bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Patient Reporting Tool: Giving ADPKD Patients Back Their Data
Authors: Abraham Alison G. , Girardat-Rotar Laura , Ziegler Sarah , Blum Markus , Galletti Flavia , Puhan Milo A. , Serra Andreas L.
Published: April 2018

Klinischer Patientenbericht: ADPKD-Patienten erhalten Zugriff auf ihre Daten

Zusammenfassung. Studien zur Patientenbeteiligung in der medizinischen Versorgung deuten darauf hin, dass eine intensive Patientenbeteiligung die Gesundheit verbessert und die Vorsorgungszufriedenheit erhöht. Insbesondere bei Behandlungsentscheidungen, die sowohl Schaden als auch Nutzen verursachen, sind gemeinsame Entscheidungen von Patienten und Ärzten entscheidend um den Patienten auf den Behandlungsplan vorbereitet und ihn dafür zu motivieren. Allerdings sind Instrumente, die den Patienten in den klinischen Versorgungsprozess und gemeinsamen Entscheidungsfindung einbeziehen, nicht weit verbreitet. Wir entwickelten ein klinisches Patientendokument für Patienten mit autosomal-dominanter polyzystischer Nierenerkrankung (ADPKD), für die kürzlich eine neue Therapie – Tolvaptan, das die Progression verlangsamt, aber bemerkenswerte Nebenwirkungen hat – zur Verfügung steht. Untersuchungen vor und nach der Entwicklung zeigten, dass ADPKD-Patienten eine Anzeige individueller Schweregradindikatoren mit Benchmarks für vergleichbare Patienten wünschen. Die Kommunikation wird erleichtert und das Vertrauen der Patienten in die gemeinsam gefällten Behandlungsentscheidungen verbessert. Ein solcher Patientenbericht ist leicht auf andere Krankheitsbilder übertragbar und könnte als ein Aspekt eines Patienteninterventionsmodells in klinischen Zentren dienen.
Scientists Discover New Ocean Current off Madagascar
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: April 2018

The warm and salty Southwest Madagascar Coastal Current influences upwelling that supports rich marine ecosystems along the southern coast.
Electric Currents in Outer Space Run the Show
Authors: Keiling Andreas , Marghitu Octav , Wheatland Michael
Published: April 2018

A new book explores our understanding of electric currents, which are fundamental to the structure and dynamics of space plasmas.
Tree Rings Tell a Tale of Wartime Privations
Authors: den Hond Bas
Published: April 2018

In occupied Norway during World War II, the German navy deployed thick chemical fog to protect a precious battleship. The effects are still detectable in trees.
James Reilly to Take the Helm at USGS
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2018

He said that scientific integrity would be one of his highest priorities if he were to lead the agency.
Inhibition of the mevalonate pathway enhances cancer cell oncolysis mediated by M1 virus
Authors: Liang Jiankai , Guo Li , Li Kai , Xiao Xiao , Zhu Wenbo , Zheng Xiaoke , Hu Jun , Zhang Haipeng , Cai Jing , Yu Yaya , Tan Yaqian , Li Chuntao , Liu Xincheng , Hu Cheng , Liu Ying , Qiu Pengxin , Su Xingwen , He Songmin , Lin Yuan , Yan Guangmei
Published: April 2018

Oncolytic virus is an attractive anticancer agent that selectively lyses cancer through targeting cancer cells rather than normal cells. Although M1 virus is effective against several cancer types, certain cancer cells present low sensitivity to it. Here we identified that most of the components in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway are downregulated after M1 virus infection. Further functional studies illustrate that mevalonate/protein farnesylation/ras homolog family member Q (RHOQ) axis inhibits M1 virus replication. Further transcriptome analysis shows that RHOQ knockdown obviously suppresses Rab GTPase and ATP-mediated membrane transporter system, which may mediate the antiviral effect of RHOQ. Based on this, inhibition of the above pathway significantly enhances the anticancer potency of M1 virus in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. Our research provides an intriguing strategy for the rational combination of M1 virus with farnesyl transferase inhibitors to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
A combination of Lactobacillus mali APS1 and dieting improved the efficacy of obesity treatment via manipulating gut microbiome in mice
Authors: Chen Yung-Tsung , Yang Ning-Sun , Lin Yu-Chun , Ho Shang-Tse , Li Kuan-Yi , Lin Jin-Seng , Liu Je-Ruei , Chen Ming-Ju
Published: April 2018

The difficulty of long-term management has produced a high rate of failure for obesity patients. Therefore, improving the efficacy of current obesity treatment is a significant goal. We hypothesized that combining a probiotic Lactobacillus mali APS1 intervention with dieting could improve the efficacy of obesity and hepatic steatosis treatment compared to dieting alone. Mice were fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks and then treated with: saline + normal diet and APS1 + normal diet (NDAPS1) for 3 weeks. NDAPS1 accelerated body weight loss and reduced caloric intake and fat accumulation. The fecal microbiome showed that accelerating weight loss by NDAPS1 resulted in restoring intestinal microbiota toward a pre-obese state, with alteration of specific changes in the obesity-associated bacteria. APS1 manipulated the gut microbiome’s obesity-associated metabolites, followed by regulation of lipid metabolism, enhancement of energy expenditure and inhibition of appetite. The specific hepatic metabolites induced by the APS1-manipulated gut microbiome also contributed to the amelioration of hepatic steatosis. Our results highlighted a possible microbiome and metabolome that contributed to accelerating weight loss following treatment with a combination of APS1 and dieting and suggested that probiotics could serve as a potential therapy for modulating physiological function and downstream of the microbiota.
Novel rGO-T-C(n) Nanosheets developed via click chemistry as a lubricant anti-wear additive
Authors: Bagheri Samira , Jamal Nadia , Halilu Ahmed , TermehYousefi Amin
Published: April 2018

Process equipment and facilities are constantly facing the dilemmas of tear and wear. This manuscript introducing functionalized reduced graphene oxide with triazole moiety via click chemistry as a anti-wear additive. While this has been achieved successfully, full characterization of the new anti-wear additive material revealed it to be promising in ameliorating issues of wears. One of the merits of the synthesized material includes reduction of contact asperity as the lipophilic alkyl chain length increases. It has been tested to be functional when formulated as an additive in group III petroleum base oil. Accordingly, it shows an irregularity in renewable base oil. Following screening evaluations of the lipophilic alkyl chain lengths, the additive with twelve carbon atoms; functionalized reduced graphene oxide, rGO-T-C(12) was confirmed to stand out among others with the good reduction of friction coefficient and the least wear scar diameter of ~539.78 µm, compared to the base oil containing no additive.
Author Correction: CRISPR/Cas9-derived models of ovarian high grade serous carcinoma targeting Brca1, Pten and Nf1, and correlation with platinum sensitivity
Authors: Walton Josephine B. , Farquharson Malcolm , Mason Susan , Port Jennifer , Kruspig Bjorn , Dowson Suzanne , Stevenson David , Murphy Daniel , Matzuk Martin , Kim Jaeyeon , Coffelt Seth , Blyth Karen , McNeish Iain A.
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Mapping the epidemic changes and risks of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Shaanxi Province, China, 2005–2016
Authors: Liang Weifeng , Gu Xu , Li Xue , Zhang Kangjun , Wu Kejian , Pang Miaomiao , Dong Jianhua , Merrill Hunter R. , Hu Tao , Liu Kun , Shao Zhongjun , Yan Hong
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Phosphatidylserine-mediated platelet clearance by endothelium decreases platelet aggregates and procoagulant activity in sepsis
Authors: Ma Ruishuang , Xie Rui , Yu Chengyuan , Si Yu , Wu Xiaoming , Zhao Lu , Yao Zhipeng , Fang Shaohong , Chen He , Novakovic Valerie , Gao Chunyan , Kou Junjie , Bi Yayan , Thatte Hemant S. , Yu Bo , Yang Shufen , Zhou Jin , Shi Jialan
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Mitochondrial function in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Da Silva Tania , Wu Abbie , Laksono Isabelle , Prce Ivana , Maheandiran Margaret , Kiang Michael , Andreazza Ana C. , Mizrahi Romina
Published: April 2018

Alterations in mitochondrial function have been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. Most studies have investigated alterations in mitochondrial function in patients in which the disorder is already established; however, whether mitochondrial dysfunction predates the onset of psychosis remains unknown. We measured peripheral mitochondrial complex (I–V) function and lactate/pyruvate levels in 27 antipsychotic-naïve individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) and 16 healthy controls. We also explored the association between mitochondrial function and brain microglial activation and glutathione levels using a translocator protein 18 kDa [18F]FEPPA PET scan and1H-MRS scan, respectively. There were no significant differences in mitochondrial complex function and lactate/pyruvate levels between CHR and healthy controls. In the CHR group, mitochondrial complex III function (r = −0.51,p = 0.008) and lactate levels (r = 0.61,p = 0.004) were associated with prodromal negative symptoms. As previously reported, there were no significant differences in microglial activation and glutathione levels between groups, however, mitochondrial complex IV function was inversely related to microglial activation in the hippocampus in CHR (r = −0.42,p = 0.04), but not in healthy controls. In conclusion, alterations in mitochondrial function are not yet evident in CHR, but may relate to the severity of prodromal symptoms, particularly negative symptoms.
Directed reprogramming of comprehensively characterized dental pulp stem cells extracted from natal tooth
Authors: Pisal Rishikaysh V. , Suchanek Jakub , Siller Richard , Soukup Tomas , Hrebikova Hana , Bezrouk Ales , Kunke David , Micuda Stanislav , Filip Stanislav , Sullivan Gareth , Mokry Jaroslav
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to extensively characterise natal dental pulp stem cells (nDPSC) and assess their efficiency to generate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC). A number of distinguishing features prompted us to choose nDPSC over normal adult DPSC, in that they differed in cell surface marker expression and initial doubling time. In addition, nDPSC expressed 17 out of 52 pluripotency genes we analysed, and the level of expression was comparable to human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Ours is the first group to report comprehensive characterization of nDPSC followed by directed reprogramming to a pluripotent stem cell state. nDPSC yielded hiPSC colonies upon transduction with Sendai virus expressing the pluripotency transcription factorsPOU5F1, SOX2, c-MYCandKLF4. nDPSC had higher reprogramming efficiency compared to human fibroblasts. nDPSC derived hiPSCs closely resembled hESC in terms of their morphology, expression of pluripotency markers and gene expression profiles. Furthermore, nDPSC derived hiPSCs differentiated into the three germ layers when cultured as embryoid bodies (EB) and by directed differentiation. Based on our findings, nDPSC present a unique marker expression profile compared with adult DPSC and possess higher reprogramming efficiency as compared with dermal fibroblasts thus proving to be more amenable for reprogramming.
Proton-decoupled carbon magnetic resonance spectroscopy in human calf muscles at 7 T using a multi-channel radiofrequency coil
Authors: Goluch Sigrun , Frass-Kriegl Roberta , Meyerspeer Martin , Pichler Michael , Sieg Jürgen , Gajdošík Martin , Krššák Martin , Laistler Elmar
Published: April 2018

13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a viable, non-invasive method to study cell metabolism in skeletal muscles. However, MR sensitivity of 13C is inherently low, which can be overcome by applying a higher static magnetic field strength together with radiofrequency coil arrays instead of single loop coils or large volume coils, and 1H decoupling, which leads to a simplified spectral pattern. 1H-decoupled 13C-MRS requires RF coils which support both, 1H and 13C, Larmor frequencies with sufficient electromagnetic isolation between the pathways of the two frequencies. We present the development, evaluation, and first in vivo measurement with a 7 T 3-channel 13C and 4-channel 1H transceiver array optimized for 1H-decoupled 13C-MRS in the posterior human calf muscles. To ensure minimal cross-coupling between 13C and 1H arrays, several strategies were combined: mutual magnetic flux was minimized by coil geometry, two LCC traps were inserted into each 13C element, and band-pass and low-pass filters were integrated along the signal pathways. The developed coil array was successfully tested in phantom and in vivo MR experiments, showing a simplified spectral pattern and increase in signal-to-noise ratio of approximately a factor 2 between non-decoupled and 1H-decoupled spectra in a glucose phantom and the human calf muscle.
Deviations of the immune cell landscape between healthy liver and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Rohr-Udilova Nataliya , Klinglmüller Florian , Schulte-Hermann Rolf , Stift Judith , Herac Merima , Salzmann Martina , Finotello Francesca , Timelthaler Gerald , Oberhuber Georg , Pinter Matthias , Reiberger Thomas , Jensen-Jarolim Erika , Eferl Robert , Trauner Michael
Published: April 2018

Tumor-infiltrating immune cells are highly relevant for prognosis and identification of immunotherapy targets in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The recently developed CIBERSORT method allows immune cell profiling by deconvolution of gene expression microarray data. By applying CIBERSORT, we assessed the relative proportions of immune cells in 41 healthy human livers, 305 HCC samples and 82 HCC adjacent tissues. The obtained immune cell profiles provided enumeration and activation status of 22 immune cell subtypes. Mast cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in ten HCC patients. Activated mast cells, monocytes and plasma cells were decreased in HCC, while resting mast cells, total and naïve B cells, CD4+ memory resting and CD8+ T cells were increased when compared to healthy livers. Previously described S1, S2 and S3 molecular HCC subclasses demonstrated increased M1-polarized macrophages in the S3 subclass with good prognosis. Strong total immune cell infiltration into HCC correlated with total B cells, memory B cells, T follicular helper cells and M1 macrophages, whereas weak infiltration was linked to resting NK cells, neutrophils and resting mast cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of patient samples confirmed the reduced frequency of mast cells in human HCC tumor tissue as compared to tumor adjacent tissue. Our data demonstrate that deconvolution of gene expression data by CIBERSORT provides valuable information about immune cell composition of HCC patients.
Tension-induced twist of twist-spun carbon nanotube yarns and its effect on their torsional behavior
Authors: Jeon Seung-Yeol , Kwon Dongil , Yu Woong-Ryeol
Published: April 2018

Twist-spun carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns exhibit a large and reversible rotational behavior under specific boundary conditions. In situ polarized Raman spectroscopy revealed that a tension-induced twist provides reversibility to this rotation. The orientation changes of individual CNTs were followed when twist-spun CNT yarns were untwisted and subsequently retwisted. Twist-spun CNT yarn, when untwisted and subsequently retwisted under the one-ended tethered boundary condition, showed irreversible orientation changes of the individual CNTs due to snarls formed during the untwisting operation, which resulted in macroscopic irreversible rotational behavior of the CNT yarns. In contrast, the orientation changes of the individual CNTs in twist-spun CNT yarn, when operated under the two-ended tethered boundary condition, were hysteretically reversible due to a tension-induced twist, which has not been reported previously. Indeed, the tension-induced twist was observed by following the orientation change of individual CNTs in elongated CNT yarns, which simulated the deformational behavior of the CNT yarn rotated under the two-ended tethered boundary condition.
Analysis for Patient Survival after Open Abdomen for Torso Trauma and the Impact of Achieving Primary Fascial Closure: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Hsu Yu-Pao , Wong Yon-Cheong , Fu Chih-Yuan , Wang Shang-Yu , Liao Chien-Hung , Yang Chun-Hsiang Ou , Yuan Kuo-Ching
Published: April 2018

Open abdomen indicates the abdominal fascia is unclosed to abbreviate surgery and to reduce physiological stress. However, complications and difficulties in patient care are often encountered after operation. During May 2008 to March 2013, we performed a prospective protocol-directed observation study regarding open abdomen use in trauma patients. Bogota bag is the temporary abdomen closure initially but negative pressure dressing is used later. A goal-directed ICU care is applied and primary fascial closure is the primary endpoint. There were 242 patients received laparotomy after torso trauma and 84 (34.7%) had open abdomen. Twenty patients soon died within one day and were excluded. Among the included 64 patients, there were 49 (76.6%) males and the mean Injury Severity Score was 31.7. Uncontrolled bleeding was the major indication for open abdomen (64.1%) and the average duration of open abdomen was about 4.2 ± 2.2 days. After treatment, 53(82.8%) had primary fascia closure, which is significant for patient survival (odds ratio 21.6; 95% confidence interval: 3.27–142, p = 0.0014). Factors related to failed primary fascia closure are profound shock during operation, high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score in ICU and inadequate urine amount at first 48 hours admission.
Overcoming Bias: Cognitive Control Reduces Susceptibility to Framing Effects in Evaluating Musical Performance
Authors: Aydogan Gökhan , Flaig Nicole , Ravi Srekar N. , Large Edward W. , McClure Samuel M. , Margulis Elizabeth Hellmuth
Published: April 2018

Prior expectations can bias evaluative judgments of sensory information. We show that information about a performer’s status can bias the evaluation of musical stimuli, reflected by differential activity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Moreover, we demonstrate that decreased susceptibility to this confirmation bias is (a) accompanied by the recruitment of and (b) correlated with the white-matter structure of the executive control network, particularly related to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). By using long-duration musical stimuli, we were able to track the initial biasing, subsequent perception, and ultimate evaluation of the stimuli, examining the full evolution of these biases over time. Our findings confirm the persistence of confirmation bias effects even when ample opportunity exists to gather information about true stimulus quality, and underline the importance of executive control in reducing bias.
Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicineas as an Adjunct Therapy for Refractory Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Wei Yan-Yan , Lin Wan-Fu , Zhang Tian-Hong , Tang Yun-Xiang , Wang Ji-Jun , Zhong Mao-Feng
Published: April 2018

Although recent studies focused on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia have reported that it may be beneficial, there is still lack of convincing evidence and critical meta-analytic work regarding its effectiveness as an adjunctive therapy. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of TCM in combination with antipsychotics for refractory schizophrenia. Fourteen articles involving 1725 patients published as of December 2016 were included which compared antipsychotic therapies to either TCM alone, or TCM as an adjunctive therapy. TCM was observed to have beneficial effects on aspects of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) including total score changes and negative score changes, as well as clinical effects estimated with PANSS or the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). The changes in extrapyramidal side effects (RSESE) scores from baseline to the end of the treatment period were similar in two groups of related trials. TCM was also reported to mitigate some anti-psychotic related side-effects and overall, TCM adjuvant therapy was generally safe and well tolerated. While, the results indicated the potential utility of TCM as an alternative adjunctive therapeutic for refractory schizophrenia treatment, there remains a need for further high-quality studies.
An Information Theory-Inspired Strategy for Design of
Re-programmable Encrypted Graphene-based Coding Metasurfaces at Terahertz
Frequencies
Authors: Momeni Ali , Rouhi Kasra , Rajabalipanah Hamid , Abdolali Ali
Published: April 2018

Inspired by the information theory, a new concept of re-programmable
encrypted graphene-based coding metasurfaces was investigated at terahertz
frequencies. A channel-coding function was proposed to convolutionally record an
arbitrary information message onto unrecognizable but recoverable parity beams
generated by a phase-encrypted coding metasurface. A single graphene-based
reflective cell with dual-mode biasing voltages was designed to act as “0” and “1”
meta-atoms, providing broadband opposite reflection phases. By exploiting graphene
tunability, the proposed scheme enabled an unprecedented degree of freedom in the
real-time mapping of information messages onto multiple parity beams which could not
be damaged, altered, and reverse-engineered. Various encryption types such as
mirroring, anomalous reflection, multi-beam generation, and scattering diffusion can
be dynamically attained via our multifunctional metasurface. Besides, contrary to
conventional time-consuming and optimization-based methods, this paper convincingly
offers a fast, straightforward, and efficient design of diffusion metasurfaces of
arbitrarily large size. Rigorous full-wave simulations corroborated the results
where the phase-encrypted metasurfaces exhibited a polarization-insensitive
reflectivity less than −10 dB over a broadband frequency range from 1 THz to
1.7 THz. This work reveals new opportunities for the extension of re-programmable
THz-coding metasurfaces and may be of interest for reflection-type security systems,
computational imaging, and camouflage technology.
Micro-deformation evolutions of the constituent phases in duplex stainless steel during cyclic nanoindentation
Authors: Cui Yuan-Yuan , Jia Yun-Fei , Xuan Fu-Zhen
Published: April 2018

Cyclic elastoplastic deformation behaviors of austenite phase and ferrite phase in a duplex stainless steel were investigate by load-controlled cyclic nanoindentation with a Berkovich indenter. During the tests, the maximum penetration depth per cycle increased rapidly with cycle number at transient state, and reached stable at quasi-steady state. Plastic dissipated energy was quantitatively proved to be the driving force for the propagation of deformation zones during cyclic nanoindentation tests. Transmission electron microscopy combined with FIB was used to reveal the deformation mechanisms of both phases underneath indents with cycles. After quasi-static single loading, nucleation and concentration of dislocations were observed in both austenite phase and ferrite phase under the indenter. After cyclic loading, dislocations propagated to further regions in both phases. Besides, slip bands were generated within single nanoindentation and propagated during the subsequent cyclic nanoindentation. The sizes of the deformation regions for both phases under the indents after cyclic indentation observed by TEM were consistent with those calculated by the expansion model of spherical cavity.
IL-13 may be involved in the development of CAD via different mechanisms under different conditions in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zha Ling-Feng , Nie Shao-Fang , Chen Qian-Wen , Liao Yu-Hua , Zhang Hong-Song , Dong Jiang-Tao , Xie Tian , Wang Fan , Tang Ting-Ting , Xia Ni , Xu Cheng-Qi , Zhou Ying-Chao , Zeng Zhi-Peng , Jiao Jiao , Wang Peng-Yun , Wang Qing K. , Tu Xin , Cheng Xiang
Published: April 2018

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) has important functions in atherosclerosis, but its role in coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. Here, we studied the genetic role of IL-13 in CAD in a Chinese Han population using tag SNPs covering the whole IL13 gene (i.e., rs1881457, rs2069744 and rs20541) and a two-stage cohort containing 1863 CAD cases and 1841 controls. Traditional risk factors for CAD, such as age, BMI, and other factors, were used as covariates in logistic regression analysis. In the total population, we found that two haplotypes of IL13 (ATG and ATA, ordered rs1881457C-rs2069744T-rs20541A) significantly contributed to the risk of CAD with adjusted p values less than 0.05 (padj = 0.019 and padj = 0.042, respectively). In subgroup population analyses, the variant rs1881457C was found to significantly contribute to a nearly two fold increase in the risk of CAD in men (padj = 0.023, OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.09-3.33). The variant rs1881457C also significantly contributed to a nearly twofold risk of late-onset CAD (padj = 0.024, OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.09-3.42). In conclusion, IL13 might be involved in CAD via different mechanisms under different conditions in the Chinese Han population.
Stem cells in middle ear cholesteatoma contribute to its pathogenesis
Authors: Nagel Julia , Wöllner Saskia , Schürmann Matthias , Brotzmann Viktoria , Müller Janine , Greiner Johannes FW , Goon Peter , Kaltschmidt Barbara , Kaltschmidt Christian , Sudhoff Holger
Published: April 2018

Cholesteatoma is a potentially life-threatening middle ear lesion due to the formation of an inflamed ectopic mass of keratinizing squamous epithelium. Surgical removal remains the only treatment option, emphasizing the need to gain a better understanding of this severe disease. We show for the first time that stem cells residing in cholesteatoma tissue contribute to disease progression. Cells expressing the “stemness” markers Nestin and S100B were detected in middle ear cholesteatoma and auditory canal skin. Isolated Nestin + /S100B + -cells showed the capability for self-renewal, neurosphere formation and differentiation into mesodermal and ectodermal cell types. Compared to auditory canal skin stem cells middle ear cholesteatoma-derived stem cells displayed an enhanced susceptibility to inflammatory stimuli, and this suggested a possible contribution to the inflammatory environment in cholesteatoma tissue. Cholesteatoma derived stem cells were able to differentiate into keratinocyte-like cells using factors mimicking the microenvironment of cholesteatoma. Our findings demonstrate a new perspective on the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma and may lead to new treatment strategies for this severe middle ear lesion.
Contrasting catastrophic eruptions predicted by different intrusion and collapse scenarios
Authors: Rincón M. , Márquez A. , Herrera R. , Alonso-Torres A. , Granja-Bruña J. L. , van Wyk de Vries B.
Published: April 2018

Catastrophic volcanic eruptions triggered by landslide collapses can jet upwards or blast sideways. Magma intrusion is related to both landslide-triggered eruptive scenarios (lateral or vertical), but it is not clear how such different responses are produced, nor if any precursor can be used for forecasting them. We approach this problem with physical analogue modelling enhanced with X-ray Multiple Detector Computed Tomography scanning, used to track evolution of internal intrusion, and its related faulting and surface deformation. We find that intrusions produce three different volcano deformation patterns, one of them involving asymmetric intrusion and deformation, with the early development of a listric slump fault producing pronounced slippage of one sector. This previously undescribed early deep potential slip surface provides a unified explanation for the two different eruptive scenarios (lateral vs. vertical). Lateral blast only occurs in flank collapse when the intrusion has risen into the sliding block. Otherwise, vertical rather than lateral expansion of magma is promoted by summit dilatation and flank buttressing. The distinctive surface deformation evolution detected opens the possibility to forecast the possible eruptive scenarios: laterally directed blast should only be expected when surface deformation begins to develop oblique to the first major fault.
Molecular basis for governing the morphology of type-I collagen fibrils by Osteomodulin
Authors: Tashima Takumi , Nagatoishi Satoru , Caaveiro Jose M. M. , Nakakido Makoto , Sagara Hiroshi , Kusano-Arai Osamu , Iwanari Hiroko , Mimuro Hitomi , Hamakubo Takao , Ohnuma Shin-ichi , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: April 2018

Small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan (SLRP) proteins have an important role in the organization of the extracellular matrix, especially in the formation of collagen fibrils. However, the mechanism governing the shape of collagen fibrils is poorly understood. Here, we report that the protein Osteomodulin (OMD) of the SLRP family is a monomeric protein in solution that interacts with type-I collagen. This interaction is dominated by weak electrostatic forces employing negatively charged residues of OMD, in particular Glu284 and Glu303, and controlled by entropic factors. The protein OMD establishes a fast-binding equilibrium with collagen, where OMD may engage not only with individual collagen molecules, but also with the growing fibrils. This weak electrostatic interaction is carefully balanced so it modulates the shape of the fibrils without compromising their viability.
Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of bulky bis(pyrazolyl)palladium complexes in Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Ocansey Edward , Darkwa James , Makhubela Banothile C. E.
Published: April 2018

Pyrazole-containing compounds have been used in recent times as ligands to stabilize metal complexes used as pre-catalysts in cross-coupling reactions.
Multi-mode supermolecular polymerization driven by host–guest interactions
Authors: Chang Dongdong , Han Dan , Yan Wenhao , Yuan Zhiyi , Wang Qiaochun , Zou Lei
Published: April 2018

Multi-morphology supramolecular polymers from linear to dendritic polymerization by the introduction of azobenzene were obtained based on host–guest interaction.
Therapiekonzepte zur Behandlung von Patienten mit nicht infektiöser Uveitis: biologische Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
Authors: Walscheid Karoline , Pleyer Uwe , Heiligenhaus Arnd
Published: April 2018

Biologika stellen eine hochwirksame Therapieoption für verschiedene nicht infektiöse Uveitisformen dar. Einziges zugelassenes Biologikum ist der TNF-α-Inhibitor Adalimumab, alle anderen Präparate müssen im Rahmen einer Off-Label-Therapie gegeben werden. Die Indikation zur Therapieinitiierung mit einem Biologikum besteht, wenn die Erkrankung nicht ausreichend anspricht auf eine Behandlung mit systemischen Steroiden und/oder csDMARDs (konventionell-synthetischen disease modifying antirheumatic drugs) oder diese aufgrund von unerwünschten Wirkungen nicht gegeben werden können. Derzeit in der klinischen Anwendung befindliche biologische DMARD-Präparate wirken über zytokinspezifische Mechanismen (TNF-α-Inhibition, Interferone, Hemmung der Signaltransduktion von Interleukin-1 [IL-1], IL-6 und IL-17) sowie Hemmung der T-Zell-Kostimulation (CTLA-4-Fusionsprotein), oder B-Zell-Depletion (Anti-CD20). Alle Präparate müssen parenteral verabreicht werden. Die Einleitung einer Biologikatherapie sollte nach interdisziplinärer Abstimmung und Ausschluss von Kontraindikationen erfolgen. Ein regelmäßiges klinisches und laborchemisches Monitoring unter der Therapie ist erforderlich.
Die Limbokeratoplastik zur Behandlung von gittrigen und granulären Hornhautdystrophien
Authors: Lapp Thabo , Maier Philip , Böhringer Daniel , Reinhard Thomas
Published: April 2018

Die homologe Limbokeratoplastik (Limbo-KP) wurde initial zur Behandlung von Formen schwerer Limbusinsuffizienz etabliert, um nach Transplantation einen vollständigen und dauerhaften Epithelschluss im Bereich der Hornhaut zu gewährleisten. Nach Erweiterung des Indikationsspektrums kommt die Limbo-KP mittlerweile auch bei epithelialen/stromalen Hornhautdystrophien wie der gittrigen und der granulären Hornhautdystrophie (die mit einer Mutation im TGFBI-Gen [TGFBI: transforming growth factor beta-induced] assoziiert sind) zum Einsatz. Ziel der Limbo-KP hierbei ist es, ein klares Transplantatüberleben ohne Rezidiv der Dystrophie im Transplantat zu erreichen, da es nach konventioneller Keratoplastik stets zu Rezidiven und einer damit einhergehenden Visusminderung kommt.
Supratentorial Atypical Rhabdoid Teratoid Tumor – A Case Report
Authors: Mesquita Filho Paulo , Vartha Ana , De Carli Fernanda , Manfroi Gregori , De Cesaro Marcelo , Oro Carlos , Figini Vitório , Azambuja Júnior Nério , Beck Adriana , Schwingel Daniela
Published: April 2018

Atypical rhabdoid teratoid tumors (ARTTs) are rare embryonic tumors, usually localized in the posterior fossa and diagnosed in children under 3 years-old. The treatment includes surgical resection, radio and chemotherapy, and the prognostic is unfavorable, with an average median survival of 1 year. We present the case of a 3-year-old patient, with history of headache and vomiting, followed by absence seizures, temporal automatism, syncope accompanied by sialorrhea and sphincteric loss succeeded by a postictal period. Surgical excision was performed and the anatomopathological study confirmed ARTT. The ARTTs are embryonic tumors, a category in which medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) represent the most common central nervous system (CNS) malignancies in childhood.
Slow Elevation in Protein C Activity without a PROC Mutation in a Neonate with Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Uehara Erika , Nakao Hiro , Tsumura Yusuke , Nakadate Hisaya , Amari Shoichiro , Fujinaga Hideshi , Tsutsumi Yoshiyuki , Kang Dongchon , Ohga Shouichi , Ishiguro Akira
Published: April 2018

Severe protein C (PC) deficiency leads to purpura fulminans and stroke in newborns. However, the clinical impact of plasma PC activity on the development of neonatal cerebral disease remains elusive. We report a case of hemorrhagic stroke associated with neonatal asphyxia and severe PC deficiency. Plasma PC and protein S activity 7 days after birth was 12% and 43%, respectively. No PROC mutation was found. PC levels did not exceed 20% until 2 months of age, even in the absence of consumption coagulopathy or vitamin K deficiency. Neither thromboembolic nor hemorrhagic events occurred during the infusion of activated PC concentrate (twice weekly, up to 68 days after birth). The PC activity levels gradually increased to the standard value for age by 9 months of age. The present case showed that neonatal PC deficiency without a PROC mutation caused an intracranial hemorrhage before a slow increase in PC activity.
Spezialisierte Ambulante Palliativ-Versorgung
Authors: Nauck Friedemann , Jansky Maximiliane
Published: April 2018

Since 2007, patients with severe advanced life-limiting illnesses and high, complex symptom burdens have a right to receive specialized outpatient palliative care (SAPV). Multi-professional teams with heterogeneous organizational structures provide care in cooperation with primary care givers, not limited to cancer patients. The aim of SAPV is to foster patient’s autonomy and quality of life. SAPV can be provided as counseling of patient and care givers, coordination of care, additional supportive and full care provision. While the basis of SAPV provision is regulated by a SAPV directive, different contracts between care providers and health care insurances regulate organization, cooperation, definition of care levels, service provision and compensation. Some regions have model contracts that are binding for all SAPV teams in the area; in other regions teams negotiate e. g. compensation, individually with insurances. The article gives an overview of the regulations regarding SAPV.
COPD – Stellenwert der Lungenfunktionsanalyse in Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Windisch Wolfram , Criée Carl
Published: April 2018

Pulmonary function testing is essential for diagnosis and treatment-guidance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Airway obstruction as assessed by spirometry should follow the reference-values provided by the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) of the European Respiratory Society (ERS). In addition, lung function testing should also include the assessment of lung hyperinflation and pulmonary emphysema by full-body plethysmography and determination of diffusion capacity. This is important since both, lung hyperinflation and pulmonary emphysema, can present without existing airway obstruction. Even though this formally excludes the diagnosis of COPD, these entities still belong to this disease complex. However, strictly speaking, pharmaceutical treatment is valid only for those patients with co-existing airway obstruction according to Global Lung Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria – since the absence of airway obstruction serves as exclusion criterion in nearly all randomized controlled trials. Nevertheless, progressive symptoms still require detailed pulmonary function testing for the guidance of non-pharmaceutical treatment – such as endoscopic or surgical lung volume reduction, long-term oxygen therapy, long-term non-invasive ventilation, and lung transplantation.
Fluchtwege von schwerkranken Kindern und Jugendlichen aus den ehemaligen Ostblockländern nach Deutschland zur Behandlung des Nierenversagens
Authors: Mammadova Dilbar , Marek Ines , Galiano Matthias , Rascher Wolfgang
Published: April 2018

Hintergrund Erhöhte Patientenmobilität und eingeschränkte Behandlungsmöglichkeiten von Kindern mit terminaler Niereninsuffizienz veranlassten Familien aus den ehemaligen Ostblockländern mit ihren Kindern zur Behandlung nach Deutschland zu fliehen.

Methode In einer Fallstudie wurden Krankenakten retrospektiv analysiert. In strukturierten Interviews wurden Eltern und Patienten nach dem Fluchtweg, der Behandlung und Integration befragt.

Ergebnisse Von 2003 bis 2013 kamen 8 Kinder und Jugendliche zur Behandlung eines terminalen Nierenversagens nach Erlangen. Die meisten Patienten kamen mithilfe eines Schleusers mit einem Touristenvisum. Auffallend oft gaben sie an, in der Aufregung ihre Papiere verloren zu haben. Eine Familie erhielt vom Schleuser neue Pässe mit gefälschten Namen und Geburtsdaten. Die Familien waren gezwungen, für die Flucht hohe Kosten auf sich zu nehmen, um durch die Behandlung in Deutschland das Leben ihres Kindes zu retten. Auch wenn sich die Dialysetherapie wegen eines anderen Krankheitsverständnisses oft schwierig gestaltete, war der Gesamtverlauf zufriedenstellend. Vier Patienten konnten mittlerweile erfolgreich transplantiert werden.

Schlussfolgerung Diese Fallstudie zeigt neue Facetten der Patientenmobilität, die durch die bessere medizinische Versorgung in Deutschland motiviert ist und das Ziel hat, das Überleben des Kindes zu sichern. Ein ethisches Problem ergab sich dadurch, dass eine Dialysebehandlung bei Kindern mit terminaler Niereninsuffizienz die Nierentransplantation als therapeutisches Ziel impliziert.
Experiences of care labour, gender and work for men who teach young children
Authors: O’Keeffe Suzanne
Published: April 2018

This paper explores five Irish male primary teachers’ daily experiences of care labour and gender in contemporary Irish schools. Taking a feminist poststructural approach, the study employs three data-collection phases using the interview as the primary method of enquiry. It employs a voice-centred relational method of data analysis, which involves four readings of data with each reading troubling the data in different ways. This paper places specific focus on three everyday phenomena: care, emotions and the body. The evolving dynamic between gender and work is discussed in terms of a socio-cultural tension that informs the experiences of men who work with young children. Overall, two major challenges are identified. First, emotions are considered as individual, internal and private responses to situations. Yet, we absorb the norms and values of our society in the form of social and cultural practices that preserve society, which bring emotions into line with the rules proposed by society. Second, teaching is considered a soft option career for men and an essentially feminised occupation rather than a masculine one. As softness is very often associated with weakness, primary teaching does not align with traditional views of masculinities that are built on rationality, individualisation and heroism. This is a further challenge for male teachers to care in schools. Overall, male teachers are required to reproduce accounts of themselves in terms of valued masculine attributes due to the historical association between women, emotionality and care.
Geographies of emotional and care labour
Authors: Parish Jessica , Montsion Jean Michel
Published: April 2018

Recent years have witnessed shifts in the social organisation of emotional and care labour, especially as they intersect with new global trends in migratory patterns and international mobility, the restructuring of social reproduction and public—private divides, as well as the flexibilization of labour markets and a resurgence of unpaid labour such as volunteer work. With a focus on emotions and affect as a central epistemological and methodological orientation, this essay aims to draw connections between three distinct but related bodies of feminist scholarship: social reproduction theory, studies of emotional labour, and emotional geographies. The paper frames these approaches relative to the project of understanding the spatial dimensions of forms of emotional and care labour in neoliberal times.
Symmetry reduction of the three-body problem based on Euler angles
Authors: Castellana Michele
Published: April 2018

We consider the classical three-body problem with an arbitrary pair potential which depends on the inter-body distance. A general three-body configuration is set by three “radial” and three angular variables which determine the shape and orientation, respectively, of a triangle with the three bodies located at the vertices. The radial variables are given by the distances between a reference body and the other two, and by the angle at the reference body between the other two. Such radial variables set the potential energy of the system, and they are reminiscent of the inter-body distance in the two-body problem. On the other hand, the angular variables are the Euler angles relative to a rigid rotation of the triangle, and they are analogous to the polar and azimuthal angles of the vector between the two bodies in the two-body problem. We show that the rotational symmetry allows us to obtain a closed set of eight Hamilton equations of motion, whose generalized coordinates are the three radial variables and one additional angle, for which we provide the following geometrical interpretation. We consider the plane through a reference body, which is orthogonal to the line between the reference and the second body. We show that the angular variable above is the angle between the plane projection of the angular-momentum vector and the projection of the radius between the reference and the third body.
Low-tannin white sorghum contains more digestible and metabolisable energy than high-tannin red sorghum if fed to growing pigs
Authors: Pan Long , Ma Xiaokang , Hu Jiangxu , Liu Li , Yuan Mingfeng , Liu Ling , Li Defa , Piao Xiangshu
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted to determine and compare the digestible (DE) and metabolisable energy (ME) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) in yellow-dent corn, three low-tannin white sorghum cultivars and three high-tannin red sorghum cultivars when fed to growing pigs. Forty-two barrows (34.8 ± 3.1 kg bodyweight) were housed in metabolic crates and allotted to one of seven diets with six pigs per diet in a completely randomised design. The seven diets were formulated to contain 969 g/kg of corn or one of the six sorghum cultivars as well as 31 g/kg vitamin and minerals. Faeces and urine were collected for 5 days following a 7-day adaptation period. The DE and ME were lower (P < 0.05) for red sorghum than for corn while the values for corn were lower (P < 0.05) than those obtained for white sorghum. The ATTD of GE for pigs fed corn was higher (P < 0.05) than for pigs fed red sorghum but was lower (P < 0.05) than the ATTD of GE for pigs fed white sorghum. Tannin had a high negative correlation with DE and ME (both, r = –0.99; P < 0.01) and the ATTD of GE (r = –0.92; P < 0.01). The DE, ME and ATTD of GE were positively correlated with CP (P < 0.05), and negatively with kafirin/CP and phenols (P < 0.05). However, tannin was negatively correlated with CP (r = –0.85; P < 0.05), or positively with kafirin/CP (r = 0.88; P < 0.01) and phenols (r = 0.77; P < 0.05). Therefore, tannin content in sorghum may be the main anti-nutritional factor. The overall results of this study indicate that low-tannin white sorghum varieties are superior to high-tannin red sorghum varieties for use as an energy source in diets fed to growing pigs, and high-tannin red sorghum varieties should be incorporated into pig diets to ease the demand pressure on corn only if favourably priced in terms of their DE and ME values.
Changes in seed composition and germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and pea (Pisum sativum) when exposed to high temperatures during grain filling and maturation
Authors: Dürr Carolyne , Brunel-Muguet Sophie , Girousse Christine , Larmure Annabelle , Larré Colette , Rolland-Sabaté Agnès , Wagner Marie-Hélène
Published: April 2018

Most studies on the effects of climate change have been conducted on grain yield and composition; few have focused on seed germination and storage ability, especially in temperate crops. However, projected higher temperatures at the end of crop cycle are expected to affect not only seed nutritional quality but also seed germination and storage ability. In this study, experiments were conducted on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) in controlled conditions to assess the effects of high maximum daytime temperatures, between 25°C and 35°C, on mother plants during grain filling or only during grain desiccation. Grain composition and seed characteristics related to germination and seed storage were investigated. When the stress occurred during grain filling, seed dry weight decreased, and protein and total fatty acid concentrations increased. Higher contents of vicilins in pea and polyunsaturated fatty acids in both crops were observed. Total starch content decreased in wheat. Sucrose : oligosaccharides ratio decreased, seed conductivity increased and germination was altered in both crops whenever the stress occurred. All of these modifications were mainly detrimental to the seed nutritional and end-use values. Further investigations should be carried out to assess genetic diversity, to characterise other species, and to introduce the impact of high temperatures on these seed characteristics into crop models.