bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data‐driven gating in PET: Influence of respiratory signal noise on motion resolution
Authors: Büther Florian , Ernst Iris , Frohwein Lynn Johann , Pouw Joost , Schäfers Klaus Peter , Stegger Lars 
Published: May 2018

PurposeData‐driven gating (DDG) approaches for positron emission tomography (PET) are interesting alternatives to conventional hardware‐based gating methods. In DDG, the measured PET data themselves are utilized to calculate a respiratory signal, that is, subsequently used for gating purposes. The success of gating is then highly dependent on the statistical quality of the PET data. In this study, we investigate how this quality determines signal noise and thus motion resolution in clinical PET scans using a center‐of‐mass‐based (COM) DDG approach, specifically with regard to motion management of target structures in future radiotherapy planning applications.MethodsPET list mode datasets acquired in one bed position of 19 different radiotherapy patients undergoing pretreatment [18F]FDG PET/CT or [18F]FDG PET/MRI were included into this retrospective study. All scans were performed over a region with organs (myocardium, kidneys) or tumor lesions of high tracer uptake and under free breathing. Aside from the original list mode data, datasets with progressively decreasing PET statistics were generated. From these, COM DDG signals were derived for subsequent amplitude‐based gating of the original list mode file. The apparent respiratory shift d from end‐expiration to end‐inspiration was determined from the gated images and expressed as a function of signal‐to‐noise ratio SNR of the determined gating signals. This relation was tested against additional 25 [18F]FDG PET/MRI list mode datasets where high‐precision MR navigator‐like respiratory signals were available as reference signal for respiratory gating of PET data, and data from a dedicated thorax phantom scan.ResultsAll original 19 high‐quality list mode datasets demonstrated the same behavior in terms of motion resolution when reducing the amount of list mode events for DDG signal generation. Ratios and directions of respiratory shifts between end‐respiratory gates and the respective nongated image were constant over all statistic levels. Motion resolution d/dmax could be modeled as , with dmax as the actual respiratory shift. Determining dmax from d and SNR in the 25 test datasets and the phantom scan demonstrated no significant differences to the MR navigator‐derived shift values and the predefined shift, respectively.ConclusionsThe SNR can serve as a general metric to assess the success of COM‐based DDG, even in different scanners and patients. The derived formula for motion resolution can be used to estimate the actual motion extent reasonably well in cases of limited PET raw data statistics. This may be of interest for individualized radiotherapy treatment planning procedures of target structures subjected to respiratory motion.
Initial derivation of diagnostic clusters combining history elements and physical examination tests for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Décary Simon , Feldman Debbie , Frémont Pierre , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Fallaha Michel , Pelletier Bruno , Belzile Sylvain , Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Vendittoli Pascal‐André , Desmeules François 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the present study was to assess the validity of clusters combining history elements and physical examination tests to diagnose symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (SOA) compared with other knee disorders.MethodsThis was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study, in which 279 consecutive patients consulting for a knee complaint were assessed. History elements and standardized physical examination tests were obtained independently by a physiotherapist and compared with an expert physician's composite diagnosis, including clinical examination and imaging. Recursive partitioning was used to develop diagnostic clusters for SOA. Diagnostic accuracy measures were calculated, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+/−), with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of 129 patients had a diagnosis of SOA (46.2%). Most cases (76%) had combined tibiofemoral and patellofemoral knee OA and 63% had radiological Kellgren–Lawrence grades of 2 or 3. Different combinations of history elements and physical examination tests were used in clusters accurately to discriminate SOA from other knee disorders. These included age of patients, body mass index, presence of valgus/varus knee misalignment, palpable knee crepitus and limited passive knee extension. Two clusters to rule in SOA reached an LR+ of 13.6 (95% CI 6.5 to 28.4) and three clusters to rule out SOA reached an LR– of 0.11 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.20).DiscussionDiagnostic clusters combining history elements and physical examination tests were able to support the differential diagnosis of SOA compared with various knee disorders without relying systematically on imaging. This could support primary care clinicians' role in the efficient management of these patients.
The Impact of Insurance Coverage on Utilization of Prescription Contraceptives: Evidence from the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Becker Nora V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that prescription contraceptives be covered by private health insurance plans with no cost sharing. Using medical and prescription claims from a large national insurer, I estimate individual claim rates and out‐of‐pocket (OOP) costs of prescription contraceptives for 329,642 women aged 13 to 45 who were enrolled in private health insurance between January 2008 and December 2013. I find that OOP spending on contraceptives has decreased sharply since the implementation of the ACA mandate. Using a difference‐in‐difference model that leverages employer‐level variation in compliance with the mandate, I estimate the effect of the mandate on use of both short‐ and long‐term methods of prescription birth control. I find that the mandate has increased insurance claims for short‐term contraceptive methods (the pill, patch, ring, shot, diaphragms/cervical caps, and prescription emergency contraception) by 4.8 percent and increased initiation of long‐term methods (intrauterine devices, implant, or sterilization) by 15.8 percent. Using data from a national survey of reproductive age women during this same time period, a back‐of‐the‐envelope calculation suggests that the mandate increased total use of any method of prescription contraceptive use by 2.95 percentage points among privately insured women in 2013, or a 6.57 percent relative increase. These increases in use of prescription contraceptives among privately insured women in the United States as a result of the ACA mandate have important potential implications for fertility rates, health care spending, and economic outcomes for women and their families.
Localized vaginal/uterine rhabdomyosarcoma—results of a pooled analysis from four international cooperative groups
Authors: Minard‐Colin Veronique , Walterhouse David , Bisogno Gianni , Martelli Helene , Anderson James , Rodeberg David A. , Ferrari Andrea , Jenney Meriel , Wolden Suzanne , De Salvo Gianluca , Arndt Carola , Merks Johannes H. M. , Gallego Soledad , Schwob Dominique , Haie‐Meder Christine , Bergeron Christophe , Stevens Michael C. G. , Oberlin Odile , Hawkins Douglas ,   International Society of Pediatric Oncology Sarcoma Committee, the Children's Oncology Group, the Italian Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group, and the European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundVaginal/uterine rhabdomyosarcoma (VU RMS) is one of the most favorable RMS sites. To determine the optimal therapy, the experience of four cooperative groups (Children's Oncology Group [COG], International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor Group [MMT], Italian Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group [ICG], and European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group [EpSSG]) was analyzed.ProcedureFrom 1981 to 2009, 237 patients were identified. Median age (years) at diagnosis differed by tumor location; it was 1.9 for vagina (n = 160), 2.7 for uterus corpus (n = 26), and 13.5 for uterus cervix (n = 51). Twenty‐eight percent of patients received radiation therapy (RT) as part of primary therapy (23% COG, 27% MMT, 46% ICG, and 42% EpSSG), with significant differences in the use of brachytherapy between the cooperative groups (23% COG, 76% MMT, 64% ICG, and 88% EpSSG).ResultsTen‐year event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 74% (95% CI, 67–79%) and 92% (95% CI, 88–96%), respectively. In univariate analysis, OS was inferior for patients with uterine RMS and for those with regional lymph node involvement. Although EFS was slightly lower in patients without initial RT (71% without RT vs. 81% with RT; P = 0.08), there was no difference in OS (94% without RT vs. 89% with RT; P = 0.18). Local control using brachytherapy was excellent (93%). Fifty‐one (51.5%) of the 99 survivors with known primary therapy and treatment for relapse were cured with chemotherapy with or without conservative surgery.ConclusionsAbout half of all patients with VU RMS can be cured without systematic RT or radical surgery. When RT is indicated, modalities that limit sequelae should be considered, such as brachytherapy.
New approach to accurate interpretation of sickle cell disease newborn screening by applying multiple of median cutoffs and ratios
Authors: Allaf Bichr , Patin Franck , Elion Jacques , Couque Nathalie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe main goal of newborn screening (NBS) for sickle cell disease (SCD) is to detect affected neonates so that specific preventive care can be implemented. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) used for NBS has high sensitivity and specificity, but we lack guidelines for quantitative hemoglobin (Hb) fraction interpretation. The purpose of this study was to determine cutoff values to standardize quantitative interpretation in SCD NBS for different clinical situation such as, red blood cell transfusion or beta‐thalassemia, which can be real screening pitfalls.MethodsRetrospective study of 75,026 samples from the neonatal screening program analyzed in our laboratory. Precise HbA and HbS percentages at birth were recorded and median values established for each gestational age, allowing percentage results to be expressed in normal gestation‐specific multiples of the median (MoM). Three threshold values of clinical interest were determined.ResultsHigh levels of HbA (>2.5 MoM) allowed identification of newborns who received transfusions. Low levels of HbS (≤0.7 MoM) allowed detection of the association between HbS and other mutations of the beta‐globin gene (i.e., HbHope, β0‐thalassemia, etc.). An HbA/HbS ratio <0.5 to distinguish healthy carriers from SCD with S/β+‐thalassemia. The screening accuracy for each threshold was established. The screening accuracy of low‐level HbA, which is determinant in identifying the subgroup of patients at risk of β‐thalassemia, will be determined prospectively.ConclusionsThis new approach introduces tools for a quantitative interpretation in SCD NBS by HPLC methods and could allow standardization of interpretation between centers.
Lithium Ferrites@Polydopamine Core–Shell Nanoparticles as a New Robust Negative Electrode for Advanced Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Mao Zuxing , Han Yi , Liu Si , Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Peng , Lu Xihong , Tong Yexiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSpinel ferrites hold great promise as attractive electrode materials for high‐performance supercapacitors owing to their multiple valence states and abundant choice of metal cation. However, the main bottleneck for most of the currently reported spinel ferrite‐based electrodes is relatively low specific capacitance. Herein, a new kind of lithium ferrites (Li0.5Fe2.5O4, LFO)@polydopamine (PDA) (denoted as LFO@PDA) core–shell nanoparticles with extraordinary capacitive performance as negative electrodes for aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) are reported first. Taking advantage of increased active sites, improved conductivity, enhanced hydrophilicity, and good strain accommodation in terms of the interesting core–shell architecture and PDA shell, the as‐obtained LFO@PDA electrode reaches a remarkable capacitance of 276.4 F g−1 and prominent durability (no any capacitance loss after 15 000 cycles). Moreover, a robust aqueous 1.8 V‐ASC device with a preferable energy density of 33.9 Wh kg−1 is also achieved based on the LFO@PDA electrode as negative electrode.
Identification of an Anti‐Inflammation Protein, Annexin A1, in Tendon Derived Stem Cells (TDSCs) of Cystic Fibrosis Mice: A Comparative Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Feng Lu , Wang Hua , Wang Yu‐jia , Chan Hsiao‐Chang , Jiang Xiao‐hua , Fu Wei‐ming , Li Gang , Zhang Jin‐fang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurpose: A previous study reported an elevated inflammation during tendon injury in mice with cystic fibrosis (CF), indicating the inadequate management of inflammation due to dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The objective of this study is to identify the targets of CFTR that contribute to the abnormal inflammation during tendon injury.Experimental Design: A 2D gel electrophoresis and mass‐spectrometry‐based comparative proteomics is performed to find the molecular targets of CFTR. And the targeted protein is further confirmed at both mRNA and protein levels.Results: It is identified that 14 proteins are differentially expressed, with annexin A1 being one of the most significantly downregulated protein. Further confirmation shows that annexin A1 is significantly decreased in TDSCs isolated from DF508 mice. As an essential anti‐inflammation mediator, it is also downregulated in the injured tendon tissue of DF508 mice when compared with WT mice.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Decreased annexin A1 expression can contribute to the elevated inflammation in DF508 mice during tendon injury. Therefore, annexin A1 can be considered as a new potential biomarker or drug target for a possible therapeutic approach in clinical practice.
Determination of pesticide dermal transfer to operators and agricultural workers through contact with sprayed hard surfaces
Authors: Tsakirakis Angelos N , Kasiotis Konstantinos M , Anastasiadou Pelagia , Charistou Agathi N , Gerritsen‐Ebben Rianda , Glass C Richard , Machera Kyriaki 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the present study, the rate of dermal transfer of pesticides to agricultural workers occurring via contact with sprayed hard surfaces was investigated. Cotton gloves were used as dosimeters to collect residues from hard surfaces contaminated by pesticides in greenhouses. Dosimeters, either dry or moistened, were in contact with wood, metal and plastic surfaces that had previously been sprayed. The experimental approach applied mimicked typical hand contact. Moistened cotton gloves were used to simulate hand moisture from dew/condensation or rainfall. The effect of total duration of contact on the final hand exposure via transfer was investigated.RESULTSThe higher duration contact tested (50 s) resulted in higher transfer rates for metal and plastic surfaces; no such effect was noted in the case of the wood surface. The pesticide amount transferred from the metal and plastic surfaces to wet gloves was greater than that transferred to dry gloves. Such a trend was not observed for the wood surface. Transfer rates varied from 0.46 to 77.62% and from 0.17 to 16.90% for wet and dry samples, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe current study has generated new data to quantify the proportion of pesticide deposits dislodged from three different non‐crop surfaces when in contact with dry or wet gloves. © 2018 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Assimilation of nitrogen and carbon isotopes from fish diets to otoliths as measured by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Shiao Jen‐Chieh , Shirai Kotaro , Tanaka Kentaro , Takahata Naoto , Sano Yuji , Sung‐Yun Hsiao Silver , Lee Der‐Chuen , Tseng Yung‐Che 
Published: May 2018

RATIONALENitrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C values) of carbonate‐bound organic materials in otoliths can provide information to address the biological and ecological functions of fish. Correct interpretation of otolith δ15N and δ13C profiles requires knowledge of the metabolic routes of nitrogen and carbon isotopes. However, the isotopic assimilation of δ15N and δ13C compositions from diets to otoliths has rarely been investigated.METHODSThis study traced the daily nitrogen and carbon isotopic assimilation between diets and otoliths using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). Isotopically labeled algae (Tetraselmis chui) were fed to tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for 14–17 days. NanoSIMS and conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry were used to measure δ15N and δ13C variations in the otoliths and fish muscle, respectively.RESULTSOtolith δ15N values abruptly surged from natural abundance levels by 1000–2300‰ after the fish ate 15N‐spiked algae with δ15N values of approximately 2200‰. However, the δ15N values of fish muscle increased to only approximately 500‰ at the end of the feeding experiment. Much higher δ15N values (3700–14 000‰) and moderate δ13C values (60–200‰) were detected in the otoliths after the tilapia ate 15N‐ and 13C‐spiked algae with a δ15N value of 36667‰ and a δ13C value of 272‰. Mapping analysis showed sub‐micrometer‐scale distribution of 15N embedded in the otolith growth increments with a low‐to‐high δ15N signal after the tilapia shifted diets from non‐spiked to 15N‐labeled algae.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that otolith nitrogen and carbon isotopes from food were directly assimilated on the same day. Food is the major and in some cases only source of otolith nitrogen isotopes but makes only a partial contribution to otolith carbon isotopes. Therefore, the δ15N values recorded in the sclerochronological layers of the otoliths can be used to determine the trophic levels, food sources and diet changes of fish.
Serine Threonine Kinase Receptor-Associated Protein Deficiency Impairs Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Lineage Commitment Through CYP26A1-Mediated Retinoic Acid Homeostasis
Authors: Jin Lin , Chang Chenbei , Pawlik Kevin M. , Datta Arunima , Johnson Larry M. , Vu Trung , Napoli Joseph L. , Datta Pran K. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is essential for the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and vertebrate development. RA biosynthesis and metabolism are controlled by a series of enzymes, but the molecular regulators of these enzymes remain largely obscure. In this study, we investigated the functional role of the WD-domain protein STRAP (serine threonine kinase receptor-associated protein) in the pluripotency and lineage commitment of murine ESCs. We generated Strap knockout (KO) mouse ESCs and subjected them to spontaneous differentiation. We observed that, despite the unchanged characteristics of ESCs, Strap KO ESCs exhibited defects for lineage differentiation. Signature gene expression analyses revealed that Strap deletion attenuated intracellular RA signaling in embryoid bodies (EBs), and exogenous RA significantly rescued this deficiency. Moreover, loss of Strap selectively induced Cyp26A1 expression in mouse EBs, suggesting a potential role of STRAP in RA signaling. Mechanistically, we identified putative Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) binding motifs to be critical in the enhancement of non-canonical RA-induced transactivation of Cyp26A1. Increased KLF9 expression in the absence of STRAP is partially responsible for Cyp26A1 induction. Interestingly, STRAP knockdown in Xenopus embryos influenced anterior-posterior neural patterning and impaired the body axis and eye development during early Xenopus embryogenesis. Taken together, our study reveals an intrinsic role for STRAP in the regulation of RA signaling and provides new molecular insights for ESC fate determination.
Vasorelaxant effects of diarylheptanoids, acerogenin A and (−)‐centrolobol from the bark of Acer nikoense
Authors: Iizuka Toru , Nagumo Seiji , Yotsumoto Hideomi , Terabayashi Susumu , Fukai Toshio , Nagai Masahiro 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTAimThe bark of Acer nikoense (Aceraceae) is used in Japanese folk medicine as a remedy for hepatic disorders and eye diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxant effects of A. nikoense extracts and further clarify the active constituents and mechanisms of action.MethodsDried A. nikoense bark was extracted with methanol. The extract was further extracted with diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and 1‐butanol, successively. The major constituents of the extracts were isolated using chromatography. Vasorelaxant effects of the extracts and isolated constituents were assessed using isolated rat aorta. The aorta was placed in a well‐oxygenated bath of modified Krebs–Henseleit solution and the mechanical tension measured isometrically.ResultsThe extracts had a vasorelaxant effect on aorta precontracted with 3 × 10−7 mol/L norepinephrine (NE). Isolated major constituents of A. nikoense bark, diarylheptanoids, such as acerogenin A (compound 1), B (compound 2), (−)‐centrolobol (compound 3), aceroside I (compound 5), B1 (compound 6), VII (compound 7) III (compound 8), and phenolic compound, (+)‐rhododendrol (compound 4) were examined. Compounds 1 and 3 had vasorelaxant effects on rat aorta with or without endothelium in the NE‐induced preparation. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 3 inhibited contraction induced by a high concentration (60 mmol/L) of K+ and also had a moderate inhibitory effect on NE‐induced vasoconstriction in the presence of nicardipine.ConclusionThe inhibition of NE‐induced vasoconstriction by compounds 1 and 3 may be attributed to factors such as endothelial independency by blocking of Ca2+ influx via voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels and receptor‐operated Ca2+ channels.
The Video‐Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Mediastinal Bronchogenic Cysts: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Wang Xun , Chen Kezhong , Li Yun , Yang Fan , Zhao Hui , Wang Jun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for mediastinal bronchogenic cyst (MBC) excision and investigate the surgical indication for MBC.
MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all consecutive MBC patients who underwent surgical excision between April 2001 and June 2016. One hundred and nineteen patients were enrolled with a median age of 45.4 years and divided into two groups: anterior mediastinum group (n = 48), and middle and posterior mediastinum group (n = 71). VATS technique was initially performed for each patient. The cyst should be resected completely as far as possible. Follow‐up was completed by telephone or outpatient clinic every year. The deadline of follow‐up was June 2017.
ResultsOne hundred and eighteen patients underwent VATS, and only one patient converted to open thoracotomy. The average operative time was 103.8 ± 41.6 min (40–360 min). The average intraoperative blood loss was 56.6 ± 86.6 ml (5–600 ml). The intraoperative complication rate was 3.4%, and the incomplete excision rate was 5.9%. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that maximal diameter >5 cm was significantly associated with risk of operation time extension (OR = 3.968; 95% CI 1.179–13.355, p = 0.026) and bleeding loss increasing (OR = 12.242; 95% CI 2.420–61.933, p = 0.002). No serious postoperative complications were observed. Follow‐up was performed in 102 patients, and the mean follow‐up time was 45 months (12–194 months). There was no local recurrence.ConclusionsThe maximal diameter >5 cm increased risk of operation time extension and bleeding loss increasing. Early surgical excision of MBC by VATS is recommended to establish histopathological diagnosis, relieve symptoms, and prevent surgery‐related complications.