bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Proxalutamide (GT0918) Reduces the Rate of Hospitalization and Death in COVID-19 Male Patients: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Authors: Cadegiani Flavio Adsuara , McCoy John , Wambier Carlos Gustavo , Kovacevic Maja , Shapiro Jerry , Sinclair Rodney , Goren Andy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Importance: Previously, we have reported a retrospective cohort analysis demonstrating the protective effect of anti-androgens (5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) in COVID-19. Objective: To determine if the anti-androgen proxalutimide is an effective treatment for men with ambulatory mild COVID-19 disease.Design: A double-blinded, randomized, prospective, investigational study of proxalutamide for the treatment men with ambulatory mild COVID-19 disease.Setting: Outpatient centers (Brasilia, Brazil) from July 15 to December 1, 2020. Participants: Men with ambulatory mild COVID-19 disease (WHO ordinal scale ≤3).Interventions: Proxalutimide 200mg/day, or standard of care for 30 days or until full COVID-19 remission. Main Outcome and Measures: Percentage of subjects hospitalized due to COVID-19 [Time Frame: 30 days].Results: A total of 214 men were included and completed the trial; 114 men were randomized to the proxalutamide group, and 100 men were randomized to the control group. A statistically significant reduction in the percentage of subjects hospitalized due to COVID-19 was observed in men taking proxalutamide (0%) compared to the standard of care (27%), (p<0.001). The percentage of men requiring mechanical ventilation was reduced in the proxalutamide group (0%) compared to control (9%), (p<0.001). Zero fatalities occurred in the proxalutamide group, versus 2 in the control group.Conclusions and Relevance: Men with ambulatory mild COVID-19 disease (WHO ordinal scale ≤3) receiving anti-androgen treatment with proxalutamide, had significantly reduced rate of hospitalization compared to men not receiving anti-androgen treatment. Trial Registration: NCT04446429
Antimicrobial-Resistance Pathogen Load and Public Health Risk of Drinking Water in South Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Yenew Chalachew , Kebede Melese , Mulat Melkamu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to determine the contamination Antimicrobial-Resistance Pathogen load and Public Health Risk of Drinking Water in the case of Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia.Study design and period: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was employed from March to May 2020.Methods: A total of 60 water samples were collected from the household tap and household drinking water storage container by following the standard microbial analysis method. Besides Sanitary survey was conducted for the municipal water supply system. Water samples were analyzed for differences in bacteriological parameters and drug-susceptibility patterns. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data.Results: The drinking water was mostly contaminated with multiple antibiotics-resistance waterborne Escherichia coli 35% (95% CI: 31.2%, 46.9%), Salmonella 22.7% (95% CI: 23.2%, 28.7%), and Shigella 15% (95% CI: 11.2%, 20.9%). Approximately 52.78% and 36.11% of the tap and an equal 23.33% of the household storage container water samples were categorized under low and intermediate risks respectively, and the overall health risk index of the water samples showed that 45.83%, 41.67%, and 12.5%, of them, are categorized under low, intermediate and high-risk classes respectively.Conclusion: The contamination of drinking water with antimicrobial-resistant waterborne bacteria in the community could indicate the likelihood of the occurrence of treatment failure and increased mortality. Hence, proper drinking water treatment and strict supervision are needed to prevent the contamination of the water and related consequences.
ITPR3 Facilitates Tumor Growth, Metastasis and Stemness by Inducing the NF-ĸB/CD44 Pathway in Urinary Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Mengzhao , Wang Lu , Yue Yangyang , Zhang Lu , Liu Tianjie , Jing Minxuan , Liang Xiao , Ma Minghai , Xu Shan , Wang Ke , Wang Xinyang , Fan Jinhai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Bladder carcinoma is one of the most common urological cancers. ITPR3, as a ubiquitous endoplasmic reticulum calcium channel protein, was reported to be involved in the development and progression of various types of cancer. However, the potential roles and molecular mechanism of ITPR3 in bladder cancer are still unclear. Herein, we elucidated a novel role of ITPR3 in regulating the proliferation, metastasis, and stemness of bladder cancer cells.Methods: The expression of ITPR3 in bladder cancer was analyzed using public databases and bladder cancer tissue microarrays. To demonstrate the role of ITPR3 in regulating the NF-ĸB/CD44 pathway and the progression of bladder cancer, a series of molecular biology and biochemistry methods was performed on clinical tissues, along with in vivo and in vitro experiments. The methods used included western blot assay, quantitative RT-PCR assay, immunofluorescence assay, immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, colony formation assay, tumorsphere formation assay, cell flow cytometry analysis, EdU assay, MTT assay, cell transfection, bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), a xenograft tumor model and a tail vein cancer metastasis model.Results: Higher ITPR3 expression was found in bladder cancer tissues and bladder cancer cells compared with the corresponding normal peritumor tissues and SV-HUC-1 cells, which was attributed to demethylation in the ITPR3 promoter region. ITPR3 promoted the proliferation of bladder cancer by accelerating cell cycle transformation and promoted local invasion and distant metastasis by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Meanwhile, ITPR3 maintained the cancer stemness phenotype by regulating CD44 expression. NF-κB, which is upstream of CD44, also played a critical role in this process.Conclusions: Our study clarifies that ITPR3 serves as an oncogene in bladder cancer cells and represents a novel candidate for bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Extrapericardial Pleural Lipoma: A Surgical Case Report and Current Literature Review
Authors: Lu Peng , Zhu Dawei , Deng Fanxin , Zhang Xiaojing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLipomas arising from the intrathoracic pleura are exceedingly rare. Few cases have been reported worldwide. To our knowledge, this presented case is one of the few cases reported. Here we report a single case as intrathoracic lipoma that arose from the mediastinal pleura of the left pericardium. Here the tumor was completely resected by uniportal video assisted thoracic surgery. Case presentationA 64-year-old female presented with a symptomatic left chest pain, which was confirmed to be an lipomatous tumor using computed tomography. An oval extrapericardial lipoma originating from the mediastinal pleura was resected through uniportal video assisted thoracic surgery. Pathological examination indicated a diagnosis of pleura lipoma. Conclusion﻿The tumor was infectious and relatively hyperemia when detected during a medical checkup. We enabled the successful tumor excision via uniportal video assisted thoracic surgery approach. Extratumoral haemorrhage was confirmed during the operation. Although intrathoracic pleural lipomas are histologically benign, careful observation and follow-up are crucial due to the possibility of recurrence.
Mucosal and Systemic Immune Responses Modulated by in Ovo-Delivered Bioactive Compounds in Distinct Chicken Genotypes
Authors: Slawinska Anna , Dunislawska Aleksandra , Kowalczyk Artur , Łukaszewicz Ewa , Siwek Maria 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMucosal and systemic immune responses are different strategies to cope with environmental stimuli. In ovo delivery of prebiotic, probiotic, or synbiotic into the avian embryo allows for indigenous microbiota stimulation. Intestinal microbiota in animals is responsible for immune system maturation. The genetic component is critical in host-microbiota crosstalk and immune system development. The goal of this study was to compare mucosal and systemic immune responses in two distinct chicken genotypes stimulated in ovo. ResultsThe experiment was constructed in full-factorial design and was aimed to study the effects of two chicken genotypes (chicken broilers or native chickens), four in ovo-delivered compounds (GOS/galactooligosaccharides/prebiotic, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris/probiotic, or GOS+L.lactis/synbiotic, vs. physiological saline) and three different stimuli (LPS or LTA vs. physiological saline) on a panel of cytokine genes (IL-1B, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, and IL-17) expressed in caecal tonsils and spleen. We tested significance of the main effects and their interactions. Genotype had the most significant influence on all gene expression signatures in both tissues (P < 0.001 for all genes, except P < 0.05 for IL-10 in spleen). Immune challenge was the second most significant main effect, and influenced IL-1β, IL-6 IL-10 (P < 0.001), and IL-17 genes (P < 0.05) in caecal tonsils, and all genes in spleen (P < 0.001), except IL-4 (P > 0.05). In ovo stimulation influenced IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 in caecal tonsils (P < 0.05), as well as IL-2 and IL-12p40 in spleen (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe mucosal and systemic immune responses of chicken broilers and native chickens showed distinct patterns. Genotype influenced gene expression signatures of all immune-related genes, but chicken broilers developed stronger immune responses than native chickens. LPS triggered both mucosal (caecal tonsils) and systemic (spleen) immune responses in chicken broilers, but only systemic (spleen) in native chickens. In ovo stimulation with bioactive compounds (especially prebiotic) modulated innate immune responses to LPS. GOS delivered in ovo induced the most pronounced responses to LPS, which validated its further application as a potent immunomodulator for in ovo applications.
Comparative Analysis of Spatial-temporal Patterns of Human Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Africa Using Genetic Data, 2011-2014
Authors: Oketch John W , Kamau Everlyn , Otieno James R , Mwema Anthony , Lewa Clement , Isoe Everlyne , Nokes James D , Agoti Charles N 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are leading causes of viral severe acute respiratory illnesses in childhood. Both the two viruses belong to the Pneumoviridae family and show overlapping clinical, epidemiological and transmission features. However, it is unknown whether these two viruses have similar geographic spread patterns which may provide insight into designing and evaluating their epidemic control measures.Methods: We conducted comparative phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses to explore the spatial-temporal patterns of HMPV and RSV across Africa using 232 HMPV and 842 RSV attachment (G) glycoprotein gene sequences obtained from 5 countries (The Gambia, Zambia, Mali, South Africa, and Kenya) between August 2011 and January 2014. Results: Phylogeographic analyses found frequently similar patterns of spread of RSV and HMPV. Viral sequences commonly clustered by region, i.e., West Africa (Mali, Gambia), East Africa (Kenya) and Southern Africa (Zambia, South Africa), and similar genotype dominance patterns were observed between neighbouring countries. Both HMPV and RSV country epidemics were characterized by co-circulation of multiple genotypes. Sequences from different African sub-regions (East, West and Southern Africa) fell into separate clusters interspersed with sequences from other countries globally. Conclusion: The spatial clustering patterns of viral sequences and genotype dominance patterns observed in our analysis suggests strong regional links and predominant local transmission. The geographical clustering further suggests independent introduction of HMPV and RSV variants in Africa from the global pool, and local regional diversification.
Abrupt Change of Bandgap Energy in Quantum System of Nanolayer on Silicon Surface
Authors: Huang Wei-Qi , Liu Shi-Rong , Wang Zi-Lin , Chen Cui-Fen , Wang Ke , Peng Hong-Yan , Huang Zhong-Mei , Wang An-Chen , Li Xin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In the quantum system of nanolayer (NL) on silicon, the bandgap energy obviously increases with decreasing thickness of NL, in which the quantum confinement (QC) effect plays a main role. In simulating calculation, the QC effect has been exhibited as the thickness of Si NL changes along with (100), (110) and (111) direction respectively. And the simulation result demonstrated that the direct bandgap can be obtained as the NL with (001) direction is thinner than 10nm on Si surface. However, it is discovered in the simulated calculation that the QC effect disappears as the NL thickness arrives at size of monoatomic layer, in which its bandgap sharply deceases, where the abrupt change effect in bandgap energy occurs near idea 2D-layer. In experiment, we fabricated the Si NL structure by using electron beam irradiation and pulsed laser deposition methods, in which a novel way was used to control the NL thickness by modulating irradiation time of electron beam. The new effect should have a good application on optic-electronic chip of silicon.
Relationship Between Patellofemoral Finite Helical Axis and Femoral Trans-Epicondyle Axis Using a Static Magnetic Resonance-Based Methodology
Authors: Yu Zhenguo , Cai Hong , Yang Bin , Yao Jie , Zhang Ke , Tian Hua , Liu Zhongjun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To manage patellofemoral joint disorders, a complete understanding of the in vivo patellofemoral kinematics is critical. However, as one of the parameters of joint kinematics, the location and orientation of patellofemoral finite helical axis (FHA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to quantify the location and orientation of the patellar FHA both in vivo and non-invasively at various flexion angles and to relate the FHA to the trans-epicondyle axis (TEA).Methods: The Magnetic resonance (MR) images of 18 unilateral knees were collected at full extension and at 30°, 60°, 90°, and maximum angle of knee flexion. Three-dimensional models of knee joint at different flexion angles were developed with the MR images, and were used to calculate the patellar tracking and FHA with a spline interpolation algorithm. By using a coordinate system based on the TEA, the FHA tracking was quantified. Six parameters concerning the location and orientation of the patellar FHA were analyzed.Results: The average patellar FHA of 18 knees drew an L-shaped tracking on the midsagittal plane moving from the posteroinferior side of the TEA to the anterosuperior with knee flexion. Before 90° flexion, the patellar rotational radius decreased slightly, with an average value of 5.65 ± 1.09 cm. During 20° to 90° knee flexion, the average angle between the patellar FHA and TEA was approximately 10° and that between the FHA and coronal plane was maintained at about 0°, while that between the FHA and level plane fluctuated between -10° and 10°.Conclusions: Patellar FHA was not fixed during flexion, which showed a close relationship with femoral TEA in both location and orientation. The results could help us better understand the patellofemoral joint kinematics and further deal with troublesome patellofemoral disorders.
IgG4-Related Nephritis Misdiagnosed as a Malignant Tumor Based on 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography: A Case Report
Authors: Bo Pan , Wang Shi-cun , Chen Xi , Chen Zong-Ke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: IgG4-related diseases is an autoimmune disease newly recognized in recent years, it is rarely seen in clinical practice, the main clinical features of IgG4-RKD include acute or chronic renal insufficiency, proteinuria, elevated serum Ig G4, histopathological manifestations were tubulointerstitial nephritis, mainly characterized by a large amount of IgG4 positive plasma cell infiltration in the tubulointerstitial, it responded well to glucocorticoid therapy. Renal parenchymal damage could be seen on imaging. However, PET/CT imaging has been less reported, here we reported a case of IgG4-related kidney disease with PET/CT imaging.Case presentation: A 50-year-old female presented with chills and fever for more than 2 months, she came to the urology department of our hospital for further diagnosis and treatment due to the right kidney occupation revealed by CT examination in local hospital. MRI plain scan plus diffusion imaging suggested multiple lesions in the right kidney, multiple nodular abnormally hypermetabolism foci in the right kidney were seen on PET/CT imaging, and the negative findings in the other parts of the body, therefore, a primary malignant tumor of the kidney was considered. Laboratory tests revealed elevated Levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and IgG4 of immunoglobulin, histological pathology of right kidney puncture indicated inflammation and infection with surgical indications, she underwent radical right nephrectomy with laparoscopic under general anesthesia and was discharged 1 week after the right kidney operation, her clinical symptom disappeared and kept in good health during follow-up.Conclusions: IgG4-related nephritis could manifest multiple or solitary hypermetabolism foci in unilateral kidney on PET/CT imaging, while the rest of the systemic PET/CT imaging manifestation was negative, which may be related to the infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and inflammatory cells at the lesion site. The cause of abnormal accumulation of FDG in lesion site was unclear, and the true mechanism needs to be further clarified.
Higher SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Workers with Lower Socioeconomic Status in Cape Town, South Africa.
Authors: Shaw Jane Alexandra , Meiring Maynard , Cummins Tracy , Chegou Novel , Claassen Conita , Plessis Nelita du , Flinn Marika , Hiemstra Andriette , Kleynhans Leanie , Leukes Vinzeigh , Loxton Andre G , MacDonald Candice , Mtala Nosipho , Reuter Helmuth , Simon Donald , Stanley Kim , Tromp Gerard C , Preiser Wolfgang , Malherbe Stephanus T , Walzl Gerhard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: South Africa has a high degree of inequality between population groups. The first wave of COVID-19 may have affected people in lower socioeconomic groups worse than the affluent. The SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the specificity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests in South Africa is not known. Methods: We tested 405 volunteers representing all socioeconomic strata from the workforce of a popular shopping and tourist complex in central Cape Town with the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. We assessed the association between antibody positivity and COVID-19 symptom status, medical history, and sociodemographic variables. We tested 137 serum samples from healthy controls collected in Cape Town prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, to confirm the specificity of the assay in the local population.Results: Of the 405 volunteers tested one month after the first peak of the epidemic in Cape Town, 96(23.7%) were SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive. Of those who tested positive, 46(47.9%) reported no symptoms of COVID-19 in the previous 6 months. Seropositivity was significantly associated with living in informal housing, residing in a subdistrict with low income-per household, and having a low-earning occupation. The specificity of the assay was 98.54%(95%CI 94.82%-99.82%) in the pre-COVID controls.Conclusions: There is a high background seroprevalence in Cape Town, particularly in people of lower socioeconomic status. Half of cases are asymptomatic, and therefore undiagnosed by local testing strategies. These results cannot be explained by low assay specificity.
Epidemiology of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Beijing, China: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Wang Haiman , Ji Xiaojun , Wang Amanda Y , Wu Patrick , Liu Zhuang , Dong Lei , Liu Jingfeng , Liu Pei , Qi Zhili , Duan Meili 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Sepsis is the most common contributing factor towards development of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is strongly associated to poor prognostic outcomes. There are numerous epidemiological studies about sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI), however current literature is limited with the majority of studies being conducted only in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of S-AKI in all hospitalized in-patients. Methods This was a retrospective population-based study using a large regional population database in Beijing city from January, 2005 to December, 2017. It included patients with S-AKI. Patients with pre-existing end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), previous history of kidney transplantation, or being pregnant were excluded. Patients’ demographic characteristics, incidence, risk factors and outcomes of S-AKI were analyzed. The differences between different time periods, different levels of hospitals, and types of the hospitals (i.e. traditional Chinese medicine hospitals (TCMHs) and Western medicine hospitals (WMHs)) were also compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Results A total of 19,579 patients were included. The overall incidence of S-AKI in all in-patients was 48.1%. The risk factors for AKI included: age (P<0.001), male (P<0.001), treatment in a level-II hospital (P<0.001), hypertension (P<0.001), ICU admission (P<0.001) and so on. The overall mortality rate in this cohort was 55%. The risk factors for mortality included: age (P<0.001), female (P<0.001), pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) (P=0.023), ICU admission (P=0.005),pulmonary infection (P<0.001) and so on. The incidence of S-AKI increased over time, but the mortality rate did not. Compared with level-II hospitals, the incidence of S-AKI was similar in tertiary hospitals, but the mortality rate was significantly higher. Although patients treated in TCMHs had a shorter hospital stay and a lower cost of care, this cohort had a higher mortality rate when compared with patients treated in WMHs. Conclusions AKI is a common complication in all hospitalized patients with sepsis, and its incidence increases over time, especially when ICU admission is required. Exploring interventional strategies to address modifiable risk factors will be important to reduce incidence and mortality of S-AKI.