bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroid therapy for corona virus disease 2019-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: a cohort study with propensity score analysis
Authors: Wu Chaomin , Hou Dongni , Du Chunling , Cai Yanping , Zheng Junhua , Xu Jie , Chen Xiaoyan , Chen Cuicui , Hu Xianglin , Zhang Yuye , Song Juan , Wang Lu , Chao Yen-cheng , Feng Yun , Xiong Weining , Chen Dechang , Zhong Ming , Hu Jie , Jiang Jinjun , Bai Chunxue , Zhou Xin , Xu Jinfu , Gong Fengyun , Song Yuanlin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The impact of corticosteroid therapy on outcomes of patients with Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is highly controversial. We aimed to compare the risk of death between COVID-19-related ARDS patients with corticosteroid treatment and those without.
Methods
In this single-centre retrospective observational study, patients with ARDS caused by COVID-19 between 24 December 2019 and 24 February 2020 were enrolled. The primary outcome was 60-day in-hospital death. The exposure was prescribed systemic corticosteroids or not. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 60-day in-hospital mortality.
Results
A total of 382 patients including 226 (59.2%) patients who received systemic corticosteroids and 156 (40.8%) patients with standard treatment were analyzed. The maximum dose of corticosteroids was 80.0 (IQR 40.0–80.0) mg equivalent methylprednisolone per day, and duration of corticosteroid treatment was 7.0 (4.0–12.0) days in total. In Cox regression analysis using corticosteroid treatment as a time-varying variable, corticosteroid treatment was associated with a significant reduction in risk of in-hospital death within 60 days (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25, 0.93; p = 0.0285). The association remained significantly after adjusting for age, sex, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at hospital admission, propensity score of corticosteroid treatment, and comorbidities (HR: 0.51; CI: 0.27, 0.99; p = 0.0471). Corticosteroids were not associated with delayed viral RNA clearance in our cohort.
Conclusion
In this clinical practice setting, low-to-moderate dose corticosteroid treatment was associated with reduced risk of death in COVID-19 patients who developed ARDS.
Culture-negative and culture-positive septic shock: characteristics and clinical outcomes
Authors: Kim June-sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Kim Won Young 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of culture-negative septic shock versus culture-positive septic shock.Methods We performed a retrospective observational study of data from a prospective registry from 2014 to 2018. A total of 2,499 adult patients with septic shock were enrolled. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay, a requirement for mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy, and in-hospital mortality.Results Of 1,718 patients with septic shock, 1,012 (58.9%) patients were culture-positive (blood 803, urine 302, sputum 102, others 204) and the median pathogen detection time was 9.5 hours (aerobic 10.2 hours and anaerobic 9.0 hours). The most common site of infection among the culture-positive was the hepatobiliary tract (39.5%), while for the culture-negative was the lower respiratory tract (38.2%). The culture-negative group had a lower mean body temperature (37.3 vs 37.7 ℃), lactate (2.5 vs. 3.2 mmol/L), C-reactive protein (11.1 vs 11.9 mg/dL), and sequential organ failure assessment score (7.0 vs. 8.0) than that of the culture-positive group. However, 90-day mortality between the groups was not significantly different (32.7 vs 32.2%, p = 0.83), and the other clinical outcomes also did not differ significantly. Moreover, a shorter culture detection time was correlated with a higher sequential organ failure assessment score but not with mortality.Conclusion Patients with septic shock are frequently culture-negative, especially in cases where the infection focus is in the lower respiratory tract. Although culture-negative was associated with degree of organ dysfunction, it was not an independent predictor of death.
Risk factors for mortality in a multicenter cohort of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients in Belgium.
Authors: Lambermont Bernard , Ernst Marie , Demaret Pierre , Boccar Sandrine , Fraipont Vincent , Gurdebeke Christine , Brussel Cedric Van , Quinonez Manuel , Dubois Christophe J.J. , Lemineur Thierry , Njambou Thierry , Akando Benoit , Wertz Damien , Higny Julien , Thys Marie , Maes Nathalie , Canivet Jean-Luc , Kisoka Grace , Layios Nathalie , Ledoux Didier , Massion Paul , Morimont Philippe , Piret Sonia , Robinet Sebastien , Rousseau Anne-Françoise , Wiesen Patricia , Damas Pierre , Parzibut Gilles , Sottiaux Thierry , Lejeune François , François Pierre , Guntz Julien , Jadot Laurent , Foret Frédéric , Delanaye Pierre , Misset Benoit 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Considering the high mortality rate of severe Covid-19 patients, it is necessary to identify prognostic factors and therapies which could be valuable in this setting.Methods: The method consisted in a multicentric retrospective analysis in all consecutive Covid-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanically ventilated for more than 24 hours from March 1 to April 25, 2020.Admission date, age, sex, body mass index, underlying conditions, treatments, physiological values, use of vasopressors, renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, ICU and ventilator-free days at day 42 were collected. Primary outcome was survival. Simple and multiple time-dependent Cox regression models were used to assess the effects of factors on survival. Results: Out of 2003 patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2, 361 were admitted to the participating ICUs, 257 were ventilated for more than 24 hours and 247 were included in the study. The length of stay in ICU was 21 (12-32) days and the mortality rate was 45%. Using multiple regression, risk factors for mortality were age, high serum creatinine value, low mean arterial pressure, low lymphocytes count on day 0 and the absence of corticosteroid therapy during the first week of mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate of the patients who received corticosteroids was 34% and 48% for patients who did not (p = 0.01).Conclusion: In this multicenter cohort, the mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia treated with mechanical ventilation was high. The risk factors for mortality included age, renal and circulatory dysfunction, lymphopenia and the absence of corticosteroid therapy during the first week of mechanical ventilation.
Continuous assessment of neuro-ventilatory drive during 12 hours of pressure support ventilation in critically ill patients
Authors: Mussi Rosa Di , Spadaro Savino , Volta Carlo Alberto , Bartolomeo Nicola , Trerotoli Paolo , Staffieri Francesco , Pisani Luigi , Iannuzziello Rachele , Dalfino Lidia , Murgolo Francesco , Grasso Salvatore 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Pressure support ventilation (PSV) should allow spontaneous breathing with a “normal” neuro-ventilatory drive. Low neuro-ventilatory drive puts the patient at risk of diaphragmatic atrophy while high neuro-ventilatory drive may causes dyspnea and patient self-inflicted lung injury. We continuously assessed for 12 hours the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi), a close surrogate of neuro-ventilatory drive, during PSV. Our aim was to document the EAdi trend and the occurrence of periods of “Low” and/or “High” neuro-ventilatory drive during clinical application of PSV.Method: In 16 critically ill patients ventilated in the PSV mode for clinical reasons, inspiratory peak EAdi peak (EAdiPEAK), pressure time product of the trans-diaphragmatic pressure per breath and per minute (PTPDI/b and PTPDI/min, respectively), breathing pattern and major asynchronies were continuously monitored for 12 hours (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). We identified breaths with “Normal” (EAdiPEAK 5 - 15 mV), “Low” (EAdiPEAK < 5 mV) and “High” (EAdiPEAK >15 mV) neuro-ventilatory drive.Results: Within all the analyzed breaths (177.117), the neuro-ventilatory drive as expressed by the EAdiPEAK, was “low” (<5 mV) in 50.116 breath (28 %), Normal (5-15 mV) in 88.419 breaths (50 %) and High (>15 mV) in 38.582 breaths (22 %). The average times spent in “Low”, “Normal” and “High” class were 1.37 hours, 3.67 hours and 0,55 hours, respectively (p < 0.0001), with wide variations among patients. Eleven patients remained in the “Low” neuro-ventilatory drive class for more than one hour, median 6.1 [3.9 - 8.5] hours and 6 in the “High” neuro-ventilatory drive class, median 3.4 [2.2 – 7.8] hours. The asynchrony index was significantly higher in the “Low” neuro-ventilatory class, mainly because of a higher number of missed efforts.Conclusions: We observed wide variations in EAdi amplitude and unevenly distributed “Low” and “High” neuro ventilatory drive periods during 12 hours of PSV in critically ill patients. Our data suggest that PSV might result in periods of over or under-assistance. Further studies are needed to assess the possible clinical implications of these physiological findings.
A stacking ensemble learning framework for genomic prediction
Authors: Liang Mang , Chang Tianpeng , An Bingxing , Duan Xinghai , Du Lili , Wang Xiaoqiao , Miao Jian , Xu Lingyang , Gao Xue , Zhang Lupei , Li Junya , Gao Huijiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Machine learning (ML) is perhaps the most useful for the interpretation of large genomic datasets. However, the performance of a single machine learning method in genomic selection (GS) was unsatisfactory in existing research. To improve the genomic predictions, we constructed a stacking ensemble learning framework (SELF) integrated three machine learning methods to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). Results: We evaluated the prediction ability of SELF by three real datasets and compared the prediction accuracy of SELF, base learners, GBLUP and BayesB. For each trait, SELF performed better than base learners, which included support vector regression (SVR), kernel ridge regression (KRR) and elastic net (ENET). The prediction accuracy of SELF had an average 7.70% improvement compared with GBLUP in three datasets. Except for the milk fat percentage (MFP) traits of the German Holstein dairy cattle dataset, SELF more robust than BayesB in the remaining traits.Conclusions: In this study, we utilized a stacking ensemble learning framework (SELF) to genomic prediction and it performed much better than GBLUP and BayesB in three real datasets with different genetic architecture. Therefore, we believed SEFL had the potential to be promoted to estimate GEBVs in other animals and plants.
Ethnobotanical Characterization of Medicinal Plants Used in Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu Terroirs, Kongo-Central Province in DR Congo
Authors: kembelo Pathy Kibungu , Bakwaye Favien Nzuki , Katula Honoré Belesi , Vanhove Wouter , Damme Patrick Van 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The phytotherapeutic knowledge of the Kongo people in the terroirs of Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu in Kongo-Central Province (DR Congo) is rapidly eroding. To document the remaining knowledge, we conducted an ethnobotanical survey on the most important medicinal plant species and diseases treated with them, as well as plants with therapeutic potential. We also verified how medicinal knowledge differs between different social groups.Method: From June 2017 until February 2018 and from February until April 2019, we conducted a survey with 188 phytotherapists, selected using the snowball method and surveyed using semi-structured interviews. Voucher specimens were taken for identification. Ethnobotanical database was analyzed using medicinal Use Value (UVs), Informant Agreement Ratio (IARs), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Species Therapeutic Potential (STP). Medicinal knowledge between different social groups was analyze using non parametric tests and the Poisson regression. Results: A total of 231 plants (i.e. 227 botanical species, representing 192 genera and 79 families) were reportedly used to treat 103 diseases. Most abundant taxa were reported for the Fabaceae family (11.9 %) and genus Solanum (1.8%). Most harvested species (45,0%) were from anthropized areas. Most frequent plant part, botanical form, preparation and administration method were leaves (39.4%), herbs (37.1%), decoction (41.7%) and oral ingestion (72%) respectively. Four of all inventoried species showed high UV S (> 0.05), whereas 8 had an IAR of 1. According to respondent consensus on plant use, 31 diseases were mentioned. Highest ICF (≥ 0,4) were observed for hemorrhoids (0.44), amoebiasis (0.43) and itchy rash (0.42). Fifty-four plant species were identified likely to have interesting therapeutic potential. Analysis of medicinal knowledge showed that the mean number of reported species and diseases vary considerably depending on gender, type and location of therapists (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Results prove that the Kongo phytopharmacopoeia makes use of interesting medicinal plant species that could be further studied for conservation and pharmacological applications.
Automatic load-distributing band CPR (AutoPulseTM) in prone position: A feasibility study in a mechanical model
Authors: Pietsch Urs , Knapp Jürgen , Wenzel Volker , Lischke Volker , Albrecht Roland 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to SARS-CoV-2 respiratory failure, prone positioning of patients with respiratory and hemodynamic instability has become a frequent intervention in intensive care units (ICUs), and even in patients undergoing transfer in an ambulance or helicopter. The question becomes how to perform safe and effective CPR in prone position, achieving both an optimal outcome for the patient and optimal protection of staff from infection.Materials and Methods: We conducted a feasibility study to assess the effects of CPR with an automatic load-distributing band (AutoPulseTM) in prone position. Results: In supine position, AutoPulseTM generated a constant pressure depth of 3 cm at a frequency of 84/min. In prone position, AutoPulseTM generated a constant pressure depth of 2.6 cm at a frequency of 84/min.Conclusion: We found that AutoPulseTM CPR was feasible in manikins in both prone and supine positions.
Hordatines as a Potential Inhibitor of COVID-19 Main Protease and RNA Polymerase: An In-Silico Approach
Authors: Mostafa  , Mohammed  , Hatem  
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Total 40 natural compounds were selected to perform the molecular docking studies to screen and identify the potent antiviral agents specifically for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The key targets of COVID-19, protease (PDB ID: 6M0K, 6Y2F and 7BQY) and RNA polymerase (PDB ID: 7bV2) were used to dock our target compounds by Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) version 2014.09. After an extensive screening analysis, 20 compounds exhibit good binding affinities to one or more of the COVID-19 targets. 7 out of 20 compounds were predicted to overcome the activity of the 4 drug targets. The top 7 hits are compounds; Flacourticin (3), Sagerinic acid (16), Hordatine A (23), Hordatine B (24), N-feruloyl tyramine dimer (25), Bisavenanthramides B-5 (29) and Vulnibactins (40). According to our results, all these top hits was found to have a better binding scores than Remdesivir, the native ligand in RNA polymerase target (PDB ID: 7bV2). Hordatines are phenolic compounds present in barley, were found to exhibit the highest binding affinity to both protease and polymerase through forming strong hydrogen bonds with the catalytic residues, as well as significant interactions with other receptor-binding residues. These results probably provided an excellent lead candidate for the development of therapeutic drugs against COVID-19. Eventually, animal experiment and accurate clinical trials are needed to confirm the preventive potentials of these compounds.
The inhibitory effects of metabolites from Bacillus pumilus on potato virus Y and the induction of early response genes in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Shen Shuo , Li Wei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
To develop a new antiviral preparation from a microbial source, the halophilic bacterium Bacillus pumilus E303035 was isolated from a soil sample collected at Qarhan Salt Lake in Qinghai, China. The inhibitory activity of an ethyl acetate extract of its fermentation broth was higher than that of an n-butanol extract. After isolation and purification, 9 compounds were obtained: cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) (1), cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) (2), Brevianamide F (3), 2-(3-Indolyl) ethanol (4), N-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl) ethyl] acetamide (5), 3, 3-di(1H-indol-3-yl)propane-1,2-diol (6), Lincomycin B (7), dibutylphthalate (8), and p-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol (9). Compounds 1, 5, and 9 showed inhibitory activities against potato virus Y (PVY). Compounds 1, 4, and 9 had significant inhibitory activity against genes HC-pro, P3, and Nib, compound 5 against gene P3, and compounds 1 and 4 against NIa. Compounds 1, 4, 5, and 9 had significant inhibitory activity against genes VPg and 6K1. Active compounds 1, 5, and 9 had various effects on the expression of viral genes related to pathogenesis. Expression of genes cullin and XTH was up-regulated and CP was down-regulated, compared to the positive control. In conclusion, compounds 1, 5, and 9 might be considered as potential antiviral agents for future development.
Short Stem Hip Arthroplasty Provides a More Physiological Load Transfer: a Comparative Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Yan Shuang G , Chevalier Yan , Liu Fanxiao , Hua Xingyi , Schreiner Anna , Jansson Volkmar , Schmidutz Florian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Short stem total hip arthroplasty (SHA) preserves femoral bone stock and is supposed to provide a more natural load transfer compared to standard stem total hip arthroplasty (THA). As comparative biomechanical reference data are rare we used a finite element analysis (FEA) approach to compare cortical load transfer after implantations of a cementless short and standard stem in native biomechanical femora.Methods: The subject specific finite element models of biomechanical femora, one native and two with implanted SHA (Metha, B.Braun Aesculap) and standard THA (CLS, Zimmer-Biomet), were generated from computed tomography datasets. The loading configuration was performed with an axial force of 1400 N. Von Mises stress was used to investigate the change of cortical stress distribution.Results: Compared to the native femur, a considerable reduction of cortical stress was recorded after implantation of SHA and standard THA. The SHA showed less reduction proximally with a significant higher metaphyseal cortical stress compared to standard THA. Moreover, the highest peak stresses were observed metaphyseal for the SHA stem while for the standard THA high stress pattern was observed more distally.Conclusions: Both, short and standard THA, cause unloading of the proximal femur. However, SHA features a clearly favorable pattern in terms of a lower reduction proximally and improved metaphyseal loading, while standard THA shows a higher proximal unloading and more distal load transfer. These load pattern implicate a reduced stress shielding proximally for SHA and might be able to translate in a better bone preservation.
Toll-like receptor 5-mediated signaling enhances liver regeneration in mice
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Lei , Sun Xue-Hua , Liu Xian , Xiao Yang , Zhang Jie , Wang Ting , Chen Hui , Zhan Yi-Qun , Yu Miao , Ge Chang-Hui , Li Chang-Yan , Ren Guang-Ming , Yin Rong-Hua , Yang Xiao-Ming 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5)-mediated pathways play critical roles in regulating hepatic immune response and show hepatoprotective effect in mouse models of liver injury. However, the role of TLR5 in experimental models of liver regeneration has not been investigated. This study aims to determine the role of TLR5 in the partial hepatectomy (PHx)-induced liver regeneration.
Methods
We performed 2/3 PHx in wild-type (WT) mice, TLR5 knockout mice, or TLR5 agonist CBLB502 treated mice as an established model of liver regeneration. Bacterial flagellin content was measured by ELISA, and hepatic TLR5 expression was determined by real-time PCR analyses and flow cytometry. To study the effects of TLR5 on hepatocyte proliferation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The role of TLR5 in the priming of liver regeneration was examined by real-time PCR analyses of immediate early gene mRNA levels, as well as western blot analysis of hepatic NF-κB and STAT3 activation. Cytokines and growth factors production after PHx were detected using real-time PCR analyses and cytometric bead array (CBA) assays. Oil Red O staining and hepatic lipids concentrations were analyzed to examine the effect of TLR5 on hepatic lipid accumulation after PHx.
Results
The bacterial flagellin content in serum and liver was increased and the hepatic TLR5 expression was significantly up-regulated in WT mice upon PHx. TLR5-deficient mice exhibited reduced numbers of BrdU- and PCNA-positive cells, suppressed immediate early gene expression, and decreased cytokines and growth factors production. Moreover, PHx-induced NF-κB and STAT3 activation was inhibited in the liver of Tlr5−/− mice compared with WT mice. Consistently, administration of CBLB502 significantly promoted PHx-mediated hepatocyte proliferation correlated with enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines and recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils in liver. In addition, Tlr5−/− mice displayed significantly decreased hepatic lipids concentrations and Oil Red O positive areas compared with WT mice after PHx.
Conclusions
We reveal that TLR5 activation is involved in the initial events of liver regeneration after PHx. Our results demonstrate that TLR5 signaling positively regulates liver regeneration and suggest a potential application of TLR5 agonist in promoting liver regeneration.
Inhibition of SIRT6 Potentiates the Anti-Tumor Effect of Doxorubicin through Suppression of the DNA Damage Repair Pathway in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Zhongkai , Ha Sang Hoon , Moon Young Jae , Hussein Usama Khamis , Song Yiping , Kim Kyoung Min , Park See-Hyoung , Park Ho Sung , Park Byung-Hyun , Ahn Ae-Ri , Lee Sang-A , Ahn Su Jin , Kim Jung Ryul , Jang Kyu Yun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
SIRT6 has diverse roles in cells, and the role of SIRT6 in tumorigenesis is controversial. Considering the role of SIRT6 as an inducer of DNA damage repair, it might be involved in resistance to anti-cancer therapy.
Methods
We evaluated the prognostic significance of SIRT6 in 37 osteosarcomas and investigated the therapeutic efficacy of SIRT6 on the anticancer effects of doxorubicin, olaparib, and ATM inhibitor.
Results
Immunohistochemical expression of SIRT6 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival and relapse-free survival of osteosarcoma patients, especially in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. In U2OS and KHOS/NP osteosarcoma cells, knock-down of SIRT6 significantly potentiated apoptotic effects of doxorubicin and SIRT6 overexpression induced resistance to doxorubicin. Moreover, SIRT6 induced the DNA damage repair pathway and SIRT6-mediated resistance to doxorubicin was attenuated by blocking the DNA damage repair pathway with olaparib and ATM inhibitor.
Conclusions
This study suggests that suppression of SIRT6 in combination with doxorubicin might be an effective modality in the treatment of osteosarcoma patients, especially for osteosarcomas with shorter survival with high expression of SIRT6.