Preparation and identification of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo dual-mode imaging,theranostics, and targeted tracking

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can provide a structural foundation for a new generation of nanocarriers with a broad range of functionalities. Multifunctional MSNs can serve as all-in-one diagnostic and therapeutic tools that can be used to simultaneously visualize and treat various diseases, such as cancer. This research study is the first time that two lanthanide-based imaging systems have been combined to incorporate controlled drug release and targeted tracing into a single MSN-based nano-platform for a novel theranostic drug delivery system. Doping lanthanide ions, i.e., europium (Eu) and gadolinium (Gd) ions, into an MSN structure (EuGd-MSNs) imparts fluorescence and magnetism to the nanostructure that can be used to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biological fluorescence tools. Current cancer research has revealed that most human cancer cells express a large number of folate receptors on their surface. Grafting folic acid (FA) onto the EuGd-MSN surface (EuGd-FA-MSNs) imparts a targeting function to the MSN because of the specificity of the binding of FA to cell surface receptors. Furthermore, grafting anticancer drugs, such as camptothecin (CPT), onto the surface of these MSNs by forming disulfide bonds (EuGd-SS-CPT-FA-MSNs) enables intracellular controlled drug release. A high concentration of intracellular glutathione cleaves the disulfide bond to release the drug and treat the disease. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies show that the functionalized MSNs can be successfully used as a platform to integrate dual-imaging, targeting, and therapeutic treatment in multifunctional diagnosis drug delivery systems.     

Research on medication use in the neonatal intensive care unit

Introduction: Research on medication use aims at assessing how much of current pharmacotherapy is rational. In neonates, this is hampered by extensive off-label drug use and limited knowledge.

Areas covered: We report on medication use research and have conducted a systematic review of observational studies on medication use to provide an updated overview on characteristics, objectives, methods, and patterns in hospitalized neonates. Moreover, a review on aspects of medication use for opioids, anti-epileptics, gastric acid-related disorders and respiratory stimulants with emphasis on trends and impact of interventions is presented, illustrating how research on medication use can contribute to improved neonatal pharmacotherapy and more focused research. Medication use reports describe patterns and provide signals on irrational use, benchmarking, or can guide research priorities. Moreover, this may generate information on how neonatal health topics and their pharmacotherapy are handled over time or across regions.

Expert opinion: Research on medicine utilization is relevant, since it will inform us on aspects like trends, variability, or about the impact and pattern of implementation of guidelines in neonates. Further progress necessitates to merge datasets on medication use with clinical characteristics, and perinatal drug use remains an area in need of additional research.     

Development of a Pilates Teaching Framework from an international survey of teacher practice

ObjectivePilates is used increasingly in a variety of clinical settings. However, there is lack of clarity in the literature as to what is meant by the term. Teachers incorporating apparatus based on the designs of Joseph Pilates (1883–1967) into their practice refer to themselves as Comprehensive Teachers, and this group divides itself further into Classical and Contemporary practice. The aim of this research was to explore the meanings of these terms with Comprehensive Teachers and to develop a framework that reflects current views and practice.MethodOnline international survey of Pilates Teachers through closed Facebook forums. Open questions were used to elicit views of the definition and practice of Pilates, and how standards should be set across the sector.ResultsOf 109 participants, 35% were based in the UK and 32% in the USA; 48% identified as Classical teachers, 32% as Contemporary, 5% as both and 15% as Matwork instructors. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed agreement on the scope and content of Classical and Contemporary Comprehensive Pilates, however the discourse indicated there might be stereotyping about each other's practice. Classical teachers, for example, spoke of their own practice as authentic while Contemporary teachers used terms such as strict and inflexible for Classical practice. However, members of either group may incorporate both Classical and Contemporary approaches within their practice. We have designed a Pilates Teaching Framework to take into account the types of apparatus, the types of exercises and the order in which the exercises are executed.ConclusionsA framework that emphasises Pilates teaching rather than teacher practice is proposed for consistency and clarity when describing Pilates in professional and public contexts.     

2016至2018年某医院真菌血流感染者流行病学特征及耐药性分析

目的分析真菌性血流感染的病原菌分布以及耐药特征，为真菌血流感染的早期合理用药提供理论依据。 方法回顾性分析武汉大学人民医院2016年1月至2018年12月收治的真菌性血流感染者的菌群、科室分布以及耐药性。 结果入组192例真菌血流感染者的血培养样本中共分离192株真菌，其中白色念珠菌检出率为31.77%（61/192），其次热带念珠菌检出率为18.75%（36/192）；重症医学科检出率最高为33.85%（65/192）。所有菌株均对两性霉素B敏感，对其他抗菌药物耐药率分别为5-氟胞嘧啶4.49%（9/192）、伊曲康唑5.73%（11/192）、氟康唑10.94%（21/192）和伏立康唑11.46%（22/192）；除两性霉素B外，2016至2018年真菌对其他抗菌药物的耐药率均逐年上升，其中2018年所分离192株光滑念珠菌对伊曲康唑耐药菌率达46.7%。 结论真菌血流感染病原菌以念珠菌属为主，对目前抗真菌药物具有较高敏感性，但耐药率逐年上升，加强监测血培养病原菌变化及耐药趋势对指导临床用药至关重要。     

Contextualizing the lived experience of quality of life for persons with spinal cord injury: A mixed-methods application of the response shift model

Objective: The objective of this study was to gain greater insight into individuals’ quality of life (QOL) definitions, appraisals, and adaptations following spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design: A mixed-methods design, applying the Schwartz and Sprangers response shift (RS) model. RS is a cognitive process wherein, in response to a change in health status, individuals change internal standards, values, or conceptualization of QOL

Setting: Community-dwelling participants who receive medical treatment at a major Midwestern medical system and nearby Veterans’ Affairs hospital.

Participants: A purposive sample of participants with SCI (N?=?40) completed semi-structured interviews and accompanying quantitative measures.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Outcome Measures: Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis to identify themes. Analysis of variance were performed to detect differences based on themes and QOL, well-being, and demographic and injury characteristics.

Results: Four RS themes were identified, capturing the range of participant perceptions of QOL. The themes ranged from complete RS, indicating active engagement in maintaining QOL, to awareness and comparisons redefining QOL, to a relative lack of RS. Average QOL ratings differed as a function of response shift themes. PROMIS Global Health, Anxiety, and Depression also differed as a function of RS themes.

Conclusion: The RS model contextualizes differences in QOL definitions, appraisals, and adaptations in a way standardized QOL measures alone do not.     

黄芪活血功效及现代药理学研究进展

黄芪始载于《神农本草经》,有补气升阳、益卫固表,利水消肿,托毒生肌之效。被誉为补气健脾之要药,临床上常用于气虚乏力、脾虚泄泻等疾病,已为医者所熟知。近年来,研究学者围绕其补气、健脾、利水功效机制已有较全面的认识。然陶弘景在《本草经集注》首载黄芪"逐五脏间恶血",表明本品兼有活血作用。目前,对于本品活血作用机制阐释,中医常基于"补气活血""气行血行"理论进行论证,但并不等同于本品无活血作用。通过梳理历代本草文献中对黄芪的记载,发现其活血作用应用广泛。综合传统方剂与现代方剂中有关其活血作用的应用,本品在方中行活血通络、活血利水、活血扶正作用,尤能体现其活血作用。且现代药理学研究在有关瘀血病理指标的分子机制中,黄芪有很好的调控作用,表明黄芪有活血作用,但未深入探究,存在研究价值。该文从历代文献对黄芪活血功效的论述、黄芪活血作用的临床应用及现代药理学研究深入探讨其活血作用机制,以期扩展黄芪的临床应用范围,为临床治疗提供理论指导。     

Osteoarthritis today: Lost in translation?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent joint disease that is associated with pain, loss of function, and high direct and indirect economic costs. The current therapeutic options are inadequate, providing only a moderate symptom relief without the possibility of disease modification. While treatment options and personalized medicines are increasing for many complex diseases, OA drug development has been impeded by the advanced state of disease at the time of diagnosis and intervention, heterogeneity in both symptoms and rates of progression, and a lack of validated biomarkers and relevant outcome measures. This review article summarizes the OA landscape, including therapies in development as potential OA treatments, potential biomarkers undergoing evaluation by the US Food and Drug Administration, and a summary of current OA treatment guidelines, with a particular focus on the knee OA.