bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Omega‐6 Fatty Acids and Immunology‐Related Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis in Healthy Children
Authors: Christensen Jacob J. , Bakke Siril S. , Ulven Stine M. , Retterstøl Kjetil , Henriksen Tore , Bollerslev Jens , Espevik Terje , Aukrust Pål , Halvorsen Bente , Holven Kirsten B. 
Published: January 2019

ScopeSome studies suggest that a high dietary intake of omega‐6 fatty acids is pro‐inflammatory. However, whether omega‐6 fatty acids actually cause pathogenic inflammation in humans is debated. Therefore, the associations between expression of immunology‐related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum total omega‐6 PUFA status are investigated.Methods and resultsSerum fatty acid profile and expression of 460 immunology‐related genes in PBMCs from 58 healthy children (6–13 years) is measured, and examined the expression differences between children with high or low total omega‐6 PUFA status (upper vs lower tertile). Taken together, both univariate analyses and integrated omics analyses support that while high omega‐6 PUFA level associated with higher expressing of genes related to innate immune responses, it also associated with lower expression of several genes related to adaptive immune responses.ConclusionOmega‐6 PUFA status associated both positively and negatively with expression of specific immunology‐related genes in PBMCs in healthy children. The results may suggest a nuanced role for omega‐6 fatty acids in the interphase of lipids and inflammation, and warrants further examination in gene‐environment studies and randomized controlled trials.
Evaluation of the Elekta Agility MLC performance using high‐resolution log files
Authors: Kabat Christopher N. , Defoor Dewayne L. , Myers Pamela , Kirby Neil , Rasmussen Karl , Saenz Daniel L. , Mavroidis Panayiotis , Papanikolaou Niko , Stathakis Sotirios 
Published: January 2019

PurposeWith the advent of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment techniques, the requirement for more elaborate approaches in reviewing linac components’ integrity has become even more stringent. A possible solution to this challenge is to employ the usage of log files generated during treatment. The log files generated by the new generation of Elekta linacs record events at a higher frequency (25 Hz) than their predecessors, which allows for retrospective analysis and identification of subtle changes and provides another means of quality assurance. The ability to track machine components based on log files for each treatment can allow for constant monitoring of fraction consistency in addition to machine reliability. Using Elekta Agility log files, a set of tests were developed to evaluate the reliability and robustness of the multileaf collimators (MLCs).MethodsTo evaluate Elekta log file utilization for linac MLC QA effectiveness, five MLC test patterns were constructed to review the effects of leaf velocity and acceleration on positional accuracy, including gravitational effects for the Elekta MLC system. Each test was run five times in a particular setting to obtain reproducibility data and statistical averages. This study was performed on two identical Versa HD machines, each delivering a full set of test plans with all possible variations. Plans were delivered using Elekta's iCOMcat software and recorded log files were extracted. Log files were reformatted for readability and automatically analyzed in Matlab®.ResultsThe Elekta Agility MLC system was shown to be capable of obtaining speeds within the range of 5–35 mm/s. MLC step and shoot tests have demonstrated the MLC system's capability of having positional repeatability, averaging 0.03‐ and 0.08‐mm offsets with and without gravitational effects, respectively. The IMRT‐specific tests have shown that gravitational effects are negligible with all positional tests averaging 0.5‐mm offsets. The largest speed root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) for the MLC system was found at the maximum speed of 35 mm/s with an average error of 0.8 mm. For slower speeds, the value was found to be much lower.ConclusionUtilizing log files has demonstrated the feasibility for higher precision of MLC motions to be reviewed, based on the performance tests that were instituted. Log files provide insight on the effects of friction, acceleration, and gravity, with MU's delivered that previously could not be reviewed in such detail. Based on our results, log file‐based QA has enhanced our ability to review performance, functionality, and perform QA on Elekta's MLC system.
Validation of lesion simulations in clinical CT data for anonymized chest and abdominal CT databases
Authors: Robins Marthony , Solomon Justin , Koweek Lynne M. Hurwitz , Christensen Jared , Samei Ehsan 
Published: January 2019

PurposeTo make available to the medical imaging community a computed tomography (CT) image database composed of hybrid datasets (patient CT images with digitally inserted anthropomorphic lesions) where lesion ground truth is known a priori. It is envisioned that such a dataset could be a resource for the assessment of CT image quality, machine learning, and imaging technologies [e.g., computer aided detection (CAD) and segmentation algorithms].Acquisition and validation methodsThis HIPPA compliant, IRB waiver of approval study consisted of utilizing 120 chest and 100 abdominal clinically acquired adult CT exams. One image series per patient exam was utilized based on coverage of the anatomical region of interest (either the thorax or abdomen). All image series were de‐identified. Simulated lesions were derived from a library of anatomically informed digital lesions (93 lung and 50 liver lesions) where six and four digital lesions with nominal diameters ranging from 4 to 20 mm were inserted into lung and liver image series, respectively. Locations for lesion insertion were randomly chosen. A previously validated lesion simulation and virtual insertion technique were utilized. The resulting hybrid images were reviewed by three experienced radiologists to assure similarity with routine clinical imaging in a diverse adult population.Data format and usage notesThe database is composed of four datasets that contain 100 patient cases each, for a total of 400 image series accompanied by Matlab.mat tables that provide descriptive information about the virtually inserted lesions (i.e., size, shape, opacity, and insertion location in physical (world) coordinates and voxel indices). All image and metadata are stored in DICOM format on the Quantitative Imaging Data Warehouse (https://qidw.rsna.org/#collection/57d463471cac0a4ec8ff8f46/folder/5b23dceb1cac0a4ec800a770?dialog=login), in two sets: (a) QIBA CT Hybrid Dataset I which contains Lung I and Liver I datasets, and (b) QIBA CT Hybrid Dataset II which contains Lung II and Liver II datasets. The QIDW is supported by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Registration is required upon initial log in.Potential applicationsBy simulating lesion opacity (full solid, part solid and ground glass), size, and texture, the relationship between lesion morphology and segmentation or CAD algorithm performance can be investigated without the need for repetitive patient exams. This database can also serve as a reference standard for device and reader performance studies.
Skin advanced glycation end products as biomarkers of photosensitivity in schizophrenia
Authors: Tani Eriko , Ohnuma Tohru , Hirose Hitoki , Nakayama Ken , Mao Wanyi , Nakadaira Mariko , Orimo Narihiro , Yamashita Hiroki , Takebayashi Yuto , Miki Yasue , Katsuta Narimasa , Nishimon Shohei , Hasegawa Toshio , Komiyama Etsuko , Suga Yasushi , Ikeda Shigaku , Arai Heii 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectivesPhotosensitivity to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation from sunlight is an important side effect of treatment with antipsychotic agents. However, the pathophysiology of drug‐induced photosensitivity remains unclear. Recent studies demonstrated the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), annotated as carbonyl stress, to be associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated the relationship among skin AGE levels, minimal response dose (MRD) with UVA for photosensitivity, and the daily dose of antipsychotic agents in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.MethodsWe enrolled 14 patients with schizophrenia and 14 healthy controls. Measurement of skin AGE levels was conducted with AGE scanner, a fluorometric method for assaying skin AGE levels. Measurement of MRD was conducted with UV irradiation device.ResultsSkin AGE levels and MRD at 24, 48, and 72 hr in patients with schizophrenia showed a higher tendency for photosensitivity than in the controls, but the difference was statistically insignificant. Multiple linear regression analysis using skin AGE levels failed to show any influence of independent variables. MRD did not affect skin AGE levels.ConclusionsPhotosensitivity to UVA in patients with schizophrenia receiving treatment with antipsychotic agents might not be affected by skin AGE levels.
Synthesis of α‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated esters monitored by 1D and 2D benchtop NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Weidener Dennis , Singh Kawarpal , Blümich Bernhard 
Published: January 2019

AbstractFor optimization and control of pharmaceutically and industrially important reactions, chemical information is required in real time. Instrument size, handling, and operation costs are important criteria to be considered when choosing a suitable analytical method apart from sensitivity and resolution. This present study explores the use of a robust and compact nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer to monitor the stereo‐selective formation of α‐fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated esters from α‐fluoro‐β‐keto esters via deprotonation and deacylation in real time. These compounds are precursors of various pharmaceutically active substances. The real‐time study revealed the deprotonation and deacylation steps of the reaction. The reaction was studied at temperatures ranging from 293 to 333 K by interleaved one‐dimensional 1H and 19F and two‐dimensional 1H–1H COSY experiments. The kinetic rate constants were evaluated using a pseudo first‐order kinetic model. The activation energies for the deprotonation and deacylation steps were determined to 28 ± 2 and 63.5 ± 8 kJ/mol, respectively. This showed that the deprotonation step is fast compared with the deacylation step and that the deacylation step determines the rate of the overall reaction. The reaction was repeated three times at 293 K to monitor the repeatability and stability of the system. The compact NMR spectrometer provided detailed information on the mechanism and kinetics of the reaction, which is essential for optimizing the synthetic routes for stepwise syntheses of pharmaceutically active substances.
1H–13C HMBC NMR experiments as a structural and analytical tool for the characterization of elusive trans/cis hydroperoxide isomers from oxidized unsaturated fatty acids in solution
Authors: Ahmed Raheel , Siddiqui Hina , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Gerothanassis Ioannis P. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe radical‐dependent oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids is a fundamental reaction in lipid chemistry, biochemistry, and technology. We report herein the first successful application of 1H–13C HMBC NMR experiment for the identification and quantification of complex and minor (3.9% to 0.85%) components of cis and trans primary hydroperoxide isomers of oxidized oleate and linoleate methyl esters in solution, without the need of laborious isolation of the individual components.
Vasculitic neuropathy: Comparison of clinical predictors with histopathological outcome
Authors: Nathani Dev , Barnett Michael H. , Spies Judith , Pollard John , Wang Min‐Xia , Kiernan Matthew C. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTIntroduction:To improve diagnostic accuracy, in this study we compared prebiopsy clinical parameters with subsequent pathological confirmation of peripheral nerve vasculitis. Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and neurophysiological parameters were analyzed for consecutive patients referred for nerve biopsy with suspected vasculitis. Patients were assigned pathological categories of definite, probable, possible, or absent vasculitis using validated guidelines. Patients with definite or probable vasculitis were considered to have pathologically confirmed vasculitis. Results: From a cohort of 78 patients, biopsy confirmed vasculitis in 29.5%. Parameters that best differentiated between pathologically confirmed and pathologically unlikely vasculitis were stepwise clinical progression (34.8% vs. 5.6%), the presence of serum anti‐myeloperoxidase antibody (28.6% vs. 2.2%) and rheumatoid factor seropositivity (38.1% vs. 10.7%). Pathologically absent vasculitis was frequent in patients with normal (100%) or primarily demyelinating (87.5%) nerve conduction studies. Discussion: Factoring the negative predictors of pathologically confirmed vasculitis into decision‐making can reduce the frequency of diagnostically unhelpful nerve biopsies. Muscle Nerve 59:643–649, 2019
Patterns of initial migraine treatment in Denmark: A population‐based study
Authors: Thomsen Reimar Wernich , Szépligeti Szimonetta Komjáthiné , Xue Fei , Pedersen Lars , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Ehrenstein Vera 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposePopulation‐based data are sparse on utilization of prophylactic versus acute therapies for newly diagnosed migraine. We examined initial migraine treatment patterns and associated patient characteristics in Denmark.MethodsWe used population‐based health databases to assemble a nationwide cohort of adult migraine patients in 2005 to 2013. Migraine was defined as a first hospital diagnosis of migraine or a second redeemed outpatient prescription for triptans, ergots, pizotifen, or flunarizine. We classified the initial migraine treatment received after migraine onset as “no treatment,” “acute only,” “prophylactic only,” and “both acute and prophylactic” and described distributions of sex, age, comorbidities, and comedications.ResultsAmong 97 431 migraine patients (78% women, median age of 41 y [interquartile range of 32‐50 y]), the initial migraine treatments received were “acute only” (88.2%), “prophylactic only” (1.9%), and “both acute and prophylactic” (5.2%) whereas 4.6% had no record of treatment. Initiators of prophylactic treatment—with or without acute treatment—were less likely than initiators of acute treatment to be women (71% and 77% versus 79%), were older (median ages: 45 and 44 y versus 41 y), and had more comorbidities (including hypertension [31% and 24% versus 7%] and diabetes [6% and 5% versus 3%]). Nonpersistence with initial prophylactic treatment was common: within the first year, 35% of initiators stopped therapy fully, 50% stopped and restarted, and 15% switched drugs.ConclusionsFor 88% of patients with incident migraine, the initial migraine treatment was acute treatment only. Use of prophylactic medication as initial treatment was low and correlated with higher age and comorbidity.
Kinematic Visual Biofeedback Improves Accuracy of Swallowing Maneuver Training and Accuracy of Clinician Cues During Training in Stroke Patients with Dysphagia
Authors: Vose Alicia K. , Marcus Arielle , Humbert Ianessa 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundDysphagia (swallowing impairment) is a common and often life‐threatening problem after stroke. Submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) visual biofeedback is a commonly used clinical tool to train novel swallowing maneuvers, even though its effectiveness has been questioned.ObjectiveTo compare the effect of ssEMG and videofluoroscopy (VF) visual biofeedback on swallowing airway protection accuracy when training the volitional laryngeal closure swallowing maneuver (vLVC) in poststroke patients with dysphagia. Researchers also examined whether clinicians accurately judged vLVC performance. The hypothesis was that patient vLVC accuracy and clinician verbal cue accuracy will be greatest with VF (kinematic) visual biofeedback.PatientsNineteen patients with dysphagia post stroke.SettingOutpatient swallowing research laboratory.DesignRandomized clinical trial.MethodsPatients underwent 2 study phases. Phase 1: first demonstrated ability to perform the vLVC accurately. Phase 2: vLVC training. Participants were randomized into three biofeedback groups including the ssEMG group (ssEMG biofeedback in both phases), the VF group (VF biofeedback in both phases), and the mixed group (VF phase 1, ssEMG phase 2). To promote the best vLVC performance, a clinician provided real‐time, verbal cueing using only the visual biofeedback type also seen by the patient, although both VF and ssEMG were recorded for all participants.Main Outcome MeasurePatient performance accuracy and clinician feedback accuracy for performing the vLVC maneuver.ResultsBoth accuracy of vLVC training performance and clinician feedback accuracy were worse in the ssEMG group compared with the VF and mixed groups (P < .001).ConclusionsSwallowing airway protection requires precisely timed movements of small, hidden laryngeal and pharyngeal structures. Kinematic biofeedback (VF) may be required, at some point, to ensure that target swallowing movements are being trained during rehabilitation, rather than maladaptive movements.Level of EvidenceI.
Metal Free Acid‐Mediated Solid‐State Polymerization and Processability of Polymers Based on 3,4‐Alkylenedioxythiophenes
Authors: Sikder Bikash Kumar 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTThe present article reports metal free acid‐mediated polymerization of 3,4‐alkylenedioxythiophenes in a solvent free medium and processability of insoluble polymers. It also describes structural variants and functional aqueous dispersions based on 3,4‐alkylenedioxythiophenes. Polymers were processed by dispersing the insoluble polymer powders in aqueous media using polymeric aromatic surfactant (polystyrenesulfonate, PSS) and aliphatic surfactant (sodiumdodecylsulfonate, SDS), respectively. The effect of surfactant on particle size, stability, and conductivity of the dispersions was investigated in detail. Polymer particles in SDS‐based dispersions tend to agglomerate which resulted enhanced conductivity of the thin films. Electrochemical studies revealed that the polymers are electroactive in nature and are transparent in oxidized state. The electrochromic contrast between the oxidized and reduced states of the polymers was in the range of 40–46%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 783–791
Tolerance to nymphs and adults of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) by forage plants in fertilized soils
Authors: Alvarenga Roberta , Auad Alexander Machado , Moraes Jair Campos , da Silva Sandra Elisa Barbosa , Rodrigues Brunno Santos 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSeveral factors may degrade pastures, in particular, inadequate nutrient application and spittlebug attacks. Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), one of the species that occur in Brazil, is a limiting pest in forage production. This study analyzes the influence of fertilization with the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on the survival of M. spectabilis nymphs, and the effects of damage by nymphs and adults on the production, quality and regrowth capacity of the forages Brachiaria ruziziensis, Pennisetum purpureum and Digitaria sp.RESULTSFertilization of the forages differentially affected damage due to spittlebug herbivory. Attacks by nymphs and adults decreased chlorophyll content, plant regrowth and forage quality, and increased injury, regardless of fertilization. The availability of nutrients in the soil not only decreased fiber content, but also increased crude protein, chlorophyll content and regrowth, even when pest infested. Soil fertilization increased the capacity of forage plants to lessen, albeit not eliminate, the effects of injury by M. spectabilis.CONCLUSIONForages in fertilized soil are more tolerant to attacks by M. spectabilis nymphs and adults. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ozone treatments activate defence responses against Meloidogyne incognita and Tomato spotted wilt virus in tomato
Authors: Prigigallo Maria I , Melillo Maria Teresa , Bubici Giovanni , Dobrev Petre I , Vankova Radomira , Cillo Fabrizio , Veronico Pasqua 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDOzonated water (O3wat) soil drench and/or foliar spray applications were evaluated for their potential to control the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (RKN) and the airborne pathogen Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in tomato. We investigated how O3wat modulates the salicylic acid/jasmonic acid/ethylene (SA/JA/ET) signalling network in the host, locally and systemically, to induce resistance to nematode and virus.RESULTSThe application as soil drench was effective in reducing the number of galls and egg masses, but did not reduce the incidence and severity of TSWV infection. Conversely, O3wat applied by foliar spray decreased TSWV disease incidence and severity (−20%), but was not able to control M. incognita infection. SA‐related genes were generally upregulated in both locally treated and systemically reached tissues, showing a positive action of the O3wat treatment on SA signalling. Neither O3wat application method significantly altered JA‐related gene expression in either direction. ET‐related genes were differentially regulated by root or leaf treatments, indicating that O3wat may have different effects on ET‐mediated signalling in different organs. JA/ET/SA related pathways were differentially modulated by O3wat in the presence of either RKN or TSWV.CONCLUSIONO3wat had a higher efficacy when applied directly to organs challenged by the pathogens, although it was potentially able to stimulate defence responses through the activation of SA signalling. Owing to its safety and effectiveness in controlling nematode and virus infections, O3wat can be considered as a possible alternative tool for sustainable disease management practices. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Selection for imidacloprid resistance and mode of inheritance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Sanada‐Morimura Sachiyo , Fujii Tomohisa , Chien Ho Van , Cuong Le Quoc , Estoy Gerardo F , Matsumura Masaya 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDStrong resistance to imidacloprid in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) has developed in Southeast and East Asia. Although the mode of inheritance for resistance is very useful information for pest control, this information is unknown in N. lugens. Here, we established two resistant strains that were selected from field populations in Vietnam and the Philippines, and conducted crossing experiments to determine the inheritance pattern.RESULTSThe resistance ratio of 50% lethal dose (LD50) values for the two resistance‐selected strains, i.e., resistant strains originating from Vietnam (VT‐Res) and the Philippines (PH‐Res), to their control strains were ∼ 8‐ and 157‐fold, respectively. Reciprocal cross experiments between VT‐Res and the susceptible strain (S‐strain), and between PH‐Res and the S‐strain showed that the degree of dominance was 0.81 and 0.82, and 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. Analysis of the F2 populations and backcrosses to the parental strains indicated that resistance is a major‐gene trait following Mendelian inheritance. The strength of the resistance was suppressed by pre‐treatment with piperonyl butoxide, an inhibitor of cytochrome P450‐monooxygenases.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that imidacloprid resistance in N. lugens is autosomal and an almost completely dominant major‐gene trait that is likely manifested by high expression levels of a detoxification enzyme. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry