bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural variations and expression profiles of the SARS‐CoV‐2 host invasion genes in lung cancer
Authors: Ilikci Sagkan Rahsan , Akin‐Bali Dilara Fatma
Published: June 2020

Recent days have seen growing evidence of cancer's susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and of the effect of genomic differences on the virus' entrance genes in lung cancer. Genetic confirmation of the hypotheses regarding gene expression and mutation pattern of target genes, including angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), basigin (CD147/BSG) and paired basic amino acid cleaving enzyme (FURIN/PCSK3), as well as correlation analysis, was done in relation to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) using in silico analysis. Not only were gene expression and mutation patterns detected, but also there were correlation and survival analysis between ACE2 and other target genes expression levels. The total genetic anomaly carrying rate of target genes, including ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147/BSG, and FURIN/PCSK3, was determined as 8.1% and 21 mutations were detected, with 7 of these mutations having pathogenic features. p.H34N on the RBD binding residues for SARS‐CoV‐2 was determined in our LUAD patient group. According to gene expression analysis results, though the TMPRSS2 level was statistically significantly decreased in the LUSC patient group compared to healthy control, the ACE2 level was determined to be high in LUAD and LUSC groups. There were no meaningful differences in the expression of CD147 and FURIN genes. The challenge for today is building the assessment of genomic susceptibility to COVID‐19 in lung cancer, requiring detailed experimental laboratory studies, in addition to in silico analyses, as a way of assessing the mechanism of novel virus invasion that can be used in the development of effective SARS‐CoV‐2 therapy.
Establishment of a cell‐based quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assay for detection of multivalent rotavirus vaccine
Authors: Wang Yunjin , Liu Yueyue , Wang Mingqiang , Yu Li , Ma Chao , Li Xiongxiong , Guo Tai , Bao Hong , Kou Kuiying , Chen Yueru , Gong Hanbo , Zhou Xu
Published: June 2020

Because of deficiencies of traditional potency tests in rotavirus detection, a one‐step TaqMan probe‐based quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assay combined with cell‐based method was established to determine the infectious potency of the target virus in multivalent live rotavirus vaccines in vitro. Series dilutions of rotavirus samples were inoculated into Vero cells and cultured for 24 hours. The cells were lysed and the potency was detected by RT‐qPCR. The reference standards with a known titer (lgCCID50/mL) were assayed in parallel, and the potencies of each sample were determined using parallel line method. The specificity, precision and accuracy of the assay were evaluated, respectively. The results showed that messenger RNA produced during rotavirus replication was the primary template of RT‐qPCR and the primers and probes were specific to each strain. The coefficient of variation of different wells and different working days did not exceed 6% and the results of the assay were proved to be concordant with those of cell culture infective dose 50% with a relative deviation less than 5%. This assay is a more rapid, cost‐effective and high‐throughput way for detecting multivalent rotavirus vaccine, and will be a valuable tool in the quality control and stability monitoring of live multivalent rotavirus vaccine.
Persistence and clearance of oral human papillomavirus infections: A prospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Wong Martin C. S. , Vlantis Alexander C. , Liang Miaoyin , Wong Po Yee , Ho Wendy C. S. , Boon Siaw S. , Leung Colette , Chan Paul K. S. , Chen Zigui
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of and factors associated with persistence and clearance of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Method

A prospective cohort study invited 458 subjects (231 HPV‐positive and 227 HPV‐negative at baseline) to attend follow‐ups at 12 months. Those 231 HPV‐positive subjects and 10 new infections were invited to reassessment at 24 months. We used next‐gen sequencing for detection and genotyping of HPV.

Results

α‐HPV infections showed higher persistence rates than β/γ‐HPV (22.7% vs 9.2% at 12 months [P < .05], 10.6% vs 6.8% at 24 months [P = .30]). Clearance rates of α‐HPV were lower than β/γ‐HPV at 12 months (31.8% vs 45.1%; P = .05) and higher at 24 months (7.6% vs 4.8%; P = .36). Persistence of β/γ‐HPV was positively associated with males (crude odds ratio [COR] = 3.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3‐11.2), elderly (51‐65 vs 16‐50 years; COR = 5.1, 95% CI = 1.2‐22.3), and smoking (COR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.9‐9.6). Drinking (COR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3‐0.9), handwashing less than 90% of times before meals (COR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.3‐0.9), and using public bath more than once per month (COR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.2‐0.9) were risk factors hindering β/γ‐HPV clearance.

Conclusions

This study identified factors associated with persistence and clearance of oral HPV infections among Chinese. Studies on other ethnogeographic groups may further inform prevention strategies of oral HPV infection and immunization programmes.
Mahaim fiber connecting the right atrium to the left ventricle: a case report
Authors: Yakabe Daisuke , Fukuyama Yusuke , Araki Masahiro , Aso Akemi , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: June 2020

In the majority of cases presenting with the Mahaim fiber (MF), the MF connects the lateral right atrium (RA) to the right bundle branch or the right ventricle. We present the case of a 33‐year‐old man with antidromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia using MF connected to the septal RA and left ventricle (LV). Although the Mahaim potential was recorded at the septal RA, ablation at this site could not eliminate the MF and had a potential risk of injury to the atrioventricular node. Additional application at the posterior septal LV achieved successful MF ablation.
Robotic surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A single center case series
Authors: Winder Alec , Strauss Dirk C. , Jones Robin L. , Benson Charlotte , Messiou Christina , Chaudry Mohammed Asif , Smith Myles J.
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

The aim of surgical treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is a microscopically complete resection. Initial indications for laparoscopic surgery were limited to smaller tumors, in favorable locations. Over time, indications for minimal invasive surgery (MIS) have expanded, however concerns remain when considering resection of larger GISTs. Our aims were to assess the utility of robotic resection of gastric GISTs for challenging tumors.

Methods

GIST resections, in this study were performed using the Intuitive Da Vinci Surgical Xi System. GIST's were considered challenging if tumor size was >50 mm at the time of surgery and/or the location of the tumor was type II, III, or IV using Privette/Al‐Thanai classification.

Results

Robotic resections were performed on 12 consecutive patients, 83% were considered challenging cases, 6 out of 12 for location and 5 out of 12 for size. Initial median tumor size on imaging was 53.7 mm, and post‐imatinib was 45.8 mm. All tumors were removed with clear margins (R0) via wedge resections, with no complications. Median operative time was 192 minutes (95‐250). Length of hospital stay was 2 days (2‐6).

Conclusions

Robotic resection of gastric GIST's appears oncologically safe, and may expand the benefits of MIS to a greater cohort of complex cases.
Post–Left Atrium Space Index in Fetuses With Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection and Other Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Han Jiancheng , Li Tianjing , Wu Wenfang , Zhang Ye , Liu Xiaowei , Gu Xiaoyan , Sun Lin , Gao Shuang , He Yihua
Published: June 2020

Objectives

We aimed to explore the value of the post–left atrium space (PLAS) index in the diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and the effect of other congenital heart diseases on the PLAS index in the fetus.

Methods

The PLAS index of 69 fetuses with TAPVC was analyzed retrospectively. Approximately 252 healthy fetuses were randomly selected as controls, and 110 cases of intracardiac malformations were randomly selected for comparison. The PLAS index was defined as the ratio of the left atrium–descending aorta distance divided by the descending aorta diameter from the 4‐chamber view in the end‐systolic phase.

Results

There were no significant differences in the PLAS index among the 3 groups of isolated TAPVC subtypes (P > .05), or among the isolated TAPVC group and the simple and complex cardiac anomaly groups (P > .05). Compared with the control group, the PLAS index of the TAPVC group was significantly increased (P < .001). The PLAS index was significantly higher in the TAPVC group than in hypoplastic left heart syndrome, endocardial cushion defect, conotruncal defect, and ventricular septal defect groups (P < .05). The PLAS indices of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome, endocardial cushion defect, and conotruncal defect groups were all higher than that of the control group (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the PLAS index between the ventricular septal defect and control groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

The PLAS index is a sensitive parameter for the diagnosis of fetal TAPVC. There were no significant differences in the PLAS index among different TAPVC types. Complex intracardiac anomalies have an influence on the PLAS index.
Association Between Orthonasal Olfaction and Chemosensory Perception in Patients With Smell Loss
Authors: Liu David T. , Besser Gerold , Prem Bernhard , Sharma Gunjan , Koenighofer Martin , Renner Bertold , Mueller Christian A.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Self‐ratings seem to be the most effortless strategy for assessment of patients' chemical senses. Notably, although flavor perception strongly relies on olfaction, the relationship between self‐reported flavor perception and orthonasal olfactory tests have hitherto not been considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self‐perceived olfactory function (SO), taste (ST), and flavor perception (SF) and smell test results in patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD).

Methods

We included 203 patients with quantitative OD. Group comparison, bivariate correlation, and ordinal logistic regression were employed to quantify the relationships between predictor variables (age, gender, reason for OD, and orthonasal olfaction—summed scores of threshold, discrimination, and identification [TDI]) and outcomes of SO and SF (“impaired,” “average,” or “good”).

Results

Group comparison revealed significant differences between SO and SF (P < .001). Stronger correlations were found between SO and TDI (r = 0.64), compared to SF and TDI (r = 0.27). No relevant correlation was found between ST and TDI (r = 0.10). Higher TDI was associated with odds of higher SO in univariate (odds ratio = 1.25) and multivariable analyses (adjusted odds ratio = 1.23), and both models showed good fit of data. Conversely, regression models on the associations between TDI and changes in SF did not meet the assumption of goodness of fit.

Conclusion

We found that higher orthonasal olfactory performance was associated with odds of higher SO in patients with OD, even after controlling for olfactory‐relevant factors. To the contrary, similar models based on flavor perception failed to describe these relationships. This indicates for SF and ST to be less represented by the TDI compared to SO.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2213–2219, 2020
Application of a Simple Parkinson's Disease Risk Score in a LongitudinalPopulation‐BasedCohort
Authors: Marini Kathrin , Mahlknecht Philipp , Tutzer Franziska , Stockner Heike , Gasperi Arno , Djamshidian Atbin , Willeit Peter , Kiechl Stefan , Willeit Johann , Rungger Gregorio , Noyce Alastair J. , Schrag Anette , Poewe Werner , Seppi Klaus
Published: June 2020

Background

Identifying individuals at risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) is critical to define target populations for future neuroprotective trials.

Objective

The objective of this study was to apply the PREDICT‐PD algorithm of risk indicators for PD in a prospective community‐based study (the Bruneck study), representative of the general elderly population.

Methods

PREDICT‐PD risk scores were calculated based on risk factor assessments obtained at baseline (2005, n = 574 participants). Cases of incident PD were identified at 5‐year and 10‐year follow‐ups. Participants with PD or secondary parkinsonism at baseline were excluded (n = 35). We analyzed the association of log‐transformed risk scores with the presence of well‐established markers as surrogates for PD risk at baseline and with incident PD at follow‐up.

Results

A total of 20 participants with incident PD were identified during follow‐up (11 after 5 years and 9 after 10 years). Baseline PREDICT‐PD risk scores were associated with incident PD with odds ratios of 2.09 (95% confidence interval, 1.35–3.25;P= 0.001) after 5 years and of 1.95 (1.36–2.79;P< 0.001) after 10 years of follow‐up per doubling of risk scores. In addition, higher PREDICT‐PD scores were significantly correlated with established PD risk markers (olfactory dysfunction, signs of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and motor deficits) and significantly associated with higher probability for prodromal PD according to the Movement Disorder Society research criteria at baseline.

Conclusions

The PREDICT‐PD score was associated with an increased risk for incident PD in our sample and may represent a useful first screening step in future algorithms aiming to identify cases of prodromal PD. © 2020 The Authors.Movement Disorderspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
COVID‐19 in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Living in Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Fasano Alfonso , Cereda Emanuele , Barichella Michela , Cassani Erica , Ferri Valentina , Zecchinelli Anna Lena , Pezzoli Gianni
Published: June 2020

Background

It is unknown whether patients with PD are at greater risk of COVID‐19, what their risk factors are, and whether their clinical manifestations differ from the general population.

Objectives

The study aimed to address all these issues.

Methods

In a case‐controlled survey, we interviewed 1,486 PD patients attending a single tertiary center in Lombardy, Italy and 1,207 family members (controls).

Results

One hundred five (7.1%) and 92 controls (7.6%) were identified as COVID‐19 cases. COVID‐19 patients were younger, more likely to suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to be obese, and vitamin D nonsupplemented than unaffected patients. Six patients (5.7%) and 7 family members (7.6%) died from COVID‐19. Patients were less likely to report shortness of breath and require hospitalization.

Conclusions

In an unselected large cohort of nonadvanced PD patients, COVID‐19 risk and mortality did not differ from the general population, but symptoms appeared to be milder. The possible protective role of vitamin D supplementation warrants future studies. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dual‐band decoupling and wideband harmonic suppression for asymmetric antenna pair by using filtering structures
Authors: Li Jiaxu , Zhai Huiqing , Zhong Wuning , Li Hongkun , Nie Zhenghang , Liu Longhua , Shi Junhao , Hu Diwei
Published: June 2020

In this letter, a new method is proposed to achieve high port isolation and wideband harmonic suppression for two closely placed asymmetric antennas by using integrated filtering structures cascaded on the feeding microstrip lines. The proposed asymmetric antenna pair operates normally at 2.34 to 2.6 GHz and 3.31 to 3.69 GHz, respectively, containing the WLAN band (2.4‐2.484 GHz) and the fifth generation (5G) bands of China Telecom (3.4‐3.5 GHz) and China Unicom (3.5‐3.6 GHz). Compared to the reference antenna pair, the proposed antenna pair has an enhancement in isolation of 40.8 and 38.1 dB at 2.45 and 3.5 GHz individually, and the higher harmonics of up to 18 GHz generated by the reference antenna pair can be suppressed. The gain of the proposed antenna pair decreases by an average of 8.8 dB in the higher harmonic frequency bands. The measured results of the manufactured antenna pair agree well with the simulated results, indicating that the designed antenna pair has good dual‐band decoupling and wideband harmonic suppression characteristics. This method particularly reduces the complexity of the decoupling antenna design and is suitable for the future multi‐functional terminals.
Pro & Contra Innovationsprinzip: Das Vorsorgeprinzip ist ein Innovationstreiber
Authors: Hoffmann Bettina
Published: June 2020

Ein starkes Umweltrecht schützt uns und fördert nachhaltige Innovationen.
Roles of Lewis Acid Catalysts in Diels‐Alder Reactions between Cyclopentadiene and Methyl Acrylate
Authors: Sakata Ken , Fujimoto Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

The Diels‐Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with methyl acrylate catalyzed by AlCl3 has been theoretically investigated. M06‐2X level DFT calculations have shown that the formation of two C−C bonds is asynchronous in the cycloaddition both in the endo path and in the exo path, thus making a good contrast to the well‐known concept of [4+2] reactions based on the orbital symmetry arguments. It was found that the catalyst facilitates the cycloaddition and brings a higher endo selectivity in the highly asynchronous process, as compared with the reaction of the diene and the dienophile without the catalyst.
The mediating role of depressive and anxiety symptoms in the association between obesity and problematic social media use in young adults
Authors: Jolliff Anna F , Moreno Megan A , D'Angelo Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Background

Obesity has been associated with problematic internet use or internet use characterized by impulsivity, dependence, risk taking or impairment. Despite the unique affordances and growing popularity of social media, few studies have investigated obesity in relation to the problematic use of social media in contrast to general internet use.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between obesity and problematic social media use and to test symptoms of anxiety and depression as potential mediators of this relationship.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was administered to young adults between the ages of 18–25 using the Qualtrics platform. Two mediation models were tested using model 4 of the PROCESS Macro in SPSS.

Results

Participants (n = 4939) were between the ages of 18–25 (M = 21.74, SD = 2.3). Participants were 50.6% female (n = 2496) and 58.1% White (n = 2871). Reporting obesity was positively associated with reporting increased levels of problematic social media use, B = 1.15, SE B = .32, t(1, 4938) = 3.59, p < .001. The indirect effects in each model from obesity to problematic social media use, through both symptoms of anxiety and depression separately, were significant, B = .14, SE B = .05, confidence interval [0.055, .231] and B = .16, SE B = .07, confidence interval [0.018, .317], respectively.

Conclusions

Young adults who present both with obesity and with symptoms of depression or anxiety are more at risk for problematic social media use. These patients may benefit from education on health‐promoting social media use.
Prevalence trends and individual patterns of antiepileptic drug use in pregnancy 2006‐2016: A study in the five Nordic countries, United States, and Australia
Authors: Cohen Jacqueline M. , Cesta Carolyn E. , Furu Kari , Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Gissler Mika , Havard Alys , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Huybrechts Krista F. , Kieler Helle , Leinonen Maarit K. , Li Jiong , Reutfors Johan , Schaffer Andrea , Selmer Randi , Yu Yongfu , Zoega Helga , Karlstad Øystein
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To describe recent international trends in antiepileptic drug (AED) use during pregnancy and individual patterns of use including discontinuation and switching.

Methods

We studied pregnancies from 2006 to 2016 within linked population‐based registers for births and dispensed prescription drugs from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and New South Wales, Australia and claims data for public and private insurance enrollees in the United States. We examined the prevalence of AED use: the proportion of pregnancies with ≥1 prescription filled from 3 months before pregnancy until birth, and individual patterns of use by trimester.

Results

Prevalence of AED use in almost five million pregnancies was 15.3 per 1000 (n = 75 249) and varied from 6.4 in Sweden to 34.5 per 1000 in the publicly‐insured US population. AED use increased in all countries in 2006‐2012 ranging from an increase of 22% in Australia to 104% in Sweden, and continued to rise or stabilized in the countries in which more recent data were available. Lamotrigine, clonazepam, and valproate were the most commonly used AEDs in the Nordic countries, United States, and Australia, respectively. Among AED users, 31% only filled a prescription in the 3 months before pregnancy. Most filled a prescription in the first trimester (59%) but few filled prescriptions in every trimester (22%).

Conclusions

Use of AEDs in pregnancy rose from 2006 to 2016. Trends and patterns of use of valproate and lamotrigine reflected the safety data available during this period. Many women discontinued AEDs during pregnancy while some switched to another AED.
Impact of respiratory viral polymerase chain reaction testing on de‐escalation of antibiotic therapy in children who require chronic positive pressure ventilation
Authors: Beltran Ale Guillermo , Benscoter Dan , Hossain Md Monir , Zhang Yin , Courter Joshua , Thomson Joanna
Published: June 2020

Background

Children who require chronic positive pressure ventilation (CPPV) are frequently hospitalized with acute respiratory infections. Although respiratory viral testing is often performed, it is unclear how positive results impact antibiotic use. We sought to assess the impact of respiratory viral testing on antibiotic use in hospitalized children on CPPV.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized children on CPPV who had respiratory viral polymerase chain reaction (RVP) testing on admission. Primary exposure was a positive RVP result; primary outcome was antibiotic de‐escalation, defined as discontinuation of antibiotics or narrowing of antimicrobial spectra. To determine the independent association of positive RVP and antibiotic de‐escalation, a generalized linear mixed effect model was used to account for within patient clustering and confounders defined a priori (blood and respiratory cultures, leukocytosis, bandemia, chest radiograph findings, aspiration risk, and recent admission).

Results

A total of 200 admissions representing 118 patients were included. A viral pathogen was identified in 46.5% (93/200) of admissions; rhinovirus was most frequently identified (61.5% of positive RVPs). Antibiotic de‐escalation occurred in 33% of admissions (35.5% of RVP‐positive admissions vs 30.8% of RVP‐negative admissions; P = .49). In adjusted analysis, there was no association between positive RVP and antibiotics de‐escalation (adjusted OR: 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.32‐2.26).

Conclusion

This single center cohort study suggests that respiratory viral testing may not impact antibiotic prescribing for hospitalized children on CPPV. There is need for improved stewardship of both diagnostic testing and antimicrobial use in this population.
Prognostic and clinicopathological value of high expression of TIM‐3 in different cancer types: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Wenbo , Qi Feng , Jiao Ruidi , Zheng Lizhuan , Zhang Yinghao , Hou Donghai , Liu Yi , Kang Zhengjun
Published: June 2020

Background

This meta‐analysis was performed to clarify the prognostic role of the expression of T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 (TIM‐3) in different cancer types.

Methods

Related articles were searched from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science up to December 31, 2019. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to explore their associations. In addition, we conducted subgroup analyses stratified by various factors.

Results

Eventually, a total of 33 studies including 4223 patients were enrolled in this study. Results showed that patients with high TIM‐3 expression had shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.37‐2.04) and progression‐free survival (HR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.14‐2.83), but subgroup analyses indicated there were no relationship between TIM‐3 expression and disease‐free survival or recurrence‐free survival. It was reassuring that high TIM‐3 expression may be associated with poor prognosis in osteosarcoma, gastric cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and lymphoma, while no prognostic significance was detected of TIM‐3 expression in lung cancer, kidney cancer, or breast cancer. Furthermore, we did not find association of TIM‐3 with any clinicopathological parameters.

Conclusions

High TIM‐3 expression might be a potential biomarker which can be used to predict the poor prognosis of different cancer types, especially osteosarcoma, gastric cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and lymphoma.
Magnonic Magnetoelectric Coupling in Ferroelectric/Ferromagnetic Composites
Authors: Chotorlishvili Levan , Jia Chenglong , Rata Diana A. , Brandt Liane , Woltersdorf Georg , Berakdar Jamal
Published: June 2020

Composite materials consisting of coupled magnetic and ferroelectric layers hold the promise for new emergent properties such as controlling magnetism with electric fields. Obviously, the interfacial coupling mechanism plays a crucial role and its understanding is the key for exploiting this material class for technological applications. This short review is focused on the magnonic‐based magnetoelectric coupling that forms at the interface of a metallic ferromagnet with a ferroelectric insulator. After analyzing the physics behind this coupling, the implication for the magnetic, transport, and optical properties of these composite materials is discussed. Furthermore, examples for the functionality of such interfaces are illustrated by the electric field controlled transport through ferroelectric/ferromagnetic tunnel junctions, the electrically and magnetically controlled optical properties, and the generation of electromagnon solitons for the use as reliable information carriers.
Sound Velocity of Liquid Fe–P at High Pressure
Authors: Kinoshita Daisuke , Nakajima Yoichi , Kuwayama Yasuhiro , Hirose Kei , Iwamoto Asaki , Ishikawa Daisuke , Baron Alfred Q. R.
Published: June 2020

The longitudinal sound wave (P‐wave) velocity of liquid Fe75P25 alloy is determined up to 60 GPa using inelastic X‐ray scattering with laser‐heated diamond anvil cell. Phosphorus is found to have negligible effect on the P‐wave velocity of liquid Fe under high‐pressure conditions. Based on the P‐wave and pressure data, an adiabatic Murnaghan equation of state for liquid Fe75P25 is constructed, yielding to the adiabatic bulk modulus KS0 = 94.9 ± 7.1 GPa and its pressure derivative K’S = 3.56 ± 0.18, respectively, at 1 bar with the density of 5.94 g cm−3 at 2000 K. The addition of phosphorus decreases the bulk modulus and density of liquid Fe under high‐pressure conditions, which minimizes the effect on the velocity. Using the equation of state, the P‐wave velocity and density of liquid Fe75P25 are estimated under Earth's liquid outer core conditions. Comparison with seismological observations suggests an upper limit of phosphorus in liquid core of 14.6 ± 3.9 wt%.
Isoimperatorin reduces the effective dose of dexamethasone in a murine model of asthma by inhibiting mast cell activation
Authors: Wang Jue , Zhang Yongjing , Zeng Yingnan , Ge Shuai , Sun Xiuzhen , Jia Min , Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Nan
Published: June 2020

Adverse effects that result from dexamethasone (DEX) use are common and serious in patients with asthma. Therefore, alternative anti‐inflammatory treatments are being investigated. Isoimperatorin (ISO), an active natural furocoumarin, possesses multiple pharmacological properties, including an anti‐inflammation effect. In this study, investigations were conducted on the effect of ISO on mast cell (MC) activation in vitro and whether ISO could reduce the effective dose of DEX in a mast cell‐dependent murine model of asthma in vivo. Calcium imaging was used to assess intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the chemokines release. Western blot analysis was conducted to investigate the underlying pathway. Airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were examined in an asthma model. ISO inhibited Ca2+ flux and MC degranulation via Lyn/PLCγ1/PKC, ERK, and P38 MAPK pathways. In the asthma model, ISO, in combination with DEX, showed an additive inhibitory effect on AHR, inflammation, and the number of activated MCs in the lungs and decreased the levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐a, and C‐C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)‐2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. A combination of DEX and ISO may be appropriate if a decrease in the steroid dose is desired owing to dose‐dependent adverse effects.
Synthesis of Cinchona Urea Polymers and Their Evaluation as Catalyst in the Asymmetric Reactions
Authors: Abdelkawy Mahmoud A. , Aly El‐Saied A. , El‐Badawi Mahmoud A. , Itsuno Shinichi
Published: June 2020

Chiral polyureas of cinchona alkaloids were synthesized via repetitive Mizoroki‐Heck (MH) coupling reaction. The Pd‐catalyzed polycondensation of cinchona urea dimers 6 and aromatic diiodide 7 afforded the chiral polyureas (P1−P4). The catalytic activity of the chiral polymers was subsequently investigated. The asymmetric Michael addition of ketoesters to nitroolefins was successfully catalyzed by the polymeric organocatalysts (P1−P4) to give the corresponding Michael adducts with high catalytic activities and excellent enantionselectivities (up to >99% ee). The polymeric catalysts were insoluble in commonly used organic solvents. They were easily recovered and reused several times without any loss of the catalytic activity.
Ambient Vibration Analysis on Large Scale Arrays When Lateral Variations Occur in the Subsurface: A Study Case in Switzerland
Authors: Chieppa Dario , Hobiger Manuel , Bergamo Paolo , Fäh Donat
Published: June 2020

The ambient vibration analysis is a non-invasive and low-cost technique used in site characterization studies to reconstruct the subsurface velocity structure. Depending on the goal of the research, the investigated depth ranges from tens to hundreds of meters. In this work, we aimed at investigating the deeper contrasts within the crust and in particular down to the sedimentary-rock basement transition located at thousands of meters of depth. To achieve this goal, three seismic arrays with minimum and maximum interstation distances of 7.9 m and 26.8 km were deployed around the village of Schafisheim. Schafisheim is located in the Swiss Molasse Basin, a sedimentary basin stretching from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva with a thickness ranging from 800 to 900 m in the north to 5 km in the south. To compute the multimodal dispersion curves for Rayleigh and Love waves and the Rayleigh wave ellipticity angles, the data were processed using two single-station and three array processing techniques. A preliminary analysis of the inversion results pointed out a good agreement with the fundamental modes of Rayleigh and Love waves used in the inversion and a quite strong disagreement with the higher modes. The impossibility to explain at the same time most of the dispersion curves was interpreted as the co-existence, within the investigated area, of portions of the subsurface with different geophysical properties. The hypothesis was confirmed by the Horizontal-to-Vertical spectral analysis (H/V) which indicated the presence of two distinguished areas. The observation allowed a new interpretation and the identification of the Rayleigh and Love wave fundamental modes and of the S-wave velocity profiles to be reconstructed for each investigated zone. It results in two S-wave velocity profiles with similar velocities down to 15 km deferring only in their shallow portions due to the occurrence of a low velocity zone at a depth of 50–150 m at the centre of the investigated area.
Die neue Strahlenschutzgesetzgebung – Teil 2
Authors: Bohrer Evelyn , Schäfer Stefan B. , Krombach Gabriele A.
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund

Mit in Kraft treten des neuen Strahlenschutzgesetzes und der neuen Strahlenschutzverordnung in Deutschland ergaben sich viele neue Änderungen für die Radiologie in Bezug auf die alte Strahlenschutzverordnung und Röntgenverordnung.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die wesentlichen Änderungen in der Radiologie in Hinblick auf die Bereiche Anzeige- und Genehmigungsverfahren, Teleradiologie, Früherkennung, Forschung und Radon am Arbeitsplatz wurden zusammengefasst.

Methode

Es wurden die Änderungen von neuem Strahlenschutzgesetz und neuer Strahlenschutzverordnung zur alten Strahlenschutzverordnung und Röntgenverordnung herausgearbeitet. Dabei lag der Schwerpunkt auf Bereichen, die über die Arbeitsabläufe in der klinischen Routine hinausgehen.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die Anforderungen beim Anzeige- und Genehmigungsverfahren wurden erhöht. So ist hier beispielsweise der Nachweis zu erbringen, dass ein Medizinphysik-Experte hinzugezogen werden kann. Durch Festlegung von Bearbeitungsfristen seitens der zuständigen Behörden können Bearbeitungsverfahren beschleunigt und mehr Planungssicherheit geschaffen werden.
The Regularity of Minima for the Dirichlet Problem on BD
Authors: Gmeineder Franz
Published: June 2020

We establish that the Dirichlet problem for linear growth functionals on$${\text {BD}}$$BD, the functions of bounded deformation, gives rise to the same unconditional Sobolev and partial$${\text {C}}^{1,\alpha }$$C1,α-regularity theory as presently available for the full gradient Dirichlet problem on$${\text {BV}}$$BV. Functions of bounded deformation play an important role in, for example plasticity, however, byOrnstein’s non-inequality, contain$${\text {BV}}$$BVas a proper subspace. Thus, techniques to establish regularity by full gradient methods for variational problems on BV do not apply here. In particular, applying to all generalised minima (that is, minima of a suitably relaxed problem) despite their non-uniqueness and reaching the ellipticity ranges known from the$${\text {BV}}$$BV-case, this paper extends previous Sobolev regularity results byGmeinederandKristensen(in J Calc Var 58:56, 2019) in an optimal way.
Bellwether Procedures for Monitoring Subnational Variation of All‐cause Perioperative Mortality in Brazil
Authors: Truche Paul , Roa Lina , Citron Isabelle , Caddell Luke , Neto Joao , Reis Matheus , Moore Eileen , Botelho Fabio , Alonso Nivaldo , Watters David
Published: June 2020

Background

All‐cause perioperative mortality rate (POMR) is a commonly reported metric to assess surgical quality. Benchmarking POMR remains difficult due to differences in surgical volume and case mix combined with the burden of reporting and leveraging this complex and high‐volume data. We seek to determine whether the pooled and individual procedure POMR of each bellwether (cesarean section, laparotomy, management of open fracture) correlate with state‐level all‐cause POMR in the interest of identifying benchmark procedures that can be used to make standardized regional comparisons of surgical quality.

Methods

The Brazilian National Healthcare Database (DATASUS) was queried to identify unadjusted all‐cause POMR for all patient admissions among public hospitals in Brazil in 2018. Bellwether procedures were identified as any procedure involving laparotomy, cesarean section, or treatment of open long bone fracture and then classified as emergent or elective. The pooled POMR of all bellwether procedures as well as for each individual bellwether procedure was compared with the all‐cause POMR in each of the 26 states, and one federal district and correlations were calculated. Funnel plots were used to compare surgical volume to perioperative mortality for each bellwether procedure.

Results

4,756,642 surgical procedures were reported to DATASUS in 2018: 237,727 emergent procedures requiring laparotomy, 852,821 emergent cesarean sections, and 210,657 open, long bone fracture repairs. Pooled perioperative mortality for all of the bellwether procedures was correlated with all‐procedure POMR among states (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). POMR for emergency procedures (2.4%) correlated with the all‐procedure (emergent and elective) POMR (1.6%, r = 0.93, p < .001), while POMR for elective procedures (0.4%) did not (p = .247). POMR for emergency laparotomy (4.4%) correlated with all‐procedure POMR (1.6%, r = 0.52, p = .005), as did the POMR for open, long bone fractures (0.8%, r = 0.61, p < .001). POMR for emergency cesarean section (0.05%) did not correlate with all‐procedure POMR (p = 0.400). There was a correlation between surgical volume and emergency laparotomy POMR (r = − 0.53, p = .004), but not for emergency cesarean section or open, long bone fractures POMR.

Conclusion

Procedure‐specific POMR for laparotomy and open long bone fracture correlates modestly with all‐procedure POMR among Brazilian states which is primarily driven by emergency procedure POMR. Selective reporting of emergency laparotomy and open fracture POMR may be a useful surrogate to guide subnational surgical policy decisions.
Negative Therapiefolgen körperorientierter Gruppenpsychotherapie am Beispiel der Konzentrativen Bewegungstherapie
Authors: Seidler Klaus-Peter , Grützmacher Swantje , Epner Alexandra , Schreiber‑Willnow Karin
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund

Es liegen bislang keine empirischen Untersuchungen zu negativen Therapiefolgen körperorientierter Psychotherapie vor. Am Beispiel der Konzentrativen Bewegungstherapie (KBT), die in der stationären Psychotherapie als adjuvantes körperorientiertes Gruppenpsychotherapieverfahren etabliert ist, wird untersucht, welche negativen Therapiefolgen Patienten in der (teil-)stationären KBT-Gruppenbehandlung angeben, und wie sich diese im Vergleich zu den Ergebnissen anderer Studien darstellen. Verschiedene Patienten- und Behandlungsmerkmale werden als Einflussgrößen berücksichtigt sowie der Zusammenhang zur Behandlungsbeurteilung durch die Patienten überprüft.

Material und Methoden

Es füllten 251 Patienten die Kurzform des Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ), den Fragebogen zu Nebenwirkungen in der Gruppentherapie und unerwünschten Gruppenerfahrungen (NUGE-24) sowie den Therapiebeurteilungsfragebogen für die Konzentrative Bewegungstherapie im Gruppentherapie-Setting (TBF-KBT-G) am Ende ihrer KBT-Gruppenbehandlung aus. Alter und Geschlecht sowie Zahl der Gruppentermine und Art der Behandlungseinrichtung wurden als Kovariablen erfasst. Zum Vergleich wurden die statistischen Kennwerte der Publikationen zum NEQ und NUGE-24 herangezogen.

Ergebnisse

Von mindestens einer negativen Therapiefolge berichteten 59,4 % der Patienten. Die Hälfte von ihnen gab mindestens 2 negative Effekte an, die sich v. a. auf bestimmte Beschwerden als Folgen der Behandlung bezogen. Negative Effekte dadurch, dass die Behandlung in der Gruppe erfolgt, lagen nur in geringem Maß vor und betrafen v. a. das Erleben persönlicher Überforderung. Für die Kovariablen ließen sich nur wenige Effekte ermitteln. Zur Behandlungsbeurteilung ergaben sich mehrere fast ausschließlich negative signifikante Korrelationen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Negative Therapiefolgen sind bei der (teil-)stationären KBT-Gruppenbehandlung wie auch bei anderen Therapieverfahren häufig zu verzeichnen. Es gibt kaum Hinweise auf ein typisches Risikoprofil oder dass diese Form der Behandlung im Vergleich zu anderen Behandlungen eine besondere Belastung darstellt. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit, Patienten klare Informationen über das therapeutische Vorgehen sowie über mögliche negative Effekte selbst bei positivem Behandlungsverlauf zu vermitteln.
Gruppentherapie zu Stabilisierung und Selbstregulation bei posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung (STABILI-T)
Authors: Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Schöckel Anne , Nikendei Christoph , Dinger Ulrike , Schauenburg Henning , Lambert Lena
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund

Menschen mit der Diagnose einer posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) sind oftmals mit sehr langen Wartezeiten zwischen Diagnose und Beginn einer leitliniengerechten traumafokussierten Behandlung konfrontiert. Um dieser Versorgungslücke zu begegnen, wurde eine Gruppenbehandlung mit 9 Sitzungen konzipiert, die den Fokus auf Stabilisierung und Selbstregulation legt, um entweder eine Traumabearbeitung in einer nachfolgenden Einzeltherapie zu erleichtern oder aber für Menschen mit komplexer PTBS eine zusätzliche Hilfe bei der Behandlung entsprechender Symptome zu ermöglichen.

Methodik

In einer Machbarkeitsstudie mit 5 Patientinnen mit der Diagnose einer PTBS nach DSM-IV wurden die Stimmung vor und nach jeder Sitzung sowie allgemeine und traumaspezifische Symptome vor und nach der Behandlung erfasst. Nach Behandlungsende und in einer Zweimonatskatamnese wurden Daten zu Verlauf und Akzeptanz erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Die Stimmung der Patientinnen hob sich im Verlauf der jeweiligen Sitzungen. Ebenso nahmen die Häufigkeit des selbstberichteten Übens und Anwendens der Übungen zu. Die Methode wurde insgesamt als sehr positiv eingeschätzt. Deskriptiv nahmen die Fähigkeit zur Selbstberuhigung ebenso wie strukturelle Fähigkeiten der Persönlichkeitsfunktion zu sowie Traumasymptomatik, Depressivität, Ängstlichkeit und interpersonelle Probleme ab.

Diskussion

Die Daten geben erste Hinweise auf die Machbarkeit und Akzeptanz einer Gruppenintervention zu Stabilisierung und Selbstregulation bei Frauen mit Traumafolgestörungen. Die Gruppenintervention hat das Potenzial, in der ambulanten Versorgung die Wartezeit auf eine traumafokussierte Einzeltherapie sinnvoll zu nutzen.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in vestibular migraine and Menière’s disease: cVEMPs make the difference
Authors: Dlugaiczyk Julia , Habs Maximilian , Dieterich Marianne
Published: June 2020

Objective

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) have been suggested as biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of Menière’s disease (MD) and vestibular migraine (VM). The aim of this study was to compare the degree of asymmetry for ocular (o) and cervical (c) VEMPs in large cohorts of patients with MD and VM and to follow up the responses.

Study design

Retrospective study in an interdisciplinary tertiary center for vertigo and balance disorders.

Methods

cVEMPs to air-conducted sound and oVEMPs to bone-conducted vibration were recorded in 100 patients with VM and unilateral MD, respectively. Outcome parameters were asymmetry ratios (ARs) of oVEMP n10p15 and cVEMP p13n23 amplitudes, and of the respective latencies (mean ± SD).

Results

The AR of cVEMP p13n23 amplitudes was significantly higher for MD (0.43 ± 0.34) than for VM (0.26 ± 0.24; adjusted p = 0.0002). MD—but not VM—patients displayed a higher AR for cVEMP than for oVEMP amplitudes (MD 0.43 ± 0.34 versus 0.23 ± 0.22, p < 0.0001; VM 0.26 ± 0.14 versus 0.19 ± 0.15, p = 0.11). Monitoring of VEMPs in single patients indicated stable or fluctuating amplitude ARs in VM, while ARs in MD appeared to increase or remain stable over time. No differences were observed for latency ARs between MD and VM.

Conclusions

These results are in line with (1) a more common saccular than utricular dysfunction in MD and (2) a more permanent loss of otolith function in MD versus VM. The different patterns of o- and cVEMP responses, in particular their longitudinal assessment, might add to the differential diagnosis between MD and VM.
Sirtuin 1 and endothelial glycocalyx
Authors: Lipphardt Mark , Song Jong Wook , Goligorsky Michael S
Published: June 2020

Sirtuin1 deficiency or reduced activity comprises one of the hallmarks of diseases as diverse as chronic cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic, some malignancies, and infections, as well as aging-associated diseases. In a mouse model of endothelium-limited defect in sirtuin 1 deacetylase activity, we found a dramatic reduction in the volume of endothelial glycocalyx. This was associated with the surge in the levels of one of key scaffolding heparan sulfate proteoglycans of endothelial glycocalyx, syndecan-4, and specifically, its extracellular domain (ectodomain). We found that the defect in endothelial sirtuin 1 deacetylase activity is associated with (a) elevated basal and stimulated levels of superoxide generation (via the FoxO1 over-acetylation mechanism) and (b) increased nuclear translocation of NF-kB (via p65 over-acetylation mechanism). These findings laid the foundation for the proposed novel function of sirtuin 1, namely, the maintenance of endothelial glycocalyx, particularly manifest in conditions associated with sirtuin 1 depletion. In the forthcoming review, we summarize the emerging conceptual framework of the enhanced glycocalyx degradation in the states of defective endothelial sirtuin 1 function, thus explaining a broad footprint of the syndrome of endothelial dysfunction, from impaired flow-induced nitric oxide production, deterrent leukocytes infiltration, increased endothelial permeability, coagulation, and pro-inflammatory changes to development of microvascular rarefaction and progression of an underlying disease.
Mausmodelle für die Erforschung abdomineller Aortenaneurysmen
Authors: Wortmann M. , Meisenbacher K. , Busch A. , Bischoff M. S. , Dihlmann S. , Böckler D.
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund

Mausmodelle zur Erforschung der Pathogenese von Aortenerkrankungen sind seit Jahren in der vaskulären Forschung etabliert. Aufgrund der komplexen multifaktoriellen Prozesse der Entstehung von Aortenaneurysmen, die bis heute noch nicht vollständig verstanden sind, wurden verschiedene Mausmodelle entwickelt. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt eine Übersicht der verfügbaren Modelle sowie der Vor- und Nachteile des jeweiligen Modells vor dem Hintergrund spezifischer Fragestellungen dar.

Methodik

Es erfolgte eine selektive Literaturrecherche zum Thema.

Ergebnisse

Die verfügbaren Mausmodelle lassen sich in drei Kategorien einteilen: genetisch induzierte, chemisch-topisch induzierte und medikamentös-systemisch induzierte Modelle. Die einzelnen Mausmodelle bieten jeweils spezifische Vor- und Nachteile, sodass die Auswahl des Modelles anhand der zugrunde liegenden Fragestellung erfolgen muss. Idealerweise werden mehrere Modelle kombiniert, um auszuschließen, dass den Ergebnissen modellspezifische Effekte zugrunde liegen. Medikamentös-systemisch induzierte Modelle mittels Angiotensin II und chemisch-topisch induzierte Modelle mittels Kalziumchlorid oder Elastase stellen dabei aufgrund ihrer Flexibilität die am häufigsten verwendeten Mausmodelle dar. Sie erlauben die Untersuchung einer Vielzahl verschiedener Einflussfaktoren oder medikamentöser Therapieansätze.

Schlussfolgerung

Mausmodelle liefern grundlegende Erkenntnisse zur bislang noch unzureichend verstandenen komplexen und multifaktoriellen Pathophysiologie der Entstehung und Progression von Aortenaneurysmen. Tiermodellbasierte Forschungsansätze stellen dabei eine ideale Grundlage für translationale Forschungsprojekte dar, welche prospektiv für die Entwicklung konservativer medikamentöser Therapieansätze für Aortenaneurysmen wesentliche Erkenntnisse beitragen können.