bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sevoflurane Promotes Bactericidal Properties of Macrophages through Enhanced Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Male Mice
Authors: Gerber Thomas J. , Fehr Valérie C. O. , Oliveira Suellen D. S. , Hu Guochang , Dull Randal , Bonini Marcelo G. , Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Minshall Richard D. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background
Sevoflurane with its antiinflammatory properties has shown to decrease mortality in animal models of sepsis. However, the underlying mechanism of its beneficial effect in this inflammatory scenario remains poorly understood. Macrophages play an important role in the early stage of sepsis as they are tasked with eliminating invading microbes and also attracting other immune cells by the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Thus, the authors hypothesized that sevoflurane mitigates the proinflammatory response of macrophages, while maintaining their bactericidal properties.

Methods
Murine bone marrow–derived macrophages were stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide in the presence and absence of 2% sevoflurane. Expression of cytokines and inducible NO synthase as well as uptake of fluorescently labeled Escherichia coli (E. coli) were measured. The in vivo endotoxemia model consisted of an intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide injection after anesthesia with either ketamine and xylazine or 4% sevoflurane. Male mice (n = 6 per group) were observed for a total of 20 h. During the last 30 min fluorescently labeled E. coli were intraperitoneally injected. Peritoneal cells were extracted by peritoneal lavage and inducible NO synthase expression as well as E. coli uptake by peritoneal macrophages was determined using flow cytometry.

Results

In vitro, sevoflurane enhanced lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible NO synthase expression after 8 h by 466% and increased macrophage uptake of fluorescently labeled E. coli by 70% compared with vehicle-treated controls. Inhibiting inducible NO synthase expression pharmacologically abolished this increase in bacteria uptake. In vivo, inducible NO synthase expression was increased by 669% and phagocytosis of E. coli by 49% compared with the control group.

Conclusions
Sevoflurane enhances phagocytosis of bacteria by lipopolysaccharide-challenged macrophages in vitro and in vivo via an inducible NO synthase–dependent mechanism. Thus, sevoflurane potentiates bactericidal and antiinflammatory host-defense mechanisms in endotoxemia.
Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Properties of the Hausa Versions of the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Global Rating of Change Scale in a Low-literate Population With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Ibrahim Aminu A. , Akindele Mukadas O. , Bello Bashir , Kaka Bashir 
Published: October 2019

Study Design.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing.

Objective.
To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS) into Hausa language.

Summary of Background Data.
The NPRS and GRCS are commonly used patient-reported outcome measures in a variety of pain-related conditions including low back pain. To date, neither the NPRS nor GROC are available in Hausa language.

Methods.
The Hausa versions of the NPRS (NPRS-H) and GRCS (GRCS-H) were developed using recommended guidelines. The final versions were then administered to 120 patients with chronic low back pain to access their psychometric properties. Reliability assessment included calculations of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change among the stable group. Construct validity and concurrent validity were assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Internal responsiveness was assessed using mean change scores, standardized effect size, and standard response mean. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to determine the external responsiveness of the NPRS-H using the area under the curve, and minimal important change for small, medium, and large improvements. Outcome measures consisted of the Visual Analogue Scale for pain and Oswestry Disability Index.

Results.
The NPRS-H and GRCS-H were successfully developed. High test–retest reliability was demonstrated for both the NPRS-H (ICC = 0.95) and GRCS-H (ICC = 0.94) with minimal detectable change points of 1.0 and 1.2 respectively. The scales showed moderate to strong correlation with the Visual Analogue Scale for pain and Oswestry Disability Index. The mean change of the NPRS-H scores correlated moderately with the GRCS-H. Both scales demonstrated good internal responsiveness. External responsiveness of the NPRS-H was demonstrated at three levels with area under the curve  = 0.875 to 0.972, and minimal important change  = 2.5 to 3.5.

Conclusions.
The NPRS and GRCS were successfully adapted into Hausa language with acceptable reliability, validity, and responsiveness. These measures are appropriate for clinical and research use among Hausa-speaking patients.

Level of Evidence: 2
The Current Status of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy: An Update of the Description of Specialty Practice
Authors: Rodrigues Jeff , Campbell Angela A. , Frese Ethel , Lowers Sean , Norman Joseph F. , Stackowicz Dawn , Starr Julie , Walko Matthew 
Published: October 2019

Purpose:
Cardiopulmonary physical therapy (PT) was one of the first 4 specialty areas recognized within the PT profession in 1978 and was the first to certify specialists in 1985. Physical therapy practice in general and specifically cardiovascular and pulmonary (CVP) PT has expanded over these past 40 years. To maintain currency in this specialty, the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) requires that a practice analysis be performed at least every 10 years.

Summary of Key Points:
This article reports the findings of the 2017 practice analysis in CVP PT, resulting in the 2018 version of the Description of Specialist Practice: CVP.

Statement of Conclusion:
This report will serve as the foundation for the examination blueprint for ABPTS board certification in CVP PT, curricula in CVP PT residency programs, activities related to specialist certification, and maintenance of specialist certification.
Biomarkers in Tears and Ocular Surface: A Window for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Roda Matilde , Ciavarella Carmen , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Versura Piera 
Published: October 2019

Objectives:
The purpose of this review is to briefly outline current scientific evidence on the potential role of tear analysis and ocular surface evaluation in diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and glaucoma.

Methods:
A systematic computerized search in the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Collaborations was conducted to find eligible articles which their main topic was to investigate the tear and ocular surface in neurodegenerative diseases. After a first screening of titles and abstracts and a full-text review, 26 articles met the inclusion criteria (1 about the neurodegenerative diseases, 3 about the Alzheimer disease, 11 about the Parkinson disease, 11 about glaucoma, and 1 about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Results:
The ocular surface picture seems to be altered in the setting of neurodegenerative diseases with specific characteristics according to each disease. They seem to be associated with reduced corneal sensitivity and abnormal tear function, and each one presents the expression of specific biomarkers in tears.

Conclusions:
The study of tears and ocular surface appears to be a new and noninvasive promising way to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.
Clinical Findings and Ocular Symptoms Over 1 Year in a Sample of Scleral Lens Wearers
Authors: Macedo-de-Araújo Rute J. , Amorim-de-Sousa Ana , van der Worp Eef , González-Méijome José M. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose:
To report the fitting aspects, clinical findings, and symptoms over 12 months of scleral lens (SL) wear.

Methods:
Sixty-nine patients with irregular cornea due to ectasia or surgical procedures (IC group) or regular corneas with high ametropia (RC group) completed the 12-month prospective follow-up period. Patients were evaluated at baseline, lens dispensing visit, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months for assessment of comfort, fitting aspects, and slitlamp findings. Comfort was assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and Dry Eye Questionnaire. Slitlamp evaluations comprised on-eye lens fitting (lens alignment and tear reservoir thickness) and anterior ocular surface health after removing the lens (edema, hyperemia, staining, and adverse events).

Results:
OSDI Scores were significantly reduced after 1 month of SL wear comparing to baseline (from 47.0±22.7–23.9±14.7 in IC group, P<0.001 and 27.0±16.1–17.0±13.7, P=0.029 in RC group, P<0.05), without statistical significant differences from 1 to 12 months. Tear reservoir thickness showed a significant reduction at V1m (122 μm on IC group and 126 μm in RC group, P<0.05), that continued over time until V12m (195 and 184 μm lower compared with Baseline (P<0.05, Wilcoxon). Hyperemia and staining were significantly higher after SL removal when compared with baseline (P<0.05), and maintained the same behavior over the 12 months. There were no severe adverse events during the entire follow-up period.

Conclusions:
Comfort enhancement promoted by SL remained over the entire follow-up. Despite no severe adverse events recorded over the 12 months of follow-up, higher hyperemia and staining grades were found after SL removal when compared with no-lens condition.
Topical Vancomycin 5% Is More Efficacious Than 2.5% and 1.25% for Reducing Viable Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Infectious Keratitis
Authors: Romanowski Eric G. , Romanowski John E. , Shanks Robert M. Q. , Yates Kathleen A. , Mammen Alex , Dhaliwal Deepinder K. , Jhanji Vishal , Kowalski Regis P. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose:
Topical vancomycin 5% (50 mg/mL) has been used for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis, but patient comfort has many clinicians using lower concentrations. We compared the efficacy of different concentrations of vancomycin in the treatment of experimental MRSA keratitis.

Methods:
The corneas of 45 rabbits were infected with 2000 colony-forming units (CFUs) of MRSA. Corneal epithelium was abraded in the left eyes to mimic corneal ulceration. After 4 hours, the corneal CFUs were determined at the onset of treatment. The remaining rabbits were divided into 4 treatment groups (n = 9): 1) vancomycin 5%, 2) vancomycin 2.5%, 3) vancomycin 1.25%, and 4) saline. The rabbits were treated topically in both eyes every 15 minutes for 5 hours. One hour after treatment, the rabbits were clinically examined and euthanized, corneas were removed, and CFUs were determined to analyze vancomycin penetration, treatment efficacy, and bactericidal effect.

Results:
Ocular toxicity was concentration dependent from mild to moderate. For the abraded corneas, the CFUs of the vancomycin 5% group were lower than 2.5% and 1.25%, and all vancomycin groups were lower than saline. The CFUs of 2.5% were lower but similar to 1.25%. The vancomycin 5% group demonstrated a bactericidal effect and the best penetration. The CFUs of the abraded corneas treated with saline were lower than those of the intact corneas, indicating a possible antibacterial effect from the ocular surface.

Conclusions:
Vancomycin 5% was most potent for treating experimental MRSA keratitis. The clinician may need to reassess treatment regarding antibacterial efficacy and patient comfort.
Brillouin Microscopy Visualizes Centralized Corneal Edema in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy
Authors: Eltony Amira M. , Clouser Fatima , Shao Peng , Pineda Roberto , Yun Seok-Hyun 
Published: October 2019

Purpose:
To investigate the feasibility of using Brillouin microscopy for assessment of corneal edema in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Brillouin microscopy analyzes the frequency shift of light inelastically scattered by naturally occurring acoustic waves in a small volume of tissue. The resulting frequency shift is a measure of the local hydromechanical properties of the tissue.

Methods:
Participants were scanned using a clinical Brillouin imaging system (780 nm laser, 5 mW), and a color-coded map of the mean Brillouin shift laterally across the corneal stroma was created.

Results:
Brillouin maps of normal subjects (n = 8) were relatively homogeneous, whereas maps of patients with FECD (n = 7) exhibited significantly reduced Brillouin shifts (unpaired t test, P < 0.001) centrally. The mean difference of 83 MHz corresponds to approximately 3.9% higher water content (percentage difference in volume fraction) in central corneas of the FECD group relative to normal subjects. The Brillouin scan of a patient with FECD 1 month after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty measured a 62 MHz increase in Brillouin shift relative to the preoperative level, indicating normalization of corneal hydration.

Conclusions:
All patients with FECD scanned exhibited a centralized reduction in Brillouin shift, distinct from the normal subjects measured and consistent with centralized edema characterized by pachymetry. Brillouin scans revealed substantially reduced water content after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. These results suggest that Brillouin microscopy could aid treatment planning and assessment of FECD. Moreover, corneal hydration mapping may be useful in understanding fluid pump function dynamics of the cornea and developing early interventions for FECD.
Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Metabolic Syndrome in Firefighters
Authors: Leary David B. , Takazawa Mari , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Khalil Naila 
Published: October 2019

Objective:
To compare association of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) profile among firefighters (FF) at airport to suburban FF.

Methods:
Cross-sectional exploratory study, 47 men FF aged 18 to 62 years were enrolled from two fire departments in Ohio. Association between MetS outcome and log transformed serum concentrations of four PFASs was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:
PFASs serum concentrations were 18% to 74% higher in FF than the general population, and 21% to 62% higher in airport FF than suburban FF. Compared with US general population, an elevated risk of hypertension was noted in FF, but no significant association between PFASs and MetS was found.

Conclusions:
Current serum PFASs in FF are not associated with MetS risk.
Validation of the HL868ED upper-arm blood pressure monitor for clinical use and self-measurement according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lei Lei , Li Yan , Wang Ji-Guang 
Published: October 2019

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the automated oscillometric upper arm blood pressure monitor HL868ED for clinical use and self-measurement according to the International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension revision 2010.

Method
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured sequentially in 43 adult Chinese (21 women, mean age 51.7 years) using a mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers) and the HL868ED device (one supervisor). A total of 99 pairs of comparisons were obtained from 43 participants for judgements in two parts with three grading phases.

Results
The HL868ED device achieved the targets in part 1 of the validation study. The number of absolute differences between device and observers within 5, 10 and 15 mmHg was 68/99, 91/99 and 97/99, respectively, for systolic blood pressure and 85/99, 95/99 and 99/99, respectively, for diastolic blood pressure. The device also fulfilled the criteria in part 2 of the validation study. Twenty-four and 30 participants for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, had at least two of the three device-observer differences within 5 mmHg (required ≥24). Three participants for systolic and one participant for diastolic blood pressure had all the three device-observer comparisons greater than 5 mmHg.

Conclusion
The Health & Life blood pressure monitor HL868ED has passed the requirements of the International Protocol revision 2010 and hence can be recommended for blood pressure measurements in adults.
Association of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio with the long-term outcome after hospital discharge in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cai Mengxing , Liang Dongjie , Gao Feng , Hong Xia , Feng Xiafei , Yang Yating , Wu Shengjie , Huang Weijian 
Published: October 2019

Objective
Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), a novel systemic inflammatory factor, correlates with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, data are limited regarding the prognostic value of LMR in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after hospital discharge. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of admission LMR in hospital survivors of STEMI.

Methods
This retrospective observational study enrolled 1369 STEMI patients between 2014 and 2017. The study population was divided into three groups according to tertiles (T) of LMR (T1: ≥2.84; T2: 1.85–2.83; T3: <1.85). The primary outcomes were long-term outcomes after discharge including major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. The associations between LMR and long-term outcomes were assessed using Cox regression analysis.

Results
The median follow-up period was 556 days (interquartile range, 342–864 days). Independent correlations were observed between LMR and both long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. For long-term MACE, the T3 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–2.70; P = 0.013) and T2 groups (adjusted HR, 1.65; CI: 1.07–2.54; P = 0.024) showed significantly higher risk of MACE than did the T1 group. For long-term all-cause mortality, the adjusted HR was 3.07 (CI: 1.10–8.54; P = 0.032) in the T3 group and 2.35 (CI: 0.82–6.76; P = 0.112) in the T2 group compared with that of the T1 group.

Conclusion
Decreased admission LMR was independently associated with long-term all-cause mortality and MACE after discharge in patients with STEMI.
Inflammatory markers of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Yildirim Erkan , Ermis Emrah , Cengiz Mahir 
Published: October 2019

Objective:
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is among the serious complications of invasive cardiovascular procedures that are performed with the administration of contrast agents. We investigated the role of the inflammatory markers in predicting CIN in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Methods:
This study included 232 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent emergency angiography at our center.

Results:
There were 38 (19.1%) patients in the CIN group (mean age: 62.4 ± 10.2; 68.4% male), and 162 patients in the non-CIN group (mean age: 62.1 ± 11.5; 60.5% male). In the CIN positive group, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (P < 0.001), uric acid (P < 0.001), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.02) were higher, whereas vitamin D (P < 0.001), hemoglobin (P < 0.001) and baseline glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.011) were lower compared with the CIN negative group. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the cutoff point of GGT was 56 U/L for predicting CIN with a 84.2% sensitivity and a 72.2% specificity (area under the curve = 0.879, P < 0.001). The predictive value of GGT was the highest compared other inflammatory markers for CIN (area under the curve = 0.879).

Conclusion:
Our study showed that the levels of GGT, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, vitamin D, uric acid and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were the effective factors in development of CIN. The level of GGT was found as the most effective factor in prediction of the development of CIN.
Efficacy of nicorandil on the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zhang Xue , Yang Shicheng , Zhang Peng , Fu Naikuan 
Published: October 2019

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of nicorandil on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:
This study randomized 300 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention to receive conventional treatment in the control group (hydration only; n = 150) vs. nicorandil therapy (nicorandil 10 mg three times daily plus hydration; n = 150). The primary endpoint was the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy, defined as rise in serum creatinine ≥44.2 μmol/L or >25% above baseline within 72 hours after exposure to contrast administered during percutaneous coronary intervention. Secondary endpoints included differences in post-percutaneous coronary intervention serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance rate, cystatin-C, and occurrence of major adverse events.

Results:
Contrast-induced nephropathy incidence was 3.3% (5/150) in the nicorandil group vs. 10.7% (16/150) in the control group (P < 0.05). At 48 and 72 hours after contrast administration, cystatin-C levels were significantly lower and creatinine clearance rate were significantly higher with nicroandil therapy compared to conventional treatment (all P values <0.05). No statistical difference was observed in the incidence of major post-procedure side effect events in hospital and fourteen days of follow-up period between the nicorandil group and control group (3.3% vs. 4.0%, P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
Compared to conventional treatment, oral nicorandil therapy was associated with less contrast-induced nephropathy and improved renal function following contrast administration during percutaneous coronary intervention.