bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine‐scale spatial homogenization of microbial habitats: a multivariate index of headwater wetland complex condition
Authors: Moon Jessica B. , Wardrop Denice H. , Smithwick Erica A. H. , Naithani Kusum J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWith growing public awareness that wetlands are important to society, there are intensifying efforts to understand the ecological condition of those wetlands that remain, and to develop indicators of wetland condition. Indicators based on soils are not well developed and are absent in some current assessment protocols; these could be advantageous, particularly for soils, which are complex habitats for plants, invertebrates, and microbial communities. In this study, we examine whether multivariate soil indicators, correlated with microbial biomass and community composition, can be used to distinguish reference standard (i.e., high condition) headwater wetland complexes from impacted headwater wetland complexes in central Pennsylvania,USA. Our reference standard sites existed in forested landscapes, while our impacted sites were situated in multi‐use landscapes and were affected by a range of land‐use legacies in the 1900s. We found that current assessment protocols are likely underrepresenting sampling needs to accurately represent site mean soil properties. On average, more samples were required to represent soil property means in reference standard sites compared to impacted sites. Reference standard and impacted sites also had noticeably different types of microbial habitats for the two multivariate soil indices assessed, and impacted sites were more homogenized in terms of the fine‐scale (i.e., 1 and 5 m) spatial variability of these indices. Our study shows promise for the use of multivariate soil indices as indicators of wetland condition and provides insights into the sample sizes and scales at which soil sampling should occur during assessments. Future work is needed to test the generalizability of these findings across wetland types and ecoregions and establish definitive links between structural changes in microbial habitats and changes in wetland soil functioning.
Eosinophilia and reduced STAT3 signaling affect neutrophil cell death in autosomal‐dominant Hyper‐IgE syndrome
Authors: Farmand Susan , Kremer Bernhard , Häffner Monika , Pütsep Katrin , Bergman Peter , Sundin Mikael , Ritterbusch Henrike , Seidl Maximilian , Follo Marie , Henneke Philipp , Henriques‐Normark Birgitta 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe autosomal‐dominant hyper‐IgE syndrome (HIES), caused by mutations in STAT3, is a rare primary immunodeficiency that predisposes to mucocutaneous candidiasis and staphylococcal skin and lung infections. This infection phenotype is suggestive of defects in neutrophils, but data on neutrophil functions in HIES are inconsistent. This study was undertaken to functionally characterize neutrophils in STAT3‐deficient HIES patients and to analyze whether the patients` eosinophilia affects the neutrophil phenotype in S. aureus infection. Neutrophil functions and cell death kinetics were studied in eight STAT3‐deficient patients. Moreover, the response of STAT3‐deficient neutrophils to S. aureus and the impact of autologous eosinophils on pathogen‐induced cell death were analyzed. No specific aberrations in neutrophil functions were detected within this cohort. However, the half‐life of STAT3‐deficient neutrophils ex vivo was reduced, which was partially attributable to the presence of eosinophils. Increased S. aureus‐induced cell lysis, dependent on the staphylococcal virulence controlling accessory gene regulator (agr)‐locus, was observed in STAT3‐deficient neutrophils and upon addition of eosinophils. Accelerated neutrophil cell death kinetics may underlie the reported variability in neutrophil function testing in HIES. Increased S. aureus‐induced lysis of STAT3‐deficient neutrophils might affect pathogen control and contribute to tissue destruction during staphylococcal infections in HIES.
Waste Cooking Oils as Feedstock for Lipase and Lipid‐Rich Biomass Production
Authors: Lopes Marlene , Miranda Sílvia M. , Alves Joana M. , Pereira Ana S. , Belo Isabel 
Published: October 2018

Approximately 1 million tons of waste cooking oils (WCO) are generated in European Union per year. Oftentimes, these oily wastes are discharged through public sewerage systems, increasing the water treatment costs in wastewater treatment plants. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica W29 is used to simultaneously degrade WCO and to produce lipase (market demand is increasing due to its application in the field of bioenergy). A statistical experimental design based on Taguchi method is employed to assess the effect of initial medium pH, WCO, and arabic gum concentration on lipase production. Initial medium pH is found to be the most significant parameter and the interaction between WCO and arabic gum concentration had the highest influence for lipase production. Additionally, the effect of oxygen mass transfer is studied in batch cultures in a stirred tank bioreactor and the maximum lipase activity (12 000 U · L−1) is obtained at kLa of 16 h−1. Simultaneously with lipase production, also lipid‐rich biomass (48% of lipids mass per dry cellular mass), enriched in unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) is obtained.Practical Applications: In this work it was demonstrated the possibility of replacing an expensive edible oil (olive oil) by a non‐edible oil waste (WCO) for lipase production. Moreover, no more wastes are produced, since whole cells of Yarrowia lipolytica W29 (lipid‐rich biomass), are a potential source for food supplements. Thus, the bioprocess described fulfill the requisites of circular economy: a low cost substrate is used as raw material, added‐value products (lipase and lipid‐rich biomass) are obtained and no further wastes are generated (take‐make‐dispose concept).Waste cooking oils (WCO) are generated from vegetable oils used at high temperatures in food frying. The biological degradation of WCO by the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica W29, with concomitant production of added‐value compounds (lipase and lipid‐rich biomass), allows the reduction of pollutant burden of these oily wastes.
Determination of Total Polar Compounds in Frying Oils by PE‐Film‐Based FTIR and ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Jia , Zhang Leshan , Geng Qiaona , Jing Bingyu , Yu Xiuzhu 
Published: October 2018

Two methods based on polyethylene‐film‐based Fourier transform infrared (PE‐film‐based FTIR) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy are developed for the determination of the total polar compound (TPC) content of frying oil. The TPC contents of oil samples are analyzed in accordance with the guidelines set by American Oil Chemists’ Society. Calibrations of the PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy measurements, combined with partial least‐squares regression, provide correlation coefficients (R‐values) of 0.9930 and 0.9972, respectively, and root mean error of calibration of 1.55 and 0.75%, respectively. The validation of the calibrations indicates that the R‐values of validation and precision analyses are close to 1. PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR are considered adequate for analytical purposes and provide root mean error of prediction values of 2.90 and 3.10% for blind sample validation, respectively. However, the prediction accuracy of PE‐film‐based FTIR spectroscopy is better than that of ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. Results indicate that the PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR methods can be efficiently applied as environmentally friendly tools for the determination of the TPC content of frying oils.Practical Applications: PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy techniques are compared to develop a convenient and rapid method for the determination of the TPC content of frying oil. A total of 127 oil samples corresponding to unfried and fried domestic oils are used. Among the samples, 107 and 20 samples are allocated to the calibration set and the blind sample validation set, respectively. The ATR–FTIR technique is more rapid than the PE‐film‐based FTIR technique given that it does not require data preprocessing. However, the PE‐film‐based FTIR technique provides better prediction results than the ATR–FTIR technique and lower RMSEP values for the regression between the validation and blind sample validation sets. The superior prediction results provided by the PE‐film‐based FTIR technique may be attributed to its high precision and spectral sensitivity, as well as optical path length. The PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR techniques can be applied as environmentally friendly tools for the determination of the TPC contents of frying oils.Two methods based on PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy are developed for the determination of the TPC content of frying oil. The validation of the calibrations indicates that the R‐values of validation and precision analyses are close to 1. PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR are considered adequate for analytical purposes and provide root mean error of prediction values of 2.90 and 3.10% for blind sample validation, respectively.
Thiazolo[3,2‐a] Pyrimidones as a Novel Anti‐TB Agents
Authors: Jadhav Sunil B. , Fatema Samreen , Bhagat Sunil S. , Farooqui Mazahar 
Published: October 2018

A series of novel thiazolo pyrimidine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and assessed for their in vitro anti‐mycobacterial activities. All hybrids displayed considerable antitubercular activities against primary Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155 screening and successive Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. In particular, the hybrid entities 13 and 14 (minimum inhibitory concentration: 47 and 39 μg/mL) were found to be equipotent candidates with first‐line antitubercular agent rifampicin, which could act as a lead for further optimization.
Evaluation of Breast Cancer Morphology Using Diffusion‐Weighted and Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI: Intermethod and Interobserver Agreement
Authors: Radovic Niko , Ivanac Gordana , Divjak Eugen , Biondic Iva , Bulum Antonio , Brkljacic Boris 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe capability of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for morphological analysis of breast lesions is underexplored.PurposeTo evaluate the utility of DWI for assessment of morphological features of breast cancer by comparing DWI and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI findings to determine intermethod and interobserver agreement.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationSeventy‐eight women with pathohistologically proven breast cancer.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T. DWI and DCE images.AssessmentDiffusion‐weighted and DCE images were placed in two separate case sets. Three radiologists, blinded to all other information, independently evaluated each case set on two separate occasions. Lesions were interpreted according to the fifth edition of the ACR BI‐RADS lexicon.Statistical AnalysisKappa (κ) statistics were calculated in order to assess intermethod and interobserver agreement.ResultsFor values that attained statistical significance (P < 0.05), intermethod agreement ranged from fair (κ = 0.22) for nonmass internal patterns to significant (κ = 0.8) for lesion type. On DWI, interobserver agreement varied from fair (κ = 0.34) for mass shape to significant (κ = 0.75) for lesion type. On DCE MRI, interobserver agreement varied from fair (κ = 0.27) for irregular vs. spiculated mass margin to perfect (κ = 1) for circumscribed vs. noncircumscribed mass margin.Data ConclusionOn the whole, there was moderate intermethod agreement. The values of interobserver agreement were mostly similar between DWI and DCE MRI. This suggests that DWI is applicable for morphological assessment of breast cancer, notwithstanding substantially inferior spatial resolution compared to DCE MRI.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1381–1390.
Effect of epicardial fat and metabolic syndrome on reverse atrial remodeling after ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Monno Koyuru , Okumura Yasuo , Saito Yuki , Aizawa Yoshihiro , Nagashima Koichi , Arai Masaru , Watanabe Ryuta , Wakamatsu Yuji , Otsuka Naoto , Yoda Shunichi , Hiro Takafumi , Watanabe Ichiro , Hirayama Atsushi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic syndrome/epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) plays an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF). Although reverse atrial remodeling (RAR) often occurs after AF ablation, the effects of EAT on RAR remain unknown.MethodsStudy subjects were 104 patients in whom transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed before AF ablation and 3, 6, and 12 months afterward. EAT was assessed in terms of its thickness adjacent to the right ventricular anterior wall in the TTE parasternal view. RAR was defined as >10% reduction in the left atrial volume (LAV) index by the 3‐month follow‐up examination.ResultsPostablation RAR occurred in 57/104 (55%) patients. RAR absence was associated with a relatively thick EAT (4.92 ± 1.65 vs. 3.92 ± 1.17 mm, P = 0.0005), small LAV index (24.6 ± 7.5 vs. 28.8 ± 10.6 mL/m2, P = 0.0233), and metabolic syndrome (62% vs. 28%, P = 0.0006). Metabolic syndrome and EAT were shown to be independent predictors of RAR absence. Thick EAT was significantly associated with AF recurrence after ablation (5.05 ± 2.19 mm vs. 4.17 ± 1.16 mm for no AF recurrence group, P = 0.0116), but metabolic syndrome was not (48% vs. 42%, P = 0.6189). Despite no change in body weight, EAT thickness decreased significantly by 12 months in patients without AF recurrence (4.17 ± 1.16 vs. 3.65 ± 1.16 mm, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsEAT and metabolic syndrome appear to be strongly associated with RAR absence, but only the thick EAT was significantly associated with the postablation AF recurrence. Our findings, especially the thinning of EAT, suggest that thick EAT lead to AF vulnerability but that EAT reduction favorably affects ablation outcome.
Clouding Behavior of C13EOx (x = 10–19) Micelles in a Wide Range of Salinity and Hardness: Concomitant Effects of Salinity and Degree of Ethoxylation
Authors: Souayeh Maissa , Aoudia Mohamed , Al‐Maamari Rashid S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe effect of salinity and degree of ethoxylation on the cloud point, Tcp, in C13EOx (x = 10–19) micelles was investigated in distilled water and in the salinity range S = 1.96–196 g L−1. At a fixed x value, the rate dTcp/dS was given by dTcp/dS = α
b + β
bS with α
b < 0 and β
b > 0. This trend suggests that dTcp/dS is the result of two opposing effects, an entirely (negative) surfactant‐dependent effect (α
b) and a combined (positive) surfactant‐solvent (β
bS)‐dependent effect. In addition, the rate dTcp/dS was found to become increasingly less negative with increasing salinity (dTcp/dS) < 0), suggesting an overwhelming contribution of the α
b effect as compared to the β
bS effect. On the other hand, at fixed S, the rate was given by dTcp/dx = α
x + β
xx with α
x > 0 and β
x < 0. This trend also suggests the existence of two opposing effects, a strictly (positive) solvent‐dependent effect (α
x) and a concomitant solvent (β
x)‐surfactant (x)‐dependent effect. Contrary to dTcp/dS, the rate dTcp/dx was found to become increasingly less positive with increasing x values (dTcp/dx > 0), suggesting that α
x is the dominant factor in the surfactants’ susceptibility to be salted in. Both constants αb and α
x were attributed to a dual temperature‐salinity effect on the structure of water molecules not involved in surfactant's hydration. On the other hand, β
b and β
x were associated with the change in the structure of water due to the dehydration of surfactants’ oxyethylene moieties with increasing temperature.
Structural and quantitative changes of saponins in fresh alfalfa compared to alfalfa silage
Authors: Szumacher‐Strabel Malgorzata , Stochmal Anna , Cieslak Adam , Kozłowska Martyna , Kuznicki Dawid , Kowalczyk Mariusz , Oleszek Wieslaw 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important legume used in animal feed. The primary objective of the present study was to analyze and trace the individual saponins in fresh and ensiled alfalfa of ten varieties, with the aim of evaluating the structural changes that saponins undergo during ensiling. A secondary objective was to examine whether any of the changes in saponin content were associated with changes in the basic nutrient composition of the ensiled alfalfa.RESULTSThe total saponin concentration increased when the fresh alfalfa was processed into silage. Three of the zanhic acid glycosides were degraded substantially, whereas the other two increased in all the tested varieties. Five of the seven medicagenic acid glycosides were not changed, whereas the remaining saponins completely disappeared. Finally, two glycosides of soyasapogenol B displayed an inverse relationship to each other.CONCLUSIONThe nutrient content of fresh material and silages remained relatively constant, with some variations in the crude protein content of the selected alfalfa varieties. The total concentration of saponins increased two‐ to three‐fold after ensilation over the levels present in fresh alfalfa material. The increases in saponin concentration showed a negative linear relationship between protein on a dry matter basis and saponin content. These findings are significant because no known published data have shown this transformation in the ensiling of alfalfa. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical and cost utility of an intraoperative endoscopic second look in cholesteatoma surgery
Authors: Bennett Marc , Wanna George , Francis David , Murfee Jack , O'Connell Brendan , Haynes David 
Published: October 2018

Objective/HypothesisThis study aimed to determine the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of endoscopes during cholesteatoma surgery. More specifically, this study hypothesized that endoscope use would reduce cholesteatoma recurrence rates and cost.Study DesignCase series involving the prospective enrollment of 110 consecutive cholesteatoma patients over a 2‐year period.MethodsPatients underwent cholesteatoma surgery with microscopy. During dissection, the location of the cholesteatoma was assessed. At the end of dissection and before reconstruction, the same subunits were visualized with straight and angled endoscopes for residual cholesteatoma. Hearing was analyzed before surgery and at the last possible examination. Costs were analyzed using Medicare reimbursement rates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.ResultsIntraoperative endoscopic surveillance was able to detect residual cholesteatoma in 18 patients. With a 0° endoscope, residual cholesteatoma was noted in the epitympanum (two patients), sinus tympani (one patient), and the supratubal air cells (one patient). With a 45° endoscope, residual cholesteatoma was noted in the epitympanum (three patients), sinus tympani (nine patients), the supratubal air cells (two patients), and the mesotympanum (two patients). From a cost analysis, endoscopic surveillance ($6110.36 per patient) are less expensive than second look surgeries ($11,829.83 per patient), observation ($7097.20 per patient), and observation with annual magnetic resonance imaging studies ($9891.95 per patient). The patients hearing improved after surgery, consistent with previous studies. No complications were noted from the use of endoscopes.ConclusionsIntraoperative endoscopic surveillance reduced recurrence in our series of 110 patients. Endoscopes are particularly useful in evaluating the epitympanum, mesotympanum, sinus tympani, and supratubal air cells. Moreover, endoscopic surveillance is cost‐effective.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 128:2867–2871, 2018
Maternity and paternity leave in otolaryngology residency training in the United States
Authors: Tang Alice L. , Miller Adam , Hauff Samantha , Myer Charles M. , Takiar Vinita , Howell Rebecca J. , Mark Jonathan R. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisThis study evaluates the existence and nature of maternity and paternity leave policies for residents during otolaryngology training. The study sought to survey program directors (PDs) on the impact of parental leave.Study DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsAn electronic survey was sent to 103 otolaryngology residency PDs. A link to a 10‐page, 30‐question survey was provided. Descriptive statistics and comments were collected.ResultsForty‐one respondents (39.8%) completed the survey, all of whom were from university‐based programs. Programs from the Midwest (n = 11, 26.8%), Northeast (n = 12, 29.3%), South (n = 12, 29.3%) and West (n = 6, 14.6%) were represented. Sixteen (42%) programs reported having a written formal maternity leave policy for trainees, and 13 (32%) programs had a paternity‐specific policy. Four programs reported using short‐term disability, whereas 11 programs reported using the Family Medical Leave Act to accommodate parental leave. Policies primarily followed the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and American Board of Otolaryngology guidelines, with factors such as clinical duties and call schedules left to the programs' discretion. Although the majority of PDs (56%) reported support of residents who planned to become pregnant during training, many expressed concerns regarding the burden on co‐residents and the difficulty of fulfilling training obligations for the resident taking leave.ConclusionsMany institutions do not have parental leave policies and logistics regarding leave are left to the discretion of individual programs. Surveyed PDs addressed the challenges of becoming a parent during training and the potential burden placed on the program when trainees take leave.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:1093–1099, 2019
Epistaxis in the setting of antithrombotic therapy: A comparison between factor Xa inhibitors, warfarin, and antiplatelet agents
Authors: Glikson Eran , Chavkin Uri , Madgar Ory , Sagiv Doron , Nakache Gabriel , Yakirevitch Arkadi , Wolf Michael , Alon Eran E. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe the characteristics and severity of epistaxis in patients taking factor Xa inhibitors novel anticoagulants.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsA study of adult patients hospitalized due to spontaneous epistaxis under the treatment of warfarin, rivaroxaban, or apixaban between the years 2011 and 2017 was performed. A control group of patients under antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel) was included. The mean follow‐up periods in the warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and antiplatelet groups were 18, 14.5, 13.5, and 18.2 months, respectively.We compared demographics, location and severity of bleeding, treatment methods, and outcome between the groups.ResultsThe study included 109 patients (35 under factor Xa inhibitors), the majority of whom presented with anterior epistaxis (68%). The antiplatelet group had more episodes of epistaxis prior to admission, and required endoscopic surgical control of bleeding more often, in comparison with anticoagulants (2.23 vs. 1.44, P < .05 and 23% vs. 6%, respectively, P < .05). Among anticoagulants, combined therapy (cauterization and packing) was required more frequently in the apixaban group compared to the rivaroxaban and warfarin groups (64% vs. 25% and 33%, respectively, P < .05). The rate of readmissions due to epistaxis, within 1 year of follow‐up was lower in the factor Xa inhibitor groups compared with the warfarin and antiplatelet groups (16% vs. 9% and 4%, respectively, P < .05). Cessation of factor Xa inhibitor therapy was effective and uneventful with no further epistaxis events.ConclusionsEpistaxis under factor Xa inhibitors was effectively treated with no worse and perhaps even a better outcome when compared to other anticlotting medications.Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:119–123, 2019