bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of continuous infusion of a subhypnotic dose of propofol on nausea and vomiting after carboprost administration at cesarean delivery: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Bi Yanmei , Zhong Ruihan , Huang Jinxiang , Huang Han
Published: May 2021

Objective

To investigate whether continuous infusion of propofol at a subhypnotic dose prevents nausea and vomiting following carboprost administration at cesarean delivery.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted at West China Second University Hospital, from June 28, 2017 to January 30, 2018. Pregnant women were randomly allocated to propofol or saline infusion immediately before receiving carboprost at cesarean delivery under combined spinal–epidural (CSE) anesthesia. Propofol was given at an infusion rate of 1.0 mg/kg/h following a loading dose of 0.3 mg/kg. Primary outcome was incidence of intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV). Potential sedative effect of propofol infusion was assessed using Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (MOAA/S) scoring and continuous Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring.

Results

The incidence of IONV was lower in patients who received propofol compared with saline (46.7% vs 76.7%, OR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.092–0.78, P = 0.016 for nausea; 26.7% vs 53.3%, OR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25–0.95, P = 0.032 for retching; 10.0% vs 50.0%, OR 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.44, P < 0.001 for vomiting). There were no differences in MOAA/S scoring or BIS between the two groups.

Conclusion

A subhypnotic dose of propofol reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting following carboprost administration at cesarean delivery under CSE anesthesia, without measurable effect on patients’ consciousness or alertness.

ClincalTrials.gov: NCT03185156.
Recombinant CD137‐Fc, its synthesis, and applications for improving the immune system functions, such as tumor immunotherapy and to reduce the inflammation due to the novel coronavirus
Authors: Ajami Maryam , Nazari Mahboobeh , mahmoodzadeh Habibollah , Moazzeni Seyed Mohammad
Published: May 2021

CD137 (ILA/4‐1BB), a member of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is one of the most important T cell costimulatory molecules. Interaction of this molecule with its ligand transmits a two‐way signal that activates both T lymphocyte and antigen presenting cells. The soluble form of CD137 (sCD137) reduces the activity of its membrane isoform and is associated with T lymphocyte activation‐induced cell death. Recombinant CD137‐Fc may be used to treat cancers, autoimmune disorders and viral infections. It may also be useful for management of coronavirus infection. The 1276 bp DNA sequence encoded CD137‐Fc recombinant protein was prepared and subcloned into lentiviral vector and expressed in transduced CHO‐K1 eukaryotic cells. The sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis results demonstrated that the expression of the 70‐kDa CD137‐Fc molecule was detectable without any degradation. This study helps to confirm previous research suggesting the use of this recombinant protein as a promising solution for the treatment of virus infections. CD137‐Fc fusion protein could also make immunotherapy more effective for some diseases. This product is widely used in novel medical treatments, including cell‐based immunotherapy such as dendritic cell, CAR T and CAR NK therapy. Its production and usage in research and treatment is noticeable also in current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Geometry dependence of excitonic couplings and the consequences for configuration‐space sampling
Authors: Schieschke Nils , Bold Beatrix M. , Dohmen Philipp M. , Wehl Daniel , Hoffmann Marvin , Dreuw Andreas , Elstner Marcus , Höfener Sebastian
Published: May 2021

Excitonic coupling plays a key role for the understanding of excitonic energy transport (EET) in, for example, organic photovoltaics. However, the calculation of realistic systems is often beyond the applicability range of accurate wavefunction methods so that lower‐scaling semi‐empirical methods are used to model EET events. In the present work, the distance and angle dependence of excitonic couplings of dimers of selected organic molecules are evaluated for the semi‐empirical long‐range corrected density functional based tight binding (LC‐DFTB) method and spin opposite scaled second order approximate coupled cluster singles and doubles (SOS‐CC2). While semi‐empirically scaled methods can lead to slightly increased deviations for excitation energies, the excitonic couplings and their dependence on the dimer geometry are reproduced. LC‐DFTB yields a similar accuracy range as density‐functional theory (DFT) employing the ωB97X functional while the computation time is reduced by several orders of magnitude. The dependence of the exchange contributions to the excitonic couplings on the dimer geometry is analyzed assessing the calculation of Coulombic excitonic couplings from monomer local excited states only, which reduces the computational effort significantly. The present work is a necessary first step toward the simulation of excitonic energy transport using semi‐empirical methods.
Bone‐Adipose Tissue Crosstalk: Role of Adipose Tissue Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Bone Diseases
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Cheng , Wang Jiasheng , Liu Hao , Wang Muyao
Published: May 2021

Bone is a metabolically active organ that undergoes constant remodeling throughout life. A failure of this process leads to pathological destructive bone diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Studies of the interplay between adipose tissue and bone system, have revealed that adipose tissue disorders (e.g. obesity) strongly influence the development of bone diseases. Adipokines secreted by adipose tissue play important roles in the crosstalk between bone and adipose tissue. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as a novel method of communication between different organs and have attracted increased attention in the field of bone remodeling process. Adipokines carried by EVs are known to play pivotal roles in bone remodeling processes including osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. In this review, we highlighted the role of adipose tissue derived EVs (EVs‐AT) in the context of bone remodeling events and focused on the characteristics of EVs‐AT and their components in the regulation of bone diseases. Moreover, we introduced the intriguing therapeutic application of EVs‐AT in different pathological destructive bone diseases and proposed future directions for research on EVs‐AT in bone diseases.
Identification of YAP1 as a novel downstream effector of the FGF2/STAT3 pathway in the pathogenesis of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Zhang Fan , Qu Lingling , Xie Ying , Ruan Yuanyuan , Guo Ziwei , Mao Yanwen , Zou Qin , Shi Mingjun , Xiao Ying , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Yuxia , Guo Bing
Published: May 2021

Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem and eventually develops into an end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). It is now widely believed that renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) plays an important role in the progression of ESRD. Renal tubular epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important cause of TIF. Studies have shown that FGF2 is highly expressed in fibrotic renal tissue, although the mechanism remains unclear. We found that FGF2 can activate STAT3 and induce EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells. STAT3, an important transcription factor, was predicted by the JASPAR biological database to bind to the promoter region of YAP1. In this study, STAT3 was shown to promote the expression of the downstream target gene YAP1 through transcription, promote EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells, and mediate the occurrence of renal TIF. This study provides a theoretical basis for the involvement of the FGF2/STAT3/YAP1 signaling pathway in the process of renal interstitial fibrosis and provides a potential target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
Electric fields regulate cellular elasticity through intracellular Ca2+ concentrations
Authors: Han Se Jik , Noh Minjoo , Jang Jihui , Lee Jun Bae , Kim Kyung Sook
Published: May 2021

Cellular elasticity is a key factor related to a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. The elasticity of a single cell has thus emerged as a potential biomarker to characterize the cellular state. Both internal and external stimuli affect cellular elasticity, and changes in elasticity can cause alterations in cellular characteristics or function. The application of electric fields (EFs) is a promising method that can be used to change cellular elasticity; however, the mechanisms underlying its effect remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate EFs‐induced elasticity changes in human dermal fibroblasts and discuss the underlying mechanism related to actin polymerization. Cellular elasticity increases after EF (50 mV/mm) stimulation, reaching a maximum at 30 min before decreasing between 30 and 120 min. The cellular elasticity under EF stimulation, regardless of stimulation time, is higher than that of the control. F‐actin regulates the elasticity of cells through gelsolin activation. We show changes in intracellular Ca2+ caused by EFs, which induced gelsolin activation and F‐actin content changes. This result demonstrates a series of processes in which external electrical stimulation conditions regulate cellular elasticity.
Physiological, psychosocial, and environmental factors in depression among autistic girls
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Bitsika Vicki , McMillan Mary E. , Agnew Linda L.
Published: May 2021

Autism Spectrum Disorder and depression are often co‐occurring in young people. However, despite the association between these two disorders, and the fact that females have a higher prevalence of depression than males in the general population, there is little reported evidence regarding the correlates of depression in young autistic females. Several physiological (age, menarche, HPA‐axis responses), psychological (social anxiety), and environmental or genetic (mothers’ depression) factors were tested for their contribution to depression severity in a sample of 53 autistic girls aged 6 yr to 17 yr. Depression scores were collected from the girls’ self‐ratings and also from the ratings their mothers gave them. Regression results indicated that girls’ social anxiety, age, and mothers’ depression were common significant contributors to both sets of depression scores, but with different effects. Autistic girls’ self‐reports of their depression were significantly associated with their HPA‐axis responses but not with their menarche status. Implications for research and clinical settings are discussed.
Utility of the inside stent as a preoperative biliary drainage method for patients with malignant perihilar biliary stricture
Authors: Nakamura Shinya , Ishii Yasutaka , Serikawa Masahiro , Tsuboi Tomofumi , Kawamura Ryota , Tsushima Ken , Hirano Tetsuro , Mori Takeshi , Uemura Kenichiro , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: May 2021

Background/Purpose

Appropriate preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is extremely important in patients with operable malignant perihilar biliary strictures. The aim of this study was to clarify the utility of inside stents in PBD.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients with malignant perihilar biliary stricture who underwent endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) as the first PBD method were enrolled. Biliary stenting was performed in 61 patients during the study course (41 patients—inside stent implanted in the bile duct; 20 patients—conventional stent placed across the papilla of Vater). Twenty patients continued ENBD until surgery. Treatment outcomes were compared among the three groups.

Results

The re‐intervention rate was significantly lower in the inside stent group than in the conventional stent group and ENBD group (9.8% vs 40% and 35%, P = .013 and .030, respectively), and the time to re‐intervention was also significantly longer (log‐rank: P = .004 and .041, respectively). Of the five patients in the inside stent group who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, only one required re‐intervention. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications among the three groups.

Conclusions

The inside stent may be a useful PBD method for patients with malignant perihilar biliary stricture.
Structural characteristics of coiled-coil regions in AF10-DOT1L and AF10-inhibitory peptide complex
Authors: Zhou Zhechong , Kang Sisi , Huang Zhaoxia , Zhou Ziliang , Chen Shoudeng
Published: May 2021

The interaction of the solo H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1-like (DOT1L) and its regulatory factor ALL1-fused gene from chromosome 10 protein (AF10) is crucial for the transcription of developmental genes such as HOXA in acute leukemia. The octapeptide motif and leucine zipper region of AF10 is responsible for binding DOT1L and catalyzing H3K79 monomethylation to demethylation. However, the characteristics of the mechanism between DOT1L and AF10 are not clear. Here, we present the crystal structures of coiled-coil regions of DOT1L-AF10 and AF10-inhibitory peptide, demonstrating the inhibitory peptide could form a compact complex with AF10 via a different recognition pattern. Furthermore, an inhibitory peptide with structure-based optimization is identified and decreases the HOXA gene expression in a human cell line. Our studies provide an innovative pharmacologic basis for therapeutic intervention in leukemia.
Gene expression analysis of subchondral bone, cartilage, and synovium in naturally occurring equine palmar/plantar osteochondral disease
Authors: Turlo Agnieszka J. , McDermott Benjamin T. , Barr Elizabeth D. , Riggs Chris M. , Boyde Alan , Pinchbeck Gina L. , Clegg Peter D.
Published: May 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the entire joint but the relationship between pathological events in various joint tissues is poorly understood. We examined concurrent changes in bone, cartilage, and synovium in a naturally occurring equine model of joint degeneration. Joints (n = 64) were grossly assessed for palmar/plantar osteochondral disease (POD) in racehorses that required euthanasia for unrelated reasons and assigned a grade of 0 (n = 34), 1 (n = 17), 2 or 3 (n = 13) using a recognized grading scheme. Synovium, cartilage, and subchondral bone were collected for histological and gene expression analysis. Relations between POD grade, cartilage histological score, and gene expression levels were examined using one‐way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficient with corrections for multiple comparisons. Cartilage histological score increased in joints with POD grade 1 (p = 0.002) and 2 or 3 (p < 0.001) compared to 0. At grade 1, expression of COL1A1, COL2A1, and MMP1 increased and BGN decreased in subchondral bone while expression of BGN and ACAN decreased in cartilage. These changes further progressed at grades 2 and 3. POD grades 2 and 3 were associated with decreased expression of osteoclast inhibitor OPG and increased markers of cartilage degeneration (MMP13, COL1A1). Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor decreased with POD grade and negatively correlated with cartilage histological score. Synovium showed no histological or transcriptomic changes related to pathology grade. Cartilage degeneration in POD is likely to be secondary to remodeling of the subchondral bone. Limited activation of proinflammatory and catabolic genes and moderate synovial pathology suggests distinct molecular phenotype of POD compared with OA.
Shifting cultivation, soil degradation, and agricultural land‐use planning in the northeastern hill region of India using geo‐spatial techniques
Authors: Ray Prasenjit , Chattaraj Sudipta , Bandyopadhyay Siladitya , Jena Roomesh K. , Singh Surendra K. , Ray Sanjay K.
Published: May 2021

Shifting cultivation is widely practiced in the northeastern hill (NEH) region of India. It is known that the destruction of natural forests and its conversion to cropland leads to soil resource degradation. The impacts on soil due to jhuming (jhum practice followed in shifting cultivation) have not been studied adequately. Also, study of alternatives to jhum land use is lacking. In our study, a soil resource inventory of jhum lands was generated for a part of the Purvanchal Ranges of Eastern Himalaya, India to ascertain the nature of soil resource degradation due to jhuming using geo‐spatial techniques. High‐resolution IRS P6 LISS‐IV and stereo‐pair CARTOSAT‐I satellite images along with digital elevation model data were used to map soil resources of jhum lands through a detailed soil survey. Typical pedons were also studied in the native forest adjacent to the jhum lands. Further, land suitability evaluation of the identified soil series for crop growth was carried out to propose alternative land‐use models for jhum lands distributed over different landforms. Results indicated that soils of jhum lands were organically degraded and followed regressive pedogenesis, whereas forest soils followed progressive pedogenesis, particularly on high (650–1250 masl) and medium hills (250–650 masl). Alternaive land‐use models with the inclusion of upland rice and without the inclusion of rice have been proposed. Results of the investigation should be useful for policy makers to seeking make the best use of the land resources under jhum cultivation.
The advanced practitioners’ perspective. Exploring the decision‐making process between musculoskeletal advanced practitioners and their patients: An interpretive phenomenological study
Authors: Thompson Jonathan , Gabriel Lynne , Yoward Samantha , Dawson Pamela
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Advanced practice roles for allied health professionals continue to expand and provide key services within pathways of care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Despite the extensive utilisation of these roles and previously reported high patient satisfaction, little is understood about how these practitioners interact with their patients and the factors that influence decision‐making conversations.

Study

A qualitative study utilised Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the decision‐making process occurring between Advanced Practitioners (APs) and their patients in a musculoskeletal service. AP data were collected through focus groups and analysed using IPA methodology.

Conclusions

Advanced practice decision‐making is a complex process and APs exhibit a range of styles, from paternalistic to shared decision‐making. APs may have a personal preference, but exhibit the ability to flex between styles in consultations. Multiple themes emerged from the data that influenced the decision‐making process, including AP staff understanding the importance of patient expectations and the complex factors that influence patient interactions. It is important that clinicians have an awareness of the multiple factors that contribute to the decision‐making process.
Quantitative platform for accurate and reproducible assessment of transverse (T2) relaxation time
Authors: Radunsky Dvir , Stern Neta , Nassar Jannette , Tsarfaty Galia , Blumenfeld‐Katzir Tamar , Ben‐Eliezer Noam
Published: May 2021

MRI's transverse relaxation time (T2) is sensitive to tissues' composition and pathological state. While variations in T2 values can be used as clinical biomarkers, it is challenging to quantify this parameter in vivo due to the complexity of the MRI signal model, differences in protocol implementations, and hardware imperfections. Herein, we provide a detailed analysis of the echo modulation curve (EMC) platform, offering accurate and reproducible mapping of T2 values, from 2D multi‐slice multi‐echo spin‐echo (MESE) protocols.

Computer simulations of the full Bloch equations are used to generate an advanced signal model, which accounts for stimulated echoes and transmit field (B1+) inhomogeneities. In addition to quantifying T2 values, the EMC platform also provides proton density (PD) maps, and fat‐water fraction maps. The algorithm's accuracy, reproducibility, and insensitivity to T1 values are validated on a phantom constructed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and on in vivo human brains.

EMC‐derived T2 maps show excellent agreement with ground truth values for both in vitro and in vivo models. Quantitative values are accurate and stable across scan settings and for the physiological range of T2 values, while showing robustness to main field (B0) inhomogeneities, to variations in T1 relaxation time, and to magnetization transfer. Extension of the algorithm to two‐component fitting yields accurate fat and water T2 maps along with their relative fractions, similar to a reference three‐point Dixon technique.

Overall, the EMC platform allows to generate accurate and stable T2 maps, with a full brain coverage using a standard MESE protocol and at feasible scan times. The utility of EMC‐based T2 maps was demonstrated on several clinical applications, showing robustness to variations in other magnetic properties. The algorithm is available online as a full stand‐alone package, including an intuitive graphical user interface.
Biological changes in the pregnancy‐postpartum period and subsequent cardiometabolic risk—UPSIDE MOMS: A research protocol
Authors: Groth Susan W. , Fernandez I. Diana , Block Robert C. , Thurston Sally W. , Wong Eunyoung , Brunner Jessica , Mayo Nicole , Kapula Ntemena , Yu Yang , Meng Ying , Yeh Kuan‐Lin , Kinkade Carolyn W. , Thornburg Loralei L. , O'Connor Thomas G. , Barrett Emily S.
Published: May 2021

Multiple physiological changes occur in pregnancy as a woman's body adapts to support the growing fetus. These pregnancy‐induced changes are essential for fetal growth, but the extent to which they reverse after pregnancy remains in question. For some women, physiological changes persist after pregnancy and may increase long‐term cardiometabolic disease risk. The National Institutes of Health‐funded study described in this protocol addresses a scientific gap by characterizing weight and biological changes during pregnancy and an extended postpartum period in relation to cardiometabolic risk. We use a longitudinal repeated measures design to prospectively examine maternal health from early pregnancy until 3 years postpartum. The aims are: (1) identify maternal weight profiles in the pregnancy‐postpartum period that predict adverse cardiometabolic risk profiles three years postpartum; (2) describe immune, endocrine, and metabolic biomarker profiles in the pregnancy‐postpartum period, and determine their associations with cardiometabolic risk; and (3) determine how modifiable postpartum health behaviors (diet, physical activity, breastfeeding, sleep, stress) (a) predict weight and cardiometabolic risk in the postpartum period; and (b) moderate associations between postpartum weight retention and downstream cardiometabolic risk. The proposed sample is 250 women. This study of mothers is conducted in conjunction with the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development study, which examines child health outcomes. Biological and behavioral data are collected in each trimester and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postpartum. Findings will inform targeted health strategies that promote health and reduce cardiometabolic risk in childbearing women.
Caregiver's difficulty paying child's healthcare bills and bullying victimization of adolescents with physical disabilities
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Choi Mi‐Jin , Kim Isak , Algood Carl L. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Rose Chad A.
Published: May 2021

Guided by the ecological systems perspective, the objective of the study was to examine whether caregivers' difficulty paying their child's health‐care bills is associated with bullying victimization directly and indirectly through the mediating mechanisms of caregivers' frustration, adolescents' internalizing problems, and social difficulty focusing on adolescents with physical disabilities. The 2019 National Survey of Children's Health dataset, which collected data on adolescents' and caregivers' demographic characteristics and health and well‐being, was used. The study sample consisted of 368 caregivers of adolescents, 12–17 years of age with physical disabilities. No direct association between caregivers' difficulty paying their child's health‐care bills and bullying victimization was found. However, caregivers' frustration and adolescents' internalizing problems were shown to have an indirect association with bullying victimization, which was mediated by difficulty making friends. In addition, adolescents' difficulty making friends was positively associated with bullying victimization. Practitioners working with adolescents with physical disabilities are encouraged to foster collaborative processes across various ecological systems of the adolescent and family to address caregivers' frustration and promote positive social and emotional development of the adolescent with physical disabilities, which can decrease their risk of bullying victimization.
Street‐level bureaucrats in a relational state: The case of Bougainville
Authors: Peake Gordon , Forsyth Miranda
Published: May 2021

We explore how street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) as ‘agents of the state’ operate in circumstances where there is very little state, at least as state form is understood in the context in which street‐level bureaucracy theorising has developed. Using the example of post‐conflict Bougainville, we suggest SLBs actually construct the state through their wide‐flung and deep networks of relationality. We propose that SLBs in the majority world may be helpfully understood through utilising two different lenses of the state, both of which tell an accurate but only partial story. The first lens is the edifice of the Weberian or Bureaucratic state and the second lens is that we term the Relational state. We illustrate how these two lenses together provide a more complete understanding and analytical insights into the role of SLBs through drawing upon our empirical data.
Use of negative controls in a prescription sequence symmetry analysis to reduce time‐varying bias
Authors: Vouri Scott Martin , Jiang Xinyi , Morris Earl J. , Brumback Babette A. , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

There is an increased use in the (prescription) sequence symmetry analysis (PSSA); however, limited studies have incorporated a negative control, and no study has formally quantified and controlled for within‐patient time‐varying bias using a negative control. Our aim was to develop a process to incorporate the effect of negative controls into the main analysis of a PSSA.

Methods

Using a previously assessed dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (DH‐CCB) and loop diuretic PSSA, we directly compared the adjusted sequence ratios (aSRs) of DH‐CCBs to each of the two negative control index drugs (levothyroxine and angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor/angiotensin‐2 receptor blocker [ARB]) using the ratio of the aSRs to estimate a relative aSR with a Z test. Further, we utilized the relative aSR in stratum‐specific analyses and varying exposure windows.

Results

The relative aSR of DH‐CCBs decreased from 1.87 to 1.72 (95% CI 1.66–1.78) using levothyroxine as a negative control index drug. ACE inhibitor/ARB negative control index drug resulted in an aSR of 1.27 thus reducing the relative aSR for DH‐CBB from 1.84 to 1.45 (95% CI 1.41–1.49). When restricting the exposure window to 180 and 90 days, the relative aSR of DH‐CCBs increased to 1.68 (95% CI 1.62–1.74) and 1.86 (95% CI 1.78–1.94), respectively, relative to the ACE inhibitor/ARB negative control index drug.

Conclusion

We illustrated how to incorporate negative control index drugs into a PSSA and generate relative aSRs. Stratum‐specific assessments and varying the exposure windows while using negative control index drugs can yield more informative results.
Reduced alternative insulin dosing in hyperkalemia: A meta‐analysis of effects on hypoglycemia and potassium reduction
Authors: Moussavi Kayvan , Garcia Joshua , Tellez‐Corrales Eglis , Fitter Scott
Published: May 2021

Study Objective

Recent studies have identified that reduced alternative intravenous insulin doses, such as 5 units or 0.1 units/kg, may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia compared to standard doses of 10 units in patients treated for hyperkalemia. However, some studies suggest that these alternative doses may reduce the ability to lower serum potassium. This study was performed to determine the impact of alternative insulin dosing on hypoglycemia and potassium reduction in patients with hyperkalemia.

Design

Meta‐analysis.

Data Source

PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Ovid, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception through November 2020.

Patients

Patients treated with standard (10 units) or alternative (<10 units) insulin dosing strategies for hyperkalemia. Only studies that evaluated hypoglycemia (serum glucose <70 mg/dl), severe hypoglycemia (serum glucose <50 mg/dl), and potassium reduction post‐treatment were included in the meta‐analysis. All articles were assessed for bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and Newcastle‐Ottawa scales for randomized prospective trials and retrospective trials, respectively.

Intervention

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Ten retrospective cohort studies (n = 3437) were included and had low‐ or moderate‐risk of bias. Alternative insulin dosing strategies included 5 units, 0.1 units/kg, and <10 units. Alternative dosing had lower pooled odds of hypoglycemia (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43–0.69, I2 = 8%) and severe hypoglycemia (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27–0.64, I2 = 0%). No difference in potassium reduction was detected (mean difference −0.02 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.11–0.07, I2 = 53%).

Conclusions

Alternative insulin dosing strategies for hyperkalemia management resulted in less hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemia without compromising potassium reduction compared to standard dose. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Preparation of oleic acid–carboxymethylcellulose sodium composite vesicle and its application in encapsulating nicotinamide
Authors: Guo Xiangnan , Yang Jisheng
Published: May 2021

Fatty acid vesicles are a kind of natural biological material, which have the advantages of good biocompatibility, low cost and easy self‐assembly in aqueous solution. However, vesicles formed of fatty acids have weak pH stability and thermostability, and poor divalent salt resistance, which limit their applications. In this work, the anionic surfactant sodium oleate and the polysaccharide carboxymethylcellulose sodium were mixed to form composite vesicles in a wide pH range, which can be close to the pH range of the physiological environment. The morphology of the composite vesicles was characterized using transmission electron microscopy and the particle size was determined by dynamic light scattering. Forces and aggregation behavior in the formation of the composite vesicles were investigated using surface tension and Fourier transform infrared observations combined with turbidity measurements. The composite vesicles were used to encapsulate nicotinamide. The encapsulation efficiency and sustained release behavior of nicotinamide loaded in the composite vesicles were evaluated. These results can provide theoretical guidance for the application of drug‐loaded vesicles in cosmetics. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Cryptochromes: Photochemical and structural insight into magnetoreception
Authors: Karki Nischal , Vergish Satyam , Zoltowski Brian D.
Published: May 2021

Cryptochromes (CRYs) function as blue light photoreceptors in diverse physiological processes in nearly all kingdoms of life. Over the past several decades, they have emerged as the most likely candidates for light‐dependent magnetoreception in animals, however, a long history of conflicts between in vitro photochemistry and in vivo behavioral data complicate validation of CRYs as a magnetosensor. In this review, we highlight the origins of conflicts regarding CRY photochemistry and signal transduction, and identify recent data that provides clarity on potential mechanisms of signal transduction in magnetoreception. The review primarily focuses on examining differences in photochemistry and signal transduction in plant and animal CRYs, and identifies potential modes of convergent evolution within these independent lineages that may identify conserved signaling pathways.
Structure memes: Intuitive visualization of sequence logo and subfamily logo information in a 3D protein‐structural context
Authors: Beitz Eric
Published: May 2021

The number of available protein sequences covering virtually all known species is tremendous and ever growing due to the feasibility of the underlying nucleotide sequencing. The speed at which protein structures are being determined is increasing, and as a result of refined cryo‐electron microscopy the proportion of solved membrane protein folds is expanding. Sequence data are used to illustrate evolution and to group proteins into families with various levels of subfamilies. Structure data of prototypical proteins provide insight into function brought about by an interplay of specific amino acid residues that are dispersed throughout the sequence. Visually combining rich sequence information with structure data in an intuitively comprehensible way would enhance the process of elucidating key protein aspects regarding evolution, sequence relations, and function. Here, a method is described that projects the information contained in sequence logos and subfamily logos onto protein structures. The amino acid composition at a site is encoded by a mix color in the red‐yellow‐blue space and the information content is presented by the radius of a sphere at the α‐carbon position. The resulting display is termed “structure meme.” The underlying sequence and atom coordinate data are retained in the file for simple retrieval on demand using a molecular structure visualization program. Structure memes are recognizable and convey extensive information in a human‐discernable way that requires little training.
A novel measure to analyze protein structures: Aspect ratio in protein alpha shapes
Authors: Bagci Elife Z. , Senguler‐Ciftci Fatma , Ciftci Unver , Demir Ayhan
Published: May 2021

Proteins' three‐dimensional (3D) structures are analyzed traditionally using geometric descriptors such as torsional angles and inter‐atomic distances. In this study a measure that is borrowed from computational geometry, aspect ratio of each tetrahedron in alpha shapes of proteins, is utilized. This geometric descriptor differentiates alpha and beta structural classes of proteins when combined with principal components analysis. The method converts the structures of individual proteins, 3D coordinates of the atoms, to points on a plane. It has a high degree of accuracy in differentiating R and T structures of hemoglobin. Therefore, it is anticipated that the geometric measure can be used successfully in a method that is extended to solve classification problems in machine learning.
IGPRED: Combination of convolutional neural and graph convolutional networks for protein secondary structure prediction
Authors: Görmez Yasin , Sabzekar Mostafa , Aydın Zafer
Published: May 2021

There is a close relationship between the tertiary structure and the function of a protein. One of the important steps to determine the tertiary structure is protein secondary structure prediction (PSSP). For this reason, predicting secondary structure with higher accuracy will give valuable information about the tertiary structure. Recently, deep learning techniques have obtained promising improvements in several machine learning applications including PSSP. In this article, a novel deep learning model, based on convolutional neural network and graph convolutional network is proposed. PSIBLAST PSSM, HHMAKE PSSM, physico‐chemical properties of amino acids are combined with structural profiles to generate a rich feature set. Furthermore, the hyper‐parameters of the proposed network are optimized using Bayesian optimization. The proposed model IGPRED obtained 89.19%, 86.34%, 87.87%, 85.76%, and 86.54% Q3 accuracies for CullPDB, EVAset, CASP10, CASP11, and CASP12 datasets, respectively.
Global finite‐time control for stochastic continuous nonlinear systems with FT‐SISS inverse dynamics and unknown control coefficients
Authors: Shao Yu , Xu Shengyuan
Published: May 2021

This article focus on the finite‐time control for a class of stochastic continuous nonlinear systems suffered from unknown control coefficients and unmeasured stochastic inverse dynamics. Based on the modified homogeneous domination and adding a power integrator approach, the finite‐time controller is constructed to assure the global finite‐time stability in probability of stochastic continuous nonlinear systems, in which the negative effects generated by unknown control coefficients are dominated by a control gain. In addition, the use of finite‐time stochastic input‐to‐state stability enables us to produce the theoretical analysis of the finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, a simulation example is supplied to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Influence of trimming, hoof angle and shoeing on breakover duration in sound horses examined with hoof‐mounted inertial sensors
Authors: Hagen Jenny , Bos Ramon , Brouwer Joris , Lux Stefan , Jung Franziska Theresa
Published: May 2021

Objective: Aim of the current in vivo, observational study was to investigate the effect of trimming, heel elevation and different types of shoeing on breakover duration (BreakD) with a novel, hoof‐mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor system.

Methods: Ten sound, crossbred horses were examined barefoot before and after trimming fitted with an IMU sensor at the dorsal hoof wall. Additionally, application of 5° heel wedges, plain steel shoes, rolled‐toe shoes and palmarly‐placed quarter‐clip shoes was tested. Horses were guided in a straight line on firm ground. Obtained data were speed corrected prior to calculations testing the influence of different manipulations for their significance on BreakD.

Results: Trimming had no significant influence on BreakD. Heel elevation caused a significant decrease of BreakD in walk and trot. Shoeing with a plain steel shoe resulted in a significant increase in BreakD in walk. This could be rescinded by creating a rolled toe or placing the shoe palmarly.

Conclusion: Obtained results emphasize the use of heel wedges or rolled‐toe and palmarly‐placed shoes to ease breakover in the context of therapeutic shoeing. Hoof‐mounted IMU sensors with high resolution seem to be a practical and valuable approach to accurately examine BreakD and factors influencing this parameter.
Effects of a single oral dose of gabapentin on storm phobia in dogs: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Bleuer‐Elsner Stephane , Medam Tiphaine , Masson Sylvia
Published: May 2021

Background: Storm phobia in companion dogs is a common disorder that significantly impacts dogs' welfare. Gabapentin, the action of which is only partially understood, is widely used for its antiepileptic and analgesic properties. Only recently, the veterinary community began to use gabapentin to address phobia and anxiety in dogs. This study tested gabapentin to lower fear responses of dogs during a thunderstorm event.

Methods: Eighteen dogs suffering from storm phobia completed our double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Each dog's behaviour was evaluated twice by his owner: once under placebo, once under gabapentin. The treatment was orally administered at least 90 min before the exposure. Gabapentin was given at a dose ranging from 25 to 30 mg/kg.

Results: Our results indicate a significant reduction of the fear responses of dogs under gabapentin. The adverse effects were rare, and the most frequent amongst them was ataxia.

Conclusion: In this trial, gabapentin appears to be an efficient and safe molecule that should be considered as part of the treatment plan of storm phobia in dogs.
Practising with an obstetric box and a dummy improves students’ confidence in performing obstetric procedures involving large animals
Authors: Ferreira Mayara Fonseca , de Araújo Sampaio Lima Rafaela , de Souza Amaral Rodrigo
Published: May 2021

Background: Usually, the teaching process of eutocia and dystocia on large animals is supported by the use of photographs, videos, animations and texts with descriptions of the births and the difficulties of delivery, being not enough to provide an effective experiential learning process in veterinary obstetrics. This study aimed to evaluate the learning and the student's perception of the impact of using an obstetric box and an articulated dummy as a teaching resource in a dynamic game methodology on learning obstetric diagnoses and procedures.

Methods: Veterinary students attended a theoretical class about foetal disposition and obstetrics manoeuvres and later attended a practical class about the same topic using an obstetric box and an articulated foal dummy. All students were evaluated by questionnaires and tests after each class addressing the topics of the objectives of this study.

Results: The teaching methodologies facilitated students’ understanding of how to perform obstetric manoeuvres and significantly increased their test scores and their confidence to execute obstetric procedures in a real professional situation in the future.

Conclusion: The use of obstetric box and dummy combined with a dynamic game methodology in practical classes stimulated the students’ learning process and helped graduate more confident professionals.
Thermomicrofluidics for biosensing applications
Authors: Tian Fei , Han Ziwei , Deng Jinqi , Liu Chao , Sun Jiashu
Published: May 2021

The accurate detection of biological systems containing biomolecules and bioparticles is increasingly important in diverse research fields, particularly in analytical and biological chemistry. Implementing thermophoresis in microfluidic devices (thermomicrofluidics) enables the manipulation and measurement of biomolecules and bioparticles in a label‐free and high‐precision manner, providing a promising avenue for biosensing. This review presents fundamentals of thermophoresis and its coupling with other thermal‐induced physical phenomena in the microfluidic setups. We overview the capabilities of thermomicrofluidics for diverse biosensing applications such as monitoring of biomolecular interactions, detection of nucleic acids, profiling of extracellular vesicles, and manipulation of cells. Biosensing by thermomicrofluidics provides insights into physiopathological processes and disease diagnostics. Current challenges and further directions of thermomicrofluidic detection are discussed.
A milk‐line sampling system to detect foodborne pathogens: A field case investigation from the United States and Argentina
Authors: Farcey Florencia , Bartolome Julian , Roeschmann Carlos , Chaves Javier , Naikare Hemant K. , Melendez Pedro
Published: May 2021

The objective of this short communication was to discuss two field case investigations to determine the usefulness of a milk‐line sampling device to detect bacteria either coming from a group of cows suffering from mastitis or from the milking line potentially contaminated with environmental bacteria. In Case 1, the in‐line sampling device was able to detect certain segments of the milk‐line contaminated with environmental bacteria, but not coming from the cows. In Case 2, 19 out of 25 pooled in‐line samples were in agreement with at least one of the individual sampled cows shedding either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus spp. or both, which accounted for 76% accordance between both methods. The in‐line system, although not perfect, provided a reliable method to detect individual cows shedding mastitis‐causing organisms. In conclusion, the milk‐line sampling device system was able to help identify foodborne pathogens. Regular monitoring of the microbial quality of milk through a milk‐line sampling device is recommended for groups of cows within the dairy herd to detect potential mastitis‐causing microorganisms. Furthermore, the sampling device was an effective tool to screen the efficacy of cleaning and disinfecting mechanisms of the milk lines to identify and control potential foodborne pathogens that are collected in the bulk tank.
Lumpy skin disease outbreak in cattle population of Chattogram, Bangladesh
Authors: Hasib Farazi Muhammad Yasir , Islam Mohammad Sirazul , Das Tridip , Rana Eaftekhar Ahmed , Uddin Mohammad Helal , Bayzid Mohammad , Nath Chandan , Hossain Mohammad Alamgir , Masuduzzaman Mohammad , Das Shubhagata , Alim Mohammad Abdul
Published: May 2021

Background

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an important viral disease causing significant economic losses in commercial livestock production. In mid‐2019, an outbreak of LSD has been reported in cattle population from different parts of Bangladesh including Chattogram division. A cross‐sectional surveillance study was undertaken from August 2019 to December 2019 to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of LSD in cattle in Chattogram district.

Methods

A total of 3,327 cattle from 19 commercial farms were examined for the LSD specific skin lesions and associated risk factors. A total of 120 skin biopsies were collected from the suspected animal for the confirmation of the disease using molecular detection and histopathological examination. Partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed on selected viral isolates.

Results

The overall clinical prevalence of LSD in the study population was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.4%–11%) where the highest farm level outbreak frequency was 63.33% (95% CI: 45.51%–78.13%) and the lowest 4.22% (95% CI: 3.39%–5.25%). Crossbred and female cattle showed a significantly higher prevalence of the disease compared to their counterparts. Introduction of new animals in farms was found to be one of the most significant risk factors in the transmission of the disease. All suspected skin biopsies were positive for LSD virus (LSDV) infection with granulomatous and pyogranulomatous dermatitis was revealed on histopathology. Phylogenetic analysis based on the inverted terminal repeat region of the LSDV gene suggested that the locally circulating strain was closely related to the strains isolated from the Middle East and North African countries.

Conclusions

The data generated in this study would be beneficial to the field veterinarians and animal health decision makers in the country as well as it will aid in taking appropriate measures to prevent further relapse or outbreak of this disease in future.
Gastric dilatation‐volvulus in two North American river otters (Lontra canadensis)
Authors: O Cummings Charles , Pirie Gordon , Sasaki Emi , Wakamatsu Nobuku
Published: May 2021

Two adult, zoo‐housed, North American river otters (Lontra canadensis), a male and a female, presented emergently for profound lethargy. The second case had abdominal distension with tympany, tachypnoea, tachycardia and poor pulse quality noted. A single radiograph from that case showed dilated bowel loops and a caudodorsally‐deviated gastric axis but lacked the characteristic compartmentalized gas appearance common in canine gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV). Unfortunately, both animals died within approximately an hour, before other treatments or surgery could be performed. Necropsy in both cases revealed a 180‐degree volvulus of the stomach, resulting in infarcts to the gastric wall. In this first report of GDV in otters, both cases were from the same institution, 10 years apart, which suggests GDV may not be an uncommon presentation in otters. Consequential diagnostic and treatment delays may occur if veterinarians are not aware of the not‐so‐remote possibility of GDV occurring in otters.