bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volumetric 18F‐FDG‐PET parameters as predictors of locoregional failure in low‐risk HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer after definitive chemoradiation therapy
Authors: Chotchutipan Thong , Rosen Benjamin S. , Hawkins Peter G. , Lee Jae Y. , Saripalli Anjali L. , Thakkar Dharmesh , Eisbruch Avraham , El Naqa Issam , Mierzwa Michelle L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to investigate the prognostic value of volumetric positron emission tomography (PET) parameters in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and a ≤10 pack‐year smoking history treated with chemoradiation.MethodsA total of 142 patients were included. Maximum standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumor, involved regional lymph nodes, and total lesion were calculated. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to evaluate associations of clinical and PET parameters with locoregional failure‐free survival (LRFFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS).ResultsOn univariate analysis, volumetric PET parameters were significantly associated with all endpoints, and 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union Internationale Contre le Cancer staging was significantly associated with DMFS and OS. On multivariate analysis, total lesion TLG was significantly associated with LRFFS, while staging was most significantly prognostic for DMFS and OS.ConclusionVolumetric PET parameters are uniquely prognostic of LRFFS in low‐risk HPV‐related OPSCC and may be useful for directing de‐intensification strategies.
Alpha‐Fetoprotein Decrease from > 1,000 to < 500 ng/mL in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Leads to Improved Posttransplant Outcomes
Authors: Mehta Neil , Dodge Jennifer L. , Roberts John P. , Hirose Ryutaro , Yao Francis Y. 
Published: December 2018

High alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) > 1,000 ng/mL is associated with poor outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A new national policy has been implemented for AFP > 1,000 ng/mL requiring a decrease to < 500 ng/mL before LT, but there is a paucity of data on the optimal AFP threshold before LT. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a reduction in AFP from > 1,000 ng/mL to different AFP thresholds before LT on survival and HCC recurrence after LT using the United Network for Organ Sharing database. We identified 407 patients who underwent transplant between January 2005 and September 2015 and who had AFP > 1,000 ng/mL at least once before LT. The last AFP measurement before LT was > 1,000 ng/mL in 72.0%, decreased from > 1,000 to 101‐499 ng/mL in 9.6%, and decreased to ≤ 100 ng/mL in 14.3%. Local‐regional therapy was not performed in 45.4% of patients with AFP > 1,000 ng/mL at LT versus 12.8% of those with AFP of 101‐499 ng/mL and 10.3% of those with AFP ≤ 100 ng/mL at LT (P < 0.001). Kaplan‐Meier 5‐year post‐LT survival for those with AFP > 1,000 ng/mL at LT was 48.8% versus 67.0% for those with a decrease in AFP to 101‐499 ng/mL (P < 0.001) and 88.4% for those with AFP ≤ 100 ng/mL at LT (P < 0.001). HCC recurrence probability at 5 years was 35.0% for patients with AFP > 1,000 ng/mL versus 13.3% for patients with AFP of 101‐499 ng/mL and 7.2% for patients with AFP ≤ 100 ng/mL at LT (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, a decrease in the AFP to 101‐499 ng/mL was associated with a > 2‐fold reduction in posttransplant mortality (P = 0.01) and a nearly 3‐fold reduction in HCC recurrence (P = 0.02) compared with AFP > 1,000 ng/mL at LT. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated significantly improved post‐LT outcomes when restricting LT to patients with a reduction in AFP from > 1,000 to < 500 ng/mL, validating the recently implemented national policy.
Optimal multi‐scale geometric fusion based on non‐subsampled contourlet transform and modified central force optimization
Authors: El‐Hoseny Heba M. , El‐Rahman Wael Abd , El‐Shafai Walid , El‐Rabaie El‐Sayed M. , Mahmoud Korany R. , Abd El‐Samie Fathi E. , Faragallah Osama S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn the current era of technological development, medical imaging plays an important part in several applications of medical diagnosis and therapy. This requires more precise images with much more details and information for correct medical diagnosis and therapy. Medical image fusion is one of the solutions for obtaining much spatial and spectral information in a single image. This article presents an optimization‐based contourlet image fusion approach in addition to a comparative study for the performance of both multi‐resolution and multi‐scale geometric effects on fusion quality. An optimized multi‐scale fusion technique based on the Non‐Subsampled Contourlet Transform (NSCT) using the Modified Central Force Optimization (MCFO) and local contrast enhancement techniques is presented. The first step in the proposed fusion approach is the histogram matching of one of the images to the other to allow the same dynamic range for both images. The NSCT is used after that to decompose the images to be fused into their coefficients. The MCFO technique is used to determine the optimum decomposition level and the optimum gain parameters for the best fusion of coefficients based on certain constraints. Finally, an additional contrast enhancement process is applied on the fused image to enhance its visual quality and reinforce details. The proposed fusion framework is subjectively and objectively evaluated with different fusion quality metrics including average gradient, local contrast, standard deviation (STD), edge intensity, entropy, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, Q
ab/f, and processing time. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed optimized NSCT medical image fusion approach based on the MCFO and histogram matching achieves a superior performance with higher image quality, average gradient, edge intensity, STD, better local contrast and entropy, a good quality factor, and much more details in images. These characteristics help for more accurate medical diagnosis in different medical applications.
A note on immersion intertwines of infinite graphs
Authors: Barnes Matthew , Oporowski Bogdan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe present a construction of two infinite graphs and , and of an infinite set of graphs such that is an antichain with respect to the immersion relation and, for each graph in , both and are subgraphs of , but no graph properly immersed in admits an immersion of and of . This shows that the class of infinite graphs ordered by the immersion relation does not have the finite intertwine property.
Glycerol Mediated Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Study of 4‐(1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐polyhydroquinolines as Potent Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Jamale Dattatraya K. , Undare Santosh S. , Valekar Navanath J. , Sarkate Aniket P. , Kolekar Govind B. , Anbhule Prashant V. 
Published: December 2018

A series of 4‐(1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐polyhydroquinolines were synthesized through one‐pot four‐component Hantzsch condensation of 1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehydes, ammonium acetate, dimedone, and alkyl acetoacetate in glycerol as a green reaction medium. The structures of the compounds are verified by spectroscopic methods and screened for their antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RV strain. Almost all the synthesized derivatives reveal excellent antitubercular activity based on minimum inhibitory concentration. Especially the compounds 5h and 5k exhibit outstanding antitubercular activity with minimum inhibitory concentration 1.6 μg/mL. In addition, molecular docking study of synthesized scaffolds against enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase from M. tuberculosis was performed to propose the binding modes.
Mortality and losses to follow‐up among adolescents living with HIV in the IeDEA global cohort collaboration
Authors: Kariminia Azar , Law Matthew , Davies Mary‐Ann , Vinikoor Michael , Wools‐Kaloustian Kara , Leroy Valeriane , Edmonds Andrew , McGowan Catherine , Vreeman Rachel , Fairlie Lee , Ayaya Samuel , Yotebieng Marcel , Takassi Elom , Pinto Jorge , Adedimeji Adebola , Malateste Karen , Machado Daisy M , Penazzato Martina , Hazra Rohan , Sohn Annette H ,   on behalf of IeDEA
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionWe assessed mortality and losses to follow‐up (LTFU) during adolescence in routine care settings in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium.MethodsCohorts in the Asia‐Pacific, the Caribbean, Central, and South America, and sub‐Saharan Africa (Central, East, Southern, West) contributed data, and included adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) enrolled from January 2003 and aged 10 to 19 years (period of adolescence) while under care up to database closure (June 2016). Follow‐up started at age 10 years or the first clinic visit, whichever was later. Entering care at <15 years was a proxy for perinatal infection, while entering care ≥15 years represented infection acquired during adolescence. Competing risk regression was used to assess associations with death and LTFU among those ever receiving triple‐drug antiretroviral therapy (triple‐ART).ResultsOf the 61,242 ALHIV from 270 clinics in 34 countries included in the analysis, 69% (n = 42,138) entered care <15 years of age (53% female), and 31% (n = 19,104) entered care ≥15 years (81% female). During adolescence, 3.9% died, 30% were LTFU and 8.1% were transferred. For those with infection acquired perinatally versus during adolescence, the four‐year cumulative incidences of mortality were 3.9% versus 5.4% and of LTFU were 26% versus 69% respectively (both p < 0.001). Overall, there were higher hazards of death for females (adjusted sub‐hazard ratio (asHR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.33), and those starting treatment at ≥5 years of age (highest asHR for age ≥15: 8.72, 95% CI 5.85 to 13.02), and in care in mostly urban (asHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.75) and mostly rural settings (asHR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.87) compared to urban settings. Overall, higher hazards of LTFU were observed among females (asHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.17), and those starting treatment at age ≥5 years (highest asHR for age ≥15: 11.11, 95% CI 9.86 to 12.53), in care at district hospitals (asHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.37) or in rural settings (asHR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.29), and starting triple‐ART after 2006 (highest asHR for 2011 to 2016 1.84, 95% CI 1.71 to 1.99).ConclusionsBoth mortality and LTFU were worse among those entering care at ≥15 years. ALHIV should be evaluated apart from younger children and adults to identify population‐specific reasons for death and LTFU.
Endotracheal intubation results in acute tracheal damage induced by mtDNA/TLR9/NF-κB activity
Authors: Puyo Carlos A , Earhart Alexander , Staten Nicholas , Prince Oliver A , Haug Colleen , Kollef Marin , Awad Michael 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Tracheitis secondary to placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) is characterized by neutrophil accumulation in the tracheal lumen, which is generally associated with epithelial damage. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), has been implicated in systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction following trauma; however, less is known about the effects of a foreign body on local trauma and tissue damage. We hypothesized that tracheal damage secondary to the ETT will result in local release of mtDNA at sufficient levels to induce TLR9 and NF-κB activation. In a swine model we compared the differences between uncoated, and chloroquine (CQ) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) coated ETTs as measured by tracheal lavage fluids (TLF) over a period of 6 h. The swine model allowed us to recreate human conditions. ETT presence was characterized by neutrophil activation, necrosis, and release of proinflammatory cytokines mediated by TLR9/NF-κB induction. Amelioration of the tracheal damage was observed in the CQ and NAC coated ETT group as shown in tracheal tissue specimens and TLF. The role of TLR9/NF-κB dependent activity was confirmed by HEK-Blue hTLR9 reporter cell line analysis after coincubation with TLF specimens with predetermined concentrations of NAC or CQ alone or TLR9 inhibitory oligodeoxynucleotide (iODN). These findings indicate that therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing mtDNA/TLR9/NF-κB activity may have benefits in prevention of acute tracheal damage.
Influence of reduced tip‐apex distance on helical blade fixation—a biomechanical study
Authors: Lenz Mark , Schwinn Jana , Hofmann‐Fliri Ladina , Schwyn Ronald , Knobe Matthias , Klos Kajetan , Kielstein Heike , Hofmann Gunther O. , Gueorguiev Boyko 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTMigration profile of helical blades differs from conventional screw design. Tip‐apex distance (TAD) greater than 25 mm is associated with early failure in hip screws. This study investigates the effect of a reduced TAD on helical blade fixation. Six pairs of human femoral heads were used. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by pQCT. Local bone quality was evaluated by breakaway torque. Helical blades were implanted with TAD of 20 mm (normal) and 6 mm (reduced). Specimens were cyclically tested under progressively increasing physiologic loading at 2 Hz with starting peak force of 1′000N, increasing by 0.1N/cycle. Implant migration was monitored by radiographs every 250 cycles. Paired Student's t‐test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical evaluation (p < 0.05). Mean BMD was 246.7 mgHA/cm3 SD48.7 (normal), 244.3 mgHA/cm3 SD47.6 (reduced); p = 0.93. Mean breakaway torque was 3.59 Nm SD2.11 (normal), 3.72 Nm SD1.83 (reduced); p = 0.91. Number of cycles to failure (1 mm vertical migration) was 16′416 SD7972 (normal), 20′000 SD5232 (reduced); p = 0.38. They correlated significantly with BMD (p = 0.01;R2 = 0.91) and breakaway torque (p < 0.049; R2 = 0.814) (normal). Breakaway torque correlated significantly with BMD (p = 0.02; R2 = 0.898) (normal). In reduced TAD these parameters did not correlate significantly. Normal TAD resulted in failure in varus collapse (n = 6), whereas reduced TAD showed blade perforation (n = 3), rotation (n = 2), varus collapse (n = 1). Fixation stability of helical blades correlates with bone quality when implants are fixed in cancellous bone. Near cortical blade fixation might increase the risk of intraarticular blade perforation. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1–6, 2019.
Isolation and characterization of turkey bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhu Yaxi , Qi Jun , Amadio Peter C. , Moran Steven L. , Gingery Anne , Zhao Chunfeng 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTFlexor tendon injury is often associated with suboptimal outcomes and results in substantial digit dysfunction. Stem cells have been isolated from several experimental animals for the growing interest and needs of utilizing cell‐based therapies. Recently, turkey has been developed as a new large animal model for flexor tendon research. In the present study, we reported the isolation and characterization of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from 8‐ to 12‐month‐old heritage‐breed turkeys. The isolated cells demonstrated fibroblast‐like morphology, clonogenic capacity, and high proliferation rate. These cells were positive for surface antigens CD90, CD105, and CD44, but were negative for CD45. The multipotency of turkey BMSCs was determined by differentiating cells into osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and tenogenic lineages. There was upregulated gene expression of tenogenic markers, including mohawk, tenomodulin, and EGR1 as well as increased collagen synthesis in BMP12 induced cells. The successful isolation and verification of bone marrow‐derived MSCs from turkey would provide opportunities of studying cell‐based therapies and developing new treatments for tendon injuries using this novel preclinical large animal model. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1419–1428, 2019.
Exploring the binding interaction of Maillard reaction by‐product 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde with calf thymus DNA
Authors: Zhou Zhisheng , Hu Xing , Zhang Guowen , Wang Rui , Gong Deming 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBACKGROUND5‐Hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde (5‐HMF), a by‐product of the Maillard reaction, usually present in fried and baked food, may cause potential harm to the human body. Here, the interaction between 5‐HMF and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) under physiological buffer (pH 7.4) was studied using multi‐spectroscopic methods combined with multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) chemometrics and molecular simulation techniques.RESULTSThe concentration profiles and pure spectra of the three components (5‐HMF, ctDNA and 5‐HMF–ctDNA complex) were extracted from highly overlapping spectra using MCR‐ALS analysis, which verified the formation of 5‐HMF–ctDNA complex. The binding constant being of the order of 103 L mol−1 at four temperatures (292, 298, 304 and 310 K) indicated a weak affinity in the binding of 5‐HMF to ctDNA. The binding interaction was mainly driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Viscosity analysis, melting assay, ionic strength effect and competitive fluorescence studies ascertained that 5‐HMF bound to ctDNA through groove binding, and it tended to bind to guanine–cytosine rich region of ctDNA which was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra and molecular docking. Circular dichroism spectral analysis and DNA cleavage assays indicated that the ctDNA conformation was altered from B to A form and 5‐HMF caused DNA damage at higher concentration.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggested that 5‐HMF bound to ctDNA through groove binding and caused DNA damage. This research may contribute to understand the binding mechanism of 5‐HMF to ctDNA and to the assessment of the toxicological effect of 5‐HMF in biological processes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Real‐Time Light‐Guided Vocal Fold Injection: Ex Vivo Feasibility Study in a Canine Model
Authors: Cha Wonjae , Ro Jung Hoon , Yang Sun Choel , Choi Chang Jun , Yang Inchul , Kang Hochul , Cho Il‐Young , Jo Min‐gyu , Seo Hyoseok 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveThe transcricothyroid (CT) membrane approach is a good option for office‐based vocal fold injection (VFI). However, because the needle tip is invisible during injection using the CT approach, precise localization requires a high level of experience, and mastering this approach involves a steep learning curve. To overcome current limitations, we conceptualized a novel technique: real‐time light‐guided VFI (RL‐VFI), which enables simultaneous VFI under direct visualization of the lighted needle tip. Herein, we aimed to verify the feasibility of RL‐VFI in cadaveric canine model, simulating the setting of office‐based VFI, as well as to explore its clinical usefulness.Study DesignAnimal study.MethodsA customized prototype device was developed. It consisted of three parts: light source, controller, and injector. Light source comprised laser diodes of two wavelengths (635 nanometers [nm], red; 532 nm, green). Four types of injector were developed using 40‐mm needles of 23‐ and 25‐gauge and optic fibers of 50 and 100 μm. ex vivo canine larynx was prepared for the experiment. Flexible laryngoscopy system was used to examine canine vocal folds.ResultsVarious routes from three insertion points (3 mm, 10 mm, and 17 mm from the midline) were validated using the device. Regardless of the injection routes, the location of the needle tip was accurately indicated by light. RL‐VFI was feasible under light guidance without difficulties. Moreover, precise and simultaneous re‐injection could be performed at the intended point using the device.ConclusionWe introduced RL‐VFI using our customized prototype device in an ex vivo canine larynx, simulating the setting of office‐based VFI. Clinical application of RL‐VFI will improve safety and precision of CT approach, as well as expand its applications in laryngology.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 129:935–942, 2019
Vestibular atelectasis: Decoding pressure and sound‐induced nystagmus with bilateral vestibulopathy
Authors: Maslovara Sinisa , Butkovic‐Soldo Silva , Pajic‐Matic Ivana , Sestak Anamarija 
Published: December 2018

We present the case of a 27‐year‐old male who presented with vertigo when pressing the entrance of his right auditory meatus and exposing his right ear to loud noise. A diagnostic procedure revealed bilateral labyrinth weakness, which was confirmed by caloric and rotational testing. The ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials investigation demonstrated a significant weakness of the right utriculus, whereas the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were normal, indicating preservation of the saccular response. Radiologic studies did not show evidence of labyrinthine dehiscence. We suspect the newly described association of this clinical syndrome with the previously described histopathology of vestibular atelectasis accounts for these findings.Laryngoscope, 129:1685–1688, 2019
Poly(DL‐Lactide‐co‐ε‐Caprolactone)/Poly(Acrylic Acid) Composite Implant for Controlled Delivery of Cationic Drugs
Authors: Janićijević Željko , Ninkov Marina , Kataranovski Milena , Radovanović Filip 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPoly(DL‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone)/poly(acrylic acid) implantable composite reservoirs for cationic drugs are synthesized by sequentially applying photoirradiation and liquid phase inversion. The chemical composition and microstructure of reservoirs are characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflection (FTIR‐ATR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Drug loading and release properties are investigated using methylene blue as the drug model. Biocompatibility of reservoirs is examined through a series of in vitro tests and an in vivo experiment of subcutaneous implantation in Dark Agouti rats. Reservoirs show good ion‐exchange capacity, high water content, and fast reversible swelling with retained geometry. Results of drug loading and release reveal excellent loading efficiency and diffusion‐controlled release during 2 weeks. Biocompatibility tests in vitro demonstrate the lack of implant proinflammatory potential and hindered adhesion of L929 cells on the implant surface. Implants exhibit low acute toxicity and elicit a normal acute foreign body reaction that reaches the early stages of fibrous capsule formation after 7 days.
Polymer Crystallization Studied by Hyphenated Rheology Techniques: Rheo‐NMR, Rheo‐SAXS, and Rheo‐Microscopy
Authors: Räntzsch Volker , Özen Mürüvvet Begüm , Ratzsch Karl‐Friedrich , Stellamanns Eric , Sprung Michael , Guthausen Gisela , Wilhelm Manfred 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRheological set‐ups with in situ analytical sensors, combine information on the flow and deformation behavior of soft matter, with simultaneous insights into structural and dynamic features. Furthermore, they permit the study of soft matter under well‐defined flow conditions. Herein are presented hyphenations of rheology and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and optical microscopy. They are employed to unravel relationships between the molecular dynamics, morphology, and rheology of crystallizing polymers. The results confirm a physical gelation process during polymer crystallization, mediated by the interaction of growing superstructures at volume fractions of 10–15%. The buildup of row‐nucleated structures during flow‐induced crystallization is found to reduce the time of gelation as detected by the rheological response. These investigations help to clarify the crystallization mechanism, structure–property relationships, and the hardening behavior of crystallizing polymers.