bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving Organic Nanocrystals Dissolution Through Electrochemistry
Authors: Bussetti Gianlorenzo , Filoni Claudia , Li Bassi Andrea , Bossi Alberto , Campione Marcello , Orbelli Biroli Alessio , Castiglioni Chiara , Trabattoni Silvia , De Rosa Stefania , Tortora Luca , Ciccacci Franco , Duò Lamberto
Published: August 2021

We have recently discussed how organic nanocrystal dissolution appears in different morphologies and the role of the solution pH in the crystal detriment process. We also highlighted the role of the local molecular chemistry in porphyrin nanocrystals having comparable structures: in water‐based acid solutions, protonation of free‐base porphyrin molecules is the driving force for crystal dissolution, whereas metal (ZnII) porphyrin nanocrystals remain unperturbed. However, all porphyrin types, having an electron rich π‐structure, can be electrochemically oxidized. In this scenario, a key question is: does electrochemistry represent a viable strategy to drive the dissolution of both free‐base and metal porphyrin nanocrystals?

In this work, by exploiting electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC‐AFM), we monitor in situ and in real time the dissolution of both free‐base and metal porphyrin nanocrystals, as soon as molecules reach the oxidation potential, showing different regimes according to the applied EC potential.
Fast screening of Depolymerized Lignin Samples Through 2D‐Liquid Chromatography Mapping
Authors: De Saegher Tibo , Lauwaert Jeroen , Vercammen Joeri , Van Geem Kevin M. , De Clercq Jeriffa , Verberckmoes An
Published: August 2021

Lignin valorization and particularly its depolymerization into bio‐aromatics, has emerged as an important research topic within green chemistry. However, screening of catalysts and reaction conditions within this field is strongly constrained by the lack of analytical techniques that allow for fast and detailed mapping of the product pools. This analytical gap results from the inherent product pool complexity and the focus of the state‐of‐the‐art on monomers and dimers, overlooking the larger oligomers. In this work, this gap is bridged through the development of a quasi‐orthogonal GPC‐HPLC‐UV/VIS method that is able to separate the bio‐aromatics according to molecular weight (hydrodynamic volume) and polarity. The method is evaluated using model compounds and real lignin depolymerization samples. The resulting color plots provide a powerful graphical tool to rapidly assess differences in reaction selectivity towards monomers and dimers as well as to identify differences in the oligomers.
Metal‐ and Solvent‐Free Transesterification and Aldol Condensation Reactions by a Homogenous Recyclable Basic Ionic Liquid Based on the 1,3,5‐Triazine Framework
Authors: Hu Yanqiu , Ren Mingqi , Kazemnejadi Milad
Published: August 2021

A new recyclable basic ionic liquid was introduced as an efficient catalyst for aldol condensation and transesterification reactions under environmentally friendly conditions. The catalyst was prepared based on methyl imidazolium moieties bearing hydroxide counter anions via the Hofmann elimination on a 1,3,5‐triazine framework. The ionic liquid with two functionalities including anion stabilizer and high basicity, was used as an efficient catalyst for aldol condensation as well as transesterification reaction of a variety of alkyl benzoates. All reactions were performed in the absence of any external reagent, co‐catalyst, or solvent, in line with environmental protection. The kinetics isotope effect (KIE) was conducted for the transesterification reaction to elucidate the mechanism and rate determining step (RDS). It worth noted that, the homogeneous catalyst could be recycled from the reaction mixture and reused for several consecutive runs with insignificant drop of basicity and conversion.
Adult and student perspectives on racial and ethnic equity‐informed school‐based strategies
Authors: Lea Charles H. , McCowan Kristin J. , Jones Tiffany M. , Malorni Angela
Published: August 2021

Although racial and ethnic equity‐informed school‐based strategies are important to addressing racialized structures and processes that create and sustain racial trauma, disadvantage and disparity, little is known about the process of embedding racial and ethnic equity in school‐based strategies and how adults and young people perceive them to promote a positive school climate and youth development. Using a qualitative research approach that included focus groups, this study examined student of color and school and community partner staff perceptions of the role and influence racial and ethnic equity‐informed school‐based strategies in one middle school have on the school's climate and students of color experiences and development. Findings suggest that racial and ethnic equity‐informed social and emotional learning strategies are important in facilitating positive student–teacher interactions and identity and social‐emotional development among students of color. Participant's experiences in and perceptions of the impact these strategies have on school climate and youth development substantiate the need to understand racial and ethnic equity as a process‐oriented approach that requires continuous improvement, rather than just an outcome‐focused endeavor. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Phenotypic effects of changes in the FTVTxK region of an Arabidopsis secondary wall cellulose synthase compared with results from analogous mutations in other isoforms
Authors: Burris Jason N. , Makarem Mohamadamin , Slabaugh Erin , Chaves Arielle , Pierce Ethan T. , Lee Jongcheol , Kiemle Sarah N. , Kwansa Albert L. , Singh Abhishek , Yingling Yaroslava G. , Roberts Alison W. , Kim Seong H. , Haigler Candace H.
Published: August 2021

Understanding protein structure and function relationships in cellulose synthase (CesA), including divergent isomers, is an important goal. Here, we report results from mutant complementation assays that tested the ability of sequence variants of AtCesA7, a secondary wall CesA of Arabidopsis thaliana, to rescue the collapsed vessels, short stems, and low cellulose content of the irx3‐1 AtCesA7 null mutant. We tested a catalytic null mutation and seven missense or small domain changes in and near the AtCesA7 FTVTSK motif, which lies near the catalytic domain and may, analogously to bacterial CesA, exist within a substrate “gating loop.” A low‐to‐high gradient of rescue occurred, and even inactive AtCesA7 had a small positive effect on stem cellulose content but not stem elongation. Overall, secondary wall cellulose content and stem length were moderately correlated, but the results were consistent with threshold amounts of cellulose supporting particular developmental processes. Vibrational sum frequency generation microscopy allowed tissue‐specific analysis of cellulose content in stem xylem and interfascicular fibers, revealing subtle differences between selected genotypes that correlated with the extent of rescue of the collapsing xylem phenotype. Similar tests on PpCesA5 from the moss Physcomitrium (formerly Physcomitrella) patens helped us to synergize the AtCesA7 results with prior results on AtCesA1 and PpCesA5. The cumulative results show that the FTVTxK region is important for the function of an angiosperm secondary wall CesA as well as widely divergent primary wall CesAs, while differences in complementation results between isomers may reflect functional differences that can be explored in further work.
Oxidation Behavior of InAlN during Rapid Thermal Annealing
Authors: Thron Andrew M. , Gao Jianyi , Ercan Burcu , Laurent Matthew A. , Chowdhury Srabanti , van Benthem Klaus
Published: August 2021

Leakage currents in InAlN/GaN‐based high‐electron‐mobility transistors considered for normally‐off devices critically depend on the oxidation behavior of InAlN thin films. Herein, lattice‐matched InAlN thin films deposited on GaN (0001) are rapid thermally annealed at 800 °C in an oxygen‐rich environment. Aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy‐loss spectroscopy is used to systematically characterize the oxidation behavior of InAlN films as a function of annealing time. Initial growth of oxide layers is found to be reaction limited, which is replaced by a diffusion limited growth process once a critical thickness of the oxide layer is obtained. Growing oxide layers are amorphous and become porous with increasing annealing time.
The Adsorption Structure of Polyethylene Imine on Copper Surfaces for Electrodeposition
Authors: Schmidt Ralf , Bandas Christopher D. , Gewirth Andrew A. , Knaup Jan M.
Published: August 2021

Challenging copper electrodeposition processes for semiconductor applications require in depth understanding of the mode of operation of the organic plating additives. For this purpose, polyethylene imine (PEI) as a prototypical leveler additive is investigated by simulations, including adsorption at the interface between copper as well as chloride‐covered copper and water. Conformational analysis of the dihedral angles along the polymer chain allows insights into structural changes upon adsorption of the molecules in comparison with the bulk electrolyte. Distribution of the respective atoms of the polymeric molecules sorted by elements along the surface normal further provides information about the orientation. Both conformational changes and orientation depend on the degree of protonation, i.e., the pH value or acid concentration of the electrolyte. The results are compared with electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical data to confirm the accuracy of the simulations and to allow correlation to the performance in the actual deposition process.
Advancing multimedia learning for science: Comparing the effect of virtual versus physical models on student learning about stereochemistry
Authors: Casselman Matthew D. , Eichler Jack F. , Atit Kinnari
Published: August 2021

Embodied learning tools (ELTs), such as building and manipulating models, bolster students’ learning of spatially demanding science content, such as stereochemistry. However, studies comparing the effectiveness of virtual to physical ELTs on student learning are limited. This study compares online instruction using a virtual ELT, virtual models, to a physical ELT, physical models, on organic chemistry students' stereochemistry understanding. Furthermore, it identifies which tool promotes the transfer and application of spatial science content to higher order concepts, such as reaction mechanisms. Lastly, the role of students' spatial skills is considered. To assess the magnitude of the effect of each tool, two control groups were included, a text‐based instruction and a no instruction group. Results revealed that the physical model group showed greater stereochemistry understanding compared to the no instruction group, while there was no difference between the virtual model and the no instruction groups. When asked to apply their knowledge to reasoning about reaction mechanisms, the physical model group outperformed the virtual model group and both control groups. Students' spatial skills did not influence their understanding of either concept in any learning condition. These results suggest that regardless of spatial skills, physical ELTs may provide the necessary scaffolding for students to learn spatially demanding science content, whereas virtual ELTs are no more effective than receiving no formal instruction. Furthermore, physical ELTs may be more effective than virtual ELTs in facilitating the application of that knowledge to more complex concepts. These findings have broad implications for online science pedagogy.
Binary Atomically Dispersed Metal‐Site Catalysts with Core−Shell Nanostructures for O2 and CO2 Reduction Reactions
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Wang Maoyu , Zachman Michael J. , Zhou Hua , He Yanghua , Liu Shengwen , Zang Hong-Ying , Feng Zhenxing , Wu Gang
Published: August 2021

Engineering atomically dispersed metal site catalysts with controlled local coordination environments and 3D nanostructures effectively improves the catalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), which are critical for clean energy conversion and chemical production. Herein, an innovative approach for preparing core−shell nanostructured catalysts with different single‐metal sites in the core and the shell, respectively, is developed. In particular, as the shell precursors, covalent organic polymers with a thin layered structure that is polymerized in situ and coated on a metal‐doped ZIF‐derived carbon core are used, followed by a controlled thermal activation. The selective combination and construction of different metal sites increase active site density in the surface layers, promote structural robustness, facilitate mass/charge transfer, and yield a possible synergy of active sites in the core and the shell. The p‐FeNC(shell)@CoNC(core), consisting of a polymerized FeTPPCl‐derived carbon layer (p‐FeNC) on a Co‐doped ZIF‐derived carbon (CoNC), exhibits remarkable ORR activity and stability in acidic media along with encouraging durability in H2–air fuel cells. Likewise, a p‐FeNC(shell)@NiNC(core) catalyst demonstrates outstanding CO2RR activity and stability. Hence, integrating two appropriate single‐metal sites in core and shell precursors, respectively, can modulate morphological and catalytic properties for a possible synergy toward different electrocatalysis processes.
A new unenlagiine (Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: Brum Arthur S. , Pêgas Rodrigo V. , Bandeira Kamila L. N. , Souza Lucy G. , Campos Diogenes A. , Kellner Alexander W. A.
Published: August 2021

The record of unenlagiines in Brazil, except for one dorsal vertebra, is still under debate based on isolated teeth. Here, we describeYpupiara lopaigen. et sp. nov., the first dromaeosaurid species from Brazil, from the Maastrichtian of the Bauru Group, Paraná Basin. The specimen consists of a partial right maxilla (with three teethin loci) and a right dentary.Ypupiarais characterized by a restricted number of neurovascular foramina on the lateral surface of the maxilla, a rectangular and anteroposteriorly expanded interdental plate, and a labiolingual compression of the teeth, which have a labiolingual diameter more than 3/5 of the rostrocaudal diameter. Our phylogenetic analysis recoversYpupiaraas an unenlagiine based on the fluted teeth and places it as the sister taxon ofAustroraptordue to the ratio of the labiolingual and mesiodistal diameters of the teeth being more than 3/5. We also erect the new group Unenlagiinia, which includes Unenlagiinae and Halszkaraptorinae.Ypupiaranests within Unenlagiinia based on the widely spaced teeth and the lack of mesial and distal carinae in the maxillary teeth. The morphology of the teeth is similar toBuitreraptor, although the proportions are markedly distinct. The teeth and comparisons with other Unenlagiinia also support fish being part of the diet forYpupiara. We also performed a parsimony analysis of endemicity, which suggested that the presence of unenlagiines in Brazilian Upper Cretaceous outcrops is explained by dispersion or extinction events. The new species provides new information on the evolution of Gondwanan dromaeosaurids, and its preserved teeth provide new data to enable the assignment of isolated dromaeosaurid teeth from the Bauru Group.
Use of Bentonite and Organic Binders in the Briquetting of Particulate Residues from the Midrex Process for Improving the Thermal Stability and Reducibility of the Briquettes
Authors: Lohmeier Laura , Thaler Christoph , Harris Christopher , Wollenberg Ralf , Schröder Hans-Werner , Braeuer Andreas Siegfried
Published: August 2021

With the aim of achieving sufficient reducibility and thermal stability of briquettes for reuse as feedstock in the Midrex direct reduction process, a defined mixture of residues from the Midrex process is briquetted with an organic binder and bentonite. In the first step, briquetting tests are conducted to investigate the influence of water and binder content on the mechanical properties of the briquettes. Suitable briquettes are then used for reduction tests, where mechanical properties under Midrex‐relevant conditions are considered. The tests show that briquettes with an organic binder (with and without bentonite) are not stable under Midrex‐relevant conditions, whereas briquettes with a mixture composition with 5 wt% bentonite and 5 wt% water are. This can be justified on the basis of microscopic images. Bentonite favors the sintering mechanisms occurring between the particles. The organic binders decompose thermally and carbon remains, which prevents sintering. The reduction tests show that oxygen release from the briquettes occurs more slowly than for iron oxide pellets. However, the residual mixture already contains reduced material (Femet of briquettes with bentonite 28.1 wt%), so less oxygen has to be removed. Furthermore, a small briquette format (volume 10 cm3) shows better reduction behavior compared to bigger briquettes.
Operation Planning Method Using Convolutional Neural Network for Combined Heat and Power System
Authors: Ono Tetsushi , Kawamura Tsutomu , Nakamura Ryosuke
Published: August 2021

More and more factories and commercial buildings are installing combined heat and power (CHP) systems that include various energy storage devices. To reduce the energy cost of CHPs, optimal operation plans to satisfy time‐varying energy demands with minimum energy cost are required. Conventional operation planning methods using optimized calculation have an issue with long computing time. To address this, we adapted a convolutional neural network (CNN) to learn the time‐series features of input–output pairs of optimized calculations. The architecture of the proposed CNN has the following key features: (i) the application of one‐dimensional convolutional filters to extract the time‐series features of input data and (ii) the elimination of pooling layers that compress the input data. We also designed rule‐based flows to remove constraint violations from the generated operation plans. Our evaluations showed that the proposed method could generate operation plans with the average error of 3.3%, which is much lower than the 8.0% average error when using the conventional CNN with pooling calculation. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Covid-19-Pandemic Measures in Conflict Zones in 2020 and 2021—The Case of the OSCE and South Ossetia in Georgia
Authors: Javakhishvili Irakli
Published: August 2021

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on ongoing political and societal transformations deserves closer attention in all areas of social science research.
American Classified Paper of 1988 and the Case of Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Authors: Lambert Michael
Published: August 2021

In 1988, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) declassified a research paper with the title, “Unrest in the Caucasus and the challenge of Nationalism” on the Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous oblast time when the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was emerging. It lasted until 1994.
Peacebuilding in the OSCE Region—An Analysis of the Juxtaposition Between the Conflict Prevention Center with the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund
Authors: Vieira Maurício
Published: August 2021

This chapter introduces the perspective on juxtaposition to explain how different international organizations cooperate through similar structural departments. Juxtaposition is presented based on an analysis of a relationship between the United Nations (UN) Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) with the Conflict Prevention Center (CPC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with regard to how these respective institutional departments deal with their own notion on peacebuilding. Through a qualitative analysis on both the PBF and CPC, juxtaposition enables our comprehension to identify peacebuilding dynamics in both organizations and how the UN and the OSCE collectively design strategies aiming peace.
OSCE Special Monitoring in Ukraine
Authors: Oberson Frederic
Published: August 2021

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Eastern Ukraine (Donbas) offers an interesting case study of what international organizations do during a war. The current conflict is tricky and multilayered. The SMM is the only international observing mission deployed permanently in this war zone, but thus far has received little academic scrutiny. Daily reports are published online so that anyone can be part of the observation process and a witness to what is going on in Donbas. But does the mission contribute to a “revival” of the OSCE? Is it an adequate, accurate, and objective monitoring tool? Is it helping to improve the situation in the field and to make life easier for the population? Finally, should the SMM to Ukraine be modified, replaced by another type of mission, or assisted in some way? In answering these questions, the chapter also considers the future of such missions in the context of the current crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.
China’s Emerging Political and Economic Dominance in the OSCE Region
Authors: Marat Uraimov
Published: August 2021

The presence of China in the OSCE region is becoming resilient, particularly after Beijing began providing infrastructural loans to OSCE states. The size of the issued infrastructural loans in less developed economies is disproportionate to national economies, resulting in the borrowing countries becoming incapable of paying back the loans. In this chapter, I argue that China’s practices of infrastructural loans and China’s overall standing on minority issues and democratization contradicts the OSCE core principles and undermines OSCE integrity. To illustrate this, I use, first, the example of the promotion of non-democratic practices through non-transparent procurement, surveillance of civilians, and supply of police hardware for suppression and control of political dissidents (based on evidence from Eastern and Central Europe, and Central Asia) and, for the second example, I illustrate the violation of minority rights in re-education camps in the Xinjiang region (based on political and civic reaction from Central Asia), which Chinese authorities call “Vocational Education and Training Centers.” The first example helps to analyze how Chinese foreign loans contradict the democratic commitments of the borrowing countries. Chinese infrastructural loans promote non-democratic practices in borrowing countries through unfair, non-transparent procurement in infrastructural development projects. The Chinese side also provides surveillance systems and anti-protest police vehicles and ammunition which help to undermine individual rights and freedoms. The second example helps to analyze the reaction of Central Asian Muslim countries toward China’s treatment of kin-groups, namely the lack of critical reaction of CA states despite their OSCE-membership and commitment toward promotion of individual rights and freedoms (including freedom of faith). China has been providing infrastructural loans to most OSCE member states over the past two decades; and these member states have not officially responded to Chinese treatment of their own kin-groups, such as Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uyghur minorities—according to the OSCE core principles on minority rights. The OSCE core principles are categorized under the “human dimension” to ensure OSCE states’ “respect for individual rights and fundamental freedoms” and their commitment to “abide by the rule of law; promote principles of democracy; strengthen and protect democratic institutions” Yamamoto (2015). Most likely if there were no infrastructural loans from China, the OSCE countries under analysis would respond to Chinese domestic policy toward ethnic minorities critically. Most likely, by providing surveillance and police machinery, China tends to support the existing political regimes in borrowing countries and, by its non-transparent procurement, it does not encourage enforcement of laws.
Komar integrals for theories of higher order in the Riemann curvature and black-hole chemistry
Authors: Ortín Tomás
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We construct Komar-type integrals for theories of gravity of higher order in the Riemann curvature coupled to simple kinds of matter (scalar and vector fields) and we use them to compute Smarr formulae for black-hole solutions in those theories. The equivalence betweenf(R) and Brans-Dicke theories is used to argue that the dimensionful parameters that appear in scalar potentials must be interpreted as thermodynamical variables (pressures) and we give a general expression for their conjugate potentials (volumes).
Types of deviation and review criteria in pretreatment central quality control of tumor bed boost in medulloblastoma—an analysis of the German Radiotherapy Quality Control Panel in the SIOP PNET5 MB trial
Authors: Dietzsch Stefan , Braesigk Annett , Seidel Clemens , Remmele Julia , Kitzing Ralf , Schlender Tina , Mynarek Martin , Geismar Dirk , Jablonska Karolina , Schwarz Rudolf , Pazos Montserrat , Weber Damien C. , Frick Silke , Gurtner Kristin , Matuschek Christiane , Harrabi Semi Ben , Glück Albrecht , Lewitzki Victor , Dieckmann Karin , Benesch Martin , Gerber Nicolas U. , Obrecht Denise , Rutkowski Stefan , Timmermann Beate , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, pretreatment radiotherapy quality control (RT-QC) for tumor bed boost (TB) in non-metastatic medulloblastoma (MB) was not mandatory but was recommended for patients enrolled in the SIOP PNET5 MB trial between 2014 and 2018. This individual case review (ICR) analysis aimed to evaluate types of deviations in the initial plan proposals and develop uniform review criteria for TB boost.

Patients and methods

A total of 78 patients were registered in this trial, of whom a subgroup of 65 patients were available for evaluation of the TB treatment plans. Dose uniformity was evaluated according to the definitions of the protocol. Additional RT-QC criteria for standardized review of target contours were elaborated and data evaluated accordingly.

Results

Of 65 initial TB plan proposals, 27 (41.5%) revealed deviations of target volume delineation. Deviations according to the dose uniformity criteria were present in 14 (21.5%) TB plans. In 25 (38.5%) cases a modification of the RT plan was recommended. Rejection of the TB plans was rather related to unacceptable target volume delineation than to insufficient dose uniformity.

Conclusion

In this analysis of pretreatment RT-QC, protocol deviations were present in a high proportion of initial TB plan proposals. These findings emphasize the importance of pretreatment RT-QC in clinical trials for MB. Based on these data, a proposal for RT-QC criteria for tumor bed boost in non-metastatic MB was developed.
Praxis der medikamentösen Thromboseprophylaxe und Antikoagulation bei Patienten mit Sepsis und vorbestehender Antikoagulation oder Heparin-induzierter Thrombozytopenie Typ II – Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage auf Intensivstationen
Authors: Schmoch Thomas , Brenner Thorsten , Becker-Pennrich Andrea , Hinske Ludwig Christian , Weigand Markus A. , Briegel Josef , Möhnle Patrick ,   SepNet Study Group
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Sowohl eine vorbestehende Antikoagulation als auch prädisponierende Vorerkrankungen für Thromboembolien stellen ein häufiges Problem bei Patienten mit Sepsis dar, wenngleich der Umgang mit diesen Rahmenbedingungen von den aktuellen nationalen und internationalen Leitlinien für Sepsis und septischen Schock nicht adressiert wird. Ein Ziel der hier vorliegenden deutschlandweiten Umfrage war es, den Umgang von Intensivmedizinern mit derartigen Problemen zu eruieren.

Methoden

Von Oktober 2019 bis Mai 2020 führten wir eine deutschlandweite Umfrage unter ärztlichen Leitern von Intensivstationen zum Thema Antikoagulation und medikamentöser Thromboseprophylaxe bei Sepsis und Sepsis-induzierter Koagulopathie durch. Ein Fokus war hierbei, das Vorgehen bei Patienten mit vorbestehender Indikation zur therapeutischen Antikoagulation sowie bei vorbekannter Heparin-induzierter Thrombopenie Typ II (HIT-II) (akut-symptomatisch vs. Jahre zurückliegend) zu eruieren.

Ergebnisse

Die Umfrageergebnisse zeigen, dass auf den meisten der teilnehmenden Intensivstationen eine vorbestehende Antikoagulation größtenteils mit niedermolekularen Heparinpräparaten oder unfraktioniertem Heparin fortgeführt wird. Bei bekannter HIT-II wird Argatroban bevorzugt, unabhängig davon, ob es sich um eine Jahre zurückliegende oder eine akut-symptomatische HIT-II handelt. Eine hohe Variabilität besteht bei der Festlegung der Zielwerte für die Antikoagulation, wobei diese größtenteils deutlich über dem Bereich einer reinen venösen Thromboembolie(VTE)-Prophylaxe zu liegen kommen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Datenlage zur Fortführung einer über die reine VTE-Prophylaxe hinausgehenden Antikoagulation mit konsekutiv erhöhtem Blutungsrisiko bei Patienten mit Sepsis und septischem Schock ist eingeschränkt, und Therapieentscheidungen unterliegen in vielen Fällen einer individuellen Abwägung des Behandlungsteams. Die Ergebnisse unserer Umfrage implizieren die Notwendigkeit einer systematischen Aufarbeitung dieses Themenfeldes, um die auf vielen Intensivstationen gelebte Praxis mit der gebotenen Evidenz zu unterlegen.
SEPSIS-3.0 – Ist die Intensivmedizin bereit für die ICD-11?
Authors: Schmoch Thomas , Bernhard Michael , Becker-Pennrich Andrea , Hinske Ludwig Christian , Briegel Josef , Möhnle Patrick , Brenner Thorsten , Weigand Markus A. ,   SepNet Study Group
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Im Januar 2022 wird die 11. Revision der International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in Kraft treten. Unter anderem wird darin die SEPSIS-3-Definition implementiert sein, in der Sepsis als „lebensbedrohliche Organdysfunktion, hervorgerufen durch eine fehlregulierte Wirtsantwort auf eine Infektion“ definiert wird. Ziel der vorliegenden Sekundärauswertung einer Umfrage zum Thema „Sepsis-induzierte Koagulopathie“ war es zu evaluieren, ob die SEPSIS-3-Definition (engl. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock) 4 Jahre nach ihrer internationalen Einführung im klinischen Alltag anästhesiologisch geführter Intensivstationen in Deutschland angekommen ist und so die Voraussetzungen für die Verwendung des ICD-11 gegeben sind.

Methoden

Im Rahmen einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage unter ärztlichen Leitern von Intensivstationen, die zwischen Oktober 2019 und Mai 2020 durchgeführt wurde, wurde in einem gesonderten Fragenblock nach der verwendeten Sepsisdefinition gefragt. Zusätzlich wurde gefragt, ob der quick-Sequential (Sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) Score zum Screening auf Sepsis in dem Krankenhaus, zu dem die teilnehmende Intensivstation gehört, verwendet wird.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt nahmen 50 ärztliche Leiter von anästhesiologisch geführten Intensivbereichen an der Umfrage teil. In Summe gaben die ausgewerteten Intensivstationen an, etwa 14,0 % der in Deutschland registrierten High-Care-Betten zu führen. An 78,9 % der Universitätsklinika und 84,0 % der teilnehmenden Lehrkrankenhäuser ist die SEPSIS-3-Definition im klinischen Alltag integriert. Im Gegensatz dazu wird der Screening-Test „qSOFA“ nur von 26,3 % der teilnehmenden Universitätsklinika, aber immerhin von 52,0 % der Lehrkrankenhäuser und 80,0 % der „sonstigen“ Krankenhäuser verwendet.

Schlussfolgerung

Unsere Daten zeigen, dass sowohl SEPSIS‑3 als auch qSOFA im klinischen Alltag deutscher Krankenhäuser angekommen sind. Die zurückhaltende Verwendung des qSOFA an Universitätsklinika bei gleichzeitiger breiter Akzeptanz der SEPSIS-3-Definition kann als Indiz interpretiert werden, dass die Suche nach einem geeigneten Screeningtest für Sepsis noch nicht abgeschlossen ist.
Interleukin-23 instructs protective multifunctional CD4 T cell responses after immunization with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis subunit vaccine H1 DDA/TDB independently of interleukin-17A
Authors: Ritter Kristina , Behrends Jochen , Erdmann Hanna , Rousseau Jasmin , Hölscher Alexandra , Volz Johanna , Prinz Immo , Lindenstrøm Thomas , Hölscher Christoph
Published: August 2021

Interleukin (IL)-17A-producing T helper (Th)17 cells are increasingly being acknowledged to be associated with protective immunity toMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). Subunit vaccines potently promote protective immune responses against Mtb infection that correlate with an expansion of IL-23-dependent Th17 cells. Previous studies revealed that after vaccination, IL-23 is required for protection against challenge with Mtb but the underlying IL-23-dependent—and possibly IL-17A-mediated—mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, we here analyzed the early outcome of Mtb infection in C57BL/6, IL-23p19-deficient (−/−), and IL-17A−/−mice after vaccination with the subunit vaccine H1-DDA/TDB to investigate the role of the IL-23-Th17 immune axis for the instruction of vaccine-induced protection. While in IL-23p19−/−mice the protective effect was reduced, protection after vaccination was maintained in IL-17A−/−animals for the course of infection of 6 weeks, indicating that after vaccination with H1-DDA/TDB early protection against Mtb is—although dependent on IL-23—not mediated by IL-17A. In contrast, IL-17A deficiency appears to have an impact on maintaining long-term protection. In fact, IL-23 instructed the vaccine-induced memory immunity in the lung, in particular the sustained expansion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)+IL-2+multifunctional T cells, independently of IL-17A. Altogether, a targeted induction of IL-23 during vaccination against Mtb might improve the magnitude and quality of vaccine-induced memory immune responses.

Key messages

After subunit Mtb vaccination with H1-DDA/TDB, IL-23 but not IL-17A contributes to vaccine-induced early protection against infection with Mtb.

IL-17F does not compensate for IL-17A deficiency in terms of H1-DDA/TDB-induced protection against Mtb infection.

IL 23 promotes the H1-DDA/TDB-induced accumulation of effector memory T cells independently of IL 17A.

IL-23 arbitrates the induction of H1-specific IFN-γ−TNF+IL-2+double-positive multifunctional CD4 T cells after subunit Mtb vaccination in an IL-17A-independent manner.

Graphical abstract
Strain effect on microstructural properties of SUS 304L joint by PAW+GTAW
Authors: Juan Wang , Yajiang Li , Qi Wang , Kun Liu , Hang Li
Published: August 2021

JIS SUS 304L stainless steel was joined by a combination welding process of plasma arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding (PAW+GTAW). Then pre-strain treatment on 304L welded joint of 9 % was carried out using uniaxial quasi-static tensile at room temperature. Effect of strain on microstructure evolution in joint was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and on mechanical properties was also studied. The results indicated that the pre-strain rate of 304L joint showed inhomogeneity including 3 % in the weld metal and 13 % in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), which induced martensitic transformation occurring in HAZ. Tensile strength of the joint increased from 700 MPa as welded to 804 MPa after pre-strain treatment at room temperature, and it reached 1700 MPa from 1480 MPa as welded at low temperature of −196 °C. Impact energy in the HAZ was the least among the whole 304L weld, but it was still 94 J at −196 °C after pre-strain. The fracture morphology showed large numbered of cleavage steps with elongated parabolic dimples.
Generating aptamers towards human sperm cells using massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Gooch James , Tungsirisurp Sireethorn , Costanzo Hayley , Napier Richard , Frascione Nunzianda
Published: August 2021

Determining the presence of sperm cells on an item or swab is often a crucial component of sexual offence investigation. However, traditional histological staining techniques used for the morphological identification of spermatozoa lack both specificity and sensitivity, making analysis a complex and time-consuming process. New methods for the detection of sperm cells based on aptamer recognition may be able to overcome these issues. In this work, we present the selection of ssDNA aptamers against human sperm cells using Cell-SELEX and massively parallel sequencing technologies. A total of 14 rounds of selection were performed following a modified Cell-SELEX protocol, which included additional steps for the isolation of spermatozoa from seminal fluid. Massively parallel sequencing using the Illumina Miseq platform was conducted on enriched aptamer pools to elucidate the structure of potential binders. A custom bioinformatics pipeline was also developed using Galaxy for the automated processing of sequencing datasets. This data revealed several promising aptamer candidates, which were shown to selectively bind sperm cells through both microscale thermophoresis and enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assays. These aptamers have the potential to increase the efficiency of sexual offence casework by facilitating sperm detection.

Graphical abstract
A randomized, double-blind, single-dose study (LAVENDER) to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of a combined infusion of ABP 980 and pertuzumab in healthy subjects
Authors: Hanes Vladimir , Chow Vincent , Stewart Tina , Puri Adeep
Published: August 2021

Purpose

ABP 980 (KANJINTI™) is a biosimilar to reference product HERCEPTIN® (trastuzumab RP). The goal of this study was to characterize the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of ABP 980 plus pertuzumab (PERJETA®) when co-administered in a single infusion bag in healthy subjects.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, single-dose, 2-arm, parallel-group study (LAVENDER Study) evaluated an intravenous (IV) infusion of ABP 980 (6 mg/kg) plus pertuzumab (420 mg) combined in a single infusion bag relative to an IV infusion of trastuzumab RP (6 mg/kg) plus pertuzumab (420 mg) combined in a single infusion bag given over 60 min. The subjects were followed for 92 days post dosing.

Results

A total of 42 subjects were enrolled in the study and treated with investigational product. Due to an operational issue during dosing, the first 6 subjects enrolled in the study were replaced. A total of 36 randomized subjects, n = 18 for ABP 980 plus pertuzumab and n = 18 for trastuzumab RP plus pertuzumab, were treated. Resulting serum concentrations of ABP 980 and trastuzumab RP were similar. There were no serious adverse events, no deaths, and no cardiac disorders during the study. No subject developed anti-drug antibodies throughout the study.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the safety and tolerability of ABP 980 and pertuzumab admixture in a single infusion bag. The safety profiles and pharmacokinetic parameters of ABP 980 and pertuzumab were consistent with what is known for trastuzumab RP and pertuzumab.

Clinical trial listing

EudraCT 2018-002903-33.
Prävalenz kraniomandibulärer Dysfunktionen bei Senioren – symptombezogene Analysen bei jüngeren und älteren Senioren
Authors: Rauch Angelika , Angrik Cäcilie , Zenthöfer Andreas , Weber Sophia , Hahnel Sebastian , Nitschke Ina , Schierz Oliver
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktionen (CMD) können auch im hohen Alter auftreten. Die Prävalenz von CMD-Symptomen bei Senioren wurde bisher nur wenig untersucht.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, die Prävalenz von Symptomen einer CMD bei Senioren nach Befunderhebung mit den Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) zu bestimmen. Dabei sollten die Prävalenzwerte von jüngeren (60 bis 74 Jahren) und älteren (≥ 75 Jahre) Senioren verglichen werden.

Material und Methoden

Im Rahmen der Interdisziplinären Längsschnittstudie des Erwachsenenalters (ILSE) wurden Probanden nach repräsentativen Gesichtspunkten rekrutiert. Während der vierten Nachverfolgungswelle im Zeitraum von 2014 bis 2016 im Bereich des Studienzentrums Leipzig wurden die Probanden auf das Vorliegen von anamnestischen und klinischen CMD-Symptomen untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Anamnestische CMD-Symptome bei Senioren (n = 192) waren v. a. durch Schmerzen im Gesichtsbereich (13,0 %) gekennzeichnet. Das häufigste klinische CMD-Symptom waren Kiefergelenkgeräusche mit einer Prävalenz bis zu 35,5 %. Frauen gaben anamnestisch häufiger Kopfschmerzen/Migräne an. Kiefergelenkgeräusche und eine limitierte Mundöffnung wurden klinisch häufiger bei weiblichen Teilnehmenden beobachtet. Statistisch signifikante Unterschiede zeigten sich bei dem Vergleich von jüngeren und älteren Senioren hinsichtlich der Prävalenz von Kopfschmerzen/Migräne, jedoch nicht bei klinischen Symptomen.

Schlussfolgerung

Anamnestisch werden Gesichtsschmerzen von 13,0 % der Senioren angegeben. Kiefergelenkgeräusche werden bei jedem dritten Älteren klinisch beobachtet. CMD-Symptome scheinen bei jüngeren und älteren Senioren im ähnlichen Maße ausgeprägt zu sein.
Recurrent fusions in PLAGL1 define a distinct subset of pediatric-type supratentorial neuroepithelial tumors
Authors: Sievers Philipp , Henneken Sophie C. , Blume Christina , Sill Martin , Schrimpf Daniel , Stichel Damian , Okonechnikov Konstantin , Reuss David E. , Benzel Julia , Maaß Kendra K. , Kool Marcel , Sturm Dominik , Zheng Tuyu , Ghasemi David R. , Kohlhof-Meinecke Patricia , Cruz Ofelia , Suñol Mariona , Lavarino Cinzia , Ruf Viktoria , Boldt Henning B. , Pagès Mélanie , Pouget Celso , Schweizer Leonille , Kranendonk Mariëtte E. G. , Akhtar Noreen , Bunkowski Stephanie , Stadelmann Christine , Schüller Ulrich , Mueller Wolf C. , Dohmen Hildegard , Acker Till , Harter Patrick N. , Mawrin Christian , Beschorner Rudi , Brandner Sebastian , Snuderl Matija , Abdullaev Zied , Aldape Kenneth , Gilbert Mark R. , Armstrong Terri S. , Ellison David W. , Capper David , Ichimura Koichi , Reifenberger Guido , Grundy Richard G. , Jabado Nada , Krskova Lenka , Zapotocky Michal , Vicha Ales , Varlet Pascale , Wesseling Pieter , Rutkowski Stefan , Korshunov Andrey , Wick Wolfgang , Pfister Stefan M. , Jones David T. W. , von Deimling Andreas , Pajtler Kristian W. , Sahm Felix
Published: August 2021

Ependymomas encompass a heterogeneous group of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms that occur along the entire neuroaxis. In recent years, extensive (epi-)genomic profiling efforts have identified several molecular groups of ependymoma that are characterized by distinct molecular alterations and/or patterns. Based on unsupervised visualization of a large cohort of genome-wide DNA methylation data, we identified a highly distinct group of pediatric-type tumors (n = 40) forming a cluster separate from all established CNS tumor types, of which a high proportion were histopathologically diagnosed as ependymoma. RNA sequencing revealed recurrent fusions involving the pleomorphic adenoma gene-like 1 (PLAGL1) gene in 19 of 20 of the samples analyzed, with the most common fusion being EWSR1:PLAGL1 (n = 13). Five tumors showed a PLAGL1:FOXO1 fusion and one a PLAGL1:EP300 fusion. High transcript levels of PLAGL1 were noted in these tumors, with concurrent overexpression of the imprinted genes H19 and IGF2, which are regulated by PLAGL1. Histopathological review of cases with sufficient material (n = 16) demonstrated a broad morphological spectrum of tumors with predominant ependymoma-like features. Immunohistochemically, tumors were GFAP positive and OLIG2- and SOX10 negative. In 3/16 of the cases, a dot-like positivity for EMA was detected. All tumors in our series were located in the supratentorial compartment. Median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 6.2 years. Median progression-free survival was 35 months (for 11 patients with data available). In summary, our findings suggest the existence of a novel group of supratentorial neuroepithelial tumors that are characterized by recurrent PLAGL1 fusions and enriched for pediatric patients.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the 22-item sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) in German-speaking patients: a prospective, multicenter cohort study
Authors: Albrecht Tobias , Beule Achim Georg , Hildenbrand Tanja , Gerstacker Kathrin , Praetorius Mark , Rudack Claudia , Baumann Ingo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common condition associated with a significant reduction of the health-related quality of life. One of the most widely used assessment tools in CRS is the disease-specific, health-related questionnaire SNOT-22. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the SNOT-22 into the German language.

Methods

The questionnaire was translated using the forward–backward translation technique. After the translation its reliability, validity, and sensitivity were evaluated. For this purpose, the questionnaire was completed by patients diagnosed with CRS before, 3 months and 1 year after endoscopic sinus surgery and by healthy individuals as controls at three university hospitals in Germany. The individual scores of the questionnaire before surgery was correlated with the Lund–Mackay score as well as a global disease-specific question.

Results

A total of 139 CRS patients and 31 healthy individuals participated in the study. Internal consistency at all timepoints was very good, with Cronbach’s alpha scores of 0.897, 0.941, and 0.945. The questionnaire was able to discriminate between CRS patients and control subjects (p < 0.0001) and scores improved significantly 3 month and 1 year after sinus surgery (p < 0.0001), indicating a good test–retest reliability, validity, and responsiveness. A significant correlation to the single global disease-specific question could be found (p < 0.0001), but no correlation with the Lund–Mackay score.

Conclusion

The German Version of the SNOT-22 is a reliable, valid, and sensitive instrument for measuring health-related quality of life in patients with CRS. It can be recommended for clinical practice and outcome research for German-speaking patients.
Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy: possible impact on the infant
Authors: Morhart Patrick , Mardin Christian , Rauh Manfred , Jüngert Jörg , Hammersen Johanna , Kehl Sven , Schuh Wolfgang , Maier-Wohlfart Sigrun , Hermes Katharina , Neubert Antje , Schneider Michael , Hein Alexander , Woelfle Joachim , Schneider Holm
Published: August 2021

The risk and potential consequences of mother-to-child transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during pregnancy are still a matter of debate. We studied the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on 56 complete households, including 27 newborns whose mothers were pregnant when exposed to the virus. Two PCR-confirmed perinatal SARS-CoV-2 transmissions with mild symptoms in affected neonates were recorded. In addition, we observed a severe eye malformation (unilateral microphthalmia, optic nerve hypoplasia, and congenital retinopathy) associated with maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in weeks 5 and 6 of embryonic development. This embryopathy could not be explained by other infectious agents, genetic factors, drug use, or maternal disease during pregnancy. Eight other women with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to gestational week 12, however, delivered healthy infants.

Conclusion: The repeated occurrence of mother-to-child transmission in our cohort with risks that remain incompletely understood, such as long-term effects and the possibility of an embryopathy, should sensitize researchers and stimulate further studies as well as support COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for pregnant women.

Trial registration number: NCT04741412. Date of registration: November 18, 2020

What is Known:•Materno-fetal transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during pregnancy has rarely been reported so far, but was demonstrated in isolated cases.

What is New:•In a study of complete households with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, including a cohort of pregnant women, we observed perinatal coronavirus transmission at a higher frequency than expected.•We also describe a newborn boy with an eye malformation reminiscent of rubella embryopathy but associated with early gestation SARS-CoV-2 infection of his mother.•A coronavirus-related embryopathy, reported here for the first time, is a finding that requires further investigation.