bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Suggested Repositionable Therapeutics for Managing COVID-19: An Investigation with Machine Learning Algorithms and Molecular Structures
Authors: Sundar T.V. , Menaka K. , Vinotha G. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is almost half year old now and is still tormenting the humans to unimaginable extent with deeper interference to their routine life and peace. As approved vaccines are yet to be synthesized and standard therapeutic procedures are awaiting establishment for fighting against new Corona virus, several treatment modalities are being suggested and tried out by scientific community. Many of such approaches follow a drug repurposing approach as a possible remedy could prevent a great amount of loss in a shorter span of time. In this background, we report our attempt made for identifying a solution to this malady with a similar strategy. We used machine learning algorithms and the structural information of already approved drugs to identify potential therapeutics for managing the Covid-19 crisis. The experiments have been done with a group of 77 antiviral molecules (for the training phase of machine learning) and another group, comprising 9 antivirals and 11 antimalarials (meant for the testing phase). All the chosen molecules are approved category drugs and have significant drug action against the viruses. The identified molecules are subjected to validation by making docking studies with recently released crystal structures of Corona Virus. The binding affinity of the tested small molecules with three selected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) structures are computed and compared with the affinity scores of five other medications viz. Hydroxychloroquine, Favipiravir, Dexamethasone, Dichlorobenzyl alcohol and Amyl metacresol followed by subjecting the results to the statistical test of ANOVA. The predicted therapeutics in conjunction with their already established characteristics could be further put to evaluation by approved clinical trials towards determining the efficiency of them against COVID-19 infection.
Online Metallic Surface Defect Detection Using Deep LearningOnline Metallic Surface Defect Detection Using Deep Learning
Authors: ÇEREZCİ Feyza , KAZAN Serap , Oz Muhammed Ali , Oz Cemil , Tasci Tugrul , Hızal Selman , Altay Çağlayan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Across a range of manufacturing contexts, automated quality control has been gaining significantattention because it offers competitive advantages such as cost reduction, high accuracy in defect detection, and system stability over time. Although computer vision has historically been the most commonly applied method in this context, novel approaches such as deep learning have recently become more frequent and are used in cases where traditional methods cannot be applied. Because of the surface texture and curvature of many metallic parts, detection of defects such as scratches, cracks, and dents can be challenging for traditional computer vision methods. In this study, an image acquisition system supported by a special lighting device that provides processable images from an extremely reflective cylindrical metallic surface has been developed. Multiple images obtained from a single lateral line of the surface, which is rotated at a specified speed, are combined using photometric stereo and given as input to a convolutional neural network that is employed to classify defective and non-defective samples. The results obtained from this method are close to 98.5% accurate.
Heavy Metal-Induced Co-Selection for Antibiotic Resistance in Terrestrial Subsurface Soils
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Lan Bangrui , Fei Hexin , Wang Shanyun , Zhu Guibing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Terrestrial surface ecosystems are important sinks for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) due to the continuous discharge of contaminants from human-impacted ecosystems. However, factors determining the abundance and resistance types of ARGs in terrestrial subsurface soils remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the abundance and diversity of ARGs, and their correlations with metal resistance genes (MRGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs), bacteria, and heavy metals in subsurface soils in a global scale using high throughput quantitative PCR and metagenomic sequencing approaches. Results: Abundant and diverse ARGs were detected with high spatial heterogeneity among the sampling sites. Vertically, there was no significant difference in the ARG profiles between the aquifer and non-aquifer soils. Heavy metals were the key factors shaping ARG patterns in soils with high heavy metal contents, while they induced no significant effect in low contents. Moreover, heavy metals could trigger the proliferation of antibiotic resistance by increasing MGE abundance or influencing bacterial communities. Metagenomic analysis also revealed the widespread co-occurrence of ARGs and MRGs, with heavy metals possibly aggravating the co-selection of ARGs and MRGs in soils with high heavy metal contents. Conclusions: This study highlighted the heavy metal-induced co-selection for ARGs and MRGs and revealed the occurrence of ARG pollution in terrestrial subsurface soils.
Significance of CTNNB1 Mutation in Cellular Process, Prognosis, and Drug Selection in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Cheng Tianqiong , chen xuenong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have reported that CTNNB1 mutant is a frequently mutated gene found in gastric cancer (GC), making this a valuable biomarker for GC. However, the underling mechanism of CTNNB1 regulating GC remains unknown.Aim of the study: To identify the significance of the CTNNB1 mutation in the prognosis and drug selection of GC, evaluate important genes and pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of GC.Methods: Data sets were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-STAD. CTNNB1 mutation and drug sensitivity analysis based on GDSC database. CTNNB1 wild group and mutant group analyzed by GSEA enrichment. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by LIMMA package for further GO and KEGG analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed by STRING and visualized by Cytoscape software.Results: The CTNNB1 mutation is found in 8% of GC patients. Patients with CTNNB1 mutations had better prognosis on overall survival and disease-free survival. GC cells with CTNNB1 mutation are sensitive to Nutlin-3a. In total 727 genes were identified as DEGs. GO and KEGG analysis suggested that DEGs were significantly enriched in categories associated with cell differentiation and immune response, digestion related pathways and multiple signal transduction related pathways. Top three significant modules of genes in the PPI network were identified and analyzed.Conclusions: Our results indicated that multiple genes and pathways may play a key role in GC patients with CTNNB1 mutation, implicated these factors as possible targets for future therapeutic strategies in patients with GC.
Identifying Potential Prognostic Expression Quantitative Trait Methylation for Predicting Survival in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Guofeng , Dong Pengfei , Zhu Yonglin , Wang Jingsheng , An Fengmin , Shi Qingpeng , Zou Apeng , Wang Guosheng , Li Shanhui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a complex cancer and depends on multiple biological processes and pathways. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify reliable prognostic biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes and helping personalize treatment of OS. Results: An expression Quantitative Trait Methylations (eQTMs)-based risk score model was developed to infer the prognostic efficacy for OS based on gene expression and methylation level. Some OS-specific eQTMs were identified and divided to positive and negative eQTMs. We found that some OS-specific eQTMs were significantly associated with survival in OS according to the eQTM-based risk score. The global characteristics for these prognosis-associated eQTMS were depicted and analyzed. These prognosis-associated eQTMS are stable in multiple experiments and showed better performance in predicting survival than single gene expression, age and gender of OS. Functional analysis indicated that the genes in prognosis-associated eQTMS were associated with essential biology processes of cancer development. In addition, these genes were also drug targets for many kinds of drugs and may provide assistance for studying drug repurposing of OS. Conclusion: These results highlight the potential of eQTMs as novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets for OS.
Differential Immune Signatures in the Tumor Microenvironment are Associated with Colorectal Cancer Racial Disparities: A Cohort Study of Biorepository Data
Authors: Curran Thomas , Sun Zequn , Gerry Brielle , Findlay Victoria J. , Wallace Kristin , Li Zihai , Paulos Chrystal , Ford Marvella , Rubinstein Mark P. , Chung Dongjun , Camp E. Ramsay 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes may be due to a more aggressive phenotype in African American patients in the setting of a decreased tumor immunity, though the precise mechanism for this result has not been well elucidated. To explore the molecular factors underlying colorectal cancer disparities, we compared the immunogenomic signatures of colorectal cancer from African American and European American patients.Methods: We identified all colorectal cancer patients from the publicly available Cancer Genome Atlas for whom race and survival data are available. Immunophenotype signatures were established for African American and European American patients. Comparisons were made regarding survival and a multivariable linear regression model was created to determine the association of immune cellular components with race. Differential gene expression was also assessed. Results: Of the 254 patients identified, 58 (23%) were African American and 196 (77%) were European American. African American patients had a decreased progression free survival (p=0.04). Tumors from African American patients displayed a reduced fraction of macrophages and CD8+ T cells and an increased fraction of B cells compared with tumors from European Americans. Differences persisted when controlling for sex, age and disease stage. Immunostimulatory and immunoinhibitory gene profiles including MHC expression differed by race. Conclusions: Differences in the tumor immune microenvironment of African American as compared to European American colorectal cancer specimens may play a role in the survival differences between the groups. These differences may provide targeted therapeutic opportunities.
Willingness and Associated Factors of Engaging in Aged Care Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guo Yujie , Yang Lei , Zhu Lingli , Wan Yu , Zhang Shujun , Zhang Jie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: There is an increasing demand for nurses to work with older adults with the increase of life expectancy. However, the willingness of nursing students to work with older adults is at a low level. Methods: This study aimed to further explore the willingness and associated factors of undergraduate nursing students to engage in aged care. A convenience sampling method was employed from May to July 2017 in China. Results: Of the 853 students surveyed, 38.1% were willing to engage in aged care after graduation. Expectancy, interest, attainment value, cost, prejudice, whether they like nursing profession and whether they participated in elderly-related activities were the most significant predictors of the students’ willingness to engage in aged care. Conclusions: This suggests that nursing educators have an important part in challenging students' stereotype of older adults and enhance their interest in caring for older adults through both well-designed curriculum and elderly-related activities, so as to improve their confidence and willingness to engage in aged care.
Unravelling promise of Indian herbal compounds as potential COVID-19 therapeutic agent
Authors: ALAM SHAHENVAZ , FATIMA SYEDA WARISUL , KHARE SUNIL K. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented devastation, humanity needs an urgent cure to save the mankind from this deadly disease. Over six million people have been infected worldwide, with 6.3% reported deaths till date. SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease has been isolated recently and the vaccine’s development is at nascent stage. At present, there are a few anecdotal evidences that anti-viral/anti-inflammatory/anti-malarial drugs can mitigate the disease. In the present study, we envision the potency of traditional Indian medicinal compounds that can be used as an effective drug. The viral SARS Coronavirus E protein plays a key role in virus life cycle and can be a potential drug target for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Using the crystal structure of the CoV-E protein, we performed virtual PyRX screening of Indian medicinal compounds which are reported to have efficacy in the treatment of some viral infections. Molecular docking studies were evaluated based on scores analysed by CavityPlus. The herbal compounds used were found to be more efficient in inhibiting the virus as compared to commercially available drugs. The results showed that β-boswellic acid and Glycyrrhizic acid possessed the best binding as a ligand with target molecule having binding affinity of -9.1 kcal/mol amongst eleven compounds screened. The study demonstrated that these are found to be strong SARS-CoV-2E protein inhibitors as they revealed compatible, near perfect dock in the overlapping region of functional viral protein pockets. These potential hit compounds can pave a way for designing of anti-viral therapeutics.
Comparative Analysis of UV Treatment and Heat Treatment on Fatty Acids Profile of Milk
Authors: Mubeen Rafia , Hassan Ali , Rashid Zonia , Nisa Sahar Un , Saeed Farhan , Afzaal Muhammad , Anjum Faqir Muhammad , Tufail Tabussam 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Non-linear progression of chronic kidney disease and associated factors in hypertensive patients: a 4-year cohort study
Authors: Silva Luciana Saraiva da , Moreira Tiago Ricardo , Silva Rodrigo Gomes da , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Recent studies suggest that the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not linear, but we do not have clear evidence on this issue, especially in hypertensive patients. We sought to evaluate the progression of CKD and associated factors over four years in a cohort of hypertensive patients.
Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study during the years 2012 and 2016, with hypertensive patients diagnosed with CKD (n = 113). The progression of CKD was assessed through the evolution of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the change in the stage of CKD between 2012 and 2016. Sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical variables were evaluated. The strength of the association between CKD progression and explanatory variables was assessed by odds ratio (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.
Results

Regarding progression, 78.1% of the CKD patients did not progress over four years. When assessing the CKD trajectory (2012–2016) through the evolution of GFR, there was a mean reduction of 1.3 mL/min/1.73m² in four years. In the group that progressed, there was a reduction of 13 mL/min/1.73m², while in the group that did not progress, there was an increase of 2 mL/min/1.73m². In the multivariate analyses, age (p = 0.047), diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.042), and urea (p = 0.050) were independently associated with CKD progression.
Conclusions

The findings of the present study showed a non-linear progression of CKD over the four years, contrary to what is traditionally expected. Age, DM and urea were independently associated with CKD progression.
Evaluating of the predictors of high blood pressure in children and adolescence: Findings from Iranian health care system reform plan
Authors: Taghizadeh Shahnaz , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Pourali Fathollah , jafarabadi mohammad asghari 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is the evaluate of dietary pattern and life style associated factors in predicting hypertension among overweight and obese pediatrics. In the current cross-sectional study, 425 overweight and obese children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years were enrolled. The predictors of blood pressure were included in the scoring algorithm. Results: The results showed that SBP and DBP had directly correlation with age (p<0.001, p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.005, p<0.007) respectively. Moreover, DBP was in correlation with fruit consumption of less than 2 serving per day versus never consumption (p=0.014, B= 0.444), fruit consumption of more than 2 serving per day versus never consumption (p=0.014, B= 0.480), and vegetable consumption less than 3 serving per day versus never consumption (p=0.045, B= -0.374). Also, results showed that DBP had significant correlation with fast foods /junk foods consumption of 1-2 items per week versus almost every day consumption (p= 0.047, B=-0.177). This final model could predict 32.1% of hypertension by SBP and DBP (R2 =0.321). According to our findings, consumption of lower vegetables and fruits, higher amounts of fast foods, higher age and BMI could be potent predictors of high blood pressure among Iranian children and adolescents.
Association of IL-17A -197G/A (rs2275913) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Sudanese Patients
Authors: Osman Rgda Mohamed , Noma Mounkaila , Ahmed Abdallah Elssir , Omer Rihab Ali , Albsheer Musab M. Ali , Alameen Ayman Ali Mohammed , Edris Ali Mahmoud Mohammed , Muneer Mohamed S. , Ahmed Ayman , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Siddig Emmanuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The aim of this study is to determine the association of IL-17A -197G/A polymorphism with RA in Sudanese Patients. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and December, 2018. Clinical and demographic data of the study participants were collected and analysed. All statistical tests were considered as statistically significant when p < 0.05.Results: The study population included 266 participants, 166 (63.1%) were females [mean age 41.4 ± 15.5 years] and 97 (36.9%) were males [mean age 36.2 ± 16.0 years]. Of the 266 participants, 31% (85/266) were RA cases and 69% (181/266) were healthy controls. Prevalence of IL-17A genotypes among the study population was 52.6% (140/266) were AG heterozygote genotype, 38.4% (102/266) were AA homozygote genotype, and 9.0% (24/266) were GG homozygote genotype. Correlation of IL-17A genotypes was negatively statistically significant based on participants clinical status, and family history of RA, Pearson’s correlation [r = -0.392, P value 0.001] and [r = -0.226, P value 0.001], respectively, while positively statistically significant with gender, Pearson’s correlation [r = 0.140, P value 0.023]. Based on the duration of RA, no statistically significant correlation was observed, Pearson’s correlation [ r = -0.138, P value 0.207].
A Novel Use of Structural Equation Modeling to Examine Life-style and Cardio-metabolic Factors Associated With Micro-vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Middle-aged Chinese Males
Authors: Miao Rujia , Yu Renhe , Zhou Hui , Liu Lei , wang jiangang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: The present study aims to use structural equation modeling with multiple regression pathways to examine direct and indirect association of potential behavioral (diet, physical activity and sleep) and cardio-metabolic risk factors with micro-vascular endothelial dysfunction (ED) among middle-aged Chinese males.Methods: The study was conducted in 306 middle-aged Chinese males, who underwent a health checkup between 2018 and 2019. Data on life-style behavior factors (physical activity, diet pattern, sleep quality, and diet data underwent exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis [EFA and CFA] in advance) and cardio-metabolic risk factors referring to metabolic syndrome [blood pressure, triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and body mass index] were introduced into the structural equation model to examine interrelationship among these factors and their association with ED, as evaluated by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI). Results: Impaired ED defined by RHI <1.67 occurred in 39.2% of the participants. Both EFA and CFA identified two major dietary patterns: "prudent pattern" and "western pattern". The univariate test suggested that only TG and prudent dietary pattern were directly associated with RHI. Furthermore, prudent dietary pattern had a direct association with RHI (β=0.16, P<0.05) and an indirect association via triglyceride (Prudent diet→TG: β=-0.15, P<0.05; TG→RHI: β=-0.17, P<0.001). As to confirming the hypothesized association between variables apart, physical activity frequency was correlated to the decrease in TG (β=-0.29, P<0.001), but had no direct correlation to RHI.Conclusion: The network of direct and indirect associations among life-style behavioral and cardio-metabolic risk factors with RHI measured ED among middle-aged males. The most significant modifiable factors identified were TG and prudent diet pattern, which needs to be targeted as preventive strategies for early micro-vascular impairment.
Investigation and Analysis of Biosafety Awareness Among Hospital Laboratory Staff in Seven Provinces of China
Authors: Li Sisi , Liu Bo , Li Jing , Yao Cijiang , Zhao Chihong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To understand the biosafety awareness of hospital laboratory staff in seven provinces of China, and to provide a basis for medical staff to carry out laboratory biosafety education. Methods: By using a stratified random sampling method, 188 laboratory staff from 41 hospitals in seven provinces were selected for a face-to-face questionnaire survey. In this survey, the biosafety awareness of the respondents was scored, and the biosafety awareness among hospital laboratory staff were evaluated based on the score. Results: The overall average score of laboratory staff in the surveyed hospitals was 81.64 points, and the average score of the biosafety awareness in the laboratory was 95.57 points, while the average score of biosafety awareness in risk assessment and control was only 44.68 points. Among the respondents, 57.22% of the staff identified a lack of special funds relating to biosafety activities. Conclusion: Biosafety awareness of laboratory staff is low, with laboratory funding, education level and years of laboratory work affecting the biosafety awareness of hospital laboratory staff. Biosafety training needs to be improved by paying attention to the biosafety training content, plus adding training effect evaluation and feedback loops, as well as exploring new training modes and increasing the support through special hospital biosafety funds.