bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural investigations on spermatogenesis and spermatozoan morphology in the endangered Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii (Chondrostei, Acipenseriformes)
Authors: Grandi Gilberto , Astolfi Gianni , Chicca Milvia , Pezzi Marco 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSpermatogenesis was investigated in the Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii, by light and electron microscopy. The testis of the unrestricted type had a germinal compartment composed of lobules containing germ cells and Sertoli cells, and separated by a basal lamina from the interstitial compartment, in which Leydig and myoid cells were detected for the first time in Acipenseridae. Spermatogenesis occurred in spermatocysts produced when Sertoli cells became associated with type A spermatogonia of subsequent generations, which produced a clone of synchronized aligned spermatogonia. In primary spermatocytes at zygo‐pachytene stage, the large spherical nucleus contained synaptonemal complexes. The smaller secondary spermatocytes were ovoid with a central round nucleus and scarce cytoplasm. Spermatids were interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges until early spermiogenesis. Chromatin initially condensed as long, twisted, and nonhomogeneous fibers and finally as a compact structure made of thick filaments. Early spermatids showed the flagellum, the primordia of centriole complex and of “implantation fossa,” followed by the acrosomal vesicle formed by Golgi complexes and a fibrous body associated to centriole complex. The spermatozoan head had 10 postero‐lateral projections and a trapezoidal nucleus, a cylindrical midpiece with six to eight mitochondria, the centriole complex, and a “9 + 2” flagellum with a pair of lateral fins. Three helical endonuclear canals crossed the nucleus from the acrosome base to the implantation fossa; their spiralization and that of chromatin fibers suggest a spiral twisting of the nucleus during spermiogenesis. The Sertoli cells performed phagocytosis of degenerating spermatids and spermatozoa. Significant interindividual differences were detected in most morphological parameters of spermatozoa. Data on spermatogenesis in A. naccarii and morphometric measurements on mature spermatozoa provide information about the reproductive biology of the species useful not only for phylogenetic studies but also for evaluation of sperm quality for artificial reproduction projects and restocking of this and other critically endangered sturgeon species.
Noninvasive Prediction of IDH1 Mutation and ATRX Expression Loss in Low‐Grade Gliomas Using Multiparametric MR Radiomic Features
Authors: Ren Yan , Zhang Xi , Rui Wenting , Pang Haopeng , Qiu Tianming , Wang Jing , Xie Qian , Jin Teng , Zhang Hua , Chen Hong , Zhang Yong , Lu Hongbing , Yao Zhenwei , Zhang Junhai , Feng Xiaoyuan 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundNoninvasive detection of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation (IDH1(+)) and loss of nuclear alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X‐linked expression ((ATRX(–)) are clinically meaningful for molecular stratification of low‐grade gliomas (LGGs).PurposeTo study a radiomic approach based on multiparametric MR for noninvasively determining molecular status of IDH1(+) and ATRX(–) in patients with LGG.Study TypeRetrospective, radiomics.PopulationFifty‐seven LGG patients with IDH1(+) (n = 36 with 19 ATRX(–) and 17 ATRX(+) patients) and IDH1(–) (n = 21).Field Strength/Sequence3.0T MRI / 3D arterial spin labeling (3D‐ASL), T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (T2FLAIR), and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).AssessmentIn all, 265 high‐throughput radiomic features were extracted on each tumor volume of interest from T2FLAIR and the other three parametric maps of ASL‐derived cerebral blood flow (CBF), DWI‐derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and exponential ADC (eADC). Optimal feature subsets were selected as using the support vector machine with a recursive feature elimination algorithm (SVM‐RFE). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was employed to assess the efficiency for identifying the IDH1(+) and ATRX(–) status.Statistical TestsStudent's t‐test, chi‐square test, and Fisher's exact test were applied to confirm whether intergroup significant differences exist between molecular subtypes decided by IDH1 and ATRX.ResultsOptimal SVM predictive models of IDH1(+) and ATRX(–) were established using 28 features from T2Flair, ADC, eADC, and CBF and six features from T2Flair, ADC, and CBF. The accuracies/AUCs/sensitivity/specifity/PPV/NPV of predicting IDH1(+) in LGG were 94.74%/0.931/100%/85.71%/92.31%/100%, and those of predicting ATRX(–) in LGG with IDH1(+) were 91.67%/0.926/94.74%/88.24%/90.00%/93.75%, respectively.Data ConclusionUsing the optimal texture features extracted from multiple MR sequences or parametric maps, a promising stratifying strategy was acquired for predicting molecular subtypes of IDH1 and ATRX in LGGs.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy Stage: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:808–817.
Economic Evaluation of Nutrition Support in the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers in Acute and Chronic Care Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wong Alvin , Goh Geraldine , Banks Merrilyn D. , Bauer Judith D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent developments in nutrition intervention indicated clinical effectiveness for pressure ulcer (PU) prevention and treatment, but it is important to assess whether they are cost‐effective. The aims of this systematic review are to determine the cost‐effectiveness and clinical outcomes of nutrition support in PU prevention and treatment.MethodsA systematic search of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and statistical models that investigated cost‐effectiveness and economic outcomes for prevention and/or treatment of PUs were performed using standard literature and electronic databases.ResultsFourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, which included 3 randomized controlled trials with their companion economic evaluations, 4 model‐based, 2 cohort, 1 pre and post, and 1 prospective controlled trial. Risk of bias assessment for all of the uncontrolled or observational trials revealed high or serious risk of bias. Interventions that incorporated specialized nursing care appeared to be more effective in prevention and treatment of PUs, compared with single intervention studies. There is a trend of improved PU healing when additional energy/protein are provided. PU prevention ($250–$9,800) was less expensive than treatment ($2,500–$16,000). Nutrition intervention for PU prevention was cost‐effective in 87.0%–99.99% of the simulation models.ConclusionsThere is potential cost‐saving and/or cost‐effectiveness of nutrition support in the long term, as predicted by the model‐based PU prevention studies in the review. Prevention of PU also appears to be more cost‐effective than treatment. A multidisciplinary approach to managing PU is more likely to be cost‐effective.
Preparative and capillary isoelectric focusing for detection and identification of Aspergillus conidia in complex sample matrices
Authors: Horká Marie , Šalplachta Jiří , Růžička Filip , Šlais Karel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study describes a new method for fast identification of highly hydrophobic conidia of Aspergillus species from both simple and complex matrices. The method is based on recently developed preparative isoelectric focusing in a cellulose‐based separation medium which had to be modified with respect to the highly hydrophobic surface of the conidia. Although Aspergillus conidia are colored, their zones in the cellulose bed were indicated by colored isoelectric point markers. The isoelectric point values of Aspergillus conidia were determined by capillary isoelectric focusing. Preparative isoelectric focusing was successfully used for preconcentration of individual conidia of cultivated strains of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus parasiticus, and also for separation of the conidia in a mixture. Subsequently, red pepper powder and peanuts spiked with Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus conidia, respectively, were used as complex matrices. The detection limit for identification of the conidia in these complex matrices is 104 conidia mL−1. The presence of conidia in the focused zones was confirmed by their subsequent analysis by capillary isoelectric focusing. Their viability was confirmed by a cultivation of the conidia extracted from the collected fractions after preparative isoelectric focusing.
Rapid discovery and global characterization of multiple components in corn silk using a multivariate data processing approach based on UHPLC coupled with electrospray ionization/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Qi , Liu Jianhua , Fan Songjie , Yang Dezhu , Wang Huimin , Wang Yumei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCorn silk is an important traditional Chinese medicine which has been widely used as diuretic, antilithiasic, uricosuric, antiseptic, etc. for thousands of years. However, it is a pity that the chemical ingredients in corn silk, especially the constituents absorbed into blood, are unclear up to now. The aim of our study was to investigate the multiple components of corn silk in vitro and in vivo. In this present study, a sensitive and rapid method using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and a multivariate data processing approach was established to detect the constituents of corn silk in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, total 41 ingredients in vitro and 19 of them absorbed into blood including luteolin, various C‐glycosyl flavones, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, gibberellin A, etc. were tentatively characterized in sequence. Furthermore, of particular importance, a kind of stable compound named C‐glycosyl flavones is a great discovery in vivo, which can point the further pharmacological study target in future. In a word, this is the first serum pharmacochemistry study of corn silk, which played a critical role in exploring the pharmacological and effective data for further research.
A novel strategy for evaluation of natural products acting on the myeloperoxidase/hypochlorous acid system by combining high‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array detection‐chemiluminescence and ultrafiltration‐mass spectrometry techniques
Authors: Wang Ying , Hong Fang , Li Dapeng , Qi Jin , Liu Xuming 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMyeloperoxidase and its product hypochlorous acid are endogenous substances that are involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. In the present study, a novel evaluation strategy has been developed to screen for myeloperoxidase inhibitors and hypochlorous acid scavengers in natural products. The evaluation strategy uses two methods: a multi‐hyphenated high‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array detection‐chemiluminescence online method, and an ultrafiltration‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method. Both were used for screening hypochlorous acid scavengers and myeloperoxidase inhibitors. After optimization of operating conditions, including pH of mobile phase and concentrations of myeloperoxidase, hypochlorous acid and luminol, the evaluation strategy was applied to Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Rubiaceae) extract. Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Rubiaceae) extract was found to both scavenge hypochlorous acid and inhibit myeloperoxidase. These different bioactivities originate from iridoid glycosides and quinic acid derivatives (25 hypochlorous acid scavengers) and crocetin derivatives (4 myeloperoxidase inhibitors). In a mouse model of acute lung injury, pulmonary histopathology showed that different constituents of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Rubiaceae) extract could also attenuate lung injury. Although the screening strategy has two arms, it is still simple, rapid, and effective. The strategy can also potentially be used to discriminate different activities of different constituents contained in the same natural product.
Ultrasound Characteristics of Foot and Ankle Structures in Healthy, Coper, and Chronically Unstable Ankles
Authors: Abdeen Rawan , Comfort Paul , Starbuck Chelsea , Nester Christopher 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveAnkle sprains constitute approximately 85% of all ankle injuries, and up to 70% of people experience residual symptoms. While the injury to ligaments is well understood, the potential role of other foot and ankle structures has not been explored. The objective was to characterize and compare selected ankle structures in participants with and without a history of lateral ankle sprain.MethodsA total of 71 participants were divided into 31 healthy, 20 coper, and 20 chronic ankle instability groups. Ultrasound images of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, fibularis tendons and muscles, tibialis posterior, and Achilles tendon were obtained. Thickness, length, and cross‐sectional areas were measured and compared among groups.ResultsWhen under tension, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was longer in copers and chronic ankle instability groups compared to healthy participants (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). The chronic ankle instability group had the thickest ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament among the 3 groups (p < 0.001). No significant differences (P > .05) in tendons and muscles were observed among the 3 groups.ConclusionsThe ultrasound protocol proved reliable and was used to evaluate the length, thickness, and cross‐sectional areas of selected ankle structures. The length of the ATFL and the thickness of the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament were longer and thicker in injured groups compared to healthy.
Z Score Reference Ranges of Fetal Cardiothoracic Diameter Ratio
Authors: Sirilert Sirinart , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Tongsong Theera , Luewan Suchaya 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThis study aims to establish the z score reference ranges of cardiothoracic diameter ratio (CTR) of normal fetuses from 14 to 40 weeks’ gestation.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted on low‐risk singleton pregnancies with healthy fetuses. The CTR was performed using simple 2‐dimensional sonography on the typical fetal 4‐chamber view. The reference ranges were constructed according to gestational age (GA), biparietal diameter (BPD), and head circumference (HC) as independent variables based on the best‐fit models, both mean and standard deviation (SD).ResultsA total of 683 fetuses were measured for CTR. The best‐fit equations for the mean and SD as a function of GA, BPD, and HC are as follows: (1) CTR = 0.365 + 0.004 × GA in weeks (SD = 0.031 + 0.001 × GA); (2) CTR = 0.373 + 0.014 × BPD in cm (SD = 0.034 + 0.004 × BPD); and (3) CTR = 0.373 + 0.004 × HC in cm (SD = 0.032 + 0.001 × HC). The CTR was slightly increased with advanced GA, BPD, and HC.ConclusionComplete nomograms with z score reference ranges of CTR were established throughout pregnancy. These nomograms may be useful to detect cardiac abnormalities.
Shear Wave Elastography on the Uterine Cervix: Technical Development for the Transvaginal Approach
Authors: O'Hara Sandra , Zelesco Marilyn , Sun Zhonghua 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThis research aimed to identify biological and technical confounders in the nonpregnant cervix when applying shear wave elastography with an endovaginal transducer.MethodsCervical speed measurements were obtained at the internal and external os in the anterior and posterior portions of the cervix using a transvaginal approach in 69 nongravid patients.ResultsReliable measurements were obtained at the external os and internal os, anteriorly and posteriorly, in 63, 55, 55, and 26 patients, respectively. The mean speed obtained at the external os, anteriorly and posteriorly, was 2.52 ± 0.49 m/s and 2.87 ± 0.63 m/s, respectively, and at the internal os, anteriorly and posteriorly, 3.29 ± 0.79 m/s and 4.10 ± 1.11 m/s, respectively. The difference in speed between all regions was statistically significant (P < .05).ConclusionUltrasound‐induced artifacts appear to affect the transmission of the elastographic main pulse, with cervical position contributing to suboptimal shear wave production in the posterior cervix. Reliable shear wave propagation can be achieved in the anterior cervix in most patients.
Positive surgical margins in parotid malignancies: Institutional variation and survival association
Authors: Morse Elliot , Fujiwara Rance J. T. , Judson Benjamin , Prasad Manju L. , Mehra Saral 
Published: September 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo establish benchmarks for positive margin incidence in parotid cancers, associate positive margin status with patient, tumor, and institutional factors and overall survival, and characterize institutional variation in positive margin incidence.Study DesignRetrospective database analysis.MethodsWe identified patients surgically treated for a parotid malignancy 2004 to 2013 in the National Cancer Database. We associated positive margins with patient, tumor, and treatment factors by multivariable logistic regression and with overall survival by Cox proportional hazards regression. We characterized institutional variation in positive margin rates by facility type and volume.ResultsA total of 5,639 patients were identified. The overall positive margin rate was 31%. By institution, positive margin rates varied from 0% to 100%, with a median rate of 31% (interquartile range = 18%–43%). Adenoid cystic carcinoma was associated with increased, and low‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with decreased, odds of positive margins, (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.54‐2.38], P < .001 and OR = 0.68 [95% CI: 0.53‐0.87], P = .002, respectively). Treatment at academic or high‐volume facilities was associated with decreased odds of positive margins (OR = 0.79 [95% CI: 0.68‐0.91], P = .001 and OR = 0.76 [95% CI: 0.63‐0.91], P = .004). Positive surgical margins were associated with decreased overall survival (62% vs. 79% 5‐year overall survival, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34 [95% CI: 1.20‐1.49], P < .001). Upon stratification by histology, this association was maintained for high‐grade, but not low‐grade, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (52% vs. 74%, HR = 1.56 [95% CI: 1.31‐1.86], P < .001 and 89% versus 91%, HR = 1.05 [95% CI: 0.60‐1.83], P = .874, respectively).ConclusionsTumor and institutional factors are associated with positive surgical margins. Positive margin rates vary substantially between facilities and are less likely at academic and high‐volume facilities. Positive surgical margins are associated with decreased overall survival and could be considered quality indicators in parotid malignancies.Level of Evidence2c Laryngoscope, 129:129–137, 2019
Human laryngeal sensory receptor mapping illuminates the mechanisms of laryngeal adductor reflex control
Authors: Sinclair Catherine F. , Téllez Maria J. , Ulkatan Sedat 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThe laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) is an airway protective response triggered by sensory laryngeal receptors. It is unknown whether different glottic and supraglottic subsites vary in their reflex elicitation abilities. The recent discovery that a bilateral LAR is present in humans under general anesthesia upon laryngeal mucosal stimulation has enabled us to map the sensory receptor density for LAR elicitation at different laryngeal subsites. Our findings expose the likely mechanisms of LAR control.MethodsProspective series of 10 patients undergoing laryngoscopy. Laryngeal subsites (epiglottic tip, membranous vocal fold, midventricular vocal fold, posterior supraglottis, epiglottic petiole) were stimulated via direct laryngoscopy with a bipolar probe. Vocal fold responses were recorded by endotracheal tube and hook wire electrodes, and visual observation.ResultsPosterior supraglottic stimulation elicited bilateral LARs in all patients at all intensities. Membranous vocal folds, epiglottic petiole, and subglottis elicited no LAR. Ventricular fold and epiglottic tip responses converted from ipsi‐ to bilateral at high intensities.ConclusionThere are likely three checkpoints for control of the LAR in humans. These checkpoints protect against inappropriate LAR activation during volitional tasks without compromising airway protection: 1) topographical differences in receptor density with the highest density in subsites most likely to contact foreign substances; 2) absence of receptors in membranous vocal folds; and 3) central summation threshold for crossed interneuron activation at brainstem level where only strong intensity stimuli will elicit bilateral responses. Checkpoint dysfunction provides a novel framework to diagnose and treat disease processes, including aspiration, laryngospasm, and sudden infant death.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, E365–E370, 2018
The effect of aging on drug‐induced sleep endoscopy findings
Authors: Zhao Chen , Viana Alonço , Ma Yifei , Capasso Robson 
Published: September 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the correlation of aging and upper airway collapse characteristics observed by drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), and report the observed differences on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects, older and younger than 60 years.Study DesignCase series.MethodsThis study analyzed the data of 200 OSA patients who underwent DISE between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2017. The variables sex, body mass index (BMI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, tonsil size, modified Mallampati (MM) classification, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), lowest oxygen saturation, and VOTE (velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis) classification were compared between two groups: <60 and ≥60 years old.ResultsOlder age had significant correlation with higher AHI, ODI, lower O2 nadir, multisite obstruction, combined upper (palatopharyngeal) + lower (hypopharyngeal) level obstructions, and complete anterior‐posterior (AP) velum collapse pattern. Lateral oropharyngeal wall collapse was significantly lower in the older group. Findings remained statistically significant when adjusted for sex, BMI, tonsil size, and MM.ConclusionsAging was an independent factor that directly correlated with increased AHI and hypoxemia, multisites, combined levels of obstruction, and complete AP velum collapse pattern. Being older than 60 years had higher of complete AP velum collapse and lower incidence of lateral oropharyngeal wall collapse, regardless of OSA severity and tonsil size.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2644–2650, 2018