bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound guided Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SONO ESWL) versus fluoroscopy guided ESWL in patients with radiopaque renal stones; A comparative randomized study
Authors: Hegazy A S , Abdelfattah D M , Hassan H N 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Radiopaque stones in the upper urinary tract can often be visualized by both ultrasonography (US) and fluoroscopy (FS) during ESWL treatment. This prospective study was performed to compare the results of ESWL when both US and FS are possible and to evaluate efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided ESWL (SONO ESWL) in patients with radiopaque renal stone. The study was limited to renal calculi, since calculi in lower urinary tract may be difficult to visualize with ultrasonography.

Objective
To investigate whether the localization modality (u/s or fluoroscopy) affects clinical outcomes of ESWL or not.

Patients and Methods
Our study was conducted on 100 Patients with renal stones planned to have ESWL sessions attending urology outpatient clinic in Ain shams university hospitals and National Institute of Urology and Nephrology from February 2018 to January 2019 and divided into two equal groups; group A (ultrasound guided ESWL) and group B (fluoroscope guided ESWL).

Results
Our study revealed that the localization modality on ESWL (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) didn’t affect the clinical outcomes of ESWL.

Conclusion
Even in patients with radiopaque renal stones, ultrasound can be used to guide extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy as effectively as fluoroscopy, without any risk of radiation.
Comparative Study between Tadalafil versus Tamsulosin versus Halphabarol with Terpenes Mixture as a Medical Expulsive Therapy for Lower Ureteric Stones
Authors: Teama K A H , Abdelsalam A Y K , Elmenyawee M E A 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
urolithiasis is a health problem of worldwide importance. Urolithiasis is the third most common urological disease affecting the urinary tract after urinary tract infections and prostatic diseases. Ureteral stones account for 20% of urolithiasis, and 70% of ureteral stones are located in the lower third of the ureter. Ureteric stones have great bearing on the health as well as quality of life of the patient.

Aim of the Study
to compare the efficacy of tadalafil (a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor), tamsulosin (an alpha-1blocker) and halphabarol (Proximol) with terpenes mixture (Rowatinex) as a medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteric stones.

Patients and Methods
this was a prospective randomized comparative study conducted on 60 patients between the ages of 20 and 40 years and complaining of unilateral single lower ureteric stone less than or equal to 8 mm presented through the outpatient clinics of Urology in Ain Shams University Hospitals and Damanhour Medical National Institute over a period of 10 months (from November 2017 to August 2018). The patients were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: Group A (20 patients were treated by tadalafil 5 mg once daily), Group B (20 patients were treated by tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily) and Group C (20 patients were treated by Proximol with Rowatinex three times daily). Therapy was given for a maximum of 3 weeks. The patients were followed-up until stone passage or the end of the study period.

Results
the results of this study indicate that the stone expulsion rate was significantly higher in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (75% vs. 75% vs. 40%, P value = 0.030). Also, the mean stone expulsion time was significantly shorter in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (10.20 ± 3.91 days vs. 10.80 ± 3.64 days vs. 14.25 ± 3.28 days, P value = 0.046). The number of patients who experienced renal colic episodes, the number of colic episodes and the number of injectable analgesic uses were significantly lower in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (P value &lt; 0.05). The number of follow up ureteroscopic procedures was significantly lower in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (25% vs. 25% vs. 60%, P value = 0.030). Also, the drugs are safe with mild few side effects.

Conclusion
PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil) are equally efficacious to alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists (tamsulosin) in expulsion of lower ureteric stones less than or equal to 8 mm without any serious side effects. Comparing to Proximol with Rowatinex, both tadalafil and tamsulosin increase significantly the stone expulsion rate, decrease significantly the stone expulsion time and provide significant control of renal colicky pain, significantly less analgesic requirements and significantly lower follow up ureteroscopic procedures.
Targeted photodynamic therapy selectively kills activated fibroblasts in experimental arthritis
Authors: Dorst Daphne N , Rijpkema Mark , Boss Marti , Walgreen Birgitte , Helsen Monique M A , Bos Desirée L , Brom Maarten , Klein Christian , Laverman Peter , van der Kraan Peter M , Gotthardt Martin , Koenders Marije I , Buitinga Mijke 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objective
In RA, synovial fibroblasts become activated. These cells express fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and contribute to the pathogenesis by producing cytokines, chemokines and proteases. Selective depletion in inflamed joints could therefore constitute a viable treatment option. To this end, we developed and tested a new therapeutic strategy based on the selective destruction of FAP-positive cells by targeted photodynamic therapy (tPDT) using the anti-FAP antibody 28H1 coupled to the photosensitizer IRDye700DX.

Methods
After conjugation of IRDye700DX to 28H1, the immunoreactive binding and specificity of the conjugate were determined. Subsequently, tPDT efficiency was established in vitro using a 3T3 cell line stably transfected with FAP. The biodistribution of [111In]In-DTPA-28H1 with and without IRDye700DX was assessed in healthy C57BL/6N mice and in C57BL/6N mice with antigen-induced arthritis. The potential of FAP-tPDT to induce targeted damage was determined ex vivo by treating knee joints from C57BL/6N mice with antigen-induced arthritis 24 h after injection of the conjugate. Finally, the effect of FAP-tPDT on arthritis development was determined in mice with collagen-induced arthritis.

Results
28H1-700DX was able to efficiently induce FAP-specific cell death in vitro. Accumulation of the anti-FAP antibody in arthritic knee joints was not affected by conjugation with the photosensitizer. Arthritis development was moderately delayed in mice with collagen-induced arthritis after FAP-tPDT.

Conclusion
Here we demonstrate the feasibility of tPDT to selectively target and kill FAP-positive fibroblasts in vitro and modulate arthritis in vivo using a mouse model of RA. This approach may have therapeutic potential in (refractory) arthritis.
Impairments in Probabilistic Prediction and Bayesian Learning Can Explain Reduced Neural Semantic Priming in Schizophrenia
Authors: Sharpe Victoria , Weber Kirsten , Kuperberg Gina R 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
It has been proposed that abnormalities in probabilistic prediction and dynamic belief updating explain the multiple features of schizophrenia. Here, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to ask whether these abnormalities can account for the well-established reduction in semantic priming observed in schizophrenia under nonautomatic conditions. We isolated predictive contributions to the neural semantic priming effect by manipulating the prime’s predictive validity and minimizing retroactive semantic matching mechanisms. We additionally examined the link between prediction and learning using a Bayesian model that probed dynamic belief updating as participants adapted to the increase in predictive validity. We found that patients were less likely than healthy controls to use the prime to predictively facilitate semantic processing on the target, resulting in a reduced N400 effect. Moreover, the trial-by-trial output of our Bayesian computational model explained between-group differences in trial-by-trial N400 amplitudes as participants transitioned from conditions of lower to higher predictive validity. These findings suggest that, compared with healthy controls, people with schizophrenia are less able to mobilize predictive mechanisms to facilitate processing at the earliest stages of accessing the meanings of incoming words. This deficit may be linked to a failure to adapt to changes in the broader environment. This reciprocal relationship between impairments in probabilistic prediction and Bayesian learning/adaptation may drive a vicious cycle that maintains cognitive disturbances in schizophrenia.
Coordinated Action of miR-146a and Parkin Gene Regulate Rotenone-induced Neurodegeneration
Authors: Jauhari Abhishek , Singh Tanisha , Mishra Saumya , Shankar Jai , Yadav Sanjay 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common cause in pathophysiology of different neurodegenerative diseases. Elimination of dysfunctional and damaged mitochondria is a key requirement for maintaining homeostasis and bioenergetics of degenerating neurons. Using global microRNA (miRNA) profiling in a systemic rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease, we have identified miR-146a as upmost-regulated miRNA, which is known as inflammation regulatory miRNA. Here, we report the role of activated nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kβ) in miR-146a-mediated downregulation of Parkin protein, which inhibits clearance of damaged mitochondria and induces neurodegeneration. Our studies have shown that 4-week rotenone exposure (2.5 mg/kg b.wt) induced oxidative imbalance-mediated NF-kβ activation in 1-year-old rat’s brain. Activated NF-kβ binds in promoter region of miR-146a gene and induces its transcription, which downregulates levels of Parkin protein. Decreased amount of Parkin protein results in accumulation of damaged and dysfunctional mitochondria, which further promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species in degenerating neurons. In conclusion, our studies have identified direct role of NF-kβ-mediated upregulation of miR-146a in regulating mitophagy through inhibition of the Parkin gene.
Theoretical Basis for an Edge-based, mHealth App to Guide Self-Management of Recurrent Medical Conditions
Authors: Kaizer Alexander M. , Moore Susan L. , Banaei-Kashani Farnoush , Bull Sheana , Rosenberg Michael A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundN-of-1 trials have been proposed as an approach to identify the optimal individual treatment for patients with a number of recurrent medical conditions, including chronic pain and mental health. When inserted into mHealth applications, this approach holds great promise to provide an automated, efficient method to individualize patient care; however, prior to implementation, an understanding of the properties of the recurrent condition needed to draw conclusions with sufficient power is needed.MethodsWe applied simulation studies and power calculations to determine statistical properties of the N-of-1 approach employed by an mHealth application for self-management of chronic recurrent medical conditions called the iMTracker.ResultsIn 1000 simulated patients with a single recurrent medical condition and 5 possible associated conditions, we found that ~90 days of data collection was sufficient to identify associated risk factors with odds ratio (OR > 5.0) at power ≥ 80%, with an absolute event rate of 50% being optimal. Power calculations based on Fisher’s Exact test showed that 90 days was also sufficient to detect a decrease of 20% in the rate of the primary outcome after an intervention, but that shorter data periods could be used to identify stronger effect sizes, down to 15 days with a 90% reduction in rate. Repeat analysis with Bayesian models did not significantly change power calculations, but did allow for a flexible approach that we leveraged to create a web-based tool to allow users to perform power calculations prior to using the iMTracker for self-management.ConclusionsWe found that the N-of-1 approach employed in the iMTracker app for self-management of recurrent medical conditions is statistically feasible, given the right conditions. More work is needed to examine the impact of autocorrelation, seasonality, and trends in data, on statistical validity and power calculations.
A Simple Early Warning Signal for COVID-19
Authors: Ceriani Lidia , Hernandez-Suarez Carlos , Verme Paolo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe paper provides some initial evidence that daily mortality rates (for any cause) by municipality or province can be used as a statistically reliable predictor of looming COVID-19 crises. Using recently published deaths figures for 1,689 Italian municipalities, we estimate the growth in daily mortality rates between the period 2015–2019 and 2020 by province. All provinces that experienced a major COVID-19 shock in mid-March 2020 had increases in mortality rates of 100% or above already in early February 2020. This increase was particularly strong for males and older people, two recognizable features of COVID-19. Using a panel fixed effect model, we show that the association between these early increases in mortality for any cause and the March 2020 COVID-19 shock is strong and significant. We conclude that the growth in mortality rates can be used as a statistically reliable predictor of COVID-19 crises.
Warmer weather and global trends in the coronavirus COVID-19
Authors: Li Hong , Xiao Hongwei , Zhu Renguo , Sun Chengxing , Liu Cheng , Xiao Hua-Yun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPredicting COVID-19 epidemic development in the upcoming warm season has attracted much attention in the hope of providing helps to fight the epidemic. It requires weather (environmental) factors to be included in prediction models, but there are few models to achieve it successfully. In this study, we proposed a new concept of environmental infection rate (RE), based on floating time of respiratory droplets in the air and inactivation rate of virus to solve the problem. More than half of the particles in the droplets can float in the atmosphere for 1–2 hours. The prediction results showed that high RE values (>3.5) are scattered around 30°N in winter (Dec.-Feb.). As the weather warms, its distribution area expands and extends to higher latitudes of northern hemisphere, reaching its maximum in April, and then shrinking northward. These indicated that the spread of COVID-19 in most parts of the northern hemisphere is expected to decline after Apr., but the risks in high latitudes will remain high in May. In the south of southern hemisphere, the RE values tend to subside from Apr. to July. The high modeled RE values up to July, however, suggested that warmer weather will not stop COVID-19 from spreading. Public health intervention is needed to overcome the outbreak.
The performance of national COVID-19 ‘Symptom Checkers’: A comparative case simulation study
Authors: Mansab F , Bhatti S , Goyal D 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe response to COVID-19 differs from nation to nation. There are likely a number of factors one can attribute to such disparity, not least of which is differing healthcare models and approaches. Here, we examine the COVID-19 community triage pathways employed by four nations, specifically comparing the safety and efficacy of national online ‘symptom checkers’ utilised within the triage pathway.MethodsA simulation study was conducted on current, nationwide, patient-led symptom checkers from four countries (Singapore, Japan, USA and UK). 52 cases were simulated to approximate typical COVID-19 presentations (mild, moderate, severe and critical), and COVID-19 mimickers (e.g. sepsis and bacterial pneumonia). The same simulations were applied to each of the four country’s symptom checkers, and the recommendations to refer on for medical care or to stay home were recorded and compared.ResultsThe symptom checkers from Singapore and Japan advised onward healthcare contact for the majority of simulations (88% and 77% respectively). The USA and UK symptom checkers triaged 38% and 44% of cases to healthcare contact, respectively. Both the US and UK symptom checkers consistently failed to identify severe COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia and sepsis, triaging such cases to stay home.ConclusionOur results suggest that whilst ‘symptom checkers’ may be of use to the healthcare COVID-19 response, there is the potential for such patient-led assessment tools to worsen outcomes by delaying appropriate clinical assessment. The key features of the well performing symptom checkers are discussed.SUMMARYWhat is already known?The availability and use of symptom checkers are increasing.Symptom checkers are currently in use at a national level to help in the healthcare response to COVID-19.There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of symptom checkers as triage tools during a pandemic response.What does this paper add?This study compares performance of symptom checkers across different countries, revealing marked variation between national symptom checkers.The symptom checkers employed by Japan and Singapore are twice as likely to triage cases onward for clinical assessment than those of the US or UK.The US and UK symptom checkers frequently triaged simulated cases of sepsis, bacterial pneumonia and severe COVID-19 to stay home with no further healthcare contact.We discuss the key aspects of the well-performing triage systems.
COVID-19 herd immunity strategies: walking an elusive and dangerous tightrope
Authors: Brett Tobias S , Rohani Pejman 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe rapid growth in cases of COVID-19 has threatened to overwhelm healthcare systems in multiple countries. In response, severely affected countries have had to consider a range of public health strategies achieved by implementing non-pharmaceutical interventions. Broadly, these strategies have fallen into two categories: i) “mitigation”, which aims to achieve herd immunity by allowing the SARS-CoV-2 virus to spread through the population while mitigating disease burden, and ii) “suppression”, aiming to drastically reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates and halt endogenous transmission in the target population. Using an age-structured transmission model, parameterised to simulate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the UK, we assessed the prospects of success using both of these approaches. We simulated a range of different non-pharmaceutical intervention scenarios incorporating social distancing applied to differing age groups. We found that it is possible to suppress SARS-CoV-2 transmission if social distancing measures are sustained at a sufficient level for a period of months. Our modelling did not support achieving herd immunity as a practical objective, requiring an unlikely balancing of multiple poorly-defined forces. Specifically, we found that: i) social distancing must initially reduce the transmission rate to within a narrow range, ii) to compensate for susceptible depletion, the extent of social distancing must be vary over time in a precise but unfeasible way, and iii) social distancing must be maintained for a long duration (over 6 months).
Modeling and predicting the spread of COVID-19 in Lebanon: A Bayesian perspective
Authors: Kharroubi Samer A 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the problem of modelling the trend of the current Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Lebanon along time. Two different models were developed using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation methods. The models fitted included Poisson autoregressive as a function of a short-term dependence only and Poisson autoregressive as a function of both a short-term dependence and a long-term dependence. The two models are compared in terms of their predictive ability using root mean squared error and deviance information criterion. The Poisson autoregressive model that allows to capture both short and long term memory effects performs best under all criterions. The use of such a model can greatly improve the estimation of number of new infections, and can indicate whether disease has an upward/downward trend, and where about every country is on that trend, so that containment measures can be applied and/or relaxed.
Describing the COVID-19 Outbreak Fitting Modified SIR models to Data
Authors: Ianni Aldo , Rossi Nicola 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this paper we fit simple modifications of the SIR compartmental model to the COVID-19 outbreak data, available from official sources for Italy and other countries. Even if the complexity of the pandemic can not be easily modelled, we show that our model, at present, describes the time evolution of the data in spite of the application of the social distancing and lock-down procedure. Finally, we discuss the reliability of the model predictions, under certain conditions, for estimating the near and far future evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak. The conditions for the applicability of the proposed models are discussed.
Cross-talk between the airway epithelium and activated immune cells defines severity in COVID-19
Authors: Chua Robert Lorenz , Lukassen Soeren , Trump Saskia , Hennig Bianca P. , Wendisch Daniel , Pott Fabian , Debnath Olivia , Thürmann Loreen , Kurth Florian , Kazmierski Julia , Timmermann Bernd , Twardziok Sven , Schneider Stefan , Machleidt Felix , Müller-Redetzky Holger , Krannich Alexander , Schmidt Sein , Balzer Felix , Liebig Johannes , Loske Jennifer , Eils Jürgen , Ishaque Naveed , von Kalle Christof , Hocke Andreas , Witzenrath Martin , Goffinet Christine , Drosten Christian , Laudi Sven , Lehmann Irina , Conrad Christian , Sander Leif-Erik , Eils Roland 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe clinical course of COVID-19 is highly variable, however, underlying host factors and determinants of severe disease are still unknown. Based on single-cell transcriptomes of nasopharyngeal and bronchial samples from clinically well-characterized patients presenting with moderate and critical severities, we reveal the different types and states of airway epithelial cells that are vulnerable for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In COVID-19 patients, we observed a two- to threefold increase of cells expressing the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptorACE2within the airway epithelial cell compartment.ACE2is upregulated in epithelial cells through Interferon signals by immune cells suggesting that the viral defense system may increase the number of potentially susceptible cells in the respiratory epithelium. Infected epithelial cells recruit and activate immune cells by chemokine signaling. Recruited T lymphocytes and inflammatory macrophages were hyperactivated and showed a strong interaction with epithelial cells. In critical patients, increased expression ofCCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, IL8, IL1BandTNFin macrophages was identified as a likely cause of a hyperinflammatory lung pathology. Moreover, we observed exacerbated epithelial cell death, likely leading to lung injury and respiratory failure in fatal cases. Our study provides novel insights into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and suggests an immunomodulatory therapy along the CCL2, CCL3/CCR1 axis as promising option to prevent and treat critical course of COVID-19.