bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Recommended Online Social Networks (OSN) and Big Data System Using Large Scale Graph Partitioning with Mahout and PowerGraph
Authors: Gaol Ford Lumban , Matsuo Tokuro
Published: September 2020

Introduction : Social Big data is generated by interactions of connected users on social network. Sharing of opinions and contents amongst users, reviews of users for products, result in Social Big data. If any user intends to select product such as movies, books etc. from e-commerce sites or view any topic or opinion on social networking sites, there are a lot of options and these options result in information overload. Case Description : Social recommendation systems assist users to make better selection as per their likings. Recent research works have improved recommendation systems by using matrix factorization, social regularization or social trust inference. Furthermore, these improved systems are able to alleviate cold start and sparsity but not efficient for scalability. Discussion and Evaluation: The main focus of this paper is to improve scalability and provide better recommendations to users with large-scale data in less response time. We have partitioned social big graph and distributed it on different nodes based on Mahout and PowerGraph like system. Conclusion : In our approach, partitioning is based on direct as well as indirect trust between users and comparison with state-of-the-art approaches proves that statistically better partitioning quality is achieved using our approach. In our proposed approach ScaleRec, hyperedge and transitive closure are used to enhance social trust amongst users. Experiment analysis on standard datasets proves that better locality and recommendation accuracy is achieved by using our proposed approach.
Is teachers’ depression contagious to students? A study based on classes’ hierarchical models
Authors: Wu Wenfeng , Lu Yongbiao , Wang Ya
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAccording to the theory of emotional contagion, emotions in one person can trigger similar emotions in groups within social networks. In schools, the class just like a small social network, that teachers’ emotion, such as depression, might be contagious to their students. However, until now there is few studies reporting this issue. This study aims to determine whether teachers’ depression be contagious to students and what mechanics behind the phenomenon.MethodsUsing Children’s depression and cognitive scales to assess 2579 students, meanwhile using teachers’ depression and emotional labor scales assess 529 teachers. The nested data from 112 classes were analyzed.ResultsTeachers’ depression was positively correlated with emotional labor surface and deep acting, and teachers’ depression cross-level predicted students’ depression inversely. For teachers with higher levels of depression, the teacher’s deep acting affected their students’ depression significantly, the more effortful the teachers’ deep acting, the lower the degree of the students’ depression, however, for teachers with lower levels of depression, the deep acting was not significant.ConclusionThe results maybe state that depression in teachers is not readily transmitted to students, one of reasons is that teachers’ emotional labor may alleviate the influence of their depression on students. However, considered that teachers' emotional labor was positively correlated with their depression, the teachers’ emotional labor may be like a double-edged sword, while alleviating the influence of teachers' depression on students, it also deteriorated their own depression, making it impossible sustainable. For students’ depression interventions based in school, including teachers maybe a better selection.Trial registrationThis article is not a interventional research, so it was not registered.
Assessment for Medical students’ perception on feedback at department of surgery, School of Medicine and Dentistry in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
Authors: Kudzi William , Adu-Aryee Nii Adu , Sheriff Mohammed Albezel , Bannerman-Williams Emmanuel , Cobbinah Joseph Ezale , Nartey Edmund Tetteh
Published: September 2020

Background

Giving and receiving feedback are critical skills and should be part of the training of professionals in the medical field. Achieving the best from any medical training being offered requires consultants to adopt the best procedures and techniques. Feedback is given as part of assessment for learning or of learning, and it helps consultants to identify students’ difficulties and provide the needed support that would help improve upon the training being provided. depending on the nature of medical training and how consultants wish to support their students. The study investigated whether feedback given to students during their clinical training at the Surgical Department in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has been beneficial to trainees.
Methods

This was a cross sectional study using a questionnaire to determine the perceptions and knowledge of students in clinical training programme on the effectiveness of feedback received during their clinical training and whether they helped to improve their learning. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the responses of the students, with mean values being calculated.
Results

A total of 448 students participated in the study with 50.9% (n = 228) being female and 49.1% male. Majority of participants (97.0%, n = 424) recognized feedback as an evaluative process and 78% (n = 340) had received feedback from lecturers. More than half of participants said there was no clear mechanism that is followed to give feedback to students (64%, n = 286). Majority of participants (38.7%, n = 170) were divided in their opinions as to whether feedback they receive was adequate, beneficial and provided opportunity for learning and improvement
Conclusion

Oral feedback was occasionally given to trainees by their lecturers. Feedback given does not follow any guidelines so the trainees did not really appreciate the real benefits of feedback. From this study, feedback was observed to be very beneficial, but trainees do not really benefit from the feedback given by their lecturers, because the manner in which is given does not promote effective teaching and does not also promote learning and students acquisition of skills on the ward during clinical rotation of trainees.
Clinical observation and analysis of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy combined with low 25(OH)D3 levels
Authors: Zou Fan , Huang Yu , Yang Zhenhua
Published: September 2020

Background: To investigate correlations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels and selected clinical indicators and renal pathology at initial onset of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) and to analyse changes in the main quantifiable indicators in IMN patients with different 25(OH)D3 levels.Methods: A total of 109 patients admitted to the Department of Nephrology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between August 2015 and April 2019 and diagnosed with IMN were reviewed. Comparative analysis of the effects of different 25(OH)D3 levels on clinical and pathological indicators of IMN was performed, and changes in serum albumin, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine and other clinical indicators in these patients during the follow-up were analysed.Results: The 109 patients with IMN had 25(OH)D3 deficiency [25(OH)D3<70 nmol/L]. The incidence of nephrotic syndrome, serum phosphorus levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs) were higher in the 25(OH)D3<25 nmol/L group than in the 25(OH)D3≥25 nmol/L group. In contrast, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), serum calcium, and IgG levels were lower in the 25(OH)D3<25 nmol/L group (P<0.05). No pathological parameters differed significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). Bivariate correlation analysis showed that 25(OH)D3 was positively correlated with nephrotic syndrome, TP levels, ALB levels, the eGFR, serum calcium levels and IgG levels (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with age, blood pressure, Scr levels, 24-hour urinary protein (UP) quantitation, serum phosphorus levels, hs-CRP levels and the ESR (P<0.05). In single-factor repeated measures analysis of variance, the ALB levels in the 25(OH)D3<25 nmol/L and 25(OH)D3≥25 nmol/L groups showed an increasing trend but were lower in the 25(OH)D3<25 nmol/L group than in the 25(OH)D3≥25 nmol/L group at each follow-up time point (P<0.001).Conclusion: Reduced 25(OH)D3 levels are prevalent among IMN patients. During the follow-up, serum albumin increased significantly in patients receiving vitamin D supplementation. 25(OH)D3 may play an important role in IMN development.
Frequency of Fabry Disease in a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Cohort
Authors: Paim-Marques Luciana , Cavalcante Amanda Virginia , Verçosa Islane , Carneiro Paula , Souto-Maior Marcia , Marques Erlane , Appenzeller Simone
Published: September 2020

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, X-linked, multisystemic lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) that results from a deficiency in the hydrolase alpha-galactosidase A (⍺-GalA). In childhood, classic FD symptomatology is rare. Majority of children present with mild non-specific symptoms, including the musculoskeletal system. The prevalence of FD among juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients is unknown. Objective: The aim was to identify the frequency of FD in a JIA cohort, characterizing early clinical symptoms, enzyme titers and GLA genotyping. Methods: Children with JIA followed in tertiary Children Hospital cohort were selected. Clinical, laboratorial, and familiar information was recorded. Molecular genetic testing to detect GLA gene mutations was performed in the girls and enzymatic analysis in the boys. Results: In 89 patients (56.2% female, age at disease onset: 8.93 ± 4.35 years), one male (1.12%) patient presented pathogenic mutation in GLA gene, c.1244T>C p.L415P, one female patient had a variant of uncertain significance c.38C>T (p.Ala13Val). The enzymatic activity of alpha galactosidase was slightly decreased in 3 additional (3.4%) patients. We observed the presence of intronic variants in 44.44% of our cohort: c.1000-22C> T; c.370-81_-77del; c.640-16A> G; c.10C>T; c.548-125C> G and c.-12G> A. These variants and their combination were associated with clinical symptoms in our cohort. Conclusions: The incidence of FD in our cohort was 1.12%. Intronic variants were associated with symptomatology described in the literature. Screening for FD in JIA may be a reasonable strategy for those with atypical pattern pain.
Optimization of the Novel Bisulfite Steeping Method by Response Surface Methodology for Natural Starch Synthesis From Oil Palm Trunk Biomass
Authors: Ahmed Zaber , Yusoff Mohd Suffian , Kamal Nurul Hana Mokhtar , Aziz Hamidi Abdul
Published: September 2020

Malaysia is the 2nd largest in palm oil export, and after overcoming economic age (average 25 years), the palm oil trees entail to replace usually. Therefore, a massive quantity of palm oil trunk biomass, containing a significant amount of starch, is available as bio-waste annually. The efficient extraction of this starch (carbohydrate polymer) would be worthwhile concerning the environment, economy, conversion of biowaste to bioresources, and waste dumping challenges. Central composite design executed an experimental model design, evaluated the impacts of process variables and their interaction through response surface methodology to optimize the novel bisulfite steeping method for starch synthesis. Design-Expert software performed the data analysis. The developed quadratic models for four factors (Strength of Sodium bisulfite solution, steeping hour, mixing ratio with the bisulfite solution and ultra-pure water) and one response (%Yield), demonstrated that a significant starch yield (13.54%) is achievable utilizing 0.74% bisulfite solution, 5.6 steeping hours, for 1.6 and 0.6 mixing ratio with the bisulfite solution and ultra-pure water respectively. Experimental outcomes were quite consistent with the predicted model, which eventually sustains the significance of this method. Malvern Zetasizer test revealed a bimodal granular distribution for starch, with 7.15µm of hydrodynamic size. Starch morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction investigation exhibits an A-type model, specifying persistent characteristics of extracted starch.
Comparison of Optical Low-coherence Interferometry and Scheimpflug Imaging Combined with Partial Coherence Interferometry Biometers in Cataract Patients
Authors: Kim Moonjung , Han Eui Seok
Published: September 2020

Background: To evaluate the agreement between the biometers measured by optical low-coherence interferometry (OLCI, Aladdin) and those measured by Scheimpflug imaging combined with partial coherence interferometry (Scheimpflug-PCI, Pentacam AXL) in cataract patients.Methods: The axial length (AL), corneal power (keratometry, K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and corneal astigmatism were measured with the two devices in patients with cataracts. The difference and correlation were evaluated with a paired t-test (p) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), respectively.Results: One hundred sixty-four eyes of 95 patients were analyzed. The mean AL taken by OLCI was longer with excellent correlation (OLCI 23.25 mm, Scheimpflug-PCI 23.23 mm, p = < 0.0001, r = 0.9990). OLCI measured the ACD 0.08 mm shallower than Scheimpflug-PCI (p = 0.0003, r = 0.7386). The difference was statistically significant for flat K (p = 0.0428). The mean K and steep K were not significantly different. Vector analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the magnitude of astigmatism and the oblique vector between the two devices (p = 0.1441 and p = 0.4147, respectively). Only the cardinal vector was different (p = 0.0087).Conclusions: Although OCLI and Scheimpflug-PCI showed strong correlations for AL, K, ACD, and corneal astigmatism in cataract patients, there were small but statistically significant differences in the AL, ACD, flat K, and cardinal vector. The two devices are not interchangeable for calculating intraocular lens power.
Methane hydrate creates the thick oceans in Mimas and Enceladus
Authors: Nishitani Ryusuke , Kimura Jun , Tani Atsushi , Sasaki Sho
Published: September 2020

The difference between the inactive surface of Mimas and the active surface of Enceladus is puzzling. We investigate the conditions under which the both have a thick subsurface ocean and the thermal lithosphere of Mimas is thicker than that of Enceladus by using a one-dimensional simulation of thermal evolution. We adopt the initial core temperature, initial methane concentration, and tidal heating rate as free parameters in the calculation. The initial methane concentration and tidal heating rate greatly affect the current ocean thickness, although the initial core temperature does not affect the thickness. Methane hydrate forms in a subsurface ocean if the initial methane concentration is not 0. The methane hydrate layer plays an insulative role in an icy shell. When the initial methane concentration is 1000 \(\text{m}\text{o}\text{l}\hspace{0.17em}{\text{m}}^{-3}\), ∼3 GW is needed to achieve more than 50 km of the subsurface ocean on Mimas and ∼10 GW is needed to achieve more than 25 km of the subsurface ocean on Enceladus. These values are smaller than those needed for when the initial methane concentration is 0 \(\text{m}\text{o}\text{l}\hspace{0.17em}{\text{m}}^{-3}\). The existence of the methane hydrate layer promotes the survival of the subsurface ocean because it insulates internal heat. In addition, it is found that the surface heat flux is depressed if the methane hydrate layer exists, which is consistent with the unrelaxed craters in Mimas. Methane hydrate may explain the thick oceans in Mimas and Enceladus and the inactive shell of Mimas.
Enrichment of Intrinsically Disordered Residues in Ohnologs Facilitate Abiotic Stress Resilience in Brassica Rapa
Authors: Laha Shayani Das , Saha Deeya , Ghosh Tapash , Podder Soumita
Published: September 2020

Background: Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica rapa shared a common evolutionary clade but Brassica species experienced an extra whole genome triplication (WGT) event compared with the model plant A. thaliana. This extra round of WGT confers B. rapa more abiotic stress resistant. The study aims to unravel how the consequences of whole genome duplication steer the variation in stress adaptation competency between the two species.Result: Comparing the duplication status between abiotic stress resistant (ASR) genes in the two species, significant increase in the number of paralogs in ASR genes of B. rapa than A. thaliana was found. Investigation on the proteomic features suggests that the ohnologs pairs in both species are more enriched with intrinsically disordered residues (IDRs) than other duplicated pairs but IDRs only in B. rapa have showed a significant positive correlation with functional divergence between the duplicated pairs. The functional divergence helps to mediate more stress adaptation functions in the ohnologs of B. rapa than that of A. thaliana. Moreover, domain ontology analysis has revealed that the new domains with stress functions are significantly more enriched in the ohnologs of B. rapa. Interestingly, majority of these stress tolerant domains are found to be present in the intrinsically disordered regions of the proteins. Statistical analysis along with these observations make it reasonable to speculate that IDRs expedite stress adaption potentiality in B. rapa by enriching more stress related functions and accommodating stress specific domains in ohnologs of this plant species.Conclusion: With the occurrence of WGT in the Brassica species the stress resilience features of B. rapa as compared to A. thaliana is less studied. This study unveils the role of intrinsically disordered residues (IDRs) of ohnologs in optimizing more stress resilience in B. rapa than A. thaliana. Thus, it will open new avenues in understanding the mechanism of succeeding stress adaptation potentiality in B. rapa over evolutionary time.
Effect of Tannin Concentration on Mycelial Growth and Development of Auricularia Cornea
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Fan Dongyu , Zhang Chen , Tian Fenghua , Song Bing , Jia Chuanwen , Li Changtian , Li Yu
Published: September 2020

It is proved that the effect of tannin concentration on the mycelial growth of fungi. Auricularia cornea (white strain) were treated with different concentrations of tannins in Petri-dishes and liquid shaking flasks. The growth rate of mycelium, the ratio of clamp connection, morphology of mycelium, biomass of mycelium and activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined. The results showed that different concentrations of tannin significantly decreased the rate of mycelium. However hign concentration of tannin stress increased the content of thiobarbituric acid in mycelia and had obvious time and concentration effects. Different antioxidant enzyme activities also had different responses to tannin stress. It provides theoretical basis for fungi to utilize and develop substrates containing tannin such as pine.
Predicting Bovine Respiratory Disease Outcome Using Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Blakebrough-Hall C. , Hick P. , González L.A.
Published: September 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
AS-OCT application in quantifying Posterior capsule opacification severity with varied IOL designs
Authors: YU SHASHA , Lu Chengzhe , Guo Yawen , Zhao Yun , Yuan Xiaoyong
Published: September 2020

Background

To evaluate application of AS-OCT in PCO severity assessment and analyse relationship between PCO severity and IOL characters.
Methods

PCO patients were prospectively recruited. Cross-sectional images of the anterior segment at horizontal and vertical medians were acquired with AS-OCT. The area of the IOL-PC (posterior capsular) space and PCO severity (area, thickness and density at 3 mm and 5 mm IOL optic regions) were measured. The relationship between visual acuity and PCO severity, comparisons of PCO severity and IOL-PC space using varied IOL designs were analysed.
Results

One hundred PCO eyes were enrolled. IOL-PC space and PCO thickness and area was positively correlated with axial length. The cut-off level of visual acuity: was 0.52 Log MAR. Visual acuity were positively correlated with PCO area and thickness when visual acuity was ≤ 0.52 Log MAR. 3-piece C haptic IOL showed a smaller PCO area and thickness than the 1-piece 3 haptic IOL and 1-piece 4 haptic IOL. PCO area and thickness values for an IOL with a diameter ≤ 11.0 mm were greater than for an IOL with a diameter of 12.5 mm. The differences were statistically significant. PCO area and thickness increased when IOL haptic angulation increased (from 0 to 12 degrees).
Conclusions

In PCO eyes, cut-off level of visual acuity was 0.52 Log MAR. With more severe PCO, visual acuity maybe not enough to describe the visual function impairment. PCO severity and IOL-PC space was significantly correlated with axial length and IOL design and material.
Pectinolytic Potential of Differentbacillus Species Isolated From Lepidopteran Insects and Infected Soil
Authors: Mukry Samina Naz , Nazar Sumbul , Sohail Muhammad , Khan Shakeel Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Background: The microorganisms are preferred over plants and animals for the bulk production of industrially important enzymes like pectinases because of their low production-cost, availability of fermentation raw material and the easily controllable production conditions. The pectinolytic potential of a large pool (130) of Bacillus cereus group and non-Bacillus cereus was evaluated. The effect of different physicochemical parameters on polygalacturonase(PGase) production by three promising strains, B. pumilusS76, B.thuringiensis S140(b) and B.taquilensis S140(c) with gene bank accession no. KU981112, KU981113 and KU981114, were studied and the enzyme was partially characterized. The enzyme activity was assayed using dinitrosalicylic acid method.Results: The polygalacturonases produced by Bp S76, Bt S140(b) and BtqS140(c) were thermostable at temperature above 55ºC with a melting temperature (Tm) of 72ºC,62ºC and 57ºC, respectively and the half-life (T1/2) at 60ºC of 50, 65 and 30 min., respectively. The catabolite repression was noted in presence of glucose while the production increased upon addition of 1% yeast extract to the growth medium. The enzyme activity was also induced in presence of Na+ and Ca+2.Conclusion: The strain Bp S76 appeared a better candidate for future biotechnological application owing to the production of higher titers (6.11 IU/L.hrs) of polygalacturonase with greater stability.
Clinical Course and Risk Factors for severe Disease and Death of Adult Critically Ill Inpatients with COVID-19 in Toulouse, France: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Buffières William , Sarton Benjamine , Zadro Charline , Bounes Fanny Vardon , Minville Vincent , Georges Bernard , Seguin Thierry , Conil Jean Marie , Ruiz Stephanie , Collot Samia , Ducos Guillaume , Virtos Marie , Osinski Diane , Rousset David , Geeraerts Thomas , Filleron Thomas , Bataille Benoit , Izopet Jacques , Ruiz Jean , Ramonda Veronique , Fourcade Olivier , Riu Beatrice , Guinault Damien , Silva Stein
Published: September 2020

BackgroundTo explore risk factors for unfavorable outcome (death or requiring invasive mechanical ventilation at 28 days from ICU admission) of critically ill COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the Toulouse regionMethodsRetrospective cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients sequentially admitted to 12 ICUs in Toulouse region (March 9, 2020, to April 8, 2020). All patients had laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and required invasive mechanical ventilation. Baseline characteristics, pathophysiological respiratory data, clinical outcomes, viral shredding, and chest CT scan were collected.ResultsA total of 150 patients were included (median age, 68 years (interquartile range, (IQR), 58-72; 81% male). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (77, 51%) and obesity (42, 28%). At ICU admission, the median PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 138 (IQR,112-178). During hospitalization, the rate of ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) was 61% and 51 (34%) patients had acute kidney injury (AKI) with a Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) score > 1. The 28-day mortality was 15.3%, and 50 (33%) patients had unfavorable outcome. We found that VAP (5.91; 2.10-10.03; p value = 0.002) and AKI with a KDIGO score > 1 (4.71; 1.69-14.41; p value = 0.004) were associated with increased odds of unfavorable outcome. Neither, chest CT scan data on admission, nor pathophysiological respiratory data during ICU stay were associated to patient’s outcome.ConclusionThe potential risk factors of AKI and VAP could help clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis at an early stage. Targeted care of these factors might have a significant impact on COVID-19 patient’s outcome.
Novel Interactions Between Circulating microRNAs and Gut Microbiota Composition in Human Obesity.
Authors: Assmann Taís Silveira , Cuevas-Sierra Amanda , Riezu-Boj José Ignacio , Milagro Fermin , Martínez J Alfredo
Published: September 2020

Background: Unbalances in microRNAs (miRNA) and gut microbiota patterns have been proposed as putative factors concerning onset and development of obesity and other metabolic diseases. However, the determinants that mediate the interactions between miRNAs and the gut microbiome impacting on obesity are scarcely understood. Thus, the aim of this article was to investigate possible interactions between circulating miRNAs and gut microbiota composition in obesity. Method: The analyzed sample comprised 78 subjects with obesity [cases, body mass index (BMI): 30 – 40 kg/m2] and 25 eutrophic individuals (controls, BMI £ 25 kg/m2). The expression of 96 miRNAs was investigated in plasma of all individuals using miRCURY LNA miRNA Custom PCR Panels (Exiqon). Bacterial DNA sequencing was performed following the Illumina 16S protocol. The FDR (Benjamini-Hochberg test, q-value) correction was used for multiple comparison analyses.Results: A total of 26 circulating miRNAs and 12 bacterial species were found differentially expressed between cases and controls. Interestingly, an interaction among three miRNAs (miR-130b-3p, miR-185-5p, and miR-21-5p) with Bacteroides eggerthi, and BMI levels was evidenced (r2= 0.148, P= 0.004). Those miRNAs that correlated with obesity-associated gut bacteria abundance are known to regulate target genes that participate in metabolism-related pathways, such as fatty acid degradation, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, insulin signaling, and glycerolipid metabolism. Conclusion: This study characterized an interaction between the abundance of 4 bacterial species and 14 circulating miRNAs in relation to body adiposity. Moreover, the current study also suggests that miRNAs may serve as a communication mechanism between the gut microbiome and human hosts. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (reg. no. NCT02737267).
Transcriptome Assembly of Asian Buffalo Leech Hirudinaria Manillensis and An Accurate Identification of Genes Involved in Anticoagulant Biosynthesis
Authors: Fan Chun-Xu , Abbood Nibras Najm , Lu Jun-Hui , Wu Le , Guan De-Long , Huang Huateng , Xu Sheng-Quan
Published: September 2020

Background: The Asian buffalo leech Hirudinaria manillensis is a valuable animal widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure blood-clotting. However, although the content of the anticoagulant genes in H. manillensis were identified, their actual expression profile remains undetermined. Herein, in this study we conducted transcriptome analysis on this species to address this subject.Results: A high qualified accurate gene expression profile of H. manillensis transcripts was obtained. By identifying genes upregulated during feeding, anticoagulant-related genes and signaling pathways were identified. The assembled Unigenes were compared in various mainstream databases, and a total of 16,682 Unigenes received annotation information. In addition, the Unigenes were evaluated in terms of length distribution, GC content, and expression level. The data showed good sequencing quality and high reliability. A total of 155 anticoagulant-related genes were found in this study, including those involved in different types of degradation of the extracellular matrix and inhibition of platelet aggregation.Conclusions：Substantial transcriptome information was obtained by transcriptome sequencing of H. manillensis. This information should help to provide a further molecular theoretical basis for functional gene analysis, genomics, genetic diversity analysis, and molecular marker development of H. manillensis and for the anticoagulation-related genes of this species and its medicinal value as an anticoagulant.
Passive Smoking Increases Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Leads to Prolonged Lipid Oxidation: Lessons From a Natural Experiment in Travelers From Los Angeles to Beijing
Authors: Lin Yan , Zhu Yifang , Qiu Xinghua , Yin Fen , Tseng Chi-Hong , Araujo Jesus A
Published: September 2020

Background: There are drastic differences in smoking prevalence and control policies among different countries. However, the impact of international travels on passive smoking exposures and subsequent health effects remained unknown. Methods: We recruited 27 non-smokers who travelled from Los Angeles to Beijing for 10 weeks in 2014 and 2015. Urine samples (n=197) were collected before (LA-before), during (Beijing), and after (LA-after) the trip, for the assessment of biomarkers of passive smoking (cotinine), PAHs exposure (hydroxylated-PAHs), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane). Results: The geometric mean concentrations of urinary cotinine were 0.13, 1.50, and 0.22 µg/g creatinine in LA-before, Beijing, and LA-after, respectively. Likewise, hydroxylated-PAH levels were significantly higher in Beijing as compared to LA-before or LA-after (p<0.001), in association with the urinary cotinine concentrations (p<0.05). Traveling from Los Angeles to Beijing increased urinary concentrations of malondialdehyde by 51.8% (95%CI, 29.1% to 78.5%), which did not return to baseline levels, up to 4 - 10 weeks after traveling back to Los Angeles. Remarkably, while urinary 8-isoprostane concentrations were similar between Beijing and LA-before, those levels increased by 75.5% (95%CI, 48.5% to 108%) after returning to Los Angeles (LA-after), and were significantly higher than baseline (LA-before, 63.6%; 95%CI, 31.1% to 104%). Urinary concentrations of malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane were positively associated with urinary cotinine concentrations, independently of hydroxylated-PAHs. Conclusion: Traveling from Los Angeles to Beijing increased exposures to passive smoking, which contributed to increased PAHs exposures and increased lipid peroxidation in the urine.Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Predicting an Unfavourable Course in Patients Hospitalised for COVID-19: The PREDICT-COVID Study
Authors: Ducher Michel , Elias Christelle , Florens Nans , Vanhems Philippe , fauvel jean pierre
Published: September 2020

Background. Clinical decision tools that have been proposed to predict the clinical course of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are poorly presented and are at high risk of selection bias. The aim of the study was to propose a prediction clinical tool to predict an unfavourable outcome at the admission of a SARS-CoV2 infected patient that was carefully developed using a large learning database and that was developed from models derived from artificial intelligence.Methods. The PREDICT-COVID study is a post hoc analysis of the Noso-Cor study, a multicenter prospective, observational study. All patients infected by SARS-CoV2 hospitalized in one of the 11 Lyon-University hospitals since 8-March-2020 have been included. The PREDICT-COVID database was split in two separate datasets: the learning dataset (80%) was used for the development of the model and the validation dataset (20%) for internal validation. The primary composite outcome was the need for mechanical ventilation or admission into an intensive care unit, or death within 21 days of admission.Results. Data from 823 patients were analysed: age 70.6±16·9 years; body mass index 26.7±5·4 kg/m2 and median number of comorbidities was 2. Out of the 44 recorded variables, 11 that were the most linked to the primary outcome criteria were retained to develop the optimised risk prediction tool. At admission the 5 most informative predictors were, in descending order: C-Reactive Protein, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, aspartate transaminase, shortness of breath, and prothrombin time. The ten-fold cross validation of the optimised model had an area under the ROC curve of 0.76±0.06. The performance of the developed Bayesian model to predict the primary outcome of the validation dataset had a mean area under the ROC curve of 0.78, sensitivity of 60%, and specificity of 77%.Conclusions. The proposed optimised prediction tool that uses 11 routinely determined variables to predict an unfavourable course at admission for COVID-19 had satisfactory performance. For an external validation, the PREDICT-COVID prediction tool is available online at: https://www.hed.cc/?a=covid&n=NETCRIT21J.netaTrial registration: The Noso-Cor study was registered on ClinicalTrials (NCT04290780). The present analysis was registered on ClinicalTrials (NCT04412031) the June 2, 2020.
Predictive Risk Factors at Admission and a "Burning Point" During Hospitalization Serve as Sequential Alerts for Critical Illness in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Zhou Mei , Xu Juanjuan , Wang Kai , Yin Zhengrong , Hao Xingjie , Tan Xueyun , Huang Yafei , Li Hui , Wang Fen , Dai Chengguqiu , Ma Guanzhou , Wang Zhihui , Duan Limin , Jin Yang
Published: September 2020

Background In critically ill COVID-19 patients, the crucial turning point before critical illness onset (CIO) remain largely unknown, and the combination of baseline risk factors with the turning point during hospitalization was rarely reported.Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 1150 consecutively admitted patients with confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled, including 296 critical and 854 non-critical patients. We compared the differences of all the clinically tested indicators and their dynamic changes between critical and non-critical patients. Three prediction models were established and validated based on the risk factors at admission, and an online baseline predictive tool was developed. Linear mixed model (LMM) was applied for longitudinal data analysis in 296 critical patients throughout the hospitalization, to predict the likelihood and possible time of critical illness in COVID-19 patients. A crucial turning point, where several indicators will experience a greater and significantly continuous change before CIO, was defined as “burning point” in our study. This point indicates the deterioration of patient’s condition before CIO.Results We established a novel two-checkpoint system to predict critical illness for COVID-19 patients in which the first checkpoint happened at patient admission was assessed by a baseline prediction model to project the likelihood of critical illness based on the variables selected from random forest and LASSO regression analysis, including age, SOFA score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), International Normalized Ratio (INR), and pneumonia area derived from CT images, which yields an AUC of 0.960 (95% confidence interval, 0.941-0.972) and 0.958 (0.936-0.980) in the training and testing sets, respectively. This model has been translated into a public web-based risk calculator. Furthermore, the second checkpoint (designated as “burning point” in our study) could be identified as early as 5 days preceding the CIO, and 12 (IQR, 7-17) days after illness onset. Seven most significant and representative “burning point” indicators were SOFA score, NLR, C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, D-dimer, LDH, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).Conclusions With this two-checkpoint prediction system, the deterioration of COVID-19 patients could be early identified and more intensive treatments could be started in advance to reduce the incidence of critical illness.
The Association of Group IIB Intron with Integrons in Hypersaline Environments
Authors: Sonbol Sarah , Siam Rania
Published: September 2020

Background: Group II introns are mobile genetic elements used as efficient gene targeting tools. They function as both ribozymes and retroelements. Group IIC introns are the only class reported so far to be associated with integrons. In order to identify group II introns linked with integrons and CALINS (cluster of attC sites lacking a neighboring integron integrase) within halophiles, we mined for integrons in 28 assembled metagenomes from hypersaline environments and publically available 104 halophilic genomes using Integron Finder followed by blast search for group II intron reverse transcriptases (RT)s. Results: We report the presence of different group II introns associated with integrons and integron-related sequences denoted by UHB.I1, UHB.I2, H.ha.1 and H.ha.F2. The first two were identified within putative integrons in the metagenome of Tanatar-5 hypersaline soda lake, belonging to IIC and IIB intron classes, respectively. Truncated introns H.ha.F1 and H.ha.F2 were also detected in a CALIN within the extreme halophile Halorhodospira halochloris, both belonging to group IIB introns. The intron-encoded proteins (IEP)s identified within group IIB introns belonged to different classes: CL1 class in UHB.I2 and bacterial class E in H.ha.Fa1 and H.ha.F2. A newly identified insertion sequence (ISHahl1) of IS200/605 superfamily was also identified adjacent to H. halochloris CALIN. Finally, an abundance of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems was observed within the identified integrons. Conclusion: So far, this is the first investigation of group II introns within integrons in halophilic genomes and metagenomes from hypersaline environments. We report the presence of group IIB introns associated with integrons or CALINs. This study provides the basis for understanding the role of group IIB introns in the evolution of halophiles and their potential biotechnological role.
The benefit of “Youtube” in teaching Oral- and Maxillofacial Surgery in dental students
Authors: Bartella Alexander K. , Lethaus Bernd , Hölzle Frank , Kamal Mohammad , Werkmeister Richard , Pabst Andreas
Published: September 2020

Background

Digital media has become an important part of learning and teaching of dentistry. However, open source video platforms as youtube.com provide information without peer review. This study aims to evaluate if Youtube videos on dental education are feasible to improve learning of dental students and if they should be implemented in the curriculum.
Methods

Data collection addressed six typical topics of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Ten Youtube videos for each topic were reviewed by the authors. A link to the video was shared with a class of dental students one week prior to the corresponding lecture. Questionnaires addressing cooperation and experience with teaching videos, satisfaction with the current video, and wish for adding videos to the curriculum were distributed among the students.
Results

In total, 134 questionnaires were fullfiled. 79.4% of the students watched the youtube videos voluntarily. Majority of the students showed experience with dental teaching videos from open source platforms (Youtube, Instagram). 52.2% were exposed to professional teaching videos during their studies. The majority of students (62.7%) wish for the implementation of video material to the curriculum. They felt better prepared for the lectures (73.9%) and showed an improved understanding of the contents of the lectures (70.9%).
Conclusion

Summarizing our findings, we believe that open source videos can be implemented to the curriculum after careful evaluation of their contents. Students subjectively profit from the availability of video teaching material.
Fairly Assessing U.S.- and Foreign-Trained Physician Performance Using 360-Degree Surveys
Authors: Lanz Julie J , Gregory Paul , Harmon Larry
Published: September 2020

Background

With a growing number of foreign-trained physicians joining the United States workforce, there is a need to fairly assess their job performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the fairness of a 360-degree competency assessment on U.S.- and foreign-trained physicians.
Methods

We conducted a non-experimental retrospective analysis on physicians working in the United States (n = 258) who participated in a physician assessment and education program between 2007 and 2017.
Results

There were no significant differences in performance outcomes of teamwork, motivating or discouraging behaviors, technical practice, and patient interactions based on demographic differences.
Conclusions

The PULSE 360 is a powerful tool that can be used to evaluate physician performance without bias in demographic differences including: gender, country of physician medical training, physician native language, or age.
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Protocol of an Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Genhua , Xiong Jun , Zhu Siyuan , Zhong Zhiying , Chen Jun , Lu Lunbin , Guo Han , Zhou Xingchen , Fan Hao
Published: September 2020

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is a common chronic disease with an annual incidence of 25 per 10000 of the population, which will result in severe joint damage,disability and death. It is strongly supported by systematic reviews (SRs) as part of the treatment of these patients. However, the evidence has not been methodically integrated. This overview aims to describe,synthesize,evaluate the reliability of evidence come from current systematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for RA.Methods: We will search for SRs and meta-analyses from Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, Wan-Fang Databases,China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Citation Information by National Institute of Informatics, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM),Chinese Scientific Journal Database(VIP Database). Additionally, we will search for the ongoing, unpublished, or recently completed SRs on the PROSPERO database. Two reviewers will assess those SRs, select data independently. Any disagreement will be resolved through discussion or arbitrated by the third author if necessary. The overview of SRs and meta-analysis will be reportedaccording to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)statement.Results: The results in this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Conclusion: The conclusion of our study expects to provide extensive evidence from multiple meta-analysis and systematic reviews for patients with RA.INPLASY registration number:INPLASY202080031.
Rapid Ag Nanofiber Formation via Pt Nanoparticle-Assisted H2-Free Reduction of Ag+-Containing Polymers
Authors: Zhao Xu , Kawamura Yukiko , Muraoka Mikio
Published: September 2020

One-dimensional Ag nanostructure-based networks have garnered significant attention as next-generation transparent conductive materials. Compared to Ag nanowires, Ag nanofibers (NFs) with higher aspect ratios decrease the number density required for percolation; hence, they form qualitatively superior transparent conductive films. This study reports a novel method for rapid fabricating Ag NFs via the Pt nanoparticle-assisted H2-free reduction of solid-state AgNO3. Our results firstly indicated that polymers can be a source of reducing gases in the presence of Pt nanoparticles; Ag NFs with aspect ratios above 105 herein were obtained by heating AgNO3-containing polymer NFs in an open-air environment. The obtained Ag NF networks were highly conductive and transparent. Moreover, the mechanism of Ag NF formation was investigated. We demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits a high potential for producing high yields of Ag NFs in a simple and rapid manner.
Soil Food Web Complexity Enhances the Link Between Soil Biodiversity and Ecosystem Multifunctionality in Agricultural Systems
Authors: Jiao Shuo , Lu Yahai , Wei Gehong
Published: September 2020

Background: Belowground biodiversity supports multiple ecosystem functions and services that humans rely on. However, there is a dearth of studies conducted on a large spatial scale on the topic in intensely managed agricultural ecosystems. Existing studies have overlooked the fact that the functional diversity in other trophic groups within a food web could influence function of an individual in another trophic group. Here, we report significant and positive relationships between soil biodiversity (archaea, bacteria, fungi, protists, and invertebrates) and multiple ecosystem functions (nutrient provisioning, element cycling, and reduced pathogenicity potential) in 228 agricultural fields. Results: The relationships were influenced by (I) the types of organisms with significant relationships in archaea, bacteria, and fungi and not in protists and invertebrates, and (II) the connectedness of dominant phylotypes across soil food webs, which generate different ecological clusters within soil networks to maintain multiple functions. In addition, we highlight the role of soil food web complexity, reflected by ecological networks comprising diverse organisms, which promote the multiple functions and enhance the link between soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Conclusions: Overall, our results represent a significant advance in forecasting the impacts of belowground biodiversity within food webs on ecosystem functions in agricultural systems, and suggest that soil biodiversity, particularly soil food web complexity, should not be overlooked, but rather considered a key factor and integrated into policy and management activities aimed at enhancing and maintaining ecosystem productivity, stability, and sustainability under land-use intensification.
QTL Detection for Bread Wheat Processing Quality in A Nested Association Mapping Population of Semi-Wild and Domesticated Wheat Varieties
Authors: Hu Junmei , Xiao Guilian , Jiang Peng , Zhao Yan , Zhang Guangxu , Ma Xin , Yao Jie , Xue Lixia , Su Peisen , Bao Yinguang
Published: September 2020

Background: Wheat processing quality is an important factor in evaluating overall wheat quality and dough characteristics are important in assessing the processing quality of wheat. As an important germplasm resource, semi-wild wheat plays an important role in the study of wheat processing quality.Results: In this study, Four dough rheological characteristics were therefore collected in four environments using a nested association mapping (NAM) population, consisting of semi-wild and domesticated wheat varieties, which were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for wheat processing quality. Using an available single nucleotide polymorphism genetic linkage map, a total of 49 QTL for wheat processing quality were detected, explaining 0.36–10.82% of the phenotypic variation. These QTL were located on all wheat chromosomes except for 2D, 3A, 3D, 6B, 6D and 7D. Compared to previous studies, 29 QTL were newly identified. Four novel QTL, QMlPH-1B.4, QMlPH-3B.4, QWdEm-1B.2 and QWdEm-3B.2, were stably identified in three or more environments, of which QMlPH-3B.4 was a major QTL. Moreover, eight important genetic regions for wheat processing quality were identified on chromosomes 1B, 3B and 4D, which showed pleiotropy for dough characters. In addition, out of 49 QTL, 15 favorable alleles came from three semi-wild parents, suggesting that the QTL alleles provided by the semi-wild parent were unutilized in domesticated varieties.Conclusions: The results show that the semi-wild wheat varieties can enrich the existing wheat gene pool and provide broader variation resources for wheat genetic research.