bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Baseline Evaluation of Bioinformatics Capacity in Tanzania Reveals Areas for Training
Authors: Sangeda Raphael Zozimus , Mwakilili Aneth David , Masamu Upendo , Nkya Siana , Mwita Liberata Alexander , Massawe Deogracious Protas , Lyantagaye Sylvester Leonard , Makani Julie 
Published: June 2021

Due to the insufficient human and infrastructure capacity to use novel genomics and bioinformatics technologies, Sub-Saharan Africa countries have not entirely ripped the benefits of these technologies in health and other sectors. The main objective of this study was to map out the interest and capacity for conducting bioinformatics and related research in Tanzania. The survey collected demographic information like age group, experience, seniority level, gender, number of respondents per institution, number of publications, and willingness to join the community of practice. The survey also investigated the capacity of individuals and institutions about computing infrastructure, operating system use, statistical packages in use, the basic Microsoft packages experience, programming language experience, bioinformatics tools and resources usage, and type of analyses performed. Moreover, respondents were surveyed about the challenges they faced in implementing bioinformatics and their willingness to join the bioinformatics community of practice in Tanzania. Out of 84 respondents, 50 (59.5%) were males. More than half of these 44 (52.4%) were between 26–32 years. The majority, 41 (48.8%), were master’s degree holders with at least one publication related to bioinformatics. Eighty (95.2%) were willing to join the bioinformatics network and initiative in Tanzania. The major challenge faced by 22 (26.2%) respondents was the lack of training and skills. The most used resources for bioinformatics analyses were BLAST, PubMed, and GenBank. Most respondents who performed analyses included sequence alignment and phylogenetics, which was reported by 57 (67.9%) and 42 (50%) of the respondents, respectively. The most frequently used statistical software packages were SPSS and R. A quarter of the respondents were conversant with computer programming. Early career and young scientists were the largest groups of responders engaged in bioinformatics research and activities across surveyed institutions in Tanzania. The use of bioinformatics tools for analysis is still low, including basic analysis tools such as BLAST, GenBank, sequence alignment software, Swiss-prot and TrEMBL. There is also poor access to resources and tools for bioinformatics analyses. To address the skills and resources gaps, we recommend various modes of training and capacity building of relevant bioinformatics skills and infrastructure to improve bioinformatics capacity in Tanzania.
Psychometric Properties of the Elementary Social Behavior Assessment in Swedish Primary School: A Teacher Rated Index of Students’ Prosocial School Behaviors
Authors: Wikman Carina , Allodi Mara Westling , Ferrer-Wreder Laura 
Published: June 2021

This study examined the psychometric properties of a Swedish language adaption of the teacher-rated Elementary Social Behavior Assessment (ESBA), which provides an index of students’ prosocial school behaviors. Participants were eight teachers (two teachers per school in four schools) who rated their students (N = 143 children, M age = 8 years old). The ESBA factor structure was tested with Confirmatory Factor Analysis in a series of models. The two- and three-factor models showed better fit. ESBA showed high internal consistency at the observed level. ESBA’s psychometric properties show initial promise as a tool to help Swedish teachers to support students’ prosocial skills development.
Type 2 Diabetes Coagulopathy Proteins May Conflict With Biomarkers Reflective of COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Moin Abu Saleh Md , Al-Qaissi Ahmed , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveDetailed proteomic analysis in a cohort of patients with differing severity of COVID-19 disease identified biomarkers within the complement and coagulation cascades as biomarkers for disease severity has been reported; however, it is unclear if these proteins differ sufficiently from other conditions to be considered as biomarkers.MethodsA prospective, parallel study in T2D (n = 23) and controls (n = 23). A hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed and normoglycemia induced in T2D [4.5 ± 0.07 mmol/L (81 ± 1.2 mg/dl)] for 1-h, following which blood glucose was decreased to ≤2.0 mmol/L (36 mg/dl). Proteomic analysis for the complement and coagulation cascades were measured using Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan.ResultsThirty-four proteins were measured. At baseline, 4 of 18 were found to differ in T2Dversuscontrols for platelet degranulation [Neutrophil-activating peptide-2 (p = 0.014), Thrombospondin-1 (p = 0.012), Platelet factor-4 (p = 0.007), and Kininogen-1 (p = 0.05)], whilst 3 of 16 proteins differed for complement and coagulation cascades [Coagulation factor IX (p &lt; 0.05), Kininogen-1 (p = 0.05), and Heparin cofactor-2 (p = 0.007)]; STRING analysis demonstrated the close relationship of these proteins to one another. Induced euglycemia in T2D showed no protein changesversusbaseline. At hypoglycemia, however, four proteins changed in controls from baseline [Thrombospondin-1 (p &lt; 0.014), platelet factor-4 (p &lt; 0.01), Platelet basic protein (p &lt; 0.008), and Vitamin K-dependent protein-C (p &lt; 0.00003)], and one protein changed in T2D [Vitamin K-dependent protein-C, (p &lt; 0.0002)].ConclusionSeven of 34 proteins suggested to be biomarkers of COVID-19 severity within the platelet degranulation and complement and coagulation cascades differed in T2Dversuscontrols, with further changes occurring at hypoglycemia, suggesting that validation of these biomarkers is critical. It is unclear if these protein changes in T2D may predict worse COVID-19 disease for these patients.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT03102801.
Obesity Causes Abrupt Changes in the Testicular Microbiota and Sperm Motility of Zebrafish
Authors: Su Yufang , He Liting , Hu Zhiyong , Li Ying , Zhang Yuan , Fan Zunpan , Zhao Kai , Zhang Huiping , Liu Chunyan 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundObesity is a recognized risk factor for low fertility and is becoming increasingly prevalent in many countries around the world. Obesity changes intestinal microbiota composition, causes inflammation of various organs, and also reduces sperm quality. Several microorganisms are present in the testis. However, whether obesity affects the changes of testicular microbiota and whether these changes are related to reduced fertility in obese men remain to be elucidated.MethodsIn the present study, a zebrafish obesity model was established by feeding with egg yolk powder. Sperm motility was measured by the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis system, testicular microbial communities was assessed via 16s RNA sequencing, the immune response in zebrafish testis was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the testicular tissue structure was detected by electron microscopy and hematoxylin–eosin staining.ResultsCompared with the control group, zebrafish sperm motility was dramatically reduced, the expression of testicular proinflammatory cytokines in the testes was upregulated, and the blood–testis barrier structure was disrupted in the obese group. In addition, testicular microbiome composition was clearly altered in the obese group.ConclusionObesity alters testicular microbiota composition, and the reason behind the decreased sperm motility in obese zebrafish may be related to changes in the testicular microbial communities.
Are Steroids Still Useful in Immunosuppressed Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A Retrospective, Population-Based Study
Authors: Sicilia Beatriz , Arias Lara , Hontoria Gadea , García Nieves , Badia Ester , Gomollón Fernando 
Published: June 2021

Background: Effectiveness of corticosteroids in immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been completely elucidated.Aims: To assess the effectiveness and examine the long-term follow-up of systemic or low-bioavailability oral steroid treatment for moderate flare-ups in patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs.Methods: Immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from our population-data registry were analyzed. For statistical analysis, the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used as appropriate.Results: A total of 392 patients with IBD and a median of 82 (range, 6–271) months of immunosuppressive (IMM) treatment were identified. The mean follow-up was 87 months (range, 6–239 months). A total of 89 patients (23%) needed at least one steroid course during their follow-up. Average time from IMM to steroid treatment was 26 (range, 6–207) months. In patients with CD, fibrostenotic (B2) and fistulizing (B3) behaviors [p = 0.005; odds ratio (OR): 2.284] were risk factors for using steroids after IMM treatment. In patients with UC, no statistically significant variables were identified. Of the 89 patients who received one first steroid course, 49 (55%) stepped up to biological treatment or surgery after a median of 13 months (range, 0–178), 19 (21%) were treated with repeated steroid courses, and 31 (35%) required no further treatment. Patients with CD had a higher risk (p = 0.007; OR: 3.529) of receiving biological treatment or surgery than patients with UC. The longer the patients with UC (more months) spent using steroids, the greater the risk of requiring treatment with biological drugs or surgery (p = 0.009).Conclusion: A total of 23% of the immunosuppressed patients with IBD received at least one course of steroid treatment. In patients under immunosuppression treated with at least a course of steroids, CD patients were more likely stepped up to biologics and/or surgery than UC patients. In patients with CD, B2/B3 behavior pattern were significant risk factors. After one course of steroids only 35% of immunosuppressed IBD patients remained in remission without needing treatment scalation.
Comparison of Residual Pulmonary Abnormalities 3 Months After Discharge in Patients Who Recovered From COVID-19 of Different Severity
Authors: Zhou Mei , Xu Juanjuan , Liao Tingting , Yin Zhengrong , Yang Fan , Wang Kai , Wang Zhen , Yang Dan , Wang Sufei , Peng Yi , Peng Shuyi , Wu Feihong , Chen Leqing , Jin Yang 
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: To investigate whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors who had different disease severities have different levels of pulmonary sequelae at 3 months post-discharge.Methods: COVID-19 patients discharged from four hospitals 3 months previously, recovered asymptomatic patients from an isolation hotel, and uninfected healthy controls (HCs) from the community were prospectively recruited. Participants were recruited at Wuhan Union Hospital and underwent examinations, including quality-of-life evaluation (St. George Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]), laboratory examination, chest computed tomography (CT) imaging, and pulmonary function tests.Results: A total of 216 participants were recruited, including 95 patients who had recovered from severe/critical COVID-19 (SPs), 51 who had recovered from mild/moderate disease (MPs), 28 who had recovered from asymptomatic disease (APs), and 42 HCs. In total, 154 out of 174 (88.5%) recovered COVID-19 patients tested positive for serum SARS-COV-2 IgG, but only 19 (10.9%) were still positive for IgM. The SGRQ scores were highest in the SPs, while APs had slightly higher SGRQ scores than those of HCs; 85.1% of SPs and 68.0% of MPs still had residual CT abnormalities, mainly ground-glass opacity (GGO) followed by strip-like fibrosis at 3 months after discharge, but the pneumonic lesions were largely absorbed in the recovered SPs or MPs relative to findings in the acute phase. Pulmonary function showed that the frequency of lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide abnormalities were comparable in SPs and MPs (47.1 vs. 41.7%), while abnormal total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV) were more frequent in SPs than in MPs (TLC, 18.8 vs. 8.3%; RV, 11.8 vs. 0%).Conclusions: Pulmonary abnormalities remained after recovery from COVID-19 and were more frequent and conspicuous in SPs at 3 months after discharge.
The Feasibility of Using Virtual Reality and Eye Tracking in Research With Older Adults With and Without Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Davis Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

Aim: To examine the feasibility of using large scale spatial, self-mobile, virtual reality, and eye tracking in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods: Older adults with early stage AD (n = 38) and a control group without AD (n = 50) were asked to find their way in a large, projected VR simulation of a retirement community repeatedly over 10 trials for each of 2 days, while wearing eye tracking glasses. Feasibility measures, including tolerance, side effects, and ability to complete the VR and eye tracking were collected. This study reports the analysis of the feasibility data for the VR and eye tracking and comparison of findings between the groups.Results: Over 80% of the subjects were able to complete the VR portion of the study. Only four subjects, all in the AD group, could not use the joystick and were excluded. Withdrawal rate (18%) was similar between the groups [X2(2) = 2.82, N = 88, p = 0.245] with most withdrawals occurring after the fourth trial. Simulation sickness was not significantly different between the groups. Only 60% of the subjects had completed eye tracking videos; more subjects in the AD group had complete eye tracking videos than the control group; X2(1) = 7.411, N = 88, p = 0.006. Eye tracking incompletion was primarily due to inability to calibration issues.Conclusion: Virtual reality testing and eye tracking can be used in older adults with and without AD in a large-scale way-finding task, but that there are some limitations.
Efficacy and Safety of Camrelizumab Monotherapy and Combination Therapy for Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jiting , Su Song , Li Jun , Li Yaling 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis compared the safety and efficacy of camrelizumab monotherapy and combination therapy, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical combined use of camrelizumab in the treatment of cancers and also provide a reference for the development of subsequent indications of camrelizumab.MethodsMeta-analysis was used to analyze the four eligible literatures. Primary endpoints of effectiveness index were objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), control rate (CR). Primary endpoint of safety index was rating of severity of adverse drug reactions (grades 1–5).ResultsThe ORR, PFS, and CR values of combined treatment with camrelizumab was better than alone treatment, camrelizumab alone was better than chemotherapy (RR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30–0.67; P &lt; 0.001; RR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.25–2.13; P &lt; 0.001; RR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52–1.02; P&lt;0.001). When grade &gt; 2, the incidence rate of combined treatment and chemotherapy are higher than monotherapy (RR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51–0.86; P&lt;0.001). In any grade, the safety of camrelizumab combination therapy was better than that of monotherapy, the safety of chemotherapy was better than camrelizumab plus chemotherapy.ConclusionIn terms of effectiveness, the combination of camrelizumab is better than monotherapy, and monotherapy is better than chemotherapy. In terms of safety, when the grade &gt; 2, single use is better than combination therapy and chemotherapy. In any grade of adverse event, the safety of combined use of camrelizumab is better than that of single use, and the safety of chemotherapy is better than the combined use of camrelizumab plus chemotherapy.
Prognostic Impact of Memory CD8(+) T Cells on Immunotherapy in Human Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jin Yao , Tan Aili , Feng Jia , Xu Zexi , Wang Peiwei , Ruan Peng , Luo Ruijun , Weng Yiming , Peng Min 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic value of memory CD8(+) T cells in cancer patients with immunotherapy.MethodsEMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Web of Science databases were searched to identify suitabile articles published before March 2021. Risk of bias on the study level was assessed using the Cochrane Bias Risk Assessment Tool. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pooled progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using RevMan 5.4 to evaluate the prognostic impact of memory CD8(+) T cells.ResultsIn total, nine studies were included in the final analysis. High levels of memory CD8(+) T cells were significantly closely correlated with better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of cancer patients with immunotherapy (PFS, HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53–0.78; OS, HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21–0.65). Memory CD8(+) T cells still have significant prognostic value in cancer patients given immunotherapy alone after excluding of other interfering factors such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy (PFS, HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.89; OS, HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.13–0.42). However, high memory CD8(+) T cells levels did not correspond to a longer PFS or OS in cancer patients with non-immunotherapy (PFS, HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.63–1.73; OS, HR 1.29, 95% CI 0.48–3.48). Thus, memory CD8(+) T cells might be a promising predictor in cancer patients with immunotherapy.ConclusionsThe host’s overall immune status, and not only the tumor itself, should be considered to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patients. This study is the first to show the significant prognostic value of memory CD8(+) T cells in immunotherapy of cancer patients through systematic review and meta-analysis. Thus, the detection of memory CD8(+) T cells has a considerable value in clinical practice in cancer patients with immunotherapy. Memory CD8(+) T cells may be promising immunotherapy targets.
Immature Platelet Counts and Thrombopoietin Plasma Concentrations in Thrombocytopenic and Non-thrombocytopenic Preterm Infants
Authors: Sallmon Hannes , Weimann Andreas , Bührer Christoph , Metze Boris , Dame Christof , Cremer Malte 
Published: June 2021

Objective: Immature platelet counts (IPC) may prove useful in guiding platelet transfusion management in preterm neonates. However, the relationship between IPCs and thrombopoietin (Tpo) concentrations has not been evaluated in preterm neonates.Methods: Prospective cohort study in thrombocytopenic (n = 31) and non-thrombocytopenic very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (n = 38), and healthy term neonates (controls; n = 41). Absolute platelet counts (APCs), IPCs, and Tpo concentrations were assessed by a fully-automated hematological analyzer (IPC, APC) and by ELISA (Tpo concentrations) in parallel on day 1 of life (d1), d3, and d7.Results: In healthy term neonates, APCs remained stable between d1 and d3. In non-thrombocytopenic VLBW infants, APCs increased from d1 to d7, while in the thrombocytopenia group, APCs declined from d1 to d3, before they slightly increased again by d7. Median IPCs were similar in healthy term vs. non-thrombocytopenic VLBW infants and remained stable between d1 and d3 (p &gt; 0.05). Notably, IPCs significantly increased between d3 and d7 in both non-thrombocytopenic and thrombocytopenic VLBW infants. However, in thrombocytopenic VLBW infants, IPC values were significantly lower at each time point as compared to non-thrombocytopenic VLBWs (p &lt; 0.001). In each subgroup, Tpo concentrations increased from d1 to d3. The median Tpo concentrations were significantly higher in thrombocytopenic as compared to non-thrombocytopenic VLBW infants at d3 (p = 0.01) and d7 (p = 0.002).Discussion: Term infants, thrombocytopenic, and non-thrombocytopenic preterm infants display similar developmental changes in indices of megakaryopoietic activity. In thrombocytopenic preterm infants, however, the responsive increases in Tpo and immature platelets appear to be developmentally limited.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Pulmonary Hypertension in Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Di , Li Ying , Yan Aixia , Wang Xiaoying , Hu Xiaoming , Shi Hangting , Du Yue , Zhang Wenhui 
Published: June 2021

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is one of the most common co-morbidities in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but its risk factors are unclear. The onset of pulmonary hypertension in BPD has been associated with poor morbidity- and mortality-related outcomes in infants. Two review and meta-analysis studies have evaluated the risk factors and outcomes associated with pulmonary hypertension in infants with BPD. However, the limitations in those studies and the publication of recent cohort studies warrant our up-to-date study. We designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the risk factors and outcomes of pulmonary hypertension in infants with BPD.Objective: To systematically evaluate the risk factors and outcomes associated with pulmonary hypertension in infants with BPD.Methods: We systematically searched the academic literature according to the PRISMA guidelines across five databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE). We conducted random-effects meta-analyses to evaluate the pulmonary hypertension risk factors in infants with BPD. We also evaluated the overall morbidity- and mortality-related outcomes in infants with BPD and pulmonary hypertension.Results: We found 15 eligible studies (from the initial 963 of the search result) representing data from 2,156 infants with BPD (mean age, 25.8 ± 0.71 weeks). The overall methodological quality of the included studies was high. Our meta-analysis in infants with severe BPD revealed increased risks of pulmonary hypertension [Odds ratio (OR) 11.2], sepsis (OR, 2.05), pre-eclampsia (OR, 1.62), and oligohydramnios (OR, 1.38) of being small for gestational age (3.31). Moreover, a comparative analysis found medium-to-large effects of pulmonary hypertension on the total duration of hospital stay (Hedge's g, 0.50), the total duration of oxygen received (g, 0.93), the cognitive score (g, −1.5), and the overall mortality (g, 0.83) in infants with BPD.Conclusion: We identified several possible risk factors (i.e., severe BPD, sepsis, small for gestational age, pre-eclampsia) which promoted the onset of pulmonary hypertension in infants with BPD. Moreover, our review sheds light on the morbidity- and mortality-related outcomes associated with pulmonary hypertension in these infants. Our present findings are in line with the existing literature. The findings from this research will be useful in development of efficient risk-based screening system that determine the outcomes associated with pulmonary hypertension in infants with BPD.