bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging contrast-enhancement with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles amplifies macrophage foam cell apoptosis in human and murine atherosclerosis
Authors: Segers Filip M E , Ruder Adele V , Westra Marijke M , Lammers Twan , Dadfar Seyed Mohammadali , Roemhild Karolin , Lam Tin Sing , Kooi Marianne Eline , Cleutjens Kitty B J M , Verheyen Fons K , Schurink Geert W H , Haenen Guido R , van Berkel Theo J C , Bot Ilze , Halvorsen Bente , Sluimer Judith C , Biessen Erik A L 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAims(Ultra) Small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, (U)SPIO, are widely used as magnetic resonance imaging contrast media and assumed to be safe for clinical applications in cardiovascular disease. As safety tests largely relied on normolipidaemic models, not fully representative of the clinical setting, we investigated the impact of (U)SPIOs on disease-relevant endpoints in hyperlipidaemic models of atherosclerosis.Methods and resultsRAW264.7 foam cells, exposed in vitro to ferumoxide (dextran-coated SPIO), ferumoxtran (dextran-coated USPIO), or ferumoxytol [carboxymethyl (CM) dextran-coated USPIO] (all 1 mg Fe/mL) showed increased apoptosis and reactive oxygen species accumulation for ferumoxide and ferumoxtran, whereas ferumoxytol was tolerated well. Pro-apoptotic (TUNEL+) and pro-oxidant activity of ferumoxide (0.3 mg Fe/kg) and ferumoxtran (1 mg Fe/kg) were confirmed in plaque, spleen, and liver of hyperlipidaemic ApoE−/− (n = 9/group) and LDLR−/− (n = 9–16/group) mice that had received single IV injections compared with saline-treated controls. Again, ferumoxytol treatment (1 mg Fe/kg) failed to induce apoptosis or oxidative stress in these tissues. Concomitant antioxidant treatment (EUK-8/EUK-134) largely prevented these effects in vitro (−68%, P &lt; 0.05) and in plaques from LDLR−/− mice (−60%, P &lt; 0.001, n = 8/group). Repeated ferumoxtran injections of LDLR−/− mice with pre-existing atherosclerosis enhanced plaque inflammation and apoptosis but did not alter plaque size. Strikingly, carotid artery plaques of endarterectomy patients who received ferumoxtran (2.6 mg Fe/kg) before surgery (n = 9) also showed five-fold increased apoptosis (18.2 vs. 3.7%, respectively; P = 0.004) compared with controls who did not receive ferumoxtran. Mechanistically, neither coating nor particle size seemed accountable for the observed cytotoxicity of ferumoxide and ferumoxtran.ConclusionsFerumoxide and ferumoxtran, but not ferumoxytol, induced apoptosis of lipid-laden macrophages in human and murine atherosclerosis, potentially impacting disease progression in patients with advanced atherosclerosis.
Endothelial OCT4 is atheroprotective by preventing metabolic and phenotypic dysfunction
Authors: Shin Junchul , Tkachenko Svyatoslav , Chaklader Malay , Pletz Connor , Singh Kanwardeep , Bulut Gamze B , Han Young min , Mitchell Kelly , Baylis Richard A , Kuzmin Andrey A , Hu Bo , Lathia Justin D , Stenina-Adognravi Olga , Podrez Eugene , Byzova Tatiana V , Owens Gary K , Cherepanova Olga A 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aims
Until recently, the pluripotency factor Octamer (ATGCAAAT)-binding transcriptional factor 4 (OCT4) was believed to be dispensable in adult somatic cells. However, our recent studies provided clear evidence that OCT4 has a critical atheroprotective role in smooth muscle cells. Here, we asked if OCT4 might play a functional role in regulating endothelial cell (EC) phenotypic modulations in atherosclerosis.

Methods and results
Specifically, we show that EC-specific Oct4 knockout resulted in increased lipid, LGALS3+ cell accumulation, and altered plaque characteristics consistent with decreased plaque stability. A combination of single-cell RNA sequencing and EC-lineage-tracing studies revealed increased EC activation, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, plaque neovascularization, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the absence of OCT4. Furthermore, we show that the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) transporter, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter G2 (ABCG2), is a direct target of OCT4 in EC and establish for the first time that the OCT4/ABCG2 axis maintains EC metabolic homeostasis by regulating intracellular heme accumulation and related reactive oxygen species production, which, in turn, contributes to atherogenesis.

Conclusions
These results provide the first direct evidence that OCT4 has a protective metabolic function in EC and identifies vascular OCT4 and its signalling axis as a potential target for novel therapeutics.
How has the Ascend programme contributed to strengthening health systems for sustainable country-driven neglected tropical disease programming?
Authors: Rowan Sinead , Amodu-Agbi Perpetua , Weil Olivier , Northway Diane , Ene Nkem , Gwom Anita , Pavluck Alexandre 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The Ascend West and Central Africa programme, a UK aid-funded programme, was implemented across 12 countries. The programme focused on strengthening national health systems for sustainable neglected tropical disease (NTD) control and elimination. This commentary presents how Ascend's approach contributed to developing country-driven sustainable systems for NTDs and offers learnings to inform future sustainable NTD programming.
Effect of a prioritization score on the inter-hospital transfer time management of severe COVID-19 patients: a quasi-experimental intervention study
Authors: Solà-Muñoz Silvia , Azeli Youcef , Trenado Josep , Jiménez Xavier , Bisbal Roger , López Àngels , Morales Jorge , García Xaime , Sánchez Bernat , Fernández José , Soto Maria Ángeles , Ferreres Yolanda , Cantero Cristina , Jacob Javier 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
The overburdening of the healthcare system during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is driving the need to create new tools to improve the management of inter-hospital transport for patients with a severe COVID-19 infection.

Objective
The aim of this study was to analyse the usefulness of the application of a prioritization score (IHTCOVID-19) for inter-hospital transfer of patients with COVID-19 infection.

Methods
The study has a quasi-experimental design and was conducted on the Medical Emergency System, the pre-hospital emergency department of the public company belonging to the Autonomous Government of Catalonia that manages urgent healthcare in the region. Patients with a severe COVID-19 infection requiring inter-hospital transport were consecutively included. The pre-intervention period was from 1 to 31 March 2020, and the intervention period with the IHTCOVID-19 score was from 1 to 30 April 2020 (from 8 am to 8 pm). The prioritization score comprises four priority categories, with Priority 0 being the highest and Priority 3 being the lowest. Inter-hospital transfer (IHT) management times (alert-assignment time, resource management time and total central management time) and their variability were evaluated according to whether or not the IHTCOVID-19 score was applied.

Results
A total of 344 IHTs were included: 189 (54.9%) in the pre-intervention period and 155 (45.1%) in the post-intervention period. The majority of patients were male and the most frequent age range was between 50 and 70 years. According to the IHTCOVID-19 score, 12 (3.5%) transfers were classified as Priority 0, 66 (19.4%) as Priority 1, 247 (71.8%) as Priority 2 and 19 (5.6%) as Priority 3. Overall, with the application of the IHTCOVID-19 score, there was a significant reduction in total central management time [from 112.4 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 281.3) to 89.8 min (IQR 154.9); P = 0.012]. This significant reduction was observed in Priority 0 patients [286.2 (IQR 218.5) to 42.0 min (IQR 58); P = 0.018] and Priority 1 patients [130.3 (IQR 297.3) to 75.4 min (IQR 91.1); P = 0.034]. After applying the IHTCOVID-19 score, the average time of the process decreased by 22.6 min, and variability was reduced from 618.1 to 324.0 min.

Conclusion
The application of the IHTCOVID-19 score in patients with a severe COVID-19 infection reduces IHT management times and variability.
The Cosmopolitan Silk Road Worldview: Developing an Interfaith Ethic of Hospitality in Ancient Buddhist and Christian Writings
Authors: Chong Alan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The ancient Silk Roads are reputed for demonstrating a more tolerant Asia–Europe interaction than is believed possible today among modern nation-states. What is the Silk Roads’ contribution to global thought? Along the original Silk Roads, a cosmopolitan ethic of hospitality to foreigners emerged from a confluence of hostile secular attitudes as well as accommodation of differences within each religion's conception of ecumenism and standardization. This is manifest in the writings of Marco Polo, a quintessential traveller along the ancient overland Silk Road, assorted Christian monks serving as Papal representatives to the Mongols, and two Buddhist pilgrims, Fa-Hsien and I-Tsing of China. In treating these underappreciated writings as contributions to global thought from Asia, the author identifies three indelible elements that add up to an amorphous cosmopolitanism in progress: the role of violence in managing social order, piety through ritual, and the custom of travellers and hosts exchanging gifts.
Population pharmacokinetics of intravenous cefotaxime indicates that higher doses are required for critically ill children
Authors: Hartman Stan J. F. , Upadhyay Parth J. , Mathôt Ron A. A. , van der Flier Michiel , Schreuder Michiel F. , Brüggemann Roger J. , Knibbe Catherijne A. , de Wildt Saskia N. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Cefotaxime is frequently used in critically ill children, however pharmacokinetic (PK) studies to support adequate dosing in this patient population are limited.

Objectives
To characterize cefotaxime PK in critically ill children and evaluate exposures achieved by current and alternative dosing regimens.

Methods
Children (0–18 years) admitted to the paediatric ICU, receiving intravenous cefotaxime (100–150 mg/kg/day, interval 6–8 h) were included (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03248349). Total plasma cefotaxime concentrations were measured on multiple study days. Population-PK analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM™). Dose evaluations were performed using typical patients across the paediatric age range and target attainment was determined for MICs of 0.5, 2 and 4 mg/L.

Results
479 cefotaxime plasma concentrations from 52 children (median age 1.6, range 0.03–17.7 years) were used to describe cefotaxime PK. We describe a two-compartment structural model with interindividual variability, including bodyweight as covariate for volume of distribution and clearance. Model predicted exposure for 150 mg/kg/day (current dose) showed trough concentrations &lt;0.5 mg/L in patients &gt;4 years of age. The maximum cefotaxime doses (200 mg/kg/day, interval 6 h) proved adequate for MICs ≤0.5 mg/L across the whole age range. Similar daily doses with increased frequency (interval 4 h) covered MICs up to 2 mg/L, while a loading dose followed by continuous infusion regimens are needed to adequately treat MICs of 4 mg/L.

Conclusions
Higher cefotaxime doses are required for adequate exposure for most pathogens in critically ill children. A higher dose frequency or continuous infusion is advisable to improve target attainment for intermediately susceptible pathogens.
Functional properties of miscanthus fiber and prebiotic blends in extruded canine diets
Authors: Finet Shannon , He Fei , Clark Lindsay. V , de Godoy Maria Regina Cattai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDietary fiber has become increasingly recognized as a key factor in maintaining gastrointestinal health. Dietary fiber sources are often comprised of several different fiber fractions, each with unique physicochemical properties. These properties can have varying physiological effects on the gastrointestinal tract that include modulation of microbiota, production of fermentation-derived metabolites, and laxation. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the effects of a novel dietary fiber source, miscanthus grass fiber (MF), and prebiotic and fiber blends on gastrointestinal tolerance, apparent total tract digestibility, fecal metabolites, and fecal microbiota and 2) to evaluate the palatability of extruded diets containing MF in comparison to traditional dietary fiber sources. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Six dietary treatments were formulated to meet or exceed the AAFCO nutrient profile of 2018 and included either cellulose (CO), beet pulp (BP), MF, or a blend of MF and tomato pomace, MF and resistant starch, or MF and fructooligosaccharide. A total of 12 adult neutered female beagles (mean age 5.8 ± 1.1 yr; mean body weight 10.9 ± 1.0 kg; mean body condition score 5.7 ± 0.7) were randomly assigned to one of the six treatment diets in a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design. Each dog was fed their assigned diet for a treatment period of 21 d with 17 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total and fresh fecal collection. All diets were well accepted and digested by the dogs. Dogs fed BP had greater fecal total short-chain fatty acid concentration than the CO treatment (P &lt; 0.05), while the dogs fed diets containing MF were intermediate. In a two-bowl palatability trial, no significant preference was observed between the extruded diets containing MF and CO (P &gt; 0.05). However, a significant preference for the extruded diet containing BP over the diet containing only MF was observed (P &lt; 0.05). The α-diversity of fecal microbial communities was not impacted by treatment (P &gt; 0.05), but β-diversity indicated that dogs fed the BP diet differed from the other treatment groups (P &lt; 0.05). The data from this study suggest that miscanthus grass can be successfully utilized in fiber blends in extruded diets for adult dogs, with modulatory effects similar to the traditional dietary fiber source, cellulose.
The Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Burn Patients Undergoing Computed Tomography With Intravenous Contrast
Authors: Burgess Jessica , Jenkins Ciara , Kopelman, Tammy , Foster Kevin , Collins Jay 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication of significant burn injuries and a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Patients that sustain traumatic burn injuries may require computed tomography (CT) imaging as part of their initial trauma management. This multicenter retrospective chart review of patients admitted to two level I trauma centers with ≥10% TBSA burns between 2014 and 2017 aims to determine if patients with greater than 10% TBSA burns that received CT imaging with intravenous contrast were more likely to develop acute kidney injury during their admission. A total of 439 patients were included in the study. The average age was 45.3 years and average TBSA was 23.2%. Sixty-seven of the 439 patients underwent CT scans with IV contrast on admission. The rate of AKI between patients who did or did not receive CT scans was not statistically significant (9.1 vs 6.0%, P = 0.40). Patients who developed an AKI had higher TBSA (45.6 vs 21.1%, P &lt; .01), amount of fluids per TBSA given within the first 24 hours (457.4 vs 321.6, P &lt; .01), and mortality (71.1 vs 6.2%, P &lt; .01) than those who did not develop an AKI. There was no significant difference in the development of acute kidney injury in burn patients who received CT scans with IV contrast on admission. Although there is a risk of contrast induced nephropathy, the risk is not increased in burn patients and this should not prevent a thorough evaluation to rule out additional life-threatening injuries in the burn trauma patient.
Design principle for effective mechanical boundary using a resonance band gap under elastic waves
Authors: Shin Yong Chang , Jo Soo-Ho , Yoon Heonjun , Youn Byeng D 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
One representative feature of a locally resonant elastic metamaterial (LREM) is that they can prohibit elastic wave propagation at the frequencies inside a band gap, which means that no energy is transmitted. When an incident wave propagates in a host medium at the frequencies inside band gaps, the incident wave is totally reflected at the interface between the host medium and an LREM. However, it remains unexplored what kind of mechanical boundary (e.g. fixed or free) is formed at the interface between the host medium and the LREM. This study thus aims at finding design principles for effective mechanical boundary (EMB) formation and validating the principles by numerical simulation. Conditions for certain EMBs were derived from the magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient of the LREM. According to the conditions, an LREM is designed and attached to a host medium. It was confirmed from time-harmonic simulation that the velocity at the interface between the host medium and the LREM approached zero when the effective fixed boundary is formed, while the stress at the interface approached zero when the effective free boundary is formed.
Antidepressant use in Turkey by provinces: panel data analysis
Authors: Oğuzhan Gülpembe , Eren Miraç , Koçkaya Güvenç , Adam Baskı Keziban , Şaylan İsmail Mete , Kurnaz Mustafa , Ökçün Selin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this analysis is to show differences in antidepressant use by year and by provinces of Turkey and to understand possible factors that cause these differences.

Methods
The drug data were obtained from the IMS Health Turkey Medical Index, and the per capita usage was calculated by proportioning with the population. Provinces with combined data were excluded from the study. Sixty provinces with complete data obtained from the IMS Health and Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) were included in the analysis. Physician visits per capita annual data were extracted from the Ministry of Health statistics. Population and per capita gross domestic product data of provinces were obtained from TUIK. A panel data regression model was established in the study.

Key findings
The model explained 99.25% of the variation in antidepressant consumption unit per person, which is a dependent variable. In our study, it was observed that there was no statistically significant effect of age and income in antidepressant usage. However, per capita physician consultation and the total population have a significant effect on per capita antidepressant use. Therefore, when the other variables are kept constant and the total population increases by 1%, the coefficient of antidepressant use per capita increases by 0.62%.

Conclusions
According to our analysis, in the majority of the provinces, antidepressant use exceeded the expected level. If the population density of Turkey increases, the ratio of antidepressant usage in the total consumption of drugs may grow. It is necessary to investigate whether there is overuse and to determine underlying causes and preventive measures.
Fetal Transfer of Human Metapneumovirus-Neutralizing Antibodies Is Reduced From Mothers Living With HIV-1
Authors: Ramocha Lesego M , van den Hoogen Bernadette G , Baillie Vicky , van Nieuwkoop Stefan , Cutland Clare L , Jones Stephanie , Moultrie Andrew , Izu Alane , Verwey Charl , Madhi Shabir A , Dorfman Jeffrey R 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Transplacental hMPV-neutralizing antibody transfer was reduced from mothers living with HIV-1. However, a comparison of antibody titers at birth between hMPV hospitalization cases at &lt;6 months and matched controls suggested that reduced maternal antibody might not be the primary cause of the previously reported elevated hMPV risk in HIV-1-exposed infants.
Gastric metastasis from breast cancer presenting as dysphagia
Authors: Fousekis Fotios S , Tepelenis Kostas , Stefanou Stefanos K , Stefanou Christos K , Pappas-Gogos George , Theopistos Vasileios , Evangelou Zoi , Mauri Davide , Christodoulou Dimitrios K 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGastric metastasis from breast cancer occurs infrequently and causes non-specific symptoms, usually attributed to the underlying disease. Furthermore, endoscopic findings are almost identical to primary gastric cancer, making the immunohistochemical examination of biopsies necessary for diagnosis. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman who was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer 3 years ago and received chemotherapy with evidence of remission. The patient presented with dyspepsia and progressive dysphagia for the last 6 months, not responsive to PPI treatment. Upper endoscopy revealed partial occlusion of the cardio-esophageal junction and thickened gastric folds resembling linitis plastica. However, immunohistochemical analysis of endoscopic biopsies showed infiltration of gastric mucosa by lobular breast cancer cells, making the diagnosis of gastric metastasis. Therefore, clinicians’ awareness of possible gastric metastasis is warranted in patients with a history of advanced breast cancer and severe gastric symptoms.
C4 trees have a broader niche than their close C3 relatives
Authors: Young Sophie N R , Dunning Luke T , Liu Hui , Stevens Carly J , Lundgren Marjorie R 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the ecological sorting of herbaceous C3 and C4 species along gradients of precipitation and temperature: C4 herbaceous species typically occupy drier and warmer environments than their C3 relatives. However, it is unclear if this pattern holds true for C4 tree species, which are unique to Euphorbiaceae and found only on the Hawaiian Islands. Here, we combine occurrence data with local environmental and soil datasets to, for the first time, distinguish the ecological factors associated with photosynthetic diversification in the tree life form. These data are presented within a phylogenetic framework. We show that C3 and C4 trees inhabit similar environments, but that C4 photosynthesis expands the ecological niche in trees relative to that of C3 tree species. In particular, when compared with C3 trees, C4 trees moved into higher elevation habitats with characteristically sparse vegetation (and thus greater sunlight) and cooler temperatures, a pattern which contrasts with that of herbaceous species. Understanding the relationship between C4 photosynthesis and ecological niche in tree species has implications for establishing how C4 photosynthesis has, in this rare instance, evolved in trees, and whether this unique combination of traits could be exploited from an engineering perspective.
Simulations of primary beam effects on the cosmic bispectrum phase observed with the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array
Authors: Charles N , Bernardi G , Bester H L , Smirnov O M , Carilli C , Keller P M , Kern N , Nikolic B , Thyagarajan N , de Lera Acedo E , Fagnoni N , Santos M G 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
The 21 cm transition from neutral hydrogen promises to be the best observational probe of the epoch of reionization (EoR). The main difficulty in measuring the 21 cm signal is the presence of bright foregrounds that require very accurate interferometric calibration. Closure quantities may circumvent the calibration requirements but may be, however, affected by direction-dependent effects, particularly antenna primary beam responses. This work investigates the impact of antenna primary beams affected by mutual coupling on the closure phase and its power spectrum. Our simulations show that primary beams affected by mutual coupling lead to a leakage of foreground power into the EoR window, which can be up to ∼104 times higher than the case where no mutual coupling is considered. This leakage is, however, essentially confined at k &lt; 0.3 h Mpc−1 for triads that include 29 m baselines. The leakage magnitude is more pronounced when bright foregrounds appear in the antenna sidelobes, as expected. Finally, we find that triads that include mutual coupling beams different from each other have power spectra similar to triads that include the same type of mutual coupling beam, indicating that beam-to-beam variation within triads (or visibility pairs) is not the major source of foreground leakage in the EoR window.