bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marine Sediments Harbor Diverse Archaea and Bacteria With Potentials for Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Degradation via Fumarate Addition
Authors: Zhang Chuwen , Meckenstock Rainer U. , Weng Shengze , Wei Guangshan , Hubert Casey R.J. , Wang Jiang-Hai , Dong Xiyang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Marine sediments can contain large amounts of alkanes and methylated aromatic hydrocarbons that are introduced by natural processes or anthropogenic activities. These compounds can be biodegraded by anaerobic microorganisms via enzymatic addition of fumarate. Previous gene- and genome-based surveys have detected ubiquitous and novel fumarate-adding enzymes (FAE), but these were neither confirmed as occurring within full degradation pathways nor affiliated with known organisms. The identity and ecological roles of a significant fraction of anaerobic hydrocarbon degraders in marine sediments therefore remains unknown.Results: By combining phylogenetic reconstructions, protein homolog modelling, and functional profiling of publicly available and newly sequenced metagenomes and genomes, 61 draft bacterial and archaeal genomes encoding anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation via fumarate addition were obtained. Besides Deltaproteobacteria that are well-known to catalyze these reactions, Chloroflexi are dominant FAE-encoding bacteria in hydrocarbon-impacted sediments, potentially coupling sulfate reduction or fermentation to anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation. Among Archaea, besides Archaeoglobi previously shown to have this capability, genomes of Heimdallarchaeota, Lokiarchaeota, Thorarchaeota and Thermoplasmata also suggest fermentative hydrocarbon degradation using archaea-type FAE. The biogeography survey reveals these bacterial and archaeal hydrocarbon degraders occur in a wide range of marine sediments, including high abundances of FAE-encoding Asgard archaea associated with natural seeps and subseafloor ecosystems.Conclusions: Our results expand the knowledge of novel microbial lineages engaged in anaerobic degradation of alkanes and methylated aromatic hydrocarbons, and shed new light on the importance of marine sedimentary archaea in hydrocarbon degradation.
Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors Have Adverse Effects in Anti-angiogenesis Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Su , Cao Man Qing , Hou Zhen Yu , Gu Xiao Ying , Chen Yong Zi , Chen Lu , Luo Yi , Chen Li Wei , Liu Dong Ming , Zhou Hong Yuan , Zhu Ke Yun , Wang Zhi Wei , Zhang Xi Hao , Zhu Xiao Lin , Cui Yun Long , Li Hui Kai , Guo Hua , Zhang Ti 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Currently, most clinicians prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) to alleviate proteinuria caused by anti-angiogenic drugs (AADs) according to diabetic nephropathy guidelines or expert recommendations. However, the efficacy ACEIs and potential cancer promoting effect are controversial. This study aimed at confirming whether ACEIs are beneficial in anti-angiogenesis therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods: In clinic, we observed the impact of ACEIs on AADs during the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Next, we established different tumor-bearing mouse models to confirm that whether ACEIs have any effect on the anti-cancer efficacy and proteinuria side effects of AADs. Further, we confirmed the relevant mechanism in vivo.Results: Our clinical data have shown that some hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients experienced tumor progression by ACEIs administration for the treatment of hypertension or proteinuria caused by AADs. We have confirmed that in different tumor-bearing mouse models, ACEIs did not delay the appearance of proteinuria or alleviate proteinuria caused by AADs but compromised the anticancer efficacy of AADs. This effect is unrelated to a change in the VEGF signaling pathway. Our data showed that the combination of ACEIs and AADs flared the production of kidney-derived erythropoietin (EPO). In turn, EPO compromises the anti-angiogenic effects of AADs and decreases antitumor activity. Conclusions: For the treatment of proteinuria caused by AADs, ACEIs have no efficacy but promote drug resistance. Kidney-derived EPO is mainly responsible for ACEIs induced anti-angiogenesis resistance.
The Role of Humanities in the Medical Curriculum: Medical Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Petrou Loukia , Mittelman Emma , Osibona Oluwapelumi , Panahi Mona , Harvey Joanna M , Patrick Yusuf A A , Leedham-Green Kathleen E 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe humanities have long been shown to play an important role in the medical school curriculum. However, few studies have looked into the opinions of medical students on the usefulness and necessity of the humanities as well as their extracurricular involvement with them. The aim of this study was to: a) understand medical students’ attitude towards the humanities in medical education and b) assess their understanding of the necessary qualities of doctors and how interaction with the humanities affects the development of such attributes. MethodsA mixed methods survey was designed to elicit demographics, engagement, interest and perspective on curricular positioning, and to explore how students ranked the qualities of a doctor. It was distributed to medical students of all year groups in the 6-year bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery (MBBS) course at Imperial College London. Results109 fully completed questionnaires were received. No significant difference was found in engagement or interest in the humanities between genders. Students felt strongly that humanities subjects shouldn’t be assessed (71:18) though some felt it was necessary for engagement, while no consensus was reached on whether these subjects should be elective or not (38:31). The majority of students wanted more medical humanities to be incorporated into the traditional medical course with a preference of incorporation into the first 3 years. Junior medical students were more likely to rank empathy as a highly desirable attribute than senior students. Students provided qualitative insights into curricular positioning, assessment and value.ConclusionsThis study provides the perspective of medical students on how and whether the humanities should be positioned in medical education. It may be helpful to medical schools that are committed to student involvement in curriculum design.
Relating Gut Microbiome and Its Modulating Factors to Immunotherapy in Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Chengliang , Li Meizhang , Liu Ben , Zhu Huanbo , Dai Qun , Fan Xianming , Mehta Kathan , Huang Chao , Neupane Prakash , Wang Fen , Sun Weijing , Umar Shahid , Zhong Cuncong , Zhang Jun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Gut microbiome is proved to affect the activity of immunotherapy in certain tumors. However, little is known if there is universal impact on both the treatment response and adverse effects (AEs) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) across multiple solid tumors, and whether such impact can be modulated by common gut microbiome modifiers, such as antibiotics and diet.Methods: A systematic search in PubMed followed by stringent manual review were performed to identify clinical cohort studies that evaluated the relevance of gut microbiome to ICIs (response and/or AEs, 12 studies), or association of antibiotics with ICIs (17 studies), or impact of diet on gut microbiome (16 studies). Only original studies published in English before April 1st, 2020 were used. Qualified studies identified in the reference were also included.Results: At the phylum level, patients who had enriched abundance in Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia almost universally had better response from ICIs, whereas those who were enriched in Proteobacteria universally presented with unfavorable outcome. Mixed correlations were observed for Bacteroidetes in relating to treatment response. Regarding the AEs, Firmicutes correlated to higher incidence whereas Bacteroidetes were clearly associated with less occurrence. Interestingly, across various solid tumors, majority of the studies suggested a negative association of antibiotic use with clinical response from ICIs, especially within 1-2 month prior to the initiation of ICIs. Finally, we observed a significant correlation of plant-based diet in relating to the enrichment of “ICI-favoring” gut microbiome (P = 0.0476).Conclusions: Gut microbiome may serve as a novel modifiable biomarker for both the treatment response and AEs of ICIs across various solid tumors. Further study is needed to understand the underlying mechanism, minimize the negative impact of antibiotics on ICIs, and gain insight regarding the role of diet so that this important lifestyle factor can be harnessed to improve the therapeutic outcomes of cancer immunotherapy partly through its impact on gut microbiome.
Photoelectronic Properties of End-bonded InAsSb Nanowire Array Detector under Weak Light
Authors: Yao Xiaomei , Zhang Xutao , Kang Tingting , Song Zhiyong , Sun Qiang , Wei Dongdong , Zou Jin , Chen Pingping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
A simple and low-cost fabrication of end-bonded contacts InAsSb NW (nanowire) array detector to weak light is demonstrated in this study. The detector is fabricated using InAsSb NW array grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrate. The MIGS (metal-induced gap states) is induced by the end-bonded contact which suppresses the dark current at various temperatures. The existence of the interface dipole due to the interfacial gap states enhances the light excitation around the local field, thus upgrade the photo responsivity and photo detectivity to the weak light. The light intensity of the infrared light source in this report is 14 nW/cm2 which is about 3 to 4 orders of magnitude less than the laser source. The responsivity of the detector has reached 28.57 A/W at room temperature with the light (945 nm) radiation, while the detectivity is 4.81×1011 cm·Hz1/2 W−1. Anomalous temperature-dependent performance emerges at the variable temperature experiments, and we discussed the detailed mechanism behind the non-linear relationship between the photoresponse of the device and temperatures. Besides, the optoelectronic characteristics of the detector clarified that the light trapping effect and photogating effect of the NWs can enhance the photoresponse to the weak light across ultraviolet to near-infrared. These results highlight the feasibility of the InAsSb NW array detector to the infrared weak light without a cooling system.
Effect evaluation of non-pharmaceutical interventions taken in China to contain the COVID-19 epidemic based on the susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered model
Authors: Wang Zheng-Xin , Shou Ming-Huan , Lou Wen-Qian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had resulted in 16 million infected individuals and 640000 deaths across the world as of July 27, 2020. Unfortunately, there is still no sign that the epidemic spread is slowing down. China, as the first country suffering from the widespread outbreak of the epidemic, has effectively contained the spread of the epidemic since March, 2020. Therefore, confirmed cases of COVID-19 from January 20 to March 18, 2020 were taken as the sample set to establish the susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) model. The model was used to analyze changes in the numbers of individuals becoming infected, exposed (latently infected), susceptible, and recovered in the experimental groups taking different non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and in the control group not taking any NPIs, so as to evaluate effects of different NPIs. By doing so, the research expects to provide references to other countries for formulating corresponding policies. The results show that type-A NPIs for reducing daily contacts with infected and exposed cases and type-B NPIs for decreasing the probability of post-exposure infections both can delay the timing of large-scale infections of the susceptible population, timing of the number of exposed individuals to peak, and timing of peaking of the number of infected cases, as well as decrease the peak number of exposed cases. Moreover, type-B NPIs have more significant effects on susceptible and exposed populations. Type-C NPIs for improving the recovery rate of patients are able to effectively reduce the peak number of patients, greatly decrease the slope of the curve for the number of infected cases, substantially improve the recovery rate, and lower the mortality rate; however, these NPIs do not greatly delay the timing of the number of infected cases to peak. In addition to these, considering effects of different NPIs on the susceptible and exposed populations and in delaying the timing for the number of infected cases to peak, it is found that the government’s organization of medical supply related companies to resume production exerts the best effect. As for reducing the epidemic number of patients in the core epidemic area (CEA, Hubei Province), delivery and putting-into-operation of Leishenshan hospital shows the best effect, followed by dispatching of medical staff to support Wuhan, delivery and putting-into-operation of Huoshenshan hospital, and construction of mobile cabin hospitals.
The First Case of Invasive Bacteroides Dorei Infection Detected in a Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm Patient-Raising A Rebellion of Major Indigenous Bacteria in Humans: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Matsuoka Takayuki , Shimizu Takuya , Minagawa Tadanori , Hiranuma Wakiko , Takeda Miki , Kakuta Risako , Kawamoto Shunsuke 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Bacteroides dorei is an anaerobic, gram-negative bacterium first described in 2006. Due to the high similarity in mass spectrum patterns between B. dorei and Bacteroides vulgatus, discriminating these species is arduous in clinical practice. In recent decades, 16S rRNA gene sequencing has been a complementary method for distinguishing taxonomically close bacteria to the genus and species levels, including B. dorei and B. vulgatus. Accordingly, B. dorei has been shown to contribute to some diseases, including type 1 autoimmune diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic diseases. Nevertheless, there are no reports on invasive infectious disease caused by B. dorei. This report describes the first case of B. dorei presenting direct invasion and colonisation into human tissue, providing a warning for the previously proposed application of B. dorei as live biotherapeutics for atherosclerotic diseases.Case presentation: A 78-year-old man admitted with suspicion for mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysm was diagnosed by enhanced computed tomography scan, exhibiting the appearance of infection and dissection at the distal aortic arch. Despite strict blood pressure control and empirical antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition worsened. For the prevention of aneurysmal rupture and elimination of infectious foci, the patient underwent surgical treatment, and the resected specimen was subjected to tissue culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis to identify pathogenic bacteria. A few days after the surgery, culture and sequencing results revealed that the pathogen was B. dorei/vulgatus and B. dorei, respectively. The patient was successfully treated by appropriate antibacterial therapy, improved and was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation at postoperative day 34. There was no recurrence of symptoms after the patient transfer.Conclusions: This report describes the first case of invasive infectious disease caused by B. dorei, casting a shadow over its utilisation as a probiotic for atherosclerotic diseases.
Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes can Promote Root Hair Development Through Nitric Oxide and Ethylene Pathways
Authors: Zhao Gan , Zhao Yingying , Lou Wang , Abdalmegeed Dyaaaldin , Guan Rongzhan , Shen Wenbiao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have the risk of polluting the ecological system, it still cannot deny its huge potential in agriculture. Studying the effects of CNTs on plant growth will help to make new assessments of the application of CNTs in agriculture. Results: Here, we observed that the stimulation of plant root hair growth triggered by multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) with appropriate concentrations is a universal event; however, low or excessive had no significant effect or even inhibition. Further results showed that MWCNTs could enter rapeseed root cells. Meanwhile, nitrate reductase (NR)-dependent nitric oxide (NO) and ethylene syntheses, as well as root hair formation were significantly stimulated by MWCNTs. Transcription of root hair growth related genes were also modulated. Above responses were obviously blocked by the removal of endogenous NO and ethylene with a scavenger of NO or NO/ethylene synthetic inhibitors. Similarly, MWCNTs-triggered root hair growth was obviously impaired in ein2-5 and ein3-1, two ethylene-insensitive mutants, and nia1/2, a nitric reductase defective mutant, but not in noa1 mutant, with impaired in NO-associated protein 1. Further molecular data placed NR-dependent NO synthesis linearly before ethylene production in root hair development triggered by MWCNTs.Conclusion: Above results revealed that MWCNTs could promote root hair growth. Ethylene and NR-dependent NO were required for MWCNTs-induced root hair morphogenesis via regulating genes related to root hair development, and ethylene might act downstream of NO in this process. Since root hair is one of important components for root organogenesis, above findings open a new window for the possible usage of CNTs in agriculture.
Is Electrocardiogram Helpful in Predicting Positive Troponin I Due to Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity?
Authors: Panakkal Benny Jose , Muneer Kader , Dubey Gajendra , Ajayakumar T K , Sajeev C G , Krishnan M N 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
OBJECTIVEScreening patients on anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens for the development of cardiotoxicity can be resource intensive. We therefore studied various traditional ECG parameters to correlate and possibly predict the development of positive Troponin I as a surrogate marker of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.METHODSThis was a single centre prospective cohort study done between Januray 2014 to January 2016. Baseline ECG was compared with ECG done after chemotherapy and different parameters were compared. Patients were divided into Troponin I positve and negative groups based on the test performed at the end of chemotherapy using a cut-off of 0.06 ng/dL.RESULTSOf the 160 patients studied, 131 (81.9%) were Troponin I negative (TnI-) and 29 (18.1%) were positive (TnI+). Breast cancer accounted for 79% of all cancers in this study. Many ECG parameters where compared between TnI- and TnI+ groups. Of them, TP and TP/QT showed a significant decrease in the TnI+ group. The mean (95% CI) TP in TnI- group was 162.9 (145.4, 180.4) and in TnI+ groups was 117.9 (89, 146.8), p = 0.03. Corresponding values for TP/QT were 0.47 (0.42, 0.51) and 0.35 (0.27, 0.42), p = 0.02. These changes were not significant in multivariate analysis and likely reflected the different mean heart rates (HR) in both the groups as shown by Pearson’s partial correlation which was run with HR as confounder.CONCLUSIONSECG parameters like QTcH, TP and TP/QT are not helpful in predicting Troponin I elevations in patients on anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Further studies based on hard endpoints like clinical systolic dysfunction occuring at one year would give better information on their utility.
Functional Group Decomposition of Multiple Coronaviruses on Variant Maps
Authors: Du Liuyun , Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Different coronaviruses can be identified as three categories: common coronaviruses, fatal coronaviruses, and domestic coronaviruses. It is convenient to generate various visual results for their RNA sequences on variant maps. In this paper, a functional group measurement method is proposed to combine discrete mathematics and computational technologies on the A2 module of the MAS. Various samples are processed by this scheme and interesting results can be observed. The projections of the segmented groups on each coronavirus compared with the projective effects on different coronaviruses in 2D maps of coordinate systems are shown by statistical measures on the density matrix with similarity and dissimilarity properties for further exploration.
CURB-65 plus Hypoalbuminemia: a new score system for prediction of the in-hospital mortality risk in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Oliva Alessandra , Borrazzo Cristian , Cancelli Francesca , Franchi Cristiana , Carnevalini Martina , Galardo Gioacchino , Alessandroni Maria , Urso Fabrizio , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Pugliese Francesco , Mastroianni Claudio M , Venditti Mario 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: There is the need of a simple but highly reliable score system for stratifying the risk of mortality and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) transfer in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia at the Emergency Room. Purpose: In this study, the ability of CURB-65, extended CURB-65, PSI and CALL scores and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) to predict intra-hospital mortality and ICU admission in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were evaluated.Methods: During March-May 2020, a retrospective, single-center study including all consecutive adults patients with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia was conducted. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data as well as CURB-65, expanded CURB-65, PSI and CALL scores were calculated based on data recorded at hospital admission. Results: Overall, 224 patients with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the study. As for intra-hospital mortality (24/224, 11%), PSI performed better than all the other tested scores, which showed lower AUC values (AUC=0.890 for PSI versus AUC=0.885, AUC=0.858 and AUC=0.743 for expanded CURB-65, CURB-65 and CALL scores, respectively). Of note, the addition of hypoalbuminemia to the CURB-65 score increased the prediction value of intra-hospital mortality (AUC=0.905). All the tested scores performed worse in predicting the need of ICU transfer (26/224, 12%), with the best AUC for extended CURB-65 score (AUC= 0.708).Conclusion: The addition of albumin level to the easy-to-calculate CURB-65 score at hospital admission is able to improve the quality of prediction of intra-hospital mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
Forecasting COVID-19 Outbreak Progression Using Hybrid Polynomial-Bayesian Ridge Regression Model
Authors: Saqib Mohd 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In 2020, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) Coronavirus, unforeseen pandemic put humanity at big risk and health professionals are facing several kinds of problem due to rapid growth of confirmed cases. That is why some prediction methods are required to estimate the magnitude of infected cases and masses of studies on distinct methods of forecasting are represented so far. In this study, we proposed a hybrid machine learning model that is not only predicted with good accuracy but also takes care of uncertainty of predictions. The model is formulated using Bayesian Ridge Regression hybridized with an n-degree Polynomial and uses probabilistic distribution to estimate the value of the dependent variable instead of using traditional methods. This is a completely mathematical model in which we have successfully incorporated with prior knowledge and posterior distribution enables us to incorporate more upcoming data without storing previous data. Also, L2 (Ridge) Regularization is used to overcome the problem of overfitting. To justify our results, we have presented case studies of three countries, –the United States, Italy, and Spain. In each of the cases, we fitted the model and estimate the number of possible causes for the upcoming weeks. Our forecast in this study is based on the public datasets provided by John Hopkins University available until 11th May 2020. We are concluding with further evolution and scope of the proposed model.