bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The anthropogenic transformation of an island landscape: Evidence for agricultural development revealed by LiDAR on the island of Efate, Central Vanuatu, South‐West Pacific
Authors: BEDFORD STUART , SIMÉONI PATRICIA , LEBOT VINCENT
Published: August 2017

Traditional agricultural systems have been a fundamental research focus of Pacific archaeologists for decades. In many island groups, it has been demonstrated that whole landscapes have been transformed to facilitate increased agricultural production. High‐resolution digital elevation models (DEM) derived from recent LiDAR survey data from Efate, Central Vanuatu, have now revealed that much of that island was completely modified by human activity prior to European contact. There are a range of substantial and more minor linear mound and circular features associated with agricultural development and innovation, of which researchers and contemporary populations are largely unaware. Detailed analysis of the features across one alluvial plain provides some quantification of the scale of landscape modification. These new data radically change perceptions of the Efate landscape and contribute to a range of debates including traditional Pacific Island food production, its surplus and sustainability, sociopolitical development, environmental change and depopulation.
Target‐Selective Fluorescence Imaging and Photocytotoxicity against H2O2 High‐Expressing Cancer Cells Using a Photoactivatable Theranostic Agent
Authors: Takagi Ryoma , Takeda Ayano , Takahashi Daisuke , Toshima Kazunobu
Published: August 2017

A purpose‐designed and synthesized H2O2‐reactive and photoactivatable theranostic agent 1 consisting of 1) an arylboronic acid moiety, 2) pro‐fluorophore moiety, and 3) photoactivatable moiety (photosensitizer), selectively and effectively reacted with H2O2 while simultaneously releasing resorufin for fluorescence detection under neutral aqueous conditions. In addition, 1 was cell‐permeable, and exhibited effective photocytotoxicity against fluorescently visualized cells only upon photoirradiation. The results also showed that 1 produced a selective fluorescence response to H2O2, even in living cultured cells.
Reading comprehension of ambiguous sentences by school‐age children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Davidson Meghan M. , Ellis Weismer Susan
Published: August 2017

Weak central coherence (processing details over gist), poor oral language abilities, poor suppression, semantic interference, and poor comprehension monitoring have all been implicated to affect reading comprehension in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study viewed the contributions of different supporting skills as a collective set of skills necessary for context integration—a multi‐component view—to examine individual differences in reading comprehension in school‐age children (8–14 years) with ASD (n = 23) and typically developing control peers (n = 23). Participants completed a written ambiguous sentence comprehension task in which participants had to integrate context to determine the correct homonym meaning via picture selection. Both comprehension products (i.e., offline representations after reading) and processes (i.e., online processing during reading) were evaluated. Results indicated that children with ASD, similar to their TD peers, integrated the context to access the correct homonym meanings while reading. However, after reading the sentences, when participants were asked to select the meanings, both groups experienced semantic interference between the two meanings. This semantic interference hindered the children with ASD's sentence representation to a greater degree than their peers. Individual differences in age/development, word recognition, vocabulary breadth (i.e., number of words in the lexicon), and vocabulary depth (i.e., knowledge of the homonym meanings) contributed to sentence comprehension in both children with ASD and their peers. Together, this evidence supports a multi‐component view, and that helping children with ASD develop vocabulary depth may have cascading effects on their reading comprehension. Autism Res 2017, 10: 2002–2022. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Like their peers, children with ASD were able to integrate context, or link words while reading sentences with ambiguous words (words with two meanings). After reading the sentences, both groups found it hard to pick the correct meaning of the ambiguous sentence and this decision was more difficult for the participants with ASD. Older children, children with better word reading abilities, and children with higher vocabularies were better at understanding ambiguous sentences. Helping children with ASD to develop richer vocabularies could be important for improving their reading comprehension.
Pasireotide and octreotide in the treatment of severe late dumping syndrome
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Sulaiman Raashda A. , Grossman Ashley B.
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Hypoglycemia due to late dumping is a significant problem postoesophagectomy but may not always be diagnosed sufficiently early. It can be difficult to treat and may severely compromise quality of life. The combination of diazoxide and octreotide or more probably pasireotide may transform the patient's life and should be considered in all problematic cases.
Which is the best in carbamazepine overdose?
Authors: Karaman Kıvanç , Türkdoğan Kenan Ahmet , Deniz Ahmet Tunç , Çanakçı Selçuk Eren
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Intravenous lipid emulsion treatment is safer, faster, and easier to apply and could be a powerful alternative to extracorporeal treatment methods in carbamazepine intoxication.
Hemivertebra of the cervical spine: an uncommon background for neck pain, cervical scoliosis, and torticollis
Authors: Kapetanakis Stylianos , Gkasdaris Grigorios , Nastoulis Evangelos , Stavrev Vladimir
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

A 15‐year‐old female patient presented with neck pain accompanied by cervical scoliosis, on the existence of torticollis. Although rare, hemivertebra of the cervical spine is a congenital deformation associated with these three clinical features.
Anion‐Functionalized Pillararenes for Efficient Sulfur Dioxide Capture: Significant Effect of the Anion and the Cavity
Authors: Lin Wenjun , Zhou Xiuyuan , Cai Jingsong , Chen Kaihong , He Xi , Kong Xueqian , Li Haoran , Wang Congmin
Published: August 2017

A series of anion‐functionalized pillararenes were prepared and applied in the capture of SO2 through incorporating an anion with different basicity into pillararenes. A high SO2 absorption capacity up to 15.9 mmol g−1 and excellent reversibility were achieved by tuning the basicity of the anion and the size of the cavity. Spectroscopic investigations and DFT calculations indicated that high SO2 capacity originated from multiple sites interaction between SO2 and the anion, where SO2 chemical absorption was significant strengthened by the cavity, because the anion was confined in the window of the cavity and the window was electron‐deficient. Interestingly, a phase transition occurred during absorption and desorption process. The method proposed in this work provided an efficient strategy for improving gas absorption through a simple functionalization of the supermolecule, which was also very important for some other fields such as polymers and materials.
Bridging Coordination of Vinylarenes to Pd3‐ or Pd4 Cluster Sites
Authors: Ishikawa Yuki , Kimura Seita , Yamamoto Koji , Murahashi Tetsuro
Published: August 2017

Though the M3‐ or M4 face of palladium clusters may serve as the active binding site of substrates, it has been difficult to elucidate their substrate binding modes in solution. Here, it was proved that a soluble Pd3‐ or Pd4 sheet cluster accommodates vinylarenes at its bridging coordination site in an unusual mode in palladium chemistry; that is, for the former, the coordination of the arene moiety precedes that of olefin moiety; for the latter, vinylarene coordinates to a distorted Pd4 sheet through oxidative π‐addition of its styrene moiety.
Peptide Macrocycles Developed from Precisely Regulated Multiple Cyclization of Unprotected Peptides
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Zha Mirao , Fei Qianran , Liu Weidong , Zhao Yibing , Wu Chuanliu
Published: August 2017

Peptide macrocycles have been attractive scaffolds for the development of ligands and inhibitors to proteins, which have the potential of being developed as potent drugs. Novel strategies for peptide macrocyclization should be of particular interest to peptide drug design and discovery. Herein, an efficient strategy for designing and synthesizing macrocyclic peptides, which relies on the precisely regulated and efficient one‐pot cyclization of unprotected peptides with 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (4F‐2CN), is reported. The peptide bicycles can be considered as novel structurally hyperconstrained peptide macrocycles constrained with a rigidifying ring‐closing moiety, consisting of an N‐terminal 6‐membered ring and C‐terminal 13‐membered ring fused with the benzene ring of 4F‐2CN. These novel macrocyclic peptide scaffolds would be intriguing and promising scaffolds for developing macrocyclic peptide inhibitors and targeting ligands for many proteins.
Diversity and distribution of genetic variation in gammarids: Comparing patterns between invasive and non‐invasive species
Authors: Baltazar‐Soares Miguel , Paiva Filipa , Chen Yiyong , Zhan Aibin , Briski Elizabeta
Published: August 2017

Biological invasions are worldwide phenomena that have reached alarming levels among aquatic species. There are key challenges to understand the factors behind invasion propensity of non‐native populations in invasion biology. Interestingly, interpretations cannot be expanded to higher taxonomic levels due to the fact that in the same genus, there are species that are notorious invaders and those that never spread outside their native range. Such variation in invasion propensity offers the possibility to explore, at fine‐scale taxonomic level, the existence of specific characteristics that might predict the variability in invasion success. In this work, we explored this possibility from a molecular perspective. The objective was to provide a better understanding of the genetic diversity distribution in the native range of species that exhibit contrasting invasive propensities. For this purpose, we used a total of 784 sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA‐COI) collected from seven Gammaroidea, a superfamily of Amphipoda that includes species that are both successful invaders (Gammarus tigrinus, Pontogammarus maeoticus, and Obesogammarus crassus) and strictly restricted to their native regions (Gammarus locusta, Gammarus salinus, Gammarus zaddachi, and Gammarus oceanicus). Despite that genetic diversity did not differ between invasive and non‐invasive species, we observed that populations of non‐invasive species showed a higher degree of genetic differentiation. Furthermore, we found that both geographic and evolutionary distances might explain genetic differentiation in both non‐native and native ranges. This suggests that the lack of population genetic structure may facilitate the distribution of mutations that despite arising in the native range may be beneficial in invasive ranges. The fact that evolutionary distances explained genetic differentiation more often than geographic distances points toward that deep lineage divergence holds an important role in the distribution of neutral genetic diversity.
Tocopherols and Polyphenols in Pumpkin Seed Oil Are Moderately Affected by Industrially Relevant Roasting Conditions
Authors: Van Hoed Vera , Sampaio Klicia A. , Felkner Barbara , Bavec Franc , Scippo Marie‐Louise , Brose François , Bavec Martina , Verhé Roland
Published: August 2017

Traditionally, pumpkin seed oil is obtained by pressing the seeds after a roasting pretreatment, at temperatures up to 150 °C. However, the appropriate temperatures and roasting times are under discussion. In this study, oils from seeds roasted at different temperatures (60–150 °C) are compared with oil from non‐roasted seeds. At higher roasting temperatures, lower roasting times are required to release the oil. Both, for tocopherols and phenolic compounds, no decreasing trend with the increasing roasting temperature are observed. In contrast, the oil from non‐roasted seeds have relatively low levels of tocopherols and phenolics and lacked the typical aroma. Levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are very low, ranging from not detected in oil from non‐roasted seeds to 13.8 μg kg−1 in the oil from seeds roasted at 150 °C. Therefore, the choice between the studied roasting conditions may depend rather on sensory evaluations than on the content of antioxidants or of PAHs. Practical Applications: The process of the production of virgin pumpkin oil is based on a thermal treatment of the ground seeds, favoring the separation of the lipid fraction, and giving a typical aroma of the roasted oil. Results of this research provide important information regarding the influence of roasting conditions on the quality and safety of the oil. Roasting pumpkin seeds increased the tocopherol and phenols content in the pumpkin oil, with no significant formation of PAHs. The information will be valuable and important for not only for the pumpkin oil production, but also for all the seeds submitted to a roasting treatment before extraction.

Pumpkin seed oil is traditionally produced in several European countries and commonly used in salad dressing. The production of pumpkin seed oil frequently includes roasting of the seeds at high temperatures, which may influence the amount of phenolic compounds and the final nutritional quality of the oil. The roasting of the pumpkin seeds is necessary to obtain the desired color, flavor, and taste characteristics. At higher roasting temperatures, lower roasting times are required to release the oil. Both, for tocopherols and phenolic compounds, no decreasing trend with the increasing roasting temperature is observed.
A Statistical Model for Estimating the Effects of Oil Droplet Size and Oil Fraction in Microcapsules on Oxidation of Oil
Authors: Miyagawa Yayoi , Kikuchi Kohshi , Yamamoto Shuichi , Shiga Hirokazu , Yoshii Hidefumi , Adachi Shuji
Published: August 2017

Based on a two‐dimensional percolation theory and an autocatalytic rate expression for oil autoxidation, a statistical model is proposed to estimate the effects of the oil droplet size and the volume fraction of oil within the microcapsule on the oxidation of microencapsulated oil, by means of computational simulations. The model can address both the unique oxidation steps for microencapsulated oil: The rapid progress of oxidation at the early stage of storage and the leveling off of the oxidation after prolonged storage. The simulation also demonstrates that the reduction of the oil droplet size retards the oxidation of microencapsulated oil as well as lowering of the oil fraction within the microcapsule. Practical Applications: A statistical model is proposed to simulate oxidation process of microencapsulated oil. The simulation enable us to reasonably design oil microencapsulation.

Based on a two‐dimensional percolation theory and an autocatalytic rate expression for oil autoxidation, a statistical model is proposed to estimate the effects of the oil droplet size and the volume fraction of oil within the microcapsule on the oxidation of microencapsulated oil, by means of computational simulations.
Connecting the dots: Illusory pattern perception predicts belief in conspiracies and the supernatural
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem , Douglas Karen M. , De Inocencio Clara
Published: August 2017

A common assumption is that belief in conspiracy theories and supernatural phenomena are grounded in illusory pattern perception. In the present research we systematically tested this assumption. Study 1 revealed that such irrational beliefs are related to perceiving patterns in randomly generated coin toss outcomes. In Study 2, pattern search instructions exerted an indirect effect on irrational beliefs through pattern perception. Study 3 revealed that perceiving patterns in chaotic but not in structured paintings predicted irrational beliefs. In Study 4, we found that agreement with texts supporting paranormal phenomena or conspiracy theories predicted pattern perception. In Study 5, we manipulated belief in a specific conspiracy theory. This manipulation influenced the extent to which people perceive patterns in world events, which in turn predicted unrelated irrational beliefs. We conclude that illusory pattern perception is a central cognitive mechanism accounting for conspiracy theories and supernatural beliefs.
Increased energy expenditure during posture maintenance and exercise in early Parkinson disease
Authors: Margaliot Kalifa Tal , Ziv Nadav , Bergman Hagai , Nusair Samir , Arkadir David
Published: August 2017

Background

Evidence for the effects of Parkinson disease on energy expenditure is incomplete and contradictory. A number of studies showed increased resting energy expenditure among patients with Parkinson disease whereas others did not. It was hypothesized that energy expenditure increases during exercise, based on findings in patients with a variable regime of anti‐parkinsonian therapies and at different stages of the disease. However, energy expenditure during posture maintenance has been neglected. To better understand these issues, we studied energy expenditure in a homogenous population of Parkinson patients in an early stage of the disease and different states of activity.

Methods

Oxygen consumption was assessed in a group of 10 males with early Parkinson disease without dopaminergic treatment and controls matched for age and body composition. Oxygen consumption was measured at rest, during trunk unsupported sitting, and during exercise at different intensities (unloaded and loaded cycling).

Results

Resting energy expenditure was similar between groups. Higher energy consumption was observed during maintenance of trunk posture at rest and during light intensity aerobic exercise (P < .05 for all conditions). The increment in energy expenditure associated with increased physical demand tended to be steeper in Parkinson disease.

Conclusion

Resting energy expenditure is normal in Parkinson disease. However, energy expenditure increases during physical activity and even during the maintenance of unsupported posture among patients with Parkinson disease.
Quantifying the role of the snowpack in generating water available for run‐off during rain‐on‐snow events from snow pillow records
Authors: Trubilowicz Joel W. , Moore R. Dan
Published: August 2017

Rain‐on‐snow events have generated major floods around the world, particularly in coastal, mountainous regions. Most previous studies focused on a limited number of major rain‐on‐snow events or were based primarily on model results, largely due to a lack of long‐term records from lysimeters or other instrumentation for quantifying event water balances. In this analysis, we used records from five automated snow pillow sites in south coastal British Columbia, Canada, to reconstruct event water balances for 286 rain‐on‐snow events over a 10‐year period. For large rain‐on‐snow events (event rainfall >40 mm), snowmelt enhanced the production of water available for run‐off (WAR) by approximately 25% over rainfall alone. For smaller events, a range of antecedent and meteorological factors influenced WAR generation, particularly the antecedent liquid water content of the snowpack. Most large events were associated with atmospheric rivers. Rainfall dominated WAR generation during autumn and winter events, whereas snowmelt dominated during spring and summer events. In the majority of events, the sensible heat of rain contributed less than 10% of the total energy consumed by snowmelt. This analysis illustrated the importance of understanding the amount of rainfall occurring at high elevations during rain‐on‐snow events in mountainous regions.
The immune system prevents recurrence of transplanted but not autochthonous antigenic tumors after oncogene inactivation therapy
Authors: Anders Kathleen , Kershaw Olivia , Larue Lionel , Gruber Achim D. , Blankenstein Thomas
Published: August 2017

Targeted oncogene inactivation by small molecule inhibitors can be very effective but tumor recurrence is a frequent problem in the clinic. Therapy by inactivation of the cancer‐driving oncogene in transplanted tumors was shown to be augmented in the presence of T cells. However, these experiments did not take into account the long‐term, usually tolerogenic, interaction of de novo malignancies with the immune system. Here, we employed mice, in which SV40 large T (Tag) and firefly luciferase (Luc) as fusion protein (TagLuc) could be regulated with the Tet‐on system and upon activation resulted in tumors after a long latency. TagLuc inactivation induced profound tumor regression, demonstrating sustained oncogene addiction. While tumor relapse after TagLuc inactivation was prevented in immunocompetent mice bearing transplanted tumors, autochthonous tumors relapsed or recurred after therapy discontinuation indicating that the immune system that coevolved with the malignancy over an extended period of time lost the potency to mount an efficient anti‐tumor immune response. By contrast, adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells targeting the cancer‐driving oncogene eradicated recurrent autochthonous tumors, highlighting a suitable therapy option in a clinically relevant model.
Effect of Alanine and Glycine on the Assembly of Surfactant‐like Peptides with Tyrosine as Hydrophilic Head in Basic Solution
Authors: Qiang Liming , Li Hong , Dong Xueru , Lv Mingxiu , Lu Kui
Published: August 2017

Surfactant‐like peptides (SLPs) can self‐assemble into various nanostructures, which have shown great potential for a variety of biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this work, two SLPs, V4Y, and V4AGY, were designed and synthesized, both of which had hydrophobic head valines (V) with large side‐chain steric hindrance effect and the hydrophilic head tyrosine (Y) with a rigid ring and two negative charges in the basic solution. Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroism studies confirmed their different secondary structures, whereas atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering characterized the difference in their morphologies. In solution, they formed different secondary structures. Correspondingly, V4Y and V4AGY formed noncompact spherical aggregates and a spiral clubbed structure, respectively. In V4AGY, the introduction of alanine (A) and glycine (G) increased the molecule's flexibility and increased the distance between the tyrosine and four continuous valines, so as to weaken the synergistic action of electronic repulsion and steric hindrance and strengthen the intermolecular hydrogen bond beneficial to β‐sheet formation and the axial growth of the self‐assembly. Therefore, the flexibility of the molecule and the side‐chain steric effect of the two heads of SLPs are non‐negligible in the tuning process of peptide self‐assembly, in addition to hydrogen‐bonding, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions.
Evaluation of nasal and nasopharyngeal swab collection for the detection of Epstein‐Barr virus in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Coghill Anna E. , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Verkuijilen Sandra A.W.M. , Yu Kelly J. , Hsu Wan‐Lun , Middeldorp Jaap M. , Hildesheim Allan
Published: August 2017

Epstein‐Barr virus detection using nasopharyngeal swabs has been suggested as a potential screening test that could improve the specificity of current EBV‐based serological assays. However, application requires insertion of the swab deep into the nasopharynx, a procedure not amenable to non‐clinic screening. We reasoned that swabbing the more easily accessible nasal cavity might provide an appealing alternative for NPC detection. Patients > 18 years of age diagnosed with histologically confirmed NPC were recruited from the Otolaryngology Department at the National Taiwan University Hospital. ENT clinicians collected both nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs. EBV DNA and cellular beta‐globulin DNA were quantified using quantitative PCR targeting a highly‐conserved region of the BKRF1 gene. EBV DNA was detectable (non‐zero) in all 34 nasopharyngeal swabs and above the positivity threshold of 1666 EBV copies in 30 (88.2%) patients. EBV DNA was detectable in 50% of 34 nasal swabs and above the positivity threshold in four (11.8%) patients. Average EBV DNA levels were >3‐fold higher (P < 0.001) in nasopharyngeal compared to nasal swabs. Among the 17 NPC patients with detectable EBV DNA in both swab types, we observed correlation (P < 0.01) between EBV DNA measurements. Our data represent the first evaluation of EBV DNA collected from nasal swabs. Given current EBV DNA amplification techniques, nasopharyngeal swabs remain more sensitive than nasal swabs for NPC detection.
Comparison of risk factors and complications in patients by stratified mastectomy weight: An institutional review of 1041 consecutive cases
Authors: Chattha Anmol , Bucknor Alexandra , Kamali Parisa , Van Veldhuisen Charlotte L. , Flecha‐Hirsch Renata , Sharma Ranjna , Tobias Adam M. , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives

This study aims to investigate the specific complication rates, reconstructive differences, and delineate the pertinent independent risk factors in patients with different mastectomy weights.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients undergoing mastectomy between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were collected. Patients were divided into three groups: those with mastectomy weight <500, 500‐1000, and >1000 g.

Results

During the study period, a total of 704 consecutive patients and 1041 total mastectomy surgeries had complete mastectomy specimen weight data. Of these, 437 breasts were in the <500 g specimen group, 425 were included in the 500‐1000 g group and 179 in the >1000g group. The rate of overall complications between the three mastectomy weight groups (<500, 500‐1000, and >1000 g) was statistically significant (14.0%, 17.6%, and 25.7%; P = 0.002, respectively) and were higher with increased mastectomy weights. Notably, in patients with breast mastectomy weight >1000 g, autologous reconstruction had significantly reduced rates of overall complications (AOR = 0.512, P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Complication rates were lower in women with larger breast weights undergoing autologous reconstruction, warranting potential use of autologous free flap breast reconstruction in women with large mastectomy specimen weights when possible.
A study of 853 high grade osteosarcomas from a single institution—Are outcomes in Indian patients different?
Authors: Puri Ajay , Byregowda Suman , Gulia Ashish , Crasto Saniya , Chinaswamy Girish
Published: August 2017

Aims

To review outcomes of 853 patients of primary high grade osteosarcoma operated with curative intent between January 2006 to December 2013.

Methods

All patients underwent appropriate surgical resection after preoperative chemotherapy (non methotrexate based). Excised specimen was analyzed for margins and response to chemotherapy. We analysed various factors (sex, age, size, site, type of surgery, pathologic fractures, margin status, and chemotherapy induced necrosis) for their impact on outcomes.

Results

Five year overall survival (OS) for entire cohort was 49% and event free survival (EFS) was 42%. Seventy hundred thirty‐eight non metastatic patients had OS of 53% and EFS of 47% at 5 years. The 3 year OS and EFS of the metastatic patients was 22% and 9%, respectively. Analysis of 738 non metastatic patients demonstrated that chemotherapy induced necrosis, size of tumor (< / >8 cms), type of surgery (limb salvage vs amputation) significantly affected overall survival. Local recurrence was 9%. Site of tumor (long bone vs pelvis), type of surgery and chemotherapy induced necrosis influenced local recurrence.

Conclusions

Our patients appeared to have poorer survival compared to most Western data, possibly attributable to large tumors. In contrast to existing data, males (71%) were predominantly affected and only patients with 100% necrosis qualified as good responders regarding OS.
Comorbidities confounding the outcomes of surgery for third window syndrome: Outlier analysis
Authors: Wackym P. Ashley , Mackay‐Promitas Heather T. , Demirel Shaban , Gianoli Gerard J. , Gizzi Martin S. , Carter Dale M. , Siker David A.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Patients with third window syndrome and superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) symptoms whose surgical outcomes placed them as outliers were systematically studied to determine comorbidities that were responsible for their poor outcomes due to these confounding factors.

Study Design

Observational analytic case‐control study in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

Twelve adult patients with clinical SSCD syndrome underwent surgical management and had outcomes that did not resolve all of their subjective symptoms. In addition to one of the neurotologists, 2 neurologists (one specializing in migraine and the other a neuro‐ophthalmologist), and a psychologist clinician‐investigator completed comprehensive evaluations. Neuropsychology test batteries included: the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD‐7); Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale; the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, including the 3 domains of verbal memory, visual memory, and attention/concentration; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale; and the Delis‐Kaplan Executive Function System. The control cohort was comprised of 17 participants who previously underwent surgery for third window syndrome that resulted in the expected outcomes of resolution of their third window syndrome symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.

Results

There was a high rate of psychological comorbidity (n = 6) in the outlier cohort; multiple traumatic brain injuries were also a confounding element (n = 10). One patient had elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunting to control the recurrence of dehiscence and one patient with a drug‐induced Parkinson‐like syndrome and idiopathic progressive neurological degenerative process.

Conclusions

Components of the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic, PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 results suggest that these instruments would be useful as screening tools preoperatively to identify psychological comorbidities that could confound outcomes. The identification of these comorbid psychological as well as other neurological degenerative disease processes led to alternate clinical management pathways for these patients.

Level of Evidence

2b.
Friedman tongue position and cone beam computed tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Harvey Rebecca , O'Brien Louise , Aronovich Sharon , Shelgikar Anita , Hoff Paul , Palmisano John , Stanley Jeffrey
Published: August 2017

Objective

Evaluate the correlation between Friedman Tongue Position (FTP) and airway cephalometrics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Retrospective review of adult patients with OSA undergoing Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Methods

Collected data included age, sex, body mass index, apnea hypopnea index, FTP, and airway cephalometric parameters. Data analyses were performed using ANOVA, dichotomous t‐testing, and linear regression.

Results

203 patients were included in the analysis. (M:F 132:71). The mean posterior airway space (PAS) was inversely correlated (p = 0.001, r =.119) with higher FTP grades with means of 12.3 mm, 7.9 mm, 6.6 mm, and 4.3 mm, I‐IV respectively. Minimal cross‐sectional area for patients with FTP I‐IV was 245.7, 179.8, 137.6, and 74.2 mm, 2 respectively (p = 0.002, r = .095). Mean hyoid‐mandibular plane (H‐MP) for FTP I‐IV was 20.6 mm, 20.4 mm, 24.7 mm, and 28.9 mm respectively. No statistically significant difference between H‐MP values when comparing patients with FTP I or II (p = 0.22). There were statistically significant differences when these two groups were individually compared to FTP III and IV (p = 0.002). Linear regression analysis confirmed an independent association between FTP and PAS (β = −2.06, p < 0.001), minimal cross‐sectional area (β = −45.07, p = 0.02), and H‐MP (β = 3.03, p = 0.01) controlling for BMI, age, AHI, and sex.

Conclusions

Use of FTP is supported by objective CBCT cephalometric results, in particular the PAS, minimal cross‐sectional area, and H‐MP. Understanding the correlation between objective measurements of retroglossal collapse should allow Otolaryngologists to more confidently select patients who may require surgery to address the retroglossal area, particularly when the ability to perform cephalometric analysis is not possible

Level of Evidence

4.
Novel autosomal dominant TNNT1 mutation causing nemaline myopathy
Authors: Konersman Chamindra G. , Freyermuth Fernande , Winder Thomas L. , Lawlor Michael W. , Lagier‐Tourenne Clotilde , Patel Shailendra B.
Published: August 2017

Background

Nemaline myopathy (NEM) is one of the three major forms of congenital myopathy and is characterized by diffuse muscle weakness, hypotonia, respiratory insufficiency, and the presence of nemaline rod structures on muscle biopsy. Mutations in troponin T1 (TNNT1) is 1 of 10 genes known to cause NEM. To date, only homozygous nonsense mutations or compound heterozygous truncating or internal deletion mutations in TNNT1 gene have been identified in NEM. This extended family is of historical importance as some members were reported in the 1960s as initial evidence that NEM is a hereditary disorder.

Methods

Proband and extended family underwent Sanger sequencing for TNNT1. We performed RT‐PCR and immunoblot on muscle to assess TNNT1 RNA expression and protein levels in proband and father.

Results

We report a novel heterozygous missense mutation of TNNT1 c.311A>T (p.E104V) that segregated in an autosomal dominant fashion in a large family residing in the United States. Extensive sequencing of the other known genes for NEM failed to identify any other mutant alleles. Muscle biopsies revealed a characteristic pattern of nemaline rods and severe myofiber hypotrophy that was almost entirely restricted to the type 1 fiber population.

Conclusion

This novel mutation alters a residue that is highly conserved among vertebrates. This report highlights not only a family with autosomal dominant inheritance of NEM, but that this novel mutation likely acts via a dominant negative mechanism.
Radiofrequency saturation induced bias in aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid flow quantification obtained using two‐dimensional cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ragunathan Sudarshan , Pipe James G.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To explore the extent of bias in cerebrospinal fluid flow estimates due to radiofrequency saturation, and its possible impact on the use of two‐dimensional cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and characterization of normal pressure hydrocephalus in patients.

Theory and Methods

Theoretical signal equations were generated to describe saturation dependence on velocity. An experimental set of phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging scans with two different flip angles was used to show bias in flow estimates in a flow phantom, and in six different healthy volunteers. The cerebral aqueduct was targeted as the flow region of interest.

Results

Data from a constant flow phantom showed a spatial distribution of voxels with significant bias in flow at the periphery of the flow region. The velocity difference (bias) maps of the cerebral aqueduct correlated with the spatial velocity gradients around peak systole and peak diastole, and high correlation with temporal velocity gradients during transition between systole and diastole. The aqueductal stroke volume for θ = 30° were found to be significantly higher than for θ = 10° using a Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Conclusion

This work shows the extent of bias in cerebrospinal fluid flow quantification due to radiofrequency saturation effects. This clinical relevance of this error was presented with respect to shunt responsiveness among normal pressure hydrocephalus patients. Magn Reson Med 79:2067–2076, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Empirical Vancomycin Dosing in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Heart Disease and the Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Trough Concentrations
Authors: Thomas Christopher A. , Picone Amy , Menon Sharad , Willis Brigham C.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To determine the optimal vancomycin dosing regimen to achieve empirical goal trough concentrations in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease and to examine the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass on vancomycin dosing requirements.

Methods

Patients younger than 18 years admitted to the pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) at our institution from October 1, 2012–December 31, 2014, who received at least one dose of vancomycin, were reviewed retrospectively. Included patients had a steady‐state vancomycin trough concentration drawn during the study period. The first steady‐state vancomycin trough drawn after being initiated on empirical vancomycin therapy was analyzed for each patient. Excluded patients were those who received mechanical circulatory support, any form of renal replacement therapy, or had a serum creatinine result greater than 1.0 mg/dl on the day of vancomycin initiation.

Results

Overall, 77 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 57.1% had undergone cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) before CVICU admission. Median age was 62 days (interquartile range [IQR] 8.3–176 days). Median daily vancomycin dose was 36.25 mg/kg/day (IQR 29–40 mg/kg/day), resulting in a median steady‐state trough of 10.0 μg/ml (IQR 6.3–12.9 μg/ml). Therapeutic troughs occurred in 50.6% of patients; supratherapeutic and subtherapeutic concentrations were attained in 18.2% and 31.2% of patients, respectively. A subgroup analysis of patients who were post‐CPB revealed that the only additional variable to affect vancomycin trough concentrations was aortic cross‐clamp time (median 56 min, IQR 0–123.3 min, p=0.02).

Conclusions

Empirical vancomycin dosing to achieve troughs of 8–15 μg/dl in patients with congenital heart disease without evidence of significant acute kidney injury should be 30 mg/kg/day for neonates, 35–40 mg/kg/day for infants, and 45 mg/kg/day in children, with adjustments required for patients with elevated creatinine or significant aortic cross‐clamp time. The receipt and duration of CPB did not affect total daily vancomycin dose requirements.
Identification of complexes involving thallium(I) and thallium(III) with EDTA and DTPA ligands by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Zembrzuska Joanna , Karbowska Bozena
Published: August 2017

Rationale

Thallium is considered to be an environmental threat; however, its hazardous properties depend on its oxidation state. Tl(III) is approx. 1000‐times more toxic compared with Tl(I), therefore identification of each species is essential in order to properly evaluate the associated health hazard. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) allows determination of speciation in solution due to its soft mode of ionization while selective complexation with ligands can distinguish the Tl species. Selective complexation of Tl(I) and Tl(III) ions requires the use of two selective complexing agents and selection of appropriate conditions for this process.

Methods

Tl(I) and Tl(III) ions as well as two ligands (EDTA and DTPA) were used to form binary (single ion + single ligand), ternary (one ion + both ligands) and quaternary systems (both ions and both ligands) under different pH conditions (7 and 8). These mixtures were subjected to the determination of Tl species using ESI‐MS operating in positive and negative ion mode.

Results

Tl(I) complexes with DTPA were identified at pH 7 and 8, whereas, in the case of EDTA, the complexes were detected only at pH 8. In contrast, Tl(III) formed distinct complexes with EDTA at pH 7 and 8, while with DTPA the complexes were detected only at pH 8. Analysis of the quaternary system (which contained both ions and both ligands) revealed that Tl(I) formed complexes with EDTA, while Tl(III) formed complexes with DTPA at pH 7 and 8.

Conclusions

The obtained results confirmed that the increase in the solution complexity allowed simultaneous identification of different complexes in solutions containing both Tl species. The initial analyses carried out for binary and ternary solutions facilitated the simultaneous determination of specific complexes (Tl(I) with EDTA and Tl(III) with DTPA) in the quaternary system.
Microstructure and Texture Evolutions of Biomedical Ti-13Nb-13Zr Alloy Processed by Hydrostatic Extrusion
Authors: Ozaltin K. , Panigrahi A. , Chrominski W. , Bulutsuz A. G. , Kulczyk M. , Zehetbauer M. J. , Lewandowska M.
Published: August 2017

A biomedical β-type Ti-13Nb-13Zr (TNZ) (wt pct) ternary alloy was subjected to severe plastic deformation by means of hydrostatic extrusion (HE) at room temperature without intermediate annealing. Its effect on microstructure, mechanical properties, phase transformations, and texture was investigated by light and electron microscopy, mechanical tests (Vickers microhardness and tensile tests), and XRD analysis. Microstructural investigations by light microscope and transmission electron microscope showed that, after HE, significant grain refinement took place, also reaching high dislocation densities. Increases in strength up to 50 pct occurred, although the elongation to fracture left after HE was almost 9 pct. Furthermore, Young’s modulus of HE-processed samples showed slightly lower values than the initial state due to texture. Such mechanical properties combined with lower Young’s modulus are favorable for medical applications. Phase transformation analyses demonstrated that both initial and extruded samples consist of α′ and β phases but that the phase fraction of α′ was slightly higher after two stages of HE.
Investigation of Lipid Oxidation in High‐ and Low‐Lipid‐Containing Topical Skin Formulations
Authors: Thomsen B. R. , Horn A. F. , Hyldig G. , Taylor R. , Blenkiron P. , Jacobsen C.
Published: August 2017

Lipid oxidation can impact the odour of skin care products during storage. A study was conducted to identify and monitor representative markers for lipid oxidation in skin care products over time. Four lip care formulations and three skin care formulations with different lipid contents were stored at various cosmetic industry‐relevant conditions for 84 days. The skin care products were analysed for lipid hydroperoxides and secondary volatile oxidation products. A trained sensory panel performed an odour difference (triangle) test and odour‐profiled the products to detect and describe odour changes during storage. Several potential markers for lipid oxidation were identified. In skin care formulations, peroxide value (PV) analysis was a useful marker for lipid oxidation if the product was exposed to light during storage, but no clear changes were observed for PV in samples stored under other conditions. Furthermore, concentrations of several secondary volatile oxidation products increased during storage, and the highest increase was observed for products exposed to light. Pentanal and heptanal were found to be reliable markers for secondary volatile oxidation products in the skin care formulations (especially during exposure to light), whereas in the lip care formulations the best candidates were pentanal (especially during exposure to light and iron), 2‐methyl furan and 3‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐one (especially during exposure to light, iron and high temperatures).
Plasma apolipoprotein E levels and risk of dementia: A Mendelian randomization study of 106,562 individuals
Authors: Rasmussen Katrine L. , Tybjærg‐Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Frikke‐Schmidt Ruth
Published: August 2017

Introduction

In recent prospective studies, low plasma levels of apolipoprotein E (apoE) are associated with high risk of dementia. Whether this reflects a causal association remains to be established.

Methods

Using a Mendelian randomization approach, we studied 106,562 and 75,260 individuals from the general population in observational and genetic analyses, respectively.

Results

In observational analyses risk of Alzheimer's disease and all dementia increased stepwise as a function of stepwise lower apoE levels (P for trend, 2 × 10−17 and 9 × 10−21). APOE‐weighted allele scores were associated with stepwise decreases in apoE (P for trend, <1 × 10−300). In instrumental variable analysis, the causal risk ratios for a 1 mg/dL genetically determined lower apoE were 1.41 (1.27–1.57) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.33 (1.25–1.43) for all dementia (F‐statistics = 3821).

Discussion

Genetic and hence lifelong low apoE is associated with high risk of dementia in the general population. The concordance between observational and genetic estimates suggests a potential causal relationship.
Sovereignty in Cyberspace: Lex Lata Vel Non?
Authors: Schmitt Michael N. , Vihul Liis
Published: August 2017

Globalization has not conquered sovereignty. Instead, the notion of sovereignty occupies center stage in discussions concerning the normative architecture of cyberspace. On the diplomatic level, the term is generally employed in its broadest sense, one that signifies freedom from external control and influence. For instance, when Western states raise the issue of human rights in cyberspace, those on the opposite side of the negotiating table fall back on sovereignty-based arguments. Mention of sovereignty in consensus documents is consequently often the price that liberal democracies pay to advance their policy priorities, such as individual freedoms and the availability of self-help measures in response to hostile cyber operations.
The Relationship Between Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Perfectionism, and Anxiety Sensitivity for Not Just Right Experiences
Authors: Irwin Lauren D. , Jones Mairwen K.
Published: August 2017

The obsessive-compulsive core dimensions model posits that compulsions are driven by harm avoidance, or to counteract a sense of incompleteness, known as ‘not just right experiences’ (NJREs). Evidence suggests NJREs are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and maladaptive perfectionism. However, manipulations of NJREs have focused on the visual system, and have not been examined in the context of arousal fears associated with anxiety sensitivity (AS). This study examined the relationship between OC symptoms, perfectionism, and AS using in vivo manipulations of NJREs across visual, auditory, and tactile sensory modalities. Using a 2 (NJRE vs. JRE) × 2 (AS vs. no AS) between-subjects design, participants (N = 132) completed behavioural tasks designed to elicit NJREs and assess task discomfort and urge to counteract sensory-specific stimuli. Strong relationships were observed between task ratings and self-report measures of NJREs, incompleteness, OCD symptoms, maladaptive perfectionism, and AS. Those in the NJRE conditions gave significantly higher task ratings compared to JRE conditions; however, there was no main effect for AS. While maladaptive perfectionism and AS were significant predictors of task performance, there was no interaction between the two. The results confirm and extend research suggesting a strong association between NJREs and incompleteness motivations, as well as sensory-affective disturbance in OCD.