bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of Sonography in the Diagnosis of Sialolithiasis: Comparison With the Reference Standard of Direct Stone Identification
Authors: Goncalves Miguel , Schapher Mirco , Iro Heinrich , Wuest Wolfgang , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Koch Michael 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sonography for diagnosing sialolithiasis in comparison with the existing reference standard of direct identification of a stone.MethodsA total of 659 glands with signs of obstructive sialadenopathy were evaluated retrospectively. Sonographic examinations of the large head salivary glands had been performed initially in all cases. Direct depiction of a stone during sialoendoscopy or transoral ductal surgery or observation of stone fragmentation with discharge of concrements after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, was regarded as definitive evidence and as the reference standard for the presence of sialolithiasis. The sonographic results were compared with those for direct identification of stones.ResultsThe sensitivity of sonography was 94.7%, with specificity of 97.4%, a positive predictive value of 99.4%, and a negative predictive value of 79.6%. Stones that were not diagnosed correctly on sonography were most often located in the distal area of the duct.ConclusionsThese results show that sialolithiasis can be diagnosed by sonography with a high degree of certainty. Sonography thus appears to be highly appropriate as the examination method of choice.
Three‐Dimensional Power Doppler Vascularization in Women With Ovarian Endometriomas and Relationship With Associated Painful Symptoms
Authors: Rizzello Francesca , Capezzuoli Tommaso , D'Amato Scherbatoff Ippolita , Cozzolino Mauro , Gandini Loredana , Coccia Maria Elisabetta 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation between endometrioma‐associated pain and lesion vascularization as measured with 3‐dimensional power Doppler transvaginal sonography.MethodsEndometriomas were examined, and 4 indices were obtained: mean grayness, flow index, vascularization index, and vascularization‐flow index. Dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia were analyzed in terms of severity, presence/absence, and duration.ResultsTwenty‐nine women were selected. The univariable association of painful symptoms in terms of presence/absence and duration was low with the exception of mean grayness with the presence of chronic pelvic pain (β = –0.106;P = .047; 95% confidence interval, 0.810 to 0.998). TheR2value increased to 0.226 for dysmenorrhea (β = –0.475;P = .029) when analyzing the association between the vascularization index and the severity of painful symptoms. The visual analog scale scores for chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia were higher (R2 = 0.300; β = –0.547 and –0.548, respectively;P = .028 and .053).ConclusionsWe observed an inverse association between the severity of pain and endometrioma vascularization. Further larger studies are required to confirm our findings.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Differentiation Between Low‐ and High‐ Grade Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma and Correlation With Tumor Microvessel Density
Authors: Guo Suping , Xu Pan , Zhou Aiyun , Wang Gongxian , Chen Weimin , Mei Jinhong , Xiao Fan , Liu Juan , Zhang Cheng 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTime‐intensity curves (TICs) of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were analyzed retrospectively to differentiate between low‐grade and high‐grade bladder urothelial carcinoma, and to investigate correlation with tumor microvessel density (MVD).MethodsThe data of 105 patients with pathologically confirmed bladder urothelial carcinoma (55 low‐grade and 50 high‐grade) were reviewed. Lesions were examined before surgery using conventional ultrasound and CEUS with TIC analysis. The TIC parameters time from peak to one‐half the signal intensity (TPH) and the corresponding descending slope (DS) of the low‐grade and high‐grade groups were compared, and receiver operating characteristic curves constructed. The MVDs of the resectioned tissue specimens were quantified via immunohistochemistry for CD34.ResultsBased on conventional ultrasound, the low‐grade and high‐grade groups were similar in tumor shape, number, topography, internal echo, height, width, and vascularity. The TPH of the high‐grade group was significantly longer than that of the low‐grade group, and the DS was lower. The cutoff points of TPH and DS for differentiating low‐grade and high‐grade bladder urothelial carcinoma were 48.06 seconds and 0.15 dB/seconds, respectively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.79 for both). The mean MVDs per high‐power field of the low‐grade and high‐grade groups were 41.39 16.65 and 51.03 20.16, respectively (P = .009). The TPH correlated linearly with MVD (P < .01), as did the DS (P < .01).ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced ultrasound can be used to differentiate low from high‐grade bladder urothelial carcinoma. The TIC parameters of CEUS reflect the MVD of bladder urothelial tumors and may be helpful for evaluating tumor angiogenesis, with implications for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Impact of liver disease on outcomes of patients hospitalized for epistaxis
Authors: Mohamed Omar M. , Govindan Aparna , Filimonov Andrey , Sylvester Michael J. , Zaki Michael , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesLiver disease (LD) often results in coagulation abnormalities that may predispose to more severe epistaxis. The purpose of this analysis was to examine characteristics of patients hospitalized for epistaxis with LD and explore the impact of LD on patient outcomes.MethodsThe 2002 to 2013 National Inpatient Sample was queried for cases with a primary diagnosis of epistaxis. Cases with additional codes meeting the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's definition of LD were identified and compared to the non‐LD cohort.ResultsOut of 39,879 cases meeting inclusion criteria, 3.6% had LD. LD was associated with younger age (55.7 years vs. 67.5 years; P < 0.001), longer hospital stay (3.9 days vs. 3.2 days; P < 0.001), and greater hospital charges ($26,141 vs. $18,200; P < 0.001) compared to the non‐LD cohort. LD patients had higher rates of alcohol abuse, coagulopathy, chronic blood loss anemia, and renal failure. LD patients also had higher rates of sepsis, urinary/renal complications, respiratory failure, and infectious pneumonia. LD was associated with decreased rates of aggressive management (defined as ligation or embolization) (6.6%–9.0%; P < 0.002) and anterior or posterior nasal packing. In our multivariate logistic regression model correcting for age, gender, race, and significant comorbidities, LD was associated with 1.520 (1.336–1.729; P < 0.001) greater odds of transfusion and 2.264 (1.372–3.736; P = 0.001) greater odds of in‐hospital mortality.ConclusionAmong patients hospitalized for epistaxis, LD resulted in greater morbidity and mortality. Clinicians should be aware of the particular risk that LD bears on the hospitalized epistaxis patient.Level of Evidence2C. Laryngoscope, 127:2691–2697, 2017
Urbanization Development under Climate Change: Hydrological Responses in a Peri‐Urban Mediterranean Catchment
Authors: Kalantari Zahra , Ferreira Carla Sofia Santos , Walsh Rory Peter Dominic , Ferreira António José Dinis , Destouni Georgia 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRelatively few studies have so far investigated the hydrological impacts of urbanization in Mediterranean catchments, and particularly in peri‐urban catchments experiencing relatively rapid and large changes in their land‐use mosaic. This study uses data‐based model simulations to investigate such impacts, with the Ribeira dos Covões catchment in Portugal as a concrete Mediterranean peri‐urban catchment example. We distinguish the impacts of urbanization from those of climatic change on the water flux partitioning and connectivity in the catchment over the period 1958–2013. Decrease in precipitation over this period has primarily driven decreases in annual runoff and actual evapotranspiration, while the urbanization development has primarily changed the relative flux partitioning and connectivity pattern in the catchment. The relative contribution of overland flow to annual and seasonal runoff has increased, keeping the absolute overland flow more or less intact, while the baseflow contribution to the stream network has decreased. Methodologically, the present simulation approach provides a relevant means for distinguishing main drivers of change in hydrological flux partitioning and connectivity under concurrent urbanization and climatic changes. © 2017 The Authors. Land Degradation & Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Online UV Curing of Electrospun Polysulfone Fibers Containing an Acrylate as Cross‐Linker
Authors: Mehmood Mian Farrukh , Sangermano Marco , Gule Nonjabulo Prudence , Tiraferri Alberto , Mallon Peter E. 
Published: May 2017

In this work, a sustainable, in situ UV‐induced reactive electrospinning technique is demonstrated to produce solvent stable electrospun membranes in a single operation. This approach is based on the addition of an acrylated cross‐linker into the polysulfone‐based dope solution and on the online irradiation of the solution while it is electrospun, thus allowing reaction during formation of the fibers. The electrospinning parameters and UV curing conditions are thoroughly optimized. Mats are also prepared via an offline approach in which UV curing is performed on the previously electrospun mats and compared with the membranes fabricated via the online curing method. As opposed to pristine polysulfone fibers, the electrospun mats containing acrylate are stable in a variety of solvents, such as tetrahydrofurane (THF), acetone, ethyl acetate, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and toluene. The online irradiated mats of desired thickness are produced in a single step operation and the sustainability of the process is achieved through the optimization of electrospinning and solution parameters.
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Cerebral compensation during motor function in Friedreich ataxia: The IMAGE‐FRDA study
Authors: Harding Ian H. , Corben Louise A. , Delatycki Martin B. , Stagnitti Monique R. , Storey Elsdon , Egan Gary F. , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Friedreich ataxia is characterized by progressive motor incoordination that is linked to peripheral, spinal, and cerebellar neuropathology. Cerebral abnormalities are also reported in Friedreich ataxia, but their role in disease expression remains unclear.Methods: In this cross‐sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging study, 25 individuals with Friedreich ataxia and 33 healthy controls performed simple (self‐paced single‐finger) and complex (visually cued multifinger) tapping tasks to respectively gauge basic and attentionally demanding motor behavior. For each task, whole brain functional activations were compared between groups and correlated with disease severity and offline measures of motor dexterity.Results: During simple finger tapping, cerebral hyperactivation in individuals with Friedreich ataxia at the lower end of clinical severity and cerebral hypoactivation in those more severely affected was observed in premotor/ventral attention brain regions, including the supplementary motor area and anterior insula. Greater activation in this network correlated with greater offline finger tapping precision. Complex, attentionally demanding finger tapping was also associated with cerebral hyperactivation, but in this case within dorsolateral prefrontal regions of the executive control network and superior parietal regions of the dorsal attention system. Greater offline motor precision was associated with less activation in the dorsal attention network.Discussion: Compensatory activity is evident in the cerebral cortex in individuals with Friedreich ataxia. Early compensation followed by later decline in premotor/ventral attention systems demonstrates capacity‐limited neural reserve, while the additional engagement of higher order brain networks is indicative of compensatory task strategies. Network‐level changes in cerebral brain function thus potentially serve to mitigate the impact of motor impairments in Friedreich ataxia. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Viral‐mediated oligodendroglial alpha‐synuclein expression models multiple system atrophy
Authors: Bassil Fares , Guerin Paul A. , Dutheil Nathalie , Li Qin , Klugmann Matthias , Meissner Wassilios G. , Bezard Erwan , Fernagut Pierre‐Olivier 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: MSA is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a combination of autonomic dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, and l‐dopa unresponsive parkinsonism. The hallmark of MSA is the accumulation of α‐synuclein, forming cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes. Adeno‐associated viruses allow efficient targeting of disease‐associated genes in selected cellular ensembles and have proven efficient for the neuronal overexpression of α‐synuclein in the substantia nigra in the context of PD.Objectives: We aimed to develop viral‐based models of MSA.Methods: Chimeric viral vectors expressing either human wild‐type α‐synuclein or green fluorescent protein under the control of mouse myelin basic protein were injected in the striatum of rats and monkeys. Rats underwent a longitudinal motor assessment before histopathological analysis at 3 and 6 months.Results: Injection of vectors expressing α‐synuclein in the striatum resulted in >80% oligodendroglial selectivity in rats and >60% in monkeys. Rats developed progressive motor deficits that were l‐dopa unresponsive when assessed at 6 months. Significant loss of dopaminergic neurons occurred at 3 months, further progressing at 6 months, together with a loss of striatal neurons. Prominent α‐synuclein accumulation, including phosphorylated and proteinase‐K–resistant α‐synuclein, was detected in the striatum and substantia nigra.Conclusions: Viral‐mediated oligodendroglial expression of α‐synuclein allows replicating some of the key features of MSA. This flexible strategy can be used to investigate, in several species, how α‐synuclein accumulation in selected oligodendroglial populations contributes to the pathophysiology of MSA and offers a new framework for preclinical validation of therapeutic strategies. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Patient‐reported outcomes in Huntington's disease: Quality of life in neurological disorders (Neuro‐QoL) and Huntington's disease health‐related quality of life (HDQLIFE) physical function measures
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E. , Ready Rebecca E. , Frank Samuel , Cella David , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Goodnight Siera M. , Schilling Stephen G. , Boileau Nicholas R. , Dayalu Praveen 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: There is a need for patient‐reported outcome measures that capture the impact that motor impairments have on health‐related quality of life in individuals with Huntington's disease.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to establish the reliability and validity of new physical functioning patient‐reported outcome measures in Huntington's disease.Methods: A total of 510 individuals with Huntington's disease completed 2 Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Lower Extremity Function and Upper Extremity Function) and 3 Huntington's Disease Health‐Related Quality of Life (Chorea, Speech Difficulties, and Swallowing Difficulties) measures. Clinician‐rated and generic self‐report measures were also administered.Results: Reliabilities for the new patient reported physical functioning measures were excellent (all Cronbach's α > .92). Convergent, discriminant validity and known group validity was supported.Conclusions: The results provide psychometric support for new patient‐reported physical functioning measures and the fact that these measures can be used as clinically meaningful endpoints in Huntington's disease research and clinical practice. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Coherence enhancement in quantitative susceptibility mapping by means of anisotropic weighting in morphology enabled dipole inversion
Authors: Kee Youngwook , Cho Junghun , Deh Kofi , Liu Zhe , Spincemaille Pascal , Wang Yi 
Published: May 2017

PurposeTo investigate an anisotropic structural prior in morphology enabled dipole inversion (MEDI) for improving accuracy in quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).Theory and MethodsAnisotropic weighting (AW) was devised and implemented to incorporate orientation information into the edge agreement in the MEDI method. AW performance was compared with isotropic weighting by testing and validating on in vivo brain multiple orientation MRI data using COSMOS and the (33) component of the susceptibility tensor as reference.ResultsSuppressing streaking artifacts, AW improved not only QSM image quality but also accuracy in terms of RMSE (root mean square error), HFEN (high frequency error norm), SSIM (structural similarity index), and GDA (gradient direction agreement). In addition, it outperformed isotropic weighting in region of interest‐based analysis. From a computational perspective, AW was as fast as isotropic weighting, taking approximately the same central processing unit times.ConclusionUsing AW in MEDI improves QSM accuracy compared with isotropic weighting. Magn Reson Med 79:1172–1180, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Effects of hemodialysis on intraneural blood flow in end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Borire Adeniyi A. , Arnold Ria , Pussell Bruce A. , Kwai Natalie C. , Visser Leo H. , Simon Neil G. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Krishnan Arun V. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We quantified intraneural blood flow (INBF) in 18 patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) and examined its relationship with nerve size, neuropathy severity, and nerve excitability parameters. Methods: Sonographic measurements of the median nerve were performed at the same site before and after hemodialysis. INBF was quantified by analyzing power Doppler sonograms to obtain the vessel score (VSc) and maximum perfusion intensity (MPI). Corresponding median motor nerve excitability studies were performed. Neuropathy severity was assessed using Total Neuropathy Score. Results: A total of 39% of ESKD patients had detectable INBF compared with none in the control group (P < 0.0001). Patients with detectable INBF had larger nerves and more severe neuropathy (P < 0.01). INBF parameters were significantly reduced after a session of dialysis (VSc: P < 0.01; MPI: P < 0.01). A significant relationship was found between interdialytic change in INBF and changes in nerve excitability. Conclusions: Increased INBF is a potential marker for neuropathy severity in ESKD patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 287–293, 2018
Soluble activin receptor type IIB decoy receptor differentially impacts murine osteogenesis imperfecta muscle function
Authors: Jeong Youngjae , Daghlas Salah A. , Kahveci Alp S. , Salamango Daniel , Gentry Bettina A. , Brown Marybeth , Rector R. Scott , Pearsall R. Scott , Phillips Charlotte L. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterized by skeletal fragility and muscle weakness. In this study we investigated the effects of soluble activin type IIB receptor (sActRIIB‐mFc) on muscle mass and function in 2 distinct mouse models of OI: osteogenesis imperfecta murine (oim) and +/G610C. Methods: Wild‐type (WT), +/G610C, and oim/oim mice were treated from 2 to 4 months of age with Tris‐buffered saline (vehicle) or sActRIIB‐mFc and their hindlimb muscles evaluated for mass, morphology, and contractile function. Results: sActRIIB‐mFc‐treated WT, +/G610C, and oim/oim mice had increased hindlimb muscle weights and myofiber cross‐sectional area compared with vehicle‐treated counterparts. sActRIIB‐mFc‐treated oim/oim mice also exhibited increased contractile function relative to vehicle‐treated counterparts. Discussion: Blocking endogenous ActRIIB was effective at increasing muscle size in mouse models of OI, and increasing contractile function in oim/oim mice. ActRIIB inhibitors may provide a potential mutation‐specific therapeutic option for compromised muscle function in OI. Muscle Nerve 57: 294–304, 2018
Recovery of rat muscle size but not function more than 1 year after a single botulinum toxin injection
Authors: Ward Samuel R. , Minamoto Viviane B. , Suzuki Kentaro P. , Hulst Jonah B. , Bremner Shannon N. , Lieber Richard L. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionNeurotoxin injection is used to treat a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders. The purpose of this study was to measure the functional and structural properties of botulinum toxin–injected adult rat skeletal muscle over nearly the entire lifespan.MethodsTen groups of animals were subjected to either neurotoxin injection [Botox, Type A (BT‐A); Allergan, Irvine, California] or saline solution injection. Neurotoxin‐injected animals (n = 90) were analyzed at different time‐points: 1 week; 1 month; 3 months; 6 months; 12 months; or 18 months.ResultsIn spite of the recovery of structural features, such as muscle mass and fiber area, dorsiflexion torque production remained significantly depressed by 25%, even at 12 months after neurotoxin injection.DiscussionThe data demonstrate that, after a single BT‐A injection, although gross muscle morphology recovered over a 12‐month time period, loss of contractile function did not recover. Muscle Nerve 57: 435–441, 2018
Prevalence rates of childhood protective factors in adolescents with BPD, psychiatrically healthy adolescents and adults with BPD
Authors: Borkum Dana B. , Temes Christina M. , Magni Laura R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Aguirre Blaise A. , Goodman Marianne , Zanarini Mary C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveExisting literature on the aetiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD) has primarily focused on pathological childhood experiences, while little to no research has been conducted on protective factors that may serve to ameliorate these symptoms. The current study attempts to fill this gap in the literature by comparing the rates of childhood protective factors among adolescents with BPD, psychiatrically healthy adolescents and adults with BPD.MethodsOne hundred and four subjects were adolescent inpatients between the ages of 13 and 17 who met Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition criteria for BPD. Sixty were age‐matched psychiatrically healthy comparison subjects. Two hundred and ninety subjects were adult inpatients between the ages of 18 and 35 who met Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines and Revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Third Edition criteria for BPD. All three groups were interviewed by using the Revised Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, a semi‐structured interview that assesses pathological and protective childhood experiences.ResultsPsychiatrically healthy adolescents reported significantly higher rates of 4 out of 18 protective factors than adolescents with BPD. Adolescents with BPD reported significantly higher rates of 5 of these 18 protective factors than adults with BPD. Adults with BPD were significantly more likely to endorse having a steady after school or weekend work record than adolescents with BPD.ConclusionsTaken together, the results of this study suggest that adolescents meeting criteria for BPD report lower rates of some protective factors than psychiatrically healthy adolescents. They also suggest that they have higher rates of some protective factors than adults with BPD. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.