bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service development accounts for an even smaller share of European R&D investments than we may think
Authors: Broström Anders , Giertz Eric
Published: June 2017

In academic research on private R&D investments, sectoral differences are generally analyzed on the basis of firms’ classification according to systems such as the American NAICS and the European NACE industry classification systems. The same classification principles are applied in many countries and regions when aggregating R&D statistics to the level of industries, for example by the EU’s statistical office Eurostat. We report evidence suggesting that the share of R&D associated with development of service-oriented products or with service activities is systematically lower than the share of R&D conducted by service sector firms. Results from a survey run in Sweden shows that the revenue streams in a significant share of R&D-performing service sector firms (as classified according to NACE) are dominated by sales of physical products (e.g. factoryless goods producers). An even larger share report that a majority of their R&D is directed towards development of physical products rather than service products (e.g. consultancy companies acting as external R&D departments for their clients in manufacturing industries). These findings imply that the share of R&D investments focusing on service-oriented activities is even lower than traditional statistics suggest.
What have we learned from SFAS 123r and IFRS 2? A review of existing evidence and future research suggestions
Authors: Merz Alexander
Published: June 2017

The fundamental change in accounting rules for equity-based compensation (EBC) instituted by SFAS 123, SFAS 123r, and IFRS 2 has allowed for new insights related to a variety of research questions. This paper discusses the empirical evidence generated in the wake of the new regulation and categorizes it into two broad streams. The first stream encompasses research on the changed use of EBC and the incentives provided. The second stream addresses how firms account for EBC, including the underreporting phenomenon and how it was affected by the mandatory recognition of EBC expenses. I discuss where research delivers unanimous findings versus contradictory results. Using these insights, I make recommendations for further research opportunities in the area of EBC.
Nonlinear modulation of interacting between COMT and depression on brain function
Authors: Gong L. , He C. , Yin Y. , Ye Q. , Bai F. , Yuan Y. , Zhang H. , Lv L. , Zhang H. , Zhang Z. , Xie C.
Published: June 2017

Background:

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is related to dopamine degradation and has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, how this gene affects brain function properties in MDD is still unclear.

Methods:

Fifty patients with MDD and 35 cognitively normal participants underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. A voxelwise and data-drive global functional connectivity density (gFCD) analysis was used to investigate the main effects and the interactions of disease states and COMT rs4680 gene polymorphism on brain function.

Results:

We found significant group differences of the gFCD in bilateral fusiform area (FFA), post-central and pre-central cortex, left superior temporal gyrus (STG), rectal and superior temporal gyrus and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC); abnormal gFCDs in left STG were positively correlated with severity of depression in MDD group. Significant disease × COMT interaction effects were found in the bilateral calcarine gyrus, right vlPFC, hippocampus and thalamus, and left SFG and FFA. Further post-hoc tests showed a nonlinear modulation effect of COMT on gFCD in the development of MDD. Interestingly, an inverted U-shaped modulation was found in the prefrontal cortex (control system) but U-shaped modulations were found in the hippocampus, thalamus and occipital cortex (processing system).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated nonlinear modulation of the interaction between COMT and depression on brain function. These findings expand our understanding of the COMT effect underlying the pathophysiology of MDD.
Downregulation of miR-503 Promotes ESCC Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting Cyclin D1
Authors: Jiang Lanfang , Zhao Zitong , Zheng Leilei , Xue Liyan , Zhan Qimin , Song Yongmei
Published: June 2017

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers in China, but the underlying molecular mechanism of ESCC is still unclear. Involvement of microRNAs has been demonstrated in cancer initiation and progression. Despite the reported function of miR-503 in several human cancers, its detailed anti-oncogenic role and clinical significance in ESCC remain undefined. In this study, we examined miR-503 expression by qPCR and found the downregulation of miR-503 expression in ESCC tissue relative to adjacent normal tissues. Further investigation in the effect of miR-503 on ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion showed that enhanced expression of miR-503 inhibited ESCC aggressive phenotype and overexpression of CCND1 reversed the effect of miR-503-mediated ESCC cell aggressive phenotype. Our study further identified CCND1 as the target gene of miR-503. Thus, miR-503 functions as a tumor suppressor and has an important role in ESCC by targeting CCND1.
Regulatory effects of miR‐146a/b on the function of endothelial progenitor cells in acute ischemic stroke in mice
Authors: Su Zeng‐Feng , Sun Zhong‐Wu , Zhang Ying , Wang Shu , Yu Qi‐Gui , Wu Ze‐Bing
Published: June 2017

The study aims to explore how microRNA‐146a/b (miR‐146a/b) regulates the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in acute ischemic stroke in mice. Eighty male SPF C57BL/6J mice were evenly divided into the model‐6 h, model‐12 h, model‐24 h (mice suffered from middle cerebral artery occlusion [MCAO] for 6 h, 12 h and model‐24 h) and normal groups. EPCs were transfected and assigned into the control, MCAO, MCAO‐miR‐146a, MCAO‐miR‐146b and MCAO‐miR‐146a/b groups. The qRT‐PCR was used to detect miR‐146a/b expression in EPCs. Expressions of tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) were detected using western blotting. Cell proliferation and migration of EPCs were testified using CCK‐8 assay and scratch test, respectively. Angiogenesis ability of EPCs was observed under microscope. MiR‐146a and miR‐146b expressions were lower in the model groups than the normal group. There were up‐regulated TRAF6 and IRAK1 expressions in the model‐6 h, model‐12 h and model‐24 h groups compared with the normal group. And there were down‐regulated TRAF6 and IRAK1 expressions in the MCAO‐miR‐146a, MCAO‐miR‐146b and MCAO‐miR‐146a/b groups than in the MCAO group. Compared with the control group, the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis ability of EPCs were significantly lower in the MCAO group, but higher in the MCAO‐miR‐146a, MCAO‐miR‐146b and MCAO‐miR‐146a/b groups. Besides, the miR‐146a/b group showed more enhancement than the MCAO‐miR‐146a and MCAO‐miR‐146b groups. MiR‐146a/b could down‐regulate the TRAF6 and IRAK1 expressions and promote proliferation, migration and angiogenesis ability of EPCs, which was important for recovery of patients with hyperacute ischemic stroke.
The Role of Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Cartilage Healing in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review
Authors: Rothenberg Joshua B. , Jayaram Prathap , Naqvi Usker , Gober Joslyn , Malanga Gerard A.
Published: June 2017

Ultrasound (US) is a therapeutic modality that has been used in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions for decades. In recent years, there have been technological advancements using low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) as a clinical modality. The purpose of this review was to critically examine the medical literature to determine the effects of LIPUS on the chondrogenic properties of knee osteoarthritis. A literature search of 3 major databases (PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE) was performed. Two independent physician reviewers screened titles and abstracts, yielding a total of 18 relevant articles after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Results favored that LIPUS has a promising effect on the cellular elements in articular cartilage, specifically on chondrocytes in knee osteoarthritis. Although the use of LIPUS is encouraging based on basic science and preclinical data, there is a paucity of evidence with respect to humans. Consequently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against LIPUS in clinical OA populations. We suggest future directions for research centered on LIPUS in both human and animal models to delineate the effect on the biologic properties of cartilage in knee osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence

III
Didymellaceae revisited
Authors: Chen Q. , Hou L.W. , Duan W.J. , Crous P.W. , Cai L.
Published: June 2017

The Didymellaceae is one of the most species-rich families in the fungal kingdom, and includes species that inhabit a wide range of ecosystems. The taxonomy of Didymellaceae has recently been revised on the basis of multi-locus DNA sequence data. In the present study,
we investigated 108 Didymellaceae isolates newly obtained from 40 host plant species in 27 plant families, and various substrates from caves, including air, water and carbonatite, originating from Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Africa, the
Netherlands, the USA and former Yugoslavia. Among these, 68 isolates representing 32 new taxa are recognised based on the multi-locus phylogeny using sequences of LSU, ITS, rpb2 and tub2, and morphological differences. Within the Didymellaceae, five genera appeared to
be limited to specific host families, with other genera having broader host ranges. In total 19 genera are recognised in the family, with Heracleicola being reduced to synonymy under Ascochyta. This study has significantly improved our understanding on the distribution and biodiversity
of Didymellaceae, although the placement of several genera still need to be clarified.
Publication trends in obstructive sleep apnea: Evidence of need for more evidence
Authors: Araslanova R. , Paradis J. , Rotenberg B.W.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Published research in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) appears limited despite OSA being a highly prevalent adult and pediatric disease leading to many adverse outcomes if left untreated. We aimed to quantify the deficit in OSA scientific literature in order to provide a novel way of identifying gaps in knowledge and a need for further research inquiry.

Methods

This was a Bibliometric analysis study. Using Ovid Medline database we analyzed and compared research output (medical and surgical) between adult OSA and similarly prevalent chronic conditions (Type II diabetes (T2DM), coronary artery disease (CAD) and osteoarthritis (OA)) from December 2016 up to fifty years prior. Linear graphs were utilized to trend collected data. Utilizing same strategy, we compared publication trends for pediatric OSA to asthma and gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

Results

Adult OSA publications (n = 9314) were significantly underrepresented when compared to T2DM (n = 66,023), CAD (n = 31,526) and OA (n = 34,123). Linear plots demonstrated that despite increasing number of publications this disparity persisted annually. Surgical literature composed 10.4% (n = 972) of adult OSA publications and reached a plateau in the last ten years. Pediatric OSA (n = 2994) had less research output when compared to asthma (n = 47,442) and GER (n = 6705). However, over past five years pediatric OSA surpassed GER in annual number of publications. Surgical literature represented 23.1% (n = 693) of pediatric OSA publications and continued increasing over past ten years. Study methodologies for both adult and pediatric OSA showed a lack of randomized controlled trials and meta‐analyses in comparison to other diseases.

Conclusion

Our review shows substantial deficit in total, annual and surgical adult OSA published research compared to similarly prevalent diseases. This trend is not entirely observed in pediatric OSA literature.
Climate and Ocean Science Builds for the Future
Authors: Stammer Detlef , Bracco Annalisa , Detemmerman Valery
Published: June 2017

Second WCRP/CLIVAR Open Science Conference: Charting the Course for Climate and Ocean Research; Qingdao, China, 18–25 September 2016
Removing Carbon from the Ground Up
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: June 2017

Massive plantations for storing carbon and growing biofuel won’t achieve the Paris Agreement’s “2-degree guardrail,” but they could help.
Strong NSF Funding Favored by House Spending Committee
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2017

Although the federal budget request lowers the agency’s funding by 11%, a House appropriations committee chair declared at a hearing his panel’s commitment to U.S. leadership in fundamental research.
The Slo(w) path to identifying the mitochondrial channels responsible for ischemic protection
Authors: Smith Charles Owen , Nehrke Keith , Brookes Paul S.
Published: June 2017

Mitochondria play an important role in tissue ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury, with energetic failure and the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore being the major causes of IR-induced cell death. Thus, mitochondria are an appropriate focus for strategies to protect against IR injury. Two widely studied paradigms of IR protection, particularly in the field of cardiac IR, are ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and volatile anesthetic preconditioning (APC). While the molecular mechanisms recruited by these protective paradigms are not fully elucidated, a commonality is the involvement of mitochondrial K+ channel opening. In the case of IPC, research has focused on a mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel (mitoKATP), but, despite recent progress, the molecular identity of this channel remains a subject of contention. In the case of APC, early research suggested the existence of a mitochondrial large-conductance K+ (BK, big conductance of potassium) channel encoded by the Kcnma1 gene, although more recent work has shown that the channel that underlies APC is in fact encoded by Kcnt2. In this review, we discuss both the pharmacologic and genetic evidence for the existence and identity of mitochondrial K+ channels, and the role of these channels both in IR protection and in regulating normal mitochondrial function.
Design of a 2.5‐kW L‐band solid‐state pulsed power amplifier for radar applications
Authors: Mohadeskasaei Seyed Alireza , Lin Fuhong , Zhou Xianwei , Abdullahi Sani Umar
Published: June 2017

A compact design for a 2.5 kW solid‐state power amplifier (PA) based on 330‐W laterally diffused metal–oxide semiconductor transistors over 1.2–1.4 GHz is proposed. The design procedure is started with the design and implementation of a 330‐W unit amplifier (UA) independently. Optimum load and source impedances of the UA are obtained by pulling the source and load impedances with the aid of the simulator utility provided in Advanced Design System. The input–output matching networks are designed and implemented using multi‐section microstrip transmission lines. In order to construct a 2.5‐kW high PA (HPA), the eight pieces of designed UA are combined. A low‐loss 1–8 way planar binary power divider with an 8–1 way planar binary power combiner is used to divide and combine the microwave signals through eight UAs. The HPA delivers 63.7–64.3 dBm output power with 16.7–17.3 dB power gain and 55–60.4% power‐added efficiency over 1.2–1.4 GHz. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the most compact HPA design using packaged transistor at L‐band with such high output power level ever reported is presented.
Violent activity detection with transfer learning method
Authors: Keçeli A.S. , Kaya A.
Published: June 2017

Although action recognition is a widely studied field in computer vision, the recognitions of aggressive activities and crowd violence actions are comparatively less studied. Nowadays, so many surveillance cameras have been installed in the streets and there is a demand for intelligent crowd activity detection systems. A method for violence detection in videos is proposed. The primary contribution is a novel transfer learning‐based violence detector that gives promising results compared with the existing detectors. First, the optical flows of the input videos are computed via Lucas–Kanade method. Then, several 2D templates are constructed with overlapping optical flow magnitudes and orientations. These templates are supplied to a pre‐trained convolutional neural network as input and deep features of different layers are extracted. Cubic kernel support vector machine and subspace k‐nearest neighbours classifiers are trained for prediction and the proposed method is tested with three different datasets that commonly used in violence detection studies.
Real‐time 3D ultrasound denoising based on adaptive regularisation Savitzky–Golay filter
Authors: Sa‐Ing V. , Vorasayan P. , Suwanwela N.C. , Auethavekiat S. , Chinrungrueng C.
Published: June 2017

The demand of the fast acquisition in 3D ultrasound (3D‐US) imaging leads to the dense population of speckle noise which causes the difficulty in medical diagnosis. In this Letter, 3Dadaptive regularisation Savitzky–Golay (3D ARSG) filter is proposed as the real‐time filter for removing speckle noise in 3D‐US imaging. The 3D ARSG filter uses the local intensity homogeneity to classify between noisy and texture regions. The intensity in the noisy regions is heavily smoothed, while the resolvable edges remain sharp. The experiment on the denoising of the 3D simulated models and the 3D‐US images indicated that 3D ARSG filter provided the image with far less noise and crisper objects’ boundary than conventional methods. In addition, the proposed filter preserves the structural details with regard to the dimension and can denoise images in real time.
Rotor position estimating scheme for doubly salient EM machine sensorless startup
Authors: Zhou Xingwei , Zhou Bo
Published: June 2017

A novel rotor position estimation method for doubly salient EM motor (DSEM) sensorless startup is proposed. On the basis of the feature the series self‐inductances of two energised phases are the greatest among all of the three two‐phase series self‐inductances under the basic conduction mode of DSEM, the voltage vector of next conduction state is selected as the test pulse which is injected for rotor position estimation. Moreover, the acceleration pulse, traditionally injected only for speedup, is newly proposed to be utilised for rotor position estimation. The rotor sector is obtained by comparing the two response currents, one of which is sampled at the end of test pulse, and the other is sampled when the acceleration pulse lasts to the duration of test pulse. Since only one test pulse is required, the sensorless startup performance of DSEM is improved in terms of less test time consuming, smaller estimation error as well as greater output torque. The experiments on a 12/8‐pole DSEM validate the correctness of the proposed rotor position estimation method.
Analytical model for performance prediction of linear resolver
Authors: Saneie Hamid , Nasiri‐Gheidari Zahra , Tootoonchian Farid
Published: June 2017

In this study an analytical model based on solving Maxwell equations in the machine layers is presented for linear resolver (LR). Anisotropy, field harmonics, slot effects, number of slots per pole per phase and the effect of tooth skewing are considered in the model. The proposed method is a design oriented technique that can be used for performance prediction and design optimisation of the LR due to its acceptable accuracy and fast computation time. Two‐ and three‐dimensional time stepping finite element method (FEM) is employed to validate the results of the proposed model. Good correlations between the results obtained by the proposed method and the FEM confirm the superiority of the proposed method over the FEM due to its much lower computational time. Finally, the prototype of the proposed sensor is built and tested. The results of the experimental tests verify the accuracy of the simulations.
Networked microgrids for service restoration in resilient distribution systems
Authors: Arif Anmar , Wang Zhaoyu
Published: June 2017

This study presents a novel networked microgrid (MG)‐aided approach for service restoration in power distribution systems. This study considers both dispatchable and non‐dispatchable distributed generators (DGs), and energy storage systems. The uncertainty of the customer load demands and DG outputs are modelled in a scenario‐based form. A stochastic mixed‐integer linear program is formulated with the objective to maximise the served load, while satisfying the operation constraints of the distribution system and MGs. The interaction among MGs is modelled using the type 1 special ordered set. Two approaches are developed and compared: (i) a centralised approach where all MGs are controlled by a distribution system operator, and (ii) a decentralised approach where the distribution system and MGs are managed by different entities. The proposed restoration models are tested on a modified IEEE 123‐bus distribution system. The results demonstrate the advantages of leveraging networked MGs to facilitate service restoration.
Uncertainty level of voltage in distribution network: an interval model and application in centralised storage location
Authors: Chen Pengwei , Tao Shun , Xiao Xiangning
Published: June 2017

Intermittent distributed generations, stochastic loads and other uncertainties have uncertain impacts on the node voltages in distribution network. To quantitatively assess the impact boundaries of uncertainties on node voltages, an interval model is proposed in this study from the perspective of linear description. The model parameters defined as the voltage influence intervals are solved for as follows: first, conduct the analysis sample collection through the affine power flow and the expected operating point estimated by point‐estimate method; then, calculate the voltage influence intervals via interval regression for the above sample. To meet the different demand of solving efficiency and conservative level for parameter identification, two solution methods of interval regression based on quadratic programming and stochastic programming are proposed, respectively. To further illustrate the practical application of the interval model, an optimal location method for centralized energy storage is presented. The verification results based on the modified IEEE 33‐bus system and practical 113‐bus system demonstrate the interval model and its solution methods have an excellent performance in assessing the impact boundaries of uncertainties. The application case also shows that the proposed decision method can produce a global and robust location scheme with considering the bound uncertainty of distributed generation output fluctuations.
Review, analysis and parameterisation of techniques for copy–move forgery detection in digital images
Authors: Dixit Rahul , Naskar Ruchira
Published: June 2017

Copy–move forgery is one of the most preliminary and prevalent forms of modification attack on digital images. In this form of forgery, region(s) of an image is(are) copied and pasted onto itself, and subsequently the forged image is processed appropriately to hide the effects of forgery. State‐of‐the‐art copy–move forgery detection techniques for digital images are primarily motivated toward finding duplicate regions in an image. The last decade has seen lot of research advancement in the area of digital image forensics, whereby the investigation for possible forgeries is solely based on post‐processing of images. In this study, the authors present a three‐way classification of state‐of‐the‐art digital forensic techniques, along with a complete survey of their operating principles. In addition, they analyse the schemes and evaluate and compare their performances in terms of a proposed set of parameters, which may be used as a standard benchmark for evaluating the efficiency of any general copy–move forgery detection technique for digital images. The comparison results provided by them would help a user to select the most optimal forgery detection technique, depending on the author requirements.
Improved analytical model for performance evaluation of crosspoint‐queued switch under uniform traffic
Authors: Gao Ya , Pan WeiTao , Zheng Ling
Published: June 2017

In this study, a crosspoint‐queued (CQ) switch that features a buffer size larger than one and employs the work‐conserving random scheduling algorithm under uniform Bernoulli i.i.d. traffic is investigated through both theoretical analysis and simulation. The effect of the crosspoint buffer state on switch performance is modelled and quantified. A novel method for calculating the throughput and delay of a CQ switch with a given switch size, input load, and buffer size is proposed. Compared with existing models, the proposed calculation model offers a simpler and more accurate result, and can serve as a theoretical guide in designing high‐speed switch fabrics.
Design and implementation of PFC Cuk converter fed SRM drive
Authors: Anand Aniket , Singh Bhim
Published: June 2017

This study presents a power factor correction (PFC)‐based switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive, as a best selection for low‐voltage household applications. Here, a Cuk converter fed SRM drive is proposed for power quality improvement and complete motor control. The operation of Cuk converter is explained under three modes, with associated voltage and current waveforms during energy transfer between circuit components. The converter is designed to operate in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) to obtain inherent PFC. However, DCM offers zero current switching on and no reverse recovery in a diode. The wide range of DC‐link voltage is obtained with an improved power quality at supply side by controlled switching of the Cuk converter. The analysis of an inductor current waveform is presented to demonstrate inherent PFC technique in DCM. The power quality indices are measured on power quality analyser to demonstrate the test results. The obtained experimental results validate the stable drive performance under dynamic and steady state conditions.
Toxicity assessment of silver nanoparticles against Escherichia coli strains isolated from horse dung
Authors: Wolny‐Koładka Katarzyna A. , Malina Dagmara
Published: June 2017

On account of the spread of the phenomenon of microorganisms developing drug resistance, new and more effective methods for fighting pathogens are being sought. Therefore, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly used in various fields of industry and medicine due to their bactericidal properties. The aim of this work was to assess the toxicity of nanosilver prepared by chemical reduction process against Escherichia coli strains isolated from horse dung. AgNPs were prepared by chemical reduction involves the reduction of silver salt by a reducing agent in the presence of suitable stabiliser, which is necessary in protecting growth of AgNPs through aggregation. The environmental strains were isolated from horse dung, then identified and evaluated for their sensitivity to AgNPs using the disk diffusion method. Tested AgNPs suspensions exhibit strong antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of bacterial isolates was found to be 15 μg/mL, AgNPs resistance level for each tested strain were significantly diversified.
Sample shape design for a micro‐volume NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Hizawa Takuma , Takahashi Masato , Iwase Eiji
Published: June 2017

The authors examined a shape of sample on micro‐volume, which is a several μL, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in order to obtain uniformed magnetic flux density in the sample and a sharp NMR spectrum by using a conventional NMR apparatus. Firstly, they simulated the magnetic flux density distribution in spherical and cubic shaped samples and calculated NMR spectra from each shape. The simulated NMR spectra from spherical samples were sharp enough, being <0.1 ppb in a full width at half maximum (FWHM). On the other hand, the simulated NMR spectra from cubic samples were much broader than those from spherical samples. Then, they made polydimethylsiloxane sample chambers with spherical or cubic sample of several µL in volume and they evaluated NMR spectra from those micro‐volume sample chambers. As a result, they obtained a sharp NMR spectrum with FWHM of 2 ppb from the sample chamber with the spherical sample, and a broad spectrum with FWHM of 220 ppb from the sample chamber with the cubic sample. These results indicate that the spherical shape is essential to obtain a shape spectrum in micro‐volume NMR spectroscopy by using a conventional NMR apparatus.
Extraneural Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Metastasis: An Adult Case Report
Authors: Matar Nidhal , Bahri Kamel , Kallel Jallel , Boubaker Adnene , Jemel Hafedh
Published: June 2017

Extraneural metastases of supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are very rare and have been reported in only sporadic cases. We present a patient with supratentorial PNET metastasizing to the lung, diagnosed 4 months after cerebral surgery.
Lower Limb Deformity Analysis and the Planning of an Osteotomy
Authors: Schröter Steffen , Ateschrang Atesch , Ihle Christoph , Stöckle Ulrich , Dickschas Jörg , Harrer Jörg , Elson David
Published: June 2017

This review article provides an overview of lower limb deformity analysis. A brief history and radiographic standards are presented. Deformity analysis is considered in the frontal, sagittal, and axial planes, from simple to more complex cases. The authors recommended analysis methods based on their own experience of deformity correction, while acknowledging that there may be different ways to treat individual cases. Subsequently, methods for osteotomy planning to address the identified deformities are discussed.
Reliability of Roentgenographic Knee Alignment Measurements in Gonarthrosis
Authors: Huang Teng-Le , Wang Chen-Chie , Yang Kai-Chiang , Wu Chang-Chin
Published: June 2017

A reliable method of measuring knee alignment is critical in the preoperative planning of high tibial osteotomy (HTO). This radiological study, based on the measurements of the mechanical and anatomical axes of the lower limb, aimed to determine which method would be more reliable and reproducible. From 2004 to 2013, 50 consecutive patients (50 knees) with medial gonarthrosis were treated with valgus-producing HTO. Four independent investigators assessed preoperative standing lower limb radiography (including hip, knee, and ankle joints) to measure both anatomical and mechanical axes. We defined a response as a difference in the angle measured by the same investigator using the same method. The covariates were the investigators and methods. To account for both inter- and intraobserver variabilities, all data were evaluated using a generalized estimating equation model. The results revealed that the effect of the investigators was not statistically significant; however, the effect of the measurement method was highly significant (p < 0.0001). The estimated coefficient of the anatomical axis method was negative, indicating that the reproducibility of the anatomical axis method was better than that of the mechanical axis.
A Posttraumatic Distal Radius Allograft: 10 Years Follow-Up
Authors: Biondi Marco , Roselli Giuliana , Bigazzi Prospero , Lauri Giulio
Published: June 2017

Background Wrist osteoarthritis is a common disease often resulting from malunited fractures of the distal radius. The primary treatment purpose is to provide pain relief, while maintaining strength and mobility whenever possible. In a patient presenting a posttraumatic degeneration of the wrist, deciding which surgical technique, which joints to sacrifice and which to preserve is crucial to optimizing the outcome.

Case Description We describe a 10-year follow-up of an osteoarticular allograft of the distal radius proposed to treat an isolated distal radius posttraumatic degeneration. The patient was young and active. No or slight articular degeneration of the carpal rows was present. The surgical technique was based on a periarticular step-cut that allowed the preservation of the dorsal capsule and the maximum contact between the bone and the allograft.

Literature Review In the literature, the allograft of the radius is described as a solution to an oncologic problem. Considering a posttraumatic scenario other techniques are usually performed. However, compared with artificial interbody fusion devices and prosthetic implants, structural bone allograft retains an advantage in biologic performance. It has osteoconductive properties and is similar to native tissues providing a progressive incorporation by the host.

Clinical Relevance This surgical technique provide a metaphyseal step-cut able to ensure a secure stabilization and a wide contact surface between the allograft and the native bone. Integration of the allograft with good functional and radiological outcome seen after 10 years supports this technique.
A Guideline for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Mitochondrial Disease: The Value of Muscle and Skin Biopsies in the Genetics Era
Authors: Mayr Johannes , Nuoffer Jean , Prokisch Holger , Sperl Wolfgang , Wortmann Saskia
Published: June 2017

Mitochondrial diseases are highly heterogeneous on the clinical, biochemical, and genetic level. In the traditional diagnostic approach (“biopsy first”) the evaluation of the affected individual and his body fluids, combined with the analysis of the respiratory chain enzymes in muscle based the subsequent Sanger sequencing of single candidate genes (“from function to gene”). Within the past few years, next-generation sequencing techniques of leucocyte-derived DNA (e.g., exome sequencing), with a diagnostic yield of more than 40%, have become the first line routine technology. This implicates that the invasive muscle biopsy is performed less often, especially in children. Furthermore, in this “genetics-first” approach the detection of new candidate genes precedes functional evaluations (“from gene to function”) leading to reverse phenotyping of affected individuals. Here, we line out the value of muscle and other tissue biopsies in this “genetics-first” era. We describe when and why it is still needed. We create awareness of pitfalls in the genetic diagnostics of mitochondrial diseases still necessitating tissue biopsies. Finally, we discuss why tissue biopsies are required for confirmatory diagnostics, or for getting a biochemical diagnosis in patients with hidden variants not detectable by standard genetics.
Effekte der telefonischen Nachsorge in der onkologischen Rehabilitation nach Brustkrebs – Ergebnisse einer randomisierten Studie
Authors: Hass H. , Muthny F. , Stepien J. , Lerch J. , von der Marwitz C. , Schröck R. , Berger D. , Tripp J.
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Die Effekte und Evidenz der onkologischen Rehabilitation und von Nachsorgeprogrammen nach onkologischer Erkrankung werden unverändert kontrovers beurteilt. Ziel dieser Studie war daher die Evaluation der Durchführbarkeit und der Nutzen einer telefonischen Nachsorge zur Verbesserung von therapeutischen Effekten nach onkologischer Rehabilitation.

Methodik 172 Brustkrebspatientinnen (27–54 Jahre) wurden zu Beginn der stationären Rehabilitation (T1), zu Reha-Ende (T2) und 6 Monate nach Reha-Ende (T3) (Kontroll-Gruppe ohne, Interventionsgruppe mit telefonischer Nachsorge in 4-wöchigen Abständen) mit einem Fragebogenpaket untersucht (u. a. IRES-24. HADS, LZI, Emotional Thermometer, Fragebogen „Return-to-work).

Ergebnisse Für den IRES-24 ergab sich in der 2-faktoriellen Varianzanalyse ein signifikanter Haupteffekt für den Messzeitpunkt (F(2,116)=40,49, p<0,01), ebenso für den HADS-Angst- sowie Depressionswert (F(2,117)=31,50, p<0,01; (F(2,11 6)=31,19, p<0,01), jedoch keine signifikanten Unterschiede in Abhängigkeit von der Intervention (KG vs. NG; (F(2,116)=3,03, p=0,059).

Schlussfolgerung Eine Verbesserung der Wirkung durch die telefonische Nachsorge ließ sich nicht belegen. Ursächlich hierfür könnte neben einer zu geringen Dosis der Intervention auch die in den letzten Jahren schon umgesetzten multimodalen Therapiekonzepte in der onkologischen Rehabilitation sein.
Der Winterspeck muss weg?: Phytokombination hilft beim Abnehmen
Authors: Andres Ulrike
Published: June 2017

Die meisten Programme zur Gewichtsreduktion scheitern langfristig. Das liegt nicht nur an der Art der Intervention, sondern vielleicht auch daran, dass die falschen Ergebnisparameter verwendet werden. Anstelle von Körpergewicht und Body-Mass-Index wären Faktoren wie die Fettmasse (FM) und die fettfreie Masse (FFM) wesentlich aussagekräftiger – so das Fazit einer US-amerikanischen Arbeitsgruppe.
Aktuelle Diagnostik bei choroidalen Nävi
Authors: Lüke J. , Grisanti S. , Tura A.
Published: June 2017

Trotz einer Vielfalt technischer Hilfsmittel zur Dokumentation und Unterstützung der Diagnosesicherung bleibt weiterhin die Abgrenzung zwischen kleinen uvealen Melanomen und großen Nävi schwierig. In vielen Fällen werden nur sorgfältige regelmäßige Kontrollen zum Ausschluss eines Wachstums bzw. zur Feststellung eines unveränderten Erscheinungsbilds empfohlen. In diesem Artikel werden unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Literatur die verschiedenen diagnostischen Techniken zur Dokumentation und Differenzierung von choroidalen Nävi vorgestellt.
Beeinflussen Gewürze den Blutdruck oder die Endothelfunktion?
Authors: Uehleke Bernhard
Published: June 2017

Referiert

Azimi P, Ghiasvand R, Feizi A et al. Effect of cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and ginger consumption on blood pressure and a marker of endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Blood Press 2016; 25: 133–140
Kein Fertigarzneimittel vorhanden – Auswege in der Apotheke
Authors: Pönitz Melanie , Michael Sebastian
Published: June 2017

Für Enzyme, Brennnesselkraut- und die Teufelskrallenwurzelextrakte gibt es eine Auswahl an Präparaten mit Arzneimittelstatus. Damit ist deren hohe Qualität und Zusammensetzung laut AMG gesichert. Für die folgenden Mittel ist Kreativität, Individualität und Wissen gefragt, wenn zeitweise oder grundsätzlich keine Fertigarzneimittel auf dem Markt bzw. verfügbar sind.
Der Echte Eibisch Althaea officinalis L.
Authors: Reinelt Natalie , Melzig Matthias
Published: June 2017

Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae) ist v. a. in Asien und Europa anzutreffen. Die Blatt- und Wurzeldrogen werden gegen Reizhusten sowie Schleimhautentzündungen im Mund- und Rachenraum angewendet. Auch zur Behandlung einer leichten Gastritis können sie eingesetzt werden. Zu den Hauptinhaltsstoffen zählen Schleimstoffe und Flavonoide wie z. B. Tilirosid. Sie sind für antiinflammatorische, antioxidative, antimikrobielle, antitussive sowie wundheilungsfördernde Wirkungen verantwortlich. Darüber hinaus sind antihypertensive und hepatoprotektive Effekte berichtet worden.
Minimalinvasive operative Entfernung von Fibroadenomen der Brust mittels der sonografisch geführten Vakuumsaugbiopsie
Authors: Papathemelis Thomas , Heim Stefanie , Lux Michael , Erhardt Ines , Scharl Anton , Scharl Sophia
Published: June 2017

Einleitung Im Folgenden wurde untersucht, inwiefern die Vakuumsaugbiopsie unter sonografischer Sicht („hand-held Mammotome“), nicht nur ein wertvolles Mittel zur Abklärung suspekter Befunde in der Brust darstellt, sondern auch therapeutisch zur Komplettentfernung von Fibroadenomen in der Brust eingesetzt werden kann.

Material und Methoden 132 Vakuumsaugbiopsien, deren Histologie ein Fibroadenom ergab, wurden durch eine retrospektive Auswertung erfasst. Es wurde untersucht, ob in einem medianen Nachbeobachtungszeitraum von etwa 9 Monaten ein sonografischer Restbefund nachzuweisen war. Komplikationsrate, Patientenzufriedenheit und Akzeptanz des Eingriffs wurden mittels Fragebogen analysiert.

Ergebnisse In der vorliegenden Arbeit konnten mittels Vakuumsaugbiopsie der Brust in 76 % der Fälle (n = 132) Fibroadenome komplett entfernt werden. Fibroadenome kleiner als 2,5 cm3 konnten im Vergleich zu Befunden größer als 2,51 cm3 zu 87,6 % vollständig entfernt werden (p < 0,05). Die schwache Schmerzintensität während und nach der Biopsie wie auch die geringfügige Hämatomausbildung unterstreichen die hohe Akzeptanz der Methode bei den Patientinnen.

Zusammenfassung Die ultraschallgesteuerte Vakuumsaugbiopsie ist eine sichere, komplikationsarme Biopsiemethode. Das zusätzliche therapeutische Potenzial der Technik ist abhängig von der initialen sonografischen Größe der benignen Befunde.
Partizipative Entscheidungsfindung (PEF) – Patient und Arzt als Team
Authors: Bieber C. , Gschwendtner K. , Müller N. , Eich W.
Published: June 2017

Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über das Konzept der Partizipativen Entscheidungsfindung (PEF), das von vielen Akteuren des Gesundheitssystems als besonders günstige Form der Arzt-Patient-Interaktion verstanden wird. Die PEF wird abgegrenzt gegen weitere Modelle der Arzt-Patient-Interaktion wie das Paternalistische Modell und das Informationsmodell. Neben den Akzeptanzwerten von PEF in der Bevölkerung und unter Ärzten wird auch auf mögliche Barrieren in der Umsetzung eingegangen. Anwendungsbereiche für die PEF werden besprochen und Strategien sowie Hilfsmaterialien zur Umsetzung im individuellen Arzt-Patient-Kontakt dargestellt und anhand eines onkologischen Fallbeispiels vertieft. Effekte der PEF für Patienten und für Behandler werden aufgezeigt. Nach Eingehen auf wichtige Quellen von PEF erfolgt die Einordnung vor dem aktuellen gesundheitspolitischen Hintergrund in Deutschland.
Pflege der diabetischen Haut mit einer kosmetischen Hautschutzsalbe
Authors: Görne R. , Zimmermann C.
Published: June 2017

An der prospektiven, offenen, klinischen Pilotstudie nahmen 20 Diabetiker im Alter von 48 – 77 Jahre teil. Das Kosmetikum ilon® Protect-Salbe wurde während 28 Tagen von den teilnehmenden 11 Männer und 9 Frauen zweimal täglich aufgetragen. Sämtliche Probanden litten an Beschwerden der diabetischen Haut der Unterschenkel. Bei Studieneinschluss wurde festgelegt, welcher Unterschenkel für die topische Behandlung verwendet wurde (behandelter Hautbereich); der gegenüberliegende Unterschenkel blieb unbehandelt (unbehandelter Hautbereich).

Zur Einschlussvisite sowie nach 14 und 28 Tagen der Anwendung wurden Messungen hautphysiologischer Parameter vorgenommen: Hautfeuchte; transepidermaler Wasserverlust (TEWL) und Hautdurchblutung.

Im Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass die Anwendung mit ilon® Protect-Salbe deutlich den Zustand der Haut in den behandelten Hautarealen verbesserte, während die unbehandelten Areale unverändert blieben (signifikanter Unterschied 2 Stunden nach dem Auftragen während aller 3 Visiten). Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass ilon® Protect-Salbe die Barrierefunktion der diabetischen Haut und deren Durchblutung erheblich verbessert.
Peer Support bei Menschen mit Hirnverletzungen – Beratung durch Gleichgesinnte
Authors: Rensinghoff Carsten
Published: June 2017

An wen würden Sie sich bei einem Problem wenden? Vermutlich an jemanden, von dem Sie wissen, dass derjenige Ähnliches erlebt hat. Diesen Ansatz verfolgt auch der Peer Support. Hier beraten Menschen mit Behinderung Menschen mit Behinderung.
Taping in der Pädiatrie – Kleine Helfer für den Alltag
Authors: Peters Bianca
Published: June 2017

Tapes spielen in der Ergotherapie vor allem bei Erwachsenen in der Orthopädie eine Rolle. Doch die bunten Streifen eignen sich auch für Kinder! Zum Beispiel bei Muskelhypertonus, zur Unterstützung der Aufmerksamkeit und zur Verbesserung der Stifthaltung.
Die intraoperative optische Kohärenztomografie in der Netzhaut-Glaskörper-Chirurgie. Aktuelle Erfahrungen und Ausblick auf künftige Entwicklungsschritte
Authors: Maier Mathias , Nasseri Ali , Framme Carsten , Bohnacker Sabrina , Becker Matthias , Heinrich Dominik , Agostini Hansjürgen , Feucht Nikolaus , Lohmann Chris , Hattenbach Lars
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Die hochauflösende optische Kohärenztomografie (OCT) ermöglicht eine kontrastreiche Bildgebung von Mikrostrukturen, die mit konventioneller Bildgebung nicht so detailliert darstellbar waren. Wir berichten über unsere Erfahrungen beim Einsatz der intraoperativen OCT (iOCT) in der vitreoretinalen Chirurgie.

Methoden 110 Patienten mit vitreoretinalen Erkrankungen (Makulaforamen, epiretinale Membranen, vitreomakulärem Traktionssyndrom, Ablatio und Glaskörperblutung) wurden unter Visualisierung mit dem im Mikroskop integrierten iOCT-Gerät operiert.

Ergebnisse Das iOCT liefert durch die Integration von Mikroskop und SD-OCT eine sofortige Visualisierung der „Region of Interest“ (ROI). Der Operateur erhält neben dem Mikroskopbild die intraoperative Darstellung aller Netzhautschichten, des Glaskörpers sowie der Instrument-Gewebe-Interaktion in Echtzeit und kann diese intraoperativ sofort verfügbare Information für die chirurgische Strategie nutzen.

Schlussfolgerung Bisher ist das iOCT nur als Standmikroskop erhältlich, es besitzt keine Messfunktion, keine Tracking-Funktion, und die Metallinstrumente verdecken den Scan. Künftig könnten transparente Instrumente, Tracking-Funktionen, ein Autofokus sowie eine noch bessere Auflösung eine optimierte, lückenlose, hochauflösende intraoperative OCT-Diagnostik in Echtzeit erlauben.
Aphasietherapie
Authors: Rubi-Fessen Ilona
Published: June 2017

Pro Jahr erleiden in Deutschland etwa 260.000 Menschen einen erstmaligen oder wiederholten Schlaganfall, etwa 30 % von ihnen leiden initial
an einer Aphasie. Bei knapp der Hälfte dieser Menschen kommt es innerhalb der ersten sechs Monate zu einer vollständigen Spracherholung, bei
ca. 20 % aller Schlaganfallpatienten verbleiben chronische Defizite 13,
14.
Neurogene Sprechstörungen
Authors: Ledl Christian
Published: June 2017

Dysarthrien sind erworbene Sprechstörungen nach Schädigung des zentralen oder peripheren Nervensystems einschließlich des neuromuskulären
Übergangs. Sie entstehen durch Veränderungen in der motorischen Realisierung und prosodischen Ausgestaltung (Sprechgeschwindigkeit,
-melodie, Betonung) eines Sprechakts.