bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintaining Image Quality While Reducing Acoustic Noise and Switched Gradient Field Exposure During Lumbar MRI
Authors: Glans Anton , Wilén Jonna , Lindgren Lenita 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMR‐generated acoustic noise can contribute to patient discomfort and potentially be harmful. One way to reduce this noise is by altering the gradient output and/or waveform using software optimization. Such modifications might influence image quality and switched gradient field exposure, and different techniques appear to affect sound pressure levels (SPLs) to various degrees.PurposeTo evaluate SPLs, image quality, switched gradient field exposure, and participants' perceived noise levels during two different acoustic noise reduction (ANR) techniques, Quiet Suite (QS) and Whisper Mode (WM), and to compare them with conventional T2‐weighted turbo spin echo (T2W TSE) of the lumbar spine.DesignProspective.SubjectsForty adults referred for lumbar MRI.Field Strength/SequenceConventional T2W TSE, T2W TSE with QS, and T2W TSE with WM were acquired at 1.5 T.AssessmentPeak SPL (A‐weighted decibels, dBA), perceived noise levels (Borg CR10®‐scale), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), three radiologists' qualitative assessments in image quality on an ordinal scale 1–4, switched gradient field exposure (% general public), and gradient currents were measured. Interobserver reliability was reported as percentage agreement.Statistical TestsRepeated measures ANOVA, Friedman's ANOVA, and Wilcoxon's Signed‐Rank Test for acoustic noise measurements and image quality assessments.ResultsMean peak SPLs were 89.9 dBA, 74.3 dBA, and 78.8 dBA for conventional, QS, and WM, respectively (P < 0.05). Participants perceived QS as the quietest and conventional as the loudest sequence (P < 0.05). No qualitative differences in image quality were seen (P > 0.05), although QS showed significantly improved SNR and CNR (P < 0.05). Switched gradient field exposure was reduced by 66% and 48% for QS and WM, respectively.Data ConclusionWithout degrading image quality, both QS and WM are viable ANR techniques in lumbar T2W TSE. QS provided the lowest SPL, the lowest gradient field exposure and was perceived as the most silent among the three sequences.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage5
Quantification of Myocardial Creatine and Triglyceride Content in the Human Heart: Precision and Accuracy of in vivo Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Bakermans Adrianus J. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , de Vries Dylan K. , Reckman Yolan J. , Farag Emile S. , de Heer Paul , Uthman Laween , Denis Simone W. , Zuurbier Coert J. , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Koolbergen David R. , Kluin Jolanda , Planken R. Nils , Lamb Hildo J. , Webb Andrew G. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Beard Daniel A. , Jeneson Jeroen A.L. , Nederveen Aart J. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundProton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) of the human heart is deemed to be a quantitative method to investigate myocardial metabolite content, but thorough validations of in vivo measurements against invasive techniques are lacking.PurposeTo determine measurement precision and accuracy for quantifications of myocardial total creatine and triglyceride content with localized 1H‐MRS.Study typeTest–retest repeatability and measurement validation study.SubjectsSixteen volunteers and 22 patients scheduled for open‐heart aortic valve replacement or septal myectomy.Field Strength/SequenceProspectively ECG‐triggered respiratory‐gated free‐breathing single‐voxel point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence at 3 T.AssessmentMyocardial total creatine and triglyceride content were quantified relative to the total water content by fitting the 1H‐MR spectra. Precision was assessed with measurement repeatability. Accuracy was assessed by validating in vivo 1H‐MRS measurements against biochemical assays in myocardial tissue from the same subjects.Statistical TestsIntrasession and intersession repeatability was assessed using Bland–Altman analyses. Agreement between 1H‐MRS measurements and biochemical assay was tested with regression analyses.ResultsThe intersession repeatability coefficient for myocardial total creatine content was 41.8% with a mean value of 0.083% ± 0.020% of the total water signal, and 36.7% for myocardial triglyceride content with a mean value of 0.35% ± 0.13% of the total water signal. Ex vivo myocardial total creatine concentrations in tissue samples correlated with the in vivo myocardial total creatine content measured with 1H‐MRS: n = 22, r = 0.44; P < 0.05. Likewise, ex vivo myocardial triglyceride concentrations correlated with the in vivo myocardial triglyceride content: n = 20, r = 0.50; P < 0.05.Data ConclusionWe validated the use of localized 1H‐MRS of the human heart at 3 T for quantitative assessments of in vivo myocardial tissue metabolite content by estimating the measurement precision and accuracy.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage2
Evaluation of acrylamide‐removing properties of bacterial consortia under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Torres‐Gregorio Margarita , Santiago‐López Lourdes , Vallejo‐Cordoba Belinda , González‐Córdova Aarón F , Garcia Hugo Sergio , Hernandez‐Mendoza Adrián 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrevious studies have demonstrated the acrylamide‐removing properties of probiotic monocultures; however, potential advantages of consortia over monocultures in reducing the dietary exposure to acrylamide have not been proven. Hence this work aims to assess the acrylamide (AA)‐binding properties of bacterial consortia, consisting of either probiotic strains and / or representative bacteria of duodenal microbiota, exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGC). The AA binding capacity of ten probiotic strains (PS) and six duodenal strains (NDS) was evaluated under different conditions; then, three different consortia (PS, NDS, and PS + NDS) were assessed under SGC.RESULTSAmong individual PS, Bacillus coagulans GBI‐30, Lactobacillus fermentum J23, L. pentosus J37 and J24, and L. casei Shirota, exhibited the highest AA‐binding capacity (80–87%), while Bifidobacterium catenulatun ATCC27676, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus ATCC19258, and S. gallolyticus ATCC9809 were the best (ca. 68%) NDS monocultures. Probiotic strain consortia showed higher (P < 0.05) AA binding capacity (> 90%) than monoculture bacteria. Conversely, individual NDS cultures displayed higher (P < 0.05) binding capacity than NDS consortia (60%). A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in AA removal capacity was observed when consortia were exposed to SGC, PS consortia being the most effective (> 60% removal).CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that consortia of specific PS could play an important role in reducing the intestinal availability of acrylamide. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Impacts of land‐use changes on the variability of microbiomes in soil profiles
Authors: Chen Xu , Zhang Zhiming , Han Xiaozeng , Hao Xiangxiang , Lu Xinchun , Yan Jun , Biswas Asim , Dunfield Kari , Zou Wenxiu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe conversion of arable land to grassland and/or forested land is a common strategy of restoration because the development of plant communities can inhibit the erosion of soil, increase biodiversity and improve associated ecosystem services. The vertical profiles of microbial communities, however, have not been well characterized and their variability after land conversion is not well understood. We assessed the effects of the conversion of arable land (AL) to grassland (GL) and forested land (FL) on bacterial communities as old as 29 years in 0–200‐cm profiles of a Chinese Mollisol.RESULTSThe soil in AL has been a stable ecosystem and changes in the assembly of soil microbiomes tended to be larger in the topsoil. The soil properties and microbial biodiversity of arable land were larger following revegetation and reforestation. The conversion caused a more complex coupling among microbes, and negative interactions and average connectivity were stronger in the 0–20‐cm layers in GL and in the 20–60‐cm layers in FL. The land use dramatically influenced the assembly of the microbial communities more in GL than AL and FL. The bacterial diversity was an important component of soil multinutrient cycling in the profiles and microbial functions were not as affected by changes in land use.CONCLUSIONThe spatial variation of the microbiomes provided critical information on below‐ground soil ecology and the ability of the soil to provide crucial ecosystem services. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Detoxification of jatropha kernel meal to utilize it as aqua‐feed
Authors: Ghosh Subarna , Bitra Venkata SP , S Dasi Daniel , Godugula Veeraprasad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDJatropha is an oilseed crop with high kernel oil (55–58%) and protein (26–29%) contents, which makes it a good source of biodiesel and animal/aqua‐feed. However, the presence of anti‐nutritional toxins, such as phorbol esters, lectins, trypsin inhibitor, phytate, and saponins, restricts its use as feed. This paper describes chemical, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and biological treatments for detoxification of jatropha kernel meal. Raw, defatted, and one‐time and two‐times mechanically expressed oil samples were analyzed for toxins. Chemical treatment involved heating with 90% methanol and 4% sodium hydroxide. UV treatment was carried out at UV light intensity of 53.4 mW cm−2 for 30 min. For biological treatment, cell‐free extract from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain PAO1) was mixed with kernel meal for detoxification.RESULTSAmong treatments, chemical treatment was most effective in reducing all toxins, with phorbol esters in the range 0.034–0.052 mg g−1, lectin 0.082–10.766 mg g−1, trypsin inhibitor 10.499–11.350 mg g−1, phytate 2.475–5.769 mg g−1, and saponins 0.044–0.098 mg g−1. Biological treatment reduced all toxins except phytate, whereas UV treatment could not reduce any of toxins and, hence, cannot be used for aqua‐feed preparation. Pellets prepared from chemically detoxified kernel meal with the least oil content (defatted) resulted in the highest strength (70.93 N).CONCLUSIONChemically treated jatropha kernel meal can be used for aqua‐feed pellet preparation because of its low toxin content. The highest compressive strength was obtained for pellets with the least oil content (defatted). Biological treatment time must have been extended for many hours instead of 24 h. Jatropha kernel meal treated chemically can be recommended for aqua‐feed manufacturing. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Thoracoacromial artery and vein as main recipient vessels in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer for breast reconstruction
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Kageyama Takashi , Sakai Hayahito , Fuse Yuma , Tsukuura Reiko , Yamamoto Nana 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe internal mammary artery/vein (IMA/V) are commonly used recipients for free flap breast reconstruction, but requires costal cartilage resection and limits future use of the IMA. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the thoracoacromial artery/vein (TAA/V) as recipients for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction compared with using the IMA/V.MethodsMedical charts of patients who underwent free DIEP flap breast reconstruction using the TAA/V or the IMA/V as recipient vessels were reviewed. Patient and vessel characteristics, time for vessel preparation and anastomosis, and postoperative pain were compared between TAA/V and IMA/V groups.ResultsThirty‐four patients were included; 12 in TAA/V group, and 22 in IMA/V group. There was no flap failure in both groups. There were statistically significant differences between TAA/V and IMA/V groups in vessel preparation time (10.9 ± 3.7 min vs. 24.1 ± 6.0 min, p < .001), anastomosis time (31.2 ± 12.1 min vs. 42.1 ± 11.2 min, p = .017), and total dose of acetaminophen (4566.7 ± 1015.6 mg vs. 5436.4 ± 1323.3 mg, p = .041).ConclusionsThe TAA/V could be safely used as recipient vessels for DIEP flap breast reconstruction with shorter time and less postoperative pain.
Comprehensive chemical and metabolic profiling of anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction from Clerodendranthi Spicati Herba
Authors: Luo Yun , Liu Yue , Wen Quan , Feng Yulin , Tan Ting 
Published: February 2021

AbstractExtensive pharmacological research has demonstrated that Clerodendranthi Spicati Herba has an obvious anti‐hyperglycemic effect via α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. However, the anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction and its metabolic behavior in vivo have not been elaborated clearly. In this study, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry with data filtering strategy, including mass defect screening, diagnostic product ions and neutral loss identification, was established for chemical and metabolic profiling of anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction from Clerodendranthi Spicati Herba. A total of 28 methoxylated flavonoids and 61 diterpenoids were rapidly identified. Four main known methoxylated flavonoids were purified and unambiguously identified by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Thirty‐one absorbed diterpenoids, 12 absorbed methoxylated flavonoids, and 56 methoxylated flavonoids metabolites were identified in rat plasma, urine, bile, and feces after oral administration of anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction. The methoxylated flavonoids were predominantly metabolized by demethylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation. Glucuronidation metabolites found in bile and urine after demethylation were dominant metabolites. Diterpenoids were absorbed into the blood mainly in the form of prototypes and excreted through bile and urine. These results indicated that methoxylated flavonoids and diterpenoids were responsible for α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, which might provide novel drug candidates for the management of diabetes mellitus.
Models of Trauma Exposure, Depression, and Suicidality in Safety‐Net Primary Care
Authors: Mladen Samantha N. , Williams Allison B. , Griffin Sarah C. , Perrin Paul B. , Rybarczyk Bruce D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSuicidality is a major public health concern, particularly for low‐income, trauma‐exposed patients with limited access to mental health providers. However, limited research has modeled pathways of suicidality in safety‐net primary care samples. Patients (N = 207) in a safety‐net primary care clinic completed measures of childhood and adult trauma exposure, depression, and suicidality. Participants (M age = 44.8 years, SD = 11.6), were 60.4% male, 63.8% Black/African American, and predominantly low‐income (i.e., 69.1% reported an annual income less than $5,000 USD). Half of the sample reported at least four childhood traumatic events (M = 3.9 events, SD = 3.0) and approximately three adult traumatic events (M = 3.0 events, SD = 2.1). Most participants (82.1%) reported significant depressive symptoms, and 43.5% endorsed recent suicidality. Models showing the mediational effect of depression on the association between trauma exposure and suicidality, β = .20, B = 0.23, SE = 0.05, 95% CI [0.16, 0.32], and the moderational effect of trauma exposure on the association between depression and suicidality, β = .16, B = 0.20, SE = 0.08, p = .007, were both supported. These results underscore the high prevalence of trauma exposure, depression, and suicidality in a safety‐net primary care sample. They also highlight the pervasiveness and complexity of suicidality in low‐income primary care patients, emphasize the importance of trauma‐informed suicide assessment, and identify trauma sequelae and depression as potential treatment targets to reduce suicidality.
Ecological Interactions Involving Feral Horses and Predators: Review with Implications for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Boyce Paul N. , McLoughlin Philip D. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTFor many ecosystems, feral horses are increasingly becoming an important if not dominant component of ungulate biomass and hence influence on community dynamics. Yet we still know little of how horses contribute to key ecological interactions including predator‐prey and indirect competitive relationships at a community level. Notably, feral species like horses can exhibit life‐history traits that differ from that of native (mainly artiodactyl) herbivore competitors. Artificial selection for traits like increased, early, or extended reproduction that have yet to be reversed by natural selection, coupled with naturally selected differences in anatomy and behavior, in addition to unique management objectives for horses compared to other species, means that the dynamics of feral horse populations are not likely to align with what might be expected of other large herbivores. Unexpected population dynamics and inherent biological asymmetries between native ungulates and feral horses may therefore influence the former via direct competition for shared resources and through enemy‐mediated interactions like apparent competition. In several localities feral horses now co‐exist with multiple native prey species, some of which are in decline or are species at risk. Compounding risks to native species from direct or indirect competitive exclusion by horses is the unique nature and socio‐political context of feral horse management, which tends towards allowing horse populations to be limited largely by natural, density‐dependent factors. We summarize the inherent asymmetries between feral horse biology and that of other ungulate prey species with consequences for conservation, focusing on predator‐prey and emerging indirect interactions in multi‐prey systems, and highlight future directions to address key knowledge gaps in our understanding of how feral horses may now be contributing to the (re)structuring of food webs. Observations of patterns of rapid growth and decline, and associated skews in sex ratios of feral horse populations, indicate a heightened potential for indirect interactions among large ungulate prey species, where there is a prevalence of feral horses as preferred prey, particularly where native prey are declining. In places like western North America, we expect predator‐prey interactions involving feral horses to become an increasingly important factor in the conservation of wildlife. This applies not only to economically or culturally important game species but also at‐risk species, both predators (e.g., wolves [Canis lupus], grizzly bears [Ursus arctos]) and prey (e.g., woodland caribou [Rangifer tarandus caribou]), necessitating an ecological understanding of the role of horses in natural environments that goes beyond that of population control. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Otolaryngology Curriculum During Residency Preparation Course Improves Preparedness for Internship
Authors: Keilin Charles A. , Farlow Janice L. , Malloy Kelly M. , Bohm Lauren A. 
Published: February 2021

Objectives/HypothesisResidency preparation courses (RPCs) have become a widely adopted practice to ease the transition of medical students into residency, but these courses often lack training in skills expected of subspecialty interns. To fill this gap, a simulation‐based curriculum in otolaryngology (ORL) was implemented at the University of Michigan Medical School. The curriculum aimed to improve confidence and perceived ability to perform common ORL skills for graduating students prior to internship.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsSix basic simulations (tracheostomy, flexible laryngoscopy, otomicroscopy, myringotomy and tube insertion, epistaxis and peritonsillar abscess management) were included in the first course in 2019. The course was expanded in 2020 with the addition of three advanced simulations (ear foreign body extraction, tracheostomy complications, and “cannot intubate, cannot ventilate” situations). Pre‐ and postsession surveys were collected to assess individual simulations and the course overall.ResultsA total of 32 students participated in the ORL simulation curriculum in Spring 2019 and 2020. Paired t‐tests showed significant improvement in self‐perception of ability on every simulation. Qualitative feedback revealed that students particularly valued the opportunity for hands‐on learning. Non‐ORL students rated their baseline abilities significantly lower than ORL students on five stations, but they achieved statistically equivalent postsession ratings on all but the otomicroscopy station.ConclusionsAn ORL‐specific curriculum is a valuable addition to procedural RPCs. The curriculum resulted in increased confidence and perceived ability in skill performance for both students pursuing ORL residencies, as well as those pursuing other procedural specialties.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2143–E2148, 2021
Benefits of time‐resolved nonuniform sampling in reaction monitoring: The case of aza‐Michael addition of benzylamine and acrylamide
Authors: Gołowicz Dariusz , Kaźmierczak Magdalena , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMonitoring of chemical reactions is best carried out using methods that sample the test object at a rate greater than the time scale of the processes taking place. The recently proposed time‐resolved nonuniform sampling (TR‐NUS) method allows the use of two‐dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra for this purpose and provides a time resolution equivalent to that achievable using one‐dimensional spectra. Herein, we show that TR‐NUS acquired data eliminates 2D spectral line disturbances and enables more accurate signal integration and kinetics conclusions. The considerations are exemplified with a seemingly simple aza‐Michael reaction of benzylamine and acrylamide. Surprisingly, the product identification is possible only using 2D spectra, although credible monitoring requires TR‐NUS.
Rapid nuclear magnetic resonance data acquisition with improved resolution and sensitivity for high‐throughput metabolomic analysis
Authors: Joseph David , Sukumaran Sujeesh , Chandra Kousik , Pudakalakatti Shivanand M. , Dubey Abhinav , Singh Amrinder , Atreya Hanudatta S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics has witnessed rapid advancements in recent years with the continuous development of new methods to enhance the sensitivity, resolution, and speed of data acquisition. Some of the approaches were earlier used for peptide and protein resonance assignments and have now been adapted to metabolomics. At the same time, new NMR methods involving novel data acquisition techniques, suited particularly for high‐throughput analysis in metabolomics, have been developed. In this review, we focus on the different sampling strategies or data acquisition methods that have been developed in our laboratory and other groups to acquire NMR spectra rapidly with high sensitivity and resolution for metabolomics. In particular, we focus on the use of multiple receivers, phase modulation NMR spectroscopy, and fast‐pulsing methods for identification and assignments of metabolites.