bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerometer informed time-energy budgets reveal the importance of temperature to the activity of a wild, arid zone canid
Authors: Tatler Jack , Currie Shannon E. , Cassey Phillip , Scharf Anne K. , Roshier David A. , Prowse Thomas A. A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, arid regions are expanding and becoming hotter and drier with climate change. For medium and large bodied endotherms in the arid zone, the necessity to dissipate heat drives a range of adaptations, from behaviour to anatomy and physiology. Understanding how apex predators negotiate these landscapes and how they balance their energy is important as it may have broad impacts on ecosystem function.MethodsWe used tri-axial accelerometry (ACC) and GPS data collected from free-ranging dingoes in central Australia to investigate their activity-specific energetics, and activity patterns through time and space. We classified dingo activity into stationary, walking, and running behaviours, and estimated daily energy expenditure via activity-specific time-energy budgets developed using energy expenditure data derived from the literature. We tested whether dingoes behaviourally thermoregulate by modelling ODBA as a function of ambient temperature during the day and night. We used traditional distance measurements (GPS) as well as fine-scale activity (ODBA) data to assess their daily movement patterns.ResultsWe retrieved ACC and GPS data from seven dingoes. Their mass-specific daily energy expenditure was significantly lower in summer (288 kJ kg− 1 day− 1) than winter (495 kJ kg− 1 day− 1;p = 0.03). Overall, dingoes were much less active during summer where 91% of their day was spent stationary in contrast to just 46% during winter. There was a sharp decrease in ODBA with increasing ambient temperature during the day (R2 = 0.59), whereas ODBA increased with increasing Taat night (R2 = 0.39). Distance and ODBA were positively correlated (R = 0.65) and produced similar crepuscular patterns of activity.ConclusionOur results indicate that ambient temperature may drive the behaviour of dingoes. Seasonal differences of daily energy expenditure in free-ranging eutherian mammals have been found in several species, though this was the first time it has been observed in a wild canid. We conclude that the negative relationship between dingo activity (ODBA) and ambient temperature during the day implies that high heat gain from solar radiation may be a factor limiting diurnal dingo activity in an arid environment.
The effect of calibration factors and recovery coefficients on 177Lu SPECT activity quantification accuracy: a Monte Carlo study
Authors: Ramonaheng Keamogetswe , van Staden Johannes A. , du Raan Hanlie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Different gamma camera calibration factor (CF) geometries have been proposed to convert SPECT data into units of activity concentration. However, no consensus has been reached on a standardised geometry. The CF is dependent on the selected geometry and is further affected by partial volume effects. This study investigated the effect of two CF geometries and their corresponding recovery coefficients (RCs) on the quantification accuracy of 177Lu SPECT images using Monte Carlo simulations.

Methods
The CF geometries investigated were (i) a radioactive-sphere surrounded by non-radioactive water (sphere-CF) and (ii) a cylindrical phantom uniformly filled with radioactive water (cylinder-CF). Recovery coefficients were obtained using the sphere-CF and cylinder-CF, yielding the sphere-RC and cylinder-RC values, respectively, for partial volume correction (PVC). The quantification accuracy was evaluated using four different-sized spheres (15.6–65.4 ml) and a kidney model with known activity concentrations inside a cylindrical, torso and patient phantom. Images were reconstructed with the 3D OS-EM algorithm incorporating attenuation, scatter and detector-response corrections. Segmentation was performed using the physical size and a small cylindrical volume inside the cylinder for the sphere-CF and cylinder-CF, respectively.

Results
The sphere quantification error (without PVC) was better for the sphere-CF (≤ − 5.54%) compared to the cylinder-CF (≤ − 20.90%), attributed to the similar geometry of the quantified and CF spheres. Partial volume correction yielded comparable results for the sphere-CF-RC (≤ 3.47%) and cylinder-CF-RC (≤ 3.53%). The accuracy of the kidney quantification was poorer (≤ 22.34%) for the sphere-CF without PVC compared to the cylinder-CF (≤ 2.44%). With PVC, the kidney quantification results improved and compared well for the sphere-CF-RC (≤ 3.50%) and the cylinder-CF-RC (≤ 3.45%).

Conclusion
The study demonstrated that upon careful selection of CF-RC combinations, comparable quantification errors (≤ 3.53%) were obtained between the sphere-CF-RC and cylinder-CF-RC, when all corrections were applied.
Q-Bot: automatic DICOM metadata monitoring for the next level of quality management in nuclear medicine
Authors: Nagy Ferenc , Krizsan Aron K. , Kukuts Kornél , Szolikova Melinda , Hascsi Zsolt , Barna Sandor , Acs Antonietta , Szabo Peter , Tron Lajos , Balkay Laszlo , Dahlbom Magnus , Zentai Mihaly , Forgacs Attila , Garai Ildiko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Regular and precise inspection of the realization of the local nuclear medicine standard operation procedures (SOPs) is very complex and time-consuming, especially when large amount of patient data is obtained from a wide scale of different scan procedures on a daily basis. DICOM metadata comprise a complete set of data related to the patient and the imaging procedure, and consequently all information necessary to evaluate the compliance with the actual SOP.

Methods
Q-Bot, an automatic DICOM metadata monitoring tool which is capable to verify SOP conformities, was tested for 11 months at two nuclear medicine departments. Relevant parameters, such as patient ID, patient mass and height, injected activity, and uptake time, were investigated in the case of adult 18F-FDG whole-body PET/CT and 99mTc-MDP gamma camera bone scans on a daily basis. Q-Bot automatically inspected the actual SOP compliance of these relevant DICOM parameters. Q-Bot graphical user interface (GUI) provided a summary of the outliers in a table format to be investigated by a dedicated technologist. In addition, information related to the error handling was also collected for retrospective analysis of long-term tendencies.

Results
In total, 6702 PET/CT and 2502 gamma camera scans were inspected, from which 8581 were confirmed as valid patient study without errors. Discrepancies related to the lack of a parameter, not appropriate format, or improper scan procedures were found in 623 cases, and 156 out of these were corrected before the medical reading and reporting. SOP non-conformities explored with Q-Bot were found to be non-correctable in 467 cases. Systematic errors to our practice turned out to be the manual radiopharmaceutical injection, the allowance to use both SI and non-SI units, and the clear definition of decimal point symbol to use.

Conclusion
The daily evaluation of Q-Bot results provided early detection of errors and consequently ensured the minimization of error propagation. Integration of a QM software that inspects protocol compliance at a nuclear medicine department provides significant support to detect non-conformities for technologists, and much higher confidence in image quality for physicians.
Development of a Patient Reported Measure of Experimental Transplants with HIV and Ethics in the United States (PROMETHEUS)
Authors: Seaman Shanti , Brown Diane , Eno Ann , Yu Sile , Massie Allan B. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Durand Christine M. , Segev Dorry L. , Wu Albert W. , Sugarman Jeremy 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Transplantation of HIV-positive (HIV+) donor organs for HIV+ recipients (HIV D+/R+) is now being performed as research in the United States, but raises ethical concerns. While patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly used to evaluate clinical interventions, there is no published measure to aptly capture patients’ experiences in the unique context of experimental HIV D+/R+ transplantation. Therefore, we developed PROMETHEUS (patient-reported measure of experimental transplants with HIV and ethics in the United States). To do so, we created a conceptual framework, drafted a pilot battery using existing and new measures related to this context, and refined it based on cognitive and pilot testing. PROMETHEUS was administered 6-months post-transplant in a clinical trial evaluating these transplants. We analyzed data from the first 20 patient-participants for reliability and validity by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and reviewing item performance characteristics.

Results
PROMETHEUS 1.0 consisted of 29 items with 5 putative subscales: Emotions; Trust; Decision Making; Transplant; and Decision Satisfaction. Overall, responses were positive. Cronbach’s alpha was > 0.8 for all subscales except Transplant, which was 0.38. Two Transplant subscale items were removed due to poor reliability and construct validity.

Conclusions
We developed PROMETHEUS to systematically capture patient-reported experiences with this novel experimental transplantation program, nested it in an actual clinical trial, and obtained preliminary data regarding its performance.
Growth and yield performances of rice (Oryza sativa var. nerica) after exposure to biosynthesized nanoparticles
Authors: Ikhajiagbe B. , Igiebor F. A. , Ogwu M. C. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a common staple food in Nigeria. However, cultivation is impaired by heavy metal contamination, particularly iron (Fe). This study aimed to investigate the impacts of biosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) in enhancing the growth and yield components of rice sown in ferruginous soil. Viable seeds of O. sativa var. nerica were sown in ferruginous and non-ferruginous soils. After four weeks, the plants were exposed to foliar sprays of biosynthesized NPs from silver nitrate, using extracts of leaves of Carica papaya, Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, and Azadirachta indica; and the flowers of Hibiscus sabderiffa, following standard procedure. The originally prepared stock solution was diluted to give 5, 15, and 30% concentrations of each synthesized NP.

Results
Results showed that soil ferrugenicity impeded the growth and yield of rice. Azadirachta-synthesized NPs was better enhanced in the ferruginous soils, which might be due to Fe interaction and activities. Moreover, there was increased antioxidant activity in the ferruginous rice compared to the non-ferruginous rice, thus it is evidence that ferrugenicity is a major source of physiological stress for the rice plant.

Conclusion
The study provided evidence that Ag-NPs can enhance plant yield by huge proportions in ferruginous soil, a condition (ferrugenicity) that was hitherto inimical to yield disposition of rice.
Hepatitis C core antigen: a simple predictive marker for treatment response to the new direct-acting antiviral drugs in chronic HCV Egyptian patients
Authors: Elbrolosy Asmaa M. , Elhamouly Moamena S. , Eed Emad M. , El Gedawy Gamalat A. , Abozeid Mai , Elabd Naglaa S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has great impact on the prognosis of HCV-related complications and the associated mortality. The development of the new direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment of HCV infection. HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) is a recently developed marker that displayed a good correlation with HCV RNA assays. Our main objectives were to correlate between serum levels of HCVcAg and HCV RNA loads in chronic HCV patients as well as to explore the potential value of HCVcAg assay in predicting treatment response to the new DAAs. The study enrolled a total of 280 chronic HCV-infected patients scheduled to start the new regimen for treatment of chronic HCV by all-oral, interferon-free DAAs. According to the viral load, the studied individuals were arranged into three groups corresponding to mild, moderate, and sever viremia. Serum level of HCVcAg was determined by ELISA technique and HCV RNA viral loads were quantified using the real-time PCR system. The assays were performed three times for all participants: prior to initiation of treatment, at the end of treatment (week 12), and 3 months post-treatment cessation (week 24).ResultsA statistically significant difference between HCV RNA and HCVcAg baseline levels among different viremia groups was detected (P< 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between HCV RNA and HCVcAg baseline values among all the studied cases (P< 0.05) with a correlation coefficient of 0.752, 0.976, and 1.00 respectively for mild, moderate, and severe viremia groups. 92.9% (260/280) of the studied patients achieved sustained virologic response, 3.6% (10/280) were non-responders, and 3.6% (10/280) had recurrent viremia/relapse as regards RT-PCR results.ConclusionHCVcAg is a promising alternative to HCV RNA assay. The ELISAs for HCVcAg proved excellent correlations with HCV RNA levels. Moreover, HCVcAg can be introduced as a simple and highly specific tool for monitoring the new DAA regimens particularly in low-resource settings.
Low Intake of Vegetable Protein is Associated With Altered Ovulatory Function Among Healthy Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Kim Keewan , Yisahak Samrawit F , Nobles Carrie J , Andriessen Victoria C , DeVilbiss Elizabeth A , Sjaarda Lindsey A , Alohali Ahoud , Perkins Neil J , Mumford Sunni L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Diets high in plant-based protein have gained popularity due to increasing health concerns regarding consumption of animal products. Though links between intakes of certain protein-rich foods and reproductive disorders have been suggested, the relationship of overall animal and vegetable proteins with reproductive hormones among reproductive-aged women is unknown.

Objective
To evaluate the associations between the intake of dietary protein with reproductive hormones and sporadic anovulation among reproductive-aged women.

Design
A prospective cohort study, 2005–2007.

Setting
University at Buffalo, western New York, United States.

Participants
A total of 259 premenopausal women (18–44 years) without dietary restrictions.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Serum reproductive hormones were determined up to 8 times per cycle for 2 cycles. Protein intake was assessed the day prior to hormone assessment at 4 visits/cycle using 24-hour recalls.

Results
Overall, 84% of participants met the recommended dietary allowance for total protein set for reproductive-aged women. Neither total nor animal protein intake were associated with reproductive hormones or anovulation. However, vegetable protein intake in the lowest tertile was associated with lower luteal phase progesterone (-18.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -30.2, -3.6), higher follicle-stimulating hormone (3.8%, 95% CI 0.2, 7.6), and a higher risk of anovulation (risk ratio [RR] 2.53, 95% CI 1.21, 5.26), compared with the middle tertile. Nuts and seeds were the only protein-rich foods associated with an elevated risk of anovulation (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.17, 3.85).

Conclusions
Findings suggest that among women who meet the recommended dietary allowance for total protein, low intake of vegetable, but not animal, protein may disturb normal ovulatory function.
Testosterone Therapy Effects on Bone Mass and Turnover in Hypogonadal Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Colleluori Georgia , Aguirre Lina , Napoli Nicola , Qualls Clifford , Villareal Dennis T , Armamento-Villareal Reina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Male hypogonadism is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fragility fracture risk. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have relatively higher BMD, but greater fracture risk.

Objective
Evaluate the skeletal response to testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men with T2D compared with hypogonadal men without T2D.

Methods
Single arm, open-label clinical trial (NCT01378299) involving 105 men (40-74 years old), with average morning testosterone &lt;300 ng/dL. Subjects were injected intramuscularly with testosterone cypionate (200 mg) every 2 weeks for 18 months. Testosterone and estradiol were assessed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin and sclerostin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by high-performance liquid chromatography, areal BMD (aBMD) and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; tibial volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone geometry by peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

Results
Among our population of hypogonadal men, 49 had T2D and 56 were non-T2D. After 18 months of testosterone therapy, there were no differences in circulating testosterone and estradiol between the groups. Hypogonadal men with T2D had increased osteocalcin, reflecting increased osteoblast activity, compared with non-T2D men (P &lt; .01). T2D men increased lumbar spine aBMD (P &lt; .05), total area at 38% tibia (P &lt; .01) and periosteal and endosteal circumferences at the same site (P &lt; .01 for both). T2D men had reduced tibial vBMD (P &lt; .01), but preserved bone mineral content (P = .01). Changes in HbA1c or body composition were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusion
Testosterone therapy results in greater improvements in the skeletal health of hypogonadal men with T2D than their nondiabetic counterparts.
Mechanism of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading during Dynamic Motor Tasks
Authors: NASSERI AZADEH , LLOYD DAVID G. , BRYANT ADAM L. , HEADRICK JONATHON , SAYER TIMOTHY A. , SAXBY DAVID J. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This study determined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) force and its contributors during a standardized drop-land-lateral jump task using a validated computational model.

Methods
Three-dimensional whole-body kinematics, ground reaction forces, and muscle activation patterns from eight knee-spanning muscles were collected during dynamic tasks performed by healthy recreationally active females (n = 24). These data were used in a combined neuromusculoskeletal and ACL force model to determine lower limb muscle and ACL forces.

Results
Peak ACL force (2.3 ± 0.5 bodyweight) was observed at ~14% of stance during the drop-land-lateral jump. The ACL force was primarily generated through the sagittal plane, and muscle was the dominant source of ACL loading. The main ACL antagonists (i.e., loaders) were the gastrocnemii and quadriceps, whereas the hamstrings were the main ACL agonists (i.e., supporters).

Conclusion
Combining neuromusculoskeletal and ACL force models, the roles of muscle in ACL loading and support were determined during a challenging motor task. Results highlighted the importance of the gastrocnemius in ACL loading, which could be considered more prominently in ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Resistance Training’s Ability to Prevent Cancer-induced Muscle Atrophy Extends Anabolic Stimulus
Authors: PADILHA CAMILA S. , CELLA PAOLA S. , CHIMIN PATRÍCIA , VOLTARELLI FABRÍCIO A. , MARINELLO POLIANA C. , TESTA MAYRA TARDELLI DE JESUS , GUIRRO PHILIPPE B. , DUARTE JOSÉ A. R. , CECCHINI RUBENS , GUARNIER FLÁVIA A. , DEMINICE RAFAEL 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) activation and catabolic markers in resistance training’s (RT) antiatrophy effect during cachexia-induced muscle loss.

Methods
Myofiber atrophy was induced by injecting Walker 256 tumor cells into rats exposed or not exposed to the RT protocol of ladder climbing. The role of RT-induced anabolic stimulation was investigated in tumor-bearing rats with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin, and cross-sectional areas of skeletal muscle were evaluated to identify atrophy or hypertrophy. Components of the mTORC1 and ubiquitin–proteasome pathways were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblotting.

Results
Although RT prevented myofiber atrophy and impaired the strength of tumor-bearing rats, in healthy rats, it promoted activated mTORC1, as demonstrated by p70S6K’s increased phosphorylation and myofiber’s enlarged cross-sectional area. However, RT promoted no changes in the ratio of p70S6K to phospho-p70S6K protein expression while prevented myofiber atrophy in tumor-bearing rats. Beyond that, treatment with rapamycin did not preclude RT’s preventive effect on myofiber atrophy in tumor-bearing rats. Thus, RT’s ability to prevent cancer-induced myofiber atrophy seems to be independent of mTORC1’s and p70S6K’s activation. Indeed, RT’s preventive effect on cancer-induced myofiber atrophy was associated with its capacity to attenuate elevated tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 as well as to prevent oxidative damage in muscles and an elevated abundance of atrogin-1.

Conclusions
By inducing attenuated myofiber atrophy independent of mTORC1’s signaling activation, RT prevents muscle atrophy during cancer by reducing inflammation, oxidative damage, and atrogin-1 expression.
Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity among Hispanic Youth
Authors: ARLINGHAUS KATHERINE R. , DAUNDASEKARA SAJEEVIKA S. , ZAIDI YUSUF , JOHNSTON CRAIG A. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The objective of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to better understand barriers and facilitators to physical activity among low-income, Hispanic youth.

Methods
Low-income Hispanic middle and high school students were recruited to participate in this study from a public charter school district in Houston, TX. Questionnaire development and psychometric validation included scale development and question pretesting, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), construct validity, and test–retest reliability of the scales.

Results
EFA resulted in three subscales for the Barriers to Youth Physical Activity (BYPA) scale: competing interests, environmental interests, and social barriers. CFA suggested that this three-factor model fit data adequately after removing two items that had high loading on all three factors. The BYPA subscales were internally consistent and stable. All three BYPA subscale scores were negatively correlated with self-reported physical activity. EFA for the facilitators to youth physical activity (FYPA) scale resulted in three subscales: enjoyment, family support, and socialization. CFA suggested that this three-factor model fit data adequately after removing one item that had high loading on all three factors. The FYPA subscales were internally consistent and stable. All three FYPA subscale scores were significantly positively correlated with physical activity.

Conclusions
The development and validation of the BYPA and FYPA scales resulted in a total of six valid subscales for assessing barriers and facilitators to physical activity among low-income, Hispanic youth. The developed subscales have the potential to assist future efforts in designing physical activity interventions to better address disparities in physical activity levels among this population.