bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on students’ performance in a problem-based learning system: comparative study between face-to-face-and virtual learning.
Authors: Shaibani Tarik Al , Naguib Yahya , Razzak Rima Abdul , Ali Fouad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Amongst all other educational institutions, medical schools suffered the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical education requires a great deal of interaction between instructors and students, and in the final years, patients as well. In response to the pandemic, the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University has applied virtual teaching/learning since March 2020 as an alternative to face-to-face teaching. The college used Moodle and Zoom as online methods for education. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual medical education by comparing students’ performance in final exams in face-to-face and virtual settings.
Methods

Following the college's ethical approval, this longitudinal study was performed on 183 medical students. Those students experienced 2 different successive methods of teaching/learning; Unit V as face-to-face followed by Unit VI as virtual settings. Students' performance in the final exams of both units was analyzed and compared.
Results

There was no significant difference in student performance between Units V and VI. Students' performance in the physiology part was equally effective in both units, while the difficulty index of both exams was insignificantly different.
Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that students’ performance in final exams could serve as an objective parameter when comparing different educational settings. Our results also support the idea that, in certain aspects, virtual is equal to face-to-face medical education strategies.
Seroprevalence of human coronaviruses among patients visiting Hospital-Based Sentinel Sites in Uganda
Authors: Mulabbi Elijah , Tweyongyere Robert , Wabwire Fred , Mworozi Edison , Koehlerb Jeff , Kibuuka Hannah , Millard Monica , Erima Bernard , Tugume Titus , Aquino Ukuli , Byarugaba Denis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Human coronaviruses are causative agents of respiratory infections with several subtypes being prevalent worldwide. They cause respiratory illnesses of varying severity and have been described to be continuously emerging but their prevalence is not well documented in Uganda. This study assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against the previously known human coronaviruses prior 2019 in Uganda.Methods: A total 377 serum samples collected from volunteers that showed influenza like illness in five hospital-based sentinel sites and archived were analyzed using a commercial Qualitative Human Coronavirus Antibody IgG ELISA kit. Although there is no single kit available that can detect the presence of all the circulating coronaviruses, this kit uses a nucleoprotein, aa 340-390 to coat the wells and since there is significant homology among the various human coronavirus strains with regards to the coded for proteins, there is significant cross reactivity beyond HCoV HKU-39849 2003. This gives the kit a qualitative ability to detect the presence of human coronavirus antibodies in a sample. Results: The overall seroprevalence for all the sites was 87.53% with no significant difference in the seroprevalence between the Hospital based sentinel sites (p=0.8). Of the seropositive, the age group 1-5 years had the highest percentage (46.97), followed by 6-10 years (16.67) and then above 20 (16.36). The volunteers were divided into two broad categories, those below five years and those above five years, to calculate the odds ratio. The odds ratio of those seropositive with an age above 5 years with reference to those below 5 years was 0.62. This shows that those below 5 are more likely to be seropositive compared to those above 5 years. The seropositivity was generally high throughout the year with highest being recorded in March and the lowest in February and December. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of Human coronaviruses is alarmingly high which calls for need to identify and characterize the circulating coronavirus strains so as to guide policy on the control strategies.
Endometrial Receptivity on Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles – a correlation between Serial Serum Estradiol levels and Serial Endometrial Volume Assessment
Authors: Martins Renato Silva , Oliani Antonio Helio , Oliani Denise Vaz , de Oliveira Jose Martinez 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Diagnosis of endometrial receptivity is still unclear and conflicting. Despite advances in embryo development during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycles, the intricate process of implantation is still matter for debate and research. Materials and Methods: Serial serum estradiol levels and 3D transvaginal ultrasound performed in women on ART cycle to evaluate a pattern that better predicts implantation rates. 169 subjects on a prospective case control study were assessed. Serial biochemical and biophysical parameters were assessed during ovarian controlled stimulation and results compared in terms of pregnancy outcome.Results: No statistical difference was noted between the two groups in terms of demographics and ART procedures and scores. Serum estradiol was significantly higher in the positive group from day 8 after ovarian controlled stimulation. Endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume were significantly higher in the positive group as soon as day 6 of ovarian controlled stimulation. Conclusions: Continuous serum estradiol and 3D endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volumes may reflect endometrial changes during ART procedures and provide a useful real time tool for clinicians in predicting endometrial receptivity.
Origin of N-Type Thermoelectric Properties in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Films With Anionic Surfactants Investigated by Experimental Analyses and First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Yonezawa Susumu , Chiba Tomoyuki , Seki Yuhei , Takashiri Masayuki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We investigated the origin of n-type thermoelectric properties in single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films with anionic surfactants via experimental analyses and first-principles calculations. Several types of anionic surfactants were employed to fabricate SWCNT films via drop-casting, followed by heat treatment at various temperatures. In particular, SWCNT films with sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) surfactant heated to 350°C exhibited a longer retention period, wherein the n-type Seebeck coefficient lasted for a maximum of 35 days. In the color mapping of atomic distribution, SWCNT films with SDBS surfactant exhibited a larger amount of sodium than oxygen on the SWCNT surface. The electronic band structure and density of states of SWCNTs with oxygen atoms, oxygen molecules, water molecules, sulfur atoms, and sodium atoms were analyzed using first-principles calculations. The calculations showed that sodium atoms and oxygen molecules moved the Fermi level closer to the conduction and valence bands, respectively. The water molecules, oxygen, and sulfur atoms did not affect the Fermi level. Therefore, SWCNT films exhibited n-type thermoelectric properties when the interaction between the sodium atoms and the SWCNTs was larger than that between the oxygen molecules and the SWCNTs.
Identification of Regulatory Factors Promoting Embryogenic Callus Formation in Barley Through Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Suo Jingqi , Zhou Chenlu , Zeng Zhanghui , Li Xipu , Bian Hongwu , Wang Junhui , Zhu Muyuan , Han Ning 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Barley is known to be recalcitrant to tissue culture, which hinders genetic transformation and its biotechnological application. To date, the ideal explant for transformation is still limited to immature embryos; however, the mechanism underlying embryonic callus formation remains elusive.Results: The aim of this study was to uncover the differential transcription regulation pathways between immature embryo (IME)- and mature embryo (ME)-derived callus formation through transcriptome sequencing. We showed that incubation of embryos on auxin-rich medium caused dramatic changes in gene expression profiles within 48 h. A total of 9330 and 11318 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in the IME and ME systems, respectively. Protein phosphorylation, regulation of transcription, and oxidative-reduction process were the most common gene ontology categories of DEGs specific to the IME system. Twenty-three IAA, 14 ARF, 8 SAUR, 3 YUC, and 4 PIN genes were found to be differentially expressed during callus formation. The effect of callus-inducing medium (CIM) on IAA genes was broader in the IME system than in the IM system, indicating that auxin response and transport cooperate in regulating cell reprogramming during callus formation. BBM, LEC1 and PLT2 exhibited a significant increase in expression level during IME system but were not activated in the ME system, WUS showed a more substantial growth trend in the IME system than in the ME system, suggesting that these embryonic, shoot, and root meristems genes play crucial roles in determining the acquisition of competency. In addition, epigenetic regulators—including SUVH3A, SUVH2A, HDA19B/703—exhibited differential expression patterns between the two induction systems, indicating that epigenetic reprogramming might contribute to gene expression activation/suppression in this process. Furthermore, we examined the effect of ectopic expression of HvBBM and HvWUS on Agrobacterium-mediated barley transformation. The transformation efficiency was increased by three times in the group expressing the PLTPpro:HvBBM +Axig1pro:HvWUS construct, compared to that in the control (empty vector), which was due to an enhancement of plant regeneration capacity. Conclusions: We identified some regulatory factors that might contribute to the differential responses of the two explants to callus induction and provide a promising strategy to improve transformation efficiency in barley.
Feeding Efficiency Gains Can Increase the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential of the Tanzanian Dairy Sector
Authors: Hawkins James , Yesuf Gabriel , Zijlstra Mink , Schoneveld George , Rufino Mariana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We use an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) and simulation modelling to assess the effect of improved feeding practices and increased yields of feed crops on milk productivity and GHG emissions from the dairy sector of Tanzania’s southern highlands region. We calculated direct non-CO2 emissions from dairy production and the CO2 emissions resulting from the demand for croplands and grasslands using a land footprint indicator. Baseline GHG emissions intensities ranged between 19.8 - 27.8 and 5.8 - 5.9 kg CO2eq kg-1 fat and protein corrected milk for the Traditional (local cattle) and Modern (improved cattle) sectors. Land use change contributed 45.8 - 65.8% of the total carbon footprint of dairy. Better feeding increased milk yields by up to 60.1% and reduced emissions intensities by up to 52.4 and 38.0% for the Traditional and Modern sectors, respectively. Avoided land use change was the predominant cause of reductions in GHG emissions under all the scenarios. Reducing yield gaps of concentrate feeds lowered emission further by 11.4 – 34.9% despite increasing N2O and CO2 emissions from soils management and input use. This study demonstrates that feeding intensification has potential to increase LUC emissions from dairy production, but that fertilizer-dependent yield gains can offset this increase in emissions, through avoided emissions from land use change.
SCD5 Expression Correlates with Prognosis and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Weipeng , Sun Linlin , Li Xichuan , Wang Jun , Zhu Ye , Jia Yan , Tong Zhongsheng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) represents a standard option for breast cancer. Unfortunately, about 55% to 80% of breast cancer patients do not have a favorable response to chemotherapy. Highly specific tumor biomarker that can predict the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is lacking. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 5 (SCD5) is an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum that participates in lipid metabolism. However, the role of SCD5 in breast cancer remains unclear. Our study aims to understand its expression signature, prognosis value and correlation with pathological response to NACT in breast cancer using public databases. Analysis of samples from public databases showed that SCD5 expression was down-regulated across human cancers and associated with more aggressive breast cancer phenotypes. Survival analysis revealed that SCD5 expression was related to prognosis in breast cancer, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Integrated analysis of multiple public datasets indicated that SCD5 expression signature was associated with response to NACT, particularly in TNBC. Based on functional enrichment analysis, SCD5 was implicated in pathways involved in metabolism and cell cycle. SCD5-related biological functions included negative regulation of cell cycle, cell division and DNA repair. Moreover, a significantly negative correlation between SCD5 expression and several cell cycle regulators was noted. Taken together, SCD5 was involved in the development and progression of breast cancer and might be a predictive biomarker for response to NACT. These results provided information for us to better understand SCD5 from the perspective of bioinformatics and highlighted the clinical importance of SCD5 in breast cancer, especially TNBC.
The association between opening a short stay paediatric assessment unit and trends in short stay hospital admissions
Authors: Turner Steve , Raja Edwin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Rising acute paediatric hospital admissions in Scotland are explained by rising numbers of admissions lasting less than 24 hours (zero day admissions). Many inpatient facilities in Scotland have opened short stay paediatric assessment units (SSPAU) which are clinical areas separate from the usual inpatient ward area and these are where most zero day admissions are accommodated. Here we describe the effect of opening short stay paediatric assessment units (SSPAU) on the proportion of zero day admissions relative to all emergency admissions.Methods. Details of all emergency medical paediatric admissions to Scottish hospitals between 2000 and 2013 were obtained, including the number of zero day admissions per month and health board (i.e. geographic region). The month and year that an SSPAU opened in each health board was provided by local clinicians.Results. SSPAUs opened in 7 health boards, between 2004 and 2012. The rise in zero day admissions was greater in health boards with no SSPAU compared to those with an SSPAU. Across all 7 health boards, opening an SSPAU was associated with a 13% [95% CI 10, 15] increase in the proportion of zero day admissions. When considered individually, zero day admissions rose in four health boards after their SSPAU opened, were unchanged in one and fell in two health boards. Independent of SSPAUs opening, there was an increase in the proportion of all admissions which were zero day admissions (0.1% per month), and this accelerated after SSPAUs opened.Conclusion. Opening an SSPAU may increase in the proportion of zero day admissions, but in some settings may reduce this proportion. Zero day admissions could be reduced in some health boards by understanding differences in clinical referral pathways between health boards with contrasting trends in zero day admissions after their SSPAU opens.
Mechanotransduction Channel Piezo is Widely Expressed in the Spider, Cupiennius Salei, Mechanosensory Neurons and Central Nervous Systems
Authors: Johnson Jessica , Liu Hongxia , Höger Ulli , Rogers Samantha , Sivapalan Kajanan , French Andrew , Torkkeli Päivi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Mechanosensory neurons use mechanotransduction (MET) ion channels to detect mechanical forces and displacements. Proteins that function as MET channels have appeared multiple times during evolution and occur in at least four different families; the DEG/ENaC and TRP channels, and the TMC and Piezo proteins. We found twelve putative members of MET channel families in two spider transcriptomes, but detected only one, the Piezo protein, by in situ hybridization in their mechanosensory neurons. In contrast, probes for orthologs of TRP, ENaC or TMC genes that code MET channels in other species did not produce any signals in these cells. An antibody against C. salei Piezo detected the protein in all parts of their mechanosensory cells and in many neurons of the CNS. Unspecific blockers of MET channels, Ruthenium Red and GsMTx4, had no effect on the mechanically activated currents of the mechanosensory VS‑3 neurons, but the latter toxin reduced action potential firing when these cells were stimulated electrically. It is possible that the Piezo protein contributes to mechanosensory transduction in spider mechanosensilla, but it must have other functions in peripheral and central neurons.
Factors predicting long-term outcome of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma after primary curative treatment - the role of surgical or nonsurgical methods
Authors: Kuo Ming-Jeng , Chen Chi-Ling , Mo Lein-ray 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The effect of putative factors on the clinical course of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after primary surgical or nonsurgical curative treatment, which remains elusive, was quantified. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed early HCC who received surgical resection (SR) or percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with or without transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) from January 2003 to December 2016 were enrolled. The cumulative overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared. A polytomous logistic regression was used to estimate factors regarding early and late recurrence. Independent predictors of OS were identified using Cox proportional hazard regression. Results One hundred twenty-five patients underwent SR, and 176 patients underwent RFA, of whom 72 were treated with TACE followed by RFA. Either match analysis based on propensity score or multiple adjustment regression showed no significant difference in DFS and OS between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed high AFP (>= 20 ng/mL), and multinodularity significantly increased risk of early recurrence (<=1year). In contrast, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and multinodularity were significantly associated with late recurrence (>1year). Multivariate Cox regression with recurrent events as time-varying covariates identified older age (HR=1.55, 95% CI:1.01-2.36), clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) (HR=1.97, 95% CI:1.26-3.08), early recurrence (HR=6.62, 95% CI:3.79-11.6) and late recurrence (HR=3.75, 95% CI:1.99-7.08) as independent risk factors of mortality. A simple risk score showed fair calibration and discrimination in early HCC patients after primary curative treatment. In the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A subgroup, SR significantly improved DFS comparing to those received RFA with or without TACE. Conclusion Host and tumor factors rather than the initial treatment modalities determine the outcomes of early HCC after primary curative treatment. Statistical models based on recurrence types can predict early HCC prognosis but further external validation is necessary.
Clinicopathological factors associated with synchronous distant metastasis and prognosis of stage T1 colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Chen Weiping , Li Qiken , Wang Gang , Luo Jun , Li Bo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
It is rare and understudied for patients with stage T1 colorectal cancer to have synchronous distant metastasis. This study was to determine the clinicopathological factors associated with distant metastasis and prognosis. T1 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were obtained from the SEER database. Logistic regression was applied to determine risk factors related to distant metastasis. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to identify the prognostic factors for patients with distant metastasis. Among 21,321 patients identified, 359 (1.8%) had synchronous distant metastasis and 1807 (8.5%) had lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, positive serum CEA, larger tumor size, positive tumor deposit, perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis, histology of non-adenocarcinoma and poorer differentiation were significantly associated with the increased risk of synchronous distant metastasis. Older age, female, African American, positive CEA, positive lymph node metastasis, positive tumor deposit, larger tumor size, no chemotherapy, inadequate lymph node harvesting and no metastasectomy were correlated with worse survival in these patients with synchronous distant metastasis. Patients with metastasis to the liver displayed the highest rate of positive CEA. We conclude that T1 colorectal cancer patients with multiple risk factors need thorough examinations to exclude synchronous distant metastasis. Chemotherapy, adequate lymph node cleaning and metastasectomy are associated with improved survival for those patients with distant metastases. Positive serum CEA may be useful in predicting distant metastases in patients at stage T1.
Effects of panretinal photocoagulation on macular vascular density and Foveal avascular zone area in patients with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Zhu Hongjing , Zhang Weiwei , Liu Qinghuai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Aim: To describe the changes of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) characteristics in severe non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy(S-NPDR) eyes. And study the effect of Panretinal photocoagulation(PRP) on these characteristics.Methods: This is a prospective study including 31 eyes from 18 consecutive patients with S-NPDR and 31 eyes of healthy subjects. We measured macular vascular density (VD) and foveal avascular zone(FAZ) area by an OCTA device. All patients with S-NPDR underwent PRP treatment. In S-NPDR eyes, the VD and foveal avascular zone(FAZ) area were assessed at 1 week before PRP, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months following PRP.Results: Compared with the normal control group ,in superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP), macular VD decreased in S-NPDR group expect foveal VD. In foveal ,p=0.7;In parafoveal and perifoveal, p＜0.001. In deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP), macular VD was also lower in S-NPDR group. In foveal, p=0.01.In parafoveal and perifoveal, p＜0.001. And FAZ area expanded in S-NPDR eyes(p=0.05). In S-NPDR eyes , at 3 months after PRP, foveal VD in DCP increased significantly(p=0.04). At 6 months after PRP, foveal VD increased both in SCP and DCP (P=0.01,P=0.008,respectively). At 6 months after PRP,FAZ area decreased (p=0.04).Conclusions : Patients with S-NPDR have retinal microcirculation disorder, and PRP can partially improve the macular microcirculation. VD and FAZ can be used as sensitive indicators for follow-up observation of diabetic retinopathy.