bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Going big versus going small: Lithic miniaturization in hominin lithic technology
Authors: Pargeter Justin , Shea John J.
Published: March 2019

Lithic miniaturization was one of our Pleistocene ancestors' more pervasive stone tool production strategies and it marks a key difference between human and non‐human tool use. Frequently equated with “microlith” production, lithic miniaturization is a more complex, variable, and evolutionarily consequential phenomenon involving small backed tools, bladelets, small retouched tools, flakes, and small cores. In this review, we evaluate lithic miniaturization's various technological and functional elements. We examine archeological assumptions about why prehistoric stoneworkers engaged in processes of lithic miniaturization by making small stone tools, small elongated tools, and small retouched and backed tools. We point to functional differences that motivate different aspects of lithic miniaturization and several instances where archeological systematics have possibly led archeologists to false negative findings about lithic miniaturization. Finally, we suggest productive avenues by which archeologists can move closer to understanding the complex evolutionary forces driving variability in lithic miniaturization.
The effect of the global financial crisis on the asymmetric relationship between exchange rate and stock prices
Authors: Bhutto Niaz A. , Chang Bisharat H.
Published: March 2019

This study replicates previous studies in the context of China by determining whether exchange rate changes have a symmetric or asymmetric effect on stock prices. Moreover, it extends previous studies by examining whether the relationship between the underlying variables changes as a result of the global financial crisis. For this purpose, we use both linear and nonlinear ARDL models during the full sample, pre‐crisis, and the post‐crisis periods. The findings of this study suggest that exchange rate asymmetrically affects the stock prices in the long run only when the whole sample period is selected, whereas it symmetrically affects both in the long run and in the short run during the pre‐crisis period and asymmetrically affects both in the long run and in the short run when the post‐crisis period is selected. These findings indicate that the financial crisis causes asymmetric relationship between exchange rate changes and stock prices and may, therefore, be taken into consideration while making investment or policy decisions.
Can telehealth reduce health care expenditure? A lesson from German health insurance data
Authors: Ehlert Andree , Oberschachtsiek Dirk
Published: March 2019

This study analyzes a telemedical program for chronic heart failure in Germany with respect to economic and treatment indicators. The program entails a routine data‐based preselection of the insured and specific treatment intensities for low‐ and high‐risk patients. This study complements previous research by considering differentiated end points such as mortality and rehospitalization as well as ambulatory, outpatient, and medication costs to account for potential cost shifts. In addition, different time frames and regional characteristics are dealt with. A difference‐in‐differences approach accounts for potential self‐selection into the voluntary program. Our results challenge the current paradigm of program‐induced cost shifting between hospital and ambulatory care. Except for a short‐term effect in the lower‐risk group, the program is associated with raising hospital admission rates as well as higher costs in all categories, while mortality is significantly reduced. The findings are robust as to various sensitivity checks.
Sarcomas in patients over 90: Natural history and treatment—A nationwide study over 6 years
Authors: Basse Clémence , Italiano Antoine , Penel Nicolas , Mir Olivier , Chemin Claire , Toulmonde Maud , Duffaud Florence , Le Cesne Axel , Chevreau Christine , Maynou Carlos , Anract Philippe , Gouin François , Rios Maria , Firmin Nelly , Kurtz Jean‐Emmanuel , Kerbrat Pierre , Piperno‐Neumann Sophie , Bertucci François , Rosset Philippe , Isambert Nicolas , Bompas Emmanuelle , Dubray‐Longeras Pascale , Fiorenza Fabrice , Le Maignan Christine , Chaigneau Loïc , Thyss Antoine , Bouché Olivier , Eymard Jean‐Christophe , Delcambre Lair Corinne , Adam Julien , Karanian Marie , Lebbé Céleste , Dupré Aurélien , Meeus Pierre , Brahmi Mehdi , Dufresne Armelle , Ducimetière Françoise , Ray‐Coquard Isabelle , Blay Jean‐Yves
Published: March 2019

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors accounting for less than 1% of human cancers. While the highest incidence of sarcomas is observed in elderly, this population is often excluded or poorly represented in clinical trials. The present study reports on clinicopathological presentation, and outcome of sarcoma patients over 90 recorded in the Netsarc.org French national database. NETSARC (netsarc.org) is a network of 26 reference sarcoma centers with specialized multidisciplinary tumor board (MDTB), funded by the French National Cancer Institute to improve the outcome of sarcoma patients. Since 2010, presentation to an MDTB, second pathological review, and collection of sarcoma patient characteristics and follow‐up are collected in a database Information of patients registered from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2016, in NETSARC were collected, analyzed and compared to the younger population. Patients with sarcomas aged >90 have almost exclusively sarcomas with complex genomics (92.0% vs. 66.3%), are less frequently metastatic (5.3% vs. 14·7%) at diagnosis, have more often superficial tumors (39.8% vs. 14.7%), as well as limbs and head and neck sites (75.2% vs. 38.7%) (all p < 0.001). Optimal diagnostic procedures and surgery were less frequently performed in patients over 90 (p < 0.001). These patients were less frequently operated in NETSARC centers, as compared to those of younger age groups including aged 80–90. However, local relapse‐free survival, metastatic relapse‐free survival and relapse‐free survival were not significantly different from those of younger patients, in the whole cohort, as well as in the subgroup of operated patients. As expected overall survival was worse in patients over 90 (p < 0.001). Patients over 90 who were not operated had worse overall survival than younger patients (9.9 vs. 27.3 months, p < 0.001). Patients with STS diagnosed after 90 have distinct clinicopathological features, but comparable relapse‐free survival, unless clinical practice guidelines recommendations are not applied. Standard management should be proposed to these patients if oncogeriatric status allows.
Association between ambient air pollution and breast cancer risk: The multiethnic cohort study
Authors: Cheng Iona , Tseng Chiuchen , Wu Jun , Yang Juan , Conroy Shannon M. , Shariff‐Marco Salma , Li Lianfa , Hertz Andrew , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Le Marchand Loïc , Whittemore Alice S. , Stram Daniel O. , Ritz Beate , Wu Anna H.
Published: March 2019

Previous studies using different exposure methods to assess air pollution and breast cancer risk among primarily whites have been inconclusive. Air pollutant exposures of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen were estimated by kriging (NOx, NO2, PM10, PM2.5), land use regression (LUR, NOx, NO2) and California Line Source Dispersion model (CALINE4, NOx, PM2.5) for 57,589 females from the Multiethnic Cohort, residing largely in Los Angeles County from recruitment (1993–1996) through 2010. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between time‐varying air pollution and breast cancer incidence adjusting for confounding factors. Stratified analyses were conducted by race/ethnicity and distance to major roads. Among all women, breast cancer risk was positively but not significantly associated with NOx (per 50 parts per billion [ppb]) and NO2 (per 20 ppb) determined by kriging and LUR and with PM2.5 and PM10 (per 10 μg/m3) determined by kriging. However, among women who lived within 500 m of major roads, significantly increased risks were observed with NOx (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.02–1.79), NO2 (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04–1.99), PM10 (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.07–1.55) and PM2.5 (HR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.15–2.99) determined by kriging and NOx (HR = 1.21, 95% CI:1.01–1.45) and NO2 (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.00–1.59) determined by LUR. No overall associations were observed with exposures assessed by CALINE4. Subgroup analyses suggested stronger associations of NOx and NO2 among African Americans and Japanese Americans. Further studies of multiethnic populations to confirm the effects of air pollution, particularly near‐roadway exposures, on the risk of breast cancer is warranted.
A sustainable model to improve maternal health and promote early obstetric care in resource‐poor regions
Authors: Foo Sharon , Tagore Shephali , Mathur Manisha , Poun Keorany , Sam Maly , Tan Kok Hian , Jacobsen Anette , Kwek Kenneth
Published: March 2019

Objective

To design and examine the feasibility of a sustainable training program to build local capacity and improve obstetric outcomes in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia.

Methods

A “train‐the‐trainers” model was used to conduct an obstetrics course between 2012 and 2015, its aim to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. All Cambodian healthcare providers trained by the program were included in the study. The obstetric outcomes of all patients under the care of the trained healthcare providers were analyzed retrospectively to assess the feasibility of the program. Data from all three hospitals and 42 health centers in the province that the trainees worked at were collected from case logs.

Results

There was a significant increased trend in recognition of cases of postpartum hemorrhage and pre‐eclampsia, and occurrence of difficult deliveries and cesarean deliveries (P<0.001). The maternal mortality ratio decreased from 64.7 per 100 000 deliveries in 2012 to 40.8 per 100 000 deliveries in 2016.

Conclusion

This sustainable model has the potential to positively impact obstetric education and maternal outcomes and could be adopted in other resource‐poor countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.
miR‐421 promotes apoptosis and suppresses metastasis of osteosarcoma cells via targeting LTBP2
Authors: Liang Xiaoju , Zhang Lijun , Ji Qiang , Wang Bing , Wei Dengke , Cheng Deliang
Published: March 2019

Increasing evidence has confirmed that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in tumor development and progression. A previous study reported that miR‐421 could serve as a diagnostic marker in patients with osteosarcoma (OS). The present study explored the potential roles of miR‐421 in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of OS cells. Our results showed that miR‐421 was upregulated in OS tissues and cell lines (MG63, U2OS, HOS, and Saos‐2) compared with the corresponding adjacent tissues or human osteoblast cells hFOB1.19, while the latent transforming growth factor β‐binding protein 2 (LTBP2) expression was reduced. In MG63 and U2OS cells, CCK8 assay displayed that cell proliferation was repressed by the miR‐421 inhibitor, conversely increased by miR‐421 mimics. Inhibition of miR‐421 promoted cell apoptosis rate, caspase 3 activity, cleaved‐caspase 3 (c‐caspase 3) expression, and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, restoration of miR‐421 showed the opposite functions. Suppression of miR‐421 blocked migration and invasion, whereas miR‐421 overexpression promoted the migration and invasion of MG63 and U2OS cells. In addition, real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis revealed that miR‐421 negatively regulated E‐cadherin expression, and positively regulated the expression of N‐cadherin and vimentin. The luciferase reporter assay determined that miR‐421 could target LTBP2‐3′‐UTR, and LTBP2 expression was regulated negatively by miR‐421 both in mRNA and protein levels. Depletion of LTBP2 partly abolished the biological functions of miR‐421 inhibitor in OS. In conclusion, miR‐421 plays an oncogenic role in OS via targeting LTBP2, suggesting that miR‐421 may be a potential therapeutic target against OS.
RETRACTED: miRNA‐200b improves hepatic fibrosis induced by CCL4 by regulating toll‐like receptor 4 in mice
Authors: Wang Yan , Jiang Ying , Zhao Lianfeng
Published: March 2019

To study the effect of miRNA‐200b on hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. The C59BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups (normal control [NC], CCLR model [Model], and CCl
4 + miRNA‐200b [miRNA]). The hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl
4 injected subcutaneously twice per week in Model and miRNA groups. After 6 weeks building model, the mice of miRNA group were injected the miRNA‐200b from caudal vein twice per week. The mice of Model and miRNA groups were continuously fed for 3 weeks. The IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations of serum were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The hepatic tissues of difference groups were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, sirius red staining, Masson staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and measured toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) proteins expressions by western blot assay. The correlation between miRNA‐200b and TLR4 were analyzed by dual luciferase target assay. Compared with NC group, the interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations of Model group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05, respectively). With miRNA‐200b overexpression, the IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations were significantly suppressed (P < 0.05, respectively). The pathologies were improved by H&E staining, sirius red staining, and Masson staining; meanwhile, the hepatic cell apoptosis rate was significantly suppressed (P < 0.05). The TLR4 and NF‐κB protein expressions of miRNA group were significantly suppressed compared with the Model group (P < 0.05, respectively). By dual luciferase target assay, the TLR4 was a target gene of miRNA‐200b. The miRNA‐200b upregulation improved hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl
4 via regulation of TLR4 in vivo.
Piperazine‐functionalized nickel ferrite nanoparticles as efficient and reusable catalysts for the solvent‐free synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes
Authors: Pourhasan Bahram , Mohammadi‐Nejad Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Piperazine‐functionalized nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized as recoverable heterogeneous base catalysts using a routine method. The synthesized materials were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques such as infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, thermogravimetry analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Catalytic efficiency was investigated in the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives via a one‐pot three component reaction of aldehyde and malononitrile with β or α‐naphthol/5‐methyle resorcinol under solvent‐free conditions with good to high yields. This method is operationally simple and has several advantages such as good to high yield, short reaction times, solvent‐free conditions, and easy synthesis. Moreover, the catalyst was recovered easily using an external magnet and reused three times without distinctive loss in catalytic activity.
Protein complexes associated with β‐catenin differentially influence the differentiation profile of neonatal and adult CD8+ T cells
Authors: Hernández‐Acevedo Gerson N. , López‐Portales Oscar H. , Gutiérrez‐Reyna Darely Y. , Cuevas‐Fernández Erick , Kempis‐Calanis Linda A. , Labastida‐Conde Rosario G. , Aguilar‐Luviano Oscar B. , Ramírez‐Pliego Oscar , Spicuglia Salvatore , Lino‐Alfaro Bárbara , Chagolla‐López Alicia , González‐de la Vara Luis E. , Santana María Angélica
Published: March 2019

The canonical Wnt signaling pathway is a master cell regulator involved in CD8+ T cell proliferation and differentiation. In human CD8+ T cells, this pathway induces differentiation into memory cells or a “stem cell memory like” population, which is preferentially present in cord blood. To better understand the role of canonical Wnt signals in neonatal or adult blood, we compared the proteins associated with β‐catenin, in nonstimulated and Wnt3a‐stimulated human neonatal and adult naive CD8+ T cells. Differentially recruited proteins established different complexes in adult and neonatal cells. In the former, β‐catenin‐associated proteins were linked to cell signaling and immunological functions, whereas those of neonates were linked to proliferation and metabolism. Wnt3a stimulation led to the recruitment and overexpression of Wnt11 in adult cells and Wnt5a in neonatal cells, suggesting a differential connexion with planar polarity and Wnt/Ca2+ noncanonical pathways, respectively. The chromatin immunoprecipitation polymerase chain reaction β‐catenin was recruited to a higher level on the promoters of cell renewal genes in neonatal cells and of differentiation genes in those of adults. We found a preferential association of β‐catenin with CBP in neonatal cells and with p300 in the adult samples, which could be involved in a higher self‐renewal capacity of the neonatal cells and memory commitment in those of adults. Altogether, our results show that different proteins associated with β‐catenin during Wnt3a activation mediate a differential response of neonatal and adult human CD8+ T cells.
Disease mechanisms and neuroprotection by tauroursodeoxycholic acid in Rpgr knockout mice
Authors: Zhang Xun , Shahani Uma , Reilly James , Shu Xinhua
Published: March 2019

Mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are the predominant cause of retinitis pigmentosa. RPGR plays a critical role as a scaffold protein in the regulation of protein trafficking from the basal body to the axoneme, where the cargoes are transported to the outer segments (OSs) of photoreceptors. This trafficking process is controlled directly by intraflagellar transport complexes and regulated by the RPGR protein complex, although the precise mechanisms have yet to be defined. We used an Rpgr conditional knockout (cko) mouse model to investigate the disease mechanisms during retinal degeneration and to evaluate the protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Rhodopsin, cone opsins and transducin were mislocalized in Rpgr cko photoreceptors, while localization of NPHP4 to connecting cilia was absent, suggesting that RPGR is required for ciliary protein trafficking. Microglia were activated in advance of retinal degeneration in Rpgr cko mouse retinas. TUDCA treatment suppressed microglial activation and inflammation and prevented photoreceptor degeneration in Rpgr cko mice. Our data demonstrated that TUDCA has therapeutic potential for RPGR‐associated RP patients.
LncRNA MAGI2‐AS3 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and migration by targeting the miR‐374b‐5p/SMG1 signaling pathway
Authors: Yin Zi , Ma Tingting , Yan Jinhai , Shi Ning , Zhang Chuanzhao , Lu Xin , Hou Baohua , Jian Zhixiang
Published: March 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to play critical roles in cancer progression. Recently, lncRNA MAGI2‐AS3 has been revealed to be a tumor suppressor and inhibit cell growth by targeting the Fas/FasL signalling pathway in breast cancer. However, the role and underlying mechanism of MAGI2‐AS3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. In the current study, we found that MAGI2‐AS3 expression is downregulated in HCC tissues and closely associated with some clinical characteristics (tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage) and poor overall survival. Overexpression of MAGI2‐AS3 inhibits HCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro, while impedes tumor growth in vivo accordantly. In addition, our data suggest that MAGI2‐AS3 could function as an endogenous sponge of miR‐374b‐5p by directly binding to it and suppressing its expression. Furthermore, miR‐374b‐5p upregulation could restore the inhibitory effect of MAGI2‐AS3 on HCC cells processes. Moreover, suppressor with morphogenetic effect on genitalia family member 1 (SMG1) is positively regulated by MAGI2‐AS3 via absorbing miR‐374b‐5p in HCC cells. More important, SMG1 knockdown reverses the suppressive function of MAGI2‐AS3 in HCC cell processes. Taken together, we reveal a functional MAGI2‐AS3/miR‐374b‐5p/SMG1 axis that suppresses HCC progression, potently suggesting a new road for HCC treatment.
Cyclosporine A improves pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent pregnancy loss and elevated Th1/Th2 ratio
Authors: Azizi Ramyar , Ahmadi Majid , Danaii Shahla , Abdollahi‐Fard Sedigheh , Mosapour Parisa , Eghbal‐Fard Shadi , Dolati Sanam , Kamrani Amin , Rahnama Badrossadat , Mehdizadeh Amir , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Yousefi Bahman , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: March 2019

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a one of the most common obstetrical complications. Since, the successful pregnancy occurs in T helper 2 (Th2)‐dominant situation and since, Th1 type immunity is related to pregnancy failure, we investigated the effects of cyclosporine on Th1 and Th2 cells in RPL women. Totally, 76 RPL patients (38 women as treated group and 38 as control group) were included in this study. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze the frequency of Th1 and Th2 in blood samples. Also, real‐time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to assess the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of transcription factors and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate Th1 and Th2 related cytokines. Significant decrease in Th1 frequency (p = 0.0004), Th1/Th2 ratio (p < 0.0001), T‐bet mRNA expression (p < 0.0001), interferon‐γ (p = 0.0007), and tumor necrosis factor α (p = 0.0002) secretion level were observed in cyclosporine group. Moreover, significant increase in Th2 frequency (p < 0.0001), mRNA expression of GATA binding protein 3 (p = 0.0001), and interleukin 10 secretion level (p = 0.0027) was also evident in treated group. At the end of the investigation, 31 (81.5%) patients in cyclosporine‐treated group had successful childbirth when compared with 16 (42.1%) women in control group (p = 0.0001). Given this, cyclosporine treatment for RPL patients with elevated Th1/Th2 ratio can result in improved pregnancy outcome.
Is cachexia associated with chemotherapy toxicities in gastrointestinal cancer patients? A prospective study
Authors: da Rocha Ilanna Marques Gomes , Marcadenti Aline , de Medeiros Galtieri Otávio Cunha , Bezerra Ricardo Andrade , Rego Juliana Florinda de Mendonça , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Fayh Ana Paula Trussardi
Published: March 2019

Background

Chemotherapy is an effective treatment with good clinical response in patients with cancer. However, it can cause exacerbated toxicities in patients and consequently change the course of treatment. Some factors may interfere with this toxicity such as body composition, especially in gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of body composition, nutritional status, and functional capacity scale in predicting the occurrence of toxicities in gastrointestinal cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment.

Methods

This is a prospective study with gastrointestinal cancer patients at the beginning of chemotherapy treatment. Sarcopenia and muscle attenuation were assessed using the skeletal muscle index from computerized tomography by measuring cross‐sectional areas of the L3 tissue (cm2/m2). Cachexia was graded according to involuntary weight loss associated with sarcopenia. Nutritional status was assessed by using anthropometric evaluation and Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Functional capacity was evaluated by handgrip strength and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status scale. Haematological gastrointestinal and dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) were defined according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. The associations among sarcopenia, cachexia, nutritional status, and functional capacity with DLT were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression model.

Results

A total of 60 patients were evaluated (55% male, 60.9 ± 14.0 years) and followed up for a mean of 55 days. Most patients had normal weight (44.2%) and good ECOG Performance Status (≤1) at baseline (78%). During the chemotherapy period, the most prevalent toxicities were diarrhoea, nausea, and anorexia, but the presence of DLT was similar between cycles (P > 0.05). Cachexia was associated with a higher toxicity manifested by diarrhoea (P = 0.02), nausea (P = 0.02), and anorexia (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03 at Cycles 1 and 2, respectively). Sarcopenic and cachetic individuals experienced more toxicities and DLT during chemotherapy. The only factors associated with DLT in the multivariate Cox regression analyses including the presence of metastasis and the chemotherapy protocol were cachexia and the ECOG scale (P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions

Cachexia and ECOG score may identify patients with an increased risk for developing severe toxicity events during chemotherapy treatment for gastrointestinal cancer.
Nanoparticles and danger signals: Oral delivery vehicles as potential disruptors of intestinal barrier homeostasis
Authors: Vita Alexandra A , Royse Emily A , Pullen Nicholas A
Published: March 2019

Gut immune system homeostasis involves diverse structural interactions among resident microbiota, the protective mucus layer, and a variety of cells (intestinal epithelial, lymphoid, and myeloid). Due to the substantial surface area in direct contact with an “external” environment and the diversity of xenobiotic, abiotic, and self-interactions coordinating to maintain gut homeostasis, there is enhanced potential for the generation of endogenous danger signals when this balance is lost. Here, we focus on the potential generation and reception of damage in the gut resulting from exposure to nanoparticles (NPs), common food and drug additives. Specifically, we describe recent evidence in the literature showing that certain NPs are potential generators of damage-associated molecular patterns, as well as potential immune-stimulating molecular patterns themselves.
Translating preclinical MRI methods to clinical oncology
Authors: Hormuth David A. , Sorace Anna G. , Virostko John , Abramson Richard G. , Bhujwalla Zaver M. , Enriquez‐Navas Pedro , Gillies Robert , Hazle John D. , Mason Ralph P. , Quarles C. Chad , Weis Jared A. , Whisenant Jennifer G. , Xu Junzhong , Yankeelov Thomas E.
Published: March 2019

The complexity of modern in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods in oncology has dramatically changed in the last 10 years. The field has long since moved passed its (unparalleled) ability to form images with exquisite soft‐tissue contrast and morphology, allowing for the enhanced identification of primary tumors and metastatic disease. Currently, it is not uncommon to acquire images related to blood flow, cellularity, and macromolecular content in the clinical setting. The acquisition of images related to metabolism, hypoxia, pH, and tissue stiffness are also becoming common. All of these techniques have had some component of their invention, development, refinement, validation, and initial applications in the preclinical setting using in vivo animal models of cancer. In this review, we discuss the genesis of quantitative MRI methods that have been successfully translated from preclinical research and developed into clinical applications. These include methods that interrogate perfusion, diffusion, pH, hypoxia, macromolecular content, and tissue mechanical properties for improving detection, staging, and response monitoring of cancer. For each of these techniques, we summarize the 1) underlying biological mechanism(s); 2) preclinical applications; 3) available repeatability and reproducibility data; 4) clinical applications; and 5) limitations of the technique. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned from translating MRI methods from the preclinical to clinical setting, and a presentation of four fundamental problems in cancer imaging that, if solved, would result in a profound improvement in the lives of oncology patients.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1377–1392.
A Review of Experimental Research on Embodied Creativity: Revisiting the Mind–Body Connection
Authors: Frith Emily , Miller Stephanie , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: March 2019

A growing body of experimental work highlights the potential value of unstructured, interactive, or spontaneous motions, including gestures, dance, shifting body postures, physical object‐manipulation, drawing, etc. to favorably impact creative performance. However, despite these favorable findings, to our knowledge, no systematic review has been conducted to explore the totality of evidence for embodied activities in this arena. Thus, the objective of this paper was to systematically evaluate the potential effects of embodied experimental manipulations on traditionally assessed creativity outcomes. A systematic review was conducted utilizing PubMed, PsychInfo, Sports Discus, and Google Scholar databases. The 20 studies evaluated employed a variety of methodological approaches regarding study design, embodied manipulation, and selection of specific creativity outcomes. Despite these variations, embodied movement robustly enhanced creativity across nearly all studies (90%), with no studies showing a detrimental effect. Based on the evaluation of the studies reviewed, several common themes emerged. These included the relevance of symbolic metaphors and distributed embodied cognitions, selection of embodied modality, specific measurement considerations, as well as the importance for implementing true, inactive control conditions in embodied creativity research. This review expands on these findings and places them in the context of improving future embodied creativity research.
The association between stage‐grade of periodontitis and sleep quality and oral health‒related quality of life
Authors: Karaaslan Fatih , Dikilitaş Ahu
Published: March 2019

Background

Inadequate sleep increases inflammatory and proinflammatory markers among many other influences. Due to its potential to influence inflammation and oxidative stress, which are the main pathogenetic mechanisms actually recognized in the periodontal damage, poor sleep quality could be a factor for periodontitis and quality of life (QoL). In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate the association of stage‐grade of periodontitis with sleep quality. and the effect of periodontitis on QoL.

Methods

The study consisted of clinical examination and a questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on demographic information, Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Patients were diagnosed according to the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐Implant Diseases and Conditions. Clinical examination included probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL).

Results

The mean age of 99 participants was 30.27 ± 5.80 years ranging from 18 to 40‐years. The mean clinical values of the patients in this study included AL, 4.03 ± 2.46 mm, and PD, 4.27 ± 1.55 mm. The mean of the global OHIP‐14 score was 13.43 ± 6.23 and the mean PSQI global score was 6.57 ± 3.53.

Conclusions

Stage‐grade of periodontitis was associated with short sleep duration, low‐sleep quality, and low oral health‒related quality of life.
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF)–sakacin‐A active material: production, characterization and application in storage trials of smoked salmon
Authors: Mapelli Chiara , Musatti Alida , Barbiroli Alberto , Saini Seema , Bras Julien , Cavicchioli Daniele , Rollini Manuela
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Sakacin‐A due to its specific antimicrobial activity may represent a good candidate to develop active packaging solutions for food items supporting Listeria growth. In the present study a protein extract containing the bacteriocin sakacin‐A, produced by Lactobacillus sakei Lb 706 in a low‐cost culture medium containing deproteinized cheese whey, was adsorbed onto cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) to obtain an active material to be used as a mat (or a separator) in direct contact with foods.

RESULTS

The applied fermentation conditions allowed 4.51 g L−1 of freeze‐dried protein extract to be obtained, characterized by an antimicrobial activity of near 16 700 AU g−1, that was used for the preparation of the active material by casting. The active material was then characterized by infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analyses. Antimicrobial trials were carried out in vitro using Listeria innocua as indicator strain; results were also confirmed in vivo, employing smoked salmon fillets intentionally inoculated with Listeria innocua: its final population was reduced to about 2.5—3 Log cycles after 28 days of storage at 6 °C in presence of sakacin‐A, compared with negative control mats produced without the bacteriocin extract.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the possibility of producing an antimicrobial active material containing sakacin‐A absorbed onto CNFs to decrease Listeria population in smoked salmon, a ready‐to eat‐food product. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of native rye, wheat and triticale starch
Authors: Strąk‐Graczyk Ewelina , Balcerek Maria , Przybylsk Katarzyna , Żyżelewicz Dorota
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The increasing global demand for starchy raw material requires new methods for obtaining ethanol from a range of plants using environmentally friendly methods. Granular starch‐hydrolyzing enzymes (GSHE) can effectively support the development of the distillery industry.

RESULTS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of native rye, wheat or triticale starch. Mashes were prepared using methods that limit water and energy consumption (pre‐hydrolysis at 35 °C for 30 min). The results show that the degree of starch saccharification depended on the raw material. However, the highest yields of ethanol were obtained with 100 kg of triticale mashes (38.9 ± 1.4 L absolute alcohol) as compared to rye and wheat mashes. The concentration of dry matter (between 250 and 280 g L−1) in the mashes was not associated with a decrease in ethanol yield and improved efficiency in the case of wheat and triticale.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation offers a low‐cost and environmentally friendly alternative to existing procedures for industrial ethanol production, which may be of particular interest to raw‐spirit producers, as well as to the food and fermentation industry at large. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of Gastric Emptying in Cystic Fibrosis Using Bedside Ultrasonography
Authors: Nazareth Dilip , Mohan Kamlesh , Fewins Hilary , Walshaw Martin
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Although gastric emptying rate (GER) influences incretin response and nutrient absorption, both defective in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), there are few studies in this group, and the circadian rhythm is unknown. We employed an ultrasonographic technique to assess GER in people with CF following liquid and mixed meals and also evaluated the circadian rhythm, compared to normal controls.

Methods

Thirteen pancreatic‐insufficient adults with CF and 10 healthy controls underwent a fasting oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; liquid meal) and on a second visit underwent a fasting mixed meal test (MMT) thrice on the same day. GER was measured during the OGTT and each MMT using a 3.5‐MHz abdominal transducer probe at baseline and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes.

Results

Controls had normal GER for both OGTT and MMT. Compared to controls, people with CF had delayed GER60 for OGTT (mean 46%), which increased with time (P = .001), and also delayed GER90 for MMT in the morning (mean 56%), afternoon (58%), and evening (59%). The GER in the control group was better at all time points throughout the day compared to patients with CF.

Conclusions

This is the first study to use ultrasonography, an inexpensive bedside technique, to assess GER in adults with CF. For the first time, we have shown that adults with CF have delayed GER for both liquid and mixed meals, and this delay continues throughout the day.
Principles of Structural Design of Conjugated Polymers Showing Excellent Charge Transport toward Thermoelectrics and Bioelectronics Applications
Authors: Goel Mahima , Heinrich C. David , Krauss Gert , Thelakkat Mukundan
Published: March 2019

Conjugated polymers, especially their second generation with a donor–acceptor alternating structure, have promising properties. These are suitable for two emerging fields, thermoelectrics and bioelectronics, if appropriate structural designs are implemented. This review aims to give a perspective for the potential and challenges of novel conjugated polymers in such applications. In particular, the aspects of synthetic design and the consequences of modifications of the chemical structure on the charge transport in selected second‐generation conjugated polymers are reviewed. By understanding the effects of structural motifs on the overall material properties, polymers can be specifically tailored for the respective application. The basics of charge transport measurements are briefly summarized, as the charge transport plays an important role for thermoelectrics as well as for bioelectronics. In particular, the correlation between the reported charge carrier mobility values and the structural design of the polymers is reviewed. Examples of the application of second‐generation conducting polymers in thermoelectrics and bioelectronics are shown to demonstrate the current state of research. Finally, the prospect of a purposeful design of new materials for these two emerging fields is discussed.
Chlorinated Polymers for Efficient Solar Cells with High Open Circuit Voltage: The Influence of Different Thiazole Numbers
Authors: Yuan Xiyue , Wang Qian , Zhu Dangqiang , Shahid Bilal , Yang Renqiang
Published: March 2019

The chlorination strategy has gradually become a promising approach to improve the open circuit voltage (VOC) in polymer solar cells. In this work, by using an efficient thiazole‐induced strategy in a polymer backbone, three thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene (TT)‐based polymers—PBClTTz‐0, PBClTTz‐1, and PBClTTz‐2—are designed and synthesized with a Cl‐substituted benzodithiophene (BDT) moiety and a thiazole unit as a π spacer. As expected, all of the polymers show a desirable open circuit voltage (VOC) of >0.94 V in the solar cells; specifically, the voltage can reach 1.01 V for polymer PBClTTz‐2 with two thiazole moieties. In addition, due to the excellent surface morphology and weak recombination of the active layer, photovoltaic devices based on PBClTTz‐1 with one thiazole unit exhibit the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.42%, which is noticeably superior to the fluorinated analogue PBClTTz‐0 (6.85%). This work reveals the influence of the thiazole unit in a quinoid polymer backbone and confirms that the Donor‐Acceptor(π)‐Quinoid strategy is a promising construction method in molecular design.
Conformable fractional Sturm‐Liouville equation
Authors: Allahverdiev Bilender P. , Tuna Hüseyin , Yalçinkaya Yüksel
Published: March 2019

In this article, we discuss a conformable fractional Sturm‐Liouville boundary‐value problem. We prove an existence and uniqueness theorem for this equation and formulate a self‐adjoint boundary value problem. We also construct the associated Green function of this problem, and we give the eigenfunction expansions. Finally, we will give some examples.
Interpolated CT for attenuation correction on respiratory gating cardiac SPECT/CT — A simulation study
Authors: Zhang Duo , Ghaly Michael , Mok Greta S. P.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Respiratory gated four‐dimensional (4D) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with phase‐matched CT reduces respiratory blurring and attenuation correction (AC) artifacts in cardiac SPECT. This study aims to develop and investigate the effectiveness of an interpolated CT (ICT) method for improved cardiac SPECT AC using simulations.

Methods

We used the 4D XCAT phantom to simulate a population of ten patients varied in gender, anatomy, 99mTc‐sestamibi distribution, respiratory patterns, and disease states. Simulated 120 SPECT projection data were rebinned into six equal count gates. Activity and attenuation maps in each gate were averaged as gated SPECT and CT (GCT). Three helical CTs were simulated at end‐inspiration (HCT‐IN), end‐expiration (HCT‐EX), and mid‐respiration (HCT‐MID). The ICTs were obtained from HCT‐EX and HCT‐IN using the motion vector field generated between them from affine plus b‐spline registration. Projections were reconstructed by OS‐EM method, using GCT, ICT, and three HCTs for AC. Reconstructed images of each gate were registered to end‐expiration and averaged to generate the polar plots. Relative difference for each segment and relative defect size were computed using images of GCT AC as reference.

Results

The average of maximum relative difference through ten phantoms was 7.93 ± 4.71%, 2.50 ± 0.98%, 3.58 ± 0.74%, and 2.14 ± 0.56% for noisy HCT‐IN, HCT‐MID, HCT‐EX, and ICT AC data, respectively. The ICT showed closest defect size to GCT while the differences from HCTs can be over 40%.

Conclusion

We conclude that the performance of ICT is similar to GCT. It improves the image quality and quantitative accuracy for respiratory‐gated cardiac SPECT as compared to conventional HCT, while it can potentially further reduce the radiation dose of GCT.
Radiofrequency transmit calibration: A multi‐center evaluation of vendor‐provided radiofrequency transmit mapping methods
Authors: Bliesener Yannick , Zhong Xinran , Guo Yi , Boss Michael , Bosca Ryan , Laue Hendrik , Chung Caroline , Sung Kyunghyun , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To determine the accuracy and test‐retest repeatability of fast radiofrequency (RF) transmit measurement approaches used in Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE‐MRI). Spatial variation in the transmitted RF field introduces bias and increased variance in quantitative DCE‐MRI metrics including tracer kinetic parameter maps. If unaccounted for, these errors can dominate all other sources of bias and variance. The amount and pattern of variation depend on scanner‐specific hardware and software.

Methods

Human tissue mimicking torso and brain phantoms were constructed. RF transmit maps were measured and compared across eight different commercial scanners, from three major vendors, and three clinical sites. Vendor‐recommended rapid methods for RF mapping were compared to a slower reference method. Imaging was repeated at all sites after 2 months. Ranges and magnitude of RF inhomogeneity were compared scanner‐wise at two time points. Limits of Agreement of vendor‐recommended methods and double‐angle reference method were assessed.

Results

At 3 T, B1+ inhomogeneity spans across 35% in the head and 120% in the torso. Fast vendor provided methods are within 30% agreement with the reference double angle method for both the head and the torso phantom.

Conclusions

If unaccounted for, B1+ inhomogeneity can severely impact tracer‐kinetic parameter estimation. Depending on the scanner, fast vendor provided B1+ mapping sequences allow unbiased and reproducible measurements of B1+ inhomogeneity to correct for this source of bias.
Development and evaluation of a 16‐channel receive‐only RF coil to improve 7T ultra‐high field body MRI with focus on the spine
Authors: Rietsch Stefan H. G. , Brunheim Sascha , Orzada Stephan , Voelker Maximilian N. , Maderwald Stefan , Bitz Andreas K. , Gratz Marcel , Ladd Mark E. , Quick Harald H.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

A 16‐channel receive (16Rx) radiofrequency (RF) array for 7T ultra‐high field body MR imaging is presented. The coil is evaluated in conjunction with a 16‐channel transmit/receive (16TxRx) coil and additionally with a 32‐channel transmit/receive (32TxRx) remote body coil for RF transmit and serving as receive references.

Methods

The 16Rx array consists of 16 octagonal overlapping loops connected to custom‐built detuning boards with preamplifiers. Performance metrics like noise correlation, g‐factors, and signal‐to‐noise ratio gain were compared between 4 different RF coil configurations. In vivo body imaging was performed in volunteers using radiofrequency shimming, time interleaved acquisition of modes (TIAMO), and 2D spatially selective excitation using parallel transmit (pTx) in the spine.

Results

Lower g‐factors were obtained when using the 16Rx coil in addition to the 16TxRx array coil configuration versus the 16TxRx array alone. Distinct signal‐to‐noise ratio gain using the 16Rx coil could be demonstrated in the spine region both for a comparison with the 16TxRx coil (>50% gain) in vivo and the 32TxRx coil (>240% gain) in a phantom. The 16Rx coil was successfully applied to improve anatomical imaging in the abdomen and 2D spatially selective excitation in the spine of volunteers.

Conclusion

The novel 16‐channel Rx‐array as an add‐on to multichannel TxRx RF coil configurations provides increased signal‐to‐noise ratio, lower g‐factors, and thus improves 7T ultra‐high field body MR imaging.
A comparison of static and dynamic ∆B0 mapping methods for correction of CEST MRI in the presence of temporal B0 field variations
Authors: Poblador Rodriguez Esau , Moser Philipp , Dymerska Barbara , Robinson Simon , Schmitt Benjamin , van der Kouwe Andre , Gruber Stephan , Trattnig Siegfried , Bogner Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To assess the performance, in the presence of scanner instabilities, of three dynamic correction methods which integrate ∆B0 mapping into the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) measurement and three established static ∆B0‐correction approaches.

Methods

A homogeneous phantom and five healthy volunteers were scanned with a CEST sequence at 7 T. The in vivo measurements were performed twice: first with unaltered system frequency and again applying frequency shifts during the CEST acquisition. In all cases, retrospective voxel‐wise ∆B0‐correction was performed using one intrinsic and two extrinsic [prescans with dual‐echo gradient‐echo and water saturation shift referencing (WASSR)] static approaches. These were compared with two intrinsic [using phase data directly generated by single‐echo or double‐echo GRE (gradient‐echo) CEST readout (CEST‐GRE‐2TE)] and one extrinsic [phase from interleaved dual‐echo EPI (echo planar imaging) navigator (NAV‐EPI‐2TE)] dynamic ∆B0‐correction approaches [allowing correction of each Z‐spectral point before magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) analysis].

Results

All three dynamic methods successfully mapped the induced drift. The intrinsic approaches were affected by the CEST labeling near water (∆ω < |0.3| ppm). The MTRasym contrast was distorted by the frequency drift in the brain by up to 0.21%/Hz when static ∆B0‐corrections were applied, whereas the dynamic ∆B0 corrections reduced this to <0.01%/Hz without the need of external scans. The CEST‐GRE‐2TE and NAV‐EPI‐2TE resulted in highly consistent MTRasym values with/without drift for all subjects.

Conclusion

Reliable correction of scanner instabilities is essential to establish clinical CEST MRI. The three dynamic approaches presented improved the ∆B0‐correction performance significantly in the presence of frequency drift compared to established static methods. Among them, the self‐corrected CEST‐GRE‐2TE was the most accurate and straightforward to implement.