bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of simple distraction interventions on pain and anxiety experienced during conscious surgery
Authors: Hudson B.F. , Ogden J. , Whiteley M.S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundHigh levels of anxiety during surgery are associated with poorer post‐surgical outcomes. This prospective, non‐blinded randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of four intraoperative distraction interventions for anxiety and pain management during minimally invasive venous surgery under local anaesthetic.Methods407 patients presenting with varicose veins at a private clinic, were randomized to one of four intraoperative distraction interventions or treatment as usual. All participants received endovenous thermoablation and/or phlebectomies of varicose veins. After losses to follow‐up, 398 participants were entered into the analysis. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the following intraoperative distraction techniques: patient selected music (n = 85), patient selected DVD (n = 85), interaction with nurses (n = 81), touch (stress balls) (n = 80) or treatment as usual (TAU, n = 76). The state scale of the STAI, the Short‐form McGill pain questionnaire and numeric rating scales were used to assess intraoperative pain and anxiety.ResultsIntraoperative anxiety ratings were significantly lower when participants interacted with nurses, used stress balls or watched a DVD during surgery compared to treatment as usual. Intraoperative pain ratings were significantly lower than treatment as usual when participants interacted with nurses or used stress balls during surgery. Patients' satisfaction was not significantly impacted by intraoperative distractions.ConclusionsThe use of simple intraoperative distraction techniques, particularly interacting with nurses, using stress balls or watching a DVD during surgery conducted under local anaesthetic can significantly improve patients' experiences.
Development of microscopic time‐domain dual lifetime referencing luminescence detection for pH monitoring in microfluidic free‐flow isoelectric focusing
Authors: Poehler Elisabeth , Herzog Christin , Suendermann Madeleine , Pfeiffer Simon A. , Nagl Stefan 
Published: January 2015

A lifetime‐based ratiometric microscale pH sensor system and a fluorescence microscopic setup was developed for the in‐line observation of pH in free‐flow isoelectric focusing based on the principle of time‐domain dual lifetime referencing (t‐DLR). The t‐DLR method has been developed for pH monitoring and various other applications in the fields of environmental monitoring and biotechnology. Here, we introduce the integration of pH sensor microstructures for t‐DLR in microfluidic channels and the application of the t‐DLR scheme for pH sensing in miniaturized electrophoretic procedures. The pH sensor was inkjet‐printed on glass in rows with a length of 10 mm, a height of 404 ± 18 nm, and a width of 371 ± 28 μm and integrated into a microfluidic chip generated by a laser cutting and lamination technique. It had a working range from pH 4 to 8 with a pKa of 6.10 ± 0.01 and fast response times under 500 ms. The sensor was used for the in‐line observation of the pH gradient during isoelectric focusing of the proteins β‐lactoglobulin A, conalbumin, and myoglobin and their identification by their pI. The obtained pIs were in good agreement with literature data demonstrating the applicability of the pH sensor in microfluidic continuous separations.
Resting state functional connectivity of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease assessed using arterial spin‐labeled perfusion fMRI
Authors: Fernández‐Seara María A. , Mengual Elisa , Vidorreta Marta , Castellanos Gabriel , Irigoyen Jaione , Erro Elena , Pastor María A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractNeurophysiological changes within the cortico‐basal ganglia‐thalamocortical circuits appear to be a characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathophysiology. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is one of the basal ganglia components showing pathological neural activity patterns in PD. In this study, perfusion imaging data, acquired noninvasively using arterial spin‐labeled (ASL) perfusion MRI, were used to assess the resting state functional connectivity (FC) of the STN in 24 early‐to‐moderate PD patients and 34 age‐matched healthy controls, to determine whether altered FC in the very low frequency range of the perfusion time signal occurs as a result of the disease. Our results showed that the healthy STN was functionally connected with other nuclei of the basal ganglia and the thalamus, as well as with discrete cortical areas including the insular cortex and the hippocampus. In PD patients, connectivity of the STN was increased with two cortical areas involved in motor and cognitive processes. These findings suggest that hyperconnectivity of the STN could underlie some of the motor and cognitive deficits often present even at early stages of the disease. The FC measures provided good discrimination between controls and patients, suggesting that ASL‐derived FC metrics could be a putative PD biomarker. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1937–1950, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convergence and divergence across construction methods for human brain white matter networks: An assessment based on individual differences
Authors: Zhong Suyu , He Yong , Gong Gaolang 
Published: January 2015

AbstractUsing diffusion MRI, a number of studies have investigated the properties of whole‐brain white matter (WM) networks with differing network construction methods (node/edge definition). However, how the construction methods affect individual differences of WM networks and, particularly, if distinct methods can provide convergent or divergent patterns of individual differences remain largely unknown. Here, we applied 10 frequently used methods to construct whole‐brain WM networks in a healthy young adult population (57 subjects), which involves two node definitions (low‐resolution and high‐resolution) and five edge definitions (binary, FA weighted, fiber‐density weighted, length‐corrected fiber‐density weighted, and connectivity‐probability weighted). For these WM networks, individual differences were systematically analyzed in three network aspects: (1) a spatial pattern of WM connections, (2) a spatial pattern of nodal efficiency, and (3) network global and local efficiencies. Intriguingly, we found that some of the network construction methods converged in terms of individual difference patterns, but diverged with other methods. Furthermore, the convergence/divergence between methods differed among network properties that were adopted to assess individual differences. Particularly, high‐resolution WM networks with differing edge definitions showed convergent individual differences in the spatial pattern of both WM connections and nodal efficiency. For the network global and local efficiencies, low‐resolution and high‐resolution WM networks for most edge definitions consistently exhibited a highly convergent pattern in individual differences. Finally, the test–retest analysis revealed a decent temporal reproducibility for the patterns of between‐method convergence/divergence. Together, the results of the present study demonstrated a measure‐dependent effect of network construction methods on the individual difference of WM network properties. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1995–2013, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic Stabilization of Highly Reactive Species Bearing Heteroatoms
Authors: Okazaki Renji 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTBulky substituents, i.e., 2,4,6‐tri‐t‐butylphenyl, 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylindane‐2,2‐diyl, and 2,4,6‐tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phenyl, the last of which was developed in our laboratory, were successfully utilized to provide kinetic stabilization to novel types of highly reactive chemical species such as N‐thiosulfinylaniline, thioaldehyde, selenoaldehyde, telluroketone, heavy ketone (a heavier element congener of a ketone), distibene, dibismuthene, disilene, digermene, and silaaromatic compounds (silabenzene and 2‐silanaphthalene). Bowl‐ and capsule‐shaped molecules having a functional group in their cavities were synthesized and applied to the stabilization of highly reactive species such as sulfenic acid, selenenic acid, sulfenyl iodide, nitrosothiol, and a simple enol.
A Case Study on the Resolution of the 1‐i‐Butyl‐3‐methyl‐3‐phospholene 1‐Oxide via Diastereomeric Complex Formation Using TADDOL Derivatives and via Diastereomeric Coordination Complexes Formed from the Calcium Salts of O,O′‐Diaroyl‐(2R,3R)‐tartaric Acids
Authors: Bagi Péter , Fekete András , Kállay Mihály , Hessz Dóra , Kubinyi Miklós , Holczbauer Tamás , Czugler Mátyás , Fogassy Elemér , Keglevich György 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe resolution of 1‐i‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐3‐phospholene 1‐oxide was studied applying TADDOL [(−)‐(4R,5R)‐4,5‐bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)‐2,2‐dimethyldioxolane], spiro‐TADDOL [(−)‐(2R,3R)‐α,α,α′,α′‐tetraphenyl‐1,4‐dioxaspiro[4.5]decan‐2,3‐dimethanol], or the acidic and neutral Ca2+ salts of (−)‐O,O′‐dibenzoyl‐ and (−)‐O,O′‐di‐p‐toluoyl‐(2R,3R)‐tartaric acid as the resolving agent. The absolute configuration of the P‐asymmetric center was determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy and related quantum chemical calculations. In one instance, the single crystal of the diastereomeric complex incorporating i‐butyl‐3‐phospholene oxide and spiro‐TADDOL was subjected to X‐ray analysis, which suggested a feasible hypothesis for the efficiency of the resolution process under discussion that may be an example for the “solvent‐inhibited” resolution.
A Theoretical Study on Hydrogen‐Bonded Complex of Proflavine Cation and Water: The Site‐dependent Feature of Hydrogen Bond Strengthening and Weakening
Authors: Qin Zhen , Li Xiang , Zhou Minghui 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe intermolecular hydrogen‐bonds between proflavine cation (PC) and water molecules are investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The ground‐state geometry optimizations, electronic excitation energies and corresponding oscillation strengths of the low‐lying electronically excited states for the isolated proflavine cation, the hydrogen‐bonded PC–H2O dimer and PC–(H2O)2 trimer are calculated. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds at the central site of proflavine molecule are found to be stronger than the peripheral site. The hydrogen bond N–H⋅⋅⋅O for the hydrogen‐bonded dimer are indicated to be weakened in the excited states, since the excitation energy is increased slightly comparing to the monomer. Hydrogen bonds of PC–(H2O)2 trimer with the same type as the dimer are strengthened in the excited state, which is demonstrated by the decrease of the excited energies. Thus, hydrogen bond strengthening and weakening are observed to reveal site dependent feature in proflavine molecule. Furthermore, the hydrogen bond at central site induces the blue‐shift of the absorption spectrum, while the ones at peripheral site induce red‐shift. Hydrogen bonds with the same type at peripheral and central sites of proflavine molecule provide different effects on the photochemical and photophysical properties of proflavine.
Homomorphisms of Signed Graphs
Authors: Naserasr Reza , Rollová Edita , Sopena Éric 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA signed graph is a graph G together with an assignment of signs + and − to all the edges of G where Σ is the set of negative edges. Furthermore and are considered to be equivalent if the symmetric difference of Σ1 and Σ2 is an edge cut of G. Naturally arising from matroid theory, several notions of graph theory, such as the theory of minors and the theory of nowhere‐zero flows, have been already extended to signed graphs. In an unpublished manuscript, B. Guenin introduced the notion of signed graph homomorphisms where he showed how some well‐known conjectures can be captured using this notion. A signed graph is said to map to if there is an equivalent signed graph of and a mapping such that (i) if then and if and only if . The chromatic number of a signed graph can then be defined as the smallest order of a homomorphic image of . Capturing the notion of graph homomorphism order, signed graph homomorphisms provide room for extensions and strengthenings of most homomorphism and coloring theories on graphs. Thus this paper is the first general study of signed graph homomorphisms. In this work, our focus would be on the relation of homomorphisms of signed graphs with minors of signed graphs. After a thorough introduction to the concept we show that the notion of signed graph homomorphism on the set of signed graphs whose underlying graph is bipartite already captures the standard notion of graph homomorphism. We prove that the largest planar signed clique is of order 8. For the maximum chromatic number of planar signed graphs we give the lower bound of 10 and the upper bound of 48. We determine this maximum for some other families such as outerplanar signed graphs. Finally, reformulating Hadwiger's conjecture in the language of homomorphism of signed graphs whose underlying graph is bipartite, we show that while some stronger form of the conjecture holds for small chromatic number, such strengthening of the conjecture would not hold for large chromatic numbers. This could be regarded as a first indication that perhaps Hadwiger's conjecture only holds for small chromatic numbers.
Savings Groups, Livelihoods and Education: Two Case Studies in Ghana
Authors: Cameron Stuart , Ananga Eric Daniel 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDoes access to better village‐level facilities for saving and borrowing improve educational outcomes and expenditure? Based on a literature review and case studies in Ghana commissioned by Plan UK, this paper finds that savings groups programmes, such as village savings and loans associations, help poor rural households pay for education in some contexts but not others. Households use loans directly to pay school expenses and also invest in income‐generating activities that allow them to raise educational expenditure in the longer term. There are additional indirect effects on education through health care, nutrition and household decision‐making. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The masquelet induced membrane technique with BMP and a synthetic scaffold can heal a rat femoral critical size defect
Authors: Bosemark Per , Perdikouri Christina , Pelkonen Mea , Isaksson Hanna , Tägil Magnus 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTLong bone defects can be managed by the induced membrane technique together with autologous bone graft. However, graft harvest is associated with donor site morbidity. This study investigates if a tricalcium phosphate hydroxyapatite scaffold can be used alone or in combination with bone active drugs to improve healing. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 40) were randomized into four groups. (A) scaffold, (B) BMP‐7, (C) BMP‐7 + scaffold, and (D) BMP‐7 + scaffold + systemic bisphosphonate at 2 weeks. Locked femoral nailing was followed by 6 mm segment removal and implantation of an epoxy spacer. At 4 weeks, the spacers were removed and the defects grafted. Eleven weeks later, the bones were explanted for evaluation with radiography, manual assessment, micro‐CT, histology, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Isolated scaffolds (A) did not heal any defects, whereas the other treatments led to healing in 7/10 (B), 10/10 (C), and 9/10 (D) rats. Group D had greater volume of highly mineralized bone (p < 0.01) and higher bone volume fraction (p < 0.01) compared to all other groups. A synthetic scaffold + BMP‐7 combined with a bisphosphonate improved the callus properties in a rat femoral critical size defect, compared to both BMP‐7 and scaffold alone or the two combined. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:488–495, 2015.
Tendon Functional Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Screen Hazel R. C. , Berk David E. , Kadler Karl E. , Ramirez Francesco , Young Marian F. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThis article is one of a series, summarizing views expressed at the Orthopaedic Research Society New Frontiers in Tendon Research Conference. This particular article reviews the three workshops held under the “Functional Extracellular Matrix” stream. The workshops focused on the roles of the tendon extracellular matrix, such as performing the mechanical functions of tendon, creating the local cell environment, and providing cellular cues. Tendon is a complex network of matrix and cells, and its biological functions are influenced by widely varying extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as age, nutrition, exercise levels, and biomechanics. Consequently, tendon adapts dynamically during development, aging, and injury. The workshop discussions identified research directions associated with understanding cell–matrix interactions to be of prime importance for developing novel strategies to target tendon healing or repair. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:793–799, 2015.
Hypoxic regulation of functional extracellular matrix elaboration by nucleus pulposus cells in long‐term agarose culture
Authors: Gorth Deborah J , Lothstein Katherine E , Chiaro Joseph A , Farrell Megan J , Dodge George R , Elliott Dawn M , Malhotra Neil R , Mauck Robert L , Smith Lachlan J 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTDegeneration of the intervertebral discs is strongly implicated as a cause of low back pain. Since current treatments for discogenic low back pain show poor long‐term efficacy, a number of new biological strategies are being pursued. For such therapies to succeed, it is critical that they be validated in conditions that mimic the unique biochemical microenvironment of the nucleus pulposus (NP), which include low oxygen tension. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oxygen tension on NP cell functional extracellular matrix elaboration in 3D culture. Bovine NP cells were encapsulated in agarose constructs and cultured for 14 or 42 days in either 20% or 2% oxygen in defined media containing transforming growth factor beta‐3. At each time point, extracellular matrix composition, biomechanics, and mRNA expression of key phenotypic markers were evaluated. Results showed that while bulk mechanics and composition were largely independent of oxygen level, low oxygen promoted improved restoration of the NP phenotype, higher mRNA expression of extracellular matrix and NP specific markers, and more uniform matrix elaboration. These findings indicate that culture under physiological oxygen levels is an important consideration for successful development of cell and growth factor‐based regenerative strategies for the disc. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:747–754, 2015.
Burns in the head and neck: A national representative analysis of emergency department visits
Authors: Heilbronn Cameron M. , Svider Peter F. , Folbe Adam J. , Shkoukani Mahdi A. , Carron Michael A. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Zuliani Giancarlo 
Published: January 2015

Objectives/HypothesisHead and neck burns (HNBs) engender serious sequelae including airway edema, speech/swallowing dysfunction, sensory deficits, and scarring/disfigurement, often requiring significant reconstructive surgery. We used a nationally representative resource to estimate the number of visits to emergency departments (EDs), analyze burn types and demographic patterns, and identify specific consumer products involved.MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was evaluated for the most recent 5‐year period available. HNB ED visits were identified, and patient records were evaluated for consumer products facilitating injury, along with other ED visit and patient characteristics.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2013, 6,326 cases extrapolating to 233,431 ED visits nationally were identified. Males were predominantly impacted (64.1%). Although adults overall comprised the majority of patients (59.7%), children between 1 and 2 years of age had the highest incidence (21,544 ED visits nationally). The most common consumer products facilitating HNB included welding equipment, hot water, gasoline, bleaches, and cookware. Most injuries involved the face (55%), whereas the most common etiologies included thermal (40%), chemical (23%), and scald (22%) burns. Consumer products and injury patterns varied by patient age.ConclusionsHNBs significantly impact healthcare delivery, as over 200,000 visits reportedly presented to EDs over the 5‐year period studied. Consumer products facilitating visits and associated patient demographics described may guide history, clinical examination, and identification of secondary injuries. In particular, age‐specific patterns detailed may be included in consumer education and patient counseling to facilitate injury prevention, as office visits provide an opportunity to counsel patients.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 125:1573–1578, 2015
Permanent transoral surgery of bilateral vocal fold paralysis: A prospective multi‐center trial
Authors: Nawka Tadeus , Sittel Christian , Gugatschka Markus , Arens Christoph , Lang‐Roth Ruth , Wittekindt Claus , Hagen Rudolf , Müller Andreas H. , Volk Gerd F. , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando 
Published: January 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe postoperative adverse events (AEs) and outcomes after transoral surgery for bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP).Study DesignProspective observational multicenter study.MethodsThirty‐six patients with BVFP underwent transoral surgery using standard surgical procedures to unilaterally widen the glottic area. Postoperative adverse events (AEs) including severe adverse events (SAEs) were registered continuously. Pre‐ and 6‐month postoperative evaluations included the 6‐Minute Walk Test, the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory, the 12‐Item Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐12), and a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing graded according to the Penetration–Aspiration‐Scale.ResultsThe patients underwent posterior cordotomy, partial arytenoidectomy, or permanent laterofixation as single procedures or in combination. Forty‐seven percent of the patients had postoperative AEs. Dyspnea was the most frequent AE (45%). In 40% of AEs, the events were severe (SAEs), and 72.5% were related to the study intervention. Revision surgery leading to prolonged hospitalization or rehospitalization was necessary in nine cases (25%). Laterofixation was correlated to a decreased risk of AEs (P = 0.042). Six months after surgery, a significant improvement was seen in the SF‐domains: Physical component score (P = 0.008), physical functioning (P = 0.001), physical role (P = 0.031), and vitality (P = 0.032). Concerning the voice handicap, only the VHI‐12 physical subscore showed a decrease (P = 0.005). The total score and other VHI‐12 subscores did not change significantly (all P > 0.05).ConclusionBCVP patients profit from modern transoral surgery for unilateral glottic widening; quality of life is improved; and the voice is preserved. Nevertheless, postoperative complications are frequent.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1401–1408, 2015