bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurochemical Characterization of Brainstem Pro-Opiomelanocortin Cells
Authors: Georgescu Teodora , Lyons David , Doslikova Barbora , Garcia Ana Paula , Marston Oliver , Burke Luke K , Chianese Raffaella , Lam Brian Y H , Yeo Giles S H , Rochford Justin J , Garfield Alastair S , Heisler Lora K 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Genetic research has revealed pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) to be a fundamental regulator of energy balance and body weight in mammals. Within the brain, POMC is primarily expressed in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), while a smaller population exists in the brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (POMCNTS). We performed a neurochemical characterization of this understudied population of POMC cells using transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of a POMC promoter/enhancer (PomceGFP). Expression of endogenous Pomc mRNA in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) PomceGFP cells was confirmed using fluorescence-activating cell sorting (FACS) followed by quantitative PCR. In situ hybridization histochemistry of endogenous Pomc mRNA and immunohistochemical analysis of eGFP revealed that POMC is primarily localized within the caudal NTS. Neurochemical analysis indicated that POMCNTS is not co-expressed with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nesfatin, nitric oxide synthase 1 (nNOS), seipin, or choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) cells, whereas 100% of POMCNTS is co-expressed with transcription factor paired-like homeobox2b (Phox2b). We observed that 20% of POMCNTS cells express receptors for adipocyte hormone leptin (LepRbs) using a PomceGFP:LepRbCre:tdTOM double-reporter line. Elevations in endogenous or exogenous leptin levels increased the in vivo activity (c-FOS) of a small subset of POMCNTS cells. Using ex vivo slice electrophysiology, we observed that this effect of leptin on POMCNTS cell activity is postsynaptic. These findings reveal that a subset of POMCNTS cells are responsive to both changes in energy status and the adipocyte hormone leptin, findings of relevance to the neurobiology of obesity.
Estrogen Stimulation of Pleiotrophin Enhances Osteoblast Differentiation and Maintains Bone Mass in IGFBP-2 Null Mice
Authors: Xi Gang , Demambro Victoria E , D’Costa Susan , Xia Shalier K , Cox Zach C , Rosen Clifford J , Clemmons David R 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) stimulates osteoblast differentiation but only male Igfbp2 null mice have a skeletal phenotype. The trophic actions of IGFBP-2 in bone are mediated through its binding to receptor tyrosine phosphatase beta (RPTPβ). Another important ligand for RPTPβ is pleiotrophin (PTN), which also stimulates osteoblast differentiation. We determined the change in PTN and RPTPβ in Igfbp2–/– mice. Analysis of whole bone mRNA in wild-type and knockout mice revealed increased expression of Ptn. Rptpβ increased in gene-deleted animals with females having greater expression than males. Knockdown of PTN expression in osteoblasts in vitro inhibited differentiation, and addition of PTN to the incubation medium rescued the response. Estradiol stimulated PTN secretion and PTN knockdown blocked estradiol-stimulated differentiation. PTN addition to IGFBP-2 silenced osteoblast stimulated differentiation, and an anti-fibronectin-3 antibody, which inhibits PTN binding to RPTPβ, inhibited this response. Estrogen stimulated PTN secretion and downstream signaling in the IGFBP-2 silenced osteoblasts and these effects were inhibited with anti-fibronectin-3. Administration of estrogen to wild-type and Igfbp2–/– male mice stimulated an increase in both areal bone mineral density and trabecular bone volume fraction but the increase was significantly greater in the Igfbp2–/– animals. Estrogen also stimulated RPTPβ expression in the null mice. We conclude that loss of IGFBP-2 expression is accompanied by upregulation of PTN and RPTPβ expression in osteoblasts, that the degree of increase is greater in females due to estrogen secretion, and that this compensatory change may account for some component of the maintenance of normal bone mass in female mice.
ADAPT-2: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Reduce Intraoperative EEG Suppression in Older Surgical Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Tang Christopher J. , Jin Zhongnan , Sands Laura P. , Pleasants Devon , Tabatabai Sanam , Hong Yili , Leung Jacqueline M. 
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND:
Recent limited evidence suggests that the use of a processed electroencephalographic (EEG) monitor to guide anesthetic management may influence postoperative cognitive outcomes; however, the mechanism is unclear.

METHODS:
This exploratory, single-center, randomized clinical trial included patients who were ≥65 years of age undergoing elective noncardiac surgery. The study aimed to determine whether monitoring the brain using a processed EEG monitor reduced EEG suppression and subsequent postoperative delirium. The interventional group received processed EEG-guided anesthetic management to keep the Patient State Index (PSI) above 35 computed by the SEDline Brain Function Monitor (Masimo, Inc, Irvine, CA), while the standard care group was also monitored, but the EEG data were blinded from the clinicians. The primary outcome was intraoperative EEG suppression. A secondary outcome was incident postoperative delirium during the first 3 days after surgery.

RESULTS:
All outcomes were analyzed using the intention-to-treat paradigm. Two hundred and four patients with a mean age of 72 ± 5 years were studied. Minutes of EEG suppression adjusted by the length of surgery was found to be less for the interventional group than the standard care group (median [interquartile range], 1.4% [5.0%] and 2.5% [10.4%]; Hodges-Lehmann estimated median difference [95% confidence interval {CI}] of −0.8% [−2.1 to −0.000009]). The effect of the intervention on EEG suppression differed for those with and without preoperative cognitive impairment (interaction P = .01), with the estimated incidence rate ratio (95% CI) of 0.39 (0.33–0.44) for those with preoperative cognitive impairment and 0.48 (0.44–0.51) for those without preoperative cognitive impairment. The incidence of delirium was not found to be different between the interventional (17%) and the standard care groups (20%), risk ratio = 0.85 (95% CI, 0.47–1.5).

CONCLUSIONS:
The use of processed EEG to maintain the PSI >35 was associated with less time spent in intraoperative EEG suppression. Preoperative cognitive impairment was associated with a greater percent of surgical time spent in EEG suppression. A larger prospective cohort study to include more cognitively vulnerable patients is necessary to show whether an intervention to reduce EEG suppression is efficacious in reducing postoperative delirium.
Analgesic Effect of Intraoperative Intravenous S-Ketamine in Opioid-Naïve Patients After Major Lumbar Fusion Surgery Is Temporary and Not Dose-Dependent: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Brinck Elina C. V. , Maisniemi Kreu , Kankare Jyrki , Tielinen Laura , Tarkkila Pekka , Kontinen Vesa K. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Severe pain often accompanies major spine surgery. Opioids are the cornerstone of postoperative pain management but their use can be limited by numerous side effects. Several studies claim that adjuvant treatment with intravenous (IV) ketamine reduces opioid consumption and pain after back surgery. However, the exact role of ketamine for this indication is yet to be elucidated. We compared 2 different doses of S-ketamine with placebo on postoperative analgesic consumption, pain, and adverse events in adult, opioid-naïve patients after lumbar fusion surgery.

METHODS:
One hundred ninety-eight opioid-naïve patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery were recruited to this double-blind trial and randomly assigned into 3 study groups: Group C (placebo) received a preincisional IV bolus of saline (sodium chloride [NaCl] 0.9%) followed by an intraoperative IV infusion of NaCl 0.9%. Both groups K2 and K10 received a preincisional IV bolus of S-ketamine (0.5 mg/kg); in group K2, this was followed by an intraoperative IV infusion of S-ketamine (0.12 mg/kg/h), while in group K10, it was followed by an intraoperative IV infusion of S-ketamine (0.6 mg/kg/h). Postoperative analgesia was achieved by an IV patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) device delivering oxycodone. The primary end point was cumulative oxycodone consumption at 48 hours after surgery. The secondary end points included postoperative pain up to 2 years after surgery, adverse events, and level of sedation and confusion in the immediate postoperative period.

RESULTS:
The median [interquartile range (IQR)] cumulative oxycodone consumption at 48 hours was 154.5 [120] mg for group K2, 160 [109] mg for group K10, and 178.5 [176] mg for group C. The estimated difference was −24 mg between group K2 and group C (97.5% confidence interval [CI], −73.8 to 31.5; P = .170) and −18.5 mg between group K10 and C (97.5% CI, 78.5–29.5; P = .458). There were no significant differences between groups.
Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in both ketamine treatment groups at the fourth postoperative hour but not later during the 2-year study period.
The higher ketamine dose was associated with more sedation. Otherwise, differences in the occurrence of adverse events between study groups were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS:
Neither a 0.12 nor a 0.6 mg/kg/h infusion of intraoperative IV S-ketamine was superior to the placebo in reducing oxycodone consumption at 48 hours after lumbar fusion surgery in an opioid-naïve adult study population. Future studies should assess ketamine’s feasibility in specific study populations who most benefit from reduced opioid consumption.
A Single Prophylactic Dose of Ondansetron Given at Cessation of Postoperative Propofol Sedation Decreases Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Erica H. Z. , Sunderland Sarah , Edwards Nicola Y. , Chima Navraj S. , Yarnold Cynthia H. , Schwarz Stephan K. W. , Coley Matthew A. 
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND:
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common occurrence after cardiac surgery. However, in contrast to other surgical populations, routine PONV prophylaxis is not a standard of care in cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that routine administration of a single prophylactic dose of ondansetron (4 mg) at the time of stopping postoperative propofol sedation before extubation in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit would decrease the incidence of PONV.

METHODS:
With institutional human ethics board approval and written informed consent, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in patients ≥19 years of age with no history of PONV undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV in the first 24 hours postextubation, compared by the χ2 test. Secondary outcomes included the incidence and times to first dose of rescue antiemetic treatment administration, the incidence of headaches, and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias.

RESULTS:
PONV within the first 24 hours postextubation occurred in 33 of 77 patients (43%) in the ondansetron group versus 50 of 82 patients (61%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.70 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.51–0.95]; absolute risk difference, −18% [95% CI, −33 to −2]; number needed to treat, 5.5 [95% CI, 3.0–58.4]; χ2 test, P = .022). Kaplan-Meier “survival” analysis of the times to first rescue antiemetic treatment administration over 24 hours indicated that patients in the ondansetron group fared better than those in the placebo group (log-rank [Mantel-Cox] test; P = .028). Overall, 32 of 77 patients (42%) in the ondansetron group received rescue antiemetic treatment over the first 24 hours postextubation versus 47 of 82 patients (57%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.52–1.00]; absolute risk difference, −16% [95% CI, −31 to 1]); P = .047. There were no significant differences between the groups in the incidence of postoperative headache (ondansetron group, 5 of 77 patients [6%] versus placebo group, 4 of 82 patients [5%]; Fisher exact test; P = .740) or ventricular arrhythmias (ondansetron group, 2 of 77 patients [3%] versus placebo group, 4 of 82 patients [5%]; P = .68).

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings support the routine administration of ondansetron prophylaxis at the time of discontinuation of postoperative propofol sedation before extubation in patients following cardiac surgery. Further research is warranted to optimize PONV prophylaxis in cardiac surgery patients.
Membrane mucins of the intestine at a glance
Authors: Pelaseyed Thaher , Hansson Gunnar C. 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
Membrane mucins cover most mucosal surfaces throughout the human body. The intestine harbors complex population of microorganisms (the microbiota) and numerous exogenous molecules that can harm the epithelium. In the colon, where the microbial burden is high, a mucus barrier forms the first line of defense by keeping bacteria away from the epithelial cells. In the small intestine where the mucus layer is less organized, microbes are kept at bay by peristalsis and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, a dense glycocalyx consisting of extended and heavily glycosylated membrane mucins covers the surface of enterocytes. Whereas many aspects of mucosal barriers are being discovered, the function of membrane mucins remains a largely overlooked topic, mainly because we lack the necessary reagents and experimental animal models to investigate these large glycoproteins. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we highlight central concepts of membrane mucin biology and the role of membrane mucins as integral components of intestinal mucosal barriers. We also present the current consensus concerning the role of membrane mucins in host–microbe interactions. Moreover, we discuss how regulatory circuits that govern membrane mucins in the healthy gut display strong overlap with pathways that are perturbed during chronic inflammation. Finally, we review how dysregulation of intestinal membrane mucins may contribute to human diseases, such as inflammation and cancer.
Early Disclosure of Invention and Reduced Duplication: An Empirical Test
Authors: Lück Sonja , Balsmeier Benjamin , Seliger Florian , Fleming Lee 
Published: March 2020

Much work on innovation strategy assumes or theorizes that competition in innovation elicits duplication of research and that disclosure decreases such duplication. We validate this empirically using the American Inventors Protection Act (AIPA), three complementary identification strategies, and a new measure of blocked future patent applications. We show that AIPA—intended to reduce duplication, through default disclosure of patent applications 18 months after filing—reduced duplication in the U.S. and European patent systems. The blocking measure provides a clear and micro measure of technological competition that can be aggregated to facilitate the empirical investigation of innovation, firm strategy, and the positive and negative externalities of patenting. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Challenges faced by nurses in complying with aseptic non-touch technique principles during wound care: a review
Authors: Sonoiki Temi , Young Julie , Alexis Obrey 
Published: March 2020

Background:Surgical and wound site infections (SWSIs) are the second most frequent type of healthcare-associated Infection. One way of preventing SWSIs is by adhering to the principles of asepsis. However, many nurses struggle to apply the principles of aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) during wound management.Aim:To identify the barriers and enablers that influence nurses' adherence to the principles of ANTT during wound care.Method:A literature search using a systematic approach was carried out. Four databases were searched to identify relevant studies published between January 1993 and December 2018. Titles and abstracts were reviewed. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed for quality. The extracted data were then synthesised.Findings:A total of seven studies fulfilled the requirements for inclusion. Three themes emerged and were found to be the most dominant factors influencing adherence to the principles of ANTT: material and resources, nurse education, and nurses' behaviour.Conclusion:Nurses' compliance with aseptic practice is directly influenced by environmental and psychological factors. Ensuring compliance to ANTT may require an integrated approach involving local, national and worldwide organisations, in collaboration with higher education institutions that teach nurses and similar healthcare professionals.
The study on the influence of oxidation degree and temperature on the viscosity of biodiesel
Authors: Wang Shuang , Sui Meng , Luo Huilong , Li Fashe , Zhai Yuling 
Published: March 2020

AbstractJatropha curcas biodiesel was taken as the research object, studied the single and compound effects of oxidation degree and temperature on kinematic viscosity of biodiesel, and established a mathematical model. The results indicate that the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel decreases gradually with the increase of temperature, and the mathematical model affected by the single factor of temperature is η = e(A + Bt + Ct2) . The kinematic viscosity of biodiesel increases with the increase of oxidation time. The regression equation between kinematic viscosity and conductivity is established as follows: η = A + Bμ. It is found that the influence of temperature on the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel is much greater than that of oxidation, and the higher the temperature, the lower the influence of oxidation on the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel. Through the analysis of the influence weight of two factors and the change rate of kinematic viscosity, it is found that with the increase of temperature, the effect of conductivity on the change rate of kinematic viscosity of biodiesel is positive, but the influence decreases gradually. The relationship between kinematic viscosity, temperature and oxidation
Diagnostic value of the candidate microRNAs in thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples
Authors: Mahmoudian-Sani Mohammad-Reza , Amrollahi-Sharifabadi Maryam , Taheri Abdolmajid , Hosseini Seyed Masih , Tahmasebi Kamran , Mobini Gholam-Reza 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Thyroid cancer (TC) is known to be the most common endocrine malignancy with an incidence rate which has increased by 2.3-fold over the past 30 years. Approximately, 30% of the thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) outcomes are indecisive. Moreover, researchers recognized multiple differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) as candidate diagnostic markers for thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to identify thyroid tumor-associated miRNAs in FNAB with the capacity to be developed as unique biomarkers.

Materials and methods
According to the study design, a quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to evaluate the expression levels of nine miRNAs (Let7, miR-34a, miR-146b, miR-221, miR-151, miR-155, miR-181b, miR-222 and miR-375) among 224 FNA samples as the training set.

Results
The findings of this study revealed that miR-181b and miR-146b are the best predictors to diagnose benign thyroid FNA samples from malignant samples. However, the remaining miRNAs were co-expressed and had no significant effect on the predictor model. On the other hand, sensitivity and specificity of miR-181b and miR-146b were reported at 83.0%–83.0% and 83.0%–66.0%, respectively.

Conclusions
According to the results of this study, miR-146b and miR-181b might be considered as adjunct markers contributing to thyroid FNAB in tumor types. In addition, miR-146b and miR-181b were recognized as biomarkers for discriminating benign thyroid nodules from malignant ones. It is suggested that further prospective clinical trials be conducted to evaluate the accuracy of such findings in a larger cohort and determine the clinical uses.
Neutrophil and monocyte ratios to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and adiponectin as biomarkers of nascent metabolic syndrome
Authors: Jialal Ishwarlal , Jialal Ganesh , Adams-Huet Beverley , Ramakrishnan Neeraj 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) continues to be a significant problem globally, affecting nearly 35% of adults in the USA. Whilst there is no ideal biomarker that captures this disorder, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) appears to be most widely accepted. We examined the ratios between neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes to high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and adiponectin, two anti-inflammatory proteins, in patients with nascent MetS without the confounding of diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), smoking or lipid therapy to determine if they were also valid biomarkers of MetS.

Materials and methods
Patients with nascent MetS (n = 58) and matched controls (n = 44) were recruited from Sacramento County. Fasting blood samples were obtained for complete blood counts, basic metabolic panel, lipid profile, insulin and adiponectin. Ratios of PMNs and monocytes to HDL-C and adiponectin were calculated and compared statistically.

Results
The PMN:HDL-C, monocyte:HDL-C, PMN:adiponectin and monocyte:adiponectin ratios were significantly increased in patients with MetS and increased with increasing severity of MetS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that both the PMN:HDL-C and monocyte:HDL-C areas under the curve (AUCs) significantly added to the CRP AUC. Also both the ratios correlated with cardio-metabolic features of MetS, hsCRP and insulin resistance.

Conclusions
Our data indicates that ratios of neutrophils and monocytes to HDL-C are significantly increased in patients with nascent MetS and both ratios appear to be better predictors of MetS than hsCRP alone. These important preliminary findings need to be confirmed in large prospective databases.
Research on the interface properties and strengthening–toughening mechanism of nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Liu Yizhang , Jiang Xiaosong , Shi Junli , Luo Yi , Tang Yijuan , Wu Qiong , Luo Zhiping 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Nanocarbon materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, etc.) are considered the ideal toughening phase of ceramic matrix composites because of their unique structures and excellent properties. The strengthening and toughening effect of nanocarbon is attributed to several factors, such as their dispersibility in the matrix, interfacial bonding state with the matrix, and structural alteration. In this paper, the development state of nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites is reviewed based on the preparation methods and basic properties of nanocarbon-reinforced ceramic matrix composites. The assessment is implemented in terms of the influence of the interface bonding condition on the basic properties of ceramic matrix composites and the methods used to improve the interface bonding. Furthermore, the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites are considered. Moreover, the key problems and perspectives of research work relating to nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites are highlighted.