bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbofuran cytotoxicity, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cell death in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: Evidence of vascular toxicity
Authors: Saquib Quaiser , Siddiqui Maqsood A. , Ansari Sabiha M. , Alwathnani Hend A. , Al‐Khedhairy Abdulaziz A.
Published: February 2021

Carbofuran is a broad‐spectrum carbamate insecticide, which principally inhibits the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme in the nervous system. Nonetheless, their selective action is not restricted to a single species and expanded to humans. No studies are available on the toxicological effects of carbofuran in the endothelial cells (ECs), which first confronts the toxicants in blood vessels. Hence, we have exposed the human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) with carbofuran for 24 h, which significantly reduced the cell survival to 25.16% and 33.48% at 500 and 1,000 μM analyzed by MTT assay. In the neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, 16.68%, 30.99%, and 58.11% survival decline was found at 250, 500, and 1,000 μM of carbofuran. HUVECs exposed to carbofuran showed significant increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating oxidative stress at low concentrations. In parallel, HUVECs showed hyperpolarization effects in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) upon carbofuran exposure. Carbofuran induced DNA damage in HUVECs measured as 8.80, 11.82, 35.56, and 79.69 Olive tail moment (OTM) in 100‐, 250‐, 500‐, and 1,000‐μM exposure groups. Flow cytometric analysis showed apoptotic peak (SubG1) and G2M arrest in the HUVECs exposed to carbofuran. Overall, our novel data confirm that carbofuran is toxic for the EC cells, especially at the higher concentrations, which may affect the vascular functions and possibly angiogenesis. Hence, carbofuran should be applied judiciously, and detailed vascular studies are warranted to gain an in‐depth information focusing the transcriptomic and translation changes employing suitable in vivo and in vitro test models.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in premenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shengir Mohamed , Chen Tianyan , Guadagno Elena , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V , Ghali Peter , Deschenes Marc , Wong Philip , Krishnamurthy Srinivasan , Sebastiani Giada
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prevalent conditions sharing common pathogenic factors. We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis aiming to investigate the association between NAFLD and PCOS among premenopausal PCOS patients.

Methods

Relevant studies were systematically identified from scientific databases until 2019. We calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) using a random‐effect model, and heterogeneity was addressed through I2. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression for various covariates were performed.

Results

Of the 1833 studies retrieved, 23 studies with 7148 participants qualified for quantitative synthesis. The pooled result showed that women with PCOS had a 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD compared to controls (pooled OR 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.20–2.82). In subgroup analyses comparing PCOS to controls, South American/Middle East PCOS patients had a greater risk of NAFLD (OR 3.55, 95% CI 2.27–5.55) compared to their counterpart from Europe (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.85–2.67) and Asia (OR 2.63, 95% CI 2.20–3.15). Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were more frequent in the PCOS group (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44–2.71 and OR 3.39, 95% CI 2.42–4.76, respectively). Study quality and body mass index (BMI) were the only covariates that showed a relationship with the outcome in the meta‐regression, with a regression coefficient of −2.219 (95% CI −3.927 to −0.511) and −1.929 (95% CI −3.776 to −0.0826), respectively.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis indicates that premenopausal PCOS patients are associated with 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD, and BMI seems to be the main cofactor.
Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of COVID‐19 in children: The role of mean platelet volume in predicting hospitalization and severity
Authors: Guner Ozenen Gizem , Sahbudak Bal Zumrut , Umit Zuhal , Bilen Nimet Melis , Yildirim Arslan Sema , Yurtseven Ali , Saz Eylem Ulas , Burcu Barutcuoglu , Sertoz Ruchan , Kurugol Zafer , Ozkinay Ferda
Published: February 2021

There have been a limited number of studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of COVID‐19 and to identify the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in predicting the prognosis in children. A single‐center retrospective study, including 251 confirmed and 65 suspected COVID‐19 cases, was conducted between March 11, 2020, and December 11, 2020. In the confirmed COVID‐19 group, 48 (19.1%) patients were asymptomatic, 183 (72.9%) mild, 16 (6.4%) moderate, 1 (0.4%) severe, and 3 were (1.2%) critically ill. Confirmed COVID‐19 patients had significantly lower mean values of white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet, and hemoglobin (p < .001). However, there was no significant difference in MPV levels between the two groups (p = .894). C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, fibrinogen, and NT‐pro‐BNP mean values were significantly lower in confirmed COVID‐19 cases than suspected cases (p < .001). A total of 55 (21.9%) patients required hospitalization due to COVID‐19, and MPV, WBC, CRP, procalcitonin, D‐dimer, and NT‐pro‐BNP were statistically higher in hospitalized patients than those in outpatients. The multivariate analysis of confirmed COVID‐19 cases according to the severity of disease showed that lymphopenia and higher levels of fibrinogen significantly associated with severe clinical symptoms. Decision tree analysis showed that the most powerful predictor of hospitalization due to COVID‐19 was the D‐dimer (p < .001). MPV values are not associated with COVID‐19 disease severity. However, MPV can be used with other parameters such as WBC, CRP, procalcitonin, D‐dimer, and NT‐pro‐BNP to predict hospitalization.
Following mass transport through barrier membranes with confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Demoor Rodrigo , Guarepi Valentín , Cisilino Adrián , Alvarez Vera , Tomba J. Pablo
Published: February 2021

This work describes a setup to characterize the effective diffusivity of barrier membranes to mass transport. Membranes with controlled and well‐defined barrier microstructures are produced from an elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. Physical obstacles to mass transport are generated by carving in the matrix microscopic holes with well‐defined shapes and in specific positions. Lateral Raman mapping is used to follow mass transport of a penetrant molecule, hexadecanol (HDOL), in the carved matrix. The influence of circular and elongated holes over mass transport is examined by monitoring the HDOL Raman intensity over time, after it passes the barrier microstructure. Results are compared with computer simulations of mass transport and excellent agreement is found. It is shown that holes act as bidimensional barriers to HDOL and that the effective diffusion coefficient of HDOL in the barrier membrane is reduced with respect to that of the homogenous material. Overall, Raman measurements provide a valuable base of data generation to contrast theoretical models of mass transport in heterogeneous barrier membranes.
Effect of Structure and Hydration Level on Water Diffusion in Chitosan Membranes
Authors: Bazargan Gloria , Fischer Sean A. , Gunlycke Daniel
Published: February 2021

Bioprotonic devices show promise for medicinal/therapeutic treatments because of their ability to deliver a controlled flow of small molecules and ions to living organisms. These devices rely on biocompatible, conductive polymer membranes to facilitate molecular/ionic transport. Herein, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used to probe the effects structure and hydration level on water diffusion in chitosan‐based polymer membranes. The diffusion coefficient of water is shown to be highest in membranes with low overall densities and weak non‐covalent interactions. Insight from these results may aid in optimizing the molecular/ionic transport properties of polymer membranes for bioprotonic applications.
Therapeutic and Prebiotic Effects of Five Different Native Starches on Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Mice Model of Colonic Colitis
Authors: Xu Zhenzhen , Liu Wei , Zhang Yuhan , Zhang Di , Qiu Bin , Wang Xianshu , Liu Jie , Liu Lina
Published: February 2021

Scope

The availability of studies related to the effects of natural macronutrients on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain relatively limited. This study investigates whether and to what extent the consumption of five different native starches alleviate the clinical symptoms and dysbiosis of gut microbiota associated with colitis.

Methods and Results

Using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced mouse model of colitis, the potential effects of native potato starch (PS), pea starch (PEAS), corn starch (CS), Chinese yam starch (CYS), and red sorghum starch (RSS) on the clinical manifestations and dysbiosis of gut microbiota are studied. Compared to CS and RSS, the consumption of PEAS, PS, and CYS significantly diminishes clinical enteritis symptoms, including reduced disease activity index, and the alleviated degree of colonic histological damage. Furthermore, the analysis of gut microbiota reveals the significant prebiotic characteristics of PEAS, PS and CYS, as indicated by the maintenance of gut microbiota hemostasis and the inhibition of typically pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Helicobacter hepaticus.

Conclusion

Starches from potato, pea, and Chinese yam alleviate colitis symptoms in a mouse model, and also show significant prebiotic characteristics. These findings suggest a cost‐effective and convenient dietary strategy for the management of IBD.
Nerve biopsy: Current indications and decision tools
Authors: Nathani Dev , Spies Judith , Barnett Michael H. , Pollard John , Wang Min‐Xia , Sommer Claudia , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: February 2021

After initial investigation of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of neuropathy, a clinical decision is made for a minority of patients to undergo further assessment with nerve biopsy. Many nerve biopsies do not demonstrate a definitive pathological diagnosis and there is considerable cost and morbidity associated with the procedure. This highlights the need for appropriate selection of patients, nerves and neuropathology techniques. Additionally, concomitant muscle and skin biopsies may improve the diagnostic yield in some cases. Several advances have been made in diagnostics in recent years, particularly in genomics. The indications for nerve biopsy have consequently changed over time. This review explores the current indications for nerve biopsies and some of the issues surrounding its use. Also included are comments on alternative diagnostic modalities that may help to supplant or reduce the use of nerve biopsy as a diagnostic test. These primarily include extraneural biopsy and neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance neurography and nerve ultrasound. Finally, we propose an algorithm to assist in deciding when to perform nerve biopsies.
Optimizing the catalytic activity of flame‐spray‐pyrolyzed Pt/Fe2O3 catalyst toward CO oxidation: Effect of fluorination and reduction
Authors: Sarkodie Bismark , Hu Yanjie , Bi Wei , Jiang Jiechao , Li Chunzhong
Published: February 2021

Comprehending the characteristics of nanocatalyst and the effect of pretreatment on its catalytic performance is of great importance in the field of catalysis. The present study probes the catalytic performance of fluorinated Pt/Fe2O3 prepared by one step flame spray pyrolysis and the effect of pretreatment in CO oxidation. The characterization reveals that in‐situ fluorination of Pt/Fe2O3 in high temperature flame process contributed to low temperature reducibility, improved dispersion abundant surface oxygen vacancies and reactive hydroxyl groups. It is noteworthy that the optimal catalytic performance was attained after reduction of fluorinated Pt/Fe2O3 in 10% H2 at 200 °C (F‐Pt/Fe‐200). The abundant surface hydroxyl group and oxygen vacancies facilitated faster reaction. The in‐situ DRIFTS reveals the consumption of hydroxyl group in F‐Pt/Fe‐200 which contributed to the amelioration of CO oxidation. Aside the better stability of F‐Pt/Fe‐200, complete conversion of 2% and 4% CO was achieved at 150 °C and 200 °C, respectively, indicating the feasible utilization of flame‐made fluorinated Pt/Fe2O3. Conclusively, the fluorine formed a strong bond with Pt, which ameliorated oxidative and thermal stability.
Coal based carbon dots: Recent advances in synthesis, properties, and applications
Authors: He Ziguo , Liu Shengjun , Zhang Cheng , Fan Liyuan , Zhang Jian , Chen Qian , Sun Yudie , He Lifang , Wang Zhicai , Zhang Kui
Published: February 2021

Carbon dots are zero‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials with quantum confinement effects and edge effects, which have aroused great interests in many disciplines such as energy, chemistry, materials, and environmental applications. They can be prepared by chemical oxidation, electrochemical synthesis, hydrothermal preparation, arc discharge, microwave synthesis, template method, and many other methods. However, the raw materials' high cost, the complexity and environmental‐unfriendly fabrication process limit their large‐scale production and commercialization. Herein, we review the latest developments of coal‐based carbon dots about selecting coal‐derived energy resources (bituminous coal, anthracite, lignite, coal tar, coke, etc.) the developments of synthesis processes, surface modification, and doping of carbon dots. The coal‐based carbon dots exhibit the advantages of unique fluorescence, efficient catalysis, excellent water solubility, low toxicity, inexpensive, good biocompatibility, and other advantages, which hold the potentiality for a wide range of applications such as environmental pollutants sensing, catalyst preparation, chemical analysis, energy storage, and medical imaging technology. This review aims to provide a guidance of finding abundant and cost‐effective precursors, green, simple and sustainable production processes to prepare coal‐based carbon dots, and make further efforts to exploit the application of carbon dots in broader fields.
Surgery decision conflict and its related factors among newly diagnosed early breast cancer patients in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tang Han , Wang Shang , Dong Shiqi , Du Ruofei , Yang Xiao , Cui Panpan , Liu Wei , Kou Jie , Chen Changying
Published: February 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore surgery decision conflict and its related factors among newly diagnosed early breast cancer patients in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted.

Methods

A total of 262 patients confronted with surgery decision‐making were enrolled. The related factors were assessed with a demographic questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Decision Conflict Scale (DCS‐C‐16) and the Patient Participation Competence Scale (PPCS).

Results

Patients had a high level of decision conflict that was negatively correlated with the PPCS score. Age, marital status, living environment, education level, family income, cancer stage and the PPCS score were independent factors influencing decision conflict. Marital status, education level, cancer stage and participation competence were significant predictors of decision conflict. Patients who had higher participation competence were married, were well educated and had a lower cancer stage were likely to experience lower decision conflict.
FGF21: a promising therapeutic agent for alcoholic cardiomyopathy?†
Authors: Romanello Vanina
Published: February 2021

The metabolic regulator fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been reported as a cardioprotective factor regulating cardiac remodeling in several cardiac diseases. In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, Ferrer‐Curriu, Guitart‐Mampel et al investigated FGF21 in alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM). They showed that FGF21 deficiency aggravates alcohol‐induced cardiac damage and dysfunction by exacerbating mitochondrial alterations, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolic dysregulation, suggesting FGF21 as a promising therapeutic agent in ACM. Paradoxically, FGF21 cardiac and circulating levels correlate with cardiac damage and oxidative stress in patients with ACM, pointing to FGF21 as a potential biomarker of alcohol‐induced cardiac damage. Further studies are needed to address when FGF21 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker and when it can be used as a therapeutic agent to treat ACM. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Layered self‐resistance electric heating to cure thick carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminates
Authors: Zhang Bo , Li Yingguang , Liu Shuting , Shen Yingxiang , Hao Xiaozhong
Published: February 2021

Curing of thick carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting composite laminates has been a major challenge due to the undesired through‐thickness temperature gradient. In this paper, a novel layered self‐resistance electric heating (L‐SRE) method to cure thick laminates was proposed. The thick laminate was divided into multiple independent sub‐layers, and the temperature of each sub‐layer was controlled individually. The experiment's results revealed that L‐SRE was able to achieve highly homogeneous temperature distribution filed through‐thickness both in rapid heating and exothermic reaction stages. The maximum temperature difference of dwell stage for L‐SRE process was less than 4.0°C, and the L‐SRE process that had an optimized thickness of each sub‐layer achieved the minimum mean temperature deviation of 2.1°C, which was 88.46% lower than that of the oven process. By using the optimized L‐SRE method, the maximum value of crosslink thermal overshoot was 12.2°C (32.5°C for oven curing). Different layered temperature control strategies were explored, and the lowest energy consumption of 309.7 Wh (19.82% of oven process) was achieved by using the single‐power pulsed heating. The method proposed in this paper provided a new solution for high‐quality and energy‐efficient curing of thick laminates.
Registration of ‘Charro’ pinto bean
Authors: Kelly James D. , Awale Halima E. , Wiersma Andrew T. , Wright Evan M.
Published: February 2021

‘Charro’ pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. no. CV‐341, PI 695318), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2020 as a high‐yielding, upright, full‐season cultivar with excellent canning quality. Charro was developed using the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 4 yr of field trials, Charro yielded 3,230 kg ha−1 at 17 locations in mid‐Michigan, flowered in 46 d, and matured in 97 d on average. Plants averaged 52 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.6 and seed weight of 41.2 g per 100 seed. Charro combines high yield potential and erect architecture with full‐season maturity in a pinto seed type. Charro has resistance to lodging and high pod placement within the plant structure, making it suitable for direct harvest under narrow‐row production systems. The upright architecture also contributes to avoidance of white mold, a disease that is intensified under narrow‐row production systems. Charro exhibits the top necrosis reaction to strain NL 3 of Bean common mosaic necrosis virus. Charro produces seed that meets industry standards for export and packaging, and canning quality was rated excellent for the pinto bean seed class.
Nanoscale chemical analysis of beam‐sensitive polymeric materials by cryogenic electron microscopy
Authors: Leijten Zino J. W. A. , Wirix Maarten J. M. , Lazar Sorin , Verhoeven Wouter , Luiten O. Jom , de With Gijsbertus , Friedrich Heiner
Published: February 2021

Nanoscale chemical analysis of functional polymer systems by electron microscopy, to gain access into degradation processes during the materials life cycle, is still a formidable challenge due to their beam sensitivity. Here a systematic study on the different stages of degradation in a P3HT‐PCBM organic photovoltaic (OPV) model system is presented. To this end pristine samples, samples with (reversibly) physisorbed oxygen and water and samples with (irreversibly) chemisorbed oxygen and water are imaged utilizing the full capabilities of cryogenic STEM‐EELS. It is found that oxygen and water are largely physisorbed in this system leading to significant effects on the band structure, especially for PCBM. Quantification proves that degradation concomitantly decreases the amount of CC bonds and increases the amount of COC bonds in the sample. Finally, it is shown that with a pulsed electron beam utilizing a microwave cavity, beam damage can be significantly reduced which likely extends the possibilities for such studies in future.
Respiratory synchrony comparison between preterm and full‐term neonates using inertial sensors
Authors: de Paula Silveira Letícia , Magalhães Fabrício Anicio , de Oliveira Holanda Norrara Scarlytt , Bezerra Mickaelly Yanaê Gomes , Bomtempo Raffi Antunes Braga , Pereira Silvana Alves , Ribeiro Simone Nascimento Santos
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Due to inefficient respiratory control, newborns become prone to asynchronous thoracoabdominal (TA) movements. The present study quantitatively estimated the synchrony of TA in preterm and full‐term newborns through an inertial and magnetic measurement units (IMMUs) system.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 20 newborns divided into Preterm Group (PTG, n = 10) and Full‐Term Group (FTG, n = 10). Each neonate had IMMUs placed on the sternum and near the umbilicus, thus the TA motion was estimated through the resultant inclination angles calculated using a sensor fusion filter. The respiratory incursions were also manually counted and video‐recorded for two minutes, then used to validate a Matlab custom‐written routine for their automatic identification. The respiratory cycles were used to calculate the phase change angle (φ) between the thoracic and abdominal compartments. Association between the manual and automatic methods were verified by Pearson's correlation and root mean squared errors (RMSE), and the comparison between the groups was performed through the Student's t test with α = .05.

Results

The values of respiratory incursions measured by both methods showed a high association and low measurement error (r = .96, RMSE = 9.8, p < .001). The FTG presented a higher occurrence of TA synchrony (p = .049) while the PTG group presented a higher occurrence of TA asynchrony (p = .036). No difference was found between the groups regarding the paradoxical classification (p = .071).

Conclusion

The proposed method was valid to quantitatively assess the TA synchrony of hospitalized neonates. Preterm infants had a higher occurrence of the asynchronous respiratory pattern in comparison to full‐term infants.
Sulfur Promotion in Au/C Catalyzed Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Dawson Simon R. , Pattisson Samuel , Malta Grazia , Dummer Nicholas F. , Smith Louise R. , Lazaridou Anna , Allen Christopher S. , Davies Thomas E. , Freakley Simon J. , Kondrat Simon A. , Kiely Christopher J. , Johnston Peter , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: February 2021

The formation of highly active and stable acetylene hydrochlorination catalysts is of great industrial importance. The successful replacement of the highly toxic mercuric chloride catalyst with gold has led to a flurry of research in this area. One key aspect, which led to the commercialization of the gold catalyst is the use of thiosulphate as a stabilizing ligand. This study investigates the use of a range of sulfur containing compounds as promoters for production of highly active Au/C catalysts. Promotion is observed across a range of metal sulfates, non‐metal sulfates, and sulfuric acid treatments. This observed enhancement can be optimized by careful consideration of either pre‐ or post‐treatments, concentration of dopants used, and modification of washing steps. Pre‐treatment of the carbon support with sulfuric acid (0.76 m) resulted in the most active Au/C in this series with an acetylene conversion of ≈70% at 200 °C.
Transdisciplinary contributions and opportunities in soil physical hydrology
Authors: Wendroth Ole , Bradford Scott , Harter Thomas
Published: February 2021

As in many other soil science disciplines, in soil physics and hydrology, we have arrived at a point where substantial gains in knowledge depend to a large extent on reaching out to related disciplines. The purpose of this special section on “Transdisciplinary Contributions and Opportunities in Soil Physical Hydrology” is to honor Professor Emeritus Jan W. Hopmans, University of California Davis, CA, as one of the pioneers in transdisciplinary research. In this introduction, the 12 articles collected for this special section are summarized, and their relationship to Hopmans’ work during his productive career is emphasized. The contributions reflect the depth and width of soil physics and hydrology and are aimed to stimulate transdisciplinary science to meet the existing challenges in agriculture and the environment.
Non-Lorentzian avatars of (1,0) theories
Authors: Lambert N. , Orchard T.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We construct five-dimensional non-Lorentzian Lagrangian gauge field theories with an SU(1, 3) conformal symmetry and 12 (conformal) supersymmetries. Such theories are interesting in their own right but can arise from six-dimensional (1, 0) superconformal field theories on a conformally compactified Minkowski spacetime. In the limit that the conformal compactification is removed the Lagrangians we find give field theory formulations of DLCQ constructions of six-dimensional (1, 0) conformal field theories.
Das Hautarztverfahren nach Aufhebung des Unterlassungszwangs im Berufskrankheitenrecht
Authors: Elsner Peter
Published: February 2021

Die Berufskrankheit (BK) Haut Nr. 5101 war bisher definiert als „schwere oder wiederholt rückfällige Hauterkrankungen, die zur Unterlassung aller Tätigkeiten gezwungen haben, die für die Entstehung, die Verschlimmerung oder das Wiederaufleben der Krankheit ursächlich waren oder sein können“. In einer weitreichenden Reform des Berufskrankheitenrechts, die zum 01.01.2021 in Kraft trat, hat der Gesetzgeber beschlossen, den „Unterlassungszwang“ als Voraussetzung für die Anerkennung einer Berufskrankheit abzuschaffen. Dieser Unterlassungszwang sollte mit dem 1972 eingeführten Hautarztverfahren und den dort etablierten Präventionsinstrumenten (dermatologische Behandlung, Sanierung des Arbeitsplatzes, Hautschutzmaßnahmen, gesundheitspädagogische Maßnahmen) verhindert werden, was in einem Großteil der Fälle auch gelang. Während die Abschaffung des Unterlassungszwangs die Anerkennung von schweren oder wiederholt rückfälligen Hauterkrankungen als Berufskrankheiten erleichtert, wird das Hautarztverfahren jedoch weiterhin Bedeutung behalten für die beruflichen Hauterkrankungen, insbesondere Handekzeme, die primär nicht die Kriterien der Schwere und/oder der wiederholten Rückfälligkeit erfüllen und die durch geeignete Behandlungs- und Präventionsmaßnahmen beherrscht werden können. Um bei einer BK-Anzeige wegen der Schwere oder wiederholten Rückfälligkeit einer Hauterkrankung Verzögerungen in der Sekundärprävention zu vermeiden, sollte gleichzeitig über einen Hautarztbericht zur BK-Anzeige der Unfallversicherungsträger die für zeitnahe Präventionsmaßnahmen und einen dermatologischen Behandlungsauftrag erforderlichen Informationen erhalten. Ein Anhaltspunkt für die Schwere könnte der Erfolg oder der Misserfolg des Hautarztverfahrens sein.
Tiefe Hirnstimulation bei neurologischen und psychiatrischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Klebe Stephan , Coenen Volker
Published: February 2021

Die invasive Hirnstimulation (tiefe Hirnstimulation [THS], „deep brain stimulation“ [DBS]) ist mittlerweile ein etabliertes Therapieverfahren bei einer Reihe neurologischer Erkrankungen insbesondere Bewegungsstörungen. Die Anzahl der mit einer THS versorgten Patienten steigt stetig, die technische Entwicklung der THS-Systeme schreitet voran und neue Indikationen werden aktuell in Studien überprüft. Im folgenden Beitrag soll ein Überblick über die aktuellen Indikationen und ein Ausblick auf zukünftige Entwicklungen der THS bei Bewegungsstörungen und psychiatrischen Erkrankungen gegeben werden.
Cure rate in the elderly patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma deteriorates after the age of 80—results from a single-center survey
Authors: Freudenberger Felix , Ohler Anke , Theobald Matthias , Hess Georg
Published: February 2021

The prognosis of elderly patients diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is considered to be clearly inferior to that of younger patients. Besides tumor biology and comorbidities, treatment selection due to an assumed reduced tolerability may contribute to this difference. With increasingly more patients diagnosed at advanced age, current treatment selections need to be reviewed carefully. Hence, we analyzed the results of patients above the age of 70 in whom a diagnosis of DLBCL was made. Whereas patients up to 80 were frequently selected for and were able to tolerate standard treatment (86% intended use, 74% completion), patients above the age of 80 years were not only treated more cautiously (67 and 60%, respectively) but did show inferior response to treatment with standard treatment (CR rate for intended R-CHOP use 64% vs. 43%). However, on an individual level, patients receiving and completing standard treatment obtained results that resemble the results of younger patients, irrespective if aged more than 80 and impose superior to prior reports in this age cohort. Median PFS for the entire group of patients was 3.44 years, with 4.83 years for patients below 80 and only 1.09 years for patients above the age of 80. The corresponding figures for OS were 7.38 years (estimated); after 2 years, OS was 81% in the younger cohort in contrast to 68% in patients > 80 years. However, for patients not planned to receive or not tolerating R-CHOP, results remain poor; tailored approaches for these patients are required.
Contrast agent dose reduction in computed tomography with deep learning using a conditional generative adversarial network
Authors: Haubold Johannes , Hosch René , Umutlu Lale , Wetter Axel , Haubold Patrizia , Radbruch Alexander , Forsting Michael , Nensa Felix , Koitka Sven
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To reduce the dose of intravenous iodine-based contrast media (ICM) in CT through virtual contrast-enhanced images using generative adversarial networks.

Methods

Dual-energy CTs in the arterial phase of 85 patients were randomly split into an 80/20 train/test collective. Four different generative adversarial networks (GANs) based on image pairs, which comprised one image with virtually reduced ICM and the original full ICM CT slice, were trained, testing two input formats (2D and 2.5D) and two reduced ICM dose levels (−50% and −80%). The amount of intravenous ICM was reduced by creating virtual non-contrast series using dual-energy and adding the corresponding percentage of the iodine map. The evaluation was based on different scores (L1 loss, SSIM, PSNR, FID), which evaluate the image quality and similarity. Additionally, a visual Turing test (VTT) with three radiologists was used to assess the similarity and pathological consistency.

Results

The −80% models reach an SSIM of > 98%, PSNR of > 48, L1 of between 7.5 and 8, and an FID of between 1.6 and 1.7. In comparison, the −50% models reach a SSIM of > 99%, PSNR of > 51, L1 of between 6.0 and 6.1, and an FID between 0.8 and 0.95. For the crucial question of pathological consistency, only the 50% ICM reduction networks achieved 100% consistency, which is required for clinical use.

Conclusions

The required amount of ICM for CT can be reduced by 50% while maintaining image quality and diagnostic accuracy using GANs. Further phantom studies and animal experiments are required to confirm these initial results.

Key Points

• The amount of contrast media required for CT can be reduced by 50% using generative adversarial networks.

• Not only the image quality but especially the pathological consistency must be evaluated to assess safety.

• A too pronounced contrast media reduction could influence the pathological consistency in our collective at 80%.
Plasma calcium concentration during detoxification predicts neural cue-reactivity and craving during early abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients
Authors: Bach Patrick , Schuster Rilana , Koopmann Anne , Vollstaedt-Klein Sabine , Spanagel Rainer , Kiefer Falk
Published: February 2021

Recent studies on the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence suggest a link between peripheral calcium concentrations and alcohol craving. Here, we investigated the association between plasma calcium concentration, cue-induced brain activation, and alcohol craving. Plasma calcium concentrations were measured at the onset of inpatient detoxification in a sample of N = 115 alcohol-dependent patients. Alcohol cue-reactivity was assessed during early abstinence (mean 11.1 days) using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) alcohol cue-reactivity task. Multiple regression analyses and bivariate correlations between plasma calcium concentrations, clinical craving measures and neural alcohol cue-reactivity (CR) were tested. Results show a significant negative correlation between plasma calcium concentrations and compulsive alcohol craving. Higher calcium levels predicted higher alcohol cue-induced brain response in a cluster of frontal brain areas, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), the anterior prefrontal cortex (alPFC), and the inferior (IFG) and middle frontal gyri (MFG). In addition, functional brain activation in those areas correlated negatively with craving for alcohol during fMRI. Higher peripheral calcium concentrations during withdrawal predicted increased alcohol cue-induced brain activation in frontal brain areas, which are associated with craving inhibition and cognitive control functions. This might indicate that higher plasma calcium concentrations at onset of detoxification could modulate craving inhibition during early abstinence.

Trial registration number: DRKS00003388; date of registration: 14.12.2011.
Clinical condition of 120 patients alive at 3 years after poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Autio Anniina H. , Paavola Juho , Tervonen Joona , Lång Maarit , Huuskonen Terhi J. , Huttunen Jukka , Kärkkäinen Virve , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Lindgren Antti E. , Koivisto Timo , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Kämäräinen Olli-Pekka
Published: February 2021

Background

To study the clinical condition of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients alive at 3 years after neurointensive care.

Methods

Of the 769 consecutive aSAH patients from a defined population (2005–2015), 269 (35%) were in poor condition on admission: 145 (54%) with H&H 4 and 124 (46%) with H&H 5. Their clinical lifelines were re-constructed from the Kuopio Intracranial Aneurysm Database and Finnish nationwide registries. Of the 269 patients, 155 (58%) were alive at 14 days, 125 (46%) at 12 months, and 120 (45%) at 3 years.

Results

The 120 H&H 4–5 patients alive at 3 years form the final study population. On admission, 73% had H&H 4 but only 27% H&H 5, 59% intracerebral hematoma (ICH; median 22 cm3), and 26% intraventricular blood clot (IVH). The outcome was favorable (mRS 0–1) in 45% (54 patients: ICH 44%; IVH clot 31%; shunt 46%), moderate (mRS 2–3) in 30% (36 patients: ICH 64%; IVH clot 19%; shunt 42%), and unfavorable (mRS 4–5) in 25% (30 patients: ICH 80%; IVH clot 23%; shunt 50%). A total of 46% carried a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. ICH volume was a significant predictor of mRS at 3 years.

Conclusions

Of poor-grade aSAH patients, 45% were alive at 3 years, even 27% of those extending to pain (H&H 5). Of the survivors, 75% were at least in moderate condition, while only 2.6% ended in hospice care. Consequently, we propose non-selected admission to neurointensive care (1) for a possibility of moderate outcome, and (2), in case of brain death, possibly improved organ donation rates.
Past, present, future: tracking and simulating genetic differentiation over time in a closed metapopulation system
Authors: Kunz Florian , Kohnen Annette , Nopp-Mayr Ursula , Coppes Joy
Published: February 2021

Genetic differentiation plays an essential role in the assessment of metapopulation systems of conservation concern. Migration rates affect the degree of genetic differentiation between subpopulations, with increasing genetic differentiation leading to increasing extinction risk. Analyses of genetic differentiation repeated over time together with projections into the future are therefore important to inform conservation. We investigated genetic differentiation in a closed metapopulation system of an obligate forest grouse, the Western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, by comparing microsatellite population structure between a historic and a recent time period. We found an increase in genetic differentiation over a period of approximately 15 years. Making use of forward simulations accounting for population dynamics and genetics from both time periods, we explored future genetic differentiation by implementing scenarios of differing migration rates. Using migration rates derived from the recent dataset, simulations predicted further increase of genetic differentiation by 2050. We then examined effects of two realistic yet hypothetical migration scenarios on genetic differentiation. While isolation of a subpopulation led to overall increased genetic differentiation, the re-establishment of connectivity between two subpopulations maintained genetic differentiation at recent levels. Our results emphasize the importance of maintaining connectivity between subpopulations in order to prevent further genetic differentiation and loss of genetic variation. The simulation set-up we developed is highly adaptable and will aid researchers and conservationists alike in anticipating consequences of conservation strategies for metapopulation systems.
A “space” of one’s own: identity and conflict in two Milan districts
Authors: Stefanizzi Sonia , Verdolini Valeria
Published: February 2021

The article is based on a qualitative data collection on the city of Milan, paradigmatic city as a neoliberal city, at the centre of recent urban, economic and social transformations. In particular, the essay compares the urban space s of two districts of the city, reflecting on spatial categories, recent transformations, forced cohabitations in interclosed and in-between spaces. Drawing on the classics of sociological literature, and on the most recent theoretical proposals of urban g eography studies, the essay attempts to define how and on the basis of which factors urban conflict in the global metropolis has changed.
Experts in the crowd and their influence on herding in reward-based crowdfunding of cultural projects
Authors: Petit Aurélien , Wirtz Peter
Published: February 2021

The present research investigates certification effects and rational herding in reward-based crowdfunding (RBCF) campaigns of cultural projects. Culture is a domain where expert opinion traditionally plays an important role. Consequently, to test the role of experts in collective behaviour and outcomes of crowdfunding campaigns, RBCF of cultural projects is a particularly relevant field. The authors analyse data obtained from France’s leading RBCF platform, Ulule, and show that the contributing crowd is heterogeneous, both in terms of expertise and willingness to follow information cascades. Testing the impact of different backer categories on (1) campaign success, (2) composition of the crowd and (3) overall day-by-day funding dynamics, the study provides evidence of the existence of both a certification effect at the very beginning of a funding campaign, and dynamic herding later all along the campaign. Contributions from expert backers, whether specialized in the same creative industry as a given project or not, trigger additional contributions and improve the success probability of a funding campaign. Senior experts follow other senior experts, which supports normative social influence and, when specialized, they follow other specialized senior experts, which highlights taste-based homophily. We also show that junior experts, i.e. future serial backers, follow senior experts, particularly when specialized, which supports informational social influence. Experts hence lead the crowd in their decision to contribute to cultural projects, and those who follow them are mostly senior experts themselves and apprentice experts, not one-time contributors, which suggests the existence of community logic and rational information cascades in RBCF.
Depth estimation problems in microgravity survey
Authors: Porzucek Slawomir , Loj Monika
Published: February 2021

Qualitative interpretation is one of the most important missions in geophysical methods, particularly the determination of the shape and depth of disturbing bodies. The characteristics of the gravity field make it difficult to unequivocally determine both of these parameters; therefore, the problem is solved by reducing the shape of the body by means of simple solid figures and on this basis an attempt to estimate their depth. This paper presents an analysis of depth estimation in microgravity surveys. The useful signal-to-error ratio in this survey causes an additional factor influencing the quality of the estimated depths. Werner deconvolution and Extended Euler deconvolution, as the most frequently applied methods, were used to resolving the problem. Based on the Werner method, a processing methodology was developed that minimizes the impact of the error on the calculation results. An algorithm was also created that allows obtaining a depth solution in this method. The results of the Werner method were compared with the results of the Extended Euler method. Tests have shown that despite the relatively high error to amplitude ratio of the anomaly, satisfactory results can be obtained with the appropriate methodology.
Reconstructing Religious Attendance in European Communist Countries
Authors: Minarik Pavol
Published: February 2021

Background

The research on religion under communism suffers from a lack of quantitative data on religious attendance to complement the existing information about government policies and anecdotal data about the operation of religious organizations under communism. The available data are scarce and often unreliable.

Purpose

This paper presents a method for reconstructing data on past religious attendance and presents a dataset that contains an estimate of religious attendance rates in seven European communist countries covering the period between the 1930s and the 1990s. Such data are needed to corroborate and complement the sources currently available.

Methods

The reconstruction is based on retrospective questions in surveys conducted in the post-communist period, particularly the ISSP. The paper also verifies the internal consistency of the reconstructed attendance rates using different characteristics of survey respondents to predict their reported attendance. Further, it verifies external consistency against post-communist surveys (ISSP, EVS) and the data available from the communist period.

Results

The dataset support existing literature and provide some new information about religiosity under communist rule. The reconstructed attendance rates appear internally consistent, and the responses regarding past religious attendance do not seem to be driven primarily by the respondents’ present characteristics. The estimated past attendance rates are also consistent with other sources.

Conclusions and Implications

The dataset provides additional data that allow an evaluation of the level and change of religious attendance, the effectiveness of communist anti-religious campaigns and secularization trends in the communist countries. Such data were not available before that were estimated in a consistent way across different countries and time periods. The method can also be used in other settings.
Identification of novel thiadiazin derivatives as potentially selective inhibitors towards trypanothione reductase from Trypanosoma cruzi by molecular docking using the numerical index poses ratio Pr and the binding mode analysis
Authors: Coro-Bermello Julieta , López-Rodríguez Ernesto R. , Alfonso-Ramos Javier E. , Alonso Dayana , Ojeda-Carralero Gerardo M. , Prado Gustavo A. , Moreno-Castillo Elena
Published: February 2021

Chagas disease is a serious health problem in Central and South America for which effective treatment is not currently available. This illness is caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, a species that relies on a thiol-based metabolism to regulate oxidative stress. Trypanothione reductase enzyme plays a central role in the metabolic pathway of the parasite. In this work, a virtual screening of a library of novel thiadiazine derivatives against trypanothione reductase using molecular docking was performed. Four different series of hybrid ligands having in the structure one or two peptoid moieties (series I and II) or the tetrazole ring (series III and IV) were considered. An ad hoc numerical index called poses ratio was introduced to interpret the results of the docking analysis and to establish relevant structure-interaction relationships. In addition, six binding modes were found for the ligands with the highest populated conformational clusters after applying contact-based analysis. The most regular and relevant were binding modes I and II, found mainly for ligands from series I. A subsequent molecular docking on human glutathione reductase enzyme allowed to assess the possible cytotoxicity of the ligands towards human cells. A selective binding profile was found for ligands with interactions in the Hydrophobic cleft, the spermidine and the Z subsites inside the active site of trypanothione reductase. At the end of the study, new thiadiazine-based compounds were identified as plausible candidates to selectively inhibit the parasitic enzyme.

Graphic abstract
Performance analysis of a fail-safe wireless communication architecture for IoT based fire alarm control panels
Authors: Qiu Song , Allan Robert , Nilavalan Rajagopal , Ivey Jeff , Butterfield Steven , Li Maozhen
Published: February 2021

This study presents a fail-safe wireless communication architecture for Internet of Things based fire alarm control panels. In fire safety industry, one of the most important issues is to ensure the key information be delivered. A radio frequency wireless communication link is considered for enabling the fail-safe feature when the primary Internet of Things link is failed. In this paper, the design of the wireless communication architecture is proposed, and the system hardware based on customised micro-controller and wireless communication processors is implemented. In order to examine the performance of the proposed wireless communication architecture, a long-term evaluation is designed and conducted in an industrial warehouse, to demonstrate the information latency with parameter of round-trip time, and system reliability with parameter of probability failure rate. The experimental results show that the proposed wireless communication architecture could achieve the low latency and high reliability requirements and reduce the chance of key information loss. With the multi-disciplinary findings discovered, the proposed wireless communication architecture is feasible to be considered to use in future Internet of Things based fire safety products.
Minimalism, Determinacy, and Human Rights
Authors: Simpson Robert Mark
Published: February 2021

According to a widely-shared view, human rights encompass a very limited range of ethical concerns: not all human interests, only urgent interests;1 not our preferences, only our needs;2 not all wrongs, only severe injustices;3 not a good life in the fullest sense, but only a minimally decent or autonomous life.4 In short, human rights are not about realizing the best, they are about shielding us from the worst. I will call this general theoretical stance Minimalism.