bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and analysis of autophagy in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Hale Amber , Merchant Mark , White Mary 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn response to environmental temperature depression in the fall and winter, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) brumate. Brumation is characterized by lethargy, fasting, decreased metabolism, and decreased body temperature. During brumation, alligators will periodically emerge for basking or other encounters when environmental conditions permit. This sporadic activity and lack of nutrient intake may place strain on nutrient reserves. Nutrient scarcity, at the cellular and/or organismal level, promotes autophagy, a well‐conserved subcellular catabolic process used to maintain energy homeostasis during periods of metabolic or hypoxic stress. An analysis of the putative alligator autophagy‐related proteins has been conducted, and the results will be used to investigate the physiological role of autophagy during the brumation period. Using published genomic data, we have determined that autophagy is highly conserved, and alligator amino acid sequences exhibit a high percentage of identity with human homologs. Transcriptome analysis conducted using liver tissue derived from alligators confirmed the expression of one or more isoforms of each of the 34 autophagy initiation and elongation genes assayed. Five autophagy‐related proteins (ATG5, ATG9A, BECN1, ATG16L1, and MAP1‐LC3B), with functions spanning the major stages of autophagy, have been detected in alligator liver tissue by western blot analysis. In addition, ATG5 was detected in alligator liver tissue by immunohistochemistry. This is the first characterization of autophagy in crocodylians, and the first description of autophagy‐related protein expression in whole blood.
Isolation and characterization of two satellite DNAs in Atlantolacerta andreanskyi (Werner, 1929) (Reptilia, Lacertidae)
Authors: Giovannotti Massimo , S'Khifa Abderrahim , Nisi Cerioni Paola , Splendiani Andrea , Slimani Tahar , Fioravanti Tatiana , Olmo Ettore , Caputo Barucchi Vincenzo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTwo satellite DNAs (satDNAs) have been isolated and characterized from three populations of Atlantolacerta andreanskyi. One satDNA (AAN‐TaqI) has been isolated here from the first time. It is characterized by a tendency to AT enrichment (AT = 54.2%) and monomer length ranging from 187 to 199 bp. FISH experiments showed that this element occurs in subterminal position on the short arms of all chromosomes of the complement. The analyses of genetic variability of AAN‐TaqI showed that the concerted evolution is acting effectively on these repeats that form separate clusters consistent with the geographic origin in the phylogenetic tree, thus supporting the hypothesis that A. andreanskyi would be a species complex. In addition, in the population from Jbel Aoulime this satDNA is already differentiated into two subfamilies. The other satDNA belongs to the family of IMO‐TaqI already isolated in other lacertids. Differently from AAN‐TaqI, concerted evolution does not seem to act effectively on this element that is not differentiated between populations. These results confirm that IMO‐TaqI (AT = 53.4%) is conserved in both chromosomal position and most of its sequence in the lacertids from which it has been characterized so far. Its remarkable evolutionary conservation for about 45 million years could indicate that this satDNA may have a functional role that future investigations could unveil. Once again, this study shows how satDNAs coexisting in the same genome may differ in their evolutionary pattern, even though the reasons underlying this phenomenon in the species here studied have still to be fully understood.
Colorings versus list colorings of uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Wang Wei , Qian Jianguo , Yan Zhidan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLet be an integer with and be a connected ‐uniform hypergraph with edges. By refining the broken cycle theorem for hypergraphs, we show that if , then the ‐list assignment of admitting the fewest colorings is the constant list assignment. This extends the previous results of Donner, Thomassen, and the current authors for graphs.
Titrating a modified ketogenic diet for patients with McArdle disease: A pilot study
Authors: Løkken Nicoline , Hansen Kit K. , Storgaard Jesper H. , Ørngreen Mette C. , Quinlivan Ros , Vissing John 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGlycogen storage disease type V (GSDV) is a rare inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism. Patients present with exercise intolerance due to blocked glycogen breakdown in skeletal muscle. Introducing alternative fuel substrates, such as ketone bodies (KBs), could potentially alleviate muscle symptoms. This pilot study investigates which of three different modified ketogenic diet regimes is optimal for GSDV‐patients to follow in a future large‐scale study. Participants were randomised to follow one of three diet regimes for 3 weeks (#1: 65%/15%/20%; #2: 75%/15%/10%, or #3: 80%/15%/5%, fat/protein/carbohydrate). The primary outcome was exercise tolerance assessed by heart rate (HR) changes during constant load cycling. Secondary outcomes included levels of ketosis, and changes in perceived exertion and indirect calorimetry measures during exercise. Ten GSDV‐patients were included. Eight completed the study. The other two were excluded. Diet #3 showed the highest average KB level (1.1 mmol/L) vs #2 (0.5 mmol/L) and #1 (0.3 mmol/L). Five patients reported subjective symptom relief, all of whom were on diets #2 and #3. All diet regimes seemed to improve fatty acid oxidation rates and exercise capacity as indicated by a small decrease in HR and perceived exertion. The results of this open‐label pilot study show that diets #2 and #3 induce ketosis and improve symptoms and exercise capacity in GSDV‐patients. Diet #2 had the highest acceptability score and was superior or equal to diet #3 in all other parameters, except level of ketosis. Based on this, we suggest testing diet #2 in a large‐scale, placebo‐controlled study in GSDV.
Specific monitoring of aflatoxin M1 in real samples using aptamer binding to DNFS based on turn‐on method: A novel biosensor
Authors: Kordasht Houman Kholafazad , Hasanzadeh Mohammad 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the present work, a novel biocompatible scaffold was fabricated for the DNA aptamer immobilization. For the first time, amino‐functionalized dendritic fibrous nanosilica (KCC‐1‐nPr‐NH2) and gold nanoparticle supported by chitosan (AuNPs‐CS) were synthesized and electrodeposited successfully on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode by chronoamperometry technique. Unique oligonucleotide of aflatoxin M1 (5′‐ATC CGT CAC ACC TGC TCT GAC GCT GGG GTC GAC CCG GAG AAA TGC ATT CCC CTG TGG TGT TGG CTC CCG TAT) labeled by toluidine blue was immobilization on the prepared interface. Hence, a novel aptamer‐based bioassay was formed for highly sensitive quantitation of AFM1 using cyclic voltammetry and differential plus voltammetry. The structure and morphology of GQDs‐CS/KCC‐1‐nPr‐NH2 were investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The achieved low limit of quantification of apta‐assay for detection of AFM1 was 10fM. Also, calibration curve was linear from 0.1μM to 10fM in real samples. The proposed apta‐assay has acceptable long‐term stability. Designed aptasensor has a lot of remarkable advantages including excellent selectivity, sensitivity, and stability that could be used as facile bio‐device for the determination of AFM1 in milk samples.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Thoracic Vasculature: Technique and Applications
Authors: Ludwig Daniel R. , Shetty Anup S. , Broncano Jordi , Bhalla Sanjeev , Raptis Constantine A. 
Published: February 2020

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a powerful clinical tool for evaluation of the thoracic vasculature. MRA can be performed on nearly any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, and provides images of high diagnostic quality without the use of ionizing radiation. While computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is preferred in the evaluation of hemodynamically unstable patients, MRA represents an important tool for evaluation of the thoracic vasculature in stable patients. Contrast‐enhanced MRA is generally performed unless there is a specific contraindication, as it shortens the duration of the exam and provides images of higher diagnostic quality than noncontrast MRA. However, intravenous contrast is often not required to obtain a diagnostic evaluation for most clinical indications. Indeed, a variety of noncontrast MRA techniques are used for thoracic imaging, often in conjunction with contrast‐enhanced MRA, each of which has a differing degree of reliance on flowing blood to produce the desired vascular signal. In this article we review contrast‐enhanced MRA, with a focus on contrast agents, methods of bolus timing, and considerations in imaging acquisition. Next, we cover the mechanism of contrast, strengths, and weaknesses of various noncontrast MRA techniques. Finally, we present an approach to protocol development and review representative protocols used at our institution for a variety of thoracic applications. Further attention will be devoted to additional techniques employed to address specific clinical questions, such as delayed contrast‐enhanced imaging, provocative maneuvers, electrocardiogram and respiratory gating, and phase‐contrast imaging. The purpose of this article is to review basic techniques and methodology in thoracic MRA, discuss an approach to protocol development, and illustrate commonly encountered pathology on thoracic MRA examinations.Level of Evidence5Technical Efficacy Stage3
Low‐Dose, Contrast‐Enhanced Mammography Compared to Contrast‐Enhanced Breast MRI: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Clauser Paola , Baltzer Pascal A.T. , Kapetas Panagiotis , Hoernig Mathias , Weber Michael , Leone Federica , Bernathova Maria , Helbich Thomas H. 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundContrast‐enhanced MRI (CE‐MRI) is the most sensitive technique for breast cancer detection. Contrast‐enhanced mammography (CEM) is emerging as a possible alternative to CE‐MRI.PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of a low radiation dose contrast‐enhanced mammography (L‐CEM) in women with suspicious findings on conventional imaging compared to CE‐MRI of the breast.Study TypeProspective, single center.PopulationWomen with suspicious findings on mammography, tomosynthesis, or ultrasound, and no contraindications for L‐CEM or CE‐MRI. Eighty women were included.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 and 3T CE‐MRI, standard protocol for breast, with dedicated coils, according to international guidelines. L‐CEM was performed using a dedicated prototype.AssessmentThree, off‐site, blinded readers evaluated the images according to the BI‐RADS lexicon in a randomized order, each in two separate reading sessions. Histology served as a gold standard.Statistical TestLesion detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values (NPV, PPV) were calculated and compared with multivariate statistics.ResultsIncluded were 80 women (mean age, 54.3 years ±11.2 standard deviation) with 93 lesions (32 benign, 61 malignant). The detection rate was significantly higher with CE‐MRI (92.5–94.6%; L‐CEM 79.6–91.4%, P = 0.014). Sensitivity (L‐CEM 65.6–90.2%; CE‐MRI 83.6–93.4%, P = 0.086) and NPV (L‐CEM 59.6–71.4%; CE‐MRI 63.0–76.5%, P = 0.780) did not differ between the modalities. Specificity (L‐CEM 46.9–96.9%; CE‐MRI 37.5–53.1%, P = 0.001) and PPV (L‐CEM 76.4–97.6%; CE‐MRI 73.3–77.3%, P = 0.007) were significantly higher with L‐CEM. Variations between readers were significant for sensitivity and NPV. The accuracy of L‐CEM was as good as CE‐MRI (75.3–76.3% vs. 72.0–75.3%, P = 0.514).Data ConclusionL‐CEM showed a high sensitivity and accuracy in women with suspicious findings on conventional imaging. Compared to CE‐MRI, L‐CEM has the potential to increase specificity and PPV. L‐CEM might help to reduce false‐positive biopsies while obtaining sensitivity comparable to that of CE‐MRILevel of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:589–595.
Evaluating Biventricular Myocardial Velocity and Interventricular Dyssynchrony in Adult Patients During the First Year After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Sarnari Roberto , Blake Allison M. , Ruh Alexander , Abbasi Muhannad A. , Pathrose Ashitha , Blaisdell Julie , Dolan Ryan S. , Ghafourian Kambiz , Wilcox Jane E. , Khan Sadiya S. , Vorovich Esther E. , Rich Jonathan D. , Anderson Allen S. , Yancy Clyde W. , Carr James C. , Markl Michael 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundMagnetic resonance tissue phase mapping (TPM) measures three‐directional myocardial velocities of the left and right ventricle (LV, RV). This noninvasive technique may supplement endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in monitoring grafts post‐heart transplantation (HTx).PurposeTo assess biventricular myocardial velocity alterations in grafts and investigate the relationship between velocities and acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsTwenty‐seven patients within 1 year post‐HTx (49 ± 13 years, 19 M) and 18 age‐matched controls (49 ± 15 years, 12 M).Field Strength/Sequence1.5T, 2D balanced steady‐state free precession, and TPM.AssessmentVentricular function: end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes, stroke volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and myocardial mass. TPM velocities: peak‐systolic and peak‐diastolic velocities, cardiac twist, and interventricular dyssynchrony. ACR rejection episodes: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grading of EMB specimens.Statistical TestsThe Lilliefors test for normality, unpaired t‐tests, and Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests for normally and nonnormally distributed data, respectively, were used, as well as multivariate regression for confounding variables and Pearson's correlation for associations between TPM velocities and global function.ResultsCompared to controls, HTx patients demonstrated reduced biventricular systolic longitudinal velocities (LV: 5.2 ± 2.1 vs. 4.0 ± 1.5 cm/s, P < 0.05; RV: 4.2 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 1.2 cm/s, P < 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships for biventricular EF with radial peak velocities of the same ventricle in both systole and diastole (LV systole: r = 0.48, P < 0.01; LV diastole: r = 0.28, P < 0.05; RV systole: r = 0.35, P < 0.01; RV diastole: r = 0.36, P < 0.01). Segmentally, longitudinal velocities were impaired in 7/16 LV segments and 5/10 RV segments in systole and 7/10 RV segments in diastole. TPM analysis in studies with >4 preceding ACR episodes showed globally reduced RV and LV systolic radial velocity, and segmentally reduced radial and longitudinal systolic velocities.Data ConclusionBiventricular global and segmental velocities were reduced in HTx patients. Patients with >4 rejection episodes showed reduced myocardial velocities. The TPM sequence may add functional information for monitoring graft dysfunction.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:920–929.
Improving Spatial Normalization of Brain Diffusion MRI to Measure Longitudinal Changes of Tissue Microstructure in the Cortex and White Matter
Authors: Jacobacci Florencia , Jovicich Jorge , Lerner Gonzalo , Amaro Edson , Armony Jorge L. , Doyon Julien , Della‐Maggiore Valeria 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundFractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) are frequently used to evaluate longitudinal changes in white matter (WM) microstructure. Recently, there has been a growing interest in identifying experience‐dependent plasticity in gray matter using MD. Improving registration has thus become a major goal to enhance the detection of subtle longitudinal changes in cortical microstructure.PurposeTo optimize normalization of diffusion tensor images (DTI) to improve registration in gray matter and reduce variability associated with multisession registrations.Study TypeProspective longitudinal study.SubjectsTwenty‐one healthy subjects (18–31 years old) underwent nine MRI scanning sessions each.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T, diffusion‐weighted multiband‐accelerated sequence, MP2RAGE sequence.AssessmentDiffusion‐weighted images were registered to standard space using different pipelines that varied in the features used for normalization, namely, the nonlinear registration algorithm (FSL vs. ANTs), the registration target (FA‐based vs. T1‐based templates), and the use of intermediate individual (FA‐based or T1‐based) targets. We compared the across‐session test–retest reproducibility error of these normalization approaches for FA and MD in white and gray matter.Statistical TestsReproducibility errors were compared using a repeated‐measures analysis of variance with pipeline as the within‐subject factor.ResultsThe registration of FA data to the FMRIB58 FA atlas using ANTs yielded lower reproducibility errors in white matter (P < 0.0001) with respect to FSL. Moreover, using the MNI152 T1 template as the target of registration resulted in lower reproducibility errors for MD (P < 0.0001), whereas the FMRIB58 FA template performed better for FA (P < 0.0001). Finally, the use of an intermediate individual template improved reproducibility when registration of the FA images to the MNI152 T1 was carried out within modality (FA–FA) (P < 0.05), but not via a T1‐based individual template.Data ConclusionA normalization approach using ANTs to register FA images to the MNI152 T1 template via an individual FA template minimized test–retest reproducibility errors both for gray and white matter.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:766–775.
Radiomics Based on Multimodal MRI for the Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions
Authors: Zhang Qian , Peng Yunsong , Liu Wei , Bai Jiayuan , Zheng Jian , Yang Xiaodong , Zhou Lijuan 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundMRI‐based radiomics has been used to diagnose breast lesions; however, little research combining quantitative pharmacokinetic parameters of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) exists.PurposeTo develop and validate a multimodal MRI‐based radiomics model for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions and analyze the discriminative abilities of different MR sequences.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 207 female patients with 207 histopathology‐confirmed breast lesions (95 benign and 112 malignant) were included in the study. Then 159 patients were assigned to the training group, and 48 patients comprised the validation group.Field Strength/SequenceT2‐weighted (T2W), T1‐weighted (T1W), diffusion‐weighted MR imaging (b‐values = 0, 500, 800, and 2000 seconds/mm2) and quantitative DCE‐MRI were performed on a 3.0T MR scanner.AssessmentRadiomics features were extracted from T2WI, T1WI, DKI, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and DCE pharmacokinetic parameter maps in the training set. Models based on each sequence or combinations of sequences were built using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier and used to differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions in the validation set.Statistical TestsOptimal feature selection was performed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm (LASSO). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance of the radiomics models in the validation set.ResultsThe area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the optimal radiomics model, including T2WI, DKI, and quantitative DCE‐MRI parameter maps was 0.921, with an accuracy of 0.833. The AUCs of the models based on T1WI, T2WI, ADC map, DKI, and DCE pharmacokinetic parameter maps were 0.730, 0.791, 0.770, 0.788, and 0.836, respectively.Data ConclusionThe model based on radiomics features from T2WI, DKI, and quantitative DCE pharmacokinetic parameter maps has a high discriminatory ability for benign and malignant breast lesions.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:596–607.
Bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation between the left ventricular endocardium and great cardiac vein for refractory ventricular premature complexes originating from the left ventricular summit
Authors: Tokioka Sayuri , Fukamizu Seiji , Kawamura Iwanari , Kitamura Takeshi , Hojo Rintaro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAblation for ventricular arrhythmias originating from the left ventricular (LV) summit is sometimes challenging. Bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is effective for refractory arrhythmias; little is known about bipolar RFCA from the coronary venous system and the appropriate settings. We experienced three cases of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) originating from the LV summit successfully treated by bipolar RFCA between the LV endocardium (irrigated catheters as active electrodes) and coronary venous system (8‐mm‐tip catheters as return electrodes). These cases showed that bipolar RFCA was effective for the VPCs originating from the LV summit; 8‐mm‐tip catheters were useful as return electrodes.
Successful hot balloon ablation for focal atrial tachycardia derived from the left superior pulmonary vein antrum
Authors: Tabata Hiroaki , Okada Ayako , Kobayashi Hideki , Shoin Wataru , Okano Takahiro , Yoshie Koji , Motoki Hirohiko , Shoda Morio , Kuwahara Koichiro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA 45‐year‐old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) was admitted to our hospital for hot balloon ablation. At admission, atrial tachycardia (AT) was observed. Activation map showed focal atrial tachycardia originating from the posterior wall of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) antrum. We performed hot balloon ablation at the LSPV antrum, terminated AT, and performed pulmonary vein isolation with a hot balloon. The hot balloon was successfully applied for the ablation of the focal atrial tachycardia from the pulmonary vein.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound protects subchondral bone in rabbit temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by suppressing TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway
Authors: Yi Xin , Wu Lin , Liu Jie , Qin Yi‐Xian , Li Bo , Zhou Qing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTransforming growth factor β1(TGF‐β1)/Smad3 pathway promotes the pathological progression of subchondral bone in osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the pathological progression and TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway of subchondral bone in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). Rabbit TMJOA model was established by type II collagenase induction. The left joint in this model was continuously stimulated with LIPUS for 3 and 6 weeks (1 MHz; 30 mW/cm2) for 20 min/day. The morphological and histological features of subchondral bone were respectively examined by microcomputed tomography and Safranin‐O staining. The number of osteoclasts was quantitatively assessed by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were conducted to evaluate the protein expression of Cathepsin K and TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway. The results indicated that LIPUS could improve the trabecular microstructure and histological characteristics of subchondral bone in rabbit TMJOA. It also suppressed abnormal subchondral bone resorption and activation of TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway, characterized by the number of osteoclasts, protein expression levels of Cathepsin K, TGF‐β1, type II TGFβ receptor, and phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3) were decreased. In conclusion, LIPUS promoted the quality of subchondral bone by suppressing osteoclast activity and TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway in rabbit TMJOA.