bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of internal mammary artery perforator propeller flap in neck resurfacing and fistula closure after salvage larynx cancer surgery: Our experience
Authors: Almadori Giovanni , De Corso Eugenio , Visconti Giuseppe , Almadori Aurora , Di Cintio Giovanni , Mele Dario A. , Settimi Stefano , Paludetti Gaetano , Salgarello Marzia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundSalvage total laryngectomy (TL) and laryngopharyngectomy (LP) after chemoradiotherapy may produce disfiguring defects with severe complications that require complex reconstructions.MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2018, we enrolled 25 patients who underwent internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap reconstruction after salvage TL or LP. We performed retrospective review of clinical charts to collect information such as history, timing of reconstruction, type of defect, follow‐up, donor and recipient site complications, and overall flap survival (OFS) rate. Three years overall survival (OS), relapse‐free survival (RFS), and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were calculated.ResultsThe OFS rate was 95%. One partial flap necrosis was recorded. No donor‐site complications were found. The mean follow‐up was 18 months. Three years OS was 44%, RFS was 47%, and DSS was 54%.ConclusionsIMAP flap appears to be safe, versatile, and easy to harvest, with minimal donor site morbidity. It is a reliable option in Head&Neck reconstruction, in salvage surgery as well.
Tumor‐Selective Altered Glycosylation and Functional Attenuation of CD73 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Alcedo Karel P. , Guerrero Andres , Basrur Venkatesha , Fu Dong , Richardson Monea L. , McLane Joshua S. , Tsou Chih‐Chiang , Nesvizhskii Alexey I. , Welling Theodore H. , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Otey Carol A. , Kim Hong Jin , Omary M. Bishr , Snider Natasha T. 
Published: August 2019

CD73, a cell‐surface N‐linked glycoprotein that produces extracellular adenosine, is a novel target for cancer immunotherapy. Although anti‐CD73 antibodies have entered clinical development, CD73 has both protumor and antitumor functions, depending on the target cell and tumor type. The aim of this study was to characterize CD73 regulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined CD73 expression, localization, and activity using molecular, biochemical, and cellular analyses on primary HCC surgical specimens, coupled with mechanistic studies in HCC cells. We analyzed CD73 glycan signatures and global alterations in transcripts encoding other N‐linked glycoproteins by using mass spectrometry glycomics and RNA sequencing (RNAseq), respectively. CD73 was expressed on tumor hepatocytes where it exhibited abnormal N‐linked glycosylation, independent of HCC etiology, tumor stage, or fibrosis presence. Aberrant glycosylation of tumor‐associated CD73 resulted in a 3‐fold decrease in 5′‐nucleotidase activity (P < 0.0001). Biochemically, tumor‐associated CD73 was deficient in hybrid and complex glycans specifically on residues N311 and N333 located in the C‐terminal catalytic domain. Blocking N311/N333 glycosylation by site‐directed mutagenesis produced CD73 with significantly decreased 5′‐nucleotidase activity in vitro, similar to the primary tumors. Glycosylation‐deficient CD73 partially colocalized with the Golgi structural protein GM130, which was strongly induced in HCC tumors. RNAseq analysis further revealed that N‐linked glycoprotein‐encoding genes represented the largest category of differentially expressed genes between HCC tumor and adjacent tissue. Conclusion: We provide the first detailed characterization of CD73 glycosylation in normal and tumor tissue, revealing a novel mechanism that leads to the functional suppression of CD73 in human HCC tumor cells. The present findings have translational implications for therapeutic candidate antibodies targeting cell‐surface CD73 in solid tumors and small‐molecule adenosine receptor agonists that are in clinical development for HCC.
Outcomes of root resection therapy up to 16.8 years: A retrospective study in an academic setting
Authors: Alassadi Madi , Qazi Musa , Ravidà Andrea , Siqueira Rafael , Garaicoa‐Pazmiño Carlos , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundRoot resection has been considered a viable treatment option for molars with furcation defects. However, need of a multidisciplinary approach could potentially deem this procedure less successful. The aim of the present article was to determine survival rates of root resection procedure and reasons for failure in an academic setting.MethodsPatient‐related demographic data, medical history information, and relevant data pertaining to the root‐resected teeth performed from January 1990 to September 2017 were reviewed through electronic and paper chart. Survival rates were analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier estimate. Association between the reasons for failure and independent variables was established by a Pearson Chi‐squared and Kruskal‐Wallis test.ResultsA total of 85 patients with an average follow‐up of 5 ± 4.3 years (range: 1 to 16.8 years) were included in the present article. A total of 47 molar teeth treated with root resection remained as part of the dentition (55.3%) and 38 (44.7%) failed. The mean survival time with the Kaplan‐Mayer analysis was 109.9 months (9.1 years). Fracture (39.5%), caries (26.3%), and periodontal disease (23.7%) were the most common causes for failure. Interestingly, the majority of failures occurred in the first 4 years after therapy (n = 31; 81.5% of all failures).ConclusionsRoot resection therapy remains a treatment solution for molars with furcation defects. In an academic setting, >50% of teeth remained functional after 9 years of root resection therapy.
A rapid, sensitive, and widely applicable method for quantitative analysis of underivatized amino acids in different biological matrices by UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Guo Na , Yang Dawei , Yang Xiaofang , Yan Han , Fan Bin , Dai Jingang , Lei Yan , Yan Dan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA rapid, sensitive, and widely applicable method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of 20 underivatized amino acids in different biological matrices, including serum, plasma, and tissue homogenates, using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Only 4 µL of serum, plasma, or tissue homogenate was extracted with 996 µL of solution (1.7 mM ammonium formate in 85% acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid) containing 100 ng/mL phenylalanine‐d5 as an internal standard without any further derivatization step. In addition, the matrix effects were small because a large volume of extraction solution was used. The total run time including reequilibration was 13 min. The results of linearity, accuracy, repeatability, precision, limits of detection, limits of quantification, and sample stability were sufficient to allow the measurement of the amino acids in different biological matrices. We conclude that our method is rapid, sensitive, and widely applicable and represents an improvement over other currently available technologies.
Dissipation of chlortetracycline in the aquatic environment: Characterization in terms of a generalized multiphase pseudo–zero‐order rate law
Authors: Zaranyika Mark F. , Dzomba Pamhidzai 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe kinetics of the dissipation of chlortetracycline in the aquatic environment was studied over a period of 90 days using microcosm experiments and distilled water controls. The distilled water control experiments, carried out under dark conditions as well as exposed to natural sunlight, exhibited biphasic linear rates of dissipation. The microcosm experiments exhibited triphasic linear rates of degradation both in the water phase (2.7 × 10−2, 7 × 10−3, 1.3 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) and the sediment phase (3.4 × 10−2, 6 × 10−3, 1 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1). The initial slow rate of dissipation in the dark control (3 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) was attributed to a combination of evaporation and hydrolysis, whereas the subsequent fast rate (1.8 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) was attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, and microbial degradation. For the sunlight‐exposed control, the initial slow rate of dissipation (1.5 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) was attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, and photolysis, whereas the subsequent fast rate was attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, photolysis, and microbial degradation (5.1 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1). The initial fast rate of dissipation in the water phase of the microcosm experiment is attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, photolysis, and microbial degradation, whereas all subsequent slow rates in the water phase and all rates of degradation in the sediment phase are attributed to microbial degradation of the colloidal and sediment particle adsorbed antibiotic. A multiphase zero‐order kinetic model is presented that takes into account (a) dissipation of the antibiotic via evaporation, hydrolysis, photolysis, microbial degradation, and adsorption by colloidal and sediment particles and (b) the dependence of the dissipation rate on the concentration of the antibiotic, type and count of microorganisms, and type and concentration of colloidal particles and sediment particle adsorption sites within a given aquatic environment.
Temporal and spatial variability analysis of the solar radiation in a region affected by the intertropical convergence zone
Authors: Vindel Jose M. , Valenzuela Rita X. , Navarro Ana A. , Polo Jesús 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe first aim of this work was to obtain temporal variability patterns for satellite‐derived solar radiation estimations in Zambia. A principal component analysis, in Zambia and the surrounding zones, was performed and from this analysis the physical phenomena associated with these patterns were established. According to the results, two temporal variability patterns stand out: the first is associated with the regional global climate characteristics, including both the deterministic and non‐deterministic components of solar radiation, and the other is strictly associated with the influence of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) responsible for the behaviour of solar radiation during October–March. The second aim of the work was to analyse the spatial variability of the irradiance in the study area. For this aim, a clustering analysis based on the interquartile range of the data was performed. The analysis leads to a spatial distribution of the radiation in agreement with the influence of the ITCZ on the territory. Indeed, those stations less affected by the ITCZ, in the south and east of the territory, show a clear diminution of the radiation around June. However, the stations of the northwest zone, the most affected by the belt of low pressure during November–April, do not present this diminution.
Technical Note: Simultaneous segmentation and relaxometry for MRI through multitask learning
Authors: Cao Peng , Liu Jing , Tang Shuyu , Leynes Andrew P. , Lupo Janine M. , Xu Duan , Larson Peder E. Z. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeThis study demonstrated a magnetic resonance (MR) signal multitask learning method for three‐dimensional (3D) simultaneous segmentation and relaxometry of human brain tissues.Materials and MethodsA 3D inversion‐prepared balanced steady‐state free precession sequence was used for acquiring in vivo multicontrast brain images. The deep neural network contained three residual blocks, and each block had 8 fully connected layers with sigmoid activation, layer norm, and 256 neurons in each layer. Online‐synthesized MR signal evolutions and labels were used to train the neural network batch‐by‐batch. Empirically defined ranges of T1 and T2 values for the normal gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were used as the prior knowledge. MRI brain experiments were performed on three healthy volunteers. The mean and standard deviation for the T1 and T2 values in vivo were reported and compared to literature values. Additional animal (N = 6) and prostate patient (N = 1) experiments were performed to compare the estimated T1 and T2 values with those from gold standard methods and to demonstrate clinical applications of the proposed method.ResultsIn animal validation experiment, the differences/errors (mean difference ± standard deviation of difference) between the T1 and T2 values estimated from the proposed method and the ground truth were 113 ± 486 and 154 ± 512 ms for T1, and 5 ± 33 and 7 ± 41 ms for T2, respectively. In healthy volunteer experiments (N = 3), whole brain segmentation and relaxometry were finished within ~ 5 s. The estimated apparent T1 and T2 maps were in accordance with known brain anatomy, and not affected by coil sensitivity variation. Gray matter, white matter, and CSF were successfully segmented. The deep neural network can also generate synthetic T1‐ and T2‐weighted images.ConclusionThe proposed multitask learning method can directly generate brain apparent T1 and T2 maps, as well as synthetic T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, in conjunction with segmentation of gray matter, white matter, and CSF.
Muscle percentage index as a marker of disease severity in golden retriever muscular dystrophy
Authors: Eresen Aydin , Hafsa Noor E. , Alic Lejla , Birch Sharla M. , Griffin John F. , Kornegay Joe N. , Ji Jim X. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionGolden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is a spontaneous X‐linked canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that resembles the human condition. Muscle percentage index (MPI) is proposed as an imaging biomarker of disease severity in GRMD.MethodsTo assess MPI, we used MRI data acquired from nine GRMD samples using a 4.7 T small‐bore scanner. A machine learning approach was used with eight raw quantitative mapping of MRI data images (T1m, T2m, two Dixon maps, and four diffusion tensor imaging maps), three types of texture descriptors (local binary pattern, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix, gray‐level run‐length matrix), and a gradient descriptor (histogram of oriented gradients).ResultsThe confusion matrix, averaged over all samples, showed 93.5% of muscle pixels classified correctly. The classification, optimized in a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, provided an average accuracy of 80% with a discrepancy in overestimation for young (8%) and old (20%) dogs.DiscussionMPI could be useful for quantifying GRMD severity, but careful interpretation is needed for severe cases.
Exploring the possibilities of double proton transfer in hydrazides: A theoretical approach
Authors: Mohan Makesh , Satyanarayan M.N. , Trivedi Darshak R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHydrazides are known to exhibit keto‐enol tautomerism upon photoexcitation. Theoretical aspects uncovering excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of N‐acylsubstituted hydrazides with bithiophene core have been investigated. Geometrical aspects of the system are expected to undergo double proton translocation at its excited state. However, potential energy surface study for all the molecules reveals an impossible concurrent double proton translocation and to a greater extent dubious step‐wise double proton translocation in the system. Potential energy scans reveal molecules possessing a lower forward barrier at its excited state in comparison with their ground state suggestive of possible excited state single proton transfer. Geometrical attributes and spectral analysis suggest the strengthening of intramolecular hydrogen bond (N―H▪▪▪O) at its excited state, favoring single proton translocation. Theoretical estimation of electronic energy transition for all the conformers yields good correlation with the experimental figures with an energy overestimation <0.17 eV.
Health literacy in Saudi Arabia: Implications for public health and healthcare access
Authors: Almubark Rasha , Basyouni Mada , Alghanem Ashjan , Althumairi Nora , Alkhamis Dalal , Alharbi Lamya S. , Alammari Nouf , Algabbani Aljoharah , Alnofal Fatemah , Alqahtani Amani , BinDhim Nasser 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study aims to describe the distribution of low health literacy (HL) in the population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to analyze factors associated with low HL in KSA. A cross‐sectional national survey using quota sampling, population‐based of residents of KSA conducted via phone interviews supplemented by in‐person interviews. The survey included an overall evidence‐based measurement of HL. Both descriptive statistics of the sample and a multivariable logistic regression model predicting low HL were developed. A total of 3557 surveys were available for analysis, and 46% of the respondents were classified as having low HL. In regression modelling, low HL was associated with older age groups (age 47‐56 odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30‐1.97; age 57‐66 OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.98‐1.94), the regions of Ha’il (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.5‐0.85) and Najran (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.99‐1.64), having been formerly married, lower levels of education (less than elementary OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.10‐4.88; and elementary, OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.14‐2.30), lower levels of income, and having sought healthcare exactly three times in the last year. Approximately half of KSA has low HL, and risk factors for low HL were older ages, lower income and education, having been formerly married, and a moderate pattern of health use. Future studies are needed to better characterize the distribution and determinants of low HL across KSA.
Study of uterine kinetics in nonpregnant women using cine‐mode magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nakashima Akira , Komesu Isamu , Sakumoto Tetsuro , Hamakawa Hakuraku , Terada Yoko , Takayama Hisako , Kamiyama Sigeru , Higashi Masahiro , Ishigaki Keiko , Nakaza Aritoshi , Ushijima Kimio , Tokunaga Yoshimitsu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the uterine kinetics in each phase of the menstrual cycle when observed in detail using cine‐mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of sagittal and transverse plane images.MethodsSeven volunteers with a history of multiple natural pregnancies and deliveries were enrolled from January 2017 to May 2017. The kinetic parameters (depth, frequency, and direction) of uterine muscle contractions were evaluated in cine‐mode MRI.ResultsStrong contractions from the uterine cornua to cervix were detected during menstruation. In the late follicular phase, the frequency of opposing contractions from the cervix and uterine cornua increased. Immediately before ovulation, contractions from the cervix reached the uterine fundus. After ovulation, opposing contractions returned. These contractions gradually decreased in the mid‐luteal phase, while fine contractions from the cervix to the middle of the uterine body were frequently observed until 7 days after ovulation. Few contractions were observed in the implantation phase.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the uterine kinetics change in each phase of the menstrual cycle in accordance with the purpose of the uterus in each phase. Further, cine‐mode MRI studies of each phase are needed to assess the relationships between uterine kinetics and infertility.
Influence of coarse aggregate type on the damage mechanism in high‐strength concrete under compressive fatigue loading
Authors: Scheiden Tim , Oneschkow Nadja 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper is published on the occasion of the 65th birthday of Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Ludger Lohaus, Director of the Institute of Building Materials Science, Leibniz University Hannover and coordinator of the SPP 2020, offering congratulations. Within the Priority Program SPP 2020 “Cyclic deterioration of High‐Performance Concrete in an experimental virtual lab,” the damage mechanisms of high‐performance concrete due to fatigue loading are investigated. At the Institute of Building Materials Science, Leibniz University Hannover, the influence of different concrete microstructures on the damage mechanisms is investigated in a conjoint project. Based on a systematic variation of concrete composition, for example, coarse grain aggregate, water/cement ratio and additives, different concrete mixtures, mainly high‐strength concrete, with different microstructures are created and systematically analyzed. The results of the fatigue tests are analyzed regarding different damage indicators, for example, strain development, stiffness development, and acoustic emission. The overall objective is to obtain comprehensive knowledge concerning the damage mechanisms by conjoint analyses of damage indicators and results of the imaging techniques and to provide specifically aligned data to calibrate numerical models within the conjoint project. For future investigations, high‐resolution imaging techniques, such as computer tomography and scanning electron microscope, will be applied to investigate the crack growth in the microstructure caused by fatigue loading. In this paper, the results of the analysis of the damage indicators for two high‐strength concretes differing only in the type of coarse aggregate used are presented comparatively.
The Efficacy of PTGBD for Acute Cholecystitis Based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018
Authors: Abe Kodai , Suzuki Keiichi , Yahagi Masashi , Murata Takeru , Sako Hiroyuki , Ishii Yoshiyuki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundsWe usually performed percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) for moderate and severe acute cholecystitis (AC) prior to cholecystectomy. But, the validity of preoperative drainage for AC is still controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PTGBD for moderate and severe AC, based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018.MaterialsTotal of 146 AC patients from 2012 to 2017 were enrolled. Patients were classified in the grade of severity according to TG18, compared with PTGBD and non‐PTGBD group. We retrospectively reviewed clinical backgrounds and laboratory data at admission. We evaluated surgical performances as the primary outcomes and recovery periods based on guidelines.ResultsA total of 61 cases were moderate, and 18 cases were severe AC, and PTGBD were performed in 34 cases. For moderate AC, age, DM rate and ASA in PTGBD group were significantly higher than those in non‐PTGBD group. Also, serum albumin and hemoglobin at admission were significantly lower in the PTGBD group. However, surgical outcomes were almost the same. For severe AC patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed safely in all of pre‐operating drainage cases, while almost all of non‐PTGBD cases underwent open laparotomy and needed transfusion for massive bleeding.ConclusionsPreoperative PTGBD is a useful and safe procedure for AC patients with comorbidities, especially in severe AC cases. Treatment flowchart in TG18 can be feasible to make accurate prediction for surgically high‐risk patients in AC.