bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliable and valid robot-assisted assessments of hand proprioceptive, motor and sensorimotor impairments after stroke
Authors: Zbytniewska Monika , Kanzler Christoph M. , Jordan Lisa , Salzmann Christian , Liepert Joachim , Lambercy Olivier , Gassert Roger 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Neurological injuries such as stroke often differentially impair hand motor and somatosensory function, as well as the interplay between the two, which leads to limitations in performing activities of daily living. However, it is challenging to identify which specific aspects of sensorimotor function are impaired based on conventional clinical assessments that are often insensitive and subjective. In this work we propose and validate a set of robot-assisted assessments aiming at disentangling hand proprioceptive from motor impairments, and capturing their interrelation (sensorimotor impairments). Methods: For this purpose, a battery of five complementary assessment tasks was implemented on a one degree-of-freedom end-effector robotic platform acting on the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. Specifically, proprioceptive impairments were assessed using a position matching paradigm. Fast target reaching, range of motion and maximum fingertip force tasks characterized motor function deficits. Finally, sensorimotor impairments were assessed using a dexterous trajectory following task. Clinical feasibility (duration), reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient ICC, smallest real difference SRD) and validity (Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlations rho) of these tasks were evaluated with 36 sub-acute stroke subjects and 31 age-matched neurologically intact controls. Results: Eighty-three percent of stroke survivors with varied impairment severity (mild to severe) could complete all robotic tasks (duration: <15 min per tested hand). Further, the study demonstrated good to excellent reliability of the robotic tasks in the stroke population (ICC>0.7, SRD<30%), as well as discriminant validity, as indicated by significant differences (p-value<0.001) between stroke and control subjects on all metrics extracted from the robotic tasks. Concurrent validity was shown through moderate to strong correlations (rho=0.4-0.8) between the robotic outcome measures and clinical scales. Finally, robotic tasks targeting different deficits were not strongly correlated, thereby presenting complementary information about a patient’s impairment profile. Conclusions: The proposed robot-assisted assessments provide a clinically feasible, reliable, and valid approach to distinctly characterize impairments in hand proprioceptive and motor function, along with the interaction between the two. This opens new avenues to help unravel the contributions of unique aspects of sensorimotor function in post-stroke recovery, as well as to contribute to future developments towards personalized, assessment-driven therapies.
Chlortetracycline promotes differentiation of intestinal bacterial community in broiler chicken
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Chen Siyuan , Xu TianTian , Hao Jie , Si Hongbin , Zeng Zhenling , xiong wenguang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Chlortetracycline is widely used for disease treatment and prevention in animal production system. However, the impact of chlortetracycline on gastrointestinal tract microbial communities of growing chickens has not been fully explored. Results Chickens received 5-day-course of chlortetracycline at actual therapeutic dose/low doses. By using 16S-rRNA sequencing-based approach, We found the predominant Firmicutes and Oscillospira significantly increased, while Shigella significantly decreased in the therapeutic-dose group. The main responders at phylum level to the chlortetracycline were Proteobacteria in the therapeutic-dose group and Firmicutes in the low-dose group. The therapeutic-dose of chlortetracycline significantly increased the α-diversity index including Shannon diversity index, Chao1 index and PD whole tree index. Both therapeutic and low dose increased the Weighted Unifrac distance. Conclusions The significantly changed bacterial community diversity indicated chlortetracycline promoted differentiation of bacterial community in broiler chicken gut. We provided a comprehensive understanding on chlortetracycline-induced changes of gastrointestinal tract microbial communities of growing chickens to optimize the use of antibiotics in health management programs in broiler industry.
Immunoregulatory Therapy in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycle Improved Reproductive Outcomes of Women with Elevated Peripheral Blood Th1/Th2 Ratios
Authors: Meng Shihui , Shen Huan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: Little observational data exist describing prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine+cyclosporine (PDN+HCQ+CsA), prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine (PDN+HCQ), prednisone (PDN) therapy for improving IVF-ET outcomes in patients with elevated peripheral Th1/Th2 ratio.Methods: Retrospectively collected patients who was failed in IVF-ET and had elevated Th1/Th2 ratio between 1/2019 and 3/2020. Based on researches, elevated Th1/Th2 ratio was defined as equal to 10.3 or above. Patients were assigned into treatment group and control group based on whether received immunoregulatory treatment (PDN+HCQ+CsA/PDN+HCQ/PDN) during frozen transfer cycle. Results: Forty-one patients (PDN+HCQ+CsA/PDN+HCQ/PDN=21/9/11) in treated group and 30 patients in control group were enrolled in the study. No differences were found of baseline characteristics between treated group and untreated group. Rate of live birth was higher in treated group compared with untreated patients (41.5% vs. 16.7%, P=0.026). Rate of biochemical pregnancy (56.1% vs. 40%, P=0.18), implantation (36.5% vs. 23.9%, P=0.15), clinical pregnancy (51.2% vs. 30%, P=0.0743) were higher than control group but there were no statistical significances. Conclusions: Use of prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine+ cyclosporine or prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine, or prednisone during frozen embryo transfer cycle for patients with past implantation failure and elevated peripheral Th1/Th2 ratio improved live birth rate compared to those untreated.
Mental health, coping, and social support among people living with HIV in the Americas: A comparative study between Argentina and the USA during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Jones Deborah L. , Ballivian Jamile , Rodriguez Violeta J. , Uribe Claudia , Cecchini Diego , Salazar Ana S. , Cassetti Isabel , Alcaide Maria L. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic pose significant risk to mental health and may disproportionately affect people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined the interaction of social support and resilient coping in predicting depressive symptoms among PLWH.Methods: PLWH residing in Buenos Aires, Argentina and in Miami, Florida (US) were asked to complete an anonymous survey on the impact of COVID-19. Statistical analysis included ordinary least squares regression.Results: A total of 1,554 participants were included. Mean age was 47.30 years; 63.7 % were men. A test of three-way interaction of social support resilient coping study site indicated differences by site (b = -0.63.862, p = .043010, 95% CI [-1.24, -0.02.205, 1.52]). In Argentina, at higher social support and resilient coping, depressive symptoms were lowest. At lower social support and resilient coping, depressive symptoms were highest.Discussion: The impact of COVID-19 on mental health illustrates the need to develop innovative strategies to support resilience and to enhance coping with stress and adversity among PLWH.
Targetable Alterations in Invasive Pleomorphic Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Riedlinger Gregory , Joshi Sonali , Hirshfield Kim M , Barnard Nicola , Ganesan Shridar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC) of the breast is a subtype of invasive lobular cancer which compromises approximately 1% of all epithelial breast malignancies and is characterized by higher nuclear pleomorphism and poorer prognosis than classic invasive lobular cancer (ILC). Since PLC is more aggressive than classical ILC, we examined the underlying molecular alterations in this subtype of breast cancer to understand the possible benefit from targeted therapies. Methods In this study, we investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular alterations in 16 PLC from our institution. Additionally, we examined the clinical and genomic features in 31 PLC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).Results Overall, our analysis of PLC found that 27% had activating ERBB2 mutations, 20% had ERBB2 amplification, and 47% activating PIK3CA mutations. Among cases from our institution, we found 19% with activating ERBB2 mutations, 25% had ERBB2 amplification, and 38% with activating PIK3CA mutations. In data from TCGA, 32% had activating ERBB2 mutations, 19% had ERBB2 amplification, and 55% had activating PIK3CA mutations. While classic ILC in TCGA had similar percentages of PIK3CA alterations compared to PLC, activating ERBB2 alterations were exceedingly rare, with no activating ERBB2 mutations and only one case with ERBB2 amplification. Interestingly, in further examining TCGA data which included FGFR1 and PTEN, 94% of PLC had alterations in ERBB2, FGFR1, or the PI3K pathway. Conclusions Our results show a high frequency of ERBB2 and PIK3CA alterations in PLC and suggest all PLC should be tested for potential therapeutic targeting.
Socioeconomic Burden of Bloodstream Infections Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Zhu Yunying , Xiao Tingting , Wang Yuan , Yang Kai , Zhou Yanzi , Luo Qixiao , Shen Ping , Xiao Yonghong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Although infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has become an urgent public health threat worldwide, the socioeconomic burden of CRE bloodstream infection (BSI) remains to be clarified.Methods: This retrospective study included all patients infected with Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae who were hospitalized for BSI from 2013 to 2015. Socioeconomic burden, including direct and indirect economic burden, was compared in patients infected with carbapenem-sensitive Enterobacteriaceae (CSE) and CRE following 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to control for confounding variables. Results: Data from 879 patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSI were evaluated, including 152 (17.3%) patients infected with CRE and 727 (82.7%) infected with CSE. PSM yielded 112 pairs of 224 patients. Median hospital length of stay did not differ significantly in the CRE and CSE groups (35 vs. 29 days, P=0.089), but in-hospital 28-day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients infected with CRE than with CSE (45.5% vs. 32.1%, P =0.040). Median direct economic burden was significantly greater in patients with CRE-BSI than with CSE-BSI during hospitalization ($24940.1 vs. 16864.0, P=0.017) but not during the period after infection ($10403.4 vs. 8498.0, P=0.178). Drug expenditure accounted for the largest proportion of costs in both groups. The median disability-adjusted life year (DALY) was higher in CRE-BSI than in CSE-BSI patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (7.9 vs.6.7 years, P=0.190). Median indirect economic burden did not differ significantly in these two groups ($3848.5 vs.1139.9, P=0.304), although indirect economic burden increased significantly from 2013 to 2015 in patients with CRE-BSI.Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance had a major impact on the clinical and socioeconomic burden of patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSI. The higher mortality rate in patients with CRE-BSI was associated with increased direct healthcare burden and indirect socioeconomic loss.
Taxonomy, virulence determinants and antimicrobial susceptibility of Aeromonas spp. isolated from bacteremia in southeastern China
Authors: Sun Yao , Zhao Yajie , Xu Wenya , Fang Renchi , Wu Qing , He Haokuang , Xu Chunquan , Zhou Cui , Cao Jianming , Chen Lijiang , Zhou Tieli 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The study was aimed to elucidate the species taxonomy, clinical manifestations, virulence gene profiles and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Aeromonas strains isolated from life-threatening bacteremia in southeastern China. Methods: Clinical samples of Aeromonas causing bacteremia were isolated from a teaching hospital in Wenzhou during 2013 to 2018 and retrospective cohort study was performed. Aeromonas strains were identified to species level by housekeeping gene gyrB. Six virulence-associated genes (aer, lip, hlyA, alt, ast, and act) were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antibiotics susceptibility testing (AST) was performed by VITEK 2 Compact system.Results: A total of 58 patients with bacteremia caused by Aeromonas species were collected during 6 years (2013-2018). 58 isolates were identified to five different species, where Aeromonas dhakensis appeared to be predominant (26/58), followed by Aeromonas veronii (13/58), Aeromonas caviae (10/58), Aeromonas hydrophila (7/58) and Aeromonas jandaei (2/58). 16 of 58 patients had poor prognosis. Poor prognosis was significantly associated with community-acquired infections and liver cirrhosis. The progression of bacteremia caused by Aeromonas was extremely fast, especially in A. dhakensis infections. Virulence genes aer, lip, hlyA, alt, ast, and act, were detected at ratios of 24.1% (14/58), 62.1% (36/58), 65.5% (38/58), 58.6% (34/58), 15.5% (9/58) and 65.5% (38/58), respectively. Antimicrobials susceptibility exhibited that 9 out of 58 isolates were identified as multi-drug resistant (MDR) organism. The majority of Aeromonas strains maintained susceptible to 3rd generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and furantoin. Conclusions: The prevalence and dangerousness of Aeromonas infections, especially A. dhakensis, are underestimated in clinic. Continuous monitoring is essential to keep track of MDR Aeromonas due to the increasing prevalence recently and more effective measure is required to control the spread of resistance determinants.
Genetic factor increased identification efficiency of predictive models for dyslipidemia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Niu Miaomiao , Zhang Liying , Wang Yikang , Tu Runqi , Liu Xiaotian , Hou Jian , Huo Wenqian , Mao Zhenxing , Wang Zhenfei , Wang Chongjian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Few studies have developed risk models for dyslipidemia, especially for rural population. Further, the performance of genetic factors in predicting dyslipidemia was not explored. The purpose is to develop and evaluate the prediction models with and without genetic factor for dyslipidemia in Chinese rural population.Methods: A total of 3596 individuals from the Henan Rural Cohort study were included in this study. All subjects were divided into training set and testing set in a ratio of 7:3. The conventional models and conventional+GRS models were developed with COX regression, artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM) classifiers in training set. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination index (IDI) were used to assess the discrimination ability of models and the calibration curve was used to show calibration ability in testing set.Results: Compared to the lowest GRS quartile, HR (95%CI) of individuals in the highest GRS quartile was 1.23(1.07, 1.41) in total population. Age, family history of diabetes, physical activity, BMI, TG, HDL-C, and LDLC-C were included and developed the conventional models, and the AUC of COX, ANN, RF, and GBM classifiers were 0.702(0.673, 0.729), 0.736(0.708, 0.762), 0.787 (0.762, 0.811), and 0.816(0.792, 0.839), respectively. After adding GRS, the AUC increased by 0.005, 0.018, 0.023, and 0.015 with COX, ANN, RF, and GBM classifiers, respectively. The corresponding NRI and IDI were 25.6%, 7.8%, 14.1%, 18.1% and 2.3%, 1.0%, 2.5%, 1.8%, respectively.Conclusion: Genetic factors could improve the predictive ability for dyslipidemia risk model, suggesting genetic information could be provided as a potential predictor to screen clinical dyslipidemia.Trial RegistrationThe Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register. (Trial registration: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699. Registered 6 July 2015 - Retrospectively registered) http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375
Weak Faults at Megathrust Plate Boundary Respond to Tidal Stress
Authors: Tonegawa Takashi , Kimura Toshinori , Shiraishi Kazuya , Yabe Suguru , Fukao Yoshio , Araki Eiichiro , Kinoshita Masataka , Sanada Toshinori , Miura Seiichi , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Kodaira Shuichi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Lateral spatial variations of weak portions at the plate boundary in subduction zones have been estimated primarily by the distribution of slow earthquakes mainly occurring around seismogenic zones. However, the detailed depth profile of weak faults remains elusive. Here, we deployed 6 ocean bottom seismometers in the Nankai subduction zone, Japan, to observe reflections originated from drilling vessel Chikyu ship noise (hydroacoustic P wave) that was persistently radiated from a fixed position at the sea surface, and retrieved P-to-s(Ps) reflections from multiple dipping faults near the plate boundary. The Ps amplitudes were stacked and compared according to the degrees of tidal stresses, and they were large at high tide (compression). A migration technique shows that the locations where velocity contrasts fluctuate were estimated at both the megasplay fault and another fault between the megasplay fault and the top of the oceanic crust. This indicates that the physical properties of those faults are changed by tidal stress. The physical-property changes are attributed to fluid connections and isolations within the faults due to tidal stress fluctuations, inducing the variation of seismic anisotropy. Such a variation was confirmed by a three-dimensional numerical simulation for wave propagation with anisotropic medium. Our observation suggests that multiple weak faults are present around the plate boundary, and the obtained changes of fault physical properties may have implications for our understanding of tidal triggering of earthquakes.
The effect of cow longevity on dynamic productivity growth of dairy farming
Authors: Ali Beshir Melkaw 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Cow longevity is recognized as an important trait to improve farm economic performance while concurrently reducing environmental and societal impacts. However, there is an economic trade-off between longevity and herd genetic improvement, which may influence the evolution of dairy farms’ efficiency and productivity over time. This study used a panel data of 723 Dutch specialized dairy farms over 2007-2013 to empirically measure the effect of longevity on dynamic productivity change and its components. First, the productivity growth estimates were obtained using the Luenberger dynamic productivity indicator. Then, the estimates were regressed on longevity and other explanatory variables using dynamic panel data model. Results show that the average dynamic productivity growth was 1.1% per year, comprising of technical change (0.5%), scale inefficiency change (0.4%) and technical inefficiency change (0.2%). Longevity is found to have a statistically significant positive association with productivity growth and technical change, implying that farms with more matured cows were also those farms that recorded increased productivity through technical progress. However, it has a negative association with technical inefficiency change, which might follow from the reduced milk productivity of old cows. Dutch dairy farms have a potential to raise productivity growth by reducing technical inefficiency.
HIV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Geosocial Networking Smartphone Application in Beijing, China: an Open Cohort Study
Authors: Mi Guodong , Zhang Binbin , Yu Fei , Ren Xianlong , Ong Jason , Fan Yaqi , Guo Fenghua , Li Chunjun , Zhang Mianzhi , Zhang Minying 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) have dramatically changed the patterns of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and changed risk behaviors of GSN app using MSM are limited.Methods We constructed an open cohort which was constructed and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire of their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those testing negative were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence were calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence.Results A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years (95%CI 2.37–4.57). HIV seroconversion was associated with the following factors in the preceding six months: more than five sexual partners (HR = 2.65 95%CI 1.04–6.67), and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82 95%CI 1.16–12.64). Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27 95%CI 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23 95%CI 0.08–0.62) were protective factors for HIV seroconversion.Conclusions Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app-based interventions could play an important role in HIV control among MSM using combinations of biomedical and behavioral interventions.