bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasmall Core-Shell Silica Nanoparticles for Precision Drug Delivery in a High-Grade Malignant Brain Tumor Model
Authors: Juthani Rupa , Madajewski Brian , Yoo Barney , Zhang Li , Chen Pei-Ming , Chen Feng , Turker Melik Z. , Ma Kai , Overholtzer Michael , Longo Valerie A. , Carlin Sean , Aragon-Sanabria Virginia , Huse Jason , Gonen Mithat , Zanzonico Pat , Rudin Charles M. , Wiesner Ulrich , Bradbury Michelle S. , Brennan Cameron W. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
Small-molecule inhibitors have revolutionized treatment of certain genomically defined solid cancers. Despite breakthroughs in treating systemic disease, central nervous system (CNS) metastatic progression is common, and advancements in treating CNS malignancies remain sparse. By improving drug penetration across a variably permeable blood–brain barrier and diffusion across intratumoral compartments, more uniform delivery and distribution can be achieved to enhance efficacy.

Experimental Design:
Ultrasmall fluorescent core-shell silica nanoparticles, Cornell prime dots (C' dots), were functionalized with αv integrin-binding (cRGD), or nontargeting (cRAD) peptides, and PET labels (124I, 89Zr) to investigate the utility of dual-modality cRGD-C' dots for enhancing accumulation, distribution, and retention (ADR) in a genetically engineered mouse model of glioblastoma (mGBM). mGBMs were systemically treated with 124I-cRGD- or 124I-cRAD-C' dots and sacrificed at 3 and 96 hours, with concurrent intravital injections of FITC-dextran for mapping blood–brain barrier breakdown and the nuclear stain Hoechst. We further assessed target inhibition and ADR following attachment of dasatinib, creating nanoparticle–drug conjugates (Das-NDCs). Imaging findings were confirmed with ex vivo autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy, and p-S6RP IHC.

Results:
Improvements in brain tumor delivery and penetration, as well as enhancement in the ADR, were observed following administration of integrin-targeted C' dots, as compared with a nontargeted control. Furthermore, attachment of the small-molecule inhibitor, dasatinib, led to its successful drug delivery throughout mGBM, demonstrated by downstream pathway inhibition.

Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that highly engineered C' dots are promising drug delivery vehicles capable of navigating the complex physiologic barriers observed in a clinically relevant brain tumor model.
A report on the herpetofauna of Tengchong Section of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Yang Jian-Huan , Huang Xiang-Yuan , Ye Jian-Fang , Yang Shen-Pin , Zhang Xing-Chao , Chan Bosco Pui Lok 
Published: September 2019

We present the results from a series of herpetological surveys conducted in the Tengchong Section of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China between April 2014 and November 2018. A total of 59 species of amphibians and reptiles (one salamander, 30 batrachians, four lizards, and 24 snakes) were recorded during the surveys including three newly described amphibian species and 17 new records for Tengchong, 10 of which also represent new generic records for the area. Natural history notes of some little-known species are presented. Our survey results clearly demonstrate that the herpetofauna diversity of this mountain range is still underestimated and warrants further systematic study.
ATRQβ‐001 Vaccine Prevents Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Zhang Hongrong , Liao Mengyang , Cao Mingsi , Qiu Zhihua , Yan Xiaole , Zhou Yanzhao , Wu Hailang , Wang Yingxuan , Zheng Jiayu , Ding Jiaxing , Wang Min , Liao Yuhua , Chen Xiao 
Published: September 2019

Background

We have developed a peptide vaccine named
ATRQ
β‐001, which was proved to retard signal transduction initiated by angiotensin
II
(Ang II). Ang
II
was implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysm (
AAA
) progression, but whether the
ATRQ
β‐001 vaccine would prevent
AAA
is unknown.

Methods and Results

Ang
II
‐infused ApoE
−/−
mice and calcium phosphate‐induced
AAA
in C57
BL
/6 mice were used to verify the efficiency of
ATRQ
β‐001 vaccine in
AAA
. Results demonstrated that the vaccine effectively restrained the aneurysmal dilation and vascular wall destruction of aorta in both animal models, beyond anti‐hypertensive effects. In Ang
II
‐induced
AAA
vascular sections, Immunohistochemical staining showed that the vaccine notably constrained vascular inflammation and vascular smooth muscle cell (
VSMC
) phenotypic transition, concurrently reduced macrophages infiltration. In cultured
VSMC
, the anti‐
ATR
‐001 antibody inhibited osteopontin secretion induced by Ang
II
, thereby impeded macrophage migration while co‐culture. Furthermore, metalloproteinases and other matrix proteolytic enzymes were also found to be limited by the vaccine in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

ATRQ
β‐001 vaccine prevented
AAA
initiation and progression in both Ang
II
and calcium phosphate‐induced
AAA
models. And the beneficial effects were played beyond decrease of blood pressure, which provided a novel and promising method to take precautions against
AAA
.
Receipt of American Heart Association–Recommended Preconception Health Care Among Privately Insured Women With Congenital Heart Defects, 2007–2013
Authors: Farr Sherry L. , Downing Karrie F. , Ailes Elizabeth C. , Gurvitz Michelle , Koontz Gretchen , Tran Emmy L. , Alverson C. J. , Oster Matthew E. 
Published: September 2019

Background

Our objective was to estimate receipt of preconception health care among women with congenital heart defects (
CHD
), according to 2017 American Heart Association recommendations, as a baseline for evaluating recommendation implementation.

Methods and Results

Using 2007 to 2013
IBM
MarketScan Commercial Databases, we identified women with
CHD
diagnosis codes ages 15 to 44 years who became pregnant and were enrolled in health insurance for ≥11 months in the year before estimated conception. We assessed documentation of complete blood count, electrolytes, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, liver function, ECG, comprehensive echocardiogram, and exercise stress test, using procedural codes, and outpatient prescription claims for US Food and Drug Administration category D and X cardiac‐related medications. Differences were examined according to
CHD
severity, age, region of residence, year of conception, and documented encounters at obstetric and cardiology practices. We found 2524 pregnancies among 2003 women with
CHD
(14.4% severe
CHD
). In the 98.3% of women with a healthcare encounter in the year before conception, <1% received all and 22.6% received no American Heart Association–recommended tests or assessments (range: 54.4% for complete blood count to 3.1% for exercise stress test). Women with the highest prevalence of receipt of recommended care were 35 to 44 years old, pregnant in 2012 to 2013, or had a documented obstetric or cardiology encounter in the year before conception (
P
<0.05 for all). In 9.0% of pregnancies, ≥1 prescriptions for US Food and Drug Administration category D or X cardiac‐related medications were filled in the year before conception.

Conclusions

A low percentage of women with
CHD
received American Heart Association–recommended preconception health care in the year before conception.
A Practical Mathematic Method to Predict and Manage Hypocalcemia After Parathyroidectomy and Thyroidectomy
Authors: Liu Changxing , Tang Liyang , Goel Pedram , Chambers Tamara , Kokot Niels , Sinha Uttam , Maceri Dennis 
Published: September 2019

Objective: Prediction and early intervention for hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy can decrease hospital cost and prevent severe hypocalcemia-related complications. This study aims to predict the severity of hypocalcemia after parathyroidectomy or thyroidectomy and to stratify patients into groups with different levels of risk for developing severe hypocalcemia, so that higher risk patients may be monitored more closely and receive earlier interventions. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 100 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy as the primary treatment modality at a tertiary care hospital. Clinical information, including demographic information, perioperative PTH and calcium levels, vitamin D levels, weight of the pathologic glands removed, gland pathology, and re-admission rates, were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the association between collected variables and percentage of calcium drop following parathyroidectomy with statistical significant set at P-values <0.05. Results: Age, sex, and vitamin D level provided very minimal information to quantify risks of postoperative hypocalcemia. The percentage of decrease from preoperative PTH level to the lowest PTH level after the removal of the abnormal gland(s) is the most significant predicting factor for the severity of postoperative hypocalcemia. There is a mathematic regressional correlation between them. A formula was generated to quantify this linear relationship between them, and the nadir calcium can be calculated as [Formula: see text], where Canadir = the lowest postoperative calcium level, and PTHintraop = PTH level 15 minutes after removal of the abnormal gland, with the value of R2 > 0.7. The formula has been tested primarily in our patient population with good reliability. Conclusions: The highest preoperative, lowest postoperative, and change in PTH level can help us reliably calculate the trend of postoperative calcium level. Decision to pursue early interventions can be made based on the calculated result from the formula we obtained.
Simple Defocused Fiber Optic Volume Probe for Subsurface Raman Spectroscopy in Turbid Media
Authors: Walther Anders Runge , Andersen Morten Østergaard , Dam Christine Kamstrup , Karlsson Frederikke , Hedegaard Martin Aage Barsøe 
Published: September 2019

We investigated the ability to perform deep subsurface Raman spectroscopy in turbid media using a simple fiber optic volume probe. Being able to collect Raman signals from regions deep within a biological sample provides the ability to noninvasively study underlying living tissue and tissue engineered constructs with high chemical specificity. Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy has shown great potential for obtaining subsurface Raman signals in biological samples. The applicability of the method for in vivo studies depends on the system complexity and small size probes are often desirable. Most real-time studies on human patients utilizing Raman spectroscopy have been performed with easy-to-handle miniaturized probes. Here we show both experimentally and theoretically that the sampling depth from a simple volume probe can be controlled by changing the probe to sample distance effectively suppressing Raman and fluorescence contributions from shallow sample layers while favoring the collection of signals from deeper layers. Relative spectral intensities as function of probe to sample distance were investigated for layered phantoms of poly(methyl methacrylate) and trans-stilbene and compared with theory. The volume probe was then utilized for the collection of spectra from phantoms mimicking in vivo transcutaneous measurement configurations of bone and engineered scaffold as well as from an ex vivo sample of bone and soft tissue. Together the results show that Raman fiber optic volume probes can be utilized for subsurface Raman spectroscopy in turbid media, providing a simple alternative to spatially offset Raman systems for, e.g., noninvasive monitoring and studying mineralized tissue and implanted scaffolds in vivo.
Sitting Posture During Occupational Driving Causes Low Back Pain; Evidence-Based Position or Dogma? A Systematic Review
Authors: Tinitali Sarah , Bowles Kelly-Ann , Keating Jennifer L. , Haines Terry 
Published: September 2019

Objective In this review, we determine if there is evidence to demonstrate a relationship between occupational driving posture and low back pain. Background The burden of low back pain is increasing. An understanding of this relationship is required to enable the development of recommendations for clinicians and policy-makers for the driving industry. Method Five databases were searched up to March 12, 2018. Study quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies, followed by a GRADE analysis to consider the evidence as a whole. A narrative, critical synthesis was completed that considered the methods by which driving posture and low back pain were measured and analyzed. Results There were 653 articles identified, with seven eligible for review. Four articles identified an association between occupational driving posture and low back pain, yet this was based on the use of measurement tools lacking validity. Although a relationship may exist, the specific driving postures associated with low back pain and the strength of this relationship have not been confirmed. Conclusion Future research needs to employ validated and reliable, real-time qualitative methods for measuring occupational driving posture to advance our understanding of this relationship. Application Clinical and policy recommendations regarding driving posture and low back pain should be used with caution, as they are guided by evidence incorporating bias. Future studies are required to confirm the specific postures assumed while occupational driving and their relationship with low back pain, before recommendations can be made.
Deep vein sclerosis following sclerotherapy: Ultrasonic and d-dimer criteria
Authors: Parsi Kurosh , Panozzo Brydon , Bull Alison , Yang Anes , Kang Mina , Parsi Yana , Connor David E. 
Published: September 2019

Objectives The aim of sclerotherapy is to induce fibrosclerosis of superficial veins. We postulated that inadvertent entry of sclerosants into deep veins can result in sclerotic occlusion, deep vein sclerosis, a non-thrombotic process distinct from spontaneous deep vein thrombosis. The aim of this study was to assess the role of d-dimer in differentiating between deep vein sclerosis and deep vein thrombosis. Methods Proximal trunks of great and small saphenous veins were treated with endovenous laser ablation. Venous tributaries and perforators were treated with foam ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. Ultrasound studies of lower limb deep veins were performed before and one week after the procedures, to detect deep vein occlusions (DVOs). d-dimer levels were measured for DVOs and long-term ultrasound studies monitored the recanalisation rates. Results In a six-year period, 9143 procedures were performed in 1325 patients for bilateral varicose veins. This included 1124 endovenous laser ablation and 8019 foam ultrasound guided sclerotherapy procedures. A total of 259 DVOs (2.83%) were identified on ultrasound which included 251 deep vein sclerosis (2.74%), seven deep vein thrombosis (0.07%) and one endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT, 0.08%). d-dimer values <0.5 µg/mL excluded deep vein thrombosis s, 0.5–1.0 µg/mL were more likely to be associated with deep vein sclerosis and >1.0 µg/mL were a more likely to be associated with deep vein thrombosis. Lower sclerosant concentrations and higher foam volumes were associated with increased risk of DVO ( p <  .0001). No significant relationship was found between DVO and gender or thrombophilia. Deep vein thrombosis and EHIT cases but not deep vein sclerosis patients were anticoagulated. None had thromboembolic complications. Patients were followed up for a median of 299 days (37–1994 days). Recanalisation rates were 71.1% for deep vein sclerosis (92.3% competent) and 71.4% for deep vein thrombosis (60.0% competent). Conclusions Deep vein sclerosis is a relatively benign clinical entity distinct from deep vein thrombosis and does not require anticoagulation. Majority of affected veins on long-term follow-up regain patency and competence. d-dimer can be used to assist in differentiating deep vein sclerosis from deep vein thrombosis.
Urinary tract infection pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibilities in Kobe, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan: an international analysis
Authors: Yi-Te Chiang , Shigemura Katsumi , Nishimoto Kento , Yamada Naoki , Kitagawa Koichi , Sung Shian-Ying , Chen Kuan-Chou , Fujisawa Masato 
Published: September 2019

Objective This study compared urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens and antibiotic susceptibilities between Kobe, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan to investigate the regional resistance pattern of UTI-causative bacteria. Methods UTI-causative bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility for 4519 samples from Kobe University Hospital, Kobe and 25,131 samples from Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei from 2015 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the differences between these hospitals. Results Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen in both areas (30.0% in Kobe, 41.2% in Taipei). The prevalence of cephalosporin and gentamicin-resistant E. coli tended to be higher in Taipei than in Kobe. Additionally, antibiotic susceptibilities of Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa tended to be higher in Kobe than in Taipei. The ratio of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae was significantly higher in Taipei than in Kobe (up to 40% vs. 14.8%), but this was not observed for E. coli. Conclusion Variations in the type of UTI-causative bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility between the two hospitals may be influenced by the use of different antibiotics. Further surveillance of resistance patterns is necessary for effective treatment.
Curcumin ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by modulating autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress through regulation of SIRT1 in a rat model
Authors: Tang Feng , Ling Chunhua 
Published: September 2019

Objectives The ability of curcumin to activate SIRT1 and thereby promote autophagy and inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between curcumin and SIRT1 activation in relation to autophagy and ERS in COPD. Methods We developed a rat COPD model by cigarette smoke exposure, and divided the rats into control, COPD, COPD + low-dose curcumin (50 mg/kg), COPD + medium-dose curcumin (100 mg/kg), COPD + high-dose curcumin (150 mg/kg), and COPD + high-dose curcumin + sirtinol (2 mM, 30 μL/kg) groups. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. SIRT1 gene and protein expression, and protein expression of autophagy-related genes LC3-I, LC3-II, and Beclin1, and ERS-related genes CHOP and GRP78 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Results SIRT1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and Beclin1 expression were significantly decreased and CHOP and GRP78 were enhanced in COPD compared with control rats. Curcumin increased the expression of SIRT1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and Beclin1 and decreased the expression of CHOP and GRP78 in COPD rats. The alleviating effects of curcumin on COPD in the SIRT1-inhibition group were reversed by suppressing LC3-I, LC3-II, and Beclin1 and increasing CHOP and GRP78. Conclusion Curcumin might alleviate COPD by promoting autophagy and inhibiting ERS through SIRT1 activation.
Long-term Results of the Open Latarjet Procedure for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability in Patients Older Than 40 Years
Authors: Ernstbrunner Lukas , Wartmann Lara , Zimmermann Stefan M. , Schenk Pascal , Gerber Christian , Wieser Karl 
Published: September 2019

Background: Subgroup analyses of the Latarjet procedure have suggested that age over 40 years is a risk factor for dislocation arthropathy. Purpose: To analyze long-term results of the open Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in patients at least 40 years of age. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 39 consecutive patients (40 shoulders) with a mean age of 48 years (range, 40-66 years) at surgery were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 11.0 years (range, 8-16 years). Of these, 15 patients (38%) had undergone previous soft tissue stabilization surgery. Long-term results were assessed clinically and radiographically, including computed tomography scanning at final follow-up. Results: No recurrence of dislocation was noted. Subluxation had occurred in 3 patients (8%), and apprehension persisted in 5 patients (13%). The total Walch-Duplay score averaged 89 points at the final follow-up, and the mean Subjective Shoulder Value (60%-91%) had improved significantly ( P < .001). In total, 36 patients rated their result as excellent, 3 as good. Further, 6 patients (15%) underwent joint-preserving reoperation, and 1 patient (3%) had reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for severe dislocation arthropathy. Dislocation arthropathy was severe in 14 patients (37%) and had progressed by at least 2 grades in 17 patients (45%). Patients with severe dislocation arthropathy had already shown degenerative changes preoperatively as opposed to those who ultimately had no or moderate dislocation arthropathy (n = 24) ( P < .001). Progression of dislocation arthropathy was associated with lateral (>1 mm) graft positioning ( P < .001) and older age at surgery ( r = 0.58; P < .001). Conclusion: The open Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability in patients older than 40 years reliably restores stability and leads to high patient satisfaction. This procedure is, however, associated with a substantial rate of advanced but clinically mild symptomatic dislocation arthropathy, which is associated with the degree of preoperative joint degeneration, older age at surgery, and lateral graft placement.
Clock Genes Disruption in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Diaz Elena , Diaz Irene , del Busto Cecilia , Escudero Dolores , Pérez Silvia 
Published: September 2019

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) environment disrupts the circadian rhythms due to environmental and other nonphotic synchronizers. The main purpose of this article is to establish whether critically patients have desynchronization at the molecular level after 1 week of stay in the ICU. Methods: The rhythm of Clock, Bmal1, Cry1, and Per2 genes in neuro-ICU patients (n = 11) on the first day after admission in the unit (1 day) and 1 week later (1 week) was studied, 4 time points throughout the day, at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. Human whole blood samples were obtained from neuro-ICU patients. The total RNA was isolated and each sample was reverse transcribed to complementary DNA and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCRq) was performed. The possible rhythm was studied using Fourier Series. Results: After 1 week, the clock gene rhythmicity completely disappeared. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for the 4 clock genes was shown rhythmicity at the first day after admission in the ICU. Circadian rhythmicity for none of them was observed but rather, ultradian rhythmicity was found. The expression of Clock, Bmal1, and Per2 mRNA after 1 week was similar in the 4-time point studies without significant fluctuation among the 4 time points analyzed. Discussion: Rhythmic mRNA expression is present at the first day after admission in the ICU. However, ICU stay during 1 week affects the molecular machinery of the biological clock generating chronodisruption. Circadian disruption is associated with the risk of several pathologies, thus, it seems to be clear that ICU stay in constant conditions could adversely affect patient evolution and probably, circadian resynchronization restoring clock gene expression could lead to a better clinical evolution of the patient. Conclusions: Clock genes disruption is observed in neuro-ICU patients. Light therapy as well as melatonin treatment could reduce the impact of ICU stay period in biological clock, thereby improving patients’ recovery.