bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Tocilizumab an effective therapy for Severe COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sarfaraz Samreen , Shaikh Quratulain , Iftikhar Sundus , Herekar Fivzia Farooq , Saleem Syed Ghazanfar , Kanani Fatima 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
ObjectivesTo compare the outcome of severe COVID-19 patients treated with Tocilizumab (TCZ). Methods: A retrospective cohort study comparing the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who received TCZ with those who did not, was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi. A sub-group analysis was conducted on the TCZ group to identify predictors of mortality. Results 88 patients including 41 patients in the TCZ group and 47 in non-TCZ group were recruited. Baseline characteristics were comparable. TCZ group patients presented with worse clinical features including median SpO2 82% vs 88%, p<0.05 and CRP 193 vs 133.9 mg/L, p<0.05. TCZ group showed severe bilateral chest x-ray findings (92% vs 31%, p<0.05) compared to non-TCZ. In the TCZ group 85.4% were admitted in ICU compared to 69.8% in non-TCZ group, p>0.05. Mortality was not different among the groups (46% in TCZ group vs 51.1% in non-TCZ group, p>0.05). Median length of hospital stay, days of intubation, use of inotropic agents, use of invasive ventilation or in-hospital complications were not different between the groups. Sub-group analysis revealed that mortality within TCZ group was associated with high IL-6 levels (173 vs 69.66 pg/ml, p<0.05), ICU admission (100% vs 72%, p<0.05), need for mechanical ventilation (100% vs 13.6%, p<0.05) and higher incidence of in-hospital complications, p<0.05. ConclusionTCZ group had more critical patients and TCZ failed to demonstrate any mortality benefit in these patients. Non-survivors within the TCZ group were more critical compared to survivors and developed higher proportion of in hospital complications
Clinical and radiological outcome after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using the T-Lock Osteotrans resorbable Tendon Anchor: Early Experience and Midterm Follow-up
Authors: Bangert Yannic , Jaber Ayham , Wünnemann Felix , Berrsche Gregor , Streich Nikolaus , Rehnitz Christoph , Ott Henning , Barié Alexander 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Reonstruction of the Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using tendon grafting is an established method for restoring knee function and stability. Multiple methods are established for graft fixation. Several involve anchoring the autograft distant to the joint with hardware that remains implanted. This study reports the first early to midterm results in patients who received ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using the T-Lock Osteotrans femoral near joint fixation method with a tibial fixation using the BioactIF Osteotrans interference screw.
Methods
This consecutive prospective series included 20 Patients (14 Male, 6 Female) with a primary ACL rupture. All patients were treated with an ACLR using the semitendinosus autograft fixated with the T-Lock Osteotrans and were followed-up postoperatively. The following parameters were assessed: Side-to-side difference of the posterior-anterior translation measured using the KT-1000 arthrometer, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, IKDC subjective knee evaluation form. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to assess tunnel enlargement and integrity of the anchoring device.
Results
The average follow-up duration was 2.15 years (range 1–4.2 years). One patient was lost to follow-up. Two Patients suffered a traumatic ACL re-rupture 2 years postoperatively and received 2-stage revision ACLR. Difference in the posterior-anterior translation was 1.8 mm (range 0–5). The median Tegner score was 6 (range 4–10) and 9 patients (45%) returned to their preinjury level of activity. The mean IKDC subjective knee evaluation form scored 91.2 points (range 77–100). The mean Lysholm score was 86.1 points (74–96). All mentioned scores showed were significantly better compared to preoperative values. No relevant tunnel enlargement was seen on MRI. The anchoring device was evaluated to be intact in all patients.
Conclusion
ACLR with the aforementioned procedure leads to good clinical and radiological outcome.
Computational Modeling Indicates A Decreased Affinity of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 by Steroids
Authors: Mansouri Alireza , Kowsar Rasoul , Sadeghi Khaled , Miyamoto Akio 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) presently poses significant concerns around the world. Latest reports show that the degree of disease and mortality of COVID-19 infected patients may vary from gender to gender with a very high risk of death for seniors. It was hypothesized that sex steroid hormones estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), testosterone (T), and dexamethasone (DEX) may change the interaction of coronavirus spike protein (CSP) with angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). Data showed that E2 was more strongly to interact with the main protease of the coronavirus, while T had the lowest affinity for CSP. The binding energy of the CSP to ACE2 was increased in the presence of steroids; the greatest increase was observed by DEX and E2. The binding free energy of the CSP to ACE2 was the highest in the presence of E2 and DEX. Together, the interaction between CSP and ACE2 can be disrupted by E2 and to a greater extent by DEX, in part explaining the lower incidence of COVID-19 infection in women than men. The potential use of E2 and DEX to reduce coronavirus attachment to ACE2 in the early phase of the coronavirus invasion needs to be clinically investigated.
A study on the speed of governments’ healthcare response to COVID-19; cases: China, Hong Kong, Korea, Italy, the US, and Iran
Authors: Nourian Farshad , Sarabi Ahmad , Mousavinezhad S.Alireza 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

The spread of the novel COVID-19 virus has raised many questions on the performance of the national and global healthcare systems.
Methods

In this paper, we present the results of a study on how the decision-making speed at the national and city levels on dealing with the spread of the Corona virus has impacted the rate of mortality by means of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Bubble chart.
Results

We considered variables such as the level of infrastructures in health, Information Technology, and human development in China and 5 other countries as all these factors could affect the rate of mortality in those countries as well. For each country, the data has been collected and analyzed starting with the time when the first patient was detected as a positive case up to three weeks later. For the time of decision-making, the data which could be used to illustrate the delay or promptitude of decisions included date of first death, date of quarantine, and the date of aviation suspension.
Conclusion

Our findings support the hypothesis that the timing of a government’s decision, either proactive or preemptive, along with its level of sophistication in urban and social infrastructures, can impact the mortality rate of contagious diseases such as COVID-19.
Comprehensive Analysis of Gut Microbiota of a Healthy Population and Covariates Affecting Microbial Variation in Two Large Japanese Cohorts
Authors: Park Jonguk , Kato Kumiko , Murakami Haruka , Hosomi Koji , Tanisawa Kumpei , Nakagata Takashi , Ohno Harumi , Konishi Kana , Kawashima Hitoshi , Chen Yi-An , Mohsen Attayeb , Xiao Jin-zhong , Odamaki Toshitaka , Kunisawa Jun , Mizuguchi Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Inter-individual variations in gut microbiota composition are observed even among healthy populations. As gut microbiota in Japanese populations exhibit a unique composition compared to others, it is informative to conduct large-scale Japanese cohort studies for a comprehensive understanding of the association between healthy gut microbiota and host status. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the integrated and non-redundant factors associated with gut microbiota composition within the Japanese population by 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples and questionnaire-based covariate analysis. Results: A total of 1,596 healthy Japanese individuals participated in this study via two independent cohorts, NIBIOHN cohort (n = 954) and MORINAGA cohort (n = 642). Gut microbiota composition was described and the interaction of these microorganisms with metadata parameters such as anthropometric measurements, bowel habits, medical history, and lifestyle were obtained. Thirteen genera, including Alistipes, Anaerostipes, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Eubacterium halli group, Faecalibacterium, Fusicatenibacter, Lachnoclostidium, Parabacteroides, Prevotella_9, Roseburia and Subdoligranurum were predominant among the two cohorts. On the basis of univariate analysis for overall microbiome variation, 18 matching variables exhibited significant association in both cohorts. A stepwise redundancy analysis revealed that there were four common covariates, Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) scores, gender, age, and defecation frequency, displaying non-redundant association with gut microbial variance.Conclusions: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of gut microbiota in healthy Japanese individuals, based on two independent cohorts, and obtained reliable evidence that questionnaire-based covariates such as frequency of bowel movement and dietary intake affects the microbial composition of the gut. To our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate integrated and non-redundant factors associated with gut microbiota among Japanese populations.
Pilot Sequence Assisted Channel Estimation in MIMO/SIMO/SISO-OFDM&nbsp;Systems
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Wang Chengyou , Wu Qun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
For improving the communication system performance in multiple input multiple output- orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) system, single input multiple output-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SIMO-OFDM) system, single input single output-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SISO-OFDM) system, this paper introduces a pilot assisted channel estimation method. The proposed method is a combination of pilots and channel estimation based on known channel state information (CSI). First, the pilots are used to maintain the orthogonality characteristics of space time block coding (STBC). By designing the interference-free pilots we estimating the channel, and then with the pre-estimated channel characteristics data is decoded at the MIMO-OFDM system receiver. In this paper, we proposed four kinds of comb-type pilot sequences with interference-free pilots designing among consecutive subcarriers. The proposed pilot assisted channel estimation method in MIMO/SIMO/SISO-OFDM systems could be well adopted with different low and high order modulations. This flexible transmission mechanism can save pilot overhead and has strong anti-interference ability in dynamic channels. Moreover, high-order constellation modulation level will enhance the channel capacity in MIMO/SIMO/SISO-OFDM system. Therefore, it can be used as a candidate technology for 5G or 6G MIMO/SIMO/SISO-OFDM system.
Human Erythrocyte Surface Fucose Expression Increases with Age and Hyperglycemia
Authors: Cao Huan , Bagchi Ananyo , Tampakis Dimitris , Laidvee Irina , Williams Maria , Minter Beverley , Wright Sonja , Antonopoulos Aristotelis , Haslam Stuart M. , Barker Robert N. , Vickers Mark A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundReactive oxygen species and other free radicals, together with glucose and its metabolites are believed to play important roles in the aging process. The carbohydrate components of glycosylated proteins are important in mediating cell-cell interactions and a role has been suggested for them in the aging process. Erythrocytes are critical cells in the human body, heavily glycosylated and relatively easily available and so are good candidates to yield insights into how patterns of glycosylation change with age and disease. It has been claimed, based on a periodic acid Schiff assay, that human aging is associated with a decline of erythrocyte surface sialic acids. Plant lectins allow for more specific assays for glycans, including determining the linkage of sialic acids and analysis of single cells by flow cytometry. ResultsSialic acid specific plant lectins, Maackia amurensis lectin II (MAL), binding to α-2,3 linked sialic acids and Sambucus nigra (SNA), α-2,6 sialic acids, were used to show that erythrocyte surface sialic acids have no significant associations with donor age. A combination of storage and cellular aging produces a specific loss of α-2,6 sialic acids. By contrast, erythrocyte surface terminal fucoses increase significantly with age of donor. In order to determine which aspects of aging are important in determining this change, we investigated whether this novel human aging biomarker is associated with higher plasma glucose values, assessed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Fucose levels were associated with HbA1c levels, but not ROS generation. ConclusionOur study identifies novel glycan-based biomarkers for human aging and disease. The simplicity of lectins are presented here as an attractive tool to study cellular medication in aging and disease.
Bacteriological assessment of dug well water in rural areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Atikul , Akber Md. Ali , Islam M. M. Majedul , Islam Md. Azharul , Dutta Mukta 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This study assessed the bacteriological quality of dug well waters from Jashore district – an arsenic affected area of Bangladesh. A total of 58 dug wells (42 installed by a government organization (GO) and 16 installed by a non-government organization (NGO)) were sampled in the dry and wet seasons. The samples were evaluated for total coliform (TC), faecal coliform (FC) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Sanitary inspections of the surroundings of the GO-installed dug wells identified the sources of faecal contamination. Both the GO-installed and NGO-installed dug wells had bacterial contamination. The median concentrations of E. coli among the GO-installed and NGO-installed dug wells were, respectively, 41 and 21 cfu/100 ml in the wet season, and respectively 2 and &lt;1 cfu/100 ml in the dry season. In the wet season, 24 and 31%, respectively, of the GO-installed and NGO-installed dug wells were in the high-risk category. All of the dug wells had higher disease burden in the wet season compared to the dry season. The ﬁndings suggest that drinking water from the dug wells is likely to pose health risks to the rural communities.
The Current Application of LC-MS/MS in Pharmacokinetics of Traditional Chinese Medicines (Recent Three Years): A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Lu , Gu Shuang , Yin Zhaorui , Shi Zhe , Wang Ping , Xu Changhua 
Published: October 2020

Background:With significant clinical effects, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been attracting increasing interest of the world’s scientific community. However, TCM contains immense amounts of chemical components. It is a great challenge to objectively evaluate the correlation between the in vivo process and the therapeutic effect of TCM. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the recent investigation (from 2017 to 2019) on preclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) of TCM via liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).Method:We reviewed the published articles regarding the PK of TCM by LC-MS/MS. In addition, we summarized information on PK parameter of bioactive components, single herb and traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.Results:The vast majority of literature on preclinical PK of TCM uses single oral administration, the biological matrix is mostly rat plasma, and the main PK parameters include AUC, Cmax, Tmax and T1/2, etc.Conclusion:Although LC-MS/MS can be used for high-throughput analysis, the characterization of in vivo processes of TCM still has a long way. With the advantages of high sensitivity, high specificity and simple operation, the increasingly mature LC-MS/MS technology will play an important role in the PK study of TCM.
COVID-19 and Renal Diseases: An Update
Authors: Bitencourt Letícia , Pedrosa Ana Luisa , de Brito Stephanie Bruna Camilo Soares , Fróes Ana Cláudia Fontoura , de Carvalho Sarah Tayná , Fonseca Giulio Gori , Ferreira Guilherme Costa , Fradico Pollyanna Faria , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina 
Published: October 2020

Background:
It becomes increasingly evident that the SARS-CoV-2 infection is not limited to the respiratory system. In addition to being a target of the virus, the kidney also seems to have substantial influence on the outcomes of the disease.

Methods:
Data was obtained by a comprehensive and non-systematic search in the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus and SciELO databases, using mainly the terms “SARS-CoV-2”, “COVID-19”, “chronic kidney disease”, “renal transplantation”, acute kidney injury” and “renal dysfunction”.

Discussion:
The membrane-bound angiotensin converting enzyme 2 is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and this interaction may lead to an imbalance of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS), associated with worse clinical presentations of COVID-19, including acute pulmonary injury, hyperinflammatory state and hematological alterations. In the framework of renal diseases, development of acute kidney injury is associated mostly with immune alterations and direct cytopathic lesions by the virus, leading to higher mortality. As for chronic kidney disease, the patients at a non-terminal stage have worse prog-nosis, while the hemodialysis patients appear to have mild courses of COVID-19, probably due to lower chances of being affected by the cytokine storm. Furthermore, the current scenario is unfavorable to kidney donation and transplantation. The relationship between COVID-19 and immunosuppression in kidney transplantation recipients has been greatly discussed to determine whether it increases mortality and how it interacts with immunosuppressive medications.

Conclusion:
The kidney and the RAS exert fundamental roles in the SARS-CoV-2 infection and more research is required to have a complete understanding on the repercussions caused by COVID-19 in renal diseases.
ASMA: An Advanced Secure Messaging Application
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Prabhat Purnendu , Sharma Arun 
Published: October 2020

Background:
User generated digital content, typically from mobile devices, can be of a personal nature. There
have been several instances in which this personal content, including but not limited to, photographs, videos, messages
and personal information has been misused by the recipients. The misuse has ranged from violating privacy through
unauthorized sharing to manipulating/modifying the original content and finally forgery and fraud.

Objective:
To create an Advanced Secure Messaging Application (ASMA) allowing personal digital content to be shared
across mobile devices in a secure, controlled and privacy preserving manner. The application allows the user to explicitly
specify a micro-policy to control the way digital content sent by the user is consumed, shared or modified by the
recipient(s). The users should be able to check the veracity of a shared news item besides controlling group formation and
enforcing content sharing guidelines within a group.

Methods:
A micro-policy based novel mechanism is introduced for exercising fine-grained control over the manner in
which digital content generated by users is shared and distributed among their contacts. Fact-checking is supported by
cross checking the message content against credible news sources.

Results:
Measurements of message throughput show a consistent and manageable overhead, due to a per message micropolicy travelling with the message data compared to traditional message sharing applications. The high user-ratings
received from users in a pilot test establish acceptance of the app and the need for its advanced features. Moreover, the
overheads in implementing additional security features are imperceptible at the user level.

Conclusion:
ASMA is a highly secure and privacy preserving messaging application as demonstrated by experimental
results and the pilot usability study. It offers novel security and content control features which are not available in existing
mobile messaging applications.
Changes in the six-minute walk test and foot health status using customised foot orthoses vs sham inserts in an adult flat foot population. A pilot randomised control trial.
Authors: Banwell Helen , Mackintosh Shylie 
Published: October 2020

The presence of flexible flat feet is often reported to negatively impact foot health, and endurance during walking. Foot orthoses are commonly prescribed for symptoms associated with flat feet. This study aimed to investigate the impact of individually prescribed foot orthoses on foot health and endurance measures when used in a flat foot population.

Methods
This study was a pilot parallel-group single-blinded RCT comparing customised foot orthoses and sham inserts for impact on foot pain, fatigue and function following four weeks of use, and changes in distance travelled measures (m) during the six-minute walk test following four weeks of use and at immediate wear.

Results
Thirteen participants were recruited (8 female), seven received foot orthoses and six received sham inserts. The study was underpowered to detect change (range 0.05 to 0.20). A statistically significant difference existed between groups at baseline for foot pain. No statistically significant results were observed for the use of foot orthoses or sham inserts after four weeks of use or at immediate wear. The sham insert group were observed to improve their distance travelled (median increase 23.5 m), and foot pain (VAS) in accordance with minimally importance difference when compared to the foot orthoses group (between group difference 15.5 mm) following four weeks of use, however, large variations in response were observed (IQR 34.7 m and 50.5 mm respectively).

Discussion
No significant differences were found between the foot orthoses and sham insert group for foot health or endurance measures following four weeks of use, however, outcomes should be viewed with caution due to small sample size and variation in individual response. Further investigations comparing customised foot orthoses and sham inserts in the adult flexible flat foot population are recommended.