bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical care demand and intensive care supply for patients in Japan with COVID-19 at the time of the state of emergency declaration in April 2020: a descriptive analysis.
Authors: Fujii Yosuke , Hirota Kiichi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background : The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), threatened to overwhelm Japan’s intensive care capacity due to the rising numbers of infected patients. This study aimed to determine the number of critically ill patients with COVID-19 who required intensive care, including mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), during the pandemic and to compare these patient numbers with Japan’s overall intensive care capacity. Results : Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine datasets were used to obtain the number of confirmed patients with COVID-19 who had undergone mechanical ventilation and ECMO between February 15 and June 4 2020, to determine and compare intensive care unit (ICU) and attending bed needs for patients with COVID-19, and to estimate peak ICU demands in Japan. In total, 17968 ICU days, 15171 mechanical ventilation days, and 2797 ECMO days were attributable to patients with COVID-19. There was a median (interquartile range) 143 (63-255) patients in ICU, 124 (51-225) patients on mechanical ventilation, and 18 (15-36) patients on ECMO machines. During the epidemic peak in late April, 11443 patients (1.03 per 10000 adults) had been infected, 373 patients (0.034 per 10000 adults) were in ICU, 312 patients (0.028 per 10000 adults) were receiving mechanical ventilation, and 62 patients (0.0056 per 10000 adults) were on ECMO machines per day. The number of infected patients at the peak of the epidemic was 651% of total designated beds and the number of patients requiring intensive care at the peak of the epidemic was 6.0% of total ICU beds in Japan, 19.1% of total board-certified intensivists in Japan and 106% of total designated medical institutions for Category II infectious diseases in Japan, respectively. Conclusions : Following the state of emergency declaration on April 7 2020, the number of patients with COVID-19 and the number of critically ill patients continued to rise, exceeding the number of designated beds but not exceeding ICU capacity. Urgent nationwide and regional planning is needed to prevent an overwhelming burden on ICUs in relation to critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Japan.
Development of prognosis model for colon cancer based on autophagy-related genes
Authors: Wang Xu , Xu Yuanmin , Li Ting , Chen Bo , Yang Wenqi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Autophagy is an orderly catabolic process for degrading and removing unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components such as proteins and organelles. Although autophagy is known to play an important role in various types of cancer, the effects of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) on colon cancer have not been well studied.Methods: Expression profiles from ARGs in 457 colon cancer patients were retrieved from the TCGA database (https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov). Differentially expressed ARGs and AGRs related to overall patient survival were identified. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to investigate the association between ARG expression profiles and patient prognosis.Results: 20 ARGs were significantly associated with overall survival of colon cancer patients. Five of these ARGs had a mutation rate ≥3%. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on Cox regression analysis of 8 ARGs. Low-risk patients had a significantly longer survival time than high-risk patients (p<0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the resulting risk score, which was associated with infiltration depth and metastasis, could be an independent predictor of patient survival. A nomogram was established to predict 3- and 5-year survival of colon cancer patients based on 5 independent prognosis factors, including the risk score. The prognostic nomogram with online webserver was more effective and convenient to provide information for researchers and clinicians.Conclusion: The 8 ARGs can be used to predict the prognosis of patients and provide information for their individualized treatment.
Nutritional assessment and surgical outcomes in very elderly patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Utsumi Masashi , Aoki Hideki , Nagahisa Seichi , Une Yuta , Kimura Yuji , Watanabe Megumi , Taniguchi Fumitaka , Arata Takashi , Katsuda Koh , Tanakaya Kohji 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Conflicting data on the safety of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for elderly patients exist. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the nutritional factors and clinical outcomes of PD between elderly and non-elderly patients.Methods A retrospective study of 122 consecutive patients who underwent PD from April 2008 to April 2020 was conducted. Preoperative and postoperative nutritional factors (prognostic nutritional index [PNI]), complication rates, and survival rates were compared between the elderly (age ≥80 years) and non-elderly (age <80 years) patient groups. Furthermore, changes in nutrition markers were evaluated before surgery to 1 year after surgery. Data were analyzed using unpaired Student’s t-test, chi-squared test with Fisher’s exact test, and log-rank test.Results A total of 20 elderly patients (16.4%) and 102 non-elderly patients (83.6%) underwent PD. With respect to preoperative factors, elderly patients had a significantly lower PNI than non-elderly patients. The duration of operation, amount of blood loss, postoperative complication rate, and incidence rate of pancreatic fistula were similar between the two groups. At 3 months postoperatively, elderly patients had a lower albumin level and PNI than non-elderly patients. The median length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group (39.9 vs. 27 days, P=0.004). The rate of death due to other diseases was relatively higher in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group. Elderly patients had a significantly lower overall survival rate than non-elderly patients (1-/3-/5-year overall survival rates: 78.1%/26.7%/13.3% vs. 87.1%/54.4%/46.7%; log-rank test, P=0.008).Conclusions Elderly patients had a lower nutritional status and lower survival rate than non-elderly patients. Careful patient selection and optimal perioperative care are necessary to determine whether PD is indicated for elderly patients.
The motor and leisure time conditioning of young table tennis players' physical fitness
Authors: Pluta Beata , Galas Szymon , Krzykała Magdalena , Andrzejewski Marcin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine what factors influence the level of physical fitness of young athletes. Its purpose was therefore to assess the association between physical fitness and objectively measure the lifestyle determinants of elite junior table tennis players. Methods: The basic anthropometric characteristics (body height and body weight) were collected of 87 Polish table tennis players (girls and boys, at different stages of sport training) aged 9–12 years. The level of special fitness tests from the Table Tennis Specific Battery Test were used, assessing reaction speed and displacement speed. All eight International Physical Fitness Test trials were also used to determine the level of general fitness of the participants. Selected questions from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children questionnaire were asked to measure factors associated with leisure time. Results: The findings confirm a relationship between sedentary forms of leisure time activity and the training of young players being at the targeted stage. Moreover, competitors with longer training experience more often chose active forms of spending free time. Conclusion: Knowledge of the global physical activity undertaken by young athletes during their leisure time provides a better understanding of their individual needs, and may help young table tennis players to succeed at a world-class level in the future.
Clinical presentation and long-term outcomes of type 1 tyrosinemia in Finland: a nationwide study
Authors: Äärelä Linnea , Hiltunen Pauliina , Soini Tea , Vuorela Nina , Huhtala Heini , Nevalainen Pasi , Heikinheimo Markku , Kivelä Laura , Kurppa Kalle 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Introduction of nitisinone and newborn screening (NBS) have transformed the treatment of type 1 tyrosinemia, but the effects of these changes on the long-term outcomes remain obscure. Also, the predictors for later complications, the significance of drug levels and the normalization of laboratory and imaging findings are poorly known. We investigated these issues in a nationwide study. Results: Type 1 tyrosinemia was diagnosed in 22 children in 1978–2019 in Finland. Incidence was 1/90,102, with a significant enrichment in South Ostrobothnia (1/9,990). Median age at diagnosis was 5 (range 0.5-36) months, 55% were girls and 13 had homozygotic Trp262X mutation. Four patients were detected through screening and 18 clinically, their main findings being liver failure (50% vs. 100%, respectively, p=0.026), ascites (0% vs. 53%, p=0.104), renal tubulopathy (0% vs. 65%, p=0.035), rickets (25% vs. 65%, p=0.272), growth failure (0% vs. 66%, p=0.029), thrombocytopenia (25% vs. 88%, p=0.028) and anaemia (0% vs. 47%, p=0.131). One patient was treated with diet, seven with transplantation and 14 with nitisinone. Three late-diagnosed (6-33 months) nitisinone treated patients needed transplantation later. Kidney dysfunction (86% vs. 7%, p=0.001), hypertension (57% vs. 7%, p=0.025) and osteopenia/ osteoporosis (71% vs. 14%, p=0.017) were more frequent in transplanted than nitisinone-treated patients. Blood/serum alpha-fetoprotein decreased rapidly on nitisinone in all but one patient, who later developed intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver values normalized in 31 months and other laboratory values except thrombocytopenia within 18 months. Imaging findings normalized in 3–56 months excluding five patients with liver or splenic abnormalities. Low median nitisinone concentration was associated with higher risk of severe complications (r=0.758, p=0.003) despite undetectable urine succinylacetone.Conclusions: Prognosis of type 1 tyrosinemia has improved in the era of nitisinone, and NBS seems to provide further benefits. Nevertheless, the long-term risk for complications remains, particularly in the case of late diagnosis and/or insufficient nitisinone levels.
Spatial distribution of Covid-19, a modeling approach: case of Algeria
Authors: Rahmani Salah Eddine Ali , Chibane Brahim , Hallouz Faiza , Benamar Nardjess 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The objectives of this study are to modeling the spatial distribution of Covid-19 at the regional scale (Case of Algeria) based on geostatistcal study of covid-19 cases spatial distribution and Hybrid Kriging. The data analysis of a published officially Covid-19 reports by the Algerian Ministry of Health. a map of contamination by covid-19 has been obtained and a new model of risk evaluation has been developed and proposed to predict the propagation of this pandemic in Algeria. To conclude this work show areas with high population density are most exposed to virus propagation and death arising. Simulation show that infection by Covid-19 will arise to 14 000 cases in Algeria in the last of April also the velocity of transmission of this virus is rapid. Map obtained help the local authority to manage Covid-19 infections at the spatial scale.
A Novel Two-Step, Direct-to-PCR Method for Virus Detection off Swabs using Human Coronavirus 229E
Authors: Morehouse Zachary P , Proctor Caleb M , Ryan Gabriella L , Nash Rodney J 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Currently, one of the most reliable methods for viral infection detection are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays. This process is time and resource heavy, requiring multiple steps of lysis, extraction, purification, and amplification procedures. Herein, we have developed a method to detect virus off swabs using solely shaker-mill based mechanical lysis and the transfer of the viral lysate directly to a PCR assay for virus detection, bypassing the substantial reagent and time investments required for extraction and purification steps.Methods Using Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) as a model system, we spiked swabs in vitro for proof-of-concept testing. Swabs were spiked in serial dilutions from 1.2x106 to 1.2x101 copies/mL and then placed in 2mL tubes with viral transport media (VTM) to mimic the specimen collection procedures in the clinic prior to processing via shaker-mill homogenization. After homogenization, 1 µL of lysate was processed using RT-qPCR for amplification of the nucleocapsid (N) gene, qualifying viral detection. Results HCoV-229E in vitro spiked swabs were processed in a novel two-step, direct-to-PCR methodology for viral detection. After running 54 swabs, we confidently determined our limit of detection to be 1.2x103 viral copies/mL with 96.30% sensitivity. Conclusion We have proven that the shaker-mill homogenization-based two-step, direct-to-PCR procedures provides sufficient viral lysis off swabs, where the resulting lysate can be used directly in PCR for the detection of HCoV-229E. This finding allows for reductions in the time and resources required for PCR based virus detection in comparison to the traditional extraction-to-PCR methodology.
Sintering Behavior of BST Nanoparticles at Low Temperature and Electrical Properties of their Ceramics
Authors: Qi Jianquan , Li Yan , Li Mengyin , Xie Jiahui , Yu Tianchi , Sun Qingwen , Yan Yifan , Wang Jian , Xiong Xinkai , Wang Tinghui , Han Xiumei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The powders of the Ba0.75Sr0.25TiO3 (BST) nanoparticles were directly synthesized by milling of Ba(OH)2·8H2O, Sr(OH)2·8H2O and Ti(BuO)4 in ethanol at room temperature. They have homogenous grains of ~15 nm and the high sintering activity. The dense ceramics with the density >90% can be obtained at a sintering temperature of ≤950 oC by them with adding 3 wt% sintering aids of Bi2O3 and Li2CO3. The sintering behavior of the BST nanoparticles by adding the aids of Bi2O3 and Li2CO3 is studied carefully. Several Bi-related compounds are involved in the sintering procedure at a different temperature. They enhance the mass transfer and promote the sintering densification. These compounds such as Ba2BiO4 and SrBiO4 appear at 800 oC, LiBa4Bi3O11 and Sr1.2Bi0.8O3 appear over 830 oC, and Bi8.11Ba0.89O13.05 appears at 950 oC. The cation Bi in the ceramics has mixture valences of 3+ and 5+. It makes the ceramics as semiconducting state with the dark gray color and decreases the ceramics resistivities. With the sintering temperature increase, especially at 950 oC, the cation Bi tends back to single valence of +3 in the ceramics. The most of alkaline earth cations in Bi-related compounds will release and resorb into the lattice of BST and drive the densification of the nanoparticles. The BST ceramics can have a peak dielectric constant >6500 at 53 oC, loss <0.025, and resistivity >1012 W·cm when sintered at a temperature of ≥900 oC with 3 wt% sintering aids. They have a potential application for multiple layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) with silver inner-electrodes.
Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma: a rare case report
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Lu-Ping , Zhu Pei-Shuang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) is quite rare, and origin and entity remain to be elucidated.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old male presented with a sessile polyp with smooth surface measured about 1cm in diameter in the descending portion of duodenum. Pathological examination displayed a neoplasm located in submucosa, infiltrating into lamina propria. The tumor consisted of epithelioid, ganglion-like and spindle cells admixing in a haphazard way. The epithelioid cells resembled paraganglioma in cytological and architectural features, the ganglion-like cells was scattered, and the spindle cells resembled neurofibroma. Syn, MAP-2 and CgA were positive in the epithelioid and ganglion-like cells in variety and NF highlighted the ganglion-like cells. S-100 and SOX-10 were positive in the sustentacular cells around the epithelioid cells and spindle cell proliferation. PR was also positive.

Conclusions

Origin of GP is presumed to be related with pancreas islet. GP is supposed to be distinguished with NET G1 and designated as paraganglioma-ganglioneuroma, a kind of composite paraganglioma.
Human Fetal Liver MSCs are More Effective Than Adult Bone Marrow MSCs for Their Immunosuppressive, Immunomodulatory and Foxp3+ T regs Induction Capacity
Authors: Yu Yi , Valderrama Alejandra Vargas , Han Zhongchao , Uzan Georges , Naserian Sina , Oberlin Estelle 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display active capacities of suppressing or modulating harmful immune responses through diverse molecular mechanisms. These cells are under extensive translational efforts as cell therapies for immune-mediated diseases and transplantations. A wide range of preclinical studies and limited number of clinical trials using MSCs have not only shown promising safety and efficacy profiles but have also revealed changes in regulatory T cell (T reg) frequency and function. However, the mechanisms underlying this important observation are not well understood. Cell-to-cell contact, production of soluble factors, reprogramming of antigen presenting cells to tolerogenic phenotypes have emerged as possible mechanisms by which MSCs produce an immunomodulatory environment for T reg expansion. We and others demonstrated that adult bone-marrow (BM)-MSCs suppress adaptive immune responses directly by inhibiting the proliferation of CD4+ (“helper”) and CD8+ (“cytotoxic”) T cells but also indirectly through induction of Tregs. In parallel we demonstrated that fetal liver (FL)-MSCs displays much longer-lasting immunomodulatory properties compared to BM-MSCs, by inhibiting directly the proliferation and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Therefore, we investigated if FL-MSCs exert their strong immunosuppressive effect also indirectly through induction of T regs.Methods: MSCs were obtained from FL and adult BM and characterized according to their surface antigen expression, their multilineage differentiation and their proliferation potential. Using different in-vitro combinations, we performed co-cultures of FL or BM-MSCs and murine CD3+CD25-T cells to investigate immunosuppressive effects of MSCs on T cells and to quantify their capacity to induce functional T regs. Results: We demonstrated that although both types of MSC exhibit similar phenotype profile and differentiation capacity, FL-MSCs have significantly higher proliferative capacity and ability to suppress both CD4+ and CD8+ murine T cell proliferation and to modulate them towards less active phenotypes than adult BM-MSCs. Moreover, their substantial suppressive effect was associated with an outstanding increase of functional CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regs compared to BM-MSCs.Conclusions: These results highlight the immunosuppressive activity of FL-MSCs on T cells and show for the first time that one of the main immunoregulatory mechanisms of FL-MSCs passes through active and functional T reg induction.
Solitary Vulvar Metastasis from Early Stage Endometrial Cancer: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Mastrofilippo Valentina , Palicelli Andrea , SILVOTTI Monica , Serra Silvia , Giaccherini Lucia , Aguzzoli Lorenzo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEndometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed countries. It is usually diagnosed at early-stage and presents a favourable prognosis. Conversely, advanced or recurrent disease result in low response to therapy and poor outcome. Most recurrences occur within two years postoperatively, typically in pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, vagina, peritoneum, and lungs; unusual localizations include abdominal organs/wall, bones, brain, muscle. Vulvar metastasis are indeed anecdotal probably because the different regional lymphatic drainage from corpus uterus. Here, we report a case of vulvar metastasis from an early endometrial cancer comprehensive staged by laparoscopy and reviewed the literature discussing the different mechanisms of vulvar metastasis pathogenesis and the prognosis.MethodsWe reported a case of vulvar metastasis from an early stage endometrial cancer. We also collected and analysed articles written in English regarding vulvar metastasis form endometrial cancer published between January 1966 and May 2020. PubMed was used as a database for this search. Clinical and pathological characteristics, treatments and outcomes were assessed.In total, 19 cases of vulvar metastasis from endometrial cancer were found. Patients had a mean age of 66 years and were mostly asymptomatic. Labium major was the most common and usually unique site of metastasis. Vulvar metastasis were mostly nodular/mass-like lesions occurred in patients treated mostly for endometrial cancer at early stage. Median time to vulvar metastasis was ten months. Most of the metastasis were treated with surgery or radiotherapy. One third of patients presented a subsequent recurrence on average 11 months later. 61.1% of patients died of disease and 70 median overall survival was 16 months.Vulvar metastasis can show different appearance, occurring as single or diffuse lesions on healthyor injured skin, in patients treated for both early- and advanced-stage endometrial cancers. Surgicalapproach seems not to influence the risk of subsequent metastasis, but tumor seeding and vaginalinjuries should be avoided. Whether isolated or associated with recurrence in other locations, vulvarmetastasis are characterized by severe prognosis despite radical treatment. Therefore, any suspectedvulvar lesion arisen during endometrial cancer follow-up should be biopsied, despite the vulva represents an unusual metastatic site.ConclusionsVulvar metastasis can show different appearance. Surgical approach seems not to influence the risk of subsequent metastasis. Vulvar metastasis are characterized by severe prognosis despite radical treatment. Therefore, any suspected vulvar lesion arisen during follow-up should be biopsied.