bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value ofBRAF/MIR‐17 signature and B‐Raf protein expression in patients with colorectal cancer: A pilot study
Authors: Ibrahiem Afaf T. , Fawzy Manal S. , Abu AlSel Baraah T. , Toraih Eman A 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite the recent improvement in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, it still has a poor prognosis with a low survival rate. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms have proved to play a substantial role in CRC tumorigenesis and progression. According to Gene Ontology and TargetScan analyses, the B‐Raf proto‐oncogene (BRAF) gene is one of the microRNA‐17 (miR‐17) targets. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of B‐Raf protein andBRAF/microRNA‐17 (MIR‐17) gene expression signature in CRC archived samples.MethodsB‐Raf protein expression was identified by immunohistochemistry, while gene expression studies were quantified by real‐time qPCR in 53 paired archived CRC specimens.ResultsTheBRAFshowed higher expressions in CRC specimens relative to non‐cancer tissues (p = 0.006). MIR17 expression was inversely and significantly correlated with both B‐Raf protein (r = −0.79,p < 0.001) and gene expression (r = −0.35,p = 0.010) and showed a significant direct correlation with a high rate of relapse (p = 0.020).BRAF/miR‐17 expression in CRC was associated inversely with tumor size, high grade of colonic carcinoma, lymph node metastasis, and carcinoma subtype. Spearman correlation and Kaplan‐Meier survival curve analyses revealed that disease‐free survival and overall survival were inversely and significantly correlated with positive B‐Raf protein expression (r = −0.31 and −0.35,p = 0.023 and 0.011, respectively) and directly correlated with logBRAF/MIR17 ratio (r = 0.50 and 0.41,p < 0.001 and = 0.003, respectively). Cox hazard regression analysis revealed theBRAF/MIR17 ratio could predict both types of patients' survival, among other variables.ConclusionBRAF/MIR17 ratio could have prognostic utility in patients with CRC. Further larger‐scale studies are warranted to confirm this utility.
Combined impact of land cover, precipitation, and catchment area on discharge and phosphorus in the Mississippi basin's subcatchments
Authors: Allafta Hadi , Opp Christian , Kolli Meena 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPhosphorus (P) supplies (concentrations and fluxes) are essential drivers for biological activities in rivers and should be controlled to prevent eutrophication that usually results from urbanization and agricultural expansion. In this study, data from 26 subcatchments in the Mississippi basin were compiled from 2013 to 2017 to identify how catchment area, precipitation, and land cover affect discharge and total P (TP) and how TP yield diverges from a generalized local response mode. Results revealed that area‐weighted discharge (Qarea) is controlled by precipitation and land cover (i.e., increases with precipitation and with both urban and forestland covers and decreases with both shrub/scrub and pasture/grassland covers). Total P concentration increases with agricultural land cover and decreases with both forest and water/wetland covers. Total P yield (Qarea × concentration) is governed mainly by Qarea because the latter changes by a higher order of magnitude compared with concentration in the current study. Hence, TP yield follows the same trends that Qarea exhibits with precipitation and land cover. In all catchments, TP yield varied significantly (p < .05) and positively with instantaneous discharge. However, the rate of yield variations with discharge exhibited a significant (p < .0001) strong negative (r2 = −.74) correlation with catchment area. This study provided a robust model that can predict the TP concentration and yield across different catchment scales in the Mississippi basin by means of discharge readings.
MRI Texture Features are Associated with Vestibular Schwannoma Histology
Authors: George‐Jones Nicholas A. , Chkheidze Rati , Moore Samantha , Wang Jing , Hunter Jacob B. 
Published: December 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine if commonly used radiomics features have an association with histological findings in vestibular schwannomas (VS).Study DesignRetrospective case‐series.MethodsPatients were selected from an internal database of those who had a gadolinium‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI scan captured prior to surgical resection of VS. Texture features from the presurgical magnetic resonance image (MRI) were extracted, and pathologists examined the resected tumors to assess for the presence of mucin, lymphocytes, necrosis, and hemosiderin and used a validated computational tool to determine cellularity. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratios were also computed for selected features using the Youden index to determine the optimal cut‐off value.ResultsA total of 45 patients were included. We found significant associations between multiple MRI texture features and the presence of mucin, lymphocytes, hemosiderin, and cellularity. No significant associations between MRI texture features and necrosis were identified. We were able to identify significant positive likelihood ratios using Youden index cut‐off values for mucin (2.3; 95% CI 1.2–4.3), hemosiderin (1.5; 95% CI 1.04–2.1), lymphocytes (3.8; 95% CI 1.2–11.7), and necrosis (1.5; 95% CI 1.1–2.2).ConclusionsMRI texture features are associated with underlying histology in VS.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2000–E2006, 2021
Hearing Status and Aural Rehabilitative Profile of 878 Patients With Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Macielak Robert J. , Marinelli John P. , Spear Samuel A. , Hahs‐Vaughn Debbie L. , Link Michael J. , Nye Chad , Carlson Matthew L. 
Published: December 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo examine the hearing status and aural rehabilitative profile in a national cohort of patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS).Study DesignCross‐sectional surveyMethodsA cross‐sectional survey of Acoustic Neuroma Association members diagnosed with sporadic VS was performed from February 2017 through January 2019. Self‐reported results were used to determine the aural rehabilitative profile of respondents.ResultsAmong survey respondents, 62.2% (546/878) were not using any hearing‐assistive device at time of survey. For the 37.8% (332/878) that were utilizing hearing‐assistive devices, 32.8% (109/332) reported using a behind‐the‐ear hearing aid, 23.8% (79/332) used a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aid, and 21.7% (72/332) used a bone conduction device. Notably, 41.9% (278/663) of patients who previously underwent tumor treatment reported utilizing a hearing rehabilitation device at some point during VS management compared to 27.0% (58/215) of those undergoing observation with serial imaging (P < .001). Of 275 patients with functional hearing in the ipsilateral ear, 26.5% (73/275) reported having used at least one type of hearing device; 24.0% (66/275) reported use of a conventional hearing aid, 0.7% (2/275) a CROS aid, and 0.4% (1/275) a bone conduction device. Among respondents reporting ipsilateral nonfunctional hearing, 44.9% (258/575) reported having used at least one type of hearing device; 13.0% (75/575) a CROS aid, and 12.3% (71/575) a bone conduction device.ConclusionsEven among a cohort with presumably elevated literacy surrounding hearing rehabilitation options, few patients with a history of unilateral vestibular schwannoma ultimately use hearing assistive devices long‐term, suggesting that most patients sufficiently adjust to unilateral hearing loss or are unsatisfied with the benefits achieved with current device options.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1378–1381, 2021
Algalization of acid soils with acid‐tolerant strains: Improvement in pH, carbon content, exopolysaccharides, indole acetic acid and dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Shanthakumar Subramanian , Abinandan Sudharsanam , Venkateswarlu Kadiyala , Subashchandrabose Suresh R. , Megharaj Mallavarapu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWidespread occurrence of acid soils across the globe is a serious issue in agriculture that has been generally managed with intensive use of chemical amendments. Although green microalgae are the primary colonizers of soils even under extreme acid conditions, only a few investigations focused on their role in health improvement of such soils. In this study we tested the hypothesis: that acid‐tolerant microalgae have the potential for ameliorating soil acidity and enhancing soil health through enrichment of carbon content, exopolysaccharides, indole acetic acid besides stimulating dehydrogenase activity in acid soils. Inoculation of two acid soils collected from Australian fields with acid‐tolerant microalgae, Desmodesmus sp. MAS1 and Heterochlorella sp. MAS3, alone or in combination, resulted initially in the development of a soil algal crust as evidenced by significant increase in chlorophyll a in both the soils. Also, there was a significant increase (>200%) in the release of exopolysaccharides that facilitated soil aggregate stability. The increase in soil pH was about one unit (from 4.8 to 5.6 in soil A or 4.3–5.3 in soil B) under the influence of individual or co‐cultures of the microalgal strains after 90 days. Algalized acid soils exhibited a significant increase in carbon content (29–57%), dehydrogenase activity (>500%) and production of indole acetic acid (200–500%). Thus, the present study reports for the first time on the great potential of green microalgae in amelioration of acid soils besides improving soil health and fertility.
On the Use of Surfactant‐Complexed Chitosan for Toughening 3D Printed Polymethacrylate Composites
Authors: Maalihan Reymark D. , Chen Qiyi , Agueda Joseph Rey H. Sta. , Pajarito Bryan B. , Tamura Hiroshi , Advincula Rigoberto C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis work reports a simple approach to prepare toughened 3D‐printed polymethacrylate (PMA) composites using surfactant‐modified chitosan (SMCS) particles at loadings between 2–10 wt%. Chitosan (CS) is modified with anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, via ionic complexation to facilitate compatibility and dispersion of CS to PMA matrix by non‐covalent interactions between the components. The study successfully demonstrates high‐accuracy 3D printing of composites with significant improvements in the overall mechanical properties. The composite with the best loading of 8 wt% SMCS shows a tensile modulus of 1.23 ± 0.05 GPa, a tensile strength at 49.8 ± 0.96 MPa, a yield stress at 33.3 ± 1.48 MPa, and a strain‐at‐failure 10.3 ± 0.61%, which are 45%, 40%, 32%, and 68% higher than neat PMA, respectively. This provides a significant improvement in toughness at 4.92 ± 0.55 MJ m−3 for the composite, 184% higher than that of neat PMA. The marked increase in toughness is due to enhanced filler‐matrix interactions which improve the ability of the 3D printed composite to absorb energy under tensile load. The results from this work provide new understandings into the strategies for design and preparation of stereolithography 3D printed materials reinforced with toughening fillers from renewable resources.
Preparation of Single, Heteromorphic Microspheres, and Their Progress for Medical Applications
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Yulin , Qu Qingli , Lu Tao , Li Fanghua , Wang Jing , Yang Anquan , Zou Yan , Huang Chaobo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMicrospheres applied in medical applications experience explosive development in recent years, such as drug release, cell culture, and bone tissue engineering, etc. However, there are still some bottlenecks both in economy and technology lay that cannot be ignored. For instance, microsphere technology has not been used in cell culture widely because of its uneconomical cost; as the core of drug‐loaded microsphere, targeted microsphere technology is still not mature enough. Besides, the common microsphere fabrication methods: microfluidic or emulsion technology is difficult to guarantee high biocompatibility of microsphere due to utilization of photoinitiator, crosslinking agent, surfactant, and other substances. Therefore, gas‐shearing technology has been proposed to solve these above shortcomings successfully. This paper focuses more on heteromorphic microspheres rather than on single microspheres which begins with a minute introduction of microsphere preparation methods: microfluidic, coaxial electrospray, emulsion, and gas‐shearing technology. Then its medical applications: drug release, cell culture, bone tissue engineering, and hemostasis are discussed in detail. The disadvantages of fabrication methods and bottlenecks for medical applications at present are also stated. At the end, perspectives of microsphere development are put forward.
Three‐dimensional quantitative mass spectrometry imaging in complex system: From subcellular to whole organism
Authors: Zhao Chao , Cai Zongwei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has been applied for label‐free three‐dimensional (3D) imaging from position array across the whole organism, which provides high‐dimensional quantitative data of inorganic or organic compounds that may play an important role in the regulation of cellular signaling, including metals, metabolites, lipids, drugs, peptides, and proteins. While MSI is suitable for investigation of the spatial distribution of molecules, it has a limitation with visualization and quantification of multiple molecules. 3D‐MSI, however, can be applied toward exploring metabolic pathway as well as the interactions of lipid–protein, protein–protein, and metal–protein in complex systems from subcellular to the whole organism through an untargeted methodology. In this review, we highlight the methods and applications of MS‐based 3D imaging to address the complexity of molecular interaction from nano‐ to micrometer lateral resolution, with particular focus on: (a) common and hybrid 3D‐MSI techniques; (b) quantitative MSI methodology, including the methods using a stable isotope labeling internal standard (SILIS) and SILIS‐free approaches with tissue extinction coefficient or virtual calibration; (c) reconstruction of the 3D organ; (d) application of 3D‐MSI for biomarker screening and environmental toxicological research. 3D‐MSI quantitative analysis provides accurate spatial information and quantitative variation of biomolecules, which may be valuable for the exploration of the molecular mechanism of the disease progresses and toxicological assessment of environmental pollutants in the whole organism. Additionally, we also discuss the challenges and perspectives on the future of 3D quantitative MSI.
Characterization of Gastrointestinal Symptom Type and Severity in Parkinson's Disease: A Case–Control Study in an Australian Cohort
Authors: Kenna Jade E. , Bakeberg Megan C. , Gorecki Anastazja M. , Chin Yen Tay Alfred , Winter Samantha , Mastaglia Frank L. , Anderton Ryan S. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundWhile constipation is a well‐known non‐motor symptom which may precede the onset of the classical motor symptoms of PD, there have been few comprehensive studies of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in people with PD (PwP).ObjectivesTo investigate the spectrum of GI symptoms in an Australian PwP cohort and their relationship to use of anti‐parkinsonian medications dietary habits and smoking.MethodsThe prevalence and severity of GI symptoms were compared in a group of 163 PwP and 113 healthy control subjects using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Corrected linear regression models were used to determine differences between PwP and controls, and to investigate the influence of different classes of anti‐Parkinsonian medications.ResultsPwP reported a greater frequency of constipation and GI‐associated illnesses when compared to healthy controls. Total GSRS scores (P < 0.0001), upper GI symptoms (P < 0.0001), and hypoactive GI Symptoms (P < 0.0001) were all significantly greater in the PD cohort than controls. Further analyses revealed a positive association between the use of anti‐Parkinsonian medications and total GSRS scores (P < 0.001), as well as upper GI symptoms (P < 0.001) and hypoactive GI function (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study illustrates the frequency and array of GI symptoms in a large PD cohort. The findings indicate that anti‐parkinsonian medications play an important role in the presentation and development of GI symptoms.
Urine Metabolites Associated with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet: Results from the DASH‐Sodium Trial
Authors: Kim Hyunju , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Wong Kari E. , Appel Lawrence J. , Coresh Josef , Rebholz Casey M. 
Published: December 2020

ScopeSerum metabolomic markers of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet are previously reported. In an independent study, the similarity of urine metabolomic markers are investigated.Methods and ResultsIn the DASH‐Sodium trial, participants are randomly assigned to the DASH diet or control diet, and received three sodium interventions (high, intermediate, low) within each randomized diet group in random order for 30 days each. Urine samples are collected at the end of each intervention period and analyzed for 938 metabolites. Two comparisons are conducted: 1) DASH‐high sodium (n = 199) versus control‐high sodium (n = 193), and 2) DASH‐low sodium (n = 196) versus control‐high sodium. Significant metabolites identified using multivariable linear regression are compared and the top 10 influential metabolites identified using partial least‐squares discriminant analysis to the results from the DASH trial. Nine out of 10 predictive metabolites of the DASH‐high sodium and DASH‐low sodium diets are identical. Most candidate biomarkers from the DASH trial replicated. N‐methylproline, chiro‐inositol, stachydrine, and theobromine replicated as influential metabolites of DASH diets.ConclusionsCandidate biomarkers of the DASH diet identified in serum replicated in urine. Replicated influential metabolites are likely to be objective biomarkers of the DASH diet.
Metabolomic Changes after Coffee Consumption: New Paths on the Block
Authors: Favari Claudia , Righetti Laura , Tassotti Michele , Gethings Lee Andrew , Martini Daniela , Rosi Alice , Antonini Monica , Rubert Josep , Manach Claudine , Dei Cas Alessandra , Bonadonna Riccardo , Brighenti Furio , Dall'Asta Chiara , Mena Pedro , Del Rio Daniele 
Published: December 2020

ScopeSeveral studies suggest that regular coffee consumption may help preventing chronic diseases, but the impact of daily intake and the contribution of coffee metabolites in disease prevention are still unclear. The present study aims at evaluating whether and how different patterns of coffee intake (one cup of espresso coffee/day, three cups of espresso coffee/day, and one cup of espresso coffee/day and two cocoa‐based products containing coffee two times per day) may impact endogenous molecular pathways.Methods and ResultsA three‐arm, randomized, crossover trial is performed in 21 healthy volunteers who consumed each treatment for one month. Urine samples are collected to perform untargeted metabolomics based on UHPLC‐IMS‐HRMS. A total of 153 discriminant metabolites are identified. Several molecular features are associated with coffee consumption, while others are linked with different metabolic pathways, such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, energy metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and arginine biosynthesis and metabolism.ConclusionThis information has provided new insights into the metabolic routes by which coffee and coffee‐related metabolites may exert effects on human health.
7T MR Thermometry technique for validation of system‐predicted SAR with a home‐built radiofrequency wrist coil
Authors: Fagan Andrew J. , Jacobs Paul S. , Hulshizer Thomas C. , Rossman Phillip J. , Frick Matthew A. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Felmlee Joel P. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeA 7T magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT) technique was developed to validate the conversion factor between the system‐measured transmitted radiofrequency (RF) power into a home‐built RF wrist coil with the system‐predicted SAR value. The conversion factor for a new RF coil developed for ultra high magnetic field MRI systems is used to ensure that regulatory limits on RF energy deposition in tissue, specifically the local 10g‐averaged specific absorption rate (SAR10g), are not exceeded. MRT can be used to validate this factor by ensuring that MRT‐measured SAR values do not exceed those predicted by the system.MethodsA 14‐cm diameter high‐pass birdcage RF coil was built to image the wrist at 7T. A high spatial and temporal resolution dual‐echo gradient echo MRT technique, incorporating quasi‐simultaneous RF‐induced heating and temperature change measurements using the proton resonance frequency method, was developed. The technique allowed for high‐temperature resolution measurements (~±0.1°C) to be performed every 20 s over a 4‐min heating period, with high spatial resolution (2.56 mm3 voxel size) and avoiding phase discontinuities arising from severe magnetic susceptibility‐induced B0 inhomogeneities. Magnetic resonance thermometry was performed on a phantom made from polyvinylpyrrolidone to mimic the dielectric properties of muscle tissue at 297.2 MHz. Temperature changes measured with MRT and four fiber optic temperature sensors embedded in the phantom were compared. Electromagnetic simulations of the coil and phantom were developed and validated via comparison of simulated and measured B1+ maps in the phantom. The position of maximum SAR within the coil was determined from simulations, and MRT was performed within a wrist‐sized piece of meat positioned at that SAR hotspot location. MRT‐measured and system‐predicted SAR values for the phantom and meat were compared.ResultsTemperature change measurements from MRT matched closely to those from the fiber optic temperature sensors. The simulations were validated via close correlation between the simulated and MRT‐measured B1+ and SAR maps. Using a coil conversion factor of 2 kg−1, MRT‐measured point‐SAR values did not exceed the system‐predicted SAR10g in either the uniform phantom or in the piece of meat mimicking the wrist located at the SAR hotspot location.ConclusionsA highly accurate MRT technique with high spatial and temporal resolution was developed. This technique can be used to ensure that system‐predicted SAR values are not exceeded in practice, thereby providing independent validation of SAR levels delivered by a newly built RF wrist coil. The MRT technique is readily generalizable to perform safety evaluations for other RF coils at 7T.
MR elastography: Principles, guidelines, and terminology
Authors: Manduca Armando , Bayly Philip V. , Ehman Richard L. , Kolipaka Arunark , Royston Thomas J. , Sack Ingolf , Sinkus Ralph , Van Beers Bernard E. 
Published: December 2020

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a phase contrast–based MRI technique that can measure displacement due to propagating mechanical waves, from which material properties such as shear modulus can be calculated. Magnetic resonance elastography can be thought of as quantitative, noninvasive palpation. It is increasing in clinical importance, has become widespread in the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis, and additional clinical applications are being explored. However, publications have reported MRE results using many different parameters, acquisition techniques, processing methods, and varied nomenclature. The diversity of terminology can lead to confusion (particularly among clinicians) about the meaning of and interpretation of MRE results.This paper was written by the MRE Guidelines Committee, a group formalized at the first meeting of the ISMRM MRE Study Group, to clarify and move toward standardization of MRE nomenclature. The purpose of this paper is to (1) explain MRE terminology and concepts to those not familiar with them, (2) define “good practices” for practitioners of MRE, and (3) identify opportunities to standardize terminology, to avoid confusion.