bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anorectal dysfunction after laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer with and without radiotherapy (manometry study)
Authors: Ihnát Peter , Slívová Ivana , Tulinsky Lubomir , Ihnát Rudinská Lucia , Máca Jan , Penka Igor 
Published: November 2017

Background and ObjectivesThe aim was to evaluate the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on anorectal function of patients with low rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection (LAR).MethodsProspective clinical cohort study conducted to assess the functional outcome by means of high‐resolution anorectal manometry and LARS score.ResultsIn total, 65 patients were enrolled in the study (27 patients underwent LAR without RT, 38 patients underwent RT and LAR). There were no statistically significant differences between study subgroups regarding demographic and clinical data; postoperative morbidity was significantly higher in irradiated patients. One year after the surgery, mean LARS score was significantly higher in patients who underwent RT and surgery. Major LARS was detected in 37.0% of irradiated patients and in 14.8% of patients after surgery alone. Anorectal manometry revealed significantly lower resting pressures in patients after RT and LAR; the squeeze pressures were similar. Rectal compliance and all volumes describing rectal sensitivity (first sensation, urge to defecate, and discomfort volume) were significantly lower in irradiated patients.ConclusionsRT significantly deteriorates the functional outcome of patients after LAR. Manometry revealed internal sphincter dysfunction, reduced capacity, and compliance of neorectum, which seem to have a significant correlation with LARS presence/seriousness.
Comparing perilymph proteomes across species
Authors: Palmer Jonathan C. , Lord Megan S. , Pinyon Jeremy L. , Wise Andrew K. , Lovell Nigel H. , Carter Paul M. , Enke Ya Lang , Housley Gary D. , Green Rylie A. 
Published: November 2017

Objectives/HypothesisBiological components of perilymph affect the electrical performance of cochlear implants. Understanding the perilymph composition of common animal models will improve the understanding of this impact and improve the interpretation of results from animal studies and how it relates to humans.Study DesignAnalysis and comparison of the proteomes of human, guinea pig, and cat perilymph.MethodsMultiple perilymph samples from both guinea pigs and cats were analysed via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins were identified using the Mascot database. Human data were obtained from a published dataset. Proteins identified were refined to form a proteome for each species.ResultsOver 200 different proteins were found per species. There were 81, 39, and 64 proteins in the final human, guinea pig, and cat proteomes, respectively. Twenty‐one proteins were common to all three species. Fifty‐two percent of the cat proteome was found in the human proteome, and 31% of the guinea pig was common to human. The cat proteome had similar complexity to the human proteome in three protein classes, whereas the guinea pig had a similar complexity in two. The presence of albumin was significantly higher in human perilymph than in the other two species. Immunoglobulins were more abundant in the human than in the cat proteome.ConclusionsPerilymph proteomes were compared across three species. The degree of crossover of proteins of both guinea pig and cat with human indicate that these animals suitable models for the human cochlea, albeit the cat perilymph is a closer match.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:E47–E52, 2018
Adult normative data for phonatory aerodynamics in connected speech
Authors: Lewandowski Ali , Gillespie Amanda I. , Kridgen Samantha , Jeong Kwonho , Yu Lan , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie 
Published: November 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo establish normative values for phonatory aerodynamic measurements in connected speech across adult ages and gender.Study DesignProspective data collection across group design.MethodsOne hundred fifty adults aged >18 years without voice complaints were stratified into three equal‐age groups (group 1 [ages 18–39 years]; group 2 [ages 40–59 years], and group 3 [ages 60 + years]) and two equal‐gender groups (male and female) resulting in 25 participants in each category. Participants read the first four sentences of the Rainbow Passage at comfortable pitch and loudness to obtain a connected speech sample. The following dependent variables were analyzed: breath number, reading passage duration, mean phonatory airflow, inspiratory airflow duration, and expiratory airflow duration.ResultsA gender effect was found for mean phonatory airflow, with males showing significantly greater phonatory airflow than females during connected speech (P < .001). Number of breaths was significantly greater for group 3 than group 2 (P < .001) and group 1 (P < .001). Duration, and inspiratory and expiratory airflow durations were all significantly greater for group 3 (P < .001) than group 2 (P < .001) than group 1 (P < .001).ConclusionsThis study provides normative data for phonatory aerodynamics in adult connected speech. Significant age and gender effects were observed. Laryngoscope, 128:909–914, 2018
An updated review of pediatric drug‐induced sleep endoscopy
Authors: Wilcox Lyndy J. , Bergeron Mathieu , Reghunathan Saranya , Ishman Stacey L. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesDrug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) involves assessment of the upper airway using a flexible endoscope while patients are in a pharmacologically‐induced sleep‐like state. The aim of this article is to review the current literature regarding the role of DISE in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The indications, typical anesthetic protocol, comparison to other diagnostic modalities, scoring systems, and outcomes are discussed.MethodsA comprehensive review of literature regarding pediatric DISE up through May 2017 was performed.ResultsDISE provides a thorough evaluation of sites of obstruction during sedation. It is typically indicated for children with persistent OSA after tonsillectomy, those with OSA without tonsillar hypertrophy, children with risk factors predisposing then to multiple sites of obstruction, or when sleep‐state dependent laryngomalacia is suspected. The dexmedotomidine and ketamine protocol, which replicates non‐REM sleep, appears to be safe and is often used for pediatric DISE, although propofol is the most commonly employed agent for DISE in adults. Six different scoring systems (VOTE, SERS, Chan, Bachar, Fishman, Boudewyns) have been used to report pediatric DISE findings, but none is universally accepted.ConclusionsDISE is a safe and useful technique to assess levels of obstruction in children. There is currently no universally‐accepted anesthetic protocol or scoring system for pediatric DISE, but both will be necessary in order to provide a consistent method to report findings, enhance communication among providers and optimize surgical outcomes.Level of EvidenceN/A.
Diagnostic validity of ICDAS II, VistaProof and a combination of these two methods. An in vitro study in pre‐cavitated lesions
Authors: Iranzo‐Cortés José Enrique , Almarche‐Tarazona María , Montiel‐Company José María , Almerich‐Silla José Manuel 
Published: November 2017

PurposeIn view of the present fall in advanced cavitation lesion prevalence, diagnostic methods have been developed to assist in assessing and measuring pre‐cavitation lesions. The purpose of this study was to assess the VistaProof fluorescence‐based system in vitro and compare the results with those of visual examination using the ICDAS II criteria.Methods100 permanent teeth were collected and 65 were chosen at random for this study. Two separate examiners each examined them twice, 3 weeks apart, assessing them in accordance with ICDAS II. They were subsequently examined with the VistaProof system and the images were stored in the computer program. After obtaining all these data, the teeth were prepared for histological examination and the extent of the lesion was measured.ResultsThe sensitivity with VistaProof was 0.705 for examiner 1 and 0.818 for examiner 2. With ICDAS II it was 0.796 and 0.864, respectively. The specificity was 0.810 and 0.619, respectively, for VistaProof and 0.810 and 0.952 for ICDAS II. The agreement with the histology results was 0.757 and 0.719, respectively, for VistaProof and 0.802 and 0.908 for ICDAS II. The intra‐examiner and inter‐examiner reproducibility of both methods was also assessed. For VistaProof the values were 0.76 and 0.78 intra‐examiner agreement and 0.65 inter‐examiner. For ICDAS II they were 0.82 and 0.91 intra‐examiner and 0.76 inter‐examiner. The data showed that both ICDAS II and VistaProof presented very good sensitivity but moderate specificity, as well as strong agreement (fair to good) with the histology results, and the intra‐examiner and inter‐examiner reproducibility was significant for both methods.ConclusionsICDAS II criteria and the assistance provided by VistaProof increase the ability to diagnose incipient lesions and take early action to treat them. It is important to combine the two in order to obtain more significant results, considering non‐opperative treatments for non‐cavitated lesions diagnosed. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:166–173, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carboxylic Acid Ionic Modification of Castor‐Oil‐Based Polyurethanes Bearing Amine Groups: Chemically Tunable Physical Properties and Recyclability
Authors: Comí Marc , Fernández Mercedes , Santamaría Antxon , Lligadas Gerard , Ronda Juan C. , Galià Marina , Cádiz Virginia 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA family of supramolecular side‐chain ionic polyurethanes (PUs) is synthesized by a simple method using polyurethanes with tertiary amines as pendant groups, and carboxylic acids. The resulting polyurethanes contain diethyl ammonium and carboxylate moieties that are bonded by a combination of ionic and hydrogen bonds. The self‐assembling process is observed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflection (FTIR‐ATR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The synthesized polyurethanes are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Rheological, dielectric, and mechanical properties are investigated, and it is found that the tunability of the properties depends on the acid functionality and the chain length. Dynamic viscoelastic tests reveal a rapid and complete thermal reversibility, which opens the door to studying the recyclability of the samples.
The length of an intersection
Authors: Delhommé Christian , Pouzet Maurice 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA poset is well‐partially ordered (WPO) if all its linear extensions are well orders; the supremum of ordered types of these linear extensions is the length, of p. We prove that if the vertex set X is infinite, of cardinality κ, and the ordering ⩽ is the intersection of finitely many well partial orderings of X, , then, letting , with , denote the euclidian division by κ (seen as an initial ordinal) of the length of each corresponding poset: where denotes the least initial ordinal greater than the ordinal . This inequality is optimal. This result answers questions of Forster.
NO and HNO donors, nitrones, and nitroxides: Past, present, and future
Authors: Oliveira Catarina , Benfeito Sofia , Fernandes Carlos , Cagide Fernando , Silva Tiago , Borges Fernanda 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe biological effects attributed to nitric oxide (•NO) and nitroxyl (HNO) have been extensively studied, propelling their array of putative clinical applications beyond cardiovascular disorders toward other age‐related diseases, like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, the unique properties and reactivity of the N‐O bond enabled the development of several classes of compounds with potential clinical interest, among which •NO and HNO donors, nitrones, and nitroxides are of particular importance. Although primarily studied for their application as cardioprotective agents and/or molecular probes for radical detection, continuous efforts have unveiled a wide range of pharmacological activities and, ultimately, therapeutic applications. These efforts are of particular significance for diseases in which oxidative stress plays a key pathogenic role, as shown by a growing volume of in vitro and in vivo preclinical data. Although in its early stages, these efforts may provide valuable guidelines for the development of new and effective N‐O‐based drugs for age‐related disorders. In this report, we review recent advances in the chemistry of NO and HNO donors, nitrones, and nitroxides and discuss its pharmacological significance and potential therapeutic application.
Consumer use and response to online third‐party raw DNA interpretation services
Authors: Wang Catharine , Cahill Tiernan J. , Parlato Andrew , Wertz Blake , Zhong Qiankun , Cunningham Tricia Norkunas , Cummings James J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundWith the availability of raw DNA generated from direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) testing companies, there has been a proliferation of third‐party online services that are available to interpret the raw data for both genealogy and/or health purposes. This study examines the current landscape and downstream clinical implications of consumer use of third‐party services.MethodsStudy participants were recruited online from social media platforms. A total of 321 survey respondents reported using third‐party services for raw DNA interpretation.ResultsParticipants were highly motivated to explore raw DNA for ancestral information (67%), individual health implications (62%), or both (40%). Participants primarily used one of seven companies to interpret raw DNA; 73% used more than one. Company choice was driven by the type of results offered (51%), price (45%), and online reviews (31%). Approximately 30% of participants shared results with a medical provider and 21% shared with more than one. Outcomes of sharing ranged from disinterest/discounting of the information to diagnosis of genetic conditions. Participants were highly satisfied with their decision to analyze raw DNA (M = 4.54/5), yet challenges in understanding interpretation results were reported irrespective of satisfaction ratings.ConclusionConsumers face challenges in understanding the results and may seek out clinical assistance in interpreting their raw DNA results.
Effect of local administration of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on peripheral nerve regeneration: An experimental study in the rabbit model
Authors: Ikumi Akira , Hara Yuki , Yoshioka Tomokazu , Kanamori Akihiro , Yamazaki Masashi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the nerve regenerative effect and behavior of Schwann cells (SCs) on local administration of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP).MethodsTwenty‐eight Japanese white rabbits were used. A 15‐mm sciatic nerve defect was created on the left limb. The resected nerve was used as a reverse autologous nerve. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In group A (n = 10), only nerve grafting was performed. In group B (n = 18), nerve grafting was performed with local PRP administration. Right limbs were used as control (group C,n = 28). The rabbits in each group were equally divided into two subgroups based on the evaluation period of 4 and 12 weeks after grafting. Electrophysiological evaluation, muscle wet‐weight, histological evaluation, and multiple immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate the regenerative effect of PRP.ResultsThe mean regenerative axon diameter of the graft portion in group B (2.02 ± 0.22‐μm) was significantly larger than that in group A (1.89 ± 0.16‐μm) at 4 weeks. The regenerative axon number at the distal portion showed a greater increase in group B (9017 ± 2224/mm2) than in group A (4955 ± 3117/mm2) at 12 weeks. Electrophysiological evaluation and muscle wet‐weight revealed no significant differences. On immunohistological evaluation, the number of activated SCs increased to a larger extent in group B (188 ± 90/mm2) than in group A (117 ± 51/mm2).ConclusionsLocal PRP administration increases the regenerative axon diameter and the regenerative axon number at the distal portion. PRP accelerates SC proliferationin vivo.
Reconstruction of a long defect of the ulnar artery and nerve with an arterialized neurovenous free flap in a teenager: A case report and literature review
Authors: Casal Diogo , Pais Diogo , Mota‐Silva Eduarda , Pelliccia Giovanni , Iria Inês , Videira Paula A. , Mendes Maria Manuel , Goyri‐O'Neill João , Mouzinho Maria Manuel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere is evidence that nerve flaps are superior to nerve grafts for bridging long nerve defects. Moreover, arterialized neurovenous flaps (ANVFs) have multiple potential advantages over traditional nerve flaps in this context. This paper describes a case of reconstruction of a long defect of the ulnar artery and nerve with an arterialized neurovenous free flap and presents a literature review on this subject. A 16‐year‐old boy sustained a stab wound injury to the medial aspect of the distal third of his right forearm. The patient was initially observed and treated at another institution where the patient was diagnosed with a flexor carpis ulnaris muscle and an ulnar artery section. The artery was ligated and the muscle was sutured. Four months later, the patient was referred to our institution with complaints of ulnar nerve damage, as well as hand pain and cold intolerance. Physical examination and ancillary tests supported the diagnosis of ulnar artery and nerve complete section. Surgery revealed an 8 cm hiatus of the ulnar artery and a 5 cm defect of the ulnar nerve. These gaps were bridged with a flow through ANVF containing the sural nerve and the lesser saphenous vein. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two years postoperatively, the patient had regained normal trophism and M5 strength in all previously paralyzed muscles according to the Medical Research Council Scale. Thermography revealed good perfusion in the right ulnar angiosome. The ANVF may be an expedite, safe and efficient option to reconstruct a long ulnar nerve and artery defect.
Data‐driven optimal binning for respiratory motion management in PET
Authors: Kesner Adam L. , Meier Joseph G. , Burckhardt Darrell D. , Schwartz Jazmin , Lynch David A. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeRespiratory gating has been used in PET imaging to reduce the amount of image blurring caused by patient motion. Optimal binning is an approach for using the motion‐characterized data by binning it into a single, easy to understand/use, optimal bin. To date, optimal binning protocols have utilized externally driven motion characterization strategies that have been tuned with population‐derived assumptions and parameters. In this work, we are proposing a new strategy with which to characterize motion directly from a patient's gated scan, and use that signal to create a patient/instance‐specific optimal bin image.MethodsTwo hundred and nineteen phase‐gated FDG PET scans, acquired using data‐driven gating as described previously, were used as the input for this study. For each scan, a phase‐amplitude motion characterization was generated and normalized using principle component analysis. A patient‐specific “optimal bin” window was derived using this characterization, via methods that mirror traditional optimal window binning strategies. The resulting optimal bin images were validated by correlating quantitative and qualitative measurements in the population of PET scans.ResultsIn 53% (n = 115) of the image population, the optimal bin was determined to include 100% of the image statistics. In the remaining images, the optimal binning windows averaged 60% of the statistics and ranged between 20% and 90%. Tuning the algorithm, through a single acceptance window parameter, allowed for adjustments of the algorithm's performance in the population toward conservation of motion or reduced noise—enabling users to incorporate their definition of optimal. In the population of images that were deemed appropriate for segregation, average lesion SUV max were 7.9, 8.5, and 9.0 for nongated images, optimal bin, and gated images, respectively. The Pearson correlation of FWHM measurements between optimal bin images and gated images were better than with nongated images, 0.89 and 0.85, respectively. Generally, optimal bin images had better resolution than the nongated images and better noise characteristics than the gated images.DiscussionWe extended the concept of optimal binning to a data‐driven form, updating a traditionally one‐size‐fits‐all approach to a conformal one that supports adaptive imaging. This automated strategy was implemented easily within a large population and encapsulated motion information in an easy to use 3D image. Its simplicity and practicality may make this, or similar approaches ideal for use in clinical settings.
TOPPE: A framework for rapid prototyping of MR pulse sequences
Authors: Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Noll Douglas C. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeTo introduce a framework for rapid prototyping of MR pulse sequences.MethodsWe propose a simple file format, called “TOPPE”, for specifying all details of an MR imaging experiment, such as gradient and radiofrequency waveforms and the complete scan loop. In addition, we provide a TOPPE file “interpreter” for GE scanners, which is a binary executable that loads TOPPE files and executes the sequence on the scanner. We also provide MATLAB scripts for reading and writing TOPPE files and previewing the sequence prior to hardware execution. With this setup, the task of the pulse sequence programmer is reduced to creating TOPPE files, eliminating the need for hardware‐specific programming. No sequence‐specific compilation is necessary; the interpreter only needs to be compiled once (for every scanner software upgrade). We demonstrate TOPPE in three different applications: k‐space mapping, non‐Cartesian PRESTO whole‐brain dynamic imaging, and myelin mapping in the brain using inhomogeneous magnetization transfer.ResultsWe successfully implemented and executed the three example sequences. By simply changing the various TOPPE sequence files, a single binary executable (interpreter) was used to execute several different sequences.ConclusionThe TOPPE file format is a complete specification of an MR imaging experiment, based on arbitrary sequences of a (typically small) number of unique modules. Along with the GE interpreter, TOPPE comprises a modular and flexible platform for rapid prototyping of new pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med 79:3128–3134, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.