bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of heterogeneous age-group contact patterns on critical vaccination rates for herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Saldaña Joan , Scoglio Caterina
Published: February 2022

Currently, several western countries have more than half of their population fully vaccinated against COVID-19. At the same time, some of them are experiencing a fourth or even a fifth wave of cases, most of them concentrated in sectors of the populations whose vaccination coverage is lower than the average. So, the initial scenario of vaccine prioritization has given way to a new one where achieving herd immunity is the primary concern. Using an age-structured vaccination model with waning immunity, we show that, under a limited supply of vaccines, a vaccination strategy based on minimizing the basic reproduction number allows for the deployment of a number of vaccine doses lower than the one required for maximizing the vaccination coverage. Such minimization is achieved by giving greater protection to those age groups that, for a given social contact pattern, have smaller fractions of susceptible individuals at the endemic equilibrium without vaccination, that is, to those groups that are more vulnerable to infection.
A testis-expressing heme peroxidase HPX12 regulates male fertility in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Kumari Seena , Tevatiya Sanjay , Rani Jyoti , Das De Tanwee , Chauhan Charu , Sharma Punita , Sah Rajkumar , Singh Shailja , Pandey Kailash C. , Pande Veena , Dixit Rajnikant
Published: February 2022

In vertebrates dysregulation of the antioxidant defense system has a detrimental impact on male fertility and reproductive physiology. However, in insects, especially mosquitoes the importance of sperm quality has been poorly studied. Since long-term storage of healthy and viable sperm earmarks male reproductive competency, we tested whether the heme peroxidase, a member of antioxidant enzyme family proteins, and abundantly expressed in the testis, also influence male fertility in the mosquito An. stephensi. Here, we show that a heme peroxidase 12 (HPX12), is an important cellular factor to protect the sperms from oxidative stress, and maintains semen quality in the male mosquito reproductive organ. We demonstrate that knockdown of the HPX12 not only impairs the sperm parameters such as motility, viability but also causes a significant down-regulation of MAG expressing transcripts such as ASTEI02706, ASTEI00744, ASTEI10266, likely encoding putative Accessory gland proteins. Mating with HPX12 knockdown male mosquitoes, resulted in ~ 50% reduction in egg-laying, coupled with diminished larval hatchability of a gravid female mosquito. Our data further outlines that increased ROS in the HPX12 mRNA depleted mosquitoes is the ultimate cause of sperm disabilities both qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Our data provide evidence that testis expressing AsHPX12 is crucial for maintaining optimal homeostasis for storing and protecting healthy sperms in the male mosquito’s reproductive organs. Since, high reproductive capacity directly influences the mosquito population, manipulating male mosquito reproductive physiology could be an attractive tool to combat vector-borne diseases.
Role of the Pbrm1 subunit and the PBAF complex in Schwann cell development
Authors: Polanetzki Vanessa , Fröb Franziska , Baroti Tina , Schimmel Margit , Tamm Ernst R. , Wegner Michael
Published: February 2022

Myelin sheath formation in the peripheral nervous system and the ensuing saltatory conduction rely on differentiated Schwann cells. We have previously shown that transition of Schwann cells from an immature into a differentiated state requires Brg1 that serves as the central energy generating subunit in two related SWI/SNF-type chromatin remodelers, the BAF and the PBAF complex. Here we used conditional deletion of Pbrm1 to selectively interfere with the PBAF complex in Schwann cells. Despite efficient loss of Pbrm1 early during lineage progression, we failed to detect any substantial alterations in the number, proliferation or survival of immature Schwann cells as well as in their rate and timing of terminal differentiation. As a consequence, postnatal myelin formation in peripheral nerves appeared normal. There were no inflammatory alterations in the nerve or other signs of a peripheral neuropathy. We conclude from our study that Pbrm1 and very likely the PBAF complex are dispensable for proper Schwann cell development and that Schwann cell defects previously observed upon Brg1 deletion are mostly attributable to altered or absent function of the BAF complex.
Two-dimensional temperature-responsive chromatography using a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brush-modified stationary phase for effective therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Nagase Kenichi , Inoue So , Inoue Masakazu , Kanazawa Hideko
Published: February 2022

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is an effective pharmacological approach for controlling drug concentration in a patient’s serum. Herein, a new two-dimensional chromatography system was developed using two poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-modified bead-packed columns for effective and safe drug monitoring. PNIPAAm-modified silica beads were prepared as packing materials using atom transfer radical polymerization of NIPAAm. The increase in the retention times of the drugs requiring TDM with increasing temperature, was attributed to enhanced hydrophobic interactions at elevated temperatures. The drugs and serum proteins were separated on the prepared column at 40 °C using an all-aqueous mobile phase. Differences in the hydrophobic interactions accounted for the elution of the serum proteins and drugs at short and long retention times, respectively, and a primary column was employed to separate the serum proteins and drugs. After eluting the serum proteins from the column, the drug was introduced into the secondary column, leading to a peak of its purified form and enabling determination of the drug concentration. Two-dimensional temperature-responsive chromatography can benefit TDM by allowing the drug concentration in the serum to be measured in all-aqueous mobile phases without sample preparation.
Dual targeting micelles loaded with paclitaxel and lapatinib for combinational therapy of brain metastases from breast cancer
Authors: Lu Heng , Chen Tianran , Wang Yiran , He Yuwei , Pang Zhiqing , Wang Yajie
Published: February 2022

Due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the delivery of general drugs into the brain tissue remains to be a tricky problem. For patients with brain metastases from breast cancer, drug delivery systems must overcome this physical barrier. Targeted nano vehicles arise as a promising alternative to deliver drugs to brain tissues successively. Herein, a dual targeting micelle drug delivery system loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) and lapatinib (LPTN) was developed for combinational therapy of brain metastases. In our study, it was shown the micelles modified with Angiopep-2 had high loading efficiency of paclitaxel and lapatinib (Ang-MIC-PTX/LP). In addition, Ang-MIC-PTX/LP could transport across the in vitro BBB model and accumulate in breast cancer cells. After intravenous injection, Ang-MIC significantly accumulated in the brain metastasis. Ang-MIC-PTX/LP could also extend the life span of brain metastasis mouse models. Overall, this study provided a promising method for treatment of brain metastases from breast cancer.
Sympatric cleptobiotic stingless bees have species-specific cuticular profiles that resemble their hosts
Authors: Vázquez Manuel , Muñoz David , Medina Rubén , Paxton Robert J. , de Oliveira Favizia Freitas , Quezada-Euán José Javier G.
Published: February 2022

Stingless bees are the largest group of eusocial pollinators with diverse natural histories, including obligate cleptobionts (genus Lestrimelitta) that completely abandoned flower visitation to rely on other stingless bees for food and nest materials. Species of Lestrimeliita are thought to specialize upon different host species, and deception through chemical similarity has been proposed as a mechanism to explain this phenomenon. In the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Scaptotrigona pectoralis is a species chemically distinct from, and not preferred as a host by, locally widespread Lestrimeliita niitkib; witnessing attacks on S. pectoralis colonies offered the opportunity to test the sensory deception hypothesis to cletoparasitism. Analysis of cuticular profiles revealed that the Lestrimelitta attacking S. pectoralis differed significantly in odour bouquet to L. niitkib and, in contrast, it resembled that of S. pectoralis. Further analyses, including morphometrics, mtDNA barcoding, and the examination of taxonomic features, confirmed the existence of two sympatric Lestrimelitta species. The results give support to the hypothesis of chemical deception as a cleptobiotic strategy in Lestrimelitta sp. This is the first evidence that sympatric cleptobionts of the same genus select hosts in accordance with species-specific cuticular profiles, with possible consequences for ecological adaptation and the evolution of these remarkable organisms and the community of stingless bee hosts.
Comparison of faecal protein biomarkers' diagnostic accuracy for colorectal advanced neoplasms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nasir Kansestani Atefeh , Zare Mohammad Erfan , Tong Qingchao , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2022

Early diagnosis of colorectal advanced neoplasms (ANs), including colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenoma (AA), has a positive effect on the survival rate. As a first attempt, the aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of faecal protein biomarkers for the detection of colorectal neoplasms with consideration of a wide range of covariates. A systematic literature search was performed up to Jun 10, 2021 on Web of Sciences, Scopus and PubMed. The diagnostic accuracies were calculated using the bivariate/hierarchical random effect model. Biomarkers were determined to be clinically applicable (CA) if they had areas under the curve > 0.70 and positive and negative likelihood ratios > 2 and < 0.5, respectively. A total of 47,059 test results were extracted from 16 immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT), 26 pyruvate kinase-M2 (PK-M2) and 23 faecal calprotectin (FC) studies. Only iFOBT, PK-M2 and FC for CRC plus iFOBT and PK-M2 for AN were CA. iFOBT had significantly superior accuracy (P = 0.02 versus PK-M2 and P < 0.01 versus FC for CRC; P < 0.01 versus PK-M2 for AN). Regarding covariates, the lateral flow method of PK-M2 measurement increased its accuracy for CRC detection compared to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (P < 0.01). iFOBT is recommended as the most accurate faecal biomarker for CRC and AN diagnosis.
Brains and algorithms partially converge in natural language processing
Authors: Caucheteux Charlotte , King Jean-Rémi
Published: February 2022

Deep learning algorithms trained to predict masked words from large amount of text have recently been shown to generate activations similar to those of the human brain. However, what drives this similarity remains currently unknown. Here, we systematically compare a variety of deep language models to identify the computational principles that lead them to generate brain-like representations of sentences. Specifically, we analyze the brain responses to 400 isolated sentences in a large cohort of 102 subjects, each recorded for two hours with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). We then test where and when each of these algorithms maps onto the brain responses. Finally, we estimate how the architecture, training, and performance of these models independently account for the generation of brain-like representations. Our analyses reveal two main findings. First, the similarity between the algorithms and the brain primarily depends on their ability to predict words from context. Second, this similarity reveals the rise and maintenance of perceptual, lexical, and compositional representations within each cortical region. Overall, this study shows that modern language algorithms partially converge towards brain-like solutions, and thus delineates a promising path to unravel the foundations of natural language processing.
Abacavir inhibits but does not cause self-reactivity to HLA-B*57:01-restricted EBV specific T cell receptors
Authors: Sooda Anuradha , Rwandamuriye Francois , Wanjalla Celestine N. , Jing Lichen , Koelle David M. , Peters Bjoern , Leary Shay , Chopra Abha , Calderwood Michael A. , Mallal Simon A. , Pavlos Rebecca , Watson Mark , Phillips Elizabeth J. , Redwood Alec J.
Published: February 2022

Pre-existing pathogen-specific memory T cell responses can contribute to multiple adverse outcomes including autoimmunity and drug hypersensitivity. How the specificity of the T cell receptor (TCR) is subverted or seconded in many of these diseases remains unclear. Here, we apply abacavir hypersensitivity (AHS) as a model to address this question because the disease is linked to memory T cell responses and the HLA risk allele, HLA-B*57:01, and the initiating insult, abacavir, are known. To investigate the role of pathogen-specific TCR specificity in mediating AHS we performed a genome-wide screen for HLA-B*57:01 restricted T cell responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the most prevalent human pathogens. T cell epitope mapping revealed HLA-B*57:01 restricted responses to 17 EBV open reading frames and identified an epitope encoded by EBNA3C. Using these data, we cloned the dominant TCR for EBNA3C and a previously defined epitope within EBNA3B. TCR specificity to each epitope was confirmed, however, cloned TCRs did not cross-react with abacavir plus self-peptide. Nevertheless, abacavir inhibited TCR interactions with their cognate ligands, demonstrating that TCR specificity may be subverted by a drug molecule. These results provide an experimental road map for future studies addressing the heterologous immune responses of TCRs including T cell mediated adverse drug reactions.
Engineering eukaryote-like regulatory circuits to expand artificial control mechanisms for metabolic engineering in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Peng Bingyin , Bandari Naga Chandra , Lu Zeyu , Howard Christopher B. , Scott Colin , Trau Matt , Dumsday Geoff , Vickers Claudia E.
Published: February 2022

Temporal control of heterologous pathway expression is critical to achieve optimal efficiency in microbial metabolic engineering. The broadly-used GAL promoter system for engineered yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) suffers from several drawbacks; specifically, unintended induction during laboratory development, and unintended repression in industrial production applications, which decreases overall production capacity. Eukaryotic synthetic circuits have not been well examined to address these problems. Here, we explore a modularised engineering method to deploy new genetic circuits applicable for expanding the control of GAL promoter-driven heterologous pathways in S. cerevisiae. Trans- and cis- modules, including eukaryotic trans-activating-and-repressing mechanisms, were characterised to provide new and better tools for circuit design. A eukaryote-like tetracycline-mediated circuit that delivers stringent repression was engineered to minimise metabolic burden during strain development and maintenance. This was combined with a novel 37 °C induction circuit to relief glucose-mediated repression on the GAL promoter during the bioprocess. This delivered a 44% increase in production of the terpenoid nerolidol, to 2.54 g L−1 in flask cultivation. These negative/positive transcriptional regulatory circuits expand global strategies of metabolic control to facilitate laboratory maintenance and for industry applications.
Selectivity in trace gas sensing: recent developments, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Barik Puspendu , Pradhan Manik
Published: February 2022

Selectivity is one of the most crucial figures of merit in trace gas sensing, and thus a comprehensive assessment is necessary to have a clear picture of sensitivity, selectivity, and their interrelations in terms of quantitative and qualitative views.
Highly oriented platinum/iridium thin films for high-temperature thermocouples with superior precision
Authors: Ma Kexin , Cao Lili , Luo Fei , Zhou Haitao , Liu Dabo , Luo Bingwei , Xu Yi , Cui Jinting , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: February 2022

A Pt/Ir thin-film thermocouple with well-matched interface and highly oriented thin films has superior precision owing to the fewer resulting defects in the Pt and Ir thin films with highly preferential orientation along the (111) plane.
Efficacy of a functional food ingredient fromEnsete superbumRoxb. Cheesman peel in reducing the severity of ulcerative colitis in a murine model
Authors: Mathew Nimisha Sarah , Muthukumar Serva Peddha , Bettadaiah Bheemanakere Kempaiah , Negi Pradeep Singh
Published: February 2022

Ulcerative colitis is a recurrent inflammatory illness of the colon with an elevated risk of developing colon cancer. TheEnsete superbumpeel fraction incorporated foods can be utilized as an adjuvant treatment strategy.
Origin of multiple voltage plateaus in P2-type sodium layered oxides
Authors: Gan Yang , Li Yining , Li Haoxin , Qiu Wujie , Liu Jianjun
Published: February 2022

Charge localization coupled Na-ion migration is the origin of multiple voltage plateaus in P2-type ordered layered NaxTMO2, whereas isolated active sites with different activities in the disordered compound can effectively avoid this phenomenon.
Magnetic anisotropy and ferroelectric-driven magnetic phase transition in monolayer Cr2Ge2Te6
Authors: Liu Wen-Rong , Dong Xiao-Jing , Lv Ye-Zhu , Ji Wei-Xiao , Cao Qiang , Wang Pei-Ji , Li Feng , Zhang Chang-Wen
Published: February 2022

The combination of ML-CGT and Sc2CO2 provides a way for the design of new non-volatile FE memory devices.
Insight into the photoelectrical properties of metal adsorption on a two-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite surface: theoretical and experimental research
Authors: Peng Liping , Xie Yulin , Yang Changquan
Published: February 2022

Bi atom adsorption on a 2D perovskite surface structure has the minimum adsorption energy. When it uses on the solar cell electrode, the 2D perovskite solar cell of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/2D perovskite/PEI/Bi structure exhibits the highest photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.16%.
Identifying surface degradation, mechanical failure, and thermal instability phenomena of high energy density Ni-rich NCM cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries: a review
Authors: Geldasa Fikadu Takele , Kebede Mesfin Abayneh , Shura Megersa Wodajo , Hone Fekadu Gashaw
Published: February 2022

Among the existing commercial cathodes, Ni-rich NCM are the most promising candidates for next-generation LIBs because of their high energy density, relatively good rate capability, and reasonable cycling performance.
Effect of fluoropolymer content on thermal and combustion performance of direct writing high-solid nanothermite composite
Authors: Jiao Yuke , Li Shengnan , Li Guoping , Luo Yunjun
Published: February 2022

The addition of fluoropolymers can improve the reactivity of Al and enhance the combustion performance of thermites. The thermal and combustion properties of F2311/Al/CuO with different mass fractions of F2311 were systematically studied.
Fabrication and catalytic application of a tandem reactor module using Au nanoparticle-coated glass beads as packing materials
Authors: Sun Li , Ma Feiyang , Shan Yuejin , Zhi Yuan , Sun Mengying , Dou Binlin
Published: February 2022

Tandem reactor module has superior catalytic capacity, operating flexibility and stability, and reusability for the 4-NP reduction. Here, Au NP-coated glass beads were chosen as packing materials, prepared by means of airpotato yam rhizome extract.
Model agnostic generation of counterfactual explanations for molecules
Authors: Wellawatte Geemi P. , Seshadri Aditi , White Andrew D.
Published: February 2022

Generating model agnostic molecular counterfactual explanations to explain model predictions.
Compositionally graded crystals as a revived approach for new crystal engineering for the exploration of novel functionalities
Authors: Matsumoto Yuji , Maruyama Shingo , Kaminaga Kenichi
Published: February 2022

Nanoscale compositionally graded crystals have huge potential to allow the exploration of new functionalities through crystal lattice modulation.
Competing crystallization of α- and β-phase induced by β-nucleating agents in microdroplets of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Carmeli Enrico , Ottonello Sara , Wang Bao , Menyhárd Alfréd , Müller Alejandro J. , Cavallo Dario
Published: February 2022

Crystallization of heterogeneously nucleated isotactic polypropylene microdroplets in an immiscible polystyrene matrix allows the estimation of intrinsic nucleating efficiency of nucleating agents promoting the formation of different polymorphs.
Introduction to the themed collection on photopolymer science dedicated to Ewa Andrezejewska
Authors: Dietliker Kurt , Liska Robert , Sangermano Marco
Published: February 2022

Kurt Dietliker, Robert Liska and Marco Sangermano introduce the Polymer Chemistry themed collection on photopolymer science dedicated to Ewa Andrezejewska.
Regulation of HTLV-1 transformation
Authors: Ernzen Kyle J. , Panfil Amanda R.
Published: February 2022

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the only identified oncogenic human retrovirus. HTLV-1 infects approximately 5–10 million people worldwide and is the infectious cause of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and several chronic inflammatory diseases, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), dermatitis, and uveitis. Unlike other oncogenic retroviruses, HTLV-1 does not capture a cellular proto-oncogene or induce proviral insertional mutagenesis. HTLV-1 is a trans-activating retrovirus and encodes accessory proteins that induce cellular transformation over an extended period of time, upwards of several years to decades. Inarguably the most important viral accessory protein involved in transformation is Tax. Tax is a multifunctional protein that regulates several different pathways and cellular processes. This single viral protein is able to modulate viral gene expression, activate NF-κB signaling pathways, deregulate the cell cycle, disrupt apoptosis, and induce genomic instability. The summation of these processes results in cellular transformation and virus-mediated oncogenesis. Interestingly, HTLV-1 also encodes a protein called Hbz from the antisense strand of the proviral genome that counters many Tax functions in the infected cell, such as Tax-mediated viral transcription and NF-κB activation. However, Hbz also promotes cellular proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, and disrupts genomic integrity. In addition to viral proteins, there are other cellular factors such as MEF-2, superoxide-generating NAPDH oxidase 5-α (Nox5α), and PDLIM2 which have been shown to be critical for HTLV-1-mediated T-cell transformation. This review will highlight the important viral and cellular factors involved in HTLV-1 transformation and the available in vitro and in vivo tools used to study this complex process.
Single-cell transcriptomics analysis reveals intratumoral heterogeneity and identifies a gene signature associated with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Jialu , Chen Wenhui , Ye Jianwen , Ni Chen , Zhai Wenlong
Published: February 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors exhibit high heterogeneity. However, current understanding of tumor cell heterogeneity of HCC and the association with prognosis remains very limited. In the present study, we collected and examined tumor tissue from one HCC patient by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We identified 5753 cells and 16 clusters including hepatocytes/cancer cells, T cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, NK cells, neutrophils, and B cells. In six tumor cell subclusters, we identified a cluster of proliferative tumor cells associated with poor prognosis. We downloaded scRNA-seq data of GSE125449 from the NCBI-GEO as validation dataset, and found that a cluster of hepatocytes exhibited high proliferation activity in HCC. Furthermore, we identified a gene signature related to the proliferation of HCC cells. This gene signature is efficient to classify HCC patients into two groups with distinct prognosis in both TCGA and ICGC database cohorts. Our results reveal the intratumoral heterogeneity of HCC at single cell level and identify a gene signature associated with HCC prognosis.
Condensation of cometary silicate dust using an induction thermal plasma system
Authors: Enju S. , Kawano H. , Tsuchiyama A. , Kim T. H. , Takigawa A. , Matsuno J. , Komaki H.
Published: February 2022

Glass with embedded metal and sulfides (GEMS), the major components of chondritic-porous interplanetary dust particles (CP-IDPs), is one of the most primitive materials in the Solar System and may be analogous to the amorphous silicate dust observed in various astronomical environments. Mineralogical characteristics of GEMS should reflect their formation process and condition. In this study, synthetic experiments in the sulfur-bearing system of Fe–Mg–Si–O–S were performed with a systematic change in redox conditions using thermal plasma systems to reproduce the mineralogy and textures of GEMS. The resulting condensates were composed of amorphous silicates with Fe-bearing nano-inclusions. The Fe content and texture in the amorphous silicates as well as the mineral phases of the nanoparticles correlate with redox conditions. Fe dissolved in the amorphous silicate as FeO in oxidizing conditions formed Fe-metal nanoparticles in intermediate redox conditions, and gupeiite (Fe3 Si) nanoparticles in reducing conditions. In intermediate to reducing redox conditions, Fe-poor amorphous silicate formed a biphasic texture with Mg- and Si-rich regions, indicating liquid immiscibility during the melt phase. Most Fe-metal particles were surrounded by FeS and formed on the surface of amorphous silicate grains. Condensates produced in intermediate to slightly reducing redox conditions resemble GEMS in that they have similar mineral assemblages and chemical compositions to amorphous silicate, except that the Fe-metal grains are absent from the interior of the amorphous silicate grains. This textural difference can be explained by the sulfidation at high temperatures in this study, in contrast to sulfidation occurring at low temperatures in the presence of H2 in natural GEMS formation. Based on the two-liquid structures observed in the experimental products and in GEMS, also recognized in infrared spectra, we propose that GEMS condensed as silicate melt under limited redox conditions followed by incorporation of multiple metal grains into the silicate melt or by aggregation of coreshell structured grains before sulfidation of the metallic iron. Condensates produced in oxidizing conditions are similar to GEMS-like material in the matrices of primitive carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, indicating the possibility that they form by direct condensation from nebula gas in relatively oxidizing conditions compared to GEMS.
Host galaxy properties of quasi-periodically erupting X-ray sources
Authors: Wevers T. , Pasham D. R. , Jalan P. , Rakshit S. , Arcodia R.
Published: February 2022

Context.Quasi-periodic X-ray eruptions (QPEs) are a recently discovered phenomenon, the nature of which remains unclear. Based on their discovery in active galactic nuclei (AGNs), explanations related to an AGN accretion disk or potentially a stellar tidal disruption event (TDE) have been put forward. Alternatives, including highly unequal mass compact object binaries, have also been proposed to explain their properties.

Aims.We perform a systematic study of the five known QPE host galaxies with the aim of providing new insights as to their nature.

Methods.We analysed new and archival medium resolution optical spectroscopy of the QPE hosts. We measured emission (and absorption) line fluxes, their ratios, and equivalent widths (EWs) to locate the QPE hosts on diagnostic diagrams. We also measured the velocity dispersion of the stellar absorption lines to estimate their black hole masses.

Results.All QPE host galaxies show emission lines in their optical spectra. Based on their ratios and EWs, we find evidence for the presence of an AGN in all sources, including those previously reported as passive. We measure velocity dispersions between 36 and 90 km s−1, implying the presence of low mass (105−6.7 M⊙) black holes, consistent with literature findings. Finally, we find a significant over-representation (two out of the five sources, or a factor of 13−10+13) of quiescent Balmer strong (post-starburst) galaxies among QPE hosts.

Conclusions.The presence of a narrow line region consistent with an AGN in all QPE host galaxies implies that a long-lived accretion flow likely plays an integral part in the QPE phenomenon. The strong over-representation of quiescent Balmer strong galaxies among QPE hosts can be naturally explained in both the TDE and interacting extreme mass ratio inspiral hypotheses.
Optimierung der Depotführung für Erythrozytenkonzentrate in Krankenhäusern
Authors: Dietrich Gerald
Published: February 2022

Blutdepots ohne eigene Herstellung müssen Versorgungssicherheit garantieren, dabei aber auch eine möglichst geringe Verfallsrate sicherstellen. Für die Anzahl der zu bevorratenden
Erythrozytenkonzentrate (EK) der verschiedenen Blutgruppen wird folgendes Berechnungsmodell gefunden: 1. Die örtliche Verteilung der AB0-Blutgruppen im Patientenkollektiv kann mit dem
Hardy-Weinberg-Gesetz auf Plausibilität überprüft werden. 2. Der Beobachtungszeitraum ist die durchschnittliche Restlaufzeit von der Lieferung bis zum Ende der Haltbarkeit. 3. Der
Erwartungswert für die Fallzahl transfundierter Patienten einer bestimmten Blutgruppe gehorcht einer Binomialverteilung. 4. Die Anzahl transfundierter Erythrozytenkonzentrate pro Patient ist
geometrisch verteilt. 5. Eine Matrix wird gebildet, deren Zellen das Produkt aus Fallzahl (3.) und EK pro Fall (4.) und somit die Anzahl der benötigten EK enthalten. Nur letztgenannte sind
für die Führung des Blutdepots interessant. Subtrahiert man die Zahl der im Beobachtungszeitraum (2.) benötigten EK von der Depotgröße, erhält man den Verfall. Der Vorrat von EK der
Blutgruppe 0 bemisst sich an der maximal zu erwartenden Zahl benötigter Konserven für einen Fall bis zur nächstmöglichen Lieferung, wenn der durchschnittliche Depotumsatz diesen Wert nicht
übersteigt. Er kann somit insbesondere in peripheren Krankenhäusern mit Akutversorgung die oben beschriebene Kalkulation deutlich überschreiten. Für Blutgruppe A gilt dieser Grundsatz nicht,
wenn auch kompatible (0 auf A) Transfusionen stattfinden sollen. Binomial ist bei kleiner Anzahl nach links – das heißt gegen Null – schief verteilt. Dies betrifft in jedem Fall AB, bei
jährlichem Depotumsatz unter ungefähr 1000 EK aber auch Blutgruppe B. Möchte man den Verfall vermeiden, darf man die betroffenen Blutgruppen nicht – zumindest nicht in dem notwendigen Umfang
– bevorraten und muss dann majorkompatibel transfundieren. Die Unterschiede der einzelnen AB0-Blutgruppen in Herstellung (Blutgruppenverteilung in der Spenderpopulation) und der Bevorratung
in Krankenhaus-Blutdepots sind hierin begründet. Entsprechende Überlegungen gelten gleichermaßen für den Rhesusfaktor D. Die oft emotional geführte Debatte über die zu bevorratende Anzahl an
EK kann mittels dieses mathematischen Modells auf eine rationale Grundlage zurückgeführt werden. Das Rechenmodell ist mit einem einfachen Tabellenkalkulationsprogramm möglich. Das Blutdepot
bestimmt damit den optimalen Bestand. Für die Blutspendedienste ergibt sich hieraus die Möglichkeit, die Kunden individuell, das heißt umsatzabhängig, zu beraten und gegebenenfalls den Preis
entsprechend zu gestalten. Im Rahmen der Qualitätssicherung können abteilungs- oder krankenhausspezifische Besonderheiten im Transfusionsverhalten dargestellt werden.
Dexamethason für die postoperative Schmerztherapie in der Bandscheibenchirurgie
Authors: Schreiber Nikolaus , Gebauer David , Schittek Gregor , Sandner-Kiesling Andreas
Published: February 2022

Bandscheibenoperationen gehören in Deutschland zu den häufigen Operationen und eine effektive perioperative Schmerztherapie ist entscheidend für die rasche Genesung der Patient*innen. In
diesem Beitrag präsentieren wir die aktuelle Studienlage zum Einfluss einer perioperativen Dexamethason-Gabe auf den postoperativen Opioidbedarf sowie das Schmerzempfinden nach
Bandscheibenoperationen.
Gangtraining nach Amputation der unteren Extremität –
Ein systematisches Pyramiden-Review
Authors: Einfeldt Ann-Kathrin , Brinck Ann-Kathrina , Schiller Sandra , Borgetto Bernhard Maria
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund Menschen mit einer Amputation der unteren Extremität
haben ein asymmetrisches Gangbild, welches durch Fortbestehen konsekutiv zu
Beschwerden in anderen Körperregionen führen kann.

Methode Im Rahmen einer systematischen Recherche wurde in fünf
Datenbanken nach Publikationen zu Gangtrainingsmethoden bei Menschen mit einer
transtibialen oder transfemoralen Amputation gesucht. Die acht eingeschlossenen
Studien wurden bezüglich ihrer methodischen Strenge sowie ihrer
Durchführungs- und Ergebnisqualität kritisch bewertet und einer
Evidenzklasse der Forschungspyramide zugeordnet, um anschließend
Empfehlungen zu Behandlungsmöglichkeiten dieser
Patient*innengruppe geben zu können.

Ergebnisse Alle betrachteten Gangtrainingsmethoden führen zu einer
Verbesserung des Gangbildes. In sieben Studien werden in einer Trainingsmethode
mindestens vier verschiedene Trainingsformen verwendet. Eine Kombination aus
verschiedenen Trainingsformen scheint daher vielversprechend. Inwieweit die
Methoden langfristige Erfolge mit sich bringen, wird in den Studien nicht
überprüft. Aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Interventionen und
Outcome-Parameter, konnte keine Metaanalyse durchgeführt werden.

Schlussfolgerung Das Evidence-Based Amputee Rehabilitation Programm bietet
eine gute Grundlage für ein standardisiertes Trainingsprogramm
für Amputationspatient*innen und sollte um funktionelle
Dual-Task Übungen und Aufklärungsinterventionen ergänzt
werden. Die genaue Dauer und Intensität eines solchen Programmes sollten
erforscht werden. Des Weiteren sollten in zukünftigen Untersuchungen
vermehrt beobachtende und qualitative Studiendesigns herangezogen werden, um das
Gangtraining im physiotherapeutischen Praxisalltag zu optimieren.
COVID-19: Resilienz, nicht Resignation
Authors: Wildner Manfred
Published: February 2022

Die Pandemie der COVID-19-Erkrankungen begann im Jahr 2019, was in ihre Namensgebung
einging. Inzwischen erstreckt sie sich über die Jahre 2020 und 2021 hinaus
in das dritte Pandemiejahr 2022. Ein wenig erinnert die Stimmung an die
Beschreibungen von Albert Camus in seiner Erzählung „Die
Pest“, 1947 erschienen 1.
Synthesis of Racemic and Enantiopure Forms of β-Carboline Alkaloid Brevicolline
Authors: Milen Mátyás , Szabó Tímea , Görür Funda Lidya , Horváth Simon , Volk Balázs
Published: February 2022

A new total synthesis of the pharmacologically active β-carboline alkaloid brevicolline is described. The new synthetic approach is based on a commercially available and inexpensive starting material and reagents leading to a practical synthesis of the racemic target molecule, the natural (S)-enantiomer, and its antipode. Initially, the construction of the β-carboline skeleton and functionalization at the C(4) position have been accomplished. The formation of dihydropyrrole structural unit was obtained as the result of an Au-catalyzed hydroamination reaction, which was followed by a reduction that led to the chiral intermediate. The synthetic route described here is developed to ensure the sustainable access of the racemic brevicolline in 11 steps with improved 48% overall yield compared to the previously reported methods.
Simultaneous Bilateral Reconstruction of the Axilla with Posterior Arm Flap in Recurrent Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: M. Kingsly Paul , Ete Geley , J. Felix Cordelia M. , Akamanchi Anirudha K. , Agarwal Shwetha
Published: February 2022

Introduction Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease, with the axilla being the most commonly affected site. Radical excision of the involved tissue is a definitive treatment. There are numerous techniques described for the reconstruction of the axilla.

Patients and methods Patients with axillary HS who underwent wide excision and posterior arm flap cover between August 2017 and December 2020 were reviewed.

Results A total of 15 flaps were done in eight patients in the study period. Bilateral radical excision of the disease was done simultaneously in all eight patients with the help of a two-team approach. Reconstruction of the axilla was done with a posterior arm flap bilaterally, except one side in a single patient, wherein the split-thickness skin graft was performed. All flaps settled well without significant complications. On follow-up ranging from 12 to 42 months, one patient complained of disease recurrence on one side. The flap and the donor site had settled well in all patients, causing no significant morbidity.

Conclusion Radical excision of axillary hidradenitis must be considered early on presentation. After wide excision, simultaneous bilateral reconstruction with posterior arm flap is a simple and reliable technique with an excellent patient-reported outcome.
Sepsis and Septic Shock: Evolving Evidence, Evolving Paradigms
Authors: Shorr Andrew F. , Zilberberg Marya D.
Published: February 2022

Sepsis and septic shock represent important infection-related medical emergencies that result in significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and microbiology of these processes are evolving. Nonetheless, timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy continues to represent the most important determinant of survival. Recent trials have clarified that crystalloids are preferred for initial resuscitation, and balanced crystalloids appear superior to 0.9% saline. Controversy remains regarding not only the rate and rapidity of fluid resuscitation but also about the timing and use of vasopressors to maintain blood pressure. While some newer alternative vasopressors may have a role in sepsis, more evidence supporting their use is required. Conflicting data exist regarding the impact of corticosteroids on mortality in septic shock. However, these reports indicate that adjunctive hydrocortisone can lead to more rapid shock reversal.
Microbiology Assessments in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Brink Adrian John , Centner Chad M. , Opperman Stefan
Published: February 2022

The prevalence of suspected or proven infections in critically ill patients is high, with a substantial attributable risk to in-hospital mortality. Coordinated guidance and interventions to improve the appropriate microbiological assessment for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions are therefore pivotal. Conventional microbiology follows the paradigm of “best practice” of specimen selection and collection, governed by laboratory processing and standard operating procedures, and informed by the latest developments and trends. In this regard, the preanalytical phase of a microbiological diagnosis is crucial since inadequate sampling may result in the incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate management. In addition, the isolation and detection of contaminants interfere with multiple intensive care unit (ICU) processes, which confound the therapeutic approach to critically ill patients. To facilitate bedside enablement, the microbiology laboratory should provide expedited feedback, reporting, and interpretation of results. Compared with conventional microbiology, novel rapid and panel-based diagnostic strategies have the clear advantages of a rapid turnaround time, the detection of many microorganisms including antimicrobial resistant determinants and thus promise substantial improvements in health care. However, robust data on the clinical evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests in presumed sepsis, sepsis and shock are extremely limited and more rigorous intervention studies, focusing on direct benefits for critically ill patients, are pivotal before widespread adoption of their use through the continuum of ICU stay. Advocating the use of these diagnostics without firmly establishing which patients would benefit most, how to interpret the results, and how to treat according to the results obtained, could in fact be counterproductive with regards to diagnostic “best practice” and antimicrobial stewardship. Thus, for the present, they may supplement but not yet supplant conventional microbiological assessments.
Innovative Method to Retrieve Misplaced Guidewires Using Guidewires and Balloons
Authors: Chauhan Udit , Sharma Pankaj , Ahlawat Saransh , Tayal Mohit
Published: February 2022

Central venous catheters (CVC) are placed commonly for long-term access in critically ill patients for injecting medicines, including chemotherapy in oncology patients, and for total parenteral nutrition. We herein describe innovative method of snaring two misplaced guidewires using balloons and guidewires.
Is Low-Dose Abiraterone for Prostate Cancer An Attractive Strategy for Limited Resource Settings?
Authors: Dey Treshita , Goyal Shikha , Periasamy Kannan , Madan Renu
Published: February 2022

Abiraterone acetate in combination with prednisone is approved for locally advanced as well as metastatic (hormone-sensitive and castrate-resistant) prostate cancer, with overall or disease-free survival gains in suitable patients. Long-term use poses a significant financial strain on the self-paying patients as well as the national health insurance schemes. Abiraterone is known to be a drug with a high “food effect” with increased bioavailability following high fat diet. Some retrospective series and phase 1 and 2 clinical studies have explored the use of low-dose abiraterone (at 25% of standard dose) with high fat meal with similar bioavailability and biochemical response to the standard drug dose. We review and report the available literature for this approach and discuss the financial and scientific implications of the same.
Best Practice Guidelines for Breast Imaging, Breast Imaging Society, India: Part-1
Authors: Chakrabarthi Suma , Panwar Shikha , Singh Tulika , Lad Shilpa , Srikala Jwala , Khandelwal Niranjan , Misra Sanjeev , Thulkar Sanjay
Published: February 2022

Breast imaging is one of the prerequisites for providing high quality breast health care. Choosing the appropriate investigation is central to diagnosing breast disease in women and men who present to health professionals for treatment. Patients with breast disease present to doctors of different subspecialties as well as general practitioners in our country. It is important therefore to provide uniform guidance to doctors in different health care setups of our country, urban and rural, government and private, for breast diseases to be diagnosed and treated optimally. These guidelines framed by the task group set up by the Breast Imaging Society, India have been formulated focusing primarily on the Indian patients and health care infrastructures. These guidelines aim to provide a framework for the referring doctors and practicing radiologists, to enable them to choose the appropriate investigation for patients with breast symptoms and signs. The aim has been to keep this framework simple and practical so that it can guide not only subspecialists in breast care but also help doctors who do not routinely deal with breast diseases, so that breast cancer is not missed. Overall, the aim of this document is to provide a holistic approach to standardize breast care imaging services in India. Part 1 of these guidelines focuses on the best practice principles for mammography, breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging. In the absence of a population-based screening program in India, the guidelines to be followed for those women who wish to be screened by mammography have been provided. The key points of these guidelines include the recommendations that mammography is the modality of choice for breast screening and investigation of symptomatic women aged over forty years. Screening is advised annually from the age of forty. Ultrasound is the investigation of choice for pregnant and lactating women and women less than thirty years of age. For women between thirty to thirty-nine years of age, ultrasound can be used initially followed by mammography in presence of clinical or sonographic suspicion of breast cancer. All women diagnosed with breast cancer should have ultrasound and mammography. Breast MRI is useful for assessment of disease extent, problem solving, evaluation of response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, identifying occult breast primary and evaluation of augmented breasts.
Evaluation of Efficacy of Endovenous Radio Frequency Ablation for Varicose Veins in Industrial Workers—A Prospective Study
Authors: Karanam Venkata Pavan Kumar , Sude Nandkishor Sopan Rao , Gurijala Prasanth , Teppa Ravi Kumar , S. Madan H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction The disease of varicose veins is a common vascular condition affecting one out of five in world population. Although conventional surgical treatments were considered the gold standard, they were fraught with many complications. Endovenous thermal interventions like endovenous radio frequency ablation (RFA) have largely superseded traditional surgery as the gold standard treatment as it is minimally invasive. Our initial experience with this treatment modality is presented along with the review of literature.

Aim Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, clinical outcomes, and health economic benefits of endovenous RFA for varicose veins in our setup.

Materials and Methods It was a prospective observational study conducted by the Department of General surgery at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, India, from September 2020 to February 2021. Thirty consecutive patients with primary varicose veins were evaluated by detailed history, clinical examination, and venous Doppler study of the lower limbs. The procedure was performed under spinal anesthesia and Doppler ultrasound guidance using the ClosureFast (Medtronic) radio frequency segmental ablation system. Additionally, multiple stab phlebectomies were performed to deal with tributary varices in required cases. Various intraoperative (length of vein ablated and operative time) and postoperative (complications and return to work) variables were studied. Postoperative follow-up at 1,8,24 weeks was done clinically and using Doppler ultrasound to look for the recanalization of vein. The collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results The mean (standard deviation) age of patients was 39.1 (8.7) years. Ten patients had C2 disease, six C3, eleven C4, and three had C6 disease. The mean postoperative visual analog scale score on day 1 was 1.4. Mean return to normal activity time was 1.3 days. Average return to work time was 2.1 days. The post-procedure total occlusion rate at 24 weeks follow-up was 96%.

Conclusion Endovenous RFA is a safe and effective minimally invasive modality for treating lower limb varicose veins, providing health economic benefits to patients.