bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered dynamic functional network connectivity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Si Qianqian , Yuan Yongsheng , Gan Caiting , Wang Min , Wang Lina , Ma Kewei , Zhang Kezhong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Traditional measures of static functional connectivity may not completely reflect the dynamic neural activity of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study was aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of large-scale functional network connectivity in the temporal domain in PD patients with and without LID.
Methods

Using dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analysis, we evaluated 41 PD patients with LID (LID group) and 34 PD patients without LID (No-LID group), on and off their levodopa medications. Group spatial independent component analysis, sliding-window approach and k-means clusters were employed.
Results

In OFF phase, we found no differences between PD subgroups in temporal properties. In ON phase, compared than No-LID group, LID group occurred more frequently and dwelled longer in strongly connected State 1, characterized by strong connections between visual network (VIS) and other networks. When switching from OFF to ON phase, LID group occurred more frequently and dwelled longer in State 2 and occurred less frequently and dwelled shorter in State 3 (both states were strongly connected), while No-LID group occurred more frequently and dwelled longer in State 5 (weakly connected). Additionally, correlation analysis further demonstrated that the severity of dyskinesia was only associated with frequency of occurrence and dwell time in State 2, dominated by inferior frontal cortex in cognitive executive network (CEN), strongly connecting with sensorimotor network (SMN) and VIS.
Conclusions

Using dFNC analysis, we found that compared to those without LID, PD patients with LID may be involved in the superexcitation of VIS, as well as interconnections between CEN and SMN, VIS, having impact on inhibition of motor circuits. The dFNC analysis might provide new insights into the neural mechanisms of LID in PD.
Discrimination of Quarry Blasts from Micro Earthquakes in the Surendranagar region of Saurashtra Horst, Northwestern India
Authors: Dixit Mayank , Roy Ketan Singh , Shastri Arpan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The complex and covert phenomenon undergoing in the earth’s interior is revealed by the seismic waves propagating to the surface. The main objective of this study is to uphold the difference in the nature of waves transmitted due to quarry blasts and earthquakes and differentiate the tremors caused by the two. A total of ~1300 ground motions recorded at different broadband seismic stations of Saurashtra, Gujarat, observed from 2012 to 2016 of magnitude greater than or equal to 1.4 were considered for the study. These recordings have been obtained from the seismic network established and maintained by Seismic Data Analysis Center (SeiDAC), Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), Gandhinagar, Gujarat. In this investigation, ground motions of frequency greater than 1Hz were considered and statistical method (maximum of P to S (P/S) waves amplitude ratio) was applied for four mutually exclusive frequency bands such as 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 8 to 10 and a common bin from 1 to 10 Hz. The outcome of this investigation suggested that ~10% of the examined ground motion records were caused due to quarry blasts and the rest as a consequence of earthquakes. Application of the coda decay rate method revealed that the coda decay rate Qc־¹ is significantly higher for quarry blasts than earthquakes of lower frequencies (1.5 and 3.0 Hz). The spectrogram analysis affirms the distinction between quarry blasts and earthquakes in terms of varying frequency content. The detailed investigation brought forward an intriguing remark about mining-induced seismicity as more seismic activity was observed during the daytime when compared with the after-dark recordings. The findings of this investigation may contribute to the existing knowledge base on earthquakes in addition to creating a distinction between the natural and manmade earthquakes.
Comparative Prospective Study of the Performance of Chest Pain Scores and Clinical Assessment in an Emergency Department Cohort in Singapore
Authors: Mingwei Ng , Tan Hong Jie Gabriel , Gao Fei , Tan Jack Wei Chieh , Lim Swee Han , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Ponampalam R 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Chest pain scores allow emergency physicians to identify low-risk patients for whom discharge can be safely expedited. While their utility have been extensively studied and validated in Western cohorts, data in patients of Asian heritage is lacking. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of HEART, EDACS and GRACE in risk-stratifying which emergency patients with chest pain or angina-equivalent symptoms are at risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days (composite of all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization). This single-centre prospective cohort-study enrolling 1200 patients was conducted by a large urban tertiary centre in Singapore. The chest pain scores were reported prior to disposition by research assistants blinded to the physician’s clinical assessment. Outcome adjudication was performed by an independent blinded cardiologist and emergency physician, while a second cardiologist adjudicated in the case of discrepancies. \Results Of 1200 patients enrolled, 5 withdrew consent and were excluded from analyses. 135 patients (11.3%) suffered MACE within 30 days. HEART, which ruled-out acute coronary syndrome in 52.8% of patients with 88.1% sensitivity, and EDACS, which ruled-out acute coronary syndrome in 57.5% of patients with 83.7% sensitivity, proved comparable to clinical judgment which ruled-out acute coronary syndrome in 73.0% of patients with 85.5% sensitivity. GRACE was weaker – ruling-out acute coronary syndrome in 79.2% of patients but with a dismal sensitivity of 45.0%. The correlation-statistic for HEART (79.4%) was also superior to EDACS (69.9%) and GRACE (69.2%). Conclusions HEART more accurately identified low-risk chest pain patients in an Asian emergency department who were suitable for expedited discharge and demonstrated comparable performance characteristics to clinical judgment. This has major implications on the use of chest pain scores to safely expedite disposition decisions for low-risk chest pain patients in the emergency department.
Traumatic Internal Mammary Injury— A Literature Review and Guide for Management
Authors: Wu Yu-Tung , Liao Chien-Hung , Liao Chien-An , Fu Chih-Yuan , Hsieh Chi-Hsun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTraumatic internal mammary artery (IMA) injury is a rare but clinically significant injury since it is linked to various troublesome conditions. In this review, we aim to provide a complete description and a practical strategy for managing this injury.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science were searched from 1960 to 2019. We also reviewed IMA injuries in our hospital. Only traumatic IMA injuries were included. The demographics, diagnostic procedures, treatments and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThere were a total of 72 IMA injury cases, including 4 in our hospital. The injuries were predominantly in males (79.2%), were on the left side (66.7%), were considered blunt injuries (63.9%), and featured mediastinal hematoma (62.5%). Computed tomography (CT) has been used to diagnose IMA injuries in recent years. Most patients could be managed by nonsurgical treatments (61.2%). The outcome for IMA injury is very good, with low morbidity and mortality rates.ConclusionsIdentifying traumatic IMA injuries requires alertness from the physicians. An appropriate management chosen according to the patient’s individualized condition could lead to a satisfying result.Trial registration: not applicable
Fighting COVID-19 spread among nursing home residents even in absence of molecular diagnosis: a retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Strazzulla Alessio , Tarteret Paul , Postorino Maria Concetta , Picque Marie , Pontfarcy Astrid de , Vignier Nicolas , Chakvetadze Catherine , Noel Coralie , Drouin Cecile , Benguerdi Zine Eddine , Diamantis Sylvain 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Access to molecular diagnosis was limited out-of-hospital in France during the 2020 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. This study describes the evolution of COVID-19 outbreak in a nursing home in absence of molecular diagnosis. Methods A monocentric prospective study was conducted in a French nursing home from March 17th, 2020 to June 11th, 2020. Because of lack of molecular tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-Cov2) infection, probable COVID-19 cases were early identified considering only respiratory and not-respiratory symptoms and therefore preventing measures and treatments were enforced. Once available, serology tests were performed at the end of the study.A chronologic description of new cases and deaths was made together with a description of COVID-19 symptoms. Data about personal characteristics and treatments were collected and the following comparisons were performed: i) probable COVID-19 cases vs asymptomatic residents; ii) SARS-Cov2 seropositive residents vs seronegative residents. Results Overall, 32/66 (48.5%) residents and 19/39 (48.7%) members of health-care personnel were classified as probable COVID-19 cases. A total of 34/61 (55.7%) tested residents resulted seropositive. Death occurred in 4/66 (6%) residents. Diagnosis according to symptoms had 65% of sensitivity, 78% of specificity, 79% of positive predictive value and 64% of negative predictive value.In resident population, the following symptoms were registered: 15/32 (46.8%) lymphopenia, 15/32 (46.8%) fever, 8/32 (25%) fatigue, 8/32 (25%) cough, 6/32 (18.8%) diarrhoea, 4/32 (12.5%) severe respiratory distress requiring oxygen therapy, 4/32 (12.5%) fall, 3/32 (9.4%) conjunctivitis, 2/32 (6.3%) abnormal pulmonary noise at chest examination and 2/32 (6,25%) abdominal pain. Probable COVID-19 cases were older (81.3 vs 74.9; p=0.007) and they had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (8/32, 25% vs 2/34, 12%; p=0.030); insulin treatment (4/34, 12% vs 0, 0%; p=0.033) and positive SARS-Cov2 serology (22/32, 69% vs 12/34, 35%; p=0.001) than asymptomatic residents. Seropositive residents had lower prevalence of diabetes (4/34, 12% vs 9/27, 33%; p=0.041) and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors’ intake (1/34, 1% vs 5/27, 19%; p=0.042). Conclusions During SARS-Cov2 epidemic, early detection of respiratory and not-respiratory symptoms allowed to enforce extraordinary measures. They achieved limiting contagion and deaths among nursing home residents, even in absence of molecular diagnosis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosome miR-21-3p Prevents Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Li Zongying , Cao Shuyi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Renal fibrosis is the pathological result of excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the process of chronic kidney disease, but its mechanism is not clear. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).MSCs exerts its therapeutic effect mainly through paracrine effects, such as exosome, to change the cellular microenvironment. Here, we would explore the function of MSCs derived exosome in renal fibrosis.Materials and Methods: MRNA, microRNAs and proteins carried by exosomes produced by MSCs could save damaged cells by regulating endogenous molecules to regulate apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. Results: In this study, we observed that exogenous miR-21-3p, interacted with smad2, the downstream target of miR-21-3p, which prevented renal fibrosis in UUO mice, and alleviate fibrosis in TGF-β1-induced renal tubular epithelium cells (HK-2). Then we forced expression of miR-21-3p in MSCs and isolated the exosomes. The extractive exosome-miR-21-3p treatment blocked renal fibrosis in UUO mice and alleviated fibrosis in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. Conclusion: Taken together, Overexpression of miR-21-3p prevented CKD-induced renal fibrosis via exosome-mediated miR-21-3p transfer. These results suggest possible therapeutic strategies for using exosome delivery of miR-21-3p to treat complications of CKD.
Clinical features and disease severity in an Iranian population of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Nabavi Shima , Javidarabshahi Zahra , Allahyari Abolghasem , Ramezani Mohammad , Seddigh-Shamsi Mohsen , Ravanshad Sahar , AkbariRad Mina , Ebrahimzadeh Farnoosh , Khatami Shohre , Emadzadeh Maryam , Saeedian Neda , Zarifian Ahmadreza , Miri Maryam , Rezaeetalab Fariba , Hejazi Sepide , Basiri Reza , Mozdourian Mahnaz 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with a variety of symptoms. Severity of the disease may be associated with several factors. Here, we review clinical features of COVID-19 patients with different severities.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran, during February-April 2020. COVID-19 patients with typical computed tomography (CT) patterns and/or positive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included. The patients were classified into three groups of moderate, severe, and critical based on disease severity. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings were collected and compared. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Overall, 200 patients with mean age of 69.75±6.39 years, of whom 82 (41%) were female were studied. Disease was severe/critical in the majority of patients (167, 83.5%). Disease severity was significantly associated with age, malignant comorbidities, dyspnea, nausea/vomiting, confusion, respiratory rate, pulse rate, O2 saturation, extent of CT involvement, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), pH, pO2, and aspartate transaminase (P<0.05). Moreover, complications including shock, coagulopathy, acidosis, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and intubation were significantly higher in patients with higher severities. O2 saturation, nausea/vomiting, and extent of lung CT involvement were independent predictors of severe/critical COVID-19 (OR=0.342, 45.93, and 25.48, respectively; P<0.05).Conclusions: Our results indicate O2 saturation, nausea/vomiting, and extent of lung CT involvement as independent predictors of severe COVID-19 conditions. Serum CRP levels and pO2 were also considerably higher patients with higher severity and can be used along with other factors as possible predictors of severe disease in COVID-19 patients.
Pregnancy Outcome in Late-onset Severe OHSS Patients Following Different Ascetic Fluid Drainage and Comparison With the Non-OHSS IVF Patients
Authors: YUN Ren , li rong , Shuo Yang , Rui Yang , hong Song Dong , Jie Qiao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction： Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic serious complication during assisted reproductive technology, the aim of our research is to explore the differences of pregnancy outcome between severe OHSS patients and the non-OHSS IVF patients, and also compare the pregnancy outcome of different ascites drainage way of severe OHSS patients.Design: This is a retrospective cohort analysis carried out in a University-affiliated reproductive center from 2012 to 2019 ,between 359 women with severe OHSS following ascites draining and 345 non-OHSS women (matched by age and retrieved oocyte number).We examined the rates of clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, miscarriage, live birth and preterm delivery between the two groups. Within the OHSS group (central venous catheter group vs paracentesis group), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of measure of clinical pregnancy were also analyzed.Result： The biochemical pregnancy loss rate of non-OHSS patients was significantly higher than that of severe OHSS patients (11.1% vs 0.6%) , the live birth, multiple pregnancy (twin pregnancy ) was much more in severe OHSS group than in control group(88.9% vs 73.5%; 57.6% vs 28.1% respectively), and there was no significant difference between singleton and twin preterm rate and neonatal birth weight between OHSS and control group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed multiple pregnancy and long-protocol showed relatively high odds ratio, suggest that thelong-protocol of COS and multiple pregnancy are the risk factor of severe OHSS.Among severe OHSS following ascites draining, in comparison with abdominal paracentesis and central venous catheter, the ascites volume in central venous catheter group was much more than abdominal paracentesis group, there was significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in comparison of live birth, and the birth weight of singleton and twin between these two groups. but the premature birth rate of singleton in group 1 was 9.3% (10/107), whereas in group 2, it was 3.75%.Conclusion： In conclusion, this preliminary report suggests that for the IVF-ET patients, less basic follicle number, GnRH antagonist cycle, singleton maybe the protective factors for the late-onset OHSS. Paracentesis and central venous catheter are all the effective modality to manage the ascites for the severe OHSS patients. For the patients who have the possibility of repeated paracentesis, catheter is a safe and effective way.
Assessing the functionality of an emergency obstetric referral system among public healthcare facilities in a low resource setting: an application of process mapping approach
Authors: OFOSU BERNICE , OFORI DAN , NTUMY MICHAEL YAO , ASAH-OPOKU KWAKU , BOAFOR THEODORE KOBLA 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Weak referral systems remain a major concern influencing timely access to the appropriate level of care during obstetric emergencies, particularly for Low-and Middle-Income Countries, including Ghana. It is a serious factor threatening the achievement of the maternal health Sustainable Development Goal. The objective of this study is to establish process details of emergency obstetric referral systems across different levels of public healthcare facilities to deepen understanding of systemic barriers and preliminary solutions, using Ablekuma district in Accra, Ghana as a case study.Methods: The study is an analytical cross-sectional study. Nine (9) in-depth interviews (IDI) were carried out for a three-weeks period in June and July 2019 after informed consent with two (2) Obstetrics & Gynaecology consultants, two (2) Residents, one family physician, and four (4) Midwives managing emergency obstetric referral across different levels of facilities. Data collected included a narration of the referral process, and challenges experienced with each step. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded by topics and thematically analysed. Transcribed narratives were used to draft a process map and analyze the defects within the emergency obstetric referral system.Results: Out of the 33 main activities in the referral process within the facilities, 24 (73%) had a range of barriers in relation to communication, transport system, resources (space, equipment and physical structures), staffing (numbers and attitude), HCP knowledge and compliance of referral policy and guideline, and financing for referral. Healthcare providers suggested that strengthening communication and coordination, review of referral policy, training of all stakeholders and provision of essential resources would be beneficial.Conclusion: Our findings clearly establish that the emergency obstetric referral system in Ablekuma district, Accra-Ghana is functioning far below optimum levels. This suggests that the formulation and implementation of policies should be focused around structural and process improvement interventions likely to ensure that women receive timely and quality care.
Effect of Silica-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles on Rigidity Sensing of Human Embryonic Kidney Cells
Authors: Ketebo Abdurazak Aman , Shin Tae Hwan , Jun Myeongjun , Lee Gwang , Park Sungsu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) can enter cells and cause cellular dysfunction. For example, reactive oxygen species generated by NPs can damage the cytoskeleton and impair cellular adhesion properties. Previously, we reported that cell spreading and protrusion structures such as lamellipodia and filopodia was reduced when cells are treated with silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles incorporating rhodamine B isothiocyanate (MNPs@SiO2(RITC)), even at 0.1 μg/μL. These protruded structures are involved in a cell’s rigidity sensing, but how these NPs affect rigidity sensing is unknown.Results: Here, we report that the rigidity sensing of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells was impaired even at 0.1 μg/μL of MNPs@SiO2(RITC). At this concentration, cells were unable to discern the stiffness difference between soft (5 kPa) and rigid (2 MPa) flat surfaces. The impairment of rigidity sensing was further supported by observing the disappearance of locally contracted elastomeric submicron pillars (900 nm in diameter, 2 μm in height, 24.21 nN/μm in stiffness k) under MNPs@SiO2(RITC) treated cells. A decrease in the phosphorylation of paxillin, which is involved in focal adhesion dynamics, may cause cells to be insensitive to stiffness differences when they are treated with MNPs@SiO2(RITC).Conclusions: Our results suggest that NPs may impair the rigidity sensing of cells even at low concentrations, thereby affecting cell adhesion and spreading.