bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial vortex size and velocity distributions by 4D flow MRI in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Associations with age and CHA2DS2‐VASc risk score
Authors: Garcia Julio , Sheitt Hana , Bristow Michael S. , Lydell Carmen , Howarth Andrew G. , Heydari Bobak , Prato Frank S. , Drangova Maria , Thornhill Rebecca E. , Nery Pablo , Wilton Stephen B. , Skanes Allan , White James A. 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundCharacterization of left atrial (LA) hemodynamics in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) may provide valuable insights for thromboembolic risk.PurposeTo evaluate LA vortex formation and velocity distributions by 4D flow MRI and identify associations with age, LA/LV (left ventricle) function, and established risk scores.Study TypeProspective clinical.PopulationPatients with PAF (n = 45, 46 ± 14 years) and healthy controls (n = 15, 54 ± 9 years) were enrolled.MRI Sequences3T standardized cardiac MRI protocol inclusive of 4D flow MRI.AssessmentFlow analysis planes were prescribed at each pulmonary vein. Velocity distribution analysis and vortex size quantification by the Lambda2 (λ2) method were performed in the LA.StatisticsPearson or Spearman's correlation coefficients, r, were calculated to identify relationships between 4D flow‐derived LA parameters and age, LA/LV function, and CHA2DS2‐VASc stroke risk score. Univariate and multivariate determinants of stroke risk were assessed using linear regressions. To compare parameters within multiple groups, one‐way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis was used.ResultsLA vortice sizes were observed in all subjects using λ2 showing inverse correlations with peak pulmonary vein inflow velocities (P < 0.05), and positive correlations with LA volume (P < 0.05). Vortex size was elevated in PAF at all phases of the cardiac cycle, being most prominent at end early diastole (3.98 ± 1.84 cm3 vs. 6.93 ± 3.11 cm3, P = 0.001). Velocity distribution analysis showed a greater incidence of flow stasis among patients with PAF (P < 0.05). In univariate regression, vortex size was associated with the CHA2DS2‐VASc risk score at peak systole (0.457 ± 0.038, P ≤ 0.001). However, in multivariate regression age was the dominant determinant of stroke risk (0.348 ± 0.012, P = 0.006).Data ConclusionThis study demonstrated that LA vortex size is increased among low‐risk patients with PAF and is associated with the CHA2DS2‐VASc risk score. Age remained the dominant determinant of stroke risk.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:871–884.
The factors contributing to the total radiation exposure of patients during uterine artery embolisation
Authors: Nocum Don J. , Robinson John , Liang Eisen , Thompson Nadine , Reed Warren 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an interventional angiography procedure for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids and/or adenomyosis in women. UAE is a less invasive and non‐surgical alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy. However, ionising radiation is used for both fluoroscopic and angiographic image guidance to visualise and access the uterine arteries for embolisation and treatment of these benign conditions. Identifying the contributors and implementing dose reduction techniques are particularly important as UAE patients are usually of child‐bearing age. The purpose of this review was to examine the progression of literature on radiation exposure measurements and identifying the factors contributing to the total radiation exposure of female patients undergoing UAE. A Medline, ProQuest Central, ScienceDirect and Scopus database search from 2000 to 2018 was performed and forty articles were deemed acceptable for review following the inclusion and exclusion criteria set. UAE is a viable alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy, as the reviewed literature demonstrated that the reported radiation exposure doses appear to be below the threshold for any deterministic radiation risks. The total radiation exposure of UAE patients is affected independently by multiple patient, operator expertise and technique, angiographic imaging and x‐ray unit variables. Uterus preservation can be attained post‐UAE with dose reduction and optimisation, however, a longitudinal study on UAE patients and their risk of radiation‐induced deterministic and/or stochastic effects is recommended.
Modulation of boreal extended summer tropical cyclogenesis over the northwest Pacific by the quasi‐biweekly oscillation under different El Niño‐southern oscillation phases
Authors: Han Xiang , Zhao Haikun , Li Xun , Raga Graciela B. , Wang Chao , Li Qingqing 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe study of the interannual and intraseasonal modulation of tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) in the northwest Pacific (NWP) basin has received significant attention in the past. Most previous studies have focused on the individual impact of El Niño‐southern oscillation (ENSO) or Madden–Julian Oscillation on TCG, whereas the combined effect of ENSO and another leading intraseasonal oscillation mode, quasi‐biweekly oscillation (QBWO), on NWP TCG has rarely been studied. Therefore, this study systemically investigates the modulation of NWP TCG by the QBWO under different ENSO phases. A significant modulation of TCG by QBWO in the ENSO neutral years is observed, with significantly increased (decreased) TCG over the NWP in QBWO active (inactive) phases. Moreover, during El Niño years and La Niña years, the modulation of TCG by QBWO is not significant and no distinctive difference in the TCG frequency can be detected. Further analyses show that the modulation of TCG by the QBWO is mainly related to the changes in large‐scale environment and energy that affect TCG associated with active or inactive phases of the QBWO under different ENSO phases. Large‐scale environmental factors and energy are more favourable for TCG during ENSO neutral years compared with El Niño and La Niña years. These results are associated with QBWO cycle under the impact of background (e.g., boundary layer moisture and zonal wind shear) which is determined by ENSO conditions.
Effects of Loading Conditions on Articular Cartilage in a Metal‐on‐Cartilage Pairing
Authors: Stotter Christoph , Stojanović Bojana , Bauer Christoph , Rodríguez Ripoll Manel , Franek Friedrich , Klestil Thomas , Nehrer Stefan 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTThe aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the response of articular cartilage to frictional load when sliding against a metal implant, and identify potential mechanisms of damage to articular cartilage in a metal‐on‐cartilage pairing. Bovine osteochondral cylinders were reciprocally slid against metal cylinders (cobalt–chromium–molybdenum alloy) with several variations of load and sliding velocity using a microtribometer. The effects of different loads and velocities, and the resulting friction coefficients on articular cartilage, were evaluated by measuring histological and metabolic outcomes. Moreover, the biotribocorrosion of the metal was determined. Chondrocytes stimulated with high load and velocity showed increased metabolic activity and cartilage‐specific gene expression. In addition, higher load and velocity resulted in biotribocorrosion of the metal implant and damage to the surface of the articular cartilage, whereas low velocity and a high coefficient of friction increased the expression of catabolic genes. Articular cartilage showed particular responses to load and velocity when sliding against a metal implant. Moreover, metal implants showed tribocorrosion. Therefore, corrosion particles may play a role in the mechano‐biochemical wear of articular cartilage after implantation of a metal implant. These findings may be useful to surgeons performing resurfacing procedures and total knee arthroplasty. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society J Orthop Res 37:2531–2539, 2019
Nitrogen turnover in a repeatedly manured arid subtropical soil: Incubation studies with 15N isotopes
Authors: Khanal Gunadhish , Wachendorf Christine , Dittert Klaus , Willich Melanie , Dietz Herbert , Buerkert Andreas , Ingold Mariko 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUnder the hot and moist conditions of irrigated agriculture in the arid subtropics, turnover of organic matter is high, which can lead to considerable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) losses. Therefore, sustainable use of these soils requires regular manure application at high rates. To investigate the contribution of consecutive manure applications to an arid sandy soil to various soil N pools, goat manure was isotopically labeled by feeding 15N‐enriched Rhodes grass hay and applied to the soil during a two‐year field experiment. In the first year, soils received 15N‐labeled manure to distinguish between soil‐derived and manure‐derived N. In the second year, these plots were split for the application of either 15N‐labeled or unlabeled manure to discriminate N derived from previous (first year) and recent (second year) manure application. Soil samples (of control and 15N‐manured soil) were collected at the end of the first and the second year, and incubated in two laboratory experiments with labeled or unlabeled manure. At the beginning of Experiment 1, 7% of total N, 11% of K2SO4 extractable N, and 16% of microbial biomass N were derived from previously field‐applied manure. While the application of manure during incubation increased microbial biomass N by 225% and 410% in the control soil and the previously field‐manured soil, respectively, N2O emissions were more affected on the control soil, releasing considerable amounts of the soil N‐pool (80% of total emissions). In Experiment 2, 4% of total N, 7% of K2SO4 extractable N, and 7% of microbial biomass N derived from previously applied manure, and 4%, 8%, and 3% from recently applied manure, respectively. Microbial biomass N and N2O‐N derived from manure declined with time after manure application, whereas in Experiment 1 this tendency was only observed for microbial biomass N.
Plunging Ranulas and Prevalence of the “Tail Sign” in 126 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Jain Prabha 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesPlunging (or diving) ranulas are extravasation pseudocysts arising from the sublingual gland that present as soft submandibular swelling. The “tail sign” has been widely reported as pathognomonic for their diagnosis. It is described as a smooth tapering comet‐shaped unilocular fluid mass with its “tail” in the collapsed sublingual space (SLS) and its “head” in the posterior submandibular space. This sign is based on the premise that extravasated saliva from the sublingual gland in the SLS escapes and plunges, over the posterior edge of the mylohyoid muscle into the submandibular space. Therefore, some fluid must be present in the posterior SLS in almost all patients with plunging ranulas. This study aimed to determine the frequency of fluid seen with ultrasound (US) in the posterior SLS to corroborate the tail sign.MethodsA total of 126 consecutive cases of surgically proven plunging ranulas were investigated with US over 13 years. The findings were reviewed retrospectively for the prevalence of fluid in the posterior SLS.ResultsThirteen patients (10.3%) showed SLS fluid on US images. Most showed fluid extension through a mylohyoid dehiscence. Only 2 patients (1.6%) showed fluid within the posterior SLS, and 1 patient alone in this entire study showed all of the components of the classically described tail sign.ConclusionsThis largest ever radiologic study showed low prevalence of the tail sign in 2 of 126 patients. A mylohyoid dehiscence was the more common route for extravasation. Absence of the tail sign does not exclude the diagnosis of a plunging ranula.
Selective stimulation of human intrinsic laryngeal muscles: Analysis in a mathematical three‐dimensional space
Authors: Broniatowski Michael , Grundfest‐Broniatowski Sharon , Schiefer Matthew , Ludlow David H. , Broniatowski David A. , Tucker Harvey M. 
Published: July 2019

Objectives/HypothesisStandard stimulating methods using square waves do not appropriately restore physiological control of individual intrinsic laryngeal muscles (ILMs). To further explore our earlier study of evoked orderly recruitment by quasitrapezoidal (QT) currents, we integrated the contribution of the cricothyroideus (CT) with attention to mutual activation in an additional patient, based on recent studies of appropriate responses via strict recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) stimulation.Study DesignBasic science study.MethodsThe patient received functional electrical stimulation (FES) with QT pulses at 5 Hz, 60 to 2,000 μAmp, 100 to 500 μs pulse width, 0 to 500 μs decay. Ipsilateral electromyography (EMG) responses were calculated using the average maximum amplitude, area under the curve, and the root mean square of the rectified amplitude waveforms. The thyroarytenoideus (TA), posterior cricoarytenoideus (PCA), lateral cricothyroideus (LCA), and the CT were each interrogated via two monopolar electrodes, values were recorded in MATLAB, exported to Excel, and analyzed. Individual and mutual recruitment configurations and activation delays with stimulation were explored using multiple regression and exploration factor analyses.ResultsA total of 868 EMG data points based on 18 trials and up to 11 subtrials were captured from each of the four ILMs. Various combinations of pulse amplitude, pulse width, and exponential decay were found to produce significant (P ≤ .001) individual ILM responses. CT mirrored the LCA, whereas the TA and PCA exhibited separate interactions along shared trajectories in a three‐dimensional space.ConclusionsFES calibrated to individual and coupled ILMs offers promise for restoring normal and pathological contraction patterns via strict RLN stimulation.Level of Evidence5 Laryngoscope, 130:967–973, 2020
Is the gender gap closing in otolaryngology subspecialties? An analysis of research productivity
Authors: Okafor Somtochi , Tibbetts Kathleen , Shah Gopi , Tillman Brittny , Agan Ashley , Halderman Ashleigh A. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveThe proportion of women specializing in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (Oto–HNS) and seeking fellowship training has steadily increased over the last several years. In academic Oto–HNS, gender differences exist in research productivity, scholarly impact, and funding. This study aims to evaluate gender differences in academic productivity between otolaryngologists in early, mid‐, and later careers stages and within various subspecialties.MethodsDepartmental websites for all Oto–HNS residency programs were accessed, and data including gender, academic rank, and fellowship training/subspecialty field was collected. Bibliometric data including h‐index, publication years, number of citations, documents, and coauthors was obtained from the Scopus database. Career groups were defined as early (1–5 years), mid‐ (6–15 years), and later (16+ years). Continuous data was compared using the t test.ResultsData was collected on 1,754 academic otolaryngologists (412 women, 1,342 men). Overall, men exhibited significantly higher h‐indices, number of documents, citations, and coauthors and actively published for more years compared to women (P < 0.0001 for all variables). Similar trends persisted across all subspecialties. When authors were broken down into career groups, women and men showed similar research productivity across all career groups in the subspecialties of otology, facial plastics, and rhinology; however, in head and neck, laryngology, and pediatrics, women continued to lag behind men.ConclusionThis study suggests that female otolaryngologists within certain subspecialties are keeping pace with their male counterparts in publication productivity in the early career time frame. This represents a change from prior studies which have shown women to be less productive in the early career period.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 130:1144–1150, 2020
On the limitations of recent lawsuits against Sci‐Hub, OMICS, ResearchGate, and Georgia State University
Authors: Manley Stewart 
Published: July 2019

Key points
The 2017 Sci‐Hub judgement has, to date, proven unenforceable, and it appears that enforcing the 2019 OMICS judgement will similarly prove challenging.
Business developments and changing expectations over sharing digital content may also undermine the impact of the ongoing cases against ResearchGate and Georgia State University.
Stakeholders should consider these limitations when deciding how to resolve scholarly publishing disputes.
An Excellent Intrinsic Transparent Epoxy Resin with High Flame Retardancy: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties
Authors: Shao Zhubao , Yue Weizheng , Piao Mingjun , Ma Jianying , Lv Xue , Wang Deyi , Wang Qi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this paper, a novel multifunctional, liquid, and colorless curing agent, namely DPTA, is prepared through diphenylphosphinic chloride (DPPC) and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). Different measurements confirm that the DPTA is prepared successfully and the cured DPTA‐EPs simultaneously display excellent flame retardancy and transparency. The resulting DPTA‐EP system reaches high optical transmittance up to 90% within the visible region. Meanwhile, the introduction of the flame‐retardant groups in DPTA‐EP does not deteriorate the mechanical behaviors compared with that of reference sample TEPA‐EP. More importantly, with only 15 wt% DPTA addition, the resulting DPTA‐EP with 1.6 mm passes UL‐94 V‐0 rating, and limiting oxygen index reaches 29.0%. Moreover, the peaks of heat release rate and total smoke production of DPTA‐EP are largely reduced by 43.1% and 58.8%, respectively, further verifying the excellent smoke‐suppression efficiency and flame retardancy. The analyses from both cone calorimeter (CC) and thermogravimetric (TG) results suggest that the satisfactory flame retardancy of cured DPTA‐EP dominates in the gaseous phase. The earlier release of large amount of non‐combustion gas and phosphorus containing groups improve the flame‐retardant efficiency.
Functional evidence for a de novo mutation in WDR45 leading to BPAN in a Chinese girl
Authors: Xiong Qiuhong , Li Wenjing , Li Ping , Zhao Zhonghua , Wu Changxin , Xiao Han 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundBeta‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration (BPAN, OMIM 300894) is an X‐linked neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in WDR45. WDR45 is required for autophagy, defect in WDR45 impaired autophagy which contributes for the pathogenesis of BPAN. Previously, we reported a novel de novo mutation (c.1040_1041del, p.Glu347GlyfsTer7) in WDR45 (NM_007075) in a 3‐year‐old Chinese girl with BPAN.MethodsThe protein structure was constructed using SWISS‐MODEL and the isoelectric point (pI) was predicted by the online pI/Mw tool at ExPASy. The functional effects of this mutation were predicted by two online software programs: PROVEN and MutationTaster. Stable overexpression of Flag‐tagged wild‐type or mutant WDR45 in HeLa cells was constructed. Protein levels of LC3 and p62 were analyzed by western blot upon treatment with/without autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1, the formation of LC3 puncta were analyzed in HeLa cells transfected with mCherry‐LC3 by confocal microscopy.ResultsThe mutation resulted in a shift of pI from 6.74 to 8.84 and was predicted to be pathogenic. The protein levels of LC3‐II and p62 were increased in cells overexpression of wild‐type and mutant WDR45 while the protein levels were not increased in cells overexpression of mutant WDR45 upon treatment with autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1. Results from confocal microscopy revealed that LC3‐positive puncta were increased in cells expressing both wild‐type and mutant WDR45 while the number of LC3‐positive puncta was not increased in cells expressing mutant WDR45 upon treatment with Bafilomycin A1.ConclusionOur study evidenced that this novel mutation in WDR45 impaired autophagy in cells thus this mutation is the cause for BPAN in this patient.
A novel variant of C12orf4 in a consanguineous Armenian family confirms the etiology of autosomal recessive intellectual disability type 66 with delineation of the phenotype
Authors: Hancarova Miroslava , Babikyan Davit , Bendova Sarka , Midyan Susanna , Prchalova Darina , Shahsuvaryan Gohar , Stranecky Viktor , Sarkisian Tamara , Sedlacek Zdenek 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundIntellectual disability (ID) is a feature of many rare diseases caused by thousands of genes. This genetic heterogeneity implies that pathogenic variants in a specific gene are found only in a small number of patients, and difficulties arise in the definition of prevailing genotype and characteristic phenotype associated with that gene. One of such very rare disorders is autosomal recessive ID type 66 (OMIM #618221) caused by defects in C12orf4. Up to now, six families have been reported with mostly truncating variants. The spectrum of the clinical phenotype was not emphasized in previous reports, and detailed phenotype was not always available from previous patients, especially from large cohort studies.MethodsExome sequencing was performed in a consanguineous Armenian family with two affected adult brothers.ResultsThe patients carry a novel homozygous nonsense C12orf4 variant. The integration of previous data and phenotyping of the brothers indicate that the clinical picture of C12orf4 defects involves hypotonia in infancy, rather severe ID, speech impairment, and behavioral problems such as aggressiveness, unstable mood, and autistic features. Several other symptoms are more variable and less consistent.ConclusionThis rather nonsyndromic and nonspecific clinical picture implies that additional patients with C12orf4 defects will likely continue to be identified using the “genotype‐first” approach, rather than based on clinical assessment. The phenotype needs further delineation in future reports.
High‐Fat Diet Enriched with Bilberry Modifies Colonic Mucus Dynamics and Restores Marked Alterations of Gut Microbiome in Rats
Authors: Liu Hao‐Yu , Walden Tomas B. , Ahl David , Nyman Margareta , Bertilsson Stefan , Phillipson Mia , Holm Lena 
Published: July 2019

ScopeEmerging evidence suggests that high‐fat diet (HFD) is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis and related disorders. Bilberry is a prebiotic food component with known health benefits. Herein, the dynamics of the colonic mucus layer and microbiome during HFD and bilberry supplementation are addressed.Methods and resultsThe effects on colonic mucus thickness in vivo and gut microbiota composition (Illumina sequencing, quantitative real‐time PCR) are investigated in young rats fed a low‐fat diet or HFD with or without bilberries for 8 weeks (n = 8). HFD induced significant local colonic effects, despite no observed weight gain or systemic inflammation, as HFD causes epithelial upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, which is counteracted by bilberry. The firmly adherent mucus layer becomes thicker and the mRNA levels of Muc2 and Tff3 are increased by HFD with or without bilberry. In parallel, HFD reduced the colonic abundance of mucolytic bacterial species Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides spp. Finally, bilberry prevents HFD‐induced microbiota dysbiosis, including expansion of pathobionts, for example, Enterobacteriaceae.ConclusionHFD expand firmly adherent mucus thickness and reduce mucus‐foraging bacteria populations in the colon prior to obesity. Enriching HFD with bilberry protects against intestinal inflammation and marked microbiota encroachment.