bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasomics for Early Evaluation of the Tumor Response to MicroRNA‐122 in a Nude Mouse Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model
Authors: Guo Huan‐ling , Chen Li‐da , Li Wei , Liang Jin‐yu , Zhang Jian‐chao , Li Xin , Xie Xiao‐yan , Lu Ming‐de , Kuang Ming , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesTo explore the value of ultrasomics in temporal monitoring of tumor changes in response to gene therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma compared with methods according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST).MethodsHepatocellular carcinoma–bearing mice were injected intratumorally with microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) mimics and an miR‐122 negative control in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The injections were performed every 3 days for 5 times (on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12). Before each injection and at the experiment ending, 2‐dimensional ultrasound imaging was performed for tumor size measurement with RECIST and computing a quantitative imaging analysis with ultrasomics. To analyze the tumor perfusion by mRECIST, perfusion parameters were analyzed offline based on dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound image videos using SonoLiver software (TomTec, Unterschleissheim, Germany) on day 13. Tumor miR‐122 expression was then analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction experiments.ResultsTumors in mice treated with miR‐122 mimics demonstrated a mean ± SD 763‐ ± 60‐fold increase in miR‐122 levels compared with tumors in the control group. With RECIST, a significant therapeutic response evaluated by tumor size changes was detected after day 9 (days 9, 12, and 13; P < .001). With mRECIST, no parameters showed significant differences (P > .05). Significant different features of the 2‐dimensional ultrasound images between the groups were detected by the ultrasomics analysis, and the model could be successfully built. The ultrasomics score values between the groups were statistically significant after day 6 (days 6, 9, 12, and 13; P < .05).ConclusionsUltrasomics revealed significant changes after the second injection of miR‐122, showing the potential as an important imaging biomarker for gene therapy.
Superb Microvascular Imaging Compared With Power Doppler Ultrasound in Assessing Synovitis of the Knee in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Alis Deniz , Erol Burak Caglar , Akbas Serkan , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Adaletli Ibrahim 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the efficiency of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Toshiba Medical Systems, Tustin, CA) in assessing inflammation of the synovium in the knee of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared with power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS).MethodsBoth knees of patients with a diagnosis of clinically active JIA were examined with grayscale ultrasound (US). The knees with positive US and physical examination findings were included in group A, whereas the knees with positive US findings despite negative physical examination findings were included in group B. The observers calculated the vascularity index (VI) by manually drawing a region of interest onto the thickest part of the synovium using PDUS and SMI.ResultsThe median SMI VI (observer 1, 4.9% [interquartile range (IQR), 3.6%]; observer 2, 4.1% [IQR, 4.6%]) exceeded the median PDUS VI (observer 1, 1.5% [IQR, 1.8%]; observer 2, 1.5 [IQR, 1.9%]; P < .0001). In group B, the median SMI VI (observer 1, 2.85% [IQR, 8%]; observer 2, 3.1% [IQR, 6.3%]) exceeded the median PDUS VI (observer 1, 0.5% [IQR, 2%]; observer 2, 0.55% [IQR, 2.3%]; P = .002 and .001 for observers 1 and 2, respectively). No significant differences were observed between groups concerning the PDUS VI and SMI VI (P > .05).ConclusionsSuperb Microvascular Imaging was superior to PDUS in depicting blood flow in the hypertrophied synovial tissue in the knee of patients with clinically active JIA. Superb Microvascular Imaging seems to a promising tool and a valuable adjunct to conventional US in assessing inflammation of the synovial tissue in patients with JIA.
Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus‐based treatment for nephrotic idiopathic membranous nephropathy in young adults: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Juan , Ji Cheng‐Fa , Yuan Jiang‐Zi , Wang Lei , Zhang Jing , Fang Wei , Bai Dong‐Fang , Hu Zhao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn China, the prevalence of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is increasing with a younger age of onset. From January 2012 to October 2018, biopsy‐proven nephrotic IMN patients aged between 15 and 40 in Taian City Central Hospital treated with tacrolimus (TAC) were retrospectively analyzed. Twelve‐month follow‐up data were collected. A total of 86 patients were enrolled in this study. Forty patients in the TAC group received TAC monotherapy with an initial dose of 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg/day. Forty‐six patients in the TAC + Pred group received TAC combined with oral prednisone (0.5 mg/kg/day initially). Remission rate, relapse rate, and adverse events in the two groups were assessed. Total remission (TR) rates at the end of the 3rd, 6th, and 12th month were 15%, 35%, and 77.5% (TAC group) and 28.3%, 56.5%, and 80.4% (TAC + Pred group), respectively. Compared with the TAC group, the TAC + Pred group had higher complete remission rates at the end of the 6th and 12th month, and TR rate at the 6th month was significantly higher. Twenty‐four‐hour urinary protein excretion, serum albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate between the two groups were comparable during the follow‐up. Decrease in proteinuria was significantly greater in the TAC + Pred group. No significant difference of relapse rate was found between the two groups. Adverse effects in the two groups were mild and controllable. Both TAC monotherapy and TAC combined with medium‐dose prednisone are effective and safe for young adults with nephrotic IMN, while TAC + Pred regimen brings more benefits.
Association between IL1B gene and cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese Uygur Population: A Case–Control study
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Wenhui , Hong Jiajing , Niu Fanglin , Li Jing , Zhang Shanshan , Jin Tianbo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin‐1β (IL‐1B) has been recognized as a pro‐inflammatory cytokine and associated with tumorigenesis. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of IL‐1B polymorphisms to the susceptibility of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.MethodsSeven variants were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY platform in 267 cervical cancer patients and 302 healthy controls. Allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic association analyses adjusted for age were investigated using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). GEPIA and UALCAN databases were used to evaluate expression and prognostic of IL‐1B gene in cervical cancer.ResultsOur result revealed IL‐1B rs1143627‐AA (OR = 1.98, p = 0.029) and rs16944‐GG (OR = 2.01, p = 0.025) was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Besides, we also found two protective single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3136558 (OR = 0.63, p = 0.011) and rs1143630 (OR = 0.63, p = 0.019). Haplotype ″TGA″ in the block (rs1143630, rs1143627, and rs16944) significantly decreased the susceptibility of cervical cancer (OR = 0.53, p = 0.0007). IL‐1B mRNA level was up‐regulated in the cervical cancer patients, which was related with poor prognosis in silico.ConclusionsFor the first time, our results provide evidence on polymorphism of IL‐1B gene associated with cervical cancer risk in Chinese Uygur population.
The quadriceps Femoris allograft as an extension of the Angiosome concept: A cadaveric‐based anatomical feasibility study
Authors: Sparks David S. , Taylor G. Ian , Gascoigne Adam , Corlett Russell J. , Ashton Mark W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundVascularised composite allo‐transplantation (VCA) is emerging as a tailored approach for complex tissue reconstruction. This study focuses on the quadriceps VCA as a potential solution for tissue repair, following trauma, necrotising fasciitis/myositis, or tumor ablation.MethodsDissections were undertaken in 10 adult cadaveric lower limbs to characterize the blood supply to the quadriceps femoris for en bloc muscle allo‐transplantation. A mock cadaveric transplantation was performed to (a) define the best neurovascular VCA design and (b) test the feasibility of the procedure. A review of 54 archival radiograph studies from the institution was also performed to further evaluate the muscle vasculature.ResultsIn two lower limbs, the quadriceps VCA was harvested designed on the common and superficial femoral vessels and nerve, which revealed a lengthy and bloody dissection, especially of the veins, which could increase clinically with the inability to use a tourniquet for most of the dissection. However, review of our previous archival studies showed that all four quadriceps muscles are supplied within the lateral circumflex femoral angiosome. In a further eight lower limbs, the quadriceps femoris muscle group consistently received its blood supply from the lateral circumflex femoral angiosome, verified by selective lead oxide injections of this artery. The vastus medialis appeared to have a more tenous blood supply distally based on this angiosome. A successful mock cadaveric transplant was performed based on this data.ConclusionsWe suggest that the best neuromuscular quadriceps VCA should be (a) designed on the lateral circumflex femoral pedicle, (b) should be raised from distal to proximal, and (c) should include the descending genicular vessels as a potential supplemental supply to vastus medialis, should all four muscles be required.
Position‐specific 15N isotope analysis in organic molecules: A high‐precision 15N NMR method to determine the intramolecular 15N isotope composition and fractionation at natural abundance
Authors: Joubert Valentin , Silvestre Virginie , Lelièvre Maxime , Ladroue Virginie , Besacier Fabrice , Akoka Serge , Remaud Gérald S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe position‐specific 15N isotope content in organic molecules, at natural abundance, is for the first time determined by using a quantitative methodology based on 15N Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometry. 15N NMR spectra are obtained by using an adiabatic “Full‐Spectrum” INEPT sequence in order to make possible 15N NMR experiments with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio (>500), to reach a precision with a standard deviation below 1‰ (0.1%). This level of precision is required for observing small changes in 15N content associated to 15N isotope effects. As an illustration, the measurement of an isotopic enrichment factor ε for each 15N isotopomer is presented for 1‐methylimidazole induced during a separation process on a silica column. The precision expressed as the long‐term repeatability of the methodology is good enough to evaluate small changes in the 15N isotope contents for a given isotopomer. As observed for 13C, inverse and normal 15N isotope effects occur concomitantly, giving access to new information on the origin of the 15N isotope effects, not detectable by other techniques such as isotope ratio measured by Mass Spectrometry for which bulk (average) values are obtained.
A new outcome measure for LUTS: Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index‐29 (LURN SI‐29) questionnaire
Authors: Cella David , Smith Abigail R. , Griffith James W. , Flynn Kathryn E. , Bradley Catherine S. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Kirkali Ziya , Talaty Pooja , Jelovsek J. Eric , Helfand Brian T. , Weinfurt Kevin P. ,   the LURN Study Group
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimsTo develop a representative, self‐report assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) for men and women, the symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index‐29 (LURN SI‐29).MethodsWomen and men seeking treatment for LUTS at one of six academic medical centers in the US were assessed at baseline, 3‐month and 12‐month intervals. Twelve‐month data on 78 LURN SI‐29 items were analyzed among 353 women and 420 men using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), with factor structure confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency, reliability, and validity of the five developed scales were evaluated by assessing correlations with the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA‐SI), the genitourinary pain index (GUPI), and the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory‐20 (PFDI‐20), and by examining expected sex differences in scores.ResultsEFA results (n = 150 women; 150 men) produced an interpretable eight‐factor solution, with three of the factors comprised of dichotomous items addressing LUTS‐associated sensations. The remaining five factors, confirmed with CFA in an independent sample of 473 participants, produced five scales: incontinence, urgency, voiding difficulty, bladder pain, and nocturia. Subscales and total LURN SI‐29 scores were correlated as expected with AUA‐SI, GUPI, and PFDI‐20. LURN SI‐29 scores also performed as expected in differentiating men from women based upon clinically expected differences, with men reporting more voiding difficulties and nocturia, and women reporting more urgency and incontinence.ConclusionsThe LURN SI‐29 questionnaire has the potential to improve research and clinical outcome measurement for both men and women with LUTS.
Promising biomarkers for the prediction of catheter‐related venous thromboembolism in hospitalized children: An exploratory study
Authors: Nossair Fadi , Mahajerin Arash , Hoang Janet , Diaz Daniel , Nugent Diane 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundPediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) has increased over the past 10 years, with central venous catheters (CVC) being the strongest risk factor. Current tools are not sufficient to predict VTE risk. The utility of biomarkers in predicting CVC‐related VTE has been minimally explored. Our objective is to determine the utility of microparticles (MPs), factor VIII (FVIII) activity, and thrombin generation (TG) in prospectively predicting VTE occurrence in hospitalized children with CVCs.ProcedureIn this nested case‐control pilot study, consecutive hospitalized children needing CVC placement (1 month to 21 years) were enrolled. Venous samples were collected prior to or within 24 h of CVC placement. MPs were measured using factor Xa initiated clot‐based assay. FVIII was measured using a one‐stage clot‐based assay. TG was measured using calibrated automated thrombogram.ResultsThere were three CVC‐related VTE events (7%) in our cohort of 42 subjects. Xa clotting time (XaCT) ratio was lower (0.68 ± 0.07 vs 0.95 ± 0.21, P = .4), while FVIII (461 ± 120 vs 267 ± 130, P = .02), peak thrombin (418 ± 89 vs 211 ± 101, P = .001), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (1828 ± 485 vs 1282 ± 394, P = .03), and velocity index (VI) (182 ± 28 vs 75 ± 53, P = .001) were higher in subjects with CVC‐related VTE compared to those without CVC‐related VTE. Sensitivity/specificity analysis revealed optimal cutoff values for XaCT ratio (0.75), FVIII (370), ETP (1680), peak (315), and VI (130), with receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values >0.9.ConclusionMPs, FVIII, and TG can potentially predict pediatric CVC‐related VTE in a prospective fashion. Stratification according to VTE risk may aid in guiding preventative efforts in future studies.
Environment‐friendly electrodes using biopolymer chitosan/poly ortho aminophenol with enhanced electrochemical behavior for use in energy storage devices
Authors: Ehsani A. , Parsimehr H. , Nourmohammadi H. , Safari R. , Doostikhah S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSignificant electrochemical properties improvement of poly ortho aminophenol (POAP) as conductive polymer and simultaneously as active electrode of electrochemical supercapacitor through fabricated POAP composite film in the presence of biopolymer chitosan (CTS) with porous structure was obtained. Nanocomposite morphology and information about POAP‐CTS interaction in the synthesized thin films were examined via scanning electron microscope. The surface area that depends on the porosity morphology was examined by Brunauere‐Emmette‐Teller (BET) analysis. Accordingly, the BET surface area, mean pore diameters, and single point total pore volume were measured as 39.044 m2g−1, 19.68 nm, and 0.192 cm3g−1, respectively. Electrochemical measurements like galvanostatic charge‐discharge experiments, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were investigated to examine the performance of the electrosynthesized composite (POAP/CTS) film. And also, the specific charge obtained as 345 F/g for POAP/CTS. In this work, a new considerable efficient polymeric composite in electrochemical redox capacitors with considerable advantages including ease synthesis, high active surface area, and stability in an aqueous electrolyte was introduced. Analysis of the quantum theory of atoms‐in‐molecules results shows that the chitosan system can be categorized into n‐type‐like (electron density donor) and p‐type‐like (electron density acceptor) sections and thus the parallel (inxy/yxplan) and perpendicular (inxz/yzplan) intramolecular sections have different electronic behaviors/electro‐chemical characterizations in molecule.
Sensitivity to change of the EORTC quality of life module measuring cancer‐related fatigue (EORTC QlQ‐Fa12): Results from the international psychometric validation
Authors: Weis Joachim , Wirtz Markus A. , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A. , Hammerlid Eva , Arraras Juan Ignacio , Conroy Thierry , Lanceley Anne , Schmidt Heike , Singer Susanne , Pinto Monica , Alm El‐Din Mohamed , Compter Inge , Holzner Bernhard , Hofmeister Dirk , Chie Wei‐Chu , Harle Amelie , Flechtner Hans‐Henning , Bottomley Andrew ,   On Behalf of the EORTC Quality of Life Group
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group (EORTC QLG) has developed a multidimensional instrument measuring cancer‐related fatigue, the EORTC QLQ‐FA12. The analysis of sensitivity to change is an essential part of psychometric validation. With this study, we investigated the EORTC QLQ‐FA12's sensitivity to change.MethodsThe methodology follows the EORTC guidelines of EORTC QLG for phase IV validation of modules. We included cancer patients undergoing curative and palliative treatment at t1 and followed them up prospectively over the course of their treatment (t2) and 4 weeks after completion of treatment (t3). Data were collected prospectively at 17 sites in 11 countries. Sensitivity to change was investigated using analysis of variance.ResultsA total sample of 533 patients was enrolled with various tumour types, different stages of cancer, and receiving either curative treatment (n=311) or palliative treatment (n=222). Over time all fatigue scores were significantly higher in the palliative treatment group compared with the curative group (p < .001). Physical fatigue increased with medium effect size over the course of treatment in the curative group (standardized response mean [SRM] (t1,t2) = 0.44]. After treatment physical [SRM (t2,t3) = 0.39], emotional [SRM (t2,t3)= 0.28] and cognitive fatigue (SRM [t2,t3] = 0.22) declined significantly in the curative group. In the palliative group, emotional (SRM [t2,t3] = 0.18) as well as cognitive [SRM [t2,t3] = 0.26) fatigue increases significantly.ConclusionsThe EORTC‐QLQ‐FA12 proved to identify clinically significant changes in fatigue in the course of curative and palliative cancer treatment.
Improvement of the plasma‐induced defect generation model in Si substrates and the optimization design framework
Authors: Eriguchi Koji , Hamano Takashi , Urabe Keiichiro 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDefect generation in Si substrates during plasma processing—plasma‐induced physical damage (PPD)—has been principally modeled on the basis of the projection range of incident ions. In this paper, first, the ion dose (Dion) dependence of the thickness of a damaged layer (ddam) was implemented in the conventional PPD range model. An improved PPD range model was proposed to describe the dose evolution of ddam in addition to the ion energy (Eion) dependence of ddam. Then, the model prediction results were compared with the experimentally obtained ddam after Ar plasma exposure. A good agreement was found, which implied that plasma process designs should be performed by taking into account both the Dion and Eion dependences of ddam. Finally, a methodology of plasma process design based on the improved PPD range model was presented. The methodology was regarded as an optimization problem under constraints imposed by PPD criteria. Two scenarios—optimization problems—were demonstrated, where the etch rate was maximized under the following two constraints: one is by considering the acceptable ddam, and the other, the recessed Si depth and latent defect density with its trade‐off relation. The results suggested that minimizing Eion rather than lowering the flux of incident ions is essential for the above scenarios.
BABA application improves soybean resistance to aphid through activation of phenylpropanoid metabolism and callose deposition
Authors: Yao Luming , Zhong Yunpeng , Wang Biao , Yan Junhui , Wu Tianlong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDBeta‐aminobutyric acid (BABA) confer plant resistance to a broad spectrum of biotic and abiotic stresses. The soybean aphid (SBA), is native to eastern Asia and is a predominant insect pest of soybean. Both isoflavone and lignin pathway are important branches of the general phenylpropanoid pathway, which would be likely associated with resistance against soybean aphid. However, little is known about the role of the phenylpropanoid pathway in defense response to SBA as induced by BABA application.RESULTSThe application of BABA effectively enhanced soybean resistance against Aphis glycines, the soybean aphid. Consistent with significantly increased content of isoflavones, especially genistein, the related biosynthetic genes were upregulated by use of BABA. Lignin, another important defense component against arthropods, accumulated at a high level and four lignin biosynthesis related genes were also activated. Additionally, BABA application augmented the expression of callose synthase genes and increased callose deposition in SBA‐infested seedlings. In non‐caged and caged tests, SBA numbers were significantly reduced in BABA‐treated seedlings.CONCLUSIONThese results demonstrate that application of BABA has an obvious positive effect on soybean resistance to aphids, and this defense response partly depends on the potentiation of isoflavone biosynthesis and callose deposition. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry