bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early intervention with Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 modulates the host-microbe interface independent of the sustained changes induced by the neonatal environment
Authors: Lewis Marie C. , Merrifield Claire A. , Berger Bernard , Cloarec Olivier , Duncker Swantje , Mercenier Annick , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Holmes Elaine , Bailey Mick
Published: July 2017

Inflammatory and metabolic diseases can originate during early-life and have been correlated with shifts in intestinal microbial ecology. Here we demonstrate that minor environmental fluctuations during the early neonatal period had sustained effects on the developing porcine microbiota and host-microbe interface. These inter-replicate effects appear to originate during the first day of life, and are likely to reflect very early microbiota acquisition from the environment. We statistically link early systemic inflammation with later local increases in inflammatory cytokine (IL-17) production, which could have important enteric health implications. Immunity, intestinal barrier function, host metabolism and host-microbiota co-metabolism were further modified by Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 supplementation, although composition of the in situ microbiota remained unchanged. Finally, our robust model identified novel, strong correlations between urinary metabolites (eg malonate, phenylacetylglycine, alanine) and mucosal immunoglobulin (IgM) and cytokine (IL-10, IL-4) production, thus providing the possibility of the development of urinary ‘dipstick’ tests to assess non-accessible mucosal immune development and identify early precursors (biomarkers) of disease. These results have important implications for infants exposed to neonatal factors including caesarean delivery, antibiotic therapy and delayed discharge from hospital environments, which may predispose to the development of inflammatory and metabolic diseases in later life.
The miR-29 transcriptome in endocrine-sensitive and resistant breast cancer cells
Authors: Muluhngwi Penn , Alizadeh-Rad Negin , Vittitow Stephany L. , Kalbfleisch Ted S. , Klinge Carolyn M.
Published: July 2017

Aberrant microRNA expression contributes to breast cancer progression and endocrine resistance. We reported that although tamoxifen stimulated miR-29b-1/a transcription in tamoxifen (TAM)-resistant breast cancer cells, ectopic expression of miR-29b-1/a did not drive TAM-resistance in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. However, miR-29b-1/a overexpression significantly repressed TAM-resistant LCC9 cell proliferation, suggesting that miR-29b-1/a is not mediating TAM resistance but acts as a tumor suppressor in TAM-resistant cells. The target genes mediating this tumor suppressor activity were unknown. Here, we identify miR-29b-1 and miR-29a target transcripts in both MCF-7 and LCC9 cells. We find that miR-29b-1 and miR-29a regulate common and unique transcripts in each cell line. The cell-specific and common downregulated genes were characterized using the MetaCore Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis algorithm. LCC9-sepecific miR-29b-1/a-regulated GO processes include oxidative phosphorylation, ATP metabolism, and apoptosis. Extracellular flux analysis of cells transfected with anti- or pre- miR-29a confirmed that miR-29a inhibits mitochondrial bioenergetics in LCC9 cells. qPCR,luciferase reporter assays, and western blot also verified the ATP synthase subunit genes ATP5G1 and ATPIF1 as bone fide miR29b-1/a targets. Our results suggest that miR-29 repression of TAM-resistant breast cancer cell proliferation is mediated in part through repression of genes important in mitochondrial bioenergetics.
CH4 and H2S reforming to CH3SH and H2 catalyzed by metal-promoted Mo6S8 clusters: a first-principles micro-kinetic study
Authors: Taifan William , Arvidsson Adam A. , Nelson Eric , Hellman Anders , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: July 2017

Density Functional Theory (DFT) and microkinetic modelling of CH4 and H2S reactions to form CH3SH and H2 as a first step in elucidating complex pathways in oxygen-free sour gas reforming was performed.
Facile synthesis of porous La–Ti–O and LaTiO2N microspheres
Authors: Rugen Evan E. , Koczkur Kallum M. , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: July 2017

Photocatalysts such as LaTiO2N offer an excellent opportunity to shift the global energy landscape from a fossil fuel-dependent paradigm to sustainable and carbon-neutral solar fuels.
Spectroscopic and computational studies of reversible O2 binding by a cobalt complex of relevance to cysteine dioxygenase
Authors: Fischer Anne A. , Lindeman Sergey V. , Fiedler Adam T.
Published: July 2017

Spectroscopic and computational studies of reversible O2 binding by a cobalt active-site mimic shed light on the catalytic mechanism of cysteine dioxygenases.
An unprecedented Zn10O4 heteroadamantane cage containing anilido-pyridinate ligand and its activity for ring opening polymerization of l-lactide and ε-caprolactone
Authors: Chen Ming-Tsz , Chen Chi-Tien
Published: July 2017

An unprecedented self-assembly anilido-pyridinate zinc oxide cluster was investigated for ring opening polymerization.
Copper complexes with dissymmetrically substituted bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligands as a basis for PET radiopharmaceuticals: control of redox potential and lipophilicity
Authors: Brown Oliver C. , Baguña Torres Julia , Holt Katherine B. , Blower Philip J. , Went Michael J.
Published: July 2017

A library of copper(ii) bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes offers independently controlled redox potential and lipophilicity for optimal 64Cu PET tracer design.
Oxidized cyclodextrin-functionalized injectable gelatin hydrogels as a new platform for tissue-adhesive hydrophobic drug delivery
Authors: Hoang Thi Thai Thanh , Lee Yunki , Ryu Seung Bae , Sung Hak-Joon , Park Ki Dong
Published: July 2017

Dual-functional injectable gelatin-based hydrogels utilizing oxidized β-cyclodextrin show high adhesiveness and hydrophobic drug supply.
Time-dependent responses of earthworms to soil contaminated with low levels of lead as detected using1H NMR metabolomics
Authors: Tang Ronggui , Ding Changfeng , Ma Yibing , Wang Junsong , Zhang Taolin , Wang Xingxiang
Published: July 2017

1H NMR-based metabolomics was used to profile the time-dependent metabolic responses of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) that were exposed to low-Pb-contaminated-soil (L-Pb-CS) for 28 days using an indoor culture.
Enhanced performance of a flexible supercapacitor due to a combination of the pseudocapacitances of both a PANI/MWCNT composite electrode and a gel polymer redox electrolyte
Authors: Shumakovich G. P. , Morozova O. V. , Khlupova M. E. , Vasil'eva I. S. , Zaitseva E. A. , Yaropolov A. I.
Published: July 2017

A combination of the pseudocapacitances of both an enzymatically synthesized polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube (PANI/MWCNT) composite and a gel polymer redox electrolyte was used to improve the specific characteristics of a supercapacitor.
Selective continuous flow synthesis of hydroxy lactones from alkenoic acids
Authors: Cerra Bruno , Mangiavacchi Francesca , Santi Claudio , Lozza Anna Maria , Gioiello Antimo
Published: July 2017

The first in-flow selenium-mediated catalysis has been realized under eco-friendly conditions to convert alkenoic acids into hydroxy lactones with a high regio- and diastereo-selectivity ratio.
Negative regulators of angiogenesis: important targets for treatment of exudative AMD
Authors: Farnoodian Mitra , Wang Shoujian , Dietz Joel , Nickells Robert W. , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: July 2017

Angiogenesis contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases including exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is normally kept in check by a tightly balanced production of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. The up-regulation of the pro-angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is intimately linked to the pathogenesis of exudative AMD, and its antagonism has been effectively targeted for treatment. However, very little is known about potential changes in expression of anti-angiogenic factors and the role they play in choroidal vascular homeostasis and neovascularization associated with AMD. Here, we will discuss the important role of thrombospondins and pigment epithelium-derived factor, two major endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis, in retinal and choroidal vascular homeostasis and their potential alterations during AMD and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We will review the cell autonomous function of these proteins in retinal and choroidal vascular cells. We will also discuss the potential targeting of these molecules and use of their mimetic peptides for therapeutic development for exudative AMD.
Cysteine-Free Intramolecular Ligation of N-Sulfanylethylanilide Peptide Using 4-Mercaptobenzylphosphonic Acid: Synthesis of Cyclic Peptide Trichamide
Authors: Otaka Akira , Aihara Keisuke , Inokuma Tsubasa , Jichu Takahisa , Lin Zhenjian , Fu Feixue , Yamaoka Kosuke , Shigenaga Akira , Hutchins David , Schmidt Eric
Published: July 2017

An N-sulfanylethylanilide (SEAlide)-based ligation was developed for the preparation of trichamide, a thiazole-containing cyclic peptide isolated from bloom-forming cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum. In this cysteine-free ligation, 4-mercaptobenzylphosphonic acid (MBPA) functions as a dual promoter both for the N–S acyl-transfer-mediated activation of the SEAlide unit and for subsequent ligation. Furthermore, we established a high-yielding route to enantiomerically pure thiazole amino acids using a one-pot Hantzsch process.
Efficient Synthesis of Pyrazinoic Acid Hybrid Conjugates
Authors: Panda Siva , Asiri Abdullah , Elagawany Mohamed , Buchanan Devan , Torkian Behrad , Bathala Keerthana , Thomas Sean , Capito Jason , Arshad Muhammad , Al-Romaizan Abeer
Published: July 2017

Benzotriazole-activated pyrazinoic acid was utilized as a versatile building block for the efficient and convenient synthesis of novel hybrid conjugates of pyrazinoic acid with secondary amines via amino acid linkers in high yields.
The Effect of Clinical Experience on the Learning Curve of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Residents for the Central Venous Catheter Placement Procedure
Authors: Abe Michiko , Matsumoto Shotaro , Nishimura Nao , Nakagawa Satoshi , Tsuboi Norihiko
Published: July 2017

The objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of clinical experience on pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) residents' learning curve for central venous catheter placement in critically ill children. It was a 58-month retrospective observational study. The setting was multivalent PICU with 20 beds at a tertiary children's hospital. The subjects were PICU residents undergoing training in central venous catheter placement. During the study period, 22 residents were enrolled in the study, and 1,157 catheter placement procedures (485 central venous, 605 peripherally inserted central venous, 57 hemodialysis, and 10 “other” types of catheter placement procedures) were analyzed. The total success rate was 82.7%. After ultrasound-guided training simulation in catheter placement, the residents' learning curve for the procedure rose from 71% in the clinical setting at the first trial to 75% at the fourth trial and 80% by the 24th trial. Significant positive correlation was found between procedure success and number of trials with a Spearman coefficient (p  <  0.019). Adequate clinical experiences were necessary for PICU residents to achieve competency in central venous catheter placement in critically ill children.
C1-C4 Dorsal Column Stimulation for Refractory Occipital Neuralgia Treatment. Case Report
Authors: Malheiros José , Cancado Sergio , Oliveira Célia , Santos Wancler
Published: July 2017

Introduction Refractory occipital neuralgia is a difficult medical condition, especially when the patient has already been submitted to occipital nerve neurectomy and radiofrequency rhizotomy. There is no case report of spinal cord stimulation in the C1-C4 cervical segments for this condition.

Objective To evaluate if C1-C4 dorsal spinal cord stimulation is effective in a patient with refractory occipital neuralgia who was already submitted to neurectomy and rhizotomy.

Methods After obtaining the approval from the Ethics Committee of one of our institutions, a unilateral laminectomy was performed between C3 and C4, and a neurostimulator lead was conducted until the posterior portion of the C1 arc was in full view. Then we performed an intraoperative test to evaluate the correspondence between pain location and stimulation-induced paresthesias. We could not put the subcutaneous lead for such condition because of the scar tissue of the area and the previous neurectomy.

Results After one year of follow up, we noticed a dramatic improvement in pain control, as well as medication withdrawal. The score of the visual analogue scale was 9 before the surgery, and it dropped to 2 after 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion Spinal cord stimulation between the C1 and C4 cervical segments can be an option for selected cases of refractory occipital neuralgia, including those patients who have already been submitted to neurectomy or rhizotomy.
Netzwerk 40+: Vernetzung von Sucht- und Altenhilfe zur Versorgung älterer Drogengebraucher
Authors: Schäffler Florian , Thym Monika , Stubican Davor , Bolz Manuela , Braasch Sylvia , Körner Ulrich , Kolb Gudrun , Fuhrmann Klaus
Published: July 2017

Ziel des Projekts war es, den Anteil von Klientel mit Doppelbelastung (altersassoziierte Problemlagen in der Suchthilfe, Sucht in der Altenhilfe) zu ermitteln sowie die Bedarfe von Mitarbeitenden beider Hilfesysteme zu eruieren.

Hierzu sind zunächst 7 explorative Experteninterviews geführt worden, deren Ergebnisse sodann Grundlage für die Entwicklung zweier elektronischer Erhebungsinstrumente waren. Die so konstruierten Fragebögen wurden im Rahmen einer quantitativen Querschnittsstudie an einem Stichtag per Email an die Mitarbeitenden der Münchner Sucht- und Altenhilfe versendet.

Im Rahmen beider Untersuchungsschritte wurde insbesondere deutlich, dass das Thema Alter bzw. Pflegebedürftigkeit und der Konsum illegaler Drogen bislang in der Suchthilfe eine deutlich größere Bedeutung erfährt als in der Altenhilfe. Im Rahmen der Fragebogenerhebung zeigte sich zudem ein in beiden Hilfesystemen bestehender Bedarf an gegenseitigem Austausch und wechselseitiger Unterstützung sowie Interesse an Informationen und Fortbildungen. Das bisherige Regularium der Substitutionsbehandlung wurde in beiden Hilfesystemen als Problem benannt.

Aufgrund geringer Fallzahlen von Drogenkonsumenten im Altenhilfesystem ist derzeit (noch) davon auszugehen, dass die Thematik „Abhängigkeit von illegalen Substanzen“ dort nicht explizit, sondern höchstens im Kontext legaler Drogen aufgegriffen wird. Nachdem die Zielgruppe somit auch weiterhin schwerpunktmäßig in der Suchthilfe betreut werden wird, sind Fortbildungsangebote zu alters- und pflegerelevanten Themen, sowie der Ausbau bedarfsgerechter Versorgungskonzepte (z. B. Betreute Wohnangebote für ältere Süchtige) überfällig.
Akupressur in der Palliativmedizin
Authors: Wellens-Mücher Dorothee
Published: July 2017

Die Akupressur ist eine einfach erlernbare Methode, die auch von Nichtmedizinern ausgeführt werden kann. Daher kann sie häufiger und unproblematischer eingesetzt werden als die Akupunktur. Die Wirkung der Stimulation von Reizpunkten auf die unterschiedlichsten Krankheitssymptome wird mit der Regulation des Qi erklärt.

Der Beitrag stellt einfache Punktkombinationen vor, die häufige Symptome bei Patienten in palliativen Situation lindern können. Fälle aus der Praxis exemplifizieren die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten.
Bestens ausgerüstet
Authors: Büchi Katharina , Tyndall Rahel , Weibel Lukas , Imhof Romy Mahrer
Published: July 2017

APN in der Intensivpflege Die komplexe Versorgung und die häufige Multimorbidität von intensivpflichtigen Patienten erfordern hohe
Kompetenz und ausgezeichnete Zusammenarbeit im interprofessionellen Team. Advanced Practice Nurses (APN), die über einen Abschluss als
Master of Science verfügen, haben vertiefte und erweiterte Kompetenzen erlangt, um eine hohe Pflege- und Versorgungsqualität am
Patientenbett zu leisten und gleichzeitig die Zusammenarbeit in interprofessionellen Teams zu unterstützen und zu fördern.
Lesen hilft
Authors: Hähnel Valentin
Published: July 2017

Psychotherapeutische Komponente in der Intensivtherapie Bietet ein Intensivtagebuch die Möglichkeit zur Aufarbeitung einer nicht
gelebten Zeit? Dieser Frage ist Valentin Hähnel nachgegangen und hat dazu nicht nur die Effekte eines Intensivtagebuchs auf die betroffenen
Patienten untersucht. Auch die Bedeutung für Pflegende und Angehörige ist bemerkenswert – und das noch weit nach der Entlassung des
Patienten aus der Klinik.
Notfallkeratoplastik mit porcinen Xenotransplantaten bei nekrotisierender Keratitis
Authors: Drozhzhyna Galyna , Gaidamaka Tetiana , Cursiefen Claus , Bachmann Björn , Ivanovska Olena , Ostashevsky Viktor , Kogan Boris , Usov Volodymyr , Pasyechnikova Natalija
Published: July 2017

Hintergrund Der große Mangel an Spendermaterial in der Ukraine macht es notwendig, zusätzliche Quellen von Transplantationsmaterial zu finden. Ein möglicherweise geeignetes Material ist die Hornhaut von Schweinen, weil sie in ihrer Struktur und ihren biomechanischen Parametern der menschlichen Hornhaut ähnlich ist. Das Ziel unserer Studie war, die Ergebnisse der therapeutischen Keratoplastik (KP) mit Keratoxenotransplantaten aus gefriergetrockneten porcinen Xenotransplantaten bei Patienten mit schwerer nekrotisierender Keratitis zu analysieren.

Material und Methoden Retrospektive Analyse von 32 Xenotransplantationen (32 Patienten) mit schwerer nekrotisierender Keratitis (17 lamelläre, 6 gestufte perforierende, 4 perforierende, 5 „biologische Deckungen“ nach Puchkovskaya).

Ergebnisse Alle Augen konnten erhalten werden, das Transplantat wurde jedoch in allen Augen abgestoßen. Ein semitransparentes Xenotransplantat (XT) wurde bei 9 Patienten (33,3%) erreicht. Die besten Ergebnisse wurden nach lamellärer XKP (Xenokeratoplastik) mit einem (XT) Durchmesser von 3,5 – 6,5 mm erreicht. Lamelläre XT mit größerem Durchmesser (7,0 – 10,0 mm) waren trüb. Postoperativ war die Intensität der entzündlichen Reaktion nach gestufter XKP etwas niedriger als nach der klassischen perforierenden XKP. Im Verlauf musste bei 5 Patienten eine erneute KP mit humaner Hornhaut durchgeführt werden, in einem Fall gleichzeitig mit einer antiglaukomatösen Operation und in einem anderen Fall mit Kataraktextraktion. Antiglaukomatöse Operationen mussten bei 5 Patienten durchgeführt werden (15,6%).

Schlussfolgerung Bei Abwesenheit von humanen Spenderhornhäuten kann im Notfall ein porcines Keratoxenoimplantat als temporäre therapeutische Keratoplastik verwendet werden, um den Entzündungsprozess zu stoppen und das Auge zu retten.
A randomized trial comparing winged versus conventional plastic stents for malignant bile duct strictures
Authors: Ayres Lachlan , Cheriyan Danny , Scott Ryan , Kim Edward , Lee Terry , Singer Joel , Donnellan Fergal , Byrne Michael , Weiss Alan , Enns Robert , Amar Jack , Lam Eric , Telford Jennifer
Published: July 2017

Background and study aims Stent insertion at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an established therapy for managing malignant biliary obstruction. Conventional plastic stents with a tubular design are most commonly used despite limited patency. Plastic stents with a winged design may theoretically increase the duration of stent patency. The aim of this study was to compare stent patency of the winged versus conventional plastic stents in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Patients and methods A prospective, randomized subject-blinded trial was conducted. Patients with malignant biliary obstruction were randomized (1:1) to either a 10 French winged stent or 7 or 10 French conventional plastic stent. Strictures greater than 1 cm distal to the hilum were included. Patients were followed clinically to determine the frequency of stent failure until surgery, death or study closure.

Results Fifty-eight patients were enrolled. Following 9 exclusions, 49 patients were randomized to a winged (n = 23) or conventional stent (n = 26). Median time to stent failure was 89 (95 % CI 26-NA) vs 143 (95 % CI 33 – 266) days (P = 0.963) for the winged and conventional group, respectively. Stent failure for the winged group occurred in 11 (48 %) compared to 14 (54 %) in the conventional group. Median survival was 123 (95 % CI 81 – 189) vs 342 days (95 % CI 123 – 704) (p = 0.084) in the winged and conventional group respectively. There were no procedure related adverse events.

Conclusions Improvement in stent patency was not seen with the winged stent when compared to the conventional plastic stent.

Clinical trials number NCT01514214.
Bedeutung der intraoperativen indirekten Kanalografie bei der Glaukomstentimplantation
Authors: Wirbelauer Christopher , Mertens Charlotte
Published: July 2017

Inzwischen sind verschiedene Glaukomstents zur operativen Drucksenkung beim primären Offenwinkelglaukom (POWG) entwickelt worden. Die Vorteile dieser mikroinvasiven Glaukomchirurgie (MIGS) gegenüber den bindehauteröffnenden Eingriffen sind das relativ atraumatische Ab-interno-Vorgehen über eine Parazentese, die Schonung der Bindehaut für später notwendige fistulierende Eingriffe und die einfache Kombination mit einer Kataraktoperation. In dieser Übersicht wird die intraoperative indirekte Kanalografie als Entscheidungskriterium für die Glaukomstentimplantation vorgestellt. Hierbei wird eine geringe Hypotonie über eine Parazentese induziert und gonioskopisch die Blutfüllung des Schlemm-Kanals beobachtet. Eine gute retrograde Blutfüllung spricht für ein intaktes Abflusssystem über die Sammelkanäle zu den episkleralen Venen. Bei diesen Patienten ist ein trabekulärer Bypass-Stent im Schlemm-Kanal des Kammerwinkels aussichtsreich. Bei einer negativen intraoperativen indirekten Kanalografie sollte ein alternativer Abflussweg durch andere geeignete Glaukomstents über den supraziliaren oder subkonjunktivalen Abflussweg gewählt werden. Dadurch können mittlere prozentuale Drucksenkungen von 17 – 36% mit einer Reduktion der lokalen antiglaukomatösen Therapie erreicht werden. Schwerwiegende Komplikationen mit Aderhautamotio und Visusabfall durch eine postoperative Hypotonie sind ausgesprochen selten.
Evaluation of endoscopic submucosal dissection using a new endosurgical knife DN-D2718B: a first clinical feasibility study
Authors: Sakaguchi Yoshiki , Tsuji Yosuke , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kataoka Yosuke , Saito Itaru , Shichijo Satoki , Minatsuki Chihiro , Asada-Hirayama Itsuko , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Niimi Keiko , Ono Satoshi , Kodashima Shinya , Yamamichi Nobutake , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: July 2017

Background and study aims Endosurgical devices with injection function have been reported to decrease endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) operation times for experts, but the efficacy of these devices for inexperienced endoscopists is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ESD using a novel ESD knife (DN-D2718B).

Patients and methods This is a single-center prospective pilot clinical feasibility study. Patients diagnosed with superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms were enrolled. A pre-specified group of ESD trainees with ESD experience on a porcine gastric model and fewer than 30 cases of ESD in their selected fields performed ESD under expert supervision, using the DN-D2718B. En bloc resection rates, R0 resection rates, procedure times, and incidence of intra-operational/post-operational adverse events were assessed.

Results Between June 2015 and January 2016, 13 esophageal, 27 gastric, and 14 colorectal ESD cases were performed per-protocol with mean resection speeds of 10.2, 12.0, and 15.5 mm2/min, respectively. There were no intra-operational complications.

Conclusion ESD with this novel knife is feasible even when performed by non-experts.
Rituals in gastrointestinal endoscopy at the crossroads of shaman and science
Authors: Sonnenberg Amnon
Published: July 2017

Background and aim Over the last decades, the length of time required for endoscopic procedures has greatly expanded. The aim of the present decision analysis is to study the interactions amongst various factors that have caused such delays and to compare the relative magnitude of their influences.

Methods Performance of gastrointestinal endoscopy is influenced by the interaction of five domains, that is, (1) patient discomfort and fear; (2) injury, disorder, and disruption; (3) rituals to reduce fear, prevent disruption, and maintain order; (4) administrators or various health providers carrying out a ritual; (5) information, knowledge, and science, which influence fear, prevent disruption, and curtail unnecessary ritualistic behavior. A Markov chain model is used to describe the interaction among the five domains.

Results Overall, science exerts the strongest influence, followed by fear and ritual as distant second and third most relevant influences, respectively. Disruption and administrator exert only a minor influence on the system of mutual interactions.

Conclusions Studying patterns of ritualistic behavior during endoscopy and subjecting them to means of scientific research could help eliminate redundancy, cutting unnecessary rituals, and thus making gastrointestinal endoscopy overall more efficient.
Rekanalisierung von Tränenwegsstenosen mittels Laserdakryoplastik unter Verwendung eines Diodenlasers – Vergleich der Erfolgsraten zum Erbium-YAG-Laser
Authors: Stock Ludwig , Ungerechts Ralf , Emmerich Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2017

Hintergrund In einer retrospektiven Studie wurden die Erfolgsraten der Laserdakryoplastik unter Verwendung eines Diodenlasers bestimmt und mit den Erfolgsraten unter Verwendung eines Erbium-YAG-Lasers verglichen. Die Rekanalisation erfolgt mit dem Diodenlaser bei einer Wellenlänge von 980 nm durch thermische Schädigung des Gewebes; der Erbium-YAG-Laser liegt bei einer Wellenlänge von 2940 nm im Bereich des Absorptionsmaximums von Wasser, eine im geschlossenen System sich entwickelnde Kavitationsblase bewirkt die Öffnung punktförmiger Stenosen.

Material und Methode Retrospektiv wurden 94 Patienten (64 Frauen, 30 Männer, Durchschnittsalter 60,8 Jahre) mit 107 absoluten Tränenwegsstenosen in die Auswertung eingeschlossen, die im Jahr 2010 mit einer Laserdakryoplastik mittels eines Diodenlasers behandelt wurden. In Allgemeinanästhesie wurde zunächst eine Dakryoendoskopie der Tränenwege vorgenommen. Dakryoendoskopisch zeigten sich 40 Canaliculusstenosen und 67 Saccusstenosen, die als punktförmige komplette Stenosen für die Öffnung mit dem Diodenlaser indiziert waren. Im Anschluss erfolgte eine bikanalikuläre Tränenwegsintubation mit einem Silikonschlauch, die im Mittel 95 ± 37 Tage belassen wurde. In 75 Fällen wurde zum Zeitpunkt der Tränenwegsextubation 3 Monate postoperativ bei 65 Patienten eine Tränenwegsspülung vorgenommen, im Mittel 12 Monate postoperativ wurden 61 Patienten nach dem Vorliegen von Epiphora und ihrer Zufriedenheit befragt.

Ergebnisse Nach 3 Monaten waren insgesamt 70,7% der Tränenwege spülbar, nach im Mittel 12 Monaten war die Epiphora subjektiv in 62,9% der Fälle aufgehoben oder gebessert, in 60% der Fälle waren die Patienten mit dem Operationsergebnis zufrieden, es zeigte sich nur eine geringe Komplikationsrate. Nach Saccusstenosen waren die Tränenwege mit 78,7% häufiger spülbar als nach Canaliculusstenosen mit 57,2%. Prognostisch günstig waren insbesondere die Fälle, in denen sich im Spülbefund bei klarem Reflux kein Hinweis auf ein entzündliches Geschehen und eine kurze Dauer der Beschwerden fand.

Schlussfolgerung Die Laserdakryoplastik mittels Diodenlaser stellt bei ähnlichen Erfolgsraten wie die Laserdakryoplastik mittels Erbium-YAG-Laser ein komplikationsarmes minimalinvasives Verfahren zur Therapie absoluter punktueller und umschriebener Stenosen im Bereich der Canaliculi und des Tränensacks dar.
Behandlung des retinalen Venenverschlusses – Welche Rolle spielt die Vitrektomie heute noch?
Authors: Feltgen Nicolas , Hansen Lutz , Agostini Hansjürgen
Published: July 2017

Chirurgische Verfahren zur Behandlung des retinalen Venenverschlusses hatten ihre Hochzeit Ende des letzten und Anfang dieses Jahrhunderts. Die zu Beginn berichteten und überschwänglich beurteilten Ergebnisse konnten in prospektiven und randomisierten Studien nicht bestätigt werden. Auch reichte der damals beschriebene funktionelle Effekt nicht an den Effekt der heutzutage üblichen Injektionstherapie heran, weshalb die Verfahren mittlerweile zu Recht keine Rolle mehr im klinischen Alltag spielen. Die Verfahren, die theoretischen Überlegungen und die Kritikpunkte an der Vitrektomie, der radiären Optikoneurotomie (RON), der retinalen endovasalen Fibrinolyse (REVL) und der arteriovenösen Dissektion (AVD) sollen in diesem Beitrag besprochen werden.
Effect of calcination environments and plasma treatment on structural, optical and electrical properties of FTO transparent thin films
Authors: Kafle Madhav , Kapadi Ramesh K. , Joshi Leela Pradhan , Rajbhandari Armila , Subedi Deepak P. , Gyawali Gobinda , Lee Soo W. , Adhikari Rajendra , Kafle Bhim P.
Published: July 2017

The dependence of the structural, optical and electrical properties of the FTO thin films on the film thickness (276 nm - 546 nm), calcination environment, and low temperature plasma treatment were examined. The FTO thin films, prepared by spray pyrolysis, were calcinated under air followed by either further heat treatment under N2 gas or treatment in low temperature atmospheric plasma. The samples before and after calcination under N2, and plasma treatment will be represented by Sair, SN2 and SPl, respectively, hereafter. The thin films were characterized by measuring the XRD spectra, SEM images, optical transmittance and reflectance, and sheet resistance of the films before and after calcination in N2 environment or plasma treatment. The presence of sharp and narrow multiple peaks in XRD spectra hint us that the films were highly crystalline (polycrystalline). The samples Sair with the thickness of 471 nm showed as high as 92 % transmittance in the visible range. Moreover, from the tauc plot, the optical bandgap Eg values of the Sair found to be noticeably lower than that of the samples SN2. Very surprisingly, the electrical sheet resistance (Rsh) found to decrease following the trend as Rshair > RshN2 > RshPl. The samples exposed to plasma found to possess the lowest RshPl (for film with thickness 546 nm, the RshPl was 17 Ω/sq.).
Temperature dependent diode and photovoltaic characteristics of graphene-GaN heterojunction
Authors: Kalita Golap , Dzulsyahmi Shaarin Muhammad , Paudel Balaram , Mahyavanshi Rakesh , Tanemura Masaki
Published: July 2017

Understanding the charge carrier transport characteristics at the graphene-GaN interface is of significant importance for the fabrication of efficient photoresponsive devices. Here, we report on the temperature dependent diode and photovoltaic characteristics of a graphene/n-GaN heterostructure based Schottky junction. The graphene/n-GaN heterojunction showed rectifying diode characteristics and photovoltaic action with photoresponsivity in the ultra-violet wavelength. The current-voltage characteristics of the graphene/n-GaN heterojunction device were investigated under dark and light illumination with changes in temperature. Under dark conditions, an increase in the forward bias current as well as saturation current was observed, and a decrease in the device ideality factor was obtained with an increase in temperature. Under illumination of light, a decrease in the open circuit voltage (Voc) and an increase in the short circuit current density (Jsc) was obtained with an increase in temperature. The increase in saturation current and carrier recombination with the increase in temperature leads to a reduction in Voc, while the photo-generated carrier increases in the heterojunction interface at higher temperatures contributing to the increase in Jsc. The observed temperature dependent device characteristics of the graphene/n-GaN heterojunction can be significant to understand the junction behavior and photovoltaic action.
Nutritional parameters of beef heifers fed diets with different roughages
Authors: de Moraes K. A. K. , de Moraes E. H. B. K. , Pina D. S. , Filho S. C. Valadares
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intake, digestibility and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis of beef heifers fed with sugarcane silage with different calcium oxide (CaO) levels (0, 7.5; 15 g/kg), fresh sugarcane and corn silage. The same concentrate was offered at 5 g/kg bodyweight (BW) for every diet. Five ruminally and abomasally fistulated beef heifers (373.8 ± 33.12 kg BW) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Heifers fed sugarcane silage diets presented lower dry matter (DM) intake than those fed fresh sugarcane. Corn silage provides greatest DM intake compared with other roughages. CaO levels had a quadratic positive effect (P < 0.05) on DM and total digestible nutrients (TDN). For TDN intake (3.43 + 4.39 CaO – 2.56 CaO2) the maximum TDN intake of 5.31 kg/day was obtained at 8.6 g/kg CaO. The total apparent digestibility for neutral detergent fibre increased with CaO levels. An increase in nitrogen balance was observed with the inclusion of CaO in the sugarcane silage. Corn silages-based diets provide greater DM intake and digestibility and nitrogen balance compared with the diets based on sugarcane. Adding CaO to sugarcane as it is ensiled improves DM intake and TDN than diet sugarcane silage without CaO. However, the use of high levels of CaO (15 g/kg) in sugarcane at ensiling decreases the diet intake. Based on the maximum energy intake, the use of 8.6 g/kg CaO in sugarcane at ensiling is recommended.
Effects of aeration, sediment grain size and burial on stream litter breakdown and consumer performance: a microcosm study
Authors: Pereda Olatz , Arroita Maite , Aristi Ibon , Flores Lorea , Larrañaga Aitor , Elosegi Arturo
Published: July 2017

Turbulence and aeration are reduced in many streams during low-flow periods as a consequence of drought or water abstraction, thus affecting invertebrate interactions and pivotal ecosystem processes such as the breakdown of organic matter (OM). These effects can be larger in the hyporheic zone (HZ), the ecotone connecting the surface stream and groundwater, especially when fine sediments reduce hydraulic conductivity. In addition, OM breakdown in the HZ could depend on the availability of OM in the benthic zone (BZ), because the latter would not only be a more accessible, and thus preferred, food resource, but also more easily scoured downstream. In a laboratory microcosm experiment of 28 days duration, we manipulated aeration, sediment size and location of OM (either all buried or half buried with half on the surface, simulating the HZ and BZ respectively). Six mayfly (Habroleptoides) individuals and four stonefly (Capnioneura) individuals were enclosed in each microcosm and the consumption of OM was measured. Lack of aeration reduced oxygen saturation from 94 to 66%, reducing OM consumption particularly on the surface, in contrast with our expectations. As hypothesised, the availability of surface OM significantly reduced invertebrate consumption of buried OM. Habroleptoides performed better than Capnioneura, especially in fine sediments. The results suggest that reduced turbulence can affect invertebrate trophic interactions as well as the decomposition of OM, depending on sediment grain size and the location of OM.
Ecological and behavioural traits of the Sri Lankan water monitor (Varanus salvator) in an urban landscape of Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Karunarathna Suranjan , Surasinghe Thilina , Madawala Majintha , Somaweera Ruchira , Amarasinghe A. A. Thasun
Published: July 2017

The Asian water monitor Varanus salvator is one of the largest species of lizard in the world and is widespread on the island of Sri Lanka. In the present study, we conducted a 7-month survey within a 5-km stretch in the urbanised Attanagalu-Oya river area to study habitat associations, mesohabitat use and behaviour of V. salvator in urban landscapes. The greatest number of monitor sightings was made in aquatic habitats, followed by terrestrial and arboreal habitats within the riparian zone. Sightings of different life history stages of V. salvator across major habitat types varied significantly. The adults and subadults associated mostly with aquatic and terrestrial habitats, whereas hatchlings and juveniles associated mostly with aquatic and arboreal habitats. Given variable sighting frequencies of distinct life history stages across different major habitat types, it is likely that there is substantial age-structured niche partitioning in V. salvator. The urban population of V. salvator studied seemed to be fairly abundant, and resilient to anthropogenic stressors and adversity of urbanisation. In species-depauperate urban environments, ecosystem functions provisioned by V. salvator as generalist predators as well as scavengers are arguably significant and deserve further investigation. No direct anthropogenic threats were observed during the study.
Factors associated with unwanted sexual experiences of young Australian females: an observational study
Authors: Subasinghe Asvini K. , Jayasinghe Yasmin L. , Wark John D. , Gorelik Alexandra , Garland Suzanne M. , on behalf of the Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI)  , Safe-D Study Groups
Published: July 2017

Background Behavioural and lifestyle factors associated with childhood unwanted sexual experiences (USE) have yet to be investigated in Australian females aged less than 18 years. Methods: Women aged 16–25 years living in Victoria were recruited via targeted advertising on Facebook. A web-based validated questionnaire was used to collect information on participant demographics, mental health, USE and sexual behaviours. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between a history of childhood (<16 years) and adolescent (16−18 years) USE and indices of sexual orientation. Results: Data were collected from 639 females (mean ± s.d. age 22 ± 3 years). Approximately 14% reported childhood USE and 15% reported adolescent USE. Approximately 37% of survivors of childhood USE reported penile-genital contact in relation to their USE. Participants who reported depression were almost four times as likely to have experienced childhood USE than those who did not report suffering from depression (odds ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 2.1−6.0, P < 0.001). Positive associations between childhood USE, same-sex relationships and smoking were also detected. Conclusions: A strong relationship between childhood USE, depression and same-sex sexual behaviours was found, but results did not determine the direction of this association. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to investigate whether there are groups of individuals who are at a high risk of experiencing childhood USE, so that appropriate support systems can be put in place.
Language shift or maintenance
Authors: David Maya Khemlani , Ali Mumtaz , Baloch Gul Muhammad
Published: July 2017

Pakistan is a multilingual country with six major and over 59 minor languages. However, the languages used by the domains of power, (government, corporate sector, media and education), are English and Urdu. Compared to the other regional languages in Pakistan, the Sindhi language has a more emancipated position in the state-run schools and some other domains. The present study seeks to explore the extent to which the use of Sindhi language has been shifted or maintained, and to survey the patterns of language use in certain domains through Fishman’s domain concept for the determination of language shift within the community concerned. A mixed method data collection including questionnaires and in-depth interviews was conducted to find out whether Sindhis in the Sind province of Pakistan maintain their heritage language in specific domains and to ascertain the impact of Pakistan’s language policy on Sindhi language. The results show that Sindhis in Sindh province fully maintain their language and behold sentimental affiliation with it as part of their cultural identity. The Sindhis have successfully uplifted and maintained their language in education and other vital domains. The Sindhi community enjoys a higher ethno-linguistic vitality than the other ethnic groups in Pakistan.
State contestations in constructions of 1Malaysia
Authors: Varghese Mary , Ghazali Kamila
Published: July 2017

This article seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge about the
relationship between political discourse and national identity. 1Malaysia,
introduced in 2009 by Malaysia’s then newly appointed 6th Prime Minister Najib
Razak, was greeted with expectation and concern by various segments of the
Malaysian population. For some, it signalled a new inclusiveness that was to
change the discourse on belonging. For others, it raised concerns about changes
to the status quo of ethnic issues. Given the varying responses of society to
the concept of 1Malaysia, an examination of different texts through the critical
paradigm of CDA provide useful insights into how the public sphere has attempted
to construct this notion. Therefore, this paper critically examines the Prime
Minister’s early speeches as well as relevant chapters of the socioeconomic
agenda, the 10th Malaysia Plan, to identify the referential and predicational
strategies employed in characterising 1Malaysia. The findings suggest a notion
of unity that appears to address varying issues.
Ethnolinguistic dilemma and static maintenance syndrome
Authors: Manan Syed Abdul , David Maya Khemlani , Dumanig Francisco Perlas
Published: July 2017

Only two out of over 70 indigenous mother tongues are recognized in schools in Pakistan. This study examines orientations of the governments’ language-in-education policies, and scrutinizes the influence the policies exert on vitality of indigenous mother tongues, and the perceptions of their speakers. Using undergraduate students as samples, the study employed mixed-method for data collection. Linguistic diversity and multilingualism have been looked upon as problem than asset in successive government policies. We find that although indigenous mother tongues enjoy strong roots and oral presence in informal private domains; however, they suffer from acute shrinkage in more literate domains such as schools and different media as majority of respondents passively assimilate towards Urdu and English languages. Language policies and current linguistic hierarchy appear to have exerted appreciable effect on respondents’ attitudinal and cultural orientations. Although, respondents demonstrate sentimental attachment towards their languages as cultural and identity signifiers; however, they overwhelmingly support English and Urdu as their desired languages-in-education leaving their own mother-tongues marginalized. Respondents’ approach is marked by ‘static maintenance syndrome, an attitudinal conundrum, in which they rationalize the ‘supposed inferiority of their languages’ vis-à-vis English (the official) and Urdu (the national) languages. Top-down and bottom-up orientations are characterized by neglect towards linguistic diversity.
An investigation of the blocking and development of empathy in discussions between Muslim and Christian believers
Authors: Richardson Peter
Published: July 2017

This article investigates examples of the blocking or development of empathy in videoed discussions between three pairs of conservative Muslim and Christian believers. The analysis focusses on the use of figurative language in the discussions with the aim of identifying examples of metaphor appropriation, and reveals three types of shared metaphor usage. The first is shared language based on the overlapping semantic fields that Christians and Muslims draw on in order to describe their experience. The second consists of appropriation that appears to contribute to the blocking of empathy through the imposition of narratives with specific assumptions. The third involves discourse convergence and empathy development, demonstrating the potential of this type of discourse format to promote bridge building between particular individuals at specific moments in a discourse.
“Truth is like a vast tree”
Authors: Neary Clara
Published: July 2017

This article focuses on Gandhi’s use of biblical metaphor in the English translation of his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” (1940). The aim of the analysis is to show how Gandhi appropriated Christian ideology to his own life story when presenting it to an English-speaking audience. Given that metaphor use is “seldom neutral” (Semino, 2008, p. 32), underlying conceptual mappings can be revealing, particularly when the same conceptual frame is employed systematically across a text or discourse situation. Analysis of the English translation reveals a use of biblical metaphor which may constitute a deliberate appropriation of Christian ideology. This article suggests potential motivations for this appropriation, linking the text’s metaphor use to Gandhi’s desire to reform Hinduism and intention to counter the rising tide of Hindu-Christian conversion that threatened the success of his campaign for Indian political and spiritual independence.
cAMP-dependent regulation of IKs single-channel kinetics
Authors: Thompson Emely , Eldstrom Jodene , Westhoff Maartje , McAfee Donald , Balse Elise , Fedida David
Published: July 2017

The delayed potassium rectifier current, IKs, is composed of KCNQ1 and KCNE1 subunits and plays an important role in cardiac action potential repolarization. During β-adrenergic stimulation, 3′-5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates KCNQ1, producing an increase in IKs current and a shortening of the action potential. Here, using cell-attached macropatches and single-channel recordings, we investigate the microscopic mechanisms underlying the cAMP-dependent increase in IKs current. A membrane-permeable cAMP analog, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (8-CPT-cAMP), causes a marked leftward shift of the conductance–voltage relation in macropatches, with or without an increase in current size. Single channels exhibit fewer silent sweeps, reduced first latency to opening (control, 1.61 ± 0.13 s; cAMP, 1.06 ± 0.11 s), and increased higher-subconductance-level occupancy in the presence of cAMP. The E160R/R237E and S209F KCNQ1 mutants, which show fixed and enhanced voltage sensor activation, respectively, largely abolish the effect of cAMP. The phosphomimetic KCNQ1 mutations, S27D and S27D/S92D, are much less and not at all responsive, respectively, to the effects of PKA phosphorylation (first latency of S27D + KCNE1 channels: control, 1.81 ± 0.1 s; 8-CPT-cAMP, 1.44 ± 0.1 s, P < 0.05; latency of S27D/S92D + KCNE1: control, 1.62 ± 0.1 s; cAMP, 1.43 ± 0.1 s, nonsignificant). Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we find no overall increase in surface expression of the channel during exposure to 8-CPT-cAMP. Our data suggest that the cAMP-dependent increase in IKs current is caused by an increase in the likelihood of channel opening, combined with faster openings and greater occupancy of higher subconductance levels, and is mediated by enhanced voltage sensor activation.
Forces that shape fission yeast cells
Authors: Chang Fred
Published: July 2017

One of the major challenges of modern cell biology is to understand how cells are assembled from nanoscale components into micrometer-scale entities with a specific size and shape. Here I describe how our quest to understand the morphogenesis of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe drove us to investigate cellular mechanics. These studies build on the view that cell shape arises from the physical properties of an elastic cell wall inflated by internal turgor pressure. Consideration of cellular mechanics provides new insights into not only mechanisms responsible for cell-shape determination and growth, but also cellular processes such as cytokinesis and endocytosis. Studies in yeast can help to illuminate approaches and mechanisms to study the mechanobiology of the cell surface in other cell types, including animal cells.