bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination as an Assessment Strategy for Clinical Competence in Novice Nursing Practitioners in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Sue-Hsien , Chen Shu-Ching , Lai Yo-Ping , Chen Pin-Hsuan , Yeh Kun-Yun
Published: September 2020

Background: The conventional written tests and professional assessment have limitation in fair judgement of clinical competence. Because the examiners may not have total objectivity and may lack standardization throughout the assessment process. We sought to design a valid method of competence assessment in medical and nursing specialties. This work was aimed to develop an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to evaluate novice nursing practitioners’ (NNPs’) clinical competency, work stress, professional confidence, and career satisfaction. Methods: A Quasi-experimental study (pre-post). Fifty-five NNPs received the OSCE three-months following their graduation, which consisted of four stations: history taking, physical examination, problem-directed management, interpersonal communication, and the required techniques of related procedures. The examiners had to complete an assessment checklist, and the participants had to complete a pre-post questionnaire (modified from a Nursing Competency Questionnaire, a Stress scale, and Satisfaction with Learning scale). Results: Among the NNPs, 41 of them (74.5%) passed the exam with a mean score of 61.38 ± 8.34. There was a significantly higher passing rate among nurses who were working in medical-surgical wards (85.7%) and the intensive care unit-emergency department (77.8%) compared to NNPs working in other units. All the NNPs at Station A had poor performance in assessing patients with a fever. OSCE performance was more associated with educational attainment and work unit, rather than the gender. Finally, the participants showed statistically significant increases in their clinical competency, confidence in their professional competence, satisfaction with the clinical practice, and decreased work stress after the OSCE. Conclusions: We found that the OSCE process had a positive educational effect, in providing a meaningful and accurate assessment of the competence of NNPs. Although the implementation of an OSCE remains costly, the consequent benefits for NNPs, educators, and administrators can outweigh its costs, demonstrated by the increased competence and workforce stability following OSCE training.
Dissecting the Mechanism of Yuzhi Zhixue Granule on Ovulatory Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Li Jialin , Luo Hua , Liu Xinkui , Zhang Jingyuan , Zhou Wei , Guo Siyu , Chen Xiuping , Liu Yingying , Jia Shanshan , Wang Haojia , Li Bingbing , Cheng Guoliang , Wu Jiarui
Published: September 2020

Background: Yuzhi Zhixue Granule (YZG)is a traditional Chinese patent medicine for treating excessive menstrual flow caused by ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding (ODUB) accompanied by heat syndrome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms, potential targets, and active ingredients of this prescription are still unknown. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the molecular mechanism of YZG.Methods: The active compounds in YZG were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The putative targets of YZG were collected via TCMSP and Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) databases. The Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) and Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB) databases were used to identify the therapeutic targets of ODUB. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network containing both the putative targets of YZG and known therapeutic targets of ODUB was built. Furthermore, bioinformatics resources from the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID) were utilized for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed to verify the binding effect between the YZG screened compounds and potential therapeutic target molecules.Results: The study employed a network pharmacology method, mainly containing target prediction, network construction, functional enrichment analysis, and molecular docking to systematically research the mechanisms of YZG in treating ODUB. The putative targets of YZG that treat ODUB mainly involved PTGS1, PTGS2, ALOX5, CASP3, LTA4H, F7 and F10. The functional enrichment analysis suggested that the produced therapeutic effect of YZG against ODUB is mediated by synergistical regulation of several biological pathways, including apoptosis arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, serotonergic synapse, complement and coagulation cascades and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulation revealed good binding afﬁnity of the seven putative targets with the corresponding compounds.Conclusion: This novel and scientific network pharmacology-based study holistically elucidated the basic pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms of YZG in the treatment of ODUB.
The effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programmes on postoperative outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: a systematic review.
Authors: Carter Hayley , Littlewood Chris , Webster Kate , Smith Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Background To explore the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programmes (PreHab) on postoperative physical and psychological outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Method A systematic search was conducted from inception to November 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results The search identified 739 potentially eligible studies, three met the inclusion criteria. All included RCTs scored ‘high’ risk of bias. PreHab in all three RCTs was an exercise programme, each varied in content (strength, control, balance and perturbation training), frequency (10 to 24 sessions) and length (3.1- to 6-weeks). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were reported for quadriceps strength (one RCT) and single leg hop scores (two RCTs) in favour of PreHab three months after ACLR, compared to no PreHab. One RCT reported no statistically significant between-group difference for pain and function. No RCT evaluated post-operative psychological outcomes. Conclusion Very lLow -quality evidence suggests that PreHab that includes muscular strength, balance and perturbation training offers a small benefit to quadriceps strength and single leg hop scores three months after ACLR compared with no PreHab. There is no consensus on the optimum PreHab programme content, frequency and length.; this requires future consideration including the development of Further research is needed to develop PreHab programmes that consider psychosocial factors and the measurement of relevant post-operative outcomes such as psychological readiness and return to sport. PROSPERO trial registration number CRD42020162754
Identification of Prognosis-related RNA Binding Proteins to Reveal the Role of RNA Binding Proteins in the Progression and Prognosis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Zou Qi , Ding Yue , Dong Yuxiang , Wu Dejun , Wang Junyi , Liu Ping , Han Wei , Min Zhijun , Yang Xiaoping
Published: September 2020

Background: RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are now under discussion as novel promising bio-markers for patients with colon cancer. The purpose of our study is to identify several RBPs related to the progression and prognosis of colon cancer, and to further investigate the mechanism of their influence on tumor progression. Methods: The transcriptome data of colon cancer as well as clinical characteristics used in this study were downloaded from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to elucidate the gene functions and relative pathways. Cox and lasso regression analysis were used to analyze the effect of immune genes on the prognosis of breast cancer. Immune risk scoring model was constructed based on the statistical correlation between hub immune genes and survival. Meanwhile, multivariate cox regression analysis was utilized to investigate whether the immune genes risk score model was an independent factor for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer. Nomogram was constructed to comprehensively predict the survival rate of breast cancer. P< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The results of the difference analysis showed that 473 RBPs exhibited differential expression between normal and colon cancer tissues (p<0. 05). Univariate cox regression analysis revealed 25 RBPs statistically correlated with colon cancer related survival risk (P<0.05). In addition, a 10-RBPs based risk scoring model was constructed through multivariate cox regression analysis. KM curve indicated that patients in high-risk were associated with poor outcomes (p<0.001). ROC curve indicated that the immune risk score model was reliable in predicting survival risk (5-year OS, AUC=0.782). Our model showed satisfying AUC and survival correlation in the validation dataset (5-year OS AUC=0.744). Furthermore, multivariate cox regression analysis confirmed that the immune risk score model was an independent factor for predicting the prognosis of colon cancer. A nomogram was established to comprehensively predict the survival of colon cancer patients with the results of multivariate cox regression analysis. Finally, we found that 10 RBPs and risk scores were significantly associated with clinical factors and prognosis, and were involved in multiple oncogenic pathways. Conclusion: Collectively, RBPs played an essential role in the progression and prognosis of colon cancer by regulating multiple biological pathways. Furthermore, RBPs risk score was an independent predictive factor of colon cancer, indicating a poor survival.
Microscopic research on the olfactory organ of the Far Eastern brook lamprey Lethenteron reissneri (Pisces, Petromyzontidae)
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tae , Park Jong-Young
Published: September 2020

The olfactory anatomy and histology of Lethenteron reissneri were researched using a stereo microscope, a light microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. As in other lampreys, it shows same characters as follows: i) a single olfactory organ, ii) a single tubular nostril, iii) a single olfactory chamber with gourd-like form, iv) a nasal valve, v) a nasopharyngeal pouch, vi) a sensory epithelium (SE) of continuous distribution, vii) a supporting cells with numerous long cilia, viii) an accessory olfactory organ. However, the description of a pseudostratified columnar layer in the SE and Non SE is a first record, not reported in sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. In particular, both 19 to 20 lamellae in number and olfactory receptor neuron’s quarter ciliary length of the knob diameter differ from those of P. marinus. From these results, it might be considered that the olfactory organ of L. reissneri shows well adaptive structure of a primitive fish to slow flowing water with gravel, pebbles, and sand and a hiding habit into sand bottom at daytime. The lamellar number and neuron’s ciliary length may be a meaningful taxonomic character for the class Petromyzonida.
Characterisation of the Vaginal Microbiota Using Culturomics and Metagenomics Suggests Transplantation of Gut Microbiota Into the Vagina During Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Diop Khoudia , Fall Ndeye Safietou , Levasseur Anthony , Diagne Nafissatou , Bachar Dipankar , Bretelle Florence , Sokhna Cheikh , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Raoult Didier , Fenollar Florence
Published: September 2020

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal disorder, with a gynaeco-obstetrical impact, but remains poorly understood. Current antibiotic treatment most often fails. Our objective was to exhaustively map the bacterial community present in bacterial vaginosis and normal flora, using not only a molecular approach but also a highly efficient culture approach, culturomics. Vaginal bacterial diversity was evaluated using both strategies for 24 Caucasian French women, including 7 cases of bacterial vaginosis, and 10 rural Senegalese women, including 5 cases of bacterial vaginosis. An additional 16 specimens (three cases of bacterial vaginosis and 13 normal flora) obtained during the follow-up visits of five French women with bacterial vaginosis were analysed using metagenomics.Results: The combination of culturomics and metagenomics reveals the richness and diversity of vaginal microbiota. Our data demonstrated that compared to healthy women, those with bacterial vaginosis present a shift in vaginal flora. The microbiota of the bacterial vaginosis group can be easily distinguished from that of healthy group by their increased bacterial diversity, abundance of Bacteroidales and Leptotrichiaeceae, and depletion of Proteobacteria and Lactobacillaceae species. In addition, a complex of 10 genera was associated with bacterial vaginosis: Gardnerella, Atopobium, Snethia, Aerococcus, Prevotella, Gemella, Facklamia, Porphyromonas, Mycoplasma, and Urinacoccus. Overall, the microbial population detected in bacterial vaginosis flora was largely similar to the bacterial communities found in gut microbiota. The two approaches showed a diverse vaginal microbiota that was largely non-overlapping, with only 146 common species. Furthermore, culturomics extends the repertoire of human-associated bacteria with the isolation of 27 new bacterial species.Conclusions: This study provides the most representative topology of the vaginal microbiota of normal flora and bacterial vaginosis and suggests the transplantation of gut microbiota into the vagina during bacterial vaginosis. Several sets of clinically relevant anaerobic bacteria and new species were also isolated from the human vagina, confirming that some previously “uncultivated” species may be cultivated using an appropriate strategy. Exhaustive characterisation of vaginal microbiota will enable a better understanding and management of bacterial vaginosis. Obtaining isolates will allow us to explore the bacterial interactions of the vaginal microbiota and will serve as a basis for the potential development of bacteriotherapy to prevent or treat vaginal dysbiosis.
Posterior Resection via Atlantoaxial Lamina Space Without Internal Fixation for C1-C2 Intraspinal Tumors: A Novel Approach
Authors: Ouyang Beiping , Zou Xiaobao , Ni Ling , Ge Su , Chen Yuyue , Zhang Shuang , Xia Hong , Ma Xiangyang
Published: September 2020

Background: Intraspinal upper cervical C1-C2 tumors pose a challenge in resection. Internal fixation has routinely been used to prevent the occurrence of instability after atlantoaxial laminectomy for resection of C1-C2 intraspinal tumors, that sacrifices the motion of upper cervical spine. We therefore present this report to evaluate the efficacy and safety of one-stage posterior resection of these tumors through the atlantoaxial lamina space without internal fixation.Methods: Ten suitably selected patient with C1-C2 intraspinal tumors were included in this study (period January 2016 to January 2018). All the patients underwent one-stage posterior resection through atlantoaxial lamina space without internal fixation. The efficacy of the procedure was documented by comparing postoperative and preoperative outcome scores [The visual analogue scores (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association scores (JOA), neck disability index (NDI)], cervical physiological curvature and range of flexion-extension. Safety was assessed by documenting the complications associated with surgery and subsequent sequale. Results: 6 Male and 4 female patients with mean age 36 years (range 17 years to 50 years) underwent total tumor resection through posterior only approach using the atlantoaxial lamina space for the following tumors: 4 neurofibromas, 3 schwannomas and 3 meningiomas. The mean follow-up was 31.2 months (range 24–36 months). These patients’ pathological types included. Postoperative VAS and NDI were lower than those of pre-operation with statistical significance (p < 0.05) while postoperative JOA was higher than that of pre-operation (p < 0.05). The physiological curvature and activity of cervical spine were maintained at latest follow up. Three patients suffered cerebrospinal fluid leakages that was managed consertaviley with no added intervention required. No patient had local recurrence at latest follow-up.Conclusion: One-stage posterior resection through atlantoaxial lamina space without fixation is an effective and safe treatment for the upper cervical intraspinal tumor. In our experience this technique can remove tumor completely and does not cause instability to C1-C2 joint.
Remarkable immunogenicity and protective efficacy of BBV152, an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in rhesus macaques
Authors: Yadav Pragya , Ella Raches , Kumar Sanjay , Patil Dilip , Mohandas Sreelekshmy , Shete Anita , Bhati Gaurav , Sapkal Gajanan , Kaushal Himanshu , Patil Savita , Jain Rajlaxmi , Deshpande Gururaj Rao , Gupta Nivedita , Agarwal Kshitij , Gokhale Mangesh , Mathapati Basavaraj , Metkari Siddhanath , Mote Chandrashekhar , Nyayanit Dimpal , Patil Deepak , S Sai Prasad B , Suryawanshi Annasaheb , Kadam Manoj , Kumar Abhimanyu , Daigude Sachin , Gopale Sanjay , Majumdar Triparna , Mali Deepak , Sarkale Prasad , Baradkar Shreekant , Gawande Pranita , Joshi Yash , Fulari Sidharam , Dighe Hitesh , Sharma Sharda , Gunjikar Rashmi , Kumar Abhinendra , Kalele Kaumudi , Srini V K , Mohan Krishna , Gangakhedkar Raman , Ella Krishna , Abraham Priya , Panda Samiran , Bhargava Balram
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that has severely affected mankind and posed a great challenge to the public health system of affected countries. The availability of a safe and effective vaccine is the need of the hour to overcome this crisis. Here, we have developed and assessed the protective efficacy and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (BBV152) in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulata). Twenty macaques were divided into four groups of five animals each. One group was administered a placebo while three groups were immunized with three different vaccine candidates at 0 and 14 days. All the macaques were challenged with SARS-CoV-2 fourteen days after the second dose. The protective response was observed with increasing SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and neutralizing antibody titers from 3rd-week post-immunization. Viral clearance was observed from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, nasal swab, throat swab, and lung tissues at 7 days post-infection in the vaccinated groups. No evidence of pneumonia was observed by histopathological examination in vaccinated groups, unlike the placebo group which showed features of interstitial pneumonia and localization of viral antigen in the alveolar epithelium and macrophages by immunohistochemistry. Data from this study substantiate the immunogenicity of the vaccine candidates and BBV152 is being evaluated in Phase I clinical trials in India (NCT04471519).
Transcriptome Profile of Key CircRNAs and MiRNAs in Oviduct that Affect Sheep Reproduction
Authors: Li Zhifeng , He Xiaoyun , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Guo Xiaofei , Sun Wei , Chu Mingxing
Published: September 2020

Background: CircRNA and miRNA, as classes of non-coding RNA, have been found to play pivotal roles in sheep reproduction. There are many reports of circRNA and miRNA in ovary and uterus, but few in oviduct. In this study, RNA-Seq was performed to analyze the expression profile of circRNA and miRNA in oviduct between follicular phase and luteal phase in FecBBB (MM) and FecB++ (WW) sheep.Results: The result showed that 15 circRNAs were found differentially expressed between the follicular phase and luteal phase of FecBBB genotype (MF VS. ML), no circRNAs were found differentially expressed between the follicular phase and luteal phase of FecB++ genotype (WF VS. WL). 9 and 1 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in MF VS. ML, and WF VS. WL, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the host genes of circRNAs in MF VS. ML were mainly involved in the Rap1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. GO and KEGG analysis of miRNAs showed that the predicted target genes were mainly involved in the Insulin secretion and Rap1 signaling pathway in MF VS. ML. In WF VS. WL, the result showed that the predicted target genes were mainly involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway, Insulin secretion and Rap1 signaling pathway. In 3 comparison groups, GO and KEGG analysis indicated that a number of host genes and target genes (XPR1, LPAR3, SLC7A11, RAB3A, PLCB3, CREB3L4, LPAR1, LPAR2, FGF18, TACR3, BMP6, SMAD4, SKP1) were found to influence sheep reproduction. Conclusion: The results of the study will help to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs and miRNAs in sheep reproduction. And, this study will enrich the sheep circRNA and miRNA databases, which provide a basis for further research on sheep reproduction.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Culture-Negative Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Watanabe Shintaro , Kobayashi Naomi , Tomoyama Akito , Choe Hyonmin , Yamazaki Etsuko , Inaba Yutaka
Published: September 2020

Background: Culture-negative periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) can complicate diagnosis and management of PJI. This study aimed to identify risk factors for culture-negative PJI and differences in clinical characteristics between culture-positive and culture-negative PJI group. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated PJI cases obtained between January 2013 and October 2019 at our institution. These PJI cases were divided into culture-positive and culture-negative groups and then compared. The demographics, laboratory findings, and details of patient’s clinical characteristics were investigated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate risk factors for culture-negative PJI.Results: A total of 109 PJI cases were included in the analysis: 82 (75%) culture-positive and 27 (25%) culture-negative. The mean serum white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the culture-negative group were significantly lower than those in the culture-positive group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding history of prior antibacterial administration or treatment success rates. Multivariate analysis identified a low serum WBC count as a risk factor for culture-negative PJI (odds ratio = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–0.97; p = 0.027).Conclusions: A low serum WBC count is a risk factor for culture-negative PJI, but prior antimicrobial therapy is not. The results suggest that PJI cases with lower levels of systemic inflammation are likely to be culture-negative; therefore, the possibility of a culture-negative result should be considered in suspected cases of PJI with low inflammatory markers, regardless of prior antibiotic exposure.
Gut-Microbial and -Metabolomic Signatures in the Prevention of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Lactobacillus Lactis and Pediococcus Pentosaceus
Authors: Youn Gi Soo , Yu Jeong Seok , Choi Jieun , Kang Yujin , Kim Byung Yong , Park Tae-Sik , Kim Byoung Kook , Yoon Sang Jun , Lee Na Young , Choi Ye Rin , Kim Hyeong Seob , Gupta Haripriya , Sung Hotaik , Han Sang Hak , Shin Min Jea , Kim Dong Joon , Suk Ki Tae , Lee Do Yup
Published: September 2020

Background: Despite a recent preventive evidence of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression, the underlying mechanistic is less understood. We explored the causality of L. lactis and P. pentosaceus on the gut-metabolomic modulation in the prevention of NAFLD progression in mouse model and subsequently discovered metabolic biomarkers based on NAFLD patients.Results: Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups (control, Western diet [WD], and 2 WD with strains [L. lactis and P. pentosaceus]). Given completely reproduced data (liver/body ratio, pathology, and metagenomic profiles), comorbid etiologies including inflammation and diabetes were significantly amended by 2 strains. The comprehensive metabolomic profiles of the mouse cecum revealed unique compositional characteristic according to the groups. L. lactis and P. pentosaceus supplementation restored the dysregulation in short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites. Indole derivatives (indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-propionic acid, and indole-3-acrylic acid) showed anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing pro-inflammation cytokines. Human data (healthy control [n=30] and NAFLD patients [n=74]) were analyzed for clinical association and biomarker. The Fermicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of NAFLD (4.3) was significantly higher compared with control (0.6)(p<0.05), accompanied by the dysregulation in the key metabolic signatures identified in mouse model. Metabolic panel with 5 stool metabolites (indole, bile acids, and SCFAs) revealed 0.868 (area under the curve; 95% CI 0.773-0.933) in the diagnosis of NAFLD.Conclusion: L. lactis and P. pentosaceus ameliorate NAFLD by modulating gut metabolic environment, particularly the indole pathway, of the gut-liver axis. NAFLD progression was associated with metabolic deterioration in the SCFAs, bile acid, and indole pathways. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04339725
Changes in Reproductive Ratio of SARS-CoV-2 Due to
Implementation and Rollback of Non-pharmaceutical
Interventions in 1,904 United States Counties
Authors: Wu Jie Ying , Killeen Benjamin , Nikutta Philipp , Chakraborty Shreya , Zapaishchykova Anna , Thies Mareike , Unberath Mathias
Published: September 2020

In response to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the U.S. has largely delegated implementation and rollback of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to local governments on the state and county level.
This asynchronous response combined with the heterogeneity of the U.S. complicates quantification of the effect of NPIs on the reproductive ratio of SARS-CoV-2 on a national level.

We describe a data-driven approach to quantify the effect of NPIs that relies on county-level similarities to specialize a Bayesian mechanistic model based on observed fatalities.
Using this approach, we estimate the effect of NPIs on the reproductive ratio R_t in 1,904 U.S. counties incorporating implementation, subsequent rollback, and mask mandate efficacy.

We estimate that at some point before Aug 2nd, 2020, 1,808 out of the considered 1,904 U.S. counties had reduced the reproductive ratio of SARS-CoV-2 to below 1.0.
However, on Aug 2nd, the reproductive ration remained below that threshold for only 702 counties.

The estimated effect of any individual NPI is different across counties.
Public school closings were estimated to be effective in metropolitan, urban, and suburban counties, while advisory NPIs were estimated to be effective in more rural counties.
The cumulative prevalence predicted by the model ranges from 0 to 58.6% across the counties examined. The median is 2.6% while the 25th and 75th percentile are 1.3% and 44.6% respectively, indicating that most counties are far from herd immunity.

Our results suggest that local conditions, including socioeconomic, demographic and infrastructural factors, in addition to the cumulative prevalence are pertinent to containment and re-opening decisions.
Toward understanding the genetic mechanisms of speciation:
Fine-grained introgressions between species
Authors: Wang Xinfeng , Guo Zixiao , Xu Shaohua , Shao Shao , Li Sen , Yang Ming , Chen Qipian , Zhong Cairong , Duke Norman , He Ziwen , Shi Suhua
Published: September 2020

The biological species concept (BSC) is the prevailing definition of species whereby genes cannot be exchanged during or after speciation. In contrast, since only genes that contribute to the adaptive divergence between species should be non-exchangeable, BSC appears to bear little relationship to the genetic process of speciation. The rejection of BSC demands evidence of continual gene flow until the completion of speciation. Here, we carry out the sequencing and de novo high-quality assembly of the genomes of two closely related mangrove species (Rhizophora mucronata and R. stylosa). Whole-genome re-sequencing of individuals from their distributions on the tropical coasts shows their genomes to be well delineated in allopatry. They became sympatric in northeastern Australia where their genomes harbor 9,963 and 3,874 introgression blocks, respectively, with each block averaging only about 3-4 Kb. These fine-grained introgressions indicate that gene flow continues even after numerous loci have evolved to become non-introgressable “genomic islets”. Many of these islets, only 1.4 Kb on average, harbor “speciation loci” which contribute to the divergence in flower development or gamete production and thus result in fitness reduction upon introgression. Our fine-grained analysis may thus be the first one to show that gene flow not only happens during speciation, but often continues until the completion of speciation. Under the weight of the extensive literature, BSC may deserve to be retired.
A Lineariztion Approach for Blind Signal Recovery in Multipath MIMO Systems with Signal Misalignment
Authors: Li Jiong
Published: September 2020

This paper deals with blind deconvolution for signal recovery in multipath multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, where the delays of different paths of each source signal from transmit antenna to receive antenna are random. Such a problem is often solved in an ideal state in literature, i.e., each transmitted signal arrives at the receive antennas simultaneously and the arrival time intervals of two adjacent paths are identical. However, the ideal case could not be satisfied in most applications. To address this issue, we propose a blind signal recovery algorithm. Specifically, by using Taylor series expansion to approximate sources, the convolutive MIMO signal recovery problem is transferred into instantaneous blind source separation (BSS) problem. Building on the ideas of second-order blind identification (SOBI), an extended SOBI algorithm is developed to recover the extended sources (including original sources and their derivatives). The simulation results illustrate the well performance and the interest of the proposed algorithm in comparison with other approaches.
Carrier Screening of SMA in North China
Authors: Wang ZhiQiang , Shen XiuLi , Qin QiRui , Luo GuiMei , Liu HuanHuan , He QingZhong , Thi Phuong Anh Nguyen , Wang ZhengYuan
Published: September 2020

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by loss of motor neurons and progressive proximal muscular atrophy. Although the SMN1 carrier frequencies were reported between 1:53- 1:83 in the Chinese population, carrier frequencies for many ethnicities, including most ethnic groups in North China, are unknown. Methods: A total of 3,130 maternal blood samples were collected at the Lvliang People’s hospital and Tonghua Central hospital. This research was performed with a three-stage screening procedure. The pregnant women were first examined for exon 7 and exon 8 copy number of SMN1. If the woman was determined as a SMA carrier, her partner was also tested, and if both parents were carriers, prenatal diagnosis was recommended. The copy number of both exons 7 and 8 of SMN1 gene were identified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction according to the manufacture’s instructions. Results: A total of 3,130 pregnant women including 1,405 cases from Lvliang People's Hospital and 1725 cases from Tonghua Central Hospital, were tested for SMA carriers using real-time PCR assay. Seventy six cases were heterozygous deletion of exons 7 and 8 in SMN1 gene [1 + 0 genotype], thus carrier frequency of SMN1 deletion is 1:42 (2.43%). After detailed genetic counseling, 52 related paternal partners were tested. Among those individuals, a couple from Tonghua was found to be high risk for having offspring with SMA and prenatal diagnosis was then implemented, and the fetus was diagnosed with SMA. The carrier of SMA frequency in Lvliang and Tonghua populations were 1: 57 and 1: 34 respectively. Therefore, the carrier frequency in Lvliang (1:56) was significantly lower than that in Tonghua (1:34) (p=0.0330). The prevalence of SMA in Lvliang and Tonghua populations were estimate to be 8.5E-5 and 2.25E-4 respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, our research has determined the distribution of SMA carrier frequency in the general pregnancies that are present in the northern of China population. This study also provides an accurate assessment of allele frequencies and estimates of SMA prevalence that were previously unavailable to clinicians and patients considering testing in the north of China.
Ordinary Least Products Regression: A Robust Statistical Tool for Assessing Agreement Between Measures Attended by High Variability
Authors: Nascimento-Ferreira Marcus , Moraes Augusto De , Carvalho Heraclito
Published: September 2020

Background: Agreement (and disagreement) assessments are essential steps in the evaluation of new and existing methods. We aimed to provide a statistical approach to assess systematic disagreement between two measures/methods when both are attended by random error and high variability. Methods: We applied ordinary least products (OLP) regression and the Bland-Altman method in six simulated pairs of samples. In OLP regression, fixed bias defined if 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the intercept did not include 0. Proportional bias was defined if 95% CIs of the slope did not include 1. As a comparator, we assessed fixed and proportional bias by the Bland-Altman method. Results: We found divergence between studied statistical method outcomes only for measures with low variability (coefficient of variation, CV < 25,0%). Conclusion: OLP regression is a simple and powerful tool for detecting systematic disagreement when the measures are attended by high variability, as well as behavioral variables.
Allergenic Sensitization to pollen extracts in allergic patients. General “Calixto García” University Hospital, 2017.
Authors: González Belkis López , Concepción Jorge Torres , Flores Teresa Irene Rojas , Castelló Mirta Àlvarez , Márquez Yaquelin Leyva , Almarales Raúl Lázaro Castro , Sotolongo José Fernández
Published: September 2020

Background: Nowadays, the allergic diseases are affecting the population at worldwide level and Cuba does not escape to this, inside the aeroallergens that trigger the crises we can find the pollens. The main goals of this study were to determine the allergenic sensitization to pollens in allergic patients and their relationship with the presence of allergic diseases.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was performed in patients suffering from asthma, rhinitis, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis. All patients underwent an allergic clinical history and skin prick test with allergenic extracts of Helianthus annus, Cosmos bipinnatus, Cynodon dactylon, Quercus sp, Eucalyptus sp . Frequencies and percentages were determined for its analysis.Results: Thirty-three patients were studied. The average age was found in the third decade of life, with a predominance in women. More than half of the patients were sensitized to pollens and 24.24% of them were polysensitized; the most frequent pollen was the cynodon dactylon . The patients with rhinitis were the most sensitized with the pollens.Conclusions: There is sensitization to pollen in our patients.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Co-Colonizing on A Single Plant Root System Recruit Distinct Microbiomes
Authors: Zhou Jiachao , Chai Xiaofen , Zhang Lin , George Timothy S , Feng Gu
Published: September 2020

Background: Plant roots are usually colonized by various arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal species which vary in morphological, physiological and genetic traits and constitute the mycorrhizal nutrient uptake pathway (MP) in addition to roots. Simultaneously, the extraradical hyphae of each AM fungus is associated with a community of bacteria. However, whether the community structure and function of microbiome on the extraradical hyphae would differ between the AM fungal species are mostly unknown. Methods: In order to understand the community structure and the predicted functions of the microbiome associated with different AM fungal species, a split-root compartmented rhizobox culturing system, which allowed us to inoculate two AM fungal species separately in two root compartments was used. We inoculated two separate AM fungal species combinations, Funneliformis mosseae ( F.m ) and Gigaspora margarita ( G.m ), Rhizophagus intraradices ( R.i ) and G. margarita, on a single root system of cotton . The hyphal exudate fed active microbiome was measured by combining 13 C-DNA stable isotope probing with Miseq sequencing. Results: We found different AM fungal species, that were simultaneously colonizing on a single root system, hosted distinct active microbiomes from one another. Moreover, the predicted potential functions of the different microbiomes were distinct. Conclusion: We conclude that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi component of the system is responsible for the recruitment distinct microbiomes in the hyphosphere. The potential significance of the predicted functions of the microbiome ecosystem services is discussed.
Normalisation of Patella Alta with MPFL Reconstruction Reduces the Prevalence of Risk Factors Associated With Recurrent Patella Dislocations - A Prospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: SHIH SHANNON , KUO CHUNG LIANG , LEE DAVE
Published: September 2020

Background: Patella alta is a well-established risk factor for recurrent lateral patella dislocations. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has been shown to consistently reduce patella height. Our hypothesis is that MPFL reconstruction reduces the number of risk factors for recurrent dislocations through the correction of patella alta, resulting in a decreased risk of recurrence.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional case series of 33 knees which underwent MPFL reconstruction for lateral patella dislocations. Information on patellar height utilising the Insall-Salvati (IS) and Caton-Deschamps (CD) ratios, Tibial Tuberosity–Trochlear Groove (TT-TG) distance, trochlear dysplasia, and outcome scores were recorded pre-operatively and post-operatively. The mean change in patella height and the number of knees which achieved normalisation of patella alta were determined. Student’s paired samples T-tests were used to compare the differences in the means scores of the groups pre-operatively and post-operatively. The McNemar test for paired categorical data was used to compare the number of the patella alta corrected after MPFL reconstruction. A pre-determined significance of alpha level of 0.05 was used.Results: The mean age of 33 patients included in the study was 21.5 years (range, 16 – 34 years). There was statistically significant reduction in patella height between pre-operative and post-operative measurements using the various patella height indices for all patients (p<0.001), and normalisation of patella alta (CD ≥1.3) for 90% of patients post-operatively (p<0.004). One third of patients 33.3% had at least 3 risk factors pre-operatively. This was reduced to 18.2% after MPFL reconstruction, representing a 45.5% decrease. A statistically significant improvement in the outcome scores was found – Kujala score 57.1 ± 14.1 pre-operatively to 94.8 ± 5.1 post-operatively (p<0.0001). The recurrent dislocation rate was 3.0%.Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction for lateral patella dislocation results in a statistically significant improvement in clinical outcomes and decrease in patellar height ratios. Normalisation of abnormal patella height culminated in the reduction of anatomical risk factors associated with recurrent dislocations.
Malignancy in Non-HIV Infected Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Cao Liping , Wang Yijie , Liu Jia , Dong Qing , Liang Chunling , Jiang Ying , Peng Fuhua
Published: September 2020

Background: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) was found to be coexist with malignancy in non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of CM in non-HIV infected patients with malignancy.Methods: A total of 320 CM patients were enrolled for analysis from January 2013-May 2019. One hundred and four patients underwent positron emission computed tomography (PET-CT) examination. The demographics, clinical characteristics, microbiological, radiological, therapeutic outcomes were analyzed in CM patients with and without malignancy.Results: Twelve patients with malignancy were found, of which 7 malignancy before CM (MBC), 5 malignancy after CM (MAC). CM patients with malignancy were older than non-malignancy ones. The prognosis of MBC patients was comparable to that of non-malignancy patients, but was extremely poor in MAC patients. Four out of 5 CM patients, who was suggested diagnosis as malignancy by PET-CT, were finally confirmed.Conclusions: This study found an increase rate of solid malignancies in CM patients. Screening malignancy in older CM patients was very important because it is closely related to prognosis and might affect treatment strategy. PET-CT might be a useful tool for early malignancy screening in CM.
The Mechanism Study of Xiao-Xian-Xiong Decoction in the Treatment of Atherosclerosis with Network Pharmacology
Authors: Xiao Liucheng , Li Zonghuan , Fan Chongyuan , Zhu Chenggong , Ma Xingyu , Yu Rong , Xie Xuejiao
Published: September 2020

Background: Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction is a useful formula in the treatment of atherosclerosis in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function of Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Methods: In this study, we conducted the method of network pharmacology and molecular docking to discover the mechanism of Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction against atherosclerosis. Then, we validated the function of Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction in atherosclerosis in vitro. We investigated the function and mechanism of Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction in RAW264.7 macrophage-derived foam cells.Results: We identified 213 targets of Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction and 331 targets of atherosclerosis. The PPI networks of Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction and atherosclerosis were constructed. Furthermore, the two PPI networks were merged and the core PPI network was obtained. Then, functional enrichment analysis was conducted with GO and KEGG signaling pathway analysis. KEGG analysis indicated Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction was correlated with ubiquitin mediated proteolysis pathway, PI3K-AKT pathway, MAPK pathway, Notch signaling pathway, and TGF-β signaling pathway. At last, we validated the function of Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction with atherosclerosis in vitro. Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction reduced lipid accumulation and promoted the outflow of cholesterol in RAW264.7-derived foam cells. Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction increased the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 protein in foam cells. ABCA1 and ABCG1 were related with regulation of the inflammatory pathway and cell proliferation in atherosclerosis.Conclusions: Combined the mechanism of available treatments of atherosclerosis, we inferred Xiao-Xian-Xiong decoction could alleviate atherosclerosis by inhibiting inflammatory response and cell proliferation.
Scores based on neutrophil percentage and lactate dehydrogenase with or without oxygen saturation predict the risk of hospital mortality in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Fan Xiude , Zhu Bin , Nouri-Vaskeh Masoud , Jiang Chunguo , Feng Xiaokai , Poulsen Kyle , Baradaran Behzad , Fang Jiansong , Ade Erfan Ahmadi , Sharifi Akbar , Zhao Zhigang , Zhang Yong , Zhang Liming , Liu Zhengwen
Published: September 2020

Background. Risk scores are urgently needed to assist clinicians in predicting the risk of death in severe patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the context of millions of people infected, rapid disease progression, and shortage of medical resources.Method. A total of 139 severe patients with SARS-CoV-2 from China and Iran were included. Using data from China (training dataset, n = 96), prediction models were developed based on logistic regression models, nomogram and risk scoring system for simplification. Leave-one-out cross validation was used for internal validation and data from Iran (test dataset, n = 43) for external validation. Results. The NSL model (Area under the curve (AUC) 0.932) and NL model (AUC 0.903) were developed based on neutrophil percentage (NE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with or without oxygen saturation (SaO2) using the training dataset. Compared with the training dataset, the predictability of NSL model (AUC 0.910) and NL model (AUC 0.871) were similar in the test dataset. The risk scoring systems corresponding to these two models were established for clinical application. The AUCs of the NSL and NL scores were 0.928 and 0.901 in the training dataset, respectively. At the optimal cut-off value of NSL score, the sensitivity was 94% and specificity was 82%. In addition, for NL score, the sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 75%, respectively.Conclusion. NSL and NL score are straightforward means for clinicians to predict the risk of death in severe patients. NL score could be used in selected regions where patients’ SaO2 cannot be tested.
BAFF Predicts Immunogenicity in Older Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With TNF Inhibitors
Authors: Hernández-Breijo Borja , Navarro-Compán Victoria , Plasencia-Rodríguez Chamaida , Parodis Ioannis , Gehin Johanna E. , Martínez-Feito Ana , Novella-Navarro Marta , Mezcua Araceli , Warren David J. , Nozal Pilar , Pascual-Salcedo Dora , Balsa Alejandro
Published: September 2020

Background: Immunogenicity related to treatment with TNF inhibitors (TNFi) is one of the causes for the decreased attainment of clinical response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The B-cell activating factor (BAFF) may be playing a role in the development of immunogenicity. The objective of this study was to analyse the association of baseline concentration of serum BAFF with immunogenicity after 6 months of TNFi treatment.Methods: A total of 139 patients with RA starting a TNFi (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol or golimumab) were followed-up for 6 months. Serum samples were obtained at baseline and at 6 months and anti-drug antibody (ADA) and BAFF concentrations were measured. Logistic regression models were employed in order to analyse the association between BAFF concentrations and immunogenicity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the BAFF concentrations with a greater likelihood of showing immunogenicity association.Results: At 6 months, 39 patients (28%) developed ADA. A significant interaction between the age and baseline BAFF concentration was found for the development of ADA (Wald chi-square value=5.30; p=0.02); therefore, subsequent results were stratified according to mean age (≤/>55 years). Baseline serum BAFF concentration was independently associated with ADA development only in patients over 55 years (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.03-2.12). Baseline serum BAFF≥1034pg/mL predicted the presence of ADA at 6 months (positive likelihood ratio=3.7).Conclusions: Our results suggest that the association of BAFF concentration and immunogenicity depends on the patient’s age. Baseline serum BAFF concentration predicts the presence of ADA within 6 months of TNFi therapy in older patients with RA.
Visualizations of Multiple Probability Measures for SARS-CoV-2 Genomes
Authors: Yao Tan , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

SARS-CoV-2 genomes are collected from various open source genomic banks. A set of SARS-CoV-2 genomes are selected for visualization under both the A3 and C1 modules of the metagenomic analysis system MAS. Multiple probability measures are mapped as relevant 1D histograms, and it is convenient to observe distinct differences among various distributions to organize similar patterns into relevant groups. Sample genomes were processed, and their visual results were illustrated.