bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different cardiac perfoemance in patients with COVID-19 in ICU and general ward by standard and strain echocardiography
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Zhiyue , Wei Jiafu , Lin Jun , Ge Yang , Li Huanxing , Zeng Tao , Liu Mei , Huang Fangyang , Liu Qi , Chen Mao , Huang He 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The initial mechanism of COVID-19 is the binding of the virus to ACE2. Since the heart and the vessels also express ACE2, they both could become targets of the virus. However, cardiac performance of patients in ICU and general ward may be different, requested individualized treatment. The aim of this study is to explore the global and segmental myocardial performance of the severe and mild COVID-19 patients.Methods: 45 patients, including 25 mild and 20 severe patients in intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 infection were included in this study. The clinical history, laboratory test and standard and strain echocardiography were performed at admission. Of them, 13 severe patients received serial echocardiography, especially, 10 patients received echocardiographic examinations more than 7 times. Results: 1. Both mild and severe COVID-19 infected patients showed reduced cardiac diastolic function; 2. Severe patients in ICU exhibited exacerbated right ventricular systolic function; 3. Both mild and severe patients with COVID-19 showed impaired left ventricular strain, worse strain in severe patient. 4. The apical longitudinal strain of mild patients was higher than basal and middle segment. No difference among apical, middle and basal segments in severe patients. 5. There was a negative correlation between LV GLS and log TnT-hs, as well as NT-pro BNP. 6. The EF value and strain of left atrium of mild and severe patients decreased; 7. LV GLS, LV GCS and LA GLS area under the ROC curve to predict the disease severity were 0.698, 0.758 and 0.782 respectively. 8. In the follow-up of severe patients, left atrial and ventricular strain showed an increased trend.Conclusions: These findings suggested that left ventricular performance was subclinically impaired during COVID-9 infection irrespective of infection severity and the strain of LV and LA may predict the disease severity. The cardiac function had an increasing trend for severe patients treated in ICU.
Exosomal miR-3180-3p Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating FOXP4
Authors: Chen Tengfei , Liu Yali , Li Chang , Xu Chun , Ding Cheng , Chen Jun , Zheng Huifei , Zhao Jun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most malignant cancers worldwide, but the pathogenesis is not completely known. In this study, we explored the function and mechanism of exosomes transferring miR-3180-3p in NSCLC progression.Method: The expression of miR-3180-3p of NSCLC tissues and para-carcinoma tissues was from the GEO database (GEO: GSE53882). The exosomes derived from A549 cells were identified. The proliferation, migration and invasion were measured after treatment with exosomal miR-3180-3p or transfected by miR-3180-3p mimics. The relationship between miR-3180-3p and forkhead box P4 (FOXP4) was predicted by bioinformatics tool and measured dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and western blotting. At last, mouse xenograft model of NSCLC cells was established to verify the function of exosomal miR-3180-3p in vivo.Results: We found that miR-3180-3p decreased in both NSCLC cell lines and patient tissues. Overexpression of miR-3180-3p or treatment with exosomal miR-3180-3p significantly repressed the cell proliferation and metastasis in NSCLC cell lines. Subsequently, we found miR-3180-3p performed function by downregulating FOXP4 protein expression. Furthermore, the volume and weight of nude mice tumor which expressed exosomal miR-3180-3p was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Exosomal miR-3180-3p suppresses NSCLC progression by downregulating FOXP4 expression.
High-Specificity Targets in SARS-CoV-2 N Protein for Serological Antibody Detection
Authors: Yu Jianhai , Qin Zhiran , He Xiaoen , Liu Xuling , Yao Jinxiu , Zhou Xuan , Wen Kun , Yu Nan , Wu Qinghua , Xiao Weiwei , Zhu Li , Wan Chengsong , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has created a pressing need to diagnose and screen a large number of close contacts of confirmed and suspected cases. Numerous nucleic acid detection kits are being rapidly developed and approved for viral etiological diagnosis; however, these are limited by the number of false negatives produced in clinical practice. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish serological detection methods to serve as supplementary diagnostics.
Methods

We (1) performed a conservation and specificity analysis of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N) protein, which is the main target of serological diagnosis; (2) integrated various B-cell epitope prediction methods to obtain possible dominant epitope regions for the N protein; (3) applied ELISA to analyze differences in the serological antibody levels for different epitopes; and (4) identified N protein epitopes for IgG and IgM with high specificity.
Results

SARS-CoV-2 strains showed low mutation rates for the N protein, and the construction of a phylogeny was a good characterization of its molecular evolutionary lineage in relation to other coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 showed the closest genetic relationship with SARS-CoV, which showed multiple consecutive long conserved regions at the amino acid level, but differed substantially from other coronaviruses. Tests targeting the SARS-CoV-2 N protein produced strong positive results in SARS-CoV patients in recovery. Of the five epitope dominant regions, using N18-39 and N183-197 for IgG and IgM detection, respectively, can effectively overcome the limitations of cross-reactivity.
Conclusions

The patients infected with both SARS viruses may exhibit cross-reactivity when using the N protein for antibody detection. However, there are regions of the N protein that can be used for antibody detection and some of these regions showed good specificity even between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, and the antibody levels detected were consistent with those detected by the complete N protein. These findings provide a basis for serological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 patients, and research ideas for developing vaccines.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Hearing Aid Device for Older Adults in the Community: A Delayed Start Study
Authors: Kaur Palvinder , Chong Sheue Lih , Kannapiran Palvannan , Teo Kelvin WS , Ling Charis Ng Wei , Weichen Chiang Win , Ruling Gan , Yin Lee Sing , Leng Tang Ying , Pei Soo Ying , Kang Then Tze , Han Lim Zhen , Peizhen Lin , Yee Lynne Lim Hsueh , George Pradeep Paul 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Hearing aids (HA) is the primary medical intervention aimed to reduce hearing handicap. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of HA for older adults who were volunteered to be screened for hearing loss in a community based mobile hearing clinic (MHC).Methods Participants with (1) at least moderate hearing loss (≥40 dB HL) in at least one ear, (2) no prior usage of HA, (3) no ear related medical complications, and (4) had a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥18 were eligible for this study. Using a delayed-start study design, participants were randomized into the immediate-start (Fitted) group where HA was fitted immediately or the delayed-start (Not Fitted) group where HA fitting was delayed for three months. Cost utility analysis was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of being fitted with HA combined with short-term, aural rehabilitation with the routine care group who were not fitted with HA. Incremental cost effectiveness ration (ICER) was computed. Health Utility Index (HUI-3) was used to measure utility gain, a component required to derive the quality adjusted life years (QALY). Total costs included direct healthcare costs, direct non-healthcare costs and indirect costs (productivity loss of participant and caregiver). Demographic data was collected during the index visit to MHC. Cost and utility data were collected three months after index visit and projected to five years.Results There were 264 participants in the Fitted group and 163 participants in the Not Fitted group. No between-group differences in age, gender, ethnicity, housing type and degree of hearing loss were observed at baseline. At 3 months, HA fitting led to a mean utility increase of 0.12 and an ICER gain of S$42,790/QALY (95% CI: S$32, 793/QALY to S$62,221/QALY). At five years, the ICER was estimated to be at S$11,964/QALY (95% CI: S$8,996/QALY to S$17,080/QALY) assuming 70% of the participants continued using the HA. As fewer individuals continued using their fitted HA, the ICER increased.Conclusions HA fitting can be cost-effective and could improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired older individuals within a brief period of device fitting. Long term cost-effectiveness of HA fitting is dependent on its continued usage.
Diagnosis Challenges, Management, and Outcome of Infants Born to Mothers With COVID 19
Authors: Zaharie Gabriela , Hasmasanu Monica , Muresan Daniel , Kovacs Tunde , Matyas Melinda 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection affected the pregnant women during the pandemics. Immunological particularity of this population and the increased need for medical assistance put this population in a high-risk category for SARS-Cov-2 infection.Because of high contamination risk and limited studies about vertical transmission, the labor and delivery of positive women require special conditions. Cesarean section is probably the best option for delivery of infants to reduce the risk of infection during birth.Aim: Our study aims to present the management and outcome of infants born to mothers confirmed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) before delivery.Material and methods: This is longitudinal, retrospective study, analyzing demographics, laboratory data and management of neonates born of mothers with diagnosis of SARS-Cov -2 infection.Results: 5 neonates were born of SARS-Cov-2 positive mothers , all by C- section and had negative real time –PCR ( RT-PCR) test. None of them was breastfed during hospital stay. The negative RT-PCR test allowed us to reduce the hospital stay of infants and care them in non –isolated area.Conclusion: In our study, vertical or perinatal transmission of the infection was not present. The testing of the pregnant women, their isolation and delivery in safe conditions for the medical staff were possible, using adequate protection equipment to limit their infection and the risk for the newborns.
Seasonal Variation of Airborne Fungi of the Tiantishan Grottoes and Western Xia Museum, Wuwei, China
Authors: Duan Yulong , Wu Fasi , He Dongpeng , Xu Ruihong , Feng Huyuan , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu , Wang Wanfu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The deposition of the airborne fungi onto cultural heritage is associated closely with the subsequently biodeterioration taking place. In this study, a systematic survey of the culturable airborne fungi was carried out in the occurrence environments of the wall paintings that preserved in the Tiantishan Grottoes and the Western Xia Museum, China. Bio-aerosol sampler was used for sampling in four seasons of 2016. Culture-dependent and -independent methods was taken to acquire the airborne fungal concentration and purified strains; by the extraction of genomic DNA, amplification of fungal ITS rRNA gene region, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, thereafter the fungal community composition and distribution characteristics of different study sites were clarified. Finally, we disclosure the main environmental factors which may responsible for the dynamic changes of the airborne fungi at the sampling sites. Results: The concentration of culturable airborne fungi was in a range from 13 to 1576 CFU/m3, no significant difference between the two sites at the Tiantishan Grottoes, with the obvious characteristics of the seasonal variation, in winter and spring were higher than in summer and autumn. Meanwhile, a significance difference in fungal concentration between inside and outside of the Western Xia Museum, the outside of the museum was far more than the inside of the museum in the four seasons, particularly in the winter. Eight fungal genera were detected, including Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Filobasidium as the dominant groups. The airborne fungal community structures of the Tiantishan Grottoes showed a distinct characteristic of seasonal variation and spatial distribution. Relative humidity, temperature and seasonal rainfall all have influences on the airborne fungal distribution. Some of the isolated strains have potential to cause biodeterioration of the ancient wall paintings. Conclusions: The prominent seasonal variation of airborne fungal concentrations, community structures and distribution patterns were found in this study, that have close relationship with local climate conditions of the Tiantishan Grottoes. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out the long period monitoring of airborne fungal flora in the future, and integrated it into a pre-warning monitoring and conservation system.
Challenges and Reforms in Midwifery and Nursing Regulatory Systems in India: Implications for Education and Practice
Authors: Mayra Kaveri , Padmadas Sabu S , Matthews Zoë 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Nursing regulation is poor and midwifery coexists with nursing in India, where 88% of midwifery and nursing education is provided by the private sector. The Indian health system faces major challenges for maternal health provision, with a 12% share of total maternal deaths globally, poor quality, indeterminate regulatory functions and lack of reforms. Methods: We undertake a qualitative investigation to understand the experiences and perceptions of of participants on midwifery and nursing regulatory systems, education and development in India. Thirty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with senior midwifery and nursing leaders representing administration, advocacy, education, regulation, research and service provision. Results: There’s a lack of importance accorded to midwifery roles within the nursing system. The councils and statutes do not adequately reflect midwifery practice, and are a barrier to good quality care provision. The lack of amendment of Acts, lack of representation of midwives and nurses in key governance positions in councils and committees have restrained and undermined leadership positions, which has also impaired the growth of the profession. The standards for education in private institutions appeared imprudent with lack of opportunities for practice and unfair assessment practices. Discrimination against midwifery and nursing students was rampant in the education system in public and private institutions, with limited opportunities for practice when compared to medical students. Conclusions: The study concludes with a reform measure including a recommendation for implementing direct-entry midwifery education, empowering midwives and nurses with decision-making powers within health care and workforce governance.
Comparative Analysis of Preoperative and Postoperative Muscle Around Hip Joint by Computed Tomography Between Intertrochanteric Fracture and Femur Neck Fracture
Authors: Jung Sung Yoon , Kim Hyeon Jun , Oh Kyu Taek 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:This study assessed the changes in hip muscles by comparing the preoperative and postoperative CT scan results between patients with intertrochanteric versus femoral neck fractures. Methods:48 patients who received surgical treatment for intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures from February 2013 to February 2019 and underwent pelvic computed tomography(CT) preoperative and postoperatively aged 65 and older with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. The subjects were divided into two groups: 26 patients with intertrochanteric fracture and 22 patients with femoral neck fracture. We measured the cross-sectional area(CSA) and attenuation of the gluteus medius(G.med), gluteus minimus(G.min), iliopsoas(IP), and rectus femoris(RF) on the contralateral side. Patient basic data were collected from medial records including sex, age, height, weight, BMI, BMD, Harris hip score (HHS), and length of follow-up until the final visit. Results: There was no significant difference in sex, age, height, weight, BMI, BMD, HHS, and length of follow-up until the final visit between two groups. The femoral neck fracture group had significantly larger CSA and cross-sectional area per weight(CSA/Wt) of the G.med and G.min(G.med CSA, CSA/wt preoperative 1995.29 vs 1713.64, 38.87 vs 32.74; postoperative 2144.98 vs 1815.56, 37.48 vs 32.78/G.min preoperative 745.22 vs 566.59, 14.32 vs 10.96; postoperative 764.39 vs 619.17, 14.78 vs 11.25). On the contrary, the intertrochanteric fracture group had significantly greater CSA and CSA/Wt of the IP and RF(IP preoperative 810.86 vs 661.88, 17.73 vs 9.42; postoperative 681.98 vs 571.32, 12.68 vs 9.88/RF preoperative 503.66 vs 386.72, 9.42 vs 7.23; postoperative 426.24 vs 349.31, 7.17 vs 5.23). HHS related with function had no significant correlation with postoperative CSA and CSA/Wt. There was no significant difference in attenuation between two groups. All subjects had a significant decrease of muscle attenuation postoperatively.Conclusions: The CSA of the hip abductor(G.med and G.min) was significantly larger in the femoral neck fracture group, while the CSA of the hip flexor(IP and RF) was significantly higher in the intertrochanteric fracture group. Based on these findings, choosing the rehabilitation program suitable for the fracture site is expected to be beneficial in hip fracture rehabilitation.
Association Between Serum Bone Biomarker Levels and Therapeutic Response to Abatacept in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ra): a Multicenter Ra Ultrasound Prospective Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Endo Yushiro , Nishino Ayako , Okamoto Momoko , Tsuji Sosuke , Takatani Ayuko , Shimizu Toshimasa , Sumiyoshi Remi , Koga Tomohiro , Iwamoto Naoki , Ichinose Kunihiro , Tamai Mami , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Aramaki Toshiyuki , Ueki Yukitaka , Yoshitama Tamami , Eiraku Nobutaka , Matsuoka Naoki , Okada Akitomo , Fujikawa Keita , Hamada Hiroaki , Nagano Shuji , Tada Yoshifumi , Kawakami Atsushi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the effect of treatment on serum bone biomarkers and explore whether serum bone biomarkers are associated with therapeutic response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with abatacept.Methods: We enrolled 59 RA patients treated with abatacept from a multicenter prospective ultrasound cohort study of patients who received biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. We evaluated the patients' clinical disease activity and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) scores. The serum concentrations of five bone biomarkers were evaluated (dickkopf-1 [Dkk-1], sclerostin [SOST], osteocalcin [OC], osteopontin [OPN], and osteoprotegerin [OPG]) by multiplex bead assays at baseline, 3, and 6 months: the change over 6 months was defined as the Δ value. 'Power Doppler (PD) responder' was defined as a patient whose Δtotal PD score over 6 months was greater than the median change.Results: Abatacept significantly improved clinical disease activity as well as the MSUS score over 6 months. Serum OPG was significantly elevated at 6 months after the introduction of abatacept (p=0.016). The ΔSOST and ΔOPG values were negatively correlated with the Δtotal PD score (rs= −0.31, p<0.05 and rs= −0.34, p<0.01, respectively). The serum Dkk-1 at baseline was significantly lower in the PD responders (n=30) compared to the non-PD responders (n=29) (p=0.026). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the serum Dkk-1 at baseline (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.91, p=0.043) was an independent predictor of PD responder status.Conclusion: Serum levels of bone biomarkers may be useful for predicting RA patients' therapeutic response to abatacept.Name of the registry: Assessment of therapeutic responsiveness by imaging of the joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; A observational cohort studyTrial registration number: UMIN000012524Date of registration: 12/9/2013URL of trial registry record: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000014657
Assessment of Heterosis Based on Parental Genetic Distance Estimated With SSR and SNP Markers in Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)
Authors: Geng Xiaoli , Qu Yujie , Jia Yinhua , He Shoupu , Pan Zhaoe , Wang Liru , Du Xiongming 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Heterosis has been extensively utilized in different crops and made a significant contribution to global food security. Genetic distance (GD) is one of the valuable criteria for selecting parents in hybrid breeding. The objectives of this study were to estimate the GD between parents using both simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and to investigate the efficiency of the prediction of hybrid performance based on GD. The experiment comprised of four male parents, 282 female parents and 1128 F1, derived from NCII mating scheme. The hybrids, their parents with two check cultivars were evaluated for two years. Performance of F1, mid-parent heterosis (MPH), and best parent heterosis (BPH) were evaluated for ten agronomic and fiber quality traits. Results: Heterosis was observed in all hybrids and, the traits like plant height, boll number, boll weight and lint percentage exhibited higher heterosis than the fiber quality traits. Correlations were significant between parental and F1 performances. The F­1 performances between three hybrid sets (Elite×Elite, Exotic×Elite, and Historic×Elite) showed significant differences in eight traits. The correlation of the GD assessed by both SSR and SNP markers was significantly positive. The cluster analysis based on GD results estimated using SNP showed that all the female parents divided into five groups and the F1 performance between these five groups showed significant differences in seven traits. The correlation between GD and F1 performance, MPH and BPH were significant for lint percentage and micronaire. Conclusions: Our results suggested that GD between parents could be helpful in heterosis prediction for certain traits. This study reveals that molecular marker analysis can serve as a basis for assigning germplasm into heterotic groups and to provide guidelines for parental selection in hybrid cotton breeding.