bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of bifenthrin and temperature on the endocrinology of juvenile Chinook salmon
Authors: Giroux Marissa , Gan Jay , Schlenk Daniel 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

The San Francisco Bay delta (USA) is experiencing seasonally warmer waters attributable to climate change and receives rainstorm runoff containing pyrethroid pesticides. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) inhabit the affected waterways from hatch through smoltification, and thus juvenile fish may experience both pyrethroid and warmer water exposures. The effects of higher temperatures and pesticide exposure on presmolt Chinook are unknown. To improve understanding of the potential interaction between temperature and pesticide exposure on salmonid development, juvenile alevin and fry were reared in 11, 16.4, and 19 °C freshwater for 11 d and 2 wk, respectively, and exposed to nominal concentrations of 0, 0.15, and 1.5 µg/L bifenthrin for the final 96 h of rearing. Estradiol-17β (E2), testosterone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine levels were measured in whole-body homogenates using hormone-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Brain gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH2), dopamine receptor 2A, and growth hormone 1 (GH1) mRNA levels were measured using quantitative PCR. Results showed significantly decreased survival and condition factors observed with increasing temperature in alevin. Alevin thyroid hormones increased significantly with temperature, but fry thyroid hormones trended toward a decrease at lower temperatures with increasing bifenthrin exposure. There were significant reductions in fry testosterone and E2 at 11 °C with increasing bifenthrin treatments and significant changes in GnRH2 and GH1 gene expression in both alevin and fry, indicating potential disruption of hormonal and signaling pathways. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:852–861. © 2019 SETAC
Abstract
Juvenile Chinook salmon alevin and fry were exposed to increased temperatures and environmentally relevant concentrations of bifenthrin. Survival, growth, thyroid and sex steroid hormone levels, and gene expression were measured and stage-dependent differences observed between alevin and fry.
A leaky integrate and fire model for spike generation in a neuron with variable threshold and multiple‐input–single‐output configuration
Authors: Ganguly Chittotosh , Chakrabarti Saswat 
Published: January 2019

AbstractComprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of spike transfer from one neuron to another in human brain is essential for developing spiking neuronal network models. Synapses play pivotal role in transferring information from one neuron to another. A leaky integrate and fire model of a representative neuron in multiple‐input and single‐output configuration with threshold variability for neuronal spike transfer process is proposed in this paper. A simple analytical expression of membrane potential including threshold variability over a small time interval is developed. The model captures several important features of a spiking neuron through a minimal set of model parameters. An activity dependent noise model is also suggested. An expression for the probability of generation of an action potential at axon hillock of the post‐synaptic neuron is derived from the model. Analytical and simulation results are provided to explain various aspects of the proposed model.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the impact of dosimetry to dysphagia and aspiration related structures
Authors: Charters Emma Kristen , Bogaardt Hans , Freeman‐Sanderson Amy L. , Ballard Kirrie J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundTechnological advances in radiotherapy have allowed investigations into new methods to spare healthy tissue in those treated for head and neck cancer. This systematic review with meta‐analysis demonstrates the effect that radiation has on swallowing.MethodsSelection and analysis of studies examining the effect of radiation to swallowing structures. A fixed effects meta‐analysis calculated the pooled proportions for select outcomes of dysphagia, common across many studies.ResultsThe majority of the papers found a correlation between radiation dose to the swallowing structures and dysphagia, however a meta‐analysis found the studies carried a significant degree of heterogeneity. The appraisal demonstrates the need for large‐scale studies using a randomized design and instrumental dysphagia assessments.ConclusionsRadiation dose to dysphagia and aspiration structures is correlated with incidence of dysphagia and aspiration. The variables in this population contribute to the heterogeneity within and cross studies and future studies should consider controlling for this.
Integrating reproductive and child health services enables access to modern contraception in Sierra Leone
Authors: Koroma Ami S. , Ghatahora Sonya K. , Ellie Mariama , Kargbo Anita , Jalloh Umu H. , Kandeh Abdulai , Alieu Henry , Bah Mariama , Turay Hamid , Sonnie Mustapha , Sesay Santigie , Hodges Mary H. , Doledec David 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundFrom mid‐2015, reproductive and child health interventions were integrated into a routine 6‐month contact point: vitamin A supplementation, nutrition counseling with the mother's participation in the preparation of a complementary food, and confidential family planning counseling with provision of modern forms of contraceptives. By mid‐2017, these services had reached 28% of health facilities nationwide.ObjectiveTo evaluate awareness and uptake of modern contraception and complementary feeding practices.MethodsAll health facilities were visited, and the health worker “in‐charge” were interviewed to ascertain their training status and supply chains. Within each catchment, community mothers of children 6 to 23 months of age were interviewed.ResultsInterviews were conducted with 321 “in‐charges” and 670 mothers. Advantages and different types of contraception were understood by 99.0% of mothers, and 52.7% reported they were utilizing depot injections, hormonal implants, or oral contraceptive pills (45.1%, 34.6%, and 20.6% of users, respectively). Uptake was higher among Christians (62.1%) versus Muslims (48.6%) and among those with secondary/tertiary (61.5%) or primary education (60.5%) versus no education (43.3%) (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively).Complementary feeding practices included minimal meal diversity, 49.2% (fed three or more of six food groups), and recommended minimal meal frequency appropriate for age, 52.6%.Health workers reported frequent stockouts of vitamin A capsules (8%), male condoms (1%), oral contraceptives (10%), depot injections (20%), and hormonal implants (30%).ConclusionIn communities served by these integrated services, awareness and uptake of modern contraception exceeded national targets despite weak supply chains, and complementary feeding practices were favorable compared with the national survey.
Patient safety policies, guidelines, and protocols in Bhutan
Authors: Pelzang Rinchen , Hutchinson Alison M. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore what policies and guidelines related to patient safety have been developed and operationalized in the Bhutanese healthcare system.MethodsThe study was conducted as a qualitative exploratory descriptive inquiry using policy and guidelines document review/analysis. Quality care and patient safety policy and guidelines documents were manually collected from the Ministry of Health and three different levels of hospitals (national referral, regional referral, and district hospitals) and reviewed. All data were analyzed using content analysis strategies, and their presentation organized according to the policy statement and/or clause/excerpts on patient safety.ResultsThe review revealed that the policy and guidance documents implemented in the Bhutanese healthcare system were developed as a minimum standard for quality assurance, not those of patient safety as such.ConclusionThe findings of this study reveal that Bhutan is in the middle of a paradigm shift—shifting from a conventional approach of quality assurance to a new paradigm of patient safety. The evidence obtained from this study suggests that the development of high‐quality guidance documents is important to improve patient safety in the Bhutanese healthcare system.
Factors influencing the selection of a picture archiving and communication system: A qualitative study
Authors: Zahiri Esfahani Misagh , Farokhzadian Jamileh , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz , Khajouei Reza 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundPicture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is an evolving technology in health care domains that is used for storage, management, retrieval, transfer, and delivery of medical images. Some medical centers in Iran have installed the PACS in recent years but have not used it appropriately. One of the problems in implementing this system is inability to select appropriate PACS. Several factors are involved in the selection process. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence PACS selection.MethodsThis qualitative study aimed to identify factors influencing the PACS selection. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 experts in three educational hospitals and in the position to make decision for the purchase of PACS. Data were analyzed by the conventional qualitative content analysis method proposed by Lundman and Graneheim.ResultsAnalyses achieved 11 subcategories in two specific and general categories that influence PACS selection. The specific category of this study included six subcategories, and the general category included five subcategories.ConclusionThe results of this study determined that usability was the most important factor from the perspective of participants. Since the main users of a system have a critical role in adoption or rejection of a system, ease of use (usability) is significant and must be considered in system selection as a significant factor.
Analysis of synonymous codon usage pattern of genes in unique non–blood‐sucking leech Whitmania pigra
Authors: Khan Muhammad Salabat , Guan De‐Long , Ma Li‐Bin , Xie Juan‐Ying , Xu Sheng‐Quan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWhitmania pigra is a unique, fluid‐sucking ectoparasite and an anticoagulant medical leech. The codon usage bias (CUB) is the nonuniform usage of synonymous codons in which some codons are more preferred than others. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of CUB of genes in W. pigra, analyzing 140 780 transcripts, 59 553 unigenes, and 20 304 qualified coding sequences (CDSs) from the transcriptomic data of W. pigra. The effective number of codons values suggested that the CUB was low in these genes. We recognized profoundly favored codons in W. pigra that have a G/C‐ending. Parity rule two‐bias plots suggested that both mutation pressure and natural selection might have influenced the CUB. However, neutrality plots revealed that natural selection might have played a major role while mutation pressure might have played a minor role in shaping the CUB. We applied principal component analysis to relative synonymous codon usage values for divided CDSs based on GC content and codon‐ending bases. Codon usage in
W. pigra had a general inclination toward C‐ending codons and natural selection rather than mutation pressure is the dominant force in the genetic evolution of W. pigra. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe a complete codon usage analysis of W. pigra; this will increase the understanding of CUB and evolution in W. pigra. The analysis of codon usage patterns in W. pigra aids in understanding its evolution and genetic architecture.
The impact of cardiovascular genetic counseling on patient empowerment
Authors: Ison Hannah E. , Ware Stephanie M. , Schwantes‐An Tae‐Hwi , Freeze Samantha , Elmore Lindsey , Spoonamore Katherine G. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCardiovascular genetic counseling (CVGC) is recommended for a variety of inherited heart conditions; however, its impact on patient empowerment has not been assessed. The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS) is a validated patient reported outcome tool which measures empowerment to capture the impact of clinical genetics services. As a routine clinical practice at our center, adult patients attending a CVGC appointment complete the 24‐item GCOS survey and a 5‐item survey on knowledge of cardiac surveillance recommendations for relatives prior to the clinic visit. To investigate the effect of CVGC, we contacted participants after the appointment to repeat these surveys prior to genetic test result disclosure. Forty‐two participants completed pre‐ and post‐GC surveys. The mean difference between pre‐ and post‐GC empowerment scores was 17.5 points (mean pre‐GC score = 118.5, mean post‐GC score = 136, p < 0.0001; effect size, d = 0.94). Forty percent of individuals (17/42) were aware of surveillance recommendations for at‐risk family members prior to GC; this increased to 76% of individuals (32/42) post‐GC (p < 0.01). This is the first study to explore patient empowerment before and after GC in a cardiology setting. The results demonstrate a significant increase in empowerment and awareness of recommendations for at‐risk relatives as a result of CVGC. This study demonstrates the utility of CVGC in patient care.
Recommendations towards standards for quantitative MRI (qMRI) and outstanding needs
Authors: Keenan Kathryn E. , Biller Joshua R. , Delfino Jana G. , Boss Michael A. , Does Mark D. , Evelhoch Jeffrey L. , Griswold Mark A. , Gunter Jeffrey L. , Hinks R. Scott , Hoffman Stuart W. , Kim Geena , Lattanzi Riccardo , Li Xiaojuan , Marinelli Luca , Metzger Gregory J. , Mukherjee Pratik , Nordstrom Robert J. , Peskin Adele P. , Perez Elena , Russek Stephen E. , Sahiner Berkman , Serkova Natalie , Shukla‐Dave Amita , Steckner Michael , Stupic Karl F. , Wilmes Lisa J. , Wu Holden H. , Zhang Huiming , Jackson Edward F. , Sullivan Daniel C. 
Published: January 2019

Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 5J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
23Na Triple‐quantum signal of in vitro human liver cells, liposomes, and nanoparticles: Cell viability assessment vs. separation of intra‐ and extracellular signal
Authors: Hoesl Michaela A.U. , Kleimaier Dennis , Hu Ruomin , Malzacher Matthias , Nies Cordula , Gottwald Eric , Schad Lothar R. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundTriple‐quantum (TQ) filtered sequences have become more popular in sodium MR due to the increased usage of scanners with field strengths exceeding 3T. Disagreement as to whether TQ signal can provide separation of intra‐ and extracellular compartments persists.PurposeTo provide insight into TQ signal behavior on a cellular level.Study TypeProspective.Phantom/SpecimenCell‐phantoms in the form of liposomes, encapsulated 0 mM, 145 mM, 154 mM Na+ in a double‐lipid membrane similar to cells. Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles encapsulated 154 mM Na+ within a single‐layer membrane structure. Two microcavity chips with each 6 × 106 human HEP G2 liver cells were measured in an MR‐compatible bioreactor.Field Strength/SequenceSpectroscopic TQ sequence with time proportional phase‐increments at 9.4T.AssessmentThe TQ signal of viable, dead cells, and cell‐phantoms was assessed by a fit in the time domain and by the amplitude in the frequency domain.Statistical TestsThe noise variance (σ) was evaluated to express the deviation of the measured TQ signal amplitude from noise.ResultsTQ signal >20σ was found for liposomes encapsulating sodium ions. Liposomal encapsulation of 0 mM Na+ and 154 mM Na+ encapsulation in the nanoparticles resulted in <2σ TQ signal. Cells under normal perfusion resulted in >9σ TQ signal. Compared with TQ signal under normal perfusion, a 56% lower TQ signal of was observed (25σ) during perfusion stop. TQ signal returned to 92% of the initial signal after reperfusion.Data ConclusionOur measurements indicate that TQ signal in liposomes was observed due to the trapping of ions within the double‐lipid membrane rather than from the intraliposomal space. Transfer to the cell results suggests that TQ signal was observed from motion restriction equivalent to trapping.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:435–444.
Determining the optimal postlabeling delay for arterial spin labeling using subject‐specific estimates of blood velocity in the carotid artery
Authors: Gai Neville D. , Butman John A. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundArterial spin labeling with 3D acquisition requires determining a single postlabeling delay (PLD) value. PLD affects the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) per unit time as well as quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) values due to its bearing on the presence of a vascular signal.PurposeTo search for an optimal PLD for pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) using patient‐specific carotid artery blood velocity measurements.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsA control group of 11 volunteers with no known pathology. Corroboration was through a separate group of six volunteers and a noncontrol group of five sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.Field Strength/SequencePseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling with 3D nonsegmented echo planar imaging acquisition at 3T.AssessmentA perfusion‐based measure was determined over a range of PLDs for each of 11 volunteers. A third‐order polynomial was used to find the optimal PLD where the defined measure was maximum. This was plotted against the corresponding carotid artery velocity to determine a relationship between the perfusion measure and velocity. Corroboration was done using a group of six volunteers and a noncontrol group of five patients with SCD. PLD was determined from the carotid artery velocity and derived relationship and compared with optimal PLD obtained from measured perfusion over a range of PLD values. Error between the perfusion measure at predicted and measured optimal PLD was determined.Statistical TestsChi‐squared goodness of fit; Pearson correlation; Bland–Altman.ResultsCarotid artery velocity was 63.8 ± 6.6 cm/s (53.1 ≤ v ≤ 72.3 cm/s) while optimal PLD was 1374 ± 226.5 msec (1102 ≤ PLD ≤ 1787 msec) across the 11 volunteers. PLD as a function of carotid velocity was determined to be PLD = −31.94. v + 3410 msec (Pearson correlation –0.93). In six volunteers, mean error between the perfusion measure at predicted and measured optimal PLD was 1.35%. Pearson correlation between the perfusion measure at the predicted PLD and the measure obtained experimentally was r = 0.96 (P < 0.001). Bland–Altman revealed a slight bias of 1.3%. For the test case of five SCD patients, the mean error was 1.3%.Data ConclusionCarotid artery velocity was used to determine optimal PLD for pCASL with 3D acquisition. The derived relationship was used to predict optimal PLD and the associated perfusion measure, which was found to be accurate when compared with its measured counterpart.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:951–960.
Development of a multicomponent immunochromatographic test system for the detection of fluoroquinolone and amphenicol antibiotics in dairy products
Authors: Hendrickson OD , Zvereva EA , Shanin IA , Zherdev AV , Dzantiev BB 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDCiprofloxacin (CIP) and chloramphenicol (CAP) are relevant antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone (FQ) and amphenicol (AP) groups, respectively, widely used in veterinary practice and they contaminate agricultural products. In this study, a rapid and sensitive immunochromatographic assay (ICA) was developed for simultaneous detection of CIP and CAP in dairy products. The ICA was carried out in a direct competitive format using gold nanoparticles as a label.RESULTSThe ICA developed here allowed for the detection of CIP and CAP in Triton X‐100‐containing buffered saline (PBST) within 15 min with instrumental detection limits of 20 pg mL−1 and 0.5 ng mL−1, respectively, and with a visual detection limit of 5 ng mL−1 for both antibiotics. The ICA showed cross‐reactivity (69–160%) to 19 antibiotics in the FQ group and no cross‐reactivity (<0.1%) to 2 antibiotics of the AP group. The ICA allowed detection of CIP and CAP in a panel of dairy products by employing a simple procedure of preliminary sample preparation. The detection limits for the two antibiotics were the same as in PBST. The analytical recoveries of CIP and CAP in dairy products ranged from 83% to 120%.CONCLUSIONThe analytical characteristics of the test system allow its use for the detection of antibiotics in milk and dairy products during all steps of production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography for the simultaneous determination of cadmium and copper in plants
Authors: Stege Patricia W. , Forlin Gisela L. , Gásquez José A. , Sombra Lorena L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe discuss the separation and determination of cadmium and copper in plant samples such as Triticum durum (wheat) and Helianthus annuus (sunflower) using open tubular capillary electrochromatography with indirect detection. Before performing the analysis, the samples were digested by microwave‐assisted methods using HNO3. Regarding the electrophoretic system, several experimental parameters were previously evaluated such as the capillary surface, mobile phase composition, buffer, pH, and voltage applied. The baseline resolution of the studied metals was obtained within 8 min by using a capillary immobilized with carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and a background electrolyte composed of 6 mM imidazole, pH 4.0. The applied voltage and the temperature were set at 20 kV and 25°C, respectively. Precision, detection, and quantification limits, along with linearity were investigated. The limits of detection and quantification were 2.20 and 7.40 μg/kg, for Cu2⁺ and 0.05 and 0.20 μg/kg in the case of Cd2⁺. A good linearity was achieved over a concentration working range of 7.5–100 and 0.2–25 μg/kg for Cu2⁺ and Cd2⁺ accordingly. Recovery data for validation studies were found in a range of 98.2–101.5% for both analytes.
Nocturnal Olfactory Stimulation for Improvement of Sleep Quality in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Exploratory Intervention Trial
Authors: Schäfer Laura , Schellong Julia , Hähner Antje , Weidner Kerstin , Hüttenbrink Karl‐Bernd , Trautmann Sebastian , Hummel Thomas , Croy Ilona 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by sleep impairment and nightmares. As pleasant odors presented during sleep affect the emotional tone of dreams without inducing arousal, we investigated whether sleep patterns in PTSD can be improved via nocturnal olfactory stimulation. Participants were 40 inpatients with PTSD (n = 35 women; age range: 20–59 years) who completed a randomized, patient‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Baseline measurement for 5 consecutive nights was followed by a 5‐night experimental intervention or placebo trial. During the intervention, patients received nocturnal stimulation with a pleasant odor (odor condition) or clean air (placebo condition) via an olfactometer that delivered inspiration‐triggered stimuli in a nasal tube or via an odorized nasal clip. After each night, the patients completed standardized questionnaires that assessed sleep parameters and dream content. Each night, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, and wakefulness after sleep onset were monitored with a motion biosensor. Baseline assessment revealed that PTSD severity was associated with poorer sleep outcomes. An interaction effect showed that nocturnal odorization affected dream intensity. Post hoc tests revealed an improvement in the group that used the nasal clip as compared to baseline, d = 0.68. No negative effects were observed after odorization with the nasal clip. Considering the limited sample size, the study indicates that nocturnal olfactory stimulation may serve as a low‐cost concomitant intervention to improve sleep quality in PTSD.