bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Machine Learning to Unveil Demographic and Clinical Features of COVID-19 Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients
Authors: Youha Sarah Al , Alkhamis Mohammad , Mazeedi Sulaiman Al , Al-Haddad Mohannad , Jamal Mohammad H. , Al-Sabah Salman K. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Demographic and clinical features of COVID-19 patients are critical components in shaping their symptomatic status. However, the relationship between patients' symptomatic status and their features are typically complicated and nonlinear.Methods: We explored important features that drive the symptomatic status of COVID-19 patients and reveal their interactions with other relevant factors. We used an extensive multi-algorithm machine learning (ML) pipeline and 68 demographic and clinical features to fit a predictive model to 3,995 patients in the State of Kuwait between February and June 2020. Our ML pipeline comprised five algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), gradient boosting (GBM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGM).Results: SVM outperformed all algorithms (AUC = 0.77 and accuracy = 70.01%), while logistic regression had the lowest predictive power (AUC = 0.65 and accuracy = 66.14%). Our ML model identified C-reactive, respiratory rate, transmission dynamics, and other demographics as the most important predictors of COVID-19 symptomatic patients. While, only demographic features were important predictors for asymptomatic patients. However, our ML model further revealed that the non-linear relationships between impaired renal function, other clinical biomarkers and demographic features were critical in shaping the risk of being symptomatic patient. Conclusions: We demonstrated remarkable predictive performance of our ML model over traditional statistical methods in identifying important clinical and demographic features of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic. Further application of our ML pipeline in the COVID-19 case definition and guiding pharmaceutical and none-pharmaceutical interventions will help reduce the public health and economic implications of this devastating virus on local and global scales.
CircRNA Expression in Chicken Granulosa Cells Illuminated with Red Light
Authors: Wang Ying , Guo Zhenyu , Zi Chen , Wu Pengfei , Lv Xiaoyang , Chen Lan , Chen Fuxiang , Zhang Genxi , Wang Jinyu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Our previous work revealed that red light (RL) can improve egg production by Jinghai Yellow hens. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel non-coding RNAs, but the molecular mechanism underpinning their functions during follicular development of hens under monochromatic light remains unknown. Results We compared expression profiles of granulosa cells (GCs) of small yellow follicles (SYFs) from hens under RL and white light (WL). A total of 2,468 circRNAs were identified, of which 22 were differentially expressed (DE) between RL and WL groups. Host genes of DE circRNAs were enriched in ovarian steroidogenesis, and MAPK signalling and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways. Furthermore, DE circRNA_0320 and circRNA_0185 interact with miR-143-3p targeting FSHR, which is essential for GC differentiation and follicle development. Conclusions These findings will facilitate further analysis of the molecular mechanism of circRNAs in GCs of SYFs, and expand our understanding of follicle development, which could lead to increased egg production.
Impact of Simulation-Based Teamwork Training on COVID-19 Distress in Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Beneria Anna , Arnedo Mireia , Contreras Sofia , Pérez-Carrasco Marcos , Garcia-Ruiz Itziar , Rodríguez-Carballeira Mónica , Raduà Joaquim , Rius Jordi Bañeras 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
ContextNon-technical skills such as leadership, communication or situation awareness should lead to effective teamwork in a crisis situation. The aim of the study was to analyse the role of these skills on the emotional response of health professionals to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsBefore COVID-19 outbreak, 48 doctors and 48 nurses participated in a simulation-based teamwork training program based on teaching non-technical skills through simulation. In May 2020, this group of professionals from a COVID-19 referral hospital were invited to participate in a survey exploring stress, anxiety, and depression, using PSS-14 (Perceived Stress Scale) and HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) measures. A control group that did not receive the training was included. We conducted a logistic regression to assess whether having attended simulation-based teamwork training program modified the probability of presenting psychological distress (PSS-14>18 or HADS>12).ResultsA total of 141 healthcare professionals were included, 77 in the intervention group and 64 in the control group. Based on the PSS-14, 70.1% of the intervention group and 75% of the control group (p=0.342) had symptoms of stress. Having contact with COVID-19 patients [OR 4.16(1.64–10.52)]; having minors in charge [OR 2.75 (1.15–6.53)]; working as doctor [0.39(0.16 – 0.95)]; and being woman [OR 2.94(1.09–7.91)] were related with PSS14 symptoms. Based on the HADS, 54.6% of the intervention group and 42.2% of control group (p=0.346) had symptoms of anxiety or depression. Having contact with COVID-19 patients [OR 2.17(1.05 – 4.48)] and having minors in charge [OR 2.14(1.06 – 4.32)] were related with HADS symptoms. Healthcare professionals who attended COVID-19 patients showed higher levels of anxiety and depression [OR 2.56(1.03 – 6.36) (p=0.043)].ConclusionHealthcare professionals trained in non-technical skills through simulation had a tendency towards higher levels of anxiety and depression and less levels of stress, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diagnostic Yield, Safety and Impact of Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ghiani Alessandro , Neurohr Claus 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPulmonary infiltrates of variable etiology are one of the main reasons for hypoxemic respiratory failure leading to invasive mechanical ventilation. If pulmonary infiltrates remain unexplained or progress despite treatment, the histopathological result of a lung biopsy could have significant impact on change in therapy. Surgical lung biopsy is the commonly used technique, but due to its considerable morbidity and mortality, less invasive bronchoscopic transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) may be a valuable alternative.MethodsRetrospective, monocentric, observational study in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients, subjected to TBLB due to unexplained pulmonary infiltrates in the period January 2014 to July 2019. Patients` medical records were reviewed to obtain data on baseline clinical characteristics, modality and adverse events (AE) of the TBLB, and impact of the histopathological results on change in therapy. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of AE and hospital mortality, and survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsForty-two patients with in total 42 TBLB procedures after a median of 12 days of mechanical ventilation were analyzed, of which 16.7% were immunosuppressed, but there was no patient with prior lung transplantation. Diagnostic yield of the TBLB was 88.1%, with AE occurring in 11.9% (most common pneumothorax and minor bleeding). 92.9% of the procedures were performed as a forceps biopsy, with organizing pneumonia (OP) being the most common histological diagnosis (54.8%). Variables independently associated with hospital mortality were age (odds ratio 1.070, 95%CI 1.006–1.138; p = 0.031) and the presence of OP (0.182, [0.036–0.926]; p = 0.040), the latter being confirmed in the survival analysis (log-rank p = 0.040). In contrast, a change in therapy based on histopathology alone occurred in only 40.5%, and there was no evidence of a survival benefit in those patients.ConclusionsTransbronchial lung biopsy remains a valuable alternative to surgical lung biopsy in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. However, the high diagnostic yield must be weighed against potential adverse events and limited consequence of the histological result regarding treatment decisions in such patients.
A Water Quality Index Approach in Estimating Water Quality of Shallow Wells Situated Near Pollution Sources in a Community
Authors: Elemile Olugbenga , Ibitogbe Enoch , Folorunso Olatunji , Ejigboye Praise , Adewumi Rotimi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND

Most developing countries rely on water sources that are usually not protected making them unsafe for drinking. These sources require regular assessment to evaluate their quality and ensure they meet standards before use. This research therefore assessed the physio-chemical and microbiological properties of selected shallow wells situated near pollution sources in Omu-Aran with an inclusive water quality index (WQI) framework.
METHODS

Fifty groundwater samples were collected from five various locations namely: Aperan, Egbe garage, Latinwo, Mode and Igangu. Standard methods were used to determine the constituents of the water while descriptive statistics and two sample t test were used to analyze the data.
RESULT

The mean values for turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride and fluoride all fall within the nigerian Standard Drinking Water Quality guideline values while pH, nitrite, dissolved oxygen and T. coliform exceed the standard limit. Coliform and nitrite contamination are often linked with sewage pollution arising from anthropogenic sources. The parameters of water in Omu-Aran were generally higher during the rainy season than the dry season. However, there was no significant difference for these parameters across periods except for pH, Total hardness and fluoride. WQI classified water samples as Excellent, Good, Poor and Unsuitable for drinking.
CONCLUSION

Users should be encouraged to carry out disinfection and ensure their water sources are protected and not left exposed. The WQI makes it easy for policy makers to evaluate contamination and make decisions based on recommendation
Ageing Effects on Tripping Risk: The Foot-Ground Clearance of Healthy Community Dwelling Japanese Cohorts Aged 50, 60 and 70 Years
Authors: Nagano Hanatsu , Sparrow William Anthony , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Sarashina Eri , Begg Rezaul 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFalls-related injuries are particularly serious for older people, causing pain, reduced community engagement and associated medical costs. Tripping is the leading cause of falls and the current study examined whether minimum ground clearance (MFC) of the swing foot, indicating high tripping risk, would be differentiated across cohorts of healthy 50-, 60- and 70-years old community residents in Japan.MethodsThree groups (50s, 60s and 70s) of 123 Konosu City residents consented to be recorded when walking on an unobstructed surface at preferred speed. Gait biomechanics was measured using high speed (100 Hz) motion capture (OptiTrack – Natural Point Inc.), including step length and width, double support, foot contact angle and MFC (swing toe height above the ground). Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to confirm ageing effects on MFC and fundamental gait parameters. Pearson's correlations were performed to identify the relationships between mean MFC and other MFC characteristics (SD and SI), step length, step width, double support time and foot contact angle. ResultsCompared to 50s, lower step length was seen (2.69cm and 6.15cm) for 60s and 70s, respectively. No other statistical effects were identified for spatio-temporal parameters between the three groups. The 50s cohort MFC was also significantly higher than 60s and 70s, while step-to-step MFC variability was greater in the 70s than 50s and 60s. Pearson’s correlations demonstrated more symmetrical gait associated with greater MFC height. In the 70s increased MFC height correlated with higher MFC variability and reduced foot contact angle. ConclusionMFC height reduces from 60 years but more variable MFC appears later, from 70 years. While symmetrical gait was accompanied by increased MFC height, in the 70s group attempts to increase MFC height may have caused more MFC variability and lower foot contact angles, compromising foot-ground clearance. Assessments of swing foot mechanics may be a useful component of community falls prevention.
Single cell sequencing identifies serine proteases as regulators of myofibroblast differentiation
Authors: Vorstandlechner Vera , Laggner Maria , Copic Dragan , Chen Yiyan , Golabi Bahar , Haslik Werner , Radtke Christine , Tschachler Erwin , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan , Mildner Michael 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Despite recent advances in understanding skin scarring, mechanisms triggering hypertrophic scar formation are still poorly understood. In the present study we performed single-cell sequencing of mature human hypertrophic scars and developing scars in mice.
Compared to normal skin, we found significant differences in gene expression in most cell types present in scar tissue. Fibroblasts (FBs) showed the most prominent alterations in gene expression, displaying a distinct fibrotic signature. By comparing genes upregulated in murine FBs during scar development with genes highly expressed in mature human hypertrophic scars, we identified a group of serine proteases, tentatively involved in scar formation. Two of them, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) and urokinase (PLAU), were further analyzed in functional assays, revealing a role in TGFβ1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and over-production of components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) without interfering with the canonical TGFbeta1-signaling pathway.
In this study, we delineate the genetic landscape of hypertrophic scars and present new insights into mechanisms involved in hypertrophic scar formation. Our data suggest the use of serine protease inhibitors for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
Extravasation of Urine Into the Superficial Perineal Space Due to Ureteral Necrosis after Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Fan Yu , Wang Xianding , Lin Tao , Zhong Qiang , Song Turun , Huang Zhongli 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Urinary fistula is a common complication of kidney transplantation. It may cause severe complications like graft loss and patient death.Case presentation: Here we present a recipient who developed graft ureteral necrosis with leakage of urine into the superficial perineal space but not into the peri-graft or the retroperitoneal space, as an unusual clinical feature. This may be due to dense adhesions in the peri-graft region and dam-like effect of adhesive spermatic cord and inferior epigastric vessels traversing across the graft ureter. Urine leaking out with high pressure extravasates through the potential gaps in the incision of aponeurosis at the lateral margin of the rectus abdominis and into the superficial perineal space. The proximal ureter of the graft was end-to-end anastomosed to the right ureter. Both the recipient and graft recovered well.Conclusions: Comparing the creatinine levels in the leaking fluid and serum is an effective way to confirm urinary fistula. Early aggressive management is a rational option for treatment of urinary fistula.
Progesterone-induced Warburg Effect is Regulated by Cell-type-specific Interaction of Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 and Hexokinases
Authors: Sabbir Mohammad Golam , Taylor Carla G , Zahradka Peter 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is a non-canonical progesterone (P4) binding protein. PGRMC1 is elevated in a variety of cancers and its phosphorylation state associated with hormone responsiveness in breast cancer. Metabolic reprogramming is a key factor for tumor growth during malignancies. Recently, we reported that the P4-inducedWarburg effectinHEK293cells is associated with altered post-translational modifications (PTMs) of PGRMC1, including phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and ubiquitination, which were linked to rapid proteasomal degradation of the protein. The previous study also identified hexokinase (HK) as a potential novel interacting partner of PGRMC1. HKs catalyze the first essential step of glucose metabolism and directly couple glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration. Therefore, in the present study, P4’s effects on glycolysis and PTMs of PGRMC1 as well as its interaction with HKs were compared between HEK293 and HepG2 cells to unravel the signaling pathways that mediate cell-type-specific metabolic reprogramming.Methods: P4-induced glucose metabolism in wild-type and PGRMC1-deficient cells wasassessed using the Seahorse flux analyzer, while PTMs of PGRMC1/HKs and protein-protein interaction were studied using immunoprecipitation, isoelectric focussing, phosphomimetics, and mass spectrometry.Translocation of HKs to different subcellular organelles were studied using subcellular fractionation, and the cell-type-specific effect of PGRMC1-deficiency on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria; ultrastructure were examined by electron microscopy. Results:P4 treatment caused a rapid increase in glycolysis in HEK293 cells, whereas it decreased glycolysis in HepG2 cells. In addition, PGRMC1 was not degraded in HepG2 cells which is in contrast to HEK293 cells where rapid proteasomal degradation of PGRMC1 occurredfollowing P4 treatment. Besides, PGRMC1 half-life and PTMs under basal condition were found cell-type-specific and the P4-induced PTMsdiffered between the two cell types. Furthermore, we observed cell-type-specific interaction of HKs with PGRMC1, and differential translocation of HK1/2 to the ER, mitochondria and nuclear compartments following P4 treatment. PGRMC1 deficiency altered ER structure in HepG2 cells. Thus, multiple factors underlying the cell-type-specific P4-PGRMC1-mediated metabolic reprogrammingwere identified. Conclusions: These findings provide a hitherto unknown novel P4-induced cell-type-specific PGRMC1-HK signaling mechanism that contributes to the molecular basis of P4-induced metabolic reprogramming, with important applications for hormone responsiveness in cancer.
Mortality Among Male Cigar and Cigarette Smokers in the U.S.
Authors: Rodu Brad , Plurphanswat Nantaporn 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background. Cigars and cigarettes are both smoked, but much less is known about the former’s long-term health effects, due to its low prevalence and infrequent collection of cigar information in national surveys. Purpose. We conducted a follow-up mortality study of cigar-smoking men age 40-79 years in National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS). We utilized Methods. We used pooled NHIS files linked to the National Death Index to obtain follow-up from year of interview to year of death or December 31, 2015. We developed categories of cigarette and cigar smoking that accommodate dual and former use of both products. We used Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income, health status, body mass index, and region to estimate hazard ratios (HRs, 95% confidence intervals, CI) for mortality from all causes, heart diseases, malignant neoplasms, cerebrovascular disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases and two mutually exclusive categories: smoking-related and other diseases.Results. There were 14,628 deaths from all causes, including 3,420 never tobacco users, 3,266 exclusive smokers, and 176 exclusive cigar users. The latter had significantly increased mortality only from chronic lower respiratory diseases (HR = 2.60, CI = 1.04 – 6.50), which was based on 6 deaths. We found no statistically significant evidence among exclusive cigar smokers of increased mortality from any other cause.Conclusions. This study provides evidence that male cigar smokers had elevated mortality risks. However, after accounting for cigarette smoking, we found significantly increased mortality only for chronic lower respiratory diseases.
Genomic Variation in the American Pika: Signatures of Geographic Isolation and Implications for Conservation
Authors: Klingler Kelly Brie , Jahner Joshua P , Parchman Thomas L , Ray Chris , Peacock Mary 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Distributional responses by alpine taxa to repeated, glacial-interglacial cycles throughout the last two million years have significantly influenced the spatial genetic structure of populations. These effects have been exacerbated for the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a small alpine lagomorph constrained by thermal sensitivity and a limited dispersal capacity. As a species of conservation concern, long-term lack of gene flow has important consequences for landscape genetic structure and levels of diversity within populations. Here, we use reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) to provide a genome-wide perspective on patterns of genetic variation across pika populations representing distinct subspecies. To investigate how landscape and environmental features shape genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from distinct geographic regions as well as across finer spatial scales in two geographically proximate mountain ranges of eastern Nevada. Results: Our genome-wide analyses corroborate range-wide, mitochondrial subspecific designations and reveal pronounced fine-scale population structure between the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range of eastern Nevada. Populations in Nevada were characterized by low genetic diversity (𝜋=0.0006–0.0009; 𝜃W=0.0005–0.0007) relative to populations in California (𝜋=0.0014–0.0019; 𝜃W=0.0011–0.0017) and the Rocky Mountains (𝜋=0.0025–0.0027; 𝜃W=0.0021–0.0024), indicating substantial genetic drift in these isolated populations. Tajima’s D was positive for all sites (D=0.240-0.811), consistent with recent contraction in population sizes range-wide. Conclusions: Substantial influences of geography, elevation and climate variables on genetic differentiation were also detected and may interact with the regional effects of anthropogenic climate change to force the loss of unique genetic lineages through continued population extirpations in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada.