bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translating preclinical MRI methods to clinical oncology
Authors: Hormuth David A. , Sorace Anna G. , Virostko John , Abramson Richard G. , Bhujwalla Zaver M. , Enriquez‐Navas Pedro , Gillies Robert , Hazle John D. , Mason Ralph P. , Quarles C. Chad , Weis Jared A. , Whisenant Jennifer G. , Xu Junzhong , Yankeelov Thomas E. 
Published: March 2019

The complexity of modern in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods in oncology has dramatically changed in the last 10 years. The field has long since moved passed its (unparalleled) ability to form images with exquisite soft‐tissue contrast and morphology, allowing for the enhanced identification of primary tumors and metastatic disease. Currently, it is not uncommon to acquire images related to blood flow, cellularity, and macromolecular content in the clinical setting. The acquisition of images related to metabolism, hypoxia, pH, and tissue stiffness are also becoming common. All of these techniques have had some component of their invention, development, refinement, validation, and initial applications in the preclinical setting using in vivo animal models of cancer. In this review, we discuss the genesis of quantitative MRI methods that have been successfully translated from preclinical research and developed into clinical applications. These include methods that interrogate perfusion, diffusion, pH, hypoxia, macromolecular content, and tissue mechanical properties for improving detection, staging, and response monitoring of cancer. For each of these techniques, we summarize the 1) underlying biological mechanism(s); 2) preclinical applications; 3) available repeatability and reproducibility data; 4) clinical applications; and 5) limitations of the technique. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned from translating MRI methods from the preclinical to clinical setting, and a presentation of four fundamental problems in cancer imaging that, if solved, would result in a profound improvement in the lives of oncology patients.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1377–1392.
The association between stage‐grade of periodontitis and sleep quality and oral health‒related quality of life
Authors: Karaaslan Fatih , Dikilitaş Ahu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundInadequate sleep increases inflammatory and proinflammatory markers among many other influences. Due to its potential to influence inflammation and oxidative stress, which are the main pathogenetic mechanisms actually recognized in the periodontal damage, poor sleep quality could be a factor for periodontitis and quality of life (QoL). In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate the association of stage‐grade of periodontitis with sleep quality. and the effect of periodontitis on QoL.MethodsThe study consisted of clinical examination and a questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on demographic information, Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Patients were diagnosed according to the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐Implant Diseases and Conditions. Clinical examination included probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL).ResultsThe mean age of 99 participants was 30.27 ± 5.80 years ranging from 18 to 40‐years. The mean clinical values of the patients in this study included AL, 4.03 ± 2.46 mm, and PD, 4.27 ± 1.55 mm. The mean of the global OHIP‐14 score was 13.43 ± 6.23 and the mean PSQI global score was 6.57 ± 3.53.ConclusionsStage‐grade of periodontitis was associated with short sleep duration, low‐sleep quality, and low oral health‒related quality of life.
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF)–sakacin‐A active material: production, characterization and application in storage trials of smoked salmon
Authors: Mapelli Chiara , Musatti Alida , Barbiroli Alberto , Saini Seema , Bras Julien , Cavicchioli Daniele , Rollini Manuela 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSakacin‐A due to its specific antimicrobial activity may represent a good candidate to develop active packaging solutions for food items supporting Listeria growth. In the present study a protein extract containing the bacteriocin sakacin‐A, produced by Lactobacillus sakei Lb 706 in a low‐cost culture medium containing deproteinized cheese whey, was adsorbed onto cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) to obtain an active material to be used as a mat (or a separator) in direct contact with foods.RESULTSThe applied fermentation conditions allowed 4.51 g L−1 of freeze‐dried protein extract to be obtained, characterized by an antimicrobial activity of near 16 700 AU g−1, that was used for the preparation of the active material by casting. The active material was then characterized by infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analyses. Antimicrobial trials were carried out in vitro using Listeria innocua as indicator strain; results were also confirmed in vivo, employing smoked salmon fillets intentionally inoculated with Listeria innocua: its final population was reduced to about 2.5—3 Log cycles after 28 days of storage at 6 °C in presence of sakacin‐A, compared with negative control mats produced without the bacteriocin extract.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates the possibility of producing an antimicrobial active material containing sakacin‐A absorbed onto CNFs to decrease Listeria population in smoked salmon, a ready‐to eat‐food product. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of native rye, wheat and triticale starch
Authors: Strąk‐Graczyk Ewelina , Balcerek Maria , Przybylsk Katarzyna , Żyżelewicz Dorota 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe increasing global demand for starchy raw material requires new methods for obtaining ethanol from a range of plants using environmentally friendly methods. Granular starch‐hydrolyzing enzymes (GSHE) can effectively support the development of the distillery industry.RESULTSThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of native rye, wheat or triticale starch. Mashes were prepared using methods that limit water and energy consumption (pre‐hydrolysis at 35 °C for 30 min). The results show that the degree of starch saccharification depended on the raw material. However, the highest yields of ethanol were obtained with 100 kg of triticale mashes (38.9 ± 1.4 L absolute alcohol) as compared to rye and wheat mashes. The concentration of dry matter (between 250 and 280 g L−1) in the mashes was not associated with a decrease in ethanol yield and improved efficiency in the case of wheat and triticale.CONCLUSIONSimultaneous saccharification and fermentation offers a low‐cost and environmentally friendly alternative to existing procedures for industrial ethanol production, which may be of particular interest to raw‐spirit producers, as well as to the food and fermentation industry at large. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of Gastric Emptying in Cystic Fibrosis Using Bedside Ultrasonography
Authors: Nazareth Dilip , Mohan Kamlesh , Fewins Hilary , Walshaw Martin 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesAlthough gastric emptying rate (GER) influences incretin response and nutrient absorption, both defective in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), there are few studies in this group, and the circadian rhythm is unknown. We employed an ultrasonographic technique to assess GER in people with CF following liquid and mixed meals and also evaluated the circadian rhythm, compared to normal controls.MethodsThirteen pancreatic‐insufficient adults with CF and 10 healthy controls underwent a fasting oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; liquid meal) and on a second visit underwent a fasting mixed meal test (MMT) thrice on the same day. GER was measured during the OGTT and each MMT using a 3.5‐MHz abdominal transducer probe at baseline and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes.ResultsControls had normal GER for both OGTT and MMT. Compared to controls, people with CF had delayed GER60 for OGTT (mean 46%), which increased with time (P = .001), and also delayed GER90 for MMT in the morning (mean 56%), afternoon (58%), and evening (59%). The GER in the control group was better at all time points throughout the day compared to patients with CF.ConclusionsThis is the first study to use ultrasonography, an inexpensive bedside technique, to assess GER in adults with CF. For the first time, we have shown that adults with CF have delayed GER for both liquid and mixed meals, and this delay continues throughout the day.
Principles of Structural Design of Conjugated Polymers Showing Excellent Charge Transport toward Thermoelectrics and Bioelectronics Applications
Authors: Goel Mahima , Heinrich C. David , Krauss Gert , Thelakkat Mukundan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractConjugated polymers, especially their second generation with a donor–acceptor alternating structure, have promising properties. These are suitable for two emerging fields, thermoelectrics and bioelectronics, if appropriate structural designs are implemented. This review aims to give a perspective for the potential and challenges of novel conjugated polymers in such applications. In particular, the aspects of synthetic design and the consequences of modifications of the chemical structure on the charge transport in selected second‐generation conjugated polymers are reviewed. By understanding the effects of structural motifs on the overall material properties, polymers can be specifically tailored for the respective application. The basics of charge transport measurements are briefly summarized, as the charge transport plays an important role for thermoelectrics as well as for bioelectronics. In particular, the correlation between the reported charge carrier mobility values and the structural design of the polymers is reviewed. Examples of the application of second‐generation conducting polymers in thermoelectrics and bioelectronics are shown to demonstrate the current state of research. Finally, the prospect of a purposeful design of new materials for these two emerging fields is discussed.
Chlorinated Polymers for Efficient Solar Cells with High Open Circuit Voltage: The Influence of Different Thiazole Numbers
Authors: Yuan Xiyue , Wang Qian , Zhu Dangqiang , Shahid Bilal , Yang Renqiang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe chlorination strategy has gradually become a promising approach to improve the open circuit voltage (VOC) in polymer solar cells. In this work, by using an efficient thiazole‐induced strategy in a polymer backbone, three thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene (TT)‐based polymers—PBClTTz‐0, PBClTTz‐1, and PBClTTz‐2—are designed and synthesized with a Cl‐substituted benzodithiophene (BDT) moiety and a thiazole unit as a π spacer. As expected, all of the polymers show a desirable open circuit voltage (VOC) of >0.94 V in the solar cells; specifically, the voltage can reach 1.01 V for polymer PBClTTz‐2 with two thiazole moieties. In addition, due to the excellent surface morphology and weak recombination of the active layer, photovoltaic devices based on PBClTTz‐1 with one thiazole unit exhibit the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.42%, which is noticeably superior to the fluorinated analogue PBClTTz‐0 (6.85%). This work reveals the influence of the thiazole unit in a quinoid polymer backbone and confirms that the Donor‐Acceptor(π)‐Quinoid strategy is a promising construction method in molecular design.
Interpolated CT for attenuation correction on respiratory gating cardiac SPECT/CT — A simulation study
Authors: Zhang Duo , Ghaly Michael , Mok Greta S. P. 
Published: March 2019

PurposeRespiratory gated four‐dimensional (4D) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with phase‐matched CT reduces respiratory blurring and attenuation correction (AC) artifacts in cardiac SPECT. This study aims to develop and investigate the effectiveness of an interpolated CT (ICT) method for improved cardiac SPECT AC using simulations.MethodsWe used the 4D XCAT phantom to simulate a population of ten patients varied in gender, anatomy, 99mTc‐sestamibi distribution, respiratory patterns, and disease states. Simulated 120 SPECT projection data were rebinned into six equal count gates. Activity and attenuation maps in each gate were averaged as gated SPECT and CT (GCT). Three helical CTs were simulated at end‐inspiration (HCT‐IN), end‐expiration (HCT‐EX), and mid‐respiration (HCT‐MID). The ICTs were obtained from HCT‐EX and HCT‐IN using the motion vector field generated between them from affine plus b‐spline registration. Projections were reconstructed by OS‐EM method, using GCT, ICT, and three HCTs for AC. Reconstructed images of each gate were registered to end‐expiration and averaged to generate the polar plots. Relative difference for each segment and relative defect size were computed using images of GCT AC as reference.ResultsThe average of maximum relative difference through ten phantoms was 7.93 ± 4.71%, 2.50 ± 0.98%, 3.58 ± 0.74%, and 2.14 ± 0.56% for noisy HCT‐IN, HCT‐MID, HCT‐EX, and ICT AC data, respectively. The ICT showed closest defect size to GCT while the differences from HCTs can be over 40%.ConclusionWe conclude that the performance of ICT is similar to GCT. It improves the image quality and quantitative accuracy for respiratory‐gated cardiac SPECT as compared to conventional HCT, while it can potentially further reduce the radiation dose of GCT.
Radiofrequency transmit calibration: A multi‐center evaluation of vendor‐provided radiofrequency transmit mapping methods
Authors: Bliesener Yannick , Zhong Xinran , Guo Yi , Boss Michael , Bosca Ryan , Laue Hendrik , Chung Caroline , Sung Kyunghyun , Nayak Krishna S. 
Published: March 2019

PurposeTo determine the accuracy and test‐retest repeatability of fast radiofrequency (RF) transmit measurement approaches used in Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE‐MRI). Spatial variation in the transmitted RF field introduces bias and increased variance in quantitative DCE‐MRI metrics including tracer kinetic parameter maps. If unaccounted for, these errors can dominate all other sources of bias and variance. The amount and pattern of variation depend on scanner‐specific hardware and software.MethodsHuman tissue mimicking torso and brain phantoms were constructed. RF transmit maps were measured and compared across eight different commercial scanners, from three major vendors, and three clinical sites. Vendor‐recommended rapid methods for RF mapping were compared to a slower reference method. Imaging was repeated at all sites after 2 months. Ranges and magnitude of RF inhomogeneity were compared scanner‐wise at two time points. Limits of Agreement of vendor‐recommended methods and double‐angle reference method were assessed.ResultsAt 3 T, B1+ inhomogeneity spans across 35% in the head and 120% in the torso. Fast vendor provided methods are within 30% agreement with the reference double angle method for both the head and the torso phantom.ConclusionsIf unaccounted for, B1+ inhomogeneity can severely impact tracer‐kinetic parameter estimation. Depending on the scanner, fast vendor provided B1+ mapping sequences allow unbiased and reproducible measurements of B1+ inhomogeneity to correct for this source of bias.
Development and evaluation of a 16‐channel receive‐only RF coil to improve 7T ultra‐high field body MRI with focus on the spine
Authors: Rietsch Stefan H. G. , Brunheim Sascha , Orzada Stephan , Voelker Maximilian N. , Maderwald Stefan , Bitz Andreas K. , Gratz Marcel , Ladd Mark E. , Quick Harald H. 
Published: March 2019

PurposeA 16‐channel receive (16Rx) radiofrequency (RF) array for 7T ultra‐high field body MR imaging is presented. The coil is evaluated in conjunction with a 16‐channel transmit/receive (16TxRx) coil and additionally with a 32‐channel transmit/receive (32TxRx) remote body coil for RF transmit and serving as receive references.MethodsThe 16Rx array consists of 16 octagonal overlapping loops connected to custom‐built detuning boards with preamplifiers. Performance metrics like noise correlation, g‐factors, and signal‐to‐noise ratio gain were compared between 4 different RF coil configurations. In vivo body imaging was performed in volunteers using radiofrequency shimming, time interleaved acquisition of modes (TIAMO), and 2D spatially selective excitation using parallel transmit (pTx) in the spine.ResultsLower g‐factors were obtained when using the 16Rx coil in addition to the 16TxRx array coil configuration versus the 16TxRx array alone. Distinct signal‐to‐noise ratio gain using the 16Rx coil could be demonstrated in the spine region both for a comparison with the 16TxRx coil (>50% gain) in vivo and the 32TxRx coil (>240% gain) in a phantom. The 16Rx coil was successfully applied to improve anatomical imaging in the abdomen and 2D spatially selective excitation in the spine of volunteers.ConclusionThe novel 16‐channel Rx‐array as an add‐on to multichannel TxRx RF coil configurations provides increased signal‐to‐noise ratio, lower g‐factors, and thus improves 7T ultra‐high field body MR imaging.
A comparison of static and dynamic ∆B0 mapping methods for correction of CEST MRI in the presence of temporal B0 field variations
Authors: Poblador Rodriguez Esau , Moser Philipp , Dymerska Barbara , Robinson Simon , Schmitt Benjamin , van der Kouwe Andre , Gruber Stephan , Trattnig Siegfried , Bogner Wolfgang 
Published: March 2019

PurposeTo assess the performance, in the presence of scanner instabilities, of three dynamic correction methods which integrate ∆B0 mapping into the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) measurement and three established static ∆B0‐correction approaches.MethodsA homogeneous phantom and five healthy volunteers were scanned with a CEST sequence at 7 T. The in vivo measurements were performed twice: first with unaltered system frequency and again applying frequency shifts during the CEST acquisition. In all cases, retrospective voxel‐wise ∆B0‐correction was performed using one intrinsic and two extrinsic [prescans with dual‐echo gradient‐echo and water saturation shift referencing (WASSR)] static approaches. These were compared with two intrinsic [using phase data directly generated by single‐echo or double‐echo GRE (gradient‐echo) CEST readout (CEST‐GRE‐2TE)] and one extrinsic [phase from interleaved dual‐echo EPI (echo planar imaging) navigator (NAV‐EPI‐2TE)] dynamic ∆B0‐correction approaches [allowing correction of each Z‐spectral point before magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) analysis].ResultsAll three dynamic methods successfully mapped the induced drift. The intrinsic approaches were affected by the CEST labeling near water (∆ω < |0.3| ppm). The MTRasym contrast was distorted by the frequency drift in the brain by up to 0.21%/Hz when static ∆B0‐corrections were applied, whereas the dynamic ∆B0 corrections reduced this to <0.01%/Hz without the need of external scans. The CEST‐GRE‐2TE and NAV‐EPI‐2TE resulted in highly consistent MTRasym values with/without drift for all subjects.ConclusionReliable correction of scanner instabilities is essential to establish clinical CEST MRI. The three dynamic approaches presented improved the ∆B0‐correction performance significantly in the presence of frequency drift compared to established static methods. Among them, the self‐corrected CEST‐GRE‐2TE was the most accurate and straightforward to implement.
Routine X‐rays for suspected frozen shoulder offer little over diagnosis based on history and clinical examination alone
Authors: Roberts Shaun , Dearne Rebecca , Keen Sally , Littlewood Chris , Taylor Stephanie , Deacon Paula 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionFrozen shoulder is a common condition, and current guidelines state that it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Along with a history and clinical examination, routine X‐ray is mandated, to rule out any “masquerading” pathology such as fracture, dislocation, metastatic lesions or severe osteoarthritis. Despite the certainty of the guidelines there is a lack of evidence to support the use of routine X‐rays in this situation.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all X‐rays obtained in the diagnosis of frozen shoulder between February 2014 and August 2017 in an integrated musculoskeletal interface service. Results were screened and the prevalence of masquerading pathology was determined.ResultsA total of 350 shoulder X‐rays that had been performed for patients with a provisional diagnosis of frozen shoulder were reviewed. Of these, 213 were from female patients (60.9%), the mean age was 57.7 (standard deviation 10.4) years and 342 (97.7%) did not have any concerning features. Six (1.7%) had severe osteoarthritis, one (0.3%) had a fracture and one (0.3%) had a lucency. All eight patients with masquerading pathology had findings from the history and clinical examination which would have warranted an X‐ray, regardless of a differential diagnosis of frozen shoulder.ConclusionsThe findings of this retrospective review of a large number of X‐rays do not support the requirement of a routine X‐ray to rule out masquerading pathology to confirm the diagnosis. The data suggest that it is unnecessary for patients without a relevant clinical history suggestive of serious or masquerading pathology to undergo routine imaging.
Drug utilization patterns and healthcare resource use and costs in patients with neurogenic bladder in the United Kingdom: A retrospective primary care database study
Authors: Jaggi Ashley , Nazir Jameel , Fatoye Francis , Siddiqui Emad , Choudhury Nurul , Argoubi Ramzi , Ali Mahmood , de Ridder Dirk , Drake Marcus J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimTo characterize patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB), their treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and associated costs based on records from a primary care database in the United Kingdom.MethodsThis was a retrospective, descriptive, observational study of anonymized data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics databases (selection period, 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2016). Adults with a definitive or probable diagnosis of NGB and ≥1 referral to a urologist were included.ResultsThe study cohort included 3913 patients with definitive (n = 363) or probable (n = 3550) NGB. Patients had a mean of 8.6 (standard deviation [SD], 7.6) comorbidities, and mean Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale score of 6.6 (SD, 5.9). During 12 months’ follow‐up, urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary incontinence were the most common complications. Most patients (92.2%) received ≥1 prescription for an antimuscarinic agent or mirabegron, and 53.9% of patients received prescriptions for UTI‐specific antibiotics. The mean number of visits to a general practitioner for any cause was 67.7 (SD, 42.6) per individual. Almost half (46.7%) of the study cohort visited a specialist during the 12‐month follow‐up period, and 11.0% had ≥1 hospital admission. Total mean per patient costs for healthcare resource utilization was £2395.ConclusionsThe burden of illness, healthcare resource needs, and associated costs among patients with NGB are considerable. Drug prescribing patterns are consistent with the symptoms and complications of NGB, although increased awareness of drugs with anticholinergic activity among prescribers may help to reduce the cumulative anticholinergic burden in this vulnerable population.