bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Electronic Reminders on Student Grades and Attitudes in Online Courses
Authors: O'Neil Carol A. , Buckley Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2020

Background
Reminders guide students in meeting course expectations for submitting assignments.

Problem
Variables linked to the effective use of reminders are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact on student grades and attitudes of using routine reminders for assignments in an online course.

Approach
Students enrolled in online graduate and undergraduate nursing courses were emailed weekly reminders for discussion board assignments. Students received reminders for half of the semester and served as their own control to evaluate the impact of reminders on grades.

Outcomes
There was no significant impact of reminders on grades or overall attitude. However, when undergraduate and graduate students were compared on individual questions on an attitude toward reminders' scale, undergraduate students reported that reminders were necessary, had a positive impact on their grades, and should be included in all courses.

Conclusions
Reminders should be routinely used in undergraduate online courses.
Pollutants in Hong Kong Soils: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn
Authors: Chung M.K. , Cheung K.C. , Wong M.H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSix heavy metals (Hg, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn) and 1 metalloid (As) in surface soils of Hong Kong were investigated in 10 land use categories (urban park, greening area, country park, rural area, restored landfill, agricultural farmland, orchard farm, crematorium, industrial and near highway area). Edaphic Hg concentration in Hong Kong was firstly reported here. Clustering of land uses was observed based on total pollutants concentrations (sum of 7 metals). The most polluted cluster consisted of industrial and highway areas (median: 617 to 833 mg kg-1) and the runner-up cluster included urban park, greening area and restored landfill (median: 400 to 500 mg kg-1). However, this general finding was not observed for Hg, where higher concentration was found in agricultural farmland (median 109 μg kg-1). The use of low quality fertilizers, together with the contribution from exhausts and wearable parts from automobiles were believed to be the major sources of Cr, Cu and Zn in Hong Kong, while the application of Hg-containing agrochemicals maybe the main mechanism of Hg contamination in agricultural soil. Based on the daily intake assumption of 0.2 g d-1of soil particles by USEPA, direct ingestion of Hg-containing soils is not a major exposure pathway for population in Hong Kong. When comparing the edaphic heavy metal concentrations with Dutch soil quality guidelines demonstrated that Hg, Cd and Pb were not in level of health concerns, while Cu, Cr and Zn in less than 6% of total samples were found to exceed the Dutch intervention values sporadically. In contrast, suburban soils from northern and northeastern Hong Kong were mostly contaminated with As (10% of total samples) at concentration that could be potentially causing adverse health impacts to the nearby population.Pollutant in Hong Kong soils seriesChung, M. K., Hu, R., Cheung, K. C. & Wong, M. H. Pollutants in Hong Kong soils: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Chemosphere 67, 464–473 (2007).http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.09.062Chung, M. K., Cheung, K. C. & Wong, M. H. Pollutants in Hong Kong Soil: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Znhttps://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.16.951558Chung, M. K., Hu, R., Cheung, K. C. & Wong, M. H. Pollutants in Hong Kong Soils: Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenylshttps://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.16.951541
Trends and prediction in daily incidence of novel coronavirus infection in China, Hubei Province and Wuhan City: an application of Farr’s law
Authors: Xu Jie , Cheng Yajiao , Yuan Xiaoling , Li Wei V. , Zhang Lanjing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has infected tens of thousands of patients in China. Studies have forecasted future trends of the incidence of 2019-nCoV infection, but appeared unsuccessful. Farr’s law is a classic epidemiology theory/practice for predicting epidemics. Therefore, we used and validated a model based on Farr’s law to predict the daily-incidence of 2019-nCoV infection in China and 2 regions of high-incidence.MethodsWe extracted the 2019-nCoV incidence data of China, Hubei Province and Wuhan City from websites of the Chinese and Hubei health commissions. A model based on Farr’s law was developed using the data available on Feb. 8, 2020, and used to predict daily-incidence of 2019-nCoV infection in China, Hubei Province and Wuhan City afterward.ResultsWe observed 50,995 (37001 on or before Feb. 8) incident cases in China from January 16 to February 15, 2020. The daily-incidence has peaked in China, Hubei Providence and Wuhan City, but with different downward slopes. If no major changes occur, our model shows that the daily-incidence of 2019-nCoV will drop to single-digit by February 25 for China and Hubei Province, but by March 8 for Wuhan city. However, predicted 75% confidence intervals of daily-incidence in all 3 regions of interest had an upward trend. The predicted trends overall match the prospectively-collected data, confirming usefulness of these models.ConclusionsThis study shows the daily-incidence of 2019-nCoV in China, Hubei Province and Wuhan City has reached the peak and was decreasing. However, there is a possibility of upward trend.
Estimating the risk of 2019 Novel Coronavirus death during the course of the outbreak in China, 2020
Authors: Mizumoto Kenji , Chowell Gerardo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSince the first case of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, China, the number of cases continues to grow across China and multiple cases have been exported to other countries. The cumulative number of reported deaths is at 637 as of February 7, 2020. Here we statistically estimated the time-delay adjusted death risk for Wuhan as well as for China excluding Wuhan to interpret the current severity of the epidemic in China. We found that the latest estimates of the death risk in Wuhan could be as high as 20% in the epicenter of the epidemic whereas we estimate it ∼1% in the relatively mildly-affected areas. Because the elevated death risk estimates are likely associated with a breakdown of the medical/health system, enhanced public health interventions including social distancing and movement restrictions should be effectively implemented to bring the epidemic under control.
A Note on COVID-19 Diagnosis Number Prediction Model in China
Authors: Li Yi , Yin Xianhong , Liang Meng , Liu Xiaoyu , Hao Meng , Wang Yi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractImportanceTo predict the diagnosed COVID-19 patients and the trend of the epidemic in China. It may give the public some scientific information to ease the fear of the epidemic.ObjectiveIn December 2019, pneumonia infected with the novel coronavirus burst in Wuhan, China. We aimed to use a mathematical model to predict number of diagnosed patients in future to ease anxiety on the emergent situation.DesignAccording to all diagnosis number from WHO website and combining with the transmission mode of infectious diseases, the mathematical model was fitted to predict future trend of outbreak.SettingOur model was based on the epidemic situation in China, which could provide referential significance for disease prediction in other countries, and provide clues for prevention and intervention of relevant health authorities.ParticipantsIn this retrospective, all diagnosis number from Jan 21 to Feb 10, 2020 reported from China was included and downloaded from WHO website.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)We develop a simple but accurate formula to predict the next day diagnosis number:,where Niis the total diagnosed patient till theith day, andαwas estimated as 0.904 at Feb 10.ResultsBased on this model, it is predicted that the rate of disease infection will decrease exponentially. The total number of infected people is limited; thus, the disease will have limited impact. However, new diagnosis will last to March.Conclusions and RelevanceThrough the establishment of our model, we can better predict the trend of the epidemic in China.
Early Prediction of Disease Progression in 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Patients Outside Wuhan with CT and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Feng Zhichao , Yu Qizhi , Yao Shanhu , Luo Lei , Duan Junhong , Yan Zhimin , Yang Min , Tan Hongpei , Ma Mengtian , Li Ting , Yi Dali , Mi Ze , Zhao Hufei , Jiang Yi , He Zhenhu , Li Huiling , Nie Wei , Liu Yin , Zhao Jing , Luo Muqing , Liu Xuanhui , Rong Pengfei , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the predictive value of CT and clinical characteristics for short-term disease progression in patients with 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP).Materials and Methods224 patients with confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection outside Wuhan who had chest CT examinations were retrospectively screened. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records. CT images were reviewed and scored for lesion distribution, lobe and segment involvement, ground-glass opacities, consolidation, and interstitial thickening. All included patients with moderate NCP were observed for at least 14 days from admission to determine whether they exacerbated to severe NCP (progressive group) or not (stable group). CT and clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared, and multivariate logistic regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for developing severe NCP.ResultsA total of 141 patients with moderate NCP were included, of which 15 (10.6%) patients developed severe NCP during hospitalization and assigned to the progressive group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 [1.04-1.53];P= 0.018) and CT severity score (OR and 95% CI, 1.25 [1.08-1.46];P= 0.004) on admission were independent predictors for progression to severe NCP, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the consistent results in nonimported patients but not in imported patients. However, no significant difference in lung involvement was found on CT between imported and nonimported patients (allP> 0.05). Patients who were admitted more than 4 days from symptom onset tended to have more severe lung involvement. Spearman correlation analysis showed the close association between CT severity score and inflammatory indexes (r= 0.17∼0.47, allP< 0.05).ConclusionCT severity score was associated with inflammatory levels and higher NLR and CT severity score on admission were independent risk factors for short-term progression in patients with NCP outside Wuhan. Furthermore, early admission and surveillance by CT should be recommended to improve clinical outcomes.
NovelKITLG/SCFregulatory variants are associated with lung function in African American children with asthma
Authors: Mak Angel CY , Sajuthi Satria , Joo Jaehyun , Xiao Shujie , Sleiman Patrick M , White Marquitta J , Lee Eunice Y , Saef Benjamin , Hu Donglei , Gui Hongsheng , Keys Kevin L , Lurmann Fred , Jain Deepti , Abecasis Gonçalo , Kang Hyun Min , Nickerson Deborah A. , Germer Soren , Zody Michael C , Winterkorn Lara , Reeves Catherine , Huntsman Scott , Eng Celeste , Salazar Sandra , Oh Sam S , Gilliland Frank D , Chen Zhanghua , Kumar Rajesh , Martínez Fernando D , Wu Ann Chen , Ziv Elad , Hakonarson Hakon , Himes Blanca E , Williams L Keoki , Seibold Max A , Burchard Esteban G. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTBaseline lung function, quantified as forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation (FEV1), is a standard diagnostic criterion used by clinicians to identify and classify lung diseases. Using whole genome sequencing data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute TOPMed project, we identified a novel genetic association with FEV1on chromosome 12 in 867 African American children with asthma (p = 1.26 × 10−8, β = 0.302). Conditional analysis within 1 Mb of the tag signal (rs73429450) yielded one major and two other weaker independent signals within this peak. We explored statistical and functional evidence for all variants in linkage disequilibrium with the three independent signals and yielded 9 variants as the most likely candidates responsible for the association with FEV1. Hi-C data and eQTL analysis demonstrated that these variants physically interacted withKITLG (aka SCF)and their minor alleles were associated with increased expression ofKITLGgene in nasal epithelial cells. Gene-by-air-pollution interaction analysis found that the candidate variant rs58475486 interacted with past-year SO2exposure (p = 0.003, β = 0.32). This study identified a novel protective genetic association with FEV1, possibly mediated throughKITLG, in African American children with asthma.
The efficacy of convalescent plasma for the treatment of severe influenza
Authors: Xu Zhiheng , Zhou Jianmeng , Huang Yongbo , Liu Xuesong , Xu Yonghao , Chen Sibei , Liu Dongdong , Lin Zhimin , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Yimin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdministration of convalescent plasma may be of clinical benefit for treatment of severe acute viral respiratory infections. However, no clear evidence exists to support or oppose convalescent plasma use in clinical practice. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the convalescent plasma for the treatment of severe influenza.MethodsHealthcare databases were searched in February 2020. All records were screened against the eligibility criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were undertaken. The primary outcome was case-fatality rates by influenza.ResultsWe identified 5 RCTs of severe influenza. The pooled analyses showed no evidence for a reduction in mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51–2.23; p = 0.87; I2 = 35%). We also found non-significant reductions in days in ICU and hospital, and days on mechanical ventilation. There seemed to have a biological benefit of increasing HAI titer levels and decreasing influenza B virus loads and cytokines after convalescent plasma treatment. No serious adverse events was reported between two groups. Studies were commonly of low risk of bias with high quality.ConclusionsConvalescent plasma appears safe but may not reduce mortality in severe influenza. This therapy should be studied within the context of a well-designed clinical trial for treatment of SARS-Cov-2 infection.
Variation in the Availability and Cost of Essential Medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases in Uganda: a descriptive time series analysis
Authors: Armstrong-Hough Mari , Sharma Srish , Kishore Sandeep P. , Akiteng Ann R , Schwartz Jeremy I. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundAvailability of essential medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is poor in low- and middle-income countries. Availability and cost are conventionally assessed using cross-sectional data. However, these characteristics may vary over time.MethodsWe carried out a prospective, descriptive analysis of the availability and cost of essential medicines in 23 Ugandan health facilities over a five-week period. We surveyed facility pharmacies in-person up to five times, recording availability and cost of 19 essential medicines for NCDs and four essential medicines for communicable diseases.ResultsAvailability of medicines varied substantially over time, especially among public facilities. Among private-for-profit facilities, the cost of the same medicine varied from week to week. Private-not-for-profit facilities experienced less dramatic fluctuations in price.ConclusionsWe conclude that there is a need for standardized, continuous monitoring to better characterize the availability and cost of essential medicines, understand demand for these medicines, and reduce uncertainty for patients.
Single cell transcriptomic heterogeneity in invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer cells
Authors: Chen Fangyuan , Ding Kai , Priedigkeit Nolan , Elangovan Ashuvinee , Levine Kevin M. , Carleton Neil , Savariau Laura , Atkinson Jennifer M. , Oesterreich Steffi , Lee Adrian V. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInvasive lobular breast carcinoma (ILC), one of the major breast cancer histological subtypes, exhibits unique clinical and molecular features compared to the other well-studied ductal cancer subtype (IDC). The pathognomonic feature of ILC is loss of E-cadherin, mainly caused by inactivating mutations within theCDH1gene, but the extent of contribution of this genetic alteration to ILC-specific molecular characteristics remains largely understudied. To profile these features transcriptionally, we conducted single cell RNA sequencing on a panel of IDC and ILC cell lines, as well as an IDC cell line (T47D) with CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock out (KO) ofCDH1. Inspection of intra-cell line heterogeneity illustrated genetically and transcriptionally distinct subpopulations in multiple cell lines and highlighted rare populations of MCF7 cells highly expressing an apoptosis-related signature, positively correlated with a pre-adaptation signature to estrogen deprivation. Investigation ofCDH1KO-induced alterations showed transcriptomic membranous systems remodeling, elevated resemblance to ILCs in regulon activation, and suggestsIRF1as a potential mediator of reduced proliferation and increased cytokine-mediated immune-reactivity in ILCs.
Low coverage genomic data resolve the population divergence and gene flow history of an Australian rain forest fig wasp
Authors: Cooper Lisa , Bunnefeld Lynsey , Hearn Jack , Cook James M , Lohse Konrad , Stone Graham N. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPopulation divergence and gene flow are key processes in evolution and ecology. Model-based analysis of genome-wide datasets allows discrimination between alternative scenarios for these processes even in non-model taxa. We used two complementary approaches (one based on the blockwise site frequency spectrum (bSFS), the second on the Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (PSMC)) to infer the divergence history of a fig wasp,Pleistodontes nigriventris. Pleistodontes nigriventrisand its fig tree mutualistFicus watkinsianaare restricted to rain forest patches along the eastern coast of Australia, and are separated into northern and southern populations by two dry forest corridors (the Burdekin and St. Lawrence Gaps). We generated whole genome sequence data for two haploid males per population and used the bSFS approach to infer the timing of divergence between northern and southern populations ofP. nigriventris,and to discriminate between alternative isolation with migration (IM) and instantaneous admixture (ADM) models of post divergence gene flow.Pleistodontes nigriventrishas low genetic diversity (π = 0.0008), to our knowledge one of the lowest estimates reported for a sexually reproducing arthropod. We find strongest support for an ADM model in which the two populations divergedca. 196kya in the late Pleistocene, with almost 25% of northern lineages introduced from the south during an admixture eventca.57kya. This divergence history is highly concordant with individual population demographies inferred from each pair of haploid males using PSMC. Our analysis illustrates the inferences possible with genome-level data for small population samples of tiny, non-model organisms and adds to a growing body of knowledge on the population structure of Australian rain forest taxa.
Guanosine inhibits hepatitis C virus replication and increases indel frequencies, associated with altered intracellular nucleotide pools
Authors: Sabariegos Rosario , Ortega-Prieto Ana M. , Díaz-Martínez Luis , Grande-Pérez Ana , Gallego Isabel , de Ávila Ana I. , Soria María Eugenia , Gastaminza Pablo , Domingo Esteban , Perales Celia , Mas Antonio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the course of experiments aimed at deciphering the inhibition mechanism of mycophenolic acid and ribavirin in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we observed an inhibitory effect of the nucleoside guanosine (Gua). Here, we report that Gua and not the other standard nucleosides inhibits HCV replication in human hepatoma cells. Gua did not directly inhibit thein vitropolymerase activity of NS5B, but it modified the intracellular levels of nucleoside di- and tri-phosphate (NDPs and NTPs), leading to deficient HCV RNA replication and reduction of infectious progeny virus production. Changes in the concentrations of NTP or NDP modified NS5B RNA polymerase activityin vitro, in particularde novoRNA synthesis and template switching. Furthermore, the Gua-mediated changes were associated with a significant increase in the number of indels in viral RNA, which may account for the reduction of the specific infectivity of the viral progeny, suggesting the presence of defective genomes. Thus, a proper NTP:NDP balance appears to be critical to ensure HCV polymerase fidelity and minimal production of defective genomes.Author summaryRibonucleoside metabolism is essential for replication of RNA viruses. In this article we describe the antiviral activity of the natural ribonucleoside guanosine (Gua). We demonstrate that hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication is inhibited in the presence of increasing concentrations of this ribonucleoside and that this inhibition does not occur as a consequence of a direct inhibition of HCV polymerase. Cells exposed to increasing concentrations of Gua show imbalances in the intracellular concentrations of nucleoside-diphosphates and triphosphates and as the virus is passaged in these cells, it accumulates mutations that reduce its infectivity and decimate its normal spreading capacity.