bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of Antibiotics for Intraperitoneal Administration in Extraneal 7.5% Icodextrin Peritoneal Dialysis Bags (Stab Study)
Authors: Ranganathan Dwarakanathan , Naicker Saiyuri , Wallis Steven C. , Lipman Jeffrey , Ratanjee Sharad K. , Roberts Jason A. 
Published: October 2015

Background and objectives Patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis may be advised to store PD-bags with pre-mixed antibiotics at home, although there is a paucity of antibiotic stability studies in the commonly used icodextrin solutions. The purpose of this study was to assess the stability of various antibiotics in PD-bags when stored at different temperatures over a 14-day period. Methods 7.5% icodextrin PD-bags were dosed with gentamicin 20 mg/L ( n = 9), vancomycin 1,000 mg/L ( n = 9), cefazolin 500 mg/L ( n = 9) and ceftazidime 500 mg/L ( n = 9) as for intermittent dosing. Combinations of gentamicin/vancomycin ( n = 9), cefazolin/ceftazidime ( n = 9), and cefazolin/gentamicin ( n = 9) were also tested. Nine drug-free bags were used as controls. Bags were stored in triplicate at 37°C, room-temperature (25°C), and refrigeration (4°C). Antibiotic concentrations were quantified at various time intervals using validated chromatography. Storage duration was considered unstable if the concentration of the antibiotic dropped ≤ 90% of the initial value. Results Gentamicin was stable for 14 days at all temperatures. Vancomycin was stable for 4 days at 37°C and for 14 days at both 25°C and 4°C. The gentamicin and vancomycin combination was stable for 4 days at 37°C and for 14 days at 25°C and 4°C. Cefazolin alone was stable for 24 hours at 37°C, 7 days at 25°C, and 14 days at 4°C. Ceftazidime alone was stable for only 6 hours at 37°C, 2 days at 25°C, and 14 days at 4°C. The cefazolin and ceftazidime combination was stable for 24 hours at 37°C, 2 days at 25°C, and 14 days at 4°C. The cefazolin and gentamicin combination was stable for 1 day at 37°C, 4 days at 25°C, and 14 days at 4°C. Conclusions Antibiotics premixed in icodextrin PD-bags have varying stabilities with stability generally least at 37°C and best at 4oC, permitting storage for 14 days when refrigerated and pre-warming to body temperature prior to administration. Further research confirming the sterility of these antibiotic-containing bags is recommended.
Catheter Insertion and Perioperative Practices within the ISPD North American Research Consortium
Authors: Wallace Eric L. , Fissell Rachel B. , Golper Thomas A. , Blake Peter G. , Lewin Adriane M. , Oliver Matthew J. , Quinn Rob R. 
Published: October 2015

Background In general, efforts to standardize care based on group consensus practice guidelines have resulted in lower morbidity and mortality. Although there are published guidelines regarding insertion and perioperative management of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters, variation in practice patterns between centers may exist. The objective of this study is to understand variation in PD catheter insertion practices in preparation for conducting future studies. Methods An electronic survey was developed by the research committee of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis – North American Research Consortium (ISPD-NARC) to be completed by physicians and nurses involved in PD programs across North America. It consisted of 45 questions related to 1) organizational characteristics; 2) PD catheter insertion practices; 3) current quality-improvement initiatives; and 4) interest in participation in PD studies. Invitation to participate in the survey was given to nephrologists and nurses in centers across Canada and the United States (US) identified by participation in the inaugural meeting of the ISPD-NARC. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data. Results Fifty-one ISPD-NARC sites were identified (45% in Canada and 55% in the US) of which 42 responded (82%). Center size varied significantly, with prevalent PD population ranging from 6 – 300 (median: 60) and incident PD patients in the year prior to survey administration ranging from 3 – 180 (median: 20). The majority of centers placed fewer than 19 PD catheters/year, with a range of 0 – 50. Availability of insertion techniques varied significantly, with 83% of centers employing more than 1 insertion technique. Seventy-one percent performed laparoscopic insertion with advanced techniques (omentectomy, omentopexy, and lysis of adhesions), 62% of sites performed open surgical dissection, 10% performed blind insertion via trocar, and 29% performed blind placement with the Seldinger technique. Use of double-cuff catheters was nearly universal, with a near even distribution of catheters with pre-formed bend versus straight inter-cuff segments. There was also variation in the choice of perioperative antibiotics and perioperative flushing practices. Although 86% of centers had quality-improvement initiatives, there was little consensus as to appropriate targets. Conclusions There is marked variability in PD catheter insertion techniques and perioperative management. Large multicenter studies are needed to determine associations between these practices and catheter and patient outcomes. This research could inform future trials and guidelines and improve practice. The ISPD-NARC is a network of PD units that has been formed to conduct multicenter studies in PD.
Burkholderia Cepacia Exit-Site Infection in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients—Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Yap Desmond Y.H. , Chan Jasper F.W. , Yip Terence , Mok Maggie M.Y. , Kwan Lorraine P.Y. , Lo Wai Kei , Chan Tak Mao 
Published: October 2015

Background Burkholderia cepacia is a hardy bacterium with intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotics and high transmissibility. Opportunistic healthcare-associated B. cepacia infections among immunocompromised or critically ill patients have been reported, but there is limited data on the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of exit-site infection (ESI) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Patients and methods Patients who suffered from B. cepacia ESI from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2014 were reviewed. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of the patients and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the bacterial isolates were analyzed. Results Twenty-two patients were included for analysis. Eight patients (36.4%) had medical conditions which impaired host immunity, while 7 (31.8%) had pre-existing skin abnormalities. Three patients (13.6%) progressed to tunnel-tract infection and another 3 patients (13.6%) developed associated peritonitis. Fifteen patients (68.2%) responded to medical treatment while 7 (31.8%) required catheter removal. Eleven patients (50.0%) had recurrent B. cepacia ESI, which occurred at 7.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1 – 19.4 months) after the first episode. Most B. cepacia strains were susceptible to ceftazidime (95.5%), piperacillin/tazobactam (95.5%), and piperacillin (90.9%). Besides aminoglycosides (80 – 100%), high rates of resistance were also observed for ticarcillin/clavulanate (90.9%). Conclusion Burkholderia cepacia ESI is associated with low rates of tunnel-tract infection or peritonitis, but the risk of recurrence is high. Most cases can be managed with medical treatment alone, although one third of patients might require catheter removal.
The effectiveness of acetic acid wash protocol and the interpretation patterns of blood contaminated cervical cytology ThinPrep®specimens
Authors: Frisch Nora K. , Ahmed Yasin , Sethi Seema , Neill Daniel , Kalinicheva Tatyana , Shidham Vinod 
Published: October 2015

Background:ThinPrep®(TP) cervical cytology, as a liquid-based method, has many benefits but also a relatively high unsatisfactory rate due to debris/lubricant contamination and the presence of blood. These contaminants clog the TP filter and prevent the deposition of adequate diagnostic cells on the slide. An acetic acid wash (AAW) protocol is often used to lyse red blood cells, before preparing the TP slides.Design:From 23,291 TP cervical cytology specimens over a 4-month period, 2739 underwent AAW protocol due to initial unsatisfactory smear (UNS) with scant cellularity due to blood or being grossly bloody. Randomly selected 2739 cervical cytology specimens which did not undergo AAW from the same time period formed the control (non-AAW) group. Cytopathologic interpretations of AAW and non-AAW groups were compared using the Chi-square test.Results:About 94.2% of the 2739 cases which underwent AAW were subsequently satisfactory for evaluation with interpretations of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) 4.9% (135), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) 3.7% (102), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) 1% (28). From the 2739 control cases, 96.3% were satisfactory with ASCUS 5.5% (151), LSIL 5.1% (139), and HSIL 0.7% (19). The prevalence of ASCUS interpretations was similar (P= 0.33). Although there were 32% more HSIL interpretations in the AAW group (28 in AAW vs. 19 in non-AAW), the difference was statistically insignificant (P= 0.18). AAW category; however, had significantly fewer LSIL interpretations (P= 0.02). The percentage of UNS cases remained higher in the AAW group with statistical significance (P< 0.01).Conclusions:While AAW had a significantly higher percent of UNS interpretations, the protocol was effective in rescuing 94.2% of specimens which otherwise may have been reported unsatisfactory. This improved patient care by avoiding a repeat test. The prevalence of ASCUS and HSIL interpretations between AAW and non-AAW groups were comparable. Though not statistically significant, HSIL interpretations were relatively higher in the AAW group. LSIL interpretations showed lower prevalence in AAW group.
Engagement, Exploration, Empowerment
Authors: Stoffel Virginia (Ginny) 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Engagement, exploration, and empowerment are significant practice strategies used by occupational therapy practitioners as a means of getting to know what matters to clients and how to facilitate their participation in everyday life. Applied to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) as an organization, professional engagement, exploration of new service contexts, and empowerment of members to take an active role in shaping the profession's future are examined. This address, given at the 2015 AOTA Annual Convention & Expo, looks to the future in terms of engaging greater numbers of members; participating in Vision 2025, a strategic planning initiative that will be unveiled at the 2016 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo; and empowering members to achieve excellence in occupational therapy.
Nietzsche's Actuality: Boscovich and the Extremities of Becoming
Authors: Tones Matthew , Mandalios John 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
The problem of persistence and emergence endowed with the limits of “actuality” is examined in the context of Nietzsche's appropriation of both Heraclitus and Boscovich to forge a natural philosophy of becoming. The physics of Boscovich allowed a systematic refurbishment of Heraclitean notions of becoming over being while Heraclitus's tensive dynamic of generation surpassed and overcame the limits of Anaximander's indeterminate. Nietzsche's early investigations bear overt signs of a formative philosophical outlook that seeks to marry the infinite and the sensible in a fashion consistent with his mature concept of becoming.
Concise Review: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Witten Celia M. , McFarland Richard D. , Simek Stephanie L. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Regenerative medicine (RM) is a popular term for a field of scientific and medical research. There is not one universally accepted definition of RM, but it is generally taken to mean the translation of multidisciplinary biology and engineering science into therapeutic approaches to regenerate, replace, or repair tissues and organs. RM products have the potential to provide treatments for a number of unmet needs but have substantial scientific and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed for this potential to be fully realized. FDA has established formal regulatory definitions for biologics, medical devices, and combination products, as well as human cells and tissues. Regenerative medicine products regulated by FDA are classified on the basis of these definitions, and the classification forms the basis for determining the regulatory requirements to each specific product. FDA regulations are generally written to allow the agency flexibility to accommodate new scientific questions raised by novel and evolving technologies. FDA efforts to facilitate product development in this novel and promising area include working with individual sponsors, interacting with the scientific and industry communities, participating in standards development, and developing policy and guidance.

Significance
Regenerative medicine is generally taken to mean the translation of multidisciplinary biology and engineering science into therapeutic approaches to regenerate, replace, or repair tissues and organs. This article provides an overview of the efforts of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to facilitate product development in the field commonly known was regenerative medicine. It provides an introduction to the processes by which FDA works with individual sponsors, interacts with the scientific and industry communities, participates in standards development, and develops formal FDA policy and guidance.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Animal Bleomycin Pulmonary Fibrosis Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Srour Nadim , Thébaud Bernard 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an inexorably progressive lung disease with few available treatments. New therapeutic options are needed. Stem cells have generated much enthusiasm for the treatment of several conditions, including lung diseases. Human trials of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy for pulmonary fibrosis are under way. To shed light on the potential usefulness of MSCs for human disease, we aimed to systematically review the preclinical literature to determine if MSCs are beneficial in animal bleomycin pulmonary fibrosis models. The MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for original studies of stem cell therapy in animal bleomycin models of pulmonary fibrosis. Studies using embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells were excluded. Seventeen studies were selected, all of which used MSCs in rodents. MSC therapy led to an improvement in bleomycin-induced lung collagen deposition in animal lungs and in the pulmonary fibrosis Ashcroft score in most studies. MSC therapy improved histopathology in almost all studies in which it was evaluated qualitatively. Furthermore, MSC therapy was found to improve 14-day survival in animals with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Bronchoalveolar lavage total and neutrophil counts, as well as transforming growth factor-β levels, were also reduced by MSCs. MSCs are beneficial in rodent bleomycin pulmonary fibrosis models. Since most studies examined the initial inflammatory phase rather than the chronic fibrotic phase, preclinical data offer better support for human trials of MSCs in acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis rather than the chronic phase of the disease.

Significance
There has been increased interest in mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for lung diseases. A few small clinical trials are under way in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Preclinical evidence was assessed in a systematic review, as is often done for clinical studies. The existing studies offer better support for efficacy in the initial inflammatory phase rather than the fibrotic phase that human trials are targeting.
Trifluorodiazoethane (CF3CHN2) in the Uncatalyzed Cyclopropanation of 3‐Arylmethylenebenzofuran‐2(3 H)‐ones
Authors: Zhu Chuan‐Le , Ma Jun‐An , Cahard Dominique 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe uncatalyzed cyclopropanation of 2,2,2‐trifluorodiazoethane onto 3‐arylmethylenebenzofuran‐2(3 H)‐ones leads to highly functionalized trifluoromethylated spirocyclopropanes. A thermal activation mode not requiring the addition of a transition metal provided high product yields, whereas a salt effect benefited the diastereomeric ratios obtained. The products are readily elaborated to non‐spiro derivatives.
MiniAp‐4: A Venom‐Inspired Peptidomimetic for Brain Delivery
Authors: Oller‐Salvia Benjamí , Sánchez‐Navarro Macarena , Ciudad Sonia , Guiu Marc , Arranz‐Gibert Pol , Garcia Cristina , Gomis Roger R. , Cecchelli Roméo , García Jesús , Giralt Ernest , Teixidó Meritxell 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDrug delivery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a formidable challenge for therapies targeting the central nervous system. Although BBB shuttle peptides enhance transport into the brain non‐invasively, their application is partly limited by lability to proteases. The present study proposes the use of cyclic peptides derived from venoms as an affordable way to circumvent this drawback. Apamin, a neurotoxin from bee venom, was minimized by reducing its complexity, toxicity, and immunogenicity, while preserving brain targeting, active transport, and protease resistance. Among the analogues designed, the monocyclic lactam‐bridged peptidomimetic MiniAp‐4 was the most permeable. This molecule is capable of translocating proteins and nanoparticles in a human‐cell‐based BBB model. Furthermore, MiniAp‐4 can efficiently deliver a cargo across the BBB into the brain parenchyma of mice.
A Multifunctional Subphthalocyanine Nanosphere for Targeting, Labeling, and Killing of Antibiotic‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Roy Indranil , Shetty Dinesh , Hota Raghunandan , Baek Kangkyun , Kim Jeesu , Kim Chulhong , Kappert Sandro , Kim Kimoon 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDeveloping a material that can combat antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, a major global health threat, is an urgent requirement. To tackle this challenge, we synthesized a multifunctional subphthalocyanine (SubPc) polymer nanosphere that has the ability to target, label, and photoinactivate antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in a single treatment with more than 99 % efficiency, even with a dose as low as 4.2 J cm−2 and a loading concentration of 10 nM. The positively charged nanosphere shell composed of covalently linked SubPc units can increase the local concentration of photosensitizers at therapeutic sites. The nanosphere shows superior performance compared to corresponding monomers presumably because of their enhanced water dispersibility, higher efficiency of singlet‐oxygen generation, and phototoxicity. In addition, this material is useful in fluorescence labeling of living cells and shows promise in photoacoustic imaging of bacteria in vivo.
Microhydration Effects on the Ultrafast Photodynamics of Cytosine: Evidences for a Possible Hydration‐Site Dependence
Authors: Ho Jr‐Wei , Yen Hung‐Chien , Shi Hui‐Qi , Cheng Li‐Hao , Weng Chih‐Nan , Chou Wei‐Kuang , Chiu Chih‐Chung , Cheng Po‐Yuan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUltrafast excited‐state deactivation dynamics of small cytosine (Cy) and 1‐methylcytosine (1mCy) microhydrates, Cy⋅(H2O)1‐3 and 1mCy⋅(H2O)1,2, produced in a supersonic expansion have been studied by mass‐selected femtosecond pump–probe photoionization spectroscopy at about 267 nm excitation. The seeded supersonic expansion of Ar/H2O gas mixtures allowed an extensive structural relaxation of Cy and 1mCy microhydrates to low‐energy isomers. With the aid of electronic structure calculations, we assigned the observed ultrafast dynamics to the dominant microhydrate isomers of the amino‐keto tautomer of Cy and 1mCy. Excited‐state lifetimes of Cy⋅(H2O)1‐3 measured here are 0.2–0.5 ps. Comparisons of the Cy⋅H2O and 1mCy⋅H2O transients suggest that monohydration at the amino Watson–Crick site induces a substantially stronger effect than at the sugar‐edge site in accelerating excited‐state deactivation of Cy.
Controlled Synthesis of N‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres with Tailored Mesopores through Self‐Assembly of Colloidal Silica
Authors: Wang Gang , Sun Yuhan , Li Debao , Liang Hai‐Wei , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLimited strategies have been established to prepare monodisperse mesoporous carbon nanospheres (MCNs) with tailored pore sizes. In this work, a method is reported to synthesize MCNs by combining polymerization of aniline with co‐assembly of colloidal silica nanoparticles. The controlled self‐assembly behavior of colloidal silica enables the formation of uniform composite nanospheres and convenient modulation over mesopores. After carbonization and removal of sacrificial templates, the resultant MCNs possess tunable mesopores (7–42 nm) and spherical diameters (90–300 nm), as well as high surface area (785–1117 m2 g−1), large pore volume (1.46–2.01 cm3 g−1) and abundant nitrogen moieties (5.54–8.73 at %). When serving as metal‐free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), MCNs with an optimum pore size of 22 nm, compared to those with 7 and 42 nm, exhibit the best ORR performance in alkaline medium.
Expanding the Ligand Framework Diversity of Carbodicarbenes and Direct Detection of Boron Activation in the Methylation of Amines with CO2
Authors: Chen Wen‐Ching , Shen Jiun‐Shian , Jurca Titel , Peng Chun‐Jung , Lin Yen‐Hsu , Wang Yi‐Ping , Shih Wei‐Chih , Yap Glenn P. A. , Ong Tiow‐Gan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA simple and convergent synthetic strategy used to increase the diversity of the carbodicarbene ligand framework through incorporation of unsymmetrical pendant groups is reported. Structural analysis and spectroscopic studies of ligands and their Rh complexes are reported. Reactivity studies reveal carbodicarbenes as competent organocatalysts for amine methylation using CO2 as a synthon. A unique BH‐activated boron–carbodicarbene complex was isolated as a reaction intermediate, providing mechanistic insight into the CO2 functionalization process.
Spontaneous Mirror‐Symmetry Breaking in Isotropic Liquid Phases of Photoisomerizable Achiral Molecules
Authors: Alaasar Mohamed , Prehm Marko , Cao Yu , Liu Feng , Tschierske Carsten 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSpontaneous mirror‐symmetry breaking is of fundamental importance in science as it contributes to the development of chiral superstructures and new materials and has a major impact on the discussion around the emergence of uniform chirality in biological systems. Herein we report chirality synchronization, leading to spontaneous chiral conglomerate formation in isotropic liquids of achiral and photoisomerizable azobenzene‐based rod‐like molecules. The position of fluorine substituents at the aromatic core is found to have a significant effect on the stability and the temperature range of these chiral liquids. Moreover, these liquid conglomerates occur in a new phase sequence adjacent to a 3D tetragonal mesophase.