bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognition enhancing abilities of vitamin D, epalrestat and their combination in diabetic rats with and without scopolamine induced amnesia
Authors: Kulkarni Utkarsha D. , Kumari Kamalkishore Meena , Vittalrao Amberkar Mohanbabu , Kumar Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah Praveen
Published: September 2021

Persistent hyperglycaemia and scopolamine were used to inflict amnesia in rats. Chronic hyperglycaemia causes metabolic impairment, neuronal dysfunction and oxidative stress causing cognitive impairment. This study aimed to determine anti amnesic activities of vitamin D, epalrestat and their combination against diabetes and scopolamine induced cognitive dysfunction. A total of eighty-eight Wistar albino rats, eleven groups, and 8 rats/Gr., were used. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in all groups, except Gr.1 which was treated with 2 ml normal saline. Gr. 2 to 11 by feeding high fat diet for 28 days followed by single dose streptozotocin 35 mg/kg i.p. Hyperglycemic rats were screened with blood sugar level > 200 mg/dL. Gr. 2 rats were treated with only streptozotocin and Gr. 3 to 6 were treated with streptozotocin and test drugs donepezil 1 mg/kg, vitamin D, 27 mcg/kg, epalrestat 57 mg/kg, vitamin D + epalrestat, per oral, respectively. Gr. 7 rats were treated with only streptozotocin + scopolamine and all others from Gr. 8 to 11 were treated with streptozotocin + scopolamine and donepezil, vitamin D, epalrestat, vitamin D + epalrestat respectively. The gold standard behavioural tests were conducted by using Morris water maze and passive avoidance paradigms after 30–60 min of inj. scopolamine, 0.5 mg/kg, intra-peritoneal. Hippocampal tissue was taken for histopathological and biochemical evaluation. Rats treated with donepezil, vitamin D, epalrestat and vitamin D + epalrestat showed significant improvement in behavioural, biochemical and histopathological parameters as compared to streptozotocin and (streptozotocin + scopolamine) treated rats. This study underscores cognition enhancing abilities of vitamin D and epalrestat, and their combination in diabetic rats with and without scopolamine.
Amide proton transfer imaging in differentiation of type II and type I endometrial carcinoma: a pilot study
Authors: Ochiai Ryoya , Mukuda Naoko , Yunaga Hiroto , Kitao Shinichiro , Okuda Kyohei , Sato Shinya , Oishi Tetsuro , Miyoshi Mitsuharu , Nozaki Atsushi , Fujii Shinya
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of amide proton transfer (APT) imaging in differentiation of type II and type I uterine endometrial carcinoma.

Materials and methods

Thirty-three patients diagnosed with uterine endometrial carcinoma, including 24 with type I and 9 with type II carcinomas, underwent APT imaging. Two readers evaluated the magnetization transfer ratio at 3.5 ppm [MTRasym(3.5 ppm)] in each type of carcinoma. The average MTRasym(APTmean) and the maximum MTRasym(APTmax) were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

Results

The APTmaxwas significantly higher in type II carcinomas than in type I carcinomas (reader1,p = 0.004; reader 2,p = 0.014; respectively). However, APTmeanshowed no significant difference between type I and II carcinomas. Based on the results reported by reader 1, the area under the curve (AUC) pertaining to the APTmaxfor distinguishing type I from type II carcinomas was 0.826, with a cut-off, sensitivity, and specificity of 9.90%, 66.7%, and 91.3%, respectively. Moreover, based on the results reported by reader 2, the AUC was 0.750, with a cut-off, sensitivity, and specificity of 9.80%, 62.5%, and 87.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

APT imaging has the potential to determine the type of endometrial cancer.
Targeting working memory to modify emotional reactivity in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Kaiser Antonia , Reneman Liesbeth , Lucassen Paul J. , de Vries Taco J. , Schrantee Anouk , Kaag Anne Marije
Published: September 2021

Understanding the neural mechanisms of emotional reactivity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may help develop more effective treatments that target emotion dysregulation. In adult ADHD, emotion regulation problems cover a range of dimensions, including emotional reactivity (ER). One important process that could underlie an impaired ER in ADHD might be impaired working memory (WM) processing. We recently demonstrated that taxing WM prior to the exposure of emotionally salient stimuli reduced physiological and subjective reactivity to such cues in heavy drinkers, suggesting lasting effects of WM activation on ER. Here, we investigated neural mechanisms that could underlie the interaction between WM and ER in adult ADHD participants. We included 30 male ADHD participants and 30 matched controls. Participants performed a novel functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm in which active WM-blocks were alternated with passive blocks of negative and neutral images. We demonstrated group-independent significant main effects of negative emotional images on amygdala activation, and WM-load on paracingulate gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation. Contrary to earlier reports in adolescent ADHD, no impairments were found in neural correlates of WM or ER. Moreover, taxing WM did not alter the neural correlates of ER in either ADHD or control participants. While we did find effects on the amygdala, paCG, and dlPFC activation, we did not find interactions between WM and ER, possibly due to the relatively unimpaired ADHD population and a well-matched control group. Whether targeting WM might be effective in participants with ADHD with severe ER impairments remains to be investigated.
SGLT2 Inhibitors and Their Mode of Action in Heart Failure—Has the Mystery Been Unravelled?
Authors: Pabel Steffen , Hamdani Nazha , Luedde Mark , Sossalla Samuel
Published: September 2021

Purpose of review

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are new drugs for patients with heart failure (HF) irrespective of diabetes. However, the mechanisms of SGLT2i in HF remain elusive. This article discusses the current clinical evidence for using SGLT2i in different types of heart failure and provides an overview about the possible underlying mechanisms.

Recent findings

Clinical and basic data strongly support and extend the use of SGLT2i in HF. Improvement of conventional secondary risk factors is unlikely to explain the prognostic benefits of these drugs in HF. However, different multidirectional mechanisms of SGLT2i could improve HF status including volume regulation, cardiorenal mechanisms, metabolic effects, improved cardiac remodelling, direct effects on cardiac contractility and ion-homeostasis, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress as well as an impact on autophagy and adipokines.

Further translational studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of SGLT2i in HF. However, basic and clinical evidence encourage the use of SGLT2i in HFrEF and possibly HFpEF.
Listing criteria for heart transplantation in the Netherlands
Authors: de Jonge N. , Damman K. , Ramjankhan F. Z. , van der Kaaij N. P. , van den Broek S. A. J. , Erasmus M. E. , Kuijpers M. , Manintveld O. , Bekkers J. A. , Constantinescu A. C. , Brugts J. J. , Oerlemans M. I. F. , van Laake L. W. , Caliskan K.
Published: September 2021

The updated listing criteria for heart transplantation are presented on behalf of the three heart transplant centres in the Netherlands. Given the shortage of donor hearts, selection of those patients who may expect to have the greatest benefit from a scarce societal resource in terms of life expectancy and quality of life is inevitable. The indication for heart transplantation includes end-stage heart disease not remediable by more conservative measures, accompanied by severe physical limitation while on optimal medical therapy, including ICD/CRT‑D. Assessment of this condition requires cardiopulmonary stress testing, prognostic stratification and invasive haemodynamic measurements. Timely referral to a tertiary centre is essential for an optimal outcome. Chronic mechanical circulatory support is being used more and more as an alternative to heart transplantation and to bridge the progressively longer waiting time for heart transplantation and, thus, has become an important treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure.
Geomechanical model and wellbore stability analysis utilizing acoustic impedance and reflection coefficient in a carbonate reservoir
Authors: Bagheri Hassan , Tanha Abbas Ayatizadeh , Doulati Ardejani Faramarz , Heydari-Tajareh Mojtaba , Larki Ehsan
Published: September 2021

One of the most important oil and gas drilling studies is wellbore stability analysis. The purpose of this research is to investigate wellbore stability from a different perspective. To begin, vertical stress and pore pressure were calculated. The lowest and maximum horizontal stress were calculated using poroelastic equations. The strike-slip to normal fault regime was shown by calculated in situ stress values. The 1-D geomechanical model was utilized to investigate the failure mechanisms and safe mud window estimation using the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. Using density and sonic (compressional and shear slowness) logs, the acoustic impedance (AI) and reflection coefficient (RC) logs were determined subsequently. The combination of layers with different AI indicates positive and negative values for the RC, zones prone to shear failure or breakout, and the mud weight in these zones should be increased, according to the interpretation of the AI and RC readings and the results of the geomechanical model. Furthermore, the zones with almost constant values of AI log and values close to zero for RC log are stable as homogeneously lithologically, but have a lower tensile failure threshold than the intervals that are sensitive to shear failure, and if the mud weight increases, these zones are susceptible to tensile failure or breakdown. Increased porosity values, which directly correspond with the shear failure threshold and inversely with the tensile failure threshold, cause AI values to decrease in homogenous zones, but have no effect on the behavior of the RC log. This approach can determine the potential zones to kick, loss, shear failure, and tensile failure in a short time.
Bayesian Models for Analysis of Inventory and Monitoring Data with Non-ignorable Missingness
Authors: Zachmann Luke J. , Borgman Erin M. , Witwicki Dana L. , Swan Megan C. , McIntyre Cheryl , Hobbs N. Thompson
Published: September 2021

We describe the application of Bayesian hierarchical models to the analysis of data from long-term, environmental monitoring programs. The goal of these ongoing programs is to understand status and trend in natural resources. Data are usually collected using complex sampling designs including stratification, revisit schedules, finite populations, unequal probabilities of inclusion of sample units, and censored observations. Complex designs intentionally create data that are missing from the complete data that could theoretically be obtained. This “missingness” cannot be ignored in analysis. Data collected by monitoring programs have traditionally been analyzed using the design-based Horvitz–Thompson estimator to obtain point estimates of means and variances over time. However, Horvitz–Thompson point estimates are not capable of supporting inference on temporal trend or the predictor variables that might explain trend, which instead requires model-based inference. The key to applying model-based inference to data arising from complex designs is to include information about the sampling design in the analysis. The statistical concept of ignorability provides a theoretical foundation for meeting this requirement. We show how Bayesian hierarchical models provide a general framework supporting inference on status and trend using data from the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program as examples. Supplemental Materials Code and data for implementing the analyses described here can be accessed here:https://doi.org/10.36967/code-2287025.
La Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, una patologia epatica di interesse endocrinologico
Authors: Gangitano Elena , Ginanni Corradini Stefano , Lubrano Carla , Gnessi Lucio
Published: September 2021

Sommario

La Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) comprende diversi stadi di patologia epatica che vanno dalla steatosi alla cirrosi epatica. È considerata la manifestazione epatica della patologia metabolica e alcune alterazioni endocrinologiche possono concorrere a determinarne l’insorgenza o la progressione. È quindi di fondamentale importanza che l’endocrinologo sia consapevole dell’importanza clinica e prognostica della NAFLD correlata alle patologie endocrine, al fine di offrire al paziente il trattamento adeguato.
Isometries of ultrametric normed spaces
Authors: Cabello Sánchez Javier , Navarro Garmendia José
Published: September 2021

We show that the group of isometries of an ultrametric normed space can be seen as a kind of a fractal. Then, we apply this description to study ultrametric counterparts of some classical problems in Archimedean analysis, such as the so calledProblème des rotations de Mazuror Tingley’s problem. In particular, it turns out that, in contrast with the case of real normed spaces, isometries between ultrametric normed spaces can be very far from being linear.
Phytocytokines function as immunological modulators of plant immunity
Authors: Hou Shuguo , Liu Derui , He Ping
Published: September 2021

Plant plasma membrane-resident immune receptors regulate plant immunity by recognizing microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and phytocytokines. Phytocytokines are plant endogenous peptides, which are usually produced in the cytosol and released into the apoplast when plant encounters pathogen infections. Phytocytokines regulate plant immunity through activating an overlapping signaling pathway with MAMPs/DAMPs with some unique features. Here, we highlight the current understanding of phytocytokine production, perception and functions in plant immunity, and discuss how plants and pathogens manipulate phytocytokine signaling for their own benefits during the plant-pathogen warfare.
SmProt: A Reliable Repository with Comprehensive Annotation of Small Proteins Identified from Ribosome Profiling
Authors: Li Yanyan , Zhou Honghong , Chen Xiaomin , Zheng Yu , Kang Quan , Hao Di , Zhang Lili , Song Tingrui , Luo Huaxia , Hao Yajing , Chen Runsheng , Zhang Peng , He Shunmin
Published: September 2021

Small proteins specifically refer to proteins consisting of less than 100 amino acids translated from small open reading frames (sORFs), which were usually missed in previous genome annotation. The significance of small proteins has been revealed in current years, along with the discovery of their diverse functions. However, systematic annotation of small proteins is still insufficient. SmProt was specially developed to provide valuable information on small proteins for scientific community. Here we present the update of SmProt, which emphasizes reliability of translated sORFs, genetic variants in translated sORFs, disease-specific sORF translation events or sequences, and remarkably increased data volume. More components such as non-ATG translation initiation, function, and new sources are also included. SmProt incorporated 638,958 unique small proteins curated from 3,165,229 primary records, which were computationally predicted from 419 ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) datasets or collected from literature and other sources from 370 cell lines or tissues in 8 species (Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, Drosophila melanogaster, Danio rerio, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Escherichia coli). In addition, small protein families identified from human microbiomes were also collected. All datasets in SmProt are free to access, and available for browse, search, and bulk downloads at http://bigdata.ibp.ac.cn/SmProt/.
Outcomes and associated factors among patients undergone emergency laparotomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Oumer Keder Essa , Ahmed Seid Adem , Tawuye Hailu Yimer , Ferede Yonas Admasu
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Emergency laparotomy patients are different in pathology and surgical urgency. Mortality rates following emergency laparotomy ranges from 13% to 18% which is five times greater than high-risk elective surgery. In addition, major complication rates are as high as 50%. Limited data is available in our country regarding outcomes of emergency laparotomy. This study aimed to assess outcome of emergency laparotomy.

Objective:

To determine outcomes and associated factors among patients undergone emergency laparotomy.

Methods:

A four years institutional based retrospective observational study was conducted for patients who undergone emergency laparotomy from January 2016 to January 2020.A total of 518 patient charts were enrolled in this study. All consecutive patient charts during the study period were included. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabs and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the association between dependant and independent variables. The strength of the association was presented using adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant with mortality.

Results:

Mortality rate was 42 (8.1%) and 70(13.5%) patients were developed complication which needed surgical intervention under general anesthesia. The mean length of hospital stay was 8 ± 5.9 days. Patients age ≥65 (AOR = 9.6, CI = 3.4–27.1), ASA status of ≥III (AOR = 7.4, CI = 1.9–29.3), presence of preoperative sepsis (AOR = 6.7,(95% CI: 2.0–22.6) and intraoperative use of vasopressor (AOR = 10.5,(95% CI: 3.8–29.5) were significantly associated with mortality of emergency laparotomy patients.

Conclusion:

Emergency laparotomy possesses high mortality. Preoperative resuscitation and sepsis management may improve outcome following emergency laparotomy.

Highlights
The Voices of European Law: Legislators, Judges and Law Professors
Authors: Dyevre Arthur , Glavina Monika , Ovádek Michal
Published: September 2021

European Union legislators, CJEU judges and EU law scholars have produced streams of texts which determine both what EU law is and how it is perceived. We explore what these distinct “voices” tell us about the EU’s legal and policy priorities using a mega corpus compiling more than 200,000 legislative acts, 55,000 court rulings and opinions, and 4,000 articles from a leading EU law journal. Applying an unsupervised machine learning technique known as probabilistic topic modelling, we find that economic integration remains the focus of EU law, but that scholars tend to emphasize rights issues more and ignore certain topics, such as farming regulations, almost entirely. The relationship among these partly interdependent, partly autonomous voices, we suggest, can be conceptualized in terms of co-evolution. Legislation influences issue attention on the CJEU, which, in turn, influences what law professors choose to write about.
Racing the Clock: Using Response Time as a Proxy for Attentiveness on Self-Administered Surveys
Authors: Read Blair , Wolters Lukas , Berinsky Adam J.
Published: September 2021

Internet-based surveys have expanded public opinion data collection at the expense of monitoring respondent attentiveness, potentially compromising data quality. Researchers now have to evaluate attentiveness ex-post. We propose a new proxy for attentiveness—response-time attentiveness clustering (RTAC)—that uses dimension reduction and an unsupervised clustering algorithm to leverage variation in response time between respondents and across questions. We advance the literature theoretically arguing that the existing dichotomous classification of respondents as fast or attentive is insufficient and neglects slow and inattentive respondents. We validate our theoretical classification and empirical strategy against commonly used proxies for survey attentiveness. In contrast to other methods for capturing attentiveness, RTAC allows researchers to collect attentiveness data unobtrusively without sacrificing space on the survey instrument.
Nutrient patterns are associated with discordant apoB and LDL: a population-based analysis
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Webb Richard J. , George Elena S. , Shekoohi Niloofar , Lovegrove Julie A. , Davies Ian G.
Published: September 2021

Individuals with discordantly high apoB to LDL-cholesterol levels carry a higher risk of atherosclerotic CVD compared with those with average or discordantly low apoB to LDL-cholesterol. We aimed to determine associations between apoB and LDL-cholesterol discordance in relation to nutrient patterns (NP) using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Participants were grouped by established LDL-cholesterol and apoB cut-offs (Group 1: low apoB/low LDL-cholesterol, Group 2: low apoB/high LDL-cholesterol, Group 3: high apoB/low LDL-cholesterol, Group 4: high apoB/high LDL-cholesterol). Principle component analysis was used to define NP. Machine learning (ML) and structural equation models were applied to assess associations of nutrient intake with apoB/LDL-cholesterol discordance using the combined effects of apoB and LDL-cholesterol. Three NP explained 63·2 % of variance in nutrient consumption. These consisted of NP1 rich in SFA, carbohydrate and vitamins, NP2 high in fibre, minerals, vitamins and PUFA and NP3 rich in dietary cholesterol, protein and Na. The discordantly high apoB to LDL-cholesterol group had the highest consumption of the NP1 and the lowest consumption of the NP2. ML showed nutrients that had the greatest unfavourable dietary contribution to individuals with discordantly high apoB to LDL-cholesterol were total fat, SFA and thiamine and the greatest favourable contributions were MUFA, folate, fibre and Se. Individuals with discordantly high apoB in relation to LDL-cholesterol had greater adherence to NP1, whereas those with lower levels of apoB, irrespective of LDL-cholesterol, were more likely to consume NP3.
Coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis meandering its way into the orbit: a pictorial review
Authors: Khullar T , Kumar J , Sindhu D , Garg A , Meher R , Goel R
Published: September 2021

Background

There has been a recent deluge of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis in our country. It affects the paranasal sinuses; however, it has a rapid extrasinus progression (the orbit being most common), which can be fatal if not detected early. It may meander into the orbit through various foramina without frank bone destruction.

Methods

This paper reviews the various gateways of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis to the orbit, even before advent of bone destruction or ocular symptoms. Plausible pathways of invasion and subtle imaging findings are depicted, to enable an early diagnosis.

Results

Relevant anatomy and imaging examples have been illustrated to familiarise the surgeons with various routes of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis spread to the orbit. Emphasis is laid on searching for subtle imaging findings for the detection of early orbital invasion.

Conclusion

Early detection and extension of coronavirus disease 2019 associated mucormycosis is facilitated by knowledge of its gateways of spread, which aids the surgeon in prognostication and planning of the surgical approach.
First records of the flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps on the Kampar Peninsula, Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Powell Chela , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: September 2021

The flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps is one of the rarest small felids, with little known about its distribution, population status or habitat requirements, largely because of the few records of the species. We report here 11 detections of this Endangered species, recorded during 4 years of camera-trap surveys in a peat-swamp forest on the Kampar Peninsula, Riau province, Sumatra. These are the first records of this species on the Kampar Peninsula, in an area of c. 1,300 km2 of peat-swamp forest comprising four adjacent Ecosystem Restoration Concession licences. All records were near water bodies (mean distance 351 m) in lowland peat-swamp forest. These findings add to the existing knowledge of the species' distribution in Sumatra and confirm its presence in these peat-swamp forests. To inform species conservation management planning for the Kampar Peninsula, further research on this species is required.
Dread Scott’s Slave Rebellion Reenactment
Authors: Lauro Sarah Juliet
Published: September 2021

Dread Scott’s two-day Slave Rebellion Reenactment, part recreation and part historical revision, dramatized the 1811 slave rebellion in a more fully developed manner than historical records authored by slaveholders, incorporating a range of strategies used in other artworks depicting slave resistance, including: elisions, caesura, lacuna, off-screen action, obfuscation, abstraction, redaction, and more. These devices safeguard history from appropriation or commodification on the one hand; and on the other, highlight the way slave resistance is neglected in the historical record and commemorative landscape.
Embodied Memory and Alternative Futures
Authors: Kernkamp Ruby Clementine
Published: September 2021

Through the Peace Ride, the Compton Cowboys, as activists and performance artists within the Black Lives Matter movement, materialized the long legacy of Black men and women riders in the United States. These protest bodies on horseback imagine alternative futures for Black communities through embodied memory and a rewriting of the archive.
The Babytwins Study Sweden (BATSS): A Multi-Method Infant Twin Study of Genetic and Environmental Factors Influencing Infant Brain and Behavioral Development
Authors: Falck-Ytter Terje , Hamrefors Linnea , Siqueiros Sanches Monica , Portugal Ana Maria , Taylor Mark , Li Danyang , Viktorsson Charlotte , Hardiansyah Irzam , Myers Lynnea , Westberg Lars , Bölte Sven , Tammimies Kristiina , Ronald Angelica
Published: September 2021

Twin studies can help us understand the relative contributions of genes and environment to phenotypic trait variation, including attentional and brain activation measures. In terms of applying methodologies such as electroencephalography (EEG) and eye tracking, which are key methods in developmental neuroscience, infant twin studies are almost nonexistent. Here, we describe the Babytwins Study Sweden (BATSS), a multi-method longitudinal twin study of 177 MZ and 134 DZ twin pairs (i.e., 622 individual infants) covering the 5−36 month time period. The study includes EEG, eye tracking and genetics, together with more traditional measures based on in-person testing, direct observation and questionnaires. The results show that interest in participation in research among twin parents is high, despite the comprehensive protocol. DNA analysis from saliva samples was possible in virtually all participants, allowing for both zygosity confirmation and polygenic score analyses. Combining a longitudinal twin design with advanced technologies in developmental cognitive neuroscience and genomics, BATSS represents a new approach in infancy research, which we hope to have impact across multiple disciplines in the coming years.
CME: Traumatisierte Geflüchtete in der Hausarztpraxis – ein Kurzleitfaden
Authors: Schick Matthis
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Traumatische Erfahrungen, Flucht und das Leben im Exil stellen per se keine Krankheit dar, gehen jedoch mit einem erhöhten psychischen Erkrankungsrisiko einher. Die Hausarztpraxis bleibt angesichts des Mangels an spezialisierten Therapieplätzen oft die einzige Behandlungsstelle für traumatisierte Geflüchtete. Besonders herausfordernd ist die Kombination von komplexen Beschwerdebildern, mehrdimensionalen psychosozialen Belastungssituationen und erschwerten Behandlungsbedingungen, welche im dichten Praxisalltag betriebswirtschaftlichen und organisatorischen Grenzen gegenüberstehen. Im Artikel werden Empfehlungen für den Umgang mit dieser heterogenen Patientengruppe diskutiert.
Schmerzen im Daumen und anderen Fingern
Authors: Rothenfluh Esin , Besmens Inga S. , Frueh Florian S. , Guidi Marco , Calcagni Maurizio
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Mit zunehmendem Alter der Bevölkerung steigt die Häufigkeit von Arthrose in der Hand. Dies kann bei Manifestation zu Schmerzen und körperlichen Beeinträchtigungen führen. Die daraus resultierende potenzielle Arbeitsunfähigkeit betrifft die Bevölkerung bei steigendem Rentenalter zunehmend. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die häufigsten Formen der Arthrose in der Hand, ihre Diagnosestellung und die aktuellen Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und betont, dass eine multimodale Therapie häufig der effektivste Ansatz ist.
Neuropathische Schmerzen – Handchirurgische Differenzialdiagnose und Therapie
Authors: M. Pothmann Carina E. , Besmens Inga S. , Rothenfluh Esin , Guidi Marco , Calcagni Maurizio , Frueh Florian S.
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Neuropathischen Schmerzen im Bereich des Handgelenks und der Hand können verschiedenste Ätiologien zugrunde liegen. Mögliche Ursachen umfassen Trauma, iatrogene Schädigung, lokale periphere Kompression, Nerventumoren sowie Systemerkrankungen. Anhaltende Beschwerden führen mitunter zu Chronifizierung und Invalidität und stellen einen starken Einschnitt in die Lebensqualität und die Arbeitsfähigkeit der Betroffenen dar. Eine präzise Diagnostik ist der Schlüssel zu einer adäquaten Therapie mit möglichst zufriedenstellendem funktionellem Ergebnis. Ein interdisziplinärer und multimodaler Approach hat sich bewährt. Diese Übersichtsarbeit gibt einen Einblick in Diagnostik und Therapie von Pathologien, die für neuropathische Schmerzen im Bereich des Handgelenks und der Hand verantwortlich sein können.
Eating Disorders and the Rorschach
Authors: Guinzbourg de Braude Silvia Monica , Vibert Sarah , Righetti Tommaso , Antonelli Arianna
Published: September 2021

Abstract. In this article we review research on eating disorders with the Rorschach. In this field there are two main lines of research involving two specific methodologies: the Comprehensive System and the French school. We present the main results of the different studies separately and then comment on some similarities and differences in the findings. We find that the results of these studies are complementary on certain aspects of functioning found in anorexia nervosa as compared with other categories of eating disorders. Both sets of studies underline the self-centeredness of anorexic patients with their difficulty in communicating their feelings and thoughts. In both types of study, treatment is understood as relying on an integrative and multidisciplinary model that seeks to modify the eating behaviors and to improve ego functions in order to moderate the patient’s distress. In addition, both types of research show that secure attachment would be the first priority for the therapist in psychological treatment, which should increase the patient’s confidence in others. They also both stress the importance of the restoration of self-esteem and a sense of identity through the support offered by the relationship to the therapist.
The Understudied Risks of Low-Magnitude Eruptions
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: September 2021

Volcanologists have historically focused on the risks of large-scale eruptions, but new research highlights how small eruptions can combine with human-made vulnerabilities to cause catastrophic impacts.
DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene predicts substance use in adolescence: longitudinal data from over 1000 young individuals
Authors: Raffetti Elena , Melas Philippe Anastasios , Landgren Anton Jonatan , Andersson Filip , Forsell Yvonne , Lavebratt Catharina , Galanti Maria Rosaria
Published: September 2021

Early life stress has been linked to increased methylation of the Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 (NR3C1) gene, which codes for the glucocorticoid receptor. Moreover, early life stress has been associated with substance use initiation at a younger age, a risk factor for developing substance use disorders. However, no studies to date have investigated whether NR3C1 methylation can predict substance use in young individuals. This study included adolescents 13–14 years of age that reported no history of substance use at baseline, (N = 1041; males = 46%). Participants contributed saliva DNA samples and were followed in middle adolescence as part of KUPOL, a prospective cohort study of 7th-grade students in Sweden. Outcome variables were self-reports of (i) recent use, (ii) lifetime use, and (iii) use duration of (a) alcohol, (b) tobacco products, (c) cannabis, or (d) any substance. Outcomes were measured annually for three consecutive years. The predictor variable was DNA methylation at the exon 1 F locus of NR3C1. Risk and rate ratios were calculated as measures of association, with or without adjustment for internalizing symptoms and parental psychiatric disorders. For a subset of individuals (N = 320), there were also morning and afternoon salivary cortisol measurements available that were analyzed in relation to NR3C1 methylation levels. Baseline NR3C1 hypermethylation associated with future self-reports of recent use and use duration of any substance, before and after adjustment for potential confounders. The overall estimates were attenuated when considering lifetime use. Sex-stratified analyses revealed the strongest association for cigarette use in males. Cortisol analyses revealed associations between NR3C1 methylation and morning cortisol levels. Findings from this study suggest that saliva NR3C1 hypermethylation can predict substance use in middle adolescence. Additional longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Histone deacetylase HDAC4 participates in the pathological process of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via MEKK1/JNK pathway by binding to miR-206
Authors: Li Qingman , Zhu Lijie , Niu Fangqing , Li Qingmin , Wang Che , Yang Honghui , Gao Chuanyu
Published: September 2021

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) and microRNAs (miRs) have been reported to exert pivotal roles on the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Therefore, the present study was performed to define the underlying role of HDAC4 and miR-206 in the pathological process of MIRI. An IRI rat model was established. The interaction between HDAC4 and the promoter region of miR-206 was determined using ChIP, and that between miR-206 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) was determined using dual luciferase reporter gene assay. After the loss- or gain-of-function assay in cardiomyocytes, western blot analysis, RT-qPCR, TUNEL, and ELISA assay were performed to define the roles of HDAC4, miR-206, and MEKK1. Up-regulation of HDAC4 and down-regulation of miR-206 occurred in rat myocardial tissues and cardiomyocytes in MIRI. HDAC4 down-regulation or miR-206 up-regulation contributed to reduced cell apoptosis and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde (MDA), while elevating the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) contents. Meanwhile, HDAC4 silencing promoted the expression of miR-206, which targeted and negatively regulated MEKK1. Then inhibition of JNK phosphorylation reduced the cardiomyocyte apoptosis to alleviate MIRI. Coherently, HDAC4 silencing could up-regulate the expression of miR-206 to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inhibit oxidative stress, and exerting a protective effect on MIRI via the MEKK1/JNK pathway.
Production of high-energy Li-ion batteries comprising silicon-containing anodes and insertion-type cathodes
Authors: Eshetu Gebrekidan Gebresilassie , Zhang Heng , Judez Xabier , Adenusi Henry , Armand Michel , Passerini Stefano , Figgemeier Egbert
Published: September 2021

Rechargeable Li-based battery technologies utilising silicon, silicon-based, and Si-derivative anodes coupled with high-capacity/high-voltage insertion-type cathodes have reaped significant interest from both academic and industrial sectors. This stems from their practically achievable energy density, offering a new avenue towards the mass-market adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, such high-energy systems are limited by their complex chemistry and intrinsic drawbacks. From this perspective, we present the progress, current status, prevailing challenges and mitigating strategies of Li-based battery systems comprising silicon-containing anodes and insertion-type cathodes. This is accompanied by an assessment of their potential to meet the targets for evolving volume- and weight-sensitive applications such as electro-mobility.
Identifying and characterizing pesticide use on 9,000 fields of organic agriculture
Authors: Larsen Ashley E. , Claire Powers L. , McComb Sofie
Published: September 2021

Notwithstanding popular perception, the environmental impacts of organic agriculture, particularly with respect to pesticide use, are not well established. Fueling the impasse is the general lack of data on comparable organic and conventional agricultural fields. We identify the location of ~9,000 organic fields from 2013 to 2019 using field-level crop and pesticide use data, along with state certification data, for Kern County, CA, one of the US’ most valuable crop producing counties. We parse apart how being organic relative to conventional affects decisions to spray pesticides and, if spraying, how much to spray using both raw and yield gap-adjusted pesticide application rates, based on a global meta-analysis. We show the expected probability of spraying any pesticides is reduced by about 30 percentage points for organic relative to conventional fields, across different metrics of pesticide use including overall weight applied and coarse ecotoxicity metrics. We report little difference, on average, in pesticide use for organic and conventional fields that do spray, though observe substantial crop-specific heterogeneity.
Structural determinants and regulation of spontaneous activity in GABAA receptors
Authors: Sexton Craig A. , Penzinger Reka , Mortensen Martin , Bright Damian P. , Smart Trevor G.
Published: September 2021

GABAA receptors are vital for controlling neuronal excitability and can display significant levels of constitutive activity that contributes to tonic inhibition. However, the mechanisms underlying spontaneity are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate a strict requirement for β3 subunit incorporation into receptors for spontaneous gating, facilitated by α4, α6 and δ subunits. The crucial molecular determinant involves four amino acids (GKER) in the β3 subunit’s extracellular domain, which interacts with adjacent receptor subunits to promote transition to activated, open channel conformations. Spontaneous activity is further regulated by β3 subunit phosphorylation and by allosteric modulators including neurosteroids and benzodiazepines. Promoting spontaneous activity reduced neuronal excitability, indicating that spontaneous currents will alter neural network activity. This study demonstrates how regional diversity in GABAA receptor isoform, protein kinase activity, and neurosteroid levels, can impact on tonic inhibition through the modulation of spontaneous GABAA receptor gating.
Evidence of two-dimensional flat band at the surface of antiferromagnetic kagome metal FeSn
Authors: Han Minyong , Inoue Hisashi , Fang Shiang , John Caolan , Ye Linda , Chan Mun K. , Graf David , Suzuki Takehito , Ghimire Madhav Prasad , Cho Won Joon , Kaxiras Efthimios , Checkelsky Joseph G.
Published: September 2021

The kagome lattice has long been regarded as a theoretical framework that connects lattice geometry to unusual singularities in electronic structure. Transition metal kagome compounds have been recently identified as a promising material platform to investigate the long-sought electronic flat band. Here we report the signature of a two-dimensional flat band at the surface of antiferromagnetic kagome metal FeSn by means of planar tunneling spectroscopy. Employing a Schottky heterointerface of FeSn and an n-type semiconductor Nb-doped SrTiO3, we observe an anomalous enhancement in tunneling conductance within a finite energy range of FeSn. Our first-principles calculations show this is consistent with a spin-polarized flat band localized at the ferromagnetic kagome layer at the Schottky interface. The spectroscopic capability to characterize the electronic structure of a kagome compound at a thin film heterointerface will provide a unique opportunity to probe flat band induced phenomena in an energy-resolved fashion with simultaneous electrical tuning of its properties. Furthermore, the exotic surface state discussed herein is expected to manifest as peculiar spin-orbit torque signals in heterostructure-based spintronic devices.
Reprogrammable plasmonic topological insulators with ultrafast control
Authors: You Jian Wei , Ma Qian , Lan Zhihao , Xiao Qiang , Panoiu Nicolae C. , Cui Tie Jun
Published: September 2021

Topological photonics has revolutionized our understanding of light propagation, providing a robust way to manipulate light. So far, most of studies in this field are focused on designing a static photonic structure. Developing a dynamic photonic topological platform to switch multiple topological functionalities at ultrafast speed is still a great challenge. Here we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a reprogrammable plasmonic topological insulator, where the topological propagation route can be dynamically changed at nanosecond-level switching time, leading to an experimental demonstration of ultrafast multi-channel optical analog-digital converter. Due to the innovative use of electric switches to implement the programmability of plasmonic topological insulator, each unit cell can be encoded by dynamically controlling its digital plasmonic states while keeping its geometry and material parameters unchanged. Our reprogrammable topological plasmonic platform is fabricated by the printed circuit board technology, making it much more compatible with integrated photoelectric systems. Furthermore, due to its flexible programmability, many photonic topological functionalities can be integrated into this versatile topological platform.
In situ identification and G4-PPI-His-Mal-dendrimer-induced reduction of early-stage amyloid aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice using synchrotron-based infrared imaging
Authors: Benseny-Cases Núria , Álvarez-Marimon Elena , Aso Ester , Carmona Margarita , Klementieva Oxana , Appelhans Dietmar , Ferrer Isidre , Cladera Josep
Published: September 2021

Amyloid plaques composed of Aβ amyloid peptides and neurofibrillary tangles are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer Disease. In situ identification of early-stage amyloid aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease is relevant for their importance as potential targets for effective drugs. Synchrotron-based infrared imaging is here used to identify early-stage oligomeric/granular aggregated amyloid species in situ in the brain of APP/PS1 transgenic mice for the first time. Also, APP/PS1 mice show fibrillary aggregates at 6 and 12 months. A significant decreased burden of early-stage aggregates and fibrillary aggregates is obtained following treatment with poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with histidine-maltose shell (a neurodegenerative protector) in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice, thus demonstrating their putative therapeutic properties of in AD models. Identification, localization, and characterization using infrared imaging of these non-fibrillary species in the cerebral cortex at early stages of AD progression in transgenic mice point to their relevance as putative pharmacological targets. No less important, early detection of these structures may be useful in the search for markers for non-invasive diagnostic techniques.
Use of human PBMC to analyse the impact of obesity on lipid metabolism and metabolic status: a proof-of-concept pilot study
Authors: Costa Andrea , Reynés Bàrbara , Konieczna Jadwiga , Martín Marian , Fiol Miquel , Palou Andreu , Romaguera Dora , Oliver Paula
Published: September 2021

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are widely used as a biomarker source in nutrition/obesity studies because they reflect gene expression profiles of internal tissues. In this pilot proof-of-concept study we analysed in humans if, as we previously suggested in rodents, PBMC could be a surrogate tissue to study overweight/obesity impact on lipid metabolism. Pre-selected key lipid metabolism genes based in our previous preclinical studies were analysed in PBMC of normoglycemic normal-weight (NW), and overweight-obese (OW-OB) subjects before and after a 6-month weight-loss plan. PBMC mRNA levels of CPT1A, FASN and SREBP-1c increased in the OW-OB group, according with what described in liver and adipose tissue of humans with obesity. This altered expression pattern was related to increased adiposity and early signs of metabolic impairment. Greater weight loss and/or metabolic improvement as result of the intervention was related to lower CPT1A, FASN and SREBP-1c gene expression in an adjusted linear mixed-effects regression analysis, although no gene expression recovery was observed when considering mean comparisons. Thus, human PBMC reflect lipid metabolism expression profile of energy homeostatic tissues, and early obesity-related alterations in metabolic at-risk subjects. Further studies are needed to understand PBMC usefulness for analysis of metabolic recovery in weigh management programs.
Characterization and engineering of Streptomyces griseofuscus DSM 40191 as a potential host for heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Gren Tetiana , Whitford Christopher M. , Mohite Omkar S. , Jørgensen Tue S. , Kontou Eftychia E. , Nielsen Julie B. , Lee Sang Yup , Weber Tilmann
Published: September 2021

Streptomyces griseofuscus DSM 40191 is a fast growing Streptomyces strain that remains largely underexplored as a heterologous host. Here, we report the genome mining of S. griseofuscus, followed by the detailed exploration of its phenotype, including the production of native secondary metabolites and ability to utilise carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus sources. Furthermore, several routes for genetic engineering of S. griseofuscus were explored, including use of GusA-based vectors, CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-cBEST-mediated knockouts. Two out of the three native plasmids were cured using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, leading to the generation of strain S. griseofuscus DEL1. DEL1 was further modified by the full deletion of a pentamycin BGC and an unknown NRPS BGC, leading to the generation of strain DEL2, lacking approx. 500 kbp of the genome, which corresponds to a 5.19% genome reduction. DEL2 can be characterized by faster growth and inability to produce three main native metabolites: lankacidin, lankamycin, pentamycin and their derivatives. To test the ability of DEL2 to heterologously produce secondary metabolites, the actinorhodin BGC was used. We were able to observe a formation of a blue halo, indicating a potential production of actinorhodin by both DEL2 and a wild type.