bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single center experience: Implantation failures, early, and late complications after implantation of a partially biodegradable ASD/PFO‐device (BioStar®)
Authors: Happel Christoph M. , Laser Kai Thorsten , Sigler Matthias , Kececioglu Deniz , Sandica Eugen , Haas Nikolaus A.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

In the search for a biodegradable device that leaves nothing but the tissue of the patient after complete endotheliazation and absorption, the BioSTAR® device was introduced in 2007 (CE Mark in European community and HPB in Canada) for ASD and PFO closure. It consists of a metal framework covered by a biodegradable membrane generated from a layer of porcine collagen that is broken down and absorbed over time. In a sheep model, the results were promising, showing complete closure of the defect with degradation of approximately 90% of the implanted membrane material after two years.

Methods

We report a retrospective analysis of implantation failures, early and late complications in a series of 34 patients with 30 implanted BioStar® devices in a single center with a total follow‐up of more than 75 patient years.

Results

We report 12% of implantation failures, 9% of early and 12% of late complications. Implantation failures include one embolized device, which was interventionally retrieved. Early complications were exclusively rhythm disturbances, one patient needed electrical and pharmacological therapy. Four relevant late complications occurred. One device required explantation after 61 days because of recurrent severe fever episodes, severe headache, and malaise that subsequently subsided after device removal. One patient presented with Dressler's syndrome with pericardial effusion 5 month after implantation requiring pericardiocentesis and steroid treatment. One device showed a central residual shunt that was not clearly seen initially. Finally, one device was explanted after hemorrhagic pericardial effusion due to perforation of an arm of the frame through the right atrial roof into the pericardial fold after 19 months.

Conclusion

We conclude that implantation of the Biostar® device is difficult in patients with deficient aortic rims and early complications are similar to those seen in other devices. Of importance, the late complications seen with the Biostar® device might be attributable to specific material and immunological properties of the partially biodegradable device. Although a biodegradable device might theoretically be more favorable more efforts for optimization of these devices have to be taken. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal communication during pregnancy in women with Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve and cyanosis
Authors: Houser Linda , Zaragoza‐Macias Elisa , Jones Thomas K. , Aboulhosn Jamil
Published: December 2014

Transcatheter atrial septal defect occlusion is described in three pregnant patients with Ebstein's anomaly and exercise‐induced cyanosis. Procedures took place in the second and third trimester. Careful hemodynamic testing was performed prior to permanent atrial septal occlusion to confirm the capacity of the right ventricle to accept the entirety of systemic venous return in the volume‐expanded state of pregnancy. Outcomes for mother and fetus were favorable in all patients with significant reduction in maternal symptoms and resolution of cyanosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stimuli‐Responsive Lipidic Cubic Phase: Triggered Release and Sequestration of Guest Molecules
Authors: Rahanyan‐Kägi Nelli , Aleandri Simone , Speziale Chiara , Mezzenga Raffaele , Landau Ehud M.
Published: December 2014

New stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials, made up of host–guest lipidic cubic phases (LCPs) are presented. These biocompatible, stable, transparent and water‐insoluble LCPs are composed of monoolein (MO) as a neutral host, and small amounts of one of three judiciously designed and synthesized designer lipids as guest that preserve the structure and stability of LCPs, but render them specific functionalities. Efficient pH‐ and light‐induced binding, release and sequestration of hydrophilic dyes are demonstrated. Significantly, these processes can be performed sequentially, thereby achieving both temporal and dosage control, opening up the possibility of using such LCPs as effective carriers to be used in drug delivery applications. Specifically, because of the inherent optical transparency and molecular isotropy of LCPs they can be envisaged as light‐induced drug carriers in ophthalmology. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of molecular design in creating new functional materials with predicted operating mode.
Sequence‐Dependent dsDNA‐Templated Formation of Fluorescent Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Song Quanwei , Shi Yu , He Dacheng , Xu Shenghao , Ouyang Jin
Published: December 2014

There are only a few systematic rules about how to selectively control the formation of DNA‐templated metal nanoparticles (NPs) by varying sequence combinations of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), although many attempts have been made. Herein, we develop a facile method for sequence‐dependent formation of fluorescent CuNPs by using dsDNA as templates. Compared with random sequences, AT sequences are better templates for highly fluorescent CuNPs. Other specific sequences, for example, GC sequences, do not induce the formation of CuNPs. These results shed light on directed DNA metallization in a sequence‐specific manner. Significantly, both the fluorescence intensity and the fluorescence lifetime of CuNPs can be tuned by the length or the sequence of dsDNA. In order to demonstrate the promising practicality of our findings, a sensitive and label‐free fluorescence nuclease assay is proposed.
Electrochemical and mARC‐Catalyzed Enzymatic Reduction of para‐Substituted Benzamidoximes: Consequences for the Prodrug Concept “Amidoximes instead of Amidines”
Authors: Bauch Eva , Reichmann Debora , Mendel Ralf‐Rainer , Bittner Florian , Manke Anne‐Marie , Kurz Philipp , Girreser Ulrich , Havemeyer Antje , Clement Bernd
Published: December 2014

The mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (mARC) activates amidoxime prodrugs by reduction to the corresponding amidine drugs. This study analyzes relationships between the chemical structure of the prodrug and its metabolic activation and compares its enzyme‐mediated vs. electrochemical reduction. The enzyme kinetic parameters KM and Vmax for the N‐reduction of ten para‐substituted derivatives of the model compound benzamidoxime were determined by incubation with recombinant proteins and subcellular fractions from pig liver followed by quantification of the metabolites by HPLC. A clear influence of the substituents at position 4 on the chemical properties of the amidoxime function was confirmed by correlation analyses of 1H NMR chemical shifts and the redox potentials of the 4‐substituted benzamidoximes with Hammett’s σ. However, no clear relationship between the kinetic parameters for the enzymatic reduction and Hammett’s σ or the lipophilicity could be found. It is thus concluded that these properties as well as the redox potential of the amidoxime can be largely ignored during the development of new amidoxime prodrugs, at least regarding prodrug activation.
Rational Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Lactam‐Bridged Gramicidin A Analogues: Discovery of a Low‐Hemolytic Antibacterial Peptide
Authors: Mao Ji , Kuranaga Takefumi , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Inoue Masayuki
Published: December 2014

A linear peptide, gramicidin A (GA), folds into a β6.3‐helix, functions as an ion channel in the cell membrane, and exerts antibacterial activity. Herein we describe the rational design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of lactam‐bridged GA analogues. The GA analogue with a 27‐membered macrolactam was found to adopt a stable β6.3‐helical conformation and exhibits higher ion‐exchange activity than GA. Furthermore, this GA analogue retains the potent antibiotic activity of GA, but its hemolytic activity and toxicity toward mammalian cells are significantly lower than those of GA. This study thus dissociates the antibacterial and hemolytic/cytotoxic activities of GA, and charts a rational path forward for the development of new ion‐channel‐based antibiotics.
Transforming the natural colors of an image into product design: A computer‐aided color planning system based on fuzzy pattern recognition
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Wen , Tsai Cheng‐Ju
Published: December 2014

A computer‐aided color planning system transforming an image with natural colors into product design is addressed in this study. By using analogies to natural color patterns for the solutions in product color planning, a natural color planning system is developed. The system assists the designer to obtain optimized natural colors easily for product color planning or takes the color planning of similar products by means of designers‐preferred natural colors. In terms of the product color planning design, this system converts the descriptive design processes into systematic design model by three modules: (1) natural coloring module, (2) fuzzy recognition module, and (3) image evaluation module. A case study based on applying the colors of Taiwanese butterflies to the color planning of volleyball shoes was presented to verify the feasibility of this system. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 612–625, 2015
Dichromatism causes color variations in leaves and spices
Authors: Kasajima Ichiro , Sasaki Katsutomo
Published: December 2014

Although the color phase (hue) of plants plays fundamental roles in quality of foods and horticultural species, principles of variations in hues of plant materials are neither fully understood nor extensively examined by researchers. This may be partly because plant colors are determined by complex physicochemical factors non‐understandable to most biologists. For example, hue of soluble pigment has been demonstrated to change at different thickness of a layer or pigment concentrations in exceptional substances such as pumpkin seed oil. Such strange effect (dichromatism) of layer thickness on pigment hue was previously explained by application of Beer–Lambert law on absorbance spectra (Naturwissenschaften 2007;94:935–939). In this report, we demonstrate dichromatism in plant leaves and red spices. Dichromatism of these materials can be quite simply observed by extraction and dilution of pigments with dimethylformamide, a scarcely evaporating organic solvent. Hue of pigment solutions gradually changed with dilution from green to yellow‐green for leaves, and from red to yellow for spices. These changes were also explained by changes in absorbance spectra with dilution, nevertheless spectra of absorption coefficient were stable. Dichromatism in leaves caused uniform negative correlation between lightness and hue in any plant species examined. Such correlation was successfully explained by calculation with a normalized RGB color matching function. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 605–611, 2015
Cyclic Stability Testing of Aminated‐Silica Solid Sorbent for Post‐Combustion CO2 Capture
Authors: Fisher James C. , Gray McMahan
Published: December 2014

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is examining the use of solid sorbents for CO2 removal from coal‐fired power plant flue gas streams. An aminated sorbent (previously reported by the NETL) is tested for stability by cyclic exposure to simulated flue gas and subsequent regeneration for 100 cycles. Each cycle was quantified using a traced gas in the simulated flue gas monitored by a mass spectrometer, which allowed for rapid determination of the capacity.
Bifunctional Silver(I) Complex‐Catalyzed CO2 Conversion at Ambient Conditions: Synthesis of α‐Methylene Cyclic Carbonates and Derivatives
Authors: Song Qing‐Wen , Chen Wei‐Qiang , Ma Ran , Yu Ao , Li Qiu‐Yue , Chang Yao , He Liang‐Nian
Published: December 2014

The chemical conversion of CO2 at atmospheric pressure and room temperature remains a great challenge. The triphenylphosphine complex of silver(I) carbonate was proved to be a robust bifunctional catalyst for the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic alcohols and CO2 at ambient conditions leading to the formation of α‐methylene cyclic carbonates in excellent yields. The unprecedented performance of [(PPh3)2Ag]2CO3 is presumably attributed to the simultaneous activation of CO2 and propargylic alcohol. Moreover, the highly compatible basicity of the catalytic species allows propargylic alcohol to react with CO2 leading to key silver alkylcarbonate intermediates: the bulkier [(Ph3P)2AgI]+ effectively activates the carbon–carbon triple bond and enhances O‐nucleophilicity of the alkylcarbonic anion, thereby greatly promoting the intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization. Notably, this catalytic protocol also worked well for the reaction of propargylic alcohols, secondary amines, and CO2 (at atmospheric pressure) to afford β‐oxopropylcarbamates.
Formoterol or salmeterol for asthma—should they be used as monotherapy?
Authors: Steiner Mike
Published: December 2014

Eco‐paediatrics is an occasional feature in Evidence‐Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal. Our goal is to contribute to the worldwide discussion on reducing waste in health care. In each instalment, we will select a recent Cochrane review highlighting a practice, still in use, which the available evidence tells us should be discontinued.
Cochrane in context: Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents
Authors: Madhuri Vrisha , Gahukamble Abhay
Published: December 2014

Cochrane Review: Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents Madhuri V, Dutt V, Gahukamble AD, Tharyan P. Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD009076. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009076.pub2.

This companion piece to the review, “Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents,” contains the following pieces:

The abstract of the review

A commentary from one or more of the review authors, explaining why the review team felt the review was an important one to produce

Some other recently published references on this topic
A Novel Strategy for Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid Using a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with CdTe Quantum Dots
Authors: Beitollahi Hadi , Hamzavi Mozhdeh , Torkzadeh‐Mahani Masoud , Shanesaz Maryam , Maleh Hassan Karimi
Published: December 2014

A novel CdTe quantum dots‐modified carbon paste electrode (QDMCPE) was fabricated and used to study the electrooxidation of dopamine and uric acid and their mixtures by electrochemical methods. Using square wave voltammetry (SWV), a highly sensitive and simultaneous determination of dopamine and uric acid was explored at the modified electrode. SWV peak currents of dopamine and uric acid increased linearly with their concentrations in the ranges of 7.5×10−8–6.0×10−4 M, and 7.5×10−6–1.4×10−3 M, respectively. Finally this new sensor was used for determination of dopamine and uric acid in some real samples.
Genotoxicity of synthetic amorphous silica nanoparticles in rats following short‐term exposure. Part 1: Oral route
Authors: Tarantini Adeline , Huet Sylvie , Jarry Gérard , Lanceleur Rachelle , Poul Martine , Tavares Ana , Vital Nádia , Louro Henriqueta , João Silva Maria , Fessard Valérie
Published: December 2014

Synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) in its nanosized form is now used in food applications although the potential risks for human health have not been evaluated. In this study, genotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage of two pyrogenic (NM‐202 and 203) and two precipitated (NM‐200 and ‐201) nanosized SAS were investigated in vivo in rats following oral exposure. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg b.w./day for three days by gavage. DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage were investigated in seven tissues (blood, bone marrow from femur, liver, spleen, kidney, duodenum, and colon) with the alkaline and the (Fpg)‐modified comet assays, respectively. Concomitantly, chromosomal damage was investigated in bone marrow and in colon with the micronucleus assay. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker, was measured in plasma. When required, a histopathological examination was also conducted. The results showed neither obvious DNA strand breaks nor oxidative damage with the comet assay, irrespective of the dose and the organ investigated. Similarly, no increases in chromosome damage in bone marrow or lipid peroxidation in plasma were detected. However, although the response was not dose‐dependent, a weak increase in the percentage of micronucleated cells was observed in the colon of rats treated with the two pyrogenic SAS at the lowest dose (5 mg/kg b.w./day). Additional data are required to confirm this result, considering in particular, the role of agglomeration/aggregation of SAS NMs in their uptake by intestinal cells. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:218–227, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thymyl esters derivatives and a new natural product modhephanone from Pulicaria mauritanica Coss. (Asteraceae) root oil
Authors: Xu Tao , Gherib Mohammed , Bekhechi Chahrazed , Atik‐Bekkara Fewzia , Casabianca Hervé , Tomi Félix , Casanova Joseph , Bighelli Ange
Published: December 2014

Root essential oil of Pulicaria mauritanica Coss. (Asteraceae) collected from western Algeria was analysed using a combination of chromatographic (CC, GC/FID, GC(RI)] and spectroscopic [GC–MS, 13C‐NMR] techniques. Thirty‐eight compounds accounting for 90.4% of the whole composition were identified. The oil composition was dominated by thymyl derivatives (2,5‐dimethoxy‐p‐cymene (37.2%), 6‐methoxythymyl isobutyrate (14.2%), 10‐isobutyryloxy‐8,9‐dehydrothymyl isobutyrate (4.8%) and thymyl isobutyrate (3.1%)), as well as by neryl isobutyrate (11.1%). A new natural compound was isolated and the structure was elucidated as 1S,2S,5S,8S‐modhephan‐3‐one (relative stereochemistry). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doped tricalcium phosphate scaffolds by thermal decomposition of naphthalene: Mechanical properties and in vivo osteogenesis in a rabbit femur model
Authors: Ke Dongxu , Dernell William , Bandyopadhyay Amit , Bose Susmita
Published: December 2014

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a bioceramic that is widely used in orthopedic and dental applications. TCP structures show excellent biocompatibility as well as biodegradability. In this study, porous β‐TCP scaffolds were prepared by thermal decomposition of naphthalene. Scaffolds with 57.64% ± 3.54% density and a maximum pore size around 100 μm were fabricated via removing 30% naphthalene at 1150°C. The compressive strength for these scaffolds was 32.85 ± 1.41 MPa. Furthermore, by mixing 1 wt % SrO and 0.5 wt % SiO2, pore interconnectivity improved, but the compressive strength decreased to 22.40 ± 2.70 MPa. However, after addition of polycaprolactone coating layers, the compressive strength of doped scaffolds increased to 29.57 ± 3.77 MPa. Porous scaffolds were implanted in rabbit femur defects to evaluate their biological property. The addition of dopants triggered osteoinduction by enhancing osteoid formation, osteocalcin expression, and bone regeneration, especially at the interface of the scaffold and host bone. This study showed processing flexibility to make interconnected porous scaffolds with different pore size and volume fraction porosity, while maintaining high compressive mechanical strength and excellent bioactivity. Results show that SrO/SiO2‐doped porous TCP scaffolds have excellent potential to be used in bone tissue engineering applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1549–1559, 2015.
BROMOC suite: Monte Carlo/Brownian dynamics suite for studies of ion permeation and DNA transport in biological and artificial pores with effective potentials
Authors: De Biase Pablo M. , Markosyan Suren , Noskov Sergei
Published: December 2014

The transport of ions and solutes by biological pores is central for cellular processes and has a variety of applications in modern biotechnology. The time scale involved in the polymer transport across a nanopore is beyond the accessibility of conventional MD simulations. Moreover, experimental studies lack sufficient resolution to provide details on the molecular underpinning of the transport mechanisms. BROMOC, the code presented herein, performs Brownian dynamics simulations, both serial and parallel, up to several milliseconds long. BROMOC can be used to model large biological systems. IMC‐MACRO software allows for the development of effective potentials for solute–ion interactions based on radial distribution function from all‐atom MD. BROMOC Suite also provides a versatile set of tools to do a wide variety of preprocessing and postsimulation analysis. We illustrate a potential application with ion and ssDNA transport in MspA nanopore. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
k‐Nearest neighbors optimization‐based outlier removal
Authors: Yosipof Abraham , Senderowitz Hanoch
Published: December 2014

Datasets of molecular compounds often contain outliers, that is, compounds which are different from the rest of the dataset. Outliers, while often interesting may affect data interpretation, model generation, and decisions making, and therefore, should be removed from the dataset prior to modeling efforts. Here, we describe a new method for the iterative identification and removal of outliers based on a k‐nearest neighbors optimization algorithm. We demonstrate for three different datasets that the removal of outliers using the new algorithm provides filtered datasets which are better than those provided by four alternative outlier removal procedures as well as by random compound removal in two important aspects: (1) they better maintain the diversity of the parent datasets; (2) they give rise to quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models with much better prediction statistics. The new algorithm is, therefore, suitable for the pretreatment of datasets prior to QSAR modeling. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The structure and function of a muscle articulation‐type jaw joint of a polychaete worm
Authors: Uyeno Theodore A. , Kier William M.
Published: December 2014

The arrangement of the musculature and the fibers of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the flexible jaw joint of the sandwormAlitta virens(Annelida, Polychaeta) was studied using dissection and histology. The jaws are capable of a wide range of motions principally related to defense and feeding. The left and right jaws are embedded in and moved by a compact pharyngeal bulb of muscle and ECM that also forms the mouth and esophagus. Eight pharyngeal bulbs were removed and dissected to document gross anatomical features or preserved and embedded in plastic for sectioning in multiple planes. The sections were stained with toluidine blue and basic fuchsin to differentiate muscle and ECM. The sections were then digitized and used to develop a three‐dimensional computer illustration. We hypothesize that the muscle and fibers in the ECM are arranged as a muscular hydrostat to support the movement of the jaws. Four specimens were recorded using a digital video camera and a tank with an angled mirror to record lateral and ventral views of jaw movements during locomotion and biting associated with burrow guarding and feeding. Frame by frame kinematic analysis of this video showed that the jaws move symmetrically in a roughly horizontal plane. Although the angle between the jaws increases and then decreases after maximum gape has been reached, the jaws also translate relative to each other such that the axis of rotation is not fixed. Together, these functional morphological and behavioral data identify the jaw mechanism as a flexible joint known as a muscle articulation. As muscle articulations have been previously described only in the beaks of cephalopods and flatworms, this study implies that this type of joint is more common and important than previously recognized. J. Morphol. 276:403–414, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Otolith patterns of rockfishes from the northeastern pacific
Authors: Tuset Victor M. , Imondi Ralph , Aguado Guillermo , Otero‐Ferrer José L. , Santschi Linda , Lombarte Antoni , Love Milton
Published: December 2014

Sagitta otolith shape was analysed in twenty sympatric rockfishes off the southern California coast (Northeastern Pacific). The variation in shape was quantified using canonical variate analysis based on fifth wavelet function decomposition of otolith contour. We selected wavelets because this representation allow the identifications of zones or single morphological points along the contour. The entire otoliths along with four subsections (anterior, ventral, posterodorsal, and anterodorsal) with morphological meaning were examined. Multivariate analyses (MANOVA) showed significant differences in the contours of whole otolith morphology and corresponding subsection among rockfishes. Four patterns were found: fusiform, oblong, and two types of elliptic. A redundancy analysis indicated that anterior and anterodorsal subsections contribute most to define the entire otolith shape. Complementarily, the eco‐morphological study indicated that the depth distribution and strategies for capture prey were correlated to otolith shape, especially with the anterodorsal zone. J. Morphol. 276:458–469, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐temperature headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of trace volatile compounds from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L.
Authors: Chen Fangjiao , Su Yue , Zhang Fang , Guo Yinlong
Published: December 2014

The total saccharides content of Lycium barbarum L. is very high, and a high temperature would result in saccharide decomposition and the emergence of a large amount of water. Moreover, the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. are rather low in concentration. Hence, it is difficult for a conventional headspace method to study the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. Since headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry is an excellent method for trace analysis, a headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method based on low‐temperature (30°C) enrichment and multiple headspace extraction was developed to explore the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. The headspace of the sample was extracted in 17 cycles at 30°C. Each time, the compounds extracted were concentrated in the trap (Tenax TA and Tenax GR, 1:1). Finally, all the volatile compounds were delivered into the gas chromatograph after thermal desorption. With the method described above, a total of 57 compounds were identified. The identification was completed by mass spectral search, retention index, and accurate mass measurement.
Rapid preparative isolation of erythrocentaurin from Enicostemma littorale by medium‐pressure liquid chromatography, its estimation by high‐pressure thin‐layer chromatography, and its α‐amylase inhibitory activity
Authors: Hassan Naila , Ahamad Javed , Amin Saima , Mujeeb Mohd , Mir Showkat R.
Published: December 2014

Erythrocentaurin is a relatively simple natural product present among the members of Gentianaceae. A preparative method for the isolation of erythrocentaurin from the ethyl acetate fraction of Enicostemma littorale using medium‐pressure liquid chromatography has been reported. The method consisted of a simple step gradient from 10 to 20% ethyl acetate in n‐hexane. Using a 70 × 460 mm Si60 column, this method is capable of processing 20 g of material in <3 h (purity ≈ 97%). The recovery of erythrocentaurin was 87.77%. Estimation of erythrocentaurin in extracts and fractions based on high‐pressure thin‐layer chromatography was carried out on silica gel 60 F254 plates with toluene/ethyl acetate/formic acid (80:18:2 v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The densitometric analysis was performed at 230 nm. A well‐separated compact band of erythrocentaurin appeared at Rf 0.54 ± 0.04. The analytical method showed good linearity in the concentration range of 200–1500 ng/band with a correlation coefficient of 0.99417. The limits of detection and quantification were found to be ≈60 and ≈180 ng/band, respectively. Erythrocentaurin exhibited a concentration‐dependent α‐amylase inhibition (IC50 1.67 ± 0.28 mg/mL). The outcome of the study should be considered for pharmacokinetic and biotransformation studies involving E. littorale.
Sleep magnetic resonance imaging with electroencephalogram in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Kavcic Pavel , Koren Ales , Koritnik Blaz , Fajdiga Igor , Groselj Leja D.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To evaluate the mechanism and level of upper airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients during natural sleep, together with synchronous electroencephalogram and respiratory events registration at 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) platform with high spatial and temporal resolution.

Study Design

A prospective cohort study of 20 randomly selected OSA patients.

Methods

Fifteen of 20 patients were able to complete spontaneous sleep during MRI. While asleep, dynamic MR images of pharynx were obtained in the midline sagittal view. During the scan, nasal and oral airflow, thoracoabdominal wall effort, and electroencephalogram were synchronously recorded. The physiologic data were retrospectively scored to identify periods of apneas and synchronized with dynamic MR images.

Results

In all 15 patients, the site of complete airway obstruction occurred at the retropalatal space. We noticed different positions of the soft palate during apneic events. In seven of 15 patients (47%), the soft palate was attached to the tongue base and moved backward, compressing the airway. In five of 15 patients (33%), the soft palate was detached from the tongue base and solely moved backward, compressing the airway. In three patients (20%), we recorded both mechanisms of complete airway obstruction. In cases with attached soft palate to the tongue base, we noticed significant narrowing of the retrolingual space during apneic events.

Conclusion

We describe a novel mechanism of obstruction dependent on the position of soft palate. This mechanism might play an important role in selecting candidates for surgery or treatment with hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1485–1490, 2015
Endoscopic ventral skull base surgery: Is early postoperative imaging warranted for detecting complications?
Authors: Diaz Lucia , Mady Leila J. , Mendelson Zachary S. , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: December 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Following endoscopic ventral skull base surgery (EVSBS), it is common practice to obtain early postoperative imaging. The role of postoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in these patients remains unclear. This study aims to determine the clinical utility of early postoperative imaging after EVSBS for detecting postoperative complications.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis of 224 cases of purely EVSBS between 2009 and 2014 was performed. Data were collected regarding postoperative CT and MRI as well as hospital course. Interpretations of postoperative imaging were separated into two groups: 1) using radiologist's interpretation alone and 2) using surgeon knowledge of the case in tandem with imaging.

Results

Postoperative imaging was obtained in 213 cases (204 CT, 170 MRI) within 48 hours of surgery. Interpretation by a radiologist yielded a significantly higher rate of false positives (FP) on CT (15/204) and MRI (8/170) when compared to surgeon interpretation (CT FP =1/204 and MRI FP = 1/170) (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0366, respectively), as well as a significantly lower rate of true negatives (TN) on CT (172/204 vs. 186/204) (P = 0.0497), whereas MRI data had a similar rate of TN (150/170 vs. 157/170; P = 0.2717). The rate of postoperative complications was 7.14% (16/224). In all cases of postoperative complications that required intervention, patients exhibited clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, the benefit of early postoperative imaging to detect complications may be limited. When positive imaging findings were encountered, their value were somewhat negated by preceding clinical symptoms.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1072–1076, 2015
Markovian Approach to Self‐Condensing Vinyl Polymerization: Distributions of Molecular Weights, Degrees of Branching, and Molecular Dimensions
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: December 2014

A Markovian model is proposed to investigate the complex molecular buildup processes during the self‐condensing vinyl polymerization. The weight‐average chain length is represented by the analytic formula, . By application of the Markovian model to the Monte Carlo method, one can investigate the structure of the polymer formed one by one, and the full distributions of chain lengths, degrees of branching, and molecular dimensions are investigated. When the polymer molecules are fractionated by the chain length, the universal curves for the degree of branching, and the molecular dimension, which do not change during the course of polymerization were discovered.
Distribution of fragile X mental retardation 1 CGG repeat and flanking haplotypes in a large Chinese population
Authors: Huang Wen , Xia Qiuping , Luo Shiyu , He Hua , Zhu Ting , Du Qian , Duan Ranhui
Published: December 2014

Fragile X syndrome is mainly caused by a CGG repeat expansion within the 5′ UTR of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Previous analyses of the FMR1 CGG repeat patterns and flanking haplotypes in Caucasians and African Americans have identified several factors that may influence repeat instability. However, the CGG repeat patterns and distribution for FRAXAC2 have not yet been investigated in mainland Chinese. We surveyed the CGG repeat lengths in 1113 Han Chinese (534 males and 579 females), and the CGG repeat patterns of 534 males were determined by sequence analysis. We also explored the flanking haplotypes (DXS548‐FRAXAC1‐FRAXAC2) in 566 unaffected and 28 unrelated fragile X Chinese males. The most frequent alleles for DXS548 and FRAXAC1 were identical between our Chinese population and other Asian populations. We identified several low‐abundance alleles for DXS548 and FRAXAC1 not found in previous studies in mainland Chinese and Taiwanese cohorts. The most frequent allele was (CGG)29 followed by (CGG)30, and the most frequent patterns were 9 + 9 + 9, 10 + 9 + 9, and 9 + 9 + 6 + 9, similar to those in Singaporeans. We identified only one premutation female carrier with 89 CGG repeats in the 1113 Han Chinese. A few associations between the CGG repeat patterns and flanking haplotypes were determined in this study. In general, the Chinese population had a smaller number of alleles and lower expected heterozygosity for all three STR markers and FRAXA locus when compared with Caucasians and African Americans. We identified a novel haplotype 7‐3‐5 + that is significantly associated with the full mutation.
A combined analytical solution for chemical exchange saturation transfer and semi‐solid magnetization transfer
Authors: Zaiss Moritz , Zu Zhongliang , Xu Junzhong , Schuenke Patrick , Gochberg Daniel F. , Gore John C. , Ladd Mark E. , Bachert Peter
Published: December 2014

Off‐resonant RF irradiation in tissue indirectly lowers the water signal by saturation transfer processes: on the one hand, there are selective chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effects originating from exchanging endogenous protons resonating a few parts per million from water; on the other hand, there is the broad semi‐solid magnetization transfer (MT) originating from immobile protons associated with the tissue matrix with kilohertz linewidths. Recently it was shown that endogenous CEST contrasts can be strongly affected by the MT background, so corrections are needed to derive accurate estimates of CEST effects. Herein we show that a full analytical solution of the underlying Bloch–McConnell equations for both MT and CEST provides insights into their interaction and suggests a simple means to isolate their effects. The presented analytical solution, based on the eigenspace solution of the Bloch–McConnell equations, extends previous treatments by allowing arbitrary lineshapes for the semi‐solid MT effects and simultaneously describing multiple CEST pools in the presence of a large MT pool for arbitrary irradiation. The structure of the model indicates that semi‐solid MT and CEST effects basically add up inversely in determining the steady‐state Z‐spectrum, as previously shown for direct saturation and CEST effects. Implications for existing previous CEST analyses in the presence of a semi‐solid MT are studied and discussed. It turns out that, to accurately quantify CEST contrast, a good reference Z‐value, the observed longitudinal relaxation rate of water, and the semi‐solid MT pool size fraction must all be known. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome of children from euploid pregnancies with increased nuchal translucency in the first trimester screening
Authors: Äyräs O. , Eronen M. , Tikkanen M. , Rahkola‐Soisalo P. , Paavonen J. , Stefanovic V.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess the long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome of children born from singleton euploid pregnancies with increased fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in the first trimester ultrasound screening and without structural anomalies in the second trimester ultrasound screening.

Study Design

This is a register‐based retrospective cohort study carried out at a tertiary referral centre from 2002 to 2007. Children were followed up until 2012. All fetuses had increased NT (>95th percentile) at the first trimester ultrasound screening and normal findings in the second trimester ultrasound screening. Data about the neurodevelopmental outcome was retrieved from the hospital databases, The National Institute for Health and Welfare, and the Finnish Causes of Death Statistics Database. Information about received disability allowances was gathered from the Social Insurance Institute of Finland.

Results

The study population consists of 691 children. The mean follow‐up time was 6.5 years. Neurodevelopmental disorders occurred in 29 children (4.2%). Twelve of these 29 children (1.7%) had severe neurodevelopmental impairment.

Conclusions

The long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome of children after increased fetal NT is reassuring. This information should be added to the parental counselling of such cases. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors affecting the utilization of genetic counseling services among Israeli Arab women
Authors: Sharkia Rajech , Tarabeia Jalal , Zalan Abdelnaser , Atamany Esmael , Athamna Muhammad , Allon‐Shalev Stavit
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To assess the factors associated with utilization of genetic counseling services among pregnant Israeli Arab women.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted among 414 pregnant Arab women who were referred by a family physician or a perinatologist to genetic counseling services between 2008 and 2011. Data was collected using interviews, with both groups ‘users’ and ‘non‐users’ of genetic counseling, based on a structured questionnaire including demographic, socio‐economic, medical and cultural variables.

Results

In multivariate analysis, factors affecting women's utilization of genetic counseling service were high income level (OR 3.44, 95%CI 1.8–6.5, p < 0.001), high service accessibility (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.67–0.84, p = 0.001), more positive attitude toward genetic counseling (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.27–0.67, p = 0.012) and lower religiosity level (OR 1.40, 95%CI 0.94–2.09, p = 0.04). However, when we examined the following variable: pregnant woman's age, woman's education, consanguinity and pregnancy' age, knowledge level and the perspective toward abortion, no significant differences were found between the users and non‐users groups.

Conclusions

The underutilization of genetic counseling services among pregnant Israeli Arab women was associated with the following: lower income level, attitude toward genetic counseling, accessibility to service and religiosity. Thus, it is advisable to expand genetic counseling service within this community. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using data‐independent, high‐resolution mass spectrometry in protein biomarker research: Perspectives and clinical applications
Authors: Sajic Tatjana , Liu Yansheng , Aebersold Ruedi
Published: December 2014

In medicine, there is an urgent need for protein biomarkers in a range of applications that includes diagnostics, disease stratification, and therapeutic decisions. One of the main technologies to address this need is MS, used for protein biomarker discovery and, increasingly, also for protein biomarker validation. Currently, data‐dependent analysis (also referred to as shotgun proteomics) and targeted MS, exemplified by SRM, are the most frequently used mass spectrometric methods. Recently developed data‐independent acquisition techniques combine the strength of shotgun and targeted proteomics, while avoiding some of the limitations of the respective methods. They provide high‐throughput, accurate quantification, and reproducible measurements within a single experimental setup. Here, we describe and review data‐independent acquisition strategies and their recent use in clinically oriented studies. In addition, we also provide a detailed guide for the implementation of SWATH‐MS (where SWATH is sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra)—one of the data‐independent strategies that have gained wide application of late.
Development of an ion activation stage for atmospheric pressure ionization sources
Authors: Klee Sonja , Brockhaus Albrecht , Wißdorf Walter , Thinius Marco , Hartmann Nele , Benter Thorsten
Published: December 2014

RATIONALE

The ion‐molecule chemistry in typical atmospheric pressure ion sources is essentially thermodynamically controlled. Methods relying on gas‐phase protonation reactions, e.g. atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), thus suffer from the low reactivity of the equilibrated reagent ion population, which is mostly [H + (H2O)n]+. Reagent ion activation to yield reactive species such as H3O+ is largely uncontrolled in commercial API mass spectrometers.

METHODS

The ion activation stage (IAS) is realized as an ion 'tunnel' device. The 30‐electrode geometry has an octagonal cross section and an inner diameter of 10 mm. The tunnel is mounted in a vacuum chamber, which directly attaches to the first pumping stage of API mass spectrometers. The effluent from a typical inlet capillary is expanding into the IAS. Reagent ions are generated at atmospheric pressure. Mass spectrometric analysis is performed with quadrupole and time‐of‐flight instruments.

RESULTS

The performance of the IAS is demonstrated by the controlled activation of the initially equilibrated proton‐bound water cluster system. It is shown that a gradual increase in the RF voltage amplitude applied to the electrode structure leads to a reproducible shift of the cluster distribution along with clearly discernible protonation thresholds of selected analytes. Increasing the radiofrequency (RF) voltage from zero to maximum values does not change the average ion residence time within the IAS.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed an IAS for operation in the intermediate (1–10 mbar) regime in the ion transfer region of API mass spectrometers. This stage is fully compatible with the recently introduced cAPCI method, which relies on the operation of a liquid point electrode generating very clean and stable thermal distributions of [H + (H2O)n] clusters. The IAS allows controlled ion activation by increasing the ion temperature, which is demonstrated by selective analyte protonation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dating the Martian meteorite Zagami by the 87Rb‐87Sr isochron method with a prototype in situ resonance ionization mass spectrometer
Authors: Scott Anderson F. , Levine Jonathan , Whitaker Tom J.
Published: December 2014

RATIONALE

The geologic history of the Solar System builds on an extensive record of impact flux models, crater counts, and ~270 kg of lunar samples analyzed in terrestrial laboratories. However, estimates of impactor flux may be biased by the fact that most of the dated Apollo samples were only tenuously connected to an assumed geologic context. Moreover, uncertainties in the modeled cratering rates are significant enough to lead to estimated errors for dates on Mars and the Moon of ~1 Ga. Given the great cost of sample return missions, combined with the need to sample multiple terrains on multiple planets, we have developed a prototype instrument that can be used for in situ dating to better constrain the age of planetary samples.

METHODS

We demonstrate the first use of laser ablation resonance ionization mass spectrometry for 87Rb‐87Sr isochron dating of geological specimens. The demands of accuracy and precision have required us to meet challenges including regulation of the ambient temperature, measurement of appropriate backgrounds, sufficient ablation laser intensity, avoidance of the defocusing effect of the plasma created by ablation pulses, and shielding of our detector from atoms and ions of other elements.

RESULTS

To test whether we could meaningfully date planetary materials, we have analyzed a piece of the Martian meteorite Zagami. In each of four separate measurements we obtained 87Rb‐87Sr isochron ages for Zagami consistent with its published age, and, in both of two measurements that reached completion, we obtained better than 200 Ma precision. Combining all our data into a single isochron with 581 spot analyses gives an 87Rb‐87Sr age for this specimen of 360 ±90 Ma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analyses of the Zagami meteorite represent the first successful application of resonance ionization mass spectrometry to isochron geochronology. Furthermore, the technique is miniaturizable for spaceflight and in situ dating on other planetary bodies. © 2014 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CSIA of TCE and Daughter Products With Multiple Sources, Multiple Attenuation Mechanisms, and Low Ethene
Authors: McLoughlin Patrick W. , Peacock Aaron D. , Pirkle Robert J. , Wilson John T. , McCracken Richard W.
Published: December 2014

One of the most often asked questions from regulators considering monitored natural attenuation (MNA) for a site is if there are mechanisms in situ that can completely detoxify the contaminant of concern. This article describes a method that uses data derived from compound‐specific isotope analysis (CSIA) to investigate if complete in situ degradation of trichloroethene (TCE) has occurred. MNA was the selected remediation strategy at the former England Air Force Base (fEAFB) in Louisiana. Previously declining concentrations of TCE, 1,2‐cis‐dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride had increased in selected wells, and less ethene was observed than expected on the basis of mass balance. Reductive dechlorination, partial or otherwise, could not explain observed trends, so the question at fEAFB had become: Was there an in situ mechanism for complete TCE detoxification (i.e., complete degradation to innocuous end products) at the site? CSIA was used for investigating this question at fEAFB. A previously developed formalism was adapted to interpret the CSIA data to answer the question. Standard interpretation assuming only reductive dechlorination demonstrated detoxification in 9 of the 15 contaminated wells, whereas the interpretation developed here did so in 14. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.