bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological Manifestations and Complications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yassin Ahmed , Nawaiseh Mohammed , Shaban Ala' , Alsherbini Khalid , El-Salem Khalid , Soudah Ola , Abu-Rub Mohammad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The spectrum of neurological involvement in COVID-19 is not thoroughly understood. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review with meta-analysis and a sub-group comparison between severe and non-severe cases has been published. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of neurological manifestations and complications, identify the neurodiagnostic findings, and compare these aspects between severe and non-severe COVID-19 cases.Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies published between the 1st of January 2020 and 22nd of April 2020. In addition, we scanned the bibliography of included studies to identify other potentially eligible studies. The criteria for eligibility included studies published in English language (or translated to English), those involving patients with COVID-19 of all age groups, and reporting neurological findings. Data were extracted from eligible studies. Meta-analyses were conducted using comprehensive meta-analysis software. Random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled percentages and means with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of individual studies on the summary estimate. A subgroup analysis was conducted according to severity. The main outcomes of the study were to identify the frequency and nature of neurological manifestations and complications, and the neuro-diagnostic findings in COVID-19 patients.Results: 44 articles were included with a pooled sample size of 13480 patients. The mean age was 50.3 years and 53% were males. The most common neurological manifestations were: Myalgia (22.2%, 95% CI, 17.2% to 28.1%), taste impairment (19.6%, 95% CI, 3.8% to 60.1%), smell impairment (18.3%, 95% CI, 15.4% to 76.2%), headache (12.1%, 95% CI, 9.1% to 15.8%), dizziness (11.3%, 95% CI, 8.5% to 15.0%), and encephalopathy (9.4%, 95% CI, 2.8% to 26.6%). Nearly 2.5% (95% CI, 1% to 6.1%) of patients had acute cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). Myalgia, elevated CK and LDH, and acute CVD were significantly more common in severe cases. Moreover, 20 case reports were assessed qualitatively, and their data presented separately.Conclusions: Neurological involvement is common in COVID-19 patients. Early recognition and vigilance of such involvement might impact their overall outcomes.
Predictive methodology of the probability ranges of total deaths from Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) in China, Turkey, and Brazil
Authors: Rodríguez Javier , Prieto Signed , Rivera Carlos , Jattin Jairo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: A country without strategies to limit the spread of a pandemic would likely result in a dramatic increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths. Objective: to design a methodology based on probability theory to Predict the dynamics of total deaths due to Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) in three countries. Methods:the total number of deaths from COVID-19 was systematized, from the day the first report was made public until April 17th, 2020 in China, Turkey, and Brazil. Eight ranges were established, which have a maximum and minimum value to correlate with the total COVID-19 deaths in each of these three countries. Next, the frequency of occurrence of each range and its probability were calculated. Subsequently, these same steps were performed, but in sub-spaces of eight consecutive days. Results: the predictions gave probability values of 5.2E-43 for China, 4.4E-21 for Turkey and 7.9E-21 for Brazil. In orders of magnitude, China has a difference of 22 compared to the other two countries that have not reached the collapse of the health system that occurred in China. Additionally, the probability of the sub-spaces of these three countries reveals changes in the different ranges as the virus spreads. Conclusions: the probability values allow distinctions to be made between the dynamics of deaths from COVID-19 in different countries, additionally contributing to follow-up on pandemic mitigation interventions.
The real seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in France and its consequences for virus dynamics.
Authors: Dimeglio Chloe , Loubes Jean-Michel , Miedougé Marcel , Herin Fabrice , Soulat Jean-Marc , Izopet Jacques 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread world-wide since December 2019, affecting millions of people and killing thousands. The recent use of serological tests to measure the effective seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population has led us to assess the consequences of a much lower than expected seroprevalence on the real dynamics of the virus in the population. Our prediction models assumed a 4.2% seroprevalence in Occitania and it has turned out to be only 1.3% (CI 95%: 0.6% - 2.6%, binomial method). This implies a lower than expected virus transmission rate , which may be due to infectivity varying with the patient’s symptoms or to a constraint due to an uneven population geographical distribution.
Clinical Analysis to the Cause of Hand Injuries and Its Countermeasures During the COVID-19 Outbreak and Work Resumption Period
Authors: Jin Qianjun , Zhou Haiying , lu hui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Under the new circumstance of COVID-19 pandemic, a full cognition of hand injury patterns may help with the injury prevention of the factories and management of medical institutions.Methods: 38 patients were admitted to the orthopedics department with an emergent hand injury, were retrospectively collected from January 23th, 2020 to March 23,2020 . Information about demographics, type of injury, location of the injury, side of the lesion, mechanism of the injury, place where injuries occurred, surgical management and outcome was collected.Results: The number of total emergency visits of hand injury during the outbreak of COVID-19 decreased 37% from the same period of last year, and during the work resumption it had achieved an increase of 25.7%. Most of the injured patients during the stage of COVID-19 outbreak were women (60%) with a mean age of 56.7, while in the stage of work resumption were men (82.1%) with a mean age of 47.4. Most of the injury occurred at work (60.7%), and machine injury was the most frequent injury mechanism (67.9%). Fingers were the most common injured part. The majority of the injuries were classified to be minor or moderate (90%) in the outbreak, and major (42.9%) in the work resumption.Conclusion: We found an increased number of hand injuries, especially machine injury during the period of people returning to work after the outbreak of COVID-19. Medical institutions should be aware of the pattern of hand injuries during this special time in order to prepare services accordingly. Level of evidence: Level IV.
A Novel and Simply Calculated Cardiac Load Index Correlates With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Si Yueqiao , Fan Wenjun , Liu Jingyi , Gao Xiuxin , Han Chao , Liu Tong , Sun Lixian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: No cardiac load index (CLI) has been established for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We propose a simple method for calculating CLI and explore the association of CLI with CAD.Methods: We enrolled 4145 consecutive inpatients with suspected stable CAD from December 2011 to June 2017 at the Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital. All patients were divided into the CAD (n=2914) and the NCAD groups (n=1231) according to coronary computed tomography angiography. We retrospectively collected data and calculated the CLI values of all patients. The receiver operating characteristic diagnostic test analysis was performed with CLI≥77, CLI≥125, CLI≥171, CLI≥217, and CLI≥264, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models were established to determine the risk factors of CAD. Results: The CLI was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the NCAD group and higher in the male than in the female subgroup (both P<0.001). CLI≥171 was the diagnostic cut-off value. The predictive power of CLI≥171 for CAD improved after considering other risk factors. CLI≥171 is a new independent risk factor for CAD, and is an independent risk factor for CAD in males and females (all P<0.001).Conclusions: Increased CLI is an independent risk factor for CAD, it may be used as a predictor for the prevalence for CAD to improve diagnosis and prevention.
Value of Quantitative Analysis of Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Based on Myocardial Work Technique
Authors: Liu Chang , Feng Yi-Ping , Yan Zi-Ning , Fan Li , Rui Yi-Fei , Cui Ling 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: This study investigated the clinical value of the myocardial work technique for the quantitative analysis of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).Methods: A total of 58 MHD patients and 29 normal subjects were registered in this study. The MHD patients were divided into the non-left ventricular hypertrophy (NLVH) group (n=32) and the LVH group (n=26) according to the LV myocardial index (LVMI). Automated function imaging was used to analyze the dynamic images of the LV myocardium obtained in two-, three-, and four-chamber views. The blood pressure was inputted to generated the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), myocardial global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE), and peak strain dispersion (PSD). GLS, PSD, and the MW parameters (GWI, GCW, GWW, GWE) were compared between groups and the correlations between these parameters and the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were examined. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of MW parameters and GLS for the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD patients with LVH.Results: The LVH group had significantly lower GWE, GWI, GCW, and GLS but higher GWW and PSD than the control and NLVH groups. Compared with the control group, the NLVH group had significantly lower GWE and GLS and higher GWW, but no significant differences in GWI, GCW, and PSD were observed between these two groups. The LVEF was negatively correlated with GWW in MHD patients, but positively correlated with GWI, GWE, and GCW. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis revealed that in the LVH group, GWE, GWW, GWI, and GCW had appreciable AUC, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluating LV function in LVH patients. Conclusion: MW parameters can be effectively used to evaluate the LV systolic function in MHD patients with or without LVH.
Synthesis and sintering of nanocrystalline Ce3+ - doped yttria nanoparticles prepared by precipitation method
Authors: Govindan Nibu Puthenpurayil , Michálková Monika , Švančárek Peter , Klement Róbert , Galusek Dušan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Cerium doped yttrium oxide (Y 1.999 Ce 0.001 O 3 , Y 1.995 Ce 0.005 O 3, Y 1.99 Ce 0.01 O 3 ) nanoparticles have been synthesized by precipitation method with ammonium hydroxide as a precipitation agent. Partly agglomerated powders with the primary size of Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles with the mean size of ~ 55 nm and cubic crystal structure were prepared. The green compacts were prepared from alcoholic suspension with PEG as a dispersant by vacuum-pressure filtration. The green bodies reached relative density over 43 % while relative density of sintered specimens (1550 °C/3 h) were in all cases close to 98 %. All sintered ceria doped samples displayed dense microstructure with closed porosity and monomodal grain size distribution. The samples exhibit light emission in the blue wavelength range, centred at 430 nm.
Effectiveness-Analysis of one-stage Operation for Combined Ankle Fracture and III Degree Lateral Ligament Injury: A Retrospective Study of 23 Cases
Authors: Zhu Chunquan , Deng Linglong , Zhang Chong , Yu Guorong , Yu Li 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Ankle fracture is often accompanied by injuries of lateral collateral ligaments, which results in ankle instability and traumatic arthritis in the later period, causing pain and discomfort in patients. However, the repair of the lateral collateral ligament is still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the operative outcome of one-stage simultaneous repair of the foot and ankle fracture combined with the III grade injury of lateral ligament. Methods: 15 males and 8 females (mean age 37.8 [10.5] years) underwent X-ray and CT scan to determine the type of fracture. MRI, Ultrasound and intraoperative fluoroscopic stress testing were applied to confirm the ligament injury. After the operative treatment of fracture, the ruptured ligament was repaired with suture anchor in 21 cases, meanwhile 1 case combined with chronic ankle instability was repaired with modified Broström-Gould method and another case with middle ligament rupture was applied with the InternalBrace approach. Routine postoperative X-rays and physical examination were carried out, and the American Orthopaedic Food & Ankle Society score was recorded to assess the function and the pain of the wounded ankle. Results: After the operation, the range of ankle motion in all patients was improved, and the bone healing time of the patients was 6-24 (10.09±3.61) weeks. There was no chronic instability of lateral ankle or subtalar joint in all the cases. Moreover, 2 cases presented as cartilage lesions of the medial talus, and the micro-fracture surgery were performed one year later; 1 case suffered from subtalar arthritis, and underwent subtalar arthrodesis 14 months after operation. Furthermore, the patients’ last follow-up AOFAS score was (83.70±4.69) points. There was no occurrence of adverse events and complications such as neurovascular injury, infection or delayed healing of operative incision.Conclusions: One-stage simultaneous repair of the foot and ankle fracture combined with the III grade injury of lateral ligament contributes to the stability of ankle and subtalar joint, and improves the joint function of ankle. It proved to be safe and effective.
Trends in oral corticosteroids use in severe asthma: a 14-year population-based study from Canada
Authors: Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Khakban Amir , Tavakoli Hamid , Ehteshami-Afshar Solmaz , Lynd Larry , FitzGerald J Mark 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Oral corticosteroids are important components of pharmacotherapy in severe asthma. Our objective was to describe the extent, trends, and factors associated with exposure to oral corticosteroids (OCS) in a severe asthma cohort.Methods: We used administrative health databases of British Columbia, Canada (2000–2014) and validated algorithms to retrospectively create a cohort of severe asthma patients. Exposure to OCS within each year of follow-up was measured in two ways: maintenance use as receiving on average ≥2.5 mg/day (prednisone-equivalent) OCS, and episodic use as the number of distinct episodes of OCS exposure for up to 14 days. Trends and factors associated with exposure on three time axes (calendar year, age, and time since diagnosis) were evaluated using Poisson regression.Results: 21,144 patients (55.4% female; mean entry age 28.7) contributed 40,803 follow-up years, in 8.2% of which OCS was used as maintenance therapy. Maintenance OCS use declined by 3.8%/calendar year (p<0.001). The average number of episodes of OCS use was 0.89/year, which increased by 1.1%/calendar year (p<0.001). Trends remained significant for both exposure types in adjusted analyses. Both maintenance and episodic use increased by age and time since diagnosis.Conclusions: This population-based study documented a secular downward trend in maintenance OCS use in a period before widespread use of biologics. This might have been responsible for a higher rate of exacerbations that required episodic OCS therapy. Such trends in OCS use might be due to changes in the epidemiology of severe asthma, or changes in patient and provider preferences over time.
VASP is upregulated by WDR5-MYC nexus and promotes cell migration in breast cancer
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Tian Yihao , Chen Fangfang , Gao Yang , Xu Jingjing , Jiang Qi , Wei Lei , Zhang Jingwei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Backguroud: Breast cancer is one of the most threatening diseases for women, whose metastasis and recurrence are important causes of death in breast cancer patients. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is a cytoskeletal regulatory protein that promotes invasion and metastasis of tumor cells by regulating cell migration. Bioinformatics data indicated that H3K4me3, WDR5 and MYC co-enriched in the VASP promoter region. Aims: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the regulatory function and mechanism of WDR5-MYC nexus complex on VASP in breast cancer.Method: In this present study, the expression of VASP in breast cancer and adjacent normal tissues was detected by RT-qPCR. The enrichment of H3K4me3, WDR5 and MYC on the VASP promoter was analyzed by ChIPseeker R package and verified by ChIP-PCR. The interaction of H3K4me3, WDR5 and MYC in breast cancer cells was detected by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Transcriptional activation function of MYC on VASP was detected by site-directed mutagenesis and dual fluorescence reporter system. The regulatory effect of WDR5 on breast cancer cell migration was tested by wund healing and transwell.Result: VASP is up-regulated in breast cancer tissues as compared with adjacent normal tissues. There is interaction between H3K4me3, WDR5 and MYC and co-enrichment on the VASP promoter. MYC can activate VASP transcription by binding to the VASP promoter-842 binding site. WDR5 and MYC can enhance the migration ability of breast cancer cells by up-regulating VASPConclusion: Our results suggest that WDR5-MYC nexus can activate the transcription of VASP by binding to the VASP promoter region, and promote the migration of breast cancer by up-regulating the expression level of VASP.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Ceftazidime-Avibactam Versus Colistin-Meropenem in the Treatment of Infections Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Colombia
Authors: Varón-Vega FA , Castaño N , Lemos E , Reyes Juan Manuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Ceftazidime-Avibactam (CAZ-AVI) may offer a significant advance over previously antimicrobials against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CAZ-AVI compared to colistin-meropenem (COL+MEM) in the treatment of CRE infections in ColombiaMethods: A decision tree model was developed from healthcare system perspective assuming a 30-day time horizon. Inputs were derived from a published observational study. The clinical course was simulated based on treatment response between 48-72 hours, and the duration of the treatment was 7-14 days. The clinical failure was assumed as the addition of an antibiotic. The model considered that combination therapy of COL+MEM was not superior to monotherapy to reflect real clinical behavior. Cost inputs were extracted from a published Colombian manual tariffs and official databases, expressed in 2019 dollars (USD). Utility values were from published literature. The sensitivity analyses were performed.Results: In the base case analysis, CAZ-AVI was associated with reduced mortality, length of hospital stay and fewer add-on antibiotics, resulting in an increase of 1.76 QALYs per patient versus COL+MEM. and incremental costs associated in CAZ-AVI were $2,521 higher per patient compared to COL+MEM ($755 versus $3,276). The incremental costs were partially increased due to the lower mortality rate observed with CAZ-AVI. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated to be $3,317 per QALY. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, with a willingness to pay above $2,438, CAZ-AVI has a higher probability of being cost-effective.Discussion: CAZ-AVI demonstrates cost-effectiveness as a treatment for CRE infections by reducing the number of deaths and increasing QALYs.
COVID19 Response in low-income country: The case of a Lockdown in Zambia
Authors: Muzyamba Choolwe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

The onset of the covid19 pandemic has sparked heated debate among scholars on the relevance of lockdowns. There are those in favor of the lockdown and others who are critical of it. However, despite the increased interest in understanding the relevance of lockdowns, there still has not been much focus on its relevance in low income countries like Zambia. Thus with the help of the SRT, we set out to explore and document the local characterization of the lockdown by residents of Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

A qualitative study in the form of interviews was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia involving a sample of 68 participants. Due to the lockdown measures that were in place during the study, the interviews were conducted via phone calls and the data collected were later analyzed by use of thematic analysis technique.

Results

The lockdown was on one hand lauded for slowing down the incidence rates, preventing fatalities, and for protecting the healthcare system from collapse. On the other hand, it was criticized for exacerbating poverty levels, unemployment rates, increasing the rate of mental health problems, aiding gender based violence, and intensifying political repression and corruption. The results speak to the complexity in the characterization of the lockdown as a response to covid19 in Zambia. This observation demonstrates the folly of viewing, applying and characterizing the covid19 lockdown as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in Zambia.

Conclusion

Thus rather than definitely establishing the lockdown as an incontestable good, as it is depicted by some scholars or as useless by its critics, our findings instead demonstrate the diversity and complexity in how it is locally viewed by Zambians. The study provides grounds for caution on simplistic and binary characterization of lockdowns. It indicates the need for careful dialog between the designers of lockdowns and citizens in order to tailor such interventions to local realities in context-specific ways. It also shows that though the development of such interventions, all the various and complex elements it embodies must be taken into account in order to realize optimum outcomes.