bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimulation threshold greatly affects the predictive value of intraoperative nerve monitoring
Authors: Faden Daniel L. , Orloff Lisa A. , Ayeni Tokunbo , Fink Daniel S. , Yung Katherine 
Published: October 2014

Objectives/HypothesisUsing a standardized, graded, intraoperative stimulation protocol, we aimed to delineate the effects of various stimulation levels applied to the recurrent laryngeal nerve on the postoperative predictive value of intraoperative nerve monitoring.Study DesignA total of 917 nerves at risk were included for analysis. Intraoperatively, patients underwent stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve at 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 mA followed by postoperative laryngoscopy for correlation with intraoperative findings.MethodsSensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated at each stimulation level.ResultsSensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predicative values ranged from 100% to 37%, 6% to 99%, 2% to 39%, and 100% to 99%, respectively at 0.3 to 1.0 mA. No demographic variables affected sensitivity or specificity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified 0.5 mA as the level of stimulation that optimizes sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionsThe predictive value of intraoperative nerve monitoring varies greatly depending on the stimulation levels used. At low amplitudes of stimulation, nerve monitoring has high sensitivity and negative predictive value but low specificity and positive predictive value, related to the high rate of false positives. At high levels of stimulation, specificity and negative predictive value are high, sensitivity is low, and the positive predictive value rises as the rate of false negatives increase and the rate of false positives decrease. A stimulation level of 0.5 mA optimizes the predictive value of nerve monitoring; however, stimulation at multiple levels significantly improves the predictive value of intraoperative nerve monitoring.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1265–1270, 2015
Evaluatingin SituWater and Soil Conservation Practices with a Fully Coupled, Surface/Subsurface Process‐Based Hydrological Model in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Opolot Emmanuel , Araya Tesfay , Nyssen Jan , Al‐Barri Bashar , Verbist Koen , Cornelis Wim M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn situwater and soil conservation (WSC) practices are a promising intervention to improve rainwater management particularly in the semi‐arid to dry sub‐humid tropics. This study applies a fully coupled surface–subsurface process‐based model (HydroGeoSphere) to simulate in detail rainwater partitioning as affected by twoin situWSC practices [terwah+ (TER+) andderdero+ (DER+)] currently under study on Vertisols in Tigray, Ethiopia and to evaluate the treatments in terms of rainwater partitioning. In the TER+ practice, contour furrows of 0·2 m wide and 0·1 m deep are created at 1·5 m intervals between permanent broad beds, whereas in DER+, permanent raised beds 0·6 m wide with furrows 0·2 m wide and 0·1 m deep are created, to minimize runoff and water logging. The model accurately reproduced measured surface runoff (e.g. in DER+: Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiencyE = 0·6 for calibration and 0·7 for verification) and soil moisture content (DER+:E = 0·6 for calibration and 0·8 for verification). Runoff depth was lowest under DER+ (50 mm) followed by TER+ (67 mm) and significantly higher in conventional tillage (CT) (160 mm). Simulated transpiration, evaporation and drainage out of the root zone were all higher under DER+ and TER+ compared with CT. The effects of DER+ and TER+ practices on rainwater partitioning were more pronounced in wet years than in dry years. The model proved to be a promising and versatile tool to assess the impact of WSC practices on rainwater partitioning at the field scale. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembly of Polyethylenimine‐Modified Biodegradable Complex Micelles as Gene Transfer Vector for Proliferation of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lv Juan , Hao Xuefang , Yang Jing , Feng Yakai , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: October 2014

Polyethylenimine (PEI) can perfectly condense with DNA and sufficiently transfer genes, but its high toxicity limits its application. Here, complex micelles are prepared as low‐toxicity gene vectors by self‐assembly of two block copolymers in aqueous solution. The complex micelles consist of a biodegradable poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) core and a mixed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/PEI shell. The ZNF580 gene plasmid (pEGFP‐ZNF580), which has the ability of enhancing the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, is encapsulated into the complex micelles. Using dynamic light scattering, the degradation behavior of the micelles is investigated in vitro. The hydrodynamic size and zeta potential of blank and DNA‐loaded micelles are feasible to cellular uptake and gene transfection. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay shows that the cytotoxicity of the complex micelles is very low when the PEG/PEI ratio is 3/1. The DNA‐loaded micelles are found to be able to enhance the proliferation of endothelial cells.
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Phase Diagram of Sodium Hexametaphosphate and Poly(allylamine hydrochloride) Mixtures and In Situ Monitoring of Step‐by‐Step Deposition in This Polyelectrolyte System
Authors: Ball Vincent 
Published: October 2014

The step‐by‐step deposition of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and sodium hexameta­phosphate (PSP) leads to coatings displaying interesting intumescent properties and is a fascinating model system to understand the fundamental mechanism behind such a deposition process. In this investigation, the deposition kinetics of (PAH‐PSP)n is followed in situ by means of a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, as a function of NaCl concentration. The evolution of the film deposition is analyzed in detail and the data are compared with previous data obtained by ellipsometry on dried films. These results are also compared with the expectations from the PAH/PSP phase diagram. The (PAH‐PSP)n films are also able to incorporate hexacyanoferrate anions with an amount of an incorporated redox probe reflecting the film thickness as obtained in the presence of eletrolyte solutions of increasing ionic strength. The in situ measurements and the electrochemical probe experiments reveal details of the film deposition mechanism that are not accessible by dry‐state characterization methods.
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Molecular‐Weight‐Dependent Changes in Morphology of Solution‐Grown Polyethylene Single Crystals
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Jingbo , Baier Moritz C. , Mecking Stefan , Reiter Renate , Mülhaupt Rolf , Reiter Günter 
Published: October 2014

Polymer single crystals consisting of folded chains are always in a nonequilibrium state, even if they are faceted with a well‐defined envelope reflecting the parameters of the crystal unit cell. Heterogeneities like small variations in the degree of chain folding within such crystals are responsible for a rather broad range in melting temperature. Consequently, upon annealing at a given temperature, some parts may be above and some below their respective melting temperatures, inducing a lamellar thickening process, which may vary locally. To emphasize such variations, controlled annealing experiments are performed at comparatively low temperatures and for long times. For single crystals of low‐molecular‐weight polyethylene, the formation of the well‐known “Swiss‐cheese”‐like morphology with randomly distributed holes of varying sizes within the annealed single crystal is observed. However, for high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene, a regular pattern appeared upon annealing, characterized by branches of equal width that are oriented perpendicular to the crystal edge. All branches end at the nucleation site. Interestingly, the resulting pattern depends sensitively on both crystallization and annealing conditions. These thermally induced regular patterns within a single crystal are attributed to a stable crystalline framework formed within polyethylene single crystals in the course of growth.
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Neuropathology of multiple system atrophy: New thoughts about pathogenesis
Authors: Jellinger Kurt A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal adult‐onset neurodegenerative disorder of uncertain etiology, clinically manifesting with autonomic failure associated with parkinsonism, cerebellar dysfunction, and pyramidal signs in variable combination. The pathological process affects central autonomic, striatonigral, and olivopontocerebellar systems. These show varying degrees of neurodegeneration and underlie the stratification of the heterogenous disorder into MSA‐P and MSA‐C clinical variants, which correlate to the morphologic phenotypes of striatonigral degeneration and olivopontocerebellar atrophy (MSA‐C). The lesions are not limited to these most consistently and severely affected systems but may involve many other parts of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, underpinning the multisystem character of MSA. The histological core feature are glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs, Papp‐Lantos bodies) in all types of oligodendroglia that contain aggregates of misfolded α‐Synuclein (α‐Syn). In addition to the ectopic appearance of α‐Syn in oligodendrocytes and other cells, oxidative stress, proteasomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxiciy, neuroinflammation, metabolic changes, and energy failure are important contributors to the pathogenesis of MSA, as shown by various neurotoxic and transgenic animal models. Although the basic mechanisms of α‐Syn–triggered neurodegeneration are not completely understood, neuron‐to‐oligodendrocyte transfer of α‐Syn by prion‐like spreading, inducing oligodendroglial and myelin dysfunction associated with chronic neuroinflammation, are suggested finally to lead to a system‐specific pattern of neurodegeneration. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A metabolomics‐driven approach to predict cocoa product consumption by designing a multimetabolite biomarker model in free‐living subjects from the PREDIMED study
Authors: Garcia‐Aloy Mar , Llorach Rafael , Urpi‐Sarda Mireia , Jáuregui Olga , Corella Dolores , Ruiz‐Canela Miguel , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Fitó Montserrat , Ros Emilio , Estruch Ramon , Andres‐Lacueva Cristina 
Published: October 2014

ScopeThe aim of the current study was to apply an untargeted metabolomics strategy to characterize a model of cocoa intake biomarkers in a free‐living population.Methods and resultsAn untargeted HPLC‐q‐ToF‐MS based metabolomics approach was applied to human urine from 32 consumers of cocoa or derived products (CC) and 32 matched control subjects with no consumption of cocoa products (NC). The multivariate statistical analysis (OSC‐PLS‐DA) showed clear differences between CC and NC groups. The discriminant biomarkers identified were mainly related to the metabolic pathways of theobromine and polyphenols, as well as to cocoa processing. Consumption of cocoa products was also associated with reduced urinary excretions of methylglutarylcarnitine, which could be related to effects of cocoa exposure on insulin resistance. To improve the prediction of cocoa consumption, a combined urinary metabolite model was constructed. ROC curves were performed to evaluate the model and individual metabolites. The AUC values (95% CI) for the model were 95.7% (89.8–100%) and 92.6% (81.9–100%) in training and validation sets, respectively, whereas the AUCs for individual metabolites were <90%.ConclusionsThe metabolic signature of cocoa consumption in free‐living subjects reveals that combining different metabolites as biomarker models improves prediction of dietary exposure to cocoa.
Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis: when a fetal malformation syndrome reveals maternal pathology
Authors: Quélin Chloé , Loget Philippe , D'Hervé Dominique , Fradin Mélanie , Milon Joëlle , Ferry Mathilde , Body‐Bechou Delphine , Tréguier Catherine , Garcia Hoyos Maria , Odent Sylvie 
Published: October 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OSCS) is an X‐linked dominant disorder combining hyperostosis of the skull and metaphyseal striations in females and a more severe phenotype in males with fetal malformations and risk of death in early childhood.What does this study add?

This case emphasizes that OSCS must be considered in fetuses with abnormalities such as macrocephaly, bony sclerosis and fibular hypoplasia, particularly if the mother is macrocephalic.
Reproducibility of measuring amniotic fluid index and single deepest vertical pool throughout gestation
Authors: Sande J. A. , Ioannou C. , Sarris I. , Ohuma E. O. , Papageorghiou A. T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of measurement of amniotic fluid index (AFI) and single deepest vertical pool (SDVP), also known as the maximal vertical pocket.MethodsA total of 175 fetuses were evaluated. For each fetus, two observers acquired duplicate sets of AFI and SDVP. Measurement differences were expressed as actual and percentage values. For all comparisons, Bland–Altman plots were used to compare differences, and limits of agreement were calculated.ResultsIntraobserver and interobserver agreement remained fairly constant with gestation, both for AFI and SDVP. The intraobserver limits of agreement for AFI were −5.2 to 5 cm or −39% to 37%; whereas for SDVP, these were −2.6 to 2.4 cm or −52% to 48%. The interobserver limits of agreement for AFI measurement were −7.3 to 7.1 cm or −54% to 53% and for SDVP measurement were −2.5 to 2.5 cm or −51% to 52%. Intraobserver coefficient of variation for SDVP was 14% and for AFI was 19%; the interobserver coefficient was 19% for both AFI and SDVP.ConclusionLimits of agreement for both methods are wide. The choice of method should be dictated by clinical considerations other than method reproducibility. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome: a case report
Authors: Raposo Laura , Fachada Helena , Santos Paulo António , Cerveira Isabel , Castedo Sérgio , Pereira Susana 
Published: October 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS) is a rare multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Prenatal diagnosis is challenging because the ultrasound findings are relatively non‐specific.What does this study add?

Prenatal diagnosis of GCPS is difficult but possible. Ultrasound findings and family history play the main role that can lead to this diagnosis as in this case.
Expanded intrathoracic space in fetal cases of isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia contributes to disparity between percent predicted lung volume and observed to expected total lung volume
Authors: Phithakwatchara Nisarat , Coleman Alan , Peiro Jose L. , Lee Amanda E. , Keswani Sundeep G. , Kline‐Fath Beth , Lim Foong‐Yen , Shaaban Aimen F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether fetal lung volume and visceral herniation are associated with changes in intrathoracic space in congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH).MethodsWe retrospectively examined the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging‐derived measurements of intrathoracic space [predicted lung volume (PLV)] and residual lung volume or visceral herniation among isolated left‐sided CDH fetuses.ResultsData from fetal magnetic resonance imaging studies of 60 isolated left‐sided CDH cases were analyzed. The median PLV of the CDH fetuses was found to be much greater than the expected total lung volume (eTLV) of a normal fetus at the same gestational age. Surprisingly, liver herniation and observed TLV(oTLV) were positively correlated with the PLV. Although the PPLV was consistently less than the o/eTLV, both indices were greater in survivors than in non‐survivors, whereas no significant difference was seen in the PLV/eTLV ratio in regard to survivorship.ConclusionThe intrathoracic domain available for lungs and viscera is expanded in CDH fetuses and positively affected by the lung volume and the presence of liver herniation, leading to the difference in the PPLV and o/eTLV. Future study of intrathoracic space as it relates to the growth of the lung and herniated viscera is needed to better characterize the relationship between these parameters. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cumulative damage index method: a new method for evaluating the effectiveness of control measures for Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Mu Fang , Sun Lijuan , Wang Sifang , Duan Fangmeng , Gu Songdong , Sun Shujian , Zhang Yanzhou , Shen Changpeng 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDAll previously and currently used methods for effectiveness evaluation of control measures for the diamondback moth (DBM) do not simultaneously take the actual damage and population size into consideration. Here, we propose a new method, the cumulative damage index method, in which the number of larvae and their amount of food consumption are simultaneously included in the calculation of the theoretical cumulative damage index (T) and actual cumulative damage index (A). Evaluation was based on the reduced degree of damage calculated according to indexes T and A.RESULTSBased on the new method, the corrected effectiveness of the combined use of biological measures, chemical insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and P. xylostella granulosis virus (PxGV) on DBM was 35.85, 2.37, 12.50 and 11.77% respectively. Under the action of natural factors, the Population Developmental Index (I) of DBM was 5.1 ± 1.4; under the integrated actions of natural factors and these four types of measure, index I of DBM was 0.34 ± 0.1, 6.1 ± 1.5, 2.1 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.3 respectively. The sole effectiveness of Trichogramma spp. when integrated with other natural factors, integrated biological measures and chemical insecticides was 21.43 ± 1.69%, 45.27 ± 4.09% and 20.68 ± 2.60% respectively.CONCLUSIONSThere was some difference between the effectiveness evaluated by the new method and index I, and the actual damage caused by DBM could be reflected well by index A. The new method is more scientifically appropriate and practical for effectiveness evaluation than existing methods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Distributed consensus of discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with multiplicative noises
Authors: Long Yushen , Liu Shuai , Xie Lihua 
Published: October 2014

SummaryIn this paper, we consider the consensus problem of discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with multiplicative communication noises. Each agent can only receive information corrupted by noises from its neighbors and/or a reference node. The intensities of these noises are dependent on the relative states of agents. Under some mild assumptions of the noises and the structure of network, consensus is analyzed under a fixed topology, dynamically switching topologies and randomly switching topologies, respectively. By combining algebraic graph theory and martingale convergence theorem, sufficient conditions for mean square and almost sure consensus are given. Further, when the consensus is achieved without a reference, it is shown that the consensus point is a random variable with its expectation being the average of the initial states of the agents and its variance being bounded. If the multi‐agent system has access to the state of the reference, the state of each agent can asymptotically converge to the reference. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oscillatory Shear Stress Mediates Directional Reorganization of Actin Cytoskeleton and Alters Differentiation Propensity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Kuo Yi-Chun , Chang Tzu-Hao , Hsu Wei-Tse , Zhou Jing , Lee Hsiao-Hui , Hui-Chun Ho Jennifer , Chien Shu , Kuang-Sheng Oscar 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Shear stress stimuli differentially regulate cellular functions based on the pattern, magnitude as well as duration of the flow. Shear stress can modify intracellular kinase activities and cytoskeleton reorganization to result in changes of cell behavior. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mechano-sensitive cells, but little is known about the effects of oscillatory shear stress (OS). In this study, we demonstrate that OS of 0.5 ± 4 dyn/cm2 induces directional reorganization of F-actin to mediate the fate choice of MSCs through the regulation of β-catenin. We also found that intercellular junction molecules are the predominant mechanosensors of OS in MSCs to deliver the signals that result in directional rearrangement of F-actin, as well as the increase of phosphorylated β-catenin (pβ-catenin) after 30 minutes of OS stimulation. Depolymerization of F-actin and increase in pβ-catenin also lead to the upregulation of Wnt inhibitory factors sclerostin and dickkopf-1. Inhibition of β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway is accompanied by the upregulation of sex determining region Y-box2 and NANOG to control self-renewal. In conclusion, the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and increase in β-catenin phosphorylation triggered by OS regulate the expression of pluripotency genes via the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway to differentially direct fate choices of MSCs at different time points. Results from this study have provided new information regarding how MSCs respond to mechanical cues from their microenvironment in a time-dependent fashion, and such biophysical stimuli could be administered to guide the fate and differentiation of stem cells in addition to conventional biochemical approaches. Stem Cells 2015;33:429–442
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: pathophysiology, staging, prediction and prevention
Authors: Nastri C. O. , Teixeira D. M. , Moroni R. M. , Leitão V. M. S. , Martins W. P. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo identify, appraise and summarize the current evidence regarding the pathophysiology, staging, prediction and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).MethodsTwo comprehensive systematic reviews were carried out: one examined methods of predicting either high ovarian response or OHSS and the other examined interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of OHSS. Additionally, we describe the related pathophysiology and staging criteria.ResultsSeven studies examining methods of predicting OHSS and eight more examining methods of predicting high ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation were included. Current evidence shows that the best methods of predicting high response are antral follicle count and anti‐Müllerian hormone levels, and that a high ovarian response (examined by the number of large follicles, estradiol concentration or the number of retrieved oocytes) is the best method of predicting the occurrence of OHSS. Ninety‐seven randomized controlled trials examining the effect of several interventions for reducing the occurrence of OHSS were included. There was high‐quality evidence that replacing human chorionic gonadotropin by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists or recombinant luteinizing hormone, and moderate‐quality evidence that antagonist protocols, dopamine agonists and mild stimulation, reduce the occurrence of OHSS. The evidence for the effect of the other interventions was of low/very low quality. Additionally, we identified and described 12 different staging criteria.ConclusionsThere are useful predictive tools and several preventive interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of OHSS. Acknowledging and understanding them are of crucial importance for planning the treatment of, and, ultimately, eliminating, OHSS while maintaining high pregnancy rates. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.