bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonographic Findings in the Ulnar Nerve According to the Electrophysiologic Stage of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Eom Young In , Choi Moon Hee , Kim Yue Kyung , Joo In Soo
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Involvement of the ulnar nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome is controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate sonographic findings in the ulnar nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

We performed median and ulnar nerve conduction studies with sonography in 109 hands of 60 patients with clinically suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. Sonographic findings were analyzed with regard to electrophysiologic stages of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Results

We found that the sensory conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve decreased as the electrophysiologic stage of carpal tunnel syndrome increased (P = .038), but there was no change in the cross‐sectional area of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. The median‐to‐ulnar nerve cross‐sectional area ratio at the wrist showed a significant correlation with the electrophysiologic stage of carpal tunnel syndrome (Spearman r = 0.431; P < .0001), in addition to the median nerve cross‐sectional area at the wrist and the wrist‐to‐ forearm median nerve cross‐sectional area ratio.

Conclusions

In our study, ulnar nerve involvement in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome was shown electrophysiologically but not sonographically. These results suggest that morphologic changes in the ulnar nerve do not occur in carpal tunnel syndrome, although functional changes may occur.
The Baseline Diameter of the Inferior Vena Cava Measured by Sonography Increases With Age in Normovolemic Children
Authors: Kathuria Neil , Ng Lorraine , Saul Turandot , Lewiss Resa E.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To evaluate normative sonographic measurements of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter in healthy pediatric patients.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study of a convenience sample of healthy patients between the ages of 0 and 22 years presenting to a pediatric emergency department. Exclusion criteria included abnormal vital signs, pregnancy, or illnesses thought to influence volume status. During quiet respiration, the maximum and minimum IVC diameters were measured in the sagittal plane distal to the hepatic vein–IVC junction. As second measurements, the maximum diameters of the IVC and aorta were measured in the transverse plane distal to the insertion of the left renal vein into the IVC.

Results

From February 2013 through April 2014, 63 children (51% female; mean age, 11 years) were enrolled. There were 20 children in each age group of 2 to 7, 7 to 12, and 12 to 22 years. The correlations between IVC and aortic diameters as a function of age were calculated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficients were all statistically significant (P < .001): sagittal maximum IVC diameter (0.81), sagittal minimum IVC diameter (0.79), transverse maximum IVC diameter (0.79), and transverse maximum aortic diameter (0.81).

Conclusions

This pilot study of sonographic measurements of the IVC diameter in normovolemic children suggests a statistically significant positive correlation between age and IVC diameter. Future studies should focus on multicenter enrollment, children in the youngest age group, and the development of normative growth curves for the IVC by age, sex, and body mass index.
Contrast Ultrasound Imaging of the Aorta Does Not Affect Progression of Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Biomarkers in ApoE−/− Mice
Authors: Smith Brendon W. , Simpson Douglas G. , Sarwate Sandhya , Miller Rita J. , Erdman John W. , O'Brien William D.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) enhance cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. Adverse biological effects have occurred after administration of UCAs, and more research is needed for a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved. We used the ApoE−/− mouse model of atherosclerosis to characterize the effects of ultrasound and UCAs on atherosclerosis and plasma biomarkers.

Methods

Male ApoE−/− mice (8 weeks old; n = 24) were intravenously infused with a UCA (2 × 1010 Definity microbubbles per hour; Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, MA) and exposed to 2.8‐MHz center frequency ultrasound (10 Hz pulse repetition frequency, 1.4 microseconds pulse duration, 2 minutes exposure duration, and 2 sites) at 1 of 3 derated peak rarefactional pressure amplitudes (0, 1.9, or 3.8 MPa), and then consumed either a chow or Western diet for 4 weeks (n = 4 per group). Blood plasma samples were collected before ultrasound exposure and at 2 and 4 weeks after exposure and assayed for total cholesterol and von Willebrand Factor (vWF). A pathologist measured atheroma thickness in formalin‐fixed, hematoxylin‐eosin‐stained transverse aorta sections and scored them for severity of atherosclerosis.

Results

Plasma total cholesterol initially averaged 286 mg/dL in the Western diet group and increased to 861 mg/dL after 4 weeks on the diet (P < .0001). Total cholesterol did not increase significantly in the chow diet group. Plasma vWF increased after 2 weeks on the Western diet (P < .0001). Atheroma thickness was greater in animals consuming the Western diet than in chow‐fed animals (P < .05). Ultrasound had no significant effect on plasma total cholesterol, plasma vWF, or atheroma thickness.

Conclusions

Contrast ultrasound did not increase the severity of atherosclerosis or alter cardiovascular biomarkers in the ApoE−/− mouse model.
Five Cases of Axillary Lymph Node Metastatic Breast Cancer on Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography
Authors: Ohta Tomoyuki , Nishioka Makiko , Nakata Norio , Fukuda Kunihiko , Kato Kumiko
Published: May 2015

This study was performed to determine the importance of contrast‐enhanced sonography for axillary lymph node metastatic breast cancer. Contrast‐enhanced sonographic findings in 5 patients with breast cancer and axillary lymph node metastasis are discussed, and imaging‐pathologic correlations are also presented in 3 cases. In all 5 cases, lymph nodes showed a perfusion defect in the late phase. Rapid arterial enhancement and wash‐out were observed in 2 cases in which we performed second injections. Contrast‐enhanced sonography may be effective for identifying metastatic lesions in lymph nodes, especially in the early stages.
First‐Trimester 3‐Dimensional Power Doppler Placental Vascularization Indices From the Whole Placenta Versus the Placental Bed to Predict Preeclampsia
Authors: Hannaford Karen E. , Tuuli Methodius , Goetzinger Katherine R. , Odibo Linda , Cahill Alison G. , Macones George , Odibo Anthony O.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the use of vascular indices derived from the whole placenta to those from the placental bed only for predicting preeclampsia and to determine whether the addition of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and mean uterine artery Doppler values improves prediction.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of women with singletons between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation undergoing sonography for aneuploidy screening. Placental vascularization indices from the whole placenta versus the placental bed were combined with first‐trimester maternal serum PAPP‐A levels, mean uterine artery Doppler values, or the combination of both to predict the development of preeclampsia or early preeclampsia (delivery <34 weeks). The predictive ability of each vascular index was calculated by using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves. The sensitivity of the model for predicting preeclampsia and early preeclampsia at fixed false‐positive rates of 10% and 20% was calculated.

Results

Of 570 women, 48 (8.4%) had preeclampsia, and 10 (1.7%) had early preeclampsia. The area under the curve and sensitivity values for the prediction of preeclampsia or early preeclampsia were not different when evaluating the whole placenta versus the placental bed. Additionally, there was no significant improvement when adding PAPP‐A, uterine artery Doppler values, or both. The variables in the model were more sensitive for the prediction of early preeclampsia than preeclampsia.

Conclusions

Although placental bed vascular indices are modestly predictive of preeclampsia, the addition of PAPP‐A and uterine artery Doppler values to vascularization indices in the whole placenta or the placental bed did not significantly improve their predictive ability.
Gestational Age at Cervical Length and Fetal Fibronectin Assessment and the Incidence of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Twins
Authors: Fox Nathan S. , Saltzman Daniel H. , Fishman Ariel , Klauser Chad K. , Gupta Simi , Rebarber Andrei
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To estimate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies based on transvaginal sonographic cervical length, fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing, and the gestational age at which these tests were performed.

Methods

Women with twin pregnancies, cervical length assessment, and fFN testing between 22 weeks and 31 weeks 6 days in a single maternal‐fetal medicine practice from 2005 to 2013 were included. All testing was done on asymptomatic women on an out‐patient basis. Women with monochorionic monoamniotic twins and twin‐twin transfusion were excluded. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth before 35, 32, and 28 weeks.

Results

Six hundred eleven patients were included and underwent a total of 2406 cervical length measurements and 2279 fFN tests over the course of the study period. The likelihood values for spontaneous preterm birth before 35, 32, and 28 weeks were 19.1%, 6.3%, and 2.3%, respectively. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth before 35 weeks increased with a decreasing cervical length (coefficient for the log of the odds ratio [OR coefficient], −0.13; P < .01; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.22 to −0.037), a positive fFN result (OR coefficient, 1.04; P < .01; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.64), as well as earlier gestational ages at testing (OR coefficient, −0.214; P < .01; 95% CI, −0.33 to −0.10). Similar results were seen for spontaneous preterm birth before 32 and 28 weeks.

Conclusions

In asymptomatic patients with twin pregnancies, the cervical length, fFN, and gestational age are all significantly associated with spontaneous preterm birth.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Greater Omentum, Mimicking Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Small Intestine: A Case Report
Authors: Urabe Masayuki , Yamagata Yukinori , Aikou Susumu , Mori Kazuhiko , Yamashita Hiroharu , Nomura Sachiyo , Shibahara Junji , Fukayama Masashi , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: May 2015

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is one of the mesenchymal tumors, which rarely arises in the abdominal space. We report a very rare case of abdominal SFT, mimicking another mesenchymal tumor. A 52-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital for further evaluation and treatment of gallbladder polyp. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed an enhanced nodule within the gallbladder, and incidentally, also showed a well-circumscribed mass adjacent to the small intestine. The mass was depicted as slightly high density in plain CT, and with contrast-enhancement, the mass was partially stained in early phase and the stained area spread heterogeneously in delayed phase. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the abdominal mass was depicted as slightly high intensity on T2-weighted imaging and low intensity on T1-weighted imaging. With double-balloon endoscopy and capsule endoscopy, we did not find any tumor inside the small intestine. These visual findings lead us to diagnose it as gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the small intestine with extraluminal growth. We planned to resect both the gallbladder polyp and the intraperitoneal tumor at the same time for pathologic diagnosis and treatment. When the operation was performed, we found a milk-white lobulated tumor on the greater omentum and the tumor was entirely resected. Microscopically, the gallbladder polyp was diagnosed as tubular adenoma, and the omental tumor was diagnosed as SFT. It is important to bear in mind that omental SFTs sometimes mimic other mesenchymal tumors and should be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumor not revealed by endoscopy.
Enzymatic Debridement in Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Cakir Murat , Tekin Ahmet , Kucukkartallar Tevfik , Vatansev Husamettin , Kartal Adil
Published: May 2015

Multiple organ failure and pancreatic necrosis are the factors that determine prognosis in acute pancreatitis attacks. We investigated the effects of collagenase on the debridement of experimental pancreatic necrosis. The study covered 4 groups; each group had 10 rats. Group I was the necrotizing pancreatitis group. Group II was the collagenase group with pancreatic loge by isotonic irrigation following necrotizing pancreatitis. Group III was the collagenase group with pancreatic loge following necrotizing pancreatitis. Group IV was the intraperitoneal collagenase group following necrotizing pancreatitis. The progress of the groups was compared hematologically and histopathologically. There was no difference among the groups regarding the levels of leukocyte, hemogram, and urea. The differences in AST levels between Group I and II; and differences in glucose, calcium, LDH, AST, and amylase between Group II and III; between Group II and IV; between Group I and III; and between Group I and IV were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between Group II and III, and Group II and IV regarding edema, acinar necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the collagenase preparation used in this experimental pancreatitis model was found to be effective in the debridement of pancreatic necrosis.
Perioperative Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Is Associated With Surgical Site Infection After Abdominoperineal Resection—a Space for the Implementation of Patient Blood Management Strategies
Authors: Kaneko Kensuke , Kawai Kazushige , Tsuno Nelson H. , Ishihara Soichiro , Yamaguchi Hironori , Sunami Eiji , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: May 2015

Allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) has been reported as a major risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. However, the association of ABT with SSI in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR) and total pelvic exenteration (TPE) still remains to be evaluated. Here, we aim to elucidate this association. The medical records of all patients undergoing APR and TPE at our institution in the period between January 2000 and December 2012 were reviewed. Patients without SSI (no SSI group) were compared with patients who developed SSI (SSI group), in terms of clinicopathologic features, including ABT. In addition, data for 262 patients who underwent transabdominal rectal resection at our institution in the same period were also enrolled, and their data on differential leukocyte counts were evaluated. Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative transfusion was an independent predictive factor for SSI after APR and TPE (P = 0.004). In addition, the first–operative day lymphocyte count of patients undergoing APR, TPE, and transabdominal rectal resection was significantly higher in nontransfusion patients compared with transfusion ones (P = 0.026). ABT in the perioperative period of APR and TPE may have an important immunomodulatory effect, leading to an increased incidence of SSI. This fact should be carefully considered, and efforts to avoid allogeneic blood exposure while still achieving adequate patient blood management would be very important for patients undergoing APR and TPE as well.
Preoperative Imatinib Treatment in Patients With Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Patient Experiences and Systematic Review of 563 Patients
Authors: Xu Jia , Ling Tian-Long , Wang Ming , Zhao Wen-Yi , Cao Hui
Published: May 2015

Preoperative IM therapy for GIST is now a research focus. Due to the low incidence of the disease, there are few RCTs on the preoperative treatment for advanced GIST, let alone relevant meta-analysis. Efficacy of this therapy and targeting population are still undetermined. Therefore, the first part of this article is composed of a controlled retrospective study and demonstrates that preoperative therapy with IM can significantly improve the outcome of advanced GIST. In the second part of the paper, we further investigated what portion of advanced GIST patients benefit more from the therapy, based on a meta-analysis. As the disease is relatively rare, we involved 563 cases in the meta-analysis, much higher than in the controlled clinical studies (51 cases). The objective of this paper is to investigate effects of surgical resection on imatinib-treated advanced GIST. Twenty-two consecutive advanced GIST patients (Group A) with preoperative IM treatment were compared to 29 patients (Group B) who underwent initial tumor resection during the same period. Subsequently, a systematic review of 563 patients was applied to identify the benefit of the advanced GIST patients receiving imatinib before surgery. Compared with Group B, less patients in Group A underwent multivisceral resection (18.2% versus 48.3%, P = 0.026) or suffered tumor rupture at time of surgery (0% versus 17.2%, P = 0.04). The 3-year estimated progression-free survival of Group A (94.4%) was also superior to that of Group B (61.4%; P = 0.045). Subsequent meta-analysis indicated that primarily unresectable patients had higher complete resection and 2-year PFS rates than recurrent/metastasis patients (P = 0.005 and 0.20, respectively); (b) stable disease (SD) patients had better outcome in resection including resectability rate (P < 0.0001), PFS (P < 0.00001) and OS (P = 0.0008) than progressive disease (PD) patients; (c) in recurrent/metastatic PD patients, surgery played a minor role, because they had a higher bulky residual disease rate (P = 0.0005) and higher progression risk (P < 0.00001) within 2 years after surgery. Preoperative IM treatment improves prognosis of advanced GISTs. Among recurrent/metastatic patients, postimatinib surgery may benefit those who have SD after IM treatment but not those resistant to IM.
A Long-Term Follow-Up Result of Pouch Plasty for Severe Dysfunction of Jejunal Pouch Reconstruction After Total Gastrectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Tamura Takafumi , Inagawa Satoshi , Terashima Hideo , Akashi Yoshimasa , Hisakura Katsuji , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: May 2015

A 78-year-old woman with malignant lymphoma of the stomach underwent total gastrectomy with a jejunal-pouch (J-pouch) reconstruction in 1994. Twelve years after surgery the patient began to suffer epigastric distress and reflux symptoms. Eventually, she was unable to take anything by mouth. A series of diagnostic images seemed to indicate that the main cause of the dysfunction was flaccidity of the J-pouch and deformity of the outflow route induced by chronic excessive dilatation of the pouch wall. Because all conservative managements only led to temporary improvement and ended in failure, she hoped to receive the operation. We designed “pouch plasty” capable of ameliorating the pouch dysfunction. The aim of pouch plasty was to improve uneven tension of the pouch wall and repair deformity of the outflow route of the food. After the operation, the J-pouch resumed adequate drainage and had good reservoir function. More than 7 years later, the patient had no further complications.
Comparison of Modified Limberg Flap and Karydakis Flap Operations in Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Tokac Mehmet , Dumlu Ersin Gurkan , Aydin Murat Seyit , Yalcın Abdussamed , Kilic Mehmet
Published: May 2015

The best surgical technique for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is still disputed. The objective of this prospective randomized study is to compare the short and long-term results of modified Limberg flap and Karydakis flap surgeries that have been widely used in recent years. Ninety one patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: modified Limberg flap (MLF; n = 46) and Karydakis flap (KF; n = 45). Preoperative findings of the patients, their surgical findings, and short and long-term postoperative findings were recorded and statistically compared. While no significant difference was discovered between the groups in terms of postoperative analgesic need, hospital stay, postoperative infection rate, drain stay time, painless sitting time, painless toilet-sitting time, and painless walking time, return to work or school time was shorter in the MLF group compared with the KF group (20.61 ± 7.89 days, 23.29 ± 6.42, respectively; P < 0.05). Cosmetically, the visual analog scale (VAS) of the KF group was significantly higher than that of the MLF group (VAS score 7.12 ± 1.28, 5.45 ± 1.77, respectively; P < 0.05). Considering recurrence rates, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Our study found out that short and long-term results of the MLF and KF procedures are similar. We believe both methods can be safely used in surgical PSD treatment given that in the MLF procedure, shorter return-to-work time is achieved, while the procedure provides better cosmetic results.
Synchronous Primary Anorectal Melanoma and Sigmoid Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Lim Aaron , Grant Benjamin , Avramovic John , Ho Yik-Hong , Wallace Corrine
Published: May 2015

Synchronous primary anorectal melanoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma is extremely rare, with only 5 cases reported in the literature. Here, a case is reported and the currently available literature is summarized. A 72-year-old white male presented with changes in his bowel habits and unintentional weight loss. Colonoscopy revealed a polypoid mass in the distal rectum extending to the anal verge anteriorly and a circumferential polypoid mass in the distal sigmoid colon. Biopsies were taken, which revealed poorly differentiated melanoma of the anorectal mass and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid mass with nodal involvement. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed liver metastasis. An extended abdominoperineal resection was undertaken for palliation, relief of symptoms, and definitive histology to guide further management. Consequently, a resection of the hepatic metastasis was attempted; however, macroscopic deposits were discovered on 7 of 8 liver segments perioperatively. He was subsequently referred to medical oncology for palliative chemotherapy. Synchronous primary anorectal melanoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma is rare, this being the sixth report found in the literature. In summary of the available cases, all synchronous cancers were located in the rectosigmoid and had very similar presentations. Most presented relatively late and were generally treated with abdominoperineal resection, which appears to be the best treatment option. Overall, prognosis appears to be dismal. General and colorectal surgeons should always be aware of the possibilities of simultaneous primary cancers because this can affect treatment modalities and prognosis for the patient.
Maximizing Use of Robot-Arm No. 3 in Da Vinci–Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Kajiwara Naohiro , Maeda Junichi , Yoshida Koichi , Kato Yasufumi , Hagiwara Masaru , Kakihana Masatoshi , Ohira Tatsuo , Kawate Norihiko , Ikeda Norihiko
Published: May 2015

We have previously reported on the importance of appropriate robot-arm settings and replacement of instrument ports in robot-assisted thoracic surgery, because the thoracic cavity requires a large space to access all lesions in various areas of the thoracic cavity from the apex to the diaphragm and mediastinum and the chest wall.1–3 Moreover, it can be difficult to manipulate the da Vinci Surgical System using only arms No. 1 and No. 2 depending on the tumor location. However, arm No. 3 is usually positioned on the same side as arm No. 2, and sometimes it is only used as an assisting-arm to avoid conflict with other arms (Fig. 1). In this report, we show how robot-arm No. 3 can be used with maximum effectiveness in da Vinci-assisted thoracic surgery.Fig. 1Usual positioning of arms No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3.Fig. 1. Usual positioning of arms No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3.
Mean Platelet Volume: Is It a Predictive Parameter in Diagnosis of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia?
Authors: Türkoğlu Ahmet , Gül Mesut , Oğuz Abdullah , Bozdağ Zübeyir , Ülger Burak Veli , Yılmaz Ahmet , Aldemir Mustafa
Published: May 2015

Our objective for this study was to discuss the usability of mean platelet volume, which is associated with numerous vascular pathologies, in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia. Acute mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon, life-threatening clinical condition mostly seen in the elderly. Early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia and correction of blood circulation before necrosis occurs are important factors affecting prognosis. A total of 95 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute mesenteric ischemia and 90 healthy volunteers as control group were included in this study. Age, gender, hemoglobin values, white blood cell counts, mean platelet volume, and platelet counts are recorded for evaluation. The mean platelet volume values were significantly higher in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia than in the controls (9.4 ± 1.1 fL and 7.4 ± 1.4 fL, respectively; P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis demonstrated a cutoff value of mean platelet volume as 8.1 fL (area under the curve, 0.862), a sensitivity of 83.2%, and a specificity of 80%. As a result, in the patients who are admitted to the hospital with acute nonspecific abdominal pain and suspected of having acute mesenteric ischemia, high mean platelet volume values in routine hemograms support the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.
A review of stemflow generation dynamics and stemflow‐environment interactions in forests and shrublands
Authors: Levia Delphis F. , Germer Sonja
Published: May 2015

Many geoscientists now recognize stemflow as an important phenomenon which can exert considerable effects on the hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology of wooded ecosystems and shrublands. Despite the explosive growth of stemflow research, until this review there has been no comprehensive attempt to summarize and synthesize this literature since 2003. Topical areas of substantive new knowledge in stemflow research include the following: (1) the interrelationships among stemflow and meteorological conditions, especially within individual rain events; (2) the dynamic interplay between stemflow and canopy structure; (3) stemflow and the cycling of solutes and transport of particulate matter; (4) stemflow and its interactions with canopy fungi and corticolous lichens; and (5) stemflow‐soil interactions. Each of these five topical areas of substantive new stemflow research is summarized and synthesized, with areas of future research opportunities discussed. In addition, we have reviewed the parameters which can be used to describe stemflow and critically evaluate their utility for different purposes. This review makes a call for scientists studying stemflow to utilize common metrics in an effort to increase the cross‐site comparability of stemflow studies. Capitalizing on the insights of prior research, exciting research opportunities await hydrologists, biogeoscientists, and forest ecologists who will conduct studies to deepen our knowledge of stemflow which will enable a better and more accurate framing of stemflow in the larger context of watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry.
Foldable Electrochromics Enabled by Nanopaper Transfer Method
Authors: Kang Wenbin , Yan Chaoyi , Foo Ce Yao , Lee Pooi See
Published: May 2015

An innovative nanopaper‐transfer method enabled by the high surface free energy of nanocellulose is reported. Utilizing this technique, Ag nanowire percolating network based transparent conductive electrodes with ultrahigh figure of merit are realized. With the exceptional surface properties of this novel nanopaper electrode, a foldable electrochromic nanopaper device with a stable performance is demonstrated for the first time. This nanopaper‐transfer technique holds great promise for the next generation deformable electronics.
Electrostatically Directed Self‐Assembly of Ultrathin Supramolecular Polymer Microcapsules
Authors: Parker Richard M. , Zhang Jing , Zheng Yu , Coulston Roger J. , Smith Clive A. , Salmon Andrew R. , Yu Ziyi , Scherman Oren A. , Abell Chris
Published: May 2015

Supramolecular self‐assembly offers routes to challenging architectures on the molecular and macroscopic scale. Coupled with microfluidics it has been used to make microcapsules—where a 2D sheet is shaped in 3D, encapsulating the volume within. In this paper, a versatile methodology to direct the accumulation of capsule‐forming components to the droplet interface using electrostatic interactions is described. In this approach, charged copolymers are selectively partitioned to the microdroplet interface by a complementary charged surfactant for subsequent supramolecular cross‐linking via cucurbit[8]uril. This dynamic assembly process is employed to selectively form both hollow, ultrathin microcapsules and solid microparticles from a single solution. The ability to dictate the distribution of a mixture of charged copolymers within the microdroplet, as demonstrated by the single‐step fabrication of distinct core–shell microcapsules, gives access to a new generation of innovative self‐assembled constructs.
Disorder‐Induced Open‐Circuit Voltage Losses in Organic Solar Cells During Photoinduced Burn‐In
Authors: Heumueller Thomas , Burke Timothy M. , Mateker William R. , Sachs‐Quintana Isaac T. , Vandewal Koen , Brabec Christoph J. , McGehee Michael D.
Published: May 2015

The photoinduced open‐circuit voltage (Voc) loss commonly observed in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells made from amorphous polymers is investigated. It is observed that the total charge carrier density and, importantly, the recombination dynamics are unchanged by photoinduced burn‐in. Charge extraction is used to monitor changes in the density of states (DOS) during degradation of the solar cells, and a broadening over time is observed. It is proposed that the Voc losses observed during burn‐in are caused by a redistribution of charge carriers in a broader DOS. The temperature and light intensity dependence of the Voc losses can be described with an analytical model that contains the amount of disorder broadening in a Gaussian DOS as the only fit parameter. Finally, the Voc loss in solar cells made from amorphous and crystalline polymers is compared and an increased stability observed in crystalline polymer solar cells is investigated. It is found that solar cells made from crystalline materials have a considerably higher charge carrier density than those with amorphous materials. The effects of a DOS broadening upon aging are suppressed in solar cells with crystalline materials due to their higher carrier density, making crystalline materials more stable against Voc losses during burn‐in.
Progress in Mechanistic Understanding and Characterization Techniques of Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Xu Rui , Lu Jun , Amine Khalil
Published: May 2015

Rechargeable lithium‐sulfur batteries that operate at room temperature have attracted much research interest as next‐generation energy storage systems. Although tremendous advances have been made with Li‐S batteries, great challenges still exist in achieving high capacity, high loading, high coulombic efficiency, and long cycle life. These challenges arise from the system complexity, lack of mechanistic understanding of the redox reaction, and operational limitations of Li‐S cells. The focus here is on the recent gains in fundamental understanding of the Li‐S redox reaction mechanism based on the application of advanced characterization techniques. Research results that help with the understanding of the close relationship between cell design (including development of new and advanced electrode materials, electrolytes, separators, binders, and cell configurations), the Li‐S reaction mechanism, characterization methods, and Li‐S battery performance are discussed.
Promoting adoption of fall prevention measures among Latino workers and residential contractors: Formative research findings
Authors: Teran Suzanne , Blecker Hillary , Scruggs Kelsie , García Hernández Javier , Rahke Barbara
Published: May 2015

Background

Falls from heights remain a concern in construction, particularly for foreign‐born Latino construction workers employed by small residential contractors. The social ecological model provides a framework to assess the individual and contextual factors influencing the risk for falls.

Methods

Five focus groups and thirteen in‐depth interviews with workers, small residential contractors, and key informants were conducted in 2012 in San Francisco and Philadelphia. Data were analyzed with qualitative methods.

Results

Economic conditions in residential construction, coupled with a lack of enforcement and vulnerabilities of the foreign‐born workforce, are principal contributors to risk for falls. Small contractors perceive strong economic disincentives for implementation of fall protection and foreign‐born Latino workers experience a variety of social, cultural and occupational pressures impeding its use.

Conclusions

Increased adoption of fall protection cannot be accomplished solely by targeting Latino construction workers. Research is needed on incentives to influence contractor behavior and facilitate adoption of fall protection measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:870–879, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the relationship between age and tenure with length of disability
Authors: Besen Elyssa , Young Amanda E. , Pransky Glenn
Published: May 2015

Background

The aging of the workforce, coupled with the changing nature of career tenure has raised questions about the impact of these trends on work disability. This study aimed to determine if age and tenure interact in relating to work disability duration.

Methods

Relationships were investigated using random effects models with 239,359 work disability claims occurring between 2008 and 2012.

Results

A 17‐day difference in the predicted length of disability was observed from ages 25 to 65. Tenure moderated the relationship between age and length of disability. At younger ages, the length of disability decreased as tenure increased, but at older age, the length of disability increased as tenure increased.

Discussion

Results indicate that although there is a relationship between length of disability and tenure, age makes a greater unique contribution to explaining variance in length of disability. Future research is needed to better understand why specifically age shows a strong relationship with length of disability and why that relationship varies with age. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:974–987, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Industrial Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dose‐response relationship of specific allergen exposure‐induced immunological tolerance: a mouse model
Authors: Yeh Yueh‐Chiao , Yen Hung‐Rong , Jiang Rong‐San , Wang Ren‐Ching , Huang Wan‐Chun , Chen Shyh‐Chang , Lin Bo‐Shiou , Liang Kai‐Li
Published: May 2015

Background

It is believed that adequate allergen preimmunization exposure could induce immunologic tolerance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose‐dependent mechanisms related to antigen‐specific tolerance induction in a mouse model.

Methods

Mice were assigned to 5 groups: the control (Cont) group received phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) preimmunization exposure and PBS sham immunization; the other 4 groups were exposed preimmunization to PBS (PBS group) or ovalbumin (OVA) (first mucosal doses: 1.25%, 2.5%, or 5% wt/vol aerosol from days −3 to −1) prior to OVA immunization. The OVA‐immunized mice received intraperitoneal doses of 20 μg OVA (on days 1, 7, and 14), and then a second set of mucosal doses with 0.5% wt/vol OVA aerosol (on days 18 to 20). After assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), the mice were euthanized and their blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs), and lung tissues were collected for further analyses.

Results

OVA‐immunized mice exposed to OVA preimmunization had reduced AHR and immunoglobulin E production when compared to the PBS group. OVA preimmunization exposure inhibited eosinophilic inflammation in lung tissues. The proportions of BALF eosinophil counts from the groups exposed to OVA preimmunization were significantly decreased when compared with those exposed to PBS preimmunization. The balance of T helper 2 (Th2) and T regulatory (Treg) cytokines in BALFs were additionally observed in this mouse model.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that preimmunization exposure to an appropriate dose of a specific antigen could suppress allergic airway inflammation by induction of immunological tolerance.
The Impact of Reading Intervention on Brain Responses Underlying Language in Children With Autism
Authors: Murdaugh Donna L. , Deshpande Hrishikesh D. , Kana Rajesh K.
Published: May 2015

Deficits in language comprehension have been widely reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with behavioral and neuroimaging studies finding increased reliance on visuospatial processing to aid in language comprehension. However, no study to date, has taken advantage of this strength in visuospatial processing to improve language comprehension difficulties in ASD. This study used a translational neuroimaging approach to test the role of a visual imagery‐based reading intervention in improving the brain circuitry underlying language processing in children with ASD. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in a longitudinal study design, was used to investigate intervention‐related change in sentence comprehension, brain activation, and functional connectivity in three groups of participants (age 8–13 years): an experimental group of ASD children (ASD‐EXP), a wait‐list control group of ASD children (ASD‐WLC), and a group of typically developing control children. After intervention, the ASD‐EXP group showed significant increase in activity in visual and language areas and right‐hemisphere language area homologues, putamen, and thalamus, suggestive of compensatory routes to increase proficiency in reading comprehension. Additionally, ASD children who had the most improvement in reading comprehension after intervention showed greater functional connectivity between left‐hemisphere language areas, the middle temporal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus while reading high imagery sentences. Thus, the findings of this study, which support the principles of dual coding theory [Paivio 2007], suggest the potential of a strength‐based reading intervention in changing brain responses and facilitating better reading comprehension in ASD children. Autism Res 2015. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical Characterization and Insecticidal Properties of Essential Oils from Different Wild Populations of Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija (Briq.) Harley from Morocco
Authors: Kasrati Ayoub , Alaoui Jamali Chaima , Bekkouche Khalid , Spooner‐Hart Robert , Leach David , Abbad Abdelaziz
Published: May 2015

The present study is the first investigation of the volatile‐oil variability and insecticidal properties of the endemic Moroccan mint Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija (mint timija). The yield of essential oils (EOs) obtained from different wild mint timija populations ranged from 0.20±0.02 to 1.17±0.25% (v/w). GC/MS Analysis revealed the presence of 44 oil constituents, comprising 97.3–99.9% of the total oil compositions. The main constituents were found to be menthone (1.2–62.6%), pulegone (0.8–26.6%), cis‐piperitone epoxide (2.9–25.5%), piperitone (0.3–35.5%), trans‐piperitone epoxide (8.1–15.7%), piperitenone (0.2–9.6%), piperitenone oxide (0.5–28.6%), (E)‐caryophyllene (1.5–11.0%), germacrene D (1.0–15.7%), isomenthone (0.3–7.7%), and borneol (0.2–7.3%). Hierarchical‐cluster analysis allowed the classification of the EOs of the different mint timija populations into four main groups according to the contents of their major components. This variability within the species showed to be linked to the altitude variation of the mint timija growing sites. The results of the insecticidal tests showed that all samples exhibited interesting activity against adults of Tribolium castaneum, but with different degrees. The highest toxicity was observed for the EOs belonging to Group IV, which were rich in menthone and pulegone, with LC50 and LC90 values of 19.0–23.4 and 54.9–58.0 μl/l air in the fumigation assay and LC50 and LC90 values of 0.17–0.18 and 0.40–0.52 μl/cm2 in the contact assay.
Volatile Constituents of the Aerial Parts of Pulicaria sicula (L.) Moris Growing Wild in Sicily: Chemotaxonomic Volatile Markers of the Genus PulicariaGaertn.
Authors: Maggio Antonella , Riccobono Luana , Spadaro Vivienne , Campisi Patrizia , Bruno Maurizio , Senatore Felice
Published: May 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from the aerial parts of Pulicaria sicula (L.) Moris was characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. The oil was particularly rich in oxygenated terpenoids. Among the oxygenated monoterpenes (content of 44.5%), the most abundant were borneol (23.7%), bornyl acetate (6.5%), and isothymol isobutyrate (6.2%). Caryophyllene oxide (10.2%), caryophylladienol I (4.3%), and caryophylla‐3,8(13)‐dien‐5β‐ol (4.4%) were identified as the main constituents among the oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Furthermore, a complete literature review on the composition of the essential oils of all the Pulicaria taxa studied so far was performed and a principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out.
The Peptaibiotics Database – A Comprehensive Online Resource
Authors: Neumann Nora K. N. , Stoppacher Norbert , Zeilinger Susanne , Degenkolb Thomas , Brückner Hans , Schuhmacher Rainer
Published: May 2015

In this work, we present the ‘Peptaibiotics Database’ (PDB), a comprehensive online resource, which intends to cover all Aib‐containing non‐ribosomal fungal peptides currently described in scientific literature. This database shall extend and update the recently published ‘Comprehensive Peptaibiotics Database’ and currently consists of 1,297 peptaibiotic sequences. In a literature survey, a total of 235 peptaibiotic sequences published between January 2013 and June 2014 have been compiled, and added to the list of 1,062 peptides in the recently published ‘Comprehensive Peptaibiotics Database’.

The presented database is intended as a public resource freely accessible to the scientific community at peptaibiotics‐database.boku.ac.at. The search options of the previously published repository and the presentation of sequence motif searches have been extended significantly. All of the available search options can be combined to create complex database queries. As a public repository, the presented database enables the easy upload of new peptaibiotic sequences or the correction of existing informations. In addition, an administrative interface for maintenance of the content of the database has been implemented, and the design of the database can be easily extended to store additional information to accommodate future needs of the ‘peptaibiomics community’.
Isolated deep T‐wave inversion on an electrocardiogram with normal wall motion
Authors: Aoki Yoshihiro , Kodera Satoshi , Shakya Sandeep , Ishiwaki Hikaru , Ikeda Masayuki , Kanda Junji
Published: May 2015

Key Clinical Message

The electrocardiogram (ECG) of a 73‐year‐old, asymptomatic woman showed deep T‐wave inversion. The complete workup was negative. Ten years later, she developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy with abnormal ECG again. Isolated deep T‐wave inversion might be an aftereffect of takotsubo cardiomyopathy that does not warrant an invasive workup.
Production of Synthesis Gas via Dry Reforming of Methane over Co‐Based Catalysts: Effect on H2/CO Ratio and Carbon Deposition
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Naeem Muhammad Awais , Fakeeha Anis H. , Khan Wasim Ullah , Al‐Fatesh Ahmed S. , Abasaeed Ahmed E.
Published: May 2015

The effect of support type on synthesis gas production using Co‐based catalysts supported over TiO2‐P25, Al2O3, SiO2, and CeO2 was investigated. The catalysts were prepared by the incipient wet impregnation method and characterized by various techniques for comparison. Experiments were performed in a micro tubular reactor. The results revealed that all Co‐supported catalysts produced synthesis gas ratios of 1 and below and, thus, proved to be well‐suited for methanol and Fischer‐Tropsch syntheses. Co catalysts supported over TiO2‐P25 and Al2O3 provided better synthesis gas ratios and stability performances. The promotion of a Co/TiO2‐P25 catalyst with Ce had a substantial influence on its catalytic activity and the amount of carbon deposit. A Ce‐promoted catalyst diminished markedly the extent of carbon deposition and thus boosted the performance towards better activity and stability.
Formation of Salicylic Acid/4,4′‐Dipyridyl Cocrystals Based on the Ternary Phase Diagram
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Sill , Kim Kwang‐Joo , Ulrich Joachim
Published: May 2015

The solubility behavior of salicylic acid (SAA)/4,4′‐dipyridyl (4,4′‐dipy) cocrystals is investigated in an ethanol solvent. The phase solubility diagram (PSD) of SAA/4,4′‐dipy cocrystals is determined which are formed in a 2:1 stoichiometric ratio in ethanol. The objective is to improve the fundamentals of the formation mechanisms, solution behavior, and solid‐state properties of SAA/4,4′‐dipy cocrystals. The solubility behavior and solution chemistry of cocrystals are studied. It was found that the thermodynamic stability regions of the cocrystals and its components are defined by the phase solubility diagram. Besides the kinetic also the thermodynamic factor turned out to be important for the crystallization of cocrystals.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without diabetes in the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial
Authors: MacDonald Michael R. , She Lilin , Doenst Torsten , Binkley Philip F. , Rouleau Jean L. , Tan Ru‐San , Lee Kerry L. , Miller Alan B. , Sopko George , Szalewska Dominika , Waclawiw Myron A. , Dabrowski Rafal , Castelvecchio Serenella , Adlbrecht Christopher , Michler Robert E. , Oh Jae K. , Velazquez Eric J. , Petrie Mark C.
Published: May 2015

Aims

Hypothesis 1 of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial enrolled 1212 patients with an LVEF of ≤35% and CAD amenable to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients were randomized to CABG and optimal medical therapy (MED) or MED alone. The objective was to assess whether or not patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) enrolled in the STICH trial would have greater benefit from CABG than patients without DM.

Methods and results

The characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with and without DM randomized to CABG and MED or MED alone were compared. DM was present in 40%. At baseline, patients with DM had more triple vessel CAD, higher LVEF, and smaller left ventricular volumes. In patients with DM, the primary outcome of all‐cause mortality occurred in 39% of patients in the MED group and 39% in the CABG group [hazard ratio (HR) with CABG 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–1.26]. In patients without DM, the primary outcome occurred in 41% of patients in the MED group and 32% in the CABG group (HR with CABG 0.80, 95% CI 0.63–1.02). While numerically it would appear that the treatment effect of CABG is blunted in patients with DM, there was no significant interaction between DM and treatment group on formal statistical testing.

Conclusions

Patients with DM enrolled in the STICH trial had more triple vessel disease, smaller hearts, and higher LVEF than those without DM. CABG did not exert greater benefit in patients with DM.