bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practicability study of YBaCo4O7+δ and substituted samples for chemical looping air separation process
Authors: Hou Limin , Yu Qingbo , Wang Kun , Wu Tianwei , Wei Mengqi , Yang Fan
Published: November 2018

Chemical looping air separation, producing oxygen, is a non‐traditional and energy efficient process. Oxygen carrier is core of the process. In the article, practicability of YBaCo4O7+δ and substituted samples reacting at temperature lower than 500°C as oxygen carriers are studied for a chemical looping air separation process. First, the XRD analysis of synthesized samples was performed to discern the formation of 114 phase structure. The TG results obtained by temperature‐programmed thermogravimetry show that YBaCo4O7+δ and substituted samples have high oxygen storage capacity. The DTG results obtained by isothermal and temperature‐programmed thermogravimetry show that YBaCo4O7+δ and substituted samples have a faster oxygen desorption rate and a slower oxygen absorption rate. The isothermal TG results show that the conversion time decreases, and the amount of oxygen absorption/desorption first increases and then decreases, with increasing the operating temperature of oxygen absorption. With increasing the operating temperature of oxygen desorption, the conversion time decreases. The optimal temperature of oxygen absorption and desorption is 330 and 450°C, respectively. Oxygen absorption and desorption processes occur in a highly reversible manner. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 563–569, 2019
Performance of chitosan based polymer electrolyte for natural dye sensitized solar cell
Authors: Chawla Priyanka , Srivastava Arti , Tripathi Mridula
Published: November 2018

Out of the main challenge facing dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is the leakage and vaporization of liquid electrolyte limiting the long term durability of these cells. Therefore, solidification of electrolyte in DSSCs is a crucial research direction. In this work, DSSC was assembled using electrolyte system composed of Chitosan as host polymer, ethylene carbonate as plasticizer, LiI: I2 as redox couple and TiO2 as filler; TiO2 modified with WO3 photoanode to provide inherent energy barrier and anthocyanin as sensitizer. The obtained solar cell conversion efficiency was about 1.8% with fill factor 53% using an irradiation of 100 mW/cm2 at 25 °C. The prepared DSSC is not only stable but also eco friendly due to use of natural polymer and dye. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 630–634, 2019
ErbB4 point mutation in CU3 inbred rats affects gonadotropin‐releasing‐hormone neuronal function via compromised neuregulin‐stimulated prostaglandin E2 release from astrocytes
Authors: Moeller‐Gnangra Hanna , Ernst Johanna , Pfeifer Manuel , Heger Sabine
Published: November 2018

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)‐secretion is not only regulated by neuronal factors but also by astroglia cells via growth factors and ErbB receptors of the epidermal growth factor family. Studies in transgenic mice carrying mutations in the ErbB receptor system experience impaired reproductive capacity. In addition, some of these animals show a typical skin phenotype with wavy hair and curly whiskers. The rat strain SPRD‐CU3 (CU3), examined in this study, displays a similar skin phenotype and a significant impairment of the timing of puberty onset and reproductive performance, suggesting a disruption in the astrocytic to GnRH neuronal communication. To address this issue, we analyzed astrocytic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from primary hypothalamic astrocytic cell cultures after stimulation with transforming growth factor α (TGFα), ligand for ErbB1/ErbB2, or Neuregulin 1 beta 2 (NRG1ß2), ligand for ErbB4/ErbB2 signaling pathway. Compared to cultures from wild type animals, astrocytic cultures from CU3 rats were unable to respond to NRG stimulation, suggesting a disruption of the ErbB4/ErbB2 signaling pathway. This is confirmed by mutational analysis of ErbB4 that revealed a single point mutation at 3125 bp resulting in an amino acid change from proline to glutamine located at the carboxy‐terminal region. As a consequence, substantial conformational changes occur in the transmembrane and intracellular domain of the protein, affecting the ability to form a receptor dimer with a partner and the ability to function as a transcriptional regulator. Thus, astroglia to GnRH neuronal signaling via ErbB4 is essential of timely onset of puberty and reproductive function.
The formation of a glial scar does not prohibit remyelination in an animal model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Haindl Michaela Tanja , Köck Ulrike , Zeitelhofer‐Adzemovic Milena , Fazekas Franz , Hochmeister Sonja
Published: November 2018

The role of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is discussed controversially. Especially the formation of the glial scar is often believed to act as a barrier for remyelination. At the same time, astrocytes are known to produce factors that influence oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) survival. To explore these mechanisms, we investigated the astrocytic reaction in an animal model induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in Dark Agouti (DA) rats, which mimics most of the histological features of MS. We correlated the astroglial reaction by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to the remyelination capacity by in situ hybridization for mRNA of proteolipid protein (PLP), indicative of OPCs, over the full course of the disease. PLP mRNA peaked in early remyelinating lesions while the amount of GFAP positive astrocytes was highest in remyelinated lesions. In shadow plaques, we found at the same time all features of a glial scar and numbers of OPCs and mature oligodendrocytes, which were nearly equal to that in unaffected white matter areas. To assess the plaque environment, we furthermore quantitatively analyzed factors expressed by astrocytes previously suggested to influence remyelination. From our data, we conclude that remyelination occurs despite an abundant glial reaction in this animal model. The different patterns of astrocytic factors and the occurrence of different astrocytic phenotypes during lesion evolution furthermore indicate a finely regulated, balanced astrocytic involvement leading to successful repair.
Cutaneous manifestations of hematologic malignancies the experience of an Italian dermatology department
Authors: Merlo Giulia , Cozzani Emanuele , Canale Filippo , Miglino Maurizio , Gambella Massimiliano , Burlando Martina , Parodi Aurora
Published: November 2018

In recent years, dermatologic manifestations in oncohematologic patients have become more common.

The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and heterogeneity of skin manifestations in patients followed at our Hematology Department.

This observational monocentrical study was conducted on 60 patients. We divided the observed conditions in exanthematous, purpuric, vesicular‐bullous, papulonodular, urticarial, and eczematous manifestations. Moreover, all lesions were classified according to pathogenesis, in (a) specific skin manifestations, caused by neoplastic skin infiltration; (b) immune‐mediated manifestations, based on immunological mechanisms; and (c) skin lesions due to immunodeficiency.

Altogether, 73 clinical manifestations were reported. Specific manifestations (a) were detected in 15.1% of the cases, mainly with papulonodular appearance. Immune‐mediated manifestations (b) were found in 37 cases (50.7%), particularly with eczematous or exanthematous appearance, and leukemia was the malignancy most frequently reported in these patients. Eventually, lesions due to immunosuppression (c) were reported in 34.2% of the cases. They were represented by infections and cutaneous malignancies, and usually manifested with papulonodular lesions.

Skin lesions in oncohematologic patients are a common event. A multidisciplinary approach based on the collaboration between the hematologist and the dermatologist is crucial to achieve a proper diagnosis, and correctly manage these manifestations.
Spontaneous remission of residual post‐therapy plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA and its prognostic implication in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A large‐scale, big‐data intelligence platform‐based analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Tang Ling‐long , Li Ying‐Qin , Liu Xu , Liu Qing , Ma Jun
Published: November 2018

Detectable post‐therapy plasma Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA predicts poor survival in non‐metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, some patients subsequently experience spontaneous remission of residual EBV DNA during follow‐up and it was unclear whether these patients were still at high risk of disease failure. Using the NPC database from an established big‐data intelligence platform, 3269 NPC patients who had the plasma EBV DNA load measured at the end of therapy (± 1 week) were identified. In total, 93.0% (3031/3269) and 7.0% (238/3269) of patients had undetectable and detectable (> 0 copy/ml) plasma EBV DNA at the end of therapy (EBV DNAend), respectively. Detectable EBV DNAendwas a prognostic factor for poorer 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), and loco‐regional recurrence‐free survival (LRRFS) in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Of 238 patients with residual EBV DNAend, 192 underwent EBV DNA assay 3 months after andspontaneous remission occurred in 72.4% (139/192). However, these patients still had poorer 3‐year DFS (55.1%vs. 89.8%), OS (79.1%vs. 96.2%), DMFS (68.4%vs. 94.1%) and LRRFS (84.5%vs. 95.0%) than patients with undetectable EBV DNAend(allp< 0.001). And patients with persistent detectable post‐therapy EBV DNA had the worst outcomes. These results were confirmed in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, residual EBV DNA post therapy was a robust biomarker for NPC prognosis. Although residual post‐therapy EBV DNA could spontaneous remit during follow‐up, these patients were still at high risk of disease failure and such patients may benefit from adjuvant therapy.
The connection between social cohesion and personality: A multilevel study in the Kyrgyz Republic
Authors: Larsen Mandi M. , Esenaliev Damir , Brück Tilman , Boehnke Klaus
Published: November 2018

As the discourse around societal cohesion grows and policy makers increasingly turn their attention towards improving cohesion, understanding its role for the lives of individuals becomes ever more important. Our study examines whether the social cohesion of the immediate living context is related to the strength of Big Five personality traits among individuals. Using data from a community survey of 6252 adults living in 30 rural sub‐districts in the Kyrgyz Republic, where social cohesion is a sizable policy concern, we conduct a multilevel analysis of the relationship between sub‐district cohesion and individual personality. Results indicate that higher levels of cohesion are significantly related to higher individual levels of agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness. However, no relationship is found with extraversion or neuroticism. Thus, where a social entity has higher cohesion, this entity will also have inhabitants with a greater prosocial and communal orientation towards others, greater conscientiousness and more openness to experience. These findings imply that social cohesion may be one geographical social indicator related to variation in personality traits. Moreover, the findings suggest that understanding social cohesion requires both macro‐ and micro‐perspectives and that its connection to these particular personality traits should be taken into consideration.
Intraoperative management of carcinoid syndrome
Authors: Usher Helen , Foo Irwin
Published: November 2018

We present a case of a patient with suspected carcinoid syndrome, who underwent laparotomy and ileo‐colic resection. He had been commenced on an octreotide infusion pre‐operatively to optimise him prior to surgery. However, during surgery, he had periods of cardiovascular instability, which did not respond as predicted to the use of recommended vasopressor agents. We suggest that it is helpful to administer a small test‐dose of vasopressor to patients in this situation, as they may not behave predictably to recommended therapy.
Anterior mediastinal teratoma in a child presenting as trauma
Authors: Usman Nusrat , Williams Andrew
Published: November 2018

An eight‐year‐old girl presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain and dyspnoea following a low impact chest injury. A large haemothorax secondary to trauma was initially suspected on the basis of a chest radiograph and ultrasound scan; insertion of a chest drain was considered but not performed. The child remained stable and was transferred to the local trauma unit, where a CT scan revealed an anterior mediastinal mature cystic teratoma. She went on to have a successful resection of the tumour and an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the requirement for a high index of suspicion in circumstances where mechanism of injury and pathology are not congruous. Effective communication within trauma networks is vital for the management of paediatric trauma presenting to district general hospitals.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus ‐ A rare cause of severe sepsis and multi‐organ system failure
Authors: Yusuff Hakeem , Wilkinson Mark , Pasztor Monika
Published: November 2018

A 70‐year‐old man was admitted with rapidly progressive sepsis characterised by respiratory failure, acute renal injury, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and endocarditis. He was treated with empirical antibiotics for a Gram‐negative anaerobe that was difficult to characterise. He had a protracted clinical course during which he developed ischaemic gangrene of his toes. After 5 weeks, the organism was identified at a reference laboratory asCapnocytophaga canimorsus (C. canimorsus), a normal inhabitant of the oral flora of dogs and cats. This infection had never been encountered amongst the mostly rural population served by the hospital. He recovered from his illness but was left with mobility issues. He had a significant alcohol history which was an important factor for developing severe sepsis fromC. canimorsus.
Management of pain from transient osteoporosis of the hip during pregnancy
Authors: Chakladar Abhijoy , Caddye Wendy S.
Published: November 2018

We describe a 40‐yr old multiparous female with a diagnosis of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain, presenting to our hospital with significant peripartum hip pain. She was admitted for induction of labour which progressed with no complication. After delivery, however, the hip pain did not resolve but worsened requiring escalating doses of opioids which proved ineffective. A multidisciplinary approach was required to make a diagnosis of transient osteoporosis of the hip associated with pregnancy. The pain was improved by the administration of intravenous bisphosphonates. This case highlights the importance of early anaesthetic and acute pain team referral for postpartum pain that is difficult to control regardless of the mode of delivery.
Giant thoracic teratoma in a 2‐yr old child
Authors: Mak Wai Yin , Yuen VM
Published: November 2018

The anaesthetic management of patients with large intrathoracic tumours can be extremely challenging. Critical respiratory and haemodynamic compromise can occur as a result of tumour compression of the airway or great vessels. The potential for massive haemorrhage further complicates intra‐operative management. The multidisciplinary management of a giant mediastinal teratoma occupying the whole left thoracic cavity in a paediatric patient is presented.
Streptococcus oralis meningitis following spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Willder Jennifer M , Ramanathan Michelle L , Sutcliffe Nick , Siegmeth Alexander
Published: November 2018

Bacterial meningitis is a rare but potentially life threatening complication following spinal anaesthesia. It is important to consider this in the differential diagnosis of postoperative patients with headache and reduced consciousness following spinal anaesthesia. We present a case of bacterial meningitis following spinal anaesthesia for elective total knee replacement.
Woven collagen biotextiles enable mechanically functional rotator cuff tendon regeneration during repair of segmental tendon defects in vivo
Authors: Learn Greg D. , McClellan Phillip E. , Knapik Derrick M. , Cumsky Jameson L. , Webster‐Wood Victoria , Anderson James M. , Gillespie Robert J. , Akkus Ozan
Published: November 2018

Despite advancements in surgical techniques and materials for rotator cuff repair procedures, primary repair failures remain common. This study examines the use of electrochemically aligned collagen (ELAC) threads woven into biotextile scaffolds as grafts to repair critical infraspinatus tendon defects in New Zealand White rabbits. Three surgical treatment groups were evaluated: rabbits undergoing direct repair as operative controls, rabbits receiving ELAC scaffolds alone, and rabbits treated with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐seeded ELAC scaffolds. In each animal, the intact, contralateral infraspinatus served as an internal positive control. Tendon–bone constructs were harvested after 3 months in vivo and outcome measures included biomechanical testing, histological staining, and immunohistochemical staining. Biomechanical testing revealed that maximum load‐bearing capacity was comparable between all groups, while MSC‐seeded scaffold repairs exhibited increased stiffness relative to non‐seeded scaffold repairs. Histological staining revealed robust collagen deposition around ELAC fibers and increased cellularity within the continuum of woven scaffolds as compared to native tendon. Immunohistochemical staining revealed presence of collagens I and III in all groups, but procollagen I and the tendon‐specific marker tenomodulin were only observed in seeded and non‐seeded ELAC scaffold repairs. Findings of this pilot study warrant continued investigation of ELAC biotextile scaffolds for repair of critically‐sized rotator cuff tendon defects. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1864–1876, 2019.
The influence of relativistic effects on nuclear magnetic resonance spin–spin coupling constant polarizabilities of H2O2, H2S2, H2Se2, and H2Te2
Authors: Pagola Gabriel I. , Larsen Martin A. B. , Ferraro Marta , Sauer Stephan P. A.
Published: November 2018

Relativistic and nonrelativistic calculations have been performed on hydrogen peroxide, dihydrogen disulfide, dihydrogen diselenide, and dihydrogen ditelluride, H2X2 (X = O, S, Se, Te), to investigate the consequences of relativistic effects on their structures as well as their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin–spin coupling constants and spin–spin coupling constant polarizabilites. The study has been performed using both one‐component nonrelativistic and four‐component relativistic calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level with the B3LYP exchange‐correlation functional. The calculation of nuclear spin–spin coupling constant polarizabilities has been performed by evaluating the components of the third order tensor, nuclear spin–spin coupling polarizability, using quadratic response theory. From this, the pseudoscalar associated with this tensor has also been calculated. The results show that relativistic corrections become very important for H2Se2 and H2Te2 and hint that a new chiral discrimination technique via NMR spectroscopy might be possible for molecules containing elements like Se or Te. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of the Sysmex XT‐4000i hematology analyzer in the differentiation of cerebrospinal fluid cells in children
Authors: Zelazowska‐Rutkowska Beata , Zak Janusz , Wojtkowska Malgorzata , Zaworonek Justyna , Cylwik Bogdan
Published: November 2018

Background

Routine analysis of pleocytosis and cellular composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is carried out with a phase‐contrast microscope. The use of hematological analyzers seems to be an alternative to the manual method. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the automated technique for counting and differentiating CSF cells in children.

Methods

The study group consisted of 59 children (28 girls and 31 boys) aged from 4 to 17 years suffering from viral and bacterial meningitis. Children were divided into three subgroups according to CSF cell count: 1st group had a pleocytosis of 6‐50 cells/µL, 2nd group—51‐100 cells/µL, and 3rd group—>100 cells/µL. A reference group involved 32 children (17 girls and 15 boys) aged from 2 to 18 years with a normal range of 0‐5 cells/µL. Examination of CSF was performed in parallel by two different method, manual and automated.

Results

The analysis of pleocytosis revealed that the values obtained by the manual method were statistically significantly lower in relation to the values obtained by automated technique in subgroups I and II. The number of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells in subgroups I, II, and III determined by both manual and automated methods was comparable.

Conclusion

We conclude that automated method cannot fully replace the previously used manual method and some of the dubious cases, such as samples with low pleocytosis rates or abnormal cells indicated by the analyzer, will still require microscopic examination.
Altered expression of circular RNAs in human placental chorionic plate‐derived mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with hypoxia
Authors: Sun Xunsha , Jin Yulin , Liang Qihua , Tang Jie , Chen Jinsong , Yu Qiuxia , Li Fatao , Li Yan , Wu Jieying , Wu Shaoqing
Published: November 2018

Background

Hypoxic preconditioning alters the biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It is not known whether this process has an effect on circular RNAs (circRNAs) in MSCs.

Methods

Human placental chorionic plate‐derived MSCs (hpcpMSCs) isolated from the same placentae were classed into two groups: hypoxic pretreated (hypoxia) group and normally cultured (normoxia) group. The comparative circRNA microarray analysis was used to determine circRNAs expression and verified by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in the two groups.

Results

One hundred and two differentially expressed circRNAs in the hypoxia group were found compared to that in the normoxia group (fold change >1.5‐fold and P < 0.05). The expression levels of circRNAs by qRT‐PCR were consistent with those evaluated by microarray analysis. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the putative function of their target genes for those differentially expressed circRNAs was primarily involved in cell development and its differentiation and regulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that transcriptional misregulation in cancer and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were the most significant. MAPK signaling pathway was found to be the core regulatory pathway triggered by hypoxia.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the altered expression of specific circRNAs in MSCs is associated with hypoxic preconditioning. This finding provides further exploration of underlying mechanisms of the characteristic changes of MSCs with hypoxic preconditioning.
Convenient and Efficient Method for Synthesis of Bis‐Hetaryl Ketones and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Abdelhamid Abdou O. , Gomha Sobhi M. , El‐Enany Waleed A. M. A.
Published: November 2018

Sodium 1‐aryl‐3‐(3‐(ethoxycarbonyl)‐5‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐oxoprop‐1‐en‐1‐olate was used as precursor for the preparation of some novel derivatives of various fused azolotriazine ring systems via coupling reactions with hetaryldiazonium salts. Hydrazinolysis of the latter products yielded the corresponding pyrazolopyridazine derivatives. The structures of the products were established by their spectral data and elemental analyses. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of some of the new products were also evaluated.
A simple, low‐cost technique for in situ measurement of leaf P concentration in field‐grown rice
Authors: Yamane Koji , Mabesa-Telosa Ranee C. , Tajima Ryosuke , Banayo Nino P. M. C. , Kato Yoichiro
Published: November 2018

Simple tools for diagnosing crop nutritional status are in great demand by agricultural extension staff, particularly in low‐fertility environments. We developed the first practical method for in situ diagnosis of phosphorus (P) nutrition in field‐grown cereal crops by using a handheld colorimeter. The concentration of P in extracts from fresh leaves of lowland rice grown under various P availabilities was closely correlated with that of oven‐dried leaves measured with the standard molybdenum‐blue method in the laboratory, over a range of values from 0.319 to 1.420 mg P g −1 DW (r = 0.885**, n = 14). It takes only 3–5 min to estimate the P concentration of plant samples using the new technique. Although not as accurate as the laboratory method, the new method can easily detect P deficiency of rice in the field (and possibly other cereal crops) without requiring costly, off‐site equipment. Thus, extension staff and agronomists can easily adopt this technique.
Nutrient‐enriched soils and native N‐fixing plants in New Zealand
Authors: Dollery Rebecca , Li Shanshan , Dickinson Nicholas M.
Published: November 2018

Approximately 40% of New Zealand's land mass is fertilized grassland with entirely non‐native plants, but currently there is substantially increased interest in restoration of native plants into contemporary agricultural matrices. Native vegetation is adapted to more acid and less fertile soils and their establishment and growth may be constrained by nutrient spillover from agricultural land. We investigated plant–soil interactions of native N‐fixing and early successional non N‐fixing plants in soils with variable fertility. The effects of soil amendments of urea (100 and 300 kg N ha−1), lime (6000 kg CaCO3 ha−1), and superphosphate (470 kg ha−1) and combinations of these treatments were evaluated in a glasshouse pot trial. Plant growth, soil pH, soil mineral N, Olsen P and nodule nitrogenase activity in N‐fixing plants were measured. Urea amendments to soil were not inhibitory to the growth of native N‐fixing plants at lower N application rates; two species responded positively to combinations of N, P and lime. Phosphate enrichment enhanced nodulation in N‐fixers, but nitrogen inhibited nodulation, reduced soil pH and provided higher nitrate concentrations in soil. The contribution of mineral N to soil from the 1‐year old N‐fixing plants was small, in amounts extrapolated to be 10–14 kg ha−1 y−1. Urea, applied both alone and in conjunction with other amendments, enhanced the growth of the non N‐fixing species, which exploited mineral N more efficiently; without N, application of lime and P had little effect or was detrimental. The results showed native N‐fixing plants can be embedded in agroecology systems without significant risk of further increasing soil fertility or enhancing nitrate leaching.
Bone quality assessment of osteogenic cell cultures by Raman microscopy
Authors: Mandair Gurjit S. , Steenhuis Pieter , Ignelzi Michael A. , Morris Michael D.
Published: November 2018

The use of autologous stem/progenitor cells represents a promising approach to the repair of craniofacial bone defects. The calvarium is recognized as a viable source of stem/progenitor cells that can be transplanted in vitro to form bone. However, it is unclear if bone formed in cell culture is similar in quality to that found in native bone. In this study, the quality of bone mineral formed in osteogenic cell cultures were compared against calvarial bone from postnatal mice. Given the spectroscopic resemblance that exists between cell and collagen spectra, the feasibility of extracting information on cell activity and bone matrix quality were also examined. Stem/progenitor cells isolated from fetal mouse calvaria were cultured onto fused‐quartz slides under osteogenic differentiation conditions for 28 days. At specific time intervals, slides were removed and analyzed by Raman microscopy and mineral staining techniques. We show that bone formed in culture at Day 28 resembled calvarial bone from 1‐day‐old postnatal mice with comparable mineralization, mineral crystallinity, and collagen crosslinks ratios. In contrast, bone formed at Day 28 contained a lower degree of ordered collagen fibrils compared with 1‐day‐old postnatal bone. Taken together, bone formed in osteogenic cell culture exhibited progressive matrix maturation and mineralization but could not fully replicate the high degree of collagen fibril order found in native bone.
Flexible Semicrown Ether‐Linked Symmetric Cationic Gemini Surfactants: Synthesis and Evaluation as Catalysts for Acceleration of Diastereoselective [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction in Reversed Phase Micellar Media
Authors: Öztürk Serkan , Yıldırım Ayhan , Gece Gökhan , Türkdemir Haluk
Published: November 2018

Novel cationic gemini surfactants with a hydrophilic oligo‐oxyethylene spacer group were synthesized and their physicochemical properties were identified. Computational studies for these compounds were also performed; molecular geometry, frontier molecular orbitals, and quantum chemical parameters were calculated using density functional theory (DFT). After exploration for catalytic activity, it was found that these surfactants can efficaciously accelerate the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions in reversed phase micellar media.
The Phase Transformation Mechanism of Bentonite‐Stabilized and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide‐Stabilized Emulsions and Application in Reversible Emulsification Oil‐Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhu Xuyang , Cai Youfeng
Published: November 2018

We obtained a reversible emulsion system induced by bentonite solid particles and surfactant Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, whose critical micelle concentration (CMC) value is 9.21 × 10−4 mol L−1). In this study, the zeta potential and contact angle were used to characterize surface wettability of bentonite solid particles in the process of phase transmission behavior. The adsorption amount was calculated at different CTAB concentrations, and then the adsorption isotherm of surfactant CTAB at bentonite solid particles was also studied to confirm the adsorption behavior and adsorption layer structure. The electrical conductivity and microscopic analysis were employed to characterize the phase inversion behavior of emulsion. The results show that the wettability of bentonite particles can be reversed by changing the CTAB concentration, and then the two phase transition behavior of bentonite emulsion can be induced. Additionally, the surfactant CTAB can be used in oil‐based drilling fluid systems for the inversion of the emulsion type. The research on the performance of the reversible emulsion oil‐based drilling fluid system shows that it has a good thermal stability and a small amount of fluid loss, and successfully reduces the damage of the traditional oil‐based drilling fluids on oil well completion.
Kinetics of CO2 absorption by aqueous mixtures of N,N′‐diethylethanolamine and polyamines
Authors: Joseph Elizabeth B. , Vaidya Prakash D.
Published: November 2018

Aqueous solutions of N,Nʹ‐diethylethanolamine (DEEA) are prospective high‐capacity CO2‐capturing solvents. Their reactivity can be enhanced by promotion with absorption activators. Two polyamines were chosen as activators in this work, viz. (methylamino)propylamine (MAPA) and diethylene triamine (DETA). In a stirred cell reactor, kinetics of CO2 absorption into aqueous DEEA/MAPA and DEEA/DETA mixtures was studied at 303 K. The molarity of DEEA was varied in the 2–2.5 M range, whereas the polyamine concentration was changed between 0.1 and 0.5 M. Pseudo–first‐order rate constants were reported. Second‐order rate constants for the CO2 reactions with MAPA and DETA were determined too. DETA reacts faster than MAPA.
When to replace legacy cochlear implants for technological upgrades: Indications and outcomes
Authors: Holcomb Meredith A. , Burton Jane A. , Dornhoffer James R. , Camposeo Elizabeth L. , Meyer Ted A. , McRackan Theodore R.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To determine indications, surgical efficacy, and audiologic outcomes of replacing Advanced Bionics Clarion C1.2 internal devices (Advanced Bionics, LLC, Valencia, CA) as a means of technology upgrade.

Study Design

Retrospective review, case series.

Methods

Ten patients were initially implanted as a child (mean age = 3.87 years) and underwent cochlear implant reimplantation (CIR) with current Advanced Bionics internal device as a young adult (mean duration of implant use = 15.66 years). Demographic data and pre‐ and post‐CIR speech perception scores were collected.

Results

Technology upgrade was the primary (9) or secondary (1) motivation for CIR. No surgical complications were noted, and full insertion was obtained in nine cases. Intraoperative impedance levels and neural response imaging measures were within normal limits for eight patients. At most recent post‐CIR follow‐up evaluation, all patients (100%) performed within or better than the 95% confidence interval of their pre‐CIR word and sentence recognition scores; and 55.6%, 50.0%, and 50.0% of patients performed above the 95% confidence interval of their pre‐CIR scores for the CNC words, sentences in quiet, and sentences in noise, respectively.

Conclusion

Post‐CIR audiological benefit was stable or improved compared to pre‐CIR results in all categories by 3 months after reactivation. Given these results, patients who are unable to use the most current external processors due to incompatibility with a legacy internal device could consider reimplanation to optimize their overall performance with a cochlear implant.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:748–753, 2019
Discrimination of “hot potato voice” caused by upper airway obstruction utilizing a support vector machine
Authors: Fujimura Shintaro , Kojima Tsuyoshi , Okanoue Yusuke , Shoji Kazuhiko , Inoue Masato , Hori Ryusuke
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

“Hot potato voice” (HPV) is a thick, muffled voice caused by pharyngeal or laryngeal diseases characterized by severe upper airway obstruction, including acute epiglottitis and peritonsillitis. To develop a method for determining upper‐airway emergency based on this important vocal feature, we investigated the acoustic characteristics of HPV using a physical, articulatory speech synthesis model. The results of the simulation were then applied to design a computerized recognition framework using a mel‐frequency cepstral coefficient domain support vector machine (SVM).

Study Design

Quasi‐experimental research design.

Methods

Changes in the voice spectral envelope caused by upper airway obstructions were analyzed using a hybrid time‐frequency model of articulatory speech synthesis. We evaluated variations in the formant structure and thresholds of critical vocal tract area functions that triggered HPV. The SVMs were trained using a dataset of 2,200 synthetic voice samples generated by an articulatory synthesizer. Voice classification experiments on test datasets of real patient voices were then performed.

Results

On phonation of the Japanese vowel /e/, the frequency of the second formant fell and coalesced with that of the first formant as the area function of the oropharynx decreased. Changes in higher‐order formants varied according to constriction location. The highest accuracy afforded by the SVM classifier trained with synthetic data was 88.3%.

Conclusions

HPV caused by upper airway obstruction has a highly characteristic spectral envelope. Based on this distinctive voice feature, our SVM classifier, who was trained using synthetic data, was able to diagnose upper‐airway obstructions with a high degree of accuracy.

Level of Evidence

2c

Laryngoscope, 129:1301–1307, 2019
Cartilage tympanoplasty combined with eustachian tube balloon dilatation in the treatment of adhesive otitis media
Authors: Si Yu , Chen Yubin , Xu Guo , Chen Ximing , He Wuhui , Zhang Zhigang
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the simultaneous application of cartilage tympanoplasty combined with eustachian tube (ET) balloon dilatation in the treatment of adhesive otitis media (AdOM).

Study Design

Multicenter, prospective, double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Patients with AdOM were randomly divided into four groups: control group (conservative treatment), ET balloon dilatation (ETBD) group, cartilage tympanoplasty (CT) group, and cartilage tympanoplasty combined with ET balloon dilatation (ETBD+CT) group. Patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment, receiving otoendoscopy and pure‐tone audiometry, and were evaluated using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), visual analogue scale (VAS) for the symptom of ear stuffiness, Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test (COMOT‐15), and eustachian tube scores (ETS).

Results

There was no improvement in tympanic membrane (TM) morphology and mean pure‐tone air‐bone gap (ABG) after treatment in the control and ETBD groups. The postoperative TM morphology was improved in the CT group and ETBD+CT group, although retraction pockets reoccurred in two cases of CT group. Reduced ABG and improvements in ETS, THI, VAS, and COMOT‐15 were all achieved in these two groups, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Cartilage tympanoplasty combined with ET balloon dilatation could be used as an appropriate surgical technique for AdOM, which could relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and ear stuffiness, and improve postoperative TM morphology, hearing level, ET functions, and quality of life, with low incidence of complications.

Level of Evidence

2

Laryngoscope, 129:1462–1467, 2019
Routine bilateral neck exploration and four‐gland dissection remains unnecessary in modern parathyroid surgery
Authors: Walsh Nathaniel J. , Sullivan Brian T. , Duke William S. , Terris David J.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Recent advances in preoperative imaging techniques and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) assays have made single‐gland, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) the preferred treatment option for most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Despite this evolution, a recommendation for bilateral neck exploration (BNE) with four‐gland dissection in all patients has recently been advocated by a parathyroid surgical group. The current study compares the long‐term outcomes of MIP with those of conventional BNE with four‐gland dissection in patients with pHPT.

Methods

In order to objectively assess a recommendation in the literature that universal BNE with four‐gland dissection is advisable, all patients undergoing an initial MIP with ioPTH assessment for pHPT in a tertiary endocrine practice during a 10‐year period were reviewed. The cure rates from this procedure were compared with published results of conventional BNE with four‐gland dissection.

Results

Of the 561 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy during the study period, 337 had initial surgery for pHPT; 282 of these patients met inclusion criteria and 212 had sufficient follow‐up data available. A single adenoma was identified in 87.3% of cases. Preoperative imaging studies were co‐localizing in 148 (69.8%), and 127 (85.8%) of these patients with co‐localizing imaging required only single‐gland surgery. Imaging studies did not co‐localize in 49 patients, yet 32 (65.3%) of these patients were still cured with unilateral surgery. The cure rate for patients undergoing MIP was 98.6%, with a long‐term recurrence rate of <2%.

Conclusion

When coupled with the ioPTH assay, patients with at least one preoperative localizing study can undergo MIP and anticipate a cure rate of 99%, which is as good as or better than the published rates for conventional BNE with four‐gland dissection. With unilateral surgery, the risks of permanent hypoparathyroidism and airway obstruction from bilateral vocal fold paralysis are completely eliminated. Therefore, despite recommendations to the contrary, most patients with pHPT should not have a planned four‐gland exploration.

Level of Evidence

III or IV
Neurotrophic factor BDNF is upregulated in soft palate muscles of snorers and sleep apnea patients
Authors: Shah Farhan , Forsgren Sture , Holmlund Thorbjörn , Levring Jäghagen Eva , Berggren Diana , Franklin Karl A. , Stål Per
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Neuromuscular injuries are suggested to contribute to upper airway collapse and swallowing dysfunction in patients with sleep apnea. Neurotrophins, a family of proteins involved in survival, development, and function of neurons, are reported to be upregulated in limb muscle fibers in response to overload and nerve damage. We aimed to investigate the expression of two important neurotrophins, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), in muscle fibers of uvula from snorers and sleep apnea patients and to compare these findings with pharyngeal function.

Methods

Uvula muscle biopsies from 22 patients and 10 controls were analyzed for BDNF, NGF, and cytoskeletal protein desmin using immunohistochemistry. Pharyngeal swallowing function was assessed using videoradiography.

Results

BDNF, but not NGF, was significantly upregulated in a subpopulation of muscle fibers in snoring and sleep apnea patients. Two major immunoreaction patterns for BDNF were observed; a fine grainy point like BDNF staining was displayed in muscle fibers of both patients and controls (41 ± 23 vs. 25 ± 17%, respectively, P = .06), while an abnormal upregulated intense‐dotted or disorganized reaction was mainly observed in patients (8 ± 8 vs. 2 ± 2%, P = .02). The latter fibers, which often displayed an abnormal immunoreaction for desmin, were more frequent in patients with than without swallowing dysfunction (10 ± 8 vs. 3 ± 3%, P = .05).

Conclusion

BDNF is upregulated in the upper airway muscles of snorers and sleep apnea patients, and especially in patients with swallowing dysfunction. Upregulation of BDNF is suggested to be a response to denervation, reinnervation, and repair of injured muscle fibers. Our findings propose that damaged upper airway muscles might heal following treatment for snoring and sleep apnea.

Level of Evidence

NA
Fine scale depth regulation of invertebrate larvae around coastal fronts
Authors: Weidberg Nicolas , Goschen Wayne , Jackson Jennifer M. , Pattrick Paula , McQuaid Christopher D. , Porri Francesca
Published: November 2018

Vertical migrations of zooplankters have been widely described, but their active movements through shallow, highly dynamic water columns within the inner shelf may be more complex and difficult to characterize. In this study, invertebrate larvae, currents, and hydrographic variables were sampled at different depths during and after the presence of fronts on three different cruises off the southern coast of South Africa. Internal wave dynamics were observed in the hydrographic data set but also through satellite imagery, although strong surface convergent currents were absent and thermal stratification was weak. During the first two cruises, fronts were more conspicuous and they preceded strong onshore currents at depth which developed with the rising tide. Vertical distributions of larvae changed accordingly, with higher abundances at these deep layers once the front disappeared. The third cruise was carried out during slack tides, the front was not conspicuous, deep strong onshore currents did not occur afterward and larval distributions did not change consistently through time. Overall, the vertical distributions of many larval taxa matched the vertical profiles of shoreward currents and multivariate analyses revealed that these flows structured the larval community, which was neither influenced by temperature nor chlorophyll. Thus, the ability to regulate active vertical positioning may enhance shoreward advection and determine nearshore larval distributions.
Understanding the role of genetic variability in LRRK2 in Indian population
Authors: Kishore Asha , Ashok Kumar Sreelatha Ashwin , Sturm Marc , von‐Zweydorf Felix , Pihlstrøm Lasse , Raimondi Francesco , Russell Rob , Lichtner Peter , Banerjee Moinak , Krishnan Syam , Rajan Roopa , Puthenveedu Divya Kalikavil , Chung Sun Ju ,   International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC),   Comprehensive Unbiased Risk Factor Assessment for Genetics and Environment in Parkinson's Disease (COURAGE‐PD), Bauer Peter , Riess Olaf , Gloeckner Christian Johannes , Kruger Rejko , Gasser Thomas , Sharma Manu
Published: November 2018

Background

Genetic variability in LRRK2 has been unequivocally established as a major risk factor for familial and sporadic forms of PD in ethnically diverse populations.

Objectives

To resolve the role of LRRK2 in the Indian population.

Methods

We performed targeted resequencing of the LRRK2 locus in 288 cases and 298 controls and resolved the haplotypic structure of LRRK2 in a combined cohort of 800 cases and 402 controls in the Indian population. We assessed the frequency of novel missense variants in the white and East Asian population by leveraging exome sequencing and densely genotype data, respectively. We did computational modeling and biochemical approach to infer the potential role of novel variants impacting the LRRK2 protein function. Finally, we assessed the phosphorylation activity of identified novel coding variants in the LRRK2 gene.

Results

We identified four novel missense variants with frequency ranging from 0.0008% to 0.002% specific for the Indian population, encompassing armadillo and kinase domains of the LRRK2 protein. A common genetic variability within LRRK2 may contribute to increased risk, but it was nonsignificant after correcting for multiple testing, because of small cohort size. The computational modeling showed destabilizing effect on the LRRK2 function. In comparison to the wild‐type, the kinase domain variant showed 4‐fold increase in the kinase activity.

Conclusions

Our study, for the first time, identified novel missense variants for LRRK2, specific for the Indian population, and showed that a novel missense variant in the kinase domain modifies kinase activity in vitro. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society