bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dispersal patterns and population structure of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in three different climatic regions of China
Authors: Gao Jian , Zhang Hengduan , Guo Xiaoxia , Xing Dan , Dong YanDe , Lan CeJie , Wang Ge , Li ChaoJie , Li ChunXiao , Zhao TongYan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background:Aedes albopictus is an indigenous primary vector for Dengue and Zika viruses in China. Compared with its insecticide resistance, biology, and vector competence, little is known about its genetic variation, which corresponds to environmental variations. Thus, the present study examines how Ae. albopictus varies among different climatic regions in China and deciphers its potential dispersal patterns.Methods:The genetic variation and population structure of 17 Ae. albopictus populations collected from three climatic regions of China were investigated with 11 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial coxI gene.Results:Of 44 isolated microsatellite markers, 11 pairs were chosen for genotyping analysis and had an average PIC value of 0.713, representing high polymorphism. The number of alleles was high in each population, with the ne value increasing from the temperate region (3.876) to the tropical region (4.144). Twenty-five coxI haplotypes were detected, and the highest diversity was observed in the tropical region. The mean Ho value (ca. 0.557) of all the regions was significantly lower than the mean He value (ca. 0.684), with nearly all populations significantly departing from HWE and displaying significant population expansion (p-value < 0.05). Two genetically isolated groups and three haplotype clades were evaluated via STRUCTURE and haplotype phylogenetic analyses, and the tropical populations were significantly isolated from those in the other regions. Most genetic variation in Ae. albopictus was detected within populations and individuals at 31.40% and 63.04%, respectively, via the AMOVA test, and a relatively significant positive correlation was observed among only the temperate populations via IBD analysis (R2 = 0.6614, p = 0.048). Recent dispersions were observed among different Ae. albopictus populations, and four major migration trends with high gene flow (Nm>0.4) were reconstructed between the tropical region and the other two regions. Environmental factors, especially temperature and rainfall, may be the leading causes of genetic diversity in different climatic regions.Conclusions:Continuous dispersion contributes to the genetic communication of Ae. albopictus populations across different climatic regions, and environmental factors, especially temperature and rainfall, may be the leading causes of genetic variation.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors-related myocarditis in patients with cancer: an analysis of international spontaneous reporting systems
Authors: Ma Rulan , Wang Quanziang , Meng Deyu , Li Kang , zhang yong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors induced myocarditis presents unique clinical challenges. Here, we assessed post-marketing safety of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors by mining the real-world data reported in two international pharmacovigilance databases. Methods: We analyzed immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-associated fatal adverse drug events (ADRs) reports from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collected from July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 and data from EudraVigilance (EV) database accessed on February 29, 2020. Three different data mining approaches were used to detect the signal of fatal myocarditis caused by ICIs. Results: Based on 7613 ICIs-related ADEs reported to the EV database and 5786 ICIs-associated ADEs submitted to the FAERS database, the most frequently reported ADE was ipilimumab-related colitis. For myocarditis, nivolumab-associated myocarditis was the most common. Among the five fatal toxic effects associated with ICIs, the lethality rate of myocarditis was the highest. Therefore, we further analyzed ICI-associated myocarditis and found that elderly patients and male patients were more likely to develop ICIs-related myocarditis. The results of signal detection showed that the risk signal of avelumab-related myocarditis detected by reporting odds ratio (ROR) method and proportional reporting ratios (PRR) method was the highest, whereas the signal strength of ipilimumab-related myocarditis detected by Bayesian confidence propagation neural networks (BCNPP) method was the strongest. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated the potential safety issues of developing myocarditis when using ICIs, which are consistent with the results of previous clinical trials and can provide a reference for clinical workers when using ICIs.
Water-soluble chlorophyll-binding proteins from Brassica oleracea allow for stable photobiocatalytic oxidation of cellulose by a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase.
Authors: Dodge N. , Russo D. A. , Blossom B.M. , Singh R.K. , Oort B. van , Croce R. , Bjerrum M. J. , Jensen Poul Erik 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are indispensable redox enzymes used in industry for the saccharification of plant biomass. LPMO-driven cellulose oxidation can be enhanced considerably through photobiocatalysis using chlorophyll derivatives and light. Water soluble chlorophyll binding proteins (WSCPs) make it is possible to stabilize and solubilize chlorophyll in aqueous solution, allowing for in vitro studies on photostability and ROS production. Here we aim apply a WSCP-Chl α as a photosensitizing complex for photobiocatalysis with the LPMO, TtAA9. Results: We have in this study demonstrated how WSCP reconstituted with chlorophyll a (WSCP-Chl α) can create a stable photosensitizing complex which produces controlled amounts of H2O2 in the presence of ascorbic acid and light. WSCP-Chl α is highly reactive and allows for tightly controlled formation of H2O2 by regulating light intensity. TtAA9 together with WSCP-Chl α shows increased cellulose oxidation under low light conditions, and the WSCP-Chl α complex remains stable after 24 hours of light exposure. Additionally, the WSCP-Chl α complex demonstrates stability over a range of temperatures and pH conditions relevant for enzyme activity in industrial settings.Conclusion: With WSCP-Chl α as the photosensitizer, the need to replenish Chl is greatly reduced, enhancing the catalytic lifetime of light-driven LPMOs and increasing the efficiency of cellulose depolymerization. WSCP-Chl α allows for stable photobiocatalysis providing a sustainable solution for biomass processing.
Sheep nemabiome diversity and its response to anthelmintic treatment in Swedish sheep herds
Authors: Halvarsson Peter , Höglund Johan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA novel way to study the species composition and diversity of nematode parasites in livestock is to perform deep sequencing on composite samples containing a mixture of different species. Herein we describe for the first-time the nematode community structure (nemabiome) inhabiting Swedish sheep and how these are/were affected by host age and recent anthelmintic treatments.MethodsA total of 158 fecal samples were collected (n=35 in 2007 and n=123 in 2013-2016) and cultured from groups of sheep on 61 commercial farms in the south-central part of country where most animals are grazed. Among the samples, 2 x 44 (56%) were paired collections from the same groups pre- and post-treatment with macrocyclic lactones, benzimidazoles or levamisole. The sequences were analyzed for their nemabiome using the PacBio platform followed by bioinformatic sequence analysis with SCATA. Species richness and diversity were calculated and analyzed in R.ResultsNematode ITS2 sequences were found in all larval culture samples except two, even though the fecal egg counts were below the McMaster threshold in 20 samples. Sequencing yielded, on average, 1,008 sequences per sample. In total 16 operational taxonomical units (OTU), all had ≥98 % identity to sequences in the NCBI database, were recognized. The OTUs found represented nematode species of which 10 are commonly associated with sheep. Multiple species were identified in all pre anthelmintic treatment larval culture samples. No effects on nematode diversity were found in relation to host age. On the other hand, recent anthelmintic treatment lowered species richness, especially after use of ivermectin and albendazol. Interestingly, despite zero egg counts after use of levamisole, these samples still contained nematode DNA and especially H. contortus.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that nemabiome analysis combined with diversity index analysis provide a sensitive and objective methodology in the study of the efficacy of anthelmintic treatment, as both high and low abundant species were detected.
Predicting COVID-19 Disease Progression and Patient Outcomes based on Temporal Deep Learning
Authors: Sun Chenxi , Hong Shenda , Song Moxian , Li Hongyan , Wang Zhenjie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused health concerns worldwide since December 2019. From the beginning of infection, patients will progress through different symptom stages, such as fever, dyspnea or even death. Identifying disease progression and predicting patient outcome at an early stage helps target treatment and resource allocation. However, there is no clear COVID-19 stage definition, and few studies have addressed characterizing COVID-19 progression, making the need for this study evident.Methods: We proposed a temporal deep learning method, based on a time-aware long short-term memory (T-LSTM) neural network and used an online open dataset, including blood samples of 485 patients from Wuhan, China, to train the model. Our method can grasp the dynamic relations in irregularly sampled time series, which is ignored by existing works. Specifically, our method predicted the outcome of COVID-19 patients by considering both the biomarkers and the irregular time intervals. Then, we used the patient representations, extracted from T-LSTM units, to subtype the patient stages and describe the disease progression of COVID-19.Results: Using our method, the accuracy of the outcome of prediction results was more than 90% at 12 days and 98%, 95% and 93% at 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively. Most importantly, we found 4 stages of COVID-19 progression with different patient statuses and mortality risks. We ranked 40 biomarkers related to disease and gave the reference values of them for each stage. Top 5 is Lymph, LDH, hs-CRP, Indirect Bilirubin, Creatinine. Besides, we have found 3 complications - myocardial injury, liver function injury and renal function injury. Predicting which of the 4 stages the patient is currently in can help doctors better assess and cure the patient.Conclusions: To combat the COVID-19 epidemic, this paper aims to help clinicians better assess and treat infected patients, provide relevant researchers with potential disease progression patterns, and enable more effective use of medical resources. Our method predicted patient outcomes with high accuracy and identified a four-stage disease progression. We hope that the obtained results and patterns will aid in fighting the disease.
Expectations and Experiences with Physician Care among Patients Receiving Post-Acute Care in US Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Ryskina Kira L , Foley Kierra A. , Karlawish Jason H. , Uy Joshua D. , Lott Briana , Goldberg Erica , Hodgson Nancy A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: In the US, post-acute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is common and outcomes vary greatly across facilities. Little is known about the expectations of patients and their caregivers about physician care during the hospital to SNF transition. Our objectives were to (1) describe the experiences and expectations of patients and their caregivers with SNF physicians in SNFs, and (2) identify patterns that differed between patients with vs. without cognitive impairment.Methods: This qualitative study used grounded theory approach to analyze data collected from semi-structured interviews at five SNFs in January-August 2018. Patients admitted for short-term SNF care 5-10 days prior were eligible to participate. Thematic analysis was performed to detect recurrent themes with a focus on modifiable aspects of physician care. Analysis was stratified by patient cognitive impairment (measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment at the time of the interview). Results: Fifty patients and six caregivers were interviewed. Major themes were: (1) patients had poor awareness of the physician in charge of their care; (2) they were dissatisfied with the frequency of interaction with the physician; and (3) participants valued the perception of receiving individualized care from the physician. Less cognitively impaired patients were more concerned about limited interactions with the physicians and were more likely to report attempts to seek out the physician. Conclusion: Patient and caregiver expectations of SNF physicians were not well aligned with their experiences. SNFs aiming to improve satisfaction with care may focus efforts in this area, such as facilitating frequent communication between physicians, patients and caregivers.
Suppressor of Variegation 3-9 Homologue 1 Impairment and Neutrophil-skewed Systemic Inflammation Are Associated with Comorbidities in COPD
Authors: Chen Tzu-Tao , Wu Sheng-Ming , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Tseng Chien-Hua , Ho Shu-Chuan , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Feng Po-Hao , Liu Wen-Te , Han Chia-Li , Huang Erick Wan-Chun , Yeh Yun-Kai , Lee Kang-Yun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Systemic manifestations and comorbidities are characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are probably due to systemic inflammation. The histone methyltransferase SUV39H1 controls the Th1/Th2 balance. We previously reported that reduced SUV39H1 expression contributed to abnormal inflammation in COPD.METHODS: To assess whether impaired SUV39H1 expression in COPD patients leads to neutrophilic inflammation, downstream responses to IL-8 and suppression of Th2 responses, the SUV39H1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 13 healthy subjects and 30 COPD patients were measured by immunoblotting. Clinical outcomes associated with SUV39H1-related inflammation were also studied. The relationships between SUV39H1 and neutrophil or eosinophil (Th2 response) counts and clinical outcomes were evaluated. In an extended COPD cohort (213 patients), association analyses of blood cell counts with comorbidities and exacerbations were performed.RESULTS: Low SUV39H1 expression was associated with high neutrophil counts and a trend towards low eosinophil counts. In the extended cohort, the high comorbidity group had higher neutrophil counts than the low comorbidity group but similar whole white blood cell counts. The eosinophil percentage and eosinophil/neutrophil ratio displayed contrasting results. The proportion of neutrophils was correlated with COPD comorbidities. Patients with 0-1 moderate to severe exacerbations in the past year had numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils similar to those of patients who experienced more than an exacerbation. Finally, patients with high comorbidities had lower SUV39H1 levels in their PBMCs than did those with low comorbidities.CONCLUSION: Blood neutrophil counts are associated with comorbidities in COPD patients. Impaired SUV39H1 expression in PBMCs from COPD patients are correlated with neutrophilic inflammation and comorbidities.
Exploring the effectiveness of a COVID-19 contact tracing app with an agent-based model
Authors: Almagor Jonatan , Picascia Stefano 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A contact-tracing strategy has been deemed necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19 following the relaxation of lockdown measures. Using an agent-based model, we explore one of the technology-based strategies proposed, a contact-tracing smartphone app. The model simulates the spread of COVID-19 in a population of agents on an urban scale. Agents are heterogeneous in their characteristics and are linked in a multi-layered network representing the social structure - including households, friendships, employment and schools. We explore the interplay of various adoption rates of the contact-tracing app, different levels of testing capacity, and behavioural factors to assess the impact on the epidemic. Results suggest that a contact tracing app can contribute substantially to reducing infection rates in the population when accompanied by a sufficient testing capacity or when the testing policy prioritises symptomatic cases. As user rate increases, prevalence of infection decreases. With that, when symptomatic cases are not prioritised for testing, a high rate of app users can generate an extensive increase in the demand for testing, which, if not met with adequate supply, may render the app counterproductive. This points to the crucial role of an efficient testing policy and the necessity to upscale testing capacity.
Clean energy utilization technology in the transformation of urban existing residence in China
Authors: Zhao Li , Chen Wei , Li Qiong , Wu WeiWei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Clean energy substitution technology of existing residential buildings in cities is an inevitable choice for sustainable development and low-carbon ecological city construction. In this paper, the current status of energy-saving renovation and renewable energy application of existing residential buildings in various cities in China is summarized by using statistical method. The geographical distribution of clean energy power generation in primary energy production has been deeply explored in China. According to different climatic division of urban existing residence, the clean energy production and consumption are analyzed and predicted based on STIRPAT model. The results shows that the energy consumption of urban residential buildings in 2016 has increases by 43.6% compared with 2009. Clean energy has also increased from 7.9% to 13.4%. Different climate regions have different advantages in clean energy. Nuclear power generation is ahead of other regions in hot summer and warm winter regions, and wind power and solar power generation are strong in severe cold and cold regions. The results can provide basic data support for planning and implementation of clean energy upgrading and transformation system in urban existing residences in China.
Population Genetic Analysis of&nbsp;Plasmodium falciparum&nbsp;Circumsporozoite Protein in Two Distinct Ecological Regions in Ghana
Authors: Amegashie Elikplim A , Amenga-Etego Lucas , Adobor Courage , Ogoti Peter , Mbogo Kevin , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Ghansah Anita 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundExtensive genetic diversity in the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) is a major contributing factor to the moderate efficacy of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. Transmission intensity and the rates of recombination within and between populations influence the extent of genetic diversity. Understanding the extent and dynamics of PfCSP genetic diversity in different transmission settings will help to interpret the results of current RTS,S efficacy and Phase IV implementation trials conducted within and between populations in malaria endemic areas such as Ghana. MethodsPfcsp sequences were retrieved from Illumina generated paired-end short-read sequences of 101 and 131 malaria samples from children aged 6-59 months with clinical malaria presenting at health facilities in Cape Coast (on the coastal belt) and Navrongo (Guinea savannah region) respectively in Ghana. The sequences were mapped onto the 3D7 reference strain genome to yield high-quality genome-wide coding sequence data. Following data filtering and quality checks to remove missing data, 220 sequences were retained and analyzed for allele frequency spectrum, genetic diversity both within host and between the populations and signatures of selection. Population genetics tools were used to determine the extent and dynamics of Pfcsp diversity in P. falciparum from the two geographically distinct locations in Ghana. ResultsPfcsp was extensively diverse at the two sites with the higher transmission site, Navrongo, recording both higher within host and population level diversity. The vaccine strain C-terminal epitope of Pfcsp was found in only 5.9% and 45.7% of the Navrongo and Cape Coast sequences respectively. Amino acid variations ranging between 1 and 6 were observed in the TH2R and TH3R epitope regions of the PfCSP. Tajima’s D was negatively skewed especially for the population from Cape Coast given expected historical population expansion. On the contrary, positive Tajima’s D was observed for the Navrongo P. falciparum population, consistent with balancing selection acting on the immuno-dominant TH2R and TH3R vaccine epitopes. ConclusionThe low frequencies of Pfcsp vaccine haplotype in the populations analyzed calls for additional molecular and immuno-epidemiological studies with temporal and wider geographic sampling in endemic populations targeted for RTS,S application. These results have implications on the efficacy of the vaccine in Ghana and will inform the choice of alleles to include in future multivalent or chimeric vaccines.
Increasing newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease and improving prognosis in China: a 30-year retrospective study from a single centre
Authors: Lv Hong , Jin Meng , Zhang Huimin , Chen Xuanfu , Wu Meixu , Guo Mingyue , Zhou Runing , Wang Zheng , Yang Hong , Qian Jiaming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: We aimed to characterize the trends of prognosis in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Methods: A 30-year retrospective cohort analysis was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Consecutive patients newly diagnosed with UC or CD from 1985 to 2014 were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes included surgery and length of stay in hospital. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to determine the relationship between time and prognosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for in-hospital mortality and surgery. Results: In total, 1467 patients were included in this study (898 cases with UC and 569 cases with CD). Annual admissions for UC and CD have increased significantly over the last 30 years (UC, r=0.918, P<0.05; CD, r=0.898, P<0.05). Decreased in-hospital mortality was observed both in patients with UC and CD (UC, from 2.44% to 0.27%, r=-0.827, P<0.05; CD, from 12.50% to 0.00%, r=-0.978, P<0.05). A decreasing surgery rate was observed in patients with CD (r=-0.847, P<0.05), while an increasing surgery rate was observed in patients with UC (r=0.956, P<0.05). Shortened average lengths of hospital stay were observed in both UC and CD patients (UC, from 47.83±34.35 days to 23.58±20.05 days, r=-0.970, P<0.05; CD, from 65.50±50.57 days to 26.41±18.43 days, r=-0.913, P<0.05). Toxic megacolon and septic shock were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with UC. Intestinal fistula and intestinal perforation were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with CD. Conclusions: In this cohort, the admissions of patients with UC and CD were increased, with significantly improved prognoses during the past 30 years.