bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Severity and CT Features of the COVID-19 Pneumonia: Focus on CT Score and Laboratory Parameters
Authors: Duan Jianghui , Su Kunsong , Sun Hongliang , Xu Yanyan , Liu Liangying 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Although CT characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia between patients with mild and severe forms of the disease have already been reported in the literature, there was little attention to the correlation of imaging features and laboratory testing. We aimed to compare the laboratory and chest CT imaging features in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia between non-severe cases and severe cases, and to analyze the correlation of CT score and laboratory testing.Methods: This study consecutively included 54 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (26 males and 28 females, 26 to 92 years of age, 43 cases with non-severe and 11 cases with severe group). Clinical, laboratory and image data were collected between two subgroups. A CT score system was used to evaluate the extent of disease. Correlation between the CT score and laboratory data were estimated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CT score and laboratory tests.Results: Compared with non-severe patients, severe patients had showed increased white blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and decreased lymphocyte percentage (all p < 0.05). Architectural distortion, pleural effusion, air bronchogram and consolidation-dominant pattern were more common in the severe group (all p < 0.05). CT score of the severe group was higher than the non-severe group (p < 0.001). For distribution characters of the lesions, diffuse pattern in the transverse distribution was more often seen in the severe group (p < 0.001). CT score was positively correlated with the white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, the percent of neutrophil, NLR, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein, and was inversely related to the lymphocyte, the percent of lymphocyte. ROC analysis showed that when the optimal threshold of CT score was 13, the area under the curve was the largest, which was 0.855, and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 60% respectively for the diagnosis of the severe patients.Conclusion: CT score showed significant correlations with laboratory inflammatory markers, suggesting that chest CT and laboratory examination maybe provide a better reference for clinicians to judge the severity of diseases.
Analysis of the Histological Effect of the Shock Waves on the Integrated Musculature of the Quadriceps of Wistar Rats
Authors: Almeida Rodrigo Santos , Ferreira Raquel Ida , Galdino Daniel Antero de Almeida , Mariano Ítalo Guilherme Giarola de Freitas , Silveira Newton Fonseca da , Andrade Marco Antônio Percope de 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: Shock waves are high-energy, high-pressure mechanical sound pulses used in medicine since 1980 with lithotripsy in urolithiasis. In addition, studies have demonstrated the osteogenic effect of shock waves indicating their use in skeletal diseases. Although several articles describe the benefits of shock waves in muscle diseases, assessments of its histological effect on the process of cell regeneration are lacking. Therefore, the objetive of this study is evaluate the histological effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the intact musculature of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve Wistar rats, with a mean age of 8 weeks, were studied for a period of 21 days. The quadriceps muscle of the right paws was submitted to 3 sessions of extracorporeal shock wave therapy at weekly intervals. The left legs were used as a control. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized and the quadriceps muscles were biopsied for histological study using histological slides stained in hematoxylin-eosin and Gomori's trichomium. Muscle fiber size, morphology and number of nuclei, existence of inflammatory infiltration, satellite cell count, and number of vessels were evaluated. Statistical calculations were performed using software R version 3.5.2 using non-parametric methods. Continuous variables relating to the legs of the same animal were compared using the Wilcoxon paired test (signed-rank). Discrete variables were compared using Fisher's exact test with mid-p correction. Results were considered statistically significant when p <0.05. Result: In the musculature of the right paws, there was an increase in fibrovascular and satellite cells proliferation with a statistically significant difference (p <0.005). Conclusion: The demonstration of the angiogenic power and the proliferation of satellite cells induced by extracorporeal shock waves, it is possible to affirm that this constitutes promising therapy for several muscle injuries. The acceleration of muscle recovery in athletes stands out as a example, by minimizing the impact on the competitor's performance, reducing muscle pain and spasticity, and improving muscle strength in tendinopathies.
Salvianolic acid B ameliorates hepatocyte lipid droplet accumulation via stimulation of autophagy
Authors: Shi Yanan , Yuan Jihong , Yan Lihui , Liu Yajin , Pan Da , Mu Biao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) the most abundant bioactive member in Salvia miltiorrhiza and has been reported lots of benefits on the treatment of cardio-cerebral vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Lipid droplets are dynamic organelles, excessive lipid droplets accumulation in liver caused fatty liver disease. In this study, we are interested in the effect of Sal B on hepatic lipid accumulation and its possible mechanism. We found Sal B treatment significantly decreased lipid accumulation and TG level in primary hepatocytes. Meanwhile, we discovered Sal B significantly stimulated hepatic autophagy. Then we used autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and reveled that Sal B showed little effect on improving hepatic lipid accumulation when autophagy was inhibited, which indicated Sal B reduced cellular lipid accumulation through activating autophagy. This study demonstrates Sal B ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation through activation of autophagy. These findings contribute to its benefit on liver disease related to hepatic lipid accumulation and hepatic autophagy.
XAGE-1b Promotes the Proliferation, Invasion and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Men Hui , Zhang Zhi-wei , Lu Gui-feng , Tan Shun , Hu Wen-Hui , Yang Xin , Geng Fei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background X antigen family member 1B (XAGE-1b), a member of XAGE subfamily and GAGE family, is upregulated in some malignant tumors and has been associated with the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumors. However, the biological roles of XAGE-1b in gastric cancer (GC) still remain unclear. Methods We detected the expression of XAGE-1b in 60 paired fresh tissues of GC patients by real-time RT-PCR. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was explored to analyze 5-year survival time of GC patients. Function experiments were performed to estimate the role of XAGE-1b on the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of GC cells. Informatic analysis was applied to investigate the potential mechanisms. Results XAGE-1b was obviously upregulated in GC tissues. XAGE-1b was correlated significantly with poor prognosis of GC patients. XAGE-1b markedly promoted the proliferation and invasion in GC cell lines in vitro. Knockdown of XAGE-1b promoted the pulmonary metastatic ability in nude mice. Moreover, XAGE-1b was positively or negatively correlated with the expression of CLDN6 and CHGA, which regulated the progression of GC. Conclusions XAGE-1b could act as an oncogene in GC, which provides a potential biological marker or treatment target for GC.
RetroSPECT: Gallium-67 As A Theranostic Imaging Agent
Authors: Bailey Dale L , Sabanathan Dhanusha , Aslani Alireza , Campbell Douglas H. , Walsh Bradley J. , Lengkeek Nigel A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Gallium-67 has been in use in nuclear medicine for over 50 years. However, the tremendous interest in gallium imaging in theranostics in recent times has focused on the PET radionuclide gallium-68. In this article it is suggested that the longer-lived gallium-67, which has desirable characteristics for imaging with the gamma camera and a suitably long half-life to match biological timescales for drug uptake and turnover, has been overlooked, in particular, for treatment planning with radionuclide therapy. Gallium-67 could also allow non-PET facilities to participate in theranostic imaging prior to treatment or for monitoring response after therapy. Gallium-67 could play a niche role in the future development of personalised medicine with theranostics.
Mechanism underlying the role of Miaoyao Fanggan sachet in up-regulating respiratory tract immunity through TLR-MyD88-NFκB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Mingjie , Jia Guoquan , Zhang Quan , Li Guojun , Li Hong , Zhang Xiaofen , Li Lijun , Zhang Baofang , Xin Changqin , Cheng Mingliang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background To elucidate the mechanism underlying the role of Miaoyao Fanggan sachet (MFS) in improving respiratory immunity through the TLR-MyD88-NFκB signaling pathway in MyD88 knockout mouse models and human normal lung epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B).Methods Sixteen male C57BL/6J mice (SPF grade) were randomly divided into the control (n = 8) and MFS groups (n = 8) and 16 male MyD88 knockout mice were randomly assigned into the MyD88 knockout (MyD88-KO group, n = 8) and MyD88 KO + MFS groups (n = 8). Mice in the MFS intervention group were continuously treated with MFS inhalation from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for 30 d and the sachets were replaced every 6 d. Hematoxylin-eosin (H.E.) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues. The expression levels of TAK1, NFκB p65, IκB and IL6 in mouse lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining, Western blot and qRT-PCR, respectively.Results Mikawa’s lung injury score did not significantly differ between the control and MFS groups (both P > 0.05). The parameters related to liver and kidney function did not significantly differ among four groups (all P > 0.05). The TAK1, NFκB p65, IκB and IL6 mRNA and protein in the MFS group were significantly up-regulated than those in the other groups (all P < 0.05). Compared with the MyD88-KO group, they were significantly up-regulated in the MyD88-KO + MFS group (P < 0.05).Conclusion HFS can improve the respiratory immunity probably by up-regulating the expression level of MyD88, activating the TLR-MyD88-NFκB signaling pathway and stimulating the release of cytokines in the downstream pathway.
Formononetin Suppresses Interleukin-6 Production in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages Via Activation of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Zhang Lanfang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Liying , Yang Wanxia , Qiao Yuanbiao , Li Qingshan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory cytokine, plays a majoy role in the pathogenesis of inflammation and serves as a key marker in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammation and related diseases. Formononetin (FMN), an isoflavone ingredient in various Chinese herbal medicines, inhibits the production of IL-6 in some cells. However, its mechanism of action has not been clearly established. In this study, we aimed to identify whether FMN inhibits IL-6 production in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages via AMPK activation.Methods: In the current study, the anti-IL-6 mechanism of FMN was evaluated using a macrophage model with LPS stimulation. An inverted microscope was utilized to obtain images of cells. Nuclear staining assay and CCK-8 assay were used to identify the viability of ANA-1 cells. The expression of IL-6 in cells was investigated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and Western blotting. The expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was determined by Western blotting and phosphorylation of AMPK was determined by Western blotting and Immunofluorescence assay. Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict potential targets of FMN. Results: we found that FMN reduced the expression of IL-6 in ANA-1 cells and increased the phosphorylation of AMPK. The effect of FMN was similar to that of acadesine, an AMPK activator, which also reduced IL-6 expression in LPS-induced ANA-1 cells and increased AMPK phosphorylation. Its combination with dorsomorphin (an AMPK inhibitor), however, reversed the effects of FMN on AMPK phosphorylation and IL-6 expression. The target of FMN was identified as the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor alpha, as searched in Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and further verified with the STRING database. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that FMN effectively inhibits IL-6 production by activating AMPK in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Challenges among Ugandan Youth during COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown: An online Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mambo Simon Binezero , Sikakulya Franck K. , Ssebuufu Robinson , Mulumba Yusuf , Wasswa Henry , Thompson Kelly , Rusatira Jean Christophe , Bhondoekhan Fiona , Kamyuka Louis K. , Akib Surat Olabisi , Kirimuhuzya Claude , Nakawesi Jane , Kyamanywa Patrick 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic threatens access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. With global health emergencies, there is often a total reversal of priorities and sexual and reproductive health rights services may become challenging. The aim of this study was to establish the challenges to sexual and reproductive health and rights among Ugandan youth during the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was an online cross-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. An online questionnaire was used and participants aged 18 to 30 years recruited using the snowballing approach. The statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14.Results Out of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported not having information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). About a quarter of the participants (26.5%) reported not having testing and treatment services of Sexual transmitted Infections available during the lockdown. Lack of transport means was the commonest (68.7%) limiting factor to access to SRH services during the lockdown followed by the long distance from home to health facility where to get the services (55.2%), cost of services (42.2%) and curfew (39.1%). Sexually transmitted diseases were the commonest (40.4%) challenge relating to SRH during this lockdown followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuses (32.4%). The Multivariate Regression Analysis shows that challenges were more prevalent among the co-habiting youth [APR: 2.3 (1.6 - 3.29), p<0.001] followed by unemployed (Volunteer or unpaid) [APR: 1.6 (1.03 - 2.64), p: 0.037] than others participants. Conclusions The findings of this study show that Ugandan youths have challenges to access to SRHR information and services during lockdown due to COVID-19. Cohabiting and unemployed participants were mostly affected among Ugandan youths. Lack of transport means and cost of services were the limiting factors to access SRHR services among youths. Therefore, effective measures should be put in place to ensure access and availability of SRHR for Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Global Health Classroom: Mixed Methods Evaluation of an Interinstitutional Model for Reciprocal Global Health Learning Among Samoan and New Zealand Medical Students
Authors: Bothara Roshit , Tafuna'i Malama , Wilkinson Tim , Desrosiers Jen , Jack Susan , Pattemore Philip , Walls Tony , Sopoaga Faafetai Sopoaga , Murdoch David , Miller Andrew 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Global health education partnerships should be collaborative and reciprocal to ensure mutual benefit. Utilisation of digital technologies can overcome geographic boundaries and facilitate collaborative global health learning. Global Health Classroom (GHCR) is a collaborative global health learning model involving medical students from different countries learning about each other’s health systems, cultures, and determinants of health via videoconference. Principles of reciprocity and inter-institutional partnership informed the development of GHCR. This study explores learning outcomes and experiences in GHCR between students from New Zealand and Samoa. Methods The study used a mixed methods approach employing post-GHCR questionnaires and semi-structured face-to-face interviews to explore self-reported learning and experiences among medical students in GHCR. The GHCR collaboration studied was between the medical schools at the University of Otago, New Zealand and the National University of Samoa, Samoa.ResultsQuestionnaire response rate was 85% (74/87). Nineteen interviews were conducted among New Zealand and Samoan students. Students reported acquiring the intended learning outcomes relating to patient care, health systems, culture, and determinants of health with regards to their partner country. There was evidence of attitudinal changes including cultural curiosity and humility. Some reported a vision for progress regarding their own health system. Students reported that interacting with their international peers in the virtual classroom made learning about global health real and tangible. Mutual benefit to students from both countries indicated reciprocity.Conclusions The study demonstrates GHCR to be a promising model for collaborative and reciprocal global health learning using a student-led format and employing digital technology to create a virtual classroom. The self-reported learning outcomes align favourably with those recommended in the literature. In view of our positive findings, we present GHCR as an adaptable model for equitable, collaborative global health learning between students in internationally partnered institutions.
Proton-Pump Inhibitor and Tacrolimus use is Associated with Hypomagnesemia in Connective Tissue Disease: A Potential Pathogenic Link with Renal Deterioration and Recurrent Infections
Authors: Hanaoka Hironari , Kikuchi Jun , Kaneko Yuko , Seki Noriyasu , Tsujimoto Hideto , Chiba Kenji , Takeuchi Tsutomu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Low levels of serum magnesium (Mg) perturb renal tubular cell function and, lymphocyte resulting in renal deterioration and an imbalance in mononuclear cells. Here, we investigated the influence of hypomagnesaemia in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated CTD patients who visited our hospital during 2019 with available serum Mg levels. Patients were divided into two groups, those with or without hypomagnesemia (<1.8 mg/dL) and compared by rate of hospitalization for severe infection and cumulative renal deterioration. They were also compared by fractions of lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) and dendritic cell (DC) subsets as measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis.Results: Among 284 patients, hypomagnesemia was detected in 63 (22.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed that use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) (OR 1.48, p=0.01) and tacrolimus (TAC) (OR 6.14, p<0.01) was independently associated with hypomagnesaemia. Renal deterioration rate was significantly higher in TAC and/or PPI users with hypomagnesemia (p=0.01). Hospitalization rate for severe infection was also higher in patients with hypomagnesaemia (p=0.04). FACS analysis showed lower counts for CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, NK cells, and DC in hypomagnesaemia (p=0.03, p=0.02, p=0.02, and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Use of TAC and PPIs may be associated with hypomagnesaemia and lead to poor renal outcomes and severe infection in CTD.
Massive cerebral venous thrombosis related to oligosymptomatic COVID-19 infection: a case report
Authors: Beretta Simone , Re Fulvio Da , Francioni Valentina , Remida Paolo , Storti Benedetta , Fumagalli Lorenzo , Piatti Maria Luisa , Santoro Patrizia , Cereda Diletta , Cutellè Claudia , Pirro Fiammetta , Montisano Danilo Antonio , Beretta Francesca , Pasini Francesco , Cavallero Annalisa , Appollonio Ildebrando , Ferrarese Carlo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The development of thrombotic coagulopathy is frequent in COVID-19 patients, but the timing after infection, cerebral venous system involvement, treatment and outcome are uncertain.Case Presentation: We report a case of massive cerebral venous thrombosis occurring in the late phase of COVID-19 infection. Mild respiratory symptoms, without fever, started three weeks before headache and acute neurological deficits. She had no dyspnea, although she was hypoxic and with typical COVID-19 associated interstitial pneumonia. Brain CT scan showed a left parietal hypodense lesion with associated sulcal subarachnoid haemorrhage. CT angiography showed a massive cerebral vein thrombosis. An asymptomatic concomitant right internal iliac vein thrombosis was found. Both cerebral venous thrombosis and deep venous thrombosis were effectively treated with unfractionated heparin started on the day of admission, then shifted to low molecular weight heparin, with a favorable clinical course. Nasopharyngel swab, repeated twice, tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Serological tests confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Our case supports active surveillance and prevention of thrombotic complications associated with COVID-19, which may affect both peripheral and cerebral venous system. Early initiation of unfractionated heparin may lead to good neurological outcome.
Fighting Diabetes Mellitus: Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Approaches
Authors: Wang Xin , Kang Jinhong , Liu Qing , Tong Tao , Quan Helong 
Published: July 2020

Background:
The increasing worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus confers heavy public health
issues and points to a large medical need for effective and novel anti-diabetic approaches with negligible adverse
effects. Developing effective and novel anti-diabetic approaches to curb diabetes is one of the most foremost
scientific challenges.

Objectives:
This article aims to provide an overview of current pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches
available for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Methods:
Research articles that focused on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for diabetes
were collected from various search engines such as Science Direct and Scopus, using keywords like diabetes,
glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose homeostasis, etc.

Results:
We review in detail several key pathways and pharmacological targets (e.g., the G protein-coupled receptors-
cyclic adenosine monophosphate, 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, sodium-glucose
cotransporters 2, and peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor gamma signaling pathways) that are vital in the
regulation of glucose homeostasis. The currently approved diabetes medications, the pharmacological potentials
of naturally occurring compounds as promising interventions for diabetes, and the non-pharmacological methods
designed to mitigate diabetes are summarized and discussed.

Conclusion:
Pharmacological-based approaches such as insulin, metformin, sodium-glucose cotransporters 2
inhibitor, sulfonylureas, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors represent
the most important strategies in diabetes management. These approved diabetes medications work via targeting
the central signaling pathways related to the etiology of diabetes. Non-pharmacological approaches, including
dietary modification, increased physical activity, and microbiota-based therapy are the other cornerstones for
diabetes treatment. Pharmacological-based approaches may be incorporated when lifestyle modification alone is
insufficient to achieve positive outcomes.