bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CMIP5 retrospective simulations of temperature and precipitation in northeastern Argentina
Authors: Lovino Miguel A. , Müller Omar V. , Berbery Ernesto H. , Müller Gabriela V. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIt is generally agreed that models that better simulate historical and current features of climate should also be the ones that more reliably simulate future climate. This article describes the ability of a selection of global climate models (GCMs) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to represent the historical and current mean climate and its variability over northeastern Argentina, a region that exhibits frequent extreme events. Two types of simulations are considered: Long‐term simulations for 1901–2005 in which the models respond to climate forcing (e.g. changes in atmospheric composition and land use) and decadal simulations for 1961–2010 that are initialized from observed climate states. Monthly simulations of precipitation and temperature are statistically evaluated for individual models and their ensembles.Subsets of models that best represent the region's climate are further examined. First, models that have a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of at least 0.8 are taken as a subset that best represents the observed temperature fields and the mean annual cycle. Their temperature time series are in phase with observations (r > 0.92), despite systematic errors that if desired can be corrected by statistical methods. Likewise, models that have a precipitation Pearson correlation coefficient of at least 0.6 are considered that best represent regional precipitation features. GCMs are able to reproduce the annual precipitation cycle, although they underestimate precipitation amounts during the austral warm season (September through April) and slightly overestimate the cold season rainfall amounts. The ensembles for the subsets of models achieve the best evaluation metrics, exceeding the performance of the overall ensembles as well as those of the individual models.
Evaluation of phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) berries and their relationships to drying methods
Authors: Quispe‐Fuentes Issis , Vega‐Gálvez Antonio , Aranda Mario 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDFive drying methods (freeze, convective, sun, infrared, and vacuum drying) were applied to maqui berries to establish their effect on phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin contents were measured by spectrophotometry, anthocyanin and phenolic profiles were analyzed by chromatography, and the antioxidant capacity was determined. This study is probably the first to demonstrate the variation and stability of bioactive compounds from maqui berries after applying different drying methods.RESULTSThe highest content of phenolic and antioxidant compounds was obtained by using the freeze‐drying method compared with fresh samples (P < 0.05). Eight anthocyanins were identified in all dehydrated maqui samples. Compared with fresh maqui, freeze‐dried samples retained 73% and 64% of delphinidin and cyanidin derivatives respectively. Sun‐ and vacuum‐dried samples conserved some phenolic acids. Vacuum‐dried maqui retained a higher amount of free flavonols.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated that the application of any drying method results in a final product with good levels of phenolic compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro evaluation of chitosan copper chelate gels as a multimicronutrient feed additive for cattle
Authors: Duffy Ciara , O'Riordan Dolores , O'Sullivan Michael , Jacquier Jean‐Christophe 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDEffective micronutrient supplementation strategies are critical to ensure optimal health and productivity in livestock. The objective of this study was to develop a copper and vitamin (multimicronutrient) delivery system based on chitosan gel beads, and test its suitability, in vitro, for use as a cattle feed additive.RESULTSChitosan was chelated with copper sulfate to produce millimetre‐scale gel matrices (∼2 mm). The copper content was significantly increased (from 61 to 95 mg g by adjusting pH to alkaline conditions post bead formation. The beads could subsequently be loaded with the model vitamin riboflavin to levels as high as 324 µg g−1 beads. Restricted rehydration of the dried gel matrices in simulated rumen fluid led to a sustained release of riboflavin with no copper released in these neutral conditions for up to 24 h, demonstrating copper rumen bypass. Moreover, sustained release of the mineral was observed in abomasal conditions of pH 2 over a 3 h period.CONCLUSIONSThe matrices showed rumen bypass for copper yet supplied nutritionally relevant levels of the free mineral in abomasal conditions, as required for effective supplementation in cattle. The controlled‐release properties demonstrated by the matrices indicate their potential as a multimicronutrient functional feed additive to enhance cattle nutrition and productivity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of sunflower stalk‐carbon nitride nanosheets as a green sorbent in the solid‐phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Marzi Khosrowshahi Elnaz , Razmi Habib 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA green biocomposite of sunflower stalks and graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets has been applied as a solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for sample preparation of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different solutions using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Before the modification, sunflower stalks exhibited relatively low adsorption to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extraction. The modified sunflower stalks showed increased adsorption to the analytes extraction due to the increase in surface and existence of a π–π interaction between the analytes and graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets on the surface. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection and quantification for five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compounds could reach 0.4–32 and 1.2–95 ng/L, respectively. The method accuracy was evaluated using recovery measurements in spiked real samples and good recoveries from 71 to 115% with relative standard deviations of <10% have been achieved. The developed method was successfully applied for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons determination in various samples—well water, tap water, soil, vegetable, and barbequed meat (kebab)—with analytes contents ranging from 0.065 to 13.3 μg/L. The prepared green composite as a new sorbent has some advantages including ease of preparation, low cost, and good reusability.
Interpolating DFT Data for 15D Modeling of Methane Dissociation on an fcc Metal
Authors: Frankcombe Terry J. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTDetailed simulation of reactions occurring on and with the surfaces of crystalline materials usually require a continuous representation of the potential energy surface that describes the adsorbate–surface interaction. Only a few techniques are available to describe interactions with polyatomic adsorbates that respect all of the symmetries of the interactions. The modified Shepard interpolation has recently been reformulated to ensure symmetries are rigorously imposed. In this work, the modified Shepard interpolation is used to construct a 15D potential energy surface for the reaction of methane with the {100} surface of a face‐centered cubic metal, in the Born‐‐Oppenheimer static surface (BOSS) approximation. The energy of the system is calculated using density functional theory (DFT), and the geometries around which the potential is expanded are selected by quasi‐classical trajectory calculations. The energy of the resulting continuous potential energy surface exactly matched the DFT energy at these points; there is no fitting error. It is demonstrated that the classical reaction probability converges with a reasonable number of interpolation points for this 15D system.
Olfactory and middle meatal cytokine levels correlate with olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wu Jeffanie , Chandra Rakesh K. , Li Ping , Hull Benjamin P. , Turner Justin H. 
Published: February 2018

Objectives/HypothesisThe etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)‐associated olfactory loss is unclear, but may result from inflammatory changes in the olfactory epithelium that result in signaling dysfunction or loss of olfactory neurons. Several proinflammatory cytokines have been associated with CRS, but their expression within the olfactory cleft microenvironment and association with olfactory function is unknown.Study DesignProspective case‐control study.MethodsMucus was collected from the olfactory cleft and middle meatus of 31 CRS without nasal polyps subjects, 36 CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) subjects, and 12 healthy controls. Olfactory function was assessed using the validated Smell Identification Test (SIT). Site‐specific levels of 14 cytokines/chemokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17A, tumor necrosis factor‐α, Eotaxin, RANTES [regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted]) were assessed using a multiplex flow cytometric bead assay and correlated with SIT scores.ResultsMucus cytokine levels in the olfactory cleft were strongly or moderately correlated with levels in the middle meatus for all but one measured inflammatory mediators. SIT scores were inversely correlated with levels of IL‐2 (P = .006), IL‐5 (P < .0001), IL‐6 (P = .0009), IL‐10 (P < .0001), and IL‐13 (P < .0001), with significance largely driven by CRSwNP patients.ConclusionsThe inflammatory microenvironment within the olfactory cleft mirrors that within the middle meatus. Elevated levels of IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐13 in olfactory cleft mucus are associated with reduced olfactory identification scores in CRS patients. Altered levels of select olfactory mucus cytokines could potentially have deleterious effects on olfactory neuron function and turnover.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:E304–E310, 2018
The use of specific immunoglobulin E in nasal secretions for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meng Yifan , Lou Hongfei , Wang Yang , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveAlthough local specific immunoglobulin (sIgE) has been employed as a diagnostic criterion for allergic rhinitis (AR), the use of local sIgE has not been fully evaluated in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of nasal secretion sIgE in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.MethodsA total of 51 patients (27 males and 24 females, mean age = 33.3 years) with rhinitis symptoms were enrolled consecutively from the allergy‐rhinology clinic of Beijing TongRen Hospital (Beijing, People's Republic of China). Questionnaires were completed by each participant at recruitment to record demographic data, nasal symptom severity, and physician‐diagnosed comorbid asthma. The severity of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal/eye itching was recorded according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 10 cm. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, mugwort, Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus were assessed according to presence of sIgE antibodies to these allergens in serum and nasal secretions.ResultsVAS scores of the participants ranged from 11 to 25 (mean = 17), and 14 (27.5%) patients had comorbid asthma. Based on serum sIgE, 31 (60.8%) patients were allergic to mugwort, 14 (27.5%) to Dermatophagoides, and three (5.9%) to fungal allergens. Based on nasal secretion sIgE, 32 (62.7%) patients were allergic to mugwort, 12 (23.5%) to Dermatophagoides, and three (5.9%) to fungal allergens. The local mugwort sIgE level and serum mugwort sIgE level were positively correlated with each other and with VAS scores.ConclusionsIgE level in nasal secretions of subjects with rhinitis is a reliable noninvasive alternative to serum sIgE for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:E311–E315, 2018
Genomics of mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas
Authors: Yan Kenneth , Yesensky Jessica , Hasina Rifat , Agrawal Nishant 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo report on the current state of the literature on the genetics of mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary glands with a focus on genomic screens and recently discovered genetic translocations.MethodsA PubMed based literature review was performed to query for genetics related basic science and preclinical studies about mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary glands.Results and conclusionsGenetic translocations between CRTC1 and MAML2 in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and between MYB and NFIB in adenoid cystic carcinoma have been recently discovered and have therapeutic implications. Key signaling pathways such as the EGFR pathway in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and the Notch pathway, chromatin regulation, and c‐kit mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transitions in adenoid cystic carcinoma have recently been elucidated, pointing to possible therapeutic targets in both cancers.
Association between serum hepcidin level and restless legs syndrome
Authors: Dauvilliers Yves , Chenini Sofiene , Vialaret Jérôme , Delaby Constance , Guiraud Lily , Gabelle Audrey , Lopez Regis , Hirtz Christophe , Jaussent Isabelle , Lehmann Sylvain 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground: To better understand the role of iron homeostasis dysregulation in restless legs syndrome, we compared serum hepcidin and ferritin levels in drug‐free patients with primary restless legs syndrome and healthy controls and studied the relationship between hepcidin level and restless legs syndrome severity.Methods: One hundred and eight drug‐free patients with primary restless legs syndrome (65 women; median age, 61.5 years) and 45 controls (28 women; median age, 53.9 years) were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: normal ferritin level (>50 ng/mL) and absence of iron disorders, chronic renal or liver failure, and inflammatory or neurological diseases. Each subject underwent a thorough clinical examination and a polysomnography assessment. Serum hepcidin‐25 was quantified using a validated mass spectrometry method. Restless legs syndrome severity was evaluated according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group.Results: Despite no group difference between normal ferritin levels and demographic features, serum hepcidin level and hepcidin/ferritin ratio were higher in patients than in controls. Hepcidin level and hepcidin/ferritin ratio, but not ferritin level, were positively correlated with periodic leg movements during sleep and wakefulness in the whole sample. Hepcidin level seem to be associated with restless legs syndrome severity in a complex U‐shaped relationship, without relationship with age at restless legs syndrome onset, positive family history, sleep and depressive symptoms, genetic background, and polysomnographic measurements. No relationship was found between ferritin level and restless legs syndrome severity.Conclusion: In drug‐free patients with primary restless legs syndrome, hepcidin level is higher than in controls and may be associated with restless legs syndrome clinical severity. This result emphasizes the complex peripheral iron metabolism deregulation in restless legs syndrome, opening potential perspectives for a personalized approach with a hepcidin antagonist. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The educational needs of patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis: Validation of the ENAT questionnaire and needs assessment
Authors: Bremander A. , Haglund E. , Bergman S. , Ndosi M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to validate the Swedish version of the educational needs assessment tool (SwENAT) in undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (USpA) and use it to study the educational needs of patients with USpA.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study, recruiting a random sample of patients with USpA from a hospital register in Sweden. Educational needs data were collected, together with disease activity and function indices (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index [BASFI]). Rasch analysis was utilized to evaluate the construct validity, internal consistency and unidimensionality of the SwENAT before studying differences in educational needs between patient subgroups (gender, age and disease severity).ResultsComplete responses were obtained from 77 patients (48 women), with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 50 (12) years, a disease duration of 16 (11) years, a BASDAI score of 4.9 (1.9) and a BASFI score of 3.1 (2.3). The SwENAT satisfied the requirements of the Rasch model (χ2 = 11.488; p = 0.119), including strict unidimensionality. Overall, the mean (SD) SwENAT score was 86 (32). Women reported higher needs than men in the domains of pain (mean [SD] 13.1 [6.8] versus 10.1 [6.0]; p = 0.05); movement (mean [SD] 13.0 [5.5] versus 9.9 [5.7]; p = 0.02) and self‐help (mean [SD] 17.0 [5.8] versus 14.1 [5.0]; p = 0.03). Higher disease activity (BASDAI >4) was associated with higher educational needs (mean [SD] 92.6 [31.9] versus 73.7 [29.4]; p = 0.02).ConclusionsThese data suggest that the SwENAT is valid in USpA. Women and patients with higher disease activity are more likely to have high levels of educational needs, so special attention and strategies to target patient education are warranted.
Ectopic nephrogenic rests in children: A series of 13 cases in a single institution
Authors: Ma Yangyang , Zheng Jicui , Feng Jiayan , Zhu Haitao , Xiao Xianmin , Chen Lian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeEctopic nephrogenic rests (ENR) are extremely rare, and their diagnosis and treatment have not yet been standardized. Our study aimed to analyze the clinical and pathological features of ENR in children and explore the optimal methods for diagnosis and treatment.MethodsA retrospective, single‐center, case series study of 13 children with ENR was performed. Clinical manifestations, work‐up, pathological features, and treatment methods were analyzed, and the postoperative status was evaluated at follow‐up.ResultsThe study cohort included seven males and six females aged 1/4–19 months, who were divided into two subgroups: group 1 (pure ENR, cases 1–3) and group 2 (ENR associated with teratoma, cases 4–13). The patients commonly presented with a painless mass or an incidental finding in surgery. The ENR were detected in the lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal region (five cases), retroperitoneal area (five cases), testis (one case), gubernaculum testis (one case), and stomach (one case). Radiological findings showed a mixed‐density mass or a mixed‐signal‐intensity lesion in group 2. All the patients underwent surgical resection, and all except two were event‐free in a follow‐up period of 2–154 months. Case 8 showed recurrence, and extended surgery was performed. Case 7 developed metastases and received chemotherapy.ConclusionsENR are rare among children and have no specific clinical manifestations, lab tests, and radiological features. Different treatment strategies may be adopted based on the diagnosis. Complete resection can generally be achieved, and the prognosis is excellent in most cases. However, relapse or metastasis may occur in a small subset of patients. Close follow‐up is mandatory to detect recurrence and metastasis early.
Children with sickle cell disease migrating to the United States from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Thornburg Courtney D. , Ware Russell E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited red blood cell disorder that occurs worldwide and results in significant morbidity and mortality. In addition to affected children who are born in the US, an increasing number of children with SCD are migrating to the US with their families or through international adoption. Children arriving as immigrants or refugees have unique medical and psychosocial challenges that require a multidisciplinary team approach which takes into account the family's primary language, culture, and health beliefs. This review focuses on the special challenges for children with SCD who emigrate from sub‐Saharan Africa to the US.
Current controversies in prenatal diagnosis 2: Cell‐free DNA prenatal screening should be used to identify all chromosome abnormalities
Authors: Chitty Lyn S. , Hudgins Louanne , Norton Mary E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNoninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) from maternal serum has been clinically available since 2011. This technology has revolutionized our ability to screen for the common aneuploidies trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. More recently, clinical laboratories have offered screening for other chromosome abnormalities including sex chromosome abnormalities and copy number variants (CNV) without little published data on the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. In this debate, the pros and cons of performing prenatal screening via cfDNA for all chromosome abnormalities is discussed. At the time of the debate in 2017, the general consensus was that the literature does not yet support using this technology to screen for all chromosome abnormalities and that education is key for both providers and the patients so that the decision‐making process is as informed as possible.
Morphology of early intrauterine deaths with full trisomy 15
Authors: Philipp Tom , Terry Jefferson , Feichtinger Michael , Grillenberger Sandra , Hartmann Beda , Jirecek Stefan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe morphologic features of embryos with full trisomy 15 are described.MethodA total of 1195 pregnancy losses were examined embryoscopically and cytogenetically.ResultsOf 1173 successfully karyotyped specimens, full trisomy 15 was diagnosed cytogenetically in 59 cases (5%). All 59 trisomy 15 embryos were diagnosed cytogenetically in the group of 962 embryonic miscarriages (6%). Trisomy 15 was not registered in 171 anembryonic or yolk sac miscarriages, and no case of full trisomy 15 was observed in 62 fetal miscarriages.Fifty‐eight embryos with full trisomy 15 showed structural defects on embryoscopic examination. The most common defects were craniofacial anomalies (n = 73), retarded development of the limbs (n = 39), and abnormally short umbilical cords closely attaching the embryo to the chorionic plate (n = 27). Seven embryos were classified as growth disorganized.Limb reduction defects with a prevalence of 5.6/10 000 births, all affecting upper limb development (10 terminal transverse limb reduction defects and 3 embryos with split hand), were registered in 13 (22%) trisomy 15 embryos.ConclusionLimb reduction defects and craniofacial abnormalities are a typical feature of trisomy 15. Gene dosage imbalances related to trisomy 15 might be the main molecular mechanism underlying the developmental defects observed in the present study and require further investigation.