bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grape Seed Oil Characterization: A Novel Approach for Oil Quality Assessment
Authors: Dabetic Nevena M. , Todorovic Vanja M. , Djuricic Ivana D. , Antic Stankovic Jelena A. , Basic Zorica N. , Vujovic Dragan S. , Sobajic Sladjana S.
Published: March 2020

The amount of organic pomace, left behind agricultural processes, is continuously rising in accordance with industrial progress. Grape pomace, generated in the wine industry all over the world, represents a raw material for obtaining valuable products. Grape seeds are especially rich in oil containing bioactive compounds that can have various health‐related effects. The aim of the study is to compare the quality of seed oils obtained from six white grapes, including two Serbian autochthonous varieties. Linoleic acid, associated with numerous health benefits, is the major fatty acid in all samples (≈66% of total); α‐tocopherol is the main tocopherol homologue. Total polyphenol content ranges from 73.4 to 104.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g. In order to provide comprehensive information about antioxidant capacity of grape seed oil (GSO), three tests are performed (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power; 2,2’‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2’‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) radical scavenging). Antimicrobial activity is investigated against different strains; however, GSO inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Obtained results are used to develop a novel approach for oil quality assessment. Calculated oil quality scores (OQS) reveal no significant difference between international and autochthonous varieties, although Smederevka stands out as the most potent one.

Practical applications: Considering the progressive waste increase in the wine industry and keeping in mind all health‐promoting effects of grape seed oil (GSO), it is clearly observed that oil production represents a profitable and sustainable utilization of grape seeds. The results of the present study show that GSO is a rich source of compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, this work provides deeper insight into a quality of Serbian autochthonous grape varieties that are still insufficiently explored. Furthermore, the proposed oil quality score could be used as a comprehensive and unbiased method that enables quality assessment of oils. This tool can find practical application in comparing different plant oils regarding their compositional and functional properties. Finally, it would contribute to making some general oil intake recommendations.
Metal‐Free Direct C–H β‐Carbonyl Alkylation of Heteroarenes with Cyclopropanols Mediated by K2S2O8
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wang Qiang , Xie Guanqun , Fang Zeyang , Ding Shujiang , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: March 2020

Direct C–H β‐carbonyl alkylation of heteroarenes under metal‐, acid‐ and photo‐catalyst free conditions has been achieved. A wide scope of substrates, such as various substituted quinolines and isoquinolines, pyridines, pyridazine, benzo[d]thiazole and phenanthroline, underwent the β‐carbonyl alkylation efficiently via K2S2O8‐mediated ring‐opening of cyclopropanols. The corresponding β‐heteroarylated ketones were obtained in moderate to excellent yields and gram‐scale experiments further demonstrated the practicality of this synthetic protocol. The readily available reagents, mild and environmentally benign conditions make the method extremely attractive. The reaction mechanism is also proposed.
Chemical Synthesis and Biological Effect on Xylem Formation of Xylemin and Its Analogues
Authors: Takamura Hiroyoshi , Motose Hiroyasu , Otsu Taichi , Shinohara Shiori , Kouno Ryugo , Kadota Isao , Takahashi Taku
Published: March 2020

Xylemin (6) and its designed structural analogues 18–23, N‐(4‐aminobutyl)alkylamines, were synthesized by 2‐nitrobenzenesulfonamide (Ns) strategy. Investigation of the improved synthesis of 20–23 resulted in the development of one‐step synthesis of these analogues from the commercially available corresponding ketones. Biological assessment of the synthetic molecules elucidated that xylemin (6) and the analogue N‐(4‐aminobutyl)cyclopentylamine (21) promoted the expression level of thermospermine synthase ACAULIS5 (ACL5) and enhanced xylem formation. In addition, xylemin (6) was found to significantly promote lateral root formation, whereas xylemin analogues 18–23 including 21 did not. These results indicate that the analogue 21 has the potential as a novel inhibitor of thermospermine synthesis to work specifically in xylem differentiation.
An extensible frame structure for time division multiple access medium access control in vehicular ad‐hoc networks
Authors: Sun Yuanxin , Zhang Ziheng , Li Xiaoping , Xiao Sa , Tang Wanbin
Published: March 2020

Motivated by the near collision‐free broadcasting performance of time division multiple access vehicular ad‐hoc network medium access control, we propose an extensible frame structure to adapt the varying vehicle traffic density. The scheme aims to provide high reliable and low latency performance. Additionally, the proposed scheme fully considers the nonideal transmission environment, with some mechanisms making the protocol work properly with physical layer errors. We provide the complete specification of the protocol in order to implement the protocol through hardware or software. Then, an algorithm is designed to attain the low latency and high reliable performance. The algorithm assesses the transmission latency based on the current condition, and adjusts the frame length based on the assessment. Finally, a system‐level simulation platform is implemented to verify our proposed scheme. The simulation platform considers a Manhattan grid scenario. Besides, the channel fading, modulation and coding schemes, and user mobilities are considered in the simulation platform. The simulation results show the cost and the advantages of our proposed scheme.
Capacity enhancement of NOMA‐SWIPT IoT relay system with direct links over rayleigh fading channels
Authors: Rauniyar Ashish , Engelstad Paal , Østerbø Olav N.
Published: March 2020

It is known that when the direct links between the base station (BS) and the users exist and are nonnegligible, consolidating direct links could significantly enhance the performance of the cooperative relaying systems. Therefore, taking the impact of direct link into account, in this article, we investigate the capacity enhancement of the nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) for the Internet of Things (IoT) relay systems over the Rayleigh fading channels. Specifically, for the considered NOMA‐SWIPT system with direct links, we study a time‐switching energy harvesting (EH) architecture in which a BS transmits two symbols to the two users through the direct links and via an EH‐based relay node. On the receiving user node, we employ maximum ratio combining (MRC) to show the capacity enhancement of the considered system. Moreover, analytical expressions for the Ergodic capacity and Ergodic Sum Capacity are mathematically derived for the MRC and single signal decoding scheme, and the analytical expressions are corroborated with the Monte‐Carlo simulation results. This not only reveals the effect of different EH parameters on the system performance, but it also demonstrates the capacity enhancement of the considered NOMA‐SWIPT system compared to a similar system without direct links and to conventional OMA schemes.
Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from retail foods in northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Yingjiao , Zhang Mei , Luo Juan , Chen Jiluan , Wang Qingling , Lu Shiling , Ji Hua
Published: March 2020

To determine antimicrobial resistance, 431 samples of retail foods purchased at different supermarkets in Northern Xinjiang were examined in this study. There were 112 Escherichia coli strains that were isolated, with approximately 26% of the samples contaminated by E. coli. The detection rate of E. coli isolated from pork was the highest (59.6%), followed by mutton (52.6%), retail fresh milk (52.4%), duck (36.4%), beef (35.3%), chicken (33.3%), and ready‐to‐eat food (12.9%); the E. coli detection rate for fish and vegetables was <11%. The result showed that the 112 isolates were mostly resistant to tetracycline (52%), followed by ampicillin (42%), compound trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (37%), amoxicillin (33%), and nalidixic acid (32%), imipenem resistance was not detected. One hundred isolates carried at least one antimicrobial resistance gene. The detection rate of resistance genes of our study was as follows: tetA (38%), tetB (27%), blaOXA (40%), blaTEM (20%), floR (20%), sul1 (16%), sul2 (27%), aadAla (19%), aadB (11%), strA (28%), and strB (24%); tetC and blaPSE were not detected. Virulence genes fimC, agg, stx2, fimA, fyuA, papA, stx1, and eaeA were found in 52, 34, 21, 19, 6, 3, 2, and 2 isolates, respectively; papC was not detected. There was a statistically significant association between fimC and resistance to ciprofloxacin (p = .001), gentamicin (p = .001), amikacin (p = .001), levofloxacin (p = .001), and streptomycin (p = .001); between fimA and resistance to tetracycline (p = .001), ampicillin (p = .001), compound trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (p = .001), and amoxicillin (p = .003); between agg and resistance to gentamicin (p = .001), tetracycline (p = .001), ciprofloxacin (p = .017), and levofloxacin (p = .001); and between stx2 and resistance to ampicillin (p = .001), tetracycline (p = .001), compound trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (p = .002), and amoxicillin (p = .015).
Flavor quality evaluation system of Xinjiang milk knots by using SOM neural network and the fuzzy AHP
Authors: Wei Zhisheng , Ma Xueping , Zhan Ping , Tian Honglei , Li Kaixuan
Published: March 2020

Self‐made milk knots in Xinjiang Kazakh ethnic group were used as material to establish the quality assessment system of flavor quality. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process based on the optimal consistency matrix was used to evaluate the quality of the samples qualitatively and quantitatively. Its result is consistent with the cluster analysis of the SOM neural network. The results showed that the milk knot samples of Altay had differences with the milk knot samples of Yili. The comprehensive evaluation system is feasible and can evaluate the quality of milk knot samples by flavor characteristics. This can provide a reference for further research on the origin of differences between two types of milk knot samples.
Double dispersed bioconvective Casson nanoﬂuid fluid ﬂow over a nonlinear convective stretching sheet in suspension of gyrotactic microorganism
Authors: Magagula Vusi M. , Shaw Sachin , Kairi Rishi Raj
Published: March 2020

Microorganisms play a vital role in understanding the ecological system. The motions of micororganisms are self‐propelled while the impact of thermophoresis and Brownian motion property of nanoparticle shows more challenges in biotechnological and medical applications. The present problem is based on the understanding of double‐dispensed bioconvection for a Casson nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet. Suction phenomenon is introduced at the surface of the stretching sheet along with the convective boundary condition. The convection and movement of the microorganisms are assisted by an applied magnetic field, nonlinear thermal radiation, and first‐order chemical reaction. The governing equations are highly coupled and thus we used the spectral quasilinearization method to solve the governing equations. The study of the residual errors on the systemic parameters had given a confidence with the present results. The final outcomes are displayed through graphs and tables. The thermal dispersion coefficient shows a positive response in the temperature while a similar response is observed for the concentration with solutal dispersion coefficient. The response is reversible for the heat transfer rate at the surface with thermal dispersion coefficient. The density of the motile microorganism at the surface decreases with increase in the Casson number, thermal dispersion coefficient, and solute dispersion coefficient, while an opposite phenomenon was observed with increase in the density ratio of the motile microorganism.
Port‐site incisional hernia from an 8‐mm robotic trocar following robot‐assisted radical cystectomy: Report of a rare case
Authors: Uketa Shoko , Shimizu Yousuke , Ogawa Kosuke , Utsunomiya Noriaki , Kanamaru Sojun
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Port‐site incisional hernia is a rare but well‐known complication following a laparoscopic procedure and it may cause severe adverse outcomes, such as intestinal necrosis. Here, we report a rare case of hernia that occurred from an 8‐mm trocar after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy.

Case presentation

An 80‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with cT2bN1M0 bladder cancer. She underwent robot‐assisted radical cystectomy. Nine days after surgery, she complained of severe abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed herniation of small intestine. Emergency explorative laparotomy revealed herniation of small intestine from an 8‐mm trocar site. A section of the small bowel was necrotic and was resected.

Conclusion

It is debatable whether we should routinely close the fascia of an 8‐mm trocar site. The patient was an elderly woman with multiple major abdominal surgery histories and hernia risk factors. For these patients, fascial closure of the 8‐mm trocar site may be indicated.
Dual inhibition of glycolysis and autophagy as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
Authors: Mansour Mohammed A. , Ibrahim Wafaa M. , Salama Mona M. , Salama Afrah F.
Published: March 2020

Cancer cells have extra biosynthetic demands to sustain cell growth and redox homeostasis. Glycolysis and autophagy are crucial to fuel and recycle these biosynthetic demands. This plasticity of cancer cell metabolism participates in therapy resistances. The current study was designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of dual targeting of glycolysis and autophagy in cancer. Using 3‐bromopyruvate (3‐BP; antiglycolytic inhibitor) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ; autophagy inhibitor), we demonstrate their antitumor activity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)‐bearing mice. A combination of 3‐BP and HCQ significantly decreases tumor ascitic volume and cell count as compared with the EAC group and individual treatment groups. The enhanced antitumor activity is accompanied by hexokinase inactivation, inhibition of cellular protective autophagy, elevated antioxidant activity, and reduced oxidative stress levels. Together, these results suggest targeting both pathways in cancer as an effective therapeutic strategy. Further studies are required to validate this strategy in different cancer models and preclinical trials.
Circulating and tissue microRNAs as a potential diagnostic biomarker in patients with thrombotic events
Authors: Jafarzadeh‐Esfehani Reza , Mostafa Parizadeh Seyed , Sabeti Aghabozorgi Amirsaeed , Yavari Negar , Sadr‐Nabavi Ariane , Alireza Parizadeh Seyed , Ghandehari Maryam , Javanbakht Afsane , Rezaei‐Kalat Afsaneh , Mahdi Hassanian Seyed , Vojdanparast Mohammad , Ferns Gordon A. , Khazaei Majid , Avan Amir
Published: March 2020

Venous and arterial thrombosis are conditions that have a considerable burden if left untreated. The hypoxia‐induced by the occluded vessel can disrupt the circulation of any organ, the cornerstone of treating thrombosis is rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Diagnosis of thrombosis may be made by using laboratory tests or imaging techniques in individuals who have clinical manifestations of a thrombotic event. The use of serum micro ribonucleic acids (RNAs) has recently been applied to the diagnosis of thrombosis. These small RNA molecules are emerging as new diagnostic markers but have had very limited applications in vascular disease. Most of the articles provided various microRNAs with different levels of accuracy. However, there remains a lack of an appropriate panel of the most specific microRNA in the literature. The purpose of the present review was to summarize the existing data on the use of microRNAs as a diagnostic biomarker for venous thrombosis.
The endocannabinoid system modulates the ovarian physiology and its activation can improve in vitro oocyte maturation
Authors: Totorikaguena Lide , Olabarrieta Estibaliz , Lolicato Francesca , Romero‐Aguirregomezcorta Jon , Smitz Johan , Agirregoitia Naiara , Agirregoitia Ekaitz
Published: March 2020

The cannabinoid (CB) system has been involved in many aspects of reproduction and it is known that the systemic chronic use of exogenous CBs are deleterious to reproductive processes. Even so, it is not known what happens in relation to the physiology of the ovary when CB receptors are absent. The present study investigated the effect of the lack of CB1 and CB2 receptors in mice ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis, oocyte retrieval, and oocyte maturation and evaluated the use of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) by comparing classical IVM and two‐step IVM by analyzing the meiotic competence of the oocytes and their evolution toward embryos. Thus, when CB1 and CB2 receptors were missed, the ovary area and volume was significantly less and the action of the equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) hormone was diminished. In addition, the mutant genotypes had fewer ovarian follicles and they were less competent after eCG administration compared with wild‐type mice, and this lack of CB receptors showed a mismatch of oocyte maturation. However, the in vitro use of THC showed improvements in oocytes IVM after a Pre‐IVM step for 48 hr, as those oocytes reached a significantly higher polar body rate, a larger diameter and the best result on blastocysts rate was achieved when THC was used during the IVM step.
Developmental regulation and lateralisation of the α7 and α4 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in developing rat hippocampus
Authors: Baradaran Raheleh , Khoshdel‐Sarkarizi Hoda , Kargozar Saeid , Hami Javad , Mohammadipour Abbas , Sadr‐Nabavi Ariane , Peyvandi Karizbodagh Mostafa , Kheradmand Hamed , Haghir Hossein
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the distinct regional distribution patterns of expression of the α7 and α4 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and their left‐right lateralisation in the rat hippocampus during the first 2 weeks of postnatal (P) development. Eighteen male pups were randomly divided into three groups: P0, P7, and P14. After removing the newborn brains, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to evaluate expression of the receptors. Results indicated that the expression profile of these receptors were time‐ and spatially dependent. A significant increase was observed in the distribution of α7 and α4 nAChR subunits in the developing rat hippocampus from P0 to P7 (p < .001); however, there was a significant decrease from P7 to P14 (p < .05). As a spatial effect, the highest optical density (OD) was observed in the CA3 and CA2 regions of the hippocampus, while the lowest OD was in the dentate gyrus. Moreover, the distribution of α7 and α4 nAChR subunits in the left hippocampus was significantly higher than their counterparts in the right (p < .05). From these data, the expression patterns of α7 and α4 nAChR subunits exhibited left‐right asymmetry in the developing rat hippocampus.
Neonatal excitotoxicity modifies blood‐brain barrier properties increasing its susceptibility to hypertonic shock in adulthood
Authors: Fajardo‐Fregoso Blanca Fabiola , Castañeda‐Cabral Jose Luis , Beas‐Zárate Carlos , Ureña‐Guerrero Mónica E.
Published: March 2020

Early responses to a neurological excitotoxic process include blood‐brain barrier (BBB) impairment and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but the long‐term effects of excitotoxicity on the BBB properties remain unknown. To assess this, we induced an excitotoxic process on male rats by neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment. At postnatal day (PD) 60, we measured the expression level of structural proteins of the BBB and the VEGF type‐2 receptor (VEGFR‐2) protein in the cerebral motor cortex (CMC), striatum (STR), hippocampus (Hp), entorhinal cortex (Ent), and hypothalamus (Hyp). We also measured BBB permeability in the same cerebral regions. Neonatal MSG treatment significantly reduced the protein expression level of claudin‐5 in the CMC, and of ZO‐1 in the CMC and Hp, and increased the expression level of plasmalemmal vesicle‐associated protein in the CMC, and of VEGFR‐2 in all regions except for the Hyp. BBB permeability was significantly higher in all studied regions of MSG‐treated animals after hypertonic shock (HS). The increased BBB permeability observed in the MSG‐treated animals after HS was reversed by VEGFR‐2 inhibition with SU5416. We conclude that neonatal excitotoxicity leads to lasting impairment on BBB properties in adulthood, increasing its susceptibility to HS that could be regulated by VEGFR‐2 activity inhibition.
Creation of the Minority Genetic Professionals Network to increase diversity in the genetics work force
Authors: Mann Sylvia
Published: March 2020

As diverse racial and ethnic minority populations continue to grow in the United States, the racial and ethnic diversity of the genetics workforce has remained virtually unchanged over the past 50 years. This is especially true in the genetic counseling profession where 90% of genetic counselors in the most recent Professional Status Survey reported as White. In order to improve access to genetic services and education for minority families, it is important to increase the availability of minority genetic healthcare providers. The Health Resources and Services Administration funded Western States Regional Genetics Network has created a Minority Genetic Professionals Network (MGPN) to recruit and mentor high school and undergraduate students to enter genetic professions such as genetic counseling. The MGPN has also expanded to provide support, education, and mentor matching for current practicing genetic counselors and genetic counseling students. This Network is an initial step towards developing a more diverse genetics workforce to meet the needs of diverse families in the United States.
Food insecurity in females with phenylketonuria
Authors: Coakley Kathryn E. , Porter‐Bolton Suzanne , Salvatore Mary L. , Blair Rosalynn B. , Singh Rani H.
Published: March 2020

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by insufficient metabolism of phenylalanine. Depending on severity, patients follow a low‐phenylalanine diet and may consume medical food (MF) and low‐protein modified foods; dietary and medical treatment can be expensive. This study assessed prevalence of food insecurity (FI), the lack of resources to access enough nutritious food to have an active, healthy life, in females with PKU and examined associations with diet and metabolic control. Participants were recruited from a research‐based camp in 2018. Adult and adolescent modules of the USDA Household Food Security survey were utilized to categorize participants as food secure [high food security (FS) or marginal FS] or food insecure (low FS or very low FS); results were compared to the general U.S. population. Dietary intake via three‐day food records and plasma amino acids were also assessed. Thirty females 11‐58 years of age (mean = 21.4 years) participated. Twelve (40%), including seven adolescents (44%) and five adults (36%), were FI compared to the U.S. prevalence of 11.1%. MF protein intake was significantly lower in those with very low FS compared to high FS and low FS (P = .04). Age and intact protein intake were significantly higher in those with very low FS compared to high FS (P < .05). Our study suggests adolescent and adult females with PKU have a higher prevalence of FI than the general U.S. population. Those with very low FS were older, consumed more dietary phenylalanine and intact protein, and less MF protein. Clinicians should consider screening for FI in patients with PKU.
Morphological characterization of pirarucu Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) gonadal differentiation
Authors: da Costa Amaral Aldessandro , Lima Adriana F. , Ganeco‐kirschnik Luciana N. , de Almeida Fernanda L.
Published: March 2020

Arapaima gigas is a giant air‐breathing and bony tongue fish from the Amazon basin and a promising species for aquaculture. A. gigas farming industry is still not established because of the lack of information on its reproductive physiology. Reproduction in captivity cannot be manipulated or stimulated, and the identification of males and females in a broodstock is not easy. We aimed to reveal the morphological sex differentiation of pirarucu as studies involving gonad development are essential to understanding the reproductive physiology of any species. We performed histological analysis on the whole body and extracted the gonads of 150 juveniles. The first sign of ovary differentiation is the sex‐specific rearrangement of the germ cells. In 9 cm total length females, the germ cells group into nests and are restricted to the lateral face of the gonad, in close contact with the abdomen wall. With further development, this region invaginates and that later develops into ovigerous lamellae. Meiosis starts soon after ovary differentiation. In males, the germ cells are scattered along the elongated differentiating testis at first, and later become more restricted to the central region where the spermatogonial cysts start to develop. Somatic and germ cells are jointly involved in the cellular reorganization during gonadal differentiation, specifically when the germ cells begin to establish new associations during the development of both the germinal epithelium and stroma.

Research highlights

In Arapaima gigas, the ovary differentiation occurs in 9 cm TL females and it is marked by the rearrangement of germ and somatic cells; and the germ cells entering meiosis with no formation of ovarian cavity; testis differentiation occurs later and meiosis does not start in males smaller than 80 cm TL.
Comparison of meniscal allograft transplantation techniques using a preclinical canine model
Authors: Schreiner Anna J. , Stannard James P. , Cook Cristi R. , Bozynski Chantelle C. , Kuroki Keiichi , Stoker Aaron M. , Smith Patrick A. , Cook James L.
Published: March 2020

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) can be a safe, effective treatment for meniscal deficiency resulting in knee dysfunction, leading to osteoarthritis (OA) without proper treatment with 5‐year functional success rates (75%‐90%). While different grafts and techniques have generally proven safe and effective, complications include shrinkage, extrusion, progression of joint pathology, and failure. The objective of this study was to assess the functional outcomes after MAT using three different clinically‐relevant methods in a preclinical canine model. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that fresh meniscal‐osteochondral allograft transplantation would be associated with significantly better function and joint health compared with fresh‐viable or fresh‐frozen meniscus‐only allograft transplantations. Three months after meniscal release to induce meniscus‐deficient medial compartment disease, research hounds (n = 12) underwent MAT using meniscus allografts harvested from matched dogs. Three MAT conditions (n = 4 each) were compared: frozen meniscus–fresh‐frozen meniscal allograft with menisco‐capsular suture repair; fresh meniscus–fresh viable meniscal allograft (Missouri Osteochondral Preservation System (MOPS)‐preservation for 30 days) with menisco‐tibial ligament repair; fresh menisco‐tibial–fresh, viable meniscal‐tibial‐osteochondral allografts (MOPS‐preservation for 30 days) with menisco‐tibial ligament preservation and autogenous bone marrow aspirate concentrate on OCA bone. Assessment was performed up to 6 months after MAT. Pain, comfortable range of motion, imaging, and arthroscopic scores as well histological and cell viability findings were superior (P < .05) for the fresh menisco‐tibial group compared with the two other groups. Novel meniscal preservation and implantation techniques with fresh, MOPS‐preserved, viable meniscal‐osteochondral allografts with menisco‐tibial ligament preservation appears to be safe and effective for restoring knee function and joint health in this preclinical model. This has the potential to significantly improve outcomes after MAT.
MD‐PhD graduates remain underrepresented in orthopaedic surgery: National MD‐PhD Program Outcome Survey update
Authors: von Kaeppler Ericka P. , Akabas Myles H. , Brass Lawrence F. , Amanatullah Derek F.
Published: March 2020

With the dramatic expansion of the biomedical knowledge base and increasing demands for evidence‐based medicine, the role of the clinician‐scientist is becoming increasingly important. In orthopaedic surgery, clinician‐scientists are at the forefront of translational efforts to address the growing burden of musculoskeletal disease, yet MD‐PhD trained investigators have historically been underrepresented in this field. Here, we examine the trend, over time, of MD‐PhD graduates pursuing orthopaedic surgery, compared with other specialties. Survey data from the 2018 Association of American Medical Colleges National MD‐PhD Program Outcomes Study, including data on 4,647 individuals who had completed residency training and 2,124 who were still in training, were reanalyzed. Numbers, proportions, workplace choice, and percent research effort of MD‐PhD graduates completing orthopaedic surgery were compared with other surgical and nonsurgical specialties. Trends over time were analyzed by linear regression. While a decreasing proportion of MD‐PhD graduates completed internal medicine training, just 1.1% of MD‐PhD graduates completed orthopaedic surgery training, lower than that of all other surgical specialties. The proportion of MD‐PhD graduates completing orthopaedic surgery has not increased over time and was mirrored in MD‐PhD residents still in training. Though MD‐PhDs are increasingly choosing to pursue “nontraditional” specialties, they remain underrepresented in orthopaedic surgery, compared with other clinical disciplines. Thus, there exists an opportunity to encourage MD‐PhD graduates to pursue careers in orthopaedic surgery, to supplement the existing intellectual capital in the orthopaedic science workforce. This, along with other strategies to support all orthopaedic surgeon‐scientists, will ultimately advance the care of musculoskeletal diseases.
Minimally invasive inguinal lymphadenectomy
Authors: Delman Keith A.
Published: March 2020

The focus of this article is not purely on the technical aspects of a novel procedure, but also the considerations a team might pursue in adopting, modifying, or developing a new procedure of any type. Performing a minimally invasive inguinal lymphadenectomy is challenging even to individuals experience in laparoscopic techniques and with open lymphadenectomy. This article summarizes the approach to adopting any new technique and specifically addresses the learning curve for minimally invasive lymphadenectomy. In addition, specific technical aspects of the procedure are enumerated.
Minimally invasive gastrectomy for cancer and anastomotic options
Authors: Ju Michelle R. , Wang Sam C. , Zeh Herbert J. , Porembka Matthew R.
Published: March 2020

In this review article, we explore patient selection criteria for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) gastrectomy, present evidence on the risks and benefits of minimally invasive techniques, describe operative techniques focusing specifically on reconstruction options, and discuss the learning curve associated with these operations.
Mood Disorders are Associated With Increased Risk of BPPV: A National Sample Cohort
Authors: Kim Sung Kyun , Hong Seok Min , Park Il‐Seok , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Park Bumjung , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Few studies have reported that mood disorders increase the risk of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The purpose of our study was to demonstrate whether the incidence of BPPV in those with mood disorders differs from that in a matched control group.

Study Design

Nationwide cohort observational study.

Methods

Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service‐National Patient Samples were collected from 2002 to 2013. A 1:4 matched mood disorder group (n = 59,340) and control group (n = 237,720) were selected. The crude and adjusted (cerebral stroke, ischemic heart disease, anxiety disorder, and osteoporosis histories) hazard ratios (HRs) for depression and BPPV were analyzed using a stratified Cox proportional hazard model. The results were stratified by age, sex, income, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in these analyses.

Results

The incidence of BPPV was significantly higher in the mood disorder group than in the control group (3.2% vs. 2.1%, P < .001). Mood disorder increased the risk of BPPV (adjusted HR = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23–1.39, P < .001). In subgroup analyses, the incidence of BPPV in all age groups and in both sexes was significantly higher in the mood disorder group than in the control group.

Conclusion

This population‐based cohort study demonstrates that mood disorder was significantly associated with BPPV.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 131:380–385, 2021
The Internal Superior Laryngeal Nerve in Humans: Evidence for Pure Sensory Function
Authors: Santoso Laura F. , Jafari Samah , Kim Daniel Y. , Paydarfar David
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To determine if the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN) provides direct motor innervation to the interarytenoid muscle, a laryngeal adductor critical for airway protection. We studied the iSLN‐evoked motor response in the interarytenoid and other laryngeal muscles. If the iSLN is purely sensory, there will be no detectable short latency motor response upon supramaximal stimulation, indicating the absence of a direct efferent conduction path.

Study Design

Intraoperative case series.

Methods

In seven anesthetized patients undergoing laryngectomy for unilateral laryngeal carcinoma, the iSLN of the unaffected side was electrically stimulated intraoperatively with 0.1‐ms pulses of progressive intensities until supramaximal stimulation was reached. Electromyographic responses were measured in the ipsilateral interarytenoid, thyroarytenoid, and cricothyroid muscles.

Results

None of the subjects exhibited short‐latency interarytenoid motor responses to iSLN stimulation. Supramaximal electrical stimulation of the intact iSLN evoked ipsilateral motor responses with long latencies: 18.7–38.5 ms in the interarytenoid (n = 6) and 17.8–24.9 ms in the thyroarytenoid (n = 5). Supramaximal stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve evoked ipsilateral motor responses with short latencies: 1.6–3.9 ms in the interarytenoid (n = 6) and 1.6–2.7 ms in the thyroarytenoid (n = 6).

Conclusion

The iSLN provides no functional efferent motor innervation to the interarytenoid muscles. The iSLN exclusively evokes an interarytenoid motor response via afferent activation of central neural circuits that mediate the laryngeal reflex arc. These findings suggest that the role of the iSLN in vital laryngopharyngeal functions, such as normal swallowing and protection of the airway from aspiration, is purely sensory.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E207–E211, 2021
Defective Human Motion Perception in Cervical Dystonia Correlates With Coexisting Tremor
Authors: Martino Davide , Bonassi Gaia , Lagravinese Giovanna , Pelosin Elisa , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Avanzino Laura
Published: March 2020

Background

The ability to predict temporal outcome of body movement is abnormal in idiopathic dystonia and can be altered by cerebellar neuromodulation. Tremor in cervical dystonia might be associated with performance on motion perception tasks.

Methods

A total of 15 cervical dystonia patients with and 14 without tremor and 15 age‐matched healthy participants estimated the termination of videos showing different movements (handwriting a sentence, ball reaching a target) after these were darkened at different time intervals.

Results

Cervical dystonia patients with tremor exhibited greater absolute timing error across all intervals of the hand motion task (group × task interaction effect, F2,41 = 4.57; P = 0.016). The percentage of responses in anticipation for both motion tasks did not differ across groups, suggesting lack of timing error directionality.

Conclusions

Temporal processing of perceived motion in cervical dystonia is associated with the presence of tremor. Cortico‐cerebellar network abnormalities in cervical dystonia might account for motion processing changes in these patients. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
On some integral‐consistent methods for calculating magnetohydrodynamic phenomena in problems of computational astrophysics
Authors: Poveshchenko Yury , Podryga Viktoriia , Rahimly Orkhan
Published: March 2020

When constructing difference schemes for calculating complex problems of computational astrophysics considering magnetohydrodynamic and gravitational phenomena, the processes of matter overcompression (with a change in density by several orders of magnitude) should be taken into account, and it is important at a discrete level to take into account the corresponding energy transformations of magnetohydrodynamic, gravitational, kinetic, and internal energy during the evolution of a star. This problem is solved by constructing completely conservative difference schemes in a view of these magnetohydrodynamic processes and self‐gravitating phenomena. In this work, to study and apply the difference methods for solving problems of magnetic gas dynamics, a discrete representation of symmetrized spatial deformations of the medium was obtained. The representation is consistent with changes in the magnetic, kinetic, and internal energies and does not lead to their distortions when the matter is overcompressed.
Employing double posts to excite the centerline longitudinal slot antennas
Authors: Moradian Mahdi
Published: March 2020

A straightforward method is introduced for feeding the longitudinal slot antennas, which are centered along the waveguide centerline. In the proposed method, two posts are introduced next to each slot. The posts are arranged such that they have offsets from the waveguide centerline. Furthermore, the posts are placed near the tips of the slots. The performed study shows that the spacing between the posts as well as their offsets from the centerline is the main parameters that control the radiated energy by the antennas. To verify the effectiveness of the suggested slot antennas, some design graphs are derived for a special case of the suggested slot antennas and a linear array is then designed, implemented, and measured. The usefulness of the suggested slot antennas is validated by a design example and its simulation and the measurement results.
Mutual coupling reduction in Fabry‐Pérot cavity antenna array
Authors: Zhan Junlin , Xu Feng , Liu Shui , Deng Senshen , Yang Ling , Qiang Jingxia
Published: March 2020

This letter presents the mutual coupling reduction in Fabry‐Pérot (FP) cavity antenna array. Partially reflecting surface (PRS) and analogous artificial magnetic conductor reflectarray in the cavity participate in phase and magnitude modulation with spatial decoupling solution. With the proper design for the cells of PRS and reflectarray, along with the distance between them, scattered and surface waves are analyzed independently to achieve the trade‐off between mutual coupling reduction and high directivity. With decoupling optimization, S21 decreases from −20 to −30 dB, and the gain of the decoupling FP cavity antenna array fed by single source drops acceptably from 14.3 to 13.6 dBi simultaneously. The low E‐plane coupling coefficient and envelope correlation coefficient are achieved. Besides, the height of the decoupling FP cavity antenna array is lower than 6.3 mm owing to the participation of reflectarray. That the measured results are in good agreements with simulated results verifies the decoupling FP cavity antenna array performances.
Trajectory‐based VMAT for cranial targets with delivery at shortened SAD
Authors: Mullins Joel , Renaud Marc‐André , Heng Veng , Ruo Russell , DeBlois François , Seuntjens Jan
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Trajectory‐based volumetric modulated arc therapy (tr‐VMAT) treatment plans enable the option for noncoplanar delivery yielding steeper dose gradients and increased sparing of critical structures compared to conventional treatment plans. The addition of translational couch motion to shorten the effective source‐to‐axis distance (SAD) may result in improved delivery precision and an increased effective dose rate. In this work, tr‐VMAT treatment plans using a noncoplanar “baseball stitch” trajectory were implemented, applied to patients presented with cranial targets, and compared to the clinical treatment plans.

Methods

A treatment planning workflow was implemented: (a) beamlet doses were calculated for control points defined along a baseball stitch trajectory using a collapsed‐cone convolution‐superposition algorithm; (b) VMAT treatment plans were optimized using the column generation approach; (c) a final dose distribution was calculated in Varian Eclipse using the analytical anisotropic algorithm by importing the optimized treatment plan parameters. Tr‐VMAT plans were optimized for ten patients presented with cranial targets at both standard and shortened SAD, and compared to the clinical treatment plans through isodose distributions, dose‐volume histograms, and dosimetric indices. The control point specifications of the optimized tr‐VMAT plans were used to estimate the delivery time.

Results

The optimized tr‐VMAT plans with both shortened and standard SAD delivery yielded a comparable plan quality to the clinical treatment plans. A statistically significant benefit was observed for dose gradient index and monitor unit efficiency for shortened SAD tr‐VMAT plans, while improved target volume conformity was observed for the clinical treatment plan (P ≤ 0.05). A clear dosimetric benefit was not demonstrated between tr‐VMAT delivery at shortened SAD compared to standard SAD, but shortened SAD delivery yielded a fraction size–dependent reduction in the estimated delivery time.

Conclusion

The implementation of “baseball stitch” tr‐VMAT treatment plans to patients presented with cranial targets demonstrated comparable plan quality to clinical treatment plans. The delivery at shortened SAD produced a fraction size–dependent decrease in estimated delivery time.
Complementarity of gluCEST and 1H‐MRS for the study of mouse models of Huntington's disease
Authors: Pépin Jérémy , de Longprez Lucie , Trovero Fabrice , Brouillet Emmanuel , Valette Julien , Flament Julien
Published: March 2020

Identification of relevant biomarkers is fundamental to understand biological processes of neurodegenerative diseases and to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Atrophy of brain structures has been proposed as a biomarker, but it provides little information about biochemical events related to the disease. Here, we propose to identify early and relevant biomarkers by combining biological specificity provided by 1H‐MRS and high spatial resolution offered by gluCEST imaging. For this, two different genetic mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD)—the Ki140CAG model, characterized by a slow progression of the disease, and the R6/1 model, which mimics the juvenile form of HD—were used. Animals were scanned at 11.7 T using a protocol combining 1H‐MRS and gluCEST imaging. We measured a significant decrease in levels of N‐acetyl‐aspartate, a metabolite mainly located in the neuronal compartment, in HD animals, and the decrease seemed to be correlated with disease severity. In addition, variations of tNAA levels were correlated with striatal volumes in both models. Significant variations of glutamate levels were also observed in Ki140CAG but not in R6/1 mice. Thanks to its high resolution, gluCEST provided complementary insights, and we highlighted alterations in small brain regions such as the corpus callosum in Ki140CAG mice, whereas the glutamate level was unchanged in the whole brain of R6/1 mice. In this study, we showed that 1H‐MRS can provide key information about biological processes occurring in vivo but was limited by the spatial resolution. On the other hand, gluCEST may finely point to alterations in unexpected brain regions, but it can also be blind to disease processes when glutamate levels are preserved. This highlights in a practical context the complementarity of the two methods to study animal models of neurodegenerative diseases and to identify relevant biomarkers.
Melt spinning of propylene carbonate‐plasticized poly(acrylonitrile)‐co‐poly(methyl acrylate)
Authors: König Simon , Kreis Philipp , Reinders Leonie , Beyer Ronald , Wego Andreas , Herbert Christian , Steinmann Mark , Frank Erik , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: March 2020

The primary use of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) fibers, commonly referred to as acrylic fibers, is in textile applications like clothing, furniture, carpets, and awnings. All commercially available PAN fibers are processed by solution spinning; however, alternative, more cost‐effective processes like melt spinning are still highly desired. Here, the melt spinning of PAN‐co‐poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) plasticized with propylene carbonate (PC) at 175°C is reported. The use of methyl acrylate (MA) as comonomer and PC as an external plasticizer renders the approach a combination of internal and external plasticization. Various mixtures of PAN and PC used in this work were examined by rheology, subjected to melt spinning, followed by discontinuous and continuous washing, respectively. The best fibers were derived from a PAN‐co‐PMA copolymer containing 8.1 mol‐% of MA having a number‐average molecular weight M
n of 34 000 g/mol, spun in the presence of 22.5 wt.‐% of PC. The resulting fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), and were subjected to mechanical testing.
High Intensity Interval Exercise Increases Platelet and Transforming Growth Factor‐β Yield in Platelet‐Rich Plasma
Authors: Baria Michael R. , Miller Meghan M. , Borchers James , Desmond Shannon , Onate James , Magnussen Robert , Vasileff William Kelton , Flanigan David , Kaeding Christopher , Durgam Sushmitha
Published: March 2020

Background

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging orthobiologic treatment for musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis. Two studies have demonstrated the influence of longer duration exercise on PRP composition, but no study has ever explored the impact of high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on PRP content.

Objective

To quantify cellular and growth factor content changes in PRP after 4 minutes of HIIE.

Design

Controlled laboratory pilot study.

Setting

Academic sports medicine center.

Participants

Ten healthy volunteers (5 male, 5 female).

Intervention

Volunteers had PRP prepared from 15 mL of whole blood using a single spin, plasma‐based system (autologous conditioned plasma [ACP]) immediately before and after 4 minutes of HIIE on a stationary exercise bike (Tabata protocol).

Main Outcome Measure

The PRP was sent for complete blood counts and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results

Mean platelet count in PRP increased from 367.4 ± 57.5 k/μL to 497.7 ± 93.3 k/μL after 4 minutes of HIIE (P < .001). TGF‐β also increased from 8237.2 ± 7676.5 pg/mL to 21 535.7 ± 4062.6 pg/mL postexercise (P = .004). The other cellular components (leukocytes, red blood cells, and mean platelet volume) and growth factors (PDGF, IGF‐1, and VEGF) were not significantly changed.

Conclusions

A short 4‐minute bout of HIIE significantly increased the total platelet count and TGF‐β concentration in PRP.