bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI to quantitatively characterize maternal vascular organization in the primate placenta
Authors: Frias Antonio E. , Schabel Matthias C. , Roberts Victoria H. J. , Tudorica Alina , Grigsby Peta L. , Oh Karen Y. , Kroenke Christopher D. 
Published: April 2014

PurposeThe maternal microvasculature of the primate placenta is organized into 10–20 perfusion domains that are functionally optimized to facilitate nutrient exchange to support fetal growth. This study describes a dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging method for identifying vascular domains and quantifying maternal blood flow in them.MethodsA rhesus macaque on the 133rd day of pregnancy (G133, term = 165 days) underwent Doppler ultrasound procedures, dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and Cesarean‐section delivery. Serial T1‐weighted images acquired throughout intravenous injection of a contrast reagent bolus were analyzed to obtain contrast reagent arrival time maps of the placenta.ResultsWatershed segmentation of the arrival time map identified 16 perfusion domains. The number and location of these domains corresponded to anatomical cotyledonary units observed following delivery. Analysis of the contrast reagent wave front through each perfusion domain enabled determination of volumetric flow, which ranged from 9.03 to 44.9 mL/s (25.2 ± 10.3 mL/s). These estimates are supported by Doppler ultrasound results.ConclusionsThe dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging analysis described here provides quantitative estimates of the number of maternal perfusion domains in a primate placenta and estimates flow within each domain. Anticipated extensions of this technique are to the study placental function in non‐human primate models of obstetric complications. Magn Reson Med 73:1570–1578, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Algebraic reconstruction technique for parallel imaging reconstruction of undersampled radial data: Application to cardiac cine
Authors: Li Shu , Chan Cheong , Stockmann Jason P. , Tagare Hemant , Adluru Ganesh , Tam Leo K. , Galiana Gigi , Constable R. Todd , Kozerke Sebastian , Peters Dana C. 
Published: April 2014

PurposeTo investigate algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) for parallel imaging reconstruction of radial data, applied to accelerated cardiac cine.MethodsA graphics processing unit (GPU)‐accelerated ART reconstruction was implemented and applied to simulations, point spread functions and in 12 subjects imaged with radial cardiac cine acquisitions. Cine images were reconstructed with radial ART at multiple undersampling levels (192 Nr × Np = 96 to 16). Images were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for sharpness and artifacts, and compared to filtered back‐projection, and conjugate gradient SENSE.ResultsRadial ART provided reduced artifacts and mainly preserved spatial resolution, for both simulations and in vivo data. Artifacts were qualitatively and quantitatively less with ART than filtered back‐projection using 48, 32, and 24 Np, although filtered back‐projection provided quantitatively sharper images at undersampling levels of 48‐24 Np (all P < 0.05). Use of undersampled radial data for generating auto‐calibrated coil‐sensitivity profiles resulted in slightly reduced quality. ART was comparable to conjugate gradient SENSE. GPU‐acceleration increased ART reconstruction speed 15‐fold, with little impact on the images.ConclusionGPU‐accelerated ART is an alternative approach to image reconstruction for parallel radial MR imaging, providing reduced artifacts while mainly maintaining sharpness compared to filtered back‐projection, as shown by its first application in cardiac studies. Magn Reson Med 73:1643–1653, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visualization of oxidative stress in ex vivo biopsies using electron paramagnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gustafsson Håkan , Hallbeck Martin , Lindgren Mikael , Kolbun Natallia , Jonson Maria , Engström Maria , de Muinck Ebo , Zachrisson Helene 
Published: April 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop an X‐Band electron paramagnetic resonance imaging protocol for visualization of oxidative stress in biopsies.MethodsThe developed electron paramagnetic resonance imaging protocol was based on spin trapping with the cyclic hydroxylamine spin probe 1‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycarbonyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidine and X‐Band EPR imaging. Computer software was developed for deconvolution and back‐projection of the EPR image. A phantom containing radicals of known spatial characteristic was used for evaluation of the developed protocol. As a demonstration of the technique electron paramagnetic resonance imaging of oxidative stress was performed in six sections of atherosclerotic plaques. Histopathological analyses were performed on adjoining sections.ResultsThe developed computer software for deconvolution and back‐projection of the EPR images could accurately reproduce the shape of a phantom of known spatial distribution of radicals. The developed protocol could successfully be used to image oxidative stress in six sections of the three ex vivo atherosclerotic plaques.ConclusionsWe have shown that oxidative stress can be imaged using a combination of spin trapping with the cyclic hydroxylamine spin probe cyclic hydroxylamine spin probe 1‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycarbonyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidine and X‐Band EPR imaging. A thorough and systematic evaluation on different types of biopsies must be performed in the future to validate the proposed technique. Magn Reson Med 73:1682–1691, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T1ρ mapping for the evaluation of high intensity focused ultrasound tumor treatment
Authors: Hectors Stefanie J. C. G. , Moonen Rik P. M. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nicolay Klaas 
Published: April 2014

PurposeThis study was aimed to assess the effects of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) thermal ablation on tumor T1ρ.MethodsIn vivo T1ρ measurements of murine tumors at various spin‐lock amplitudes (B1 = 0–2000 Hz) were performed before (n = 13), directly after (n = 13) and 3 days (n = 7) after HIFU treatment. T2 maps were obtained from the measurements at B1 = 0 Hz.ResultsAverage tumor T1ρ distributions at the different experimental time points showed a shift toward lower T1ρ values after HIFU for all spin‐lock amplitudes, which became larger with increasing spin‐lock amplitude at 3 days after treatment. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant effect of spin‐lock amplitude on the average change in T1ρ (ΔT1ρ) as compared to baseline at 3 days after HIFU. At 3 days after treatment, ΔT1ρ values at B1 above 100 Hz were significantly lower (more negative) than at B1 = 0 Hz (T2).ConclusionSignificant changes in tumor T1ρ were observed after HIFU treatment. These T1ρ changes were distinctly more pronounced than HIFU‐induced changes in T2. The results indicate that T1ρ imaging is sensitive to HIFU‐induced tissue changes and may thus be a suitable MR method for the evaluation of HIFU treatment. Magn Reson Med 73:1593–1601, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Axonal dysfunction, dysmyelination, and conduction failure in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies
Authors: Farrar Michelle A. , Park Susanna B. , Krishnan Arun V. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Lin Cindy S.‐Y. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroduction: Patients with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) manifest with episodes of focal paresis when exposed to mechanical stress, although the basis for vulnerability to conduction block remains relatively unexplained. Methods: Axonal excitability techniques were utilized to provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms in 13 HNPP patients, stimulating median motor and sensory axons at the wrist. Results: In HNPP, distal latencies were prolonged, and motor and sensory amplitudes were reduced. Threshold was increased. Depolarizing and hyperpolarizing electrotonus was greater, and resting current–threshold slope was reduced. There were greater threshold changes in superexcitability, and refractoriness was decreased. Conclusions: Taken together, excitability testing in patients with HNPP established axonal hyperpolarization in both motor and sensory axons that may be attributable to changes in nerve architecture. In turn, the hyperpolarized resting membrane potential in HNPP may be a major predisposing factor for development of conduction block with mechanical stresses. Muscle Nerve 49: 858–865, 2014
EMG processing to interpret a neural tension‐limiting mechanism with fatigue
Authors: La Delfa Nicholas J. , Sutherland Chad A. , Potvin Jim R. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude increases with constant muscle tension during fatiguing sub‐maximum efforts. The purpose of this study was to determine if extreme highpass filtering and/or autoregressive whitening would result in a more consistent sEMG‐to‐moment ratio than a standard bandpass filter (20–500 Hz) during repeated, dynamic maximal efforts of the quadriceps. Methods: We collected sEMG and knee extensor moment from 16 participants during the concentric and eccentric phases of repeated, maximal knee extensor efforts. Results: The alternative processing methods provided more consistent vastus medialis and lateralis sEMG‐to‐moment ratios. A neural tension‐limiting mechanism appeared to exist and was magnified during the eccentric phase, particularly with fatigue. Conclusions: There appears to be a difference in how the central nervous system controls concentric and eccentric efforts as the quadriceps fatigues, and this is more apparent with the alternative EMG processing methods we used. Muscle Nerve 50: 384–392, 2014
Comparing axonal excitability in past polio to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Liang Christina , Ng Karl 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Poliomyelitis causes selective destruction of anterior horn cells and usually has a stable disease course post‐infection. We assessed the excitability characteristics in patients with a stable course after past poliomyelitis and compared them with changes described in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: The excitability characteristics of motor and sensory nerves were studied in 10 subjects with stable past poliomyelitis. Results: Motor rheobase was increased, but there were no significant changes in strength–duration properties or depolarizing threshold electrotonus, as have been seen in previous studies of ALS. Conclusions: There is minimal change in axonal excitability properties in patients with stable past poliomyelitis. The results may signify sufficient compensation in the stable state of the disease. Increased subexcitability in 1 subject with demonstrable hyperexcitability may represent compensation for increased ectopic activity rather than a different process in surviving motor neurons. Muscle Nerve 50: 602–604, 2014
Assessment of quadriceps muscle inactivation with a new electrical stimulation paradigm
Authors: Wellauer Vanessa , Morf Claudia , Minetto Marco A. , Place Nicolas , Maffiuletti Nicola A. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we evaluated the validity of garment‐based quadriceps stimulation (GQS) for assessment of muscle inactivation in comparison with femoral nerve stimulation (FNS). Methods: Inactivation estimates (superimposed doublet torque), self‐reported discomfort, and twitch and doublet contractile properties were compared between GQS and FNS in 15 healthy subjects. Results: Superimposed doublet torque was significantly lower for GQS than for FNS at 20% and 40% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (P < 0.01), but not at 60%, 80%, and 100% MVC. Discomfort scores were systematically lower for GQS than for FNS (P < 0.05). Resting twitch and doublet peak torque were lower for GQS, and time to peak torque was shorter for GQS than for FNS (P < 0.01). Conclusions: GQS can be used with confidence for straightforward evaluation of quadriceps muscle inactivation, whereas its validity for assessment of contractile properties remains to be determined. Muscle Nerve 51: 117–124, 2015
Motor nerve conduction study and muscle strength in newly diagnosed poems syndrome
Authors: Liu Mingsheng , Zou Zhangyu , Guan Yuzhou , Li Jian , Zhou Daobin , Cui Liying 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Mixed demyelination and axonal loss are electrophysiological features of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M‐protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. It is unclear whether the demyelination and axonal loss occur concurrently. Methods: Electromyography was performed in 37 patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, distal motor latency, motor conduction velocity (MCV), and spontaneous activity were collected. Muscle strength was measured according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Results: MCV decreased in all nerves with decreased CMAP amplitude and in 93% of nerves with normal amplitude. CMAP amplitude decreased in 54% of nerves with decreased MCV and was normal in all nerves with normal MCV. MCV deceased in 95% of nerves with normal MRC. Abnormal spontaneous activity was detected in 32% of upper limb muscles. Conclusions: Demyelination may be the main manifestation in POEMS neuropathy at an early stage, and axonal loss may be secondary to demyelination as the disease progresses. Muscle Nerve 51: 19–23, 2015
Balance and coordination training and endurance training after nerve injury
Authors: Bonetti Leandro Viçosa , Schneider Ana Paula Krauthein , Barbosa Silvia , Ilha Jocemar , Faccioni‐Heuser Maria Cristina 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Different rehabilitation treatments have proven useful in accelerating regeneration. Methods: After sciatic nerve crush in rats, we tested balance and coordination training (BCT) and endurance training (ET) through sensorimotor tests and analyzed nerve and muscle morphology. Results: After BCT and ET, rats performed better in sensorimotor tests than did non‐trained animals. However, only BCT maintained sensorimotor function during training. Furthermore, BCT and ET produced significantly larger muscle area than in non‐trained animals. Conclusions: These findings indicate that BCT and ET, when initiated in the early phase after sciatic nerve injury, improve morphological properties of the soleus muscle and sciatic nerve, but only the task‐oriented BCT maintained sensorimotor function. The success of rehabilitative strategies appears to be highly task‐specific, and strategies that stimulate sensory pathways are the most effective in improving balance and/or coordination parameters. Muscle Nerve 51: 83–91, 2015
Distinguishing neuromuscular disorders based on the passive electrical material properties of muscle
Authors: Li Jia , Jafarpoor Mina , Bouxsein Mary , Rutkove Seward B. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The passive electrical properties of muscle, including conductivity and permittivity and their directional dependence, may be altered in neuromuscular disease; however, the character of these alterations is unknown. Methods: Fifteen wild‐type mice, 13 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice, 9 muscular dystrophy (mdx) mice, and 15 mice with induced disuse atrophy were euthanized, and the gastrocnemius was excised. A 50‐kHz current was applied immediately to the ex vivo muscle, and its material properties were calculated. Results: The disease groups showed distinct material property values [F(12, 119) = 14.6, P < 0.001] according to MANOVA. Post‐hoc tests confirmed that differences existed between all 4 groups. They were most pronounced in the mdx mice, which had markedly increased conductivity. Direction‐dependent properties of current flow also were significantly different among the groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These data confirm that the inherent passive electrical properties of muscle differ by disease type. We anticipate that similar data could eventually be obtained via surface measurements, providing an innovative approach to muscle disease diagnosis. Muscle Nerve 51: 49–55, 2015
Cover Picture: Conformational Dynamics of DNA G‐Quadruplex in Solution Studied by Kinetic Capillary Electrophoresis Coupled On‐line with Mass Spectrometry (ChemistryOpen 2/2014)
Authors: Mironov Gleb G. , Okhonin Victor , Khan Nasrin , Clouthier Christopher M. , Berezovski Maxim V. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNo Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 (TREM‐1) improves host defence in pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Hommes Tijmen J , Hoogendijk Arie J , Dessing Mark C , van't Veer Cornelis , Florquin Sandrine , Colonna Marco , de Vos Alex F , van der Poll Tom 
Published: April 2014

AbstractStreptococcus (S.) pneumoniae is a common Gram‐positive pathogen in community‐acquired pneumonia and sepsis. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 (TREM‐1) is a receptor on phagocytes known to amplify inflammatory responses. Previous studies showed that TREM‐1 inhibition protects against lethality during experimental Gram‐negative sepsis. We here aimed to investigate the role of TREM‐1 in an experimental model of pneumococcal pneumonia, using TREM‐1/3‐deficient (Trem‐1/3–/–) and wild‐type (Wt) mice. Additionally ex vivo responsiveness of Trem‐1/3–/– neutrophils and macrophages was examined. S. pneumoniae infection resulted in a rapid recruitment of TREM‐1‐positive neutrophils into the bronchoalveolar space, while high constitutive TREM‐1 expression on alveolar macrophages remained unchanged. TREM‐1/3 deficiency led to increased lethality, accompanied by enhanced growth of S. pneumoniae at the primary site of infection and increased dissemination to distant organs. Within the first 3–6 h of infection, Trem‐1/3–/– mice demonstrated a strongly impaired innate immune response in the airways, as reflected by reduced local release of cytokines and chemokines and a delayed influx of neutrophils. Trem‐1/3–/– alveolar macrophages produced fewer cytokines upon exposure to S. pneumoniae in vitro and were less capable of phagocytosing this pathogen. TREM‐1/3 deficiency did not influence neutrophil responsiveness to S. pneumoniae. These results identify TREM‐1 as a key player in protective innate immunity during pneumococcal pneumonia, most likely by enhancing the early immune response of alveolar macrophages. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of socio‐economic status in families of children with cancer in Guatemala
Authors: De Pernillo M. , Rivas S. , Fuentes L. , Antillon F. , Barr R.D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe prospects for survival of children in low and middle income countries are linked to their families socio‐economic status (SES), of which income is only one component. Developing a comprehensive measure of SES is required. Informed by clinical experience, a 15‐item instrument was designed in Guatemala to categorize SES by five levels in each item. Almost 75% of families attending the Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica were in the lowest three of six categories, providing a framework for stratified financial and nutritional support. The measure of SES offers an opportunity for examining associations with health outcomes throughout Latin America. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2071–2073. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preclinical evaluation of nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel for treatment of pediatric bone sarcoma
Authors: Wagner Lars M. , Yin Hong , Eaves David , Currier Mark , Cripe Timothy P. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe combination of docetaxel and gemcitabine is frequently used to treat recurrent bone sarcoma. Nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐paclitaxel) is less toxic and more active than docetaxel or paclitaxel for breast cancer patients. The combination of nab‐paclitaxel and gemcitabine has preclinical synergy and is approved to treat pancreatic cancer. We observed growth inhibition and improved survival with nab‐paclitaxel in a Ewing sarcoma xenograft, and activity was additive with gemcitabine in an osteosarcoma model. Primary Ewing sarcoma tumors expressed the transport protein SPARC, previously associated with nab‐paclitaxel activity. These findings provide rationale for further evaluation of nab‐paclitaxel with gemcitabine for bone sarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2096–2098. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of Antibacterial Use and Impact of Age, Race/Ethnicity, and Geographic Region on Antibacterial Use in an Outpatient Medicaid Cohort
Authors: Gahbauer Alice M. , Gonzales Marco L. , Guglielmo B. Joseph 
Published: April 2014

Study ObjectivesTo describe patterns of outpatient antibacterial use among California Medicaid (Medi‐Cal) fee‐for‐service system beneficiaries, and to investigate the influence of demographic factors—age, race/ethnicity, state county, and population density—on those patterns.DesignRetrospective analysis of administrative claims data.Data SourceMedi‐Cal fee‐for‐service system claims database.PatientsAll outpatient Medi‐Cal fee‐for‐service system beneficiaries enrolled between 2006 and 2011 who had at least one systemic antibacterial claim.Measurements and Main ResultsRates of antibacterial prescribing and the proportion of broad‐spectrum antibacterial use were measured over the study period and among age, racial/ethnic, and geographic (county) groups. Of the 10,018,066 systemic antibacterial claims selected for analysis, antibacterial prescribing rates decreased from 542 claims/1000 beneficiaries in 2006 to 461 claims/1000 beneficiaries in 2011 (r = −0.971, p=0.0012; τ‐b = −1.00, p=0.009). Among age groups, children had the highest rate of use (605 claims/1000 beneficiaries, χ2 (2) = 320,000, p<0.001); among racial/ethnic groups, Alaskan Natives and Native Americans had the highest rate of use (1086/1000 beneficiaries, χ2 (5) = 197,000, p<0.001). Broad‐spectrum antibacterial prescribing increased from 28.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.1–28.2%) to 32.7% (95% CI 32.6–32.8%) over the study period. Senior age groups and whites received the highest proportions of broad‐spectrum agents (53.4% [95% CI 52.5–54.3%] and 36.6% [95% CI 36.6–36.7%], respectively). Population density was inversely related to both overall antibacterial use (ρ = −0.432, p=0.0018) and broad‐spectrum antibacterial prescribing (ρ = −0.359, p<0.001). The rate of prescribing decreased over the study period for all antibacterial classes with the exception of macrolides and sulfonamides. Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed agent.ConclusionOverall and broad‐spectrum antibacterial use in the Medi‐Cal fee‐for‐service program are less than that observed nationally. Significant variations in prescribing exist between age and racial/ethnic groups, and heavily populated areas are associated with both less antibacterial use and less broad‐spectrum antibacterial prescribing. Studies are needed to determine the reasons for the observed differences in antibacterial use among demographic groups.