bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoformulated water-soluble paclitaxel to enhance drug efficacy and reduce hemolysis side effect
Authors: Gu Weiting , Chen Jie , Patra Prabir , Yang Xiaoyan , Gu Quanrong , Wei Lingxuan , Acker Jason P , Kong Beihua 
Published: May 2017

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the three top cancer treatment modalities. Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs. However, its clinical applications have been significantly limited due to: (i) serious hemolysis effect of currently available commercial paclitaxel formulations and (ii) its water insolubility. An easy way to deliver paclitaxel by a new nanocarrier system using pluronic copolymers of P123/F68 and Sorbitan monopalmitate (Span 40) was reported in our previous research article. The characterization of the formulation and analysis of drug release and cellular uptake were also presented. In this article, we reported discoveries of our follow-up in vivo antitumor and in vitro hemolytic study discoveries. The experimental results showed that the nanoformulated PTX achieved much better tumor suppression performance while reducing hemolysis side effects. This newly formulated drug can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer chemotherapy.
Immobilization of native type I collagen on polypropylene fabrics as a substrate for HepG2 cell culture
Authors: Peng Gongze , Li Saina , Peng Qing , Li Yang , Weng Jun , Jia Zhidong , Kang Jiyao , Lei Xiongxin , Zhang Guifeng , Gao Yi 
Published: May 2017

Background/aims The critical part of a bio-artificial liver device is establishment of a bioreactor filled with liver cells. However, it is still unclear how to maintain benign cell function while achieving the sufficient cell quantity. In the current study, we aim to establish a novel carrier for the culture of HepG2 cells, a liver cell line, by modifying polypropylene nonwoven fabrics with native type I collagen. Methods “Piranha” solution, KH-550 and glutaraldehyde subsequently were used to bridge native type I collagen and polypropylene nonwoven fabrics. The type I collagen-coupled polypropylene nonwoven fabric was characterized by XPS, SEM, ATR-FTIR and water contact angle measurement. Furthermore, the biocompatibility between HepG2 cells and fiber film is evaluated by the ability of cell proliferation, albumin secretion, as well as urea synthesis. Results The coating of collagen onto polypropylene fabrics was more efficient using the chemical covalent binding method than direct immersion, which was validated by the presence of collagen-related elements and chemical bond. The adding of collagen in polypropylene fabrics promoted hydrophilicity and HepG2 cell adherence. Additionally, enhanced cell proliferation, increased albumin secretion and urea synthesis were observed in HepG2 cells growing on collagen-coated polypropylene fabrics. Conclusions The collagen coated polypropylene nonwoven fabrics, acting as a feasible substrate for HepG2 cell culture, may be used as a promising liver cell carrier for artificial liver reactor.
Modeling qRT-PCR dynamics with application to cancer biomarker quantification
Authors: Chervoneva Inna , Freydin Boris , Hyslop Terry , Waldman Scott A 
Published: May 2017

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is widely used for molecular diagnostics and evaluating prognosis in cancer. The utility of mRNA expression biomarkers relies heavily on the accuracy and precision of quantification, which is still challenging for low abundance transcripts. The critical step for quantification is accurate estimation of efficiency needed for computing a relative qRT-PCR expression. We propose a new approach to estimating qRT-PCR efficiency based on modeling dynamics of polymerase chain reaction amplification. In contrast, only models for fluorescence intensity as a function of polymerase chain reaction cycle have been used so far for quantification. The dynamics of qRT-PCR efficiency is modeled using an ordinary differential equation model, and the fitted ordinary differential equation model is used to obtain effective polymerase chain reaction efficiency estimates needed for efficiency-adjusted quantification. The proposed new qRT-PCR efficiency estimates were used to quantify GUCY2C (Guanylate Cyclase 2C) mRNA expression in the blood of colorectal cancer patients. Time to recurrence and GUCY2C expression ratios were analyzed in a joint model for survival and longitudinal outcomes. The joint model with GUCY2C quantified using the proposed polymerase chain reaction efficiency estimates provided clinically meaningful results for association between time to recurrence and longitudinal trends in GUCY2C expression.
The (Not So) Evil Within? Agency in Video Game Choice and the Impact of Violent Content
Authors: Ferguson Christopher J. , Colon-Motas Kay , Esser Carolin , Lanie Connor , Purvis Skylar , Williams Mark 
Published: May 2017

Background. The degree to which violent video games do, or do not contribute to aggressive behavior and hostility remains controversial in the scientific community, with scholars not yet having come to a consensus about effects. Recent studies have examined whether other issues such as frustration or competition might explain some video game influences that were previously thought to be due to violent content. Aim. The current study examines whether player agency in determining choice of game played influences aggressive outcomes. Methods. Young adult players were randomized either to play a violent game, a non-violent game, or to be given the choice between several violent and non-violent games. Players were examined for subsequent aggressive behavior using the ice water task as well as for stress levels and hostility. Results. Game condition did not influence hostility, stress, or aggressive behavior, whether with randomized or chosen games. Conclusion. The present study provided no evidence that violent video games contribute to aggressive behavior. Lack of influence for agency in game choice can be understood given the lack of any aggression effect for violent game exposure.
Different metabolic responses induced by long-term interdisciplinary therapy in obese adolescents related to ACE I/D polymorphism
Authors: Almeida Sandro S , Corgosinho Flavia C , Amorim Carlos EN , Gregnani Marcos F , Campos Raquel MS , Masquio Deborah CL , Sanches Priscila L , Ganen Aline P , Pesquero João B , Dâmaso Ana R , Mello Marco T , Tufik Sergio , Araújo Ronaldo C 
Published: May 2017

Introduction: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate whether I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene might affect metabolic changes related to the metabolic syndrome through a long-term interdisciplinary therapy in obese adolescents. Methods: In total, 125 obese adolescents who entered the interdisciplinary obesity programme were assigned to the following two subgroups: metabolic syndrome or non-metabolic syndrome. They were evaluated at baseline and after 1 year. Genomic DNA was extracted from circulating leukocytes. Results: Subjects with the II genotype in the non-metabolic syndrome group were only to increase their fat-free mass after therapy. Regarding lipid profile, subjects with ID and DD genotypes from both groups reduced their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly. The metabolic parameters from the ID and DD genotypes of the non-metabolic syndrome group showed a significantly improved insulin response. Conclusion: In the present study, we showed that the ACE polymorphism was able to influence the fat-free mass in the I-carry allele in the non-metabolic syndrome group positively. In addition, the I-carry allele was able to improve the insulin resistance of the metabolic syndrome group significantly. These results suggest that the ACE I/D genotypes can influence, in different ways, the specific parameters of metabolism among obese adolescents submitted for long-term interdisciplinary therapy.
Score Disparity Between the MMSE and the SLUMS
Authors: Yoelin Ann B. , Saunders Nathan W. 
Published: May 2017

Background: Multiple brief cognitive instruments are available to assess cognitive impairment in older adults. However, not all instruments demonstrate the same effectiveness when utilized with higher educated adults. This study evaluates the score disparity between the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the St. Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) Examination across the education spectrum. It was hypothesized that individuals with more years of formal education would produce higher scores on both the MMSE and SLUMS. Previous research was conducted to create a conversion scale used to compare and convert the MMSE scores to SLUMS scores. This research study provides additional data to add to the body of knowledge regarding a conversion scale for the MMSE and SLUMS. Methods: Seventy-five adults older than the age of 60 years were each administered the MMSE and SLUMS. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, individuals with more years of formal education did not produce significantly greater scores on the MMSE or SLUMS. Likewise, education level analyzed as a continuous measure was not significantly correlated with the MMSE, r(75) = −0.191, or SLUMS, r(75) = 0.019. Interestingly, among participants with a high (but not low) education level, there was a marginal but significant difference in mean score between the MMSE (29.00 ± 1.47) and SLUMS (27.74 ± 3.08), t(64) = 3.70, P < .001. Conclusion: Other factors besides education may impact the performance of older adults on the MMSE and SLUMS, but it does appear that education level may moderate the score disparity between the 2 instruments. Additional studies are needed before using the MMSE to predict the score on the SLUMS and vice versa.
Butyrate reduces high-fat diet-induced metabolic alterations, hepatic steatosis and pancreatic beta cell and intestinal barrier dysfunctions in prediabetic mice
Authors: Matheus VA , Monteiro LCS , Oliveira RB , Maschio DA , Collares-Buzato CB 
Published: May 2017

In this study, we investigated the effect of diet supplementation with sodium butyrate (5% w/w), a short-chain fatty acid produced by the intestinal microbiota, on metabolic parameters, body adiposity, hepatic and pancreatic lipid accumulation, beta cell function/mass as well as on the structure and function of the tight junction-mediated intestinal epithelial barrier in both normal and obese/prediabetic C57 mice fed a regular (control) or high-fat diet for 60 days, respectively. Butyrate treatment significantly inhibited all the high-fat-induced metabolic dysfunctions evaluated, i.e. significantly reduced the weight gain and body adiposity as well as the insulin resistant state, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, without changing food intake. In addition, high-fat-fed mice treated with this short-chain fatty acid displayed no compensatory hyperplasia of pancreatic beta cells nor marked hepatic steatosis as seen in prediabetic mice after high-fat diet only. Isolated pancreatic islets from high-fat-fed mice treated with butyrate showed improvement of the insulin secretion, which was associated with a significant decrease in lipid accumulation within the pancreas. Butyrate enhanced the intestinal epithelial barrier, as revealed by the FITC-Dextran permeability assay, which was accompanied by a significant increase in the junctional content of the tight junction-associated claudin-1 in intestinal epithelia of jejunum, ileum, and colon of both control and high-fat mice. In conclusion, our results showed that diet supplementation with butyrate inhibits the deleterious effects of high-fat diet intake on metabolic parameters and structure/function of several tissues/organs associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a mouse model, suggesting a potential use of this short-chain fatty acid in the treatment of this endocrine-metabolic disorder. Impact statement Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by the intestinal microbiota through the fermentation of non-absorbable carbohydrates and proteins (e.g. fibers). Sodium butyrate incorporated into the diet displayed a protective action on metabolic, hepatic, pancreatic and intestinal alterations induced by high-fat diet in mice, resulting in significant inhibition of the development of a prediabetic state. Thus, our data suggest that butyrate may have a potential therapeutic use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and related disorders.
Opportunities and challenges in the wider adoption of liver and interconnected microphysiological systems
Authors: Hughes David J , Kostrzewski Tomasz , Sceats Emma L 
Published: May 2017

Liver disease represents a growing global health burden. The development of in vitro liver models which allow the study of disease and the prediction of metabolism and drug-induced liver injury in humans remains a challenge. The maintenance of functional primary hepatocytes cultures, the parenchymal cell of the liver, has historically been difficult with dedifferentiation and the consequent loss of hepatic function limiting utility. The desire for longer term functional liver cultures sparked the development of numerous systems, including collagen sandwiches, spheroids, micropatterned co-cultures and liver microphysiological systems. This review will focus on liver microphysiological systems, often referred to as liver-on-a-chip, and broaden to include platforms with interconnected microphysiological systems or multi-organ-chips. The interconnection of microphysiological systems presents the opportunity to explore system level effects, investigate organ cross talk, and address questions which were previously the preserve of animal experimentation. As a field, microphysiological systems have reached a level of maturity suitable for commercialization and consequent evaluation by a wider community of users, in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Here scientific, operational, and organizational considerations relevant to the wider adoption of microphysiological systems will be discussed. Applications in which microphysiological systems might offer unique scientific insights or enable studies currently feasible only with animal models are described, and challenges which might be addressed to enable wider adoption of the technologies are highlighted. A path forward which envisions the development of microphysiological systems in partnerships between academia, vendors and industry, is proposed. Impact statement Microphysiological systems are in vitro models of human tissues and organs. These systems have advanced rapidly in recent years and are now being commercialized. To achieve wide adoption in the biological and pharmaceutical research communities, microphysiological systems must provide unique insights which translate to humans. This will be achieved by identifying key applications and making microphysiological systems intuitive to use.
Routine Shunting During Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients With Acute Watershed Stroke
Authors: Perini Paolo , Bonifati Domenico Marco , Tasselli Sebastiano , Sogaro Filippo 
Published: May 2017

Aim: To evaluate the protective role of routine shunting in patients with acute watershed stroke (WS) undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: A total of 138 patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS) who underwent CEA after acute ischemic stroke from March 2008 to March 2015 were included in this study. Transient ischemic attacks were excluded. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to the topographic pattern of the stroke on magnetic resonance imaging: group 1, territorial strokes (TS) caused by emboli of carotid origin, and group 2, WS caused by a hemodynamic mechanism related to an SCS. Primary end points were 30-day mortality and postoperative neurological morbidity. The insertion of a Pruitt carotid shunt was performed systematically. Results: Ninety (65.2%) patients presented a TS of carotid origin and were included in group 1, and 48 (34.8%) of the 138 patients had a WS related to an SCS and were included in group 2. The median time between clinical onset of the cerebral ischemic event and surgery was 9 days (range: 0-89 days). Postoperative mortality was 0%. Seven (5.1%) patients had an aggravation of the neurological status during the postoperative period, of whom 2 presented a complete regression of the symptoms in less than 1 hour (definitive postoperative neurologic morbidity: 3.6%). Postoperative neurologic morbidity rate was significantly higher in the TS group (7 of 90; 7.8%) compared to the WS group (0 of 48; P = .04). No other independent predictive factor of neurologic morbidity after CEA for an SCS was found. Conclusions: Our results suggest that routine shunting should be considered in case of acute WS since it may play a protective role. Further studies are eagerly awaited to better define the timing and the best treatment option for both acute WS and TS related to an SCS in order to reduce postoperative neurologic morbidity.
Carotid angioplasty-assisted mechanical thrombectomy without urgent stenting may be a better option in acute tandem occlusions
Authors: Akpinar Cetin K , Gürkaş Erdem , Aytac Emrah 
Published: May 2017

Background The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of balloon angioplasty-assisted mechanical thrombectomy without urgent stenting in the carotid artery as another approach for endovascular treatment of tandem occlusions. Methods Fifteen consecutive cases of tandem occlusions treated with the endovascular approach between January 2014 and May 2016 were reviewed. The study cohort included patients with an etiology of large vessel atherosclerosis. Extracranial carotid stenting was performed in another session if post-thrombectomy mRS modified Rankin Score (mRS) was 0–2. Good clinical outcome was determined by follow-up at 7–10, 30 and 90 days according to the mRS. Results Most patients (80%) were male. Eight (53.4%) patients received intravenous thrombolysis before angiography. Proximal revascularization was successful in 100% of cases with balloon angioplasty internal carotid artery (ICA) origin. Successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b-3) (mTICI 2 b–3) occurred in 12 cases (80%) and good clinical outcomes were achieved in 10 patients (66.7%). Cervical ICA stent placement was performed in 10 patients with good clinical outcomes. No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred after delayed ICA stenting Conclusions This is the first reported case series to evaluate this approach for endovascular treatment of tandem occlusions. Carotid angioplasty-assisted mechanical thrombectomy without urgent stenting seems to be a safer approach.
Growing pains: understanding the needs of emerging adults with chronic pain
Authors: Twiddy Hannah , Hanna Julie , Haynes Louise 
Published: May 2017

Background: Emerging adulthood (18–30 years), in the Western world, is often a time of identity development and exploration, focusing on areas of work, relationships and education. Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as chronic pain, may be more vulnerable to facing challenges during this time. This study aims to investigate the needs of young adults (YAs) attending a tertiary level National Health Service (NHS) Pain Management Programme (PMP) Service in the United Kingdom; exploring how these needs may translate on to clinical assessment and the delivery of rehabilitation interventions. Method: This is a descriptive qualitative study influenced by phenomenological approaches. YA with a diagnosis of chronic pain were recruited and assigned to one of four focus groups facilitated by a clinical psychologist and occupational therapist. A semi-structured interview guide was used to help facilitate the group discussion. Results: Qualitative analysis identified four key themes in understanding the needs of YAs with chronic pain: (1) thwarted opportunities, (2) peer separation, (3) perceived illness validity in the context of age and (4) dependency/parental enmeshment. Conclusions: The emerging adulthood literature provides a valuable framework for examining a normal developmental trajectory and highlights the relevance of age-related processes in YAs with chronic pain. The idealisation of opportunity and the role of perception in this developmental phase both appear relevant. It is significant that emotional stability is not yet established in emerging adulthood and links to unhelpful management strategies that may be differentiated from older populations are identified.
Dyslipidemia management in overweight or obese adolescents: A mixed-methods clinical trial of motivational interviewing
Authors: Chahal Nita , Rush Janet , Manlhiot Cedric , Boydell Katherine M , Jelen Ahlexxi , McCrindle Brian W 
Published: May 2017

Background: Lifestyle management for dyslipidemic adolescents often occurs in the context of family-centered care, which necessitates adaptation of counseling strategies. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for lifestyle behavior change for dyslipidemic adolescents in a dyad with a parent versus alone. Methods: A total number of 32 adolescents were randomized 1:1 to receive a series of motivational interviewing sessions either together with a parent or alone for a 6-month intervention, with both quantitative and qualitative assessment of outcomes. Results: Both groups were similar at baseline. Following the intervention, there were no significant differences between groups in physical, laboratory, lifestyle or psychosocial measures, except for a reduction in dietary fats/sugars (p = 0.02) and in screen time (p = 0.02) in the alone group. When both groups were combined, significant reductions at 6 months were noted for body mass index (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.01), non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), fasting insulin (p = 0.01), and homeostatic model (p = 0.02). Reduced screen time and increased fruit and vegetable intake were also noted for both groups combined. These changes were also reflected in self-efficacy (p = 0.004), self-esteem (p = 0.03), and improvement in quality of life measures. Interview data provided insights into the utility and acceptability of the motivational interviewing intervention. Conclusion: Motivational interviewing was an efficient strategy for inspiring healthy lifestyle and physiological changes among adolescents in both groups. Family centered pediatric approaches should consider the autonomy and individual preferences of the adolescent prior to counseling.
Studying Paramedics Working Environment in a Trauma Scene
Authors: Bitan Yuval , Jaffe Eli 
Published: May 2017

Paramedics work in changing working environments, under varied constrains. The goal of this study is to evaluate the way paramedics arrange their equipment when they are working in a trauma scene. We analyzed video that was captured during seven training simulation sessions, counting equipment movements at the scene during patient treatment. We found that in 86% of the sessions paramedics changed their equipment positions during patient treatment. Our analysis also found that the monitor and the medication bag moved at the beginning of the sessions, while the air-way bag moved during the middle part of the session. This study demonstrates that paramedics are operating in a working environment that is not designed for the tasks they need to perform. This suboptimal setting results in paramedics’ need to change equipment positions while they are taking care of the patient. Future studies need to be done in order to develop recommendations for how to arrange the equipment around the patient in a way that would better fit the paramedics work around the patient.