bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Superstructure Optimization Framework for the Design of Municipal Solid Waste Facilities
Authors: Puchongkawarin Channarong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to develop a decision-making tool for the design of the optimal municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities based on superstructure optimization. Currently, the disposal of MSW is a major problem due to the lack of awareness of the negative impacts resulting from dumping MSW into the environment. This poses a challenge for the authorities. MSW valorization such as anaerobic digestion (AD), pyrolysis, gasification etc has been increasingly focused on as an approach when handling MSW to enhance both economic and environmental sustainability. However, with an increasing array of processing technologies, the design of MSW facilities involving the integration of these technologies is becoming tedious and unmanageable. To deal with this problem, superstructure optimization is proposed. It is an effective tool for the design of several chemical processes because it is able to consider all potential process alternatives including the optimal solution using mathematical models based on mass and energy balances. Uncertainty is incorporated into the optimization framework to enhance the robustness of the solution. The proposed methodology was applied in the design process of the MSW facility in Ubon Rathathani province, Thailand, with the objective function of maximizing the profit. The optimization problem was developed as Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and it was solved using an optimization platform, GAMS, with CPLEX as the solver related to obtaining the optimal solution. The results show there to be as positive profit that is economically viable compared to the use of landfill technology.
Study on the Epidemiological Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Based on Population of Zunyi, China
Authors: Chen Zuyi , Chen Zehui , Xiang Jialin , Huang Jian , Zhou Jie , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Jiao , Min Zongsu , Xiao Daimin , Min Xun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new type of virus that firstly confirmed in Wuhan, China recently. SARS-CoV-2 mainly spread through droplets. Infection characteristics data of SARS-CoV-2 is still limited, especially about asymptomatic infection, familial aggregation infection and infection risk in family member.MethodsFrom 2nd January 2020 to 23th February 2020, we have screened 22,729 throat swab samples from individuals with either have contact history of imported personnel, out-of-city travel or residence history or flu-like symptoms during the past 14 days. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted and detected by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The results were confirmed by the Pearson χ2 test; P ＜ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results35 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were found, 22 were asymptomatic infection, and 31 were familial aggregation infection. Odds ratio of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk between family aggregated close contacts and overall close contacts was 29.40 (95％ confidence interval: 13.99 - 62.205, χ2 = 140.23, P ＜ 0.001); odds ratio of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk between family aggregated close contacts and non-family aggregated close contacts was 703.50 （95％ confidence interval: 89.53 - 5527.95, χ2 = 282.659, P ＜ 0.001). One SARS-CoV-2 positive patient infected 2.08 (25/12) people on average under social control without separate isolation.ConclusionsSocial control is effective in SARS-CoV-2 inhibition, but self-isolation and screening should be added as supplementary means to avoid familial aggregation infection and find out asymptomatic patients.
Genetic Risk-Factors for Anxiety in Healthy Individuals: Polymorphisms in Genes Important for the HPA Axis
Authors: Lindholm Heléne , Morrison India , Krettek Alexandra , Malm Dan , Novembre Giovanni , Handlin Linda 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Two important aspects for the development of anxiety disorders are genetic predisposition and alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In order to identify genetic risk-factors for anxiety, the aim of this exploratory study was to investigate possible relationships between genetic polymorphisms in genes important for the regulation and activity of the HPA axis and self-assessed anxiety in healthy individuals.Methods: DNA from 72 healthy participants, 37 women and 35 men, were included in the analyses. Their DNA was extracted and analysed for the following Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)s: rs41423247 in the NR3C1 gene, rs1360780 in the FKBP5 gene, rs53576 in the OXTR gene, 5-HTTLPR in SLC6A4 gene and rs6295 in the HTR1A gene. Self-assessed anxiety was measured by the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire.Results: Self-assessed measure of both STAI-S and STAI-T were significantly higher in female than in male participants (p=0.030 and p=0.036, respectively). For SNP rs41423247 in the gene NR3C1, there was a significant difference in females in the score for STAI-S, where carriers of the G allele had higher scores compared to the females that were homozygous for the C allele (p<0.01). For the SNP rs53576 in the gene OXTR, there was a significant difference in males, where carriers of the A allele had higher scores in STAI-T compared to the males that were homozygous for the G allele (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study shows that SNP rs41423247 in the NR3C1gene and SNP rs53576 in the OXTR gene are associated with self-assessed anxiety in healthy individuals in a gender-specific manner. This suggests that these SNP candidates are possible genetic risk-factors for anxiety.
Positive Feedback Regulation Between USP15 and ERK2 Promotes Cartilage Repair in Experimental Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Zhu Yanhui , Sun Zhenyu , Jin Chen , Wang Xiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background.The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Determine the specific relationship between non-SMAD and classical SMAD signaling pathways.Methods.First,we found from human cartilage tissue specimens positive expressions of TGF-β1 and USP15between normal andosteoarthritiscartilage tissueby immunohistochemical.Then, overexpressing and knocking out USP15 or ERK2 followed bythe latest gene editing technology Crispr/Cas9 supported the studyinvitro.And we established rat knee OAmodelsthrough anterior cruciate ligament transection in combination with partial medial meniscectomy (ACLT+pMMx)after 8 weeksand conducted the corresponding Adeno-associated virus (AAV) intraarticular injections. Next, experimental data including immunohistochemical staining,HE/Safranin-O fast green staining,histological evidence analysis,relevant Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoresand expressions of molecules in cartilage anabolismindicated that the relationship betweenERK2 and USP15 throughTGF-β signaling pathway in vivo.Finally, we observed the specific mechanismof USP15 on ERK2 throughco-immunoprecipitation,deubiquitination assay, immunofluorescence and nuclear plasma separation.Results.Here, we detected that ERK2 of non-SMAD signaling can maintain the cartilage phenotype by activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway throughincreasing USP15 in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, USP15 is required during this process and can form a complex with ERK2 to regulate ubiquitination of ERK2.Specifically,USP15, instead of USP15 C269S, deubiquitinates and activates ERK2, followed by translocation of phosphorylated ERK2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Correspondingly, the level of phosphorylated ERK2 was increased by injecting AAV-mediated overexpressing USP15 into the rat OA model. Conclusion.Taken together, our study revealed a positive feedback regulation between USP15 and ERK2, which plays a critical role in the interaction of SMAD and non-SMAD signaling pathways to promote cartilage repair in experimental OA.
Induction Therapy With Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Kidney Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Lingfei , Hu Chenxia , Han Fei , Chen Dajin , Cheng Jun , Wu Jianyong , Peng Wenhan , Chen Jianghua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) versus other regimens as induction therapy in kidney transplantation patients.Methods PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Ovid and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify prospective clinical trials which compared MSCs with other regimens as induction therapy in renal allograft.Results Four studies with five cohorts were contained, including a total of 301 patients. The pooled results revealed that the MSCs therapy had a lower 1-year infection rate (RR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.58–0.93, P=0.01), espeicially for 1-year opportunistic infection rate (RR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.93, P=0.02). There were no significant differences between the two protocols regarding 1-year acute rejection (AR) rate (RR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.42–1.14, P=0.15), 1-year graft survival rate (RR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.95–1.03, P=0.74), delayed graft function (DGF) rate (RR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.34–1.50, P=0.38) and renal graft function at 1 month (MD=2.4, 95% CI: -7.41– 12.22, p=0.63), 3 months (MD=0.91, 95% CI: -4.17– 5.98, p=0.73), 6 months (MD=-1.41, 95% CI: -5.69– 2.87, p=0.52), 12 months (MD=1.25, 95% CI: -3.89– 6.4, p=0.63) post surgery. Subgroup analysis demonstrated 1-year AR rate, DGF rate and renal graft function at 12 month post surgery did not reach to a significant difference between low-dose calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) group with standard-dose CNIs group, indicating successful CNIs withdrawal in combination with MSCs treatment. Meanwhile, when applied MSCs as an alternative standard induction therapy regimen, all of those outcomes mentioned above were also comparable with those in MSCs plus standard induction therapy group.Conclusion Induction therapy of MSCs has similar inducing immune tolerance effects on the recipients in kidney transplantation compared with that of other regimens. However, regarding the long term effect, as represented by 1-year infection rate, 1-year opportunistic infection rate and CNIs withdrawl, MSCs therapy has a significant advantage.
Loss of PLK2 Induces Acquired Resistance to Temozolomide in GBM via Activation of Notch Signaling
Authors: Alafate Wahafu , Xu Dongze , Wu Wei , Xiang Jianyang , Ma Xudong , Xie Wanfu , Bai Xiaobin , Wang Maode , Wang Jia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) isa lethal type of primary brain tumor with a median survival less than 15 months.Despiting the recent improvements of comprehensive strategies,the outcomes for GBM patients remain dismal.Accumulating evidence indicates that rapid acquired chemoresistance is the major cause ofGBM recurrence thus leads to worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chemoresistant GBM is crucial for long-term cures. MethodsTranscriptomic profiles of glioblastoma were downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO) and TCGA database. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed and candidate gene PLK2 was selected for subsequent validation. Clinical samples and corresponding data were collected from our center and measured using immunohistochemistry analysis. Lentiviral transduction and in vivo xenograft transplantation were used to validate the bioinformatic findings. GSEA analyses were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways related to PLK2 expression and further confirmed by in vitro mechanistic assays. ResultsIn this study, we identified PLK2 as an extremely suppressed kinase-encoding gene in GBM samples, particularly in therapy resistant GBM. Additionally, reduced PLK2 expression implied poor prognosis and TMZ resistance in GBM patients. Functionally, up-regulated PLK2 attenuated cell proliferation, immigration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of GBM cells. Besides, exogenous overexpression of PLK2 reduced acquired TMZ resistance of GBM cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis indicated that PLK2 was negatively correlated with Notch signaling pathway in GBM. Mechanically, loss of PLK2 activated Notch pathway through negative transcriptional regulation of HES1 and degradation of Notch1.ConclusionLoss of PLK2 enhances aggressive biological behavior of GBM through activation of Notch signaling, indicating that PLK2 could be a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for chemoresistant GBM.
Alpha-Synuclein Pathology in the Submandibular Gland of LRRK2 p.G2019S Mutation Carriers.
Authors: Vilas Dolores , Tolosa Eduardo , Aldecoa Iban , Berenguer Joan , Vilaseca Isabel , Iranzo Alex , Marti Maria J. , Martí Carles , Lomeña Francisco , Alós Llucia , Gelpi Ellen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background. The presence of intraneuronal aggregates of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (pAS), the histological hallmark of Parkinson disease (PD), has been already demonstrated to be present in the autonomic nerve fibres that innervate the submandibular gland in approximately 75% of living PD patients. The presence of pAS in the peripheral autonomic nervous system in carriers of LRRK2 mutations has not been studied so far. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the presence of abnormal pAS aggregates in the submandibular gland tissue of LRRK2 p.G2019S mutations carriers.Methods. This is a prospective observational study conducted between 2014 and 2015 at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain. A random sample of nine asymptomatic LRRK2 (aLRRK2) and 11 LRRK2 associated PD (LRRK2-PD) patients were recruited among a cohort of LRRK2-PD patients and their relatives already identified at our centre. All the participants underwent transcutaneous needle core biopsy of the submandibular gland under ultrasound guidance. The presence of pAS was assessed in all the participants by immunohistochemistry using anti-Serine 129-phosphorylated AS antibody.Results. Submandibular biopsy material containing glandular parenchyma was obtained in 4 (44.44%) aLRRK2 and in 6 (54.55%) LRRK2-PD patients. Aggregates of pAS were detected in the glandular parenchyma in one of the four (25%) aLRRK2 subjects and in none (0%) of the LRRK2-PD patients. Conclusions. Our study shows that pAS aggregates obtained by needle core biopsy of the submandibular gland are infrequent in LRRK2 mutation carriers but may be detected in asymptomatic mutation carriers. The low rate of pAS positive biopsies suggests either a different physiopathology between LRRK2-related and idiopathic PD or that a one-time unilateral submandibular gland biopsy is not the optimal procedure for the study of synuclein aggregation in LRRK2 mutation carriers.
High viral load suggests increased COVID-19 severity in a longitudinal cohort
Authors: He Yuanlin , Xu Xin , Lu Qun , Hu Zhiliang , Jiang Yue , Song Ci , Chen Wei , Li Peipei , Wang Weixiao , Xu Chuanjun , Ma Yuting , Lin Yuan , Hu Zhibin , Yi Yongxiang , Shen Hongbing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: An outbreak caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has spread globally. However, the viral dynamics, co-infection and their associations with clinical severity, have not been well explored.Methods: We longitudinally enrolled 23 (Five severe-type, ten common-type and eight asymptomatic-type patients) hospitalized 2019-nCov-infected patients in Jiangsu between January 21 and February 11, 2020. Medical records and pharyngeal swab specimens, were collected to analyze the association between viral dynamic and disease severity.Results: Five severe-type, ten common-type and eight asymptomatic-type patients were enrolled. Linear mixed effects models revealed that the common and severe-type patients had a higher level of viral load (3.08 points, 95% CI, 0.51-5.65, P = 0.019; 6.07 points, 95% CI, 2.79-9.35, P < 0.001) and maintained a higher peak viral load ( P = 0.066 and 0.022, respectively), when compared with the asymptomatic group. Viral load shedding among older patients (aged ≥ 60) processed slower than that among younger patients ( P = 0.047). RNA virome sequencing identified two co-infected RNA viruses, Human endogenous retrovirus H (HERV) and Human picobirnavirus (HPBV). Of note, HPBV was detected in one severe-type and two common-type patients, while was not detected in all the asymptomatic cases.Conclusion: Higher viral load was positively associated with disease severity. This finding highlights the importance of monitoring the viral kinetics to identify patients at greater risk of progressing to severe pneumonia.
Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Combined with Vacuum Sealing Drainage for Wound Healing in Bama Pigs
Authors: Wei Shuai , Wang Wei , Li Li , Meng Haoye , Feng Chunzhen , Dong Yuying , Fang Xichi , Dong Qiqiang , Jiang Wen , Li Zhanzhen , Wang Xin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Both vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) play important roles in the treatment of wounds. This study aims to explore the effect of the combination of VSD and EGF on wound healing and the optimal concentration and time of EGF.Methods: In this study, we tested the proliferation and migration capacity of HaCaT and L929 cells at different EGF concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 100 ng/ml) and different EGF action times (2, 10, and 30min). A full-thickness skin defect model was established using male, 30-week-old Bama pigs. The skin defects were randomly divided follows: routine dressing change after covering with sterile auxiliary material (Control), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound (VSD), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of epidermal growth factor 10 minutes followed by removal by continuous lavage (V+E 10 min), and continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of epidermal growth factor 30 minutes followed by removal by continuous lavage (V+E 30 min). The wound healing rate, histological repair effect and collagen deposition were compared among the four groups.Results: An EGF concentration of 10 ng/ml and an action time of 10 minutes had optimal effects on the proliferation and migration capacities of HaCaT and L929 cells. The drug dispersion effect was better than drug infusion after bolus injection effect, and the contact surface was wider. Compared with other groups, the V+E 10min group promoted wound healing to the greatest extent and obtained the best histological score. Conclusions: A rhEGF concentration of 10 ng/ml can promote the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells and fibroblasts to the greatest extent in vitro. VSD combined with rhEGF kept in place for 10 minutes and then washed, can promote wound healing better than the other treatments in vivo.
An R package for the integrative evaluation of statistical approaches for cancer incidence projections
Authors: Knoll Maximilian , Furkel Jennifer , Debus Jürgen , Abdollahi Amir , Karch André , Stock Christian 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Projection of future cancer incidence is of high importance for epidemiological and biomedical research. Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models are established for such projections, usually based on long-term cancer registry data (>20yrs). In many countries (including Germany), however, nationwide long-term data are not yet available. It is unclear which statistical approach should be recommended for projections using rather short-term data.

Methods

An R package (incAnalysis) for the comparative analysis of projection methods was developed, supporting in particular Bayesian models fitted by Integrated Nested Laplace Approximations (INLA). It was used to assess operating characteristics (bias, coverage, precision) of various statistical approaches to cancer incidence projection based on artificially shortened long-term data from three cancer registries (SEER-9, NORDCAN, Saarland). Additionally, a novel age-period INLA z-model with multivariate tensor product smoothers is described.

Results

Coverage was high (mostly >90%) for Bayesian APC models (BAPC), whereas less complex models showed differences in coverage dependent on projection-period. Intercept-only models yielded values below 20% for coverage. Bias increased and precision decreased for longer projection periods for all except intercept-only models. Precision was lowest for BAPC, multivariate smoother and Age-Period GLMs with interaction effect.

Conclusion

The incAnalysis R package allows for straightforward comparison of (cancer incidence) rate projection approaches. Of the evaluated model classes, more complex models showed an increase in coverage at the cost of precision; bias increased for longer projection intervals, mostly irrespective of the level of complexity.
Family planning practices of women working in the Cambodian garment industry: a qualitative study
Authors: Masuda Chisato , Oreglia Elisa , Sokhey Ly , McLaren Megan , Free Caroline , Tijamo Camille , Amra Ou , Velthoven Michelle Helena van , Williamson Amy , Smith Chris 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Women working in Cambodian garment factories have unmet needs for contraception and safe abortion services, because of their background and living conditions. This study describes their experiences regarding abortion and contraception as part of a larger project to develop an intervention to support comprehensive post-abortion care.Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with women seeking abortion services at private health facilities. In addition, we interviewed the private providers of abortion and contraception services surrounding garment factories. Interviews lasted up to 60 minutes and were conducted in Khmer and later translated into English. A thematic analysis was undertaken, with medical abortion experiences coded according to the Cambodia comprehensive abortion care protocol.Results: We interviewed 16 women and 13 providers between August and November 2018. Most women were married and had at least one child. Among factory workers the major reported reasons for abortion were birth spacing and financial constraints. Family, friends, or co-workers were the major information resources regarding abortion and contraception, and their positive or negative experiences strongly influenced women’s attitude towards both. Medical abortion pills were not always provided with adequate instructions. Half of the participants had a manual vacuum aspiration procedure performed after medical abortion. While women knew the side effects of medical abortion, many did not know the adverse warning signs and the signs of abortion completion. Only three women started post abortion family planning, as most of the women expressed fear and hesitation due to side effects and misconceptions related to with modern contraception. Fear of infertility was particularly reported among young women without children.Conclusion: This research shows that in this setting not all women are receiving comprehensive abortion care and contraceptive counselling. Provision of accurate and adequate information about abortion methods and modern contraception was the dominant shortfall in abortion care. Future work needs to address this gap by developing appropriate and effective interventions and informative tools for women in the Cambodian garment industry.