bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Einfluss einer evidenzbasierten Therapie auf die Lahmheitsprävalenz beim Schaf
Authors: Demattio Lukas
Published: April 2020

Prosser NS, Purdy KJ, Green LE. Increase in the flock prevalence of lameness in ewes is associated with a reduction in farmers using evidence-based management of prompt treatment: A longitudinal observational study of 154 English sheep flocks 2013–2015. Prev Vet Med 2019; 173: 104801

Lahmheiten spielen in Betrieben mit kommerzieller Schafhaltung eine nicht unerhebliche wirtschaftliche Rolle. Zudem ist die Belastung für die Schafe unter dem Gesichtspunkt des Tierschutzes ein wichtiger Faktor. Die Studie untersuchte, ob Managementmaßnahmen, insbesondere eine schnell einsetzende Therapie (< 3 Tage nach Auftreten erster Symptome) die Prävalenz von Lahmheiten reduzieren können.
Empfehlungen für Sportler mit arterieller Hypertonie
Authors: Niebauer Josef
Published: April 2020

Aktuelle Richtlinien der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie und anderen namhaften internationalen Fachgesellschaften geben regelmäßiger körperlicher Aktivität zur Vorbeugung und Behandlung von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen die höchste Evidenzklasse IA. Dies gilt auch für Sportler mit arterieller Hypertonie, wenngleich hier einige Besonderheiten zu beachten sind. Mit dem Ziel, Kollegen, die Sportler mit arterieller Hypertonie betreuen, eine evidenzbasierte Hilfestellung zu geben, wurden unter meiner Federführung in Zusammenarbeit mit Kollegen der Sektion Sportkardiologie der European Association of Preventive Cardiology der European Society of Cardiology diese Empfehlungen erstellt; sie können Open Access beim European Heart Journal heruntergeladen werden.
Sonografie beim neugeborenen Fohlen: Darstellung und Vermessung der Nieren
Authors: Nieth Jennifer , Krohn Judith
Published: April 2020

Ziel Die Studie hatte zum Ziel, Echotextur und Dimension der Nieren neonataler Fohlen mittels transabdominaler sonografischer Untersuchung zu veranschaulichen.

Material und Methoden Im Rahmen einer Voruntersuchung erfolgte eine sonografische Darstellung der Nieren von 10 toten neugeborenen Warmblut-Fohlen mit Erhebung von Lokalisation, Maßen und Echotextur. Bei der sich anschließenden Sektion wurden die Nieren erneut vermessen und diese Ergebnisse mit den sonografisch ermittelten Werten verglichen. Es bestand eine hohe Übereinstimmung zwischen beiden Messwerten. Für die Hauptuntersuchung standen 57 Fohlen unterschiedlicher Rassen zwischen dem 1. und dem 14. Lebenstag zur Verfügung. Anhand eines standardisierten sonografischen Untersuchungsganges wurden die Interkostalräume und die Fossa paralumbalis beider Körperhälften in längsgeführter Schallrichtung gescannt sowie Topografie und Echotextur der Nieren ermittelt. Im selben Arbeitsgang erfolgte eine Vermessung von Länge und Breite des Organs sowie der Ausdehnung des Nierenbeckens. Diese Daten wurden rassevergleichend gegenübergestellt.

Ergebnisse Die Nierenkapsel ließ sich sonografisch anhand einer feinen hyperechogenen Linie erkennen. Die Nierenrinde selbst stellte sich im sonografischen Bild echogen, das Nierenmark hypoechogen dar. Das Nierenbecken wies ein hyperechogenes Schallbild auf. Die linke Niere war durchschnittlich 7,1 ± 1,4 cm lang und 4,2 ± 0,7 cm breit, die rechte 6,7 ± 1,4 cm lang und 3,9 ± 0,7 cm breit. Das linke Nierenbecken maß 1,3 ± 0,7 cm in der Länge und 0,7 ± 0,4 cm in der Breite. Das rechte Nierenbecken hatte eine Länge von 1,3 ± 0,6 cm und eine Breite von 0,6 ± 0,4 cm. Dieses wies linksseitig bei 24,6 % der Fohlen ein anechogenes Lumen auf, rechtsseitig bei 64,3 % der Fohlen. Beim Rassevergleich konnte tendenziell festgestellt werden, dass das Körpergewicht equiner Neonaten nicht mit der Nierengröße korrelierte.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Die transabdominale Sonografie stellt ein zuverlässiges Diagnostikum für die Darstellung der Nieren beim neonatalen Fohlen dar. Durch die Beschreibung der physiologischen Echotextur und Dimensionen können pathologische Zustände abgegrenzt werden.
Bekämpfung des Porzinen Reproduktiven und Respiratorischen Syndroms in Sachsen und Thüringen
Authors: Rettenberger Karina , Vergara Helga , Eger Sabine , Schwödiauer Philipp , Reiner Gerald , Donat Karsten
Published: April 2020

Gegenstand und Ziel Die Studie soll den Fortschritt der freiwilligen Sanierungsprogramme bezüglich des Porzinen Reproduktiven und Respiratorischen Syndroms (PRRS) in Thüringen und Sachsen zeigen und die Bedeutung der Abklärungsuntersuchungen im Fall von positiven Befunden in unverdächtigen Betrieben herausstellen.

Material und Methoden Zur Darstellung des Sanierungsfortschritts wurden die Befunde der Jahre 2011–2018 sowie Daten zur Sanierung, der Betriebsform und -größe und zum Einsatz einer PRRS-Impfung zusammengestellt. Jedem Betrieb wurde für jedes untersuchte Jahr ein Antikörper- und ein PCR-Status zugeordnet. Neben einer Entwicklung der Befunde über die Jahre wurden die Beziehungen zwischen den Status und der Herdengröße bzw. dem Einsatz der PRRS-Impfung untersucht. Die Bedeutung der Abklärungsuntersuchungen wird anhand von Befunden der Betriebe in den Jahren nach der Sanierung gezeigt.

Ergebnisse In Sachsen wurde die Infektion mit dem Virus des Porzinen Reproduktiven und Respiratorischen Syndroms (PRRSV) meist durch einen Bestandsaustausch saniert. In Thüringen erfolgte häufig eine Sanierung bei laufender Produktion. In beiden Bundesländern war im untersuchten Zeitraum eine signifikante Reduktion der positiven Antikörper- und PCR-Befunde festzustellen. In Betrieben mit Einsatz einer PRRS-Impfung gab es mehr Antikörper- und PCR-Nachweise. In den Jahren nach der Sanierung traten in einzelnen PRRSV-unverdächtigen Betrieben positive PRRSV-Antikörper-Befunde auf, die sich nach Abklärungsuntersuchungen als falsch positiv erwiesen.

Schlussfolgerungen Der Anteil PRRSV-positiver Bestände in einer Region mit geringer Schweinedichte lässt sich durch freiwillige Bekämpfungsprogramme senken, das Sanierungsverfahren spielt dabei eine untergeordnete Rolle. Der Einsatz einer Impfung gegen PRRS sollte gegen andere Bekämpfungsmaßnahmen abgewogen werden. Bei positiven Befunden in unverdächtigen Betrieben sollte eine Abklärungsuntersuchung durchgeführt werden, damit ein möglicher PRRS-Einbruch ausgeschlossen werden und der Betrieb seinen Status behalten kann.

Klinische Relevanz Die freiwillige PRRS-Sanierung auf Bestandsebene und der Erhalt des Status „PRRSV-unverdächtiger Bestand“ ist möglich, auch wenn einzelne Betriebe der Region nicht an dem Sanierungsprogramm teilnehmen.
Sport mit implantiertem Defibrillator oder Schrittmacher
Authors: Laszlo Roman
Published: April 2020

Die Zahl der Patienten mit implantiertem Kardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) bzw. Schrittmacher nimmt stetig zu. Daher wird der sportärztlich tätige Kardiologe zunehmend mit der Frage der Sporttauglichkeit von Athleten bzw. sportlich aktiven Menschen mit ICD oder Schrittmacher konfrontiert. Frühere Empfehlungen disqualifizierten die Athleten mit ICD für nahezu jeglichen Leistungssport. Ein Wandel in der Sichtweise, der sich letzten Endes in den aktualisierten amerikanischen und europäischen Leitlinien niederschlug, ergab sich durch die Daten des „ICD Sports Safety“-Registers, in dem die Risiken der Sportteilnahme von Athleten mit leitliniengerechter ICD-Implantation systematisch erfasst wurden. Während der Beobachtungsdauer traten keine tachyarrhythmisch bedingten Todesfälle, extern terminierte Tachyarrhythmien während oder nach der Sportausübung und keine Verletzungen durch rhythmogene Synkopen oder Schockabgaben auf. Ob ein Athlet mit ICD Leistungssport treiben kann, ist gemäß den aktuellen Leitlinien eine Einzelfallentscheidung. Unter gewissen Bedingungen erscheint die Teilnahme am Leistungssport möglich, wobei Pro und Kontra sorgfältig abgewogen und insbesondere im Profisport auch rechtliche Aspekte berücksichtigt werden müssen. Gesundheitssport bei ICD-Trägern ist gemäß der aktuellen Studienlage als sicher anzusehen. Vergleichbar mit dem Leistungssport ist bei der Beurteilung der Sporttauglichkeit vor allem die kardiovaskuläre Grunderkrankung als wichtige Determinante zu beachten, es sollten aber auch ICD-spezifische Überlegungen mit in die individuelle Entscheidung mit einfließen.

Bei Schrittmacherträgern ist die kardiopulmonale Leistungsfähigkeit durch die primär elektrische, bradykardisierende Erkrankung des Herzens und der sich damit in unbehandeltem Zustand in der Regel daraus ergebenden chronotropen Inkompetenz zunächst beeinträchtigt und kann durch den Schrittmacher behoben werden. Das Schrittmacheraggregat bzw. dessen Einstellung ist daher eine wichtige – bei Patienten mit rein elektrischer Erkrankung oftmals entscheidende – Determinante für die kardiopulmonale Leistungsfähigkeit. Die noch nicht aktualisierten europäischen Empfehlungen für die Sporttauglichkeit sind noch relativ restriktiv, wohingegen die neuen amerikanischen Richtlinien weitaus moderater formuliert sind: Die Sporttauglichkeit kann in der Regel erteilt werden, wenn es keine Limitationen hinsichtlich der kardialen Grunderkrankung oder Symptomen gibt, wobei einige schrittmacherspezifische Aspekte beachtet werden müssen.
Equine non-healing corneal ulcers: a retrospective evaluation of 57 cases (2001–2017)
Authors: Prucha Vera J. S. , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives Non-healing corneal ulcers (NHCU) are a common problem in equine practice and several treatment options are available with different success and healing times. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate and to compare treatment protocols, clinical courses, corneal healing time and outcomes of NHCU.

Methods From December 2001 to December 2017, a total of 57 horses with NHCU were presented at the Vetmeduni Vienna. Recorded data included affected eye, signalment, clinical symptoms, season of diagnosis, treatment protocols, complications and corneal healing rate.

Results Sixty-three eyes were diagnosed with a NHCU. Follow-up information was available for 48/63 eyes. For those treated medically mean corneal healing time was 15.7 days (± SD 12.0). Medical treatment included topical antibiotics, antimycotics, cycloplegics, and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs. Twelve eyes received treatment with a poly-carboxymethylglucose-sulfate regenerating agent (Cacicol®; Thea Pharma GmbH, Wien, Austria). Other common additional treatments included debridement with an iodine drenched cotton tip (48 eyes; 76.2 %) and diamond burr debridement (30 eyes; 47.6 %). A bandage contact lens (BCL) was used for 10 eyes. Each eye received at least one additional treatment, although none of them led to a statistically significant alteration in healing time. Only usage of a BCL significantly increased healing time when compared to not using a BCL (p = 0.035). When all treatments failed, superficial keratectomy with placement of a conjunctival flap was performed. Secondary complications included stromal cellular infiltration, keratomycosis, keratomalacia, and corneal abscess formation.

Conclusions Results correlated with those previously described and thus demonstrated the difficulty and complexity of this disease. Further research is needed to determine an optimal treatment protocol for non-healing ulcers in horses.

Clinical relevance Since NHCUs are a commonly encountered problem in equine practice a reliable treatment protocol is required. This study reflects the problems with those ulcers and provides several protocols for possible treatments.
Reproductive tract diseases in female backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) – diagnostic imaging and final outcome during a decade
Authors: Konicek Cornelia , Pees Michael , Gumpenberger Michaela
Published: April 2020

Objective Female reproductive tract disorders are common conditions of backyard poultry with an increasing demand for individual veterinary care. However, only limited case reports are available on diagnostic workup and outcomes of individual cases. This study aims at giving an overview of usually presented reproductive tract disorders, comparing diagnostic imaging findings with final diagnoses, and summarizing the outcome of the respective diseases.

Material and methods The digital medical records archive of the University for Veterinary Medicine in Vienna was searched for chickens that were finally diagnosed with diseases of the reproductive tract, including all patients from May 1st, 2009 to May 31st, 2019. Information such as patient age, medical history, results of diagnostic imaging, final confirmed diagnosis, outcome, surgical protocol and necropsy findings was extracted.

Results Finally confirmed reproductive tract diseases were found in 57 of 315 female chickens. The most common conditions were egg-related coelomitis along with salpingitis or impacted salpinx (25/57), followed by ovarian or oviductal neoplasia (17/57). Clinical findings were unspecific in the majority of cases, but most conspicuous were chickens presented with a distended coelomic cavity and apathy. Coelomic ultrasonography as well as computed tomography proved to be valuable tools for distinguishing between the respective conditions. However, ultrasonography alone mainly failed (10/11) to differentiate between ovary or oviductal neoplasia and egg-related coelomitis with salpingitis or impacted salpinx, respectively. Computed tomography was perceived as a superior tool for final diagnosis. In total 6/6 CT-scans correctly made a definitive diagnosis. Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis was only possible after celiotomy with the necessity of consecutive surgery for most of the reported cases. As an overall outcome 34 of 57 patients were either euthanised or died, whereas only 23 chickens could be successfully treated and discharged. Several hens were reported to be doing well at home, according to regular check-up procedures within 4 years post-surgery.

Conclusion and clinical relevance Diagnostic work-up and treatment of hens with reproductive tract diseases can be challenging. Clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging provide important information, still celiotomy is often required for final diagnosis. The condition of the chickens is usually serious. Within our study, 40 % of the hens could be treated successfully. Therefore, a realistic assessment of each individual case and clarification for the owners are important.
Exercise Training for Cardiac Patients, Why and How to Prescribe It?
Authors: Carré François
Published: April 2020

The benefits of regular physical activity whether in primary- or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease are now irrefutable. Despite its well proven benefits, exercise training remains underused because of lack of insight and familiarity of the majority of cardiologists. This review offers cardiologists the necessary informations about the pathophysiological mechanisms, effects and limitations of the predominantly used training methods in various kardiovascular diseases.
Vorhaltekosten in einem überregionalen Traumazentrum zur Bewältigung eines Großschadensereignisses
Authors: Krupka Marianne , Karich Bernhard , Klewer Jörg
Published: April 2020

Zielsetzung In einem Krankenhaus mit integriertem überregionalen Traumazentrum wurden die aktuellen Materialvorhaltungen für Großschadensereignisse und die damit verbundenen Kosten analysiert.

Methodik Das vorgehaltene Material wurde systematisch mittels Checklisten erfasst und die damit verbundenen Kosten ermittelt. Ferner wurden der personelle Aufwand für die Planung des Materialbedarfs sowie die Materialpflege quantifiziert. Zusätzlich wurden noch teilstandardisierte Interviews mit internen Entscheidungsträgern geführt.

Ergebnisse Die Kostenanalyse ergab einen Gesamtbetrag für das aktuell vorgehaltene Material im Wert von rund 18 500 € und personelle Gesamtkosten in Höhe von jährlich rund 1200 €.

Schlussfolgerung Hochgerechnet auf alle deutschen Traumazentren ergeben sich Vorhaltekosten von ca. 12 Millionen €. Mittels der Ergebnisse wurde eine Grundlage für Verhandlungen mit den für die Notfallvorsorge zuständigen Bundesländern geschaffen.
Moderators of the Association Between Serum Parathyroid Hormone and
Metabolic Syndrome in Participants with Elevated Parathyroid Hormone: NHANES
2003–2006
Authors: Chen Liang , Pei Jian-Hao , Kuang Jian
Published: April 2020

This cross-sectional study extracted data of 392 NHANES participants with
elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations from 2 cycles of the US
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 and
evaluated the association between serum (PTH) concentration and metabolic
syndrome (MetS) to identify dietary and lifestyle factors that may modify that
association. The primary outcome was MetS severity scores. Results of univariate
linear regression analyses revealed that serum PTH concentrations correlated
positively and significantly with MetS severity scores (β=0.399,
p=0.030). After adjusting for gender, age, race, and alcohol
consumption, results of multivariate analysis revealed that increased serum PTH
concentration correlated significantly with higher MetS severity scores
(β=0.413, p=0.045) in participants with moderate
physical activity over the past 30 days. Serum PTH concentration also correlated
significantly with higher MetS severity scores in participants with serum
25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (β=0.456 and p=0.014),
those without vitamin D supplementation (β=0.524,
p=0.028) and with higher protein intake (β=0.586 and
p=0.030). In conclusion, increased serum PTH concentration is associated
with higher MetS severity scores in participants with elevated serum PTH at
baseline. The association between PTH concentration and MetS severity is
moderated by participants’ physical activity levels, status of serum
vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation, and daily protein intake.
Basic Principles of Intraoperative Ultrasound Applied to Brain Tumor Surgery
Authors: Jacobo Javier A. , Avendaño Javier , Moreno-Jimenez Sergio , Nuñez Santiago , Mamani Rocio
Published: April 2020

Intraoperative ultrasound (US) has been shown to possess great value in assessing tumor volume and localization, especially for primary resection of gliomas and metastatic lesions. Given that US is a technology that is highly user dependent, many surgeons have encountered problems with the usage of this technology, as well as interpretation of intraoperative US images, limiting its full potential. This article focuses on the basic knowledge a neurosurgeon must acquire to properly use and interpret intraoperative US to improve tumor localization and extent of resection during brain tumor surgery.
Visible-Light-Enabled Aerobic Denitrative C3-Alkenylation of Indoles with β-Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Yadav Lal Dhar S. , Chawla Ruchi , Kapoor Ritu
Published: April 2020

Herein, we unveil the first visible-light-mediated alkenylation reaction of indoles. The reaction follows a denitrative radical pathway where β-nitrostyrenes have been utilized as the alkene precursors for the C3-styrenylation of indoles under visible-light irradiation to afford biologically and synthetically important 3-alkenylindoles. High regioselectivity, absence of any photocatalyst, metal, external oxidant, acid or base, and the use of visible light and air as inexpensive clean reagents are the key highlights of the developed method.
Catalyst- and Solvent-Free Hydrophosphorylation of Ketones with Secondary Phosphine Oxides: Green Synthesis of Tertiary α-Hydroxyphosphine Oxides
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Gusarova Nina K. , Ivanova Nina I. , Khrapova Kseniya O. , Volkov Pavel A. , Telezhkin Anton A. , Larina Lyudmila I. , Afonin Andrei V. , Pavlov Dmitry V.
Published: April 2020

Tertiary α-hydroxyphosphine oxides have been synthesized via the catalyst- and solvent-free reaction between available secondary phosphine oxides and aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic ketones at 20–62 °C in near to 96–98% yield. The developed method meets the requirements of green chemistry and the PASE (pot, atom, step economy) paradigm. According to quantum-chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level, the synthesized hydroxyphosphine oxides feature a weak (≈3 kcal·mol–1) O−H···O=P intramolecular hydrogen bond.
Sync for Genes: Making Clinical Genomics Available for Precision Medicine at the Point-of-Care
Authors: Garcia Stephanie J. , Zayas-Cabán Teresa , Freimuth Robert R.
Published: April 2020

Background Making genomic data available at the point-of-care and for research is critical for the success of the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI), a research initiative which seeks to change health care by “tak(ing) into account individual differences in people's genes, environments, and lifestyles.” The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) led Sync for Genes, a program to develop standards that make genomic data available when and where it matters most. This article discusses lessons learned from recent Sync for Genes activities.

Objectives The goals of Sync for Genes were to (1) demonstrate exchange of genomic data using health data standards, (2) provide feedback for refinement of health data standards, and (3) synthesize project experiences to support the integration of genomic data at the point-of-care and for research.

Methods Four organizations participated in a program to test the Health Level Seven International (HL7®) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®) standard, which supports sharing genomic data. ONC provided access to subject matter experts, resources, tools, and technical guidance to support testing activities. Three of the four organizations participated in HL7 FHIR Connectathons to test FHIR's ability to exchange genomic diagnostic reports.

Results The organizations successfully demonstrated exchange of genomic diagnostic reports using FHIR. The feedback and artifacts that resulted from these activities were shared with HL7 and made publicly available. Four areas were identified as important considerations for similar projects: (1) FHIR proficiency, (2) developer support, (3) project scope, and (4) bridging health information technology and genomic expertise.

Conclusion Precision medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and there is opportunity to continue maturing health data standards for the exchange of necessary genomic data, increasing the likelihood that the standard supports the needs of users.
Dacron Patch Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect with Concomitant Aortic Valve Replacement using a Mechanical Prosthesis: A Video Presentation
Authors: Chowdhury Ujjwal Kumar , George Niwin , Singh Sukhjeet , Kapoor Poonam Malhotra , Sankhyan Lakshmi Kumari , Chauhan Abhinavsingh , Gharde Parag , B. Sushamagayatri
Published: April 2020

We performed Dacron patch closure of ventricular septal defect with concomitant aortic valve replacement using a St. Jude Medical mechanical aortic prosthesis for a patient with ventricular septal defect and severely deformed and irreparable aortic valve. We highlight the technical details of the procedure to prevent paravalvular aortic leakage and residual ventricular septal defect.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Tool for Diagnosing Necrotizing Enterocolitis at Onset of Symptoms in Preterm Neonates with Acute Gastrointestinal Symptoms?
Authors: Le Bouhellec Julia , Prodhomme Olivier , Mura Thibault , Jacquot Aurélien , Combes Clémentine , Gamon Lucie , Durand Sabine , Filleron Anne , Cambonie Gilles
Published: April 2020

Objective In premature neonates, bloody stools and/or abdominal distension with feeding intolerance may be inaugural signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We assessed the ability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to distinguish those neonates with NEC soon after the occurrence of these symptoms.

Study Design We prospectively collected NIRS measurements of abdominal and cerebral regional tissue oxygen saturation (r-SO2), with values masked by an opaque cover. Two physicians, blinded to the NIRS data, determined whether the gastrointestinal symptoms were related to NEC 10 days after symptom onset.

Results Forty-five neonates with mean (standard deviation [SD]) gestational, birth weight and postnatal ages of 31 (3.9) weeks, 1,486 (794) g, and 18 (14) days were enrolled over 30 months. Gastrointestinal symptoms were related to NEC in 23 patients and associated with other causes in 22. Analysis of the 48 hours of monitoring revealed comparable abdominal r-SO2 and splanchnic-cerebral oxygenation ratio (SCOR) in patients with and without NEC (r-SO2: 47.3 [20.4] vs. 50.4 [17.8], p = 0.59, SCOR: 0.64 [0.26] vs. 0.69 [0.24], p = 0.51). Results were unchanged after NIRS analysis in 6-hour periods, and restriction of the analysis to severe NEC (i.e., grade 2 and 3, 57% of the NEC cases).

Conclusion In this study, NIRS monitoring was unable to individualize NEC in premature infants with acute gastrointestinal symptoms.
Primary Microcephaly with Novel Variant of MCPH1 Gene in Twins: Both Manifesting in Childhood at the Same Time with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Pavone Piero , Pappalardo Xena Giada , Praticò Andrea Domenico , Polizzi Agata , Ruggieri Martino , Piccione Maria , Corsello Giovanni , Falsaperla Raffaele
Published: April 2020

This study is a clinical report on twin females affected by primary microcephaly who displayed at molecular analysis of heterozygous novel MCPH1 variant. The twins at the age of 10 years developed, in coincidental time, a diagnosis of autoimmune juvenile thyroiditis. The main clinical features presented by the twins consisted of primary microcephaly with occipitofrontal circumference measuring −2 or −3 standard deviation, facial dysmorphism, typical nonsyndromic microcephaly, and mild intellectual disability. Molecular analysis of the major genes involved in primary microcephaly was performed and the following result was found in the twins: MCPH1; chr8.6357416; c.2180 C > T (rs 199861426), p.Pro727. Leu; heterozygous; missense; variant of uncertain significance (class 3). At the age of 10 years, the twins started to have, in coincidental time, marked asthenia and episodes of emotiveness, and laboratory exams disclosed a high level of antithyroid peroxidase leading to the diagnosis of autoimmune juvenile thyroiditis with normal thyroid function. The novel heterozygous MCPH1 variant found in the twins may be directly or indirectly involved in the onset of the primary microcephaly. The thyroid disorder in the twins and its onset, in a coincidental time, confirmed the effect of genetic predisposition on the pathogenesis of the immune thyroiditis.
Personalfindung und -bindung im krankenhaus: „Idealerweise sollte die Bewerbung so einfach sein wie der Einkauf bei Amazon“
Authors: Bannwarth Ralf
Published: April 2020

Der Klinikeinkauf ist ein sehr spezieller Bereich, an den die Anforderungen rasant steigen und in dem viele unterschiedliche Skills gefordert werden. Parallel sind die Klinken aber an Strukturen wie den TVÖD gebunden, was das Thema Recruiting schwieriger macht. Professor Patrick Da-Cruz spricht im Interview u. a. darüber, welche Möglichkeiten Einkaufsleiter haben, um an das geeignete Personal zu kommen und dieses auch zu halten. Es wird beleuchtet, welche modernen Elemente der Personalfindung und -bindung es gibt und inwiefern sich Kliniken auf die Generation Y einstellen sollten.
Risikomanagement: So können Kliniken mit finanziell angeschlagenen Lieferanten umgehen
Authors: Schlüchtermann Jörg , Kaiser Florian
Published: April 2020

Hat ein Lieferant finanzielle Schwierigkeiten, steht auch das Krankenhaus vor einer Reihe von Managementherausforderungen. Hierzu zählen drohende Qualitätsprobleme (die bis zum kompletten Lieferstopp mit gravierenden Folgen für die Patientenversorgung führen können) sowie die eigene Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Reputation. Der Beitrag erläutert, wie Krankenhäuser dem vorbeugen können und zeigt Lösungsansätze zum Umgang mit bereits angeschlagenen Lieferanten.
Boron–MgO composite as an X-ray transparent pressure medium in the multi-anvil apparatus
Authors: Xie Longjian , Yoneda Akira , Xu Fang , Higo Yuji , Wang Chao , Tange Yoshinori , King Andrew , Antonangeli Daniele , Morard Guillaume , Guignot Nicolas
Published: April 2020

X-ray transparent materials are very beneficial for in situ X-ray experiments in the multi-anvil apparatus. We sintered machinable blocks of boron–MgO composites at 800–1000 °C under atmospheric pressure from a mixture of amorphous boron and brucite or Mg(OH)2. The machinability of composite blocks improved with an increase in the brucite content in the starting material; a brucite content higher than 15 wt. % showed reasonable machinability in forming various shapes such as octahedron, cylinder, and sleeve. We confirmed the feasibility of the boron–MgO pressure medium by successfully generating lower mantle pressure (>23 GPa); its pressure generation efficiency is comparable to that of a Cr2O3 doped MgO pressure medium. The boron–MgO composite is expected to be an excellent thermal insulator owing to the extremely low thermal conductivity of amorphous boron; we confirmed its better thermal insulation performance through a comparative heating test with a zirconia sleeve in a Cr2O3 doped MgO pressure medium. Constituting light elements, the boron–MgO composite has high X-ray transparency, which enables us to conduct various cutting edge X-ray measurements in the large volume multi-anvil apparatus.
Oscillations of tunneling magnetoresistance on bias voltage in magnetic tunnel junctions with periodic grating barrier
Authors: Fang Henan , Zang Xuan , Xiao Mingwen , Zhong Yuanyuan , Tao Zhikuo
Published: April 2020

A spintronic theory is developed to describe the effect of bias voltages on the magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with a single-crystal barrier. The theory is founded on a conventional optical diffraction method and has already explained the barrier thickness effect, the temperature effect, and the half-metallic electrode effect in the MTJs with a periodic grating barrier. We find that the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) will oscillate with the bias voltage. This theoretical result can interpret the bias dependence observed in experiments. The range of bias voltage where the oscillations arise can be regulated by the barrier thickness and the spin polarization of the electrodes. In particular, it demonstrates that the bias voltage smaller than 100mV can hardly change the properties of TMR oscillations on the barrier thickness, which is in agreement with the experiments. Finally, a practical method is proposed to enhance and optimize the output voltage.
Embedded plasmonic nanoprisms in polymer solar cells: Band-edge resonance for photocurrent enhancement
Authors: Cho Ha-Eun , Cho Seok Ho , Lee Sung-Min
Published: April 2020

Introduction of metallic nanoparticles that can generate the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been considered as a prominent option for enhancing the performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs), as the radiative scattering and field confinement by the SPR can extend the effective photon traveling length and manipulate the spatial absorption profile. Despite many successful efforts to favorably exploit metallic nanoparticles, further studies of their effects on the PSC performance have been demanded to achieve the full benefit from them. Here, we systematically investigate the optical and photovoltaic performances of PSCs with disorderly distributed silver nanoprisms embedded in the photoactive material. Due to the superior properties of the plasmonic scattering of this class of nanoparticles, a significant improvement of photon absorption is gained from the devices with silver nanoprisms, particularly in the wavelength range of substandard absorption property including the band-edge wavelengths. While such absorption improvement can be obviously reinforced as an increase in the particle density, its level becomes saturated and decayed eventually because of the concurrently promoted photon loss by plasmonic absorption. At the optimal configurations of silver nanoprisms for the productive light trapping effect, the incorporated PSC devices present a photocurrent of ∼17.76 mA/cm2 and a power conversion efficiency of ∼9.68%, where their net increase ratios are ∼10% and ∼13% compared to the reference PSC devices, respectively. Details of numerical modeling and experiments for both metal nanoprisms and PSC devices offer an optimum route to tailoring metallic nanoparticles for high-performance PSC systems.
Resolution improvement of low-voltage scanning electron microscope by bright and monochromatic electron gun using negative electron affinity photocathode
Authors: Morishita Hideo , Ohshima Takashi , Kuwahara Makoto , Ose Yoichi , Agemura Toshihide
Published: April 2020

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a powerful tool for analyzing the surface of various specimens. SEM observation at low voltage, which is typically lower than the 1 kV range, is very effective for obtaining surface information of specimens. However, at the low voltage range, resolution is restricted by the brightness and energy spread of electron sources. Therefore, to improve the resolution, a bright and monochromatic electron source is indispensable. In this work, we focused on an electron gun with a negative electron affinity photocathode using p-type GaAs and Cs–O adsorbates. The resolution of a prototype SEM was improved by approximately 16% compared with a SEM using a conventional Schottky emission (SE)-type emitter at the acceleration voltage of 1 kV. In addition, results showed that the measured brightness was as high as an SE-type emitter (∼107 A/m2/sr/V) and the estimated energy spread was less than 0.2 eV, which was narrower than that of a cold field emission-type emitter.
Quantum mechanical spin dynamics of a molecular magnetoreceptor
Authors: Lindoy Lachlan P. , Fay Thomas P. , Manolopoulos David E.
Published: April 2020

Radical pair recombination reactions are known to be sensitive to extremely weak magnetic fields and can therefore be said to function as molecular magnetoreceptors. The classic example is a carotenoid-porphyrin-fullerene (C•+PF•−) radical pair that has been shown to provide a “proof-of-principle” for the operation of a chemical compass [K. Maeda et al., Nature 453, 387 (2008)]. Previous simulations of this radical pair have employed semiclassical approximations, which are routinely applicable to its 47 coupled electronic and nuclear spins. However, calculating the exact quantum mechanical spin dynamics presents a significant challenge and has not been possible until now. Here, we use a recently developed method to perform numerically converged simulations of the C•+PF•− quantum mechanical spin dynamics, including all coupled spins. A comparison of these quantum mechanical simulations with various semiclassical approximations reveals that, while it is not perfect, the best semiclassical approximation does capture essentially all of the relevant physics in this problem.
Acoustic vortices with high-order orbital angular momentum by a continuously tunable metasurface
Authors: Fan Shi-Wang , Wang Yan-Feng , Cao Liyun , Zhu Yifan , Chen A-Li , Vincent Brice , Assouar Badreddine , Wang Yue-Sheng
Published: April 2020

Metasurface-based acoustic vortex generators formed by fixed microstructures can only transfer the first-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) at a single frequency in a waveguide. Here, the multiple order acoustic vortices are realized through a helical metasurface design that is geometrically compact, broadband, and tunable. The proposed metasurface consists of matched helices rotating into the corresponding helical channels, allowing us to modulate the reflected phase shifts of the individual units. The units are arranged in a compact circular configuration and then passively transform an incident plane wavefront into the desired spiral wavefront with a controllable topological charge. The reported theoretical, numerical, and experimental results evidence that multiple orders of OAM modes can be continuously generated by using only a single metasurface. The tunable vortex design is relevant to the pragmatic applications of metasurfaces in real-time acoustic communications, spanners, and tweezers.
Growing networks with communities: A distributive link model
Authors: Shang Ke-ke , Yang Bin , Moore Jack Murdoch , Ji Qian , Small Michael
Published: April 2020

Evolution and popularity are two keys of the Barabasi–Albert model, which generates a power law distribution of network degrees. Evolving network generation models are important as they offer an explanation of both how and why complex networks (and scale-free networks, in particular) are ubiquitous. We adopt the evolution principle and then propose a very simple and intuitive new model for network growth, which naturally evolves modular networks with multiple communities. The number and size of the communities evolve over time and are primarily subjected to a single free parameter. Surprisingly, under some circumstances, our framework can construct a tree-like network with clear community structures—branches and leaves of a tree. Results also show that new communities will absorb a link resource to weaken the degree growth of hub nodes. Our models have a common explanation for the community of regular and tree-like networks and also breaks the tyranny of the early adopter; unlike the standard popularity principle, newer nodes and communities will come to dominance over time. Importantly, our model can fit well with the construction of the SARS-Cov-2 haplotype evolutionary network.
Testing for dependence on tree structures
Authors: Behr Merle , Ansari M. Azim , Munk Axel , Holmes Chris
Published: April 2020

Significance

Tree-like structures are abundant in the empirical sciences as they can summarize high-dimensional data and show latent structure among many samples in a single framework. Prominent examples include phylogenetic trees or hierarchical clustering derived from genetic data. Currently, users employ ad hoc methods to test for association between a given tree and a response variable, which reduces reproducibility and robustness. In this paper, we introduce treeSeg, a simple to use and widely applicable methodology with high power for testing between all levels of hierarchy for a given tree and the response while accounting for the overall false positive rate. Our method allows for precise uncertainty quantification and therefore, increases interpretability and reproducibility of such studies across many fields of science.
Reduced perceptual narrowing in synesthesia
Authors: Maurer Daphne , Ghloum Julian K. , Gibson Laura C. , Watson Marcus R. , Chen Lawrence M. , Akins Kathleen , Enns James T. , Hensch Takao K. , Werker Janet F.
Published: April 2020

Significance

The perceptual validity of synesthesia has been established by behavioral and neuroimaging evidence; however, its developmental origins remain unclear. Here we tested the hypothesis that synesthesia arises when there is less experience-dependent pruning during development. We did so by comparing adults with and without synesthesia on another phenomenon that results from experience-dependent pruning: perceptual narrowing of discrimination to native categories (native phonemes and upright human faces) to the detriment of non-native categories (non-native phonemes, chimp faces, and inverted human faces). Synesthetes were better than controls at all of the non-native discriminations, with no difference for the native categories. The results support the hypothesis that in synesthesia, there is decreased experience-dependent modification of the cortical hyperconnectivity present in early development.
Intertwined signatures of desiccation and drought tolerance in grasses
Authors: Pardo Jeremy , Man Wai Ching , Chay Hannah , Madden Christine F. , Hilhorst Henk W. M. , Farrant Jill M. , VanBuren Robert
Published: April 2020

Grasses are among the most resilient plants, and some can survive prolonged desiccation in semiarid regions with seasonal rainfall. However, the genetic elements that distinguish grasses that are sensitive versus tolerant to extreme drying are largely unknown. Here, we leveraged comparative genomic approaches with the desiccation-tolerant grassEragrostis nindensisand the related desiccation-sensitive cerealEragrostis tefto identify changes underlying desiccation tolerance. These analyses were extended across C4 grasses and cereals to identify broader evolutionary conservation and divergence. Across diverse genomic datasets, we identified changes in chromatin architecture, methylation, gene duplications, and expression dynamics related to desiccation inE. nindensis. It was previously hypothesized that transcriptional rewiring of seed desiccation pathways confers vegetative desiccation tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that the majority of seed-dehydration–related genes showed similar expression patterns in leaves of both desiccation-tolerant and -sensitive species. However, we identified a small set of seed-related orthologs with expression specific to desiccation-tolerant species. This supports a broad role for seed-related genes, where many are involved in typical drought responses, with only a small subset of crucial genes specifically induced in desiccation-tolerant plants.
The role of variability in the control of the basketball dribble under different perceptual setups
Authors: Robalo Ricardo A. M. , Diniz Ana M. F. A. , Fernandes Orlando , Passos Pedro J. M.
Published: April 2020

When executing a sport‐specific movement, athletes cannot use all perceptual resources to control their actions. The complexity of a basketball match, demands that individuals command their attention towards the context to make decisions. The dependency on the perceptual sources to control a movement should be kept to a minimum. During a match due to situational constraints, players often see themselves with impaired perceptual sources (e.g. auditory and peripheral vision occlusions). Assuming that professional basketball players are more skilled than amateurs, we analysed how both groups were affected by perceptual impairment, within and in‐between groups in a dribbling task. A variability analysis (correlation dimension, approximate entropy and Lyapunov exponent) was used to evaluate how an increased variability or stability, in a specific joint movement, contributes to a better adaptive behaviour when facing perceptual impairment. Professionals showed a significantly lower variability of the wrist movements, but had a significantly higher value of variability in the shoulder horizontal movements (anterior‐posterior and lateral), and also in the lateral elbow movements when their downwards peripheral vision was impaired. The increase in variability in such joint movements reflects adaptive behaviour and might be a performance factor.
TRIM24 facilitates antiviral immunity through mediating K63-linked TRAF3 ubiquitination
Authors: Zhu Qingchen , Yu Tao , Gan Shucheng , Wang Yan , Pei Yifei , Zhao Qifan , Pei Siyu , Hao Shumeng , Yuan Jia , Xu Jing , Hou Fajian , Wu Xuefeng , Peng Chao , Wu Ping , Qin Jun , Xiao Yichuan
Published: April 2020

Ubiquitination is an essential mechanism in the control of antiviral immunity upon virus infection. Here, we identify a series of ubiquitination-modulating enzymes that are modulated by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Notably, TRIM24 is down-regulated through direct transcriptional suppression induced by VSV-activated IRF3. Reducing or ablating TRIM24 compromises type I IFN (IFN-I) induction upon RNA virus infection and thus renders mice more sensitive to VSV infection. Mechanistically, VSV infection induces abundant TRIM24 translocation to mitochondria, where TRIM24 binds with TRAF3 and directly mediates K63-linked TRAF3 ubiquitination at K429/K436. This modification of TRAF3 enables its association with MAVS and TBK1, which consequently activates downstream antiviral signaling. Together, these findings establish TRIM24 as a critical positive regulator in controlling the activation of antiviral signaling and describe a previously unknown mechanism of TRIM24 function.
Vijay Rathinam: Cherishing the small victories
Authors: Houston Stephanie
Published: April 2020

Vijay Rathinam is an Assistant Professor of Immunology and the Director of the Graduate Program in Immunology at UConn Health. His work is focused on understanding pathogen recognition by the innate immune system, specifically how the inflammasome is activated by Gram-negative bacteria. I caught up with Vijay to find out more about his journey in science.
1SWASP J034439.97+030425.5: a short-period eclipsing binary system with a close-in stellar companion
Authors: Zhang Bin , Qian Sheng-Bang , Wang Jing-Jing , Zhi Qi-Jun , Dong Ai-Jun , Xie Wei , Zhu Li-Ying , Jiang Lin-Qiao
Published: April 2020

First multi-wavelength photometric light curves (LCs) of the short-period eclipsing binary (EB) 1SWASP J034439.97+030425.5 (hereafter J0344) are presented and analyzed by using the 2013 version of the Wilson-Devinney (W-D) code. To explain the asymmetric LCs of J0344, a cool star-spot on the less massive component was employed. The photometric solutions suggest that J0344 is a W-subtype shallow contact EB with a contact degree off= 4.9% ± 3.0% and a mass ratio ofq= 2.456 ± 0.013. Moreover, an obvious third light was detected in our analysis. We calculated the average luminosity contribution of the third light to the total light, and that value reaches up to 49.78%. Based on theO−Cmethod, the variations of the orbital period were studied for the first time. OurO−Cdiagram reveals a secular decrease superimposed on a cyclic oscillation. The orbital period decreases at a rate ofdP/dt= −6.07 × 10−7d yr−1, which can be explained by the mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive one. Besides, itsO−Cdiagram also shows a cyclic oscillation with an amplitude of 0.0030 d and a period about 7.08 yr, which can be explained by the presence of a third body with a minimum mass ofM3min= 0.15 ± 0.02M⊙. The third component may play an important role in the formation and evolution of J0344 by drawing angular momentum from the central system.
MHD simulations of inward shocks in Cassiopeia A
Authors: Yang Chu-Yuan , Bao Bi-Wen , Liu Si-Ming
Published: April 2020

Cassiopeia A, the brightest radio supernova remnant (SNR) in the sky, has several unique characteristics in comparison to its peers. Besides its radio brightness and prominent soft-concave radio spectrum, its γ-ray spectrum appears to have a low-energy cutoff near 2 GeV, and it is the only SNR with prominent hard X-ray emission. While the unusual radio properties may be attributed to strong emission from reverse shocks, the hard X-ray emission has been associated with high-speed inward shocks induced by high density gases. Then, the low-energy γ-ray spectral cutoff could be attributed to slow penetration of lower energy particles accelerated near the inward shocks into high-density emission zone. In this paper, we carry out magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of shocks in Cassiopeia A and demonstrate that its inward shock structure can indeed be reproduced via shock interactions with clumps of gases with a density of ∼ 20 cm−3.
Toward accurate measurement of property-dependent galaxy clustering: I. Comparison of the Vmax method and the “shuffled” method
Authors: Yang Lei , Jing Yi-Peng , Li Zhi-Gang , Yang Xiao-Hu
Published: April 2020

Galaxy clustering provides insightful clues to our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, as well as the universe. The redshift assignment for the random sample is one of the key steps to accurately measure galaxy clustering. In this paper, by virtue of the mock galaxy catalogs, we investigate the effect of two redshift assignment methods on the measurement of galaxy two-point correlation functions (hereafter 2PCFs), the V
max method and the “shuffled” method. We have found that the shuffled method significantly underestimates both of the projected 2PCFs and the two-dimensional 2PCFs in redshift space, while the V
max method does not show any notable bias on the 2PCFs for volume-limited samples. For flux-limited samples, the bias produced by the V
max method is less than half of the shuffled method on large scales. Therefore, we strongly recommend the V
max method to assign redshifts to random samples in the future galaxy clustering analysis.