bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

Abstract
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&nbsp;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

Abstract
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 &amp; Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Hyunejune , Kim Sungmin , Kwon Ji Yean 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.
A parallelized algorithm to speed up 1D free-surface flow simulations in irrigation canals
Authors: Bessone Lucas , Soler-Guitart Joan , Gamazo Pablo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA parallel algorithm for 1D free-surface flow simulations in irrigation canals is shown. The model is based on the Hartree method applied to Saint-Venant equations. Due to the close-to-steady flow nature in irrigation canals, external and internal boundary conditions are linearized to preserve the parallel character. Gate trajectories, off-take withdrawals, and external boundary conditions are modeled as piece-wise functions of time, so there are discontinuities. To achieve a fully parallelized algorithm, an explicit version of the Hartree method is chosen, and external and internal boundary conditions are linearized around operation point. This approach is used to build a computer simulator, written in C-CUDA language. Two tests by ASCE Committee on Canal Automation Algorithms have been used to evaluate accuracy and performance of the algorithm. The Maricopa Stanfield benchmark has been used to prove its accuracy, and the Corning Canal benchmark to evaluate performance in terms of processing time. Surprisingly, solving a 12 hr-long prediction horizon with a cell size of about Δx= 10 m is less than 1 s on a Nvidia K40 card. Results were compared with a serial and a multi-CPU version of the same algorithm. The implementation that showed the best performance on different platforms is the one that uses GPU.