bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of diffusion kurtosis imaging for discriminating tumors from inflammatory lesions after treatment for bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Fang , Jin Di , Hua Xiao‐Lan , Zhao Zi‐Zhou , Wu Lian‐Ming , Chen Wei‐Bo , Wu Guang‐Yu , Chen Xiao‐Xi , Chen Hai‐Ge 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe bladder wall may thicken resulting from chronic inflammation after initial treatment (transurethral resection [TUR] or neoadjuvant chemotherapy), which may mimic the feature of recurrent or residual bladder tumors (RBT). Therefore, it is critical to discriminate RBT from benign lesions after initial treatment.PurposeTo investigate whether diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) could discriminate RBT from post‐therapy bladder inflammatory lesions.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsFifty patients diagnosed with bladder cancer underwent TUR or received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T MRI/conventional T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), T2WI, and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) with nine b‐values ranging from 0–2000 s/mm2.AssessmentMean diffusion coefficients (MDa, MDb, and MDc) and mean kurtosis values (MKa, MKb, and MKc) were obtained from three different measurement methods. The region of interest (ROI) was placed 1) to encompass the entire portion of the thickening bladder wall or to portions that were the most restricted, with a b‐value of 2) 2000 s/mm2 or 3) 1000 s/mm2.Statistical TestsThe independent‐samples t‐test was used to compare the differences between RBT and the inflammatory group. Differences in DKI parameters were analyzed by comparing the areas under the receiver‐operator characteristic curves (AUCs).ResultsIn patients with RBT, the MD (MDa, MDb, MDc) values were significantly lower and the MK (MKa, MKb, MKc) values were significantly higher than those in patients in the inflammatory lesions group (all P < 0.01). The AUC of MKb (0.934) was significantly larger than those of MDb, MKa, and MKc (0.793, P < 0.05; 0.694, P < 0.01; 0.719, P < 0.01, respectively).Data ConclusionMK obtained from DKI provided better performance than conventional DWI in distinguishing RBT from inflammatory lesions after bladder cancer treatment. MK calculated with high b‐values setting provided better performance in differentiation.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
Magnetic resonance measurements of tissue quantity and quality using T2* relaxometry predict temporal changes in the biomechanical properties of the healing ACL
Authors: Beveridge Jillian E. , Machan Jason T. , Walsh Edward G. , Kiapour Ata M. , Karamchedu Naga Padmini , Chin Kaitlyn E. , Proffen Benedikt L. , Sieker Jakob T. , Murray Martha M. , Fleming Braden C. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to develop a magnetic resonance T2* relaxometry‐based multiple linear regression model to predict the structural properties of the healing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) over a 24‐week healing period following ACL repair in Yucatan minipigs. Two hypotheses were tested: (i) that a regression model based on ACL sub‐volumes containing short and long T2* relaxation times would outperform a competing model based on sub‐volumes of short T2* relaxation times only; and (ii) that an optimized regression model would be capable of predicting ACL structural properties between 6 and 24 weeks post‐repair. ACLs were imaged in 24 minipigs (8/group) at either 6, 12, or 24 weeks after ACL repair. The structural properties of the ACLs were determined from tensile failure tests. Four multiple linear regression models of increasing complexity were fitted to the data. Akaike Information Criterion values and Bland–Altman tests were used to compare model performance and to test the hypotheses. The structural properties predicted from the multiple linear regression model that was based on the change in ACL sub‐volumes of both the short and long T2* relaxation times over the healing period were in closest agreement to the measured values, suggesting that the amounts of both organized and disorganized collagen, and the change in these quantities over time, are required to predict the structural properties of healing ACLs accurately. Clinical significance: our time‐specific, T2*‐based regression model may allow us to estimate the structural properties of ACL repairs in vivo longitudinally. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1701–1709, 2018.
Obesity/type 2 diabetes increases inflammation, periosteal reactive bone formation, and osteolysis during Staphylococcus aureus implant‐associated bone infection
Authors: Farnsworth Christopher W. , Schott Eric M. , Benvie Abigail M. , Zukoski Jacob , Kates Stephen L. , Schwarz Edward M. , Gill Steven R. , Zuscik Michael J. , Mooney Robert A. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTObese and type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients have a fivefold increased rate of infection following placement of an indwelling orthopaedic device. Though implant infections are associated with inflammation, periosteal reactive bone formation, and osteolysis, the effect of obesity/T2D on these complicating factors has not been studied. To address this question, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high fat diet (60% Kcal from fat) to induce obesity/T2D, or a control diet (10% Kcal from fat) for 3 months, and challenged with a transtibial pin coated with a bioluminescent USA300 strain of S. aureus. In the resulting infected bone, obesity/T2D was associated with increased S. aureus proliferation and colony forming units. RNA sequencing of the infected tibiae on days 7 and 14 revealed an increase in 635 genes in obese/T2D mice relative to controls. Pathways associated with ossification, angiogenesis, and immunity were enriched. MicroCT and histology on days 21 and 35 demonstrated significant increased periosteal reactive bone formation in infected obese/T2D mice versus infected controls (p < 0.05). The enhanced periosteal bone formation was associated with increased osteoblastic activity and robust endochondral ossification, with persistant cartilage on day 21 that was only observed in infected obesity/T2D. Osteolysis and osteoclast numbers in obesity/T2D were also significantly increased versus infected controls (p < 0.05). Consistent with an up‐regulated immune transcriptome, macrophages were more abundant within both the periosteum and the new reactive bone of obese/T2D mice. In conclusion, we find that implant‐associated S. aureus osteomyelitis in obesity/T2D is associated with increased inflammation, reactive bone formation, and osteolysis. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1614–1623, 2018.
Emergency contraception – an evidence‐based practice guide
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E. , Roberts Claire T. , Calabretto Helen E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEmergency contraception (EC) has the potential to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion rates. This review provides an overview of the three main methods of EC available in Australia, including the copper intrauterine device and oral ECs, levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate, and brings together evidence from several guidelines to assist pharmacists’ practices. The relative efficacy and safety of each method are discussed, together with practical recommendations regarding special considerations, including ongoing contraception, women with an elevated body mass index, drug interactions and breastfeeding. An evidence‐based treatment algorithm is provided to assist in decision‐making regarding EC use, with ulipristal acetate now likely to be the first‐line oral EC given its superior efficacy relative to levonorgestrel, irrespective of time taken following unprotected sexual intercourse, but there are special considerations regarding its use. Pharmacists must be aware of key differences in available methods of EC and be prepared to counsel women on such to facilitate shared decision‐making.
Axillary reverse mapping with indocyanine green or isosulfan blue demonstrate similar crossover rates to radiotracer identified sentinel nodes
Authors: Foster Deshka , Choy Nicole , Porter Catherine , Ahmed Shushmita , Wapnir Irene 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundSentinel lymph node (SLN) resection is imperative for breast cancer staging. Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) can preserve arm draining nodes and lymphatics during surgery. ARM is generally performed with isosulfan blue (ISB), restricting its use for concurrent SLN biopsy. Indocyanine green (ICG) could serve as an alternative to ISB for ARM procedures.MethodsSLN mapping and biopsy was performed via periareolar injection of 99technetium‐sulfur colloid (99mTcSc, TSC). ISB and ICG were injected in the upper arm. Blue‐stained lymphatics or nodes were visualized in the axilla; ICG was identified using the SPY Elite® system.ResultsTwenty‐three patients underwent SLN biopsy with or without axillary node dissection and ARM procedures. Twenty of these patients had at least one hot node; 12 patients had SLNs that were only hot, 6 hot/blue/fluorescent, and 2 hot/fluorescent. Overall, crossover of ARM agents with SLNs occurred in 8 cases. Inspection of the axillary cavity after SLN biopsy revealed fluorescent lymphatics and nodes remaining in 14 and 7 patients, respectively. Blue lymphatics and blue nodes were detected in fewer cases.ConclusionNearly one‐third of patients showed crossover between breast and arm draining nodes, which provides insight as to why some patients develop lymphedema symptoms after SLN biopsy. ICG and ISB identify similar numbers of SLNs. As such ICG could substitute for ISB in ARM procedures.
Prognostic significance of neoadjuvant rectal score in locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and construction of a prediction model
Authors: Sun Yanwu , Zhang Yiyi , Wu Xuejing , Lin Huiming , Lu Xingrong , Huang Ying , Xu Zongbin , Huang Shenghui , Wang Xiaojie , Chi Pan 
Published: December 2017

AimTo evaluate the prognostic significance of neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), and to develop a nomogram predicting disease‐free survival (DFS).MethodA total of 522 LARC patients undergoing nCRT and surgery were included. NAR scores were calculated using the equation [5pN−3(cT−pT) + 12]^2/9.61, and classified as low (<8), intermediate (8‐16), and high (>16). Clinicopathological and survival outcomes were compared. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of DFS. A predicting nomogram was developed and validated internally.ResultsFor NAR score classification, 193 (37.0%) were low, 183 (35.0%) were intermediate, and 146 (28.0%) were high. Higher NAR score was associated with fewer pCR, lower tumor regression grade (TRG), and higher ypTNM stage. A total of 5‐year DFS for low, intermediate, and high NAR groups was 85.6%, 71.9%, and 47.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). NAR score (HR = 2.488, P = 0.002), TRG (HR = 2.811, P = 0.047), CRM involvement (HR = 2.703, P = 0.002), and IMA nodal metastasis (HR = 2.441, P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors of DFS. A predicting nomogram was developed with C‐index of 0.701.ConclusionNAR score could help in predicting DFS after nCRT. A nomogram was developed to identify subpopulations with aggressive tumors during clinical decision‐making.
Transcutaneous immunization with pneumococcal surface protein A in mice
Authors: Nagano Hiromi , Kawabata Masaki , Sugita Gen , Tsuruhara Akitoshi , Ohori Junichiro , Jimura Tomohiro , Miyashita Keiichi , Kurono Yuichi , Tomonaga Kazuhiro , Briles David E. , Fujihashi Kohtaro 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivePneumococcal infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major upper respiratory tract disease that causes severe illness and mortality. Therefore, it is important to develop safe and effective vaccines to prevent pneumococcal infections. The goal of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous immunization (TCI) for induction of pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) responses in the upper respiratory tract.MethodsC57BL/6 mice were transcutaneously immunized with 1 μg of PspA and 2 μg of cholera toxin (CT) six times at weekly intervals and compared with transcutaneously treated controls (PBS alone/PspA alone/CT alone). Two weeks after the final immunization, nasal washes (NWs), saliva, and plasma samples were collected and subjected to a PspA‐specific ELISA. Three weeks after the final immunization, mice were challenged with S. pneumoniae strain EF3030, and the numbers of CFUs in NWs and nasal passages (NPs) were determined.ResultsHigher levels of PspA‐specific IgM, IgG, and IgA Abs were noted in plasma of TCI with PspA plus CT compared with controls. Transcutaneous immunization mice also had significantly increased PspA‐specific S‐IgA Ab responses in NWs and saliva and, importantly, showed significantly lower numbers of bacteria CFUs in NWs and NPs compared with controls.ConclusionThese results show that TCI with PspA plus CT induces antigen‐specific mucosal and systemic immune responses. This suggests that this method is an effective mucosal immunization strategy for induction of protective pneumococcal‐specific Ab responses in blockade of S. pneumoniae colonization of the nasal cavity.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:E91–E96, 2018
Tandem walking as a quick screening test for vestibular disorders
Authors: Cohen Helen S. , Stitz Jasmine , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh , Williams Susan P. , Mulavara Ajitkumar P. , Peters Brian T. , Bloomberg Jacob J. 
Published: December 2017

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough many screening tests of balance are available, few of them have been well validated for clinical or research uses. The goal of this study was to test an updated version of an old test, Tandem Walking, to determine how useful it is for screening patients with vestibular disorders.Study DesignCase‐control study.MethodsSubjects were 90 adult patients with vestibular disorders and 292 healthy adult controls. They were tested on the number of correct tandem steps they could perform with arms crossed and eyes closed in a series of 10 steps. Correct steps could be nonconsecutive. Subjects were given one practice trial with eyes open and three experimental trials with eyes closed.ResultsReceiver operating characteristic (ROC), and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. ROC values, sensitivity, and specificity were, at best, only moderate, no matter how the age range was cut. Even for subjects in the age group with the highest ROC value (i.e., age less than 50 years), ROC = 0.8, sensitivity = 0.77, and specificity = 0.72.ConclusionsThese results indicate that 23% of patients will not be identified. Therefore, we recommend that if this test is used for screening patients in the clinic or healthy volunteers, the result should be interpreted with care.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 128:1687–1691, 2018
Mercury speciation and Hg stable isotope ratios in sediments from Amazon floodplain lakes—Brazil
Authors: Araujo Beatriz Ferreira , Hintelmann Holger , Dimock Brian , de Lima Sobrinho Rodrigo , Bernardes Marcelo Correa , de Almeida Marcelo Gomes , Krusche Alex V. , Rangel Thiago Pessanha , Thompson Fabiano , de Rezende Carlos Eduardo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHg concentrations and isotope ratios were measured to better characterize the mercury dynamics related to Hg cycling in Amazon floodplain lakes. We collected sediments, suspended particulate material (SPM), and plankton from floodplain lakes and compared then to sediments from rivers and soils of the central Amazon basin by measuring concentrations of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MMHg), and mercury isotope ratios. Concentrations of THg and MMHg in the lake sediments ranged to 69–109 ng g−1 and 0.62–4.78 ng g−1, respectively. A positive correlation between THg and MMHg in soils and sediments suggest that inorganic Hg in this system is highly bioavailable and readily converted to MMHg. δ202Hg values ranged from −1.40‰ to −0.89‰ and Δ199Hg from −0.34‰ to −0.18‰. These values were comparable to those measured in riverine sediments (−2.14‰ to −1.23‰ and −0.51‰ to −0.05‰), suggesting a contribution of riverine sediments to lake sediments, at least during the season of rising waters, during which lake samples were collected. SPM on the other hand was much elevated in THg (590–1066 ng g−1) and showed more negative δ202Hg (−3.00 to −2.15), similar to those found in soils (−2.99‰ to −2.17‰), suggesting that Hg in SPM may originate from erosion of floodplain soils.
Using unmanned aerial vehicles to sample aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Song Keunyea , Brewer Austin , Ahmadian Shawyan , Shankar Ajay , Detweiler Carrick , Burgin Amy J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn limnology, aquatic samplings are labor‐intensive, and research locations can be hindered by limited accessibility. As lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide enhanced spatial and temporal resolutions of ecological data as well as better accessibility to study areas, we questioned the potential of UAVs as an alternative limnologist's tool to overcome the limitations of current limnologic sampling techniques. In this study, we compared the reliability and effectiveness of UAV‐based in situ readings (i.e., temperature and conductivity) and water sampling with two conventional methods (i.e., manual reading using a hand‐held device and grab sampling and sensor reading). We found that UAV‐based in situ readings better represented the spatial and temporal variations of thermal and chemical distributions in water bodies compared to manual and sensor readings. High data density within a relatively short‐sampling time demonstrate the effectiveness UAV‐based in situ readings. Additionally, UAV enhanced reliability of data by minimizing connection with water (e.g., boat movement). Unlike outstanding performance of UAV for in situ readings, however, UAV collected water samples appeared to be less representative of water chemistry compared to manually collected samples. This is likely due to small water sampling volume (25 mL) of UAV compared to over 1 L of water collection by manual sampling. This study confirms that UAVs hold high potential to improve our ability to collect reliable and fine scale in situ data, but carrying capacity of UAVs needs to be improved to be fully integrated into a limnological study.
Sediment reflectance spectroscopy as a paleo‐hydrological proxy in East Africa
Authors: Meyer Inka , Van Daele Maarten , Fiers Geraldine , Verleyen Elie , De Batist Marc , Verschuren Dirk 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study presents the merit of visible‐spectrum scanning reflectance spectroscopy (VIS‐RS) as a rapid technique for determining the concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and its derivatives in lake sediments. In a 25,000‐yr sediment record from Lake Challa, in East Africa, we found that VIS‐RS values correlate with Chl a concentrations measured by High Performance/Pressure Liquid Chromatography. Observed variation in sedimentary values of RABD660;670 appears linked to proxies of climatic moisture balance as well as to a seismically‐derived lake‐level reconstruction over this period, indicating that VIS‐RS can be used as a proxy for long‐term paleo‐hydrological change. Changes in the reflectance of Lake Challa sediments are likely related to differences in the preservation/degradation of algal pigments in response to changes in water‐column depth and the stability of stratification. The connecting mechanism may be that during lake lowstands, more frequent injection of oxygen to (near‐) bottom waters enhance the breakdown of labile organic compounds before permanent burial. We suggest that fast and inexpensive VIS‐RS scanning, although less specific than HPLC in quantifying individual pigments, provides accurate data on down‐core variations in the concentration of Chl a and its derivatives in lake sediments, hence allows to reconstruct long‐term changes in the hydrology of climate‐sensitive lakes. The main prerequisite for its successful application is that temporal variation in lake hydrology over the period of interest has not appreciably affected sedimentation dynamics at the core site, since major changes in sediment texture and organic content are likely to create confounding effects in the VIS‐RS signature.
Anionic Polymerization of 2‐Hexyl[3]dendralene
Authors: Takamura Yuki , Takenaka Katsuhiko , Toda Tomoyuki , Takeshita Hiroki , Miya Masamitsu , Shiomi Tomoo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this study, the polymerization behavior of 2‐hexyl[3]dendralene (H3D), which is an alkyl‐group‐derived [3]dendralene, is examined. The polymerization of H3D in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78 °C with potassium naphthalenide as the initiator affords poly(H3D) with a narrow molecular weight distribution, although a small shoulder peak is observed at a high molecular weight even before the monomer is completely consumed. The molecular weight distribution of poly(H3D) prepared in heptane is broader than that prepared in THF, indicating that the nucleophilic addition of a propagating carbanion to the carbon–carbon double bond in the polymer chain occurs in addition to polymerization. Furthermore, the microstructure of poly(H3D) is investigated by NMR. Signals corresponding to the conjugate addition structure, that is, 1,4‐ and 4,6‐structures, are exclusively observed. Poly(H3D) prepared in heptane contains a higher content of the 4,6‐structures compared with those prepared in THF.
CdS–Oleic Acid Quantum Dots as Long‐Wavelength Photoinitiators in Organic Solvent and Preparation of Luminescent, Colloidal CdS/Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Buz Enes , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Lalevée Jacques , Acar Havva Yagci 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPhotoexcitation of luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) generates an electron–hole pair, which can be utilized for photoinitiation of radical polymerization reactions. Here, oleic acid coated CdS QDs (CdS–OA) are demonstrated as successful photoinitiators in the absence of a protic solvent or a hole scavenger for the first time. This provides photopolymerization of hydrophobic methyl methacrylate in toluene, providing colloidal and strongly luminescent CdS/poly(methacrylic acid) (PMMA) hybrid structures with improved stability of the CdS. Besides, successful photopolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate at different excitation windows (320–480 and 400–500 nm) is demonstrated. This indicates that CdS–OA can act as a long‐wavelength initiator. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies and control experiments suggest decarboxylation of the oleic acid as the initial source of the free radical. This method represents a unique and very simple way to create luminescent, small, stable, and colloidal QD/polymer hybrids.
Photoresponsive Coumarin‐Based Supramolecular Hydrogel for Controllable Dye Release
Authors: Ji Wei , Qin Minggao , Feng Chuanliang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecently, photoresponsive hydrogels have attracted increasing interest due to their ability to provide precise spatial and temporal control of drug release. Herein, a new kind of coumarin‐based photoresponsive supramolecular hydrogelator without conventional gelation motif is designed and synthesized through a facile one‐pot method. The gelation process, photoresponsiveness, self‐assembly morphology, self‐assembly mechanism, and release kinetics are fully investigated by various characterization methods (e.g., scanning electron microscopy, single crystal X‐ray diffraction, high pressure liquid chromatography, UV–vis spectroscopy). Furthermore, encapsulated methyl violet dye molecules can be precisely released from the hydrogel by manipulating photoirradiation time. The study reveals that the coumarin‐based photoresponsive hydrogel holds great potential as soft materials for controllable drug release.