bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic Association Analysis of Gut Symbiont Lactobacillus Reuteri Without Host-Specific Genome Isolation
Authors: Park Sein , Steinegger Martin , Cho Ho-Seong , Chun Jongsik 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLactobacillus reuteri is a model symbiont colonizing the guts of vertebrates used for studies on host adaptation of the gut symbiont. Previous studies investigated host-specific phylogenetic and functional properties by isolating its genomic sequence. This dependency on genome isolation is a significant bottleneck. Here we propose a method to study the association between L. reuteri and its hosts directly from metagenomic reads without strain isolation by using pan-genomes.ResultsWe characterized the host-specificity of L. reuteri in metagenomic samples not only in the previously studied organisms (mice and pigs) but additionally in dogs. For each sample, two types of profiles were generated: (1) genome-based strain type abundance profiles and (2) gene composition profiles. Our profiles showed host-association of L. reuteri in both phylogenetic and functional aspects without depending on the host-specific genome isolation. We could observe not only the presence of host-specific lineages but also the dominant lineages associated with the different hosts.Furthermore, we show that metagenome-assembled genomes provide detailed insights into the host-specificity of L. reuteri. We could infer evolutionary trajectories of host-associative L. reuteri strains in the metagenomic samples by placing the metagenome-assembled genomes into a phylogenetic tree and identify novel host-specific genes which were unannotated in existing pan-genome databases.ConclusionsOur pan-genomic approach drops the need for time-consuming and expensive host-specific genome isolation while producing consistent results with previous host-association findings in mice and pigs. Additionally, we could predict associations that have not yet been studied in dogs.
Impact of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on pediatric acute myeloid leukemia of FAB subtypes M4 and M5
Authors: Xue Yu-juan , Suo Pan , Cheng Yi-fei , Lu Ai-dong , Wang Yu , Zuo Ying-xi , Wu Jun , zhang leping , Huang Xiao-jun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: FAB-M4 and M5 are unique subgroups of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia. However, for these patients, few studies have demonstrated the clinical and biological characteristics and efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and especially haplo-HSCT. Procedure: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 70 children with FAB-M4/M5 enrolled in our center from January 2013 to December 2017. Results: Of the patients, 32, 23, and 15 were in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. T(16;16), inv16/CBFB-MYH11 was the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality. Among detected genetic alterations, WT1 was mutated at the highest frequency, followed by FLT3-ITD, NPM1, and CEBPA. Thirty-three patients received HSCT (haplo-HSCT = 30), of which four, 18, and 11 were in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. For all patients, the 3-year overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) were 85.3 ± 4.3%, 69.0 ± 5.7%, and 27.9 ± 5.2%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, low-risk stratification predicted superior OS, EFS, and PLT ≤ 50 × 109/L at diagnosis, with FLT3-ITD mutations predicting higher CIR and poorer EFS. In intermediate- and high-risk groups, HSCT was independently associated with higher EFS and lower CIR. With a median post-transplant observation time of 30.0 months, the 3-year OS, EFS, CIR, and non-relapse mortality in the haplo-HSCT group were 74.2 ± 8.6%, 68.3 ± 8.9, 24.6 ± 7.6%, and 6.6 ± 4.1%, respectively. Conclusions: Risk-oriented treatment is important for pediatric FAB-M4/M5. For intermediate- and high-risk groups, HSCT significantly improved survival and haplo-HSCT might be a viable alternative approach.
Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Synovial Sarcoma: Retrospective Analysis of a Nationwide Database in Japan
Authors: Xu Gang , Aiba Hisaki , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Miwa Shinji , Higuchi Takashi , Abe Kensaku , Taniguchi Yuta , Araki Yoshihiro , Saito Shiro , Yoshimura Kenichi , Murakami Hideki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Kawai Akira 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSynovial sarcoma is an aggressive but chemosensitive soft-tissue tumor. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for synovial sarcoma with data from the nationwide database, Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry in Japan.MethodsThis study included 316 patients diagnosed with synovial sarcoma between 2006 and 2012. Oncologic outcomes were analyzed using a Cox-hazard regression model. The effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on outcomes were evaluated using a matched-pair analysis. The oncologic outcomes of patients who did or did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy were compared (cx+ and cx-).ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed significant correlations of distant postoperative metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.01, p<0.001) with overall survival; surgical margin type (marginal resection, HR=0.12, p=0.011 and intralesional resection, HR=0.08, p=0.022 versus wide resection) with local recurrence; and postoperative local recurrence (HR=0.30, p=0.027) and surgical margin (marginal resection, HR=0.31, p=0.023 versus wide resection) with distant relapse-free survival. Before propensity score matching, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was mainly administered for the patients with younger age, deeper tumor locations, larger tumors, more advanced-stage disease, and monophasic-type disease. The 3-year overall survival rates, local control rates and distant relapse-free survival rates were 82.9% / 80.7% (HR = 0.79, p = 0.102), 91.2% / 89.8% (HR = 1.04, p = 0.837) and 76.6% / 75.0% (HR = 0.76, p = 0.307) in the cx+/cx- groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, 172 patients were selected such that the patient demographics were nearly identical for both the groups. The 3-year overall survival rates, local control rates and distant relapse-free survival rates were 80.8% / 81.4% (HR = 0.83, p = 0.563), 93.2% / 89.4% (HR = 0.83, p = 0.491) and 76.9% / 78.7% (HR = 1.01, p = 0.982) in the cx+ and cx- group, respectively.ConclusionThis large-sample study indicated that the margin status and postoperative disease control were associated directly or indirectly with improved oncologic outcomes. However, the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for survival outcomes in synovial sarcoma patients was not proven.
EFL Teachers’ Development of Reflective Practice Through Knowledge Sharing in a Reflective Focus Group
Authors: Farahian Majid , Parhamnia Farshad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Development in any educational system highly depends on teachers’ qualities. Among other qualities, one of the much-needed teachers’ qualities is reflection. As such, the present study examined EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers’ perceptions towards knowledge sharing in a reflective focus group and the improvement of their reflective practice through knowledge sharing in a focus group. In addition, the study sought the benefits and challenges to knowledge sharing in a reflective focus group. The results indicated that the participants did not have a positive attitude towards knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it was also revealed that the focus group platform could enable teachers to improve their reflective practice. Among other factors, receiving constructive feedback, and recognizing the possible relationship between theory and practice were benefits of reflective practice through knowledge sharing. Regarding the barriers to using reflective focus group, various inhibitors were reported by the teachers, including personal, institutional, and educational. The implications of the study are also presented.
Comparison of mortality according to hemorrhage control methods performed for hemodynamically unstable patients with traumatic pelvic fractures: A multi-center study
Authors: Kim Myoung Jun , Lee Seung Hwan , Jang Ji Young , Lee Jae Gil 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: We analyzed the effects of hemorrhage control methods on the mortality of patients with hemodynamic instability due to pelvic fracture and investigated independent risk factors for mortality in these patients.Methods : A total of 97 pelvic bone fracture patients with hemodynamic instability who visited the emergency departments of two university hospitals from January 2013 to October 2017 were enrolled. These patients were divided into the survival and non-survival groups based on 28-day mortality and acute hemorrhage mortality. Clinical data including laboratory test results, trauma severity scores, and hemorrhage control modalities were collected and statistically analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of each hemorrhagic control modality on mortality were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent risk factors for mortality.Results: Overall mortality was 41.24% (40 patients), 28-day mortality was 38.14% (37 patients), and acute hemorrhage mortality was 28.86% (28 patients). With respect to hemorrhage control modalities, 47 patients (48.5%) underwent pelvic angiography, 45 patients (46.4%) underwent pre-peritoneal pelvic packing, and 19 patients (19.6%) underwent external fixation. Differences in hemorrhage control methods had no significant effects on mortality. However, there was a significant difference in mortality between the groups with and without any hemorrhage control methods. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patient age, trauma and injury severity score (TRISS; probability of survival), and transfusion amount within 24 hours were independent factors for 28-day mortality. Using the same statistical analysis, patient age, transfusion amount within 24 hours, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independent factors for mortality due to acute hemorrhage.Conclusions: Hemorrhage control methods can aid in reducing acute hemorrhage mortality in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures; nevertheless, no significant difference in mortality according to different hemorrhage control methods was found. Older age, higher transfusion requirements, low TRISS scores, GCS scores, and SBP are independent risk factors for mortality in pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability.
ANDC: an early warning score to predict mortality risk for patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Weng Zhihong , Chen Qiaosen , Li Sumeng , Li Huadong , Zhang Qian , Lu Sihong , Wu Li , Xiong Leiqun , Mi Bobin , Liu Di , Lu Mengji , Yang Dongliang , Jiang Hongbo , Zheng Shaoping , Zheng Xin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will progress rapidly to acute respiratory failure or death. We aimed to develop a quantitative tool for early predicting mortality risk of patients with COVID-19.Methods: 301 patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Main District and Tumor Center of the Union Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, China) between January 1, 2020 to February 15, 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective two-centers study. Data on patient demographic characteristics, laboratory findings and clinical outcomes was analyzed. A nomogram was constructed to predict the death probability of COVID-19 patients.Results: Age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer and C-reactive protein obtained on admission were identified by LASSO regression as predictors of mortality for COVID-19 patients. The nomogram demonstrated good calibration and discrimination with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.921 and 0.975 for the derivation and validation cohort, respectively. An integrated score (named ANDC) with its corresponding death probability was derived. Using ANDC cut-off values of 59 and 101, COVID-19 patients were classified into three subgroups. The death probability of low risk group (ANDC < 59) was less than 5%, moderate risk group (59 ≤ ANDC ≤ 101) was 5% to 50%, and high risk group (ANDC > 101) was more than 50%, respectively.Conclusion: The prognostic nomogram exhibited good discrimination power in early identification of COVID-19 patients with high mortality risk, and ANDC score may help physicians to optimize patient stratification management.
How to Analyze Cancer Progression in COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Bhattacharjee Atanu , GajendraK.Vishwakarma  , Banerjee Souvik , Shukla Sharvari 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The constant news about the coronavirus is scary. It is not possible to separate treatment for Cancer due to COVID-19. An effective treatment comparison strategy is needed. We need to have a handy tool to understand cancer progression in this unprecedented scenario. Linking different events of cancer progression is the need of the hour. It is a methodological challenge.Methods: This article is dedicated to explore the time lag effect and make statistical inference about the best experimental arm using Accelerated failure time model and regression methods. The work is presented as the occurrence of other events as a hazard rate after the first event (relapse). The time lag effect between the events is linked and analyzed. Results: The results are further analyzed and presented to show the efficacy of our study. An accelerated failure time model is also applied with the transition states and the dependency structure between the gap times are explained using auto-regression. The effects of Arms are compared using the coefficient of auto-regression and accelerated failure time (AFT) models.Conclusions: We provide the solutions to overcome the issue with interval between two consecutive events in motivating head and neck cancer (HNC) data. COVID-19 is not going to leave us soon. We have to carry several cancer clinical trials in presences of COVID-19. We presented a comprehensive analytical strategy to analyze cancer clinical trial data during this pandemic.Keywords: COVID-19, Accelerated Failure Time, Proportional Hazard Model, Bayesian, Auto-Regression.
Analysis of surgical treatment results of patients with chronic rhinitis
Authors: Svistushkin V. M. , Shchennikova E. S. , Sin’kov E. V. , Sobolev V. P. 
Published: May 2020

Introduction.Chronic nasal congestion caused by edema of inferior turbinate affect 20% of population and strongly influences their quality of life. Pharmacological treatment of chronic rhinitis is considered to be the first line therapy. However, if conservative treatment is not effective and clinical signs are not disappearing the question about relevant surgical treatment is arising. Nowadays there are many methods of exposure on mucosa of the inferior turbinate. Considering high incidence of the pathology surgical treatment is of current importance in modern otorhinolaryngology.Objective.Assessment of the effectiveness and comparison of the period of rehabilitation after submucosal laser destruction by laser beam with wavelength 1,56 and after submucosal destruction by radiosurgical instruments Ellman Surgitron with a frequency of 4 MHz in patients with chronic rhinitis.Methods.60 patients were included into the study aged from 18 to 80 years old with chronic rhinitis. All the patients were admitted to the department to perform surgical treatment. Semiconducted laser with wavelength 1,56 and radiosurgical instrument Ellman Surgitron with frequency of 4 MHz were applied to the treatment. We assessed SNOT20 score, endoscopic features, anterior active rhinomanometry and saccharin test results in all patients following the surgery.Conclusions.The data we have obtained provide the basis for choosing semiconductor laser as more effective and safe technique for the treatment of patients with chronic rhinitis.
Alternative methods of delivering steroids to the middle ear in treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Svistushkin V. M. , Nikiforova G. N. , Morozova S. V. , Gergiev V. F. , Ershova E. N. 
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is the most common pathology of polyethological sound perception. Systemic glucocorticosteroid therapy has long been considered the main treatment method. In recent years, topical therapy has been of great interest. However, intratympanic injections cause considerable discomfort to the patient and require about 1 hour per day to perform the procedure.Materials. In order to modernize and reduce the time spent on delivering steroids into tympanic cavity, this article considers the experience of managing 41 patients with sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Patients of the first group received dexamethasone 4 mg / ml in a volume of 1 ml by catheterization of the auditory tube, followed by introduction into the tympanic cavity. Patients of the second group were divided into 2 subgroups: in the first subgroup, dexamethasone 4 mg / ml in a volume of 0.5 ml was administered into tympanic cavity through a pre-imposed hole in the eardrum using a radio-wave device, and patients of the second subgroup received a classic intratympanic injection of dexamethasone 4mg / ml 0.5 ml after application anesthesia of the eardrum. The audiometry was performed before treatment, after 1, 2 weeks, 1 and 6 months.Results. The average time spent in the clinic of patients of the first group was 30 minutes, while patients of the first subgroup of the second group had 20 minutes a day. The longest time in the clinic was 2 subgroup of patients from 2 groups-about 1 hour.Conclusions. Radio-wave myringotomy is the safest and most convenient method. The smallest amount of time spent on the patient was observed in the subgroup of intratympanic injections that performed radio-wave miringotomy. It has been proved that the methods of topical treatment are not inferior in efficiency to each other.
A Randomized Control Study on the Effectiveness of Holistic Health Practice Program on a Group of Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: WONG Wai Fun. , LUK Andrew Leung. 
Published: May 2020

Background:
From adolescents transitioning into professional healthcare team members, nursing students need to face different kinds of challenges during their journey of nursing study. Are nursing students ready and prepared to take care of themselves before taking care of others?

Aim:
Few studies were found on the holistic health of nurses in Macao. This study aims to explore the health status of a group of first-year undergraduate nursing students and to investigate whether a holistic health practice program can enhance their holistic health, self-esteem, and self-efficacy after they participate in the program.

Methods:
A randomized control study was used. Students in both the experimental and control groups filled in an online pre-test questionnaire, which consisted of some demographic information and the following measurement tools including, the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), the Self-Esteem Scale (ESTEEM), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The experimental participants had to undergo an additional 6-sessions program on holistic health practice. After the intervention, all participants in both groups were invited to complete an online post-test questionnaire, which was the same as the one used in pre-study.

Results:
Results showed that participants’ physical activity was the lowest score in 6 domains, followed by their health responsibility. On the other hand, their spiritual growth scored the highest. The study found that participants who had attended the holistic health practice program had significantly enhanced their holistic health, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.

Conclusion:
This study provided some ground data of the holistic health status of nursing students in Macao. It also demonstrated that the Holistic Health Practice Program is effective in promoting holistic health, self-esteem, and self-efficacy among junior nursing students.
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial, Anti-biofilm and Anti-virulence
Activities of Plant Extracts Against Human Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Mulat Mulugeta , Khan Fazlurrahman , Pandita Archana 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Bacterial multi-drug resistance is one of the serious issues in the worldwide.
The majority of drug resistance developed by bacteria is derived from the formation of biofilm
and the production of several virulence factors.

Objective:
To combat the emerging drug resistance nature of bacteria, we have used some
medicinal plants such as Stevia rebaudiana, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Matricaria chamomilla,
Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus amarus and Thymus vulgaris for the extraction of active
molecules that can inhibit the biofilm formation and bacterial growth.

Materials & Methods:
Each extracted compounds were checked for anti-bacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-virulence activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic
bacteria. Soxhlet method of extraction was used for obtaining crude extracts. Agar disc
diffusion and 96-wells microplate spectroscopic reading were used to detect the antibacterial
and antibiofilm properties of extracts. Crystal violet staining was used for the detection of
biofilm cells. GC-MS analysis was carried out to identify the chemical constituents present in
the extracts.

Results:
At a concentration of 25 mg mL-1
, the highest antibacterial activities were obtained in
M. chamomilla acetone extract (CHAAC) against E. coli (17.66±1.15 mm), S. Typhimurium
(13.66±1.52 mm) and S. sonnei (14±1.73 mm). M. chamomilla chloroform extracted (CHACE)
showed effective against S. aureus (30±2 mm) and P. aeruginosa (13.66±1.52 mm). The
minimum inhibitory concentration of crude extracts derived from M. chamomilla was 0.
781mg.mL-1
against S. aureus. Furthermore, the oil extract from C. flexuosus (LEGO)
exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus (at 0.781 µg mL-1
). The potent
anti-biofilm activity was observed in G. superba (KALO) against E. coli (78.6%) and S.
typhimurium (79.1%), and V. negundo (VNO) against S. Typhimurium (87.3%). Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis showed the presence of active chemical constituents in the extracts which
might have been effective anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, and anti-virulence properties.

Conclusion:
The extracts from the medicinal plant showed antibiofilm, anti-virulence
(attenuation of pyocyanin, LasA, vilacein, and swarming motility) activity towards the
pathogenic bacteria. GC-MS analysis confirms the presence of an active component in the
extracts. Future study is required to purify the bioactive molecules and elucidate the molecular
mechanism of antibiofilm and anti-virulence properties.