bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of L‐PRF and A‐PRF+ on periodontal fibroblasts in in vitro wound healing experiments
Authors: Pitzurra Luciano , Jansen Ineke D. C. , de Vries Teun J. , Hoogenkamp Michel A. , Loos Bruno G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether leukocyte‐platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) and advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF+) differ in their in vitro capacity to induce proliferation and migration of periodontal fibroblasts.BackgroundL‐PRF and A‐PRF + are autologous materials used in periodontal regenerative surgery. They derive from blood from patients, but have different characteristics. The literature is controversial regarding the effects of the two PRF preparations on periodontal tissue fibroblasts.Materials and methodsL‐PRF and A‐PRF + membranes were prepared from eight patients and incubated in 3 mL of culture medium for 2 days. Gingival fibroblasts (G‐F) and periodontal ligament fibroblast (PDL‐F) primary cells were retrieved from 7 donors. These cells were pre‐cultured for 1 day in wound healing experiment plates leaving a gap of 500 ± 50 µm in a concentration of 3.3 x 105 cells/mL. 70 µL of the cell suspension was placed in each half of the well. Thereafter, the pre‐cultured L‐PRF and A‐PRF + supernatants were added to the experimental plates, and the fibroblasts were incubated for another 24 h. Medium alone (NEG) and fibroblast growth factor II (FGF) were used as controls. Subsequently, cell migration was registered for 24 h with live cell imaging in a time frame microscope at 5% CO2 in air at 37°C. Images were analyzed using ImageJ. Cell proliferation and cell viability were measured.ResultsL‐PRF and A‐PRF + induced higher cell proliferation than FGF and NEG. Both A‐PRF + and L‐PRF induced significant faster artificial wound closure than controls. Both PRF conditioned media induced faster cell migration in the initial phase (P < .01), but in the stoppage phase, the induced migration was higher for the A‐PRF+, compared with L‐PRF (P < .01).ConclusionL‐PRF and A‐PRF + have a stimulatory effect on migration and proliferation of periodontal fibroblasts, and artificial wound closure was longer sustained by A‐PRF + than L‐PRF.
Early viral reactivation despite excellent immune reconstitution following haploidentical Bone marrow transplant with post‐transplant cytoxan for sickle cell disease
Authors: Patel Dilan A. , Dhedin Nathalie , Chen Heidi , Karnik Leena , Gatwood Katie , Culos Katie , Mohan Sanjay , Engelhardt Brian G. , Kitko Carrie , Connelly Jim , Satyanarayana Gowri , Jagasia Madan , De La Fuente Josu , Kassim Adetola 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundHaploidentical bone marrow transplant (haplo‐BMT) offers near universal donor availability as a curative modality for individuals with severe sickle cell disease (SCD). However, the required intense immunodepletion is associated with increased infectious complications. A paucity of data exists on immune reconstitution following haplo‐BMT for SCD.MethodsA multi‐institution learning collaborative was developed in the context of a phase II clinical trial of a non‐myeloablative, related haplo‐BMT with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide for SCD. We report results from a cohort of 23 patients for whom immune reconstitution data up to one year were available.ResultsMedian age was 14.8 years. Out of 23, 18 participants received pre‐conditioning with azathioprine, hydroxyurea, and hypertransfusions. 70% (16/23) of participants had multiple indications for haplo‐BMT. We observed excellent immune reconstitution of CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD56 cellular subsets by 6 months post transplant. Engraftment rate and event‐free survival in this cohort were 100% and 96%, respectively. 70% (16/23) of patients had at least one viral reactivation or infection, including CMV 35% (8/23), HHV‐6 22% (5/23), and polyoma virus 17% (4/23), with no cases of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease.ConclusionFurther prospective studies are needed to better characterize immune reconstitution and the immunologic basis for increased viral reactivation following haplo‐BMT with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide for SCD.
Freezing expired platelets does not compromise in vitro quality: An opportunity to maximize inventory potential
Authors: Johnson Lacey , Waters Lauren , Green Sarah , Wood Ben , Marks Denese C. 
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESCryopreservation provides an option for long‐term storage of platelet concentrates. While platelets are usually frozen as soon as practical after collection (within 2 days), the ability to freeze units at a later stage of the shelf life may improve inventory management. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of freezing platelets approaching expiry (Day 5/6).MATERIALS AND METHODSTwo ABO‐matched buffy coat–derived platelets (30% plasma/70% platelet additive solution) were pooled and split to produce matched pairs (n = 8 pairs). Platelets were frozen on Day 1 after collection (cryopreserved platelets [CPPs]) or Day 5 or 6 (expired‐CPPs) at −80°C with 5% to 6% dimethyl sulfoxide. In vitro platelet quality was tested before freezing and after thawing and reconstitution in plasma.RESULTSThe majority of prefreeze parameters were equivalent for all platelet units (Day 1 vs. Day 5 or 6). Expired‐CPPs had a higher mean postthaw platelet recovery (82 ± 4%) compared to CPPs (75 ± 4%; p = 0.0021). Cryopreservation resulted in a loss of surface glycoproteins (glycoprotein (GP) Ibα, GPIIb, GPVI), an increase in activation markers (phosphatidylserine and P‐selectin) and microparticle release, compared to unfrozen platelets. However, the cryopreservation‐induced changes were equivalent in CPPs and expired‐CPPs. Functionality was measured by thromboelastography and was similar between expired‐CPPs (R‐time: 5.3 ± 0.3) and CPPs (R‐time: 5.4 ± 0.5; p = 0.7094).CONCLUSIONThe phenotype and functional profile of platelets frozen at expiry were similar to platelets frozen 1 day following collection. These data suggest that expired platelets may represent a suitable starting material for cryopreservation.
The adrenergic receptor antagonists propranolol and carvedilol decrease bone sarcoma cell viability and sustained carvedilol reduces clonogenic survival and increases radiosensitivity in canine osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Duckett Megan M. , Phung Shee Kwan , Nguyen Linh , Khammanivong Ali , Dickerson Erin , Dusenbery Kathryn , Lawrence Jessica 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAdrenergic receptor (AR) expression has been demonstrated at several sites of primary and metastatic tumour growth and may influence proliferation, survival, metastasis and angiogenesis. AR antagonists like propranolol and carvedilol inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and synergize with chemotherapy agents in some cancers. Radiation resistance is mediated in many cells by upregulation of pro‐survival pathways, which may be influenced by ARs. Studies evaluating AR antagonists combined with radiation are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of propranolol and carvedilol on viability and radiosensitivity in sarcoma cell lines. The hypothesis was that propranolol and carvedilol would increase radiosensitivity in four primary bone sarcoma cell lines. Single agent propranolol or carvedilol inhibited cell viability in all cell lines in a concentration‐dependent manner. The mean inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for carvedilol were approximately 4‐fold lower than propranolol and may be clinically relevant in vivo. Immunoblot analysis confirmed AR expression in both human and canine sarcoma cell lines; however, there was no correlation between baseline AR protein expression and radiosensitivity. Short duration treatment with carvedilol and propranolol did not significantly affect clonogenic survival. Prolonged exposure to propranolol and carvedilol significantly decreased the surviving fraction of canine osteosarcoma cells after 3Gy radiation. Based on our results and possible in vivo activity in dogs, further studies investigating the effects of carvedilol on sarcoma are warranted.
Femorotibial kinematics in dogs treated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency: An in vivo fluoroscopic analysis during walking
Authors: Tinga Selena , Kim Stanley E. , Banks Scott A. , Jones Stephen C. , Park Brian H. , Burtch Matthew , Pozzi Antonio , Lewis Daniel D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the ability of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) to address abnormal femorotibial kinematics caused by cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture during walking in dogs.Study designProspective, clinical.AnimalsSixteen dogs (20‐40 kg) with unilateral complete CCL rupture.MethodsLateral view fluoroscopy was performed during treadmill walking preoperatively and 6 months after TPLO. Digital three‐dimensional (3D) models of the femora and tibiae were created from computed tomographic (CT) images. Gait cycles were analyzed by using a 3D‐to‐2D image registration process. Craniocaudal translation, internal/external rotation, and flexion/extension of the femorotibial joint were compared between preoperative and 6‐month postoperative time points for the affected stifle and 6‐month postoperative unaffected contralateral (control) stifles.ResultsIn the overall population, CCL rupture resulted in 10 ± 2.2 mm (mean ± SD) cranial tibial translation at midstance phase, which was converted to 2.1 ± 4.3 mm caudal tibial translation after TPLO. However, five of 16 TPLO‐treated stifles had 4.1 ± 0.3 mm of cranial tibial subluxation during mid‐to‐late stance phase, whereas 10 of 16 TPLO‐treated stifles had 4.3 ± 0.4 mm of caudal tibial subluxation throughout the gait cycle. Overall, postoperative axial rotational and flexion/extension patterns were not different from control, but stifles with caudal tibial subluxation had more external tibial rotation during mid‐to‐late stance phase compared with stifles with cranial tibial subluxation.ConclusionTPLO mitigated abnormal femorotibial kinematics but did not restore kinematics to control values in 15 of 16 dogs during walking.Clinical significanceTibial plateau leveling osteotomy reduces cranial tibial subluxation during walking, but persistent instability is common.
Changes in pharyngeal collapsibility and genioglossus reflex responses to negative pressure during the respiratory cycle in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Osman Amal M. , Carberry Jayne C. , Gandevia Simon C. , Butler Jane E. , Eckert Danny J. 
Published: November 2019

Key points
Impaired pharyngeal anatomy and increased airway collapsibility is a major cause of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and a mediator of its severity.
Upper airway reflexes to changes in airway pressure provide important protection against airway closure.
This study shows increased pharyngeal collapsibility and attenuated genioglossus reflex responses during expiration in people with OSA.
AbstractUpper airway collapse contributes to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) pathogenesis. Pharyngeal dilator muscle activity varies throughout the respiratory cycle and may contribute to dynamic changes in pharyngeal collapsibility. However, whether upper airway collapsibility and reflex responses to changes in airway pressure vary throughout the respiratory cycle in OSA is unclear. Thus, this study quantified differences in upper airway collapsibility and genioglossus electromyographic (EMG) activity and reflex responses during different phases of the respiratory cycle. Twelve middle‐aged people with OSA (2 female) were fitted with standard polysomnography equipment: a nasal mask, pneumotachograph, two fine‐wire intramuscular electrodes into the genioglossus, and a pressure catheter positioned at the epiglottis and a second at the choanae (the collapsible portion of the upper airway). At least 20 brief (∼250 ms) pressure pulses (∼−11 cmH2O at the mask) were delivered every 2–10 breaths during four conditions: (1) early inspiration, (2) mid‐inspiration, (3) early expiration, and (4) mid‐expiration. Mean baseline genioglossus EMG activity 100 ms prior to pulse delivery and genioglossus reflex responses were quantified for each condition. The upper airway collapsibility index (UACI), quantified as 100 × (nadir choanal − epiglottic pressure)/nadir choanal pressure during negative pressure pulses, varied throughout the respiratory cycle (early inspiration = 43 ± 25%, mid‐inspiration = 29 ± 19%, early expiration = 83 ± 19% and mid‐expiration = 95 ± 11% (mean ± SD) P < 0.01). Genioglossus EMG activity was lower during expiration (e.g. mid‐expiration vs. mid‐inspiration = 76 ± 23 vs. 127 ± 41% of early‐inspiration, P < 0.001). Similarly, genioglossus reflex excitation was delayed (39 ± 11 vs. 23 ± 7 ms, P < 0.001) and reflex excitation amplitude attenuated during mid‐expiration versus early inspiration (209 ± 36 vs. 286 ± 80%, P = 0.009). These findings may provide insight into the physiological mechanisms of pharyngeal collapse in OSA.
Pharmacological and behavioural interventions to promote smoking cessation in adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Pearsall Robert , Smith Daniel J , Geddes John R 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveSmoking in people with serious mental illness is a major public health problem and contributes to significant levels of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the review was to systematically examine the efficacy of methods used to aid smoking cessation in people with serious mental illness.MethodA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to compare the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and behavioural programmes for smoking cessation in people with serious mental illness. Electronic databases were searched for trials to July 2018. We used the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias.ResultsTwenty-eight randomised controlled trials were identified. Varenicline increased the likelihood of smoking cessation at both 3 months (risk ratio (RR) 3.56, 95% CI 1.82 to 6.96, p=0.0002) and at 6 months (RR 3.69, 95% CI 1.08 to 12.60, p=0.04). Bupropion was effective at 3 months (RR 3.96, 95% CI 1.86 to 8.40, p=0.0003), especially at a dose of 300 mg/day, but there was no evidence of effect at 6 months (RR 2.22, 95% CI 0.52 to 9.47, p=0.28). In one small study, nicotine therapy proved effective at increasing smoking cessation up to a period of 3 months. Bupropion used in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapy showed more effect than single use. Behavioural and bespoke interventions showed little overall benefit. Side effects were found to be low.ConclusionThe new information of this review was the effectiveness of varenicline for smoking cessation at both 3 and 6 months and the lack of evidence to support the use of both bupropion and nicotine products for sustained abstinence longer than 3 months. Overall, the review found relatively few studies in this population.
Student perspectives on barriers to performance for black and minority ethnic graduate-entry medical students: a qualitative study in a West Midlands medical school
Authors: Morrison Nariell , Machado Michelle , Blackburn Clare 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo explore graduate-entry medical students experiences of undergraduate training in the context of academic underperformance of medical students from ethnic minority backgrounds.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured focus groups.SettingA West Midlands medical school.Participants24 graduate-entry MBChB students were recruited using volunteer and snowball sampling; all students self-identified as being from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds.ResultsBME students reported facing a range of difficulties, throughout their undergraduate medical training, that they felt impeded their learning and performance. Their relationships with staff and clinicians, though also identified as facilitators to learning, were also perceived to have hindered progress, as many students felt that a lack of BME representation and lack of understanding of cultural differences among staff impacted their experience. Students also reported a lack of trust in the institution’s ability to support BME students, with many not seeking support. Students’ narratives indicated that they had to mask their identity to fit in among their peers and to avoid negative stereotyping. Although rare, students faced overt racism from their peers and from patients. Many students reported feelings of isolation, reduced self-confidence and low self-esteem.ConclusionsBME students in this study reported experiencing relationship issues with other students, academic and clinical staff, lack of trust in the institution and some racist events. Although it is not clear from this small study of one institution whether these findings would be replicated in other institutions, they nevertheless highlight important issues to be considered by the institution concerned and other institutions. These findings suggest that all stakeholders of graduate-entry undergraduate medical education should reflect on the current institutional practices intended to improve student–peer and student–staff relationships. Reviewing current proposals intended to diversify student and staff populations as well as evaluating guidance on tackling racism is likely to be beneficial.
Machine learning with sparse nutrition data to improve cardiovascular mortality risk prediction in the USA using nationally randomly sampled data
Authors: Rigdon Joseph , Basu Sanjay 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesWe aimed to test whether or not adding (1) nutrition predictor variables and/or (2) using machine learning models improves cardiovascular death prediction versus standard Cox models without nutrition predictor variables.DesignRetrospective study.SettingSix waves of Survey (NHANES) data collected from 1999 to 2011 linked to the National Death Index (NDI).Participants29 390 participants were included in the training set for model derivation and 12 600 were included in the test set for model evaluation. Our study sample was approximately 20% black race and 25% Hispanic ethnicity.Primary and secondary outcome measuresTime from NHANES interview until the minimum of time of cardiovascular death or censoring.ResultsA standard risk model excluding nutrition data overestimated risk nearly two-fold (calibration slope of predicted vs true risk: 0.53 (95% CI: 0.50 to 0.55)) with moderate discrimination (C-statistic: 0.87 (0.86 to 0.89)). Nutrition data alone failed to improve performance while machine learning alone improved calibration to 1.18 (0.92 to 1.44) and discrimination to 0.91 (0.90 to 0.92). Both together substantially improved calibration (slope: 1.01 (0.76 to 1.27)) and discrimination (C-statistic: 0.93 (0.92 to 0.94)).ConclusionOur results indicate that the inclusion of nutrition data with available machine learning algorithms can substantially improve cardiovascular risk prediction.
Phase I cancer trials: a qualitative study of specialist palliative care
Authors: Bellhouse Sarah , Galvin Lucy , Turner Lorraine , Taylor Sally , Davies Michelle , Krebs Matthew , Berman Richard , Yorke Janelle 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveIn recent years, a simultaneous care model for advanced cancer patients has been recommended meaning that palliative care services are offered throughout their cancer journey. To inform the successful adoption of this model in a phase I trial context, the study aimed to explore patients’ care needs and their perceptions of specialist palliative care.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 advanced cancer patients referred to the Experimental Cancer Medicine team. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed with a framework approach to data organisation.ResultsDespite reporting considerable physical and psychological impacts from cancer and cancer treatment, participants did not recognise a need for specialist palliative care support. Understanding of the role of specialist palliative care was largely limited to end of life care. There was perceived conflict between considering a phase I trial and receiving specialist palliative care. Participants felt specialist palliative care should be introduced earlier and educational resources developed to increase patient acceptability of palliative care services.Significance of resultsPatients with advanced cancer referred for phase I trials are likely to benefit from specialist palliative care. However, this study suggests patients may not recognise a need for support nor accept this support due to misperceptions about the role of palliative care. Developing a specific educational resource about specialist palliative care for this population would help overcome barriers to engaging with a simultaneous care model.
Palliative care medical student education: a cross-sectional medical school survey in mainland China
Authors: Ye Guanchen , Mao Jiahui , Hu Jingjing , Chen Jie , Hesketh Therese 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveAccording to the 2015 Quality of Death Index, China ranks 71st in terms of quality of palliative care out of 80 countries. Lack of palliative care education for health professionals is regarded as largely responsible. The study aims to evaluate the status of palliative care education for medical students in mainland China.MethodsA list of all medical schools was obtained from the Ministry of Education. A telephone survey of associate deans responsible for medical education at all 282 medical schools in mainland China was conducted in May 2019, following a standardised protocol. Telephone interviews focused on attitudes to palliative care teaching and the extent and manner in which palliative care is incorporated into the curriculum.ResultsAssociate deans from 173 (61.2%) of the 282 medical schools responded. A total of 120 schools (42.5%) completed the interview, while 53 (18.7%) evaded direct questions related to palliative care. Of the responding deans, 92 (76.7%) regarded palliative care education as very important. However, only 11 (9.2%) provided specific teaching on palliative care. A few schools (n=18) integrated palliative care education within required curricula, such as medical ethics and nursing science. The main reason reported for not providing palliative care education was that the medical curriculum dictated by the Ministry of Education does not require it.ConclusionA very small minority of medical schools in mainland China have any formal teaching about palliative care. Clearly, national standards for didactic and clinical teaching in palliative care for medical students and other health professionals are needed.
Low-energy dipole response of exotic nuclei
Authors: Aumann Thomas 
Published: November 2019

Abstract.The electric dipole response of neutron-rich nuclei is discussed from an experimental perspective using selected examples. After introducing the main experimental method, which is relativistic Coulomb excitation in conjunction with invariant-mass spectroscopy, the response of neutron-rich nuclei is discussed separately for light halo nuclei and heavier neutron-rich nuclei. Finally, the perspective for constraining the equation of state of neutron-rich matter close to saturation density from measurements of the dipole response of neutron-rich nuclei is discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of the leaf-like Cu2O/CuO mixed phase nanosheets array
Authors: Qi Yan , Bi Bingqian , Yan Yilin , Tian Lecheng 
Published: November 2019

In this study, a leaf-like [Formula: see text] mixed phase nanosheets array was successfully prepared by anodization. XRD, EDS, and XPS analysis confirmed the formation of [Formula: see text] mixed phase nanostructures. SEM images indicate that the fabricated [Formula: see text] mixed phase nanosheets almost grow vertically on the substrate. The average height of nanosheets is approximately 500 nm. The optical absorption of the mixed phase covers the entire wavelength region of visible light and a little part of the near-infrared region of short wavelength.