bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evidence that density dependence strongly influences plant invasions through fragmented landscapes
Authors: Williams Jennifer L. , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: January 2018

Populations of range expanding species encounter patches of both favorable and unfavorable habitat as they spread across landscapes. Theory shows that increasing patchiness slows the spread of populations modeled with continuously varying population density when dispersal is not influence by the environment or individual behavior. However, as is found in uniformly favorable landscapes, spread remains driven by fecundity and dispersal from low density individuals at the invasion front. In contrast, when modeled populations are composed of discrete individuals, patchiness causes populations to build up to high density before dispersing past unsuitable habitat, introducing an important influence of density dependence on spread velocity. To test the hypothesized interaction between habitat patchiness and density dependence, we simultaneously manipulated these factors in a greenhouse system of annual plants spreading through replicated experimental landscapes. We found that increasing the size of gaps and amplifying the strength of density dependence both slowed spread velocity, but contrary to predictions, the effect of amplified density dependence was similar across all landscape types. Our results demonstrate that the discrete nature of individuals in spreading populations has a strong influence on how both landscape patchiness and density dependence influence spread through demographic and dispersal stochasticity. Both finiteness and landscape structure should be critical components to theoretical predictions of future spread for range expanding native species or invasive species colonizing new habitat.
A Synthetic Methodology for Pyrroles from Nitrodienes
Authors: EL‐Atawy Mohamed A. , Ferretti Francesco , Ragaini Fabio
Published: January 2018

Palladium complexes containing the ligand 4,7‐dimethoxy‐1,10‐phenanthroline have been used to catalyze the reductive cyclization of nitrodienes using carbon monoxide as the reductant to give pyrroles. Carbon dioxide was the only stoichiometric byproduct of the reaction. The yields were good and the starting materials can be easily synthesized in two steps by a cross‐aldol condensation reaction followed by a Henry reaction. Different substitution patterns are tolerated by this novel synthetic strategy.
Quantitative analysis of sesquiterpenes and comparison of three Curcuma wenyujin herbal medicines by micro matrix solid phase dispersion coupled with MEEKC
Authors: Wei Mengmeng , Chu Chu , Wang Shan , Yan Jizhong
Published: January 2018

A simple, efficient and environmental friendly method was proposed for determining five sesquiterpenoids of Curcuma wenyujin by MSPD extraction coupled with MEEKC separation. Molecular sieve was applied as a solid support for extraction of sesquiterpenoids for the first time. Various parameters affecting extraction and separation efficiency were investigated. The optimized conditions involved dispersing sample (200 mg) with 200 mg of TS‐1 for 150 s and using 1000 μL of methanol to elute five target analytes. Finally, they were well separated by using a running buffer containing 1.3% SDS, 5.0% 1‐butanol, 0.5% ethyl acetate and 10% acetonitrile in 10 mM borate buffer at pH 9.0. Consequently, the developed method was fully validated and successfully applied to determine the five sesquiterpenoids including curdine, curcumenol, germacrone, furanodiene and β‐elemene in Curcuma wenyujin origin's Chinese herbal medicines. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed based on the contents of target compounds for distinguishing steamed and non‐steamed drugs. The present study provided a promising method for fast investigation and discrimination of chemical difference in steam & non‐steamed Chinese medicines from Curcuma wenyujin origin.
Modern separation techniques coupled to high performance mass spectrometry for glycolipid analysis
Authors: Sarbu Mirela , Zamfir Alina Diana
Published: January 2018

Glycolipids (GLs), involved in biological processes and pathologies, such as viral, neurodegenerative and oncogenic transformations are in the focus of research related to method development for structural analysis. This review highlights modern separation techniques coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for the investigation of GLs from various biological matrices. First section is dedicated to methods, which, although provide the separation in a non‐liquid phase, are able to supply important data on the composition of complex mixtures. While classical thin layer chromatography (TLC) is useful for MS analyses of the fractionated samples, ultramodern ion mobility (IMS) characterized by high reproducibility facilitates to discover minor species and to apply low sample amounts, in addition to providing conformational separation with isomer discrimination. Second section highlights the advantages, applications and limitations of liquid‐based separation techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) in direct or indirect coupling to MS for glycolipidomics surveys. The on‐ and off‐line capillary electrophoresis (CE) MS, offering a remarkable separation efficiency of GLs is also presented and critically assessed from the technical and application perspective in the final part of the review.
Time to push the age limit: Epilepsy surgery in patients 60 years or older
Authors: Punia Vineet , Abdelkader Ahmed , Busch Robyn M. , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Bingaman William , Najm Imad , Stojic Andrey
Published: January 2018

Objective

To summarize the existing literature on resective epilepsy surgery (RES) in older adults (≥60 years old) and examine seizure and neuropsychological outcomes in a single‐center large cohort of older adults undergoing RES and their comparison to a consecutive, younger (25‐ to45‐year‐old) adult population who underwent RES in routine clinical practice.

Methods

First, a comprehensive literature review was performed. Then, we identified older adults who underwent RES at our center (2000–2015). Outcome analysis was performed on patients who had ≥1 year of clinical follow‐up. A younger cohort of patients who underwent RES during the same period was selected for comparison. The 2 groups were compared with respect to demographic and disease variables as well as key clinical outcomes.

Results

Seizure outcomes on 58 older patients were reported in existing literature; 72% achieved Engel class I outcome ≥1 year postoperatively. Sixty‐four older adults underwent RES at our center, accounting for 2.8% of all RES during the study period. A total of 51 older adults (Mage = 65) among them had ≥1‐year clinical follow‐up; 80% achieved Engel I outcome after a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years. This was comparable to the 68% Engel class I outcome among 50 consecutive younger adults, despite later age of onset, longer epilepsy duration, and more comorbidities (all p < 0.001) among older adults. The majority (86%) of older adults were referred to our center after years of suffering from drug‐resistant epilepsy. There were no group differences in surgical complications. However, 1 older adult passed away post‐RES. There was no difference in post‐RES neuropsychological outcomes compared to younger adults, except significantly higher number of older adults showed a decline in confrontational naming.

Significance

RES in well‐selected older adults is a safe and effective therapy, and advanced age should not preclude consideration of surgical therapy in older adults with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.
Effect of neurostimulation on cognition and mood in refractory epilepsy
Authors: Chan Alvin Y. , Rolston John D. , Rao Vikram R. , Chang Edward F.
Published: January 2018

Epilepsy is a common, debilitating neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Mood disorders and cognitive deficits are common comorbidities in epilepsy that, like seizures, profoundly influence quality of life and can be difficult to treat. For patients with refractory epilepsy who are not candidates for resection, neurostimulation, the electrical modulation of epileptogenic brain tissue, is an emerging treatment alternative. Several forms of neurostimulation are currently available, and therapy selection hinges on relative efficacy for seizure control and amelioration of neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Here, we review the current evidence for how invasive and noninvasive neurostimulation therapies affect mood and cognition in persons with epilepsy. Invasive therapies include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS). Noninvasive therapies include trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Overall, current evidence supports stable cognition and mood with all neurostimulation therapies, although there is some evidence that cognition and mood may improve with invasive forms of neurostimulation. More research is required to optimize the effects of neurostimulation for improvements in cognition and mood.
Assessment of soil factors controlling ephemeral gully erosion on agricultural fields
Authors: Ollobarren Del Barrio Paul , Campo‐Bescós Miguel A. , Giménez Rafael , Casalí Javier
Published: January 2018

The soil factor is crucial in controlling and properly modeling the initiation and development of ephemeral gullies (EGs). Usually, EG initiation has been related to various soil properties (i.e. sealing, critical shear stress, moisture, texture, etc.); meanwhile, the total growth of each EG (erosion rate) has been linked with proper soil erodibility. But, despite the studies to determine the influence of soil erodibility on (ephemeral) gully erosion, a universal approach is still lacking. This is due to the complex relationship and interactions between soil properties and the erosive process. A feasible soil characterization of EG erosion prediction on a large scale should be based on simple, quick and inexpensive tests to perform. The objective of this study was to identify and assess the soil properties – easily and quickly to determine – which best reflect soil erodibility on EG erosion. Forty‐nine different physical–chemical soil properties that may participate in establishing soil erodibility were determined on agricultural soils affected by the formation of EGs in Spain and Italy. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and in the field (in the vicinity of the erosion paths). Because of its importance in controlling EG erosion, five variables related to antecedent moisture prior to the event that generated the gullies and two properties related to landscape topography were obtained for each situation. The most relevant variables were detected using multivariate analysis. The results defined 13 key variables: water content before the initiation of EGs, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, relative sealing index, two granulometric and organic matter indices, seal permeability, aggregates stability (three index), crust penetration resistance, shear strength and an erodibility index obtained from the Jet Test erosion apparatus. The latter is proposed as a useful technique to evaluate and predict soil loss caused by EG erosion. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid machine learning algorithms for fault detection in android smartphones
Authors: Jogarah Keshav K. , Soopaul Keshav , Beeharry Yogesh , Hurbungs Visham
Published: January 2018

The newest trends with smart devices and the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) is that of big data and analytics. More recently, the concept of mobile cloud computing has emerged with advances in terms of hardware and communication speeds. However, there are serious implications on the normal lifetime of the battery‐powered smart devices being used for these different applications. Most sensors deployed for different smart IoT applications are already available in smart phones and used by the majority of individuals on a daily basis. With the recent explosions of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, safety of individuals has climbed the priority list in the IoT field. Along this line, it is important to address fault detection and prediction of smartphones, which are being used in fields such as mobile health. In this paper, a cloud‐based open‐source framework for capturing and processing real‐time streaming information (eg, screen brightness, CPU usage, battery level, voltage, device temperature, and Wi‐Fi signal strength) about different android‐based smartphones has been set up. A NoSQL Cassandra database is used and a Spark distributed computing Scala‐based framework accesses the data for further processing. Classification machine learning algorithms (Naïve‐Bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), and random forest) are used to obtain trained models for predicting symptoms of faulty behaviors in smartphones. The performance of a hybrid 2‐staged machine learning mechanism is proposed whereby cascaded classification algorithms are used. Results show that when using DT algorithm (Level 1) and NB algorithm (Level 2), a slight increase in percentage accuracy is observed. This demonstrates that there is the possibility for further improving the NB model for classification and fault detection when using a combined training model with DT algorithm (Level 1) and NB algorithm (Level 2). The results for the cascaded model show that the percentage accuracy of most hybrid models in this case are slightly inferior to the standalone models themselves. The hybrid models using the DT algorithm at both levels and DT algorithm followed by RF algorithm do not improve the percentage accuracy. However, this demonstrates that the robustness of the classification algorithm can be maintained with this type of hybrid classification algorithm and leaves room for further research of possible techniques and ways to improve the accuracy.
A discrete population balance equation for binary breakage
Authors: Liao Y. , Oertel R. , Kriebitzsch S. , Schlegel F. , Lucas D.
Published: January 2018

The numerical solution of the population balance equation is frequently achieved by means of discretization, ie, by the method of classes. An important concern of discrete formulations is the preservation of 2 chosen moments of the distribution, eg, numbers and mass, while remaining flexible on the grid and kernels applied. Existing formulations for breakage are either able to perserve only one moment or restricted by the choice of grid and kernels. Two types of kernel functions for the description of breakup rate exist, ie, total breakup model and partial breakup model. The first type states the total breakup rate of a mother particle and requires a daughter size distribution function. The other type gives the breakup rate between a mother and a daughter particle directly. Existing formulations are known to work well for the former type but inefficiently for the latter one due to the need of additional numerical integrations. The particular focus of the present work lies in developing an efficient formulation for this type of kernels. A discrete formulation of the breakup terms due to binary breakage is proposed, which allows a direct implementation of both types of breakup kernels and an efficient solution of the population balance equation, making it favorable for the coupling to computational fluid dynamics codes. The results for a pure breakage process obtained by using the new formulation and various kernels are compared with those by a reference formulation as well as analytical solutions. Good agreement is achieved in all test cases, and numerical efficiency of the new formulation for partial breakup models is evidenced.
Role of dental hardware in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in the low‐risk nonsmoker nondrinker population
Authors: Yesensky Jessica A. , Hasina Rifat , Wroblewski Kristen E. , Bellairs Joseph , Gooi Zhen , Saloura Vassiliki , Cipriani Nicole A. , Vokes Everett E. , Portugal Louis G. , Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Blair Elizabeth D. , Agrawal Nishant
Published: January 2018

Background

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in nonsmokers and nondrinkers remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that these patients had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware.

Methods

We utilized a questionnaire querying the lifetime oral health status of 54 patients. Demographics and extensive oral health history were collected.

Results

The majority of patients (74%) had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware. The younger population with almost exclusively oral tongue cancer had a high prevalence of metallic orthodontic braces (40%) within 15 years before diagnosis. In the 51+ year age group, 82% had crowns, dental implants, and/or dentures with metallic elements.

Conclusion

Exposure to metallic dental hardware has increased in the past few decades given the rise of orthodontic braces and older adults retaining more teeth. Although this study does not prove a causal relationship between oral cavity SCC and dental hardware, this is a step toward identifying and investigating their role.
Multicenter assessment of exclusive endoscopic endonasal approach for the treatment of 53 olfactory neuroblastomas
Authors: de Gabory Ludovic , Verillaud Benjamin , Rumeau Cécile , Herman Philippe , Jankowski Roger , Michel Justin , de Kermadec Héloïse , Coste André , Mortuaire Geoffrey , Righini Christian , Reyt Emile , Choussy Olivier , Trévillot Vincent , Crampette Louis , Serrano Elie , Tsaranazy Anjarasoa , Bastier Pierre‐Louis , Vergez Sebastien
Published: January 2018

Background

Given the particularities of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) and the lack of studies on the subject, a multicenter collaborative study was conducted to assess treatment strategy.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients with ONB were included from the French Rare Head and Neck Cancer Expert Network (REFCOR) database: 16T1, 8T2, 19T3, and 10T4. All cases were treated endoscopically with skull base removal and repair in 26 cases (49%) and without external craniotomy.

Results

The overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates at 5 years were 87% and 71%, respectively, with mean follow‐up of 45.4 ± 26.5 months. The complication rate was 18.8% with 4 cases of meningitis. Pathological analysis showed positive margins in 26.8%, notably on the dura‐mater and periorbita, without impairment of OS or DFS. Forty‐eight patients received adjuvant radiotherapy on T ± N. Ten patients had a recurrence (18.9%). Six patients died of their disease. Prophylactic neck irradiation seemed to reduce the recurrence rate.

Conclusion

Exclusively endoscopic treatment proved efficient and reliable in a large controlled series.
Programmed death ligand‐1 expression as immunotherapeutic target in sinonasal cancer
Authors: Riobello Cristina , Vivanco Blanca , Reda Sara , López‐Hernández Alejandro , García‐Inclán Cristina , Potes‐Ares Sira , Cabal Virginia N. , López Fernando , Llorente José Luis , Hermsen Mario A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Sinonasal cancer carries a poor prognosis, especially in recurrent stages, and it is a disease with very limited treatment options.

Methods

The expression of programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) as a marker for immunotherapy was evaluated in 53 sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 126 intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) samples. Results were correlated to clinicopathological characteristics and follow‐up data.

Results

Membranous PD‐L1 staining of tumor cells was observed in 34% (18/53) of the sinonasal SCC samples and in 17% (22/126) of the ITAC samples. The PD‐L1 positivity on infiltrating immune cells occurred in 45% (24/53) of the sinonasal SCC samples and in 33% (41/126) of the ITAC samples. Expression of PD‐L1 showed no correlation to clinicopathological parameters and was not an independent risk factor for survival.

Conclusion

The PD‐L1 positivity does not seem to have prognostic value. However, a proportion of patients with sinonasal SCC and ITAC may benefit from therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors that recently have been approved for clinical application in head and neck cancer.
Novel method to save the parathyroid gland during thyroidectomy: Subcapsular saline injection
Authors: Choi June Young , Yu Hyeong Won , Bae In Eui , Kim Jong‐kyu , Seong Chan Yong , Yi Jin Wook , Chai Young Jun , Kim Su‐jin , Lee Kyu Eun
Published: January 2018

Background

Saving the parathyroid gland during thyroidectomy remains challenging. Subcapsular saline injection (SCASI) was developed in February 2015. Its ability to spare the parathyroid gland was assessed.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without neck lymph node dissection in 2013‐2015 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into the SCASI and non‐SCASI groups. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured on day 1 and 6 months after surgery. Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism were defined as day 1 and 6 month PTH < 10.0 and <15.0 pg/mL, respectively.

Results

The groups (both had 98 patients each) did not differ in demographics, tumor size, operation extent, pathology, thyroiditis rate, and incidental parathyroid gland excision rate. Compared with non‐SCASI patients, patients who underwent the SCASI method exhibited transient hypoparathyroidism (35.7% vs 19.4%, P < .001) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (4.1% vs 0%, P = .043) significantly less frequently.

Conclusion

The procedure of SCASI effectively spared the parathyroid gland during thyroidectomy.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in head and neck cancer prognosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mascarella Marco A. , Mannard Erin , Silva Sabrina Daniela , Zeitouni Anthony
Published: January 2018

Background

Hematologic markers, such as the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), characterize the inflammatory response to cancer and are associated with poorer survival in various malignancies. We evaluate the effect of pretreatment NLR on overall survival (OS) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Using multiple databases, a systematic search for articles evaluating the effect of NLR on OS in patients with HNSCC was performed. An inverse variation, random‐effects model was used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 24 of 241 articles, including 6479 patients, were analyzed. The combined hazard ratio for OS in patients with an elevated NLR (range 2.04‐5) was 1.78 (confidence interval [CI] 1.53‐2.07; P < .0001). The hazard ratios for site‐specific cancer: oral cavity 1.56 CI 1.23‐1.98 (P < .001), nasopharynx 1.66 CI 1.35‐2.04 (P < .001), larynx 1.55 CI 1.26‐1.92 (P < .001), and hypopharynx 2.36 CI 1.54‐3.61 (P < .001).

Conclusion

An elevated NLR is predictive of poorer OS in patients with HNSCC.
Back on Track: The challenges of implementing a small place‐based Collective Impact initiative
Authors: Demant Lucy , Lawrence Jessica
Published: January 2018

Issues addressed

Back on Track (BoT) was developed as pilot to provide an integrated service response to twenty at‐risk young people residing in a metro Melbourne housing estate. For this cohort, traditional welfare sector interventions were proving ineffective, with the siloed nature of the sector identified as a key barrier to effective engagement.

Methods

Developed as an offshoot of an established CI project, the Education Engagement Partnership (EEP), BoT used Collective Impact (CI) methodology to inform project development. CI was considered a means to implement systematic change whilst increasing positive health, education and justice outcomes for the target cohort.

Results

BoT was abandoned after start‐up due to a lack of CI model buy‐in on the part of one stakeholder.

Conclusions

BoT's initial success can be directly attributed to stakeholder experience of the EEP. The project's break down illuminates challenges that can emerge when the welfare sector attempts interagency collaborative practices. BoT highlights the centrality of relationship‐building for successful CI implementation and flags potential issues in collaborations between small place‐based initiatives and large statewide agencies constrained by non‐negotiable internal policies.

So what?

CI methodology is increasing popular in health promotion work, and there is a need to examine how the methodology translates into local level practice.
Clinical evidence of prevention strategies for capecitabine‐induced hand‐foot syndrome
Authors: Huang Xuan‐Zhang , Chen You , Chen Wen‐Jun , Zhang Xi , Wu Cong‐Cong , Wang Zhen‐Ning , Wu Jian
Published: January 2018

Hand‐foot syndrome (HFS) is the most common adverse effect of capecitabine‐containing chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacies of various prevention and treatment strategies for capecitabine‐induced HFS. Searches of the PubMed and Embase databases were performed to identify relevant studies. The risk ratio (RR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as an effect measure to evaluate the efficacies of these prevention and treatment strategies. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg's and Egger's tests. Overall and subgroup analyses were conducted. All statistical analyses were conducted with Stata software version 12.0. Seventeen eligible studies were included. Our results indicated that celecoxib was significantly associated with a lower incidence of grade ≥2 capecitabine‐induced HFS without heterogeneity (RR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.23–0.81, I2 = 0.0%). However, pyridoxine and topical urea/lactic acid were not effective toward preventing capecitabine‐induced grade 1, 2, 3, ≥1 or ≥2 HFS. Moreover, pyridoxine was not effective in treating capecitabine‐induced HFS. Similar results were obtained by subgroup analysis. Our results indicate that celecoxib has potential prophylactic efficacy for capecitabine‐induced HFS. However, pyridoxine and topical urea/lactic acid are not associated with a decrease in the incidence of capecitabine‐induced HFS.
Partially linearized external models to active‐space coupled‐cluster through connected hextuple excitations
Authors: Xu Enhua , Ten‐no Seiichiro L.
Published: January 2018

Partially linearized external models to active‐space coupled‐cluster through hextuple excitations, for example, CC{SDtqph}L, CCSD{tqph}L, and CCSD{tqph}hyb, are implemented and compared with the full active‐space CCSDtqph. The computational scaling of CCSDtqph coincides with that for the standard coupled‐cluster singles and doubles (CCSD), yet with a much large prefactor. The approximate schemes to linearize the external excitations higher than doubles are significantly cheaper than the full CCSDtqph model. These models are applied to investigate the bond dissociation energies of diatomic molecules (HF, F2, CuH, and CuF), and the potential energy surfaces of the bond dissociation processes of HF, CuH, H2O, and C2H4. Among the approximate models, CCSD{tqph}hyb provides very accurate descriptions compared with CCSDtqph for all of the tested systems. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein in the Hospital: Gaining Perspective and Moving Forward
Authors: Kuchnia Adam J. , Teigen Levi , Nagel Emily , Ligthart‐Melis Gerdien , Mulasi Urvashi , Weijs Peter , Earthman Carrie P.
Published: January 2018

Provision of adequate protein is crucial for optimizing outcomes in hospitalized patients. However, the methodologies upon which current recommendations are based have limitations, and little is known about true requirements in any clinical population. In this tutorial, we aim to give clinicians an understanding of how current protein recommendations were developed, an appreciation for the limitations of these recommendations, and an overview of more sophisticated approaches that can be applied to better define protein requirements. A broader perspective of the challenges and opportunities in determining clinical protein requirements can help clinicians think critically about the individualized nutrition care they provide to their patients with the goal of administering adequate protein to optimize outcomes.
Optimized thoracoport design for the thoracoscopic procedure during minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Zhu Yunke , Zhang Xiaolong , Hu Yang , Liu Lunxu
Published: January 2018

Minimally invasive esophagectomy has several benefits as an effective alternative treatment for esophageal cancer. The three‐phase esophageal resection may be the most popular approach to esophagectomy. Numerous thoracoport designs are available for the thoracoscopic procedure. The present study aims to contribute a distinctive three‐port technique that is designed to minimize surgical trauma and facilitate operation during the thoracoscopic procedure. In this paper, we describe and demonstrate the details of the port design and each operation step. Based on our practical experience, the rational combination of the port design and instrument usage of the three‐port technique makes the thorascopic procedure more convenient.
Alternative vascular constructs of lymph node flap transfer
Authors: Nicoli Fabio , Orfaniotis Georgios , Ciudad Pedro , Kiranantawat Kidakorn , Lazzeri Davide , Maruccia Michele , Constantinides Joannis , Sacak Bulent , Chilgar Ram M. , Li Ke , Zhang Yi Xin , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: January 2018

Vascularized lymph node transfer is a quite innovative physiological surgical procedure for the lymphedema treatment. Although is gaining more popularity due to its promising results, there are some concerns regarding difficult to harvest it and the potential risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. Here, we present alternative vascular constructs of lymph node flap for the treatment of lymphedema, which provide the benefits of a technically easier dissection and physiological reconstruction of the damaged lymphatics. Furthermore, we introduce a classification based on the flap vascular supply including six types of flaps and we provide the details of the surgical technique.
Staged surgical treatment of extremity lymphedema with dual gastroepiploic vascularized lymph node transfers followed by suction‐assisted lipectomy—A prospective study
Authors: Agko Mouchammed , Ciudad Pedro , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: January 2018

Background

Both physiologic and excisional procedures have been described for the treatment of lymphedema. However, there exist few reports that combine these procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) with suction‐assisted lipectomy (SAL) in a staged manner for the treatment of extremity lymphedema.

Methods

Patients with unilateral late stage II lymphedema (International Society of Lymphology), who consented to staged surgical treatment, were evaluated prospectively. Between 2014 and 2015, 12 female patients with upper (n = 6) or lower (n = 6) extremity lymphedema completed the treatment protocol. Primary outcomes evaluated included limb size and number of infectious episodes. In addition, compression garment usage was analyzed.

Results

The overall circumference reduction rate was on average 37.9% after VLNT and increased to 96.4% after SAL. While all patients had experienced at least one infectious episode prior to surgical treatment, only one patient did so after VLNT and none after SAL. All patients were able to eventually discontinue compression therapy.

Conclusion

VLNT followed by SAL can allow patients with late Stage II lymphedema achieve near normal limb size and eradication of infectious episodes. At follow‐up, these desirable outcomes were maintained well after discontinuation of compression therapy.
Lymphatic vessel diameter in female pelvic cancer‐related lower extremity lymphedematous limbs
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Narushima Mitsunaga , Koshima Isao
Published: January 2018

Background

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has become one of the useful surgical treatments for compression‐refractory lower extremity lymphedema (LEL). It is important to anastomose larger lymphatic vessels with abundant lymph flows in LVA surgery. This study aimed to clarify factors associated with lymphatic vessel diameter.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐four LEL patients who underwent pre‐operative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and LVA from June 2009 to August 2014 in a single institution were included in this retrospective observational study. Clinical, ICG lymphography, and intraoperative findings were collected from medical charts. A lymphatic vessel with external diameters of 0.5 mm or larger was defined as a large lymphatic vessel (LLV). Independent factors associated with LLV were identified using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Nine hundred sixty‐two lymphatic vessels were identified, among which 438 (45.5%) were LLVs. Independent factors associated with LLV were older age (odds ration [OR], 1.408; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.026‐1.931; P = 0.034), positive history of radiation (OR, 1.634; 95%CI 1.228‐2.173; P = 0.001), incision site in the thigh/lower leg compared with in the groin (OR, 1.617/1.685; 95%CI 1.076‐2.432/1.148‐2.473; P = 0.021/0.008). Inverse associations were observed in S‐region/D‐region on ICG lymphography compared with L‐region (OR, 0.537/0.048; 95%CI, 0.397‐0.726/0.006‐0.371; P < 0.001/0.004).

Conclusions

D‐region on ICG lymphography had the lowest OR to find LLV, representing that lymphatic vessels found in D‐region on ICG lymphography would be significantly smaller than those in L‐region. In LVA surgery, D‐region should be avoided.
Primary liver sarcomas in the modern era: Resection or transplantation?
Authors: Konstantinidis Ioannis T. , Nota Carolijn , Jutric Zeljka , Ituarte Philip , Chow Warren , Chu Peiguo , Singh Gagandeep , Warner Susanne G. , Melstrom Laleh G. , Fong Yuman
Published: January 2018

Background and Objectives

Primary liver sarcomas (PLS) are rare. Published series are limited by small numbers of patients.

Methods

We reviewed the National Cancer Database (2004‐2014) for patients who underwent surgical resection of PLS.

Results

Of 237 patients identified, the majority were female (60.8%), with median age of 52 years. Histologies were: epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (n = 67), angiosarcoma (n = 64), leiomyosarcoma (n = 33), embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 31), carcinosarcoma (n = 16), giant cell sarcoma (n = 14), spindle cell sarcoma (n = 12). Ninety‐seven (40.9%) patients underwent lobectomies or extended lobectomies, 41 patients (17.3%) underwent transplantation. Surgical margins were negative in 82.9%. Tumors were well differentiated in 11.3%. Histology type correlated with outcome with the best prognosis for epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (OS: not reached, similar for resection and transplantation) and the worst for angiosarcoma (OS:16.6 mo with resection; 6 mo with transplantation; P = 0.04). Resections with microscopically negative margins were associated with improved survival (58.7 vs 11.3 mo for positive margins; P < 0.001). Chemotherapy and radiation therapy were used in a minority of patients (32.9% and 4.3% respectively) with no improvement in outcomes.

Conclusions

Both hepatic resection and liver transplantation can be associated with long term survival for selected primary liver sarcomas such as epitheliod hemangioendotheliomas. Histology type and the ability to resect the tumor with negative margins correlate with outcomes and the decision to operate should be carefully weighed for subtypes with particularly dismal prognosis such as angiosarcomas.
Detection of peroxyl radicals from polluted air by free radical reaction combined with liquid chromatography signal amplification technique
Authors: Wang Guoying , Jia Shiming , Niu Xiuli , Liu Yanrong , Tian Haoqi , Chen Xuefu , Shi Gaofeng
Published: January 2018

Free radicals play an important role in the oxidizing power of polluted air, the development of aging‐related diseases, the formation of ozone, and the production of secondary particulate matter. The high variability of peroxyl radical concentration has prevented the detection of possible trends or distributions in the concentration of free radicals. We present a new method, free radical reaction combined with liquid chromatography photodiode array detection, for identifying and quantifying peroxyl radicals in polluted air. Functionalized graphene was used for loading peroxyl radicals and reactive molecules in air sampling system, which can facilitate reaction kinetics (charge transfers) between peroxyl radicals and reaction molecules. Separation was performed with and without a preliminary exposure of the polluted air sample to reactive molecule(s) system. The integral chromatographic peak areas before and after air sampling are used to quantify the atmospheric peroxyl radicals in polluted air. The utility of the new technique was tested with measurements carried out in the field.
Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: January 2018

Self‐assembly of double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) in water is an emerging area of research. The self‐assembly process can be derived from aqueous two‐phase systems that are composed of hydrophilic homopolymers at elevated concentration. Consecutively, DHBCs form self‐assembled structures like micelles, vesicles, or particles at high concentrations in water and without the use of external triggers that would change solubility of individual blocks. Careful choice of the two hydrophilic blocks and design of the polymer structure allows formation of self‐assembled structures with high efficiency. The present contribution highlights recent research in the area of DHBC self‐assembly, including the polymer types employed and strategies for crosslinking of the self‐assembled structures. Moreover, an overview of aqueous multiphase systems and theoretical considerations of DHBC self‐assembly are presented, as well as an outlook regarding potential future applications in areas such as the biomedical field.
Dependences of Confining Size and Interfacial Curvature on the Glass Transition of Polydimethylsiloxane in Self‐Assembled Block Copolymers
Authors: Huang Zijie , Jiang Jing , Shi Lingying , Wang Xiaoliang , Xue Gi , Li Linling , Shen Zhihao , Zhou Dongshan
Published: January 2018

Lamellae (LAM), hexagonally packed cylinders (HEX), and double gyroid (GYR) phases of diblock copolymer polydimethylsiloxane‐b‐poly‐2,5‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐oxycarbonyl styrene (PDMS‐b‐PMPCS) can be obtained by controlling PMPCS length and thermal annealing conditions. This provides a system to study the glass transition of polymers under the well‐defined confining geometries and interfacial physicochemical properties. By taking advantage of ultrafast differential scanning calorimeter, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PDMS in the confined state is measured without destroying the nanophase structure sustained by the rigid PMPCS domains. Depending on the detailed confining geometry, the Tg and Tg breadth of PDMS show a clear difference by alternating the nanostructure and confining size. When annealing at higher temperatures, the decreases of Tg and Tg breadth with increasing confining size are observed, which are due to the subtle thermal expansion of block copolymer. Besides, the interfacial curvature effect on the Tg of PDMS is emphasized: the confining size dependence on Tg of PDMS block gradually becomes stronger as the interfacial curvature changes from negative (in GYR), to zero (in LAM) and to positive (in HEX). Such results explicitly elaborate the glass transition behavior of PDMS confined in block copolymer with various nanophase structures.
Conjugated Microporous Polytetra(2‐Thienyl)ethylene as High Performance Anode Material for Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Chong , Xu Yunfeng , He Qian , Mu Pan , Chen Yu , Zeng Jinghui , Wang Feng , Jiang Jia‐Xing
Published: January 2018

A novel, thiophene‐rich conjugated microporous polymer of polytetra(2‐thienyl)ethylene (PTTE) is synthesized via FeCl3‐catalyzed oxidative polymerization and applied as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Owing to the high surface area, high redox‐active thiophene content, and the plentiful nanoporous structures in PTTE, the assembled LIBs exhibit a high specific capacitance of 973 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 with excellent rate performance, and the SIBs show a capacitance as high as 370 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1, excellent rate capability, and outstanding cycling stability with a capacity retention of 230 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. These results demonstrate this thiophene‐rich conjugated microporous polymer as a promising electrode material for next‐generation energy storage devices.
Morphology Development via Static Crosslinking of (Polylactic Acid/Acrylic Rubber) as an Immiscible Polymer Blend
Authors: Hesami Mahdis , Jalali‐Arani Azam
Published: January 2018

The interrelation between crosslinking and morphology is investigated for an immiscible blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylic rubber (ACM). The blends are prepared by solution mixing and static crosslinking is used to avoid the simultaneous effect of the flow field that occurs in dynamic vulcanization. It is carried out at different temperatures, times, and curing agent contents. Scanning force microscopy (SFM) and polarized optical microscopy are used to determine the morphology of the blends. The chemical interactions and viscoelastic properties of the blends after crosslinking are also studied using infrared spectroscopy and rheological tests, respectively. Before crosslinking, SFM shows matrix‐droplet morphology for the samples that it is retained after that for the blend with 30 wt% ACM; however, it is changed to cocontinuous one in the blend with 50 wt% ACM. Partially, grafting of PLA on the crosslinked ACM is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The rheological results show that the incorporation of ACM to the PLA slows down the chain relaxation and vulcanization intensifies this effect. A model is proposed to explain the morphology evolution during static crosslinking of an immiscible blend.
Recent Development of Thermoelectric Polymers and Composites
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Fan Zeng , Cheng Hanlin , Guan Xin , Wang Chen , Sun Kuan , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: January 2018

Thermoelectric materials can be used as the active materials in thermoelectric generators and as Peltier coolers for direct energy conversion between heat and electricity. Apart from inorganic thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric polymers have been receiving great attention due to their unique advantages including low cost, high mechanical flexibility, light weight, low or no toxicity, and intrinsically low thermal conductivity. The power factor of thermoelectric polymers has been continuously rising, and the highest ZT value is more than 0.25 at room temperature. The power factor can be further improved by forming composites with nanomaterials. This article provides a review of recent developments on thermoelectric polymers and polymer composites. It focuses on the relationship between thermoelectric properties and the materials structure, including chemical structure, microstructure, dopants, and doping levels. Their thermoelectric properties can be further improved to be comparable to inorganic counterparts in the near future.
Parkinson disease with and without Dementia: A prevalence study and future projections
Authors: Savica Rodolfo , Grossardt Brandon R. , Rocca Walter A. , Bower James H.
Published: January 2018

Background: Limited population‐based information is available on the co‐occurrence of dementia and PD. However, projecting the prevalence of PD with and without dementia during the next 50 years is crucial for planning public‐health and patient‐care initiatives.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to project the prevalence of PD with and without dementia in the United States by 2060.

Methods: We used the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records‐linkage system to identify all persons with PD with or without dementia residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, on January 1, 2006. A movement disorders specialist reviewed the complete medical records of each person to confirm the presence of PD. We calculated the age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence of PD with and without dementia and projected U.S. prevalence through 2060.

Results: We identified 296 persons with PD with and without dementia on the prevalence date (187 men, 109 women); the overall prevalence increased with age from 0.01% (30‐39 years) to 2.83% (≥90 years). The prevalence of PD without dementia increased with age from 0.01% (30‐39 years) to 1.25% (≥90 years). The prevalence of PD with dementia increased with age from 0.10% (60‐69 years) to 1.59% (≥90 years). The prevalence was higher in men than in women for all subtypes and all age groups. We project by 2060 an approximate doubling of the number of persons with PD without dementia and a tripling of the number of persons with PD with dementia in the United States.

Conclusions: The prevalence of PD with and without dementia increases with age and is higher in men than women. We project that the number of persons with PD in the United States will increase substantially by 2060. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Signs and symptoms that distinguish detrusor underactivity from mixed detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction in male patients
Authors: Gammie Andrew , Kaper Mathilde , Steup Achim , Yoshida Satoshi , Dorrepaal Caroline , Kos Ton , Abrams Paul
Published: January 2018

Aims

This study aimed to identify signs and symptoms which show differences between men with detrusor underactivity (DU) compared to those with both DU and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods

One thousand six hundred and twelve urodynamic tests on male patients were analyzed retrospectively. Signs and symptoms which showed a statistically significant difference between patients with DU alone and patients with both DU+BOO were identified.

Results

In the DU only group, considering only patients without a history of bladder outlet surgery, the number of daytime micturitions was lower, maximum voided volume on the bladder diary was higher, and slow stream was reported less often, whereas urinary tract infections were reported more often than for DU+BOO males. The average urine flow rate and abdominal pressure at maximum flow were greater in the DU males, compared to the DU+BOO males.

Conclusions

These data suggest that by combining symptoms, medical history and signs, that could be measured without the need for invasive urodynamics, it may be possible to identify men with DU in a non‐invasive way. By doing so, men with DU could be separated from men with both DU+BOO, with sufficient specificity to allow the use of any new non‐surgical treatment modalities, such as new and effective medical therapy.