bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Satellite Analysis of the Environmental Impacts of Armed-Conflict in Rakhine, Myanmar
Authors: Aung Thiri Shwesin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The impacts of armed conflict on the environment are extremely complex and difficult to investigate, given the impossibility of accessing the affected area and reliable data limitation. Very-high-resolution satellite imageries and highly reliable machine learning algorithms become very useful in studying direct and indirect impacts of war on the ecosystem, in addition to connected effects on human lives. The Rohingya conflict is described as one of the worst humanitarian crises and human-made disasters of the 21st Century. Quantification of damage due to the conflict and the suitability of human resettlement has been lacking despite the ongoing agreements to repatriate refugees and the importance of ecosystem services for the communities' survival. Here we report the investigation of environmental conditions pre-, during, and post-conflict in the conflict zone using satellite data. We implemented and experienced the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-based computing platform with a widely applied algorithm, the Random Forest (RF) classifier. We found striking near-complete demolition of inhabited regions, dramatic and highly significant increase in burning areas, and substantial deforestation. We discuss the reasons behind such findings from the Rakhine case and debate some general conservation lessons applicable to other countries undergoing post-conflict transitions.
Efficacy and safety of the adjunctive Baicalin in schizophrenia patients with negative symptoms and cognitive impairment: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Miao Yu , Zhu Qiyue , Kang Yulin , Yuan Xiuxia , Li Xue , Wang Shuying , Lu Zuhong , LV Luxian , Huang Xu-Feng , Wang Yunpeng , Tian Xin , Song Xueqin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Performance of COVID-19 Surveillance System as Timely Containment Strategy in Western Oromia, Ethiopia.
Authors: Tamiru Afework , Regasa Bikila , Alemu Tamirat , Begna Zenebu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Since its occurrence in late December, 2019, in Wuhan, China; COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across the world nations. Case detection and contact identification remains the key surveillance objectives for effective containment of the pandemic. This study was aimed at evaluating the performance of COVID-19 surveillance in Western Oromia towns, Ethiopia.Methods: CDC-update guideline for surveillance system evaluation and surveillance documents prepared by Ethiopian Public Health Institute were used as a benchmark. Qualitative interview of health workers and quantitative review of surveillance data were conducted. Semi structured questionnaire was used to interview 436 systematically selected local community to assess their awareness, perceived risk, health system utilization experience and current practices. We analyzed the data using descriptive approach by aligning the data from community, health facility and health authority along with suspect identification, case detection and reporting process of the surveillance system.Results: One hundred seventy-nine (41%) of the participants believe they have high risk of contracting COVID-19 and 127 (29%) of them reported they have been visited by health extension worker. One hundred ninety-seven (45.2%) reported that they are not using health facilities for routine services during this pandemic. Except one hospital, all health facilities (92%) were using updated case definition. From March to July 30, 2020, there were 150 contacts, 116 suspects and 634 risk group tested for COVID-19 of which cases were found only from risk group testing, 10/521 (2%) in Nekemte and none from Shambu. Surveillance data was not being analyzed at all level. Conclusion: In this study it is reasonable to conclude that community/risk group testing was more effective than suspect or contact testing. Surveillance data was not being used to identify group and/or area most exposed for guiding response strategy. Therefore, targeting risk group for testing can improve the effectiveness of COVID-19 surveillance in settings where mass testing is not feasible. Surveillance data analysis should be done to identify areas and groups at higher risk and investigate to avoid further crisis.
Topological Insights into Mutant Huntingtin Exon 1 and PolyQ Aggregates by Cryo-Electron Tomography
Authors: Galaz-Montoya Jesus , Shahmoradian Sarah , Shen Koning , Frydman Judith , Chiu Wah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative trinucleotide repeat disorder caused by an expanded poly-glutamine (polyQ) tract in the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein. The formation and topology of filamentous mHTT inclusions in the brain (hallmarks of HD implicated in neurotoxicity) remain elusive. Using cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging, here we show that mHTT exon 1 and polyQ-only aggregates in vitro are structurally heterogenous and filamentous, similar to prior observations with other methods. Yet, we find filaments in both types of aggregates under ~2 nm in width, thinner than previously reported, and regions forming large sheets. In addition, our data show a prevalent subpopulation of filaments exhibiting a lumpy slab morphology in both aggregates, supportive of the polyQ core model. This provides a basis for future cryoET studies of various aggregated mHTT and polyQ constructs to improve their structure-based modeling as well as their identification in cells without fusion tags.
Impact of noise exposure on development, physiological stress and behavioural patterns in larval zebrafish
Authors: LARA RAFAEL AYALA , VASCONCELOS RAQUEL ORNELAS 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Noise pollution is increasingly present in aquatic ecosystems, causing detrimental effects on growth, physiology and behaviour of organisms. However, limited information exists on how this stressor affects animals in early ontogeny, a critical period for development and establishment of phenotypic traits.We tested the effects of chronic noise exposure to increasing levels (130 and 150 dB re 1 μPa, continuous white noise) and different temporal regimes on larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), an important vertebrate model in ecotoxicology.The acoustic treatments did not affect general development or hatching but higher noise levels led to increased mortality. The cardiac rate, yolk sac consumption and cortisol levels increased significantly with increasing noise level at both 3 and 5 dpf (days post fertilization). Variation in noise temporal patterns (different random noise periods to simulate shipping activity) suggested that time regime adopted is more important than the total duration of noise exposure is important to down-regulate physiological stress. Moreover, 5 dpf larvae exposed to 150 dB continuous noise displayed increased dark avoidance in anxiety-related dark/light preference test and impaired spontaneous alternation behaviour.We provide first evidence of noise-induced physiological stress and behavioural disturbance in larval zebrafish, showing that both noise amplitude and timing negatively impact key developmental endpoints in early ontogeny.
Prediction model for Prolonged fever in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia : A retrospective study of 716 pediatric patients
Authors: Jang Min Sik , Kim Bit Kyeol , Kim Jihye 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To identify patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with a risk of prolonged fever while on macrolides. Methods: A retrospective study was performed with 716 children admitted for MPP. Refractory MPP (RMPP) was defined as fever persisting for >72 hours after macrolide antibiotics (RMPP-3) or when fever persisted for >120 hours (RMPP-5). Radiological data, laboratory data, and fever profiles were compared between the RMPP and non-RMPP groups. Fever profiles included the highest temperature, lowest temperature, and frequency of fever. Prediction models for RMPP were created using the logistic regression method and deep neural network. Their predictive values were compared using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results: Overall, 716 patients were randomly divided into two groups: training and test cohorts for both RMPP-3 and RMPP-5. For the prediction of RMPP-3, a conventional logistic model with radiologic grouping showed increased sensitivity (63.3%) than the model using laboratory values. Adding laboratory values in the prediction model using radiologic grouping did not contribute to a meaningful increase in sensitivity (64.6%). For the prediction of RMPP-5, laboratory values or radiologic grouping showed lower sensitivities ranging from 12.9%–16.1%. However, prediction models using predefined fever profiles showed significantly increased sensitivity for predicting RMPP-5, and neural network models using 12 sequential fever data showed a greatly increased sensitivity (64.5%).Conclusions: RMPP-5 could not be effectively predicted using initial laboratory and radiologic data, which were previously reported to be predictive. Further studies using advanced mathematical models, based on large-sized easily accessible clinical data, are anticipated for predicting RMPP.
Severe Obesity in A Specialist Type 2 Diabetes Outpatient Clinic: An Australian Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thakur Arunav , Sharma Dharmesh , Gupta Bhavya , Kramadhari Nikitha , Rajagopal Rohit , Simmons David , Piya Milan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Significant weight loss has been shown to improve glycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity. National and International guidelines recommend considering bariatric surgery for body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2. We assessed the proportion of people with T2DM meeting criteria for surgery, how many had been offered a bariatric/obesity service referral, and compared the characteristics of people with BMI≥35kg/m2 and BMI < 35 kg/m2.Methods Retrospective data were collected for all people with T2DM aged ≥18 years, attending a hospital specialist diabetes outpatient service over three calendar years, 2017–2019.Results Of 700 people seen in the service, 291 (42%) had BMI≥35kg/m2 (the “BMI≥35 group”) and met criteria for bariatric surgery, but only 54 (19%) of them were offered referral to an obesity service. The BMI≥35 group was younger than those with a BMI < 35 kg/m2 (56.1 ± 14.8 vs 61.4 ± 14.6 years, p < 0.001) (mean ± SD), with similar diabetes duration (11.0 ± 9.0 vs 12.3 ± 8.9 years, p = 0.078), and there was no significant difference in initial HbA1c (75 ± 27 vs 72 ± 26 mmol/mol, p = 0.118) (9.0 ± 2.5 vs 8.7 ± 2.4%) or proportion treated with insulin (62% vs 58%). There was more GLP1 agonist use in the BMI≥35 group (13% vs 7%, p = 0.003) but similar rates of SGLT2 inhibitor use (25% vs 21%, p = 0.202). The BMI≥35 group received more new medication and/or dose adjustments (74% vs 66%, p = 0.016). Only 29% in the BMI≥35kg group achieved HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%).Conclusions In spite of frequently meeting the criteria for bariatric surgery and not achieving glycaemic targets, people with T2DM in this specialist clinic received limited medical or surgical management of their obesity. Our data support the need to prioritise obesity management in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Subgroup Characteristics of the Association between Volunteering and the Risk of Functional Disability Among Older Japanese People: The Tsurugaya Project.
Authors: Yamazaki Teiichiro , Sugawara Yumi , Sone Toshimasa , Tsuji Ichiro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This prospective cohort study aimed to identify the subgroups of older people in which the association between volunteering and incident functional disability is most remarkable by conducting subgroup analyses of age, sex, chronic medical condition, and socio-demographic factors. Participants were 826 Japanese community-dwelling people aged ≥ 70 years who lived in Tsurugaya, Sendai. Volunteering status was assessed with a baseline survey conducted in 2003. Incident functional disability was defined as the first certification of Long-term Care Insurance until 2017. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident functional disability. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to sex, age, medical history, marital status, and educational level. The risk of incident functional disability was significantly lower in current volunteers (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96) than non-volunteers. This significant association was remarkable in several subgroups such as women, those aged 75 years or over, those living with chronic illnesses, those living without a spouse, and participants with higher educational levels. The association between volunteering and a decreased risk of incident functional disability was remarkable among vulnerable groups such as women, old-old, those living with chronic illnesses, and those living without a spouse.
The Assessment of Visuospatial Skills and Verbal Fluency in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Horvath Andras , Berente Dalida , Kamondi Anita 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: In the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), examining memory is predominant. Our aim was to analyse the potential role of various cognitive domains in the cognitive evaluation of AD. Methods: 52 individuals with AD underwent neuropsychological evaluation including Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE). Patients were selected in three groups based on disease duration in years (y) (Group 1: ≤2y n=15; Group 2: 2-4y n=26, Group 3: ≥4y n=11). Covariance weighted intergroup comparison was performed on global cognitive score and subscores of cognitive domains. Spearman’s rho was applied to study the correlation between cognitive subscores and disease duration. Results: Significant difference was found between ACE total scores among groups (χ2=16,03 p<0,001) with a high negative correlation (r= -0,54 p<0,001). With longer disease duration the visuospatial and memory subscores of ACE significantly decreased (χ2=28,36 p<0,001; and f=12,05 p<0,001 respectively). In the early phase of cognitive decline verbal fluency and memory were equally impaired (p>0.05). Visuospatial score showed strong negative correlation with disease duration (r:-0.73).Conclusion: Impairment of verbal fluency seems to have similar diagnostic potential in the early identification of Alzheimer’s disease as memory decline. Visuospatial assessment might be a good marker to monitor the progression of cognitive decline.
Depicting Developing Trend and Core Knowledge of Hip Fracture Research: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis
Authors: Peng Guan Rong , Guan Zhen Hua , Zhang Qing Xi , Gao Jia Xiang , Rao Wen Qun , Yuan Xian Yun , Guo Jiu Sheng , Huang Xiao Hua , Zhong Zhangrong , Lin Jian Hao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Among all osteoporotic fractures, hip fracture is common, carries high morbidity and mortality, thus has been becoming a vital concern We aim to analyze the present status and worldwide trends of hip fracture research in various clinical aspects. Methods: Publications from 2000 to 2019 were retrieved from Web of Science database and analyzed through bibliometric methodology. The software VOS viewer was utilized for visualized analysis. Results: Totally, 6139 publications were included, and publications increased annually, from 152 (2000) to 592 (2019). The USA has made huge contributions with the most publications, the highest H-index, and citations. Osteoporosis International has published the most papers. Leading researchers, contributing institutions, their cooperation relationships and scientific masterpieces have been identified. Research could be divided into five clusters: "mortality", "surgical management", “rehabilitation”, “osteoporosis” and "epidemiology". A clear developing trend was described, which initiated from fracture epidemiology and prevention, transitioned to perioperative management, orthogeriatric care and patient safety, and then to functional recovery, disease burden along with national audit and initiatives in recent time. Conclusions: Hip fractures resulted in conditions that extend far beyond orthopaedics, concerning epidemiology & preventive medicine, internal medicine & endocrinology , as well as critical care and gerontology. And a growing volume of publications in the future could be expected.
The Usefulness of Noninvasive Liver Stiffness Assessment Using Shear-Wave Elastography for Predicting Liver Fibrosis in Children
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Choi Young Hun , Cho Yeon Jin , Lee Seul Bi , Cheon Jung-Eun , Kim Woo Sun , Ko Jae Sung , Koh Jaemoon , Kang Gyeong Hoon 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Pediatric patients with liver disease require noninvasive monitoring for the likelihood of fibrosis progression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significant factors affecting liver stiffness values from two-dimensional-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), and whether liver stiffness can predict the fibrosis stage of various childhood liver diseases.Methods: This study comprised 30 children (22 boys and 8 girls; mean age, 5.1 ± 6.1 years; range, 7 days–17.9 years) who had undergone biochemical evaluation, 2D-SWE examination, and histopathologic analysis with fibrosis grade (F0 to F3), necroinflammatory activity, and steatosis grade between August 2016 and March 2020. The liver stiffness from 2D-SWE were compared between fibrosis stages using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis. The significant affecting factors to liver stiffness were evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. The diagnostic performance was determined from the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) values of the 2D-SWE liver stiffness.Results: Liver stiffness at the F0-1, F2, and F3 stages were 7.9, 13.2, and 21.7 kPa (P < 0.001). Both of fibrosis stage and necroinflammatory grade were factors significantly associated with liver stiffness (P < 0.001 and P = 0.021). Liver stiffness value could distinguish significant fibrosis (≥F2) with an AUC of 0.950 (cutoff value, 11.3 kPa) and the severe fibrosis (F3 stage) with an AUC of 0.924 (cutoff value, 18.1 kPa). Conclusion: The liver stiffness values from 2D-SWE can be effected through both fibrosis and necroinflammatory grade and can provide excellent diagnostic performance in evaluating the fibrosis stage, even in various liver disease.
Long Non-Coding RNA CCDC183-AS1 Acts as a miR-589-5p Sponge to Promote The Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Regulating SKP1 Expression
Authors: Zhu He , Zhang Hongwei , Pei Youliang , Liao Zhibin , Liu Furong , Su Chen , Liu Yachong , Dong Renshun , Song Jia , Zhang Xuewu , Fan Yawei , Liang Huifang , Zhang Bixiang , Chen Xiaoping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of malignant human cancer with high morbidity and poor prognosis, causing numerous deaths per year worldwide. Growing evidence has been demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely associated with hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis. However, the roles, functions, and working mechanisms of most lncRNAs in HCC remain poorly defined.Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of CCDC183-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were evaluated by CCK-8 and transwell assay, respectively. Animal experiments were used to explore the role of CCDC183-AS1 and miR-589-5p in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to confirm the regulatory relationship between CCDC183-AS1, miR-589-5p and SKP1.Results: Significantly upregulated expression of CCDC183-AS1 was observed in both HCC tissues and cell lines. HCC patients with higher expression of CCDC183-AS1 had a poorer overall survival rate. Functionally, overexpression of CCDC183-AS1 markedly promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, whereas the downregulation of CCDC183-AS1 exerted opposite effects. MiR-589-5p inhibitor counteracted the proliferation, migration and invasion inhibitory effects induced by CCDC183-AS1 silencing. Mechanistically, CCDC183-AS1 acted as a ceRNA through sponging miR-589-5p to offset its inhibitory effect on the target gene SKP1, then promoted the tumorigenesis of HCC.Conclusions: CCDC183-AS1 functions as an oncogene to promote HCC progression through the CCDC183-AS1/miR-589-5p/SKP1 axis. Our study provided a novel potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
The Analgesic Efficacy of&nbsp;Postoperative Bilateral, Ultrasound-Guided, Posterior&nbsp;Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Study
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zhang Han-Ying , Yuan Zong-Yi , Han Yi , Chen Yi-Rong , Liu Qi-Lin , Zhu Tao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The study aimed to observe whether ﻿a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane block offers more benefits than placebo in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery in the enhanced recovery after surgery program.Methods: Patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic surgery following the diagnosis of colorectal cancer were included in this study and randomized into Group TAP and Group Control. The patients received a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane block either 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine (Group TAP) per side or an equivalent volume of normal saline (Group Control). The primary outcome was the cumulative consumption of rescue tramadol within 24 h after the surgery. Secondary endpoints included numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at rest and movement at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h. The related side effects, time to the first request for rescue tramadol, patient satisfaction on postoperative analgesia, time to the intestinal function return, time to mobilization, and the length of hospital stay were recorded.Results: In total, 92 patients were randomized, and 82 completed the trial. The posterior TAP block reduced numeric rating scale pain scores at rest and movement at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery but showed similar scores at 48 or 72 h. The total rescue tramadol requirement within the first 24 h reduced in Group TAP. A higher level of satisfaction with postoperative analgesia was observed in Group TAP on day 1 which was similar on days 2 and 3, compared with the Group Control. There were no complications due to the TAP block. A few incidences of opioids related side effects and a lower percentage of patients needing rescue tramadol analgesia within 24 h were observed in Group TAP. The time to the first request for rescue analgesia was prolonged, and the time to mobilization and flatus was reduced with a shorter hospital stay in Group TAP.Conclusions: A postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane block resulted in better pain relief and a faster recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, without adverse effects. Trial registration: The study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR-IPR-17012650，12, Sep 2017).