bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does shared genetic risk contribute to the co‐occurrence of eating disorders and suicidality?
Authors: Wade Tracey D. , Fairweather‐Schmidt A. Kate , Zhu Gu , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: May 2015

Objective

There is a high level of co‐occurrence of suicidality with eating disorders (EDs) but the reason for this is unknown. To test the hypothesis that suicidality and EDs share genetic risk contributing to the expression of both phenotypes.

Method

Female twins (N = 1,002) from the Australian Twin Registry, aged 28–40 years, were interviewed with diagnostic interviews. Lifetime diagnostic information relating to eating disorders [anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder, and purging disorder (PD)], suicidality (ranging transitory thoughts to suicide attempts), and major depression.

Results

Any suicidal thoughts were reported by 24% of the sample, but prevalence of lifetime suicidality among female twins with EDs was much higher (43%), presence of an ED diagnosis more than doubling likelihood of suicidality (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.63–3.31). AN and BN conveyed greatest risk of suicidality (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.06–3.87; OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 2.01–7.85, respectively). Twin phenotype correlations showed monozygotic twins had uniformly higher estimates than dizygotic counterparts. A trivariate Cholesky model indicated a common genetic influence on suicidality and ED phenotypes (but not depression), and no nonshared environmental source.

Discussion

Both cross twin phenotypic correlations and genetic modeling infer a common genetic pathway for suicidality and EDs, but further investigation is needed to elucidate whether this may constitute emotional dysregulation or other temperament‐linked factors. Study findings also indicate that ED clients must be routinely assessed for presence of suicidality, independent of depression status. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:684–691)
Virulence of oomycete pathogens from Phragmites australis‐invaded and noninvaded soils to seedlings of wetland plant species
Authors: Crocker Ellen V. , Karp Mary Ann , Nelson Eric B.
Published: May 2015

Soil pathogens affect plant community structure and function through negative plant–soil feedbacks that may contribute to the invasiveness of non‐native plant species. Our understanding of these pathogen‐induced soil feedbacks has relied largely on observations of the collective impact of the soil biota on plant populations, with few observations of accompanying changes in populations of specific soil pathogens and their impacts on invasive and noninvasive species. As a result, the roles of specific soil pathogens in plant invasions remain unknown. In this study, we examine the diversity and virulence of soil oomycete pathogens in freshwater wetland soils invaded by non‐native Phragmites australis (European common reed) to better understand the potential for soil pathogen communities to impact a range of native and non‐native species and influence invasiveness. We isolated oomycetes from four sites over a 2‐year period, collecting nearly 500 isolates belonging to 36 different species. These sites were dominated by species of Pythium, many of which decreased seedling survival of a range of native and invasive plants. Despite any clear host specialization, many of the Pythium species were differentially virulent to the native and non‐native plant species tested. Isolates from invaded and noninvaded soils were equally virulent to given individual plant species, and no apparent differences in susceptibility were observed between the collective groups of native and non‐native plant species.
State‐Dependent Modulation of Cortical Synchrony by Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Adult Rats
Authors: USAMI KENICHI , KANO RYUJI , KAWAI KENSUKE , NODA TAKAHIRO , SHIRAMATSU TOMOYO ISOGUCHI , SAITO NOBUHITO , TAKAHASHI HIROKAZU
Published: May 2015

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a palliative treatment for intractable epilepsy. Therapeutic mechanisms of VNS have not been elucidated. In this study, we measured the local field potential (LFP) with high‐spatial resolution using a microelectrode array in adult rats, and analyzed VNS‐induced phase modulation at a local network level. Eight adult Wistar rats (270–330 g) were used. Each rat underwent implantation of a VNS system under 1.5% isoflurane anesthesia. One week after implantation, right temporal craniotomy was performed under the same anesthesia as previously. Subsequently, a microelectrode array was placed in the temporal lobe cortex, and the LFP was recorded with a sampling rate of 1000 Hz. Phase‐locking values (PLV) between all pairs of electrodes in varied frequency bands were calculated in order to evaluate the effect of VNS in terms of synchrony of neuronal activities. The PLV was calculated both in a normal state and in an epileptic state induced by kainic acid. VNS increased the PLV in a normal state, particularly in the high‐γ band. In an epileptic state, on the other hand, VNS increased the PLV in the high‐γ band and decreased the PLV in the δ and low‐β bands. These results suggest that VNS modulates neural activities in a band‐specific and state‐dependent manner so as to keep cortical synchrony within the optimal state.
Preparation of Halogen‐Containing 4H‐Pyrido[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones and Their Transformation into 2‐Hydroxypyridinyl‐Substituted 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles and 1,2,4‐Triazoles
Authors: Le Falher Laetitia , Ben Ayad Omar , Ziyaret Ozge , Botuha Candice , Thorimbert Serge , Slowinski Franck
Published: May 2015

A complete study on the preparation of original halogen‐containing 4H‐pyrido[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones and their transformation into 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles and 1,2,4‐triazoles is presented. Starting from pyridyl‐imide sodium salts, the efficiency of the intramolecular O‐arylation was studied on three series of compounds, with different fluoro‐, chloro‐, and bromophenyl substituents at the C‐2 position. The final halogenated compounds are of interest as new synthons for future functionalisation. We also present the discovery of a new, rapid, and complementary access to 2‐substituted 4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazinones. Finally, the one‐step transformation of some of these pyrido‐oxazinones into the corresponding hydroxypyridyl‐substituted 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles and 1,2,4‐triazoles was explored, and the regioselectivity of the reaction was proved by X‐ray crystallography.
Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted Pyrido[1′,2′:1,5]pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyridazines by Means of SNAr and Palladium‐Catalysed Reactions
Authors: Belaroussi Rabia , El Hakmaoui Ahmed , Percina Nathalie , Chartier Agnes , Marchivie Mathieu , Massip Stéphane , Jarry Christian , Akssira Mohamed , Guillaumet Gérald , Routier Sylvain
Published: May 2015

The first efficient synthesis of various 1,4‐disubstituted pyrido[1′,2′:1,5]pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyridazines is reported. The reactivity toward chlorine release at the C‐1 and C‐4 positions was investigated. SNAr and palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions were carried out, and conditions were optimised for each procedure. 1,4‐Bis(het)aryl derivatives were obtained under a Suzuki cross‐coupling procedure whereas SNAr substitution was achieved mainly at C‐1 in preference to C‐4. The monosubstituted C‐4 morpholino derivative was used as a starting material to provide dissymmetrical 1,4‐diaminated or 1‐(het)aryl‐4‐morpholino products.
Spatio‐temporal functional data analysis for wireless sensor networks data
Authors: Lee D.‐J. , Zhu Z. , Toscas P.
Published: May 2015

A new methodology is proposed for the analysis, modeling, and forecasting of data collected from a wireless sensor network. Our approach is considered in the framework of a functional data‐analysis paradigm where observed data is represented in a functional form. To reduce dimensionality, functional principal components analysis is applied to highlight important underlying characteristics and find patterns of variations. The principal scores are modeled with tensor product smooths that allow for smoothing over space and time. The model is then used for simultaneous spatial prediction at unsampled locations and to forecast future observations. We consider soil temperature data from a wireless sensor network of 50 sensor nodes in two different land types (grassland and forest) observed during 60 consecutive days in private property close to Yass, New South Wales, Australia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evacuation experiments in a virtual reality high‐rise building: exit choice and waiting time for evacuation elevators
Authors: Andrée Kristin , Nilsson Daniel , Eriksson Joakim
Published: May 2015

The egress strategy in high‐rise buildings has traditionally been based on the sole use of stairs for evacuation. However, it is becoming more common to include evacuation elevators in the egress strategy in high‐rise buildings. Traditionally, evacuation elevators have not been allowed as an evacuation route, and people have been instructed to not use elevators in case of fire. This means that people might still not consider evacuation elevators even if they are designed to be safe in case of fire. Even if people choose evacuation elevators, they might not be willing to wait very long for an elevator to arrive. Virtual reality (VR) experiments were conducted to study exit choice and the waiting time for evacuation elevators in high‐rise buildings. The experiment was performed in a VR lab with a VR model of an existing high‐rise building. Results suggest that a simple way‐finding system using green flashing lights can influence people to more likely choose the elevator as their first evacuation choice. The results also show that the general trend is that people wait for either a limited time (<5 min) or a long time (>20 min). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cosmic Collisions in the Experimental Chamber
Authors: Kenkmann Thomas , Poelchau Michael , Deutsch Alex , Thoma Klaus
Published: May 2015

Shedding new light on fundamental evolutionary processes in the solar system: from the beginnings of our planet to the present day, asteroids and comets have shaped the geological development of planetary bodies. The high‐speed processes that occur during impact events are now being modelled by a group of researchers in the laboratory.
IL‐33 promotes MHC class II expression in murine mast cells
Authors: Ito Tomonobu , Egusa Chizu , Maeda Tatsuo , Numata Takafumi , Nakano Nobuhiro , Nishiyama Chiharu , Tsuboi Ryoji
Published: May 2015

Mast cells (MCs), recognized as tissue‐resident cells of hematopoietic origin, are involved in cellular and pathological manifestations of allergic disorders including atopic dermatitis. IL‐33, a member of the IL‐1 cytokine family, activates Th2‐type immune responses, and promotes the degranulation and maturation of MCs. However, it is uncertain whether IL‐33 treatment induces mature mast cells to acquire the characteristics of the monocyte‐dendritic cell lineage.We investigated the effect of IL‐33 on the MHC class II expression and function of murine mast cells. IL‐33‐treated mature murine bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMCs) were analyzed by FACS, real‐time PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, and Western blotting. The morphology and degranulation activity of BMMCs and T‐cell activation by BMMCs were also examined. BMMCs treated with IL‐33 for 10 days induced cell surface expression of the MHC class II protein, whereas the expression of FcεRI and c‐kit was not affected by IL‐33. The expression of CIITA, driven from pIII and pIV, was up‐regulated in IL‐33‐treated BMMCs. The amount of PU.1 mRNA and protein significantly increased in IL‐33‐treated BMMCs. The ChIP assay showed PU.1 binding to CIITA pIII, and enhanced histone acetylation due to IL‐33 treatment. Syngeneic T cells were activated by co‐culture with IL‐33‐treated BMMCs, although the expression of the co‐stimulatory molecules, CD40, CD80, CD86, and PDL‐1, was not detected. Mast cells express MHC class II after prolonged exposure to IL‐33, probably due to enhanced recruitment of PU.1 to CIITA pIII, resulting in transactivation of CIITA and MHC class II. IL‐33 is an important cytokine in allergic disorders. Mast cells have the ability to express MHC class II after prolonged exposure to IL‐33 in a murine model. IL‐33 holds a key to understanding the etiology of atopic dermatitis.
Bacterial clearance reverses a skewed T‐cell repertoire induced by Salmonella infection
Authors: Leyva‐Rangel Jessica P. , de los Angeles Hernández‐Cueto Maria , Galan‐Enriquez Carlos‐Samuel , López‐Medina Marcela , Ortiz‐Navarrete Vianney
Published: May 2015

Salmonella typhimurium invades the spleen, liver, and peripheral lymph nodes and has recently been detected in the bone marrow and thymus, resulting in a reduced thymic size and a decline in the total number of thymic cells. A specific deletion of the double‐positive cell subset has been characterized, yet the export of mature T cells to the periphery remains normal. We analyzed Salmonella pathogenesis regarding thymic structure and the T‐cell maturation process. We demonstrate that, despite alterations in the thymic structure, T‐cell development is maintained during Salmonella infection, allowing the selection of single‐positive T‐cell clones expressing particular T‐cell receptor beta chains (TCR‐Vβ). Moreover, the treatment of infected mice with an antibiotic restored the normal thymic architecture and thymocyte subset distribution. Additionally, the frequency of TCR‐Vβ usage after treatment was comparable to that in non‐infected mice. However, bacteria were still recovered from the thymus after 1 month of treatment. Our data reveal that a skewed T‐cell developmental process is present in the Salmonella‐infected thymus that alters the TCR‐Vβ usage frequency. Likewise, the post‐treatment persistence of Salmonella reveals a novel function of the thymus as a potential reservoir for this infectious agent.
CDKN2a mutation‐negative melanoma families have increased risk exclusively for skin cancers but not for other malignancies
Authors: Helgadottir Hildur , Höiom Veronica , Tuominen Rainer , Jönsson Göran , Månsson‐Brahme Eva , Olsson Håkan , Hansson Johan
Published: May 2015

Germline CDKN2A mutations are found in 5–20% of melanoma families. Numerous studies have shown that carriers of CDKN2A mutations have increased risks of non‐melanoma cancers, but so far there have been no studies investigating cancer risks in CDKN2A wild type (wt) melanoma families. In this prospective cohort study, index melanoma cases (n = 224) and their first‐degree relatives (n = 944) were identified from 154 confirmed CDKN2A wt melanoma families. Cancer diagnoses in family members and matched controls were obtained from the Swedish Cancer Registry. Relative risks (RR), odds ratios (OR) and two‐sided 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. In index cases and first‐degree relatives, the prospective RR for melanoma was 56.9 (95% CI 31.4–102.1) and 7.0 (95% CI 4.2–11.4), respectively, and for squamous cell skin cancers 9.1 (95% CI 6.0–13.7) and 3.4 (95% CI 2.2–5.2), respectively. In neither group, elevated risks were seen for non‐skin cancers. In a subgroup analysis, CDKN2A wt melanoma families with young (<40 years) melanoma cases were found to have increased risk of non‐skin cancers (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–1.5). Further, MC1R gene variants were increased in familial melanoma cases compared to controls (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.4). Our findings suggest that in the majority of CDKN2A wt melanoma families, a segregation of variants in low‐risk melanoma genes such as MC1R causes increased skin cancer susceptibility, rather than mutations in high‐risk cancer predisposing genes, such mutations are more probable to be found in melanoma families with young melanoma cases. This study further supports an implication of CDKN2A mutation screening as a clinical test that determines counseling and follows up routines of melanoma families.
Evaluation of the Alere NT‐proBNP Test for Point of Care Testing
Authors: Khezri Banafsheh Seyyed , Carlsson Lena , Larsson Anders
Published: May 2015

Background

The object of the study was to evaluate the Alere point of care NT‐proBNP assay as a suitable alternative to the central laboratory method to provide short test turnaround times in primary care.

Method

Blood NT‐proBNP results obtained with the Alere assay (n = 100) were compared with serum NT‐proBNP results analyzed by a Cobas 8000 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany).

Results

There was a good agreement between the two NT‐proBNP methods when used as a rule‐out test for heart failure (HF) and the cut‐off value <300 ng/l. A total of 47 samples gave values <300 ng/L with both methods and 51 samples gave values >300 with both methods. Thus, there was an agreement for 98% of the samples.

Conclusions

The study shows that the Alere NT‐proBNP assay could be used in primary care permitting rapid NT‐proBNP testing to rule out HF.
Tacrolimus 0.03% ointment in labial discoid lupus erythematosus: A randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wang Xiangjian , Zhang Lin , Luo Jingjing , Wu Zhongting , Mei Yingying , Wang Yuhong , Li Xiaoying , Wang Wanchun , Zhou Hongmei
Published: May 2015

In this randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare efficacy and safety, 41 patients with labial discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) were randomized to 2 groups, either receiving tacrolimus 0.03% ointment (n = 22) or triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream (n = 19). Each patient was treated with 3, 2, and 1 daily doses in the first, second, and third weeks, respectively, for 1 course. After the 3 week treatment, patients with complete disappearance of erosion were followed up for 3 months. After the 3 week application, 20 participants in the tacrolimus group and 19 in the triamcinolone acetonide group completed the study. The rates of complete response were 70% and 89.5% in tacrolimus‐treated and triamcinolone acetonide–treated patients, respectively, with no significant difference (P = .235). Reduction in erosion and erythema showed no significant difference between groups (P > .05). Final reduction in reticulation areas and numeric rating scale scores were significantly greater in the tacrolimus group than in the triamcinolone acetonide group (P = .013; P = .048, respectively). Only 1 patient receiving tacrolimus presented with slight discomfort. There was no significant difference in 3 month recurrence rate between the groups (P > .05). Topical tacrolimus is considered as effective as triamcinolone acetonide for the management of labial DLE.
High accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing the presence and type of groin hernia
Authors: Lee Ryan Ka Lok , Griffith James F. , Ng Wing Hung Alex
Published: May 2015

Background

To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound (US) in diagnosing the the presence and type of groin hernia.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the results of 172 US examinations of the groin in 151 patients (101 men and 50 women; mean age, 59 years) who had undergone US examination for suspected groin hernia. In total, 119 of the groin hernias had been diagnosed on US, and 108 (91%) had required subsequent surgery. All patients who had had positive results for hernia on US and did not undergo surgery (n = 11) and most of the patients whose US results had been negative for hernia (n = 48) underwent limited MRI or CT scanning. We determined the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US in diagnosing the presence and type of groin hernia. To identify any change in the accuracy of US over time at our institution, we compared the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of its use from January 2002 through December 2010 (n = 54 groins) with those from January 2011 through December 2012 (n = 118 groins).

Results

The overall rates of sensitivity and specificity of US for diagnosing the presence of groin hernia were 96% and 96%. These rates reflect improvements from 92% and 88% prior to 2011 to 98% and 100% beginning in 2011. In addition, the overall accuracy of US for diagnosing the type of groin hernia was 96%. This also improved over time at our center from 91% prior to 2011 to 98% beginning in 2011.

Conclusions

US is highly accurate at diagnosing the presence and type of groin hernia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:538–547, 2015
Immunohistochemical and lectin histochemical studies on the developing olfactory organs of fetal camel
Authors: Ibrahim Dalia , Taniguchi Kazumi , Yamamoto Yoshio , Taniguchi Kazuyuki , Nakamuta Nobuaki
Published: May 2015

Little is known about the development of the olfactory organs of camel. In this study, prenatal development and neuronal differentiation of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the olfactory epithelium (OE) of the one‐humped camel were studied by immunohistochemistry and lectin histochemistry. A neuronal marker, protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, but not a marker of fully differentiated olfactory receptor cells, olfactory marker protein, intensely labeled the olfactory receptor cells of the VNO and OE at 395 mm, 510 mm, and 530 mm fetal ages, indicating that the olfactory receptor cells are differentiated, but not fully matured both in the VNO and the OE. In 187 mm and 190 mm fetuses, PGP 9.5 yielded faint immunoreactive signals in the VNO, but not in the OE, although the presence of olfactory receptor cells were demonstrated in both tissues by intense WGA and LEL stainings. We conclude that the camel VNO and OE bear differentiated, but still immature receptor cells; in addition, the onset of neuronal differentiation seems to be somewhat earlier in the VNO than in the OE till half of the prenatal life. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:613–619, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRI‐guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy of thoracic and lumbar spine using a 0.23t scanner with optical instrument tracking
Authors: Liu Ming , Sequeiros Roberto Blanco , Xu Yujun , He Xiangmeng , Zhu Tongyin , Li Lei , Lü Yubo , Huang Jie , Li Chengli
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the safety and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy of thoracic and lumbar spine using 0.23T magnetic resonance imaging with optical tracking.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐seven thoracic and lumbar spine lesions in 67 patients underwent MRI‐guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy using 0.23T MRI with optical tracking. These lesions were divided into two groups according to the location: 16 lesions in the thoracic spine and 51 lesions in the lumbar spine. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated, and comparison of the two groups was performed using Fisher's exact test. Each patient was monitored for complications.

Results

All specimens obtained were sufficient for diagnosis. Histological examination of MRI‐guided percutaneous biopsy revealed 38 malignant and 29 benign lesions. The final diagnoses from surgery or clinical follow‐up were 42 malignant lesions and 25 benign lesions. The combined diagnostic performance of MRI‐guided percutaneous transpedicular thoracic and lumbar biopsy in diagnosing malignant tumors was as follows: accuracy, 94%; sensitivity, 89%; and specificity, 100%. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 1, Fisher's exact test). No serious complications occurred.

Conclusion

MRI‐guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy is a safe and accurate diagnostic technique to evaluate thoracic and lumbar spine lesions. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1740–1746.
Prognostic relevance of apparent diffusion coefficient obtained by diffusion‐weighted MRI in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kurosawa Jo , Tawada Katsunobu , Mikata Rintaro , Ishihara Takeshi , Tsuyuguchi Toshio , Saito Masayoshi , Shimofusa Ryota , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Miyazaki Masaru , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: May 2015

Background

Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) is utilized as a method of oncologic imaging for predicting treatment outcomes. This study explored the role of DW‐MRI in the treatment of patients with resected pancreatic cancer by comparing apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values with clinicopathological findings and survival rates.

Materials and Methods

Records of 54 patients in whom DW‐MRI at 1.5T was performed (b values: 0 and 1000 mm2/s) before macroscopically curative resection were analyzed. ADC values were then calculated and compared with clinicopathological factors including age, gender, serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels, serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels, lymph node metastasis, primary tumoral location, size, differentiation, resectability, and pT stage. A survival analysis of clinicopathological factors and ADC values was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the results were evaluated with the log‐rank test. Prognostic significance was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Significant associations were found between tumor differentiation and ADC values (P = 0.001). In a univariate analysis of overall survival, tumor differentiation (P = 0.037) and ADC values (P = 0.002) were identified as significant prognostic factors. However, age, gender, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels, lymph node metastasis, primary tumoral location, size, resectability, and pT stage were not associated with overall survival. In a multivariate analysis of overall survival, only ADC values were identified as significant prognostic factors (hazard ratio 2.293, 95% confidence interval 1.147–4.585, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

ADC values were found to be associated with prognosis in patients with resected pancreatic cancer. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1532–1537.
Comparison of readout segmented echo planar imaging (EPI) and EPI with reduced field‐of‐VIew diffusion‐weighted imaging at 3t in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Park Jin Young , Shin Hee Jung , Shin Ki Chang , Sung Yu Sub , Choi Woo Jung , Chae Eun Young , Cha Joo Hee , Kim Hak Hee
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To qualitatively and quantitatively compare the diagnostic performance of rs‐EPI (readout segmented echo planar imaging) and reduced FOV (field‐of‐view) EPI in patients with biopsy‐proven breast cancer at 3T.

Materials and Methods

Between November 2013 and July 2014, 96 patients (age range, 30–75 years: mean, 52 years) with breast cancer were retrospectively enrolled in this study. In all patients, rs‐EPI and rFOV EPI were performed using a 3T MR scanner. Differences between two sequences were compared quantitatively by measuring the tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). Two independent readers visually assessed overall image quality, lesion conspicuity, and reader preference. The regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn in the whole tumor and in the normal breast parenchyma. Comparisons of quantitative and qualitative parameters between two sequences were performed using the Mann–Whitney and the paired t‐test.

Results

SNR was significantly higher in rFOV EPI than in rs‐EPI (51.88 ± 27.68 vs. 76.46 ± 50.20, P < 0.001). Mean tumor ADC value and normal tissue ADC were significantly lower in rFOV EPI (P < 0.001). Absolute tumor mean and minimum ADCs of rFOV EPI were significantly lower than those of rs‐EPI (P < 0.001 for both). However, normalized ADC did not show a significant difference between the two sequences (P = 0.737). Lesion conspicuity and overall image quality of rFOV EPI were significantly higher than those of rs‐EPI for both readers (P = 0.025 and < 0.001).

Conclusion

In breast cancer, rFOV EPI provided significantly higher image quality, lesion conspicuity, and SNR than rs‐EPI. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1679–1688.
MRI‐based prostate volume‐adjusted prostate‐specific antigen in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Peng Yahui , Shen Dinggang , Liao Shu , Turkbey Baris , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Wood Bradford , Karademir Ibrahim , Antic Tatjana , Yousef Ambereen , Jiang Yulei , Pinto Peter A. , Choyke Peter L. , Oto Aytekin
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To determine whether prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels adjusted by prostate and zonal volumes estimated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) and differentiation between patients who harbor high‐Gleason‐sum PCa and those without PCa.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant and approved by the Institutional Review Board of participating medical institutions. T2‐weighted MR images were acquired for 61 PCa patients and 100 patients with elevated PSA but without PCa. Computer methods were used to segment prostate and zonal structures and to estimate the total prostate and central‐gland (CG) volumes, which were then used to calculate CG volume fraction, PSA density, and PSA density adjusted by CG volume. These quantities were used to differentiate patients with and without PCa. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used as the figure of merit.

Results

The total prostate and CG volumes, CG volume fraction, and PSA density adjusted by the total prostate and CG volumes were statistically significantly different between patients with PCa and patients without PCa (P ≤ 0.007). AUC values for the total prostate and CG volumes, and PSA density adjusted by CG volume, were 0.68 ± 0.04, 0.68 ± 0.04, and 0.66 ± 0.04, respectively, and were significantly better than that of PSA (P < 0.02), for differentiation of PCa patients from patients without PCa.

Conclusion

The total prostate and CG volumes estimated from T2‐weighted MR images and PSA density adjusted by these volumes can improve the effectiveness of PSA for the diagnosis of PCa and differentiation of high‐Gleason‐sum PCa patients from patients without PCa. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1733–1739.
The etiology of Rubella IgM positivity in patients with rubella‐like illness in Iran from 2011 to 2013
Authors: Seyed Khorrami Seyed Mahmood , Mokhtari‐Azad Talat , Yavarian Jila , Fatemi Nasab Gazal Sadat , Naseri Maryam , Shafiei Jandaghi Nazanin Zahra
Published: May 2015

Rubella is a mild self‐limiting contagious viral disease caused by the rubella virus (RV). Although symptoms are often mild, the concern is centralized around the possible effect on a fetus growth and development in case of primary infection during early months of pregnancy. Recently acquired rubella is commonly confirmed by RV‐specific IgM antibody detection in the serum. However, rubella primary infection is not always the only cause of IgM positivity. Other possible causes of rubella IgM positivity may include IgM persistence following vaccination or naturally acquired infection or even re‐infection. Moreover, nonspecific IgM reactivity can cause false‐positive results. There are few articles to differentiate the aetiology of rash in rubella‐like illnesses. However, limited studies have been conducted on clarifying the source of IgM positivity in these cases. This article reports the study of 10,896 clinical cases demonstrating rubella‐like illness between 2011 and 2013 in Iran. The rate of IgM positivity among these cases was 0.52% (57 cases). As predicted based on the high coverage of vaccination in Iran fewer than 16% of cases with ELISA IgM positive result, were due to current rubella primary infections. The greater part of the positive IgM reactions occurred in cross reactivity with other viruses (31.6%) or in prolonged IgM response post vaccination (24.6%). This research confirmed that the positive result of rubella IgM assay in vaccinated individuals is mainly caused by prolonged IgM production, rubella re‐infection, and false positivity due to infection with other viruses, rather than the rubella primary infection itself. J. Med. Virol. 87:1846–1852, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch effect for natural images
Authors: Shizume Takaya , Ohashi Gosuke , Takamatsu Hiroaki , Shimodaira Yoshifumi
Published: May 2015

The Helmholtz–Kohlrausch (H‐K) effect is the phenomenon in which two color stimuli have the same luminance but different chroma in a certain hue, so the perceived brightness induced by the two stimuli are different. In expanding gamut, it is necessary to consider the H‐K effect. A quantification of the H‐K effect is required in order to evaluate and develop display devices for which the change of perceived brightness of gamut expansion must be considered. For quantification of the H‐K effect, prediction equations that can derive the equivalent luminance in a single color image have been proposed in previous studies. However, these equations have not been applied to natural images that are important. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to quantify the H‐K effect by deriving calculated values for natural images. For this purpose, first, we conducted the quantification of the H‐K effect in natural images by deriving the equivalent luminance as calculated values expanding the three prediction equations proposed in previous studies. Next, we carried out a subjective evaluation experiment by varying image's chroma and luminance. We then verified the effectiveness of the calculated values by comparing them with the result from the experiment.
Accuracy of computed tomography to predict extracapsular spread in p16‐positive squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Maxwell Jessica H. , Rath Tanya J. , Byrd James K. , Albergotti William G. , Wang Hong , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Kim Seungwon , Johnson Jonas T. , Branstetter Barton F. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To determine the accuracy of pretreatment, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of extracapsular spread (ECS) in cervical lymph node metastases from p16‐positive head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

Sixty‐five (n = 65) patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 with p16‐positive HNSCC and with cervical lymph node metastases measuring at least 1 centimeter in diameter on pathological assessment were included. All patients underwent primary surgical treatment. Subjects' preoperative contrast‐enhanced neck CT scans were independently assigned a score for the likelihood of ECS (5‐point scale) by two board‐certified neuroradiologists. Receiver‐operating characteristic curves were generated, and optimal sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for each radiologist.

Results

On histological analysis, the majority of patients (58%; 38/65) were found to have ECS, and 29% (19/65) of patients had ≥ three metastatic lymph nodes. For radiologist 1, PPV and NPV for ECS detection were 72% (95% confidence interval (CI), 53%–87%) and 53% (95% CI, 36%–70%), respectively. For radiologist 2, PPV and NPV for ECS detection were 82% (95% CI, 60 %–95%) and 53% (95% CI, 38%–69%), respectively.

Conclusion

CT is not a reliable method for determining the presence of ECS in p16‐positive HNSCC patients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1613–1618, 2015
Genetic aspects and clinical characteristics of familial meniere's disease in a South Korean population
Authors: Lee Jeon Mi , Kim Mi Joo , Jung Jinsei , Kim Hyun Ji , Seo Young Joon , Kim Sung Huhn
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence, inheritance patterns, and clinical characteristics of familial Meniere's disease (MD) in a South Korean population.

Study Design

Direct interviews, telephone interviews, and reviews of the medical records of definite Meniere's disease patients and their families.

Methods

Direct and telephone interviews were performed for 286 definite MD patients and their family members who were suspected of having MD. The diagnosis of MD in family members was made by obtaining a detailed history, performing basic neurotological examinations and reviewing hearing test results. The clinical characteristics as well as the prevalence and inheritance patterns of familial MD were analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of familial Meniere‐like syndrome (at least one family member with definite MD and other members with probable MD) and definite familial MD (two or more family members with definite Meniere's disease) were 9.8% and 6.3%, respectively, and the most common inheritance pattern was autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance. The significant clinical characteristics of familial cases were an early disease onset and a higher prevalence of migraines.

Conclusions

This is the first report describing the genetic aspects of MD in a single large Asian population. The prevalence of definite familial MD was 6.3% with an incomplete autosomal dominant inheritance pattern in most cases. Early‐onset age and a high prevalence of migraines were significant clinical features of familial MD in this South Korean population. These data could provide a basis for the analysis of the genetic mechanism of familial MD in Asian populations.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:2175–2180, 2015
Management of non‐invasive rhinosinusitis in the immunosuppressed patient population
Authors: Dao Ashley M. , Rereddy Shruthi K. , Wise Sarah K. , DelGaudio John M. , Patel Zara M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Rhinologists are seeing an increasing number of immunosuppressed patients. Currently, no treatment paradigm exists for treating acute and chronic noninvasive rhinosinusitis (ARS, CRS) in this growing population. This study aims to identify patient and treatment factors that affect rhinosinusitis outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Study Design

Prognostic retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Immunocompromised patients treated by rhinologists for ARS or CRS 10/2007 to 10/2012 were identified by rhinosinusitis diagnostic codes, codes for transplant, cancer, HIV, diabetes, and codes indicating immunosuppression in the intensive care setting. Associations between patient factors and outcome were analyzed by logistic regression. Associations between treatment and outcome were analyzed by Firth logistic regression.

Results

A total of 132 subjects were identified. Of those, 90.9% had CRS and 9.1% had ARS; 12.9% were transplant patients; 47% were diabetic; 37.9% were cancer patients; and 16.7% were in the intensive care unit. Patients with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores had decreased disease resolution (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5, P = 0.021). Transplant patients (OR = 22.5, P = 0.001), diabetics patients (OR = 6.4, P = 0.017), cancer patients (OR = 5.4, P = 0.046), and patients with prior medical therapy for rhinosinusitis (OR = 5.84, P < 0.001) had increased disease resolution compared to immunosuppressed critical care patients. Patients treated with antibiotics alone had no statistically significant difference in disease resolution compared to those receiving no treatment. In contrast, treatment plans including surgery were associated with greater disease resolution.

Conclusion

This data indicates that surgical treatment provides improved outcomes for patients presenting with acute exacerbations of rhinosinusitis related to their immunocompromised state. Given the limited study population, these findings may not apply to HIV‐positive or ARS patients, and further study should be undertaken in these groups.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1767–1771, 2015
Complication rates after functional endoscopic sinus surgery: Analysis of 50,734 Japanese patients
Authors: Suzuki Sayaka , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Kondo Kenji , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: May 2015

Objective

The complication rates associated with different types of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) remain to be fully examined.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We extracted data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database on 50,734 patients (aged ≥ 16 years) who underwent FESS for chronic rhinosinusitis between 2007 and 2013. We focused on specific types of surgery and stratified the patients into three groups: group 1 (single sinus surgery), group 2 (multiple sinus surgery), and group 3 (whole sinus surgery). Patient characteristics and early postoperative complications including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, orbital injury, severe hemorrhage, and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) that occurred during 1 to 2 weeks of each hospitalization were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between overall complication rate and background characteristics, with adjustment for within‐hospital clustering.

Results

The overall complication rate was 0.50%; the rates of CSF leakage, orbital injury, hemorrhage requiring surgery, blood transfusion, and TSS were 0.09%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.18%, and 0.02%, respectively. Ethmoidectomy combined with sphenoidotomy was associated with higher overall complication rates (1.40%). The rate of orbital injury was highest in group 2, whereas that of other complications did not differ significantly among the groups. Extent of FESS showed no significant association with overall complication rate.

Conclusion

More extensive FESS was not associated with increased rates of postoperative CSF leakage, hemorrhage, or TSS. Multiple sinus surgery was associated with a higher rate of orbital injury. The extent of surgery did not significantly affect the overall complication rate.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1785–1791, 2015
Dexamethasone prevents hearing loss by restoring glucocorticoid receptor expression in the guinea pig cochlea
Authors: Heinrich Ulf‐Rüdiger , Strieth Sebastian , Schmidtmann Irene , Stauber Roland , Helling Kai
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Dexamethasone is widely used in the treatment of various inner ear diseases. However, knowledge about its direct impact on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression is still limited.

Study Design

Prospective animal study in male guinea pigs.

Methods

A therapeutic concentration of dexamethasone (8mg/mL) or a physiological concentration of NaCl (0.9% solution) were intratympanically injected into the ears of guinea pigs (n = 10 in each case) 14 hours prior to 90 dB noise exposure (1 hour). Eighteen ears were exposed to noise only. Seven untreated ears were used as controls. Auditory brainstem responses were recorded prior to noise exposure or treatment and 2 hours thereafter. The cochleae were removed from the bullae, transferred to fixative, and embedded in paraffin. GR expression was identified immunohistochemically in the cochlea. Local staining intensities were quantified for seven regions by a computer.

Results

Dexamethasone application significantly lowered noise‐induced hearing loss. Statistically significant alterations in the average GR expression levels were identified exclusively in the spiral ligament. Comparing GR expression at the level of individual ear, numerous highly significant local associations were identified in the other six cochlear regions.

Conclusions

The intratympanic application of dexamethasone is suitable for supporting cochlear homeostasis under stress conditions. The lateral wall, mainly responsible for potassium recycling, seems to be the main target in glucocorticoid therapy.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:E29–E34, 2016
Effect of steroids for nasal polyposis surgery: A placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Ecevit Mustafa Cenk , Erdag Taner Kemal , Dogan Ersoy , Sutay Semih
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although medical intervention is the first option for treatment of nasal polyps, surgery is still a therapeutic option for symptomatic cases that do not respond or partially respond to medical intervention. However, there is a need for high‐level evidence for the preoperative use of steroids in nasal polyposis surgery. We aimed to assess the perioperative effect of preoperative use of oral prednisolone for advanced‐stage diffuse nasal polyposis.

Study Design

Prospective, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study.

Methods

A visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated for smell, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, facial pressure, headache, butanol smell threshold, and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) before and after the use of study drug. Perioperative bleeding volume, visibility of operative field, operative time, hospital stay, and complication rate were also evaluated.

Results

The improvement in the corticosteroid group (CG) in the VAS scores, butanol thresholds, and PNIF values showed statistically significant differences compared to the placebo group (PG) (P < .05). The perioperative bleeding volume, visibility score, operative time, and hospital stay for CG/PG were 141 mL/384 mL, 2.4/3.4, 61 min/71.6 min, and 1.1 day/1.8 day, respectively (P < .05). The difference between the complication rates for the two groups did not show any statistically significant difference (P = .214).

Conclusions

Preoperative administration of systemic corticosteroids improves the perioperative visibility by reducing blood loss and shortens the operation time. We recommend the use of preoperative corticosteroid for the safety of the patients. The optimum dose and duration have not been established and require further studies.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 125:2041–2045, 2015
Land Use and Cover Dynamics Since 1964 in the Afro‐Alpine Vegetation Belt: Lib Amba Mountain in North Ethiopia
Authors: Jacob Miro , Romeyns Liên , Frankl Amaury , Asfaha Tesfaalem , Beeckman Hans , Nyssen Jan
Published: May 2015

Human‐induced land use and land cover (LUC) changes threaten the ecosystem services of the vulnerable tropical afro‐alpine vegetation. Several LUC change studies are available for the Ethiopian highlands, but relatively little is known about LUC change in the afro‐alpine zones. In this study, LUC changes between 1964 and 2012 were mapped for the afro‐alpine zone of Lib Amba Mountain, part of the Abune Yosef Mountains in North Ethiopia. Historical LUC was derived from georeferenced aerial photographs of 1964 and 1982, and the present LUC (2012) from Bing Map satellite imagery. Based on these successive LUC maps a time‐depth map, LUC proportions, LUC transition matrices and LUC change trajectories were calculated. Two main phases of LUC change could be distinguished linked to the neo‐Boserupian perspective. (i) Between 1964 and 1982, there were large‐scale deforestation and general degradation of the vegetation above 3500 m, in a period of low population pressure; (ii) Between 1982 and 2012, an intensification of land use prevailed accompanied with a slight regeneration of the vegetation and the Erica arborea L. forest, under increased population pressure. Depth interviews indicated that local and governmental land management measures are very important for the protection against vegetation depletion and soil degradation. Quick recovery of the forest on Lib Amba provides confidence that degraded afro‐alpine areas would benefit in a short time from complete protection, given the vicinity of remaining patches of afro‐alpine vegetation. Management interventions are thus vital to restore the important ecosystem services of the afro‐alpine vegetation belt. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐Effective Targeting Soil and Water Conservation: A Case Study of Changting County in Southeast China
Authors: Wang Chengchao , Yang Yusheng , Zhang Yaoqi
Published: May 2015

Soil erosion is by far the greatest cause of land degradation and other environmental and socio‐economic problems in China. Although various conservation methods are widely utilized to reduce soil erosion and to sustain agricultural production, the cost‐effectiveness and selection of these methods are less known. Using our survey and ecological data, this study evaluated four soil and water conservation methods in Changting County, Southeast China. The results show that the disparity of conservation costs is much larger than that of ecological benefits. Planting fruit trees is a kind of conservation through primarily economic development. Closing hillsides for afforestation is most cost‐effective, followed by forest fertilizing, and planting trees and grass. Our findings suggest that comparatively lower cost conservation methods, for example closing hillsides for afforestation, should be considered in priority if initial ecological conditions can meet the requirements of the method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.