bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality-of-life after cholecystectomy in Kazakhstan and Sweden: comparative study based on the GIQLI questionnaire
Authors: Koishibayeva Leyla Meiramovna , Turgunov Yermek Meiramovich , Sandblom Gabriel , Koishibayev Zhandos Muratovich , Teleuov Murat Koishibayevich 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: As severe morbidity rarely is the focus in gallstone surgery, health-related quality of life has evolved as the main outcome measure of the management of patients with gallstone disease. The lack of universally accepted guidelines on treatment of gallstone disease has also resulted in great regional differences in the preoperative evaluation and management of patients with gallstone disease.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare quality-of-life following gallstone surgery in cohorts from Kazakhstan and Sweden.Methods: A comparative study on quality-of-life (QoL) after cholecystectomy (CE) in two cohorts from Sweden and Kazakhstan using the Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire. QoL measures of 259 patients in Kazakhstan and 448 patients in Sweden were compared taking into account surgical approach, mode of admission, and indication for surgery. Patients in both cohorts were requested to fill in the GIQLI questionnaire after surgery. Similar routines were applied to ensure high coverage in both countries. Results: The mean overall GIQLI score was higher for patients undergoing cholecystectomy in Sweden than those in Kazakhstan (p<0.01). The same was seen when stratifying for open or laparoscopic surgery (both p<0.05), absence of presence of acute cholecystitis (both p<0.05) and emergency admission (p<0.05), but not in case of planned admission (p=0.54).Conclusions: There were large differences in perceived QoL, even when taking indication for surgery and approach into account. These differences in may be explained by differences in attitudes to health status and treatment expectations. Standardized routines for evaluating the outcome after surgery are needed.
Air versus water chilling of chicken: a pilot study of quality, shelf-life, microbial ecology, and economics
Authors: Belk Aeriel D , Duarte Toni , Quinn Casey , Coil David A. , Belk Keith E. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Quinn Jason C. , Martin Jennifer N. , Yang Xiang , Metcalf Jessica L. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background.
The United States’ large-scale poultry meat industry is energy and water intensive, and opportunities may exist to improve sustainability during the broiler chilling process. After harvest, the internal temperature of the chicken is rapidly cooled to inhibit bacterial growth that would otherwise compromise the safety of the product. This step is accomplished most commonly by water immersion chilling in the United States, while air chilling methods dominate other global markets. A comprehensive understanding of the differences between these chilling methods is lacking. Therefore, we assessed the meat quality, shelf-life, microbial ecology, and technoeconomic impacts of chilling methods on chicken broilers in a university meat laboratory setting.
Results.
We discovered that air-chilling (AC) methods resulted in superior chicken odor and shelf-life, especially prior to 14 days of dark storage. Moreover, we demonstrated that AC resulted in a more diverse microbiome that we hypothesize may delay the dominance of the spoilage organism Pseudomonas. Finally, a technoeconomic analysis highlighted potential economic advantages to AC when compared to water-chilling (WC) in facility locations where water costs are a more significant factor than energy costs.
Conclusions.
In this pilot study, AC chilling methods resulted in a superior product compared to WC methods and may have economic advantages in regions of the U.S. where water is expensive. As a next step, a similar experiment should be done in an industrial setting to confirm these results generated in a small-scale university lab facility.
Utility of routine haematological parameters and infectious biomarkers to assess the disease severity in COVID-19 positive patients, analysis and early trend from India
Authors: Singh Pomilla , Kumar Alok , Singh Shashank , Kelkar Anjali , Doshi Preeti , Nimbargi RC , Mani NS 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background and Objective- India has emerged as fifth worst hit nation by novel Corona virus pandemics in terms of total number of cases. Our literature on clinicopathological, hematopathological characterstics and trend is still miniscule. The study was conducted to assess utility of haematological parameters and infection biomarkers in identifying disease severity. Method- The test results for complete blood counts, Coagulation screen and inflammatory markers of covid 19 positive patients were recorded and analysed based on their admission to Intensive care units, High Dependency Units or Ward. Those parameters with significant differences between the groups werewere assessed by receiver operating curve and the best screening cut-off was selected. Results- 100 adults were analysed, area under the curve for total leukocyte count, Absolute neutrophil count, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio was found >0.800, with p<0.05.The best cut off value obtained for TLC was 8100/cmm, with sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 62.5%; ANC – 6739/cmm, with 91.7% and 75% respectively; NLR - 6.9 with sensitivity and specificity 91.7% and 87.5% respectively. Haematological parameters of 33 paediatric patients studied separately and were well within normal physiological limits. Interpretation and conclusion- study suggests that in adults, using TLC, ANC and NLR, obtained from the basic preliminary workup may segregate patients requiring intensive care at the time of admission enabling risk stratification and guide intervention.
COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics and Final Epidemic Size
Authors: Duan Daifeng , Wang Cuiping , Yuan Yuan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We propose two kinds of compartment models to study the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 virus and to explore the potential impact of the interventions, to disentangle how transmission is affected in different age group. Starting with an SEAIQR model by combining the effect from exposure, asymptomatic and quarantine, then extending the model to an two groups with ages below and above 65 years old, and classify the infectious individuals according to their severity, we focus our analysis on each model with and without vital dynamics. In the models with vital dynamics, we study the dynamical properties including the global stability of the disease free equilibrium and the existence of endemic equilibrium, with respect to the basic reproduction number. Whereas in the models without vital dynamics, we address the final epidemic size rigorously, which is one of the common but difficult questions regarding an epidemic. Finally, using the data of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Canada and Newfoundland & Labrador province, we can parameterize the models to estimate the basic reproduction number and the final epidemic size of disease transmission.
Analysis of the efficacy of HIV protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2’s main protease
Authors: mahdi mohamed , Mótyán János András , Szojka Zsófia Ilona , Golda Mária , Miczi Márió , Tőzsér József 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in millions of infections worldwide. While the search for an effective antiviral is still ongoing, experimental therapies based on repurposing of available antivirals is being attempted, of which HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) have gained considerable interest. Inhibition profiling of the PIs directly against the viral protease has never been attempted in vitro, and while few studies reported an efficacy of lopinavir and ritonavir in SARS-CoV-2 context, the mechanism of action of the drugs remains to be validated.
Methods
We carried out an in-depth analysis of the efficacy of HIV PIs against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) in cell culture and in vitro enzymatic assays, using a methodology that enabled us to focus solely on any potential inhibitory effects of the inhibitors against the viral protease.
Results
Lopinavir, ritonavir, darunavir, saquinavir, and atazanavir were able to inhibit the viral protease in cell culture, albeit in concentrations much higher than their achievable plasma levels, given their current drug formulations. While inhibition by lopinavir was attributed to its cytotoxicity, ritonavir was the most effective of the panel, with IC50 of 13.7 µM. Atazanavir on the other hand was the only PI to inhibit the viral protease both in cell culture and in our in vitro enzymatic assay.
Conclusion
Targeting of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by some of the HIV PIs might be of limited clinical potential, given the high concentration of the drugs required to achieve significant inhibition. Therefore, given their weak inhibition of the viral protease, any potential beneficial effect of the PIs in COVID-19 context might perhaps be attributed to acting on other molecular target(s), rather than SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Decoding semi-automated title-abstract screening: a retrospective exploration of the review, study, and publication characteristics associated with accurate relevance predictions
Authors: Gates Allison , Gates Michelle , DaRosa Daniel , Elliott Sarah A. , Pillay Jennifer , Rahman Sholeh , Vandermeer Ben , Hartling Lisa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

We evaluated the benefits and risks of using the Abstrackr machine learning (ML) tool to semi-automate title-abstract screening, and explored whether Abstrackr’s predictions varied by review or study-level characteristics.

Methods

For 16 reviews we screened a 200-record training set in Abstrackr and downloaded the predicted relevance of the remaining records. We retrospectively simulated the liberal-accelerated screening approach: one reviewer screened the records predicted as relevant; a second reviewer screened those predicted as irrelevant and those excluded by the first reviewer. We estimated the time savings and proportion missed compared with dual independent screening. For reviews with pairwise meta-analyses, we evaluated changes to the pooled effects after removing the missed studies. We explored whether the tool’s predictions varied by review and study-level characteristics using Fisher’s Exact and unpaired t-tests.

Results

Using the ML-assisted liberal-accelerated approach, we wrongly excluded 0 to 3 (0 to 14%) records but saved a median (IQR) 26 (33) hours of screening time. Removing missed studies from meta-analyses did not alter the reviews’ conclusions. Of 802 records in the final reports, 87% were correctly predicted as relevant. The correctness of the predictions did not differ by review (systematic or rapid, P=0.37) or intervention type (simple or complex, P=0.47). The predictions were more often correct in reviews with multiple (89%) vs. single (83%) research questions (P=0.01), or that included only trials (95%) vs. multiple designs (86%) (P=0.003). At the study level, trials (91%), mixed methods (100%), and qualitative (93%) studies were more often correctly predicted as relevant compared with observational studies (79%) or reviews (83%) (P=0.0006). Studies at high or unclear (88%) vs. low risk of bias (80%) (P=0.039), and those published more recently (mean (SD) 2008 (7) vs. 2006 (10), P=0.02) were more often correctly predicted as relevant.

Conclusion

Our screening approach saved time and may be suitable in conditions where the limited risk of missing relevant records is acceptable. ML-assisted screening may be most trustworthy for reviews that seek to include only trials. Several of our findings are paradoxical, and require further study to fully understand the tasks to which ML-assisted screening is best suited.
Effect of Chromium Methionine Supplementation on the Lactation Performance, Hepatic Respiratory Rate and Antioxidative Capacity of Early-Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Wu Zezhong , Peng Wenchao , Liu Jianxin , Xu Guozhong , Wang Diming 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: Chromium is an important trace element that may regulate dairy cow metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation on lactation performance, hepatic respiratory rate and anti-oxidative capacity in early-lactating Holstein dairy cows. Results: Sixty-four multiparous cows were grouped into 16 blocks based on parity, days in milk and milk production, and four cows within a block then were assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments with 0, 4, 8 or 16 g/d of Cr-Met per cow in addition to a basal diet. The experiment lasted for 14 weeks, with the first two weeks as adaptation period. Milk yield and composition were recorded weekly. Dry matter intake was measured every other week. The plasma variables were measured in weeks 4, 8 and 12 of the experiment. Supplementation of Cr-Met did not affect dry matter intake of early-lactating dairy cows. As the supplementation of Cr-Met increased, yields of milk, fat, lactose and energy corrected milk increased in a linear manner (P < 0.01). In terms of plasma variables, insulin concentration decreased in a linear manner with Cr-Met supplementation (P = 0.04). As for variables relative to hepatic respiration rate, concentrations of pyruvate and NADH in the plasma were increased in linear (P < 0.01) and quadratic manners (P < 0.01), and lactic dehydrogenase activity was linearly increased as the feeding levels of Cr-Met increased (P < 0.01). Moreover, plasma glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were increased in a linear manner (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The results suggest that Cr-Met supplementation improved lactation performance of early-lactating dairy cows through enhancing antioxidant capacity and hepatic cellular respiration.
Protocol for Comparing Two Training Approaches for Primary Care Professionals Implementing the Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) Model
Authors: Dubowitz Howard , Saldana Lisa , Magder Lawrence , Palinkas Lawrence , Landsverk John , Belanger Rose , Nwosu Ugonna 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Child maltreatment (CM) is a major public health problem, affecting many lives, in the short-and long-term, and costing individuals, families and society dearly. There is a need for broad implementation of evidence-based preventive interventions, such as the Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) model, developed for pediatric primary care. Primary care offers an excellent opportunity to help address prevalent psychosocial problems (e.g., parental depression) that are risk factors for CM. By addressing such problems, SEEK can strengthen families and support parents, promote children’s health, development and safety, help prevent CM, and benefit the health of the US population. This study will examine intervention strategies for optimizing SEEK’s adoption, implementation and sustainment, and its effectiveness in preventing CM. Despite strong evidence from two federally funded randomized controlled trials, SEEK has not been widely adopted. The goal of this study is to examine technology driven implementation strategies to scale-up SEEK - in pediatric and family medicine primary care settings. The aims are to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of training strategies on SEEK’s implementation in primary care practices; 2) evaluate barriers and facilitators to successful implementation and sustainment of SEEK; and 3) examine the model’s effectiveness in preventing CM and the economic costs of implementing SEEK.Methods: This randomized Type III hybrid mixed methods design will examine how advances in medical training can bolster SEEK’s adoption and implementation in pediatric and family medicine practices in different regions of the U.S. These are independent online training and in-depth structured training via a Quality Improvement project, approved by the American Boards of Pediatrics and of Family Medicine. We will also evaluate SEEKonline, software that assists primary care practitioners implement the model, and a “Traditional” paper and pencil strategy for their impact on implementation. The study uses the EPIS framework and the Universal Stages of Implementation Completion, quantitative measures, qualitative interviews and data abstracted from electronic health records. Discussion: The knowledge gained should improve pediatric primary care to better address prevalent social determinants of health, benefiting many children and families. The outcomes should enhance the field of implementation science, and guide future interventions in primary care.Trial Registration: NCT03642327, Clinical Trials, registered 8/21/18, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov
COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of studies on reliability or measurement error of outcome measurement instruments: a Delphi study.
Authors: Mokkink Lidwine B. , Boers Maarten , Vleuten CPM van der , Bouter LM , Alonso Jordi , Patrick Donald L , de Vet HCW , Terwee CB 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Scores on an outcome measurement instrument depend on the type and settings of the instrument used, how instructions are given to patients, how professionals administer and score the instrument, etc. The impact of all these sources of variation on scores can be assessed in studies on reliability and measurement error, if properly designed and analyzed. The aim of this study was to develop standards to assess the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error of clinician-reported outcome measurement instruments, performance-based outcome measurement instrument, and laboratory values.

Methods

We conducted a 3-round Delphi study involving 52 panelists.

Results

Consensus was reached on how a comprehensive research question can be deduced from the design of a reliability study to determine how the results of a study inform us about the quality of the outcome measurement instrument at issue. Consensus was reached on components of outcome measurement instruments, i.e. the potential sources of variation. Next, we reached consensus on standards on design requirements (n=5), standards on preferred statistical methods for reliability (n=3) and measurement error (n=2), and their ratings on a four-point scale. There was one term for a component and one rating of one standard on which no consensus was reached, and therefore required a decision by the steering committee.

Conclusion

We developed a tool that enables researchers with and without thorough knowledge on measurement properties to assess the quality of a study on reliability and measurement error of outcome measurement instruments.
CD137 Agonist Induces Gastric Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Enhancing The Functions of CD8+ T Cells via NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Hu Ben-Shun , Tang Tian , Wu Tie-Long , Sheng Ying-Yue , Xue Yu-Zheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: CD137 is identified as a target for tumor immunotherapy. However, the role of CD137 in gastric cancer (GC), especially in inducing GC cell apoptosis has not been studied yet. Methods: Foxp3+ and CD8+ T cells in GCs were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). CD137 expression in GCs was detected by flow cytometry, IHC and immunofluorescence (IF). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD8+ T cells isolated from peripheral blood were stimulated with a CD137 agonist in vitro. CD8+ T cells proliferation and p65 expression were explored by flow cytometry. p65 nuclear translocation was analyzed by IF. IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ, Perforin and Granzyme B were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (real-time PCR). PBMCs and primary GC cells were cocultured and stimulated with the CD137 agonist in vitro. Apoptosis of the primary GC cells was detected by flow cytometry. Results: Our data demonstrated that GC tumors show characteristics of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. CD137 was predominantly expressed in CD8+ T cells in GCs and had a positive correlation with tumor cell differentiation. CD137 agonist promoted CD8+ T cells proliferation and increased the secretion of IFN-γ, Perforin and Granzyme B, which induced primary GC cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, this study found that CD137 agonist could induce NF-κB nuclear translocation in CD8+ T cells. ﻿Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that CD137 agonist can induce primary GC cell apoptosis by enhancing CD8+ T cells via activating NF-κB signaling.
Using circ-ANAPC7 as a novel type of biomarker in the monitoring of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shen Ying , Jia Yachun , Zhang Ru , Chen Hongli , Wang Ting , He Aili , Yang Yun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) that occupy gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level have great potential to be biomarker for types of cancers. We have screened one altered circRNA named circ-ANAPC7 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) before. In this study, we aimed to validate its expression by enlarging sample size and illuminating the diagnostic and monitoring value of circ-ANAPC7 in AML.
Methods
Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was supposed to confirm the expression of circ-ANAPC7 of AML patients. We assessed the correlation of circ-ANAPC7 and clinical variables using Spearman correlation test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value.
Results
Circ-ANAPC7 was first found to be upregulated in AML, and its expression was correlated to WBC counts and blast percentage in bone marrow. ROC curve analysis revealed that circ-ANAPC7 has significant value of AML diagnosis (AUC = 0.915, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the expression level of circ-ANAPC7 was changed accompanied with disease condition transformation.
Conclusions
Circ-ANAPC7 could be used as a biomarker to monitor disease condition of AML.
Physiological characterization of a new thermotolerant yeast strain isolated during Brazilian ethanol production and its application in high temperature fermentation
Authors: Prado Cleiton Dias do , Mandrujano Gustavo Patricio Lorca , de Souza Jonas Paulino , Sgobbi Flavia Beatriz , Novaes Hosana Ribeiro , Silva João Pedro Maia Oliveira da , Alves Mateus Henrique Ribeiro , Eliodório Kevy Pontes , Cunha Gabriel Caetano de Gois e , Giudici Reinaldo , Procópio Dielle Pierotti , Basso Thiago Olitta , Malavazi Iran , Cunha Anderson 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The use of thermotolerant yeast strains can improve the efficiency of ethanol fermentation, allowing fermentation to occur at temperatures higher than 40 °C. This increment in temperature could benefit traditional bio-ethanol production and allow simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of starch or lignocellulosic biomass.
Results
We identified and characterized the physiology of a new thermotolerant strain able to fermentate at 40 °C while producing high yields of ethanol. Our results showed that, in comparison to the industrial yeast CAT-1, our strain was more resistant to various stressors generated during the production of first- and second-generation ethanol, and it also was able to change the pattern of genes involved in sucrose assimilation (SUC2 and AGT1). The formation of secondary products of fermentation was different at 40ºC, with reduced expression of genes involved in the formation of glycerol (GPD2), acetate (ALD6 and ALD4), and acetyl-CoA (ACS2).
Conclusion
The LBGA-01 strain is a thermotolerant strain that modulates the production of key genes, changing metabolic pathways during high-temperature fermentation, and increasing its tolerance to the high concentration of ethanol, sugar, acetic lactic, acetic acid, furfural and HMF. This indicates that this strain can be used to improve first- and second-generation ethanol production in Brazil.