bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy improvisation: How frontline workers cope with public service gaps in developing countries—The case of Mexico's Prospera program
Authors: Campos Sergio A. , Peeters Rik
Published: April 2021

How do frontline workers behave when they are, from one day to the other, left without clients because the policy that organized their street‐level interactions has been terminated? This is what happened in early 2019 to the staff of medical centers across Mexico after the sudden transformation of the long‐standing social program Prospera. Interviews with frontline workers show that they respond to this “policy void” by developing strategies of informal talks, community outreach, and the investment of personal resources to recover their clients. The findings presented here are relevant for understanding how frontline workers cope with public service gaps in developing countries. The notion of “policy improvisation” as a coping mechanism—frontline workers developing informal policy activities when being left without proper implementation instructions and capacity—is used here to signal the broader phenomenon of human resource neglect and implementation gaps in Latin American public administration.
Silencing GhFAR3.1 reduces wax accumulation in cotton leaves and leads to increased susceptibility to drought stress
Authors: Lu Yajie , Cheng Xinqi , Jia Mengjiao , Zhang Xinyu , Xue Fei , Li Yanjun , Sun Jie , Liu Feng
Published: April 2021

Fatty acyl‐CoA reductases (FAR) are involved in plant wax synthesis and play important roles in plant growth and development. However, little information is available for cotton FAR genes. In this study, we carried out a genome‐wide identification of FAR genes in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and found 10 GhFARs that form five pairs of homoeologs (GhFAR2A to GhFAR3.4D) distributed on six chromosomes. The 10 GhFARs were separated into two subfamilies. Most GhFARs showed tissue‐specific expression patterns, and at least one GhFAR of each pair of homoeologs was relatively highly expressed in at least one of the tissues investigated. GhFAR3.1 was highly expressed in leaves. The function of GhFAR3.1 in wax accumulation and drought tolerance was analyzed using virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS). Silencing GhFAR3.1 reduced the total wax content and relative water content of leaves by over 60% and 13%, respectively, suggesting a role of GhFAR3.1 in wax synthesis and protection against water loss. Compared to the well‐watered conditions, drought stress induced significant accumulation of wax in leaves of wild‐type plants but not in leaves of GhFAR3.1 silenced plants, leading to less water holding capacity in GhFAR3.1 silenced plants and plant wilting. Silencing GhFAR3.1 had no effect on the expression levels of the wax biosynthesis pathway genes KAS, KCS, and LACS (upstream GhFAR3.1), but reduced the transcript level of its downstream gene WSD. Together, these results suggest that leaf wax content is important for water retention and drought tolerance and that GhFAR3.1 is essential for wax synthesis in cotton leaves. These results also provide the basis for further study on the molecular regulation mechanism of GhFARs in cotton development and surface lipid synthesis.
Ploidy influences wheat mesophyll cell geometry, packing and leaf function
Authors: Wilson Matthew J. , Fradera‐Soler Marc , Summers Richard , Sturrock Craig J. , Fleming Andrew J.
Published: April 2021

Leaf function is influenced by leaf structure, which is itself related not only to the spatial arrangement of constituent mesophyll cells, but also their size and shape. In this study, we used confocal microscopy to image leaves ofTriticumgenotypes varying in ploidy level to extract 3D information on individual mesophyll cell size and geometry. Combined with X‐ray Computed Tomography and gas exchange analysis, the effect of changes in wheat mesophyll cell geometry upon leaf structure and function were investigated. Mesophyll cell size and shape were found to have changed during the course of wheat evolution. An unexpected linear relationship between mesophyll cell surface area and volume was discovered, suggesting anisotropic scaling of mesophyll cell geometry with increasing ploidy. Altered mesophyll cell size and shape were demonstrated to be associated with changes in mesophyll tissue architecture. Under experimental growth conditions, CO2assimilation did not vary with ploidy, but stomatal conductance was lower in hexaploid plants, conferring a greater instantaneous water‐use efficiency. We propose that as wheat mesophyll cells have become larger with increased ploidy, this has been accompanied by changes in cell geometry and packing which limit water loss while maintaining carbon assimilation.
Risk factors for steroid‐induced adverse psychological reactions and sleep problems in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A systematic review
Authors: van Hulst Annelienke M. , Peersmann Shosha H. M. , van den Akker Erica L. T. , Schoonmade Linda J. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R. L.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Steroids play an essential role in treating pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The downside is that these drugs can cause severe side effects, such as adverse psychological reactions (APRs) and sleep problems, which can compromise health‐related quality of life. This study aimed to systematically review literature to identify risk factors for steroid‐induced APRs and sleep problems in children with ALL.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in six databases. Titles/abstracts were independently screened by two researchers. Data from each included study was extracted based on predefined items. Risk of bias and level of evidence were assessed, using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool, respectively.

Results

Twenty‐four articles were included. APR measurement ranged from validated questionnaires to retrospective record retrieval, sleep measurement included questionnaires or actigraphy. Overall, quality of evidence was very low. Current evidence suggests that type/dose of steroid is not related to APRs, but might be to sleep problems. Younger patients seem at risk for behavior problems and older patients for sleep problems. No studies describing parental stress or medical history were identified. Genetic susceptibility associations remain to be replicated.

Conclusions

Based on the current evidence, conclusions about risk factors for steroid‐induced adverse psychological reactions or sleep problems in children with ALL should be drawn cautiously, since quality of evidence is low and methods of measurement are largely heterogeneous. A standardized registration of steroid‐induced APRs/sleep problems and risk factors is warranted for further studies in children with ALL.
Criticality of a conserved tyrosine residue in the SpeG protein from Escherichia coli
Authors: Le Van Thi Bich , Dang Joseph , Lim Ee Qi , Kuhn Misty L.
Published: April 2021

The SpeG spermidine/spermine N‐acetyltransferase (SSAT) from Escherichia coli belongs to the Gcn5‐related N‐acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily of proteins. In vitro characterization of this enzyme shows it acetylates the polyamines spermine and spermidine, with a preference toward spermine. This enzyme has a conserved tyrosine residue (Y135) that is found in all SSAT proteins and many GNAT functional subfamilies. It is located near acetyl coenzyme A in the active center of these proteins and has been suggested to act as a general acid in a general acid/base chemical mechanism. In contrast, a previous study showed this residue was not critical for E. coli SpeG enzymatic activity when mutated to phenylalanine. This result was quite different from previous studies with a comparable residue in the human and mouse SSAT proteins, which also acetylate spermine and spermidine. Therefore, we constructed several mutants of the E. coli SpeG Y135 residue and tested their enzymatic activity. We found this conserved residue was indeed critical for E. coli SpeG enzyme activity and may behave similarly in other SSAT proteins.
Membrane fusion mediated by peptidic SNARE protein analogues: Evaluation of FRET‐based bulk leaflet mixing assays
Authors: Hubrich Barbara E. , Wehland Jan‐Dirk , Groth Mike C. , Schirmacher Anastasiya , Hubrich Raphael , Steinem Claudia , Diederichsen Ulf
Published: April 2021

Peptide‐mediated membrane fusion is frequently studied with in vitro bulk leaflet mixing assays based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). In these, customized liposomes with fusogenic peptides are equipped with lipids which are labeled with fluorophores that form a FRET pair. Since FRET is dependent on distance and membrane fusion comes along with lipid mixing, the assays allow for conclusions on the membrane fusion process. The experimental outcome of these assays, however, greatly depends on the applied parameters. In the present study, the influence of the peptides, the size of liposomes, their lipid composition and the liposome stoichiometry on the fusogenicity of liposomes are evaluated. As fusogenic peptides, soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive‐factor attachment receptor (SNARE) protein analogues featuring artificial recognition units attached to the native SNARE transmembrane domains are used. The work shows that it is important to control these parameters in order to be able to properly investigate the fusion process and to prevent undesired effects of aggregation.
Structural, Electronic, Magnetic, and Elastic Properties of CoX′CrZ (X′ = Sc, Ti; Z = Al, Ga) Quaternary Heusler Alloys: First‐Principles Study
Authors: Yuan Xiaoli , Wan Peng , Xue Mi-An
Published: April 2021

To find new spin‐gapless semiconductors (SGSs) or half‐metallic materials to promote the development of spintronics, the stable, electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties of quaternary Heusler alloys CoX′CrZ (X′ = Sc, Ti; Z = Al, Ga) are studied by first principles. Findings show the ground state structure of all alloys is the T‐II structure, and their equilibrium lattice constants are CoScCrAl (6.15 Å), CoScCrGa (6.14 Å), CoTiCrAl (5.94 Å), and CoTiCrGa (5.93 Å), respectively, indicating that the T‐II structure is easily synthesized. The new SGSs of CoScCrAl and CoScCrGa have an indirect bandgap at the Fermi level in spin‐down channels. The indirect bandgap values are 0.52 and 0.56 eV, respectively, and the origin of the bandgap is analyzed. The spin polarization of all alloys is more than 90%, and CoScCrAl and CoScCrGa are suitable for room temperature applications due to their high Curie temperature and strict compliance with the Slater–Pauling rule. CoTiCrAl and CoTiCrGa conform to the Slater–Pauling rule when the lattice constant reaches 6.30 Å, and the half‐metallicity can be improved by doping or strain. All alloys have unique mechanical properties and are mechanically stable. Moreover, CoScCrAl and CoScCrGa exhibit brittle behavior, whereas CoTiCrAl and CoTiCrGa exhibit ductility.
Impact of curcumin on fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Nosrati‐Oskouie Mohammad , Aghili‐Moghaddam Nazanin Sadat , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2021

Free fatty acids (FFAs) and fatty acid synthesis (FAS) activity have significantly contributed to disease states such as insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, blood pressure, and several types of cancer. Currently, several treatment options are available for patients with these conditions. Due to safety concerns, adverse effects, limited efficacy, and low tolerability associated with many medications, the identification of novel agents with less toxicity and a more favorable outcome is warranted. Curcumin is a phenolic compound derived from the turmeric plant with various biological activities, including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to February 2020 for studies that demonstrated the efficacy and mechanisms of curcumin action on FFAs, FAS, and β‐oxidation activity, as well as the desaturation system. Most of the evidence is in‐vivo and in‐vitro studies that demonstrate that curcumin possesses regulatory properties on FFAs levels through its effects on FAS and β‐oxidation activity as well as desaturation system, which could improve insulin resistance, obesity, and other FFAs‐related disorders. The present study provides a review of the existing in‐vitro, in‐vivo, and clinical evidence on the effect of curcumin on FFAs and FAS activity, β‐oxidation, and desaturation system.
Microalgal extract from thermotolerant Coelastrella sp. F50 retards the liver tumor progression by targeting hepatic cancer stem cells
Authors: Chang Yi‐Chen , Chu Tian‐Huei , Yu Po‐Chien , Wang E‐Ming , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Wen Zhi‐Hong , Ko Chou‐Yuan , Chen Ching‐Nen Nathan , Tai Ming‐Hong
Published: April 2021

Microalgae extracts have shown antitumor activities. However, the antitumor mechanism of them is not yet completely clear, especially the effect on cancer stem cells (CSCs). This study aimed to elucidate the antitumor activity and mechanism of microalgal extract from thermotolerant Coelastrella sp. F50 (F50) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Oncogenic behaviors were analyzed using cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, sphere formation, and side population cells (SPCs) assays in HCC cells after F50 treatment. The molecular mechanism was further studied by quantitative real‐time PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses. The chemopreventive efficacy of F50 was evaluated in rat orthotopic hepatoma, and the hepatic pathologies were investigated by immunohistochemical, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses. F50 specifically suppressed hepatic CSCs (tumor spheres, drug efflux, CD133/ABCG2 CSCs markers) with no cytotoxicity in vitro. In the animal experiments, prophylactic F50 administration significantly attenuated tumor progression and improved liver function in HCC‐bearing rats. In the mechanistic analysis, F50 potentially inhibited cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) axis in HCC cells and rat hepatoma, and exogenous PGE2 restored CSCs properties in F50‐treated HCC cells. In summary, F50 extract inhibits hepatic CSCs by COX‐2/PGE2 downregulation and may facilitate a novel phytotherapy for HCC prevention.
Psidium L. genus: A review on its chemical characterization, preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Beltrame Betina M. , Klein‐Junior Luiz C. , Schwanz Melissa , Henriques Amélia T.
Published: April 2021

The Myrtaceae family is considered one of the largest known botanical families and the genus Psidium is among the most economically interesting. Psidium genus comprises approximately 112 species, and it has been extensively studied, mainly because of Psidium guavaja species. Phytochemical investigations confirmed the presence of phenolics as the main compounds, as well as the essential oils, which were also widely investigated. Pharmacological studies report analgesic, anthelminthic, acaricidal, antihiperglicemic, among other biological activities for different species. The present review covers the relevant literature until 2019 and outlines the current data on chemical composition, preclinical and clinical studies on Psidium species, as well as the main possible mechanisms of action responsible for the described activities. Therefore, it can provide a reference for pharmaceutical research and clinical application of this genus.
Robot‐assisted versus open radical cystectomy: A cohort study on perioperative outcomes accounting for stage selection bias and surgical experience
Authors: Zeuschner Philip , Linxweiler Johannes , Mohr Rebecca , van Heemskerk Sara , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Ohlmann Carsten , Siemer Stefan , Stöckle Michael , Saar Matthias
Published: April 2021

Background

Most comparisons of robot‐assisted (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) for urothelial carcinoma do not factor the inherent stage selection bias or surgical experience.

Methods

We compared the perioperative outcomes of 229 RARC and 335 ORC at a single tertiary referral centre with propensity score matching and multiple regression models, when controlling for tumour and patient characteristics, surgeon's experience and type of urinary diversion.

Results

RARC had less major complications (19.8% vs. 34.1%) and ICU admissions (6.6% vs. 19.8%), with lower blood loss (400 vs. 500 ml) and transfusion rates. The operating time was longer (336 vs. 286 min), but decreased with surgeon's experience. RARC had less positive surgical margins (3% vs. 8.4%) and a higher lymph node count (14 vs. 11).

Conclusions

In this large single centre series comparing RARC with ORC controlling for stage selection bias and surgical experience, RARC proved significantly better outcomes, especially with intracorporeal urinary diversion.
Interplay between Electronic Energy Transfer and Reversible Photoreactions in a Triad Comprising Two Different Styrylbenzoquinoline Photochromes and a ′Hidden′ Quencher
Authors: Budyka Mikhail F. , Gavrishova Tatiana N. , Li Vitalii M. , Potashova Natalia I. , Ushakov Evgeny N.
Published: April 2021

A trichromophoric triad comprising two different 3‐styrylbenzo[f]quinoline photochromes (SBQ1 and SBQ2) and a residue of 3‐oxy‐2‐naphthoic acid (NA) was synthesized and studied by steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopy and by DFT calculations. The SBQ photochromes are linked to the NA framework by methylene spacers of different lengths to provide a longitudinal displacement between the photochromes. Under light irradiation, the triad undergoes two competitive reactions, intra‐photochrome photoisomerization and inter‐photochrome [2+2]‐cross‐photocycloaddition giving rise to a cyclobutane derivative (CB) bearing two benzo[f]quinoline (BQ) substituents. The photochemical properties of both the triad and CB are affected significantly by intramolecular energy transfer (ET). In the triad, the SBQ1 subunit is quenched via ET to the SBQ2 subunit. Due to unique ratio between the local excited states of NA, SBQs, and BQ, the NA subunit serves as a ′hidden quencher′; it has little influence on the properties of the triad, but after the formation of CB it turns on and quenches both the BQ fluorescence and the cyclobutane ring‐opening reaction because of fast ET from BQ to NA.
Combined Effects of Mn, C, and H on the Stacking Fault Energy in Austenitic Mn Steels
Authors: Jin Wen-Long , Cao Jin-Li , Li Jin-Xu
Published: April 2021

Manganese, carbon, and hydrogen are common alloying elements in austenitic Mn steels, which all influence the stacking fault energy (SFE), with Mn and H decreasing while C increasing it. The combined effects of Mn, C, and H on the SFE in austenitic Fe1−xMnx alloys, including pure Fe, Fe31Mn, Fe15Mn, Fe7Mn, and Fe3Mn, using first‐principles calculations, are investigated. The enhancing effect of C on the SFE is 29 mJ m−2 lower in Fe3Mn than in pure Fe, whereas it remains largely unchanged for low Mn concentrations. The noticeable combined Mn−C effect for Fe3Mn is mainly due to the formation of Mn−C−Mn trimer. Similarly, the boosting effect of H is weakened with increasing Mn content. As for the ternary Mn−C−H effect, it is found that it is generally stronger than that of binary effects. All the binary and ternary effects are much smaller than those of individual elements, indicating weak multiatom interactions of Mn, C, and H.
Tensile Plasticity of Miniature Specimens for a Low Alloy Steel Investigated by Digital Image Correlation Technique
Authors: Yang Wen-Ke , Wang Li-Yi , Song Zhu-Man , Luo Xue-Mei , Zhang Guang-Ping
Published: April 2021

Miniature specimens are widely being used to determine tensile properties of various size‐limited new materials, especially quickly evaluate or monitor changes in mechanical properties of in‐service reactor components to ensure their continuous operation with large safe margins. Although tensile properties of the miniature specimens are investigated extensively, the basic mechanism on such size effects, especially tensile plasticity, is not understood well. Here, tensile properties of A588 low alloy steel specimens with different gauge lengths and thicknesses are systematically investigated in situ using the digital image correlation technique. The findings reveal that the increase in the post‐necking elongation with decreasing the specimen gauge length and the decrease with decreasing the specimen thickness are due to the scale‐dependent strain‐rate sensitivity, whereas the constant uniform elongation is attributed to the stable strain hardening exponent. An empirical formula on the relationship between the total elongation and the strain‐rate sensitivity is proposed to describe the basic mechanism behind the specimen size‐dependent elongation.
A Novel Bridge Damage Diagnosis Algorithm Based on Deep Learning with Gray Relational Analysis for Intelligent Bridge Monitoring System
Authors: Xiao Haitao , Wang Wenjie , Dong Limeng , Ogai Harutoshi
Published: April 2021

In recent years, intelligent structural damage diagnosis algorithms using machine learning have achieved much success. However, because of the fact that in real bridge applications, the working environment (load, temperature, and noise) is changing all the time, degradation of the performance of intelligent structural damage diagnosis methods is very serious. To address these problems, a novel bridge diagnosis algorithm based on deep learning is proposed. Our contributions include: First, we proposed an improved denoising auto‐encoder‐based deep neural networks, which is optimized by the gray relational analysis. It is able to automatically extract high‐level features from raw signals via a multi‐layer extraction to satisfy any damage diagnosis objective and thus does not need any time consuming denoising prepossessing. The model can achieve high accuracy under noisy environment. Second, the algorithm does not rely on any domain adaptation algorithm or require information of the target domain. It can achieve high accuracy when working environment is changed. Numerical simulations and experimental investigations on real bridges conducted to present the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, comparing with other commonly machine learning‐based algorithms. The result shows it is deemed as an ideal and effective method for damage diagnosis of bridge structures. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Biointerfaced sensors for biodiagnostics
Authors: Zohar Orr , Khatib Muhammad , Omar Rawan , Vishinkin Rotem , Broza Yoav Y. , Haick Hossam
Published: April 2021

Biointerfaced sensors have emerged as a new paradigm for medical applications that require an interface and/or intimate contact with biological components/systems such as cells, tissues, and whole organs. This article provides a review of the concept, design, and device characteristics of biointerfaced sensors needed for successful implementation of biodiagnostics and monitoring. It begins by presenting and discussing the different considerations that arise from artificial interfaces with different biological environments. It then explores the main strategies for sensor and material design, while highlighting the required chemistry, structure, and mechanical properties needed to maintain an unperturbed interface with the surrounding biological environment. Finally, the review discusses successful state‐of‐the‐art demonstrations of body monitoring and biodiagnostics, focusing on the brain, heart, muscles, skin, teeth, and other tissues for medical purposes. Insights, perspectives, and recommendations for future research are presented.
The effects of the ratio of pellets of wheat and barley grains to ground corn grain in the diet on sorting and chewing activities of heat stressed dairy cows
Authors: Nasrollahi Sayyed Mahmoud , Zali Abolfasl , Ghorbani Gholam Reza , Khani Mehdi , Maktabi Hossin , Kahyani Ali , Guyot Hugues
Published: April 2021

Background

Normal feeding behaviours is one of the criteria of the health condition of dairy cows particularly in the condition of heat stress.

Objective

The study evaluated the effects of the ratio of pellets of wheat and barley grains to ground corn grain on sorting activity and chewing behaviour of lactating dairy cows managed under ambient conditions including natural heat stress events.

Materials and Methods

Nine multiparous cows (650 ± 56 kg Body Weight; mean ± SD) averaging 102 ± 13 days in milk and producing 54 ± 6 kg/d were randomly assigned to a triplicate 3 × 3 Latin square. During each 21‐d period, cows received one of three total mixed rations as dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were three ratio of pellets (containing 50% ground wheat and 50% ground barley): ground corn on a dry matter (DM) basis: 1) 33.3:66.6 (low); 2) 66.6:33.3 (medium); and 3) 100:0 (high). During the experiment, the ambient temperature‐humidity index was equal or more than 72, indicating that the cows were predisposed to heat stress condition.

Results

Increasing the proportion of wheat‐barley pellets in the diet had a minimal effect on sorting index of different particles during the first 6 h of the day. However, later in the day (6‐18h), sorting against long particles (particles >19 mm) and in favour of fine particles (particles <1.18 mm) linearly increased with increasing the proportion of pellet; as a result overall daily sorting against long particles was increased with increasing the proportion of pellets. Although the average of daily eating and rumination was not affected by the treatments in the day times with high ambient THI, time spent for eating and rumination was low and eating time had more fluctuation for diet contained a high level of pellets.

Conclusion

Increasing the proportion of pellets of barley and wheat grains in the diet under conditions of heat stress caused more fluctuation in daily eating behaviour and cows were predisposed to sort against long particles.
A Solvate‐Isolated Linear Trimer CuNd2(CCl3COO)8 ⋅ 6MeCN: Structure, Synthesis and Magnetic Behavior
Authors: Pushikhina Olga S. , Kozlyakova Ekaterina S. , Karpova Elena V. , Tafeenko Victor A.
Published: April 2021

A heterometallic copper‐neodymium complex CuNd2(CCl3COO)8 ⋅ 6MeCN (1) was synthesized from an aqueous‐organic salt system and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐Ray diffraction analysis. Thermal stability of 1 was studied. The crystal of 1 is tetragonal, with the space group I4, a=11.5904(3), c=23.9195(8) Å, V=3213.3(2) Å3, Z=8. Two crystallographically unsymmetrical Nd atoms and one Cu atom are bridged by trichloroacetic ligands into one‐dimensional molecular chains. According to our experimental data on magnetic properties of 1, the compound could be classified as paramagnet at observed temperature range 2–300 K.

In addition, the structure of the obtained Nd (III) trichloroacetate Nd(CCl3COO)3(H2O)2 ⋅ 2H2O (2) was determined. The structural data of 1 and 2 were compared to the one for known rare‐earth trichloroacetates.
Geschichte der deutschsprachigen HNO-Zeitschriften
Authors: Stasche Norbert , Bärmann Michael
Published: April 2021

Im Jahr 1864 wurde die weltweit älteste Zeitschrift im Gebiet der späteren Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, das deutschsprachige Archiv für Ohrenheilkunde von den Herausgebern Anton von Tröltsch (Würzburg), Adam Politzer (Wien) und Hermann Schwartze (Halle/S.) gegründet. Zuvor waren in medizinischen Universalzeitschriften auch schon HNO-Themen veröffentlicht worden. Es folgte in den nächsten Jahrzehnten die Gründungsphase zahlreicher Zeitschriften im Gebiet der späteren Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, deren wechselvolle Geschichte bis in die Gegenwart dargestellt wird. Besonderes Augenmerk wird dabei auf den historischen und persönlichen Kontext der Herausgeber neu gegründeter Zeitschriften sowie deren Verlage und Verleger gelegt. Die durch Zukäufe und Fusionen von Verlagen sich verändernde Zeitschriftenlandschaft wird ausführlich beschrieben. Den größten Einfluss auf die Zeitschriftentitel und deren Inhalte hatte dabei die in Deutschland bis in die 1920er-Jahre dauernde Vereinigung des Fachs aus der Otologie und der Laryngorhinologie. Es wird der Versuch unternommen, die wichtigsten Titel in ihrem historischen Verlauf darzustellen. Erwähnt werden alle wichtigen Herausgeber der deutschsprachigen HNO-Zeitschriften, wobei es nicht möglich war, die immer zahlreicher werdenden Namen der Herausgeber der aktuellen Zeitschriften aufzunehmen. Ein Kapitel beschäftigt sich ausschließlich mit der Entwicklung der Zeitschriftenverlage. Die eingefügten Tabellen und Abbildungen sollen helfen, die Verwirrung durch immer wieder ähnlich lautende Namensgebungen der Zeitschriften durch Darstellung des historischen Verlaufs der Journale aufzulösen.
Studying the sense of agency in the absence of motor movement: an investigation into temporal binding of tactile sensations and auditory effects
Authors: Antusch S. , Custers R. , Marien H. , Aarts H.
Published: April 2021

People form coherent representations of goal-directed actions. Such agency experiences of intentional action are reflected by a shift in temporal perception: self-generated motor movements and subsequent sensory effects are perceived to occur closer together in time—a phenomenon termed intentional binding. Building on recent research suggesting that temporal binding occurs without intentionally performing actions, we further examined whether such perceptual compression occurs when motor action is fully absent. In three experiments, we used a novel sensory-based adaptation of the Libet clock paradigm to assess how a brief tactile sensation on the index finger and a resulting auditory stimulus perceptually bind together in time. Findings revealed robust temporal repulsion (instead of binding) between tactile sensation and auditory effect. Temporal repulsion was attenuated when participants could anticipate the identity and temporal onset (two crucial components of intentional action) of the tactile sensation. These findings are briefly discussed in the context of differences between intentional movement and anticipated bodily sensations in shaping action coherence and agentic experiences.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma—update of the prospective trials of the East German Study Group Hematology/Oncology (OSHO#60 and #74)
Authors: Krüger William H. , Hirt Carsten , Basara Nadezda , Sayer Herbert G. , Behre Gerhard , Fischer Thomas , Grobe Norbert , Maschmeyer Georg , Neumann Thomas , Schneidewind Laila , Niederwieser Dietger , Dölken Gottfried , Schmidt Christian A.
Published: April 2021

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with an often aggressive course, incurable by chemotherapy. Consolidation with high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) has a low transplant-related mortality but does not lead to a survival plateau. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is associated with a higher early mortality, but can cure MCL. To investigate alloSCT for therapy of MCL, we conducted two prospective trials for de novo MCL (OSHO#74) and for relapsed or refractory MCL (OSHO#60). Fifteen and 24 patients were recruited, respectively. Induction was mainly R-DHAP alternating with R-CHOP. Conditioning was either Busulfan/Cyclophosphamide or Treosulfan/Fludarabin. Either HLA-identical siblings or matched-unrelated donors with not more than one mismatch were allowed. ATG was mandatory in mismatched or unrelated transplantation. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 62% and overall survival (OS) was 68% after 16.5-year follow-up. Significant differences in PFS and OS between both trials were not observed. Patients below 56 years and patients after myeloablative conditioning had a better outcome compared to patients of the corresponding groups. Nine patients have died between day +8 and 5.9 years after SCT. Data from 7 long-term surviving patients showed an excellent Quality-of-life (QoL) after alloSCT. AlloSCT for MCL delivers excellent long-term survival data. The early mortality is higher than after autoSCT; however, the survival curves after alloSCT indicate the curative potential of this therapy. AlloSCT is a standard of care for all feasible patients with refractory or relapsed MCL and should offer to selected patients with de novo MCL and a poor risk profile. For defining the position of alloSCT in the therapeutic algorithm of MCL therapy, a randomized comparison of autoSCT and alloSCT is mandatory.
Open versus arthroscopic release for lateral patellar compression syndrome: a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Hamawandi Sherwan A. , Amin Hazhar I. , Al-Humairi Ameer Kadhim
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Lateral patellar compression syndrome is one of the causes of anterior knee pain in young adults and resulted from tight lateral patellar retinaculum. The aim of our study is to compare between open and arthroscopic release of lateral patellar compression syndrome in relation of functional outcome, time of surgical procedure, length of hospital stays, intraoperative and postoperative complications as bleeding, infection, recurrence, and patellar instability with 2 years of follow-up.

Materials and methods

80 patients, age (21–49 years), were divided randomly into 2 groups (A and B). Group A (40 patients) were treated with open release. Group B (40 patients) were treated by arthroscopic release. All these patients are diagnosed as lateral patellar compression syndrome depending on clinical features and MRI. All patients were assessed by Lysholm knee scoring scale before surgery and at periods of 2, 6 weeks, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

Results

There is significant difference in functional outcome, measured by Lysholm knee scoring scale, between preoperative and postoperative assessment periods in both groups (P < 0.001). There is significantly better functional outcome at 2 years of follow-up with arthroscopic release (P = 0.018). There is no recurrence in both groups, but there were 4 patients develop medial patellar instability in the group of open release.

Conclusion

Both open and arthroscopic lateral release for patients with isolated lateral patellar compression syndrome can be effective surgical procedures, but arthroscopic release can achieve better functional outcome.

Trial registration: NCT, NCT04130412. Retrospectively registered on 3rd of June, 2020 at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Long-term follow-up of conservative treatment of Charcot feet
Authors: Gratwohl Viviane , Jentzsch Thorsten , Schöni Madlaina , Kaiser Dominik , Berli Martin C. , Böni Thomas , Waibel Felix W. A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Charcot arthropathy (CN) can ultimately lead to limb loss despite appropriate treatment. Initial conservative treatment is the accepted treatment in case of a plantigrade foot. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the mid- to long-term clinical course of CN initially being treated conservatively, and to identify risk factors for reactivation and contralateral development of CN as well as common complications in CN.

Methods

A total of 184 Charcot feet in 159 patients (median age 60.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 15.5) years, 49 (30.1%) women) were retrospectively analyzed by patient chart review. Rates of limb salvage, reactivation, contralateral development and common complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors for limb loss, CN reactivation, contralateral CN development, and ulcer development.

Results

Major amputation-free survival could be achieved in 92.9% feet after a median follow-up of 5.2 (IQR 4.25, range 2.2–11.25) years. CN recurrence occurred in 13.6%. 32.1% had bilateral CN involvement. Ulcers were present in 72.3%. 88.1% patients were ambulating in orthopaedic footwear without any further aids. Presence of Diabetes mellitus was associated with reactivation of CN, major amputation and ulcer recurrence. Smoking was associated with ulcer development and necessity of amputations.

Conclusions

With consistent conservative treatment of CN with orthopaedic footwear or orthoses, limb preservation can be achieved in 92.9% after a median follow-up of 5.2 years. Patients with diabetic CN are at an increased risk of developing complications and CN reactivation. To prevent ulcers and amputations, every effort should be made to make patients stop smoking.

Level of Evidence

III, long-term retrospective cohort study
Domiciliary Cough Monitoring for the Prediction of COPD Exacerbations
Authors: Crooks Michael G. , den Brinker Albertus C. , Thackray-Nocera Susannah , van Dinther Ralph , Wright Caroline E. , Morice Alyn H.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AE-COPD) are a leading cause of health service utilisation and are associated with morbidity and mortality. Identifying the prodrome of AE-COPD by monitoring symptoms and physiological parameters (telemonitoring) has proven disappointing and false alerts limit clinical utility. We report objective monitoring of cough counts around AE-COPD and the performance of a novel alert system identifying meaningful change in cough frequency.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study of cough monitoring included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients experienced in telemonitoring that had two or more AE-COPD in the past year. Participants underwent cough monitoring and completed a daily questionnaire for 90 days. The automated system identified deteriorating trends in cough and this was compared with alerts generated by an established telemonitoring questionnaire.

Results

28 patients [median age 66 (range 46–86), mean FEV-1% predicted 36% (SD 18%)] completed the study and had a total of 58 exacerbations (43 moderate and 15 severe). Alerts based on cough monitoring were generated mean 3.4 days before 45% of AE-COPD with one false alert every 100 days. In contrast, questionnaire-based alerts occurred in the prodrome of 88% of AE-COPD with one false alert every 10 days.

Conclusion

An alert system based on cough frequency alone predicted 45% AE-COPD; the low false alert rate with cough monitoring suggests it is a practical and clinically relevant tool. In contrast, the utility of questionnaire-based symptom monitoring is limited by frequent false alerts.
Characterization of Patients With Refractory or Unexplained Chronic Cough Participating in a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of the P2X3-Receptor Antagonist Gefapixant
Authors: Morice Alyn H. , Birring Surinder S. , Smith Jaclyn A. , McGarvey Lorcan P. , Schelfhout Jonathan , Martin Nguyen Allison , Xu Zhi Jin , Wu Wen-Chi , Muccino David R. , Sher Mandel R.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This analysis assesses clinical characteristics of patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC) or unexplained chronic cough (UCC) enrolled in a phase 2 study to better understand this patient population.

Methods

Patients with RCC/UCC lasting for ≥ 1 year and cough severity visual analog scale (VAS) score of > 40 mm at screening were eligible. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and medical history were collected at baseline. Cough-related measures included cough severity VAS, Cough Severity Diary (CSD), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and a structured cough-trigger questionnaire. Medication history included all medications 30 days before screening and chronic cough treatments within 1 year before screening. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Patients (N = 253; female, 76%; mean age, 60 years) had severe (mean cough severity VAS, 57.5 mm) and long-lasting (median duration, 11 years) cough. The most burdensome self-reported aspects included psychological and social factors (LCQ) and cough frequency and intensity (CSD). Patient-reported triggers were consistent with cough hypersensitivity (e.g., 95% to 96% reported irritation or tickle in throat). Common reported comorbidities included gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; 56%), allergic rhinitis (47%), and asthma (30%); 12% of patients had been diagnosed with all 3 conditions. The most common prior medications included inhaled or oral steroids (21%), antihistamines (15%), and antacids (15%).

Conclusion

Patients with RCC/UCC had severe, long-lasting, and burdensome cough with clinical features of cough hypersensitivity. Many patients had been diagnosed with GERD, allergic rhinitis, and asthma but had a persistent cough despite treatment of these conditions.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02612610; registered November 20, 2015
Linear elements are stable structures along the chromosome axis in fission yeast meiosis
Authors: Ding Da-Qiao , Matsuda Atsushi , Okamasa Kasumi , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: April 2021

The structure of chromosomes dramatically changes upon entering meiosis to ensure the successful progression of meiosis-specific events. During this process, a multilayer proteinaceous structure called a synaptonemal complex (SC) is formed in many eukaryotes. However, in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, linear elements (LinEs), which are structures related to axial elements of the SC, form on the meiotic cohesin-based chromosome axis. The structure of LinEs has been observed using silver-stained electron micrographs or in immunofluorescence-stained spread nuclei. However, the fine structure of LinEs and their dynamics in intact living cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we performed live cell imaging with wide-field fluorescence microscopy as well as 3D structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) of the core components of LinEs (Rec10, Rec25, Rec27, Mug20) and a linE-binding protein Hop1. We found that LinEs form along the chromosome axis and elongate during meiotic prophase. 3D-SIM microscopy revealed that Rec10 localized to meiotic chromosomes in the absence of other LinE proteins, but shaped into LinEs only in the presence of all three other components, the Rec25, Rec27, and Mug20. Elongation of LinEs was impaired in double-strand break-defective rec12− cells. The structure of LinEs persisted after treatment with 1,6-hexanediol and showed slow fluorescence recovery from photobleaching. These results indicate that LinEs are stable structures resembling axial elements of the SC.
Correction to: The Fuzzy Kinetics Index: an indicator conflating cardiorespiratory kinetics during dynamic exercise
Authors: Drescher U.
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04665-w
Polyhedral separation via difference of convex (DC) programming
Authors: Astorino Annabella , Francesco Massimo Di , Gaudioso Manlio , Gorgone Enrico , Manca Benedetto
Published: April 2021

We consider polyhedral separation of sets as a possible tool in supervised classification. In particular, we focus on the optimization model introduced by Astorino and Gaudioso (J Optim Theory Appl 112(2):265–293, 2002) and adopt its reformulation in difference of convex (DC) form. We tackle the problem by adapting the algorithm for DC programming known as DCA. We present the results of the implementation of DCA on a number of benchmark classification datasets.
Process-property correlations in laser-induced graphene electrodes for electrochemical sensing
Authors: Behrent Arne , Griesche Christian , Sippel Paul , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: April 2021

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has emerged as a promising electrode material for electrochemical point-of-care diagnostics. LIG offers a large specific surface area and excellent electron transfer at low-cost in a binder-free and rapid fabrication process that lends itself well to mass production outside of the cleanroom. Various LIG micromorphologies can be generated when altering the energy input parameters, and it was investigated here which impact this has on their electroanalytical characteristics and performance. Energy input is well controlled by the laser power, scribing speed, and laser pulse density. Once the threshold of required energy input is reached a broad spectrum of conditions leads to LIG with micromorphologies ranging from delicate irregular brush structures obtained at fast, high energy input, to smoother and more wall like albeit still porous materials. Only a fraction of these LIG structures provided high conductance which is required for appropriate electroanalytical performance. Here, it was found that low, frequent energy input provided the best electroanalytical material, i.e., low levels of power and speed in combination with high spatial pulse density. For example, the sensitivity for the reduction of K3[Fe(CN)6] was increased almost 2-fold by changing fabrication parameters from 60% power and 100% speed to 1% power and 10% speed. These general findings can be translated to any LIG fabrication process independent of devices used. The simple fabrication process of LIG electrodes, their good electroanalytical performance as demonstrated here with a variety of (bio)analytically relevant molecules including ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, p-nitrophenol, and paracetamol, and possible application to biological samples make them ideal and inexpensive transducers for electrochemical (bio)sensors, with the potential to replace the screen-printed systems currently dominating in on-site sensors used.
Robotic rehabilitation for end-effector device and botulinum toxin in upper limb rehabilitation in chronic post-stroke patients: an integrated rehabilitative approach
Authors: Paolucci Teresa , Agostini Francesco , Mangone Massimiliano , Bernetti Andrea , Pezzi Letizia , Liotti Vitalma , Recubini Elena , Cantarella Cristina , Bellomo Rosa Grazia , D’Aurizio Carlo , Saggini Raoul
Published: April 2021

Background

Determine the effects of an integrated rehabilitation protocol, including botulinum toxin and conventional rehabilitation exercise plus end-effector (EE) robotic training for functional recovery of the upper limb (UL) compared to training with the robot alone in post-chronic stroke patients with mild to severe spasticity, compared to training with the robot alone.

Methods

In this prospective, observational case-control study, stroke patients were allocated into 2 groups: robot group (RG, patients who underwent robotic treatment with EE) and robot-toxin group (RTG, patients who in addition have carried out the injection of botulinum toxin for UL recovery). All patients were assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motricity Index (MI), modified Ashworth scale (MAS), numeric rating scale (NRS), Box and Block Test (BBT), Frenchay Arm Test (FAT), and Barthel Index (BI) at baseline (T0), T1 (end of treatment), and T2 (3 months of follow-up).

Results

Forty-four patients were included and analyzed (21RG; 23RTG). From the analysis between groups, the results suggested how there was a statistically significant difference in favor of RTG, specifically ΔT0-T1 and ΔT0-T2 for B&B p = 0.009 and p = 0.035; ΔT0-T1 and ΔT0-T2 for FAT with p = 0.016 and p = 0.031; ΔT0-T1 for MAS shoulder p = 0.016; ΔT0-T1 and ΔT0-T2 with p = 0.010 and p = 0.005 for MAS elbow; and ΔT0-T1 and ΔT0-T2 with p = 0.001 and p = 0.013 for MAS wrist.

Conclusion

Our results suggest, in line with the literature, a good efficacy in the reduction of spasticity and in the improvement of the function of the UL, with the reduction of pain, adopting a rehabilitation protocol integrated with BoTN, robot-assisted training, and traditional physiotherapy.