bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurilemmomas of the Hand—A Review of the Clinical Presentation, Surgical Outcome, and Potential Risk Factors
Authors: Jonathan Chan Ka-Chun , Fu-Keung Ip , Tak-Chuen Wong , Prisilla Leung Oi-Yee , Sze-Yan Chan 
Published: December 2016

Introduction Neurilemmoma of the hand may not usually present with the classic triad (mass, differential mobility, Tinel's sign). Failure to recognize a neurilemmoma may result in the inadvertent injury of nerves. Preoperative diagnosis is very important and challenging. Materials and Methods A retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for neurilemmoma of the hand between 2001 and 2013 was conducted. Their clinical presentation, surgical outcome and potential risk factors were reviewed. Results Twenty-eight cases of neurilemmoma arising from digits and hands in 28 patients were retrieved for study. Seventeen were male and 11 were female; the mean age at surgery was 57.1 years old and mean follow-up was 15.4 months. Nineteen lesions were on the volar side and the others were on the dorsal side. Volar digital nerve was the most common site of involvement. All patients presented with a mass, with an average duration of symptoms of 41.1 months; 35.7% had local tenderness. Differential mobility and Tinel's sign could be elicited in 39.3% and 21.4%, respectively. Correct preoperative diagnosis was made only in 25% of cases. At final follow-up, 82.1% of patients was symptom-free. Numbness, local tenderness and hypertrophic scar were reported in 7.1%, 7.1% and 3.6% of patients, respectively. No recurrence and no wound complications were noted. No reoperation was necessary. Multiple lesions and a positive Tinel's sign were associated with less satisfactory outcome and increased risk of postoperative complications as shown by the statistical analysis. Conclusion Neurilemmoma should be one of the differential diagnoses when dealing with hand masses. Tinel's sign should be done routinely on examination to facilitate correct preoperative diagnosis. Loupe magnification should be used during operation for optimal surgical outcome.
Deep neck space infection – A retrospective study of 270 cases at tertiary care center
Authors: Gujrathi Atishkumar B. , Ambulgekar Vijayalaxmi , Kathait Pallavi 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo review the clinical findings in deep neck infections and identification predisposing factors of these complications.MethodsIn this study, 270 patients with deep neck infections were studied retrospectively, study conducted in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India, from March 2013 to March 2016.ResultsAnalysis showed that males are most likely to have deep neck space infections (DNSI). Odontogenic and tonsillar causes were the more frequent ones. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species were the microorganisms more commonly isolated.ConclusionDNSI remains a common and challenging disease for otorhinolaryngologists, and should be treated on emergency basis. In developing countries, lack of adequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene, tobacco chewing, smoking and beetle nut chewing has led to an increased prevalence of dental and periodontal diseases. In present study, Odontogenic infections were the most common etiological factor for DNSI.
Assessment of rock musician's efferent system functioning using contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Kumar Prawin , Grover Vibhu , Publius A Sam , Sanju Himanshu Kumar , Sinha Sachchidanand 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveContralateral suppression of oto acoustic emission (OAE) is referred as activation of efferent system. Previous literature mentioned about the importance of contralateral suppression of OAEs as a tool to assess efferent system in different groups of population. There is dearth of literature to explore the efferent system function in experienced musicians exposed to rock music using TEOAEs and DPOAEs.MethodsTwo groups of participant (14 rock musicians and 14 non‐musicians) in the age range of 18–25 years were involved in the study. Contralateral suppression of TEOAEs and DPOAEs were measured using ILO (Version 6) in both groups.ResultsDescriptive statistics showed higher suppression of TEOAEs and DPOAEs in rock‐musicians at most of the frequencies in comparison to non‐musicians. For DPOAE measures, Mann Whitney U test results revealed significantly greater DPOAE suppression only at 1 kHz and 3 kHz in rock‐musicians compared to non‐musicians. For within group comparison, Kruskal Wallis test results revealed there were significant difference observed across most of the frequencies i.e. at 1 kHz, 3 kHz and 6 kHz. For TEOAE measures, Mann Whitney U test results revealed that only at 2 kHz, TEOAE suppression in rock‐musician was significantly greater compared to non‐musicians. Similarly, Kuskal Wallis test results revealed that within group there were no significant differences observed for most of the frequencies except 2 kHz.ConclusionsBased on the above finding, present study concludes that rock musicians are having better efferent system compared to non‐musicians. No suppression effect at few frequencies probably indicates more vulnerability at those frequencies. Contralateral suppression of DPOAE shows more significant finding in comparison to contralateral suppression of TEOAEs in present study.
Neurophysiological aspects of brainstem processing of speech stimuli in audiometric-normal geriatric population
Authors: Ansari M S , Rangasayee R , Ansari M A H 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjective:Poor auditory speech perception in geriatrics is attributable to neural de-synchronisation due to structural and degenerative changes of ageing auditory pathways. The speech-evoked auditory brainstem response may be useful for detecting alterations that cause loss of speech discrimination. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the speech-evoked auditory brainstem response in adult and geriatric populations with normal hearing.Methods:The auditory brainstem responses to click sounds and to a 40 ms speech sound (the Hindi phoneme |da|) were compared in 25 young adults and 25 geriatric people with normal hearing. The latencies and amplitudes of transient peaks representing neural responses to the onset, offset and sustained portions of the speech stimulus in quiet and noisy conditions were recorded.Results:The older group had significantly smaller amplitudes and longer latencies for the onset and offset responses to |da| in noisy conditions. Stimulus-to-response times were longer and the spectral amplitude of the sustained portion of the stimulus was reduced. The overall stimulus level caused significant shifts in latency across the entire speech-evoked auditory brainstem response in the older group.Conclusion:The reduction in neural speech processing in older adults suggests diminished subcortical responsiveness to acoustically dynamic spectral cues. However, further investigations are needed to encode temporal cues at the brainstem level and determine their relationship to speech perception for developing a routine tool for clinical decision-making.
Continuous mobility of mobile robots with a special ability for overcoming driving failure on rough terrain – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Xu He , Gao X. Z. , Xu Yan , Wang Kaifeng 
Published: December 2016

The original version of this article listed the authors in the wrong order. The correct order is as follows:He Xu, Yan Xu, Kaifeng Wang, X.Z. Gao, Khalil Alipour, Hongpeng Yu, Zhen Li, Ozoemena Anthony Ani.The authors apologise for this error.
Maternal effect gene expression in porcine metaphase II oocytes and embryos in vitro: effect of epidermal growth factor, interleukin-1β and leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Wasielak Marta , Więsak Teresa , Bogacka Iwona , Jalali Beenu Moza , Bogacki Marek 
Published: December 2016

SummaryMaternal effect genes (MEG) play a crucial role in early embryogenesis. In vitro culture conditions may affect MEG expression in porcine oocytes and embryos. We investigated whether in vitro culture medium supplementation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), IL-1β or LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) affects the mRNA level of ZAR-1 (zygote arrest 1), NPM2 (nucleoplasmin 2) and DPPA3 (developmental associated protein 3) in porcine MII oocytes and embryos. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in NCSU-37 medium (control) or in NCSU-37 with EGF 10 ng/ml, IL-1β 10 ng/ml or LIF 50 ng/ml. After maturation for 44–46 h, MII oocytes were preserved for the analysis of MEG mRNA levels (experiment 1). In experiment 2, COCs were fertilized, and the presumptive zygotes were cultured in the same groups. Then, 2-, 4-, 8-cell embryos, morulae and blastocysts were collected for the analysis of MEG mRNA levels. LIF addition to the maturation medium increased MII oocyte numbers (P < 0.05), while EGF and IL-1β did not affect oocyte maturation. Medium supplementation with EGF resulted in lower DPPA3 mRNA levels in MII oocytes and in 2- and 4-cell embryos versus control embryos (P < 0.05). LIF treatment increased DPPA3 mRNA levels in morulae and blastocysts (P < 0.05). Culture with EGF and IL-1β decreased ZAR-1 and NPM2 mRNA levels in 2-cell embryos (P < 0.05). The inclusion of EGF or IL-1β in the porcine in vitro production system influences ZAR-1, NPM2 and DPPA3 mRNA in MII oocytes and embryos but not beyond the 4-cell stage. LIF stimulates oocyte maturation and affects DPPA3 mRNA in porcine morulae and blastocysts in vitro.
Role of manganese oxides in peptide synthesis: implication in chemical evolution
Authors: Bhushan Brij , Nayak Arunima , Kamaluddin  
Published: December 2016

AbstractDuring the course of chemical evolution the role of metal oxides may have been very significant in catalysing the polymerization of biomonomers. The peptide bond formation of alanine (ala) and glycine (gly) in the presence of various oxides of manganese were performed for a period of 35 days at three different temperatures 50, 90 and 120°C without applying drying/wetting cycling. The reaction was monitored every week. The products formed were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry techniques. Trace amount of oligomers was observed at 50°C. Maximum yield of peptides was found after 35 days at 90°C. It is important to note that very high temperatures of 120°C favoured the formation of diketopiperazine derivatives. Different types of manganese oxides [manganosite (MnO), bixbyite (Mn2O3), hausmannite (Mn3O4) and pyrolusite (MnO2)] were used as catalyst. The MnO catalysed glycine to cyclic (Gly)2, (Gly)2 and (Gly)3, and alanine, to cyclic (Ala)2 and (Ala)2. Mn3O4 also produced the same products but in lesser yield, while Mn2O3 and MnO2 produced cyclic anhydride of glycine and alanine with a trace amount of dimers and trimmers. Manganese of lower oxidation state is much more efficient in propagating the reaction than higher oxidation states. The possible mechanism of these reactions and the relevance of the results for the prebiotic chemistry are discussed.
Hypericin-mediated sonodynamic therapy induces autophagy and decreases lipids in THP-1 macrophage by promoting ROS-dependent nuclear translocation of TFEB
Authors: Li Xuesong , Zhang Xin , Zheng Longbin , Kou Jiayuan , Zhong Zhaoyu , Jiang Yueqing , Wang Wei , Dong Zengxiang , Liu Zhongni , Han Xiaobo , Li Jing , Tian Ye , Zhao Yajun , Yang Liming 
Published: December 2016

AbstractLipid catabolism disorder is the primary cause of atherosclerosis. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) prevents atherosclerosis by activating macrophage autophagy to promote lipid degradation. Hypericin-mediated sonodynamic therapy (HY-SDT) has been proved non-invasively inducing THP-1-derived macrophage apoptosis; however, it is unknown whether macrophage autophagy could be triggered by HY-SDT to influence cellular lipid catabolism via regulating TFEB. Here, we report that HY-SDT resulted in the time-dependent THP-1-derived macrophage autophagy activation through AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway. Besides, TFEB nuclear translocation in macrophage was triggered by HY-SDT to promote autophagy activation and lysosome regeneration which enhanced lipid degradation in response to atherogenic lipid stressors. Moreover, following HY-SDT, the ABCA1 expression level was increased to promote lipid efflux in macrophage, and the expression levels of CD36 and SR-A were decreased to inhibit lipid uptake, both of which were prevented by TFEB knockdown. These results indicated that TFEB nuclear translocation activated by HY-SDT was not only the key regulator of autophagy activation and lysosome regeneration in macrophage to promote lipolysis, but also had a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transporters to decrease lipid uptake and increase lipid efflux. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were adequately generated in macrophage by HY-SDT. Further, ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine abolished HY-SDT-induced TFEB nuclear translocation and autophagy activation, implying that ROS were the primary upstream factors responsible for these effects during HY-SDT. In summary, our data indicate that HY-SDT decreases lipid content in macrophage by promoting ROS-dependent nuclear translocation of TFEB to influence consequent autophagy activation and cholesterol transporters. Thus, HY-SDT may be beneficial for atherosclerosis via TFEB regulation to ameliorate lipid overload in atherosclerotic plaques.
Rab8a/Rab11a regulate intercellular communications between neural cells via tunneling nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Hui , Xue Chengbin , Xu Xi , Guo Yibing , Li Xiaohong , Lu Jingjing , Ju Shaoqing , Wang Yongjun , Cao Zheng , Gu Xiaosong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are F-actin-based membrane tubes, and can form between cultured cells and within vital tissues. TNTs mediate intercellular communications that range from electrical signaling to the transfer of organelles. Following peripheral nerve injury, the orchestrated intercellular communications among neural and non-neural cells are required for effective nerve regeneration. It remains unknown whether TNTs exist between neural cells in the peripheral nerve system and how TNTs affect neural regeneration. To address these interesting questions, we investigated the transfer of neurotropic factors, membrane protein, cytoplasmic protein, mitochondria and RNA in functional TNTs formed between cultured Schwann cells (SCs). TNT-like structures were increased not only in cultured SCs after exposure to serum depletion but also in longitudinal sections of proximal sciatic nerve stump harvested after rat peripheral nerve transection. Meanwhile, downregulation of Rab8a or Rab11a in cultured SCs inhibited the formation of functional TNTs and vesicle transfer and led to decrease in cell migration, increase in SCs apoptosis. Likewise, knockdown of Rab8a or Rab11a in primary SCs also suppressed axonal outgrowth from co-cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Overall, our results suggested that the gene of Rab8a or Rab11a might be involved in the formation of TNTs structures in the peripheral nerve system, while TNTs structures were likely to affect peripheral nerve regeneration through the regulation of neural cell communications.
Human umbilical cord blood-stem cells direct macrophage polarization and block inflammasome activation to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shin Tae-Hoon , Kim Hyung-Sik , Kang Tae-Wook , Lee Byung-Chul , Lee Hwa-Yong , Kim Yoon-Jin , Shin Ji-Hee , Seo Yoojin , Won Choi Soon , Lee Seunghee , Shin Kichul , Seo Kwang-Won , Kang Kyung-Sun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting intractable autoimmune disorder, which has become a substantial public health problem. Despite widespread use of biologic drugs, there have been uncertainties in efficacy and long-term safety. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested as a promising alternative for the treatment of RA because of their immunomodulatory properties. However, the precise mechanisms of MSCs on RA-related immune cells are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) as a new therapeutic strategy for patients with RA and to explore the mechanisms underlying hUCB-MSC-mediated immunomodulation. Mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were administered with hUCB-MSCs after the onset of disease, and therapeutic efficacy was assessed. Systemic delivery of hUCB-MSCs significantly ameliorated the severity of CIA to a similar extent observed in the etanercept-treated group. hUCB-MSCs exerted this therapeutic effect by regulating macrophage function. To verify the regulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs on macrophages, macrophages were co-cultured with hUCB-MSCs. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-mediated activation of cyclooxygenase-2 and TNF-stimulated gene/protein 6 in hUCB-MSCs polarized naive macrophages toward an M2 phenotype. In addition, hUCB-MSCs down-regulated the activation of nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin 3 inflammasome via a paracrine loop of interleukin-1β signaling. These immune-balancing effects of hUCB-MSCs were reproducible in co-culture experiments using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with active RA. hUCB-MSCs can simultaneously regulate multiple cytokine pathways in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines elevated in RA microenvironment, suggesting that treatment with hUCB-MSCs could be an attractive candidate for patients with treatment-refractory RA.
Multivariate statistical analysis of OSIRIS/Rosetta spectrophotometric data of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Authors: Perna D. , Fulchignoni M. , Barucci M. A. , Fornasier S. , Feller C. , Deshapriya J. D. P. , Hasselmann P. H. , Sierks H. , Barbieri C. , Lamy P. L. , Rodrigo R. , Koschny D. , Rickman H. , A’Hearn M. , Bertaux J.-L. , Bertini I. , Cremonese G. , Da Deppo V. , Davidsson B. , Debei S. , Deller J. , De Cecco M. , El-Maarry M. R. , Fulle M. , Groussin O. , Gutierrez P. J. , Güttler C. , Hofmann M. , Hviid S. F. , Ip W.-H. , Jorda L. , Keller H. U. , Knollenberg J. , Kramm R. , Kührt E. , Küppers M. , Lara L. M. , Lazzarin M. , Lopez Moreno J. J. , Marzari F. , Naletto G. , Oklay N. , Thomas N. , Tubiana C. , Vincent J.-B. 
Published: December 2016

Context. The ESA Rosetta mission explored comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014−2016, following its target before and after the perihelion passage on 13 August 2015. The NAC camera of the OSIRIS imaging system allowed to map the nucleus surface acquiring images with different filters in the visible wavelength range.
Aims. Here we study the spectrophotometric behaviour of the nucleus by a multivariate statistical analysis, aiming to distinguish homogeneous groups and to constrain the bulk composition.
Methods. We applied the G-mode clustering algorithm to 16 OSIRIS data cubes acquired on 5−6 August 2014 (mostly covering the northern hemisphere) and 2 May 2015 (mostly covering the southern hemisphere), selected to have complete coverage of the comet’s surface with similar observing conditions.
Results. We found four similar homogeneous groups for each of the analysed cubes. The first group corresponds to the average spectrophotometric behaviour of the nucleus. The second (spectrally redder) and the third (spectrally bluer) groups are found in regions that were already found to deviate from the average terrain of the comet by previous studies. A fourth group (characterised by enhancements of the flux at 700−750 nm and 989 nm, possibly due to H2O+ and/or NH2 emissions) seems connected with the cometary activity rather than with the bulk composition.
Conclusions. While our aim in this work was to study the spectrophotometric behaviour of the nucleus of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko as a whole, we found that a follow-up application of the G-mode to smaller regions of the surface could be useful in particular to identify and study the temporal evolution of ice patches, as well as to constrain the composition and physical processes behind the emission of dust jets.
Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Approach versus Dual Transorbital Port Technique for Clip Application to the Posterior Circulation: A Cadaveric Anatomical and Cerebral Circulation Simulation Study
Authors: Lucke-Wold Brandon , Dogan Aclan , Cetas Justin , Cameron William , Ciporen Jeremy 
Published: December 2016

Purpose Simulation training offers a useful opportunity to appreciate vascular anatomy and develop the technical expertise required to clip intracranial aneurysms of the posterior circulation.
Materials and Methods In cadavers, a comparison was made between the endoscopic transclival approach (ETA) alone and a combined multiportal approach using the ETA and a transorbital precaruncular approach (TOPA) to evaluate degrees of freedom, angles of visualization, and ergonomics of aneurysm clip application to the posterior circulation depending on basilar apex position relative to the posterior clinoids.
Results ETA alone provided improved access to the posterior circulation when the basilar apex was high riding compared with the posterior clinoids. ETA + TOPA provided a significantly improved functional working area for instruments and visualization of the posterior circulation for a midlevel basilar apex. A single-shaft clip applier provided improved visualization and space for instruments. Proximal and distal vascular control and feasibility of aneurysmal clipping were demonstrated.
Conclusions TOPA is a medial orbital approach to the central skull base; a transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery approach. This anatomical simulation provides surgical teams an alternative to the ETA approach alone to address posterior circulation aneurysms, and a means to preoperatively prepare for intraoperative anatomical and surgical instrumentation challenges.
The Effect of Bony Parameters on the Pediatric Knee: Normal versus Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury versus Tibial Spine Avulsion Fracture
Authors: Shaw Kenneth , Dunoski Brian , Mardis Neil , Pacicca Donna 
Published: December 2016

Purpose Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries can present as a ligamentous disruption or avulsion fracture of the tibial spine in pediatric patients. Differences in knee morphometric parameters have been investigated between pediatric cohorts with ACL disruptions and tibial spine avulsion fractures. However, no study to date has compared morphometric parameters in patients with tibial spine avulsion fracture against a control population.
Methods A retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies was performed, identifying 15 patients with tibial spine avulsion fracture between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2013. Inclusionary criteria consisted of patients who sustained an acute tibial spine avulsion fracture and had MRI examination. The MRI studies were analyzed by a pediatric musculoskeletal radiologist, who measured identified bony parameters, and results were compared with an age-matched control group and a skeletally immature cohort with ligamentous disruption of the ACL. Data were analyzed using unpaired t test and logistic regression.
Results Cohorts included 15 patients with a tibial spine avulsion fracture, 39 with an ACL disruption, and 28 in the age-matched control group. The tibial spine group demonstrated no significant differences in bony parameters when compared with the control group, but had significantly wider tibial eminence widths in comparison to the ACL group (2.92 cm [0.4] versus 2.71 cm [0.27]; p = 0.040). Additionally, this finding was predictive of tibial spine avulsion injury when assessed by logistic regression.
Conclusions Pediatric patients who sustain a tibial spine avulsion fracture exhibit significantly wider tibial eminences when compared with the cohort with ACL injuries. This indicates a possible biomechanical explanation for differences in ACL injury patterns that should be examined in future, prospective analyses.