bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal and Photo Stability of Glutathione-Capped Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots
Authors: Wansapura Poorna T. , Díaz-Vásquez Waldo A. , Vásquez Claudio C. , Pérez-Donoso José M. , Chasteen Thomas G. 
Published: June 2015

Background Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used in a number of applications that include biomedicine, biological labeling and cancer marker targeting, and their successful storage is important to preserve their viability. A systematic investigation of the thermal and photo stability of chemically stabilized cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots (QDs) under various storage conditions either in solution or as dried nanoparticles has not been published. Here we report experiments involving chemically synthesized glutathione-capped CdTe QDs whose photoluminescence spectra were examined initially and then periodically during storage times up to 76 days. Methods Samples of dried QDs or QDs in solution (water or buffered) were examined under different light conditions including complete darkness, constant 12,000 lux incident light, and under diurnal sunlight; at temperatures ranging from -80°C to room temperature. Results Though QDs stored in solution in the dark at -80°C lost only 50% of peak fluorescence (FL510) within 2 weeks, solution-stored QDs exposed to sunlight at room temperature showed FL510 drops of 85% in the first 24 hours. In contrast, QDs precipitated from aqueous solution, dried and stored in time course experiments in the presence of atmospheric oxygen – when resuspended in water – lost an average of only 12% FL510 over 76 days under all conditions tested, even in direct sunlight. Conclusions Glutathione-capped CdTe particles can be stored as dried nanoparticles for extended periods of time, enhancing their viability in biomedicine, biological labeling and cancer marker targeting.
Sealing Capability of Implant-Abutment Junction under Cyclic Loading: A Toluidine Blue in Vitro Study
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Perrotti Vittoria , Piattelli Adriano , Iaculli Flavia , Iezzi Giovanna 
Published: June 2015

Purpose The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the leakage observed in external hexagon (EH) and cone Morse (CM) tapered implant-abutment connections, using toluidine blue. Methods A total of 60 implants, 30 with a screw-retained EH abutment and 30 with a CM taper internal connection, were used. Toluidine blue was placed into the deepest portion of the internal compartment of the 2 different implant systems, and cyclic loading was applied for each group as follows: 10 samples underwent 1 × 106 loading cycles, 10 samples underwent 3 × 106 cyclic loading and the least 10 samples underwent 6 × 106 cyclic loading. Results No signiﬁcant differences between the EH and CM groups were detected when the lowest loading cycles were applied (p = 0.2624), while differences were found when the samples were loaded with 3 x 106 and 6 x 106 cycles (p = 0.00124), with signiﬁcantly lower toluidine leakage in CM group. Conclusions In conclusion, the results of the present in vitro study demonstrated that flow of the toluidine blue to the external portion of the implant-abutment assembly occurred in both types of implant-abutment connections, with very different percentages. Indeed, the CM taper internal connection seems to be more resistant to the leakage of dyes when compared with EH connections.
Ultrasound-guided brachiocephalic vein catheterization in infants weighing less than five kilograms
Authors: Aytekin Cüneyt , Özyer Umut , Harman Ali , Boyvat Fatih 
Published: June 2015

Purpose To describe our experience with the use of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein approach for central vein catheterization in infants weighing less than 5 kg. Methods A retrospective review was performed for infants who underwent ultrasound-guided central vein catheterization from January 2012 to November 2014. Infants weighing less than 5 kg with supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein access were included in the study. Indications for central venous access, venous access side, catheter type and complications were evaluated. Results Thirty-four catheterizations in 34 infants weighing from 1.5 to 4.9 kg (median 3.48 kg) were included in the study (aged 11 days to 7 months and 10 days, weight range 1.5 to 4.9 kg). Technical success rate was 97% (33 of 34 infants). No technical or clinical major complications were observed. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein access is a favorable alternative for central venous catheterization in low-weight infants with regard to high technical success rate and absence of major complications.
The use of the early cannulation prosthetic graft (Acuseal™) for angioaccess for haemodialysis
Authors: Maytham Gary G.D , Sran H.K. , Chemla Eric S. 
Published: June 2015

Objectives Autogenous arteriovenous (AV) accesses are the preferred choice for the delivery of haemodialysis (HD). With an increase in the prevalence of end-stage renal disease and in the life expectancy of these patients, the quality and availability of superficial vessels can be limited and reduced with time. The use of prosthetic AV accesses may therefore become necessary for the delivery of HD. A new early cannulation vascular prosthesis (GORE® ACUSEAL Vascular Graft) has been introduced, developed to hinder suture line and cannulation needle bleeding. The authors report their experience with this new conduit at a London teaching hospital. Methods Between May 2011 and June 2013, 52 patients underwent 55 procedures where the ACUSEAL® prosthetic AV access was utilized to facilitate HD. The majority of procedures involved the placement of prosthetic brachio-axillary accesses or prosthetic axillo-axillary chest accesses. Results The 1-year primary and secondary patency was found to be 46% and 61%, respectively. Successful cannulation of the newly placed AV access was performed with 24 hours of surgery in 40 patients (73%). Tunnelled vascular catheters were required in only 10 (18%) patients. Six (11%) of the patients in the study suffered early complications, and 9 (16%) patients developed AV access infection. Conclusions These results show that, while providing patency results that compare favourably to those published for other types of regular prosthetic accesses, the conduits are amenable to very early cannulation with few cannulation-related complications. This leads to a dramatic reduction in the need for temporary or tunnelled catheters.
True aneurysm in autologous hemodialysis fistulae: definitions, classification and indications for treatment
Authors: Balaz Peter , Björck Martin 
Published: June 2015

Introduction Definition, etiology, classification and indication for treatment of the arteriovenous access (AVA) aneurysm are poorly described in medical literature. The objectives of the paper are to complete this information gap according to the extensive review of the literature. Methods A literature search was performed of the articles published between April 1, 1967, and March 1, 2014. The databases searched included Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The eligibility criteria in this review studies the need to assess the association of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms with autologous AVA. Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms involving prosthetic AVA were not included in this literature review. From a total of 327 papers, 54 non-English papers, 40 case reports and 167 papers which did not meet the eligibility criteria were removed. The remaining 66 papers were reviewed. Results Based on the literature the indication for the treatment of an AVA aneurysm is its clinical presentation related to the patient's discomfort, bleeding prevention and inadequate access flow. A new classification system of AVA aneurysm, which divides it into the four types, was also suggested. Conclusions AVA aneurysm is characterized by an enlargement of all three vessel layers with a diameter of more than 18 mm and can be presented in four types according to the presence of stenosis and/or thrombosis. The management of an AVA aneurysm depends on several factors including skin condition, clinical symptoms, ease of cannulation and access flow. The diameter of the AVA aneurysm as a solo parameter is not an indication for the treatment.
AV Fistula Creation in Paediatric Patients: Outcome is Independent of Demographics and Fistula Type Reducing Usage of Venous Catheters
Authors: Matoussevitch Vladimir , Taylan Christina , Konner Klaus , Gawenda Michael , Kuhr Kathrin , Hoppe Bernd , Brunkwall Jan 
Published: June 2015

Purpose Even though early transplantation is still the first-line therapy in paediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), up to 30% of these patients still require haemodialysis (HD). Creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is quite challenging, particularly in children, leading to disproportional use of catheters. In this paper, we describe our experience in the creation of AVF with currently no in-dwelling catheters in children and adolescents on HD. Methods From January 2009 to December 2013, there were 34 patients rated as unfit for transplantation for at least the next 6 months or who had already been on HD through a central venous catheter (CVC). Three patients aged between 12 months and 3 years and weighing 9-12 kg were not suitable for AVF. Finally 31 patients, from 6 to 19 years of age with a mean weight of 43.3 ± 14.5 kg (19-80 kg), were assigned to the alternative of AVF. Results During the above-mentioned time period, 31 patients were provided with 32 AVFs; 26 received a distal radiocephalic fistula, five a Gracz-type fistula and one a brachio-basilic fistula. All but two fistulae matured primarily, within an average time of 45 (range: 16-191) days until the first dialysis. The fistula's 1-year primary and primary assisted patency rates were 78% and 94%, respectively. Conclusions The creation of a native vascular access is an effective and durable procedure in paediatric and adolescent patients. It reduces using of CVCs and is appropriate both for long-term treatment and as a bridging procedure until renal transplantation.
Paclitaxel Drug-eluting Balloons to Recurrent In-stent Stenoses in Autogenous Dialysis Fistulas: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Swinnen Jan “John” , Zahid Assad , Burgess David C.A. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose To assess the effect of the Medtronic paclitaxel drug-eluting balloon (DEB) on re-intervention to in-stent stenoses in autogenous dialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Background AVF is the optimum haemodialysis access. The commonest problem is stenosis, preventing maturation, causing inadequate dialysis or precipitating occlusion. Conventional angioplasty has a high recurrence rate. Successful drug elution in the coronary circulation led us to use DEBs in recurrent AVF stenoses since 2010. Methods This is a retrospective study, based on prospective audit data, using DEBs on recurrent in-stent stenotic lesions in the AVF circuit of our haemodialysis population. To analyse the effect of DEBs on re-intervention, we created two Kaplan–Meier curves. The first curve compares the last “disease-free-interval” pre-DEB intervention to the first “disease-free interval” post-DEB, giving us “re-intervention-free percentage at 12 months” pre- and post-DEB. The second curve takes into account the multiple pre- and post-DEB interventions to the index lesion, and uses a marginal proportional hazards model to estimate the hazard ratio for “DEBpresent vs. DEBabsent”. Results From 1 September 2010 to 1 December 2013, we treated 625 AVF stenoses with endovascular techniques. In 86 of these stenoses, DEBs were used. Of the 86 DEB interventions, 37 were included for this study, 49 were excluded. In the study group, there was a significant difference in “re-intervention-free percentage at 12 months” before and after DEB: 19% vs. 69%. The hazard ratio for “DEBpresent” vs. “DEBabsent” was 0.23 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.36, p<0.001). Conclusions This retrospective study suggests that DEBs significantly reduce re-intervention on recurrent in-stent AVF stenoses.
Effects of Prolonged Ethanol Lock Exposure to Carbothane- and Silicone-based Hemodialysis Catheters: A 26-week Study
Authors: Landry Daniel L. , Jaber Randa A. , Hanumanthappa Nandheesha , Lipkowitz George S. , O'Shea Michael H. , Bermudez Harry , Hathorne Adam P. , Braden Gregory L. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose Antibiotic locks in catheter-dependent chronic hemodialysis patients reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), but may be associated with the development of resistant bacteria. Ethanol-based catheter locks may provide a better alternative; however, there are limited data on the long-term integrity of dialysis catheters exposed to ethanol. Methods We performed in vitro testing of two types of hemodialysis catheters—silicone (SLC) and carbothane (CBT) based—with a 70% ethanol lock (EL) versus heparin lock (HL) for 26 weeks. Lock solutions were changed thrice weekly to mimic a conventional hemodialysis schedule. We tested mechanical properties of the catheters at 0, 13 and 26 weeks by examining stress/strain relationships (SS400%) and modulus of elasticity (ME). Electron microscopy was performed to examine catheter ultrastructure at 0 and 26 weeks. Results Catheter integrity for HL versus EL in SLC (SS400%: 4.5 vs. 4.5 MPa, p = NS; ME: 4.6 vs. 4.7 MPa, p = NS) or CBT-based catheters (SS400%: 7.6 vs. 8.9 MPa, p = NS; ME: 9.6 vs. 12.2 MPa, p = NS) were all similar at 13 and 26 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no structural changes in the central and luminal wall internal surfaces of EL- versus HL-treated catheters. Conclusions There were no significant differences in catheter integrity between SLC or CBT catheters exposed to a 70% EL for 26 weeks. Given its low cost, potential to avoid antibiotic resistance and structural integrity after 6 months of high-dose ethanol, ELs should be studied prospectively against antibiotic locks to assess the efficacy and safety in hemodialysis patients.
Transradial versus Transfemoral Approach in Coronary Angiography: A Matched Pair Analysis of Cath Lab Equipment Costs
Authors: Plehn Gunnar , Örnek Ahmet , Gkiouras Georgios , Vormbrock Julia , Maagh Petra , Butz Thomas , Meissner Axel 
Published: June 2015

Introduction There is an ongoing struggle to understand the potential economic benefits that radial access may offer. Cost savings are thought to primarily occur after the procedure. The aim of our study was to analyze cath lab expenses resulting from transradial (TRA) and transfemoral approaches (TFA). Methods A total of n = 1890 matched pairs of patients were analyzed. A traditional Judkins catheter strategy was pursued for coronary angiography. Three large databases were merged to collect and compare procedural data as material, medication costs and fluoroscopy time. Results Compared to TFA diagnostic catheterization from TRA was associated with significantly lower procedural costs (€181.0 versus €167.5; p<0.001). Extra costs in TFA were primarily produced by frequent use of vascular closure devices (VCDs) in 86% of patients. However, the potential saving amount related to VCD use was only partly realized due to the higher number of extra catheters (0.53 ± 0.9 versus 0.23 ± 0.6; p<0.001) and hydrophilic guidewires (0.088 ± 0.3 versus 0.014 ± 0.1; p<0.001) used in TRA. Weak correlations were observed between the total number of cases and fluoroscopy time (r = −0.13; p<0.001) as well as material costs (r = 0.31; p<0.001). Conclusions Significant cost savings can be realized by TRA at the procedural level even when adhering to a conventional Judkins catheter strategy. Hydrophilic guidewires and additional catheters are the main cost drivers in TRA. In contrast to fluoroscopy time material costs steadily increase during the early stage of the TRA learning curve.
Bioinformatics Approach Reveals Systematic Mechanism Underlying Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Xiya , Zhang Wei , Hu Yunhua , Yi Xianghua 
Published: June 2015

Background The purpose of this work was to explore the systematic molecular mechanism of lung adenocarcinoma and gain a deeper insight into it. Methods Comprehensive bioinformatics methods were applied. Initially, significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed from the Affymetrix microarray data (GSE27262) deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Subsequently, gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed using online Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery (DAVID) software. Finally, significant pathway crosstalk was investigated based on the information derived from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Results According to our results, the N-terminal globular domain of the type X collagen (COL10A1) gene and transmembrane protein 100 (TMEM100) gene were identified to be the most significant DEGs in tumor tissue compared with the adjacent normal tissues. The main GO categories were biological process, cellular component and molecular function. In addition, the crosstalk was significantly different between non-small cell lung cancer pathways and inositol phosphate metabolism pathway, focal adhesion signal pathway, vascular smooth muscle contraction signal pathway, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and calcium signaling pathway in tumor. Conclusions Dysfunctional genes and pathways may play key roles in the progression and development of lung adenocarcinoma. Our data provide a systematic perspective for understanding this mechanism and may be helpful in discovering an effective treatment for lung adenocarcinoma.
Delayed Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Gonella Silvia , Di Giulio Paola 
Published: June 2015

Purpose Delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) continues to be a problem in patients undergoing a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) despite progress in antiemetic prophylaxis. This study investigated the clinical course of nausea and vomiting (NV) and retching over the 5 days following an autologous HCT in a transplant setting. Methods This longitudinal observational study was an exploratory analysis of data from a trial that assessed the efficacy of aroma in preventing NV related to dimethyl sulfoxide in 69 autologous HCT patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC; n = 56) or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC; n = 13). Results Nausea started to increase on the second day after reinfusion, with a peak between 72 and 96 hours, and decreased on the fifth day. The pattern for vomiting was similar, while retching episodes remained unchanged after the third day following transplant. Nausea and emesis were observed in 73% (n = 41) and 64% (n = 36) of HEC patients, respectively, and in 85% (n = 11) and 62% (n = 8) of MEC patients, respectively. Conclusions Uncontrolled delayed CINV is still a challenge for autologous HCT patients. Nausea, vomiting and retching are 3 different symptoms that should be assessed and managed separately in routine clinical practice.
Long-Term Survival in Metastasized Leiomyosarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Schönknecht Christine , Hadjamu Miriam , Oechsner Markus , Andratschke Nicolaus , Duma Marciana-Nona 
Published: June 2015

Background Leiomyosarcoma of the mesosigma is a very rare entity, with low 5-year survival rates. Treatment consists of resection of the primary tumor and, if applicable, of synchronous or metachronous metastases. Local treatment options for metastatic disease should be exploited as long as possible, as response to chemotherapy is reportedly disappointing. Stereotactic radiotherapy is a fairly new locally effective treatment option which has been well established in stereotactic radiotherapy of lung tumors. Whether repeated stereotactic radiotherapy sessions for treatment of lung metastases can be safely and successfully performed over a long time period is not yet well documented. Case report We present the case of a 71-year-old female patient who had a primary diagnosis of lung metastases 12 years ago. Atypical resections of 4 lung metastases were performed in 2001 and 2002. Between 2004 and 2011, 7 sessions of stereotactic body irradiation of lung metastases were performed. All stereotactic treatment were tolerated well (no radiation pneumonitis, FEV1 was 1.3 L [67.8%] in 2004 and 0.99 L [56.3%] in 2011). Conclusions The present case could demonstrate that a repetitive treatment of lung metastases with multiple stereotactic radiotherapy sessions can lead to long-term survival with a good quality of life.
Progesterone Receptor Status and Clinical Outcome in Breast Cancer Patients with Estrogen Receptor-Positive Locoregional Recurrence
Authors: Bogina Giuseppe , Lunardi Gianluigi , Coati Francesca , Zamboni Giuseppe , Gori Stefania , Bortesi Laura , Marconi Marcella , Cassandrini Paola Agnese , Turazza Monica , Cortesi Laura , DeMatteis Elisabetta , Ficarra Guido , Ibrahim Toni , Serra Patrizia , Medri Laura , Giraudi Sara , Lambertini Matteo , Carli Franca , Foglietta Jennifer , Sidoni Angelo , Nunzi Martina , Ficorella Corrado , Diadema Maria Rosaria , Del Mastro Lucia 
Published: June 2015

Aims and background The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to evaluate the impact of progesterone receptor (PgR) loss on locoregional recurrence in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive primary breast cancer and ER-positive locoregional recurrence. Patients and Methods Eight Italian oncology centers collected data from consecutive patients with ER-positive breast cancer and a subsequent ER-positive locoregional recurrence. Results Data were available for 265 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 1990 and 2009. Median metastasis-free survival was 111 months in patients with PgR-positive primary tumors and locoregional recurrence (PgRpos), 38 months in patients with PgR-negative primary tumors and locoregional recurrence (PgRneg), and 63 months in patients with PgR-positive primary tumors and PgR-negative locoregional recurrence (PgRloss). In multivariate analysis, PgR status was independently associated with metastasis-free survival, with a hazard ratio of 2.84 (95% CI 1.34-6.00) for PgRneg compared with PgRpos, and 2.93 (95% CI: 1.51-5.70) for PgRloss compared with PgRpos. Conclusions PgR absence was found to be a negative prognostic factor in breast cancer patients with ER-positive locoregional recurrence. Thus, PgR status could be a biological marker in ER-positive recurrent breast cancer.