bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of orbital complications in palatomaxillary reconstruction: A review of preemptive and corrective measures
Authors: Griffin Martha J. , Sims John R. , Spaulding Sarah L. , Baik Fred M. , Elahi Ebrahim , Urken Mark L.
Published: December 2019

Background

Reconstruction of orbit‐sparing palatomaxillary defects requires consideration of globe dystopia, orbital volume, eyelid position and function, and the nasolacrimal system to preserve and optimize vision, globe protection, and appearance. We describe the fundamentals of orbital and eyelid anatomy, common orbital complications related to palatomaxillary reconstruction, and preemptive and corrective surgical techniques to be utilized during and after globe‐sparing palatomaxillary reconstruction.

Methods

We present a review of the literature supplemented by clinical case examples.

Results

We advocate for the use of preemptive and corrective techniques to ensure optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients with orbital defects.

Conclusions

Recognition and anticipation of problems in patients undergoing midface ablative and reconstructive procedures are vital to the implementation of corrective measures. Incision choice, orbital volume restoration, appropriate orbital floor reconstruction, and permanent or temporary lower eyelid suspension during the primary surgery can all significantly impact the development of long‐term orbital complications.
Driving performance and neurocognitive skills of long‐term users of benzodiazepine anxiolytics and hypnotics
Authors: van der Sluiszen Nick N.J.J.M. , Vermeeren Annemiek , Verster Joris C. , van de Loo Aurora J.A.E. , van Dijken Joke H. , Veldstra Janet L. , Brookhuis Karel A. , de Waard Dick , Ramaekers Johannes G.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare actual driving performance and skills related to driving of patients using benzodiazepine anxiolytics or hypnotics for at least 6 months to that of healthy controls.

Methods

Participants were 44 long‐term users of benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine‐related anxiolytics (n = 12) and hypnotics (n = 32) and 65 matched healthy controls. Performance was assessed using an on‐the‐road driving test measuring standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP, in cm) and a battery of neurocognitive tasks. Performance differences between groups were compared with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 mg/ml to determine clinical relevance.

Results

Compared with controls, SDLP was significantly increased in hypnotic users (+1.70 cm) but not in anxiolytic users (+1.48 cm). Anxiolytic and hypnotic users showed significant and clinically relevant impairment on neurocognitive task measuring executive functioning, vigilance, and reaction time. For patients using hypnotics for at least 3 years, no significant driving impairment was observed.

Conclusion

Impairing effects of benzodiazepine hypnotics on driving performance may mitigate over time following longer term use (i.e. 3 years or more) although neurocognitive impairments may remain.
Model‐based analysis of therapeutic efficacy of blonanserin and risperidone in schizophrenia patients and effects on prolactin: A randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Lei Lei , Yu Yimin , Li Yan , Shen Yifeng , Li Huafang
Published: December 2019

This study examined randomized controlled trial data for blonanserin and risperidone in Chinese schizophrenia patients (N = 264). Data related to historical changes in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to successfully construct a longitudinal Emax model. Results: (a) The efficacy of the two drugs was similar after week 8, showing a small difference in PANSS reduction. (b) Using the model, we predicted that each 5‐point increase in the baseline FPOS (positive score in PANSS five‐factor subscales) leads to a decrease in the PANSS total scores at week 8 for 2 points in patients administered blonanserin. (c) The effect of blonanserin on prolactin (PRL) elevation was less. The model was used to predict that prolactin elevations in patients administered risperidone were 2.41‐fold of those in patients administered blonanserin. (d) Model quantitation showed that gender is a risk factor for prolactin elevation. Prolactin elevations in female patients were 2.95‐fold of the value in male patients administered the same drug. The model demonstrated Blonanserin has similar antischizophrenic efficacy and less serum prolactin rising compared to risperidone in Chinese patients.
Tea consumption and breast cancer risk in a cohort of women with family history of breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Dongyu , Nichols Hazel B. , Troester Melissa , Cai Jianwen , Bensen Jeannette T. , Sandler Dale P.
Published: December 2019

Laboratory studies have observed chemopreventive effects of black and green tea on breast cancer development, but few epidemiologic studies have identified such effects. We investigated the association between tea consumption and breast cancer risk using data from 45,744 U.S. and Puerto Rican women participating in the Sister Study. Frequency and serving size of black and green tea consumption were measured at cohort enrollment. Breast cancer diagnoses were reported during follow‐up and confirmed by medical record review. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We further investigated potential variation according to estrogen receptor (ER) status, menopausal status and body mass index (BMI). Overall, 81.6 and 56.0% of women drank black or green tea, respectively. A total of 2,809 breast cancer cases were identified in the cohort. The multivariable model suggested an inverse association between black (≥5 vs. 0 cups/week: HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78, 1.00, p‐trend = 0.08) and green tea (≥5 vs. 0 cups/week: HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.70, 0.95, p‐trend < 0.01) consumption and breast cancer risk. We did not observe differences by ER characteristics, menopausal status or BMI. In conclusion, our study suggests drinking at least five cups of green or black tea per week may be associated with decreased breast cancer risk.
Discovery of rare coding variants in OGDHL and BRCA2 in relation to breast cancer risk in Chinese women
Authors: Guo Xingyi , Long Jirong , Chen Zhishan , Shu Xiao‐ou , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Wen Wanqing , Zeng Chenjie , Gao Yu‐Tang , Cai Qiuyin , Zheng Wei
Published: December 2019

The missing heritability of breast cancer could be partially attributed to rare variants (MAF < 0.5%). To identify breast cancer‐associated rare coding variants, we conducted whole‐exome sequencing (~50×) in genomic DNA samples obtained from 831 breast cancer cases and 839 controls of Chinese females. Using burden tests for each gene that included rare missense or predicted deleterious variants, we identified 29 genes showing promising associations with breast cancer risk. We replicated the association for two genes, OGDHL and BRCA2, at a Bonferroni‐corrected p < 0.05, by genotyping an independent set of samples from 1,628 breast cancer cases and 1,943 controls. The association for OGDHL was primarily driven by three predicted deleterious variants (p.Val827Met, p.Pro839Leu, p.Phe836Ser; p < 0.01 for all). For BRCA2, we characterized a total of 27 disruptive variants, including 18 nonsense, six frameshift and three splicing variants, whereas they were only detected in cases, but none of the controls. All of these variants were either very rare (AF < 0.1%) or not detected in >4,500 East Asian women from the genome Aggregation database (gnomAD), providing additional support to our findings. Our study revealed a potential novel gene and multiple disruptive variants of BRCA2 for breast cancer risk, which may identify high‐risk women in Chinese populations.
Impact of screening on cervical cancer incidence: A population‐based case–control study in the United States
Authors: Landy Rebecca , Sasieni Peter D. , Mathews Christopher , Wiggins Charles L. , Robertson Michael , McDonald Yolanda J. , Goldberg Daniel W. , Scarinci Isabel C. , Cuzick Jack , Wheeler Cosette M. ,   for the New Mexico HPV Pap Registry Steering Committee
Published: December 2019

Cervical cancer is widely preventable through screening, but little is known about the duration of protection offered by a negative screen in North America. A case–control study was conducted with records from population‐based registries in New Mexico. Cases were women diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2006–2016, obtained from the Tumor Registry. Five controls per case from the New Mexico HPV Pap Registry were matched to cases by sex, age and place of residence. Dates and results of all cervical screening and diagnostic tests since 2006 were identified from the pap registry. We estimated the odds ratio of nonlocalized (Stage II+) and localized (Stage I) cervical cancer associated with attending screening in the 3 years prior to case‐diagnosis compared to women not screened in 5 years. Of 876 cases, 527 were aged 25–64 years with ≥3 years of potential screening data. Only 38% of cases and 61% of controls attended screening in a 3‐year period. Women screened in the 3 years prior to diagnosis had 83% lower risk of nonlocalized cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.12–0.24) and 48% lower odds of localized cancer (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.38–0.72), compared to women not screened in the 5 years prior to diagnosis. Women remained at low risk of nonlocalized cancer for 3.5–5 years after a negative screen compared to women with no negative screens in the 5 years prior to diagnosis. Routine cervical screening is effective at preventing localized and nonlocalized cervical cancers; 3 yearly screening prevents 83% of nonlocalized cancers, with no additional benefit of more frequent screening. Increasing screening coverage remains essential to further reduce cervical cancer incidence.
Risk factors and pregnancy outcome in women aged over 40 years at Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Oppong Samuel A. , Torto Magdalene , Beyuo Titus
Published: December 2019

Objective

To examine the risk factors and pregnancy outcomes in women aged 40 years and older at the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

Methods

A descriptive case–control study comparing women aged 40 years and older at the time of delivery with those between 20 and 34 who delivered at the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Data were collected using interviewer‐administered questionnaires and supplemented with information from patients’ medical records. A multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval of various risk factors and complications associated with delivery in women aged 40 years or older. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results

There were 339 women in the study of which 113 were aged 40 years or older and 226 were aged between 20 and 34 years. Delivery at age 40 years or older was associated with grand multiparity, and unplanned and undesirable pregnancy. There was a higher incidence of gestational diabetes (7.1% vs 2.2%, P=0.036), cesarean delivery (70.1% vs 57.1%, P=0.018), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (7.1% vs 1.3%, P=0.008) among women older than 40 years. VTE risk was increased sixfold in the women older than 40 years compared with the younger ones.

Conclusion

Women delivering after age 40 years had a higher incidence of gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, and VTE compared with younger women. VTE risk increased sixfold in the older women.
Synthesis, structural, DFT investigations and antibacterial activity assessment of pyrazoline‐thiocyanatoethanone derivatives as thymidylate kinase inhibitors
Authors: Saminathan Murugavel , Kanagarajan Saranya , Chandrasekaran Ravikumar , Sivasubramaniyan Archana , Raja Ranganathan , Alagusundaram Ponnusamy
Published: December 2019

Two novel compounds 1‐(5‐[4‐fluorophenyl]‐3‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐thiocyanatoethanone (FSCN) and 1‐(5‐[4‐chlorophenyl]‐3‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐thiocyanatoethanone (ClSCN) were synthesized and characterized by SC‐XRD, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and UV methods. The X‐ray diffraction studies were utilized to prove the 3D crystal structures of FSCN and ClSCN. In both the compounds, the packing is mostly driven by CH⋯N, CH⋯O, and CH⋯π (benzene ring as an acceptor) interactions. In ClSCN, additionally, the π⋯π interaction is observed between the pyrazole ring of one molecule and the benzene ring of the other molecule. The experimental values were compared with the results of DFT/B3LYP/6‐311G++(d,p) theoretical computations. The pharmacological screening for FSCN and ClSCN was performed using molinspiration and PreADMET web server. To analyze antibacterial inhibition of the synthesized ligands and Ciprofloxacin (control drug) were interacted with antibacterial protein Thymidylate Kinase (TMK) (PDB ID: 4QGG) with the help of AutoDock Vina tool. The ADMET and docking results of FSCN and ClSCN pointed out the better drug likeness nature and good inhibition behavior with TMK protein. The antibacterial in vitro studies suggested that FSCN compound inhibited well with antibacterial strains than that of ClSCN. The current investigation suggests that with further improvements, our compounds could be preferred as substitute medicine for bacterial diseases.
Corrosion‐resistant coating of iron: A synergistic effect of electroactive poly(triphenylamine) coating with posttreatment for high‐corrosion‐protection efficiency
Authors: Tsai Jen‐Hao , Tsai Ming‐Chia , Lee Ting‐Hsuan , Huang Ping‐Tsung
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn electroactive poly(triphenylamine) (PTPA‐C6) is applied to the surface of iron as a corrosion‐protection layer. The iron substrate coated with PTPA‐C6 is thermally treated at different temperatures (up to 80°C) to study the effect of thermal treatment of PTPA‐C6 on the corrosion behavior of iron. Experimental results indicate that the contact angle of the PTPA‐C6 film increases from 81.6° at room temperature to 100° after thermal treatment at 80°C for 1 hr. The surface becomes more hydrophobic after thermal treatment, which will lower the penetration of water to the iron surface. Adhesion tests (ASTM 3359) indicate that adhesion between the PTPA‐C6 and iron substrate is enhanced after thermal treatment. Additionally, a thin iron oxide layer formed between the PTPA‐C6 and iron substrate as a passivation layer. The synergistic effect of these factors makes PTPA‐C6 a very effective corrosion protection layer on iron substrate after appropriate thermal treatment. Corrosion protection efficiency increases from 90% of the pristine PTPA‐C6 to 99.9% of the 80°C treated PTPA‐C6.
The association of serum vitamin D–binding protein and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in pre‐operative and post‐operative colorectal cancer
Authors: Liang Yuanzi , Jiang Liejun , Chi Xiaowei , Hochwald Steven , Qiu Feng , Luo Yanfang , Lu Qiuwei , Yang Xiafang , Huang Huayi , Xu Junfa
Published: December 2019

Background

The association between vitamin D–binding protein (VDBP) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH)D) with colorectal cancer (CRC) is still ambiguous. This study was to further investigate the relationship between serum VDBP, 25 (OH)D levels and the clinical and pathological features of patients with CRC.

Methods

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay were used to analyze the VDBP and 25(OH)D concentrations in serum. Pearson's correlation analysis was applied to evaluate the association between serum VDBP and 25(OH)D levels in CRC. Conditional logistic regression was performed to analyze the prediction value of serum VDBP or 25(OH)D as a risk factor for CRC.

Results

The serological levels of 25(OH)D in patients were significantly lower than in healthy individuals, while VDBP levels were significantly higher than in healthy controls. The serum VDBP in pre‐operative was significantly lower than in post‐operative samples, while the serum 25(OH)D from pre‐operative patients was significantly higher than post‐operative patients. Patients with tumors with higher stage and increased lymph node involvement had lower serum post‐operative VDBP levels. In addition, our results showed that the pre‐operative VDBP level is a risk factor of CRC.

Conclusions

The levels of serum 25(OH)D and VDBP were both associated with CRC. Thus, serum 25(OH)D and VDBP levels might be of value in evaluating the pathogenesis and risk of CRC in the future. Moreover, serum VDBP or 25(OH)D levels were associated with patient's clinical and pathological features providing data for risk and prognostic prediction.
Association between obesity categories with cardiovascular disease and its related risk factors in the MASHAD cohort study population
Authors: Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Mirinezhad Seyed Mohammad Reza , Asadi Zahra , Parizadeh Seyed Mostafa , Zare‐Feyzabadi Reza , Shabani Niloofar , Eidi Marziyeh , Mosa Farkhany Ehsan , Esmaily Habibollah , Mahmoudi Ali Asghar , Mouhebati Mohsen , Oladi Mohammad Reza , Rohban Mohadeseh , Sharifan Payam , Yadegari Mehran , Saeidi Fatemeh , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: December 2019

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Obesity is an important CVD risk factor and is increasing in prevalence.

Methods

In this study, 3829 men and 5720 women (35‐65 years) were enrolled as part of the MASHAD cohort study. Four categories were identified according to body mass index and waist circumference that was defined by the World Health Organization. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of CVD, and Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association of obesity with CVD incidence.

Results

We found that the higher risk groups defined by categories of adiposity were significantly related to a higher prevalence of a high serum total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG), and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) in both genders and a higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in women (P < .001). Additionally, a high percentage of participants with dyslipidemia, high LDL, high TC, and low HDL and a high percentage of participants with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, and a high serum TG were observed across obesity categories (P < .001). Moreover, women with the very high degrees of obesity had a greater risk of CVD (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.06‐3.43, P = .03).

Conclusion

Obesity strongly predicts several CVD risk factors. Following 6 years of follow‐up, in individuals within increasing degrees of obesity, there was a corresponding significant increase in CVD events, rising to approximately a twofold higher risk of cardiovascular events in women compared with men.
Image mean square displacement to study the lateral mobility of Angiotensin II type 1 and Endothelin 1 type A receptors on living cells
Authors: Planes Nadir , Vanderheyden Patrick P.M.L. , Gratton Enrico , Caballero‐George Catherina
Published: December 2019

The lateral mobility of membrane receptors provides insights into the molecular interactions of protein binding and the complex dynamic plasma membrane. The image mean square displacement (iMSD) analysis is a method used to extract qualitative and quantitative information of the protein diffusion law and infers how diffusion dynamic processes may change when the cellular environment is modified. The aim of the study was to describe the membrane diffusing properties of two G‐protein‐coupled receptors namely Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and Endothelin 1 type A (ETA) receptors and their corresponding receptor–ligand complexes in living cells using total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy and iMSD analysis. This study showed that both AT1 and ETA receptors displayed a mix of three modes of diffusion: free, confined, and partially confined. The confined mode was the predominant at the plasma membrane of living cells and was not affected by ligand binding. However, the local diffusivity and the confinement zone of AT1 receptors were reduced by the binding of its antagonist losartan, and the long‐range diffusion with the local diffusivity coefficient of ETA receptors was reduced upon exposure to its antagonist BQ123. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the protein diffusion laws of these two receptors on living cells using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and iMSD.
An anti‐Michael route for the synthesis of indole‐spiro (indene‐pyrrolidine) by 1,3‐cycloaddition of azomethineylide with indole‐derivatised olefins
Authors: Yellappa Shivaraj
Published: December 2019

One‐pot three‐component reaction for indole‐spiro (indene‐pyrrolidine) highly strained molecules were synthesized with moderate yield by 1,3‐cycloaddition of unsymmetrical dipolarophiles, prepared from indol‐3‐yl and 1‐acetyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl derivative with azomethineylide generated through decarboxylative addition of amino acid sarcosine and ninhydrine, which is confirmed by NOESY. Our method is to demonstrate an efficient path in the preparation of strained organic spiro compound, an atom‐economical process and eco‐friendly toward environment. Viability gives an access to prepare of various spiro pharmaceutical drug molecules.
Stromal Collagen Content in Breast Tumors Correlates With In Vivo Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging: A Comparison of Multi b‐Value DWI With Histologic Specimen From Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions
Authors: Egnell Liv , Vidić Igor , Jerome Neil P. , Bofin Anna M. , Bathen Tone F. , Goa Pål Erik
Published: December 2019

Background

Increased deposition and reorientation of stromal collagen fibers are associated with breast cancer progression and invasiveness. Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) may be sensitive to the collagen fiber organization in the stroma and could provide important biomarkers for breast cancer characterization.

Purpose

To understand how collagen fibers influence water diffusion in vivo and evaluate the relationship between collagen content and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the signal fractions of the biexponential model using a high b‐value scheme.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects/Specimens

Forty‐five patients with benign (n = 8), malignant (n = 36), and ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 1) breast tumors. Lesions and normal fibroglandular tissue (n = 9) were analyzed using sections of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue stained with hematoxylin, erythrosine, and saffron.

Field Strength/Sequence

MRI (3T) protocols: Protocol I: Twice‐refocused spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging with: echo time (TE) 85 msec; repetition time (TR) 9300/11600 msec; matrix 90 × 90 × 60; voxel size 2 × 2 × 2.5 mm3; b‐values: 0 and 700 s/mm2. Protocol II: Stejskal–Tanner spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging with: TE: 88 msec; TR: 10600/11800 msec, matrix 90 × 90 × 60; voxel size 2 × 2 × 2.5 mm3; b‐values [0, 200, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3000] s/mm2.

Assessment

Area fractions of cellular and collagen content in histologic sections were quantified using whole‐slide image analysis and compared with the corresponding DWI parameters.

Statistical Tests

Correlations were assessed using Pearson's r. Univariate analysis of group median values was done using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Collagen content correlated with the fast signal fraction (r = 0.67, P < 0.001) and ADC (r = 0.58, P < 0.001) and was lower (P < 0.05) in malignant lesions than benign and normal tissues. Cellular content correlated inversely with the fast signal fraction (r = –0.67, P < 0.001) and ADC (r = –0.61, P < 0.001) and was different (P < 0.05) between malignant, benign, and normal tissues.

Data Conclusion

Our findings suggest stromal collagen content increases diffusivity observed by MRI and is associated with higher ADC and fast signal fraction of the biexponential model.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1868–1878.
MR Biomarkers of Degenerative Brain Disorders Derived From Diffusion Imaging
Authors: Andica Christina , Kamagata Koji , Hatano Taku , Saito Yuya , Ogaki Kotaro , Hattori Nobutaka , Aoki Shigeki
Published: December 2019

The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases has shown an increasing trend. These conditions typically cause progressive functional disability. Identification of robust biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases is a key imperative to facilitate early identification of the pathological features and to foster a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of individual diseases. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is the most widely used diffusion MRI technique for assessment of neurodegenerative diseases. The DTI parameters are promising biomarkers for evaluation of microstructural changes; however, some limitations of DTI restrict its wider clinical use. New diffusion MRI techniques, such as diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), bi‐tensor DTI, and neurite orientation density and dispersion imaging (NODDI) have been demonstrated to provide value addition to DTI for evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review article, we summarize the key technical aspects and provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the role of DKI, bi‐tensor DTI, and NODDI as biomarkers of microstructural changes in representative neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1620–1636.
Improved Display of Hepatic Arterial Anatomy Using Differential Subsampling With Cartesian Ordering (DISCO) With Gadoxetic Acid‐Enhanced MRI: Comparison With Single Arterial Phase MRI and Computed Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Wei Yi , Chen Guoyong , Tang Hehan , Yuan Yuan , Huang Zixing , He Xiaopeng , Ye Zheng , Zhang Tong , Wei Xiaocheng , Song Bin
Published: December 2019

Background

In clinical practice arterial anatomy evaluation is often determined using computed tomographic angiography (CTA); the effect of enhanced MRI has been neglected.

Purpose

To evaluate whether multiple arterial phase (MAP) images from patients who underwent differential subsampling with Cartesian ordering (DISCO) acquisition would improve the hepatic arterial display compared with single arterial phase (SAP) and CTA.

Study Type

A prospective, randomized trial.

Subjects

In all, 130 patients (mean age, 55.81 ± 9.43 years; range, 35–78 years) including 89 men and 41 women.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T, DISCO, liver acquisition with volume acceleration‐flexible (LAVA‐Flex), CTA.

Assessment

A simple randomization was conducted and the study was subdivided into study part I (DISCO vs. SAP) and study part II (DISCO vs. CTA). Ten hepatic arterial segments were independently evaluated by three readers in the axial plane and the quality of hepatic arterial display was assessed using a four‐point scale.

Statistical Tests

Kendall's W‐test, χ2 test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results

Excellent interobserver agreement was obtained for hepatic arterial display (all Kendall's W values >0.80). For study part I, the mean arterial display scores for the common hepatic artery (CHA), proper hepatic artery (PHA), left hepatic artery (LHA), right hepatic artery (RHA), left gastric artery (LGA), and gastroduodenal artery (GDA) obtained with DISCO were higher than that obtained with SAP imaging (all P < 0.01). For study part II, comparable image quality for CHA (P = 0.798), PHA (P = 0.440), LHA (P = 0.211), RHA (P = 0.775) LGA (P = 0.468), and GDA (P = 0.801) was obtained with DISCO and CTA.

Data Conclusion

The use of MAP acquisition with DISCO is superior to the use of SAP in hepatic arterial display and compares favorably with CTA; in the future, DISCO possibly can replace the latter ionization‐related method to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the liver arterial vessels.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1766–1776.
Bulk motion‐compensated DCE‐MRI for functional imaging of kidneys in newborns
Authors: Coll‐Font Jaume , Afacan Onur , Chow Jeanne S. , Lee Richard S. , Stemmer Alto , Warfield Simon K. , Kurugol Sila
Published: December 2019

Background

Evaluation of kidney function in newborns with hydronephrosis is important for clinical decisions. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI can provide the necessary anatomical and functional information. Golden angle dynamic radial acquisition and compressed sensing reconstruction provides sufficient spatiotemporal resolution to achieve accurate parameter estimation for functional imaging of kidneys. However, bulk motion during imaging (rigid or nonrigid movement of the subject resulting in signal dropout) remains an unresolved challenge.

Purpose

To evaluate a motion‐compensated (MoCo) DCE‐MRI technique for robust evaluation of kidney function in newborns. Our method includes: 1) motion detection, 2) motion‐robust image reconstruction, 3) joint realignment of the volumes, and 4) tracer‐kinetic (TK) model fitting to evaluate kidney function parameters.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Eleven newborn patients (ages <6 months, 6 female).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T; dynamic "stack‐of‐stars" 3D fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) sequence using a multichannel body‐matrix coil.

Assessment

We evaluated the proposed technique in terms of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the reconstructed images, the presence of discontinuities in the contrast agent concentration time curves due to motion with a total variation (TV) metric and the goodness of fit of the TK model, and the standard variation of its parameters.

Statistical Tests

We used a paired t‐test to compare the MoCo and no‐MoCo results.

Results

The proposed MoCo method successfully detected motion and improved the SNR by 3.3 (P = 0.012) and decreased TV by 0.374 (P = 0.017) across all subjects. Moreover, it decreased nRMSE of the TK model fit for the subjects with less than five isolated bulk motion events in 6 minutes (mean 1.53, P = 0.043), but not for the subjects with more frequent events or no motion (P = 0.745 and P = 0.683).

Data Conclusion

Our results indicate that the proposed MoCo technique improves the image quality and accuracy of the TK model fit for subjects who present isolated bulk motion events.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:207–216.
Representative general circulation models selection and downscaling of climate data for the transboundary Koshi river basin in China and Nepal
Authors: Kaini Santosh , Nepal Santosh , Pradhananga Saurav , Gardner Ted , Sharma Ashok K.
Published: December 2019

The selection of general circulation models (GCMs) with high capability to represent the past and likely future climate for a specific geographical location is a crucial step to assess impacts of climate change on different sectors. This study included pool of 105 and 78 GCMs for representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5, respectively, from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project—Phase 5, applied an advanced envelope‐based selection approach to select representative GCMs for the Koshi river basin in China and Nepal at short‐term (2016–2045), mid‐century (2036–2065) and end‐of‐century (2071–2100) periods, and developed range of possible future precipitation and temperature scenarios with high resolution downscaled data (10 × 10 km2), which is the novelty contribution of the study. Considering RCP4.5, average annual precipitation is expected to increase by 0–16%, 4–23% and 4–24% in the short‐term, mid‐century and end‐of‐century periods, respectively. Using RCP8.5, equivalent predictions are 6–20%, 6–36% and 13–49% in the short‐term, mid‐century and end‐of‐century periods, respectively. Average annual temperature is expected to increase, but with higher increases during winter than in the monsoon period. Considering RCP4.5, average annual temperature is expected to increase by 1–1.4°C, 1.3–1.9°C and 1.6–2.8°C in the short‐term, mid‐century and end‐of‐century periods, respectively. Similarly, using RCP8.5, equivalent predictions are 1–1.6°C, 1.8–2.9°C and 3.1–5.6°C in the short‐term, mid‐century and end‐of‐century periods, respectively. The ensemble mean of absolute change in average precipitation and temperature projects that High Himalaya and Tibet regions are more sensitive to climate change considering precipitation and temperature, respectively. The results also suggest that GCMs selection for a catchment varies with climate scenarios and specific future time periods.
The role of operational expenditures and misalignments in fundraising for international humanitarian aid
Authors: Turrini Laura , Besiou Maria , Papies Dominik , Meissner Joern
Published: December 2019

Funding for international humanitarian aid falls far behind demand for disaster response, hampering the operations of international humanitarian organizations (IHOs). One remedy to close this gap is to increase the effectiveness of fundraising activities for IHOs. This remedy means spending as little as possible in fundraising activities but, at the same time, still receiving sufficient donations to implement disaster response programs in response to the needs that arise when disasters occur. We contribute to the literature by theoretically developing and estimating a conceptual framework that links donation behavior to the operations that IHOs aim to pursue; the framework incorporates operational costs communicated in appeals, fundraising efforts, and media attention. We argue that effects are not homogenous across disasters but that IHOs can leverage public attention and disaster and appeal characteristics, such as operational costs, to increase donations. We test the framework on a unique data set for disaster response programs operated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), covering 174 disasters to which the IFRC responded between 2010 and 2017.
Ultrasonography for chairside evaluation of periodontal structures: A pilot study
Authors: Tattan Mustafa , Sinjab Khaled , Lee Eunjee , Arnett Michelle , Oh Tae‐Ju , Wang Hom‐Lay , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Kripfgans Oliver D.
Published: December 2019

Background

The crestal bone level and soft tissue dimension are essential for periodontal diagnosis and phenotype determination; yet, existing measurement methods have limitations. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the correlation and accuracy of ultrasound in measuring periodontal dimensions, compared to direct clinical and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) methods.

Methods

A 24‐MHz ultrasound probe prototype, specifically designed for intraoral use, was employed. Periodontal soft tissue dimensions and crestal bone levels were measured at 40 teeth and 20 single missing tooth gaps from 20 patients scheduled to receive a dental implant surgery. The ultrasound images were interpreted by two calibrated examiners. Inter‐rater agreement was calculated by using inter‐rater correlation coefficient (ICC). Ultrasound readings were compared with direct clinical and CBCT readings by using ICC and Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

The following six parameters were measured: 1) interdental papilla height (tooth), 2) mid‐facial soft tissue height (tooth), 3) mucosal thickness (tooth), 4) soft tissue height (edentulous ridge), 5) mucosal thickness (edentulous ridge), and 6) crestal bone level (tooth). Intra‐examiner calibrations were exercised to achieve an agreement of at least 0.8. ICC between the two readers ranged from 0.482 to 0.881. ICC between ultrasound and direct readings ranged from 0.667 to 0.957. The mean difference in mucosal thickness (tooth) between the ultrasound and direct readings was −0.015 mm (95% CI: −0.655 to 0.624 mm) without statistical significance. ICC between ultrasound and CBCT ranged from 0.654 to 0.849 among the measured parameters. The mean differences between ultrasound and CBCT range from −0.213 to 0.455 mm, without statistical significance.

Conclusion

Ultrasonic imaging can be valuable for accurate and real‐time periodontal diagnosis without concerns about ionizing radiation.
Benefit of postoperative radiotherapy for early tumors with single ipsilateral lymph node metastasis
Authors: Weiss Bernhard G. , Anczykowski Mahalia Z. , Flach Susanne , Spiegel Jennifer L. , Kitz Julia , Bertlich Mattis , Canis Martin , Jakob Mark , Ihler Friedrich
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Indication for postoperative radiotherapy in patients with locally circumscribed tumors (pT1–pT2) and a single ipsilateral lymph node metastasis (pN1) is debatable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncological long‐term outcome of patients with pT1‐pT2 pN1 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, the oropharynx, and the hypopharynx without extracapsular spread (ECS) after a margin‐negative surgical resection, who either received or did not receive postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

The oncological outcome of patients with pT1‐pT2 pN1 SCC without ECS was evaluated retrospectively. All patients underwent primary tumor resection that included transoral laser microsurgery and neck dissection at an academic tertiary referral center.

Results

Of 65 identified patients treated between 1986 and 2015 (18 oral cavity, 30 oropharynx, 17 hypopharynx), 21 (32%) received postoperative radiotherapy, and 44 (68%) were treated by surgery alone. The group of patients receiving postoperative treatment showed a significantly superior 5‐year disease‐specific (94.4% vs. 73.2%, P = .029) and recurrence‐free survival (85.2% vs. 43.2%, P = .002), as well as a higher local control rate (90.2% vs. 64.9%, P = .042). The overall survival was 71.4% vs. 62.6% (P = .53). The mean follow‐up was 80.7 months.

Conclusions

Patients with locally circumscribed carcinomas and a single ipsilateral ECS‐negative lymph node metastasis seem to benefit from postoperative radiotherapy.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E530–E538, 2020
Unilateral versus bilateral botulinum toxin injections in adductor spasmodic dysphonia in a large cohort
Authors: Dharia Ishaan , Bielamowicz Steven
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The primary treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia is repeated injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the thyroarytenoid muscles. Dosing can be performed into either one or both thyroarytenoid muscles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment effect and side effect profile across a large number of injections. This study was performed previously in 2002 on 45 patients.

Study Design

Individual cohort study.

Methods

This is retrospective study of all patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia with and without tremor treated by the senior laryngologist at George Washington University. In the current study, 272 patients (214 females and 58 males) were included in the current analysis. Duration of effects and side effects (vocal weakness and liquid dysphagia) were recorded into a database for each patient after each injection. These data were analyzed using χ2 analysis.

Results

A total of 4,023 injections (2,708 bilateral and 1,315 unilateral) were evaluated in this study. Optimal effect duration (≥3 months) was more commonly seen in the bilaterally injected patients (55%) compared to the unilaterally injected patients (47%) (P = .0001). Optimal side effect duration (≤2 weeks) was better for the unilaterally injected patients (77%) compared to the bilaterally injected patients (73%) (P = .023). Having both optimal effect and side effect in the same injection was more commonly seen in the bilaterally injected patients (36%) compared to the unilaterally injected patients (33%) (P = .0228).

Conclusions

This study shows that bilateral injections of Botox are more effective in producing optimal effect/side effect profiles.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 130:2659–2662, 2020
Proton radiotherapy and treatment delay in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jin Michael C. , Harris Jeremy P. , Sabolch Aaron N. , Gensheimer Michael , Le Quynh‐Thu , Beadle Beth M. , Pollom Erqi L.
Published: December 2019

Objective

For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), delays in the initiation of radiotherapy (RT) have been closely associated with worse outcomes. We sought to investigate whether RT modality (proton vs. photon) is associated with differences in the time to initiation of RT.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic HNSCC between 2004 and 2015 who received either proton or photon RT as part of their initial treatment. Wilcoxon rank‐sum and chi‐square tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between use of proton RT and delayed RT initiation.

Results

A total of 175,088 patients with HNSCC receiving either photon or proton RT were identified. Patients receiving proton RT were more likely to be white, reside in higher income areas, and have private insurance. Proton RT was associated with delayed RT initiation compared to photon RT (median 59 days vs. 45, P < 0.001). Receipt of proton therapy was independently associated with RT initiation beyond 6 weeks after diagnosis (adjusted OR [aOR, definitive RT] = 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–2.30) or surgery (aOR [adjuvant RT] = 4.08; 95% CI 2.64–6.62). In the context of adjuvant proton RT, increases in treatment delay were associated with worse overall survival (weeks, adjusted hazard ratio = 1.099, 95% CI 1.011–1.194).

Conclusion

Use of proton therapy is associated with delayed RT in both the definitive and adjuvant settings for patients with HNSCC and could be associated with poorer outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 122:0000–0000, 2019 Laryngoscope, 130:E598–E604, 2020
The contrasting east–west pattern of vegetation restoration under the large‐scale ecological restoration programmes in southwest China
Authors: Zhao Haiwei , Wu Ruidong , Hu Jinming , Yang Feiling , Wang Junjun , Guo Yang , Zhou Jian , Wang Yiting , Zhang Chen , Feng Zhixue
Published: December 2019

Ecological restoration programmes (ERPs) play an important role in reversing degraded ecosystems and realizing environmental sustainability. However, few studies have given attention to the spatial heterogeneity in the effectiveness of large‐scale ERPs for restoring vegetation on a broad regional scale. Based on the GIMMS NDVI3g time‐series of southwest China, we determined the spatiotemporal trends of the peak growing season NDVI (PGS‐NDVI) in the pre‐ERP stage (1982–1998) and in the post‐ERP stage (1999–2015). Using the NDVI‐climate regression model developed during the pre‐ERP stage and the residual trend analysis method, we derived the anthropogenic PGS‐NDVI trends of the post‐ERP stage on a per‐pixel and spatial average basis. We found that there existed an east (greening)–west (browning) contrasting pattern in the anthropogenic vegetation change during the post‐ERP stage. The proportions of anthropogenic greening pixels were heterogeneous among provinces, ranging from 66.1% (Guangxi) to 8.6% (Xizang). The ERP effectiveness index and the ERP efficiency index for Guangxi were the highest among the provinces, whereas they were both negative for Yunnan and Xizang. Such contrasting restoration pattern was probably caused by multiple factors, including but not limited to the imbalanced implementation of large‐scale ERPs and the inappropriate afforestation that inadequately takes into account local conditions. Our analysis highlights the great heterogeneity in the effectiveness of large‐scale ERPs for vegetation restoration across a broad regional scale. Large‐scale ERPs should be implemented in a coordinated manner and be tailored to local conditions.
Soil microbiotic homogenization occurred after long‐term agricultural development in desert areas across northern China
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Aiai , Wang Changkun , Guo Zhiying , Wu Shiwen , Pan Kai , Zhang Fangfang , Pan Xianzhang
Published: December 2019

Soil microbial communities respond significantly to long‐term agricultural development in desert areas. Because soil microbial communities are distinct in various deserts at different eco‐climate regions, their response patterns to agricultural development are diverse at a local scale. However, whether the different response patterns had some commonalities across various types of deserts at a larger spatial scale remained unclear. To address this question, historical soil samples, collected in different years from pairwise long‐term experimental plots (desert and farmland) at five field stations of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network across northern China, were analyzed through high‐throughput sequencing approach. Here, we found that soil bacterial communities were sharply different between deserts and agricultural lands. Contrasting to desert soils with higher relative abundances of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, agricultural soils harbored higher relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Planctomycetes and exhibited higher bacterial α‐diversity with less variation. More importantly, higher community similarities were found in agricultural lands for each station and all stations, suggesting that soil microbiotic homogenization occurred at both local and regional scales after long‐term agricultural development in desert areas. Further analyses revealed that the homogenization was due to the loss of desert‐endemic species and the range expansion of generalist species, which might result from the introduction of crops combined with agricultural practices. The soil microbiotic homogenization associated with the loss of endemic species should be paid special attention to because this might imply the decrease in ecological resilience to perturbations and might lead to rapid desertification in desert margin areas.
Biocrust regulates the effects of water and temperature on soil microbial and nematode communities in a semiarid ecosystem
Authors: Guan Pingting , Zhang Xiaoke , Cheng Yunyun , Zheng Hairui , Liang Wenju
Published: December 2019

Global climate changes in temperature and precipitation are influencing the function of semiarid ecosystems, especially that of biocrust. Biocrust is the key biotic component in semiarid land and delivers multiple functions to belowground ecosystems. However, how biocrust affects belowground biota when temperature and water change remains unclear. We set a microcosm experiment to evaluate how soil micro‐food web responds to biocrust by changing air temperature and water content. Soil microbes and nematodes were sampled at different air temperatures (10 and 25°C) and soil water levels (4, 8, and 16% soil water content) under biocrust and bare soil. The results showed that biocrust highly increased soil microbe and nematode abundances compared with bare soil. Temperature change had no obvious effect on soil micro‐food web. Both microbial and nematode communities were strongly affected by soil water at 10°C under biocrust. Structural equation modeling analysis proved that soil pH and organic carbon were the two main factors that affected soil micro‐food channels under biocrust. Soil organic carbon affected bacterial channel and fungal channel. Soil pH affected soil bacterial channel and omnivores‐predators. Soil with 8% water content could provide the most stable habitat and soil environment to build a relatively complex and more reticulated soil micro‐food web. It can be concluded that colonization of biocrust could buffer temperature effect on soil micro‐food web. Additionally, appropriate increase in water could benefit the top‐down effect between nematodes and microbes under biocrust and could contribute to the resilience of semiarid ecosystems.