bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human bocavirus in children with acute respiratory infections in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Dinh Nguyen , Nguyen Tran Quynh Nhu , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Hayakawa Satoshi , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: October 2013

Acute respiratory infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Human bocavirus (HBoV), a novel virus, is recognized to increasingly associate with previously unknown etiology respiratory infections in young children. In this study, the epidemiological, clinical, and molecular characteristics of HBoV infections were described in hospitalized Vietnamese pediatric patients. From April 2010 to May 2011, 1,082 nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained from patients with acute respiratory infections at the Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Samples were screened for HBoV by PCR and further molecularly characterized by sequencing. HBoV was found in 78 (7.2%) children. Co‐infection with other viruses was observed in 66.7% of patients infected with HBoV. Children 12–24 months old were the most affected age group. Infections with HBoV were found year‐round, though most cases occurred in the dry season (December–April). HBoV was possible to cause severe diseases as determined by higher rates of hypoxia, pneumonia, and longer hospitalization duration in patients with HBoV infection than in those without (P‐value <0.05). Co‐infection with HBoV did not affect the disease severity. The phylogenetic analysis of partial VP1 gene showed minor variations and all HBoV sequences belonged to species 1 (HBoV1). In conclusion, HBoV1 was circulating in Vietnam and detected frequently in young children during dry season. Acute respiratory infections caused by HBoV1 were severe enough for hospitalization, which implied that HBoV1 may have an important role in acute respiratory infections among children. J. Med. Virol. 86:988–994, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human papillomavirus type‐specific persistence and recurrence after treatment for cervical dysplasia
Authors: Söderlund‐Strand Anna , Kjellberg Lennart , Dillner Joakim
Published: October 2013

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a necessary factor in the cervical cancer development. Also after treatment for cervical dysplasia, HPV can be present and promote the recurrence of cervical disease. In the present study, the aim was to perform a long‐term follow‐up on the ability of HPV testing with genotyping, as compared with cytology, to predict recurrence of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) conization. Cervical samples for HPV DNA testing and cytological analysis were obtained from 178 women with abnormal smears referred for treatment with LEEP conization. These women were scheduled for HPV DNA testing and Pap smears before and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment. Three years after treatment 3.1% (N = 4) of women were still persistently HPV‐positive with the same type as had been detected at treatment. Recurrent or residual cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II+ in histopathology was found among 9 (5.1%) women during follow‐up. All of these women had type‐specific HPV‐persistence (sensitivity 100% [95% CI 63–100%] and specificity 94.7% [89.8–97.4%]), but only 7/9 had abnormal cytology (sensitivity 77.8% [40.2–96.1%] and specificity 94.7% [89.8–97.4%]). No recurrent or residual disease was found among women with any other patterns of HPV positivity (e.g., type change or fluctuating positivity) (sensitivity 0% [95% CI 0–37.1%] and specificity 80.5% [73.5–86.0%]). In conclusion, only type‐specific HPV persistence predicted recurrent or residual disease, and HPV genotyping appears useful to improve the specificity when using HPV testing in post‐treatment follow‐up. J. Med. Virol. 86:634–641, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Reactive” response evaluation of primary human astrocytes after methylmercury exposure
Authors: Malfa Giuseppe A. , Tomasello Barbara , Sinatra Fulvia , Villaggio Giusy , Amenta Francesco , Avola Roberto , Renis Marcella
Published: October 2013

Astrocytes are actively involved in brain development, in mature CNS regulation, and in brain plasticity. They play a critical role in response to cerebral injuries and toxicants through a reaction known as “reactive gliosis,” which is characterized by specific structural and functional features. A large amount of literature highlights the central role of astrocytes in mediating methylmercury (MeHg) neurotoxicity. In fact, mercury is the major neurotoxic pollutant that continues to arouse interest in research because of the severe risk it poses to human health. In this article, we focus on the action of MeHg on human astrocyte (HA) reactivity. We clearly demonstrate that MeHg induces a state of cellular suffering by promoting delayed and atypical astrocyte reactivity mediated by impairment of the proliferative and trophic component of the astrocyte together with an inflammatory state. This condition is generated by negative modulation of the major proteins of the filamentous network, which is manifested by the destabilization of astrocytic cytoarchitecture. Our data confirms the toxic effects of MeHg on HA reactivity and allows us to hypothesize that the establishment of this state of suffering and the delayed onset of a typical astrocytic reactivity compromise the main protective function of HA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upregulation of GLT‐1 by treatment with ceftriaxone alleviates radicular pain by reducing spinal astrocyte activation and neuronal hyperexcitability
Authors: Nicholson K.J. , Gilliland T.M. , Winkelstein B.A.
Published: October 2013

Cervical nerve root injury commonly leads to radicular pain. Normal sensation relies on regulation of extracellular glutamate in the spinal cord by glutamate transporters. The goal of this study was to define the temporal response of spinal glutamate transporters (glial glutamate transporter 1 [GLT‐1], glutamate‐aspartate transporter [GLAST], and excitatory amino acid carrier 1) following nerve root compressions that do or do not produce sensitivity in the rat and to evaluate the role of glutamate uptake in radicular pain by using ceftriaxone to upregulate GLT‐1. Compression was applied to the C7 nerve root. Spinal glutamate transporter expression was evaluated at days 1 and 7. In a separate study, rats underwent a painful root compression and were treated with ceftriaxone or the vehicle saline. Glial glutamate transporter expression, astrocytic activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]), and neuronal excitability were assessed at day 7. Both studies measured behavioral sensitivity for 7 days after injury. Spinal GLT‐1 significantly decreased (P < 0.04) and spinal GLAST significantly increased (P = 0.036) at day 7 after a root injury that also produced sensitivity to both mechanical and thermal stimuli. Within 1 day after ceftriaxone treatment (day 2), mechanical allodynia began to decrease; both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were attenuated (P < 0.006) by day 7. Ceftriaxone also reduced (P < 0.024) spinal GFAP and GLAST expression, and neuronal hyperexcitability in the spinal dorsal horn, restoring the proportion of spinal neurons classified as wide dynamic range to that of normal. These findings suggest that nerve root‐mediated pain is maintained jointly by spinal astrocytic reactivity and neuronal hyperexcitability and that these spinal modifications are associated with reduced glutamate uptake by GLT‐1. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time course of structural and functional maturation of human olfactory epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Yazinski Stepahnie , Gomez George
Published: October 2013

The unique ability of olfactory neurons to regenerate in vitro has allowed their use for the study of olfactory function, regeneration, and neurodegenerative disorders; thus, characterization of their properties is important. This present study attempts to establish the timeline of structural (protein expression) and functional (odorant sensitivity) maturation of human olfactory epithelial cells (hOE) in vitro using biopsy‐derived cultured tissue. Cells were grown for 7 days; on each day, cells were tested for odorant sensitivity using calcium imaging techniques and then protein expression of each cell was tested using immunocytochemistry for proteins typically used for characterizing olfactory cells. Previous studies have shown that mature olfactory neurons in vitro attain a unique “phase‐bright” morphology and express the olfactory marker protein (OMP). By day 3 in vitro, a variety of cells were odorant‐sensitive, including both “phase‐bright” and “phase‐dark” cells that have previously been considered glial‐like cells. The functional maturation of these hOEs appears to take place within 4 days. Interestingly, the emergence of an odorant sensitivity profile of both phase‐bright and phase‐dark cells preceded the expression of marker protein expression for OMP (which is expressed only by mature neurons in vivo). This structural maturation took 5 days, suggesting that the development of odorant sensitivity is not coincident with the expression of marker molecules that are hallmarks of structural maturation. These results have important implications for the use of hOEs as in vitro models of olfactory and neuronal function. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the interannual and spatial variations of ET and GPP with climate by a physical model and remote sensing data in a large basin of Northeast China
Authors: Mo Xingguo , Liu Suxia , Meng Dejuan , Lin Zhonghui
Published: October 2013

Variations in evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary production (GPP) due to climatic fluctuations deserve specific considerations for sustainable water and agricultural management. A Vegetation Interface Processes (VIP) model assimilated with Terra‐MODIS remotely sensed leaf area index was used to simulate their spatial and temporal patterns from 2000 to 2010 in the Songhua River Basin of Northeast China at 1‐km grid and 1‐h time step. The predicted ET and GPP were well verified with the eddy covariance measurements, and the ET was in agreement with that derived from water balance. Over the whole basin, average annual precipitation (P), ET, GPP and water use efficiency are 458 mm, 374 mm, 1067 gC m−2 and 2.86 gC m−2 mm−1, respectively. Both ET and GPP display significantly spatial variability, with ET presenting different and good relationships with precipitation for different kinds of land use covers (LUCs); and GPP a unified good relationship across almost all the LUCs except water body. Over the years from 2000 to 2010, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), especially crop NDVI, experienced a trend of increasing. GPP showed no significant trend. ET showed an increasing trend for cropland and grassland, a decreasing trend in water body and wetland, no significant trend for other vegetation types and a weakly increasing trend for the whole basin. Annually, ET roughly follows precipitation, whereas GPP was mainly regulated by radiation (Rn). The inter‐annual variability for the eco‐hydrological elements with the order of the coefficient of variation (CV) being P (0.13) > EC (0.055) > ET (0.05) > Rn (0.037) > GPP (0.019) > NDVI (0.01) is less than their spatial variability with the order of CV being EC (0.23) > P (0.22) > GPP (0.19) > ET (0.15) > Rn (0.05). The highest spatial variability of ET and GPP in grassland implies the incurring problem of degradation in western basin. The low spatial variability in paddy relates agricultural management.
Air temperature, relative humidity, climate regionalization and thermal comfort of Nigeria
Authors: Eludoyin O. M. , Adelekan I. O. , Webster R. , Eludoyin A. O.
Published: October 2013

Planners and policy makers require information about the regions for which they are responsible. However, it seems that many developing countries, including Nigeria, are not adequately prepared either for their current climates or for the impact of climate change because they lack sufficient information. We have therefore examined the variations in the thermal condition in terms of the temperature, relative humidity, effective temperature (ET), temperature–humidity index (THI) and relative strain index (RSI). We studied the spatial and temporal (1951–2009, 1951–1980, 1981–2009, decadal, seasonal and monthly averages) variations in the thermal climate of Nigeria, and we divided Nigeria into thermal climate regions for effective climate change management. Mean annual minimum, mean and maximum temperatures (with their standard deviations) were 21.4 (3.5), 27.1 (2.7) and 32.8 (3.4) °C, respectively, while the overall mean relative humidity was 62 (24.8)%. Mean ET, THI and RSI were 24.3 (0.85), 24.8 (1.83) and 0.2 (0.18) °C, respectively. The ET, THI and RSI provided contrasting expressions of thermal comfort for Nigeria, because of its varied climate. We also found that elevation; the movement of the Inter Tropical Discontinuity and urbanization affect thermal comfort in Nigeria. We conclude that thermal stress has increased in Nigeria from 2000 at most stations, especially in the south and north‐western regions, and that Nigerian thermal comfort climate is heterogeneous and requires analysis of multiple thermal indices.
Empirical studies of cloud effects on ultraviolet radiation inCentralChina
Authors: Wang Lunche , Gong Wei , Li Jun , Ma Yingying , Hu Bo
Published: October 2013

Global solar radiation (G) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) observed at Wuhan, China from 2006 to 2012 have been used to investigate the temporal variability of both radiant fluxes and theUV/G ratios (FUV) at different time scales for the first time in central China. Clearness index (Kt) was used to study the cloud effects onFUVin each month under different sky conditions. It turned out thatFUVreached higher values in summer and lower values in winter;FUValso increased generally with cloudiness. AUVmodel for cloud‐free condition was developed by studying the dependence of hourlyUVirradiations on the relative optical air mass (m), which has been assessed through the statistical indices: mean bias error (mbe), mean‐absolute bias error (mabe) and root‐mean‐square error (rmse) whose values were 0.32, 7.3 and 8.64%, respectively.UVclearness index, m and Kt were further used for analysing the cloud effects, and differentUVmodels under any sky conditions have been established and validated. Meanwhile, as a modulation for different sky conditions, both cloud modification factors were also used in the construction of a new type ofUVmodel. Finally, by comparing the statistical indices from different models, the most suitable model was chosen for validating at Wuhan University (WHU) and two other sites in different regions of China under any atmospheric conditions, which suggested that the proposed model should be modified to account for local differences to produce better estimations in larger areas.
Greenhouse gas‐related predictability of regional climate model trends in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Paxian A. , Hertig E. , Vogt G. , Seubert S. , Jacobeit J. , Paeth H.
Published: October 2013

This study investigates whether a regional climate model (RCM) driven by a global general circulation model (GCM) in a nesting approach with observed atmospheric CO2 concentrations shows predictability for temperature and precipitation trends during 1961–1990 in the Mediterranean area, a region strongly influenced by large‐scale circulation. Resulting discrepancies between model and observations raise the question whether the model predictability increases after removing impacts of mid‐latitude circulation variability. For temperature and precipitation trends we use the RCM REMO and the observational dataset E‐OBS, and for atmospheric circulation the driving coupled GCM ECHAM5/MPI‐OM and NCEP/NCAR reanalyses. Cross‐validated multiple regression analyses between large‐scale circulation and regional temperature and precipitation are performed for observed and simulated data. The impact of circulation is removed from the original temperature and precipitation data, and the trends of circulation‐related and circulation‐unrelated parts are compared. The circulation‐related trends of models and observations show discrepancies owing to differing observed and simulated mid‐latitude circulation dynamics, i.e. different temporal evolutions of North Atlantic Oscillation and East Atlantic pattern in winter and East Atlantic Jet and a blocking pattern in summer. Such differences can be related to unknown initial conditions of GCM simulations. In fact, we find strong impacts of initial conditions on mid‐latitude circulation dynamics of ECHAM5/MPI‐OM ensemble members over 30‐year periods. The agreement between simulated and observed circulation‐unrelated trends is generally higher than for original trends indicating that the predictability of this nesting approach increases by removing impacts of mid‐latitude circulation variability. We conclude that initial conditions affect climate variability up to the multi‐decadal timescale, at least in parts of the globe which are governed by extratropical circulation modes, and hence, hinder the comparability of simulated and observed climate trends over time periods shorter than the timescale dominated by radiative forcing. In the Mediterranean Basin the latter is definitely beyond 30 years.
Geometric profile of the tibial plateau cartilage surface is associated with the risk of non‐contact anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Beynnon Bruce D. , Vacek Pamela M. , Sturnick Daniel R. , Holterman Leigh Ann , Gardner‐Morse Mack , Tourville Timothy W. , Smith Helen C. , Slauterbeck James R. , Johnson Robert J. , Shultz Sandra J.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine if geometry of the articular surfaces of the tibial plateau is associated with non‐contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This was a longitudinal cohort study with a nested case–control analysis. Seventy‐eight subjects who suffered a non‐contact ACL tear and a corresponding number of controls matched by age, sex, and sport underwent 3 T MRI of both knees. Surface geometry of the tibial articular cartilage was characterized with polynomial equations and comparisons were made between knees on the same person and between ACL‐injured and control subjects. There was no difference in surface geometry between the knees of the control subjects. In contrast, there were significant differences in the surface geometry between the injured and normal knees of the ACL‐injured subjects, suggesting that the ACL injury changed the cartilage surface profile. Therefore, comparisons were made between the uninjured knees of the ACL‐injured subjects and the corresponding knees of their matched controls and this revealed significant differences in the surface geometry for the medial (p < 0.006) and lateral (p < 0.001) compartments. ACL‐injured subjects tended to demonstrate a posterior–inferior directed orientation of the articular surface relative to the long axis of the tibia, while the control subjects were more likely to show a posterior–superior directed orientation. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:61–68, 2014.
A computational study on the effect of fracture intrusion distance in three‐ and four‐part trochanteric fractures treated with Gamma nail and sliding hip screw
Authors: Goffin Jérôme M. , Pankaj Pankaj , Simpson A. Hamish
Published: October 2013

Using finite element analysis, the behaviors of the Gamma nail and the sliding hip screw (SHS) were compared in an osteoporotic bone model for the fixation of three‐ and four‐part trochanteric fractures (31‐A2 in the AO classification, types IV and V in Evans' classification). The size of the medial fragment was varied based on clinical data, and the case of a fractured greater trochanter was also considered. Our results showed that for Evans' type V stabilized with a Gamma nail and for Evans' types IV and V with the SHS, cancellous bone around the lag screw is susceptible to yielding, thus indicating a risk of cut‐out. The volume of bone susceptible to yielding increases with an increase in size of the medial fragment. Conversely, Evans' type IV with a Gamma nail was not predicted to cut out. Our findings suggest that future clinical trials investigating fixation of unstable proximal fractures should include the size of the medial fragment and the integrity of the greater trochanter as covariables and be powered to evaluate whether intramedullary devices are superior to SHSs for Evans' type IV fractures and inferior/equivalent for type V. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:39–45, 2014.
Phosphorus pools in soil after land conversion from silvopasture to arable and grassland use
Authors: Slazak Anna , Freese Dirk , Matos Eduardo S. , Nii‐Annang Seth , Hüttl Reinhard F.
Published: October 2013

Differences in soil P among silvopasture, grassland, and arable lands have been well established. Nevertheless, most of the reports compare soil properties under long‐term sites. Thus, there exists little information on the effect of the conversion of silvopasture to arable or grassland use on soil P pools. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of converting silvopasture system (SP) into arable cropping and grassland system on the distribution of P pools and potential P bioavailability. We compared the following systems: SP system, SP converted to arable cropland (SP‐AL), SP converted to grassland (SP‐GL), and for comparative purposes, a long‐term arable cropland (AL). The P fractionation was performed by a sequential extraction scheme, using acid and alkaline extractants on samples collected from the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil layers. It was assumed that the large variations in soil‐P fractionations are caused by the different management practices associated with land conversion. The results of P fractionation showed a dominance of calcium‐bound P, HCl‐extractable Pi constituted up to 36% of the soil total P (TP). However, the type of land use did not affect this P fraction. On the other hand, the reduction in labile‐Pi and NaOH‐Pi fractions observed at the SP‐AL site may have led to the decline in readily available P. The soil total organic P (TPo) content was 8% and 17% lower at SP‐AL compared to SP and SP‐GL site, respectively. Labile organic‐P (labile‐Po) content was markedly higher at SP site compared to arable soils, and was ≈ 10% of TPo. The NaOH‐Po constituted the highest fraction of the organic‐P pool (55%–79% of TPo) across all the study systems, and was positively correlated with TPo (p < 0.01). The study indicates that conversion of SP system in temperate regions to arable cropping with conventional tillage seems to result in the reduction of P availability compared to SP, indicating SP as an important land‐use practice.
Availability of soil nitrogen and phosphorus under elevated [CO2] and temperature in the Taihu Lake region, China
Authors: Zhang Yong , Chen Xiaomin , Zhang Congcong , Pan Genxing , Zhang Xuhui
Published: October 2013

Global climate change affects the availability of soil nutrients, thereby influencing crop productivity. This study examined the effects of elevated [CO2] and temperature on the availability of soil N and P in a paddy field in the Taihu Lake region, China. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was planted at two levels of atmospheric [CO2] (375 μmol L–1 ambient; 575 μmol L–1 elevated) and two temperature levels (ambient; ambient + 2°C). The results were as follows: Compared to ambient, the interaction effects of elevated [CO2] and temperature significantly decreased soil NH$ _4^+ $‐N contents by 20.3%, 20.6%, and 18.7% in the jointing, heading, and ripening stages (p < 0.05), respectively, while soil NO3–‐N content had no clear variation trend under different [CO2] and temperature conditions. Elevated [CO2] significantly increased soil available P content by 14.3% in the jointing stage, and elevated temperature significantly decreased soil available P content by 18.8% in the jointing stage. Compared with ambient [CO2], elevated [CO2] significantly increased wheat biomass in jointing and heading stages (p < 0.05). The positive effect of elevated [CO2] on wheat biomass was more significant at ambient temperature (AT) than at elevated temperature (ET) in the middle and late plant growth stages. These results explained that the availability of soil N and P varied under elevated [CO2] and temperature conditions. The application of N and P should be adjusted to meet the need of wheat plants after the wintering stage.
Chemistry and morphology of dried‐up pollen suspension residues
Authors: Pummer Bernhard G. , Bauer Heidi , Bernardi Johannes , Chazallon Bertrand , Facq Sébastien , Lendl Bernhard , Whitmore Karin , Grothe Hinrich
Published: October 2013

Pollen grains are covered with lots of different biochemical compounds, like proteins, saccharides and lipids, which are only loosely attached to the pollen. Therefore, they can be separated from the pollen by suspending them in water. Since these compounds play a key role in many atmospheric processes (e.g. cloud condensation nucleation, ice nucleation, aerial allergen exposure), their separation and analyzing are of interest.

The chemical composition of whole pollen grains is compared by both Raman and infrared spectroscopy with material that could be extracted from pollen with water. The dominant signals in the pollen grain Raman spectra are those from sporopollenin and carotenoids. These bands decrease in the washing water spectra, since sporopollenin is high molecular and thus is not extractable. The released material shows in turn a chemical composition that differs significantly between species, what is quite expected, since they differ even in the optical properties of their aqueous suspensions. The FTIR spectra show some additional bands to appear in comparison to the Raman spectra.

Furthermore, we investigated the pollen rupturing and material release in the aqueous suspensions by drying them up and picturing the residues with a scanning electron microscope. We saw that corn pollen ejected loads of micrometer‐sized organelles, which are most likely starch granules. The more the pollen disrupted, the more the measured samples were covered with an amorphous film, which consists of the extracted pollen material, like lipids, sugars, and proteins – the same substances we detected by spectroscopy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable isotope‐labelled feed nutrients to assess nutrient‐specific feed passage kinetics in ruminants
Authors: Warner Daniel , Dijkstra Jan , Hendriks Wouter H , Pellikaan Wilbert F
Published: October 2013

Knowledge of digesta passage kinetics in ruminants is essential to predict nutrient supply to the animal in relation to optimal animal performance, environmental pollution and animal health. Fractional passage rates (FPR) of feed are widely used in modern feed evaluation systems and mechanistic rumen models, but data on nutrient‐specific FPR are scarce. Such models generally rely on conventional external marker techniques, which do not always describe digesta passage kinetics in a satisfactory manner. Here the use of stable isotope‐labelled dietary nutrients as a promising novel tool to assess nutrient‐specific passage kinetics is discussed. Some major limitations of this technique include a potential marker migration, a poor isotope distribution in the labelled feed and a differential disappearance rate of isotopes upon microbial fermentation in non‐steady state conditions. Such limitations can often be circumvented by using intrinsically stable isotope‐labelled plant material. Data are limited but indicate that external particulate markers overestimate rumen FPR of plant fibre compared with the internal stable isotope markers. Stable isotopes undergo the same digestive mechanism as the labelled feed components and are thus of particular interest to specifically measure passage kinetics of digestible dietary nutrients. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of humidity on the electrical performance of amorphous oxide semiconductor thin‐film transistors
Authors: Hoshino Ken , Yeh Bao , Wager John F.
Published: October 2013

An indium–gallium–zinc oxide or a zinc–tin oxide thin‐film transistor (TFT) fabricated when the relative humidity in the laboratory is less than 50% is found to exhibit good electrical performance, with an abrupt, distortion‐free transfer curve and a turn‐on voltage close to 0 V. In contrast, when such an amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) TFT is fabricated at a relative humidity greater than 50%, its “as‐fabricated” electrical performance is very poor, typically characterized by a large amount of hysteresis, a strongly negative turn‐on voltage, and a kink‐like distortion in the subthreshold region of its transfer curve. However, the electrical performance of such a poor‐quality TFT is observed to improve over time, if it is simply stored in the dark at room temperature without being subjected to electrical stress. This recovery usually requires weeks (months) for an unpassivated (passivated) AOS TFT. Recovery is tentatively ascribed to the gradual removal of moisture from the AOS TFT channel layer.
Oncologic safety of breast‐conserving surgery compared to mastectomy in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer
Authors: Cho Jung Hoon , Park Ji Min , Park Hyung Seok , Park Seho , Kim Seung Il , Park Byeong‐Woo
Published: October 2013

Background

Breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) in patients with large tumors shrunk by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) remains controversial. We investigated oncologic outcomes of BCS in patients receiving NCT to treat locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).

Methods

We reviewed 1,994 patients who underwent surgery with/without NCT. Patients were categorized into three groups according to treatment methods: initial BCS, BCS after NCT (NCT‐BCS), and mastectomy after NCT (NCT‐MX). Their characteristics and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The NCT‐BCS group had earlier stage cancer, more hormone receptor‐negative and triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBC) than the NCT‐MX group. However, outcomes did not differ statistically between the two groups. BCS patients receiving NCT were younger, and had more advanced, hormone receptor‐negative, HER2‐positive, and TNBC breast cancers than BCS patients without NCT. Patients with pathological complete remission (pCR) in the NCT‐BCS group had better survival outcomes than non‐pCR patients and the initial BCS group. By multivariate analysis in patients receiving NCT, final stage and TNBC were associated with poor overall survival (stage III: P = 0.008; TNBC: P = 0.01), however surgery type was not (P = 0.20).

Conclusions

BCS after NCT is a safe option for LABC that responded well to NCT. Shrinking tumors with NCT allows more opportunities to apply BCS without compromising outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:531–536. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A Western perspective
Authors: Sullivan Kevin M. , Groeschl Ryan T. , Turaga Kiran K. , Tsai Susan , Christians Kathleen K. , White Sarah B. , Rilling William S. , Pilgrim Charles H.C. , Gamblin T. Clark
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is simple, inexpensive, and has been proposed to be predictive in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Europe and Asia. We aimed to evaluate whether NLR at presentation in a Western center provides any prognostic value compared to other common prognostic scores.

Methods

NLR was calculated for 75 consecutive patients at presentation with HCC and regression models were used to analyze its value for predicting treatment strategy and short‐term survival with Child‐Pugh and Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD).

Results

NLR was not predictive of future treatment regimens with hepatectomy, liver transplant, or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE; odds ratio [OR]: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71–1.02, P = 0.079) as compared the predictive value of MELD (OR: 0.81, CI: 0.72–0.93, P = 0.002) or Child‐Pugh (OR: 0.48, CI: 0.34–0.69, P < 0.001). Adding additional adjustment for treatment, NLR did not correlate with short‐term overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.09, CI: 0.95–1.24, P = 0.227). MELD also did not correlate with overall survival (HR: 1.04, CI: 0.96–1.13, P = 0.357) whereas Child‐Pugh (HR: 1.56, CI: 1.10–2.19, P = 0.011) was predictive.

Conclusions

This study does not support the prognostic value of NLR to guide therapy for HCC in a Western center, whereas MELD and Child‐Pugh score were more predictive. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:95–97. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pancreatic metastasectomy: The Memorial Sloan‐Kettering experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Untch Brian R. , Allen Peter J
Published: October 2013

Isolated pancreatic metastases may occur in patients with many types of cancer. Several retrospective case series have been published demonstrating the feasibility of resection in selected patients. Here we report our experience with pancreatic metastasectomy in 70 patients and review the published literature. Our findings suggest that long‐term survival is associated with resection in selected patients but these outcomes must be weighed against the significant morbidity that is associated with pancreatic resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:28–30. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New approach for the clinical monitoring of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D2 by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with MS/MS based on the standard reference material 972
Authors: Plíšek Jiří , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Aufartová Jana , Morales Tanausú V. , Esponda Sarah M. , Oros Roman , Kasalová Eva , Santana‐Rodriguez Jose J. , Sobotka Luboš , Solich Petr , Solichová Dagmar
Published: October 2013

Biomarkers, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D2, are important indicators of the vitamin D general status and are monitored in several pathophysiological disorders, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, etc. A novel ultra‐HPLC with MS/MS methodology for the analysis of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D derivatives coupled with a very simple and highly rapid sample preparation step was developed. Analytical parameters obtained showed linearity (R2) above 0.999 for both vitamins with accuracies between 95.8 and 102%. The LODs were as low as 0.22 and 0.67 nmol/L for 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D2, respectively. Intra‐assay precision (%RSD) was lower than 4.5%, and inter‐assay precision (%RSD) was lower than 6.5%. The feasibility of the developed methodology to be applied in clinical routine analysis has been proved by its application in blood samples from non‐agenarian patients, patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and patients suffering from age‐related macular degeneration.
Evaluation of matrix effects in the analysis of volatile organic compounds in whole blood with solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Alonso Monica , Castellanos Mar , Sanchez Juan M.
Published: October 2013

The complexity and matrix variability of biological samples requires an accurate evaluation of matrix effects. The dilution of the biological sample is the simplest way to reduce or avoid the matrix effect. In the present study, a set of volatile organic compounds with different volatilities was used to assess the effect of the dilution of blood samples on the extraction efficiency by headspace solid‐phase microextraction. It was found that there was a significant matrix effect but that this effect differs significantly depending on the volatility of the compound. A 1:2 (blood/water) dilution was enough to allow quantitative recoveries of those compounds with boiling points <100°C. For compounds with boiling points between 100 and 150°C, the matrix effect was stronger and a 1:5 dilution was required. The dilution of blood samples proved to be inefficient for quantitative recovery of compounds with boiling points >150°C. A 1:5 dilution of the sample allowed detection limits in the range of nanogram per liter to be obtained. This was sufficient to detect the main volatile compounds present in blood and contamination after exposure.
Yield of Formyl Radical from the Vinyl + O2 Reaction
Authors: Matsugi Akira , Miyoshi Akira
Published: October 2013

The yield of formyl (HCO) radical from the reaction of vinyl (C2H3) radical with O2 has been investigated by using a pulsed laser photolysis/cavity ring‐down spectroscopy technique at room temperature. The rate constants for the C2H3 + O2 and HCO + O2 reactions were measured to be (8.60 ± 0.87) × 10−12 and (5.55 ± 1.00) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively, which were consistent with preceding studies. The yield of HCO radical was determined to be ϕ(HCO) = 0.222 ± 0.066, and it was independent of pressure in the pressure range 10–100 Torr with He or N2 buffer. The Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus calculation combined with a prior energy distribution model could reproduce the experimental HCO‐radical yield and indicated that a significant portion of HCO radicals formed in the C2H3 + O2 reaction promptly dissociated to H + CO. The first CO‐stretch excited state of HCO radical, HCO(0,0,1), was observed at the total pressure of 1 Torr; the time profiles of which were satisfactory reproduced by a kinetic simulation including the relaxation of hot HCO radicals. These experimental, theoretical, and modeling results provide solid evidence for the prompt dissociation of hot HCO radicals formed in the C2H3 + O2 reaction. The product‐specific rate constants that extrapolated to higher temperature and wider pressure ranges are presented. Implications of the suggested mechanism for combustion modeling are also discussed.
Mechanistic Investigation of the Oxidative Cleavage of the Carbon–Carbon Double Bond in α,β‐Unsaturated Compounds by Hexachloroiridate(IV) in Acetate Buffer
Authors: Pal Biswajit
Published: October 2013

The hexachloroiridate(IV) oxidation of α,β‐unsaturated compounds such as acrylic acid, acrylamide, and acrylonitrile (CH2=CHX; X = –COOH, –CONH2, and –CN) was carried out in NaOAc‐AcOH buffer medium. The reaction follows complex kinetics, being first order in [IrIV] and complex order in [CH2=CHX]. H+ ion has no effect on the reaction rate in the pH range 3.42–4.63. The pseudo–first‐order rate constant decreases with a decrease in the dielectric constant and with a decrease of ionic strength of the medium. The oxidation rate follows the sequence: acrylonitrile > acrylamide > acrylic acid. A mechanism is proposed involving the formation of an unstable intermediate complex between the substrate and the oxidant which is transformed to the radical cation in a slow rate‐determining step with the concomitant reduction of Ir(IV) to Ir(III). The radical cation subsequently decomposes to the aldehyde that appears as the ultimate product of the carbon–carbon double bond cleavage. The major product of oxidation was identified as HCHO by 1H NMR. Activation parameters for the slow rate‐determining step and thermodynamic parameters associated with the equilibrium step of the proposed mechanism have been evaluated. The enthalpy of activation is linearly related to the entropy of activation, and this linear relationship confirms that the oxidation of all the α,β‐unsaturated compounds follows a common mechanism.
Oromandibular dystonia: Long‐term management with botulinum toxin
Authors: Sinclair Catherine F. , Gurey Lowell E. , Blitzer Andrew
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review the long‐term management of patients with oromandibular dystonia (OMD) treated using botulinum toxin.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review at a clinical research center.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2011, 59 patients with a diagnosis of OMD were treated with botulinum toxin. Data were collected on patient demographics, disease characteristics, and long‐term treatment outcomes. Differences in management between an earlier published series of the first 20 OMD patients treated with botulinum toxin at this center and subsequent patients were analyzed.

Results

Patients were more commonly female (72% vs. 28%) with an average age at first botulinum treatment of 56.6 years. The median number of treatments was five (range, 1–35 treatments). Average time between treatments was 3.8 months (±5.2). Overall, 47.5%, had the jaw‐closing form of OMD, which was associated with a preferential deviation to one side in 53.6%. These patients received initial injections to the masseter ± temporalis muscle; the external pterygoid was injected for associated lateral jaw deviation. Internal pterygoid injections were rarely used (3.4%). For the jaw‐opening form, injections were initially administered to the external pterygoid, with the addition of anterior digastric for ongoing symptoms. When compared with patients in the older series, more patients since 1988 had treatments to the external pterygoid (P = .001) and anterior digastric (P = .006) in accordance with an increase in the diagnosis of jaw‐opening OMD (P = .05).

Conclusions

Long‐term management of OMD with botulinum toxin has minimal morbidity and is useful for all clinical forms. Injections can be titrated by dose and location to address the predominant muscle groups involved.

Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 123:3078–3083, 2013
Bilateral sequential adult cochlear implantation: Who should receive priority in the context of a constrained health care system?
Authors: Forzley Brian , Chen Joseph , Nedzelski Julian , Lin Vincent , Shipp David , Godlovitch Glenys , Hebert Philip , Hochman Jordan
Published: October 2013

Resource allocation decisions have become increasingly necessary as the cost of health care habitually increases. Bilateral (second side) adult cochlear implantation (CI) is an example of a novel technology with accruing evidence of benefit, yet expense has limited universal employ. Currently at our centers, bilateral implantation is only provided under research protocol. In this article, we discuss the need for a principled approach concerning the distribution of a second device, both during this period of investigation and if ultimately an insured service. Allocation strategies, while extensively addressed in some arenas, have yet to be developed for second‐side sequential adult CI. We advocate that physicians must assume an explicit role when both caring for individual patients as well as administering health care programs. We review social justice theories that inform resource allocation macrodecisions, and include a defence of age‐based considerations. Our approach to patient selection for adult second‐side CI sequentially considers clinical criteria (directly addressed in the article), a willingness to participate in rigorous research, and a 65 year cut‐off. Ultimately, we employ random blinded selection for allocating bilateral CI among the remaining similarly situated individuals. This approach functions impartially and in a manner that is transparent for both patient and physician. Laryngoscope, 123:3137–3140, 2013
Complications of primary and revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Krings James G. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Wineland Andre , Nepple Kenneth G. , Piccirillo Jay F. , Getz Anne E.
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of major complications following primary and revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). In addition, this study aimed to determine factors associated with the occurrence of complications including patient and provider characteristics and the use of image guidance system (IGS) technology.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis of California and Florida all‐payer databases from 2005 to 2008.

Methods

The rates of major surgical complications (skull base, orbital, and hemorrhagic) after primary and revision FESS were calculated, and bivariate analyses were performed to investigate relationships of complications with demographic and clinical characteristics. A multivariate model was used to determine risk factors for the occurrence of major complications.

Results

Among 78,944 primary FESS cases, 288 major complications were identified representing a complication rate of 0.36% (95% CI 0.32%–0.40%). The major complication rate following revision cases (n = 19; 0.46%) and primary cases (n = 288; 0.36%) was similar (OR = 1.26; 95% CI 0.79–2.00). Multivariate analysis showed that patients who were >40 years old, had a primary payer of Medicaid, had surgery involving the frontal sinus, or had image guidance during surgery were at higher risk for major complications.

Conclusion

The rate of major complications (0.36%) associated with primary FESS is lower than earlier reports. The rate of major complications following revision FESS (0.46%) was found to be similar to primary cases. IGS, insurance status, age, and extent of surgery were found to be associated with an increased risk of major complications following FESS.

Level of Evidence

2C. Laryngoscope, 124:838–845, 2014
Vocal fold motion impairment in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Lalich Ian J. , Ekbom Dale C. , Starkman Sidney J. , Orbelo Diana M. , Morgenthaler Timothy I.
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative neurologic disorder that can affect vocal fold mobility. Our aim was to further elucidate the impact of vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) in MSA.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of all MSA patients reporting voice or respiratory symptoms from 1975 to 2010 at Mayo Clinic Rochester who also received otolaryngologic examination.

Results

Thirty‐eight MSA patients demonstrated VFMI. Median duration of vocal or respiratory symptoms prior to diagnosis of MSA was 12.0 months (range, 1–60 months). Stridor was present in 25 (68%) of patients. There was bilateral VFMI in 32 (82.4%) of the patients and isolated VFMI of the left true vocal fold (TVF) in six (17.6%) of the patients. No patients had isolated right VFMI. There was isolated unilateral or bilateral paresis in 21 (55.3%) of the patients and unilateral or bilateral complete paralysis in 15 (39.5%) of the patients. One patient presented with left TVF paralysis and right TVF paresis, whereas one other patient had findings of right TVF paralysis and left TVF paresis comprising the remaining 5.2% of patients with VFMI. The median survival after diagnosis of VFMI was 51.6 months. Unilateral or bilateral TVF paralysis was statistically associated with a decreased overall survival (P = .0384). The presence of stridor was not associated with adverse prognosis.

Conclusions

The increasing severity of VFMI negatively impacts overall survival in patients with MSA. Therefore, otolaryngologic examination is warranted at the time of MSA diagnosis.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:730–735, 2014