bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of superfine grinding on the physico‐chemical, morphological and thermogravimetric properties of Lentinus edodes mushroom powders
Authors: Ming Jian , Chen Long , Hong Hui , Li Jinlong
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Lentinus edodes is an edible mushroom commonly known as shiitake, which is the second most produced and consumed edible mushroom in the world and is an important nutrient source in the human diet. To fully use L. edodes, the mushrooms are occasionally ground into powder as a flavourful and functional food additive.

METHODS

This study produces powders from the cap and stipe of Lentinus edodes mushrooms through superfine grinding. These powders are composed of sub‐micron range particles with various size distributions. The superfine grinding process is then compared with shear pulverisation to determine the different effects on both the cap and stipe powders in terms of particle size and physico‐chemical, morphological and thermogravimetric properties.

RESULTS

When average particle size was reduced to 0.54 and 0.46 µm, respectively, the moisture and protein content, angles of repose and slide, and water holding capacity of the powders decreased to varied extents. However, soluble dietary fibre, water solubility index, and swelling capacity increased. Scanning electron microscope images suggested that the superfine grinding process effectively changed the original surface structure of the L. edodes powders. The curves of thermogravimetric analysis and those of the derivatives of thermogravimetry indicated that superfine grinding can improve the thermostability of L. edodes powders. Furthermore, superfinely ground L. edodes powders may be used as pharmaceutical or food additives in various fields.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that superfinely ground L. edodes powders may be applied in various fields as pharmaceutical or food additives. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Chondronecrosis of the larynx following use of the laryngeal mask airway
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Collins Jeremy , Nekhendzy Vladimir , Damrose Edward J.
Published: October 2014

This case describes the development of laryngeal chondronecrosis after use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). A 69‐year‐old male with prior laryngeal irradiation underwent total knee replacement with general anesthesia via LMA. Postoperatively, he developed laryngeal chondronecrosis, bilateral vocal fold immobility, and aspiration, necessitating tracheostomy and gastrostomy placement. He improved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, intravenous antibiotics, and endoscopic repair of a residual fistula. Vocal fold motion returned and he was decannulated. Chondronecrosis of the larynx may occur with the use of the LMA, and caution should be used in patients with a history of prior laryngeal irradiation. Laryngoscope, 125:946–949, 2015
Laryngeal electromyography and prognosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis—A long‐term prospective study
Authors: Wang Chen‐Chi , Chang Ming‐Hong , De Virgilio Armando , Jiang Rong‐San , Lai Hsiu‐Chin , Wang Ching‐Ping , Wu Shang‐Heng , Liu Shih‐An
Published: October 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To confirm the value of using laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) to predict the long‐term prognosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), and elucidate the adequate timing of LEMG.

Study Design

Prospective cohort prognosis study.

Methods

The LEMG data of 84 patients with UVFP were prospectively collected, and 81 patients received follow‐up at least 6 months after symptom onset. If the paralyzed vocal fold had <20% recruitment reduction during phonation compared to the normal vocal fold signals, and absence of fibrillation when the patient was silent, the prognosis was considered to be good (negative finding). Otherwise, the prognosis was considered to be poor (positive finding). The association between UVFP outcome and LEMG prognostic rules and the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of LEMG were calculated.

Results

The mean duration of LEMG after symptom onset was 3.7 months, and follow‐up after symptoms onset was 18.4 months. Sixty‐six of 71 patients with a positive finding had persistent UVFP; four of 10 patients with a negative finding recovered vocal fold motion. LEMG results were significantly associated with the outcome of UVFP (P = .007). The overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of LEMG were 86.4%, 91.7%, 44.4%, 93.0%, and 40.0%, respectively. When LEMG was done more than 2 months after symptom onset, the PPV was 97.9%.

Conclusions

LEMG has a high PPV in predicting the long‐term outcome of UVFP patients with poor prognosis. Permanent laryngeal framework surgery is feasible if patients have positive findings at least 2 months after symptom onset.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 125:898–903, 2015
Outcomes of serial dilation for high‐grade radiation‐related esophageal strictures in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Francis David O. , Hall Eric , Dang Jennifer H. , Vlacich Gregory R. , Netterville James L. , Vaezi Michael F.
Published: October 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Dysphagia and esophageal stricture are frequent consequences of treatment for head and neck cancer. This study examines the effectiveness of the anterograde‐retrograde rendezvous procedure and serial dilations in reestablishing esophageal patency to allow return to oral diet and gastrostomy tube removal in a cohort of patients with complete or near‐complete esophageal stricture following nonsurgical cancer treatment.

Study Design

Retrospective review of patients treated with radiation therapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy presented with complete or near‐complete esophageal stricture. Patients underwent serial dilations using combined anterograde‐retrograde dilation (rendezvous) techniques.

Methods

Medical records of patients having undergone treatment between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed, and semistructured interviews were also conducted to determine current swallowing function and actual patient experience. The primary outcome was swallowing improvement that allowed for return to oral diet and/or gastrostomy tube removal. Outcomes were compared between patients with complete and near‐complete (<5 mm in diameter) strictures and univariate analysis performed to identify associations between patient, cancer, and treatment characteristics on odds of gastrostomy tube removal.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (median age 59.5 years, 63% male, 91% Caucasian) underwent treatment. Fifty percent of patients had complete occlusion of the esophageal lumen. The majority of patients (92%) underwent either anterograde (54%) or combined antero‐retrograde (38%) approach. Following a median (interquartile range) of 9 (6–20) dilation sessions, 42% of patients were able to return to an oral diet and/or had their gastrostomy tube removed. This outcome was independent of whether the stricture was complete or near complete (P = .67). Of patients who had their gastrostomy tubes removed, only 33.3% had ever smoked, compared to 92.3% of those whose tubes were not discharged (P = .007).

Conclusions

Recannulation is possible even in cases of complete or near‐complete stricture. Several factors appear to impact the likelihood of successful outcome, but in this study, only patients with a history of smoking had a significantly lower likelihood of return to full oral diet.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:856–862, 2015
Effects of surface states on the oxidation behavior of 316LN stainless steel in high temperature pressurized water
Authors: Guo Y.‐L. , Han E.‐H. , Wang J.‐Q.
Published: October 2014

Nuclear grade 316LN stainless steel with different surface states are prepared: electropolished and ground to 240 grit. Surface topography, surface Volta potential distribution, and nanohardness distribution on cross‐sectional surface are investigated, respectively. Oxide films on the ground and electropolished samples after immersion in high temperature pressurized (HTP) water for 0.1, 168, and 366 h were studied using various methods. Distinct from electropolished surface, the ground surface is featured by a rugged surface and a heterogeneous distribution of surface Volta potential. A thicker (∼28 µm) cold‐worked layer was introduced by grinding. More crystallites were precipitated on the ground surface, resulting from the existence of high‐energy sites with higher residual strain and higher electrochemical activity and a less protective inner layer. The oxidation rate was reduced by electropolishing and a thinner oxide film was formed, due to the formation of a more protective oxide film with higher content of chromium (Cr). The mechanism of oxide film formation was further discussed.
Long‐term use of the thrombopoietin‐mimetic romiplostim in children with severe chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Authors: Bussel James B. , Hsieh Loan , Buchanan George R. , Stine Kimo , Kalpatthi Ram , Gnarra David J. , Ho Richard H. , Nie Kun , Eisen Melissa
Published: October 2014

Background

Treatment of chronic severe pediatric ITP is not well studied. In a phase 1/2 12–16‐week study, 15/17 romiplostim‐treated patients achieved platelet counts ≥50 × 109/L, and romiplostim treatment was well tolerated. In a subsequent open‐label extension (≤109 weeks), 20/22 patients received romiplostim; all achieved platelet counts >50 × 109/L. Twelve patients continued in a second extension (≤127 weeks). Longitudinal data from start of romiplostim treatment through the two extensions were evaluated to investigate the safety and efficacy of long‐term romiplostim treatment in chronic severe pediatric ITP.

Procedure

Patients received weekly subcutaneous romiplostim, adjusted by 1 µg/kg/week to maintain platelet counts (50–200 × 109/L, maximum dose 10 µg/kg). Bone marrow examinations were not required.

Results

At baseline, patients were median age 10.0 years; median ITP duration 2.4 years; median platelet count 13 × 109/L; 73% were male; and 36% had prior splenectomy. Median romiplostim treatment duration was 167 weeks (Q1, Q3: 78,227 weeks), and median average weekly dose was 5.4 µg/kg (Q1, Q3: 4.3, 8.0 µg/kg). Seven patients discontinued treatment: four withdrew consent, two were noncompliant, and one received alternative therapy. None withdrew because of adverse events (AEs). After the first 12 weeks, median platelet counts remained >50 × 109/L. Eight (36.4%) patients received rescue medication, and 14 (63.6%) used concurrent ITP therapy. Seven patients (31.8%) reported serious AEs, and two (9.1%) reported life‐threatening AEs (both thrombocytopenia); there were no serious AEs attributed to treatment and no fatalities.

Conclusions

Long‐term romiplostim treatment in this small cohort increased and maintained platelet counts for over 4 years in children with ITP with good tolerability and without significant toxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:208–213. © 2014. The Authors. Pediatr Blood & Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incidence and risk factors for cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Hussein Ayad Ahmed , Al‐Antary Eman T. , Najjar Rula , Al‐Hamdan Dua'a S. , Al‐Zaben Abdulhadi , Frangoul Haydar
Published: October 2014

There are limited data on the incidence of CMV reactivation following autologous HSCT (AHSCT) in children. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence and risk factors for CMV reactivation in 72 children who received AHSCT. Twenty‐two patients (31%) had positive CMV antigenemia at a median of 23 days (12–31) following transplant. Four patients (6%) required preemptive therapy and all episodes resolved. None of the patients developed CMV disease. Only being CMV seropositivity prior to transplant was significantly associated with CMV reactivation (P < 0.001). The incidence of CMV reactivation following pediatric AHSCT is low, and surveillance beyond 30 days is not needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1099–1101. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiation for bone metastases in Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Casey Dana L. , Wexler Leonard H. , Meyers Paul A. , Magnan Heather , Chou Alexander J. , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: October 2014

Background

The role, optimal dose, and efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of bone metastases in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and Ewing sarcoma (ES) are unclear.

Procedure

All patients with ES or RMS who received RT for bone metastases with curative intent during frontline therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) between 1995 and 2013 were reviewed. Among the 30 patients (8 RMS and 22 ES), 49 bone metastases were irradiated.

Results

Median biologically effective dose (BED) was 42.4 Gy (range, 34.9–59.7) for RMS and 50.7 Gy (range, 31.3–65.8) for ES. Tumor recurrence occurred in six of 49 irradiated bone metastases. Cumulative incidence of local failure at a treated metastatic site was 6.6% at 1 year and 9.0% at 3 years. Dose, fractionation, and RT technique did not impact local control at an irradiated site. The presence of >5 bone metastases was associated with worse local control at an irradiated site (P = 0.07). The 3‐year EFS was 33% in RMS and 16% in ES.

Conclusions

RT appears to be an effective modality of local control for bone metastases in ES and RMS. Local control at sites of metastatic bone irradiation is similar to local control at the primary site after definitive RT. Doses in the biologic range prescribed for the definitive treatment of primary disease should be used for metastatic sites of disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:445–449. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing linear and cyclic synthetic homopolypeptides: Synthesis and molecular characterization
Authors: Politakos Nikolaos , Liontos George , Kortaberria Galder , Messman Jamie M. , Calvo Javier , Moya Sergio E. , Mays Jimmy W. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos
Published: October 2014

The synthesis and molecular characterization of a linear and a cyclic homopolypeptide of protected l‐tyrosine are reported. In this work, the successful synthesis of polypeptides exhibiting the desired linear and cyclic structures through various characterization methods such as high temperature gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis was verified. The results are very promising especially if such cyclic materials will be potentially used as carriers for drug delivery, either through conjugation with specific ligands or directly through the functional hydroxyl groups of the monomeric units of poly(l‐Tyr) after deprotection. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 393–404
Mesh versus meshless method of elastic displacement determination in a common and an auxetic material
Authors: Walczak T. , Sypniewska‐Kamińska G. , Maruszewski B. T. , Wojciechowski K. W.
Published: October 2014

A meshless numerical procedure, known as the method of fundamental solutions, is used to determine elastic deformations of some hypothetical, three‐dimensional continua of common or auxetic properties. Demanding boundary conditions, being a mixture of Dirichlet and Neumann ones, are used. The obtained results show very good agreement with those from the standard finite element method. As the applied meshless method is very efficient, it can constitute an interesting alternative to existing methods exploiting various meshes.
Hyphenation of capillary high‐performance ion‐exchange chromatography with mass spectrometry using sheath‐flow electrospray ionization
Authors: Kochmann Sven , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: October 2014

RATIONALE

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an attractive method for extending capillary‐size ion chromatography (cHPIC) to create a valuable technique for speciation analysis. For hyphenation, the aqueous effluent of cHPIC has to be transformed into a volatile mixture for MS while preserving analytical concentrations as well as peak shapes during transfer from cHPIC to MS. Finally, the approach should technically be flexible and easy‐to‐use. A combination of cHPIC and sheath‐flow electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS offers to solve all these challenges.

METHODS

cHPIC/sheath‐flow‐ESI‐TOFMS was used in this study for the speciation analysis of various arsenic model compounds. These model compounds were analyzed with different hyphenation setups and configurations of cHPIC/MS and their respective assets and drawbacks were examined and discussed. The parameters (flow rate and composition of sheath liquid) of sheath‐flow ESI and their influence on the performance of the spray and the sensitivity of the detector were investigated and compared with those of sheathless ESI.

RESULTS

Using an injection valve to couple cHPIC and MS was found to be the best method for hyphenation, since it constitutes a flexible and dead‐volume‐free approach. The investigation of sheath‐flow ESI revealed that the flow rate of the sheath liquid has to resemble the flow rate of the IC effluent to ensure a stable spray and that a composition of 2‐propanol/water/ammonia at 50:50:0.2 (v/v/v) suits most applications without unilaterally promoting the sensitivity for either organic or inorganic compounds. The optimized setup and conditions were successfully applied to the analysis of a mixture of important arsenic species and used to determine limits of detection of organic and inorganic arsenic species (3.7 µg L−1 elemental arsenic).

CONCLUSIONS

A method for cHPIC/sheath‐flow‐ESI‐MS was developed. The method was shown to be a valuable tool for speciation and trace analysis. It features no dead volume, fast transfer from IC to MS, only minimal peak‐widening, high reproducibility, and the ability to fine‐tune the ESI spray for higher sensitivity and stability by adjusting the composition of the sheath‐liquid. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gaseous titanium molybdates and tungstates: Thermodynamic properties and structures
Authors: Lopatin Sergey I. , Panin Andrej I. , Shugurov Sergey M. , Emelyanova Ksenia A.
Published: October 2014

RATIONALE

Titanium is a component of various construction materials, which is often used at high temperature and in an oxidizing atmosphere. Thermally stable even at high temperatures, titanium compounds may appear in the condensed phase. To predict the possibility of existence of gaseous associates formed by titanium oxides it is important to know their thermodynamic characteristics. Until the present investigation no gaseous salts of titanium were known.

METHODS

Measurements were performed by high‐temperature Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry with a MS‐1301 mass spectrometer. Vaporization was carried out using molybdenum and tungsten effusion cells containing samples of pure Au, Ti3O5 and SiO2. A theoretical study of gaseous titanium molybdates and tungstates in different spin states was performed by quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP and M06 methods.

RESULTS

On the basis of the equilibrium constants of gaseous reactions, the standard formation enthalpies of gaseous TiMoO3 (−424 ± 28 kJ/mol), TiWO3 (−400 ± 22 kJ/mol), TiMoO4 (−795 ± 29 kJ/mol), TiWO4 (−750 ± 24 kJ/mol), TiMoO5 (−1146 ± 23 kJ/mol) and TiWO5 (−1125 ± 22 kJ/mol) at 298 K were determined. Energetically favorable structures were localized and vibrational frequencies were evaluated in the harmonic approximation. Natural atomic charges, bond orders, and valence indices were calculated for all relevant structures.

CONCLUSIONS

The stability of gaseous species TiMoOn and TiWOn (n = 3, 4, 5) was confirmed by high‐temperature mass spectrometry. A number of gas‐phase reactions involving titanium‐containing gaseous salts were studied. Enthalpies of reactions of gaseous TiXOn (X = Mo, W; n = 3, 4, 5) formation were evaluated theoretically and the obtained values are in agreement with the experimental ones. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thymol treatment of bacteria prior to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric analysis aids in identifying certain bacteria at the subspecies level
Authors: Holland Ricky D. , Wilkes Jon G. , Cooper Willie M. , Alusta Pierre , Williams Anna , Pearce Bruce , Beaudoin Michael , Buzatu Dan
Published: October 2014

RATIONALE

The identification of bacteria based on mass spectra produced by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) has become routine since its introduction in 1996. The major drawback is that bacterial patterns produced by MALDI are dependent on sample preparation prior to analysis. This results in poor reproducibility in identifying bacterial types and between laboratories. The need for a more broadly applicable and useful sample handling procedure is warranted.

METHODS

Thymol was added to the suspension solvent of bacteria prior to MALDI analysis. The suspension solvent consisted of ethanol, water and TFA. The bacterium was added to the thymol suspension solvent and heated. An aliquot of the bacterial suspension was mixed directly with the matrix solution at a 9:1 ratio, matrix/bacteria solution, respectively. The mixture was then placed on the MALDI plate and allowed to air dry before MALDI analysis.

RESULTS

The thymol method improved the quality of spectra and number of peaks when compared to other sample preparation procedures studied. The bacterium‐identifying biomarkers assigned to four strains of E. coli were statistically 95% reproducible analyzed on three separate days. The thymol method successfully differentiated between the four E. coli strains. In addition, the thymol procedure could identify nine out of ten S. enterica serovars over a 3‐day period and nine S. Typhimurium strains from the other ten serovars 90% of the time over the same period.

CONCLUSIONS

The thymol method can identify certain bacteria at the sub‐species level and yield reproducible results over time. It improves the quality of spectra by increasing the number of peaks when compared to the other sample preparation methods assessed in this study. Published in 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Guaranteed estimates of the domain of attraction for a class of hybrid systems
Authors: Luk Chuen Kit , Chesi Graziano
Published: October 2014

This paper addresses the estimation of the domain of attraction for a class of hybrid nonlinear systems where the state space is partitioned into several regions. Each region is described by polynomial inequalities, and the union of all the regions is a complete cover of the state space. The system dynamics are defined on each region independently from the others by polynomial functions. First, the problem of computing the largest sublevel set of a Lyapunov function included in the domain of attraction is considered. An approach is proposed for addressing this problem based on linear matrix inequalities, which provides a lower bound of the sought estimate by establishing negativity of the Lyapunov function derivative on each region. Second, a sufficient and necessary condition is provided for establishing optimality of the found lower bound, which requires to solve linear algebra operations in typical cases. Third, the problem of looking for Lyapunov functions that maximize the estimate of the domain of attraction is considered, describing several strategies where the proposed approach can be readily adopted. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
At‐A‐Station Hydraulic Geometry Simulator
Authors: McParland Daniel , Eaton Brett , Rosenfeld Jordan
Published: October 2014

Presented in this paper is a hydraulic model that combines a rational regime theory with an at‐a‐station hydraulic geometry simulator (ASHGS) to predict reach‐averaged hydraulic conditions for flows up to but not exceeding the bankfull stage. The hydraulic conditions determined by ASHGS can be paired with an empirical joint frequency distribution equation and applicable habitat suitability indices to generate weighted usable area (WUA) as a function of flow. ASHGS was tested against a 2‐dimensional hydrodynamic model (River2D) of a mid‐size channel in the Interior Region of British Columbia. By linking ASHGS to a regime model, it becomes possible to evaluate the direction and magnitude of habitat changes associated with a wide range of environmental changes. Our regime model considers flow regime, sediment supply, and riparian vegetation: these governing variables can be used to simulate responses to forest fire, flow regulation and changes in climate and land use. Practitioners can examine ‘what‐if’ scenarios that otherwise would be too expensive and time consuming to fully explore. The model boundaries of commonly used data‐intensive hydraulic habitat models (e.g. PHABSIM) are not easily adjusted and such models are not designed to estimate future morphological and hydraulic habitat conditions in rivers the undergo significant channel restructuring. The proposed model has the potential to become an accepted flow assessment tool amongst practitioners due to modest data requirements, user‐friendliness, and large spatial applicability; it can be used to conduct preliminary assessments of channel altering projects and determine if in‐depth habitat assessments are justified.
Microalloying Effect on the Activation Energy of Hot Deformation
Authors: Seok Moo‐Young , Choi In‐Chul , Zhao Yakai , Lee Dong‐Hyun , Lee Jung‐A. , Jang Jae‐il
Published: October 2014

Although extensive research has been made for evaluating the activation energy Q of hot deformation in microalloyed steels, almost no attempt has been made for directly comparing the influence of each element. In this study, through a series of hot compression tests of four different microalloyed steels, we have systematically explored the influences of Nb, V, Ti, and Mo on the Q and have directly compared the effect of each element in a quantitative manner.
Estimating the proportions in a mixed sample using transcriptomics
Authors: Clarke Bertrand , Clarke Jennifer
Published: October 2014

Often, biomedical researchers take a tissue sample from a tumour that unintentionally contains tumour cells and stromal cells so that gene expression from the sample represents two distinct kinds of cells. This is tolerated because techniques for separating tumour and stromal cells are expensive and time‐consuming and the act of separation can alter gene expression. So, it is desirable to have a technique for estimating the proportion of tumour cells in a mixed sample to improve detection of differential expression in cancer cells. © 2014 The Authors. Stat Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Engineering Toxin-Resistant Therapeutic Stem Cells to Treat Brain Tumors
Authors: Stuckey Daniel W. , Hingtgen Shawn D. , Karakas Nihal , Rich Benjamin E. , Shah Khalid
Published: October 2014

Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) potently blocks protein synthesis by catalyzing the inactivation of elongation factor-2 (EF-2). Targeted PE-cytotoxins have been used as antitumor agents, although their effective clinical translation in solid tumors has been confounded by off-target delivery, systemic toxicity, and short chemotherapeutic half-life. To overcome these limitations, we have created toxin-resistant stem cells by modifying endogenous EF-2, and engineered them to secrete PE-cytotoxins that target specifically expressed (interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2) or overexpressed (epidermal growth factor receptor) in glioblastomas (GBM). Molecular analysis correlated efficacy of PE-targeted cytotoxins with levels of cognate receptor expression, and optical imaging was applied to simultaneously track the kinetics of protein synthesis inhibition and GBM cell viability in vivo. The release of IL13-PE from biodegradable synthetic extracellular matrix (sECM) encapsulated stem cells in a clinically relevant GBM resection model led to increased long-term survival of mice compared to IL13-PE protein infusion. Moreover, multiple patient-derived GBM lines responded to treatment, underscoring its clinical relevance. In sum, integrating stem cell-based engineering, multimodal imaging, and delivery of PE-cytotoxins in a clinically relevant GBM model represents a novel strategy and a potential advancement in GBM therapy. Stem Cells  2015;33:589–600
Neural Crest Specification by Inhibition of the ROCK/Myosin II Pathway
Authors: Kim Kyeongmi , Ossipova Olga , Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: October 2014

Neural crest is a population of multipotent progenitor cells that form at the border of neural and non-neural ectoderm in vertebrate embryos, and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration. According to the traditional view, the neural crest is specified in early embryos by signaling molecules including BMP, FGF, and Wnt proteins. Here, we identify a novel signaling pathway leading to neural crest specification, which involves Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and its downstream target nonmuscle Myosin II. We show that ROCK inhibitors promote differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into neural crest-like progenitors (NCPs) that are characterized by specific molecular markers and ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, including neurons, chondrocytes, osteocytes, and smooth muscle cells. Moreover, inhibition of Myosin II was sufficient for generating NCPs at high efficiency. Whereas Myosin II has been previously implicated in the self-renewal and survival of hESCs, we demonstrate its role in neural crest development during ESC differentiation. Inhibition of this pathway in Xenopus embryos expanded neural crest in vivo, further indicating that neural crest specification is controlled by ROCK-dependent Myosin II activity. We propose that changes in cell morphology in response to ROCK and Myosin II inhibition initiate mechanical signaling leading to neural crest fates. Stem Cells  2015;33:674–685
Pneumatic forming of hardened concrete – building shells in the 21st century
Authors: Kromoser Benjamin , Kollegger Johann
Published: October 2014

Double‐curvature shells, used as supporting structures, are strong and save materials. Major parts of the applied loads can be carried by normal forces. Thus, the stresses are distributed very uniformly and efficiently over the entire cross‐section, and long spans can be built with small thicknesses. The state of the art in the construction of shell structures is characterized by a high labour input for formwork and falsework. A new construction method without formwork and falsework has been invented at the Institute for Structural Engineering at Vienna University of Technology. The idea of this new construction method is to build concrete shells with a double curvature originating from an initially plane plate. During the transformation process, the hardened concrete plate is lifted and the elements are bent with the aid of pneumatic formwork until the required curvature is reached. Non‐linear finite element calculations, tension tests, bending tests and bonding tests were carried out in order to determine a suitable combination of concrete and reinforcement. The second part of the paper describes a large‐scale experiment for the erection of a 17.6 × 10.8 m, 2.9 m high free‐form shell. Finally, different applications for the new method are explained.
Phenalenyl‐Based Open‐Shell Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Kubo Takashi
Published: October 2014

The phenalenyl radical is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) radical. Owing to its widely distributed spin structure, phenalenyl is relatively stable compared to other hydrocarbon radicals and has been studied from the viewpoint of its application to electroconductive and magnetic materials. In addition, a strong intermolecular spin–spin coupling nature is another feature of phenalenyl. This account summarizes my studies so far into PAH radicals containing the phenalenyl scaffold in terms of their amphoteric redox properties and singlet biradical character, which strongly rely on the characteristic electronic structure, that is, non‐bonding character and sixfold symmetry of a singly occupied molecular orbital of the phenalenyl radical.
Electronic structure of conducting organic polymers: insights from time‐dependent density functional theory
Authors: Salzner Ulrike
Published: October 2014

Conducting organic polymers (COPs) became an active field of research after it was discovered how thin films rather than insoluble infusible powders can be produced. The combination of the properties of plastics with those of semiconductors opened the research field of organic electronics. COPs share many electronic properties with inorganic semiconductors, but there are also major differences, e.g., the nature of the charge carriers and the amount of the exciton binding energy. Theoretical analysis has been used to interpret experimental observations early on. The polaron model that was developed from one‐electron theories is still the most widely used concept. In the 1990s, time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) became available for routine calculations. Using TDDFT, electronic states of long oligomers can be calculated. Now UV spectra of neutral and oxidized or reduced species can be compared with in situ UV spectra recorded during doping. Likewise states of cations can be used to model photoelectron spectra. Analysis of states has resolved several puzzles which cannot be understood with the polaron model, e.g., the origin of the dual absorption band of green polymers and the origin of a ‘vestigial neutral band’ upon doping of long oligomers. DFT calculations also established that defect localization is not crucial for spectral changes observed during doping and that there are no bound bipolarons in COPs. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2014, 4:601–622. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1194

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
White matter microstructure pathology in classic galactosemia revealed by neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging
Authors: Timmers Inge , Zhang Hui , Bastiani Matteo , Jansma Bernadette M. , Roebroeck Alard , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela
Published: October 2014

White matter abnormalities have been observed in patients with classic galactosemia, an inborn error of galactose metabolism. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data collected in the past were generally qualitative in nature. Our objective was to investigate white matter microstructure pathology and examine correlations with outcome and behaviour in this disease, by using multi‐shell diffusion weighted imaging. In addition to standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) was used to estimate density and orientation dispersion of neurites in a group of eight patients (aged 16–21 years) and eight healthy controls (aged 15–20 years). Extensive white matter abnormalities were found: neurite density index (NDI) was lower in the patient group in bilateral anterior areas, and orientation dispersion index (ODI) was increased mainly in the left hemisphere. These specific regional profiles are in agreement with the cognitive profile observed in galactosemia, showing higher order cognitive impairments, and language and motor impairments, respectively. Less favourable white matter properties correlated positively with age and age at onset of diet, and negatively with behavioural outcome (e.g. visual working memory). To conclude, this study provides evidence of white matter pathology regarding density and dispersion of neurites in these patients. The results are discussed in light of suggested pathophysiological mechanisms.
Social Impact of Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Authors: Wojtkiewicz Danielle M. , Saunders James , Domeshek Leahthan , Novak Christine B. , Kaskutas Vicki , Mackinnon Susan E.
Published: October 2014

Background

Disorders involving the peripheral nervous system can have devastating impacts on patients' daily functions and routines. There is a lack of consideration of the impact of injury on social/emotional well-being and function.

Methods

We performed a retrospective database and chart review of adult patients presenting between 2010 and 2012 with peripheral nerve compression, brachial plexus injury, thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), or neuromas. At the initial assessment, patients completed a questionnaire used to obtain demographic and psychosocial variable data including the (1) average level of pain over the last month, (2) self-perceived depression, (3) how much pain impacts quality of life (QoL), (4) current level of stress, and (5) ability to cope with stress. Statistical analyses were used to assess the differences between the dependent variables and diagnostic and demographic groups.

Results

This study included 490 patients (mean age 50± 15 years); the most common diagnosis was single nerve compression ( n = 171). Impact on QoL was significantly greater in patients with TOS, cutaneous peroneal compressions, and neuroma versus single site nerve compressions. Average pain, impact on QoL, and stress at home were significantly higher in females versus males. Impact on QoL was correlated with average pain, depression, stress at home, and ability to cope with stress at home.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that patients with single site nerve compression neuropathies experience fewer negative psychosocial effects compared to patients with more proximal upper extremity peripheral nerve disorders and neuromas. The impact on QoL was strongly correlated with pain and depression, where patients with neuromas and painful peroneal nerve entrapments reported greater detriments to QoL.
A review of environmental factors implicated in human developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Rhodes Amanda M. L. , Clarke Nicholas M. P.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is common, and the term encompasses a spectrum of anatomical abnormalities of the hip in which the femoral head displaces from the acetabulum. These abnormalities may be congenital or develop during infancy and/or childhood. Neither the prenatal and postnatal factors that predispose to hip instability nor the determinants of its resolution or persistence are well characterised. A multifactorial pathogenesis of DDH is commonly accepted and identified risk factors include a family history, being first born, breech presentation, female gender, high birth weight and oligohydramnios 1. Further to genetic factors, a number of nutritional, hormonal and mechanical influences on ligament laxity have been hypothesised.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted using NICE Healthcare Databases Advanced Search and Google Scholar engines, and the terms “nutrition”, “environmental”, “risk factors”, “CDH” and “DDH”. Wherever possible, evidence from randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and expert review articles published in the medical and veterinary literature was considered.

Results

The relationship between a number of hormones and biochemical markers of nutritional status and the development of DDH has been repeatedly hypothesised upon in the last 45 years. Of those most frequently cited are calcium, vitamins C and D, and relaxin hormone. The evidence for these potential risk factors is provided mainly by canine studies, with a paucity of consistent or strong evidence in humans.

Conclusions

DDH is common and remains a leading cause of hip osteoarthritis in young adults. Neonatal clinical screening programmes for this condition have been in practice since the 1950s, albeit with varying levels of sensitivity. This review summarises current understanding of some of the most frequently cited nongenetic hypothesised risk factors, the significance of which remain to be determined.
Drug-Induced Modulation of T Lymphocytes as a Potential Mechanism of Susceptibility to Infections in Patients with Multiple Myeloma During Bortezomib Therapy
Authors: Li Juan , Li Ying , Huang Beihui , Zheng Dong , Chen Mei , Zhou Zhenhai
Published: October 2014

Bortezomib is effective in the therapy of multiple myeloma (MM), but causes infections that are different from those associated with conventional chemotherapy. It is important to identify the risk factors that facilitate infections associated with bortezomib therapy. In the present report, we sought to (1) define the features of the infections associated with this therapy and (2) identify the immune mechanisms responsible for the observed susceptibility to these infections. We first retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 143 patients who had received bortezomib therapy for MM. We then prospectively assessed the modulation of T lymphocyte status during this therapy, and evaluated potential relationships between infections and T lymphocyte changes. The infection rates peaked during the first cycle of bortezomib therapy (47.6 %) in patients with MM (p < 0.05 vs. subsequent cycles). Bortezomib therapy was associated with higher incidence rates of viral and fungal infections (15.8 %,p < 0.05 vs. conventional chemotherapy). In addition, patients with the IgG immunophenotype showed higher bacterial and viral infection rates (respectively,p = 0.008 and 0.009). The T lymphocyte numbers significantly decreased after bortezomib therapy (p < 0.05), and the same was true for the Th1/Th2 ratio (p < 0.01). Patients with MM who have decreased lymphocyte counts, while on bortezomib therapy are more likely to develop bacterial or viral infections. In addition, an imbalance in T lymphocyte subsets is also associated with bacterial or viral infections in these patients.
Clostridium difficile sortase recognizes a (S/P)PXTG sequence motif and can accommodate diaminopimelic acid as a substrate for transpeptidation
Authors: van Leeuwen Hans C. , Klychnikov Oleg I. , Menks Mica A.C. , Kuijper Ed J. , Drijfhout Jan W. , Hensbergen Paul J.
Published: October 2014

Covalent attachment of surface proteins to the cell wall of Gram‐positive bacteria requires a sortase‐mediated transpeptidation reaction. In almost all Gram‐positive bacteria, the housekeeping sortase, sortase A, recognizes the canonical recognition sequence LPXTG (X = any amino acid). The human pathogen Clostridium difficile carries a single putative sortase gene (cd2718) but neither transpeptidation activity nor specificity of CD2718 has been investigated. We produced recombinant CD2718 and examined its transpeptidation activity in vitro using synthetic peptides and MALDI‐ToF(‐ToF) MS analysis. We demonstrate that CD2718 has sortase activity with specificity for a (S/P)PXTG motif and can accommodate diaminopimelic acid as a substrate for transpeptidation.
Investigation of optimal position for implantable loop recorders by potential mapping with Reveal DX
Authors: Kawashima Akira , Tanimoto Fumi , Nagao Tsuyoshi , Toyoshima Takeshi , Okuyama Yuji
Published: October 2014

Background

Electrode positioning is important for the operation of implantable loop recorders (ILRs). This study aimed to investigate optimal electrode positions for the implantation of ILRs.

Methods

Fifteen male subjects participated in the study and R wave amplitude data were collected from 15 areas in the left anterior chest area, with 4 variations of electrode angles and body positions.

Results

The estimated minimum R wave amplitude values were greater than 0.3 mV (manufacturer‐recommended value) when electrodes were angled vertically and positioned on the midclavicular line of the third and the forth intercostal spaces or on the left sternal border of the fourth and fifth intercostal space and when angled at 45° to the right on the left sternal border of the third and the forth intercostal space.

Conclusions

Exploring areas around the left sternal border of the fourth intercostal space – where the R wave amplitudes are least affected by body positions – is a reliable method for choosing implantation locations for ILRs.
Management of Proximal Humeral Fractures with Proximal Humerus Locking Plate—A Prospective Study
Authors: Vijay Sharma , Balvinder Singh , Shailendra Khare
Published: October 2014

Background

Displaced proximal humeral fractures, which used to be treated conservatively in the past, often had compromised functional results. With the advancement of technology, these fractures are now more often managed operatively, fulfilling the demands of an active and productive life style by the patients. The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcome of management of proximal humeral fractures with Philos (Synthes; Johnson and Johnson, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA) plate fixation.

Methods

In this prospective study, 40 patients aged 18–80 years (mean age 52.4 years) with fractures of the proximal humerus, including two-, three-, and four-part fractures, were treated by open reduction internal fixation with Philos plating. Patients were functionally evaluated based on subjective (35 points) and objective (65 points) parameters as per the constant scoring system.

Results

All these operated patients were followed up for 18–36 months (average 27.3 months). Functional outcome based on the constant scoring system showed excellent results in 20 (50%), good in eight (20%), and moderate in eight (20%) patients. Four (10%) patients had poor functional results. Out of six cases of four-part fracture dislocations, avascular necrosis of the humeral head was observed in two patients. One of these two patients had avascular necrosis of the head along with nonunion of the fragment to the shaft.

Conclusion

Philos plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures provides good stable fixation with good functional outcome and minimal complications.
Single bolus parecoxib attenuates sore throat after laryngeal microsurgery: A randomized double‐blind control study
Authors: Huang Hui‐Fang , Chang Pi‐Ying , Chen Yu‐Chun , Tseng Kuang‐Yi , Hsu Hung‐Te , Cheng Kuang‐I , Lu I‐Cheng
Published: October 2014

Laryngeal microsurgery is performed to assess disorders of the larynx. Parecoxib is the only parenterally administered selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor widely used in acute pain control. The purpose of this study is to assess the analgesic effects of parecoxib compared with morphine for postoperative sore throat in patients undergoing laryngeal microsurgery. Fifty patients were randomly allocated to receive either parecoxib 0.5 mg/kg or morphine 50 μg/kg prior to anesthesia induction. General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2–4%. Postoperative sore throat and other outcomes were measured at a postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 4 hours and 24 hours postoperatively. The severity of postoperative sore throat was assessed by sore throat score as follows: none (0) = no pharyngeal or laryngeal discomfort; mild (1) = no pain at rest, but swallowing induced mild pain or discomfort; moderate (2) = constant pain without swallowing exacerbation; and severe (3) = constant pain with swallowing or respiratory exacerbation. The incidences of postoperative side effects (nausea, vomiting, itching, dizziness, and somnolence) were also recorded. Demographic data from the parecoxib (n = 25) and morphine (n = 25) groups did not differ significantly. The parecoxib group depicted similar sore throat scores as the morphine group at three measured postoperative time points. Patients requiring postoperative analgesics were comparable between the parecoxib group and morphine group (2/25, 8% vs. 3/25, 12%, p = 0.64). Overall postoperative adverse events were fewer in the parecoxib group than the morphine group (3/25, 12% vs. 9/25, 36%, p = 0.047). Both parecoxib and morphine are effective to attenuate postoperative sore throat after laryngeal microsurgery. Parecoxib may be an effective and well‐tolerated injectable analgesic to manage postoperative sore throat after laryngeal microsurgery.