bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of unilateral and simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation on tinnitus: A Prospective Study
Authors: van Zon Alice , Smulders Yvette E. , Ramakers Geerte G. J. , Stegeman Inge , Smit Adriana L. , Van Zanten Gijsbert A. , Stokroos Robert J. , Hendrice Nadia , Free Rolien H. , Maat Bert , Frijns Johan H. M. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M. , Huinck Wendy J. , Topsakal Vedat , Tange Rinze A. , Grolman Wilko
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus perception in patients with severe bilateral postlingual sensorineural hearing loss and to demonstrate possible differences between unilateral and bilateral cochlear implantation.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Methods

Thirty‐eight adult patients were included in this prospective study, as part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial investigating the benefits of bilateral cochlear implantation versus unilateral cochlear implantation. Pre‐ and postoperative tinnitus perception scores were evaluated, before and 1 year after implantation on three tinnitus questionnaires; the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), and a visual analogue scale for tinnitus burden.

Results

Before implantation, the tinnitus prevalence was 42.1% (16 of 38) in the whole study group. One year after implantation, the tinnitus questionnaire scores had decreased in 71.4% according to the TQ and 80.0% according to the THI. Tinnitus was induced after cochlear implantation in six patients, five in the bilateral and one in the unilateral group.

Conclusions

Our study shows that cochlear implantation is effective in the reduction of tinnitus in patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who suffered from preoperative tinnitus. Conversely, tinnitus may also increase or even be induced by the cochlear implantation itself. Cochlear implant candidates should be well informed about these possible consequences before undergoing surgery.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 126:956–961, 2016
Clinical analysis of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy for the OSA patient
Authors: Golbin Dina , Musgrave Brandon , Succar Eric , Yaremchuk Kathleen
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine if the use of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with improved outcomes and acceptable complication rates when compared to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with or without tonsillectomy (± T).

Methods

A retrospective cohort review was performed comparing 40 patients who had previously undergone UPPP ± T with 64 patients who had DISE, UPPP ± T, and possible TORS base‐of‐tongue resection and/or partial epiglottectomy. Apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), body mass index, sex, hospital length of stay, hospital charges, hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and major complications were compared for both groups.

Results

The 40 patients who underwent UPPP ± T without DISE showed a significant reduction in AHI of −20.1 (P = 0.001) and a complication rate of 3% (P = 0.001). There was no significant change in ESS (−2.2; P = 0.734). The 64 patients who underwent DISE and subsequent procedures showed a significant reduction in AHI of −21.4 (P = 0.001) and a complication rate of 34.7% (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the ESS (+0.1; P = 0.734) or AHI (P = 0.092) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent UPPP ± T without DISE did not show a statistically significant difference in outcomes compared to the patients who underwent DISE with other procedures, including TORS. The TORS patients had increased total costs and length of stay that were statistically significant and had increased complications that were not statistically significant.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:249–253, 2016
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the head and neck: Molecular analysis using CRTC‐MAML FISH and survival comparison with paired conventional squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kass Jason I. , Lee Steve C. , Abberbock Shira , Seethala Raja R. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is a rare variant of head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) generally thought to be uniformly aggressive with poor prognosis. However, it remains unknown how overall survival compare with conventional HNSCC. Here we report for the first time that ASC does not necessarily indicate a worse prognosis than conventional HNSCC.

Study Design

Case‐control retrospective study.

Methods

Forty‐two primary tumors of the head and neck, treated with curative intent, were identified. Next, 2:1 matching of HNSCC was performed using the following matching criteria: gender, site, pathologic tumor stage, and pathologic node stage. Successful matching was performed for 32 of 42 tumors. Additionally, 20 samples were sent for break‐apart FISH testing to evaluate for the presence of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation.

Results

There was a 1.8:1 male to female ratio, with a mean age of 62 years (range 38–84). The layrnx was the most common site (26%), followed by oropharynx (24%), oral cavity (19%), and sinonasal (17%). Kaplan‐Meier analysis of adenosquamous and matched HNSCC showed similar survival curves. Median survival times for ASC and HNSCC were 4 and 6 years, respectively. A random‐effects Cox model with Gamma frailty revealed no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.25). All cases of ASC were negative for the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation.

Conclusion

This study directly compares primary ASC with HNSCC. No difference in overall survival was detected in contradistinction to the previously thought uniformly poor prognosis. We also highlight the importance of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation in distinguishing ASC from mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 125:E371–E376, 2015
The effects of treadmill running on aging laryngeal muscle structure
Authors: Kletzien Heidi , Russell John A. , Connor Nadine P.
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Age‐related changes in laryngeal muscle structure and function may contribute to deficits in voice and swallowing observed in elderly people. We hypothesized that treadmill running, an exercise that increases respiratory drive to upper airway muscles, would induce changes in thyroarytenoid muscle myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms that are consistent with a fast‐to‐slow transformation in muscle fiber type.

Study Design

Randomized parallel group controlled trial.

Methods

Fifteen young adult and 14 old Fischer 344/Brown Norway rats received either treadmill running or no exercise (5 days/week/8 weeks). Myosin heavy chain isoform composition in the thyroarytenoid muscle was examined at the end of 8 weeks.

Results

Significant age and treatment effects were found. The young adult group had the greatest proportion of superfast‐contracting MHCIIL isoform. The treadmill running group had the lowest proportion of MHCIIL and the greatest proportion of MHCIIx isoforms.

Conclusion

Thyroarytenoid muscle structure was affected both by age and treadmill running in a fast‐to‐slow transition that is characteristic of exercise manipulations in other skeletal muscles.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:672–677, 2016
The Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms Questionnaire to assess sialendoscopy‐assisted surgery
Authors: Aubin‐Pouliot Annick , Delagnes Elise A. , Eisele David W. , Chang Jolie L. , Ryan William R.
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Introduce the Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) questionnaire to quantify chronic sialadenitis symptoms and assess the impact of sialendoscopic‐assisted salivary duct surgery (SASDS).

Study Design

Retrospective outcome symptoms questionnaire study.

Methods

The COSS questionnaire assesses the severity of sialadenitis symptoms from 0 to 100. Patients who underwent SASDS from April 2006 to December 2013 completed the COSS questionnaire and the ShortForm8 Health Survey (SF‐8) based on current symptoms, and reported whether they had complete, partial, or no symptomatic response to SASDS.

Results

Sixty‐six of the 156 (43%) contacted patients completed the questionnaires who had had symptoms in 26 submandibular ducts and 53 parotid ducts. The mean COSS score was higher for parotid ducts (12.0; interquartile range [IQR] 1.0–20.0) than for submandibular ducts (7.6; IQR 0.5–15.0) but not significantly so (P = 0.20). Thirty‐eight (60%) patients reported complete resolution of symptoms, with a mean COSS score of 4.5 (IQR 0–7). Twenty‐one (33%) patients reported partial resolution, with a mean COSS score of 18.5 (IQR 11.3–22.8). Five (8%) patients reported no improvement, with a mean COSS score of 25.1 (IQR 15.2–35). Thirty‐six (46%) ducts with sialoliths had a significantly lower mean COSS score (5.8; IQR 0−9.5) compared to those without sialoliths (14.2; IQR 4.5−21.5, P = 0.0004). There was no significant difference in SF‐8 survey scores between these groups.

Conclusion

The COSS questionnaire is a novel survey instrument to measure obstructive sialadenitis symptom severity that could be helpful in defining outcomes of SASDS. COSS scores under 10 correlate with complete resolution of symptoms, whereas scores between 10 and 25 correlate with partial resolution.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:93–99, 2016
Does quality of life depend on speech recognition performance for adult cochlear implant users?
Authors: Capretta Natalie R. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Current postoperative clinical outcome measures for adults receiving cochlear implants (CIs) consist of testing speech recognition, primarily under quiet conditions. However, it is strongly suspected that results on these measures may not adequately reflect patients' quality of life (QOL) using their implants. This study aimed to evaluate whether QOL for CI users depends on speech recognition performance.

Study Design

Twenty‐three postlingually deafened adults with CIs were assessed.

Methods

Participants were tested for speech recognition (Central Institute for the Deaf word and AzBio sentence recognition in quiet) and completed three QOL measures—the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire; either the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults or the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly; and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale questionnaires—to assess a variety of QOL factors. Correlations were sought between speech recognition and QOL scores. Demographics, audiologic history, language, and cognitive skills were also examined as potential predictors of QOL.

Results

Only a few QOL scores significantly correlated with postoperative sentence or word recognition in quiet, and correlations were primarily isolated to speech‐related subscales on QOL measures. Poorer pre‐ and postoperative unaided hearing predicted better QOL. Socioeconomic status, duration of deafness, age at implantation, duration of CI use, reading ability, vocabulary size, and cognitive status did not consistently predict QOL scores.

Conclusion

For adult, postlingually deafened CI users, clinical speech recognition measures in quiet do not correlate broadly with QOL. Results suggest the need for additional outcome measures of the benefits and limitations of cochlear implantation.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:699–706, 2016
Upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea: The surgical learning curve
Authors: Murphey Alexander W. , Baker Andrew B. , Soose Ryan J. , Padyha Tapan A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Xiao Christopher C. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the effect of surgeon experience with an upper airway stimulation (UAS) system on surgical time and complication rates.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Surgical procedure times and complication rates observed in patients implanted at 22 study centers as part of a phase III, multicenter surgical trial of upper airway nerve stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea were reviewed.

Results

The study included 126 subjects who were predominantly male (83%), with a mean age of 54.5 years (range = 31–80 years), and the mean body mass index was 28.4 ± 2.6. There were an average of 5.7 (range = 1–22) surgical implants per site, with an average surgical time of 2.52 ± 0.98 hours (range = 1.08–6.0 hours). The surgical implant time decreased significantly with surgeon experience, from 2.98 ± 1.18 hours for a surgeon's first implant (n = 22) to 2.08 ± 0.55 hours for the fifth implant (n = 10, P = .025). Surgical time was inversely correlated with the site implant number (rho = −0.334, P < .001). Procedure‐specific complications were uncommon and self‐limited and did not decrease appreciably with increasing experience.

Conclusions

Surgical time for implantation of the UAS system decreased significantly after the first five implants and then stabilized. The rate of surgical complications did not decrease with surgeon experience, although this may be attributable to the low overall rate of serious surgical complications and low number of implants at some centers.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:501–506, 2016
Recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation in children: Acoustic and endoscopic characteristics pre‐intervention and post‐intervention. A comparison of treatment options
Authors: Zur Karen B. , Carroll Linda M.
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To establish the benefit of ansa cervicalis‐recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation (ANSA‐RLN) for the management of dysphonia secondary to unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) in children. Children treated with ANSA‐RLN for the management of dysphonia secondary to unilateral vocal fold immobility will have superior acoustic, perceptual, and stroboscopic outcomes compared to injection laryngoplasty and observation.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐series chart review.

Methods

Laryngeal, perceptual, and acoustic analysis of dysphonia was performed in 33 children (age 2–16 years) diagnosed with UVCP. Comparison of pre‐post function for treatment groups (no treatment, injection laryngoplasty, ANSA‐RLN) with additional comparison between gestational ages, age at initial evaluation, and gender were examined. Perceptual measures included Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) and Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GBRAS) perceptual rating. Objective measures included semitone (ST) range, jitter%, shimmer%, noise‐to‐harmonic ratio, voicing, and maximum phonation time.

Results

Post‐treatment, pVHI, jitter%, and ST were significantly improved for ANSA‐RLN subjects compared to injection subjects. Improved function (laryngeal diadochokinesis, pVHI, GRBAS, and/or acoustic) was observed in all ANSA‐RLN subjects who had vocal fold paralysis as the only laryngeal diagnosis.

Conclusions

This study presents one of the largest studies of pediatric vocal fold paralysis diagnosis and treatment. The study looks at the spectrum of function in patients with UVCP and looks at the outcomes of options: no treatment, injection laryngoplasty, and ANSA‐RLN. Although surgical outcomes vary, both injection laryngoplasty and ANSA‐RLN show benefit in laryngeal function, voice stability, voice capacity, perceptual rating, and pVHI scores. Both injection laryngoplasty and ANSA‐RLN showed improvements post‐treatment, and should be considered for management of pediatric UVCP. However, the ANSA‐RLN group showed better and longer‐lasting perceptual and acoustic parameters in comparison with the injection and control groups. Reinnervation, even long term after the onset of vocal fold paralysis, should be considered a viable permanent treatment for pediatric UVCP.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:S1–S15, 2015
Novel mouse model for simulating microsurgical tumor excision with facial nerve preservation
Authors: Lim Jae H. , Boyle Glen M. , Panizza Benedict
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the feasibility of using a mouse tumor model as a microsurgical training tool for otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) trainees.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

We injected athymic nude mice with human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (A431 cell line) deep to the parotid region overlying the masseter muscle. We sacrificed the animals 1 to 3 weeks postinjection, once a visible tumor growth was confirmed. We then asked 10 OHNS trainees to excise the tumor with preservation of the facial nerves under a high‐magnification dissecting microscope. The trainees graded the tasks in several areas of specific measures using a visual analogue scale (VAS) including 1) tumor texture, 2) surgical realism, 3) usefulness, and 4) difficulty of the task.

Results

Noticeable tumor growth occurred within 5 days following A431 cell injection and reached measureable size (0.5–1.5 cm) within 1 to 3 weeks. The tumor displaced the facial nerve laterally and medially, with few demonstrating infiltration of the nerve. VAS scores (± standard deviation) were 8.1 (±1.7), 7.7 (±2.5), 9.0 (±0.9) and 6.6 (±1.9) for tumor texture, surgical realism, usefulness, and the difficulty of the task, respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a novel, reliable and cost‐effective mouse model for simulating tumor extirpation microsurgery with preservation of important neural structures. OHNS trainees have found this simulation model to be realistic, useful, and appropriately challenging.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:E1–E5, 2016
Hydrologic Implications of Post‐Fire Mulching Across Different Spatial Scales
Authors: Prats Sergio Alegre , Wagenbrenner Joseph W. , Martins Martinho A. S. , Malvar Maruxa Cortizo , Keizer Jan Jacob
Published: August 2015

Besides direct damage, wildfires can produce striking direct and indirect impacts, including extreme runoff–erosion responses with serious negative consequences for land‐use sustainability and downstream values at risk. The best way to reduce post‐fire runoff is the rapid application of mulch: a protective cover of straw, needles, wood‐based material, or other ground cover. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of forest residue mulching for reducing post‐fire runoff across spatial scales on a logged and burnt eucalypt hillslope. Additionally, we assessed the underlying processes involved in the hydrologic responses of burnt areas in central Portugal during the first 2 years after a wildfire, with special focus on soil moisture, soil water repellency, and rainfall. Forest residue mulch reduced post‐fire runoff by 50% in both micro‐plots (0·25 m2) and hillslope scale silt fence plots (100 m2) during the first year after the wildfire. Runoff in the micro‐plots was tenfold higher than the larger plots, regardless of mulching. The main controlling factors for the volume of runoff were rainfall amount (direct correlation) and soil moisture (inverse correlation). Soil water repellency and soil moisture were not affected by the mulch but played a role in the hydrologic response. In contrast, there was no decrease in runoff rate within the first two post‐fire years. Forest residue mulching can be an effective post‐fire treatment for reducing runoff rates, and the consistent decrease in runoff rates between the two spatial scales suggests that the scaling of runoff was not affected by the mulch. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The “Melosira years” of Lake Baikal: Winter environmental conditions at ice onset predict under‐ice algal blooms in spring
Authors: Katz Stephen L. , Izmest'eva Lyubov R. , Hampton Stephanie E. , Ozersky Ted , Shchapov Kirill , Moore Marianne V. , Shimaraeva Svetlana V. , Silow Eugene A.
Published: August 2015

Winter primary production in seasonally ice‐covered lakes historically has not been well studied, but it is increasingly recognized as an important component of lake metabolism. Lake Baikal in Siberia is not only the World's oldest, deepest, and most biologically diverse lake, but also where large under‐ice blooms of the diatom Aulacoseira baicalensis (formerly Melosira) occur in some years. The phenomenon of “Melosira years” is noteworthy both for the intensity of the diatom blooms, in which total under‐ice production can be a majority of total annual production, and for the enigmatic regularity of their occurrence every 3–4 yr. The degree to which these episodic blooms might be controlled by external forcing and endogenous lake processes has been debated for decades. We used a 50‐yr time series of phytoplankton observations to statistically model the occurrence of Aulacoseira blooms as a function of meteorological and climatological predictor variables. The results support the hypothesis that a confluence of meteorological conditions in the preceding fall season, which favor clear ice formation with minimal snow cover, also favor Aulacoseira blooms in the following spring. Further, we observe that this confluence of factors is related to relatively strong states of the Siberian High which, while not strictly periodic, do explain a significant fraction of the interannual bloom pattern. Finally, our analyses show that the timing of the peak abundance of A. baicalensis shifted 1.6 months later across the 50‐yr time series, corresponding with the delay in ice‐on timing that has been associated with climate change.
Non‐ablative fractional resurfacing in the treatment of scar contracture
Authors: Finney Robert , Torbeck Richard , Saedi Nazanin
Published: August 2015

Background and Objectives

A 28‐year‐old female presented with extensive scarring after a traumatic injury to her right lower extremity. She had been hit by a vehicle one year prior to presentation and had several open fractures with extensive overlying cutaneous damage, which required multiple surgeries and skin grafts. She had limited range of motion of the affected limb secondary to scar contracture.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The patient received 6 treatments with a non‐ablative fractional resurfacing (NAFR) device with two wavelengths (Fraxel DUAL, Solta Medical, Hayward, CA) spaced 4–8 weeks apart. The patient received two treatments with the 1927 nm NAFR thulium laser (10 mJ, 30% density, 8 passes) and two treatments with the 1550 nm NAFR laser (40 mJ, 17–26% density, 8 passes). Before and after treatment photographs were taken, as well as range of motion measurements with respect to her right ankle.

Results

The patient had 50–75% improvement in the texture and discoloration. There was both subjective and objective improvement in the range of motion of her right lower extremity. The patient experienced mild erythema and edema, both of which resolved after 7–10 days.

Conclusion

Recent studies have shown great functional improvement in scar contractures with ablative fractional laser treatments; however, these treatments are accompanied by significant downtime along with risk of further scarring and infection. NAFR is an accessible treatment with a low side effect profile and to our knowledge has not been reported as efficacious in the treatment of scar contracture. This case report is novel in its demonstration of the utility of a dual wavelength NAFR in the treatment of scar contracture and functional impairment. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:170–173, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The sub‐Riemannian cut locus of H‐type groups
Authors: Autenried Christian , Godoy Molina Mauricio
Published: August 2015

In the present paper we prove that the sub‐Riemannian cut locus at the origin of a wide class of nilpotent groups of step two, called H‐type groups, corresponds to the center of the group. We obtain this result by completely describing the sub‐Riemannian geodesics in the group, and using these to obtain three disjoint sets of points in the group determined by the number of geodesics joining them to the origin.
Insider Trading: Does Being a Neighbor of the Securities and Exchange Commission Matter?
Authors: Hu Xuesong , Wang Xin , Xin Baohua
Published: August 2015

Using a perception‐based crime deterrence approach, we present evidence that corporate insiders located closer to the Securities and Exchange Commission regional offices trade less frequently on their own company's stocks, while they earn higher abnormal returns from such insider transactions. These results are robust to several additional tests. Our further analysis indicates that such differences in trading profitability are mitigated during the periods of a high level of legal jeopardy such as the periods around earnings announcements and mergers and acquisitions. These findings are consistent with the view that Securities and Exchange Commission oversight has an impact on insiders' trading behavior by influencing their perceptions of sanctions risk. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional connectivity changes related to cognitive and motor performance in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2
Authors: Hernandez‐Castillo Carlos R. , Galvez Víctor , Mercadillo Roberto E. , Díaz Rosalinda , Yescas Petra , Martinez Leticia , Ochoa Adriana , Velazquez‐Perez Luis , Fernandez‐Ruiz Juan
Published: August 2015

Background

Several neuropathological studies in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) have revealed significant atrophy of the cerebellum, brainstem, sensorimotor cortex, and several regions in the frontal lobe. However, the impact of the neurodegeneration on the functional integration of the remaining tissue is unknown. To analyze the clinical impact of these functional changes, we correlated the abnormal functional connectivity found in SCA2 patients with their scores in clinical scales. To obtain the functional connectivity changes, we followed two approaches. In one we used areas with significant cerebellar gray matter atrophy as anchor seeds, and in the other we performed a whole‐brain data‐driven analysis.

Methods

Fourteen genetically confirmed SCA2 patients and aged‐matched healthy controls participated in the study. Voxel‐based morphometry and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were done to analyze structural and functional brain changes. Independent component analysis and dual regression were used for intrinsic network comparison. Significant functional connectivity differences were correlated with the behavioral scores.

Results

Seed‐based analysis found reduced functional connectivity within the cerebellum and between the cerebellum and frontal/parietal cortices. Cerebellar functional connectivity increases were found with parietal, frontal, and temporal areas. Intrinsic network analysis found a functional decrease in the cerebellar network, and increase in the default‐mode and fronto‐parietal networks. Further analysis showed significant correlations between clinical scores and the abnormal functional connectivity strength.

Conclusion

Our findings show significant correlations between functional connectivity changes in key areas affected in SCA2 and these patients' motor and neuropsychological impairments, adding an important insight to our understanding of the pathophysiology of SCA2. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Transversally oriented pedicled perforator flaps: A reliable alternative for lower leg reconstruction
Authors: Brunetti Beniamino , Poccia Igor , Tenna Stefania , Campa Stefano , Persichetti Paolo
Published: August 2015

Background

The use of a transverse pattern for perforator flap design and its possible clinical applications in the field of lower leg reconstruction are previously unreported in the medical literature. The purpose of this report is to describe our clinical experience with the use of transversally oriented pedicled perforator flaps in lower leg reconstruction.

Patients and methods

Seven patients underwent lower leg reconstruction with transversally oriented pedicled perforator flaps. Patients age ranged from 42 to 68 years. All defects resulted from skin cancer ablation. Defect sizes ranged from 9 × 5 to 5 × 2.5 cm. The technique was applied to patients presenting with vertically oriented, long, and narrow defects, not feasible for primary closure, with the only audible perforators detected at a significant distance from the wound.

Results

All flaps were based on a single perforator vessel. One of them was converted to a perforator‐plus peninsular flap design, which retained an additional source of blood supply from the opposite skin bridge. The flaps were always mobilized in V‐Y fashion. Donor sites were always closed primarily. Flap dimensions ranged from 15 × 7 to 8 × 3.5 cm. Operative time ranged from 40 to 90 minutes. All flaps survived uneventfully. Follow‐up ranged from 6 months to 2 years. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome.

Conclusions

The use of transversally oriented pedicled perforator flaps proved to be a reliable alternative option to reconstruct small to medium size defects of the lower leg. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:541–545, 2015.
MultidimensionalNMRspectroscopy in a single scan
Authors: Gal Maayan , Frydman Lucio
Published: August 2015

Multidimensional NMR has become one of the most widespread spectroscopic tools available to study diverse structural and functional aspects of organic and biomolecules. A main feature of multidimensional NMR is the relatively long acquisition times that these experiments demand. For decades, scientists have been working on a variety of alternatives that would enable NMR to overcome this limitation, and deliver its data in shorter acquisition times. Counting among these methodologies is the so‐called ultrafast (UF) NMR approach, which in principle allows one to collect arbitrary multidimensional correlations in a single sub‐second transient. By contrast to conventional acquisitions, a main feature of UF NMR is a spatiotemporal manipulation of the spins that imprints the chemical shift and/orJ‐coupling evolutions being sought, into a spatial pattern. Subsequent gradient‐based manipulations enable the reading out of this information and its multidimensional correlation into patterns that are identical to those afforded by conventional techniques. The current review focuses on the fundamental principles of this spatiotemporal UF NMR manipulation, and on a few of the methodological extensions that this form of spectroscopy has undergone during the years. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR studies of dilithiostyrenes: aggregation, NMR parameters, and DFT calculations for (E)‐1‐Lithio‐2‐(o‐lithiophenyl)‐1‐trimethylsilylethene
Authors: Böhler Bernd , Günther Harald , Reider Kerstin , Maercker Adalbert , Gerbig Dennis , Hausmann Heike
Published: August 2015

The dilithio compound (E)‐1‐lithio‐2‐(o‐lithiophenyl)‐1‐trimethylsilylethene (5) was synthesized from 2‐trimethylsilylbenzo‐[b]tellurophene (6) with lithium‐6 and a detailed analysis of its 1H, 6Li, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectra showed 5 to form a dimer 52 in tetrahydrofuran and diethylether, while addition of tetramethylethylenediamine stabilizes a monomer 51. A monomer–dimer equilibrium exists with K at 230 K = 1.25 and
 = −0.43 kJ mol−1. Homonuclear 6Li,6Li coupling of 0.25 ± 0.07 Hz in the dimer was detected by a 1D‐6Li,6Li INADEQUATE experiment, and scalar 6Li,13C coupling constants were obtained from 13C satellites in the 6Li spectrum, from 13C multiplet simulation and 6Li,13C‐HMQC spectra. In addition, structures and coupling constants of 51 and 52 were calculated by density functional theory (DFT) methods. It was found that the magnitude of the 6Li,13C spin–spin interactions shows an inverse correlation with the C‐Li bond lengths. The intra‐aggregate exchange in the dimer, caused by 180° rotation of one monomer unit within the solvent cage, was studied by 6Li DNMR and line shape analysis and yielded
 = 60 ± 3 kJ mol−1; ΔH≠ = 84 ± 3 kJ mol−1; ΔS≠ = 80 ± 3 J mol−1 K−1 for this process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression of FAS ligand in cultured immature boar sertoli cells through the regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and miR‐187
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Jiao‐Jiao , Yang Wei‐Rong , Luo Hong‐Yan , Zhang Jia‐Hua , Wang Xian‐Zhong
Published: August 2015

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces germ cell apoptosis, but its mechanism of action is not clear. One possibility is that LPS regulates the expression of FAS ligand (FASLG) in Sertoli cells, which will then influence germ cell apoptosis. In this study, LPS reduced the viability of cultured, immature boar Sertoli cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner; enhanced the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA), interleukin‐1β (IL1B), nitric oxide (NO), and transforming growth factor‐β (TGFB); and increased the expression of FASLG in a dose‐dependent manner. While 10 μg/ml LPS enhanced the expression of FASLG, reduced cell cycle progression, and impaired the ultrastructure of Sertoli cells, this dose did not induce apoptosis. LPS also had no effect on the activity or expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 or 9 (MMP2 or MMP9). In contrast, the expression of ssc‐miR‐187 increased following LPS challenge, and inhibition of ssc‐miR‐187 blocked LPS‐induced expression of FASLG. Our results therefore suggest that LPS reduces the viability of and enhances FASLG expression in cultured, immature boar Sertoli cells through elevated secretion of TNFA, IL1B, NO, and TGFB as well as through the regulation of ssc‐miR‐187 potency. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 880–891, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
STAT5 plays a critical role in regulating the 5′‐flanking region of the porcine whey acidic protein gene in transgenic mice
Authors: Ji Mi‐ran , Lee Sang In , Jang Ye‐Jin , Jeon Mi‐hyang , Kim Jeom Sun , Kim Kyung‐Woon , Park Jin‐Ki , Yoo Jae Gyu , Jeon Ik‐Soo , Kwon Dae‐Jin , Park Choon‐Keun , Byun Sung June
Published: August 2015

The mammary gland serves as a valuable bioreactor system for the production of recombinant proteins in lactating animals. Pharmaceutical‐grade recombinant protein can be harvested from the milk of transgenic animals that carry a protein of interest under the control of promoter regions genes encoding milk proteins. Whey acidic protein (WAP), for example, is predominantly expressed in the mammary gland and is regulated by lactating hormones during pregnancy. We cloned the 5′‐flanking region of the porcine WAP gene (pWAP) to confirm the sequence elements in its promoter that are required for gene‐expression activity. In the present study, we investigated how lactogenic hormones—including prolactin, hydrocortisone, and insulin—contribute to the transcriptional activation of the pWAP promoter region in mammalian cells, finding that these hormones activate STAT5 signaling, which in turn induce gene expression via STAT5 binding sites in its 5′‐flanking region. To confirm the expression and hormonal regulation of the 5′‐flanking region of pWAP in vivo, we generated transgenic mice expressing human recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor (hCSF2) in the mammary gland under the control of the pWAP promoter. These mice secreted hCSF2 protein in their milk at levels ranging from 242 to 1,274.8 ng/ml. Collectively, our findings show that the pWAP promoter may be useful for confining the expression of foreign proteins to the mammary gland, where they can be secreted along with milk. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 957–966, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the failure of a discrete axial chain using a continualized nonlocal Continuum Damage Mechanics approach
Authors: Picandet Vincent , Hérisson Benjamin , Challamel Noël , Perrot Arnaud
Published: August 2015

The failure of a discrete elastic‐damage axial system is investigated using both a discrete and an equivalent continuum approach. The Discrete Damage Mechanics approach is based on a microstructured model composed of a series of periodic elastic‐damage springs (axial Discrete Damage Mechanics lattice system). Such a discrete damage system can be associated with the finite difference formulation of a Continuum Damage Mechanics evolution problem. Several analytical and numerical results are presented for the tensile failure of this axial damage chain under its own weight.

The nonlocal Continuum Damage Mechanics models examined in this paper are mainly built from a continualization procedure applied to centered or uncentered finite difference schemes. The asymptotic expansion of the first‐order upward difference equations leads to a first‐order nonlocal model, whereas the asymptotic expansion of the centered finite difference equations leads to a second‐order nonlocal Eringen's approach. To complete this study, a phenomenological nonlocal gradient approach is also examined and compared with the first continualization methods.

A comparison of the discrete and the continuous problems for the chains shows the effectiveness of the new micromechanics‐based nonlocal Continuum Damage modeling, especially for capturing scale effects. For both continualized approaches, the length scale of the nonlocal models depends only on the cell size, while for the so‐called phenomenological approach, the length scale may depend on the loading parameter. This apparent load‐dependent length scale, already discussed in the literature with numerical arguments, is found to be sensitive to the postulated structure of the nonlocal model calibrated according to a lattice approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Child‐Care Subsidies on Child Development: Evidence from Geographic Variation in the Distance to Social Service Agencies
Authors: Herbst Chris M. , Tekin Erdal
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we examine the impact of U.S. child‐care subsidies on the cognitive and behavioral development of children in low‐income female‐headed families. We identify the effect of subsidy receipt by exploiting geographic variation in the distance that families must travel from home to reach the nearest social service agency that administers the subsidy application process. Using data from the Kindergarten cohort of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, our instrumental variables estimates suggest that children receiving subsidized child care in the year before kindergarten score lower on tests of cognitive ability and reveal more behavior problems throughout kindergarten. An auxiliary analysis of longer‐run outcomes shows that these negative effects largely disappear by the time children finish first grade.
Imatinib Treatment in PDGFRA‐Negative Childhood Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
Authors: Weyand Angela C. , Yanik Gregory A. , Bailey Nathanael G. , Wu Yi‐Mi , Mody Rajen J. , Castle Valerie P.
Published: August 2015

We report a 4‐year‐old female who presented with severe hypereosinophilia (215.7 K/μl) and end‐organ dysfunction. Extensive evaluation including whole exome sequencing was performed, revealing no causative mutation. Initial treatment with corticosteroids, leukapheresis, and hydroxyurea decreased her absolute eosinophil count (AEC), although it remained elevated. Despite the absence of a PDGFRA mutation, an imatinib trial resulted in normalization of her AEC. Imatinib was discontinued after sustained normal counts for 1 month. AECs have remained normal for more than 1 year off therapy. This provides support for consideration of imatinib in the treatment of hypereosinophilia even in the absence of a known tyrosine kinase mutation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 9999:XX–XX © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinal annular displacement by M‐mode (MAPSE and TAPSE) in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome before and after laser surgery
Authors: Ortiz Javier U. , Crispi Fatima , Yamamoto Ryo , Masoller Narcis , Cruz‐Lemini Monica , Gómez Olga , Bennasar Mar , Lobmaier Silvia M. , Eixarch Elisenda , Martinez Josep M. , Gratacós Eduard
Published: August 2015

Objective

To evaluate mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE and TAPSE) in fetuses with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) before and after laser therapy.

Methods

A prospective study in 24 fetal pairs with TTTS evaluated 24 h before and within 48 h after fetoscopy and 13 gestational age‐matched normal monochorionic fetal pairs. MAPSE and TAPSE were measured in an apical or basal four‐chamber view by placing the M‐mode cursor at the lateral valve ring.

Results

Mean preoperative MAPSE (controls 3.6 ± 1.3 mm vs. donors 2.7 ± 0.8 mm vs. recipients 2.8 mm ± 0.9; P < 0.001) and TAPSE (controls 4.4 ± 1.5 mm vs. donors 3.3 ± 1 mm vs. recipients 3.6  ± 1.1 mm; P < 0.001) values were significantly reduced in both TTTS fetuses. When subdividing according to TTTS stages, changes were significant in both stage I–II and III–IV subgroups, although differences were more pronounced in the latter. All observations remained unchanged 48 h post‐fetoscopy.

Conclusion

Both recipient and donor fetuses had decreased global longitudinal motion, even in early TTTS stages. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of optic nerve development using post‐mortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in fetuses and newborns
Authors: Soo Audrey , Taha Syed , Lally Peter , Kirmi Olga , Jones Brynmor , Thayyil Sudhin
Published: August 2015

What's already known about this topic?

Biometric studies of fetal orbit and lens development have been shown to correlate with gestational age.

No available data on optic nerve measurements in fetuses/neonates.

What does this study add?

Normal fetal/neonatal optic nerve diameter measurements for gestational age as measured on post‐mortem MRI scans.
Evaluation of the Potential Role of Alirocumab in the Management of Hypercholesterolemia in Patients with High‐Risk Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Okere Arinze Nkemdirim , Serra Courtney
Published: August 2015

A high level of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) has proved to have a positive correlation with mortality from cardiovascular disease, and it is the key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lowering levels of LDL‐C with statins reduces both vascular morbidity and mortality; however, myalgias occur in 10% to 15% of patients, and many patients managed with statins achieve suboptimal levels of LDL‐C. The injectable drug alirocumab—the first of a new class of drugs called proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors—is a monoclonal antibody to the PCSK9 gene, which regulates LDL receptor expression and circulating levels of LDL‐C. In this review, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of alirocumab and its potential role in the management of patients with high‐risk cardiovascular disease. Data were gathered from articles indexed in the PubMed database (2006–April 2015). All English‐language, prospective, randomized, double‐blinded trials evaluating the efficacy of alirocumab, as a monotherapy or in combination with statins, for treatment of hypercholesterolemia were identified. Five clinical trials were evaluated, and the results from these studies revealed that the use of alirocumab, both as monotherapy or in combination with statins, significantly reduced LDL‐C levels. Patients treated with alirocumab, with or without statins, were more likely to achieve LDL‐C goals of less than 100 or 70 mg/dl compared with placebo. Despite its ability to lower LDL‐C level, one study did not show any antiinflammatory activity (i.e., reduced C‐reactive protein level) among patients who received alirocumab; however, more clinical trials will be needed to further assess this effect. Alirocumab also appears to cause regression of plaque. The most commonly reported adverse effect was mild injection‐site reaction. With increased odds of statin discontinuation among patients taking high‐intensity statins, alirocumab will contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction. However, morbidity and mortality data, as well as long‐term safety data, are pending. Therefore, we propose that alirocumab will better serve as an adjuvant therapy for the management of hypercholesterolemia in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. As with all new promising injectable drugs, cost will also be a key consideration.
Amphiphilic silica/fluoropolymer nanoparticles: Synthesis, tem‐responsive and surface properties as protein‐resistance coatings
Authors: Huang Hongpu , Qu Jia , He Ling
Published: August 2015

A series of amphiphilic silica/fluoropolymer nanoparticles of SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA)‐b‐P(12FMA) were prepared by silica surface‐initiating atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and poly dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (P12FMA). Their amphiphilic behavior, lower critical solution temperature (LCST), and surface properties as protein‐resistance coatings were characterized. The introduction of hydrophobic P(12FMA) block leads SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA)‐b‐P(12FMA) to form individual spherical nanoparticles (∼150 nm in water and ∼170 nm in THF solution) as P(PEGMA)‐b‐P(12FMA) shell grafted on SiO2core (∼130 nm), to gain obvious lower LCST at 36–52 °C and higher thermostability at 290–320 °C than SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA) (LCST = 78–90 °C,Td = 220 °C). The water‐casted SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA)‐b‐P(12FMA) films obtain much rougher surface (125.3–178.4 nm) than THF‐casted films (11.5–16.9 nm) and all SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA) films (26.8–31.3 nm). Therefore, the water‐casted surfaces exhibit obvious higher water adsorption amount (Δf = −494 ∼ −426 Hz) and harder adsorbed layer (viscoelasticity of ΔD/Δf = −0.28 ∼ −0.36 × 10−6/Hz) than SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA) films, but present loser adsorbed layer than THF‐casted films (ΔD/Δf = −0.29 ∼ −0.63 × 10−6/Hz). While, the introduction of P(12FMA) segments does not show obviously reduce in the protein‐repelling adsorption of SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA)‐b‐P(12FMA) films (△f = −15.7 ∼ −22.3 Hz) compared with SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA) films (△f = −8.3 ∼ −11.3 Hz) and no obvious influence on water adsorption of ancient stone. Therefore, SiO2‐g‐P(PEGMA)‐b‐P(12FMA) is suggested to be used as protein‐resistance coatings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2016,54, 381–393
The yin‐yang driving urinary tract infection and how proteomics can enhance research, diagnostics, and treatment
Authors: Floyd Kyle A. , Meyer Adam E. , Nelson George , Hadjifrangiskou Maria
Published: August 2015

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) afflict millions of people worldwide both in the community and the hospital setting. The onset, duration, and severity of infection depend on the characteristics of the invading pathogen (yin), as well as the immune response elicited by the infected individual (yang). Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) account for the majority of UTIs, and extensive investigations by many scientific groups have elucidated an elaborate pathogenic UPEC life cycle, involving the occupation of extracellular and intracellular niches and the expression of an arsenal of virulence factors that facilitate niche occupation. This review will summarize the current knowledge on UPEC pathogenesis; the host immune responses elicited to combat infection; and it will describe proteomics approaches used to understand UPEC pathogenesis, as well as drive diagnostics and treatment options. Finally, new strategies are highlighted that could be applied toward furthering our knowledge regarding host‐bacterial interactions during UTI.
Tellurium vacancy in cadmium telluride revisited: Size effects in the electronic properties
Authors: Menéndez‐Proupin E. , Orellana W.
Published: August 2015

The quantum states and thermodynamical properties of the Te vacancy in CdTe are addressed by first principles calculations, including the supercell size and quasiparticle corrections. It is shown that the 64‐atoms supercell calculation is not suitable to model the band structure of the isolated Te vacancy. This problem can be solved with a larger 216‐atoms supercell, where the band structure of the defect seems to be a perturbation of that of the perfect crystal. It is interesting to note that the Te‐vacancy formation energy calculated with both supercell sizes are close in energy, which is attributed to error cancelation. We also show that the interplay between supercell size effects and the band gap underestimation of the generalized gradient approximation strongly influences the predicted symmetry of some charge states.