bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking the westernised oropharyngeal microbiome to the immune response in Chinese immigrants
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhang Xiaoping , Saiganesh Aarti , Peacock Christopher , Chen Shu , Dykes Gary , Hales Belinda , Souëf Peter Le , Zhang Guicheng(Brad) 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Human microbiota plays a fundamental role in modulating the immune response, and these microbiota are associated with Western environment and lifestyle. Here, we investigated how differences in composition of oropharyngeal microbiome may contribute to patterns of interaction between the microbiome and immune system in Chinese immigrants living in Australia.Methods: We recruited 44 adult Chinese immigrants: newly-arrived (n=22, living in Australia <6 months) and long-term Chinese immigrants (n=22, living in Australia >5 years), with age and gender matched. Oropharyngeal swabs, serum and whole blood were collected. The 16s ribosomal RNA gene from the swabs was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Innate immune responses were determined by 23 Toll-like receptors (TLR) pathway cytokines, while adaptive immune responses were determined by IgG-associated response to specific microbial/viral pathogens.Results: The relative abundance of the genus Leptotrichia was higher in long-term immigrants as compared to that in newly-arrived Chinese immigrants, while the genus Deinococcus was significantly lower in long-term Chinese immigrants. The genera Lachnospiraceae_uncultured , Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-007 , Veillonella , and Actinomycetales_ambiguous taxa were negatively correlated with cytokine IL-6 in long-term Chinese immigrants (rho range: -0.46 ~ -0.73). With respect to adaptive immunity, several microbial taxa were significantly associated with IgG1 responsiveness to microbial antigens in long-term immigrants, while a significant correlation with IgG1 responsiveness to viral antigens was detected in newly-arrived immigrants.Conclusions: The composition of the oropharyngeal microbiome varies between newly-arrived and long-term Chinese immigrants. Specific microbial taxa are significantly associated with immunological parameters but with different association patterns between newly-arrived and long-term Chinese immigrants.
Promoting the use of evidence in health policymaking in the ECOWAS region: the development and contextualization of an evidence-based policymaking guidance
Authors: Uneke Chigozie Jesse , Sombie Issiaka , Johnson Ermel , Uneke Bilikis Iyabo , Okolo Stanley 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The Economic Commission of the West African States (ECOWAS), through her specialised health Institution, the West African Health Organization (WAHO) is supporting Members States to improve health outcomes in West Africa. There is a global recognition that evidence-based health policies are vital towards achieving continued improvement in health outcomes. The need to have a tool that will provide systematic guide on the use of evidence in policymaking necessitated the production of the evidence-based policy-making (EBPM) Guidance. Methods: Google search was performed to identify existing guidance on EBPM. Lessons were drawn from the review of identified guidance documents. Consultation, interaction and interviews were held with policymakers from the 15 West African countries during WAHO organized regional meetings in Senegal, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. The purpose was to elicit their views on the strategies to promote the use of evidence in policymaking to be included in the EBPM Guidance. A regional Guidance Validation Meeting for West African policymakers was thereafter convened by WAHO to review findings from review of existing guidance documents and validate the EBPM Guidance. Results: Out of the 250 publications screened, six publications fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Among the important issues highlighted include: what evidence informed decision-making is; different types of research methods, designs and approaches, and how to judge the quality of research. The identified main target end users of the EBPM Guidance are policy/decision makers in the West African sub-region, at local, sub-national, national and regional levels. Among the key recommendations included in the EBPM Guidance include: properly defining/refining policy problem; reviewing contextual issues; initiating policy priority setting; considering political acceptability of policy; commissioning research; use of rapid response services, use of policy advisory/technical/steering committees; and use of policy briefs and policy dialogue.Conclusion: The EBPM Guidance is one of the emerging tools that can enhance the understanding of evidence to policy process. The strategies to facilitate the use of evidence in policymaking outlined in the Guidance, can be adapted to local context, and incorporated validated approaches that can be used to promote evidence-to-policy-to-practice process in West Africa.
Identification of Genomic Rare Variants by Whole Genome Sequencing in Primary Torsion Dystonia
Authors: Zhou Haisong , Zhu Peng , Ye Jianwen , Dai Yong , Tang Donge , Li Bo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Primary torsion dystonia (PTD) is a group of related movement disorders characterized by abnormal repetitive, twisting postures due to the involuntary co-contraction of opposing muscle groups. The research is based on whole genome sequencing technology of PTD patients to analyze the pathogenic genes and mutation sites in patients with primary dystonia, the relationship among genotype, clinical phenotype and prognosis. Methods: In order to investigate the association between the familial disease and its molecular mechanisms, 100 normal Han Chinese donors were also examined. The DNA of all the samples was sequenced using whole genome sequencing technique.The participants was conducted and submitted to the Macrogen Group (Seoul, Korea) for analysis.Results: We had detected the data output of precursor is 112.91G, throughut mean depth is 39.50X, mappable mean depth is 35.70X, genome coverage ratio is 99.50%.A novel heterozygous missense variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in ANO3 of Primary Torsion Dystonia had be found, but not in healthy control groups. Conclusions: Together, our results report a new mutation that may be similar in phenotype to known pathogenic genes, which will lay the foundation for future work. More families will be sequenced to identify more informations, which can help us to make the correct molecular diagnosis of the disease and to provide better genetic information.
Environmental determinants of COVID-19 transmission across a wide climatic gradient in Chile
Authors: Correa-Araneda Francisco , Ulloa-Yañez Alfredo , Núñez Daniela , Boyero Luz , Tonin Alan M. , Cornejo Aydeé , Urbina Mauricio , Díaz María Elisa , Figueroa-Muñoz Guillermo , Esse Carlos 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Several studies have examined the transmission dynamics of the novel COVID-19 disease in different parts of the world. Some have reported relationships with several environmental variables, suggesting that spread of the disease is enhanced in colder and drier climates. However, evidence is still scarce and mostly limited to a few countries, particularly from Asia. We examined the potential role of multiple environmental variables in COVID-19 transmission rates and patterns from February 23 to April 16 across 121 cities of Chile; this country covers a large climatic gradient (≈ 40º of latitude, ≈ 4,000 m of altitude and 5 climatic regions, from desert to tundra), but all cities share their social behaviour patterns and regulations. Our results indicated that COVID-19 transmission in Chile was mostly related to 3 main climatic factors (mean temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) and population size. Transmission was greater in colder and drier cities (although wind modulated the effect of temperature) and when wind speed was higher; finally, transmission increased with population size. The results of this study support some previous findings about the main environmental and demographic determinants of COVID-19 transmission, which may be useful for decision-making and management of the disease.
Pathological Signature and Therapeutic Status of NSCLC Patients with Common or Rare Driver Gene Alterations in North China：A real world retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Xinjie , Qu Xiaodie , Li Kun , Wang Jinghui , Lv Jialin , Li Xi , Zhang Xinyong , Liu Zichen , Qin Na , Zhang Qian , Wu Yuhua , Ma Li , Gai Fei , Huang Zhan , Che Nanying , Zhang Shucai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Although guidelines recommended to test EGFR/ALK/ROS-1 gene alterations in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients before treatment, there is now growing evidence that rare driver genes and mutations also can inform targeted therapy and improve outcomes for this traditionally underrepresented population. This study aimed to describe mutational patterns and linked clinical parameters in a Chinese population-based NSCLC cohort.Methods: This study included patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC, who were routinely screened for EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, ROS1, RET, MET, HER2, and PIK3CA mutations by the NMPA approved multi-gene detection kit. The demographic and clinicopathological data, treatment information, clinical outcomes after first-line treatment, as well as nine driver gene mutation statuses and PD-L1 expression level of these patients were retrospectively collected.Results: Finally, 431 patients were enrolled, most patients were male (55.9%), with adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma (80.7%) and in stage IV (50.6%). Among all the 431 patients, 61.5% patients were identified with gene mutation including 101 with rare mutation, 164 with 19del or with L858R mutation. Adenocarcinoma patients have a higher mutation rate (73.6%), and the mutations mainly occur in EGFR, KRAS, ALK and HER2. While, the gene mutation characteristics in squamous cell carcinoma patients with were relatively simple, only 2 patients with EGFR 19del and 2 patients with PIK3CA mutation. More PD-L1 expression could detected in patients with rare mutation. The median PFS1 of patients with common mutation (13 months, 95% CI: 9.9-16) was longer than the patients with rare mutation (5 months, 95 % CI: 0-10.5). Conclusions: The clinicopathologic features and clinical treatment status among NSCLC patients with common or rare driver gene mutations were different. The survival of patients with rare mutation was worse than that of patients with common mutation. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the treatment strategy and survival status of patients with rare mutations in clinical practice.
Influencing factors of virus duration and virus clearance in COVID-19 patients in Shenzhen: A retrospective study.
Authors: Zhang Lina , Yang Xiaoan , Li Xuan , Jia Yifan , Huang Fang , Zhang Ka , He Qing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Abstract
Background. We aimed to analyze the influencing factors of virus duration and virus clearance in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Shenzhen, China, and to provide our experience in the treatment and management of COVID-19.
Methods. The clinical data and laboratory test results of COVID-19 inpatients admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province from January 2020 to March 2020 were retrospectively collected. In COVID-19 rehabilitation patients, two consecutive negative RT-PCR results on nasopharyngeal swabs were defined as virus clearance. The time from onset of the disease to virus clearance was defined as the virus duration. We analyzed the virus clearance rate at different time points and the impact of clinical features and treatments on virus clearance.
Results. A total of 201 patients with COVID-19, including 89 women (44.3%) and 112 men (55.7%), were included in our study. According to the severity of the disease, the patients were divided into no severe patients and severe patients. The overall median virus duration for all patients was 17 days. The overall virus clearance rates within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks after onset were 1.5%, 36.6%, 73.4%, 90.2%, 97.3%, and 100%, respectively. A multiple linear regression model was performed to analyze the factors influencing virus clearanc.The factors influencing virus clearance within 2 weeks were treatment timing and glucocorticoid usage. The influencing factors for virus clearance within 4 weeks were treatment timing, glucocorticoid usage and age.
Conclusion. Treatment timing was related to virus clearance. The earlier the treatment was initiated, the faster the virus clearance. For COVID-19 patients, early detection and early treatment strategies should be adopted. Glucocorticoid usage may be detrimental to virus clearance and should be more restricted. Age > 60 years may also be a detrimental factor for virus clearance.
Estimating the Effect of Respiratory Disease on Production Performance in Farrow-to-Finish Pig Farms
Authors: Costa Maria Rodrigues da , Rovira Albert , Torremorell Montserrat , Fitzgerald Rose Mary , Gasa Josep , O’Shea Helen , Manzanilla Edgar Garcia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Respiratory disease is one of the most important factors impacting pig production worldwide. However, the literature highlights the multitude of confounding factors complicating the clear attribution of growth impairment to respiratory disease, and the extrapolation of the effects of respiratory disease to a wider population has not been thoroughly researched. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of respiratory disease on production performance in a subset of 56 Irish farrow-to-finish pig farms. Proxies for respiratory disease status such as serology for four major pathogens (influenza A virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae ), slaughter checks (pleurisy, pneumonia, lung abscesses, pericarditis and liver milk spots) and vaccination information were used as predictors for production performance. Results The models to estimate production performance from serology, slaughter checks, and vaccination were able to explain the variability of weaner and finisher mortality by 26 and 20%, respectively, and average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and age at slaughter by 47, 40 and 41%, respectively. Feed conversion ratio and sow performance were not explained by the studied predictors. Conclusions The models fitted, especially those for ADFI, ADG and age at slaughter, emphasize the usefulness of sourcing information at different levels to understand the impact of farm health status on pig performance, and highlight the impact of respiratory disease on production performance.
The Proof of Collatz Conjecture
Authors: Ye Hongyuan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This paper redefines Collatz conjecture, and proposes strong Collatz conjecture, the strong Collatz conjecture is a sufficient condition for the Collatz conjecture. Based on the computer data structure–tree, we construct the non-negative integer inheritance decimal tree. The nodes on the decimal tree correspond to non-negative integers. We further define the Collatz-leaf node (corresponding to the Collatz-leaf integer) on the decimal tree. The Collatz-leaf nodes satisfy strong Collatz conjecture. Derivation through mathematics, we prove that the Collatz-leaf node (Collatz-leaf integer) has the characteristics of inheritance. With computer large numbers and big data calculation, we conclude that all nodes at depth 800 are Collatz-leaf nodes. So we prove that strong Collatz conjecture is true, the Collatz conjecture must also be true. And for any positive integer N greater than 1, the minimum number of Collatz transform times from N to 1 is log2 N, the maximum number of Collatz transform times is 800 *（N-1）. The non-negative integer inheritance decimal tree proposed and constructed in this paper also can be used for the proof of other mathematical problems.
Impact and Cost-effectiveness Evaluation of a Community-based Rehabilitative Intervention on Quality of Life Among Chinese Adults With Hearing Loss: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ye Xin , Zhu Dawei , Chen Siyuan , Shi Xuefeng , Gong Rui , Wang Juncheng , Zuo Huibin , Zhang Mei , He Ping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Hearing loss is quite prevalent and affects people’s quality of life. To our knowledge, there are limited studies assessing the efficacy of hearing interventions onquality of life in adults. Therefore, we aim to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the impact and cost-effectiveness of community-based hearing rehabilitation on quality of life among Chinese adults with hearing loss.Methods/design:In this two-arm feasibility study, participants aged 16 and above with some degree of hearing loss (n=464) will be recruited from Linyi City, Shandong Province. Theyare randomly assigned to the treatment group or the control group. Those in the treatment group are prescribed with hearing aids, while those in the control group receive no intervention. Reinstruction in use of devices is providedfor the treatment group during booster visits held 6 months post-randomization or unscheduled interim visits when necessary. Data arecollected at baseline and the follow-up 12 months later. The primary outcome ischanges in quality of life over a 12-month study period. Secondary outcomes include sub-dimensions in quality of life, physical functioning, chronic diseases, cognitive function, depression, social support, hospitalizations, falls and healthcarecosts. Finally, we will evaluate whether hearing aids intervention is cost-effectiveness to apply in a large scale.Discussion:The trialis designed to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of a community-based rehabilitative intervention on quality of life among Chinese adults with hearing loss. We hope that it would help improve the well-being for Chinese adults and provide references inpolicy and practicefor China andother countries.Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR1900024739.Registered on 26 July 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
Enhanced binding of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope protein to tight junction-associated PALS1 could play a key role in COVID-19 pathogenesis
Authors: De Maio Flavio , Cascio Ettore Lo , Babini Gabriele , Sali Michela , Longa Stefano Della , Tilocca Bruno , Roncada Paola , Arcovito Alessandro , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Scambia Giovanni , Urbani Andrea 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The Envelope (E) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is the most enigmatic protein among the four structural ones on the viral genome. Most of the current knowledge on the E protein is based on the direct comparison to the SARS E protein, initially mistakenly undervalued and subsequently proved to be a key factor in the ER-Golgi localization and in tight junction disruption. Methods: We compared the genomic sequences of E protein of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and the closely related genomes of bats and pangolins obtained from the GISAID and GenBank databases. Multiple sequence alignments were done with the Geneious software using the MAFFT algorithm. In silico modelling analyses of E proteins conformation and docking with PALS1 were performed with the Schrodinger Suite.Results: When compared to the known SARS E protein, we observed a different amino acidic sequence in the C-terminal of SARS-CoV-2 E protein which might have a key role in the current COVID-19 pathogenesis. In silico docking results provide evidence of a strengthened binding of SARS-CoV-2 E protein with the tight junction-associated PALS1 protein.Conclusions: We suggest that SARS-CoV-2 E protein may interfere with the tight junction stability and formation leading to an enhanced epithelial barrier disruption, amplifying the inflammatory processes, and promoting tissue remodelling. These findings raise a warning on the underestimated role of the E protein in the pathogenic mechanism and could open the route to detailed experimental investigations.
Balancing Yin and Yang: the development of a framework using Participatory Action Research for the Translation and Implementation (Part 1) of new practices
Authors: Fitzgerald Anneke , Ogrin Rajna , Hayes Kate , Curry Joanne , Eljis Kathy , Radford Katrina 
Published: May 2020

Context: Despite the demonstrable benefits of many healthcare innovations, embedding research findings into practice has been slow and sporadic. [1,2] Many implementation frameworks exist, however most havebeen criticised for not having a strong theoretical underpinning. This study addresses this gap by reviewing the current models to propose a new, theoretically driven framework for change management and translation.
Methods: This study is reported in two parts. In part 1, a systematically-based literature review was undertaken. Following this, part 2 included conducting focus groups with academics to verify the model and provide feedback on the new framework.
Findings: The gaps in current implementation frameworks identified include deficiencies in the areas of individual and social behaviour, participatory action, operationalisation and evaluation of the frameworks. The Quality Implementation Framework (QIF) [3] was used to provide the basis to develop a robust extended model, which addressed those areas that were identified as deficient in the current frameworks. By combining the best parts of extant models with a translation and implementation foci, we developed the PARTI model that is underpinned by commitment to change (Ying) and change fidelity (Yang) at each of its four stages, which included a behavioural questionnaire and implementation checklist. PARTI stands for Participatory Action Research, Translation and Implementation.
Conclusions: The implementation of change in healthcare delivery is difficult and demanding, and healthcare managers look to change frameworks for guidance. The PARTI model has been developed to provide a systematic approach to implementing changed practices that is repeatable, reliable and scalable.
Abbreviations: ISF – Interactive Systems Framework; PAR – Participatory Action Research; PARTI – Participatory Action Research for Translation and Implementation; QIF – Quality Implementation Framework; TDF – Theoretical Domains Framework.