bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc‐oxide nanoparticles act catalytically and synergistically with nitric oxide donors to enhance antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Singha Priyadarshini , Workman Christina D. , Pant Jitendra , Hopkins Sean P. , Handa Hitesh 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe development of infection‐resistant materials is of substantial importance as seen with an increase in antibiotic resistance. In this project, the nitric oxide (NO)‐releasing polymer has an added topcoat of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO‐NP) to improve NO‐release and match the endogenous NO flux (0.5–4 × 10−10 mol cm−2 min−1). The ZnO‐NP is incorporated to act as a catalyst and provide the additional benefit of acting synergistically with NO as an antimicrobial agent. The ZnO‐NP topcoat is applied on a polycarbonate‐based polyurethane (CarboSil) that contains blended NO donor, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). This sample, SNAP‐ZnO, continuously sustained NO release above 0.5 × 10−10 mol cm−2 min−1 for 14 days while samples containing only SNAP dropped below physiological levels within 24 h. The ZnO‐NP topcoat improved NO release and reduced the amount of SNAP leached by 55% over a 7‐day period. ICP‐MS data observed negligible Zn ion release into the environment, suggesting longevity of the catalyst within the material. Compared to samples with no NO‐release, the SNAP‐ZnO films had a 99.03% killing efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and 87.62% killing efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A cell cytotoxicity study using mouse fibroblast 3T3 cells also noted no significant difference in viability between the controls and the SNAP‐ZnO material, indicating no toxicity toward mammalian cells. The studies indicate that the synergy of combining a metal ion catalyst with a NO‐releasing polymer significantly improved NO‐release kinetics and antimicrobial activity for device coating applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 00A: 000–000, 2019.
Clinical significance of cancer‐associated fibroblasts and their correlation with microvessel and lymphatic vessel density in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Ling , Qin Yue , Zhang Tenglong , Ding Ning , Chen Yi , Zhang Zhe , Guo Chengye 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundTo determine whether cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are associated with microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) or are not prognostic.MethodsNinety‐three lung adenocarcinoma patients without adjuvant therapy between January 2010 and June 2011 were enrolled. CAFs, MVD, and LVD were identified by α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), CD34 and D2‐40 staining via immunohistochemistry. Staining intensities were assessed and quantified. For statistics, Pearson's chi‐square test, logistic regression, Kaplan‐Meier, and log‐rank tests were applied. In addition, the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multifactor analysis to predict survival.ResultsCAFs abundance in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with higher MVD and LVD. In addition, a correlation was demonstrated between MVD and LVD (P < 0.05). CAFs, MVD, and LVD are significantly correlating with age, tumor size, differentiation grade, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), but not influenced by gender, tumor location, and smoking history. Three‐year overall survival in the CAFs‐poor group is 64.5%, which is significant higher than that in the CAFs‐rich cohort (41.9%). Further, we found that age, clinical stage, α‐SMA, CD34, D2‐40 positivity, tumor size, differentiation grade, and lymph node metastasis significantly correlate with overall survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. However, sex, smoking history, and tumor location have no association with 3‐year survival. The clinical stage is an independent prognostic factor in overall survival (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe density of CAFs identified by α‐SMA staining is associated with progression and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma and affects the patient's disease outcome.
Iodine status of euthyroid adults: A cross‐sectional, multicenter study
Authors: Wang Danchen , Yu Songlin , Yin Yicong , Xie Shaowei , Cheng Qian , Li Honglei , Cheng Xinqi , Qiu Ling 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundIodine, an essential nutrient, is the most important trace element in thyroid hormone synthesis and maintenance of thyroid function. This study investigated the iodine nutrition status in healthy Chinese adults and assessed the relationship between urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid hormone levels.MethodsA cross‐sectional, multicenter study was conducted between October 2017 and January 2018, with 1017 adults recruited from five cities in China. All subjects underwent thyroid ultrasonography, and only those with normal results were included in the study. UICs were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and adjusted using urine creatinine levels. Thyroid hormone levels were measured using an automated immunoassay analyzer.ResultsThe median UIC and adjusted UIC were 134.0 µg/L and 114.2 µg/g, respectively. UIC was not significantly different between males and females (P = 0.737). However, the adjusted UIC was significantly different between sexes (P < 0.001). The median UIC was higher than 100 µg/L. According to the World Health Organization criterion (100 µg/L), the total prevalence of iodine deficiency is 33.1% (n = 271). The prevalence rates of iodine deficiency in our study were 33.2% and 32.9% in males and females, respectively, and had no difference between sexes and among cities (P > 0.05). Serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels increased when UIC increased. The Kruskal‐Wallis test showed no significant differences in free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and TSH, with different levels of UIC (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsChinese adults with normal thyroid structure have relatively sufficient iodine levels.
The association between CRP / Albumin ratio and in‐stent restenosis development in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Aksu Uğur , Gulcu Oktay , Aksakal Emrah , Kalkan Kamuran , Öztürk Mustafa , Korkmaz Ali Fuat , Uslu Abdulkadir , Demirelli Selami 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundAlthough interventional methods are the first‐line treatment options in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the incidence of stent restenosis (SR) is frequent. We investigated the relationship between CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), a novel indicator of inflammatory response, and SR in this study.MethodThis study was carried out on the patients who underwent coronary angiography in our clinic between January 2017 and September 2017. Two groups were generated according to restenosis status (group 1: restenosis (−), group 2: restenosis (+)), and clinical biochemical and angiographical features were compared. As baseline demographic and angiographic characteristics are slightly different in two groups, propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce bias. 45 SR patients were matched on a 1:1 basis were enrolled final cohort.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 55 ± 5.1 and 80% were male; Cox regression model was performed to demonstrate independent predictor of restenosis development; and during the one‐year follow‐up period, CAR (P < 0.001) was found an independent predictor of SRConclusionIn this study, we demonstrate that there may be a strong relationship between SR development and CAR. We implied that inflammatory reaction may be an important diagnostic tool for prediction of SR development in STEMI patients.
Factors complicating the informed consent process for whole exome sequencing in neonatal and pediatic intensive care units
Authors: Diamonstein Callie J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWhole exome and whole genome sequencing (WES/WGS) is increasingly utilized in inpatient settings such as neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICU), but no research has explored the process of informed consent in this setting. My experience as an inpatient genetic counselor has illuminated factors unique to the ICU that may threaten elements of informed consent such as voluntariness, disclosure, understanding, and capacity. I present three cases that exemplify elements complicating consent counseling for WES/WGS in the ICU, including the emotional state of the parents, involvements of other healthcare providers, environmental distractions and competing clinical priorities. I offer strategies to navigate these factors based on my experience.
Risk of esophageal cancer in achalasia cardia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Gillies Clare L , Farrukh Affifa , Abrams Keith R , Mayberry John F 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionThe association between cancer of the esophagus and achalasia has long been recognized. However, it has also been recognized that cancers themselves can give rise to achalasia‐like syndromes. The risk of developing cancer is also a factor in assessing whether there is a potential role for surveillance in this disease. This paper uses published work to form the basis for a meta‐analysis of the risk of developing esophageal cancer among patients with pre‐existing achalasia.MethodsThis paper considered cancer risk reported in a range of studies of achalasia published over a 50‐year period. Twenty‐seven potential studies were identified. In 16 reports, it was possible to extract information on both length of follow‐up and duration of achalasia so that person‐years duration (PYD) could be calculated. The analysis was stratified between cancers identified in the first year after diagnosis of achalasia and cancers identified in subsequent years.ResultsFrom pooling the results of 16 studies, the incidence rate of esophageal cancer in achalasia patients was estimated to be 1.36 (95% CI: 0.56, 2.51) per 1000 person years. This is over 10 times higher than the general population incidence rates as reported by the lARC.ConclusionsTherefore, our meta‐analysis shows that achalasia is a major risk factor for the development of esophageal cancer. This is supported by the results from the time‐stratified analysis. Incidence of esophageal cancer per 1000 person years was lower in the first year after diagnosis of achalasia than in subsequent years. This is strong evidence against the idea that achalasia may be induced by esophageal cancer instead of vice versa.
Brain imaging in classic nonketotic hyperglycinemia: Quantitative analysis and relation to phenotype
Authors: Stence Nicholas V. , Fenton Laura Z. , Levek Claire , Tong Suhong , Coughlin Curtis R. , Hennermann Julia B. , Wortmann Saskia B. , Van Hove Johan L.K. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPatients with severe nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) have absent psychomotor development and intractable epilepsy, whereas attenuated patients have variable psychomotor development and absent or treatable epilepsy; differences in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between phenotypes have not been reported. In a retrospective cross‐sectional study, we reviewed 38 MRI studies from 24 molecularly proven NKH patients, and 2 transient NKH patients. Quantitative analyses included corpus callosum size, apparent diffusion coefficient, automated brain volumetric analysis, and glycine/creatine ratio by spectroscopy. All patients age <3 months had restricted diffusion in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, anterior brainstem, posterior tegmental tracts, and cerebellum, not present in transient NKH. In older infants, the pattern evolved and included generalized diffusion restriction in the supratentorial white matter, which quantitatively peaked between 3 and 12 months. No patient had absent corpus callosum or gyral malformation. The corpus callosum was relatively short in severe compared to attenuated phenotypes, and thin in severe cases only. The corpus callosum growth rate differed by severity; age‐matched Z‐scores of thickness worsened in severe cases only. Cerebral volume was decreased in the hippocampus, globus pallidus, cerebral cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. Severe patients had greatest glycine/creatine ratios. In this study, no brain malformations were identified. The growth failure of the corpus callosum is worse in severe NKH, whereas the diffusion restriction pattern, reflecting microspongiosis, does not discriminate by phenotypic severity. NKH is therefore a disorder of brain growth best recognized in the corpus callosum, whereas spongiosis is not prognostic.
Prostatic volume determination by transabdominal ultrasonography: Does accuracy vary significantly with urinary bladder volumes between 50 to 400 mL?
Authors: Brakohiapa Edmund K. , Botwe Benard O. , Sarkodie Benjamin D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionIn Ghana, trans‐abdominal ultrasonography is the main sonographic method of prostatic volume evaluation. The examinations are done when the patient's bladder is full. However, the delay and the discomforting experiences associated with a full bladder have been well documented. In an attempt to investigate other less discomforting options, this study was undertaken to determine if sonographic transabdominal prostatic evaluations performed at urinary bladder volumes of 50–99 mL differ significantly to evaluations done at volumes of 100–199, 200–299 and 300–399 mL.MethodsA prostatic study of adult patients was undertaken in Accra, from 2014 to 2015. Using an ultrasound machine, 79 sets of prostatic measurements were recorded at a urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL (V1 as our reference volume), and at least one of three other urinary bladder volumes (V2 = 100–199 mL, V3 = 200–299 mL and V4 = 300–399 mL), in 66 males. Twelve of the participants had multiple sets of prostate volume measurements.SPSSwas used to analyse the data.T‐test, Bland‐Altman plots and linear regression were used to compare and test for the existence of proportional biases in measurements.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in prostatic volumes recorded at V1 and V2 (P = 0.017). However, the prostatic volume differences recorded for V1/V3, and V1/V4 groups of data were all not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The limits of agreement for the set of measurements spread from approximately −29 to +18 mL for V1/V2, −48 to +36 mL for V1/V3 and −12 to +12 mL for V1/V4 variables. There was no proportional bias in the V1/V2 (P = 0.55) and V1/V4 (P = 0.463) measurements.ConclusionUrinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL produces prostatic volume measurements comparable to volumes measured in patients with a full (300–399 mL), or nearly full urinary bladder (200–299 mL). A urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL may therefore be adequate for scanning the prostate gland, and is likely to be tolerated much better by patients.
Antimicrobial effect of anesthetic‐eluting ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene for post‐arthroplasty antibacterial prophylaxis
Authors: Gil Dmitry , Grindy Scott , Muratoglu Orhun , Bedair Hany , Oral Ebru 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTDespite being a relatively safe surgery, total joint replacement is often associated with two major complications—severe post‐operative pain and periprosthetic joint infection. Local sustained delivery of therapeutics to the surgical site has a potential to address these complications more effectively than current clinical approaches. Given that several analgesics were shown to possess antibacterial activity, we propose here to use analgesic‐loaded ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a delivery vehicle to provide antimicrobial effect after an arthroplasty. Three commonly used anesthetics, lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine, were analyzed in order to reveal the drug with the highest antibacterial activity against methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Having shown highest antibacterial activity in the bacterial susceptibility tests, bupivacaine was chosen to be incorporated into UHMWPE to provide antibacterial properties. Bupivacaine‐loaded UHMWPE possessed moderate dose‐dependent antimicrobial properties, decreasing the S. aureus proliferation rate by up to 70%. Biofilm formation was also substanitally inhibited during the first 9 h of culture as quantified by bacterial counts and SEM. This proof‐of‐concept study is first of its kind to demonstrate that analgesic‐loaded UHMWPE can be used as part of a multimodal antimicrobial therapy. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Depletion of cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells impairs implant fixation in rat cancellous bone
Authors: Bernhardsson Magnus , Dietrich‐Zagonel Franciele , Tätting Love , Eliasson Pernilla , Aspenberg Per 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTAs cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells seem to impair shaft fracture healing, we hypothesized that depletion of CD8+ cells would instead improve healing of cancellous bone. Additionally, we also tested if CD8‐depletion would influence the healing of ruptured Achilles tendons. Rats received a single injection of either anti‐CD8 antibodies or saline and put through surgery 24 h later. Three different surgical interventions were performed as follows: (1) a drill hole in the proximal tibia with microCT (BV/TV) to assess bone formation; (2) a screw in the proximal tibia with mechanical evaluation (pull‐out force) to assess fracture healing; (3) Achilles tendon transection with mechanical evaluation (force‐at‐failure) to assess tendon healing. Furthermore, CD8‐depletion was confirmed with flow cytometry on peripheral blood. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed depletion of CD8+ cells (p < 0.001). Contrary to our hypothesis, depletion of CD8+ cells reduced the implant pull‐out force by 19% (p < 0.05) and stiffness by 34% (p < 0.01), although the bone formation in the drill holes was the same as in the controls. Tendon healing was unaffected by CD8‐depletion. Our results suggest that CD8+ cells have an important part in cancellous bone healing. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Surgeon perception versus reality: Opioid use after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Park Ko Un , Kyrish Kristin , Terrell John , Yi Min , Caudle Abigail S. , Hunt Kelly K. , Kuerer Henry M. , Bedrosian Isabelle , Thompson Alastair , DeSnyder Sarah M. ,   other members of Department of Breast Surgical Oncology Study Group
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundFew guidelines exist for an opioid prescription after breast surgical oncology (BSO) procedures. We sought to characterize opioid prescribing and use patterns by surgery type.MethodsPatients (n = 332) undergoing BSO procedure were surveyed one week postoperatively for opioid use. The surgeons were surveyed about pain management preferences surgery type. CPT codes were collected for 2017 to calculate the amount of opioids used by surgery type relative to surgeon preference.ResultsMean oral morphine equivalent (OME) preferred prescription for surgeons who did not tailor prescriptions by surgery type (n = 7, group A) was 177, whereas for those who did tailor (n = 10, group B) varied from 137 to 257 OME. There was a significant difference in opioid use by surgery type: 32 OME for segmental mastectomy (SM) ± sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND), 63 for SM + axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), 76 for total mastectomy (TM) ± SLND, 115 for TM + ALND (P < 0.001). Considering the type of surgeries performed group A prescribers would have 229190 unused OME and group B would have 230826 in 1 year.ConclusionWide variation in opioid use by BSO procedure type was noted with substantial unused OME regardless ofprescribing preference. Evidence‐based guidelines are needed to tailor analgesic prescriptions according to the need.
Call for improved design and reporting in soft tissue sarcoma studies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of chemotherapy and survival outcomes in resectable STS
Authors: Istl Alexandra C. , Ruck Jessica M. , Morris Carol D. , Levin Adam S. , Meyer Christian F. , Johnston Fabian M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNew evidence and systemic therapies demand an updated analysis of chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma. We completed a meta‐analysis of chemotherapy in localized STS, assessing OS, PFS, and local and distant recurrence (local recurrence‐free survival [LRFS] and distant recurrence‐free survival [DRFS]). Ten studies, totaling 3157 patients, were included. A pooled analysis for 5‐year OS, progression‐free survival, LRFS, and DRFS showed no benefit of chemotherapy over locoregional therapy alone for all‐comers or site‐specific STS. We make recommendations to improve outcome reporting and quality indices.
Animals in the Brain
Authors: Mulroy Eoin , Balint Bettina , Adams Matthew E. , Campion Tom , Merello Marcelo , Bhatia Kailash P. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundPareidolic associations are commonly used in medical education to enhance perception of radiological abnormalities. A number of animal‐inspired neuroradiological pareidolias have been defined which should alert clinicians to specific movement disorder diagnoses.MethodsA review of the published literature detailing neuroradiological abnormalities in movement disorder syndromes was conducted, looking specifically for established animal‐inspired pareidolic associations.ResultsA number of animal‐inspired neuroradiological patterns with specific movement disorder associations have been defined. These include eye of the tiger sign, face of the panda sign, swallow tail sign, hummingbird sign, Mickey Mouse sign, ears of the lynx sign, dragonfly cerebellum, tadpole sign, tigroid/leopard skin sign, and bat wing sign.ConclusionPareidolias represent a quick and easy way of enhancing perception, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of image analysis. Movement disorder physicians should keep in mind these associations, given that they will likely facilitate scan analysis.
Microwave‐induced thermoacoustic tomography through an adult human skull
Authors: Yan An , Lin Li , Liu Changjun , Shi Junhui , Na Shuai , Wang Lihong V. 
Published: February 2019

PurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of microwave‐induced thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) of adult human brain.MethodsWe analyzed the electric field distribution radiated from an antenna to acquire homogeneous illumination. We first imaged the anatomical structures in a rat's trunk to validate the thermoacoustic contrast in vivo. We then imaged an agar cylinder through an adult human skull ex vivo to demonstrate transcranial penetration of both microwave and ultrasound. We also analyzed the specific absorption rate to show the conformance to the safety standard for human electromagnetic exposure.ResultsWe successfully acquired cross‐sectional images of the rat's trunk in vivo. Major blood vessels and organs are clearly visible. The transcranial image shows that TAT can image through the adult human skull and reveal an agar enclosed by the skull.ConclusionsMicrowave‐induced TAT of a rat's trunk in vivo and an agar phantom through an adult human skull ex vivo has been demonstrated experimentally. This study demonstrates both the TAT contrasts in vivo and the capability of transcranial imaging, showing potential of TAT for adult human brain imaging with high contrast and penetration.