bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Let‐7b‐5p is involved in the response of endoplasmic reticulum stress in acute pulmonary embolism through upregulating the expression of stress‐associated endoplasmic reticulum protein 1
Authors: Liu Ting‐wei , Liu Fan , Kang Jian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe endogenous non‐coding microRNA (miRNA) let‐7b‐5p is highly expressed in the blood of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the mechanism underlying the involvement of let‐7b‐5p in acute PE remains unclear. To address this, we investigated the role of let‐7b‐5p in acute PE in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The results showed that let‐7b‐5p upregulated the expression of stress‐associated endoplasmic reticulum protein 1 (SERP1) at the post‐transcriptional level. SERP1 activation leads to modulation of its chaperone protein SEC61B in the response of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, our data show that the unfolded protein response was triggered and activation of unfolded proteins GRP78, PERK, RNF121, and CHOP occurred through the PERK‐CHOP pathway, resulting in an inflammatory response and apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. These characteristics were promoted by the in vitro expression of a let‐7b‐5p mimic; conversely, transfection with a let‐7b‐5p inhibitor decreased the response of ER stress in acute PE. The results from this study thus provide evidence that let‐7b‐5p promotes protein processing during ER stress response by upregulating SERP1 expression, ultimately resulting in an inflammatory response and apoptosis of lung cells, cumulatively playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute PE.
Efficient minimum distance estimation of Pareto exponent from top income shares
Authors: Toda Alexis Akira , Wang Yulong 
Published: June 2020

SummaryWe propose an efficient estimation method for the income Pareto exponent when only certain top income shares are observable. Our estimator is based on the asymptotic theory of weighted sums of order statistics and the efficient minimum distance estimator. Simulations show that our estimator has excellent finite‐sample properties. We apply our estimation method to US top income share data and find that the Pareto exponent has been ranging between 1.4 and 1.8 since 1985, suggesting that the rise in inequality during the last three decades is mainly driven by redistribution between the rich and poor, not among the rich.
Diffuse optical assessment of cerebral‐autoregulation in older adults stratified by cerebrovascular risk
Authors: Bahrani Ahmed A. , Kong Weikai , Shang Yu , Huang Chong , Smith Charles D. , Powell David K. , Jiang Yang , Rayapati Abner O. , Jicha Gregory A. , Yu Guoqiang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDiagnosis of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) at early stages is essential for preventing sequential complications. CVD is often associated with abnormal cerebral microvasculature, which may impact cerebral‐autoregulation (CA). A novel hybrid near‐infrared diffuse optical instrument and a finger plethysmograph were used to simultaneously detect low‐frequency oscillations (LFOs) of cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxy‐hemoglobin concentration ([HbO2]), deoxy‐hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in older adults before, during and after 70° head‐up‐tilting (HUT). The participants with valid data were divided based on Framingham risk score (FRS, 1‐30 points) into low‐risk (FRS ≤15, n = 13) and high‐risk (FRS >15, n = 11) groups for developing CVD. The LFO gains were determined by transfer function analyses with MAP as the input, and CBF, [HbO2] and [Hb] as the outputs (CA ∝ 1/Gain). At resting‐baseline, LFO gains in the high‐risk group were relatively lower compared to the low‐risk group. The lower baseline gains in the high‐risk group may attribute to compensatory mechanisms to maintain stronger steady‐state CAs. However, HUT resulted in smaller gain reductions in the high‐risk group compared to the low‐risk group, suggesting weaker dynamic CAs. LFO gains are potentially valuable biomarkers for early detection of CVD based on associations with CAs.
Serum miR‐22 is a novel prognostic marker for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Qu Hong , Zheng Guodong , Cheng Shuqin , Xie Weicheng , Liu Xiaoshu , Tao Yuan , Xie Bixia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt has been demonstrated that aberrant expression of serum microRNAs is potential markers for the prognostic prediction of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the clinical significance of serum miR‐22 remained uncovered. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential prognostic value of serum miR‐22 for AML.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 124 patients with AML and 60 healthy individuals. Serum miR‐22 level was detected by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and its potential clinical value was investigated.ResultsOur results showed that serum miR‐22 expression was significantly downregulated in AML subjects compared to healthy controls. Serum miR‐22 levels were lowest in AML patients with M4/M5 subtypes, and low serum miR‐22 expression occurred more frequently in AML patients with higher white blood cell counts or poor cytogenetic risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that serum miR‐22 well differentiated AML cases from healthy controls. In addition, serum miR‐22 downregulation was closely associated with worse clinical features and shorter survival. Low serum miR‐22 expression was confirmed to be an independent predictor for overall survival and relapse‐free survival in AML patients. Moreover, the expression level of serum miR‐22 was dramatically increased following treatment. In addition, serum miR‐22 levels were significantly higher in AML patients achieving complete remission (CR) than those without CR.ConclusionCollectively, serum miR‐22 might serve as a novel and promising prognostic biomarker for AML.
A Correlation of a Medication‐Focused Risk Score to Medication Errors at Discharge
Authors: Fung Linli , Huynh Trina , Brush Theresa , Medders Kathryn , El‐Kareh Robert , Daniels Charles E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPharmacy transitions‐of‐care services at the time of hospital discharge are helpful in reducing medication errors. Validated risk tools are commonly used by pharmacists to identify patients at greatest benefit of these services. However, current tools lack assessment of medication‐related risk factors and predict hospital readmissions rather than medication errors. To address this, a novel medication‐focused risk tool (UCSD‐Rx risk score) was created to help classify patients at a higher risk for medication errors. This study was split into 2 phases aimed to internally validate the risk score. Phase I of the study compared the predictability of 30‐day unplanned readmissions between the UCSD‐Rx risk score and a well‐validated risk tool, the LACE+ index. To further specify our risk score for pharmacist use, phase II of the study analyzed the predictability of the risk score to medication errors at discharge. Phase I demonstrated similar classification performance of 30‐day unplanned readmissions between the UCSD‐Rx risk score (C‐statistic, 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐0.68; P < .0001) and the LACE+ index (C‐statistic, 0.69; 95%CI, 0.67‐0.71; P < .0001). In phase II, logistic regression showed an increasing UCSD‐Rx risk score was predictive of individuals who would experience a medication error at discharge (odds ratio, 1.068; 95%CI, 1.005‐1.136; P = .035). Results of this study demonstrate that the UCSD‐Rx risk score is a promising tool targeted for pharmacist use to identify patients that may benefit most from transitions‐of‐care services prior to discharge.
Cytokine storm and leukocyte changes in mild versus severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: Review of 3939 COVID-19 patients in China and emerging pathogenesis and therapy concepts
Authors: Wang Jin , Jiang Mengmeng , Chen Xin , Montaner Luis J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Clinical evidence indicates that the fatal outcome observed with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection often results from alveolar injury that impedes airway capacity and multi-organ failure—both of which are associated with the hyperproduction of cytokines, also known as a cytokine storm or cytokine release syndrome. Clinical reports show that both mild and severe forms of disease result in changes in circulating leukocyte subsets and cytokine secretion, particularly IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF, GM-CSF, IP-10 (IFN-induced protein 10), IL-17, MCP-3, and IL-1ra. Not surprising, therapies that target the immune response and curtail the cytokine storm in coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients have become a focus of recent clinical trials. Here we review reports on leukocyte and cytokine data associated with COVID-19 disease in 3939 patients in China and describe emerging data on immunopathology. With an emphasis on immune modulation, we also look at ongoing clinical studies aimed at blocking proinflammatory cytokines; transfer of immunosuppressive mesenchymal stem cells; use of convalescent plasma transfusion; as well as immunoregulatory therapy and traditional Chinese medicine regimes. In examining leukocyte and cytokine activity in COVID-19, we focus in particular on how these levels are altered as the disease progresses (neutrophil NETosis, macrophage, T cell response, etc.) and proposed consequences to organ pathology (coagulopathy, etc.). Viral and host interactions are described to gain further insight into leukocyte biology and how dysregulated cytokine responses lead to disease and/or organ damage. By better understanding the mechanisms that drive the intensity of a cytokine storm, we can tailor treatment strategies at specific disease stages and improve our response to this worldwide public health threat.
Suppression of active phase voluntary wheel running in male rats by unilateral chronic constriction injury: Enduring therapeutic effects of a brief treatment of morphine combined with TLR4 or P2X7 antagonists
Authors: Green‐Fulgham Suzanne M. , Ball Jayson B. , Maier Steven F. , Rice Kenner C. , Watkins Linda R. , Grace Peter M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe present series of studies examine the impact of systemically administered therapeutics on peripheral nerve injury (males; unilateral sciatic chronic constriction injury [CCI])‐induced suppression of voluntary wheel running, across weeks after dosing cessation. Following CCI, active phase running distance and speed are suppressed throughout the 7‐week observation period. A brief course of morphine, however, increased active phase running distance and speed throughout this same period, an effect apparent only in sham rats. For CCI rats, systemic co‐administration of morphine with antagonists of either P2X7 (A438079) or TLR4 ((+)‐naloxone) (receptors critical to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and consequent inflammatory cascades) returned running behavior of CCI rats to that of shams through 5+ weeks after dosing ceased. This is a striking difference in effect compared to our prior CCI allodynia results using systemic morphine plus intrathecal delivery of these same antagonists, wherein a sustained albeit partial suppression of neuropathic pain was observed. This may point to actions of the systemic drugs at multiple sites along the neuraxis, modulating injury‐induced, inflammasome‐mediated effects at the injured sciatic nerve and/or dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and potentially higher levels. Given that our data to date point to morphine amplifying neuroinflammatory processes put into motion by nerve injury, it is intriguing to speculate that co‐administration of TLR4 and/or P2X7 antagonists can intervene in these inflammatory processes in a beneficial way. That is, that systemic administration of such compounds may suppress inflammatory damage at multiple sites, rapidly and persistently returning neuropathic animals to sham levels of response.
Climatology and trend analysis (1987–2016) of fire weather in the Euro‐Mediterranean
Authors: Giannaros Theodore M. , Kotroni Vassiliki , Lagouvardos Konstantinos 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHigh‐resolution regional climate simulations were conducted for the past 30 years (1987–2016), focusing on the Euro‐Mediterranean region. The numerical simulations were used for computing the Canadian Fire Weather Index, for deriving the climatology of fire weather in the study area and investigating the presence of long‐term trends, with particular emphasis on extremes during the May to September period. Results suggest that the Euro‐Mediterranean fire weather follows a zonal pattern, characterized by adverse conditions occurring most frequently in the southern parts. Air temperature and relative humidity are the key drivers of fire weather in the study area, with precipitation and wind exerting less influence. Based on the conducted spatial trend analysis, extreme fire weather conditions have become more prevalent in the Iberian Peninsula and eastern Balkans, whereas declining trends occur in the Southeast Mediterranean basin. For both cases, the trends in fire weather extremes appear to coincide with trends in the input meteorological variables. Overall, the results of this study provide a new insight on the recent climatology and trends of fire weather in the Euro‐Mediterranean. Our dataset is publicly available on the Zenodo platform (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3713531).
Porphyromonas gingivalis and Alzheimer disease: Recent findings and potential therapies
Authors: Ryder Mark I. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEpidemiological studies have identified an association between periodontitis and Alzheimer disease (AD); however, the nature of this association has been unclear. Recent work suggests that brain colonization by the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis may link these two inflammatory and degenerative conditions. Evidence of P. gingivalis infiltration has been detected in autopsy specimens from the brains of people with AD and in cerebrospinal fluid of individuals diagnosed with AD. Gingipains, a class of P. gingivalis proteases, are found in association with neurons, tau tangles, and beta‐amyloid in specimens from the brains of individuals with AD. The brains of mice orally infected with P. gingivalis show evidence of P. gingivalis infiltration, along with various neuropathological hallmarks of AD. Oral administration of gingipain inhibitors to mice with established brain infections decreases the abundance of P. gingivalis DNA in brain and mitigates the neurotoxic effects of P. gingivalis infection. Thus, gingipain inhibition could provide a potential approach to the treatment of both periodontitis and AD.
Surface modified‐magnetic nanoparticles by molecular imprinting for the dispersive solid‐phase extraction of triazines from environmental waters
Authors: Turiel Esther , Díaz‐Álvarez Myriam , Martín‐Esteban Antonio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMagnetic nanoparticles have been surface modified by molecular imprinting and evaluated as selective sorbents for the extraction of triazines from environmental waters. The use of propazine as template allowed us to synthesize a selective material able to simultaneously recognize and selective extract not only the template but also several other herbicides of the same family. A magnetic molecularly imprinted‐based dispersive solid‐phase extraction procedure was developed and fully optimized. Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer particles can be easily collected and separated from liquid solvents and samples with the help of an external magnetic field, avoiding in that way any centrifugation or filtration steps, which represents a remarkable advantage over traditional procedures. Under optimum conditions, selective extraction of several triazines (cyanazine, simazine, atrazine, propazine, and terbutylazine) from environmental water samples was performed prior to final determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection. Recoveries for the studied triazines were within the range of 75.2–94.1%, with relative standard deviations lower than 11.3% (n = 3). The limits of detection were within 0.16–0.51 µg/L, depending upon the triazine and the type of sample analyzed.
Let‐7b downgrades CCND1 to repress osteogenic proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells: An implication in osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Li‐Juan , Cai Han‐Qing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to reveal the effect of let‐7b on osteoporosis (OP). Synthetic let‐7b mimics or inhibitors were transfected into MC3T3‐E1 cells. The expression of let‐7b in MC3T3‐E1 and its effect on cell viability, apoptosis, and the apoptosis‐related proteins (Bcl‐2, Bax, and cleaved caspase‐9) were tested by CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry and Western blot, severally. The osteogenic differentiation markers (Runx2 and Osterix) and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway related markers (β‐catenin and C‐myc) were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blot. The relationships between let‐7b and cyclin D1 (CCND1) were confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. The differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 cells were analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and alizarin red staining. The outcomes indicated that overexpression/ablation of let‐7b repressed/facilitated MC3T3‐E1 cell viability and accelerated/suppressed MC3T3‐E1 cell apoptosis. Besides, a remarkable decrease/augment of Bcl‐2 protein expression and the distinct fortify/reduction of Bax and cleaved caspase‐9 expression levels were observed in let‐7b mimics/inhibitors group in MC3T3‐E1 cells. Moreover, we discovered that let‐7b overexpression/ablation retrained/facilitated the mRNA and protein expression of Runx2 and Osterix. It was confirmed that CCND1 was a downstream target of let‐7b and was negatively modulated by let‐7b. In addition, high‐expression/deficiency of let‐7b inhibited/increased the expression levels of β‐catenin and C‐myc in MC3T3‐E1 cells. Taken together, our study revealed that let‐7b overexpression/depletion repressed/accelerated MC3T3‐E1 cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization while promoted/suppressed MC3T3‐E1 cell apoptosis through targeting CCND1, which might be adjusted by Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Our findings might offer a basis for developing novel targets for OP treatment.
Endoscopic Z‐plasty for Treatment of Supraglottic Stenosis: Experience on Nine Patients
Authors: Yılmaz Taner 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesSupraglottic stenosis is a rare type of laryngeal stenosis that is caused by congenital laryngotracheal anomalies, iatrogenic instrumentation injuries, autoimmune disorders, infection, irradiation, chemical or thermal burns, and external blunt or penetrating trauma. The author presents his experience on nine patients using this new endoscopic surgical technique for treatment of supraglottic stenosis.Study DesignIndividual retrospective cohort study, tertiary referral center, university hospital.MethodsAll cases of supraglottic laryngeal stenosis treated during a 10‐year period at a tertiary academic medical center were reviewed. Nine patients with supraglottic stenosis treated with endoscopic uni‐ or bilateral z‐plasty technique were determined and presented. The etiology of stenosis was iatrogenic surgical trauma in seven patients, laryngeal fracture in one patient, and systemic lupus erythematosus in the other patient. Main outcome measures were respiratory function test results, absence of dyspnea on exertion, and decannulation if tracheotomy was present preoperatively.ResultsSeven patients with tracheotomy were decannulated 1 month after surgery. All nine patients had adequate airway and were dyspnea‐free. Their preop respiratory function test results improved significantly postoperatively (P < .05).ConclusionFor supraglottic stenosis endoscopic surgery using mucosal flaps in the form of z‐plasty should be considered within the available surgical techniques. Although this type of surgery is highly successful, it is technically difficult to apply.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E534–E539, 2021
Chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with cystic fibrosis—Current management and new treatments
Authors: Johnson Brian Jake , Choby Garret W. , O'Brien Erin K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this article is to provide a state‐of‐the‐art review of the literature and summarize the latest publications on medical and surgical treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with an emphasis on describing recent advancements in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies.MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing the PubMed database with search phrases detailed within the body of the article. Abstracts were reviewed to include publications detailing medical, surgical, and CFTR modulating therapies for CF CRS. Findings from studies not previously reviewed and publications regarding CFTR modulators were emphasized.ResultsNo clear guidelines for treatment of CF CRS are available. Nasal saline rinses, topical steroids, topical antibiotics, and topical dornase alfa are reported medical therapies. Ivacaftor has some sinonasal symptomatic benefit. A new triple therapy CFTR modulator, elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, is capable of treating 90% of patients with CF and has shown the greatest FEV1 improvement of any CFTR modulator yet. There is no clear consensus on surgical indications or technique, though aggressive surgery in recalcitrant disease has shown some symptomatic benefit. Endoscopic sinus surgery after lung transplantation may benefit some patients in whom the sinuses serve as a reservoir for recurrent pulmonary infections by decreasing rates of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and improving 5 year survival.ConclusionAs lifespan increases for patients with CF, further investigation into medical therapy, CFTR modulator sinonasal outcomes, and surgical technique and outcomes for CF CRS is needed.Level of Evidence5.
Dynamic Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Telangiectasia Prior to Intense Pulsed Light Treatment—An Opportunity to Target Treatment?
Authors: Taudorf Elisabeth H. , Olsen Jonas , Lindsø Andersen Pernille , Bouazzi Dorra , Jemec Gregor B. E. 
Published: June 2020

Background and ObjectivesTo investigate whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) could be utilized to characterize blood flow and vessel dimensions of facial telangiectasias before and during consecutive intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.Study Design/Materials and methodsDynamic OCT (D‐OCT) was used to image telangiectasia immediately before and after, 1–3 days after, and 1 month after IPL treatment. Measurements included vessel width and depth, blood flow, and attenuation. Vessel dimensions at baseline were verified by a blinded observer. Clinical improvement was detected as good, moderate, or none, and adverse effects were registered at 1‐month follow‐up.ResultsIn total, 14 patients with facial telangiectasia were included. At baseline, vessel width was median 0.25 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.19–0.34 mm) with an intra‐class coefficient (ICC) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70; 0.97). Vessel depth was 0.30 mm (IQR: 0.25–0.33 mm; ICC: 0.40 [CI: −0.07; 0.75]). Vessel depth increased significantly from baseline to 1‐month follow‐up (P = 0.008), whereas no significant changes in vessel width, blood flow, or attenuation were detected. Clinical efficacy seemed related to the relation between vessel dimensions and applied energy settings.ConclusionsThe D‐OCT imaging technique demonstrated that facial telangiectasias were found deeper within the skin after one IPL treatment. By characterizing the vessel dimensions and blood flow of telangiectasia, D‐OCT may improve efficacy and safety of IPL. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC