bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety, feasibility, and efficacy of placement of steroid‐eluting bioabsorbable sinus implants in the office setting: a prospective case series
Authors: Matheny Keith E. , Carter Kenny B. , Tseng Ewen Y. , Fong Karen J. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be compromised by postoperative inflammation, recurrent polyposis, middle turbinate lateralization, and synechiae, often requiring subsequent interventions. A bioabsorbable steroid‐eluting sinus implant placed in the operating room following ESS has been proven safe and effective in 2 randomized controlled trials and a subsequent meta‐analysis, for its ability to preserve sinus patency, and reduce medical and surgical interventions. This trial sought to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of implants placed in the office after achieving hemostasis.MethodsTwenty patients with CRS underwent ESS including bilateral ethmoidectomy. A steroid‐eluting bioabsorbable implant was deployed into each ethmoid cavity in the office within 7 days after ESS. Endoscopic appearance of the ethmoid cavities was evaluated at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks postoperatively by the operating surgeon and an independent blinded evaluator. Procedural tolerance was assessed at week 2 using a patient preference questionnaire. The 20‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20) questionnaire was completed at baseline, week 2, and week 4.ResultsIn‐office placement of steroid‐eluting bioabsorbable implants was well tolerated, with 90% of patients very satisfied with the overall experience, and 80% very satisfied with the recovery process. At 1 month, there were no significant adhesions or frank polyposis, and middle turbinate lateralization was only 5%. Compared to baseline, ethmoid sinus inflammation was significantly reduced (p = 0.03), and the mean SNOT‐20 score was significantly improved (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn‐office placement of steroid‐eluting bioabsorbable implants after achieving hemostasis was well tolerated and might improve local drug diffusion and surgical outcomes.
Sustainable Three‐Component Synthesis of Isothioureas from Isocyanides, Thiosulfonates, and Amines
Authors: Mampuys Pieter , Zhu Yanping , Vlaar Tjøstil , Ruijter Eelco , Orru Romano V. A. , Maes Bert U. W. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMultiple applications of isothioureas as fine chemicals (or their precursors) are known, but a general sustainable method for their synthesis was hitherto unavailable. We report a novel general approach towards S‐alkyl and S‐aryl isothioureas through a copper(I)‐catalyzed three‐component reaction between amines, isocyanides, and thiosulfonates. The formal synthesis of a superpotent sweetener further illustrates the applicability of our method.
Isomers of Disulfur Dinitride, S2N2
Authors: Zeng Xiaoqing , Flores Antognini Andrea , Beckers Helmut , Willner Helge 
Published: September 2014

AbstractUV photolysis (λ=248 or 255 nm) of cyclic S2N2 isolated in solid argon matrices yields two open‐shell S2N2 isomers, trans SNSN (3A′′) and cis SNSN (3A′′), as well as a closed‐shell C2v dimer (SN)2 (1A1). These novel isomers have been characterized by their IR spectra and mutual photo‐interconversion reactions. Quantum chemical calculations support the experimental results and also provide insight into the complex potential energy surface of S2N2.
A methanesulfonic acid/sulfuric acid‐based route for easily‐controllable chloromethylation of poly(ether ether ketone)
Authors: Yan Xiaoming , Wu Xuemei , He Gaohong , Gu Shuang , Gong Xue , Benziger Jay 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTA mixed methanesulfonic acid/sulfuric acid solvent based chlromethylation of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is described. Methanesulfonic acid is the solvent, sulfuric acid is the catalyst, and chloromethyl octyl ether (CMOE) is the chloromethylating reagent. 1H‐NMR spectra confirmed the successful synthesis of chloromethylated PEEK (CMPEEK). The effects of polymer concentration, catalyst/polymer ratio, and reaction temperature on the rate of PEEK chloromethylation were investigated. In order to minimize crosslinking, the PEEK concentration must be kept very low (< 2%). The reaction rate increases with increased catalyst/polymer ratio and reaction temperature. The activation energy of PEEK chloromethylation is 30.9 kJ mol−1. The extent of reaction for the new route is more easily controllable as compared with the previous sulfuric acid based route. The reaction rate constant at 25°C for the new route is 1.29 h−1 which is lower than that for chloromethylation by concentrated sulfuric acid at −10°C (rate constant 1.88 h−1). As a result, the degree of chloromethylation of CMPEEK can be easily controlled at room temperature using this mixed solvent. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41404.
Reinforcing properties of poly(trimethyleneterephthalate) by a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer
Authors: Choi Jae‐Kon , Lee Bong‐Woo , Choi Yoo‐Sung , Jo Byung‐Wook , Choi Soo‐Kyung 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTA thermotropic liquid crystalline copolymer (TLCP) having a trimethylene terephthalate (TT) unit and a triad terephthaloyl mesogenic unit was synthesized and its blends with poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) were prepared for TLCP‐reinforced fiber spinning. The TLCP, PTT, and their blends were characterized in terms of their thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. In the hot‐drawn fibers of 20 wt % TLCP/PTT blend, the well‐oriented fibrils were observed at higher temperature (>Tm) than the PTT melt by polarizing optical microscope. With scanning electron microscopy images of cryogenically fractured surfaces of the blends, the TLCP were well dispersed in 0.3 to 0.5 µm in domain size. Interfacial adhesion between the TLCP and PTT seemed fairly good. The TLCP acted effectively as a reinforcing material in PTT matrix, it led to an increase of initial modulus and tensile strength of the blend fibers as TLCP's content increased. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41408.
Toward industrial grafting of cellulosic substrates via ARGET ATRP
Authors: Hansson Susanne , Carlmark Anna , Malmström Eva , Fogelström Linda 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTFor the past decade, the interest in controlled grafting of cellulose has increased immensely. Surface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (SI‐ATRP) has attracted the most interest; however, the sensitivity of this system has so far hindered its utilization in industry. In this study, filter paper, dissolving pulp, bleached and unbleached Kraft‐pulp, and chemi‐thermomechanical pulp papers were grafted with methyl methacrylate, employing activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP. The reactions were performed in bulk or with small amounts of aqueous solutions, with no deoxygenation performed. To further demonstrate the robustness of this method towards simpler and more industry‐friendly processes, the polymerizations were conducted in glass jars with screw lids. The possibility of recycling the reaction solution was also explored. We believe his thorough study to be an important step towards industrializing the “grafting‐from” concept, and the results herein can most likely be extended to other surfaces and monomers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41434.
Experiment and simulation of the simultaneous removal of organic and inorganic contaminants by micellar enhanced ultrafiltration with mixed micelles
Authors: Vibhandik Amar D. , Pawar Snehal , Marathe Kumudini V. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTLead, chromium, and chlorobenzene (CB) were removed simultaneously by micellar enhanced ultrafiltration with a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants. The process parameters, including the molar ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the ionic surfactant (α), surfactant to metal ion (S/M) molar ratio, applied pressure, and inlet flow rate, were investigated. As α was varied from 0 to 1.5, the rejection of the metal ions increased. The optimum α value was 0.5. The permeate flux decreased by 28% with increasing α from 0 to 1.5. The S/M ratio was optimized at 10 in the presence of CB. The addition of CB increased the rejection of surfactants and decreased the metal‐ion rejection. The effect of the applied pressure and inlet flow were studied and found to be optimum at 1 bar and 150 mL/min, respectively. The optimized parameters were applied to the steady‐state process. The multiple‐solute model was applied to the steady‐state data. The relative error for solute rejection was varied from 5 to 9%, and the relative error for flux was 5%. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41435.
Exertional Leg Pain in Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Manifestation of an Underlying Enthesopathy and a Marker of More Severe Disease
Authors: Eshed Iris , Rosman Yossi , Livneh Avi , Kedem Ron , Langevitz Pnina , Ben‐Zvi Ilan , Lidar Merav 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveExertional leg pain is a characteristic musculoskeletal manifestation of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). We aimed to define the frequency and characteristics of exertional leg pain in a large cohort of FMF patients and to evaluate for additional signs and symptoms of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in this patient population.MethodsFMF patients were allocated into study or control groups based on the presence or absence of exertional leg pain. Randomly selected patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle as well as plain radiography of the sacroiliac joints.ResultsThe prevalence of exertional leg pain among the 170 FMF patients included in the study was 58.2%. Patients with exertional leg pain had significantly more joint attacks (74.7% versus 40.8%; P < 0.0001), fever attacks (35.4% versus 15.5%; P = 0.004), and pleuritis attacks (48.5% versus 29.6%; P = 0.013) as well as more attacks per year. Elevations of inflammation markers were significantly more frequent among the study group (for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 44.4% of patients versus 21.1% of patients; P = 0.016) (for the C‐reactive protein level, 48.4% of patients versus 31.8% of patients; P = 0.013), and M694V homozygosity was more prevalent among the study group (45.5% versus 21.1%; P = 0.001). Signs compatible with enthesopathy on MRI were observed in 73.5% of patients in the study group and in 33.3% of patients in the control group (P = 0.046). Definite SpA was diagnosed in 41.2% of the patients in the study group compared to none of the controls (P = 0.07) (odds ratio 1.7 [95% confidence interval 1.2–2.3]).ConclusionExertional leg pain is a common manifestation of FMF and is a marker of a more severe disease phenotype. Additionally, exertional leg pain is frequently associated with sacroiliitis and an underlying ankle enthesopathy and should therefore be considered a new feature of SpA.
Brief Report: Anakinra Use During Pregnancy in Patients With Cryopyrin‐Associated Periodic Syndromes
Authors: Chang Zenas , Spong Catherine Y. , Jesus Adriana A. , Davis Michael A. , Plass Nicole , Stone Deborah L. , Chapelle Dawn , Hoffmann Patrycja , Kastner Daniel L. , Barron Karyl , Goldbach‐Mansky Raphaela T. , Stratton Pamela 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo describe the pregnancy course and outcome and the use of anakinra, a recombinant selective interleukin‐1 receptor blocker, during pregnancy in patients with cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle‐Wells syndrome (MWS), and neonatal‐onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID).MethodsWomen with CAPS who were currently enrolled in natural history protocols and had been pregnant were included. Subjects underwent a structured, standardized interview with regard to maternal health, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes. Medical records were reviewed.ResultsNine women (4 with FCAS, 2 with MWS/NOMID overlap, and 3 with NOMID) reported 1–4 pregnancies (a total of 15 pregnancies in women with FCAS, 3 in women with MWS, and 6 in women with NOMID). Six births to women with FCAS and 3 births to women with NOMID or MWS/NOMID overlap occurred while the patients were receiving anakinra. In women who became pregnant while taking anakinra, the anakinra treatment was continued; the prepregnancy dosage was maintained except in the case of 1 woman whose dosage was increased during a pregnancy with twins. No preterm births or serious complications of pregnancy were observed. One fetus of the twin pregnancy had renal agenesis and died in utero. Genetic testing showed that the deceased twin carried the same NLRP3 c.785T>C, p.V262A mutation as the mother. The other twin was healthy and mutation negative.ConclusionAnakinra was continued during pregnancy in women with CAPS and provided significant, persistent symptom relief while continuing to prevent the long‐term sequelae of CAPS. Anakinra was well tolerated. Although a causal relationship between anakinra and renal agenesis seems unlikely, further safety data are needed.
Oriented assembly of bacteriorhodopsin on ZnO nanostructured electrode for enhanced photocurrent generation
Authors: Molaeirad Ahmad , Rezaeian Niloofar 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBacteriorhodopsin (bR) is a photoactive protein that has great potential to be used in bioelectronics applications. For the first time, a monolayer of bR created by the Langmuir–Blodgett method is immobilized on a ZnO nanoporous film. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses are used to study the morphological properties of the electrodes. In addition, an efficient biosolar cell is designed and fabricated, and the performance of produced nano‐biohybrid electrode is investigated by the measurement of power conversion efficiency of biosolar cell. Under AM1.5 irradiation, a short‐circuit current of 0.39 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltages of 0.5 V, fill factor of 0.52, and an overall energy conversion efficiency of 0.1% are achieved.
Influence of fatty acid on lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of ascorbyl esters and their free radical scavenging capacity
Authors: Stojanović Marija , Carević Milica , Mihailović Mladen , Veličković Dušan , Dimitrijević Aleksandra , Milosavić Nenad , Bezbradica Dejan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFatty acid (FA) ascorbyl esters are recently emerging food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical additives, which can be prepared in an eco‐friendly way by using lipases as catalysts. Because they are amphiphilic molecules, which possess high free radical scavenging capacity, they can be applied as liposoluble antioxidants as well as emulsifiers and biosurfactants. In this study, the influence of a wide range of acyl donors on ester yield in lipase‐catalyzed synthesis and ester antioxidant activity was examined. Among saturated acyl donors, higher yields and antioxidant activities of esters were achieved when short‐chain FAs were used. Oleic acid gave the highest yield overall and its ester exhibited a high antioxidant activity. Optimization of experimental factors showed that the highest conversion (60.5%) in acetone was achieved with 5 g L−1 of lipase, 50 mM of vitamin C, 10‐fold molar excess of oleic acid, and 0.7 mL L−1 of initial water. Obtained results showed that even short‐ and medium‐chain ascorbyl esters could be synthesized with high yields and retained (or even exceeded) free radical scavenging capacity of l‐ascorbic acid, indicating prospects of broadening their application in emulsions and liposomes.
Efficient myogenic commitment of human mesenchymal stem cells on biomimetic materials replicating myoblast topography
Authors: Lee Eunjee A. , Im Sung‐Gap , Hwang Nathaniel S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractRecent developments in stem cell technologies have demonstrated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a possible cell source for cell‐based therapies and regenerative medicine applications. Self‐renewal and differentiation abilities of hMSCs have enabled hMSCs to be applied in regeneration of musculoskeletal tissue. hMSCs are able to myogenically differentiate via various approaches; however, the most efficient method has not been developed. Here, we describe the efficient commitment of hMSCs to the myogenic lineage on biomimetic substrates replicating myoblast topography. We have created a tissue culture platform that replicates the micro‐and nanoscale topography of fully differentiated skeletal myoblasts. Using UV‐assisted capillary force lithography, an optically transparent cellular model of fully differentiated myoblasts was developed using a UV curable poly(urethane acrylate) resin, which was fabricated and employed as a cell‐culture substrate for the myogenic pattern of hMSCs. When hMSCs were cultured and differentiated on these biomimetic patterns, cells followed the underlying myoblast pattern and more efficiently committed to myogenic fate. These results demonstrate that myogenic potentials of hMSCs are highly depended on the micro‐ and nanoscale topographical cues. Furthermore, the described tissue culture platform can be used in larger culture settings with consistent results and easily applied to other lineage of hMSCs.
Design of web‐based interactive 3D concept maps: A preliminary study for an engineering drawing course
Authors: Violante Maria Grazia , Vezzetti Enrico 
Published: September 2014

AbstractConcept map are not a new phenomenon in engineering education and are nowadays used to enhance “meaningful learning.” In literature a lot of works on the use of the concept maps in education exist, but not many within the “interactive” context. This study contributes to expand the framework of research on the development of web‐based 3D interactive concept maps. They incorporate web‐based 3D interactive images that support the learning of abstract and difficult topics in Engineering drawing course, motivating the students and increasing their attention. The effects of different learning strategies (2D concept mapping vs. web‐based 3D interactive concept mapping) on the learning outcomes and on the spatial ability are investigated. The results of this study shows that Web‐based 3D interactive concept maps compensates spatial ability deficits, that is, helps students who have low spatial ability to build an effective mental representation of the learning content. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:403–411, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21610
Current Approaches for RNA Labeling in Vitro and in Cells Based on Click Reactions
Authors: Schulz Daniela , Rentmeister Andrea 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOver recent years, click reactions have become recognized as valuable and flexible tools to label biomacromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and glycans. Some of the developed strategies can be performed not only in aqueous solution but also in the presence of cellular components, as well as on (or even in) living cells. These labeling strategies require the initial, specific modification of the target molecule with a small, reactive moiety. In the second step, a click reaction is used to covalently couple a reporter molecule to the biomolecule. Depending on the type of reporter, labeling by the click reaction can be used in many different applications, ranging from isolation to functional studies of biomacromolecules. In this minireview, we focus on labeling strategies for RNA that rely on the click reaction. We first highlight click reactions that have been used successfully to label modified RNA, and then describe different strategies to introduce the required reactive groups into target RNA. The benefits and potential limitations of the strategies are critically discussed with regard to possible future developments.
Design, Synthesis and Characterization of fMLF‐Mimicking AApeptides
Authors: Hu Yaogang , Cheng Ni , Wu Haifan , Kang Samuel , Ye Richard D. , Cai Jianfeng 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe tripeptide N‐formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (fMLF) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and the reference agonist for the G protein‐coupled N‐formylpeptide receptor (FPR). As it plays a very important role in host defense and inflammation, there has been considerable interest in the development of fMLF analogues in the hope of identifying potential therapeutic agents. Herein we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of AApeptides that mimic the structure and function of fMLF. The lead AApeptides induced calcium mobilization and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways in FPR‐transfected rat basophilic leukemic (RBL) cells. More intriguingly, at high concentrations, certain AApeptides were more effective than fMLF in the induction of calcium mobilization. Their agonistic activity is further supported by their ability to stimulate chemotaxis and the production of superoxide in HL‐60 cells. Similarly to fMLF, these AApeptides are much more selective towards FPR1 than FPR2. These results suggest that the fMLF‐mimicking AApeptides might emerge as a new class of therapeutic agents that target FPRs.
Skinfold over toenail is pathognomonic for the popliteal pterygium syndrome in a Congolese family with large intrafamilial variability
Authors: Mubungu Gerrye , Lumaka Aimé , Matondo Rosette , Mbayabo Gloire , Tuka Deborah , Kayembe Claudarche , Mulowhe Didier , Molua Antoine , Tady Bruno‐Paul , Nkidiaka Emmanuel , Bunga Paulo , Lukusa Tshilobo Prosper , Devriendt Koenraad 
Published: September 2014

Key Clinical MessageWe report on three related Congolese popliteal pterygium syndrome (PPS) patients concordant only for the skinfold over the toenail. Mutation analysis revealed that the three affected individuals carried a heterozygous missense mutation in the Exon 4, NM_006147.2:c.250C>T; p.Arg84Cys. This is the first molecularly confirmed PPS family from central Africa.
Two interstitial rearrangements (16q deletion and 17p duplication) in a child with MR/MCA
Authors: Sanchez‐Jimeno Carolina , Bustamante‐Aragonés Ana , Infantes‐Barbero Fernando , Rodriguez De Alba Marta , Ramos Carmen , Trujillo‐Tiebas María Jose , Lorda‐Sánchez Isabel 
Published: September 2014

Key Clinical MeassagePatients with rare deletions in 16q12 and a duplication of 17p, both interstitial and de novo. Only seven cases have been described with these deletions and none of them presented other chromosomal abnormalities. The proband showed a complex phenotype with features found in patients with dup17p11.2 syndrome, deletions in 16q12.
Snapshots in surgery: incidentally discovered cryptorchidism
Authors: Nicholson Margaret F. , Sehgal Rishabh , Cunningham Robert , Martin Sean , Winter Desmond C. 
Published: September 2014

Key Clinical MessageAn 18‐year‐old was presented with a large inflamed appendix (compressed by the instrument) and a spermatic cord with right undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). Patients who undergo orchiopexy after age 12 years, or no orchiopexy, are 2–6 times as likely to have testicular cancer as those who undergo prepubertal orchiopexy.
Leishmania donovani bodies in bone marrow
Authors: Ali Natasha , Hussain Shabneez 
Published: September 2014

Key Clinical MessageWe report a case of a 5‐year‐old female, resident of Afghanistan, who presented with fever and massive splenomegaly. Bone marrow revealed Leishmania donovani bodies (LD bodies) in macrophages characterized by a kinetoplast and characteristic double dot appearance. She was diagnosed as visceral leishmaniasis which is transmitted by sandflies (Phlebotomus).