Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of cellular parameters on the in vitro osteogenic potential of dual-gelling mesenchymal stem cell-laden hydrogels

Abstract This work investigated the effects of cellular encapsulation density and differentiation stage on the osteogenic capacity of injectable, dual physically and chemically gelling hydrogels comprised of thermogelling macromers and polyamidoamine crosslinkers. Undifferentiated and osteogenically predifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were encapsulated within 20 wt% composite hydrogels with gelatin microparticles at densities of six or 15 million cells/mL. We hypothesized that a high encapsulation density and predifferentiation would promote increased cellular interaction and accelerate osteogenesis, leading to enhanced osteogenic potential in vitro. Hydrogels were able to maintain the viability of the encapsulated cells over a period of 28 days, with the high encapsulation density and predifferentiation group possessing the highest DNA content at all time points. Early alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization were promoted by encapsulation density, whereas this effect by predifferentiation was only observed in the low seeding density groups. Both parameters only demonstrated short-lived effects when examined independently, but jointly led to greater levels of alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. The combined effects suggest that there may be optimal encapsulation densities and differentiation periods that need to be investigated to improve MSCs for biomaterial-based therapeutics in bone tissue engineering.
Using Exploratory Focus Groups to Inform the Development of a Peer-Supported Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: DIRECTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

PURPOSE: There has been limited research on the role of peer support in self-management for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attending pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs. This research explored patient acceptability of “peer supporters” in promoting sustained self-management practices after PR and to assess their perceived self-efficacy to manage their disease. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus groups and individual interviews to identify perspectives of peer supporters and benefits of participation in a PR program. The analysis included systematically reading and reviewing transcripts of the sessions, establishing themes, and sorting responses into thematic categories. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients with COPD (15 males) participated in either a focus group or interview. The majority of participants considered peer supporters to be good facilitators for motivating ongoing exercise after completing PR. Exercise sessions were viewed as extremely beneficial for disease management, and many were satisfied with the care they had received. Most subjects wanted to receive followup sessions with either a professional or peer after the intensive phase of PR. Overall, the concept of having a peer supporter involved in ongoing maintenance of self-management efforts after PR was generally viewed as positive. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating a peer support model into PR programs may improve better long-term health outcomes for COPD management as many participants endorsed the need for continued support after the program. It also improved our understanding of the role of “peer supports” in exercise and self-care maintenance after PR. The selection of peers and the specific model used warrants further investigation in a randomized controlled trial.
Polydopamine/polyethyleneimine complex adhered to micrometer-sized magnetic carbon fibers for high-efficiency hemoperfusion

Abstract Carbon-based nanomaterials have recently attracted tremendous attention in adsorption, separation and biological fields. However, such modification is not always straightforward when the surface is not chemically reactive. Given this reason, most carbon materials modification processes employ reactive linkers or coupling agents, which are complicated and time-consuming. Herein, we report on a dopamine-polyethyleneimine (PEI) coating strategy to fabricate micrometer-sized magnetic carbon fiber (MSMCF)-based extracorporeal blood-cleansing sorbent for hemoperfusion. Results showed that the dopamine/PEI-coated MSMCF had a twisted fiber shape with a size range of 80–120 μm in diameter and porous structure with a specific surface area of 146 m2 g−1. Adsorption behavior of dopamine/PEI-modified MSMCF was examined by using bilirubin as a toxin model compound. Equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximal adsorption capacity of 335.1 mg g−1 at ambient temperature. The as-obtained material had relatively high bilirubin adsorption selectivity against albumin at a normal albumin concentration. In particular, the dopamine/PEI-coated MSMCF has excellent adsorption capacity and hemocompatibility compared to the MSMCF decorated only by dopamine or PEI. Therefore, this work may pave the way for enhancing the property of the extracorporeal blood-cleansing sorbent during hemoperfusion.
PCL-TCP wet spun scaffolds carrying antibiotic-loaded microspheres for bone tissue engineering

Abstract Scaffolds produced for tissue engineering applications are proven to be promising alternatives to be used in healing and regeneration of injured tissues and organs. In this study, porous and fibrous poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were prepared by wet spinning technique and modified by addition of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and by immobilizing gelatin onto fibers. Meanwhile, gelatin microspheres carrying Ceftriaxone sodium (CS), a model antibiotic, were added onto the scaffolds and antimicrobial activity of CS was investigated against Escherichia coli (E. coli), a model gram-negative bacterium. TCP and gelatin were added to enhance mechanical properties while directing the scaffold towards osteogenic infrastructure and to increase hydrophilicity by activating cell attachment via protein molecules, respectively. Modifications with TCP and gelatin enhanced the compression modulus by about 70%, and attachment of Saos-2 cells by 60%, respectively. Release of the antibiotic demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The bioactive scaffolds were shown to be good candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.
Growth factor sequestration and enzyme-mediated release from genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres

Abstract Controlled release of growth factors allows the efficient, localized, and temporally-optimized delivery of bioactive molecules to potentiate natural physiological processes. This concept has been applied to treatments for pathological states, including chronic degeneration, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Peptide microspheres are particularly suited for this application because of their low cost, ease of manufacture, and interaction with natural remodeling processes active during healing. The present study characterizes gelatin microspheres for the entrapment and delivery of growth factors, with a focus on tailored protein affinity, loading capacity, and degradation-mediated release. Genipin crosslinking in PBS and CHES buffers produced average microsphere sizes ranging from 15 to 30 microns with population distributions ranging from about 15 to 60 microns. Microsphere formulations were chosen based on properties important for controlled transient and spatial delivery, including size, consistency, and stability. The microsphere charge affinity was found to be dependent on gelatin type, with type A (GelA) carriers consistently having a lower negative charge than equivalent type B (GelB) carriers. A higher degree of crosslinking, representative of primary amine consumption, resulted in a greater negative net charge. Gelatin type was found to be the strongest determinant of degradation, with GelA carriers degrading at higher rates versus similarly crosslinked GelB carriers. Growth factor release was shown to depend upon microsphere degradation by proteolytic enzymes, while microspheres in inert buffers showed long-term retention of growth factors. These studies illuminate fabrication and processing parameters that can be used to control spatial and temporal release of growth factors from gelatin-based microspheres.
Predicting Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance in a Gender‐Tailored Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE This study compared attendance of women participating in a motivationally enhanced, gender-tailored cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program with that of women attending a traditional outpatient CR program. We also sought to determine the significant baseline predictors of attendance of the exercise and education components of the interventions. METHODS Data from 252 women with CHD in the randomized clinical trial, the Women's-Only Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, were used in this study. The experimental design used 2 treatment groups: both receiving a comprehensive, 12-week, CR program, with 1 group receiving a gender-tailored, stage-of-change matched, behavioral enhancement using individualized motivational interviewing. RESULTS Compared with women in the traditional CR program, women in the gender-tailored program attended significantly more of the prescribed exercise (90% vs 77%) and education sessions (87% vs 56%). Group assignment accounted for about 5% of the variance in exercise attendance (F1,250 = 12.755, P < .001) and about 24% of the variance in education attendance (F1,250 = 77.942, P < .001). After controlling for group assignment, the baseline characteristics of smoking status, marital status, and anxiety accounted for about 17% of the variance in exercise attendance (F5,245 = 10.494, P < .001). Smoking status and marital status were significant baseline predictors of education attendance (F5,245 = 6.115, P < .001) after controlling for group assignment. CONCLUSIONS The long-standing, poor attendance of women in CR continues to be an unresolved international challenge. Gender-tailored, stage-matched, CR programs hold promise for enhancing attendance to prescribed protocols. Additional research examining the efficacy of gender-sensitive, motivationally enhanced CR for women compared with generic CR programs is warranted.
The stability of cardiovascular reactivity: Effects of task-type and family history over a 3-year interval

Although there are now more than one-half dozen published studies examining the longitudinal stability of cardiovascular reactivity, methodological limitations leave several important issues unexplored. In this investigation, 126 disease-free participants completed a laboratory protocol containing physical (hand-grip), cognitive (mental arithmetic), and speech (anger recall interview) tasks at the beginning and end of a 3-year interval. In addition, we collected information regarding family history of hypertension. As expected, blood pressure and heart rate reactivity was statistically reproducible across the 3-year time interval, but coefficients were moderate at best (rs =.37 diastolic blood pressure [DBP], .25 systolic blood pressure [SBP], & .22 heart rate [HR]). In addition, participants with a positive family history of hypertension showed greater stability of systolic reactivity. We conclude that (a) the long-term reproducibility of reactivity is strongly affected by the number of measurements, and (b) family history and task-type may have modest effectson the reproducibility ofcardiovascular reactivity.
The effect of ozone gas sterilization on the properties and cell compatibility of electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds

Abstract The growing area of tissue engineering has the potential to alleviate the shortage of tissues and organs for transplantation, and electrospun biomaterial scaffolds are extremely promising devices for translating engineered tissues into a clinical setting. However, to be utilized in this capacity, these medical devices need to be sterile. Traditional methods of sterilization are not always suitable for biomaterials, especially as many commonly used biomedical polymers are sensitive to chemical-, thermal- or radiation-induced damage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of ozone gas for sterilizing electrospun scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL), a polymer widely utilized in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, by evaluating if scaffolds composed of either nanofibres or microfibres were differently affected by the sterilization method. The sterility, morphology, mechanical properties, physicochemical properties, and response of cells to nanofibrous and microfibrous PCL scaffolds were assessed after ozone gas sterilization. The sterilization process successfully sterilized the scaffolds and preserved most of their initial attributes, except for mechanical properties. However, although the scaffolds became weaker after sterilization, they were still robust enough to use as tissue engineering scaffolds and this treatment increased the proliferation of L929 fibroblasts while maintaining cell viability, suggesting that ozone gas treatment may be a suitable technique for the sterilization of polymer scaffolds which are significantly damaged by other methods.
Community-Acquired Legionnaires Disease in Croatia: Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation

Legionella pneumophila is a well-recognized etiologic factor in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We analyzed the course of radiographic findings of 49 patients with Legionnaires disease, correlated them with clinical and laboratory parameters, and compared them with CAP caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Coxiella burnetii. The most common radiographic finding at admission was unilobar, patchy infiltrate localized in the lower lobes. At follow-up radiography 4 to 12 days after admission, 42.9% of patients developed progression of infiltrates. Mean complete clearing of the infiltrates in most patients (83.7%) was noted on the 21st day of the onset of symptoms. Most patients with Legionnaires disease presented with a clinically mild-to-moderate form, and radiographic findings differed from those seen in other atypical CAPs.
Pentraxin-3 Predicts Functional Recovery and 1-Year Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Rehabilitation of Cardiac Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory and vascular markers have proved to be predictors of outcome in myocardial infarction and heart failure. We evaluated several circulating markers of cardiac stress, inflammation, and endothelial function to investigate their ability to predict short-term functional recovery and long-term clinical outcome in heart surgery patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter study enrolled 223 patients after heart surgery, included in a 3-week program of standardized and supervised physical training. The association between biomarkers (pentraxin-3 [PTX3], brain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T [hs-cTnT] and C-reactive protein [hsCRP], creatine kinase, myoglobin, and urinary albumin excretion [UACR]) and exercise capacity (6-minute walk test, 6MWT) or 1-year incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was tested in models that included biohumoral markers, and clinical and instrumental variables. RESULTS: The patients (69.5% men, mean age of 67 ± 11 years) were enrolled after valvular surgery (52.7%) and 58.6% after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Exercise capacity improved during rehabilitation (6MWT distance from 279 ± 95 to 386 ± 91 m; P < .0001); concentrations of most biomarkers decreased (hsCRP: 79% [P < .0001]; hs-cTnT: 57% [P < .0001]; UACR: 36% [P = .05]). Among the tested markers, PTX3 showed the closest association with 6MWT distance (P = .01) and was the only predictor of MACE, also in the subgroup of CABG patients (OR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.03–1.27]; P = .015). CONCLUSION: PTX3, a marker of vascular inflammation and cardiovascular damage, is a predictor of short-term functional recovery and 1-year MACE in patients undergoing rehabilitation after cardiac surgery, regardless of clinical and instrumental parameters.
Patients With Heart Failure in the “Intermediate Range” of Peak Oxygen Uptake: ADDITIVE VALUE OF HEART RATE RECOVERY AND THE MINUTE VENTILATION/CARBON DIOXIDE OUTPUT SLOPE IN PREDICTING MORTALITY

PURPOSE: While patients with heart failure who achieve a peak oxygen uptake (peak O2) of 10 mL·kg−1·min−1 or less are often considered for intensive surveillance or intervention, those achieving 14 mL·kg−1·min−1 or more are generally considered to be at lower risk. Among patients in the “intermediate” range of 10.1 to 13.9 mL·kg−1·min−1, optimally stratifying risk remains a challenge. METHODS: Patients with heart failure (N = 1167) referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing were observed for 21 ± 13 months. Patients were classified into 3 groups of peak o2 (⩽10, 10.1–13.9, and ≥14 mL·kg−1·min−1). The ability of heart rate recovery at 1 minute (HRR1) and the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide output ( E/ co2) slope to complement peak o2 in predicting cardiovascular mortality were determined. RESULTS: Peak o2, HRR1 (<16 beats per minute), and the E/ co2 slope (>34) were independent predictors of mortality (hazard ratio 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.29, P = .006; hazard ratio 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5, P = .008; and hazard ratio 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6–3.4, P < .001, respectively). Compared with those achieving a peak o2 ≥ 14 mL·kg−1·min−1, patients within the intermediate range with either an abnormal E/ co2 slope or HRR1 had a nearly 2-fold higher risk of cardiac mortality. Those with both an abnormal HRR1 and E/ co2 slope had a higher mortality risk than those with a peak o2 ⩽ 10 mL·kg−1·min−1. Survival was not different between those with a peak o2 ⩽ 10 mL·kg−1·min−1 and those in the intermediate range with either an abnormal HRR1 or E/ co2 slope. CONCLUSIONS: HRR1 and the E/ co2 slope effectively stratify patients with peak o2 within the intermediate range into distinct groups at high and low risk.
Clinical application of dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective and potent alpha2-adrenoreceptor (AR) agonist offering dosedependent sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia. It is a relatively new drug, approved for sedation for up to 24 hours in mechanically ventilated post-cardiac surgery patients. Yet, because of its unique drug profile, it has been increasingly studied and used in various clinical settings, albeit off label, with promising results. The purpose of this review is to discuss dexmedetomidine in terms of its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and to focus on its various clinical applications. A PubMed search, using the keyword “dexmedetomidine”, identified approximately 1,000 articles, the earliest being animal studies published in 1988.
Age-Specific Normal Values for the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test in a Healthy British Population

PURPOSE: The Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) is an important functional and prognostic marker in chronic disease. Aging has a detrimental effect on exercise performance. The objective of this study was to produce normal age-specific values for the ISWT in a healthy British population and to explore whether additional variables improve the accuracy of a predictive equation. METHODS: Healthy subjects (N = 152), aged 40 to 90 years, were recruited. Data collection occurred over 2 study visits. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected, and lung function and quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction were measured. An accelerometer was worn for 2 consecutive days at home. The Duke Activity Status Index was completed, and the greatest distance from 2 ISWTs was recorded. RESULTS: One hundred forty subjects (56 men) with mean age (SD) of 59.4 (11.0) years completed 2 ISWTs. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 109.1% (14.56%) predicted and ISWT distance was 737 m (183 m). Age-specific normal values for the ISWT were observed: mean (lower limit of normal)—40 to 49 years, 824 m (765 m); 50 to 59 years, 788 m (730 m); 60 to 69 years, 699 m (649 m); and 70 years and older, 633 m (562 m). A predictive equation was developed from 114 subjects. Age, body mass index, FEV1, quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction, and Duke Activity Status Index contributed to ISWT distance predicting 50.4% of the variation in performance. CONCLUSION: We have developed age-specific normal values for performance on the ISWT in a healthy British population. However, even using practical, clinically relevant variables, it is not possible to accurately predict exercise capacity from a regression equation.
Efficacy of Methylprednisolone Pulse Followed by Oral Prednisone in Birdshot Chorioretinopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the outcomes of initial methylprednisolone pulse then oral prednisone in the treatment of birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 21 BSCR patients, treated with initial methylprednisolone, prednisone, or immunosuppressive therapy. Main outcome measures were changes in visual acuity, intraocular inflammation, concomitant immunosuppressive drug or intravitreal steroid, and adverse events. Results: In total, 14 patients were initially treated with methylprednisolone; four patients with prednisone; and three with immunosuppressive drug. Intraocular inflammation was controlled in 10 of 14 patients (71%) at 1 year, with a mean dose of 6.2 mg/day prednisone. Patients treated initially by methylprednisolone had improved visual acuity at 1 year, but it was not significantly different from patients treated initially by prednisone. Conclusions: Corticosteroid therapy, including initial methylprednisolone pulse then prednisone, was effective in stabilizing vision and decreasing inflammation in most patients with BSCR.
Molecular Signals Involved in Human B Cell Migration into the Retina: In Vitro Investigation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and CXCL13

ABSTRACT Purpose: B cells participate in diverse retinal immunopathologies. Endothelial adhesion molecules and chemokines direct leukocyte trafficking. We examined the involvement of three molecular signals in retinal transendothelial migration of human B cells: ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and CXCL13. Methods: Peripheral blood B cells were isolated by negative selection. Migration was studied in transwells populated with human retinal endothelial monolayers, using antibody to block ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. Retinal expression of CXCL13 was investigated. Results: B cells crossed retinal endothelium. ICAM-1 blockade significantly reduced migration when results for all subjects were combined, and for a majority when results were analyzed by individual. This effect was irrespective of the presence or absence of CXCL13, although CXCL13 increased migration. CXCL13 was detected in neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium. Endothelial cells of some retinal vessels presented CXCL13 protein. Conclusion: ICAM-1 blockade may be an effective treatment in some patients with retinal diseases that involve B cells.