bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Blind Review: A quality assessment measure for review standardization of Institutional Review Boards
Authors: Park Sinyoung , Ahn Cho Rong , Noh Yang Hee , Park Sejung , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Seung Min , Kim Jin Seok , Rha Sun Young 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: As multinational trials are increasing, standardization of IRB review has become increasingly important. Though inconsistency is often inevitable due to varying opinions on ethics, standardization and understanding the differences are required to ensure IRB review quality. Thus, we aimed to develop and suggest a quality assessment measure of IRB named “blind review” by reviewing the same research protocols by multiple IRB panels. We further describe an analysis of differences to understand the mechanism of IRB standardization. Methods: Based on the HRPP (Human research Protection Program) SOPs (Standard of Procedure), eight blind review results from January 2010 to December 2018, at a single institution with multiple panels, were included using the Severance Hospital HRPP database. Review results were analyzed with review scores ranging from 0 to 60 points, including good clinical practice (GCP) requirements and protocol issues. Panel agreement was estimated by observed multiple rater agreement. Differences between review scores according to member expertise and IRB member duration were analyzed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Observed multiple raters’ agreement increased from 0.444 (95% CI: 0.167-1.000) in 2010 to 0.479 (95% CI: 0.271-0.708) in 2014~2018 as IRB review experiences increased. In order to analyze the review mechanism, three GCP requirements and three protocol issues were scored (range 0 to 60). Mean values for GCP requirements and protocol issues were 19.25±8.21 and 18.40±9.04, respectively. Mean score of the panels where experts participated (n=16, 28.13±10.47) was higher than the control group (n=32, 25.16±10.96) (p=0.93). According to IRB members’ experience, scores for the group whose career spanned less than 3 years was 25.0±10.0 (n=14), those whose career spanned 3-5 years was 26.3±9.6 (n=23), and those whose career spanned more than 5 years was 27.3±14.2 (n=11). These results were statistically significant (p=0.09). Conclusions: We suggest blind review as an effective measure for overseeing and ensuring IRB review quality and overall GCP compliance.
Towards unravelling Wolbachia global exchange: a contribution from the Bicyclus and Mylothris butterflies in the Afrotropics
Authors: Duplouy Anne , Pranter Robin , Warren-Gash Haydon , Tropek Robert , Wahlberg Niklas 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPhylogenetically closely related strains of maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria are often found in phylogenetically divergent, and geographically distant insect host species. The interspecies transfer of the symbiont Wolbachia has been thought to have occurred repeatedly, facilitating its observed global pandemic. Few ecological interactions have been proposed as potential routes for the horizontal transfer of Wolbachia within natural insect communities. These routes are however likely to act only at the local scale, but how they may support the global distribution of some Wolbachia strains remains unclear.ResultsHere, we characterize the Wolbachia diversity in butterflies from the tropical forest regions of central Africa to discuss transfer at both local and global scales. We show that numerous species from both the Mylothris (family Pieridae) and Bicyclus (family Nymphalidae) butterfly genera are infected with similar Wolbachia strains, despite only minor interclade contacts across the life cycles of the species within their partially overlapping ecological niches. The phylogenetic distance and differences in resource use between these genera rule out the role of ancestry, hybridization, and shared host-plants in the interspecies transfer of the symbiont. Furthermore, we could not identify any shared ecological factors to explain the presence of the strains in other arthropod species from other habitats, or even ecoregions.ConclusionOnly the systematic surveys of the Wolbachia strains from entire species communities may offer the material currently lacking for understanding how Wolbachia may transfer between highly different and unrelated hosts, as well as across environmental scales.
Doping Practices in International Weightlifting: Analysis of sanctioned athletes/support personnel from 2008-2019 and retesting of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Kolliari-Turner Alexander , Oliver Brian , Lima Giscard , Mills John P. , Wang Guan , Pitsiladis Yannis , Guppy Fergus M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The pervasiveness of doping and findings of anti-doping corruption threaten weightlifting’s position at the 2024 Olympic Games. Analysing the practices of doping in weightlifters could identify patterns in doping that assist in future detection. Methods: We analysed publicly available data on sanctioned athletes/support personnel from the International Weightlifting Federation between 2008-2019 and announced retrospective Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Results: There were 565 sanctions between 2008-2019 of which 82% related to the detection of exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) metabolites and markers indicating endogenous AAS usage. The detection of exogenous AAS metabolites, markers of endogenous AAS usage and other substance metabolites varied by IWF Continental Federation (p ≤ 0.05) with Europe (74%, 11%, 15%) and Asia (70%, 15%, 15%) showing a higher detection of exogenous AAS compared to Pan America (37%, 30%, 33%) and Africa (50%, 17%, 33%). When looking at the 10 most detected substances, the nations with the highest number of sanctions (range 17-35) all had at least one overrepresented substance that accounted for 38-60% of all detected substances. The targeted re-analysis of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games due to the discovery of long-term metabolites for exogenous AAS resulted in 61 weightlifters producing retrospective ADRVs. This includes 34 original medallists (9 Gold, 10 Silver and 15 Bronze), the highest of any sport identified by Olympic Games sample re-testing. The exogenous AAS Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone and Stanozolol accounted for 83% of detected substances and were present in 95% of these samples. Conclusion: Based on these findings of regional differences in doping practices, weightlifting would benefit from the targeted testing of certain regions and continuing investment in long-term sample storage as the sensitivity and specificity of detection continues to improve.
Genetic Diversity of Landraces and Improved Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Taiwan
Authors: Hour Ai-ling , Hsieh Wei-hsun , Chang Su-huang , Wu Yong-pei , Chin Han-shiuan , Lin Yann-rong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Rice, the most important crop in Asia, has been cultivated in Taiwan for more than 5,000 years. The landraces preserved by indigenous peoples and brought by immigrants from China hundreds of years ago exhibit large variation in morphology, implying that they comprise rich genetic resources. Breeding goals according to the preferences of farmers, consumers and government policies also alter gene pools and genetic diversity of improved varieties. To unveil how genetic diversity is affected by natural, farmers’, and breeders’ selections is crucial for germplasm conservation and crop improvement. Results: A diversity panel of 148 rice accessions, including 47 cultivars and 59 landraces from Taiwan and 42 accessions from other countries, were genotyped by using 75 molecular markers that revealed an average of 12.7 alleles per locus with mean polymorphism information content of 0.72. These accessions could be grouped into five subpopulations corresponding to wild rice, japonica landraces, indica landraces, indica cultivars and japonica cultivars. The genetic diversity within subpopulations was: wild rices > landraces > cultivars; and indica rice > japonica rice. Despite having less variation among cultivars, japonica landraces had greater genetic variation than indica landraces because the majority of Taiwanese japonica landraces preserved by indigenous peoples were classified as tropical japonica. Two major clusters of indica landraces were formed by phylogenetic analysis, in accordance with immigration from two origins. Genetic erosion had occurred in later japonica varieties due to a narrow selection of germplasm being incorporated into breeding programs for premium grain quality. Genetic differentiation between early and late cultivars was significant in japonica (FST = 0.3751) but not in indica (FST = 0.0045), indicating effects of different breeding goals on modern germplasm. Indigenous landraces with unique intermediate and admixed genetic backgrounds were untapped, representing valuable resources for rice breeding.Conclusions: The genetic diversity of improved rice varieties has been substantially shaped by breeding goals, leading to differentiation between indica and japonica cultivars. Taiwanese landraces with different origins possess various and unique genetic backgrounds. Taiwanese rice germplasm provides diverse genetic variation for association mapping to unveil useful genes and is a precious genetic reservoir for rice improvement.
WITHDRAWN: Longitudinal variations of noontime thermospheric winds in response to IMF Bz temporal oscillations: broken mean circulation and standing feature
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui , Wang Wenbin , Liu Jing , Gao Jie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
By using coupled magnetosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere model, we explore the longitudinal/UT differences of the dayside neutral wind in response to the 60 min periodic oscillation of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz. The southward propagation of the travelling atmospheric disturbances (TADs) in meridional wind stands at about 20º MLat, which is related to the geomagnetic field configuration, neutral temperature and electron density changes. The meridional wind travels continuously from high to low latitude in the western southern hemisphere, while they are broken into pieces in the eastern southern hemisphere. The broken mean circulation that is a combined effect of TADs and simultaneous responses of the meridional winds driven by oscillating solar wind conditions is induced by the stronger roles of the ion drag than the pressure gradient. Note here that the mean circulation is the background meridional winds in the base case. The ion drag shows obvious longitudinal differences associated with the penetration of the ionospheric electric field during the oscillation of IMF Bz.
French hepatitis C care cascade: substantial impact of direct-acting antivirals, but the road to elimination is still long
Authors: Brouard Cécile , Pillonel Josiane , Boussac Marjorie , de Lédinghen Victor , Rachas Antoine , Silvain Christine , Lydié Nathalie , Chevaliez Stéphane , Pioche Corinne , Durand Julien , Lot Florence , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030, as targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO), requires that 90% of people with chronic infection be diagnosed and 80% treated. We estimated the cascade of care (CoC) for chronic HCV infection in mainland France in 2011 and 2016, before and after the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).Methods: The numbers of people (1) with chronic HCV infection, (2) aware of their infection, (3) receiving care for HCV and (4) on antiviral treatment, were estimated for 2011 and 2016. Estimates for 1) and 2) were based on modelling studies for 2011 and on a virological sub-study nested in a national cross-sectional survey among the general population for 2016. Estimates for 3) and 4) were made using the National Health Data System. Results: Between 2011 and 2016, the number of people with chronic HCV infection decreased by 31%, from 192,700 (95% Credibility interval: 150,900-246,100) to 133,500 (95% Confidence interval: 56,900-312,600). The proportion of people aware of their infection rose from 57.7% to 80.6%. The number of people receiving care for HCV increased by 22.5% (representing 25.7% of those infected in 2016), while the number of people on treatment increased by 24.6% (representing 12.1% of those infected in 2016).Conclusions: This study suggests that DAAs substantially impact CoC. However, access to care and treatment for infected people remained insufficient in 2016. Updating CoC estimates will help to assess the impact of new measures implemented since 2016 as part of the goal to eliminate HCV.
In vivo vaccination with cell line-derived whole tumor lysates – neoantigen quality, not quantity matters
Authors: Salewski Inken , Gladbach Yvonne Saara , Kuntoff Steffen , Irmscher Nina , Hahn Olga , Junghanss Christian , Maletzki Claudia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Cancer vaccines provide a complex source of neoantigens. Still, increasing evidence reveals that the neoantigen quality rather than the quantity is predictive for treatment outcome. Methods: Using the preclinical Mlh1-/- tumor model, we performed a side-by side comparison of two autologous cell-line derived tumor lysates (namely 328 and A7450 T1 M1) harboring different tumor mutational burden (TMB; i.e. ultra-high: 328; moderate-high: A7450 T1 M1). Mice received repetitive prophylactic or therapeutic applications of the vaccine. Tumor incidence, immune responses and tumor microenvironment was examined.Results: Both tumor cell lysates delayed tumor formation in the prophylactic setting, with the A7450 T1 M1 lysate being more effective in decelerating tumor growth than the 328 lysate (median overall survival: 37 vs. 25 weeks). Comparable results were achieved in therapeutic setting and could be traced back to antigen-driven immune stimulation. Reactive T cells isolated from A7450 T1 M1-treated mice recognized autologous Mlh1−/− tumor cells in IFNγ ELISpot, but likewise YAC-1 cells, indicative for stimulation of both arms of the immune system. By deciphering local effects, vaccines shaped the tumor microenvironment differently. While A7450 T1 M1 prophylactically vaccinated tumors harbored low numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and elevated CD8-T cell infiltrates, vaccination with the 328 lysate evoked MDSC infiltration. Similar effects were seen in the therapeutic setting with stable disease induction only upon A7450 T1 M1 vaccination. Untangling individual response profiles revealed strong infiltration with LAG3+ and PD-L1+ immune cells when treatments failed, but almost complete exclusion of checkpoint-expressing lymphocytes in long-term survivors. Conclusions: By applying two tumor cell lysates we demonstrate that neoantigen quality outranks quantity. This should be considered prior to designing cancer vaccine-based combination approaches.
The incidence of geriatric trauma is increasing and comparison of different scoring tools for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in geriatric trauma patients
Authors: Jiang Libing , Zheng Zhongjun , Zhang Mao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to test the incidence of geriatric trauma is increasing and evaluate different scoring tools for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in geriatric trauma patients.Methods: Part 1: Annual reports released by the National Trauma Database (NTDB) in the United States from 2005 to 2015 and the Trauma Register DGU® in Germany from 1994 to 2012 were analyzed to test the incidence of geriatric trauma is increasing. Part 2: Secondary analysis of a single-center cohort study conducted among 311 severely injured geriatric trauma patients in a level Ⅰ trauma center in Switzerland was completed. According to the in-hospital survival status, patients were divided into the survival and non-survival group. The differences of the ISS (injury severity score), NISS (new injury severity score), TRISS (Trauma and Injury Severity Score), APACHE Ⅱ (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ) and SPAS Ⅱ (simplified acute physiology score Ⅱ) between two groups were evaluated. Then, the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) of different scoring tools for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in geriatric trauma patients were calculated.Results: Part 1: The analysis of the NTDB showed that the increase in the number of geriatric trauma ranged from 18% to 30% between 2005 and 2015. The analysis of the DGU® showed that the mean age of trauma patients rose from 39.11 in 1993 to 51.10 in 2013, and the proportion of patients aged ≥60 years rose from 16.5% to 37.5%. Part 2: The findings from the secondary analysis showed that 164 (52.73%) patients died in the hospital. The ISS, NISS, APACHE Ⅱ, and SAPS Ⅱ in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group, and the TRISS in the death group was significantly lower than those in the survival group. The AUCs of the ISS, NISS, TRISS, APACHE Ⅱ, and SAPS Ⅱ for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in geriatric trauma patients were 0.807, 0.850, 0.828, 0.715 and 0.725, respectively.Conclusion: The total number of geriatric trauma is increasing as the population ages. The accuracy of ISS, NISS and TRISS was higher than the APACHE Ⅱ and SAPS Ⅱ for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in geriatric trauma patients.
Gut Microbiota: Effect of Pubertal Status
Authors: Yuan Xin , Chen Ruimin , Zhang Ying , Lin Xiangquan , Yang Xiaohong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The make-up of gut microbiota at different puberty stages has not been reported. This cross-sectional study analyzed the bio-diversity of gut microbiota at different puberty stages. Methods: The fecal microbiome was determined in 89 Chinese subjects aged 5-15 years. Subjects were grouped as non-pubertal (n=42) or pubertal (n=47) according to Tanner stages. Gut colonization patterns were determined by 16S rRNA microbiome profiling.Results: The subjects were divided into non-pubertal (n=42, male%: 66.7%) or pubertal groups (n=47, male%:44.68); in both groups, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phylum. There was no difference of alpha- and beta-diversity among disparate puberty stages. Non-pubertal subjects had members of the order Clostridiales, family Clostridiaceae, genus Coprobacillus which were significantly more prevalent than puberty subjects. Also, the pubertal subjects had members of class Betaproteobacteria, order Burkholderiales which were significantly more prevalent than the non-pubertal subjects. Their relative abundance were independent of BMI-Z. In the pubertal subjects, the abundance of genus Adlercreutzia, Ruminococcus, Dorea, Clostridium and Parabacteroides was associated with the level of testosterone.Conclusion: This is the first report of the diversity of gut microbiota at different puberty stages. The various species of gut microbiota changed gradually associated with puberty stages. Differences in gut microflora at different pubertal status may be related to androgen levels.
Patterns of flea infestation in rodents and insectivores from intensified agro-ecosystems, NW Spain
Authors: Herrero-Cófreces Silvia , Flechoso Manuel Fabio , Rodríguez-Pastor Ruth , Luque-Larena Juan José , Mougeot Francois 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

Fleas frequently infest small mammals and play important vectoring roles in the epidemiology of (re)emerging zoonotic disease. Rodent outbreaks in intensified agro-ecosystems of NW Spain have been recently linked to periodic zoonotic disease spillover to local human populations. Obtaining qualitative and quantitative information about the composition and structure of the whole flea and small mammal host coexisting communities is paramount to understand disease transmission cycles and to dilucidate the disease-vectoring role of flea species. The aims of this research were to: i) characterise and quantify the flea community parasiting a small mammal guild in intensive farmlands in NW Spain, and ii) determine and evaluate patterns of co-infection and the variables that may influence parasitological parameters.

Methods

We conducted a large scale survey stratified by season and habitat of fleas parasitizing the small mammal host guild. We report on the prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance of flea species parasitizing Microtus arvalis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus spretus and Crocidura russula. We also report on aggregation patterns (variance-to-mean ratio and Discrepancy index), co-infection by different flea species in hosts (Fager Index), and used Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) to study flea parameter variation according to season, habitat and host sex.

Results

Three flea species dominated the system (99.4%), namely: Ctenophthalmus apertus gilcolladoi, Leptopsylla taschenbergi and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. Results showed a high aggregation pattern of fleas in all hosts. All host species in the guild shared C. a. gilcolladoi and N. fasciatus, but L. taschenbergi mainly parasitized mice (M. spretus and A. sylvaticus). We found significant male-biased infestation patterns in mice, seasonal variations in flea abundances for all rodent hosts (M. arvalis, M. spretus and A. sylvaticus), and relatively lower infestation values for voles inhabiting alfalfas. Simultaneous infections by two or three flea species occurred in 36.8% of all hosts, and N. fasciatus was the commonest flea co-infecting small mammal hosts.

Conclusions

The generalist N. fasciatus and C. a. gilcolladoi dominated the flea community, and a high percentage of co-infections with both species occurred within the small mammal guild. Nosopsyllus fasciatus may show higher competence of inter-specific transmission, and future research should unravel its role in the circulation of rodent-borne zoonoses.
A new candidate vaccine for human brucellosis based on influenza viral vectors: development of immunization schedule in guinea pig model
Authors: Bugybayeva Dina , Kydyrbayev Zhailaubay , Zinina Nadezhda , Assanzhanova Nurika , Yespembetov Bolat , Kozhamkulov Yerken , Zakarya Kunsulu , Ryskeldinova Sholpan , Tabynov Kaissar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: A new candidate vector vaccine against human brucellosis based on recombinant influenza viral vectors (rIVV) subtypes H5N1 expressing Brucella Omp16, L7/L12, Omp19 or Cu-Zn SOD proteins has been developed. This paper presents the results of the study of the safety and protective properties of the vaccine with various options of administering, dosing and frequency of use on guinea pigs.Methods: The safety of the vaccine was assessed based on the general condition, behavior and dynamics of a guinea pig weight-gain test. The effectiveness of the new anti-brucellosis vector vaccine was determined by studying its protective effect after conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual administration in doses 105 EID50, 106 EID50 and 107 EID50 during prime and boost vaccinations of animals, followed by challenge with a virulent strain of B. mellitensis 16M infection. For sake of comparison, the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine was used as a control. The protective properties of vaccines were assessed by quantitation of Brucella colonization in organs and tissues of infected animals and compared to the control groups.Results: It was found that the vaccine after prime and booster immunization using conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual routes of administration, as well as after using various doses of vaccine were safe for guinea pigs. The most optimal way of using the vaccine has been established: double intranasal immunization of guinea pigs at a dose of 106 EID50, which provides 80% protection of guinea pigs from B. melitensis 16M infection (P < 0.05), which is comparable to the results of the effectiveness of the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine.Conclusions: We developed effective vaccine candidate against brucellosis and developed its immunization protocol in guinea pig model. We believe that this study is a substantial step for using the vaccine for future pre-clinical and clinical trials in human.