bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ulnar Collateral Ligament and Elbow Adaptations in High School Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Marshall Nathan E. , Keller Robert A. , Van Holsbeeck Marnix , Moutzouros Vasilios 
Published: September 2015

Background: Baseball pitchers have adaptive changes in the soft tissues of the throwing elbow. Hypothesis: High school baseball pitchers would show adaptive changes in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), such as calcifications and hypoechoic foci, thickening, and increased ulnohumeral joint laxity, on dynamic ultrasound (DUS). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Twenty-two asymptomatic high school pitchers, designated as their primary position by their coach, underwent DUS and physical examination of the throwing and nonthrowing elbows prior to the start of the season. UCL substance consistency and thickness, ulnohumeral joint space widening, and soft tissue elbow structures were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 16.9 years. Calcifications of the UCL were similar, being present in 7 of 22 (32%) throwing elbows versus 8 of 22 (36%) nonthrowing elbows ( P = 0.11). UCL hypoechoic foci also were similar between elbows: 2 of 22 (9%) throwing elbows versus 0 of 22 nonthrowing elbows ( P = 0.11). UCL thickness was also found to be similar in both elbows (throwing arm, 6.54 mm vs nonthrowing, 6.71 mm; P = 0.48). Ulnohumeral joint laxity unloaded (throwing arm, 3.13 mm vs nonthrowing, 3.17 mm; P = 0.835) and loaded (throwing arm, 3.87 mm vs nonthrowing arm, 4.11 mm; P = 0.30) was similar between elbows. Throwing elbows showed posteromedial olecranon spurring in 36%, effusions in 27%, and synovitis in 9%. Conclusion: High school pitchers show limited adaptive changes in the elbow, including UCL calcifications, hypoechoic foci, posteromedial olecranon spurring, and effusions. However, these changes are similar to those seen in the nonthrowing elbow, and these younger athletes lack findings seen in professional and collegiate pitchers such as UCL thickening and increased ulnohumeral joint space laxity. Clinical Relevance: Preseason ultrasound examination of the high school pitching elbow lacks the adaptive changes to the elbow as seen in professional pitchers. These changes likely occur later in a pitcher’s career.
Patellar Tendon–Trochlear Groove Angle Measurement
Authors: Hinckel Betina B. , Gobbi Riccardo G. , Kihara Filho Eduardo N. , Demange Marco K. , Pécora José Ricardo , Camanho Gilberto Luis 
Published: September 2015

Background: The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) is used as the gold standard for patellofemoral malalignment. Purpose: To assess 3 patellar tendon–trochlear groove (PT-TG) angle measurement techniques and the PT-TG distance measurement (tendinous cartilaginous TT-TG) as predictors of patellar instability. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Three PT-TG angle measurements and the PT-TG distance were measured in 82 participants with patellar instability and 100 controls using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurement landmarks were the line tangent to the posterior femoral condyles, the deepest point of the trochlea, the transepicondylar line, and the patellar tendon center. All measurements were recorded once by 1 examiner, and the measurements were recorded twice by 2 examiners in a random group of 100 knees. Mean values and standard deviations (SDs) were obtained. Normality cutoff values were defined as 2 and 3 SDs above the mean in the control group. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) were calculated. Inter- and intrarater reliability were assessed based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The measurements from the patellar instability and control groups, respectively, for angle 1 (16.4° and 8.4°), angle 2 (31° and 15.6°), angle 3 (30.8° and 15.7°), PT-TG distance (14.5 and 8.4 mm), and patellar tilt (21.1° and 7.5°) were significantly different ( P < .05). The angle measurements showed greater sensitivity, specificity, and LR+ than the PT-TG distance. Inter- and intrarater ICC values were >0.95 for all measurements. Conclusion: The PT-TG angle and the PT-TG distance are reliable and are different between the patellar instability and control groups. PT-TG angles are more closely associated with patellar instability than PT-TG distance. Clinical Relevance: PT-TG angle measurements show high reliability and association with patellar instability and can aid in the assessment of extensor mechanism malalignment. A more sensitive and specific evaluation of extensor mechanism malalignment can improve patient care by preventing both redislocation and abnormal tracking of overlooked malalignment and complications of unnecessary tibial tuberosity medialization.
BrkAutoDisplay: functional display of multiple exogenous proteins on the surface of Escherichia coli by using BrkA autotransporter
Authors: Sun Fang , Pang Xiaoyun , Xie Tian , Zhai Yujia , Wang Ganggang , Sun Fei 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Background
Bacterial surface display technique enables the exogenous proteins or polypeptides displayed on the bacterial surface, while maintaining their relatively independent spatial structures and biological activities. The technique makes recombinant bacteria possess the expectant functions, subsequently, directly used for many applications. Many proteins could be used to achieve bacterial surface display, among them, autotransporter, a member of the type V secretion system of gram-negative bacteria, has been extensively studied because of its modular structure and apparent simplicity. However, autotransporter has not been widely used at present due to lack of a convenient genetic vector system. With our recently characterized autotransporter BrkA (Bordetella serum-resistance killing protein A) from Bordetella pertussis, we are aiming to develop a new autotransporter-based surface display system for potential wide application.

Results
Here, we construct a bacterial surface display system named as BrkAutoDisplay, based on the structure of autotransporter BrkA. BrkAutoDisplay is a convenient system to host exogenous genes. In our test, this system is good to efficiently display various proteins on the outer membrane surface of Escherichia coli, including green fluorescent protein (GFP), various enzymes and single chain antibody. Moreover, the displayed GFP possesses green fluorescence, the enzymes CotA, EstPc and PalA exhibit catalytic activity 0.12, 6.88 and 0.32 mU (per 5.2 × 108 living bacteria cells) respectively, and the single chain antibody fragment (scFv) can bind with its antigen strongly. Finally, we showed that C41(DE3) is a good strain of E. coli for the successful functionality of BrkAutoDisplay.

Conclusions
We designed a new bacterial display system called as BrkAutoDisplay and displayed various exogenous proteins on E. coli surface. Our results indicate that BrkAutoDisplay system is worthy of further study for industrial applications.
Strong convergence theorems for equilibrium problems and asymptotically quasi-ϕ-nonexpansive mappings in the intermediate sense
Authors: Ni Ren-Xing , Jin Jian-Shuai , Wen Ching-Feng 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate common solutions to a family of mixed equilibrium problems with a relaxed η-α-monotone mapping and a nonlinear operator equation involving an infinite family of asymptotically quasi-ϕ-nonexpansive mappings in the intermediate sense. Strong convergence theorems of common solutions are established in a strictly convex and uniformly smooth Banach space. These results extend many important recent ones in the literature.
Mechanical ventilation as an indicator of somatic severity of
self-poisoning: implications for psychiatric care and long-term
outcomes
Authors: Baer Elodie , Barré Carole , Fleury Carole , de Montchenu Claire , Garré Jean-Bernard , Lerolle Nicolas , Gohier Bénédicte 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundSomatic severity of a self-poisoning episode varies widely between
patients.AimsTo determine the correlates (psychiatric profiles, long-term outcome) of
mechanical ventilation used as a proxy to define somatic severity during
a self-poisoning.MethodAll patients who required mechanical ventilation were pair-matched with
ones who did not for age, gender and presence of psychiatric history. One
year after the self-poisoning episode, patients were interviewed using
the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a quality-of-life
assessment questionnaire (Short-Form 12 Health Survey).ResultsThe ventilation group (n = 99) more frequently had mood
disorders and less frequently had adjustment disorders
(P = 0.007), with a higher depression score on the
HADS (P = 0.01) than those in the non-ventilation group
(n = 97). Survival curves showed lower survival in
the ventilation group (P = 0.03).ConclusionsRequirement for mechanical ventilation following self-poisoning is
associated with a high prevalence of mood disorders and poor long-term
outcome.
Dissolution of artemisinin/polymer composite nanoparticles fabricated by evaporative precipitation of nanosuspension
Authors: Kakran Mitali , Sahoo Nanda Gopal , Li Lin , Judeh Zaher 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
An evaporative precipitation of nanosuspension (EPN) method was used to fabricate composite particles of a poorly water-soluble antimalarial drug, artemisinin, with a hydrophilic polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), with the aim of enhancing the dissolution rate of artemisinin. We investigated the effect of polymer concentration on the physical, morphological and dissolution properties of the EPN-prepared artemisinin/PEG composites.

Methods
The original artemisinin powder, EPN-prepared artemisinin nanoparticles and artemisinin/PEG composites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dissolution testing and HPLC. The percentage dissolution efficiency, relative dissolution, time to 75% dissolution and mean dissolution time were calculated. The experimental drug dissolution data were fitted to various mathematical models (Weibull, first-order, Korsemeyer–Peppas, Hixson–Crowell cube root and Higuchi models) in order to analyse the release mechanism.

Key findings
The DSC and XRD studies suggest that the crystallinity of the EPN-prepared artemisinin decreased with increasing polymer concentration. The phase-solubility studies revealed an AL-type curve, indicating a linear increase in drug solubility with PEG concentration. The dissolution rate of the EPN-prepared artemisinin and artemisinin/PEG composites increased markedly compared with the original artemisinin powder.

Conclusions
EPN can be used to prepare artemisinin nanoparticles and artemisinin/PEG composite particles that have a significantly enhanced dissolution rate. The mechanism of drug release involved diffusion and erosion.
Preparation and in-vitro/in-vivo evaluation of surface-modified poly (lactide-co-glycolide) fluorescent nanoparticles
Authors: Pamujula Sarala , Hazari Sidhartha , Bolden Gevoni , Graves Richard A , Chinta Dakshina M Devanga , Dash Srikanta , Kishore Vimal , Mandal Tarun K 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objective
The aim was to develop biodegradable nanoparticles suitable for cellular delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Methods
Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared using a modified solvent evaporation method. Chitosan and calcium chloride were tested as surface modifiers. Coumarin-6 was incorporated into some formulations as a fluorescent marker.

Key findings
The median size of the particles was between 400 nm and 7 μm, and scanning electron microscope pictures showed that the particles were smooth and spherical. The zeta potentials of the particles with and without surface modifier ranged between -25.7 mV and -7.0 mV, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry (FACS) analysis showed that smaller surface-modified particles were efficiently internalised by neoplastic 4T1 cells. Image analysis of frozen tissue sections from Balb/c mice given nanoparticles via the tail vein showed that the particles were distributed preferentially into the lungs, followed by the liver, spleen, kidney and heart.

Conclusions
Chitosan-modified PLGA nanoparticles showed significant uptake by neoplastic 4T1 cells, and were distributed to several major organs frequently seen as sites of cancer metastasis in mice.
Therapeutic 188Re-lanreotide: determination of radiopharmacokinetic parameters in rats
Authors: Molina-Trinidad Eva M , De Murphy Consuelo Arteaga , Jung-Cook Helgi , Stack Eduardo Murphy , Pedraza-Lopez Martha , Morales-Marquez José Luis , Serrano Guadalupe Vertiz 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The radiopharmacokinetic parameters of the therapeutic radiopharmaceutical 188Re-lanreotide were compared in rats implanted with hepatocarcinoma tumours (n= 18) and healthy rats (n= 18).

Methods
Rats were injected with approximately 1.8 MBq 188Re-lanreotide (0.1 ml) via the tail vein and blood samples were obtained. The activity per gram of tissue (%IA/g) was calculated and the radiopharmacokinetic parameters determined. Data were fitted using a two-compartment model.

Key findings
Significant differences were found between healthy and hepatoma rats for beta elimination half-life (22.56 vs 48.14 h); transference constants K10 (ke) (6.44 vs 3.05 h-1) and K12 (2.76 vs 7.09 h-1); volume of distribution (2.06 vs 5.45 ml); mean residence time (66.58 vs 95.50 h) and apparent volume of distribution at steady state (131.30 vs 810.37 ml). The tumour/organ ratios after 24 h were 11.20 for tumour/muscle, 8.00 for tumour/liver and 7.72 for tumour/bone. The scintigraphic images obtained therefore had high resolution.

Conclusions
188Re-lanreotide had a prolonged beta elimination half-life and increased volume of distribution in rats with hepatocellular carcinoma. This may be beneficial in the diagnosis and therapy of metastatic lesions in patients with cancer.
Systemic RANK-Fc protein therapy is efficacious against primary osteosarcoma growth in a murine model via activity against osteoclasts
Authors: Akiyama Toru , Dass Crispin R , Shinoda Yusuke , Kawano Hirotaka , Tanaka Sakae , Choong Peter F M 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumour, and mainly affects adolescents and young adults. Although there has been substantial improvement in management of OS with surgery and chemotherapy, further survival increase has not been achieved over the past two decades.

Methods
We focused on the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)–osteoclast (OCL) system as a biological target for OS. RANKL is a critical factor for OCL formation and bone resorption activity. The primary lesion in bone and ensuing metastasis in OS both require the induction of OCLs. RANK-Fc is a potent RANKL antagonist and inhibitor of OCL formation and activity.

Key findings
In an orthotopic model in Balb/c nu/nu mice, a twice weekly dosing regimen of 350 μg of RANK-Fc per mouse subcutaneously (n= 5) reduced lung metastasis (P &gt; 0.05), preserved bone structure and reduced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+ OCLs (P &lt; 0.005) in OS-bearing bone. In vitro, RANK-Fc suppressed OCL formation (P &lt; 0.005), bone resorption activity (P &lt; 0.005) and RANKL-induced anti-apoptosis (P &lt; 0.5) of OCLs.
Effect of repeatedly given CDP-choline on cardiovascular and tissue injury in spinal shock conditions: investigation of the acute phase
Authors: Coskun Cenk , Avci Berrin , Ocak Nihal , Yalcin Murat , Dirican Melahat , Savci Vahide 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The protective effect of CDP-choline in spinal cord transection and the mediation of its cardiovascular effects were investigated.

Methods
Spinal cords of rats were transected at the T1–T2 levels. CDP-choline (250 mg/kg; intravenous) was administered 2 h and/or 24 h after the injury.

Key findings
Spinal cord transection caused severe tissue damage, decreased mean arterial pressure, heart rate, plasma adrenaline, and noradrenaline but increased plasma vasopressin levels. Repeated CDP-choline treatment attenuated the degree of tissue injury. Administration of CDP-choline at 2 h after transection transiently increased blood pressure and decreased heart rate, while it produced a small decrease in blood pressure and heart rate when it was given at 24 h. Plasma adrenaline levels were higher in the group where CDP-choline was given repeatedly. Plasma noradrenaline and vasopressin levels did not change additionally after CDP-choline injections in all groups. In order to determine if CDP-choline attenuates the oxidative injury induced by transection, we measured blood superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels. Repeated CDP-choline administration decreased blood superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity without any effect on malondialdehyde levels.

Conclusions
Data indicate that repeated intravenous CDP-choline treatment prevents tissue damage in spinal shock conditions in the acute phase. The cardiovascular effects of the drug do not seem to be responsible for this protection but the drug-induced attenuation of the oxidative stress may play a role.
Modulation of oxidative/nitrosative stress and mitochondrial protective effect of Semecarpus anacardium in diabetic rats
Authors: Jaya Aseervatham , Shanthi Palanivelu , Sachdanandam Panchanadham 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Oxidative and nitrosative stress play an important role in the complications of diabetes mellitus. Free radicals are produced when there is an electron leak in the mito-chondria and a change in the mitochondrial membrane potential. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of Semecarpus anacardium in protecting the mito-chondria by modulating the production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in diabetic rats.

Methods
Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight and, starting 3 days after the induction, Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract was administered for 21 days. The same duration of study was used for control, diabetes-induced and drug control groups, together with a group treated with metformin. After the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and the levels of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitrate and nitrite were estimated. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular reactive oxygen species and intracellular calcium were also determined. Confocal laser microscopic images were taken for mitochondria isolated from the liver and kidneys.

Key findings
The results of the study revealed that Semecarpus anacardium was able to decrease the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and reverse the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and the influx of calcium into the mitochondria.

Conclusions
The mitochondrial protective effect may be mediated by scavenging of free radicals and complexing of metal ions by virtue of the antioxidative effect of Semecarpus anacardium.
Structural requirement of spirostanol glycosides for rat uterine contractility and mode of their synergism
Authors: Yu Zu-Yin , Guo Lin , Wang Bo , Kang Li-Ping , Zhao Zhen-Hu , Shan Ya-Jun , Xiao He , Chen Jia-Pei , Ma Bai-Ping , Cong Yu-Wen 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Total steroidal saponins extracted from the rhizome of Paris polyphylla (TSSP) have been used in China for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. The aim of this study was to analyse the structure–activity relationship of steroidal saponins purified from P. polyphylla Sm. var. yunnanensis on rat myometrial contractions, and investigate the synergism among themselves as well as with known inherent agonists, such as Prostaglandin F2α (PGF-2α).

Methods
In this study, 22 steroidal saponins purified from TSSP were screened for their contractile activity in isolated uterine strips from estrogen-primed rats.

Key findings
It was shown that spirostanol glycosides exhibited inducible or inhibitory activity in rat uterine contraction based on the difference of their structures, which was not only attributed in part to the number, the length and the position of sugar side chains attached by a glycoside, but also related to the structure of the aglycone. Furthermore, synergistic actions were observed among pennogenin or diosgenin glycosides as well as with the known inherent agonist PGF-2α, indicating they may share, at least in part, similar pathways with PGF-2α in stimulating myometrial contractions. Finally, the contractile response of rat myometrium to spirostanol glycosides was significantly enhanced with advancing pregnancy.

Conclusions
Together, these data support the possibility that some spirostanol glycosides may represent a new type of contractile agonist for the uterus and their synergism may be responsible for the therapeutic effect of TSSP on abnormal uterine bleeding.
From sentencing to execution – the processes of apoptosis
Authors: Moffitt Kelly L , Martin S Lorraine , Walker Brian 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Cell proliferation and apoptosis play a major role in maintaining homeostasis and as such any disruption within these processes can lead to disease states. Apoptosis occurs in three non-distinct phases – induction, effector and degradation – and can be executed through both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in addition to recognised sub-pathways such as the p53 and lysosomal pathways. This review article highlights these pathways, incorporating an overview of the molecular regulators of apoptosis.

Key findings
These regulators include the prominent apoptotic players ‘the caspases’ in addition to the main regulators of the Bcl-2 family. Increased understanding of the physiological processes of apoptosis at the molecular level not only offers an insight in disease pathogenesis but, in addition, allows for the development of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools.

Summary
While apoptosis remains the key player in cellular death, other processes cannot be dismissed. Many other proteins, in addition to caspases, within apoptotic pathways have been identified. Research continues into establishing the precise aspects of their molecular mechanisms of action and inter-relationships. Inappropriate apoptosis due to dysregulation of cell death pathways provides a plethora of molecular checkpoints that can be targeted and modulated as part of therapeutic intervention. Increased research into these areas will prove useful for the design of novel chemotherapeutic drugs, an area that is particularly important due to increased risk of chemoresistance.
Proteases implicated in apoptosis: old and new
Authors: Moffitt Kelly L , Martin S Lorraine , Walker Brian 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The role of proteases in the regulation of apoptosis is becoming increasingly apparent. Whilst many of these proteases are already characterised, some have yet to be identified. Traditionally caspases held the traditional role as the prime mediators of apoptosis; however, attention is now turning towards the contribution made by serine proteases.

Key findings
As unregulated apoptosis is implicated in various disease states, the emergence of this proteolytic family as apoptotic regulators offers novel and alterative opportunities for therapeutic targets.

Summary
This review presents a brief introduction and overview of proteases in general with particular attention given to those involved in apoptotic processing.