bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of inflow and radiofrequency spoiling on the arterial input function in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI: A combined phantom and simulation study
Authors: Garpebring Anders , Wirestam Ronnie , Östlund Nils , Karlsson Mikael 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe arterial input function is crucial in pharmacokinetic analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI data. Among other artifacts in arterial input function quantification, the blood inflow effect and nonideal radiofrequency spoiling can induce large measurement errors with subsequent reduction of accuracy in the pharmacokinetic parameters. These errors were investigated for a 3D spoiled gradient‐echo sequence using a pulsatile flow phantom and a total of 144 typical imaging settings. In the presence of large inflow effects, results showed poor average accuracy and large spread between imaging settings, when the standard spoiled gradient‐echo signal equation was used in the analysis. For example, one of the investigated inflow conditions resulted in a mean error of about 40% and a spread, given by the coefficient of variation, of 20% for Ktrans. Minimizing inflow effects by appropriate slice placement, combined with compensation for nonideal radiofrequency spoiling, significantly improved the results, but they remained poorer than without flow (e.g., 3–4 times larger coefficient of variation for Ktrans). It was concluded that the 3D spoiled gradient‐echo sequence is not optimal for accurate arterial input function quantification and that correction for nonideal radiofrequency spoiling in combination with inflow minimizing slice placement should be used to reduce the errors. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preterm neonatal diffusion processing using detection and replacement of outliers prior to resampling
Authors: Morris Drew , Nossin‐Manor Revital , Taylor Margot J , Sled John G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn diffusion weighted MRI, subject motion and brain pulsation lead both to signal drop‐outs and image misalignment. Unsedated neonates, with their higher heart rate and propensity for motion are particularly prone to degraded scan quality that impairs diffusion tensor estimation. Retrospective registration and robust estimators are two methods that have previously been demonstrated to address motion and intensity outliers, respectively, in diffusion data. However, when taken together, the resampling of images to correct for misalignment can have the effect of averaging outlier voxels with uncorrupted voxels, thereby making outliers more difficult to detect. This article presents a method to remove outliers prior to resampling while taking misalignment into account so that this averaging of outliers with good data can be avoided. The proposed method is compared to other processing pipelines using simulations and data from unsedated preterm neonates. These results demonstrate advantages to the proposed method, particularly in subjects with high motion. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concurrent MR blood volume and vessel size estimation in tumors by robust and simultaneous ΔR2 and ΔR2* quantification
Authors: Remmele Stefanie , Ring Janine , Sénégas Julien , Heindel Walter , Mesters Rolf M. , Bremer Christoph , Persigehl Thorsten 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis work presents a novel method for concurrent estimation of the fractional blood volume and the mean vessel size of tumors based on a multi‐gradient‐echo‐multi‐spin‐echo sequence and the injection of a super‐paramagnetic blood‐pool agent. The approach further comprises a post‐processing technique for simultaneous estimation of changes in the transverse relaxation rates R2 and R, which is robust against global B0 and B1 field inhomogeneities and slice imperfections. The accuracy of the simultaneous ΔR2 and ΔR quantification approach is evaluated in a phantom. The simultaneous blood volume and vessel size estimates, obtained with MR, compare well to the immunohistological findings in a preclinical experiment (HT1080 cells, implanted in nude mice). Clinical translation is achieved in a patient with a pleomorphic sarcoma in the left pubic bone. The latter demonstrates the robustness of the technique against changes in the contrast agent concentration in blood during washout. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The oculobulbar facial respiratory score is a tool to assess bulbar function in myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Farrugia Maria E. , Harle Heather D. , Carmichael Caroline , Burns Ted M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction:The Oculobulbar Facial Respiratory (OBFR) score is a tool that objectively measures bulbar function in myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study, we analyzed the relation between the OBFR and the MG Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) score, and also with the more recently described MG Composite and 15‐item MG Quality‐of‐Life (MG‐QOL15) scales.Methods:We recruited 42 patients from two centers and assessed them on two occasions, approximately 6 months apart, using the OBFR, MG Composite, MG‐ADL, and MG‐QOL15 scales. The “modified” OBFR score was derived from the original OBFR score.Results:The OBFR score correlated significantly with the MG Composite, MG‐ADL, and MG‐QOL15 scores for both assessments, and with the sum of the bulbar items for all three scores. It also correlated strongly with the individual bulbar‐related items of all three scores. The “modified” OBFR score also correlated significantly with all the aforementioned scores.Conclusions:This study confirmed construct validity of the OBFR and “modified” OBFR scores. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Selectively reshaping a muscle phenotype: Functional overload of cat plantaris
Authors: Roy Roland R. , Zhong Hui , Monti Ryan J. , Kim Jung A. , Edgerton V.R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Functional overload (FO) of the fast plantaris muscle was studied in treadmill‐exercised (FO‐Ex) or sedentary (FO‐Sed) adult cats. Methods: Mechanical, phenotype, and kinematics analyses were performed. Results: Plantigrade vs. normal digitigrade posture was observed early post‐FO. Relative plantaris mass was greater in FO‐Sed (10%) and FO‐Ex (60%) cats than in controls 12 weeks post‐FO. Specific tension was similar across groups, indicating functional hypertrophy. Fiber size was greater, percent slow fibers higher, percent IIa myosin heavy chain (MHC) higher, and IIx MHC lower in FO‐Ex than controls. Twitch and half‐relaxation times were longer, and the frequency–tension curve shifted toward that observed in slow muscles. Electromyography (EMG) and tendon force amplitudes during stepping were larger, and the yield (lengthening) phase occurred at a longer muscle length before compared with after FO. Discussion: Reshaping the plantaris phenotype was highly dependent on the overload stimulus, indicating that electrical stimulation paradigms used during rehabilitation should be performed with the muscles under “loaded” conditions. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Prenatal diagnosis of duchenne/becker muscular dystrophy by short tandem repeat segregation analysis in argentine families
Authors: Giliberto Florencia , Ferreiro Verónica , Massot Francisco , Ferrer Marcela , Francipane Liliana , Szijan Irene 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD) are X‐linked recessive diseases caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Methods: We used multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and short tandem repeat (STR) segregation analysis for DMD/BMD‐carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis. Results: Twenty‐four at‐risk pregnancies were evaluated: 17 were excluded from carrying dystrophin gene mutations with 95–100% certainty. Of the remaining cases, 2 were determined to carry a dystrophin gene mutation with 95–100% certainty. Three cases had a 67% probability of carrying the mutation, and 2 others were not informative. The certainty of the test increased to ∽100% in some cases due to the identification of several genetic events: 4 recombinations; 4 de novo mutations; and 8 deletions encompassing some of the STRs evaluated. Discussion: Overall, 19 of 24 (79%) molecular prenatal diagnoses were informative, indicating that multiplex PCR/STR segregation analysis is a reliable method for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis when other more sophisticated techniques are unavailable. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Muscle endurance, cancer‐related fatigue, and radiotherapy in prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Alt Carlynn A. , Gore Elizabeth M. , Montagnini Marcos L. , Ng Alexander V. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: In this study we investigated muscle and cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) in prostate cancer survivors (CS) undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Methods: In 13 CS and 12 controls, CRF was assessed by the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale—Depression subscale (CES‐D), physical activity (accelerometer), and hemoglobin levels (Hb). Muscle measures included strength, activation, contractile properties, and endurance during intermittent dorsiflexion. Testing occurred before and after 6 weeks of RT in CS. Results: After RT, the PFS score increased from initial levels in CS only without changes in sleepiness, depression, or physical activity. Hb decreased in CS only [mean (SD): pre, 15 (1.1); post, 14.5 (1.1) g/dl; P = 0.04]. Endurance decreased in CS [mean (SD): pre, 519 (340) s; post, 388 (203) s; P = 0.04] and increased in controls [mean (SD: pre, 616 (387) s; post, 753 (553) s; P = 0.03]. Only endurance was associated with PFS in CS (r = −0.55, P = 0.05). Discussion: Muscle endurance is impaired after RT and may contribute to CRF in CS. Muscle Nerve, 2011
An ultrasound study of anatomic variants of the sural nerve
Authors: Zhu Jiaan , Li Diancheng , Shao Junjie , Hu Bing 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: There are anatomic variations of the sural nerve (SN). Knowledge of these morphological types and the length of the SN are important for planning surgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves. Our purpose was to classify the morphological types of the SN by using ultrasound. Methods: Two‐hundred SNs in 100 normal subjects were examined by ultrasound with 13‐MHz linear‐array transducers. Classification of the SN was evaluated by its formation. The distance between the union and the distal point of the lateral malleolus was measured. Results: SN variants could be classified into three types: type I (81%); type II (18%); and type III (1%). In type I, the average length of the SN was 15.8 ± 5.7 cm. Conclusions: The morphological types of the SN can be determined using ultrasound. Ultrasound classification of the SN is useful with regard to donor nerve surgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Investigation for RAPSN and DOK‐7 mutations in a cohort of seronegative myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Alseth Espen Homleid , Maniaol Angelina Hatlø , Elsais Ahmed , Nakkestad Hanne Linda , Tallaksen Chantal , Gilhus Nils Erik , Skeie Geir Olve 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease. Patients without detectable antibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor or the muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase are referred to as seronegative MG (SNMG). Because late‐onset congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) due to RAPSN or DOK7 mutations may be mistaken for SNMG, we investigated their frequency in a nationwide SNMG cohort. Methods: We performed sequencing of RAPSN and DOK7 in all Norwegian SNMG patients (n = 74) and 37 healthy controls, examining for the N88K and c.1124_1127dupTGCC mutations, respectively. Results: We found 1 patient homozygous for N88K and 2 carriers of the N88K mutation. Sequencing of DOK7 revealed no mutations. Conclusions: This study confirms that rapsn CMS can be mistaken for SNMG. In addition, the frequency of rapsn CMS in our nationwide SNMG cohort was found to be low. SNMG patients with an atypical clinical presentation and pediatric cases should be tested for the N88K mutation before initiation of immunosuppressive drug treatment or thymectomy. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Central mechanisms during fatiguing muscle exercise in muscular dystrophy and fibromyalgia syndrome: A study with transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Schwenkreis Peter , Voigt Michael , Hasenbring Monika , Tegenthoff Martin , Vorgerd Matthias , Kley Rudolf A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: The aim of this study was to apply paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess intracortical inhibition (ICI) during fatiguing muscle exercise in healthy humans and patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) to obtain insight into differential central mechanisms. Methods: We studied 23 patients with MD, 16 patients with FMS, and 23 healthy controls. All participants performed a fatiguing motor task. TMS recordings were taken pre‐exercise, immediately post‐exercise, and 40 minutes post‐exercise. Results: ICI was already reduced pre‐exercise in MD and FMS, whereas ICI decreased significantly during fatiguing muscle exercise only in healthy subjects. Discussion: Reduced baseline ICI in patients might prevent further utilization of this presumably compensatory mechanism during fatiguing muscle exercise. Although reduced baseline to be ICI in MD can be explained as compensatory due to peripheral weakness, in FMS reduced ICI must be considered an indicator of primary central disinhibition. Muscle Nerve, 2011
CINRG pilot trial of coenzyme Q10 in steroid‐treated duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Spurney Christopher F. , Rocha Carolina Tesi , Henricson Erik , Florence Julaine , Mayhew Jill , Gorni Ksenija , Pasquali Livia , Pestronk Alan , Martin Gerard R. , Hu Fengming , Nie Lei , Connolly Anne M. , Escolar Diana M. ,   the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG) Investigators
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Corticosteroid treatment slows disease progression and is the standard of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that may improve function in dystrophin‐deficient muscle. Methods: We performed an open‐label, “add‐on” pilot study of CoQ10 in thirteen 5–10‐year‐old DMD patients on steroids. The primary outcome measure was the total quantitative muscle testing (QMT) score. Results: Twelve of 16 children (mean age 8.03 ± 1.64 years) completed the trial. Target serum levels of CoQ10 (≥2.5 μg/ml) were shown to be subject‐ and administration‐dependent. Nine of 12 subjects showed an increase in total QMT score. Overall, CoQ10 treatment resulted in an 8.5% increase in muscle strength (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Addition of CoQ10 to prednisone therapy in DMD patients resulted in an increase in muscle strength. These results warrant a larger, controlled trial of CoQ10 in DMD. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Electromyography and kinematic changes of gait cycle at different cadences in diabetic neuropathic individuals
Authors: Gomes Aline A. , Onodera Andrea N. , Otuzi Mitie E.I. , Pripas Denise , Mezzarane Rinaldo André , N. Sacco Isabel C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Changes in gait cadence caused by challenging situations in daily life might induce higher demand for strength and propulsion in diabetic neuropathic (DN) subjects. Methods: Forty‐six subjects (healthy and DN) walked at two cadences (self‐selected and 25% higher). Kinematic and electromyographic data were obtained from lower limbs and compared across the gait cycle. Results: DN subjects showed a delayed peak in plantarflexor activity along the whole cycle (irrespective of cadence) compared with healthy subjects. However, during the imposed cadence, DN individuals showed reduced ankle range of motion along the entire cycle compared with the self‐selected condition and healthy individuals walking at both cadences (P = 0.002). Conclusions: These findings suggest that when diabetic individuals face a new challenging situation that induces a higher demand for muscle strength and propulsion, the necessary range of motion and neuromuscular control around distal joints are insufficient. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Unilateral ureteral obstruction evokes renal tubular apoptosis via the enhanced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the rat
Authors: Yeh Chung‐Hsin , Chiang Han‐Sun , Lai Ting‐Yu , Chien Chiang‐Ting 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPurposeOxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may induce renal apoptosis and contribute to the pathogenesis of the kidney with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).Materials and MethodsWe induced UUO the female Wistar rats by ligation of the left ureter at the ureteropelvic junction. The UUO kidney was performed from 4 hr to 7 days course. At the indicated time, we measured the arterial blood pressure and renal blood flow in each rat, renal ROS measurement in vivo by a chemiluminescence analyzer. We performed immunohistochemistry of monocyte/macrophage (ED‐1) stain for leukocyte infiltration, 4‐hydroxynoneal (4‐HNE) stain for ROS products, and apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) and Western blot to analyze ER stress‐associated and apoptosis‐related proteins expression in the UUO kidney.ResultsWe found that UUO decreased renal blood flow and increased renal vascular resistance and renal ROS. UUO decreased renal manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase protein expression in a time‐dependent manner. Increased 4‐HNE stain in the renal tubules and ED‐1 stain in the renal tubulointerstitial compartment occurred after 4 hr of UUO in the kidney. UUO significantly enhanced ER stress markers like ER stress‐response protein 25 and glucose‐regulated protein 78 and ER‐associated apoptosis proteins, c‐JUN NH2‐terminal kinase, and caspase 12, in the kidney. Subsequently, UUO enhanced renal pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase 3 expression and decreased anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 expression, leading to renal tubular apoptosis.ConclusionsOur data suggest that renal tubular apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and ER stress occurred in the UUO kidney. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:472–479, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loperamide‐induced rat prostate relaxation through activation of peripheral µ‐opioid receptors
Authors: Cheng Juei‐Tang , Chen I‐Hung , Yu Bu‐Chin , Tong Yat‐Ching 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAimsThe effect of µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, loperamide on prostate relaxation and the role of potassium channel in this action were studied in isolated Wistar rat prostate.MethodsTissue strips from rat prostate ventral lobe were hung in organ bath containing: group 1: standard Tyrode's solution (TS); group 2: TS with 1 µM naloxone; group 3: TS with 0.1 µM naloxonazine; and group 4: TS with 0.01–1 µM glybenclamide. The strips were pre‐contracted with either 50 mM KCl or 1 µM phenylephrine. Dose–response study on the prostate strip was performed by cumulative administration of loperamide 0.1–10 µM into the organ bath. Western blot study was performed to detect the presence of MOR protein and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP) subunit Kir6.2 protein expressions in the prostate tissue.ResultsLoperamide induced relaxation of the pre‐contracted prostate strips in a dose‐dependent fashion. Pre‐treatment with 1 µM naloxone significantly inhibited the relaxation, thus suggesting activation of MOR in the loperamide effect. Pre‐treatment with 0.1 µM naloxonazine inhibited relaxation only in the phenylephrine‐contracted strips. The KATP channel blocker glybenclamide significantly inhibited the loperamide‐induced relaxation, indicating involvement of KATP channels in mediating the prostate relaxation. Western blots showed the expression of MOR and Kir6.2 protein in the rat prostate.ConclusionsMOR and Kir6.2 are expressed in the rat prostate and loperamide induces rat prostate relaxation through activation of peripheral MOR. KATP channels are involved in mediating the effect of loperamide on the relaxation of prostate. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:468–471, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation for treatment of the overactive bladder syndrome in multiple sclerosis: Results of a multicenter prospective study
Authors: de Sèze Marianne , Raibaut Patrick , Gallien Philippe , Even‐Schneider Alexia , Denys Pierre , Bonniaud Veronique , Gamé Xavier , Amarenco Gérard 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAimsElectrostimulation is an established therapeutic option for neurogenic urinary disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the noninvasive technique of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and troublesome symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB).MethodsA multicentric study enrolled 70 MS patients, suffering from OAB for a 3‐month study period. Intervention: Daily sessions of 20 min of TPTNS were provided. No change of associated treatments during the study period. The primary outcome measurement was Urgency and Frequency reported by bladder diary and symptom score performed before the treatment (Day 0, D0) and at D30 and D90. The secondary outcomes measurements were continence, symptom score, quality of life, psychosocial burden at DO, D30, and D90 and cystometry at baseline, with and without TPTNS and at D90.ResultsClinical improvement of OAB was shown in 82.6% and 83.3% of the patients on D30 and D90, respectively, with significant improvement of primary and secondary outcomes compared to baseline. The initial acute cystometric response to TPTNS was positive in 51.2% of the patients (increase of >30% of cystometric capacity and/or reflex volume), without correlation with TPTNS clinical efficiency. The procedure was well tolerated.ConclusionsChronic TPTNS appears to be effective in the management of severe OAB in MS, without compromising bladder emptying or inducing side effect. Treatment may be effective even in the absence of an acute cystometric effect. Additional works are required to demonstrate long‐term efficacy of TPTNS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:306–311, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of air‐charged and water‐filled urodynamic pressure measurement catheters
Authors: Cooper M.A. , Fletter P.C. , Zaszczurynski P.J. , Damaser M.S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAimsCatheter systems are utilized to measure pressure for diagnosis of voiding dysfunction. In a clinical setting, patient movement and urodynamic pumps introduce hydrostatic and motion artifacts into measurements. Therefore, complete characterization of a catheter system includes its response to artifacts as well its frequency response. The objective of this study was to compare the response of two disposable clinical catheter systems: water‐filled and air‐charged, to controlled pressure signals to assess their similarities and differences in pressure transduction.MethodsWe characterized frequency response using a transient step test, which exposed the catheters to a sudden change in pressure; and a sinusoidal frequency sweep test, which exposed the catheters to a sinusoidal pressure wave from 1 to 30 Hz. The response of the catheters to motion artifacts was tested using a vortex and the response to hydrostatic pressure changes was tested by moving the catheter tips to calibrated heights.ResultsWater‐filled catheters acted as an underdamped system, resonating at 10.13 ± 1.03 Hz and attenuating signals at frequencies higher than 19 Hz. They demonstrated significant motion and hydrostatic artifacts. Air‐charged catheters acted as an overdamped system and attenuated signals at frequencies higher than 3.02 ± 0.13 Hz. They demonstrated significantly less motion and hydrostatic artifacts than water‐filled catheters. The transient step and frequency sweep tests gave comparable results.ConclusionsAir‐charged and water‐filled catheters respond to pressure changes in dramatically different ways. Knowledge of the characteristics of the pressure‐measuring system is essential to finding the best match for a specific application. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:329–334, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.