bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated repurposing and drug development of pulmonary hypertension therapies for COVID-19 treatment using an AI-integrated biosimulation platform
Authors: Chakravarty Kaushik , Antontsev Victor , Jagarapu Aditya , Bundey Yogesh , Hou Hypatia , Maharao Neha , Varshney Jyotika 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A World Health Organization-declared pandemic, COVID-19, has affected more than 4 million people worldwide with over 100,000 deaths and growing in the United States. Due to the fast-spreading and multi-targeted nature of the virus, it is clear that drugs and/or vaccines need to be developed at an accelerated rate, and a combinatorial approach may stand to be more successful than a single drug therapy. Among several targets and pathways that are under investigation, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and specifically Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and Ca2+ -mediated SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry and replication are noteworthy. A combination of ACE inhibitors (e.g. benazepril) and calcium channel blockers (CCB, e.g. amlodipine), a critical line of therapy for pulmonary hypertension, has shown therapeutic relevance in COVID-19 when investigated independently. To that end, we conducted in silico modeling using BIOiSIM, an AI-integrated mechanistic modeling platform by utilizing known preclinical in vitro and in vivo datasets to accurately simulate systemic therapy disposition and site-of-action penetration of the CCB and ACEI compounds to tissues implicated in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Impact of Anemia on the Outcomes of Endoscopic Intervention in&nbsp;High-Risk NUGIB Patients
Authors: Tan Jixue , Lan Tian , Bai Shuai , liu ling 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: It is common for high-risk, non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NUGIB) patients coexisting anemia, but the role of anemia on the prognosis of endoscopic intervention is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hemoglobin level on outcomes of endoscopic intervention in high-risk NUGIB patients. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on high-risk (Glasgow-Blatchford score ≥7) NUGIB patients who underwent endoscopic intervention within 24h of presentation. Patients were divided into three groups based on hemoglobin level before intervention: severe (<7g/dl), moderate (7g/dl ≤hemoglobin <9g/dl) and mild (≥9g/dl) group. Outcomes included mortality, length of ICU stay, re-bleeding rate, procedural adverse events, length of hospital stay, adverse events and transfusion requirement. Results: A total of 156 patients received endoscopic intervention were identified, 88 in the severe group, 45 in the moderate group, and 23 in the mild group. The total mortality rate in 45 days was 2%, and the re-bleeding rate was 21%. There was no significant difference in mortality, re-bleeding rate or length of ICU stay among the three groups. The average days of hospitalization in the severe group was significantly longer than that of the moderate group (13 vs 8, P < 0.05). No adverse events occurred. Low hemoglobin level was a predictor for more red-cell transfusion (OR=5.94, 2.69-13.11) and plasma transfusion (OR=2.34,1.21-4.51). Conclusions: Anemia does not affect the mortality and rebleeding of endoscopic intervention in high-risk NUGIB patients, but is associated with more transfusion and longer hospitalization.
Using Chiral Magnetic Surface Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Chiral Separation of Ofloxacin
Authors: CHEN ZHAO , Lu Wenzong , Yang Mengxiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOfloxacin is an important drug with anti-bacterial effects, and (–)-ofloxacin has been shown to have better anti-bacterial activity than racemic ofloxacin. But chiral resolution of compounds is a major challenge worldwide. Many methods do not show high specificity to target molecules, causing errors in the separation of these pharmaceutical molecules, thus affecting the purity of drugs.MethodThe paper mainly research on a method for quick resolution of ofloxacin using chiral magnetic surface molecular imprinting polymers (chiral MMIP). Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica is acted as the substrate. Chiral reagent is N-octyl-D-glucosamine as monomer, with ofloxacin as the template molecules to prepare magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymer. The chiral polymer can be combined with (+)-ofloxacin, eventually (-)-ofloxacin was isolated. ResultsFinally by using extermal magnetic field and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the character of magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymer is tested, and The product was tested by ultraviolet spectrum and optical rotation tests and was confirmed to be (-)-ofloxacin. ConclusionA simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for separating chiral compounds was established.
Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 mutations in the United States
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Jiahui , Gao Kaifu , Hozumi Yuta , Yin Changchuan , Wei Guowei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been mutating since it was first sequenced in early January 2020. The genetic variants have developed into a few distinct clusters with different properties. Since the United States (US) has the highest number of viral infected patients globally, it is essential to understand the US SARS-CoV-2. Using genotyping, sequence-alignment, time-evolution, k-means clustering, protein-folding stability, algebraic topology, and network theory, we reveal that the US SARS-CoV-2 has four substrains and five top US SARS-CoV-2 mutations were first detected in China (2 cases), Singapore (2 cases), and the United Kingdom (1 case). The next three top US SARS-CoV-2 mutations were first detected in the US. These eight top mutations belong to two disconnected groups. The first group consisting of 5 concurrent mutations is prevailing, while the other group with three concurrent mutations gradually fades out. We identify that one of the top mutations, 27964C>T-(S24L) on ORF8, has an unusually strong gender dependence. Based on the analysis of all mutations on the spike protein, we further uncover that three of four US SASR-CoV-2 substrains become more infectious. Our study calls for effective viral control and containing strategies in the US.
High thermoelectric performance of environmentally friendly sodium-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 single crystal: Evidence of valleytronics based strategy
Authors: Nagaoka Akira , Yoshino Kenji , Masuda Taizo , Sparks Taylor , Scarpulla Michael , Nishioka Kensuke 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Thermoelectrics (TEs) are an important class of technologies for harvesting electric power directly from heat sources. To design high performace TE materials, valleytronics has great theoretical potential to maximize a dimensionless figure of merit ZT but has not yet been demonstrated experimentally. Pseudocubic structure approach based on valleytronics paves a new path to manipulate valley degeneracy and anisotoropy with low thermal conductivity caused by short-range lattice distortion. Here, we report a record high ZT = 1.6 around 800 K, realized in totally enviromentally benign Na-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) single crystal. The exceptional performance comes from a high power factor while maintaining intrinsically low thermal conductivity. The results demonstrate that valleytronics is a new strategy and direction in the TE field, which takes advantage of simple material nature tuning without complex techniques.
A Poorer Nutritional Status Impacts Quality of Life in a Sample Population of Elderly Cancer Patients
Authors: Rios Tatiane Correia , de Oliveira Lucivalda Pereira Magalhães , Costa Maria Lúcia Varjão da , Boulhosa Ramona Souza da Silva Baqueiro , Roriz Anna Karla Carneiro , Ramos Lilian Barbosa , Bueno Allain A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Rationale: Quality of Life (QoL) is impaired in cancer, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. A diagnosis of cancer in elderly patients further exacerbate risks of negative health outcomes. Here we investigated associations between QoL and nutritional status in a sample population of mostly socially deprived elderly cancer patients.Method: 432 patients with diagnosed cancer were recruited for this cross-sectional study at point of admission to a tertiary referral charitable hospital for cancer treatment. Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) assessed nutritional status. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- General (FACT-G) quantified QoL. PG-SGA outcomes were compared against FACT-G scores employing Mann-Whitney test. Relationship between PG-SGA and QoL scores was assessed by Spearman correlation. Bivariate Linear Regression Model was employed to investigate the influence of sociodemographic, clinical and nutritional status upon QoL.Results: 37.5% of participants were malnourished or at risk. 39% were illiterate and 54.6% had a family income lower than minimum wage. Malnourished patients showed lower FACT-G scores (78.0 vs. 86.0; p=0.000). Poor nutritional diagnosis was inversely correlated with all QoL domains. Bivariate regression analysis showed that worsened PG-SGA scores (βo = -1.00; p = 0.000) contributed to FACT-G score deterioration; the male gender showed less pronounced effects in QoL, whereas literacy and family income did not show relationship.Conclusion: We found that poorer nutritional status was significantly associated with worsened physical, social, emotional and functional well-being domains of QoL in elderly cancer patients. Future policies aimed at this particularly vulnerable population may improve QoL and health outcomes.
One-Year Outcomes of Fixed-Dosing Aflibercept Therapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: A Case Series
Authors: Choo Hun Gu , Lee Jin Hae , Oh Hyun Sub , You Yong Sung , Kim Soon Hyun , Kwon Oh Woong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a type of age-related macular degeneration that can cause permanent vision loss. The purpose of this paper was to report the one-year outcomes of fixed-dosing aflibercept therapy for the treatment of PCV.Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm, interventional case series study of 25 PCV patients; 12 pre-treated and 13 treatment-naïve patients. The patients were treated and monitored for 12 months. Each patient was administered with an aflibercept (2.0 mg) injection every month for the first three months (the loading phase), and thereafter, once every two months. At every follow-up visit, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test, fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography for measuring the central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) were performed. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were conducted at baseline and at 4 and 12 months.Results: After 12 months of aflibercept therapy, the mean BCVA of the patients significantly improved from 65.48 letters at baseline to 69.91 letters (p=0.001), and the CSMT significantly decreased from 406.92 um at baseline to 276.12 um (p<0.001). Additionally, ten patients (40%) showed complete polyp regression. The treatment-naïve patients showed a statistically significant improvement in BCVA from 66.58 letters at baseline to 76.36 letters at 12 months, and a significant decrease in CSMT, from 462 to 243 um. In the pre-treated group, there was no change in BCVA (64.46 letters), and the decrease in CSMT from 356.08 to 303.69 um was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The fixed-dosing aflibercept regimen is effective for treating patients with PCV and is more effective in treatment-naïve patients than in pre-treated patients.
Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery: Experimental Visualization and Quantification of Vitreous Contamination
Authors: Machida Yumiko , Nakashizuka Hiroyuki , Shoji Jun , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To visualize and quantify vitreous contamination following microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) using an experimental vitreous contamination model (EVCM). Methods: Enucleated porcine eyes with fluoresbrite carboxylate microspheres applied to the conjunctival surface were used as a type 1 EVCM. Twenty-five- or 27-gauge (G) trocar cannulas were inserted through the conjunctiva and sclera, followed by the placing and opening of an infusion cannula. These procedures were monitored by an intraocular fiber catheter. Secondly, condensed microspheres were applied to an excised sheet of porcine sclera to serve as type 2 EVCM. Twenty-five- or 27-G trocar cannulas were inserted perpendicularly through the top of the sclera where the condensed microspheres were applied, an infusion cannula was inserted, 0.1 mL of saline solution injected through the infusion cannula, and samples collected. The fluorescence strength of samples was then measured using fluorophotometry. Results: We visually detected fluorescent microspheres in 10/10 eyes with 25-G and 10/10 with 27-G MIVS. In the experimental quantification study, each MIVS gauge value was significantly higher than the control (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between 25-G and 27-G MIVS. Conclusions: MIVS carries the risk of introducing contamination directly into the eyes when the trocar cannula is inserted and infusion cannula is opened, even when a 27-G MIVS is used. Our study has shown it is essential that the surgeon be aware of the possibility of introducing contamination from the conjunctiva at all times during MIVS.
A hybrid procedure for the closure of a large muscular ventricular septal defect in a 6-month-old infant
Authors: Popevski Dijana , Milev Ivan , Despotovska Simona , Rosalia Rodney Alexander , Bibevski Steven , Mitrev Zan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Transthoracic device closure (TTDC), also known as a Hybrid procedure, has been proposed as an alternative, less invasive approach compared to open-heart surgery for the treatment of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Case Presentation: We present our first national case of TTDC in a 6-month-old female baby with a muscular 8mm ventricular septal defect, 3 mm atrial defect, enlarged right and left ventricle and a dilated pulmonary artery complicated by severe pulmonary hypertension.Treatment consisted of two pulmonary artery banding attempts at the age of 2 months to control pulmonary hypertension – the interventions were combined with diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors. Yet, the initial approach was suboptimal as we noticed a failure to thrive continuous sweating and tachypnea. Because of the worsening condition at the age of 6 months, and a weight of 6.6 kg, we performed TTDC. After median sternotomy, a 10mm muscular VSD occluder was implanted under trans-oesophagal echocardiography guidance on the beating heart. The procedure lasted 90 min and was performed without incident; the hemodynamics were stable with only a minor residual VSD. The child was extubated after 2 hours and discharged after five days from the hospital.Conclusions: Transthoracic device closure (TTDC) is a promising treatment modality for large muscular VSD in small infants with low weight. TTDC is feasible in cases with heavy myocardial right ventricle trabeculae and who previously underwent open-heart surgery.
Association of Circulating Leptin and Adiponectin with Risk and Prognosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma: A Combination of Traditional, Survival and Dose-response Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Lilong , Yuan Qihang , Li Man , Chai Dongqi , Wang Wei-Xing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The association between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma has been investigated by a growing number of studies, but the results were controversial. Methods: We performed the meta-analysis to assess the relationships between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (CRD42020195882). Through June 14, 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase databases, Clinicaltrials, and Opengrey was searhed, including references of qualifying articles. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed by at least 2 independent readers. Stata 16.0 was used to calculate statistical data. Results: Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis and results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma group has significantly higher leptin levels than the cancer-free control group (SMD = 1.83, 95% CI (1.09, 2.58), P = 0.000) , the healthy control group (SMD = 4.32, 95% CI (2.41, 6.24), P = 0.000) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = 1.85, 95% CI (0.70, 3.01), P = 0.002). Hepatocellular carcinoma group has significantly higher adiponectin levels than the the healthy control group (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.37, 2.76), P = 0.010), but no statistical difference compared with the cancer-free control group (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (-0.35, 0.82), P = 0.430) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI (-1.30, 0.29), P= 0.213). The leptin rs7799039 polymorphism was associated with an increased the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (G vs A: OR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.002). There were linear relationships between adiponectin levels and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 1.066, 95% CI (1.03, 1.11), P = 0.001). In addition, the results showed that high/positive expression of adiponectin was significantly related to lower overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.22, 2.37), P = 0.002); however, there was no significantly association between the leptin levels and overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.53, 1.59), P = 0.766). Conclusion: The study shows that high leptin levels were associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adiponectin levels were proportional to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and were related to the poor prognosis.
Choroidal Vessel Density in Unilateral Hyperopic Amblyopia Using en-Face Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Araki Syunsuke , Miki Atsushi , Goto Katsutoshi , Yamashita Tsutomu , Yoneda Tsuyoshi , Fujiwara Atsushi , Haruishi Kazuko , Ieki Yoshiaki , Kiryu Junichi , Maehara Goro , Yaoeda Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundStructural changes of the choroid, such as choroidal thickening, have been indicated in amblyopic eyes with hyperopic anisometropia as compared to fellow or healthy eyes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate choroidal vascular density (CVD) in children with unilateral hyperopic amblyopia.MethodsThis study included 88 eyes of 44 patients with unilateral amblyopia due to hyperopic anisometropia with or without strabismus and 29 eyes of 29 age-matched normal controls. The CVD of Haller's layer was quantified from en-face images constructed by 3-dimensional swept-source optical coherence tomography images flattened relative to Bruch's membrane. The analysis area was a 3×3-mm square of macula after magnification correction. Relationships between CVD and other parameters [best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, axial length and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT)] were investigated, and CVDs were compared between amblyopic, fellow, and normal control eyes.ResultsMean CVD was 59.1±0.7% in amblyopic eyes, 59.2±0.8% in fellow eyes, and 59.3±0.7% in normal control eyes. CVD showed a significant positive relationship with SFCT (p=0.005), but no relationships with other parameters. No significant differences in CVD were evident among amblyopic, fellow, and normal control eyes after adjusting for SFCT (p=0.502).ConclusionsCVD was unrelated to BCVA, and CVD did not differ significantly among amblyopic, fellow and normal control eyes. These results suggest that the local CVD of Haller's layer is unaffected in unilateral hyperopic amblyopic eyes.
Measurement and determinants of catastrophic health expenditures among the elderly in China using longitudinal data from the CHARLS
Authors: Liu Shiai , Coyte Peter Christopher , Fu Mingqi , Zhang Qilin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) among Chinese elderly is an issue worthy of attention. However, the incidence, intensity and determinants of CHE have not been fully investigated by previous studies. This study explores the incidence, intensity and determinants of CHE among elderly Chinese citizens, i.e. those aged 60 years or older.Methods: Data were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS): 2011, 2013 and 2015. Cutoff points used in this study for catastrophic health expenditures were 10% of the total expenditures and 40% of non-food expenditures. Under the guidance of the Andersen model of health services utilization, this study used the logistic regression analysis to explore the determinants of catastrophic health expenditures.Results: The incidence of catastrophic health expenditures rose over the study period, 2011-2015, from 20.86% (95% CI: 19.35% to 22.37%) to 31.00% (95% CI: 29.28% to 32.72%) with 40% non-food expenditure. The intensity of CHE had also increased. The Overshoot(O) rose from from 3.12% (95% CI: 2.71% to 3.53%) to 8.75% (95% CI: 8.14% to 9.36%) with 40% non-food expenditure, while the mean positive overshoot (MPO) rose from 14.96% (95% CI: 12.99% to 16.92%) to 28.23% (95% CI: 26.26% to 30.19%), which means that the problem of catastrophic health expenditures was even more serious in 2015 than in 2011. Logistic regression revealed that households were more likely to face CHE if they: had a spouse as a household member, reported an inpatient event in the last year, reported an outpatient visit in the last month, are disabled; are members of a poor expenditure quartile, are located in the middle and western zones and reside in an Urban area. In contrast, catastrophic health expenditures were not significantly affected by age above 75 years, household size, having a chronic health condition or insurance type.Conclusion: Key policy recommendations include efforts to gradually improve medical assistance and to expand the use of health insurance to reduce household liability exposure for health expenditures.