bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of SST Biases in the Tropical East Pacific and Agulhas Current Region on Atmospheric Stationary Waves in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Garfinkel Chaim I. , White Ian , Gerber Edwin P. , Jucker Martin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractClimate models in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) vary significantly in their ability to simulate the phase and amplitude of atmospheric stationary waves in the midlatitude Southern Hemisphere. These models also suffer from a double intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), with excessive precipitation in the tropical eastern South Pacific, and many also suffer from a biased simulation of the dynamics of the Agulhas Current around the tip of South Africa. The intermodel spread in the strength and phasing of SH midlatitude stationary waves in the CMIP archive is shown to be significantly correlated with the double-ITCZ bias and biases in the Agulhas Return Current. An idealized general circulation model (GCM) is used to demonstrate the causality of these links by prescribing an oceanic heat flux out of the tropical east Pacific and near the Agulhas Current. A warm bias in tropical east Pacific SSTs associated with an erroneous double ITCZ leads to a biased representation of midlatitude stationary waves in the austral hemisphere, capturing the response evident in CMIP models. Similarly, an overly diffuse sea surface temperature gradient associated with a weak Agulhas Return Current leads to an equatorward shift of the Southern Hemisphere jet by more than 3° and weak stationary wave activity in the austral hemisphere. Hence, rectification of the double-ITCZ bias and a better representation of the Agulhas Current should be expected to lead to an improved model representation of the austral hemisphere.
Evaluating the Utility of Drought Indices as Soil Moisture Proxies for Drought Monitoring and Land–Atmosphere Interactions
Authors: Yuan Shanshui , Quiring Steven M. , Zhao Chen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThere are a variety of metrics that are used to monitor drought conditions, including soil moisture and drought indices. This study examines the relationship between in situ soil moisture, NLDAS-2 soil moisture, and four drought indices: the standardized precipitation index, the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, the crop moisture index, and the Palmer Z index. We evaluate how well drought indices and the modeled soil moisture represent the intensity, variability, and persistence of the observed soil moisture in the southern Great Plains. We also apply the drought indices to evaluate land–atmosphere interactions and compare the results with soil moisture. The results show that the SPI, SPEI, and Z index have higher correlations with 0–10-cm soil moisture, while the CMI is more strongly correlated with 0–100-cm soil moisture. All the drought indices tend to overestimate the area affected by moderate to extreme drought conditions. Significant drying trends from 2003 to 2017 are evident in SPEI, Z index, and CMI, and they agree with those in the observed soil moisture. The CMI captures the intra- and interannual variability of 0–100-cm soil moisture better than the other drought indices. The persistence of CMI is longer than that of 0–10-cm soil moisture and shorter than that of 0–100-cm soil moisture. Model-derived soil moisture does not outperform the CMI in the 0–100-cm soil layer. The Z index and CMI are better drought indices to use as a proxy for soil moisture when examining land–atmosphere interactions while the SPI is not recommended. Soil type and climate affect the relationship between drought indices and observed soil moisture.
Recorded Flexible Nasolaryngoscopy for Neonatal Vocal Cord Assessment in a Prospective Cohort
Authors: Chorney Stephen R. , Zur Karen B. , Buzi Adva , McKenna Benoit Margo K. , Chennupati Sri K. , Kleinman Stacey , DeMauro Sara B. , Elden Lisa M. 
Published: August 2020

Objective: Assessing vocal cord mobility by flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) can be difficult in neonates. To date, prospective studies evaluating the incidence and diagnostic accuracy of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) after surgical patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation are limited. It is unknown whether video FNL improves diagnosis in this population. This study compared video recordings with bedside evaluation for diagnosis of VCP and determined inter-rater reliability of the diagnosis of VCP in preterm infants after PDA ligation. Methods: Prospective cohort of preterm neonates undergoing bedside FNL within two weeks of extubation following PDA ligation. In a subset, FNL was recorded. Two pediatric otolaryngologists, blinded to the initial diagnosis, reviewed the FNL video recordings. Results: Eighty infants were enrolled and 37 with a recorded FNL were included in the cohort. Average gestational age at birth was 25.2 weeks (SD: 1.2) and postmenstrual age at FNL was 37.0 weeks (SD: 4.5), which was 9.5 days (SD: 14.7) after extubation following PDA repair. There were 6 diagnosed with left VCP (16.2%; 95% CI: 4.3-28.1%) at bedside, and 9 diagnosed by video review (24.3%; 95% CI: 10.5-38.1%) ( P = .56). Videos confirmed all 6 VCP diagnosed initially, but also identified 3 additional cases. Though imperfect, reviewing FNL by video showed substantial reliability (kappa = .75), with 91.9% agreement. Conclusion: Video recorded FNL most often confirms a bedside diagnosis of VCP, but may also identify discrepancies. Physicians should consider the limitations of diagnosis especially when infants persist with symptoms such as weak voice or signs of postoperative aspiration. Level of Evidence 2b
Changes in Dental Benefits and Use of Emergency Departments for Nontraumatic Dental Conditions in Massachusetts
Authors: Ranade Ashwini , Young Gary , Garcia Raul , Griffith John , Singhal Astha , McGuire Jean 
Published: August 2020

Objectives Research examining the effect of changes in Medicaid dental benefits on emergency department (ED) use for dental conditions has had mixed results. We examined the effect of changes in Medicaid dental benefits on ED use for nontraumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) among adults in Massachusetts before and after Medicaid dental benefits for adults were eliminated (July 2010) and partially restored (January 2013). Methods We used 2009-2013 data from the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database. The study population included Medicaid enrollees aged ≥21 who made a visit to the ED for an NTDC that was paid for by Medicaid during the study period. We used an interrupted time-series study design and segmented regression model to assess the effect of the policy changes on ED use for NTDCs. We also conducted a subanalysis by patient age, sex, and geographic location. Results During the study period, 21 731 Medicaid enrollees aged ≥21 made 35 660 NTDC ED visits. Eliminating comprehensive dental benefits led to a significant increase in the use of EDs for NTDCs. This increase occurred over time (11% increase at 15 months after elimination of comprehensive dental benefits; estimate, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.07-1.21]; P = .03) rather than immediately after the policy change took effect. The partial restoration of certain dental benefits led to a significant decrease in the rate of ED visits for NTDCs over time (15.7% decrease at 5 months after partial restoration of certain dental benefits; estimate, –0.97 [95% CI, –1.83 to –0.11]; P = .03). Conclusion Strengthening dental coverage policies for adult Medicaid enrollees could decrease their reliance on EDs for NTDCs.
Toxicity of Detergent-based Commercial Products on Cells of a Mouse Line in Suspension Culture as a Possible Screen for the Draize Rabbit Eye Irritation Test
Authors: Kemp R.B. , Meredith R.W.J. , Gamble S. , Frost M. 
Published: August 2020

Summary The Draize rabbit eye irritation test has several disadvantages and inadequacies when used as an indicator for potential irritancy of detergent-based commercial products. As a possible in vitro screen, it was decided to use mouse LS cells cultured in suspension, taking 50% cell death (CD50) after exposure to the product for 4h as the endpoint. This figure for 11 formulations was compared with eye irritation data ranked using an arbitrary classification of mild, moderate and severe. All samples with a CD50 less than 0.5mg/ml were severe eye irritants, while most of those with a CD50 greater than 1.0mg/ml were mild irritants. Samples between these two cytotoxicity levels were, in general, moderately irritant to the rabbit eye. It would appear that this in vitro test is a possible screen for the irritancy of detergent-based products.
Computer Simulation of Animal Systems in the Medical School Laboratory
Authors: Walker James R. 
Published: August 2020

Summary Many generations of medical students learned more than just the principles of the basic medical sciences from experimental animals. Animals have also provided them with their first opportunity to become acquainted with the characteristics of living tissue. It has long been contended that the number of animals used in medical teaching was greater than was necessary to meet the second objective. Until the advent of low cost microcomputers, however, there was no way to diminish animal use without compromising the quality of instruction. Computer programs simulating both human and animal systems are being developed at several institutions which will improve teaching while reducing the number of animals used. The advantages and disadvantages of the simulations are discussed.
On the Application of Cultured Neuronal Cell Lines in Neurotoxicological Studies: Cytotoxicity of Acrylamide
Authors: Walum Erik 
Published: August 2020

Summary Acrylamide, a well known neurotoxic compound, was used in a first evaluation of cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells as an alternative to animal models for neurotoxicological studies. Hence, the effects of acrylamide on the growth, size, morphology and leucine incorporation of three neuroblastoma (41A3, N18 and N1E115), one neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid (NG108CC15), two glioma (138MG and C6) and two fibroblast (RLF and RMC) cell lines were studied. It was found that the concentration of acrylamide needed to inhibit the growth by 50% in 24 hr was similar in all cell lines, i.e. around 2 x 10-4g/ml culture medium. In the two cell lines, N1E115 and NG108CC15, acrylamide at this concentration caused neurite retraction and at higher concentrations (5 x 10-4g/ml) a decrease in cell viability. In a concentration range of 5 x 10-5 - 5 x 10-4g/ml acrylamide did not affect cell size, or at 2 x 10-4g/ml incorporation of leucine into trichloroacetic acid precipitable material. It is suggested that acrylamide interferes with a biochemical process common to all the tested cells, but of greater importance in differentiated nerve cells than in others. Whether this process is consistent with the in vivo target for the neurotoxic action of acrylamide remains to be unravelled.
On the Application of Cultured Neuronal Cell Lines in Neurotoxicological Studies: Implications of Acrylamide-induced Neurite Disintegration
Authors: Nyberg Elisabet , Walum Erik 
Published: August 2020

Summary Cultures of the mouse neuroblastoma cell line C1300, clone N1E115 were exposed to acrylamide at 3.5 x 10-4M for 14 days (subacute situation) or at 2.8 x 10-3 M for 24 hr (acute situation). In the subacute situation the total uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose was stimulated. This could be explained by an increase in both the non-specific diffusion and the specific transport. The activity of the glycolytic enzyme, enolase (EC4.2.1.11), was unaffected by exposure to acrylamide, whereas the activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (EC1.2.1.12) was inhibited. Acrylamide had a marked stimulating effect on the respiratory activity of the cells, whereas the incorporation of tritiated leucine remained unchanged. Furthermore, membrane integrity was maintained throughout the acrylamide exposure as judged by an unchanged rate of 2-deoxy-D-glucose-6-phosphate efflux. Corresponding results were obtained in the acute situation. In N1E115 cultures and under the experimental conditions used in this work acrylamide caused neurite degeneration resembling distal axonopathy in vivo. It is suggested that these degenerative changes are not due to a general intoxication of the cells, but rather to a specific effect. Consequently, the N1E115 cell line might be useful in studies of chemically-induced axonopathies.
Effects of Subacute Concentrations of Acrylamide on the Morphology of Cultured Mouse Neuroblastoma N1E115 Cells: A Time-lapse Cinemicrographic Study
Authors: Walum Erik , Peterson Anders 
Published: August 2020

Summary A new technique, which permits continuous perfusion of cell cultures grown in standard tissue culture dishes, was adapted for use in the light microscope. In this system differentiated neuroblastoma N1E115 cells exposed to acrylamide (25μg/ml) for 14 days were studied and morphological alterations registered with time-lapse cinemicrography. In acrylamide-intoxicated cultures, growth cone activities and the appearance of neurites were normal during the first week. Thereafter paralysed growth cones and distal neurite swellings accompanied by distal neurite disintegration could be observed. As judged by gross morphology, most cell bodies remained unaffected. The similarities between these and previous observations and reported in vivo effects of acrylamide indicate the possibility of mechanistic studies of chemically-induced distal axonopathy in the simplified system of cultured neuroblastoma cells.
Cell Culture in the Biological Evaluation of Dental Materials: A Review
Authors: Wennberg Alf 
Published: August 2020

Systematic research on dental materials began after World War I. For a long time the research was focused on the physical properties of the materials, and papers dealing with biological aspects were scarce. By the late 1950s a growing interest in biological responses to dental materials developed, and from the 1970s biological and physical evaluations were deemed equally important (1). Mammalian cells have been maintained in vitro since the early years of this century, but the use of cultured cells to evaluate the effects of chemicals and drugs is a more recent occurrence. The first practical application of this technique was in pharmacological investigations (2), but applications in other fields soon followed, and in 1955 the first studies were reported where a cell culture technique had been applied to the biological evaluation of dental materials (3,4). Since then the use of cell culture systems in dental materials research has grown rapidly. The main application has been for the assessment of cytotoxic effects, and the purpose of this paper is to review different test methods and discuss some facets of the problems posed by the cytotoxicity testing of dental materials.
Numbers of Animals Used in Toxicological Experiments—With Particular Reference to the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Höfer-Bosse T. , Scharmann W. 
Published: August 2020

Less than a quarter of all experimental animals in Europe are used in toxicological experiments, and most of these are performed by the pharmaceutical industry. Acute toxicity testing, mainly LD50 tests, accounts for a large proportion of toxicological studies. There are no defined animal numbers for special safety requirements in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). However, where the registration of chemical products in the FRG is concerned, numbers of animals used are documented.
The Toxic Effects of Two Dental Materials on Human Buccal Epithelium In Vitro and Monkey Buccal Epithelium In Vivo
Authors: Arenholt-Bindslev D. , Hørsted-Bindslev P. , Philipsen H.P. 
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study was to compare the toxicity in vitro with the toxicity in vivo of two commercial chemicals marketed for use in the oral cavity (GLUMA BondR and 3M Etching LiquidR). Confluent cultures of human buccal epithelial cells were exposed to graded concentrations of GLUMA Bond or 3M Etching Liquid for 5 minutes. The cytotoxic effects induced by this treatment were observed (cytomorphology, proliferation rate). In vivo, monkey buccal epithelium was exposed to GLUMA Bond or 3M Etching Liquid for 5 minutes. Biopsies were taken after 24 hours, and the buccal epithelium processed for light microscopical examination. In both models, the toxic reactions to GLUMA Bond were far more extensive than those caused by 3M Etching Liquid.
Testing for Algal Toxins In Vitro
Authors: Aune T. 
Published: August 2020

Toxic blooms of several strains of blue-green algae are found in both natural and man-made freshwater lakes. Furthermore, mussels may accumulate toxic marine dinoflagellates, rendering them toxic to humans. Traditionally, the presence of algal toxins is tested by intraperitoneal injections of extracts in mice. However, toxic waterblooms and mussels can both be detected by means of freshly prepared rat hepatocytes in suspension.
A Comparison of In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assays and Their Application to Water Samples
Authors: Hunt Stephen M. , Chrzanowska Christina , Barnett Christopher R. , Brand Helen N. , Fawell John K. 
Published: August 2020

A group of 13 compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity in four test systems; MIT-24 test, inhibition of cell growth (protein method), inhibition of cell growth (vital dye method) and cloning efficiency. In general, all four assays tended to rank compounds in a similar order for toxicity. The length of the exposure period appeared to be important for some compounds. The cytotoxicity of a variety of water samples was examined in two tests; inhibition of cell growth (vital dye method) and cloning efficiency. Under the conditions in which the assays were carried out, the latter proved to be the more sensitive test. River water samples gave little or no indication of cytotoxicity, samples of domestic sewage effluent gave some evidence of cytotoxicity, while an industrial effluent was markedly cytotoxic.
Use of Epidemiological and Toxicological Observations in Domestic and Wild Animal Populations for Evaluating Human Health Risks
Authors: Dorn C. Richard , Miller Gay Y. 
Published: August 2020

Domesticated and wild animal populations are important resources in evaluating human health risks. Animals not only share man's environment, but some of them are also part of the human food chain. Three examples of monitoring the health of animal populations and using these data in evaluating human health risk were reviewed. A study of horses, cattle and wildlife in a Missouri lead mining and smelting area revealed that horses were sensitive indicators of environmental lead contamination; they developed clinical signs of lead poisoning and died, while other animal species in the same area did not exhibit signs of illness. Although they did not appear ill, cattle in the same area had liver and kidney lead concentrations that were higher than tolerance levels established in England, Wales and Canada. Wildlife such as bullfrogs, muskrats, and greenbacked herons collected downstream from an old lead mining area had significantly higher lead and cadmium levels than either upstream samples or comparable downstream samples collected at a new lead mining area. Some of these data were used in a court trial which resulted in the lead company buying the farmland so that humans and domestic animals would not be exposed. Another study of municipal sludge application on Ohio farms did not reveal excess illness rates for either livestock or humans living on farms receiving the sludge, as compared with those on control farms. However, cattle were more sensitive than humans as early indicators of low level exposure to toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. Also, calves on sludge-receiving farms accumulated cadmium and lead in their kidneys. The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), currently in a pilot stage in eight states, is another example of the use of animal populations to evaluate human health risk. Information from NAHMS about zoonotic infections, use of drugs in food producing animals and diseases common to both animals and man, provide a better understanding of human disease. Population-based animal studies are desirable adjuncts to laboratory animal studies in assessing human health risk due to environmental exposure.
Power Calculations in Toxicology
Authors: Healey Graham F. 
Published: August 2020

The ability of a study to detect a dose-related effect when one exists, is called its power. Power is defined statistically as the probability of obtaining a significant result of a particular size, given the experimental conditions. It depends not only on study size and variability, but also on the size of effect it is desired to detect, the particular significance test chosen and the validity of the assumptions. Power calculations are illustrated for the t-test, normal test for proportions, and the analysis-of-variance F-test. Some suggestions for increasing the power are given.
Real-world effectiveness and tolerability of erenumab: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kanaan Saad , Hettie Gabrielle , Loder Elizabeth , Burch Rebecca 
Published: August 2020

Background We aimed to systematically assess the effectiveness and tolerability of erenumab in a clinical setting, specifically a tertiary headache center. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study at the John Graham Headache Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. All patients who received erenumab from a headache specialist at the Center from 17 May 2018 to 31 January 2019 were included. Patients were contacted and underwent a structured clinical interview including information about erenumab use, perceived benefit, adverse events (AEs), and a global assessment of benefit versus drawbacks. Chart review was performed for patients who could not be contacted. Results Four hundred and forty-four patients were initially identified and 418 were eligible. Two hundred and ninety-five participants completed the structured clinical interview portion of the study (response rate 70.6%). Seventy-four patient charts were additionally reviewed. Two hundred and forty-one participants had used erenumab. One hundred and sixty nine (70%) of participants experienced at least one adverse event, with constipation (43%), injection site reaction (24%), fatigue (15%), worsening headache (12%), and dizziness (11%) the five most commonly reported AEs. One hundred and sixty-eight participants (69.7%) felt that the benefits of erenumab outweighed any drawbacks. One hundred and fifty-one participants (62.7%) planned to continue using erenumab. Cost of treatment was cited by 12% of participants as a reason for either not starting or for stopping erenumab. Of patients who had an increase in dose due to lack of or partial efficacy, 46.5% felt that the dose increase was helpful. We identified one case of unintended pregnancy in our study population. Conclusions This large “real-world” study validates the findings of benefit of erenumab observed in clinical trials. Although adverse events were far more common in this population than in clinical trials, the planned continuation rate was relatively high. The substantial discrepancy between adverse events seen in clinical practice compared with clinical trials suggests systematic differences between clinical trial participants and patients who receive the treatment in clinical practice, or may indicate suboptimal ascertainment of adverse events in the trials. Clinicians should continue to be vigilant for adverse events in clinical practice.