bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ropivacaine Hydrochloride on the Expression of Type I Interferon and Its Receptor in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Wen Xianjie , Wu Zhaoxia , Lin Weidong , Li Yiqun , Wang Xiaoping
Published: September 2020

Nerve injury caused by local anesthetics is a hot issue that people pay close attention to, and its mechanism has not been fully clarified. Type I interferon (I-IFN) is an important factor in regulating inflammatory response. In this study, SH-SY5Y cells were injured by ropivacaine hydrochloride in vitro. The cell viability, apoptosis rate, mRNA and protein expression of I-IFN and its receptor IFNAR, as well as the contents of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected to explore the correlation between I-IFN and neurotoxicity induced by ropivacaine hydrochloride. The results showed that after treated with ropivacaine hydrochloride, the cell viability was decreased, the apoptosis rate was increased, the mRNA and protein expressions of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were up-regulated, and the contents of inflammatory factors TNF - α, IL-6 and IL-10 were increased. These results suggest that type I interference and its receptor are associated with neurotoxicity of local anesthetics.
Studies on Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron, and Some Haematological Parameters of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Chemotherapy for 60 Days in Southeast, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi Obeagu, Emmanuel , Uzoma Obeagu, Getrude , Nonyelum Esimai, Bessie , Amaeze Amaeze, Augustine , Ngozi Amaeze, Florence , Stella Ekelozie, Ifeoma , Chukwu Odochi, Ogbu
Published: September 2020

A study to evaluate the levels of interferon-gamma, interleukins 6 and 10, hepcidin, iron status and some haematological parameters in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus was carried out. A total of 2000 subjects aged 18-60 years were enlisted for this study. The subjects were grouped into: Group A (100 PTB-HIV subjects on baseline) and Group B (100 PTB-HIV subjects on treatment for 60 days). About 7ml of venous blood were collected from each subject; 4.5 ml of blood were placed into plain tubes for assay of interferon gamma, interleukins (6 &10), hepcidin and iron and 2.5 ml for FBC, CD4 count and HIV screening. The cytokines and hepcidin were measured using Melsin ELISA Kits and Teco Diagnostics kits used for iron. Full blood count was determined by automation using Mindray BC-5300, China. The data was analysed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 using ANOVA and the level of significance set at P<0.05. The results showed significant difference in IFN-γ (P=0.000), IL-6 (P=0.000) IL-10 (P=0.000), hepcidin (P=0.000), Iron (P=0.004), TIBC (P=0.000), WBC (P=0.029), Neutrophils (P=0.011), Lymphocyes (P=0.000), Monocytes (P=0.000), Basophil (P=0.013), RBC (P=0.000), Haemoglobin (P=0.000), PCV (P=0.000), MCV (P=0.029), MCH (P=0.000), MCHC (P=0.000), Platelets (P=0.000), ESR (P=0.000) and no significant difference in CD4 (P=0.966), %TSA  (P=0.998) and Eos (P=0.052) when compared among PTB-HIV on baseline and 60 days on treatment respectively. The study shows that interferon gamma, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 and hepcidin are adjuncts to some of the biomarkers in the pathogenesis of pulmonary TB and HIV infection. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as prognostic and diagnostic markers as their levels decreased with i60 days of treatment of the patients.The haemtological parameters like haemoglobin, RBC and PCV increased significantly within 60 days of treatment showing improvement in health status of the patients.
A Novel Hybrid Silk Fibroin/Polyurethane Arteriovenous Graft for Hemodialysis: Proof‐of‐Concept Animal Study in an Ovine Model
Authors: Riboldi Stefania Adele , Tozzi Matteo , Bagardi Mara , Ravasio Giuliano , Cigalino Giorgio , Crippa Luca , Piccolo Solange , Nahal Amal , Spandri Mattia , Catto Valentina , Tironi Matteo , Greco Francesco Giovanni , Remuzzi Andrea , Acocella Fabio
Published: September 2020

To solve the problem of vascular access failure, a novel semi‐degradable hybrid vascular graft, manufactured by electrospinning using silk fibroin and polyurethane (Silkothane), has been previously developed and characterized in vitro. This proof‐of‐concept animal study aims at evaluating the performances of Silkothane grafts in a sheep model of arteriovenous shunt, in terms of patency and short‐term remodeling. Nine Silkothane grafts are implanted between the common carotid artery and the external jugular vein of nine sheep, examined by palpation three times per week, by echo‐color Doppler every two weeks, and euthanized at 30, 60, and 90 days (N = 3 per group). At sacrifice, grafts are harvested and submitted for histopathology and/or scanning electron microcopy (SEM). No cases of graft‐related complications are recorded. Eight of nine sheep (89%) show 100% primary unassisted patency at the respective time of sacrifice (flow rate 1.76 ± 0.61 L min−1, one case of surgery‐related thrombosis excluded). Histopathology and SEM analysis evidence signs of inflammation and pseudointima inside the graft lumen, especially at the venous anastomosis; however, endoluminal stenosis never impairs the functionality of the shunt and coverage by endothelial cells is observed. In this model, Silkothane grafts grant safety and 100% patency up to 90 days.
Bioinspired Strategy for HMX@hBNNS Dual Shell Energetic Composites with Enhanced Desensitization and Improved Thermal Property
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Gao Zhenguo , Jia Qian , Liu Ning , Yao Junyan , Zhang Jiaoqiang , Kou Kaichang
Published: September 2020

To explore the new energetic candidate with high energy and low sensitivity, hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (hBNNS) are first introduced into the field of energetic materials with a bioinspired strategy, and a novel core@dual shell energetic composite is constructed with 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane (HMX) as core, adhesive polydopamine (PDA) as inner shell and hBNNS as exterior shell. The composites are analyzed by several methods to in‐depth investigate the core@dual shell structure and its influence on the performance of energetic crystal. These results indicate adhesive PDA is a crucial bridge between HMX and low contents of hBNNS in core@dual shell structure, and the adhesive PDA is a crucial bridge between the HMX and hBNNS. The coating does not affect the chemical structure and polymorph of HMX. The PDA can stabilize the polymorph of HMX, and hBNNS can increase the thermal stability of HMX. The nonisothermal analysis further shows HMX@PDA@hBNNS composites exhibit better thermal stability than that of HMX and HMX@PDA by increasing the apparent activation energy. Furthermore, the coated PDA and hBNNS can reduce the impact and friction sensitivities significantly, precisely because of the buffering effect of “soft” hBNNS and isolation effect of dual shell.
Reversible Doping and Photo Patterning of Polymer Nanowires
Authors: Bedolla‐Valdez Zaira I. , Xiao Rui , Cendra Camila , Fergerson Alice S. , Chen Zekun , Gonel Goktug , Salleo Alberto , Yu Dong , Moulé Adam J.
Published: September 2020

Recent development of dopant induced solubility control (DISC) patterning of polymer semiconductors has enabled direct‐write optical patterning of poly‐3‐hexylthiophene (P3HT) with diffraction limited resolution. Here, the optical DISC patterning technique to the most simple circuit element, a wire, is applied. Optical patterning of P3HT and P3HT doped with the molecular dopant 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) wires with dimensions of 20–70 nm thickness, 200–900 nm width, and 40 μm length is demonstrated. In addition, optical patterning of wire patterns like “L” bends and “T” junctions without changing the diameter or thickness of the wires at the junctions is demonstrated. The wires themselves show up to 0.034 S cm‐1 conductance when sequentially doped. It is also demonstrated that a P3HT nanowire can be doped, de‐doped, and re‐doped from solution without changing the dimension of the wire. The combined abilities to optically pattern and reversibly dope a polymer semiconductor represents a full suite of patterning steps equivalent to photolithography for inorganic semiconductors.
Evaluation of the body adiposity index against dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for assessing body composition in children and adolescents
Authors: de Macêdo Cesário Tatianny , de Almeida‐Neto Paulo Francisco , de Matos Dihogo Gama , Wells Jonathan , Aidar Felipe J. , de Araújo Tinôco Cabral Breno Guilherme
Published: September 2020

Background

It is important to clarify the association of lean and fat mass between children and adolescents considering the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in this age group. The aim of this study was to verify the association between the body adiposity index (BAI) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) methods for analyzing body composition, as well as analyzing the validity of BAI to verify the percentage of fat in children and adolescents.

Methods

The sample was composed of 106 children and adolescents, 44 females (age: 11.5 ± 1.8 years) and 62 evils (13.6 ± 2.6 years). The body fat (%F) was measured using DXA and the doubly indirect BAI body fat estimation technique.

Results

The BAI and DXA estimates of %F were strongly correlated (boys: r = .71, P < .0001; girls: r = .72, P < .0001). The linear regression analyses showed that BAI is significant to estimate the %F in total sample (P < .0001). For boys, the %F analyzes performed by BAI and DXA did not show any differences when compared (P = .2). In addition, BAI pointed out a significant proportion bias for both sexes (P < .0001), which suggests its inefficiency in the analysis of %F.

Conclusions

BAI and DXA correlate; however, there is low reliability and a high proportion bias for the analysis of %F by BAI.
Envisioning the future of work to safeguard the safety, health, and well‐being of the workforce: A perspective from the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Authors: Tamers Sara L. , Streit Jessica , Pana‐Cryan Rene , Ray Tapas , Syron Laura , Flynn Michael A. , Castillo Dawn , Roth Gary , Geraci Charles , Guerin Rebecca , Schulte Paul , Henn Scott , Chang Chia‐Chia , Felknor Sarah , Howard John
Published: September 2020

The future of work embodies changes to the workplace, work, and workforce, which require additional occupational safety and health (OSH) stakeholder attention. Examples include workplace developments in organizational design, technological job displacement, and work arrangements; work advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and technologies; and workforce changes in demographics, economic security, and skills. This paper presents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Future of Work Initiative; suggests an integrated approach to address worker safety, health, and well‐being; introduces priority topics and subtopics that confer a framework for upcoming future of work research directions and resultant practical applications; and discusses preliminary next steps. All future of work issues impact one another. Future of work transformations are contingent upon each of the standalone factors discussed in this paper and their combined effects. Occupational safety and health stakeholders are becoming more aware of the significance and necessity of these factors for the workplace, work, and workforce to flourish, merely survive, or disappear altogether as the future evolves. The future of work offers numerous opportunities, while also presenting critical but not clearly understood difficulties, exposures, and hazards. It is the responsibility of OSH researchers and other partners to understand the implications of future of work scenarios to translate effective interventions into practice for employers safeguarding the safety, health, and well‐being of their workers.
Evidence of pathogenicity for the leaky splice variant c.1066‐6T>G in ATM
Authors: Schröder Simone , Wieland Britta , Ohlenbusch Andreas , Yigit Gökhan , Altmüller Janine , Boltshauser Eugen , Dörk Thilo , Brockmann Knut
Published: September 2020

Mild clinical phenotypes of ataxia‐telangiectasia (variant A‐T) are associated with biallelic ATM variants resulting in residual function of the ATM kinase. At least one regulatory, missense, or leaky splice site mutation resulting in expression of ATM with low level kinase activity was identified in subjects with variant A‐T. Studies on the pathogenicity of the germline splicing ATM variant c.1066‐6T>G have provided conflicting results. Using whole‐exome sequencing, we identified two splice site ATM variants, c.1066‐6T>G; [p.?], and c.2250G>A, [p.Ile709_Lys750del], in a compound heterozygous state in a 27‐year‐old woman who had been diagnosed as having congenital ocular motor apraxia type Cogan in her childhood. Reappraisal of her clinical phenotype revealed consistency with variant A‐T. Functional analyses showed reduced expression of ATM protein and residual activity of the ATM kinase at a level consistent with variant A‐T. Our results provide evidence for pathogenicity of the leaky ATM splice site variant c.1066‐6T>G.
Preliminary results of posterior contralateral cervical 7 nerve transposition in the treatment of upper limb plegia after a stroke
Authors: Guan Jingyu , Lin Jun , Guan Xueqing , Jin Qiang , Chen Lei , Shan Qiao , Wu Jianheng , Cai Xiaodong , Zhang Doudou , Tao Wei , Chen Fuyong , Chen Yili , Yang Shaofeng , Fan Youwu , Wu Heming , Zhang Han
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to explore a shorter and safer contralateral C7 transposition pathway for the treatment of central upper limb paralysis.

Methods

From July 2018 to March 2019, 10 patients with central upper limb paralysis underwent posterior cervical 7 nerve transposition. The age of these patients ranged within 31–58 years old (average: 44 years old). These patients comprised of eight male patients and two female patients. Nine patients had cerebral hemorrhage, and one patient had a cerebral infarction. Furthermore, nine patients presented with spastic paralysis of the upper limbs and one patient presented with nonspastic paralysis. The duration of plegia before the operation ranged from 6 to 60 months (average: 26 months). The surgical procedure included transposition of the contralateral cervical 7 nerve root via a posterior vertebral approach under general anesthesia, and the distal part of the contralateral cervical 7 nerve was anastomosed with the proximal part of the ipsilateral cervical 7 nerve.

Results

The length of the contralateral cervical 7 nerve was 5.16 ± 0.21 cm, which was directly anastomosed with the ipsilateral cervical 7 nerve. Neither case needed nerve transplantation. Most patients had temporary numbness in their healthy fingers, which all disappeared within three months. Up to now, the follow‐up results are as follows: The spasticity of the affected upper limbs in five patients is lower than that before the operation, the pain and temperature sensation of the affected upper limbs in six patients are better than before the operation.

Conclusion

The distance of nerve transposition can be shortened by a posterior vertebral approach operation, where the contralateral C7 nerve can be anastomosed directly with the ipsilateral C7 nerve which may be effective for nerve regeneration and functional recovery. However, this conclusion still needs further research and verification.
DICER1 gene alterations in thyroid diseases
Authors: Nosé Vania
Published: September 2020

In this issue of Cancer Cytopathology, Darbinyan et al describe their experience with the cytomorphological features of lesions in patients with DICER1 mutations. The identification of DICER1 mutation in thyroid cytology is of crucial importance, particularly in pediatric patients, because it serves as a screening tool in patients with thyroid nodules and in the evaluation of the possibility of the thyroid findings be associated with DICER1 syndrome.
Circulating tumor HPV DNA complements PET‐CT in guiding management after radiotherapy in HPV‐related squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Takemoto Norihiko , Horie Masafumi , Takai Erina , Fukusumi Takahito , Suzuki Motoyuki , Eguchi Hirotaka , Komukai Sho , Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Isohashi Fumiaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Yachida Shinichi , Inohara Hidenori
Published: September 2020

Positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET‐CT) is widely used to assess the response to radiotherapy. However, the ability of PET‐CT to predict treatment failure in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is unsatisfactory. We quantified circulating tumor HPV type16 DNA (ctHPV16DNA) using optimized droplet digital PCR in 35 patients with HPV16‐related HNSCC, who received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, and prospectively correlated ctHPV16DNA and metabolic response with treatment failure. After a median follow‐up of 21 months, ctHPV16DNA and PET‐CT had similar negative predictive values (89.7% vs 84.0%), whereas the positive predictive value was much higher in ctHPV16DNA than in PET‐CT (100% vs 50.0%). Notably, six patients who had detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA all had treatment failure irrespective of metabolic response, whereas none of five patients who had partial metabolic response without detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA had treatment failure. The risk of treatment failure was high in patients who had incomplete metabolic response with detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA (hazard ratio [HR], 138.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.5‐3366.4; P < .0001) and intermediate in patients who had discordant results between metabolic response and posttreatment ctHPV16DNA (HR, 4.7; 95% CI, 0.8‐36.2, P = .09) as compared with patients who had complete metabolic response without detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA. One‐year event‐free survival rates of each risk group were 0%, 88% (95% CI, 46‐98) and 95% (95% CI, 72‐99), respectively (P < .0001). In conclusion, posttreatment ctHPV16DNA complements PET‐CT and helps guide decisions managing patients with HPV16‐related HNSCC after radiotherapy.
Exploration of continuous‐flow benchtop NMR acquisition parameters and considerations for reaction monitoring
Authors: Maschmeyer Tristan , Prieto Paloma L. , Grunert Shad , Hein Jason E.
Published: September 2020

This study focused on fundamental data acquisition parameter selection for a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system with continuous flow, applicable for reaction monitoring. The effect of flow rate on the mixing behaviors within a flow cell was observed, along with an exponential decay relationship between flow rate and the apparent spin–lattice relaxation time (T1*) of benzaldehyde. We also monitored sensitivity (as determined by signal‐to‐noise ratios; SNRs) under various flow rates, analyte concentrations, and temperatures of the analyte flask. Results suggest that a maximum SNR can be achieved with low to medium flow rates and higher analyte concentrations. This was consistent with data collected with parameters that promote either slow or fast data acquisition. We further consider the effect of these conditions on the analyte's residence time, T1*, and magnetic field inhomogeneity that is a product of continuous flow. Altogether, our results demonstrate how fundamental acquisition parameters can be manipulated to achieve optimal data acquisition in continuous‐flow NMR systems.
VIVA (vinorelbine, ifosfamide, vincristine, actinomycin‐D): A new regimen in the armamentarium of systemic therapy for high‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Chiaravalli Stefano , Zecca Marco , Recupero Santina , Pascale Silvia , Bergamaschi Luca , Casanova Michela
Published: September 2020

The study reports the treatment feasibility, and secondly efficacy, of a novel chemotherapy regimen, which adds vinorelbine to the ifosfamide‐vincristine‐actinomycin‐D combination (VIVA regimen), used in four patients with high‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma. All patients received nine cycles of the VIVA regimen followed by maintenance chemotherapy with vinorelbine and cyclophosphamide. All patients experienced significant hematological toxicity, but no other major complications (in particular neurotoxicity) or required treatment dose modifications. We observed a major response after three cycles in all patients, and they remained alive after a median follow up of 11 months from diagnosis.
Localization effect on Rényi complexity of Kratzer potential in the presence of Aharonov‐Bohm field
Authors: Ghosh Piu , Nath Debraj
Published: September 2020

Exact wave functions are obtained for noncentral Kratzer potential in the presence of Aharonov‐Bohm flux field in terms of associate Laguerre and Jacobi polynomials. The exact form of Rényi entropy and generalized Rényi complexity are determined for positive integral order and , respectively. The narrowest confined and widest spread radial wave functions dominate the localization property of rotational wave functions for the optimum measure of Rényi entropy. The minimum and the maximum values of the Rényi entropy are found for the narrowest confined and widest spread radial wave functions, respectively. Conversely, the narrowest confined and widest spread rotational wave functions dominate the localization property of radial wave functions for the optimum measure of the generalized Rényi and shape Rényi complexities. If the generalized Rényi and shape Rényi complexities are minimum for the narrowest confined rotational wave function, then they will be maximum for the widest spread rotational wave function and vice versa.
Power sector analysis of the BBIN sub‐region with a spatially disaggregated dynamic power generation mix model
Authors: Gyanwali Khem , Komiyama Ryoichi , Fujii Yasumasa
Published: September 2020

This study evaluates the optimal expansion of the electricity sector of the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal) sub‐region with a detailed analysis of unevenly distributed resources and electricity demand, by developing a multi‐regional dynamic power sector optimization model, characterized by 27 nodes, 45 fuel transport lines, and 63 transmission lines in hourly temporal resolution. Scenarios developed in this paper assess the impact of 2 °C Paris agreement on production, transportation, and consumption of indigenous resources like coal and gas, the share of renewables and nuclear in the power generation mix, the utilization of huge untapped hydro resources through an expansion of cross‐border transmission lines. The simulation results show that hydro, wind, nuclear, and PV will be the dominant power sources, thus reducing the current share of coal, under carbon regulation scenario. The requirements of PV exceed its estimated commercially exploitable potential in most of the nodes in the nuclear‐restricted scenario. Expanding cross‐border transmission capacity will be an effective way to exploit untapped hydro resources so that Bangladesh and India can import power from Bhutan and Nepal. Although there is a slight increase in coal demand in the future, capacity expansion of fuel networks is not economical under adopted emission levels. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Constraining the gauge and scalar sectors of the doublet left-right symmetric model
Authors: Bernard Véronique , Descotes-Genon Sébastien , Silva Luiz Vale
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We consider a left-right symmetric extension of the Standard Model where the spontaneous breakdown of the left-right symmetry is triggered by doublets. The electroweak ρ parameter is protected from large corrections in this Doublet Left-Right Model (DLRM), contrary to the triplet case. This allows in principle for more diverse patterns of symmetry breaking. We consider several constraints on the gauge and scalar sectors of DLRM: the unitarity of scattering processes involving gauge bosons with longitudinal polarisations, the radiative corrections to the muon ∆r parameter and the electroweak precision observables measured at the Z pole and at low energies. Combining these constraints within the frequentist CKMfitter approach, we see that the fit pushes the scale of left-right symmetry breaking up to a few TeV, while favouring an electroweak symmetry breaking triggered not only by the SU(2)L×SU(2)R bi-doublet, which is the case most commonly considered in the literature, but also by the SU(2)L doublet.
Classification of topological phases with finite internal symmetries in all dimensions
Authors: Kong Liang , Lan Tian , Wen Xiao-Gang , Zhang Zhi-Hao , Zheng Hao
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We develop a mathematical theory of symmetry protected trivial (SPT) orders and anomaly-free symmetry enriched topological (SET) orders in all dimensions via two different approaches with an emphasis on the second approach. The first approach is to gauge the symmetry in the same dimension by adding topological excitations as it was done in the 2d case, in which the gauging process is mathematically described by the minimal modular extensions of unitary braided fusion 1-categories. This 2d result immediately generalizes to all dimensions except in 1d, which is treated with special care. The second approach is to use the 1-dimensional higher bulk of the SPT/SET order and the boundary-bulk relation. This approach also leads us to a precise mathematical description and a classification of SPT/SET orders in all dimensions. The equivalence of these two approaches, together with known physical results, provides us with many precise mathematical predictions.
Eosinophiles anuläres Erythem bei einem 20 Monate alten Mädchen
Authors: Paulitschke Verena , Tittes Julia , Tanew Adrian , Radakovic Sonja
Published: September 2020

Wir berichten über ein 20 Monate altes Mädchen mit teils anulären, urtikariellen Hautveränderungen am gesamten Integument, die bis zu 1 Woche persistierten und dann an neuen Stellen auftraten. Die histologische Aufarbeitung zeigte ein urtikarielles Entzündungsmuster mit interstitiellem Ödem und einem Infiltrat mit Lymphozyten, Neutrophilen und vielen eosinophilen Granulozyten ohne Flammenfiguren. Das Labor war unauffällig. In Zusammenschau stellten wir die Diagnose eines eosinophilen anulären Erythems (EAE) im Kindesalter, das zu den eosinophilen Dermatosen zählt.
Stellenwert der operativen Behandlung thorakolumbaler Wirbelkörperfrakturen für die Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit alterstraumatologischer Patienten
Authors: Wiedl Andreas , Förch Stefan , Fenwick Annabel , Mayr Edgar
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Osteoporotische Wirbelkörperfrakturen sind eine häufige Verletzung alter Menschen, deren optimale Behandlung (konservativ oder operativ) diskutiert wird.

Die Literatur beschreibt nach Wirbelkörperaugmentationen geringere Mortalitäten als nach konservativer Therapie. Ob eine positive Korrelation des operativen Vorgehens mit dem Überleben nach oben genannten Verletzungen besteht, soll im eigenen alterstraumatologischen Patientenkollektiv überprüft werden.

Methodik

Es erfolgte die Erfassung aller Patienten, die mit einer osteoporotischen Wirbelkörperfraktur vom 01.02.2014 bis 31.01.2015 auf einer alterstraumatologischen Station behandelt wurden. Im Rahmen eines 2‑Jahres-Follow-up wurden diese auf die assoziierte Sterblichkeit untersucht, wobei insbesondere der Einfluss der Therapie untersucht wurde.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt konnten 74 Patienten (Rücklauf 74 %) mit einem durchschnittlichen Alter von 83,2 Jahren eingeschlossen werden, davon wurden 40 konservativ und 34 operativ versorgt. Die gesamte Ein- und Zweijahresmortalität betrugen 29,7 % bzw. 35,1 %, nach operativer Versorgung 20,6 % bzw. 23,5 % und nach konservativer Therapie 37,5 % bzw. 45 % (p = 0,113 bzw. 0,086, Chi-Quadrat-Test). Die um Störfaktoren bereinigte „hazard ratio“ betrug 2,0 (95 %-KI: 0,686–6,100)

Diskussion

Auch wenn möglicherweise wegen der eher geringen Fallzahl kein signifikantes Ergebnis nachgewiesen werden konnte, zeigen die Analysen eine Tendenz des verbesserten Überlebens nach operativem Vorgehen. Dies steht im Einklang mit internationalen Studien. Bestehende Untersuchungen lassen vermuten, dass die Reduktion der Kyphosierung durch die Operation einen wichtigen kausalen Zusammenhang darstellen könnte.
Comparing extended versus standard time window for thrombectomy: caseload, patient characteristics, treatment rates and outcomes—a prospective single-centre study
Authors: Gunda Bence , Sipos Ildikó , Stang Rita , Böjti Péter , Dobronyi Levente , Takács Tímea , Berényi Tamás , Futácsi Balázs , Barsi Péter , Rudas Gábor , Kis Balázs , Szikora István , Bereczki Dániel
Published: September 2020

Purpose

New guidelines recommend thrombectomy up to 24 h in selected patients; however, the workload and benefit of extending time window are not known. We conducted a prospective single-centre study to determine the caseload, imaging and interventional need of extended time window.

Methods

All consecutive ischemic stroke patients within 24 h from onset in an 11-month period were included. Thrombectomy eligibility in the 0–6 h time window was based on current guidelines; in the 6–24 h time window, it was based on a combination of DEFUSE 3 and DAWN study criteria using MRI to identify target mismatch. Clinical outcome in treated patients was assessed at 3 months.

Results

Within 24 h of onset, 437 patients were admitted. In the 0–6 h time window, 238 patients (54.5%) arrived of whom 221 (92.9%) underwent CTA or MRA, 82 (34.5%) had large vessel occlusion (LVO), 30 (12.6%) had thrombectomy and 11 (36.6%) became independent (mRS ≤ 2). In the extended 6–24 h time window, 199 patients (45.5%) arrived of whom 127 (63.8%) underwent CTA or MRA, 44 (22.1%) had LVO, 8 (4%) had thrombectomy and 4 (50%) became independent.

Conclusion

Extending the time window from 6 to 24 h results in a 26.7% increase in patients receiving thrombectomy and a 36.4% increase of independent clinical outcome in treated patients at the price of a significantly increased burden of clinical and imaging screening due to the similar caseload but a smaller proportion of treatment eligible patients in the extended as compared with the standard time window.
Zinc distribution within breast cancer tissue of different intrinsic subtypes
Authors: Rusch Peter , Hirner Alfred V. , Schmitz Oliver , Kimmig Rainer , Hoffmann Oliver , Diel Maxim
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To show feasibility of laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) for analysis of zinc content and concentration in breast cancer tissue and to correlate this with validated prognostic and predictive markers, i.e. histological grading and expression of steroid receptors (estrogen receptor, ER; progesterone receptor, PR) and human epidermal growth-factor receptor 2 (Her2).

Methods

28 samples of human invasive ductal breast cancer tissue were subclassified into groups of four different intrinsic subtypes according to the expression of ER, PR and Her2 by immunohistological staining and then analyzed for zinc content and distribution by LA-ICPMS applying a calibration technique based on spiked polyacrylamide gels. A correlation of zinc concentration with histological grading and molecular subtypes was analyzed.

Results

Consistent with results of a pilot-study LA-ICPMS was feasible to show zinc accumulation in cancerous tissue, even more adjacent healthy stroma was with proportional increase of zinc. Zinc levels were most elevated in triple-positive (TPBC) and in triple-negative (TNB) breast cancers.

Conclusion

LA-ICPMS was feasible to confirm a connection between zinc and grade of malignancy; furthermore, focusing on a correlation of zinc and intrinsic breast cancer subtypes, LA-ICPMS depicted an upwards trend of zinc for “high-risk-cancers” with highest levels in Her2-positive and in triple-negative (TNBC) disease. The currently uncommon alliance of clinicians and analytical chemists in basic research is most promising to exploit the full potential of diagnostic accuracy in the efforts to solve the enigma of breast cancer initiation and course of disease.
Virtual reality experiences promote autobiographical retrieval mechanisms: Electrophysiological correlates of laboratory and virtual experiences
Authors: Kisker Joanna , Gruber Thomas , Schöne Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Recent advancements in memory research indicate that virtual reality (VR) experiences are more vividly memorized as compared to conventional laboratory events. In contrast to the latter, VR experiences are highly immersive, simulating the multimodality, vividness and inclusiveness of real-life experiences. Therefore, VR might enable researchers to identify memory processes underlying events which participants have actually experienced, in contrast to conventional on-screen experiences. To differentiate the electrophysiological correlates of memory processes underlying VR experiences as compared to conventional laboratory experiences, participants watched videos either in a PC condition or in a VR condition, followed by an unannounced recognition memory test. As hypothesized, we replicated the well-established theta old/new effect for the PC condition, but remarkably, this effect was absent in the VR condition. Additionally, the latter was accompanied by significantly lower alpha activity as compared to the PC condition. As increases in theta-band responses are related to top-down control on, and memory load during retrieval, the observed theta responses might rather relate to retrieval effort than to retrieval success per se. Congruently, higher alpha activity measured over occipital sensor areas in the PC condition reflect visually guided search processes within episodic memory. The VR condition comes in with lower alpha activity, reflecting immediate and effortless memory access. Hence, our findings indicate that the retrieval of VR experiences promotes autobiographical  retrieval mechanisms, whereas recalling conventional laboratory events comes in with higher effort, which might not reflect the mechanisms of everyday memory.
Diagnostic reliability of the Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms—usability in a series of only giant aneurysms
Authors: Wessels Lars , Fekonja Lucius Samo , Achberger Johannes , Dengler Julius , Czabanka Marcus , Hecht Nils , Schneider Ulf , Tkatschenko Dimitri , Schebesch Karl-Michael , Schmidt Nils Ole , Mielke Dorothee , Hosch Henning , Ganslandt Oliver , Gräwe Alexander , Hong Bujung , Walter Jan , Güresir Erdem , Bijlenga Philippe , Haemmerli Julien , Maldaner Nicolai , Marbacher Serge , Nurminen Ville , Zitek Hynek , Dammers Ruben , Kato Naoki , Linfante Italo , Pedro Maria-Teresa , Wrede Karsten , Wang Wei-Te , Wostrack Maria , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: September 2020

Background and objective

The main challenge of bypass surgery of complex MCA aneurysms is not the selection of the bypass type but the initial decision-making of how to exclude the affected vessel segment from circulation. To this end, we have previously proposed a classification for complex MCA aneurysms based on the preoperative angiography. The current study aimed to validate this new classification and assess its diagnostic reliability using the giant aneurysm registry as an independent data set.

Methods

We reviewed the pretreatment neuroimaging of 51 patients with giant (> 2.5 cm) MCA aneurysms from 18 centers, prospectively entered into the international giant aneurysm registry. We classified the aneurysms according to our previously proposed Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms. To test for interrater diagnostic reliability, the data set was reviewed by four independent observers.

Results

We were able to classify all 51 aneurysms according to the Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms. Eight percent of the aneurysm were classified as type 1a, 14% as type 1b, 14% as type 2a, 24% as type 2b, 33% as type 2c, and 8% as type 3. The interrater reliability was moderate with Fleiss’s Kappa of 0.419.

Conclusion

The recently published Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms showed diagnostic reliability, independent of the observer when applied to the MCA aneurysms of the international giant aneurysm registry.
A brief history and spectroscopic analysis of soy isoflavones
Authors: Jung Young Sung , Rha Chan-Su , Baik Moo-Yeol , Baek Nam-In , Kim Dae-Ok
Published: September 2020

The production of soybean continues to increase worldwide. People are showing more interest in the beneficial health effects of soybeans than before. However, the origin and history of soybeans are still being discussed among many researchers. Chromatographic methods enable the desirable separation of a variety of isoflavones from soybeans. The structures of isolated soy isoflavones have been successfully identified in tandem with spectroscopic analytical instruments and technologies such as liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The theoretical background behind spectroscopy may help improve the understanding for the analysis of isoflavones in soybeans and soy-derived foods. This review covers the origin of the English name of soybean and its scientific name, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, based on the evidence reported to date. Moreover, the reports of soy isoflavones discovered over a period of about 100 years have been briefly reviewed.
What Role Can Trained Volunteers Add to Chronic Disease Care of Immigrants?
Authors: Rosenberg Ellen , Carver Tamara , Mamishi Nina , Bartlett Gillian
Published: September 2020

To help primary care teams improve patient-centered care, we elicited health and life goals of immigrants with a chronic disease. We conducted an exploratory study of the (1) acceptability of home visits by volunteers to collect health information and (2) content of health and life goals within a primary care program for immigrants with chronic disease. Pairs of trained community volunteers visited 23 patients in their homes and asked them to identify three life goals and three health goals. We conducted content analyses of written notes. Health goals were related to disease prevention and symptom control, family well-being, own quality of life, own or family members’ work and/or financial situation. Life goals concerned family well-being, their own quality of life, work/financial situation and health. Given the limited time health professionals have with their patients, trained community volunteers could be important members of primary care teams caring for immigrants.
Vision models fine-tuned by cinema professionals for High Dynamic Range imaging in movies
Authors: Cyriac Praveen , Canham Trevor , Kane David , Bertalmío Marcelo
Published: September 2020

Many challenges that deal with processing of HDR material remain very much open for the film industry, whose extremely demanding quality standards are not met by existing automatic methods. Therefore, when dealing with HDR content, substantial work by very skilled technicians has to be carried out at every step of the movie production chain. Based on recent findings and models from vision science, we propose in this work effective tone mapping and inverse tone mapping algorithms for production, post-production and exhibition. These methods are automatic and real-time, and they have been both fine-tuned and validated by cinema professionals, with psychophysical tests demonstrating that the proposed algorithms outperform both the academic and industrial state-of-the-art. We believe these methods bring the field closer to having fully automated solutions for important challenges for the cinema industry that are currently solved manually or sub-optimally. Another contribution of our research is to highlight the limitations of existing image quality metrics when applied to the tone mapping problem, as none of them, including two state-of-the-art deep learning metrics for image perception, are able to predict the preferences of the observers.
An Optimal Approach for Land-Use / Land-Cover Mapping by Integration and Fusion of Multispectral Landsat OLI Images: Case Study in Baghdad, Iraq
Authors: Dibs Hayder , Hasab Hashim Ali , Al-Rifaie Jawad K. , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: September 2020

Using solely an optical remotely sensed dataset to obtain an accurate thematic map of land use and land cover (LU/LC) is a serious challenge. The dataset fusion of multispectral and panchromatic images play a big role and provide an accurate estimation of LU/LC map simply because using a dataset from different spectrum portions with different spatial and spectral characteristics will improve image classification. For this study, the Landsat operational land imager multispectral and panchromatic images were adopted. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using a panchromatic highly spatial resolution to refine the methodology for LU/LC mapping in Baghdad city, Iraq, by performing a comparison of classifications using different algorithms on multispectral and fused images. Different classification algorithms were employed to classify the data set; minimum distance (MD) and the maximum likelihood classifier (MLC). A suitable classification method was proposed to map LU/LC based on the outcome results. The result evaluation was conducted by applying a confusion matrix. An overall accuracy of a fused image using a principal component-based spectral sharpening algorithm and classified by the MLC classifier reveals the highest accurate results with an overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of 98.90% and 0.98, respectively. Results showed that the best methodology for LU/LC mapping of the study area is found from fusion of multispectral with panchromatic images via principal component-based spectral algorithm with MLC approach for classification.
Do earthworms (D. veneta) influence plant-available water in technogenic soil-like substrate from bricks and compost?
Authors: Ulrich Susanne , Willaredt Moreen , Nehls Thomas , van Schaik Loes
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Topsoil and peat are often taken from intact rural ecosystems to supply the urban demand for fertile soils and soil-like substrates. One way of reducing this exploitation is to recycle suitable urban wastes to produce Technosols and technogenic soil-like substrates. In this study, we investigate the role earthworms can play in impacting the hydraulic properties of such a soil-like substrate.

Materials and methods

In a 4-month microcosm experiment, the influence of the earthworm species D. veneta on the hydraulic properties of brick-compost mixture was examined. Of the ten boxes filled with ca. 11 dm3 of ground bricks (0.7 cm3 cm−3) and green waste compost (0.3 cm3 cm−3), five contained earthworms (W-boxes) and the remaining five were used as controls (C-boxes). The substrate was periodically irrigated and the weight of the boxes and of the drained water was monitored. At the same time, images were taken from the front of the boxes to quantify the activity of the earthworms by image analysis and soil aggregation was studied with micrographs. Before and after the experiment, water retention curves were determined from disturbed samples of the substrate using the simplified evaporation method.

Results and discussion

After 6 weeks, differences between the C- and the W-boxes were evident. Micrographs showed brick-compost aggregates only for the substrates processed by earthworms. The earthworm activity leads to reduced evaporation and an increased water content in the respective microcosms. The effect persists even after disturbing the substrate. The proportion of plant-available soil water is about 0.02 cm3 cm−3 higher for the substrate processed by earthworms (0.250 ± 0.009 cm3 cm−3) compared with the control (0.230 ± 0.008 cm3 cm−3).

Conclusions

This study shows that earthworms are capable of ingesting and processing crushed bricks together with compost. The earthworms produced aggregates which persisted after disturbance and had a positive influence on the water retention capacity of such a soil-like substrate constructed from waste.
Patient Perceptions of COVID-19-Related Surgical Delay: An Analysis of Patients Awaiting Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wilson Jacob M. , Schwartz Andrew M. , Grissom Helyn E. , Holmes Jeffrey S. , Farley Kevin X. , Bradbury Thomas L. , Guild George N.
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented delays in elective orthopedic surgery. Understanding patients' perceptions of the disruptions in care and their willingness to reengage the healthcare system are crucial to planning the resumption of elective care.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to elicit patient perceptions about delays in total joint arthroplasty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We identified a consecutive series of patients who experienced COVID-19-driven delays to scheduled total hip or knee arthroplasty at an urban, academic medical center in the Southeastern United States. A 20-item survey was administered via telephone. Answers were recorded and descriptive statistics were performed. A post hoc χ-square analysis compared characteristics and outlooks of patients who did and did not immediately desire surgery.

Results

Of 111 patients (64% of those identified) who met inclusion criteria and completed the survey, 96% said they felt that they were treated fairly and 90% said that the surgical delay was in their best interest; 68% reported emotional distress from the delay, but 45% reported a desire to wait longer for the pandemic to subside. Lower joint-function scores, higher pain levels, higher pain catastrophizing scores, and longer latency from personally deciding to pursue surgery were associated with the reported need for immediate surgery.

Conclusion

Overall, patients reported that they understood the need for elective surgical delays during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the psychological implications they reported were not negligible. Patient preference for immediate reengagement with the healthcare system was dichotomous, with many patients favoring precautionarily furthering the delay. Understanding these preferences will help optimize elective orthopedic care during unprecedented times.
Künstler in Corona-Zeiten
Authors: Möller Heidi , Rank Alina , Freese Jan
Published: September 2020

In unserem Corona-Stream geht es in diesem Heft um die existentiell mit am härtesten getroffene Gruppe der freien Künstler/innen. Der Diskurs geht der Frage nach, wie verarbeiten Menschen, die von einem Tag auf den anderen ohne Arbeit dastehen, diese Krise? Wie sieht ihr inneres Erleben aus und welche Antworten finden sie auf die Herausforderungen der Pandemie?
Additive surface texturing of cutting tools using pulsed laser implantation with hard ceramic particles
Authors: Böhm S. , Ahsan A. , Kröger J. , Witte J.
Published: September 2020

In recent years surface texturing of the cutting tools has proved to improve tribological characteristics at tool/chip and tool/workpiece interface and help to reduce cutting and feed forces as well as tool wear. Most, if not all, of the studies have focused on subtractively made textures whereby the material is removed from the surface. This study investigates the performance of additively made surface structures whereby hard ceramic particles are dispersed in the form of dome shaped textures on the surface of the cutting tools using solid state millisecond pulsed laser (pulsed laser implantation). Dry cutting tests were performed on ductile cast iron. The results show a greater reduction of process forces with implantation of flank face as compared to rake face. Both cutting and feed forces were reduced by 10% compared to the non-structured tool. In addition, the tool life increased by a factor of 3 whereas the average flank wear reduced by as much as 80% and cutting edge rounding by up to 60%.