bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Cytokines During Cardiac Rehabilitation After Heart Surgery and Their Association to Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Racca Vittorio , Torri Anna , Grati Paola , Panzarino Claudia , Marventano Ivana , Saresella Marina , Castiglioni Paolo
Published: May 2020

Inflammation is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), but little is known about the association of AF with the inflammatory serum cytokines after the acute postoperative phase. Thus, we aimed to explore how plasma cytokines concentrations modify during a 3-week cardiac rehabilitation after heart surgery, comparing patients who developed postoperative AF (POAF) and those with permanent AF with patients free from AF (NoAF group). We enrolled 100 consecutive patients and 40 healthy volunteers as a control group. At the beginning of cardiac rehabilitation, 11 days after surgery, serum levels of MPO, PTX3, ADAM17, sST2, IL-25, and IL-33 were dramatically higher, whereas TNFα and IL-37 levels were much lower in NoAF, POAF, and permanent AF patients than in the healthy volunteers. After rehabilitation, most of the cytokines changed tending towards normalization. POAF patients (35% of the total) had higher body mass index and abdominal adiposity than NoAF patients, but similar general characteristics and risk factors for POAF. However, ADAM-17 and IL-25 were always lower in POAF than in NoAF patients, suggesting a protective role of IL-25 and ADAM 17 against POAF occurrence. This finding could impact on therapeutic strategies focusing on the postoperative prophylactic antiarrhythmic interventions.
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 contributes to somatic pain hypersensitivity in experimental colitis
Authors: Jain Piyush , Materazzi Serena , De Logu Francesco , Rossi Degl’Innocenti Duccio , Fusi Camilla , Li Puma Simone , Marone Ilaria M. , Coppi Elisabetta , Holzer Peter , Geppetti Pierangelo , Nassini Romina
Published: May 2020

Pain evoked by visceral inflammation is often ‘referred’ to the somatic level. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) has been reported to contribute to visceral pain-like behavior in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-evoked colitis. However, the role of TRPA1 in somatic component of hypersensitivity due to visceral inflammation is unknown. The present study investigated the role of TRPA1 in colitis-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity at the somatic level. Colitis was induced in mice by adding DSS to drinking water for one week. Control and DSS-treated mice were tested for various parameters of colitis as well as mechanical pain sensitivity in abdominal and facial regions. DSS treatment caused mechanical hypersensitivity in the abdominal and facial skin. Pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of TRPA1 prevented the colitis-associated mechanical hypersensitivity in the abdominal and facial skin areas although the severity of colitis remained unaltered. DSS treatment increased expression of TRPA1 mRNA in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, but not trigeminal ganglion neurons, and selectively enhanced currents evoked by the TRPA1 agonist, allyl isothiocyanate, in cultured DRG neurons. Our findings indicate that the TRPA1 channel contributes to colitis-associated mechanical hypersensitivity in somatic tissues, an effect associated with upregulation of TRPA1 expression and responsiveness in DRG nociceptors.
Bright and fast scintillations of an inorganic halide perovskite CsPbBr3 crystal at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Mykhaylyk V. B. , Kraus H. , Kapustianyk V. , Kim H. J. , Mercere P. , Rudko M. , Da Silva P. , Antonyak O. , Dendebera M.
Published: May 2020

Highly efficient scintillation crystals with short decay times are indispensable for improving the performance of numerous detection and imaging instruments that use- X-rays, gamma-quanta, ionising particles or neutrons. Halide perovskites emerged recently as very promising materials for detection of ionising radiation that motivated further exploration of the materials. In this work, we report on excellent scintillation properties of CsPbBr3 crystals when cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The temperature dependence of luminescence spectra, decay kinetics and light yield under excitation with X-rays and α-particles was investigated. It is shown that the observed changes of spectral and kinetic characteristics of the crystal with temperature can be consistently explained by radiative decay of free excitons, bound and trapped excitons as well as electron-hole pairs originating from their disintegration. It has been found that the crystal exhibits a fast decay time constant of 1 ns at 7 K. The scintillation light yield of CsPbBr3 at 7 K is assessed to be 50,000 ± 10,000 ph/MeV at excitation with 12 keV X-rays and 109,000 ± 22,000 ph/MeV at excitation with α-particles of 241Am. This finding places CsPbBr3 in an excellent position for the development of a new generation of cryogenic, efficient scintillation detectors with nanosecond response time, marking a step-change in opportunities for scintillator-based applications.
Insight into the antiviral activity of synthesized schizonepetin derivatives: A theoretical investigation
Authors: Baghban Alireza , Mosavi Amir
Published: May 2020

The antiviral activity of schizonepetin derivatives 1A-1C were investigated via theoretical methods and results are compared with experimental results. The derivatives 1 A and 1 C have the highest and the lowest antiviral activity, respectively. The interactions of derivatives 1A-1C and BN-nanotube are examined. Results show that, derivatives 1A-1C can effectively interact with BN-nanotube (9, 9) and their adsorptions are favorable. The energy of derivative 1 A is higher than derivatives 1B and 1 C. The derivative 1 A has highest absolute µ, ω and ∆N values and it has lowest absolute ƞ value. Results show that, theoretical and experimental trends of antiviral activity of derivatives 1A-1C were similar, successfully.
A hybrid-DFT investigation of the Ce oxidation state upon adsorption of F, Na, Ni, Pd and Pt on the (CeO2)6cluster
Authors: Ozório Mailde S. , Andriani Karla F. , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: May 2020

The formation of small polarons in CeO2−xcompounds has been investigated mainly on solids, compact surfaces, and large nanoparticles.
Sialic acid-modified dexamethasone lipid calcium phosphate gel core nanoparticles for target treatment of kidney injury
Authors: Liu Hongbing , Zhang Hui , Yin Na , Zhang Ying , Gou Jingxin , Yin Tian , He Haibing , Ding Hong , Zhang Yu , Tang Xing
Published: May 2020

SA-NPs were constructed to target the treatment of AKI and improve therapeutic efficiency and reduce side effects.
Direct synthesis of 2-substituted benzonitriles via alkylcyanation of arynes with N,N-disubstituted aminomalononitriles
Authors: Bao Wen , Gao Zhu-Peng , Jin Da-Ping , Xue Cao-Gen , Liang Huan , Lei Ling-Sheng , Xu Xue-Tao , Zhang Kun , Wang Shao-Hua
Published: May 2020

An efficient alkylcyanation of in situ generated arynes by N,N-disubstituted aminomalononitriles is described, enabling the direct synthesis of 2-substituted benzonitriles.
ArNMeCH(SiMe3)2: a useful precursor of formal α-aminoalkyl diradicals in visible-light-mediated homo- and hetero-diaddition with alkenes
Authors: Liu Shunfa , Yang Yufan , Gao Lu , Song Zhenlei
Published: May 2020

ArNMeCH(SiMe3)2has been developed as a useful precursor of a formal α-aminoalkyl diradical in visible-light-mediated homo-diaddition with two identical alkenes in one-pot, or hetero-diaddition with two different alkenesviaa sequential operation.
Preparation and reactivity of molybdenum complexes bearing pyrrole-based PNP-type pincer ligand
Authors: Tanabe Yoshiaki , Sekiguchi Yoshiya , Tanaka Hiromasa , Konomi Asuka , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Kuriyama Shogo , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: May 2020

Molybdenum complexes bearing an anionic pyrrole-based PNP-type pincer ligand have been prepared and have been found to work as catalysts for the conversion of N2 into NH3 under ambient conditions.
The systematic study of the precursor ratio effect in the Cd–Zn–S quantum dot synthesis
Authors: Loghina Liudmila , Kaderavkova Anastasia , Chylii Maksym , Frumarova Bozena , Svec Petr , Slang Stanislav , Vlcek Miroslav
Published: May 2020

The controllable synthesis of highly photoluminescent Cd–Zn–S QDs with application of novel N-phenylmorpholine-4-carbothioamide as an eco-friendly sulphur source.
Microwave coherent control of ultracold ground-state molecules formed by short-range photoassociation
Authors: Ji Zhonghua , Gong Ting , He Yonglin , Hutson Jeremy M. , Zhao Yanting , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: May 2020

We report the observation of microwave coherent control of rotational states of ultracold85Rb133Cs molecules formed in their vibronic ground state by short-range photoassociation.
Recent progress in selenite and tellurite based SHG materials
Authors: Kong Fang , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: May 2020

Fluorination and bandgaps have attracted more attention than d0 TM and SHG efficiency recently in metal selenites and tellurites.
Zn(ii), Cd(ii) and Hg(ii) saccharinate complexes with 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine as promising anticancer agents in breast and lung cancer cell linesviaROS-induced apoptosis
Authors: Icsel Ceyda , Yilmaz Veysel T. , Aydinlik Seyma , Aygun Muhittin
Published: May 2020

Highly cytotoxic Zn(ii) and Hg(ii) saccharinate complexes with 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine cause G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, excessive ROS generation, and mitochondrial and DNA damage in A549 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively.
A comparative analysis of the essential oils from two species of garlic seedlings cultivated in China: chemical profile and anticoagulant potential
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Gaochao , Kong Yunqi , Xu Hai , Xiao Bowen , Liu Yang , Zhou Hongli
Published: May 2020

Garlic seedlings (GS) and blanched garlic seedlings (BGS) are two kinds of common garlic-derived vegetables in China, but little information is available on their bioactive constituents.
A Pd confined hierarchically conjugated covalent organic polymer for hydrogenation of nitroaromatics: catalysis, kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanism
Authors: Yadav Deepika , Awasthi Satish Kumar
Published: May 2020

Herein, we propose a fast and scalable synthesis of a triazine based hierarchically conjugated covalent organic polymer under solvent and additive free conditions through a single step process.
Material and device engineering for high-performance blue quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Jia Haoran , Wang Fuzhi , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: May 2020

The recent advances in material and device engineering for high performance blue quantum dot light-emitting diodes are reviewed.
Facile formation of chiral nanofibers with excellent electrochemical performance via self-assembly of carbon dots and cysteine molecules
Authors: Zhao Jiaqi , Li Li , Li Fei , Liu Huali , Li Zhen , Wang Yu
Published: May 2020

Facile formation of chiral nanofibers with excellent electrochemical performance via self-assembly.
Stable, concentrated, biocompatible, and defect-free graphene dispersions with positive charge
Authors: Shin Yuyoung , Vranic Sandra , Just-Baringo Xavier , Gali Sai Manoj , Kisby Thomas , Chen Yingxian , Gkoutzidou Alexandra , Prestat Eric , Beljonne David , Larrosa Igor , Kostarelos Kostas , Casiraghi Cinzia
Published: May 2020

Cationic pyrene derivatives were studied for exfoliation and stabilisation of graphene in water. The high concentration, stability, biocompatibility and cellular uptake of the dispersions make them attractive for biomedical applications.
Investigation of the concentration- and temperature-dependent motion of colloidal nanoparticles
Authors: Handel Barnaby , Dinkova Vladislava Vladimirova , Ximendes Erving , Solé José García , Jaque Daniel , Marin Riccardo
Published: May 2020

Laser speckle imaging is used to study the influence of concentration and temperature on the motion of suspended gold nanoshells. Long-range interparticle interaction and viscosity of the dispersing medium sizeably affect the diffusion velocity.
A scalable synthesis of ternary nanocatalysts for a high-efficiency electrooxidation catalysis by microfluidics
Authors: Zhou Yingyan , Wang Dumei , Kang Xueming , Zhang Dongtang , Dou Xiangnan , Wang Xiayan , Guo Guangsheng
Published: May 2020

An array-channel continuous flow scale-up strategy based on a microchip for high dispersion of loaded PtFeCu/C nanocatalysts for nanomaterials’ synthesis is reported.
Luminescent tungsten(vi) complexes as photocatalysts for light-driven C–C and C–B bond formation reactions
Authors: Yu Daohong , To Wai-Pong , Tong Glenna So Ming , Wu Liang-Liang , Chan Kaai-Tung , Du Lili , Phillips David Lee , Liu Yungen , Che Chi-Ming
Published: May 2020

A luminescent tungsten(vi) complex catalyses a broad spectrum of light-driven organic transformation reactions with high product yields and good functional group tolerance.
Deep-red fluorescence from isolated dimers: a highly bright excimer and imaging in vivo
Authors: Luo Qing , Li Lin , Ma Huili , Lv Chunyan , Jiang Xueyan , Gu Xinggui , An Zhongfu , Zou Bo , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yujian
Published: May 2020

A strategy is proposed to realize high-efficiency, solid-state and NIR-emissive organic molecules based on HLCT state and separated dimeric stacks.
Exploitation of two-dimensional conjugated covalent organic frameworks based on tetraphenylethylene with bicarbazole and pyrene units and applications in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , Lee Chia-Chen , EL-Mahdy Ahmed F. M. , Lüder Johann , Yu Ming-Hsuan , Li Zhen , Zhu Zonglong , Chueh Chu-Chen , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: May 2020

Two conjugated covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are successfully synthesized and are introduced as the interface modifier in perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) to enhance the overall performance.
The origin of heavy element doping to relieve the lattice thermal vibration of layered materials for high energy density Li ion cathodes
Authors: Zhao Ruirui , Zhang Jiliang , Lee Gi-Hyeok , Zhang Kai , Lau Vincent Wing-hei , Lee Jey-Jau , Moudrakovski Igor , Yang Yue-Lin , Zou Feng , Park Mihui , Hung I.-Ming , Kang Yong-Mook
Published: May 2020

We report an effective strategy to inhibit the phase transition of LiCoO2 from hexagonal layered to cubic spinel during delithiation. The small thermal vibration amplitude of the Sn dopant helps pin the lattice vibration, stabilizing CoO6 octahedra during charge/discharge.
Galvanic replacement synthesis of multi-branched gold nanocrystals for photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Zhu Dewei , Liu Yang , Liu Maixian , Liu Xin , Prasad Paras N. , Swihart Mark T.
Published: May 2020

Au nanostars with tunable arm length and broad tunable localized surface plasmon resonance absorbance across near-infrared to short-wave infrared wavelengths effectively ablate human cervical cancer cells through photothermal heating.
From Ag2S to luminescent Ag–In–S nanocrystals via an ultrasonic method – an in situ synthesis study in an NMR tube
Authors: Kowalik Patrycja , Penkala Mateusz , Bujak Piotr , Kmita Angelika , Gajewska Marta , Ostrowski Andrzej , Slodek Aneta , Pron Adam
Published: May 2020

Taking advantage of “mild” preparation conditions we have been able for the first time to perform the synthesis of Ag2S and luminescent AgInS2 nanocrystals in an NMR tube.
Diffuse γ-ray emission toward the massive star-forming region, W40
Authors: Sun Xiao-Na , Yang Rui-Zhi , Liang Yun-Feng , Peng Fang-Kun , Zhang Hai-Ming , Wang Xiang-Yu , Aharonian Felix
Published: May 2020

We report the detection of high-energy γ-ray signal towards the young star-forming region, W40. Using 10-yr Pass 8 data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT), we extracted an extended γ-ray excess region with a significance of ~18σ. The radiation has a spectrum with a photon index of 2.49 ± 0.01. The spatial correlation with the ionized gas content favors the hadronic origin of the γ-ray emission. The total cosmic-ray (CR) proton energy in the γ-ray production region is estimated to be the order of 1047 erg. However, this could be a small fraction of the total energy released in cosmic rays (CRs) by local accelerators, presumably by massive stars, over the lifetime of the system. If so, W40, together with earlier detections of γ-rays from Cygnus cocoon, Westerlund 1, Westerlund 2, NGC 3603, and 30 Dor C, supports the hypothesis that young star clusters are effective CR factories. The unique aspect of this result is that the γ-ray emission is detected, for the first time, from a stellar cluster itself, rather than from the surrounding “cocoons”.
Relative thermodynamic stability of the [C,N,O] linkages as an indication of the most abundant structures in the ISM
Authors: Fourré I. , Matz O. , Ellinger Y. , Guillemin J.-C.
Published: May 2020

Context. Most of the compounds detected in the interstellar medium (ISM) that possess isomers correspond to the thermodynamically most stable isomer of a given chemical formula. Using the minimun energy principle (MEP) as a pragmatic tool is particularly efficient for less than six atoms, but for larger systems combinatorial analysis gives an intractable numbers of isomers.

Aims. To make the MEP more applicable, we look for a chemical sieve to filter the thermodynamic data needed to determine which isomers of complex organic molecules (COMs) have higher chances of being present in the ISM. To do so, we investigate whether the nature of the [C,N,O] elementary fragment can be determinant for the stabilization of COMs, taking C2H3NO as a case study.

Methods. We employed standard quantum chemistry methods to determine the ordering of fragments and derivatives on the energy scale. Density functional theory treatments were systematically performed, together with high-level coupled cluster calculations to refine relative energies.

Results. For C2H3NO we find methylisocyanate CH3NCO, which is a compound that was very recently detected in the ISM, to be the most stable isomer in a corpus of 40 isomers of lowest energy. In neutral form we find the stability ordering of NCO > ONC; the same is true for the negative ion. Attachments of R=H, CH3, C2H5, HC2, H2CCH, and C6H5 and metals Al and Mg to the nitrogen atom of the NCO fragment provide the most stable isomers. The energy differences between the successive isomers on the energy scale R-NCO, R-OCN, R-CNO, and R-ONC are of the same order of magnitude for all carbonaceous R.

Conclusions. Combining the criterion of most stable linkage with the MEP concept should greatly reduce the window of potential targets to be searched for in the ISM. Compounds containing the NCO linkage should be preferential targets of future research.
Evaluation of endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration versus fine-needle biopsy and impact of rapid on-site evaluation for pancreatic masses
Authors: de Moura Diogo T.H. , McCarty Thomas R. , Jirapinyo Pichamol , Ribeiro Igor B. , Hathorn Kelly E. , Madruga-Neto Antonio Coutinho , Lee Linda S. , Thompson Christopher C.
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is traditionally considered a first-line strategy for diagnosing pancreatic lesions; however, given less than ideal accuracy rates, fine-needle biopsy (FNB) has been recently developed to yield histological tissue. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic yield and safety between EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB in sampling of pancreatic masses.

Patients and methods This was a multicenter retrospective study to evaluate efficacy and safety of EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB for pancreatic lesions. Baseline characteristics including sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, were evaluated. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) diagnostic adequacy, cell-block accuracy, and adverse events were analyzed. Subgroup analyses comparing FNA versus FNB route of tissue acquisition and comparison between methods with or without ROSE were performed. Multivariable logistic regression was also performed.

Results A total of 574 patients (n = 194 FNA, n = 380 FNB) were included. Overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNB versus FNA were similar [(89.09 % versus 85.62 %; P = 0.229), (98.04 % versus 96.88 %; P = 0.387), and 90.29 % versus 87.50 %; P = 0.307)]. Number of passes for ROSE adequacy and cell-block accuracy were comparable for FNA versus FNB [(3.06 ± 1.62 versus 3.04 ± 1.88; P = 0.11) and (3.08 ± 1.63 versus 3.35 ± 2.02; P = 0.137)]. FNA + ROSE was superior to FNA alone regarding sensitivity and accuracy [91.96 % versus 70.83 %; P < 0.001) and (91.80 % versus 80.28 %; P = 0.020)]. Sensitivity of FNB + ROSE and FNB alone were superior to FNA alone [(92.17 % versus 70.83 %; P < 0.001) and (87.44 % versus 70.83 %; P < 0.001)]. There was no difference in sensitivity though improved accuracy between FNA + ROSE versus FNB alone [(91.96 % versus 87.44 %; P = 0.193) and (91.80 % versus 80.72 %; P = 0.006)]. FNB + ROSE was more accurate than FNA + ROSE (93.13 % versus 91.80 %; P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed ROSE was a significant predictor of accuracy [OR 2.60 (95 % CI, 1.41–4.79)]. One adverse event occurred after FNB resulting in patient death.

Conclusion EUS-FNB allowed for more consistent cell-block evaluation as compared to EUS-FNA. EUS-FNA + ROSE was found to have a similar sensitivity to EUS-FNB alone suggesting a reduced need for ROSE as part of the standard algorithm of pancreatic sampling. While FNB alone produced similar diagnostic findings to EUS-FNA + ROSE, FNB + ROSE still was noted to increase diagnostic yield. This finding may favor a unique role for FNB + ROSE, suggesting it may be useful in cases when previous EUS-guided sampling may have been indeterminate.
Multimodal intervention for avoiding inappropriate cessation of aspirin prior to outpatient endoscopy
Authors: Ellison Parker L. , Holman Nathan , Wallace Kristin , Cote Gregory A. , Elmunzer B. Joseph , Brock Andrew S.
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims Existing guidelines recommend continuation of aspirin therapy prior to outpatient endoscopic procedures, as it reduces peri-procedural cardiovascular events and is not associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Despite this, many patients at our institution inappropriately alter their aspirin prior to endoscopy. We sought to identify why this occurs and implement an intervention that could reduce improper aspirin alteration.

Patients and methods All adult patients undergoing outpatient endoscopy at the Medical University of South Carolina were administered a survey querying demographics, aspirin use, endoscopic procedure, thromboembolic risk factors, and pre-procedural aspirin alteration, if any. An intervention involving revised written and verbal instructions as well as an automated voicemail aimed at ensuring patients adhere to guidelines was then undertaken. The same survey was administered after the intervention to assess for improved adherence.

Results A total of 240 patients from the initial survey reported daily aspirin use, of which 114 (47.5 %) inappropriately altered aspirin therapy. A total of 182 patients from the post-intervention survey reported daily aspirin use, of which 66 (36.3 %) inappropriately altered aspirin therapy. This was a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.04), which included adjustments for age, sex, procedure type, and thromboembolic risk.

Conclusions A high proportion of patients at our institution inappropriately alter aspirin therapy prior to outpatient endoscopy. The reasons for this behavior include patient self-direction, misguidance from staff, and instruction from other physicians. This alteration can be reduced significantly through an intervention that educates both patients and staff on continuation of aspirin therapy prior to outpatient endoscopy.
Technical feasibility and safety of transluminal antegrade dilation for hepaticojejunostomy stricture using a novel fine-gauge electrocautery dilator (with video)
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Nishioka Nobu , Yamada Masanori , Yamada Tadahiro , Ueno Saori , Matsuno Jyun , Ueshima Kazuya , Yamamoto Yoshitaro , Okuda Atsushi , Ashida Reiko , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims A novel fine-gauge electrocautery dilator (ED) has recently become available in Japan. The current study evaluated the safety and feasibility of transluminal antegrade dilation for hepaticojejunal stricture (HJS) using this novel ED.

Patients and methods Patients who with complicated HJS were retrospectively enrolled. The primary and secondary endpoints of this study were rates of technical success defined as functional antegrade HJS dilation using the novel ED and types of adverse events, respectively. A total of 22 patients were enrolled. Among them, six were treated using an enteroscopic approach due to the absence of bile duct dilation or patient refusal to undergo EUS-HGS. Therefore, 16 patients underwent EUS-HGS.

Results The procedure was successful in 15 of 16 patients (93.8 %). The contrast medium flowed from the intrahepatic bile duct to the intestine of 14 of 15 patients (93.3 %). The resolution rate of HJS was 13 of 14 (92.9 %) at 6 months.

Conclusion Our technique might offer a new option with which to treat HJS, although a prospective study with long-term follow-up is needed.
Nodularity-like appearance in the cardia: novel endoscopic findings for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Toyoshima Osamu , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Sakitani Kosuke , Yamakawa Tadahiro , Watanabe Hidenobu , Yoshida Shuntaro , Nakai Yousuke , Hata Keisuke , Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Suzuki Hidekazu , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims Helicobacter pylori-associated nodular gastritis, which is associated with follicular lymphoid hyperplasia, is mainly recognized in the antrum. However, we have also observed nodularity-like appearance in the cardia. This study aimed to investigate the clinical signiﬁcance of cardiac nodularity-like appearance in H. pylori-associated gastritis.

Patients and methods Patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and were evaluated for H. pylori infection for the ﬁrst time were enrolled. A nodularity-like appearance in the cardia was defined as a miliary nodular appearance or scattered appearances of small circular whitish coloration. H. pylori infection was diagnosed according to serum anti-H. pylori antibody and the urea breath test or histology. Accuracy of the H. pylori infection diagnoses based on nodularity-like appearance were assessed.

Results Among 265 patients, 42 patients (15.8 %) were diagnosed as positive for H. pylori. Cardiac nodularity-like appearance and antral nodularity were recognized in 25 and 15 patients, respectively. In accuracy of predicting H. pylori by cardiac nodularity-like appearance, specificity was 0.996, sensitivity was 0.571, positive predictive value was 0.960, negative predictive value was 0.925, and accuracy was 0.928. The sensitivity of cardiac nodularity-like appearance was significantly higher than that of antral nodularity (P = 0.0284).

Conclusions Cardiac nodularity-like appearance had a high accuracy rate for H. pylori infection diagnosis. Cardiac nodularity-like appearance was found more frequently than antral nodularity.
Endocrine, Metabolic and Pharmacological Effects of Thyronamines
(TAM), Thyroacetic Acids (TA) and Thyroid Hormone Metabolites (THM) –
Evidence from in vitro, Cellular, Experimental Animal and Human
Studies
Authors: Homuth Georg , Lietzow Julika , Schanze Nancy , Golchert Janine , Köhrle Josef
Published: May 2020

Thyroid hormone metabolites (THM) with few or no iodine substituents such as
3,5-T2, the thyronamines 3-T1AM and T0AM, and their oxidation products, the
thyroacetic acids (TA) formed by monoamine oxidases, have recently attracted
major interest due to their metabolic actions which are in part distinct from
those of the classical thyromimetic hormone T3, the major ligand of T3
receptors. This review compiles and discusses in vitro effects of 3,5-T2,
TAM and TA reported for thyrocytes, pancreatic islets and hepatocytes as well as
findings from in vivo studies in mouse models after single or repeated
administration of pharmacological doses of these agents. Comparison of the
3,5-T2 effects on the transcriptome with not yet published proteome data in
livers of obese mice on high fat diet indicate a distinct anti-steatotic effect
of this THM. Furthermore, uptake, metabolism, and cellular actions via various
receptors such as trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR), alpha-adrenergic,
GPCR and T3 receptors are discussed. Studies on postulated pathways of
biosynthesis of 3-T1AM, its effects on the HPT-axis and thyroid gland as well as
insulin secretion are reviewed. 3-T1AM also acts on hepatocytes and interferes
with TRPM8-dependent signaling in human cell lines related to the eye
compartment. Human studies are presented which address potential biosynthesis
routes of 3,5-T2 and 3-T1AM from THM precursors, especially T3. The current
state of diagnostic analytics of these minor THM in human blood is portrayed
comparing and critically discussing the still divergent findings based on
classical immunoassay and recently developed liquid-chromatography/mass-
spectrometry methods, which allow quantification of the thyronome spectrum from
one single small volume serum sample. The clinical perspectives of use and
potential abuse of these biologically active THM is addressed.
Digital per-oral cholangioscopy to diagnose and manage biliary duct disorders: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Robles-Medranda Carlos , Soria-Alcívar Miguel , Oleas Roberto , Baquerizo-Burgos Jorge , Puga-Tejada Miguel , Valero Manuel , Pitanga-Lukashok Hannah
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims Digital, per-oral cholangioscopy (POCS) allows diagnosis of biliary ducts disorders and treatment for complicated stones. We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of digital POCS systems for stricture lesions and the factors precluding complete biliary stone clearance.

Patients and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of 265 consecutive patients referred for POCS between December 2016 and July 2018. We first analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of digital POCS for malignant and benign stricture lesions in 147 patients. Then, we analyzed the factors associated with complete or partial biliary stone clearance achieved with electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) delivered via POCS in 118 patients.

Results In the diagnostic group, digital POCS achieved 91 % visual-impression sensitivity, 99 % specificity, 99 % positive and 91 % negative predictive values, and 63.64 positive and 0.09 negative likelihood ratios for malignancy diagnosis. In the therapeutic group, complete biliary stone clearance was achieved by EHL in 94.9 % patients; the mean stone size was 20 mm (10–40 mm). In multivariable analyses, a stone size > 20 mm (OR: 1.020, P < 0.001) and the number of stones ≥ 3 (OR: 1.276, P < 001) was associated with partial biliary stone clearance. Adverse events were reported in 3.3 % patients; no deaths were reported 30 days after the procedure.

Conclusions Digital POCS has excellent diagnostic efficacy for biliary lesions. EHL via POCS is effective for complicated biliary stone clearance. Stone size (> 20 mm) and the number of stones (≥ 3) are associated with partial biliary stone clearance.
Selektion von Intraokularlinsen bei Patienten mit Makulopathien
Authors: Kaymak Hakan , Graff Birte , Nienhaus Svenja , Neller Kai , Seitz Berthold , Langenbucher Achim , Schwahn Hartmut
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund Multifokale Intraokularlinsen (MIOLs) können Patienten in gewissem Maße Brillenunabhängigkeit bieten. In der Praxis stellt sich jedoch häufig die Frage, welche Patienten überhaupt für die Implantation von MIOLs geeignet sind. Nicht selten wird gezögert, MIOLs bei Patienten mit Makulopathien zu implantieren, da die Sorge besteht, dass die Multifokalität der implantierten IOL die Sehleistung dieser Patienten zusätzlich einschränkt. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, mittels virtueller Implantation herauszufinden, wie MIOLs verschiedener Designs das Sehen bei Makulopathien beeinflussen.

Patienten, Material und Methoden In dieser prospektiven Studie wurden 17 pseudophake, gesunde Augen (Gruppe 1) und 13 pseudophake Augen mit verschiedenen Makulopathien und geringerem Visus (Gruppe 2) eingeschlossen. Erhoben und analysiert wurden der bestkorrigierte Fernvisus (BCDVA), nah- und fernkorrigierter Nahvisus (CNVA und DCNVA) und die Kontrastempfindlichkeit, während die Patienten durch den „VirtIOL intraocular lens implant simulator“ blickten, der das Sehen durch implantierte Intraokularlinsen simulieren soll. Die Messungen wurden für 3 verschiedene IOL-Typen durchgeführt: asphärische monofokale Linse, EDOF-Linse (EDOF: „extended depth of focus“) und diffraktive Trifokallinse. Die Ergebnisse wurden einerseits zwischen den verschiedenen IOL-Typen und andererseits zwischen den beiden Gruppen verglichen.

Ergebnisse Neben einem geringeren Visus besaßen Patienten mit Makulopathien auch geringere Kontrastempfindlichkeit im Vergleich zu den Netzhautgesunden. Der Vorteil der Verwendung multifokaler IOL-Typen gegenüber monofokalen IOL ist in beiden Gruppen nachweisbar, die jeweils einen signifikant gesteigerten fernkorrigierten Nahvisus aufwiesen: 0,29 logMAR und 0,39 logMAR Visusverbesserung für EDOF- bzw. Trifokal-IOLs in Gruppe 1 und entsprechend 0,17 logMAR und 0,25 logMAR Visusverbesserung in Gruppe 2. Die Kontrastempfindlichkeit im Bereich niedriger Ortsfrequenzen von 3 cpd ist allerdings im Vergleich zur monofokalen IOL herabgesetzt.

Schlussfolgerungen Für die in dieser Studie untersuchten Sehfunktionen sind MIOLs eine zweckmäßige Option auch für Patienten mit Makulopathien, um dem Wunsch nach Brillenunabhängigkeit entgegenzukommen. Auch wenn deren Sehqualität bereits eingeschränkt ist, tritt bei den aktuell untersuchten Patienten der Vorteil der multifokalen IOLs hinsichtlich der verbesserten Lesefähigkeit ohne zusätzliche Nahkorrektur gegenüber monofokalen IOLs dennoch zutage.
Das Krossenrezidiv aus der Sicht des Operateurs
Authors: Mumme Achim , Mühlberger Dominic , Hummel Thomas
Published: May 2020

Krossenrezidive nach Varizenoperation haben eine hohe sozioökonomische Relevanz. Zur Rezidivprophylaxe steht die Vermeidung technischer Fehler beim Ersteingriff im Vordergrund. Es darf kein Saphenastumpf verbleiben, der später zum proximalen Insuffizienzpunkt einer Rezidivvarikose werden kann. Darüber hinaus sollte die Durchtrittsstelle für saphenofemorale Rezidive, das Foramen ovale, beim Ersteingriff verschlossen werden, um eine Faszienbarriere zwischen der tiefen Vene und dem oberflächlichen Kompartiment zu schaffen. Bei Rezidivoperationen mit Vernarbungen im Bereich des Foramen ovale kann die Herstellung einer Faszienbarriere durch eine Augmentierung mit einem Flicken erleichtert werden.

Mit einer ordnungsgemäßen Krossektomie in Kombination mit einer Faszienbarriere können Krossenrezidive weitgehend vermieden werden.
Wild Strawberry, Blackberry, and Blueberry Leaf Extracts Alleviate Starch-Induced Hyperglycemia in Prediabetic and Diabetic Mice
Authors: Takács István , Szekeres András , Takács Ákos , Rakk Dávid , Mézes Miklós , Polyák Ágnes , Lakatos Lóránt , Gyémánt Gyöngyi , Csupor Dezső , Kovács Krisztina J. , Ferenczi Szilamér
Published: May 2020

Intestinal α-glucosidase and α-amylase break down nutritional poly- and oligosaccharides to monosaccharides and their activity significantly contributes to postprandial hyperglycemia. Competitive inhibitors of these enzymes, such as acarbose, are effective antidiabetic drugs, but have unpleasant side effects. In our ethnopharmacology inspired investigations, we found that wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), and European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) leaf extracts inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme activity in vitro and are effective in preventing postprandial hyperglycemia in vivo. Toxicology tests on H9c2 rat embryonic cardiac muscle cells demonstrated that berry leaf extracts have no cytotoxic effects. Oral administration of these leaf extracts alone or as a mixture to normal (control), obese, prediabetic, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice attenuated the starch-induced rise of blood glucose levels. The efficiency was similar to that of acarbose on blood glucose. These results highlight berry leaf extracts as candidates for testing in clinical trials in order to assess the clinical significance of their effects on glycemic control.
Kardiologische Therapie im Alter aus geriatrischer Sicht
Authors: Gosch Markus
Published: May 2020

Kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen, wie Arteriosklerose, arterielle Hypertonie, Herzinsuffizienz oder Vorhofflimmern, haben die höchste Prävalenz im fortgeschrittenen Lebensalter. Als Grundlage für die pharmakologische Therapie dienen jeweils die aktuellen Leitlinien. Allerdings bedarf es aufgrund der Komplexizität und Vulnerabilität geriatrischer Patienten eines individuellen Behandlungsansatzes, welcher sich im Einzelfall von Leitlinien unterscheiden kann. Im folgenden Beitrag werden einige relevante kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen aus der Perspektive eines geriatrischen Behandlungsansatzes beleuchtet sowie Empfehlungen ausgesprochen.
Targeted Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Noor Zorawar S. , Cummings Amy L. , Johnson McKenna M. , Spiegel Marshall L. , Goldman Jonathan W.
Published: May 2020

Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and the availability of comprehensive genomic profiling has allowed for the characterization of its molecular subtypes. This has increased the ability to deliver “personalized medicines” by tailoring therapies to target driver mutations in a patient's cancer. The development of targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has helped define the era of precision medicine throughout oncology. This article aims to contextualize recent research and provide an updated summary of targeted therapies available for patients with NSCLC. With practitioners and clinical researchers in mind, we note standard of care therapies, important approvals, practice guidelines, and treatments in development. The first section discusses mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, and the second section examines rearrangements in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS1 fusions. Finally, we explore the rarer molecular alterations in BRAF, RET, MET, HER2, and KRAS. Given the many available therapies, it is important to understand the molecular alterations in NSCLC, and how to target them.
Immunotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—A Stimulating Partnership
Authors: Dams Ritchell van , Yuan Ye , Robinson Clifford G. , Lee Percy
Published: May 2020

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Although durable local control rates are high after surgical resection or definitive radiotherapy for early-stage disease, a substantial proportion of these patients eventually experience regional and/or distant failure and succumb to their metastatic disease. The discovery of immunotherapeutics and targeted biologics has revolutionized the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic disease, improving progression-free and overall survival when incorporated with the current standards of care. Notably, post-hoc analyses and early clinical trials provide a growing body of evidence to support a synergistic effect between radiation and immunotherapy for the treatment of NSCLC from early-stage to metastatic disease. Radiotherapy appears to be capable of not only potentiating the effect of immunotherapy in targeted lesions, but also eliciting an antitumor response in distant lesions without any direct exposure to radiation. This review explores the biologic basis of immunotherapy, targeted biologics, and radiotherapy as well as the preclinical and clinical data that support the combined use of radioimmunotherapy for early-stage, locally advanced, and metastatic NSCLC.
Krapcho Dealkoxycarbonylation Strategy of Ethyl Cyanoacetate for the Synthesis of 3-Hydroxy-3-cyanomethyl-2-oxindoles and 3,3′-Dicyanomethyl-2-oxindoles in a Reaction with Isatin
Authors: Tiwari Keshri Nath , R. Chandran
Published: May 2020

A new strategy for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-cyanomethyl-2-oxindoles and 3,3′-dicyanomethyl-2-oxindoles in a reaction of isatin with ethyl cyanoacetate by Krapcho dealkoxycarbonylation reaction in aqueous media is demonstrated. The reaction provides an easy access to synthetically and medicinally valuable oxindole alkylnitriles in good to very good yields. Wider substrate scope and operationally simple experimental procedures are highlighted features of the developed protocol. Based on control experiments, a plausible mechanism of reaction and synergistic effect of water is also rationalized.
Immunotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Joy , Reckamp Karen L.
Published: May 2020

Traditionally, lung cancer has been treated as an immune-resistant disease with platinum-based chemotherapy serving as the first-line treatment for metastatic disease. The efficacy of immunotherapy has been established for patients with advanced lung cancer in clinical trials, and it has since become the standard of care for patients without targetable mutations, with or without chemotherapy. Previously, lung cancer patients experienced limited responses to immune-based therapy. As clinical trials continued to explore immunotherapy options with checkpoint inhibitors, results showed that immune therapies can create durable responses with manageable toxicities. Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can experience improved survival when administered immunotherapy over chemotherapy. The first successful immunotherapy treatments developed exploit programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), immune checkpoint pathways. Combination therapies of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapy or PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 checkpoint pathway inhibitors have also demonstrated improved outcomes for patients with NSCLC. Combination therapy with PD-1 or PD-L1 therapy and chemotherapy has shown benefit for small cell lung cancer patients as well. As immunotherapy changes the treatment paradigm of lung cancer, researchers continue to investigate different combinations, timing, duration, and biomarkers to better understand and improve the efficacy of immune-based therapy for patients with lung cancer.
Should Sequential Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Be Limited to Patients Younger than 80? A Two-Arm Propensity Matched Study
Authors: Klasan Antonio , Putnis Sven Edward , Yeo Wai Weng , Myat Darli , Fritsch Brett Andrew , Coolican Myles Raphael , Parker David Anthony
Published: May 2020

Despite multiple studies, there remains a debate on the safety of bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) in the average age patient, with a paucity of data on the outcome of BTKA in an elderly population. This study included 89 patients aged 80 years and older undergoing sequential BTKA over 14 years were identified in a prospectively collected database. Two matched comparison groups were created: patients under 80 undergoing sequential BTKA and patients over 80 undergoing unilateral TKA (UTKA). An analysis of complications, mortality, revision, and patient-reported outcome measures was performed. Mean age of the elderly cohorts was similar: 82.6 for BTKA and 82.9 for UTKA. The average age BTKA cohort had a mean age of 69.1. Complication rates were higher in bilateral cohorts, more so in the elderly BTKA cohort. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was observed in bilateral cohorts only. In these patients, history of PE and ischemic heart disease was a strong predictive factor for developing a major complication. There was no difference in revision rates and infection rates between the three cohorts, and no difference in patient survivorship between the two elderly cohorts. Through the combination of low revision and high survivorship rates and comparable clinical outcomes, this article demonstrates that simultaneous BTKA is an appropriate option to consider for an elderly patient, with proper patient selection and perioperative management. The demonstrated risk groups show that emphasis on patient selection should be focused on medical history rather than chronological age.
Hamstring Injuries Prevention in Soccer: A Narrative Review of Current Literature
Authors: Bisciotti Gian Nicola , Chamari Karim , Cena Emanuele , Carimati Giulia , Bisciotti Alessandro , Bisciotti Andrea , Quaglia Alessandro , Volpi Piero
Published: May 2020

Hamstring injuries and reinjuries are one of the most important sport lesions in several sport activities including soccer, Australian football, track and field, rugby, and in general in all sport activities requiring sprinting and acceleration. However, it is important to distinguish between the lesions of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus and semimembranosus. Indeed, three muscles representing the hamstring complex have a very different injury etiology and consequently require different prevention strategies. This fact may explain, at least in part, the high incidence of reinjuries. In soccer, hamstring injuries cause an important rate of time loss (i.e., in average 15–21 matches missed per club per season). The hamstring injury risk factors may be subdivided in three categories: “primary injury risk factors” (i.e., the risk factors mainly causing a first lesion), “recurrent injury risk factors” (i.e., the risk that can cause a reinjury), and bivalent injury risk factors” (i.e., the risk factors that can cause both primary injuries and reinjuries). The high incidence of hamstring lesions caused consequently an important increase in hamstring injury research. However, although the prevention has increased paradoxically, epidemiological data do not show a loss in injuries and/or reinjuries but, on the contrary, they show an increase in hamstring injuries. This apparent paradox highlights the importance both of the improvement in the prevention programs quality and the criteria for return to play after hamstring injury.
Trophic ecology of albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) in the western tropical Indian Ocean and adjacent waters
Authors: Romanov Evgeny V. , Nikolic Natacha , Dhurmeea Zahirah , Bodin Nathalie , Puech Alexis , Norman Stewart , Hollanda Stéphanie , Bourjea Jérôme , West Wendy , Potier Michel
Published: May 2020

In this study we investigated the trophic ecology of albacore tuna in the western Indian Ocean and adjacent Atlantic waters based on stomach content analysis using a reconstituted length and weight of prey approach. From 686 non-empty stomachs collected between 2001 and 2015 across three biogeographic provinces, we describe the diet composition of albacore tuna, analyse its feeding habits and investigate the structure and diversity of mid-trophic-level communities. Epipelagic fish were found to be the principal prey by number and reconstituted weight; cephalopods were the second important prey group. Small organisms prevailed in the diet of albacore tuna, with predation on juvenile fish commonplace. Albacore tuna exhibits a flexible, opportunistic feeding strategy, from ram filter feeding on abundant schooling prey to visual predation on large individuals. Prey species richness varied highly across the region. Oligotrophic conditions within the subtropical gyre of the Indian Ocean generated the most diverse mid-trophic-level communities, with less diverse communities occurring in productive areas. Albacore tuna occupies a similar trophic niche throughout the global ocean, foraging on the same prey families and even species. This study indicates overall temporal stability of the Indian Ocean and south-east Atlantic ecosystems where principal prey species remain unchanged over decades.