bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiochromic Fuchsine‐Gel and Its Possible Use for Low Dosimetry Applications
Authors: Gafar S. M. , El‐Ahdal M. A. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTA new dyed–gelatin gel shows promise as a stable dosimeter for low‐dose dosimetry processing. Fuchsine acid cyanide (FAC) dye diffuses in gelatin, forming a colorless sample, which developed a color with the increase in absorbed doses. Upon irradiation, the sample turned pink and the color change was measured at 550 nm using UV‐vis spectroscopy. A formulation suitable for dosimetry was investigated by varying the concentrations of FAC. This dosimeter was also evaluated for stability, dose sensitivity, and irradiation effect dependence. On the other hand, it can be used as a dosimeter in a relatively dose range 1 to 170 Gy. The radiation chemical yield (G value) and pre‐ and postirradiation stability were studied.
Application of ICA to realistically simulated 1H‐MRS data
Authors: Kalyanam Ravi , Boutte David , Hutchison Kent E. , Calhoun Vince D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroduction1H‐MRS signals from brain tissues capture information on in vivo brain metabolism and neuronal biomarkers. This study aims to advance the use of independent component analysis (ICA) for spectroscopy data by objectively comparing the performance of ICA and LCModel in analyzing realistic data that mimics many of the known properties of in vivo data.MethodsThis work identifies key features of in vivo 1H‐MRS signals and presents methods to simulate realistic data, using a basis set of 12 metabolites typically found in the human brain. The realistic simulations provide a much needed ground truth to evaluate performances of various MRS analysis methods. ICA is applied to collectively analyze multiple realistic spectra and independent components identified with our generative model to obtain ICA estimates. These same data are also analyzed using LCModel and the comparisons between the ground‐truth and the analysis estimates are presented. The study also investigates the potential impact of modeling inaccuracies by incorporating two sets of model resonances in simulations.ResultsThe simulated fid signals incorporating line broadening, noise, and residual water signal closely resemble the in vivo signals. Simulation analyses show that the resolution performances of both LCModel and ICA are not consistent across metabolites and that while ICA resolution can be improved for certain resonances, ICA is as effective as, or better than, LCModel in resolving most model resonances.ConclusionThe results show that ICA can be an effective tool in comparing multiple spectra and complements existing approaches for providing quantified estimates.
Diet quality influences isotopic discrimination among amino acids in an aquatic vertebrate
Authors: Chikaraishi Yoshito , Steffan Shawn A. , Takano Yoshinori , Ohkouchi Naohiko 
Published: April 2015

AbstractStable nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids (δ15NAA) has recently been employed as a powerful tool in ecological food web studies, particularly for estimating the trophic position (TP) of animal species in food webs. However, the validity of these estimates depends on the consistency of the trophic discrimination factor (TDF; = Δδ15NAA at each shift of trophic level) among a suite of amino acids within the tissues of consumer species. In this study, we determined the TDF values of amino acids in tadpoles (the Japanese toad, Bufo japonicus) reared exclusively on one of three diets that differed in nutritional quality. The diets were commercial fish‐food pellets (plant and animal biomass), bloodworms (animal biomass), and boiled white rice (plant carbohydrate), representing a balanced, protein‐rich, and protein‐poor diet, respectively. The TDF values of two “source amino acids” (Src‐AAs), methionine and phenylalanine, were close to zero (0.3–0.5‰) among the three diets, typifying the values reported in the literature (~0.5‰ and ~0.4‰, respectively). However, TDF values of “trophic amino acids” (Tr‐AAs) including alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, and glutamic acid varied by diet: for example, the glutamic acid TDF was similar to the standard value (~8.0‰) when tadpoles were fed either the commercial pellets (8.0‰) or bloodworms (7.9‰), but when they were fed boiled rice, the TDF was significantly reduced (0.6‰). These results suggest that a profound lack of dietary protein may alter the TDF values of glutamic acid (and other Tr‐AAs and glycine) within consumer species, but not the two Src‐AAs (i.e., methionine and phenylalanine). Knowledge of how a nutritionally poor diet can influence the TDF of Tr‐ and Src‐AAs will allow amino acid isotopic analyses to better estimate TP among free‐roaming animals.
Study of the serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the expression of related liver metabolic enzymes in a rat valproate‐induced autism model
Authors: Zhao Gang , Gao Jingquan , Liang Shuang , Wang Xuelai , Sun Caihong , Xia Wei , Hao Yanqiu , Li Xiang , Cao Yonggang , Wu Lijie 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo investigate whether the decreased level of serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in patients with autism is associated with the expression of related liver metabolic enzymes, we selected rats that were exposed to valproic acid (VPA) on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) as a model of autism. We observed the serum levels of PUFAs and the expression of related liver metabolic enzymes, including Δ5‐desaturase, Δ6‐desaturase and elongase (Elovl2), in VPA‐exposed and control rats on postnatal day 35 (PND35) and conducted sex dimorphic analysis. We found that the levels of serum PUFAs and related liver metabolic enzymes in the VPA rats were significantly reduced, in association with autism‐like behavioral changes, the abnormal expression of apoptosis‐related proteins and hippocampal neuronal injury, compared to the control rats and showed sex difference in VPA group. This finding indicated that rats exposed to VPA at the embryonic stage may exhibit reduced synthesis of serum PUFAs due to the down‐regulation of liver metabolic enzymes, thereby inducing nervous system injury and behavioral changes, which is affected by sex in the meantime.
Systemic physiology and neuroapoptotic profiles in young and adult rats exposed to surgery: A randomized controlled study comprising four different anaesthetic techniques
Authors: Ibrahim Rami Mossad , Krammer Caspar Weel , Hansen Tom Giedsing , Kristensen Bjarne Winther , Vutskits Laszlo , Sørensen Jens Ahm 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundExperimental evidence indicates that general anaesthetics can induce apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing brain. The majority of these studies have been performed in the absence of surgery and it currently remains unclear how the presence of surgical stimuli would influence neuroapoptosis as well as systemic homeostasis. Here we explored this possibility by performing dorsal skin flap surgery in young and adult rats under four distinct currently used anaesthesia regimens.MethodsYoung (21‐days) and adult (2 months) male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to 150 min exposure to one of four anaesthetics regimens: (i) sevoflurane/dexmedetomidine, (ii) sevoflurane/fentanyl; (iii) propofol/dexmedetomidine, and (iv) propofol/fentanyl. Animals underwent a dorsal skin flap procedure while physiologic, metabolic and biochemical parameters were closely monitored. Neuroapoptotic profiles were evaluated in the cortex, thalamus and hippocampus (CA1 and CA3) at the end of the procedure in each experimental group.ResultsSignificant perturbations of systemic homeostasis were found under all anaesthetic regimens. Hyperglycemia and decreased heart rate were particularly relevant in experimental groups receiving dexmedetomidine, while propofol administration was associated with increased systemic lactate levels and metabolic acidosis. A substantial difference in anaesthesia/surgery‐induced neuroapoptosis was found between young and adult rats in several brain regions. Combination of sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine resulted in the highest number of caspase‐3 positive cells, although the extent of cell death remained relatively low in all experimental groups.ConclusionCombination of anaesthesia and surgery induces significant perturbations of physiological parameters in both young and adult spontaneously breathing rats undergoing surgery. These observations further enlighten the need for detailed physiological monitoring under these experimental conditions. Although some statistically significant differences in activated caspase‐3 profiles were detected between experimental groups, the overall extent of neuronal cell death remained very low under all conditions questioning, thereby, the physiological significance of apoptotic neurodegeneration in the context of anaesthesia and surgery.
Endometriosis and associated symptoms among Nigerian women
Authors: Fawole Adeniran O. , Bello Folasade A. , Ogunbode Olayinka , Odukogbe Akin‐Tunde A. , Nkwocha Gerald C. , Nnoaham Kelechi E. , Zondervan Krina T. , Akintan Adesina , Abdus‐Salam Rukiyat A. , Okunlola Michael A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of endometriosis and identify associated symptoms among Nigerian women.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted at a center in Ibadan, Nigeria, between October 2008 and December 2010. All women aged 18–45 years scheduled for their first diagnostic laparoscopy for gynecologic indications were enrolled. Participants completed a previously validated self‐administered questionnaire. Endometriosis was diagnosed on the basis of visual evidence.ResultsAmong 239 women analyzed, 115 (48.1%) had endometriotic lesions. Endometriosis was more common among women reporting dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain than among those not reporting these symptoms (20/28 [71.4%] vs 95/211 [45.0%]; P = 0.009). Women who reported dysmenorrhea were significantly more likely to have endometriosis than were those without dysmenorrhea (90/171 [52.6%] vs 25/68 [36.8%]; P = 0.027). The risk of endometriosis was not significantly increased in women with one pain symptom (odds ratio [OR]1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–4.27), but was significantly increased in women with two (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.13–6.52) or three (OR 4.87; 95% CI 1.88–12.82) pain symptoms (χ2trend = 15.5; P < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, only pain other than dysmenorrhea or dyspareunia independently predicted endometriosis (P = 0.017).ConclusionEndometriosis is fairly common among Nigerian women. Efforts to increase the awareness of endometriosis among the public, researchers, and clinicians are needed.
Pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy among obese patients
Authors: Ducarme Guillaume , Chesnoy Veronique , Lemarié Philippe , Koumaré Sekou , Krawczykowski Daniel 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) according to body mass index (BMI) at conception and the interval between LSG and pregnancy.MethodsIn a retrospective study, data were obtained for all women who became pregnant after LSG at a center in France between December 2001 and December 2011. Frequencies of perinatal events according to BMI at conception and the interval between LSG and pregnancy were compared.ResultsA total of 63 pregnancies occurring in 54 patients were included, among which 52 (83%) occurred after the first postoperative year and 26 (41%) in women who remained obese. Compared with women who were no longer obese at conception, women who were still obese delivered neonates of significantly lower gestational age at birth (P = 0.02) and birth weight (P = 0.001). Odds of preterm delivery were also increased (odds ratio 4.37, 95% confidence interval 1.17–16.27; P = 0.03). Maternal and neonatal outcomes according to the interval between LSG and pregnancy did not differ significantly.ConclusionWomen who remain obese following LSG are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, including low gestational age at birth, low birth weight, and preterm delivery, and should be regarded as a risk group.
Syphilis testing in antenatal care: Policies and practices among laboratories in the Americas
Authors: Luu Minh , Ham Cal , Kamb Mary L. , Caffe Sonja , Hoover Karen W. , Perez Freddy 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo asses laboratory syphilis testing policies and practices among laboratories in the Americas.MethodsLaboratory directors or designees from PAHO member countries were invited to participate in a structured, electronically‐delivered survey between March and August, 2014. Data on syphilis tests, algorithms, and quality control (QC) practices were analyzed, focusing on laboratories receiving specimens from antenatal clinics (ANCs).ResultsSurveys were completed by 69 laboratories representing 30 (86%) countries. Participating laboratories included 36 (52%) national or regional reference labs and 33 (48%) lower‐level laboratories. Most (94%) were public sector facilities and 71% reported existence of a national algorithm for syphilis testing in pregnancy, usually involving both treponemal and non‐treponemal testing (72%). Less than half (41%) used rapid syphilis tests (RSTs); and only seven laboratories representing five countries reported RSTs were included in the national algorithm for pregnant women. Most (83%) laboratories serving ANCs reported using some type of QC system; 68% of laboratories reported participation in external QC. Only 36% of laboratories reported data to national/local surveillance. Half of all laboratories serving ANC settings reported a stockout of one or more essential supplies during the previous year (median duration, 30 days).ConclusionUpdating laboratory algorithms, improving testing standards, integrating data into existing surveillance, and improved procurement and distribution of commodities may be needed to ensure elimination of MTCT of syphilis in the Americas.
Improving global estimates of syphilis in pregnancy by diagnostic test type: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ham D. Cal , Lin Carol , Newman Lori , Wijesooriya N. Saman , Kamb Mary 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground“Probable active syphilis,” is defined as seroreactivity in both non‐treponemal and treponemal tests. A correction factor of 65%, namely the proportion of pregnant women reactive in one syphilis test type that were likely reactive in the second, was applied to reported syphilis seropositivity data reported to WHO for global estimates of syphilis during pregnancy.ObjectivesTo identify more accurate correction factors based on test type reported.Search StrategyMedline search using: “Syphilis [Mesh] and Pregnancy [Mesh],” “Syphilis [Mesh] and Prenatal Diagnosis [Mesh],” and “Syphilis [Mesh] and Antenatal [Keyword].Selection CriteriaEligible studies must have reported results for pregnant or puerperal women for both non‐treponemal and treponemal serology.Data collection and analysisWe manually calculated the crude percent estimates of subjects with both reactive treponemal and reactive non‐treponemal tests among subjects with reactive treponemal and among subjects with reactive non‐treponemal tests. We summarized the percent estimates using random effects models.Main resultsCountries reporting both reactive non‐treponemal and reactive treponemal testing required no correction factor. Countries reporting non‐treponemal testing or treponemal testing alone required a correction factor of 52.2% and 53.6%, respectively. Countries not reporting test type required a correction factor of 68.6%.ConclusionsFuture estimates should adjust reported maternal syphilis seropositivity by test type to ensure accuracy.
Estimating disease burden of maternal syphilis and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in India, Nigeria, and Zambia in 2012
Authors: Chen Xiang‐Sheng , Khaparde Sunil , Prasad Turlapati L.N. , Srinivas Vani , Anyaike Chukwuma , Ijaodola Gbenga , Ngige Evelyn , Tembo Mumba Grace , Phiri Carolline , Tambatamba Bushimbwa , Chavan Laxmikant , Seguy Nicole , Oyelade Taiwo A. , Bvulani Malumo Sarai , Newman Lori M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate maternal syphilis and its associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in India, Nigeria, and Zambia.MethodsAn online estimation tool was used to generate point estimates and uncertainty ranges of maternal syphilis and adverse pregnancy outcomes due to mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT). The most recent data (2010–2012) on antenatal care coverage, syphilis seroprevalence, and syphilis screening and treatment coverage at the subnational level in India, Nigeria, and Zambia were used to estimate disease burden for 2012. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for three screening and treatment scenarios (current coverages, current coverages minus 20%, and ideal coverages consistent with WHO targets for eliminating MTCT of syphilis).ResultsA total of 103 960, 74 798, and 9072 pregnant women with probable active syphilis were estimated to occur in India, Nigeria, and Zambia, resulting in 53 187, 37 045, and 2973 adverse outcomes, respectively; approximately 1.6%, 4.8%, and 37.0% of these were averted under the current service coverages in India, Nigeria, and Zambia. The disease burden varied significantly in its subnational distribution within India and Nigeria, but was distributed evenly across Zambia.ConclusionsThe obtained results suggest an ongoing, unaverted high burden of maternal syphilis and associated adverse outcomes in India, Nigeria, and Zambia. Screening and treatment for syphilis must be scaled‐up significantly in these countries to achieve elimination of MTCT of syphilis.
Magnitude of maternal and neonatal mortality in Tanzania: A systematic review
Authors: Armstrong Corinne E. , Magoma Moke , Ronsmans Carine 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundMaternal and neonatal mortality remains a serious challenge in Tanzania. Progress is tracked through maternal mortality ratios (MMR) and neonatal mortality rates (NMR), yet robust national data on these outcomes is difficult and expensive to ascertain, and mask wide variation.Search strategyWe searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Popline, and EBSCO online databases, basing search terms on (“maternal” OR “neonatal”) AND (“mortality” OR “cause of death”) AND “Tanzania.”Selection criteriaNationally representative or population representative from the subnational context were eligible, providing NMR, MMR, or numbers of maternal deaths or early neonatal deaths or neonatal deaths and live births.Data collection and analysisData were extracted on study context, time period, number of deaths and live births, definition of maternal and neonatal death, study design, and completeness and representativeness of data. NMR and MMR were extracted or calculated and study quality was assessed. Nationally representative data were compared with modelled national data from international agencies.Main results2107 records were screened yielding 21 maternal mortality and 15 neonatal mortality datasets. There were high mortality levels with wide subnational MMR and NMR variation. National survey data differed from the modelled estimates, with wide uncertainty ranges.ConclusionSubnational data quality was generally poor with no observable trends and geographical clustering across several regions. Combined MMR and NMR reporting is uncommon. Modelled national estimates lack precision and are complex to interpret. Results suggest that aggregate national data are inadequate for policy generation and progress monitoring. We recommend strengthening of vital registration and Health Management Information Systems with complementary use of process indicators, for improved monitoring of, and accountability for maternal and newborn health.
Alzheimer's disease first symptoms are age dependent: Evidence from the NACC dataset
Authors: Barnes Josephine , Dickerson Bradford C. , Frost Chris , Jiskoot Lize C. , Wolk David , van der Flier Wiesje M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionDetermining the relationship between age and Alzheimer's disease (AD) presentation is important to improve understanding and provide better patient services.MethodsWe used AD patient data (N = 7815) from the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center database and multinomial logistic regression to investigate presentation age and first cognitive/behavioral symptoms.ResultsThe odds of having a nonmemory first cognitive symptom (including impairment in judgment and problem solving, language, and visuospatial function) increased with younger age (P <.001, all tests). Compared with apathy/withdrawal, the odds of having depression and “other” behavioral symptoms increased with younger age (P <.02, both tests), whereas the odds of having psychosis and no behavioral symptom increased with older age (P <.001, both tests).DiscussionThere is considerable heterogeneity in the first cognitive/behavioral symptoms experienced by AD patients. Proportions of these symptoms change with age with patients experiencing increasing nonmemory cognitive symptoms and more behavioral symptoms at younger ages.
Genetic risk of neurodegenerative diseases is associated with mild cognitive impairment and conversion to dementia
Authors: Adams Hieab H.H. , de Bruijn Renée F.A.G. , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden André G. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Vernooij Meike W. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Ikram M. Arfan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionNeurodegenerative diseases are a major cause of cognitive impairment and can ultimately lead to dementia. Genome‐wide association studies have uncovered many genetic variants conferring risk of neurodegenerative diseases, but their role in cognitive impairment remains unexplored.MethodsIn the prospective, population‐based Rotterdam Study, 3605 nondemented persons aged ≥55 years were genotyped, screened for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in 2002 to 2005 and underwent continuous follow‐up for dementia until 2012. Weighted polygenic risk scores of genetic variants for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and the frontotemporal lobar degeneration/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease spectrum (FTLD/ALS) were constructed and investigated for association with MCI and the subsequent conversion to dementia.ResultsIn total, 360 (10.0%) persons had MCI, of whom 147 (4.1%) were amnestic and 213 (5.9%) nonamnestic. The AD risk score was associated with both MCI subtypes (odds ratio for all MCI 1.15 [95% CI, 1.03–1.28]), whereas PD and FTLD/ALS risk scores were associated only with nonamnestic MCI (odds ratios 1.15 [1.00–1.32] and 1.19 [1.03–1.37], respectively). The AD risk score, but not PD and FTLD/ALS risk scores, was associated with an increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio 1.55 [1.37–1.77]).DiscussionGenetic evidence supports the view that multiple neurodegenerative pathways lead to MCI and that the subsequent conversion to dementia, primarily of the AD subtype, is mainly due to the AD pathway(s).