bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput assessment of mechanical properties of stem cell derived red blood cells, toward cellular downstream processing
Authors: Guzniczak Ewa , Mohammad Zadeh Maryam , Dempsey Fiona , Jimenez Melanie , Bock Henry , Whyte Graeme , Willoughby Nicholas , Bridle Helen
Published: October 2017

Stem cell products, including manufactured red blood cells, require efficient sorting and purification methods to remove components potentially harmful for clinical application. However, standard approaches for cellular downstream processing rely on the use of specific and expensive labels (e.g. FACS or MACS). Techniques relying on inherent mechanical and physical properties of cells offer high-throughput scalable alternatives but knowledge of the mechanical phenotype is required. Here, we characterized for the first time deformability and size changes in CD34+ cells, and expelled nuclei, during their differentiation process into red blood cells at days 11, 14, 18 and 21, using Real-Time Deformability Cytometry (RT-DC) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). We found significant differences (p < 0.0001; standardised mixed model) between the deformability of nucleated and enucleated cells, while they remain within the same size range. Expelled nuclei are smaller thus could be removed by size-based separation. An average Young’s elastic modulus was measured for nucleated cells, enucleated cells and nuclei (day 14) of 1.04 ± 0.47 kPa, 0.53 ± 0.12 kPa and 7.06 ± 4.07 kPa respectively. Our identification and quantification of significant differences (p < 0.0001; ANOVA) in CD34+ cells mechanical properties throughout the differentiation process could enable development of new routes for purification of manufactured red blood cells.
Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modelling Basics
Authors: Genheden Samuel , Reymer Anna , Saenz-Méndez Patricia , Eriksson Leif A.
Published: October 2017

Computational modelling has gained an increasingly important role in biochemical and biomolecular sciences over the past decades. This is related to significant developments in terms of methodology and software, as well as the amazing technological advances in computational hardware, and fruitful connections across different disciplines. Today, we readily screen virtual libraries of several million compounds searching for potential new inhibitors, run simulations of large biomolecular complexes in micro or even millisecond timescales, or predict protein structures with similar accuracy to high-resolution X-ray crystallography. In this introductory chapter, the basics of biomolecular modelling are outlined, to help set the foundation for the subsequent, more specialised chapters. In order for the chapter to be ‘readable’ to interested researchers and PhD students in the biochemical and biomolecular fields our aim has been to do so without weighing down the text with too much detailed mathematics—yet at the same time providing a sufficient level of theory so as to give an understanding of what is implied when talking about molecular dynamic simulations, docking or homology modelling.
Computational Enzymology: Modelling Biological Catalysts
Authors: Masgrau Laura , González-Lafont Àngels , Lluch José M.
Published: October 2017

Most biochemical reactions are catalysed by enzymes, and understanding how enzymes ‘work’ at the molecular level is a fundamental problem that can help in the development of enzyme inhibition or enzyme engineering strategies. Computer simulations (especially QM/MM methods) can provide information that is often inaccessible experimentally, like details of unstable species (e.g. transition states or short-lived intermediates) or energetic analysis that reveals the role of individual enzyme–substrate interactions. In this chapter, an overview is presented of theoretical methods used in computational enzymology to calculate potential energy profiles and barrier heights, potentials of mean force, two-dimensional free energy surfaces, minimum free energy paths or rate constants with inclusion of quantum nuclear effects. Some recent applications of these methods are also illustrated with examples.
Computational Chemistry Tools in Glycobiology: Modelling of Carbohydrate–Protein Interactions
Authors: Lacetera Alessandra , Berbís M. Álvaro , Nurisso Alessandra , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús , Martín-Santamaría Sonsoles
Published: October 2017

Molecular modelling provides a major impact in the field of glycosciences, helping in the characterisation of the molecular basis of the recognition between lectins from pathogens and human glycoconjugates, and in the design of glycocompounds with anti-infectious properties. The conformational properties of oligosaccharides are complex, and therefore, the simulation of these properties is a challenging task. Indeed, the development of suitable force fields is required for the proper simulation of important problems in glycobiology, such as the interatomic interactions responsible for oligosaccharide and glycoprotein dynamics, including O-linkages in oligo- and polysaccharides, and N- and O-linkages in glycoproteins. The computational description of representative examples is discussed, herein, related to biologically active oligosaccharides and their interaction with lectins and other proteins, and the new routes open for the design of glycocompounds with promising biological activities.
Molecular Modelling of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Gómez Hansel , Walther Jürgen , Darré Leonardo , Ivani Ivan , Dans Pablo D. , Orozco Modesto
Published: October 2017

Nucleic acids (NAs) are biomolecules essential to all known forms of life that exhibit a remarkable structural and functional diversity. NAs are studied through several different techniques, including experimental and theoretical methods. The notorious improvements of the latter, together with the increased computation power, explain their widespread use in improving our understanding of their structure and function. Giving the multiscale nature of NAs, different theoretical disciplines like quantum chemistry, molecular mechanics and mesoscopic biophysical approaches are considered. In that regard, we describe and put into perspective, here, the most recent theoretical methods that have been used to study these biomolecules, from the electronic structure of nucleosides to the structural arrangements of chromosomes.
Current Challenges in the Computational Modelling of Molecular Recognition Processes
Authors: Pérez-Regidor Lucía , Guzmán-Caldentey Joan , Rodríguez Carlos F. , Billod Jean-Marc , Nogales Juan , Martín-Santamaría Sonsoles
Published: October 2017

In this chapter, we present a variety of case studies where computational methods have been skilfully applied to address questions related to molecular recognition problems. Besides methodological innovations, this chapter aims to illustrate how current relevant chemical biology problems can be studied from a computational chemical biology perspective: dynamics of proteins and structure prediction, protein–protein interactions, complex molecular systems (ribosome, CRISPR/Cas system, Toll-like receptors), nanostructures, and signalling networking. The computational ‘eye’ may help to give some answers to questions regarding the way biological processes take place, and help to raise new questions.
Molecular Modelling and Simulations Applied to Challenging Drug Discovery Targets
Authors: De Vivo Marco , Masetti Matteo , Rossetti Giulia
Published: October 2017

In this chapter, we provide a series of selected examples that demonstrate how molecular modelling and simulations can be used effectively to dissect the function and inhibition of challenging targets of pharmaceutical interest. Targets such as membrane proteins, RNA, metalloproteins, and intrinsically disordered proteins are often involved in the development and progression of diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. All these targets present challenging aspects related to their complex structure, which often hampers the use of traditional in silico drug discovery tools. We will show how computations can, nowadays, tackle these challenges returning useful insights that can aid the design of probes and potent inhibitors for drug discovery.
The Polypharmacology Gap Between Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
Authors: Antolin Albert A. , Mestres Jordi
Published: October 2017

In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that small-molecule drugs tend to interact with more than one protein, a behaviour commonly referred to as polypharmacology, which is increasingly being exploited in drug discovery. However, in chemical biology, chemical probes are assumed to be completely selective against their primary target and their utility is believed to rely precisely on this selectivity. In this chapter, we first review the use of computational methods to predict polypharmacology. Next, the impact of unknown chemical probe polypharmacology in chemical biology and follow-up drug discovery is presented using PARP inhibitors as a case study. Finally, a large collection of chemical probes is used to demonstrate that polypharmacology to non-obvious off-targets is also common among chemical probes and that computational systems pharmacology methods are a cost effective de-risking strategy in chemical biology. Overall, a more comprehensive and systems approach to chemical biology and drug discovery facilitated by the use of computational methods is urgently needed to bridge both disciplines and advance towards a more solid knowledge-base in biology that can be safely translated into safer, more effective, small-molecule therapeutics.
Recellularization of decellularized adipose tissue-derived stem cells: role of the cell-secreted extracellular matrix in cellular differentiation
Authors: Guneta V. , Zhou Z. , Tan N. S. , Sugii S. , Wong M. T. C. , Choong C.
Published: October 2017

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in cellular fate decisions as demonstrated by adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs).
Mediation of effects of biofiltration on bacterial regrowth,Legionella pneumophila, and the microbial community structure under hot water plumbing conditions
Authors: Dai Dongjuan , Proctor Caitlin R. , Williams Krista , Edwards Marc A. , Pruden Amy
Published: October 2017

Biofiltration limits total bacterial growth but notLegionella pneumophilain hot water systems modified with various plumbing conditions.
Modulation of XPC peptide on binding Tb3+toEuplotes octocarinatuscentrin
Authors: Shi Enxian , Zhang Wenlong , Zhao Yaqin , Yang Binsheng
Published: October 2017

Metal ions weakly enhanced the affinity between EoCen and the XPC peptide, whereas the peptide remarkably modulated the binding of Tb3+to the N-terminal domain of EoCen. Peptide binding resulted in the dissociation of EoCen aggregates, and the aggregation of EoCen induced by Tb3+binding was inhibited.
Di-isopropyl ether assisted crystallization of organic–inorganic perovskites for efficient and reproducible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Lu-Yao , Deng Lin-Long , Wang Xin , Wang Tan , Liu Hao-Ran , Dai Si-Min , Xing Zhou , Xie Su-Yuan , Huang Rong-Bin , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: October 2017

Di-isopropyl ether has proven to be a suitable solvent in an anti-solvent deposition process for efficient and reproducible perovskite solar cells.
Electro-oxidation of a cobalt based steel in LiOH: a non-noble metal based electro-catalyst suitable for durable water-splitting in an acidic milieu
Authors: Schäfer Helmut , Küpper Karsten , Müller-Buschbaum Klaus , Daum Diemo , Steinhart Martin , Wollschläger Joachim , Krupp Ulrich , Schmidt Mercedes , Han Weijia , Stangl Johannes
Published: October 2017

The use of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers is the method of choice for the conversion of solar energy when frequently occurring changes of the current load are an issue.
Enhanced performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells by the introduction of graphene oxide into the TiO2photoanode
Authors: Wei Liguo , Wang Ping , Yang Yulin , Zhan Zhaoshun , Dong Yongli , Song Weina , Fan Ruiqing
Published: October 2017

It is a potential way to enhance the performance of the DSSCs by constructing a GO-TiO2composited photoanode with graphene oxide.
Copper-catalyzed coupling of oxime acetates and aryldiazonium salts: an azide-free strategy toward N-2-aryl-1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Zhu Chuanle , Zeng Hao , Chen Fulin , Liu Chi , Zhu Rui , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: October 2017

An azide-free strategy for the synthesis of N-2-aryl-1,2,3-triazoles via copper-catalyzed coupling of oxime acetates and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates.
A general and mild Cu-catalytic N-arylation of iminodibenzyls and iminostilbenes using unactivated aryl halides
Authors: Yao Wubing , Zhang Bin , Li Rongrong , Jiang Huajiang , Chen Xiaoying , Li Fang
Published: October 2017

A ligand-free, highly efficient Cu-catalyticN-arylation of iminodibenzyl and iminostilbene derivatives with a broad scope of unactivated aryl halides under mild conditions has been developed for the first time.
A stable 3D Cd(ii) metal–organic framework for highly sensitive detection of Cu2+ions and nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Du Jian-Long , Gao Ju-Ping , Li Chao-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Ying , Hou Jin-Xin , Jing Xu , Mu Ya-Juan , Li Li-Jun
Published: October 2017

A Cd(ii) coordination polymer, [Cd3(L)2(H2O)5]·(H2O)4(1) (H3L= 9-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-9H-carbazoly-3,6-dicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized solvothermally.
The nature of the multicenter bonding in π-[TCNE]22− dimer: 4c/2e, 12c/2e, or 20c/2e?
Authors: Cui Yujie , Cheng Longjiu
Published: October 2017

Composition of the 20c–2e bonding orbital in the π-[TCNE]22− dimer, and the partial occupancy numbers C1, C2 and N in the 20c–2e bond.
Comparison of macrocyclic and acyclic chelators for gallium-68 radiolabelling
Authors: Tsionou Maria Iris , Knapp Caroline E. , Foley Calum A. , Munteanu Catherine R. , Cakebread Andrew , Imberti Cinzia , Eykyn Thomas R. , Young Jennifer D. , Paterson Brett M. , Blower Philip J. , Ma Michelle T.
Published: October 2017

A range of macrocyclic and acyclic chelators have been reacted with the PET isotope, gallium-68, and their radiolabelling efficiencies have been compared. Structural data for complexes of HBED with Ga3+ are reported.
Enhancement of isolation sensitivity for the viable heterogeneous circulating tumor cells swelled by hypo-osmotic pressure
Authors: Bu Jiyoon , Cho Young-Ho , Han Sae-Won
Published: October 2017

We have applied a hypo-osmotic gradient for enhancing the isolation of viable heterogeneous circulating tumor cells.
Functionalization of silica particles to tune the impact resistance of shear thickening fluid treated aramid fabrics
Authors: Talreja K. , Chauhan I. , Ghosh A. , Majumdar A. , Butola B. S.
Published: October 2017

Kevlar fabrics treated with MTMS modified silica based STF showed better impact energy absorption as compared to APTES modified and control silica based STF treated fabrics, attributed to changes in interactions between fabrics and silica particles.
Dendronic trimaltoside amphiphiles (DTMs) for membrane protein study
Authors: Sadaf Aiman , Du Yang , Santillan Claudia , Mortensen Jonas S. , Molist Iago , Seven Alpay B. , Hariharan Parameswaran , Skiniotis Georgios , Loland Claus J. , Kobilka Brian K. , Guan Lan , Byrne Bernadette , Chae Pil Seok
Published: October 2017

A novel amphiphile with a dendronic hydrophobic group (DTM-A6) was markedly effective at stabilizing and visualizing a GPCR-Gs complex.
Soft polyhedral particles based on cubic liquid crystalline emulsion droplets
Authors: Wang Haiqiao , Zetterlund Per B. , Boyer Cyrille , Boyd Ben J. , Prescott Stuart W. , Spicer Patrick T.
Published: October 2017

Soft polyhedral particles based on variations of the cubic symmetry group are produced from a precursor emulsion by extracting solvent to grow facets on the droplets.
Space-confinement and chemisorption co-involved in encapsulation of sulfur for lithium–sulfur batteries with exceptional cycling stability
Authors: Wang Jin , Yang Hao , Guan Cao , Liu Jilei , Chen Zhen , Liang Pei , Shen Zexiang
Published: October 2017

N-doped tube-in-tube structured carbon tubes anchored on a 3D scaffold of graphene foam are used to efficiently entrap lithium polysulfides and alleviate large volume variation.
Sustainable synthesis of alkaline metal oxide-mesoporous carbonsviamechanochemical coordination self-assembly
Authors: Shan Weida , Zhang Pengfei , Yang Shize , Zhu Huiyuan , Wu Peiwen , Xing Huabin , Dai Sheng
Published: October 2017

A solvent-free self-assembly strategy for the synthesis of alkaline-metal-doped mesoporous carbons (MCs) is developed through mechanochemical coordination assembly between polyphenols and various metal ions.
Recent advances in magnetic targeting based on high magnetic field and magnetic particles
Authors: Zhang Zili , He Ping , Zhang Jinyan , Li Yikui , Wang Qiuliang
Published: October 2017

In the past few decades, the multifunctional magnetic drug carrier based on the magnetic nanoparticles and high magnetic field has been intensively researched. The magnetic drug carrier can be targeted to the tumour area not only by the chemical protocol but also by the physical one (external field). In this review, the authors first briefly discuss the fabrication process of magnetic drug carriers, which includes the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, fabrication of magnetic drug carriers and conjugation of anti‐tumour agents. Then different targeted protocols have been summarised, including passive targeting, biochemical active targeting and biophysical active targeting namely magnetic targeting (MT). Multiple MT results both in vitro and in vivo are introduced, in which two unconventional cases are emphasised and described. The first MT clinical research with 14 peoples was performed in the last century. A 0.5–0.8 T permanent magnet was attached to the tumour area when magnetic particles conjugated with epirubicin were injected. The side effect of epirubicin had been decreased, and the four patients showed the decreasing of a tumour which proved the feasibility of MT. Different from other targeting protocols, MT needs an extra external magnetic field. So various types of MT instruments have been shown in the final part of this review, including a single strong magnetic field, homemade electronic solenoid coil assay and commercial magnetic resonance imaging.
Automatic individual identification of Saimaa ringed seals
Authors: Chehrsimin Tina , Eerola Tuomas , Koivuniemi Meeri , Auttila Miina , Levänen Riikka , Niemi Marja , Kunnasranta Mervi , Kälviäinen Heikki
Published: October 2017

In order to monitor an animal population and to track individual animals in a non‐invasive way, identification of individual animals based on certain distinctive characteristics is necessary. In this study, automatic image‐based individual identification of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis) is considered. Ringed seals have a distinctive permanent pelage pattern that is unique to each individual. This can be used as a basis for the identification process. The authors propose a framework that starts with segmentation of the seal from the background and proceeds to various post‐processing steps to make the pelage pattern more visible and the identification easier. Finally, two existing species independent individual identification methods are compared with a challenging data set of Saimaa ringed seal images. The results show that the segmentation and proposed post‐processing steps increase the identification performance.
Improvement of angular velocity and position estimation in gyro‐free inertial navigation based on vision aid equipment
Authors: Dehghani Mehdi , Kharrati Hamed , Seyedarabi Hadi , Baradarannia Mahdi
Published: October 2017

In conventional navigation systems, inertial sensors consist of accelerometers and gyroscopes. These sensors suffer from in‐built errors, accumulated drift and high‐level noise sensitivity. The accurate gyroscopes are expensive and not suitable in cost‐effective applications. To minimise such disadvantages, one solution is the combination of inertial sensors with different aiding sensors. To lower the cost, utilisation of redundant accelerometer structure as gyro‐free inertial measurement unit (GFIMU) has been proposed. In this study, Gyro‐Free navigation errors using four tri‐axial accelerometers are illustrated. Compensation of errors in terms of angular velocity and position estimation is verified based on adding a simple gyroscope, inexpensive stereo cameras as well as creating an easy to use topological map. The topological map is easily created by means of scale‐invariant feature transform method. The estimation of angular velocity is corrected on the basis of fusing the measurements from GFIMU and a simple gyroscope using unscented Kalman filter. The correction of position is performed by comparing the estimated position from GFIMU and observation of stereo cameras together with topological map. The results of the research show that the collaboration of GFIMU, stereo cameras and simple gyroscope will improve the robustness and accuracy of navigation, significantly.
Contactless voltage sensor for overhead transmission lines
Authors: Chen Kun‐Long , Guo Yi , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: October 2017

Most traditional voltage transformers in transmission and distribution networks are installed inside the substations. Nearly no accessible voltage information in the real‐time scale is available for field engineers to carry out the field measurement for the purposes of the power quality inspection and the equipment maintenance. In order to offer an on‐site and easy‐to‐use solution for the field measurement, the authors propose a novel electric‐field (EF) sensor array based technique for measuring the overhead‐line voltage. Based on the EFs measured by the EF sensor array and the partially known overhead‐line geometry information from utilities, the proposed voltage algorithm can accurately calculate each‐phase voltage without an on‐site calibration before conducting the field measurement. The simulation results demonstrate that the authors’ proposed technique with only three EF sensors can accurately calculate the overhead‐line voltages and successfully reconstruct the real‐time three‐phase waveforms. The experiment results verify the feasibility of the proposed voltage sensor for the overhead‐line voltage measurement.
Experimental demonstration of high spectral efficiency SC‐FDMA with soft clipping for optical wireless communication systems
Authors: Puntsri Kidsanapong
Published: October 2017

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to combine two single‐carrier frequency‐division multiple accesses (SC‐FDMAs) with soft clipping for optical wireless communication systems. By combining two SC‐FDMAs, the spectral efficiency is increased. A simple, low‐cost implementation is considered. A 50 mW blue laser with a wavelength of 405 nm is used in this experiment. The optimum driving voltage is 5.25 V. In situations in which only real components can be employed, intensity modulation/direct detection is adopted. From the experimental results, 128‐QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is perfectly employed, and because of the avalanche photodiode, a bandwidth of only 100 MHz is used. As a result, a total speed of 261.1 Mbps can be achieved. By mixing the SC‐FDMA with soft clipping of 3 dB, a peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction of 6 dB can be achieved with no bit‐error rate performance degradation.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma within Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Iftikhar Haissan , Ikram Mubasher , Rizwan Nathani Karim , Yar Muhammad Adnan
Published: October 2017

Introduction Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is the most common congenital anomaly of the neck, and approximately 7% of all the adult population presents it. Ectopic thyroid tissue is found in the thyroglossal duct cyst wall in up to 65% of cases. This thyroid tissue has the potential to develop some type of malignancy, the most common of which is the papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. There are just over 270 cases of thyroglossal duct cyst malignancy reported in the literature.

Objectives We aimed to study our population of patients in order to identify cases with thyroglossal duct cyst malignancy.

Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted in the section of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, from January of 2004 to December of 2014 on patients with the diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst.

Results Fifty-eight patients were diagnosed with TGDC, two of whom also presented with thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma. Both patients revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma on histopathology. Case 1 had an open biopsy before undergoing definitive surgery. Both patients underwent subsequent total thyroidectomy after Sistrunk procedure, and case 2 had selective neck dissection revealing lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma is a rare finding that comes as a surprise to both the patient and the surgeon. We report 2 out of 58 cases diagnosed with thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma.
Locoregional and Microvascular Free Tissue Reconstruction of the Lateral Skull Base
Authors: Arnaoutakis Demetri , Kadakia Sameep , Abraham Manoj , Lee Thomas , Ducic Yadranko
Published: October 2017

The goals of reconstruction following any oncologic extirpation are preservation of function, restoration of cosmesis, and avoidance of morbidity. Anatomically, the lateral skull base is complex and conceptually intricate due to its three-dimensional morphology. The temporal bone articulates with five other cranial bones and forms many sutures and foramina through which pass critical neural and vascular structures. Remnant defects following resection of lateral skull base tumors are often not amenable to primary closure. As such, numerous techniques have been described for reconstruction including local rotational muscle flaps, pedicled flaps with skin paddle, or free tissue transfer. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of each reconstructive method will be discussed as well as their potential complications.
Surgical Experience and Learning Points in the Management of Foregut Duplication Cysts
Authors: Scarpa Alberto , Ram Ashok , Soccorso Giampiero , Singh Michael , Parikh Dakshesh
Published: October 2017

Background Foregut duplication cysts (FDC) have unpredictable natural course and rarely remain asymptomatic. We present our large cohort of FDC to highlight surgical learning points and outcome.

Materials and Methods Review of 41 children with FDC (April 1997–April 2015) included demographics, clinical presentation, preoperative investigations, surgical management, post-operative complications, and overall outcome.

Results Forty-one children (26 girls/15 boys; male/female [M/F] ratio 1:1.7) had 43 FDC (two cases >1 cyst) consisting of antenatally diagnosed 16 (39%), late with symptoms 21 (51.2%), and incidental 4(9.8%) cases. FDC locations were cervical (3), mediastinal (35), and subdiaphragmatic (5). During all cervical FDC resection, recurrent laryngeal nerve was required to be dissected off the cyst wall. Thoracoscopic resection was feasible in 27 cases, with 4 conversions related to infections and adhesions or accidental injury to trachea/esophagus. Complete resection was achieved in all cases with no recurrence. There was no mortality and morbidity included, chylothorax (1) esophageal injury (1), phrenic nerve injury (1), and tracheal injury (2). The minimally invasive surgery and surgery on asymptomatic lesions significantly affect the outcome by reducing need for chest drain (p = 0.01) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.04).

Conclusion This retrospective study confirms the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic surgery; important learning points were association of common wall with trachea in some superior mediastinal cysts and association of recurrent laryngeal nerve in cervical FDC.
Ultrasound of the Major Salivary Glands is a Reliable Imaging Technique in Patients with Clinically Suspected Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Delli Konstantina , Arends Suzanne , van Nimwegen Jolien , Dijkstra Pieter , Stel Alja , Spijkervet Frederik , Bootsma Hendrika , Vissink Arjan
Published: October 2017

Objective To assess the inter- and intraobserver reliability of ultrasound of major salivary glands in patients clinically suspected of having primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) as well as to assess sources of variation in outcomes of ultrasonographic evaluation.

Methods 80 consecutive outpatients with clinically suspected pSS underwent ultrasound evaluation. The following ultrasound variables of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands were assessed: echogenicity, parenchymal homogeneity, presence of hypoechogenic areas, hyperechogenic reflections and clearness of posterior glandular border, according to the scoring system of Hocevar et al. (total score range: 0 – 48). Images were scored independently by three blinded observers in two sessions.

Results The intraobserver reliability of the total ultrasound score was excellent, with an intraclass correlation (ICC) ranging from 0.89 to 0.96. The interobserver reliability was good to excellent, with ICCs of 0.84 and 0.76 for the total ultrasound score in the two sessions. The kappa value ranged from 0.60 to 0.83 depending on the applied cut-offs (cut-off score ≥ 15 and ≥ 17). Hypoechogenic areas and homogeneity of parotid glands showed the highest interobserver reliability. The median kappa for echogenicity was low. The total ultrasound scores varied more between observers in patients with higher ultrasonographic scores (approximately scores ≥ 20).

Conclusion Ultrasound of major salivary glands is a reliable imaging technique for patients with clinically suspected pSS. Discrepancies between observers in assessing the severity of ultrasound findings may interfere with detecting ‘true’ changes over time. When monitoring the progression of pSS or treatment efficacy, it is advised that a particular patient be scored by the same ultrasonographer at every time point.
Mammatumoren beim Hund – Teil 2: Ein Überblick über Diagnostik und
Therapie
Authors: Krastel Dorothee
Published: October 2017

Mammatumore gehören zu den häufigsten Tumorerkrankungen der Hündin. Der 2. Teil des Beitrags
gibt einen Überblick über weiterführende Diagnostik, Therapiemöglichkeiten und Prognose
der Erkrankung in Abhängigkeit von Tumorhistologie und -stadium (Teil 1: kleintier.konkret
2017; 4: 10–16).
Feline Mastzelltumore – Alles anders als beim Hund?
Authors: Kremendahl Jürgen , Sommerey Cora-Constanze
Published: October 2017

Feline Mastzelltumore treten häufig in der Praxis auf. Sie repräsentieren bei der Katze die häufigsten
Milztumore, die zweithäufigsten Hauttumore und die dritthäufigsten Darmtumore. Behandlung und Prognose
können je nach Lokalisation dramatisch variieren.
Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gandor Florin , Ebersbach Georg
Published: October 2017

Due to the changing legal status of medical cannabis and derivatives in numerous countries, this therapeutic option has moved into the field of public debate. Neurologists treating patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease are increasingly confronted with questions regarding cannabis as a treatment alternative, especially for levodopa-resistant Parkinson’s symptoms. A number of single case reports and case series suggested improvement of Parkinsonian symptoms after cannabinoid intake, but the small number of available randomized clinical trials failed to reproduce the extent of these findings. Only one trial found a reduction of levodopa-induced dyskinesia with cannabinoid treatment, the remaining three trials showed no effect on Parkinsonian symptoms. This article gives an overview on the effects of cannabis, and reviews experimental and clinical trials studying the effects of cannabinoids in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Neuropsychologische Diagnostik in der Praxis. Was ist leitliniengerecht, was ist sinnvoll, was ist machbar?
Authors: Johnen Andreas , Duning Thomas
Published: October 2017

Richtig angewendet erreicht die neuropsychologische Diagnostik in der neurologischen Praxis eine hohe Sensitivität und Spezifität bei der differentialdiagnostischen Zuordnung alltagsrelevanter kognitiver Defizite. Insbesondere bei primär neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen mit dementiellen Symptomen erlaubt die neuropsychologische Diagnostik bereits in frühen Krankheitsstadien eine korrekte Zuordnung verschiedener Demenzerkrankungen und gehört bei diesen Erkrankungen zu einer leitliniengerechten Diagnostik. Inzwischen wird der neuropsychologischen Diagnostik jedoch auch bei anderen Erkrankungen, z. B. entzündlichen ZNS-Erkrankungen, ein großer Stellenwert eingeräumt, insbesondere mit Blick auf neue therapeutische Optionen. Neben einer ausführlichen neuropsychologischen Untersuchung können auch Kurztests – wenn sie richtig und zielgerichtet eingesetzt werden – entscheidende diagnostische Hinweise geben. Trotz dieser Vorteile hat die neuropsychologische Diagnostik Grenzen und Einschränkungen. Einige dieser Einschränkungen sind vermeidbar, wenn die neuropsychologische Untersuchung zielgerichtet und hypothesengeleitet angewendet und entsprechend richtig interpretiert wird. In dem folgenden Übersichtsartikel geben wir einen Überblick über grundsätzliche Möglichkeiten und vermeidbare Einschränkungen der neuropsychologischen Diagnostik sowie konkrete Hinweise auf anwendbare Tests bei verschiedenen Fragestellungen.
Der Einfluss multipler Anti-VEGF-Injektionen auf den intraokularen Druck
Authors: Lamprakis Ioannis , Todorova Margarita , Grüb Matthias , Schlote Torsten
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund Multiple Anti-VEGF-Injektionen sollen als möglicher Risikofaktor für postoperative Augendruckerhöhungen untersucht werden.

Methode Es wurden 50 Augen von 50 Patienten in die retrospektive Studie aufgenommen, die mindestens 10 intravitreale Injektionen mit VEGF-Inhibitoren (Indikationen: altersbedingte Makuladegeneration, diabetische Makulopathie, Makulaödem nach retinalem Venenverschluss) an einem Auge erhalten hatten und deren Augendruck am 1. postoperativen Tag gemessen wurde. Ein Intraokulardruck (IOD) > 21 mmHg wurde als erhöht eingestuft und auf einen Zusammenhang zur Zahl der Injektionen hin untersucht.

Ergebnisse Es wurden 669 IOD-Messungen analysiert (nach im Mittel 13,4 Injektionen pro Auge). Bei 43 Augen (86%) kam es nach keiner Injektion zu einer IOD-Erhöhung am 1. postoperativen Tag. Eine transiente IOD-Erhöhung (> 21 mmHg) war nach 19 Injektionen (2,8%) zu verzeichnen (1 Patient davon mit 8 IOD-Erhöhungen). Es konnte keine persistierende IOD-Erhöhung oder Tendenz zur Zunahme von transienten IOD-Erhöhungen mit zunehmender Zahl der Injektionen nachgewiesen werden. Augen mit bekanntem Glaukom waren signifikant häufiger von einer IOD-Erhöhung betroffen als Augen ohne Glaukom (5,5 vs. 2,2%).

Schlussfolgerungen Multiple intravitreale Injektionen von Anti-VEGF-Inhibitoren sind kein eigenständiger Risikofaktor für persistierende Augendruckerhöhungen. Individuelle Risikofaktoren (z. B. präexistentes Glaukom) prädisponieren jedoch zu transienten IOD-Erhöhungen.
Zur Desinfektion von Handschuhen: Wissen, Erfahrungen und Einstellungen von Mitgliedern des Hygieneteams und Betriebsärzten
Authors: Schulz-Stübner Sebastian , Hofmann Friedrich , Michaelis Martina
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund Chemikalienbeständige Handschuhe lassen zeitsparende Handschuhdesinfektionen anstelle eines Wechsels zu. Allerdings existieren teils heterogene Empfehlungen zur Durchführung.

Fragestellung und Ziele Mit der Frage, was Mitglieder von Hygieneteams und Betriebsärzte über das Thema Handschuhdesinfektion wissen und welche Erfahrungen bzw. Einstellungen sie haben, sollten bei 2 Gelegenheitsstichproben erste Erkenntnisse zum Umsetzungsgrad dieses Themas im Gesundheitsdienst generiert werden.

Material und Methoden Mitglieder von Hygieneteams und Betriebsärzte wurden 2016 auf 2 Fortbildungsveranstaltungen schriftlich befragt und die Daten berufsgruppenvergleichend ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse 558 von 1000 verteilten Fragebögen (55,8%) wurden ausgewertet (n=246 Hygienefachkräfte (HFK), 63 Hygienebeauftragte in der Pflege, 39 Medizin-/Krankenhaushygieniker (MKH), 97 hygienebeauftragte Ärzte, 46 Betriebsärzte (BÄ) und 67 „Sonstige“. Über 90% der HFK und MKH kannten die Inhalte der KRINKO-Empfehlungen. Rund 75% der HFK bzw. MKH, 35% der BÄ und 25% der hygienebeauftragten Ärzte und Pflegekräfte wurden in den 12 Monaten vor der Erhebung von Beschäftigten schon einmal auf das Thema Handschuhdesinfektion angesprochen. Vielfach sind Handschuhdesinfektionen in den Einrichtungen nicht erlaubt; auch sprachen sich 67% der Befragten dagegen aus. Generell werden große Defizite beim Personal beim Umgang mit Einmalhandschuhen wahrgenommen.

Schlussfolgerung Das Thema Handschuhdesinfektion beschäftigt in erster Linie das Hygienefachpersonal. Eine enge Abstimmung zwischen Krankenhaushygiene und Betriebsmedizin/Arbeitsschutz wäre bei diesem Thema wichtig, findet aber scheinbar nicht im gebotenen Umfang statt. Es bestehen Unsicherheiten bei den Anforderungen an desinfizierbare Handschuhe und die praktische Umsetzung der Handschuhdesinfektion.
Evaluation of Cortisol Production in Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma
Authors: Inoue Kosuke , Yamazaki Yuto , Tsurutani Yuya , Suematsu Sachiko , Sugisawa Chiho , Saito Jun , Omura Masao , Sasano Hironobu , Nishikawa Tetsuo
Published: October 2017

Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is sometimes accompanied with subclinical hypercortisolism. We investigated the ability of cortisol production in APA, both clinically and pathologically. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Yokohama Rosai Hospital from 2009 to 2016. Thirty patients with APA and serum cortisol levels during the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (F-DST)<3.0 μg/dl were included. We evaluated the 1) difference between pre-adrenalectomy F-DST (pre-F-DST) and post-adrenalectomy F-DST (ΔF-DST), 2) correlation between ∆F-DST and pre-F-DST, tumour size determined by CT, and type of adrenalectomy (total or partial), and 3) relationship between the ratio of F-DST divided by tumour size (ΔF-DST/pre-F-DST/mm) and immunoreactivity of CYP17A1, CYP11B1, and CYP11B2. The median [interquartile range] age was 48 [38–58] years. We found a significant decrease in F-DST after adrenalectomy [before: 1.4 (1.1–1.8); after: 0.9 (0.6–1.2); p<0.001]. Additionally, a significant correlation was found for ΔF-DST and both pre-F-DST (Spearman, ρ=–0.68, p<0.001) and tumour size (ρ=–0.51, p 0.005). No significant difference was found in ΔF-DST between total and partial adrenalectomy. CYP17A1 and CYP11B1 were positive in 21 (100%) and 17 (81%) adenomas, respectively. CYP17A1 immunoreactivity in the tumour was significantly related with ΔF-DST/pre-F-DST/mm (p 0.049). F-DST significantly decreased after adrenalectomy, and most of the adenomas were immunohistochemically positive for CYP17A1 and CYP11B1 as well as CYP11B2. We should consider the possibility of autonomous cortisol production as well as hyperaldosteronism in the evaluation and treatment of APA patients.
Nilpotent elements of operator ideals as single commutators
Authors: Dykema Ken , Krishnaswamy–Usha Amudhan
Published: October 2017

For an arbitrary operator ideal

I

\mathcal {I}

, every nilpotent element of

I

\mathcal {I}

is a single commutator of operators from

I

t

\mathcal {I}^{\,t}

for an exponent

t
t

that depends on the degree of nilpotency.
Local minimizers and slow motion for the mass preserving Allen–Cahn equation in higher dimensions
Authors: Leoni Giovanni , Murray Ryan
Published: October 2017

This paper completely resolves the asymptotic development of order22byΓ\Gamma-convergence of the mass-constrained Cahn–Hilliard functional. Important new results on the slow motion of interfaces for the mass preserving Allen–Cahn equation and the Cahn–Hilliard equations in higher dimension are obtained as an application.
Observations on quasihyperbolic geometry modeled on Banach spaces
Authors: Rasila Antti , Talponen Jarno , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we continue our study of the quasihyperbolic metric over Banach spaces. The main results of the paper present a criterion for smoothness of geodesics of quasihyperbolic type metrics in Banach spaces, under a Dini type condition on the weight function, which improves an earlier result of the first two authors. We also answer a question posed by the first two authors in an earlier paper with R. Klén and present results related to the question of smoothness of quasihyperbolic balls.
Divisors defined by noncritical functions
Authors: Forstnerič Franc
Published: October 2017

In this paper we show that every complex hypersurface

A
A

in a Stein manifold

X
X

with

H
2

(
X
;

Z

)
=
0

H^2(X;\mathbb {Z})=0

is the divisor of a holomorphic function on

X
X

which has no critical points in

X
∖

A

s
i
n
g

X\setminus A_{\mathrm {sing}}

. A similar result is proved for complete intersections of higher codimension.
On the consistency of local and global versions of Chang’s Conjecture
Authors: Eskew Monroe , Hayut Yair
Published: October 2017

We show that for many pairs of infinite cardinals

κ
>

μ
+

>
μ

\kappa > \mu ^+ > \mu

,

(

κ

+

,
κ
)
↠
(

μ
+

,
μ
)

(\kappa ^{+}, \kappa )\twoheadrightarrow (\mu ^+, \mu )

is consistent relative to the consistency of a supercompact cardinal. We also show that it is consistent, relative to a huge cardinal, that

(

κ

+

,
κ
)
↠
(

μ
+

,
μ
)

(\kappa ^{+}, \kappa )\twoheadrightarrow (\mu ^+, \mu )

for every successor cardinal

κ
\kappa

and every

μ
>
κ

\mu > \kappa

, answering a question of Foreman.
Association Between Chronic or Acute Use of Antihypertensive Class of Medications and Falls in Older Adults. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kahlaee Hamid Reza , Latt Mark D , Schneider Carl R
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Evaluating effect of acute or chronic use of antihypertensives on risk of falls in older adults.

METHODS

Data sources: Systematic search of primary research articles in CINAHL, Cochrane, EBM, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases from January 1 2007 to June 1 2017. Study selection: Research studies of cohort, case-control, case-crossover, cross-sectional, or randomized controlled trial (RCT) design examining association between antihypertensives and falls in people older than 60 years were evaluated. Data synthesis: Twenty-nine studies (N = 1,234,667 participants) were included. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were used for abstracting data and random-effects inverse-variance meta-analysis was conducted on 26 articles examining chronic antihypertensive use, with odds ratios (ORs) and hazards ratios (HRs) analyzed separately. Time-risk analysis was performed on 5 articles examining acute use of antihypertensives. Outcomes: Pooled ORs and HRs were calculated to determine the association between chronic antihypertensive use and falls. For time-risk analysis, OR was plotted with respect to number of days since antihypertensive commencement, change, or dose increase.

RESULTS

There was no significant association between risk of falling and chronic antihypertensive medication use (OR = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.01, I2 = 64.1%, P = 0.000; and HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.706). The time-risk analysis demonstrated a significantly elevated risk of falling 0–24 hours after antihypertensive initiation, change, or dose increase. When diuretics were used, the risk remained significantly elevated till day 21.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant association between chronic use of antihypertensives and falls in older adults. Risk of falls is highest on day zero for all antihypertensive medications.
Heraclitus
Authors: Hülsz Enrique
Published: October 2017

Active around 500 bce, Heraclitus of Ephesus is a universally recognized figure of the so-called Presocratic tradition. Biographical data are scarce and the anecdotes reported by later doxography seem untrustworthy (especially the stories about his death). There are extant over a hundred verbatim fragments from his book, the most extensive remains of written philosophical thought from the early 5th century (about two thousand words) before Empedocles. The collection, dependent on indirect sources that range in the standard edition from Plato to Albertus Magnus, suggests a unique and well-polished work, rich in poetical and rhetorical resources. Heraclitus became famous for the enigmatic qualities of his style and was dubbed “the obscure” (ὁ σκοτεινός). Although the style has been frequently categorized as aphoristic, some fragments show a clear narrative structure. Modern attempts at reconstruction have often been based on the locus classicus in Diogenes Laertius (IX.5) that divided the book into three sections, “On the Universe,” “Political,” and “Theological.” The dominant version of its overall philosophical character stems from the Aristotelian interpretation of Heraclitus as a materialistic and monistic natural philosopher (φυσικóς), upholder of fire as principle, and a cosmologist. Many fragments reveal an intense concern with human affairs, such as knowledge; moral and political praxis (including religious belief and ritual practice); and language. The fundamental notion of λóγος tended to be bypassed silently in antiquity, except for the Stoics, and only came to the interpretive foreground in modern times (its complex philosophical status and meaning, and wide range of application have remained, however, the object of scholarly dispute). Plato attributes to Heraclitus the ontological thesis of universal flux (πάντα ῥεῖ), which, together with the idea of the identity and Unity of Opposites, became a defining characteristic of “Heracliteanism.” The book criticized explicitly the figures of ancient and recent wisdom (such as Homer, Hesiod, Archilochus, Hecateus, Pythagoras, and Xenophanes), but also developed an original epistemological model centered in understanding the unity or oneness of things and their essential nature (φύσις), specially emphasizing the human ψυχή as the knowing subject and moral agent. Although traditionally marginalized, ethics, politics, and religion constitute an important area for current and future scholarship.
Women, Gender, and Sexuality in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Authors: Lipka Hilary
Published: October 2017

There was relatively little scholarship focusing on women, gender, and sexuality in the Hebrew Bible until the 1970s, when modern feminist biblical scholarship first started to emerge as an outgrowth of second-wave feminism. In the 1980s, feminist biblical criticism fully blossomed as a discipline, inspiring a large body of work focusing on issues such as the depiction, treatment, and roles of women, the interrelationship between gender and power, and views toward women’s sexuality in biblical texts, and what can be discerned about various aspects of the lives of women in ancient Israel based on biblical and other evidence. In the past few decades, as the body of scholarship on women in the Bible has continued to grow, it has also broadened its scope as new methodologies and hermeneutical approaches have been introduced. Inspired in part by the rise of third wave feminism in the 1990s, there has also been an increasing amount of scholarship focusing on the intersection of race, class, and ethnicity with gender and sexuality in biblical texts, and an increasing awareness of the need to include more voices from the “two-thirds” world in the scholarly dialogue. In addition to being subjects covered by those engaging in feminist criticism, gender and sexuality studies both emerged as discrete fields in the 1980s, as biblical scholars, building upon the methodological foundation established by theorists such as Jacques Lacan, Julia Kristeva, Jacques Derrida, and Michel Foucault, began to examine the social, cultural, and historical construction of gender and sexuality in biblical texts. The last few decades have seen a flourishing of scholarship on gender and sexuality in the Bible that continues to both build on these foundations and go beyond them, as scholars incorporate new approaches and methodologies from the areas of gender theory, queer studies, masculinities studies, and, most recently, intersex studies into their work, offering innovative and incisive readings that shed a vivid new light on seemingly familiar biblical texts.