bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐384 suppressed renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation and migration through targeting RAB23
Authors: Yan Lihua , Wu Kunxiang , Du Feng , Yin Xianzhe , Guan Hongmei
Published: November 2018

microRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding, short, and endogenous RNAs that play crucial roles in tumor progression at the post‐transcriptional level. Here, we studied the role of miR‐384 in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We demonstrated that miR‐384 expression was downregulated in the RCC specimens compared with nontumor specimens. Moreover, we showed that RAB23 expression was upregulated in the RCC tissues compared with nontumor tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrated that low expression of miR‐384 was correlated with high levels of RAB23 in RCC tissues. We also demonstrated that the RAB23 was a direct target gene of miR‐384 in RCC cells. In addition, overexpression of miR‐384 suppressed RCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell migration. Furthermore, ectopic expression of RAB23 promoted RCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell migration. These data suggested that miR‐384 played a tumor suppressor microRNA in the development of RCC partly through inhibiting RAB23 expression.
Effects of major ozonated autoheamotherapy on functional recovery, ischemic brain tissue apoptosis and oxygen free radical damage in the rat model of cerebral ischemia
Authors: Wu Xiaona , Liu Xiaoyan , Huang Huai , Li ZhenSheng , Xiong TieGen , Xiang Wei , Liu Liu , Tao Zhang
Published: November 2018

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability in the world, with a heavy burden on patients, their families, and society. At present, a major focus of cerebrovascular disease research is to find a safe and effective new method to promote early functional recovery in the acute phase of cerebral infarction. Major ozonated autohemotherapy (MOAH) can maintain ATP and energy metabolism in cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and reduce cell apoptosis. In the current study, the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in the Sprague Dawley rat was established and evaluated by the clinical functional score, Hoechst staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and biochemical detection. Then, the effects of MOAH on neurological function, apoptosis, and oxygen free radical damage after acute ischemia in middle cerebral artery were evaluated. Moreover, the potential two mechanisms have been illustrated for MOAH effects. This study would lay a theoretical foundation for the application of MOAH and find an effective and early treatment method for the cerebral infarction.
Prognostic value of a two‐microRNA signature for papillary thyroid cancer and a bioinformatic analysis of their possible functions
Authors: Liu Tong , You Xin , Sui Jing , Shen Bo , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xiao‐Mei , Yang Sheng , Yao Yong‐Zhong , Yang Fei , Yin Li‐Hong , Pu Yue‐Pu , Liang Ge‐Yu
Published: November 2018

Background

Recent scientific evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In the current study, we aim to identify a miRNA‐related signature as the sensitive and novel prognostic biomarkers.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive analysis of the data downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The association between survival outcome and miRNA was assessed by the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. The risk score model was built to evaluate the predicting value of miRNA signature. The potential biofunctions and transcription factors of target miRNAs were investigated through bioinformatic analysis. The result was verified by the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in 32 pairs of PTC and adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, the results were verified by other cohorts from gene expression omnibus (GEO) as detected by microarrays.

Results

A total of 1030 miRNAs were identified from the TCGA database. Thirty‐six key intersection miRNAs were obtained. The associations between clinical features and key miRNAs were evaluated. Eventually, a two‐miRNA signature (hsa‐miR‐181a‐2‐3p and hsa‐miR‐138‐1‐3p) was identified. The power of the miRNA prognostic signature was effective. In total, we identified 202 genes that were associated with 2 miRNAs above, and the top 10 enriched transcript factors that highly related with the target miRNAs were explored. The qRT‐PCR and GEO data validation were consistent with bioinformatics results.

Conclusions

A tumor‐specific miRNA signature was identified, and the joint prognostic power was evaluated, which may be potential biomarkers for prognosis of PTC.

Impact: The two‐miRNA signature could become the potential prognostic indicator of PTC in the future.
lncRNA‐CIR regulates cell apoptosis of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis
Authors: Lu Zekai , Luo Min , Huang Yongpan
Published: November 2018

Background and Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex chronic degenerative joint disease involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of chondrocytes. As decoys of micro RNAs, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various biological processes. This study was designed to investigate the interactions between lncRNA‐CIR, chondrocyte apoptosis, and the molecular mechanisms underlying OA.

Methods

Primary cultured chondrocytes were stressed using H2O2, IL‐1β, or TNF‐ɑ to simulate conditions found in OA. Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to detect miR‐130a, lncRNA‐CIR, and Bim mRNA expression levels. Western blot analysis was used to detect Bim protein expression levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assayed by detecting the fluorescent signal of 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA). Cell apoptosis was measured with combined staining of PI and DAPI. lncRNA‐CIR knockdown and miR‐130a over‐expression or inhibition were performed using small interfering RNAs, and miR‐130 mimics or inhibitors, respectively.

Results

lncRNA‐CIR is significantly upregulated in OA patients, accompanied by downregulation of miR‐130a and upregulation of Bim. Bio‐informatics analysis predicted miR‐130a as a target of both lncRNA‐CIR and Bim. While lncRNA‐CIR knockdown significantly increased the expression of Bim, miR‐130a significantly suppressed Bim expression, with accompanying increases of ROS level, inflammatory mediator release, cell apoptosis, and relative luciferase activity.

Conclusions

The present findings demonstrated that the lncRNA‐CIR/miR‐130a/Bim axis is involved in oxidative stress‐related apoptosis of chondrocytes in OA.
Optimization of prostate cancer cell detection using multiplex tyramide signal amplification
Authors: Roy Sounak , Axelrod Haley D. , Valkenburg Kenneth C. , Amend Sarah , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: November 2018

Approximately 29 000 men die of prostate cancer (PCa) each year in the United States, and 90% to 100% of them are due to incurable bone metastasis. It is difficult to determine (1) when PCa disseminates in the natural history of the disease; (2) where cancer cell disseminates before becoming overt metastatic lesions; and (3) which tumors are aggressive and which are indolent. Tumor tissue and liquid (blood and bone marrow) biopsies provide important information to answer these questions, but significant limitations exist for immunostaining strategies that assess protein expression in these tissues. Classic immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays can typically assess expression of one or two proteins per tissue section. We have developed a novel immunofluorescence staining protocol to detect a panel of seven proteins on PCa tissue from primary tumor biopsies and metastatic lesion autopsy tissue, as well as cancer cells from liquid biopsies. We used a tyramide‐based system to amplify the true signal and optimized the protocol to reduce background signal, thereby boosting the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Any protein‐specific antibody in this protocol can be exchanged for a different validated antibody. This protocol therefore, represents a highly informative and flexible assay that can be used to provide important information about cancer tissue for the purpose of improving detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A crosstalk on nucleotide compositional dynamics and codon usage patterns of the genes involved in disease
Authors: Nath Durbba , Deka Himangshu , Uddin Arif , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: November 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease, affects a large number of people worldwide, leading to death. Here, we analyzed the compositional features and trends of codon usage of the genes influencing COPD to understand molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary relationships of these genes as no work was reported yet. Coding sequences of COPD genes were found to be rich in guanine‐cytosine (GC) content. A high value (34‐60) of the effective number of codons of the genes indicated low codon usage bias (CUB). Correspondence analysis suggested that the COPD genes were distinct in their codon usage patterns. Relative synonymous codon usage values of codons differed between the more preferred codons and the less‐preferred ones. Correlation analysis between overall nucleotides and those at third codon position revealed that mutation pressure might influence the CUB of the genes. The high correlation between GC12 and GC3 signified that directional mutation pressure might have operated at all the three codon positions in COPD genes.
Diagnosing malignant pleural effusion using clinical and analytical parameters
Authors: Pan Yong , Bai Wenjing , Chen Jiangnan , Mao Yijian , Qian Xiaohong , Xu Ke , Tang Shaohua , Zhang Junwu , Chen Chong , Chen Jingyi , Hu Xingzhong
Published: November 2018

Background

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is common and diagnosis is often problematic. A cancer ratio (serum lactate dehydrogenases: pleural adenosine deaminase ratio) has been proposed for diagnosing MPE. However, the usefulness of this “cancer ratio” and the clinical‐radiological criteria for diagnosing MPE has not been clearly determined to date. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of those parameters in the diagnosis of MPE.

Methods

We analyzed 240 patients including 120 with MPE and 120 with non‐MPE (93 tuberculous and 27 parapneumonic). Patients were divided into two groups: MPE and non‐MPE (eg, tuberculous and parapneumonic). We constructed two predictive models to assess the probability of MPE: (a) clinical‐radiological data only and (b) a combination of clinical‐radiological data, the cancer ratio, and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The performances of the predictive models were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and by examining the calibration.

Results

The area under the ROC curves for model 1 and model 2 were excellent, 0.936 and 0.998, respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracies for model 1 and model 2 were 87.5% and 98.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

The results confirm that both models achieved a high diagnostic accuracy for MPE; however, model 2 was superior with the addition of its simplicity of use in daily practice. This model should be applied to determine which patients with a pleural effusion of unknown origin would not benefit from further invasive procedures.
A novel stopgain mutation c.G992A (p.W331X) in TACR3 gene was identified in nonobstructive azoospermia by targeted next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Geng Dongfeng , Yang Xiao , Wang Ruixue , Deng Shu , Li Leilei , Hu Xiaonan , Jiang Yuting , Liu Ruizhi
Published: November 2018

Background

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most severe forms of male infertility because of impaired spermatogenesis with the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. The causes of this disease can be partly attributed to genetic factors. Some common structural variants and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were reported to be associated with NOA. However, the underlying etiology and genetic mechanism(s) remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the associated mutations of spermatogenic genes in Chinese infertile men with NOA.

Methods

The entire coding region of 25 genes associated with spermatogenesis was sequenced from 200 infertile men with NOA. Screening was carried out using the targeted exome sequencing to identify genetic variations and SNPs of the entire coding region of these genes.

Results

After the targeted exome sequencing data were filtered through several currently existing variation databases, a series of variations were found. In this paper, we report one novel stopgain variation c.G992A (p.W331X) in the exon 4 of TACR3 gene. The variant was heterozygous and categorized as pathogenic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study revealed a novel stopgain mutation c.G992A (p.W331X) in TACR3 which expanded the mutation spectrum of TACR3 in Chinese NOA infertile men and advanced our understanding of the genetic susceptibility to NOA.
Analysis of estrogen and progesterone receptor gene polymorphisms in leiomyoma
Authors: Toprak Muhammed , Ates Omer , Ozsoy Asker Zeki , Bozkurt Nihan , Sezer Sondas Saime , Cakmak Bülent , Yılmaz Dogru Hatice , Delibas İlhan Bahri , Demirturk Fazlı
Published: November 2018

Background

Leiomyoma, one of the most common benign tumors, causes morbidity during the reproductive years in women. The molecular pathogenesis of the disease is not clear. Leiomyomas are hormone‐sensitive tumors affecting around 20%‐25% of women. Gene polymorphism studies could be important and explaining in the evaluation of multifactorial diseases such as leiomyoma. Polymorphisms involving genes responsible for the synthesis and signalization of steroid hormones could be used as genetic markers for hormone‐related conditions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of ERα‐351 XbaI A/G, ERα‐397 PvuII T/C, and progesterone receptor (PGR) PROGINS polymorphisms on the development of leiomyomas.

Material and Methods

In this study, 213 samples (103 leiomyoma patients and 110 healthy controls) participated. The ERα‐351 XbaI A/G and ERα‐397 PvuII T/C gene polymorphisms were analyzed using PCR‐RFLP method. PGR PROGINS polymorphism was analyzed by PCR method with specific primers.

Results

The genotype distribution and allele frequency of the ERα‐351 XbaI A/G, ERα‐397 PvuII T/C, and PGR PROGINS polymorphisms were not statistically different between leiomyoma patient and control groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study reflects that ERα and PGR PROGINS polymorphisms may not be one of the many genetic factors for leiomyoma susceptibility.
Correlation between hematological parameters and ancylostomiasis: A retrospective study
Authors: Hu Zuojian , Chen Huaping , Huang Li , Chen Siyuan , Huang Zhili , Qin Shanzi , Zhong Jianing , Qin Xue , Li Shan
Published: November 2018

Objective

Our aim intended to determine the relationship between hematological parameters (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio [PLR], and eosinophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio [ELR]) and ancylostomiasis.

Methods

There were 140 patients with ancylostomiasis and 159 healthy controls enrolled in this study. All data were collected from electronic medical records of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.

Results

The levels of NLR, PLR, and ELR in ancylostomiasis patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (all P = 0.000). A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to assess the diagnostic efficacy of these three hematological parameters. ELR (AUC = 0.850; sensitivity = 75.00%; specificity = 86.80%) showed the superior AUC than those of NLR (AUC = 0.718; sensitivity = 53.57%; specificity = 88.68%) and PLR (AUC = 0.806; sensitivity = 68.57%; specificity = 86.79%), respectively. A multivariate regression model using the two selected indices (RBC and ELR) was established with the model's sensitivity and specificity reached 82.86% and 96.23%, respectively. In the ancylostomiasis patient group, NLR (r = −0.452, P = 0.000) and PLR (r = −0.357, P = 0.000) were reversely associated with eosinophils.

Conclusion

The pretreatment levels of the three hematological parameters (NLR, PLR, and ELR) may serve as valuable indicators for distinguishing patients with ancylostomiasis from healthy controls. NLR and PLR are negatively associated with the previous indicator, eosinophils.
Prospective evaluation of a screening algorithm for carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Choquet Morgane , Guiheneuf Raphaël , Castelain Sandrine , Pluquet Emilie , Decroix Véronique
Published: November 2018

Background

Carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have become a major public health issue. The objective of the present study was to prospectively assess the analytical performance of a CPE detection algorithm based on phenotypic tests (the screening test) and MALDI‐ToF hydrolysis (the confirmatory test).

Methods

Over a 6‐month period and based on a disk diffusion method, 74 carbapenem‐resistant strains were included in this study.

Results

Of the collected isolates, 54 turned out to be negative after phenotypic tests. Hence, 20 strains (including all of the CPEs) were checked with the confirmation test. Seven strains were positive. After molecular biology assessments in a reference center, three of the seven were found to be false positives. The algorithm had a negative predictive value and a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 77%, and a positive predictive value of 20%.

Conclusion

The algorithm has a 24‐hour turnaround time and helps to avoid using expensive molecular biology tests; we consider that it can be used on a routine basis for screening clinical strains.
Prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes among women with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and invasive cervical cancer in Ganzhou, China
Authors: Liao Linhong , Cheng Hui , Zeng Fansheng , Zhou Weijie , Ding Yanqing
Published: November 2018

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can lead to the development of cervical cancer. This study assessed the genotype distribution of HPV of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in Ganzhou population.

Methods

A total of 935 females who got HPV testing from January 2016 to July 2018 in the maternal and child health hospital of Ganzhou were enrolled in the study, including 806 HSIL and 129 ICC. HPV detection and genotyping were tested by HPV Geno‐Array test kit.

Results

The overall HPV‐positive rate was 74.0% in Ganzhou. Among the HSIL and ICC patients, the positive rates of HPV detection were 75.6% and 64.3%. Among the HSIL individuals, the most prevalent hr‐HPV genotype was HPV 16. And the 4 common subtypes in decreasing order were HPV 52, 58, 33, and 18. Of the ICC patients, the most frequently hr‐HPV subtype was HPV 16 followed by 18, 52, 58, and 59. Among the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, for hr‐HPV genotypes, HPV 16, 18, 52, 58, and 59 were five most common subtypes. In patients with adenocarcinoma (ADC), the most common hr‐HPV genotype was HPV 18, followed by HPV 16, 52, 56, 68, 73. And, we found U‐shaped and S‐shaped curves in the HPV distribution of different age groups.

Conclusion

The prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes in Ganzhou differed from other regions of China and Western countries. These results can serve as valuable reference for HPV vaccination programs for Ganzhou women.
Low serum adiponectin is a predictor of progressing to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Niu Yixin , Gu Hongxia , Lu Shuai , Zhang Weiwei , Li Xiaoyong , Yang Zhen , Qin Li , Su Qing
Published: November 2018

Background

The association between adiponectin and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been studied before, but most of the studies are cross‐sectional and cannot prove a causal link.

Objective

To prospectively investigate the relationship between serum adiponectin levels and the incidence of NAFLD in 3 years.

Subjects and methods.

A total of 1325 subjects aged 40 to 70 from the Chongming District of Shanghai, China, were included. All of them did not have fatty liver according to the liver ultrasound examination at entry; alcohol abuse and hepatitis were also excluded. Serum adiponectin levels and other indices were measured at baseline. After 3 years of follow‐up, hepatic ultrasound examination was performed on each participant again to detect fatty liver.

Results

The serum adiponectin levels at entry were significantly lower in subjects who developed NAFLD compared with those who did not develop NAFLD after 3 years (1.75 ± 0.89 ug/mL vs 2.37 ± 1.01 ug/mL, P < 0.001). After multiple adjustments, the highest odds ratios for NAFLD were in the second adiponectin quartile, the adjusted ORs were 1.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 2.86) compared with those in the highest quartile. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showing variables at entry independently associated with NAFLD after 3 years was adiponectin (P < 0.01), sex (P < 0.01), BMI (P < 0.001), insulin (P < 0.001), HOMA‐IR (P < 0.01), GGT (P = 0.001), TG (P < 0.001), and WBC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lower serum adiponectin level is a predictor of NAFLD among middle‐aged and elderly subjects.
Prediction of Abnormal Bone Density and Osteoporosis From Lumbar Spine MR Using Modified Dixon Quant in 257 Subjects With Quantitative Computed Tomography as Reference
Authors: Zhao Yinxia , Huang Mingqian , Ding Jie , Zhang Xintao , Spuhler Karl , Hu Shaoyong , LI Mianwen , Fan Wei , Chen Lin , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Shaolin , Zhou Quan , Huang Chuan
Published: November 2018

Background

Bone marrow fat increases when bone mass decreases, which could be attributed to the fact that adipogenesis competes with osteogenesis. Bone marrow fat has the potential to predict abnormal bone density and osteoporosis.

Purpose

To investigate the predictive value of using vertebral bone marrow fat fraction(BMFF) obtained from modified Dixon(mDixon) Quant in the determination of abnormal bone density and osteoporosis.

Study type

Prospective.

Population

257 subjects (age: 20–79 years old; BMI: 16.6–32.9 kg/m2;181 females,76 males) without known spinal tumor, history of trauma, dysplasia, spinal surgery or hormone therapy.

Field strength/sequence

3.0T/mDixon.

Assessment

BMFF was measured at the L1, L2 and L3 vertebral body on fat fraction maps of the lumbar spine. Bone mineral density (BMD) was obtained using quantitative computed tomography, which served as the reference standard.

Statistical tests

The BMFF between the three groups (normal bone density, osteopenia and osteoporosis) was tested using one‐way analysis of variance in SPSS. The correlation and partial correlation of BMFF and BMD were analyzed before and after controlling for age, sex and BMI. Logistic regression analysis using independent training and validation data was conducted to evaluate the performance of predicting abnormal BMD or osteoporosis using BMFF.

Results

There was a significant difference in vertebral BMFF between the three groups (P < 0.001). Moderate inverse correlation was found between vertebral BMFF and BMD after controlling age, sex and BMI (r = ‐0.529; P < 0.001). The mean area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) for predicting abnormal bone density were 0.940, 0.877, 0.896, and 0.890, respectively. The corresponding results for predicting subjects with osteoporosis were 0.896, 0.848, 0.853, and 0.969, respectively.

Data conclusion

mDixon Quant is a fast, simple, noninvasive and nonionizing method to access vertebral BMFF and has a high predictive power for identifying abnormal bone density and osteoporosis.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:390–399.
View‐Sharing Artifact Reduction With Retrospective Compressed Sensing Reconstruction in the Context of Contrast‐Enhanced Liver MRI for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Screening
Authors: Shaikh Jamil , Stoddard Paul B. , Levine Evan G. , Roh Albert T. , Saranathan Manojkumar , Chang Stephanie T. , Muelly Michael C. , Hargreaves Brian A. , Vasanawala Shreyas S. , Loening Andreas M.
Published: November 2018

Background

View‐sharing (VS) increases spatiotemporal resolution in dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI by sharing high‐frequency k‐space data across temporal phases. This temporal sharing results in respiratory motion within any phase to propagate artifacts across all shared phases. Compressed sensing (CS) eliminates the need for VS by recovering missing k‐space data from pseudorandom undersampling, reducing temporal blurring while maintaining spatial resolution.

Purpose

To evaluate a CS reconstruction algorithm on undersampled DCE‐MRI data for image quality and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Fifty consecutive patients undergoing MRI for HCC screening (29 males, 21 females, 52–72 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI. Multiphase 3D‐SPGR T1‐weighted sequence undersampled in arterial phases with a complementary Poisson disc sampling pattern reconstructed with VS and CS algorithms.

Assessment

VS and CS reconstructions evaluated by blinded assessments of image quality and anatomic delineation on Likert scales (1–4 and 1–5, respectively), and HCC detection by OPTN/UNOS criteria including a diagnostic confidence score (1–5). Blinded side‐by‐side reconstruction comparisons for lesion depiction and overall series preference (–3–3).

Statistical Analysis

Two‐tailed Wilcoxon signed rank tests for paired nonparametric analyses with Bonferroni‐Holm multiple‐comparison corrections. McNemar's test for differences in lesion detection frequency and transplantation eligibility.

Results

CS compared with VS demonstrated significantly improved contrast (mean 3.6 vs. 2.9, P < 0.0001) and less motion artifact (mean 3.6 vs. 3.2, P = 0.006). CS compared with VS demonstrated significantly improved delineations of liver margin (mean 4.5 vs. 3.8, P = 0.0002), portal veins (mean 4.5 vs. 3.7, P < 0.0001), and hepatic veins (mean 4.6 vs. 3.5, P < 0.0001), but significantly decreased delineation of hepatic arteries (mean 3.2 vs. 3.7, P = 0.004). No significant differences were seen in the other assessments.

Data Conclusion

Applying a CS reconstruction to data acquired for a VS reconstruction significantly reduces motion artifacts in a clinical DCE protocol for HCC screening.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:984–993.
General anesthesia / sedation requirement influences the way MRI brain scans are ordered in a tertiary pediatric hospital
Authors: Sum Min Yi , Low Kathy , Tang Phua Hwee
Published: November 2018

Background

MRI guidelines have been created to help clinicians order scans appropriately. Some scans in children are carried out under general anesthesia (GA) / sedation.

Purpose

To evaluate if the requirement for GA/sedation influences the way MRI brain scans are ordered.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Children with MRI brain scans in 2015 to 2017.

Field Strength

3T, 1.5T.

Assessment

Institutional Review Board approval for waiver of consent was obtained. Clinical MRI brain reports for children were classified into whether they conformed to the American College of Radiology (ACR) 2013 guidelines by research assistants under supervision of a pediatric radiologist. Scans were sorted into those with normal brains or abnormality.

Statistical Test

The statistical difference between groups was assessed using t‐test for continuous variables and chi‐square test for categorical variables with IBM SPSS 19.

Results

Of the total 1893 MRI scans, 431 were performed under GA and six under sedation. Of the 431 cases performed under GA/sedation, 383 (87.6%) were ordered according to guidelines. Of the 1456 cases that did not require GA/sedation, 710 (48.8%) conformed to guidelines. The percentage of scans ordered according to guidelines was 38.8% higher in those who had scans performed under GA/sedation (P < 0.001). MRI scans were normal in 635 (58.0%) out of the 1093 cases ordered according to guidelines and normal in 638 (79.8%) out of the 800 cases that did not follow guidelines. Scans not ordered according to guidelines had higher proportion of normal scans (21.8%) compared with those ordered according to guidelines (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

Higher adherence to imaging guidelines is seen in younger patients who were exposed to the risks of GA/sedation for the MRI. Scans not adhering to guidelines had a higher percentage of having no brain abnormality detected.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 6

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e250–e255.
Real‐time scatter estimation for medical CT using the deep scatter estimation: Method and robustness analysis with respect to different anatomies, dose levels, tube voltages, and data truncation
Authors: Maier Joscha , Eulig Elias , Vöth Tim , Knaup Michael , Kuntz Jan , Sawall Stefan , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: November 2018

Purpose

X‐ray scattering leads to CT images with a reduced contrast, inaccurate CT values as well as streak and cupping artifacts. Therefore, scatter correction is crucial to maintain the diagnostic value of CT and CBCT examinations. However, existing approaches are not able to combine both high accuracy and high computational performance. Therefore, we propose the deep scatter estimation (DSE): a deep convolutional neural network to derive highly accurate scatter estimates in real time.

Methods

Gold standard scatter estimation approaches rely on dedicated Monte Carlo (MC) photon transport codes. However, being computationally expensive, MC methods cannot be used routinely. To enable real‐time scatter correction with similar accuracy, DSE uses a deep convolutional neural network that is trained to predict MC scatter estimates based on the acquired projection data. Here, the potential of DSE is demonstrated using simulations of CBCT head, thorax, and abdomen scans as well as measurements at an experimental table‐top CBCT. Two conventional computationally efficient scatter estimation approaches were implemented as reference: a kernel‐based scatter estimation (KSE) and the hybrid scatter estimation (HSE).

Results

The simulation study demonstrates that DSE generalizes well to varying tube voltages, varying noise levels as well as varying anatomical regions as long as they are appropriately represented within the training data. In any case the deviation of the scatter estimates from the ground truth MC scatter distribution is less than 1.8% while it is between 6.2% and 293.3% for HSE and between 11.2% and 20.5% for KSE. To evaluate the performance for real data, measurements of an anthropomorphic head phantom were performed. Errors were quantified by a comparison to a slit scan reconstruction. Here, the deviation is 278 HU (no correction), 123 HU (KSE), 65 HU (HSE), and 6 HU (DSE), respectively.

Conclusions

The DSE clearly outperforms conventional scatter estimation approaches in terms of accuracy. DSE is nearly as accurate as Monte Carlo simulations but is superior in terms of speed (≈10 ms/projection) by orders of magnitude.
Direct radiofrequency saturation corrected amide proton transfer tumor MRI at 3T
Authors: Wu Yin , Chen Yinsheng , Zhao Yiying , Yang Shasha , Zhao Jing , Zhou Jian , Chen Zhongping , Sun Phillip Zhe , Zheng Hairong
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging has been increasingly applied in tumor characterization that complements diffusion and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI. However, quantification of in vivo APT effect is challenging because of concomitant semisolid magnetization transfer (MT) and nuclear overhauser enhancement effects. A direct saturation corrected (DISC) chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) analysis has been recently proposed that simplifies the determination of in vivo CEST effects. Our present study aimed to extend the DISC analysis to pulsed radiofrequency CEST MRI and evaluate it at 3T.

Methods

Nine adult male Sprague–Dawley rats implanted C6 gliomas underwent multiparametric MRI of T1, T2, CEST, and T1‐weighted gadolinium‐enhanced imaging 1 day before and 3 days after chemoradiotherapy. The routine MT asymmetry, 3‐point method, and the extended DISC analysis were compared in tumor characterization with histology as a reference. Regional variations were assessed by 1‐way analysis of variance.

Results

T1, T2, and MT asymmetry and the DISC CEST effects showed significant alterations in tumor/necrosis with respect to the contralateral reference (P < 0.05). The resolved APT effect revealed a significant difference among the contralateral reference (2.42 ± 0.24%), necrosis (2.86 ± 0.19%), and tumor (3.25 ± 0.15%) regions after chemoradiotherapy (P < 0.05), consistent with histological observations. Conversely, the MT asymmetry did not show tumor regional variation post‐treatment (P > 0.05), whereas the 3‐point method detected no regional alteration at both time points (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study translated DISC CEST MRI to 3T, evaluated it in glioma rat models, and confirmed its advantages in resolving tumor heterogeneity over the routine asymmetry and 3‐point analyses.
3D dynamic MRI of the vocal tract during natural speech
Authors: Lim Yongwan , Zhu Yinghua , Lingala Sajan Goud , Byrd Dani , Narayanan Shrikanth , Nayak Krishna Shrinivas
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a technique for 3D dynamic MRI of the full vocal tract at high temporal resolution during natural speech.

Methods

We demonstrate 2.4 × 2.4 × 5.8 mm3 spatial resolution, 61‐ms temporal resolution, and a 200 × 200 × 70 mm3 FOV. The proposed method uses 3D gradient‐echo imaging with a custom upper‐airway coil, a minimum‐phase slab excitation, stack‐of‐spirals readout, pseudo golden‐angle view order in kx‐ky, linear Cartesian order along kz, and spatiotemporal finite difference constrained reconstruction, with 13‐fold acceleration. This technique is evaluated using in vivo vocal tract airway data from 2 healthy subjects acquired at 1.5T scanner, 1 with synchronized audio, with 2 tasks during production of natural speech, and via comparison with interleaved multislice 2D dynamic MRI.

Results

This technique captured known dynamics of vocal tract articulators during natural speech tasks including tongue gestures during the production of consonants “s” and “l” and of consonant–vowel syllables, and was additionally consistent with 2D dynamic MRI. Coordination of lingual (tongue) movements for consonants is demonstrated via volume‐of‐interest analysis. Vocal tract area function dynamics revealed critical lingual constriction events along the length of the vocal tract for consonants and vowels.

Conclusion

We demonstrate feasibility of 3D dynamic MRI of the full vocal tract, with spatiotemporal resolution adequate to visualize lingual movements for consonants and vocal tact shaping during natural productions of consonant–vowel syllables, without requiring multiple repetitions.
Dephasing optimization through coherence order pathway selection (DOTCOPS) for improved crusher schemes in MR spectroscopy
Authors: Landheer Karl , Juchem Christoph
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To develop an algorithm which can robustly eliminate all unwanted coherence pathways for an arbitrary magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiment through the adjustment of the relative amplitudes of crusher gradients, thereby reducing the effects of spurious echoes and mislocalization.

Theory and Methods

The effect of crushing gradients for all coherence pathways was modeled according to the associated physics, and a cost function was optimized which maximally crushes all unwanted coherence pathways, while unaffecting the desired coherence pathway(s). The efficacy of the method was tested versus literature schemes from 2 separate MR spectroscopy (MRS) sequences: sLASER and MEGA‐sLASER with both phantom and in vivo experiments.

Results

Improved crushing power for 2 separate MRS sequences was demonstrated for 2 crushing schemes adopted from the literature in both phantom and in vivo data.

Conclusion

A novel algorithm and associated software was developed based on rigorous treatment of all coherence pathways, which can be applied to any arbitrary magnetic resonance spectroscopic pulse sequence of interest and any arbitrary coupled spin system. This developed method solves a long‐standing problem in in vivo MRS and is expected to critically improve the data quality of virtually all MRS applications.
Open‐label trial of ranolazine for the treatment of paramyotonia congenita
Authors: Lorusso Samantha , Kline David , Bartlett Amy , Freimer Miriam , Agriesti Julie , Hawash Ahmed A. , Rich Mark M. , Kissel John T. , David Arnold W.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a nondystrophic myotonic disorder that is believed to be caused by a defect in Nav1.4 sodium channel inactivation. Ranolazine, which acts by enhancing slow inactivation of sodium channels, has been proposed as a therapeutic option, but in vivo studies are lacking.

Methods

We conducted an open‐label, single‐center trial of ranolazine to evaluate efficacy and tolerability in patients with PMC. Subjective symptoms of stiffness, weakness, and pain as well as clinical and electrical myotonia were evaluated. Baseline measures were compared with those after 4 weeks of treatment with ranolazine.

Results

Ranolazine was tolerated well without any serious adverse events. Both subjective symptoms and clinical myotonia were significantly improved. Duration of myotonia was reduced according to electromyography, but this change was not statistically significant in all tested muscles.

Discussion

Our findings support the use of ranolazine as a treatment for myotonia in PMC and suggest that a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial is warranted. Muscle Nerve 59:240–243, 2019
Vibration testing: Optimizing methods to improve reliability
Authors: Marcuzzi Anna , Wainwright Alan C. , Costa Daniel S. J. , Wrigley Paul J.
Published: November 2018

Introduction: In this study we assessed the test–retest reliability of a Rydel–Seiffer tuning fork and an electronic vibrameter with hand‐held and fixed probes. Methods: Fifty healthy volunteers were assessed twice in the upper and lower limb 15 minutes apart. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). The effect of stimulus parameters on vibration disappearance threshold (VDT) was assessed by analysis of variance. Results: All 3 tools showed good reliability (ICCs = 0.65–0.95). Vibrameter recordings with the fixed probe showed high variability. The vibrameter was more sensitive in detecting body‐site and age differences in vibration thresholds than the tuning fork. Significantly higher VDT was observed when higher starting amplitudes and slower rates of change were used. Discussion: The hand‐held vibrameter is a superior tool to monitor vibration sense. The stimulus amplitude and rate of change are important to control as they alter VDT. Muscle Nerve 59:229–235, 2019
Correlation of ultrasound cross‐sectional area of the median nerve, nerve conduction studies and 2‐point discrimination
Authors: Panagopoulos Georgios N. , Wu Tiffany , Fowler John R.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between a measure of physical performance, a measure of physiology and a measure of anatomy in the setting of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods

A retrospective review of 215 consecutive patients with suspected CTS was conducted. All patients were evaluated with static 2‐point discrimination (2PD), ultrasound (US) measurement of the median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Correlations between 2PD and US and NCS parameters were calculated. The ability of US/NCS to predict 2PD was evaluated.

Results

Analysis failed to prove a statistically significant correlation between 2PD and median nerve CSA. A weak correlation was detected between 2PD and NCS parameters. When 2PD was used as a reference standard, NCS parameters combined had the greatest sensitivity, followed by US.

Conclusions

Currently used diagnostic tests (NCS and US) correlate poorly with 2PD. Muscle Nerve 000: 000–000, 2018 Muscle Nerve 59:236–239, 2019
Ultrasonographic evaluation of radial nerve injuries associated with pediatric chronic monteggia lesions
Authors: Liu Weiyong , Sui Xiufang , Ye Lei , Zhao Li
Published: November 2018

Introduction

To determine the ultrasonographic evaluation of the radial nerve (RN) before correction of chronic pediatric Monteggia lesions in patients with suspected nerve injury.

Methods

Twelve consecutive children with Monteggia lesions were investigated. The cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the nerve and the nerve‐to‐skin (N‐S) distance were determined by ultrasonography at 3 levels: 5 cm proximal to the humeroradial joint (L_prox), a horizontal line through the humeroradial joint (L_mid), and 2.5 cm distal to the humeroradial joint (L_dist).

Results

The CSA was greater on the injured side than on the unaffected side at L_prox and at L_mid (P < 0.01), but no difference was noted for posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) at L_dist (P = 0.445). The N‐S values were greater on the unaffected side than on the injured side (P < 0.01), but there was no difference at L_dist in superficial RN and PIN.

Discussion

Ultrasonography allowed the preoperative assessment of the severity of RN injuries in chronic pediatric Monteggia lesions. Muscle Nerve 59:326–330, 2019
Tailoring of thermal and mechanical properties of hollow glass bead‐filled polypropylene porous Films via stretching ratio and filler content
Authors: Barzegari Fatemeh , Morshedian Jalil , Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Karbalaei‐Bagher Milad
Published: November 2018

The momentous role of hollow glass bead (HGB) fillers to manipulate the thermal and mechanical properties of polymers has become an issue of significant interest. As regards, the scope of this work is oriented to manifest the interplay effects of HGB contents (average size of 60 μm) and uniaxial stretching ratios (100 and 200%) on HGB‐filled bimodal polypropylene (PP) films. SEM micrographs showed that at higher stretching ratio at about 120°C the pore formation was improved which was due to performance of smaller HGB particles. Also increasing the amount of HGBs could notably decrease the permeability of microporous composite films as a result of compaction effect. Moreover, an additional peak in the differential scanning calorimetry of composite films was the nucleating performance of smaller HGB particles. The yielding behavior of the precursor and porous PP samples prepared by hot stretching was analyzed by tensile testing. The results revealed that with the increase in the number of pores, strain softening was faded and eventually completely removed. Therefore, a ductile‐brittle transition occurred in the behavior of the polymer. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2938–2945, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Longitudinal Association between Self–Esteem and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: Separating Between–Person Effects from Within–Person Effects
Authors: Masselink M. , Van Roekel E. , Hankin B.L. , Keijsers L. , Lodder G.M.A. , Vanhalst J. , Verhagen M. , Young J.F. , Oldehinkel A.J.
Published: November 2018

Many longitudinal studies have investigated whether self–esteem predicts depressive symptoms (vulnerability model) or the other way around (scar model) in adolescents. The most common method of analysis has been the cross–lagged panel model (CLPM). The CLPM does not separate between–person effects from within–person effects, making it unclear whether the results from previous studies actually reflect the within–person effects or whether they reflect differences between people. We investigated the associations between self–esteem and depressive symptoms at the within–person level, using random intercept cross–lagged panel models (RI–CLPMs). To get an impression of the magnitude of possible differences between the RI–CLPM and the CLPM, we compared the results of both models. We used data from three longitudinal adolescent samples (age range: 7–18 years; study 1: N = 1948; study 2: N = 1455; study 3: N = 316). Intervals between the measurements were 1–1.5 years. Single–paper meta–analyses showed support for small within–person associations from self–esteem to depressive symptoms, but not the other way around, thus only providing some support for the vulnerability model. The cross–lagged associations in the aggregated RI–CLPM and CLPM showed similar effect sizes. Overall, our results show that over 1– to 1.5–year time intervals, low self–esteem may negatively influence depressive symptoms over time within adolescents, but only weakly so. © 2018 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology
Surface modification of chitosan films with a fibronectin fragment–DNA aptamer complex to enhance osteoblastic cell activity: A mass spectrometry approach probing evidence on protein behavior
Authors: Saccani Martina , Parisi Ludovica , Bergonzi Carlo , Bianchera Annalisa , Galli Carlo , Macaluso Guido Maria , Bettini Ruggero , Elviri Lisa
Published: November 2018

Rationale

Protein dynamics are fundamental for biological activity. Direct surface functionalization with these biomolecules often creates regions presenting non‐homogeneous and altered protein functionality. Aptamers have been shown to be an effective method to enhance the biocompatibility of biomaterials by acting as docking points for biomolecules capable of improving cell responses and the colonization/proliferation processes. Here mass spectrometry (MS) was successfully applied as an analytical approach to study the interactions between a fibronectin fragment (FN) and anti‐fibronectin aptamers in solution and on a chitosan film.

Methods

A 30 kDa N‐terminal fibronectin fragment, a ssDNA anti‐fibronectin 40 nucleotide long aptamer and chitosan 95/50 (degree of deacetylation 92.6–97.5%; molecular weight 80–220 kDa) were used. First, the dynamics of the FN in aqueous solution, in the presence or absence of anti‐FN‐specific DNA aptamers, were described. Thus, the same study was carried out on 2% (w/w) chitosan‐based films, functionalized with FN alone or through aptamers as selective spacers.

Results

Amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) analysis identified the SYRIGDTWSKKDNRGNL and YRVGDTYERPKDSMI, YVVGETWEKPYQGWMM and WERTYLGNAL fragments as presumably involved in the interaction of FN with aptamers. MS findings indicated the improved functionality of FN on chitosan when aptamers were used as selective spacer, and this may explain why cells preferentially attached to aptamer‐bound FN rather than on chitosan‐FN films.

Conclusions

Aptamers did not affect the amount of adsorbed FN, but influenced its conformation enhancing its biological activity toward adhesion and growth of osteoblasts. HDX‐MS data allowed the identification of the FN/aptamer interaction regions. Differences in FN flexibility on the chitosan film in the presence or absence of the aptamer were established providing insights at the molecular level to better understand the protein biological functionality on cell proliferation.