bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The implication of LncRNA MALAT1 in promoting chemo‐resistance of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Jiang Qining , Liu Shiying , Hou Linna , Guan Yanfei , Yang Shenggang , Luo Zhengyong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study was aimed to evaluate the involvement of lncRNA MALAT1 in modifying chemo‐sensitivity of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cell lines.MethodsTotally 108 pairs of tumor tissues and matched para‐tumor normal tissues were gathered from patients who were pathologically confirmed as LSCC. Meanwhile, LSCC cell lines, including TU686, TU177, AMC‐HN‐8, and LSC‐1, were purchased to evaluate their tolerance to cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and vincristine. Additionally, CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and wound healing assay were implemented to assess the part of MALAT1 in modulating viability, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of LSCC cell lines.ResultsMALAT1 expression was higher in LSCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (P < .05), and LSCC patients who carried highly expressed MALAT1 demonstrated poorer 5‐year survival than ones with low MALAT1 expression (P < .05). For another, expression of MALAT1 was also unusually elevated within TU686, TU177, AMC‐HN‐8, and LSC‐1 cell lines as relative to NHBEC cell line (P < .05). The TU686 cell line therein excelled in resisting the growth‐curbing effects of 5‐fluorouracil (IC50 = 20.44 μmol/L), paclitaxel (IC50 = 35.86 μg/L), and vincristine (IC50 = 0.12 μmol/L), when compared with TU177, AMC‐HN‐8, and LSC‐1 cell line (P < .05). Moreover, there seemed great potential for over‐expressed MALAT1 to enhance the chemo‐resistance of both TU686 and LSC‐1 cell lines (P < .05). Not only that, silencing of MALAT1 tended to undermine the proliferative and metastatic power of TU686 and LSC‐1 cell lines (P < .05).ConclusionLncRNA MALAT1 counted in triggering tolerance of LSCC against chemo‐drugs by boosting metastasis and depressing apoptosis of tumor cells.
Blood screening for heavy metals and organic pollutants in cancer patients exposed to toxic waste in southern Italy: A pilot study
Authors: Forte Iris Maria , Indovina Paola , Costa Aurora , Iannuzzi Carmelina Antonella , Costanzo Luigi , Marfella Antonio , Montagnaro Serena , Botti Gerardo , Bucci Enrico , Giordano Antonio 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn Italy, in the eastern area of the Campania region, the illegal dumping and burning of waste have been documented, which could potentially affect the local population's health. In particular, toxic waste exposure has been suggested to associate with increased cancer development/mortality in these areas, although a causal link has not yet been established. In this pilot study, we evaluated blood levels of toxic heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 95 patients with different cancer types residing in this area and in 27 healthy individuals. While we did not find any significant correlation between the blood levels of POPs and the provenance of the patients, we did observe high blood concentrations of heavy metals in some municipalities, including Giugliano, where many illegal waste disposal sites have previously been documented. Our results showed that patients with different cancer types from Giugliano had higher blood levels of heavy metals than healthy controls. Despite the obvious limitations of this exploratory study, our preliminary observations encourage further research assessing the possible association between exposure to hazardous waste, increased blood metals, and increased risk of cancer.
Use of Cine Loops and Structural Landmarks in Ultrasound Image Processing Improves Reliability and Reduces Error in the Assessment of Foot and Leg Muscles
Authors: Johnson A. Wayne , Stoneman Paul , McClung Matthew S. , Van Wagoner Natalie , Corey Taryn E. , Bruening Dustin A. , Hunter Tiffany D. , Myrer J. William , Ridge Sarah T. 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesFoot and leg muscle strength and size are crucial to proper function. It is important to assess these characteristics reliably. Our primary objective was to compare the measurement of still images to cine loops. The secondary purpose was to determine interoperator and intraoperator reliability between operators of different experience levels using video clips and internal and external landmarks.MethodsTwelve healthy volunteers participated in our study. Internal (navicular tuberosity) and external (lateral leg length at 30% and 50% from the knee joint line) landmarks were used. Two operators each captured and later measured still and cine loop images of selected foot and leg muscles.ResultsThe 12 participants included 8 male and 4 female volunteers (mean age ± SD, 23.5 ± 1.9 years). Good to excellent intraoperator and interoperator reliability was seen (intraclass correlation coefficient range of 0.946–0.998). The use of cine loops improved the intraclass correlation coefficients for both intraoperator and interoperator reliability (0.5%–4% increases). The use of cine loops decreased the intraoperator standard error of the measurement and limits of agreement of the novice operator (decreases of 45%–73% and 24%–51%, respectively), and these became comparable to those of experienced operators using still images. The interoperator standard errors of the measurement dropped by 42% to 53%, whereas the limits of agreement dropped by 27% to 40%. No substantial changes were noted in the tibialis anterior across reliability metrics.ConclusionsImproved protocols that take advantage of using internal bony landmarks and cine loops during both the image‐gathering and measurement processes improve the reliability of research examining muscle size changes in the lower leg or foot associated with muscle changes due to exercise, injury, disuse, or disease.
The submental flap for head and neck reconstruction: Comparison of outcomes to the radial forearm free flap
Authors: Patel Urjeet A. 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesTo compare intraoperative, postoperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes of the submental island pedicled flap (SIPF) to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF).Study DesignRetrospective review; comparison with statistical analysis.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on patients at two tertiary care academic hospitals by a single surgeon. Consecutive patients who underwent cancer resection and reconstruction with SIPF or RFFF between 2004 and 2016 were included. Cancer staging, surgical procedure, hospital stay, complications, and functional and oncologic results were extracted.ResultsThe study included 146 patients (57 SIPF; 89 RFFF). The most prevalent primary site was oral cavity, with a minority in the oropharynx, paranasal sinuses, or external face. Mean area of the SIPF was smaller at 28 cm2 compared to 48 cm2 for the RFFF. Operative time for SIPF was shorter at 6.5 hours compared to 9 hours for RFFF. Hospital stay was 8.0 days for SIPF patients and 10.0 days for RFFF patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed these differences were significant. Functional outcomes of speech quality and gastrostomy feeding tube dependence were similar between the SIPF and RFFF groups. There was no difference in local recurrence rate for SIPF (16%) and RFFF (19%), and there was no difference in overall recurrence. Kaplan‐Meier curves showed no difference in recurrence between both groups, and multivariate logistic regression demonstrated no association between SIPF and local recurrence.ConclusionOperative time and hospital stay are both significantly reduced with the SIPF. Functional and oncologic results are similar with no contraindication to the SIPF. The SIPF is a good first‐line choice for head and neck reconstruction.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 130:S1–S10, 2020
Acute Exacerbations in Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis: Differences in Quality of Life and Endoscopy
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Ayoub Noel F. , Mace Jess C. , Mowery Alia , Hwang Peter H. , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: December 2019

Objectives/HypothesisResearch surrounding outcome differences for patients with recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) is scarce. This investigation explored quality of life (QOL) and sinonasal attributes in patients during acute episodes (AEs) and in‐between AEs of RARS.Study DesignRetrospective outcomes research.MethodsData from patients with RARS were collected from two academic institutions between 2009 and 2017 using prospective and retrospective methodology. During clinical presentation, subjects were classified as with or without an AEs using guideline definitions of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). Between‐group differences in 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) survey and Lund‐Kennedy (LK) endoscopy scores were assessed.ResultsFour hundred twenty‐three clinical visits from 202 patients were included. Visits during an AE (168/423, 40%) were associated with significantly worse SNOT‐22 total scores compared to between AEs (255/423, 60%; median = 53.0 [interquartile range (IQR) = 24.0] vs. 34.0 [IQR = 29.5]) and all SNOT‐22 subdomain scores (all P < .001). LK scores were available for 167 visits, with 56 (34%) completed during an AE. Compared to visits without an AE, endoscopy findings associated with an AE were less frequently normal (LK score = 0, 45% vs. 62%, P = .031) with worse median LK scores (2.0 [IQR = 4.0] vs. 0.0 [IQR = 2.0], P = .005).ConclusionsAEs are associated with significantly worse QOL and mildly worse endoscopic findings. Almost half of visits during AEs had negative endoscopy, identifying a disparity between patient symptoms and objective findings and calling into question alternative or concomitant diagnoses. Diagnostic criteria for ABRS or AEs in RARS do not require objective confirmation of inflammation, presenting a conundrum for clinicians. The potential for overdiagnosis of ABRS and AEs should be considered when determining the risk/benefit ratio of treatments for RARS.Level of Evidence2c Laryngoscope, 2019
Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Neurogranin in Parkinsonian Disorders
Authors: Hall Sara , Janelidze Shorena , Zetterberg Henrik , Brix Britta , Mattsson Niklas , Surova Yulia , Blennow Kaj , Hansson Oskar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundCSF concentration of neurogranin has been suggested as a biomarker for synapse dysfunction.ObjectivesTo investigate CSF neurogranin in parkinsonian disorders compared to controls and Alzheimer's disease and the possible correlations between neurogranin and cognitive and motor impairment.MethodsWe included 157 patients with PD, 29 with PD with dementia, 11 with dementia with Lewy bodies, 26 with MSA, 21 with PSP, 6 with corticobasal syndrome, 47 controls, and 124 with Alzheimer's disease. CSF neurogranin was measured using two enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays; from EUROIMMUN and the University of Gothenburg.ResultsWe found a strong correlation between CSF neurogranin‐EI and CSF neurogranin–University of Gothenburg (Rs = 0.890; P < 0.001). Neurogranin was decreased in PD, PD with dementia, MSA, and PSP compared to controls and Alzheimer's disease. Neurogranin did not correlate with motor or cognitive impairment, longitudinal decline, or progression to dementia in PD.ConclusionsCSF neurogranin is decreased in parkinsonian disorders compared to controls, emphasizing the importance of synaptic dysfunction in these disorders. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Neuroprotective Effects of Apple‐Derived Drinks in a Mice Model of Inflammation
Authors: Alvariño Rebeca , Alonso Eva , Alfonso Amparo , Botana Luis M. 
Published: December 2019

ScopeFruit‐derived drinks consumption is considered beneficial due to the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of polyphenols separately, but studies including their total constituents are scarce. In this work, the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory neuroprotective effects of apple‐derived beverages are determined in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation.Methods and resultsPreliminary antioxidant and neuroinflammatory experiments are carried out with 15 drink polyphenolic extracts in SH‐SY5Y and BV2 cells, using H2O2 as pro‐oxidant and LPS as pro‐inflammatory stimulus, respectively. Extracts improve antioxidant systems functioning and present neuroprotective mitochondrial‐related effects. In microglia, extracts reduce reactive oxygen species and modulate cytokine release. To better mimic human consumption, four concentrated dealcoholized apple‐derived drinks (three ciders and apple juice) are supplied to mice for 7 days in substitution of drinking water. Mice treated with beverages present reduced brain oxidative stress and inflammatory markers after LPS injection. Interestingly, genetic expression of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels are also greatly augmented after drink intake.ConclusionThe results confirm the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory‐mediated neuroprotective properties of apple‐derived drinks, suggesting that their consumption could be a good approach for prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of cider neuroprotective effects.
Experimental investigation of neural network estimator and transfer learning techniques for K‐edge spectral CT imaging
Authors: Zimmerman Kevin C. , Sharma Gayatri , Parchur Abdul Kareem , Joshi Amit , Schmidt Taly Gilat 
Published: December 2019

PurposeSpectral computed tomography (CT) material decomposition algorithms require accurate physics‐based models or empirically derived models. This study investigates a machine learning algorithm and transfer learning techniques for Spectral CT imaging of K‐edge contrast agents using simulated and experimental measurements.MethodsA feed forward multilayer perceptron was implemented and trained on data acquired using a step wedge phantom containing acrylic, aluminum, and gadolinium materials. The neural network estimator was evaluated by scanning a rod phantom with varying dilutions of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles and by scanning a rat leg specimen with injected nanoparticles on a bench‐top photon‐counting computed tomography system. The algorithm decomposed each spectral projection measurement into path lengths of acrylic and aluminum and mass lengths of gadolinium. Each basis material sinogram was reconstructed into basis material images using filtered backprojection. Machine learning techniques of data standardization, transfer learning from aggregated pixel data, and transfer learning from simulations were investigated to improve image quality. The algorithm was compared to a previously published empirical method based on a linear approximation and calibration error look‐up tables.ResultsThe combined transfer learning techniques did not improve quantification in the rod phantom and provided only a small qualitative improvement in ring artifacts. Transfer learning from aggregated pixel data and from simulations improved the qualitative image quality of the rat specimen, for which the calibration data were limited. Transfer learning from aggregated pixel data and simulations estimated 3.26, 6.26, and 12.45 mg/mL Gd concentrations compared to true 2.72, 5.44, and 10.88 mg/mL concentrations in the rod phantom. Additionally, the neural networks were able to separate the soft tissue, bone, and gadolinium nanoparticles of the ex vivo rat leg specimen into the different basis images.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that empirical K‐edge imaging from calibration measurements using machine learning and transfer learning is possible without explicit models of material attenuations, incident spectra, or the detector response.
Automated 3D geometry segmentation of the healthy and diseased carotid artery in free‐hand, probe tracked ultrasound images
Authors: de Ruijter Joerik , van Sambeek Marc , van de Vosse Frans , Lopata Richard 
Published: December 2019

PurposeRupture of an arterosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery is a major cause of stroke. Biomechanical analysis of plaques is under development aiming to aid the clinician in the assessment of plaque vulnerability. Patient‐specific three‐dimensional (3D) geometry assessment of the carotid artery, including the bifurcation, is required as input for these biomechanical models. This requires a high‐resolution, 3D, noninvasive imaging modality such as ultrasound (US). In this study, a high‐resolution two‐dimensional (2D) linear array in combination with a magnetic probe tracking device and automatic segmentation method was used to assess the geometry of the carotid artery. The advantages of using this system over a 3D ultrasound probe are its higher resolution (spatial and temporal) and its larger field of view.MethodsA slow sweep (v = ± 5 mm/s) was made over the subject’s neck so that the full geometry of the bifurcated geometry of the carotid artery is captured. An automated segmentation pipeline was developed. First, the Star‐Kalman method was used to approximate the center and size of the vessels for every frame. Images were filtered with a Gaussian high‐pass filter before conversion into the 2D monogenic signals, and multiscale asymmetry features were extracted from these data, enhancing low lateral wall‐lumen contrast. These images, in combination with the initial ellipse contours, were used for an active deformable contour model to segment the vessel lumen. To segment the lumen–plaque boundary, Otsu’s automatic thresholding method was used. Distension of the wall due to the change in blood pressure was removed using a filter approach. Finally, the contours were converted into a 3D hexahedral mesh for a patient‐specific solid mechanics model of the complete arterial wall.ResultsThe method was tested on 19 healthy volunteers and on 3 patients. The results were compared to manual segmentation performed by three experienced observers. Results showed an average Hausdorff distance of 0.86 mm and an average similarity index of 0.91 for the common carotid artery (CCA) and 0.88 for the internal and external carotid artery. For the total algorithm, the success rate was 89%, in 4 out of 38 datasets the ICA and ECA were not sufficient visible in the US images. Accurate 3D hexahedral meshes were successfully generated from the segmented images .ConclusionsWith this method, a subject‐specific biomechanical model can be constructed directly from a hand‐held 2D US measurement, within 10 min, with a minimal user input. The performance of the proposed segmentation algorithm is comparable to or better than algorithms previously described in literature. Moreover, the algorithm is able to segment the CCA, ICA, and ECA including the carotid bifurcation in transverse B‐mode images in both healthy and diseased arteries.
Evaluation of a pixelated large format CMOS sensor for x‐ray microbeam radiotherapy
Authors: Flynn Samuel , Price Tony , Allport Philip P. , Silvestre Patallo Ileana , Thomas Russell , Subiel Anna , Bartzsch Stefan , Treibel Franziska , Ahmed Mabroor , Jacobs‐Headspith Jon , Edwards Tim , Jones Isaac , Cathie Dan , Guerrini Nicola , Sedgwick Iain 
Published: December 2019

PurposeCurrent techniques and procedures for dosimetry in microbeams typically rely on radiochromic film or small volume ionization chambers for validation and quality assurance in 2D and 1D, respectively. Whilst well characterized for clinical and preclinical radiotherapy, these methods are noninstantaneous and do not provide real time profile information. The objective of this work is to determine the suitability of the newly developed vM1212 detector, a pixelated CMOS (complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor) imaging sensor, for in situ and in vivo verification of x‐ray microbeams.MethodsExperiments were carried out on the vM1212 detector using a 220 kVp small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) at the Helmholtz Centre Munich. A 3 x 3 cm2 square piece of EBT3 film was placed on top of a marked nonfibrous card overlaying the sensitive silicon of the sensor. One centimeter of water equivalent bolus material was placed on top of the film for build‐up. The response of the detector was compared to an Epson Expression 10000XL flatbed scanner using FilmQA Pro with triple channel dosimetry. This was also compared to a separate exposure using 450 µm of silicon as a surrogate for the detector and a Zeiss Axio Imager 2 microscope using an optical microscopy method of dosimetry. Microbeam collimator slits with range of nominal widths of 25, 50, 75, and 100 µm were used to compare beam profiles and determine sensitivity of the detector and both film measurements to different microbeams.ResultsThe detector was able to measure peak and valley profiles in real‐time, a significant reduction from the 24 hr self‐development required by the EBT3 film. Observed full width at half maximum (FWHM) values were larger than the nominal slit widths, ranging from 130 to 190 µm due to divergence. Agreement between the methods was found for peak‐to‐valley dose ratio (PVDR), peak to peak separation and FWHM, but a difference in relative intensity of the microbeams was observed between the detectors.ConclusionsThe investigation demonstrated that pixelated CMOS sensors could be applied to microbeam radiotherapy for real‐time dosimetry in the future, however the relatively large pixel pitch of the vM1212 detector limit the immediate application of the results.
Do comorbidities predict pain and function in knee osteoarthritis following an exercise intervention, and do they moderate the effect of exercise? Analyses of data from three randomized controlled trials
Authors: Legha Amardeep , Burke Danielle L. , Foster Nadine E. , van der Windt Danielle A. , Quicke Jonathan G. , Healey Emma L. , Runhaar Jos , Holden Melanie A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough exercise is a core treatment for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), it is currently unknown whether those with additional comorbidities respond differently to exercise than those without. We explored whether comorbidities predict pain and function following an exercise intervention in people with knee OA, and whether they moderate response to: exercise versus no exercise; and enhanced exercise versus usual exercise‐based care.MethodsWe undertook analyses of existing data from three randomized controlled trials (RCTs): TOPIK (n = 217), APEX (n = 352) and Benefits of Effective Exercise for knee Pain (BEEP) (n = 514). All three RCTs included: adults with knee pain attributable to OA; physiotherapy‐led exercise; data on six comorbidities (overweight/obesity, pain elsewhere, anxiety/depression, cardiac problems, diabetes mellitus and respiratory conditions); the outcomes of interest (six‐month Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index knee pain and function). Adjusted mixed models were fitted where data was available; otherwise linear regression models were used.ResultsObesity compared with underweight/normal body mass index was significantly associated with knee pain following exercise, as was the presence compared with absence of anxiety/depression. The presence of cardiac problems was significantly associated with the effect of enhanced versus usual exercise‐based care for knee function, indicating that enhanced exercise may be less effective for improving knee function in people with cardiac problems. Associations for all other potential prognostic factors and moderators were weak and not statistically significant.ConclusionsObesity and anxiety/depression predicted pain and function outcomes in people offered an exercise intervention, but only the presence of cardiac problems might moderate the effect of exercise for knee OA. Further confirmatory investigations are required.