bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rats bred for low and high running capacity display alterations in peripheral tissues and nerves relevant to neuropathy and pain
Authors: Cooper Michael A. , Jack Megan M. , Ryals Janelle M. , Hayley Page , Escher Taylor , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Raupp Shelby M. , Winter Michelle K. , McCarson Kenneth E. , Geiger Paige C. , Thyfault John P. , Wright Douglas E.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Diet and activity are recognized as modulators of nervous system disease, including pain. Studies of exercise consistently reveal a benefit on pain. This study focused on female rats to understand differences related to metabolic status and peripheral nerve function in females.

Methods

Here, we investigated parameters of peripheral nerve function relevant to pain in rats selectively bred for high (high‐capacity runners; HCR) or low endurance exercise capacity (low‐capacity runners; LCR) resulting in divergent intrinsic aerobic capacities and susceptibility for metabolic conditions.

Results

LCR female rats have reduced mechanical sensitivity, higher intraepidermal nerve fiber density and TrkA‐positive epidermal axons, increased numbers of Langerhans and mast cells in cutaneous tissues, and a higher fat content despite similar overall body weights compared to female HCR rats. Sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities, thermal sensitivity, and mRNA expression of selected genes relevant to peripheral sensation were not different.

Conclusions

These results suggest that aerobic capacity and metabolic status influence sensory sensitivity and aspects of inflammation in peripheral tissues that could lead to poor responses to tissue damage and painful stimuli. The LCR and HCR rats should prove useful as models to assess how the metabolic status impacts pain.
Survival of cutaneous melanoma based on sex, age, and stage in the United States, 1992–2011
Authors: Enninga Elizabeth Ann L. , Moser Justin C. , Weaver Amy L. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Brewer Jerry D. , Leontovich Alexey A. , Hieken Tina J. , Shuster Lynne , Kottschade Lisa A. , Olariu Ariadna , Mansfield Aaron S. , Dronca Roxana S.
Published: September 2017

Women diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma have a survival advantage compared to men, which has been hypothesized to be due to difference in behavior and/or biology (sex hormones). It remains controversial whether this advantage is dependent on age or stage of disease. We sought to compare melanoma‐specific survival between females in pre, peri, and postmenopausal age groups to males in the same age group, adjusting for stage of disease. This is a retrospective population‐based cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients diagnosed from 1 January 1992 through 31 January 2011 with primary invasive cutaneous melanoma were included in our cohort. Melanoma‐specific survival was the main outcome studied. Of the 106,511 subjects that were included, 45% were female. Females in all age groups (18–45, 46–54, and ≥55) with localized and regional disease, were less likely to die from melanoma compared to males in the same age group. Among patients with localized and regional disease, the relative risk of death due to melanoma increased with advancing age at diagnosis; this increase was more pronounced among females than males. In contrast, we observed no female survival advantage among patients with distant disease and no effect of age on relative risk of death from melanoma. Females with localized and regional melanoma have a decreased risk of death compared to males within all age groups. Our data show no differences in survival between men and women with metastatic melanoma, indicating that the influence of sex on survival is limited to early stage disease but not confined to pre or perimenopausal age groups.
N‐Acetylcysteine as a chemical scavenger for sulfur mustard: New insights by mass spectrometry
Authors: Siegert Markus , Kranawetvogl Andreas , Thiermann Horst , John Harald
Published: September 2017

The vesicant sulfur mustard (SM) is a banned chemical warfare agent. Although, SM has been used in combat since WWI, there is no causal therapy currently available. Accordingly, development and investigation of antidotes and scavengers targeting SM are of high clinical relevance. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) was shown to mitigate symptoms of SM intoxications in vitro and in vivo. However, it is still unclear whether the beneficial effects of NAC are only due to physiological processes or also due to chemical scavenging of SM. Therefore, in this study, we examined the scavenging potential of NAC toward SM. Co‐incubations of SM and different NAC concentrations in human serum were performed to monitor diverse adducts (covalent reaction products) of human serum albumin (HSA), NAC, and SM. After proteolytic cleavage of HSA with proteinase K the alkylated tripeptide hydroxyethylthioethyl‐CysProPhe (HETE‐CPF) and the disulfide bridged tripeptide NAC‐CPF were detected. Samples were analyzed by microbore liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–high‐resolution tandem‐mass spectrometry (μLC‐ESI MS/HR MS). Furthermore, degradation kinetics of SM in phosphate buffered saline were measured in the presence and absence of NAC. Although NAC‐CPF was identified and characterized for the first time by mass spectrometry and reaction products of NAC and SM were detected and identified by MS/HR MS, analyses clearly documented minor reactivity not significantly contributing to reduction of SM concentrations. Therefore, we conclude that chemical scavenging of SM by NAC does not play the key role in NAC therapy of SM poisoning.
Building biodiversity: drivers of bird and butterfly diversity on tropical urban roof gardens
Authors: Wang James Wei , Poh Choon Hock , Tan Chloe Yi Ting , Lee Vivien Naomi , Jain Anuj , Webb Edward L.
Published: September 2017

Conservation of faunal diversity in highly urbanized landscapes is facilitated through the integration of anthropogenic and natural elements in urban green spaces. Roof gardens have the potential to provide resources for urban wildlife populations, yet they typically offer marginal ecological conditions relative to ground‐level habitat so it is necessary to identify the factors associated with focal taxa diversity and abundance to better inform their planning, design, and management. We conducted 20 monthly surveys of diurnal bird and butterfly visitors to 30 urban roof gardens in the tropical city‐state of Singapore. Sixty‐five site variables were evaluated for their relative importance to four community diversity metrics (species richness, Simpson's diversity, abundance, and functional dispersion) using a conceptual framework relevant to key stakeholders involved in roof garden planning, design, and management. Surveys from a total of 80 observation hours per site recorded more than 23,000 independent bird and butterfly encounters, comprising 53 bird and 57 butterfly species, which represents 13% and 18% of the avifauna and butterfly fauna in Singapore, respectively. Twenty‐four species (12 birds, 12 butterflies) were considered uncommon or rare. Reproductive behaviors (courtship, mating, or nesting) were noted in 35 species (20 birds, 15 butterflies). Understory birds were under‐represented, whereas understory butterflies were over‐represented compared to the overall Singapore fauna. Early morning noise showed strong negative linear correlations with diversity of both taxa, but this variable was also negatively associated with planted area, perhaps indicating proxy effects. Faunal diversity decreased asymptotically with height. Both managed and spontaneous floral diversity had clear positive effects on bird and butterfly diversity. Our results provide clear indication that tropical urban roof gardens can support a diverse subset of the bird and butterfly species assemblages. Site height, site area, and plant selection are suggested to play dominant roles in determining the attractiveness of roof gardens for wildlife. To a first approximation, roof gardens should be built lower than 50 m in height and contain planted areas larger than 1100 m2, as well as shrubs for birds and both managed and spontaneous nectar plant species for butterflies.
Design principles for lymphatic drainage of fluid and solutes from collagen scaffolds
Authors: Thompson Rebecca L. , Margolis Emily A. , Ryan Tyler J. , Coisman Brent J. , Price Gavrielle M. , Wong Keith H. K. , Tien Joe
Published: September 2017

In vivo, tissues are drained of excess fluid and macromolecules by the lymphatic vascular system. How to engineer artificial lymphatics that can provide equivalent drainage in biomaterials remains an open question. This study elucidates design principles for engineered lymphatics, by comparing the rates of removal of fluid and solute through type I collagen gels that contain lymphatic vessels or unseeded channels, or through gels without channels. Surprisingly, no difference was found between the fluid drainage rates for gels that contained vessels or bare channels. Moreover, solute drainage rates were greater in collagen gels that contained lymphatic vessels than in those that had bare channels. The enhancement of solute drainage by lymphatic endothelium was more pronounced in longer scaffolds and with smaller solutes. Whole‐scaffold imaging revealed that endothelialization aided in solute drainage by impeding solute reflux into the gel without hindering solute entry into the vessel lumen. These results were reproduced by computational models of drainage with a flow‐dependent endothelial hydraulic conductivity. This study shows that endothelialization of bare channels does not impede the drainage of fluid from collagen gels and can increase the drainage of macromolecules by preventing solute transport back into the scaffold. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 106–114, 2018.
Dimming in Iran since the 2000s and the potential underlying causes
Authors: Jahani Babak , Dinpashoh Yagob , Wild Martin
Published: September 2017

This study investigates the spatio‐temporal variations of global solar radiation and its relationships with cloud cover (CC) during 1998–2015 in Iran, where no previous information about the variations of solar radiation based on direct measurements exists. The variations in the mentioned variables were detected using a modified Mann–Kendall trend test and the magnitudes of trends were estimated by using the Theil–Sen's slope estimator method. A widespread dimming with a magnitude of about −4.3 and −1.7% per decade is found under all‐ and clear‐sky conditions in Iran since the 2000s (median over nine observation sites). A significant increase in CC was observed at most of the stations studied, at 20.0% per decade (median over nine sites). The decrease in the amount of all‐sky global solar radiation seems to have occurred as a combined effect of aerosol and CC increase over Iran. However, in the south of Iran and at the station Tehran dimming appears to be mostly due to an increase in the amount of aerosol loadings.
Diagnostic Efficiency of Quantitative Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Indicators for Discriminating Benign From Malignant Solid Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Zhou Ping , Hu Zheyu , Tian Shuang Ming , Zhao Yongfeng , Liu Wengang , Jin Qiuzi
Published: September 2017

Objectives

We aimed to determine the most efficient quantitative parameters to establish a contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (US) assessment system for distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods

A total of 167 patients with thyroid solitary nodules had the diagnosis confirmed by surgery or fine‐needle aspiration. Quantitative contrast‐enhanced US indicators (time to peak, time from peak to one‐half, ascend slope, descend slope, peak intensity, and area under the curve [AUC]) were gathered in nodule and perinodule areas. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated. Sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated to identify the best cutoff value.

Results

The univariate logistic regression model showed that the peak intensity, ascend slope, descend slope, and AUC were significant indicators for discriminating benign from malignant nodules under contrast‐enhanced US (P < .0001). For thyroid nodules, low peak intensity, ascend slope, and AUC and high descend slope values were significant indicators of malignancy. However, in perinodule areas, high peak intensity, ascend slope, and AUC and low descend slope values were significantly associated with malignancies. The cutoff values for the nodule peak intensity, ascend slope, descend slope, and AUC were 20.75, 0.91, −0.2, and 1818.23, respectively. The cutoff values for the ratios of the nodule versus perinodule peak intensity, ascend slope, descend slope, and AUC were 0.90, 0.95, 0.96, and 0.96. The nodule‐to‐perinodule peak intensity ratio showed the best diagnostic efficiency, with 80.41% sensitivity and 80.00% specificity.

Conclusions

Quantitative contrast‐enhanced US indicators help discriminate benign from malignant thyroid nodules. The nodule‐to‐perinodule peak intensity ratio showed the best diagnostic efficiency.
Synthesis of 4H‐Benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones by a Carbonylation–Cyclization Domino Reaction of ortho‐Halophenols and Cyanamide
Authors: Åkerbladh Linda , Chow Shiao Y. , Odell Luke R. , Larhed Mats
Published: September 2017

Invited for this month′s cover are researchers from the Division of Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University (Sweden). The research interests in the group span areas such as enzyme inhibitors, new antibiotics, angiotensin II AT2R ligands, PET tracers, palladium catalysis, heterocycle synthesis, and the development of novel multicomponent reactions. In particular, sequential carbonylation and cyclization appeal to us as a convenient and straightforward synthetic route for the synthesis of heterocycles. The cover picture shows how carbon monoxide gas is diffused over a bridge, in the two‐chamber system set‐up used in this work, to take part in the catalytic cycle, and be incorporated into the heterocyclic core by a carbonylation/cyclization domino reaction to yield 4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones. For more details, see the full text of the Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201700130.
Long‐Time Thermal Stability Comparison of Alloyed and Non‐Alloyed Ohmic Contacts for InP‐Based HEMTs
Authors: Zhong Yinghui , Wang Wenbin , Sun Shuxiang , Ding Peng , Jin Zhi
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the alloyed Ni/Ge/Au/Ge/Ni/Au and non‐alloyed Ti/Pt/Au Ohmic contacts are developed for InP‐based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The optimal Ohmic contact resistance of 0.053 Ω mm has been achieved for the alloyed samples by annealing at 320 °C for 30 s, and a good Ohmic contact with contact resistance of 0.058 Ω mm has been formed by Ti/Pt/Au structure without annealing. Considering the actual millimeter‐wave integrated circuit (MMIC) manufacture process, the long‐time thermal stability of Ohmic contact structures are comparatively investigated by observing the contact resistance variation after rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at different temperature for 8 min. The contact resistance of alloyed and non‐alloyed Ohmic structures change slightly until 260 and 300 °C, respectively. Moreover, the thermal influence of Si3N4 deposition process after contact formation on Ohmic contact is studied by treatment in the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) equipment for 8 min at 280 °C. The non‐alloyed Ohmic contact shows a favorable stability with little contact resistance and surface roughness deviation. Therefore, Ti/Pt/Au metalized structure should be a more appropriate choice for InP‐based MMIC manufacture with high temperature process after contact formation.
Yonsei Experience of 5000 Gasless Transaxillary Robotic Thyroidectomies
Authors: Kim Min Jhi , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Lee Seul Gi , Choi Jung Bum , Kim Tae Hyung , Lee Cho Rok , Lee Jandee , Kang Sang‐Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Chung Woong Youn
Published: September 2017

Background

Since the use of robot systems in thyroid surgery was introduced in 2007, we have advanced a novel method of robotic thyroidectomy (RT) using a gasless transaxillary approach (TAA). We report our experience with this technique and detail the surgical outcome of 5000 robotic thyroidectomies.

Methods

From October 2007 to May 2016, we successfully performed 5000 robotic thyroidectomies using a gasless TAA at the Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Health System. The medical records of the patients are reviewed retrospectively, and the details of clinicopathologic characteristics, operation times, perioperative complications, and oncologic outcomes are analyzed.

Results

The 5000 patients with thyroid tumor (4804 with cancer and 196 with benign tumor) underwent RT using a gasless TAA. Mean operation time was 134.5 ± 122.0 min. The most common histologic subtype of thyroid cancer was papillary (98%), and the mean tumor size was 8.0 ± 6.0 mm. Stage I was found in 85.4% patients regarding tumor nodes metastasis staging. The 196 benign tumors consisted of 104 adenomatous hyperplasias (53.0%), 43 follicular adenomas (21.9%), 30 Graves’ diseases (15.3%), and 19 others (9.7%). Postoperative complication occurred in 24.1% without any serious one, and overall morbidity tended to decrease over time. No disease‐specific mortality was observed during the follow‐up period. Locoregional recurrence was developed in 26 patients (0.5%).

Conclusion

The authors have tried to improve RT technique using gasless TAA and achieved acceptable surgical outcomes. The rapid evolution of surgical robot technology and our constant effort to advance RT technique using gasless TAA would make it possible to reduce the perioperative morbidity and gain the best possible operative and oncologic outcomes.
The Judicial Trilemma
Authors: Dunoff Jeffrey L. , Pollack Mark A.
Published: September 2017

International tribunals confront a “Judicial Trilemma.” More specifically the states that design, and the judges that serve on, international courts face an interlocking series of tradeoffs among three core values: (1) judicial independence, the freedom of judges to decide cases on the facts and the law; (2) judicial accountability, structural checks on judicial authority found most prominently in international courts in reappointment and reelection processes; and (3) judicial transparency, mechanisms that permit the identification of individual judicial positions (such as through individual opinions and dissents). The Trilemma is that it is possible to maximize, at most, two of these three values. Drawing on interviews with current and former judges at leading international courts, this article unpacks the logic underlying the Judicial Trilemma, and traces the varied ways in which this logic manifests itself in the design and operation of the International Court of Justice, European Court of Human Rights, Court of Justice of the European Union, and the World Trade Organization's Appellate Body. The Judicial Trilemma does not identify an “ideal” court design. Rather it provides a framework that enables international actors to understand the inevitable tradeoffs that international courts confront, and thereby helps to ensure that these tradeoffs are made deliberately and with a richer appreciation of their implications.
Commisimpex v. Republic of Congo
Authors: Glucksmann Eloïse
Published: September 2017

The law in France regarding waivers of foreign state (or sovereign) immunity from execution of judicial judgments (based largely on consideration of international law principles) has recently undergone significant developments. Previously, French case law had required a foreign state's waiver of immunity from execution to be both express and specific to consider valid the attachment of foreign state property allocated to public services (including bank accounts used for the functioning of both diplomatic missions and delegations to international organizations). In 2015, the French Court of Cassation relaxed the criteria it had previously required for giving effect to waivers of sovereign immunity in such situations, thus facilitating the ability of judgment creditors to attach foreign state property in France. Its decision in the Commisimpex v. Republic of Congo case appeared to put an end to that requirement by abandoning the criterion of a “specific” waiver on the ground that “customary international law does not require a waiver of immunity from execution other than express.” In December 2016, however, the French government enacted new legislation reinstating the need for a specific waiver of immunity for the attachment of the property as well as bank accounts of foreign embassies and diplomatic missions and additionally requiring a court order authorizing the attachment or seizure. As a result, France has now embraced a distinctly more protective approach to the immunity of foreign state assets from attachment and execution of judicial judgments.
Late Ordovician trilobites from the Mayatas Formation, Atansor area, north-central Kazakhstan
Authors: McCobb L. M. E. , Popov L. E.
Published: September 2017

Two trilobite faunas of Late Ordovician (Katian) age are described from the Mayatas Formation in the Stepnyak region of north-central Kazakhstan. The older, oligotaxic fauna derives from flanks of a carbonate build-up, and is dominated by numerousSphaerexochusspecimens.Amphilichasis also relatively common, withPliomerinaand indeterminate asaphids present as rare components. The overlying unit of siliceous argillites contains a different assemblage, representing the raphiophorid biofacies and comprising seven genera. The poorly preserved fauna is dominated by blind trilobites (a new genus of trinucleid, the three-segmented raphiophoridPseudampyxina,Malongullia?,LonchodomasandArthrorhachis) and at least two species of large-eyedTelephina, suggesting that they occupied the disphotic zone in deep water offshore. A single cranidium of the odontopleuridPrimaspisis also present. The trinucleid,Iputaspis stepnyakensisgen. et sp. nov., has an unusual pit arrangement, with E1and E2aligned in sulci and all I arcs irregularly arranged. The Atansor area is located within the Stepnyak tectonostratigraphical unit, which probably represented an Ordovician active margin of the Kalmykkol–Kokchetav Microplate. Some of the genera represented in the faunas have affinities with Australia and South China and, also, there is a possible link to European peri-Gondwana.
Abcb1a and Abcb1b genes function differentially in blood–testis barrier dynamics in the rat
Authors: Su Linlin , Cheng Yan C , Lee Will M , Zhang Min , Yang Fangfang , Zhao Bin , Han Daishu , Liu Yixun , Hu Dahai
Published: September 2017

During spermatogenesis, immature spermatocytes traverse the blood–testis barrier (BTB) and enter the apical apartment of seminiferous epithelium for further development. This course involves extensive junction disassembly and reassembly at the BTB. P-glycoprotein is known to be coded by two genes in rodents, namely Abcb1a and Abcb1b. Our previous studies showed that simultaneously silencing Abcb1a and Abcb1b genes in Sertoli cells impeded BTB integrity. However, the individual role of Abcb1a and Abcb1b in regulating BTB dynamics remains uninvestigated. Here, single knockdown of Abcb1a by RNAi impeded the in vitro Sertoli cell permeability barrier via redistributing TJ proteins, accelerating endocytosis, and affecting endocytic vesicle-mediated protein transportation that undermined Sertoli cell barrier. F5-peptide model was used to induce cell junction disruption and subsequent restructuring in primary Sertoli cells. F5-peptide perturbed this barrier, but its removal allowed barrier ‘resealing’. Abcb1b knockdown was found to inhibit barrier resealing following F5-peptide removal by suppressing the restore of the expression and distribution of junction proteins at BTB, and reducing the migration of internalized junction proteins back to Sertoli cell interface. In summary, Abcb1a is critical in maintaining BTB integrity, while Abcb1b is crucial for junction reassembly at the BTB.
Response dynamics of rat barrel cortex neurons to repeated sensory stimulation
Authors: Kheradpezhouh Ehsan , Adibi Mehdi , Arabzadeh Ehsan
Published: September 2017

Neuronal adaptation is a common feature observed at various stages of sensory processing. Here, we quantified the time course of adaptation in rat somatosensory cortex. Under urethane anesthesia, we juxta-cellularly recorded single neurons (n = 147) while applying a series of whisker deflections at various frequencies (2–32 Hz). For ~90% of neurons, the response per unit of time decreased with frequency. The degree of adaptation increased along the train of deflections and was strongest at the highest frequency. However, a subset of neurons showed facilitation producing higher responses to subsequent deflections. The response latency to consecutive deflections increased both for neurons that exhibited adaptation and for those that exhibited response facilitation. Histological reconstruction of neurons (n = 45) did not reveal a systematic relationship between adaptation profiles and cell types. In addition to the periodic stimuli, we applied a temporally irregular train of deflections with a mean frequency of 8 Hz. For 70% of neurons, the response to the irregular stimulus was greater than that of the 8 Hz regular. This increased response to irregular stimulation was positively correlated with the degree of adaptation. Altogether, our findings demonstrate high levels of diversity among cortical neurons, with a proportion of neurons showing facilitation at specific temporal intervals.
Power frequency magnetic field promotes a more malignant phenotype in neuroblastoma cells via redox-related mechanisms
Authors: Falone S. , Santini S. , Cordone V. , Cesare P. , Bonfigli A. , Grannonico M. , Di Emidio G. , Tatone C. , Cacchio M. , Amicarelli F.
Published: September 2017

In accordance with the classification of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) are suspected to promote malignant progression by providing survival advantage to cancer cells through the activation of critical cytoprotective pathways. Among these, the major antioxidative and detoxification defence systems might be targeted by ELF-MF by conferring cells significant resistance against clinically-relevant cytotoxic agents. We investigated whether the hyperproliferation that is induced in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by a 50 Hz, 1 mT ELF magnetic field was supported by improved defence towards reactive oxygen species (ROS) and xenobiotics, as well as by reduced vulnerability against both H2O2 and anti-tumor ROS-generating drug doxorubicin. ELF-MF induced a proliferative and survival advantage by activating key redox-responsive antioxidative and detoxification cytoprotective pathways that are associated with a more aggressive behavior of neuroblastoma cells. This was coupled with the upregulation of the major sirtuins, as well as with increased signaling activity of the erythroid 2-related nuclear transcription factor 2 (NRF2). Interestingly, we also showed that the exposure to 50 Hz MF as low as 100 µT may still be able to alter behavior and responses of cancer cells to clinically-relevant drugs.
Peptides, polypeptides and peptide–polymer hybrids as nucleic acid carriers
Authors: Ahmed Marya
Published: September 2017

Peptide, polypeptide and polymer–peptide hybrid based nucleic acid therapeutics (NAT).
Differences in cisplatin distribution in sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer cells: a TEM/NanoSIMS study
Authors: Lee Ronald F. S. , Riedel Tina , Escrig Stéphane , Maclachlan Catherine , Knott Graham W. , Davey Curt A. , Johnsson Kai , Meibom Anders , Dyson Paul J.
Published: September 2017

Cisplatin is a widely used anti-cancer drug, but its effect is often limited by acquired resistance to the compound during treatment.
Magnetic, magnetocaloric and critical behavior investigation of La0.7Ca0.1Pb0.2Mn1−x−yAlxSnyO3 (x, y = 0.0, 0.05 and 0.075) prepared by a sol–gel method
Authors: Dhahri Khadija , Dhahri N. , Dhahri J. , Taibi K. , Hlil E. K. , Belmabrouk Hafedh , Zaidi M.
Published: September 2017

A systematic study on the magnetic, magnetocaloric and critical behavior properties of polycrystalline La0.7Ca0.1Pb0.2Mn1−x−yAlxSnyO3 prepared via a sol–gel method are studied.
Isotope geochemistry, hydrochemistry, and mineralogy of a river affected by acid mine drainage in a mining area, South China
Authors: Xia Di , Ye Han , Xie Yingying , Yang Chengfang , Chen Meiqin , Dang Zhi , Yi Xiaoyun , Lu Guining
Published: September 2017

This work utilized stable isotopes to evaluate the processes that affect the sulfate content in the waters of an AMD-affected river.
Winter-jujube-derived carbon with self-doped heteroatoms and a hierarchically porous structure for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zheng Kaiwen , Ali Shah Sayyed Asim , Huang Yizhou , Tian Yazhou , Cheng Jue , Zhang Junying
Published: September 2017

The synthesized JC samples possessed abundant self-doped heteroatoms and hierarchically porous structures (the co-existence of micro-, meso-, and macropores).
Molybdenum diboride nanoparticles as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Jothi Palani R. , Zhang Yuemei , Scheifers Jan P. , Park Hyounmyung , Fokwa Boniface P. T.
Published: September 2017

Non-noble metal nanomaterials (molybdenum sulfides, phosphides, carbides, and nitrides) have recently emerged as highly active electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here we present experimental and theoretical studies of the first highly active molybdenum boride nanomaterial for the HER.
Morphological and electronic modulation of NiSe nanosheet assemblies by Mo, S-codoping for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Shan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: September 2017

Schematic illustration of the synthetic process of the Mo, S-codoped NiSe/NF-160 NSs.
Strain-controlled insulator–metal transition in YTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices: effect of interfacial reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Xue-Jing , Chen Peng , Liu Bang-Gui
Published: September 2017

Strain-controlled insulator–metal transition and structural phase transition in YTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices due to interfacial reconstruction.
Pristine graphene oxide film-based contactless actuators driven by electrostatic forces
Authors: He Yi , Sun Yajuan , Wang Zhe , Ma Shaoyang , Zhang Nan , Zhang Jing , Soh Siowling , Wei Lei
Published: September 2017

Pristine graphene oxide film-based contactless actuators are achieved with a fast actuation response, good reversible actuation, and high stability.
High Intensity Functional Exercise (HIFE) Training
Authors: Kastner S. , Becker C. , Lindemann U.
Published: September 2017

Hintergrund: Das in Schweden entwickelte und evaluierte Trainingsprogramm „High Intensity Functional Exercise“ (HIFE) wird dort zur Sturzprävention im stationären Seniorenpflegebereich eingesetzt. Das Programm besteht aus funktionellen, hochintensiven Kraft- und Balanceübungen und könnte eine wertvolle Ergänzung zu bereits bestehenden Sturzpräventionsprogrammen in Deutschland darstellen.

Ziel: Überprüfung der Anwendbarkeit des HIFE-Programms in 2 deutschen Pflegeheimen.

Methode: Machbarkeitsstudie einer 10-wöchigen HIFE-Intervention mit 16 Teilnehmern*. Primäre Zielparameter waren Teilnahme- und Drop-out-Raten, Beschwerden und Nebenwirkungen, Akzeptanz bei Heimleitung und Pflegepersonal. Sekundäre Zielparameter umfassten 30-Seconds Chair Rising Test (30 CR), 5-Seconds Chair Rising Test (5 CR), habituelle und maximale Gehgeschwindigkeit, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Sit and Reach Test (SR) und Standbalance zur Beschreibung funktioneller Veränderungen im Prä-Post-Vergleich.

Ergebnisse: Während der Intervention traten keine schwerwiegenden Nebenwirkungen auf. Teilnahmeraten und Akzeptanz des HIFE-Programms waren bei Heimleitung und Pflegepersonal sehr gut und die Drop-out-Rate gering. Die Standbalance (p < 0,05), funktionelle Beinkraft (30 CR: p < 0,005, 5 CR: p < 0,005) und habituelle Gehgeschwindigkeit (p < 0,05) verbesserten sich signifikant. Die Verbesserungen der maximalen Gehgeschwindigkeit (p = 0,075) und im TUG (p = 0,05) erreichten kein signifikantes Niveau. Die Beweglichkeit beim SR veränderte sich nicht (p = 0,608).

Schlussfolgerungen: Das HIFE-Trainingsprogramm lässt sich ist in Deutschland sicher und praktikabel anwenden. Verbesserungen funktioneller Parameter sind zu erwarten, was insgesamt einen wertvollen Beitrag zur Sturzprävention in Seniorenheimen leisten kann.
An Efficient Lewis Acid Catalyzed Povarov Reaction for the One-Pot Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Tetrahydroquinolines­
Authors: Cimarelli Cristina , Bordi Samuele , Piermattei Pamela , Pellei Maura , Del Bello Fabio , Marcantoni Enrico
Published: September 2017

An easy and efficient synthetic methodology for the one-pot stereocontrolled synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines through Lewis acid activated Povarov reaction is described. The protocol takes advantage of the very cheap, easy to handle, and environmentally friendly cerium trichloride as catalyst and allows to obtain either the anti- or the syn-isomer of the final tetrahydroquinoline with good selectivity, by performing the reaction in solvent or solventless conditions. The scope of the reaction is expanded to the one-pot synthesis of N-alkyltetrahydroquinolines through a very efficient iminium-Povarov approach. A deeper insight on the reaction system was provided by the study on the side reactions occurring in the reaction conditions and on the nature of the stereoselectivity.
Ulnar Lengthening/Reconstruction of Interosseous Membrane in Treatment of Osteochondroma
Authors: Rodrigues Fabio , Bernardo Rodrigo , Rebolledo Daniel , Barronovo Danilo , Ruggiero Gustavo , Aita Marcio
Published: September 2017

Background We aim to measure the quality of life and clinical and functional outcomes of a patient who had undergone ligament reconstruction of the forearm interosseous membrane, using brachioradialis tendon more ulna distraction osteogenesis in treatment with multiple cartilaginous exostosis.

Case Description We present a 11-year-old boy with congenital deformity in his right, dominant forearm,Type IIb by Masada classification. Distraction of the ulna, resection of exostosis, and reconstruction of the distal part of the interosseous membrane was performed. One year later, the patient experienced good evaluation. Wrist flexion was 70 degrees, extension was 60 degrees, radial deviation was 20 degrees, and ulnar deviation was 30 degrees. Forearm pronation was 60 degrees and supination was 90 degrees. Elbow flexion was 120 degrees, extension was −5 degrees, and digit motion was full. DASH score of 5, VAS of 0, and grip strength of 92% compared to the unaffected side were obtained. Forearm radiographic aspects showed healing of the distraction, articular congruency, the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), and radiocapitellum joint. The distraction distance was 28 mm, the distraction period was 67 days, the consolidation period was 96 days, and the period of fixator treatment was 92 days. The distraction speed was 0.5 mm/day. Good stability and joint congruency of the DRUJ and elbow were obtained. Good radiographic, clinical, and functional results were obtained improving the life quality of that patient.

Literature Review The treatment of forearm deformities is difficult and complicated. There is no consensus to the overall management. As there is still a lack of long-term results, the indications for surgery, various surgical options, and the timing of the intervention have been a matter of controversy in the literature. Would DRUJ be stable when ulnar lengthening is combined with excision of exostosis? Is it possible to reduce the radial head with this technique?

Clinical Relevance We would like to suggest an interosseous membrane (distal oblique band) reconstruction to improve this treatment. We believe this suggestion could maintain DRUJ and elbow more stable and functional. We agree that the best time to perform the corrections is early and gradually. We prefer to correct the ulna, radius, DRUJ and elbow in many steps than in only one procedure.
Kommentar der Schriftleitung
Authors: Dietz Andreas
Published: September 2017

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

die September-Ausgabe der LRO bietet wieder eine umfangreiche Reise durch unser hoch diversifiziertes Fachgebiet. Im eingangs dargestellten
Bereich „Referiert und Diskutiert“ werden drei wichtige internationale Studien/Publikationen zur Vibrant Soundbridge 1, Antibiotikagabe bei chronisch eosinophiler Rhinosinusitis 2 sowie Therapie
des Morbus Ménière mittels transtympanaler Kortikoidtherapie 3 diskutiert. In bewährtem Stil werden von den
Diskutanten Bewertungspunkte vergeben, die Ihnen helfen können, die Studien im aktuellen wissenschaftlich fachlichen Kontext einordnen.
Development of a see-through hollow cathode discharge lamp for (Li/Ne) optogalvanic studies
Authors: Saini V. K. , Kumar P. , Sarangpani K. K. , Dixit S. K. , Nakhe S. V.
Published: September 2017

Development of a demountable and see-through hollow cathode (HC) discharge lamp suitable for optogalvanic (OG) spectroscopy is described. The design of the HC lamp is simple, compact, and inexpensive. Lithium, investigated rarely by the OG method, is selected for cathode material as its isotopes are important for nuclear industry. The HC lamp is characterized electrically and optically for discharge oscillations free OG effect. Strong OG signals of lithium as well as neon (as buffer gas) are produced precisely upon copper vapor laser pumped tunable dye laser irradiation. The HC lamp is capable of generating a clean OG resonance spectrum in the available dye laser wavelength scanning range (627.5–676 nm) obtained with 4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran dye. About 28 resonant OG lines are explicitly observed. Majority of them have been identified using j-l coupling scheme and assigned to the well-known neon transitions. One line that corresponds to wavelength near about 670.80 nm is assigned to lithium and resolved for its fine (2S1/2 → 2P1/2, 3/2) transitions. These OG transitions allow 0.33 cm−1 accuracy and can be used to supplement the OG transition data available from other sources to calibrate the wavelength of a scanning dye laser with precision at atomic levels.
Potential Diarrheal Pathogens Common Also in Healthy Children in Angola
Authors: Pelkonen Tuula , dos Santos Mauro Dias , Roine Irmeli , dos Anjos Elisabete , Freitas César , Peltola Heikki , Laakso Sanna , Kirveskari Juha
Published: September 2017

Background:

Globally, diarrhea kills almost 1500 children daily. In diagnostics, molecular methods are replacing traditional assays. We aimed to investigate enteropathogens in children with and without diarrhea in Luanda, the capital of Angola.

Methods:

One hundred and ninety-four stool samples from 98 children with acute diarrhea and 96 children without diarrhea were investigated for 17 enteropathogens with multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The median age of children was 10.5 months. Enteropathogens, bacteria, viruses and parasites were detected in 91%, 78%, 50% and 25%, respectively. A positive finding was significantly (P = 0.003) more common in diarrhea when testing for all pathogens combined, for bacteria alone and for viruses alone. More than one pathogen was found more frequently in diarrhea than in non-diarrhea stool samples, in 87% and in 59% (P < 0.0001), respectively. The median number (interquartile range) of pathogens detected was 3 (2) versus 1.5 (2; P < 0.0001), respectively. When age was taken into account, diarrhea was found to be associated with enterotoxigenic and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, Shigella, Campylobacter, rotavirus, sapovirus and Cryptosporidium.

Conclusions:

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction detected enteropathogens in almost all stool samples of children in Luanda, albeit this occurred more often in diarrhea. Children with diarrhea showed more mixed infections than children without diarrhea.
Passive transfer autoimmunity in a mouse model of complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Guo Tian-Zhi , Shi Xiaoyou , Li Wen-Wu , Wei Tzuping , Clark John David , Kingery Wade S.
Published: September 2017

It has been proposed that complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a posttraumatic autoimmune disease, and we previously observed that B cells are required for the full expression of CRPS-like changes in a mouse tibia fracture CRPS model. The current study used the mouse model to evaluate the progression of postfracture CRPS-like changes in wild-type (WT) and muMT fracture mice lacking B cells and antibodies. The pronociceptive effects of injecting WT fracture mouse serum antibodies into muMT fracture mice were also evaluated. Postfracture pain behaviors transitioned from being initially dependent on both innate and autoimmune inflammatory mechanisms at 3 weeks after fracture to being entirely mediated by antibody responses at 12 weeks after fracture and spontaneously resolving by 21 weeks after fracture. Furthermore, serum IgM antibodies from WT fracture mice had pronociceptive effects in the fracture limb when injected into muMT fracture mice. IgM antibody levels gradually increased in the fracture limb hind paw skin, sciatic nerve, and corresponding lumbar cord, peaking at 12 to 18 weeks after fracture and then declining. Immunohistochemistry localized postfracture IgM antibody binding to antigens in the fracture limb hind paw dermal cell nuclei. We postulate that fracture induces expression of neoantigens in the fracture limb skin, sciatic nerve, and cord, which trigger B cells to secret IgM antibodies that bind those antigens and initiate a pronociceptive antibody response. Autoimmunity plays a key role in the progression of nociceptive and vascular changes in the mouse fracture model and potentially contributes to the CRPS disease process.
Accelerating the Development of Higher-Level Clinical Thinking in Novice Nurses
Authors: Flanders Sonya A. , Gunn Sharon , Wheeler Megan , Newsome Emily , Altman Klein Helen
Published: September 2017

Enhancing clinical expertise of novice nurses is a challenge for nursing professional development practitioners. Time and availability of expert preceptors are limited. This article describes a process evaluation project using a specific method of cognitive skills training to expose inexperienced nurses to expert thinking and help them develop more advanced cognitive skills. Development of scenarios, decision points, and expert rationale is described along with project outcomes and lessons learned. Nursing professional development practitioners and inexperienced nurses may benefit from using this method.
Safe Searches
Authors: Abela-Dimech Frances , Johnston Kim
Published: September 2017

To ensure the safety of staff, patients, and visitors to psychiatric inpatient units, a standardized safe search protocol was developed and implemented across a psychiatric facility. This article provides an overview of the methods used in the planning, implementation, and spread of this quality improvement initiative, focusing on the concepts of change management, leadership, and team involvement. The professional development of point-of-care staff is enhanced by active engagement in quality improvement initiatives.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Acquisition Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Pennsylvania: A Rural and Urban Comparison
Authors: Pinto Casey N. , Dorn Lorah D. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Du Ping
Published: September 2017

Adolescent and young adult chlamydia and gonorrhea rates in rural versus urban communities of Pennsylvania were analyzed from 2004 to 2014. Higher rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea have been documented in rural youth, making them more likely to acquire to suffer adverse outcomes than youth in urban populations.
A Cost Analysis of Gyrase A Testing and Targeted Ciprofloxacin Therapy Versus Recommended 2-Drug Therapy for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection
Authors: Allan-Blitz Lao-Tzu , Hemarajata Peera , Humphries Romney M. , Wynn Adriane , Segura Eddy R. , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2017

Background

Novel approaches to combating drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are urgently needed. Targeted therapy with ciprofloxacin has been made possible by a rapid assay for genotyping the gyrase A (gyrA) gene; a nonmutated gene reliably predicts susceptibility to ciprofloxacin.

Methods

We determined the costs of running the gyrA assay, 500 mg of ciprofloxacin, 250 mg of ceftriaxone injection, and 1000 mg of azithromycin. Cost estimates for gyrA testing included assay reagents and labor. Cost estimates for ceftriaxone included medication, injection, administration, supplies, and equipment. We measured the cost of using the gyrA assay and treatment based on genotype using previously collected data over a 13-month period between November 2015 and November 2016 for all N. gonorrhoeae cases diagnosed at UCLA. We subsequently developed 3 cost models, varying the frequency of testing and prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infections with ciprofloxacin-resistant or genotype-indeterminate results. We compared those estimates with the cost of recommended 2-drug therapy (ceftriaxone and azithromycin).

Results

Based on a 65.3% prevalence of cases with ciprofloxacin-resistant or genotype indeterminate N. gonorrhoeae infections when running an average of 1.7 tests per day, the per-case cost of gyrA genotyping and targeted therapy was US $197.19. The per-case cost was US $155.16 assuming a 52.6% prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant or genotype-indeterminate infections when running an average of 17 tests per day. The per-case cost of 2-drug therapy was US $142.75.

Conclusions

Direct costs of gyrA genotyping and targeted ciprofloxacin therapy depend on the prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant or genotype-indeterminate infections and testing frequency.
Multiple Recurrent Fibromatosis With Cranial Fasciitis Characteristics in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Dai Rui , Pien Irene J. , Brown David A. , Marshall Andre , Fuchs Herbert E. , Marcus Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2017

Cranial fasciitis is a rare, rapidly growing, but benign fibroblastic tumor of the skull that generally presents in childhood. Local resection or curettage of the affected bone is generally curative and the tumor is thought not to recur. Cranial fasciitis is distinguished by positive cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin staining. Fibromatosis is a clonal myofibroblastic nonmalignant proliferation that generally demonstrates positive nuclear beta-catenin staining. In this report, the authors present a patient with fibromatosis with cranial fasciitis characteristics in a 2.5-month-old boy who has had 7 recurrences (total 8 resections) of this fibroblastic neoplasm over 6 years of follow-up.