bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Novel Mouse Models Mimicking Minor Deletions in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Revealed the Contribution of Each Deleted Region to Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Saito Ryo , Miyoshi Chika , Koebis Michinori , Kushima Itaru , Nakao Kazuki , Mori Daisuke , Ozaki Norio , Funato Hiromasa , Yanagisawa Masashi , Aiba Atsu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a disorder caused by the segmental deletion of human chromosome 22. This chromosomal deletion is known as high genetic risk factors for various psychiatric disorders. The different deletion types are identified in 22q11.2DS patients, including the most common 3.0-Mb deletion, and the less-frequent 1.5-Mb and 1.4-Mb deletions. In previous animal studies of psychiatric disorders associated with 22q11.2DS mainly focused on the 1.5-Mb deletion and model mice mimicking the human 1.5-Mb deletion have been established with diverse genetic backgrounds, which resulted in the contradictory phenotypes. On the other hand, the contribution of the genes in 1.4-Mb region to psychiatric disorders is poorly understood. In this study, we generated two mouse lines that reproduced the 1.4-Mb and 1.5-Mb deletions of 22q11.2DS [Del(1.4Mb)/+ and Del(1.5Mb)/+] on the pure C57BL/6N genetic background. These mutant mice were analyzed comprehensively by behavioral tests, such as measurement of locomotor activity, sociability, prepulse inhibition and fear-conditioning memory. Del(1.4Mb)/+ mice displayed decreased locomotor activity, which possibly reproduces the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Del(1.5Mb)/+ mice showed reduction of prepulse inhibition and impairment of contextual- and cued-dependent fear memory, which is consistent with previous reports. Furthermore, apparently intact social recognition in Del(1.4Mb)/+ and Del(1.5Mb)/+ mice suggests that the impaired social recognition requires mutations both in 1.4-Mb and 1.5 Mb regions. Our previous study has shown that Del(3.0Mb)/+ mice mimicking the human 3.0-Mb deletion presented disturbance of behavioral circadian rhythm. Therefore, we further evaluated sleep/wakefulness cycles in Del(3.0Mb)/+ mice by electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) recording. EEG/EMG analysis revealed the disturbed wakefulness and non-rapid eye moving sleep (NREMS) cycles in Del(3.0Mb)/+ mice, suggesting that Del(3.0Mb)/+ mice may be unable to maintain their wakefulness. Together, our mouse models deepen our understanding of genetic contributions to schizophrenic phenotypes related to 22q11.2DS.
Intersection between ageing-related Genes and SARS-CoV-2 Interactome: Is it higher than expected?
Authors: Guzzi Pietro Hiram , Pedace Elisabetta , Giorgi Federico Manuel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (coronavirus disease, 2019; COVID-19) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients. It has been observed that lethality seems to be related to the age of patients. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that ageing causes some modiﬁcations at a molecular level.Objective: The study aims to investigate a possible link between the increased COVID-19 lethality and the molecular changes that occur in elderly people.Methods: We considered publicly available datasets on ageing-related genes and SARS-CoV-2 interactors. Then, for each SARS-CoV-2 protein interactor, we tested for the enrichment of ageing-related proteins. Finally, we performed a network-based analysis to identify which molecular mechanisms could play a role in the SARS-CoV-2 molecular aetiology and ultimately affect COVID-19 outcome.Results: We observed a signiﬁcant intersection between some SARS-CoV-2 interactors and ageing-related genes. Our analysis evidenced that virus infection particularly affects ageing molecular mechanisms centred around proteins EEF2, NPM1, HMGA1, HMGA2, APEX1, CHEK1, PRKDC, and GPX4.Conclusion: Our study generated a mechanistic framework aiming at explaining the correlation between COVID-19 incidence in elderly patients and molecular mechanisms of ageing. This will provide testable hypotheses for future investigation on the mechanism of action of coronaviruses and pharmacological solutions tailored on speciﬁc age ranges.
A Primitive-Based Reverse Modeling Method for Obtaining the Editable CAD model of Reversed Parts
Authors: Jin Hui , Wei Xiaoling , Liu Huilan , Zhang Jinping , Yao Jin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
By the traditional inversion methods, the model of the part reversed is obtained in mesh feature , which is hard to edit and redesign. In the paper, for the revised part, a modeling method to obtain the editable CAD mode was proposed. Firstly, an approach to construct the primitive structure tree used to describe the geometric structure of a part was proposed, by which the all the basic geometry primitives and their Boolean operations are logically arranged in tree format. Then, for each basic geometry primitive, a method to calculate the characteristics parameters and position and posture was proposed, which could be used to guide reversion measurement and modeling. For the basic primitives made of quadratic surface, a method for modeling the torus surface, whose model little research has been carried on, was proposed in which the torus surface equation is deduced by coordinate transformation method, has 8 independent parameters. Last, based on the guidance of primitive structure tree, a process for the characteristics parameters, minimum measuring points, forward modeling, positioning and assembly process was proposed, which could be used to direct measurements and to forward modeling. The example showed that the method proposed could be used to reverse the parts in the editable CAD model and provide for subsequent optimization design services.
Accuracy Improvements for Cold-Start Recommendation Problem using Indirect Relations in Social Networks
Authors: Tey Fu Jie , Wu Tin-Yu , Lin Chiao-Ling , Chen Jiann-Liang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Recent advances on Internet applications have facilitated information spreading. Thanks to a wide variety of mobile devices and the burgeoning 5G networks, users gain access easily and quickly to information. Also, the great amount of digital information has contributed to the emergence of recommender systems that help information filtering. As the rise of mobile networks has pushed forward the growth of social media networks, users have gotten used to posting whatever they do and wherever they visit on the Web. Nevertheless, quick social media updates can make it difficult for users to find historical data. For this reason, this paper presents a social network-based recommender system. Our purpose is to build a user-centered recommender system to exclude the products that users are disinterested in according to user preferences and their friends' shopping experiences so as to make recommendations effective. There is normally no corresponding reference value for new products or services, so we use the indirect relations between friends and "friends’ friends" as well as sentinel friends to improve the recommendation accuracy. Our proposed mechanism has been proven efficient in enhancing recommendation accuracy.
External validity of phase III trials on vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 to a middle-aged and elderly Western European population
Authors: Terzikhan Natalie , Hofman Albert , Goudsmit Jaap , Ikram M. Arfan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Initial results from various phase-III trials on vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are promising. For proper translation of these results to clinical guidelines, it is essential to determine how well the general population is reflected in the study populations of these trials.Methods: This study was conducted among 7162 participants (age-range: 51-106 years; 58% women) from the Rotterdam Study. We quantified the proportion of participants that would be eligible for the nine ongoing phase-III trials. We further quantified the eligibility among participants at high risk to develop severe COVID-19. Since many trials were not explicit in their exclusion criterion with respect to ‘acute’ or ‘unstable preexisting’ diseases, we performed two analyses. First, we included all participants irrespective of this criterion. Second, we excluded persons with acute or ‘unstable preexisting’ diseases.Results: 97% of 7162 participants was eligible for any trial with eligibility for separate trials ranging between 11%-97%. For high-risk individuals the corresponding numbers were 96% for any trial with separate trials ranging from 5%-96%. Importantly, considering persons ineligible due to ‘acute’ or ‘unstable pre-existing’ disease drastically dropped the eligibilities for all trials below 43% for the total population and below 36% for high-risk individuals.Conclusion: The generalisability of phase-III trials to the general population depends largely on the interpretation and application of the criterion ‘acute’ or ‘unstable pre-existing’ disease, which reduces the generalisability by half. This indicates the importance of developing clinical recommendations applicable to the appropriate target populations and cautions against ad hoc wide-spread use of any effective vaccine.
Zimbabwe’s Indigenous SME policy Framework, a tool for black empowerment
Authors: Musabayana Godfrey Tambudzayi , Mutambara Emmanuel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Small to Medium Enterprise (SMEs) play a pivotal role in growing the economy as well as alleviating poverty across the marginalised citizens, especially in an economy such has Zimbabwe, which has experienced indiscriminate closure of large corporates to advance the indigenisation thrust of the government. In response to the closure of large corporates, Zimbabwe focused on SMEs as an alternative to close the gap. The Zimbabwe Industrial Development Policy (IDP) and the Indigenisation and Empowerment Policy (IEP) were put in place as the vehicles of economic transformation. This article analyses the impact of these two policies on the performance Zimbabwean SMEs. The article contributes knowledge on how African governments respond to economic crisis through the policies that they enact targeting the enterprises of the local citizens. Methodologically, the study critically analyses the literature on SME policies and performance in Zimbabwe. The article drew insights from both the IDP and IEP as well as form findings from other secondary studies.
Effect of activity level after a posterior-stabilized TKA on the relative bone mineral density measured on standard radiographs in periprosthetic tibial bone
Authors: Liu Yong , He Peiheng , Li Xing , Ye Yongheng , Liu Minghao , Chen Weizhi , XU Dongliang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of activity level after a posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the relative bone mineral density (rBMD) measured on standard radiographs in periprosthetic tibial bone. Methods: A retrospective review identified 110 patients (110 knees，20 men/90 women) who underwent PS TKA with 5 years follow-up. Patients activity level was evaluated by University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, and the rBMD in periprosthetic tibial bone was measured on anteroposterior X-ray images. Clinical assessments included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), Knee Society score (KSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Nonlinear regression analysis was used to assess the impact of activity levels on periprosthesis bone density.Results: During 5-year follow-up period, the bone density in the medial, lateral and distal areas decreased compared with that before surgery (p<0.0001). There was a U-shaped distribution between UCLA activity rating and rBMD loss, with the lowest rBMD loss when the UCLA activity score was between 6-8 at 1 and 3 years. The curve fitting of UCLA activity level and rBMD% showed there was a parabolic relationship between UCLA activity level and rBMD% at 1 and 3 years after surgery (P<0.001, P=0.001), while there was no significant relationship between UCLA activity level and rBMD% at 5 years after surgery (P=0.436).Conclusions: We found that physical activity had a significant effect on radiographic measurements of BMD at 1 and 3 years but not at 5 years. Moderate activity may be associated with less proximal tibial BMD loss after TKA, therefore it may be the most appropriate activity intensity for patients with TKA.
A qualitative meta-synthesis of facilitators and barriers to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria
Authors: Oga-Omenka Charity , Wakdet Lawrence , Menzies Dick , Zarowsky Christina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Despite progress in tuberculosis (TB) control globally, TB continues to be a leading cause of death from infectious diseases, claiming 1.2 million lives in 2018; 214,000 of these deaths were due to drug resistant strains. Of the estimated 10 million cases globally in 2018, 24% were in Africa, with Nigeria and South Africa making up most of these numbers. Nigeria ranks 6th in the world for TB burden, with an estimated 4.3% multi-drug resistance in new cases. However, the country had one of the lowest case detection rates, estimated at 24% of incident cases in 2018 - well below the WHO STOP TB target of 84%. This rate highlights the need to understand contextual issues influencing tuberculosis management in Nigeria. Our synthesis was aimed at synthesizing qualitative evidence on factors influencing TB care in Nigeria. Methods A three-stage thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was used to identify barriers and facilitators to tuberculosis case finding and treatment in Nigeria. A purposive search of eleven databases was conducted. The date of publication was limited to 2006 to June 2020. We analyzed articles using a three-stage process, resulting in coding, descriptive subthemes and analytical themes. Results Our final synthesis of 10 articles resulted in several categories including community and family involvement, education and knowledge, attitudes and stigma, alternative care options, health system factors (including coverage and human resource), gender, and direct and indirect cost of care. These were grouped into three major themes: individual factors; interpersonal influences; and health system factors. Conclusion Case finding and treatment for TB in Nigeria currently depends more on individual patients presenting voluntarily to the hospital for care, necessitating an understanding of patient behaviors towards TB diagnosis and treatment. Our synthesis has identified several related factors that shape patients’ behavior towards TB management at individual, community and health system levels that can inform future interventions.
Sex differences and Psychological Stress: Responses to the COVID-19 epidemic in China
Authors: Yan Shiyan , Xu Rui , Stratton Terry D. , Kavcic Voyko , Luo Dan , Hou Fengsu , Bi Fengying , Jiao Rong , Song Kangxing , Jiang Yang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background About 83,000 COVID-19 patients were confirmed in China up to May 2020. Amid the well-documented threats to physical health, the effects of this public health crisis - and the varied efforts to contain its spread - have altered individuals’ “normal” daily functioning. These impacts on social, psychological, and emotional well-being remain relatively unexplored – in particular, the ways in which Chinese men and women experience and respond to potential behavioral stressors. Our study investigated sex differences in psychological stress, emotional reactions, and behavioral responses to COVID-19 and related threats among Chinese residents. Methods In late February (2020), an anonymous online questionnaire was disseminated via WeChat, a popular social media platform in China. The cross-sectional study utilized a non-probabilistic “snowball” or convenience sampling of residents from various provinces and regions of China. Basic demographic characteristics (e.g., age and gender) – along with residential living arrangements and conditions – were measured along with psychological stress and emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.Results 3,088 questionnaires were returned: 1,749 females (56.6%) and 1,339 males (43.4%). The mean stress level,as measured by a visual analog scale, was 3.4 (SD=2.4) - but differed significantly by sex. Besides sex, factors positively associated with stress included: age (<45 years), employment (unsteady income, unemployed), risk of infection (exposureto COVID-19，completed medical observation), difficulties encountered (diseases, work/study, financial, mental), and related behaviors (higher desire for COVID-19 knowledge, more time concerning on the COVID-19 outbreak). “Protective” factors included frequent contact with colleagues, calmness of mood comparing with the pre-pandemic, and psychological resilience. Males and females also differed significantly in adapting to current living/working, conditions, responding to run a fever, and needing psychological support services. Conclusions The self-reported stress of Chinese residents related to the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly related to sex, age, employment, resilience and coping styles. Future responses to such public health threats may wish to provide sex- and/or age-appropriate supports for psychological health and emotional well-being to those at greatest risk of experiencing stress.
Comprehensiveness of Distributed Medical Education Systems: A Regional Population-Based Perspective
Authors: Burrows Andrea , Laupland Kevin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The core business of medical schools includes clinical (education and service) and academic (research) activities. Our objective was to assess the degree to which these activities exist in a distributed medical education system in Canada.Methods: A population-based design was utilized. Programs were contacted and public records were searched for medical trainees and faculty positions within a province in Canada during the 2017/2018 academic year. Data were expressed as positions per 100,000 residents within the Lower Mainland, Island, and Northern and Southern interior regions.Results: Substantial differences in the distribution of medical students by region was observed with the highest observed in the Northern region at 45.5 per 100,000 as compared to Lower Mainland, Island, and Southern regions of 25.4, 16.8, 16.0 per 100,000, respectively. The distribution of family medicine residents was less variable with 14.9, 10.7, 8.9, and 5.8 per 100,000 in the Northern, Island, Southern, and Lower Mainland regions, respectively. In contrast, there was a marked disparity in distribution of specialty residents with 40.8 per 100,000 in the Lower Mainland as compared to 7.5, 3.2, and 1.3 per 100,000 in the Island, Northern, and Southern regions, respectively. Clinical faculty were distributed with the highest observed in the Northern region at 180.4 per 100,000 as compared to Southern, Island, and Lower Mainland regions of 166.9, 138.5, and 128.4, respectively. In contrast, academic faculty were disproportionately represented in the Lower Mainland and Island regions (92.8 and 50.7 per 100,000) as compared to the Northern and Southern (1.4 and 1.2 per 100,000) regions, respectively. Conclusion: While there has been successful redistribution of medical students, family medicine residents, and clinical faculty, this has not been the case for specialty residents and academic faculty.
Chromosomal painting of the sandpiper (Actitis macularius) detects several fissions for the Scolopacidae family (Charadriiformes)
Authors: Pinheiro Melquizedec Luiz Silva , Nagamachi Cleusa Yoshiko , Ribas Talita Fernanda Augusto , Diniz Cristovam Guerreiro , O´Brien Patricia Caroline Mary , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm Andrew , Yang Fengtang , Pieczarka Julio Cesar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The Scolopacidae family (Suborder Scolopaci, Charadriiformes) is composed of sandpipers and snipes; these birds are long-distance migrants that show great diversity in their behavior and habitat use. Cytogenetic studies in the Scolopacidae family show the highest diploid numbers for order Charadriiformes. This work analyzes for the first time the karyotype of Actitis macularius by classic cytogenetics and chromosome painting. Results: The species has a diploid number of 92, composed mostly of telocentric pairs. This high 2n is greater than the proposed 80 for the avian ancestral putative karyotype (a common feature among Scolopaci), suggesting that fission rearrangements have formed smaller macrochromosomes and microchromosomes. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization using Burhinus oedicnemus whole chromosome probes confirmed the fissions in pairs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of macrochromosomes. Conclusion: Comparative analysis with other species of Charadriiformes studied by chromosome painting together with the molecular phylogenies for the order allowed us to raise hypotheses about the chromosomal evolution in suborder Scolopaci. From this, we can establish a clear idea of ​​how chromosomal evolution occurred in this suborder.
Possible association of polymorphisms in ubiquitin specific peptidase 46 gene with post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Seo Jun-ho , Kim Tae-yong , Kim Se-joo , Choi Jin-hee , So Hyung-seok , Kang Jee In 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Dynamic proteolysis, through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, has an important role in DNA transcription and cell cycle, and is considered to modulate cell stress response and synaptic plasticity. We investigated whether genetic variants in the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 46 (USP46) would be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with exposure to combat trauma using a case-control candidate gene association design. Methods: Korean male veterans exposed to the Vietnam War were grouped into those with (n = 128) and without (n = 128) PTSD. Seven tagging SNPs of USP46 were selected, and single-marker and haplotype-based association analyses were performed. All analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and levels of combat exposure severity and alcohol problem. Results: One single-marker (rs2244291) showed nominal evidence of association with PTSD status and with the ‘re-experiencing’ cluster, although the association was not significant after Bonferroni correction. No significant association with the other SNPs or the haplotypes was detected. Conclusion: The present finding suggests preliminarily that genetic vulnerability regarding the ubiquitin-proteasome system may be related to fear memory processes and the development of PTSD symptoms after trauma exposure. Further studies with a larger sample size will be needed to examine the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system including USP46 in PTSD.