bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the human myocardium by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Gan Yu , Lye Theresa H. , Marboe Charles C. , Hendon Christine P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractImaging of cardiac tissue structure plays a critical role in the treatment and understanding of cardiovascular disease. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers the potential to provide valuable, high‐resolution imaging of cardiac tissue. However, there is a lack of comprehensive OCT imaging data of the human heart, which could improve identification of structural substrates underlying cardiac abnormalities. The objective of this study was to provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of OCT image features throughout the human heart. Fifty human hearts were acquired, and tissues from all chambers were imaged with OCT. Histology was obtained to verify tissue composition. Statistical differences between OCT image features corresponding to different tissue types and chambers were estimated using analysis of variance. OCT imaging provided features that were able to distinguish structures such as thickened collagen, as well as adipose tissue and fibrotic myocardium. Statistically significant differences were found between atria and ventricles in attenuation coefficient, and between adipose and all other tissue types. This study provides an overview of OCT image features throughout the human heart, which can be used for guiding future applications such as OCT‐integrated catheter‐based treatments or ex vivo investigation of structural substrates.
Bioengineered corneal epithelial cell sheet from mesenchymal stem cells—A functional alternative to limbal stem cells for ocular surface reconstruction
Authors: Venugopal Balu , Shenoy Sachin J. , Mohan Sumitha , Anil Kumar P. R. , Kumary T. V. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLimbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is the loss of limbal stem cells that reside in the corneoscleral junction resulting in vision loss or blindness. Bilateral LSCD is usually treated by allogeneic corneal transplantation, with instances of tissue rejection or failure in long‐term follow‐up. This study aims to use adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) as an alternative autologous cell source for treating bilateral limbal deficiency conditions. ASCs derived from rabbit fat tissue were differentiated into corneal epithelial lineage using limbal explant condition media. Apart from transdifferentiation, ASC sheets were developed to facilitate effective delivery of these cells to the damage site. A thermoresponsive polymer N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐glycidylmethacrylate (NGMA) was synthesized and characterized to demonstrate ASC sheet formation. Transdifferentiated ASCs showed positive expression of corneal epithelial marker CK3/12 on immunostaining, supported by gene expression studies. in vivo studies by transplanting cell sheet in rabbit models of corneal injury showed clear and smooth cornea in comparison to the sham models. Histology revealed a sheet of cells aligned and integrated on to the injured corneal surface, 1 month posttransplantation. Identifying ASCs as an alternative cell source along with cell sheet technology will be a novel step in the field of corneal surface therapies.
Adipose tissue‐derived stem cells upon decellularized ovine small intestine submucosa for tissue regeneration: An optimization and comparison method
Authors: Ferdowsi Khosroshahi Ahad , Soleimani Rad Jafar , Kheirjou Razie , Roshangar Babak , Rashtbar Morteza , Salehi Roya , Ranjkesh Mohammad Reza , Roshangar Leila 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe extracellular matrix of different mammalian tissues is commonly used as scaffolds in the field of tissue engineering. One of these tissues, which has frequently been studied due to its structural and biological features, is the small intestine submucosal membrane. These research are mainly done on the porcine small intestine. However, a report has recently been published about a scaffold produced from the submucosal layer of the ovine small intestine. In the present study, ovine small intestine submucosal (OSIS) was decellularized in a modified manner and its histological, morphological, and biomechanical properties were studied. Decellularization was performed in two phases: physical and chemical. In this method, a chloroform‐methanol mixture, enzymatic digestion, and a constant dose of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used in the least agitation time and its histological property and biocompatibility were evaluated in the presence of adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSCs); furthermore, ADSCs were isolated with a simple method (modified physical washing non‐enzymatic isolation). The results were showed that the use of OSIS could be effective and operative. Mechanical properties, histological structure and shape, and glycosaminoglycan content were preserved. In the SDS‐treated group, more than 90% of the native cells of tissue were deleted, and also in this group, no toxicity was observed and cell proliferation was supported, compared to the untreated group. Therefore, our results indicate that ADSCs seeded on OSIS scaffold could be used as a new approach in regenerative medicine as hybrid or hydrogel application.
Cell‐based aqueous two‐phase systems for therapeutics
Authors: González‐González Mirna , Rito‐Palomares Marco 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCell‐based aqueous two‐phase system technologies present an emerging and promising translational tool for the development of next‐generation therapeutic applications. Advantages such as biocompatibility, scalability and ease of implementation confirm this possibility. The aim of this perspective article is to present a brief, process‐oriented analysis of cell‐based aqueous two‐phase system strategies for therapeutic purposes, highlighting their potential advantages and limitations. These strategies include regenerative therapies, high‐throughput screening platforms and clinical diagnostics. Special attention is given to the implementation of polyethylene glycol and dextran aqueous two‐phase systems in the culture, expansion and separation of cells to accomplish novel diagnostic and therapeutic tasks for the healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Facial nerve atrophy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Evaluation with fast imaging employing steady‐state acquisition (FIESTA)
Authors: Miyata Mari , Kakeda Shingo , Hashimoto Tomoyo , Ide Satoru , Okada Kazumasa , Adachi Hiroaki , Korogi Yukunori 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundIn amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), motor neurons in the brainstem markedly deplete, whereas sensory neurons are less severely affected.PurposeTo determine whether facial nerve (FN) measurement on 3D fast imaging employing steady‐state acquisition (FIESTA) is useful for ALS diagnosis.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsFifteen ALS patients and 16 controls.Field Strength/Sequence3T FIESTA MR.AssessmentThe cross‐sectional area of the FN and cochlear nerve (CN) were measured, and the FN/CN ratio (FCR) was assessed. For qualitative assessment, the FN cross‐sectional area was compared with that of the CN and the following scores were assigned: score 1 (large), the FN is larger than the CN; score 2 (almost equal), the size difference between the FN and CN is within 10%; score 3 (small), the FN is smaller than the CN (10–50%); score 4 (significantly small), size of the FN is less than half the size of the CN.Statistical TestsThe differences in FCR between the ALS patients and the controls were tested using the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney U‐test. For the qualitative and quantitative assessments, we performed a receiver operating characteristic analysis for the diagnosis of ALS with an abnormal finding as score 3 or 4.ResultsThe mean FCR was significantly smaller for ALS patients (0.71 ± 0.17) than for controls (0.95 ± 0.08) (P < 0.001) and the area under the curve was 0.93. When an FN score was 3 or 4, indicative of FN atrophy, the sensitivity and specificity values of FIESTA for discriminating ALS patients from controls were 93.3% (14/15) and 90.0% (18/20), respectively.Data ConclusionThe FN atrophy revealed on FIESTA, which may reflect lower motor neuron impairment in ALS, allowed us to distinguish ALS patients from controls with a high degree of accuracy.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:757–766.
MRI does not predict pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Sener Stephen F. , Sargent Rachel E. , Lee Connie , Manchandia Tejas , Le‐Tran Vivian , Olimpiadi Yuliya , Zaremba Nicole , Alabd Andrew , Nelson Maria , Lang Julie E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study assessed whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could accurately predict pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for patients receiving standardized treatment, pre‐ and post‐NAC MRI on the same instrumentation using a consistent imaging protocol, interpreted by a single breast fellowship‐trained radiologist.MethodsA single‐institution retrospective analysis was performed including clinical, radiographic, and pathologic parameters for all patients with breast cancer treated with NAC from 2015 to 2018. Radiographic complete response (rCR) was defined as absence of suspicious MRI findings in the ipsilateral breast or lymph nodes. pCR was defined as the absence of invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in‐situ in breast or lymph nodes after operation (ypT0N0M0).ResultsData for 102 consecutive patients demonstrated that 44 (43.1%) had rCR and 41 (40.1%) had pCR. pCR occurred in 12 (25.0%) of 48 estrogen receptor positive (ER+) patients, 29 (53.7%) of 54 ER− patients, and 25 (52.1%) of 48 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive patients. The positive predictive value for MRI after NAC was 84.5% and the negative predictive value was 72.7%. The accuracy rate for MRI was 78.6%. Of the 44 patients with rCR, 12 (27.3%) had residual cancer on the pathologic specimen after surgical excision.ConclusionrCR is not accurate enough to serve as a surrogate marker for pCR on MRI after NAC.
The relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and pediatric congenital hypothyroidism patients
Authors: Pan Yu‐Wen , Tsai Meng‐Che , Yang Yao‐Jong , Chen Ming‐Yin , Chen Shou‐Yen , Chou Yen‐Yin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPrevious studies have shown hypothyroidism was independently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults, but few studies examined their relationships in pediatric populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD in pediatric congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) patients and to identify the association between CHT and NAFLD. This study enrolled pediatric CHT patients receiving levothyroxine treatment at one medical center from 2013 to 2014. Euthyroid subjects (ET) and transient hypothyroidism (THT) patients weaned off medication successfully after age 3 were selected for further comparison. Laboratory data including thyroid functions, liver functions, and metabolic profiles were obtained. The major outcome was the occurrence of NAFLD, diagnosed based on the findings of abdominal ultrasonography. One‐hundred and twenty‐nine subjects (47 in CHT, 47 in THT, and 35 in ET groups) were enrolled. The analysis showed higher fasting serum glucose, insulin, thyroxine (T4), and mean thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the CHT group. NAFLD prevalence was higher in the CHT (23.4%) group than in the THT (8.5%) and the ET (5.7%) groups, demonstrating an increasing trend across three strata (X2linear‐by‐linear = 5.9, P < .05). The multivariate regression analysis showed obesity (β‐coefficient = 5.52, P < .05), CHT (β‐coefficient = 2.92, P < .05) and mean TSH levels (β‐coefficient = 0.24, P < .05) were independent risk factors for NAFLD. A positive correlation was found between TSH level and lipid profiles. CHT patients had higher risk of NAFLD despite treatment being initiated early in life. Close monitoring of metabolic profiles is warranted. Further research should examine ways to optimize the treatment for CHT patients in terms of prevention against NAFLD.
Navy diver with recurrent facial nerve baroparesis treated with eustachian tube balloon dilation
Authors: Utz Edward R. , Wise Sean R. 
Published: August 2019

Facial nerve baroparesis is a rare complication of middle ear barotrauma reported almost exclusively in overpressure events related to diving and flying. Until the development of Eustachian tube balloon dilation, no diving compatible options existed to effectively and safely prevent recurrence. We present a case of a U.S. Navy diver with a history of repeated ipsilateral facial nerve paresis that occurred during diving. The patient underwent Eustachian tube balloon dilation of the affected side. Following surgery, the patient completed a recompression chamber simulated dive that allowed the patient to return to diving. The patient has been symptom‐free for 12 months following dilation.Laryngoscope, 129:E412–E414, 2019
Efficacy of a silicone plug for patulous eustachian tube: A prospective, multicenter case series
Authors: Ikeda Ryoukichi , Oshima Takeshi , Mizuta Kunihiro , Arai Maki , Endo Shiori , Hirai Ryoji , Ikeda Koji , Kadota Satoki , Otsuka Yuki , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Kawase Tetsuaki , Kobayashi Toshimitsu 
Published: August 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo report the efficacy and safety of transtympanic plugging of the eustachian tube (ET) using a silicone plug (Kobayashi plug) for chronic patulous ET (PET).Study DesignProspective and multicenter trial conducted in which 30 PET patients were resistant to at least 6 months of conservative treatment.MethodsThe efficacy and safety of 28 and 27 patients, respectively, were analyzed. All patients fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary end point used the patulous eustachian tube handicap inventory‐10 (PHI‐10), and the secondary end point used ET function tests such as sonotubometry, tubo‐tympano‐aerodynamic‐graphy, and respiratory movement of the tympanic membrane and auscultation of voice sounds transmitted from the nose through the ET to the external auditory canal at 3months after surgery.ResultsPHI‐10 scores were 34.4 ± 4.2, 6.4 ± 9, and 5.7 ± 8.6 at screening, and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Twenty‐three cases (82.1%, 95% confidence interval: 63.1%–93.9%) were judged as successes. There were five cases (17.2%) of middle ear effusion, four cases (13.8%) of tympanic membrane perforation, and one case of tinnitus due to surgery to remove the plug. No severe or life‐threatening complications were found.ConclusionsThis study revealed the efficacy and safety of silicone plug insertion for severe PET patients.Level of Evidence2Laryngoscope, 130:1304–1309, 2020
Variant analysis in Chinese families with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Zhao Yali , Zhang Yuan , Wang Xiangdong , Zhang Luo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundHereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular dysplasia disorder characterized by epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations in internal organs. Recurrent epistaxis is the primary complaint in 90%‐96% of HHT patients and the other symptoms come with age. The aim of this study was to analyze HHT‐associated gene variant spectrum in Chinese HHT patients and to assess whether genetic testing could contribute to the early diagnosis.Methodology/PrincipalThirty one HHT families including 62 individuals were recruited. Variants in the coding regions of four genes involved in HHT were amplified and analyzed using Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA).ResultsTwenty unique variants, including 8 novel variants were found in 24 of the 31 (77.4%) kindred. Diagnosis is confirmed for 7 possible individuals from 6 kindred. Thirteen ACVRL1 variants were detected from 17 isolated HHT families. Variants in ACVRL1 from 8/17 (47.1%) families were located in exon8. Seven ENG variants were found in 7 unrelated families throughout the coding region.ConclusionWe conclude that ACVRL1 gene variant is 2.4 times more prevalent than that in ENG in Chinese individuals with HHT, and exon8 of the ACVRL1 gene may be a hotspot region. Genetic testing could contribute to early diagnosis for HHT.
SPECT/CT and fusion ultrasound to target the efferent groin lymph node for lymphatic surgery
Authors: Gentileschi Stefano , Albanese Roberta , Pino Valentina , Stefanizzi Gianluigi , Fragomeni Simona , Zagaria Luca , Ieria Francesco P. , Salgarello Marzia , Scambia Giovanni , Garganese Giorgia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionPelvic lymphadenectomy (PL) causes changes to the inguinal lymph nodes with progressive loss of immune and lymphatic pump function. Efferent lymphatic vessel‐to‐venous anastomosis (ELVA) has been reported to address this problem. The aim of this report was to describe the feasibility of the SPECT/CT combined with ultrasound fusion imaging (UFI) to target the groin efferent lymph node (GELN) for ELVA.Patients and MethodsTwelve patients with lower limb lymphedema after PL were scheduled for peripheric lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) combined with ELVA. All‐patients were clinically ISL‐stage1, with good visualization of the inguinal lymph nodes at preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. The mean patient age was 55.4 years and the mean BMI was 25.5.The mean limb circumference (MLC) was calculated before surgery and 1 year after surgery. The LymQoL‐Leg questionnaire was administered before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Before surgery, the GELN was identified by SPECT/CT and its location was marked on the skin by UFI virtual navigation. Peripheric LVA sites were planned by ultrasound and indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. Pre and postoperative MLC and LymQoL‐Leg scores were compared.ResultsIn all‐patients, the SPECT/CT succeeded at detecting and targeting the GELN. In all‐patients, real‐time anatomical coregistration with US was feasible, and it was possible to mark on the groin skin the depth and position of the GELN on the skin at the groin. During surgery, in every patient, we found the GELN marked before surgery and performed ELVA. We also performed two or three peripheric LVAs in every patient. The mean value of MLC decreased (38.2 ± 2.13 cm vs. 36.33 ± 2.14 cm; p = .04) and the mean score of the LymQoL‐Leg questionnaire improved (9.3 ± 1.7 vs. 7.7 ± 1.1; p = .02).ConclusionSPECT/CT combined with UFI is feasible for the preoperative identification of GELN for ELVA.
Systematic assessment of multi‐echo dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI using a digital reference object
Authors: Stokes Ashley M. , Semmineh Natenael B. , Nespodzany Ashley , Bell Laura C. , Quarles C. Chad 
Published: August 2019

PurposeBrain tumor dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI is adversely impacted by T1 and contrast agent leakage effects that result in inaccurate hemodynamic metrics. While multi‐echo acquisitions remove T1 leakage effects, there is no consensus on the optimal set of acquisition parameters. Using a computational approach, we systematically evaluated a wide range of acquisition strategies to determine the optimal multi‐echo DSC‐MRI perfusion protocol.MethodsUsing a population‐based DSC‐MRI digital reference object (DRO), we assessed the influence of preload dosing (no preload and full dose preload), field strength (1.5 and 3T), pulse sequence parameters (echo time, repetition time, and flip angle), and leakage correction on relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and flow (rCBF) accuracy. We also compared multi‐echo DSC‐MRI protocols with standard single‐echo protocols.ResultsMulti‐echo DSC‐MRI is highly consistent across all protocols, and multi‐echo rCBV (with or without use of a preload dose) had higher accuracy than single‐echo rCBV. Regression analysis showed that choice of repetition time and flip angle had minimal impact on multi‐echo rCBV and rCBV, indicating the potential for significant flexibility in acquisition parameters. The echo time combination had minimal impact on rCBV, though longer echo times should be avoided, particularly at higher field strengths. Leakage correction improved rCBV accuracy in all cases. Multi‐echo rCBF was less biased than single‐echo rCBF, although rCBF accuracy was reduced overall relative to rCBV.ConclusionsMulti‐echo acquisitions were more robust than single‐echo, essentially decoupling both repetition time and flip angle from rCBV accuracy. Multi‐echo acquisitions obviate the need for preload dosing, although leakage correction to remove residual leakage effects remains compulsory for high rCBV accuracy.
Retrospective correction of head motion using measurements from an electromagnetic tracker
Authors: Afacan Onur , Wallace Tess E. , Warfield Simon K. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of using an electromagnetic (EM) tracker to estimate rigid body head motion parameters, and using these measurements to retrospectively reduce motion artifacts.Theory and MethodsA clinically used MPRAGE sequence was modified to measure motion using the EM tracking system once per repetition time. A retrospective k‐space based motion correction algorithm that corrects for phase ramps (translation in image domain) and rotation of 3D k‐space (rotation in image domain) was developed, using the parameters recorded using an EM tracker. The accuracy of the EM tracker for the purpose of motion measurement and correction was tested in phantoms, volunteers, and pediatric patients.ResultsPosition localization was accurate to the order of 200 microns compared with registration localization in a phantom study. The quality of reconstructed images was assessed by computing the root mean square error, the structural similarity metric and average edge strength. Image quality improved consistently when motion correction was applied in both volunteer scans with deliberate head motion and in pediatric patient scans. In patients, the average edge strength improved significantly with retrospective motion correction, compared with images with no correction applied.ConclusionsEM tracking was effective in measuring head motion in the MRI scanner with high accuracy, and enabled retrospective reconstruction to improve image quality by reducing motion artifacts.