bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference intervals for routine biochemical markers and body mass index: A study based on healthcare center database in northeastern Iran
Authors: Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Yaghooti‐Khorasani Mahdiyeh , Khodabandeh Atieh Kamel , Hasanzadeh Elahe , Sahranavard Toktam , Banihashem‐Rad Seyed Hamed , Zare‐Feyzabadi Reza , Ekhteraee‐Toosi Mansoureh Sadat , Akbarpour Ensieh , Timar Ameneh , Mohammadi‐Bajgiran Maryam , Assaran‐Darban Reza , Farkhany Ehsan Mosa , Oladi Mohammad Reza , Ferns Gordon A. , Esmaily Habibollah , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAge‐ and sex‐specific reference intervals (RIs) for some biochemical tests may be useful for their interpretation, due to the variations in lifestyle and genetic, or ethnic factors. The aim of this study was to obtain RIs for some routine biochemical markers including a serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), uric acid, and body mass index (BMI) in subjects who attended primary healthcare centers. The large database of primary healthcare centers uses RIs to report results for children, adolescents, and young and old adults. RIs were obtained by using the indirect method, recommended by the CLSI Ep28‐A3 guidelines. RIs for FBG, BMI, and serum lipid profile, including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in people aged 18 to 120 years, were obtained without age/sex segmentation. RIs for serum AST, ALT, and uric acid were obtained without age segmentation, though these RIs were higher in males than females. The RIs for AST, ALT, and uric acid were higher in men, while the RIs for the other variables were similar in both sexes. This is the first study reporting the use of indirect RIs for BMI.
DNA testing information on YouTube: Inadequate advice can mislead and harm the public
Authors: Basch Corey H. , Hillyer Grace C. , Wahrman Miryam Z. , Garcia Philip , Basch Charles E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDirect‐to‐consumer (DTC) DNA (i.e., genetic) testing has become very popular, with close to 30 million Americans having used these services. The 100 most widely viewed DNA YouTube testing videos were analyzed to determine whether they are providing adequate information for consumers. The top 100 videos had more than 300 million cumulative views, showing the popularity and reach of the information source. While many videos addressed the specimen collection process, family roots and ancestry, and the prospect of uncovering unexpected information about family or health leading to possible distress, almost none of the videos addressed accuracy or confidentiality issues, which are major issues of DNA testing. It is recommended that further information on those issues be made readily available, and more vigilant oversight by regulatory agencies be implemented. Such oversight should include monitoring what information is and is not readily provided by each company, and the veracity of information being communicated to existing and prospective consumers. We also recommend that for medical issues, clinical genetic testing, along with genetic counseling by genetic counselors, be the method of choice.
Retrospective Distortion and Motion Correction for Free‐Breathing DW‐MRI of the Kidneys Using Dual‐Echo EPI and Slice‐to‐Volume Registration
Authors: Coll‐Font Jaume , Afacan Onur , Hoge Scott , Garg Harsha , Shashi Kumar , Marami Bahram , Gholipour Ali , Chow Jeanne , Warfield Simon , Kurugol Sila 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) of the kidneys is a technique that provides information about the microstructure of renal tissue without requiring exogenous contrasts such as gadolinium, and it can be used for diagnosis in cases of renal disease and assessing response‐to‐therapy. However, physiological motion and large geometric distortions due to main B0 field inhomogeneities degrade the image quality, reduce the accuracy of quantitative imaging markers, and impede their subsequent clinical applicability.PurposeTo retrospectively correct for geometric distortion for free‐breathing DW‐MRI of the kidneys at 3T, in the presence of a nonstatic distortion field due to breathing and bulk motion.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsTen healthy volunteers (ages 29–38, four females).Field Strength/Sequence3T; DW‐MR dual‐echo echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequence (10 b‐values and 17 directions) and a T2 volume.AssessmentThe distortion correction was evaluated subjectively (Likert scale 0–5) and numerically with cross‐correlation between the DW images at b = 0 s/mm2 and a T2 volume. The intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and diffusion tensor (DTI) model‐fitting performance was evaluated using the root‐mean‐squared error (nRMSE) and the coefficient of variation (CV%) of their parameters.Statistical TestsStatistical comparisons were done using Wilcoxon tests.ResultsThe proposed method improved the Likert scores by 1.1 ± 0.8 (P < 0.05), the cross‐correlation with the T2 reference image by 0.13 ± 0.05 (P < 0.05), and reduced the nRMSE by 0.13 ± 0.03 (P < 0.05) and 0.23 ± 0.06 (P < 0.05) for IVIM and DTI, respectively. The CV% of the IVIM parameters (slow and fast diffusion, and diffusion fraction for IVIM and mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy for DTI) was reduced by 2.26 ± 3.98% (P = 6.971 × 10−2), 11.24 ± 26.26% (P = 6.971 × 10−2), 4.12 ± 12.91% (P = 0.101), 3.22 ± 0.55% (P < 0.05), and 2.42 ± 1.15% (P < 0.05).Data ConclusionThe results indicate that the proposed Di + MoCo method can effectively correct for time‐varying geometric distortions and for misalignments due to breathing motion. Consequently, the image quality and precision of the DW‐MRI model parameters improved.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage1
Association between intracranial carotid artery calcifications and periodontitis: A cone‐beam computed tomography study
Authors: AlSakr Abdulaziz , Blanchard Steven , Wong Phillip , Thyvalikakath Thankam , Hamada Yusuke 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntracranial carotid artery calcifications (ICACs) are one type of calcification that may be detected as incidental findings in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study aimed to examine the prevalence of ICACs on CBCT images and their associations among age, gender, chronic periodontitis, and patient‐reported cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).MethodsA total of 303 CBCT scans were reviewed and a total of 208 patients met the inclusion criteria. The presence or absence of ICACs was evaluated in the ophthalmic and cavernous segments of each scan. Patient demographic data, including age, gender, and medical history, specifically focused on CVDs were recorded. The presence or absence of periodontitis was recorded from each subject with full mouth radiographs and clinical measurements. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated as part of the logistic regression analysis.ResultsOverall, ICACs were found in 93 subjects (45%). The bilateral ICACs were found in 43 subjects (21% of the total subjects, 46% of the subjects with ICACs). There were statistically significant associations between presence of ICACs and periodontitis (OR = 4.55), hypertension (OR = 3.02), hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.87), increasing age (OR = 2.24), and the male gender (OR = 1.85). Smoking status was not significantly correlated with ICACs.ConclusionThis study revealed that nearly half (45%) of the subjects displayed ICACs on the CBCT images. ICACs are significantly related to the status of chronic periodontitis, age, gender, and CVDs. A more careful review of CBCT scans is highly recommended to detect these calcifications and refer patients for further medical evaluation.
Oxidation process and kinetics of bromothymol blue by alkaline permanganate
Authors: Al‐Hossainy Ahmed F. , Ibrahim Samia M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSpectrophotometric analysis was applied to check the kinetics of bromothymol blue (BTB) oxidation by alkaline permanganate at constant ionic strength 0.2 mol dm−3. The redox reaction was observed to proceed through two independently distinct, detectable steps. The first step coexists with the formation of intermediate complexes involving transient species relatively quickly of the blue hypomanganate(V) and green manganate(VI). The slowly decomposed intermediate formed to produce soluble colloidal manganese(IV) and the BTB keto‐derivatives as second slow‐stage oxidation products. The oxidation reaction demonstrated first‐order dependence in [MnO4−] and fractional first‐order kinetics at each of the BTB and alkali concentrations at an initial rapid stage for complexes formation. It was found that the oxidation process is of a base‐catalyzed nature. Novel spectrophotometric measurement of the blue hypomanganate(V) was introduced using a traditional spectrophotometer. An effective oxidation mechanism compatible with the kinetic data obtained in terms of the activation parameters assessed was analyzed, proposed, and discussed in line with the kinetic findings.
Exome Sequencing for Isolated Congenital Hearing Loss: A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Downie Lilian , Amor David J. , Halliday Jane , Lewis Sharon , Martyn Melissa , Goranitis Ilias 
Published: December 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the relative cost‐effectiveness of exome sequencing for isolated congenital deafness compared with standard care.Study DesignIncremental cost‐effectiveness and cost‐benefit analyses were undertaken from the perspective of the Australian healthcare system using an 18‐year time horizon.MethodsA decision tree was used to model the costs and outcomes associated with exome sequencing and standard care for infants presenting with isolated congenital deafness.ResultsExome sequencing resulted in an incremental cost of AU$1,000 per child and an additional 30 diagnoses per 100 children tested. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was AU$3,333 per additional diagnosis. The mean societal willingness to pay for exome sequencing was estimated at AU$4,600 per child tested relative to standard care, resulting in a positive net benefit of AU$3,600. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the cost‐effectiveness of exome sequencing.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the cost‐effectiveness of exome sequencing in congenital hearing loss, through increased diagnostic rate and consequent improved process of care by reducing or ceasing diagnostic investigation or facilitating targeted further investigation. We recommend equitable funding for exome sequencing in infants presenting with isolated congenital hearing loss.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 131:E2371–E2377, 2021
Borage Oil Enhances Lamellar Body Content and Alters Fatty Acid Composition of Epidermal Ceramides in Essential Fatty Acid‐Deficient Guinea Pigs
Authors: Kim Kun‐Pyo , Shin Kyong‐Oh , Park Kyungho , Cho Yunhi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBorage oil [BO: 40.9% linoleic acid (LNA) and 24.0% γ‐linolenic acid (GLA)] reverses disrupted epidermal lipid barrier in essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). We determined the effects of BO on lamellar body (LB) content and LNA and GLA incorporation into epidermal ceramide 1 (CER1) and epidermal ceramide 2 (CER2), major barrier lipids. EFAD was induced in guinea pigs by a diet of 6% hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO) for 10 weeks (group HCO) or 8 weeks followed by 6% BO for 2 weeks (group HCO + BO). LB content and LNA and GLA incorporation into CER1 were higher in group HCO + BO than in group HCO. Small but significant levels of LNA, GLA, and their C20‐metabolized fatty acids [dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (ARA)] were incorporated into CER2, where ARA was detected at a level lower than LNA, but DGLA incorporation exceeded that for GLA in group HCO + BO. Dietary BO enhanced LB content and differential incorporation of GLA into CER1 and DGLA into CER2.
Arctic concentration–discharge relationships for dissolved organic carbon and nitrate vary with landscape and season
Authors: Shogren Arial J. , Zarnetske Jay P. , Abbott Benjamin W. , Iannucci Frances , Medvedeff Alexander , Cairns Sam , Duda Megan J. , Bowden William B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractClimate change is intensifying the Arctic hydrologic cycle, potentially accelerating the release of carbon and nutrients from permafrost landscapes to rivers. However, there are limited riverine flow and solute data of adequate frequency and duration to test how seasonality and catchment landscape characteristics influence production and transport of carbon and nutrients in Arctic river networks. We measured high frequency hydrochemical dynamics at the outlets of three headwater catchments in Arctic Alaska over 3 years. The catchments represent common Arctic landscapes: low‐gradient tundra, low‐gradient and lake‐influenced tundra, and high‐gradient alpine tundra. Using in‐situ spectrophotometers, we measured dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrate (NO3−) concentrations at 15‐min intervals through the flow seasons of 2017, 2018, and 2019. These high‐frequency data allowed us to quantify concentration–discharge (C‐Q) responses during individual storm events across the flow season. Differences in C‐Q responses among catchments indicated strong landscape and seasonal controls on lateral DOC and NO3− flux. For the two low‐gradient tundra catchments, we observed consistent DOC enrichment (transport‐limitation) and NO3− dilution (source‐limitation) during flow events. Conversely, we found consistent NO3− enrichment and DOC dilution in the high‐gradient alpine catchment. Our analysis revealed how high flow events may contribute disproportionately to downstream export in these Arctic streams. Because the duration of the flow season is expected to lengthen and the intensity of Arctic storms are expected to increase, understanding how discharge and solute concentration are coupled is crucial to understanding carbon and nutrient dynamics in rapidly changing permafrost ecosystems.
From Amazon.com to Amazon.love: How Alexa is redefining companionship and interdependence for people with special needs
Authors: Ramadan Zahy , F. Farah Maya , El Essrawi Lea 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe trend of incorporating assistive conversational agents into people's lives has followed the unprecedented expansion in the usage of artificial intelligence (AI). Amazon, in particular, has been a key trendsetter in this area through its Alexa‐powered devices. Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant (IPA) that performs tasks, such as playing music, providing news and information, and controlling smart home appliances. While this IPA is widely utilized, it is especially gaining attention and growing usage by people with special needs. Even though the importance of the utilization of AI by people with special needs has been widely acknowledged in the extant literature, a sizeable gap exists in the marketing literature in relation to the assessment of the managerial and societal implications of IPAs when used by people with special needs. Accordingly, this study aims to examine (a) the stages of relationship development between Alexa and consumers with special needs, and (b) the potential opportunity of this relationship for Amazon in relation to their corporate image. The findings indicate that a relationship between Alexa and consumers with special needs is established as it helps them regain their independence and freedom. This relationship provides an opportunity for Amazon in enhancing its overall image for providing solutions to facilitate the lives of people with special needs.
A robust DWT–CNN‐based CAD system for early diagnosis of autism using task‐based fMRI
Authors: Haweel Reem , Shalaby Ahmed , Mahmoud Ali , Seada Noha , Ghoniemy Said , Ghazal Mohammed , Casanova Manuel F. , Barnes Gregory N. , El‐Baz Ayman 
Published: December 2020

PurposeTask‐based fMRI (TfMRI) is a diagnostic imaging modality for observing the effects of a disease or other condition on the functional activity of the brain. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder associated with impairments in social and linguistic abilities. Machine learning algorithms have been widely utilized for brain imaging aiming for objective ASD diagnostics. Recently, deep learning methods have been gaining more attention for fMRI classification. The goal of this paper is to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based framework to help in global diagnosis of ASD using TfMRI data that are collected from a response to speech experiment.MethodsTo achieve this goal, the proposed framework adopts a novel imaging marker integrating both spatial and temporal information that are related to the functional activity of the brain. The developed pipeline consists of three main components. In the first step, the collected TfMRI data are preprocessed and parcellated using the Harvard–Oxford probabilistic atlas included with the fMRIB Software Library (FSL). Second, a group analysis using FSL is performed between ASD and typically developing (TD) children to identify significantly activated brain areas in response to the speech task. In order to reduce brain spatial dimensionality, a K‐means clustering technique is performed on such significant brain areas. Informative blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signals are extracted from each cluster. A compression step for each extracted BOLD signal using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) has been proposed. The adopted wavelets are similar to the expected hemodynamic response which enables DWT to compress the BOLD signal while highlighting its activation information. Finally, a deep learning 2D CNN network is used to classify the patients as ASD or TD based on extracted features from the previous step.ResultsPreliminary results on 100 TfMRI dataset (50 ASD, 50 TD) obtain 80% correct global classification using tenfold cross validation (with sensitivity = 84%, specificity = 76%).ConclusionThe experimental results show the high accuracy of the proposed framework and hold promise for the presented framework as a helpful adjunct to currently used ASD diagnostic tools.
Technical Note: A fast and monolithic prototype clinical proton radiography system optimized for pencil beam scanning
Authors: DeJongh Ethan A. , DeJongh Don F. , Polnyi Igor , Rykalin Victor , Sarosiek Christina , Coutrakon George , Duffin Kirk L. , Karonis Nicholas T. , Ordoñez Caesar E. , Pankuch Mark , Winans John R. , Welsh James S. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo demonstrate a proton‐imaging system based on well‐established fast scintillator technology to achieve high performance with low cost and complexity, with the potential of a straightforward translation into clinical use.MethodsThe system tracks individual protons through one (X, Y) scintillating fiber tracker plane upstream and downstream of the object and into a 13‐cm ‐thick scintillating block residual energy detector. The fibers in the tracker planes are multiplexed into silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) to reduce the number of electronics channels. The light signal from the residual energy detector is collected by 16 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Only four signals from the PMTs are output from each event, which allows for fast signal readout. A robust calibration method of the PMT signal to residual energy has been developed to obtain accurate proton images. The development of patient‐specific scan patterns using multiple input energies allows for an image to be produced with minimal excess dose delivered to the patient.ResultsThe calibration of signals in the energy detector produces accurate residual range measurements limited by intrinsic range straggling. We measured the water‐equivalent thickness (WET) of a block of solid water (physical thickness of 6.10 mm) with a proton radiograph. The mean WET from all pixels in the block was 6.13 cm (SD 0.02 cm). The use of patient‐specific scan patterns using multiple input energies enables imaging with a compact range detector.ConclusionsWe have developed a prototype clinical proton radiography system for pretreatment imaging in proton radiation therapy. We have optimized the system for use with pencil beam scanning systems and have achieved a reduction of size and complexity compared to previous designs.
Quantitative NMR (qNMR) for pharmaceutical analysis: The pioneering work of George Hanna at the US FDA
Authors: Jaki Birgit U. , Bzhelyansky Anton , Pauli Guido F. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the last two decades, quantitative NMR (qNMR) has become increasingly important for the analysis of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and natural products including dietary supplements. For the purpose of quality control and chemical standardization of a large variety of pharmaceutical, chemical, and medicinal products, qNMR has proven to be a valuable orthogonal quantification method and a compelling alternative to chromatographic techniques. This work reviews a fundamental component of the early development of qNMR, reflected in the pioneering work of the late George M. Hanna during the years between 1984 and 2006 at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because Hanna performed the majority of his groundbreaking work on a 90‐MHz instrument, his legacy output connects with recent progress in low‐field benchtop NMR instrumentation. Hanna gradually established the utility of qNMR for the routine quality control analyses practiced in pharmaceutical and related operations well ahead of his peers. His work has the potential to inspire new developments in qNMR applied to small molecules of biomedical importance.
Self‐efficacy as a prognostic factor and treatment moderator in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients attending pain management programmes: A systematic review
Authors: Hayward Rebecca , Stynes Siobhan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveEvidence on the effectiveness of pain management programmes (PMPs) for chronic pain patients is mixed. Self‐efficacy may be associated with outcome of PMPs. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the role of self‐efficacy as a (i) prognostic factor and (ii) moderator of treatment, in chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) patients attending a PMP.MethodsA systematic review of the literature and qualitative synthesis was carried out. Six electronic databases were searched (1989–2020). Studies that measured pain self‐efficacy as a prognostic factor or treatment moderator in patients with CMP, who participated in a multidisciplinary PMP were included. Study quality was appraised using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.ResultsSix studies investigating self‐efficacy as a prognostic factor were included with a total of 1881 participants. No studies were found assessing self‐efficacy as a treatment moderator. Self‐efficacy was a prognostic factor for physical functioning in two studies. There was weak evidence for self‐efficacy as a prognostic factor for disability, health‐related quality of life and pain outcomes and no evidence for psychological variables, disease severity and tender point index following PMPs. Quality of evidence was very low using the GRADE system for each outcome measure.ConclusionBaseline self‐efficacy may play a role in physical function outcomes in CMP patients attending a PMP. Higher quality evidence is needed to determine the influence of self‐efficacy on outcomes in this setting.