bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty Increase Postoperative Complication Rates: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Rhode David Thomas , Siegel Matthew Alan , Volchenko Elan , Patetta Michael John , Schwarzman Garrett R. , Gonzalez Mark H. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:There is conflicting literature suggesting that intra-articular corticosteroid injections before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may lead to an increase in the rate of postoperative complications, specifically periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Thus, this systematic review of all TKAs performed at a large, urban hospital will add valuable evidence to help guide future patient care.Methods: After exclusion criteria, we retrospectively reviewed 417 patients who received a TKA from a group of fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons between 2009 to 2016 at a singleacademic medical center. Minimum follow-up time was oneyear. Patients were separated into two groups: those who received a preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid injection and those who did not receive an injection. Subgroups were created based on the timing of their most recent preoperative injection: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12+ months, and an unknown time period. Postoperative outcomes for PJI, revision TKA, and manipulation under anesthesia (MUA)were analyzed via a chi-square test.Results: No statistically significant postoperative differences were observed between groups: PJI (p-value = 0.904), revision TKA (p-value= 0.206), and MUA (p-value= 0.163). The temporal subgroups also failed to demonstrate a statistically significant result: PJI (p-value= 0.348), revision TKA (p-value= 0.701), and MUA (p-value= 0.512).Conclusions: This study revealed no absolute or temporal association between preoperative, intra-articular corticosteroid injections and complications after TKA. Because these injections are a commonly used treatment modality prior to TKA, further studies should be conducted on a nationwide basis to draw more concrete conclusions.
Improvement of Bromide Ion Conduction in Lanthanum Oxybromide Based Solids by Doping Divalent Zinc Ion with High Electronegativity
Authors: Misran Muhammad Radzi Iqbal Bin , Nunotani Naoyoshi , Tamura Shinji , Imanaka Nobuhito 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
The Kickstart Walk Assist System for Improving Balance and Walking Function in Stroke Survivors: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Yao Jiajia , Sado Takashi , Wang Wenli , Gao Jiawen , Zhao Yichao , Qi Qi , Mukherjee Mukul 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Compared with traditional physical therapy for stroke patients, lower extremity exoskeletons can provide patients with greater endurance and more repeatable and controllable training, which can reduce the therapeutic burden of the therapist. However, most exoskeletons are expensive, heavy or require active power to be operated. Therefore, a lighter, easy to wear, easy to operate, low-cost technology for gait rehabilitation in stroke survivors would be a welcome opportunity for stroke survivors, caregivers and clinicians. One such device is the Kickstart Walk Assist system and the purpose of this study was to determine feasibility of using this unpowered exoskeleton device in a sample of stroke survivors.Methods: Thirty stroke survivors were enrolled in the study and experienced walking with the Kickstart exoskeleton device that provided spring-loaded assistance during gait. After 5 days of wearing the exoskeleton, participants were evaluated in the two states of wearing and not wearing the exoskeleton. Outcome measures included: a) gait measures, b) balance measures and c) exoskeleton-use feedback questionnaire.Results: In comparison to not wearing the device, wearing the Kickstart Walk Assist system, weight bearing asymmetry was reduced. The time spent on the 10-meter walk test was reduced, but there was no difference in the timed-up-and-go test (TUGT). Gait analysis data showed reduction in step time and double support time. Stroke survivors were positive about the Kickstart Walk Assist system’s ability to improve their balance, speed and gait. In addition, their confidence level and willingness to use the device was also positive.Conclusions: These findings show the feasibility of using the Kickstart Walk Assist system for improving walking performance in stroke survivors. Our future goal is to perform a longer duration study with more comprehensive pre- and post-testing in a larger sample of stroke survivors.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032665. Registered 5 May 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=53288
Imported Mansonella Perstans Infection in Spain.
Authors: Puente Sabino , Lago Mar , Subirats Mercedes , Sanz-Esteban Ismael , Arsuaga Marta , Vicente Belen , Alonso-Sardon Montserrat , Belhassen-Garcia Moncef , Muro Antonio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Mansonella perstans infection can be considered one of the most neglected tropical infectious diseases. Very few studies have reported on the clinical picture caused by infection with this nematode. Methods: The present study evaluated a large cohort of migrants who have been diagnosed, examined and treated for imported M. perstans infection at a Spanish reference center (Hospital Carlos III Tropical Medicine Unit, Madrid). Results: Five hundred three cases of migrants from tropical and subtropical areas with M. perstans infection were identified. Two hundred sixty-four patients were female (52.5%). The mean age (±SD) was 44.6±18.2 years (range, 16–93 years). The mean time (±SD) between the arrival in Spain and the first consultation was 8.618.0 months. The origin of the patients was Equatorial Guinea (97.6%). Regarding the clinical picture, 257 patients were asymptomatic (54.7%) and 228 were symptomatic (45.3%); 190 patients had pruritus (37.8%), 50 (9.9%) had arthralgia, 18 patients had Calabar-like swelling (3.6%), and 15 (3%) had abdominal pain. Four hundred forty-two (87.9%) migrants had hyper-IgE, and 340 (67.6%) had eosinophilia. One hundred ninety-five patients had coinfections with other filarial nematodes (38.8%), and 308 migrants had only M. perstans infection (61.2%). Four hundred thirty-seven cases (86.9%) had been treated with anti-filarial drugs: 292 cases were treated with one anti-filarial drug, and 145 cases were treated with combined anti-filarial therapy. No significant differences were found in the healing outcomes (p>0.05). Additionally, 20 (4%) cases received steroids and 38 (7.6%) cases received antihistamines. The combined anthelmintics and steroid treatment presented significantly better results (p=0.042); however, no significant results were noted for the combined anthelmintic and antihistamine treatment (p=0.191). No statistical association was found between the percentage of side effects to treatment and cases healed (p=0.094). Conclusions: A long series of M. perstans infections is presented in sub-Saharan immigrants whose data indicate that it should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with pruritus or analytical alterations such as eosinophilia or hyper-IgE presentation, and they also have a high number of coinfections with other microorganisms whose treatment needs to be protocolized.
Brain Spect Perfusion and Pet Metabolism as Discordant Biomarkers in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Tastevin Maud , Boyer Laurent , Korchia Theo , Fond Guillaume , Lançon Christophe , Richieri Raphaëlle , Guedj Eric 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Brain SPECT perfusion and PET metabolism have been, most often interchangeably, proposed to study the underlying pathological process in major depressive disorder (MDD). The objective of this study is to document similarities and inconsistencies between these two biomarkersaccording to global characteristics of the disease.We conducted a retrospective pilot study in 16 patients sufferingfrom MDDwho underwent, during a same current episode, a cerebral perfusion SPECT with 99mTc-HMPAO and a metabolic PETwith a 18F-FDG. Whole-brain voxel-based SPM(T) maps were generated in correlation with the number of depressive episodes and in correlation with the depression duration, separately for the two exams (p-voxel and p-cluster<0.005, uncorrected).Results:No significant correlations were found between brain PET metabolism and either the number of depressive episodes or the duration of the disease. On the contrary, significant correlations were found with SPECT perfusion: the increased number of depressive episodes was correlated with decreased perfusion of the right insula cortex; the increased depression duration was correlated with bilateral decreased perfusion of the anterior cingulum cortex. Conclusions:The study demonstrates that brain perfusion and glucose metabolismare not equivalent biomarkers inMDD,highlighting the value of brain perfusion SPECT despite less favorable instrumentation detection compared to metabolic PET.
Predictors of Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Problems in Formal and Informal Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sołtys Anna , Tyburski Ernest 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: To date, differences in the functioning of formal and informal caregivers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients have not been often analyzed. Paying proper attention to the problems of nursing home staff can help identify important risk factors. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) compare depressive symptoms and mental health problems in informal and formal caregivers and (2) examine the relationship between mental resources, depressive symptoms, and mental health problems in both groups of caregivers. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 100 formal ( n = 50) and informal ( n = 50) caregivers of AD patients. Personal resources were measured with the Social Support Questionnaire, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire, while mental health was assessed with the Depression Assessment Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire. Multivariate stepwise regression was performed separately for both investigated groups. Results: Statistical analysis showed that comprehensibility was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms and self-efficacy was a significant predictor of mental health problems in informal caregivers. For formal caregivers, emotional support and comprehensibility were significant predictors of depressive symptoms, while tangible support and meaningfulness were significant predictors of mental health problems. Conclusions: Personal resources are significant predictors of depressive symptoms and mental health outcomes in caregivers of AD patients. Preventive actions should therefore include assessment of factors affecting caregivers’ mental health in order to provide them with necessary care and create appropriate support groups.
WITHDRAWN: Positive feedback between slug and Akt promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth via CDK6 expression
Authors: LU XINLAN , ZHANG XU , YIN GUOZHI , CHEN YIFEI , WANG XIN , CAO YAN , LI YARUI , ZHAO YAN , GUO DAN , ZHU MENG , HE SHUIXIANG 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rapidly growing tumor associated with a propensity for vascular invasion and metastasis, but the mechanism of HCC growth is not fully understood. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of the transcriptional repressor slug in HCC growth and its detailed mechanism.
Methods
Lentivirus-mediated slug overexpression as well as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated slug knockout were conducted in hepatic or HCC cells. Then cell growth was evaluated in culture dishes as well as nude mice xenografts. Transcriptome analysis was used to explore the detailed mechanism of slug-induced HCC growth.
Results
Slug significantly facilitated HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanism dissection via transcriptome analysis revealed that slug transcriptionally upregulated PIK3CD and PIK3R3 expression and then activated the Akt/CDK6 signaling pathway. Administration of either the PI3K/Akt signaling inhibitor MK2206 or the CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 abrogated slug-induced HCC growth. In addition, administration of MK2206 also suppressed slug expression in HCC cells. Immunohistochemistry staining indicated that Akt activity and CDK6 expression were significantly associated with slug expression in human HCC tissues.
Conclusions
Our study determined the promoting role of slug in HCC growth and revealed that the positive feedback between slug and Akt conferred HCC growth via CDK6 expression. The CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 might be a promising drug for slug/Akt-induced HCC growth.
Abdominal symptoms as an initial manifestation of COVID-19 infection: Report of two cases
Authors: YOKOO PATRÍCIA , Fonseca Eduardo Kaiser Ururahy Nunes , Filho Marcelo Oranges , Chate Rodrigo Caruso , Szarf Gilberto , Baroni Ronaldo Hueb 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic started in December 2019 in Wuhan (Hubei, China) and spread rapidly; therefore, it is essential to detect the disease at an early stage and immediately isolate the infected patients [1]. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection include fever, asthenia, cough and dyspnea [2]. However, some patients are asymptomatic from the respiratory symptoms, and may only present abdominal manifestations as an initial finding, what creates a diagnostic challenge.We describe two cases with diagnostic confirmations of COVID-19 who showed up at the Emergency Department with abdominal symptoms before presenting respiratory manifestations, and who had their initial suspicion based on the findings of the thoracoabdominal transition, demonstrating the importance of an adequate assessment of the lung base images.
COVID-19 lung alterations still evident at 60-day follow-up chest CT in asymptomatic patients despite negative rRT-PCR testing
Authors: Lanza Ezio , Profili Manuel , Bolengo Isabella , Santonocito Orazio Giuseppe , Muglia Riccardo , Lisi Costanza , Messana Gaia , Balzarini Luca 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Several patients who have recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia showed persistent infection at follow-up chest CT (31-63 days after disease onset) despite being asymptomatic and testing negative at rRT-PCR.
COVID-19 associated meningoencephalitis complicated with intracranial hemorrhage. A case report.
Authors: Alolama Mohammad , Rashid Anas , Garozzo Debora 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The Coronavirus pandemic that started in December 2019 is mainly related to clinical pictures consistent with respiratory symptoms; nevertheless, reports about neurological complications have recently appeared in the medical literature.The case: we describe a case of a 36 years old Coronavirus-positive patient that was admitted on emergency basis; his clinical presentation included neurological symptoms such as drowsiness and mild confusion. Imaging revealed findings consistent with meningoencephalitis complicated by intracerebral hematoma and subdural hematoma. The latter was surgically evacuated after it became chronic and evidence of Coronavirus was found in the fluid. Conclusion: our experience confirms that neurological complications might be a likely event in COVID-19. Although uncommon, the possible occurrence of meningoencephalitis should be kept in mind by physicians involved in the management of COVID-19 patients. Early recognition of brain involvement may provide better prognosis, preventing evolution into intracerebral hemorrhagic events.
Development and characterization of 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the white-bellied pangolin Phataginus tricuspis (Mammalia, Pholidota)
Authors: Aguillon Samantha , Dipita Alain Din , Lecompte Emilie , Missoup Alain Didier , Tindo Maurice , Gaubert Philippe 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Pangolins, or scaly anteaters, have recently been flagshiped as one of the most illegally traded mammals, and as a corollary, as potential intermediate hosts at the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to improve the traceability of their trade, we developed 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), the species most frequently found on African bushmeat markets. We genotyped 24 white-bellied pangolins from the Douala market, Cameroon, originating from the Ebo forest c. 75 km north-east of Douala. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 12 (mean=6.95), and mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.592 (0.208-0.875) and 0.671 (0.469-0.836), respectively. Genetic diversity was higher than that cross-estimated from microsatellite loci developed for other species of pangolins. Two loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and two loci showed linkage disequilibrium. Genetic variance (PCoA) was increased with the addition of 13 pangolins of unknown origin, possibly suggesting that the Douala market is fed from differentiated source populations of white-bellied pangolins. Each of the 37 individuals had a unique multilocus genotype. The unbiased probability of identity (uPI) and the probability of identity among siblings (PIsibs) were both very low (uPI=8.443 e-21; PIsibs=1.011 e-07). Only five microsatellite loci were needed to reach the conservative value of PIsibs < 0.01, overall indicating a powerful discriminating power of our combined loci. These 20 newly developed microsatellite loci might prove useful in tracing the local-to-global trade of the white-bellied pangolin, and will hopefully contribute to the DNA-assisted implementation of future conservation strategies at reasonable costs.
The miRNA-gene regulatory circuits in nSARS-CoV-2 and their potential correlations with pulmonary and thrombotic disorders
Authors: Khurana Pankaj , Gupta Apoorv , Sugadev Ragumani , Sharma Y K , Varshney Rajeev , Ganju Lilly , Kumar Bhuvnesh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In view of the worldwide spread of the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (nSARS-CoV-2) infection pandemic situation, research to repurpose drugs, identify novel drug targets, vaccine candidates, diagnostic markers etc have created a new race to curb the disease. To uncover nSARS-CoV-2-related important biological features and understanding the molecular basis of this disease, network biology and miRNA-gene regulatory motif-based approach is used. 11 antiviral human-microRNAs (miRNAs) which can potentially target SARS-CoV-2 genes were collated; their direct miRNA interactors were identified and a comprehensive nSARS-CoV-2 responsive miRNA:Transcription Factor (TF):gene coregulatory network was built. 1385 miRNA:TF:gene tripartite, Feed-Forward Loops (FFLs) were identified from the network. The network topology was mapped into the biological space and the overrepresented pathways were identified. Four regulatory circuits: hsa-mir-9-5p-EP300-PLCB4, hsa-mir-324-3p-MYC-HLA-F, hsa-mir-1827-E2F1-CTSV and hsa-mir-1277-5p-SP1-CANX are identified. These miRNA-gene regulatory circuits are found to regulate signalling pathways like virus endocytosis, viral replication, inflammatory response, pulmonary vascularization, cell cycle control, virus spike protein stabilization, antigen presentation, etc. Some novel computational evidences for understanding nSARS-CoV-2 molecular mechanisms controlled by these regulatory circuits is put forth. The novel associations of miRNAs and genes identified with this infection are open for experimental validation. Further, these regulatory circuits also suggest potential correlations/similarity in the molecular mechanisms during nSARS-CoV-2 infection and pulmonary diseases and thromboembolic disorders. A detailed molecular snapshot of TGF-β signalling pathway as the common mechanism that could play an important role in controlling common pathophysiology i.e. systemic inflammation, increased pulmonary pressure, ground glass opacities, D-dimer overexpression is also put forth.
The Short-Term Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Spine Surgeons: A cross sectional global study
Authors: Khattab Mohamed Fawzy , Kannan Tareq M.A. , Morsi Ahmed , Al-Sabbagh Qussay , Hadidi Fadi , Al-Sabbagh Mohammed Qussay , M.Taha Muzahem , Bourghli Anouar , obeid ibrahim 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The outbreak of COVID-19 erupted in December 2019 in Wuhan-China. In a few weeks it progressed rapidly into a global pandemic which resulted in an overwhelming burden on health care systems, medical resources and staff.Spine surgeons as health care providers are no exception. In this study we try to highlight the impact of the crisis on spine surgeons in terms of knowledge, attitude, practice and socioeconomic BurdenMethods: This was global, multi-centric cross-sectional study on 781 spine surgeons that utilized an internet-based validated questionnaire to evaluate knowledge about COVID-19, availability of personal protective equipment (PEE), future perceptions, effect of this crisis on practice and psychological distress. Univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors for the degree of COVID-19 effect on practice. Results: Overall, 20.2%, 52%, and 27.8% of the participants were affected minimally, intermediately, and hugely by COVID-19, respectively. Older ages (β= 0.33, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.56), orthopedic spine surgeons (β=0.30, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.61) and those who work in the private sector (β=0.05, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.61) were the most affected by COVID-19. Those who work in university hospitals (β=-0.36, 95% CI 0.00 to -0.71) were affected the least. The availability of N95 masks (47%) and disposable eye protectors or face shields (39.4%) was significantly associated with lower psychological stress (p=0.01). Only (6.9%), (3.7%), and (5%) had mild, moderate and severe mental distress, respectively.Conclusion: While it is important to recognize the short-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of spine surgery, predicting where we will be standing in 6-12 months remains difficult and unknown. The COVID-19 crisis will probably have an unexpected long-term impact on lives and economies.
Effect of high- and low-pressure circulation patterns above mid-latitudes on the incidence of SARS-COV-2 across wider European sector during early spring 2020
Authors: Kučera Marek , Kyriazopoulos Athanasios , Kučera Peter 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The presented paper evaluates SARS-CoV-2 in relation to high-, neutral and low- pressure zones above mid-latitudes (North Atlantic Oscillation/NAO and Arctic Oscillation/AO phases) and simultaneous effects of 8 meteorological elements across Europe and its wider region during early spring 2020. Data of national daily incidence of SARS-CoV-2 (for 86 countries and dependent territories) were correlated with daily values of 8 meteorological elements in 137 representative cities for 3 periods before an incidence day corresponding to incubation time of SARS-CoV-2. Period 0-9th day represented negative, period 5-14th day neutral and period 10-19th day positive NAO/AO pattern. Incubation time in last period was shifted, because some cases were linked to longer waiting for results of testing or in later course of SARS-CoV-2. Patterns linked with high-, neutral and low- pressure zones above mid-latitudes were outlined. Results have shown that, during the high-pressure pattern above mid-latitudes, lower precipitation, higher pressure, weaker wind, higher sunshine, higher diurnal temperature range (higher maximum and lower minimum temperatures) were very unfavorable for incidence of SARS-CoV-2 (more cases) and that, during the low-pressure pattern above mid-latitudes, lower pressure, higher wind and less than NAO+ lower precipitation, higher sunshine and higher diurnal temperature range (mainly higher maximum temperatures) were unfavorable. For comparison these results were outputted with circulation conditions NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. During NAO+, precipitation and wind/minimum temperatures, precipitation and pressure; during NAO-, minimum temperatures, wind and sunshine/maximum, minimum and average temperatures, precipitation, sunshine and snow cover have the most simultaneous same/opposite effects.