bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of small molecules using the inhibition of oligomer formation in α-synuclein aggregation as a selection parameter
Authors: Staats Roxine , Michaels Thomas C. T. , Flagmeier Patrick , Chia Sean , Horne Robert I. , Habchi Johnny , Linse Sara , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Dobson Christopher M. , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: December 2020

The aggregation of α-synuclein is a central event in Parkinsons’s disease and related synucleinopathies. Since pharmacologically targeting this process, however, has not yet resulted in approved disease-modifying treatments, there is an unmet need of developing novel methods of drug discovery. In this context, the use of chemical kinetics has recently enabled accurate quantifications of the microscopic steps leading to the proliferation of protein misfolded oligomers. As these species are highly neurotoxic, effective therapeutic strategies may be aimed at reducing their numbers. Here, we exploit this quantitative approach to develop a screening strategy that uses the reactive flux toward α-synuclein oligomers as a selection parameter. Using this approach, we evaluate the efficacy of a library of flavone derivatives, identifying apigenin as a compound that simultaneously delays and reduces the formation of α-synuclein oligomers. These results demonstrate a compound selection strategy based on the inhibition of the formation of α-synuclein oligomers, which may be key in identifying small molecules in drug discovery pipelines for diseases associated with α-synuclein aggregation.
Sideband-resolved resonator electromechanics based on a nonlinear Josephson inductance probed on the single-photon level
Authors: Schmidt Philip , T. Amawi Mohammad , Pogorzalek Stefan , Deppe Frank , Marx Achim , Gross Rudolf , Huebl Hans
Published: December 2020

Light-matter interaction in optomechanical systems is the foundation for ultra-sensitive detection schemes as well as the generation of phononic and photonic quantum states. Electromechanical systems realize this optomechanical interaction in the microwave regime. In this context, capacitive coupling arrangements demonstrated interaction rates of up to 280 Hz. Complementary, early proposals and experiments suggest that inductive coupling schemes are tunable and have the potential to reach the single-photon strong-coupling regime. Here, we follow the latter approach by integrating a partly suspended superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) into a microwave resonator. The mechanical displacement translates into a time varying flux in the SQUID loop, thereby providing an inductive electromechanical coupling. We demonstrate a sideband-resolved electromechanical system with a tunable vacuum coupling rate of up to 1.62 kHz, realizing sub-aN Hz−1/2 force sensitivities. The presented inductive coupling scheme shows the high potential of SQUID-based electromechanics for targeting the full wealth of the intrinsically nonlinear optomechanics Hamiltonian.
High responsivity in MoS2 phototransistors based on charge trapping HfO2 dielectrics
Authors: Nur Roda , Tsuchiya Takashi , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Terabe Kazuya , Takagi Shinichi , Takenaka Mitsuru
Published: December 2020

2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides hold a promising potential in future optoelectronic applications due to their high photoresponsivity and tunable band structure for broadband photodetection. In imaging applications, the detection of weak light signals is crucial for creating a better contrast between bright and dark pixels in order to achieve high resolution images. The photogating effect has been previously shown to offer high light sensitivities; however, the key features required to create this as a dominating photoresponse has yet to be discussed. Here, we report high responsivity and high photogain MoS2 phototransistors based on the dual function of HfO2 as a dielectric and charge trapping layer to enhance the photogating effect. As a result, these devices offered a very large responsivity of 1.1 × 106 A W−1, a photogain >109, and a detectivity of 5.6 × 1013 Jones under low light illumination. This work offers a CMOS compatible process and technique to develop highly photosensitive phototransistors for future low-powered imaging applications.
Attenuation of Cr/Pb in bauxite leachates by bentonite–polymer composite geosynthetic clay liners
Authors: Li Qin , Peng Daoping , Wu Zheng , Huang Tao
Published: December 2020

Three commercially available bentonite–polymer composite geosynthetic clay liners (BPC GCLs) were selected for hydraulic conductivity testing, respectively permeated by two types of bauxite leachates with high alkalinity (pH > 12) and high ionic strength (620.3 mM).
Multiscale design, interaction mechanism and performance of CL-20/Al energetic composites with embedded structure
Authors: Tao Jun , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Hao , Zhang Kun
Published: December 2020

In order to design and prepare hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane/aluminum (CL-20/Al) composites, the contact state of CL-20 with aluminum particles under different mixed solvent contents were calculated with the method of dissipative particle dynamics (DPD).
A nanorod-like Ni-rich layered cathode with enhanced Li+ diffusion pathways for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Fangkun , Liu Zhengbo , Shen Jiadong , Xu Xijun , Zeng Liyan , Zhang Binghao , Zhu He , Liu Qi , Liu Jun , Zhu Min
Published: December 2020

Nanorod-like Ni-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 possesses more exposed active {010} facets and the volume change of lithiation/delithiation is as small as 2.12%.
Plasmonic tunable Ag-coated gold nanorod arrays as reusable SERS substrates for multiplexed antibiotics detection
Authors: Peng Xiaoya , Li Dan , Li Yuanting , Xing Haibo , Deng Wei
Published: December 2020

The AgNPs/GNRs arrayed SERS chip is fabricated by self-assembly and electrodeposition method and reused for on-field detection of antibiotics in practical samples.
Chemo-specific designs for the enumeration of circulating tumor cells: advances in liquid biopsy
Authors: Singh Balram , Arora Smriti , D’Souza Alain , Kale Narendra , Aland Gourishankar , Bharde Atul , Quadir Mohiuddin , Calderón Marcelo , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Khandare Jayant
Published: December 2020

Chemical platforms for isolation and enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) in advancing the relevance of liquid biopsy in cancer diagnostics and treatment.
A modified efficiency‐oriented optimal method for three‐phase interleaved LLC resonant converter in plug‐in hybrid electric vehicle battery chargers
Authors: Shen Chaochao , Zhong Hao , Zhang Yang , Xu Mai , Zhang Yining
Published: December 2020

Three‐phase interleaved LLC resonant converters are preferably employed to realize high efficiency and high power density in the application of On‐board Charger. The parameter design of LLC resonant converter with wide range output has always been rigorous and difficult. Compared with the common time‐domain model, a high‐accuracy time domain analysis is adopted to analyze the interaction between three phases in detail. This method improves the accuracy of the design results by adding the interaction analysis. According to the operation mode analysis, transformer's turn ratio, resonant inductor, magnetic inductor and resonant capacitor are optimized based on the design principle of minimizing the conduction loss. Finally, the modified efficiency‐oriented optimal method of wide output range LLC resonant converter is proposed and its design results is validated by a 6.6 kW prototype. The efficiency of the design using proposed method is significantly improved than the results of the common time‐domain model.
Pattern‐reconfigurable dual‐band dipole antenna array with four switchable beams for full coverage in horizontal plane
Authors: Su Chang‐Wei , Jin Huayan , Li Chung‐Yi , Liao Yi‐Jyun , Chin Kuo‐Sheng
Published: December 2020

In this study, we develop a pattern‐reconfigurable dual‐band 1 × 2 dipole antenna array for operation in 2.45‐ and 5.5‐GHz bands. Parasitic directors are added to the antenna to change the shape of the radiation pattern, and the length of parasitic directors are adjusted using diode switches; therefore, each band can switch four beams in 0° (front broadside), 90° (right endfire), 180° (back broadside), and 270° (left endfire) directions to achieve full coverage in the horizontal plane. For demonstration, one prototype of the proposed pattern‐reconfigurable dual‐band dipole antenna array was fabricated and measured. Measured results indicated that dual‐band operation was achieved with the maximum impedance bandwidths of 30.8% and 46% in 2.45‐ and 5.5‐GHz bands, respectively. Four switchable beams were obtained with a maximum gain of 5.3 dBi and a front‐to‐back ratio up to 17.3 dB.
Oligarchic growth in a fully interacting system
Authors: Dencs Z. , Regály Zs.
Published: December 2020

Context. In the oligarchic growth model, protoplanets develop in the final stage of planet formation via collisions between planetesimals and planetary embryos. The majority of planetesimals are accreted by the embryos, while the remnant planetesimals acquire dynamically excited orbits. The efficiency of planet formation can be defined by the mass ratio between formed protoplanets and the initial mass of the embryo-planetesimal belt.

Aims. In numerical simulations of the oligarchic growth, the gravitational interactions between planetesimals are usually neglected due to computational difficulties. In this way, computations require fewer resources. We investigated the effect of this simplification by modeling the planet formation efficiency in a belt of embryos with self-interacting or non-self-interacting planetesimals.

Methods. We used our own graphics processing unit-based direct N-body integrator for the simulations. We compared 2D models using different initial embryo numbers, different initial planetesimal numbers, and different total initial belt masses. For a limited number of cases, we compared the 2D and 3D simulations.

Results. We found that planet formation efficiency is higher if the planetesimal self-interaction is taken into account in models that contain the commonly used 100 embryos. The observed effect can be explained by the damping of planetesimal eccentricities by their self-gravity. The final numbers of protoplanets are independent of planetesimal self-gravity, while the average mass of the formed protoplanets is larger in the self-interacting models. We also found that the non-self-interacting and self-interacting models qualitatively give the same results above 200 embryos. Our findings show that the higher the initial mass of the embryo-planetesimal belt, the higher the discrepancy between models that use self-interacting or non-self-interacting planetesimals is. The study of 3D models showed quantitatively the same results as the 2D models for low average inclination. We conclude that it is important to include planetesimal self-interaction in both 2D and 3D models in cases where the initial embryo number is less than 200.
Quels apports de la littérature pour comprendre et construire la transition agroécologique en viticulture ?
Authors: Macary Francis , Guerendel Fiona , Alonso Ugaglia Adeline
Published: December 2020

En s’appuyant sur une revue de la littérature, l’article propose un état de l’art centré sur l’agroécologie, concept polysémique, afin d’en éclairer la portée pour la viticulture et son application, dans le cadre d’un projet de recherche destiné à comprendre et construire la transition agroécologique dans les vignobles. L’agroécologie est tour à tour considérée comme une discipline scientifique proposant une analyse systémique en intégrant des sciences humaines et sociales, un ensemble de pratiques intégrant les principes de l’écologie en agronomie (travailler avec la nature), ou un mouvement social. L’échelle d’analyse a progressivement été élargie depuis le niveau de la parcelle agricole vers celui des territoires, jusqu’à des approches globales du système alimentaire. La vigne est une monoculture pérenne pour laquelle les enjeux de la transition agroécologique sont particulièrement importants eu égard notamment à la forte pression des pesticides appliqués en vue de la protection phytosanitaire. Ce débat, devenu sociétal, implique une évolution des systèmes de production viticole afin de satisfaire les enjeux environnementaux et de santé publique. Pour construire et évaluer des scénarios de transition agroécologique auprès des professionnels de la filière, nous avons réalisé une revue de la littérature qui a pu mettre en évidence différentes pratiques agroécologiques dans les vignobles : préservation de la biodiversité, baisse de l’usage des pesticides par une régulation des bioagresseurs et des adventices, conservation de la qualité des sols, adaptation au changement climatique. Elle permet également de discuter des enjeux d’élargissement de l’acception du concept d’agroécologie dans le contexte actuel. Ces éléments sont essentiels à l’identification de critères d’évaluation pour la construction de scénarios d’évolution des modes conventionnels de production viticole dans le cadre de la transition écologique.
Knowledge and attitudes among dental students about COVID-19 and its precautionary measures: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alawia Ruwaa , Riad Abanoub , Kateeb Elham
Published: December 2020

Objective: This study aims to evaluate students' knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19 and its precautionary measures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students in their clinical practice years in two Palestinian universities. An online questionnaire was sent out using students' in mid-May, 2020. The questionnaire assessed students self-reported knowledge about the COVID-19, and students' attitudes towards providing clinical care during the pandemic. Results: A total of 305 dental students completed the questionnaire. Fifty-nine percent (n = 180) reported having updated training on infection control measures in dental settings and 29% (n = 89) reported having attended a training course regarding COVID-19. Eighty-two percent of students (n = 250) preferred to avoid working with suspected COVID-19 patients. Almost 89% (n = 269) admitted fear of transmitting the virus to their families. This fear was related to their perception that using regular standard precautions is unsafe in dealing with COVID-19 patients and their perception of their schools' preparedness to update infection prevention measures (χ2 = 50.45, p < 0.001) (χ2 = 9.77, p = 0.021). Conclusion: Students in this sample are aware of COVID-19 and its precautionary measures. Adherence to new, stricter infection control protocols and periodic orientation of students to these protocols are ways to guarantee a safer environment for both patients and students.
Caroline Émilie « Lili » Bleeker
Authors: Leboulleux Lucie
Published: December 2020

Caroline Émilie « Lili » Bleeker était une physicienne et auto-entrepreneuse néerlandaise. Après un doctorat sur les spectres des alcaloïdes, elle monte la première entreprise néerlandaise de production de matériel et d’instruments optiques. Elle signe notamment avec Frederik Zernike le brevet sur le microscope à contraste de phase, pour lequel le physicien obtient le prix Nobel de Physique en 1953. Elle se démarque également pour son engagement contre le nazisme lors de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale.
Refroidissement radiatif diurne par revêtement de fibres de silice
Authors: Joulain Karl , Yalçin Refet Ali , Drévillon Jérémie , Blandre Etienne
Published: December 2020

Le refroidissement radiatif diurne est un procédé de refroidissement passif nécessitant des revêtements très réfléchissants dans le visible et fortement absorbants
dans l’infrarouge. De la laine de verre constituée de fibres extrêmement fines de silice permet d’obtenir des puissances de refroidissement proches du maximum théorique à un coût potentiellement très bas.
La loi de kirchhoff
Authors: Greffet Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2020

L’incandescence est le phénomène d’émission de rayonnement par des corps chauffés. L’aptitude d’un corps à émettre de la lumière a été reliée à son absorptivité par Kirchhoff. Ce texte retrace l’évolution de cette loi depuis son introduction en 1860 dans le cadre de l’optique géométrique, les développements qui ont suivi lorsqu’elle a pu être revisitée dans un cadre d’électromagnétisme stochastique, aux échelles nanométriques et enfin dans des situations hors équilibre telles que des semiconducteurs pompés électriquement.
Hochpräzise SBRT beim lokal rezidivierenden Prostatakarzinom
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: December 2020

In einer prospektiven Studie erhielten 50 Männer mit lokal rezidivierendem Prostatakarzinom nach Vorbestrahlung eine stereotaktische Strahlentherapie (stereotactic body radiation therapy, SBRT) mit dem CyberKnife® System. Nach 5 Jahren lag die Rate des biochemischen krankheitsfreien Überlebens (DFS) bei 60 %. 69 % der Männer benötigten innerhalb der ersten 5 Jahre nach der CyberKnife-Prostatabehandlung keine Androgendeprivationstherapie (ADT).
Autologe Korrektur einer Förderinsuffizienz 1
Authors: Krönung Gerhard
Published: December 2020

Bei einer Y-förmigen Aufzweigung der Shuntvene (z. B. in die Vena cephalica medialis und lateralis am proximalen Unterarm oder in die Vena cephalica und basilica in der Ellenbeuge) mit ausreichender Maturierung beider Shuntschenkel kann bei günstiger Topografie eine autologe Proximalisierung ohne Verlust von Punktionsstrecke erfolgen. Dies ist eine wichtige und biologisch hochwertigere Alternative zum alloplastischen Interponat.
Nichts für Schönwetterkapitäne: CAR-T-Zellen – Immunonkologie trifft Intensivmedizin
Authors: Borrega Jorge Garcia , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Böll Boris
Published: December 2020

WAS IST NEU?

CRS und ICANS als Nebenwirkung von CAR-T-Zellen Das Cytokine-Release-Syndrome (CRS) ist die häufigste Nebenwirkung einer CAR-T-Zell-Therapie und kann von leichtem Fieber bis zu einem Multiorganversagen führen. Pathophysiologisch kommt es beim CRS zu einem Zytokinsturm und trotz einer Therapie mit Tocilizumab sind refraktäre und tödliche Verläufe beschrieben. Die Symptome des Immune-Effector-Cell-associated-Neurotoxicity-Syndrome (ICANS) variieren von leichter Desorientiertheit bis zum lebensbedrohlichen Hirnödem. Die Pathophysiologie und Therapie des ICANS sind noch nicht ausreichend erforscht. Die Differenzialdiagnosen von CRS und ICANS sind komplex und umfassen neben Infektionen und Sepsis unter anderem auch eine Toxizität der vorhergehenden Therapie, ein Tumorlysesyndrom und nicht zuletzt einen Progress der Grunderkrankung. Ein klinischer oder laborchemischer Parameter zum sicheren Beweis oder Ausschluss eines CRS oder ICANS gibt es zum heutigen Zeitpunkt nicht.

Intensivmedizinische Relevanz und potenzielle Entwicklungen der CAR-T-Zell-Therapie Erste Auswertungen von Real-world-Daten deuten auf eine höhere Rate an schweren Nebenwirkungen im Rahmen der CAR-T-Zell-Therapie als in den Zulassungsstudien hin. Für die Indikation r/r-DLBCL könnten schätzungsweise bis zu maximal 300 Patienten pro Jahr in Deutschland eine intensivmedizinische Betreuung im Rahmen der CAR-T-Zell-Therapie benötigen. Studien mit wesentlich häufigeren soliden Tumoren könnten die Patientenzahl drastisch erhöhen.

Therapieziel bei CAR-T-Zell-Patienten und Entscheidungen bei Therapiezieländerung Aufgrund des neuen Therapiekonzepts kann ein Konflikt zwischen bislang palliativem Patientenkollektiv und nun möglicherweise langfristigen Remissionen entstehen. Eine frühzeitige Aufklärung über potenziell lebensbedrohliche Nebenwirkungen im Rahmen der Therapie und eine interdisziplinäre Besprechung der Therapieziele mit den Patienten ist entscheidend.
ESAs und HIF-Stabilisatoren
Authors: Weinreich Thomas
Published: December 2020

Die Möglichkeit, die renale Anämie durch die Substitution mit rekombinantem Erythropoetin zu korrigieren, stellt einen der Meilensteine in der Versorgung chronisch nierenkranker Patienten dar. Neben der Verbesserung der Lebensqualität ist diese Therapie aber auch mit potenziellen, insbesondere kardiovaskulären Sicherheitsrisiken verbunden. Die Effektivität der Behandlung ist bei chronischer Inflammation und mangelnder Eisenverfügbarkeit oft ineffizient. Die Entdeckung des Hypoxie induzierbaren Faktors (HIF) als eines zentralen Aktivators der Epo-Gen-Expression (Epo: Erythropoetin) führte zur Entwicklung neuer Substanzen zur Stimulation der endogenen Erythropoetinexpression: der HIF-Prolylhydroxylase-Inhibitoren (HIF-Stabilisatoren). Klinische Studien belegen die vergleichbare Effektivität dieser oral applizierbaren Substanzen im Vergleich zu ESAs (Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents) bei gleichzeitig geringerem Eisenbedarf. Die vorliegende Übersicht fasst die Vor- und Nachteile der aktuelle Anämietherapie mit ESAs zusammen und skizziert den Stand der Entwicklung der HIF-Stabilisatoren in der Behandlung der renalen Anämie.
MET-mutiertes papilläres Nierenzellkarzinom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: December 2020

Rund 10–15 % aller renalen Karzinome sind papilläre Nierenzellkarzinome (PRCC). Bei einem Teil liegen Mutationen des MET-Rezeptors vor, die eine Überaktivität des MET-Signalwegs verursachen und die Proliferation, Angiogenese und Metastasierung begünstigen. In der randomisierten Studie SAVOIR erhielten Patienten mit fortgeschrittenen PRCC und MET-Mutation den spezifischen MET-Rezeptor-Inhibitor Savolitinib oder den Multikinase-Inhibitor Sunitinib.
Lokalisiertes Prostatakarzinom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: December 2020

Die stereotaktische Prostatabestrahlung gewinnt bei lokalisierten Karzinomen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Die zielgenaue, ultrafraktionierte Radiatio ermöglicht eine Dosissteigerung, hat verglichen mit dem Standard mindestens äquivalente biochemische Kontrollraten und kürzt die Behandlung ab. Gleichzeitig bestand die Befürchtung, dass Patienten mit einem hohen IPSS-Score eine stärkere urogenitale Toxizität entwickeln. Die retrospektive Studie mit 53 Patienten bestätigte dies nicht, im Gegenteil.
Neue Behandlungsansätze bei der AML und der MDS?
Authors: Krome Susanne , Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: December 2020

Die Kernelemente der allogenen Stammzelltransplantation bei akuten myeloischen Leukämien sind die Myeloablation, Immunreaktion und Engraftment. Jahrzehntelang stand dabei die vollständige Eradikation des Knochenmarks durch die Hochdosischemotherapie und Bestrahlung im Vordergrund. Aktuell verschiebt sich insbesondere bei älteren Patienten der Schwerpunkt auf die Immunantwort. Mithilfe einer Mikrotransplantation hämatopoetischer Zellen sollen eine deutlich reduzierte Konditionierung und erheblich reduzierte Nebenwirkungen erreicht werden. Pan et al. untersuchten in einem Review die Evidenz für die Sicherheit und Effektivität der Mikrotransplantation bei Patienten mit akuter myeloischer Leukämie (AML) und myelodysplastischem Syndrom (MDS), dem Wirkmodus und der korrekten Einordnung in die medizinische Terminologie.
Marfan Syndrome with CRHD
Authors: Kakroo Shahood Ajaz
Published: December 2020

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an inheritable disorder caused by mutation of fibrillin-1 gene. It is the most common disorder among disorders of connective tissue. Its mode of inheritance is autosomal dominant. The reported prevalence of this disorder is one in three thousand (3000) to five (5000) thousand individuals. It presents with varied manifestation and different range of severity. The organ systems most commonly affected by this disorder include eyes, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system.

The other systems which may be affected include respiratory system, skin, and central nervous system. It is diagnosed with the help of revised Ghent score which includes a set of various diagnostic criteria which need to be fulfilled. MFS in this patient was diagnosed after the fulfillment of the revised Ghent score criteria, which included a positive history of MFS in the family and a systemic score of 8.

In this case report, we are reporting a case of MFS which is unusual and remarkable in the sense that it is associated with chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD), and not the cardiovascular features which are usually present in cases of MFS. We tried to find a similar case if ever reported previously and, after extensive search, we could find only few cases13
14
15 of MFS which were associated with CRHD.
CDGW-Zukunftspreis: Mobiles MRT-System überzeugt durch hohen Innovationsgrad
Authors: Guse Anika
Published: December 2020

Das Berliner Start-up DeepSpin hat sich beim diesjährigen Rennen um den Zukunftspreis des Clubs der Gesundheitswirtschaft (cdgw) durchgesetzt. Das Unternehmen will MRT für Mediziner universell nutzbar und für Patienten weltweit zugänglich machen. Im kma-Interview informieren die Gründer Clemens Tepel und Pedro Freire Silva über die Besonderheiten ihres MRT-Systems.
Process Mining: Komplexe Strukturen sichtbar machen
Authors: Brehm Kerstin
Published: December 2020

Process Mining ist eine neue analytische Methode zum Erkennen, Überwachen und Optimieren von Prozessen. Damit können Krankenhäuser Abläufe effizienter gestalten und dadurch Ökonomie, Qualität der Versorgung und Patientensicherheit verbessern.
Christliche Kliniken: Zukunft im Verbund
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: December 2020

Der konfessionelle Krankenhaussektor ist in Bewegung gekommen, viele Häuser fusionieren oder verbünden sich. Die Kleinen spüren den wirtschaftlichen Druck, die Großen wollen die eigene Position absichern. Bislang gleichen Trägergesellschaften mitunter einem Bauchladen – und das ist nicht ihr einziges Problem.
Corona-Pandemie: „Wir haben es selbst in der Hand“
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: December 2020

Corona ist nicht die erste Pandemie, die die Welt in Atem hält. Professor Philipp Osten, Direktor am Medizinhistorischen Museum in Hamburg, über Parallelen zu früheren Epidemien, warum Lehren aus der Masernimpfung hilfreich für neue Corona-Impfstoffe sind – und warum Corona zum Aufleben alter medizinischer Techniken führt.
Digitale Pflegeausbildung: Was Hänschen nicht lernt ...
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: December 2020

Nimmt uns ein „Pflegeroboter“ Arbeit ab oder weg? Macht technische Unterstützung in der Pflege Sinn? In Sachsen-Anhalt werden angehende Pflegekräfte frühzeitig mit solchen Fragen konfrontiert. Assistive Techniken stehen dort auf dem Lehrplan von Studenten – und künftig auch von Pflegeschülern.
Measuring the economic impact of hospital-acquired complications on an acute health service
Authors: Fernando-Canavan Liam , Gust Anthony , Hsueh Arthur , Tran-Duy An , Kirk Michael , Brooks Peter , Knight Josh
Published: December 2020

Objective This study determined the economic impact of 16 ‘high-priority’ hospital-acquired complications (HACs), as defined by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, from the perspective of an individual Australian health service. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using a deidentified patient dataset containing 93 056 in-patient separations in Northern Health (Victoria, Australia) from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. Two log-linked generalised linear regression models were used to obtain additional costs and additional length of stay (LOS) for 16 different HACs, with the main outcome measures being the additional cost and LOS for all 16 HACs. Results In all, 1700 separations involving HACs (1.83%) were identified. The most common HAC was health care-associated infections. Most HACs were associated with a statistically significant risk of increased cost (15/16 HACs) and LOS (11/16 HACs). HACs involving falls resulting in fracture or other intracranial injury were associated with the highest additional cost (A$17 173). The biggest increase in additional LOS was unplanned admissions to the intensive care unit (5.42 days). Conclusions This study shows the economic impact of HACs from the perspective of an individual health service. The methodology used demonstrates how other health services could determine safety priorities corresponding to their own casemix. What is known about the topic? HACs are a major issue in Australian health care; however, their effect on cost and LOS at the individual health service level is not well quantified. What does this paper add? Additional cost and LOS implications for 16 high-priority HACs have been quantified within an Australian health service. There is substantial variation in terms of the number of HACs and the economic impact of each HAC. What are the implications for practitioners? This study provides a template for other health services to assess the economic impact of HACs corresponding to their own casemix and to inform targeted patient safety programs.
Phyllostachys aurea (golden bamboo).
Authors: Rickel Caryn , Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: December 2020

P. aurea is a highly invasive running bamboo native to Southeast China that is now widespread globally and especially problematic in Australia and North America. This woody, rhizomatous perennial grass rapidly forms a dense monoculture, suffocating other native plants and altering the entire ecosystem. As well as having detrimental effects on the environment this bamboo may also damage property and poses a potential threat to human health as it harbours a fungus responsible for the disease Histoplasmosis. Invasive bamboos are among the fastest growing plants on Earth and one infestation of P. aurea can spread as far as 9.3 miles. The spread is rapid in all directions, increasing each successive year. It is listed as invasive in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Reunion, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, USA, Mexico, Spain and France. In the United States, it is listed as naturalized or invasive in 273 counties including the mid-Atlantic region of the USA, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Georgia. It is reported as fully naturalizing in New Zealand, with infestations forming dense stands, and some invading national parks. In Australia, this species is regarded as an environmental weed in Queensland and New South Wales.
Novel automatic scorpion-detection and -recognition system based on machine-learning techniques
Authors: Giambelluca Francisco L , Cappelletti Marcelo A , Osio Jorge R , Giambelluca Luis A
Published: December 2020

All species of scorpions can inject venom, some of them even with the possibility of killing a human. Therefore, early detection and identification are essential to minimize scorpion stings. In this paper, we propose a novel automatic system for the detection and recognition of scorpions using computer vision and machine learning (ML) approaches. Two complementary image-processing techniques were used for the proposed detection method to accurately and reliably detect the presence of scorpions. The first is based on the fluorescent characteristics of scorpions when exposed to ultraviolet light, and the second on the shape features of the scorpions. Also, three models based on ML algorithms for the image recognition and classification of scorpions are compared. In particular, the three species of scorpions found in La Plata city (Argentina): Bothriurus bonariensis (of no sanitary importance), Tityus trivittatus, and Tityus confluence (both of sanitary importance) have been researched using a local binary-pattern histogram algorithm and deep neural networks with transfer learning (DNNs with TL) and data augmentation (DNNs with TL and DA) approaches. A confusion matrix and a receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the quality of these models. The results obtained show that the model of DNN with TL and DA is the most efficient at simultaneously differentiating between Tityus and Bothriurus (for health security) and between T. trivittatus and T. confluence (for biological research purposes).
Chapter 20 what mr walker thought about it
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

It had been suggested to Mr Robarts, the parson of Framley, that he should endeavour to induce his old acquaintance, Mr Crawley, to employ a lawyer to defend him at his trial, and Mr Robarts had not forgotten the commission which he had undertaken....
Chapter 28 showing how major grantly took a walk
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Major Grantly drove his gig into the yard of the Red Lion at Allington, and from thence walked away at once to Mrs Dale’s house. When he reached the village he had hardly made up his mind as to the way in which he...
Chapter 29 miss lily dale’s logic
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Lady Julia De Guest always lunched at one exactly, and it was not much past twelve when John Eames made his appearance at the cottage. He was of course told to stay, and of course said that he would stay. It had been his...
Chapter 78 the arabins return to barchester
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

In these days Mr Harding was keeping his bed at the deanery, and most of those who saw him declared that he would never again leave it. The archdeacon had been slow to believe so, because he had still found his father-in-law able to...
Habitat-islands in the coastal Atacama Desert: loss of functional redundancy, but not of functional diversity, with decreased precipitation
Authors: Stotz Gisela C , Salgado-Luarte Cristian , Vigil Alonso T , De La Cruz Henry J , Pastén-Marambio Víctor , Gianoli Ernesto
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Aridity is increasing in many regions of the world, but microclimatic conditions may buffer plant communities from the direct effects of decreased precipitation, creating habitat islands. However, reduced precipitation can also impact these communities indirectly by decreasing the suitability of the surrounding habitat, thus limiting incoming propagules and increasing the chances of population decline and species loss. We test whether decreased precipitation results in loss of species and functional diversity within habitat islands, evaluating in particular whether declines in species diversity and abundance are less likely to result in loss of functional diversity if species/individual loss is stochastic (i.e. independent of species/individual traits) and communities/populations are functionally redundant.

Methods

Lomas communities are discrete plant communities embedded in the Atacama Desert, maintained by the microclimatic conditions created by fog. We recorded species and functional diversity in six Lomas communities along a 500 km long precipitation gradient in northern Chile. Functional traits were measured in 20 individuals per species, in those species that accounted for approx. 75 % of the abundance at each site. We calculated functional diversity and functional redundancy of the community, and intraspecific functional variation.

Key Results

Decreased precipitation was associated with lower species diversity and lower species abundances. However, no traits or functional strategies increased or decreased consistently with precipitation, suggesting stochastic species/individual loss. Species with stress-tolerant strategies were predominant in all sites. Although species diversity decreased with decreasing precipitation, functional diversity remained unchanged. Lower functional redundancy in the drier sites suggests that mainly functionally redundant species were lost. Likewise, intraspecific functional variation was similar among communities, despite the lower species abundance in drier sites.

Conclusions

Decreased precipitation can impact habitat island communities indirectly by decreasing the suitability of the surrounding habitat. Our results support the idea that a stochastic loss of species/individuals from functionally redundant communities and populations does not result in loss of functional diversity.
Changes in Human Fat Injected Alongside Hyaluronic Acid in the Backs of Nude Mice
Authors: Zheng Zhifang , Lei Xiaoxuan , Yang Yu , Tan Xi , Cheng Biao , Huang Wenhua
Published: December 2020

Background

Cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) is an active anti-aging cosmetic filler. The combination of cross-linked HA and preadipocytes or adipose-derived stem cells has been previously investigated, but the effects of agglomerated cross-linked HA injection on the vascularization of fat grafts remain unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of agglomerated cross-linked HA injection on the vascularization of fat grafts.

Methods

The backs of nude mice were divided into 4 regions that received different treatments: nothing (control group), agglomerated Biohyalux (HA group), agglomerated fat (FAT group), and lumps formed by the sequential injection of Biohyalux and fat (HA/FAT group). Samples were collected after 1 month for weighing and hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, image analysis, and Western blotting.

Results

The weight of fat and the mean number of adipocytes in the HA/FAT group did not significantly differ from those in the FAT group. No living tissue was found in agglomerated HA. Some tiny HA particles were surrounded by tissue rich in blood vessels. The expression levels of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the HA/FAT group were higher than those in the FAT group, but the difference was only significant for VEGF expression.

Conclusions

Cross-linked HA had minimal effect on the early retention rate of surrounding fat grafts, but enhanced their vascularization. Fat grafts should be not injected into lumps of cross-linked HA. Therefore, agglomerated cross-linked HA should be dissolved before fat transplantation.
Reductio ad Absurdum: Examining the Validity of the 500-Gram Rule in Reduction Mammaplasty
Authors: Kim Minji , Al Bayati Mahmood J , Mathew Prakash J , Thaller Seth R
Published: December 2020

Background

Reduction mammaplasty is a common procedure associated with a very high patient satisfaction rate. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms related to macromastia, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, bra strap grooving, paresthesia, and rashes. Despite the manifold benefits of reduction mammaplasty, some insurance companies require minimum resection weights of at least 500 g per breast in order to distinguish between a reconstructive and aesthetic procedure.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the origins of the 500-g rule used in reduction mammaplasty.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was conducted for studies published through July 2020 with multiple search terms related to resection weight criteria for breast reduction. Data on criteria, outcomes, and patient satisfaction were collected.

Results

A total of 14 articles were selected from the 27 articles that were identified. The 500-g rule appears to be arbitrary, and not based on any available hard evidence. However, numerous studies show that patients who have less than 500 g of tissue removed from each breast still experience significant symptomatic relief from reduction mammaplasty with a marked improvement in their quality of life.

Conclusions

The 500-g rule should be re-evaluated as an insurance company criterion for authorizing reduction mammaplasty. The rule may influence surgeons to choose between form and function. Many additional patients might then benefit from this important procedure.
Is Time a Factor in Quality of Life Improvement Following Breast Reduction?
Authors: Yaacobi Dafna (Shilo) , Olshinka Asaf , Shachar Tal , Lvovsky Alex , Shay Tamir , Hadanny Amir , Ad-El Dean D
Published: December 2020

Background

Macromastia (breast hypertrophy) has a significant influence on patients’ quality of life (QoL), and surgical treatment therefore offers clear medical benefits.

Rapid improvements in musculoskeletal complaints are being reported long before final aesthetic results are traditionally evaluated.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to use the RAND Health Status Survey, in modified validated Short Form 36 (SF-36), to analyze patient QoL after breast reduction, and examine whether QoL changes as a function of postoperative time.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 50 consecutive selected female patients who underwent breast reduction surgery by the same technique performed by a single surgeon between January 2016 and December 2019. Changes in QoL were reported based on a modified SF-36 survey, with scores standardized according to the mean of the general population. Time intervals between the operations and surveys were recorded.

Results

The patients were divided into 3 categories according to time since their operation (<3 months, 3-12 months, and >12 months), and assessed pre- and postoperatively. The mean [standard deviation] weight of breast tissue removed was 479.97 [159.38] g per breast. Mean follow-up time was 15.02 [14.3] months. All patients were satisfied with the shape of their new breasts and none reported to have suffered major complications postoperatively. For all 3 groups, patients’ scores in the SF-36 survey post- compared with preoperation indicated improvement unrelated to time elapsed since operation.

Conclusions

Breast reduction improves symptoms and well-being, unrelated to amount of tissue removed or to time elapsed postsurgery. This improvement is rapid and may lead to better coverage from medical insurance providers.

Level of Evidence: 4
Lessons Learned in Implementing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR)
Authors: Ng Sze , Parker Emily , Pusic Andrea , Farrell Gillian , Moore Colin , Elder Elisabeth , Cooter Rodney D , McNeil John , Hopper Ingrid
Published: December 2020

Background

The Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR) is a clinical quality registry which utilizes both surgical data and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to understand device performance. The ABDR is the first national breast device registry utilizing the BREAST-Q Implant Surveillance module to conduct PROMs via text messaging as the primary method of contact for most patients. ABDR PROMs are structured upon a successful acceptability and feasibility study and a pilot study.

Objectives

This aim of this paper was to examine the challenges we faced and consider how lessons learned in implementing PROMs might inform future registry studies and interventions.

Methods

We tracked the number of completed follow-ups and documented feedback between October 2017 and December 2018 from various stakeholders, including sites, surgeons, and patients.

Results

In total, 10,617 patients were contacted: 59% of breast augmentation and 77% breast reconstruction patients responded to our PROMs survey. We encountered challenges and developed solutions to overcome several key issues, including database setup; follow-up contact methods; ethics; education of surgeons and patients; associated costs; and ongoing evaluation and modification. The strategies we devised to address these challenges included drawing on experiences from previous studies, greater communication with sites and surgeons, and having the flexibility to improve and modify our PROMs.

Conclusions

The ABDR PROMs experience and lessons learned can inform a growing number of registries seeking to conduct PROMs. We describe our approach, obstacles encountered, and strategies to increase patient participation. As more breast device registries worldwide adopt PROMs, data harmonization is crucial to better understand patient outcomes and device performance.
Characterization of Medical Malpractice Litigation After Rhinoplasty in the United States
Authors: Ong Adrian A , Kelly Andrew , Castillo Geroline A , Carr Michele M , Sherris David A
Published: December 2020

Background

When complications following rhinoplasty occur or when the desired outcome is not achieved, patients may seek litigation on the premise that there was a violation in the standard of care. Knowledge of malpractice claims can inform rhinoplasty surgeons on how to minimize risk of future litigation as well as improve patient satisfaction.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to identify motives for seeking medical malpractice litigation after rhinoplasty, and to examine outcomes of malpractice litigation after rhinoplasty in the United States

Methods

The Westlaw legal database was reviewed for all available court decisions related to malpractice after rhinoplasty. Data collected and analyzed included plaintiff gender, location, specialty of defendant(s), plaintiff allegation, and adjudicated case outcomes.

Results

Twenty-three cases were identified between 1960 and 2018, located in 12 US states; 70% of the plaintiffs were female. Otolaryngologists were cited in 11 cases, whereas 12 cases involved a plastic surgeon. All cases alleged negligence. Cases involved “technical” errors (69.6%), “unsatisfactory” outcomes (39.1%), inadequate follow-up or aftercare (30.4%), issues with the informed consent process (21.7%), unexpectedly extensive surgery (8.7%), improper medication administration (4.3%), and failure to recognize symptoms (4.3%). Twenty of the 23 adjudicated cases (86.9%) were ruled in favor of the surgeon. The main contributing factor in cases alleging malpractice was poor aesthetic outcome/disfigurement (60.7%).

Conclusions

Malpractice litigation after rhinoplasty favored the surgeon in the majority of the adjudicated cases reviewed. The principal reason for litigating was dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. Rhinoplasty surgeons may mitigate possible litigation by developing a positive doctor-patient relationship, clearly understanding the patient’s surgical expectations, and obtaining detailed informed consent while maintaining frequent and caring communication with the patient.
A two-step approach to testing overall effect of gene–environment interaction for multiple phenotypes
Authors: Majumdar Arunabha , Burch Kathryn S , Haldar Tanushree , Sankararaman Sriram , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Gauderman W James , Witte John S
Published: December 2020

Motivation

While gene–environment (GxE) interactions contribute importantly to many different phenotypes, detecting such interactions requires well-powered studies and has proven difficult. To address this, we combine two approaches to improve GxE power: simultaneously evaluating multiple phenotypes and using a two-step analysis approach. Previous work shows that the power to identify a main genetic effect can be improved by simultaneously analyzing multiple related phenotypes. For a univariate phenotype, two-step methods produce higher power for detecting a GxE interaction compared to single step analysis. Therefore, we propose a two-step approach to test for an overall GxE effect for multiple phenotypes.

Results

Using simulations we demonstrate that, when more than one phenotype has GxE effect (i.e. GxE pleiotropy), our approach offers substantial gain in power (18–43%) to detect an aggregate-level GxE effect for a multivariate phenotype compared to an analogous two-step method to identify GxE effect for a univariate phenotype. We applied the proposed approach to simultaneously analyze three lipids, LDL, HDL and Triglyceride with the frequency of alcohol consumption as environmental factor in the UK Biobank. The method identified two loci with an overall GxE effect on the vector of lipids, one of which was missed by the competing approaches.

Availability and implementation

We provide an R package MPGE implementing the proposed approach which is available from CRAN: https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/MPGE/index.html

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.