bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ovine model of cerebral catheter venography for implantation of an endovascular neural interface
Authors: Oxley Thomas James , Opie Nicholas Lachlan , Rind Gil Simon , Liyanage Kishan , John Sam Emmanuel , Ronayne Stephen , McDonald Alan James , Dornom Anthony , Lovell Timothy John Haynes , Mitchell Peter John , Bennett Iwan , Bauquier Sebastien , Warne Leon Norris , Steward Chris , Grayden David Bruce , Desmond Patricia , Davis Stephen M. , O'Brien Terence John , May Clive N.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Neural interface technology may enable the development of novel therapies to treat neurological conditions, including motor prostheses for spinal cord injury. Intracranial neural interfaces currently require a craniotomy to achieve implantation and may result in chronic tissue inflammation. Novel approaches are required that achieve less invasive implantation methods while maintaining high spatial resolution. An endovascular stent electrode array avoids direct brain trauma and is able to record electrocorticography in local cortical tissue from within the venous vasculature. The motor area in sheep runs in a parasagittal plane immediately adjacent to the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The authors aimed to develop a sheep model of cerebral venography that would enable validation of an endovascular neural interface.

METHODS

Cerebral catheter venography was performed in 39 consecutive sheep. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the brain was performed on 13 animals. Multiple telescoping coaxial catheter systems were assessed to determine the largest wide-bore delivery catheter that could be delivered into the anterior SSS. Measurements of SSS diameter and distance from the motor area were taken. The location of the motor area was determined in relation to lateral and superior projections of digital subtraction venography images and confirmed on MRI.

RESULTS

The venous pathway from the common jugular vein (7.4 mm) to the anterior SSS (1.2 mm) was technically challenging to selectively catheterize. The SSS coursed immediately adjacent to the motor cortex (< 1 mm) for a length of 40 mm, or the anterior half of the SSS. Attempted access with 5-Fr and 6-Fr delivery catheters was associated with longer procedure times and higher complication rates. A 4-Fr catheter (internal lumen diameter 1.1 mm) was successful in accessing the SSS in 100% of cases with no associated complications. Complications included procedure-related venous dissection in two major areas: the torcular herophili, and the anterior formation of the SSS. The bifurcation of the cruciate sulcal veins with the SSS was a reliable predictor of the commencement of the motor area.

CONCLUSIONS

The ovine model for cerebral catheter venography has generalizability to the human cerebral venous system in relation to motor cortex location. This novel model may facilitate the development of the novel field of endovascular neural interfaces that may include preclinical investigations for cortical recording applications such as paralysis and epilepsy, as well as other potential applications in neuromodulation.
Intradiploic encephalocele of the primary motor cortex in an adult patient: electrophysiological implications during surgery
Authors: Valci Luca , Dalolio Martina , Kuhlen Dominique , Pravatà Emanuele , Gobbi Claudio , Reinert Michael
Published: April 2017

Encephaloceles are herniations of brain parenchyma through congenital or acquired osseous-dural defects of the skull base or cranial vault. Different types of symptoms, due to CSF fistulas, meningitis, or seizures, are often associated with this condition. The authors present a rare case of spontaneous right frontal parasagittal encephalocele in a 70-year-old man who was experiencing a spastic progressive paresis of his left lower limb. Results of routine electrophysiological workup (motor evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, and electroneuromyography), as well as those of MRI of the spinal cord, were normal. A brain MRI study detected a partial herniation of the right precentral gyrus through a meningeal defect into the diploe, embedding corticospinal fibers. The patient underwent navigated craniotomy. Intraoperative neuromonitoring of motor function with transcranial electrical stimulation and direct cortical stimulation indicated the presence of motor cortex inside the encephalocele. Thus, the brain parenchyma was carefully released without resection to preserve motor function and, finally, a cranioplasty was performed. After a few months, the patient demonstrated considerable improvement in his left lower-limb function and, after 1 year, he had fully recovered. Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring and mapping allowed for the determination of the best surgical strategy for the isolation of the encephalocele and correlated well with preoperative multimodal MRI.
The impact of spinopelvic morphology on the short-term outcome of pedicle subtraction osteotomy in 104 patients
Authors: Eskilsson Karin , Sharma Deep , Johansson Christer , Hedlund Rune
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is commonly performed for correction of spinal sagittal plane deformities. The PSO results in complex, multiple changes of the spinopelvic alignment. The influence of the variability of individual pelvic morphology has not been fully analyzed in previous outcome studies of sagittal imbalance. The aim of this study was to define radiological variables affecting the outcome after PSO in adult spinal deformities, with special emphasis on the variability of pelvic morphology.

METHODS

Clinical and radiographic outcomes were analyzed in a retrospective analysis of 104 patients who underwent a PSO at a single center. The radiographic variables studied were sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1SPI (T-1 spinopelvic inclination), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS). To control for the individual variation of pelvic morphology, the LL/PI, PT/PI, and SS/PI ratios were calculated. Clinical outcome was assessed using the visual analog scale for pain, Oswestry Disability Index, and EQ-5D preoperatively and at a minimum 1-year follow-up. Correlation coefficients were calculated between each individual radiographic variable and the outcome measures. The importance of LL mismatch to TK, reflecting the importance of a harmonious spine, was analyzed by comparing the outcome of patients with a TK+LL+PI ≤ 45° to those with a sum > 45°.

RESULTS

SVA and T1SPI demonstrated the strongest correlation with the clinical outcome scores (r = 0.4–0.5, p < 0.001). LL correlated weakly with the clinical outcome (r = 0.2–0.3, p < 0.003). Mismatch of LL to PI, however, did not correlate significantly with the outcome. Similarly, only weak and inconsistent correlation was observed between PT, SS, PT/PI, SS/PI, and functional outcome. Patients with a TK+LL+PI ≤ 45° had a significantly lower ODI score (33 vs 44) and a significantly higher EQ-5D score (0.64 vs 0.40) than patients with a sum > 45° (LL is a negative value).

CONCLUSIONS

PSO resulted in a substantial correction of sagittal imbalance and improved outcome in most patients in this study. Correction of the global sagittal balance appears to be a necessary precondition for a good outcome. A harmonious spine with a TK and an LL of similar magnitude seems to add to a positive outcome.
The role of revision surgery and adjuvant therapy following subtotal resection of osteosarcoma of the spine: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Shankar Ganesh M. , Clarke Michelle J. , Ailon Tamir , Rhines Laurence D. , Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Sahgal Arjun , Laufer Ilya , Chou Dean , Bilsky Mark H. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Fisher Charles G. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Shin John H.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Primary osteosarcoma of the spine is a rare osseous neoplasm. While previously reported retrospective studies have demonstrated that overall patient survival is impacted mostly by en bloc resection and chemotherapy, the continued management of residual disease remains to be elucidated. This systematic review was designed to address the role of revision surgery and multimodal adjuvant therapy in cases in which en bloc excision is not initially achieved.

METHODS

A systematic literature search spanning the years 1966 to 2015 was performed on PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify reports describing outcomes of patients who underwent biopsy alone, neurological decompression, or intralesional resection for osteosarcoma of the spine. Studies were reviewed qualitatively, and the clinical course of individual patients was aggregated for quantitative meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies were identified for inclusion in the systematic review, of which 8 case reports were summarized qualitatively. These studies strongly support the role of chemotherapy for overall survival and moderately support adjuvant radiation therapy for local control. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant benefit in overall survival for performing revision tumor debulking (p = 0.01) and also for chemotherapy at relapse (p < 0.01). Adjuvant radiation therapy was associated with longer survival, although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

While the initial therapeutic goal in the management of osteosarcoma of the spine is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by en bloc marginal resection, this objective is not always achievable given anatomical constraints and other limitations at the time of initial clinical presentation. This systematic review supports the continued aggressive use of revision surgery and multimodal adjuvant therapy when possible to improve outcomes in patients who initially undergo subtotal debulking of osteosarcoma. A limitation of this systematic review is that lesions amenable to subsequent resection or tumors inherently more sensitive to adjuvants would exaggerate a therapeutic effect of these interventions when studied in a retrospective fashion.
Outcomes after hemispherectomy in adult patients with intractable epilepsy: institutional experience and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Schusse Courtney M. , Smith Kris , Drees Cornelia
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Hemispherectomy is a surgical technique that is established as a standard treatment in appropriately selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. It has proven to be successful in pediatric patients with unilateral hemispheric lesions but is underutilized in adults. This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes after hemispherectomy in adult patients with refractory epilepsy.

METHODS

This study examined 6 cases of hemispherectomy in adult patients at Barrow Neurological Institute. In addition, all case series of hemispherectomy in adult patients were identified through a literature review using MEDLINE and PubMed. Case series of patients older than 18 years were included; reports of patients without clear follow-up duration or method of validated seizure outcome quantification were excluded. Seizure outcome was based on the Engel classification.

RESULTS

A total of 90 cases of adult hemispherectomy were identified, including 6 newly added by Barrow Neurological Institute. Sixty-five patients underwent functional hemispherectomy; 25 patients had anatomical hemispherectomy. Length of follow-up ranged from 9 to 456 months. Seizure freedom was achieved in 80% of patients. The overall morbidity rate was low, with 9 patients (10%) having new or additional postoperative speech or language dysfunction, and 19 patients (21%) reporting some worsening of hemiparesis. No patients lost ambulatory or significant functional ability, and 2 patients had objective ambulatory improvement. Among the 41 patients who underwent additional formal neuropsychological testing postoperatively, overall stability or improvement was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemispherectomy is a valuable surgical tool for properly selected adult patients with pre-existing hemiparesis and intractable epilepsy. In published cases, as well as in this series, the procedure has overall been well tolerated without significant morbidity, and the majority of patients have been rendered free of seizures.
Comparison of MRI techniques for detecting microadenomas in Cushing's disease
Authors: Grober Yuval , Grober Hagit , Wintermark Max , Jane John A. , Oldfield Edward H.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Many centers use conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DMRI) sequences in patients with Cushing's disease. The authors assessed the utility of the 3D volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination, a spoiled-gradient echo 3D T1 sequence (SGE) characterized by superior soft tissue contrast and improved resolution, compared with DMRI and conventional MRI (CMRI) for detecting microadenomas in patients with Cushing's disease.

METHODS

This study was a blinded assessment of pituitary MRI in patients with proven Cushing's disease. Fifty-seven patients who had undergone surgery for Cushing's disease (10 male, 47 female; age range 13–69 years), whose surgical findings were considered to represent a microadenoma, and who had been examined with all 3 imaging techniques were included. Thus, selection emphasized patients with prior negative or equivocal MRI on referral. The MRI annotations were anonymized and 4 separate imaging sets were independently read by 3 blinded, experienced clinicians: a neuroradiologist and 2 pituitary surgeons.

RESULTS

Forty-eight surgical specimens contained an adenoma (46 ACTH-staining adenomas, 1 prolactinoma, and 1 nonfunctioning microadenoma). DMRI detected 5 adenomas that were not evident on CMRI, SGE detected 8 adenomas not evident on CMRI, including 3 that were not evident on DMRI. One adenoma was detected on DMRI that was not detected on SGE. McNemar's test for efficacy between the different MRI sets for tumor detection showed that the addition of SGE to CMRI increased the number of tumors detected from 18 to 26 (p = 0.02) based on agreement of at least 2 of 3 readers.

CONCLUSIONS

SGE shows higher sensitivity than DMRI for detecting and localizing pituitary microadenomas, although rarely an adenoma is detected exclusively by DMRI. SGE should be part of the standard MRI protocol for patients with Cushing's disease.
Changes of Cerebrospinal Fluid Peptides due to Tauopathy
Authors: Majerova Petra , Barath Peter , Michalicova Alena , Katina Stanislav , Novak Michal , Kovac Andrej
Published: April 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy are two common neurodegenerative tauopathies, and the most common cause of progressive brain dementia in elderly affecting more than 35 million people. The tauopathies are characterized by abnormal deposition of microtubule associated protein tau into intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed mainly of the hyperphosphorylated form of the protein. The diagnosis of tauopathies is based on the presence of clinical features and pathological changes. Over the last decade, there has been an intensive search for novel biochemical markers for clinical diagnosis of AD and other tauopathies. In the present study, we used transgenic rat model for tauopathy expressing human truncated tau protein (aa 151–391/4R) to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) peptidome using liquid chromatography – matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LC-MALDI TOF/TOF). From 345 peptides, we identified a total of 175 proteins. Among them, 17 proteins were significantly altered in the CSF of transgenic rats. The following proteins were elevated in the CSF of transgenic rats when compared to the control animals: neurofilament light and medium chain, apolipoprotein E, gamma-synuclein, chromogranin A, reticulon-4, secretogranin-2, calsyntein-1 and -3, endothelin-3, neuroendocrine protein B72A, alpha-1-macroglobulin, and augurin. Interestingly most of the identified proteins were previously linked to AD and other tauopathies, indicating the significance of transgenic animals in biomarker validation.
Comparison of Short-Term Clinical Outcome in In-Hospital Patients of ST Elevation versus Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rahman Aparna , Khan MM Zahurul Alam , Alam Md Zahid , Hoque Shabnam Jahan , Khan Tunaggina Afrin , Hossain Mohammad Shakhawat
Published: April 2017

Objective: To compare short term clinical outcome in hospital patient of ST Elevation versus Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.Methodology: This cross sectional observational study was carried out enrolling 100 subjects with ST elevation and Non ST elevation Myocardial Infarction, in the Department of Cardiology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Shahbagh, Dhaka, over a period of six months from January 2012 to June 2012.Results: Mean age and gender difference was significant between STEMI and non-STEMI. Most common short term clinical outcome was heart failure (80.95% vs 75.68%). Atrial fibrillation was observed in (4.76% vs 3.44%), VT(2.38% vs 1.72%), cardiogenic shock (31.03% vs 17.24%), hypotension (76.19% vs 58.62%), reinfarction (2.38% vs 00%) and death (14.28% vs 5.17%) were observed among ST and Non ST elevation MI respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that all the parameters of short term outcome had significant difference except atrial fibrillation and VT.Conclusion: It could be concluded that short term outcome were relatively worse in ST elevated MI and to be managed with all possible therapeutic modules.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(2) : 70-74
Lead-Reversal ECG Simulating Myocardial Infarction  A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Amin Mohammad Gaffar , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Ahmed Mohsin , Sabah Khandker Md Nurus , Haque Hasna Fahmima , Kabir Syed Rezwan , Islam Kazi Nazrul , Saleh Mohammad Abaye Deen
Published: April 2017

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most important and time-tested tool for appropriate interpretation and diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other structural & electrical cardiac abnormalities. Erroneous misplacement of surface ECG-leads (lead reversal) may result in wrong interpretation as well as unnecessary investigations, admission to hospital and improper treatment. Early & prompt recognition of lead-reversal is imperative to avoid inappropriate & harmful therapeutic interventions to the patients. This casereport focuses on an interesting scenario of ECG-lead misplacement, which will aid in detection, exclusion and further prevention of ECG lead misplacement.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(2) : 104-108
Portadown, 1641: Memory and the 1641 Depositions
Authors: McAreavey Naomi
Published: April 2017

The mass drowning of Protestants in Portadown is the defining cultural memory of the 1641 rebellion, yet it is a little known and highly contested incident. In this essay I return to the earliest recorded memories of the massacre found among the 1641 depositions to show how the Portadown drownings were represented by eyewitnesses as well as through rumour and hearsay; by survivors and by the bereaved; by refugees speaking within weeks and months of the event, to those recalling the event over a decade later. Identifying different ‘stories’ of the atrocity, and considering how they were shaped by time and circumstance, I discuss how a range of deponents diversely remembered the Portadown atrocity, and illuminate the tensions, inconsistencies and contradictions in their memories. By recovering part of the history of 1641 memories, I suggest that the 1641 depositions are a rich resource for memories of the rebellion but not its ‘facts’.
Moving towards Multidirectionality: Famine Memory, Migration and the Slavery Past in Fiction, 1860–1890
Authors: Corporaal Marguérite
Published: April 2017

What happens to memories when migrants carry their pasts with them to their receiving countries? How do these migrated memories of a past originally connected to the native country develop when they intersect with the cultural legacies of other communities? Fiction which remembers Ireland's Great Famine and which was written between 1854 and 1890 provides an interesting case study to explore these questions: many novels and short stories which recollected the bleak years of mass starvation were written and published in North-America, the continent where the largest percentage of emigrants of the Famine generation settled. As this article will demonstrate, these early works of Famine fiction frequently testify to the ‘multidirectional’ (Rothberg 2009) nature of memory in cultural transfer, in that reconfigurations of the Famine past interact with memories of the Middle Passage and current as well as past debates on slavery in the American South.
The Meaning of ‘Moving On’: From Trauma to the History and Memory of Emotions in ‘Post-Conflict’ Northern Ireland
Authors: Dawson Graham
Published: April 2017

‘Trauma’ has become a pervasive trope in discourse and practice concerned with the affective legacies of the Northern Ireland Troubles. This article argues that its productivity may now be exhausted. Whether homogenised as the trace of an unspeakable wound or medicalised as PTSD, orthodox concepts of trauma offer limited understandings of subjectivities shaped by violent conflict and the possibilities of their transformation. These constraints are identified in three areas: academic studies of the history and memory of the Troubles, victims' support, and storytelling conceived as an aspect of peacebuilding. The article advocates shifting the frame of investigation towards conceptions of the internal world of embodied feelings and the meanings ascribed to emotions, that are capable of recognizing the complex temporalities of emotional experience and exploring the shifting modes of its management, containment, expression and performance within social and political relations and practices. In object-relations psychoanalysis, Raymond Williams' ‘structures of feeling’, and the emerging field of emotional history, the article locates critical resources with potential to inform new thinking about the affective legacies of the Irish conflict and the meaning of ‘moving on’.
‘Parallel Games’ and Queer Memories: Performing LGBT Testimonies in Northern Ireland
Authors: Lehner Stefanie
Published: April 2017

This essay explores how the notion of ‘parallel games’ works to queer memory in two productions of Northern Ireland's first publicly funded gay theatre company, TheatreofplucK, led by artistic director Niall Rea: the testimonial monologue D.R.A.G. (Divided, Radical and Gorgeous) (2012), written by Rea, and the performed archive installation, Tr<uble (2015), written by Shannon Yee. As post-conflict memory works, both productions trouble a progressivist understanding of ‘moving on’ from the conflict: instead of memories being harnessed to the ethno-nationalist template established by the Belfast Agreement, the plays ‘move’ memory work in different directions at the same time, giving rise to a diverse set of emotions.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Sr3(BO3)2 Crystal for Stimulated Raman Scattering Applications
Authors: Wang Xinle , Qi Hongwei , Li Yanlu , Yu Fapeng , Wang Hewei , Chen Feifei , Liu Yanqing , Wang Zhengping , Xu Xinguang , Zhao Xian
Published: April 2017

A new kind of borate crystalline material Sr3(BO3)2 with a similar calcite type structure was designed and synthesized by solid state reaction method, moreover, the single crystal growth was attempted with traditional Czochralski pulling method. Crystal phase of Sr3(BO3)2 was investigated by using X-Ray powder diffraction (XRPD) at room temperature and found similar to Ca3(BO3)2 crystal with space group of R-3c. The phase stability was studied by means of thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and high temperature XRPD up to 1350 °C, where an obvious endothermic peak was observed in DTA curve around 1250 °C, and weak splits of diffraction peaks were found at temperatures above 1250 °C, indicating the existence of structure transformation for Sr3(BO3)2 crystal. Raman properties were studied experimentally and theoretically by using density functional perturbation theory, though the strongest frequency shift of Sr3(BO3)2 crystal (900 cm−1) was comparable to that of Ca3(BO3)2 (927 cm−1), the line width of the strongest Raman peak obtained for Sr3(BO3)2 (5.72 cm−1) was much lower than Ca3(BO3)2 (7.01 cm−1), indicating a larger Raman gain for Sr3(BO3)2 crystal, which would be favorable for stimulated Raman scattering application.
Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Nano-Therapeutics and Photo-Thermal Evaluation
Authors: Vats Mukti , Mishra Sumit , Baghini Mahdieh , Chauhan Deepak , Srivastava Rohit , De Abhijit
Published: April 2017

The unresolved and paramount challenge in bio-imaging and targeted therapy is to clearly define and demarcate the physical margins of tumor tissue. The ability to outline the healthy vital tissues to be carefully navigated with transection while an intraoperative surgery procedure is performed sets up a necessary and under-researched goal. To achieve the aforementioned objectives, there is a need to optimize design considerations in order to not only obtain an effective imaging agent but to also achieve attributes like favorable water solubility, biocompatibility, high molecular brightness, and a tissue specific targeting approach. The emergence of near infra-red fluorescence (NIRF) light for tissue scale imaging owes to the provision of highly specific images of the target organ. The special characteristics of near infra-red window such as minimal auto-fluorescence, low light scattering, and absorption of biomolecules in tissue converge to form an attractive modality for cancer imaging. Imparting molecular fluorescence as an exogenous contrast agent is the most beneficial attribute of NIRF light as a clinical imaging technology. Additionally, many such agents also display therapeutic potentials as photo-thermal agents, thus meeting the dual purpose of imaging and therapy. Here, we primarily discuss molecular imaging and therapeutic potentials of two such classes of materials, i.e., inorganic NIR dyes and metallic gold nanoparticle based materials.
Hydroxytyrosol and Cytoprotection: A Projection for Clinical Interventions
Authors: Echeverría Francisca , Ortiz Macarena , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Videla Luis
Published: April 2017

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) ((3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol) is a polyphenol mainly present in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) but also in red wine. It has a potent antioxidant effect related to hydrogen donation, and the ability to improve radical stability. The phenolic content of olive oil varies between 100 and 600 mg/kg, due to multiple factors (place of cultivation, climate, variety of the olive and level of ripening at the time of harvest), with HT and its derivatives providing half of that content. When consumed, EVOO’s phenolic compounds are hydrolyzed in the stomach and intestine, increasing levels of free HT which is then absorbed in the small intestine, forming phase II metabolites. It has been demonstrated that HT consumption is safe even at high doses, and that is not genotoxic or mutagenic in vitro. The beneficial effects of HT have been studied in humans, as well as cellular and animal models, mostly in relation to consumption of EVOO. Many properties, besides its antioxidant capacity, have been attributed to this polyphenol. The aim of this review was to assess the main properties of HT for human health with emphasis on those related to the possible prevention and/or treatment of non-communicable diseases.
Fueling Inflamm-Aging through Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mechanisms and Molecular Targets
Authors: Picca Anna , Lezza Angela , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Pesce Vito , Calvani Riccardo , Landi Francesco , Bernabei Roberto , Marzetti Emanuele
Published: April 2017

Among the complex determinants of aging, mitochondrial dysfunction has been in the spotlight for a long time. As the hub for many cellular functions, the maintenance of an adequate pool of functional mitochondria is crucial for tissue homeostasis. Their unique role in energy supply makes these organelles essential, especially in those tissues strictly dependent on oxidative metabolism. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is ensured by pathways related to protein folding and degradation as well as by processes involving the entire organelle, such as biogenesis, dynamics, and mitophagy. Dysfunctional MQC, oxidative stress and inflammation are hallmarks of senescence and chronic degenerative diseases. One of the consequences of age-related failing MQC and oxidative stress is the release of mitochondria-derived damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Through their bacterial ancestry, these molecules contribute to mounting an inflammatory response by interacting with receptors similar to those involved in pathogen-associated responses. Mitochondrial DAMPs, especially cell-free mitochondrial DNA, have recently become the subject of intensive research because of their possible involvement in conditions associated with inflammation, such as aging and degenerative diseases. Here, we review the contribution of mitochondrial DAMPs to inflammation and discuss some of the mechanisms at the basis of their generation.
Utility of Genetic Testing for Confirmation of Abnormal Newborn Screening in Disorders of Long-Chain Fatty Acids: A Missed Case of Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) Deficiency
Authors: Dowsett Leah , Lulis Lauren , Ficicioglu Can , Cuddapah Sanmati
Published: April 2017

An 18-month-old male was evaluated after presenting with disproportionately elevated liver transaminases in the setting of acute gastroenteritis. He had marked hepatomegaly on physical exam that was later confirmed with an abdominal ultrasound. Given this clinical picture, suspicion for a fatty acid oxidation disorder was raised. Further investigation revealed that his initial newborn screen was positive for carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) deficiency—a rare autosomal recessive disorder of long-chain fatty acid oxidation. Confirmatory biochemical testing in the newborn period showed carnitine levels to be unexpectedly low with a normal acylcarnitine profile. Thus, it was considered to be a false-positive newborn screen and metabolic follow-up was not recommended. Repeat biochemical testing during this hospitalization revealed a normal acylcarnitine profile. The only abnormalities noted were a low proportion of acylcarnitine species from plasma, an elevated free-to-total carnitine ratio, and mild hypoketotic medium chain dicarboxylic aciduria on urine organic acids. Gene sequencing of CPT1A revealed a novel homozygous splice site variant that confirmed his diagnosis. CPT1A deficiency has a population founder effect in the Inuit and other Arctic groups, but has not been previously reported in persons of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing—A New Open Access Engineering Journal
Authors: Liang Steven
Published: April 2017

Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing (JMMP) is a new MDPI peer-reviewed, open access venue with a focus on the scientific fundamentals and engineering methodologies of manufacturing and materials processing.[...]
Modelling Behaviour of a Carbon Epoxy Composite Exposed to Fire: Part II—Comparison with Experimental Results
Authors: Tranchard Pauline , Samyn Fabienne , Duquesne Sophie , Estèbe Bruno , Bourbigot Serge
Published: April 2017

Based on a phenomenological methodology, a three dimensional (3D) thermochemical model was developed to predict the temperature profile, the mass loss and the decomposition front of a carbon-reinforced epoxy composite laminate (T700/M21 composite) exposed to fire conditions. This 3D model takes into account the energy accumulation by the solid material, the anisotropic heat conduction, the thermal decomposition of the material, the gas mass flow into the composite, and the internal pressure. Thermophysical properties defined as temperature dependant properties were characterised using existing as well as innovative methodologies in order to use them as inputs into our physical model. The 3D thermochemical model accurately predicts the measured mass loss and observed decomposition front when the carbon fibre/epoxy composite is directly impacted by a propane flame. In short, the model shows its capability to predict the fire behaviour of a carbon fibre reinforced composite for fire safety engineering.
Effect of Partial Crystallization on the Structural and Luminescence Properties of Er3+-Doped Phosphate Glasses
Authors: Lopez-Iscoa Pablo , Salminen Turkka , Hakkarainen Teemu , Petit Laeticia , Janner Davide , Boetti Nadia , Lastusaari Mika , Pugliese Diego , Paturi Petriina , Milanese Daniel
Published: April 2017

Er-doped phosphate glass ceramics were fabricated by melt-quenching technique followed by a heat treatment. The effect of the crystallization on the structural and luminescence properties of phosphate glasses containing Al2O3, TiO2, and ZnO was investigated. The morphological and structural properties of the glass ceramics were characterized by Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the luminescence spectra and the lifetime values were measured in order to study the influence of the crystallization on the spectroscopic properties of the glasses. The volume ratio between the crystal and the glassy phases increased along with the duration of the heat treatment. The crystallization of the glass ceramics was confirmed by the presence of sharp peaks in the XRD patterns and different crystal phases were identified depending on the glass composition. Sr(PO3)2 crystals were found to precipitate in all the investigated glasses. As evidenced by the spectroscopic properties, the site of the Er3+ ions was not strongly affected by the heat treatment except for the fully crystallized glass ceramic which does not contain Al2O3, TiO2, and ZnO. An increase of the lifetime was also observed after the heat treatment of this glass. Therefore, we suspect that the Er3+ ions are incorporated in the precipitated crystals only in this glass ceramic.
Enhanced Multiferroic Properties of YMnO3 Ceramics Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering Along with Low-Temperature Solid-State Reaction
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Ting , Song Shenhua , Ravi Muchakayala , Liu Renchen , Ji Shishan
Published: April 2017

Based on precursor powders with a size of 200–300 nm prepared by the low-temperature solid-state reaction method, phase-pure YMnO3 ceramics are fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal that the high-purity YMnO3 ceramics can be prepared by SPS at 1000 °C for 5 minutes with annealing at 800 °C for 2 h. The relative density of the sample is as high as 97%, which is much higher than those of the samples sintered by other methods. The present dielectric and magnetic properties are much better than those of the samples fabricated by conventional methods and SPS with ball-milling precursors, and the ferroelectric loops at room temperature can be detected. These findings indicate that the YMnO3 ceramics prepared by the low temperature solid reaction method and SPS possess excellent dielectric lossy ferroelectric properties at room temperature, and magnetic properties at low temperature (10 K), making them suitable for potential multiferroic applications.
Electrochemical Enhancement of Photocatalytic Disinfection on Aligned TiO2 and Nitrogen Doped TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Pablos Cristina , Marugán Javier , Van Grieken Rafael , Dunlop Patrick , Hamilton Jeremy , Dionysiou Dionysios , Byrne John
Published: April 2017

TiO2 photocatalysis is considered as an alternative to conventional disinfection processes for the inactivation of waterborne microorganisms. The efficiency of photocatalysis is limited by charge carrier recombination rates. When the photocatalyst is immobilized on an electrically conducting support, one may assist charge separation by the application of an external electrical bias. The aim of this work was to study electrochemically assisted photocatalysis with nitrogen doped titania photoanodes under visible and UV-visible irradiation for the inactivation of Escherichia coli. Aligned TiO2 nanotubes were synthesized (TiO2-NT) by anodizing Ti foil. Nanoparticulate titania films were made on Ti foil by electrophoretic coating (P25 TiO2). N-doped titania nanotubes and N,F co-doped titania films were also prepared with the aim of extending the active spectrum into the visible. Electrochemically assisted photocatalysis gave higher disinfection efficiency in comparison to photocatalysis (electrode at open circuit) for all materials tested. It is proposed that electrostatic attraction of negatively charged bacteria to the positively biased photoanodes leads to the enhancement observed. The N-doped TiO2 nanotube electrode gave the most efficient electrochemically assisted photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria under UV-Vis irradiation but no inactivation of bacteria was observed under visible only irradiation. The visible light photocurrent was only a fraction (2%) of the UV response.
Generation and Applications of a DNA Aptamer against Gremlin-1
Authors: Li Qian , Huo Yongwei , Guo Yonghong , Zheng Xiaoyan , Sun Wengang , Hao Zhiming
Published: April 2017

Gremlin-1, a highly conserved glycosylated and phosphorylated secretory protein, plays important roles in diverse biological processes including early embryonic development, fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and renal pathophysiology. Aptamers, which are RNA or DNA single-stranded oligonucleotides capable of binding specifically to different targets ranging from small organics to whole cells, have potential applications in targeted imaging, diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we obtained a DNA aptamer against Gremlin-1 (G-ap49) using in vitro Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Binding assay and dot-blot showed that G-ap49 had high affinity for Gremlin-1. Further experiments indicated that G-ap49 was quite stable in a cell culture system and could be used in South-Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked aptamer sorbent assay (ELASA), and aptamer-based cytochemistry and histochemistry staining to detect Gremlin-1. Moreover, our study demonstrated that G-ap49 is capable of revealing the subcellular localization of Gremlin-1. These data indicate that G-ap49 can be used as an alternative to antibodies in detecting Gremlin-1.
Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for Gene Delivery—A Review
Authors: Riley Michael , Vermerris Wilfred
Published: April 2017

With the rapid development of nanotechnology in the recent decade, novel DNA and RNA delivery systems for gene therapy have become available that can be used instead of viral vectors. These non-viral vectors can be made of a variety of materials, including inorganic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, protein and peptide-based nanoparticles, as well as nanoscale polymeric materials. They have as advantages over viral vectors a decreased immune response, and additionally offer flexibility in design, allowing them to be functionalized and targeted to specific sites in a biological system with low cytotoxicity. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of novel nanotechnology-based methods to deliver DNA and small interfering RNAs into biological systems.
Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism Involved in Pomegranate-Mediated Prevention of Breast Cancer: the Role of NF-κB and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Mandal Animesh , Bhatia Deepak , Bishayee Anupam
Published: April 2017

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a nutrient-rich unique fruit, has been used for centuries for the prevention and treatment of various inflammation-driven diseases. Based on our previous study, a characterized pomegranate emulsion (PE) exhibited a striking inhibition of dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiated rat mammary tumorigenesis via antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. The objective of the present work is to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of PE during DMBA rat mammary carcinogenesis by evaluating the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2p45 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mammary tumor samples were harvested from our previous chemopreventive study in which PE (0.2–5.0 g/kg) was found to reduce mammary tumorigenesis in a dose-dependent manner. The expressions of COX-2, HSP90, NF-κB, inhibitory κBα (IκBα) and Nrf2 were detected by immunohistochemical techniques. PE decreased the expression of COX-2 and HSP90, prevented the degradation of IκBα, hindered the translocation of NF-κB from cytosol to nucleus and increased the expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 during DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis. These findings, together with our previous results, indicate that PE-mediated prevention of DMBA-evoked mammary carcinogenesis may involve anti-inflammatory mechanisms through concurrent but differential regulation of two interrelated molecular pathways, namely NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling.
Trace Elements in Parenteral Nutrition: Considerations for the Prescribing Clinician
Authors: Jin Jennifer , Mulesa Leanne , Carrilero Rouillet Mariana
Published: April 2017

Trace elements (TEs) are an essential component of parenteral nutrition (PN). Over the last few decades, there has been increased experience with PN, and with this knowledge more information about the management of trace elements has become available. There is increasing awareness of the effects of deficiencies and toxicities of certain trace elements. Despite this heightened awareness, much is still unknown in terms of trace element monitoring, the accuracy of different assays, and current TE contamination of solutions. The supplementation of TEs is a complex and important part of the PN prescription. Understanding the role of different disease states and the need for reduced or increased doses is essential. Given the heterogeneity of the PN patients, supplementation should be individualized.
The Dynamic Analysis between Urban Nighttime Economy and Urbanization Using the DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light Data in China from 1992 to 2012
Authors: Fu Huyan , Shao Zhenfeng , Fu Peng , Cheng Qimin
Published: April 2017

Along with rapid urbanization, nighttime activities from places, such as restaurants, pubs and bars, and theatres, have created enormous economic and social benefits. The nighttime economy (NTE), as a newly developed social phenomenon, has been used to describe economic activities at night. However, few studies have investigated urban nighttime economy and its relation to urbanization from nighttime light (NTL) data perspective. To fill this gap, this study proposed a nighttime light economy index (NLEI). The correlation analysis was performed between the NLEI and economic indicators at both the city and provincial levels in China from 1992 to 2012 using the DMSP/OLS (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System) time series data. Results revealed that correlations between the NLEI and all kinds of economic indicators were statistically significant. It was observed that both the urbanization and nighttime economy levels increased greatly from 1992 to 2012 in China. Cities and provinces in east China displayed relatively higher annual growth rates of NLEI compared to those in southwest and northwest China. Based on the quadrant map of urbanization and nighttime economy levels, most of the provincial capitals and provinces in east China were in the advanced coordination pattern while those in west China in the low-level coordination pattern.
An Adaptive B-Spline Neural Network and Its Application in Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Mobile Satcom Antenna Inertially Stabilized Platform
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Zhao Yan , Guo Kai , Li Gaoliang , Deng Nianmao
Published: April 2017

The mobile satcom antenna (MSA) enables a moving vehicle to communicate with a geostationary Earth orbit satellite. To realize continuous communication, the MSA should be aligned with the satellite in both sight and polarization all the time. Because of coupling effects, unknown disturbances, sensor noises and unmodeled dynamics existing in the system, the control system should have a strong adaptability. The significant features of terminal sliding mode control method are robustness and finite time convergence, but the robustness is related to the large switching control gain which is determined by uncertain issues and can lead to chattering phenomena. Neural networks can reduce the chattering and approximate nonlinear issues. In this work, a novel B-spline curve-based B-spline neural network (BSNN) is developed. The improved BSNN has the capability of shape changing and self-adaption. In addition, the output of the proposed BSNN is applied to approximate the nonlinear function in the system. The results of simulations and experiments are also compared with those of PID method, non-singularity fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) control and radial basis function (RBF) neural network-based NFTSM. It is shown that the proposed method has the best performance, with reliable control precision.
Chemiresistor Devices for Chemical Warfare Agent Detection Based on Polymer Wrapped Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Fennell John , Hamaguchi Hitoshi , Yoon Bora , Swager Timothy
Published: April 2017

Chemical warfare agents (CWA) continue to present a threat to civilian populations and military personnel in operational areas all over the world. Reliable measurements of CWAs are critical to contamination detection, avoidance, and remediation. The current deployed systems in United States and foreign militaries, as well as those in the private sector offer accurate detection of CWAs, but are still limited by size, portability and fabrication cost. Herein, we report a chemiresistive CWA sensor using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) wrapped with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) derivatives. We demonstrate that a pendant hexafluoroisopropanol group on the polymer that enhances sensitivity to a nerve agent mimic, dimethyl methylphosphonate, in both nitrogen and air environments to concentrations as low as 5 ppm and 11 ppm, respectively. Additionally, these PEDOT/SWCNT derivative sensor systems experience negligible device performance over the course of two weeks under ambient conditions.
A Double Rate Localization Algorithm with One Anchor for Multi-Hop Underwater Acoustic Networks
Authors: Gao Jingjie , Shen Xiaohong , Zhao Ruiqin , Mei Haodi , Wang Haiyan
Published: April 2017

Localization is a basic issue for underwater acoustic networks (UANs). Currently, most localization algorithms only perform well in one-hop networks or need more anchors which are not suitable for the underwater environment. In this paper, we proposed a double rate localization algorithm with one anchor for multi-hop underwater acoustic networks (DRL). The algorithm firstly presents a double rate scheme which separates the localization procedure into two modes to increase the ranging accuracy in multi-hop UANs while maintaining the transmission rate. Then an optimal selection scheme of reference nodes was proposed to reduce the influence of references’ topology on localization performance. The proposed DRL algorithm can be used in the multi-hop UANs to increase the localization accuracy and reduce the usage of anchor nodes. The simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed DRL algorithm has a better localization performance than the previous algorithms in many aspects such as accuracy and communication cost, and is more suitable to the underwater environment.