bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypotonicity differentially affects inflammatory marker production by nucleus pulposus tissue in simulated disc degeneration versus herniation
Authors: Mouser Vivian H. M. , Arkesteijn Irene T. M. , van Dijk Bart G. M. , Wuertz‐Kozak Karin , Ito Keita 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTInflammatory cytokines play an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration. Although largely produced by immune cells, nucleus pulposus (NP) cells can also secrete them under various conditions, for example, under free swelling. Thus, tissue hypotonicity may be an inflammatory trigger for NP cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether decreased tonicity under restricted swelling conditions (as occurring in early disc degeneration) could initiate an inflammatory cascade that mediates further degeneration. Healthy bovine NP tissue was balanced against different PEG concentrations (0–30%) to obtain various tissue tonicities. Samples were then placed in an artificial annulus (fixed volume) and were cultured for 3, 7, or 21 days, with free swelling NP as control. Tissue content (water, glycosaminoglycan, collagen) was analyzed, and both the tissue and medium were screened for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), prostaglandin‐E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO). A range of tonicities (isotonic to hypotonic) was present at day 3 in the PEG‐treated samples. However, during culture, the tonicity range narrowed as GAGs leached from the tissue. TNF‐α and IL‐1β were below detection limits in all conditions, while mid‐ and downstream inflammatory cytokines were detected. This may suggest that the extracellular environment directly affects NP cells instead of inducing a classical inflammatory cascade. Furthermore, IL‐8 increased in swelling restricted samples, while IL‐6 and PGE2 were elevated in free swelling controls. These findings may suggest the involvement of different mechanisms in disc degeneration with intact AF compared to herniation, and encourage further investigation. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res
Pre‐clinical evaluation of bone allograft toughened with a novel sterilization method: An in vivo rabbit study
Authors: Park Sam Si‐Hyeong , Zhang Lucia , Attia Tarik , Salat Peter , Banks Kate , Willett Thomas , Grynpas Marc 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTBone allografts often undergo γ‐irradiation sterilization to decrease infection risk. However this consequently degrades bone collagen and makes the allograft brittle. Our laboratory has previously found that pre‐treatment with ribose ex vivo protects the bone. However, it remains unclear whether or not ribose‐treated γ‐irradiated allografts are able to unite and remodel in vivo. Using New Zealand White rabbits (NZWr), we aimed to evaluate if ribose‐treated allografts can unite with host bone (compared to untreated (fresh‐frozen) and conventionally‐irradiated allografts). A critically‐sized defect was created in the radii of NZWr and reconstructed with allografts fixed with an intramedullary Kirschner wire. Healing and union were assessed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks post operation, with radiographs, µCT, static and dynamic histomorphometry, backscatter electron microscopy, and torsion testing. Intramedullary fixation achieved stable reconstructions and bony union in all groups and no differences were found in the radiographic and biomechanical parameters tested. Interestingly, γ‐irradiated allografts had significantly less bone volume due to evident resorption of the grafts. In contrast, ribose pre‐treatment protected γ‐irradiated allografts from this bone loss, with results similar to the fresh frozen controls. In conclusion, ribose‐pretreated γ‐irradiated allografts were able to unite in vivo. In addition to achieving bony union with host bone, ribose pre‐treatment may protect against allograft resorption. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Joint coordinate system for biomechanical analysis of the sacroiliac joint
Authors: Van Hauwermeiren Liesbeth , Verstraete Matthias , Stouthandel Michael E. J. , Van Oevelen Aline , De Gersem Werner , Delrue Louke , Achten Eric , Adriaens Dominique , Van Hoof Tom 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTSacroiliac joint (SIJ) biomechanics have been described in both in vitro and in vivo studies. A standard for joint coordinate systems has been created by the International Society of Biomechanics for most of the joints in the human body. However, a standardized joint coordinate system for sacroiliac joint motion analysis is currently still lacking. This impedes the comparison across studies and hinders communication among scientists and clinicians. As SIJ motion is reported to be quite limited, a proper standardization and reproducibility of this procedure is essential for the interpretation of future biomechanical SIJ studies. This paper proposes a joint coordinate system for the analysis of sacroiliac joint motion, based on the procedure developed by Grood and Suntay, using semi‐automated anatomical landmarks on 3D joint surfaces. This coordinate system offers high inter‐rater reliability and aspires to a more intuitive representation of biomechanical data, as it is aligned with SIJ articular surfaces. This study aims to encourage further reflection and debate on biomechanical data representation, in order to facilitate interpretation of SIJ biomechanics and improve communication between researchers and clinicians. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Computational evaluation of altered biomechanics related to articular cartilage lesions observed in vivo
Authors: Myller Katariina A. H. , Korhonen Rami K. , Töyräs Juha , Salo Jari , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Venäläinen Mikko S. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTChondral lesions provide a potential risk factor for development of osteoarthritis. Despite the variety of in vitro studies on lesion degeneration, in vivo studies that evaluate relation between lesion characteristics and the risk for the possible progression of OA are lacking. Here, we aimed to characterize different lesions and quantify biomechanical responses experienced by surrounding cartilage tissue. We generated computational knee joint models with nine chondral injuries based on clinical in vivo arthrographic computed tomography images. Finite element models with fibril‐reinforced poro(visco)elastic cartilage and menisci were constructed to simulate physiological loading. Systematically, the lesions experienced increased peak values of maximum principal strain, maximum shear strain, and minimum principal strain in the surrounding chondral tissue (p < 0.01) compared with intact tissue. Depth, volume, and area of the lesion correlated with the maximum shear strain (p < 0.05, Spearman rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.733–0.917). Depth and volume of the lesion correlated also with the maximum principal strain (p < 0.05, ρ = 0.767, and ρ = 0.717, respectively). However, the lesion area had non‐significant correlation with this strain parameter (p = 0.06, ρ = 0.65). Potentially, the introduced approach could be developed for clinical evaluation of biomechanical risks of a chondral lesion and planning an intervention.Statement of Clinical Relevance: In this study, we computationally characterized different in vivo chondral lesions and evaluated their risk of cartilage degeneration. This information is vital in decision‐making for intervention in order to prevent post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Inhomogeneous crystallization of a‐Si thin films irradiated by femtosecond laser
Authors: Li Dongyang , Ilyas Nasir , Song Yuhao , Zhong Hao , Li Wei , Jiang Yadong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecently, we have carried out a detailed Raman analysis to investigate the inhomogeneous crystallization of a‐Si thin films irradiated by femtosecond (Fs) laser. As expected, there are many etched spots overlapping each other, which features the surface morphology of the irradiated films. It is observed clearly that there has generated an inhomogeneous crystallization inside a‐Si thin film induced by Fs laser, and the crystalline volume fraction in one irradiated spot varies depending on different areas from the center to the edge. It is hard to observe any crystallization at the spot center where maximum energy of Fs laser is injected; however, there is an increasing crystalline volume fraction when the site varies from the center to the edge of the irradiated spot. More importantly, as the site varies from the center to the edge, the TO mode of Si nanocrystals (NCs; first‐order Si–Si peak at ~520.5 cm−1) is asymmetrically broadened towards the low wavenumber and exhibits a dip on the high wavenumber. A model has been proposed to explain this inhomogeneous crystallization inside the a‐Si thin films induced by Fs laser, and both phonon confinement model and Fano model have been employed to discuss the origin of asymmetric line shapes of TO mode of Si NCs, and we prefer to attribute the asymmetry of TO mode to Fano effect. Our present research results provide a deep insight into the origin of asymmetric broadening for the Raman TO mode of Si NCs inside a‐Si thin films irradiated by Fs laser.
Synthesis and Interface Activity of a Series of Dicarboxylic Cationic Surfactants and a Structure–Efficiency Relationship Study
Authors: Chen Gang , Bai Yun , Liu Qiaona , Zhang Jie , Gu Xuefan , Li Hong , Qu Chengtun , Zhang Yongming 
Published: March 2019

AbstractQuaternary ammonium cationic surfactants are widely used in many fields, but information about the effect of the anion on cationic surfactants is scarce. To study the effect of anions on the surface properties, six dicarboxylic cationic surfactants were prepared, (cetyltrimethylammonium oxalate, CTAO; cetyltrimethylammonium malonate, CTAM; cetyltrimethylammonium succinate, CTASU; cetyltrimethylammonium glutarate, CTAG; cetyltrimethylammonium adipate, CTAA; and cetyltrimethylammonium sebacate, CTASE), and their surface properties were studied, including surface tension, critical micelle concentration, foaming ability and stability, and corrosion inhibition. The results showed that the minimum surface tension followed the order of CTAO<CTAM<CTASU<CTAG<CTAA<CTASE. The foaming ability followed the order of CTAO>CTAM>CTASU>CTAG>CTAA>CTASE. The foaming stability followed the order of CTAM>CTAO>CTASU>CTAG>CTAA>CTASE. At a concentration of 1.0 g L−1, the order of emulsification power of these surfactants was CTASE<CTAO<CTAA<CTAG<CTASU<CTAM, and at 5.0 g L−1, the order was CTASE<CTASU<CTAA<CTAG<CTAO<CTAM. The corrosion inhibition efficiency on mild steel followed the order of CTASE<CTAA<CTAG<CTASU<CTAM<CTAO.
Clay‐Na as a sorbent for the extraction of anti‐inflammatory compounds in water samples
Authors: Khazri Hassen , Ghorbel‐Abid Ibtissem , Ben Hassine Sihem , Chevolleau Sylvie , Debrauwer Laurent , Kalfat Rafik , Trabelsi‐Ayadi Malika 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this work, clay‐Na particles are used as the adsorbent for the solid‐phase extraction of acidic compounds. The novel sorbent under study is based on high‐specific surface area, cation‐exchange capacity designed specifically to offer ion‐exchange properties with the goal being to selectively extract a group of acidic compounds. The effects of the extraction parameters including extraction elution solvent, sample volume and pH. In optimum conditions, the repeatability for one fiber (n = 3), expressed as % relative standard deviation, was between 0.3 and 4.3% for the acid compounds. The detection limits for the studied acidic compounds were between 0.1–0.6 μg/L. The developed method offers the advantages of being simple to use and having a low cost of equipment.
Normal Values of Anal Sphincter Biometry by 4‐Dimensional Translabial Ultrasound: A Retrospective Study of Pregnant Women in Their Third Trimester
Authors: Magpoc Mendoza Julie , Turel Fatakia Friyan , Kamisan Atan Ixora , Dietz Hans Peter 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesExoanal 4‐dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS) is increasingly used to image the anal sphincter. The aim of this study was to define the limits of normality for assessment of external and internal anal sphincters with TLUS.MethodsThis study was a retrospective analysis using data sets of nulliparous women seen antenatally. All women had a 4‐dimensional TLUS examination at a mean gestational age ± SD of 36 ± 0.7 (range, 32.9–37.3) weeks. Anal sphincter biometry, including external anal sphincter (EAS) length and thickness, EAS proximal rotational asymmetry, and internal anal sphincter thickness, was assessed blinded against other data.ResultsA test‐retest series showed good repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.619–0.849) of all parameters. The mean age of the women (n = 111) was 30.9 (range, 18.8–40.5) years. None reported anal incontinence. On tomographic imaging, none showed anal sphincter defects. The mean EAS length was 17.5 (range, 8.4–34.8) mm, being shorter dorsally at 16.4 (range, 7.0–32.7) mm versus 18.7 (range, 7.5–36.9) mm ventrally (P < .001). The ventral EAS reached farther cranially by 0.8 ± 2.5 (range, –4.8–5.1) mm on average. The mean EAS thickness was 3.4 (range, 2.0–5.8) mm, being thicker dorsally than ventrally (P < .001).ConclusionsAnal sphincter biometry can be assessed with good repeatability by TLUS. The EAS seems longer ventrally. Asymmetry of the EAS could result in a false‐positive diagnosis of defects in women in whom the ventral EAS terminates more caudally than its dorsal aspect, which seems uncommon. Hence, the likelihood of a false‐positive diagnosis of substantial defects of the EAS using the published method seems low.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Different Criteria of Pharmaco‐penile Duplex Sonography for Venous Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Li , Xu Lingling , Wang Jin , Li Hong , Zhang Danqing , Zhang Cuihong , Jia Huijun , Xie Mingxing , Zhu Zhaohui , Yang Yali 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of different criteria of pharmaco‐penile duplex sonography in venous erectile dysfunction (ED).MethodsThe following parameters were measured after an intracavernous injection test in patients with ED from May 2016 to February 2017 at our hospital: diameter, peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and resistance index of the cavernous artery; diameter and peak velocity (if leak occurred) of the deep dorsal vein. Three ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria of venous ED were applied. Criterion A: continuous blood flow signals in the deep dorsal vein, peak velocity greater than 3 cm/s, peak systolic velocity greater than 30 cm/s, end‐diastolic velocity greater than 5 cm/s; Criterion B: resistance index less than 0.89 and other parameters corresponding with Criterion A; Criterion C: resistance index less than 0.80 and other parameters corresponding with Criterion A. The diagnostic results of each criterion were compared with the cavernosographic results.ResultsThirty‐six patients were diagnosed as venous ED by cavernosography in 54 ED cases. The diagnostic specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of Criterion A were 70.6%, 91.7%, and 84.9%, respectively. Those of Criterion B were 82.4%, 69.4%, and 73.6%, while the results for Criterion C were 94.1%, 33.3%, and 52.8%, respectively. Criterion A had the highest diagnostic accuracy, the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area = 0.811), and the highest consistency (kappa = 0.642) with the cavernosographic results in the 3 criteria. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05).ConclusionsAmong the 3 commonly used ultrasonographic criteria, Criterion A is most appropriate in the diagnosis of venous ED.
An evaluation of arytenoid prolapse following laryngotracheal reconstruction
Authors: Li Lilun , Black Kaelan , White Michelle , Zalzal George , Preciado Diego 
Published: March 2019

Objectives/HypothesisLaryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) is a collection of procedures used to treat pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis. Arytenoid prolapse is a potential postoperative complication that may lead to upper airway obstruction. This study investigates the incidence, risk factors, and need for surgical intervention for post‐LTR arytenoid prolapse.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsThe charts of 107 patients who underwent a total of 119 LTR procedures between 2005 and 2018 at a tertiary free‐standing children's hospital were reviewed.ResultsThe incidence of post‐LTR arytenoid prolapse was 7.6%. Age, glottic involvement, tracheostomy status, vocal cord paralysis, and balloon dilation had no effect on arytenoid prolapse development. Sixteen percent of procedures performed in children <8 kg resulted in arytenoid prolapse, versus 4.5% of procedures performed in children >8 kg (P = .036). One hundred percent 100% of patients with post‐LTR arytenoid prolapse had placement of a posterior graft. Multivariate analysis confirmed both weight <8 kg and posterior graft use to be significantly associated with arytenoid prolapse (P = .027 and .039, respectively). Three of the nine patients with arytenoid prolapse were symptomatic and weighed <8 kg at time of surgery. One required voice therapy; two required surgical intervention.ConclusionsThe incidence of arytenoid prolapse is 7.6% following LTR. Patients undergoing posterior graft LTR or weigh <8 kg at time of surgery are more likely to develop arytenoid prolapse. Children <8 kg at time of surgery who develop arytenoid prolapse are more likely to be symptomatic and require further intervention. These findings are valuable for preoperative risk assessment of pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis management.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:247–251, 2020
Mesenchymal stromal cells modulate tissue repair responses within the injured vocal fold
Authors: Nagubothu Srinivasa Rao , Sugars Rachael V. , Tudzarovski Nikolce , Andrén Anton Törnqvist , Bottai Matteo , Davies Lindsay C. , Hertegård Stellan , Le Blanc Katarina 
Published: March 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThis study aimed to determine whether local injection of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) could modulate the early inflammatory response within injured vocal folds (VFs) to promote wound‐healing processes.Study DesignExperimental xenograft model.MethodsVF injury was surgically induced by bilateral resection of the lamina propria of rabbits, and MSC were immediately injected into the injured area of both VFs. Animals were sacrificed on days 2, 4, and 24. Histological analyses were performed by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and elastin staining. Cell death was visualized by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and the M2 macrophage marker, CD163, detected by immunohistochemistry. Persistence of injected MSC was evaluated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on the contralateral VF.ResultsHistological examination at days 2 and 4 indicated that MSC were able to reduce tissue inflammation, with gene expression analysis confirming a significant reduction of proinflammatory markers, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐8. FISH demonstrated low‐level persistence of injected MSC at both time points, and TUNEL confirmed localized cell death at the injury site. Increased levels of CD163+ anti‐inflammatory macrophages indicated a change in the immune milieu, supporting wound resolution. Evidence of a more organized collagen matrix suggests that MSC may enhance the production of a functional repair tissue after injury, despite their low‐level persistence within the tissue.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that MSC are able to positively modulate the early wound‐healing response through resolution of the inflammatory phase and promotion of tissue repair.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:E21–E29, 2020
Treatment delays in surgically managed sinonasal cancer and association with survival
Authors: Goel Alexander N. , Lee Jivianne T. , Wang Marilene B. , Suh Jeffrey D. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo characterize treatment delays in sinonasal cancer managed with surgery and adjuvant radiation and determine the associated impact on survival.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsWe identified adults in the National Cancer Database treated for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma with definitive surgery followed by adjuvant radiation from 2004 to 2014. We then examined intervals of diagnosis to surgery (DTS), surgery to radiation (SRT), and radiation duration (RTD). Next, we performed recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to identify thresholds for these treatment intervals that estimated the greatest differences in survival. We determined the association of treatment delay with overall survival using Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsAmong 2,267 patients included, median durations of DTS, SRT, and RTD were 32, 49, and 47 days, respectively. Predictors of treatment delay included care transitions, black race, and Medicare insurance. We identified thresholds of 26, 64, and 51 days for DTS, SRT, and RTD, respectively, as estimating the largest survival differences. Delays in SRT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.40), and RTD (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.10–1.46) beyond these thresholds independently predicted mortality. Delay in DTS beyond the RPA‐derived threshold was not significantly associated with mortality after adjusting for other covariates.ConclusionDelays in SRT and RTD intervals are associated with decreased overall survival. Median durations may serve as national benchmarks. Treatment delays could be considered quality indicators for sinonasal cancer treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:2–11, 2020
From discrete to continuum modelling of boundary value problems in geomechanics: An integrated FEM‐DEM approach
Authors: Desrues Jacques , Argilaga Albert , Caillerie Denis , Combe Gaël , Nguyen Trung Kiên , Richefeu Vincent , Dal Pont Stefano 
Published: March 2019

SummaryDouble‐scale numerical methods constitute an effective tool for simultaneously representing the complex nature of geomaterials and treating real‐scale engineering problems such as a tunnel excavation or a pressuremetre at a reasonable numerical cost. This paper presents an approach coupling discrete elements (DEM) at the microscale with finite elements (FEM) at the macroscale. In this approach, a DEM‐based numerical constitutive law is embedded into a standard FEM formulation. In this regard, an exhaustive discussion is presented on how a 2D/3D granular assembly can be used to generate, step by step along the overall computation process, a consistent Numerically Homogenised Law. The paper also focuses on some recent developments including a comprehensive discussion of the efficiency of Newton‐like operators, the introduction of a regularisation technique at the macroscale by means of a second gradient framework, and the development of parallelisation techniques to alleviate the computational cost of the proposed approach. Some real‐scale problems taking into account the material spatial variability are illustrated, proving the numerical efficiency of the proposed approach and the benefit of a particle‐based strategy.