bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-Reported Outcomes and Radiographic Assessment in Primary and Revision Stage II, III, and IV Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity Surgery
Authors: Nayak Rusheel , Patel Milap S. , Kadakia Anish R. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a progressive hindfoot and midfoot deformity causing pain and disability. Although operative treatment is stage dependent, few studies have looked at patient-reported and radiographic outcomes stratified by primary vs revision stage II, III, and IV reconstruction surgery. Our goal was to assess operative improvement using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and to determine whether radiographic parameter improvement correlates with patient-reported outcomes. Methods: PROMIS Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference (PI) scores were prospectively obtained on 46 consecutive patients who underwent PCFD reconstruction between November 2013 and January 2019. Thirty-six patients completed pre- and postoperative PROMIS surveys, 6 patients completed only preoperative PROMIS surveys, and 4 patients completed 12-month postoperative PROMIS surveys but did not complete preoperative PROMIS surveys. Minimum follow-up was 12 (average, 23) months. Radiographic correction was measured with pre- and postoperative weightbearing radiographs and correlated with PROMIS scores. Measurements included the talonavicular uncoverage angle, talonavicular uncoverage percentage, anteroposterior talo–first metatarsal angle, Meary angle, medial cuneiform height (MCH), and medial cuneiform–fifth metatarsal height. Results: For the overall cohort, PROMIS PF increased significantly from 37.5±5.6 to 42.3±7.1 ( P = .0014). PROMIS PI improved significantly from 64.5±6.0 to 55.1±9.8 ( P < .0001). Preoperative, postoperative, and change in PROMIS scores were not statistically different between PCFD stages. Change in PROMIS PI was significantly greater in primary (–12.3) vs revision (–3.7) surgery ( P = .0157). Change in PROMIS PF was greater in primary (+6.0) vs revision surgery (+2.3) but did not reach statistical significance. All radiographic measurements improved significantly ( P < .05). In primary stage II PCFD, postoperative PROMIS scores correlated with postoperative MCH (PF: r = 0.7725, P = .0020; PI: r = –0.5692, P = .0446). Conclusion: Patient-reported and radiographic outcomes improved significantly after PCFD reconstruction. We found no significant difference in preoperative, postoperative, or change in PROMIS scores between PCFD stages. However, stage III patients had smaller improvements in PROMIS PF, which we feel may be secondary to change in function after arthrodesis. Primary operations had better patient-reported outcomes compared to revision operations. In primary stage II PCFD, reconstructing the medial arch height correlated significantly with improvement in pain and functionality. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.
Multidisciplinary care models for patients with lung cancer
Authors: Hardavella Georgia , Frille Armin , Theochari Christina , Keramida Elli , Bellou Elena , Fotineas Andreas  , Bracka Irma , Pappa Loukia , Zagana Vaia , Palamiotou Maria , Demertzis Panagiotis  , Karampinis Ioannis 
Published: February 2021

Multidisciplinary care is the cornerstone of lung cancer treatment in the developed world, even though there is a relative lack of consistent evidence that this care model improves outcomes. In this review, we present the available literature regarding how to set up and run an efficient multidisciplinary care model for lung cancer patients with emphasis on team members’ roles and responsibilities. Moreover, we present some limited evidence about multidisciplinary care and its impact on lung cancer outcomes and survival.This review provides simple guidance on setting up and running a multidisciplinary service for lung cancer patients. It highlights the importance of defined roles and responsibilities for team members. It also presents concise information based on the literature regarding the impact of multidisciplinary care in lung cancer outcomes (e.g.survival of patients undergoing lung cancer surgery).
Proteomic analysis of decidua in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) reveals mitochondrial oxidative stress dysfunction
Authors: Yin Xiang-Jie , Hong Wei , Tian Fu-Ju , Li Xiao-Cui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPregnancy is a complicated physiological process. The multifaceted regulation of maternal–fetal interface is of great importance for maintaining normal pregnancy and avoiding fetal rejection and secondary abortion. Previous studies have focused on the clinical features or pathological biomarkers of fetal rejection and abortion. However, no significant breakthrough has been made. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) to identify potential therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of RPL.MethodsIn this study, Relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology integrated with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in decidual from RPL patients and matched normal controls. Further, Molecules NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 3 (ndufb3) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, CCK8 and mitochondrial red fluorescent probe (Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos).ResultsA total of 456 proteins reached the threshold of a 1.5-fold change were identified for further bioinformatics analysis. Upon mapping the differentially expressed proteins using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways database, iTRAQ results were confirmed by assessing NDUFB3 and COX-2 protein levels in specimens of decidual tissue by Western blotting. Our study indicates that the level of COX-2 and NDUFB3 were significantly increased in decidual cell from RPL patients. Overexpression of NDUFB3 inhibited cell vitality and oxidative stress of decimal cell. Further, our found that overexpression NDUFBD3 in decidual cell decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential expression levels. These results suggest that NDUFB3 might play an important role in promote the pathological process of RPL.ConclusionsThis comprehensive analysis of RPL proteomics reveals novel candidate: NDUFB3, which could be further investigated for explanation of the pathological mechanism of RPL.
Retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney: Does access sheath matter?
Authors: Mahmood Sarwar Noori , Babarasul Mohammed Hussein , Fakhralddin Saman Salih , Tawfeeq Hewa Mahmood 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Treating renal stones in patients with a solitary functioning kidney is challenging. The present study was aimed to assess the competence and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the treatment of renal stones in a solitary kidney.

Methods
Between August of 2017 and August of 2019, 25 ensuing patients with a solitary kidney and renal calculi and who were treated with RIRS were prospectively enlisted in the study. All patients were assessed by non-contrast computed tomography before surgery. Stone-free status was determined if there were no residual fragments. The final stone-free rates (SFRs) were assessed 3 months after the last treatment session by plain X-ray KUB and ultrasonography. Patient demographics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes were prospectively evaluated. Serum creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) pre-procedure and during follow-up were correlated.

Results
Twenty-five patients underwent 26 procedures. The mean patient age was 42.81 ± 12.3 (range 22–67) years. The mean stone size was 18.23 ± 6.27 mm (range 9–25 mm) and the mean operative time was 46.15 ± 15.34 min (range 25–100 min). A ureteral access sheath (UAS) was used in five (19.2%) pre-stented patients. One patient (3.8%) required the second stage RIRS for residual stones. The SFR after the initial and final procedures, the SFR was 84% and 92%, respectively.
The mean serum creatinine levels were significantly reduced post-surgery compared to preoperative levels (1.76 ± 1.21 mg/dL; 1.37 ± 0.60 mg/dL; p value 0.001) while GFR not encounter any significant variation post-surgery (63.04 ± 33.16 ml/min) compared to preoperative rates (61.12 ± 34.76 ml/min, p value 0.502). Minor complications classified as Clavien I or II developed in 5 patients (20%). Clavien IIIb, a major complication, developed in one (4%) patient, which was caused by steinstrasse and necessitated emergency surgical intervention.

Conclusion
Renal stones in a solitary kidney can be managed using RIRS safely and effectively with and without the use of UAS, without compromising renal function.
Effects of Cell Proteostasis Network on the Survival of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Khomari Fateme , Nabi-Afjadi Mohsen , Yarahmadi Sahar , Eskandari Hanie , Bahreini Elham 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe proteostasis network includes all the factors that control the function of proteins in their native state and minimize their non-functional or harmful reactions. The molecular chaperones, the important mediator in the proteostasis network can be considered as any protein that contributes to proper folding and assembly of other macromolecules, through maturating of unfolded or partially folded macromolecules, refolding of stress-denatured proteins, and modifying oligomeric assembly, otherwise it leads to their proteolytic degradation. Viruses that use the hosts’ gene expression tools and protein synthesis apparatus to survive and replicate, are obviously protected by such a host chaperone system. This means that many viruses use members of the hosts’ chaperoning system to infect the target cells, replicate, and spread. During viral infection, increase in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress due to high expression of viral proteins enhances the level of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and induces cell apoptosis or necrosis. Indeed, evidence suggests that ER stress and the induction of unfolded protein response (UPR) may be a major aspect of the corona-host virus interaction. In addition, several clinical reports have confirmed the autoimmune phenomena in COVID-19-patients, and a strong association between this autoimmunity and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Part of such autoimmunity is due to shared epitopes among the virus and host. This article reviews the proteostasis network and its relationship to the immune system in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Anoctamin 1 antagonism potentiates conventional tocolytic-mediated relaxation of pregnant human uterine smooth muscle
Authors: Hyuga Shunsuke , Parry Robert C. , Danielsson Jennifer , Vink Joy , Fu Xiao Wen , Wu Amy , Dan William , Yim Peter D. , Gallos George 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Currently available tocolytic agents are not effective treatment for preterm labor beyond 48 h. A major reason is the development of maternal side effects which preclude the maintenance of an effective steady-state drug concentration. One strategy that can mitigate these side effects is utilizing synergistic drug combinations to reduce the drug concentrations necessary to elicit a clinical effect. We have previously shown that three anoctamin 1 (ANO1) antagonists mediate potent relaxation of precontracted human uterine smooth muscle (USM). In this study, we aimed to determine whether a combination of sub-relaxatory doses of tocolytic drugs in current clinical use [the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) blocker, nifedipine (NIF); and the β2-adrenergic (β2AR) agonist, terbutaline (TRB)] will potentiate USM relaxation with two ANO1 antagonists [benzbromarone (BB) and MONNA (MN)].

Objective
This study sought to examine the synergistic potency and mechanistic basis of two ANO1 antagonists with currently available tocolytic drugs. Functional endpoints assessed included relaxation of pre-contracting pregnant human USM tissue, inhibition of intracellular calcium release, and reduction of spontaneous transient inward current (STIC) recordings in human uterine smooth muscle cells.

Methods
Human myometrial strips and primary human USM cells were used in organ bath and calcium flux experiments with different combinations of sub-threshold doses of ANO1 antagonists and terbutaline or nifedipine to determine if ANO1 antagonists potentiate tocolytic drugs.

Results
The combination of sub-threshold doses of two ANO1 antagonists and current tocolytic drugs demonstrate a significant degree of synergy to relax human pregnant USM compared to the effects achieved when these drugs are administered individually.

Conclusion
A combination of sub-threshold doses of VGCC blocker and β2AR agonist with ANO1 antagonists potentiates relaxation of oxytocin-induced contractility and calcium flux in human USM ex vivo. Our findings may serve as a foundation for novel tocolytic drug combinations.
Transcriptome sequencing and metabolome analysis of food habits domestication from live prey fish to artificial diets in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi)
Authors: He Shan , You Jun-Jie , Liang Xu-Fang , Zhang Zhi-Lu , Zhang Yan-Peng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
As economical traits, food habits domestication can reduce production cost in aquaculture. However, the molecular mechanism underlying food habits domestication has remained elusive. Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) only feed on live prey fish and refuse artificial diets. In the present study, we domesticated mandarin fish to feed on artificial diets. The two groups were obtained, the fish did not eat artificial diets or ate artificial diets during all of the three domestication processes, named Group W or X, respectively.

Results
Using transcriptome and metabolome analysis, we investigated the differentially expressed genes and metabolites between the two groups, and found three common pathways related to food habit domestication, including retinol metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids pathways. Furthermore, the western blotting and bisulfite sequencing PCR analysis were performed. The gene expression of TFIIF and histone methyltransferase ezh1 were significantly increased and decreased in the fish of Group X, respectively. The total DNA methylation levels of TFIIF gene and tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) were significantly higher and lower in the fish of Group X, respectively.

Conclusion
It was speculated that mandarin fish which could feed on artificial diets, might be attributed to the lower expression of ezh1, resulting in the decreased level of H3K27me3 and increased level of DNA methylation of TFIIF gene. The high expression of TFIIF gene might up-regulate the expression of genes in retinol metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism and glycerophosphoric metabolism pathways. Our study indicated the relationship between the methylation of DNA and histone and food habits domestication, which might be a novel molecular mechanism of food habits domestication in animals.
Identification and functional analysis of the SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Gao Tianyi , Gao Yingdong , Liu Xiangxiang , Nie Zhenlin , Sun Huilin , Lin Kang , Peng Hongxin , Wang Shukui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA severe form of pneumonia, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization is widespread on the whole world. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was proved to be the main agent of COVID-19. In the present study, we conducted an in depth analysis of the SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid to identify potential targets that may allow identification of therapeutic targets.MethodsThe SARS-COV-2 N protein subcellular localization and physicochemical property was analyzed by PSORT II Prediction and ProtParam tool. Then SOPMA tool and swiss-model was applied to analyze the structure of N protein. Next, the biological function was explored by mass spectrometry analysis and flow cytometry. At last, its potential phosphorylation sites were analyzed by NetPhos3.1 Server and PROVEAN PROTEIN.ResultsSARS-COV-2 N protein composed of 419 aa, is a 45.6 kDa positively charged unstable hydrophobic protein. It has 91 and 49% similarity to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV and is predicted to be predominantly a nuclear protein. It mainly contains random coil (55.13%) of which the tertiary structure was further determined with high reliability (95.76%). Cells transfected with SARS-COV-2 N protein usually show a G1/S phase block company with an increased expression of TUBA1C, TUBB6. At last, our analysis of SARS-COV-2 N protein predicted a total number of 12 phosphorylated sites and 9 potential protein kinases which would significantly affect SARS-COV-2 N protein function.ConclusionIn this study, we report the physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, and biological function of SARS-COV-2 N protein. The 12 phosphorylated sites and 9 potential protein kinase sites in SARS-COV-2 N protein may serve as promising targets for drug discovery and development for of a recombinant virus vaccine.
Body mass index changes: an assessment of the effects of age and gender using the e-norms method
Authors: Jabre Joe F. , Bland Jeremy D.P. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
To validate e-norms methodology in establishing a reference range for body mass index measures. A new method, the extrapolated norms (e-norms) method of determining normal ranges for biological variables is easy to use and recently was validated for several biological measurements. We aimed to determine whether this new method provides BMI results in agreement with established traditionally collected BMI values.

Methods
We applied the e-norms method to BMI data from 34,384 individuals and compared the ranges derived from this method with those from a large actuarially based study and explored differences in the normal range by gender, and age.

Results
The e-norms derived range of healthy BMI in adults is from 22.7 to 30.6, and showed that BMI is consistently higher in men than in women and increases with age, except in subjects aged 80–98 years in whom healthy BMI appears to be lower.

Conclusions
Our e-norms derived healthy BMI ranges agree with traditionally obtained actuarially based methods, supporting the validity and ease of use of our method.
Access to chronic medicines: patients’ preferences for a last kilometre medicine delivery service in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Adams Siraaj , Mulubwa Mwila , van Huyssteen Mea , Bheekie Angeni 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic patients are required to access their chronic medicines on a regular basis, often only to refill their repeat prescriptions. Adherence to chronic medicines is challenging and has stimulated health care providers to devise differentiated service delivery models of care to decentralise chronic medicine distribution to decrease the frequency of medicine collection at health care facilities. One such option includes a last kilometre medicine delivery service. This study investigated chronic patients’ preferences for a last kilometre medicine delivery service model.MethodsAn exploratory non-randomised quantitative study was conducted over 4 weeks at four public sector primary health care facilities in Cape Town, South Africa. Data was collected on a structured questionnaire from chronic patients queuing to receive medication at each facility’s pharmacy waiting area. Patient demographics were noted to align with preferences for chronic medicine service delivery characteristics including; mobile ordering, fee for service and location for delivery. Chi-square test and frequencies were employed to analyse data using SPSS version 23.ResultsA total of 116 patients participated in this study. Most were interested in a medicine delivery service (80.2%) and were willing to use a mobile application to order their medicines (84.5%). Almost all patients (96.8%) preferred that their medicines be delivered to their home. More than three quarters of participants were willing to pay for the service (77.6%). Chi-square test showed that gender, age group, employment status, distance to the health facility and /or average waiting time at the clinic significantly influenced the preference for certain characteristics of the medicine delivery service (p < 0.05).ConclusionMost participants were interested in a last kilometre medicine delivery service, especially those older than 45 years, waiting for more than 6 h at the facility, and staying within one kilometre radius of the clinic. More studies are needed to establish the influence of patients’ employment status and the distance to health facility on interest in the medicine delivery service.
Prevalence of comorbidity in Chinese patients with COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors
Authors: Yin Tingxuan , Li Yuanjun , Ying Ying , Luo Zhijun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease characterized by cough, fever, and fatigue and 20% of cases will develop into severe conditions resulting from acute lung injury with the manifestation of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that accounts for more than 50% of mortality. Currently, it has been reported that some comorbidities are linked with an increased rate of severity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. To assess the role of comorbidity in COVID-19 progression, we performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis on the relationship of COVID-19 severity with 8 different underlying diseases.

Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched for articles investigating the prevalence of comorbidities in severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients. A total of 41 studies comprising 12,526 patients were included.

Results
Prevalence of some commodities was lower than that in general population such as hypertension (19% vs 23.2%), diabetes (9% vs 10.9%), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (2% vs 9.5%), chronic liver diseases (CLD) (3% vs 24.8%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (3% vs 8.6%), while some others including cancer (1% vs 0.6%), cardiovascular disease (6% vs 1.8%) and cerebrovascular disease (2% vs 0.9%) exhibited greater percentage in COVID-19. Cerebrovascular disease (OR = 3.70, 95%CI 2.51–5.45) was found to be the strongest risk factor in disease exacerbation, followed by CKD (OR = 3.60, 95%CI 2.18–5.94), COPD (OR = 3.14, 95% CI 2.35–4.19), cardiovascular disease (OR = 2.76, 95% CI 2.18–3.49), malignancy (OR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.75–3.95), diabetes (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 2.10–2.96) and hypertension (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.81–2.51). We found no correlation between CLD and increased disease severity (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 0.96–1.82).

Conclusion
The impact of all eight underlying diseases on COVID-19 deterioration seemed to be higher in patients outside Hubei. Based on different comorbidities, COVID-19 patients tend to be at risk of developing poor outcomes to a varying degree. Thus, tailored infection prevention and monitoring and treatment strategies targeting these high-risk subgroups might improve prognosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.