bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human organotypic retinal flat‐mount culture (HORFC) as a model for retinitis pigmentosa11
Authors: Azizzadeh Pormehr Leila , Daftarian Narsis , Ahmadian Shahin , Rezaei Kanavi Mozhgan , Ahmadieh Hamid , Shafiezadeh Mahshid 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe splicing factor PRPF31 is the most commonly mutated general splicing factor in the retinitis pigmentosa. We used a rapid, convenient and cost effective transfection method with an efficient PRPF31 knockdown in HORFC in order to study the effect of PRPF31 downregulation on retinal gene expressions in an ex vivo model. Modified calcium phosphate method was used to transfect HORFC by PRPF31 siRNA. Different times and doses of siRNA for transfection were assayed and optimum condition was obtained. PRPF31 mRNA and protein downregulation were assessed by qRTPCR and Western blot. The tissue viability of HORFC was measured using the MTT. ImageJ analysis on stained retinal sections by immunohistochemistry was used for thickness measurement of outer nuclear photoreceptor layer. The PRPF31 gene downregulation effects on retinal specific gene expression were analyzed by qRTPCR. A total of 50 nM of PRPF31 siRNA transfection after 63 h in HORFC, showed the optimum reduction in the level of PRPF31 mRNA and protein as shown by qRTPCR and Western blot (over 90% and 50% respectively). The PRPF31 mRNA silencing with calcium phosphate had no effect on cell viability in the period of the experiment. Thickness measurement of outer nuclear photoreceptor layer with IHC showed the significant reduction after 63 h of study (P value = 0.02). siRNA induced PRPF31 knockdown, led to reduction of retinal specific mRNA gene expression involved in phototransduction (RHO, GNAT1, RP1), photoreceptor structure (ROM1, FSCN2, CA4, SEMA4) and transcription factor (CRX) (fold change >5), after 63 h.
Knockdown of Uba2 inhibits colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration through downregulation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Cheng Hongjing , Sun Xun , Li Ji , He Ping , Liu Wanqi , Meng Xiangwei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractColorectal cancer is a serious threat to human health, and has a high mortality rate. There is currently no effective therapy for end‐stage colorectal cancer. In recent years, molecular targeted therapy has received increasing attention for cancer treatment. In particular, the role of Uba2, a vital component of SUMO‐activating enzyme, has been highlighted, which plays important roles in the progression of certain cancers; however, its role in colorectal cancer remains unclear. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Uba2 and colorectal cancer. Uba2 expression was knocked down in two colorectal cancer cell lines, and gene microarray analysis was conducted, followed by proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. Uba2 knockdown influenced the expression of several genes, and significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. To determine the underlying mechanism, the expression of related signaling pathways and molecules was evaluated in the knockdown cell lines. Overall, the results suggest that Uba2 participates in the progression, invasion, and metastasis of colorectal cancer, and the possible mechanism is via regulating the Wnt signaling pathway and enhancing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition behaviors of colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, Uba2 is expected to be an important oncoprotein and potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.
A Monte Carlo Simulation Approach for Beta‐Lactam Dosing in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Prolonged Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Jang Soo Min , Gharibian Katherine N. , Lewis Susan J. , Fissell William H. , Tolwani Ashita J. , Mueller Bruce A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCefepime, ceftazidime, and piperacillin/tazobactam are commonly used beta‐lactam antibiotics in the critical care setting. For critically ill patients receiving prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT), limited pharmacokinetic data are available to inform clinicians on the dosing of these agents. Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) can be used to guide drug dosing when pharmacokinetic trials are not feasible. For each antibiotic, MCS using previously published pharmacokinetic data derived from critically ill patients was used to evaluate multiple dosing regimens in 4 different prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy effluent rates and prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy duration combinations (4 L/h × 10 hours or 5 L/h × 8 hours in hemodialysis and hemofiltration modes). Antibiotic regimens were also modeled depending on whether drugs were administered during or well before prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy therapy commenced. The probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated using each antibiotic's pharmacodynamic target during the first 48 hours of therapy. Optimal doses were defined as the smallest daily dose achieving ≥90% probability of target attainment in all prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy effluent and duration combinations. Cefepime 1 g every 6 hours following a 2 g loading dose, ceftazidime 2 g every 12 hours, and piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g every 6 hours attained the desired pharmacodynamic target in ≥90% of modeled prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy patients. Alternatively, if an every 6‐hours cefepime regimen is not desired, the cefepime 2 g pre‐prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy and 3 g post‐prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy regimen also met targets. For ceftazidime, 1 g every 6 hours or 3 g continuous infusion following a 2 g loading dose also met targets. These recommended doses provide simple regimens that are likely to achieve the pharmacodynamics target while yielding the least overall drug exposure, which should result in lower toxicity rates. These findings should be validated in the clinical setting.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Dose Individualization to Achieve Therapeutic Vancomycin Concentrations
Authors: Abulfathi Ahmed A. , Chirehwa Maxwell , Rosenkranz Bernd , Decloedt Eric H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin is used for treatment of methicillin‐resistant Gram‐positive cocci. Adequate vancomycin plasma concentrations are related to bacterial cure. However, inter‐ and intrapatient variability make it difficult to achieve therapeutic vancomycin concentrations. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using computerized therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to assist in achieving therapeutic vancomycin concentrations at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. This was a 2‐period study consisting of a retrospective 1‐month observational period followed by a prospective 1‐month period in which computerized TDM was implemented as an intervention to assist with vancomycin dose individualization. During the prospective period, all vancomycin TDM results were followed by dosage individualization using computerized TDM. The retrospective period included 77 patients with 292 vancomycin concentrations: 69% (53/77) adult and 31% (24/77) pediatric patients. The prospective period included 80 patients with 217 vancomycin concentrations measured: 69% (55/80) adult and 31% (25/80) pediatric patients. Fewer vancomycin TDM data were requested during the prospective period with a median (interquartile range) of 2 (1–3) samples per patient compared with 3 (1–5) samples per patient during the retrospective period. The odds ratio of achieving therapeutic trough concentrations was 3.63 (95%CI 1.81–7.3) in the prospective period when TDM‐adjusted vancomycin dosing and appropriate TDM procedures were applied. The use of computerized TDM resulted in a higher frequency of therapeutic vancomycin concentrations in a middle‐income setting. Trough vancomycin concentrations alone correlate poorly with the area under plasma concentration‐time curve from 0 to 24 hours.
Production of bio‐based p‐xylene via catalytic pyrolysis of biomass over metal oxide‐modified HZSM‐5 zeolites
Authors: Chang Rui , Zhu Lijuan , Jin Feng , Fan Minghui , Liu Junxu , Jia Qifang , Tang Chi , Li Quanxin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDp‐Xylene is an important bulk chemical in the petrochemical industry, and the production of bio‐based p‐xylene is of great significance in both academic and industrial arenas. However, the biggest challenge for the production of p‐xylene from biomass is how to increase the yield and selectivity of p‐xylene.RESULTSThe highest p‐xylene yield of 20.7 C‐mol% with a p‐xylene/xylenes ratio of 91.6% was obtained by the co‐catalytic pyrolysis of sawdust with 50 wt% methanol over the 20%La2O3/HZSM‐5(80) catalyst. Adding a La, Mg, Ce or Zn element into HZSM‐5 promoted the alkylation of benzene and toluene to form xylenes, and the isomerization of m/o‐xylenes to p‐xylene.CONCLUSIONThis work developed a one‐pot process in which lignocellulosic biomass (sawdust) was directionally converted into p‐xylene by coupling the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass into aromatic monomers, the alkylation of light aromatics to xylenes and the isomerization of m/o‐xylenes to p‐xylene over the metal oxide‐modified HZSM‐5 catalysts. The selectivity and yield of p‐xylene strongly depended on the acidity of the catalysts, reaction temperature and methanol additive during the catalytic pyrolysis of sawdust. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A review on the advances in nitrifying biofilm reactors and their removal rates in wastewater treatment
Authors: Chaali Mona , Naghdi Mitra , Brar Satinder K , Avalos‐Ramirez Antonio 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGrowing demand for efficient wastewater treatment systems is spurring on the development of new technologies. Biofilm‐based reactors can be used for the treatment of a variety of wastewaters and these reactors are resistant to toxic environments. Bioreactors, such as sequencing batch biofilm and moving bed biofilm are advanced techniques to treat various types of wastewaters with diverse operating conditions. Ammonium oxidizing bacteria, nitrite oxidizing bacteria and Anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) bacteria are reported to be responsible for nutrient removal. In recent decades, the performance of these systems has been studied widely and compared for a number of wastewater treatment applications. In general, they are particularly suitable for high‐rate nitrification and nitrogen removal. The efficiency of these reactors has been confirmed in the laboratory and large‐scale plants. Their efficiency depends on the surface area of the biocarrier, the filling percentage volume of biofilm carriers, organic loading and diffused aeration supply. Chemical oxygen demand removal of 50–98% was reported for <12 h hydraulic retention time, 0.2 to 6.5 mg L−1 dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature range 15–35 °C. Also, the ratio of nitrate to ammonium conversion was from 0.2 to 90 and N2 conversion was from 0 to 8.5 mg. This review studied each of these bioreactors in the removal of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and oxygen) from different wastewaters and compared them to conventional treatment. The review also includes the relevant studies on laboratory and pilot‐scale bioreactors to enhance their performance and reduce their costs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Hypophosphatemia in a Malnourished Child: When Renal Fanconi Syndrome Does Not Stand for Refeeding Syndrome
Authors: Runde Joseph , Rivera‐Rivera Edgardo , Pompeii‐Wolfe Cecelia , Clardy Christopher , Sentongo Timothy 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRefeeding syndrome is diagnosed based on the onset of multiple laboratory abnormalities (most commonly hypophosphatemia) and clinical signs in the setting of nutrition rehabilitation of malnourished patients. Because definitions are not uniform, a broad differential diagnosis should always include renal tubular dysfunction. Our report details a 3 year‐old child with undiagnosed renal tubular dysfunction who presented with the clinical picture of refeeding syndrome with refractory electrolyte abnormalities. A diagnosis of renal Fanconi syndrome was made after urinalysis that revealed glucosuria and urine electrolyte losses. Thus, urinalysis can aid in making a positive diagnosis of refeeding syndrome.
Fabrication of Reduction‐Sensitive Amphiphilic Cyclic Brush Copolymer for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Tu Xiao‐Yan , Meng Chao , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Jin Miao‐Ge , Zhang Xian‐Shuo , Zhao Xue‐Zhi , Wang Yun‐Fei , Ma Li‐Wei , Wang Bao‐Yan , Liu Ming‐Zhu , Wei Hua 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe cyclic brush polymers, due to the unique topological structure, have shown in the previous studies higher delivery efficacy than the bottlebrush analogues as carriers for drug and gene transfer. However, to the best of knowledge, the preparation of reduction‐sensitive cyclic brush polymers for drug delivery applications remains unexplored. For this purpose, a reduction‐sensitive amphiphilic cyclic brush copolymer, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐g‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐disulfide link‐poly(oligoethyleneglycol methacrylate)) (P(HEMA‐g‐PCL‐SS‐POEGMA)) with reducible block junctions bridging the hydrophobic PCL middle layer and the hydrophilic POEGMA outer corona is designed and synthesized successfully in this study via a “grafting from” approach using sequential ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and atom transfer free radical polymerization (ATRP) from a cyclic multimacroinitiator PHEMA. The resulting self‐assembled unimolecular core–shell–corona (CSC) micelles show sufficient salt stability and efficient destabilization in the intracellular reducing environment for a promoted drug release toward a greater therapeutic efficacy relative to the reduction‐insensitive analogues. The overall results demonstrate the reducible cyclic brush copolymers developed herein provides an elegant solution to the tradeoff between extracellular stability and intracellular high therapeutic efficacy toward efficient anticancer drug delivery.
Dentin Phosphoprotein Mimetic Peptide Nanofibers Promote Biomineralization
Authors: Gulseren Gulcihan , Tansik Gulistan , Garifullin Ruslan , Tekinay Ayse B. , Guler Mustafa O. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDentin phosphoprotein (DPP) is a major component of the dentin matrix playing crucial role in hydroxyapatite deposition during bone mineralization, making it a prime candidate for the design of novel materials for bone and tooth regeneration. The bioactivity of DPP‐derived proteins is controlled by the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the serine residues. Here an enzyme‐responsive peptide nanofiber system inducing biomineralization is demonstrated. It closely emulates the structural and functional properties of DPP and facilitates apatite‐like mineral deposition. The DPP‐mimetic peptide molecules self‐assemble through dephosphorylation by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme participating in tooth and bone matrix mineralization. Nanofiber network formation is also induced through addition of calcium ions. The gelation process following nanofiber formation produces a mineralized extracellular matrix like material, where scaffold properties and phosphate groups promote mineralization. It is demonstrated that the DPP‐mimetic peptide nanofiber networks can be used for apatite‐like mineral deposition for bone regeneration.
Robust and Reversible Vapoluminescent Organometallic Copper Polymers
Authors: Peng Hao , Xin Yumeng , Shen Wei , Deng Zhengtao , Zhang Jiuyang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEmissive organometallic polymers are an important class of functional materials characterized by the combined photoluminescent features of organometallic molecules and the properties of traditional polymers. In this work, the emissive organometallic complex, [CuBr(PPh3)2(4‐methylpyridine)], is successfully, mechanically ground into a random copolymer built on 4‐(diphenylphosphino)styrene (DPVP) and n‐butyl acrylate (BA) monomers. The resultant hybrid materials successfully inherit the emissive centers, and are significantly reinforced by the copper complexes as chemical crosslinkers in the polymeric continuum. These organometallic polymers are also proved to have excellent vapoluminescent properties, exhibiting unique responses to many organic solvent vapors, reflecting their rapid loss and recovery of photoluminescence. Mechanically robust and flexible films prepared with these organometallic Cu(I)‐polymers are tested as recoverable sensors for hazardous volatile chemical compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, acetone, chloroform, and dichloromethane, and the low limits of detection (LOD) can reach as low as 1 × 10−3–8 × 10−3 mg L−1 (0.2–3.3 ppmV, parts per million‐volume) for various VOCs. This work sheds lights on the design and fabrication of organometallic polymers for advanced applications.
Dosimetric and geometric characteristics of a small animal image‐guided irradiator using 3D dosimetry/optical CT scanner
Authors: Na Yong Hum , Wang Yi‐Fang , Black Paul J. , Velten Christian , Qian Xin , Lin Shih‐Chi , Adamovics John , Wuu Cheng‐Shie 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe precise dosimetric and geometric characteristics of small animal irradiators are essential to achieving reproducible dose delivery, especially in cases where image‐guidance is utilized. Currently, radiochromic film is the established measurement tool used to evaluate beam characteristics for these systems. However, only 2D information can be acquired with film. This study characterized both the dosimetric and geometric properties of the small animal research radiation platform (SARRP, Xstrahl) for commissioning purposes using a 3D radiochromic dosimetry system with a submillimeter resolution optical computed tomography (OCT) scanner.MethodsLike a modern clinical linear accelerator, the SARRP features both a beam delivery system and a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging system. Dosimetric and geometric characteristics of the SARRP were studied using EBT3 radiochromic film and 3D PRESAGE dosimeters. Dosimetric measurements included percent depth dose (PDD) curves and beam profiles. For geometric evaluation, the isocenter sizes of the treatment stage and gantry rotations as well as their coincidence were measured using star shot patterns. A commercial Epson Expression 11000XL flatbed scanner was used for readout of irradiated EBT3 films at 300 dpi resolution. Each irradiated PRESAGE dosimeter was scanned using a submillimeter resolution single laser beam OCT scanner. Acquired data were reconstructed with a resolution of 0.3 mm/pixel.ResultsPDD data measured from films and 3D dosimeters agree to within ±3% for depths up to 5 cm, for both 3 × 3 and 10 × 10 mm2 fixed collimation. Profiles were analyzed at 10, 20, and 30 mm depth for 3 × 3 mm2 and 10 × 10 mm2 fields. The FWHM measurements for both dosimeters agreed to within 0.01 mm, and the penumbras agreed to within 0.1 mm for 3 × 3 mm2 and 0.5 mm for 10 × 10 mm2. Gantry and treatment stage isocenter sizes were determined to be 0.21 and 0.43 mm using EBT3 film, and 1.72 and 0.75 mm using PRESAGE dosimeters. Absolute isocenter shifts, evaluated with 3D phantoms, were 0.80 mm for the gantry rotation isocenter (treatment isocenter) with respect to the laser‐defined setup isocenter, and 0.71 mm for the gantry rotation isocenter relative to treatment stage rotation isocenter (CBCT isocenter). The difference between CBCT isocenter and laser‐defined setup isocenter was 0.68 mm.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that 3D PRESAGE dosimeters can be used for verification of precise targeting for the SARRP. This 3D dosimetry system can be utilized to obtain information on both geometric and dosimetric properties, as well as acquire beam data parameters for the purpose of commissioning image‐guided small animal irradiator systems.
Quantitative transmission ultrasound tomography: Imaging and performance characteristics
Authors: Malik Bilal , Terry Robin , Wiskin James , Lenox Mark 
Published: May 2018

PurposeQuantitative Transmission (QT) ultrasound has shown promise as a breast imaging modality. This study characterizes the performance of the latest generation of QT ultrasound scanners: QT Scanner 2000.MethodsThe scanner consists of a 2048‐element ultrasound receiver array for transmission imaging and three transceivers for reflection imaging. Custom fabricated phantoms were used to quantify the imaging performance parameters. The specific performance parameters that have been characterized are spatial resolution (as point spread function), linear measurement accuracy, contrast to noise ratio, and image uniformity, in both transmission and reflection imaging modalities.ResultsThe intrinsic in‐plane resolution was measured to be better than 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm for transmission and reflection modalities respectively. The linear measurement accuracy was measured to be, on average, approximately 1% for both the modalities. Speed of sound image uniformity and measurement accuracy were calculated to be 99.5% and <0.2% respectively. Contrast to noise ratio (CNR) measurements vary as a function of object size.ConclusionsThe results show an improvement in the imaging performance of the system in comparison to earlier ultrasound tomography systems, which are applicable to clinical applications of the system, such as breast imaging.
Female–male differences in alcohol dependence levels: Evidence on newly incident adolescent and young‐adult drinkers in the United States, 2002–2014
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Anthony James C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveIn this study of newly incident drinkers (NIDs), we (a) investigate and calibrate measurement equivalence of 7 clinical features of an alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) across sex and age‐of‐onset subgroups and (b) estimate female–male differences in ADS levels soon after taking the first full drink, with focus on those with first full drink before the 24th birthday.MethodsThe study population is 12‐ to 23‐year‐old NIDs living in the United States (n = 33,561). Calibrated for measurement equivalence, male–female differences in levels of newly incident ADS are estimated for 6 age‐of‐onset subgroups.ResultsMeasurement equivalence is achieved by dropping the “difficulty cutting down” item. Then, among early‐adolescent‐onset NID, females have higher ADS levels (for 12‐ to 13‐year‐old NID: β = .25; 95% CI [0.05, 0.45]). In contrast, when drinking onset is delayed to adulthood, males have higher ADS levels (e.g., for 18‐ to 19‐year‐old NID: β = −.27; 95% CI [−0.52, −0.02]; for 20‐ to 21‐year‐old NID: β = −.38; 95% CI [−0.65, −0.12]).ConclusionsIn the United States, there is female excess in ADS levels measured soon after drinking onset in early adolescence. The traditional male excess is seen when drinking onset occurs after mid‐adolescence. Evidence from other countries will be useful.