bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncologic outcomes of surgically treated early‐stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kass Jason I. , Giraldez Laureano , Gooding William , Choby Garret , Kim Seungwon , Miles Brett , Teng Marita , Sikora Andrew G. , Johnson Jonas T. , Myers Eugene N. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Genden Eric M. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: April 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to characterize oncologic outcomes in early (T1–T2, N0) and intermediate (T1–T2, N1) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after surgery.

Methods

Patients with oropharyngeal SCC treated with surgery were identified from 2 academic institutions.

Results

Of 188 patients, 143 met the inclusion criteria. Eighty‐six (60%) had T1 to T2 N0 and 57 (40%) had T1 to T2 N1 disease. Sixty‐five patients (45%) underwent a robotic‐assisted resection, whereas the remaining had transoral (n = 60; 42%), mandible‐splitting (n = 11; 8%), or transhyoid approaches (n = 7; 5%). Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was known for 97 patients (68%), and 54 (55%) were HPV positive. Three‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.75–0.89). Since 2008, HPV infection was protective of recurrence (log‐rank p = .0334). A single node did not increase the risk of recurrence (p = .467) or chance of a second primary (p = .175).

Conclusion

Complete surgical resection is effective therapy for early and intermediate oropharyngeal SCC. HPV‐negative patients were at increased risk for locoregional recurrence or second primary disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1471, 2016
Minimally invasive carcinosarcoma ex pleomorphic adenoma: A case report and literature review with cytohistological correlation
Authors: Mok Yingting , Min En Nga , Chwee Ming Lim , Petersson Fredrik
Published: April 2016

Background

Carcinosarcoma of the salivary glands is a rare neoplasm, and the minimally invasive form constitutes a subgroup with a more favorable prognosis. The cytomorphologic features of this neoplasm can be appreciated on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy.

Methods and Results

We present a patient with a minimally invasive carcinosarcoma ex non‐recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (Ca ex PA) who underwent initial fine‐needle aspiration biopsy followed by surgical resection. The tumor was composed predominantly of a light microscopic pleomorphic high‐grade sarcoma exhibiting partial myoepithelial immunohistochemical features, with a minor component of in situ and invasive salivary duct carcinoma (10%). A limited area with features of a hyalinized pleomorphic adenoma was identified.

Conclusion

This is the third case report of the cytological features of Ca ex PA of the salivary gland, with histologic correlation. It further illustrates the oncogenic relationship between epithelial and myoepithelial elements in the early stages of carcinosarcomatous transformation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2483–E2489, 2016
Randomized trial of 1‐week versus 2‐week intervals for endoscopic ligation in the treatment of patients with esophageal variceal bleeding
Authors: Sheibani Sarah , Khemichian Saro , Kim John J. , Hou Linda , Yan Arthur W. , Buxbaum James , Dara Lily , Laine Loren
Published: April 2016

The appropriate interval between ligation sessions for treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding is uncertain. The optimal interval would provide variceal eradication as rapidly as possible to lessen early rebleeding while minimizing ligation‐induced adverse events. We randomly assigned patients hospitalized with acute esophageal variceal bleeding who had successful ligation at presentation to repeat ligation at 1‐week or 2‐week intervals. Beta‐blocker therapy was also prescribed. Ligation was performed at the assigned interval until varices were eradicated and then at 3 and 9 months after eradication. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with variceal eradication at 4 weeks. Four‐week variceal eradication occurred more often in the 1‐week than in the 2‐week group: 37/45 (82%) versus 23/45 (51%); difference = 31%, 95% confidence interval 12%‐48%. Eradication occurred more rapidly in the 1‐week group (18.1 versus 30.8 days, difference = −12.7 days, 95% confidence interval −20.0 to −5.4 days). The mean number of endoscopies to achieve eradication or to the last endoscopy in those not achieving eradication was comparable in the 1‐week and 2‐week groups (2.3 versus 2.1), with the mean number of postponed ligation sessions 0.3 versus 0.1 (difference = 0.2, 95% confidence interval −0.02 to 0.4). Rebleeding at 4 weeks (4% versus 4%) and 8 weeks (11% versus 9%), dysphagia/odynophagia/chest pain (9% versus 2%), strictures (0% versus 0%), and mortality (7% versus 7%) were similar with 1‐week and 2‐week intervals. Conclusion: One‐week ligation intervals led to more rapid eradication than 2‐week intervals without an increase in complications or number of endoscopies and without a reduction in rebleeding or other clinical outcomes; the decision regarding ligation intervals may be individualized based on patient and physician preferences and local logistics and resources. (Hepatology 2016;64:549‐555)
The toxin biliatresone causes mouse extrahepatic cholangiocyte damage and fibrosis through decreased glutathione and SOX17
Authors: Waisbourd‐Zinman Orith , Koh Hong , Tsai Shannon , Lavrut Pierre‐Marie , Dang Christine , Zhao Xiao , Pack Michael , Cave Jeff , Hawes Mark , Koo Kyung A. , Porter John R. , Wells Rebecca G.
Published: April 2016

Biliary atresia, the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation, is a fibrotic disease of unknown etiology affecting the extrahepatic bile ducts of newborns. The recently described toxin biliatresone causes lumen obstruction in mouse cholangiocyte spheroids and represents a new model of biliary atresia. The goal of this study was to determine the cellular changes caused by biliatresone in mammalian cells that ultimately lead to biliary atresia and extrahepatic fibrosis. We treated mouse cholangiocytes in three‐dimensional (3D) spheroid culture and neonatal extrahepatic duct explants with biliatresone and compounds that regulate glutathione (GSH). We examined the effects of biliatresone on SOX17 levels and determined the effects of Sox17 knockdown on cholangiocytes in 3D culture. We found that biliatresone caused disruption of cholangiocyte apical polarity and loss of monolayer integrity. Spheroids treated with biliatresone had increased permeability as shown by rhodamine efflux within 5 hours compared with untreated spheroids, which retained rhodamine for longer than 12 hours. Neonatal bile duct explants treated with the toxin showed lumen obstruction with increased subepithelial staining for α‐smooth muscle actin and collagen, consistent with fibrosis. Biliatresone caused a rapid and transient decrease in GSH, which was both necessary and sufficient to mediate its effects in cholangiocyte spheroid and bile duct explant systems. It also caused a significant decrease in cholangiocyte levels of SOX17, and Sox17 knockdown in cholangiocyte spheroids mimicked the effects of biliatresone. Conclusion: Biliatresone decreases GSH and SOX17 in mouse cholangiocytes. In 3D cell systems, this leads to cholangiocyte monolayer damage and increased permeability; in extrahepatic bile duct explants, it leads to disruption of the extrahepatic biliary tree and subepithelial fibrosis. This mechanism may be important in understanding human biliary atresia. (Hepatology 2016;64:880‐893)
Life cycle assessment comparison of photocatalytic coating and air purifier
Authors: Tichá Marie , Žilka Miroslav , Stieberová Barbora , Freiberg František
Published: April 2016

This article presents a comparison of 2 very different options for removal of undesirable microorganisms and airborne pollutants from the indoor environment of hospitals, schools, homes, and other enclosed spaces using air purifiers and photocatalytic coatings based on nano titanium dioxide (TiO2). Both products were assessed by life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology from cradle-to-grave. The assessment also includes comparison of 2 different nano TiO2 production technologies, one by continuous hydrothermal synthesis and the other by a sulfate process. Results of the study showed a relatively large contribution of photocatalytic coatings to reducing the effects of selected indices in comparison with an air purifier, regardless of which nano TiO2 production method is used. Although the impacts of the sulfate process are significantly lower compared to those of hydrothermal synthesis when viewed in terms of production alone, taken in the context of the entire product life cycle, the net difference becomes less significant. The study has been elaborated within the Sustainable Hydrothermal Manufacturing of Nanomaterials (SHYMAN) project, which aims to develop competitive and sustainable continuous nanoparticle (NP) production technology based on supercritical hydrothermal synthesis. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:478–485. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points

This comparative LCA study indicates that the use of FN2 photocatalytic coating to purify air in an enclosed space has a significantly lower environmental impact than the use of an air purifier for the same purpose. Illuminating a photocatalytic coating by natural light can significantly lower its environmental impact. A comparison of nanoparticle production methods indicates that the sulfate process creates the lowest environmental impact. Because of the low nanoparticle content in the product (photocatalytic coating) and the dominant influence of energy consumption in the use stage, the choice of nanoparticle production method has a minimal effect on the overall environmental impact of the product.
MOOCs and Persistence: Definitions and Predictors
Authors: Evans Brent J. , Baker Rachel B.
Published: April 2016

The chapter argues for redefining the term “persistence” as it relates to MOOCs and considers how different measures produce different results in the research; it closes with a review of research on persistence in MOOCs.
MicroRNA‐409‐3p regulates cell invasion and metastasis by targeting ZEB1 in breast cancer
Authors: Ma Zhenhai , Li Yang , Xu Jingchao , Ren Qiaozhen , Yao Jihong , Tian Xiaofeng
Published: April 2016

MicroRNA‐409‐3p (miR‐409‐3p) is an miRNA expressed by embryonic stem cells, and our previous study demonstrated depressed miR‐409‐3p expression in human breast cancer (BC) cell lines; however, its role and function in BC metastasis are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression levels of miR‐409‐3p in human BC and its role in the metastasis of BC. We analyzed the status of miR‐409‐3p expression in BC tissues by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its relationship to the clinicopathologic features of patients with BC. To study the role of miR‐409‐3p in BC metastasis, the invasion ability of BC cells was detected by transwell invasion assays and wound healing assays. WST‐1 assays and colony formation assays were used to investigate cell proliferation. Luciferase reporter assays were used to verify that miR‐409‐3p targeted zinc‐finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). Western blot analyses and transwell assays were carried out to assess ZEB1 expression and its role in BC cell metastasis. The expression of miR‐409‐3p was lower in tumor tissues than in noncancerous breast tissues. We verified that miR‐409‐3p levels were downregulated and significantly correlated with poor outcomes in patients with BC. Overexpression of miR‐409‐3p inhibited cellular proliferation and suppressed cellular migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays showed that miR‐409‐3p binds the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of ZEB1, suggesting that ZEB1 is a direct target of miR‐409‐3p. Western blot analysis confirmed that overexpression of miR‐409‐3p reduced ZEB1 protein levels. These data demonstrate that miR‐409‐3p plays an important role in regulating the metastasis of BC, which is involved in the post‐transcriptional repression of ZEB1. Our results indicate that miR‐409‐3p can regulate the invasion and metastasis process of BC by targeting ZEB1 and may serve as a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for treating BC metastasis. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(5):394–402, 2016
Accounting for data variability, a key factor in in vivo/in vitro relationships: application to the skin sensitization potency (in vivo LLNA versus in vitro DPRA) example
Authors: Dimitrov S. , Detroyer A. , Piroird C. , Gomes C. , Eilstein J. , Pauloin T. , Kuseva C. , Ivanova H. , Popova I. , Karakolev Y. , Ringeissen S. , Mekenyan O.
Published: April 2016

When searching for alternative methods to animal testing, confidently rescaling an in vitro result to the corresponding in vivo classification is still a challenging problem. Although one of the most important factors affecting good correlation is sample characteristics, they are very rarely integrated into correlation studies. Usually, in these studies, it is implicitly assumed that both compared values are error‐free numbers, which they are not. In this work, we propose a general methodology to analyze and integrate data variability and thus confidence estimation when rescaling from one test to another. The methodology is demonstrated through the case study of rescaling the in vitro Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) reactivity to the in vivo Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA) skin sensitization potency classifications. In a first step, a comprehensive statistical analysis evaluating the reliability and variability of LLNA and DPRA as such was done. These results allowed us to link the concept of gray zones and confidence probability, which in turn represents a new perspective for a more precise knowledge of the classification of chemicals within their in vivo OR in vitro test. Next, the novelty and practical value of our methodology introducing variability into the threshold optimization between the in vitro AND in vivo test resides in the fact that it attributes a confidence probability to the predicted classification. The methodology, classification and screening approach presented in this study are not restricted to skin sensitization only. They could be helpful also for fate, toxicity and health hazard assessment where plenty of in vitro and in chemico assays and/or QSARs models are available. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomimetic hydrogel loaded with silk and l‐proline for tissue engineering and wound healing applications
Authors: Thangavel Ponrasu , Ramachandran Balaji , Kannan Ramya , Muthuvijayan Vignesh
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article was to develop silk protein (SF) and l‐proline (LP) loaded chitosan‐(CS) based hydrogels via physical cross linking for tissue engineering and wound healing applications. Silk fibroin, a biodegradable and biocompatible protein, and l‐proline, an important imino acid that is required for collagen synthesis, were added to chitosan to improve the wound healing properties of the hydrogel. Characterization of these hydrogels revealed that CS/SF/LP hydrogels were blended properly and LP incorporated hydrogels showed excellent thermal stability and good surface morphology. Swelling study showed the water holding efficiency of the hydrogels to provide enough moisture at the wound surface. In vitro biodegradation results demonstrated that the hydrogels had good degradation rate in PBS with lysozyme. LP loaded hydrogels showed approximately a twofold increase in antioxidant activity. In vitro cytocompatibility studies using NIH 3T3 L1 cells showed increased cell viability (p < 0.01), migration, proliferation and wound healing activity (p < 0.001) in LP loaded hydrogels compared to CS and CS/SF hydrogels. Cell adhesion on SF and LP hydrogels were observed using SEM and compared to CS hydrogel. LP incorporation showed 74‐78% of wound closure compared to 35% for CS/SF and 3% for CS hydrogels at 48 h. These results suggest that incorporation of LP can significantly accelerate wound healing process compared to pure CS and SF‐loaded CS hydrogels. Hence, CS/LP hydrogels could be a potential wound dressing material for the enhanced wound tissue regeneration and repair. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1401–1408, 2017.
Granulocytes and monocytes apheresis induces upregulation of TGFβ1 in patients with active ulcerative colitis: A possible involvement of soluble HLA‐I
Authors: Contini Paola , Negrini Simone , Bodini Giorgia , Trucchi Cecilia , Ubezio Gianluca , Strada Paolo , Savarino Vincenzo , Ghio Massimo
Published: April 2016

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis has been used in different immune‐mediated disorders, mainly inflammatory bowel diseases. The removal of activated leukocytes and several additional immunomodulatory mechanisms have been so far suggested to explain the anti‐inflammatory effects of the treatment. Recent data indicate that, during centrifugation based apheresis, sHLA‐I adsorbed to plastic circuits is able to induce TGFβ1 production in activated leukocytes. On these bases, the present study was aimed at analyzing if this model could be applied to a noncentrifugation based apheresis, such as granulocyte and monocyte apheresis. Ten patients with ulcerative colitis were enrolled. Every patient received 5 weekly apheresis treatments. Cellulose acetate beads removed from the column post‐GMA were stained by fluorescent anticlass I mAb and examined by fluorescent microscope. Moreover, sFasL plasma concentration, TGFβ1 plasma levels, and the percentage of TGFβ1 positive neutrophils were evaluated before and immediately after each single apheresis. Immunofluorescent images revealed a homogeneous layer of a sHLA‐I adsorbed to the surface of the beads recovered following the procedure. sFasL plasma concentration progressively increased both following the procedures and during inter‐procedure periods. Consistently, also TGFβ1 plasma levels and the percentage of TGFβ1 positive neutrophils increased during the procedures with a meaningful relationship with sFasL plasma levels. Taken together, these findings suggest that the immunosuppressive effects attributed to granulocyte and monocyte apheresis might depend, at least in part, on the sensitivity of activated leucocytes to the bioactivity of sHLA‐I molecules. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:49–55, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MALAYSIAN VALIDATION OF A SOCIOPOLITICAL CONTROL SCALE FOR YOUTH
Authors: Christens Brian D. , Krauss Steven Eric , Zeldin Shepherd
Published: April 2016

Empowerment is a process by which people and groups gain control over their lives and environments. The emotional component of psychological empowerment has been assessed using a measure of sociopolitical control. Prior research has measured sociopolitical control as a construct with two dimensions: (a) leadership competence and (b) policy control. This study tested the factor structure of the Sociopolitical Control Scale for Youth (SPCS‐Y) in a sample of Malaysian secondary school students (n = 364; mean age = 16) involved in 3 afterschool programs. Analyses found support for the bidimensional factor structure by using factor loadings and modification indices to reduce the scale from 17 to 8 items. Participants with higher scores on both dimensions of the SPCS‐Y were found to have higher levels of psychological sense of community, school connectedness, and perceived agency. These findings provide support for a measure of youth empowerment in Malaysia and build on recent findings from other nations.
IF YOU BUILD IT, WILL THEY COME? EXPLAINING PARTICIPATION IN FAMILY VIOLENCE COUNCILS
Authors: Dworkin Emily R. , Javdani Shabnam , Allen Nicole E.
Published: April 2016

Member participation in multidisciplinary collaborative efforts is a critical component of their effectiveness, yet fostering regular participation from key stakeholders can be challenging. While the literature on the factors that explain participation in collaborative efforts focuses mostly on member characteristics, characteristics of collaborative settings (e.g., councils) itself may also be important. Thus, the current study used a mixed‐method approach to examine member participation in family violence councils with attention to member‐ and setting‐level characteristics. Our findings suggest that a number of factors are related to participation at both member (e.g., members’ community sector, years of experience) and council levels (e.g., engaging regional organization of the council, having fewer committees, securing greater breadth of council membership), perhaps because they affect members’ capacity and desire to participate. These findings suggest a number of ways that councils can best structure limited resources in particular geographic spaces to facilitate participation.
ADAPTATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A SCIENCE‐BASED PREVENTION SYSTEM IN COLOMBIA: CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Authors: Pérez‐Gómez Augusto , Mejía‐Trujillo Juliana , Brown Eric C. , Eisenberg Nicole
Published: April 2016

During the last 2 years, the Colombian government and the Nuevos Rumbos Corporation have been implementing an adapted version of the Communities That Care (CTC) prevention system, called Comunidades Que se Cuidan (CQC) in Spanish, for use in Colombia. This brief report presents the process of implementing CQC and identifies some of the main challenges and achievements of implementing the system in 8 communities in Colombia. Preliminary results of a pilot study of CQC implementation in Colombia show that prevention system development, including a focus on measuring community risk and protection, can be established successfully in Latin American communities despite a lack of rigorously tested prevention programs and strategies. Moreover, mobilizing community coalitions toward science‐based prevention, with a focus on examining local risk and protective factor data, can spur development and evaluation of prevention efforts in Latin America.
MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS, POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: INVESTIGATION OF A MEDIATIONAL MODEL
Authors: Erdem Gizem , DuBois David L. , Larose Simon , De Wit David , Lipman Ellen L.
Published: April 2016

Mentoring programs show promise for preventing emotional and behavioral problems among at‐risk youth, but little is known about processes that may be most critical to achieving this end. This study explored indicators of positive youth development (PYD; competence, confidence, connection, care and compassion, character) as mediators of associations of mentoring support with youth emotional and behavioral problems. The sample included 501 youth participating in a study of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Canada (mean = 11.16 years old; 52% girls, and 44% White). Measures were youth self‐report, with the exception of the use of both youth and parent report measures of emotional and behavioral problems. Results of structural equation modeling analyses were consistent with PYD mediating the association between mentoring support and emotional and behavioral problems, regardless of informant. The association between mentor support and PYD, however, was limited to youth in active mentoring relationships.
WHEN HOUSING FIRST LASTS: EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SINGLE‐SITE HOUSING FIRST RESIDENTS
Authors: Stahl N. , Collins S. E. , Clifasefi S. L. , Hagopian A.
Published: April 2016

Single‐site Housing First (HF) entails the provision of immediate, permanent, low‐barrier supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals within a single building. Studies have shown that greater time spent in HF is associated with reduced publicly funded service utilization and improved health outcomes, but more research is needed to clarify how HF programs might maximize housing stability. In this study, semistructured, qualitative interviews were conducted (N = 11) to document the experiences of continuously and discontinuously housed residents of single‐site HF. Grounded theory methods led to the identification of 3 dialectic themes: sense of community (seeking connection while seeking space), stability (seeking stability while having concerns about stagnation), and control (gaining autonomy while relinquishing control). Findings suggest that the community environment and the stability offered by single‐site HF support longer stays in housing and that ensuring adequate privacy and providing additional programming could further enhance residents’ ability to remain stably housed.
A resident‐created hospitalist curriculum for internal medicine housestaff
Authors: Kumar Andre , Smeraglio Andrea , Witteles Ronald , Harman Stephanie , Nallamshetty Shriram , Rogers Angela , Harrington Robert , Ahuja Neera
Published: April 2016

The growth of hospital medicine has led to new challenges, and recent graduates may feel unprepared to meet the expanding clinical duties expected of hospitalists. At our institution, we created a resident‐inspired hospitalist curriculum to address the training needs for the next generation of hospitalists. Our program provided 3 tiers of training: (1) clinical excellence through improved training in underemphasized areas of hospital medicine, (2) academic development through required research, quality improvement, and medical student teaching, and (3) career mentorship. In this article, we describe the genesis of our program, our final product, and the challenges of creating a curriculum while being internal medicine residents. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:646–649. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Applying a new quantitative global breast MRI feature analysis scheme to assess tumor response to chemotherapy
Authors: Aghaei Faranak , Tan Maxine , Hollingsworth Alan B. , Zheng Bin
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To develop a new quantitative global kinetic breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features analysis scheme and assess its feasibility to assess tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

A dataset involving breast MR images acquired from 151 cancer patients before neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used. Among them, 63 patients had complete response (CR) and 88 had partial response (PR) to chemotherapy based on the RECIST criterion. A computer‐aided detection (CAD) scheme was applied to segment breast region depicted on the breast MR images and computed a total of 10 kinetic image features to represent parenchyma enhancement either from the entire two breasts or the bilateral asymmetry between the two breasts. To classify between CR and PR cases, we tested an attribution selected classifier that integrates with an artificial neural network and a Wrapper Subset Evaluator. The classifier was trained and tested using a leave‐one‐case‐out (LOCO)‐based cross‐validation method. The area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was computed to assess classifier performance.

Results

From the pool of initial 10 features, four features were selected by more than 90% times in the LOCO cross‐validation iterations. Among them, three represent the bilateral asymmetry of kinetic features between two breasts. Using the classifier yielded AUC = 0.83 ± 0.04, which is significantly higher than using each individual feature to classify between CR and PR cases (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that quantitative analysis of global kinetic features computed from breast MRI‐acquired prechemotherapy has potential to generate a useful clinical marker that is associated with tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1099–1106.
Quantitative comparison of MR diffusion‐weighted imaging for liver focal lesions between 3.0T and 1.5T: Regions of interest of the minimum‐spot ADC, the largest possible solid part, and the maximum diameter in lesions
Authors: Tang Yanhua , Wang Haiyi , Wang Yingwei , Li Jie , Jia Rui , Ma Lu , Ye Huiyi
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To quantitatively compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of 3.0T and 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) protocols using regions of interest (ROIs) for the minimum ADC, largest solid part, and maximum diameter of lesions, for the detection of liver focal lesions.

Materials and Methods

In total, 26 patients with 28 liver focal lesions prospectively underwent both 1.5T and 3.0T DWI of the liver. The protocols included respiratory‐triggered (RT), breath‐holding (BH), and free‐breathing (FB) acquisitions. The ADC values were measured at both field strengths using three methods: ROIs with the minimum ADC, the largest solid part, and the maximum diameter of lesions. Bland–Altman tests and paired t‐tests were used to compare ADC values in the liver focal lesions obtained at 1.5T and 3.0T.

Results

The 3.0T and 1.5T protocols differed significantly with regard to the ADC values of the RT, BH, and FB acquisitions, for ROIs of both the largest solid part (P = 0.005, P = 0.014, and P = 0.022, respectively) and maximum diameter of lesions (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

When using DWI for quantitative analysis of liver focal lesions, field strength could exert a negative effect depending on the ROI. The ADC values from ROIs of both the largest solid part and maximum diameter of lesions may differ between 1.5T and 3.0T protocols.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1320–1329.
An intraoperative MRI system for margin assessment in breast conserving surgery: Initial results from a novel technique
Authors: Papa Moshe , Allweis Tanir , Karni Tami , Sandbank Judith , Konichezky Myriam , Diment Judith , Guterman Assaf , Shapiro Moshe , Peles Zachi , Maishar Roi , Gur Assaf , Kolka Eyal , Brem Rachel
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

One of the major unmet needs in Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) is a rapid and accurate margin assessment of the lumpectomy specimen. This study evaluates the ability of a novel MRI system (prototype of the ClearSight™ system; Clear‐Cut Medical Ltd., Rehovot, Israel) to distinguish malignant and non‐malignant tissues in freshly excised breast specimen by comparing MR measurements to histopathology results.

Methods

Seventy‐seven samples were obtained from 22 patients undergoing BCS enrolled in the study. A T2* (T2 Star) value in milliseconds (ms) was calculated for each sample and correlated with histopathology results.

Results

Of the 77 samples, 35 samples were classified by histopathology as malignant and 42 as non‐malignant. T2* values were significantly higher in malignant samples compared to non‐malignant samples (15.3 ± 2.72 ms and 10.6 ± 1.47 ms, respectively [P < 0.00001]). Analysis for a determined cutoff of 11.7 ms revealed 91% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and 92% accuracy. ROC curve analysis yielded AUC of 0.97.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the system is sensitive and specific in differentiating malignant and non‐malignant tissues in freshly excised breast specimen. The system has the potential to be used for breast specimen margin assessment during BCS, with the goal of decreasing the need for re‐operation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:22–26. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social Causation Versus Social Erosion: Comparisons of Causal Models for Relations Between Support and PTSD Symptoms
Authors: Shallcross Sandra L. , Arbisi Paul A. , Polusny Melissa A. , Kramer Mark D. , Erbes Christopher R.
Published: April 2016

Social support is a robust correlate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and of general psychological distress (Ozer, Best, Lipsey, & Weiss, 2003). The nature of the causal relationship between support and PTSD remains the subject of debate, with 2 models, social erosion and social causation, often used to explain findings. Despite extensive research using these models, no studies of which we are aware have included tests of both models within the same series of analyses, across more than 2 time points, in veterans. These competing models were tested in a sample of National Guard soldiers (N = 521) who completed measures of perceived social support and the PTSD Checklist‐Military version (Weathers, Litz, Herman, Huska, & Keane, 1993) at 3 months, 15 months, and 27 months following a combat deployment to Iraq. Analyses were run separately for overall PTSD symptoms and the PTSD components of intrusion, trauma‐avoidance, dysphoria, and hyperarousal. Both the social erosion (βs ranging from −.10 to −.19) and social causation (βs ranging from −.08 to −.13) hypotheses were supported. Results suggested PTSD‐specific symptom dimensions may both erode and be influenced by social support, whereas general psychological distress erodes social support. Implications for clinical intervention and research are discussed.
Amino‐Functional Polybenzimidazole Blends with Enhanced Phosphoric Acid Mediated Proton Conductivity as Fuel Cell Electrolytes
Authors: Aili David , Javakhishvili Irakli , Han Junyoung , Jankova Katja , Pan Chao , Hvilsted Søren , Jensen Jens Oluf , Bjerrum Niels J. , Li Qingfeng
Published: April 2016

A new amino‐functional polybenzimidazole copolymer is synthesized by homogeneous solution condensation polymerization from a novel monomer, N,N′‐bis(2,4‐diaminophenyl)‐1,3‐diaminopropane. The copolymer readily dissolves in organic solvents and shows good film forming characteristics. To balance the phosphoric acid uptake and to obtain mechanically robust membranes, the amino‐functional polybenzimidazole derivative is blended with high molecular weight poly[2,2′‐(m‐phenylene)‐5,5′‐bisbenzimidazole] at different ratios. Due to the high acid uptake, the homogenous blend membranes show enhanced proton conductivity at temperatures well above 100 °C as also confirmed by the fuel cell polarization data.

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A flexible approach to defining weather patterns and their application in weather forecasting over Europe
Authors: Neal Robert , Fereday David , Crocker Ric , Comer Ruth E.
Published: April 2016

A method is presented for deriving weather patterns objectively over an area of interest, in this case the UK and surrounding European area. A set of 30 and eight patterns are derived through k‐means clustering of daily mean sea level pressure (MSLP) data (1850–2003). These patterns have been designed for the purpose of post‐processing forecast output from ensemble prediction systems and understanding how forecast models perform under different circulation types. The 30 weather patterns are designed for use in the medium‐range and the eight weather patterns are designed for use in the monthly and seasonal timescales, or when there is low forecast confidence in the medium‐range. Weather patterns are numbered according to their annual historic occurrences, with lower numbered patterns occurring most often. Lower numbered patterns occur more in summer (with weak MSLP anomalies) and higher numbered patterns occur more in winter (with strong MSLP anomalies). Weather patterns have been applied in a weather forecasting context, whereby ensemble members are assigned to the closest matching pattern definition. This provides a probabilistic insight into which patterns are most likely within the forecast range and summarises key aspects from the large volumes of data which ensembles provide. Verification of European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts medium‐range ensemble forecasts for the set of eight weather patterns shows small forecast biases annually with some large variations seasonally. The most prominent seasonal variation shows the westerly (NAO+) pattern to over‐forecast in summer and under‐forecast in winter. Forecast skill was found to be better in winter than summer for most patterns.
Experimental implementation of array‐compressed parallel transmission at 7 tesla
Authors: Yan Xinqiang , Cao Zhipeng , Grissom William A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To implement and validate a hardware‐based array‐compressed parallel transmission (acpTx) system.

Methods

In array‐compressed parallel transmission, a small number of transmit channels drive a larger number of transmit coils, which are connected via an array compression network that implements optimized coil‐to‐channel combinations. A two channel‐to‐eight coil array compression network was developed using power splitters, attenuators and phase shifters, and a simulation was performed to investigate the effects of coil coupling on power dissipation in a simplified network. An eight coil transmit array was constructed using induced current elimination decoupling, and the coil and network were validated in benchtop measurements,
mapping scans, and an accelerated spiral excitation experiment.

Results

The developed attenuators came within 0.08 dB of the desired attenuations, and reflection coefficients were −22 dB or better. The simulation demonstrated that up to 3× more power was dissipated in the network when coils were poorly isolated (−9.6 dB), versus well‐isolated (−31 dB). Compared to split circularly‐polarized coil combinations, the additional degrees of freedom provided by the array compression network led to 54% lower squared excitation error in the spiral experiment.

Conclusion

Array‐compressed parallel transmission was successfully implemented in a hardware system. Further work is needed to develop remote network tuning and to minimize network power dissipation. Magn Reson Med 75:2545–2552, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of different protocols of pelvic floor physical therapy and anti‐cholinergics in women with wet over‐active bladder: A 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Azuri Joseph , Kafri Rachel , Ziv‐Baran Tomer , Stav Kobi
Published: April 2016

Aims

We investigated the 4‐year outcomes of three protocols of pelvic floor physical therapy and anticholinergic drug in women with wet over‐active bladder (OAB).

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐four women were randomly allocated to one of four interventions: drug therapy (DT), bladder training (BT), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), or combined pelvic floor rehabilitation (CPFR) that includes BT, PFMT, and behavioral advice. The active treatment in each group lasted 3 months. Of the 132 women who completed a 1‐year follow‐up, 120 women (90%) responded to our questionnaires and therefore were included in this study. Outcome measures were the number of voids per day, number of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes per week, completely dry rate and Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (I‐QOL) at 4 years.

Results

After 4 years of follow‐up, the outcome measures improved significantly and equally in all four groups. The median number of UUI episodes/week dropped by 3, 1, 2, and 2 in the DT, BT, PFMT, and CPFR groups, respectively (P = ns). The dry rates were 25%, 31%, 44%, 34% in the DT, BT, PFMT, and CPFR groups, respectively (P = ns). I‐QOL scores improved significantly in all four groups.

Conclusions

Women who suffer from wet‐OAB may experience the same degree of long‐term improvement following various pelvic floor physical therapy protocols as they would from drug therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:755–758, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is 40 cm H2O detrusor leak point pressure cut‐off reliable for upper urinary tract protection in children with myelodysplasia?
Authors: Tarcan Tufan , Sekerci Cagri Akin , Akbal Cem , Tinay Ilker , Tanidir Yiloren , Sahan Ahmet , Sahin Bahadir , Top Tuncay , Simsek Ferruh
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study, is to find out the most accurate cut‐off level for the detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) in terms of upper urinary tract (UUT) protection in a cohort of children with myelodysplasia.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and ninety‐three children with myelodysplasia were included in the study based on the availability of urological evaluation at age of 3 years. Children were assigned to one of two groups—those who had UUT damage at age 3 (group 1, n: 70) and those without UUT changes (group 2, n: 123), and compared.

Results

Urological follow‐up data revealed higher incidences of febrile urinary tract infections and secondary tethering of the spinal cord in group 1. No statistically significant difference was determined between group 1 and group 2 in terms of DLPP values (median 42.5 vs. 39.5 cm H2O, respectively, P = 0.087). Analysis of different cut‐off values showed that DLPP above 20 cm H2O had a higher sensitivity for UUT damage (91.4%). A normal UUT was found in 56.5% and 62.2% of children with DLPP between 20 and 40 cm H2O, and with DLPP over 40 cm H2O, respectively.

Conclusions

Present study showed that more than half of the children with myelodysplasia had normal UUT function even with a DLPP of 40 cm H2O and over. Thus, DLPP, is not the sole decision making parameter to rely for more invasive therapies in children with myelodysplasia. On the other hand, a DLPP cut‐off value of 20 cm H2O showed a higher sensitivity to predict UUT damage instead of 40 cm H2O. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:759–763, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mid‐ to long‐term results of the Remeex system for the treatment of female incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency: A retrospective analysis of the first 50 patients
Authors: Giberti Claudio , Gallo Fabrizio , Cortese Pierluigi , Visalli Francesco
Published: April 2016

Aims

To retrospectively report our mid‐ to long‐term results following suburethral tension adjustable sling (Remeex system) implantation for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD).

Methods

Fifty female patients with severe SUI due to ISD underwent Remeex system positioning between May 2002 and March 2013 (mean follow‐up 83.8 months, median follow‐up 85.4 months). Before surgery, patients were evaluated by physical examination, translabial ultrasonography, cystoscopy, urodynamics, 1 hr pad test and compilation of quality‐of‐life questionnaire. Postoperatively, based on the physical examination and pad test, patients were stratified into three groups: (i) Cured: perfectly dry patients at stress test, pad weight 0–1 g; (ii) Improved: patients with mild to moderate incontinence, pad weight 2–50 g; and (iii) Failed: unchanged or worsened patients, pad weight >50 g.

Results

At 7‐years mean follow‐up, 45 (90.0%) patients were cured, three (6.0%) were improved, and two (4.0%) had failed. Concerning the mean total score of the quality‐of‐life questionnaire, it increased significantly up to 87.1 ± 5.9 with an improvement of 76.9%. Sling tension readjustment was needed in three patients (6%). The incontinence‐free survival curve showed that, after sling positioning and tension readjustments, all the cured patients remained continent during all the follow‐up. Complications were represented by bacterial cystitis (6%), de novo urgency (10%), persistent urinary retention (6%), and seroma formation (2%).

Conclusions

Our 7‐year results showed the efficacy of the Remeex procedure in the treatment of SUI due to ISD. These outcomes tended to be confirmed in the mid‐ to long‐term follow‐up which would highlight the durability of this technique. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:770–773, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Algorithm to solve a chance‐constrained network capacity design problem with stochastic demands and finite support
Authors: Schumacher Kathryn M. , Li‐Yang Chen Richard , Cohn Amy E.M. , Castaing Jeremy
Published: April 2016

We consider the problem of determining the capacity to assign to each arc in a given network, subject to uncertainty in the supply and/or demand of each node. This design problem underlies many real‐world applications, such as the design of power transmission and telecommunications networks. We first consider the case where a set of supply/demand scenarios are provided, and we must determine the minimum‐cost set of arc capacities such that a feasible flow exists for each scenario. We briefly review existing theoretical approaches to solving this problem and explore implementation strategies to reduce run times. With this as a foundation, our primary focus is on a chance‐constrained version of the problem in which α% of the scenarios must be feasible under the chosen capacity, where α is a user‐defined parameter and the specific scenarios to be satisfied are not predetermined. We describe an algorithm which utilizes a separation routine for identifying violated cut‐sets which can solve the problem to optimality, and we present computational results. We also present a novel greedy algorithm, our primary contribution, which can be used to solve for a high quality heuristic solution. We present computational analysis to evaluate the performance of our proposed approaches. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 236–246, 2016
The Benefits and Challenges of Preconsent in a Multisite, Pediatric Sickle Cell Intervention Trial
Authors: Nimmer Mark , Czachor Jason , Turner Laura , Thomas Bobbe , Woodford Ashley L. , Carpenter Karli , Gonzalez Victor , Liem Robert I. , Ellison Angela , Casper T. Charles , Brousseau David C. ,   for the sickle cell working group of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: April 2016

Enrollment of patients in sickle cell intervention trials has been challenging due to difficulty in obtaining consent from a legal guardian and lack of collaboration between emergency medicine and hematology. We utilized education and preconsent in a pediatric multisite sickle cell intervention trial to overcome these challenges. Overall, 48 patients were enrolled after being preconsented. Variable Institutional Review Board policies related to preconsent validity and its allowable duration decreased the advantages of preconsent at some sites. The utility of preconsent for future intervention trials largely depends on local Institutional Review Board policies. Preeducation may also benefit the consent process, regardless of site differences.
Reinforcement of enzyme hydrolyzed longer jute microcrystals in polylactic acid
Authors: Maqsood Hafiz Shahzad , Baheti Vijay , Wiener Jakub , Militky Jiri
Published: April 2016

The waste jute fibers generated in textile industries were hydrolyzed to the form of longer jute microcrystals of size 5423, 3789, and 2,035 nm diameter after 4, 6, and 8 days of cellulase enzyme treatment. The obtained crystals were incorporated into poly(lactic acid) matrix at 1, 5, and 10 wt% loading to prepare composite films by solvent casting. The reinforcement potentials of microcrystals were investigated from the improvements in mechanical properties based on tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The maximum improvement was observed in case of 1 wt% composite film where tensile strength increased by 39.72% and crystallinity increased by 57.43% over neat PLA film. From storage modulus results, the improvement in load bearing capacity of composite films was found negative at 60°C than 35°C, which showed failure of jute microcrystals to improve the softening temperature of PLA matrix. At the end, when experimental results of initial modulus were compared with predicted values obtained from different mechanical models, a good level of agreement was found at 1 wt% loading of JMC. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1089–1097, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers