bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling controls survival and stemness of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Blokzijl-Franke Sasja , Ponsioen Bas , Schulte-Merker Stefan , Herbomel Philippe , Kissa Karima , Choorapoikayil Suma , den Hertog Jeroen
Published: March 2021

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are multipotent cells giving rise to all blood lineages during life. HSPCs emerge from the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta (VDA) during a specific timespan in embryonic development through endothelial hematopoietic transition (EHT). We investigated the ontogeny of HSPCs in mutant zebrafish embryos lacking functional pten, an important tumor suppressor with a central role in cell signaling. Through in vivo live imaging, we discovered that in pten mutant embryos a proportion of the HSPCs died upon emergence from the VDA, an effect rescued by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K). Surprisingly, inhibition of PI3K in wild-type embryos also induced HSPC death. Surviving HSPCs colonized the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT) normally and committed to all blood lineages. Single-cell RNA sequencing indicated that inhibition of PI3K enhanced survival of multipotent progenitors, whereas the number of HSPCs with more stem-like properties was reduced. At the end of the definitive wave, loss of Pten caused a shift to more restricted progenitors at the expense of HSPCs. We conclude that PI3K signaling tightly controls HSPCs survival and both up- and downregulation of PI3K signaling reduces stemness of HSPCs.
POU1F1 transcription factor induces metabolic reprogramming and breast cancer progression via LDHA regulation
Authors: Martínez-Ordoñez Anxo , Seoane Samuel , Avila Leandro , Eiro Noemi , Macía Manuel , Arias Efigenia , Pereira Fabio , García-Caballero Tomas , Gómez-Lado Noemi , Aguiar Pablo , Vizoso Francisco , Perez-Fernandez Román
Published: March 2021

Metabolic reprogramming is considered hallmarks of cancer. Aerobic glycolysis in tumors cells has been well-known for almost a century, but specific factors that regulate lactate generation and the effects of lactate in both cancer cells and stroma are not yet well understood. In the present study using breast cancer cell lines, human primary cultures of breast tumors, and immune deficient murine models, we demonstrate that the POU1F1 transcription factor is functionally and clinically related to both metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer cells and fibroblasts activation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that POU1F1 transcriptionally regulates the lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) gene. LDHA catalyzes pyruvate into lactate instead of leading into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Lactate increases breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, it activates normal-associated fibroblasts (NAFs) into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Conversely, LDHA knockdown in breast cancer cells that overexpress POU1F1 decreases tumor volume and [18F]FDG uptake in tumor xenografts of mice. Clinically, POU1F1 and LDHA expression correlate with relapse- and metastasis-free survival. Our data indicate that POU1F1 induces a metabolic reprogramming through LDHA regulation in human breast tumor cells, modifying the phenotype of both cancer cells and fibroblasts to promote cancer progression.
The multi-kinase inhibitor TG02 induces apoptosis and blocks B-cell receptor signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia through dual mechanisms of action
Authors: Chen Rong , Tsai Jennifer , Thompson Philip A. , Chen Yuling , Xiong Ping , Liu Chaomei , Burrows Francis , Sivina Mariela , Burger Jan A. , Keating Michael J. , Wierda William G. , Plunkett William
Published: March 2021

The constitutive activation of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, together with the overexpression of the Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins, represents two hallmarks of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that drive leukemia cell proliferation and sustain their survival. TG02 is a small molecule multi-kinase inhibitor that simultaneously targets both of these facets of CLL pathogenesis. First, its inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 blocked the activation of RNA polymerase II and transcription. This led to the depletion of Mcl-1 and rapid induction of apoptosis in the primary CLL cells. This mechanism of apoptosis was independent of CLL prognostic factors or prior treatment history, but dependent on the expression of BAX and BAK. Second, TG02, which inhibits the members of the BCR signaling pathway such as Lck and Fyn, blocked BCR-crosslinking-induced activation of NF-κB and Akt, indicating abrogation of BCR signaling. Finally, the combination of TG02 and ibrutinib demonstrated moderate synergy, suggesting a future combination of TG02 with ibrutinib, or use in patients that are refractory to the BCR antagonists. Thus, the dual inhibitory activity on both the CLL survival pathway and BCR signaling identifies TG02 as a unique compound for clinical development in CLL and possibly other B cell malignancies.
Dosage-controlled intracellular delivery mediated by acoustofluidics for lab on a chip applications
Authors: Salari Alinaghi , Appak-Baskoy Sila , Coe Imogen R. , Abousawan John , Antonescu Costin N. , Tsai Scott S. H. , Kolios Michael C.
Published: March 2021

Microstreaming-based acoustofluidics facilitates the intracellular delivery of dextran with various molecular sizes into different adherent cell lines.
The preparation of a Co@C3N4 catalyst and applications in the synthesis of quinolines from 2-aminobenzyl alcohols with ketones
Authors: Cao Fei , Mao Anruo , Yang Bobin , Ge Chenyang , Wang Dawei
Published: March 2021

A Co@C3N4 composite was synthesized through Co-doping of C3N4 and revealed high catalytic activity for the synthesis of quinolines.
Advances in biomedical applications of self-healing hydrogels
Authors: Rammal Hassan , GhavamiNejad Amin , Erdem Ahmet , Mbeleck Rene , Nematollahi Mohammad , Emir Diltemiz Sibel , Alem Halima , Darabi Mohammad Ali , Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Caterson Edward J. , Ashammakhi Nureddin
Published: March 2021

In this paper, various self-healing hydrogels are discussed including their healing mechanisms and details of their current biomedical applications.
Extraordinary thermoelectric performance of NaBaBi with degenerate and highly non-parabolic bands compared to LiBaSb and Bi2Te3
Authors: Haque Enamul
Published: March 2021

This article reports the extraordinary thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of NaBaBi: degenerate bands, instead of the valley degeneracy of Bi2Te3, highly non-parabolic bands, and low DOS near the Fermi level of NaBaBi lead to an extraordinary ZTisotropic ≈ 1.60 at 350 K.
Thiol functionalized covalent organic framework for highly selective enrichment and detection of mercury by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Qianqian , Ma Wende , Dan Ouyang , Li Guorong , Yang Yixin , Yan Xi , Su Hang , Lin Zian , Cai Zongwei
Published: March 2021

A facile approach was developed for the synthesis of a spherical thiol-functionalized covalent organic framework, which was applied as an effective adsorbent for the selective enrichment of Hg2+, followed by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis.
A framework ensemble facilitates high Pt utilization in a low Pt loading fuel cell
Authors: Wang Jian , Wu Guangping , Xuan Wenhui , Peng Lishan , Feng Yong , Ding Wei , Li Li , Liao Qiang , Wei Zidong
Published: March 2021

Rationally designing the structure of catalyst layer in MEA to achieve the dispersion of active sites at the cross of three-phase field and the effective transfer network paths for protons through catalysts and catalyst layer.
Ultralow loading of ruthenium nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped porous carbon enables ultrahigh mass activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Zhi Qianjun , Qin Shuaibo , Liu Wenping , Jiang Rong , Sun Tingting , Wang Kang , Jin Peng , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: March 2021

Carbon-supported ultrafine Ru nanoparticles with 0.44 wt% Ru loading displayed ultrahigh activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media.
Designing a high-performance anode composed of carbon nanotubes and Fe–Fe3C nanoparticles for quasi-solid-state fibrous Ni/Fe batteries
Authors: Li Xiaoqin , Gao Taotao , Liu Qilin , Xu Yanxue , Li Jing , Xiao Dan
Published: March 2021

A microwave-assisted method was adopted to construct anode with 3D conductive network composed of carbon nanotubes and Fe–Fe3C nanoparticles. A fibrous Ni/Fe battery was also fabricated with high energy density as well as mechanical flexibility.
From −20 °C to 150 °C: a lithium secondary battery with a wide temperature window obtained via manipulated competitive decomposition in electrolyte solution
Authors: Zheng Tianle , Xiong Jianwei , Zhu Bingying , Shi Xiaotang , Cheng Ya-Jun , Zhao Hongbin , Xia Yonggao
Published: March 2021

A competitive decomposition process is manipulated with ADN in an electrolyte solution containing EC, LiTFSI, and LiODFB via a solvation mechanism, which endows lithium metal batteries work over a wide temperature range between −20 °C and 150 °C.
Highly reversible aluminium–sulfur batteries obtained through effective sulfur confinement with hierarchical porous carbon
Authors: Zhang Dian , Zhang Xu , Wang Boya , He Shiman , Liu Shiqi , Tang Mingxue , Yu Haijun
Published: March 2021

A N-doped hierarchical porous carbon material can effectively regulate the electrochemical reactions of S for high-capacity and high-reversibility Al–S batteries. The dominant discharge product was explicitly demonstrated to be tetra-coordinated Al2S3.
Self-healing and anti-freezing graphene–hydrogel–graphene sandwich strain sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity
Authors: Wu Lu , Fan Mingshuai , Qu Meijie , Yang Shuaitao , Nie Jia , Tang Ping , Pan Lujun , Wang Hai , Bin Yuezhen
Published: March 2021

Hydrogels with specially designed structures and adjustable properties have been considered as smart materials with multi-purpose application prospects, especially in the field of flexible sensors.
White light emitting nanofibers constructed by electrospinning: advances and perspectives
Authors: Zhao Shikun , Qin Zhen , Gong Shun , Qin Lizheng , Zhao Biao , Guo Qi , Pan Kai
Published: March 2021

In this overview, state-of-the art studies focused on WLENFs constructed and by electrospinning are systematically summarized.
Iterative parameter estimation methods for dual‐rate sampled‐data bilinear systems by means of the data filtering technique
Authors: Li Meihang , Liu Ximei
Published: March 2021

This paper considers the iterative parameter estimation for a dual‐rate sampled‐data bilinear system with autoregressive moving average noise. Through combining the auxiliary model identification idea with the data filtering technique, this paper derives two filtering auxiliary model gradient‐based iterative algorithms by using two different filters. The key is to construct an auxiliary model for predicting the unavailable outputs, and to transform the dual‐rate bilinear system identification model into two sub‐identification models. Finally, an auxiliary model gradient‐based iterative (AM‐GI) algorithm is presented for comparison. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms are effective for identifying the dual‐rate sampled‐data bilinear systems, and can generate more accurate parameter estimates and have a higher computational efficiency than the AM‐GI algorithm.
Observer‐based MPC for NCS with actuator saturation and DoS attacks via interval type‐2 T–S fuzzy model
Authors: Liu Fucai , Wang Cancan , Geng Qing
Published: March 2021

This study addresses anobserver‐based model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for a networked control system (NCS) under denial of service (DoS) attacks and actuator saturation via an interval type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno (IT2 T–S) fuzzy model. With few studies undertaking the cyber security problems in the research of MPC algorithm, this study considers the data transmission problem when DoS attacks occur. Under DoS attacks, signals in the communication networks will be interfered. The probability of error‐free packet reception depends on signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio of the wireless transmission networks. In order to reduce the on‐line computation, an off‐line fuzzy observer is devised to estimate the system states. Meanwhile, an on‐line MPC algorithm is proposed to minimise the performance objective function and obtain the secure model predictive controller gain. Besides, the recursive feasibility is ensured by refreshing the bound of estimation error. Finally, illustrative examples certificate the effectiveness of the presented method.
An efficient variable step-size method for options pricing under jump-diffusion models with nonsmooth payoff function
Authors: Wang Wansheng , Mao Mengli , Wang Zheng
Published: March 2021

We develop an implicit–explicit midpoint formula with variable spatial step-sizes and variable time step to solve parabolic partial integro-differential equations with nonsmooth payoff function, which describe the jump-diffusion option pricing model in finance. With spatial differential operators being treated by using finite difference methods and the jump integral being computed by using the composite trapezoidal rule on a non-uniform space grid, the proposed method leads to linear systems with tridiagonal coefficient matrices, which can be solved efficiently. Under realistic regularity assumptions on the data, the consistency error and the global error bounds for the proposed method are obtained. The stability of this numerical method is also proved by using the Von Neumann analysis. Numerical results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for European options under jump-diffusion models.
In welchen Situationen beeinflusst die Schwangerschaft unsere Therapieentscheidungen in der Phlebologie?
Authors: Mitschang Carolin , Görge Tobias
Published: March 2021

Mit Beginn einer Schwangerschaft kommt es im weiblichen Körper zu einer Vielzahl an physiologischen Veränderungen. Sie dienen dem ungestörten Heranwachsen des Kindes und bereiten den mütterlichen Körper auf die anstehende Geburt vor. Hormonelle und anatomische Veränderungen in der Schwangerschaft können aber auch zu Symptomen und Komplikationen führen. So haben die bereits in der Frühschwangerschaft beginnenden physiologischen Anpassungen einen Einfluss auf das Beinvenen- und Gerinnungssystem. Weiterhin beeinflusst die Schwangerschaft viele Therapieentscheidungen, da einige Medikamente oder invasive Therapien gar nicht oder nur eingeschränkt eingesetzt werden können. Wiederum gibt es andere Therapien, wie z. B. die Kompressionstherapie, die einige Symptome unterstützend lindern können.
Evaluation of the Effect of Captopril and Losartan on Tacrolimus-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Poormoosavi Seyedeh Mahsa , Behmanesh Mohammad Amin , Abeyat Hamed , Sangtarash Ehsan
Published: March 2021

Background Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and associated inflammations may exacerbate the toxic effects of tacrolimus. Given the significant role of the kidney in RAS this study aimed to evaluate the effect of captopril as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) blocker and losartan as an angiotensin II receptor blocker on tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity.

Materials and Methods In total, 36 adult male rats weighing 200–250 gr were completely randomized and divided into six groups (control, tacrolimus, tacrolimus and losartan, tacrolimus and captopril, losartan, and captopril) for 30 days. Afterwards, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and ACE2 enzyme were measured. Also, both kidneys were collected for histological examinations.

Results The level of BUN and Cr significantly increased in tacrolimus group. The level of BUN and Cr were lower in the groups treated with a combination of tacrolimus and losartan or captopril. While ACE2 level increased in the groups receiving a combination of tacrolimus and losartan or captopril, the level of increase was insignificant, compared to the group treated with tacrolimus alone. The glomerulus diameter and the thickness of the renal proximal tubular epithelium significantly decreased in the group treated with tacrolimus alone. the mentioned variables increased in the group treated with a combination of tacrolimus and losartan or captopril, compared to the tacrolimus group.

Conclusion According to this study, tacrolimus increased the BUN and Cr levels while decreasing the ACE2 levels. However, tacrolimus in combination with losartan or captopril seemed to decrease the nephrotoxicity of the drug.
COVID-19-Impfungen bei Biologika-Therapie von Asthma bronchiale
Authors: Idzko M. , Buhl R. , Eber E. , Hamelmann E. , Lamprecht B. , Horak F. , Pohl W. , Taube C.
Published: March 2021

Für Patienten und Patientinnen mit Asthma wird eine Impfung gegen COVID-19 empfohlen. Dies gilt auch für Patienten und Patientinnen mit schwerem Asthma. Die Behandlung des schweren Asthmas mit einem Biologikum ist keine Kontraindikation für eine Impfung gegen COVID-19.
Carbamazepine Shows Plasma and Tissue Pharmacokinetic Interactions with Ajuga bracteosa Extract in Rats
Authors: Ahmad Ejaz , Jahangir Muhammad , Ishtiaq Saiqa , Haider Hafiz Muhammad Faizan , Shah Pervaiz Akhtar , Bukhari Nadeem Irfan
Published: March 2021

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is the first-line anticonvulsant drug with a narrow therapeutic index (NTI) and is a substrate for CYP3A4 and MRP-2. Ajuga bracteosa (AB), family Lamiaceae is widely used to treat epilepsy, gastric diseases, and protects against liver damage in folk. It contains bioactive metabolites, which are powerful inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP19, CYP2C19 enzymes and P-gp transporter. Concomitant use of NTI drugs with herbs, like AB increase the chances of herb-drug interactions (HDIs). This study was aimed to analyze the Ajuga bracteosa crude extract (ABCE) and to investigate its effect on the pharmacokinetics of CBZ in rats. In the pre-treatment study, rats received ABCE (1000 mg/kg) orally for 14 days, followed by a single dose of CBZ (80 mg/kg) on the 15th day. In the co-administration study, single doses of ABCE and CBZ were administered concomitantly in one session. All the doses were administered in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as a vehicle. HPLC analysis showed that extract contained 1.3 mg/g ursolic acid, 2.1 mg/g sitosterol and 2.9 mg/g stigmasterol. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis showed an increase in Cmax, AUC0-∞, MRT, and t1/2 with a decrease in tmax, Vd and Cl of CBZ in both, pre-treated and co-administered groups vs controls. An increase in CBZ concentration in liver tissue of both pre-treated as well as co-administered animals was observed as compared to control. The above results suggested possible HDIs between AB and CBZ thus, may warrant CBZ dose adjustment in epileptic patients with simultaneous administration of AB or its products.
Vaskuläre Malformationen – Anamnese und Klinik als wichtiges Werkzeug auf dem Weg zur Diagnose
Authors: Petersen J. , Hutchinson C. , Zinser G. , Holtsche M. , Thode M. , Kahle Birgit
Published: March 2021

Vaskuläre Malformationen sind eine heterogene Gruppe von embryonalen Gefäßfehlbildungen, welche als venöse, arterielle, lymphatische oder kombinierte Anomalien auftreten können 1
2
3
4. Typischerweise sind diese bereits bei Geburt vorhanden. VMF sind äußerst variabel im klinischen Erscheinungsbild, je nachdem welche Gefäße betroffen sind.

Bei vorwiegend lymphatischen Malformationen steht die Schwellung der betroffenen Körperregion im Vordergrund 5. Kapilläre Malformationen treten in der Regel als Naevus flammeus in Erscheinung. Die Erweiterung von Kapillargefäßen führt zu einer permanenten lividen Rötung im Hautniveau des betroffenen Areals.

Dieser Fall beschreibt einen Patienten mit einer ausgedehnten kombinierten venös-kapillären und lymphatischen Malformation mit Betonung des Gesichts, des Rückens und der unteren Extremität. Aufgrund der auffälligen Schwellung der Unterlippe wurde er mit der Verdachtsdiagnose eines Melkersson-Rosenthal-Syndroms in unserer Ambulanz vorstellig.
Jean-Nicolas Corvisart (1755–1821) – Leibarzt Napoleons, Retter der Auenbruggerschen Perkussion und Pionier der Herzerkrankungen
Authors: Koehler U.
Published: March 2021

Jean-Nicolas Corvisart des Marets (1755–1821) war der persönliche Leibarzt von Kaiser Napoleon I. Er war einer der führenden französischen Ärzte, der die klinisch-anatomische Diagnostik exzellent beherrscht und gelehrt hat. Corvisart war ein Pionier der modernen Kardiologie. Bekannt geworden ist er aber v. a. dadurch, dass er die von Leopold Auenbrugger (1722–1809) entwickelte Perkussionstechnik wieder „belebt“ und bekannt gemacht hat.
Sulfur-Promoted Redox Cyclization of 2,2′-Dinitrodiphenyl Disulfides and Benzylamines
Authors: Teramoto Masahiro , Mizuno Takumi , Imoto Mitsutaka , Takeda Motonori , Nomoto Akihiro , Ogawa Akiya
Published: March 2021

This study aims to develop green and sustainable advanced synthetic methods based on redox cyclization. Elemental sulfur is shown to promote the efficient synthesis of 2-substituted benzothiazoles from 2,2′-dinitrodiphenyl disulfides and benzylamines via redox cyclization in the absence of transition-metal catalysts and solvents. The 2-substituted benzothiazoles are obtained in good to excellent yields. This synthetic methodology is highly atom-economical and does not require any external oxidizing and/or reducing agents.
Gold-Catalysed Cycloisomerisation of Ynamides To Access 2,2-Disubstituted Tetrahydrothiophene Motifs
Authors: Davies Paul W. , Kaur Parmjit Heer
Published: March 2021

Ynamides bearing a tethered allyl sulfoxide undergo a gold-catalysed cycloisomerisation to afford tetrahydrothiophene-2-carboxamides and their benzo-fused analogues. The reactions are initiated by a formal 7-endo-dig cyclisation and accommodate a range of different substituents. The use of N-allyl ynamides provided a route into novel spirocyclic ε-lactam structures.
Comparison of Small Intestinal Submucosal Graft and Autologous Tissue in Prevention of CSF leak after Posterior Fossa Craniotomy
Authors: Totten Douglas J. , Manzoor Nauman F. , Yancey Kristen L. , Yawn Robert J. , Haynes David S. , Rivas Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Objective To compare the use of porcine small intestinal submucosal grafts (SISG) and standard autologous material (fascia) in prevention of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and pseudomeningocele formation after translabyrinthine resection.

Setting Set at the tertiary skull base center.

Methods This is a retrospective chart review. After Institutional Review Board approval, we performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating CSF leak in patients who underwent resection of lateral skull base defects with multilayered reconstruction using either fascia autograft or porcine SISGs. Demographics were summarized with descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was used to compare autograft and xenograft cohorts in terms of CSF complications.

Results Seventy-seven patients underwent lateral skull base resection, followed by reconstruction of the posterior cranial fossa. Of these patients, 21 (27.3%) underwent multilayer repair using SISG xenograft. There were no significant differences in leak-associated complications between autograft and xenograft cohorts. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was necessary in one (1.8%) autograft and one (4.8) xenograft cases (p = 0.49). Operative repair to revise surgical defect was necessary in three (5.4%) autograft cases and none in xenograft cases.

Conclusion The use of SISG as a component of complex skull base reconstruction after translabyrinthine tumor resection may help reduce CSF leak rates and need for further intervention.
Do All Notochordal Lesions Require Proton Beam Radiotherapy? A Proposed Reclassification of Ecchordosis Physaliphora as Benign Notochord Cell Tumor
Authors: Sooltangos Aïsha , Bodi Istvan , Ghimire Prajwal , Barkas Konstantinos , Al-Barazi Sinan , Thomas Nick , Maratos Eleni C.
Published: March 2021

Objectives Ecchordosis physaliphora (EP) is a benign notochord lesion of the clivus arising from the same cell line as chordoma, its malignant counterpart. Although usually asymptomatic, it can cause spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Benign notochordal cell tumor (BNCT) is considered another indolent, benign variant of chordoma. Although aggressive forms of chordoma require maximal safe resection followed by proton beam radiotherapy, BNCT and EP can be managed with close imaging surveillance without resection or radiotherapy. However, while BNCT and EP can be distinguished from more aggressive forms of chordoma, differentiating the two is challenging as they are radiologically and histopathologically identical. This case series aims to characterize the clinicopathological features of EP and to propose classifying EP and BNCT together for the purposes of clinical management.

Design Case series.

Setting Tertiary referral center, United Kingdom.

Participants Patients with suspected EP from 2015 to 2019.

Main Outcome Measures Diagnosis of EP.

Results Seven patients with radiological suspicion of EP were identified. Five presented with CSF rhinorrhea and two were asymptomatic. Magnetic resonance imaging features consistently showed T1-hypointense, T2-hyperintense nonenhancing lesions. Diagnosis was made on biopsy for patients requiring repair and radiologically where no surgery was indicated. The histological features of EP included physaliphorous cells of notochordal origin (positive epithelial membrane antigen, S100, CD10, and/or MNF116) without mitotic activity.

Conclusion EP is indistinguishable from BNCT. Both demonstrate markers of notochord cell lines without malignant features. Their management is also identical. We therefore propose grouping EP with BNCT. Close imaging surveillance is required for both as progression to chordoma remains an unquantified risk.
Perioral Aerosol Sequestration Suction Device Effectively Reduces Biological Cross-Contamination in Dental Procedures
Authors: Lloro Víctor , Giovannoni Maria Laura , Luaces Vicente Lozano-de , Manzanares Maria Cristina
Published: March 2021

Objective The infection risk during dental procedures is a common concern for dental professionals which has increased due to coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic. The development of devices to specifically mitigate cross-contamination by droplet/splatter is crucial to stop infection transmission. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a perioral suction device (Oral BioFilter, OBF) to reduce biological contamination spread during dental procedures.

Materials and Methods Forty patients were randomized 1:1 to a standard professional dental hygiene treatment with OBF and without. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay was used to evaluate the spread of potential contaminants. The total number of relative light units (RLU) from key dental operatory locations: operator’s face-shield, back of the surgical operator’s-gloves, patient’s safety-goggles, and instrumental table were measured. Percentage contamination reductions between control and OBF were compared.

Statistical Analysis Primary outcome, total RLU, was analyzed by comparing the means of logged data, using a two-sided two-sample t-test. Secondary outcomes as RLU of logged data for the different locations were analyzed in the same way. Proportion of patients from whom different locations reported events (clean, acceptable, and failure) were analyzed by using Fisher’s exact test.

Results For the whole dental environment, RLUs reduction (<150 units) achieved with OBF was 98.4% (97.4–99%). By dental operatory location the reduction in RLUs was from 99.6%, on the operator face-shield, to 83% on instrumental table. The control group reported a very high percentage of failures, (>300) being 100% on the surfaces closer to the patient’s mouth and decreasing to 70% on instrumental table. In contrast, the higher failure percentage in the OBF group was found on the patient’s goggles (40%), while the operator face-shield showed an absence of contamination.

Conclusion OBF device has shown efficient reduction of biological aerosol cross-contamination during dental procedures as proved by ATP-bioluminescence assay. Nevertheless, for maximum safety, its use must be combined with standard protective gear such as goggles, face shield, and surgical gloves.
Kma Entscheider Blog: Letzte Chance, das Gesundheitswesen zu transformieren
Authors: Köbe Philipp
Published: March 2021

Die Corona-Pandemie hat gezeigt, dass Deutschland im internationalen Vergleich ein relativ robustes Gesundheitssystem hat. Dennoch existieren Schwachstellen, deren Ausbesserung nun endlich angegangen werden muss.
Health Innovation Hub: Patienten mit Ideen
Authors: Kohrs Jens
Published: March 2021

Eine Umfrage des Health Innovation Hub (hih) wollte nicht weniger, als den Alltag mit Erkrankungen sichtbar zu machen. Ziel erreicht: Fast 3 000 Patientinnen und Patienten haben Probleme geschildert – und viele lieferten die Lösungsansätze gleich mit. Zwölf Ideen sollen jetzt mit hih-Hilfe vorangebracht werden.
Rechtskolumne: Schutzpflichten des Klinikträgers
Authors: Weimer Tobias
Published: March 2021

Der Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) hat die Schutzpflichten von Pflegeheimen gegenüber demenzkranken Bewohnern präzisiert. Danach hat der Heimbetreiber die Bewohner vor Gefahren zu beschützen, die sie selbst nicht beherrschen. Krankenhausträger täten gut daran, dieses Urteil für die eigenen Belange zur Kenntnis zu nehmen.
Leben nach COVID-19: Schwerer Neuanfang mit ungewisser Prognose
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: March 2021

Während die Öffentlichkeit gebannt den akuten Verlauf der Corona-Pandemie verfolgt, kämpfen Tausende von Betroffenen in Reha-Kliniken mit den Spätfolgen von Covid-19. Dort steigt kontinuierlich die Zahl der Patientinnen und Patienten, manche leiden seit vielen Monaten unter erheblichen Nachwirkungen. Schon jetzt zeichnet sich ab, dass Corona für die Gesellschaft auch nach dem Ende der Pandemie erhebliche Auswirkungen haben wird.
Krankenhausküchen: Guten Appetit!
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: March 2021

Das Deutsche Krankenhausinstitut und die K&P Consulting GmbH haben mit der Care-Studie zur Patientenversorgung mehrfach die Situation in den Krankenhausküchen untersucht. Ekkehart Lehmann, Geschäftsführer der K&P Consulting GmbH, äußert sich zu den aktuellen Trends in der Krankenhausküche.
ÖVKT-Tagung in Pörtschach: Endlich wieder Face to Face
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: March 2021

Die Jahrestagung des Österreichischen Verbandes der KrankenhaustechnikerInnen (ÖVKT) vom 21. bis 24. September 2021 wird in diesem Jahr hoffentlich einiges ermöglichen, was in den zurückliegenden Monaten tabu war: sich persönlich austauschen, fachsimpeln und vor allem das 25-jährige Verbandsjubiläum feiern.
Conceptualizing epistemic violence: an interdisciplinary assemblage for IR
Authors: Brunner Claudia
Published: March 2021

While many forms of violence shape the global world order, the disciplines devoted to international politics are often content with reductionist concepts of violence; knowledge and knowledge production are more often than not seen as altogether antithetical to direct and physical harm. At the same time, global entanglements of knowledge with violence have increasingly come into view in the course of the ongoing (de-)colonial turn. After more than 30 years, Gayatri C. Spivak’s feminist postcolonial understanding of epistemic violence is still the preeminent theoretical touchstone for addressing this issue. By providing an interdisciplinary understanding of lesser known conceptions of epistemic violence, I open up additional routes for deploying the term in the analysis, theorization, and critique of international politics. Based on this assemblage, I frame epistemic violence along the decolonial concept of a coloniality of power, knowledge, and Being and finally consider how we can possibly undo epistemic violence while un/doing IR.
The prevalence and impact of sarcopenia in females undergoing total hip arthroplasty: A prospective study
Authors: Ueoka Ken , Kabata Tamon , Kajino Yoshitomo , Inoue Daisuke , Ohmori Takaaki , Ueno Takuro , Yoshitani Junya , Yamamuro Yuki , Taninaka Atsushi , Kato Satoshi , Yahata Tetsutaro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Although both sarcopenia and hip disease decrease physical function, few studies have investigated the association. We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and examined the impact of sarcopenia on pre- and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

This prospective study included 96 females. Participants were classified using two criteria. Cases defined as having sarcopenia by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria were categorized as the AWGS-sarcopenia (A-S) group, and others were categorized as the AWGS-non-sarcopenia (A-NS) group. Those classified by hand grip strength (HGS) constituted the lower-HGS (L-H) and normal-HGS (N-H) groups. Patient demographics, physical function, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were compared between each group.

Results

The prevalence of the AWGS sarcopenia was 33.3%. In the pre- and postoperative analyses, the L-H group had significantly poorer physical function and JOA score than the N-H group. Postoperatively, the A-S group only demonstrated poorer HGS.

Conclusion

Preoperative physical function and JOA score was significantly poorer in the L-H group; physical function was significantly poorer even postoperatively. A HGS test is useful for detecting a decline in the pre- and postoperative physical function in females with hip osteoarthritis.
Differences in the prevalence of locomotive syndrome and osteoporosis in Japanese urban and rural regions: The Kashiwara and Yakumo studies
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Ando Kei , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Nakashima Hiroaki , Seki Taisuke , Ishizuka Shinya , Machino Masaaki , Ito Sadayuki , Kanbara Shunsuke , Kanemura Tokumi , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Imagama Shiro
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To clarify whether the prevalence of locomotive syndrome (LS) and osteoporosis differed according to region, gender, and physical functions in Japan.

Methods

Data were collected in Kashiwara City (urban region) and Yakumo Town (rural region). Totally, 208 participants from the urban region and 782 participants from the rural region were included in this study. LS was assessed using the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale and osteoporosis was assessed using a quantitative ultrasound. Physical functions were measured using grip strength and the 3-m timed up-and-go test. Differences between urban and rural regions were investigated using standardized incidence ratio and multivariate analysis.

Results

The prevalence of LS and osteoporosis was 24.5% and 42.8% in the urban region and 10.9% and 28.8% in the rural region, respectively. The standardized incidence ratio of the urban region versus the rural region was 1.80 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.35–2.39) for LS and 1.21 (95% CI = 1.32–2.43) for osteoporosis, showing that the prevalence of LS was significantly higher in the urban region. Multivariate analysis indicated that LS was significantly associated with the urban sample and timed up-and-go was significantly longer in the urban sample.

Conclusion

Regional differences may be considered when evaluating LS in health checkups. Understanding the results of this study may help reduce LS prevalence.
The development of knee osteoarthritis and serum carotenoid levels among community-dwelling people in Japan
Authors: Takemoto Genta , Seki Taisuke , Takegami Yasuhiko , Osawa Yusuke , Makida Kazuya , Ochiai Satoshi , Ishizuka Shinya , Suzuki Koji , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Imagama Shiro
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Carotenoids are plant pigments found in many vegetables, functioning as antioxidants scavenging singlet molecular oxygen and peroxyl radicals. No longitudinal study exists on the relationship between carotenoids and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) development. We aimed to determine the incidence of KOA development for 10 years in community-dwelling people in Japan and assess its association with serum carotenoids.

Methods

Data of 440 participants (174 men, 266 women) with health-screening records for at least 10 years were analysed. We defined KOA development as advancing from K/L grade 0/1 at the initial check-up to grade ≥2 in a unilateral knee during a 10-year follow-up period. Serum carotenoid levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. We used the Cox hazard model for multivariate analysis and investigated each carotenoid’s impact on KOA development.

Results

KOA developed in 33.4% of patients; the annual KOA development rate was significantly higher among women than among men (p < .01; 3.4% vs. 1.6%). Among the carotenoids measured, only retinol was associated with KOA development in women using multivariable analysis. KOA development was not associated with any carotenoids in men.

Conclusion

The annual rate of KOA development was higher in women, and retinol was associated with KOA development in women.
Generalized Toeplitz–Hankel matrices and their application to a layered electron gas
Authors: Narayan Onuttom , Shastry B Sriram
Published: March 2021

We extend the standard result for the eigenspectrum of the Toeplitz matrix C

ij
= e−κ|i−j| with 0 ⩽ i, j ⩽ N and

κ
∈
C

to a combination of a Toeplitz matrix and a Hankel matrix. We apply this result to find the plasma modes of a layered assembly of a two-dimensional electron gas. We find a sum rule relating the geometric mean of the frequencies of the plasma modes to the determinant of this Toeplitz matrix, for which an analytical expression is obtained. We apply the same technique to the generalized case when the layers are not evenly spaced, where the corresponding matrix is not a Toeplitz–Hankel combination. Despite this fact, it is possible to find properties of the eigenspectrum, and the eigenmodes are localized to a few layers instead of extending across the system.
Comparison of Blood Counts and Markers of Inflammation and Coagulation in Patients With and Without COVID-19 Presenting to the Emergency Department in Seattle, WA
Authors: Chandler Christopher M , Reid Molly C , Cherian Sindhu , Sabath Daniel E , Edlefsen Kerstin L
Published: March 2021

Objectives

We compared complete blood count (CBC) with differential and markers of inflammation and coagulation in patients with and without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presenting to emergency departments in Seattle, WA.

Methods

We reviewed laboratory values for 1 week following each COVID-19 test for adult patients who received a standard severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test before April 13, 2020. Results were compared by COVID-19 status and clinical course.

Results

In total 1,027 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients with COVID-19 (n = 155) had lower leukocytes (P < .0001), lymphocytes (P < .0001), platelets (P < .0001), and higher hemoglobin (P = .0140) than those without, but absolute differences were small. Serum albumin was lower in patients with COVID-19 (P < .0001) and serum albumin, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were each associated with disease severity. NLR did not differ between patients with COVID-19 and those without (P = .8012).

Conclusions

Patients with COVID-19 had modestly lower leukocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts and higher hemoglobin values than patients without COVID-19. The NLR, serum albumin, and RDW varied with disease severity, regardless of COVID-19 status.
Past Shift Work and Incident Coronary Heart Disease in Retired Workers: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Wending , Yu Kuai , Jia Ningning , Xu Xuedan , Yuan Yu , Peng Rong , Niu Rundong , You Xiaomin , Yang Handong , Qiu Gaokun , Guo Huan , He Meian , Zhang Xiaomin , Pan An , Tse Lap Ah. , Wu Tangchun
Published: March 2021

Present shift work has been associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) among employed workers, but it remains unclear whether shift work performed in the past is still associated with CHD in retired workers. We recruited 21,802 retired workers in Shiyan, China, in 2008–2010 and 2013 and followed them for CHD events occurring up to December 31, 2018. Retired workers with longer durations of past shift work (rounded to 0.25 years) had higher CHD risks (for those with ≤5.00, 5.25–10.00, 10.50–20.00, and >20.00 years of past shift work, hazard ratios were 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94, 1.16), 1.08 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.25), 1.23 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.42), and 1.28 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.51), respectively). The association was substantially higher among service or sales workers than among manufacturing or manual-labor workers (for every 5-year increase in past shift work, hazard ratio = 1.11 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.16) vs. hazard ratio = 1.02 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.06)). Moreover, the risk was lower among those who were physically active than among their inactive counterparts (P for interaction = 0.019). Longer duration of past shift work was associated with higher risk of incident CHD among these retired workers, especially those from the service or sales sectors. Physical exercise might be beneficial in reducing the excess risk.
Factors influencing likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination: A survey of Tennessee adults
Authors: Gatwood Justin , McKnight Madison , Fiscus Michelle , Hohmeier Kenneth C , Chisholm-Burns Marie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To examine the vaccine-related beliefs and behaviors associated with likely hesitancy toward vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among nonelderly adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2020. Responses were sought from Tennessee adults 18 to 64 years of age who were not healthcare providers. The survey instrument focused on vaccine-related beliefs, prior and planned influenza and pneumococcal vaccine use, and attitudes toward receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. Inferential statistics assessed survey responses, and logistic regression determined predictors of the likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

A total of 1,000 completed responses were analyzed (a 62.9% response rate), and respondents were mostly White (80.1%), insured (79.6%), and/or actively working (64.2%); the sample was well balanced by gender, age, income, and political leaning. Approximately one-third (34.4%) of respondents indicated some historical vaccine hesitancy, and only 21.4% indicated always getting a seasonal influenza vaccination. More than half (54.1%) indicated at least some hesitancy toward vaccination against COVID-19, with 32.1% citing lack of evidence of vaccine effectiveness as the leading reason. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was more likely among those with more moderate (odds ratio [OR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.749-3.607) or conservative (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 2.048-4.421) political leanings, Black Americans (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.182-2.742), and residents of nonmetropolitan areas (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.386-2.865).

Conclusion

Subgroups of the population may prove more challenging to vaccinate against COVID-19, requiring targeted approaches to addressing hesitancy to ensure more-vulnerable populations are adequately covered.
γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase essential for the metabolism of γ-glutamyl compounds in bacteria and its application
Authors: Suzuki Hideyuki
Published: March 2021

The enzymatic characteristics of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase were elucidated. The catalytic nucleophile of the enzymatic reaction of Escherichia coli γ-glutamyltranspeptidase was identified as the Oγ of the N-terminal Thr-residue of the small subunit. It was demonstrated that the inactive precursor of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase is processed autocatalytically and intramolecularly into the active heterodimeric mature enzyme via an ester intermediate. The catalytic nucleophile of this processing reaction was identified as the same Oγ atom of the N-terminal Thr-residue of the small subunit. These results were also supported by the three-dimensional structures of the γ-glutamyl enzyme intermediate and of the precursor-mimicked T391A nonprocessable mutant enzyme. Applications of transpeptidation and hydrolysis activities of bacterial γ-glutamyltranspeptidases were developed. Using transpeptidation activity, efficient enzymatic production of useful γ-glutamyl compounds, such as prodrug for Parkinson's disease, theanine and kokumi compound, was enabled. Hydrolysis activity was used as glutaminase and the mutant enzymes gaining glutaryl-7-aminocephalosporanic acid acylase activity were isolated.
Efficient adjustment sets in causal graphical models with hidden variables
Authors: Smucler E , Sapienza F , Rotnitzky A
Published: March 2021

We study the selection of adjustment sets for estimating the interventional mean under a point exposure dynamic treatment regime, that is, a treatment rule that depends on the subject’s covariates. We assume a nonparametric causal graphical model with, possibly, hidden variables and at least one adjustment set comprised of observable variables. We provide the definition of a valid adjustment set for a point exposure dynamic treatment regime, which generalizes the existing definition for a static intervention. We show that there exists an adjustment set, referred to as optimal minimal, that yields the nonparametric estimator of the interventional mean with the smallest asymptotic variance among those that are based on observable minimal adjustment sets. An observable minimal adjustment set is a valid adjustment set such that all its variables are observable and the removal of any of its variables destroys its validity. We provide similar optimality results for the class of observable minimum adjustment sets, that is, valid observable adjustment sets of minimum cardinality among the observable adjustment sets. Moreover, we show that if either no variables are hidden or if all the observable variables are ancestors of either treatment, outcome or the variables that are used to decide treatment, a globally optimal adjustment set exists. We provide polynomial-time algorithms to compute the globally optimal, optimal minimal and optimal minimum adjustment sets. Because static interventions can be viewed as a special case of dynamic regimes, all our results also apply for static interventions.
‘Get to know me, not the inmate’: Women’s Management of the Stigma of Criminal Records
Authors: Grace Anita
Published: March 2021

Criminologists have explored the experience of re-entry and the identified employment as productive of prosocial, post-carceral identities. They have also recognized that the stigma of a criminal record creates barriers to employment, and former prisons must find ways to manage this stigma if they are to be successful in the labour market. Yet existing studies on stigma management in the context of post-carceral employment have not addressed women’s unique needs and strategies. The current study uses interviews with 21 formerly incarcerated women to assess their accounts of how the stigma of criminalization can be managed with potential employers. Results highlight the utility of considering and supporting the role of employment in women’s post-carceral identities.
Physicians, Assisted Suicide, and Christian Virtues
Authors: Reed Philip A
Published: March 2021

The debate about physician-assisted suicide has long been entwined with the nature of the doctor–patient relationship. Opponents of physician-assisted suicide insist that the traditional goals of medicine do not and should not include intentionally bringing about or hastening a patient’s death, whereas proponents of physician-assisted suicide argue that this practice is an appropriate tool for doctors to relieve a patient’s suffering. In this article, I discuss these issues in light of the relevance of a Christian account of the doctor–patient relationship. I argue that Christians typically object to assist suicide independently of the doctor–patient relationship. I argue that a focus on the Christian virtues of charity, compassion, and humility helps to explain why doctors should not assist their patients in suicide.