bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sirtuin 3 suppresses the formation of renal calcium oxalate crystals through promoting M2 polarization of macrophages
Authors: Xi Junhua , Chen Yang , Jing Junfeng , Zhang Yanbin , Liang Chaozhao , Hao Zongyao , Zhang Li 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study aims to verify whether the inhibitory effect of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) on the formation of renal calcium oxalate crystals was mediated through promoting macrophages (Mϕs) polarization. Identification and quantification of M1 and M2 monocytes were performed using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis. SIRT3 protein level and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) acetylation level were measured using western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis of HK‐2 was detected by flow cytometry. Mouse kidney tissues were subjected to Von Kossa staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunohistochemical staining for detection of kidney crystals deposition, apoptosis, and expression of crystal‐related molecules, respectively. The results showed that human peripheral blood monocytes from patients with kidney stone (KS) exhibited decreased M2 monocytes percentage and SIRT3 expression, whereas increased FOXO1 acetylation compared with the normal controls. In vitro assay revealed that SIRT3 overexpression in bone marrow‐derived M0/M1/M2 Mϕs induced M2 polarization and decreased FOXO1 acetylation. Furthermore, FOXO1 knockdown reversed SIRT3‐mediated induction of M2 polarization and inhibition of HK‐2 (human proximal tubular cell line) apoptosis. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that SIRT3‐overexpressing Mϕs transfusion not only induced M2 polarization, but also alleviated inflammation, apoptosis, and crystals deposition in glyoxylate‐induced KS mice. In conclusion, SIRT3 suppresses formation of renal calcium oxalate crystals through promoting M2 polarization via deacetylating FOXO1.
Priorities for Nutrition Research in Pediatric Critical Care
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N. , Valla Frédéric V. , Floh Alejandro A. , Goday Praveen , Jotterand Chaparro Corinne , Larsen Bodil , Lee Jan Hau , Moreno Yara M. F. , Pathan Nazima , Verbruggen Sascha , Mehta Nilesh M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundWidespread variation exists in pediatric critical care nutrition practices, largely because of the scarcity of evidence to guide best practice recommendations.ObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to develop a list of topics to be prioritized for nutrition research in pediatric critical care in the next 10 years.MethodsA modified 3‐round Delphi process was undertaken by a newly established multidisciplinary group comprising 11 international researchers in the field of pediatric critical care nutrition. Items were ranked on a 5‐point Likert scale.ResultsForty‐five research topics (with a mean priority score >3(0‐5) were identified within the following 10 domains: the pathophysiology and impact of malnutrition in critical illness; nutrition assessment: nutrition risk assessment and biomarkers; accurate assessment of energy requirements in all phases of critical illness; the role of protein intake; the role of pharmaco‐nutrition; effective and safe delivery of enteral nutrition; enteral feeding intolerance: assessment and management; the role of parenteral nutrition; the impact of nutrition status and nutrition therapies on long‐term patient outcomes; and nutrition therapies for specific populations. Ten top research topics (that received a mean score >4(0‐5) were identified as the highest priority for research.ConclusionsThis paper has identified important consensus‐derived priorities for clinical research in pediatric critical care nutrition. Future studies should determine topics that are a priority for patients and parents. Research funding should target these priority areas and promote an international collaborative approach to research in this field, with a focus on improving relevant patient outcomes.
Factors affecting implantation failure in roe deer
Authors: Chirichella Roberta , Pokorny Boštjan , Bottero Elisa , Flajšman Katarina , Mattioli Luca , Apollonio Marco 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTReproductive performance is one of the most important life‐history traits that should be routinely studied and considered in adaptive wildlife management. In the case of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), a species with delayed implantation, which complicates studies on fetuses, corpora lutea (CL) counting is the only alternative for routine monitoring. However, because of a possible implantation failure, the reliability of this method is questionable, and factors influencing implantation success have been poorly understood so far. We analyzed 2,594 intact uteri of roe deer hunted from 2006–2015 in an Apennine population, central Italy, during winter (mid‐Jan to mid‐Mar). By comparing the number of CL and fetuses in the same individuals (i.e., success in blastocyst implantation), we revealed a mean implantation failure of 8.6% in a pooled sample set (regardless of the age and origin of animals), with a high inter‐annual variability (range = 3.6–19.8%). Contrary to adults ( ± SE = 11.1 ± 1.9%), the implantation failure in yearlings was low (4.4 ± 1.9%). Implantation success was affected by individual maternal characteristics (positive effect of body mass and negative effect of age), climatic condition in summer (positive effect of July temperature up to 23.4°C, and negative effect above this threshold), winter harshness (negative effect of snow cover duration), and altitude (negative relation with the elevation). Reproductive performance of adult female roe deer cannot be adequately measured by CL counts because of high inter‐annual variability in implantation failure and important effects of female attributes and environmental factors. However, for yearlings, which also express the highest variability in the ovulation rates, CL counts provide important information on their reproductive outcome because they have low implantation failure. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
The glottis is not round: Teardrop‐shaped glottic dilation for early posterior glottic stenosis
Authors: Rosen Clark A. , Wang Hailun , Cates Daniel J. , Smith Libby J. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesPosterior glottic stenosis (PGS) results in severe derangement of laryngeal configuration and function with significant morbidity as a sequalae. Presently, there is no treatment for patients with “early” PGS. Dilation is often used for stenotic disease, but present dilation methods are limited to a round shape and the glottis is a sector (teardrop‐shaped). Round dilation of the larynx results in compression of the membranous vocal folds (with potential for injury) and minimal expansion of the posterior larynx. We present a novel laryngeal dilation method that matches the unique anatomic shape of the glottis: teardrop‐shaped glottis dilation (TSGD).MethodsWe present a clinical series of early PGS patients treated with a TSGD. Five patients with dyspnea and significantly reduced vocal fold mobility due to early PGS were treated with TSGD, which involves placement of a triangular static stent in the anterior glottis, with simultaneous use of a round balloon dilator in the posterior glottis.ResultsAll patients reported improved ease of breathing and decrease in Dyspnea Index score and were decannualated following treatment. Video perceptual analysis of pre‐/postlaryngoscopy examinations was performed with five blinded reviewers, and all patients were scored to have improved posterior glottic airway space following treatment with a mean improvement of 2.4 on a 11‐point scale.ConclusionThese clinical results demonstrate that there is enormous potential for the identification and treatment of patients with early PGS and use of a laryngeal dilation technique that matches the anatomic configuration of the glottis.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 129:1428–1432, 2019
The medial sural artery perforator flap: A better option in complex head and neck reconstruction?
Authors: Taufique Zahrah M. , Daar David A. , Cohen Leslie E. , Thanik Vishal D. , Levine Jamie P. , Jacobson Adam S. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesThe medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) free flap is an uncommonly utilized soft tissue flap in head and neck reconstruction. It is a thin, pliable, fasciocutaneous flap that provides significant pedicle length. The donor site can be closed primarily, and its location is more aesthetically pleasing to patients. We aim to describe the MSAP flap and compare it to other commonly used free flaps in the head and neck.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsA retrospective review of all MSAP cases performed at New York University Langone Health was performed from July 2016 to November 2017. We examined the patients’ age, diagnosis, history of prior radiation therapy, and comorbidities, as well as flap‐specific information and recipient site.ResultsTwenty‐one patients underwent a variety of different head and neck procedures with coverage using an MSAP flap. Recipient sites included tongue, cheek, soft and hard palate, cervical esophagus, and pharynx. Pedicle length ranged from 8 cm to 12 cm. The smallest surface area harvested was 24 cm2 (6 cm × 4 cm), and the largest was 120 cm2 (15 cm × 8 cm). The flaps ranged from 5 to 12 mm in thickness. Venous coupler size ranged from 2.0 to 3.5 mm. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in 18 of 21 flaps. Twenty of 21 flaps were transferred successfully.ConclusionThe MSAP flap is a highly versatile and reliable option for a thin, pliable soft tissue flap with a donor site that may be preferable over the radial forearm free flap and anterolateral thigh flap in complex head and neck reconstruction.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 129:1330–1336, 2019
Safety of outpatient unilateral medialization laryngoplasty across two academic institutions
Authors: Chau Steven M. , Kim Christine M. , Vahabzadeh‐Hagh Andrew , Verma Sunil P. , Chhetri Dinesh K. 
Published: December 2018

Objectives/HypothesisUnilateral ML is a commonly performed surgery for dysphonia secondary to glottic insufficiency. The safety of this procedure performed in the outpatient setting has not been extensively examined. The purpose of the study was to assess the safety of outpatient unilateral ML in adults and determine the incidence and timing of postoperative complications across two tertiary‐care academic medical centers.Study DesignRetrospective chart review,MethodsA review of patients undergoing unilateral ML at two tertiary‐care academic centers from 2011 to 2017 was performed. Patients undergoing bilateral medialization laryngoplasty, revision surgery, or those undergoing additional laryngeal framework procedures including arytenoid adduction were excluded. Patient demographics, operative details, and perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Comparisons were made between those individuals who underwent inpatient versus outpatient ML.ResultsOne hundred three total procedures met inclusion criteria. Fifty‐seven were performed as outpatient procedures, and 46 individuals were observed for at least 23 hours following surgery. Silastic or Gore‐Tex implants were used in all but two surgeries. There were no postoperative complications in either setting, including hematoma, dyspnea, wound infections or seromas.ConclusionsThe incidence of adverse events during and immediately following unilateral ML is very low. Patients can be discharged safely the day of surgery without geographic restrictions.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 129:1647–1649, 2019
Monotonicity properties of ‐functions
Authors: Chaubey Sneha , Koutsaki K. Paolina , Zaharescu Alexandru 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe present some monotonicity results for a class of Dirichlet series generalizing previously known results. The fact that is in that class presents a first example of an arithmetic function for which the associated Dirichlet series is completely monotonic, but not logarithmically completely monotonic. Lastly, we use similar techniques to prove another formulation of the Riemann hypothesis for the L‐function associated to the Ramanujan‐tau function.
Biomolecule Sensor Based on Azlactone‐Modified Hydrogel Films
Authors: Li Jie , Yu Xiaoqian , Herberg Artjom , Kuckling Dirk 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA 3D hydrogel layer is probed by combining surface plasmon resonance with optical waveguide spectroscopy to detect biomolecules. A template terpolymer P(DMAAm‐co‐DMIAAm‐co‐VDMA) is synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization. The terpolymer is then modified with an amino group bearing biotin to enable biomolecular recognition for streptavidin. A hydrogel thin layer is prepared onto a gold surface after spin‐coating and photo‐crosslinking of the modified polymer. Finally, the hydrogel is utilized to quantitatively detect streptavidin by using surface plasmon resonance–optical waveguide spectroscopy measurements.
Evaluation of MYORG mutations as a novel cause of primary familial brain calcification
Authors: Chen You , Fu Feng , Chen Si , Cen Zhidong , Tang Haiyan , Huang Jinxiu , Xie Fei , Zheng Xiaosheng , Yang Dehao , Wang Haotian , Huang Xuerong , Zhang Yun , Zhou Yongji , Liu Jing‐Yu , Luo Wei 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundVery recently, the MYORG gene was identified as a novel causative gene for autosomal‐recessive primary familial brain calcification.ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical, genetic, and neuroradiological characteristics of primary familial brain calcification patients with biallelic MYORG mutations in China.MethodsWe collected clinical and neuroradiological data of 169 Chinese patients with primary familial brain calcification, including 151 sporadic patients and 18 patients from 13 families compatible with an autosomal‐recessive mode of inheritance. Mutational analysis of MYORG was performed in the cohort.ResultsWe identified four, including three novel, MYORG mutations segregating in four families with 5 patients: one nonsense mutation (c.1431C>A, p.Y477*), one missense mutation (c.687G>T, p.W229C), and two nonframeshift indels (c.348_349insCTGGCCTTCCGC, p.116_117insLAFR; c. 428_442delTGCACTTCTTCATCC, p.143_147delLHFFI). The 12‐base‐pair insertion, c.348_349insCTGGCCTTCCGC, was found in either homozygous or heterozygous state in 2 probands of our cohort and another Chinese primary familial brain calcification patient previously reported on in the literature. Haplotype analysis of our patients harboring the insertion indicated a founder effect in the ethnic Han Chinese population. To date, biallelic MYORG mutations have been reported in 17 patients (including our cohort). Most patients were symptomatic (13 of 17; 76.5%), and the most recurrent symptoms were movement disorders (10 of 17; 58.8%), cognitive decline (7 of 17; 41.2%), and cerebellar symptoms (6 of 17; 35.3%). All patients had calcifications on comprehensive cranial CT, most frequently located in the basal ganglia (17 of 17; 100%), cerebellum (17 of 17; 100%), subcortical white matter (14 of 17; 82.4%), and thalamus (13 of 17; 76.5%).ConclusionsWe confirmed MYORG as a novel causative gene for primary familial brain calcification and further expanded the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of MYORG‐related primary familial brain calcification. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Glucocerebrosidase mutations and synucleinopathies: Toward a model of precision medicine
Authors: Blandini Fabio , Cilia Roberto , Cerri Silvia , Pezzoli Gianni , Schapira Anthony H.V. , Mullin Stephen , Lanciego José L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGlucocerebrosidase is a lysosomal enzyme. The characterization of a direct link between mutations in the gene coding for glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) with the development of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies has heightened interest in this enzyme. Although the mechanisms through which glucocerebrosidase regulates the homeostasis of α‐synuclein remains poorly understood, the identification of reduced glucocerebrosidase activity in the brains of patients with PD and dementia with Lewy bodies has paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies directed at enhancing glucocerebrosidase activity and reducing α‐synuclein burden, thereby slowing down or even preventing neuronal death. Here we reviewed the current literature relating to the mechanisms underlying the cross talk between glucocerebrosidase and α‐synuclein, the GBA1 mutation‐associated clinical phenotypes, and ongoing therapeutic approaches targeting glucocerebrosidase. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Breast mass classification in sonography with transfer learning using a deep convolutional neural network and color conversion
Authors: Byra Michal , Galperin Michael , Ojeda‐Fournier Haydee , Olson Linda , O'Boyle Mary , Comstock Christopher , Andre Michael 
Published: December 2018

PurposeWe propose a deep learning‐based approach to breast mass classification in sonography and compare it with the assessment of four experienced radiologists employing breast imaging reporting and data system 4th edition lexicon and assessment protocol.MethodsSeveral transfer learning techniques are employed to develop classifiers based on a set of 882 ultrasound images of breast masses. Additionally, we introduce the concept of a matching layer. The aim of this layer is to rescale pixel intensities of the grayscale ultrasound images and convert those images to red, green, blue (RGB) to more efficiently utilize the discriminative power of the convolutional neural network pretrained on the ImageNet dataset. We present how this conversion can be determined during fine‐tuning using back‐propagation. Next, we compare the performance of the transfer learning techniques with and without the color conversion. To show the usefulness of our approach, we additionally evaluate it using two publicly available datasets.ResultsColor conversion increased the areas under the receiver operating curve for each transfer learning method. For the better‐performing approach utilizing the fine‐tuning and the matching layer, the area under the curve was equal to 0.936 on a test set of 150 cases. The areas under the curves for the radiologists reading the same set of cases ranged from 0.806 to 0.882. In the case of the two separate datasets, utilizing the proposed approach we achieved areas under the curve of around 0.890.ConclusionsThe concept of the matching layer is generalizable and can be used to improve the overall performance of the transfer learning techniques using deep convolutional neural networks. When fully developed as a clinical tool, the methods proposed in this paper have the potential to help radiologists with breast mass classification in ultrasound.
In Situ Incorporation of Praziquantel in Polymer Microparticles through Suspension Polymerization for Treatment of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Paiva Thamiris , Vieira Lorena , Melo Príamo , Nele Márcio , Pinto José Carlos 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSchistosomiasis is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Even though this is a common illness among preschool children in poor countries, treatment is carried out mainly through the administration of praziquantel tablets, which has some disadvantages, such as the strong bitter taste. As an alternative to overcome this problem, the development of new encapsulated praziquantel formulations is demanded. For this reason, suspension polymerizations are carried out for the in situ encapsulation of praziquantel into polymer microparticles, using methyl methacrylate (MMA) and cationic compounds (diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, DEAEMA, and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, DMAEMA) as comonomers. This technique allows for the preparation of polymer microparticles with high encapsulation efficiencies (>90%) with characteristic sizes ranging from 0.5 to 1500 µm. Drug release profiles show that praziquantel is released from poly(methyl methacrylate) microparticles slowly due to the existence of strong diffusional resistance. On the other hand, the addition of cationic comonomers renders polymer particles sensitive to pH variations, allowing for faster release of praziquantel in acidic environments, as found in the stomach.
A robust and accurate disturbance damping control design for nonlinear dynamical systems
Authors: Jajarmi Amin , Hajipour Mojtaba , Sajjadi Samaneh Sadat , Baleanu Dumitru 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThe principle result of this paper is the following disturbance rejection control scheme for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems. By using the internal model principle, the problem of disturbance damping control is converted into a nonlinear quadratic regulator (NQR) problem for an undisturbed augmented system. Then, an iterative technique is designed to solve this NQR problem effectively. The proposed iterative method is also extended through the use of a nonlinear model predictive control in an offline framework. In this case and in the presence of unknown disturbances, the Lyapunov stability of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed. Numerical simulations and comparative results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Optimal control of a delayed SIRC epidemic model with saturated incidence rate
Authors: Li Lele , Sun Caixia , Jia Jianwen 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we present a susceptible‐infected‐recovered cross‐immune (SIRC) epidemic model, which describes Influenza A and analyzes the SIRC epidemic model through the optimal control theory and mathematical analysis. We show the existence of an optimal control pair for the optimal control problem by using Pontryagin's maximum principle with delay and derive the optimality condition. Finally, numerical simulation is carried out to verify our theoretical results.
Correcting standardized expiratory flows for prematurity in ex‐preterm survivors—Is it necessary?
Authors: Doyle Lex W. , Cheong Jeanie L.Y. , Ranganathan Sarath 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of correcting for prematurity on standardized values for expiratory flow rates for participants from 5 years through to 70 years of age.MethodsIn a theoretical model we assumed starting values for expiratory flows that were expected to give ranges within ±2 SD. Keeping expiratory flows, ethnicity and height constant, we then determined how z scores varied between 5 and 16.9 years, and, with two different fixed values for height and expiratory flows, between 16 and 70 years of ages, for both sexes. In a clinical example, we compared expiratory flows with age both corrected and uncorrected for prematurity between 144 survivors born extremely preterm and 141 term‐born controls at both 8 and 18 years of age.ResultsIn the theoretical models, z scores mostly declined through childhood until the late teenage years, and then began to rise through later life. The maximum difference in z‐scores between corrected and uncorrected scores for a participant born 4 months’ preterm would occur in the early teenage years, and for the forced vital capacity would be approximately −0.09 SD wider. In the clinical example not correcting for prematurity resulted in a maximum gap between preterm and term cohorts 0.06 SD wider for the forced vital capacity at 8 years than if age was corrected for prematurity.ConclusionsCorrection for prematurity is not necessary in clinical practice, and is probably not required for research in studies of respiratory airflow through childhood or adulthood.