bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Efficacy of Eucaloric Ketogenic Nutrition in the COVID-19 Cytokine Storm: a Retrospective Analysis of Mortality and ICU Admission
Authors: Sukkar Samir Giuseppe , Cogorno Ludovica , Pasta Andrea , Livia Pisciotta , Vena Antonio , Gradaschi Raffaella , Dentone Chiara , Guiddo Erica , Martino Eleonora , Beltramini Sabrina , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Carmisciano Luca , Sormani Maria Pia , Bassetti Matteo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Some patients affected by COVID-19 present a life-threatening hyperinflammatory state known as cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) associated with a high mortality rate. Our hypothesis is that a eucaloric ketogenic diet (EKD) may be a safe and efficacious treatment option to reduce CSS and consequently to reduce the need for CPAP, ICU admission and COVID-19 mortality.Aim of the study: The primary objective is to explore the effect of an EKD on mortality, admission to the ICU and the need for NIV in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in comparison to a eucaloric standard diet (ESD). The secondary objectives are to collect data about the safety and feasibility of an EKD during hospitalization and to evaluate the effect of the diet on biological and inflammatory parameters, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6).Patients and methods: The study is a retrospective explorative analysis of 34 patients fed with an EKD during hospitalization for COVID-19 in comparison to 68 patients fed an ESD selected and matched using propensity score one-to-two to avoid the confounding effect of interfering variables.Results: A trend of reduced 30-day mortality (HR 0.416, 95% CI 0.122 – 1.413, P = 0.160) and a trend regarding the need for ICU admission (HR 0.357, 95% CI 0.045 – 2.847, P = 0.331) were observed in subjects treated with the EKD compared to patients fed with the standard diet. No significantly different risks in the need for CPAP (HR 0.968, CI 0.289 – 3.242, P = 0.958 for EKD) or the composite endpoint (HR 0.674, CI 0.233 – 1.949, P = 0.446 for EKD) were detectable between the two groups of dietary patterns.Furthermore, IL-6 concentrations between t 0 and t 7 (seven days after the beginning of the diet) in the ketogenic nutrition group showed a median difference of -26.0 ȵg/mL and a mean difference of -164 ȵg/mL (data from 23 of the 34 pairs) compared to controls, with a trend toward significance (P = 0.062). EKD was safe and no adverse events were observed in patients fed an EKD.Discussion and conclusions: These preliminary data on the clinical results for mortality, need for ICU admission and the effect on the IL-6 concentration during EKD feeding, collected in a retrospective way during the most aggressive period of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggest a favorable role of this dietary treatment in COVID-19 clinical management. The EKD was safe and well accepted by patients during hospitalization and seems to be an interesting tool in controlling COVID-19 CSS. The results of the prospective controlled randomized trial, currently underway with a large number of subjects, are necessary to confirm these preliminary data.
Developing A Prioritisation Framework for Patients in Need of Coronary Artery Angiography
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Pourasghar Faramarz , Sharghi Rahim , Rezapour Ramin , Gordeev Vladimir Sergeevich 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Effective waiting list management and comprehensive prioritisation can provide timely delivery of appropriate services to ensure that the patient needs are met and increase equity in the provision of health services. We developed a prioritisation framework for patients in need of coronary artery angiography (CAA).Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach to elicit effective factors that affect CAA patient prioritisation. Informed by a scoping literature review and open semi-structured interviews with 15 experts, the final set of factors was selected using Delphi method. The framework was finalised during expert panel meetings. Results: 212 effective factors were identified based on the literature review, interviews, and expert panel discussion. Of them, 37 factors were selected for Delphi study. Following two rounds of Delphi discussions, seven final factors were selected and weighed by ten experts using pair-wise comparisons. The following weights were given: the severity of pain and symptoms (0.22), stress testing (0.18), background diseases (0.15), number of myocardial infarctions (0.15), waiting time (0.10), reduction of economic and social performance (0.12), and special conditions (0.08).Conclusion: Clinical effective factors were important for CAA prioritisation framework. Using this framework can potentially lead to improved accountability and justice in the health system.
Enantioselective Construction of Six- and Seven-Membered Triorgano-Substituted Silicon-Stereogenic Heterocycles
Authors: He Chuan , Chen Shuyou , Mu Delong , Mai Pei-Lin , Ke Jie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A rhodium-catalyzed enantioselective construction of six- and seven-membered triorgano-substituted silicon-stereogenic heterocycles is developed. This process undergoes a direct dehydrogenative C−H silylation, giving access to a wide range of novel triorgano-substituted silicon-stereogenic heterocycles in good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities, that significantly enlarged the chemical space of the silicon-centered chiral molecules. Further elaboration of the chiral monohydrosilane product delivered various corresponding tetraorgano-substituted silicon-stereogenic heterocycles without the loss of enantiopurity. These novel silicon-bridged heterocycles exhibit bright blue fluorescence, which would have potential application prospects in organic optoelectronic materials.
Lysine metabolism conveys kidney protection in hypertension
Authors: Rinschen Markus , Palygin Oleg , Golosova Daria , Domingo-Almenara Xavier , Palermo Amelia , Schafroth Michael , Guijas Carlos , Gliozzi Megan , Xue Jingchuan , Höhne Martin , Benzing Thomas , Kok Bernard , Saez Enrique , Bleich Markus , Himmerkus Nina , Weisz Ora , Cravatt Benjamin , Krüger Marcus , Benton H. Paul , Siuzdak Gary , Staruschenko Alexander 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Hypertension and kidney disease, two related, common, and severe disease entities, have been repeatedly associated with genomic variants and metabolic alterations of lysine metabolism. Here, we developed a stable isotope labeling strategy compatible with untargeted metabolomics acquisition to investigate the physiology and molecular spectrum of lysine’s metabolic fate in vivo. Mice received 13C6 labeled lysine through the diet over two months to track more than 100 lysine metabolites across various organs and body fluids. Lysine reacts rapidly with molecules of the central carbon metabolism, as opposed to slow or incorporation into proteins and metabolization into acylcarnitines. The kidney rapidly forms these lysine conjugates and lysine metabolism is decreased in early stages of hypertension. Lysine administration completely diminished the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and kidney injury in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat model. Administration of lysine leads to diuresis, acceleration of 13C6 lysine conjugate formation, and inhibition of albumin uptake, thereby protecting from nephron injury and metabolic stress. Lysine conjugates with malonyl-CoA to form a novel metabolite Ne-malonyl-lysine to inhibit fatty acid synthesis. Formation of Ne-malonyl-Lysine, and acetyl-Lysine during lysine treatment depletes malonyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA, respectively, a process that occurs at the expense of protein malonylation and acetylation. A significant fraction of lysine molecules was metabolized in the kidney and excreted as fructoselysine and saccharopine, via the urine, leading to an overall depletion of central carbon metabolites from the organism. A ketogenic diet also ameliorated hypertension, yet to a lower extent, and increased several lysine conjugates, including Ne-malonyl-lysine. In conclusion, isotope tracing of orally administered lysine illuminated lysine metabolism, and L-lysine protects the kidneys in metabolically defined subtypes of kidney disease.
Gamma-ray Bursts Cosmology with The X-ray Fundamental Plane Relation
Authors: Dainotti Maria , Fernandez Jacob , Saraccino Giuseppe , Lenart Aleksander , Postnikov Sergey , Nagataki Shigehiro , Fraija Nissim 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Cosmological models and the value of their parameters are at the center of the debate because of the tension between the results obtained by the SNe Ia data and the Plank ones of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation. Thus, adding cosmological probes observed at high redshifts, such as Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs), is needed. Using GRB correlations between luminosities and a cosmological independent variable is challenging because GRB luminosities vary widely. We corrected a tight correlation between the rest-frame end time of the X-ray plateau, its corresponding X-ray luminosity, and the peak prompt luminosity: the so-called fundamental plane relation, using the jet opening angle. Its intrinsic scatter is 0:017 m 0:010 dex, 95% smaller than the isotropic fundamental plane relation, the smallest compared to any current GRB correlation in the literature. This shows that GRBs can be used as reliable cosmological tools. We use this GRB corrected correlation for the so-called platinum sample (a well-defined set with relatively flat plateaus), together with SNe Ia data, to constrain different cosmological parameters like the matter content of the universe today, M, the Hubble constant H0, and the dark energy parameter w for a wCDM model. We confirm the wCDM model but using GRBs up to z = 5, a redshift range much larger than one of SNe Ia.
Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases: clinical characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and factors associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamase production
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Yecheng , Dai Jiayuan , Liu Anlei , Li Yi , Xu Jun , Yu Xuezhong , Liu Jihai , Zhu Huadong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Over the past decades, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) infections have been increasing and affected immunocompromised patients nosocomially and communally, with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production becoming a major concern. Patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases, mostly receiving immunosuppressive therapy, are vulnerable to various infections, including K. pneumoniae. However, few have investigated K. pneumoniae infections in this specific population. This study aimed to identify factors associated with ESBL production and mortality of K. pneumoniae pneumonia among patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases in the Emergency Department. Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients with rheumatic diseases who were diagnosed with pneumonia, with K. pneumoniae isolated from their respiratory tract samples. Prognostic factors and risk factors for ESBL production were determined with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Empirical therapy and antimicrobial susceptibility data were also collected. Results: Of 477 K. pneumoniae pneumonia patients, 60 were enrolled into this study. The in-hospital mortality was 28.3%. Septic shock, ICU admission, the need for mechanical ventilation and change of antibiotics due to clinical deterioration, all related to mortality, were included as unfavorable clinical outcomes. Multivariate analysis suggested that ESBL production (OR, 6.793; p = 0.012), initial PCT≥0.5 ng/ml (OR, 5.024; p = 0.033) and respiratory failure at admission (OR, 4.401; p = 0.046) predicted increased mortality. ESBL production was significantly associated with dose of corticosteroids (OR, 1.031; p = 0.013) and CMV viremia (OR, 4.697; p = 0.043), instead of previous hospitalization and antibiotic use, in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases. The most commonly used empirical antibiotic was ceftazidime, while most isolates showed less resistance to carbapenems and amikacin in susceptibility testing. Conclusions: K. pneumoniae pneumonia could be life-threatening in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Our findings suggested that ESBL production, initial PCT≥0.5 ng/ml and respiratory failure at admission were independent factors associated with poor prognosis. Dose of corticosteroids and CMV viremia, predicting ESBL production in K. pneumoniae pneumonia, may help make individualized antibiotic decisions in clinical practice.
Challenges in Benchmarking Metagenomic Profilers
Authors: Liu Yang-Yu , Sun Zheng , Huang Shi , Zhang Meng , Zhu Qi-Yun , Haiminen Niina , Carrieri Anna Paola , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , Parida Laxmi , Kim Ho-Cheol , Knight Robin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Accurate microbial identification and abundance estimation are crucial for metagenomics analysis. Various methods for classifying metagenomic data and estimating taxonomic profiles, broadly referred to as metagenomic profilers, have been developed. Yet, benchmarking metagenomic profilers remains challenging because some tools are designed to report relative sequence abundance while others report relative taxonomic abundance. Here, we show how misleading conclusions can be drawn by neglecting this distinction between relative abundance types when benchmarking metagenomic profilers. Moreover, we show compelling evidence that interchanging sequence abundance and taxonomic abundance will influence both per-sample summary statistics and cross-sample comparisons. We suggest that the microbiome research community should pay attention to potentially misleading biological conclusions arising from this issue when benchmarking metagenomic profilers, by carefully considering the type of abundance data that was analyzed and interpreted, and clearly stating the strategy used for metagenomic profiling.
SARS-CoV-2 intervened by NSAIDs: A network pharmacology approach to decipher signaling pathway and interactive genes
Authors: Oh Ki Kwang , Adnan Md. , Cho Dong Ha 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) showed promising clinical efficacy toward COVID-19 patients as painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents. However, the prospective anti-COVID-19 mechanisms of NSAIDs are not evidently exposed. Therefore, we intended to decipher the most potent NSAIDs candidate(s) and its novel mechanism(s) against COVID-19 by network pharmacology.Method: FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) approved twenty NSAIDs were used for this study. Genes related to selected NSAIDs and COVID-19 related genes were identified by the Similarity Ensemble Approach, Swiss Target Prediction, and PubChem databases. Venn diagram identified overlapping genes between NSAIDs and COVID-19 related genes. The interactive networking between NSAIDs and overlapping genes was analyzed by STRING. RStudio plotted the bubble chart of KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of overlapping genes. Finally, the binding affinity of NSAIDs against target genes was determined through molecular docking analysis.Results: Geneset enrichment analysis exhibited 26 signaling pathways against COVID-19. Inhibition of proinflammatory stimuli of tissues and/or cells by inactivating RAS signaling pathway was identified as the key anti-COVID-19 mechanism of NSAIDs. Besides, MAPK8, MAPK10, and BAD genes were explored as the associated genes of the RAS. Among twenty NSAIDs, 6MNA, rofecoxib, and indomethacin revealed promising binding affinity with the highest docking score against three identified genes, respectively.Conclusions: Overall, our proposed three NSAIDs (6MNA, rofecoxib, and indomethacin) might block the RAS by inactivating its associated genes, thus may alleviate excessive inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2.
Sex-Related Differences in Response to Masseteric Injections of Glutamate and Nerve Growth Factor in Healthy Human Participants
Authors: Alhilou Abdelrahman , Shimada Akiko , Svensson Camilla , Svensson Peter , Ernberg Malin , Cairns Brian , Christidis Nikolaos 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The neurophysiological mechanisms underlying NGF-induced masseter muscle sensitization and sex-related differences in its effect are not well understood in humans. Therefore, this longitudinal cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of NGF injection on density and expression of substance P, NMDA-receptor and NGF by the nerve fibers in the human masseter muscle, to correlate expression with pain characteristics, and to determine any possible sex-related differences in these effects of NGF. The magnitude of NGF-induced mechanical sensitization and pain during the oral function was significantly greater in women than in men (P<0.050). Significant positive correlations were found between nerve fibers expression of NMDA-receptors and peak pain intensity (rs=0.620,P=0.048), and expression of NMDA-receptors by putative nociceptors and change in temporal summation pain after glutamate injection (rs=0.561,P=0.003). In women, there was a significant inverse relationship between the degree of NGF-induced mechanical sensitization and the change in nerve fibers expression of NMDA-receptors alone (rs=-0.659,P=0.013), and in combination with NGF (rs=-0.764,P=0.001). In conclusion, women displayed a greater magnitude of NGF-induced mechanical sensitization, that also was associated with nerve fibers expression of NMDA-receptors, when compared to men. The present findings suggest that, in women, increased peripheral NMDA-receptor expression could be associated with masseter muscle pain sensitivity.
Assisting PNA Transport Through Cystic Fibrosis Human Airway Epithelia With Biodegradable Hybrid Lipid-Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Comegna Marika , Conte Gemma , Falanga Andrea , Marzano Maria , Cernera Gustavo , Lullo Antonella Di , Amato Felice , Borbone Nicola , D'Errico Stefano , Ungaro Francesca , d'Angelo Ivana , Oliviero Giorgia , Castaldo Giuseppe 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by an airway obstruction caused by a thick mucus due to a malfunctioning Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein. The sticky mucus restricts drugs in reaching target cells limiting the efficiency of treatments. The development of new approaches to enhance drug delivery to the lungs represents CF treatment's main challenge. In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of hybrid core-shell nanoparticles (hNPs) comprising a PLGA core and a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) shell engineered for inhalation. We loaded hNPs with a 7-mer peptide nucleic acid (PNA) previously considered for its ability to modulate the post-transcriptional regulation of the CFTR gene. We also investigated the in vitro release kinetics of hNPs and their efficacy in PNA delivery across the human epithelial airway barrier using an ex vivo model based on human primary nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) from CF patients. Confocal analyses and hNPs transport assay demonstrated the ability of hNPs to overcome the mucus barrier and release their PNA cargo within the cytoplasm, where it can perform its biological function.
Impact of metformin treatment during pregnancy on maternal outcomes: a systematic review/meta-analysis
Authors: Tarry-Adkins Jane , Ozanne Susan , Aiken Catherine 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: We systematically assessed the impact of metformin treatment on maternal pregnancy outcomes. Data Sources: PubMed, Ovid Embase, Medline, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane databases were systematically searched (inception-19th November 2020). Methods of Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials reporting pregnancy outcomes in women randomized to metformin versus any other treatment for any indication were included. Outcomes included gestational weight gain (GWG), pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm birth, gestational age at delivery, cesarean section, gestational diabetes, glycemic control, and gastrointestinal side-effects. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, with a third available to evaluate disagreements. Risk-of-bias and GRADE assessments were conducted using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias and GRADE-pro software. Tabulation, integration and results: Thirty-five studies (n=8033 pregnancies) met eligibility criteria. GWG was lower in pregnancies randomized to metformin versus other treatments (1.57kg±0.60kg; I2=86%, p<0.0001), as was likelihood of pre-eclampsia (OR 0.65, 95%CI:0.47-0.91; I2=52%, p=0.01). The risk of gastrointestinal side-effects was greater in metformin-exposed versus other treatment groups (OR 2.43, 95%CI:1.53-3.84; I2=76%, p=0.0002). The risk of other maternal outcomes assessed was not significantly different between metformin-exposed versus other treatment groups. Conclusions: Metformin for any indication during pregnancy is associated with lower GWG and a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia, but increased gastrointestinal side-effects compared to other treatments.
Interannual Variability of the Occurrence of MJO at Different Phases and Its Association with Two ENSO Modes
Authors: Dasgupta Panini , Koll Roxy , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Naidu Chennu , Metya Abirlal 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In the present study, we investigate the interannual variability of the occurrence of the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) at different Real-time Multivariate MJO (RMM) phase regions (MJO frequency) and its association with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Evaluating the all-season data, we identify the dominant zonal patterns of MJO frequency exhibiting prominent interannual variability. Using Principal Component Analysis Biplot (PCA Biplot) technique, we demonstrate that the MJO frequency has two distinct modes of variability related to RMM1 and RMM2 spatial patterns. The first spatial mode of MJO frequency related to RMM1 is associated with a higher frequency of MJO active days over the Maritime Continent and a lower frequency over the central Pacific Ocean and the western Indian Ocean, or vice versa. The second mode related to RMM2 is associated with a higher frequency of MJO active days over the eastern Indian Ocean and a lower frequency over the western Pacific, or vice versa. We find that these two types of MJO frequency patterns are associated with the central Pacific and eastern Pacific ENSO modes, respectively. These MJO frequency patterns are the lag response of the underlying ocean state.
An Ultrawideband Microfabricated Gold-Based Antenna Array for Terahertz Communications
Authors: Abohmra Abdoalbaset , Abbas Hasan , Kazim Jalil , Rabbani Muhammad , Li Chong , Alomainy Akram , Imran Muhammad , Abbasi Qammer 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The microwave frequency band typically used for wireless communications will soon become saturated and will no longer be able to fulfil the high bandwidth demands of modern communication networks. Terahertz (THz) communication has appeared as a highly attractive, future-generation wireless technology that offers higher spectral bandwidth and, therefore, higher data rates. However, the full exploitation of THz technologies is contingent upon the availability of energy-efficient sources and devices. In this article, we presented a fabrication and measurement of microscale planar inverted cone antenna (PICA) array made of gold. Using an ungrounded coplanar waveguide feed, the microfabricated structure provides a bandwidth of 37.9 % with the resonant frequency of 0.925 THz. Given the cost of microfabrication is reducing substantially with rapid technological advancements, the results of this paper suggest that high-speed THz communications can be realised for widescale applications.