bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction with balloon dilation: A systematic review
Authors: Huisman Jolien Marieke Lieselot , Verdam Froukje Jantina , Stegeman Inge , de Ru Jacob Alexander 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveBalloon dilation is a new entity in the therapeutic approach of Eustachian tube dysfunction. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the success of balloon dilation of the tuba auditiva in reducing symptoms in adult patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction.Data SourcesEmbase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library.Review MethodsThe systematic literature search was conducted independently by two authors based on title and abstracts, and resulted in 36 articles. These articles were screened as full text, 15 of them were eligible for critical appraisal. Data were extracted from selected studies and presented in this article. A meta‐analysis was conducted for four subgroups. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement was used as a writing guideline for this systematic review.ResultsAll 15 included studies were case series. A total of 1,155 patients were treated with balloon dilation of the tuba auditiva. Outcome parameters were relief of symptoms, otoscopy, Valsalva maneuver or Toynbee test, audiometry, tympanometry, Eustachian tube dysfunction classification, and Eustachian tube score. All articles showed short‐term improvement of original symptoms; some showed further improvement over time. Follow‐up ranged from just after therapy to 50 months. Relatively mild and self‐limiting complications were described in 36 patients.ConclusionAll current studies suggest that balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube can be a helpful treatment in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. However, placebo controlled trials are still warranted. Laryngoscope, 128:237–247, 2018
MMM: A toolbox for integrative structure modeling
Authors: Jeschke Gunnar 
Published: August 2017

AbstractStructural characterization of proteins and their complexes may require integration of restraints from various experimental techniques. MMM (Multiscale Modeling of Macromolecules) is a Matlab‐based open‐source modeling toolbox for this purpose with a particular emphasis on distance distribution restraints obtained from electron paramagnetic resonance experiments on spin‐labelled proteins and nucleic acids and their combination with atomistic structures of domains or whole protomers, small‐angle scattering data, secondary structure information, homology information, and elastic network models. MMM does not only integrate various types of restraints, but also various existing modeling tools by providing a common graphical user interface to them. The types of restraints that can support such modeling and the available model types are illustrated by recent application examples.
Lymph Node Evaluation in Robot‐Assisted Versus Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity‐Matched Analysis
Authors: Chao Yin‐Kai , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Liu Yun‐Hen , Liu Hui‐Ping 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveRadical lymph node dissection (LND) along the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a surgically challenging procedure with a high rate of morbidity. Here, we assessed in a retrospective manner the adequacy of LND along the RLN performed with robot‐assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy (RATE) versus video‐assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy (VATE) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsThis was a single‐center, retrospective, propensity‐matched study. ESCC patients who underwent McKeown esophagectomy and bilateral RLN LND with a minimally invasive approach were divided into two groups according to the use of robot‐assisted surgery or not (RATE vs VATE, respectively). Using propensity score matching, 34 balanced matched pairs were identified. The number of dissected nodes as well as the rates of RLN palsy and perioperative complications served as the main outcome measures.ResultsNo conversion to open thoracotomy occurred in either group. Intraoperative blood loss and the need of blood transfusions did not show significant intergroup differences. The mean number of dissected nodes was similar in the two study groups, the only exception being the left RLN area. Specifically, the mean number of nodes removed from this region was 5.32 in the RATE group and 3.38 in patients who received VATE (p = 0.007). Notably, the RATE and VATE groups did not differ significantly with regard to rates of both RLN palsy (20.6 vs 29.4%, respectively, p = 0.401) and pulmonary complications (5.9 vs 17.6%, respectively, p = 0.259).ConclusionsCompared with VATE, RATE resulted in a higher lymph node yield along the left RLN without increasing morbidity.
Dysregulation of glucose metabolism since young adulthood increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Chen Pao‐Huan , Lin Yen‐Kuang , Chang Chi‐Kang , Chiang Shuo‐Ju , Tsai Shang‐Ying 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAging patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, few studies have directly examined the association between metabolic risks and CVDs in patients with BD across the lifespan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine lifetime metabolic risk factors for CVDs in patients with BD. We recruited BD‐I patients who were more than 50 years old and had had at least one psychiatric hospitalization. Patients who had a cardiologist‐confirmed CVD diagnosis (ICD‐9 code 401–414) were assigned to the case group. Fifty‐five cases were matched with 55 control patient without CVDs based on age and sex. Clinical data were obtained by retrospectively reviewing 30 years of hospital records. Compared to control subjects, a significantly higher proportion of cases had impaired fasting glucose between ages 31 and 40 (44.0% versus 17.4%, p = 0.046), diabetes mellitus between ages 41 and 50 (25.6% versus 8.6%, p = 0.054), and diabetes mellitus after age 51 (36.3% versus 12.7%, p = 0.005). No significant difference was found in overweight, obesity, or dyslipidemia. After adjusting for years of education, first episode as mania, and second generation antipsychotic use, lifetime diabetes mellitus remained a risk factor for CVDs (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 1.89–10.66, p = 0.001). The findings suggest that glucose dysregulation across the adult age span is probably the major metabolic risk contributing to CVDs in patients with BD. Clinicians therefore have to notice the serum fasting glucose levels of BD patients since young adulthood.
The use of rapid onset fentanyl in children and young people for breakthrough cancer pain
Authors: Coombes Lucy , Burke Kimberley , Anderson Anna-Karenia 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Background and aims
No published studies have looked at the dosing and use of rapid onset fentanyl preparations in children. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether there is a correlation between effective dose of rapid onset fentanyl and background oral morphine equivalent analgesia in children less than 18 years old. Secondary objectives included establishing whether there is a correlation between effective dose of rapid onset fentanyl and age and weight. Reported side effects were also reviewed.

Methods
This study is a retrospective case note review of all children less than 18 years old who received rapid onset fentanyl products in a tertiary paediatric oncology centre in England between 2010 and 2015. Correlations were analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient as data was non-parametric.

Results
Data on 26 children (5-17 yrs; 13-100 kg) was analysed. The most common diagnosis in children being given rapid onset fentanyl products was a solid tumour (84.6%). Eleven children used sublingual tablets, 17 used lozenges and one used a fentanyl nasal spray (three patients used two different preparations). The only significant correlation found was between dose of fentanyl lozenge and weight (r

s
= 0.81, p < 0.001). Very few side effects were reported with the most frequent being nausea (8%) and sleepiness (8%).

Conclusions
Fentanyl lozenges seem to be safe and well tolerated in children as young as five years old, weighing as little as 13 kg. Results suggest that children should always be started on the lowest available dose of chosen preparation and that this dose should be titrated according to response.
This study demonstrates that there is no correlation between background opioid dose and effective dose of rapid onset fentanyl in children. This mirrors findings of similar studies in adults. There was a strong correlation between effective dose of fentanyl lozenge and weight. This may be in part due to clinicians being more inclined to increase fentanyl lozenge doses as the child is in control of when they have had enough medication. In contrast, buccal tablets are absorbed quickly and the child always receives the full dose, making clinicians more reluctant to titrate the dose.

Implications
This article presents initial evidence for feasibility and tolerability of fentanyl lozenges in children as young as five years old, who are on relatively low doses of background opioids. This could be of interest to clinicians who are looking for alternatives to oral opioids to manage breakthrough pain in children with cancer.
Why Does Canada Have So Many Unresolved Maritime Boundary Disputes?
Authors: BYERS MICHAEL , ØSTHAGEN ANDREAS 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCanada has five unresolved maritime boundaries. This might seem like a high number, given that Canada has only three neighbours: the United States, Denmark (Greenland), and France (St. Pierre and Miquelon). This article explores why Canada has so many unresolved maritime boundaries. It does so through a comparison with Norway, which has settled all of its maritime boundaries, most notably in the Barents Sea with Russia. This comparison illuminates some of the factors that motivate or impede maritime boundary negotiations. It turns out that the status of each maritime boundary can only be explained on the basis of its own unique geographic, historic, political, and legal context. Canada’s unresolved maritime boundaries are the result of circumstances specific to each of them and not of a particular policy approach in Ottawa.
Mobile bodies of meaning: city life and the horizons of possibility
Authors: Agbiboa Daniel E. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTDespite their centrality to the rhythm and practice of everyday urban life, there are, surprisingly, few studies on commercial minibus-taxis as a microcosm of city life in Africa, especially its precarious materiality. Using the trademark yellow minibus-taxis (danfos) in Lagos as a frame of reference, this paper explores what an interpretative analysis of the slogans thatdanfoworkers paint on their vehicles can tell us about the city in which they weave their routine existence, especially the hopes, fears and actual material circumstances which informed their unique choice of slogans. Foregrounding thedanfosas mobile bodies of meaning, the article finds that slogans not only reflect the lived realities ofdanfoworkers, but are themselves vital means through which these workers get by, define their identity and expand their horizons of possibility.
Adaptive evolution of rhizobial symbiotic compatibility mediated by co-evolved insertion sequences
Authors: Zhao Ran , Liu Li Xue , Zhang Yun Zeng , Jiao Jian , Cui Wen Jing , Zhang Biliang , Wang Xiao Lin , Li Meng Lin , Chen Yi , Xiong Zhu Qing , Chen Wen Xin , Tian Chang Fu 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Mutualism between bacteria and eukaryotes has essential roles in the history of life, but the evolution of their compatibility is poorly understood. Here we show that different Sinorhizobium strains can form either nitrogen-fixing nodules or uninfected pseudonodules on certain cultivated soybeans, while being all effective microsymbionts of some wild soybeans. However, a few well-infected nodules can be found on a commercial soybean using inocula containing a mixed pool of Tn5 insertion mutants derived from an incompatible strain. Reverse genetics and genome sequencing of compatible mutants demonstrated that inactivation of T3SS (type three secretion system) accounted for this phenotypic change. These mutations in the T3SS gene cluster were dominated by parallel transpositions of insertion sequences (ISs) other than the introduced Tn5. This genetic and phenotypic change can also be achieved in an experimental evolution scenario on a laboratory time scale using incompatible wild-type strains as inocula. The ISs acting in the adaptive evolution of Sinorhizobium strains exhibit broader phyletic and replicon distributions than other ISs, and prefer target sequences of low GC% content, a characteristic feature of symbiosis plasmid where T3SS genes are located. These findings suggest an important role of co-evolved ISs in the adaptive evolution of rhizobial compatibility.
Der f 31, a novel allergen from Dermatophagoides farinae, activates epithelial cells and enhances lung-resident group 2 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Wang Hui , Lin Jianli , Zeng Lu , Ouyang Chunyan , Ran Pixin , Yang Pingchang , Liu Zhigang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAirway epithelial cell-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-33 can enhance lung-resident group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), and they play an important role in the development of allergic diseases. This study tests the hypothesis that Der f 31 (Dermatophagoides farinae-31), an allergen, modulates airway epithelial cell functions and increases the frequency of lung ILC2s. Our previous research identified cofilin (Der f 31) as a novel allergen. In this study, we found that recombinant Der f 31 (r-Der f 31) upregulated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules in DCs and promoted Th2-skewed polarization. The levels of TSLP and IL-33 in epithelial cells were upregulated by r-Der f 31 via the activation of Toll-like receptor 2. Furthermore, in in vivo studies, r-Der f 31 induced eosinophil-like airway allergy and increased the number of lung-resident ILC2s. In summary, Der f 31 can modulate the functions of airway epithelial cells and increase levels of lung-resident ILC2s.
Tracing nitrate sources with dual isotopes and long term monitoring of nitrogen species in the Yellow River, China
Authors: Yue Fu-Jun , Li Si-Liang , Liu Cong-Qiang , Zhao Zhi-Qi , Ding Hu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA heavy load of nitrogenous compounds reflects nutrient loss and influences water quality in large rivers. Nitrogenous concentrations and dual isotopes of nitrate were measured to ascertain the spatial and temporal distributions of nitrate transformation in the Yellow River, the second-longest river in China. Assessment of the long-term record indicates that [NO3−–N] has increased by two-fold over the past three decades. Weekly observation of ammonium over a twelve-year period revealed high concentrations and suggests impairment of water quality, particularly since 2011. The estimated total dissolved nitrogen flux was 7.2 times higher in middle reaches than that at head waters. Anthropogenic nitrogen sources become more important in lower section of the upper reaches and middle reaches because of intensive agricultural activities and urban input. Nitrate in the lower reaches was mainly derived from transportation of upstream nitrate and point sources from cities. The spatial variation of ammonium and nitrate isotopes show that nitrification is a key process governing nitrogen transformation. Riverine biological processes could potentially be responsible for the shift of nitrate isotope signature. The first step to reducing nitrogen load and improving water quality will be containment and careful management of sources from urban input, sewage waste and irrigation runoff.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of SE initial dedifferentiation in cotton of different SE capability
Authors: Cao Aiping , Zheng Yinying , Yu Yu , Wang Xuwen , Shao Dongnan , Sun Jie , Cui Baiming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSomatic embryogenesis (SE) is a critical transition from vegetative to embryogenic growth in higher plants; however, few studies have investigated the mechanism that regulates SE initial differentiation. Most cotton varieties have not undergone regeneration by SE, so only a few varieties can be used in genetic engineering. Here, two varieties of cotton with different SE capabilities (HD, higher differentiation and LD, lower differentiation) were analyzed by high throughout RNA-Seq at the pre-induction stage (0h) and two induction stages (3h and 3d) under callus-induction medium (CIM). About 1150 million clean reads were obtained from 98.21% raw data. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that “protein kinase activity” and “oxidoreductase activity” were highly represented GO terms during the same and different treatment stages among HD and LD. Moreover, several stress-related transcription factors might play important roles in SE initiation. The SE-related regulation genes (SERKs) showed different expression patterns between HD and LD. Furthermore, the complex auxin and ethylene signaling pathway contributes to initiation of differentiation in SE. Thus, our RNA-sequencing of comparative transcriptome analysis will lay a foundation for future studies to better define early somatic formation in cotton with different SE capabilities.
Oblique scanning laser microscopy for simultaneously volumetric structural and molecular imaging using only one raster scan
Authors: Zhang Lei , Capilla Amalia , Song Weiye , Mostoslavsky Gustavo , Yi Ji 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMulti-modal three dimensional (3D) optical imaging combining both structural sensitivity and molecular specificity is highly desirable in biomedical research. In this paper, we present a method termed oblique scanning laser microscopy (OSLM) to combine optical coherence tomography (OCT), for simultaneously volumetric structural and molecular imaging with cellular resolution in all three dimensions. Conventional 3D laser scanning fluorescence microscopy requires repeated optical sectioning to create z-stacks in depth. Here, the use of an obliquely scanning laser eliminates the z-stacking process, then allows highly efficient 3D OCT and fluorescence imaging by using only one raster scan. The current setup provides ~3.6 × 4.2 × 6.5 μm resolution in fluorescence imaging, ~7 × 7 × 3.5 μm in OCT in three dimensions, and the current speed of imaging is up to 100 frames per second (fps) over a volume about 0.8 × 1 × 0.5 mm3. We demonstrate several mechanisms for molecular imaging, including intrinsically expressed GFP fluorescence, autofluorescence from Flavin proteins, and exogenous antibody-conjugated dyes. We also demonstrate potential applications in imaging human intestinal organoids (HIOs), colon mucosa, and retina.
Anti-inflammatory drugs suppress ultrasound-mediated mesenchymal stromal cell tropism to kidneys
Authors: Burks Scott R. , Nguyen Ben A. , Bresler Michele N. , Nagle Matthew E. , Kim Saejeong J. , Frank Joseph A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are potential renal therapeutics. Clinically, results are mixed partly because MSC tropism to kidneys is minimal following infusion. Ultrasound augmentation of the renal microenvironment is becoming increasingly-important in renal MSC therapies. We demonstrated pulsed-focused-ultrasound (pFUS) increases enhanced homing permeability and retention of MSC in mouse kidneys. Here, we characterized the temporal proteomic response to pFUS in mouse kidneys and its association with MSC tropism. pFUS induced molecular cascades of initial increases in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-1α, that activated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) pathways without cell death. This was followed by a 24–48 hour-long response of increased cell adhesion molecules (CAM), trophic and anti-inflammatory factors. Pretreating animals with anti-inflammatory drugs etanercept (TNFα inhibitor), anakinra (IL-1 receptor antagonist), prednisone (NFκB translocation inhibitor), or ibuprofen (COX inhibitor) suppressed molecular changes and inhibited renal MSC tropism. We further examined the role of COX2 using a COX2-knock-out mouse where pFUS was unable to increase MSC tropism. These results demonstrate that renal micro-environmental changes induce MSC tropism and could influence the therapeutic efficacy of MSC. Optimizing the microenvironment and understanding drug effects will enable improvements in MSC therapies for renal disease.
A novel in vitro potency assay of antisera against Thai Naja kaouthia based on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding
Authors: Ratanabanangkoon Kavi , Simsiriwong Pavinee , Pruksaphon Kritsada , Tan Kae Yi , Eursakun Sukanya , Tan Choo Hock , Chantrathonkul Bunkuea , Wongwadhunyoo Wongsakorn , Youngchim Sirida , Tan Nget Hong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSnake envenomation is an important medical problem. One of the hurdles in antivenom development is the in vivo assay of antivenom potency which is expensive, gives variable results and kills many animals. We report a novel in vitro assay involving the specific binding of the postsynaptic neurotoxins (PSNTs) of elapid snakes with purified Torpedo californica nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The potency of an antivenom is determined by its antibody ability to bind and neutralize the PSNT, thus preventing it from binding to nAChR. The PSNT of Naja kaouthia (NK3) was immobilized on microtiter wells and nAChR was added to bind with it. The in vitro IC50 of N. kaouthia venom that inhibited 50% of nAChR binding to the immobilized NK3 was determined. Varying concentrations of antisera against N. kaouthia were separately pre-incubated with 5xIC50 of N. kaouthia venom. The remaining free NK3 were incubated with nAChR before adding to the NK3 coated plates. The in vitro and in vivo median effective ratio, ER50s of 12 batches of antisera showed correlation (R2) of 0.9809 (p < 0.0001). This in vitro assay should be applicable to antisera against other elapid venoms and should reduce the use of live animals and accelerate development of life-saving antivenoms.
Convergent and divergent genetic changes in the genome of Chinese and European pigs
Authors: Wang Jing , Zou Huiying , Chen Lei , Long Xi , Lan Jing , Liu Wenjie , Ma Li , Wang Chao , Xu Xinyu , Ren Liming , Gu Zhenglong , Li Ning , Hu Xiaoxiang , Zhao Yaofeng , Zhao Yiqiang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSince 10,000 BC, continuous human selection has led to intense genetic and phenotypic changes in pig (Sus scrofa) domestication. Through whole genome analysis of 257 individuals, we demonstrated artificial unidirectional and bidirectional selection as the primary force to shape the convergent and divergent changes between Chinese domestic pigs (CHD) and European domestic pigs (EUD). We identified 31 genes in unidirectional selection regions that might be related to fundamental domestication requirements in pigs. And these genes belong predominantly to categories related to the nervous system, muscle development, and especially to metabolic diseases. In addition, 35 genes, representing different breeding preference, were found under bidirectional selection for the distinct leanness and reproduction traits between CHD and EUD. The convergent genetic changes, contributing physical and morphological adaption, represent the common concerns on pig domestication. And the divergent genetic changes reflect distinct breeding goals between Chinese and European pigs. Using ITPR3, AHR and NMU as examples, we explored and validated how the genetic variations contribute to the phenotype changes.