bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation and noise robustness assessment of microscopic anisotropy estimation with clinically feasible double diffusion encoding MRI
Authors: Kerkelä Leevi , Henriques Rafael Neto , Hall Matt G. , Clark Chris A. , Shemesh Noam 
Published: October 2019

PurposeDouble diffusion encoding (DDE) MRI enables the estimation of microscopic diffusion anisotropy, yielding valuable information on tissue microstructure. A recent study proposed that the acquisition of rotationally invariant DDE metrics, typically obtained using a spherical “5‐design,” could be greatly simplified by assuming Gaussian diffusion, facilitating reduced acquisition times that are more compatible with clinical settings. Here, we aim to validate the new minimal acquisition scheme against the standard DDE 5‐design, and to quantify the proposed method's noise robustness to facilitate future clinical use.Theory and MethodsDDE MRI experiments were performed on both ex vivo and in vivo rat brains at 9.4 T using the 5‐design and the proposed minimal design and taking into account the difference in the number of acquisitions. The ensuing microscopic fractional anisotropy (μFA) maps were compared over a range of b‐values up to 5000 s/mm2. Noise robustness was studied using analytical calculations and numerical simulations.ResultsThe minimal protocol quantified μFA at an accuracy comparable to the estimates obtained by means of the more theoretically robust DDE 5‐design. μFA's sensitivity to noise was found to strongly depend on compartment anisotropy and tensor magnitude in a nonlinear manner. When μFA < 0.75 or when mean diffusivity is particularly low, very high signal‐to‐noise ratio is required for precise quantification of µFA.ConclusionOur work supports using DDE for quantifying microscopic diffusion anisotropy in clinical settings but raises hitherto overlooked precision issues when measuring μFA with DDE and typical clinical signal‐to‐noise ratio.
Membrane property changes in most distal motor axons in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Amino Hiroshi , Shibuya Kazumoto , Misawa Sonoko , Sekiguchi Yukari , Beppu Minako , Suichi Tomoki , Suzuki Yo‐ichi , Tsuneyama Atsuko , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionDistal nerve terminals, where the blood‐nerve barrier is anatomically deficient, are preferentially affected in immune‐mediated neuropathies. Excitability alterations near the motor nerve terminals may be more prominent than the nerve trunk in typical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).MethodsIn 20 patients with typical CIDP, motor nerve excitability testing was performed at the motor point and wrist of the ulnar nerve, and results were compared with those in 20 healthy persons.ResultsChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy patients showed greater threshold changes in hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus at the motor point (P < .05) but not at the wrist. Strength‐duration time constant did not show significant differences between CIDP and controls at both sites.DiscussionAxonal property changes in CIDP are more prominent in distal portions of axons compared with the nerve trunk, presumably due to salient demyelination near the distal nerve terminals. Motor point excitability measurements could elucidate underlying pathophysiology in immune‐mediated neuropathies.
Response to treatment in pediatric ocular myasthenia gravis
Authors: Xu Lori , Castro Diana , Reisch Joan S. , Iannaccone Susan T. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionJuvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG), a pediatric autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder, includes generalized (GMG), and ocular (OMG) variants. We sought to determine whether differences existed between OMG and GMG children regarding demographics or treatment response.MethodsWe performed retrospective analysis of 60 children with JMG seen between 1990 and 2018. Osserman scores were used to define OMG and GMG. The myasthenia scale of Millichap and Dodge was used to assess treatment responses.ResultsThere were no differences between GMG and OMG regarding time interval from disease onset to prednisone initiation (P = .42), or treatment response according to Millichap and Dodge (P = .12). Compared with GMG, OMG children showed younger age of disease onset and better outcomes after treatment. No OMG patients progressed to generalized disease during the follow‐up period.DiscussionCompared with GMG, OMG patients had earlier disease onset and improved outcomes after treatment.
p38‐regulated FOXC1 stability is required for colorectal cancer metastasis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liao Yan , Chen Chaoyi , Sun Wenjie , Sun Xiaohui , Liu Yuan , Xu Enping , Lai Maode , Zhang Honghe 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAberrant expression of forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) promotes tumor metastasis in multiple human malignant tumors. However, the upstream modulating mode and downstream molecular mechanism of FOXC1 in metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Herein we describe a systematic analysis of FOXC1 expression and prognosis in CRC performed on our clinical data and public databases, which indicated that FOXC1 upregulation in CRC samples was significantly associated with poor prognosis. FOXC1 knockdown inhibited migration and invasion, whereas FOXC1 overexpression caused the opposite phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MMP10, SOX4 and SOX13 were verified as the target genes of FOXC1 for promoting CRC metastasis. MMP10 was demonstrated as the direct target and mediator of FOXC1. Interestingly, Ser241 and Ser272 of FOXC1 were identified as the key sites to interact with p38 and phosphorylation, which were critically required for maintaining the stability of FOXC1 protein. Moreover, FOXC1 was dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase 2A and phosphorylated by p38, which maintained FOXC1 protein stability through inhibiting ubiquitination. Expression of p38 was correlated with FOXC1 and MMP10 expression, indirectly indicating that FOXC1 was regulated by p38 MAPK. Therefore, FOXC1 is strongly suggested as a pro‐metastatic gene in CRC by transcriptionally activating MMP10, SOX4 and SOX13; p38 interacts with and phosphorylates the Ser241 and ser272 sites of FOXC1 to maintain its stability by inhibiting ubiquitination and degradation. In conclusion, the protein stability of FOXC1 mediated by p38 contributes to the metastatic effect in CRC. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐utility of individual internet‐based and face‐to‐face Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy compared with treatment as usual in reducing psychological distress in cancer patients
Authors: Compen Félix , Adang Eddy , Bisseling Else , van der Lee Marije , Speckens Anne 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveIt was previously determined that group‐based face‐to‐face Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and individual internet‐based MBCT (eMBCT) are equally efficacious compared with treatment as usual (TAU) in reducing psychological distress. In this study, the incremental cost‐utility of both interventions compared with TAU was assessed.MethodsThis cost‐utility study included 245 self‐referred heterogeneous cancer patients with psychological distress who were randomized to MBCT, eMBCT or TAU. Healthcare costs and (informal) work‐related productivity losses were assessed by interview. Outcomes were expressed in EuroQol‐5D‐3L utility scores and quality‐adjusted life years (QALY). An economic evaluation with a time‐horizon of 3 months was conducted from the societal perspective in the intention‐to‐treat sample. In addition, secondary explorative analyses of costs and quality of life during the 9‐month follow‐up were conducted based on linear extrapolation of TAU.ResultsPaid work‐related productivity losses and societal costs were lower in both intervention conditions compared with TAU during the 3‐month intervention period. Moreover, quality of life (utility scores) improved in eMBCT versus TAU (Cohen's d: .54) and MBCT versus TAU (.53). At a willingness to pay of €20000 per QALY, the mean incremental net monetary benefit was €1916 (SD=€783) in eMBCT and €2365 (SD=€796) in MBCT versus TAU. Exploration of costs demonstrated an equal pattern of eMBCT and MBCT being superior to TAU. Quality of life at 9‐month follow‐up remained improved in both interventions.ConclusionsResults indicate that eMBCT and MBCT are cost‐saving treatments whilst simultaneously improving quality of life for distressed cancer patients.
A Facile and Efficient Route for the Synthesis of Thiopyranoquinolines‐Fused Indole Moiety Using 2‐Chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehydes
Authors: Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Moafi Atiyeh , Ziadkhani Ainaz , Daneshfar Maryam , Razaghdoost Narges 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe reaction of 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehydes with indoline‐2‐thione in ethanol provides a series of novel indolo[3′,2′:5,6]thiopyrano[2,3‐b]quinoline derivatives. The desired products were obtained in short reaction time and high yields (69‐93%) under mild reaction conditions.
A Self‐Assembled 2D Thermofunctional Material for Radiative Cooling
Authors: Jaramillo‐Fernandez Juliana , Whitworth Guy L. , Pariente Jose Angel , Blanco Alvaro , Garcia Pedro D. , Lopez Cefe , Sotomayor‐Torres Clivia M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe regulation of temperature is a major energy‐consuming process of humankind. Today, around 15% of the global‐energy consumption is dedicated to refrigeration and this figure is predicted to triple by 2050, thus linking global warming and cooling needs in a worrying negative feedback‐loop. Here, an inexpensive solution is proposed to this challenge based on a single layer of silica microspheres self‐assembled on a soda‐lime glass. This 2D crystal acts as a visibly translucent thermal‐blackbody for above‐ambient radiative cooling and can be used to improve the thermal performance of devices that undergo critical heating during operation. The temperature of a silicon wafer is found to be 14 K lower during daytime when covered with the thermal emitter, reaching an average temperature difference of 19 K when the structure is backed with a silver layer. In comparison, the soda‐lime glass reference used in the measurements lowers the temperature of the silicon by just 5 K. The cooling power of this simple radiative cooler under direct sunlight is found to be 350 W m−2 when applied to hot surfaces with relative temperatures of 50 K above the ambient. This is crucial to radiatively cool down devices, i.e., solar cells, where an increase in temperature has drastic effects on performance.
Neobalantidium coli: First molecular identification from the Eurasian wild boar, Sus Scrofa in Bushehr Province, Southwestern Iran
Authors: Noorpisheh Ghadimi Shamsi , Abedini Mohammad R. , Sarkari Bahador , Savardashtaki Amir , Mikaeili Fattaneh 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBalantidium coli is a common parasite of pig and wild boars (Sus scrofa) which can infect humans and several species of mammals. This study aimed to determine the genotype of Balantidium isolated from Eurasian wild boars in Bushehr province, Southwestern Iran. Twenty‐five faecal samples, originating from 25 wild boars captivated in our previous study, were processed. DNA was extracted from the faecal samples and PCR‐amplified, targeting an ITS1–5.8s‐rRNA–ITS2 region of Balantidium genome. PCR product was purified from the gel, and sequenced. BLAST analysis was performed in order to compare our isolates with other previously reported ones. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, using MegaX software, to find out the phylogenetic diversity of the isolates. With PCR it was possible to detect Balantidium DNA in the faecal samples of 13 out of 25 (52%) of the wild boars. BLAST analysis of seven isolates revealed that the isolates belong to the newly introduced genus Neobalantidium coli. Sequences of three isolates were deposited in the GenBank. Moreover, molecular analysis revealed six areas of nucleotide differences within the isolates and nine areas of difference between the sequences obtained in this study and those available in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences of isolates of this study have up to 2.2% dissimilarity from those published in the GenBank. The findings of this study, for the first time, revealed that some of the isolates of Balantidium originating from wild boars in Southwestern Iran belonged to the N. coli.
Little dams, big problems: The legal and policy issues of nonjurisdictional dams
Authors: Brewitt Peter K. , Colwyn Chelsea L. M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMost of the United States' 2.5 million dams are not under the jurisdiction of any public agency. These small (under 6 ft [1.83 m] tall) nonjurisdictional dams, unregulated and not inventoried anywhere, endanger public safety and degrade riparian ecosystems. Their problems are increasing as structures age and storm events become more violent. Property owners can be held liable for problems at dams. Through several policy changes and legal actions, states can vastly improve the situation. States should consider expanded jurisdiction over small dams, a program of inventorying and mapping all dams in state waterways, owner education and outreach, and shared resources to allow for improved public safety and river restoration through best dam management or dam removal practices.This article is categorized under:
Human Water > Water Governance
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Aging of zero‐valent iron‐based nanoparticles in aqueous environment and the consequent effects on their reactivity and toxicity
Authors: Dong Haoran , Li Long , Wang Yaoyao , Ning Qin , Wang Bin , Zeng Guangming 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA fundamental understanding of the long‐term fate of nanoscale zero‐valent iron (nZVI)‐based particles in aqueous environment and the corresponding impacts on their reactivity and toxicity is essential for the responsible use and management of the nanoparticles in environmental applications. This paper comprehensively reviews the physicochemical transformations of nZVI‐based particles and the consequent effects on the particle's reactivity and toxicity. The corrosions of nZVI in water under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions are summarized. The transformation of contaminant‐bearing nZVI is also discussed. Besides, the factors influencing the transformation of nZVI (i.e., pH, typical anions and cations, natural organic matter, surface stabilizers, bimetal decoration, and sulfidation treatment) are summarized and discussed. In addition, the effects of particle aging on its reactivity and toxicity are discussed. Generally, the aging of nZVI‐based particles would have negative impact on the removal of contaminants, especially for the degradation of organic pollutants. However, the aging process of nZVI‐based particles would cause a significant reduction in their toxicity. It is suggested that the nZVI‐based particles would finally transform to less toxic or benign materials (i.e., iron (oxyhydr)oxides) over time. Finally, future perspectives are proposed to better quantify and predict the transformation of nZVI‐based particles in aqueous environment.Practitioner points

The corrosion rates and products of nZVI in water varied much under anaerobic and aerobic conditions.

Typical anions and cations, natural organic matter, and iron types are critical factors influencing the physicochemical transformation of nZVI.

The aging of nZVI would have negative impact its reactivity, especially for the degradation of organic pollutants.

Although the fresh nZVI exhibits obvious toxicity, the aging process would cause a significant reduction in its toxicity.
Recent advancements in two‐dimensional nanomaterials for drug delivery
Authors: Mei Xuan , Hu Tingting , Wang Yingjie , Weng Xisheng , Liang Ruizheng , Wei Min 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDifferent from conventional zero‐dimensional (0D) and one‐dimensional (1D) counterparts, two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials show unique properties resulting from their specific structure and morphology. In recent years, broad interest has been focused on the exploration of 2D nanomaterials for drug delivery, which benefits greatly to various disease treatments due to the superior properties of 2D nanomaterials. The fast development of 2D‐based drug delivery systems provides great potential for biomedical studies. In this review, a case‐by‐case analysis was carried out on the state‐of‐the‐art 2D nanomaterials‐based drug delivery systems, which possesses great significance to the further biomedical development of 2D nanomaterials. For the purpose of discussing the special advantages of these novel drug delivery systems, this review is organized according to the different types of the latest 2D nanomaterials and their loading capacity towards various cargos. Special emphasis will be located on the application of these 2D nanomaterials‐based drug delivery systems in chemotherapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Stress analysis in a bone fracture fixed with topology-optimised plates
Authors: Al-Tamimi Abdulsalam Abdulaziz , Quental Carlos , Folgado Joao , Peach Chris , Bartolo Paulo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The design of commercially available fixation plates and the materials used for their fabrication lead to the plates being stiffer than bone. Consequently, commercial plates are prone to induce bone stress shielding. In this study, three-dimensional fixation plates are designed using topology optimisation aiming to reduce the risk of bone stress shielding. Fixation plate designs were optimised by minimising the strain energy for three levels of volume reduction (i.e. 25%, 45% and 75%). To evaluate stress shielding, changes in bone stress due to the different fixation plate designs were determined on the fracture plane of an idealised shaft of a long bone under a four-point bending load considering the effect of a patient walking with crutches of a transverse fractured tibia. Topology optimisation is a viable approach to design less stiff plates with adequate mechanical strength considering high volume reductions, which consequently increased the stress transferred to the bone fracture plane minimising bone stress shielding.
Patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction and the long-term association with quality of life in irradiated breast cancer patients
Authors:   the UMBRELLA study group, Batenburg M. C. T. , Gregorowitsch M. L. , Maarse W. , Witkamp A. , Young-Afat D. A. , Braakenburg A. , Doeksen A. , van Dalen T. , Sier M. , Schoenmaeckers E. J. P. , van Gils C. H. , van den Bongard H. J. G. D. , Verkooijen H. M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction in women treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer and to determine the association between dissatisfaction and quality of life (QoL) and depression.

Methods
Within the prospective UMBRELLA breast cancer cohort, all patients ≥ 1 year after breast conserving treatment or mastectomy with immediate reconstruction were selected. Self-reported cosmetic satisfaction was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. QoL, social functioning, and emotional functioning were measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 at 1, 2, and 3 years after inclusion. Mixed model analysis was performed to assess the difference in different domains of QoL between patients with good versus poor self-reported cosmetic satisfaction over time after adjustment for potential confounders. Depression scores were collected by means of the HADS-NL questionnaire. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to assess the difference in proportions of HADS score ≥ 8, indicating increased depression risk, between satisfied and dissatisfied patients.

Results
808 patients were selected for analysis. Respectively one, two, and three years after surgery, 8% (63/808), 7% (45/626), and 8% (31/409) of patients were dissatisfied with their cosmetic outcome. Poor patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction was independently associated with impaired QoL, body image, and lower emotional and social functioning. Scores ≥ 8 on the HADS depression subscale were significantly more common in dissatisfied patients.

Conclusions
Dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome was low after breast cancer surgery followed by radiation therapy during 3 years follow-up. Knowing the association between dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome and QoL and depression could help to improve the preoperative counseling of breast cancer patients.
Functional inhibition of F11 receptor (F11R/junctional adhesion molecule-A/JAM-A) activity by a F11R-derived peptide in breast cancer and its microenvironment
Authors: Bednarek Radoslaw , Selmi Anna , Wojkowska Dagmara , Karolczak Kamil , Popielarski Marcin , Stasiak Marta , Salifu Moro O. , Babinska Anna , Swiatkowska Maria 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo examine the involvement of the F11R/JAM-A protein in breast cancer metastasis, we utilized the F11R/JAM-A antagonistic peptide 4D (P4D) in experiments of transendothelial migration (TEM) of breast cancer cells.MethodsExperiments were conducted in the mouse 4T1 breast cancer model utilizing the human mammary epithelial cell and endothelial cell lines. The levels of soluble F11R/JAM-A (sJAM-A) in the murine plasmas were measured by ELISA. Levels of F11R/JAM-A mRNA and protein in cell lines were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell surface expression of F11R/JAM-A was demonstrated by flow cytometry. Functional tests included the TEM of breast cancer cells and adhesion of breast cancer cells to the endothelium. The endothelial permeability was studied by fluorescent tracer assay and by the Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA).ResultsThe tumor inducers Tβ4 and TGF-β1 reduced the levels of sJAM-A in murine plasma, and reduced the F11R/JAM-A protein levels in the human microvascular endothelial cell line HMEC-1. The adhesion and TEM measured between breast cancer cells and inflamed or Tβ4-treated endothelium were inhibited by P4D. The presence of P4D did not destabilize the pre-existing tight junctions in the endothelial monolayer. The barrier-protecting effect of P4D was stronger than that of forskolin, when a booster dose of P4D was applied to the inflamed endothelium.ConclusionsF11R/JAM-A protein can be considered as a novel target in the treatment of breast cancer metastasis. In vivo and clinical studies are needed to further investigate the effectiveness of F11R/JAM-A-derived peptide as a possible anti-metastatic drug.
ParentWorks: Evaluation of an Online, Father-Inclusive, Universal Parenting Intervention to Reduce Child Conduct Problems
Authors: Piotrowska Patrycja J. , Tully Lucy A. , Collins Daniel A. J. , Sawrikar Vilas , Hawes David , Kimonis Eva R. , Lenroot Rhoshel K. , Moul Caroline , Anderson Vicki , Frick Paul J. , Dadds Mark R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Evidence-based parenting interventions are effective in reducing conduct problems, yet these interventions have limited reach, and few involve the participation of fathers. This paper describes the outcomes of an open trial of ParentWorks, a universal, online, father-inclusive parenting intervention aiming to decrease childhood behavioural problems and promote positive parenting in mothers and fathers. A total of 388 families (456 individual parents; 36.6% fathers) were included in the study. Mixed model analyses showed significant decreases in child emotional/behavioural problems, dysfunctional parenting, interparental conflict, and parental mental health problems. The baseline severity of child behavioural problems significantly moderated the effects on child outcomes so that children with higher levels of problems benefitted more from the program. Participation of both caregivers in two-parent families, as well as parent sex, did not significantly affect the program outcomes. Results provide initial empirical support for the universal, self-directed, online parenting intervention, in addressing both child behavioural problems and parenting outcomes. Trial registration: ACTRN12616001223426, registered 05/09/2016.