bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voluntary oral methamphetamine increases memory deficits and contextual sensitization during abstinence associated with decreased PKMζ and increased κOR in the hippocampus of female mice
Authors: Avila Jorge A. , Memos Nicoletta , Aslan Abdurrahman , Andrejewski Tytus , Luine Victoria N. , Serrano Peter A. 
Published: September 2021

Background: Female populations exhibit vulnerabilities to psychostimulant addiction, as well as cognitive dysfunction following bouts of abuse. Aims: The goal for this study was to advance our understanding of the mechanisms that produce sex disparities in drug addiction. Methods: We used an animal model for voluntary oral methamphetamine administration (VOMA) and focused on male and female mice that consumed 7.6–8.2 mg/kg of methamphetamine (MA) per day during the last 18 days of the paradigm. Results: The VOMA-exposed female mice displayed increased locomotor activity in the drug-administration context compared to male mice, demonstrating sex-specific changes in contextual sensitization. During 2 weeks of forced abstinence, mice underwent further behavioral testing. We show that abstinence increased open-arm entries on the elevated plus maze in both sexes. There were no differences in immobility on the tail suspension test. In a hippocampal-dependent radial arm maze task, VOMA-treated female mice, but not male mice, showed working memory deficits. Hippocampal tissue was collected and analyzed using Western blotting. VOMA-exposed female mice exhibited increased kappa opioid receptor (κOR) expression in the hippocampus compared to male mice, suggesting a vulnerability toward abstinence-induced dysphoria. Female VOMA mice also exhibited a decrease in the memory protein marker, protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ), in the hippocampus. Conclusions: Our study reveals sex-specific effects following abstinence from chronic MA consumption on hippocampal κOR and PKMζ expression, suggesting that these neural changes in female mice may underlie spatial memory deficits and identify an increased susceptibility to dysregulated neural mechanisms. These data validate VOMA as a model sensitive to sex differences in behavior and hippocampal neurochemistry following chronic MA exposure.
miR-301-3p directly regulates Cx43 to mediate the development of gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Shasha , Zhao Yang , Liu Huan , Zhao Xing , Shen Xingbin 
Published: September 2021

Objective Identifying novel biomarkers involved in the development of gastric cancer (GC) can provide potential therapeutic strategies and improve clinical prognosis. miR-301-3p and Cx43 are reportedly dysregulated in GC. miR-301-3p and Cx43 interaction, and their functions in GC progression, are still poorly understood. Methods The expression levels of miR-301-3p and Cx43 in GC tissues and cell lines with various differentiation degrees were evaluated by RT-qPCR. The interaction between miR-301-3p and Cx43 was assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. CCK8 and Transwell assays were employed to assess the effects of the miR-301-3p- Cx43 axis on GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Results Cx43 was significantly downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines, while miR-301-3p expression was negatively correlated with Cx43 mRNA levels. The expression levels of Cx43 and miR-301-3p were closely associated with the differentiation, TNM stage, vascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis status of GC patients. Cx43 overexpression could suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Cx43 mRNA is a direct target of miR-301-3p, and transfection of an miR-301-3p mimic could reverse the inhibitory effects of Cx43. Conclusion The miR-301-3p- Cx43 axis is involved in the development and progression of GC by affecting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection in children and its correlation with climatic and environmental factors
Authors: Zhi Wanying , Xu Qiuyan , Chen Zhengrong , Jiang Wujun , Wang Ting , Zhou Yewen , Yu Haifei , Yan Yongdong , Pan Tao 
Published: September 2021

Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical epidemiology of lower respiratory tract infections with different respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtypes in hospitalized children in Suzhou and their correlation with climatic and environmental factors. Method In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we collected nasopharyngeal secretion samples from children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infection. We collected the clinical data of children with RSV infection, and compared and analyzed their epidemiological characteristics. Results RSV-B was the dominant strain in 2016. In 2018, RSV-A was the dominant strain. The positive detection rate of RSV-A was negatively correlated with monthly mean temperature, monthly mean wind speed, total monthly rainfall, and O3 concentration and positively correlated with PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, SO2, and CO concentrations. The positive detection rate of RSV-B was negatively correlated with monthly average temperature, monthly total rainfall, monthly sunshine duration, and O3 concentration and positively correlated with CO concentration. Conclusions RSV-A was the main subtype detected in this study. The positive detection rate of RSV-A was related to temperature, wind speed, rainfall, PM2.5. PM10, and NO2, SO2, CO, and O3 concentrations. The positive detection rate of RSV-B was related to temperature, rainfall, sunshine time, and O3 concentration.
Expression of β1 adrenergic receptor in vascular anomalies in children
Authors: Stănciulescu Maria-Corina , Popoiu Marius-Călin , Cîmpean Anca Maria , David Vlad-Laurentiu , Heredea Rodica , Cerbu Simona , Boia Eugen-Sorin 
Published: September 2021

Objective Controversial, heterogeneous, and inconsistent responses to beta-blockers have been reported in some cases of infantile proliferative hemangiomas. On the basis of these clinical observations, we aimed to examine the β1 adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) protein expression distribution among different types of pediatric vascular anomalies. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for β1-AR on 43 surgical specimens. Results We found positive β1-AR IHC staining in all intramuscular hemangiomas, capillary–lymphatic, lymphatic, venous, and combined malformations, and Masson’s tumor cases, as well as in 7 of 10 cases of proliferative infantile hemangiomas. Conclusions Our research demonstrates, for the first time, the degree of heterogeneous expression of β1-AR among pediatric vascular malformations. Our results support the need for β1-AR assessment in pediatric vascular anomalies to select cases with a robust response to β1-selective blockers. β1-AR assessment may have a strong impact on therapeutic refinement for pediatric vascular anomalies by selecting cases with a stronger response to beta-blockers.
Changes in Oxygenation and Clinical Outcomes with Awake Prone Positioning in Patients with Suspected COVID-19 In Low-Resource Settings: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dueñas-Castell Carmelo , Borre-Naranjo Diana , Rodelo Dairo , Lora Leydis , Almanza Amilkar , Coronell Wilfrido , Rojas-Suarez Jose 
Published: September 2021

Introduction This study aimed to describe the use of awake prone positioning (APP) and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in patients with suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and respiratory failure in a limited-resource setting. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients aged ≥18 years old who were placed in an awake prone position due to hypoxemic respiratory failure and suspected COVID-19. The patients were selected from a tertiary center in Cartagena, Colombia, between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were collated, and all the variables were compared between the groups. Results The median age of the participants was 63 (IQR, 48.8-73) years (survivors: 59 [IQR, 43.568] years vs. non-survivors: 70 [IQR, 63-78] years, P ≤ .001). Of the 1470 patients admitted for respiratory symptoms, 732 (49.8%) were hospitalized for more than 24 h, and 212 patients developed respiratory failure and required COT and APP (overall hospital mortality, 34% [73/212]). The mean rank difference in PaO2/FiO2 before and after APP was higher in the survivors than in the non-survivors (201.1-252.6, mean rank difference = 51.5, P = .001 vs. 134.1-172.4, mean rank difference = 38.28, P = .24, respectively). Conclusion While using COT in conjunction with APP can improve respiratory failure in patients with suspected COVID-19 in low-resource settings, persistent hypoxemia after APP can identify patients with higher mortality risk. More evidence is needed to establish the role of this strategy.
An exploratory study of the relationship between systemic microcirculatory function and small solute transport in incident peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Williams Jennifer , Gilchrist Mark , Strain William David , Fraser Donald , Shore Angela 
Published: September 2021

Background: The peritoneal capillary endothelium is widely considered to be the most influential structure in dictating the rate of small solute transport (SST) during peritoneal dialysis (PD). PD patients are at significant risk of systemic microcirculatory dysfunction. The relationship between peritoneal and systemic microcirculations in patients new to PD has not been well studied. We hypothesised that for patients on PD for less than 6 months, dysfunction in the systemic microcirculation would be reflected in the rate of SST. Methods: We recruited 29 patients to a cross-sectional, observational study. Rate of SST was measured using a standard peritoneal equilibration test. Laser Doppler Flowmetry was used to measure response to physical and pharmacological challenge (post-occlusive hyperaemic response and iontophoretic application of vasodilators) in the cutaneous microcirculation. Sidestream Darkfield imaging was used to assess sublingual microvascular density, flow and endothelial barrier properties. Results: We found no moderate or strong correlations between any of the measures of systemic microcirculatory function and rate of SST or albumin clearance. There was however a significant correlation between dialysate interleukin-6 concentrations and both SST ( rs = 0.758 p ≤ 0.0001) and albumin clearance ( rs = 0.53, p = 0.01). Conclusions: In this study, systemic microvascular dysfunction did not significantly influence the rate of SST even early in patients PD careers. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that intraperitoneal factors particularly inflammation have a far greater impact on rate of SST than systemic factors.
Accuracy of Foot Pressure Measurement on Predicting the Development of Foot Ulcer in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Castro João Pedro Wardani , Ferreira Felipe Camargo , Vargas João Gustavo Franco , Bosso Lucas Bressan , Nabozny Nathan , Martins Camila Marinelli , Farhat Gabriel , Gomes Ricardo Zanetti 
Published: September 2021

Objective: Areas of the foot with diabetic ulcers have been observed to have greater plantar pressures compared to non-ulcerated. Pressures play an essential role in the mechanism of lesion, and their reduction is effective in prevention. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate pedobarography as a predictive tool for ulcer development, since there is still no consensus on this aspect. Methods: We searched PUBMED (MedLine), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Scielo for cohort studies that measured plantar pressure at baseline and verified ulcer development on follow-up. Pooled effects of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and relative risk were calculated using the inverse variance method. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: Three studies ( n = 2000) had enough information on accuracy to be included into a meta-analysis, and 4 ( n = 2651) were analyzed using qualitative methods. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were found to be 0.63 (Confidence Interval (CI) 0.58-0.68) and 0.42 (CI 0.27-0.58), respectively. Pooled relative risk was 1.95 (CI 1.09-3.51). Risk of bias was low to uncertain. Conclusions: Pedobarography in itself appears to have low accuracy in evaluating risk of ulceration. Several methodological heterogeneities were found, and the most optimal cut-off value is yet to be determined.
The Releasate of Avascular Cartilage Demonstrates Inherent Pro-Angiogenic Properties In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Nossin Yannick , Farrell Eric , Koevoet Wendy J.L.M. , Datema Frank , Somoza Rodrigo A. , Caplan Arnold I. , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M. 
Published: September 2021

Objective Cartilage is avascular and numerous studies have identified the presence of single anti- and pro-angiogenic factors in cartilage. To better understand the maintenance hyaline cartilage, we assessed the angiogenic potential of complete cartilage releasate with functional assays in vitro and in vivo. Design We evaluated the gene expression profile of angiogenesis-related factors in healthy adult human articular cartilage with a transcriptome-wide analysis generated by next-generation RNAseq. The effect on angiogenesis of the releasate of cartilage tissue was assessed with a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and proliferation assays using conditioned media generated from tissue-engineered cartilage derived from human articular and nasal septum chondrocytes as well as explants from bovine articular cartilage and human nasal septum. Experiments were done with triplicate samples of cartilage from 3 different donors. Results RNAseq data of 3 healthy human articular cartilage donors revealed that the majority of known angiogenesis-related factors expressed in healthy adult articular cartilage are pro-angiogenic. The releasate from generated cartilage as well as from tissue explants, demonstrated at least a 3.1-fold increase in HUVEC proliferation and migration indicating a pro-angiogenic effect of cartilage. Finally, the CAM assay demonstrated that cartilage explants can indeed attract vessels; however, their ingrowth was not observed. Conclusion Using multiple approaches, we show that cartilage releasate has an inherent pro-angiogenic capacity. It remains vessel free due to anti-invasive properties associated with the tissue itself.
Do internet resources align with exercise training and physical activity guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena , Silveira Stephanie L , Baird Jessica F , Motl Robert W 
Published: September 2021

Background Exercise training and lifestyle physical activity have been identified as evidence-based approaches for improving symptoms and quality of life among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Such evidence supported the development of physical activity guidelines (PAGs) for people with MS. The goal of such guidelines involved broad dissemination and uptake, as there is substantial evidence for low rates of participation in exercise training and physical activity in this population. Objective The current study evaluated the quality and consistency of information on webpages for physical activity against the established PAGs for people with MS. Method The search was conducted in September 2020 using the Google search engine for webpages containing physical activity information for people with MS. We evaluated the webpages with a list of 18 guidelines for adults with MS based on recommendations from three resources. Results The search yielded 157 webpages, of which 27 met the inclusion criteria. On average, webpages accurately addressed only 5 of the 18 guidelines. The most commonly addressed guidelines involved MS-specific symptom identification (n = 26), and example modalities for aerobic (n = 20) and strength (n = 16) training. Conclusion Many online recourses regarding physical activity and exercise training for MS were either inconsistent with the established PAGs or did not address the guidelines.
The effects of methylated flavonoids on depression-like activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine thresholds in mice induced by repeated finasteride administration
Authors: She Bin , Wu Huajin , Xie Qin , Zhang Mingjuan , Zhou Nan , Pei Deyu , Tu Zheming 
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of naringenin (NGN) and its methylated derivatives (50 or 100 mg kg−1) on finasteride-caused depression-like performance in mice to identify the effects on behavior and biomarkers of inflammation in the management of depression. Depression-like behavior was induced by repeated dose of finasteride (100 mg kg−1, subcutaneously) in mice. The effects of the naringenin (50 or 100 mg kg−1) or its methylated derivatives (Ngn-M; 50 or 100 mg kg−1 or Ngn-DM; 50 or 100 mg kg−1) and duloxetine (DXT, 10 mg kg−1) were evaluated for the immobility time in tail suspension and forced swimming tests following finasteride pre-treatment. The levels of brain pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α were also measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay to further evaluate the impact of naringenin and its methylated derivatives on inflammation. Pre-treatment with finasteride substantially increased both the immobility time spent in tail suspension and forced swimming tests and brain levels of IL-1β and TNF–α in mice. Doluxetine (DLX) was given at a dose of 10 mg kg−1, and Naringenin or its methylated derivatives were given at doses of 50 and 100 mg kg−1 orally. It reduced immobility time in both tests, restored the preference to sucrose solution, and normalized cytokine levels (p < 0.01) in mice. Similar effects were observed with DTX (10 mg kg−1) as positive control. The increased brain levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) or nitrite were considerably (p < 0.05) decreased while substantially (p < 0.05) increased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels after finasteride pre-treatment relative to vehicle-control by naringenin or its methylated derivatives (50 or 100 mg kg−1). These findings demonstrated the potential for methylated flavonoids as safe and effective anti-depressive agents.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) National Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Curriculum
Authors: Allison Waridibo E , Choi Aro N , Kawasaki Keito , Melhado Trisha V 
Published: September 2021

Background People with human immunodeficiency virus (PWHIV) who have hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection are at a higher risk of progression of liver disease than the general population. Direct acting antivirals provide a therapeutic option for HCV cure, however access to HCV specific care for PWHIV can be challenging. A paucity of specialist providers is a barrier to this care. Objectives This study aims to assess knowledge gained about HIV/HCV coinfection among health care providers. Methods AIDS Education Training Centers (AETC) have developed a modular national HIV/HCV coinfection curriculum consisting of a free selfdirected online curriculum to educate health care providers, including nonspecialist providers, involved in the care of PWHIV on HCV care and management. The effectiveness of this curriculum was evaluated with pre and post module assessment completion by learners compared with a paired t-test. Results 716 people received links to the curriculum and 277 modules were completed by 221 unique individuals. 86% completed one module, 9% complete 2 modules, and the remaining 5% completed between 3 and all 6 modules. There were statistically significant increases in knowledge in the epidemiology module.
Intern Orthopedic Rotation Versus Emergency Medicine Procedure Month: Which one Derives More Opportunity?
Authors: Briggs Blake Chandler , Cline David Martin , Stewardson Kendall Lynn , Kugler Jordan Alexis , Lefebvre Cedric 
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION The American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) defines 18 “key procedures” as requirements in emergency medicine (EM) residency programs. The post-graduate year-1 (PGY-1) curriculum provides an early foundation for EM trainees to gain procedural experience, but traditional PGY-1 rotations may not provide robust procedural opportunities. Our objective was to replace a traditional orthopedic rotation with a 4-week rotation that emphasized EM procedure acquisition and comprehension. Although all residents met ACGME procedural requirements before the curricular modification, the purpose of this month was to increase overall procedure numbers. The block contained dedicated procedure shifts in the emergency department as well as an asynchronous, self-directed learning course. We sought to compare the number of procedures performed by PGY-1 residents during their orthopedic rotation (the year before implementation), to the number of procedures performed during their procedure rotation (the year after implementation). METHODS The total number of procedures performed and logged by PGY-1 residents during the traditional orthopedic rotation (during the year prior to implementation of the new procedure rotation) were compared to the total number of procedures by the first class to undergo the new procedure rotation the following year. Thirty resident logs were reviewed (15 per class). Data were analyzed using SAS NPAR1WAY; Z < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS When compared to the orthopedic rotation, the procedure rotation had statistically significant higher numbers of procedures per resident (22, standard deviation [SD] 12, vs 11.4, SD 7.6; Z = 0.0177). A wide variety of nonorthopedic procedures accounted for the increased numbers, (13.6, SD 10.3, vs 0.9, SD 0.9; Z < 0.001). While the average number of orthopedic procedures was slightly less on the procedure rotation, there was no statistical difference (orthopedic rotation 10.13, procedure rotation 8.26; Z = 0.4605). Notably, fewer procedures were performed when 2 residents were on the procedure rotation at the same time (21 vs 10.1). CONCLUSION This analysis demonstrated a larger number and a wider variety of procedures performed by PGY-1 residents during a dedicated procedure rotation compared to a traditional orthopedic rotation. Furthermore, exposure to orthopedic procedures did not decline significantly. Limitations of the study include a modest number of subjects. Data may be limited by the consistency of procedure logging by individual residents. Further studies may assess procedural competency after PGY-1 year of training.