bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Assessment of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Changes in Patients With Dengue and Warning Signs During the Acute and Recovery Phases
Authors: Ferreira Bruno Doriguetto Couto , Correia Dalmo 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether abdominal ultrasound (US) with a gallbladder (GB) contractility study or motor function test can be used as a diagnostic tool in patients with dengue and warning signs in acute and recovery phases.MethodsFifty‐one individuals in the acute phase of dengue presenting with warning signs (dengue group) and 49 healthy individuals without a history of dengue or hepatobiliary disease (control group) were studied with abdominal US and a GB contractility study.ResultsStatistical differences in US measurements of the liver (right lobe, P = .012; left lobe, P = .001) and spleen (P = .008) dimensions, GB wall thickness (P < .001), and the GB emptying fraction (P < .001) were observed in dengue during the acute phase compared with the control group. After 60 days, abdominal US of the dengue group showed a statistical difference in liver (right lobe, P < .001; left lobe, P = .078) and spleen (P < .001) dimensions, GB wall thickness, and the GB emptying fraction (P < .001) compared with the results obtained during the acute phase. Furthermore, a statistical difference in the spleen volume and GB emptying fraction (P < .001) was observed when comparing dengue after clinical recovery and the control group. Abdominal pain in patients with dengue was positively associated with hepatomegaly (P = .031), splenomegaly (P = .008), increased GB wall thickness (P = .016), and a reduced GB emptying fraction (P = .038) during the acute phase and with splenomegaly (P = .001) and a reduced GB emptying fraction (P = .003) after clinical recovery.ConclusionsAbdominal US with a GB motor function test can be used as a diagnostic tool in patients with dengue during acute and recovery phases.
The unique methodological challenges of winter limnology
Authors: Block Benjamin D. , Denfeld Blaize A. , Stockwell Jason D. , Flaim Giovanna , Grossart Hans‐Peter F. , Knoll Lesley B. , Maier Dominique B. , North Rebecca L. , Rautio Milla , Rusak James A. , Sadro Steve , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Bramburger Andrew J. , Branstrator Donn K. , Salonen Kalevi , Hampton Stephanie E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWinter is an important season for many limnological processes, which can range from biogeochemical transformations to ecological interactions. Interest in the structure and function of lake ecosystems under ice is on the rise. Although limnologists working at polar latitudes have a long history of winter work, the required knowledge to successfully sample under winter conditions is not widely available and relatively few limnologists receive formal training. In particular, the deployment and operation of equipment in below 0°C temperatures pose considerable logistical and methodological challenges, as do the safety risks of sampling during the ice‐covered period. Here, we consolidate information on winter lake sampling and describe effective methods to measure physical, chemical, and biological variables in and under ice. We describe variation in snow and ice conditions and discuss implications for sampling logistics and safety. We outline commonly encountered methodological challenges and make recommendations for best practices to maximize safety and efficiency when sampling through ice or deploying instruments in ice‐covered lakes. Application of such practices over a broad range of ice‐covered lakes will contribute to a better understanding of the factors that regulate lakes during winter and how winter conditions affect the subsequent ice‐free period.
Induction of fat apoptosis by a non‐thermal device: Mechanism of action of non‐invasive high‐intensity electromagnetic technology in a porcine model
Authors: Weiss Robert A. , Bernardy Jan 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesWhile controlled thermal changes in subcutaneous tissue have been used to trigger apoptosis of fat cells and have been proven clinically efficacious, another mechanism of electromagnetic stress suggests that fat apoptosis could be achieved by a non‐thermal manner as well. This animal model study investigates the use of a non‐invasive high‐intensity magnetic field device to induce apoptosis in fat cells.MethodsYorkshire pigs (N = 2) received one treatment (30 minutes) in the abdominal area using a High‐Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) device. Punch biopsy samples of fat tissue and blood samples were collected at the baseline, 1 and 8 hours after the treatment. Biopsy samples were sectioned and evaluated for the levels of an apoptotic index (AI) by the TUNEL method. Statistical significance was examined using the rANOVA and Tukey's test (α 5%). Biopsy samples were also assessed for molecular biomarkers. Blood samples were evaluated to determine changes related to fat and muscle metabolism. Free fatty acids (FFA), triacylglycerol (TG), glycerol and glucose (Glu) were used as the main biomarkers of fat metabolism. Creatinine, creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and interleukin 6 (IL6) served as the main biomarkers to evaluate muscle metabolism.ResultsIn treated pigs, a statistically significant increase in the apoptotic index (AI) (P = 1.17E‐4) was observed. A significant difference was found between AI at baseline (AI = 18.75%) and 8‐hours post‐treatment (AI = 35.95%). Serum levels of fat and muscle metabolism indicated trends (FFA −0.32 mmol · l−1, −28.1%; TG −0.24 mmol · l−1, −51.8%; Glycerol −5.68 mg · l−1, −54.8%; CK +67.58 μkat · l−1, +227.8%; LDH +4.9 μkat · l−1,+35.4%) suggesting that both adipose and muscle tissue were affected by HIFEM treatment. No adverse events were noted to skin and surrounding tissue.ConclusionsApplication of a high‐intensity electromagnetic field in a porcine model results in adipocyte apoptosis. The analysis of serum levels suggests that HIFEM treatment influences fat and muscle metabolism. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:47–53, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical implementation of gene panel testing for lysosomal storage diseases
Authors: Gheldof Alexander , Seneca Sara , Stouffs Katrien , Lissens Willy , Jansen Anna , Laeremans Hilde , Verloo Patrick , Schoonjans An‐Sofie , Meuwissen Marije , Barca Diana , Martens Geert , De Meirleir Linda 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnostic workup in patients with a clinical suspicion of lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) is often difficult due to the variability in the clinical phenotype. The gold standard for diagnosis of LSDs consists of enzymatic testing. However, due to the sequential nature of this methodology and inconsistent genotype–phenotype correlations of certain LSDs, finding a diagnosis can be challenging.MethodWe developed and clinically implemented a gene panel covering 50 genes known to cause LSDs when mutated. Over a period of 18 months, we analyzed 150 patients who were referred for LSD testing and compared these results with the data of patients who were previously enrolled in a scheme of classical biochemical testing.ResultsOur panel was able to determine the molecular cause of the disease in 22 cases (15%), representing an increase in diagnostic yield compared to biochemical tests developed for 21 LSDs (4.6%). We were furthermore able to redirect the diagnosis of a mucolipidosis patient who was initially suspected to be affected with galactosialidosis. Several patients were identified as being affected with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, which cannot readily be detected by enzyme testing. Finally, several carriers of pathogenic mutations in LSD genes related to the disease phenotype were identified as well, thus potentially increasing the diagnostic yield of the panel as heterozygous deletions cannot be detected.ConclusionWe show that the implementation of a gene panel for LSD diagnostics results in an increased yield in comparison to classical biochemical testing. As the panel is able to cover a wider range of diseases, we propose to implement this methodology as a first‐tier test in cases of an aspecific LSD presentation, while enzymatic testing remains the first choice in patients with a more distinctive clinical presentation. Positive panel results should however still be enzymatically confirmed whenever possible.
Collagen proton fraction from ultrashort echo time magnetization transfer (UTE‐MT) MRI modelling correlates significantly with cortical bone porosity measured with micro‐computed tomography (μCT)
Authors: Jerban Saeed , Ma Yajun , Wan Lidi , Searleman Adam C. , Jang Hyungseok , Sah Robert L. , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang 
Published: December 2018

Intracortical bone porosity is a key microstructural parameter that determines bone mechanical properties. While clinical MRI visualizes the cortical bone with a signal void, ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI can acquire high signal from cortical bone, thus enabling quantitative assessments. Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging combined with UTE‐MRI can indirectly assess protons in the bone collagenous matrix, which are inversely related to porosity. This study aimed to examine UTE‐MT MRI techniques to evaluate intracortical bone porosity. Eighteen human cortical bone specimens from the tibial and fibular midshafts were scanned using UTE‐MT sequences on a clinical 3 T MRI scanner and on a high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography (μCT) scanner. A series of MT pulse saturation powers (500°, 1000°, 1500°) and frequency offsets (2, 5, 10, 20, 50 kHz) were used to measure the macromolecular fraction (MMF) and macromolecular T2 (T2MM) using a two‐pool MT model. The measurements were made on 136 different regions of interest (ROIs). ROIs were selected at three cortical bone layers (from endosteum to periosteum) and four anatomical sites (anterior, mid‐medial, mid‐lateral, and posterior) to provide a wide range of porosity. MMF showed moderate to strong correlations with intracortical bone porosity (R = −0.67 to −0.73, p < 0.01) and bone mineral density (BMD) (R = +0.46 to +0.70, p < 0.01). Comparing the average MMF between cortical bone layers revealed a significant increase from the endosteum towards the periosteum. Such a pattern was in agreement with porosity reduction and BMD increase towards the periosteum. These results suggest that the two‐pool UTE‐MT technique can potentially serve as a novel and accurate tool to assess intracortical bone porosity.
Z scores of the fetal trachea and bronchial dimension
Authors: Cao Danming , Zeng Shi , Li Xinyan , Zhou Jiawei , Zhou Qichang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo develop Z scores for the trachea and main bronchi in normal fetuses.MethodsThis was a prospective cross‐sectional study in 823 normal singleton fetuses. The tracheal diameter immediately proximal to the bifurcation and the left and right main bronchial diameters were measured from their inner to inner edge in the coronal view. Z scores were created for the trachea and main bronchial diameters using gestational age (GA), femur length (FL), and biparietal diameter (BPD) as independent variables.ResultsBetween gestational weeks 20 and 40, the inner diameters of the trachea, left principal bronchi (LPB), and right principal bronchi (RPB) increased from 1.8 to 4.7 mm, 0.8 to 2.2 mm, and 0.9 to 2.3 mm, respectively. A simple linear regression equation was fitted to model the mean of each diameter. There was however significant heteroscedasticity of the standard deviation (SD) with increasing GA, FL, or BPD. Eventually, the following formula was used to calculate Z scores for the diameters: [measured value − equation for mean]/equation for SD.ConclusionWe have developed Z scores for the fetal trachea and main bronchi by applying standard statistical methods. These Z scores may be useful to evaluate the early development of the respiratory system.
Tramadol dispensing patterns and trends in Canada, 2007‐2016
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Kurdyak Paul , Jones Wayne 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPurposeOpioid use and associated mortality and morbidity have substantially increased in Canada, which recent interventions have aimed to reduce. Tramadol is an atypical prescription‐only (but unscheduled under Canada's narcotics law) opioid analgesic and not subject to controls for other (eg, strong) opioids. Given experiences in different jurisdictions, tramadol may have been increasingly dispensed as a “substitute” drug during a period with increasingly restrictive controls for other (scheduled) opioids.MethodsWe examined the annual population‐level retail dispensing (as a proxy for use) of tramadol and (scheduled) “strong opioids” in Canadian provinces for 2007‐2016 based on data from a representative national sample of community pharmacies, covering the majority of episodes of opioid dispensing. Data for both aforementioned formulation categories were converted into defined daily doses (DDD)/1000 population/day and examined descriptively and by segmented regression analyses (to identify significant breakpoints in trends).ResultsTramadol use strongly increased in all provinces until 2009. After 2009, tramadol dispensing levels either decelerated their increase or plateaued; “strong opioid” dispensing levels, in comparison, increased strongly until 2011 and decelerated or decreased for the remaining period. Tramadol was consistently dispensed at lower levels than “strong opioids.”ConclusionsTramadol and “strong opioids” showed similar (bifurcated) use trends, with initial increases and subsequent inflections, yet reductions in dispensing occurred earlier for tramadol than for “strong opioids” (the latter occurring following with recent interventions). Distinct from experiences with differential opioid control regimes elsewhere, there is no evidence that tramadol figured as a “substitution” drug for increasingly restricted “strong opioids” in Canada.
Validation study of colorectal cancer diagnosis in the Spanish primary care database, BIFAP
Authors: Gil Miguel , Rodríguez‐Miguel Antonio , Montoya‐Catalá Héctor , González‐González Rocío , Álvarez‐Gutiérrez Arturo , Rodríguez‐Martín Sara , García‐Rodríguez Luis A. , de Abajo Francisco J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPurposeTo define and validate a case‐finding algorithm to identify incident colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Spanish primary care database BIFAP.MethodsAll potential incident CRC cases recorded during the study period 2001 to 2014 among patients 20 to 89 years old were identified using a defined case‐finding algorithm tailored to BIFAP database characteristics and based on codes plus text mining strategies. Potential CRC cases identified by the algorithm were classified into eight homogeneous groups according to recording characteristics. Random samples of 100 cases per group were obtained, and electronic medical records were manually reviewed by two independent researchers. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were estimated per each group and for the whole sample taking into account the stratified sampling. Standardized incidence rate (SIR) of CRC was estimated and compared with that reported by the National Cancer Registry. Negative predictive value (NPV) was also estimated in a random sample of 100 non‐CRC patients by the algorithm.ResultsA total of 17 008 potential CRC cases were identified. Most of them (14793; 87%) were recorded as incident diagnosis with linked clinical notes as free text, having this group a PPV of 92.1% (95%CI: 87.1%‐95.3%). The overall PPV including all groups was 87.3% (95%CI: 83.3%‐90.4%). SIR of CRC was 55.5 per 100.000 person‐years. SIR increased with age and was higher in men as compared with women (77.7 vs 38.1 per 100.000 py, respectively) which were in line with those reported by the Network of Cancer Registries in Spain. NPV was of 100% (96.3%‐100%).ConclusionsThis study shows a high validity of the CRC cases identified by the algorithm and a high level of CRC recording in BIFAP database and supports its appropriateness to validly identify incident CRC cases in BIFAP.
Theory of mind, directly and indirectly, facilitates kindergarten adjustment via verbal ability, executive function, and emotion knowledge
Authors: Brock Laura L. , Kim Helyn , Kelly Cara L. , Mashburn Andrew J. , Grissmer David W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTheory of mind describes the ability to engage in perspective‐taking, understand intentions, and predict actions and emotions. Theory of mind typically achieves major developmental milestones around age of 5, coinciding with the transition to kindergarten, and is associated with a verbal ability (receptive and expressive vocabulary), executive function (inhibitory control and working memory), and emotion knowledge. Less is known about how the theory of mind operates in low‐income samples, where foundational skills (i.e., verbal ability, executive function, and emotion knowledge) tend to be delayed. Applied to classrooms, the theory of mind may support the transition to kindergarten by facilitating relationships, learning‐related behaviors, and socioemotional skills that require perspective‐taking. In a low‐income sample of 140 kindergarteners across 21 classrooms, the theory of mind was directly associated with teacher‐ratings of social and emotional skills, behavioral and academic adjustment, and closeness within the teacher–child relationship, beyond the contribution of foundational skills. Moreover, verbal ability, executive function, and emotion knowledge were indirectly associated with outcomes through the theory of mind. Findings suggest the theory of mind facilitates the transition to kindergarten and is built upon a complex set of foundational skills.
Effect of high frequency oscillatory high flow nasal cannula on carbon dioxide clearance in a premature infant lung model: A bench study
Authors: Sivieri Emidio M. , Eichenwald Eric , Bakri Salma M. , Abbasi Soraya 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study compared CO2 clearance in a premature infant lung model connected to a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) system supplied with oscillatory versus non‐oscillatory flow.Design/MethodsThe lung model was set to compliance 1.0 mL/cmH2O, RR 60 breaths/min, and 6 mL tidal volume. A 100% CO2 was injected at a constant 15 mL/min. To create oscillation, HFNC flow was interrupted at rates of 4‐6‐8 and 10 Hz. equilibrated end‐tidal CO2 (ETCO2) was recorded with and without oscillation at set flows of 2‐8 L/min and repeated for each oscillation frequency.ResultsOverall ETCO2 decreased significantly (P < 0.001) during both non‐oscillatory and oscillatory HFNC as set flow increased from 2 to 8 L/min by 26.3% and 60.8%, respectively. Oscillatory ETCO2 levels decreased linearly compared to non‐oscillatory HFNC with negligible difference at 2 L/min and a 48.4% difference at 8 L/min (P < 0.001). There were no differences in ETCO2 levels between oscillation frequencies at any flow except at 6 Hz for which ETCO2 was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than at 4, 8, and 10 Hz for 5‐8 L/min HFNC flows. Amplitude of volume oscillations increased with increasing flow from 0.5 mL at 2 L/min to 4.0 mL at 8 L/min (P < 0.001), and decreased with increasing oscillation frequency.ConclusionOscillatory HFNC as compared to non‐oscillatory was associated with significantly improved CO2 clearance in this premature infant lung model. This simple modification of the HFNC system may prove to be a useful enhancement to this mode of non‐invasive respiratory support for preterm infants at high risk for respiratory failure.
Post‐infectious bronchiolitis obliterans
Authors: Colom Alejandro J. , Teper Alejandro M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and severe chronic lung disease resulting from a lower respiratory tract lesion. It may occur after a bone marrow or lung transplantation, infectious diseases, or less frequently after inhaling toxic substances or after connective tissue diseases. Pathology, pathogenesis, and molecular biology, as well as the best treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans, remain the subject of ongoing research. This review discusses our current knowledge of different areas of bronchiolitis obliterans associated with infectious lesions.
Green Synthesis of Flower‐Like BiVO4 Nanoparticles by Solution Combustion Method Using Lemon (Citrus Limon) Juice as a Fuel: Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Study
Authors: Manjunatha Adalagere Somashekar , Pavithra Nyathappa Siddagangamma , Marappa Shivanna , Prashanth Shivappa Adarakatti , Nagaraju Ganganagappa , Puttaswamy  
Published: December 2018

AbstractBiVO4 have been proven to be one of the most promising photocatalyst for degradation of organic dyes and also exhibit good electrochemical performances in heavy metal detection. Herein, we have developed a simple, economic and low‐cost combustion synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticles using bismuth nitrate as an oxidiser, lemon (Citrus Limon) juice as fuel. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Powder X‐ray diffractometer (PXRD), Fourier Transform‐Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analytical techniques. Flower‐like morphology BiVO4 nanoparticles were observed for higher ratio of fuel (Citrus Limon). BiVO4 nanoparticles showed an excellent photocatalytic activity towards degradation of Indigo Carmine dye in solution. Further, BiVO4 modified electrode was examined for the detection of Hg (II) using electrochemical techniques.
Preparation and Reconstruction of Long Branched Palladium Nanowires Exhibiting High Catalytic Activities
Authors: Imura Yoshiro , Kataoka Hiroki , Akiyama Ryota , Morita‐Imura Clara , Kawai Takeshi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNoble metal nanowires prepared by aggregation methods are particularly attractive due to their high catalytic activities. However, the catalytic activities of nanowires tend to be lower due to morphological changes and precipitation. To address this issue, we herein describe a novel method for the construction of long branched Pd nanowires exhibiting a higher catalytic activity than either short Pd nanowires and spherical Pd nanoparticles. However, we found that after standing for 10 d, the catalytic activity was reduced due to a decrease in the nanowire length and the formation of Pd precipitates. Thus, we subsequently demonstrated successful recovery of the catalytic activity by etching and reconstruction using a solution of I−/O2 as the etchant and NaBH4 as the reducing agent.
Recent Progress in Micro‐Supercapacitor Design, Integration, and Functionalization
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Li Fei , Zhu Feng , Schmidt Oliver G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractOwing to the advantages of high power density, fast charge/discharge rates, as well as long lifetime, micro‐supercapacitors have drawn much attention for their potential application in miniaturized electronics. Great progress has been made in recent years. On the one hand, many efforts have been devoted to the design and fabrication of high‐performance miniaturized supercapacitors. On the other hand, integration of micro‐supercapacitors with multiple functional materials and devices has emerged with the development of portable and wearable microelectronics. This review first discusses the recent progress of fabrication methods and strategies in the micro‐supercapacitor field. The recent reports on integration of micro‐supercapacitors with smart functions, for instance, self‐charging, self‐protection, electrochromism, self‐healing, sensing, stretchability, as well as photo‐switchimg, are summarized. The perspectives on micro‐fabrication strategies and integrated multifunctionalities of smart micro‐supercapacitors are provided at the end.