bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemoglobin and Ferritin Concentrations in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Adediran Adewumi , Uche Ebele , Akinbami Akinsegun , Dada Akin , Wakama Tamunomieibi , Damulak Dapus , Ajibola Sarah , Okwegbuna Oluwakemi 
Published: May 2015

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clinical condition characterized by insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, has been linked with raised levels of serum ferritin (Sfr) concentrations. Objectives This study was carried out to compare hemoglobin (Hb) and Sfr concentrations in patients with MetS, regular donors and first-time donors. Materials and Methods A total of 102 subjects who were between 18 and 60 years were enrolled for the study. They were divided into three groups. The first group ( n = 20) was made up of 5 males and 15 females, all who met the criteria that define MetS. The second group ( n = 52; M = 34, F = 18) were regular donors, while the last group ( n = 30; M = 16, F = 14) were first-time donors or those who had not donated before. Following an overnight fast, 20 mL of venous blood was drawn from each subject. About 5 mL of this was put into sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) specimen bottles for the full blood count parameters with Sysmex KX-21N hematology analyzer (made in Japan). The remaining 15 mL had serum separated for Sfr assay using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a commercial assay kit manufactured by Teco Diagnostics. Results Significant difference was found in the mean Sfr concentration of subjects with MetS (163 ± 136.92 ng/mL) and regular donors (41.46 ± 40.33 ng/mL), P = 0.001. The mean Sfr concentrations of subjects with MetS (163 ± 136.92 ng/mL) were also higher than that of first-time donors (102.46 ± 80.26 ng/mL), but it was not statistically significant, P = 0.053. The Hb concentrations of the three groups were not significantly different. Conclusion Sfr concentrations of regular donors were lower than that of subjects with MetS and first-time donors. The difference between regular donors and subjects with MetS was statistically significant. However, there is no significant difference in the Hb concentrations in the three groups. MetS is not associated with anemia or hyperferritinemia.
Sonographic Features of Medullary Thyroid Carcinomas According to Tumor Size
Authors: Zhou Liguang , Chen Bo , Zhao Miaoqing , Zhang Huawei , Liang Bo 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in sonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinomas according to nodule size and compared with findings for papillary thyroid carcinomas.MethodsThis study included 38 medullary thyroid carcinoma nodules and 91 papillary thyroid carcinoma nodules, which were confirmed by pathologic examination between May 2008 and September 2013. Nodules were divided into those that were greater than 10 mm (large nodules) and 10 mm or less (small nodules). The differences in sonographic features (composition, echogenicity, margin, calcifications, and shape) between groups were analyzed with a χ2 test.ResultsLarge medullary thyroid carcinomas more frequently showed an ovoid‐to‐round shape and a smooth margin; small medullary thyroid carcinomas more frequently showed a taller‐than‐wide shape and a spiculated margin; the differences were statistically significant between the groups (P < .05). Compared with papillary thyroid carcinomas, large medullary thyroid carcinomas tended to have an ovoid‐to‐round shape, a smooth margin, and macrocalcifications and were more frequently diagnosed as indeterminate nodules (P < .05); however, there were no significant differences in the internal composition, calcifications, echogenicity, margin, and shape between small medullary thyroid carcinomas and small papillary thyroid carcinomas (P > .05).ConclusionsOur data indicate that the sonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinomas are associated with tumor size; furthermore, the sonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinomas are similar to those of small papillary thyroid carcinomas but greatly different from those of large papillary thyroid carcinomas. Large medullary thyroid carcinomas are more commonly diagnosed as indeterminate nodules by sonography than large papillary thyroid carcinomas, and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy or serum calcitonin measurement may be helpful.
Shooting With Sound
Authors: Tanious Shariff F. , Cline Jamie , Cavin Jennifer , Davidson Nathan , Coleman J. Keegan , Goodmurphy Craig W. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to investigate the durability and longevity of gelatin formulas for the production of staged ultrasound phantoms for education.MethodsGelatin phantoms were prepared from Knox gelatin (Kraft Foods, Northfield, IL) and a standard 10%‐by‐mass ordinance gelatin solution. Phantoms were durability tested by compressing to a 2‐cm depth until cracking was visible. Additionally, 16 containers with varying combinations of phenol, container type, and storage location were tested for longevity against desiccation and molding. Once formulation was determined, 4 stages of phantoms from novice to clinically relevant were poured, and clinicians with ultrasound training ranked them on a 7‐point Likert scale based on task difficulty, phantom suitability, and fidelity.ResultsOn durability testing, the ballistic gelatin outperformed the Knox gelatin by more than 200 compressions. On longevity testing, gelatin with a 0.5% phenol concentration stored with a lid and refrigeration lasted longest, whereas containers without a lid had desiccation within 1 month, and those without phenol became moldy within 6 weeks. Ballistic gelatin was more expensive when buying in small quantities but was 7.4% less expensive when buying in bulk. The staged phantoms were deemed suitable for training, but clinicians did not consistently rank the phantoms in the intended order of 1 to 4 (44%).ConclusionsRefrigerated and sealed ballistic gelatin with phenol was a cost‐effective method for creating in‐house staged ultrasound phantoms suitable for large‐scale ultrasound educational training needs. Clinician ranking of phantoms may be influenced by current training methods that favor biological tissue scanning as easier.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the See, Tilt, Align, and Rotate (STAR) Maneuver on Skill Acquisition for Simulated Ultrasound‐Guided Interventional Procedures
Authors: Lam Nicholas C. K. , Fishburn Steven J. , Hammer Angie R. , Petersen Timothy R. , Gerstein Neal S. , Mariano Edward R. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesAchieving the best view of the needle and target anatomy when performing ultrasound‐guided interventional procedures requires technical skill, which novices may find difficult to learn. We hypothesized that teaching novice performers to use 4 sequential steps (see, tilt, align, and rotate [STAR] method) to identify the needle under ultrasound guidance is more efficient than training with the commonly described probe movements of align, rotate, and tilt (ART).MethodsThis study compared 2 instructional methods for transducer manipulation including alignment of a probe and needle by novices during a simulated ultrasound‐guided nerve block. Right‐handed volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 years who had no previous ultrasound experience were recruited and randomized to 1 of 2 groups; one group was trained to troubleshoot misalignment with the ART method, and the other was trained with the new STAR maneuver. Participants performed the task, consisting of directing a needle in plane to 3 targets in a standardized gelatin phantom 3 times. The performance assessor and data analyst were blinded to group assignment.ResultsThirty‐five participants were recruited. The STAR group was able to complete the task more quickly (P < .001) and visualized the needle in a greater proportion of the procedure time (P = .004) compared to the ART group. All STAR participants were able to complete the task, whereas 41% of ART participants abandoned the task (P = .003).ConclusionsNovices are able to complete a simulated ultrasound‐guided nerve block more quickly and efficiently when trained with the 4‐step STAR maneuver compared to the ART method.
Improved Method for Calculating Hepatic Steatosis Using the Hepatorenal Index
Authors: Shiralkar Kaustubh , Johnson Stephen , Bluth Edward I. , Marshall Richard H. , Dornelles Adriana , Gulotta Paul M. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesMarshall et al (AJR Am J Roentgenol 2012; 199:997–1002) initially demonstrated that the hepatorenal index is an effective and noninvasive tool to screen patients for hepatic steatosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the hepatorenal index can be accurately calculated directly from a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) quickly and efficiently without the need for the multiple steps and specialized software used to calculate hepatorenal index in the study by Marshall et al.MethodsWe evaluated 99 of the 101 patients included in the study by Marshall et al: patients being followed by hepatologists with plans for liver biopsy. The hepatorenal index was calculated by using Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images from a PACS and a markup region‐of‐interest tool. We compared this value to the value that Marshall et al derived by using specialized software and to standard histologic estimates. We created similar subgroups: patients with steatosis based on histologically estimated intracellular fat exceeding 5% and patients without steatosis.ResultsThe mean hepatorenal index ± SD for those with steatosis according to histologic findings was 1.87 ± 0.6, and for those without, it was 1.14 ± 0.2. A hepatorenal index of 1.34 or higher had 92% sensitivity for identifying fat exceeding 5%, 85% specificity, a 94% negative predictive value, and a 79% positive predictive value. Substantial agreement was found between the hepatorenal index calculated from DICOM images and macrovesicular fat categorized at the cut point of 1.34 or higher (κ = 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.88; P < .001).ConclusionsThe hepatorenal index can be quickly and accurately calculated from DICOM images directly on a PACS without supplementary software.
Differential Diagnosis of Polypoid Lesions of the Gallbladder Using Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography
Authors: Liu Xue-Song , Gu Li-Hong , Du Jing , Li Feng-Hua , Wang Jian , Chen Tao , Zhang Yun-He 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of real‐time contrast‐enhanced sonography and microvascular imaging for differential diagnosis of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic polypoid lesions of the gallbladder.MethodsReal‐time contrast‐enhanced sonography and microvascular imaging were performed in 128 patients with polypoid lesions of the gallbladder larger than 6 mm in diameter. The enhancement patterns, microvascular imaging types, and kinetic parameters were analyzed on contrast‐enhanced sonography. The maximum diameters of the lesions measured by conventional and contrast‐enhanced sonography were also recorded and subjected to a comparative analysis.ResultsAmong the 128 patients, histologic diagnoses were obtained in 83 (27 neoplastic lesions and 56 non‐neoplastic lesions), which constituted the study group. On contrast‐enhanced sonography, mild enhancement and absence of contrast were more easily found in non‐neoplastic lesions (12 [21.4%]), whereas all neoplastic lesions showed marked enhancement (27 [100%]; P = .006). Of the 27 neoplastic lesions, 6 malignant tumors showed a perfusion defect on contrast‐enhanced sonography, whereas none of the non‐neoplastic lesions showed a perfusion defect (P = .003). The microvascular architecture of the lesions was categorized into 4 types: spotty, linear, branched, and spinous, and there were significant differences between the groups (P< .001). In a kinetic evaluation, none of the parameters reached statistical significance (all P> .05). There was a discrepancy in maximum diameters between conventional and contrast‐enhanced sonography in both groups but the discrepancy was significantly greater in the non‐neoplastic group (P = .026).ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced sonography is a useful imaging technique and an adjunct to conventional sonography for differential diagnosis of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic polypoid lesions of the gallbladder.
Offset timing of climate oscillations during the last two glacial‐interglacial transitions connected with large‐scale freshwater perturbation
Authors: Jiménez‐Amat Patricia , Zahn Rainer 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMultidecadal to centennial planktic δ18O and Mg/Ca records were generated at Ocean Drilling Program Site 976 (ODP976) in the Alboran Sea. The site is in the flow path of Atlantic inflow waters entering the Mediterranean and captured North Atlantic signals through the surface inflow and the atmosphere. The records reveal similar climatic oscillations during the last two glacial‐to‐interglacial transitions, albeit with a different temporal pacing. Glacial termination 1 (T1) was marked by Heinrich event 1 (H1), post‐H1 Bølling/Allerød warming, and Younger Dryas (YD) cooling. During T2 the H11 δ18O anomaly was twice as high and lasted 30% longer than during H1. The post‐H11 warming marked the start of MIS5e while the subsequent YD‐style cooling occurred during early MIS5e. The post‐H11 temperature increase at ODP976 matched the sudden Asian Monsoon Termination II at 129 ka B.P. Extending the 230Th‐dated speleothem timescale to ODP976 suggests glacial conditions in the Northeast Atlantic region were terminated abruptly and interglacial warmth was reached in less than a millennium. The early‐MIS5e cooling and freshening at ODP976 coincided with similar changes at North Atlantic sites suggesting this was a basin‐wide event. By analogy with T1, we argue that this was a YD‐type event that was shifted into the early stages of the last interglacial period. This scenario is consistent with evidence from northern North Atlantic and Nordic Sea sites that the continuing disintegration of the large Saalian Stage (MIS6) ice sheet in Eurasia delayed the advection of warm North Atlantic waters and full‐strength convective overturn until later stages of MIS5e.
Influence of West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse on Antarctic surface climate
Authors: Steig Eric J. , Huybers Kathleen , Singh Hansi A. , Steiger Nathan J. , Ding Qinghua , Frierson Dargan M. W. , Popp Trevor , White James W. C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractClimate model simulations are used to examine the impact of a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) on the surface climate of Antarctica. The lowered topography following WAIS collapse produces anomalous cyclonic circulation with increased flow of warm, maritime air toward the South Pole and cold‐air advection from the East Antarctic plateau toward the Ross Sea and Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica. Relative to the background climate, areas in East Antarctica that are adjacent to the WAIS warm, while substantial cooling (several ∘C) occurs over parts of West Antarctica. Anomalously low isotope‐paleotemperature values at Mount Moulton, West Antarctica, compared with ice core records in East Antarctica, are consistent with collapse of the WAIS during the last interglacial period, Marine Isotope Stage 5e. More definitive evidence might be recoverable from an ice core record at Hercules Dome, East Antarctica, which would experience significant warming and positive oxygen isotope anomalies if the WAIS collapsed.
CSF neurofilament light chain reflects corticospinal tract degeneration in ALS
Authors: Menke Ricarda A. L. , Gray Elizabeth , Lu Ching‐Hua , Kuhle Jens , Talbot Kevin , Malaspina Andrea , Turner Martin R. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is sensitive to white matter tract pathology. A core signature involving the corticospinal tracts (CSTs) has been identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Raised neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is thought to reflect axonal damage in a range of neurological disorders. The relationship between these two measures was explored.MethodsCSF and serum NfL concentrations and DTI acquired at 3 Tesla on the same day were obtained from ALS patients (n = 25 CSF, 40 serum) and healthy, age‐similar controls (n = 17 CSF, 25 serum). Within‐group correlations between NfL and DTI measures of microstructural integrity in major white matter tracts (CSTs, superior longitudinal fasciculi [SLF], and corpus callosum) were performed using tract‐based spatial statistics.ResultsNfL levels were higher in patients compared to controls. CSF levels correlated with clinical upper motor neuron burden and rate of disease progression. Higher NfL levels were significantly associated with lower DTI fractional anisotropy and increased radial diffusivity in the CSTs of ALS patients, but not in controls.InterpretationElevated CSF and serum NfL is, in part, a result of CST degeneration in ALS. This highlights the wider potential for combining neurochemical and neuroimaging‐based biomarkers in neurological disease.
Triage for action: Systematic assessment and dissemination of construction health and safety research
Authors: Baker Robin , Chang Charlotte , Bunting Jessica , Betit Eileen 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundResearch translation too often relies on passive methods that fail to reach those who can impact the workplace. The need for better research to practice (r2p) approaches is especially pressing in construction, where a disproportionate number of workers suffer serious injury illness.MethodsA triage process was designed and used to systematically review completed research, assess r2p readiness, establish priorities, and launch dissemination follow‐up efforts. A mixed quantitative and qualitative approach was used.ResultsThe process proved effective in ensuring that significant findings and evidence‐based solutions are disseminated actively. Key factors emerged in the selection of follow‐up priorities, including availability of partners able to reach end users, windows of opportunity, and cross‐cutting approaches that can benefit multiple dissemination efforts.ConclusionsUse of a systematic triage process may have an important role to play in building r2p capacity in construction safety and health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:838–848, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occupational exposure to solvents and risk of breast cancer
Authors: Glass Deborah C. , Heyworth Jane , Thomson Allyson K. , Peters Susan , Saunders Christobel , Fritschi Lin 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundOccupational exposure to some organic solvents may increase risk of breast cancer.MethodsIn a population‐based case‐control study, 1,205 women diagnosed with primary breast cancer between 2009 and 2011 were drawn from the Western Australian Cancer Registry and matched to 1,789 controls from the electoral roll. Exposure to solvents was determined through telephone interviews using OccIDEAS.ResultsAbout a third of women were occupationally exposed to solvents. Age adjusted breast cancer risks were elevated for women who had been exposed to aliphatic solvents odds ratio (OR) 1.21 (95%CI 0.99–1.48) and aromatic solvents OR 1.21 (95%CI 0.97–1.52). For most solvents the ORs were higher for those diagnosed before menopause.ConclusionsThis study suggests that there may be an association between occupational exposure to aliphatic and aromatic solvents and the risk of breast cancer at the low levels of exposure experienced by women in this study. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:915–922, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aktivierung und Elektronentransfer‐induzierte Reaktion von Kohlendioxid an einer Oxid‐Metall‐Grenzfläche
Authors: Calaza Florencia , Stiehler Christian , Fujimori Yuichi , Sterrer Martin , Beeg Sebastian , Ruiz‐Oses Miguel , Nilius Niklas , Heyde Markus , Parviainen Teemu , Honkala Karoliina , Häkkinen Hannu , Freund Hans‐Joachim 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEs wurde ein Modellsystem realisiert, das mittels Elektronentransfer durch eine Metall‐Isolator‐Metall(MIM)‐Struktur die Bildung eines CO2‐Radikalanions von aus der Gasphase adsorbiertem Kohlendioxid induziert, welches anschließend zu Oxalat weiterreagiert. Dieser reversible Prozess gestattet eine Studie der involvierten Elementarschritte auf atomarer Ebene. Die Oxalatspezies an der MIM‐Grenzfläche wurden mithilfe der Rastertunnelmikroskopie untersucht, chemisch mittels Infrarotspektroskopie identifiziert und ihre Bildung durch Dichtefunktionalrechnungen verifiziert.
Halogen Bonding Molecular Capsules
Authors: Dumele Oliver , Trapp Nils , Diederich François 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMolecular capsules based solely on the interaction of halogen bonding (XB) are presented along with their host–guest binding properties in solution. The first example of a well‐defined four‐point XB supramolecular system is realized by decorating resorcin[4]arene cavitands with polarized halogen atoms for dimerization with tetra(4‐pyridyl) resorcin[4]arene cavitands. NMR binding data for the F, Cl, Br, and I cavitands as the XB donor show association constants (Ka) of up to 5370 M−1 (ΔG283 K=−4.85 kcal mol−1, for I), even in XB‐competitive solvent, such as deuterated benzene/acetone/methanol (70:30:1) at 283 K, where comparable monodentate model systems show no association. The XB capsular geometry is evidenced by two‐dimensional HOESY NMR, and the thermodynamic profile shows that capsule formation is enthalpically driven. Either 1,4‐dioxane or 1,4‐dithiane are encapsulated within each of the two separate cavities within the XB capsule, with of up to Ka=9.0 108 M−2 (ΔG283 K=−11.6 kcal mol−1).
A water‐soluble fluorescent pH probe based on perylene dyes and its application to cell imaging
Authors: Ma Yongshan , Zhang Fengxia , Zhang Jinfeng , Jiang Tianyi , Li Xuemei , Wu Junsen , Ren Huixue 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA fluorescent pH probe, N,N′‐bi( l‐phenylalanine amine)‐perylene‐3,4;9,10‐dicarboxylic diimide (PDCDA) was synthesized and used for pH sensing in living cells. A significant fluorescence intensity change was observed over a pH range from 7.0 to 4.0. Electrostatic potential maps (MEP) suggested that the electronic repulsion between PDCDAs was increased by the high negative electrostatic potential which resulted in a high water solubility of PDCDA. PDCDA was successfully applied as a high‐performance fluorochrome for living HeLa cell imaging. The results demonstrate that the probe PDCDA is a good candidate for monitoring pH fluctuations in living cells with good water solubility, low cytotoxicity, high fluorescence quantum yield and photostability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Newly designed and validated impedance spectroscopy setup in microtiter plates successfully monitors viable biomass online
Authors: Luchterhand Bettina , Nolten Jannis , Hafizovic Sadik , Schlepütz Tino , Wewetzer Sandra Janine , Pach Elke , Meier Kristina , Wandrey Georg , Büchs Jochen 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn microtiter plates, conventional online monitoring of biomass concentration based on optical measurements is limited to transparent media: It also cannot differentiate between dead or viable biomass or suspended particles. To address this limitation, this study introduces and validates a new online monitoring setup based on impedance spectroscopy for detecting only viable biomass in 48‐ and 96‐well microtiter plates. The setup was first validated electronically and characterized by determining the cell constants of the measuring geometry. Defined cell suspensions of Ustilago maydis, Hansenula polymorpha, Escherichia coli and Bacillus licheniformis were characterized to find, among other parameters, the most suitable frequency range and the characteristic frequency of β‐dispersion for each organism. Finally, the setup was exemplarily applied to monitor the growth of Hansenula polymorpha online. As reference, three different parallel cultures were performed in established cultivation systems. This new online monitoring setup based on impedance spectroscopy is robust and enables precise measurements of microbial biomass concentration. It is promising for future high‐throughput applications.