bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and CT Characteristics of Medical Personnel with the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan
Authors: Xiong Ying , Zhang Qiang , Sun Dong , Li Xiaoming , Zhu Wenzhen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the clinical and chest CT characteristics of medical personnel infected with the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19).Methods: The clinical, laboratory test and computed tomography (CT) features of 30 medical personnel (MP group, 26-65 years, 16 males) with COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed, and compared to 33 non-medical related patients (non-MP group, 26-74 years, 19 males). Follow-up CT characteristics were analyzed to assess the changes of the COVID-19 infection in the period of hospitalization.Results: At admission, the main complaints of MP group, including fever (86.7%), fatigue (53.3%) and cough (43.3%), were similar to the non-MP group; the C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lactate dehydrogenase levels of the non-MP group (55.6±45.9mg/L, 34.7±26.3mm/H and 321±117U/L) were higher than that of the MP group (17.8±19.9mg/L, 18.6±21.3mm/H and 219±54.2U/L, respectively, all p<0.05). Ground-grass opacities, consolidation, interstitial thickening were common CT features of both groups. The days from illness onset to the first CT exam, and the severity of opacities on initial CT were less in the MP group than that of the non-MP group (p<0.05). However, the days from onset to observation of the most obvious pulmonary opacities, according to CT findings, were similar in the MP group (11.5±5.9 days) and the non-MP group (12.2±3.1 days, p=0.55).Conclusions: Like the general population, medical personnel are also susceptible to the COVID-19, although with more professional knowledge and protective equipment. Occupational exposure is a very important factor. Medical personnel have a higher vigilance about the infection in the early stage of the disease.
The effects of aerobic exercise training with octopamine supplementation on cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by deep frying oil: the role of caspase and pro-Caspase 3
Authors: kianmehr Pantea , Azarbayjani Mohammad Ali , Peeri Maghsoud , Farzanegi Parvin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Mitophagy is the optional decadence of mitochondria by autophagy and mostly happens to defective mitochondria following damage or stress. Several studies indicated that mitophagy may offer protection against myocyte death induced by cardiac ischemia. On the other hand, the activation of caspase can lead to programmed cell death such as apoptosis and necrosis. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of aerobic exercise and octopamine on cardiomyocytes proliferation and mitophagy and also changes in caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 expression of rat exposed deep frying oil.

Methods

30 mail wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6 in each) including 1) control (CO), 2) deep frying oil (DFO), 3) deep frying oil + exercise (DFO+EXE), 4) deep frying oil + octopamine (DFO+OCT), and 5) deep frying oil + exercise + octopamine (DFO+EXE+OCT). The apoptotic effects of DFO in heart tissue were examined by TUNEL assay. Masson's trichrome stain used to study cardiomyocytic fibers. Moreover, caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 genes and proteins expression in all groups was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot method, respectively.

Results

Data showed a significant increase in apoptotic cells in the DFO-treated group (P<0.05). In Masson's Trichrome stainanalysis demonstrated more cardiomyocytic fibers degradation and aggregation lymphocytic cells in DFO that exercise and OCT signisicantly improve this degradation. Also, the expression level of caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 was significantly decrease in deep frying oil + exercise + octopamine group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

According to the result of the current study, it can be assumed that DFO can lead to programmed cell death via the activation of caspase in heart tissue. However it seems that aerobic exercise with octopamine supplementation improve heart tissue by significantly decrease expression of caspase 3 and pro-caspase 3 that inhibit apoptosis.
Risk factors for the adverse cardiac outcomes in the patients with Takayasu’s arteritis.
Authors: Wang Yu-Jiao , Ma Li-Li , Yan Yan , Sun Ying , Wang Yong-Shi , Dai Xiao-Min , Ji Zong-Fei , Ma Ling-Ying , Chen Hui-Yong , Liu Yun , Jiang Lindi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : This study was aimed to investigate the long-term cardiac outcomes and find out risk factors for the deterioration of cardiac structure and function in patients with Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK).Methods : One hundred and ninety-eight TAK patients were recruited in the Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2012 to December 2017. The endpoint of observation was December 31, 2019. Patients were divided into normal, mild-moderate and severe subgroups based on the severity of structural and functional impairment of heart. Comparison of baseline characteristics and treatment among these three subgroups was conducted to identify the risk factors for adverse cardiac outcomes.Results : A total of 60.1% (119/198) of TAK patients exhibited heart involvement on echocardiography at baseline. 70.6% (84/119) and 79.8% (95/119) cases showed pathological valvular and atrioventricular abnormalities, respectively. 68.7% (136/198) of patients were followed up and the median follow-up duration was 28.6 (12.3-43.4) months. 42.7% (58/136) and 22.8% (31/136) of patients had progress in heart’s structure and function. Cox regression showed that serum TNF-α level (HR=1.028, p= 0.021), aortic regurgitation (HR=3.109, p<0.001) and ventricular hypertrophy (HR=2.090, p= 0.006) at baseline were risk factors for the deterioration of cardiac structure. The cases with serum TNF-α levels (≥8.1pg/ml), mild aortic regurgitation and ventricular hypertrophy at baseline had highest risk of structural progression at 83.4%. Using normal subgroup as a control, the deterioration of cardiac structure and function was the most severe in the severe subgroup, with hazard ratios of 16.2 (95% CI, 6.0-44.1, p < 0.001) and 9.0 (95% CI, 3.3-24.5, p<0.001), respectively. The deteriorating events typically occurred within 2 years after diagnosis.Conclusions : To find out if there is heart involvement and progress, it’s indispensable to regularly monitor the serum TNF-α level and cardiac structure in TAK patients during the long-term follow-up.
Rapid Declines in Systolic Blood Pressure Are Associated With an Increase in Pulse Transit Time
Authors: Schaanning Sebastian , Skjærvold Nils Kristian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Substantial investigation has been made into the correlation between Pulse Transit Time (PTT) and Blood Pressure (BP), as a possible route to achieve continuous non-invasive measurement of BP (cNIBP). We investigated whether PTT-trends could model BP-trends during episodes of rapid declines in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP). Methods: From the freely available Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) waveform database, we identified subjects who experienced a reduction in SBP from ≥ 120mmHg to ≤ 90 mmHg during a period of ≤ 15 minutes, for whom complete peak detection was possible. SBP was extracted from the Arterial Blood Pressure (ABP) waveform, and PTT was calculated from the R-peak of the ECG to the peak of the ABP waveform. Both SBP and PTT were processed using a moving average filter, yielding the variables SBP AV and PTT-RA AV . A moving average of continuous heart rate (HR AV ) was also analysed as a negative control to assess the effect of averaging. The intra-individual association between variables was assessed per subject using linear regression. Results: 511 patients were included for the main analysis. Median correlation coefficients (r) obtained from linear regression versus SBP AV were as follows: PTT-RA AV -0.93 (IQR -0.98 to -0.76), HR AV 0.46 (IQR -0.16 to 0.83). Regression slopes for the relationship between SBP AV and PTT-RA AV displayed a median of -2.46 mmHg/ms (IQR -3.47 mmHg/ms to -1.61 mmHg/ms). In supplementary analysis, results did not differ substantially when widening inclusion criteria, but the results were not always consistent within subjects across episodes of hypotension. Conclusions: In a large cohort of critically ill patients experiencing episodes of rapid declines in systolic blood pressure, there was a moderate-strong intra-individual correlation between averaged systolic blood pressure and averaged pulse transit time as measured from ECG R-peak to the peak of the arterial blood pressure waveform. Our findings encourage further investigation into using the pulse transit time for non-invasive real-time detection of hypotension.
Improved Absolute Quantification using Bayesian Penalized Likelihood Reconstruction on a Digital PET/CT – Towards True Uptake Measurement
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Qin Zhixing , Huang Bin , Guo Binwei , Hao Xinzhong , Wu Ping , Zhao Bin , Xie Jun , Li Sijin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background To evaluate the quantification accuracy, we measured the recovery coefficient (RC) and contrast recovery (CR) in a phantom study and used it as a guide in clinical evaluation about digital positron emission tomography -computed tomography (PET/CT). Methods The RC and CR of the PET images reconstructed with 4 different methods [ordered subsets expectation maximazation (OSEM), time of flight(TOF), TOF-point spread function (PSF), bayesian penalized likelihood (BPL)] were measured in the phantom study. And, SUVmax and SUVmean (the maximum and mean of the standardized uptake values, SUVs) of 75 small pulmonary nodules (sub-centimeter group: <10 mm and medium size group: 10 - 25 mm) from 26 patients were measured with those methods. For lesions smaller than 3 times of the spatial resolution, partial-volume-effect correction (PVC) based on RC values was performed. Results BPL enables higher RC and CR values, which can improve quantification accuracy compared with other methods (P < 0.05), except for the RC of 37 mm sphere (P > 0.05). The SUVs of sub-centimeter fludeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid pulmonary nodules with BPL illustrated highly significant difference from those reconstructed with other algorithms (P<0.001). However, reconstruction algorithms had less impact on SUVs measured in medium group (P>0.05). With the PVC, highly significant difference (P<0.001) still existed in the SUVmean measured on BPL compared with those measured on the other 3 algorithms, although PVC had the least effect on BPL. Conclusions BPL on the digital PET/CT demonstrated improved quantification accuracy. For small pulmonary nodules, PVC is important.
Effect of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the muscular properties of Gastrocnemius muscle
Authors: López-de-Celis Carlos , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Bueno-Gracia Elena , Fanlo-Mazas Pablo , Zárate-Tejero Carlos Antonio , Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Cadellans-Arróniz Aida , Rodríguez-Rubio Pere Ramón 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Diacutaneous fibrolysis is a noninvasive technique that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder pain, lateral epicondylalgia, patellofemoral pain syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, while diacutaneous fibrolysis is applied to soft tissue, its effects on muscular properties are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis on muscle properties as measured by tensiomyography and myotonometry in asymptomatic subjects. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial with a blinded evaluator was performed. A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the gastrocnemius muscle was applied to one limb (treated limb group) and the other limb was the control (control limb group). Subjects were assessed with tensiomyography and myotonometry before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1) and 30 minutes later (T2). The primary outcomes were tensiomyography and myotonometry variables. The intra-group comparison was performed with repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test or Freidman test with Wilcoxon post hoc test. In the between-group comparisons, a paired t test or Wilcoxon test was used. Results: The treated limb group showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.014) in tensiomyography parameters. A decrease in rigidity and increase in relaxation was also observed on myotonometry at T1, with some of the effects being maintained at T2. Rigidity and relaxation at T1 were statistically significant between groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis to the gastrocnemius muscle of asymptomatic subjects produced immediate changes in muscle properties. These changes were maintained 30 minutes after the application of the technique. Trial registration: NCT03963674. Keywords: Diacutaneous Fibrolysis, Tensiomyography, Myotonometry.
Psychological Distress In Canadian Men And Women With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Exploring The Differential Role Of Social Support
Authors: Fowler Ken , Walsh Nyissa , Morgan David 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience significant levels of psychological distress which is often moderated by social support. PTSD prevalence and symptomology gender differences tend to exist, and this may have important implications for the potential differential impact of social support. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to explore levels of psychological distress and social support in a sample of 364 Canadian adults reporting a PTSD diagnosis by a health professional, and to examine the link between specific social support types and psychological distress overall, and for males and females separately. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, national data file, 117 male and 247 female Canadian adults aged 20-64 reporting PTSD were profiled using the Social Provisions Scale – Short Form (SPS-SF), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and compared to a sex, age and frequency matched control group without a PTSD diagnosis. Social support subtype scores were subsequently regressed onto psychological distress.Results: The PTSD sample had psychological distress scores that were more than double that of the matched control group, and were significantly lower in overall social support, and on each subscale. A diagnosis of PTSD was found to moderate the effect of social support on psychological distress, and while higher social integration and income predicted lower distress overall, higher reliable alliance scores, personal income, and lower age predicted lower distress for men, and higher social integration but lower guidance scores predicted lower distress for women.Conclusions: Social support subtypes were differentially associated with psychological distress experienced by those with PTSD depending on gender, and this may have important implications for clinical practice.
Comparison of periodontal status between middle-aged human and the Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Bingpeng Lin , Zhong Mei , Gao Hongbin , Zhou Zijun , Ser Hooi-Leng , Wu Lihong , Lee Learn-Han , Chen Jianming , Ge Linhu , Wang Lijing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Having an adverse impact on systemic health, periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which is characterized by the loss of integrity in tooth-supporting tissues. Middle-aged human (MAH) have been reported to have a higher incidence of periodontitis and a greater extent of bone loss. Although the similar dental anatomy and physiology as humans, whether middle-aged monkey (MAM) has the same disease phenotype as MAH is unclear. Furthermore, literature comparing the periodontal status between MAH and MAM is limited. Methods: Therefore, four female middle-aged Macaca fascicularis and five middle-aged woman were used to evaluate the periodontal status before evaluating possible mechanism that may explain the difference between these two primates. CBCT examination and histological analysis were performed to characterize the periodontal condition, while 16s rRNA sequencing was done to explore the oral microbial profiles of two groups. Results: The present study revealed a more severe disease phenotype in MAH than in MAM, along with significantly higher levels of alveolar bone loss and increased blood vessels and inflammatory cells infiltration. High-throughput gene sequencing demonstrated that the diversity of salivary microorganisms in MAH was lower than that of MAM. In addition, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the MAH was higher than MAM, while Bacteroidetes showed a totally opposite trend. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Alloprevotell, Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, Gemella and Porphyromonas in the MAH group were significantly less than that of the MAM group. Conclusions: Altogether, these results demonstrated a potential link that may explain for the difference in inflammatory status in the oral cavity of MAH and MAM – the oral microbiota, prompting further investigation to explore specific roles of these bacterial population in the maintenance of oral health.
Smokers’ perspectives of tobacco dependency medications and medication adherence during a quit attempt in an urban NHS stop smoking service : a qualitative study
Authors: Sanders Carol Jane , LINDENMEYER Antje , MARRIOTT John 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Smoking and poor medication adherence are both associated with increased morbidity, mortality and immense costs for the healthcare system. Numerous studies have investigated the barriers and facilitators of medication adherence among patients with chronic disease. However, the factors influencing adherence to medication targeted to reduce smoking remain unexplored. In order to achieve further reduction of smoking prevalence, improvement of medication adherence is essential. Thus, this study aims to uncover and understand adult smokers’ attitudes towards adherence to medication to reduce tobacco dependence. Methods: A purposive approach was used to recruit smokers aged over 18 and motivated to quit using pharmacotherapy. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of eleven smokers who were engaged with a NHS Stop Smoking Program. Data were thematically analysed using PRIME theory . Results: Smokers were active decision makers regarding their tobacco dependence medications. Adherence was influenced by smokers’ evaluations, plans, access to support and experiential learning, highlighting the need for tailored adherence support. Conflicting views about medication were held by all participants. Side effects, fear of dependency and inability to stop cravings influenced initiation and adherence. Electronic cigarettes were viewed negatively. Adherence was influenced by their unique psycho-social contexts including deep-rooted personal rejection and, fear of medicines. These attitudes influenced smokers’ beliefs, decisions about quitting and the role and use of medications in the quitting process. Conclusions: Tobacco dependency is a unique treatment context with specific adherence issues. Lay perspectives of medications to support quit attempts differ from the medical viewpoint. Adherence to tobacco dependency regimens is a challenging goal, inhibited by many complex factors. There is a need for smoking cessation interventions to respond to individual medication beliefs and concerns to help to build a smoker’s confidence that an individual can take their tobacco dependency mediation as prescribed and maximise benefits.
Investigating Occupational Stress of Disaster and Emergency Medical Management Center 115 and the Role of Demographic Variables in Kermanshah, Iran
Authors: Kalhori Reza Pourmirza , Gheshlaghi Parvin Abdi , Toghroli Razie , Garosi Vahid Hatami , Abbas Jaffar , lebni Javad Yoosefi , Salahshoor Mohammad Reza , Kianipour Neda , Azizi Seyyed Amar , Ziapour Arash 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The first and one of the most important chains of providing care to patients is pre-hospital emergency medical services. Personnel employed in this sector are at risk of occupational stress due to the nature of their job which can affect their health and quality of services provided to patients. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the occupational stress of the personnel of disaster and emergency medical management center 115 and the role of demographic variables in 2019.Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. 200 medical emergency personnel of Kermanshah province were selected through stratified sampling and according to inclusion criteria. A two-part questionnaire including demographic information and HSE standard questionnaire were used for collecting data. Finally, descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test and one-way ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Significance level was considered P<0.05. Results: The mean score of total occupational stress was 3.41±0.26. The highest and the lowest stress levels related to the role dimensions was calculated (4.34±0.35) and changes (2.72±0.86). There was a significant relationship between stress level with age, marital status, educational level, type of base of work place and hours of work per month, while there was no relationship between type of employment and work experience with stress level. Conclusion: Emergency medical personnel experience a high level of occupational stress. Senior managers can use the results of similar studies to think measures to reduce the experience of employees' stress.
Comparison of glucose, acetate and ethanol as carbon resource for production of acetyl-CoA derived chemicals in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Sun Shenmei , Ding Yamei , Liu Min , Xian Mo , zhao guang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Acetyl-CoA is a fundamental metabolite in Escherichia coli, and also a precursor for biosynthesis of chemicals and materials suitable for multiple applications. The acetyl-CoA synthesis route from glucose presents low atomic economy due to the release of CO2 in pyruvate decarboxylation reaction. Because ethanol and acetate, both ordinary and inexpensive chemicals, can be converted into acetyl-CoA directly, they could be alternative substrates for production of acetyl-CoA derivatives. Results: In this study, the bifunctional reductase AdhE mutant (A267T/E568K), which converts ethanol into acetyl-CoA, was used to enable E. coli to grow on ethanol, and AMP-forming acetyl-CoA synthetase ACS was employed to enhance the ability of E. coli to utilize acetate. Several products derived from acetyl-CoA, including polyhydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxypropionate, and phloroglucinol, were produced from glucose, ethanol, and acetate, respectively, by engineered E. coli strains. Compared with glucose and acetate, the strains grown on ethanol presented the highest production and yield of carbon source, and metabolome analysis revealed the reasons of high yield from ethanol. Conclusions: The conversion of ethanol into acetyl-CoA presents high atomic economy along with generation of reducing power, and the yield of target chemical from ethanol is much higher than those from glucose and acetate. All these results suggested that ethanol could be a suitable carbon source for production of acetyl-CoA derived bioproducts.