bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational imaging analysis of glycated fibrin gels reveals aggregated and anisotropic structures
Authors: Norton David G. , Fan Natalie K. , Goudie Marcus J. , Handa Hitesh , Platt Manu O. , Averett Rodney D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this article, a computational imaging analysis method is presented for the evaluation of aggregation and anisotropy in both native (unglycated) and glycated fibrin matrix structures. The imaging analysis was used to test the hypothesis that glycated fibrin structures are more aggregated and anisotropic than unglycated (native) fibrin structures. Glycation of fibrinogen, and subsequently fibrin, occurs under normal physiological conditions; however, excess glycation due to disease states such as diabetes can disrupt the fibrin matrix and cause an abnormal structure and function. Studies that elucidate morphological changes in glucose incubated fibrin matrices are necessary to better understand thrombosis, which occurs due to hypercoagulable conditions. In this study, imaging algorithms were designed for the determination of aggregation of fibrin fibers within a matrix as well as preferential orientation (anisotropy) due to glycation. The results showed that glycated fibrin structures displayed an overall higher degree of aggregation and anisotropy as compared to unglycated fibrin structures. However, for glycated fibrin matrices that were polymerized utilizing extended incubation periods representative of physiological plasma glucose conditions, the results showed that fibrin aggregation and anisotropy decreased when compared to unglycated matrices. The algorithms showed that incorporation of the crosslinking agent FXIII into the fibrin matrix was shown to decrease both aggregation and anisotropy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2191–2198, 2017.
Exploring the in vitro and in vivo compatibility of PLA, PLA/GNP and PLA/CNT‐COOH biodegradable nanocomposites: Prospects for tendon and ligament applications
Authors: Correia Pinto Viviana , Costa‐Almeida Raquel , Rodrigues Ilda , Guardão Luísa , Soares Raquel , Miranda Guedes Rui 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgeries are the most frequent orthopedic procedures in the knee. Currently, existing strategies fail in completely restoring tissue functionality and have a high failure rate associated, presenting a compelling argument towards the development of novel materials envisioning ACL reinforcement. Tendons and ligaments, in general, have a strong demand in terms of biomechanical features of developed constructs. We have previously developed polylactic acid (PLA)‐based biodegradable films reinforced either with graphene nanoplatelets (PLA/GNP) or with carboxyl‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (PLA/CNT‐COOH). In the present study, we comparatively assessed the biological performance of PLA, PLA/GNP, and PLA/CNT‐COOH by seeding human dermal fibroblasts (HFF‐1) and studying cell viability and proliferation. In vivo tests were also performed by subcutaneous implantation in 6‐week‐old C57Bl/6 mice. Results showed that all formulations studied herein did not elicit cytotoxic responses in seeded HFF‐1, supporting cell proliferation up to 3 days in culture. Moreover, animal studies indicated no physiological signs of severe inflammatory response after 1 and 2 weeks after implantation. Taken together, our results present a preliminary assessment on the compatibility of PLA reinforced with GNP and CNT‐COOH nanofillers, highlighting the potential use of these carbon‐based nanofillers for the fabrication of reinforced synthetic polymer‐based structures for ACL reinforcement. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2182–2190, 2017.
Red mud as secondary source for critical raw materials – purification of rare earth elements by liquid/liquid extraction
Authors: Ujaczki Éva , Zimmermann Yannick , Gasser Christoph , Molnár Mónika , Feigl Viktória , Lenz Markus 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCritical raw materials (CRM) are crucial to Europe's economy and essential to maintaining and improving our quality of life due to their usage for production of many devices. Red mud is generated from alumina production where bauxite is digested in hot sodium hydroxide solution during the Bayer process. Red mud can contain considerable amounts of CRM such as rare earth elements (REEs). In the present study, purification of CRM from perturbing, co‐extracted elements such as Fe and Al from red mud hydrochloric acid leachates was evaluated.RESULTSA first purification was achieved by removing Fe (>87%) from the acidic leachate using precipitation with NaOH. REEs as well as Al were hardly removed by precipitation (21%, and 33%, resp.). A second purification was achieved using liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) with di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA). Here, four explanatory variables (i.e. LLE organic/aqueous ratio, D2EHPA concentration in kerosene, stripping acid organic/aqueous ratio, HCl concentration) were studied. Finally, the optimal extraction conditions maximizing the economic potential (total metal extracted × economic value of the respective metal) of CRM were determined using a design of experiment approach.CONCLUSIONThe experimentally determined economic potential extracted corresponded well to the prediction (88%; to the predictions, maximum recovery of 17.18 ± 0.59 US $ t−1). Ultimately, more than 40% of the overall REEs (>62% of the leachable REEs) in red mud were purified using LLE, whereas Al was successfully rejected from the concentrate (∼5% of the overall Al present). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ion cum molecularly dual imprinted polymer for simultaneous removal of cadmium and salicylic acid
Authors: Rahangdale Deepali , Kumar Anupama , Archana G. , Dhodapkar Rita Sandip 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIon cum molecularly dual imprinted polymer (DMIP) was synthesized for the simultaneous removal of salicylic acid (SA) and cadmium (Cd) by suspension polymerization method using chitosan (CTS) as functional polymer, epichlorohydrin as cross‐linker, and 4‐hydroxy benzoic acid (4HBA) as well as Cd as organic and inorganic templates, respectively. Use of the dummy template 4HBA during the synthesis of DMIP had the advantage of creating imprinted cavities in DMIP, which depicted good uptake for SA. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated successful preparation of DMIP. Particle size analysis confirmed polydispersity, and thermal and swelling studies indicated the mechanical stability in DMIP. The rebinding capacities of the DMIP for Cd and SA were found to be 38.46 and 23.81 mgg‐1, respectively, under the optimize condition of the time, dose, and concentration. Adsorption isotherm results fitted into Langmuir adsorption isotherm model with the R2 values of 0.994 and 0.995 for Cd and SA, respectively. The presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in SA, stability of the template‐monomer complexes (CTS‐SA and CTS‐4HBA), and the involvement of the hydroxyl groups on DMIP for the uptake of SA has been supported by molecular modeling studies using Gaussian 03 software. The electron doublet of the amino groups of DMIP was involved for the uptake of Cd. Lower binding efficiency of DMIP for SA as compared to Cd may be due to the partial participation of hydroxyl group in cross‐linking with epichlorohydrin during the synthesis of DMIP.
Divergent NEE balances from manual‐chamber CO2 fluxes linked to different measurement and gap‐filling strategies: A source for uncertainty of estimated terrestrial C sources and sinks?
Authors: Huth Vytas , Vaidya Shrijana , Hoffmann Mathias , Jurisch Nicole , Günther Anke , Gundlach Laura , Hagemann Ulrike , Elsgaard Lars , Augustin Jürgen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractManual closed‐chamber measurements are commonly used to quantify annual net CO2 ecosystem exchange (NEE) in a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems. However, differences in both the acquisition and gap filling of manual closed‐chamber data are large in the existing literature, complicating inter‐study comparisons and meta analyses. The aim of this study was to compare common approaches for quantifying CO2 exchange at three methodological levels. (1) The first level included two different CO2 flux measurement methods: one via measurements during mid‐day applying net coverages (mid‐day approach) and one via measurements from sunrise to noon (sunrise approach) to capture a span of light conditions for measurements of NEE with transparent chambers. (2) The second level included three different methods of pooling measured ecosystem respiration (RECO) fluxes for empirical modeling of RECO: campaign‐wise (19 single‐measurement‐day RECO models), season‐wise (one RECO model for the entire study period), and cluster‐wise (two RECO models representing a low and a high vegetation status). (3) The third level included two different methods of deriving fluxes of gross primary production (GPP): by subtracting either proximately measured RECO fluxes (direct GPP modeling) or empirically modeled RECO fluxes from measured NEE fluxes (indirect GPP modeling). Measurements were made during 2013–2014 in a lucerne‐clover‐grass field in NE Germany. Across the different combinations of measurement and gap‐filling options, the NEE balances of the agricultural field diverged strongly (–200 to 425 g CO2‐C m−2). NEE balances were most similar to previous studies when derived from sunrise measurements and indirect GPP modeling. Overall, the large variation in NEE balances resulting from different data‐acquisition or gap‐filling strategies indicates that these methodological decisions should be made very carefully and that they likely add to the overall uncertainty of greenhouse gas emission factors. Preferably, a standard approach should be developed to reduce the uncertainty of upscaled estimates.
Phytosterols on growth performance, antioxidant enzymes and intestinal morphology in weaned piglets
Authors: Hu Qiaoling , Li Sisi , Zhang Yiwei , Zhuo Zhao , Feng Jie 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlant extracts have been used widely to improve growth, lower cholesterol, and exert antioxidative defense and antimicrobial activities in animal production. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary phytosterols (PS) on growth performance, antioxidant enzymes and intestinal morphology in weaned piglets.RESULTSA total of 120 crossbred piglets, weighing 9.58 ± 0.26 kg, were randomly allocated to three treatments: control, PS (0.2 g kg−1) and polymyxin E (0.04 g kg−1, antibiotic control). Compared to the control, PS or polymyxin E supplementation decreased diarrhea rate, serum cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) of the piglets (P < 0.05). Liver MDA was significantly decreased in PS‐fed piglets compared to the control (P < 0.05), although there was no difference between the control and polymyxin E‐fed piglets. PS increased the villous height/crypt depth ratio of the duodenum and jejunum compared to the control (P < 0.05). Polymyxin E supplementation in piglets did not alter the villous height/crypt depth ratio but raised the villous height and crypt depth of the duodenum compared to the control (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study indicated that PS could decrease diarrhea rate, lower serum cholesterol, reduce lipid peroxidation and ameliorate intestinal morphology in weaned piglets. In addition, PS exerted better amelioration on intestinal morphology than polymyxin E in piglets. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of dietary plant extract on meat quality and sensory parameters of meat from Equidae
Authors: Rossi Raffaella , Ratti Sabrina , Pastorelli Grazia , Maghin Federica , Martemucci Giovanni , Casamassima Donato , D'Alessandro Angela Gabriella , Corino Carlo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlant extracts as Lippia spp. have been proven antioxidant properties. Recent studies have been shown that dietary supplementation with plant extracts is able to enhance meat quality parameters. Studies regarding meat quality in Equidae are limited.RESULTSThe effect of dietary plant extract (PE), containing verbascoside, on meat quality, oxidative stability and sensory parameters of Longissimus Lumborum (LL) muscle in Equidae was studied. Dietary treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) pH, colour indices and chemical parameters of muscle in both donkey and horse. Dietary PE improved (P < 0.01) oxidative stability in donkey muscle during refrigerated storage. Sensory characteristics of LL muscle were positively affected (P < 0.05) by dietary PE in both donkey and horse. In particular, colour, taste and texture were enhanced in LL muscle from animals fed PE. Oxidative stability was lower (P < 0.05) in LL muscle of horse than that of donkey.CONCLUSIONDietary plant extract, containing verbascoside, can be considered as a natural source of antioxidants, and is also able to improve oxidative stability of donkey meat and to affect the sensory attributes of Equidae meat. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Subtotal petrosectomy: Surgical technique, indications, outcomes, and comprehensive review of literature
Authors: Prasad Sampath Chandra , Roustan Valeria , Piras Gianluca , Caruso Antonio , Lauda Lorenzo , Sanna Mario 
Published: March 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe the technique of subtotal petrosectomy (STP), to analyze the outcomes, and to review the literatureStudy DesignA retrospective review.MethodsFour hundred sixty cases of STP performed for various indications were included in the study, which was conducted at a quaternary referral center for otology and skull base surgery. Surgical and audiological parameters, and complications were evaluated. Our results were compared with the existing literature on the subject.ResultsTwo hundred ninety‐seven (64.6%) patients had been subjected to multiple surgeries before an STP was performed. The most common indication for STP was recurrent chronic otitis with or without cholesteatoma, with 165 (35.9%) patients. Difficult cases of cochlear implantation, temporal bone fractures, and class B3 tympanomastoid paragangliomas were the next most common indications, with 91 (19.8%), 43 (9.4%), and 38 (8.3%) cases, respectively. The median follow‐up of the patient pool was 36 ± 19 months. Recidivism and postauricular wound fistula were the most common complications, seen in five (1.1%) patients each. This series of STP is the largest reported in the literatureConclusionsSTP is a very useful and safe surgical tool in the management of a variety of problematic situations in otology, as it offers the possibility of a definitive cure by offering radical clearance. This procedure can be combined safely with hearing implantation procedures.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2833–2842, 2017
Audiovestibular symptoms as predictors of prolonged sports‐related concussion among NCAA athletes
Authors: Chorney Stephen R. , Suryadevara Amar C. , Nicholas Brian D. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveWe looked to determine the rates of audiovestibular symptoms following sports‐related concussions among collegiate athletes. Further, we assessed the correlation between these symptoms and the time to return to participation in athletic activity.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System (NCAA‐ISS).MethodsThe NCAA‐ISS was queried from 2009 through 2014 for seven men's sports and eight women's sports across divisions 1, 2, and 3. Injuries resulting in concussions were analyzed for audiovestibular symptoms, duration of symptoms, and return to participation times.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2014, there were 1,647 recorded sports‐related concussions, with athletes reporting dizziness (68.2%), imbalance (35.8%), disorientation (31.4%), noise sensitivity (29.9%), and tinnitus (8.5%). Concussion symptoms resolved within 1 day (17.1%), within 2 to 7 days (50.0%), within 8 to 30 days (25.9%), or persisted over 1 month (7.0%). Return to participation occurred within 1 week (38.3%), within 1 month (53.0%), or over 1 month (8.7%). Using Mann‐Whitney U testing, overall symptom duration and return to competition time were significantly increased when any of these symptoms were present (P < 0.05). Duration of concussion symptom correlated with dizziness (P = 0.043) and noise sensitivity (P = 0.000), whereas return to participation times correlated with imbalance (P = 0.011) and noise sensitivity (P = 0.000). Dizziness and imbalance (odds ratio: 4.15, confidence interval: 3.20–5.38, P < 0.001) were the two symptoms with the strongest association.ConclusionAudiovestibular symptoms are common complaints among collegiate athletes sustaining concussions. Dizziness and noise sensitivity correlated with the duration of concussive symptoms, whereas imbalance and noise sensitivity was correlated with prolonged return to competition time.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2850–2853, 2017
The state of academic sleep surgery: A survey of United States residency and fellowship programs
Authors: Gouveia Christopher J. , Kern Robert C. , Liu Stanley Yung‐Chuan , Capasso Robson 
Published: March 2017

Objectives/HypothesisOur objectives were to describe otolaryngology residency programs' experience in and attitudes toward sleep surgery, and describe current otolaryngology sleep fellowships and their impact on future academic practice.Study DesignE‐mail survey.MethodsA survey was e‐mailed to program directors of 106 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education‐accredited otolaryngology residencies assessing resident sleep medicine experience, program satisfaction, and impact of sleep faculty. A separate survey was sent to directors of the seven sleep medicine otolaryngology fellowships. Frequency of graduates pursuing academic careers was examined.ResultsForty‐six (43.4%) residency programs responded. Thirty‐one (67.4%) have a faculty member with any time spent practicing sleep medicine or surgery. Nineteen (41.3%) have a faculty member with >50% dedicated sleep practice and/or who is board certified in sleep medicine. These programs were significantly more likely to respond “extremely” or “very” satisfied with resident sleep exposure than those without (P < .001). Most programs (69.6%) “strongly agreed” or “agreed” their program would benefit from a dedicated sleep surgeon; there was no significant difference in response rates between programs already with and those without dedicated sleep faculty. All fellowship directors responded. In the past 5 years these programs have trained 11 total fellows. Ten (90.9%) have remained in academic practice.ConclusionsThere is significantly increased satisfaction in resident sleep education at otolaryngology programs with dedicated sleep providers. Concurrently, there is strong program interest in sleep surgeons' involvement in resident training. Sleep fellowships are producing surgeons who pursue academic careers. This study provides support to training fellowship‐specialized sleep surgeons and encouraging otolaryngology sleep faculty.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 127:2423–2428, 2017
Real‐time continuous image‐guided surgery: Preclinical investigation in glossectomy
Authors: Tabanfar Reza , Qiu Jimmy , Chan Harley , Aflatouni Niousha , Weersink Robert , Hasan Wael , Irish Jonathan C. 
Published: March 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo develop, validate, and study the efficacy of an intraoperative real‐time continuous image‐guided surgery (RTC‐IGS) system for glossectomy.Study DesignProspective study.MethodsWe created a RTC‐IGS system and surgical simulator for glossectomy, enabling definition of a surgical target preoperatively, real‐time cautery tracking, and display of a surgical plan intraoperatively. System performance was evaluated by a group of otolaryngology residents, fellows, medical students, and staff under a reproducible setting by using realistic tongue phantoms. Evaluators were grouped into a senior and a junior group based on surgical experience, and guided and unguided tumor resections were performed. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX) scores and a Likert scale were used to measure workloads and impressions of the system, respectively. Efficacy was studied by comparing surgical accuracy, time, collateral damage, and workload between RTC‐IGS and non‐navigated resections.ResultsThe senior group performed more accurately (80.9% ± 3.7% vs. 75.2% ± 5.5%, P = .28), required less time (5.0 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 7.3 ± 1.2 minutes, P = .17), and experienced lower workload (43 ± 2.0 vs. 64.4 ± 1.3 NASA‐TLX score, P = .08), suggesting a trend of construct validity. Impressions were favorable, with participants reporting the system is a valuable practice tool (4.0/5 ± 0.3) and increases confidence (3.9/5 ± 0.4). Use of RTC‐IGS improved both groups' accuracy, with the junior group improving from 64.4% ± 5.4% to 75.2% ± 5.5% (P = .01) and the senior group improving from 76.1% ± 4.5% to 80.9% ± 3.7% (P = .16).ConclusionsWe created an RTC‐IGS system and surgical simulator and demonstrated a trend of construct validity. Our navigated simulator allows junior trainees to practice glossectomies outside the operating room. In all evaluators, navigation assistance resulted in increased surgical accuracy.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 127:E347–E353, 2017
The prodromal phase of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2–associated Parkinson disease: Clinical and imaging Studies
Authors: Pont‐Sunyer Claustre , Tolosa Eduardo , Caspell‐Garcia Chelsea , Coffey Christopher , Alcalay Roy N. , Chan Piu , Duda John E. , Facheris Maurizio , Fernández‐Santiago Rubén , Marek Kenneth , Lomeña Francisco , Marras Connie , Mondragon Elisabet , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel , Waro Bjorg ,   on behalf of LRRK2 Cohort Consortium
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Asymptomatic, nonmanifesting carriers of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 mutations are at increased risk of developing PD. Clinical and neuroimaging features may be associated with gene carriage and/or may demarcate individuals at greater risk for phenoconversion to PD.Objectives: To investigate clinical and dopamine transporter single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging characteristics of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 asymptomatic carriers.Methods: A total of 342 carriers' and 259 noncarriers' relatives of G2019S leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2/PD patients and 39 carriers' and 31 noncarriers' relatives of R1441G leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2/PD patients were evaluated. Motor and nonmotor symptoms were assessed using specific scales and questionnaires. Neuroimaging quantitative data were obtained in 81 carriers and compared with 41 noncarriers.Results: G2019S carriers scored higher in motor scores and had lower radioligand uptake compared to noncarriers, but no differences in nonmotor symptoms scores were observed. R1441G carriers scored higher in motor scores, had lower radioligand uptake, and had higher scores in depression, dysautonomia, and Rapid Eye Movements Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire scores, but had better cognition scores than noncarriers. Among G2019S carriers, a group with “mild motor signs” was identified, and was significantly older, with worse olfaction and lower radioligand uptake.Conclusions: G2019S and R1441G carriers differ from their noncarriers' relatives in higher motor scores and slightly lower radioligand uptake. Nonmotor symptoms were mild, and different nonmotor profiles were observed in G2019S carriers compared to R1441G carriers. A group of G2019S carriers with known prodromal features was identified. Longitudinal studies are required to determine whether such individuals are at short‐term risk of developing overt parkinsonism. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society