bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerating Gut Microbiome Research with Robust Sample Collection
Authors: Zreloff Zoe J. , Lange Danielle , Vernon Suzanne D. , Carlin Martha R. , Cano Raul de Jesus 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Inferior quality of biological material compromises data, slows discovery, and wastes research funds. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in human health and disease, yet little attention has been given to optimizing collection and processing methods of human stool. Methods. We collected the entire bowel movement from 2 healthy volunteers: one to examine stool sample heterogeneity and one to test stool sample handling parameters. Sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were used to examine the microbiome composition. Results. The microbiome profile varied depending on where the subsample was obtained from the stool. The exterior cortex of the stool was rich in specific phyla and deficient in others while the interior core of the stool revealed opposite microbiome profiles. Sample processing also resulted in varying microbiome profiles. Homogenization and stabilization at 4°C gave superior microbial diversity profiles compared to the fresh or frozen subsamples of the same stool sample. Bacterial proliferation continued in the fresh subsample when processed at ambient temperature. Bacteroidetes proliferated and Firmicutes diminished during the 30-minute processing of fresh sample. The frozen sample had good overall diversity but Proteobacteria diminished likely because of the freeze/thaw. Conclusions. The microbiome profile is specific to the section of the stool being sampled. Stool sample collection, homogenization, and stabilization at 4°C for 24 hours provides a “neat”, high-quality sample of sufficient quantity that can be banked into aliquots with nearly identical microbial diversity profiles. This collection pipeline is essential to accelerate our understanding of the gut microbiome in health and disease
Succession of the Gut Microbiome in the Tibetan Population of Minjiang River Basin
Authors: Li Jun , Sun Lin , Mo Chunfeng , Fu Xiangsheng , Chen Baijun , Liu Jing , Li Xuemei , Song Lingmeng , Yang Wen , Zuo Luo , Zhou Yan , Sun Jingping , Qin Ling , He Feng , Deng Li , Tang Yuanqin , Yang Lin , Kang Lesiji , He Yonghua , Wang Songbo , Chen Junru , Wang Xianyue , Qin Xiaofeng , Li Xiaoan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Tibetans are one of the oldest ethnic groups in China and South Asia. Tibetan has a unique lifestyle and a long history, which leads to the particularity of their gut microflora in composition and function. Different from the Tibetan population on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tibetans in Minjiang River Basin have gradually increased their migration to Chengdu Plain in recent years. Based on the analysis of 1059 Tibetans in the Minjiang River Basin at an altitude of 500-4001m, we found that the dominant phylum of Tibetan population is Bacteroidea and Firmicum, and the main genera are Prevotella and Bacteroides. These findings reflect the characteristics of Tibetan population. Results: In order to further study the factors affecting gut microbial composition of Tibetan population, 115 total parameters of 7 categories were evaluated. The results showed that altitude was the most important factor affecting the variation of microbial community in Tibetan population, and the change of altitude promoted the succession of gut microbial community. In the process of migration from high altitude to plain, the intestinal microbial composition of late immigrants was similar to that of plateau aborigines, while that of early immigrants was similar to that of plain aborigines. Migration to Tibet is related to the loss of indigenous gut microbial community species. In addition, from low altitude to high altitude, the similarity of microbial community with high altitude population increased with the reproduction of offspring after marriage. And the change of these flora will affect the metabolism, disease and cell function of Tibetan population. The other two sets (AGP and Z208) of altitude data also show the impact of altitude on the microbial community. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale study on the influencing factors of gut microflora in Tibetan population. Our study confirmed that altitude change is the most important factor affecting the distribution of Tibetan population flora, and provided abundant and unique data to explore the interaction of impact parameter-gut microbiome-host function and disease.
Nutrient Utilization in Yankasa Rams Fed Crop Residue Supplemented With Xylanase and Glucanase Combinations
Authors: Millam Jacob Jafiya , Waja Augustine , Papas Hyellafiya 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There is less information in Nigeria with regard the understanding of the use of exogenous enzymes widely used in monogastric diets in ruminant’s rations. The study evaluated the effects of supplementing xylanase and glucanase in combination in rations of Yankasa rams. Sixteen yearling Yankasa rams (average 21 kg) were used. Four treatments were evaluated: control (without enzyme combination), 50:50, 75:25 and 25:75 xylanase-glucanase combinations denoted as T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. The basal roughage was cowpea husk and sorghum husk. The feeding trial was conducted using complete randomize design.Results: There were differences (p<0.05) with regard to nutrient intake and total digestibility coefficient except crude protein and nitrogen free extract digestibility (p>0.05). The intake and digestibility increased with supplementation of xylanase and glucanase combination at 25:75 ratio respectively. It increased DM intake by 211.90 g/d, DM digestibility by 17.73%, ADF digestibility by 1.17% and NDF digestibility by 1.02%. The nitrogen balance in the body did not increase (p>0.05) with supplementation of 50:50 xylanase-glucanase combination. The efficiency of nitrogen utilization did not differ between the control and 50:50 xylanase-glucanase combination. Conclusion: The combination of xylanase and glucanase at ratio 25:75 respectively improved nutrient intake and digestibility but did not influence nitrogen utilization.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Relapse After Elective Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation: a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Temgoua Mazou , Boombhi Jerome , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Nkoke Clovis , Tsinda Cedric , Menanga Alain , Kingue Samuel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAtrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia and it is associated with life-threatening complications such as hemodynamic instability and thromboembolic events. Electrical cardioversion remains its mainstay of treatment and can be performed either urgently or electively. Relapse after electrical cardioversion has been reported by several primary studies with divergent results, but no detailed summary exists for a critical appraisal of its global incidence and risk factors.Therefore, we propose the first systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the existing data on the global incidence and risk factors of relapse after electrical cardioversion for AF.MethodsWe will include case-control and cohort studies reporting on the incidence and risk factors of relapse after electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, WHO Global Health Library and Web of Science will be searched for relevant records published between January 01, 2000, and December 15, 2020. Pairs of independents reviewers will perform study selection and data extraction, as well as an assessment of the methodological quality of included studies. Appropriate meta-analysis will then be used to pool studies judged to be clinically homogenous. Egger’s test and funnel plots will be used to detect publication bias. Findings will be reported and compared by the human development level of countries. ResultsThis systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the existing data on the global incidence and risk factors of relapse after electrical cardioversion for AFConclusionThis review is expected to provide relevant data to help in evaluating the burden and risk factors of relapse after electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. The overall findings of this research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Systematic Review RegistrationThe protocol has been registered in Prospero with this registration number: CRD42020209301
Elastic Modulus Is an Ideal Indicator to Evaluate Maize Stem Strength
Authors: Lei En , Li Wen Xue , Wang Chao Bo , Wang Yue Dong , Yang Yong Bing , Tang Qi Yuan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Stem lodging seriously restricts the development of mechanized maize harvesting. However, currently there is no comprehensive stem strength evaluation standard for cultivating new maize varieties with excellent stem performance that are suitable for mechanical harvesting. In this study, we constructed a panel of maize germplasm accessions with various stem strengths by setting up different levels of stalk-rot resistance. We investigated the factors influencing maize stem strength, as well as the relationships among them to clarify the key indices for evaluating stem strength. Results: Our results indicated that the stem density, moisture content, bending strength and rind puncture strength were responsive to stalk-rot resistance. However, these indices were in agreement with stem resistance only after the physiological maturity of maize. In particular, the stem rind puncture strength exhibited a closer correlation with the stem resistance in the late stage of physiological maturity. It was also demonstrated that stem density directly affected bending strength and rind puncture strength, whereas indirectly affected the elastic modulus. The elastic modulus includes both load and displacement; therefore, it can prompt the reliability of stem strength evaluation, and is the best description of stalk toughness. The attenuation amplitude of the elastic modulus is always the largest whether it is caused by the aggravation of the disease, the growth stage delay, or the internode position rise, which significantly improves the sensitivity of stalk strength evaluation. Our results showed that the elastic modulus was correspondent with stem resistance from the silking stage of maize, which not only effectively improved the accuracy of the stalk strength evaluation, but also was extremely beneficial to improve the efficiency of maize variety selection. Conclusions: The elastic modulus can be used to evaluate the maize stem strength truly and accurately, and especially in the high stalk rot incidence region, it is very beneficial to improve the breeding efficiency of the maize varieties suitable for mechanical harvesting.
Impact of Non-Hepatic Hyperammonemia on Mortality in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Jeon Hankyu , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Hee Jin , Cha Ra Ri , Lee Jae Min , Kim Hyun Jin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The effect of hyperammonemia on the mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis is well documented. However, little is known about the impact of hyperammonemia on mortality in intensive care unit patients without hepatic disease. We aimed to investigate factors associated with non-hepatic hyperammonemia in intensive care unit patients and evaluate the factors related to 90-day mortality. Methods: Between February 2016 and February 2020, 972 cases in 948 intensive care unit patients without hepatic disease were retrospectively enrolled and classified as hyperammonemia grades 0 (≤80 µg/dL; n=585 (60.2%)), 1 (≤160 µg/dL; n=291 (29.9%)), 2 (≤240 µg/dL; n=55 (5.7%)), and 3 (>240 µg/dL; n=41 (4.2%)). Factors associated with hyperammonemia and 90-day mortality were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for 90-day mortality were constructed.Results: The independent risk factors for hyperammonemia were male sex (odds ratio, 1.517), age (0.984 per year), acute brain failure (2.467), acute kidney injury (1.437), prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (2.272 per unit), and albumin (0.694 per g/dL). The 90-day mortality rate in the entire cohort was 24.3% and gradually increased with increasing hyperammonemia grade at admission (17.9%, 28.2%, 43.6%, and 61.0% in patients with grades 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Additionally, non-hepatic hyperammonemia was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality in intensive care unit patients. Conclusions: Non-hepatic hyperammonemia is common (39.8%) and associated with 90-day mortality in intensive care unit patients. Therefore, clinicians must examine serum ammonia levels in patients before admission to intensive care unit.
Unraveling Patient Heterogeneity in ICU With Deep Embedded Clustering Using Co-morbidity, Clinical Examination, and Laboratory Data
Authors: Forte José Castela , Yeshmagambetova Galiya , Grinten Maureen van der , Hiemstra Bart , Kaufmann Thomas , Eck Ruben , Keus Frederik , Epema Anne , Wiering Marco , Horst Iwan van der 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction Despite extensive research, the goal of unravelling patient heterogeneity in critical care remains largely unattained. Combining clustering analysis of routinely collected high-frequency data with the identification of features driving cluster separation may constitute a step towards improving patient characterization. Methods In this study, we analysed prospectively collected data from 743 patients including co-morbidities, clinical examination, and laboratory parameters. We compared four clustering methodologies – deep embedded clustering (DEC), hierarchical clustering with and without dynamic time warping, and k-means – and trained a classifier to predict and validate cluster membership. The contribution of different variables to the predicted cluster membership was assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations values.Results DEC yielded better results compared to the traditional clustering algorithms, with the best Jaccard and entropy scores being achieved for 6 clusters. These clusters were characterized as medium to high co-morbidity patients with respiratory pathology and sepsis (cluster 1), patients with primarily acute and chronic cardiac conditions and surgical admission (cluster 2), patients with diverse disease etiology and poor outcomes (cluster 3), low co-morbidity neurological, neurosurgical, and trauma patients (cluster 4), medium co-morbidity patients with cardio-respiratory problems, and neuro-trauma patients with longer length of stay (cluster 5), and patients with sepsis and respiratory infections (cluster 6). All clusters differed in in-ICU, 30-day, and 90-day mortality, as well as incidence of acute kidney injury, and two clusters were categorized as having higher mortality risk, and one cluster as lower mortality risk. Conclusions This machine learning methodology, which we made publicly available, is a possible solution to challenges previously encountered by clustering analyses, and may help unravel patient heterogeneity in critical care.
Comparison of the drug retention and reasons for discontinuation of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors and Interleukin-6 Inhibitors in patients with Elderly-onset Rheumatoid Arthritis-the ANSWER cohort study
Authors: Jinno Sadao , Onishi Akira , Dubreuil Maureen , Hashimoto Motomu , Yamamoto Wataru , Murata Koichi , Takeuchi Tohru , Kotani Takuya , Maeda Yuichi , Ebina Kosuke , Son Yonsu , Amuro Hideki , Hara Ryota , Katayama Masaki , Saegusa Jun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: This multi-center, retrospective study aimed to clarify retention rates and reasons for discontinuation of either Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors (TNFi) or Interleukin-6 Inhibitors (IL-6i) in patients with elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA).Methods: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) enrolled in a Japanese multicenter observational registry between 2011 and 2020 were included. EORA was defined as RA with onset at 60 or over. To adjust confounding by indication for treatment with TNFi or IL-6i, a propensity score based on multiple baseline characteristics variables was used to compare the drug retention and causes for discontinuation between TNFi and IL-6i. Adjusted cumulative incidence of drug discontinuation for each reason was compared between the two groups using the Fine-Gray model. Results: Among a total of 9550 patients in the registry, 674 TNFi and 297 IL-6i initiators with EORA were identified. Age, the proportion of females, disease duration, and baseline disease activity at the time of TNFi or IL-6i initiation were similar between the two groups. After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups, overall drug discontinuation was significantly lower in the IL-6i as compared to the TNFi (HR=0.71, 95%CI=0.59-0.86, p<0.001). The adjusted cumulative incidence of discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness was lower with the IL-6i (HR=0.46, 95%CI=0.33-0.63, p<0.001) while those due to adverse events (HR=0.82, 95%CI=0.56-1.18, p=0.28) or achievement of clinical remission (HR=1.09, 95%CI=0.62-1.91, p=0.76) were similar between the two groups.Conclusions: In EORA patients initiating a TNFi or IL-6i, significantly higher drug retention was observed with IL-6i. Discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness was significantly less frequent in IL-6i while discontinuations due to adverse event or achievement of clinical remission were similar between the two groups.
A novel variant in PAX6 as the cause of aniridia in a Chinese family
Authors: Jin Xin , Liu Wei , Huang HouBin , Qv Linghui , Xv Wenqin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Aniridia is a kind of congenital human pan-ocular anomaly, which is related to PAX6 commonly.Methods: The ophthalmic examinations including visual acuity, slit lamp and fundoscopy examination were performed in a Chinese aniridia pedigree. The targeted next-generation sequencing of aniridia genes was used to identify the causative mutation.Results: A novel heterozygous PAX6 nonsense mutation c.619A>T (p.K207*) was identified in the Chinese autosomal dominant family with aniridia. Phenotype related to the novel mutation included nystagmus, keratopathy, absence of iris, cataract and foveal hypoplasia.Conclusion: The novel nonsense variation in PAX6 was the cause of aniridia in this family, which expanded the spectrum of the PAX6 mutation.
Partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy mediates the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health
Authors: Kazemi Ashraf , Ghaedrahmati Maryam , Kheirabadi Gholamreza 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: An unplanned pregnancy may be followed by increased depression and anxiety. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mediating role of partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy (PERP) on the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 healthy Iranian pregnant women during their third trimester. The levels of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The PERP score was also measured using a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the plug-in application PROCESS macro.Results: The results showed that PERP score was reversely related to pregnancy planning and prenatal depression and anxiety. The direct effect of the pregnancy planning on depression (c=-.05) and anxiety levels (c= -.02) were not significant; but the indirect effect of pregnancy planning on depression (Point Estimate= -.379, CI: -.523 to -.250) and anxiety levels (Point Estimate=-.560, CI: -.741 to -.385) with the mediating role of PERP were significant. Conclusions: The results indicated that the effect of pregnancy planning on prenatal mental health is mediated by PERP, and in unplanned pregnancy women need to receive positive reaction of their partners toward pregnancy so that they can preserve their mental health.
Malaria Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Nigeria: A Qualitative study to explore barriers
Authors: Mahmud Fatima Muhammad , Nedjat Saharnaz , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Parseian Mahboubeh , Majdzadeh Reza , Assan Abraham 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: While the use of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) is effective in preventing malaria infection during pregnancy, challenges exist which limits its uptake in Nigeria. This study aimed to explore the barriers of IPTp use among pregnant women in Kano state, Nigeria.Methods: This is a qualitative study. We employed the purposive sampling strategy to select 14 key informants for interview. We also conducted three focus group discussions (FGD) with pregnant women, and married men. The conventional content analysis method was used. MAXQDA 10 software was used for data management and analysis, i.e., to develop categories, subcategories and codes.Results: Poor policy implementation, poor antenatal care attendance, inadequate access to intermittent preventive treatment at the community levels, lack of sustainable funding and poor community engagement emerged as major barriers to IPTp use.Conclusion:While the political will to allocate sufficient financial resources could help improve service delivery and IPTp use among pregnant women, community participation is also critical to sustain gains.