bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Dietary Habits and Meat Consumption on Plasma 3‐Methylhistidine—A Potential Marker for Muscle Protein Turnover
Authors: Kochlik Bastian , Gerbracht Christiana , Grune Tilman , Weber Daniela 
Published: March 2018

Scope3‐Methylhistidine (3‐MH) as a potential biomarker for muscle protein turnover is influenced by meat intake but data on the impact of meat on plasma 3‐MH are scarce. We determined the association of plasma 3‐MH, 1‐methylhistidine (1‐MH), and creatinine with dietary habits and assessed the impact of a single white meat intervention during a meat‐free period.Methods and resultsPlasma 3‐MH, 1‐MH, and creatinine concentrations of healthy young omnivores (n = 19) and vegetarians (n = 16) were analyzed together with data on anthropometry, body composition, grip strength, and nutrition. After baseline measurements omnivores adhered to a meat‐free diet for 6 days and received a defined administration of chicken breast on day four. At baseline, omnivores had higher plasma 3‐MH and 1‐MH concentrations than vegetarians. White meat administration led to a slight increase in plasma 3‐MH in omnivores. The elevated 3‐MH concentrations significantly declined within 24 h after white meat intake.Conclusion1‐MH concentrations in plasma seem to be suitable to display (white) meat consumption and its influence on 3‐MH plasma concentration. 3‐MH in plasma may be used as a biomarker for muscle protein turnover if subjects have not consumed meat in the previous 24 h.
Optimization of selective inversion recovery magnetization transfer imaging for macromolecular content mapping in the human brain
Authors: Dortch Richard D. , Bagnato Francesca , Gochberg Daniel F. , Gore John C. , Smith Seth A. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeTo optimize a selective inversion recovery (SIR) sequence for macromolecular content mapping in the human brain at 3.0T.Theory and MethodsSIR is a quantitative method for measuring magnetization transfer (qMT) that uses a low‐power, on‐resonance inversion pulse. This results in a biexponential recovery of free water signal that can be sampled at various inversion/predelay times (tI/tD) to estimate a subset of qMT parameters, including the macromolecular‐to‐free pool‐size‐ratio (PSR), the R1 of free water (R1f), and the rate of MT exchange (kmf). The adoption of SIR has been limited by long acquisition times (≈4 min/slice). Here, we use Cramér‐Rao lower bound theory and data reduction strategies to select optimal tI/tD combinations to reduce imaging times. The schemes were experimentally validated in phantoms, and tested in healthy volunteers (N = 4) and a multiple sclerosis patient.ResultsTwo optimal sampling schemes were determined: (i) a 5‐point scheme (kmf estimated) and (ii) a 4‐point scheme (kmf assumed). In phantoms, the 5/4‐point schemes yielded parameter estimates with similar SNRs as our previous 16‐point scheme, but with 4.1/6.1‐fold shorter scan times. Pair‐wise comparisons between schemes did not detect significant differences for any scheme/parameter. In humans, parameter values were consistent with published values, and similar levels of precision were obtained from all schemes. Furthermore, fixing kmf reduced the sensitivity of PSR to partial‐volume averaging, yielding more consistent estimates throughout the brain.ConclusionsqMT parameters can be robustly estimated in ≤1 min/slice (without independent measures of ΔB0,
, and T1) when optimized tI‐tD combinations are selected.
A diffusion model‐free framework with echo time dependence for free‐water elimination and brain tissue microstructure characterization
Authors: Molina‐Romero Miguel , Gómez Pedro A. , Sperl Jonathan I. , Czisch Michael , Sämann Philipp G. , Jones Derek K. , Menzel Marion I. , Menze Bjoern H. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe compartmental nature of brain tissue microstructure is typically studied by diffusion MRI, MR relaxometry or their correlation. Diffusion MRI relies on signal representations or biophysical models, while MR relaxometry and correlation studies are based on regularized inverse Laplace transforms (ILTs). Here we introduce a general framework for characterizing microstructure that does not depend on diffusion modeling and replaces ill‐posed ILTs with blind source separation (BSS). This framework yields proton density, relaxation times, volume fractions, and signal disentanglement, allowing for separation of the free‐water component.Theory and MethodsDiffusion experiments repeated for several different echo times, contain entangled diffusion and relaxation compartmental information. These can be disentangled by BSS using a physically constrained nonnegative matrix factorization.ResultsComputer simulations, phantom studies, together with repeatability and reproducibility experiments demonstrated that BSS is capable of estimating proton density, compartmental volume fractions and transversal relaxations. In vivo results proved its potential to correct for free‐water contamination and to estimate tissue parameters.ConclusionFormulation of the diffusion‐relaxation dependence as a BSS problem introduces a new framework for studying microstructure compartmentalization, and a novel tool for free‐water elimination.
A highly decoupled transmit–receive array design with triangular elements at 7T
Authors: Chen Gang , Zhang Bei , Cloos Martijn A. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Wiggins Graham C. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeTransmit arrays are essential tools for various RF shimming or parallel excitation techniques at 7T. Here we present an array design with triangular coils to improve diversity in the B1 profiles in the longitudinal (z) direction and allow for next‐nearest neighbor decoupling.MethodsTwo cylindrical 8‐channel arrays having the same length and diameter, 1 of triangular coils and the other of rectangular coils, were constructed and compared in phantom imaging experiments using measures of excitation distribution for a variety of RF shim settings and geometry factor maps for different accelerations on different planes.ResultsCoupling between elements was −20 dB or better for all triangular coil pairs, but worse than −12 dB for several of the rectangular coil pairs. Both coils could produce adequate shims on a central transverse plane, but the same shim produced worse results off center for the triangular coil array than for the rectangular coil array. Compared to the rectangular coil array, the maximum geometry factor for the triangular coil array was reduced by a factor of 13.1 when using a 2‐fold acceleration in the z‐direction.ConclusionAn array design with triangular coils provides effective decoupling mechanisms for nearest and next‐nearest neighboring elements, as well as diversity in B1 profiles along the z‐direction, although this also means that individual slices must be shimmed separately. This design is well suited for parallel transmit applications while also having high receive sensitivity.
The correlation between the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire and disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Sontichai Watchareewan , Vilaiyuk Soamarat 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) has been adapted from the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire for assessing functional ability in children. The present study aimed to determine the correlation between CHAQ and disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during active and inactive disease.MethodsJIA patients in the Pediatric Department, Ramathibodi Hospital, between January 2011 and December 2013, were included in the study. The CHAQ disability index (DI) and disease activity variables, including active and limited joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, patient's global assessment (PtGA), physician's global assessment (PGA) and 27‐joint Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS27), were collected from medical records for each patient over six visits. At each visit, each patient was classified as having either active or inactive disease. The correlations between CHAQ‐DI and disease activity variables were analysed using Spearman's correlation.ResultsThe classification of 139 JIA patients consisted of enthesitis‐related arthritis (30.9%), systemic JIA (28.1%), oligoarthritis (16.5%), rheumatoid factor (RF)‐negative polyarthritis (15.1%), RF‐positive polyarthritis (6.5%) and undifferentiated arthritis (2.9%). Out of 812 patient visits, 606 were in active disease and 206 were in inactive disease. RF‐negative polyarthritis had the highest CHAQ‐DI (0.39 ± 0.66), while oligoarthritis had the lowest (0.20 ± 0.32). There was a good correlation between CHAQ‐DI and JADAS27, PGA and PtGA in all JIA subtypes (p < 0.05) during active disease, but a poor correlation between CHAQ‐DI and disease activity variables during inactive disease.ConclusionsCHAQ‐DI had a good correlation with disease activity during active disease but a poor correlation during inactive disease. Therefore, CHAQ is only useful for assessing functional ability during active disease.
Muscle contractures in patients with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury are associated with extracellular matrix expansion, pro‐inflammatory gene expression, and reduced rRNA synthesis
Authors: Von Walden Ferdinand , Gantelius Stefan , Liu Chang , Borgström Hanna , Björk Lars , Gremark Ola , Stål Per , Nader Gustavo A. , PontéN Eva 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) and acquired brain injury (ABI) commonly develop muscle contractures with advancing age. An underlying growth defect contributing to skeletal muscle contracture formation in CP/ABI has been suggested. Methods: The biceps muscles of children and adolescents with CP/ABI (n = 20) and typically developing controls (n = 10) were investigated. We used immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting to assess gene expression relevant to growth and size homeostasis. Results: Classical pro‐inflammatory cytokines and genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) production were elevated in skeletal muscle of children with CP/ABI. Intramuscular collagen content was increased and satellite cell number decreased and this was associated with reduced levels of RNA polymerase I transcription factors, 45s pre‐rRNA and 28S rRNA. Discussion: The present study provides novel data suggesting a role for pro‐inflammatory cytokines and reduced ribosomal production in the development/maintenance of muscle contractures, possibly underlying stunted growth and perimysial ECM expansion. Muscle Nerve 58: 277–285, 2018
Survival and mortality of adult‐onset myasthenia gravis in the population of Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Basta Ivana , PekmezoviĆ Tatjana , Peric Stojan , NikoliĆ Ana , RakoČeviĆ‐StojanoviĆ Vidosava , SteviĆ Zorica , LavrniĆ Dragana 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The objective of this study was to estimate mortality and survival in a large cohort of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients from Belgrade, Serbia, during the period 1979–2008. Methods: Data for all patients with MG were collected from hospital records and the Belgrade MG Registry. Results: Within the 30‐year study period, death occurred in 107 (20%) of 562 patients with MG, with MG‐related fatality below 2%. The average MG mortality rate was 1.76 per 1,000,000 population (1.26/1,000,000 women, 2.45/1,000,000 men). A statistically significant increase was recorded for the average standardized mortality rate for all patients (P < 0.01). The mean survival from disease onset was 34.3 ± 2.0 years. Significantly shorter survival was observed in men compared with women and in patients older than 50 years compared with younger ones (P < 0.01). Discussion: We observed long survival and low frequency of MG‐related fatalities but increasing average standardized mortality rate, most notably in older men with MG. Muscle Nerve 58: 708–712, 2018
Apigenin inhibits sciatic nerve denervation–induced muscle atrophy
Authors: Choi Won Hee , Jang Young Jin , Son Hyo Jeong , Ahn Jiyun , Jung Chang Hwa , Ha Tae Youl 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Apigenin (AP) has been reported to elicit anti‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of AP on sciatic nerve denervation–induced muscle atrophy. Methods: Sciatic nerve–denervated mice were fed a 0.1% AP‐containing diet for 2 weeks. Muscle weight and cross‐sectional area (CSA), and the expression of atrophic genes and inflammatory cytokines in the gastrocnemius were analyzed. Results: Denervation significantly induced muscle atrophy. However, values for muscle weight and CSA were greater in the denervated muscle of the AP mice than the controls. AP suppressed the expression of MuRF1, but upregulated both myosin heavy chain (MHC) and MHC type IIb. AP also significantly suppressed expression of tumor necrosis‐alpha in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and interleukin‐6 expression in the soleus muscle. Discussion: AP appears to inhibit denervation‐induced muscle atrophy, which may be due in part to its inhibitory effect on inflammatory processes within muscle. Muscle Nerve 58: 314–318, 2018
Micro‐inertia origin of instabilities in granular materials
Authors: Wautier Antoine , Bonelli Stephane , Nicot François 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWithin the framework of the second‐order work theory, the onset of instabilities is explored numerically in loose granular materials through three‐dimensional DEM simulations. Stress controlled directional analysis are performed in Rendulic's plane, and a particular attention is paid to transient evolutions at the microscale. Thanks to a micromechanical analysis, the onset and development of transient mechanical instabilities is explored. It is shown that these instabilities result from the unjamming and bending of a few force chains associated with a local burst of kinetic energy. This burst of kinetic energy propagates to the whole sample and provokes a generalized unjamming of force chains. As force chains buckle, a phase transition from a quasi‐static to an inertial regime is observed. At the macroscopic scale, this results in a transient softening and a loss of controllability. After the collapse of existing force chains, the development of plastic strain is eventually stopped as new stable force chains are built.
Work input for unsaturated soils considering interfacial effects
Authors: Liu Yan , Wei Chang‐Fu , Zhao Cheng‐Gang , Fang Qian , Li Jian 
Published: March 2018

SummaryIn this research, the interfacial energy is taken into account in the deformation work for unsaturated soils. Based on porous media theory, the thermodynamic balance equations for each phase and the interface are used to derive the work input for unsaturated soils. The work input equation serves as the basis and starting point for the choice of stress state variables, based on which the conjugate stresses and strain increments are derived. The influences of the interfaces on the effective stress and the constitutive law for the liquid phase are then discussed based on the work input equation. The effective stress can be expressed as Bishop's type, and the effective stress parameter is shown to be a function of both the degree of saturation and the interfacial area. The constitutive law for the liquid phase under dynamic condition is also presented. The relationship among interfacial area, saturation, and capillary pressure is proposed to calculate the value of the effective stress. Experimental data obtained from literature are used to validate the proposed model equations. Results show that our findings are in accordance with the existing research. Unlike the phenomenal study, our research has a rigorous theoretical basis, which lays a foundation for further research of unsaturated soils considering the interfacial effects.
Postoperative urinary retention after pelvic organ prolapse repair: Vaginal versus robotic transabdominal approach
Authors: Yune Junchan J. , Cheng Julie W. , Wagner Hillary , Kim Joo , Hardesty Jeffrey S. , Siddighi Sam 
Published: March 2018

AimsPostoperative urinary retention has been reported in 13–32% of patients that undergo pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. The purpose of our study was to compare rates of urinary retention between transvaginal and robotic transabdominal approaches and identify risk factors for postoperative urinary retention following POP repair.MethodsMedical records of patients that underwent POP repair were reviewed. Surgeries included transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS) and robotic‐assisted sacral colpopexy (RASCP). All patients underwent a retrograde fill voiding trial (RGVT) postoperatively. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative urodynamic findings, and surgical procedures were compared between women that passed their RGVT and those that did not.ResultsOut of 484 patients reviewed, 333 underwent POP repair with a transvaginal HUSLS and 151 underwent RASCP. Postoperative urinary retention was identified in 128 (26.4%) patients where 113 underwent transvaginal HUSLS and 15 underwent RASCP. The odds ratio (OR) of postoperative urinary retention following transvaginal HUSLS was 3.26 (CI 1.72‐6.18; P < 0.001) compared to RASCP. Older age was also a risk factor for postoperative urinary retention (OR 1.03, CI 1.01‐1.05; P = 0.012). While parity, preoperative post‐void residual (PVR), and rates of concomitant transvaginal anterior/posterior repair were significantly higher in patients that developed postoperative urinary retention on univariate analysis, these factors did not demonstrate significance on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsTransvaginal HUSLS demonstrates a 3.26 OR for postoperative urinary retention compared to the robotic transabdominal approach. Older age is also a significant risk factor whereas parity, preoperative PVR, and rates of concomitant transvaginal anterior/posterior repair were not significant risk factors on multivariate analysis.
A novel discrete element method based on the distance potential for arbitrary 2D convex elements
Authors: Zhao Lanhao , Liu Xunnan , Mao Jia , Xu Dong , Munjiza Antonio , Avital Eldad 
Published: March 2018

SummaryA new 2‐dimensional discrete element method, which is able to simulate a system involving a large number of arbitrary convex elements, is proposed. In this approach, a novel distance potential function is defined using a normalized format of the penetrated distance between contact couples, while a holonomic and precise algorithm for contact interaction is established, accounting for the influence of the tangential contact force. Furthermore, the new contact detection algorithm is well suited for nonuniform blocks unlike the common no binary search method that requires uniform elements. The proposed method retains the merit of the combined finite‐discrete element method and avoids its deficiencies. Compared with the existing finite‐discrete element method, the distance potential function has a clear physical meaning, where the calculation of contact interaction avoids the influence of the element shape. Accordingly, the new method completely gets rid of the restraint of uniform element type and can be applied to arbitrary convex elements. The new method is validated with well‐known benchmark examples, and the results are in very good agreement with existing experimental measurement and analytical solutions. Finally, the proposed method is applied to simulate the Tangjiashan landslide.
Fully coupled hydromechanical multiscale model with microdynamic effects
Authors: Khoei A.R. , Hajiabadi M.R. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a multiscale finite element framework is developed based on the first‐order homogenization method for fully coupled saturated porous media using an extension of the Hill‐Mandel theory in the presence of microdynamic effects. The multiscale method is employed for the consolidation problem of a 2‐dimensional saturated soil medium generated from the periodic arrangement of circular particles embedded in a square matrix, which is compared with the direct numerical simulation method. The effects of various issues, including the boundary conditions, size effects, particle arrangements, and the integral domain constraints for the microscale boundary value problem, are numerically investigated to illustrate the performance of a representative volume element in the proposed computational homogenization method of fully coupled saturated porous media. This study is aimed to clarify the effect of scale separation and size dependence, and to introduce characteristics of a proper representative volume element in multiscale modeling of saturated porous media.
Living condition, weight loss and cognitive decline among people with dementia
Authors: Harsányiová Marcela , Prokop Pavol 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to investigate cognitive performance and BMI of patients with dementia living in their own homes with family members, nursing homes and alone.DesignA prospective observational cohort study with a quantitative design.MethodMini–mental state examination (MMSE) scores and BMI were examined with a sample of Slovak patients (N = 428). Patients were followed up 12 months later after the first examination.ResultsCognitive decline was significantly faster for patients living in nursing homes and for solitary patients. BMI consistently decreased in the follow‐up examination and this drop was stronger in patients living alone and in nursing homes. Patients with VaD manifested a stronger BMI decline as compared with AD patients. This study suggests that impoverished conditions such as nursing homes or social isolation of solitary people contribute to stronger progress in dementia. Healthcare professionals need to implement meaningful activities for institutionalized people and for people who are living alone to eliminate the negative impact of an impowerished environment on patient's cognitive functioning.
Finnish healthcare professionals' attitudes towards robots: Reflections on a population sample
Authors: Turja Tuuli , Van Aerschot Lina , Särkikoski Tuomo , Oksanen Atte 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimTo answer the question: ‘How prepared healthcare professionals are to take robots as their assistants in terms of experience and acceptance?’BackgroundThe ageing population, increasing care needs and shortage of healthcare professionals pose major challenges in Western societies. Special service robots designed for care tasks have been introduced as one solution to these problems.DesignA correlative designMethodsEurobarometer data (N = 969) and survey data of nurses and other healthcare professionals (N = 3800) were used to assess the relationship between robot acceptance and experiences with robots while controlling for the respondents’ age, gender, occupational status and managerial experience.ResultsHealthcare professionals had less experience with robots and more negative attitudes towards them than the general population. However, in healthcare, robot assistance was welcomed for certain tasks. These regarded, for example, heavy lifting and logistics. Previous experiences with robots were consistently correlated with robot acceptance.