bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SLC2A12of SLC2 Gene Family in Bird Provides Functional Compensation for the Loss ofSLC2A4Gene in Other Vertebrates
Authors: Xiong Ying , Lei Fumin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAvian genomes are small and lack some genes that are conserved in the genomes of most other vertebrates including nonavian sauropsids. One hypothesis stated that paralogs may provide biochemical or physiological compensation for certain gene losses; however, no functional evidence has been reported to date. By integrating evolutionary analysis, physiological genomics, and experimental gene interference, we clearly demonstrate functional compensation for gene loss. A large-scale phylogenetic analysis of over 1,400 SLC2 gene sequences identifies six new SLC2 genes from nonmammalian vertebrates and divides the SLC2 gene family into four classes. Vertebrates retain class III SLC2 genes but partially lack the more recent duplicates of classes I and II. Birds appear to have completely lost the SLC2A4 gene that encodes an important insulin-sensitive GLUT in mammals. We found strong evidence for positive selection, indicating that the N-termini of SLC2A4 and SLC2A12 have undergone diversifying selection in birds and mammals, and there is a significant correlation between SLC2A12 functionality and basal metabolic rates in endotherms. Physiological genomics have uncovered that SLC2A12 expression and allelic variants are associated with insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels in wild birds. Functional tests have indicated that SLC2A12 abrogation causes hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and high relative activity, thus increasing energy expenditures that resemble a diabetic phenotype. These analyses suggest that the SLC2A12 gene not only functionally compensates insulin response for SLC2A4 loss but also affects daily physical behavior and basal metabolic rate during bird evolution, highlighting that older genes retain a higher level of functional diversification.
Using population-level incidence of hepatitis C virus and immigration status for data-driven screening policies: a case study in Israel
Authors: Leventer-Roberts Maya , Dagan Noa , Berent Jenna M , Brufman Ilan , Hoshen Moshe , Braun Marius , Balicer Ran D , Feldman Becca S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Most studies estimate hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease prevalence from convenience samples. Consequently, screening policies may not include those at the highest risk for a new diagnosis.

Methods
Clalit Health Services members aged 25–74 as of 31 December 2009 were included in the study. Rates of testing and new diagnoses of HCV were calculated, and potential risk groups were examined.

Results
Of the 2 029 501 included members, those aged 45–54 and immigrants had lower rates of testing (12.5% and 15.6%, respectively), higher rates of testing positive (0.8% and 1.1%, respectively), as well as the highest rates of testing positive among tested (6.1% and 6.9%, respectively).

Discussion
In this population-level study, groups more likely to test positive for HCV also had lower rates of testing. Policy makers and clinicians worldwide should consider creating screening policies using on population-based data to maximize the ability to detect and treat incident cases.
LncRNA–ENST00000446135 is a novel biomarker of cadmium toxicity in 16HBE cells, rats, and Cd-exposed workers and regulates DNA damage and repair
Authors: Zhou Zhiheng , Huang Zhijie , Chen Baoxin , Lu Qian , Cao Linlu , Chen Wenru 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) and its compounds are well-known human carcinogens, but the mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate whether long noncoding RNA (LncRNA)–ENST00000446135 could serve as a novel biomarker of Cd toxicity in cells, animals, and Cd-exposed workers and regulate DNA damage and repair. LncRNA–ENST00000446135 expression increased gradually in cadmium chloride-transformed 16HBE cells. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of LncRNA–ENST00000446135 inhibited the growth of DNA-damaged cells and decreased the expressions of DNA damage-related genes (ATM, ATR, and ATRIP), whereas increased the expressions of DNA repair-related genes (DDB1, DDB2, OGG1, ERCC1, MSH2, XRCC1, and BARD1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing showed that MSH2 is a direct transcriptional target of lncRNA–ENST00000446135. Cadmium increased lncRNA–ENST00000446135 expression in the lung of Cd-exposed rats in a dose-dependent manner. A significant positive correlation was observed between blood ENST00000446135 expression and urinary/blood Cd concentrations, and there were significant correlations of LncRNA–ENST00000446135 expression with the DNA damage cell and the expressions of target genes in the lung of Cd-exposed rats and the blood of Cd-exposed workers and significantly correlated with liver and renal function in Cd-exposed workers. These results indicate that the expression of LncRNA–ENST00000446135 is upregulated and may serve as a signature for DNA damage and repair related to the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the cadmium toxicity and become a novel biomarker of cadmium toxicity.
Effective Teaching Qualities as Identified by Nursing Faculty
Authors: Noll Kelley 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Effective educators possess strong behaviors that allow them to adapt their classrooms and develop respectful relationships with students. However, despite their advanced degrees, advanced degree nursing students are not taught effective teaching skills prior to employment, and research on teaching effectiveness is limited. This study explores behaviors perceived as effective by nursing faculty at a public university. It is the first to use the Teacher Behavior Checklist in nursing education. Providing advanced degree nursing students with opportunities to understand and adopt effective, evidence-based teaching behaviors prior to starting their faculty careers would benefit students and learning institutions worldwide.
English-as-an-Additional-Language Nursing Student Support Group: Student Leadership and Engagement
Authors: Choi Liza Lai Shan , Brochu Nadja 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore the perceived impact of student engagement and leadership opportunities on English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) student success. Participant interviews revealed insight into the lived experiences of EAL students completing undergraduate nursing education in a secondary language. Research findings revealed: a) the importance of student engagement and leadership opportunities, b) the influence of student engagement and leadership opportunities on mental well-being, c) accessible student engagement and leadership opportunities for EAL students, and d) future ambitions encouraged by student engagement and leadership opportunities.
Interactive e-Learning Electrocardiogram Module: Increasing Confidence and Interpretation Ability Among Family Nurse Practitioner Students
Authors: Conelius Jaclyn 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a skill that family nurse practitioners (FNPs) use almost daily in primary care. One way to teach ECG interpretation in a flexible way is through e-learning modules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the confidence and ability of ECG interpretation in FNP students who completed a series of e-learning modules. Student confidence and ability to correctly identify ECGs increased after completing the series (p < .0001). Adding self-paced modules such as this one into an FNP curriculum will likely be invaluable for students’ future clinical careers.
Structural Entropy of Daily Number of COVID-19 Related Fatalities
Authors: Unlu Eren 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA recently proposed temporal correlation-based- network framework applied on financial markets called Struc- tural Entropy has prompted us to utilize it as a means of analysis for COVID-19 fatalities across countries. Our observation on the resemblance of volatility of fluctuations of daily novel coronavirus related number of deaths to the daily stock exchange returns suggests the applicability of this approach.
Surgical Diseases in North Korea: in view of North Korean medical journals
Authors: Choi Sejin , Kim Taehoon , Choi Soyoung , Shin Hee Young 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe demand for surgical diseases in North Korea is not fully reported despite its clinical significance. This study is to indirectly assess contemporary research trends and infrastructure status on surgical diseases in North Korea.MethodsWe analyzed articles of journal ‘Surgery’ published in Kim Jong-un era (2012-2018). The framework for categorization was primarily based on the disease entities, surgery specialty, and research methodology.Results1,792 articles in 28 issues were included in the study. The frequency of detailed surgery cases and the characteristics of their specialty were investigated. The types of medical imaging techniques and anesthetics commonly utilized in clinical fields in North Korea were also evaluated.ConclusionsAn obvious disjunction between actual disease prevalence and research trends mirrors the lack of surgical technique and infrastructure. Further evaluation and attention to the surgical system in North Korea are required.
Genetic study of circulating cytokines offers insight into the determinants, cascades and effects of systemic inflammation
Authors: Karhunen Ville , Gill Dipender , Malik Rainer , Ponsford Mark J. , Ahola-Olli Ari , Papadopoulou Areti , Palaniswamy Saranya , Mutt Shivaprakash Jagalur , Sebert Sylvain , Männikkö Minna , Auvinen Juha , Veijola Juha , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Timonen Markku , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Dichgans Martin , Salmi Marko , Jalkanen Sirpa , Lehtimäki Terho , Salomaa Veikko , Raitakari Olli , Jones Simon A , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Dehghan Abbas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCytokines are the signalling molecules that underlie inflammatory processes. Here, we performed genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses of 47 circulating cytokines in up to 13,365 individuals to identify protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL). Applying a novel approach, we incorporated pQTL and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data of 10,361 tissue samples in 635 individuals to identify biologically plausible genetic instruments to proxy the effect of cytokines. Using Mendelian randomization analysis, we explored the causal determinants of inflammatory cytokines, investigated inflammatory cascades and evaluated their effects on 20 diseases. We show evidence of body mass index (BMI), smoking and systolic blood pressure (SBP) being associated with inflammation, and specifically BMI affecting levels of active PAI-1, HGF, MCP1, sE-Selectin, sICAM1, TRAIL, IL6 and CRP. Our analysis highlights a key role of VEGF in influencing the levels of eight other inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we report evidence of sICAM affecting waist circumference and risk of major depressive disorder, evidence for TRAIL affecting the risk of cardiovascular diseases, breast and prostate cancer, and evidence for MIG affecting the risk of stroke. Overall, our results offer insight into inflammatory mediators of BMI, smoking and SBP, pleiotropic effects of VEGF, and circulating cytokines that increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases. All the studied cytokines represent pharmacological targets and therefore offer opportunities for clinical translation in diseases with inflammatory components.
Features of C-reactive protein in COVID-19 patients with different ages, clinical types and outcomes: a cohort study
Authors: Qu Gaojing , Huang Guoxin , Zhang Meiling , Yu Hui , Song Xiaoming , Zhu Haoming , Chen Lei , Wang Yunfu , Pei Bin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo characterize C-reactive protein (CRP) changes features from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to quantify the correlation between CRP value and clinical classification.MethodsThis was a bidirectional observational cohort study. All laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital were included. Patients’ general information, clinical type, CRP value and outcome were collected. Patients were grouped according to the age, clinical type and outcome, and their CRP were compared. The CRP value, age gender, and clinical type were used to build a categorical regression model to investigate the association between CRP and clinical type.ResultsThe 131 patients aged 50.13±17.13 years old. There were 4 mild, 88 moderate, 21 severe and 18 critical cases. Statistical significance of CRP median exists between different clinical types and ages. There were 10 deaths and 121 cases have been discharged. The CRP in death group dramatically increased continuously until died, while increased firstly and decreased later in the survivor and survivor in critical type. The categorical regression model also showed that CRP and age had significant coefficient. During the first 15 days from symptom onset, the maximum of CRP ranged between 0.47-53.37 mg/L were related to mild combined with moderate type, ranged 53.84-107.08 mg/L were related to severe type, and 107.42-150.00 mg/L were related to the critical type.ConclusionsCRP showed different distribution feature and existed differences in various ages, clinical types and outcomes of COVID-19 patients. The features corresponded with disease progression.
How rare and common risk variation jointly affect liability for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Klei Lambertus , McClain Lora Lee , Mahjani Behrang , Panayidou Klea , De Rubeis Silvia , Säll Grahnat Anna-Carin , Karlsson Gun , Lu Yangyi , Melhem Nadine , Xu Xinyi , Reichenberg Abraham , Sandin Sven , Hultman Christina M. , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Roeder Kathryn , Devlin Bernie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGenetic studies have implicated rare and common variation in liability for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Of the discovered risk variants, those rare in the population invariably have large impact on liability, while common variants have small effects. Yet, collectively, common risk variants account for the majority of population-level variability. How these rare and common risk variants jointly affect liability for individuals requires further study.MethodsTo explore how common and rare variants jointly affect liability, we assessed two cohorts of ASD families characterized for rare and common genetic variation (Simons Simplex Collection and Population-Based Autism Genetics & Environment Study). We analyzed data from 3,011 affected subjects, as well as two cohorts of unaffected individuals characterized for common genetic variation: 3,011 subjects matched for ancestry to ASD subjects; and 11,950 subjects for estimating allele frequencies. We used genetic scores, which assessed the relative burden of common genetic variation affecting risk for ASD (henceforth burden), and determined how this burden was distributed among three subpopulations: ASD subjects who carry a rare damaging variant implicated in risk for ASD (mutation carriers); ASD subjects who do not (non-carriers); and unaffected subjects, who are assumed to be non-carriers.ResultsBurden harbored by ASD subjects is stochastically greater than that harbored by control subjects. For mutation carriers, their average burden is intermediate between non-carrier ASD and control subjects. Both carrier and non-carrier ASD subjects have greater burden, on average, than control subjects. The effects of common and rare variants likely combine additively to determine individual-level liability.LimitationsOnly 258 ASD subjects were known mutation carriers. This relatively small subpopulation limits this study to characterizing general patterns of burden, as opposed to effects of specific mutations or genes. Also, a small fraction of subjects that are categorized as non-carriers could be mutation carriers.ConclusionsLiability arising from common and rare risk variation likely combine additively to determine risk for any individual diagnosed with ASD. On average, ASD subjects carry a substantial burden of common risk variation, even if they also carry a rare mutation affecting risk.
Retrospectivein silicoHLA predictions from COVID-19 patients reveal alleles associated with disease prognosis
Authors: Warren René L. , Birol Inanç 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene locus plays a fundamental role in human immunity, and it is established that certain HLA alleles are disease determinants.MethodsBy combining the predictive power of multiplein silicoHLA predictors, we have previously identified prevalent HLA class I and class II alleles, including DPA1*02:02, in two small cohorts at the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Since then, newer and larger patient cohorts with controls and associated demographic and clinical data have been deposited in public repositories. Here, we report on HLA-I and HLA-II alleles, along with their associated risk significance in one such cohort of 126 patients, including COVID-19 positive (n=100) and negative patients (n=26).ResultsWe recapitulate an enrichment of DPA1*02:02 in the COVID-19 positive cohort (29%) when compared to the COVID-negative control group (Fisher’s exact test [FET] p=0.0174). Having this allele, however, does not appear to put this cohort’s patients at an increased risk of hospitalization. Inspection of COVID-19 disease severity outcomes reveal nominally significant risk associations with A*11:01 (FET p=0.0078), C*04:01 (FET p=0.0087) and DQA1*01:02 (FET p=0.0121).ConclusionsWhile enrichment of these alleles falls below statistical significance after Bonferroni correction, COVID-19 patients with the latter three alleles tend to fare worse overall. This is especially evident for patients with C*04:01, where disease prognosis measured by mechanical ventilation-free days was statistically significant after multiple hypothesis correction (Bonferroni p = 0.0023), and may hold potential clinical value.
Estimating the Financial Impact of Gene Therapy*
Authors: Wong Chi Heem , Li Dexin , Wang Nina , Gruber Jonathan , Conti Rena , Lo Andrew W. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe assess the potential financial impact of future gene therapies by identifying the 109 late-stage gene therapy clinical trials currently underway, estimating the prevalence and incidence of their corresponding diseases, developing novel mathematical models of the increase in quality-adjusted life years for each approved gene therapy, and simulating the launch prices and the expected spending of these therapies over a 15-year time horizon. The results of our simulation suggest that an expected total of 1.09 million patients will be treated by gene therapy from January 2020 to December 2034. The expected peak annual spending on these therapies is $25.3 billion, and the total spending from January 2020 to December 2034 is $306 billion. We decompose their annual estimated spending by treated age group as a proxy for U.S. insurance type, and consider the tradeoffs of various methods of payment for these therapies to ensure patient access to their expected benefits.
The effect of eviction moratoria on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nande Anjalika , Sheen Justin , Walters Emma L , Klein Brennan , Chinazzi Matteo , Gheorghe Andrei , Adlam Ben , Shinnick Julianna , Tejeda Maria Florencia , Scarpino Samuel V , Vespignani Alessandro , Greenlee Andrew J , Schneider Daniel , Levy Michael Z , Hill Alison L 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMassive unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic could result in an eviction crisis in US cities. Here we model the effect of evictions on SARS-CoV-2 epidemics, simulating viral transmission within and among households in a theoretical metropolitan area. We recreate a range of urban epidemic trajectories and project the course of the epidemic under two counterfactual scenarios, one in which a strict moratorium on evictions is in place and enforced, and another in which evictions are allowed to resume at baseline or increased rates. We find, across scenarios, that evictions lead to significant increases in infections. Applying our model to Philadelphia using locally-specific parameters shows that the increase is especially profound in models that consider realistically heterogenous cities in which both evictions and contacts occur more frequently in poorer neighborhoods. Our results provide a basis to assess municipal eviction moratoria and show that policies to stem evictions are a warranted and important component of COVID-19 control.
Remote fingerstick blood collection for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing
Authors: Garcia-Beltran Wilfredo F. , Miller Tyler E. , Kirkpatrick Grace , Nixon Andrea , Astudillo Michael G. , Yang Diane , Mahanta Lisa M. , Murali Mandakolathur , Dighe Anand , Lennerz Jochen , Thierauf Julia , Naranbhai Vivek , Iafrate A. John 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTThe rapid worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection has propelled the accelerated development of serological tests that can detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. These have been used for studying the prevalence and spread of infection in different populations, helping establish a recent diagnosis of COVID-19, and will likely be used to confirm humoral immunity after infection or vaccination. However, nearly all lab-based high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 serological assays require a serum sample from venous blood draw, limiting their applications and scalability. Here, we present a method that enables large scale SARS-CoV-2 serological studies by combining self or office collection of fingerprick blood with a volumetric absorptive microsampling device (Mitra, Neoteryx, LLC) with a high-throughput electrochemiluminescence-based SARS-CoV-2 total antibody assay (Roche Elecsys, Roche Diagnostics, Inc.) that is EUA approved for use on serum samples and widely used by clinical laboratories around the world. We found that the Roche Elecsys assay has a high dynamic range that allows for accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum samples diluted 1:20 as well as contrived dried blood extracts. Extracts of dried blood from Mitra devices acquired in a community seroprevalence study showed near identical sensitivity and specificity in detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as compared to neat sera using predefined thresholds for each specimen type. Overall, this study affirms the use of Mitra dried blood collection device with the Roche Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 total antibody assay for remote or at-home testing as well as large-scale community seroprevalence studies.