bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of L-carnitine and propranolol in the management of acute theophylline toxicity
Authors: Sherif Naima A , El-Banna Asmaa S , ElBourini Marwan M , Khalil Nancy O 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTheophylline toxicity results in substantial morbidity and mortality particularly due to its narrow therapeutic index. The development of new treatments for acute theophylline toxicity is a point of research interest. The aim of the present work was to assess the efficacy of L-carnitine (LC) and propranolol in the management of patients with acute theophylline toxicity. The study was conducted on 60 patients with acute theophylline toxicity admitted to the Poison Control Center or Intensive Care Unit at Alexandria Main University Hospital. The studied patients were equally classified into four groups (GPs, 15 patients each): the first group was the control group who received standard treatment protocol for theophylline toxicity. The other three GPs also received standard treatment protocol for theophylline toxicity in addition. The second group (LC group) received LC with a loading dose of 100 mg/kg IV over 30–60 min (maximum 6 g) and the maintenance dose was 50 mg/kg IV every 8 h. The third group (propranolol group) received propranolol, administered slowly intravenous 0.5–1 mg over 1 min; it may be repeated if necessary up to a total maximum dose of 0.1 mg/kg. The fourth group (propranolol and LC) received both IV propranolol and LC in the same doses as previous. Treatment with LC alone or in combination with propranolol resulted in a significant improvement of both clinical and laboratory findings. Although combined therapy yields the best results and outcome, LC can serve as an antidote for acute theophylline toxicity if there is any contraindication to propranolol administration.
Global biodiversity of the genus Ommastrephes (Ommastrephidae: Cephalopoda): an allopatric cryptic species complex
Authors: Fernández-Álvarez Fernando Á , Braid Heather E , Nigmatullin Chingis M , Bolstad Kathrin S R , Haimovici Manuel , Sánchez Pilar , Sajikumar Kurichithara K , Ragesh Nadakkal , Villanueva Roger 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCryptic speciation among morphologically homogeneous species is a phenomenon increasingly reported in cosmopolitan marine invertebrates. This situation usually leads to the discovery of new species, each of which occupies a smaller fraction of the original distributional range. The resolution of the taxonomic status of species complexes is essential because species are used as the unit of action for conservation and natural resource management politics. Before the present study, Ommastrephes bartramii was considered a monotypic cosmopolitan species with a discontinuous distribution. Here, individuals from nearly its entire distributional range were evaluated with mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA). Four distinct species were consistently identified using four molecular species delimitation methods. These results, in combination with morphological and metabolic information from the literature, were used to resurrect three formerly synonymized names (Ommastrephes brevimanus, Ommastrephes caroli and Ommastrephes cylindraceus) and to propose revised distributional ranges for each species. In addition, diagnostic characters from the molecular sequences were incorporated in the species description. At present, only one of the four newly recognized species (Ommastrephes bartramii) is commercially exploited by fisheries in the North Pacific, but it now appears that the distributional range of this species is far smaller than previously believed, which is an essential consideration for effective fisheries management.
Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Sharudin Siti Nurhuda , Saaid Rahmah , Samsudin Amir , Mohamad Nor Fadhilah 
Published: February 2020

SIGNIFICANCE
To our knowledge, this is the first time a study looking at the association between subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and the parameters affecting the severity of pre-eclampsia has been reported. We provide evidence that SFCT is thicker in pre-eclamptic (PE) patients and speculate on the possible causes.

PURPOSE
The purposes of this study were to compare SFCT in PE, normal pregnant, and nonpregnant women using spectral domain optical coherence tomography and to correlate SFCT with severity of pre-eclampsia.

METHODS
A cross-sectional, observational study was performed. A total of 150 participants were divided into three groups: group 1 (50 PE women), group 2 (50 normal pregnant women), and group 3 (50 nonpregnant healthy women). Subfoveal choroidal thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Other parameters including mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), central corneal thickness, macular thickness, IOP, ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio were also measured. ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used to look at differences between the groups. P < .05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS
The MABP was higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (103.0 ± 12.9 vs. 83.2 ± 9.8 vs. 89.5 ± 7.2 mmHg, respectively; all P < .001). The SFCT of the PE group was higher than in groups 2 and 3 (370.7 ± 23.8 vs. 344.5 ± 30.8 vs. 315.8 ± 49.9 μm, respectively; all P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in central corneal thickness, macular thickness, or IOP between the PE and healthy pregnant groups (all P > .05). The OPP was greater in PE patients (52.8 ± 8.5 vs. 41.9 ± 6.9 vs. 43.4 ± 5.2 mmHg, respectively; both P < .001). The SFCT was positively correlated with MABP (r = 0.464, P < .001), OPP (r = 0.495, P < .001), and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (r = 0.635, P < .001) in the PE group.

CONCLUSIONS
Subfoveal choroidal thickness is higher in pre-eclampsia and is proportional to established markers of severity of the condition. This parameter might serve as a novel predictive marker for the severity of pre-eclampsia.
The Implementation of a Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma Evaluation Protocol
Authors: Esquivel Adrian , Pastrana Irene , Marshall Vivienne , Lukefahr James L. , Mitchell Ian 
Published: February 2020

Background
Pediatric nonaccidental trauma (NAT) accounts for more than 1500 deaths annually and is a source of incalculable lifelong morbidity. Evidence-based NAT evaluation protocols are available; however, compliance studies are lacking. Here, we analyze the quality of implementation of a new NAT evaluation protocol.

Methods
A review of registry data from a level 3 trauma center was performed for patients with a suspicion of NAT from September 2014 to May 2016. Compliance rates and results of 2 new age-based evaluation protocols were examined before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) a multidisciplinary conference was initiated to improve performance.

Results
Seventy-five children underwent evaluation for NAT during the study period. In phase 1, median compliance rates with all of the protocol elements were low (63%). After a bimonthly multidisciplinary conference was initiated, compliance rates improved to 75%. Some elements, which were often missed, were found to be clinically irrelevant. If only clinically relevant elements were included, median compliance in phase 2 is 86%.

Conclusions
Compliance with a new protocol for NAT was improved with the institution of a multidisciplinary conference. Protocol elements, which are shown to be clinically unnecessary, have also been identified and will be eliminated.
Water collection and transport in bioinspired nested triangular patterns
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Feng Wei 
Published: February 2020

To address water shortages worldwide, proactive measures are needed to supplement the water supply. In arid regions, many plants and animals use fog or the moisture in air as a source of water. An important consideration for efficient water collection is to transport collected water droplets as rapidly as possible to storage/use before they are evaporated. Triangular geometry has been used for faster transport of water droplets. In the case of a triangular geometry, if a droplet is placed at its apex, the droplet is driven across the triangular region by the Laplace pressure gradient. However, the magnitude of the gradient decreases along the triangle. In this study, nested triangles were designed to provide a higher pressure gradient. Water condensation and transport studies were carried out on the nested pattern at a temperature below the dew point in ambient air. It was found that the nested pattern increases the droplet travel speed.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)’.
Mimicking high strength lightweight novel structures inspired from the trabecular bone microarchitecture
Authors: Kumar Navin , Kumar Amit , Uniyal Piyush , Ramalingaiah Boda , Sharma Sidharath , Goni Vijay G. , Aggarwal Sameer , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Bhushan Bharat 
Published: February 2020

Nature's evolution of a billion years has advanced flawless functionality in limitless optimized structures like bone structural adaptation in various physiological behaviours. In this study, porous structures are designed and fabricated from the nature-inspired trabecular bone microarchitecture. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the porous trabecular architecture from the compressive proximal zone of the femoral head was constructed using the micro-computed tomography scanning tool. The model was modified to get porous structures of different volume fractions varying from 20 to 40% with an increment of 10%. The obtained porous structures were 3D printed and analysed for deformation-resistant behaviour. Quasi-static compressive loading was performed at different strain rates (0.001–1 s
−1
) to get an insight into lightweight, high strength structural behaviour. Mechanical parameters, such as specific modulus, specific strength and specific energy absorption, were analysed for the optimal volume fraction. The original volume fraction (30%) of the trabecular bone shows the highest value of mechanical parameters. This study can help engineers to select and design lightweight porous structures with high energy-absorbing capacity, mimicking the desired architecture and porosity available in nature.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)’.
Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Perioperative Pain Control and Short-Term Outcomes in Lumbar Laminoplasty
Authors: Jin Yanwu , Zhao Shanshan , Cai Jiahui , Blessing Marcelle , Sun Yongtao , Hu Shuai , Han Qi , Zhao Xin , Tan Haizhu , Li Jinlei 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundErector spinae plane (ESP) block has been reported to provide analgesia in spine surgery in case reports or case series, and there have been no controlled studies to date evaluating its efficacy. We aimed to exam the roles of ESP block in lumbar surgery in a single center randomized control trial by injecting local analgesic into the interfacial plane between the erector spinae muscles and the transverse process under ultrasound guidance.MethodsConsecutive elective lumbar surgery patients were randomized into either a control group (general anesthesia only, Group G, N=32) or a treatment group (general anesthesia plus ESP block, Group E, N=30). Several parameters including visual analog scale (VAS, primary outcome), perioperative anesthetics and analgesics usage, indexes of hemodynamics variation, return of bowel function and overall benefit of analgesia score (OBAS) were measured.ResultsSignificant differences in VAS scores over time were found between the two matched groups (P = 0.010). Group E patients had significantly lower pain scores than Group G patients in the early postoperative period within the first 6 hr. Group G and Group E VAS scores peaked at 1 hr and 12 hr, respectively, and the peak pain score in Group G is significantly higher than that of Group E (P = 0.002). In addition, patients who received ESP block had lower perioperative analgesic and sedative medication requirements, improved satisfaction with pain management, more stable hemodynamics, and earlier bowel function return than those using general anesthesia alone.ConclusionPre-incision bilateral single injection ESP blocks provided effective analgesia perioperatively during lumbar laminoplasty, decreased perioperative anesthesia and analgesia requirement, and accelerated short-term recovery.
Drosophila Synaptotagmin 7 negatively regulates synaptic vesicle fusion and replenishment in a dosage-dependent manner
Authors: Guan Zhuo , Quiñones-Frías Mónica C. , Akbergenova Yulia , Littleton J. Troy 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSynchronous neurotransmitter release is triggered by Ca2+binding to the synaptic vesicle protein Synaptotagmin 1, while asynchronous fusion and short-term facilitation is hypothesized to be mediated by plasma membrane-localized Synaptotagmin 7 (SYT7). We generated mutations in DrosophilaSyt7to determine if it plays a conserved role as the Ca2+sensor for these processes. Electrophysiology and quantal imaging revealed evoked release was elevated 2-fold.Syt7mutants also had a larger pool of readily-releasable vesicles, faster recovery following stimulation, and robust facilitation.Syt1/Syt7double mutants displayed more release thanSyt1mutants alone, indicating SYT7 does not mediate the residual asynchronous release remaining in the absence of SYT1. SYT7 localizes to an internal membrane tubular network within the peri-active zone, but does not enrich at release sites. These findings indicate the two Ca2+sensor model of SYT1 and SYT7 mediating all phases of neurotransmitter release and facilitation is not applicable at Drosophila synapses.
ImmunoPET as Stoichiometric Sensor for Glypican-3 in Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kelada Olivia J. , Gutsche Nicholas T. , Bell Meghan , Berman Rose M. , Baidoo Kwamena E. , Warner Blake M. , Szajek Lawrence P. , Hong Jessica , Ho Mitchell , Choyke Peter L. , Escorcia Freddy E. 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. While conventional imaging approaches like ultrasound, CT, and MRI play critical roles in the diagnosis and surveillance of HCC, improved methods for detection and assessment of treatment response are needed. One promising approach is the use of radiolabeled antibodies for positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a proteoglycan that is highly expressed in the majority of HCC tumors. GPC3-specific antibodies are used to diagnose HCC histopathologically, and have been proposed as a treatment of HCC. Here, we design, synthesize and demonstrate that our humanized immunoPET agent, [89Zr]Zr-DFO-TAB-H14, can stoichiometrically bind to models of human liver cancer with varied GPC3 expression. Methods: The GPC3-specific monoclonal humanized IgG1, TAB-H14, was used as a scaffold for engineering our immunoPET agent. Fluorescent and deferroxamine (DFO) chelate conjugates of TAB-H14 were characterized using mass spectrometry. Binding affinity of TAB-H14 and conjugates for GPC3 was determined in cell-free biolayer interferometry, and cell-based radioimmunoassays. GPC3-expression was assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence using commercially available anti-GPC3 antibodies and TAB-H14 in GPC3−(A431) and GPC3+cell lines including an engineered line (A431-GPC3+, G1) and liver cancer lines (HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7). DFO-TAB-H14, was radiolabeled with Zr-89. Mice were subcutaneously engrafted with the aforementioned cell lines and in vivo target engagement of the immunoPET agent [89Zr]Zr-DFO-TAB-H14 was determined using PET/CT, quantitative biodistribution, and autoradiography. Results: TAB-H14 demonstrated subnanomolar to nanomolar affinity for human GPC3. Fluorescently tagged TAB-H14 was able to bind to GPC3 on cell membranes of GPC3-expressing lines by flow cytometry. These results were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of A431, G1 HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 tumor sections. ImmunoPET imaging with [89Zr]Zr-DFO-TAB-H14 showed stoichiometric tumor uptake corresponding to the cell surface expression levels. Autoradiography and immunostaining confirmed in vivo findings. Conclusion: We systematically demonstrate that the humanized immnoPET agent [89Zr]Zr-DFO-TAB-H14 specifically and stoichiometrically binds to GPC3 in several models of human liver cancer, serving as a promising in vivo GPC3 sensor. This agent may provide utility in HCC diagnosis and surveillance, and the selection of candidates for GPC3-directed therapies.
Segment-specific orientation of the dorsal and ventral roots for precise therapeutic targeting of human spinal cord
Authors: Mendez Alan , Islam Riazul , Latypov Timur , Basa Prathima , Joseph Ogeneitsega J. , Knudsen Bruce , Siddiqui Ahad M. , Summer Priska , Staehnke Luke J. , Grahn Peter J. , Lachman Nirusha , Windebank Anthony J. , Lavrov Igor A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAn understanding of spinal cord functional neuroanatomy is essential for diagnosis and treatment of multiple disorders including, chronic pain, movement disorders, and spinal cord injury. Till now, no information is available on segment-specific spinal roots orientation in humans. In this study we collected neuroanatomical measurements of the dorsal and ventral roots from C2-L5, as well as spinal cord and vertebral bone measurements from adult cadavers. Spatial orientation of dorsal and ventral roots were measured and correlated to the anatomical landmarks of the spinal cord and vertebral column. The results show less variability in rostral root angles compared to the caudal angles across all segments. Dorsal and ventral rootlets were oriented mostly perpendicular to the spinal cord at the cervical level and demonstrate more parallel orientation at the thoracic and lumbar segments. The number of rootlets was the highest in dorsal cervical and lumbar segments. Spinal cord transverse diameter and size of the dorsal columns were largest at cervical and lumbar segments. The strongest correlation was found between the length of intervertebral foramen to rostral rootlet and vertebral bone length. These results could be used to locate spinal roots and spinal cord landmarks based on bone marks on CT or X-rays. These results also provide background for future correlations between anatomy of spinal cord and spinal column structures that could improve stereotactic surgical procedures and electrode positioning for spinal cord neuromodulation.One Sentence SummaryThis is the first detailed analysis of the segment-specific dorsal and ventral spinal roots spatial orientation measured and correlated to the anatomical landmarks of the spinal cord and vertebral column for human.
Development of a high-throughput radial migration device
Authors: Oliver C. Ryan , Little Andrew C. , Westerhof Trisha M. , Pathanjeli Pragathi , Yates Joel A. , Merajver Sofia D. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTBy combining the radial migration assay with injection molded gaskets and a rigid fixture, we have developed a more reliable and sensitive method for measuring radial cell migration. This method is well adapted for use on high throughput automated imaging systems. The use of injection molded gaskets enables low cost replacement of cell-wetted components. Furthermore, the design enables secondary placement of attractants and co-cultures. This device and high-throughput application permit the use of therapeutic screening to evaluate phenotypic responses e.g. cancer cell migration. This approach is orthogonal to other 2D cell migration applications such as scratch wound assays, although here we offer a non-invasive, high-throughput device which is currently not commercially available. Collectively, we have designed a systematic, reliable, high-throughput application to monitor phenotypic responses to chemotherapeutic screens, genetic alterations (e.g. RNAi; CRISPR; others), supplemental regiments, and other approaches offering a reliable methodology to survey unbiased and non-invasive cell migration.
Widespread divergent transcription from prokaryotic promoters
Authors: Warman Emily , Forrest David , Wade Joseph T. , Grainger David C. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTPromoters are DNA sequences that stimulate the initiation of transcription. In all prokaryotes, promoters are believed to drive transcription in a single direction. Here we show that prokaryotic promoters are frequently bidirectional and drive divergent transcription. Mechanistically, this occurs because key promoter elements have inherent symmetry and often coincide on opposite DNA strands. Reciprocal stimulation between divergent transcription start sites also contributes. Horizontally acquired DNA is enriched for bidirectional promoters suggesting that they represent an early step in prokaryotic promoter evolution.
Biofilm Formation byStaphylococcus aureusis Triggered by a Drop in the Levels of the Second Messenger cyclic-di-AMP
Authors: Syed Adnan K. , Vickery Christopher R. , Lenhart Taliesin , Llewellyn Eliza , Walker Suzanne , Losick Richard 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe bacterial pathogenStaphylococcus aureusforms multicellular communities known as biofilms in which cells are held together by an extracellular matrix. The matrix consists of repurposed cytoplasmic proteins and extracellular DNA. These communities assemble during growth on medium containing glucose, but the intracellular signal for biofilm formation was unknown. Here we present evidence that biofilm formation is triggered by a drop in the levels of the second messenger cyclic-di-AMP. Previous work identified genes needed for the release of extracellular DNA, including genes for the cyclic-di-AMP phosphodiesterase GdpP, the transcriptional regulator XdrA, and the purine salvage enzyme Apt. Using a cyclic-di-AMP riboswitch biosensor and mass spectrometry, we show that the levels of the second messenger drop during biofilm formation in a glucose-dependent manner and that the drop is prevented in mutants of all three genes. Importantly, we also show that expression of the “accessory gene regulator” operonagris under the positive control of cyclic-di-AMP and that anagrmutation, which is known to promote biofilm formation, bypasses the block in biofilm formation and eDNA release caused by agdpPmutation. We conclude that the effect of the glucose-dependent drop in c-di-AMP levels is principally mediated by a reduction inagrexpression, which in turn promotes biofilm formation.