bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Load‐transfer in the human vertebral body following lumbar total disc arthroplasty: Effects of implant size and stiffness in axial compression and forward flexion
Authors: Bonnheim Noah B. , Keaveny Tony M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAdverse clinical outcomes for total disc arthroplasty (TDA), including subsidence, heterotopic ossification, and adjacent‐level vertebral fracture, suggest problems with the underlying biomechanics. To gain insight, we investigated the role of size and stiffness of TDA implants on load‐transfer within a vertebral body. Uniquely, we accounted for the realistic multi‐scale geometric features of the trabecular micro‐architecture and cortical shell. Using voxel‐based finite element analysis derived from a micro‐computed tomography scan of one human L1 vertebral body (74‐μm‐sized elements), a series of generic elliptically shaped implants were analyzed. We parametrically modeled three implant sizes (small, medium [a typical clinical size], and large) and three implant materials (metallic, E = 100 GPa; polymeric, E = 1 GPa; and tissue‐engineered, E = 0.01 GPa). Analyses were run for two load cases: 800 N in uniform compression and flexion‐induced anterior impingement. Results were compared to those of an intact model without an implant and loaded instead via a disc‐like material. We found that TDA implantation increased stress in the bone tissue by over 50% in large portions of the vertebra. These changes depended more on implant size than material, and there was an interaction between implant size and loading condition. For the small implant, flexion increased the 98th‐percentile of stress by 32 ± 24% relative to compression, but the overall stress distribution and trabecular‐cortical load‐sharing were relatively insensitive to loading mode. In contrast, for the medium and large implants, flexion increased the 98th‐percentile of stress by 42 ± 9% and 87 ± 29%, respectively, and substantially re‐distributed stress within the vertebra; in particular overloading the anterior trabecular centrum and cortex. We conclude that TDA implants can substantially alter stress deep within the lumbar vertebra, depending primarily on implant size. For implants of typical clinical size, bending‐induced impingement can substantially increase stress in local regions and may therefore be one factor driving subsidence in vivo.
Boronic acid functionalized fibrous cellulose for the selective enrichment of glycopeptides
Authors: Sajid Muhammad Salman , Jabeen Fahmida , Hussain Dilshad , Gardner Qurra‐tul‐Ann Afza , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Najam‐ul‐Haq Muhammad 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEnrichment of glycoproteins has been important because of their dynamicity and role in biological systems. Study of glycoproteins is complex because of the simultaneous glycosylation and deglycosylation inside the body. Often employed affinities for glycopeptides are hydrazide, boronic acid, or physiosorbed lectin on support materials. Cellulose, a natural polysaccharide, has rich surface chemistry, stable structure, low cost and availability in different variants. In present study, fibrous cellulose is oxidized using periodate to modify with boronic acid. Attachment of boronic acid is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Particle size and morphology of boronic acid@fibrous cellulose is studied by scanning electron microscopy. The enrichment efficiency is evaluated by using horseradish peroxidase as model protein. Boronic acid@fibrous cellulose is selective up to 1:250 for spiked horseradish peroxidase in bovine serum albumin digest, sensitive down to 0.1 femtomol and recovering 88.15% glycopeptides. Moreover, protein binding capacity is determined as 213 mg/g and 41% sequence coverage of horseradish peroxidase protein with all eight glycosylation sites detected. Total of 18 glycopeptides are enriched from immunoglobulin digest showing ability of boronic acid@fibrous cellulose to enrich glycoproteins from multiglycoforms. Enrichment from human serum recovers 18% extracellular and 72% secreted glycoproteins via bottom‐up approach and online tools.
Early Screening for Aortic Dissection With Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound by Emergency Physicians
Authors: Wang Yuan , Yu Haifang , Cao Yu , Wan Zhi 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) use by emergency physician (EPs) on the diagnosis, treatment, and safety of POCUS in patients with aortic dissection (AD) in emergency settings.MethodsPatients presenting to the emergency department of West China Hospital of Sichuan University with suspected AD from July 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016 were divided into a control group and an ultrasound (US) group. The control group was evaluated by routine procedures for triage, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition, an EP POCUS examination was performed in the US group. The patients in the US group were furtherly divided into subgroup A and subgroup B according to the Stanford type of AD. The sensitivity and specificity of EP POCUS compared to computed tomographic angiography (CTA) were compared. The door‐to‐CTA examination time, door‐to‐diagnosis time, door‐to‐targeted treatment time, and outcome were compared between the groups.ResultsA total of 127 patients were enrolled: 72 in the US group and 55 in the control group. In the US group, compared with CTA, the sensitivity of EP POCUS was 86.4%, and the specificity was 100.0%. The door‐to‐diagnosis times were 10.5 minutes in the US group and 79.0 minutes in the control group (P < .05). The door‐to‐CTA examination time and the door‐to‐targeted‐treatment time had no differences between the US and control groups (P > .05). The in‐hospital mortality and mortality within 3 months after discharge were 4.2% and 25.0% in the US group and 9.1% and 20.8% in the control group (P > .05).ConclusionsCompared with CTA, EP POCUS in patients suspected of having AD is highly sensitive and specific and has shown no adverse effect on the treatment start‐up time, in‐hospital mortality, and mortality within 3 months after discharge.
Live barriers and associated organic amendments mitigate land degradation and improve crop productivity in hillside agricultural systems of the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Caulfield Mark , Groot Jeroen C. J. , Fonte Steven J. , Sherwood Stephen , Oyarzun Pedro , Borja Ross Mary , Dumble Sam , Tittonell Pablo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLand degradation caused by erosion and nutrient depletion in the Andes poses serious existential threats to small‐scale farming. Although the potential of hedgerows to decrease water erosion is well recognised, their potential dual‐use as a source of organic amendments to supplement farmer inputs is much less studied. The objective of this investigation was therefore to explore locally developed options for hedgerows that address these twin challenges. Experimental plots were installed to assess water erosion control by hedgerows and the effect of organic amendments harvested from the hedgerows on soil productivity, soil moisture, and soil fertility over the course of 2 years and three crop cycles (two of barley and one of rye). The experiment was conducted in two sites within the community at distinct elevations and associated biophysical contexts. At each site, four treatments were established, comparing a control treatment versus three types of hedgerows: (a) Andean alder, (b) canary grass strips, and (c) mixed canary grass and Andean alder. Results demonstrated that hedgerows and associated organic inputs comprised canary grass, and mixed canary grass and Andean alder reduced water erosion by 50–60% and increased biomass production by up to 1.1 Mg ha−1 and grain yield by up to 0.5 Mg ha−1. We conclude that although hedgerows are unlikely to produce sufficient quantities of organic resources to satisfy all nutrient input requirements, their potential to decrease erosion and supplement existing organic matter inputs indicates that they should be strongly considered as an option for improved agricultural management within this and similar resource constrained contexts.
Electronic tumor board presentations as the basis for the development of a head and neck cancer database
Authors: Rangabashyam Mahalakshmi , Wee Hide E. , Wang Weining , Mueller Stefan , Karim Khairul A. B. A. , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Hariraman Bhuvaneshwari , Sommat Kiattisa , Soong Yoke‐Lim , Chua Melvin L. K. , Tay Gerald , Tan Ngian ‐Chye , Tan Hiang Khoon‐ , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMultidisciplinary team meetings or tumor boards (TBs) form a pivotal component of oncology practice. The crux of a TB revolves around making treatment decisions based on succinct head and neck cancer (HNC) patient data presentations, which can be challenging and complex. Apart from meticulous TB presentations, discussions and treatment plan documentation is equally important. The aim of this study was to structure an electronic synoptic TB data presentation to address all these areas. The overarching benefits of systematic TB data collection include facilitating audits and research.MethodsWe utilized a secure web‐based tool that was used for common scientific research purposes but customized to store HNC patient data. The data points were tabulated across eight TB pages: (a) TB scheduling, (b) patient biodata, (c) diagnosis details, (d) index presentation, (e) images, (f) management and histopathology, (g) TB presentation, and (h) TB discussion and decisions. Each data point leads to additional fields by branching logic to permit further relevant data entry. This was integrated within the patient electronic medical records allowing for a direct internal trajectory to recall TB data.ResultsFrom October 2015 to October 2018, we recorded over 2000 presentations for 1279 individual patients. This is a quality improvement initiative, and hence, the results are more of a broad analysis of our TB presentation process. The most common cancers were squamous cell (523, 41%), thyroid (207, 16%), and nasopharyngeal (139, 11%) carcinomas. Importantly, this system has formed the basis for a number of clinical and translational research projects and audit outcomes.ConclusionDespite TBs being vital to oncologic practice, little attempt has been made to report TB data management. In this study, we present an efficient system that permits the integration of dual functions: TB data presentation and oncologic data collection for research, recall, and audit purposes.
Pathology‐Proven Corticobasal Degeneration Presenting as Richardson's Syndrome
Authors: Bayram Ece , Dickson Dennis W. , Reich Stephen G. , Litvan Irene 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundCorticobasal degeneration (CBD) can present with various clinical phenotypes including Richardson's syndrome (RS). Although neuropathological examination can differentiate CBD and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) pathologies, no clinical or imaging findings can differentiate CBD from other pathologies when a patient presents with a variant type of CBD. As these various phenotypes are associated with non‐CBD pathologies, clinical diagnostic accuracy can be low for such patients.ObjectivesTo present clinical features of two cases with symptom progression in line with PSP‐RS, who were diagnosed with CBD based on neuropathological examination.MethodsBaseline, follow up examinations, and detailed neuropathological examinations of two CBD cases presenting and progressing in line with probable PSP‐RS are demonstrated.ResultsThe two cases clinically diagnosed as probable PSP‐RS were shown to have CBD upon neuropathological examination, which is the gold standard for diagnosis of both PSP and CBD.ConclusionsThese cases emphasize the importance of neuropathology for the definite diagnosis, and stress the need for distinctive markers to increase the reliability of clinical diagnosis before death.
Worker poaching in a supply chain: Enemy from within?
Authors: Barlow Evan , Allon Gad , Bassamboo Achal 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWorker poaching represents the primary mode by which workers change employers. We examine worker poaching between firms linked in a value chain. We find that, in a value chain, the less productive firm may offer its workers higher wages and poach workers from the more productive firm. We also find that worker flows accomplished via poaching impact supply chain management: (a) the identity of the bottleneck firm may depend on whether poaching is available; (b) poaching between linked firms may benefit both, and (c) the value chain cannot be fully coordinated without controlling wages in the labor market.
Real‐time 4DMRI‐based internal target volume definition for moving lung tumors
Authors: Rabe Moritz , Thieke Christian , Düsberg Mathias , Neppl Sebastian , Gerum Sabine , Reiner Michael , Nicolay Nils Henrik , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Debus Jürgen , Dinkel Julien , Landry Guillaume , Parodi Katia , Belka Claus , Kurz Christopher , Kamp Florian 
Published: January 2020

PurposeIn photon radiotherapy, respiratory‐induced target motion can be accounted for by internal target volumes (ITV) or mid‐ventilation target volumes (midV) defined on the basis of four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT). Intrinsic limitations of these approaches can result in target volumes that are not representative for the gross tumor volume (GTV) motion over the course of treatment. To address these limitations, we propose a novel patient‐specific ITV definition method based on real‐time 4D magnetic resonance imaging (rt‐4DMRI).MethodsThree lung cancer patients underwent weekly rt‐4DMRI scans. A total of 24 datasets were included in this retrospective study. The GTV was contoured on breath‐hold MR images and propagated to all rt‐4DMRI images by deformable image registration. Different targets were created for the first (reference) imaging sessions: ITVs encompassing all GTV positions over the complete (ITV) or partial acquisition time (), ITVs including only voxels with a GTV probability‐of‐presence (POP) of at least 5% () or 10% (), and the mid‐ventilation GTV position. Reference planning target volumes () were created by adding margins around the ITVs and midV target volumes. The geometrical overlap of the with from the six to eight subsequent imaging sessions on days n was quantified in terms of the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity [SE: ()/] and precision [PRE: ()/] as surrogates for target coverage and normal tissue sparing.ResultsPatient‐specific analysis yielded a high variance of the overlap values of , when different periods within the reference imaging session were sampled. The mid‐ventilation‐based PTVs were smaller than the ITV‐based PTVs. While the SE was high for patients with small breathing pattern variations, changes of the median breathing amplitudes in different imaging sessions led to inferior SE values for the mid‐ventilation PTV for one patient. In contrast, and showed higher SE values with a higher robustness against interfractional changes, at the cost of larger target volumes.ConclusionsThe results indicate that rt‐4DMRI could be valuable for the definition of target volumes based on the GTV POP to achieve a higher robustness against interfractional changes than feasible with today’s 4D‐CT‐based target definition concepts.
A DNA damage multiscale model for NTCP in proton and hadron therapy
Authors: Abolfath Ramin , Peeler Chris , Mirkovic Dragan , Mohan Radhe , Grosshans David 
Published: January 2020

PurposeTo develop a first principle and multiscale model for normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) as a function of dose and LET for proton and in general for particle therapy with a goal of incorporating nanoscale radio‐chemical to macroscale cell biological pathways, spanning from initial DNA damage to tissue late effects.MethodsThe method is a combination of analytical and multiscale computational steps including (a) derivation of functional dependencies of NTCP on DNA‐driven cell lethality in nanometer and mapping to dose and LET in millimeter, and (b) three‐dimensional‐surface fitting to Monte Carlo data set generated based on postradiation image change and gathered for a cohort of 14 pediatric patients treated by scanning beam of protons for ependymoma. We categorize voxel‐based dose and LET associated with development of necrosis in NTCP.ResultOur model fits well the clinical data, generated for postradiation tissue toxicity and necrosis. The fitting procedure results in extraction of in vivo radio‐biological α‐β indices and their numerical values.Discussion and conclusionThe NTCP model, explored in this work, allows to correlate the tissue toxicities to DNA initial damage, cell lethality and the properties and qualities of radiation, dose, and LET.
Improving PCASL at ultra‐high field using a VERSE‐guided parallel transmission strategy
Authors: Tong Yan , Jezzard Peter , Okell Thomas W. , Clarke William T. 
Published: January 2020

PurposeTo improve the labeling efficiency of pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) at 7T using parallel transmission (pTx).MethodsFive healthy subjects were scanned on an 8‐channel‐transmit 7T human MRI scanner. Time‐of‐flight (TOF) angiography was acquired to identify regions of interest (ROIs) around the 4 major feeding arteries to the brain, and and B0 maps were acquired in the labeling plane for tagging pulse design. Complex weights of the labeling pulses for each of the 8 transmit channels were calculated to produce a homogenous radiofrequency (RF) ‐shimmed labeling across the ROIs. Variable‐Rate Selective Excitation (VERSE) pulses were also implemented as a part of the labeling pulse train. Whole‐brain perfusion‐weighted images were acquired under conditions of RF shimming, VERSE with RF shimming, and standard circularly polarized (CP) mode. The same subjects were scanned on a 3T scanner for comparison.ResultsIn simulation, VERSE with RF shimming improved the flip‐angles across the ROIs in the labeling plane by 90% compared with CP mode. VERSE with RF shimming improved the temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio by 375% compared with CP mode, but did not outperform a matched 3T sequence with a matched flip‐angle.ConclusionWe have demonstrated improved PCASL tagging at 7T using VERSE with RF shimming on a commercial head coil under conservative SAR limits at 7T. However, improvements of 7T over 3T may require strategies with less conservative SAR restrictions.
Effects of a labour and delivery simulated practice programme for elderly primigravidas
Authors: Seong Chun hee , Park Kyung min , Moon Kyoung ja 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimIncreasing numbers of older gravidas compel research into best practices for their labour‐related outcomes. Responding to this need, this study sought to develop and evaluate a programme for older primigravidas.DesignThe authors developed a simulated practice programme for older primigravidas and tested its effects.MethodsA non‐equivalent control group pre‐ and post‐test design was used with 49 community‐dwelling primigravidas. The programme taught the stages of labour using a realistic scenario‐based practice and a debriefing session. Data were collected between June and September 2015. Participants were divided into intervention (N = 25) and control (N = 24) groups. Postintervention group effects were analysed with independent t tests.ResultsThe intervention group's levels of anxiety and stress decreased and their knowledge and self‐confidence increased. The intervention group's labour duration was also shorter than that of the control group.
Genetically Engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Secreting GLP‐1 Analog Exhibits Potential Antiobesity Effect in High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity Mice
Authors: Ma Jie , Li Cuiying , Wang Junrui , Gu Jianwen 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the potential antiobesity effect of genetically modified Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN‐GM) in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).MethodsThe mice were randomly divided into six groups: a normal diet group (ND), a HFD group, a HFD + EcN group, and three HFD + EcN‐GM groups. The effects of EcN‐GM on body weight, food intake, fat pad and organ weight, and an oral glucose tolerance test were measured, in addition to hepatic biochemistry and histological analysis. The mRNA expression of neuropeptides related to food intake regulation in the hypothalamus was also detected.ResultsThe results showed that EcN‐GM decreased body weight, body weight gain, food intake, fat pad weight, and hepatic weight of HFD mice. There were beneficial effects of EcN‐GM on blood glucose, hepatic biochemistry, and hepatic histological alterations. A dramatic switch of food intake‐regulating gene expression in the hypothalamus was also observed in mice.ConclusionsThis work has revealed that a modified live bacterial therapeutic, EcN‐GM, has potential beneficial effects on obesity. This effect may be related to the regulating of the neuropeptide expression of energy intake and expenditure in the hypothalamus. This study demonstrates a successful example of engineered EcN‐GM as a novel approach for weight management.
Proposal for an implicit stigma measure in mental illness: A multigroup study
Authors: González‐Sanguino Clara , Muñoz Manuel , Orihuela‐Villameriel Teresa , Pérez‐Santos Eloísa 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAn Implicit Association Test was developed to assess the mental illness stigma in people from the general population, mental health professionals, people with a diagnosis, and family members. No differences were found between groups. Implicit stigma was found throughout the sample, with lower scores in the younger age group.
Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition synthesis and fluorescent ion sensor behavior of carbazole‐triazole‐fluorene conjugated polymers
Authors: Tane Shizuka , Michinobu Tsuyoshi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract1,8‐Carbazole‐based conjugated polymers were synthesized by the Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition between 1,8‐diethynylcarbazole monomers and 2,7‐diazidofluorene counter comonomers. Successful polymer formation was revealed by conventional techniques, such as gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the bathochromically shifted absorption with respect to the model monomer. The resulting polymer displayed selective metal ion recognition in terms of fluorescence quenching or the appearance of a new emission peak. The fluorescence chemosensor behavior could be achieved only when the 9H position of the carbazole was unsubstituted. Of the studied metal cations, Sn2+ ions were the most strongly bound to the polymer. The degree of fluorescence quenching was more significant than that of the model monomer, a fact that highlights the use of polymeric chemosensors. Moreover, CN− anion recognition was also demonstrated by the fluorescence recovery of the polymer–Sn2+ ion complex. Overall, this is the first click polymerization of 1,8‐carbazole‐based monomers, and the selective ion sensor behavior was achieved by the characteristic 1,8‐di(triazolyl)carbazole unit. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry