bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atopische Dermatitis: Wie sich Dupilumab in der Routineversorgung schlägt
Authors: Kirsten Natalia
Published: January 2021

Das deutsche Neurodermitis-Register TREATgermany ist ein wissenschaftlich geleitetes prospektives Forschungsregister zur Beobachtung von Patient*innen mit moderater bis schwerer Neurodermitis. Mit dem Ziel, die Versorgung, Therapie und Perspektive Betroffener in Deutschland im Langzeitverlauf zu beobachten und zu analysieren, konnten seit 2016 mit Unterstützung von deutschlandweit über 40 Rekrutierungszentren über 1.000 erwachsene Patient*innen in das Register eingeschlossen werden. Ab 2020 können nun auch Kinder und Jugendliche in das Register aufgenommen werden (TREATkids). Mit TREATgermany sollen eine umfangreiche Forschungsplattform geschaffen und wichtige Daten für die Versorgungsforschung gesammelt werden: • Forschung zur medizinischen Versorgung von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen mit moderater bis schwerer Neurodermitis • Evaluation der Perspektive der Patient*innen (Nutzen, Ziele, Lebensqualität, Partizipation) • Erhebung der ärztlichen Beweggründe für Therapiereihenfolge und Therapiewechsel • Datensammlung zur Wirksamkeit von Systemtherapien unter Alltagsbedingungen • Beobachtung unerwünschter Arzneimittelwirkungen als wichtiger Beitrag für die Patientensicherheit • Schaffung einer Grundlage zur Untersuchung von immunologischen und genetischen Forschungsfragen Einschlusskriterien für Patient*innen sind die klinisch gesicherte Diagnose Neurodermitis und ein moderater bis schwerer Krankheitsverlauf: objektiver SCORAD > 20 bzw. aktuelle oder vorangegangene (in den letzten 2 Jahren) antientzündliche Systemtherapie. Quelle: www.treatgermany.org
Alkoholizam kod mladih
Authors: Spudić Matija , Kosić Radoslav
Published: January 2021

Uvod: Konzumiranje alkohola kod mladih ponašanje je na koje je potrebno obratiti značajnu pozornost, posebice zbog posljedica koje može imati u životu mlade osobe.
Cilj istraživanja: Cilj je ispitati incidenciju opservacije i hospitalizacije zbog alkoholne intoksikacije kod adolescenata i mlađih punoljetnika u Karlovačkoj županiji.
Ispitanici i metode: Podaci korišteni u ovom radu prikupljeni su putem Bolničkog informacijskog sustava Opće bolnice Karlovac za period od 2013. do 2018. godine. Za statističku obradu dobivenih podataka korištene su deskriptivna i inferencijalna statistika. Korišten je program IBM SPSS Statistics (inačica 20).
Rezultati: Provedeno istraživanje pokazalo je da u periodu od 2013. do 2018. godine postoji statistički značajna razlika u broju muških i ženskih pacijenata zaprimljenih u bolnicu: 173 (72,7 %) muška pacijenta i 65 (27,3 %) ženskih pacijenata. Prosječna dob svih pacijenata iznosi 19 godina. Najveći je broj pacijenata
zbog konzumacije alkohola zaprimljen tijekom 2015. (22,3 %) i 2016. godine (20,2 %). U razdoblju od 2016. do 2018. godine uočava se pad u broju prijema takvih pacijenata. Najveći je broj pacijenata (51 %) zaprimljen na Objedinjeni hitni bolnički prijem (OHBP), a prema broju slijede ih pacijenti koji su zaprimljeni na Odjel psihijatrije (40,2 %), te Odjel pedijatrije (8,7 %). Najveći je broj pacijenata s dijagnozom F10.0 (65,1 %), a potom slijede pacijenti s dijagnozom F10 (28,6 %). Najmanji je broj pacijenata s dijagnozama F10.1 (3,4 %) i F10.2 (2,9 %), što je i očekivano s obzirom na to da se radi o mladima koji najčešće nisu recidivisti, ali i zbog izbjegavanja stigme.
Zaključak: Iako istraživanjem nije potvrđena hipoteza da postoji porast opservacija i hospitalizacija zbog opijanja kod mladih, uporaba alkohola među adolescentima i mlađim punoljetnicima sve je više izražena te je često karakterizirana visokom alkoholemijom i manjkom empatije prema opitom od strane vršnjaka.
Način dokumentiranja disanja plućnih pacijenata na Klinici za plućne bolesti
Jordanovac
Authors: Kozonić Lidija , Režić Slađana
Published: January 2021

Uvod: Najvažniji je proces ljudskog organizma disanje. Disanje se izvodi nesvjesno i voljno, a kontroliraju ga skupine živaca koji pripadaju voljnom sustavu te skupina autonomnih živaca. Disanje ukazuje na niz poremećaja i zbog toga je važno pratiti i bilježiti disanje pacijenata u bolnici.
Cilj: Cilj je rada utvrditi način dokumentiranja disanja kod plućnih pacijenata na dvama odjelima Klinike za plućne bolesti Jordanovac.
Metode i ispitanici: Retrospektivnom je analizom sestrinske dokumentacije uključeno 60 pacijenata koji su se liječili na dvama odjelima Klinike za plućne bolesti Jordanovac. U tu svrhu izrađena je tablica u koju su se upisivali podaci vezani za dokumentiranje disanja.
Rezultati: Rezultati pokazuju da postoje razlike u dokumentiranju disanja između dvaju analiziranih odjela Klinike za plućne bolesti Jordanovac. Medicinske sestre s Odjela intenzivne skrbi u visokom postotku bilježe disanje prilikom prijema pacijenata na Odjel (87 %). Svakodnevno se višekratno bilježi disanje u obrascu vitalnih znakova te se prati disanje putem saturacije i plinske analize arterijske krvi. Medicinske sestre s Odjela za opstruktivne bolesti pluća bilježe disanje pacijenata prilikom prijema u 53 % slučajeva, dok se bilježenje disanja u obrascu vitalnih znakova ne bilježi, a u samo 43 % slučajeva prati se saturacija.
Zaključak: Analizom je utvrđeno postojanje razlike u dokumentiranju disanja između dvaju odjela Klinike za plućne bolesti Jordanovac. Razlike se odnose na bilježenje disanja u sestrinskoj anamnezi prilikom prijema pacijenata na odjele, bilježenje disanja u obrascu vitalnih znakova, praćenju disanja mjerenjem saturacije i vađenjem plinske analize arterijske krvi. Rezultati pokazuju značajne razlike te upućuju na potrebu dodatne edukacije medicinskih sestara.
Što je nedostatna zdravstvena njega?
Authors: Kumpović Danijela , Režić Slađana
Published: January 2021

Uvod: Nedostatna zdravstvena njega podrazumijeva dio njege ili njegu u cijelosti koja nije izvršena ili je izostavljena. Najčešći je uzrok tomu nedostatak osoblja i/ili vremena. U literaturi se navodi nekoliko pojmova koji su vezani za nedostatnu njegu. Najčešće se upotrebljavaju pojmovi „missed care“, „implicit rationing care“, „unfinished care“. U Hrvatskoj se pojam nedostatne njege tek počinje istraživati i najčešće se upotrebljava pojam nedostatne njege.
Metode: Pretraživanjem baze podataka PubMed istraženi su instrumenti kojima se može mjeriti nedostatna njega, a koji su aktualni posljednjih 10 godina.
Rezultati: Najčešći instrumenti korišteni u procjeni nedostatne zdravstvene njege su: Misscare survey, BERNCA, PIRNCA i TASK UNDONE. Svaki od instrumenata validiran je i preveden na nekoliko jezika. Navedeni instrumenti upotrebljavaju se u akutnim bolničkim ustanovama, dok je BERNCA modificiran instrument za mjerenje nedostatne njege koja se provodi u kući.
Zaključak: Nedostatna zdravstvena njega pojam je koji u posljednje vrijeme u velikoj mjeri zaokuplja istraživače. Razvijeno je nekoliko instrumenata koji istražuju taj fenomen. Nedostatna zdravstvena njega utječe na kvalitetu skrbi koju zdravstveni djelatnici pružaju, kao i na njene ishode. Potrebno je provoditi daljnja istraživanja te bi se na temelju rezultata moglo kreirati povoljno radno okruženje i sigurna skrb za pacijente.
Komunikacija u zdravstvenom timu
Authors: Ležaić Anela
Published: January 2021

Dobra komunikacija između medicinskih sestara, liječnika i bolesnika neophodna je za uspješan ishod individualne skrbi za svakog bolesnika. Cilj je da se, uz poboljšanu percepciju timskog rada, medicinske sestre i liječnici osjećaju ugodnije u međusobnoj interakciji i sudjelovanju u zajedničkom odlučivanju.
U konačnici je važno i da podržavaju kulturu sigurnosti za bolesnike te članove zdravstvenog tima. Učinkovit zdravstveni tim osigurava medicinskim sestrama manje izgaranja na radnom mjestu. Kvalitetna komunikacija pomaže u organizaciji jasne, točne i dosljedne zdravstvene službe, jamčeći zadovoljstvo bolesnika i zaštitu medicinskih sestara. Komunikacija između članova tima ključna je za postojanje tima. Članovi promiču izražavanje inovativnih prijedloga, korištenje poboljšanih radnih postupaka i jasnu raspravu o problemima i zajedničkim zadacima. Liječnik i medicinska sestra imaju dobro definiran djelokrug rada te djeluju kao partner u zdravstvenom timu. Najučinkovitiji su timovi oni čiji se članovi razlikuju prema znanju i informacijama koje posjeduju i jedinstveni su u vrednotama koje zagovaraju. Neučinkovit timski rad prepoznat je kao glavni čimbenik koji doprinosi smanjenju sigurnosti bolesnika. Stoga je jačanje timskog rada diljem svijeta ključno za poboljšanje sigurnosti
bolesnika. Potrebno je istaknuti da neučinkovitu komunikaciju između članova zdravstvenog tima opažaju i bolesnici.
U radu su prikazani oblici komunikacije i prednosti timskoga rada. Važnost komunikacije u zdravstvu prikazana je putem dobivenih rezultata provedenih istraživanja drugih autora.
Activation of TRPC (Transient Receptor Potential Canonical) Channel Currents in Iron Overloaded Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Siri-Angkul Natthaphat , Song Zhen , Fefelova Nadezhda , Gwathmey Judith K. , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Qu Zhilin , Chattipakorn Nipon , Xie Lai-Hua
Published: January 2021

Background:

Arrhythmias and heart failure are common cardiac complications leading to substantial morbidity and mortality in patients with hemochromatosis, yet mechanistic insights remain incomplete. We investigated the effects of iron (Fe) on electrophysiological properties and intracellular Ca
2+
(Ca
2+
i
) handling in mouse left ventricular cardiomyocytes.

Methods:

Cardiomyocytes were isolated from the left ventricle of mouse hearts and were superfused with Fe
3+
/8-hydroxyquinoline complex (5–100 μM). Membrane potential and ionic currents including TRPC (transient receptor potential canonical) were recorded using the patch-clamp technique. Ca
2+
i
was evaluated by using Fluo-4. Cell contraction was measured with a video-based edge detection system. The role of TRPCs in the genesis of arrhythmias was also investigated by using a mathematical model of a mouse ventricular myocyte with the incorporation of the TRPC component.

Results:

We observed prolongation of the action potential duration and induction of early and delayed afterdepolarizations in myocytes superfused with 15 µmol/L Fe
3+
/8-hydroxyquinoline complex. Iron treatment decreased the peak amplitude of the L-type Ca
2+
current and total K
+
current, altered Ca
2+
i
dynamics, and decreased cell contractility. During the final phase of Fe treatment, sustained Ca
2+
i
waves and repolarization failure occurred and ventricular cells became unexcitable. Gadolinium abolished Ca
2+
i
waves and restored the resting membrane potential to the normal range. The involvement of TRPC activation was confirmed by TRPC channel current recordings in the absence or presence of functional TRPC channel antibodies. Computer modeling captured the same action potential and Ca
2+
i
dynamics and provided additional mechanistic insights.

Conclusions:

We conclude that iron overload induces cardiac dysfunction that is associated with TRPC channel activation and alterations in membrane potential and Ca
2+
i
dynamics.
Dynamic expression of brain functional systems disclosed by
fine-scale analysis of edge time series
Authors: Sporns Olaf , Faskowitz Joshua , Teixeira Andreia Sofia , Cutts Sarah A. , Betzel Richard F.
Published: January 2021

Functional connectivity (FC) describes the statistical dependence between neuronal populations or brain regions in resting-state fMRI studies and is commonly estimated as the Pearson correlation of time courses. Clustering or community detection reveals densely coupled sets of regions constituting resting-state networks or functional systems. These systems manifest most clearly when FC is sampled over longer epochs but appear to fluctuate on shorter timescales. Here, we propose a new approach to reveal temporal fluctuations in neuronal time series. Unwrapping FC signal correlations yields pairwise co-fluctuation time series, one for each node pair or edge, and allows tracking of fine-scale dynamics across the network. Co-fluctuations partition the network, at each time step, into exactly two communities. Sampled over time, the overlay of these bipartitions, a binary decomposition of the original time series, very closely approximates functional connectivity. Bipartitions exhibit characteristic spatiotemporal patterns that are reproducible across participants and imaging runs, capture individual differences, and disclose fine-scale temporal expression of functional systems. Our findings document that functional systems appear transiently and intermittently, and that FC results from the overlay of many variable instances of system expression. Potential applications of this decomposition of functional connectivity into a set of binary patterns are discussed.
Towards a Uniform and Informed Interpretation of the Best Interests of the Child by the Judiciary: Inter-American and European Jurisprudence
Authors: Sanz-Caballero Susana
Published: January 2021

This article analyses the interpretations made by two regional human rights courts regarding the best interests of the child. In cases of controversy, it is for the judges to decide how, or whether, the best interests of the child should be applied. Due to the dependence and vulnerability of children, judicial remedies are a critical form of redress when children’s rights are violated. This article analyses case law from two regional courts (the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (ICtHR) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)). The purpose of this analysis is twofold: first of all to see how the two courts interpret and apply the concept; and secondly, to ascertain whether there are similarities of interpretation or common grounds of understanding between the two courts, with particular regard to General Comment No. 14 (GC 14) of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child on the right of the child to have their best interests taken as a primary consideration.
Opuntia tehuacana and O. olmeca (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae) are to be considered as ascribed to a single species: morphological and molecular evidences
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-GONZÁLEZ CÉSAR RAMIRO , MORALES-SANDOVAL JOSÉ DE JESÚS , GONZÁLEZ-MARTÍNEZ CÉSAR ADRIÁN , JIMÉNEZ-RAMÍREZ JAIME , GALLEGOS-VÁZQUEZ CLEMENTE
Published: January 2021

Opuntia tehuacana and Opuntia olmeca are morphological similarity and have been considered during the time as the same species. However, neither a detailed morphological study nor a phylogenetic assessment has been made to confirm this statement. In fact, although several phylogenetic studies of the genus Opuntia have been carried out, both species have not been sampled to know their phylogenetic relationships. The present study is based on a morphological comparison of the two taxa, based on both live and herborized individuals. A total of eighteen sequences were generated, six ITS, six matK, and six trnL-F. and a phylogenetic analysis was performed based on Bayesian inference. The results obatined provides evidences that support O. olmeca and O. tehuacana as the same species.
Two new species of Monteverdia (Celastraceae) from Ecuador
Authors: BIRAL LEONARDO , CORNEJO XAVIER
Published: January 2021

This contribution describes two new species of Monteverdia restricted to western Ecuador. Monteverdia multicostata Cornejo & Biral, from wet forests of Esmeraldas and Manabí provinces, is easily distinguished from all other known Monteverdia species by having the largest fruits in the genus (to 3.5 cm long) and by its unusual multi-ridged seeds. Monteverdia zakii Biral & Cornejo, from the Montane Andean forests of Pichincha, is characterized by the unique combination of: lenticellate twigs, coriaceous leaves with inconspicuous secondary veins and a large fruit with a truncate base. This set of characters distinguishes it from the related M. macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Biral.
New names for Briquetiastrum (Malvaceae, Malvoideae)

Authors: BOVINI MASSIMO G.
Published: January 2021

Briquetiastrum Bovini (2015:e022) is a Neotropical genus with three species. It occurs from Mexico to Brazil to the limit of the Capricorn Tropic. In South America, there are no records for Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Bovini 2015).
A new species of Trachelopachys Simon, 1897 (Araneae: Trachelidae) from Amazonia
Authors: PANTOJA PAULO , SATURNINO REGIANE , BONALDO ALEXANDRE B.
Published: January 2021

The genus Trachelopachys Simon, 1897 was erected to accommodate Trachelas sericeus Simon, 1886, a species known from southern South America. Platnick (1975) presented a taxonomic review of the genus and Platnick & Rocha (1995) added a new species and transferred two additional species to the genus, raising the known species diversity of Trachelopachys to 15 species. The genus is distributed in South America, their members are small and colorful, and are distinguished from other trachelines by their darkened carapace, the S-shaped tegular sperm duct and the retrolaterally directed embolus of the male palp (Platnick 1975: fig 12), and the presence of a basal spermathecal lobe in females (Platnick 1975: fig 15). Here we describe the 16th species of the genus, Trachelopachys camarapi sp. nov. (Fig. 1), known from both sexes and recorded in a natural savanna (Fig. 2) at Portel municipality, state of Pará, Brazil.
New data on the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran
Authors: DOLATI SANA , TALEBI ALI ASGHAR , PERIS-FELIPO FRANCISCO JAVIER , FARAHANI SAMIRA , KHAYRANDISH MOHAMMAD
Published: January 2021

Specimens of the Opiinae subfamily (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were collected using Malaise traps during 2010–2011 in Northern Iran (Alborz, Guilan, Mazandaran, Qazvin and Tehran provinces). A total of 32 species belonging to 12 genera were identified, of which 11 species are new records for the fauna of Iran: Apodesmia posticatae (Fischer, 1957), Apodesmia striatula (Fischer, 1957), Biosteres (Chilotrichia) advectus Papp, 1979, Bitomus (Bitomus) multipilis Fischer, 1990, Desmiostoma parvulum (Wesmael, 1835), Opius (Misophthora) rufimixtus Fischer, 1958, Opius (Opiothorax) phytobiae Fischer, 1959, Opius (Misophthora) mischa Fischer, 1968, Opius (Opiothorax) attributus Fischer, 1962, Phaedrotoma pseudonitida (Fahringer, 1943) and Utetes curtipectus (Fischer, 1958). In addition, 21 species are new provincial records. Local and global distributions of all 32 species as well as diagnostic characters of each of the newly recorded species are provided.
Three new leafhopper species of Macropsis Lewis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Eurymelinae: Macropsini) with a key to species from the Indian subcontinent
Authors: VIRAKTAMATH C.A. , YESHWANTH H.M.
Published: January 2021

Three new species, Macropsis dalhousiensis sp. nov. (India: Himachal Pradesh), M. krishna sp. nov. (India: Karnataka) and M. puttarudriahi sp. nov. (India: Arunachal Pradesh) are described and illustrated. M. krishna breeds on Acacia catechu and is actively attended by the ant Camponotus sp. in nymphal and adult stages. A checklist and a revised illustrated key to species of the genus for the Indian subcontinent are also given.
Two new species of Tipula (Vestiplex) Bezzi (Diptera, Tipulidae) from Northwest China
Authors: REN JINLONG , LI YAN , YANG DING
Published: January 2021

Fourteen species/subspecies of the subgenus Tipula (Vestiplex) Bezzi (1924) were previously known to occur in the Northwest China. Here, four species are added to the fauna of this region. Among them T. (V.) quadricorna sp. nov. and T. (V.) shaanxiana sp. nov. are described and illustrated as new; T. (V.) coquillettiana Alexander, 1924 and T. (V.) scripta Meigen, 1830 are reported from China for the first time. Furthermore, we re-described and illustrated the T. (V.) kuwayamai Alexander, 1921 based on additional morphological characters. A key to the species of Tipula (Vestiplex) from Northwest China is presented.
Taxonomic and biological notes on Pristiphora ribisi Togashi, 1990, (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae) injurious to gooseberries and currants
Authors: HARA HIDEHO , IWASAKI AKEO , SHINOHARA AKIHIKO
Published: January 2021

Taxonomic and biological notes are given for the East Asian sawfly Pristiphora ribisi Togashi, 1990, injurious to Ribes. The following new synonyms of this species are proposed: Pristiphora (Pristiphora) anivskiensis Haris, 2006, syn. nov., Pristiphora (Pristiphora) nigrocoreana Haris & Zsolnai, 2007, syn. nov. and Pristiphora grossulariae Anon., 1912 [a primary homonym of Pristiphora grossulariae Walsh, 1866], syn. nov. The lectotype of Pristiphora grossulariae Anon., 1912 is designated. Redescriptions of the adult and immature stages are given. The male is described for the first time. The life history and host plants are summarized. Its close relative, Pristiphora appendiculata (Hartig, 1837), is excluded from the fauna of Japan.
Dynamic Control of the Dominant Modes of Interannual Variability of Snowfall Frequency in China
Authors: Sun Bo , Wang Huijun , Wu Biwen , Xu Min , Zhou Botao , Li Huixin , Wang Teng
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the first two leading modes of the interannual variability of frequency of snowfall events (FSE) over China in the winter during 1986–2018. The positive phase of the first leading mode (EOF1) is mainly characterized by positive FSE anomalies in northeastern–northwestern China and negative FSE anomalies in the three-river-source region. In contrast, the positive phase of the second leading mode (EOF2) is mainly characterized by positive FSE anomalies in central-eastern China (CEC). EOF1 is affected by the synoptic-scale wave activity over the midlatitudes of the East Asian continent, where active synoptic-scale wave activity over the midlatitudes may cause increased FSE over northeastern–northwestern China, and vice versa. In a winter of a negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation, an anomalous deep cold low may occur over Siberia, which may induce increased meridional air temperature gradient, increased atmospheric baroclinicity, and hence increased FSE over the midlatitudes of the East Asian continent. The EOF2 is affected by the interaction between anomalous northerly cold advection and anomalous southerly water vapor transport over CEC. The positive phase of EOF2 is associated with negative sea ice anomalies in the Barents Sea–Kara Sea region and negative sea surface temperature anomalies in the central-eastern tropical Pacific. Reduced sea ice in the Barents Sea–Kara Sea during January–February may cause increased northerly cold advection over CEC, while a La Niña–like condition during January may induce southerly water vapor transport anomalies over CEC.
How Much Arctic Fresh Water Participates in the Subpolar Overturning Circulation?
Authors: Le Bras Isabela , Straneo Fiamma , Muilwijk Morven , Smedsrud Lars H. , Li Feili , Lozier M. Susan , Holliday N. Penny
Published: January 2021

Fresh Arctic waters flowing into the Atlantic are thought to have two primary fates. They may be mixed into the deep ocean as part of the overturning circulation, or flow alongside regions of deep water formation without impacting overturning. Climate models suggest that as increasing amounts of freshwater enter the Atlantic, the overturning circulation will be disrupted, yet we lack an understanding of how much freshwater is mixed into the overturning circulation’s deep limb in the present day. To constrain these freshwater pathways, we build steady-state volume, salt, and heat budgets east of Greenland that are initialized with observations and closed using inverse methods. Freshwater sources are split into oceanic Polar Waters from the Arctic and surface freshwater fluxes, which include net precipitation, runoff, and ice melt, to examine how they imprint the circulation differently. We find that 65 mSv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) of the total 110 mSv of surface freshwater fluxes that enter our domain participate in the overturning circulation, as do 0.6 Sv of the total 1.2 Sv of Polar Waters that flow through Fram Strait. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the overturning circulation is more sensitive to future changes in Arctic freshwater outflow and precipitation, while Greenland runoff and iceberg melt are more likely to stay along the coast of Greenland.
Hydrothermal solidification of sepiolite into a cemented sepiolite aggregate for humidity regulation and formaldehyde removal
Authors: Qiu Pengcheng , Guo Li , Qi Yujie , Cheng Mingzhao , Jing Zhenzi
Published: January 2021

Sepiolite powder was hydrothermally solidified into a cemented, designed to function both in humidity regulation and volatile organic compound (VOC) removal. The solidification process mimicked the cementation of sedimentary rocks. The formation of the calcium aluminium silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) or Al-tobermorite enhanced the strength (maximum flexural strength >17 MPa) and improved the porosity of the solidified materials. Due to the low temperature of hydrothermal solidification (≤473.15 K), most sepiolite remained in the matrix of the solidified specimens. The cemented sepiolite aggregate shows outstanding humidity-regulating performance (moisture adsorption of 430 g m–2), and the synergistic effects of the residual sepiolite and neoformed Al-tobermorite exerted a positive influence on the humidity regulation performance of the material. Similarly to the behaviour of sepiolite, the solidified material also displayed good formaldehyde-removal capacity (60–68%). The pore dimensions controlled the humidity regulation and formaldehyde removal. The humidity regulation depends on the mesopores, which originate mainly from both the original sepiolite and the neoformed C-A-S-H phases and Al-tobermorite, while the formaldehyde removal depends on the micropores from the original sepiolite in the matrix. As such, the cemented sepiolite aggregate might be hydrothermally synthesized and might be used to improve the comfort and safety of indoor environments for human beings.
Medullary stromal cells synergize their production and capture of CCL21 for T-cell emigration from neonatal mouse thymus
Authors: James Kieran D. , Legler Daniel F. , Purvanov Vladimir , Ohigashi Izumi , Takahama Yousuke , Parnell Sonia M. , White Andrea J. , Jenkinson William E. , Anderson Graham
Published: January 2021

The release of newly selected αβT cells from the thymus is key in establishing a functional adaptive immune system. Emigration of the first cohorts of αβT cells produced during the neonatal period is of particular importance, because it initiates formation of the peripheral αβT-cell pool and provides immune protection early in life. Despite this, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of thymus emigration are poorly understood. We examined the involvement of diverse stromal subsets and individual chemokine ligands in this process. First, we demonstrated functional dichotomy in the requirement for CCR7 ligands and identified CCL21, but not CCL19, as an important regulator of neonatal thymus emigration. To explain this ligand-specific requirement, we examined sites of CCL21 production and action and found Ccl21 gene expression and CCL21 protein distribution occurred within anatomically distinct thymic areas. Although Ccl21 transcription was limited to subsets of medullary epithelium, CCL21 protein was captured by mesenchymal stroma consisting of integrin α7+ pericytes and CD34+ adventitial cells at sites of thymic exit. This chemokine compartmentalization involved the heparan sulfate–dependent presentation of CCL21 via its C-terminal extension, explaining the absence of a requirement for CCL19, which lacks this domain and failed to be captured by thymic stroma. Collectively, we identified an important role for CCL21 in neonatal thymus emigration, revealing the importance of this chemokine in initial formation of the peripheral immune system. Moreover, we identified an intrathymic mechanism involving cell-specific production and presentation of CCL21, which demonstrated a functional synergy between thymic epithelial and mesenchymal cells for αβT-cell emigration.
Pulmonary function and radiological features 4 months after COVID-19: first results from the national prospective observational Swiss COVID-19 lung study
Authors: Guler Sabina A. , Ebner Lukas , Aubry-Beigelman Catherine , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier , Brutsche Martin , Clarenbach Christian , Garzoni Christian , Geiser Thomas K. , Lenoir Alexandra , Mancinetti Marco , Naccini Bruno , Ott Sebastian R. , Piquilloud Lise , Prella Maura , Que Yok-Ai , Soccal Paula M. , von Garnier Christophe , Funke-Chambour Manuela
Published: January 2021

Background

The infectious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing global healthcare challenge. Up to one-third of hospitalised patients develop severe pulmonary complications and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary outcomes following COVID-19 are unknown.

Methods

The Swiss COVID-19 lung study is a multicentre prospective cohort investigating pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19. We report on initial follow-up 4 months after mild/moderate or severe/critical COVID-19 according to the World Health Organization severity classification.

Results

113 COVID-19 survivors were included (mild/moderate n=47, severe/critical n=66). We confirmed several comorbidities as risk factors for severe/critical disease. Severe/critical disease was associated with impaired pulmonary function,i.e.diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) % predicted, reduced 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and exercise-induced oxygen desaturation. After adjustment for potential confounding by age, sex and body mass index (BMI), patients after severe/critical COVID-19 had aDLCO20.9% pred (95% CI 12.4–29.4% pred, p=0.01) lower at follow-up.DLCO% pred was the strongest independent factor associated with previous severe/critical disease when age, sex, BMI, 6MWD and minimal peripheral oxygen saturation at exercise were included in the multivariable model (adjusted odds ratio per 10% predicted 0.59, 95% CI 0. 37–0.87; p=0.01). Mosaic hypoattenuation on chest computed tomography at follow-up was significantly associated with previous severe/critical COVID-19 including adjustment for age and sex (adjusted OR 11.7, 95% CI 1.7–239; p=0.03).

Conclusions

4 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, severe/critical COVID-19 was associated with significant functional and radiological abnormalities, potentially due to small-airway and lung parenchymal disease. A systematic follow-up for survivors needs to be evaluated to optimise care for patients recovering from COVID-19.
Tight association of genome rearrangements with gene expression in conifer plastomes
Authors: Wu Chung-Shien , Sudianto Edi , Chaw Shu-Miaw
Published: January 2021

Background

Our understanding of plastid transcriptomes is limited to a few model plants whose plastid genomes (plastomes) have a highly conserved gene order. Consequently, little is known about how gene expression changes in response to genomic rearrangements in plastids. This is particularly important in the highly rearranged conifer plastomes.

Results

We sequenced and reported the plastomes and plastid transcriptomes of six conifer species, representing all six extant families. Strand-specific RNAseq data show a nearly full transcription of both plastomic strands and detect C-to-U RNA-editing sites at both sense and antisense transcripts. We demonstrate that the expression of plastid coding genes is strongly functionally dependent among conifer species. However, the strength of this association declines as the number of plastomic rearrangements increases. This finding indicates that plastomic rearrangement influences gene expression.

Conclusions

Our data provide the first line of evidence that plastomic rearrangements not only complicate the plastomic architecture but also drive the dynamics of plastid transcriptomes in conifers.
Granulomatous interstitial nephritis in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Szajek Katarzyna , Kajdi Marie-Elisabeth , Luyckx Valerie A. , Fehr Thomas Hans , Gaspert Ariana , Cusini Alexia , Hohloch Karin , Grosse Philipp
Published: January 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with severe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is common and is a significant predictor of morbidity and mortality, especially when dialysis is required. Case reports and autopsy series have revealed that most patients with COVID-19 – associated acute kidney injury have evidence of acute tubular injury and necrosis - not unexpected in critically ill patients. Others have been found to have collapsing glomerulopathy, thrombotic microangiopathy and diverse underlying kidney diseases. A primary kidney pathology related to COVID-19 has not yet emerged. Thus far direct infection of the kidney, or its impact on clinical disease remains controversial. The management of AKI is currently supportive.

Case Presentation

The patient presented here was positive for SARS-CoV-2, had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure. Within days of admission to the intensive care unit he developed oliguric acute kidney failure requiring dialysis. Acute kidney injury developed in the setting of hemodynamic instability, sepsis and a maculopapular rash. Over the ensuing days the patient also developed transfusion-requiring severe hemolysis which was Coombs negative. Schistocytes were present on the peripheral smear. Given the broad differential diagnoses for acute kidney injury, a kidney biopsy was performed and revealed granulomatous tubulo-interstitial nephritis with some acute tubular injury. Based on the biopsy findings, a decision was taken to adjust medications and initiate corticosteroids for presumed medication-induced interstitial nephritis, hemolysis and maculo-papular rash. The kidney function and hemolysis improved over the subsequent days and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility, no-longer required dialysis.

Conclusions

Acute kidney injury in patients with severe COVID-19 may have multiple causes. We present the first case of granulomatous interstitial nephritis in a patient with COVID-19. Drug-reactions may be more frequent than currently recognized in COVID-19 and are potentially reversible. The kidney biopsy findings in this case led to a change in therapy, which was associated with subsequent patient improvement. Kidney biopsy may therefore have significant value in pulling together a clinical diagnosis, and may impact outcome if a treatable cause is identified.
Thyroid cancer overdiagnosis and overtreatment: a cross- sectional study at a thyroid cancer referral center in Ecuador
Authors: Solis-Pazmino Paola , Salazar-Vega Jorge , Lincango-Naranjo Eddy , Garcia Cristhian , Koupermann Gabriela Jaramillo , Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Ledesma Tannya , Rojas Tatiana , Alvarado-Mafla Benjamin , Carcamo Cesar , Ponce Oscar J. , Brito Juan P.
Published: January 2021

Background

In contrast to the rapid increase in thyroid cancer incidence, the mortality has remained low and stable over the last decades. In Ecuador, however, thyroid cancer mortality has increased. The objective of this study is to determine possible drivers of high rates of thyroid cancer mortality, through a cross-sectional analysis of all patients attending a thyroid cancer referral center in Ecuador.

Methods

From June 2014 to December 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo, a regional reference public hospital for endocrine neoplasia in adults in Quito, Ecuador. We identified the mechanism of detection, histopathology and treatment modalities from a patient interview and review of clinical records.

Results

Among 452 patients, 74.8% were young adults and 94.2% (426) were female. 13.7% had a family history of thyroid cancer, and patients’ median tumor size was 2 cm. The incidental finding was 54.2% whereas 45.8% was non-incidental. Thyroid cancer histology reported that 93.3% had papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), 2.7% follicular, 1.5% Hurtle cells, 1.6% medullary, 0.7% poor differentiated, and 0.2% anaplastic carcinoma. The mean MACIS (metastasis, age, completeness, invasion, and size) score was 4.95 (CI 4.15–5.95) with 76.2% of the thyroid cancer patients having MACIS score less than or equal to 6. The very low and low risk of recurrence was 18.1% (79) and 62% (271) respectively. An analysis of 319 patients with non-metastatic thyroid cancer showed that 10.7% (34) of patients had surgical complications. Moreover, around 62.5% (80 from 128 patients with thyroglobulin laboratory results) of TC patients had a stimulated-thyroglobulin value equal or higher than 2 ng/ml. Overall, a poor surgical outcome was present in 35.1% (112) patients. Out of 436 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, 86% (375) received radioactive iodine.

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer histological characteristics and method of diagnosis are like those described in other reports without any evidence of the high frequency of aggressive thyroid cancer histology. However, we observed evidence of overtreatment and poor surgical outcomes that demand additional studies to understand their association with thyroid cancer mortality in Ecuador.
Orbital aspergillosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lever Mael , Wilde Benjamin , Pförtner Roman , Deuschl Cornelius , Witzke Oliver , Bertram Stefanie , Eckstein Anja , Rath Peter-Michael
Published: January 2021

Background

Orbital aspergillosis is a rare sight- and life-threatening fungal infection affecting immunocompromised or otherwise healthy patients. It is often misdiagnosed due to its unspecific clinical and radiologic appearance. Therapeutic delay can have dramatic consequences. However, progress in microbiological diagnostic techniques and therapeutic experience from case series help improve the management of this disease.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old immunocompetent woman presented at an eye clinic for subacute swelling, reddening, and ptosis of her left upper eyelid. Based on radiologic and histologic considerations, she was treated for idiopathic orbital inflammation, but her condition worsened. After a second biopsy of the orbital mass, aspergillosis was diagnosed. Her condition improved promptly after initiation of an oral voriconazole treatment. Additionally, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, A. fumigatus was identified on tissue of both biopsies and its azole susceptibility was examined simultaneously.

Conclusions

In the case described here, oral antifungal treatment was sufficient for the therapy of invasive orbital aspergillosis. Performing fungal PCR on orbital tissue can accelerate the diagnostic process and should be performed in ambiguous cases of slowly growing orbital mass. Finally, interdisciplinary management is the key to optimal treatment of orbital tumours and infections.
Identification of pathogenic genes and transcription factors in respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Li Lei , Ni Yong An , Song Zhenfeng , Yi Zhi , Wang Fang
Published: January 2021

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children, especially bronchiolitis. Our study aimed to identify the key genes and upstream transcription factors in RSV.

Methods

To screen for RSV pathogenic genes, an integrated analysis was performed using the RSV microarray dataset in GEO. Functional annotation and potential pathways for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were further explored by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. We constructed the RSV-specific transcriptional regulatory network to identify key transcription factors for DEGs in RSV.

Results

From three GEO datasets, we identified 1059 DEGs (493 up-regulated and 566 down-regulated genes, FDR < 0.05 and |Combined.ES| > 0.8) between RSV patients and normal controls. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that ‘response to virus’ (FDR = 7.13E-15), ‘mitochondrion’ (FDR = 1.39E-14) and ‘Asthma’ (FDR = 1.28E-06) were significantly enriched pathways for DEGs. The expression of IFI27, IFI44, IFITM3, FCER1A, and ISG15 were shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of RSV.

Conclusions

We concluded that IFI27, IFI44, IFITM3, FCER1A, and ISG15 may play a role in RSV. Our finding may contribute to the development of new potential biomarkers, reveal the underlying pathogenesis and also identify novel therapeutic targets for RSV.
Establishing percentiles for blood pressure based on absolute height for children and adolescents
Authors: Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Vidal-Espinoza Rubén , de Campos Felipe Castelli Correia , Sulla-Torres José , Cossio-Bolaños Wilbert , Andruske Cynthia Lee , Albornoz Camilo Urra , Campos Rossana Gómez
Published: January 2021

Background

Evaluating blood pressure (BP) is one element for diagnosing and preventing disease in student populations. The objectives of this research were to (a) identify the range of height for measuring BP adjusted for student populations and (b) propose percentiles for evaluating BP based on height.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 3,013 students. Weight, height, and diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressure were evaluated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Height ranges of 5 and 10 cm were generated.

Results

R2 values for height ranges of 5 cm consisted of [normotensive: DBP (R2 = 10 to 13%) and SBP (R2 = 14 to 20%), and for hypertensive: DBP (R2 = 0.07 to 15%) and for SBP (R2 = 29 to 32%)]. For height ranges of 10 cm, values included: [normotensive: DBP (R2 = 10 to 15%), and SBP (R2 = 15 to 21%) and for hypertensive: DBP (R2 = 0.07 to 16%) and SBP (R2 = 29 to 35%)]. For 5 cm height ranges, diferences occurred between both sexes for DBP (in 5 height ranges from 123 to 148 cm and 158 to 168 cm) and for the SBP (in 6 height ranges from 128 to 148 cm and from 158 to 168 cm). In the 10 cm categories, diferences appeared in DBP (from 138 to 148 cm) and in the SBP (from 158 to 168 cm).

Conclusions

Height is a determinant for evaluating blood pressure, and height ranges of 10 cm are more suitable for children and adolescents. The proposed percentiles based on height ranges allowed assessment of the DBP and SBP suggest their use in epidemiological and educational contexts.
Psychological distress among Italians during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) quarantine
Authors: Bonati Maurizio , Campi Rita , Zanetti Michele , Cartabia Massimo , Scarpellini Francesca , Clavenna Antonio , Segre Giulia
Published: January 2021

Background

Quarantine as a preventive action to reduce people’s exposure to a contagious disease has substantial psychological impact. We aimed to collect information on psychologically distressing experiences of Italians living in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

From 6 to 20 April 2020 participants filled out an online questionnaire. Demographic and physical symptoms data from the prior 14 days of quarantine were collected. Psychological impact of quarantine was assessed by the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI).

Results

In all, 20,158 participants completed the online survey. Of these, 11,910 (59.1%) were from Lombardy, the region with 37.7% of positive cases identified during the survey period. 30.1% of responders were male. About half (55.9%) of responders were 18–50 years old, 54.3% had a tertiary level of education, 69.5% were workers, 84.1% were living in houses with ≥3 rooms, and 13.7% were living alone. 9.7% had had contact with COVID-19 positive people. Of all responders, 9978 (48.6%) reported a psychological impact, 8897 (43.4%) of whom reported mild or moderate and 1081 (5.2%) severe psychological impact. The multivariate analysis, after adjustments, showed that an increasing CPDI score was associated with gender (female), first-second educational level, being unemployed, living in a ≤2 room house, having had new health problems during the previous 14 days, and not having been out of the house in the previous week. Concerning the type of psychological distress, 2003 responders (9.9%) reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, 1131 (5.5%) moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, and 802 (3.9%) moderate to severe physical symptoms. A positive correlation was found between responder rate (per 10.000 residents) and positive COVID-19 cases (per 10.000 residents) by region (rs = + 0.83, p = < 0.0001), and between responder rate and region latitude (rs = + 0.91, p = < 0.0001), with a greater response rate in the north. Considering Lombardy Region responders, a negative correlation between CPDI score and distance from place of residence to the red zone (Nembro-Alzano) was found. Higher prevalence of psychological distress was found up to 25 km away from the red zone and, in particular, severe distress up to 15 km.

Conclusions

Policy makers and mental health professionals should be aware of quarantine’s adverse mental health consequences. Factors influencing the success of quarantine and infection control practices for both disease containment and community recovery should be identified and additional support to vulnerable persons at increased risk of adverse psychological and social consequences of quarantine should be guaranteed.
Is preoperative glenoid bone mineral density associated with aseptic glenoid implant loosening in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty?
Authors: Mariaux Sandrine , Obrist Raphaël , Farron Alain , Becce Fabio , Terrier Alexandre
Published: January 2021

Background

Aseptic loosening of glenoid implants is the primary revision cause in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). While supported by biomechanical studies, the impact of glenoid bone quality, more specifically bone mineral density (BMD), on aseptic glenoid loosening remains unclear. We hypothesized that lower preoperative glenoid BMD was associated with aseptic glenoid implant loosening in aTSA.

Methods

We retrospectively included 93 patients (69 females and 24 males; mean age, 69.2 years) who underwent preoperative non-arthrographic shoulder computed tomography (CT) scans and aTSA between 2002 and 2014. Preoperative glenoid BMD (CT numbers in Hounsfield unit) was measured in 3D using a reliable semi-automated quantitative method, in the following six contiguous volumes of interest (VOI): cortical, subchondral cortical plate (SC), subchondral trabecular, and three successive adjacent layers of trabecular bone. Univariate Cox regression was used to estimate the impact of preoperative glenoid BMD on aseptic glenoid implant loosening. We further compared 26 aseptic glenoid loosening patients with 56 matched control patients.

Results

Glenoid implant survival rates were 89% (95% confidence interval CI, 81–96%) and 57% (41–74%) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Hazard ratios for the different glenoid VOIs ranged between 0.998 and 1.004 (95% CI [0.996, 1.007],p≥0.121). Only the SC VOI showed significantly lower CTn in the loosening group (622±104 HU) compared with the control group (658±88 HU) (p=0.048), though with a medium effect size (d=0.42). There were no significant differences in preoperative glenoid BMD in any other VOI between patients from the loosening and control groups.

Conclusions

Although the preoperative glenoid BMD was statistically significantly lower in the SC region of patients with aseptic glenoid implant loosening compared with controls, this single-VOI difference was only moderate. We are thus unable to prove that lower preoperative glenoid BMD is clearly associated with aseptic glenoid implant loosening in aTSA. However, due to its proven biomechanical role in glenoid implant survival, we recommend extending this study to larger CT datasets to further assess and better understand the impact of preoperative glenoid BMD on glenoid implant loosening/survival and aTSA outcome.