bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunity and inflammatory biomarkers in COVID‐19: A systematic review
Authors: Iwamura Ana Paula D. , Tavares da Silva Marielen R. , Hümmelgen Ana Luísa , Soeiro Pereira Paulo V. , Falcai Angela , Grumach Anete Sevciovic , Goudouris Ekaterini , Neto Antônio Condino , Prando Carolina
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a clinical syndrome caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus. Patients can be asymptomatic or present respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, and even multiple‐organ failure which can lead to death. The balance between an effective antiviral response and dysregulated immune response is the key factor determining the severity of COVID‐19 progression. A systematic review was performed using the NCBI‐PubMed database to find the articles related to COVID‐19 immunity and inflammatory response published from 1 December 2019 to 15 April 2020. Haematological, immunological and biochemical parameters were extracted and correlated with disease severity, age and presence of comorbidities. Twelve articles were analysed comprising a total of 1042 hospitalized patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and 95 different parameters. Total lymphocyte count and levels of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells were decreased in severe and critical cases. Neutrophilia was found in patients who progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Interleukin‐six (IL‐6) was high in mild and severe patients regardless of comorbidities. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and count and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were increased regardless of disease severity or presence of comorbidities. High levels of D‐dimer and lactate dehydrogenase were present in diabetic patients and patients who developed ARDS. Procalcitonin levels were elevated to varying degrees in severe and critical patients. We conclude that the total lymphocyte count, CD3+ and CD4+ T cells are low, especially in severe and critical COVID‐19 patients; ESR, CRP and IL‐6 were elevated, independent of the severity of disease. Understanding the inflammatory response of COVID‐19 patients is essential for the development of better therapeutic and management strategies.
Population‐based prevalence surveys during the Covid‐19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Franceschi Vinícius Bonetti , Santos Andressa Schneiders , Glaeser Andressa Barreto , Paiz Janini Cristina , Caldana Gabriel Dickin , Machado Lessa Carem Luana , de Menezes Mayer Amanda , Küchle Julia Gonçalves , Gazzola Zen Paulo Ricardo , Vigo Alvaro , Winck Ana Trindade , Rotta Liane Nanci , Thompson Claudia Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Population‐based prevalence surveys of Covid‐19 contribute to establish the burden of infection, the role of asymptomatic and mild infections in transmission, and allow more precise decisions about reopen policies. We performed a systematic review to evaluate qualitative aspects of these studies, assessing their reliability and compiling practices that can influence the methodological quality. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, bioRxiv and medRxiv, and included cross‐sectional studies using molecular and/or serological tests to estimate the prevalence of Covid‐19 in the general population. Survey quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. A correspondence analysis correlated methodological parameters of each study to identify patterns related to higher, intermediate and lower risks of bias. The available data described 37 surveys from 19 countries. The majority were from Europe and America, used antibody testing, and reached highly heterogeneous sample sizes and prevalence estimates. Minority communities were disproportionately affected by Covid‐19. Important risk of bias was detected in four domains: sample size, data analysis with sufficient coverage, measurements in standard way and response rate. The correspondence analysis showed few consistent patterns for high risk of bias. Intermediate risk of bias was related to American and European studies, municipal and regional initiatives, blood samples and prevalence >1%. Low risk of bias was related to Asian studies, nationwide initiatives, reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests and prevalence <1%. We identified methodological standards applied worldwide in Covid‐19 prevalence surveys, which may assist researchers with the planning, execution and reporting of future population‐based surveys.
Psychosocial safety climate and stigma: Reporting stress‐related concerns at work
Authors: Klinefelter Zachary , Sinclair Robert R. , Britt Thomas W. , Sawhney Gargi , Black Kristen Jennings , Munc Alec
Published: December 2020

While researchers have begun to investigate theory and methods related to attenuating stress‐related issues at work, one underexplored area is a barrier to reporting stress‐related concerns in the workplace. Research on organizational climate broadly covers psychosocial safety at work. However, the literature has not examined other, more specific factors such as stigma towards reporting stress‐related concerns in the workplace. Using a prospective design, the current study examined the distinction between psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and stigmas surrounding reporting stress that may exist in organizations. Furthermore, we investigated whether PSC would buffer against the effects of such stigmas. The findings of this study indicate that stigma and PSC are distinct and can independently predict psychosocial outcomes. The results also indicate that PSC may play a role in attenuating the effects of these stigmas on some psychosocial outcomes. Implications and potential avenues for future research in this area are discussed.
ThingsMigrate: Platform‐independent migration of stateful JavaScript Internet of Things applications
Authors: Jung Kumseok , Gascon‐Samson Julien , Goyal Shivanshu , Rezaiean‐Asel Armin , Pattabiraman Karthik
Published: December 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained wide popularity both in academic and industrial contexts. Unlike traditional embedded devices with specialized firmwares, modern IoT devices accommodate general‐purpose operating systems, allowing developers to run more sophisticated applications written in high‐level languages like JavaScript. Because IoT devices are subject to resource constraints like available battery power, we need to dynamically migrate a running process between different devices to prevent losing state. However, it is challenging to apply migration techniques using memory snapshots across the heterogeneous pool of IoT devices. We present ThingsMigrate, a middleware providing platform‐independent migration of JavaScript processes across IoT devices. Prior to execution, ThingsMigrate instruments the source code of a given program to expose its internal state. During run‐time, the transformed program produces on demand a JSON snapshot of its current state, from which new code is generated to resume execution. Thus, ThingsMigrate enables process migration entirely in the application space without any modifications to the underlying virtual machine (VM), providing VM‐independence. We present three versions of ThingsMigrate, each building on the previous to optimize for run‐time latency and memory consumption. We report on the experience of building each successive version and discuss the insights gained and the learning outcomes. We evaluated ThingsMigrate against standard benchmarks, over two IoT platforms and a cloud‐like environment. We show that it can migrate even highly CPU‐intensive applications, with average run‐time latency overhead of 33% and memory overhead of 78%. ThingsMigrate supports multiple subsequent migrations without introducing additional overhead over each subsequent migration.
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii infection in small mammals from Moshi Rural and Urban Districts, northern Tanzania
Authors: Theonest Ndyetabura O. , Carter Ryan W. , Kasagama Elizabeth , Keyyu Julius D. , Shirima Gabriel M. , Tarimo Rigobert , Thomas Kate M. , Wheelhouse Nick , Maro Venance P. , Haydon Daniel T. , Buza Joram J. , Allan Kathryn J. , Halliday Jo E.B.
Published: December 2020

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease of public health importance. In northern Tanzania, Q fever is a known cause of human febrile illness, but little is known about its distribution in animal hosts. We used a quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) targeting the insertion element IS1111 to determine the presence and prevalence of C. burnetii infections in small mammals trapped in 12 villages around Moshi Rural and Moshi Urban Districts, northern Tanzania. A total of 382 trapped small mammals of seven species were included in the study; Rattus rattus (n = 317), Mus musculus (n = 44), Mastomys natalensis (n = 8), Acomys wilson (n = 6), Mus minutoides (n = 3), Paraxerus flavovottis (n = 3) and Atelerix albiventris (n = 1). Overall, 12 (3.1%) of 382 (95% CI: 1.6–5.4) small mammal spleens were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in five of seven of the small mammal species trapped; R. rattus (n = 7), M. musculus (n = 1), A. wilson (n = 2), P. flavovottis (n = 1) and A. albiventris (n = 1). Eleven (91.7%) of twelve (95% CI: 61.5–99.8) C. burnetii DNA positive small mammals were trapped within Moshi Urban District. These findings demonstrate that small mammals in Moshi, northern Tanzania are hosts of C. burnetii and may act as a source of C. burnetii infection to humans and other animals. This detection of C. burnetii infections in small mammals should motivate further studies into the contribution of small mammals to the transmission of C. burnetii to humans and animals in this region.
Superresolving the kidney—a practical comparison of fluorescence nanoscopy of the glomerular filtration barrier
Authors: Wunderlich Lucia C. S. , Ströhl Florian , Ströhl Stefan , Vanderpoorten Oliver , Mascheroni Luca , Kaminski Clemens F.
Published: December 2020

Immunofluorescence microscopy is routinely used in the diagnosis of and research on renal impairments. However, this highly specific technique is restricted in its maximum resolution to about 250 nm in the lateral and 700 nm in the axial directions and thus not sufficient to investigate the fine subcellular structure of the kidney’s glomerular filtration barrier. In contrast, electron microscopy offers high resolution, but this comes at the cost of poor preservation of immunogenic epitopes and antibody penetration alongside a low throughput. Many of these drawbacks were overcome with the advent of super-resolution microscopy methods. So far, four different super-resolution approaches have been used to study the kidney: single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and expansion microscopy (ExM), however, using different preservation methods and widely varying labelling strategies. In this work, all four methods were applied and critically compared on kidney slices obtained from samples treated with the most commonly used preservation technique: fixation by formalin and embedding in paraffin (FFPE). Strengths and weaknesses, as well as the practicalities of each method, are discussed to enable users of super-resolution microscopy in renal research make an informed decision on the best choice of technique. The methods discussed enable the efficient investigation of biopsies stored in kidney banks around the world.
Ex vivo thyroid fine needle aspirations as an alternative for MALDI-MSI proteomic investigation: intra-patient comparison
Authors: Piga Isabella , Capitoli Giulia , Clerici Francesca , Mahajneh Allia , Brambilla Virginia , Smith Andrew , Leni Davide , L’Imperio Vincenzo , Galimberti Stefania , Pagni Fabio , Magni Fulvio
Published: December 2020

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the reference standard for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) has been successfully used to discriminate the proteomic profiles of benign and malignant thyroid FNAs within the scope of providing support to pathologists for the classification of morphologically borderline cases. However, real FNAs provide a limited amount of material due to sample collection restrictions. Ex vivo FNAs could represent a valuable alternative, increasing sample size and the power of statistical conclusions. In this study, we compared the real and ex vivo MALDI-MSI proteomic profiles, extracted from thyrocyte containing regions of interest, of 13 patients in order to verify their similarity. Statistical analysis demonstrated the mass spectra similarity of the proteomic profiles by performing intra-patient comparison, using statistical similarity systems. In conclusion, these results show that post-surgical FNAs represent a possible alternative source of material for MALDI-MSI proteomic investigations in instances where pre-surgical samples are unavailable or the number of cells is scarce.
Analysis of a single-institution cohort of patients with Felty's syndrome and T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gorodetskiy Vadim Romanovich , Sidorova Yulia Vladimirovna , Kupryshina Natalia Alexandrovna , Vasilyev Vladimir Ivanovich , Probatova Natalya Alexandrovna , Ryzhikova Natalya Valerievna , Sudarikov Andrey Borisovich
Published: December 2020

T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by a persistent increase in the number of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs), neutropenia, and splenomegaly. Clinical manifestations of T-LGLL in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often identical to those in which one would suspect Felty's syndrome (FS). These disorders are distinguished by the presence of T-cell clonality, which is present in T-LGLL but not in FS. Mutations in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and 5b (STAT5b) genes can be used as molecular markers of T-LGLL, but their prevalence in FS is unknown.

Eighty-one patients with RA and unexplained neutropenia or/and an increase in the number of LGLs above 2 × 109/L were stratified into RA-associated T-LGLL (N = 56) or FS (N = 25) groups based on the presence or absence of T-cell clonality. STAT3 and STAT5b gene mutations were assessed in each group by means of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. Clinical, immunological, laboratory data and the results of immunophenotyping of blood and bone marrow lymphocytes were also evaluated.

Mutations of the STAT3 gene and an increase in the number of LGLs above 2 × 109/L were detected in RA-associated T-LGLL, but not in FS (39% vs 0% and 21% vs 0%, respectively). Mutations in the STAT5b gene were not observed in either group. Expression of CD57, CD16, and CD5−/dim on CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocytes was observed in both RA-associated T-LGLL and FS.

STAT3 gene mutations or LGL counts over 2 × 109/L in RA patients are indicative of T-LGLL.
Contrasting controls on Congo Basin evaporation at the two rainfall peaks
Authors: Crowhurst David , Dadson Simon , Peng Jian , Washington Richard
Published: December 2020

Evaporation is a crucial driver of Congo Basin climate, but the dynamics controlling the seasonality of basin evaporation are not well understood. This study aims to discover why evaporation on the basin-wide average is lower at the November rainfall peak than the March rainfall peak, despite similar rainfall. Using 16-year mean LandFlux-EVAL data, we find that evaporation is lower in November than March in the rainforest and the eastern savannah. The ERA5-Land reanalysis, which effectively reproduces this pattern, shows that transpiration is the main component responsible for lower evaporation in these regions. Using ERA5-Land, we find the following contrasting controls on transpiration, and therefore evaporation, at the two rainfall peaks: (a) In the northern rainforest, there is lower leaf area index (LAI) in November, driven by lower surface downward shortwave radiation (DSR), and lower vapour pressure deficit (VPD) in November, driven by lower sensible heat flux that results from lower net radiation. The combination of lower LAI and VPD explains lower transpiration, and therefore lower evaporation, in November. (b) In the southern rainforest, and in the north-eastern savannah, there is lower LAI in November, driven by lower surface DSR, and this explains lower transpiration, and therefore lower evaporation, in November. (c) In the south-eastern savannah, there is lower LAI in November, driven by lower volumetric water content (VWC), and this explains lower transpiration, and therefore lower evaporation, in November. Collectively, these contrasting controls at the two rainfall peaks explain why the basin-wide average evaporation is lower in November than March.
Determinants of soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 concentrations in adult patients with complex congenital heart disease
Authors: Raedle-Hurst Tanja , Wissing Sarah , Mackenstein Nils , Obeid Rima , Geisel Juergen , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim
Published: December 2020

Background

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is known to be a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 in the current pandemic. Soluble ACE2 (sACE2) concentrations are elevated in patients with various cardiovascular disorders including heart failure.

Methods

In a total of 182 consecutive adult patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) and 63 healthy controls, sACE2 concentrations were measured in serum using the Human ACE2® assay by Cloud-Clone Corporation and associated with clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters.

Results

Median sACE2 levels were increased in patients with complex CHD as compared to healthy controls (761.9 pg/ml vs 365.2 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Moreover, sACE2 concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with a higher NYHA class ≥ III (1856.2 pg/ml vs 714.5 pg/ml in patients with NYHA class I/II, p < 0.001). Using linear regression analysis, higher sACE2 levels were associated with a higher NYHA class ≥ III, more severe CHD, a morphological left systemic ventricle, higher creatinine and the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in the univariable model. The use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) was associated with lower sACE2 levels. In the multivariable model, higher sACE2 levels were independently associated with a higher NYHA class ≥ III (p = 0.002) and lower sACE2 levels with the use of ACE inhibitors or ARB (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Soluble ACE2 concentrations were significantly increased in all types of complex CHD with highest levels found in patients with NYHA class ≥ III. Moreover, a higher NYHA class ≥ III was the most significant determinant that was independently associated with elevated sACE2 concentrations.

Graphic abstract
Can a metric combining arm elevation and trapezius muscle activity predict neck/shoulder pain? A prospective cohort study in construction and healthcare
Authors: Merkus Suzanne Lerato , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Lunde Lars-Kristian , Koch Markus , Wærsted Morten , Forsman Mikael , Knardahl Stein , Veiersted Kaj Bo
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine whether a composite metric of arm elevation and trapezius activity (i.e. neck/shoulder load) is more strongly associated with the 2-year course of neck and shoulder pain intensity (NSPi) among construction and healthcare workers than each exposure separately.

Methods

Dominant arm elevation and upper trapezius muscle activity were estimated in construction and healthcare employees (n = 118) at baseline, using accelerometry and normalized surface electromyography (%MVE), respectively. At baseline and every 6 months for 2 years, workers reported NSPi (score 0–3). Compositions of working time were determined for arm elevation (< 30°; 30–60°;  > 60°), trapezius activity (< 0.5%; 0.5–7.0%; > 7.0%MVE), and a composite metric “neck/shoulder load” (restitution, low, medium, and high load). Associations between each of these three compositions and the 2-year course of NSPi were determined using linear mixed models.

Results

Associations between exposure compositions and the course of NSPi were all weak and in general uncertain. Time spent in 0.5–7.0%MVE showed the largest and most certain association with changes in NSPi during follow-up (β = − 0.13; p = 0.037; corresponding to a −0.01 change in NPSi every 6 months). Among pain-free workers at baseline, medium (β = − 0.23; p = 0.039) and high (β = 0.15; p = 0.031) neck/shoulder load contributed the most to explaining changes in NSPi.

Conclusion

The composite metric of neck/shoulder load did not show a stronger association with the course of NSPi than arm elevation or trapezius activity alone in the entire population, while some indications of a stronger association were found among those who were pain-free at baseline.
Impact of Tracheal Tube on Swallowing in Post-Operative Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Scintigraphic Analysis
Authors: Galli Jacopo , Marchese Maria Raffaella , Di Cesare Tiziana , Tricarico Laura , Almadori Giovanni , Tempesta Valeria , Valenza Venanzio , Paludetti Gaetano
Published: December 2020

Dysphagia is common in tracheostomized patients who underwent head and neck surgery for cancer treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by means of oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy (OPES), the impact of an occluded tracheal tube (TT) on swallowing in patients treated for head and neck cancer before hospital discharge, to provide further information to the benefit of out-patient care management. From October 2018 to November 2019, we enrolled 19 tracheostomized patients (6 females and 13 males; mean age 61 years) who underwent primary surgical resection of head and neck tumor and swallowing rehabilitation during hospitalization. All subjects underwent a double-standard OPES, one with occluded tracheal tube and the other without TT, with their tracheal stoma being closed directly by a plaster. For each study, we assessed and compared the following quantitative parameters: oral transit time (OTTsec), pharyngeal transit time (PTTsec), esophageal transit time (ETTsec), oral retention index (ORI%), pharyngeal retention index (PRI%), esophageal retention index (ERI%), and aspiration percentage (AP%). The mean values of OTT, PTT, ORI%, PRI%, and ERI% were abnormal during OPES both with TT and without TT and did not statistically differ between the two tests (p > 0.05). Aspiration was detected in 4 cases out of 19 (21.05%) cases during OPES with TT and in 4/19 (21.05%) cases without TT who showed a mean AP% of 11.4% and 11.5% respectively (p > 0.05). Patients with abnormal AP% (> 0%) during OPES with TT showed aspiration signs without TT. Our study showed that the mere presence of a closed tracheal tube does not impact significantly the oropharyngeal transit of bolus during swallowing. This result suggests the possibility to maintain a small-diameter occluded tracheal tube in place for the postsurgical management of head and neck cancer patients.
Probable streamflow changes and its associated risk to the water resources of Abuan watershed, Philippines caused by climate change and land use changes
Authors: Araza Arnan , Perez Maricon , Cruz Rex Victor , Aggabao Larlyn Faith , Soyosa Eugene
Published: December 2020

One of the main impact areas of climate change (CC), and land use and land cover change (LULCC) is the hydrology of watersheds, which have negative implications to the water resources. Their impact can be indicated by changes on streamflow, which is quantifiable using process-based streamflow modelling of baseline and future scenarios. Here we include the uncertainty and associated risk of the streamflow changes for a robust impact assessment to agriculture. We created a baseline model and models of CC and LULCC “impact scenarios” that use: (1) the new climate projections until 2070 and (2) land cover scenarios worsened by forest loss, in a critical watershed in the Philippines. Simulations of peak flows by 26% and low flows by 63% from the baseline model improved after calibrating runoff, soil evaporation, and groundwater parameters. Using the calibrated model, impacts of both CC and LULCC in 2070 were indicated by water deficit (− 18.65%) from May to August and water surplus (12.79%) from November to December. Both CC and LULCC contributed almost equally to the deficit, but the surplus was more LULCC-driven. Risk from CC may affect 9.10% of the croplands equivalent to 0.31 million dollars, while both CC and LULCC doubled the croplands at risk (19.13%, 0.60 million dollars) in one cropping season. The findings warn for the inevitable cropping schedule adjustments in the coming decades, which both apply to irrigated and rainfed crops, and may have implications to crop yields. This study calls for better watershed management to mitigate the risk to crop production and even potential flood risks.
Direct-acting antivirals improve survival and recurrence rates after treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria
Authors: Ochi Hironori , Hiraoka Atsushi , Hirooka Masashi , Koizumi Yohei , Amano Michiko , Azemoto Nobuaki , Watanabe Takao , Yoshida Osamu , Tokumoto Yoshio , Mashiba Toshie , Yokota Tomoyuki , Abe Masanori , Michitaka Kojiro , Hiasa Yoichi , Joko Kouji
Published: December 2020

Background

The effects of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on survival and recurrence rates after curative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remain controversial.

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter study involved Child–Pugh class A patients within the Milan criteria who had a first diagnosis of HCC and survived 6 months or longer after undergoing hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The DAA-treated group (DAA group) included 56 patients, and the DAA-untreated group (untreated group) included 261 patients. The study was conducted using the propensity score-matched (1:2) DAA group and untreated group, 56 and 112 patients, respectively.

Results

The survival rate at 48 months in the DAA group and the untreated group was 91.0% and 68.7%, respectively, showing significantly better survival in the DAA group (HR: 0.33; 95% CI 0.13–0.84; p = 0.021). The recurrence rate at 48 months was 36.7% and 66.7%, respectively, showing a significantly lower recurrence rate in the DAA group (HR, 0.46; 95% CI 0.27–0.77; p = 0.003). The median albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score at 3 years post-HCC treatment was − 2.84 in the DAA group and − 2.34 in the untreated group. The ALBI score showed a significant improvement from baseline to 3 years post-HCC treatment (p = 0.001), whereas that in the untreated group showed a significant decline (p = 0.040).

Conclusions

DAAs after HCC treatment prevents deterioration of hepatic functional reserve and significantly improves both recurrence and survival rates.
Correction to: An automated assessment method for integrated circuit chip detachment from printed circuit board by multistep binarization and template matching of X-ray transmission images
Authors: Ueda Takao , Oki Tatsuya , Koyanaka Shigeki
Published: December 2020

The article “An automated assessment method for integrated circuit chip detachment from printed circuit board.
Secondary metabolites of Phlebopus species from Northern Thailand
Authors: Chuankid Boontiya , Schrey Hedda , Thongbai Benjarong , Raspé Olivier , Arnold Norbert , Hyde Kevin David , Stadler Marc
Published: December 2020

Submerged cultures of the edible mushrooms Phlebopus portentosus and Phlebopus spongiosus were screened for their secondary metabolites by HPLC-UV/Vis and HR-LC-ESI-MS. Two new compounds, 9′-hydroxyphenyl pulvinone (1), containing an unusual pulvinone structure, and phlebopyron (2), together with the seven known pigments, atromentic acid (3), xerocomic acid (4), variegatic acid (5), methyl atromentate (6), methyl isoxerocomate (7), methyl variegatate (8), and variegatorubin (9) were isolated from the cultures. Their structures were assigned on the basis of extensive 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, as well as HR-ESI-MS, and HR-ESI-MS/MS measurements. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. 9′-hydroxyphenyl pulvinone (1), xerocomic acid (4), and methyl variegatate (8) exhibited weak to moderate cytotoxic activities against several tumor cell lines. The present paper provides a comprehensive characterization of pigments from the class of pulvinic acids that are present in the basidiomes of many edible bolete species.
Decay rate of Larix gmelinii coarse woody debris on burned patches in the Greater Khingan Mountains
Authors: Huang Shubo , Wen Lixiang , Yin Shuai , Guo Meng , Yu Fangbing
Published: December 2020

The decomposition of coarse woody debris (CWD) affects the energy flow and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Previous studies on CWD have focused on the input, decomposition, reserve dynamics, and CWD functions, but coarse woody debris decomposition is complex and the results from different regions vary considerably. It is not clear which factors affect decay rate (k), especially at different decomposition stages. In this study, a single-exponential decay model was used to analyze the characteristics of CWD decomposition in Larix gmelinii forests over the 33 years following a fire in the Greater Khingan Mountains. The results show that the decay rate of coarse woody debris was positively correlated to decay class. The average decomposition rate was 0.019, and 41 years and 176 years are needed for a 50% and 95% mass loss, respectively. CWD nutrient content, density, and water content could explain the variance in the decay rate (~ 42%) of the decay factors such as amount of leaching, degree of fragmentation, respiration of the debris, and biotransformation, and varied significantly between different decay classes. Using the space–time substitution method, this study arranged the coarse woody debris of different mortality times to form a 33 year chronosequence which revealed the decomposition process. It was concluded that the decay rate was mainly explained by structural component of the debris and its nitrogen and water contents. This paper quantifies the indicators affecting CWD decay to explain the decomposition process.
The mechanisms of controlling FCT life and failure mode of Ni-based EBPVD YSZ thermal barrier coatings via the effects of both substrate elements and reactive element doping
Authors: Fritscher Klaus
Published: December 2020

Electron-beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) of NiCoCrAlY- and Hf-modified bond coats on (1) selected polycrystalline, directionally solidified, (2) single crystalline substrate alloys and (3) an uncoated NiCrAl bond-coat surrogate substrate, all of them covered with standard EBPVD YSZ topcoats were subjected to cyclic furnace testing (FCT) at 1100 °C. The lifetime and spallation failure upon FCT were evaluated. A typical mixed layer zone (MZ) of alumina and zirconia has formed during topcoat processing above the thermally growing oxide layer. The MZ was investigated by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy after intermediate lifetimes and at the end of life. Chemical composition of the MZ and lifespan data were related to each other thus accounting for rate-determining reactions which could be assigned to either cation- or anion-controlled transport mechanisms. These provide a new approach to address FCT life and failure mode of even complex TBC systems containing reactive elements (e.g. Y and Hf). The cation-controlled processes are accelerated according to their concentration by tetravalent elements of the substrates, while the anion-controlled processes are unaffected by this and only adopt a cation-dominated mode when alloying elements of a low valence (e.g. Ti+) reach a supercritical concentration.
Species co-occurrence networks of ground beetles in managed grasslands
Authors: Elo Merja , Ketola Tarmo , Komonen Atte
Published: December 2020

Grassland biodiversity, including traditional rural biotopes maintained by traditional agricultural practices, has become threatened worldwide. Road verges have been suggested to be complementary or compensatory habitats for species inhabiting grasslands. Species co-occurrence patterns linked with species traits can be used to separate between the different mechanisms (stochasticity, environmental filtering, biotic interactions) behind community structure. Here, we study species co-occurrence networks and underlying mechanisms of ground beetle species (Carabidae) in three different managed grassland types (meadows, pastures, road verges, n = 12 in each type) in Central Finland. We aimed to find out whether road verges can be considered as compensatory to traditional rural biotopes (meadows and pastures). We found that stochasticity explained over 90% of the pairwise co-occurrences, and the non-random co-occurrences were best explained by environmental filtering, regardless of the grassland type. However, the identities and traits of the species showing non-random co-occurrences differed among the habitat types. Thus, environmental factors behind environmental filtering differ among the habitat types and are related to the site-specific characteristics and variation therein. This poses challenges to habitat management since the species’ response to management action may depend on the site-specific characteristics. Although road verges are not fully compensatory to meadows and pastures, the high similarity of species richness and the high level of shared species suggest that for carabids road verges may be corridors connecting the sparse network of the remaining traditional rural biotopes.
Kumazawa Banzan: Governing the Realm and Bringing Peace to All below Heaven
Authors: Banzan Kumazawa
Published: December 2020

Kumazawa Banzan's (1619-1691) Responding to the Great Learning (Daigaku wakumon) stands as the first major writing on political economy in early modern Japanese history. John A. Tucker's translation is the first English rendition of this controversial text to be published in eighty years. The introduction offers an accessible and incisive commentary, including detailed analyses of Banzan's text within the context of his life, as well as broader historical and intellectual developments in East Asian Confucian thought. Emphasizing parallels between Banzan's life events, such as his relief efforts in the Okayama domain following devastating flooding, and his later writings advocating compassionate government, environmental initiatives, and projects for growing wealth, Tucker sheds light on Banzan's main objective of 'governing the realm and bringing peace and prosperity to all below heaven'. In Responding to the Great Learning, Banzan was doing more than writing a philosophical commentary, he was advising the Tokugawa shogunate to undertake a major reorganization of the polity - or face the consequences.
Dust observations from Parker Solar Probe: dust ejection from the inner Solar System
Authors: Mann I. , Czechowski A.
Published: December 2020

Context. The FIELDS instrument onboard Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observes dust impacts on the spacecraft. The derived dust flux rates suggest that the particles originate from the vicinities of the Sun and are ejected by radiation pressure. Radiation pressure typically ejects particles of several 100 nm and smaller, which are also affected by the electromagnetic force.

Aims. We aim to understand the influence of the electromagnetic force on the dust trajectories and to predict the dust fluxes along the orbit of PSP, within 1 AU and near Earth.

Methods. We study the trajectories of dust particles influenced by gravity, radiation pressure, and the electromagnetic force assuming that pitch-angle scattering can be neglected (scatter-free approximation). We estimate the dust fluxes along the second orbit of PSP and in the vicinity of the Earth based on average dust velocities derived from the trajectory calculations and dust production rates derived from a fragmentation model.

Results. The calculated cumulative flux of dust particles larger than 100 nm is of the same order (within a factor of ~2) as implied by PSP observations. In this size interval, the dynamics of most particles is dominated by the radiation pressure force. The Lorentz force becomes more important for smaller particles and fluxes can vary with magnetic field conditions. The calculated flux of the 30 to 75 nm particles at the PSP is negligible for most of the second orbit, except for an isolated peak at the perihelion. The 30–75 nm particles that were created inwards from 0.16 AU from the Sun are in trapped orbits if the radiation pressure force is weaker than gravity, which is the case for dust from asteroids and for cometary dust that was altered in space.

Conclusions. The inner Solar System is the most likely source of dust smaller than 100 nm that enters Earth’s atmosphere and our results suggest the flux is time-variable.
Regulation der Homöostase – die Rolle der Autophagie
Authors: Milczynski Christoph , Mahler Annette , Schmidt Karlheinz
Published: December 2020

In Lebewesen finden ständig Prozesse des Aufbaus und Abbaus von Organen, Geweben, Zellen und Zellbestandteilen statt. Im Zustand der Homöostase sind diese Prozesse in einem Fließgleichgewicht. Verschiedene Mechanismen greifen bei Störungen in diese Homöostase ein, sodass Zellen z. B. auf Stress reagieren können – unter anderem auch durch einen gesteuerten Abbau in Form der Autophagie, d. h. eines gesteuerten katabolen Prozesses.
EMG in der neurologischen Praxis: Ein teures Hobby?
Authors: Walter Raffauf
Published: December 2020

Vor allem EMG und NLG Untersuchungen sind ambulant sehr nachgefragt und die Wartezeiten oft lang. Nicht nur in Berlin kann es Monate dauern, bis man einen entsprechenden Termin bekommt, auch weil viele neurologische Kolleginnen und Kollegen diese Messungen nicht anbieten. Ähnliches gilt für das EEG, das zeitaufwendig ist und Raum und Personal bindet. Als Leser dieser Zeitschrift und Mitglieder der DGKN sind wir uns vermutlich einig, dass die Neurophysiologie die klinische Neurologie extrem bereichert, zur besseren Diagnosefindung beiträgt und nicht zuletzt die Zufriedenheit mit der eigenen beruflichen Tätigkeit erhöht. Letzteres umso mehr, je sicherer man die Methoden beherrscht und trotz beschränkter Ressourcen zu präzisen Untersuchungsergebnissen kommt, die den Patienten weiterhelfen.
Schmerzen, Lebensqualität und Gehgeschwindigkeit nach Gonarthrose-Übungsprogramm
Authors: Lorenz Judith
Published: December 2020

Die Behandlung der ersten Wahl für Patienten mit einer Kniegelenkarthrose umfasst die Schulung sowie die angeleitete Übungstherapie. Anhand welcher Parameter lässt sich der Erfolg einer solchen Behandlung im Hinblick auf die Schmerzbelastung, die Lebensqualität sowie Alltagsfunktionen wie die Gehfähigkeit der Betroffenen vorhersagen? Diese Fragestellung untersuchte ein Team dänischer Forscher mithilfe einer Registerstudie.
Zitzenverletzungen – retrospektive Datenauswertung von 116 Deutsch-Holstein-Kühen
Authors: Kaiser Matthias , Starke Alexander
Published: December 2020

Gegenstand und Ziel Die Versorgung von Kühen mit Zitzenverletzungen stellt unter den Bedingungen der modernen Milchproduktion eine große Herausforderung dar. Ihre Behandlung und das Management während der Heilungsphase behindern den Schlüsselprozess der Milchwirtschaft, das Melken. Auf Basis der Auswertung des Patientenguts der Klinik für Klauentiere der Universität Leipzig werden therapeutisches Vorgehen und postoperatives Management präsentiert.

Material und Methode In einer retrospektiven Untersuchung wurden die Patientendaten von Mai 2012 bis Juli 2017 analysiert. Die Datenerhebung umfasste Lokalisation und Art der Verletzung, initiale und postoperative Medikation sowie Behandlung und deren Erfolg.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden bei 116 Kühen 120 Zitzenverletzungen behandelt. Als häufigste Lokalisation traten Zitzenverletzungen unter Einbeziehung des Verschlussapparats (n = 85; 70,8 %) auf. Gedeckte Zitzenverletzungen stellten die häufigste Verletzungsart dar (n = 73; 60,8 %). Insgesamt waren 65 (54,2 %) der vorgestellten Läsionen gedeckt und bezogen den Verschlussapparat ein. Diese wurden zeitnah nach Vorstellung, unabhängig von anderen Diagnosen (Thelitis [außer akut, hochgradig], Zisternitis oder Mastitis) fast ausschließlich lateralendoskopisch geführt operiert. Insgesamt 98 (87,4 %) der behandelten Zitzen waren nach der Ausheilung melkbar, 7,2 % (n = 8) wurden amputiert und die übrigen ließen sich nach einer weiteren Operation uneingeschränkt melken. Die nach mindestens 700 Tagen erfolgte Nachfrage zum Verbleib der Tiere ergab, dass 23 (21,5 %) der chirurgisch und 2 (50 %) der konservativ versorgten Tiere wegen Problemen mit der betroffenen Zitze oder dem zugehörigen Viertel geschlachtet wurden.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Zitzenverletzungen sind für die Rinderpraxis relevante Erkrankungen. Bei unverzüglicher, konsequenter Versorgung der Läsion und der intensiven, kompetenten Überwachung des Heilungsverlaufs mit angepasster postoperativer Therapie sind bezüglich Wiederherstellung der Euterfunktion die besten Behandlungsergebnisse zu erwarten.
F. X. Mayr im Wandel der Zeiten
Authors: Fegerl Sepp
Published: December 2020

Der Darm wird in seiner Bedeutung für die Gesamtheit des Organismus als immer wichtiger eingeschätzt. Die F. X. Mayr-Therapie bildet eine effektive ganzheitliche Therapiemethode mit großem Präventionspotenzial, aber auch um bestehende Gesundheitsstörungen effektiv und nachhaltig zu behandeln. Mit den 4 zentralen Therapieprinzipien Schonung, Säuberung, Schulung, Substitution ist sie eine hervorragende Basismaßnahme, kann individuell abgewandelt und sehr gut mit anderen Therapiekonzepten kombiniert werden.
Risk Factors for Poor Postoperative Outcome and Epileptic Symptoms in Patients Diagnosed with Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Winter Fabian , Blair Lisa , Buchfelder Michael , Roessler Karl
Published: December 2020

Background and Study Objective Roughly 12 to 47% of individuals with cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are asymptomatic, while other people may present with symptoms such as epileptic seizures, neurologic deficits, and intracerebral hemorrhages (IH). The aim of this study was to report our experience of postoperative outcomes of patients diagnosed with CCMs.

Patients and Methods We present a series of consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for a diagnosed CCM between January 2003 and March 2014. Data were retrospectively analyzed with respect to preoperative visits, operating reports, patient admission charts, and postoperative follow-up visits. The Engel scale was used to evaluate the outcome of patients with epileptic seizures.

Results A total of 91 patients were included with a mean age of 38.8 ± 15 years (range: 2–72 years). Prior to surgery, 57 of these patients had epileptic seizures, while 25 patients recorded at least one episode of IH with a latency time of 6.7 ± 8.5 years (range: 3–240 months) in between hemorrhages. A CCM located within the brainstem was significantly associated with IH prior to surgery (p = 0.000). If the CCM was adjacent to an eloquent brain area, the postoperative outcome in terms of seizure control was significantly worse (p = 0.033). In addition, a trend for worsened outcomes according to the Engel scale was observed in patients with more than one seizure prior to surgery (p = 0.055).

Conclusion Proximity of CCMs to eloquent brain areas is a risk factor for poor postoperative outcome with respect to a lower rate of medication reduction as well as a lower rate of epileptic seizure omission. This underlines the importance of patient-specific therapeutic approaches.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx with Skull Base Involvement: Retrospective National Cohort Analysis of Treatment Paradigms, Outcomes, and Provider Density
Authors: Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Parikh Anuraag S. , Barbarite Eric , Feng Allen L. , McCarty Justin , Gray Stacey T. , Lin Derrick T.
Published: December 2020

Objectives This article examines a national cohort of patients with nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) for incidence, skull base invasion, overall survival, and treatment paradigms.

Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective national population-based study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program data of patients with ACC of the nasopharynx (NACC) and skull base between 2004 and 2016.

Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes included 5-year overall survival and odds of radiation treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15.0 (STATACorp). p-Values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results Of the 2,385 cases of ACC, 70 cases were classified as NACC. Twenty-one percent (15) involved invasion of the skull base or posterior pharyngeal wall, and 42% (30) were either stage 3 or stage 4. The 5-year overall survival for patients with NACC without skull base invasion was 67% which dropped to 40% with invasion into the skull base. Radiation was used as the primary form of therapy for 62% of NACC and 73% of NACC invading into skull base. Odds of receiving radiation therapy and 5-year survival were not affected by socioeconomic status or density of providers.

Conclusion NACC is rare in incidence and was most commonly treated with radiation therapy when advanced in stage. Prognosis was dependent on invasion through posterior pharyngeal wall and skull base. Provider density and socioeconomic status did not affect odds of radiation or overall survival for NACC.
Intrathecal Administration of Nusinersen in Pediatric SMA Patients with and without Spine Deformities: Experiences and Challenges over 3 Years in a Single Center
Authors: Johannsen Jessika , Weiss Deike , Schlenker Friderike , Groth Michael , Denecke Jonas
Published: December 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease leading to progressive muscular atrophy, respiratory failure, and premature death. Secondary thorax and spine deformities are frequent. In July 2017, the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen (Spinraza) was approved for the recurrent lifelong intrathecal treatment of SMA in Europe. Lumbar punctures are challenging especially in SMA patients with severe spine deformities and after spine surgery. In the light of alternative SMA therapies that are available or are expected to be available soon and which are administered orally or via one-time infusion, an appraisal of the established therapy is significant. Discussion about which therapy is the best for each individual patient will have to include not only the safety and efficacy of data but also the application form and its burden for the patient and the health care system. Therefore, we analyzed our 3-year experiences and challenges with 478 lumbar puncture procedures in 61 pediatric SMA patients with and without spine deformities or instrumentation.