bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KVarPredDB: A Database for Predicting Pathogenicity of Missense Sequence Variants of Keratin Genes Associated With Genodermatoses
Authors: Banerjee Santasree , Ying Yuyi , Lu Lu , Xu Lizhen , Zhao Qiang , Wu Hao , Li Ruiqi , Xu Xiao , Yu Hua , Neculai Dante , Xi Yongmei , Yang Fan , Qin Jiale , Li Chen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Germline variants of ten keratin genes (K1, K2, K5, K6A, K6B, K9, K10, K14, K16 and K17) have been reported for causing different types of genodermatoses with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Among all the variants of these ten keratin genes, most of them are missense variants. Unlike pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants, understanding the clinical importance of novel missense variants or variants of uncertain significance (VUS) is the biggest challenge for clinicians or medical geneticists. Functional characterization is the only way to understand the clinical association of novel missense variants or VUS but it is time-consuming, costly and depends on the availability of patient’s samples. Existing databases report the pathogenic variants of the keratin genes, but never emphasize the systematic effects of these variants on keratin protein structure and genotype-phenotype correlation. Results: To address this need, we developed a comprehensive database KVarPredDB, which contains information of all ten keratin genes associated with genodermatoses. We integrated and curated 398 reported pathogenic missense variants as well as 4629 missense VUS. KVarPredDB predicts the pathogenicity of novel missense variants as well as to understand the severity of disease phenotype, based on four criteria; firstly, difference in physico-chemical properties between the wild-type and substituted amino acids, secondly, the loss of inter/intra-chain interactions, thirdly, evolutionary conservation of the wild type amino acids and lastly, the effect of the substituted mutation in the heptad repeat. Molecular docking simulations based on resolved crystal structures were adopted to predict stability changes and get the binding energy to compare the wild type protein with the mutated one. We use this basic information to determine the structural and functional impact of novel missense variants on the keratin coiled-coil heterodimer. KVarPredDB was implemented in Java, Bootstrap, React-mutation-mapper, common MySQL, Tomcat, and under the integrative web application development framework SSM (SpringBoot, Spring MVC, MyBatis). The web site can be accessed through http://bioinfo.zju.edu.cn/KVarPredDB. The genomic variants and analysis results are freely available under the Creative Commons license.Conclusions: KVarPredDB provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface with computational analytical investigation for each missense variant of the keratin genes associated with genodermatoses.
The use of artificial teeth in a pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core undergraduate teaching program
Authors: Dudley James 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The use of artificial teeth in pre-clinical simulation clinic teaching of post-core techniques has clear educational benefits for students and staff. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for selection and direct student experiences with artificial teeth in a recently conducted pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core technique teaching program.
Methods

An online anonymous survey was delivered to fourth year undergraduate dental students who had completed the fixed prosthodontics pre-clinical program seeking information on the choice of artificial or natural teeth and direct experiences. Quantitative data was summarised and qualitative data was clustered into topics.
Results

A 100% response rate was received. 36% of 70 respondents chose to use one or more artificial teeth for the post-core exercises which was predominantly driven by difficulty in sourcing appropriate natural teeth (59%) rather than educational benefit (13%). 45 (64%) chose not to use artificial teeth largely due to the cost of the teeth (49%).
Conclusions

Direct student experiences in using the artificial teeth for post-core exercises were positive. In the choice to select artificial or natural teeth for post-core exercises, teaching staff may focus on educational benefits while students focus on the practicalities of sourcing teeth, associated costs and ease of use. As the first known research of its kind, within the limitations of this study artificial teeth provided an appropriate and realistic simulation compared to extracted natural teeth and were easier to source for the post-core exercises of the pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics program. More widespread use of artificial teeth was limited by cost.
Feedback after OSCE: A comparison of face to face versus an enhanced written feedback
Authors: Ngim Chin Fang , Fullerton Paul Douglas , Ratnasingam Vanassa , Arasoo Valliammai Jayanthi Thirunavuk , Dominic Nisha Angela , Niap Cindy Pei Sze , Thurairajasingam Sivakumar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
The Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is a useful means of generating meaningful feedback. OSCE feedback may be in various forms (written, face to face and audio or video recordings). Studies on OSCE feedback are uncommon, especially involving Asian medical students.
Methods
We compared two methods of OSCE feedback delivered to fourth year medical students in Malaysia: (i) Face to face (FTF) immediate feedback (semester one) (ii) Individualised enhanced written (EW) feedback containing detailed scores in each domain, examiners’ free text comments and the answer guide (semester two). Both methods were evaluated by students and staff examiners, and students’ responses were compared against their OSCE performance.
Results
Of the 116 students who sat for both formative OSCEs, 82.8% (n = 96) and 86.2% (n = 100) responded to the first and second survey respectively. Most students were comfortable to receive feedback (91.3% in FTF, 96% in EW) with EW feedback associated with higher comfort levels (p = 0.022). Distress affected a small number with no differences between either method (13.5% in FTF, 10% in EW, p = 0.316). Most students perceived both types of feedback improved their performance (89.6% in FTF, 95% in EW); this perception was significantly stronger for EW feedback (p = 0.008). Students who preferred EW feedback had lower OSCE scores compared to those preferring FTF feedback (mean scores ± SD: 43.8 ± 5.3 in FTF, 47.2 ± 6.5 in EW, p = 0.049). Students ranked the “answer guide” to be the most valuable aspect of the EW feedback. Tutors felt both methods of feedback were equally beneficial. Few examiners felt they needed training (21.4% in FTF, 15% in EW) but students perceived this need for tutors’ training differently (53.1% in FTF, 46% in EW)
Conclusion
Whilst both methods of OSCE feedback were highly valued, students preferred to receive EW feedback and felt it was more beneficial. Learning cultures of Asian students may have influenced this view. Information provided in EW feedback should be tailored accordingly to provide meaningful feedback in OSCE exams.
Arterial Carboxyhemoglobin Levels In Covid-19 Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Paccaud Paul , Castanares-Zapatero Diego , Gerard Ludovic , Montiel Virginie , Wittebole Xavier , Collienne Christine , Laterre Pierre-François , Hantson Philippe 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background : Oxidative stress conditions may be responsible for an up-regulation of the expression of heme oxygenase, the enzyme synthesizing carbon monoxide (CO) in cells. Elevated levels of arterial carboxyhemoglogin (CO-Hb) have been found in critically ill patients, including those suffering from acute lung injury. We aimed to investigate the changes of arterial CO-Hb levels in COVID-19 critically ill patients.Methods : A retrospective cohort study was conducted on the medical charts of 63 patients admitted in the ICU for severe COVID-19 infection over the period March 1 – May 31, 2020.Results : The overall ICU mortality rate was 39%. Non-survivors had a significantly higher profile of arterial CO-Hb levels than survivors (p<0.001), but arterial CO-Hb increased significantly from admission to day 30 in both groups (p<0.001). Mortality could not be predicted by the changes in arterial CO-Hb, but there was a correlation between the maximal arterial CO-Hb value and SOFA score on admission. No correlation could be demonstrated between arterial CO-Hb and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of the inflammatory response.Conclusions : A greater increase of arterial CO-Hb levels over time may represent another marker of severity of COVID-19 infection in ICU patients.
Early Detection of Steroid-Induced Femoral Head Necrosis using 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V-based Apoptosis Imaging in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Li Jianbo , Man Da , Liu Rui , Zhao Jianmin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background At present, the early diagnosis of femoral head necrosis mainly relies on MRI, and most early patients are difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, to investigate the early diagnostic value of 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging were compared with MRI in rabbit models of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis. Methods The rabbit models of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis were established by intravenous injection of horse serum and gluteal muscle injection of methylprednisolone in of 5-month-old healthy New Zealand white rabbits. 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging and MRI were performed at 2nd week, 4th week, and 6th week after modeling. After that, histopathology was used to verify the success of modeling. Apoptosis was detected by transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL. Results At 2 weeks after the injection of hormone, 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT image showed abnormal radioactive uptake in the bilateral femoral head. And over time, the radioactivity concentration was more obvious, and the ratio of T/NT (target tissue/non-target tissues) was gradually increased. In the SPECT imaging at each time point, T/NT ratio of the model group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01); at 4 weeks after the injection of hormone, MRI showed an abnormal signal of osteonecrosis. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after hormone injection, apoptosis was observed by TUNEL and transmission electron microscopy. Conclusion s 99mTc-Cys-Annexin V SPECT imaging can diagnose steroid-induced femoral head necrosis earlier than MRI, and has potential application value for non-invasively detecting early and even ultra-early stage of femoral head necrosis.
Echocardiographic Characteristics and Prognosis of the Fetuses with Ebstein Anomaly in Pregnancy
Authors: Wu Yuduo , Gu Xiaoyan , He Yihua , Zhang Hongjia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the fetal echocardiographic features of Ebstein anomaly (EA) and also to evaluate the prognosis of those fetuses.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 53 fetuses with EA who were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2018 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, and analyzed the ultrasonic features and prognosis of the fetuses. Results: In this single-institutional study, 53 fetuses were screened after 23~39 weeks of gestation with EA. In these fetuses, patients with complications accounted for a greater percentage (69.81%). Ultrasound imaging showed that the posterior lobe shifted down further than the septal leaflets, and the anterior lobe changed less than 50%. Severe tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation showed the highest proportion in these fetuses (56.60%). Among the enrolled fetuses, 20 cases were classified into grade Ⅱ. 40 cases (75.47%) were inducted, and 13 cases (24.5%) were selected for continued pregnancy. However, only one of the fetuses developed till successful delivery. Conclusion: Echocardiography has become an important diagnostic tool in identifying the fetuses with EA, a rare and heterogeneous congenital heart disorder. The prognosis of the fetuses with EA is relatively poor. Therefore, understanding the echocardiographic characteristics and the prognosis of the fetuses with EA is of great value for pregnancy consultations during the perinatal period.
Case-based learning through small private online course for surgical internship teaching during COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Wang Junjie , Huang Xianzhe , Pan Ke , Yang Xin , Ren Da , Zhang Wenchao , Li Hui , Wu Hongtao , Kang Yijun , Li Zhihong , Chen Junxiang , Huang Tianlong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

In China, the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was a severe public health emergency that postponed the spring-summer semester of schools and forced students to implement home quarantine to prevent community transmission. Surgical interns’ regular learning was seriously affected during the pandemic, and was almost impossible to carry out.
Methods

This study aims to explore a novel online medical teaching method during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 12-week case-based learning through small private online course was conducted for 108 medical students who were supposed to practice surgery at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University but were delayed because of the pandemic. At the end of the course, final test and questionnaire survey were completed. The scores of final tests were compared with those before pandemic of the same students when receiving traditional surgical internship teaching.
Results

The case-based learning through small private online course during the pandemic significantly increased the scores of students in the surgical basic knowledge(90.00 ± 4.76 vs. 85.81 ± 7.45, P = 0.003) and clinical analysis ability(89.55 ± 3.41 vs. 84.57 ± 5.07, P = 0.000), but decreased the scores of clinical operative skills(79.19 ± 5.52 vs. 85.28 ± 9.45, P = 0.002 ). According to the survey, 91.6% of the students thought it was necessary to carry out the online internship teaching and 88.9% of students were satisfied with this teaching method.
Conclusions

It was concluded that case-based learning through small private online course effectively minimized the impact of COVID-19 for surgical intern teaching by providing high-quality education.
Comparison of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tai-bang CHEN , Xiao-qing HE , Jing-long Liang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aim: Both oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) are frequently used to treat degenerative lumbar disease. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the radiologic and clinical outcomes between these two methods.Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and MEDLINE, were searched to identify relevant studies that compared OLIF and TLIF up to May 2020. The radiographic outcomes comprised of the disc height (DH), lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), disc angle (DA), fusion rate (FR), and foraminal height (FH). The secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, operation time, estimated blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data pooling and a meta-analysis with the random effects model were performed to evaluate the major results and conclusions. Results: A total of nine studies that involved 593 patients (271 patients in the OLIF group and 322 in the TLIF group) were included in the meta-analysis. Similar changes, in terms of disc height and fusion rate of >80%, were observed between the two groups. In comparing OLIF to TLIF, the OLIF group had less estimated blood loss, and a shorter operative time and hospital stay, with statistical difference. However, there was no significant difference in VAS and ODI between OLIF and TLIF.The meta-analysis suggested that TLIF is associated with better postoperative LLA, FH and DA, when compared to OLIF. However, these were not statistically significant (P>005).Conclusion: These results demonstrate that both OLIF and TLIF are similar in terms of the restoration of disc height and intervertebral fusion rate in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases. OLIF was superior to TLIF in terms of operation time, hospital stay and estimated blood loss. However, there was no advantage in restoring the sagittal balance and correcting the lordosis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation in Diabetic Kidney Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Wenshan , Yang Qian , Chen Guangyong , Lin Shujun , Liao Chunling , Zhou Tianbiao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy shows great promise for diabetic kidney diseases (DKD) patients. Researches have been carried out on this topic in recent years. The main thrust of this paper is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of MSCs on DKD by a meta-analysis and systematically review the mechanism therein. Method: An electronic search of PubMed and U.S National Library of Medicine (NLM) was performed for all articles about the MSCs therapy for DKD without species limitation up to January, 2020. Data were pooled for analysis with Stata SE 12. Result: MSCs-treated group showed great significant hypoglycemic effect at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months. Total hypoglycemic effect was analyzed (SMD=-1.954, 95%CI: -2.389 to -1.519, I²= 85.1%, p＜0.001). Total effects on serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were analyzed, suggesting MSCs decreased the SCr and BUN and had an effect on amelioration of impaired renal function (SCr: SMD= -4.838, 95%CI: -6.789 to -2.887, I²= 90.8%, p＜0.001; BUN: SMD= -4.912, 95%CI: -6.402 to -3.422, I²= 89.3 %, p＜0.001). Creatinine clearance rate (CCr) was found decreased in the MSCs-treated group at 2 months. MSCs therapy decreased the excretion of urinary albumin. The fibrosis indicators were detected, and the result showed that transforming growth factor-β, Collagen-I, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin were seen decreased significantly in the MSCs-treated group. Conclusion: MSCs might improve animal body weight, glycemic control and pancreas islets function to secrete insulin, and reduced the SCr, BUN, CCr, urinary protein and renal hypertrophy. MSCs can reduce the expression of inflammatory mediators and alleviate renal fibrosis. MSCs therapy is a potential treatment for DKD.
Ethnozoological Study of Traditional Medicinal Animals and Their Products Used by The People of South Achefer District, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Mola Misganaw Genet , Hailie Yibelu Yitayih , Terefe Hailu Birhanie , Kessete Reta Yeshambel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: There is an ancient history that human beings are familiar with use of animals and plants for food, cloth, medicine, etc. In Ethiopia, many ethnic communities which are dispersed all over the country has been totally dependent on local traditional medicinal system for their health care. Thus, the aim of this study was to take an ethnozoological field survey among different ethnic groups that live in South Achefer district. In order to document the ethno zoological information about animal and their parts/ products prevalent among the people in South Achefer district, a study was carried out from September, 2019 to January, 2020.Methods: Data was collected through questionnaire, focus group discussion and semi-structured questionnaire with 64 purposively selected respondents. Result: Ethnozoological data was recorded local name of the animals, animal products used, mode of preparation and administration Based on the ethno zoological survey, a total of 30 animal species were used in 42 different medicinal purposes including cold, night blindness, cough, paralysis and rheumatism and for other religious/and spiritual purposes. Based on the ethno zoological survey, 11 mammals, 7 birds, 4 reptile, 5 arthropods, 2 fish, 1 annelids are used in traditional zootherauptics in the study area. Furthermore, the milk of goat used to relieved cough has the highest FL (92%) and elephant teeth has the lowest FL (22%) used to treat bad spirit.Discussion: The results showed that ethno zoological practices have been an important alternative medicinal practice for the people residing in the study area. So, there is an urgent need to properly document to keep a record of the ethno zoological knowledge of the area. It is hoped that this information will be useful for further research in the field of ethno zoology, ethno pharmacology and conservation point of view.
Integrated Analysis Identifies and Validates a Novel Signature Based on Immune Related Gene Predicting Survival in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Mao XuDong , Chen ShiHan , Li GongHui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to develop a prognostic signature based on immune related gene(IRG) predicting survival for patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma(BLCA).Methods1534 IRG’s expression data of 996 BLCA patients form Gene Expression Omnibus database and The Cancer Genome Atlas database were used for development and validation of the prognostic signature. Univariate Cox regression model and Random Survival Forest Variable Hunting algorithm were employed to achieve the variable selection. The independently prognostic ability of the signature was validated by Multivariate Cox model and Kaplan–Meier analysis in independent datasets. A nomogram was established to improve prognosis stratification. The relationship between tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the signature was analyzed using data retrieved from EPIC resource.FindingsA prognostic model consisting of 10 IRGs was developed as our immune signature. Based on this signature, patients were separated into low- and high- risk groups with different survival in both training and validation sets(HR : range from 1.1 [95% CI: 1–1.2; p = 0.038] to 1.3 [95% CI: 1.3–1.5; p <0.001]). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that this signature was an independent prognostic predictor and was strongly associated with important clinicopathological factors. The signature also showed a significantly positive correlation with immune checkpoint molecules, and had a superior prognostic value compared with some important targets. In addition, our signature was found to correlate the enhancement of tumor microenvironment positively.ConclusionsThis signature predicts prognosis for BLCA patients, which may promote individualized treatment and provide potential targets for immunotherapy.
The 14-3-3 (YWHA) Proteins in Mammalian Reproduction
Authors: De Santanu 
Published: September 2020

The 14-3-3 (YWHA or Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/Tryptophan 5-Monooxygenase Activation protein) is an acidic and homologous protein family involved in regulation of key biological events including cell cycle, signal transduction and development. They are highly conserved and are expressed ubiquitously across a wide variety of species ranging from plants to animals. Seven isoforms of 14-3-3 exist in mammals, which are encoded by separate genes, have tissue-specific, developmental stage-specific as well as isoform-specific presence and consequences. It is known that these proteins play significant roles in mitosis of mammalian cells and meiosis of amphibians. However, their effects on development and functioning of mammalian gonads and germ cells are not entirely delineated. This paper, for the first time, provides a comprehensive review of the comparative expression, localization/distribution, binding interactions, and importance of the 14-3-3 proteins in gametogenesis and reproduction among multiple female and male mammalian species. Thorough understanding of these proteins in oogenesis and spermatogenesis would help elucidate the physiological basis of fertility in mammals, including humans.