bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Associated Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in a Hospitalized Cohort in Oregon
Authors: Vanni Holly , Jou Austin D , Choo Christine E , Walter Eric C. , Mularksi Richard A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background/Objective: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2) is a novel coronavirus strain that most commonly affects the respiratory system with observational studies and case reports suggesting this virus may target the central nervous system. To date there has been one case report of COVID-19 related acute necrotizing encephalopathy.Methods: Observational study of COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals of a large metropolitan health maintenance organization serving over 600,000 members using retrospective electronic and radiographic medical record evaluation across 4 months (March – June of 2020) after multiple cases of acute necrotizing encephalopathy were diagnosed.Results: During this time frame 216 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, 106 (49%) required hospitalization, 21 (20%) required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 18 (17%) required intubation. Of the 18, 4 (22%) had clinicoradiologic evidence of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) diagnosed, two with associated areas of hemorrhage.Conclusions: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) with or without hemorrhage, is a rare CNS disease, usually seen in childhood as a complication of viral infections. We identified a high percentage of COVID-19 patients with clinicoradiologic evidence of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in our cohort. To our knowledge, ANE has not been reported in patients with SARS or MERS. Understanding the pathogenesis, neurotropism and effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is important in developing treatments and improving morbidity and mortality.
Prediction of COVID-19 prognosis by heterogeneity analysis based on chest CT scans
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhang Bei , Zou Jiani , Gao Lichen , Zhang Jian , Qiu Huaiming , Huang Wencai 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to estimate clinical outcome in individual COVID-19 patient by using histogram heterogeneity analysis based on CT opacities. 57 COVID-19 cases’ medical records were retrospectively reviewed from a designated hospital in Wuhan, China. Two characteristic lung abnormity opacities, ground-glass opacity (GGO) and consolidation opacity (CLO) were drawn on CT images to identify the heterogeneity by using quantitative histogram analysis. The parameters (mean, mode, kurtosis, skewness) derived from histograms evaluate the accuracy of clinical classification and outcome prediction. Nomograms were built to predict the risk of death and median length of hospital stays (LOS), respectively. The most highly frequency of lung abnormalities was GGO mixed with CLO in both survival population (26 in 42, 61.9%) and died population (10 in 15, 66.7%). The best performance heterogeneity parameters to discriminate severe type from mild/moderate counterparts were as following: GGO_skewness: specificity=66.67%, sensitivity=78.12%, AUC=0.706; CLO_mean: specificity=70.00%, sensitivity=76.92%, AUC=0.746. Nomogram based on histogram parameters can predict the individual risk of death and the prolonged median LOS of COVID-19 patients. C-indexes were 0.763 and 0.888 for risk of death and prolonged median LOS, respectively. The histogram analysis method based on GGO and CLO has the ability for individual risk prediction in COVID-19 patients.
Characterization of Bovine Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induced by Histamine
Authors: Zhou Ershun , Wu Zhikai , Zhu Xingyi , Li Peixuan , Wang Jingjing , Yang Zhengtao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHistamine plays an central role in many allergic diseases including allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, and is also involved in bovine laminitis through regulating immune responses. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation is a novel effector mechanism of neutrophils to defend against various stimuli. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of histamine on bovine NET formation and examined its fundamental molecular mechanisms. ResultsFirstly, the effects of histamine on neutrophil viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The results showed that histamine had no significant influence on neutrophil viability. Then we characterized histamine-triggered NET formation by confocal microscopy and PicoGreen-derived NETs quantification. Confocal microscopy analyses illustrated NET structures by co-localizing the main components of NETs, and NET quantification revealed that histamine-triggered NETs were released in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 proteins were significantly elevated in histamine-challenged neutrophils. By applying functional inhibitors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase (NADPH oxidase), ERK and p38, histamine-triggered NETs were markedly reduced, indicating their importance in histamine-triggered NET formation. ConclusionsOur findings described histamine-triggered NET formation, and revealed its potential molecular mechanisms via NADPH oxidase, ERK and p38 pathways. This is the first study to depict NET formation induced by histamine, which could provide a new insight into histamine-related diseases.
Malaria Risk and Vulnerability of Communities Due to Climate Change in India
Authors: Hussain Syed Shah Areeb , Singh Poonam , Dhiman Ramesh C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria is an erstwhile public health problem that is further compounded in India due to diverse climatic conditions, ecology, socio-developmental indicators and the imminent threat of climate change. Mapping of malaria risk using climatic and ecological factors has been assessed to some extent but the vulnerability by taking into consideration the human factors i.e. socio-economics and adaptive capacity, in climatically vulnerable areas is not known. The present communication deals with determining the risk and vulnerability at district level by taking into account the hazard due to climate change, population exposed, ecological sensitivity and the community’s adaptive capacity.Methods: Based on the IPCC framework, relevant indicators for the dimensions of risk (Hazard, Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity) were identified from literature and was used to develop indices. Data for each indicator was obtained through government websites. Weights for different indicators were assigned using principle component analysis and the indices were aggregated to develop a district wise risk and vulnerability profile of India.Results: Malaria risk was found to be highest in Bihar (Ri=0.7) due to very low adaptive capacity coupled with high sensitivity. In some states with high climatic hazard and/or sensitivity for malaria, such as Tripura, Mizoram, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, high Adaptive capacity acted as a buffer, reducing the overall risk of malaria. Further, malaria risk is projected to be introduced for the first time in some districts of Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh by 2030s due to the effects of climate change. Conclusion: The results of the study highlight the importance of various socio-development indicators in representing a holistic view of malaria risk. Adaptive capacity emerged as an important index as it could help counter the effects of climate change on malaria by enabling the community to cope with the adverse effects.
Microwave Ablation Efficacy Evaluation of Bone Tissue Based on Near Infrared Spectrum
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Yu Zhou , Meng Lin , Qian Zhiyu , Li Weitao , Lu Shengfang , Chen Ye 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:Microwave hyperthermic tumor ablation has played an important role in the treatment of bone tumors because of its obvious curative effect, less side effects and fewer complications. The real-time evaluation of the curative effect in microwave ablation of bone tumors is a research tissue. In this paper, it proposes to study the ablation effect of bone tissue by near-infrared spectroscopy and optical parameters. First, bone tissue heating experiment was used to verify the difference in bone tissue near-infrared spectrum before and after heating. Results: In bone tissue microwave ablation experiment, it studied the changes of tissue near-infrared spectrum and optical parameters (reduced scattering coefficient, slope factor, area factor) during specific microwave ablation conditions. It was found that some factors (area(500-550), slope(524-532) and slope(565-570)) changed significantly, correlated with microwave ablation time, which could be used as evaluation factors of microwave ablation. Conclusions: The results lay a foundation for the development of a new method for real-time evaluation of ablation efficacy.
Comprehensive Primer Sets and Cost Efficient Multiplex PCR-based eDNA Sequencing for Community Dynamics of Cyanobacteria, Eukaryotic Phytoplankton and Zooplankton in Lake
Authors: Zou Shanmei , Smith Lydia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundComprehensive and accurate monitoring of aquatic microbial diversity will greatly improve the understanding of marine and freshwater ecology, to which cost efficient high-throughput environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing with effective primers will contribute. Yet our understanding about the aquatic microorganism diversity remains in its infancy due to the diversity complexity and limited gene markers. The algae blooms in lake often cause serious environmental and social problems.MethodsWe developed simple and cost efficient multiplex PCR-based eDNA Illumina sequencing and new gene primers for community diversity, spatio-temporal dynamics and interaction of cyanobacteria, eukaryotic phytoplankton and zooplankton in Lake Tai by large samples. A total of 9 gene barcodes (three regions of 18S, 28S, 23S, two regions of 16S and two regions of rbcL) are used, out of which primers of 18S-v4-5, 28S, 16S-new and two rbcL markers are newly designed. ResultsThe taxonomic assignments of all gene barcodes at each of species, genus, family and phylum level differed from each other. The 23S, 16S and 16S-new are all high effective for detecting cyanobacteria. The 28S could be as useful universal marker for detecting eukaryotic phytoplankton and zooplankton. The 18S-v4-5 shows more variation than 18S-v1-3 and 18S-v9. Two new rbcL markers specifically assign Chlorophyta and Cryptophyta successfully. The cyanobacteria abundance accounts for the highest proportion among all taxa detected for both spring and summer, followed by zooplankton, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta. The phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity varies significantly from spring to summer, but shows no much geographic difference. Most interactions among phytoplankton and zooplankton are positive in the molecular ecological network. The temperature is shown as the remarkable environmental factor affecting the diversity of phytoplankton and zooplankton seasonally. ConclusionsIt is critical to employ multiple effective gene markers for accurate microbial diversity detection in lake. Our simple and cost efficient multiplex PCR-based eDNA sequencing with effective primer sets would contribute to aquatic phytoplankton and zooplankton monitoring. The diversity of cyanobacteria, eukaryotic phytoplankton and zooplankton in Lake Tai varies significantly from spring to summer, but shows no much geographic variation. The temperature is shown as the remarkable environmental factor affecting the diversity.
Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Emergency Resources – An Observational Multicenter Study Including All Hospitals in a Major Urban Center of the Rhein Ruhr Metropolitan Region
Authors: Bergrath Sebastian , Strapatsas Tobias , Tuemen Michael , Reith Thorsten , Deussen Marc , Aretz Olaf , Hohn Andreas , Lahm Andreas 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to severe disruption in social life and economics. The present study should analyze the impact of the local COVID-19 epidemic on emergency resources for all hospitals in a major urban center (Moenchengladbach, Germany). Methods: An observational multicenter study was performed involving all four acute care hospitals. Systemic parameters department (ED) parameters from week 4 to 24 in 2020 were compared to the corresponding period in 2019 for each hospital and in a summative data analysis using a logistic regression model. Outcomes: ED visits, ED to hospital admission, ED to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, medical specialties of admitted patients, work related accidents. Results: In week 9/2020 the first SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were detected in our region. All hospitals decided to minimize elective admissions to ensure operational capability for COVID-19 patients. The summative number of ED visits dropped from 34,659 to 28,008. Numbers decreased from week 8 on between 38% and 48% per week per hospital at the maximum and began to rise again from week 16 on. The pooled data analysis showed statistically significant decreases in outpatient ED visits (20,152 vs. 16,477, p=<0.001), hospital admissions of ED patients (14,507 vs. 11,531, p=<0.001), and work-related accidents (2,290 vs. 1,468, p=<0.001). The decrease in admissions from ED to ICU did not reach statistical significance (2,093 vs. 1,566, p=0.255). The decline in ED cases was mainly caused by a decrease in non-trauma and non-surgical patients. Conclusion: The regional COVID-19 outbreak led to significantly reduced ED contacts after the first COVID-19 cases appeared. Even the admissions to the hospitals and the number of ED to ICU-admissions decreased, which is potentially dangerous, because the ratio of emergency outpatients vs. inpatients remained stable. Therefore, one can assume that patients with severe medical problems did not seek ED care in many cases. The decline of patients was earlier than in other German hospitals and in contrast to the findings in the U.S. and Italy where ED visits and hospital admissions in medical disciplines increased.
The evaluation of the long-term influence of the Kinesio Taping method on the selected parameters in patients with rotator cuff lesions: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wróbel Magdalena , Bac Aneta , Ogrodzka-Ciechanowicz Katarzyna , Zalewski Mateusz , Michalik Edyta , Ścisłowska-Czarnecka Anna 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of our study was to assess the influence of KT on the pain, range of motion and muscle strength of the rotator cuff during long-term rehabilitation process. Methods In pre post treatment randomized controlled trial took part sixty outpatients with the rotator cuff injury. Thirty participants were assigned into a researched group in which Kinesio Taping was combined with a six-week rehabilitation program and a control group (30 patients) in which only rehabilitation program was employed. Patients underwent functional testing according to the protocol of Orthopaedic Medicine Cyriax and were subjected to the measurement of muscle strength using Biodex System 4 dynamometer. ResultsThe therapy brought positive results in both groups when it comes to the increase of their muscle strength and the improvement of the upper limb functionality. Better effects were achieved by the therapy that used Kinesio Taping method, although the differences were not statistically significant. ConclusionsThe use of the Kinesio Taping method combined with the rehabilitation program gave the same results as the employment of the rehabilitation program alone in reference to the pain, range of motion and muscle strength of the rotator cuff. Trail Registration This study was registered prospectively in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). ACTRN12617000624381.https://www.anzctr.org.au/ ACTRN12617000624381.
Long non-coding RNA TUG1/microRNA-29/PTEN axis in ischemia-reperfusion in a rat model
Authors: Xu Zhiquan , Huang Xiaoyan , Lin Qiuyu , Xiang Wei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is increased under ischemia. This study intended to identify the potential competing endogenous RNA network involving TUG1 in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).Methods: A rat model of acute renal injury induced by I/R was established, and the differentially expressed genes were analyzed by microarray. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatine (SCr), methylenedioxyphetamine (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum of rats were measured. HE staining evaluated the pathological damage of renal tissues, western blot analysis detect the levels of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins, immunofluorescence staining detected LC3 fluorescence intensity, and transmission electron microscope observed autophagosomes. Pull-down assay and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were used to verify the targeting relationship among TUG1, miR-29 and PTEN. The effects of TUG1 on biological behaviors of renal tubular cells were evaluated by simulating the acute renal injury induced by I/R in vitro.Results: In vivo, the levels of BUN, SCr and MDA in serum of I/R-treated rats were increased, SOD level and autophagosomes were reduced, tubule epithelial cells were necrotic, and TUG1 was upregulated in renal tissues of I/R-treated rats, which were reversed by TUG1 knockdown. Autophagy inhibition attenuated the protective effect of TUG1 knockdown on I/R-treated rats. TUG1 could competitively bind to miR-29 to promote PTEN expression. In vitro, low expression of TUG1 promoted proliferation and autophagy of renal tubular cells and inhibited apoptosis.Conclusion: TUG1 knockdown promotes autophagy and improves acute renal injury in I/R-treated rats by binding to miR-29 to silence PTEN.
Survival and Predictors of Mortality Among Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit in Southern Ethiopia: A Multi-center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Abate semagn Mekonnen , Assen Sofia , Yinges Mengistu , Basu Bivash 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The burden of life-threatening conditions requiring intensive care unit has grown substantially in low-income countries related to an emerging pandemic, urbanization, and hospital expansion. The rate of ICU mortality is varied from region to region in Ethiopia. However, body of evidence on ICU mortality and its predictors is uncertain. This study was designed to investigate the pattern of disease and predictors of mortality in Southern Ethiopia.Methods: After obtaining Ethical clearance from institutional Review Board (IRB), a multi-center retrospective Cohort study was conducted among three teaching referral hospital ICUs of southern Ethiopia from June, 2018 to May, 2020. Five hundred and seventeen Adult ICU patients were selected. Data were entered in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 and STATA version 16 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were run to see the overall distribution of the variables. Chi square test and odds ratio were determine to identify the association between independent and dependent variables. Multivariate analysis was conducted to control possible confounders and identify independent predictors of ICU mortality.Results: The mean (± SD) of the patients admitted in ICU was 34.25(±5.25). The overall ICU mortality rate was 46.8%. The study identified different independent predictors of mortality. Patients with cardiac arrest were approximately 12 times more likely to die as compared to who didn’t, AOR=11.9 (95% CI:6.1 to 23.2).Conclusion: The overall mortality rate in ICU was very high as compared to other studies in Ethiopia as well as globally which entails a rigorous activity from different stakeholders.
Comparison of Serum Progesterone Levels of the Day of Frozen Embryo Transfers According to Type of Endometrial Preparation: A Monocentric, Retrospective Study
Authors: Pouget Olivier , Zuna Irma , Bonneau Marine , Tailland Marie Laure , Neveu-Ripart Sylvie , Rougier-Maillard Nathalie , Poirey Sophie , Huberlant Stéphanie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Live birth rate following embryo transfer is comparable between natural cycle and hormonal therapy. However, pregnancy loss rate appears elevated with hormonal therapy, possibly due to luteal insufficiency, characterised by a low level of serum progesterone in the luteal phase. The primary objective of this study, was to determine whether serum progesterone level on transfer day differed according to endometrial preparation method in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET). Secondary objectives were to compare the clinical pregnancy with foetal heartbeat rate and pregnancy loss rate according to endometrial preparation method and to compare the level of serum progesterone on the transfer day between pregnancy loss and pregnancy with foetal heartbeat.Methods: Forty-seven natural/stimulated cycles and 68 artificial cycle FET were retrospectively studied from May to December 2019 from a single French hospital. The primary endpoint was the level of serum progesterone on the day of FET. The type of infertility, aetiology, serum basal FSH, LH, oestradiol and AMH dosage, endometrial thickness, clinical pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss rate, and maternal and embryo characteristics were compared between natural/stimulated cycle (OS group) and artificial cycle (AC group). Results: Mean serum progesterone level on embryo transfer day was 25.47 ng/mL in the OS group versus 14.32 ng/mL AC group (p <0.0001). There was no significant difference in demographic and hormone characteristics (age, type of embryo, type of infertility, basal FSH, LH, oestradiol and AMH levels), endometrial thickness, number and type of embryos transferred, duration of infertility, pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss rate. Body mass index was lower in the OS group than AC group (22.9 kg/m2 vs 24.8 kg/m2, p=0.03). No difference was found in serum progesterone level between clinical pregnancy with foetal heartbeat and pregnancy loss (respectively 17.48 ng/mL vs 20.82 ng/mL, p=0.7 and 22 ongoing pregnancies and 12 pregnancy loss).Conclusions: Serum progesterone level on FET day is lower with endometrial preparation with artificial cycle than with a natural/stimulated cycle. Further research is necessary to determine if this difference has any relation with higher pregnancy loss rate with artificial cycle.