bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable cycling of a Prussian blue-based Na/Zn hybrid battery in aqueous electrolyte with a wide electrochemical window
Authors: Liu Chunli , Sun Yunpo , Nie Jianbo , Dong Dong , Xie Jian , Zhao Xinbing
Published: February 2020

An aqueous FeHCF/Zn cell with a protected Zn anode exhibits stable cycling in a wide-electrochemical-window electrolyte.
A novel near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe for SO2 detection with a large emission shift
Authors: Han Shaohui , Yue Xiuxiu , Wang Jingpei , Zhang Yun , Wang Benhua , Song Xiangzhi
Published: February 2020

A novel near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe MQC (λem = 715 nm) for SO2 detection was developed with a large emission shift (245 nm) and high sensitivity and selectivity.
Spin transition nanoparticles made electrochemically
Authors: Pozo Guillermo , de la Presa Patricia , Prato Rafael , Morales Irene , Marin Pilar , Fransaer Jan , Dominguez-Benetton Xochitl
Published: February 2020

Materials displaying novel magnetic ground states signify the most exciting prospects for nanoscopic devices for nanoelectronics and spintronics. Gas-diffusion electrocrystallization is a new method to produce these groundbreaking nanomaterials.
Contact engineering of single core/shell SiC/SiO2 nanowire memory unit with high current tolerance using focused femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Lin Luchan , Huo Jinpeng , Peng Peng , Zou Guisheng , Liu Lei , Duley Walt W. , Zhou Y. Norman
Published: February 2020

Single nanowire memory unit is developed with precise contact engineering on metal–oxide–semiconductor heterojunction by using the localized plasmonic effects.
A mild and metal-free synthesis of 2- and 1-alkyl/aryl/dialkyl-aminoquinolines and isoquinolines
Authors: Nanaji Yerramsetti , Kirar Seema , Pawar Sandip V. , Yadav Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2020

A synthetic strategy has been developed for synthesis of 2 and 1-aminoquinolines and isoquinolines from quinoline and isoquinoline-N-oxides, amines and triflic anhydride in acetonitrile at 0 °C to room temperature.
Electronic transitions and ESIPT kinetics of the thienyl-3-hydroxychromone nucleobase surrogate in DNA duplexes: a DFT/MD-TDDFT study
Authors: Sougnabé Alain , Lissouck Daniel , Fontaine-Vive Fabien , Nsangou Mama , Mély Yves , Burger Alain , Kenfack Cyril A.
Published: February 2020

The fluorescent nucleobase surrogate M (2-thienyl-3-hydroxychromone fluorophore) when imbedded in DNA opposite an abasic site exhibits a two colour response highly sensitive to environment changes and base composition.
Synthesis and mechanistic investigations of pH-responsive cationic poly(aminoester)s
Authors: Blake Timothy R. , Ho Wilson C. , Turlington Christopher R. , Zang Xiaoyu , Huttner Melanie A. , Wender Paul A. , Waymouth Robert M.
Published: February 2020

The synthesis and degradation mechanisms of a class of pH-sensitive, rapidly degrading cationic poly(α-aminoester)s are described.
An electrospun polyurethane scaffold-reinforced zwitterionic hydrogel as a biocompatible device
Authors: Liu Sihang , Ma Jun , Xu Liangbo , Lin Weifeng , Xue Weili , Huang Mei , Chen Shengfu
Published: February 2020

An electrospun scaffold-reinforced zwitterionic hydrogel achieved both high tensile strength and mechano-induced self-enhancement while maintaining excellent hemocompatibility.
Mn-catalyzed radical initiated domino transformation of alkynylated cyclohexadienones with TMSN3 and O2 to bicyclic azido alcohols
Authors: Pal Pranesh , Mainkar Prathama S. , Nayani Kiranmai , Chandrasekhar Srivari
Published: February 2020

An efficient cascade radical addition/cyclization/oxygen insertion reaction of alkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones with TMSN3 was carried out under mild conditions to generate bicyclic azido alcohol scaffolds.
AB-alternating copolymers via chain-growth polymerization: synthesis, characterization, self-assembly, and functions
Authors: Nishimori Kana , Ouchi Makoto
Published: February 2020

In this review, four topics on alternating copolymers synthesized via chain-growth polymerization are reviewed: (1) how to control the alternating sequence; (2) sequence analysis; (3) self-assembly; and (4) functions.
Fabrication of a multifunctional hydrogel with a robust interface bioinspired by the structure of the dentogingival junction
Authors: Xu Xinyuan , Sun Hui , Wang Yaning , Cai Huijuan , Zhang Dongyue , Tan Hong , Li Jianshu
Published: February 2020

A multifunctional hydrogel with a robust interface is fabricated with a “perforating fiber” structure bioinspired by the dentogingival junction.
Embedding of atoms into the nanopore sites of the C6N6and C6N8porous carbon nitride monolayers with tunable electronic properties
Authors: Bafekry Asadollah , Stampfl Catherine , Akgenc Berna , Mortazavi Bohayra , Ghergherehchi Mitra , Nguyen Ch. V.
Published: February 2020

Using first-principles calculations, we study the effect of embedding various atoms into the nanopore sites of both C6N6and C6N8monolayers.
Xe⋯OCS: relatively straightforward?
Authors: Kraus Peter , Obenchain Daniel A. , Herbers Sven , Wachsmuth Dennis , Frank Irmgard , Grabow Jens-Uwe
Published: February 2020

Spectroscopy meets theory in a study of Xe⋯OCS complex: accurate near-equilibrium structures, experimental interaction energies, and CCSD(T)/CBS results presented.
Sterically hindered Re- and Mn-CO2 reduction catalysts for solar energy conversion
Authors: Shipp James D. , Carson Heather , Spall Steven J. P. , Parker Simon C. , Chekulaev Dimitri , Jones Natalie , Mel'nikov Mikhail Ya. , Robertson Craig C. , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Weinstein Julia A.
Published: February 2020

M(NN)(CO)3X (M = Re, Mn) complexes with a bulky diimine ligand catalyse electrochemical reduction of CO2 with high TON. A noble-metal free system of the Mn-complex photosensitised by a Zn-porphyrin photocatalytically reduces CO2 under visible light.
Facile preparation of a highly efficient NiZn2O4–NiO nanoflower composite grown on Ni foam as an advanced battery-type electrode material for high-performance electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Anil Kumar Yedluri , Dasha Kumar Kulurumotlakatla , Kim Hee-Je
Published: February 2020

Schematic illustration of the synthesis procedure of binder-free battery-type NiZn2O4–NiO NFAs grown on Ni foam: (a) current collector; (b) NiZn2O4 NLAs; and (c) NiCo2O4–NiO NFAs.
Synthesis of renewable C–C cyclic compounds and high-density biofuels using 5-hydromethylfurfural as a reactant
Authors: Cai Taimei , Deng Qiang , Peng Hailong , Zhong Jin , Gao Rui , Wang Jun , Zeng Zheling , Zou Ji-Jun , Deng Shuguang
Published: February 2020

Renewable C–C six-membered ring compound and high-density biofuel are synthesized using 5-hydromethylfurfural as a reactant.
Supramolecular assemblies controlled by cucurbit[n]uril size (n = 6, 7, 8 and 10)
Authors: Xu Weitao , Deng Xinyu , Xiao Xin , Bian Bing , Chen Qing , Dalgarno Scott J. , Tao Zhu , Redshaw Carl
Published: February 2020

The differing cavity size of the Q[n] determines the binding interactions between the benzyl substituted 4-pyrrolidinopyridinium salt and each Q[n]. Single crystal X-ray diffraction of the guest as well as two host–guest complexes is reported.
High-performance inverted perovskite solar cells using 4-diaminomethylbenzoic as a passivant
Authors: He Zhen , Xiong Jian , Dai Qilin , Yang Bingchu , Zhang Jian , Xiao Si
Published: February 2020

Grain boundary (GB) and interface passivation of perovskite films impacts the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) dramatically.
Synthesis of trehalose glycolipids
Authors: Jana Santanu , Kulkarni Suvarn S.
Published: February 2020

Chemical synthesis of trehalose glycolipids such as DAT, TDM, SL-1, SL-3, and Ac2SGL from MTb, emmyguyacins from fungi, succinoyl trehalose from rhodococcus, and maradolipids from worms, as well as mycobacterial oligosaccharides is reviewed.
A palladium-catalyzed C–H functionalization route to ketones via the oxidative coupling of arenes with carbon monoxide
Authors: Levesque Taleah M. , Kinney R. Garrison , Arndtsen Bruce A.
Published: February 2020

A palladium catalyzed route to prepare aryl ketones from their two fundamental building blocks, two arenes and carbon monoxide, is described.
Ratiometric fluorescence detection of anthrax biomarker 2,6-dipicolinic acid using hetero MOF sensors through ligand regulation
Authors: Shen Mei-Lin , Liu Bing , Xu Ling , Jiao Huan
Published: February 2020

Three hetero Eu/Tb-MOFs and their test paper are quantitative ratiometric fluorescence sensors to anthrax biomarker 2,6-dipicolinic acid with high sensitivity and selectivity, rapid response and convenience.
Developing synthetic biology for industrial biotechnology applications
Authors: Clarke Lionel , Kitney Richard
Published: February 2020

Since the beginning of the 21st Century, synthetic biology has established itself as an effective technological approach to design and engineer biological systems. Whilst research and investment continues to develop the understanding, control and engineering infrastructural platforms necessary to tackle ever more challenging systems — and to increase the precision, robustness, speed and affordability of existing solutions — hundreds of start-up companies, predominantly in the US and UK, are already translating learnings and potential applications into commercially viable tools, services and products. Start-ups and SMEs have been the predominant channel for synthetic biology commercialisation to date, facilitating rapid response to changing societal interests and market pull arising from increasing awareness of health and global sustainability issues. Private investment in start-ups across the US and UK is increasing rapidly and now totals over $12bn. Health-related biotechnology applications have dominated the commercialisation of products to date, but significant opportunities for the production of bio-derived materials and chemicals, including consumer products, are now being developed. Synthetic biology start-ups developing tools and services account for between 10% (in the UK) and ∼25% (in the US) of private investment activity. Around 20% of synthetic biology start-ups address industrial biotechnology targets, but currently, only attract ∼11% private investment. Adopting a more networked approach — linking specialists, infrastructure and ongoing research to de-risk the economic challenges of scale-up and supported by an effective long-term funding strategy — is set to transform the impact of synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology in the bioeconomy.
Rethinking the rate estimation of BBR congestion control
Authors: Su Bo , Jiang Xianliang , Jin Guang , Chen Haiming
Published: February 2020

The acknowledgment (ACK) compression makes the available bandwidth estimation in bottleneck bandwidth and round‐trip propagation time (BBR) inaccurate which results in the high queuing delay under low packet loss rate environments. The additional queuing delay affects the user experience of interactive applications like Skype. To solve the above‐mentioned issue, this Letter presents a novel method, named calibrating bandwidth estimation (CBE), to calibrate the bandwidth estimation. The CBE can detect the implausible ACK rates accurately and the extensive simulation prove the effectiveness of CBE.
Hybrid optimisation algorithm for solving the multi‐level spare parts inventory optimisation problem
Authors: Gu Tao , Li Sujian , Kou Zhenzhen , Wu Xiuli
Published: February 2020

Aiming at the low quality of the solution obtained with the traditional marginal analysis algorithm for solving multi‐level inventory optimisation problem of repairable spare parts, a hybrid algorithm integrating particle swarm optimisation, marginal analysis algorithm‐METRIC model and tabu search is proposed. In the early stage of the hybrid algorithm, particle swarm optimisation is used to explore the global solution space and in the later stage, tabu search is used to local search, and the marginal analysis algorithm is used to constructing neighbourhood. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can solve the problem of spare parts multi‐level inventory optimisation effectively and efficiently.
Quadratic boost converter with low‐output‐voltage ripple
Authors: Lopez‐Santos Oswaldo , Mayo‐Maldonado Jonathan C. , Rosas‐Caro Julio C. , Valdez‐Resendiz Jesus E. , Zambrano‐Prada David A. , Ruiz‐Martinez Omar F.
Published: February 2020

This study proposes a non‐isolated quadratic boost converter (QBC) that features a low‐output‐voltage ripple with respect to traditional QBCs. This advantage is in contrast with other topologies that require a higher amount of stored energy by capacitors to achieve the same output‐voltage ripple specification. This benefit permits to design a compact converter, since the size of capacitors is proportional to their energy storage rating. Moreover, the proposed transformerless topology is suitable for applications that require high‐voltage gains as in the case of renewable energy applications. The main properties of the converter are corroborated as well as its advantages by providing mathematical models, analytical waveforms and experiments.
Gain compensation approach for low‐voltage ride‐through and dynamic performance improvement of three‐phase type‐3 PLL
Authors: Bamigbade Abdullahi , Khadkikar Vinod , Al Hosani Mohamed , Zeineldin Hatem H. , El Moursi Mohamed Shawky
Published: February 2020

Despite the ability of type‐3 phase‐locked loop (PLL) to provide zero steady‐state error when a three‐phase voltage experiences frequency ramp change, its major drawback is slow dynamic performance and instability during voltage sag condition. In this paper, by obtaining the linearised model of PLL, instability associated with the presence of voltage amplitude within the PLL control loop is illustrated. Furthermore, analysis of two common techniques employed in improving PLL stability (high phase margin design and use of phase‐lead compensator) is presented and their inapplicability to three‐phase type‐3 PLL is revealed. Thus, to address the said problems, a gain compensation technique is proposed in this paper. In the proposed approach, the PLL loop gain is adjusted by inserting a DC gain within the PLL control loop when the frequency of supply voltage deviates from its nominal value. The inserted DC gain compensates for reduction in voltage amplitude within the PLL control loop, thus, enhancing PLL's stability especially during voltage sags. Also, the gain increases PLL's bandwidth thereby improving its estimation speed. Effectiveness of the proposed solution is confirmed through experimental studies and it is compared with five existing type‐3 PLL schemes and a type‐2 PLL.
Resilient cooperative control of AC microgrids considering relative state‐dependent noises and communication time‐delays
Authors: Afshari Amir , Karrari Mehdi , Baghaee Hamid Reza , Gharehpetian Gevork B.
Published: February 2020

In this study, a resilient distributed control algorithm is proposed for the secondary voltage and frequency restoration of an autonomous inverter‐based microgrid considering simultaneous relative state‐dependent noises and communication time‐delays (CTDs). The proposed algorithm is robust against potential time‐varying stochastic noises and CTDs, which corrupt the data exchanges in the secondary control layer. Additionally, this study considers the contribution of both distributed generation and distributed energy storage (DES) units in islanded AC microgrids. The presence of DES creates the need for an extra control algorithm to provide state‐of‐charge (SoC) balancing for these units and having precise active power‐sharing. The theoretical concepts of the proposed control algorithm, including the mathematical modelling of microgrid, basic lemma, and controller design procedure, are outlined. The performance assessment of the presented control algorithm is evaluated through simulations on a test microgrid in MATLAB/Simulink software. Then, some previously‐reported algorithms are selected to compare the proposed control algorithm with them. The obtained results show the effectiveness and robustness of the presented algorithm in regulating the voltage and frequency, matching SoCs, and as a result, having precise active power‐sharing.
Multi‐sensor fusion for multi‐target tracking using measurement division
Authors: Liu Long , Ji Hongbing , Zhang Wenbo , Liao Guisheng
Published: February 2020

The iterated‐corrector probability hypothesis density (IC‐PHD) filter propagates the posterior intensity of each sensor at one time step to improve tracking accuracy. However, targets cannot be estimated by the IC‐PHD filter, if the detection probability of the last update sensor is low. To deal with this problem, this study presents a new multi‐sensor multi‐target tracking method. Analysing the iterative process of this filter, it can be observed that the measurements obtained by sensors can be divided into several measurement subsets. Then, the similarity among the measurements is described by two parts, the similarity by combining the posterior intensity updated by the measurement, and the credibility of the posterior intensity. The similarity can be used to determine whether the measurements are from one target and whether the measurement selection meets the real situation. Based on the similarity among measurements, a two‐way selection approach is presented to find out measurement subsets corresponding to the true targets. In this approach, measurement and measurement subset are mutually selected. Two measurements are also mutually selected. Thus only the measurement subsets corresponding to true targets have large weights. The simulation results show that the proposed method can reduce the miss‐detection and false alarm effectively.
Connecting the Wilson depression to the magnetic field of sunspots
Authors: Löptien B. , Lagg A. , van Noort M. , Solanki S. K.
Published: February 2020

Context. In sunspots, the geometric height of continuum optical depth unity is depressed compared to the quiet Sun. This so-called Wilson depression is caused by the Lorentz force of the strong magnetic field inside the spots. However, it is not understood in detail yet how the Wilson depression is related to the strength and geometry of the magnetic field or to other properties of the sunspot.

Aims. We aim to study the dependence of the Wilson depression on the properties of the magnetic field of the sunspots and how exactly the magnetic field contributes to balancing the Wilson depression with respect to the gas pressure of the surroundings of the spots.

Methods. Our study is based on 24 spectropolarimetric scans of 12 individual sunspots performed with Hinode. We derived the Wilson depression for each spot using both a recently developed method that is based on minimizing the divergence of the magnetic field and an approach that was developed earlier, which enforces an equilibrium between the gas pressure and the magnetic pressure inside the spot and the gas pressure in the quiet Sun, thus neglecting the influence of the curvature force. We then performed a statistical analysis by comparing the Wilson depression resulting from the two techniques with each other and by relating them to various parameters of the sunspots, such as their size or the strength of the magnetic field.

Results. We find that the Wilson depression becomes larger for spots with a stronger magnetic field, but not as much as one would expect from the increased magnetic pressure. This suggests that the curvature integral provides an important contribution to the Wilson depression, particularly for spots with a weak magnetic field. Our results indicate that the geometry of the magnetic field in the penumbra is different between spots with different strengths of the average umbral magnetic field.
Das polyzystische Ovarsyndrom: Aktuelle Evidenz und praktische Empfehlungen
Authors: Reger-Tan Susanne , Böing Christian , Führer-Sakel Dagmar
Published: February 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women of childbearing age. Due to hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation affected women may suffer from hirsutism, androgenetic alopecia, acne, menstrual disturbance and sub-/infertility. Furthermore underlying insulin resistance promotes hyperandrogenemia, overweight and risk for diabetes. Therefore, routine evaluation of glycemic status is recommended. Treatment strategies are based on therapeutic lifestyle changes and focus on patient-important complaints. First line pharmacologic treatment for infertility in women with PCOS is letrozole. Clomiphene and metformin can be used alternatively with lower success rates. Women seeking medical advice for hyperandrogenism can be offered oral contraceptive pills with the lowest effective estrogen dose without any preference of a certain gestagen. Risk for deep vein thrombosis should be taken into account when choosing estrogen dose and type of gestagen. Antiandrogen substances such as spironolactone should only be prescribed in combination with safe contraception due to their risk of fetal undervirilisation. Additionally, substance specific risks should be considered. Baseline treatment of overweight or metabolic issues includes behaviour modification, weight reduction and physical activity. Additional benefit can be reached by combination of lifestyle changes with metformin. Studies indicate a positive effect of inositol and antidiabetic substances like liraglutide and empagliflozin but should be regarded as experimental therapies.
Stress-Echokardiografie
Authors: Hagendorff Andreas , Metze Michael , Neef Martin , Jurisch Daniel , Stöbe Stephan
Published: February 2020

Die Stress-Echokardiografie ist wegen der verschiedenen Modalitäten (dynamische und pharmakologische Stress-Echokardiografie) eine komplexe Thematik. Bei der Auswahl der besten diagnostischen Möglichkeit spielen vor allem Schallbarkeit und Komorbiditäten des Patienten/der Patientin eine wesentliche Rolle. Für die Durchführung einer Stress-Echokardiografie müssen, neben einer adäquaten Ultraschall-Geräteausstattung, die technischen und personellen Anforderungen zur Behandlung von Akutkomplikationen bis hin zur Reanimation berücksichtigt werden. Der Untersucher muss in allen Bereichen der transthorakalen Echokardiografie ausgebildet sein und ein ausreichendes Training im Bereich der Stress-Echokardiografie absolviert haben. Dies umfasst Kenntnisse über Indikationen, Kontraindikationen und Abbruchkriterien einer Stress-Echokardiografie, die Bildakquisition unter erschwerten Bedingungen sowie die Optimierung und Auswertung des akquirierten Bildmaterials. Hauptindikationen stellen die Ischämie- und Vitalitätsdiagnostik dar, gefolgt von Indikationen zur spezifischen Abklärung von Kardiomyopathien und Herzklappenerkrankungen. Grundvoraussetzung für eine zielführende kardiologische Diagnostik stellt dabei die Planung der zu verwendenden Stressprotokolle in Abhängigkeit der jeweiligen klinischen Fragestellung dar. Die diagnostische und prognostische Aussagekraft der Stress-Echokardiografie ist hoch, wobei gerade in der Stress-Echokardiografie hohe Anforderungen an die praktischen Fähigkeiten und klinische Erfahrung des Untersuchers gestellt werden.
Treatment of varicose great saphenous veins with saphenofemoral junction insufficiency – what is the evidence?
*
Authors: Holzheimer René Gordon , Obermayer Alfred , Noppeney Thomas
Published: February 2020

The results of studies on treatment of the great saphenous vein (GSV) with sapheno-femoral-junction (SFJ) insufficiency are unclear. Guidelines, however, recommend endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and ultrasound-guided-foamsclerotherapy (UGFS) for symptomatic varicose large saphenous vein. There are numerous studies on GSV treatment but only a few randomized studies with a follow-up of two years and more. Meta-analyses in most instances included all studies and do not focus on studies with a follow-up of two years and longer.

Methods A literature research in Pubmed used the keyword “great saphenous vein treatment”, “large saphenous vein treatment”, “varicose therapy” in conjunction with “randomized controlled trial”, “meta-analysis” and “systematic review”. Of 128 studies only 24 randomized controlled studies investigated the effect of High Ligation and Continuous Stripping (HL + CS), Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Liquid Sclerotherapy (LS), and Ultrasound-Guided-Foam-Sclerotherapy (UGFS) and a follow-up of two and more years. Study evaluation included “reflux”, “recurrence”, “therapy technique”, numbers of patients/legs treated, length of follow-up, and primary/secondary study endpoints.

Results Most of these studies investigated surgical High Ligation and Continuous Stripping (HL + CS) with a follow-up of two years and more. This technique served a reference technique for other techniques in randomized controlled studies. However, there are major differences in techniques, mode of treatment, definitions, criteria for exclusion and inclusion, and study endpoints.

The surgery study group included 1915 legs in 19 studies, the EVLA group 1047 legs in 12 studies and 240 legs in 3 studies with combined HL + EVLA treatment. RFA was used in 299 legs in 4 studies, UGFS in 661 legs in 5 studies, combined UGFS + HL in 39 legs and LS + HL in 92 legs in one study each.

EVLA is associated with more reflux and recurrence when compared to HL + CS. RFA shows similar reflux and recurrence rates as surgery. In most studies UGFS and LS is followed by more reflux and recurrence when compared to surgery.

Conclusion Due to heterogeneity of studies comparing study results of HL + CS, EVLA, RFA, LS and UGFS is not reliable. UIP or ECOP may form a commission to establish uniform, reliable and accepted study designs for varicose vein treatment to improve comparability of further randomized studies.
Differences Between Men and Women with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Úbeda-D’Ocasar Edurne , Gallego-Sendarrubias Gracia M. , Guodemar-Pérez Jesus , Hervás-Pérez Juan Pablo
Published: February 2020

Objective While fibromyalgia (FM) affects both men and women, differences exist in several factors including prevalence, symptoms and attitudes. Understanding these differences will help define the best approach to the clinical management of this still poorly-understood disease. This systematic review sought to identify gender differences in FM.

Data sources The databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, and Pesquisa were searched using the terms “fibromyalgia”, “men” and “women” and the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” for articles dealing with this topic published in any language in the past 20 years. The task force initially identified citations for 257 published articles.

Study selection Of 257 records extracted, 28 articles were finally selected for inclusion.

Data Extraction In the 28 studies, 2 studies were a clinical trial and the remaining studies were descriptive (10), observational studies (12), retrospective studies (2) and prospective studies (2). Articles were abstracted and quality of the studies determined using specific criteria.

Data Synthesis The methodological quality of the studies reported in these articles was good (PEDro score 6.00±1.3328). Gender differences were detected in FM prevalence, symptoms and coping.

Conclusions Overall, men with FM experienced more stress and worse sleep quality while women complained more of pain-related symptoms. Both sexes showed low physical activity levels. Both men and women responded well to manual treatment reporting substantial pain relief.
Fistelprophylaxe mit muskelsparendem, myofaszialem Pectoralis-major-Lappen bei Salvage-Laryngektomie
Authors: Dejaco Daniel , Rauchenwald Tina , Steinbichler Teresa , Wolfram Dolores , Morandi Evi , Appenroth Elisabeth , Djedovic Gabriel , Pierer Gerhard , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund Bei Rezidiv-Plattenepithelkarzinom des Hypopharynx/Larynx nach Bestrahlung stellt die Salvage-Laryngektomie (Salvage-LE) die beste kurative Therapieoption dar. Vorbestrahlung begünstigt die Entstehung pharyngokutaner Fisteln (pk-Fisteln). Transfer von unbestrahltem Gewebe in das OP-Gebiet reduziert die Fistelrate. Hierfür wird oft ein myokutaner Pectoralis-major-Lappen (PML) verwendet. Wir beschreiben einen muskelsparenden, myofaszialen PML (ms-PML) und dessen funktionelle und ästhetische Resultate.

Methoden Über je eine 8 cm lange subklavikuläre und submammäre horizontale Inzision wird ein am R. pectoralis der A. thoracoacromialis gestielter kraniokaudaler Streifen des M. pectoralis major unter Schonung der Pars clavicularis präpariert und supraklavikulär auf den Pharynx aufgebracht. R0-Resektionsraten, Gesamtüberleben (GS), Komplikationen, stationäre Verweildauern und funktionelle und ästhetische Resultate wurden erhoben.

Ergebnisse Bei 25 Patienten wurde eine Salvage-LE mit ms-PML durchgeführt. Die R0-Resektionsrate betrug 100 %, das mediane GS 1,3 (Beobachtungszeitraum: 2,8) Jahre, die Komplikationsrate 16 % (4 komplette Lappennekrosen, 3 pk-Fisteln) und die mediane stationäre Verweildauer 20 (11–78) Tage. Gute funktionelle Ergebnisse wurden beobachtet: Einschränkungen der oralen Nahrungsaufnahme traten bei 2, Einschränkungen der Stimmrehabilitation bei 3 Patienten auf. Wundheilungsstörungen ohne Lappennekrosen wurden nicht beobachtet. Die ästhetischen Resultate waren ansprechend.

Schlussfolgerung Der ms-PML ist ein wenig invasives und sicheres Verfahren zur Fistelprophylaxe bei Salvage-LE mit günstigem funktionellem und ästhetischem Ergebnis.
Unfavorable Hormonal and Psychologic Profile in Adult Women with a
History of Premature Adrenarche and Pubarche, Compared to Women with Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Livadas Sarantis , Bothou Christina , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina , Chiotis Dimitrios , Angelopoulos Nicholas , Macut Djuro , Chrousos George P.
Published: February 2020

If circulating adrenal androgens levels rise before the age of 8 years in girls,
this phenomenon is termed premature adrenarche (PA), while the concomitant
appearance of pubic hair is called premature pubarche (PP). Girls with PA-PP
display an unfavorable hormonal profile compared to their normal peers and have
an increased risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) features
peripubertally. However, the sequelae of premature adrenarche remains unclear.
We assessed metabolic, hormonal, psychologic profiles, and ovarian morphology in
21 women of mean age (±SD) 21.3±3.3 years, BMI:
23.6±4.4 kg/m2 with PA-PP, 45 women with
PCOS and 26 controls, matched for age and BMI. PA-PP women displayed a favorable
lipid profile compared to PCOS and controls. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR),
however, were similar in PA-PP and PCOS women (2.09±1.42,
2.08±0.83) and higher than controls (1.13±0.49, p
<0.05). Circulating androstenedione levels did not differ between PA-PP
and PCOS women (0.11±0.05 vs. 0.12±0.03), but was higher than
that of controls (0.02±0.0 nmol/l, p <0,05).
Ovarian volume was increased in PA-PP and PCOS (11.14±3.3 vs.
10.99±4.61) compared to controls
(6.74±1.83 cm3). PA-PP women had a higher score
of state/trait anxiety and depressive and eating disorder symptoms than
controls, with a pattern that matched that of PCOS women. Only 14% of
the PA-PP group fulfilled the Rotterdam PCOS criteria. Some women with a history
of PA-PP displayed hormonal and psychologic profile similar to PCOS, and
accordingly a regular monitoring of these girls during adulthood is advised.
Vestibular Nerve Atrophy After Vestibular Neuritis – Results from a Prospective High-Resolution MRI Study
Authors: Freund Wolfgang , Weber Frank , Schneider Daniel , Mayer Ulrich , Scheithauer Marc , Beer Meinrad
Published: February 2020

Purpose Sudden unilateral peripheral vestibular deficit is mostly termed vestibular neuritis (VN), even if its cause or the exact location of the lesion remains unclear. Thus, therapy is mostly symptomatic. We aimed to prove if there is peripheral atrophy after VN with persistent canal paresis.

Methods After approval by the ethics committee and according to the declaration of Helsinki and with informed consent, ten patients with persistent canal paresis after VN and ten age-matched healthy controls were included. High-resolution measurement (in-plane resolution 0.2 mm) of the internal auditory canal (IAC) using a 3 D CISS sequence at 3 Tesla was performed. The course of the pertaining nerves was reconstructed in the 3 D dataset and the measurement was performed at 60 % of the length of the IAC. The cross-sectional areas of the superior (SVN) and inferior vestibular nerve (IVN) were taken independently by two blinded readers.

Results The interrater difference regarding the area was 22 %. We found significant atrophy of the SVN with a 24 % smaller area (p = 0.026) and found a smaller ratio of SVN/IVN on the symptomatic side (p = 0.017). Concerning single subject data, only 5 patients showed extensive atrophy of the NVS, while 5 patients did not. The time since symptom onset did not significantly influence the atrophy.

Conclusion MRI measuring of the area of the NVS after VN could detect atrophy after VN. However, only 5 patients exhibited marked atrophy, while the other 5 patients did not. With the background of stringent inclusion criteria (more than 6 months of symptom duration and proven persistent canal paresis), one has to wonder if there might be different etiologies behind the apparently identical symptoms.

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Synthesis of Linear α,β-Unsaturated Amides from Isocyanates and Alkenylaluminum Reagents
Authors: Wu Xiao-Feng , Chen Bo
Published: February 2020

A new approach has been developed for the synthesis of linear α,β-unsaturated amides by the direct coupling of isocyanates with alkenylaluminum reagents. At room temperature, the desired α,β-unsaturated amides were isolated in good to excellent yields with good functional-group tolerance in the absence of any catalyst or additive.
Controlled Reduction of Nitriles by Sodium Hydride and Zinc Chloride
Authors: Chiba Shunsuke , Ong Derek Yiren
Published: February 2020

A new protocol for the controlled reduction of nitriles to aldehydes was developed using a combination of sodium hydride and zinc chloride. The iminyl zinc intermediates derived from aromatic nitriles could be further functionalized with allylmetal nucleophiles to afford homoallylamines. As the method allows the reduction of various aliphatic and aromatic nitriles with a concise procedure under milder reaction conditions and exhibits wide functional group compatibility, it is well suited for use in various opportunities in chemical synthesis.
Repeat Surgery in Chronic Aortic Dissection: A New Technique without Touching the Native Aorta
Authors: Martinelli Gian Luca , Cotroneo Attilio , Tolva Valerio , Armienti Felice , Bobbio Mario , Musica Gabriele , Visetti Enrico , Tesler Ugo Filippo
Published: February 2020

Background Repeat surgery of the chronically dissected aorta following repair of a Type-A acute aortic dissection (AAD) still represents a challenge. The proposed surgical options are as follows: (1) staged procedure with elephant trunk (ET) technique, (2) traditional frozen elephant trunk (FET) intervention, and (3) beating heart cerebral vessel debranching followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, a marked enlargement of the proximal descending thoracic aorta might make it difficult to perform FET/ET intervention. Furthermore, because in conventional surgery for AAD, a prosthetic graft replacement is generally limited to the ascending aorta, and in repeat surgery, this short Dacron graft rarely provides enough room to allow a beating heart cerebral vessel debranching and obtaining a reliable landing zone for the implantation of a firmly anchored stent graft.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed all the five consecutive patients treated in our institution, between 2014 and 2017, for chronic aortic dissection after successful surgical treatment of acute Type-A aortic dissection with graft replacement limited to the ascending aorta. The five patients underwent repair utilizing a modified FET technique with total aortic arch and upper descending aorta exclusion without touching the native dissected aorta.

Results No early- or midterm mortality was observed. Mean time interval between the initial and the reoperative procedure was 26 months (range, 3–80 months). No patient had a minor/major neurologic event. Mean circulatory arrest time was 16 minutes (range, 11–25 minutes). Mean follow-up time was 22 months (range, 9–42 months).

Conclusions We report our initial experience with a modified FET technique realized by anastomosing the stent graft with the previously implanted ascending aortic graft in Hishimaru's zone 0 and by rerouting all cerebral vessels without “touching” the native chronically dissected aorta. A larger number of patients and a longer follow-up will be required to confirm these initial encouraging results.
Medial-Sided Injuries in the Multiple Ligament Knee Injury
Authors: Moatshe Gilbert , Vap Alexander R. , Getgood Alan , LaPrade Robert F. , Engebretsen Lars
Published: February 2020

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are complex and challenging to treat. The posteromedial corner (PMC) structures are commonly torn in MLKI. A thorough and systematic evaluation is imperative to avoid a missed diagnosis and for planning treatment. With several structures injured, the treatment method (operative vs. nonoperative, repair vs. reconstruction), availability of allografts, timing of surgery, and rehabilitation are some of the factors that have to be considered in the decision-making. Persistent valgus instability because of untreated or not healed medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears will increase graft forces on the cruciate ligament grafts, thus increasing the risk of reconstruction graft failure. In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature on the anatomy and biomechanics of the medial structures that has aided in the development of biomechanically and clinically validated anatomic PMC reconstructions. Despite good healing potential of the MCL, in MLKI, surgical treatment is recommended for grade III PMC injuries to aid early rehabilitation and reduce the risk of surgical failure. Several studies have reported satisfactory outcomes after surgical treatment of MLKI involving the medial side. Early functional rehabilitation is imperative to reduce the risk of arthrofibrosis.
Aseptic Loosening of Porous Metaphyseal Sleeves and Tantalum Cones in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roach Ryan P. , Clair Andrew J. , Behery Omar A. , Thakkar Savyasachi C. , Iorio Richard , Deshmukh Ajit J.
Published: February 2020

Bone loss often complicates revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Management of metaphyseal defects varies, with no clearly superior technique. Two commonly utilized options for metaphyseal defect management include porous-coated metaphyseal sleeves and tantalum cones. A systematic review was conducted according to the international Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We combined search terms “Total knee arthroplasty” AND/OR “Sleeve,” “Cone” as either keywords or medical subject heading (MeSH) terms in multiple databases according to PRISMA recommendations. All retrieved articles were reviewed and assessed using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 27 studies (12 sleeves and 15 cones) of revision TKAs were included. In the 12 studies on sleeve implantation in revision TKAs, 1,617 sleeves were implanted in 1,133 revision TKAs in 1,025 patients. The overall rate of reoperation was 110/1,133 (9.7%) and the total rate of aseptic loosening per sleeve was 13/1,617 (0.8%). In the 15 studies on tantalum cone implantation in revision TKAs, 701 cones were implanted into 620 revision TKAs in 612 patients. The overall rate of reoperation was 116/620 (18.7%), and the overall rate of aseptic loosening per cone was 12/701 (1.7%). Rates of aseptic loosening of the two implants were found to be similar, while the rate of reoperation was nearly double in revision TKAs utilizing tantalum cones. Variability in the selected studies and the likely multifactorial nature of failure do not allow for any definitive conclusions to be made. This review elucidates the necessity for additional literature examining revision TKA implants.
The Effects of Tourniquet Application in Total Knee Arthroplasty on the Recovery of Thigh Muscle Strength and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ayik Omer , Demirel Mehmet , Birisik Fevzi , Ersen Ali , Balci Halil I. , Sahinkaya Turker , Batibay Sefa Giray , Ozturk Irfan
Published: February 2020

The present randomized controlled study aims to evaluate whether tourniquet application during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has an effect on (1) thigh muscle strength (quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength) and (2) clinical outcomes (postoperative knee range of motion [ROM], postoperative pain level, and Knee Society Score [KSS]). The effects of tourniquet application during TKA were investigated in 65 patients randomly allocated to one of two groups: TKA with a tourniquet and TKA without a tourniquet. Patients in both groups were comparable in terms of the demographic and clinical data (p > 0.05 for age, number of patients, sex, radiographic gonarthrosis grade, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification, and body mass index [BMI]). All patients in both groups were operated by the same surgeon using one type of prosthesis. Isokinetic muscle strength (peak torque and total work) of knee extensors (quadriceps) and flexors (hamstrings) was measured in Newton meters (Nm) using a CYBEX 350 isokinetic dynamometer (HUMAC/CYBEX 2009, Stoughton, MA). The combined KSS (knee score + function score), visual analog scale (VAS), and knee ROM were measured preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively to evaluate clinical outcomes. There were no significant differences between the two groups in preoperative and postoperative values of isokinetic muscle strength (peak torque and total work) and aforementioned clinical outcomes (p < 0.05). The present study has shown that quadriceps strength and clinical outcomes were not improved in the early postoperative period (3 months) when a tourniquet was not used during TKA.
New Biomarkers Used in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis-Related Pleural Effusions
Authors: Teke Turgut
Published: February 2020

Tuberculosis-related pleural effusion (TPE) is reported in 12 to 38% of thoracic tuberculosis (TB) cases in the pediatric population. In TPE, the pleural fluid bacilli load is very low, generally resulting in negative acid-fast bacill (AFB) staining and Mycobacterium culture. In the pleural fluid, AFB stain positivity is reported in <20%, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis positive culture in 18 to 38%. In childhood, this ratio is even lower. Also, pleural effusion (PE) mycobacterial culture gives late results (2–8 weeks). Therefore, TPE is diagnosed with pleura biopsy and pleural liquid examination. However, pleura biopsy is a more invasive operation and the diagnosis rates vary. The clinical and laboratory findings are not typical; it is very hard to distinguish between TPE and another cause of exudative PE. This situation makes it essential for research on reliable new biomarkers that can provide fast and accurate diagnosis of TPE. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity being above 40 to 50 U/L (despite varying depending on age) strongly suggests TPE. Other new biomarkers featured in TPE diagnosis are interferon-γ, cytokines, and nucleic acid multiplication tests. However, the results of ADA and other potential biomarkers shown to be beneficial in TPE diagnosis should always be interpreted with clinical and microbiological findings because no biomarker can provide information about M. tuberculosis culture and drug resistance. Especially in countries with high resistance against TB drugs, performing pleura biopsy, culture and drug resistance tests are important with regard to diagnosis and therapy planning.
Predictors of Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Goswami Ipsita , Guillot Mireille , Tam Emily W. Y.
Published: February 2020

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a manifestation of perinatal asphyxial insult that continues to evolve over days to weeks following the initial injury. Therapeutic hypothermia has demonstrated that a proportion of this secondary brain injury may indeed be preventable. However, therapeutic hypothermia has also altered the prognostic utility of many bedside tools that are commonly used as predictors of long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in HIE. Clinicians are often confronted with uncertainty when assessing the prognosis of infants with HIE. Improved understanding of the implications and limitations of individual investigations may inform clinical decisions and allow for timely intervention. This review summarizes the predictive value of currently available prognostic markers in HIE infants in the therapeutic hypothermia era, including clinical, biochemical, neurophysiological, physiological, and neuroimaging predictors.
ROLE OF MATERNAL ERYTHROCYTE ARGINASE ACTIVITY IN PREGNANCY – A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Shetty Sukanya , Rao Ashalatha V. , Bhandary Roopa
Published: February 2020

Introduction Arginase is an urea cycle enzyme which catalyzes the cleavage of L arginine to L- ornithine and urea. It is expressed in liver, erythrocyte, brain, kidney, mammary gland and intestine. The arginase activity detected in nonhepatic tissues that lacka complete set of urea cycle enzymes is thought to provide ornithine, the biosynthetic precursor of proline, an important constituent of collagen, andthe polyamines, which are important for cell proliferation.

Aim and objectives In the current study arginase level in maternal erythrocytes were determined to ascertain any possible role in pregnancy.

Study design The study group comprised of total 45 subjects including twenty non – pregnant women (mean age 31.0 ± 6.0 years) and twenty five pregnant women (mean age 29.6 ± 6.1 years) of gestational age between 28 – 38 weeks.

Results We found a significant increase in the level of maternal erythrocyte arginase (p 0.05) in pregnant women when compared to non – pregnant women.

Conclusion Our study suggests that the increased maternal erythrocyte arginase activity may have a role in fetal growth and development.
DEVELOPMENT OF GASTRO RETENTIVE FLOATING MATRIX TABLETS OF DILTIAZEM HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: Charyulu R. Narayana , Patil Amit B. , C.H Lakshmi Deepika , Prabhu Prabhakar , C.S Shastry
Published: February 2020

The objective of the present investigation was to formulate and evaluate hydrodynamically balanced floating matrix controlled drug delivery system of diltiazem hydrochloride. Floating matrix tablets are associated with advantages of increased bioavailability and minimizing the dosing frequency. Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker, an anti-hypertensive and anti-anginal drug, which undergoes extensive firstpass metabolism and display poor bioavailability. It has an elimination half-life of 3 to 4.5 h and an absorption zone from the upper intestinal tract. Gastric floating of diltiazem hydrochloride tablets results from effervescence produced by the reaction between sodium bicarbonate and hydrochloric acid in stomach. Seven formulations of floating tablets were prepared using direct compression technique with low viscosity polymer such as HPMC K100LV, high viscosity polymers such as HPMC K4M, K15M, and carbopol in different ratios. The evaluation results revealed that all formulations comply with the specification of official pharmacopoeias and/or standard reference with respect to general appearance, content uniformity, hardness, friability and buoyancy. Accelerated stability studies carried out at different temperatures, 27 ± 2 °C, 40 ± 2 °C and 7 ± 2 °C did show no changes in physicochemical properties at the end of 8 weeks indicating all the formulations are stable. Out of all the formulation developed, formulation F6 containing equal ratio of HPMC K4M and K100LV showed optimum floating time and in vitro drug 6 release of 82.19% at the end of 8 h. Thus it is summarized; high viscosity grade polymer HPMC K4M, low viscosity grade polymer HPMC K100LV and carbopol can be successfully used in formulation of sustained release gastro retentive floating drug delivery system.