bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethyl pyruvate ameliorate inflammatory response of sinonasal mucosa by inhibiting HMGB1 in rats with acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Liang Xiang , Shen Yang , Zhang Xiaowei , He Guangxiang , Tan Guolin
Published: March 2021

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been known to involve in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to establish animal model of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), and determine whether ethyl pyruvate (EP) attenuate inflammatory response of sinonasal mucosa by inhibiting HMGB1 in ARS animals. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley (SD) rat were used as follows: six normal controls without intervention (group 1); thirty rats were used for establishment of ARS rats model by nasal insertion of Merocel sponge, and model rats without any treatments (group 2), treated with nasal drops of sterile saline (group 3), 10 μl EP (group 4), and 20 μl EP (group 5), twice a day for 5 days, respectively. Bacterial culture was done regularly and the main bacterial strains were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. HMGB1 expression in sinonasal mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Serum levels of HMGB1, IL-6, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Data from 29 of 36 rats that had completed research were analyzed. Bacterial colony formation unit (CFU) of nasal secretion was significantly higher in each group of ARS rats compared with controls (p < 0.001). ARS rats treated with EP had only slightly decreased CFU, but significantly attenuated inflammatory response of sinonasal mucosa and decreased HMGB1 expression compared to those treated with saline alone (p < 0.001). Serum levels of HMGB1, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher in ARS rats compared to controls, and decreased by EP treatments (p < 0.001). Nasal sponge packing led to acute inflammatory response of nasal sinus in rats, and increased the expression of HMGB1, IL-6, and TNF-α. Nasal drops with EP could attenuate the inflammation of sinonasal mucosa through inhibiting the expression of HMGB1, IL-6 and TNF-α in ARS rats.
Transcriptome analysis of the effect of diosgenin on autoimmune thyroiditis in a rat model
Authors: Zhang Chengfei , Qin Lingling , Sun Boju , Wu You , Zhong Fengying , Wu Lili , Liu Tonghua
Published: March 2021

In a mouse model of Graves’ disease (GD), diosgenin has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on GD by alleviating goitre. However, research on the effect of diosgenin on autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is lacking. In this study, transcriptomics was used to comprehensively analyse the protective effect of diosgenin against AIT in rats and the possible mechanism. The results showed that in the diosgenin-intervention group, compared to the model group, the expression of serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine was decreased and that of thyroid-stimulating hormone was increased; these changes were accompanied by the downregulation of thyroglobulin, TSH receptor antibody and thyroid peroxidase expression in serum. Furthermore, transcriptome detection, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry verification revealed that in thyroid tissue, the relative mRNA and protein expression of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP response element-binding protein (Creb) were increased and the mRNA expression of S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) was decreased in the diosgenin groups. In summary, diosgenin alleviates the development of AIT, possibly via the activation of the cAMP/PKA/Creb pathway and downregulation of S100A9 gene expression.
The influence of male dominance in female Anastrepha curvicauda mate selection
Authors: Salmerón-Muñiz Nancy Natividad , Arzuffi René , Robledo-Quintos Norma , Jiménez-Pérez Alfredo
Published: March 2021

Males of the papaya fruit fly, Anastrepha curvicauda Gerstaecker (former Toxotrypana curvicauda), defend a papaya fruit from rivals and males release their sex pheromone to attract and mate with females and offer them an oviposition site. While some aspects of the biology of A. curvicauda are known, such as its reproductive biology, its sex pheromone, and host selection, there is currently no information on the species mate selection process. This paper describes the precopulatory mating behavior of A. curvicauda and elucidates how intrasexual selection affects the mate selection process. We studied the precopulatory mating behavior of dominant and subordinate males and ethograms were devised. The effect of hierarchy was studied in non-choice and choice experiments. Male’s repertoire includes 15 behavioral elements, 12 precopulatory, one mating, and two postcopulatory (tandem and encounter). In non-choice experiments, dominant and subordinate males were accepted by females, but when females had the opportunity to choose among males, dominant males were significantly preferred over subordinate ones. The presence of a rival male modified the courting behavior of males and agonistic behavior among males was observed before and during mating.
Nitrogen has a greater influence than phosphorus on the diazotrophic community in two successive crop seasons in Northeast China
Authors: Zhou Jing , Ma Mingchao , Guan Dawei , Jiang Xin , Zhang Nianxin , Shu Fengyue , Kong Yong , Li Jun
Published: March 2021

Fertilizer-induced changes in soil nutrients regulate nitrogen (N) fixation in the terrestrial biosphere, but the influences of N and phosphorus (P) fertilization on the diazotroph communities in successive crop seasons were unclear. In this study, we assessed the effects of N and P (high vs. low doses) on the abundance and structure of N2-fixation communities after wheat and soybean harvest in a long-term (34 and 35 years) fertilization experiment. In both seasons, long-term N addition significantly decreased the abundance of nifH genes and 16S rDNA; in addition, high doses of N and P fertilizer decreased the richness of diazotrophs, whereas low doses did not. The proportion of the dominant genus, Bradyrhizobium, in the soybean season (86.0%) was higher than that in the wheat season (47.9%). Fertilization decreased diazotroph diversity and the relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium in the wheat season, but had insignificant effects in the soybean season. The addition of N, but not P, significantly changed the communities of both diazotrophs (at the genus level) and rhizobia (at the species level) in the two seasons. Soil pH was positively associated with nifH abundance and diazotrophic richness; soil NO3− content was negatively correlated with diazotrophic richness and positively correlated with diversity. Soil pH and NO3− content were the two main drivers shaping the soil diazotrophic community. Overall, long-term inorganic N had a greater influence than P on both diazotrophic abundance and community composition, and diazotrophic diversity was more clearly affected by fertilization in the wheat season than in the soybean season.
Complications, readmission and reoperation rates in one-stage bilateral versus unilateral total hip arthroplasty: a high-volume single center case–control study
Authors: Loppini Mattia , Pisano Alessandro , Gandolfi Cecilia Eugenia , Morenghi Emanuela , Grappiolo Guido
Published: March 2021

The study aimed to assess the safety of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with unilateral THA. In this retrospective observational case–control study were included patients undergoing unilateral (group 1) and one-stage bilateral (group 2) THA in a high-volume center. The groups were matched for gender, age at surgery, and pre-operative American Society of Anesthesiology score. The following variables were assessed: local and systemic complications, postoperative anemia, 30-day and 1-year readmission and reoperation rates, length of hospital stay, and ambulation time. Group 1 reported a significantly higher rate of local and systemic complications compared with group 2 (5.4% versus 3.9% and 29.6% versus 4.7%, respectively). Postoperative anemia was significantly lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (8.1% versus 30%). There was no significant difference in terms of 30-day and 1-year readmission rates between the two groups. The average length of hospital stay was 5.1 ± 2.3 days in group 1, and 5.3 ± 1.9 days in group 2 (p = 0.78). Ambulation time was significantly lower for group 1 (day 0.9 ± 0.9 in group 1, and day 1 ± 0.8 in group 2, p = 0.03). In a high-volume center, one-stage bilateral THA is a safe procedure compared with unilateral THA in terms of postoperative local and systemic complications, 30-day readmission and 1-year reoperation rates, and length of hospital stay.
Endoscopic features and clinical outcomes of cytomegalovirus gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients
Authors: Yoon Jiyoung , Lee Junghwan , Kim Dae Sung , Lee Jin Wook , Hong Seung Wook , Hwang Ha Won , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong-Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Myung Seung-Jae , Jung Hwoon-Yong , Yang Suk-Kyun , Byeon Jeong-Sik
Published: March 2021

We aimed to investigate the endoscopic features and clinical course of CMV gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients. We reviewed the medical records and endoscopic images of 86 immunocompetent patients with CMV gastroenterocolitis. Immunocompetent patients were defined as those without congenital or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, use of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The mean age was 65.5 ± 11.8 years and 53 (61.6%) were male. Sixty-eight (79.1%) patients had comorbidities. Upper gastrointestinal-dominant, small bowel-dominant, and colon-dominant types were observed in 19, 7, and 60 patients, respectively. Endoscopic features could be classified into discrete ulcerative type with/without exudate and diffuse erythematous type with/without exudate. Antiviral treatment with ganciclovir was initiated in 51 patients (59.3%), 40 of whom improved and 1 improved after changing ganciclovir to foscarnet. Thirty-three patients (38.4%) improved without antiviral treatment. Surgery was necessary in two patients because of colon perforation before antiviral treatment. Another two patients underwent surgery because of sigmoid stricture and cecal perforation during antiviral treatment. Endoscopic type was not associated with clinical outcomes, such as surgery and death. CMV gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients mostly occur in older patients with comorbidities, and the endoscopic features vary with no association with clinical outcomes.
Venous thrombosis and predictors of relapse in eosinophil-related diseases
Authors: Réau Valériane , Vallée Alexandre , Terrier Benjamin , Plessier Aurélie , Abisror Noémie , Ackermann Félix , Benainous Ruben , Bohelay Gérôme , Chabi-Charvillat Marie-Laure , Cornec Divi , Desbois Anne-Claire , Faguer Stanislas , Freymond Nathalie , Gaillet Antoine , Hamidou Mohamed , Killian Martin , Le Jeune Sylvain , Marchetti Anne , Meyer Guy , Osorio-Perez Francisco , Panel Kewin , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel , Rohmer Julien , Simon Nicolas , Tcherakian Colas , Vasse Marc , Zuelgaray Elina , Lefevre Guillaume , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Groh Matthieu
Published: March 2021

Eosinophils have widespread procoagulant effects. Eosinophilic cardiovascular toxicity mostly consists of endomyocardial damage or eosinophilic vasculitis, while reported cases of venous thrombosis (VT) are scarce. We aimed to report on the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with unexplained VT and eosinophilia, and to identify predictors of relapse. This retrospective, multicenter, observational study included patients aged over 15 years with VT, concomitant blood eosinophilia ≥ 1G/L and without any other moderate-to-strong contributing factors for VT. Fifty-four patients were included. VT was the initial manifestation of eosinophil-related disease in 29 (54%) patients and included pulmonary embolism (52%), deep venous thrombosis (37%), hepatic (11%) and portal vein (9%) thromboses. The median [IQR] absolute eosinophil count at VT onset was 3.3G/L [1.6–7.4]. Underlying eosinophil-related diseases included FIP1L1-PDGFRA-associated chronic myeloid neoplasm (n = 4), Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (n = 9), lymphocytic (n = 1) and idiopathic (n = 29) variants of hypereosinophilic syndrome. After a median [IQR] follow-up of 24 [10–62] months, 7 (13%) patients had a recurrence of VT. In multivariate analysis, persistent eosinophilia was the sole variable associated with a shorter time to VT relapse (HR 7.48; CI95% [1.94–29.47]; p = 0.015). Long-term normalization of eosinophil count could prevent the recurrence of VT in a subset of patients with unexplained VT and eosinophilia ≥ 1G/L.
Multi-DOA estimation based on the KR image tensor and improved estimation network
Authors: Yuan Ye , Wu Shuang , Yang Yong , Yuan Naichang
Published: March 2021

Deep neural networks have shown great performance for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation problem, but it is necessary to design some suitable networks to solve the multi-DOA estimation problem. In this paper, we use Khatri–Rao product to increase the degree of freedom of antenna array and obtain the image tensor of covariance matrix, then we propose an improved estimation network to process the tensor. We use the curriculum learning scheme and partial label strategy to develop a CurriculumNet training scheme. The training/validation results shows that the proposed training scheme can increase the generalization of the estimation network and improve the accuracy of network around $$10\%$$

10
%

. The estimation performance of the proposed network shows high-resolution results, which can distinguish two adjacent signals with angle difference of $$3^\circ $$

3
∘

. Moreover, the proposed estimation network has root mean square estimation error lower than $$1^\circ $$

1
∘

when signal noise ratio equals $$-\,10\,{\mathrm {dB}}$$

-

10

dB

and can estimate DOAs precisely by only 8 snapshots, which performs much better than prior deep neural network based estimation methods and can estimate multi-DOA results under hostile estimation environments.
Working for food is related to range use in free-range broiler chickens
Authors: Ferreira Vitor Hugo Bessa , Simoni Arthur , Germain Karine , Leterrier Christine , Lansade Léa , Collin Anne , Mignon-Grasteau Sandrine , Le Bihan-Duval Elisabeth , Guettier Elodie , Leruste Hélène , Calandreau Ludovic , Guesdon Vanessa
Published: March 2021

When animals prefer to make efforts to obtain food instead of acquiring it from freely available sources, they exhibit what is called contrafreeloading. Recently, individual differences in behavior, such as exploration, were shown to be linked to how prone an individual may be to contrafreeload. In this work, our main objective was to test whether and how individual differences in range use of free-range broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were related to the individual motivation to contrafreeload. We also verified whether other behavioral variations could relate to range use. To that aim, over three different periods (before range access, first weeks of range access, and last weeks of range access), chickens with different ranging levels (low and high rangers) were submitted to a contrafreeloading test and had different behaviors recorded (such as foraging, resting, locomotion) in their home environment. During the contrafreeloading test, chickens were conditioned to one chamber presenting a foraging substrate and mealworms, while in the other chamber, mealworms were freely available on the floor. During testing trials, chickens had access to both empty chambers, and the time spent in each chamber was quantified. On average, low rangers preferred the chamber where mealworms were easily accessible (without the foraging substrate), while high rangers preferred the chamber where mealworms were accessible with difficulty, showing greater contrafreeloading. Out of ten behaviors recorded in chickens' home environment, foraging was the only one that differed significantly between our two ranging groups, with low rangers foraging, on average, significantly less than high rangers. These results corroborate previous experiences suggesting that range use is probably linked to chickens' exploratory trait and suggest that individual differences in free-range broiler chickens are present even before range access. Increasing our knowledge of individual particularities is a necessary step to improve free-range chicken welfare on the farm.
2D layered SiP as anisotropic nonlinear optical material
Authors: Sar Huseyin , Gao Jie , Yang Xiaodong
Published: March 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) material of silicon phosphide (SiP) has recently been shown as a promising optical material with large band gap, fast photoresponse and strong anisotropy. However, the nonlinear optical properties of 2D SiP have not been investigated yet. Here, the thickness-dependent in-plane anisotropic third-harmonic generation (THG) from the mechanically exfoliated 2D layered SiP flakes is reported. The crystal orientation of the SiP flake is determined by the angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy. The angular dependence of the THG emission with respect to the incident linear polarization is found to be strongly anisotropic with the two-fold polarization dependence pattern. Furthermore, the effect of the SiP flake thickness on the THG power is analyzed.
Histidine protonation controls structural heterogeneity in the cyanobacteriochrome AnPixJg2
Authors: Rao Aditya G. , Wiebeler Christian , Sen Saumik , Cerutti David S. , Schapiro Igor
Published: March 2021

Differences in histidine protonation result in contrasting dynamics of the PCB chromophore in AnPixJg2. The doubly protonated form induces heterogeneity, which is absent in the singly protonated form. They can be distinguished using CD spectroscopy.
Oxygen-substituted borophene as a potential anode material for Li/Na-ion batteries: a first principles study
Authors: Wu Yao , Zhang Bicheng , Hou Jianhua
Published: March 2021

After the first layer of Li atoms are adsorbed fully, the system of Li atoms adsorbed by h-B3O still remained stable. And a large theoretical specific capacity (1161 mA h g−1) ensures a good storage capacity of Li-ion batteries.
User-friendly image-activated microfluidic cell sorting technique using an optimized, fast deep learning algorithm
Authors: Lee Keondo , Kim Seong-Eun , Doh Junsang , Kim Keehoon , Chung Wan Kyun
Published: March 2021

The image-activated cell sorter employs a significantly simplified operational procedure based on a syringe connected to a piezoelectric actuator and high-performance inference with TensorRT Integration.
Focused surface acoustic wave locally removes cells from culture surface
Authors: Inui Takumi , Mei Jiyang , Imashiro Chikahiro , Kurashina Yuta , Friend James , Takemura Kenjiro
Published: March 2021

After exposing a plated C2C12 cells culture to PBS, ultrasound from the SAW device transmitted into the cell culture via a coupling water droplet. We can remove cells from an area 6 × 10−3 mm2, equivalent to about 12 cells.
Nanowired NiMoO4/NiSe2/MoSe2 prepared through in situ selenylation as a high performance supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Wang Chengchao , Wu Datong , Qin Yong , Kong Yong
Published: March 2021

A nanowired NiMoO4/NiSe2/MoSe2 ternary nanocomposite is facilely prepared through in situ selenylation and used as a high performance supercapacitor electrode.
Light actuated stable radicals of the 9-anthracene carboxylic acid for designing new photochromic complexes
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Qian , Wei Wu-Ji , Wang A-Ni , Hu Ji-Xiang , Wang Guo-Ming
Published: March 2021

The crystalline 9-anthracene carboxylic acid and the constructed mononuclear complex were for the first time discovered to show radical-induced photochromism and photomagnetism after Xe lamp light irradiation.
Bimetal Pd/Ni functionalized WO3 nanospheres for sensitive low-concentration hydrogen detection
Authors: An Beixi , Luo Yibing , Bai Jinglong , Wang Yanrong , Cheng Xu , Li Jianpeng , Wang Qiao , Yang Yifan , Xie Erqing
Published: March 2021

In this study, we used a hydrothermal method to prepare WO3 nanospheres doped with a bimetal of Pd and Ni and used them in hydrogen sensing.
Influence of MO-GaN templates on the HVPE growth of semi-polar GaN thick films
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wu Jiejun , Han Tong , Liu Fang , Li Mengda , Zhu Xingyu , Zhao Qiyue , Yu Tongjun
Published: March 2021

This work illustrates the influence of MO-templates and competition mechanism on the HVPE growth of semi-polar GaN (11−22) & (10−13) thick layers.
Where do the counterions go? Tip-induced dissociation of self-assembled triazatriangulenium-based molecules on Au(111)
Authors: Snegir S. , Dappe Y. J. , Sysoiev D. , Pluchery O. , Huhn T. , Scheer E.
Published: March 2021

The interaction of the Au(111) surface with the molecules that have ionic bonds can lead to dissociation of the latter. This effect can be reinforced by the electric field of the STM tip, which requires the use of delicate STM tunneling parameters to visualize both the parent ion and its counterion.
Exploring the non-covalent interactions behind the formation of amine–water complexes: the case of N-allylmethylamine monohydrate
Authors: Silva Weslley G. D. P. , Poonia Tamanna , van Wijngaarden Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Rotational spectroscopy and quantum chemical studies reveal the effects of hydrogen bonding with water on the conformer equilibrium of N-allylmethylamine.
Photoisomerization of a phosphorus-based biradicaloid: ultrafast dynamics through a conical intersection
Authors: Völzer Tim , Beer Henrik , Schulz Axel , Lochbrunner Stefan , Bresien Jonas
Published: March 2021

The excited-state dynamics of a molecular switch based on a phosphorus-centred biradicaloid were investigated.
Sterically controlling 2-carboxylated imidazolium salts for one-step efficient hydration of epoxides into 1,2-diols
Authors: Su Qian , Tan Xin , Yao Xiaoqian , Ying Ting , Dong Li , Fu Mengqian , Cheng Weiguo , Zhang Suojiang
Published: March 2021

2-Carboxylated imidazolium salts are highly efficient and green catalysts to prepare 1,2-diols by one-step hydration with excellent performance.
Rhodium nanoparticles inside well-defined unimolecular amphiphilic polymeric nanoreactors: synthesis and biphasic hydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Fiore Ambra Maria , Fliedel Christophe , Manoury Eric , Philippot Karine , Dell'Anna Maria Michela , Mastrorilli Piero , Poli Rinaldo
Published: March 2021

Triphenylphosphine-stabilised rhodium nanoparticles embedded in well-defined core-crosslinked micelles have been generated and used in aqueous biphasic catalysis. The conditions allowing core confinement and efficient catalyst recycle are outlined.
MoS2and Janus (MoSSe) based 2D van der Waals heterostructures: emerging direct Z-scheme photocatalysts
Authors: Singh Arunima , Jain Manjari , Bhattacharya Saswata
Published: March 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) materials,viz.transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) and transition metal oxides (TMO), offer a platform that allows the creation of heterostructures with a variety of properties.
Surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles via admicellar polymerization for selective removal of tetracycline from real water samples
Authors: Akbulut Söylemez Meshude , Kemaloğulları Berk Öztürk
Published: March 2021

Production of imprinted thin membranes via admicellar polymerization
Co-Vacancy, Co1−xS@C flower-like nanosheets derived from MOFs for high current density cycle performance and stable sodium-ion storage
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Xu Enze , Zhang Jiamin , Chen Lei , Sun Zhenjie , Wang Li , Jiang Yang
Published: March 2021

A non-stoichiometric cobalt–sulfur compound anode material with excellent electrochemical properties was prepared, and the first principles simulation described the effect of Co-vacancy on electrode reaction.
An ab initio study on the structure, energetics and spectra of F(CO2)n−: the observation on the strong F–CO2 bond
Authors: Pathak Arup Kumar , Samanta Alok Kumar
Published: March 2021

Bulk VDE and SE values decrease from fluoride to iodide (F− > Cl− > Br− > I−) in both CO2 and H2O.
Machine learning based tissue analysis reveals Brachyury has a diagnosis value in breast cancer
Authors: Li Kaichun , Wang Qiaoyun , Lu Yanyan , Pan Xiaorong , Liu Long , Cheng Shiyu , Wu Bingxiang , Song Zongchang , Gao Wei
Published: March 2021

Background: The aim of the present study was to confirm the role of Brachyury in breast cancer and to verify whether four types of machine learning models can use Brachyury expression to predict the survival of patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records to obtain patient information, and made the patient’s paraffin tissue into tissue chips for staining analysis. We selected 303 patients for research and implemented four machine learning algorithms, including multivariate logistic regression model, decision tree, artificial neural network and random forest, and compared the results of these models with each other. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to compare the results.

Results: The chi-square test results of relevant data suggested that the expression of Brachyury protein in cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues (P=0.0335); patients with breast cancer with high Brachyury expression had a worse overall survival (OS) compared with patients with low Brachyury expression. We also found that Brachyury expression was associated with ER expression (P=0.0489). Subsequently, we used four machine learning models to verify the relationship between Brachyury expression and the survival of patients with breast cancer. The results showed that the decision tree model had the best performance (AUC = 0.781).

Conclusions: Brachyury is highly expressed in breast cancer and indicates that patients had a poor prognosis. Compared with conventional statistical methods, decision tree model shows superior performance in predicting the survival status of patients with breast cancer.
Visualizing the Esophagus During Modified Barium Swallow Studies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reedy Erin L. , Herbert Teri Lynn , Bonilha Heather Shaw
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Despite the emphasis on using evidence-based practice for patient care, as clinicians, we sometimes find that there is insufficient evidence to support our clinical practices. One example of this is the “contentious” inclusion of routine, standardized visualization of the esophagus during modified barium swallow studies (MBSSs). This review sought to investigate the evidence for inclusion of routine esophageal visualization during the MBSS, a practice that is supported by the long-established interrelationship between all aspects of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal swallowing continuum.

Method

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed to identify articles that met prespecified inclusion and exclusion terms.

Results

Five articles were included in this review, which identified that esophageal findings were present in 48.67% of those participants whose MBSS included esophageal visualization.

Conclusion

This review supports a standardized, validated, reliable visualization protocol of the esophagus during the MBSS as a critical component to the accurate diagnosis and formulation of treatment recommendations for patients with swallowing disorders.
Remote Assessment of Verbal Memory in Youth With Cochlear Implants During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kronenberger William G. , Montgomery Caitlin J. , Henning Shirley C. , Ditmars Allison , Johnson Courtney A. , Herbert Carolyn J. , Pisoni David B.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Youth with cochlear implants (CIs) are at risk for delays in verbal short-term memory (STM)/working memory (WM), which adversely affect language, neurocognitive, and behavioral outcomes. Assessment of verbal STM/WM is critical for identifying and addressing these delays, but standard assessment procedures require face-to-face (FTF) administration. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and validity of remote testing methods (teleassessment) of verbal STM/WM in youth with CIs as a method of addressing COVID-19–related restrictions on FTF test administration.

Method

Tests of verbal STM/WM for nonwords, digit spans, letter–number sequences, sentences, and stories were individually administered by speech-language pathologists over a teleassessment platform to 28 youth (aged 9–22 years) with CIs and 36 same-aged normal-hearing peers. Examiners, parents, and participants completed quality and satisfaction ratings with the teleassessment procedure. Teleassessment scores were compared to results of tests obtained at FTF visits an average of 1.6 years earlier.

Results

Quality and satisfaction ratings for teleassessment were high and in almost all cases did not differ between the CI and normal-hearing samples. Youth with CIs scored lower than normal-hearing peers on measures of verbal STM/WM, and scores for digit span and letter–number sequencing did not differbetween teleassessment and FTF methods. Correlations across teleassessment and FTF visits were strong for digit span, letter–number sequencing, and sentence memory, but were more modest for nonword repetition.

Conclusion

With some caveats, teleassessment of verbal STM/WM was feasible and valid for youth with CIs.
Constraining the intrinsic population of long gamma-ray bursts: Implications for spectral correlations, cosmic evolution, and their use as tracers of star formation
Authors: Palmerio J. T. , Daigne F.
Published: March 2021

Aims.Long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) have been shown to be powerful probes of the Universe, in particular for studying the star formation rate up to very high redshift (z ∼ 9). Since LGRBs are produced by only a small fraction of massive stars, it is paramount to have a good understanding of their underlying intrinsic population in order to use them as cosmological probes without introducing any unwanted bias. The goal of this work is to constrain and characterise this intrinsic population.

Methods.We developed a Monte Carlo model where each burst is described by its redshift and its properties at the peak of the light curve. We derived the best fit parameters by comparing our synthetic populations to carefully selected observational constraints based on the CGRO/BATSE,Fermi/GBM andSwift/BAT samples with appropriate flux thresholds. We explored different scenarios in terms of the cosmic evolution of the luminosity function and/or of the redshift distribution as well as including or not the presence of intrinsic spectral-energetics (Ep − L) correlations.

Results.We find that the existence of an intrinsicEp − Lcorrelation is preferred but with a shallower slope than observed (αA ∼ 0.3) and a larger scatter (∼0.4 dex). We find a strong degeneracy between the cosmic evolution of the luminosity and of the LGRB rate, and show that a sample both larger and deeper than SHOALS by a factor of three is needed to lift this degeneracy.

Conclusions.The observedEp − Lcorrelation cannot be explained only by selection effects although these do play a role in shaping the observed relation. The degeneracy between the cosmic evolution of the luminosity function and of the redshift distribution of LGRBs should be included in the uncertainties of star formation rate estimates; these amount to a factor of 10 atz = 6 and up to a factor of 50 atz = 9.
The Development and Status of Eye Banking with Special Focus on the Commitment of LIONS Clubs
Authors: Scholtz Sibylle Katharina , Auffarth Gerd Uwe , Hellwinkel Olaf , Kampik Daniel , Maier Philip Christian , Seitz Berthold , Wegner Thomas , Krogmann Frank , Rosenbaum Katja , Geerling Gerd
Published: March 2021

Background Ever since the first successful keratoplasty in 1905, there has been a need to store corneas for transplantation. R. Townley Paton founded the first eye bank in New York in 1944. With Helen Kellerʼs call in 1925 for LIONS to “constitute themselves Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness”, LIONS Clubs International has become involved in the establishment of eye banks worldwide. This paper presents the development of eye banking in general and with special attention to the support offered by LIONS Clubs.

Methods Selective literature search through PubMed, Google Scholar and Google in close cooperation with the LIONS Eye Banks already established in Germany, LIONS Clubs International (USA) and the Julius Hirschberg Society (Austria). Analysis focused on the founding processes of 6 German eye banks and their current services.

Results Filatov was the first to keep donor eyes in a cool, moist container for a few days. In 1973, Summerlin et al described the technique of organ culture for donor corneas, and McCarey & Kaufman described a liquid storage medium in 1974. LIONS Clubs International and their organisational structure first supported an eye bank in the US in 1952, outside America in Hong Kong in 1962 and in Germany in 1969. Funding is provided across all levels of LIONS as network support and material resources. In general, staff funding is not provided. Of the 88 eye banks operating worldwide today, 44 are called LIONS Eye Banks. 6 of the current 26 eye banks in Germany are operating under LIONS sponsorship and run by departments of ophthalmology at university medical centres. Although the number of transplants has increased in recent years due to new surgical techniques, the number of patients waiting for donor tissue is also growing as a result of the broadening
indication.

Conclusions Even today, the availability of donor corneas limits patient care. Eye banks help to meet the need for donor corneas. However, the techniques and technical equipment of eye banks must undergo continuous improvement. The local, national and international network of LIONS Clubs can assist in establishing these in order to facilitate legal requirements and structural developments. This support frequently lasts for many years, often triggers additional public commitment and is thus also a supporting element for the future development of eye banking in Germany.
The Eye of the CT Scanner: The story of learning to see the invisible or from the fluorescent screen to the photon-counting detector
Authors: Schlemmer Heinz-Peter
Published: March 2021

Roentgen’s photographs with the “new kind of rays” triggered a worldwide storm of enthusiasm in all social circles. It was a stroke of luck that the photographic dry plates available to him were also sensitive to invisible X-rays. The discovery, research and utilization of X-rays are based on methods for making them visible, from fluorescent screens to photographic plates and digital X-ray detectors. From this point of view, this paper aims to outline the 125-year success story of X-ray imaging from its discovery to the recent development of photon-counting detectors. The scientific-historical view during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century reveals an impressive period of profound scientific and social upheaval in which revolutionary discoveries and technological developments led to enormous progress in medicine. The cross-fertilization of physics and medicine and their combination with inventiveness, engineering and entrepreneurial spirit created the impressive possibilities of today’s imaging diagnostics. This contribution accompanies the Roentgen Lecture the author gave on November 13, 2020 in Roentgen’s birth house as part of its inauguration and the closing ceremony of the 101st Congress of the German Roentgen Society in Remscheid-Lennep.

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How Implementing a Quality Management System at the LIONS Eye Bank Saar-Lor-Lux, Trier/Western Palatinate from 2006 to 2016 Impacted the Rate and Reasons for Discarding Human Organ-Cultured Corneas
Authors: Laun Daniel , Suffo Shady , Kramp Kristina , Bischoff Mona , Huber Manuela , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold
Published: March 2021

Background The aim of this study was to explore how the implementation of the quality management system (QM; according to DIN EN ISO 9001 : 2008) at the LIONS Eye Bank impacted the rate and reasons for discarding donated corneas. The QM system was introduced in November 2010.

Material and methods The rate of and reasons for discarding cornea tissues at the LIONS Eye Bank Saar-Lor-Lux,Trier/Western Palatinate from 2006 to 2016 were analysed retrospectively. 4,140 corneas from 2,084 donors were analysed. 1,640 corneas were processed before the QM system had been introduced and 2,500 corneas thereafter. Main reasons for discarding cornea tissues were endothelial quality, contamination of the medium and a positive conjunctival swab. The data was extracted from clinical files and data filing systems, entered into a Microsoft Access database and analysed statistically with SPSS.

Outcome Following the implementation of a QM system, the discard rate decreased significantly from 50.1% to 39.7% (p < 0.0001). Prior to the implementation of the QM system, 493 (30.1%) cornea tissues had been discarded due to endothelial quality, while this figure improved significantly to 604 (24.2%) after the QM system had been implemented (p < 0.0001). Contamination was the reason for discarding tissue in 173 (10.5%) cases before implementation of the QM system, and in 124 (5.0%) cases thereafter (p < 0.0001). Positive conjunctival swab was the reason for discarding tissue in 10 (0.6%) cases before the QM system had been implemented, and in 53 (2.1%) cases thereafter (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion Implementation of a QM system significantly reduced the rate of discarded donor tissue in the LIONS Eye Bank. Better management of contamination as a reason for discarding cornea tissues can be attributed to improved standards, protocols and training that are part of this QM system.
Tectonic Eccentric Penetrating Sclerokeratoplasty à chaud as Treatment for Peripheral Perforated or Predescemetal Corneal Ulceration
Authors: Kohlhaas Markus , Zey Edita , Perdikakis Georgios , Iraklis Vastardis , Gökel Gürol , Fili Sofia
Published: March 2021

Background Tectonic eccentric sclerokeratoplasty à chaud is a very complex corneal operation and aims to preserve the eyeball and possibly to improve visual acuity in patients with
peripheral corneal ulcerations or perforating corneal trauma.

Methods 1650 eyes received corneal transplants in our clinic between 2006 and 2019. 14 of these 1650 eyes (0.8%) had a perforated or predescemetal peripheral corneal ulceration and
these were treated between 2006 and 2019 with a tectonic eccentric sclerokeratoplasty à chaud. The mean age of the 8 women and 6 men included in this case series was 63 years (22 – 91
years).

Results In the postoperative follow-up period, most complications and reoperations occurred in the first 6 months. Re-ulceration was observed in 2 cases as well as early suture
loosening in 12 patients. These 2 cases were treated with a partial conjunctival flap. Additionally, prolonged superficial wound healing process was shown in 12 patients. Therefore 27
amniotic membrane transplantations, 12 suture replacements, and 6 partial conjunctival flaps were performed in total. No re-keratoplasties were required in this case series. All eyes could
be stabilised through the sclerokeratoplasty as well as subsequent operations and intensive local or even systemic treatment. After removal of the corneal suture, the best-corrected visual
acuity improved only insignificantly to hand movement in 1 case, finger counting in 3 cases, 0.1 in 5 cases, 0.2 in 4 cases and 0.5 in 1 case. Preservation of the eyeball with pain relief
was achieved in all 14 eyes.

Conclusions Eccentric sclerokeratoplasty is a very demanding surgical procedure and is extremely rarely performed. The goal is to preserve the eye.
Innovative OP-Logistik
Authors: Vogl Thomas , Füchtmeier Bernd
Published: March 2021

Die OP-Logistik am Krankenhaus Barmherzige Brüder in Regensburg ist eine Abteilung, deren spezialisierten Mitarbeiter im Hintergrund viele Prozesse verwalten und steuern. Hierzu gehört das Umsetzen von Patientensicherheit, spezieller Lagerorganisation. Grundlage dafür ist das ökononische Prinzip. Neben dem täglichen Arbeitsablauf wurden auch die logistischen Materiallager weiterentwickelt und neu konzipiert: Einheitlichkeit, Übersichtlichkeit, definierte Mengenvorhaltung, effektives Bestellwesen sowie eine mitarbeiter- und ablauffreundliche Handhabung. Bei der Implementierung der im Artikel beschriebenen Konzepte gehörte auch, dass diese ansprechend gestaltet werden sollten:

Zum erfolgreichen Gelingen bedarf es jedoch die Einbeziehung des „Kunden“, hier der OP-Fachpflege: Die OP-Logistik versteht sich als Dienstleister und ist somit auch an ihrer Kundenzufriedenheit interessiert. Die bisherigen Rückmeldungen aus den Feedbackbogen ergaben, dass die genannten Ziele in sehr weitgehender Weise mit 94% erreicht wurden.
Endothelial Cell Density and Central Corneal Thickness following Penetrating Keratoplasty of Acanthamoeba Keratitis Patients – A Retrospective Cross-Sectional
Observational Study
Authors: Shi Lei , Fries Fabian Norbert , Xanthopoulou Kassandra , Stachon Tanja , Daas Loay , Zemova Elena , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold , Szentmáry Nóra
Published: March 2021

Purpose To analyze endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients.

Patients and Methods In this retrospective, clinical, single-center, cross-sectional, observational study, patients were enrolled who underwent PKP at the Department of Ophthalmology
of Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany between May 2008 and December 2016 with the diagnosis of AK. In all, 33 eyes of 33 patients (14 males, 42%) were enrolled; their
mean age at the time of surgery was 39.5 ± 14.3 years. Postoperatively, AK patients received topical polyhexamethylene biguanide, propamidine isethionate, neomycin
sulphate/gramicidin/polymixin B sulfate, and prednisolone acetate eye drops (5 ×/day each), and the topical treatment was tapered sequentially with 1 drop every 6 weeks over 6 months. CCT
was recorded using Pentacam HR Scheimpflug tomography and ECD with the EM-3000 specular microscope before surgery and 3 and 6 months after surgery as well as after the first and second
(complete) suture removal.

Results ECD tended to decrease significantly from the time point before surgery (2232 ± 296 cells/mm2) to the time point 3 months after surgery (1914 ± 164
cells/mm2; p = 0.080) and to the time point after the first suture removal (1886 ± 557 cells/mm2; p = 0.066) and decrease significantly to the time point after the
second suture removal (1650 ± 446 cells/mm2; p = 0.028). CCT did not change significantly over the analyzed time period (p ≥ 0.475).

Conclusion In AK, endothelial cell loss does not seem to be accelerated following PKP, despite the postoperative use of diamidine and biguanide. A subsequent prospective comparative
study should confirm our retrospective longitudinal analysis.
Decreased Medical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic – A Comprehensive Analysis of Radiological Examinations
Authors: Aigner Annette , Hamm Bernd , Fleckenstein Florian Nima , Maleitzke Tazio , Böning Georg , Kahn Johannes , Büttner Laura , Gebauer Bernhard
Published: March 2021

Objectives As a cross-section discipline within the hospital infrastructure, radiological departments might be able to provide important information regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare. The goal of this study was to quantify changes in medical care during the first wave of the pandemic using radiological examinations as a comprehensive surrogate marker and to determine potential future workload.

Methods A retrospective analysis of all radiological examinations during the first wave of the pandemic was performed. The number of examinations was compared to time-matched control periods. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of radiological examinations attributed to various medical specialties was conducted and postponed examinations were extrapolated to calculate additional workload in the near future.

Results A total of 596,760 examinations were analyzed. Overall case volumes decreased by an average of 41 % during the shutdown compared to the control period. The most affected radiological modalities were sonography (–54 %), X-ray (–47 %) followed by MRI (–42 %). The most affected medical specialty was trauma and orthopedics (–60 % case volume) followed by general surgery (–49 %). Examination numbers increased during the post-shutdown period leading to a predicted additional workload of up to 22 %.

Conclusion This study shows a marked decrease in radiological examinations in total and among several core medical specialties, indicating a significant reduction in medical care during the first COVID-19 shutdown.

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Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Vascular Function: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yujia , Jiang Ning , Pang Fangfang , Chen Tong
Published: March 2021

In this meta-analysis, the aims were to examine the effects of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on vascular function. Five databases were searched up to June 2020 for papers about resistance training with blood flow restriction influence on vascular function. The quality of each identified study was evaluated. Effect sizes were estimated in terms of the standardized mean difference. A subgroup analysis was conducted according to participants’ age, training duration, and cuff pressure. The results of six studies on arterial compliance and five on vascular function were highly homogenous regarding responses to resistance training with or without blood flow restriction. Resistance training with blood flow restriction had a more positive effect for regulating arterial compliance than resistance training without blood flow restriction, but not for vascular function. Resistance training with blood flow restriction leads to a more positive effect on vascular function than resistance training when training for no longer than four weeks.
Motion Artifact Reduction in Contrast-Enhanced Dual-Energy Mammography – A Multireader Study about the Effect of Nonrigid Registration as Motion Correction on Image Quality
Authors: Sistermanns Markus , Kowall Bernd , Hörnig Mathias , Beiderwellen Karsten , Uhlenbrock Detlev
Published: March 2021

Purpose The technically caused delay between low-energy (LE) and high-energy (HE) acquisitions allows motion artifacts in contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography (CEDEM). In this study the effect of motion correction by nonrigid registration on image quality of the recombined images was investigated.

Materials and Methods Retrospectively for 354 recombined CEDEM images an additional recombined image was processed from the raw data of LE and HE images using the motion correction algorithm. Five radiologists with many years of experience in breast cancer diagnostic imaging compared side-by-side one conventional processed CEDEM image with the corresponding image processed by the motion correction algorithm. Every pair of images was compared based on six criteria: General image quality (1), sharpness of skin contour (2), reduction of image artifacts (3), sharpness of lesion contour (4), contrast of lesion (5), visibility of lymph nodes (6). These criteria were rated on a Likert scale (improvement: + 1, + 2; deterioration: –1, –2).

Results The mean ratings concerning criteria 1–5 showed a superiority of the recombined images processed by the motion correction algorithm. For example, the mean rating of general image quality was 0.86 (95 % CI: 0.78; 0.93). Only the mean rating concerning criterion 6 showed an inferiority of the recombined images processed by the motion correction algorithm (–0.29 (–0.46; –0.13)).

Conclusion The usage of nonrigid registration for motion correction significantly improves the general image quality and the quality of subordinate criteria on the recombined CEDEM images at the expense of somewhat reduced lymph node visibility in some cases.

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Increasing the collection efficiency of single photon sources for quantum technology
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: March 2021

Optimized coupling between quantum dots and nanoantennas resulted in a record-high collection efficiency of single photons.