bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Epiglottitis: Current Management
Authors: Schloss Melvin D. , Gold John A. , Rosales Jose K. , Baxter James D.
Published: February 2017

Two hundred and sixty‐one cases of acute epiglottitis treated at the Montreal Children's Hospital between 1951 and 1980 are reviewed. Clinical features of the disease are described. Treatment protocol at a major children's hospital is presented. Statistics related to age, season and sex are analyzed.

The authors compare nasotracheal intubation and tracheostomy as primary treatment. Bacteriology and antibiotic treatment are updated.
Nasopharyngeal Hamartoma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zarbo Richard J. , McClatchey Kenneth D.
Published: February 2017

The uncommon benign developmental malformation, nasopharyngeal hamartoma, is reported with a review of the literature. Nasopharyngeal hamartoma can be divided into two types based on the histologic presentation. A more common type is composed predominantly of mesodermal tissues while a less common type, as reported in this study, is composed of a spectrum of mucosal epithelial, serous/mucinous gland, and stromal elements. Four additional cases of this less common type of nasopharyngeal hamartoma were found in the literature and are discussed with reference to age, sex, presenting symptoms, location, size, and histology.
Cuff Induced Tracheal Injury in Dogs Following Prolonged Intubation
Authors: Belson Thomas P.
Published: February 2017

As the newer high volume low pressure endotracheal tube cuffs have replaced the high pressure cuffs commonly used in the past, there has been a marked decline in the incidence of severe complication due to cuff injury. Studies have shown, however, that the respiratory epithelium of the trachea at the cuff site undergoes squamous metaplasia following prolonged intubation with low pressure cuffs.

An experimental model utilizing the canine trachea has been developed to study cuff induced squamous metaplasia and the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of the induced squamous metaplasia on tracheal mucous velocity as well as to determine whether the induced epithelial changes are reversible following removal of the cuffed tube.
Aspiration Cytology: An Efficient and Cost‐Effective Modality
Authors: Weymuller Ernest A. , Kiviat Nancy B. , Duckert Larry G.
Published: February 2017

Aspiration cytology is under‐utilized in the evaluation of neck masses. This paper establishes the historical perspectives for the procedure which document its accuracy and safety. The discussion emphasizes the appropriate application of the technique and the strong arguments for its cost effective use as a primary diagnostic modality in evaluation of head and neck mass lesions.
Ciliary Dyskinesis: The Immotile Cilia Syndrome
Authors: Parker Gregg S. , Mehlum David L. , Bacher-Wetmore Bea
Published: February 2017

In the past 5 years much has been learned about the syndrome of ciliary dyskinesis, commonly referred to as immotile cilia syndrome. This syndrome appears to be a congenital defect in the ultrastructure of the cilia, which results in one of three basic defects: lack of dynein arms, absence of radial spokes, or transposition of microtubules.

Three cases are presented with electron micrographs; they illustrate the diverse clinical presentations of this disease entity as well as some of the structural abnormalities. The normal and abnormal anatomy of the cilia is discussed and some explanation is offered as to why these structural abnormalities present with such a variety of clinical expressions.
Cochlear Function in Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Dumich Peter S. , Harner Stephen G.
Published: February 2017

Otologic symptoms, audiometric data, and operative findings were reviewed in 200 consecutive patients who had surgically treated unilateral chronic otitis media. Bone conduction thresholds were analyzed in relation to extent of perforation, frequency of otorrhea, duration of disease, and extent of pathologic change. Median bone conduction threshold differences between diseased and uninvolved ears were within 5 dB at all frequencies. The mean speech discrimination score between affected and unaffected ears was equal. Patients with prolonged disease and more extensive pathologic alterations were more likely to experience cochlear changes and hence sensorineural hearing loss, though not to the extent others have described. Our findings indicate that chronic otitis media has little effect on cochlear function in the majority of patients.
Recurrent Alternobaric Facial Paralysis Resulting from Scuba Diving
Authors: Becker Gary D.
Published: February 2017

Only one detailed case of alternobaric (referring to alternating pressure changes) facial paralysis resulting from scuba diving has been reported in the world literature. This article describes the dive profile and clinical course of a commercial diver who developed facial paralysis after scuba diving on three different occasions. Probable pathophysiologies, identification of the diver at risk, treatment, and prophylactic measures are reviewed. Additional cases from the literature due to scuba diving and flying are cited.
Bone Scanning in Severe External Otitis
Authors: Levin William J. , Shary John H. , Nichols Leon T. , Lucente Frank E.
Published: February 2017

“” Technetium99Methylene Diphosphate bone scanning has been considered an early valuable tool to diagnose necrotizing progressive “malignant” external otitis. However, to our knowledge, no formal studies have actually compared bone scans of otherwise young, healthy patients with severe external otitis to scans of patients with clinical presentation of malignant external otitis. Twelve patients with only severe external otitis were studied with Technetium99 Diphosphate and were compared to known cases of malignant otitis. All scans were evaluated by two neuroradiologists with no prior knowledge of the clinical status of the patients. Nine of the 12 patients had positive bone scans with many scans resembling those reported with “malignant” external otitis. Interestingly, there was no consistent correlation between the severity of clinical presentation and the amount of Technetium uptake. These findings suggest that a positive bone scan alone should not be interpreted as indicative of “malignant” external otitis.
Motion‐Induced Sickness Following Bilateral Ablation of Area Postrema in Squirrel Monkeys
Authors: Wilpizeski Chester R. , Lowry Louis D. , Goldman Wendy S.
Published: February 2017

Using squirrel monkeys as experimental subjects, we reexamined the disputed role of the area postrema (AP) in motion‐induced vomiting. After anesthetization, the obex and rhomboid fossa were exposed surgically, and the AP was ablated by thermal coagulation using either a battery cautery or a CO2 microsurgical laser. Sham operations were performed on another sample of monkeys. Two or more weeks after surgery, all animals were given 10 daily 2‐hour horizontal rotations at 30 rpm. Every monkey in both the lesions and sham samples vomited on two or more test days. While the vomiting characteristics were modified following ablation of AP, its function is not indispensible for the development of motion sickness in horizontally‐rotated squirrel monkeys.
Histologic Studies on the Fate of Soluble Collagen Injected into Canine Vocal Folds
Authors: Ford Charles N.
Published: February 2017

Collagen is an essential component of the functionally important layered structure of the vocal cord. Soluble bovine collagen appears to be suitable for injection into vocal folds to correct glottic insufficiency. Clinical trials and preliminary laboratory studies with the canine larynx indicate that injectable collagen is safe, effective, easily injected, and well‐tolerated. Bovine collagen softens scar tissue, attracts the ingrowth of host fibroblasts, and allows the eventual replacement of the implant by new host collagen. This study examines the fate of collagen injected into canine vocal folds.

Two forms of soluble bovine collagen, differing only in the amount of chemically induced cross‐linkage, were injected into vocal folds of dogs; the animals were then killed at 12‐week intervals for 1 year. Gross and histologic examination showed that both substances tended to be resorbed when injected deeply in the vocalis muscle, but persisted when injected in the plane of the vocal ligament — a site normally composed of dense collagen. The invasion of the implant by active host fibroblasts and the secondary deposition of new host collagen were evident in histologic sections. Examination with polarized light confirmed the presence of birefringence characterizing host collagen. The invasion of fibroblasts and deposition of new collagen in the implant were seen with electron microscopy. Cellular invasion seemed to progress more rapidly in the cross‐linked preparation. Injected collagen did not evoke a foreign body reaction in any specimen studied, and was well‐tolerated during replacement by host tissue.
Small Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx: Results of Therapy
Authors: Baugh Reginald F. , Wolf Gregory T. , Krause Charles J. , Beals Theodore F. , Forastiere Arlene
Published: February 2017

Primary small cell carcinoma of the larynx is a rare malignancy with a dismal prognosis. A survey of the long‐term follow‐up from reported cases of small cell carcinoma of the larynx and a review of the recent experience with this tumor at the University of Michigan Hospitals was undertaken to determine if newer treatment approaches incorporating adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with prolonged survival.

Median survival for those patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was 19 months compared to 11 months for patients treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy alone. Among patients treated initially with primary radiation therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy median survival was 55 months, which was significantly longer than any other treatment regimen (P=0.02). Systemic chemotherapy and therapeutic irradiation appears to offer the least disabling and most efficacious form of current therapy.
Surgical Treatment of Stenosis of The External Auditory Canal
Authors: McDonald Thomas J. , Facer George W. , Clark Jack L.
Published: February 2017

Analysis of the outcomes of reconstruction for stenosis of the ear canal in 20 patients revealed that the key step in the procedure after the stenotic meatus and ear canal skin have been removed (in the process accomplishing a wide meatoplasty) is widening the posterior bony canal wall until some mastoid cells are encountered. After the tympanic membrane has been deepithelialized, the bony canal should be lined with two separate pieces of split‐thickness skin grafts and protected with Silastic® sheeting and packing. Average follow‐up of 31/3 years revealed that 2 ear canals have restenosed, 2 have partially restenosed, and 18 have healed. Of the 22 ears, 15 have had hearing improved to within 25 dB SRT or better, 5 have moderate hearing improvement, and 2 have no improvement. There were no complications.
Sternocleidomastoid Myoplasty for the Repair of Chronic Cervical Esophageal Fistulae
Authors: Rubin John S.
Published: February 2017

A sternocleidomastoid muscle flap has been utilized in the repair of chronic cervical esophageal fistulae in two patients. A two layer closure ie effected by mobilizing the anterior fascia off of the muscle and thus allowing for a belt and suspenders closure. Technical details are included as well as two case reports.
Nasolabial Musculocutaneous Flap in Reconstruction of Oral Defects
Authors: Hagan Warren E.
Published: February 2017

Modern day understanding of the microcirculation of musculocutaneous flaps has initiated this reconsideration of the nasolabial flap with the context of modern flap physiology and nomenclature. Surgical incorporation of the circumoral and facial muscles within the skin of the overlying nasolabial groove constitute a musculocutaneous flap based upon the underlying facial vessels. This thick musculocutaneous flap provides an extremely reliable vascularity for reconstruction of the floor of the mouth and oral sphincter in a one‐stage procedure. The donor nasolabial flap is easily accessible in the same surgical field and may be obtained with minimal donor area morbidity. Cosmetic and functional impairment are minimal. Anterior tongue mobility for articulation is preserved. Eleven nasolabial flaps for oral reconstruction following burn reconstruction as well as resections for carcinomas of the labial and oral areas are presented.
Laser Palliation for Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Rontal Eugene , Rontal Michael , Jacob H. John , Klass Arthur
Published: February 2017

The treatment of esophageal carcinoma presents itself or evolves into a palliative situation. The most likely symptom to distress the patient is obstruction. It is necessary to have available a means of alleviating this symptom in a way that will be effective, comfortable, and efficient in terms of time and expense. The Nd:YAG and the carbon dioxide lasers can give this type of palliation.

This review of our experience in the cervical and lower two thirds of the esophagus has led us to believe that true palliation can be effected in both areas. Treatment is easier and more straight forward in the lower esophagus. The results in the upper one third require more care, but can be just as rewarding.
Clinical Experience with Injectable Collagen for Vocal Fold Augmentation
Authors: Ford Charles N. , Bless Diane M.
Published: February 2017

Injectable collagen appears to be safe and effective in treating glottic insufficiency. Fifty‐four patients received vocal‐fold injections of Zyderm Collagen Implant® and their responses were followed for as long as 2 years. Videostroboscopy affords the best assessment of glottic function and correlates well with vocal quality. Maximum phonation time and transglottic airflow are the most sensitive measures of glottic efficiency; follow‐up studies indicate that responses to treatment vary at 1 week, tend to stabilize by 3 months, and show only slight decrement over 1 year.

One patient experienced a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, but it did not adversely affect his result. The use of cross‐linked preparations of collagen should decrease the incidence of such responses.

Treated patients were divided into diagnostic groups. Patients with bilaterally scarred vocal folds did not appear to respond optimally to collagen injection. Vocal rehabilitation was better if patients had at least one normal vocal fold. The best results occurred in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and pre‐existent bowing or atrophy did not affect these results. Collagen should be injected in the plane of the vocal ligament for best results; if the injection is too deep the implant is resorbed, and if too superficial, vocal‐fold vibration is impaired.
The Relationship of the Herpesvirus Family to Sudden Hearing Loss: A Prospective Clinical Study and Literature Review
Authors: Wilson William R.
Published: February 2017

The herpesvirus family is associated with sudden hearing loss syndrome and the evidence includes clinical findings (HV‐Z), temporal bone studies (CMV and HV‐Z), and serologic studies.

The data presented demonstrate that herpes infections, in association with sudden viral hearing loss, occur as part of a multiple viral infection in 70% of instances. This feature is unique to the herpesvirus infections when compared to other neurotropic viral agents.

The study also demonstrates that the variables of viral hearing loss, such as degree of hearing loss, percentage of recovery, or the incidence of vertigo are unaffected by the presence of herpesvirus infection.

Mechanisms for inner ear injury may be influenced by temporary alterations in cellular immunity secondary to simultaneous viral infections as well as the native virulence of the infecting herpesvirus.
Effect of Drug Therapy on Compensation from Vestibular Injury
Authors: Peppard Sean B.
Published: February 2017

The influence of selected drugs on compensation from unilateral labyrinthectomy was studied in the cat. The drugs investigated included: a. amphetamine, b. diazepam, c. dimenhydrinate, d scopolamine, and e. trimethobenzamide. The most beneficial drugs for improving recovery were a stimulant (amphetamine) and a general anti‐emetic (trimethobenzamide). It is postulated they had this effect by improving the overall activity level with general exercise being a known positive influence. Conversely the other drugs either had little effect on recovery or hindered it, by presumably suppressing the sensory imbalance in the vestibular system that is essential stimulus to ultimate recovery.
Fatal and Other Major Complications of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Maniglia Anthony J.
Published: February 2017

Endoscopic sinus surgery has become an acceptable technique for the treatment of chronic sinus disease. This report analyzes five complications which came to my attention. Two cases were orbital: 1 bilateral blindness due to damage of the optic nerves, and 1 damage of medial rectus muscle. The other 3 cases were intracranial: two cribriform plate damage with frontal lobe injury and hematoma, and 1 damage of the anterior cerebral artery, resulting in death.

This rather novel technique, especially when used by less‐experienced surgeons, has major complications similar to what has been reported with the traditional intranasal sphenoethmoidectomy. Knowledge of anatomy, good training, and meticulous surgical technique are very important. Endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with extensive pathology should be used with caution, especially if general anesthesia is selected or if excessive bleeding occurs. It would be beneficial to otolaryngologists to have previous experience in the traditional technique before adopting endoscopic sinus surgery to their armamentarium. Even then, major complications may occur in the hands of very experienced surgeons. Early recognition and proper management of these complications are of utmost importance in order to minimize disability or prevent death.
The Intranasal Ethmoidectomy: An Experience With 1,077 Procedures
Authors: Lawson William
Published: February 2017

A series of 1,077 intranasal ethmoidectomies (825 with sphenoid sinusotomies) was performed in 600 patients over a 15‐year period at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. The technique is a modification of the classical operation originally proposed by Yankauer.1 The rate of significant complications was 1.1%. A subset of 90 patients underwent 166 procedures and were followed an average of 3.5 years. The patients were analyzed according to whether the disease was focal or diffuse, infectious or polypoid, and whether asthma was present. The surgical success rate was 88% in nonasthmatics, but dropped to 50% in asthmatic patients despite total sphenoethmoidectomy. This underscores the importance of this condition as a biological modifier of surgical prognosis. Accordingly, a system of classification of sinus diseases is proposed based upon disease extent and type and whether asthma is present.
Patency Rate of Endoscopic Middle Meatus Antrostomy
Authors: Davis William E. , Templer Jerry W. , LaMear William R.
Published: February 2017

A series of 145 patients with chronic sinusitis were treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Patency of the middle meatus was evaluated by actuarial life‐table methods. After 24 months' followup, the overall patency rate of endoscopic middle meatotomy was 94.08%. Questionnaire data indicated that 91.8% of these patients were improved or asymptomatic. This preliminary study indicates that the patency rate of middle meatal antrostomy appears to be greater than that of inferior meatal antrostomy when compared to literature controls, and that a high percentage of these patients are improved by this surgery.
Learning from Non‐Linear Ecosystem Dynamics Is Vital for Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality
Authors: Sietz Diana , Fleskens Luuk , Stringer Lindsay C.
Published: February 2017

Land Degradation Neutrality is one of the Sustainable Development Goal targets, requiring on‐going degradation to be balanced by restoration and sustainable land management. However, restoration and efforts to prevent degradation have often failed to deliver expected benefits, despite enormous investments. Better acknowledging the close relationships between climate, land management and non‐linear ecosystem dynamics can help restoration activities to meet their intended goals, while supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation. This paper is the first to link ecological theory of non‐linear ecosystem dynamics to Land Degradation Neutrality offering essential insights into appropriate timings, climate‐induced windows of opportunities and risks and the financial viability of investments. These novel insights are pre‐requisites for meaningful operationalisation and monitoring of progress towards Land Degradation Neutrality. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Land Degradation & Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effect of Salvage Logging and Check Dams on Simulated Hydrological Connectivity in a Burned Area
Authors: Martínez‐Murillo Juan F. , López‐Vicente Manuel
Published: February 2017

This study assessed the effect of a wildfire and different post‐fire practices (salvage logging, skid trails and check dams) and vegetation recovery (eight scenarios) on the hydrological connectivity (HC) in 11 sub‐catchments (SubCs; 330 ha) affected by a wildfire (213 ha) in 2012 in Spain. According to the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager/Thermal Infrared Sensor images, moderate, high and extreme burn severity affected 42·1% of the area. HC was calculated with an updated version of the Borselli index. Within the burned area (BA), HC increased in all SubCs after the wildfire (PostF‐1), the salvage logging and the new skid trails (PostF‐2), and the development of new gullies (PostF‐3). Check dams reduced connectivity but did not prevent the general trend. Afterwards, the incipient (PostF‐4 and PostF‐5) and future vegetation recovery made slightly decrease HC. In the three forestry SubCs with check dams and large BA (67% of the study area), connectivity markedly increased (11·4%, 18·2% and 22·9%) during the three first post‐fire scenarios. In the three SubCs with urban areas and small BA (5%), HC decreased a little because the linear elements connected the hillslopes between them. In the three SubCs with urban areas and large BA (12%), HC increased less than in the forestry SubCs (3·0%, 8·2% and 9·1%). In the two forestry SubCs without check dams and small BA (16%), the increment of connectivity was low (2·5%, 4·6% and 6·3%). Monitoring of check‐dam siltation and of the actual vegetation regrowth is necessary to minimize the off‐site consequences of high HC. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver ex situ machine perfusion preservation: A review of the methodology and results of large animal studies and clinical trials
Authors: Marecki Hazel , Bozorgzadeh Adel , Porte Robert J. , Leuvenink Henri G. , Uygun Korkut , Martins Paulo N.
Published: February 2017

Ex vivo machine perfusion (MP) is a promising way to better preserve livers prior to transplantation. Currently, no methodology has a verified benefit over simple cold storage. Before becoming clinically feasible, MP requires validation in models that reliably predict human performance. Such a model has been found in porcine liver, whose physiological, anatomical, and immunological characteristics closely resemble the human liver. Since the 1930s, researchers have explored MP as preservation, but only recently have clinical trials been performed. Making this technology clinically available holds the promise of expanding the donor pool through more effective preservation of extended criteria donor (ECD) livers. MP promises to decrease delayed graft function, primary nonfunction, and biliary strictures, which are all common failure modes of transplanted ECD livers. Although hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) has become the standard for kidney ex vivo preservation, the precise settings and clinical role for liver MP have not yet been established. In research, there are 2 schools of thought: normothermic machine perfusion, closely mimicking physiologic conditions, and HMP, to maximize preservation. Here, we review the literature for porcine ex vivo MP, with an aim to summarize perfusion settings and outcomes pertinent to the clinical establishment of MP. Liver Transplantation 23 679‐695 2017 AASLD.
Reconstruction of Anomalous Portal Venous Branching in Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Malatya Approach
Authors: Yilmaz Sezai , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Isik Burak , Ersan Veysel , Otan Emrah , Akbulut Sami , Dirican Abuzer , Kutlu Ramazan , Kahraman Aysegul Sagir , Ara Cengiz , Yilmaz Mehmet , Unal Bulent , Aydin Cemalettin , Piskin Turgut , Ozgor Dincer , Ates Mustafa , Ozdemir Fatih , Ince Volkan , Koc Cemalettin , Baskiran Adil , Dogan Sait Murat , Barut Bora , Sumer Fatih , Karakas Serdar , Kutluturk Koray , Yologlu Saim , Gozukara Harika
Published: February 2017

Reconstruction of anomalous portal vein branching (APVB) during right lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can be challenging. The goal of this article is to describe our surgical technique, named the Malatya Approach, in case of APVB during right lobe LDLT. The technique unifies the APVB and obtains a funnel‐shaped common extension with a circumferential fence by a saphenous vein conduit. In total, 126 (10.6%) of 1192 right lobe grafts had APVB that were divided into 2 groups according to the adopted surgical techniques: the Malatya Approach group (n = 91) and the previously defined other techniques group (n = 35). Both groups were compared regarding portal vein thrombosis (PVT), postoperative 90‐day mortality and survival. PVT developed in 3 patients (3.3%) in the Malatya Approach group and developed in 10 (28.6%) patients for the other group (P < 0.001). There were 8 (8.8%) 90‐day mortalities in the Malatya Approach group (1 PVT related) and 15 patients (9 PVT related) died in the other techniques group (P < 0.001). Mean follow‐up time for both groups was similar (999.1 days for the Malatya Approach group versus 1024.7 days for the other group; P = 0.47), but longterm survival in the Malatya Approach group was better than in the other group (84.6% versus 40%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the Malatya Approach group showed less PVT development and longer survival (P < 0.001). This technique is promising to avoid PVT and mortalities in cases of APVB during right lobe LDLT. Liver Transplantation 23 751–761 2017 AASLD.
Electrochemical analysis of the ASTM F75 alloy at different pH values and temperatures
Authors: Kociubczyk A. I. , Méndez C. M. , Gregorutti R. W. , Ares A. E.
Published: February 2017

The electrochemical behavior of ASTM F75 alloy was analyzed in a sodium chloride solution at pH values of 5, 7, and 9 and temperatures of 37 and 42 °C. The tests were performed in samples corresponding to two different regions of a hip prosthesis. Polarization curves showed that as pH increased the passivity range decreased. However, according to the complementary potentiodynamic–potentiostatic–potentiodynamic technique performed, the increase in the anodic current density was due to a change in the chromium oxidation state from Cr+3 to Cr+6 to form CrO4−2, and not to localized corrosion. On the other hand, neither the microstructure nor the temperature had influence on the electrochemical response of ASTM F75. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test showed that as pH increased, the passive film became more compact and thicker. However, its resistance decreased and the electrical double layer became more disordered, promoting diffusion processes of charged species. These results are in agreement with those obtained in the polarization curves, which showed an increase in the dissolution of the passive film, caused by the change in the chromium oxidation state, as pH increased.
On the bifurcation results for fractional Laplace equations
Authors: Dwivedi G. , Tyagi J. , Verma R. B.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we consider the bifurcation problem for the fractional Laplace equation
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600250:mana201600250-math-0001where is an open bounded subset with smooth boundary,  stands for the fractional Laplacian. We show that a continuum of solutions bifurcates out from the principal eigenvalue λ1 of the problem
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600250:mana201600250-math-0004and, conversely.
A mixed‐type Galerkin variational formulation and fast algorithms for variable‐coefficient fractional diffusion equations
Authors: Li Yongshan , Chen Huanzhen , Wang Hong
Published: February 2017

We consider the variable‐coefficient fractional diffusion equations with two‐sided fractional derivative. By introducing an intermediate variable, we propose a mixed‐type Galerkin variational formulation and prove the existence and uniqueness of the variational solution over
. On the basis of the formulation, we develop a mixed‐type finite element procedure on commonly used finite element spaces and derive the solvability of the finite element solution and the error bounds for the unknown and the intermediate variable. For the Toeplitz‐like linear system generated by discretization, we design a fast conjugate gradient normal residual method to reduce the storage from O(N2) to O(N) and the computing cost from O(N3) to O(NlogN). Numerical experiments are included to verify our theoretical findings. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemicals in quinoa and amaranth grains and their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and potential health beneficial effects: a review
Authors: Tang Yao , Tsao Rong
Published: February 2017

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) are pseudocereal grains rich in both macronutrients and micronutrients including vitamins and minerals. The proteins are particularly of high nutritional quality due to the outstanding balance of essential amino acids. However, recent research strongly suggests that nonessential nutrients such as phytochemicals of quinoa and amaranth may also have potential health beneficial effects. This review focuses on the phytochemical composition of quinoa and amaranth seeds, the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of hydrophilic (e.g. phenolics, betacyanins) and lipophilic (e.g. fatty acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids) nutrients, and how these contribute to the potential health benefits, especially in lowering the risk of the oxidative stress related diseases e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. The gap between current knowledge and future research needs have also been identified.
Maternal betaine supplementation in rats induces intergenerational changes in hepatic IGF‐1 expression and DNA methylation
Authors: Zhao Nannan , Yang Shu , Hu Yun , Dong Haibo , Zhao Ruqian
Published: February 2017

Scope

Betaine is widely used in animal nutrition to promote growth. Here, we aimed to investigate whether maternal betaine supplementation during pregnancy can exert multigenerational effects on growth across two generations and the possible epigenetic modifications associated to such effects.

Methods and results

In this study, 3‐month‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed diet supplemented with 1% betaine throughout the pregnancy and lactation. Betaine‐supplemented dams produced bigger litter but smaller F1 pups at birth and weaning. However, F2 pubs had higher weaning weight. In accordance with the growth performance, serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) levels were significantly lower in F1 yet higher in F2 pups, so was hepatic IGF‐1 mRNA expression. Concurrently, dietary betaine supplementation to F0 dams increased hepatic expression of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase, at both mRNA and protein levels, in F1, but not F2 pups. Moreover, hepatic IGF‐1 gene promoter 1 was detected to be significantly hypermethylated in F1 pups, whereas both promoters 1 and 2, together with almost all exons, were found to be hypomethylated in F2 offspring.

Conclusion

Maternal betaine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation exerts distinct effects on growth of F1 and F2 rat offspring, probably through differential modification of IGF‐1 gene methylation and expression in liver.
Technical Note: Development of a cranial phantom for assessing perfusion, diffusion, and biomechanics
Authors: Ohno Naoki , Miyati Tosiaki , Chigusa Tomohiro , Usui Hikari , Ishida Shota , Hiramatsu Yuki , Kobayashi Satoshi , Gabata Toshifumi , Alperin Noam
Published: February 2017

Purpose

A novel cranial phantom was developed to simulate the relationships among factors such as blood perfusion, water diffusion, and biomechanics in intracranial tissue.

Methods

The cranial phantom consisted of a high‐density polypropylene filter (mimicking brain parenchyma) with intra‐ and extrafilter spaces (mimicking cerebral artery and vein, respectively), and a capacitor space (mimicking the cerebrospinal fluid space). Pulsatile and steady flow with different flow rates were applied to the cranial phantom using a programmable pump. On 3.0‐T MRI, the measurements of the internal pressure in the phantom, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) with monoexponential analysis in the filter, and total simulated cerebral blood flow (tSCBF) into the phantom were synchronized with the pulsatile flow. We obtained their maximum changes during the pulsation period (ΔP, ΔADC, and ΔtSCBF, respectively). Then, the compliance index (CI) was calculated by dividing the volume change (ΔV) by the ΔP in the phantom. Moreover, the same measurements were repeated after the compliance of the phantom was reduced by increasing the water volume in the capacitor space. Under steady flow conditions, we determined the regional SCBF (rSCBF) and perfusion‐related and restricted diffusion coefficients (D* and D, respectively) with biexponential analysis in the filter.

Results

The internal pressure, ADC, and tSCBF varied over the pulsation period depending on the input flow. Moreover, the ΔP, ΔADC, ΔtSCBF, and rSCBF increased with the input flow rate. Compared to the high compliance condition, in the low compliance condition, the ΔP and ΔADC were higher by factors of 2.5 and 1.3, respectively, and the CI was smaller by a factor of 2.7, whereas the ΔV was almost unchanged. The D* was strongly affected by the input flow.

Conclusion

Our original phantom models the relationships among the blood perfusion, water diffusion, and biomechanics of the intracranial tissue, potentially facilitating the validation of novel MRI techniques and optimization of imaging parameters.
Inpatient cost analysis for treatment of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Omorodion Jacklyn O. , Pines Jesse M. , Kaminski Henry J.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

We explore trends in U.S. inpatient costs of care over a 10‐year period.

Methods

We compare myasthenia gravis (MG) with multiple sclerosis (MS) and overall U.S. hospital admissions using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for 2003–2013.

Results

Total costs of MG inpatient care rose 13‐fold from 2003 to 2013. This was accounted for by a greater than sixfold increase in discharges and a greater than twofold increase in cost per discharge. The < 17 and >85 years age groups experienced the greatest increases in discharges. Medicare and Medicaid use increased. Regional variations in cost were apparent. There were greater rises in the Midwestern and Southern United States, which is dissimilar to MS and all hospital admissions.

Discussion

There was a dramatic and disproportionate rise in the number of MG discharges, most likely because of changes in practice patterns. Muscle Nerve 56: 1114–1118, 2017
Structural equation modeling of associations among taste‐related risk factors, taste functioning, and adiposity
Authors: Rawal Shristi , Huedo‐Medina Tania B. , Hoffman Howard J. , Swede Helen , Duffy Valerie B.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Variation in taste perception and exposure to risk factors of taste alterations have been independently linked with elevated adiposity. Using a laboratory database, taste‐adiposity associations were modeled and examined for whether taste functioning mediates the association between taste‐related risk factors and adiposity.

Methods

Healthy women (n = 407, 35.5 ± 16.9 y) self‐reported histories of risk factors of altered taste functioning (tonsillectomy, multiple ear infections, head trauma) and were assessed for taste functioning (tongue‐tip and whole‐mouth intensities of quinine and salt) and density of taste papillae. Twenty‐four percent had elevated waist circumferences; thirty‐nine percent had overweight or obesity. Using structural equation modeling, direct and indirect associations between taste‐related risk factors, taste functioning, and adiposity were tested.

Results

In models with good fit, elevated central adiposity was explained directly by history of risk factors (tonsillectomy, multiple ear infections) and directly by lower taste functioning (lower tongue‐tip taste function, lower papillae density). Risk factors of taste alterations were significantly associated with lower taste functioning, with taste mediating the association between head trauma and reduced adiposity.

Conclusions

This large laboratory‐based study supports associations between taste‐related risk factors, taste functioning, and adiposity. These findings need to be confirmed with other population‐based studies, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013‐2014 taste data.
Oncogenic S1P signalling in EBV‐associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma activates AKT and promotes cell migration through S1P receptor 3
Authors: Lee Hui Min , Lo Kwok‐Wai , Wei Wenbin , Tsao Sai Wah , Chung Grace Tin Yun , Ibrahim Maha Hafez , Dawson Christopher W , Murray Paul G , Paterson Ian C , Yap Lee Fah
Published: February 2017

Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a cancer with high metastatic potential that is consistently associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. In this study, we have investigated the functional contribution of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) signalling to the pathogenesis of NPC. We show that EBV infection or ectopic expression of the EBV‐encoded latent genes (EBNA1, LMP1, and LMP2A) can up‐regulate sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), the key enzyme that produces S1P, in NPC cell lines. Exogenous addition of S1P promotes the migration of NPC cells through the activation of AKT; shRNA knockdown of SPHK1 resulted in a reduction in the levels of activated AKT and inhibition of cell migration. We also show that S1P receptor 3 (S1PR3) mRNA is overexpressed in EBV‐positive NPC patient‐derived xenografts and a subset of primary NPC tissues, and that knockdown of S1PR3 suppressed the activation of AKT and the S1P‐induced migration of NPC cells. Taken together, our data point to a central role for EBV in mediating the oncogenic effects of S1P in NPC and identify S1P signalling as a potential therapeutic target in this disease. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Analysis of Corni fructus Using Paper Spray‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Guo Yuan , Gu Zhixin , Liu Xuemei , Liu Jingjing , Ma Ming , Chen Bo , Wang Liping
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Paper spray‐mass spectrometry (PS‐MS) is a kind of ambient MS technique for the rapid analysis of samples. Corni fructus has been widely used in traditional Chinese compound preparations and healthy food. However, a number of counterfeits of Corni fructus, such as Crataegi fructus, Lycii fructus, and grape skin are illegally sold in crude herb markets. Therefore, the development of a rapid and high‐throughput quality evaluation method is important for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the crude materials of Corni fructus.

Objective

To develop PS‐MS chemical profiles and a semi‐quantitative method of Corni fructus for quality assessment and control, and species distinction of Corni fructus.

Methodology

Both positive and negative ion PS‐MS chemical profiles were constructed for species distinction. The statistical analysis of the chemical profiles was accomplished by principal component analysis (PCA). Rapid semi‐quantitative analysis of loganin and morroniside in the extracts of Corni fructus were accomplished by PS‐MS.

Results

The profiles of the Corni fructus and Crataegi fructus samples were clearly clustered into two categories. The limit of quantification (LOQ) in the semi‐quantitative analysis was 6 μg/mL and 5.6 μg/mL for loganin and morroniside, respectively.

Conclusion

PS‐MS is a simple, rapid, and high‐throughput method for the quality control and species distinction of Corni fructus. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technology Use, Exposure to Natural Hazards, and Being Digitally Invisible: Implications for Policy Analytics
Authors: Longo Justin , Kuras Evan , Smith Holly , Hondula David M. , Johnston Erik
Published: February 2017

Policy analytics combines new data sources, such as from mobile smartphones, Internet of Everything devices, and electronic payment cards, with new data analytics techniques for informing and directing public policy. However, those who do not own these devices may be rendered digitally invisible if data from their daily actions are not captured. We explore the digitally invisible through an exploratory study of homeless individuals in Phoenix, Arizona, in the context of extreme heat exposure. Ten homeless research participants carried a temperature‐sensing device during an extreme heat week, with their individually experienced temperatures (IETs) compared to outdoor ambient temperatures. A nonhomeless, digitally connected sample of 10 university students was also observed, with their IETs analyzed in the same way. Surveys of participants complement the temperature measures. We found that homeless individuals and university students interact differently with the physical environment, experiencing substantial differences in individual temperatures relative to outdoor conditions, potentially leading to differentiated health risks and outcomes. They also interact differently with technology, with the homeless having fewer opportunities to benefit from digital services and lower likelihood to generate digital data that might influence policy analytics. Failing to account for these differences may result in biased policy analytics and misdirected policy interventions.
Photoresponsive and fluorescence behaviors of azobenzene‐containing amphiphilic block copolymers
Authors: Lee Ting‐Lei , Lo Chieh‐Tsung
Published: February 2017

The effects of solvency and mole fraction of azobenzene moieties (fPAzoMA) on the photoresponsive and fluorescence behaviors of poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(6‐[4‐(4′‐methoxyphenylazo)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate) (PAA‐PAzoMA) amphiphilic diblock copolymers were investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The photoresponsive behavior depended strongly on the solvency and fPAzoMA. When dissolved in a PAA‐selective solvent, PAA‐PAzoMA formed micelles with PAzoMA in the micelle core. The confinement of azobenzene moieties caused a steric hindrance, thereby markedly reducing the kinetics of photoisomerization compared with that of the unconfined PAA‐PAzoMA in a nonselective solvent. Additionally, PAA‐PAzoMA dissolved in the PAA‐selective solvent caused a blue shift of the maximum absorbance, suggesting the formation of H‐aggregates of azobenzene mesogens. The high H‐aggregate content substantially reduced the fluorescence emission. Consequently, the fluorescence emission of PAA‐PAzoMA in the nonselective solvent was more intense than that in the PAA‐selective solvent. Upon UV irradiation, the enhanced bent‐shaped cis isomers disturbed the compact packing of azobenzene mesogens, which substantially enhanced the fluorescence emission. Both the photoisomerization rate and fluorescence emission decreased with an increase in fPAzoMA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 793–803
Research on Feasibility of Several High Density Materials for EFP Liner and Material Selection Criteria
Authors: Ding Li , Jiang Jianwei , Men Jianbing , Wang Shuyou , Li Mei
Published: February 2017

In order to find new kinds of EFP liner materials with high density, W alloys, Ni, Mo, U, and U alloy were selected to be tested. Both liner test and flyer plate test were carried out in experiment, with existing EFP liner materials being testified as reference. It turned out that among the selected materials only Ni was suitable for EFP liner material, other potential candidates fractured to different extent in experiment. The potential reasons of materials’ fracturing under explosive loading were analyzed through different scales in fracture mechanics. Characteristics of a feasible candidate material for EFP liner were discussed through fracture toughness KIC, impact toughness αk, damage tolerance dy, and microstructure mechanics analysis. Finally material selection criteria of EFP liner were presented. The research results are significant in the material selection of EFP liner especially within high density materials, and it can be important guidelines for the researchers to avoid the blindness in research investments and waste in experiments in EFP research field.
Intraductal Carcinoma of the Prostate on Diagnostic Needle Biopsy Predicts Prostate Cancer Mortality: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Sæter Thorstein , Vlatkovic Ljiljana , Waaler Gudmund , Servoll Einar , Nesland Jahn M. , Axcrona Karol , Axcrona Ulrika
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) is a distinct histopathologic feature associated with high‐grade, advanced prostate cancer. Although studies have shown that IDC‐P is a predictor of progression following surgical or radiation treatment for prostate cancer, there are sparse data regarding IDC‐P on diagnostic needle biopsy as a prognosticator of prostate cancer mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a population‐based study of all prostate cancer patients diagnosed using needle biopsy and without evidence of systemic disease between 1991 and 1999 within a defined geographic region of Norway. Patients were identified by cross‐referencing the Norwegian Cancer Registry. Of 318 eligible patients, 283 had biopsy specimens available for central pathology review. Clinical data were obtained from medical charts. We examined whether IDC‐P on diagnostic needle biopsy was associated with adverse clinicopathological features and prostate cancer mortality.

RESULTS

Patients with IDC‐P on diagnostic needle biopsy had a more advanced stage and a higher Gleason score compared to patients without IDC‐P. IDC‐P was also associated with an intensively reactive stroma. The 10‐year prostate cancer‐specific survival was 69% for patients with IDC‐P on diagnostic needle biopsy and 89% for patients without IDC‐P (Log rank P‐value < 0.005). The presence of IDC‐P on diagnostic needle biopsy remained an independent predictor of prostate cancer mortality after adjustments for clinical prognostic factors and treatment. After adjustment for the newly implemented Grade Group system of prostate cancer, IDC‐P showed a strong tendency toward statistical significance. However, IDC‐P did not remain a statistically significant predictor in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

IDC‐P on diagnostic needle biopsy is an indicator of prostate cancer with a high risk of mortality. Accordingly, a diagnosis of IDC‐P on needle biopsy should be reported and considered a feature of high‐risk prostate cancer. Moreover, the association between IDC‐P and reactive stroma provides evidence in support of the idea that stromal factors facilitate carcinoma invasion to the prostatic acini and ducts. Prostate 77:859–865, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.