bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct and cascading effects of landscape structure on tropical forest and non‐forest frugivorous birds
Authors: Morante‐Filho José Carlos , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Pessoa Michaele de Souza , Cazetta Eliana , Faria Deborah
Published: September 2018

Global biodiversity is increasingly threatened by land‐use change, but the direct and indirect drivers of species diversity in human‐modified tropical landscapes are poorly known. Forest‐dependent species are expected to be particularly sensitive to changes in landscape composition (e.g., forest loss) and configuration (e.g., increase of forest edges), both directly and indirectly through cascading landscape effects on local patterns of forest structure and resource availability. In contrast, non‐forest‐dependent species are probably more strongly related to landscape changes than to local forest patterns, as these species are able to use resources not only from the forest, but also from other landscape elements over larger spatial scales. We tested these hypotheses using structural equation modeling. In particular, we sampled 20 landscapes (115 ha each) from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest to assess the effect of landscape‐scale forest cover and amount of forest edges on the diversity of frugivorous birds, both directly and indirectly through the effect that these landscape variables may have on vegetation complexity and fruit biomass. We separately assessed the response of forest‐dependent and non‐forest‐dependent frugivores to infer potential mechanisms underlying bird assemblages in fragmented landscapes. The diversity of forest‐dependent birds mainly decreased with the simplification of vegetation complexity in more deforested landscapes, but increased with increasing fruit biomass in more forested landscapes (indirect effects). Both patterns were significant, thus supporting a strong bottom‐up control, i.e., local habitat simplification and resource scarcity in highly deforested landscapes limits the maintenance of forest‐dependent birds. Conversely, but as expected, non‐forest‐dependent birds were more strongly and directly related to landscape‐scale patterns. In particular, landscapes with higher forest edge amount showed higher bird species diversity, probably because the increasing length of ecotones and interspersion/juxtaposition of different habitat types in landscapes with more forest edges can increase resource availability and foraging efficiency of non‐forest‐dependent birds. As the seed dispersal services offered by forest‐dependent species cannot be ecologically compensated for by the proliferation of non‐forest‐dependent species, preventing forest loss is imperative to maintain forest‐dependent birds and forest regeneration in this vanishing biodiversity hotspot.
Assessing the long-term effect of exposure to dispersant-treated oil on fish health using hypoxia tolerance and temperature susceptibility as ecologically relevant biomarkers
Authors: Mauduit Florian , Farrell Anthony P. , Domenici Paolo , Lacroix Camille , Le Floch Stéphane , Lemaire Philippe , Nicolas-Kopec Annabelle , Whittington Mark , Le Bayon Nicolas , Zambonino-Infante José-Luis , Claireaux Guy
Published: September 2018

The ecological and economic importance of fish act as a brake on the development of chemical dispersants as operational instruments following oil spills. Although a valuable and consistent body of knowledge exists, its use in spill response is limited. The objective of the present study was to increase current knowledge base to facilitate the translation of published data into information of operational value. Thus we investigated the dose–response relationship between dispersant-treated oil exposure and ecologically relevant consequences by combining laboratory and field experiments. Effects were examined over almost a year using juveniles of the slowly growing, commercially important European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). A reliable interpretation of biomarker responses requires a complete knowledge of the factors likely to affect them. Interpopulational variability is of particular importance in environmental impact assessment because biomarker responses from a population collected in an impacted area are classically compared with those collected in a clean site. Our study revealed no effect of the exposure to dispersant-treated oil on fish hypoxia tolerance and temperature susceptibility at 1 and 11 mo post exposure. Similarly, no effect of the exposure was observed on the ability of the fish to cope with environmental contingencies in the field, regardless of the dose tested. Thus we feel confident to suggest that a 48-h exposure to chemically treated oil does not affect the ability of sea bass to cope with mild environmental contingencies. Finally, investigation of interpopulation variability revealed large differences in both hypoxia tolerance and temperature susceptibility among the 2 populations tested, suggesting that this variability may blur the interpretation of population comparisons as classically practiced in impact assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:210–221. © 2018 SETAC
Supporting Scientific Advice through a Boundary Organization
Authors: Kennedy Eric B.
Published: September 2018

The complex socio‐environmental issues faced by society – including climate change, resource management, and fostering resiliency in landscapes that intermix human and natural features – are difficult challenges that demand contextually appropriate evidence‐based interventions. Institutional arrangements for providing scientific advice range from individual science advisors to large scientific committees or advisory councils, with a great deal of variation in their formal and informal structures. Regardless of the structuring of advisors, however, these arrangements face a common challenge: being required to speak to a wide range of issues in a time‐sensitive manner, each of which has extensive stakeholder communities, deep disciplinary knowledge, and many complicating attributes. It is argued that creating a formally associated, supporting boundary organization that is tasked with supporting the advisory functions can help to resolve this challenge and improve the overall quality of advice offered. Using a case study – the California Ocean Science Trust and its advice on coastal and ocean management issues – it is argued that boundary organizations can help science advisors maintain links with disparate stakeholder communities, adjudicate between competing forms of expertise, help to provide nuance in grappling with the tensions between science and politics, and support an “honest broker” advising function.
Inhibition of hematopoietic cell kinase dysregulates microglial function and accelerates early stage Alzheimer's disease‐like neuropathology
Authors: Lim Siok Lam , Tran Diana Nguyen , Zumkehr Joannee , Chen Christine , Ghiaar Sagar , Kieu Zanett , Villanueva Emmanuel , Gallup Victoria , Rodriguez‐Ortiz Carlos J. , Kitazawa Masashi
Published: September 2018

Emerging evidence have posited that dysregulated microglia impair clearance and containment of amyloid‐β (Aβ) species in the brain, resulting in aberrant buildup of Aβ and onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck) is one of the key regulators of phagocytosis among the Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) in myeloid cells, and its expression is found to be significantly altered in AD brains. However, the role of Hck signaling in AD pathogenesis is unknown. We employed pharmacological inhibition and genetic ablation of Hck in BV2 microglial cells and J20 mouse model of AD, respectively, to evaluate the impact of Hck deficiency on Aβ‐stimulated microglial phagocytosis, Aβ clearance, and resultant AD‐like neuropathology. Our in vitro data reveal that pharmacological inhibition of SFKs/Hck in BV2 cells and genetic ablation of their downstream kinase, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), in primary microglia significantly attenuate Aβ oligomers‐stimulated microglial phagocytosis. Whereas in Hck‐deficient J20 mice, we observed exacerbated Aβ plaque burden, reduced microglial coverage, containment, and phagocytosis of Aβ plaques, and induced iNOS expression in plaque‐associated microglial clusters. These multifactorial changes in microglial activities led to attenuated PSD95 levels in hippocampal DG and CA3 regions, but did not alter the postsynaptic dendritic spine morphology at the CA1 region nor cognitive function of the mice. Hck inhibition thus accelerates early stage AD‐like neuropathology by dysregulating microglial function and inducing neuroinflammation. Our data implicate that Hck pathway plays a prominent role in regulating microglial neuroprotective function during the early stage of AD development.
Syncytial isopotentiality: A system‐wide electrical feature of astrocytic networks in the brain
Authors: Kiyoshi Conrad M. , Du Yixing , Zhong Shiying , Wang Wei , Taylor Anne T. , Xiong Bangyan , Ma Baofeng , Terman David , Zhou Min
Published: September 2018

Syncytial isopotentiality, resulting from a strong electrical coupling, emerges as a physiological mechanism that coordinates individual astrocytes to function as a highly efficient system in brain homeostasis. However, whether syncytial isopotentiality occurs selectively to certain brain regions or is universal to astrocytic networks remains unknown. Here, we have explored the correlation of syncytial isopotentiality with different astrocyte subtypes in various brain regions. Using a nonphysiological K+‐free/Na+ electrode solution to depolarize a recorded astrocyte in situ, the existence of syncytial isopotentiality can be revealed: the recorded astrocyte's membrane potential remains at a quasi‐physiological level due to strong electrical coupling with neighboring astrocytes. Syncytial isopotentiality appears in Layer I of the motor, sensory, and visual cortical regions, where astrocytes are organized with comparable cell densities, interastrocytic distances, and the quantity of directly coupled neighbors. Second, though astrocytes vary in their cytoarchitecture in association with neuronal circuits from Layers I–VI, the established syncytial isopotentiality remains comparable among different layers in the visual cortex. Third, neurons and astrocytes are uniquely organized as barrels in Layer IV somatosensory cortex; interestingly, astrocytes both inside and outside of the barrels do electrically communicate with each other and also share syncytial isopotentiality. Fourth, syncytial isopotentiality appears in radial‐shaped Bergmann glia and velate astrocytes in the cerebellar cortex. Fifth, although fibrous astrocytes in white matter exhibit a distinct morphology, their network syncytial isopotentiality is comparable with protoplasmic astrocytes. Altogether, syncytial isopotentiality appears as a system‐wide electrical feature of astrocytic networks in the brain.
Decreased BOLD fluctuations in lateral temporal cortices of premature born adults
Authors: Shang Jing , Bäuml Josef G. , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Daamen Marcel , Baumann Nicole , Zimmer Claus , Bartmann Peter , Boecker Henning , Wolke Dieter , Sorg Christian
Published: September 2018

Lasting volume reductions in subcortical and temporal‐insular cortices after premature birth suggest altered ongoing activity in these areas. We hypothesized altered fluctuations in ongoing neural excitability and activity, as measured by slowly fluctuating blood oxygenation of resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI), in premature born adults, with altered fluctuations being linked with underlying brain volume reductions. To investigate this hypothesis, 94 very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) and 92 full‐term born young adults underwent structural and rs‐fMRI data acquisition with voxel‐based morphometry and amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) as main outcome measure. In VP/VLBW adults, ALFF was reduced in lateral temporal cortices, and this reduction was positively associated with lower birth weight. Regions of reduced ALFF overlapped with reduced brain volume. On the one hand, ALFF reduction remained after controlling for volume loss, supporting the functional nature of ALFF reductions. On the other hand, ALFF decreases were positively associated with underlying brain volume loss, indicating a relation between structural and functional changes. Furthermore, within the VP/VLBW group, reduced ALFF was associated with reduced IQ, indicating the behavioral relevance of ALFF decreases in temporal cortices. These results demonstrate long‐term impact of premature birth on ongoing BOLD fluctuations in lateral temporal cortices, which are linked with brain volume reductions. Data suggest permanently reduced fluctuations in ongoing neural excitability and activity in structurally altered lateral temporal cortices after premature birth.
The impact of health transformation plan on hospitalization rates in Iran: An interrupted time series
Authors: Piroozi Bakhtiar , Rashidian Arash , Takian Amirhossein , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Sakha Minoo Alipouri , Faraji Obeidollah , Moradi Ghobad
Published: September 2018

Objective

The study aims to assess the impact of health transformation plan (HTP) as a major health system reform on hospitalization rate in Iran. Health transformation plan adopted different measures to increase the coverage of basic health insurance, increase the quality of outpatient visit care, improve and expand the family physician program, expand health services to suburban areas, reduce out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payments for inpatient services, and update tariffs to more realistic ones.

Methods

We selected Kurdistan province, a province that was not a patient referral hub, for the collection of monthly hospitalization data over a period of 50 months. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was carried out, and segmented regression analysis was employed to assess the abrupt (or short‐term) and gradual (or long‐term) effects of HTP on hospitalization rate.

Results

Although before the intervention, there was no significant increase or decline in hospitalization rate in the Kurdistan province, after the implementation of HTP, a significant increase in the intercept and slope of hospitalization rate was observed (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Health transformation plan has improved the utilization of hospitalization care services in a province that historically had been suffering from underutilized hospital services.
Use of Lean techniques in health care in Spain to improve involvement and satisfaction of workers
Authors: Damián Sanz Marina , Yagüe‐Fabra José A. , Gracia Matilla Rosa
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to improve the organization of work, reduce physical effort, and obtain greater satisfaction of workers in the Pre‐analytical Area of the Clinical Biochemistry Service at the Miguel Servet University Hospital of Zaragoza, in Spain, by applying Lean techniques. Such techniques were applied in two steps to obtain a final situation where the reduction of the space occupied, the required physical effort, and the work time is clear. The satisfaction of the workers was analyzed during the whole process by means of surveys, concluding that the sum of all the improvements managed to increase the satisfaction of the professionals. One key aspect to get these results was to use always the information and opinions of the staff making them feel the protagonists of the process. For that, it was essential the role of the agent of change that fundamentally sought the involvement of professionals in the improvement processes. Another key point was the careful application of Lean techniques always little by little, by applying small changes that became habits and achieved permanent results. In conclusion, in this work, a methodology to improve involvement and satisfaction of workers in health care has been presented and validated.
Does level of minority presence and hospital reimbursement policy influence hospital referral region health rankings in the United States
Authors: Hamadi Hanadi , Apatu Emma , Loh Chung‐Ping Albert , Farah Hyett , Walker Kirk , Spaulding Aaron
Published: September 2018

The shift from a fee‐for‐service payment to a value‐based payment scheme, sparked by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, introduced pay‐for‐performance programs such Hospital Value Based Purchasing. Previous inquiry has not considered how local community factors may affect hospital system performance. This study investigated the association between local health performance and minority population in a hospital referral region (HRR). The primary objective was to ascertain whether community diversity levels are significantly associated to local health performance guided by the ecological model. Secondary data analysis collected from the 2016 American Hospital Association, Area Health Resource File, Commonwealth Fund Scorecard on Local Health System Performance, and the Dartmouth Atlas HRR dataset was used. Our primary findings show that the more diverse a HRR is, the more likely it is to be associated with lower ranking for access and affordability prevention and treatment avoidable hospital use and cost as well as healthy lives. Total performance score was significantly related to a better health ranking on prevention and treatment, hospital use, and cost, as well as healthy lives. This research supports the assertion that communities, particularly minorities in those communities, affect local health care performance in a variety of ways.
Risk of stillbirth among Zambian women with a prior cesarean delivery
Authors: Castillo Marcela C. , Vwalika Bellington , Stoner Marie C.D. , Chi Benjamin H. , Stringer Jeffrey S.A. , Kasaro Margaret , Kumwenda Andrew , Stringer Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Cesarean delivery (CD) may be associated with stillbirth in future pregnancies. We investigated prior CD as a risk factor for stillbirth in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of women with only one prior pregnancy who delivered between February 1, 2006, and May 31, 2013. We analysed data from the Zambia Electronic Perinatal System. Maternal and infant characteristics were analyzed for association with stillbirth using Pearson's χ2 test or the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. We calculated risk ratios for the relationship between stillbirth (antepartum vs intrapartum) and prior CD, with a log Poisson model to adjust for confounding.

Results

Of 57 320 women in our cohort, 1933 (3.4%) reported a prior CD. There were 1012 (1.8%) stillbirths in the no prior CD group and 81 (4.2%) in the prior CD group (P<0.001). In multivariate models adjusting for stillbirth risk factors, prior CD was associated with antepartum (adjusted risk ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.08–2.24) and intrapartum (adjusted risk ratio 3.26, 95% confidence interval 2.40–4.42) stillbirth compared with no prior CD. The difference between groups was most apparent at 36–37 weeks’ gestation (log‐rank P<0.001).

Conclusion

Prior CD was associated with increased risk of stillbirth. Improved monitoring during labor and safe methods for induction are urgently needed in low‐resource settings.
Orexin A Suppresses Oxidized LDL Induced Endothelial Cell Inflammation via MAPK p38 and NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Liang Bin , Li Tao , Zhou Yi , Shang Deya , Du Zhongjun
Published: September 2018

Orexin A is a multifaceted peptide produced in hypothalamus. We examined the effect of orexin A on vascular endothelial cells. Our study showed that orexin A had a profound inhibitory effect against endothelial inflammation by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) in endothelial cells. Orexin A partially suppressed ox‐LDL‐induced monocytes THP‐1 cells attachment to endothelial cells by limiting expression of vascular molecules including VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1, and E‐selectin. Mechanistically, orexin A ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by reducing MAP kinase p38 and NF‐κB activation via its receptor‐OX1R. Orexin A suppressed phosphorylation of MAP kinase p38 and the NF‐κB cascade kinases IKKα and IκBα, and prevented the shuttle of p65 protein into nuclear. Additionally, we reported that OX1R was expressed in HUVECs. Silence of OX1R completely abolished the inhibitory function of orexin in attachment of THP‐1 cells. Collectively, our data suggest that orexin A ameliorated endothelial dysfunction under inflammatory stimuli. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(10):961–968, 2018
An exploration of posttraumatic growth, loneliness, depression, resilience, and social capital among survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Lee Joohee , Blackmon Bret J. , Lee Joo Young , Cochran David M. , Rehner Tim A.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among posttraumatic growth (PTG), loneliness, depression, psychological resilience, and social capital among survivors of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The survey was administered to a spatially stratified, random sample of households in the three coastal counties of Mississippi. A total of 216 participants were included in this study who lived in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico coastline during both disasters. Results from structural equation modeling analyses indicated that there was a significant and inverse relationship between PTG and loneliness. Conversely, a direct relationship was not found between PTG and depressive symptoms; instead, the results revealed an indirect relationship between PTG and depressive symptoms through loneliness. Social capital was related to loneliness only indirectly through PTG, while psychological resilience was related to loneliness both directly and indirectly through PTG. Understanding the relationships among these factors, particularly the importance of PTG, can provide insight into the long‐term adaptation among those who have survived multiple disasters. Further, these findings may lead to nuanced methods for behavioral health practitioners in assessing and treating individuals with symptoms of depression in disaster‐prone communities.
Psychometric validation of the identity abuse scale among LGBTQ individuals
Authors: Scheer Jillian R. , Woulfe Julie M. , Goodman Lisa A.
Published: September 2018

Identity abuse (IA) comprises a set of abuse tactics that exploit discriminatory systems including homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia (Tesch & Berkerian, 2015). This study examined the factorial validity of the IA Scale (Woulfe & Goodman, 2018) with a large independent sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Participants included 1,049 LGBTQ‐identified participants (Mage = 27.3, 71.9% White, 52.6% cisgender women, and 18.7% as other nonheterosexual identity in their sexual orientation), recruited through listservs. Participants completed an online survey measuring past‐year and adult exposure to identity, physical, and psychological abuse. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the measurement model had good fit to the data, and strong factor loadings were found across the seven items, confirming a unidimensional factor structure. Findings demonstrate the IA Scale's validity and reliability, supporting its use to assess the frequency of IA tactics experienced within intimate partnerships among LGBTQ individuals.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Third‐Generation P2Y12 Inhibitors Use in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Impact on the Prognosis at 1 Year
Authors: Tello‐Montoliu Antonio , Ruiz‐Nodar Juan Miguel , Esteve‐Pastor María Asunción , Véliz‐Martínez Andrea , Orenes‐Piñero Esteban , Macías‐Villanego Manuel J. , Lozano Teresa , Carrillo‐Alemán Luna , Vicente‐Ibarra Nuria , Pernias‐Escrig Vicente , Martínez‐Martínez Juan G. , Rivera‐Caravaca José Miguel , Marín Francisco
Published: September 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, they are underrepresented in clinical trials. We aimed to investigate differences in prognosis of acute coronary syndrome patients with and without CKD, focusing on the use of novel P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. This multicenter registry involved patients with acute coronary syndrome from 3 tertiary institutions. After excluding anticoagulated patients and patients on antiplatelet monotherapy, 1280 patients remained. During 1 year of follow‐up, we recorded all major adverse cardiovascular events (composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal ischemic stroke), bleeds (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification) and deaths. Of 1280 patients, 325 (25.4%) had CKD; 55.5% of non‐CKD patients and 22.7% of CKD patients were prescribed novel P2Y12 inhibitors. During follow‐up, CKD patients under novel P2Y12 inhibitors showed a not statistically significant lower mortality and incidence of thrombotic events than clopidogrel‐treated ones. In contrast, non‐CKD patients taking novel P2Y12 inhibitors had better outcomes in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events (4.72 vs 9.41; P = .006), all‐cause mortality (1.32 vs 4.24; P = .006), and severe bleeding events (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3‐5) (0.94 vs 2.82; P = .030), without differences for any bleeding (8.11 vs 8.47; P = .849). Bleeding risk was not increased by using third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors in either group of patients. In conclusion, the use of third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors among non‐CKD patients was associated with better outcomes. CKD patients receiving third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors treatment showed no statistically significant lower mortality and thrombotic events. Bleeding risk was not increased with the use of third‐generation P2Y12 inhibitors in either group of patients.
Ultrasonography Technique in Abdominal Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Measurement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Azzi Alain J. , Lafrenière Ann‐Sophie , Gilardino Mirko , Hemmerling Thomas
Published: September 2018

There are currently several reported techniques of sonographic subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) measurement described in the literature. This systematic review aims to report techniques of SAT measurement using ultrasonography. A systematic literature search was performed and identified 39 relevant articles using ultrasonography to quantify abdominal SAT. The following parameters were collected: type of measurement, ultrasound machine make/model, transducer frequency, external/internal landmarks, pressure applied on probe, special techniques and inter‐/intraobserver reliability. Literature findings related to the above parameters were summarized. A summary of the most common techniques and parameters is provided, serving as a reference for a necessary standardized approach.
A Multicenter Large‐Sample Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastographic Study of the Achilles Tendon in Chinese Adults
Authors: Cao Wen , Sun Yang , Liu Li , Wang Zhu , Wu Jin Yu , Qiu Li , Wang Yue Xiang , Yuan Yu , Shen Su Fang , Chen Qin , Chen Tao , Zhang Wen , Wu Chang Jun , Liu Feng Xia , Zhong Shi Gen , Chen Li , Tong Ming Hui , Cui Li Gang , Guo Rui Jun
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The changes in the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon are related to tendinopathy. Therefore, constructing a data model in the healthy population is essential to understanding the key factors affecting the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon. The purpose of our research was to obtain large sample data, construct a data model, and determine parameters that affect the elastic modulus of the Achilles tendon in healthy Chinese adults.

Methods

We designed a prospective multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon by using shear wave elastography. A total of 1165 healthy adult participants from 17 Chinese hospitals were recruited for the assessment. The necessary parameters (age, height, weight, and body mass index) were recorded. The elastic modulus (Young modulus) was obtained from the middle of the Achilles tendon and calculated with feet in naturally relaxed, dorsal, and plantar positions. The thickness and perimeter of the Achilles tendon were measured via cross section on the same site. A multiple linear regression was performed to find the key factors affecting the Young modulus of the Achilles tendon.

Results

The Young modulus of the left Achilles tendon in the natural relaxed position followed a normal distribution (P > .05) with a mean ± SD of 374.24 ± 106.12 kPa. The regression equations showed a positive correlation between the Young modulus and weight and a negative correlation between the Young modulus and the circumference or thickness of the left Achilles tendon (P < .05).

Conclusions

The Young modulus of the Achilles tendon as measured by shear wave elastography is related to body weight as well as the perimeter or thickness of the tendon.
Angioleiomyoma of the Extremities: Findings on Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kang Byeong Seong , Shim Hyun Seok , Kim Ji Hye , Kim Young‐Min , Bang Minseo , Lim Soyeoun , Park Gyeong Min , Lee Tae Young , Ha Nam‐Du , Kwon Woon Jung
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the features of angioleiomyomas of the extremities on ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the US and MRI findings of 29 pathologically confirmed cases of angioleiomyomas of the extremities in 29 patients. Twenty patients underwent only US; 7 patients underwent only MRI; and 2 patients underwent US and MRI. Clinical data and histopathologic specimens were reviewed.

Results

There were 19 women and 10 men. The mean patient age was 48.9 years (range, 23–80 years). On US, angioleiomyomas were located primarily in the subcutaneous fat layer (n = 20 [91%]), were oval (n = 17 [77%]), had well‐circumscribed margins (n = 22 [100%]), had hypoechoic protrusions on one or both ends (n = 9 [41%]), had a homogeneous echo texture (n = 17 [ 77%]), had posterior acoustic enhancement (n = 20 [91%]), and had color Doppler flow (n = 20 [91%]). On MRI, the masses showed heterogeneous enhancement (n = 7 [88%]) and enhancing structures on one or both ends (n = 4 [50%]) on contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images.

Conclusions

Angioleiomyoma of the extremities is usually a well‐circumscribed oval mass with a homogeneous echo texture and occasionally hypoechoic protrusions on US and shows heterogeneous enhancement with occasionally enhancing structures on one or both ends of the mass on MRI. Therefore, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue mass that has protruding structures from one or both ends.
Speckle Tracking of the Basal Lateral and Septal Wall Annular Plane Systolic Excursion of the Right and Left Ventricles of the Fetal Heart
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Klas Berthold , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark
Published: September 2018

Objective

Annular plane systolic excursion (APSE) has been evaluated for the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricles using M‐mode echocardiography. This study examined APSE using 2‐dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) of the lateral and septal annuli of the RV and LV in normal fetuses.

Methods

Two hundred normal fetuses were prospectively examined between 20 and 40 weeks' gestation, in which the end‐diastolic and end‐systolic lengths were measured from the apex to the insertion of the annuli into the lateral and septal walls of the RV and LV using 2DST. Subtracting the end‐systolic from the end‐diastolic length resulted in the APSE measurement. The APSE values from the ventricular and septal locations were regressed against biometric and gestational age independent variables, and the mean and standard deviation computed using fractional polynomial analysis. Within‐subject repeated measures of variance were used to compare results within and between the right ventricular and left ventricular basal APSE values.

Results

When regressed against the independent variables the R2 for the APSE of the right ventricular lateral wall ranged from 0.39 to 0.40, the left ventricular lateral wall 0.29 to 0.31, the right ventricular septal wall 0.22 to 0.40, and the left ventricular septal wall 0.05 to 0.07. There was a significant difference (P < .001) for APSE between the right ventricular and left ventricular lateral wall and their respective septal annuli, the left ventricular and right ventricular lateral wall annuli, and the left ventricular and right ventricular septal annuli.

Conclusions

The right ventricular and left ventricular lateral and septal wall APSE can be computed using 2DST and are associated with changing fetal biometric and age measurements.
A Novel Ultrasound‐Guided Technique for Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis in High‐Risk Patients
Authors: Kriseman Maya , Schutt Amy , Appleton Jewel , Pillai Anil , George Verghese , Zarutskie Paul W.
Published: September 2018

Hysteroscopy is a common gynecologic surgical procedure. Certain diagnoses, notably intrauterine adhesions and cervical stenosis, make hysteroscopy more complicated because of an increased likelihood of complications. Three patients, 1 with cervical stenosis and 2 with Asherman syndrome, underwent ultrasound (US)‐guided adhesiolysis. Access to the uterine cavity was obtained by either direct balloon‐aided dilation or the US‐guided Seldinger technique, followed by balloon‐aided dilation to enter the endometrial cavity and disrupt intrauterine/intracervical adhesions. In this case series, we describe a novel approach of using US‐guided balloon dilation to safely and effectively treat intrauterine adhesions and to decrease the risk of perforation.
Calcaneal Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation and Speed of Sound Measurements in a Population of Nigerian Children: Reference Data and the Influence of Sociodemographic Variables
Authors: Nwogu Uloma Benedicta , Agwu Kenneth Kalu , Anakwue Angel‐Mary Chukwunyelu , Okeji Mark Chukwudi , Idigo Felicitas Ugochinyere , Ogbu Sylvester Osita I
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The aim of our study was to establish a reference database of calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the speed of sound (SOS) in a healthy Nigerian population of children aged 6 to 14 years and also to investigate the influence of sociodemographic and anthropometric variables on them.

Methods

The BUA and SOS of 1016 healthy children were measured by quantitative ultrasound densitometry. Height and weight were measured with a stadiometer and weighing balance, respectively, whereas the sociodemographic parameters of the participants were collected on a semistructured questionnaire. A multiple regression model using stepwise selection and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between the ultrasound parameters and sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters. Comparisons between various age groups were made by analysis of variance.

Results

The mean BUA and SOS ± SD of the participants were 60.57 ± 16.21 dB/MHz and 1563.48 ± 21.74 m/s, respectively, for boys and 58.18 ± 15.16 dB/MHz and 1560.03 ± 22.32 m/s for girls. The BUA in both sexes was positively influenced by age and weight (P < .05), whereas only the father's educational status was its predictor (P < .05) in the boys. For the girls, the family size and mother's educational status were predictors of the BUA (P < .05). The SOS was marginally influenced by age and family size in the boys (P < .05), whereas the father's educational status was the predictor in the girls.

Conclusions

The established BUA and SOS values in this study are baseline values, and further study, which would also involve data from a large number of Nigerian children, would be needed to support their effectiveness as reference values.
The Otolaryngology Match: A Bibliometric Analysis of 222 First‐Year Residents
Authors: Thangamathesvaran Loka , M. Patel Nirali , Siddiqui Sana H. , Singh Roshansa , Wayne Robert , Kılıç Suat , Hsueh Wayne D. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: September 2018

Objective/Hypothesis

Research has long been acknowledged as important to successfully matriculate into an otolaryngology residency position. The objective of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis to quantify the importance of scholarly productivity in the otolaryngology match process.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Methods

A list of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited otolaryngology residency programs were identified. Websites of programs were reviewed to identify first‐year otolaryngology residents for the 2016 to 2017 academic year and compared to two previous academic years. Research output measures were collected. Residencies were tiered 1 to 5 by departmental research output.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐two records of first‐year otolaryngology residents starting residency in 2016 were identified. After adjusting for number of total publications, number of original research articles, number of review articles, number of case reports, number of first author publications, number of otolaryngology‐related publications, highest journal impact factor, average journal impact factor, and years since publication, h‐index and number of total publications were associated with increasing tier of matriculation based on research output (P < .0001). Only number of publications correlated with increasing h‐index (B = 1.11). With regard to applicant trends, there has been an increase in scholarly productivity as measured across all research parameters in the past 3 years.

Conclusions

Research is an important component of successfully matriculating into an otolaryngology residency program. The h‐index is a reliable tool to quantify research output and predict the tier of matriculation with regard to institutional research output. There has been a steadily increasing level of scholarly output among applicants in the past 3 years.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1561–1566, 2019
Comparing Upper Airway Stimulation to Transoral Robotic Base of Tongue Resection for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Huntley Colin , Topf Michael C. , Christopher Vanessa , Doghramji Karl , Curry Joseph , Boon Maurits
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and upper airway stimulation (UAS) are modalities for treating tongue base obstruction contributing to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aim to compare patients with OSA undergoing TORS to those undergoing UAS.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients treated with TORS and UAS using the senior authors’ surgical database. We evaluated demographic, preoperative polysomnography (PSG), postoperative PSG, complication, hospital length of stay, and hospital readmission data to compare the two cohorts.

Results

Seventy‐six patients underwent UAS. This included 50 men and 26 women. The mean age and body mass index were 61.92 and 29.38. The mean pre‐ versus postoperative apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and O2 nadir were 36.64 versus 7.20 and 80.27% versus 88.77%, respectfully. The rate of surgical success and postoperative AHI less than 15 and 5 were 86.84%, 89.47%, and 59.21. All patients underwent ambulatory surgery, and no one was readmitted.

Twenty‐four patients underwent TORS. This included 20 men and four women with a mean age and body mass index BMI of 46.42 and 29.63. The mean pre‐ versus postoperative AHI and O2 nadir were 35.70 versus 20.05 and 80.50% versus 84.10%, respectfully. The rate of surgical success and postoperative AHI less than 15 and 5 were 54.17%, 50.00%, and 20.83%. The mean length of stay was 1.33 days, and four patients were readmitted.

We found significant differences in age, postoperative AHI and O2 nadir, surgical success and postoperative AHI less than 15 and 5, length of stay, and rate of readmission.

Conclusions

UAS is successful in treating OSA showing improved outcomes, length of stay, and readmission compared to TORS.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 129:1010–1013, 2019
Anatomical Course of the Thyroarytenoid Branch of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Authors: Nerurkar Nupur Kapoor , Dighe Shalaka Nilesh
Published: September 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the position and anatomic variability of the thyroarytenoid (TA) branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in an Indian population. This study is specifically targeted to aid in identifying the nerve for reinnervation procedures for unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis, as well as denervation surgeries such as TA myoneurectomy and Selective Laryngeal Adductor Denervation and Reinnervation (SLAD‐R) for adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Methods

We dissected 46 fresh‐frozen adult larynges (92 sides) without pathology. A window was created in the thyroid cartilage lamina. The intralaryngeal part of the dissection was done using magnification with an ocular loupe. The position and direction of the nerve and branching within the cartilage window were noted.

Results

The TA nerve was found to emerge from the posteroinferior quadrant of the cartilage window, irrespective of the dissected side (right/left) and gender in all of the 46 larynges. The nerve traveled in an oblique direction in 29 specimens (63.04%) and in a vertical direction in 17 specimens (36.96%). The orientation of the nerve was the same on the two sides of the larynx in all of the specimens. Branching was seen within the cartilage window in eight larynges (17.39%).

Conclusions

Knowledge of the possible variabilities in the course of the TA nerve aids in its localization while avoiding trauma to the posterior branch of the RLN that innervates the posterior cricoarytenoid and is responsible for vocal fold abduction.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:704–708, 2019
Endoscopic Resection Followed by Proton Therapy With Pencil Beam Scanning for Skull Base Tumors
Authors: Leeman Jonathan E. , Lee Nancy Y. , Zhou Ying , Neal Brian , Sine Kevin , Tabar Viviane , Cohen Marc A.
Published: September 2018

For patients who require postoperative radiotherapy after endoscopic resection of skull base tumors, proton therapy with pencil beam scanning (PBS) may allow sparing of normal tissue compared to intensity‐modulated photon radiation (IMRT). We compared PBS and IMRT radiation plans in the preoperative and postoperative settings for two patients with advanced skull base tumors following endoscopic resection. The benefits of PBS over IMRT appear greater in the postoperative setting following endoscopic resection with improved sparing of critical organs at risk. The multidisciplinary approach of endoscopic resection followed by PBS represents a treatment paradigm with potential for improvements in toxicity reduction. Laryngoscope, 129:1313–1317, 2019
Bt rice cultivation does not cause soil biological degradation in terms of C, N, and P cycles
Authors: Li Zhaolei , Wang Bingxue , Tian Dashuan , Wang Jinsong
Published: September 2018

Preventing soil biological degradation under the cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops is crucial to soil health. Despite studies concerning environmental risks of Bt crops, we surprisingly know little about whether soil biological degradation occurs under Bt crop cultivations. To fill this gap, we calculated the index of resistance (IR) and resilience (IR′) of 13 soil properties (the activities of enzymes, the rates of ecosystem processes, soil microbial biomass, and soil carbon and nutrients) using soil samples collected from an 8‐year Bt rice cultivation experiment, including three treatments, that is, continual cultivation of Bt rice (GM) and non‐Bt rice (non‐GM), and rotation between Bt and non‐Bt rice every 2 years (GM/non‐GM rotation). In GM and GM/non‐GM rotation, the IR of the activities of dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, methane production rates was significantly greater than that in non‐GM. Further, the IR of denitrification, methane oxidation, microbial carbon, and microbial nitrogen was significantly lowered in GM, and the IR of microbial carbon in GM/non‐GM rotation was significantly decreased compared with that in non‐GM. However, the results of IR′ showed no significant differences in these soil properties between treatments, except for methane oxidation and urease in GM and microbial nitrogen in GM/non‐GM rotation. Taking into consideration of soil resistance and resilience, the most soil properties remained relatively stable. These findings suggest that the Bt rice cultivations have not significantly resulted in soil biological degradation.
Sphingolipidomics of Thermotolerant Yeasts
Authors: Řezanka Tomáš , Kolouchová Irena , Gharwalová Lucia , Doležalová Jana , Nedbalová Linda , Sigler Karel
Published: September 2018

Mass spectrometry‐based shotgun lipidomics was applied to the analysis of sphingolipids of 11 yeast strains belonging to four genera, that is Cryptococcus, Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, and Wickerhamomyces. The analysis yielded comprehensive results on both qualitative and quantitative representation of complex sphingolipids of three classes—phosphoinositol ceramide (PtdInsCer), mannosyl inositol phosphoceramide (MInsPCer), and mannosyl diinositol phosphoceramide (M(InsP)2Cer). In total, nearly 150 molecular species of complex sphingolipids were identified. Individual strains were cultured at five different temperatures, that is 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C (Wickerhamomyces genus only up to 30 °C), and the change in the culture temperature was found to affect the representation of both the sphingolipid classes and the length of the long‐chain bases (LCB). Individual classes of sphingolipids differing in polar heads differed in the temperature response. The relative content of PtdInsCer increased with increasing temperature, whereas that of M(InsP)2Cer decreased. Molecular species having C18‐LCB were associated with low cultivation temperature, and a higher proportion of C20‐LCB molecular species was produced at higher temperatures regardless of the type of polar head. On the other hand, the influence of temperature on the representation of very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA) was less noticeable, the effect of the taxonomic affiliation of the strains being more pronounced than the cultivation temperature. For example, lignoceric and 2‐hydrocylo‐lignoceric acids were characteristic of the genera Cryptococcus and Schizosaccharomyces, and of Saccharomyces genus cultivated at high temperatures.
The Energy Requirements for Flow‐Induced Solidification of Silk
Authors: Sparkes James , Holland Chris
Published: September 2018

Natural silk spinning has undergone strong selection for resource efficiency and thus presents a biomimetic ideal for fiber production. Industrial replication of natural silk fibers would enable access to low energy, cost‐efficient processing, but is hampered by a lack of understanding surrounding the conversion of liquid feedstock into a solid fiber as a result of flow. Previously, shear stress, shear rate, or time have been presented as criteria for silk fiber formation, but here it is proposed that spinning requires carefully balancing all three, and is a result of controlled energy accumulation in the feedstock. To support this hypothesis, rheology is used to probe the energy required for conversion, compare differences between amorphous solid and ordered fiber production and explain the energetic penalty the latter demands. New definitions of what constitutes an artificial silk fiber are discussed, along with methods to ensure that each spinning criterion is met during biomimetic spinning.
Sharp conditions for the compactness of the Sobolev embedding on Musielak–Orlicz spaces
Authors: Lang Jan , Méndez Osvaldo
Published: September 2018

We prove the compactness of the Sobolev embedding for Musielak–Orlicz spaces by way of simple conditions on the Matuszewska index of the underlying space. We provide counterexamples to show the sharpness of our conditions.