bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraluminal biodegradable splint to treat upper airway anterior malacia: A preclinical proof of principle
Authors: Gorostidi François , Courbon Cécile , Burki Marco , Reinhard Antoine , Sandu Kishore 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveUpper airway malacia highly complicates the treatment of benign laryngotracheal stenosis, and no ideal option is available to date. We here explore the use of extraluminal biodegradable splints in an animal model of long‐segment anterior tracheomalacia (TM). We show the efficacy, as well as the tissue tolerance, of a custom‐made biodegradable extraluminal device surgically inserted around the trachea.Study DesignPreclinical animal study.MethodsAnterior TM was induced in rabbits through an anterior neck approach by removing eight consecutive anterior tracheal rings without damaging the underlying mucosa. Malacia was corrected during the same surgery by pexy sutures, suspending the tracheal mucosa to an experimental biodegradable device. Symptoms, survival, and tissue reaction were compared to healthy and sham surgery controls.ResultsThe model induced death by respiratory failure within minutes. Ten animals received the experimental treatment, and those who survived the perioperative period remained asymptomatic with a maximum follow‐up of 221 days. Histological studies at programmed euthanasia showed complete degradation of the prosthesis, with significant remnant fibrosis around the trachea. However, the tracheal stiffness of test segments was comparatively less than that of control segments.ConclusionExtraluminal biodegradable splints rescued animals with a condition otherwise incompatible with life. It was well tolerated, leaving peritracheal fibrosis that was not as stiff as normal trachea. The external tracheal stiffening was sufficient for the test animals to live through the phase of severe acute hypercollapsibility. This represents a valid option to help pediatric patients with laryngotracheal stenosis and associated cartilaginous airway malacia.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:E53–E58, 2018
Water column and sediment stable carbon isotope biogeochemistry of permanently redox‐stratified Fayetteville Green Lake, New York, U.S.A.
Authors: Havig Jeff R. , Hamilton Trinity L. , McCormick Michael , McClure Brianna , Sowers Todd , Wegter Bruce , Kump Lee R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCarbon cycling in natural ecosystems is a biologically mediated process with global consequences. Recent work has revealed the important role that lakes play in the global carbon cycle, suggesting organic carbon burial in small lakes and reservoirs matching and even surpassing that of the world's oceans. While much is known regarding biogeochemical cycling of carbon in the water column and underlying sediments of freshwater and marine systems, less is known about permanently redox‐stratified water bodies. The modern ocean is fully oxygenated, however, the ocean is thought to have been redox‐stratified throughout much of Earth's history, and seasonal redox‐stratification is an increasing problem in many freshwater systems due to eutrophication driven by human land usage and warming resulting from global climate change. To better understand carbon signals preserved in the rock record from times of ocean redox‐stratification as well as the effects of increasing redox‐stratification on carbon cycling in modern freshwater systems, we have characterized the concentration and stable isotopic signal of inorganic and organic carbon in permanently redox‐stratified Fayetteville Green Lake (FGL), New York. The results of these analyses indicate that: (1) groundwater is the primary source of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) at FGL; (2) organic carbon is extensively cycled within the water column and upper sediments resulting in an increasingly isotopically depleted DIC pool; (3) cyanobacteria‐driven carbonate precipitation in the oxic zone is the primary source of carbonate in the sediments; (4) methane concentrations increase below the chemocline with extremely negative δ13C values (−99.1‰ to −102.3‰).
Denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in an East African Great Lake (Lake Kivu)
Authors: Roland Fleur A. E. , Darchambeau François , Borges Alberto V. , Morana Cédric , De Brabandere Loreto , Thamdrup Bo , Crowe Sean A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe investigated anaerobic nitrogen (N) cycling in the water column of Lake Kivu, a deep meromictic tropical lake in East Africa. Data were collected at one station in the Northern Basin and one in the Southern Basin, during two sampling campaigns (June 2011—dry season, and February 2012—rainy season). Short‐term incubations of sulfide‐free water with 15N‐labeled substrates revealed high potential denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) rates (up to 350 and 36 nmol N produced L−1 h−1, respectively), while anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) was lower (up to 3.3 nmol N produced L−1 h−1). However, anammox rates were 15 nmol N produced L−1 h−1 when 15
was added at depths where
concentrations were very low (< 1 μmol L−1). With the addition of 5 μmol L−1 of 15
and 10 μmol L−1 of H2S, denitrification and anammox were stimulated in the Northern Basin, while the increase of DNRA rates was less notable. In the Southern Basin, the addition of H2S decreased denitrification rates, probably because of competition with DNRA, which increased, while no effect was observed on anammox. This study puts into evidence the co‐occurrence of denitrification, anammox and DNRA, for the first time in a great tropical lake, and underlines the spatial heterogeneity of these processes. Contrary to numerous reports in literature, we show that anammox can significantly occur in presence of H2S, suggesting that the contribution of anammox in the N cycle may be underestimated.
Stable isotope analysis of dissolved organic carbon in Canada's eastern coastal waters
Authors: Barber Andrew , Sirois Maude , Chaillou Gwénaëlle , Gélinas Yves 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe application of carbon stable isotope analysis of dissolved organic carbon (δ13C‐DOC) from natural seawater has been limited owing to the inherent difficulty of such analysis, with order of magnitude differences in interfering ions and analyte concentrations. High temperature catalytic oxidation allows for the attenuation of these interferences by precipitation of inorganic ions on quartz chips upstream from the oxidation catalyst. Using a chemical trap, the OI 1030C combustion DOC analyzer unit can be coupled to an IRMS, allowing for the analysis of low DOC content saline waters with relatively high throughput. The analytical limitations and large water volumes traditionally required for these types of analyses have prevented any large‐scale δ13C‐DOC studies. Here, we present δ13C‐DOC signatures for surface and bottom waters obtained along Canada's East Coast. Included in the study are samples from the Esquiman channel (between Newfoundland and Labrador), Lake Melville, the Saglek and Nachvak Fjords, the Hudson Strait and finally covering the salinity gradient across the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf. Measured δ13C‐DOC signatures ranged from predominantly marine values of −19.9 ± 0.3‰ (vs. VPDB) off the coast of Newfoundland to predominantly terrestrial signatures of −26.9 ± 0.1‰ in Lake Melville. We observed a large spread in δ13C‐DOC signatures for samples with a salinity of ≈ 35 between −19.9‰ and −23.3‰ demonstrating the difficulty associated to selecting a marine end‐member to be used in stable isotope mixing models to determine the fate of organic matter along the freshwater‐marine continuum.
A self‐cleaning biological filter: How appendicularians mechanically control particle adhesion and removal
Authors: Conley Keats R. , Gemmell Brad J. , Bouquet Jean‐Marie , Thompson Eric M. , Sutherland Kelly R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAppendicularians are ubiquitous marine grazers that use tangential filtration to collect micron and submicron prey. The food‐concentrating filter (FCF) is the primary determinant of appendicularian prey selectivity, but the precise means by which it concentrates and conveys particles to the pharyngeal filter remain poorly understood. We used high‐speed videography to examine the mechanics of the FCF ofOikopleura dioicawith high resolution to better understand how filter structure, hydrodynamics, and animal behavior affect feeding selectivity. We observed that filtration occurs through the process of serial adhesion and detachment of particles, and in this respect, differs from an industrial tangential filtration system. We demonstrate how filter elasticity and the hydrodynamics of pulsatile flow caused by the kinematics of the animal's tail contribute to the filter's self‐cleaning abilities. We present experimental observations showing that smaller particles (3 μm) adhere significantly more to the filter than larger ones (10 μm), but that, overall adhesion is quite low for an array of particle sizes (3–20 μm). This study provides a mechanistic basis for predicting the effects of appendicularian grazing on particle size spectra in the upper ocean.
Chalcogen‐Atom‐Annulated Perylene Diimide Trimers for Highly Efficient Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Yuwei , Xu Xiaopeng , Li Ying , Li Zuojia , Peng Qiang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis communication reports the synthesis of two novel chalcogen‐atom‐annulated perylene diimide (PDI) trimers with twisted structures, TriPDI‐S and TriPDI‐Se, for efficient nonfullerene polymer solar cells. TriPDI‐Se exhibits more compact molecular arrangement due to the stronger intermolecular interactions induced by the selenium atom. This selenium annulation endows TriPDI‐Se with improved absorption and crystallinity in its blend film. The resulting devices exhibit enhanced Jsc of 17.15 mA cm−2 and fill factor (FF) of 66.8%, which are much higher than those of TriPDI‐S devices (Jsc = 16.71 mA cm−2; FF = 63.6%). Although TriPDI‐Se exhibits lower‐lying energy levels, TriPDI‐Se devices still obtain a higher Voc of 0.77 V compared to TriPDI‐S devices (Voc = 0.74 V), which is mainly originated from the reduced recombination in the related devices. Finally, the power conversion efficiency is significantly elevated from 7.86% for TriPDI‐S devices to 8.82% for TriPDI‐Se devices.
The Lactococcus lactis KF147 nonribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase system confers resistance to oxidative stress during growth on plant leaf tissue lysate
Authors: Golomb Benjamin L. , Yu Annabelle O. , Coates Laurynne C. , Marco Maria L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStrains of Lactococcus lactis isolated from plant tissues possess adaptations that support their survival and growth in plant‐associated microbial habitats. We previously demonstrated that genes coding for a hybrid nonribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase (NRPS/PKS) system involved in production of an uncharacterized secondary metabolite are specifically induced in L. lactis KF147 during growth on plant tissues. Notably, this NRPS/PKS has only been identified in plant‐isolated strains of L. lactis. Here, we show that the L. lactis KF147 NRPS/PKS genes have homologs in certain Streptococcus mutans isolates and the genetic organization of the NRPS/PKS locus is conserved among L. lactis strains. Using an L. lactis KF147 mutant deficient in synthesis of NrpC, a 4′‐phosphopantetheinyl transferase, we found that the NRPS/PKS system improves L. lactis during growth under oxidative conditions in Arapidopsis thaliana leaf lysate. The NRPS/PKS system also improves tolerance of L. lactis to reactive oxygen species and specifically H2O2 and superoxide radicals in culture medium. These findings indicate that this secondary metabolite provides a novel mechanism for reactive oxygen species detoxification not previously known for this species.
An optimized framework for quantitative magnetization transfer imaging of the cervical spinal cord in vivo
Authors: Battiston Marco , Grussu Francesco , Ianus Andrada , Schneider Torben , Prados Ferran , Fairney James , Ourselin Sebastien , Alexander Daniel C. , Cercignani Mara , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A.M. , Samson Rebecca S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo develop a framework to fully characterize quantitative magnetization transfer indices in the human cervical cord in vivo within a clinically feasible time.MethodsA dedicated spinal cord imaging protocol for quantitative magnetization transfer was developed using a reduced field‐of‐view approach with echo planar imaging (EPI) readout. Sequence parameters were optimized based in the Cramer‐Rao‐lower bound. Quantitative model parameters (i.e., bound pool fraction, free and bound pool transverse relaxation times [
,
], and forward exchange rate [kFB]) were estimated implementing a numerical model capable of dealing with the novelties of the sequence adopted. The framework was tested on five healthy subjects.ResultsCramer‐Rao‐lower bound minimization produces optimal sampling schemes without requiring the establishment of a steady‐state MT effect. The proposed framework allows quantitative voxel‐wise estimation of model parameters at the resolution typically used for spinal cord imaging (i.e. 0.75 × 0.75 × 5 mm3), with a protocol duration of ∼35 min. Quantitative magnetization transfer parametric maps agree with literature values. Whole‐cord mean values are: bound pool fraction = 0.11(±0.01),
= 46.5(±1.6) ms,
= 11.0(±0.2) µs, and kFB = 1.95(±0.06) Hz. Protocol optimization has a beneficial effect on reproducibility, especially for
and kFB.ConclusionThe framework developed enables robust characterization of spinal cord microstructure in vivo using qMT. Magn Reson Med 79:2576–2588, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Validation of highly accelerated real‐time cardiac cine MRI with radial k‐space sampling and compressed sensing in patients at 1.5T and 3T
Authors: Haji‐Valizadeh Hassan , Rahsepar Amir A. , Collins Jeremy D. , Bassett Elwin , Isakova Tamara , Block Tobias , Adluru Ganesh , DiBella Edward V. R. , Lee Daniel C. , Carr James C. , Kim Daniel ,   The CKD Optimal Management with Binders and NicotinamidE (COMBINE) Study Group
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo validate an optimal 12‐fold accelerated real‐time cine MRI pulse sequence with radial k‐space sampling and compressed sensing (CS) in patients at 1.5T and 3T.MethodsWe used two strategies to reduce image artifacts arising from gradient delays and eddy currents in radial k‐space sampling with balanced steady‐state free precession readout. We validated this pulse sequence against a standard breath‐hold cine sequence in two patient cohorts: a myocardial infarction (n = 16) group at 1.5T and chronic kidney disease group (n = 18) at 3T. Two readers independently performed visual analysis of 68 cine sets in four categories (myocardial definition, temporal fidelity, artifact, noise) on a 5‐point Likert scale (1 = nondiagnostic, 2 = poor, 3 = adequate or moderate, 4 = good, 5 = excellent). Another reader calculated left ventricular (LV) functional parameters, including ejection fraction.ResultsCompared with standard cine, real‐time cine produced nonsignificantly different visually assessed scores, except for the following categories: 1) temporal fidelity scores were significantly lower (P = 0.013) for real‐time cine at both field strengths, 2) artifacts scores were significantly higher (P = 0.013) for real‐time cine at both field strengths, and 3) noise scores were significantly (P = 0.013) higher for real‐time cine at 1.5T. Standard and real‐time cine pulse sequences produced LV functional parameters that were in good agreement (e.g., absolute mean difference in ejection fraction <4%).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that an optimal 12‐fold, accelerated, real‐time cine MRI pulse sequence using radial k‐space sampling and CS produces good to excellent visual scores and relatively accurate LV functional parameters in patients at 1.5T and 3T. Magn Reson Med 79:2745–2751, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Hepatoblastoma in children aged less than six months at diagnosis: A report from the SIOPEL group
Authors: Dall'Igna Patrizia , Brugieres Laurence , Christin Anne Sanlaville , Maibach Rudolf , Casanova Michela , Alaggio Rita , de Goyet Jean de Ville , Zsiros Jozsef , Morland Bruce , Czauderna Piotr , Childs Margaret , Aronson Daniel C. , Branchereau Sophie , Brock Penelope , Perilongo Giorgio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival of children, who were diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (HB) in their first 6 months of age, enrolled in the SIOPEL 2 and 3 protocols.MethodsSeventy‐nine patients, treated between 1994 and 2006, were analyzed after stratification into three age groups: <1 month, between 1 and 3 months, and between 3 and 6 months. All received preoperative chemotherapy.ResultsClinical characteristics were similar in both trials: 4 patients had pulmonary metastases at diagnosis, 4 had α‐fetoprotein <100 ng/ml, 68 were operated by partial hepatectomy, and 7 received liver transplant. Chemotherapy courses were delayed in 8.5%, 8.4%, and 11.8% of cycles in the three groups. Doses were calculated according to weight for children <5 and 5–10 kg, and further reduced in 18.1%, 6.8%, and 5.9% of cycles. Acute toxicity was manageable. Long‐term hearing loss was the major problem at follow‐up occurring in two‐thirds of children. Ten patients experienced progression or relapse, and 5 of 10 died. After a median follow‐up of 5.6 years, the 5‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) were 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84–96%) and 87% (95% CI: 78–92%), respectively.ConclusionsThe 5‐year OS and EFS of children <6 months of age affected by HB seem to be similar to those documented in the elder children. Dose reduction does not seem to jeopardize the long‐term outcome and may explain the lower toxicity profile. Ototoxicity though appears as high as in the whole population of SIOPEL 2 and 3. The treatment for these children should be further explored in international studies, particularly focusing on prevention of hearing loss.
Analysis of infantile fibrosarcoma reveals extensive T‐cell responses within tumors: Implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Zhu Hua , Gu Song , Yin Minzhi , Shi Min , Xin Chao , Zhu Jianmin , Wang Jing , Huang Siqi , Xie Chenjie , Ma Jing , Pan Ci , Tang Jingyan , Xu Min , Bai Xue‐Feng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundInfantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is a rare pediatric malignancy with relatively good prognosis, but the risk of progression or recurrence after therapy exists. To understand the immune microenvironment of IFS and determine if immunotherapy is a potential treatment, we analyzed T‐cell responses in IFS tumors.ProcedureIFS tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and multicolor flow cytometry to characterize immune cell infiltration and function. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were expanded in vitro and evaluated for recognition of autologous tumor cells. Real‐time PCR was applied to evaluate tumor expression of chemokines/cytokines and tumor antigens.ResultsSignificant infiltration of both CD4+and CD8+T cells was found in seven of 10 IFS but rarely found in age‐ and sex‐matched rhabdomyosarcoma tumors. The TILs from recurrent IFS tumors expressed high levels of costimulatory molecules such as CD28, 4‐1BB, and OX40, but little or no coinhibitory molecules such as PD‐1 and CTLA4, Tim3, Lag3, and CD39. Upon activation, large portions of TILs produced IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. Eighteen out of 40 T cell lines generated from surgically removed tumors could recognize autologous tumor cells. Moreover, we found that IFS tumors expressed high levels of T‐cell chemokines such as CXCL10 and CXCL16, and also classic tumor antigens such as CTAG2, GAGE, and NY‐ESO‐1, whose expression could be further enhanced by treatment with epigenetic modulator decitabine.ConclusionsIFS tumors are highly immunogenic and expansion of TILs followed by adoptive cell transfer could be a potential immunotherapy for IFS patients undergoing tumor recurrence.
Early blood stream infection following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a risk factor for acute grade III–IV GVHD in children and adolescents
Authors: Sano Hirozumi , Hilinski Joseph A. , Qayed Muna , Applegate Kristy , Newton Joanna G. , Watkins Benjamin , Chiang Kuang‐Yueh , Horan John 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundGraft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In adults, early blood stream infection (BSI) and acute GVHD (AGVHD) have been reported to be related. The impact of BSI on risk for AGVHD, however, has not been assessed in pediatric patients.ProcedureWe conducted a retrospective analysis to test the hypothesis that early BSI (before day +30) predisposes allogeneic pediatric transplant patients to severe AGVHD. We analyzed 293 allogeneic HSCT performed at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta between 2005 and 2014 that met eligibility criteria.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of acute grade III–IV GVHD at 100 days after HSCT was 17.1%. In multivariate analysis, risk for acute grade III–IV GVHD was associated with HLA‐mismatched donor (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.870, P < 0.001), and BSI between day 0 and +30 prior to AGVHD (HR = 3.010, P = 0.001).ConclusionsThese results indicate that early BSI appears to be a risk factor for acute grade III–IV GVHD. Further research is needed to determine if the link is causal.
Comprehensive genetic analysis of donor cell derived leukemia with KMT2A rearrangement
Authors: Taniguchi Rieko , Muramatsu Hideki , Okuno Yusuke , Suzuki Kyogo , Obu Satoshi , Nakatochi Masahiro , Shimamura Teppei , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Horikoshi Yasuo , Watanabe Kenichiro , Kojima Seiji 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundDonor cell leukemia (DCL) occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Several mechanisms, including occult leukemic/preleukemic subclones in the donor graft and germline predisposition to leukemia, are proposed to be associated with DCL's molecular pathogenesis. We report a comprehensive genetic analysis of a patient with KMT2A‐rearranged DCL after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for refractory cytopenia of childhood.ProcedureWe performed a whole‐exome sequencing of the recipient's peripheral blood before transplant and the donor's peripheral blood and the recipient's bone marrow at the time of DCL diagnosis. RNA sequencing was also performed to detect fusion genes in DCL blasts.ResultsThere were no germline mutations that were associated with a predisposition to leukemia in the recipient and donor. Furthermore, there were no detectable somatic alterations except KMT2A‐MLLT10 and other related gene fusions in DCL. KMT2A‐MLLT10 was not detectable in the donor's bone marrow.ConclusionWe propose a novel pattern of the molecular pathogenesis of DCL solely involving a genetic mutation acquired after transplant with no identifiable genetic factor related to the donor and recipient.