bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of cyproheptadine and cetirizine on eosinophilic airway inflammation in cats with experimentally induced asthma
Authors: Schooley Elizabeth K. , McGee Turner Joseph B. , JiJi Renee D. , Spinka Christine M. , Reinero Carol R. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether oral administration of cyproheptadine or cetirizine blocks the action of serotonin and histamine, respectively, and results in diminished eosinophilic airway inflammation in cats with experimentally induced asthma.
Animals—9 cats in which asthma was experimentally induced through exposure to Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) during a 3-month period.
Procedures—Cats were randomized to receive monotherapy with each of 3 treatments for 1 week: placebo (flour in a gelatin capsule, PO, q 12 h), cyproheptadine (8 mg, PO, q 12 h), or cetirizine (5 mg, PO, q 12 h). A 1-week washout period was allowed to elapse between treatments. Prior to and following each 1-week treatment period, blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected. The percentage of eosinophils in BALF was evaluated to determine treatment efficacy. Serum and BALF BGA-specific immunoglobulin contents and plasma and BALF histamine concentrations were determined via ELISAs. Plasma and BALF serotonin concentrations were measured by use of a fluorometric method.
Results—The mean ± SD percentage of eosinophils in BALF did not differ significantly among treatment groups (placebo, 40 ± 22%; cyproheptadine, 27 ± 16%; and cetirizine, 31 ± 20%). Among the treatment groups, BGA-specific immunoglobulin content and histamine and serotonin concentrations were not significantly different.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In cats with experimentally induced asthma, cyproheptadine and cetirizine were not effective in decreasing airway eosinophilic inflammation or in altering several other measured immunologic variables. Neither cyproheptadine nor cetirizine can be advocated as monotherapy for cats with allergen-induced asthma.
Clinical assessment of repeated propofol-associated anesthesia in cats
Authors: Bley Carla Rohrer , Roos Malgorzata , Price Jill , Ruess-Melzer Katja , Buchholz Julia , Poirier Valerie , Kaser-Hotz Barbara 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective—To assess the effects of repeated episodes of propofol-associated anesthesia on quality of recovery from anesthesia, clinical status, and erythrocyte physiology in cats.
Design—Original study.
Animals—37 cats undergoing short-duration anesthesia for radiotherapy.
Procedures—Twice daily on 5 consecutive days, 13 cats with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum (group 1) underwent anesthesia: first via administration of propofol or a midazolam (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb])-propofol combination and then via administration of ketamine and midazolam each day (latter data were not analyzed). During a 19-day period, 24 cats with vaccineassociated sarcoma (group 2) were anesthetized 12 times with propofol or a midazolam-propofol combination. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol in both groups. Hematologic analysis was performed before, during, and on completion of radiotherapy; changes in Hct and hemoglobin concentration between groups were compared.
Results—Mean duration of anesthesia was 8.1 minutes (range, 5 to 20 minutes); no adverse events were detected during recovery. Total dose of propofol administered did not differ between groups 1 (6.34 mg/kg [2.88 mg/lb]) and 2 (4.71 mg/kg [2.14 mg/lb]). Midazolam administration decreased the propofol dose by 26%. Overall decreases from baseline in Hct and hemoglobin concentration were not significantly different between the 2 groups, nor clinically important; however, compared with baseline, values in group 2 were significantly lower after 6 and 12 anesthetic episodes for both protocols. Heinz bodies were identified in low numbers in both groups during radiotherapy.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that repeated propofol-associated short-duration anesthesia does not lead to clinically relevant hematologic changes in cats undergoing short-duration radiotherapy.
Cluster of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in a small animal intensive care unit
Authors: Weese J. Scott , Faires Meredith , Rousseau Joyce , Bersenas Alexa M. E. , Mathews Karol A. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Case Description—Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from the tracheostomy tube of an 18-month-old castrated male Golden Retriever in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Ontario Veterinary College. This prompted an investigation of MRSA colonization in other animals in the ICU.
Clinical Findings—On day 1 of the investigation, MRSA was isolated from nasal swabs obtained from 2 of 10 animals (2/7 dogs and 0/3 cats), including the index case. Subsequently, MRSA was isolated from 3 of 12 animals on day 9; 3 of 9 animals on day 13; and none of 14, 5, and 6 animals on day 20, 27, and 78, respectively. Overall, MRSA was isolated from 6 of 26 (23%) animals during the outbreak period (4/22 dogs and 2/4 cats). The apparent incidence of MRSA acquisition in the ICU from days 1 through 13 was 20% (5/25 animals). No clinical signs of MRSA infections developed. All isolates were indistinguishable from one another.
Treatment and Outcome—Infection-control measures including active surveillance of all animals in the ICU, barrier precautions, and hand hygiene were used to control the apparent outbreak.
Clinical Relevance—Methicillin-resistant S aureus is an emerging problem in veterinary medicine. Intensive care units may be at particular risk for periodic outbreaks of colonization and disease. The outbreak of this report highlights the potential for clinically inapparent transmission of MRSA within a facility; infection-control measures that might facilitate MRSA eradication should be considered in ICU settings.
Effect of dietary fructans and dexamethasone administration on the insulin response of ponies predisposed to laminitis
Authors: Bailey Simon R. , Menzies-Gow Nicola J. , Harris Patricia A. , Habershon-Butcher Jocelyn L. , Crawford Carol , Berhane Yoel , Boston Raymond C. , Elliott Jonathan 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether pasture, and specifically the addition of fructan carbohydrate to the diet, induces exaggerated changes in serum insulin concentration in laminitispredisposed (LP) ponies, compared with ponies with no history of the condition, and also to determine insulin responses to the dexamethasone suppression test.
Design—Prospective study.
Animals—10 LP and 11 control adult nonobese mixed-breed ponies.
Procedures—Insulin-modified IV glucose tolerance tests were performed (5 ponies/group). In diet studies, ponies were kept on pasture and then changed to a hay diet (10 ponies/group). Second, ponies were maintained on a basal hay diet (4 weeks) before being fed a hay diet supplemented with inulin (3 g/kg/d [1.4 g/lb/d]). Serum insulin and plasma glucose concentrations were analyzed before and after dietary changes. Serum cortisol and insulin concentrations were also measured in a standard dexamethasone suppression test.
Results—The LP ponies were insulin resistant (median insulin sensitivity of 0.27 × 104 L•min−1•mU−1 in LP ponies, compared with 0.64 × 104 L•min−1•mU−1 in control ponies). Median insulin concentration in LP ponies was significantly greater than that in control ponies at pasture, decreased in response to feeding hay, and was markedly increased (5.5fold) following the feeding of inulin with hay. The LP ponies had a greater increase in serum insulin concentration at 19 hours after dexamethasone administration (median, 222.9 mU/L), compared with control ponies (45.6 mU/L).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Nonobese ponies predisposed to develop laminitis had compensated insulin resistance, and this phenotype was revealed by feeding plant fructan carbohydrate or by dexamethasone administration.
Efficacy of bovine herpesvirus-1 inactivated vaccine against abortion and stillbirth in pregnant heifers
Authors: Zimmerman Alicia D. , Buterbaugh Robin E. , Herbert John M. , Hass Jamie M. , Frank Nicole E. , Luempert III Louis G. , Chase Christopher C. L. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of an inactivated bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) vaccine to protect against BHV-1 challenge-induced abortion and stillbirth.
Design—Prospective study.
Animals—35 beef heifers.
Procedures—Before breeding, heifers were vaccinated with a commercially available BHV-1 inactivated vaccine SC or IM. The estrous cycle was then synchronized, and heifers were artificially inseminated 30 to 60 days after vaccination. Heifers (n = 21) were challenge inoculated IV at approximately 180 days of gestation with virulent BHV-1. Fourteen control heifers were not vaccinated. Clinical signs of BHV-1 infection were monitored for 10 days following challenge; serologic status and occurrence of abortion or stillbirth were evaluated until time of calving.
Results—18 of 21 (85.7%) heifers that received vaccine were protected from abortion following challenge, whereas all 14 control heifers aborted.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that an inactivated BHV-1 vaccine can protect against abortion resulting from a substantial challenge infection, with efficacy similar to that of modified-live BHV-1 vaccines.
Sitting Time Reduction and Blood Pressure in Older Adults
Authors: Rosenberg Dori E. , Zhu Weiwei , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Cook Andrea J. , Florez Acevedo Stefani , McClure Jennifer B. , Arterburn David E. , Cooper Julie , Owen Neville , Dunstan David , Perry Stephen R. , Yarborough Laura , Mettert Kayne D. , Green Beverly B. 
Published: March 2024

ImportancePractical health promotion strategies for improving cardiometabolic health in older adults are needed.ObjectiveTo examine the efficacy of a sedentary behavior reduction intervention for reducing sitting time and improving blood pressure in older adults.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted in adults aged 60 to 89 years with high sitting time and body mass index of 30 to 50 from January 1, 2019, to November 31, 2022, at a health care system in Washington State.InterventionParticipants were randomized 1:1 to the sitting reduction intervention or a healthy living attention control condition for 6 months. Intervention participants received 10 health coaching contacts, sitting reduction goals, and a standing desk and fitness tracker to prompt sitting breaks. The attention control group received 10 health coaching contacts to set general healthy living goals, excluding physical activity or sedentary behavior.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome, measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, was sitting time assessed using accelerometers worn for 7 days at each time point. Coprimary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured at baseline and 6 months.ResultsA total of 283 participants (140 intervention and 143 control) were randomized (baseline mean [SD] age, 68.8 [6.2] years; 186 [65.7%] female; mean [SD] body mass index, 34.9 [4.7]). At baseline, 147 (51.9%) had a hypertension diagnosis and 97 (69.3%) took at least 1 antihypertensive medication. Sitting time was reduced, favoring the intervention arm, with a difference in the mean change of −31.44 min/d at 3 months (95% CI, −48.69 to −14.19 min/d; P &amp;lt; .001) and −31.85 min/d at 6 months (95% CI, −52.91 to −10.79 min/d; P = .003). Systolic blood pressure change was lower by 3.48 mm Hg, favoring the intervention arm at 6 months (95% CI, −6.68 to −0.28 mm Hg; P = .03). There were 6 serious adverse events in each arm and none were study related.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study of a 6-month sitting reduction intervention, older adults in the intervention reduced sedentary time by more than 30 min/d and reduced systolic blood pressure. Sitting reduction could be a promising approach to improve health in older adults.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03739762
Protein Aggregation in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Piccarducci Rebecca , Marchetti Laura , Martini Claudia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Proteins are essential biomolecules of living cells and organisms. A crucial step during the protein lifecycle is folding, that is, the acquisition of a stable 3D structure by the newly synthesised protein, thanks to which it can perform its biological function. If folding is impaired, misfolded or unfolded proteins can be produced, thus losing their functional properties, being unstable and tending to form aggregates of various entities, which are toxic to cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), the accumulation of misfolded proteins alters the functionality of neurons, leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington disease. Therapeutic interventions targeting misfolded proteins in NDs are approaching clinical use. However, the complex and overlapping nature of NDs will require a deeper understanding of the underpinning pathological networks.

Key Concepts

Proteostasis represents an incessant process by which the proteins are maintained in a biologically active state.

Protein folding is the regulated process by which a protein assumes a 3D structure that determines a peculiar biological function.

Protein folding impairment is called protein misfolding and leads to protein aggregation.

Oligomeric assemblies, mature fibrillar aggregates and plaques of misfolded proteins trigger the onset of neurodegeneration.

Neurodegeneration is a pathological condition of the nervous system whereby neurons, the main cells involved in memory, cognitive, motor, sensory and behavioural functions inexorably die.

Overlapped molecular pathology features translate into similar clinical manifestations in neurodegenerative diseases, whose diagnosis and treatment are challenging.
Optimized microburst VNS elicits fMRI responses beyond thalamic‐specific response from standard VNS
Authors: Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Allendorfer Jane B. , Begnaud Jason , Ranuzzi Giovanni , Shamshiri Elhum , Verner Ryan ,   for the Microburst Study Group
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveIn parallel to standard vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), microburst stimulation delivery has been developed. We evaluated the fMRI‐related signal changes associated with standard and optimized microburst stimulation in a proof‐of‐concept study (NCT03446664).MethodsTwenty‐nine drug‐resistant epilepsy patients were prospectively implanted with VNS. Three 3T fMRI scans were collected 2 weeks postimplantation. The maximum tolerated VNS intensity was determined prior to each scan starting at 0.125 mA with 0.125 mA increments. FMRI scans were block‐design with alternating 30 sec stimulation [ON] and 30 sec no stimulation [OFF]: Scan 1 utilized standard VNS and Scan 3 optimized microburst parameters to determine target settings. Semi‐automated on‐site fMRI data processing utilized ON–OFF block modeling to determine VNS‐related fMRI activation per stimulation setting. Anatomical thalamic mask was used to derive highest mean thalamic t‐value for determination of microburst stimulation parameters. Paired t‐tests corrected at P < 0.05 examined differences in fMRI responses to each stimulation type.ResultsStandard and microburst stimulation intensities at Scans 1 and 3 were similar (P = 0.16). Thalamic fMRI responses were obtained in 28 participants (19 with focal; 9 with generalized seizures). Group activation maps showed standard VNS elicited thalamic activation while optimized microburst VNS showed widespread activation patterns including thalamus. Comparison of stimulation types revealed significantly greater cerebellar, midbrain, and parietal fMRI signal changes in microburst compared to standard VNS. These differences were not associated with seizure responses.InterpretationWhile standard and optimized microburst VNS elicited thalamic activation, microburst also engaged other brain regions. Relationship between these fMRI activation patterns and clinical response warrants further investigation.Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03446664).
Machine Learning for Screening Small Molecules as Passivation Materials for Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ding Bin , Wang Yao , Liu Yan , Zhang Gao , Zeng Lirong , Yang Lijun , Li Chang‐Jiu , Yang Guanjun , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Chen Bo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUtilization of small molecules as passivation materials for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has gained significant attention recently, with hundreds of small molecules demonstrating passivation effects. In this study, a high‐accuracy machine learning model is established to identify the dominant molecular traits influencing passivation and efficiently screen excellent passivation materials among small molecules. To address the challenge of limited available dataset, a novel evaluation method called random‐extracted and recoverable cross‐validation (RE‐RCV) is proposed, which ensures more precise model evaluation with reduced error. Among 31 examined features, dipole moment is identified, hydrogen bond acceptor count, and HOMO‐LUMO gap as significant traits affecting passivation, offering valuable guidance for the selection of passivation molecules. The predictions are experimentally validate with three representative molecules: 4‐aminobenzenesulfonamide, 4‐Chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐sulfamoylbenzoic acid, and Phenolsulfonphthalein, which exhibit capability to increase absolute efficiency values by over 2%, with a champion efficiency of 25.41%. This highlights its potential to expedite advancements in PSCs.
A Unique Amorphous Porous BiSbOx Nanotube with Abundant Unsaturated Sb‐Stabilized BiO8−x Sites for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction in a Wide Potential Window
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Jun‐Hao , Yuan Chen‐Yue , Sun Qi‐Wen , Shao Jiang , Li Xing‐Chi , Feng Zhao‐Lu , Dong Hao , Li Chen , Zhang Ya‐Wen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe CO2 electroreduction reaction using sustainable electricity emerges as a viable strategy to produce high‐value‐added and profitable chemicals. The achievement of superior activity at a lower overpotential and higher selectivity in a wide potential window is vitally important for large‐scale industrial applications. Herein, a carbon‐composite amorphous porous BiSbOx nanotube with abundant unsaturated sites is reported to boost the conversion of CO2 to formate, exhibiting a formate selectivity of >90% in an extremely broad range of potentials from −0.5 to −1.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a maximal energy conversion efficiency of 77.1%. Importantly, pure formic acid solution is directly obtained in a solid‐electrolyte cell for industrial‐scale applications. The porous tubular structure can expose more catalytic active sites, accelerate the mass transfer, and show fast surface charge transfer. Moreover, the unique coordination‐unsaturated Sb‐stabilized BiO8−x site can not only enhance the adsorption and activation of CO2 but also reasonably balance the stabilization and hydrogenation of *OCHO intermediate, thus leading to its obviously higher catalytic performance. As a result, a novel amorphous porous BiSbOx nanotube is successfully designed for efficient CO2 electroreduction, which may shed new light on developing many more amorphous composite metal oxide catalysts for conversion of inert small molecules.
Kornblum Oxidation Reaction‐Induced Collective Transformation of Lead Polyhalides for Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Zhen , Cao Xuejing , Yang Heng , Kuang Zhiyuan , Yang Pinghui , Zhang Guolin , Zhang Yuyang , Xu Lei , Zhang Daiji , Li Sunsun , Miao Chunyang , Wang Nana , Huang Wei , Wang Jianpu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe iodide vacancy defects generated during the perovskite crystallization process are a common issue that limits the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although excessive ionic iodides have been used to compensate for these vacancies, they are not effective in reducing defects through modulating the perovskite crystallization. Moreover, these iodide ions present in the perovskite films can act as interstitial defects, which are detrimental to the stability of the perovskite. Here, an effective approach to suppress the formation of vacancy defects by manipulating the coordination chemistry of lead polyhalides during perovskite crystallization is demonstrated. To achieve this suppression, an α‐iodo ketone is introduced to undergo a process of Kornblum oxidation reaction that releases halide ions. This process induces a rapid collective transformation of lead polyhalides during the nucleation process and significantly reduces iodide vacancy defects. As a result, the ion mobility is decreased by one order of magnitude in perovskite film and the PSC achieves significantly improved thermal stability, maintaining 82% of its initial power conversion efficiency at 85 °C for 2800 h. These findings highlight the potential of halide ions released by the Kornblum oxidation reaction, which can be widely used for achieving high‐performance perovskite optoelectronics.
Shaping a Surface Microdroplet by Marangoni Forces along a Moving Contact Line of Four Immiscible Phases
Authors: Yang Haichang , Zeng Binglin , Lu Qiuyun , Xing Yaowen , Gui Xiahui , Cao Yijun , Xu Ben Bin , Zhang Xuehua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe ability to transfer microdroplets between fluid phases offers numerous advantages in various fields. This study focuses on the stability and morphology of a sessile oil microdropletduring the transfer from underwater to air. A distinct transition in microdroplet dynamics is observed, characterized by a shift from a scenario dominated by Marangoni forces to one dominated by capillary forces. In the former regime, the oil microdroplets spread in response to the contact between the water‐air interface and the water‐oil interface. The spreading distance follows a power law relationship of t3/4, reflecting the balance between Marangoni forces and viscous forces. On the other hand, in the capillarity‐dominated regime, the oil microdroplets remain stable at the contact line and after being transferred into the air. The crossover between these two regimes is identified in the parameter space defined by three factors: the approaching velocity of the solid‐water‐air contact line (vcl), the radius of the oil microdroplet (ro), and the radius of the water drop (rw). Furthermore, how to use the four‐phase contact line for shaping oil microdroplets is demonstrated using a full liquid process by the contact line lithography.