bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speckle tracking stress echocardiography in children: interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility and the impact of echocardiographic image quality
Authors: Wilke Lucia , Abellan Schneyder Francisca E. , Roskopf Markus , Jenke Andreas C. , Heusch Andreas , Hensel Kai O.
Published: June 2018

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is increasingly used during functional assessments. However, reproducibility and dependence on echocardiographic image quality for speckle tracking stress echocardiography in pediatric patients have not been studied to date. 127 consecutive normotensive children without structural heart disease (mean age 13.4 ± 3.0 years, 50.4% female) underwent a stepwise semisupine cycle ergometric protocol. Left ventricular (LV) myocardial peak strain and strain rate were assessed at rest and during exercise. Interobserver and intraobserver assessments were performed and analyzed regarding echocardiographic image quality. LV peak global strain and strain rate were well reproducible with narrow limits of agreement without any significant bias both at rest and during all stages of exercise testing. Moreover, strain rate reproducibility slightly deteriorated in values between −1.5 and −3 s−1. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in reproducibility between optimal, intermediate and poor quality of echocardiographic images. STE derived strain and strain rate measurements in children are feasible and highly reproducible during semisupine cycle ergometric stress echocardiography. Echocardiographic image quality does not seem to influence strain (rate) reproducibility. Myocardial deformation measurements in images with suboptimal visualization quality must be interpreted with caution.
Substance P modulates bone remodeling properties of murine osteoblasts and osteoclasts
Authors: Niedermair Tanja , Schirner Stephan , Seebröker Raphael , Straub Rainer H. , Grässel Susanne
Published: June 2018

Clinical observations suggest neuronal control of bone remodeling. Sensory nerve fibers innervating bone, bone marrow and periosteum signal via neurotransmitters including substance P (SP). In previous studies we observed impaired biomechanical and structural bone parameters in tachykinin (Tac) 1-deficient mice lacking SP. Here, we aim to specify effects of SP on metabolic parameters of bone marrow macrophage (BMM)/osteoclast cultures and osteoblasts isolated from Tac1-deficient and wildtype (WT) mice. We demonstrated endogenous SP production and secretion in WT bone cells. Absence of SP reduced bone resorption rate, as we found reduced numbers of precursor cells (BMM) and multinucleated osteoclasts and measured reduced cathepsin K activity in Tac1−/− BMM/osteoclast cultures. However, this might partly be compensated by reduced apoptosis rate and increased fusion potential of Tac1−/− precursor cells to enlarged “super” osteoclasts. Contrarily, increased ALP enzyme activity and apoptosis rate during early osteoblast differentiation accelerated osteogenesis and cell death in the absence of SP together with reduced ALP activity of Tac1−/− osteoblasts during late osteogenic differentiation resulting in reduced bone formation at later stages. Therefore, we suggest that absence of SP presumably results in a slight reduction of bone resorption rate but concomitantly in a critical reduction of bone formation and mineralization rate.
Wideband excitation of Fano resonances and induced transparency by coherent interactions between Brillouin resonances
Authors: Pant Ravi , A. Siva Shakthi , Yelikar Anjali B.
Published: June 2018

Wideband excitation and control of Fano resonance and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), both of which rely on coherent interaction between two excitation paths, is challenging. It requires precise control and tuning of interacting resonances or coupling between different resonant structures over a wide frequency range. Gain (Stokes) and absorption (anti-Stokes) resonances associated with the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) process can be excited and controlled over a wide frequency range by tuning the pump frequency, its power and profile. We exploit coherent interaction between the Brillouin Stokes and anti-Stokes resonance, in radio frequency domain, to demonstrate Fano and EIT-like resonance over a wide frequency range and control their shape and strength optically and electrically. For the Fano resonance, the asymmetry and polarity are electrically controlled over an unprecedented frequency range (100 MHz–43 GHz) by varying the bias to the intensity modulator whereas, the strength is varied by tuning the Brillouin pump power and/or the bias. The depth and 3 dB linewidth of the transparency window in the EIT-like resonance are controlled using pump and probe parameters. The flexibility of the SBS process that allows wideband electrical and optical control of Fano and EIT-like resonance opens up the potential for applications that range from low-power switching, sensing to tunable RF delay.
Attenuation of Retinal Vascular Development in Neonatal Mice Subjected to Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Zaitoun Ismail S. , Cikla Ulas , Zafer Dila , Udho Eshwar , Almomani Reem , Suscha Andrew , Cengiz Pelin , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: June 2018

A significant proportion of children that survive hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) develop visual impairment. These visual deficits are generally attributed to injuries that occur in the primary visual cortex and other visual processing systems. Recent studies suggested that neuronal damage might also occur in the retina. An important structure affecting the viability of retinal neurons is the vasculature. However, the effects of HIE on the retinal neurovasculature have not been systemically evaluated. Here we investigated whether exposure of postnatal day 9 (P9) neonatal mice to HIE is sufficient to induce neurovascular damage in the retina. We demonstrate that the blood vessels on the surface of the retina, from mice subjected to HIE, were abnormally enlarged with signs of degeneration. The intermediate and deep vascular layers in these retinas failed to form normally, particularly in the periphery. All the vascular damages observed here were irreversible in nature up to 100 days post HIE. We also observed loss of retinal neurons, together with changes in both astrocytes and Müller cells mainly in the inner retina at the periphery. Collectively, our findings suggest that HIE results in profound alterations in the retinal vasculature, indicating the importance of developing therapeutic strategies to protect neurovascular dysfunction not only in the brain but also in the retina for infants exposed to HIE.
Bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy impairs uterine spiral artery remodeling and provokes intrauterine growth restriction in mice
Authors: Müller Judith Elisabeth , Meyer Nicole , Santamaria Clarisa Guillermina , Schumacher Anne , Luque Enrique Hugo , Zenclussen Maria Laura , Rodriguez Horacio Adolfo , Zenclussen Ana Claudia
Published: June 2018

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are long suspected to impair reproductive health. Bisphenol A (BPA) has estrogenic activity and therefore the capacity of interfering with endocrine pathways. No studies dissected its short-term effects on pregnancy and possible underlying mechanisms. Here, we studied how BPA exposure around implantation affects pregnancy, particularly concentrating on placentation and uterine remodeling. We exposed pregnant female mice to 50 µg/kg BPA/day or 0.1% ethanol by oral gavage from day 1 to 7 of gestation. High frequency ultrasound was employed to document the presence and size of implantations, placentas and fetuses throughout pregnancy. Blood velocity in the arteria uterina was analyzed by Doppler measurements. The progeny of mothers exposed to BPA was growth-restricted compared to the controls; this was evident in vivo as early as at day 12 as analyzed by ultrasound and confirmed by diminished fetal and placenta weights observed after sacrificing the animals at day 14 of gestation. The remodeling of uterine spiral arteries (SAs) was considerably impaired. We show that short-term exposure to a so-called “safe” BPA dose around implantation has severe consequences. The intrauterine growth restriction observed in more than half of the fetuses from BPA-treated mothers may owe to the direct negative effect of BPA on the remodeling of uterine SAs that limits the blood supply to the fetus. Our work reveals unsuspected short-term effects of BPA on pregnancy and urges to more studies dissecting the mechanisms behind the negative actions of BPA during early pregnancy.
Attenuation of inflammatory responses by (+)-syringaresinol via MAP-Kinase-mediated suppression of NF-κB signaling in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bajpai Vivek K. , Alam Md Badrul , Quan Khong Trong , Ju Mi-Kyoung , Majumder Rajib , Shukla Shruti , Huh Yun Suk , Na MinKyun , Lee Sang Han , Han Young-Kyu
Published: June 2018

We examined the anti-inflammatory effects of (+)-syringaresinol (SGRS), a lignan isolated from Rubia philippinensis, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells using enzyme-based immuno assay, Western blotting, and RT-PCR analyses. Additionally, in vivo effects of SGRS in the acute inflammatory state were examined by using the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema assay in experimental mice. As a result, treatment with SGRS (25, 50, and 100 μM) inhibited protein expression of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) as well as production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced by LPS. Moreover, SGRS also reduced LPS-induced mRNA expression levels of iNOS and COX-2, including NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 cytokines in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, carrageenan-induced paw edema assay validated the in vivo anti-edema effect of SGRS. Interestingly, SGRS (30 mg/kg) suppressed carrageenan-induced elevation of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA levels as well as COX-2 and NF-κB protein levels, suggesting SGRS may possess anti-inflammatory activities.
Comparison of Knee Stability, Strength Deficits, and Functional Score in Primary and Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Knees
Authors: Kim Do Kyung , Park Geon , Kadir Kamarulzaman Bin Haji M. S. , Kuo Liang-Tseng , Park Won Hah
Published: June 2018

Comparing to primary surgery, revision ACL reconstruction is more technically demanding and has a higher failure rate. Theoretically, rehabilitation can improve knee function after ACL reconstruction surgery. This study aimed to compare knee stability, strength, and function between primary and revision ACL reconstructed knees. 40 primary and 40 revision ACL reconstruction surgeries were included between April 2013 and May 2016. Patients with revision surgery had a higher anteroposterior translation comparing those with primary reconstruction (median laxity, 2.0 mm vs. 3.0 mm, p = 0.0022). No differences were noted in knee extensor at 60°/sec or 180°/sec (p = 0.308, p = 0.931, respectively) or in flexor muscle strength at 60°/sec or 180°/sec between primary and revision ACL reconstruction knees (p = 0.091, p = 0.343, respectively). There were also no significant differences between functional scores including IKDC score and Lysholm score in primary versus revision surgeries at 12th months after index operation (p = 0.154, p = 0.324, respectively). In conclusion, despite having higher anteroposterior instability, patients with revision ACL reconstruction can have non-inferior outcomes in isokinetic knee strength and function compared to those with primary ACL reconstruction after proper rehabilitation.
An integrated strategy for highly sensitive phosphoproteome analysis from low micrograms of protein samples
Authors: Chen Wendong , Chen Lan , Tian Ruijun
Published: June 2018

Phospho-SISPROT achieves highly sensitive phosphoproteome analysis from lower than 20 μg of cell lysates.
In situatomic-scale observation of inhomogeneous oxide reduction
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Wu Dongxiang , Zou Lianfeng , Yin Qiyue , Zhang Hanlei , Zakharov Dmitri N. , Stach Eric A. , Zhou Guangwen
Published: June 2018

We reportin situatomic-scale transmission electron microscopy observations of the surface dynamics during the Cu2O reduction.
Reductive coupling of two aldehydes to unsymmetrical E-alkenes via phosphaalkene and phosphinate intermediates
Authors: Mai Juri , Arkhypchuk Anna I. , Gupta Arvind Kumar , Ott Sascha
Published: June 2018

Stilbenes with push–pull electronics are directly accessible from an electron-rich and an electron-deficient benzaldehyde in a novel reductive aldehyde cross-coupling reaction.
Bright, stable, and tunable solid-state luminescence of carbon nanodot organogels
Authors: Gan Zhixing , Liu Lizhe , Wang Li , Luo Guangsheng , Mo Chunlan , Chang Chenliang
Published: June 2018

Stable, bright, and tunable solid-state luminescence was achieved in carbon nanodots through engineering photon reabsorption.
Iodine binding with thiophene and furan based dyes for DSCs
Authors: Baumann Alexandra , Cheema Hammad , Sabuj Md Abdus , McNamara Louis E. , Zhang Yanbing , Peddapuram Adithya , Nguyen Suong T. , Watkins Davita L. , Hammer Nathan I. , Rai Neeraj , Delcamp Jared H.
Published: June 2018

Donor–π-bridge–acceptor dyes with thiophene have been shown to bind I2 leading to diminished dye-sensitized solar cell performances relative to furan based analogues.
Mechanisms of the H2- and transfer hydrogenation of polar bonds catalyzed by iron group hydrides
Authors: Morris Robert H.
Published: June 2018

This Perspective describes the mechanism-based development of iron-group catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones and imines.
Pyro-catalytic hydrogen evolution by Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3nanoparticles: harvesting cold–hot alternation energy near room-temperature
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Xiao Lingbo , Jia Yanmin , Wu Zheng , Wang Feifei , Wang Yaojin , Haugen Neale O. , Huang Haitao
Published: June 2018

Pyro-catalytic hydrogen evolution, as an environmental-friendly, energy-saving and simple process, is demonstrated.
New horizons for inorganic solid state ion conductors
Authors: Zhang Zhizhen , Shao Yuanjun , Lotsch Bettina , Hu Yong-Sheng , Li Hong , Janek Jürgen , Nazar Linda F. , Nan Ce-Wen , Maier Joachim , Armand Michel , Chen Liquan
Published: June 2018

This critical review presents the state of the art research progress, proposes strategies to improve the conductivity of solid electrolytes, discusses the chemical and electrochemical stabilities, and uncovers future perspectives for solid state batteries.
Enabling alternative ethylene production through its selective adsorption in the metal–organic framework Mn2(m-dobdc)
Authors: Bachman Jonathan E. , Reed Douglas A. , Kapelewski Matthew T. , Chachra Gaurav , Jonnavittula Divya , Radaelli Guido , Long Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2018

The unique adsorptive properties of metal–organic frameworks open the door to new processes for energy and raw materials production.
Cr(vi) uptake and reduction by biogenic iron (oxyhydr)oxides
Authors: Whitaker Andrew H. , Peña Jasquelin , Amor Mathilde , Duckworth Owen W.
Published: June 2018

Biogenic iron (oxyhydr)oxides adsorb dissolved Cr(vi), as well as promote its reduction to less mobile and toxic Cr(iii)viaa Fe(ii) mediated process.
Combined toxicity of graphene oxide and wastewater to the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Martín-de-Lucía Idoia , Campos-Mañas Marina C. , Agüera Ana , Leganés Francisco , Fernández-Piñas Francisca , Rosal Roberto
Published: June 2018

The toxic action of graphene oxide (GO) and the micropollutants contained in a biologically-treated wastewater were studied alone and in combination.
A rapid and eco-friendly isothermal amplification microdevice for multiplex detection of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Trinh Thi Ngoc Diep , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: June 2018

The present work shows an integrated isothermal amplification microdevice using fisetin as a plant-derived DNA intercalator for detecting harmful microorganisms.
Nanoscale zeolitic imidazole framework-90: selective, sensitive and dual-excitation ratiometric fluorescent detection of hazardous Cr(vi) anions in aqueous media
Authors: Jin Hong-Guang , Zong Weibang , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: June 2018

Toxic Cr(vi) anions sensing in aqueous solution has been achieved by virtue of fluorescent nanoscale ZIF-90 and RhB@ZIF-90.
Double transition metal MXenes with wide band gaps and novel magnetic properties
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Xie Yu , Kent Paul R. C.
Published: June 2018

Novel wide band gaps and magnetism in ordered titanium–vanadium, titanium–chromium, and titanium–manganese carbide and nitride based MXenes are predicted using density functional theory.
Coupling desalination and energy storage with redox flow electrodes
Authors: Hou Xianhua , Liang Qian , Hu Xiaoqiao , Zhou Yu , Ru Qiang , Chen Fuming , Hu Shejun
Published: June 2018

A novel battery system with VCl3|NaI redox flow electrodes was demonstrated, which exhibits simultaneous dual functions of dual-ion faradaic desalination and energy storage. The energy consumption of desalination is comparable to or even lower than that of RO.
Nickel-catalyzed cyanation of phenol derivatives activated by 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Yaoyao , Shen Jun , Chen Qun , He Ming-Yang
Published: June 2018

A nickel-catalyzed cyanation of phenol derivatives activated by 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) using aminoacetonitrile as the cyanating agent is described.
Dual stimuli-responsive viologen-containing poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) and its multi-modal electrochromic phase transition
Authors: Nam Jaehyuk , Jung Yongseok , Joe Jungho , Jang Woo-Dong
Published: June 2018

A viologen-containing thermo-responsive poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx-V) showed a multi-modal electrochromic phase transition behavior.
Empowering mechanochemistry with multi-mechanophore polymer architectures
Authors: Bowser Brandon H. , Craig Stephen L.
Published: June 2018

Multi-mechanophore polymers provide advantages in characterization and function relative to chain-centered, single mechanophore polymers.
Enhancing the anti-ovarian cancer activity of quercetin using a self-assembling micelle and thermosensitive hydrogel drug delivery system
Authors: Xu Guangya , Li Bin , Wang Ting , Wan Jun , Zhang Yan , Huang Jingwei , Shen Yangmei
Published: June 2018

In this study, a quercetin-loaded thermosensitive injectable hydrogel system (Qu-M–hydrogel composites) was constructed based on nanotechnology.
Synthesis and characterization of novel donor–acceptor type neutral green electrochromic polymers containing an indolo[3,2-b]carbazole donor and diketopyrrolopyrrole acceptor
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kong Lingqian , Ju Xiuping , Du Hongmei , Zhao Jinsheng , Xie Yu
Published: June 2018

Two novel neutral green D–A type conjugated polymers were synthesized, illustrating satisfactory electrochromic properties, such as low band gaps, desirable color switches, excellent solubility and favorable thermal stability.
Low-bandgap mixed tin–lead iodide perovskite with large grains for high performance solar cells
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Fu Weifei , Yan Jielin , Chen Jiehuan , Yang Weitao , Chen Hongzheng
Published: June 2018

Low-bandgap (1.26 eV) FA0.7MA0.3Sn0.3Pb0.7I3 perovskite film with vertically aligned large grains and high crystallinity was fabricated via a two-step processing method on top of a hydrophobic PTAA HTL. A maximum PCE of 13.6% was obtained with negligible current–voltage hysteresis.
Exploring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as an anolyte for nonaqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: Wang Gongwei , Huang Bing , Liu Dan , Zheng Dong , Harris Joshua , Xue Janie , Qu Deyang
Published: June 2018

A series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were systematically investigated as the anode redox-active species for nonaqueous flow batteries.
The Swallowing Profile of Healthy Aging Adults: Comparing Noninvasive Swallow Tests to Videofluoroscopic Measures of Safety and Efficiency
Authors: Molfenter Sonja M. , Brates Danielle , Herzberg Erica , Noorani Mehak , Lazarus Cathy
Published: June 2018

Purpose

It has been widely reported that a proportion of healthy, community-dwelling seniors will develop dysphagia in the absence of a known neurological, neuromuscular, or structural cause. Our objective was to test whether various feasible, noninvasive measures of swallowing could differentiate safe versus unsafe and efficient versus inefficient swallowing on videofluoroscopy (VF) in a sample of healthy seniors.

Method

VFs from 44 (21 male, 23 female) healthy community-dwelling seniors (> 65 years old) were compared with a series of feasible, noninvasive swallowing metrics: maximal tongue strength (anterior and posterior), hand grip strength, pharyngeal volume, age, body mass index, 3-oz water swallow challenge, the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool questionnaire, and the Frailty Index. The VF protocol included 9 liquid barium boluses (3 × 5 ml thin, 3 × 20 ml thin, and 3 × 5 ml nectar). Each swallow was rated (randomized and blind) for safety using the Penetration–Aspiration Scale score and for efficiency using the Normalized Residue Ratio Scale (NRRS). Participants were deemed “unsafe” if they had any single Penetration–Aspiration Scale scores ≥ 3 and “inefficient” if they had any NRRS valleculae score > 0.082 or NRRS pyriform sinus score > 0.067. Univariate analyses of variance were run for each continuous swallowing measure by swallowing safety and swallowing efficiency status. Pearson's chi-square analyses were used to compare binary outcomes by swallow safety and efficiency status. Bonferroni corrections were applied to control for multiple comparisons.

Results

None of the swallowing measures significantly differentiated safe from unsafe swallows. Although several variables trended to distinguishing efficient from inefficient swallows (age, 10-item Eating Assessment Tool, 3-oz water swallow challenge), only one variable, pharyngeal volume, was significantly different between efficient and inefficient swallows (
p
= .002).

Conclusion

Our findings support the notion that larger pharyngeal volumes (measured using acoustic pharyngometry) are associated with worse swallowing efficiency, a finding we attribute to atrophy of the pharyngeal musculature in healthy aging.
Perkussion des Thorax und der Lunge
Authors: Herzog Michael , Sengebusch Jürgen
Published: June 2018

Das Beklopfen des Thorax ist in vielen Fällen notwendig, um Befunde des Atemapparats zu differenzieren. Man kann zwischen hyposonorem und hypersonorem Klopfschall unterscheiden, der Auskunft über darunterliegendes Gewebe und mögliche Erkrankungen gibt. Durch die Perkussion können außerdem Zwerchfellstand und -verschieblichkeit ermittelt werden.
Die Plica im Kniegelenk
Authors: Corts Magga
Published: June 2018

Die Plica ist eine Falte in der Gelenkschleimhaut des Kniegelenks. Sie zieht sich im Laufe des Längenwachstums zurückund ist bei 50 % der Menschen nicht nachweisbar. Sie kann im Kniegelenk als zusätzliche Gleitfläche zwischen Femur und Tibia dienen und bei mechanischer Überlastung schmerzhaft anschwellen.
Infektiöse Durchfallerkrankungen
Authors: Schmid Eva C.
Published: June 2018

Magen-Darm-Erkrankungen entstehen hierzulande vor allem durch Bakterien und Viren. Für einige Erreger besteht für Heilpraktiker Behandlungsverbot und teilweise auch Meldepflicht.
Heilkraft der Planeten und Metalle
Authors: Felgenhauer Heike
Published: June 2018

Die meta-Komplexe der Firma meta Fackler vereinen Homöopathie, Paracelsusmedizin und Nosodentherapie.
Tiefpotenzen für 200 Indikationen
Authors: Wagner Christoph
Published: June 2018

Die Wirkweise von Komplexmitteln der Firma Hevert-Arzneimittel am Beispiel von nervösen Störungen.
Ösophagusfunktionsszintigrafie
Authors: Tatsch Klaus
Published: June 2018

Die Ösophagusfunktionsszintigrafie ist ein einfach durchführbares, nicht invasives, quantifizierendes Verfahren zur Objektivierung einer Störung der Boluspassage durch die Speiseröhre. Die Methode dient primär der Diagnostik von Motilitätsstörungen des tubulären Ösophagusabschnitts. Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt eine Übersicht über die Durchführung, Auswertung und Interpretation szintigrafischer Untersuchungen des Bolustransits, wobei die Grundzüge der visuellen Interpretation von Passagebildern sowie die Möglichkeiten der quantitativen Auswertung dargelegt werden. An typischen Befundmustern werden die art- und differenzialdiagnostische Einordnung von Motilitätsstörungen erörtert.
„Auf den Punkt gebracht“ − Die Radioembolisation primärer und sekundärer Lebertumoren mit unterschiedlichen Mikrosphären
Authors: Ilhan Harun , Todica Andrei
Published: June 2018

Die duale Gefäßversorgung der Leber spielt eine wichtige Rolle für die Entwicklung von Lebermetastasen, die oft prognosebestimmend sind. Diese Gefäßversorgung ist jedoch auch die Grundlage intraarterieller Therapieoptionen, bei denen die Blutversorgung primärer und sekundärer Lebertumoren durch die A. hepatica ausgenutzt wird. Bei der Radioembolisation werden nach Ausschöpfung chirurgischer Therapieoptionen radioaktiv markierte Mikrosphären über die Leberarterie in und um Lebertumoren unter weitgehender Schonung des gesunden Leberparenchyms appliziert. Die Therapie findet bereits seit mehreren Jahrzehnten klinische Anwendung. In den letzten Jahren wurden mehrere prospektive Phase III-Studien mit 90Y-Mikrosphären durchgeführt, die jedoch meist keinen signifikanten Überlebensvorteil im Vergleich zur systemischen Chemotherapie oder zu Thyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren zeigen konnten. Dennoch findet die Radioembolisation insbesondere als Zweit- oder Drittlinientherapie Empfehlung in zahlreichen Leitlinien zu primären und sekundären Lebertumoren, wobei jedoch oft zwischen verschiedenen intraarteriellen Therapieverfahren keine verbindliche Empfehlung bezüglich der Methode der Wahl ausgesprochen wird. Dieser Übersichtsartikel soll einen Überblick über die derzeitig verfügbaren radioaktiv markierten Mikrosphären geben, die im Rahmen der Radioembolisation Verwendung finden. Diese unterscheiden sich teilweise deutlich in ihren physikalischen Eigenschaften. Der Stellenwert der 99 mTc-MAA-Angiografie sowie die Bestimmung des Leber-Lungen-Shunts und die szintigrafische Beurteilung eines möglichen dystopen Abstromes werden in der Literatur teilweise kontrovers diskutiert. Diese Aspekte sollen zusammen mit den unterschiedlichen Berechnungsmethoden der Therapieaktivität je nach Wahl der Mikrosphären beleuchtet werden.
Predictive value of liver and spleen stiffness in advanced alcoholic cirrhosis with refractory ascites
Authors: Lindner Franziska , Mühlberg Reinhard , Wiegand Johannes , Tröltzsch Michael , Hoffmeister Albrecht , Keim Volker , Karlas Thomas
Published: June 2018

Background Recurrent ascitic decompensation is a frequent complication of advanced alcoholic liver disease. Ascites can be controlled by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation, but specific pre-procedural outcome predictors are not well established. Liver and spleen stiffness measurement (LSM, SSM) correlate with outcome of compensated liver disease, but data for decompensated cirrhosis disease are scarce. Therefore, the predictive value of LSM and SSM was evaluated in patients with refractory ascites treated with TIPS insertion or receiving conservative therapy.

Material and Methods Patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and recurrent or refractory ascites were stratified according to TIPS eligibility. LSM was prospectively assessed by transient elastography (TE, XL probe) and point shear wave elastography (pSWE). pSWE was also used for SSM. The primary study endpoint was transplant-free survival after 12 months. In addition, correlation of LSM and SSM with TIPS complications was analyzed.

Results 43 patients (16 % female, age 55.5 [28.6 – 79.6] years) were recruited, n = 20 underwent TIPS and n = 23 were treated with repeated paracenteses only. 15 patients died and five underwent liver transplantation during follow-up. LSM and SSM at baseline did not predict the patients’ outcome in the TIPS cohort and in patients with conservative therapy. SSM was increased in two cases with spontaneous TIPS occlusion and declined after revision.

Conclusion LSM and SSM cannot be recommended for risk stratification in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. SSM may be useful in monitoring TIPS function during follow-up.
Pflanzenfarben gegen die Dunkelheit
Authors: Ghasemi Forusan Nikmanesh
Published: June 2018

Natürliche UV-Strahlung führt im Auge dauerhaft zu oxidativem Stress durch reaktive Sauerstoffverbindungen, die ständig neutralisiert werden müssen. Bei einem Ungleichgewicht der Schutzsysteme und begünstigt durch Faktoren wie Alter und Rauchen erhöht sich das Risiko für eine Altersbedingte Makuladegeneration (AMD). Pflanzliche Carotinoide – insbesondere Beta-Carotin, Lutein und Zeaxanthin – können analog zu ihrer Funktion in der Pflanze die AMD-Prophylaxe und -Therapie wirksam ergänzen.
Mit schwachen Reizen heilen
Authors: Erdal Andrea
Published: June 2018

In den Komplexmitteln der Firma Hanosan sind Urtinkturen und niedrige Potenzen kombiniert.
Die Psyche und der Darm
Authors: Koch Anna K. , Langhorst Jost
Published: June 2018

Chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen sind häufige Krankheitsbilder mit noch nicht abschließend geklärten Ursachen. Die Standardtherapie besteht in der leitlinienkonformen Pharmakotherapie, die einen Schub beenden oder die Remission erhalten soll. Um der Komplexität der Krankheitsbilder gerecht zu werden, bietet die Integrative Gastroenterologie ergänzende Therapieoptionen wie die Mind-Body-Medizin. Sie zielt unter anderem darauf ab, die Stressbewältigungskompetenzen der Patienten zu stärken. Erste vielversprechende Forschungsergebnisse belegen die Wirksamkeit der Verfahren.
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Association Between Diabetes Mellitus and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Song Lijuan , You Wenjun , Wang Peng , Li Feng , Liu Huakun
Published: June 2018

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), and the complications of CAD are the leading cause of deaths among people with DM. Herein, this study aims to identify the common genes and pathways between diabetes and myocardial infarction (MI) to provide more clues for the related mechanism studies.

Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the cutoff (|log2(fold change)|>0.45 and P value<0.05) by the analysis of online datasets (GSE9006 and GSE48060) related to DM and MI respectively. Moreover, the overlapped DEGs between DM and MI were identified, followed by enriched Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. And the independent patient RNA samples were collected for qRT-PCR validation of the mRNA expression of these overlapped genes.

Results PI3, ACSL1, MMD and MMP were altered in both T1DM and MI, and they were highly related to “regulation of cellular protein metabolic process”. Meanwhile, six genes were identified in both T2DM and MI, which are ADM, NFIL3, PI3, SLPI, ACSL1 and MMP9 and significantly related to “negative regulation of endopeptidase activity”. And the expression of these genes were validated.

Conclusions In summary, we identified the common DEGs and pathways between T1DM or T2DM and MI, and further validated the changes of those DEGs, providing some clues for mechanism study and potentially therapeutic targets.
Endoscopic mucosal autograft for treating esophageal caustic strictures: preliminary human experience
Authors: He Kexin , Zhao Lili , Bu Shoushan , Liu Li , Wang Xiang , Wang Min , Fan Zhining
Published: June 2018

Background Esophageal caustic stricture is a stubborn disease and postoperative restenosis limits the clinical efficacy of endoscopic dilation. Autologous mucosal grafts have been successfully applied in the treatment of urethral stricture and in the prevention of stricture after extensive mucosal resection. We aimed to use mucosal autografting performed endoscopically to treat refractory esophageal stricture.

Methods Three patients with intractable corrosive esophageal stricture were treated endoscopically by combining dilation with autologous mucosal transplantation.

Results All procedures were successful with no severe complications. Mucosal regeneration was shown at the transplanted segments. One patient was able to maintain a normal diet with complete remission after 1 year of follow-up. Intraluminal stenosis and dysphagia were significantly improved in another two patients.

Conclusions Mucosal autografting can achieve esophageal re-epithelialization, inhibit undesired fibrosis, prevent restenosis, and promote functional regeneration.
Naturheilkundliche Behandlung der rheumatoiden Arthritis
Authors: Dorstewitz Hartmut
Published: June 2018

Die systemische komplementäre Therapie bei rheumatoider Arthritis setzt u. a. auf Ausleitung, Schmerzlinderung und Knorpelaufbau. Bewährt haben sich Heilpflanzen wie Brennnessel, Weidenrinde und Afrikanische Teufelskralle, aber auch Weihrauch in Kombination mit Myrrhe.

Weitere Optionen bieten Injektionstherapien, Eigenblutbehandlungen, die Ozon-Sauerstoff-Therapie, aber auch Enzympräparate sowie eine mikrobiologische Therapie bei Darmflorastörungen.

Einfach durchführbare lokale Kälte- und Wärmeanwendungen unterstützen die systemische Therapie, indem sie Schmerzen und andere Entzündungszeichen lindern.
Parodontitis: Mit der Ernährung die Therapie unterstützen
Authors: März Henrike
Published: June 2018

Reichlich Antioxidantien, entzündungshemmende Fettsäuren und Mineralien
Betrixaban: Impact on Routine and Specific Coagulation Assays—A Practical Laboratory Guide
Authors: Siriez Romain , Evrard Jonathan , Dogné Jean-Michel , Pochet Lionel , Gheldof Damien , Chatelain Bernard , Mullier François , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: June 2018

Introduction Betrixaban is a novel direct oral factor Xa inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in adult patients hospitalized for an acute illness at risk for thromboembolic complications. Assessment of the anti-coagulant effect of betrixaban may be useful in some situations. Also, clinicians need to know how routine coagulation assays are influenced.

Objective The aim of this study is to determine which coagulation assay(s) should be used to assess the impact of betrixaban on haemostasis and provide laboratory guidance for their interpretation.

Materials and Methods Betrixaban was spiked at final concentrations ranging from 0 to 250 ng/mL in platelet-poor plasma. Different reagents from several manufacturers were tested and the impact of betrixaban on pro-thrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), dilute Russel viper venom time (dRVV-T), chromogenic anti-Xa assays, thrombin generation assay (TGA), and a large panel of haemostasis diagnostic tests has been assessed.

Results A concentration-dependent prolongation of aPTT, PT and dRVV-T is observed. The sensitivity mainly depends on the reagent. Chromogenic anti-Xa assays show high sensitivity depending on the reagent and/or the methodology. These assays applicable for other direct factor Xa inhibitors have to be adapted to obtain a relevant range of measurement. TGA may also be attractive to assess the anti-coagulant activity of betrixaban.

Conclusion Adapted chromogenic anti-Xa assays are the most appropriate assays to estimate the concentration of betrixaban. Betrixaban significantly affects several haemostasis diagnostic tests and this needs to be taken into consideration when requesting and interpreting such tests.
Malignant Subdural Hematoma Associated with High-Grade Meningioma
Authors: Teramoto Shinichiro , Tsunoda Akira , Kawamura Kaito , Sugiyama Natsuki , Saito Rikizo , Maruki Chikashi
Published: June 2018

A 70-year-old man, who had previously undergone surgical resection of left parasagittal meningioma involving the middle third of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) two times, presented with recurrence of the tumor. We performed removal of the tumor combined with SSS resection as Simpson grade II. After tumor removal, since a left dominant bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) appeared, it was treated by burr hole surgery. However, because the CSDH rapidly and repeatedly recurred and eventually changed to acute subdural hematoma, elimination of the hematoma with craniotomy was accomplished. The patient unfortunately died of worsening of general condition despite aggressive treatment. Histopathology of brain autopsy showed invasion of anaplastic meningioma cells spreading to the whole outer membrane of the subdural hematoma. Subdural hematoma is less commonly associated with meningioma. Our case indicates the possibility that subdural hematoma associated with meningioma is formed by a different mechanism from those reported previously.
Correlation between Regional Cerebral Saturation and Invasive Cardiac Index Monitoring after Heart Transplantation Surgery
Authors: Hornik Christoph , Cheifetz Ira , Lodge Andrew , Ofori-Amanfo George , Al-Subu Awni
Published: June 2018

The present study assessed the correlations between cerebral regional saturation detected by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and cardiac index (CI) measured by pulmonary artery catheter. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the cardiac intensive care unit in a tertiary care children's hospital. Patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent heart transplantation and had a pulmonary artery catheter on admission to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit between January, 2010, and August, 2013, were included. There were no interventions. A total of 10 patients were included with median age of 14 years (range, 7–17). Indications for transplantation were dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 9) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (n = 1). Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), cerebral regional tissue saturation (rSO2), and CI were recorded hourly for 8 to 92 hours post-transplantation. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between SvO2 and cerebral rSO2 and between CI and cerebral rSO2. A total of 410 data points were collected. Median, 25th and 75th percentiles of cerebral rSO2, CI, and SvO2 were 65% (54–69), 2.9 L/min/m2 (2.2–4.0), and 75% (69–79), respectively. The correlation coefficient between cerebral rSO2 and CI was 0.104 (p = 0.034) and that for cerebral rSO2 and SvO2 was 0.11 (p = 0.029). The correlations between cerebral rSO2 and CI and between cerebral rSO2 and SvO2 were weak. Cerebral rSO2 as detected by NIRS may not be an accurate indicator of CI in critically ill patients.
Stapedotomie erfolgreich bei fortgeschrittener Otosklerose?
Authors: Neudert Marcus
Published: June 2018

Heining et al. Audiological outcome of stapes surgery for far advanced cochlear otosklerosis. J Laryngol Otol 2017; 131: 961–964

Die cochleäre Otosklerose ist eine seltene Erkrankung des Innenohres, die zu einer Verknöcherung der Haarzellen führt und die Homöostase der Lymphströme
negativ beeinflussen kann. Betroffene leiden unter Innenohrschwerhörigkeit, eine Therapie gilt als schwierig. Heining und Kolleginnen/Kollegen haben nun in
einer retrospektiven Studie untersucht, ob Patienten mit fortgeschrittener Otosklerose von einer Stapedotomie profitieren können.
Mössbauer-effect study of dynamic, magnetic, and electronic properties of C14 Laves phase Nb0.975Fe2.025
Authors: Żukrowski Jan , Dubiel Stanisław M.
Published: June 2018

C14 Laves phase Nb0.975Fe2.025 compound was investigated by means of the Mössbauer spectroscopy. Spectra were recorded in the temperature range of 5–300 K. Their analysis in terms of three sub-spectra yielded information on magnetic and lattice dynamical properties of Fe atoms regularly occupying 2a and 6h lattice sites and, excessively, 4f sites. No indication of magnetism was observed down to the temperature of T ≈ 60 K, and spectral parameters, viz., center shift, CS, and the main component of the electric field gradient, Vzz, behave regularly. In particular, analysis of CS(T) in terms of the Debye model yielded the following values of the Debye temperature, TD: 453(5) K for the site 6h, 544(10) K for the site 2a, 479(4) K for the weighted average over 6h and 2a sites, and 363(35) K for the site 4f. Below ∼60 K, anomalous behavior was observed: a broadening of the spectrum appeared indicating thereby a transition into a magnetic phase. Analysis of a temperature dependence of the hyperfine field, B, associated with the 6h and 2a sub-spectra yielded different values of the magnetic ordering temperature. The maximum values of the hyperfine field at 5 K, Bo, were 8.2 kGs and 3.3 kGs, for 6h and 2a, respectively. The Bo-values were used to estimate values of the underlying magnetic moments, μFe(6h) = 0.055–0.065 μB and μFe(2a) = 0.02–0.025 μB. Noteworthy, they are over one order of magnitude lower than those theoretically calculated. The CS and Vzz parameters showed anomalies in the magnetic phase, in particular the former exhibited a strong departure from the Debye model prediction testifying to a significant effect of magnetism on the lattice vibrations.
Improving low-accuracy protein structures using enhanced sampling techniques
Authors: Zang Tianwu , Ma Tianqi , Wang Qinghua , Ma Jianpeng
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we report results of using enhanced sampling and blind selection techniques for high-accuracy protein structural refinement. By combining a parallel continuous simulated tempering (PCST) method, previously developed by Zang et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 141, 044113 (2014)], and the structure based model (SBM) as restraints, we refined 23 targets (18 from the refinement category of the CASP10 and 5 from that of CASP12). We also designed a novel model selection method to blindly select high-quality models from very long simulation trajectories. The combined use of PCST-SBM with the blind selection method yielded final models that are better than initial models. For Top-1 group, 7 out of 23 targets had better models (greater global distance test total scores) than the critical assessment of structure prediction participants. For Top-5 group, 10 out of 23 were better. Our results justify the crucial position of enhanced sampling in protein structure prediction and refinement and demonstrate that a considerable improvement of low-accuracy structures is achievable with current force fields.
Widespread loss of intermediate soil horizons in urban landscapes
Authors: Herrmann Dustin L. , Schifman Laura A. , Shuster William D.
Published: June 2018

Significance

As societies move toward nature-based infrastructure to provide ecosystem services for sustainable urban environmental management, knowledge of urban soils remains a critical gap. An 11-city comparison of urban to reference preurban soil profiles revealed how urbanization modifies the presence and ordering of soil layers and its properties. Urban soils had fewer horizons than their preurban counterparts, with a predominant absence of intermediate B horizons. The loss of B horizons, which are not easily replaced, as they form over decades to millennia, can affect ecosystem functions, with potentially wide-ranging consequences for ecosystem services in cities.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates ependymal cell development and adult homeostasis
Authors: Xing Liujing , Anbarchian Teni , Tsai Jonathan M. , Plant Giles W. , Nusse Roeland
Published: June 2018

Significance

Little is known about the cellular origin and the molecular signals that regulate spinal cord ependymal cells. In this report, we characterize Wnt-responsive progenitor cells throughout spinal cord development, showing that they are restricted to the dorsal midline and give rise to dorsal ependymal cells in a spatially restricted pattern. In the postnatal and adult spinal cord, ependymal cells continue to exhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, which promotes ependymal cell proliferation. This is demonstrated by the genetic elimination of β-catenin and inhibition of Wnt secretion in Wnt-activated ependymal cells in vivo, which result in impaired proliferation. Our results thus reveal the molecular signals underlying the formation and regulation of spinal cord ependymal cells.
Genetics of alternative splicing evolution during sunflower domestication
Authors: Smith Chris C. R. , Tittes Silas , Mendieta J. Paul , Collier-zans Erin , Rowe Heather C. , Rieseberg Loren H. , Kane Nolan C.
Published: June 2018

Significance

Alternative splicing is a form of genetic regulation that enables the production of multiple proteins from a single gene. This study is one of the first to investigate variation in alternative splicing during a major evolutionary transition. We analyzed RNA from wild and domesticated sunflowers to examine differentiation in splice patterns during domestication. We identified divergent splice forms that may be involved in seed development, a major target of selection during domestication. Genetic mapping revealed that relatively few regulatory switches affecting many proteins have been altered in domesticated sunflowers. Our findings indicate that differences in splicing arose rapidly during a recent evolutionary transition and appear to contribute to adaptation and population divergence.
Radical right framing of social policy in Hungary: between nationalism and populism
Authors: Lugosi Nicole VT
Published: June 2018

The populist radical right (PRR) is increasingly associated with welfare chauvinism, but the literature mainly focuses on Western and Northern European cases. Turning attention to Central Eastern Europe, this article investigates how PRR parties in Hungary frame welfare issues in five social policy areas from 2010 to 2016. This is done through a critical frame analysis applied to party manifestos and State of the Nation speeches by the Fidesz and Jobbik parties. Special care is taken to delineate the interlocking but not interchangeable concepts of nationalism and populism, as recent research asserts this distinction is often overlooked. The main findings are threefold: First, these parties articulate their positions chiefly through nationalist rather than populist framing; Second, while Hungary's PRR exhibits welfare chauvinist framing similar to Western and Northern Europe, a main difference detected was the role of the communist legacy; Third, beyond the article's original goals, the findings revealed a strong connection between nationalist framing and the role of gender, suggesting that the two are not mutually exclusive.
Electrical recordings of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Tsai Chen-Wei , Tsai Ming-Feng
Published: June 2018

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter is a multisubunit Ca2+ channel that mediates mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, a cellular process crucial for the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation, intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and apoptosis. In the last few years, genes encoding uniporter proteins have been identified, but a lack of efficient tools for electrophysiological recordings has hindered quantitative analysis required to determine functional mechanisms of this channel complex. Here, we redirected Ca2+-conducting subunits (MCU and EMRE) of the human uniporter to the plasma membrane of Xenopus oocytes. Two-electrode voltage clamp reveals inwardly rectifying Ca2+ currents blocked by a potent inhibitor, Ru360 (half maximal inhibitory concentration, ~4 nM), with a divalent cation conductivity of Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Ba2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+. Patch clamp recordings further reveal macroscopic and single-channel Ca2+ currents sensitive to Ru360. These electrical phenomena were abolished by mutations that perturb MCU-EMRE interactions or disrupt a Ca2+-binding site in the pore. Altogether, this work establishes a robust method that enables deep mechanistic scrutiny of the uniporter using classical strategies in ion channel electrophysiology.