bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on outpatient therapy with iloprost for Systemic Sclerosis digital ulcers
Authors: Crisafulli Francesca , Lazzaroni Maria-Grazia , Zingarelli Stefania , Rossi Mara , Tincani Angela , Franceschini Franco , Airò Paolo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction and objectivesThe outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic imposed temporary changes in the management of patients with chronic diseases. We analyzed the impact of COVID-19 epidemic in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) receiving intravenous iloprost infusions for digital ulcers (DU) treatment.MethodsDuring the epidemic, iloprost infusion therapy in our Hospital was guaranteed; patients were regularly contacted by telephone before the scheduled infusions. DU were evaluated with DUCAS (DU Clinical Assessment Score).ResultsBetween 20th February and 31st May 2020, 47/64 SSc patients did not receive at least one of the scheduled infusions, for patients fear and/or logistical difficulties (43 cases), COVID-19 (2), or other intercurrent diseases (2). At the last evaluation before 20th February DUCAS was not different between patients who stopped the therapy and those who continued it. The 2 groups had similar rate of new DU during the emergency period, but DUCAS slightly increased during therapy discontinuation, decreasing after resuming it. After COVID-19, one patient underwent a fingertip sub-amputation, and an 85-year-old male with multiple comorbidities died for complications related to the infection.ConclusionsMost SSc patients briefly discontinued iloprost therapy, without increase of new DU number, but with a slight increase of their severity. The regular telephonic contact helped the management that, although not optimal, was adapted to the needs of the individual patient during this emergency period. DUCAS proved to be a useful tool for rheumatologists. COVID-19 had serious consequences in the two patients who contracted it.
Exogenous coronavirus interacts with endogenous retrotransposon in human cells
Authors: Yin Ying , Liu Xiao-zhao , He Ximiao , Zhou Li-quan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: There is an increased global outbreak of diseases caused by coronaviruses affecting respiratory tracts of birds and mammals. Recent particularly dangerous coronaviruses are MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, causing respiratory illness and even failure of several organs. However, profound impact of coronavirus on host cells remains elusive. Results: Here, we go deep into transcriptome of MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infected human lung-derived cells, and observed that infection of these coronaviruses all induced increase of retrotransposon expression through upregulation of TET genes. Similar upregulation of retrotransposon was also observed in SARS-CoV-2 infected human intestinal organoids. Retrotransposon upregulation will lead to increased genome instability and more frequent readthrough from retrotransposon to dysregulate gene expression. People with higher basal level of retrotransposon like cancer patients and aged people will have increased risk of symptomatic infection. Additionally, we show evidence supporting long-term epigenetic inheritance of retrotransposon upregulation. We also observed significant amount of chimeric transcripts of retrotransposon and SARS-CoV-2 RNA for potential human genome invasion of viral fragments, with the front and the rear part of SARS-CoV-2 genome being easier to form chimeric RNA, and this may apply for other coronaviruses. Here we suggest that primers and probes for nucleic acid detection should be designed in the middle of virus genome to identify live virus with higher probability. Conclusions: In summary, we propose that infection of coronaviruses especially SARS-CoV-2 induce retrotransposon activation, formation of chimeric coronavirus-retrotransposon RNA, and elicits more severe symptoms in patients with underlying diseases. More attention may need to be paid to potential harm contributed by retrotransposon dysregulation in treatment of coronavirus-infected patients.
A Study of the Spatial Network Structure of the Health Economy in China: Benefits and Spillover Effects on Patient Mobility
Authors: Fu Liping , Kaibo Xu , Feng Liu , Lu Liang , Zhengmin Wang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The distribution of medical resources in China is seriously imbalanced due to imbalanced economic development in the country, and unbalanced distribution of medical resources makes patients try to seek better health services. Against this backdrop, this study aims to analyse the spatial network characteristics and spatial effects of China's health economy ,and then find evidence that affects patient mobility. Methods: Data for this study were drawn from the China Health Statistical Yearbooks and China Statistical Books. The gravitational value of China’s health spatial network was calculated to establish a network of gravitational relationships. The social network analysis method is used for centrality analysis and spillover effect analysis. Based on the gravitational value, we used indicators for visits, health expenditure, GDP and geographical distance, as well as an illustrative index for the population, bed utilization, and burden of consultations per day. Results: A gravity correlation matrix was constructed among provinces by calculating the gravitational value, indicating the spatial relationships of different provinces in the health economic network. Economically developed provinces, such as Shanghai and Jiangsu, are at the centre of the health economic network (centrality degree=93.333). These provinces also play a strong intermediary role in the network and have connections with other provinces. In the CONCOR analysis, 31 provinces are divided into four blocks. In the traditional meaning analysis, the gap between eastern and western China is still obvious. In comparing the northern and southern regions, this study finds that the concentration of medical resources in northern provinces seems to be higher. The spillover effect of the blocks indicates provinces with medical resource centres have beneficial effects, while provinces with insufficient resources have obvious spillover effects. Conclusion: There is a significant gap in the geographical distribution of medical resources, and the health economic spatial network structure needs to be improved. Most medical resources are concentrated in economically developed provinces, and these provinces’ positions in the health economic spatial network are becoming more centralized. By contrast, economically underdeveloped regions are at the edge of the network, causing patients to move to provinces with medical resource centres. There are health risks of the increasing
Cerium oxide nanoparticles conjugated to anti-inflammatory microRNA-146a prevent bleomycin-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Niemiec Stephen , Hilton Sarah , Wallbank Alison , Azeltine-Bannerman Mark , Louiselle Amanda , Elajaili Hanan , Allawzi Ayed , Xu Junwang , Mattson Courtney , Dewberry Lindel , Hu Junyi , Singh Sushant , Sakthivel Tamil , Nozik-Grayck Eva , Smith Bradford , Seal Sudipta , Zgheib Carlos , Liechty Kenneth 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating pulmonary disease with significant inhospital mortality and is the leading cause of death in COVID-19 patients. Potential therapies remain limited despite advancements in understanding ARDS pathophysiology. Excessive leukocyte recruitment, unregulated inflammation, and resultant fibrosis contribute to poor ARDS outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the potential of the radical scavenging cerium oxide nanoparticle (CNP) conjugated to the anti-inflammatory microRNA-146a (CNP-miR146a) to prevent acute lung injury (ALI) following exposure to bleomycin. We have found that CNP-miR146a can prevent ALI by altering leukocyte recruitment, reducing inflammation, and decreasing collagen deposition, ultimately improving pulmonary biomechanics.
Short-Term Outcomes of Low Versus High Inspiratory Oxygen Fraction During Induction of General Anesthesia in Noncardiac Surgery: A Pragmatic Open-Label Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial
Authors: Su Tzu-Huan , Li Kuang-Yao , Chen Tzu-Shan , Chang Shu-Ching , Su Yi-Kai , Li Chung-Yi , Lam Chen-Fuh 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background. High inspiratory oxygen fraction (FIO2) is associated with increased perioperative pulmonary morbidity and postoperative mortality. However, the use of pure oxygen is still currently recommended during the anesthesia induction.Methods, This open-label randomized non-inferiority trial was conducted in two metropolitan hospitals at Southern Taiwan. A total of 302 surgical patients (ASA PC≤III) who received endotracheal general anesthesia (ETGA) were randomized to receive 100% (FIO2 1.0) or 60% (FIO2 0.6) oxygen during induction. The primary endpoint was presence of hypoxemia (SpO2≤92%) during the induction of anesthesia. The secondary endpoint was the development of major complications immediately and within 3 days after surgery.Results. A total of 5 patients in the FIO2 0.6 group developed hypoxemia during induction (3.9% vs 0% for FIO2 0.6 vs FIO2 1.0, respectively; P=0.167 for non-inferiority), suggesting that FIO2 0.6 was inferior than FIO2 1.0 for anesthesia induction. The mean lowest SpO2 during induction was also significantly lower in FIO2 0.6 group. Four patients reached the primary endpoint had increased body mass indexes (BMI>30 kg/m2). However, the overall incidence of desaturation developed after removal of endotracheal tube was higher in FIO2 1.0 group (1.4% vs 5.8%, FIO2 0.6 vs FIO2 1.0; odd ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.05-1.05; P=0.064).Conclusions. High fractions of oxygen should be used for oxygenation during induction of ETGA in general population, especially in the obese patients. However, the supplement of high FIO2 during induction was associated with increased hypoxemic events after removal of endotracheal tube that might have a more significant impact on perioperative care.
Assessment of Community Psycho-behavioral Responses during the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): A cross-sectional study
Authors: Magdy Doaa , Metwally Ahmed , Magdy Omar 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To examine the public’s knowledge and psychological impact during the outbreak of (2019-nCoV) and the extent to which precautionary measures have been adopted. We conducted an online survey on precautionary measures against (2019-nCoV), self-health evaluation, knowledge about (2019-nCoV), and appraisal of crisis management. The psychological impact was assessed by the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. Results: This study included 1200 respondents. In total, 80% of respondents rated the psychological impact; 18% reported minimal anxiety; 34% reported mild anxiety, and (48%) with moderate anxiety symptoms. (74%) believed that they were very or somewhat likely to contract (2019-nCoV) while only 35% believed they were unlikely to survive if they contracted the disease. (58%) of the respondents, practiced the precautionary measures directed against droplet spread. Respondents with a moderate level of anxiety were most likely to take comprehensive precautionary measures. Also, older, female, more educated people as well as those who are more likely to contract the infection. Conclusions: The psychological needs during the outbreak should be addressed appropriately. Our results highlight the need to promote protective personal health practices in the community. Therefore, educational public programs about preventive measures should be targeted to groups with low current uptake of precautions.
Minocycline Might Be an Adjunctive Therapy Option for the Treatment of COVID-19: In Silico Screening, Structure-affinity Relationship, and Literature Review
Authors: Xiao Bin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Up to now, there is no specific therapy for the globally ongoing COVID-19. To explore potential inhibitors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) for the treatment of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in silico screening of 135 clinical drugs was performed targeting on 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro, or M pro ). Six drugs including anti-HIV drug (raltegravir), antibacterial drugs (cefonicid, cefoperazone, minocycline), and antidiabetic drugs (canaglifozin, glyburide) showed high binding affinities (≤ -8.5 kcal/mol) and interesting binding conformations compared with the designed co-crystal ligand N3 (-7.7 kcal/mol). In which the antibiotic minocycline, an inhibitor of bacterial ribosomal rRNA, showed the highest binding affinity (-9.6 kcal/mol). Valuable hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were found between minocycline and Mpro active site. Beside the hydrogen bond with Cys145, minocycline formed a Pi-Cation with His41, which strongly supported minocycline as a Michael Addition acceptor to bind with the catalytic site of Mpro . The structure-affinity relationship was studied based on molecular docking of minocycline analogues. Literature review found that minocycline had both in vitro and in vivo broad-spectrum antiviral as well as anti-inflammatory activities, and the levels of a broad-spectrum of biological markers during minocycline administration were opposed to those of COVID-19 condition (both severe and non-severe). Minocycline deserves in vitro and in vivo evaluations as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor as well as a randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy for COVID-19. These studies will shed new light on an adjuvant treatment strategy for this potentially lethal viral disease.
Clinical competence of serum miR-372 expression in diagnosing prostate cancer
Authors: Li Sheng , Ruan Xiaolan , Liu Tongzu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered as a serious healthy burden among males around the world. The limited diagnosis leads to poor outcomes of this malignancy. Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found in human cancers and play crucial roles in these malignant diseases. MicroRNA-372 (miR-372), as a type of miRNAs, has ever been investigated in various cancers. The purpose of the present study was to assess the expression patterns and diagnostic value of miR-372 in patients with PCa.Methods: 134 PCa patients and 68 healthy individuals were included in this study. The serum expression of miR-372 was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). To verify the diagnostic significance of miR-372, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was conducted for PCa patients.Results: Downregulated miR-372 expression was detected in serum samples collected from PCa patients compared with the healthy controls (P<0.001). The decreased expression of miR-372 was influenced by the positive lymph node metastasis (P=0.016), high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration (P=0.002) and advanced TNM stage (P=0.013). The ROC curve was obtained with an AUC value of 0.896. At the cutoff value of 2.855, the sensitivity and specificity were 82.8% and 87.3%, respectively, suggesting the high diagnostic accuracy of miR-372.Conclusion: In summary, serum downregulated expression of miR-372 could serve as an efficient diagnostic biomarker for patients with PCa.
Study on the Risk Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Patients With Lower Extremity Fracture
Authors: Chang Wenjie , Wang Bin , Li Qiwei , Zhang Yongkui , Xie Wenpeng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background:The objective of this work is to discuss and analyze the related factors of lower extremity fracture complicated by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and to help surgeons aptly prevent it.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the orthopedic inpatient records of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2014 to November 2018, and 11,891 patients with closed fractures of lower extremities were selected.By analyzing each patient's gender, age, presence or absence of diabetes and hypertension,preoperative plasma D-dimer level, and color Doppler ultrasound of the lower extremity vein, the pertinent factors of the patients with lower extremity fractures complicated by DVT were analyzed.Results: A total of 11,891 patients were selected, including 4462 with cases of peri-hip fractures, 754with cases of femoral shaft fractures, 1776 with cases of peri-knee fractures, 1961 with cases of tibiofibular fractures, and 2938 with cases of ankle fractures.Of these patients, 643 with DVT were detected, displaying a total incidence of 5.4%.All patients were categorized into either the DVT group or non-DVT group.The results demonstrate that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, the presence of diabetes and hypertension, the fracture site, and the preoperative plasma D-dimer level (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in sex (p>0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis revealed that age, the presence of diabetes, and the preoperative plasma D-dimer level of patients were independent risk factors for lower extremity fracture complicated by DVT.Conclusion: Age, the presence of diabetes and hypertension, the fracture site, and the preoperative plasma D-dimer level were found to be correlated with the incidence of DVT. Moreover,age, the presence of diabetes, the preoperative fracture site, and the plasma D-dimer level were found to be independent risk factors.
Examination of the Exchange Rate and Import Price Pass-through to Inflation: A View from Nigeria
Authors: Onipede Samuel F , Bashir Nafiu A , Nduka Kodili N , Usman Nuruddeen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We examine the effect of exchange rate and import price pass-through to inflation in Nigeria using headline inflation and import price data, with the aid of a non-recursive Structural Vector Autoregression model. Our results indicate mostly incomplete ERPT and IPPT to inflation. Specifically, we found that (i) the ERPT to the INF is incomplete at all horizons. (ii) IPPT to the INF is incomplete at all horizons. (iii) IPPT to inflation is relatively more rapid than the ERPT to inflation. The findings further suggest that the monetary authority should be wary of using devaluation of the domestic currency as a way of propping up the economy as that would not only aggravate domestic inflation but likely to also increase the ERPT. Similarly, harmonizing the disparate exchange rate windows in the economy might reduce import price pass-through to domestic inflation. Also, the size and speed of both ERPT and IPPT from the study suggest that relevant authorities need to strengthen domestic industries and instill confidence in consumers, to reduce reliance on imports.JEL Classification: C32; E31; F31; 055
Cost-effectiveness of a Population-based AAA Screening Program for Men Over 65 Years Old in Iran
Authors: Daroudi Rajabali , Shafe Omid , Moosavi Jamal , Salimi Javad , Bayazidi Yahya , Zafarghandi Mohammad Reza , Maleki Majid , Moini Majid , Farshidmehr Pezhman , Sadeghipour Parham 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Screening program tend to recognized patients in their early stage and consequently improve health outcomes. Cost-effectiveness of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening program has been scarcely studied in developing countries. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a screening program for the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men aged over 65 years in Iran.Methods: A Markov cohort model with 11 mutually exclusive health statuses was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a population-based AAA screening program compared with a no-screening strategy. Transitions between the health statuses were simulated by using 3-month cycles. Data for disease transition probabilities and quality of life outcomes were obtained from published literature, and costs were calculated based on the price of medical services in Iran and the examination of the patients’ medical records. The outcomes were life-years gained, the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The analysis was conducted for a lifetime horizon from the payer’s perspective. Costs and effects were discounted at an annual rate of 3%. Uncertainty surrounding the model inputs was tested with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results: The mean incremental cost of the AAA screening strategy compared with the no-screening strategy was $140 and the mean incremental QALY gain was 0.025 QALY, resulting in an ICER of $5566 per QALY gained. At a willingness-to-pay of 1 gross domestic product (GDP) per capita ($5628) per QALY gained, the probability of the cost-effectiveness of AAA screening was about 50%. However, at a willingness-to-pay of twice the GDP per capita per QALY gained, there was about a 95% probability for the AAA screening program to be cost-effective in Iran.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that at a willingness-to-pay of 1 GDP per capita per QALY gained, a 1-time AAA screening program for men aged over 65 years could not be cost-effective. Nevertheless, at a willingness-to-pay of twice the GDP per capita per QALY gained, the AAA screening program could be cost-effective in Iran. Further, AAA screening in high-risk groups could be cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of 1 GDP per capita per QALY gained.
Household Costs Associated With Seeking Malaria Treatment During Pregnancy: Evidence From Burkina Faso and The Gambia
Authors: Duval Laetitia , Sicuri Elisa , Scott Susana , Traoré Maminata , Daabo Bunja , Tinto Halidou , Grietens Koen Peeters , d’Alessando Umberto , Schallig Henk , Mens Petra , Conteh Lesong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria in pregnancy remains a major health threat in sub-Saharan Africa to both expectant mothers and their unborn children. To date, there have been very few studies focused on the costs associated with seeking treatment for malaria during pregnancy.

Methods . A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Burkina Faso and The Gambia to estimate the direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs associated with outpatient consultations (OP) and inpatient admissions (IP). In total, 220 pregnant women in Burkina Faso and 263 pregnant women in The Gambia were interviewed about their treatment seeking decisions, expenditure, time use and financial support associated with each malaria episode .

Results : In Burkina Faso 6.7% sought treatment elsewhere before their OP visits, and 32.9% before their IP visits. This compares to 1.3% for OP and 24.1% for IP in The Gambia. Once at the facility, the average direct costs (out of pocket) were 3.91US$ for an OP visit and 15.38US$ of an IP visit in Burkina Faso, and 2.75US$ for an OP visit and 9.19US$ for an IP visit in The Gambia. Inpatient direct costs were driven by drug costs (9.27US$) and transportation costs (2.72US$) in Burkina Faso and drug costs (3.44 US$) and food costs (3.44 US$) in The Gambia. Indirect costs of IP visits, valued as the opportunity cost of time lost due to the illness, were estimated at 11.85US$ in Burkina Faso and 4.07US$ in The Gambia. The difference across the two countries was mainly due to the longer time of hospitalization in Burkina Faso compared to The Gambia. In The Gambia, the vast majority of pregnant women reported receiving financial support from family members living abroad, most commonly siblings (65%).

Conclusions: To reach successful global malaria control, there is an urgent need to understand the barriers pregnant women face when seeking prevention and treatment for malaria at health facilities. Our findings suggest that direct and indirect costs, both medical and non-medical, are likely to affect access to health care.