bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of Membrane Proteins Into Bicontinuous Microemulsions Through Winsor‐III System‐Based Extraction
Authors: Hayes Douglas G. , Anunciado Divina B. , Ye Ran , Williams Rachel N. D. , O'Neill Hugh M. , Pingali Sai Venkatesh , Urban Volker S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe membrane proteins (MP) α‐synuclein (ASYN) and bacteriorhodopsin (BR) were readily incorporated into bicontinuous microemulsions (BμEs) formed by two microemulsion systems: water/heptane/Aerosol‐OT (AOT)/CK‐2,13 and water/dodecane/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/1‐pentanol. (CK‐2,13 is an alkyl ethoxylate possessing two alkyl tail groups of carbon chain length 2 and 13 and an average degree of ethoxylation of 5.6.) MP were encapsulated in BμEs through preparation of Winsor‐III systems at optimal salinity, with the anionic surfactants AOT and SDS providing the driving force for extraction. Dissolution of ASYN in BμEs greatly increased the former's α‐helicity, similar to ASYN's behavior in the presence of biomembranes, while BμE‐ and vesicle‐encapsulated BR possessed similar secondary structure. Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) results clearly demonstrated the direct interaction of MP with the surfactants, resulting in a decrease of surface area per volume for surfactant monolayers due to decreased surfactant efficiency. The SANS signal for ASYN was isolated through the use of neutron contrast matching for the surfactants through partial deuteration of water and oil, one of the first reports of contrast matching for BμEs in the literature. The SANS results of the contrast‐matched sample reflected similar aggregation for ASYN in BμEs as was reported previously for vesicles and SDS solution. This study demonstrates the potential use of BμEs as MP host systems for conducting biochemical reactions such as the conversion of sunlight into adenosine triphosphate by BR and studying the fundamental behavior of MP, such as the role of ASYN dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, as well as for isolation and purification of MP via Winsor‐III‐based extraction.
Gas‐Responsive Self‐Assemblies for Mimicking the Alveoli
Authors: Guo Xiaofeng , Ji Xianfeng , Li Xuehai , Du Jinhong , Sun Lulu , Feng Anchao , Yuan Jinying , Thang San H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn human body, alveoli are the primary sites for gas exchange which are formed by the dilation and protrusion of bronchioles at the end of the lung, and the rapid gas‐exchanging process in the alveoli ensures normal life activities. Based on the unique structures and functions of alveoli, it is necessary to study the regulation mechanism of its formation, respiration, and apoptosis. Herein, a class of reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)‐derived amphiphilic triblock copolymers, PEO‐b‐P(DEAEMA‐co‐FMA)‐b‐PS is designed and synthesized. Due to the amphiphilic and gas‐responsive segments, these triblock copolymers can self‐assemble in aqueous solution and undergo the morphological transition from nanotubes to vesicles under gas stimulation; meanwhile, in the cycles of CO2/O2 stimulation, these vesicles can further realize the volume expansion and contraction, eventually rupture. The gas‐driven morphological transformations of these aggregates successfully imitate the formation, respiration, and apoptosis of alveoli, and provide an essential basis for revealing the life phenomena.
Management approach combining prognostic screening and targeted treatment for patients with low back pain compared with standard physiotherapy: A systematic review & meta‐analysis
Authors: Ogbeivor Collins , Elsabbagh Lina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundResearch evidence suggests that a stratified care management approach is better at improving clinical and economic outcomes for low back pain (LBP) patients compared with usual care in the short‐term. However, it is uncertain if these health and economic benefits are sustainable in the longer term.ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of stratified care compared with standard physiotherapy for LBP treatment.MethodsA comprehensive search was undertaken of seven electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Pedro, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Register for Controlled Trials and Web of Science with full text. No time limits were applied, but studies were limited to English language publications and those involving human participants. Two independent reviewers undertook study selection, data extraction and appraisal of studyResultsIn total, 6,842 patients (18 years and above) were included in the 8 trials reviewed – 4 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the other 4 were non‐RCTs. The pooled analysis of 3 studies (n = 2,460) demonstrated a strong evidence in favour of stratified care over standard care at improving overall pain (WMD [random] 0.46 [95% CI 0.21, 0.71]; P < 0.0003), with overall effect (Z = 3.6) and (RMDQ) scores (WMD [random] 0.71 [95% CI 0.05, 1.37]; P < 0.03), with overall effect (Z = 2.11) at 3, 4‐ and 6‐months follow‐up periods.ConclusionThis current review demonstrated that a stratified care approach provides substantial clinical, economic and health related cost benefits in the medium and high‐risk subgroups compared with usual care. Further research is needed for longer‐term benefits.
Attitudes and beliefs towards implementation of nurse prescribing among general nurses and nurse specialists in China: A cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: Ling Dong‐Lan , Hu Jiale , Zhong Mei‐Yun , Li Wan‐Ting , Yu Hong‐Jing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate the attitudes and beliefs towards the implementation of nurse prescribing among general nurses and nurse specialists.DesignA cross‐sectional survey among general nurses and nurse specialists was conducted in seven provinces and one autonomous region in mainland China using convenience sampling method.MethodsThe attitudes and beliefs towards nurse prescribing were assessed using the Nurse Attitudes and Beliefs towards Nurse prescribing scale, of which Cronbach's coefficient was 0.902, retest reliability was 0.808. Respondents from eight hospitals across the country were employed to complete an online questionnaire.ResultsNurse specialists (n = 399) had statistically significantly more favourable intentions towards nurse prescribing than general nurses (n = 415; 105.64 ± 12.83 vs. 96.39 ± 13.16; p < .001). The years of clinical work experience, professional title, education degree were positively correlated with general nurses' and nurse specialists' attitudes and beliefs towards nurse prescribing (p < .05). Among nurse specialists, the variety of specialties and whether they work in nurse‐led clinics on an outpatient basis have positively influence on their intentions towards nurse prescribing (p < .05).
Does professional identity play a critical role in the choice to remain in the nursing profession?
Authors: Kristoffersen Margareth 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo explore aspects of professional identity in nurses’ written narratives of what is significant to their choice to remain in the profession.DesignThis study used a qualitative design and was underpinned by a hermeneutical approach.MethodsThe participants were recruited via purposive sampling procedures and included 13 nurses aged 26 to 62 years. The data were collected in the form of written narratives to initiate the nurses’ reflections on the decision to remain in the profession. A thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsThe analysis revealed two themes: acting as a professional contributor and realigning to maintain professional belongingness. In the nurses’ written narratives, these aspects of professional identity were clearly significant to their choice to remain in the profession. In a complexly interwoven way, the aspects constructed who the nurses were as professionals, and thus, professional identity seems to play a critical role in the choice to remain.
Pharmacoepidemiology: A time for a new multidisciplinary approach to precision medicine
Authors: Issa Amalia M. , Carleton Bruce , Gerhard Tobias , Filipski Kelly K. , Freedman Andrew N. , Kimmel Stephen , Liu Geoffrey , Longo Cristina , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke H. , Sansbury Leah , Zhou Wei , Bartlett Gillian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe advent of the genomic age has created a rapid increase in complexity for the development and selection of drug treatments. A key component of precision medicine is the use of genetic information to improve therapeutic effectiveness of drugs and prevent potential adverse drug reactions. Pharmacoepidemiology, as a field, uses observational methods to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drug treatments in populations. Pharmacoepidemiology by virtue of its focus, tradition, and research orientation can provide appropriate study designs and analysis methods for precision medicine. The objective of this manuscript is to demonstrate how pharmacoepidemiology can impact and shape precision medicine and serve as a reference for pharmacoepidemiologists interested in contributing to the science of precision medicine. This paper depicts the state of the science with respect to the need for pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoepidemiological methods, tools and approaches for precision medicine; the need for and how pharmacoepidemiologists use their skills to engage with the precision medicine community; and recommendations for moving the science of precision medicine pharmacoepidemiology forward. We propose a new integrated multidisciplinary approach dedicated to the emerging science of precision medicine pharmacoepidemiology.
Effect of concomitant antiplatelet therapy on ischemic and hemorrhagic events in patients taking oral anticoagulants for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in daily clinical practice
Authors: Morimoto Takeshi , Uchida Kazutaka , Sakakibara Fumihiro , Kinjo Norito , Ueda Shinichiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeAntiplatelet therapy (APT) is challenging in patients taking oral anticoagulants (OACs) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) with concomitant atherosclerotic diseases. We scrutinized the generalizability of recent randomized clinical trials showing OAC use alone was superior to OAC plus antiplatelet use in patients with NVAF and coronary artery diseases (CAD).MethodsWe conducted a historical multicenter registry at 71 centers in Japan. The inclusion criterion was taking OACs for NVAF. The exclusion criteria were mechanical heart valves or history of pulmonary thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis. Consecutive patients (N = 7826) were registered in February 2013 and were followed until February 2017. The co‐primary endpoints were ischemic events and major bleedings. Secondary endpoints were ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and all‐cause mortality.ResultsThe mean patient age was 73 years; 67% were men. Antiplatelets were administered in 25% of patients and 27% had history of CAD. Cumulative incidences of ischemic events and major bleedings at 4 years were 5.9% and 9.6% in the APT group and 5.3% and 7.0% in the No‐APT group, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of the APT group for ischemic events and major bleedings were 1.12 (0.84–1.49) and 1.26 (1.01–1.57), respectively. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and all‐cause mortality were 1.16 (0.86–1.57), and 1.31 (0.70–2.48), and 1.02 (0.82–1.26), respectively.ConclusionsAPT in patients taking OACs for NVAF did not prevent ischemic events but significantly increased major bleedings in the real‐world setting.
Validation of claims‐based algorithms to identify patients with psoriasis
Authors: Lee Hemin , He Mengdong , Cho Soo‐Kyung , Bessette Lily , Tong Angela Y. , Merola Joseph F. , Wegrzyn Lani R. , Kilpatrick Ryan D. , Kim Seoyoung C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeAccurately identifying patients with psoriasis (PsO) is crucial for generating real‐world evidence on PsO disease course and treatment utilization.MethodsWe developed nine claims‐based algorithms for PsO using a combination of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐9 codes, specialist visit, and medication dispensing using Medicare linked to electronic health records data (2013–2014) in two healthcare provider networks in Boston, Massachusetts. We calculated positive predictive value (PPV) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each algorithm using the treating physician's diagnosis of PsO via chart review as the gold standard. Among the confirmed PsO cases, we assessed their PsO disease activity.ResultsThe nine claims‐based algorithms identified 990 unique patient records. Of those, 918 (92.7%) with adequate information were reviewed. The PPV of the algorithms ranged from 65.1 to 82.9%. An algorithm defined as ≥1 ICD‐9 diagnosis code for PsO and ≥1 prescription claim for topical vitamin D agents showed the highest PPV (82.9%). The PPV of the algorithm requiring ≥2 ICD‐9 diagnosis codes and ≥1 prescription claim for PsO treatment excluding topical steroids was 81.1% but higher (82.5%) when ≥1 diagnosis was from a dermatologist. Among 411 PsO patients with adequate information on PsO disease activity in EHRs, 1.5–5.8% had no disease activity, 31.3–36.8% mild, and 26.9–35.1% moderate‐to‐severe across the algorithms.ConclusionsClaims‐based algorithms based on a combination of PsO diagnosis codes and dispensing for PsO‐specific treatments had a moderate‐to‐high PPV. These algorithms can serve as a useful tool to identify patients with PsO in future real‐world data pharmacoepidemiologic studies.
Chronic everolimus treatment of high‐fat diet mice leads to a reduction in obesity but impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Chang Geng‐Ruei , Hou Po‐Hsun , Wang Chao‐Min , Wu Ching‐Feng , Su Huang‐Kai , Liao Huei‐Jyuan , Chen To‐Pang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEverolimus, which inhibits mTOR kinase activity and is clinically used in graft rejection treatment, may have a two‐sided influence on metabolic syndrome; its role in obesity and hyperglycemic in animals and humans, however, has been explored insufficiently. This study further determined how continual everolimus treatment affects glucose homeostasis and body weight control in C57BL6/J mice with obesity. An obesity mouse model was developed by administering a high‐fat diet (HFD) to C57BL6/J mice over 12 weeks. The experimental group, while continuing their HFD consumption, were administered everolimus daily for 8 weeks. Metabolic parameters, glucose tolerance, fatty liver score, endocrine profile, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), insulin resistance (IR) index, and Akt phosphorylation, GLUT4, TNF‐α, and IL‐1 levels were measured in vivo. Compared with the control group, the everolimus group gained less body weight and had smaller adipocytes and lower fat pad weight; triglyceride (serum and hepatic), patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3, and fatty acid synthase levels; fatty liver scores; and glucose tolerance test values—all despite consuming more food. However, the everolimus group exhibited decreased ISI and muscle Akt phosphorylation and GLUT4 expression as well as impaired glucose tolerance and serum TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels—even when insulin levels were high. In conclusion, continual everolimus treatment may lead to diabetes with glucose intolerance and IR.
Approaches to handling missing or “problematic” pharmacology data: Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Irby Donald J. , Ibrahim Mustafa E. , Dauki Anees M. , Badawi Mohamed A. , Illamola Sílvia M. , Chen Mingqing , Wang Yuhuan , Liu Xiaoxi , Phelps Mitch A. , Mould Diane R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMissing or erroneous information is a common problem in the analysis of pharmacokinetic (PK) data. This may present as missing or inaccurate dose level or dose time, drug concentrations below the analytical limit of quantification, missing sample times, or missing or incorrect covariate information. Several methods to handle problematic data have been evaluated, although no single, broad set of recommendations for commonly occurring errors has been published. In this tutorial, we review the existing literature and present the results of our simulation studies that evaluated common methods to handle known data errors to bridge the remaining gaps and expand on the existing knowledge. This tutorial is intended for any scientist analyzing a PK data set with missing or apparently erroneous data. The approaches described herein may also be useful for the analysis of nonclinical PK data.
High‐resolution climate change projection of northeast monsoon rainfall over peninsular India
Authors: Jayasankar C. B. , Rajendran K. , Sajani Surendran , Ajay Anand K. V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, projected changes in mean northeast monsoon (NEM) rainfall and associated extreme rainfall and temperature events, over peninsular India (PI) and its six subdivisions, are quantified. High‐resolution dynamically downscaled simulations of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional climate model driven by the boundary conditions from the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) model (WRF‐CCSM4) are compared with statistically downscaled simulations of NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX‐GDDP). Over PI, these downscaled simulations show low bias in mean NEM rainfall (≤ − 0.44 mm·day−1) and high pattern correlation coefficient (≥0.75), giving confidence in their future projections. Under future warming over PI, both downscaled simulations project future significant enhancement in NEM rainfall with WRF‐CCSM4 projecting 1.98 mm·day−1 (83.78% change with respect to the present‐day mean) whereas the multimodel ensemble (MME) of eight NEX‐GDDP models project 0.67 ± 0.58 mm·day−1 (19.78%) by the midddle of the century and 1.42 ± 0.97 mm·day−1 (42.76%) by the end of the century. Analysis of extreme rainfall events shows that WRF‐CCSM4 projects future enhancement (reduction) in extreme rainfall (R95p) days over 91.4% (8.6%) of grid‐points over PI. In future, coastal areas of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will likely experience increased extreme rainfall occurrence by more than 25 days and 15–20 days respectively. Projected future enhancement in the mean and extreme NEM rainfall is attributed to the increased precipitable water under a warming climate. Future projection of extreme temperature indices shows an increase in minimum and maximum temperatures over PI during the NEM season. Over PI, future winter nights and days are found to be warmer than those in the present day and the temperature change in future winter nights is found to be larger than that in winter days. This climate change information would help decision‐makers in evaluating existing policies and devising revised policies to reduce risk due to climate change.
Emerging optofluidic technologies for biodiagnostic applications
Authors: Wu Jiandong , Dai Bo , Li Zhenqing , Pan Tingrui , Zhang Dawei , Lin Francis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe unprecedented global COVID‐19 pandemic strongly argues the critical need for innovative diagnostic tools meeting the requirement of test speed, accuracy, and throughput. Owing to the integration of optics and microfluidics technologies, optofluidic technology enables highly precise flow manipulation and highly sensitive signal detection at the microscale, thus offering the promising potential for developing biodiagnostic applications. Research toward this direction is fast growing into an emerging area. In this paper, we give an overview of emerging optofluidic technologies for biodiagnostic applications with the focus on three common types of biomarkers: nucleic acid, protein, and cell. We conclude by discussing the challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives of this field.
Start‐up of a trickling photobioreactor for the treatment of domestic wastewater
Authors: Katam Keerthi , Tiwari Yashendra , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Soda Satoshi , Bhattacharyya Debraj 
Published: March 2021

A stand‐alone trickling photobioreactor (TPBR) was seeded with activated sludge and microalgae to treat domestic wastewater. The TPBR was started‐up at 12‐h hydraulic retention time at room temperature with 12:12 h light:dark cycle. The light was provided by blue LED strips. The reactor has a total volume of 30 L and is divided into six segments. Each segment is 30 cm long and has a diameter of 15 cm. Each segment was packed with polyurethane foam sponge cubes (2.5 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm3) with 40% occupancy. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and phosphorus (P) of domestic wastewater varied in the range of 164–256 mg/L, 84.4–133.8 mg/L, 34.2–55.6 mg/L, and 24.7–39.3 mg/L, respectively, during this period. The COD, TOC, TN, and P concentrations in the effluent after 45 days of operation were 30.24 ± 3.36 mg/L, 7.69 ± 0.09 mg/L, 16.67 ± 0.39 mg/L, and 17.48 ± 0.5 mg/L, respectively. The chlorophyll‐to‐biofilm biomass ratio increased during the experimental period. The above results indicate that the algal–bacterial symbiotic relationship is beneficial for carbon and nutrient removal from domestic wastewater.Practitioner points

Trickling photobioreactor works on natural ventilation and has low power requirements and a small footprint.
The porous sponge media helped in immobilizing and subsequent harvesting of biomass.
The reactor conditions favored the growth of diatoms (brown algae) over green algae.
Simulating contaminant transport in unsaturated and saturated groundwater zones
Authors: Sarma Riki , Singh Santosh Kumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe demand for clean and adequate water is rising rapidly with increasing population. This growing demand for water necessitates the measurement of the quantity and quality of water. Simulation modeling has become increasingly popular in the last two decades largely because of their predictive ability. This paper reviews the approaches for simulation modeling in groundwater resources management, focusing on models that have been used to simulate contaminant transport through the aquifer system. Recent research papers that have integrated the models for unsaturated and saturated zones have also been studied and described. Integrated models require assessment of the complex interactions between the groundwater zones and the movement of water and solute through them. Due to this, integrated models provide a more accurate modeling approach than models that have been independently developed for saturated and unsaturated zones. Application of such models is encouraged at the regional level to arrive at the best groundwater management decisions.Practitioner points

In the past few decades, modeling of contaminant transport in groundwater systems has seen tremendous applications.
A number of models exist that independently simulate flow and solute transport in unsaturated and saturated zones.
Recently, focus has been given on developing advanced coupled modeling approaches that require less inputs and run times.