bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional and Translational Inhibitors Block SOS Response and Shiga Toxin Expression in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Berger Michael , Aijaz Iqbal , Berger Petya , Dobrindt Ulrich , Koudelka Gerald
Published: December 2019

Shiga toxins (Stx) induce the symptoms of the life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and are the main virulence factors of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). The bacterial SOS response is the essential signal for high level production and release of Stx1/2. To assess the potential effectiveness of different antibiotics in blocking SOS response and Stx1/2 production, we constructed a reporter gene based test system that allows for the time-resolved, simultaneous read-out of the SOS response (recAP-cfp) and Stx1 production (stx1::yfp) in EHEC O157:H7 EDL933. We find that cells exposed to inhibitory or subinhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin did induce the SOS response, but not when the cells were exposed to rifaximine, azithromycin, tetracycline, gentamicin or ampicillin. Cell lysis and the peak in Stx1 production were substantially delayed with respect to the peak of the SOS response. We used this feature to show that adding transcriptional or translational inhibitors can block Stx1 production even after the SOS response is fully induced. RT-qPCR based tests with other clinically relevant EHEC isolates showed similar results for both Stx1 and Stx2. These observations suggest that transcriptional and translational inhibitors may be of value in treating EHEC infections.
One-step radiosynthesis of the MCTs imaging agent [18F]FACH by aliphatic 18F-labelling of a methylsulfonate precursor containing an unprotected carboxylic acid group
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Masoud , Moldovan Rareş-Petru , Teodoro Rodrigo , Brust Peter , Wenzel Barbara
Published: December 2019

Monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 (MCT1 and MCT4) are involved in tumour development and progression. Their level of expression is particularly upregulated in glycolytic cancer cells and accordingly MCTs are considered as promising drug targets for treatment of a variety of human cancers. The non-invasive imaging of these transporters in cancer patients via positron emission tomography (PET) is regarded to be valuable for the monitoring of therapeutic effects of MCT inhibitors. Recently, we developed the first 18F-radiolabelled MCT1/MCT4 inhibitor [18F]FACH and reported on a two-step one-pot radiosynthesis procedure. We herein describe now a unique one-step radiosynthesis of this radiotracer which is based on the approach of using a methylsulfonate (mesylate) precursor bearing an unprotected carboxylic acid function. With the new procedure unexpected high radiochemical yields of 43 ± 8% at the end of the radiosynthesis could be obtained in a strongly reduced total synthesis time. Moreover, the radiosynthesis was successfully transferred to a TRACERlab FX2 N synthesis module ready for future preclinical applications of [18F]FACH.
Mechanisms of suppression of cell growth by dual inhibition of ALK and MEK in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shrestha N. , Nimick M. , Dass P. , Rosengren R. J. , Ashton J. C.
Published: December 2019

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement, a key oncogenic driver in a small subset of non-small cell lung cancers, confers sensitivity to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Crizotinib, a first generation ALK-TKI, has superiority to standard chemotherapy with longer progression-free survival and higher objective response rate. However, clinical benefit is limited by development of resistance, typically within a year of therapy. In this study the combined effect of crizotinib and the MEK inhibitor selumetinib was investigated in both crizotinib naïve (H3122) and crizotinib resistant (CR-H3122) ALK-positive lung cancer cells. Results showed that combination treatment potently inhibited the growth of both H3122 and CR-H3122 cells, resulting from increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation as a consequence of suppressed downstream RAS/MAPK signalling. The drug combination also elicited a greater than 3-fold increase in Bim, a mediator of apoptosis, and p27, a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor compared to crizotinib alone. The results support the hypothesis that combining MEK inhibitors with ALK inhibitor can overcome ALK inhibitor resistance, and identifies Bim, PARP and CDK1 as druggable targets for possible triple drug therapy.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells inhibit jaw osteonecrosis in a rat model: A major adverse effect of bisphosphonate therapy
Authors: Tamari Tal , Elimelech Rina , Cohen Gal , Cohen Talia , Doppelt Ofri , Eskander-Hashoul Lana , Zigdon-Giladi Hadar
Published: December 2019

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious adverse effect of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies. MRONJ is identified by chronic wounds in the oral mucosa associated with exposed necrotic bone. We hypothesized that zoledronic acid (ZOL) impairs keratinocyte and fibroblast function and reduces soft tissue vascularization; therefore, treating MRONJ with proangiogenic cells may benefit MRONJ patients. The effect of ZOL and dexamethasone (DEX) on gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes was investigated.In-vitro, ZOL inhibited fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, delaying scratch healing.In-vivo, exposed bone was detected at tooth extraction sites, mainly in ZOL(+)/DEX(+) rats; and was associated with significantly decreased soft tissue vascularization, serum-VEGF, and tissue-VEGF. Local injection of early and late endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) healed 13 of 14 MRONJ lesions compared with 2/7 lesions in the mesenchymal stem cells, and 2/6, in culture-medium group. The EPCs reduced necrotic bone area, increased serum and tissue VEGF levels. EPCs engraftment was minimal, suggesting their paracrine role in MRONJ healing. The EPC-conditioned medium improved scratch healing of keratinocytes and fibroblasts via VEGF pathway and elevated mRNA of VEGFA and collagen1A1. In conclusion, a novel MRONJ treatment with EPCs, increased vascularization and improved epithelial and fibroblast functions as well as cured the lesion.
Microcapsulated biocides for the targeted control of invasive bivalves
Authors: Tang Feng , Aldridge David C.
Published: December 2019

Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the greatest drivers of ecological change. Typically, control uses chemical agents that often are ineffective, harmful to non-target organisms, and environmentally persistent. Bivalves are frequently high impact IAS, but have proven particularly hard to control due to their valve-closing response when exposed to conventional control agents. Microencapsulation of biocides with edible coatings represents a highly targeted delivery route, bypassing avoidance responses and accumulating in bivalves through their prodigious filter feeding. Uneaten microcapsules degrade and become biologically inactive within hours thus reducing potential impacts on non-target biota. We manufactured two new formulations of microcapsules (BioBullets). Particles were designed to mimic natural food particles (algae) in terms of size (9.5 ± 0.5 to 19.4 ± 1.3 SE µm diameter), buoyancy (near neutral) and shape (spherical). Laboratory exposures demonstrated that two formulations effectively controlled the Gulf wedge clam Rangia cuneata, an IAS currently spreading rapidly through Europe. A single dose of 2–6 mg L−1 of the active ingredient in a static system achieved 90% mortality after 30 days of exposure. Microencapsulation offers an effective and targeted management tool for rapid responses following the early detection of both Gulf wedge clams and many other filter-feeding IAS, and may be especially effective in closed systems or where populations remain very localised.
Prevention of quality decline and delivery of siRNA using exogenous TCTP translocation across the zona pellucida in mouse oocytes
Authors: Jeon Hyuk-Joon , Bai Guang-Yu , Park Yuram , Kim Jae-Sung , Oh Jeong Su
Published: December 2019

The delivery of exogenous molecules into mammalian oocytes or embryos has been a challenge because of the existence of the protective zona pellucida (ZP) surrounding the oocyte membrane. Here we show that exogenous translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is able to translocate into oocytes across the ZP and prevents quality deterioration during in vitro culture. Recombinant TCTP-mCherry added to culture media were incorporated into oocytes after passing through the ZP. After internalization, recombinant TCTP-mCherry were enriched at the cortex with wide distribution within the cytoplasm. This translocation capacity of TCTP is dependent on its N-terminal protein transduction domain (PTD). Moreover, translocated recombinant TCTP-mCherry reduced quality deterioration of oocytes during prolonged in vitro culture, which in turn improved fertilization and early embryo development. Furthermore, conjugates between PTD of TCTP and cyclin B1 siRNAs internalized into the cytoplasm of oocytes and downregulated cyclin B1 level. Therefore, our results are the first to show that TCTP has the ability to translocate into oocyte cytoplasm penetrating through the ZP, providing the possibility for preserving oocyte quality during extended in vitro culture and for delivering siRNAs into mouse oocytes.
Gender differences in the influence of obstructive sleep apnea on optic nerve head circulation
Authors: Shiba Tomoaki , Takahashi Mao , Matsumoto Tadashi , Hori Yuichi
Published: December 2019

We investigated gender differences in the optic nerve head (ONH) microcirculation status in association with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). We evaluated 150 men (60.5 ± 11.0 yrs) and 45 women (63.0 ± 10.6 yrs) who underwent overnight polysomnography. The mean blur rate (MBR), maximum (Max) MBR, and minimum (Min) MBR were evaluated. The parameters were analyzed separately for the tissues, vessels, and throughout the ONH (All). The apnea hypopnea index (AHI: times/hr), the lowest SpO2%, and the mean SpO2% were calculated as indicators of OSA. We investigated which MBR sections are correlated with OSA parameters separately in the men and women. All MBR sections in the women were significantly positively correlated with the lowest SpO2. In the men, no MBR section was correlated with any OSA parameters. The factors contributing independently to MBR-Tissue were height (β = 0.31) and lowest SpO2 (β = 0.30). The lowest SpO2 in the women was significantly positively correlated with Max MBR-Tissue, Max MBR-All, and Min MBR-All. Our results confirmed a gender difference in characteristics of ONH microcirculation in association with OSA.
Comprehensive Multi-Analytical Investigations on the Vietnamese lacquered Wall-Panel “The Return of the Hunters” by Jean Dunand
Authors: Pintus Valentina , Baragona Anthony J. , Wieland Karin , Schilling Michael , Miklin-Kniefacz Silvia , Haisch Christoph , Schreiner Manfred
Published: December 2019

This work presents a comprehensive, multi-analytical scientific approach for determining the type of lacquer and artistic materials used by Jean Dunand on his work “The Return of the Hunters” (1935). For this purpose, thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation – gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (THM-GC/MS), optical microscopy (OM) in visible (Vis) and ultraviolet light (UV), and scanning electron microscopy - energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were selected. Furthermore, a novel application of micro attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (µATR-FTIR) spectroscopic mapping by univariate and multivariate analysis was applied for studying the complex lacquer paint stratigraphy. The results show that Vietnamese lacquer was used as a binder, mixed together with linseed oil and pine resins as additives in combination with inorganic pigments, and that shellac was included on the top of the paint; they document an important step in the story of the transfer of Vietnamese lacquer painting techniques to Europe.
Digital assessment of falls risk, frailty, and mobility impairment using wearable sensors
Authors: Greene Barry R. , McManus Killian , Redmond Stephen J. , Caulfield Brian , Quinn Charlene C.
Published: December 2019

Falls are among the most frequent and costly population health issues, costing $50bn each year in the US. In current clinical practice, falls (and associated fall risk) are often self-reported after the “first fall”, delaying primary prevention of falls and development of targeted fall prevention interventions. Current methods for assessing falls risk can be subjective, inaccurate, have low inter-rater reliability, and do not address factors contributing to falls (poor balance, gait speed, transfers, turning). 8521 participants (72.7 ± 12.0 years, 5392 female) from six countries were assessed using a digital falls risk assessment protocol. Data consisted of wearable sensor data captured during the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test along with self-reported questionnaire data on falls risk factors, applied to previously trained and validated classifier models. We found that 25.8% of patients reported a fall in the previous 12 months, of the 74.6% of participants that had not reported a fall, 21.5% were found to have a high predicted risk of falls. Overall 26.2% of patients were predicted to be at high risk of falls. 29.8% of participants were found to have slow walking speed, while 19.8% had high gait variability and 17.5% had problems with transfers. We report an observational study of results obtained from a novel digital fall risk assessment protocol. This protocol is intended to support the early identification of older adults at risk of falls and inform the creation of appropriate personalized interventions to prevent falls. A population-based approach to management of falls using objective measures of falls risk and mobility impairment, may help reduce unnecessary outpatient and emergency department utilization by improving risk prediction and stratification, driving more patients towards clinical and community-based falls prevention activities.
New bobtail squid (Sepiolidae: Sepiolinae) from the Ryukyu islands revealed by molecular and morphological analysis
Authors: Sanchez Gustavo , Jolly Jeffrey , Reid Amanda , Sugimoto Chikatoshi , Azama Chika , Marlétaz Ferdinand , Simakov Oleg , Rokhsar Daniel S.
Published: December 2019

Bobtail squid are emerging models for host–microbe interactions, behavior, and development, yet their species diversity and distribution remain poorly characterized. Here, we combine mitochondrial and transcriptome sequences with morphological analysis to describe three species of bobtail squid (Sepiolidae: Sepiolinae) from the Ryukyu archipelago, and compare them with related taxa. One Ryukyuan type was previously unknown, and is described here as Euprymna brenneri sp. nov. Another Ryukyuan type is morphologically indistinguishable from Sepiola parva Sasaki, 1913. Molecular analyses, however, place this taxon within the genus Euprymna Steenstrup, 1887, and additional morphological investigation led to formal rediagnosis of Euprymna and reassignment of this species as Euprymna parva comb. nov. While no adults from the third Ryukyuan type were found, sequences from hatchlings suggest a close relationship with E. pardalota Reid, 2011, known from Australia and East Timor. The broadly sampled transcriptomes reported here provide a foundation for future phylogenetic and comparative studies.
A color-spectral machine learning path for analysis of five mixed amino acids
Authors: Duan Qiannan , Lee Jianchao , Zheng Shourong , Chen Jiayuan , Luo Run , Feng Yunjin , Xu Zhaoyi
Published: December 2019

A data path between mixed amino acid analysis and machine learning.
Improving the quantum yields of fluorophores by inhibiting twisted intramolecular charge transfer using electron-withdrawing group-functionalized piperidine auxochromes
Authors: Lv Xin , Gao Chunmei , Han Taihe , Shi Hu , Guo Wei
Published: December 2019

Using sulfone-functionalized piperdine as an auxochrome, the quantum yields of rhodamine and its red to NIR derivatives in aqueous solution have substantially been improved.
BODIPYs revealing lipid droplets as valuable targets for photodynamic theragnosis
Authors: Tabero Andrea , García-Garrido Fernando , Prieto-Castañeda Alejandro , Palao Eduardo , Agarrabeitia Antonia R. , García-Moreno Inmaculada , Villanueva Angeles , de la Moya Santiago , Ortiz María J.
Published: December 2019

Bright BODIPY photosensitizers reveal LDs as valuable targets for PDT.
Investigation of the mechanism of overall water splitting in UV-visible and infrared regions with SnC/arsenene vdW heterostructures in different configurations
Authors: Chai Jian , Wang Zhong , Li Yuee
Published: December 2019

SnC/As heterostructures in different configurations are extraordinary photocatalysts for water splitting even under infrared light.
Understanding the unorthodox stabilization of liquid phase exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in water medium
Authors: Rodriguez Camila L. C. , Muñoz Pablo A. R. , Donato Katarzyna Z. , Seixas Leandro , Donato Ricardo K. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M.
Published: December 2019

Molybdenum disulfide is a highly esteemed 2D material with interesting applications in nanoelectronics, composites, biotechnology and beyond.
Catalysis, kinetics and mechanisms of organo-iridium enantioselective hydrogenation-reduction
Authors: Mwansa Joseph M. , Page Michael I.
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of chiral molecules is of great importance to the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, flavour and fragrance industries.
Catalyst-free, direct electrochemical synthesis of annulated medium-sized lactams through C–C bond cleavage
Authors: Xu Zhongnan , Huang Zhixing , Li Yueheng , Kuniyil Rositha , Zhang Chao , Ackermann Lutz , Ruan Zhixiong
Published: December 2019

Expanding ring under green electricity: The electrosynthetic approach enabled atom-economical synthesis of challenging medium-sized lactams through a unique remote amidyl migration under exceedingly mild, transition metal- and oxidant-free conditions.
Characterizing the length-dependence of DNA nanotube end-to-end joining rates
Authors: Pacella Michael S. , Mardanlou Vahid , Agarwal Siddharth , Patel Anusha , Jelezniakov Elizabeth , Mohammed Abdul M. , Franco Elisa , Schulman Rebecca
Published: December 2019

We experimentally characterize the length-dependence of the end-to-end joining rate of DNA tile nanotubes. We then test the ability of three different models of polymer end-to-end joining to reproduce experimentally measured changes in nanotube lengths during joining.
pH-Response of polycation/Ti3C2TxMXene layer-by-layer assemblies for use as resistive sensors
Authors: Echols Ian J. , An Hyosung , Zhao Xiaofei , Prehn Evan M. , Tan Zeyi , Radovic Miladin , Green Micah J. , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: December 2019

Highly pH sensitive polycation/MXene multilayers were assembled, and sensitivity was enhanced by varying the polycation.
Metal–organic framework mediated expeditious synthesis of benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives through an oxidative cyclization pathway
Authors: Sankar Velayudham , Karthik Peramaiah , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Sivakumar Bitragunta
Published: December 2019

Herein, we report facile synthesis of various benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles by using the NH2-MIL-125(Ti) MOF as an efficient oxidant-free heterogeneous catalyst with good yield.
One step synthesis of efficient photocatalysts by TCAP doped g-C3N4 for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wu Hao , Huo Yaoxing
Published: December 2019

CN/TCAP with enhanced visible light absorption, large surface area and defect structure allow efficient separation of charge carriers.
Adsorption characteristics and oxygen reduction reactions on pristine and Pt-, Co-decorated antimonenes: a DFT-D study
Authors: Hu Yifan , Sun Jianping , Wei Huilan , Ai Mei , Li Zhao
Published: December 2019

ORR is studied from thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives on pristine and Pt-, Co-decorated antimonenes for the first time.
Bandgap engineering in two-dimensional halide perovskite Cs3Sb2I9 nanocrystals under pressure
Authors: Geng Ting , Ma Zhiwei , Chen Yaping , Cao Ye , Lv Pengfei , Li Nan , Xiao Guanjun
Published: December 2019

The band gap narrowing of two-dimensional halide perovskite Cs3Sb2I9 nanocrystals was achieved under pressure.
Total synthesis of exigurin: the Ugi reaction in a hypothetical biosynthesis of natural products
Authors: Hosokawa Seijiro , Nakanishi Keisuke , Udagawa Yutaro , Maeda Mitsutoshi , Sato Seiya , Nakano Keiji , Masuda Toshiya , Ichikawa Yoshiyasu
Published: December 2019

Bioinspired U-5C-4CR employing (−)-10-epi-axisonitrile-3, formaldehyde and sarcosine in methanol showed remarkable efficiency to assemble multicomponents in a one-pot process, leading to the first total synthesis of exigurin.
Direct oxidative coupling of N-acyl pyrroles with alkenes by ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed regioselective C2-alkenylation
Authors: Chen Weiqiang , Li Hui-Jing , Li Qin-Ying , Wu Yan-Chao
Published: December 2019

The alkenylation reaction of benzoyl pyrroles occurred regioselectively at the C2-position of the pyrrole ring, without touching the benzene ring.
The inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution by radish leaf extract
Authors: Li Dongyi , Zhang Panpan , Guo Xinyu , Zhao Xiaowei , Xu Ying
Published: December 2019

The inhibitory effect of radish leaf extract (RLE) on mild steel corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 was studied by the weight loss method and the electrochemical method.
A comprehensive review on the prevalence, pathogenesis and detection ofYersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Shehzad Aamir , Raza Husnain , Niazi Sobia , Khan Imran Mahmood , Akhtar Wasim , Safdar Waseem , Wang Zhouping
Published: December 2019

Food safety is imperative for a healthy life, but pathogens are still posing a significant life threat.
Investigation of the structural, optical, elastic and electrical properties of spinel LiZn2Fe3O8 nanoparticles annealed at two distinct temperatures
Authors: Bouokkeze D. , Massoudi J. , Hzez W. , Smari M. , Bougoffa A. , Khirouni K. , Dhahri E. , Bessais L.
Published: December 2019

Nanoparticles of Li0.5ZnFe1.5O4 (LiZn2Fe3O8) with the spinel structure were prepared by a sol–gel auto-combustion method at two different annealing temperatures.
Enhanced mechanical properties of hBN–ZrO2 composites and their biological activities on Drosophila melanogaster: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Gautam Amarendra , Gautam Chandkiram , Mishra Monalisa , Mishra Vijay Kumar , Hussain Ajaz , Sahu Swetapadma , Nanda Reetuparna , Kisan Bikash , Biradar Santoshkumar , Gautam Rakesh Kumar
Published: December 2019

In this study, six compositions in the system [x(h-BN)–(100 − x)ZrO2], (10 ≤ x ≤ 90) were synthesized by a bottom up approach, i.e., the solid-state reaction technique.
CD44-targeted hyaluronic acid–curcumin reverses chemotherapeutics resistance by inhibiting P-gp and anti-apoptotic pathways
Authors: Diao Lu , Shen Ao , Yang Yunxu , Tao Jin , Hu Ying
Published: December 2019

Chemotherapeutic drug resistance poses a great challenge in cancer therapy.
Double-layer carbon protected CoS2 nanoparticles as an advanced anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Yao Xiang , Cheng Hui , Huang Yuping , Jiang Zhouyang , Han Qingyue , Wang Suqing
Published: December 2019

The outstanding electrochemical performance is ascribed to the novel structure design of CoS2@GC@B-CNT.
Cold sintering of YBa2Cu3O7−δ
Authors: Cockburn James , Boston Rebecca
Published: December 2019

Cold sintered superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−δ densified at 180 °C shows enhanced critical current densities by exploiting grain alignment created during pressing.
Histamine, an effective initiator for the synthesis of polysulfides
Authors: Cabrera-García Alejandro , Blay-Roger Rubén , Blay Vincent , Ravelo Ángel G. , Martín-Zarza Pedro
Published: December 2019

A solvent-free and metal-free synthesis of highly pure polysulfides is described using histamine, a primary amine, as an initiator.
Manipulating exciton dynamics of thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials for tuning two-photon nanotheranostics
Authors: Xiao Ya-Fang , Chen Jia-Xiong , Li Shengliang , Tao Wen-Wen , Tian Shuang , Wang Kai , Cui Xiao , Huang Zhongming , Zhang Xiao-Hong , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: December 2019

Exciton dynamics can be manipulated rationally in the design of TADF materials for nanotheranostics. Regulating the ΔEST and f promises efficient energy flow for tailoring balances between singlet oxygen generation and fluorescence emission.
Frustration between two- and three-dimensional smectic ordering leads to a biaxial nematic phase
Authors: Chen Dong , Coleman David A. , Zhu Chenhui , Chattham Nattaporn , Jenz Frank , Cheng Xiaohong , Tschierske Carsten , Glaser Matthew A. , Maclennan Joseph E. , Clark Noel A.
Published: December 2019

T-shaped bolaamphiphiles develop 2D smectic ordering which is incompatible with the initial lamellar structure, with both structures becoming short-ranged and resulting in a 3D biaxial nematic phase with macroscopic orthorhombic symmetry.
MOF-derived conductive carbon nitrides for separator-modified Li–S batteries and flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Cai Jingsheng , Song Yingze , Chen Xiang , Sun Zhongti , Yi Yuyang , Sun Jingyu , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2019

MOF-derived carbon nitride with good electrical conductivity and high nitrogen content for flexible energy storages in separator-modified Li–S batteries and wearable quasi-solid-state supercapacitor devices.
Star-shaped triazine-cored ladder-type ter(p-phenylene)s for high-performance multiphoton absorption and amplified spontaneous blue emission
Authors: Guo Lei , Liu Xiao , Zhang Tongxin , Luo Hai-Bin , Fan Hai Hua , Wong Man Shing
Published: December 2019

Lacking high-performance blue emissive multiphoton absorption (MPA) materials particularly for frequency up-converted amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) or lasing hampers novel breakthroughs in a wide-range of laser-based applications.
Masked English Speech Recognition Performance in Younger and Older Spanish–English Bilingual and English Monolingual Children
Authors: Miller Margaret K. , Calandruccio Lauren , Buss Emily , McCreery Ryan W. , Oleson Jacob , Rodriguez Barbara , Leibold Lori J.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare masked English speech recognition thresholds between Spanish–English bilingual and English monolingual children and to evaluate effects of age, maternal education, and English receptive language abilities on individual differences in masked speech recognition.

Method

Forty-three Spanish–English bilingual children and 42 English monolingual children completed an English sentence recognition task in 2 masker conditions: (a) speech-shaped noise and (b) 2-talker English speech. Two age groups of children, younger (5–6 years) and older (9–10 years), were tested. The predictors of masked speech recognition performance were evaluated using 2 mixed-effects regression models. In the 1st model, fixed effects were age group (younger children vs. older children), language group (bilingual vs. monolingual), and masker type (speech-shaped noise vs. 2-talker speech). In the 2nd model, the fixed effects of receptive English vocabulary scores and maternal education level were also included.

Results

Younger children performed more poorly than older children, but no significant difference in masked speech recognition was observed between bilingual and monolingual children for either age group when English proficiency and maternal education were also included in the model. English language abilities fell within age-appropriate norms for both groups, but individual children with larger receptive vocabularies in English tended to show better recognition; this effect was stronger for younger children than for older children. Speech reception thresholds for all children were lower in the speech-shaped noise masker than in the 2-talker speech masker.

Conclusions

Regardless of age, similar masked speech recognition was observed for Spanish–English bilingual and English monolingual children tested in this study when receptive English language abilities were accounted for. Receptive English vocabulary scores were associated with better masked speech recognition performance for both bilinguals and monolinguals, with a stronger relationship observed for younger children than older children. Further investigation involving a Spanish-dominant bilingual sample is warranted given the high English language proficiency of children included in this study.
Use of ubiquitous real‐time bus passenger information
Authors: Islam Md Faqhrul , Fonzone Achille , MacIver Andrew , Dickinson Keith
Published: December 2019

Ubiquitous real‐time passenger information (URTPI) enhances the perceived quality of service of public transport and enables travellers to make better pre‐trip and en‐route travel choices. The study presents an exploratory study of the use of URTPI. The authors analyse the popularity of this kind of information, of the sources through which it is disseminated, and of the contents that it conveys. In particular, the authors are interested in the effects of trip characteristics and socio‐demographic features of passengers. The findings are based on 1645 responses collected through a bus passenger survey in the city of Edinburgh, UK. The authors find that access to URTPI is particularly related to the perceived length of the trips and age of the traveller. The most popular source of URTPI is bespoke apps providing information on bus arrival times, although non‐residents require more detailed information. The study paves the way for further investigations into the impact of information on passengers' choices.
Toward the low-scatter selection of X-ray clusters
Authors: Käfer Florian , Finoguenov Alexis , Eckert Dominique , Clerc Nicolas , Ramos-Ceja Miriam E. , Sanders Jeremy S. , Ghirardini Vittorio
Published: December 2019

Context. One key ingredient in using galaxy clusters as a precision cosmological probe in large X-ray surveys is understanding selection effects. The dependence of the X-ray emission on the square of the gas density leads to a predominant role of cool cores in the detection of galaxy clusters. The contribution of cool cores to the X-ray luminosity does not scale with cluster mass and cosmology and therefore affects the use of X-ray clusters in producing cosmological constraints.

Aims. One of the main science goals of the extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA) mission is to constrain cosmology with a wide X-ray survey. We propose an eROSITA galaxy cluster detection scheme that avoids the use of X-ray cluster centers in detection. We calculate theoretical expectations and characterize the performance of this scheme by simulations.

Methods. We performed Monte Carlo simulations of the upcoming eROSITA mission, including known foreground and background components. By performing realistic simulations of point sources in survey mode, we searched for spatial scales where the extended signal is not contaminated by the point-source flux. We derive a combination of scales and thresholds, which result in a clean extended source catalog. We designed the output of the cluster detection, which enables calibrating the core-excised luminosity using external mass measurements. We provide a way to incorporate the results of this calibration in producing the final core-excised luminosity.

Results. Similarly to other galaxy cluster detection pipelines, we sample the detection space of the flux – cluster core radius of our method and find many similarities with the pipeline used in the 400d survey. Both detection methods require large statistics on compact clusters in order to reduce the contamination from point sources. The benefit of our pipeline consists of the sensitivity to the outer cluster shapes, which are characterized by large core sizes with little cluster to cluster variation at a fixed total mass of the cluster.

Conclusions. Galaxy cluster detection through cluster outskirts improves the cluster characterization using eROSITA survey data and is expected to yield well-characterized cluster catalogs with simple selection functions.
Die Therapien in der Reha verbessern mein Gesamtbefinden
Authors: Mehrholz Katja
Published: December 2019

Der Patient ist 41 Jahre alt und leidet seit ca. 15 Jahren an einer schubförmig-remittierenden Multiplen Sklerose. Zum Abschluss seiner stationären Rehabilitation in einer spezialisierten MS-Reha-Klinik stand er uns zu einem Interview zur Verfügung.
Diagnostik bei Multipler Sklerose
Authors: Grothe Matthias
Published: December 2019

Die Diagnostik bei Patienten mit Verdacht auf Multiple Sklerose stellt stets eine Herausforderung dar. Es gibt keine einfachen Parameter, mit denen man zweifelsfrei die Erkrankung diagnostizieren kann. Eine frühe Diagnosestellung ist jedoch wichtig, gerade um in der Folge die Erkrankungsaktivität zu reduzieren und somit eine bleibende Behinderung zu verhindern. Die initiale Diagnostik zielt darauf, bereits bestehende Veränderungen zu detektieren sowie relevante andere Erkrankungen auszuschließen, die zu ähnlichen Veränderungen führen.
Schulungsprogramme verbessern Fatigue bei Multipler Sklerose
Authors: Mehrholz Jan
Published: December 2019

Hugos CL, Chen Z, Chen Y et al. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of two group education programs for fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Short- and medium-term benefits. Mult Scler 2019; 2: 275–285
Hebammenbetreuung bei kindlichen Fehlbildungen: Gibt es den richtigen Weg?
Authors: Rensinghoff Jelena , Weiß Karin
Published: December 2019

Wenn Eltern durch vorgeburtliche Untersuchungen bereits in der Schwangerschaft die Diagnose bekommen, ihr Kind sei besonders, dann ist das immer ein Schock. Wir als Hebammen werden durch die zunehmende Rate an pränataldiagnostischen Untersuchungen immer häufiger damit konfrontiert. Wie können wir damit umgehen? Wie können wir die Eltern bestmöglich unterstützen? Und wo sind die Grenzen der Hebammenarbeit? Ein Leitfaden.
Methoden der Personalbedarfsermittlung für Hebammen im Kreißsaal
Authors: Streffing Joana
Published: December 2019

Gerade in Zeiten des Fachkräftemangels ist die Personalplanung in Kliniken wichtiger denn je. Hebammen erwarten heute einen attraktiven, aufgabenbezogenen Arbeitsplatz und geregelte Arbeitszeiten. Daher sind Klinikträger, die über eine gute Personalsituation verfügen, häufig besonders attraktiv als Arbeitgeber. Dieser Beitrag stellt aktuelle Methoden der Personalbedarfsermittlung vor und veranschaulicht die Ergebnisse in Beispielrechnungen.
Videoanalyse praktischer Fertigkeiten – ein geeignetes Tool zur Weiterentwicklung der chirurgischen Lehre?
Authors: Schindler Claudia , Felgendreff Philipp , Settmacher Utz , Dahmen Uta
Published: December 2019

Hintergrund Die Verwendung videobasierter Analysekonzepte gewinnt in der medizinischen Ausbildung zunehmend an Bedeutung. In erster Linie dienen diese Tools dazu, Informationen über die individuelle Performance eines Kandidaten zu bekommen und Feedback zu geben. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, ob die Videoanalyse praktischer Fertigkeiten auch für die Weiterentwicklung des chirurgischen Unterrichts genutzt werden kann.

Material und Methoden Zunächst wurde die Durchführung einer chirurgischen Nahtübung (Dauer: 3 min) bei Studierenden des 10. Semesters (n = 38) videobasiert dokumentiert. Im Anschluss folgte die Analyse des Videomaterials anhand von 10 spezifischen Kriterien. Die Analyse diente dann als Grundlage für die Entwicklung fehlerpräventiver Übungen. Nachfolgend wurden die Effekte der fehlerpräventiven Übungen auf die Ergebnisqualität der Nahtübung im Rahmen eines Pilotversuchs in einem 2-Gruppen-Vergleich untersucht.

Ergebnisse Die Videosequenzen wurden von 2 Experten unabhängig voneinander begutachtet. Es konnten typische Fehler bei der Handhabung des chirurgischen Instrumentariums, der Handhabung des Nahtmaterials sowie im Bewegungsablauf beobachtet werden. Die daraufhin entwickelten zusätzlichen Übungseinheiten fokussierten sich auf die identifizierten Fehlerbereiche (z. B. Handhabung des Nadelhalters und des Nahtmaterials). Die Ergebnisse des 2-Gruppen-Vergleichs (vor und nach Integration der fehlerpräventiven Übungen in das Kurskonzept) zeigten, dass das Absolvieren der zusätzlichen Übungseinheiten einen mittelstarken Effekt auf die Ergebnisqualität einer Nahtübung hatte (Cohens d = 0,73).

Schlussfolgerung Die Videoanalyse praktischer Fertigkeiten scheint eine geeignete Basis für die Weiterentwicklung des chirurgischen Unterrichts darzustellen. Typische Fehler können in Bezug auf Art und Häufigkeit identifiziert werden und es lassen sich fehlerpräventive Übungen entwickeln, die einen positiven Effekt auf die Ergebnisqualität einer praktischen Aufgabe haben.
Strukturiertes Feedback im Kommunikationstraining zur präoperativen Aufklärung: unterschiedliche Bewertungsquellen nutzbar machen
Authors: Kahr Philipp , Sippel Sonia , König Sarah
Published: December 2019

Einleitung Ärztliche Kommunikation wird vielerorts bereits im Studium eingeübt. Das Aufklärungsgespräch vor einer Operation ist ein spezifischer Kommunikationsanlass, der einer differenzierten Rückmeldung an die Studierenden bedarf. Ziel war es, im Rahmen eines Kommunikationstrainings die Rückmeldung verschiedener Feedbackgeber (ärztlicher Experte, geschulte Tutorinnen und Tutoren, Studierende der Peer Group, Aufklärende selbst und Simulationspersonen) anhand von Bewertungschecklisten zu strukturieren und die Ergebnisse zu vergleichen.

Material und Methoden 171 Humanmedizinstudierende des 8. Semesters der Universität Würzburg nahmen in Kleingruppen an einem Training zur präoperativen Aufklärung teil. 50 Personen davon führten ein Aufklärungsgespräch und erhielten Feedback. Im Fokus der Gespräche standen „Kommunikation“ sowie „Komplikationen“. Die Studierenden bereiteten sich mittels Unterrichtsmaterialien auf der universitätseigenen E-Learning-Plattform vor. Gegenstand der statistischen Auswertungen waren die Testgüte der Bewertungschecklisten, die Bewertungspunkte in den Skalen und die Übereinstimmung der Bewertungen auf Basis des Intraklassenkorrelationskoeffizienten (ICC).

Ergebnisse Die Bewertungschecklisten wiesen zufriedenstellende Werte für interne Konsistenz, Itemschwierigkeit und Trennschärfe auf. Die Mittelwerte der Scores zur „Kommunikation“ unterschieden sich teilweise signifikant durch die 5 Bewertungsquellen, wobei hier die Selbsteinschätzung durch die studentischen Aufklärenden am strengsten ausfiel. Die studentischen Tutorinnen und Tutoren bewerteten identisch zum Experten. In Bezug auf die „Komplikationen“ gab es keine signifikanten Abweichungen zwischen den Bewertenden.

Diskussion/Schlussfolgerung Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass innerhalb des hochspezifischen Settings eines Simulationstrainings und nach geplanter Vorbereitung geschulte studentische Tutoren/innen eine vergleichbar gute Rückmeldung wie der ärztliche Experte geben können. Bei überwiegenden Übereinstimmungen im strukturierten Feedback darf somit der Rückmeldung durch Tutoren/innen oder Peers zukünftig ein höherer Stellenwert eingeräumt werden.
The Long and Winding Road to Personalized Glycemic Control in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Tickoo Mayanka
Published: December 2019

In the critically ill adult, dysglycemia is a marker of disease severity and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Close monitoring of glucose and use of insulin in critically ill patients have been done for more than 2 decades, but the appropriate target glycemic range in critically ill patients remains controversial. Physiological stress response, levels of inflammatory cytokines, nutritional intake, and level of mobility affect glycemic control, and a more personalized approach to patients with dysglycemia is warranted in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We discuss the pathophysiology and downstream effects of altered glycemic response in critical illness, management of glycemic control in the ICU, and future strategies toward personalization of critical care glycemic management.
Innovative ICU Solutions to Prevent and Reduce Delirium and Post–Intensive Care Unit Syndrome
Authors: Luetz Alawi , Grunow Julius J. , Mörgeli Rudolf , Rosenthal Max , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Weiss Bjoern , Spies Claudia
Published: December 2019

Delirium, the most common form of acute brain dysfunction affecting up to 80% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, has been shown to predict long-term cognitive impairment, one of the domains in “Post-ICU Syndrome” (PICS). The ICU environment affects several potentially modifiable risk factors for delirium, such as disorientation and disruption, of the sleep–wake cycle. Innovative solutions aim to transform standard concepts of ICU room design to limit potential stressors, and utilizing the patient care space as a treatment tool, exerting positive, therapeutic effects. The main areas affected by most architectural and interior design modifications are sound environment, light control, floor planning, and room arrangement. Implementation of corresponding solutions is challenging considering the significant medical and technical demands of ICUs. This article discusses innovative concepts and promising approaches in ICU design that may be used to prevent stress and to support the healing process of patients, potentially limiting the impact of delirium and PICS.
Emerging Ethical Challenges in Critical Care for the 21st Century: A Case-Based Discussion
Authors: Lee Jisoo , Ward Nicholas S.
Published: December 2019

Ethical challenges for doctors and other health care professionals have existed since the practice of medicine began. Many of the oldest challenges live on to this day, such as who has more authority to make key decisions (autonomy vs. paternalism) and what are the boundaries of life at the beginning and at the end. Two powerful driving forces are new technologies and an ever-changing culture and society. The practice of medicine in intensive care units (ICUs) has been the source of many ethical challenges. Once firmly fixed concepts, such as death or “brain death” are now coming under increasing debate. In other areas, the concept of patient autonomy has been used to request life-prolonging therapies, once thought “futile.” New technologies for procreation have necessitated new ethical challenges as well. In this paper, we will use a series of cases, based on experiences from our hospital ethics committee, that occurred over the course of several years and illustrate ethical challenges which are either new to us or not new but growing in frequency due to technological or societal changes. Each one of these topics is complex and worthy of its own large review but for this overview, we will briefly discuss the key points of each dilemma.
Recurrent Encephalopathy with Transverse Myelitis: An Uncommon Presentation of Neurobrucellosis
Authors: Anadure Ravi K. , Goel Jitesh , Sahu S. , Vidhale Tushar
Published: December 2019

Brucellosis (malta fever) is a zoonotic infection caused by a gram-negative coccobacillus which is a facultative intracellular pathogen. It causes a chronic granulomatous infection, similar in histology to tuberculosis. Brucellosis remains a diagnostic dilemma due to misleading, nonspecific manifestations and increasing trend of unusual presentations. In brucellosis, the nervous system involvement occurs in only 5 to 7% of untreated patients, and it may manifest with encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, radiculitis, and peripheral and cranial neuropathies. Transverse myelitis is an unusual occurrence. Here, the authors are reporting an unusual case of neurobrucellosis in an elderly male patient who visited multiple hospitals with recurring febrile encephalopathy and paraparesis. The diagnosis was suspected by his occupational history of working as an abattoir worker and was confirmed by the presence of high titers of Brucella immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG antibodies in the serum. The patient was managed with injection gentamicin for 2 weeks along with oral course of doxycycline and rifampicin for 6 weeks. He made a good clinical recovery and went back to work with mild residual deficits.
Indiscriminate Use of Antibiotics in Neurotrauma Patients Referred for Expert Neurosurgical Care in a Developing Country
Authors: Oyemolade Toyin A. , Malomo Toluyemi A. , Adeleye Amos O.
Published: December 2019

Background In Nigeria, pre-neurosurgical care of most neurotrauma patients usually involves administration of many empirical agents including antibiotics with no apparent indications. This practice is fraught with two particular dangers: increase in health care costs and development of drug resistance. This study aimed to interrogate antibiotic stewardship in the pre-neurosurgical care of neurotrauma patients referred to our practice.

Materials and Methods This 7-month prospective descriptive study was performed in one University Teaching Hospital of a developing country. Clinical data on all admitted neurotrauma patients with information on the pre-neurosurgical treatment received were captured and analyzed.

Results There were 113 patients, 87(77.0%) males; 103(91.2%) had head injury, and 10(8.8%) spinal cord injury. Associated systemic injuries occurred in 47(41.6%): 40 involved skeletal and soft tissue systems, and 12(10.6%) presented with aspiration pneumonitis. These patients were referrals from public health facilities including primary health facilities (PHF), secondary (SHF), and tertiary (THF), as well as private clinics (PC). Antibiotics were given to 74 (65.5%) patients, with a probabilistic indication in only 17.6% (13/74) of these. The proportional distribution of this antibiotic administration according to the referral base was not statistically significant (χ2 =6.87, p = 0.3): 70% (14/20) from PHF, 56% (14/25) from SHF, 71% (23/32) from THF, and 63% (23/36) from PC. The antimicrobial agent administered was specified in 40 cases: Ceftriaxone was the commonest antibiotic agent implicated.

Conclusion There is apparent unnecessary exposure of patients to antibiotics in the pre-neurosurgical care of neurotrauma in this study. There is, therefore, need for education on antibiotic stewardship to the group of health workers involved.
Device-Associated Meningitis by Linezolid-Resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a Vancomycin- Hypersensitive Patient
Authors: Vijayan Priya , Srinivas Dwarakanath , Siddaiah Nagarathna , Bahubali Veena Kumari Haradara
Published: December 2019

Postsurgical device-related meningitis caused by multidrug-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci often complicates the treatment options. We report a rare and, to our knowledge, the first clinical case report of drain-associated meningitis caused by methicillin- and linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus following linezolid therapy in a vancomycin-hypersensitive patient subsequently treated with cotrimoxazole, resulting in clinical improvement. The molecular mechanisms responsible for linezolid resistance were found to be the presence of G2576T mutation in domain V of 23srRNA region, which often arises during linezolid usage and also carriage of cfr gene, which promotes resistance independent of antibiotic pressure. We emphasize on monitoring the rational use of linezolid to avoid the spread of resistance and also comprehensive perioperative care to prevent health care-associated infection.