bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms Activating Latent Functions of PIP Aquaporin Water Channels via the Interaction between PIP1 and PIP2 Proteins
Authors: Shibasaka Mineo , Horie Tomoaki , Katsuhara Maki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Plant plasma membrane-type plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) aquaporins are classified into two groups, PIP1s and PIP2s. In this study, we focused on HvPIP1;2, a PIP1 in barley (Hordeum vulgare), to dissect the molecular mechanisms that evoke HvPIP1-mediated water transport. No HvPIP1;2 protein was localized to the plasma membrane when expressed alone in Xenopus laevis oocytes. By contrast, a chimeric HvPIP1;2 protein (HvPIP1;2_24NC), in which the N- and C-terminal regions were replaced with the corresponding regions from HvPIP2;4, was found to localize to the plasma membrane of oocytes. However, HvPIP1;2_24NC showed no water transport activity in swelling assays. These results suggested that the terminal regions of PIP2 proteins direct PIP proteins to the plasma membrane, but the relocalization of PIP1 proteins was not sufficient to PIP1s functionality as a water channel in a membrane. A single amino acid replacement of threonine by methionine in HvPIP2;4 (HvPIP2;4T229M) abolished water transport activity. Co-expression of HvPIP1;2_24NC either with HvPIP2;4_12NC or with HvPIP2;4TM_12NC, in which the N- and C-terminal regions were replaced with the corresponding regions of HvPIP1;2, increased the water transport activity in oocytes. These data provided evidence that the HvPIP1;2 molecule has own water transport activity and an interaction with the middle part of the HvPIP2;4 protein (except for the N- and C-termini) is required for HvPIP1;2 functionality as a water channel. This molecular mechanism could be applied to other PIP1s and PIP2s in addition to the known mechanism that the terminal regions of some PIP2s lead some PIP1s to the plasma membrane.
User Interface and Firsthand Experience in Retail Investing
Authors: Liao Li , Wang Zhengwei , Xiang Jia , Yan Hongjun , Yang Jun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUsing data from a major online peer-to-peer lending platform, we document that, due to time pressure, investors appear to focus on interest rates and only partially account for credit ratings in their decisions. The effect is stronger for mobile-based investors than for PC-based ones. Our evidence suggests that this variation is caused by the difference in information content on the interfaces rather than differences in the devices’ physical attributes per se. Investors improve their decisions by slowing down and paying more attention to credit ratings after experiencing a loan default firsthand, but not after observing others experiencing defaults.
Association of proton pump inhibitor and histamine H2-receptor antagonists with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Earley Eric J , Didriksen Maria , Spencer Bryan R , Kiss Joseph E , Erikstrup Christian , Pedersen Ole B , Sørensen Erik , Burgdorf Kristoffer S , Kleinman Steven H , Mast Alan E , Busch Michael P , Ullum Henrik , Page Grier P 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder, which can disrupt sleep and is thought to be caused in part by low cellular iron stores. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2A) are among the most commonly used drugs worldwide and show evidence of causing iron deficiency. We conducted a case/non-case observational study of blood donors in the United States (N = 13,403; REDS-III) and Denmark (N = 50,323; Danish Blood Donor Study, DBDS), both of which had complete blood count measures and a completed RLS assessment via the Cambridge–Hopkins RLS questionnaire. After adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, blood donation frequency, smoking, hormone use, and iron supplement use, PPI/H2A use was associated with RLS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.76; p = 0.002) in REDS-III for both PPI (OR = 1.43; CI, 1.03–1.95; p = 0.03) and H2A (OR = 1.56; CI, 1.10–2.16; p = 0.01). DBDS exhibited a similar association with PPIs/H2As (OR = 1.29; CI, 1.20–1.40; p &lt; 0.001), and for PPIs alone (OR = 1.27; CI, 1.17–1.38; p &lt; 0.001), but not H2As alone (OR = 1.18; CI, 0.92–1.53; p = 0.2). We found no evidence of blood iron stores mediating this association. The association of PPI, and possibly H2A, consumption with RLS independent of blood iron status and other factors which contribute to RLS risk suggest the need to re-evaluate use of PPI/H2A in populations at particular risk for RLS.
Evaluation of oral citrulline administration as a mitigation strategy for fescue toxicosis in sheep
Authors: Greene Maslyn A , Klotz James L , Goodman Jack P , May John B , Harlow Brittany E , Baldwin William S , Strickland James R , Britt Jessica L , Schrick F Neal , Duckett Susan K 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGestating ewes consuming ergot alkaloids, from endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue seed, suffer from intrauterine growth restriction and produce smaller lambs. Arginine (Arg) supplementation has been shown to increase birth weight and oral citrulline (Cit) administration is reported to increase arginine concentrations. Two experiments were conducted to: 1) evaluate if oral supplementation with Cit or water, to ewes consuming E+ fescue seed, increases lamb birth weight and 2) determine the effectiveness of Cit and citrulline:malate as an oral drench and elevating circulating levels of Cit to determine levels and dose frequency. In experiment 1, gestating Suffolk ewes (n = 10) were assigned to one of two treatments [oral drench of citrulline–malate 2:1 (CITM; 81 mg/kg/d of citrulline) or water (TOX)] to start on d 86 of gestation and continued until parturition. Ewes on CITM treatment had decreased (P &lt; 0.05) plasma Arg and Cit concentrations during gestation. At birth, lambs from CITM ewes had reduced (P &lt; 0.05) crude fat and total fat but did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) in birth weight from lambs born to TOX ewes. In experiment 2, nonpregnant Suffolk ewes (n = 3) were assigned to either oral citrulline (CIT; 81 mg/kg/d), citrulline–malate 2:1 (CITM; 81 mg/kg/d of citrulline), or water (CON) drench in a Latin Square design for a treatment period of 4 d with a washout period of 3 d. On d 4, blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 18 h post drench. Oral drenching of CIT and CITM increased (P &lt; 0.0001) Cit concentrations within 2 h and levels remained elevated for 6 h. Apparent half-life of elimination for CIT and CITM were 8.484 and 10.392 h, respectively. Our results show that lamb birth weight was not altered with a single oral drench of citrulline–malate; however, lamb body composition was altered. The level and frequency of citrulline dosing may need to be greater in order to observe consistent elevation of Cit/Arg concentrations to determine its effectiveness in mitigating fescue toxicosis.
Targeting sedentary behavior as a feasible health strategy during COVID-19
Authors: Zieff Gabriel , Bates Lauren C , Kerr Zachary Y , Moore Justin B , Hanson Erik D , Battaglini Claudio , Stoner Lee 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSedentary behavior is associated with poor physical and mental health. Targeting sedentary behavior is a simple strategy that may help counter physical and mental health concerns associated with COVID-19-related social restrictions. Of course, traditional strategies such as achieving optimal exercise and physical activity levels are also important and should be recommended. However, even under normal circumstances, the difficulty in promoting lasting exercise habits at multiple levels (e.g. individual, environment, policy) are well documented, and chances of maintaining or improving these factors is now even lower. Thus, relative to other lifestyle behaviors – sedentary behavior may be more amenable to change. Moreover, reducing sedentary behavior may be less susceptible to influence from factors associated with health disparities such as age, race, and socio-economic status compared to exercise or physical activity. Sedentary behavior is a feasible health strategy that should be targeted during COVID-19.
Dexmedetomidine for prevention of postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing oesophagectomy with total intravenous anaesthesia
Authors: Hu Jun , Zhu Mudan , Gao Zongbin , Zhao Shihao , Feng Xiaomei , Chen Jinbao , Zhang Ye , Maze Mervyn 
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND
Dexmedetomidine is known to be a sedative. Recent studies suggest that administration of dexmedetomidine can prevent postoperative delirium (POD) which has been confirmed as a common complication after major surgery. However, its effects in patients undergoing oesophagectomy are scarce.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in reducing POD in elderly patients after transthoracic oesophagectomy with total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA).

DESIGN
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING
Single-centre, tertiary care hospital, November 2016 to September 2018.

PATIENTS
Eligible patients (n = 177) undergoing transthoracic oesophagectomy were randomly assigned to receive total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA, n = 87) or dexmedetomidine with TIVA (DEX-TIVA, n = 90).

INTERVENTIONS
Patients receiving DEX-TIVA received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg kg−1), over 15 min, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.1 μg kg−1 h−1 until 1 h before the end of surgery. Patients receiving TIVA received physiological saline with a similar infusion rate protocol.

OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was the incidence of POD. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of emergence agitation, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and haemodynamic profile.

RESULTS
All randomised patients were included with planned intention-to-treat analyses for POD. Delirium occurred in 15 (16.7%) of 90 cases given dexmedetomidine, and in 32 (36.8%) of 87 cases given saline (P = 0.0036). The DEX-TIVA group showed less frequent emergence agitation than the TIVA group (22.1 vs. 48.0%, P = 0.0058). The incremental change in surgery-induced IL-6 levels was greater in the TIVA group than DEX-TIVA group (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION
Adding peri-operative dexmedetomidine to a total intravenous anaesthetic safely reduces POD and emergence agitation in elderly patients undergoing open transthoracic oesophagectomy. These benefits were associated with a postoperative reduction in circulating levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and stabilisation of the haemodynamic profile.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trials Register Identifier: ChiCTR-IPR-17010881.
Refractive enhancements for residual refractive error after cataract surgery
Authors: Moshirfar Majid , Thomson Andrew C. , Thomson Robert J. , Martheswaran Tanisha , McCabe Shannon E. 
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review
Advances in cataract surgery have allowed surgeons to achieve superior refractive outcomes but have also led to higher patient expectations. Despite ever-evolving technology, residual refractive errors still occur. Postcataract refractive enhancements may be required to deliver satisfactory visual outcomes. This review aims to discuss the potential causes of residual refractive errors and the various enhancement modalities to correct them.

Recent findings
A thorough preoperative workup to detect and address underlying pathologic causes of impaired vision should be performed prior to enhancement or corrective procedures. Corneal-based procedures are the safest and most accurate methods of correcting mild cases of residual refractive error. Hyperopic, high myopic, and high astigmatic errors are best managed with lens-based enhancements. Piggyback intraocular lenses (IOLs) are safer and more effective compared with IOL exchange. Toric IOL rotation and IOL exchange are ideally performed in the early postoperative period.

Summary
A multitude of options exist for effective correction of residual refractive errors. The choice on how to best manage these patients depends on many factors such as the cause of refractive error, type of IOL used, ocular comorbidities, and patient preference.
Stylet Slow-pull Versus Standard Suction for Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Aspiration/Biopsy of Pancreatic Solid Masses
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Hongwei , Xu Changqin , Feng Yuemin , Zhang Xiaohua , Zhao Shulei 
Published: October 2020

Background and Study Aim:
There is limited evidence on the diagnostic performance of the stylet slow-pull (SP) method for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy. The aim of this study was to compare the SP method with standard suction (SS) for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy of solid pancreatic masses.

Methods:
A computerized bibliographic search of the main databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index, was performed through February 2020. The main outcome measurements were diagnostic accuracy, cellularity, low blood contamination, adequate core tissue acquisition, and technical success rate.

Results:
Eleven studies (including 6 randomized trials) were included, with a total of 504 patients who underwent SP and 551 who underwent SS. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly superior in the SP group, compared with the SS group [odds ratio (OR)=1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14-2.26]. The SP group had higher pooled rates of low blood contamination (OR=1.93; 95% CI, 1.29-2.87) and adequate core tissue acquisition (OR=1.91; 95% CI, 1.11-3.26) than the SS group. There was no significant difference between groups in the adequacy of cellularity (OR=0.99; 95% CI, 0.63-1.57; P=0.98) or technical success rate (OR=0.38; 95% CI, 0.13-1.15; P=0.09).

Conclusions:
The authors provide evidence that SP is superior to SS in diagnostic accuracy, low blood contamination, and adequate core tissue acquisition, without reducing adequacy of cellularity or technical success rate.
Efficacy of i3.1 Probiotic on Improvement of Lactose Intolerance Symptoms
Authors: Cano-Contreras Ana D. , Minero Alfaro Isidro J. , Medina López Víctor M. , Amieva Balmori Mercedes , Remes Troche José M. , Espadaler Mazo Jordi , Perez Lopez Nuria 
Published: October 2020

Goal:
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of probiotic i3.1 in improving lactose intolerance symptoms compared with placebo after 8 weeks of treatment.

Background:
Probiotics are promising strategies to prevent and improve lactose intolerance symptoms, but previous studies have provided conflicting results.

Materials and Methods:
This randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled study was conducted at the Hospital Juárez de México. We recruited adult patients with lactose intolerance confirmed by a lactose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) ≥20 parts per million (ppm) and a lactose intolerance symptom score ≥6 both upon lactose challenge. We compared the change from baseline in the scores of a validated symptom questionnaire and the LHBT after 8 weeks of probiotic or placebo treatment.

Results:
We included 48 patients: 33 receiving the probiotic and 15 receiving placebo (2:1 randomization). Demographic characteristics were homogeneous between groups. The reduction in total symptom score after a lactose challenge was significantly higher in the probiotic group versus the placebo group (−5.11 vs. −1.00; P<0.001). All the subscores significantly decreased from baseline in the probiotic group, except for vomiting, with significant differences between the probiotic and placebo groups for abdominal pain (P=0.045) and flatulence (P=0.004). The area under the curve of the LHBT was significantly reduced from baseline in the probiotic group (P=0.019), but differences between groups were not significant (P=0.621). Adverse events were mild without differences between groups, and no serious adverse event was registered.

Conclusion:
The i3.1 probiotic was safe and efficacious in reducing lactose intolerance symptoms in patients with lactose intolerance, but did not change the LHBT.
Current Approach to the Evaluation and Management of Incomplete Kawasaki Disease in the Emergency Department
Authors: Morishita Kimberly A. , Goldman Ran D. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most common vasculitides of childhood and frequently presents to the emergency department. Although the diagnosis of KD is based on clinical criteria, children who do not fulfill the criteria but have sufficient supportive features of KD are diagnosed as having incomplete KD and warrant the same course of therapy as children with classic KD. The diagnosis of incomplete KD is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. The purpose of this article is to review presenting features of incomplete KD and the diagnostic approach and management of children in the emergency department.
Identifying Regions of Greatest Need for Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America
Authors: Moore Mia , Boily Marie-Claude , Mitchell Kate M. , Donnell Deborah D. , Cohen Myron S. , Dimitrov Dobromir T. 
Published: October 2020

Background:
In the 2019 State of the Union Address, President Trump announced a plan for “Ending the HIV Epidemic” in the United States, with a goal to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. Phase I of the plan set an intermediate goal of a 75% reduction within 5 years, focusing on select states and counties.

Methods:
We assessed the feasibility of the first phase of the plan by estimating the fraction of HIV diagnoses that occur within the targeted region, using a statistical model to predict new HIV cases in each county. We suggested new areas that should be added to the current plan, prioritizing by both a “Density Metric” of new HIV cases and a “Gap Metric” quantifying shortcomings in antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake.

Results:
We found the current plan targets less than 60% of new diagnoses. The plan should be expanded to Puerto Rico, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Maryland as well as parts of New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia, areas which were prioritized by both metrics.

Conclusion:
Many of the highest priority areas, both by density of HIV cases and by lack of viral suppression and pre-exposure prophylaxis use, were not covered by the original plan, particularly in the South. The current plan to end the HIV epidemic must be expanded to these areas to feasibly allow for a 75% reduction in new HIV cases within 5 years.
How Healthcare Congestion Increases Covid-19 Mortality: Evidence from Lombardy, Italy*
Authors: Ciminelli Gabriele , Garcia-Mandicó Sílvia 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe Covid-19 pandemic has caused generous and well-developed healthcare systems to collapse. This paper quantifies how much system congestion may have increased mortality rates, using distance to the ICU as a proxy for access to emergency care.MethodsWe match daily death registry data for almost 1,500 municipalities in Lombardy, Italy, to data on geographical location of all ICU beds in the region. We then analyze how system congestion increases mortality in municipalities that are far from the ICU through a differences-in-differences regression model.FindingsWe find that Covid-19 mortality is up to 60% higher in the average municipality – which is 15 minutes driving away from the closest ICU – than in a municipality with an ICU in town. This difference is larger in areas and in days characterized by an abnormal number of calls to the emergency line.InterpretationWe interpret these results as suggesting that a sudden surge of critical patients may have congested the healthcare system, forcing emergency medical services to prioritize patients in the most proximate communities in order to maximize the number of lives saved. Through some back-of-the-envelope calculations, we estimate that Lombardy’s death toll from the first Covid-19 outbreak could have been 25% lower had all municipalities had ready access to the ICU. Drawing a lesson from Lombardy’s tale, governments should strengthen the emergency care response and palliate geographical inequalities to ensure that everyone in need can receive critical care on time during new outbreaks.FundingNo funding.
Mice with Induced Pulmonary Comorbidities Display Severe Lung Inflammation and Mortality following Exposure to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Falach Reut , Bar-On Liat , Lazar Shlomi , Kadar Tamar , Mazor Ohad , Aftalion Moshe , Gur David , Shifman Ohad , Israeli Ofir , Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Zaide Galia , Gutman Hila , Evgy Yentl , Vagima Yaron , Makdasi Efi , Stein Dana , Rosenfeld Ronit , Alcalay Ron , Zahavy Eran , Levy Haim , Glinert Itai , Ben-Shmuel Amir , Israely Tomer , Melamed Sharon , Politi Boaz , Achdout Hagit , Yitzhaki Shmuel , Kronman Chanoch , Sabo Tamar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSevere manifestations of COVID-19 are mostly restricted to people with comorbidities. Here we report that induced mild pulmonary morbidities render SARS-CoV-2-refractive CD-1 mice to be susceptible to this virus. Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 infection after application of low-doses of the acute-lung-injury stimulants bleomycin or ricin caused a severe disease in CD-1 mice, manifested by sustained body weight loss and mortality rates of >50%. Further studies revealed markedly higher levels of viral RNA in the lungs, heart and serum of low-dose-ricin pretreated, as compared to non-pretreated mice. Notably, the deleterious effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection were effectively alleviated by passive transfer of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Thus, viral cell entry in the sensitized mice seems to involve viral RBD binding, albeit by a mechanism other than the canonical ACE2-mediated uptake route. In summary, we present a novel mice-based animal model for the study of comorbidity-dependent severe COVID-19.