bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of laser therapy on quality of life in patients with radiation‐induced breast telangiectasias
Authors: Rossi Anthony M. , Blank Nina R. , Nehal Kishwer , Dusza Stephen , Lee Erica H. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of laser monotherapy on quality of life in breast cancer patients with chronic radiation dermatitis.Study DesignA prospective, IRB‐approved study was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Breast cancer patients with chronic radiation dermatitis completed health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) questionnaires before and after laser monotherapy for radiation‐induced breast telangiectasias (RIBT).MethodsAfter informed consent, all patients were issued the Skindex‐16 and Breast‐Q Adverse Effects of Radiation HR‐QOL questionnaires prior to receiving laser treatment. Patients were treated with a 595 nm pulsed dye laser at 4‐ to 6‐week intervals, with percent telangiectasia clearance and adverse events recorded at each visit. Post‐treatment HR‐QOL questionnaires were collected after clinician‐assessed telangiectasia clearance of >50%. Median HR‐QOL scores before and after therapy were reported for individual HR‐QOL domains (Skindex‐16) and HR‐QOL totals (Skindex‐16 and Breast‐Q Adverse Effects of Radiation). Before‐ and after‐differences were calculated using the Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank Test.ResultsTwenty‐two female patients (average age 56 years) enrolled in this study. A majority (13/22, 59%) exhibited telangiectasias across the décolletage and axilla in addition to the breast. Sixteen patients reached the 50% RIBT clearance threshold during the study period, and 11 of these patients (69%) completed follow‐up HR‐QOL questionnaires. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in emotional and functional Skindex‐16 HR‐QOL domains and in overall Skindex‐16 HR‐QOL score. Breast‐Q scores also improved significantly, illustrating a decrease in specific physical and cosmetic concerns common to radiated breast skin. Common adverse events were transient post‐treatment pain and redness.ConclusionBreast cancer patients with RIBT presented with substantial deficits in several HR‐QOL arenas. Laser monotherapy effectively treated the appearance of radiation dermatitis in these patients and also significantly improved HR‐QOL. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:284–290, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple and robust referencing system enables identification of dissolved‐phase xenon spectral frequencies
Authors: Antonacci Michael A. , Zhang Le , Burant Alex , McCallister Drew , Branca Rosa T. 
Published: December 2017

PurposeTo assess the effect of macroscopic susceptibility gradients on the gas‐phase referenced dissolved‐phase 129Xe (DPXe) chemical shift (CS) and to establish the robustness of a water‐based referencing system for in vivo DPXe spectra.MethodsFrequency shifts induced by spatially varying magnetic susceptibility are calculated by finite‐element analysis for the human head and chest. Their effect on traditional gas‐phase referenced DPXe CS is then assessed theoretically and experimentally. A water‐based referencing system for the DPXe resonances that uses the local water protons as reference is proposed and demonstrated in vivo in rats.ResultsAcross the human brain, macroscopic susceptibility gradients can induce an apparent variation in the DPXe CS of up to 2.5 ppm. An additional frequency shift as large as 6.5 ppm can exist between DPXe and gas‐phase resonances. By using nearby water protons as reference for the DPXe CS, the effect of macroscopic susceptibility gradients is eliminated and consistent CS values are obtained in vivo, regardless of shimming conditions, region of interest analyzed, animal orientation, or lung inflation. Combining in vitro and in vivo spectroscopic measurements finally enables confident assignment of some of the DPXe peaks observed in vivo.ConclusionTo use hyperpolarized xenon as a biological probe in tissues, the DPXe CS in specific organs/tissues must be reliably measured. When the gas‐phase is used as reference, variable CS values are obtained for DPXe resonances. Reliable peak assignments in DPXe spectra can be obtained by using local water protons as reference. Magn Reson Med 80:431–441, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Double diffusion encoding MRI for the clinic
Authors: Yang Grant , Tian Qiyuan , Leuze Christoph , Wintermark Max , McNab Jennifer A. 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop double diffusion encoding (DDE) MRI methods for clinical use. Microscopic diffusion anisotropy measurements from DDE promise greater specificity to changes in tissue microstructure compared with conventional diffusion tensor imaging, but implementation of DDE sequences on whole‐body MRI scanners is challenging because of the limited gradient strengths and lengthy acquisition times.MethodsA custom single‐refocused DDE sequence was implemented on a 3T whole‐body scanner. The DDE gradient orientation scheme and sequence parameters were optimized based on a Gaussian diffusion assumption. Using an optimized 5‐min DDE acquisition, microscopic fractional anisotropy (μFA) maps were acquired for the first time in multiple sclerosis patients.ResultsBased on simulations and in vivo human measurements, six parallel and six orthogonal diffusion gradient pairs were found to be the minimum number of diffusion gradient pairs necessary to produce a rotationally invariant measurement of μFA. Simulations showed that optimal precision and accuracy of μFA measurements were obtained using b‐values between 1500 and 3000 s/mm2. The μFA maps showed improved delineation of multiple sclerosis lesions compared with conventional fractional anisotropy and distinct contrast from T2‐weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery and T1‐weighted imaging.ConclusionThe μFA maps can be measured using DDE in a clinical setting and may provide new opportunities for characterizing multiple sclerosis lesions and other types of tissue degeneration. Magn Reson Med 80:507–520, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Outcome and complications of adjustable continence therapy (ProACT™) after radical prostatectomy: 10 years’ experience in 143 patients
Authors: Noordhoff Toscane C. , Scheepe Jeroen R. , Blok Bertil F.M. 
Published: December 2017

AimsTo evaluate our outcomes of the adjustable continence balloons ProACT™ for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.MethodsBetween May 2007‐August 2016 the ProACT™ was implanted in 143 patients without a history of radiotherapy. Endpoints were patient‐reported changes in pad counts and complications. Treatment was considered successful if no pad or just one “security” pad per day sufficed, and improved if daily pad use was reduced by ≥50%.ResultsIncontinence before implantation was mild in 36 (25%), moderate in 57 (40%), and severe in 50 (35%) patients. Complications within 30 days were classified by the Clavien‐Dindo classification; eight (5.6%) grade I, three (2.1%) grade II, three (2.1%) grade IIIb, and 129 (90.2%) patients had no complication. Revision was done in 43 (30%) patients. The IPSS quality of life item improved significantly from 5.0 (IQR 4.0‐5.0) preoperative to 2.0 (IQR 1.0‐4.0) and 1.0 (IQR 0.0‐3.0) 6 and 12 months after implantation, respectively. After a median follow up of 56 months (range 28 to 79, n = 112), 72 (64%) patients were improved, including 51 (45%) patients were successful. Daily pad use decreased from 3.0 to 1.0 (67% reduction). The median outcome on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale was “much better,” and 97 (87%) patients perceived improvement.ConclusionsThe minimally invasive ProACT™ device showed a clear beneficial continence outcome in patients with stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The majority of the patients were satisfied and perceived improvement ≥50% on daily pad use on the long term.
Altered macromolecular pattern and content in the aging human brain
Authors: Marjańska Małgorzata , Deelchand Dinesh K. , Hodges James S. , McCarten J. Riley , Hemmy Laura S. , Grant Andrea , Terpstra Melissa 
Published: December 2017

The resonances originating from proteins underlie those of metabolites in brain 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. These resonances have different physical properties from those of metabolites, such as shorter T1 and T2 relaxation time constants. The age dependence of the macromolecular pattern and content in the human brain was investigated with a focus on adults over 66 years of age using ultrahigh‐field in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Eighteen young and 23 cognitively normal older adults were studied at 7 T. Metabolite spectra were acquired in the occipital cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex with single‐voxel stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) spectroscopy in 14 young and 20 older adults. Macromolecular spectra were acquired in the occipital cortex using an inversion recovery STEAM sequence in four young and three older adults. The macromolecular pattern was apparent over the 0.5–4.5‐ppm range in the inversion recovery spectra and the 0.5–2‐ppm range in the metabolite spectra. Macromolecular content was quantified from metabolite spectra using LCModel and from inversion recovery spectra using integration. Age‐associated differences in the macromolecular pattern were apparent via both types of spectra, with the largest difference observed for the 1.7‐ and 2‐ppm macromolecular resonances. A higher macromolecular content was observed in the older adults for both brain regions. Age‐specific macromolecular spectra are needed when comparing metabolite spectra from subjects of differing ages because of age‐associated differences in macromolecular pattern. Age‐associated pattern and content differences may provide information about the aging process.
Non‐invasive diagnosis and metabolic consequences of congenital portosystemic shunts in C57BL/6 J mice
Authors: Soares Ana Francisca , Lei Hongxia 
Published: December 2017

This study demonstrates the suitability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the imaging of congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS) in mice, a vascular abnormality in which mesenteric blood bypasses the liver and is instead drained directly to the systemic circulation. The non‐invasive diagnosis performed in tandem with other experimental assessments permits further characterization of liver, whole‐body and brain metabolic defects associated with PSS. Magnetic resonance measurements were performed in a 26‐cm, horizontal‐bore, 14.1‐T magnet. MRA was obtained with a three‐dimensional gradient echo sequence (GRE; in‐plane resolution, 234 × 250 × 234 μm3) using a birdcage coil. Two‐dimensional GRE MRI with high spatial resolution (in‐plane resolution, 100 × 130 μm2; slices, 30 × 0.3 mm) was performed using a surface coil. Brain‐ (dorsal hippocampus) and liver‐localized 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was also performed with the surface coil. Whole‐body metabolic status was evaluated with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both MRA and anatomical MRI allowed the identification of hepatic vessels and the diagnosis of PSS in mice. The incidence of PSS was about 10%. Hepatic lipid content was higher in PSS than in control mice (5.1 ± 2.8% versus 1.8 ± 0.6%, p = 0.02). PSS mice had higher brain glutamine concentration than controls (7.3 ± 1.0 μmol/g versus 2.7 ± 0.6 μmol/g, p < 0.0001) and, conversely, lower myo‐inositol (4.2 ± 0.6 μmol/g versus 6.0 ± 0.4 μmol/g, p < 0.0001), taurine (9.7 ± 1.2 μmol/g versus 11.0 ± 0.4 μmol/g, p < 0.01) and total choline (0.9 ± 0.1 μmol/g versus 1.2 ± 0.1 μmol/g, p < 0.001) concentrations. Fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin were lower in PSS than in control mice (4.7 ± 0.5mM versus 8.8 ± 0.6mM, p < 0.0001; and 0.04 ± 0.03 μg/L versus 0.3 ± 0.2 μg/L, p = 0.02, respectively). Glucose clearance during OGTT was delayed and less efficient in PSS mice than in controls. Thus, given the non‐negligible incidence of PSS in inbred mice, the undiagnosed presence of PSS will, importantly, have an impact on experimental outcomes, notably in studies addressing brain, liver or whole‐body metabolism.
Adaptation and validation of the German Patient Activation Measure for adolescents with chronic conditions in transitional care: PAM® 13 for Adolescents
Authors: Bomba Franziska , Markwart Henriette , Mühlan Holger , Menrath Ingo , Ernst Gundula , Thyen Ute , Schmidt Silke 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTMeasuring adolescent patients’ engagement in their health care is especially important in preparing for chronically ill adolescents’ transition into adult care. In this study, we aimed to create an adolescent version of the German language Patient Activation Measure (PAM‐13‐D) originally tested in in adults and psychometrically test the adapted measure (PAM® 13 for Adolescents). After linguistic and content‐related adaptations, the PAM® 13 for Adolescents was tested in a large sample of adolescents with different chronic conditions (N = 586, mean age 17.5 years, SD = 1.4) in 40 health centers. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha and test–retest reliability with Pearson correlation. Convergent and divergent validity were calculated with Pearson correlations between the two IE‐4 scales (internal and external Locus of Control) and the PAM® 13 for Adolescents. Known‐group validity (type 1 diabetes vs. IBD, higher vs. lower education level) was checked by Mann–Whitney‐U‐tests. The PAM® 13 for Adolescents showed good test–retest reliability (rtt = .68), internal consistency (α = .79) and demonstrated good validity. The original structure of the PAM 13‐D was replicated. Rasch analysis using the partial credit model was used to investigate the operating characteristics of the items. Rasch analysis indicated a sufficient fit of 12 of the 13 items. PAM® 13 for Adolescents is the first instrument measuring patient activation of adolescents with chronic conditions in a broad age range. Patient activation level can be used by clinicians to better plan and structure transition processes.
Can computerized cognitive training reverse the diagnosis of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder? A research protocol
Authors: Vance David E. , Fazeli Pariya L. , Azuero Andres , Wadley Virginia G. , Jensen Michael , Raper James L. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTNearly 50% of adults with HIV have some form of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), ranging from subtle to symptoms that interfere with everyday functioning and quality of life. HAND is diagnosed when a person performs more than 1 standard deviation below his or her normative mean on standardized measures in two or more cognitive domains (e.g., attention, speed of processing, verbal memory, executive functioning). As adults age with HIV, they are more likely to develop comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and insulin resistance that may further contribute to poorer cognitive functioning and HAND. Certain computerized cognitive training programs may be able to improve specific cognitive domains in those with HIV. Such programs may be effective in changing the diagnosis of HAND in cognitively vulnerable adults. In this article, we describe the design and methods of TOPS—the Training On Purpose Study. In this on‐going experimental study, 146 older adults (50+) with HAND are randomized to either: (i) an Individualized‐Targeted Cognitive Training group, or (ii) a no‐contact control group. This study targets those cognitive domains in which participants experience a deficit and trains participants with the corresponding computerized cognitive training program for that domain. An Individualized Targeted Cognitive Training approach using cognitive‐domain‐specific cognitive training programs may offer symptom relief to those individuals diagnosed with HAND, which may actually reverse this diagnosis. Given that these cognitive training programs are commercially available, this approach represents a potential paradigm shift in how HAND is considered and treated.
Genomic classifications of renal cell carcinoma: a critical step towards the future application of personalized kidney cancer care with pan‐omics precision
Authors: Hsieh James J , Le Valerie , Cao Dengfeng , Cheng Emily H , Creighton Chad J 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOver the past 20 years, classifications of kidney cancer have undergone major revisions based on morphological refinements and molecular characterizations. The 2016 WHO classification of renal tumors recognizes more than ten different renal cell carcinoma (RCC) subtypes. Furthermore, the marked inter‐ and intra‐tumor heterogeneity of RCC is now well appreciated. Nevertheless, contemporary multi‐omics studies of RCC, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, not only highlight apparent diversity but also showcase and underline commonality. Here, we wish to provide an integrated perspective concerning the future ‘functional’ classification of renal cancer by bridging gaps among morphology, biology, multi‐omics, and therapeutics. This review focuses on recent progress and elaborates the potential value of contemporary pan‐omics approaches with a special emphasis on cancer genomics unveiled through next‐generation sequencing technology, and how an integrated multi‐omics approach might impact precision‐based personalized kidney cancer care in the near future. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium ion‐induced self‐healing pattern of chemically crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels
Authors: Anjum Sadiya , Gurave Pramod M , Gupta Bhuvanesh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPoly(acrylic acid) hydrogels crosslinked with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Polymerization conditions had a significant influence over the gel content and swelling behaviour of the hydrogels. The incorporation of calcium ions led to the origin of a self‐healing feature. The self‐healing behaviour and mechanical performance of the hydrogels were systematically investigated. The hydrogels showed good tensile strength of 1 MPa and excellent stretchable behaviour where hydrogels regained instantaneously. Hydrogel pieces joined together to become an integrated matrix as soon as two cut pieces were brought in contact. The hydrogels possessed a marked healing efficiency of 97% within 6 h at room temperature without any external intervention. The results are explained in terms of the dynamic mobility of calcium ions within the dual‐crosslinked networks of the poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamical behavior of magnetic polarizable microsphere using whispering gallery mode
Authors: Rubino Edoardo , Ioppolo Tindaro 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIn this article, analytical and experimental studies are carried out to investigate the dynamical behavior of polymer microspheres that are doped with magnetic polarizable microparticles. The effect of a static and harmonic inductive magnetic field on the elastic deformation of the microsphere is investigated. The elastic deformation that is induced by the magnetic forces (magnetostrictive effect) acting on the microsphere is measured using an optical technique that is based on the whispering gallery mode (WGM) of the microsphere. The WGMs experience a shift when the morphology of the resonator is perturbed by the elastic deformation. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the microsphere is measured by monitoring the shift of the optical resonances. For these studies, the microsphere has a radius of ∼600 µm and is fabricated by mixing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with magnetic polarizable microparticles. The microsphere is further coated with a thin layer of pure PVC that serves as a wave‐guide for the optical modes. Experiments are carried out to validate the analysis. Measurements are taken up to a frequency of 200 Hz, showing that the microspheres can be used as magnetic field sensors or as element for the fabrication of smart structures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 598–603
Physicians' emotion regulation during communication with advanced cancer patients
Authors: De Vries A.M.M. , Gholamrezaee M.M. , Verdonck‐de Leeuw I.M. , de Roten Y. , Despland J.N. , Stiefel F. , Passchier J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveIn cancer care, optimal communication between patients and their physicians is, among other things, dependent on physicians' emotion regulation, which might be related to physicians' as well as patients' characteristics. In this study, we investigated physicians' emotion regulation during communication with advanced cancer patients, in relation to physicians' (stress, training, and alexithymia) and patients' (sadness, anxiety, and alexithymia) characteristics.MethodsIn this study, 134 real‐life consultations between 24 physicians and their patients were audio‐recorded and transcribed. The consultations were coded with the “Defence Mechanisms Rating Scale—Clinician.” Physicians completed questionnaires about stress, experience, training, and alexithymia, while patients completed questionnaires about sadness, anxiety, and alexithymia. Data were analysed using linear mixed effect models.ResultsPhysicians used several defence mechanisms when communicating with their patients. Overall defensive functioning was negatively related to physicians' alexithymia. The number of defence mechanisms used was positively related to physicians' stress and alexithymia as well as to patients' sadness and anxiety. Neither physicians' experience and training nor patients' alexithymia were related to the way physicians regulated their emotions.ConclusionsThis study showed that physicians' emotion regulation is related to both physician (stress and alexithymia) and patient characteristics (sadness and anxiety). The study also generated several hypotheses on how physicians' emotion regulation relates to contextual variables during health care communication in cancer care.
Occurrence of target‐site resistance to neonicotinoids in the aphid Myzus persicae in Tunisia, and its status on different host plants
Authors: Charaabi Kamel , Boukhris‐Bouhachem Sonia , Makni Mohamed , Denholm Ian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe R81T mutation conferring target‐site resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in Myzus persicae was first detected in France and has since spread across much of southern Europe. In response to recent claims of control failure with neonicotinoids in Tunisia, we have used a molecular assay to investigate the presence and distribution of this target‐site mutation in samples collected from six locations and six crops attacked by M. persicae.RESULTSThe resistance allele containing R81T was present at substantial frequencies (32–55%) in aphids collected between 2014 and 2016 from northern Tunisia but was much rarer further south. It occurred in aphids collected from the aphid's primary host (peach) and four secondary crop hosts (potato, pepper, tomato and melon). Its absence in aphids from tobacco highlights complexities in the systematics of M. persicae that require further investigation.CONCLUSIONThis first report of R81T from North Africa reflects a continuing expansion of its range around the Mediterranean Basin, although it remains unrecorded elsewhere in the world. Loss of efficacy of neonicotinoids presents a serious threat to the sustainability of aphid control. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry