bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and Cancer: A Comparative Case Series
Authors: Mousavi seied Asadollah , Rostami Tahereh , kiumarsi Azadeh , Rad soroush , Rostami mohammadreza , Motamedi Fatemeh , Gandomi-Mohammadabadi Alireza , Mirhosseini Amirhossein 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCancer patients, with an incidence of more than 18 million new cases per year, may constitute a significant portion of the COVID-19 infected population. In the pandemic situation, these patients are considered highly vulnerable to infectious complications due to their immunocompromised state.Material & MethodsIn this retrospective case series, the documents of solid cancer patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, hospitalized in Shariati hospital (a tertiary care referral center designated for COVID-19 patients, affiliated by Tehran University of Medical Sciences) between 20 February and 20 April 2020, were evaluated. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on a positive real-time fluorescence reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids from nasal and/or pharyngeal specimens and/or features of chest CT scan highly suggestive for SARS-CoV-2.ResultsAmong 33 patients with solid cancer, 11 patients had a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and 22 patients had highly suggestive chest CT scan findings in favor of SARS-CoV-2 but negative RT-PCR . The mean age of the patients was 63.9 years, and 54.5% of the patients were males. Age and sex of the patients did not correlate with mortality. There was no difference in COVID-19 symptoms, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia between survived and un-survived cancer patients. However, LDH level was significantly higher (7170±2077 vs. 932.3±324.7, P-value=0.016) and also serum albumin was significantly lower in un-survived group (3.6±0.5 vs. 2.9±0.6 p-value=0.03). Among 16 patients with stage IV cancer, thirteen patients died, which was significantly higher compared to stage I-III cancer patients (81.3% vs. 18.8% P-value= <0.001). In terms of developing complications, sepsis, invasive ventilation and mortality was significantly higher in patients who received cytotoxic chemotherapy within the last 14 days. There was no significant difference between the two groups of positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR regarding their sex, age, cancer type, mean Hemoglobin concentration, Platelet count, lymphocyte count, serum albumin level, ESR and CRP titer or other laboratory findings and also in terms of clinical symptoms and coexisting.ConclusionIn this study, we showed that the mortality rate among cancer patients affected by COVID-19 was higher than general population and this rate has a significant correlation with factors such as the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, the activity of cancer and finally receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy within 14 days before diagnosis of COVID-19. We also showed that the outcome of cancer patients with positive RT-PCR for COVID-19 similar to those with negative RT-PCR with highly suggestive chest CT scan findings.
Targeted imaging of esophageal adenocarcinoma with a near-infrared fluorescent peptide
Authors: Kang Xiaoyu , Li Meng , Liu Lei , Liu Shaopeng , Hu Hao , Zhang Rui , Ning Siming , Tian Zuhong , Pan Yanglin , Guo Xuegang , Wu Kaichun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Backgroud:
Targeted optical imaging offers a noninvasive and accurate method for the early detection of gastrointestinal tumors, especially for flat appearances. In our previous study, a sequence of SNFYMPL (SNF) was identified as a specific peptide to bind to esophageal carcinoma using phage-display technology. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor-targeting efficacy of Cy5.5-conjugated SNF probe for imaging of esophageal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.
Methods
The SNF-Cy5.5 probe was synthesized and then identified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Confocal fluorescence imaging and Flow cytometry analysis were performed to evaluate the binding specificity and the receptor binding affinity of SNF-Cy5.5 to OE33. In vivo imaging was performed to evaluate the targeting ability of SNF-Cy5.5 to esophageal carcinoma.
Results
The confocal imaging and flow cytometry analysis showed that SNF-Cy5.5 bound specifically to the plasma membrane of OE33 cells with a high affinity. In vivo, for non-block group, SNF-Cy5.5 probe exhibited rapid OE33 tumor targeting during 24 h p.i. and excellent tumor-to-background contrast at 2 h p.i. For the block group, SNF-Cy5.5 was not observed in the mice after 4 h p.i. Ex vivo imaging also revealed that a higher fluorescent signal intensity value of the tumors was clearly observed in the non-block group than that in the block group (2.6 ± 0.32 × 109 vs 0.8 ± 0.08 × 109, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
SNF -Cy5.5 was synthesized and characterized with a high efficiency and purity. The higher affinity, specificity, and tumor targeting efficacy of SNF-Cy5.5 were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo tests. SNF-Cy5.5 is a promising optical probe for the imaging of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa Among Nutrition Students and Nutritionists in Jordan: Pilot Study
Authors: ABDULLAH Mai Adnan , Al-Hourani Huda Mustafa , Alkhatib Buthaina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is defined as an excessive concern in choosing and preparing of meals according to strict rules. The aim of this study was evaluating the threat of orthorexia in a group of students and nutritionists and the tendency toward the presentation of ON behaviorMethods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in July and August of 2019 among 421 nutrition students from six universities, in addition to nutritionists in Jordan. Participants completed questionnaire related to individual characteristics and the ORTO-15 scale. Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) tendency was measured using ORTO-15 questionnaire, referring to different diagnostic thresholds (40/35). P<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.Results: Orthorexia had 72.0% prevalence in our sample using the 40-point threshold; the figure was reasonably lower with the 35-point threshold (31.8%). Also, ON tendency was significantly affected by BMI categories (p=0.007) and gender (p=0.043) at 35-point threshold. Males have more tendency (39.4%) than females (28.6%) (p=0.029)Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the magnitude of ON in Jordan. Using cut-off at 35 is preferable than cut-off at 40 to identify factors influencing ON. Moreover, ON tendency is affected by gender and BMI and not affected by educational level.
Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics and Outcome of Patients With Covid-19 in Sri Lanka; An Observational Study
Authors: Herath Meththananda , thusharika Jayasekera Madduma Mudiyanselage Priyamali , Kumari Pathirage Loku pathirage Manoji Muditha , Acharige Thushan Amila Wijesinghe Wedikkula , Gunananthan karthick , June Bernard Pingamagae Don , Hettiarachchi Nirosha Madhuwanthi , Dona Thushari Dilrukshi Kaluthantrige , Mudiyanselage Piyarathne Lasantha Roshan Samarakoon Pathirana , Senevirathne Nuwan Bhathiya , Bhishman Sivajini , Jayawardhana Asanka Gunaseela Jayawardana Kankanamage Aruna , arachchige Harsha Priya Sanjeewa Weerasinghe , Balasooriya Priyantha , Thushanthy Prasath , Senarathna Ganaka , Jayasekera Krishantha , Ponnuthurai Sutharshan , Manilgama Suranga Ravinda , Jayasinghe Inoka Kumudini , Jayalath Thilak Widana Arachchilage Ananda , Selladurai Pirasath 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) can vary from asymptomatic to profusely symptomatic due to many factors. Having data on the clinical characteristics of the affected patients is important for the screening and diagnosis of COVID-19. Main objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to six treatment centres in Sri Lanka.
Methods

For the specific epidemic situation of COVID-19, we chose to conduct a descriptive retrospective study from six treatment centres in the country between March 10, 2020 and May 30, 2020.
Results

The study included 431 laboratory confirmed patients with COVID-19. Of them, 335 (78.2%) were males and their mean age was 37 years. Most patients (373: 86.5%) had had close contact with COVID-19 positive patients. The majority were asymptomatic (243: 56.3%) and of the symptomatic patients, the most common symptom was sore throat (81, 19%), followed by cough (72, 17%), headache (72, 17%), fever (50, 12%), and nasal discharge (36, 8%). Eight patients required either high dependency care or intensive unit care two of them succumbed to the illness (0.5%). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was used as a treatment in 248 patients and they had a significantly longer (17.6 days) duration of hospital stays compared those who were not treated (13.6 days) with HCQ. When the HCQ was not used as a treatment, asymptomatic individuals had significantly shorter durations of hospital (11.1 days) stays compared to symptomatic individuals (14.3 days).
Conclusions

The majority of patients remained asymptomatic during the course of illness. The most common symptom was sore throat, seen in one fifth of patients, followed by cough, and headache. Our study also indicated the possibility of reduced viral clearance and hence longer duration of hospital stays with HCQ.
Can the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay be used as an antimicrobial stewardship tool? A prospective assay validation and descriptive impact assessment study in a South African setting
Authors: Reddy Kessendri , Whitelaw Andrew Christopher 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Positive blood cultures showing Gram positive cocci in clusters can signify the presence of Staphylococcus aureus or the less-virulent coagulase-negative staphylococci. Rapid identification and methicillin susceptibility determination with the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay has the potential to improve management of S. aureus bloodstream infection and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, and to support antibiotic cessation in patients with coagulase-negative staphylococci who have received further workup while awaiting blood culture positivity. Methods: We prospectively evaluated the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay in comparison with culture-based methods on samples referred to our laboratory in the Western Cape, South Africa. We interviewed attending clinicians upon culture result availability, to assess antibiotic choices and to estimate potential impact of the assay.Results: We included 231 samples, for which the error rate was 1.7%. There was 100% concordance between the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay and culture-based methods (methicillin-resistant S. aureus 15/15, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus 42/42, coagulase-negative staphylococci 170/170). We estimated a time saving of approximately 30 hours in time to final result with the assay. Of the 177 patients with adequate antibiotic history, changes to optimise antistaphylococcal therapy could have occurred more than one day sooner in 68.9% with S. aureus bloodstream infection (31/45, 95% CI 53.2-81.4%). Six of the 11 patients with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bloodstream infection (54.5%) could have received anti-MRSA cover sooner. Fifty-three days of antibiotic therapy could have been spared in these 177 based on use of this assay, equating to 0.3 days (95% CI, 0.2-0.4) saved per patient. The most substantial reductions were for broad-spectrum beta-lactam agents (31 days, in 17.5% of the cohort), aminoglycosides (7 days) and vancomycin (5 days).Conclusion: This assay has potential for use as an antibiotic stewardship tool; further studies should assess costing and impact on clinical outcome in patients with S. aureus bloodstream infection.
Comparison of the Effectiveness and Safety of Intravenous and Topical Regimens of Tranexamic Acid in Complex Tibial Plateau Fracture: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Zhimeng , Lu Yao , Wang Qian , Song Leilei , Ma Teng , Ren Cheng , Li Zhong , Yang Jiarui , Zhang Kun , Zhang Bing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in orthopedics surgery. However, no study has investigated TXA in complex tibial plate surgery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to confirm the safety and effectiveness of IV (intravenous) TXA and topical TXA.Material and methods This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The control group received an equal amount of placebo (physiological saline solution); the IV group received 1.0 g TXA by intravenous injection before the tourniquet was inflated and before the surgical incision was closed, and the topical group received 3.0 g TXA in 75 mL of physiological saline solution before 5 min prior to the final tourniquet release. Perioperative blood loss, vascular events, wound complications, and adverse reactions were compared for the three groups.The pain functional and quality of life (QoL) assessment based on their corresponding scoring system.Results Baseline data were comparable for all groups. The IV group showed the best results for total blood loss (TBL) and hidden blood loss (HBL) (424.5 ± 49.4 ml, 219.3 ± 33.4 ml, respectively, all p values < 0.001). The topical group performed excellently with regard to postoperative vascular events, wound complications, and adverse reactions, but there was no statistical significant in the incidence of these between the groups. In addition, the topical group benefited in reducing postoperative pain.Conclusion This study presents the first information to show that both IV TXA and topical TXA are safe and effective for complex tibial plateau fractures. The IV regimen effectively reduced blood loss during the perioperative period, whereas the topical regimen had a better safety profile and control early postoperative pain.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of pelvic lesions via the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract approaches
Authors: Mita Naoki , Iwashita Takuji , Senju Akihiko , Ichikawa Hironao , Iwasa Yuhei , Yasuda Ichiro , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Combining upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (GI) approaches allows expansion of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) indications for pelvic lesions. The upper GI approach has been used for pelvic lesions around the level of the aortoiliac bifurcation in our institution. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of EUS-FNA for pelvic lesions via the upper and lower GI approaches.
Methods
All consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA for the pelvic lesion between January 2008 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Pelvic lesions were defined as lesions located around and below the aortoiliac bifurcation level. The primary outcome was technical success rate, and the secondary outcomes were the diagnostic capability of EUS-FNA for malignancy and the safety.
Results
EUS-FNA for pelvic lesions was performed in 49 patients—upper and lower GI approaches were used in 28 and 21 patients, respectively. The technical success rates were 91.8% (45/49) in all patients—89.3% (25/28) and 95.2% (20/21) with the upper and lower GI approaches, respectively. Among patients who achieved technical success, the diagnostic accuracy for malignancy was 97.8% (44/45) in all patients—100% (25/25) and 95.0% (19/20) with the upper and lower GI approaches, respectively. One (2.0%) patient developed an adverse event of sigmoid colon perforation.
Conclusions
EUS-FNA for pelvic lesions via the upper and lower GI approaches was a safe, feasible, and effective method, although careful endoscopic manipulation is reuqired to avoid perforation, especially with the lower GI approach. Further large-scale, well-designed studies are needed to validate our findings.
Age is not the only risk factor in COVID-19: the role of comorbidities and of long staying in residential care homes.
Authors: D'Ascanio Michela , Innammorato Marta , Pasquariello Lara , Pizzirusso Dario , Guerrieri Giulio , Castelli Silvia , Pezzuto Aldo , De Vitis Claudia , Mancini Rita , Ricci Alberto , Sciacchitano Salvatore 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The actual SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused a highly transmissible disease with a tremendous impact on elderly people. So far, few studies focused on very elderly patients (over 80 years old). In this study we examined the clinical presentation and the evolution of the disease in this group of patients, admitted to our Hospital in RomeMethods: This is a single-center, retrospective study performed in the Sant’Andrea University Hospital of Rome. We included patients older than 65 years of age with a diagnosis of COVID-19, from March 2020 to may 2020, divided in two groups according to their age (G1 65-80 years old; G2 >80 years old). Data extracted from the each patient record included age, sex, comorbidities, symptoms at onset, the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), the ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) to the inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) (P/F) on admission, laboratory tests, radiological findings on computer tomography (CT), length of hospital stay (LOS), mortality rate and the viral shedding. The differences between the two groups were analyzed by the Fisher’s exact test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. The survival time was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and Log Rank Test. Univariable Cox proportional hazard regression and ordinal logistic regression were performed to estimate associations between age, comorbidities and provenance from residential care homes and clinical outcomes.Results: We found that G2 patients had an increased mortaliy rate, also due to (the frequent prevalence of) multiple comorbidities. Moreover we found that patients coming from long-stay residential care homes appeared to be highly susceptible and vulnerable to develop severe manifestations of the disease.Conclusion: We demonstrate that there were considerable differences between Elderly and Very Elderly patients in terms of inflammatory activity, severity of disease, adverse clinical outcomes; moreover, to establish a correct risk stratification, comorbidities and information about provenience from residential care homes should be considered.
An Infrared 3D Scanning Device as a Novel Limb Volume Measurement Tool in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: White Bernadette N , Lu Iris M , Kao LeslieAnn S , Dixon Brandon J , Weiler Michael J , Frank Nathan D , Binkley Jill , Subhedar Preeti , Okoli Joel , Buhariwalla Karen , Suarez-Ligon Adriana , Gabram Sheryl G 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Lymphedema is a common complication of breast cancer treatment that affects one in five breast cancer survivors yet there is no reliable method to detect lymphedema in the subclinical range. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and reliability of using an infrared 3D scanning device (ISD) as a peri-operative limb volume measurement tool.Methods Fifteen patients were analyzed based on inclusion criteria. Peri-operative measurements were obtained using tape measure and an ISD. Volumes were calculated using a standard algorithm for tape measure and a custom algorithm for ISD measurements. Linear regression models were used to assess ISD and tape measurement volume and circumference correlation. One-way ANOVA was used to compare change in percent difference at set time points post-operatively (2–3 weeks, 4–6 weeks, and 7–12 weeks) for both ISD and tape measure. T-Tests for unequal variances with the Bonferroni correction were performed among these groups.Results There is a positive linear correlation (R-squared = 0.8518) between absolute volume measurements by the ISD and tape measure. Analyses over 2–10 weeks post-operatively showed that the ISD was able to detect volume changes in both the unaffected and the affected arm. Furthermore, the affected arm tended to have a greater increase in volume in the majority of patients, indicating these patients could be at risk for lymphedema.Conclusions Technology utilizing infrared 3D scanners can reliably measure limb volume pre and post treatment similarly to tape measure in a small sample of patients. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate this method in a diverse population.
Sparse Signal Recovery from Modulo Observations
Authors: Shah Viraj , Hegde Chinmay 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We consider the problem of reconstructing a signal from under-determined modulo observations (or measurements). This observation model is inspired by a (relatively) less well-known imaging mechanism called modulo imaging, which can be used to extend the dynamic range of imaging systems; variations of this model have also been studied under the category of phase unwrapping. Signal reconstruction in the under-determined regime with modulo observations is a challenging ill-posed problem, and existing reconstruction methods cannot be used directly. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to solving the inverse problem limited to two modulo periods, inspired by recent advances in algorithms for phase retrieval under sparsity constraints. We show that given a sufficient number of measurements, our algorithm perfectly recovers the underlying signal and provides improved performance over other existing algorithms. We also provide experiments validating our approach on both synthetic and real data to depict its superior performance.
Polyethylenimine-Based Theranostic Nanoplatform for Glioma-Targeting SPECT Imaging and Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhao Lingzhou , Zhu Jingyi , Gong Jiali , Song Ningning , Wu Shan , Qiao Wenli , Yang Jiqin , Zhu Meilin , Zhao Jinhua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Glioma is the deadliest brain cancer in adults because the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) prevents the vast majority of therapeutic drugs from entering into the central nervous system. The development of BBB-penetrating drug delivery systems for glioma therapy still remains a great challenge. In this study, we aimed to design and develop a theranostic nanocomplex with enhanced BBB penetrability and tumor-targeting efficiency for glioma (SPECT) imaging and anticancer drug delivery. Results This multifunctional nanocomplex was manufactured using branched polyethylenimine (PEI) as a template to sequentially conjugate with methoxypolyethylene glycol ( m PEG), glioma-targeting peptide chlorotoxin (CTX), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) for 99m Tc radiolabeling on the surface of PEI. After the acetylation of the remaining PEI surface amines using acetic anhydride (Ac 2 O), the CTX-modified PEI ( m PEI-CTX) was utilized as a carrier to load chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) in its interior cavity. The m PEI-CTX/DOX complex had excellent water dispersibility and released DOX in a sustainable and pH-dependent manner; furthermore, it showed targeting specificity and therapeutic effect of DOX toward glioma cells in vitro and in vivo (a subcutaneous tumor mouse model). Owing to the unique biological properties of CTX, the m PEI-CTX/DOX complex was able to cross the BBB and accumulate at the tumor site in an orthotopic rat glioma model. In addition, after efficient radiolabeling of PEI with 99m Tc via DTPA, the 99m Tc-labeled complex could help to visualize the drug accumulation in tumors of glioma-bearing mice and the drug delivery into the brains of rats through SPECT imaging. Conclusions These results indicate the potential of the developed PEI-based nanocomplex in facilitating glioma-targeting SPECT imaging and chemotherapy.