bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of pain: Still in the dark after 50 years
Authors: Jensen Melanie P. , Brownstone Robert M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveDespite the value of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in treating some patients with focal neuropathic pain, technological advances in stimulator design and treatment protocols have not correlated with significant improvements in clinical outcomes. This may be because incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying SCS precludes improvement in clinical efficacy. In this brief review, we (a) review phenomenological effects of SCS, (b) review the literature on proposed spinal sites of action of SCS and (c) propose a novel hypothesis of mechanism of action.ResultsDorsal columns, dorsal roots and dorsal horns have each been proposed as spinal sites of action of SCS. We suggest that evidence in favour of the dorsal columns or dorsal roots as the primary mediators of SCS is weak and propose that the dorsal horn is the crucial site of action. Furthermore, we hypothesize that, based on their location, and neurochemical and morphological properties, dorsal horn islet cells may mediate the effects of SCS.ConclusionsThe precise spinal mechanisms of action of SCS are still unknown. Dorsal horn islet cells have properties that position them to play a key role in analgesic effects of electrical stimulation. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for positive SCS effects are needed for successful translation into clinical dividends.SignificanceWe review possible spinal mechanisms of action of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain, proposing that direct modulation of dorsal horn neurons is crucial. We suggest that mechanistic insights are needed for translation into more favourable clinical outcomes.
Comparison of two neonatal pain assessment tools (Children and Infant’s Postoperative Pain Scale and the Neonatal Facial Coding System—Revised) and their relations to clinicians’ intuitive pain estimates
Authors: Kappesser Judith , de Laffolie Jan , Faas Dirk , Ehrhardt Harald , Hermann Christiane 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundMany neonatal observational pain assessment tools are available. Their application in clinical settings, however, has been limited. A further difficulty for decision makers may be to choose among the variety of available tools the appropriate one(s) for their patients. Aims of the present study were (1) to compare two commonly cited neonatal pain assessment tools, the Neonatal Facial Coding System—Revised (NFCS‐R) and the Children and Infant’s Postoperative Pain Scale (CHIPPS), with regard to their psychometric qualities and (2) to explore intuitive clinicians’ ratings by relating them to the tools’ items.MethodsThree coders applied both pain assessment tools to videos of 44 neonates who were videotaped while undergoing a painful and a stressful procedure. Clinicians rated the pain neonates experienced on a numerical rating scale. Analyses of variances and regression analyses were used to investigate whether tools could discriminate between the procedures and whether tools’ items were predictors of intuitive clinicians’ ratings.ResultsInterrater reliability, internal consistency and relative convergent validity were high for both assessment tools. Both tools discriminated between painful and stressful situations equally well. Roughly one third of variance in clinicians’ intuitive ratings could be explained by items of each tool, however, no single item was found to be a significant predictor.ConclusionsBoth pain assessment tools performed equally well regarding psychometric comparisons. Therefore, clinical utility needs to be considered when having to choose. Possibilities of improvement for both tools were identified. Cues clinicians base their intuitive pain judgements need to be further investigated.SignificancePsychometric comparisons of neonatal assessment tools provide useful information that can help health care professionals to choose among tools and researchers to improve them. Both tools compared here performed psychometrically equally well. Their clinical utility, however, can be improved, for example by providing a manual (CHIPPS) and training opportunities.
Comparison the effect of putrescine application on postharvest quality of Pyrus communis cv. “Shah‐Miveh” and “Spadona”
Authors: Hosseini Marjan Sadat , Babalar Mesbah , Askari Mohammad Ali , Zahedi Seyed Morteza 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRole of putrescine for extending storage life of pear cv. “Shah‐Miveh” and “Spadona” was evaluated. The trees were sprayed by various concentrations of putrescine (0.5, 1, and 2 mM) and distilled water “control.” After harvest, all samples were stored at 0 ± 1°C, 80%–85% RH for 21 weeks. Thereafter, some physico‐chemical attributes were measured initially and after each storage period 7, 14, and 21 weeks. Putrescine at 1 and 2 mM reduced fruit softening, weight loss, color changes (L*, hue angle), fungal infection as well as retarded the degradation of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenol (TP), and total antioxidant activity (TAA). However, fruit softening, weight loss, and hue angle rates were slower in “Shah‐Miveh” to “Spadona.” Moreover, at the end of storage, “Shah‐Miveh” demonstrated more TP and TAA in compare to “Spadona.” Thus, putrescine application at higher values may be an effective tool to prolong pear postharvest life during storage.
Different thermal processing effects on peanut allergenicity
Authors: Zhang Tong , Shi Yunfeng , Zhao Yanqing , Wang Jianying , Wang Minjia , Niu Bing , Chen Qin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPeanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies worldwide. Studies have shown that the incidence of peanut allergies in Western‐born Asians is higher than that in Asia‐born Asians. Notably, Europeans and Americans mostly eat roasted peanuts, whereas Asians mostly eat boiled or fried peanuts.RESULTSBALB/c mice were sensitized using purified protein from raw, roasted or boiled peanuts, then fed the same by oral gavage. The relevant allergic reactions were studied using BALB/c mice model, including a rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cell model, simulated gastric fluid experiments, and ultraviolet (UV) and circular dichroism (CD) spectral analysis. Serological studies showed increased levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐5, and pathological studies showed mast cell degranulation and inflammatory changes in jejunal tissues, with an increase in thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) gene expression in all treatment groups compared with the control group (phosphate‐buffered saline). Compared with the raw peanut group, sera from the roasted peanut group produced a significant increase in RBL β‐hexosaminidase A release in vitro, and roasted peanuts showed increased resistance to digestion in simulated gastric fluid experiments. Ultraviolet and CD spectral analyses showed that the roasting and boiling processes altered the structure of the major peanut allergens, which may have contributed to the differences observed in peanut allergenicity.CONCLUSIONOur findings indicate that peanut allergies are related to peanut thermal processing methods. In our mouse model, the raw, roasted and boiled peanuts elicited different degrees of allergic response. Compared with raw peanut, roasted peanuts show a higher allergenicity, whereas the boiled peanuts show a lower allergenicity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Automated Indentation Mapping of Vocal Fold Structure and Cover Properties Across Species
Authors: Dion Gregory R. , Lavoie Jean‐Francois , Coelho Paulo , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisVarious animal models have been employed to investigate vocal fold (VF) and phonatory function. However, biomechanical testing techniques to characterize vocal fold structural properties vary and have not compared critical properties across species. We adapted a nondestructive, automated indentation mapping technique to simultaneously quantify VF structural properties (VF cover layer and intact VF) in commonly used species based on the hypothesis that VF biomechanical properties are largely preserved across species.Study DesignEx vivo animal model.MethodsCanine, leporine, and swine larynges (n = 4 each) were sagittally bisected, measured, and subjected to normal indentation mapping (indentation at 0.3 mm; 1.2 mm/s) with a 2‐mm spherical indenter to quantify normal force along the VF cover layer, structural stiffness, and displacement at 0.8 mN; two‐dimensional maps of the free VF edge through the conus elasticus were created for these characterizations.ResultsStructural stiffness was 7.79 gf/mm (0.15–74.55) for leporine, 2.48 gf/mm (0.20–41.75) for canine, and 1.45 gf (0.56–4.56) for swine. For each species, the lowest values were along the free VF edge (mean ± standard deviation; leporine: 0.40 ± 0.21 gf/mm, canine: 1.14 ± 0.49 gf/mm, swine: 0.89 ± 0.28 gf/mm). Similar results were obtained for the cover layer normal force at 0.3 mm. On the free VF edge, mean (standard deviation) displacement at 0.08 gf was 0.14 mm (0.05) in leporine, 0.11 mm (0.03) in canine, and 0.10 mm (0.02) in swine.ConclusionsAutomated indentation mapping yielded reproducible biomechanical property measurement of the VF cover and intact VF. Divergent VF structural properties across canine, swine, and leporine species were observed.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 129:E26–E31, 2019
Aspiration in children with unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Irace Alexandria L. , Dombrowski Natasha D. , Kawai Kosuke , Dodrill Pamela , Perez Jennifer , Hernandez Kayla , Davidson Kathryn , Hseu Anne , Nuss Roger , Rahbar Reza 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe the prevalence of aspiration in children with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent objective assessment of swallow function.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA study of patients presenting to our institution with unilateral vocal fold paralysis in 2015 was conducted. All patients were diagnosed using flexible laryngoscopy. Patients were included if they underwent at least one modified barium swallow (MBS) study for evaluation of their swallowing function due to recurrent respiratory issues and/or feeding difficulty.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients diagnosed with unilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent an MBS study at our institution in 2015. Median age at the time of MBS study was 1.7 years (interquartile range: 0.4–4.3). Twenty‐six patients (92.9%) had dysphagia. Sixteen patients were found to aspirate on MBS study. All patients who aspirated did so without overt signs (silent aspiration). Eighteen patients had congenital heart disease (64.3%) and nine had a history of prematurity (32.1%). Eight patients (28.6%) presented with developmental delays.ConclusionsPatients who present with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and recurrent respiratory and/or feeding issues may be affected by prominent issues such as swallowing dysfunction and silent aspiration. Clinicians should be aware of this risk and evaluate patients for any signs of feeding or swallowing difficulties.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:569–573, 2019
The epidemiology of autologous tissue grafting in primary and revision rhinoplasty
Authors: Lee Linda N. , Quatela Olivia , Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the percentage of primary versus revision rhinoplasty cases that require an extranasal source of grafting, as well as age and gender‐specific trends.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of multistate ambulatory surgery and hospital databases.MethodsAmbulatory rhinoplasty procedures were extracted from the State Ambulatory Surgery Databases for New York, Kentucky, North Carolina, Michigan, and Florida for 2014 to 2015. Cases were examined for simultaneous use of extranasal grafts.ResultsA total of 8,510 rhinoplasties were extracted (65.3% female, mean age = 35.6 years), and 11.9% were revision cases (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.2‐12.6). An extranasal, autologous source of grafting was required in 12.7% of cases (5.3% auricular, 95% CI: 4%‐6.6%; 1.8% costal, 95% CI: 1%‐2.6%). Revision cases were more likely to require a secondary source of grafting (24.4%, 95% CI: 21.8%‐27.1% vs. 11.1%, 95% CI: 10.3%‐11.8%). In revision cases, the most common graft was auricular cartilage (14.4%, 95% CI: 12.2%‐16.6%) followed by costal (7.1%, 95% CI: 5.52%‐8.69%). Only 1.1% of primary cases required costal cartilage (95% CI: 0.88%‐1.36%) compared to 7.1% of revision cases (95% CI: 5.52%‐8.69%). Of the primary cases, 4.1% required auricular cartilage grafting (95% CI: 3.67%‐4.57%) compared to 14.4% of revision cases (95% CI: 12.2%‐16.6%). Patients who required a graft were older. Significantly more males required autologous grafting than females (P = .047).ConclusionsCartilaginous or bony grafting is a critical surgical technique in both primary and secondary rhinoplasties. This is the first study to examine percentages of site‐specific autologous grafting from auricular and costal donor sites for primary and revision cases. Gender and age‐specific trends associated with specific grafting sites are also identified. These data are important to help guide preoperative counseling and informed consent for all rhinoplasty surgeries.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1549–1553, 2019
Microbial generation of elemental mercury from dissolved methylmercury in seawater
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Shiuan , Fisher Nicholas S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractElemental mercury (Hg0) formation from other mercury species in seawater results from photoreduction and microbial activity, leading to possible evasion from seawater to overlying air. Microbial conversion of monomethylmercury (MeHg) to Hg0 in seawater remains unquantified. A rapid radioassay method was developed using gamma‐emitting 203Hg as a tracer to evaluate Hg0 production from Hg(II) and MeHg in the low pM range. Bacterioplankton assemblages in Atlantic surface seawater and Long Island Sound water were found to rapidly produce Hg0, with production rate constants being directly related to bacterial biomass and independent of dissolved Hg(II) and MeHg concentrations. About 32% of Hg(II) and 19% of MeHg were converted to Hg0 in 4 d in Atlantic surface seawater containing low‐bacterial biomass, and in Long Island Sound water with higher bacterial biomass, 54% of Hg(II) and 8% of MeHg were transformed to Hg0. Decreasing temperatures from 24°C to 4°C reduced Hg0 production rates cell−1 from Hg(II) 3.3 times as much as from a MeHg source. Because Hg0 production rates were linearly related to microbial biomass and temperature, and microbial mercuric reductase was detected in our field samples, we inferred that microbial metabolic activities and enzymatic reactions primarily govern Hg0 formation in subsurface waters where light penetration is diminished.
Nanoimprinted Anisotropic Topography Preferentially Guides Axons and Enhances Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Huang Yun‐An , Ho Chris T. , Lin Yu‐Hsuan , Lee Chen‐Ju , Ho Szu‐Mo , Li Ming‐Chia , Hwang Eric 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSurface topography has a profound effect on the development of the nervous system, such as neuronal differentiation and morphogenesis. While the interaction of neurons and the surface topography of their local environment is well characterized, the neuron–topography interaction during the regeneration process remains largely unknown. To address this question, an anisotropic surface topography resembling linear grooves made from poly(ethylene‐vinyl acetate) (EVA), a soft and biocompatible polymer, using nanoimprinting, is established. It is found that neurons from both the central and peripheral nervous system can survive and grow on this grooved surface. Additionally, it is observed that axons but not dendrites specifically align with these grooves. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that neurons on the grooved surface are capable of regeneration after an on‐site injury. More importantly, these injured neurons have an accelerated and enhanced regeneration. Together, the data demonstrate that this anisotropic topography guides axon growth and improves axon regeneration. This opens up the possibility to study the effect of surface topography on regenerating axons and has the potential to be developed into a medical device for treating peripheral nerve injuries.
Antibacterial Polymeric Films Fabricated by [2+2] Cycloaddition–Retroelectrocyclization and Ag+ Ion Coordination
Authors: Fujita Hiroyuki , Nihei Nahoko , Bito Masami , Michinobu Tsuyoshi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization (CA–RE) between N,N‐dialkylaniline‐substituted alkynes and 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) is employed to fabricate functional cross‐linked polymer films containing the intramolecular charge‐transfer (CT) chromophores at the cross‐linking points. Polystyrene bearing N,N‐dialkylaniline‐substituted alkynes (P1) and TCNQ polyester (P2) are mixed in tetrahydrofuran (THF), then this solution is spray‐coated onto an indium tin oxide or glass plate. Heating to 100 °C initiates the [2+2] CA‐RE reaction, resulting in the formation of cross‐linked polymer films. The reaction progress and completion are evaluated by monitoring the CT absorption band and cyano vibration peaks. The resulting cross‐linked polymer films show reversible cathodic electrochromism between the neutral and anion radical states. In addition, they also display the visual detection behavior of protic acids and Lewis acids, such as Ag+ ions. Accordingly, the Ag+ ion‐loaded polymer films are prepared, and their antibacterial activities are studied. As more Ag+ ions are loaded, the CT band more bathochromically shifts and more potent antibacterial activities are obtained. Therefore, the antibacterial activity of the polymer films can be visually recognized by the film colors. Furthermore, the loaded Ag+ ions can be released from the polymer films by application of an electrochemical potential.
Molecular Motion in Viscous DGEBA with Nanoparticles as Seen by Quasi‐Elastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Weidner Maren Christin , Evenson Zach , Zamponi Michaela , Possart Wulff 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPure and filled epoxies are widely used in industry. Nanocomposites especially are affected by interphase regions where properties deviate from bulk. The study of molecular mobility in epoxy monomers is a first step to understanding the molecular dynamics in nanocomposites and their effect on crosslinking in epoxy networks. Here, quasi‐elastic neutron scattering is used to disentangle the molecular motions of monomeric diglycidylether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA) and a suspension of zeolite nanoparticles in DGEBA on a timescale from 2 ps to 5.5 ns. Regarding molecular transport of DGEBA inside the suspension, the particles have no impact on the faster rotational motions. A combination of neutron time‐of‐flight and backscattering spectroscopy reveals a pronounced hindrance of DGEBA molecular dynamics on/in the zeolite particles along with a new type of molecular motion occurring on intermediate timescales. That localized motion is attributed to jump diffusion motions, emanating from interphase effects at the zeolite particles.
Mild Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency Alters Inflammatory and Lipid Pathways in Liver
Authors: Leclerc Daniel , Christensen Karen E. , Cauvi Olivia , Yang Ethan , Fournelle Frédéric , Bahous Renata H. , Malysheva Olga V. , Deng Liyuan , Wu Qing , Zhou Zili , Gao Zu‐Hua , Chaurand Pierre , Caudill Marie A. , Rozen Rima 
Published: November 2018

ScopeDietary and genetic folate disturbances can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A common variant in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677C→T) causes mild MTHFR deficiency with lower 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate for methylation reactions. The goal is to determine whether mild murine MTHFR deficiency contributes to NAFLD‐related effects.Methods and resultsWild‐type and Mthfr+/− mice, a model for the human variant, are fed control (CD) or high‐fat (HFAT) diets for 8 weeks. On both diets, MTHFR deficiency results in decreased S‐adenosylmethionine, increased S‐adenosylhomocysteine, and decreased betaine with reduced methylation capacity, and changes in expression of several inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory mediators (Saa1, Apoa1, and Pon1). On CD, MTHFR deficiency leads to microvesicular steatosis with expression changes in lipid regulators Xbp1s and Cyp7a1. The combination of MTHFR deficiency and HFAT exacerbates changes in inflammatory mediators and introduces additional effects on inflammation (Saa2) and lipid metabolism (Nr1h4, Srebf1c, Ppara, and Crot). These effects are consistent with increased expression of pro‐inflammatory HDL precursors and greater lipid accumulation. MTHFR deficiency may enhance liver injury through alterations in methylation capacity, inflammatory response, and lipid metabolism.ConclusionIndividuals with the MTHFR variant may be at increased risk for liver disease and related complications, particularly when consuming high‐fat diets.
Modeling the Synthesis of Butyl Methacrylate Macromonomer by Sequential ATRP‐CCTP
Authors: Zhang Mingmin , Hutchinson Robin A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe atom transfer radical polymerization of butyl methacrylate mediated by Cu(I)Br/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine in anisole at 70 °C with the subsequent addition of bis(difluoroboryldiphenylglyoximato)cobalt(II) after 2 h is modeled using Predici software, to gain additional insight to the system used experimentally to produce macromonomer chains with narrow dispersity. The mechanistic model, using kinetic coefficients from the literature and activation and deactivation rate coefficients estimated from this work, provides a good representation of experimental results. The simulations demonstrate that the time (conversion) at which cobalt chain transfer agent is added to the system is critical to control the number‐average molar mass of the final product and also confirm that chains of higher length in the final product are more likely to be nonfunctionalized, in agreement with experimental observations. The model predicts the production of a significant fraction of macromonomer oligomers with lengths of 1–3 units, also consistent with experiments.