bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics and fertility control of feral horses
Authors: Collins Gail H. , Kasbohm John W. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe management of free‐roaming, feral horse (Equus caballus) populations in the western United States is a contentious and challenging issue. Between 2008 and 2014, 1,873 individual horses from a closed population in the northern Great Basin, USA were captured, uniquely marked, and were either removed for private adoption or had permanent fertility control treatments (i.e., vasectomy or ovariectomy) applied prior to release. We derived the annual population size, growth rate, and the number of horses by sex and age by using the horse's estimated age at first capture to infer its age during each year it was part of the population. Estimates of population size from 2 aerial survey techniques averaged within 5.3%–9.6% of derived population estimates. The overall survival (i.e., recapture) rate for individual horses was 88% for individuals released back into the population between 2009 and 2012. Treated horses maintained group associations and there were no differences between survival rates for released females or males that received fertility control treatment, compared to animals released without treatment. The application of combined fertility control efforts resulted in a decline in the population‐level annual foaling rate from >20% to <4% within 4 years. Maintaining a proportion of a population as permanently non‐reproducing has the potential to safely maintain free‐roaming horse herds at desired management levels. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Microarray analysis of the genes associated with osteitis in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Günel Ceren , Bleier Benjamin S. , Bozkurt Gökay , Eliyatkin Nuket 
Published: November 2016

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough numerous studies have examined epithelial remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), bone remodeling (osteitis) has only recently gained attention as a potential significant contributor to the pathophysiology of recalcitrant CRS. The purpose of this study was to compare gene expression profiles between osteitic bone and the adjacent diseased mucosa in patients with CRS to determine which genes affect mucosal and bony remodeling.Study DesignProspective experimental analysis.MethodsSamples were obtained from sites of osteitic bone and overlying mucosa in CRS patients demonstrating osteitis on computed tomography and compared to healthy controls. The entire transcripted gene expression profile was determined by microarray following RNA isolation and compared between tissue samples. The expression differences were verified by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsGrowth differentiation factor 5 and exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 were significantly upregulated and positively correlated with mucosal eosinophilic inflammation in osteitic bone. Fibroblast growth factor was significantly increased in osteitic bone. Additionally, colony stimulating factor was positively correlated with the degree of osteitis.ConclusionsThese findings will add a new perspective to our current understanding of the recalcitrant CRS.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 127:E85–E90, 2017
Tenosynovial giant cell tumors of the temporomandibular joint and lateral skull base: Review of 11 cases
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Osetinsky L. Mariel , Alon Eran E. , Inwards Carrie Y. , Lane John I. , Moore Eric J. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo elucidate the clinical behavior, treatment, and outcomes of tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCT) involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and adjacent temporal bone.Study DesignRetrospective case series with histopathologic review.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed identifying and collecting data from all cases of TGCT involving the TMJ and adjacent temporal bone that were treated at the authors' center between January 1960 and December 2015.ResultsEleven histopathologically confirmed cases met inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years, eight patients were men, and the median follow‐up was 116 months. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging revealed a lytic expansile mass centered on the TMJ. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) most commonly exhibited hypointense signal on precontrast T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences and variable postcontrast enhancement. The median delay in diagnosis was 24 months, and the most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss and pain. All patients underwent surgical resection, eight receiving gross total removal, one receiving near total removal, and two patients from early in the series receiving subtotal resection with neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation. Histopathological review of surgical specimens revealed chondroid metaplasia in seven tumors. Eight of nine cases receiving gross total or near total resection have no evidence of recurrence to date.ConclusionsTGCT of the TMJ and temporal bone are rare and locally aggressive tumors that commonly present with nonspecific symptoms. A careful review of CT and MRI followed by early biopsy is critical in establishing an accurate diagnosis and facilitating appropriate treatment. TGCT of the TMJ more commonly contain chondroid metaplasia when compared to TGCT at other anatomic locations. Gross total resection is achievable in most cases and offers long‐term cure. Radiation may be considered for recurrent disease or adjuvant therapy following subtotal resection.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2340–2346, 2017
A tale of two cities: Developing health information platforms for a learning health system in Austin and in New Orleans
Authors: Khurshid Anjum 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroductionNew Orleans and Austin are two cities that are quite different in many ways. While one is known for its poverty, disparity, and crime, the other is famous for its young, vibrant, and fun environment. While one is proud of its past, the other is excited about its future. However, the history of these two cities in terms of developing a learning health system information infrastructure does not follow the same narrative.MethodsOne important aspect of any learning health system is availability of information to allow for the learning to be systematic, ongoing, and data‐driven. This requires the capability to share data across the usually fragmented health systems. This paper uses a comparative case study approach based on personal experiences and key informant interviews to trace the development of information sharing infrastructure in the two cities. The study uses examples to demonstrate learning health system activities facilitated by these information infrastructure capabilities.ResultsThe analysis identified some key factors that may explain the differences in approach and outcomes in the two cities. New Orleans adopted a more comprehensive approach than Austin in envisioning the needs of the community. The study finds that development of a learning health system infrastructure is assisted by working with champions in the community, by not being constrained by legacy systems, and by considering data sharing as a health systems transformation effort rather than simply a technology solution. Other unique factors that particularly helped New Orleans to build a more forward‐looking infrastructure were the role of a backbone organization in the community and a broader collaboration among medical, social, behavioral, and public health service providers.ConclusionsBoth Austin and New Orleans have many health systems innovations underway. However, like many other communities in the United States, they have a long way to go to become learning health systems, a goal that cannot be achieved without a robust, shared information infrastructure.
3D Printed Polycaprolactone Carbon Nanotube Composite Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ho Chee Meng Benjamin , Mishra Abhinay , Lin Pearlyn Teo Pei , Ng Sum Huan , Yeong Wai Yee , Kim Young‐Jin , Yoon Yong‐Jin 
Published: November 2016

Fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds with the use of novel 3D printing has gained lot of attention, however systematic investigation of biomaterials for 3D printing have not been widely explored. In this report, well‐defined structures of polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL‐ carbon nanotube (PCL‐CNT) composite scaffolds have been designed and fabricated using a 3D printer. Conditions for 3D printing has been optimized while the effects of varying CNT percentages with PCL matrix on the thermal, mechanical and biological properties of the printed scaffolds are studied. Raman spectroscopy is used to characterise the functionalized CNTs and its interactions with PCL matrix. Mechanical properties of the composites are characterised using nanoindentation. Maximum peak load, elastic modulus and hardness increases with increasing CNT content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies reveal the thermal and crystalline behaviour of PCL and its CNT composites. Biodegradation studies are performed in Pseudomonas Lipase enzymatic media, showing its specificity and effect on degradation rate. Cell imaging and viability studies of H9c2 cells from rat origin on the scaffolds are performed using fluorescence imaging and MTT assay, respectively. PCL and its CNT composites are able to show cell proliferation and have the potential to be used in cardiac tissue engineering.image
Injectable Polysaccharide Hydrogels as Biocompatible Platforms for Localized and Sustained Delivery of Antibiotics for Preventing Local Infections
Authors: Li Ziyi , He Chaoliang , Yuan Baoming , Dong Xiaoming , Chen Xuesi 
Published: November 2016

Biocompatible and antibacterial hydrogels have received increasing attention for preventing local bacterial infections. In this study, a type of polysaccharide hydrogels is prepared via the Schiff‐based reaction at physiological conditions. The gelation time and mechanical property of the hydrogels are found to be dependent on the polysaccharide concentration and the polysaccharide weight ratio. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethyl‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and live/dead assay indicate that the hydrogels display nontoxicity in vitro. After subcutaneous injection into rats, the hydrogels exhibit an acceptable biocompatibility in vivo. Furthermore, the bacterial inhibition tests by shaking flask method and agar disc‐diffusion method demonstrate that the ceftriaxone‐sodium‐loaded hydrogels have remarkable antibacterial properties in vitro. The in vivo anti‐infective tests further display that the antibiotic‐loaded hydrogels display excellent anti‐infective efficacies in both superficial and deep tissue infection. Consequently, the injectable and biocompatible polysaccharide hydrogels may serve as promising platforms for localized, sustained delivery of antibiotics for preventing local infections.
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Cytochrome P450 Bioconjugate as a Nanovehicle for Improved Chemotherapy Treatment
Authors: Quester Katrin , Juarez‐Moreno Karla , Secundino Isamel , Roseinstein Yvonne , Alejo Karla P. , Huerta‐Saquero Alejandro , Vazquez‐Duhalt Rafael 
Published: November 2016

Cancer is still a growing public health problem, especially breast cancer that is one of the most important cancers in women. Chemotherapy, even though a successful treatment, is accompanied by severe side effects. Moreover, most of the drugs used for chemotherapy are administered as prodrugs and need to be transformed to the active form by cytochromes P450 (CYPs). In addition, increasing numbers of cancer tissues show lower CYP activity than the surrounding healthy tissues in which prodrugs are preferentially activated causing cytotoxicity. Here, the design of a functionalized cytochrome P450 bioconjugate is reported as nanovehicle for the enzyme direct delivery to the tumor tissue in order to improve the local drug activation. MCF‐7 breast cancer cells are treated with CYP‐polyethylene glycol bioconjugate functionalized folic acid, where it activates the prodrug tamoxifen and significantly reduces the dose of tamoxifen needed to kill the tumor cells. The CYP bioconjugate covered with polyethylene glycol shows no immunogenic activity. The advantages of increasing the site‐specific CYP activity in tumor tissues are discussed.
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Greener Chemistry for Hybrid Materials, Alcohol‐Free Synthesis with an Epoxy‐Cyclohexyl Precursor
Authors: Jiang Yu , Carboni Davide , Malfatti Luca , Innocenzi Plinio 
Published: November 2016

Green synthesis is one of the hot topics in the chemistry of hybrid organic–inorganic materials. A alcohol‐free sol–gel process has been developed to prepare optically transparent hybrid films from an epoxy bearing alkoxide, [2‐(3,4‐epoxy‐cyclohexyl)‐ethyl]‐trimethoxysilane (ECTMS). The synthesis is simple and effective because only two components, ECTMS and an aqueous solution of NaOH, are employed. Infrared spectroscopy has been used to monitor the reactivity of the precursor sol as a function of the aging time. Organic–inorganic hybrid films have been then prepared with the different sols via spin‐coating. The presence of the cyclohexyl ring slows down dramatically both the epoxide opening and the capability of the resulting diols in forming a tricyclic dioxane derivative. The highly basic conditions employed in the synthesis favor the formation of the cyclohexyl rings and cage‐ and ladder‐like silica structures. The hybrid films have shown a high transmittance in the visible range and a thermal stability up to 200 °C.
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How Do I Examine Postural Disorders in Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Ameghino Lucia , Rossi Malco , Merello Marcelo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractView Supplementary Video 1Postural abnormalities in Parkinson's disease (PD) are considered the rule more than the exception and are disabling complications of the disease. These deformities include camptocormia, antecollis, Pisa syndrome, and scoliosis. Evidence to date suggests that postural deformities have a multifactorial pathophysiology, including muscular rigidity, axial dystonia, weakness due to myopathy, body scheme defects due to centrally impaired proprioception, and structural changes in the spine. Antecollis in parkinsonian disorders refers to a forward flexion of the head and neck. It is usually mild in severity and may be considered part of the stooped posture in patients with PD. Some authors that suggest the term antecollis should only be used in patients with at least a minimum of 45 degrees of thoracolumbar flexion.Neither camptocormia nor Pisa syndrome can be evaluated without taking into account the presence or absence of scoliosis. In this regard, the rotating component of the spine and its behavior in the supine position give important clues for a correct diagnosis. In some cases, X‐rays in the standing and supine positions are necessary. The presence of marked camptocormia requires a minimum of flexion in the sagittal plane originating in the thoracolumbar spine greater than 45 degrees, with an almost complete resolution in the supine position. Pisa syndrome requires a minimum of 10 degrees of lateral flexion and is almost completely alleviated by passive mobilization or supine positioning. A certain degree of scoliosis is expected in most parkinsonian patients; therefore, both camptocormia and Pisa syndrome do not generally present as pure syndromes.
Segmented simultaneous multi‐slice diffusion weighted imaging with generalized trajectories
Authors: Herbst Michael , Deng Weiran , Ernst Thomas , Stenger V. Andrew 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to develop and evaluate a single framework for the use of Cartesian and non‐Cartesian segmented trajectories for rapid and robust simultaneous multislice (SMS) diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) at 3 Telsa (T).MethodsA generalized SMS approach with intrinsic phase navigation using Multiplexed Sensitivity Encoding (MUSE) was developed. Segmented blipped‐controlled aliasing in parallel imaging echo planar imaging (EPI) and z‐gradient modulated spiral trajectories were examined using SMS DWI scans at 3T with a 32‐channel head coil.ResultsThe generalized SMS MUSE reconstruction framework was successful in significantly reducing artifacts for all trajectories. A DWI brain volume with a 67.5‐mm height, 1.5‐mm isotropic resolution, and 90 diffusion weightings was obtained in a scan time of 6 minutes.ConclusionThe MUSE technique can be generalized to allow for reconstruction of both Cartesian and non‐Cartesian segmented trajectories. Magn Reson Med 78:1476–1481, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Anti‐angiogenic therapy affects the relationship between tumor vascular structure and function: A correlation study between micro–computed tomography angiography and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI
Authors: Kim Eugene , Kim Jana , Mælandsmo Gunhild Mari , Johansen Berit , Moestue Siver Andreas 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo compare the effects of two anti‐angiogenic drugs, bevacizumab and a cytosolic phospholipase A2‐α inhibitor (AVX235), on the relationship between vascular structure and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)‐MRI measurements in a patient‐derived breast cancer xenograft model.MethodsMice bearing MAS98.12 tumors were randomized into three groups: bevacizumab‐treated (n = 9), AVX235‐treated (n = 9), and control (n = 8). DCE‐MRI was performed pre‐ and post‐treatment. Median initial area under the concentration‐time curve (IAUC60) and volume transfer constant (Ktrans) were computed for each tumor. Tumors were excised for ex vivo micro‐CT (computed tomography) angiography, from which the vascular surface area (VSA) and fractional blood volume (FBV) were computed. Spearman correlation coefficients (ρ) were computed to evaluate the associations between the DCE‐MRI and micro‐CT parameters.ResultsWith the groups pooled, IAUC60 and Ktrans correlated significantly with VSA (ρ = 0.475 and 0.527; P = 0.019 and 0.008). There were no significant correlations within the control group. There were various significant correlations within the treatment groups, but the correlations in the bevacizumab group were of opposite sign, for example, Ktrans versus FBV: AVX235, ρ = 0.800 (P = 0.014); bevacizumab, ρ = –0.786 (P = 0.023).ConclusionDCE‐MRI measurements can highly depend on vascular structure. The relationship between vascular structure and function changed markedly after anti‐angiogenic treatment. Magn Reson Med 78:1513–1522, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Perturbation of longitudinal relaxation rate in rotating frame (PLRF) analysis for quantification of chemical exchange saturation transfer signal in a transient state
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Yaoyu , Zhao Xuna , Wu Bing , Gao Jia‐Hong 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo develop a novel analytical method for quantification of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) in the transient state. The proposed method aims to reduce the effects of non‐chemical‐exchange (non‐CE) parameters on the CEST signal, emphasizing the effect of chemical exchange.MethodsThe difference in the longitudinal relaxation rate in the rotating frame (
) was calculated based on perturbation of the Z‐value by
, and a saturation‐pulse‐amplitude‐compensated exchange‐dependent relaxation rate (SPACER) was determined with a high‐exchange‐rate approximation. In both phantom and human subject experiments,
(representative of the traditional CEST index),
, and SPACER were measured, evaluated, and compared by altering the non‐CE parameters in a transient‐state continuous‐wave CEST sequence.ResultsIn line with the theoretical expectation, our experimental data demonstrate that the effects of the non‐CE parameters can be more effectively reduced using the proposed indices (
and SPACER) than using the traditional CEST index (
).ConclusionThe proposed method allows for the chemical exchange weight to be better emphasized in the transient‐state CEST signal, which is beneficial, in practice, for quantifying the CEST signal. Magn Reson Med 78:1711–1723, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Cost of intervention delivery in a lifestyle weight loss trial in type 2 diabetes: results from the Look AHEAD clinical trial
Authors: Rushing J. , Wing R. , Wadden T. A. , Knowler W. C. , Lawlor M. , Evans M. , Killean T. , Montez M. , Espeland M. A. , Zhang P. ,   The Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: November 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) trial was a randomized controlled clinical trial to compare the effects of 10 years of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) with a control condition of diabetes support and education (DSE) on health outcomes in over 5,000 participants with type 2 diabetes. The ILI had significantly greater weight losses than DSE throughout the trial. The goal of this analysis is to describe the cost of delivering the intervention.MethodsThe ILI was designed to promote weight loss and increase physical activity. It involved a combination of group plus individual intervention sessions, with decreasing frequency of contact over the 10 years. The intervention incorporated a variety of strategies, including meal replacement products, to improve weight loss outcomes. The costs of intervention delivery were derived from staff surveys of effort and from records of intervention materials from the 16 US academic clinical trial sites. Costs were calculated from the payer perspective and presented in 2012 dollars.ResultsDuring the first year, when intervention delivery was most intensive, the annual cost of intervention delivery, averaged (standard deviation) across clinical sites, was $2,864.6 ($513.3) per ILI participant compared with $202.4 ($76.6) per DSE participant. As intervention intensity declined, costs decreased, such that from years 5 to 9 of the trial, the annual cost of intervention was $1,119.8 ($227.7) per ILI participant and $102.9 ($33.0) per DSE participant. Staffing accounted for the majority of costs throughout the trial, with meal replacements and materials to promote adherence accounting for smaller shares.ConclusionsThe sustained weight losses produced by the Look AHEAD intervention were supported by intervention costs that were within the range of other weight loss programmes. Future work will include an evaluation of the cost‐effectiveness of the ILI and will contain additional follow‐up data.
The Effect of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion on Migration
Authors: Goodman Lucas 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe expansion of Medicaid to low‐income nondisabled adults is a key component of the Affordable Care Act's strategy to increase health insurance coverage, but many states have chosen not to take up the expansion. As a result, for many low‐income adults, there has been stark variation across states in access to Medicaid since the expansions took effect in 2014. This study investigates whether individuals migrate in order to gain access to these benefits. Using an empirical model in the spirit of a difference‐in‐differences, this study finds that migration from non‐expansion states to expansion states did not increase in 2014 relative to migration in the reverse direction. The estimates are sufficiently precise to rule out a migration effect that would meaningfully affect the number of enrollees in expansion states, which suggests that Medicaid expansion decisions do not impose a meaningful fiscal externality on other states.