bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composition and diversity of gut microbiota in Pomacea canaliculata in sexes and between developmental stages
Authors: Chen Lian , Li Shuxian , Xiao Qi , Lin Ying , Li Xuexia , Qu Yanfu , Wu Guogan , Li Hong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, is one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species and vector of some pathogens relevant to human health.

Methods
On account of the importance of gut microbiota to the host animals, we compared the communities of the intestinal microbiota from P. canaliculata collected at different developmental stages (juvenile and adult) and different sexes by using high-throughput sequencing.

Results
The core bacteria phyla of P. canaliculata gut microbiota included Tenericutes (at an average relative abundance of 45.7 %), Firmicutes (27.85 %), Proteobacteria (11.86 %), Actinobacteria (4.45 %), and Cyanobacteria (3.61 %). The female group possessed the highest richness values, whereas the male group possessed the lowest bacterial richness and diversity compared with the female and juvenile group. Both the developmental stages and sexes had important effects on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of P. canaliculata. By LEfSe analysis, microbes from the phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were enriched in the female group, phylum Bacteroidetes was enriched in the male group, family Mycoplasmataceae and genus Leuconostoc were enriched in the juvenile group. PICRUSt analysis predicted twenty-four metabolic functions in all samples, including general function prediction, amino acid transport and metabolism, transcription, replication, recombination and repair, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, etc.

Conclusions
This study provided a general understanding of the diversity characteristics of intestinal microbial communities of P. canaliculata, and indicated that developmental stage and gender could both influence the intestinal microbes of P. canaliculata. Further study may focus on the interaction between the gut microbiota and their host.
How practice setting affects family physicians’ views on genetic screening: a qualitative study
Authors: Fok Rose Wai-Yee , Ong Cheryl Siow Bin , Lie Désirée , Ishak Diana , Fung Si Ming , Tang Wern Ee , Sun Shirley , Smith Helen , Ngeow Joanne Yuen Yie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Genetic screening (GS), defined as the clinical testing of a population to identify asymptomatic individuals with the aim of providing those identified as high risk with prevention, early treatment, or reproductive options. Genetic screening (GS) improves patient outcomes and is accessible to the community. Family physicians (FPs) are ideally placed to offer GS. There is a need for FPs to adopt GS to address anticipated genetic specialist shortages.

Objective
To explore FP attitudes, perceived roles, motivators and barriers, towards GS; and explore similarities and differences between private and public sector FPs.

Methods
We developed a semi-structured interview guide using existing literature. We interviewed private and public sector FPs recruited by purposive, convenience and snowballing strategies, by telephone or video to theme saturation. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded for themes by two independent researchers with an adjudicator.

Results
Thirty FPs were interviewed (15 private, 15 public). Theme saturation was reached for each group. A total of 12 themes (6 common, 3 from private-practice participants, 3 public-employed participants) emerged. Six common major themes emerged: personal lack of training and experience, roles and relevance of GS to family medicine, reluctance and resistance to adding GS to practice, FP motivations for adoption, patient factors as barrier, and potential solutions. Three themes (all facilitators) were unique to the private group: strong rapport with patients, high practice autonomy, and high patient literacy. Three themes (all barriers) were unique to the public group: lack of control, patients’ lower socioeconomic status, and rigid administrative infrastructure.

Conclusion
FPs are motivated to incorporate GS but need support for implementation. Policy-makers should consider the practice setting when introducing new screening functions. Strategies to change FP behaviours should be sensitive to their sense of autonomy, and the external factors (either as facilitators or as barriers) shaping FP practices in a given clinical setting.
The PROMOTe study: targeting the gut microbiome with prebiotics to overcome age-related anabolic resistance: protocol for a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Ni Lochlainn Mary , Nessa Ayrun , Sheedy Alyce , Horsfall Rachel , García María Paz , Hart Deborah , Akdag Gulsah , Yarand Darioush , Wadge Samuel , Baleanu Andrei-Florin , Whelan Kevin , Steves Claire 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundLoss of skeletal muscle mass and strength occurs with increasing age and is associated with loss of function, disability, and the development of sarcopenia and frailty. Dietary protein is essential for skeletal muscle function, but older adults do not anabolise muscle in response to protein supplementation as well as younger people, so called ‘anabolic resistance’. The aetiology and molecular mechanisms for this are not understood, however the gut microbiome is known to play a key role in several of the proposed mechanisms. Thus, we hypothesise that the gut microbiome may mediate anabolic resistance and therefore represent an exciting new target for ameliorating muscle loss in older adults.This study aims to test whether modulation of the gut microbiome using a prebiotic, in addition to protein supplementation, can improve muscle strength (as measured by chair-rise time) versus protein supplementation alone.MethodsThe study is a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, with two parallel arms; one will receive prebiotic and protein supplementation, and the other will receive placebo (maltodextrin) and protein supplementation. Participants will be randomised as twin pairs, with one twin from each pair in each arm. Participants will be asked to take supplementation once daily for 12 weeks in addition to resistance exercises. Every participant will receive a postal box, containing their supplements, and the necessary equipment to return faecal, urine, saliva and capillary blood samples, via post. A virtual visit will be performed using online platform at the beginning and end of the study, with measures taken over video. Questionnaires, food diary and cognitive testing will be sent out via email at the beginning and end of the study.DiscussionThis study aims to provide evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in anabolic resistance to dietary protein. If those who take the prebiotic and protein supplementation have a greater improvement in muscle strength compared with those who take protein supplementation alone, this would suggest that strategies to modify the gut microbiome may reduce anabolic resistance, and therefore potentially mitigate sarcopenia and frailty in older adults.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov:NCT04309292. Registered on the 2nd May 2020.
Quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of joint measures led by Fangcang shelter hospitals in response to COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan, China
Authors: Jiang Hui , Song Pengfei , Wang Siyi , Yin Shuangshuang , Yin Jinfeng , Zhu Chendi , Cai Chao , Xu Wangli , Li Weimin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective
To quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of Fangcang shelter hospitals, designated hospitals, and the time interval from illness onset to diagnosis toward the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods
We used SEIAR and SEIA-CQFH warehouse models to simulate the two-period epidemic in Wuhan and calculate the time dependent basic reproduction numbers (BRNs) of symptomatic infected individuals, asymptomatic infected individuals, exposed individuals, and community-isolated infected individuals. Scenarios that varied in terms of the maximum numbers of open beds in Fangcang shelter hospitals and designated hospitals, and the time intervals from illness onset to hospitals visit and diagnosis were considered to quantitatively assess the optimal measures.

Results
The BRN decreased from 4.50 on Jan 22, 2020 to 0.18 on March 18, 2020. Without Fangcang shelter hospitals, the cumulative numbers of cases and deaths would increase by 18.58 and 51.73%, respectively. If the number of beds in the designated hospitals decreased by 1/2 and 1/4, the number of cumulative cases would increase by 178.04 and 92.1%, respectively. If the time interval from illness onset to hospital visit was 4 days, the number of cumulative cases and deaths would increase by 2.79 and 6.19%, respectively. If Fangcang shelter hospitals were not established, the number of beds in designated hospitals reduced 1/4, and the time interval from visiting hospitals to diagnosis became 4 days, the cumulative number of cases would increase by 268.97%.

Conclusion
The declining BRNs indicate the high effectiveness of the joint measures. The joint measures led by Fangcang shelter hospitals are crucial and need to be rolled out globally, especially when medical resources are limited.
Childhood abuse and borderline personality disorder features in Chinese undergraduates: the role of self-esteem and resilience
Authors: Xie Guo-Die , Chang Jun-Jie , Yuan Meng-Yuan , Wang Geng-Fu , He Yang , Chen Shan-Shan , Su Pu-Yu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Although childhood abuse is considered to be related to borderline personality disorder (BPD), few studies have elaborated on the mediating role of self-esteem and resilience in it. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the potential mediating role of resilience and self-esteem between childhood abuse and BPD.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 4034 college students in Anhui Province, China. Participants were asked to complete Chinese versions of the following instruments: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF), Mclean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the mediation effects.

Results
Resilience and self-esteem were found to be mediators of all three types of childhood abuse (emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse) when the types were examined separately; however, when all three types of childhood abuse were entered into the model simultaneously, neither the indirect effects nor direct effects of physical abuse or sexual abuse were found to be significant, only the association between emotional abuse and BPD features was partially mediated by resilience and self-esteem.

Conclusions
Self-esteem and resilience mediate the links between childhood abuse and BPD features, and emotional abuse is uniquely associated with BPD features.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities in multimorbidity and associated healthcare utilisation and outcomes in Brazil: a cross-sectional analysis of three million individuals
Authors: Hone Thomas , Stokes Jonathan , Trajman Anete , Saraceni Valeria , Coeli Claudia Medina , Rasella Davide , Durovni Betina , Millett Christopher 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Evidence is limited on racial/ethnic group disparities in multimorbidity and associated health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries hampering effective policies and clinical interventions to address health inequalities.

Methods
This study assessed race/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence of multimorbidity and associated healthcare utilisation, costs and death in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out of 3,027,335 individuals registered with primary healthcare (PHC) services. Records included linked data to hospitalisation, mortality, and welfare-claimant (Bolsa Família) records between 1 Jan 2012 and 31 Dec 2016. Logistic and Poisson regression models were carried out to assess the likelihood of multimorbidity (two or more diagnoses out of 53 chronic conditions), PHC use, hospital admissions and mortality from any cause. Interactions were used to assess disparities.

Results
In total 13,509,633 healthcare visits were analysed identifying 389,829 multimorbid individuals (13%). In adjusted regression models, multimorbidity was associated with lower education (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.26; 95%CI: 1.23,1.29; compared to higher education), Bolsa Família receipt (AOR: 1.14; 95%CI: 1.13,1.15; compared to non-recipients); and black race/ethnicity (AOR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.03,1.06; compared to white). Multimorbidity was associated with more hospitalisations (Adjusted Rate Ratio (ARR): 2.75; 95%CI: 2.69,2.81), more PHC visits (ARR: 3.46; 95%CI: 3.44,3.47), and higher likelihood of death (AOR: 1.33; 95%CI: 1.29,1.36). These associations were greater for multimorbid individuals with lower educational attainment (five year probability of death 1.67% (95%CI: 1.61,1.74%) compared to 1.13% (95%CI: 1.02,1.23%) for higher education), individuals of black race/ethnicity (1.48% (95%CI: 1.41,1.55%) compared to 1.35% (95%CI: 1.31,1.40%) for white) and individuals in receipt of welfare (1.89% (95%CI: 1.77,2.00%) compared to 1.35% (95%CI: 1.31,1.38%) for non-recipients).

Conclusions
The prevalence of multimorbidity and associated hospital admissions and mortality are greater in individuals with black race/ethnicity and other deprived socioeconomic groups in Rio de Janeiro. Interventions to better prevent and manage multimorbidity and underlying disparities in low- and middle-income country settings are needed.
Association of indoor microbial aerosols with respiratory symptoms among under-five children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fakunle Adekunle Gregory , Jafta Nkosana , Naidoo Rajen N. , Smit Lidwien A. M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite the recognition of the importance of indoor microbial exposures on children’s health, the role of different microbial agents in development and aggravation of respiratory symptoms and diseases is only poorly understood. This study aimed to assess whether exposure to microbial aerosols within the indoor environment are associated with respiratory symptoms among children under-5 years of age.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, GreenFILE, ScienceDirect, EMBASE and Cochrane library through February 2020. Studies that investigated the exposure–response relationship between components of the indoor microbial communities and respiratory symptoms among under-five children were eligible for inclusion. A random-effect meta-analysis was applied to estimate pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for study specific high versus low microbial exposures. The potential effect of individual studies on the overall estimate was evaluated using leave-one-out analysis, while heterogeneity was evaluated byI2statistics using RevMan 5.3.ResultsFifteen studies were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The pooled risk estimate suggested that increased microbial exposure was associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms [pooled relative risk (RR): 1.24 (1.09, 1.41),P = 0.001]. The association was strongest with exposure to a combination ofAspergillus,Penicillium, Cladosporium and Alternariaspecies [pooled RR: 1.73 (1.30, 2.31),P = 0.0002]. Stratified analysis revealed an increased risk of wheeze [pooled RR: 1.20 (1.05, 1.37),P = 0.007 and allergic rhinitis [RR: 1.18 (0.94, 1.98),P = 0.16] from any microbial exposure.ConclusionsMicrobial exposures are, in general, associated with risk of respiratory symptoms. Future studies are needed to study the indoor microbiome more comprehensively, and to investigate the mechanism of these associations.
Bayesian optimization with evolutionary and structure-based regularization for directed protein evolution
Authors: Frisby Trevor S. , Langmead Christopher James 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Directed evolution (DE) is a technique for protein engineering that involves iterative rounds of mutagenesis and screening to search for sequences that optimize a given property, such as binding affinity to a specified target. Unfortunately, the underlying optimization problem is under-determined, and so mutations introduced to improve the specified property may come at the expense of unmeasured, but nevertheless important properties (ex. solubility, thermostability, etc). We address this issue by formulating DE as a regularized Bayesian optimization problem where the regularization term reflects evolutionary or structure-based constraints.

Results
We applied our approach to DE to three representative proteins, GB1, BRCA1, and SARS-CoV-2 Spike, and evaluated both evolutionary and structure-based regularization terms. The results of these experiments demonstrate that: (i) structure-based regularization usually leads to better designs (and never hurts), compared to the unregularized setting; (ii) evolutionary-based regularization tends to be least effective; and (iii) regularization leads to better designs because it effectively focuses the search in certain areas of sequence space, making better use of the experimental budget. Additionally, like previous work in Machine learning assisted DE, we find that our approach significantly reduces the experimental burden of DE, relative to model-free methods.

Conclusion
Introducing regularization into a Bayesian ML-assisted DE framework alters the exploratory patterns of the underlying optimization routine, and can shift variant selections towards those with a range of targeted and desirable properties. In particular, we find that structure-based regularization often improves variant selection compared to unregularized approaches, and never hurts.
Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in patients with neuromuscular diseases: a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up study
Authors: Wang Yuchuan , Wang Zhongzheng , Tian Siyu , Tan Zhanchao , Zhu Yanbin , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in patients with neuromuscular disease.MethodsWe reviewed 156 patients with neuromuscular disease who underwent hemiarthroplasty between June 2015 and December 2019. Patients were divided into cemented group (n= 105) and uncemented group (n= 51), with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Factors including preoperative features, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, complications, pain, Harris hip scores (HHS), and quality of life were compared across groups, and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate survival.ResultsIn the uncemented group, the mean duration of surgery was 16.0 min. shorter (p= 0.001) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 71.1 mL less (p= 0.01). Visual analog scales (VAS), HHS, and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scores were not different between the groups. Despite a few potential trends, we did not observe a difference in complications such as periprosthetic fractures and dislocations. The rates of mortality were similar between groups (p=0.821).ConclusionsBoth arthroplasties may be used with good medium-term results in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in patients with neuromuscular diseases.
Clinical characteristics and genetic spectrum of 26 individuals of Chinese origin with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Zhao Xinyue , Bian Chun , Liu Keqiang , Xu Wenshuai , Liu Yaping , Tian Xinlun , Bai Jing , Xu Kai-Feng , Zhang Xue 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, highly heterogeneous genetic disorder involving the impairment of motile cilia. With no single gold standard for PCD diagnosis and complicated multiorgan dysfunction, the diagnosis of PCD can be difficult in clinical settings. Some methods for diagnosis, such as nasal nitric oxide measurement and digital high-speed video microscopy with ciliary beat pattern analysis, can be expensive or unavailable. To confirm PCD diagnosis, we used a strategy combining assessment of typical symptoms with whole-exome sequencing (WES) and/or low-pass whole-genome sequencing (WGS) as an unbiased detection tool to identify known pathogenic mutations, novel variations, and copy number variations.

Results
A total of 26 individuals of Chinese origin with a confirmed PCD diagnosis aged 13 to 61 years (median age, 24.5 years) were included. Biallelic pathogenic mutations were identified in 19 of the 26 patients, including 8 recorded HGMD mutations and 24 novel mutations. The detection rate reached 73.1%. DNAH5 was the most frequently mutated gene, and c.8383C > T was the most common mutated variant, but it is relatively rare in PCD patients from other ethnic groups.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the practical clinical utility of combining WES and low-pass WGS as a no-bias detecting tool in adult patients with PCD, showing a clinical characteristics and genetic spectrum of Chinese PCD patients.
CACNA1C is a prognostic predictor for patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Chang Xiaohan , Dong Yunxia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
CACNA1C, as a type of voltage-dependent calcium ion transmembrane channel, played regulatory roles in the development and progress of multiple tumors. This study was aimed to analyze the roles of CACNA1C in ovarian cancer (OC) of overall survival (OS) and to explore its relationships with immunity.

Methods
Single gene mRNA sequencing data and corresponding clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Database (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to identify CACNA1C-related signal pathways. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to evaluate independent prognostic factors. Besides, associations between CACNA1C and immunity were also explored.

Results
CACNA1C had a lower expression in OC tumor tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.001), with significant OS (P = 0.013) and a low diagnostic efficiency. We further validated the expression levels of CACNA1C in OC by means of the ICGC dataset (P = 0.01), qRT-PCR results (P < 0.001) and the HPA database. Univariate and multivariate Cox hazard regression analyses indicated that CACNA1C could be an independent risk factor of OS for OC patients (both P < 0.001). Five significant CACNA1C-related signaling pathways were identified by means of GSEA. As for genetic alteration analysis, altered CACNA1C groups were significantly associated with OS (P = 0.0169), progression-free survival (P = 0.0404), disease-free survival (P = 0.0417) and disease-specific survival (P = 9.280e-3), compared with unaltered groups in OC. Besides, CACNA1C was dramatically associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) and immunity.

Conclusions
Our results shed light on that CACNA1C could be a prognostic predictor of OS in OC and it was closely related to immunity.