountain building, arc-continent collisions, and clustering of continents in the tropics have all been invoked as controlling the weathering flux4,5,6, with arcs also acting as a major contributor of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere7. However, these processes have largely been considered in isolation when in reality they are all tightly coupled. To properly account for the interactions between these processes, and the inherent multi-million-year time lags at play in the Earth system, we need to characterise their complex interdependencies. Here we analyse these interdependencies over the past 400 million years, using a Bayesian network to identify primary relationships, time lags and drivers of the global chemical weathering signal. We find that the spatial extent of continental volcanic arcs — the fastest-eroding surface features on Earth — exerts the strongest control on global chemical weathering fluxes. We find that the rapid drawdown of CO2 tied to arc weathering stabilises surface temperatures over geological time, contrary to the widely held view that this stability8 is achieved mainly by a delicate balance between weathering of the seafloor and the continental interiors.
The results of environmental and climate management systems implementation in the Ural gold mining industry (by the example of Gold of Northern Urals CJSC)
Authors:   University of Tyumen, Petrov Yuri V. , Chepushtanov Dmitry I. ,   University of Tyumen
Published: November 2020

Introduction. The article evaluates the results of modern implementation of environmental and climate management systems in a gold mining organization. A SWOT analysis was carried out and recommendations were developed for adjusting and clarifying the content of the main management areas. As an information base, only public information resources and information provided by the organization in the course of interaction during educational program implementation were used Research aim is to assess the implementation of environmental and climate management systems in the Ural gold mining industry Methodology. The paper analyzes and evaluates environmental and climate management systems based on the use of SWOT analysis tools and geographic assessment of spatial and temporal changes. The spatial risks of safe ecological development of the organization are systematized, taking into account the immediate geographical environment. Results. A set of measures has been developed to correct and change the main management decisions of the environmental and climate management systems of the Ural gold mining organization. Conclusions. A satisfactory cumulative assessment of the results of environmental and climate management systems implementation in the organization is given; a set of measures has been developed that, in general, can be used in the regional industry; critical conceptual comments were formulated on the content of the current management KPIs.
Neurociencias aplicadas a las organizaciones: un híbrido que busca
constructo científico
Authors: García Ortiz Julián Andrés
Published: November 2020

En la última década se ha dado un desarrollo importante de estudios que
acogen lógicas interdisciplinarias y multidisciplinarias para explicar y
comprender diferentes fenómenos, oportunidades y nuevas formas de accionar
las estrategias organizacionales en la fuerza laboral. No obstante, son
escasas las investigaciones que buscan validar el constructo de las
neurociencias aplicadas a las organizaciones.
Las tendencias prospectivas en la comunicación intercultural del cabildo
Cabildo Indígena Chibcariwak
Authors: Velásquez Meneses Luisa Fernanda , Herrera Uribe Yulieth Milena
Published: November 2020

Esta investigación indaga sobre las tendencias prospectivas de la
comunicación intercultural, desde la realidad de los integrantes del cabildo
indígena chibcariwak de la ciudad de Medellín cuyos integrantes provienen de
diferentes etnias. En los cabildos ubicados en el centro de la ciudad
convergen diferentes culturas, los integrantes han llegado a acuerdos para
conservar su tradición desde diferentes prácticas, aunque estén en la
urbanidad. Quieren que su esencia prevalezca y sus hijos crezcan con ella.
Por ello este grupo multiétnico adoptó una conducta prospectiva,
inconsciente o conscientemente. En la actualidad es una población
minoritaria y la metodología les ayudará en la preservación de la cultura y
la permanencia en el tiempo.
Profesionalismo y profesionalidad del maestro
Authors:   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Cardona Quiceno Carlos Enrique , Guerra Montoya Jorge William ,   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó
Published: November 2020

El ser humano inicia su proceso educativo desde antes de nacer, esto es, empieza la potenciación de las capacidades y facultades que lo identifican como individuo de la especie humana. Ello significa que, en el período de vida intrauterina de una persona, los padres y el círculo familiar son sus primeros maestros, especialmente la mamá, quien por varios meses estuvo -y estará siempre- anhelando lo mejor para su hijo. Nussbaum (2012) afirma: “ahora sabemos que el desarrollo de capacidades básicas no es algo que esté integrado en nuestro ADN: la nutrición materna y la experiencia prenatal desempeñan un papel importante en su despliegue y su conformación” (p. 43).