bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
Authors: Bernotavičius Giedrius , Saniukas Kęstutis , Karmonaitė Irena , Zagorskis Rimantas 
Published: November 2016

Background. An obstruction of the distal part of the duodenum can occur because of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) after a surgical correction of scoliosis. It is essential to evaluate the risk factors and diagnose the SMAS in time because complications of this condition are life-threatening and it is associated with a high rate of morbidity. Diagnostics of the SMAS is challenging, because it is rare and its symptoms are non-specific. Therefore, in order to better understand the essence of this pathology and to make diagnosis easier we present a rare clinical case of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome after a surgical correction of neuromuscular scoliosis.
The clinical case. A 12-year-old girl with a specific development disorder, sensory neuropathy and progressive kypho-scoliosis was admitted to Vilnius University Children’s Hospital. The patient had right side 50-degree thoracic scoliosis and an 80-degree thoracic kyphosis. She underwent posterior spinal fusion with hooks and screws from Th1 to L2. On the fourth day after the surgery the patient developed nausea and began to vomit each day 1-2 times per day, especially after meals. The SMAS was suspected and a nasogastric tube was inserted, stomach decompression and the correction of electrolytes disbalance were made. After the treatment, the symptoms did not recur and a satisfactory correction and balance of the spine were made in coronal and sagittal planes.
Conclusions. It is extremely important to identify the risk factors of the SMAS and begin preoperative diet supplements before surgical correction of scoliosis for patients with a low body mass index. After the first episode of vomiting following the surgery, we recommend to investigate these patients for a gastrointestinal obstruction as soon as possible. Decompression of the stomach, enteral or parenteral nutrition, and fluid therapy are essential in treating the SMAS.
Successful management of gastropulmonary fistula due to invasive fungal infection after chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation: a case report
Authors: Janilionis Ričardas , Lukoševičiūtė Lina , Beiša Virgilijus , Jotautas Valdemaras , Petrauskaitė Roberta , Pečeliūnas Valdas , Jucaitienė Renata 
Published: November 2016

Background. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. Acquired gastropulmonary fistula is a rare complication of IFI.
Material and methods. We present a case history of a patient with malignant myeloma. She was treated with autologous stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy for three years. She had been treated with antifungal agents as well. Following a specific treatment, she developed an invasive fungal infection (IFI) of the left lung which had been complicated with left gastropulmonary fistula. The patient’s general condition was deteriorating, so it was decided to perform a surgical intervention. At the first procedure, open-window thoracostomy was created in order to facilitate treatment by daily packing of the cavity. Four weeks after the thoracostomy, a thoracomyoplasty was performed to repair a gastropleural fistula. During the laparotomy, the gastric fundus was freed from adjacent tissues and repaired. Intrathoracic transposition of the latissimus dorsi and anterior serratus muscle flaps was performed simultaneously to create a new diaphragm. The open-window thoracostomy was left open due to some small bronchial fistulas. The thoracostomy opening healed spontaneously during the following six months.
Conclusion. We report what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of an invasive fungal infection (Geotrichum capitatum) successfully treated with intravenous amphotericin B, voriconazole, and surgery on infected soft tissues (organs) for a patient with multiple myeloma in prolonged neutropenia. The efficacy and safety of the surgery for infected soft tissues requires further evaluation.
The Impact of Event Scale – Revised: psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version in a sample of employees exposed to workplace bullying
Authors: Malinauskienė Vilija , Bernotaitė Lina 
Published: November 2016

Background. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) is often used as a self-report instrument for symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS). The objective of this study was to explore the reliability and validity of the Lithuanian IES-R in a sample of employees with exposure to workplace bullying in different occupations.
Materials and methods. The original IES-R was translated into Lithuanian, and the comparability of content was verified through back-translation procedures. 294 employees with exposure to workplace bullying (52 teachers from the secondary schools of Kaunas, 56 family physicians, 101 nurses of internal medicine departments, 40 waiters, and 45 seafarers) were administered the Lithuanian IES-R and the General Health Questionnaire – 12 (GHQ-12) in order to verify some aspects of convergent validity. The exploratory factor analysis was used to verify the construct validity of the IES-R.
Results. The reliability of the Lithuanian version of the IES-R was verified. Cronbach’s α of the total scale was 0.95. Exploratory factor analysis showed a clear factor structure with three independent dimensions: intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal. Cronbach’s α for subscales of intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal were 0.89, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively. The convergent validity was supported by positive correlations between the subscales (intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal) and the GHQ-12.
Conclusions. The results suggest that the self-reported Lithuanian IES-R is a valid instrument for assessing the dimensions of post-traumatic stress, has good psychometric properties, and may be applied in prolonged trauma-exposed populations.
A series of cases of rhabdomyolysis after ingestion of Tricholoma equestre
Authors: Laubner Gabija , Mikulevičienė Gabija 
Published: November 2016

Tricholoma equestre (hereinafter – T. equestre) is a common edible fungus that is considered to be toxic under certain conditions. Here, we report four cases of acute poisoning caused by T. equestre, including one lethal outcome in Lithuania between 2004 and 2013. In the severe case, fatigue, nausea without vomiting and muscle pain, profuse sweating without fever, and respiratory insufficiency occurred. Laboratory tests showed an elevation of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Although clinical findings and laboratory tests support evidence of rhabdomyolysis, no renal insufficiency was observed. Significance of T. equestre in cardiac changes is feasible but remains unclear.
Why Education Predicts Decreased Belief in Conspiracy Theories
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem 
Published: November 2016

SummaryPeople with high education are less likely than people with low education to believe in conspiracy theories. It is yet unclear why these effects occur, however, as education predicts a range of cognitive, emotional, and social outcomes. The present research sought to identify mediators of the relationship between education and conspiracy beliefs. Results of Study 1 revealed three independent mediators of this relationship, namely, belief in simple solutions for complex problems, feelings of powerlessness, and subjective social class. A nationally representative sample (Study 2) replicated these findings except for subjective social class. Moreover, variations in analytic thinking statistically accounted for the path through belief in simple solutions. I conclude that the relationship between education and conspiracy beliefs cannot be reduced to a single mechanism but is the result of the complex interplay of multiple psychological factors that are associated with education. © 2016 The Authors. Applied Cognitive Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Histamine H4 receptor gene polymorphisms: a potential predictor of oral H1 antihistamine efficacy for allergic rhinitis
Authors: Gu Jian , Mao Xiao‐Hui , Yang Xi‐Zhi , Ao Hua‐Fei , Zhang Zhe , Li You 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundOur study aimed to investigate the associations between Histamine H4 receptor (HRH4) gene polymorphisms (rs77485247, rs74604924, and rs77041280) and oral H1 antihistamine efficacy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients.MethodsA total of 142 AR patients were selected as a case group and 160 healthy individuals were recruited as a control group. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HRH4 gene were detected using direct sequencing. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS). The occurrence of adverse reaction was recorded.ResultsThere were significant differences in the distribution frequencies of mutant genotype (TA + AA) and A allele of rs77485247, mutant genotype (AT + TT) and T allele of rs74604924, and mutant genotype (AT + TT) and T allele of rs77041280 between the case and control groups. AR patients with mutant genotype (TA + AA) of rs77485247 and AR patients with mutant genotype (AT + TT) of rs77041280 had higher specific IgE, ECP levels, and VAS scores after treatment and lower incidence of adverse reactions and total effective rate than those with TT genotype and those with AA genotype, respectively. However, for rs74604924, there were no differences was found between AR patients with mutant genotype (AT + TT) and those with AA genotype.ConclusionOur findings provide evidence that HRH4 rs77485247 and rs77041280 polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of AR and the efficacy of H1 antihistamines for the treatment of AR patients.
Olfaction in patients with allergic rhinitis: an indicator of successful MP‐AzeFlu therapy
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Poletti Sophia C. , Sperl Annette , Spielhaupter Magdalena , Bardenhewer Cornel , Mullol Joaquim , Hörmann Karl , Hummel Thomas 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MP‐AzeFlu on olfaction and the interaction between severity of allergic rhinitis and olfactory improvement after therapy.MethodsA prospective, multicenter, observational study was performed on 47 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Duration and severity of allergic rhinitis was diagnosed and classified using the modified Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) criteria and the proof of allergen sensitization from positive skin‐prick tests, specific immonoglobulin E (IgE) in serum, and nasal provocation response. Patients were treated with MP‐AzeFlu (1 spray/nostril twice daily) over 3 months. Olfactory function was assessed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months of therapy using the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test. In addition, a nasal symptom score was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) at each given time‐point.ResultsMP‐AzeFlu was found to be associated with a significant improvement in TDI score, from 23.7 at baseline to 34.2 at 1 month (p < 0.001) and 37.1 at 3 months (p < 0.001) of treatment. Furthermore, a highly significant improvement of symptoms over time (p < 0.001; VAS at baseline: 84.3; 1 month: 32.4; 3 months: 26.2) could be demonstrated. Most importantly, there was a highly significant interaction between the severity of allergic rhinitis and olfactory function (p < 0.001) and VAS (p < 0.001).ConclusionMP‐AzeFlu is associated with olfactory improvement in persistent allergic rhinitis patients. Further, the modified ARIA severity classification is an indicator of patients’ olfactory function. Moreover, assessment of olfaction seems to be a reliable indicator of the clinical success of antiallergic/antiinflammatory therapy.
Prospective, multicenter evaluation of balloon sinus dilation for treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Rosenbloom Jeffrey S. , Skarada Douglas , Gutman Michael , Hoy Mark J. , Nguyen Shaun A. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundAlthough balloon sinus dilation is a treatment option for adults with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), there have been few studies performed in pediatric patients.MethodsThis study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, single‐arm investigation. Children (2 to 21 years old) with CRS who had failed medical management were treated with balloon sinus dilation and followed to 6 months postprocedure.ResultsFifty children were treated at 4 centers; 33 participants were 2 to 12 years old (mean ± standard deviation age: 6.6 ± 2.2 years) and 17 participants were >12 to 21 years (mean age: 15.7 ± 2.5 years). A total of 157 sinus dilations were attempted (98 maxillary, 30 frontal, and 29 sphenoid sinuses) and all were successful with no complications. Significant improvement in the Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey (SN‐5) was seen for all children between baseline and 6 months (4.6 ± 1.2 vs 1.7 ± 0.8; p < 0.0001) and 92% improved by a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 1.0 or more. Those children aged 2 to 12 years with standalone balloon dilation also showed significant SN‐5 improvements between baseline and follow‐up (4.5 ± 1.0 vs 1.9 ± 0.8; p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis showed no differences or associations of SN‐5 improvement at 6 months with the presence of allergy, asthma, or concomitant procedures. For adolescents, overall 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) mean scores were also significantly improved at 6 months (42.2 ± 19.2 vs 10.4 ± 9.7; p < 0.0001).ConclusionBalloon sinus dilation is safe and appears effective for children with CRS aged 2 years and older.
Flexible, Luminescent Metal–Organic Frameworks Showing Synergistic Solid‐Solution Effects on Porosity and Sensitivity
Authors: Liu Si‐Yang , Zhou Dong‐Dong , He Chun‐Ting , Liao Pei‐Qin , Cheng Xiao‐Ning , Xu Yan‐Tong , Ye Jia‐Wen , Zhang Jie‐Peng , Chen Xiao‐Ming 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMixing molecular building blocks in the solid solution manner is a valuable strategy to obtain structures and properties in between the isostructural parent metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). We report nonlinear/synergistic solid‐solution effects using highly related yet non‐isostructural, phosphorescent CuI triazolate frameworks as parent phases. Near the phase boundaries associated with conformational diversity and ligand heterogeneity, the porosity (+150 %) and optical O2 sensitivity (410 times, limit of detection 0.07 ppm) can be drastically improved from the best‐performing parent MOFs and even exceeds the records hold by precious‐metal complexes (3 ppm) and C70 (0.2 ppm).
The Role of the Axial Substituent in Subphthalocyanine Acceptors for Bulk‐Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Chunhui , Zango Germán , García Iglesias Miguel , Colberts Fallon J. M. , Wienk Martijn M. , Martínez‐Díaz M. Victoria , Janssen René A. J. , Torres Tomás 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFour hexachlorosubphthalocyanines SubPcCl6‐X bearing different axial substituents (X) have been synthesized for use as novel electron acceptors in solution‐processed bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cells. Subphthalocyanines are aromatic chromophoric molecules with cone‐shaped structure, good solution processability, intense optical absorption in the visible spectral region, appropriate electron mobilities, and tunable energy levels. Solar cells with subphthalocyanines as the electron acceptor and PTB7‐Th as the electron donor exhibit a power conversion efficiency up to 4 % and an external quantum efficiency approaching 60 % due to significant contributions from both the electron donor and the electron acceptor to the photocurrent, indicating a promising prospect of non‐fullerene acceptors based on subphthalocyanines and structurally related systems.
Exploiting Deep Eutectic Solvents and Organolithium Reagent Partnerships: Chemoselective Ultrafast Addition to Imines and Quinolines Under Aerobic Ambient Temperature Conditions
Authors: Vidal Cristian , García‐Álvarez Joaquín , Hernán‐Gómez Alberto , Kennedy Alan R. , Hevia Eva 
Published: November 2016

AbstractShattering the long‐held dogma that organolithium chemistry needs to be performed under inert atmospheres in toxic organic solvents, chemoselective addition of organolithium reagents to non‐activated imines and quinolines has been accomplished in green, biorenewable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) at room temperature and in the presence of air, establishing a novel and sustainable access to amines. Improving on existing methods, this approach proceeds in the absence of additives; occurs without competitive enolization, reduction or coupling processes; and reactions were completed in seconds. Comparing RLi reactivities in DESs with those observed in pure glycerol or THF suggests a kinetic anionic activation of the alkylating reagents occurs, favoring nucleophilic addition over competitive hydrolysis.
An Isosteric and Fluorescent DNA Base Pair Consisting of 4‐aminophthalimide and 2,4‐diaminopyrimidine as C‐Nucleosides
Authors: Merkel Marcus , Dehmel Lars , Ernsting Nikolaus P. , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA 13mer DNA duplex containing the artificial 4‐aminophthalimide:2,4‐diaminopyrimidine (4AP:DAP) base pair in the central position was characterized by optical and NMR spectroscopy. The fluorescence of 4AP in the duplex has a large Stokes shift of Δλ=124 nm and a quantum yield ofΦF=24 %. The NMR structure shows that two interstrand hydrogen bonds are formed and confirms the artificial base pairing. In contrast, the 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminophthalimide moiety prefers thesynconformation in DNA. The fluorescence intensity of this chromophore in DNA is very low and the NMR structure shows no significant interaction with DAP. Primer‐extension experiments with DNA polymerases showed that not only is the 4AP C nucleotide incorporated at the desired position opposite DAP in the template, but also that the polymerase is able to progress past this position to give the full‐length product. The observed selectivity supports the NMR results.
Water‐free synthesis of temperature‐sensitive polyacrylamide microgels and pore modeled oil recovery performance
Authors: Chen Zun , Schuman Thomas P. , Geng Jiaming , Bai Baojun 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTPolymer gel treatments can improve sweep efficiency and reduce water production during oil recovery operations. In this article, a novel suspension polymerization method was developed to synthesize a temperature‐sensitive microgel. The microgel was prepared by suspension polymerization above the melting point of the monomer in a nonpolar solvent without water. Dry microspheres were obtained, which can be readily used without post‐treatment. Two different crosslinkers were employed in the suspension polymerization synthesis to give the particles thermally responsive aqueous swelling properties. After entering pore channels, gel particles expand to engineered size to realize flow profile changes within in a reservoir formation. When dispersed into water under lower temperatures (ambient to 40 °C), the original dry particles can swell about 18 times their original size. Exposure to a harsher environment (e.g., 80 °C) resulted in cleavage of the labile crosslinking agent and some chain cleavage gave a further size expansion. A Millipore film filtration model system was adopted to evaluate pore occlusion performance of the gel particles. It was found that the nuclear pores were effectively sealed by swollen microgels only when gel particle sizes were similar to or smaller than the membrane pores and interpore separation distance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44581.
Intrinsic viscosity, rheological property, and oil displacement of hydrophobically associating fluorinated polyacrylamide
Authors: Li Fan , Luo Yue , Hu Pan , Yan Xuemin 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe surface‐active polymer (FPAM) was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization of acrylamide (AM), 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and N‐dodecyl‐N‐perfluoro octane sulfonyl acrylamide (AMPD), which was prior prepared by reacting dodecylamine, perfluoro‐1‐octanesulfonyl fluoride, and acryloyl chloride. Parameters affecting the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and apparent viscosity (η) of FPAM, such as reaction temperature, AMPD concentration, AMPS concentration, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, and pH were examined. Apparent viscosity and interfacial tension (IFT) of FPAM solution were evaluated. Subsequently, temperature tolerance and shear tolerance were investigated by comparing with hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), and results indicated that the FPAM displayed better performances than HPAM. FPAM can reduce the IFT between crude oil/water, and the IFT values are around at 2.91 and 3.9 mN m−1 corresponding to FPAM and HPAM/FC‐118. The sandpack model oil displacement experiment showed that water flooding can further increase the oil recovery to 15.01% (FPAM), compared with 9.26% oil recovery for HPAM, and 10.99% oil recovery for HPAM/FC‐118. The glass micromodel techniques for studying enhanced oil recovery get a good result and provide a useful reference for understanding the displacement behaviors in polymer flood process. It could be concluded that the introduction of fluorinated groups in the polymer chain was helpful in enhancing the oil displacement efficiency. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44672.
Effect of structural carbohydrates and lignin content on the anaerobic digestion of paper and paper board materials by anaerobic granular sludge
Authors: Gonzalez‐Estrella Jorge , Asato Caitlin M. , Jerke Amber C. , Stone James J. , Gilcrease Patrick C. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTAnaerobic digestion (AD) of lignocellulosic materials is commonly limited by the hydrolysis step. Unlike unprocessed lignocellulosic materials, paper and paper board (PPB) are processed for their fabrication. Such modifications may affect their methane yields and methane production rates. Previous studies have investigated the correlation between lignin and biomethane yields of unprocessed lignocellulosic materials; nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the relationship between the AD kinetic parameters and composition of PPB. This study evaluated correlations of methane yields and Monod and Gompertz kinetic parameters with structural carbohydrates, lignin, and ash concentration of five types of PPBs. All components were used as single and combined independent variables in linear regressions to predict methane yield, maximum specific methanogenic activity (SMAmax), saturation constant (Ks), and lag phase (λ). Additionally, microbial community profiles were obtained for each PPB assay. Results showed methane yields ranging from 69.2 ± 8.61 to 97.2 ± 2.29% of PPB substrates provided. The highest correlation coefficients were obtained for SMAmax as function of hemicellulose/(lignin + ash) (R2 = 0.86) and for λ as a function of lignin + cellulose (R2 = 0.85). All other parameters exhibited weaker correlations (R2 ≤ 0.77). Relative abundance analyses revealed no major changes in the community profile for each of the substrates evaluated. The overall findings of this study are: (i) combinations of structural carbohydrates, lignin, and ash used as ratios of degradable to either non‐degradable or slowly degradable fractions predict AD kinetic parameters of PPB materials better than single independent variables; and (ii) other components added during their fabrication may also influence both methane yield and kinetic parameters. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 951–960. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.