bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics study of elderly patients aged 75 or older with COVID-19 pneumonia in China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Fu Hua , Zhang Long , Yin Yuxiong , Lin Jing , Liu Hu , Mao Qing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a newly emerged respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently become pandemic. Clinical observation indicated that elderly patients had high incidence of severe pneumonia and poor treatment efficacy. Therefore, this study was to clarify the characteristics of elderly patients aged 75 or older with COVID-19 pneumonia in order to guide rational treatment for elderly patients. Methods: we enrolled 331 elderly patients aged 75 or older with confirmed COVID-19 in Huoshenshan hospital of Wuhan from February 3rd to March 31st. The cases were divided into general, serious and critical groups according to severity after hospitalization, and the difference among groups were compared by R package statistics software. Results: Compared with general group, serious and critical groups had more underlying comorbidities and higher incidence of cough, breath shortness and anorexia. Moreover, there existed obviously differences in many of laboratory indexes and CT images among them. serious and critical elderly patients were more likely to receive oxygen, mechanical ventilation, expectorant, corticosteroid, abidor, cephaloprin, imipenem, human serum albumin (HSA), nutrition support, anti SARS-CoV-2 positive plasma and actemra. Multivariate analysis of factors showed that male sex, hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases, breath shortness, neutrophil, platelet, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase were the risk factor for serious and critical illness. While blood cell (WBC) was the protective factor. Conclusion: elderly patients have high incidence of severe pneumonia and poor treatment efficacy. The reasons might be that many of the elderly patients with COVID-19 pneumonia have certain chronic disease, poor immune function and a meager response to the virus. the pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 might be involved in the cell-mediated immunity and cytokine storms by acting on lymphocytes.
C-Reactive Protein and Lymphocyte are important indicators of severe coronavirus disease and poor prognosis in elderly patients
Authors: He Qinglin , Hu Xiafen , Xiang Xiaochen , Chen Siyang , Liu Wanxin , Liu Xiaoliu , Wang Qiang , Guo Kaiwen , Wu Qingming 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective：To explore the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lymphocyte (L) in the assessment of disease severity and prognosis of elderly COVID-19 patients.Methods: A total of 194 positive COVID-19 patients were collected from Tianyou Hospital and Puren Hospital, affiliated hospital of Wuhan University of Science and Technology. Their demographic characteristics were analyzed. The dynamic changes of CRP and L in peripheral blood were retrospectively studied.Results: (1) There were significant statistical differences in CRP, L in clinical typing and clinical outcome in patients over 60 years old compared with those under 60 years old. Survival analysis showed that the risk of death was greater in patients over 60 than in those under 60.（2）In 125 patients over 60 years old, the hospitalized patients with severe or critical types of disease had significantly higher CRP than those with moderate type (p<0.01). In the outcome of the elderly patients, the CRP of the patients with the outcomes of discharge, improvement, aggravation and death increased successively (p<0.01). According to the analysis of Logistic regression model, the increase of CRP constitutes a risk factor for death in elderly patients. (3) In the ROC curve analysis to distinguish the death outcome and non-death outcome of COVID-19 patients, the area under the curve (AUC) of CRP and L was 0.751 and 0.720 respectively. CRP and L had good diagnostic accuracy for the death outcome of patients. (4) Changes in CRP were correlated with changes in CT imaging and were consistent with changes in the course of the disease.Conclusions: (1) The cumulative survival rate of patients over 60 years old was lower than that of patients under 60 years old. With the increase of age, the CRP of patients showed an increasing trend, and the L of patients showed a characteristic lower than the normal reference interval. (2) CRP and L are important monitoring indicators of COVID-19 in elderly patients. Combined with CT examination and observation of their dynamic changes, CRP and L are of important clinical guiding value for the judgment of disease severity and the evaluation of prognosis.
Unilateral synchronous papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity and clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a case report with KRAS and PIK3CA mutations
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Shin Dong Hoon , Park Joon Young , Kim So Young , Hwang Chung Su , Lee Jung Hee , Kim Jee Yeon , Sol Mee Young , Nam Jong Kil 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe presence of histologically different neoplasms in the same organ is rare in pathologic practice. We report multiple synchronous masses of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity in the same kidney. Herein, we present the first well-explained case with immunohistochemical findings with next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. Case presentationA 61-year-old man was incidentally found to have a left renal mass on imaging studies performed for workup of left back pain and urine color change for one week. A laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy was performed. Gross examination showed lobulated masses in the upper to mid pole measuring 5.6 × 4.0 × 3.3 cm and 1.1 × 1.0 × 1.0 cm in the lower pole. Microscopic findings revealed these to be two different separate masses of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. NGS analyses revealed KRAS gene mutation (c.35G>T/p.G12V in exon 2) in the papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity, with an additional PIK3CA gene mutation restricted to the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (c.1624G>A/p.E542K in exon 10).ConclusionsWe report here an extraordinarily rare case of a patient diagnosed with multiple synchronous renal tumors of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We identified simultaneous KRAS and PIK3CA mutations in two different renal masses in the same kidney for the first time. New pathologic assessment with comparative molecular analysis of mutational profiles may be helpful for tumor studies.
Evidence of Neuroplasticity: A Robotic Hand Exoskeleton Study for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Singh Neha , Saini Megha , Kumar Nand , Srivast M.V. Padma , Mehndiratta Amit 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: A novel electromechanical robotic-exoskeleton was designed in-house for rehabilitation of wrist joint and Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Objective: The objective was to compare the rehabilitation effectiveness (clinical-scales and neurophysiological-measures) of robotic-therapy training-sessions with dose-matched control in patients with stroke. Methods: An observational pilot study was designed with patients within 2 years of chronicity. Patients received an intervention of 20 sessions of 45-minutes each, five days a week for four-weeks) in Robotic-therapy Group (RG) (n=12) and conventional upper-limb rehabilitation in Control-Group (CG) (n=11). Clinical-scales– Modified Ashworth Scale, Active Range of Motion, Barthel-Index, Brunstrom-stage and Fugl-Meyer scale (Shoulder/Elbow and Wrist/Hand component), and neurophysiological-measures of cortical-excitability (using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) –Motor Evoked Potential and Resting Motor-threshold, were acquired pre and post-therapy. Results: RG and CG showed significant improvement in all clinical motor-outcomes (p<0.05) except Modified Ashworth Scale in CG. RG showed significantly higher improvement over CG in Modified Ashworth Scale, Active Range of Motion and Fugl-Meyer (FM) scale and FM Wrist-/Hand component) (p<0.05). Increase in cortical-excitability in ipsilesional-hemisphere was found to be statistically significant in RG over CG, as indexed by decrease in Resting Motor-Threshold and increase in amplitude of Motor Evoked Potential (p<0.05). No significant changes were shown by the contralesional-hemisphere. Interhemispheric RMT-asymmetry evidenced significant changes in RG over CG (p<0.05) indicating increased cortical-excitability in ipsilesional-hemisphere along with interhemispheric changes.Conclusion: Neurophysiological-changes in RG could be most likely a consequence of plastic-reorganization and use-dependent plasticity. Robotic-exoskeleton training could significantly improve motor-outcomes and cortical-excitability in patients with stroke.Registry number: IEC/NP-99/13.03.2015
Conditioned Medium of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Relieves Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Regulating Epithelial Sodium Channels via&nbsp;miR-34c
Authors: Zhou Zhiyu , Cui Yong , Hou Yapeng , Yu Tong , Ding Yan , Nie Hongguang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aims: One of the characteristics of acute lung injury (ALI) is severe pulmonary edema, which is closelyrelated to alveolar fluid clearance. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete a wide range of cytokines,growth factors and miRNAs through paracrine action to participate in the mechanism of pulmonaryinflammatory response, which increases the clearance of edema fluid, and promotes the repair process ofALI. However, the mechanism by which bone marrow derived MSCs-conditioned medium (BMSCs-CM)promotes edema clearance is unclear. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is the rate-limiting step in thesodium-water transport and edema clearance in the alveolar cavity, and we aim to explore the role of ENaCin BMSCs-CM invloved edema clearance and whether it can alter the function of ENaC via miRNAs.Methods: CCK-8 cell proliferation assay was used to detect the effect of BMSCs-CM on the survival ofAT2 cells. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of ENaC in AT2cells. The effects of exosomes/miR-34c on the transepithelial short-circuit current in the monolayer of H441cells were examined by the Ussing chamber setup. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect thetarget gene of miR-34c.Results: BMSCs-CM can increase the viability of mouse AT2 cells. RT-PCR and Western blotting resultsshowed that BMSCs-CM significantly increased the expression of γ-ENaC subunit in mouse AT2 cells.Ussing chamber assay revealed that BMSCs-CM enhanced the amiloride-sensitive currents associated withENaC activity in intact H441 cell monolayers. In addition, we observed higher expression of miR-34c inmouse AT2 cells administrated with BMSCs-CM, and the overexpression or inhibition of miR-34c canregulate the expression of ENaC protein and alter the function of ENaC. Finally, we detected MARCKS maybe one of the target gene of miR-34c.Conclusions: Our results indicate that BMSCs-CM may improve LPS-induced ALI through miR-34ctargeting MARCKS and regulating ENaC indirectly, which further explores the benefit of paracrine effectsof BMSCs on edematous ALI.
Clinical Risk Factors Associated with Radiographic Osteoarthritis Progression Among People with Knee Pain: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Simic Milena , Harmer Alison R. , Agaliotis Maria , Nairn Lillias , Bridgett Lisa , March Lyn , Votrubec Milana , Edmonds John , Woodward Mark , Day Richard , Fransen Marlene 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:The aim of this study was to identify modifiable clinical factors associated with radiographic osteoarthritis progression over one-to-two years in people with painful medial knee osteoarthritis.Methods:A longitudinal study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial, the “Long-term Evaluation of Glucosamine Sulfate” (LEGS study). Recruitment occurred 2007-2009, with one and two-year follow-up assessments by blinded assessors. Community-dwelling people with chronic knee pain (≥4/10) and medial tibiofemoral narrowing (but retaining >2mm medial joint space width) on radiographs were recruited. From 605 participants, follow-up data were available for 498 (82%, mean[sd] age: 60[8] years). Risk factors evaluated at baseline were pain, physical function, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), statin use, not meeting physical activity guidelines, presence of Heberden’s nodes, history of knee surgery/trauma, and manual occupation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted adjusting for age, sex, obesity, high blood pressure, allocation to glucosamine and chondroitin treatment, and baseline structural disease severity (Kellgren and Lawrence grade, joint space width and varus alignment). Radiographic osteoarthritis progression was defined as joint space narrowing ≥0.5mm over one-to-two years (latest follow-up used where available).Results:Radiographic osteoarthritis progression occurred in 58 participants (12%). Clinical factors independently associated with radiographic progression were: use of NSAIDs, adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.05 (95%CI:1.1 to 3.8), and not meeting physical activity guidelines, OR 2.07 (95%CI:0.9 to 4.7).Conclusions: Among people with mild radiographic knee osteoarthritis, people who use NSAIDs and/or do not meet physical activity guidelines have greater risk of radiographic osteoarthritis progression.Trial Registration: This original study trial was registered apriori. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00513422; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Current study hypothesis arose before inspection of the data.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Longshore Sediment Transport on the Brazilian Coast
Authors: Trombetta Thaisa Beloti , Marques Wiliam Correa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The lack of planning and management regarding the transport of sediments along the coast can alter the existing equilibrium in coastal regions, causing or accelerating erosive processes and resulting in economic and environmental damage. Thus, it is important that the characteristics of the coastal drift be investigated, serving as source of information for future projects involving the coastal environment management. Within this context, the present work aims to identify the annual sediment transport averages along the Brazilian coast, the dominant direction of the coastal drift and its spatial variability. For this, a wind-generated wave modeling was considered, with 37 years of data (1979 to 2015), as well as four sediment transport formulations. For the spatiotemporal variability, the analysis of wavelets was applied, relating the effect of cycles of variability over the behavior of longshore sediment transport. The results showed that the largest annual volumes of sediment transport occurred in the northeastern Region of Brazil, reaching approximately 850000 m3/year-1. On the other hand, the smallest transport averages occurred in the southern region, in the state of Santa Catarina, reaching the value of 13497 m3/year-1. In the northeast region, annual and interannual cycles were more frequent and more energetic than in the southern Region, where short cycles presented similar importance to longer cycles, during 37 years of the study. However, in the overall context of the analysis, the long period cycles are more significant for longshore sediment transport, since this is a long term process. In this way, the present article contributes with information on longshore sediment transport, highlighting the annual means and the dominant drift, and deals with important questions about the influence of cycles of variability in the study region, emphasizing the importance of longer period events for the control of sedimentary transport in the Brazilian coast.
Developing HIV Assisted Partner Notification Services Tailored to Mexican Key Populations: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Vermandere Heleen , Aguilera-Mijares Santiago , Martínez-Vargas Liliane , Colchero M. Arantxa , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background. Assisted partner notification services (APNS) may increase HIV testing, early diagnosis, and treatment, but they are not formally implemented in Mexico, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen (TW). We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore partner notification with MSM, TW and health care providers to identify the essential elements to include in the design and implementation of APNS directed to MSM and TW in Mexico City. Afterwards, brainstorm sessions were carried out to produce strategies for implementing APNS. Results. Most participants reported experiences with informal partner notification, but not with APNS. Only one health care provider indicated assisting notification systematically. The main barriers for notifying mentioned by both MSM and TW included fear of (violent) reactions, discrimination and lacking contact information of casual partners. Participants thought it was easier notifying a formal partner, conditional of being well informed about HIV. Given current stigma and lack of awareness, it was suggested that APNS should be preceded by HIV awareness efforts, and be provided by counsellors or peers to mitigate potential rejection or violent reactions. Conclusions. While APNS are not formally implemented in Mexico, all participants supported the service, indicating that APNS can enhance early HIV diagnosis in Mexico. Strategies to implement such services need to be flexible addressing the individual needs of participants, guaranteeing the safety of more vulnerable participants.
The Nexus Between Health Status and Health Expenditure, Energy Consumption and Environmental Pollution: Empirical Evidence from SAARC-BIMSTEC Regions
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mafizur , Alam Khosrul 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevailing COVID-19 pandemic made us deep concern for considering the betterment of health status along with health expenditure, energy, and environmental issues all over the world. This paper examines the nexus between health status and health expenditures (both public and private), energy consumption and environmental pollution in the SAARC-BIMSTEC region.Methodology: We have utilized the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, heterogeneous panel causality test, cross sectional dependence test, cointegration test and Pesaran cross sectional dependent (CADF) unit root test for obtaining estimated results from the data of 16 years (2002-2017). Results: The acquired results authorize the cointegration among the variables used, where energy consumption, public and private health expenditure and economic growth have positive and statistically significant effects and environmental pollution has both negative and significant effects on the health status of these regions in the long-run, but no panel wise significant impact is found in the short-run. Two-way causal relationships between health status and environmental pollution, public and private health expenditure, economic growth and sanitation facilities, and a one-way causality running from energy consumption to health status are revealed.Conclusions: The improved health status in the SAARC-BIMSTEC region required to be protected by articulating the effective policies on both public and private health expenditures, environmental pollution, energy consumption, and economic growth. The attained results are theoretically and empirically consistent, and have important policy implications in the health sector.JEL codes: I10, I15, I18, C23
The Compatibility of Alisma and Atractylodes Affects the Biological Behaviors of VSMCs Via Inhibiting miR-128-5p / p21 Gene
Authors: Wei Wei , Shen Ju Lian , Lu Lu , Lv Xin Ru , Lu Tao Tao , Xue XieHua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background：The compatibility of Alisma and Atractylodes (AA) has been estimated to exhibit anti-athero­sclerotic effects, while the mechanism still remains unclear. This study was aimed to identify the role of AA on oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) behaviors, and to explore the effect of microRNAs (miRNAs). Methods：Scratch wound healing assay detected the migration of VSMCs, immunocytochemistry assay and western blot of SM22ɑ were used to evaluated the phenotypic transformation. Bromodeoxyuridine (Brdu) immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were applied to detect the proliferation of VSMCs. The miRNA microarray profiling was performed using lianchuan biological small RNA sequencing analysis. VSMCs were transfected with the miR-128-5p mimic and inhibitor, the migration, phenotypic modulation and proliferation of VSMCs were investigated. The 3'UTR binding sequences site of miR-128-5p on p21 gene were predicted and assessed by luciferase assays.Results：AA and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) blocker U0126 markedly inhibited the ability of migration, elevated smooth muscle 22alpha (SM22α) expression, repressed VSMCs proliferation, elevated the expression of miR-466f-3p and miR-425-3p, while suppressed miR-27a-5p and miR-128-5p expression in the ox-LDL-induced VSMCs. MiR-128-5p targets tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMPs), silent information regulator 2 (SIRT2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and p21 genes, which is linked to the behaviors of VSMCs. MiR-128-5p mimic promoted migration and proliferation of VSMCs, and suppressed the p21, p27 and SM22ɑ expression. The inhibitor increased p21, p27 and SM22ɑ expression, and repressed the migration, phenotypic transformation and proliferation of VSMCs. MiR-128-5p directly targeted the 3′UTR binding sequences of p21 gene, negatively regulated p21 expression and exerted a role in the proliferation of VSMCs.Conclusion：Our research showed that the migration, phenotypic transformation and proliferation of ox-LDL-induced VSMCs were repressed by AA through inhibiting miR-128-5p via targeting p21 gene, which may provide an effective option for the treatment of Atherosclerosis.