Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of an Amphiphilic Poly(aspartamide)-Mediated Self-Assembled Nanoconstruct for Long-Term Tumor Targeting and Bioimaging

Biodegradable polymers have been developed for the targeted delivery of therapeutics to tumors. However, tumor targeting and imaging are usually limited by systemic clearance and non-specific adsorption. In this study, we used poly(amino acid) derivatives, such as poly(succinimide), to synthesize a nanomicelle-forming poly(hydroxyethylaspartamide) (PHEA, P) modified sequentially with octadecylamine, polyethylene glycol (PEG, P), and glycine (G) to design PHEA-PEG-glycine (PPG) nanoparticles (NPs). These PPG NPs were further tethered to cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) sequences for formulating tumor-targeting PPG-cRGD NPs, and then loaded with IR-780 dye (PPG-cRGD-IR-780) for visualizing tumor homing. cRGD cloaked in PPG NPs could bind specifically to both tumor endothelium and cancer cells overexpressing αvβ3 integrins. PPG-cRGD NPs exhibited enhanced physiological stability, cellular viability, and targeted intracellular uptake in cancer cells. In addition, PPG-cRGD NPs offered enhanced systemic circulation, leading to preferential tumor targeting and prolonged fluorescence tumor imaging for nearly 30 days. Nevertheless, non-targeted formulations demonstrated premature systemic clearance with short-term tumor imaging. Histochemical analysis showed no damage to normal organs, reaffirming the biocompatibility of PHEA polymers. Overall, our results indicated that PPG-cRGD NPs, which were manipulated to obtain optimal particle size and surface charge, and were complemented with tumor targeting, could improve the targeted and theranostic potential of therapeutic delivery.
Long‐term overall‐ and progression‐free survival after pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab therapy for indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma

In a prospective phase II trial, pentostatin combined with cyclophosphamide and rituximab (PCR) induced strong responses and was well‐tolerated in previously untreated patients with advanced‐stage, indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). After a median patient follow‐up of more than 108 months, we performed an intent‐to‐treat analysis of our 83 participants. Progression‐free survival (PFS) rates at 108 months for follicular lymphoma (FL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) were 71%, 67% and 15%, respectively, and were affected by clinicopathological characteristics. Ten‐year PFS rates for those with beta‐2‐microglobulin levels <2·2 and ≥2·2 mg/l prior to treatment were 71% and 21%, respectively. Patients without bone marrow involvement had 10‐year PFS rates of 72% vs. 29% for those with involvement. At time of analysis, the median overall survival (OS) had not been reached. The OS rate was 64% at 10 years and differed significantly based on histology: 94% for FL, 66% for MZL and 39% for SLL. Long‐term toxicities included 18 (21·7%) patients with second malignancies and 2 (2·4%) who developed myelodysplastic syndrome after receiving additional lines of chemotherapy. Our 10‐year follow‐up analysis confirms that PCR is an effective, robust and tolerable treatment regimen for patients with iNHL.
Multi-Attribute Portfolio Selection with Genetic Optimization Algorithms

Abstract The traditional portfolio theory first proposed by Markowitz only provides a solution to capital allocation to a pre-determined set of assets, regardless of asset quality. To remedy this gap, a multi-attribute asset quality analysis, before asset allocation, is proposed. Thus a two-stage multi-attribute portfolio selection framework that considers asset quality, as well as asset allocation, is formulated. For solving the proposed portfolio selection problem, this study applies genetic algorithms for multi-attribute portfolio selection and analysis. In the first stage, i.e. asset quality evaluation, a genetic algorithm is used to identify good quality assets in terms of asset ranking. In the asset allocation stage, allocation of capital to individual high-quality assets is optimized using another genetic algorithm based on Markowitz's mean-variance theory. Through the two-stage asset evaluation and allocation process, an optimal portfolio can be determined in the context of considering both multiple asset return attributes and risk exposures. Experimental results reveal that the proposed multi-attribute portfolio selection framework provides a very feasible and useful tool to assist investors in planning their investment strategy and constructing their portfolios.
Targeted Deletions of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Atherogenesis in Mice

Background— Although the dominant product of vascular Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostacyclin (PGI2), restrains atherogenesis, inhibition and deletion of COX-2 have yielded conflicting results in mouse models of atherosclerosis. Floxed mice were used to parse distinct cellular contributions of COX-2 in macrophages and T cells (TCs) to atherogenesis. Methods and Results— Deletion of macrophage–COX-2 (Mac–COX-2KOs) was attained with LysMCre mice and completely suppressed lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage prostaglandin (PG) formation and lipopolysaccharide-evoked systemic PG biosynthesis by ≈30%. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated COX-2 expression was suppressed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes isolated from MacKOs, but PG formation was not even detected in polymorphonuclear leukocyte supernatants from control mice. Atherogenesis was attenuated when MacKOs were crossed into hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor knockouts. Deletion of Mac–COX-2 appeared to remove a restraint on COX-2 expression in lesional nonleukocyte (CD45- and CD11b-negative) vascular cells that express vascular cell adhesion molecule and variably &agr;-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, portending a shift in PG profile and consequent atheroprotection. Basal expression of COX-2 was minimal in TCs, but use of CD4Cre to generate TC knockouts depressed its modest upregulation by anti-CD3&egr;. However, biosynthesis of PGs, TC composition in lymphatic organs, and atherogenesis in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockouts were unaltered in TC knockouts. Conclusions— Macrophage–COX-2, primarily a source of thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin (PG)E2, promotes atherogenesis and exerts a restraint on enzyme expression by lesional cells suggestive of vascular smooth muscle cells, a prominent source of atheroprotective prostacyclin. TC COX-2 does not detectably influence TC development or function or atherogenesis in mice.
Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Clinical Adjacent Segment Pathology

Study Design: This was a retrospective comparative study. Objective: The main objective of this article was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic efficacies of minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for clinical adjacent segment pathology (ASP). Summary of Background Data: Minimally invasive techniques have been increasingly applied for spinal surgery. No report has compared LLIF with conventional posterior lumbar interbody fusion for clinical ASP. Methods: Forty patients undergoing LLIF with posterior fusion (hybrid surgery) were compared with 40 patients undergoing conventional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (posterior surgery). The radiologic outcomes including indirect decompression in hybrid surgery group, and clinical outcomes such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed. Postoperative major complications and reoperations were also compared between the 2 groups. Results: Correction of coronal Cobb’s angle and segmental lordosis in the hybrid surgery were significantly greater postoperatively (2.8 vs. 0.9 degrees, P=0.012; 7.4 vs. 2.5 degrees, P=0.009) and at the last follow-up (2.4 vs. 0.5 degrees, P=0.026; 4.8 vs. 0.8 degrees, P=0.016) compared with posterior surgery. As regards indirect decompression of the LLIF, significant increases in thecal sac (83.4 vs. 113.8 mm2) and foraminal height (17.8 vs. 20.9 mm) were noted on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Although postoperative back VAS (4.1 vs. 5.6, P=0.011) and ODI (48.9% vs. 59.6%, P=0.007) were significantly better in hybrid surgery, clinical outcomes at the last follow-up were similar. Moreover, intraoperative endplate fractures developed in 17.7% and lower leg symptoms occurred in 30.0% of patients undergoing hybrid surgery. Conclusions: Hybrid surgery for clinical ASP has advantages of segmental coronal and sagittal correction, and indirect decompression compared with conventional posterior surgery. However, LLIF-related complications such as endplate fracture and lower leg symptoms also developed. LLIF should be performed considering advantages and approach-related complications for the clinical ASP.
Young adult cancer survivors’ experiences with a mindful self-compassion (MSC) video-chat intervention: A qualitative analysis

ABSTRACT Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) are a vulnerable population that reports high anxiety, social isolation, and feelings of inadequacy after cancer treatment completion. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) provides strategies for coping with suffering. We explored how MSC practices addressed the psychosocial needs of a nationally recruited YACS sample (N = 20, all female, age M = 27.00, various cancer types) that participated in an 8-week MSC video-chat intervention. Descriptive qualitative analysis of the intervention recordings revealed three YACS’ psychosocial needs: peer isolation, body concerns, and health-related anxiety. MSC practices addressed these in a number of ways including: self-reliance for emotional support, common humanity within the YACS community, gratitude, self-kindness, and acceptance. Meanwhile, the body scan practice initially triggered distress for some; implications are discussed.
Downloadable Software Algorithm Reduces Inappropriate Shocks Caused by Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Lead Fractures: A Prospective Study

Background— Downloadable software upgrades are common in consumer electronics but not in implantable medical devices. Fractures of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads present commonly as inappropriate shocks. A lead-integrity alert (LIA) designed to reduce inappropriate shocks is the first software download approved to enhance nominally functioning, previously implanted ICDs. Methods and Results— We performed a prospective study to determine whether an LIA could reduce inappropriate shocks. Patients were included if they had ICD lead fractures confirmed by analysis of explanted leads. The LIA group included the first 213 patients who met the inclusion criteria after the LIA was approved who had the LIA downloaded. The LIA is triggered either by high impedance or rapid oversensing. It responds by delaying detection of ventricular fibrillation and initiating a patient alert every 4 hours. The control group included the first 213 patients who did not have the LIA downloaded. They were monitored by conventional daily impedance measurements that respond with a daily alert. The LIA group had a 46% relative reduction (95% confidence interval 34% to 55%) in the percentage of patients with ≥1 inappropriate shock (LIA 38% versus control 70%, P<0.001) and a 50% relative reduction (95% confidence interval 33% to 61%) in the percentage with ≥5 shocks (25% versus 50%, P<0.001). The LIA group also had a higher percentage of patients who either did not receive a shock or had ≥3 days of warning before the shock (72% versus 50%, P<0.001). Conclusions— A software download that upgrades previously implanted ICDs without surgical revision reduces inappropriate shocks caused by lead fractures.
Nanotechnology Advanced Strategies for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND Today's medications available for the management of diabetes mellitus are inconvenient and have some limitations. Thus, investigations for novel approaches are needed to deliver and target antidiabetics safely to the site of action. OBJECTIVE The present review emphasizes the limitations of conventional antidiabetics and provides the recent progresses of nanotechnology in the treatment of DM with special highlighting on novel nano-carriers methodologies employed as antidiabetic drug delivery systems. METHOD The potential nano-carriers employed for the treatment of diabetes comprise liposomes, niosomes, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, dendrimers and micelles. Herbal nanomedicine has also emerged to be a promising way for adequate delivery of herbal compounds. Other nanotechnology approaches involves the usage of oral insulin, inhalable insulin, artificial pancreas, and nanopump. RESULTS Nano-carriers have proved to lead a successful delivery of antidiabetic medications, aiming at drug targeting for enhanced efficacy and safety. CONCLUSION These innovative generations of drug delivery systems have important benefits over conventionally existing ones. The future of nanotechnology in management of diabetes is still open with several prospects and will be of pronounced significance.
Wireless Healthcare Monitoring with RFID-Enhanced Video Sensor Networks

In pervasive healthcare systems, WSNs provide rich contextual information and alerting mechanisms against odd conditions with continuous monitoring. Furthermore, they minimize the need for caregivers and help the chronically ill and elderly to survive an independent life. In this paper, we propose an outdoor monitoring environment and evaluate the capabilities of video sensor networks for healthcare monitoring in an outdoor setting. The results exhibit that their capabilities are limited. For this reason, we proposed several enhancements for reducing the traffic load on the network for better performance. RFID is a very mature technology that has already been used in many areas. The RFID-enhanced video sensor networks reduce the network traffic load. Moreover, the proximity of the healthcare professionals who are also moving in the surveillance area is also used for better balancing the network load. Finally, for assuring the reporting of the emergency events with low latencies, we propose an emergency frame based queuing mechanism and evaluated its performance through simulations.
Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for acute low back pain: systematic review

Abstract Background and aims There has been no comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for acute low back pain (LBP). The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the efficacy and safety of TENS for acute LBP. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CENTRAL, CINAHL and PsycINFO (inception to May 2018) for randomised placebo controlled trials. The primary outcome measure was pain relief in the immediate term (within 2-weeks of administration) assessed using the 100 mm visual analogue scale. A mean difference of at least 10 points on the 100-point pain scale was considered clinically significant. Methodological quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the PEDro scale and overall quality assessment rating was assessed using GRADE. Results Three placebo controlled studies (n = 192) were included. One low quality trial (n = 63) provides low quality evidence that ~30 min treatment with TENS in an emergency-care setting provides clinically worthwhile pain relief for moderate to severe acute LBP in the immediate term compared with sham TENS [Mean Difference (MD) – 28.0 (95% CI – 32.7, −23.3)]. Two other studies which administered a course of TENS over 4–5 weeks, in more usual settings provide inconclusive evidence; MD −2.75 (95% CI −11.63, 6.13). There was limited data on adverse events or long term follow-up. Conclusions The current evidence is insufficient to support or dismiss the use of TENS for acute LBP. Implications There is insufficient evidence to guide the use of TENS for acute LBP. There is low quality evidence of moderate improvements in pain with a short course of TENS (~30 min) during emergency transport of patients to the hospital. Future research should evaluate whether TENS has an opioid sparing role in the management of acute LBP.
JAZ proteins modulate seed germination through interaction with ABI5 in bread wheat and Arabidopsis.

Appropriate regulation of crop seed germination is of significance for agriculture production. In this study, we show that TaJAZ1, most closely related to Arabidopsis JAZ3, negatively modulates abscisic acid (ABA)-inhibited seed germination and ABA-responsive gene expression in bread wheat. Biochemical interaction assays demonstrate that the C-terminal part containing the Jas domain of TaJAZ1 physically interacts with TaABI5. Similarly, Arabidopsis jasmonate-ZIM domain (JAZ) proteins also negatively modulate ABA responses. Further we find that a subset of JAZ proteins could interact with ABI5 using the luciferase complementation imaging assays. Choosing JAZ3 as a representative, we demonstrate that JAZ3 interacts with ABI5 in vivo and represses the transcriptional activation activity of ABI5. ABA application could abolish the enrichment of JAZ proteins in the ABA-responsive gene promoter. Furthermore, we find that ABA application could induce the expression of jasmonate (JA) biosynthetic genes and then increase the JA concentrations partially dependent on the function of ABI5, consequently leading to the degradation of JAZ proteins. This study sheds new light on the crosstalk between JA and ABA in modulating seed germination in bread wheat and Arabidopsis.
Evaluation of the i‐STAT analyzer for determination of ionized calcium concentrations in bovine blood

BACKGROUND Information regarding the performance of the i-STAT, a point-of-care analyzer, to determine ionized calcium (iCa2+ ) concentration in bovine blood is limited. OBJECTIVE The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the agreement of the i-STAT against a traditional bench-top blood gas analyzer (Radiometer ABL800 FLEX) in the measurement of iCa2+ in the blood of cattle with various disorders. METHODS In this study, 121 cattle with various diseases were used. Venous blood samples were run on the i-STAT and the Radiometer ABL800 FLEX for determination of blood iCa2+ concentrations. Data were subjected to Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots. The Radiometer ABL800 FLEX was the reference method and the i-STAT was the test method. The i-STAT performance was evaluated at two different cutoff values for iCa2+ concentrations (<1.00 and <1.18 mmol/L) using the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS The Passing-Bablok regression equation that fit the iCa2+ concentration as measured with the i-STAT (Y) and the Radiometer ABL800 FLEX (X), was Y = -0.108276 [-0.15/-0.06] + 1.103448 [1.06/1.14] × X, with a residual deviation of 0.02. The deviation from the identity line was not significant (P = 0.64). The Bland-Altman difference plot revealed no bias between the i-STAT and the Radiometer ABL 800 FLEX. The i-STAT had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 87.7-100.0) and 94.8% (95% CI, 87.2-98.6) at the iCa2+ concentration cutoff values of <1.00 and <1.18 mmol/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS iCa2+ concentrations in bovine blood measured with the i-STAT agreed with those of the Radiometer ABL800 FLEX. In particular, the i-STAT predicted hypocalcemia with a high sensitivity.
Current pharmacotherapy for testicular germ cell cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: With the implementation of platinum-based chemotherapy, germ cell tumors (GCTs) became a model for a curable solid tumor, with survival rates of 95% in all patients with >80% survival in metastatic stages. Areas covered: Herein, the authors review the current standards of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I GCTs as well as first-line and salvage treatments for metastatic disease. Novel approaches for refractory disease are also reviewed. Expert opinion: Active surveillance should be considered for all stage I patients and is the preferred approach for stage I seminoma. In stage I non-seminomas with vascular invasion, one cycle of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) substantially reduces the relapse risk. For most advanced GCTs, BEP remains the first-line standard of care. For poor prognosis disease treatment, stratification according to tumor marker decline is recommended. The role of primary high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) for selected very high-risk patients remains to be prospectively evaluated. Salvage HDCT at relapse seems superior to conventional chemotherapy, retrospectively. The treatment of multiply relapsed disease remains challenging. The gemcitabine/oxaliplatin/paclitaxel (GOP) protocol is considered the standard for refractory disease. However, overall, outcomes are poor and new treatment approaches are urgently needed with targeted therapies so far failing to yield relevant clinical activity.
Should Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Be Performed in Patients With Moderate Stenosis of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery?

In this issue of Circulation , Harskamp and colleagues1 use 12- to 18-month angiographic follow-up data from the Project of Ex-vivo Vein Graft Engineering via Transfection IV (PREVENT IV) trial to determine the frequency of internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft failure, its risk factors, and its association with postoperative clinical events. They identified left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis <75%, additional bypass graft to a diagonal, and absence of diabetes mellitus as risk factors for ITA graft failure, and reported that graft failure was associated with a high risk of postoperative repeat revascularization. Because of the association of ITA failure with moderate LAD stenosis and risk of early postoperative revascularization, the authors question the benefit of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with moderate, or non–ischemia-producing, lesions of the LAD. Article see p 131 This article adds to the extensive literature on the association of native coronary artery competitive flow and ITA patency.2–7 Its considerable strength is systematic angiographic follow-up. What is new is their thesis that these findings raise concern that CABG may not be beneficial in patients with moderate stenosis of the LAD. To evaluate whether these concerns are justified, it is necessary to review what is known about the effect of competitive flow on ITA patency, whether saphenous veins are more effective grafts than ITAs to coronary arteries with only moderate stenosis, and whether grafting a coronary artery with moderate stenosis is beneficial or harmful. Competitive flow is the most important factor influencing ITA graft patency (and the patency of all arterial bypass grafts, as well). 2 Competitive flow is defined as native coronary artery blood flow in a coronary artery to which a bypass graft has been anastomosed—flow that progressively lessens as proximal coronary artery stenosis increases. Studies evaluating the …
Sirtuin 6 mitigated LPS‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells inflammatory responses through modulating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2

Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) protects the lung from sepsis‐induced injury through activating Nrf2‐regulated multiple phase 2 detoxification genes, including NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO1). Based on the positive effect of Sirtuin 6 on Nrf2, we aim to explore the potential role of SIRT6 in the mechanism of sepsis‐induced acute lung injury (ALI).