bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Trace Mercury in Water: Solving the Problem of Adsorption, Sample Preservation, and Cross‐Contamination
Authors: Zhang Jingqi , Chao Jingbo , Tang Yang , Wan Pingyu , Yang Xiao Jin , Wong Choon , Bruce Mark , Hu Qing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAdsorption, sample preservation, and cross‐contamination are the major impediments to the accurate and sensitive analysis of low‐level mercury samples. Common measures to deal with this issue are to use Teflon, quartz, or borosilicate glass bottles for sampling, standard solution and sample preservation with oxidative chemicals, to prepare standard solutions daily and to use dedicated glassware. This paper demonstrates that these measures are neither efficient nor effective. Two common laboratory sample containers (borosilicate volumetric glass flasks and polypropylene tubes) are investigated for the preparation and preservation of water samples and standard solutions of 0.2–1 µg L−1 with 2% HNO3. Mercury adsorption rates of 6–22% are observed within 30 min and after 48 days, the adsorption is greater than 98%. In stark contrast, no adsorption is found during a testing period of 560 days when the solutions are subject to potassium permanganate‐persulfate digestion. New glass flasks and polypropylene bottles are free of mercury contamination but reused flasks are a major source of mercury cross‐contamination. To minimize adsorption and cross‐contamination, standard solutions are treated by potassium permanganate‐persulfate or BrCl digestion, and each individual sample and standard solution should be stored and prepared in single‐use polypropylene bottle, without transference.
The effect of chronic neuroglycopenia on resting state networks in GLUT1 syndrome across the lifespan
Authors: Vaudano Anna Elisabetta , Olivotto Sara , Ruggieri Andrea , Gessaroli Giuliana , Talami Francesca , Parmeggiani Antonia , De Giorgis Valentina , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Meletti Stefano 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGlucose transporter type I deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is an encephalopathic disorder due to a chronic insufficient transport of glucose into the brain. PET studies in GLUT1DS documented a widespread cortico‐thalamic hypometabolism and a signal increase in the basal ganglia, regardless of age and clinical phenotype. Herein, we captured the pattern of functional connectivity of distinct striatal, cortical, and cerebellar regions in GLUT1DS (10 children, eight adults) and in healthy controls (HC, 19 children, 17 adults) during rest. Additionally, we explored for regional connectivity differences in GLUT1 children versus adults and according to the clinical presentation. Compared to HC, GLUT1DS exhibited increase connectivity within the basal ganglia circuitries and between the striatal regions with the frontal cortex and cerebellum. The excessive connectivity was predominant in patients with movement disorders and in children compared to adults, suggesting a correlation with the clinical phenotype and age at fMRI study. Our findings highlight the primary role of the striatum in the GLUT1DS pathophysiology and confirm the dependency of symptoms to the patients' chronological age. Despite the reduced chronic glucose uptake, GLUT1DS exhibit increased connectivity changes in regions highly sensible to glycopenia. Our results may portrait the effect of neuroprotective brain strategy to overcome the chronic poor energy supply during vulnerable ages.
Costs incurred and determinants of out‐of‐pocket payments for child delivery care in India: Evidence from a nationally representative household survey
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Ganesh Karthika , Sakthivel Manikandanesan , Priyan Shanthosh , Rehman Tanveer , Surendran Gayathri 
Published: November 2019

SummaryIn India, out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenditure on health care services has been showing an increasing trend. The cost and willingness to pay determines the use of facility‐based maternal health services. Hence, the current study was done to find the costs and determinants of OOP payments on childbirth care in India. We analyzed the most recent National Family Health Survey‐4 data (NFHS‐4) gathered from the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) program. Stratification and clustering in the sample design were accounted for by using the “svyset” command. Out of 43 507 women, 26 916 (61.9%) had incurred OOP expenditure during their most recent institutional delivery. The average OOP expenditure for delivery care was INR 5985 ($93.3) with median cost being INR 1000 ($15.6). About 80% of women who had OOP expenditure reported that they handled the financial situation by utilizing the money in their bank/savings account. Determinants of OOP expenses were the age of mother, education, religion, state of residence, number of antenatal visits place of delivery, and mode of delivery (P< .05). Out‐of‐pocket expenditure for accessing care is one of the key determinants of service utilization which, if not addressed by the health system, can deter women from having institutional deliveries in the future.
Numerical study of hydrodynamic flow of a Casson nanomaterial past an inclined sheet under porous medium
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Imran , Rafique Khuram , Misiran Masnita , Shehzad Sabir Ali 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe main aim of the current paper is to investigate the mass and heat transportation of a Casson nanomaterial generated by the inclination of the surface. The magnetic field effect along with suction or injection are considered. The working nanomaterial is taken into consideration based on the concept of the Buongiorno nanofluid theory, which explores the thermal efficiencies of liquid flows under movement of Brownian and thermophoretic phenomena. The emergent system of differential expressions is converted to dimensionless form with the help of the appropriate transformations. This system is numerically executed by the implementation of Keller–Box and Newton's schemes. A good agreement of results can be found with the previous data in a limiting approach. The behavior of the physical quantities under concern, including energy exchange, Sherwood number, and wall shear stress are portrayed through graphs and in tabular form. The Nusselt number and Sherwood number are found to diminish against the altered magnitudes of Brownian motion and the inclination parameter. Moreover, the velocity profile decreases with the growth of the inclination effect. In the same vein, the buoyancy force and solutal buoyancy effects show a direct relation with the velocity field. The outcomes have promising technological uses in liquid‐based systems related to stretchable constituents.
Differential Pain‐Related Behaviors and Bone Disease in Immunocompetent Mouse Models of Myeloma
Authors: Diaz‐delCastillo Marta , Kamstrup Danna , Olsen Rikke Brix , Hansen Rie Bager , Pembridge Thomas , Simanskaite Brigita , Jimenez‐Andrade Juan Miguel , Lawson Michelle A , Heegaard Anne‐Marie 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTBone pain is a serious and debilitating symptom of multiple myeloma (MM) that impairs the quality of life of patients. The underlying mechanisms of the pain are unknown and understudied, and there is a need for immunocompetent preclinical models of myeloma‐induced bone pain. The aim of this study was to provide the first in‐depth behavioral characterization of an immunocompetent mouse model of MM presenting the clinical disease features: osteolytic bone disease and bone pain. We hypothesized that a widely used syngeneic model of MM, established by systemic inoculation of green fluorescent protein‐tagged myeloma cells (5TGM1‐GFP) in immunocompetent C57Bl/KaLwRijHsd (BKAL) mice, would present pain‐related behaviors. Disease phenotype was confirmed by splenomegaly, high serum paraprotein, and tumor infiltration in the bone marrow of the hind limbs; however, myeloma‐bearing mice did not present pain‐related behaviors or substantial bone disease. Thus, we investigated an alternative model in which 5TGM1‐GFP cells were directly inoculated into the intrafemoral medullary cavity. This localized myeloma model presented the hallmarks of the disease, including high serum paraprotein, tumor growth, and osteolytic bone lesions. Compared with control mice, myeloma‐bearing mice presented myeloma‐induced pain‐related behaviors, a phenotype that was reversed by systemic morphine treatment. Micro‐computed tomography analyses of the myeloma‐inoculated femurs showed bone disease in cortical and trabecular bone. Repeated systemic bisphosphonate treatment induced an amelioration of the nociceptive phenotype, but did not completely reverse it. Furthermore, intrafemorally injected mice presented a profound denervation of the myeloma‐bearing bones, a previously unknown feature of the disease. This study reports the intrafemoral inoculation of 5TGM1‐GFP cells as a robust immunocompetent model of myeloma‐induced bone pain, with consistent bone loss. Moreover, the data suggest that myeloma‐induced bone pain is caused by a combinatorial mechanism including osteolysis and bone marrow denervation. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bone Mineral Is More Heterogeneously Distributed in the Femoral Heads of Osteoporotic and Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Parle Eoin , Tio Sherdya , Behre Annie , Carey John J , Murphy Colin G , O'Brien Timothy F , Curtin William A , Kearns Stephen R , McCabe John P , Coleman Cynthia M , Vaughan Ted J , McNamara Laoise M 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTOsteoporosis is associated with systemic bone loss, leading to a significant deterioration of bone microarchitecture and an increased fracture risk. Although recent studies have shown that the distribution of bone mineral becomes more heterogeneous because of estrogen deficiency in animal models of osteoporosis, it is not known whether osteoporosis alters mineral distribution in human bone. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can also increase bone fracture risk and is associated with impaired bone cell function, compromised collagen structure, and reduced mechanical properties. However, it is not known whether alterations in mineral distribution arise in diabetic (DB) patients’ bone. In this study, we quantify mineral content distribution and tissue microarchitecture (by μCT) and mechanical properties (by compression testing) of cancellous bone from femoral heads of osteoporotic (OP; n = 10), DB (n = 7), and osteoarthritic (OA; n = 7) patients. We report that though OP cancellous bone has significantly deteriorated compressive mechanical properties and significantly compromised microarchitecture compared with OA controls, there is also a significant increase in the mean mineral content. Moreover, the heterogeneity of the mineral content in OP bone is significantly higher than controls (+25%) and is explained by a significant increase in bone volume at high mineral levels. We propose that these mineral alterations act to exacerbate the already reduced bone quality caused by reduced cancellous bone volume during osteoporosis. We show for the first time that cancellous bone mineralization is significantly more heterogeneous (+26%) in patients presenting with T2DM compared with OA (non‐DB) controls, and that this heterogeneity is characterized by a significant increase in bone volume at low mineral levels. Despite these mineralization changes, bone microarchitecture and mechanical properties are not significantly different between OA groups with and without T2DM. Nonetheless, the observed alterations in mineral heterogeneity may play an important tissue‐level role in bone fragility associated with OP and DB bone. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Oxidative stress–mediated photoactivation of carbazole inhibits human skin cell physiology
Authors: Srivastav Ajeet K. , Dubey Divya , Chopra Deepti , Singh Jyoti , Negi Sandeep , Mujtaba Syed Faiz , Dwivedi Ashish , Ray Ratan Singh 
Published: November 2019

AbstractProlonged exposure of the earth's surface to the sun's ultraviolet radiation may result in various skin diseases and cataract. Carbazole (CBZ), as a polycyclic‐aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is blended with a five‐member nitrogen‐containing ring. It is found in cigarette smoke, coal, eye kohl, tattoo ink, and wood combustion and affects various types of flora and fauna. Our findings suggest that CBZ generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) like through type‐I photodynamic reaction and causes phototoxicity in the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), which has been proved by mitochondrial dehydrogenase and neutral red uptake assays. CBZ induces single strand DNA damage. We have investigated the involvement of the apoptotic pattern of cell death and confirmed it by cytochrome C release from mitochondria and caspase‐9 activation. Similarly, photo‐micronuclei formation was associated to CBZ‐induced phototoxicity. The results of this study strongly support that the upregulation of bax, cyto‐C, apaf‐1, casp‐9 and down regulation of bcl2, keap‐1, nrf‐2, and hmox‐1 genes cause apoptopic cell death. Downregulation of antioxidant genes showed a significant amount of ROS generation by photosensitized CBZ. Therefore, the current study will be a step forward to safeguard human beings from sunlight‐induced photosensitive CBZ prolonged exposure.
Clinical value of combined detection of reactive oxygen species modulator 1 and adenosine deaminase in pleural effusion in the identification of NSCLC associated malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Junjun , Fu Jiali , Hu Lijuan , Zheng Xiaoyong , Wang Yumin , Chen Bicheng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundReactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) is recognized to be involved in cell proliferation and is elevated in serum of various cancer patients. However, ROMO1 had little research in distinguishing between malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) and benign pleural effusions (BPEs).MethodsMalignant pleural effusion samples from patients with non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and benign pleural effusion (BPE) samples containing tuberculous and inflammatory pleural effusions were collected. The samples were tested for ROMO1, pleural effusion adenosine deaminase (pADA), pleural effusion carbohydrate antigen (pCA125, pCA153, pCA199), pleural effusion ferritin (pFER), and pleural effusion lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) levels, and the other relevant partial clinical data that were gathered were used to conduct statistical analysis.ResultsThe ROMO1, pCA125, pCA199, pCA153, pADA + ROMO1, pCA153 + ROMO1, pCA125 + ROMO1, and pCA199 + ROMO1 levels in MPE were appreciably higher in comparison with BPE group (all P = .000). The concentration of pADA in MPE was markedly lower than BPE (P = .000). When the cutoff = 0.38, the sensitivity of combined detection of ROMO1 + pADA is 98.67% and the specificity is 70.73%, respectively, and the AUC (0.941) is the highest among other parameters.ConclusionThe combined detection of ROMO1 + ADA in pleural effusion is an effective biomarker for identifying MPE caused by NSCLC.
Using microscopic techniques for taxonomic implications of seed and fruits of Delphinium L. (sensu lato) (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Hadidchi Anahita , Attar Farideh , Ullah Fazal 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn present research, micromorphological characters of the genus Delphinium L. (sensu lato) Ranunculaceae seeds and fruits were studied using microscopic techniques. A total of 37 species were studied using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate seeds and fruits micromorphological characteristics for the taxonomic identification and species relationship in the genus. For each taxon, 33 characters were observed and studied. All characters were analyzed using MVSP software and UPGMA method by using dissimilarity index (average taxonomic distance). Considerable differences were observed in trichomes shape of fruit and seed color features. The results revealed that all studied taxa are separated into three clades. The first clade consists of D. pallidiflorum and D. semibarbatum, which have black seed and two types of glandular and crispate trichomes in fruit. The second clade consists of D. speciosum, D. szowitsianum, D. dasystachyson, D. aquilegifolium, D. ursinum, C. trigonelloides, and C. camptocarpa, which had a brown color seeds, two types of glandular and villous trichomes on fruits also have been observed. The remaining species were classified as third clade having various colors including yellow, black, and brown color seeds, the trichome shapes included one of the following forms strigose, villous, trichomes less, glandular, hooked, and crispate trichomes in fruits. The aim of the present study is to use micromorphological characters of seeds and fruits for the taxonomic identification and species delimitation in the genus Delphinium.
Implementing non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in the Netherlands: An interview study exploring opinions about and experiences with societal pressure, reimbursement, and an expanding scope
Authors: Bakkeren Iris M. , Kater‐Kuipers Adriana , Bunnik Eline M. , Go Attie T. J. I. , Tibben Aad , de Beaufort Inez D. , Galjaard Robert‐Jan H. , Riedijk Sam R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT) as the first trimester prenatal screening (FTS) for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 is offered to all pregnant women in the Netherlands. NIPT using genome sequencing allows for an expansion of the scope of FTS and the introduction of NIPT gives rise to ethical and societal concerns about deliberated decision‐making, pressure to engage in screening, and possible lack of equal access due to the financial contribution (€175) to NIPT. We explored the opinions and experiences of pregnant women, who were offered FTS, about these concerns, and the possibility of a broadened scope. Nineteen pregnant women representing a diversity of backgrounds were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. Eight women did not opt for prenatal screening while 11 did (NIPT = 4, combined test = 7). Women experienced a free choice to accept or decline prenatal screening, despite sometimes receiving advice from others. Prior to pretest counseling, some women had already deliberated about what an abnormal test result would mean to them. Others accepted or declined FTS without deliberation. The current Dutch policy of requiring a co‐payment was acceptable to some, who believed that it functioned as a threshold to think carefully about FTS. Others were concerned that a financial threshold would lead to unequal access to screening. Finally, pregnant women found it difficult to formulate opinions on the scope of FTS, because of lack of knowledge. Life expectancy, severity, and treatability were considered important criteria for the inclusion of a condition in NIPT.
Differentiation Between Benign and Nonbenign Meningiomas by Using Texture Analysis From Multiparametric MRI
Authors: Ke Chao , Chen Haolin , Lv Xiaofei , Li Haojiang , Zhang Yun , Chen Maodong , Hu Daokun , Ruan Guangying , Zhang Yu , Zhang Youming , Liu Lizhi , Feng Yanqiu 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundIt is difficult to prospectively differentiate between benign (World Health Organization [WHO] I) and nonbenign (WHO II and III) meningiomas.PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of preoperative differentiation between benign and nonbenign meningiomas by using texture analysis from multiparametric MR data.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsIn all, 184 patients with meningioma (139 benign and 45 nonbenign) were included as the training cohort and 79 patients with meningioma (60 benign and 19 nonbenign) were included as the external validation cohort.Field Strength/SequenceT1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging were performed on 1.5 or 3.0T MR systems from two centers.AssessmentTumor segmentation and radiological characteristic (RC) evaluation were performed by experienced radiologists. The texture features were extracted from preprocessed images and combined with RCs, and then the combined features were reduced by using a two‐step feature selection. Three single‐sequence models and a multiparametric MRI (the combination of single sequences) model were constructed and then evaluated with the external validation cohort.Statistical TestsArea under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy (Acc), f1‐score (F1), sensitivity (Sen), and specificity (Spec), were calculated to quantify the performance of the models.ResultsAmong the four texture models, the multiparametric MRI model demonstrated the best performance for differentiating between benign and nonbenign meningiomas in both the training and external validation cohorts (AUC 0.91, Acc 89%, F1 0.88, Sen 0.93, and Spec 0.87 in the training cohort; AUC 0.83, Acc 80%, F1 0.77, Sen 0.84, and Spec 0.78 in the validation cohort).Data ConclusionNonbenign meningiomas might be preoperatively differentiated from benign meningiomas by using texture analysis from multiparametric MR data.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy Stage: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1810–1820.
Multiparametric MR Investigation of Proteoglycan Diffusivity, T2 Relaxation, and Concentration in an Ex Vivo Model of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Wang Min , Tsang Adrian , Tam Vivian , Chan Danny , Cao Peng , Wu Ed X. 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundProteoglycan (PG) is a major component of the intervertebral disc extracellular matrix (ECM) that acts to hydrate the disc nucleus. Early detection of PG degradation is valuable for both diagnosis and preclinical research of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).PurposeTo compare different MR techniques for detecting early degradative changes of PG in IVDD.Study Type: Prospective.Phantom/SpecimenGlycosaminoglycan (GAG) phantom/bovine discs with papain injection and human cadaveric discs.Field Strength/Sequences7T/diffusion‐weighted MR spectroscopy (DW‐MRS), T2‐weighted MRS (T2W‐MRS), and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging.AssessmentDW‐MRS, T2W‐MRS, and CEST imaging were applied longitudinally to measure PG diffusivity, T2 value, overall content, and spatial distribution in the disc nucleus with enzyme‐induced proteolytic ECM degradation (n = 8). Similar MR measurements were applied in GAG phantom and human cadaveric discs with different levels of degeneration (n = 6).Statistical TestsT‐tests were conducted to measure the differences of PG properties between pre‐ and post‐enzyme injection. Linear regression and mixed‐effects models were used to assess the associations among different PG properties as well as the degeneration grades in human cadaveric discs.ResultsIn bovine discs, PG diffusivity increased most rapidly after the enzyme was injected into the disc nucleus (12 hours postinjection, t = 5.76, P = 0.0007). The PG T2 value did not change significantly (t < 1.54, P > 0.17 for all timepoints) during ECM degradation and was not associated with PG diffusivity (t = 0.06, P = 0.95). PG distribution change was more rapid than overall PG content and was strongly associated with PG diffusivity increase (t = –9.25, P < 1 × 10‐8). In severely degenerated human cadaveric discs, the PG ADCs and T2 values were both associated with degeneration grades.Data ConclusionPG diffusivity is a direct biomarker for early ECM degradation, while PG distribution can be an indirect biomarker for early IVDD.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy Stage: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1390–1400.