bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adhesive and sealant interfaces for general surgery applications
Authors: Scognamiglio Francesca , Travan Andrea , Rustighi Isabella , Tarchi Paola , Palmisano Silvia , Marsich Eleonora , Borgogna Massimiliano , Donati Ivan , de Manzini Nicolò , Paoletti Sergio
Published: April 2015

The main functions of biological adhesives and sealants are to repair injured tissues, reinforce surgical wounds, or even replace common suturing techniques. In general surgery, adhesives must match several requirements taking into account clinical needs, biological effects, and material features; these requirements can be fulfilled by specific polymers. Natural or synthetic polymeric materials can be employed to generate three‐dimensional networks that physically or chemically bind to the target tissues and act as hemostats, sealants, or adhesives. Among them, fibrin, gelatin, dextran, chitosan, cyanoacrylates, polyethylene glycol, and polyurethanes are the most important components of these interfaces; various aspects regarding their adhesion mechanisms, mechanical performance, and resistance to body fluids should be taken into account to choose the most suitable formulation for the target application. This review aims to describe the main adhesives and sealant materials for general surgery applications developed in the past decades and to highlight the most important aspects for the development of future formulations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 626–639, 2016.
Cancellous bone healing around strontium‐doped hydroxyapatite in osteoporotic rats previously treated with zoledronic acid
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Shui Xueping , Zhang Li , Hu Jing
Published: April 2015

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are potent anti‐osteoporotic agents. Strontium‐doped hydroxyapatite (HA) (SrHA) has been reported to increase bone density and improve trabecular microarchitecture in osteoporotic animals. But information about the effect of SrHA on the surrounding bone tissue in osteoporotic animals previously on BPs treatment is limited. We hypothesize that SrHA will induce increased bone density in the vicinity of the material when compared to HA, even in osteoporotic animals previously treated with BPs. HA and 10%SrHA (HA with 10 mol % calcium substituted by strontium) implants were prepared and characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Osteoporotic animal model was established by bilateral ovariectomy. Twelve weeks later, all OVX rats accepted subcutaneous injection of zoledronic acid (ZOL) at the dose of 1.5 μg/kg weekly for another twelve weeks. Subsequently, rod‐shaped HA and SrHA implants were inserted in the distal femur of the OVX animals previously treated with ZOL. Eight weeks after implantation, specimens were harvested for histological and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) analysis. Compared to HA, 10%SrHA raised the percent bone volume by 32.7%, the mean trabecular thickness by 36.5%, the mean trabecular number by 34.3%, the mean connectivity density by 38.4%, while the mean trabecular separation showed no significant difference. 10%SrHA also increased the bone area density by 36.3% in histological analysis. Results from this study indicated that 10%SrHA increased bone density and improved trabecular microarchitecture around implants in osteoporotic animals previously treated with ZOL when compared to HA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 476–481, 2016.
Application of ZnO‐Al2O3 Nanocomposite as Nanocatalyst for Photodegradation of Acid Violet 5B
Authors: Karami Hassan , Karimi Mohammad Ali , Jokar Raheleh
Published: April 2015

ZnO‐Al2O3 nanocomposite (ZANC) is used as nanocatalyst for photodegradation of acid violet 5B (AV5B) as an industrial dye. The experimental data shows that the degradation of AV5B is accelerated by ZANC and UV light. The effects of various parameters such as pH, hydrogen peroxide and ethanol are investigated on the photodegradation efficiency. Photocatalytic degradation rate of AV5B is increased by ethanol and hydrogen peroxide. Based on the kinetic studies, the rate constant of the photodegradation reaction is estimated 2.829 × 10‐1 min‐1.
Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanofibers with Doped La Prepared by Electrospinning Method
Authors: Ma Yan‐Ting , Li Shu‐Dan
Published: April 2015

La‐TiO2 nanofibers are prepared by a sol‐gel assisted electrospinning method. The structure and morphology of La‐TiO2 nanofibers are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis shows that the weight percentage of anatase and rutile in the 1.5 mol% La‐TiO2 nanofibers calcined at 600 °C is about 8:2, which is similar to P‐25. The XRD data of La‐TiO2 nanofibers with different La content shows that La3+ dopant has a great inhibition on TiO2 phase transformation. The photocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared La‐TiO2 nanofibers is evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of Methylene Blue (MB) aqueous solution. The results show that the 1.5 mol% La‐TiO2 nanofibers calcined at 600 °C exhibit high photocatalytic activity, indicating that 600 °C and 1.5 mol% are the appropriate calcination temperature and optimal molar ratio of La to Ti, respectively.
A Highly Efficient Tandem Knoevenagel/Michael Reaction Using Mohr’s Salt Hexahydrate as a Green and Powerful Catalyst: Selective Synthesis of Benzylpyrazolocoumarins on Water
Authors: Eskandari Khalil , Karami Bahador , Khodabakhshi Saeed , Farahi Mahnaz
Published: April 2015

In this work, new, efficient, and environmentally adapted synthesis of benzylpyrazolocoumarins in one‐pot is introduced. From tri‐component reaction of a wide range of aryl aldehydes, 4‐hydroxycoumarin, and 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one on water, benzylpyrazolocoumarins with good to excellent yields in a green procedure were synthesized. The highly efficient role of ferrous ammonium sulfate hexahydrate (Mohr’s salt) as a new green catalyst in this synthesis is obviously demonstrated. This novel procedure is an effective, cheap and environmentally adapted route to the synthesis of benzylpyrazolocoumarin derivatives. The crude products recrystallized to afford the crystalline pure product. This novel procedure has some advantages such as high efficiency, simplicity, high rate and environmental safety.
Nanomagnetic‐supported Sulfonic Acid: Simple and Rapid Method for the Synthesis of α,α′‐Bis‐(substituted‐benzylidene) Cycloalkanones
Authors: Amoozadeh Ali , Kolvari Eskandar , Koukabi Nadiya , Otokesh Somayeh
Published: April 2015

Nanomagnetic‐supported sulfonic acid is found to be a powerful and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the rapid synthesis of α,α′‐bis‐(substituted‐benzylidene)cycloalkanones under conventional heating and solvent free conditions. High yield, simple work up and easy recovery of the catalyst are the most obvious advantages of this procedure.
Adsorption of 4‐Chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy Acetic Acid (MCPA) from Aqueous Solution onto Cu‐Fe‐NO3 Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Nejati Kamellia , Davari Soheila , Rezvani Zolfaghar , Dadashzadeh Mahin
Published: April 2015

The nanoparticles of Cu‐Fe‐NO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) were prepared with Cu/Fe molar ratio of 2:1 by a thermal process and co‐precipitation method at pH 9 and were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS) and fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The size and morphology of nanoparticles were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cu‐Fe‐NO3‐LDH was studied as a potential adsorbent of the acid herbicide MCPA [(4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy) acetic acid] as function of pH, contact time and temperature. The results showed high and rapid adsorption of MCPA on the LDH. The characterization of the adsorption products by XRD indicates that the intercalation of MCPA between the LDH layers has not occurred and surface adsorption has happened. The adsorption kinetic was tested for pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, elovich and intra‐particle diffusion kinetic models and rate constants were calculated. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were applied to experimental equilibrium data obtained from the measurements of pesticide adsorption. Langmuir isotherm slightly better fitted to the experimental data than that of Freundlich. In the adsorption experiments, the Gibbs free energy ΔG0 values, the enthalpy ΔH0, and entropy ΔS0 were determined.
Separation and Migration Behavior of Benzophenones in Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Shiung Yuan‐Chi , Chang Shu‐Wen , Chen Chih‐Yu , Lin Chen‐Hsing
Published: April 2015

The migration behavior and separation of eight benzophenones selected were investigated by capillary zone electrophoresis in the range of pH 7.5–11.5. The effect of buffer pH, the types of buffer electrolyte, and the concentration of phosphate‐borate buffer on the separation and selectivity of benzophenones selected were examined. Better separability can be obtained with phosphate‐borate buffer than with phosphate buffer or borate buffer at around pH 9.2. Baseline separation of eight benzophenones could be simultaneously and successfully achieved with an appropriate choice of buffer pH and the concentration of phosphate‐borate buffer in capillary zone electrophoresis. The migration order of benzophenones selected could be explained on the basis of the degree of ionization and molecular mass.
Adsorption of Acid Dyes by Functionalized SBA‐15 Mesoporous Silica of Different Pore Lengths
Authors: Lee Jan‐Yen , Chen Chia‐Han , Cheng Soofin
Published: April 2015

SBA‐15 materials of different pore lengths and functionalized with various organic groups were synthesized by one‐pot co‐condensation and applied as adsorbents for the acid orange 12 (AO12) and acid red 73 (AR73) dyes. The materials were characterized by techniques such as X‐ray powder diffraction, nitrogen sorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The adsorption behaviors of the SBA‐15 materials toward AO12 and AR73 dyes were investigated by varying several factors including morphologies of adsorbents, pH of solution, functional groups on SBA‐15, and temperature. The equilibrium adsorption data agreed with Langmuir isotherms. The kinetic parameters were also calculated and the first‐order kinetic model fitted well for amino‐functionalized SBA‐15 material. The short channeling pores of the amino‐functionalized SBA‐15 platelets facilitated the diffusion of dye molecules inside the pores and prevented the aggregation of dye molecules from the blocking of the pores. To conclude, however, the adsorption capacity is dependent on the amount of amino‐loading and surface area of the SBA‐15 materials.
Complexation chemistry in liquid–liquid extraction of rhenium
Authors: Srivastava Rajiv Ranjan , Lee Jae‐chun , Kim Min‐seuk
Published: April 2015

This review addresses the dearth of knowledge about the interaction of rhenium species with organic solvents during the liquid–liquid extraction of rhenium. To describe such interactions, the aqueous chemistry of rhenium in unlike media, the extraction mechanism and the salient role of thermodynamic properties are also discussed. Formation of a rhenium‐complexed species inorganic phase and competition between the extracted species during extraction is described by inner and outer sphere coordination. Emergence of a stabilized complex in a hydrophobic environment is greatly affected by the interaction of electrostatic and/or H‐bonding. The chemistry of liquid–liquid extraction of rhenium that can further assist future studies in this area is also relevant to other metal ion systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
ASHRM Board and ERM, “Walking the Walk”
Authors: Venditti Ellen Grady
Published: April 2015

The ASHRM 2015 Board of Directors applied ERM to our Strategic Plan to identify any internal or external threats to the plan by asking a simple question: What could go wrong?
Designing highly reliable adverse‐event detection systems to predict subsequent claims
Authors: Helmchen Lorens A. , Burke Maureen E. , Wojtusiak Janusz
Published: April 2015

Background

To respond proactively to patient safety events, many healthcare organizations have been enhancing and customizing their event reporting systems. Yet an indiscriminate expansion of the range and number of event reports may reduce, rather than raise, risk managers’ ability to detect events that warrant a response. To avoid becoming overwhelmed by too many event reports that have little immediate operational value, risk managers therefore require a concurrent and complementary refinement of their data‐processing capabilities.

Objective

To examine the extent to which adverse event reports can predict subsequent claims.

Data and Methods

The study sample included all adverse event reports and all records of closed claims that related to patient care episodes between July 1, 2006, and May 31, 2009, at a large hospital system in northern Virginia. After matching closed claims to event reports, we fitted multivariate predictive models to identify event report entries that predict future claims.

Results

During the period under study, 20 151 event reports and 94 claims were filed across the health system. We were able to match 60 claims (63.8%) to at least 1 preceding event report, implying that only 0.3% of event reports preceded a subsequent matching claim. The superior prediction model identified 90% of eventual matched claims by retaining only 20% of all event reports.

Conclusion

Simple prediction algorithms can supplement expert judgment by screening for reports that are likely to result in a claim, thereby enabling risk managers to evaluate adverse event reports more expeditiously and to identify, and ultimately prevent, serious safety lapses more reliably.
Evaluation of preconcentration methods in the analysis of synthetic musks in whole‐water samples
Authors: Cavalheiro Joana , Prieto Ailette , Zuloaga Olatz , Preudhomme Hugues , Amouroux David , Monperrus Mathilde
Published: April 2015

According to the European Water Framework Directive, environmental assessment of organic compounds should be made in whole‐water samples, but due to their hydrophobicity and strong attraction to organic content these compounds can be found bound to suspended particle matter or in the dissolved fraction. In this work, the extraction of musk compounds was studied in whole‐water samples exhibiting different amounts of dissolved organic carbon and suspended particulate matter using polyethersulfone preconcentration technique. Matrix effects in estuarine and wastewater (both influent and effluent) were evaluated for filtered and unfiltered samples. For unfiltered samples, estuarine water exhibited matrix effects <20%, while for effluent it was up to 48% and for influent ranged from 85 to 99%. To compensate matrix effects and determine total concentrations in unfiltered samples, different quantification approaches were tested: the use of deuterated analogues and standard additions. Standard additions provided the best results for unfiltered samples. Finally, filtered and unfiltered samples were analyzed using both polyethersulfone preconcentration and membrane‐assisted solvent extraction and results showed a good agreement between the two methods. In both cases unfiltered samples provided concentrations 1.5–2.6 times higher than filtered samples.
Effectiveness of selective neck dissection in head and neck cancer: The experience of two Italian centers
Authors: Barzan Luigi , Talamini Renato , Franchin Giovanni , Pin Marco , Silvestrini Marina , Grando Giuseppe , Galla Stefania , Savignano Maria Gabriella , Armas Gianluca , Margiotta Francesco , Vanoni Valentina , Magri Elena , Grandi Cesare
Published: April 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes after a selective neck dissection (SND), both in elective and therapeutic settings, with particular regard to regional recurrence rate.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 827 patients with head and neck primary tumors submitted to SND from 1999 to 2011 in two large hospital centers of northern Italy.

Results

A total of 40 neck recurrences were found in the whole series, with the same incidence after primary or salvage surgery (4.4% and 5.2%, respectively), but only 22 neck recurrences occurred in the same side of the dissected neck (3.0%). Factors predicting an increase of ipsilateral neck relapse were pathologically positive nodes, number of positive nodes, and nodal ratio (ratio between positive nodes and total nodal removed), but the risk of regional relapse did not exceed 5.0% in any subgroups. A total of 320 patients (39%) had postoperative radiotherapy (52.0% and 22.0% after primary and salvage surgery, respectively). Considering the primary surgery group alone, postoperative radiotherapy produced only a light reduction of homolateral neck recurrence rate in patients with pathological positive nodes (2.4% vs. 5.0%), but it impacted significantly disease‐specific survival, both in pathological classification of nodes (pN)1 and pN2–3 patients.

Conclusion

The SND can be considered a safe and sound procedure both in primary surgery and in salvage setting. Postoperative radiotherapy adds minor advantage to regional control only in node‐positive patients but may impact survival.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1849–1855, 2015
The topical use of insulin accelerates the healing of traumatic Tympanic membrane perforations
Authors: Araujo Marcos Miranda , Murashima Adriana Andrade Batista , Alves Vani Maria , Jamur Maria Célia , Hyppolito Miguel Angelo
Published: April 2015

Objective

In recent years, there has been a tendency to search for regulatory substances that can optimize the healing process of perforated tympanic membranes (TMs). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of using topical insulin on the healing process of traumatic TMs perforations.

Study Design

Experimental.

Methods

Tympanic membranes of 20 Wistar rats were perforated in two sections, anterior and posterior to the malleus. The rats were divided into two groups: control and insulin. The insulin group was treated with topical regular insulin. The TMs were histologically examined 3, 5, and 7 days after the perforation through a morphometric analysis of the epithelial layer thickness, perforation size, TM cross‐sectional area, semiquantitative and qualitative evaluation of the collagen production by polarization microscopy, and immunohistochemical evaluation of epithelial cells and myofibroblasts markers.

Results

Insulin accelerated the healing process of the perforated TMs (P < 0.01); stimulated early thickening of the outer epithelial layer (P < 0.01); contributed to a larger identification of the antipankeratin antibody as epithelial marker (P < 0.05); and increased labeling of smooth muscle anti‐alpha‐actin antibody (P < 0.05), indicating greater proliferation of myofibroblasts. When the topical insulin was used, it resulted in a greater formation of collagen tissue (P < 0.05), with thicker and better‐organized collagen fibers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Insulin accelerated the healing process of TMs traumatic perforations.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:156–162, 2016
Inferior peduncle lesion presenting with bilaterally impaired vestibular responses to horizontal and posterior head impulses
Authors: Zuma e Maia Francisco , Luis Leonel
Published: April 2015

Differentiating central from peripheral origins of vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) lesions can be challenging. A 36‐year old man presented with a 1‐year history of progressive unsteadiness. The video‐Head Impulse Test revealed a significantly reduced VOR gain in both horizontal and posterior canals (0.49 ± 0.05 and 0.38 ± 0.06) but normal VOR responses in both anterior canals (0.89 ± 0.08 and 1.04 ± 0.15). No plausible combination of end‐organ lesion should be responsible for these observations. A brain magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a left inferior cerebellar peduncle lesion suggestive of a glioma. Laryngoscope, 125:2386–2387, 2015
Cochlear gene transfer mediated by adeno‐associated virus: Comparison of two surgical approaches
Authors: Chien Wade W. , McDougald Devin S. , Roy Soumen , Fitzgerald Tracy S. , Cunningham Lisa L.
Published: April 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Gene therapy offers the possibility of delivering corrective genetic materials to the cochlea, potentially improving hearing. In animals, the most commonly used surgical methods for viral gene therapy delivery to the cochlea are the round window and the cochleostomy approaches. However, the patterns of viral infection and the effects on hearing have not been directly compared between these two approaches. In this study, we compare the patterns of cochlear infection and effects on hearing between these two surgical approaches using adeno‐associated virus serotype 2/8 (AAV8) as the gene delivery vehicle.

Study Design

Animal study and basic science research.

Methods

One‐ to two‐month‐old CBA/J mice were used in this study. AAV8‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) was delivered to the cochlea by either the round window or the cochleostomy approach (described below). Auditory brainstem response was used to examine hearing thresholds before and after surgery. Animals were examined at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after surgery for the patterns of cochlear infection and hearing loss.

Results

Cochlear gene transfer was successful through both surgical approaches. In both approaches, AAV8‐GFP mostly infected the inner hair cells. There was occasional low‐level infection of the outer hair cells and supporting cells. The two surgical approaches resulted in comparable viral infection efficiencies. The round window approach resulted in less surgical trauma, as indicated by hearing loss, than the cochleostomy approach.

Conclusions

Adeno‐associated virus‐mediated gene transfer to the cochlea can be accomplished using either the round window or the cochleostomy surgical approach. The round window approach resulted in less hearing loss compared to the cochleostomy approach.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:2557–2564, 2015
The predictive value of the preoperative Sinonasal outcome test‐22 score in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hopkins Claire , Rudmik Luke , Lund Valerie J.
Published: April 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

With the aim of facilitating preference‐sensitive decision making regarding elective endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), we set out to evaluate the predictive value of the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) patient‐reported outcome measure and to compare outcomes of a UK cohort with a similar United States/Canadian–based study.

Study Design

Prospective observational cohort study,

Methods

Patients electing ESS in 87 UK hospitals were enrolled. The primary outcome was change in SNOT‐22 score 3 months after surgery. Patients were categorized according to baseline SNOT‐22 score, and the proportion of patients achieving a SNOT‐22 minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 8.9 was calculated, as well as the percentage change in SNOT‐22 score.

Results

A total of 2,263 patients were included within this study. There was an average 40% reduction in SNOT‐22 scores following surgery, and 66% of patients overall achieved the MCID. The proportion of patients achieving the MCID increased significantly with increasing baseline SNOT‐22. Patients with a preoperative score of <20 failed to achieve a mean improvement greater than the MCID. Patients with a score of >30 had a greater than 70% chance of achieving the MCID. CRS patients with polyps had greater improvement than patients with CRS without polyps. The predictive value of the SNOT‐22 is similar in the UK cohort, although overall patients did not benefit from surgery as much as their North American counterparts.

Conclusions

Medically recalcitrant patients with CRS considering surgery should make decisions guided by their preoperative quality‐of‐life impairment, as measured by the SNOT‐22.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 125:1779–1784, 2015
Orbital decompression for the management of thyroid eye disease: An analysis of outcomes and complications
Authors: Kingdom Todd T. , Davies Brett W. , Durairaj Vikram D.
Published: April 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze the clinical outcomes for a large cohort of patients who underwent orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED) utilizing a consistent surgical approach performed by a single surgical team.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Clinical data were gathered for patients who had undergone surgical decompression for TED. Outcomes analysis included reduction in proptosis (millimeters, Hertel measurements), visual acuity change (Snellen chart), diplopia (new or worsening), and complications.

Results

All patients underwent a combined endoscopic transnasal (medial) and transconjunctival (inferior/lateral) approach. A total of 114 surgeries (orbits) were performed on 77 patients during the period 2002 to 2013. Average follow‐up was 31.3 months (range, 1–126 months). At last follow up, mean reduction in proptosis across all patients was 3.2 mm (range, 0–9 mm). Postoperatively, no patients reported new diplopia, whereas two patients reported worsening of their existing diplopia (3.8%). Decompression was performed for proptosis in 62 patients (91 orbits), and for compressive optic neuropathy (CON) in 15 patients (23 orbits). When performed for proptosis, mean reduction in proptosis was 3.4 mm. Vision was maintained or improved in all patients, including those presenting with CON.

Conclusions

Analysis of outcomes in this large cohort showed no new cases of diplopia and only two cases of worsening diplopia balanced with a mean reduction in proptosis consistent with previously reported series. In addition, we demonstrate excellent results stratified by clinical indication (proptosis vs. CON). These results validate the combined endoscopic–transconjunctival approach to orbital decompression for patients with symptomatic TED.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:2034–2040, 2015
Well‐Defined High Molecular Weight Polystyrene with High Rates and High Livingness Synthesized via Two‐Stage RAFT Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Yan Kun , Gao Xiang , Luo Yingwu
Published: April 2015

A highly living polymer with over 100 kg mol−1 molecular weight is very difficult to achieve by controlled radical polymerization since the unavoidable side reactions of irreversible radical termination and radical chain transfer to monomer reaction become significant. It is reported that over 500 kg mol−1 polystyrene with high livingness and low dispersity could be synthesized by a facile two‐stage reversible addition–fragmentation transfer emulsion polymerization. The monomer conversion reaches 90% within 10 h. High livingness of the product is ascribed to the extremely low initiator concentration and the chain transfer constant for monomer unexpectedly much lower than the well‐accepted values in the conventional radical polymerization. The two‐stage monomer feeding policy much decreases the dispersity of the product.

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Problems With the NLRB's Quickie Election Rules
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: April 2015

Will the National Labor Relations Board's new quickie election rules withstand judicial review? Management organizations are challenging them in court, and questions of their legality and constitutionality will likely eventually be decided by the Supreme Court. This article looks at seven areas where the new rules interfere with the rights of employers and, in some cases, with employees as well.
Accelerated T1ρ acquisition for knee cartilage quantification using compressed sensing and data‐driven parallel imaging: A feasibility study
Authors: Pandit Prachi , Rivoire Julien , King Kevin , Li Xiaojuan
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Quantitative T1ρ imaging is beneficial for early detection for osteoarthritis but has seen limited clinical use due to long scan times. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of accelerated T1ρ mapping for knee cartilage quantification using a combination of compressed sensing (CS) and data‐driven parallel imaging (ARC‐Autocalibrating Reconstruction for Cartesian sampling).

Methods

A sequential combination of ARC and CS, both during data acquisition and reconstruction, was used to accelerate the acquisition of T1ρ maps. Phantom, ex vivo (porcine knee), and in vivo (human knee) imaging was performed on a GE 3T MR750 scanner. T1ρ quantification after CS‐accelerated acquisition was compared with non CS‐accelerated acquisition for various cartilage compartments.

Results

Accelerating image acquisition using CS did not introduce major deviations in quantification. The coefficient of variation for the root mean squared error increased with increasing acceleration, but for in vivo measurements, it stayed under 5% for a net acceleration factor up to 2, where the acquisition was 25% faster than the reference (only ARC).

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first implementation of CS for in vivo T1ρ quantification. These early results show that this technique holds great promise in making quantitative imaging techniques more accessible for clinical applications. Magn Reson Med 75:1256–1261, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laponite® and Laponite®‐PEO hydrogels with enhanced elasticity in phosphate‐buffered saline
Authors: Liu Xiao , Bhatia Surita R.
Published: April 2015

Hydrogels of the synthetic clay Laponite® and Laponite®‐poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) have long been studied as model systems to understand fundamental aspects of colloidal disks and colloid‐polymer systems. More recently, these systems have been explored for a variety of biomedical applications. However, there is limited information in the literature on the fundamental properties of Laponite and Laponite‐polymer gels at pH < 9. Here, we report the rheological behavior of Laponite and Laponite‐PEO systems at biologically relevant conditions (e.g. physiological pH and ionic strength) and examine the effect of phosphate‐buffered saline on the properties of the gel. Our results show that the elastic modulus of both Laponite and Laponite‐PEO gels increases dramatically, in some cases by one order of magnitude or more, after immersing gels in phosphate‐buffered saline. This may be due to an enhanced edge–face interaction between particles in buffered solutions, which would promote a long‐lasting network structure of clay particles. These results are relevant to the design of clay‐polymer gels and nanocomposites hydrogels for biomaterials applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacotherapy of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Basaraba Jade E. , Barry Arden R.
Published: April 2015

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) constitutes ~50% of all heart failure diagnoses and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The treatment of HFpEF can be challenging due to a lack of evidence supporting the benefit of various drug therapies. In practice, treatment can be divided into acute and chronic management. Acute therapy for decompensated heart failure is similar for both HFpEF and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The mainstay of treatment is diuretics to reduce volume overload and improve dyspnea. Patients with an acute exacerbation of HFpEF and rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) should be rate controlled with negative chronotropic agents. For chronic therapy, patients with HFpEF should not be treated like patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Chronic management of HFpEF can be simplified by using three strategies based on applicability: treat precipitating conditions (e.g., hypertension, AF), control symptoms by maintaining euvolemia with diuretics, and avoid therapies that have been shown not to be beneficial unless another compelling indication exists. Nondrug interventions for HFpEF include salt and fluid restriction, regular physical activity, and referral to a heart function clinic, if appropriate.
Collaborative Drug Therapy Management and Comprehensive Medication Management―2015
Authors:   American College of Clinical Pharmacy, McBane Sarah E. , Dopp Anna L. , Abe Andrew , Benavides Sandra , Chester Elizabeth A. , Dixon Dave L. , Dunn Michaelia , Johnson Melissa D. , Nigro Sarah J. , Rothrock‐Christian Tracie , Schwartz Amy H. , Thrasher Kim , Walker Scot
Published: April 2015

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) previously published position statements on collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) in 1997 and 2003. Since 2003, significant federal and state legislation addressingCDTMhas evolved and expanded throughout the United States.CDTMis well suited to facilitate the delivery of comprehensive medication management (CMM) by clinical pharmacists.CMM, defined byACCPas a core component of the standards of practice for clinical pharmacists, is designed to optimize medication‐related outcomes in collaborative practice environments. New models of care delivery emphasize patient‐centered, team‐based care and increasingly link payment to the achievement of positive economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes. Hence clinical pharmacists practicing underCDTMagreements or through other privileging processes are well positioned to provideCMM. The economic value of clinical pharmacists in team‐based settings is well documented. However, patient access toCMMremains limited due to lack of payer recognition of the value of clinical pharmacists in collaborative care settings and current health care payment policy. Therefore, the clinical pharmacy discipline must continue to establish and expand its use ofCDTMagreements and other collaborative privileging mechanisms to provideCMM. Continued growth in the provision ofCMMby appropriately qualified clinical pharmacists in collaborative practice settings will enhance recognition of their positive impact on medication‐related outcomes.
Representation of selected‐reaction monitoring data in the mzQuantML data standard
Authors: Qi Da , Lawless Craig , Teleman Johan , Levander Fredrik , Holman Stephen W. , Hubbard Simon , Jones Andrew R.
Published: April 2015

The mzQuantML data standard was designed to capture the output of quantitative software in proteomics, to support submissions to public repositories, development of visualization software and pipeline/modular approaches. The standard is designed around a common core that can be extended to support particular types of technique through the release of semantic rules that are checked by validation software. The first release of mzQuantML supported four quantitative proteomics techniques via four sets of semantic rules: (i) intensity‐based (MS1) label free, (ii) MS1 label‐based (such as SILAC or N15), (iii) MS2 tag‐based (iTRAQ or tandem mass tags), and (iv) spectral counting. We present an update to mzQuantML for supporting SRM techniques. The update includes representing the quantitative measurements, and associated meta‐data, for SRM transitions, the mechanism for inferring peptide‐level or protein‐level quantitative values, and support for both label‐based or label‐free SRM protocols, through the creation of semantic rules and controlled vocabulary terms. We have updated the specification document for mzQuantML (version 1.0.1) and the mzQuantML validator to ensure that consistent files are produced by different exporters. We also report the capabilities for production of mzQuantML files from popular SRM software packages, such as Skyline and Anubis.
Proteomic analysis of fetal programming‐related obesity markers
Authors: Lee Ji Hye , Yoo Jae Young , You Young‐Ah , Kwon Woo‐Sung , Lee Sang Mi , Pang Myung‐Geol , Kim Young Ju
Published: April 2015

The objectives of this study were to analyze fetal programming in rat brain using proteomic analysis and to identify fetal programming‐related obesity markers. Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four feeding groups: (i) the Ad Libitum (AdLib)/AdLib group was given a normal diet during pregnancy and the lactation period; (ii) the AdLib/maternal food restriction group (FR) was subjected to 50% FR during the lactation period; (iii) the FR/AdLib group was subjected to 50% FR during pregnancy; and (iv) the FR/FR group was subjected to 50% FR during pregnancy and the lactation period. Offspring from each group were sacrificed at 3 weeks of age and whole brains were dissected. To obtain a maximum number of protein markers related to obesity, 2DE and Pathway Studio bioinformatics analysis were performed. The identities of the markers among the selected and candidate proteins were confirmed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses revealed that expression of ubiquitin carboxy‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and Secernin 1 (SCRN1) were significantly different in the FR/AdLib group compared with the AdLib/AdLib group for both male and female offspring. These findings suggest that UCHL1 and SCRN1 may be used as fetal programming‐related obesity markers.
Extensive differential protein phosphorylation as intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum schizonts develop into extracellular invasive merozoites
Authors: Lasonder Edwin , Green Judith L. , Grainger Munira , Langsley Gordon , Holder Anthony A.
Published: April 2015

Pathology of the most lethal form of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stages and initiated by merozoite invasion of erythrocytes. We present a phosphoproteome analysis of extracellular merozoites revealing 1765 unique phosphorylation sites including 785 sites not previously detected in schizonts. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001684 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001684). The observed differential phosphorylation between extra and intraerythrocytic life‐cycle stages was confirmed using both phospho‐site and phospho‐motif specific antibodies and is consistent with the core motif [K/R]xx[pS/pT] being highly represented in merozoite phosphoproteins. Comparative bioinformatic analyses highlighted protein sets and pathways with established roles in invasion. Within the merozoite phosphoprotein interaction network a subnetwork of 119 proteins with potential roles in cellular movement and invasion was identified and suggested that it is coregulated by a further small subnetwork of protein kinase A (PKA), two calcium‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), a phosphatidyl inositol kinase (PI3K), and a GCN2‐like elF2‐kinase with a predicted role in translational arrest and associated changes in the ubquitinome. To test this notion experimentally, we examined the overall ubiquitination level in intracellular schizonts versus extracellular merozoites and found it highly upregulated in merozoites. We propose that alterations in the phosphoproteome and ubiquitinome reflect a starvation‐induced translational arrest as intracellular schizonts transform into extracellular merozoites.
Comprehensive mapping of O‐glycosylation in flagellin from Campylobacter jejuni 11168: A multienzyme differential ion mobility mass spectrometry approach
Authors: Ulasi Gloria N. , Creese Andrew J. , Hui Sam Xin , Penn Charles W. , Cooper Helen J.
Published: April 2015

Glycosylation of flagellin is essential for the virulence of Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. Here, we demonstrate comprehensive mapping of the O‐glycosylation of flagellin from Campylobacter jejuni 11168 by use of a bottom‐up proteomics approach that incorporates differential ion mobility spectrometry (also known as high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry or FAIMS) together with proteolysis with proteinase K. Proteinase K provides complementary sequence coverage to that achieved following trypsin proteolysis. The use of FAIMS increased the number of glycopeptides identified. Novel glycans for this strain were identified (pseudaminic acid and either acetamidino pseudaminic acid or legionaminic acid), as were novel glycosylation sites: Thr208, Ser343, Ser348, Ser349, Ser395, Ser398, Ser423, Ser433, Ser436, Ser445, Ser448, Ser451, Ser452, Ser454, Ser457 and Thr465. Multiply glycosylated peptides were observed, as well as variation at individual residues in the nature of the glycan and its presence or absence. Such extreme heterogeneity in the pattern of glycosylation has not been reported previously, and suggests a novel dimension in molecular variation within a bacterial population that may be significant in persistence of the organism in its natural environment. These results demonstrate the usefulness of differential ion mobility in proteomics investigations of PTMs.
A uniform field ion mobility study of melittin and implications of low‐field mobility for resolving fine cross‐sectional detail in peptide and protein experiments
Authors: May Jody C. , McLean John A.
Published: April 2015

An experimental investigation of protonated melittin was undertaken using uniform field ion mobility‐mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) to measure helium‐based collision cross sections (CCS). Upon varying the electrospray solvent from aqueous to methanol, the [M + 2H]2+ species was observed to shift from a compact to an extended CCS, suggesting a gas‐phase structural transition which depends on initial solvent conditions. The [M + 3H]3+, [M + 4H]4+, and [M + 5H]5+ species exhibited peak broadening in response to the organic solvent, but retained their CCS, suggesting these are locked into a stable gas‐phase structure. The CCS of the stable [M + 3H]3+ and [M + 4H]4+ species were found to be similar, suggesting these ions adopt structurally similar features in the gas phase, which, based on previous studies, likely retains α‐helical characteristics. We also report on the resolution of additional low‐abundance ion mobility peak features which are sensitive to the magnitude of the drift field. We observe a loss in the peptide ion mobility resolution above ca. eight Townsends, suggesting that the ability to resolve subtle structural details is inherently related to conducting ion mobility measurements at low field and under conditions which minimize ion heating.
N‐terminal acetylome analysis reveals the specificity of Naa50 (Nat5) and suggests a kinetic competition between N‐terminal acetyltransferases and methionine aminopeptidases
Authors: Van Damme Petra , Hole Kristine , Gevaert Kris , Arnesen Thomas
Published: April 2015

Cotranslational N‐terminal (Nt‐) acetylation of nascent polypeptides is mediated by N‐terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). The very N‐terminal amino acid sequence largely determines whether or not a given protein is Nt‐acetylated. Currently, there are six distinct NATs characterized, NatA‐NatF, in humans of which the in vivo substrate specificity of Naa50 (Nat5)/NatE, an alternative catalytic subunit of the human NatA, so far remained elusive. In this study, we quantitatively compared the Nt‐acetylomes of wild‐type yeast S. cerevisiae expressing the endogenous yeast Naa50 (yNaa50), the congenic strain lacking yNaa50, and an otherwise identical strain expressing human Naa50 (hNaa50). Six canonical yeast NatA substrates were Nt‐acetylated less in yeast lacking yNaa50 than in wild‐type yeast. In contrast, the ectopically expressed hNaa50 resulted, predominantly, in the Nt‐acetylation of N‐terminal Met (iMet) starting N‐termini, including iMet‐Lys, iMet‐Val, iMet‐Ala, iMet‐Tyr, iMet‐Phe, iMet‐Leu, iMet‐Ser, and iMet‐Thr N‐termini. This identified hNaa50 as being similar, in its substrate specificity, to the previously characterized hNaa60/NatF. In addition, the identification, in yNaa50‐lacking yeast expressing hNaa50, of Nt‐acetylated iMet followed by a small residue such as Ser, Thr, Ala, or Val, revealed a kinetic competition between Naa50 and Met‐aminopeptidases (MetAPs), and implied that Nt‐acetylated iMet followed by a small residue cannot be removed by MetAPs, a deduction supported by our in vitro data. As such, Naa50‐mediated Nt‐acetylation may act to retain the iMet of proteins of otherwise MetAP susceptible N‐termini and the fraction of retained and Nt‐acetylated iMet (followed by a small residue) in such a setting would be expected to depend on the relative levels of ribosome‐associated Naa50/NatA and MetAPs.
Are DTTO and iso‐DTTO Worthwhile Targets for Synthesis?
Authors: Christe Karl O. , Dixon David A. , Vasiliu Monica , Wagner Ross I. , Haiges Ralf , Boatz Jerry A. , Ammon the late Herman L.
Published: April 2015

Theoretical calculations were carried out for the isomeric di‐1,2,3,4‐tetrazine tetraoxides (DTTO and iso‐DTTO). The most important explosion performance parameters, the detonation pressure and detonation velocity, are dominated by the densities and not by the heats of formation of these compounds. Since DTTO and iso‐DTTO are unknown, reliable predictions of their crystal densities are crucial for an evaluation of the potential of these materials as explosives. In this study, the crystal densities were predicted using both Ammon’s Atom/Functional Group and Atom Code Volume Additivity Parameters and Quantum Mechanical molecular Volume methods, resulting in similar densities and explosion parameters. Although the likely uncertainties in our predicted density values are difficult to assess due to a lack of experimental data for closely related known compounds, our results demonstrate that Shechter’s originally proposed densities and performance parameters were grossly overestimated. Furthermore, it is shown that, based on our predicted density value ranges, DTTO and iso‐DTTO could match or substantially outperform the best state of the art explosives, such as CL‐20. Therefore, the synthesis of DTTO and iso‐DTTO should be further pursued.
Thermochemical, Sensitivity and Detonation Characteristics of New Thermally Stable High Performance Explosives
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Esmailpour Karim , Zamani Mehdi , Roknabadi Akbar Gholami
Published: April 2015

The M06‐2X/6‐311G(d,p) and B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) density functional methods and electrostatic potential analysis were used for calculation of enthalpy of sublimation, crystal density and enthalpy of formation of some thermally stable explosives in the gas and solid phases. These data were used for prediction of their detonation properties including heat of detonation, detonation pressure, detonation velocity, detonation temperature, electric spark sensitivity, impact sensitivity and deflagration temperature using appropriate methods. The range of different properties for these compounds are: crystal density 1.51–2.01 g cm−3, enthalpy of sublimation 346.4–424.7 kJ mol−1, the solid phase enthalpy of formation 500.4–860.6 kJ mol−1, heat of detonation 13.64–17.57 kJ g−1, detonation pressure 33.0–37.0 GPa, detonation velocity 8.5–9.5 km s−1, detonation temperature 5488–6234 K, electric spark sensitivity 7.89–9.47 J, impact sensitivity 21–38 J, deflagration temperature 560–586 K and power [%TNT] 207–276. The results show that two novel energetic compounds N,N′‐(diazene‐1,2‐diylbis(2,3,5,6‐tetranitro‐4,1‐phenylene))bis(5‐nitro‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐amine) (DDTNPNT3A) and 1,1′‐(diazene‐1,2‐diylbis(2,3,5,6‐tetranitro‐4,1‐phenylene))bis(3‐nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐amine) (DDTNPNT5A) can be introduced as thermally explosives with high detonation performance.