bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mammalian Toxicity Testing of Semilinear and Branched Alcohol Ethoxylates
Authors: Maurer Laura L. , Kung Ming H.
Published: July 2020

Alcohol ethoxylates (AE) are commonly used nonionic surfactants with widespread adoption in consumer and industrial applications. The toxicology profile of this general class of molecules has been extensively reported previously. This report serves to make accessible previously unpublished toxicological data from 59 toxicology studies on AE produced from branched and semilinear alcohols produced by ExxonMobil, with alcohol backbones ranging from C9 to C15. Information on acute oral toxicity, acute dermal toxicity, genetic toxicity, skin irritation, eye irritation, skin sensitization, and oral repeat‐dose toxicity are presented here. These data significantly enrich the database on the toxicity of branched AE and support that the degree of branching presents no unique toxicological hazards in relation to that of semilinear AE in this report, as well as in comparison with similar data published on a range of linear, semilinear, and branched AE.
Clinical significance of SLN benign capsular nevi in patients with melanoma
Authors: Yamashita Thomas S. , Pockaj Barbara A. , Bagaria Sanjay P. , Flotte Thomas J. , Fahy Aodhnait S. , de Azevedo Rafael U. , Harmsen William S. , Block Matthew S. , Jakub James W.
Published: July 2020

Background

Benign capsular nevi (BCN) are not infrequent in sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) of patients with melanoma. Their prognostic significance is unknown and the literature is limited. This study evaluated the clinical significance of incidentally found BCN in these patients.

Methods

A multi‐institutional retrospective review of patients undergoing SLN biopsy for cutaneous melanoma between 2000 and 2016. Patients were divided into the following groups: (a) negative SLN and no BCN, (b) negative SLN and presence of BCN, (c) positive SLN seen only on immunohistochemistry (IHC), and (d) positive SLN via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Outcomes measured were overall survival and any recurrence.

Results

A total of 1253 patients were identified (group 1 = 978, group 2 = 56, group 3 = 32, and group 4 = 187). Fifty‐seven percent were male and the mean age was 59.3 years. BCN was identified in 77 patients (6.2%), of which the majority was in the node‐negative group (72%). Multivariable analysis showed that BCN was associated with lower recurrence rates, though not statistically significant (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.5; P = .06). IHC‐ and H&E‐positive SLNs were associated with a higher risk of recurrence (HR = 2.4; P = .02 and 2.0, P < .0001, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with BCN and negative SLN had lower recurrence rates than patients with negative SLN and no BCN. Our data suggest a possible protective effect against recurrence.
Potential influence of microorganisms on the corrosion of carbon steel in the French high‐ and intermediate‐level long‐lived radioactive waste disposal context
Authors: Diler Erwan , Leblanc Vanessa , Gueuné Hervé , Larché Nicolas , Deydier Valerie , Linard Yannick , Crusset Didier , Thierry Dominique
Published: July 2020

In the context of the high‐level radioactive waste disposal CIGEO, the corrosion rate due to microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) has to be evaluated. In France, it is envisaged to dispose of high‐ and intermediate‐level long‐lived radioactive waste at a depth of 500 m in a deep geological disposal, drilled in the Callovo‐Oxfordian claystone (Cox) formation. To do so, a carbon steel casing will be inserted inside disposal cells, which are horizontal tunnels drilled in the Cox. A specific cement grout will be injected between the carbon steel casing and the claystone. A study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of MIC on carbon steel in the foreseeable high radioactive waste disposal. The corrosiveness of various environments was investigated at 50°C and 80°C with or without microorganisms enriched from samples of Andra's underground research laboratory. The monitoring of corrosion during the experiments was ensured using gravimetric method and real‐time corrosion monitoring using sensors based on the measurements of the electrical resistance. The corrosion data were completed with microbiological analyses including cultural and molecular characterizations.
A high‐linearity Ka‐band CMOS down‐conversion mixer
Authors: Byeon Chul Woo , Lee Sang Ho , Lee Jeong Ho , Son Ju Ho
Published: July 2020

This article presents a high‐linearity Ka‐band complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) down‐conversion mixer. The mixer comprises an RF transconductance stage, switching stage, local oscillator buffer, and intermediate frequency (IF) buffer, and employs modified multiple gate transistors for high linearity. The intermodulation and gain characteristics are analyzed, revealing that the proposed IF buffer can enhance the linearity performance without a gain reduction. Implemented in 65‐nm CMOS technology, the proposed mixer consumes 23 mW and occupies a core chip area of 0.54 mm2. The mixer achieves a conversion gain of 9.3 to 11.1 dB, a noise figure of 8.4 to 9.2 dB, and an output third‐order intercept point of 15.6 to 23.6 dBm at an RF frequency of 37 to 41 GHz.
NMR study of dyadic and triadic splitting in copoly(arylene)phthalides based on diphenyl oxide and diphenyl sulfide
Authors: Kraikin Vladimir A. , Fatykhov Akhnef A. , Gileva Natalya G. , Kravchenko Alexey A. , Salazkin Sergey N.
Published: July 2020

All 13C NMR signals of the poly(arylene) polymers, O‐1, S‐7, OS‐4, OOS‐3, OOOS‐2, SSO‐5, and SSSO‐6 (where O is a diphenyleneoxiphthalide unit and S is a diphenylenethiophthalide unit) in dyads and triads were assigned unequivocally with two‐dimensional NMR techniques (ge‐2D [1H–1H] COSY, ge‐2D [1H–13C] HSQC, and ge‐2D [1H–13C] HMBC), and for each atom, the increments of the shifts are determined. For structurally similar carbon atoms of the phthalide cycle and heteroaromatic fragments of the skeletal chain, additive signal splitting schemes in phthalide centered dyads and in diphenylene oxide and in diphenylene sulfide centered triads are considered, based on taking into account the contributions to their shielding of adjacent and distant substituents. It was shown that the nature of the splitting of the signals of each of the 20 carbon atoms in 3,3‐bisphenylphthalide fragments is determined by the type of carbon atom (tertiary or quaternary, even or odd), the type of heteroatoms in adjacent heteroaromatic fragments, their distance from the identified carbon nucleus, and their polyad symmetry. The results obtained in this article will greatly facilitate our further studies and, in particular, will allow us to study the microstructure of statistical copolymers based on the asymmetric OS monomer at the dyad and triad levels.
Untangling the diffusion signal using the phasor transform
Authors: van Rijssel Michael J. , Froeling Martijn , van Lier Astrid L.H.M.W. , Verhoeff Joost J.C. , Pluim Josien P.W.
Published: July 2020

Separating the decay signal from diffusion‐weighted scans into two or more components can be challenging. The phasor technique is well established in the field of optical microscopy for visualization and separation of fluorescent dyes with different lifetimes. The use of the phasor technique for separation of diffusion‐weighted decay signals was recently proposed. In this study, we investigate the added value of this technique for fitting decay models and visualization of decay rates. Phasor visualization was performed in five glioblastoma patients. Using simulations, the influence of incorrect diffusivity values and of the number of b‐values on fitting a three‐component model with fixed diffusivities (dubbed “unmixing”) was investigated for both a phasor‐based fit and a linear least squares (LLS) fit. Phasor‐based intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) fitting was compared with nonlinear least squares (NLLS) and segmented fitting (SF) methods in terms of accuracy and precision. The distributions of the parameter estimates of simulated data were compared with those obtained in a healthy volunteer. In the phasor visualizations of two glioblastoma patients, a cluster of points was observed that was not seen in healthy volunteers. The identified cluster roughly corresponded to the enhanced edge region of the tumor of two glioblastoma patients visible on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. For fitting decay models the usefulness of the phasor transform is less pronounced, but the additional knowledge gained from the geometrical configuration of phasor space can aid fitting routines. This has led to slightly improved fitting results for the IVIM model: phasor‐based fitting yielded parameter maps with higher precision than the NLLS and SF methods for parameters f and D (interquartile range [IQR] for f: NLLS 27, SF 12, phasor 5.7%; IQR for D: NLLS 0.28, SF 0.18, phasor 0.10 μm2/s). For unmixing, LLS fitting slightly but consistently outperformed phasor‐based fitting in all of the tested scenarios.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the recovery locus of control (RLOC) Scale among patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Yuli , Kong Dong , Wang Wei , Zhu Yanhua , Liu Xiaoqin
Published: July 2020

Aim

To translate the RLOC Scale into Chinese and test its psychometric properties in the Chinese patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

A convenience sample of 233 patients with MI who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention and were ready for discharge were recruited in a level A tertiary hospital of Shandong Province from January 2019 to April 2019. Data were analysed using item analysis, internal consistency reliability and exploratory factor analysis.

Results

Two factors—external RLOC and internal RLOC—were extracted, accounting for 70.5% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha for the Chinese version of RLOC Scale was 0.80 and for the two factors was 0.92 and 0.76, respectively. The Chinese version of RLOC Scale showed satisfactory reliability and validity, which can be used to measure the ability of recovery locus of control in Chinese patients with MI.
The predictive role of marital satisfaction on the parental agreement
Authors: Vafaeenejad Zahra , Elyasi Forouzan , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Shahhosseini Zohreh
Published: July 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive role of marital satisfaction on similarities in parenting styles.

Design

The present cross‐sectional study was conducted on 617 Iranian father–mother dyads in 2018.

Methods

During a systematic sampling method, Afrooz Marital Satisfaction Scale and Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire were administered. The data were analysed using a t test, a chi‐square test, one‐way ANOVA and logistic regression.

Results

Results showed that 71.47% of the couples exhibited agreement in parenting styles and that 82.50% reared their children in an authoritative manner. The logistic regression indicated that increased marital satisfaction among fathers (AOR: 3.19; CI: 2.06, 4.92) and mothers (AOR: 2.74; CI: 1.76, 4.25) could elevate the odds of correspondence in parenting styles. The findings suggest that agreement on parenting styles should be considered when evaluating marital satisfaction in couples. Intervention targeting marital satisfaction to improve parental agreement is recommended.
Rethinking local institutional development in India: Theoretical perspectives and analysis of dairy cooperatives
Authors: Christie Neha
Published: July 2020

The quality of institutions indicates the level of economic development in the country. Institutions are a part of a system that is based on human interactions and that leads to the generation of incentives. These incentives can deal with uncertainties and foster economic, social, political growth, provided the human interactions are moderated well. This paper reflects on the strength of the interventionalist institutions like cooperatives in India and promotes institution building for a better future. The base of the paper focuses on the lessons learnt from dairy cooperatives in Gujarat state and discusses the current situation of the cooperatives and challenges faced by them. The cooperatives in India have been old institutions with a great history of success as also failures. Though there are various types of cooperatives in India, the dairy cooperatives have been able to gain more attention in the international market due to the Operation Floods I, II, and III. India has secured its position as one of the largest milk producers in the world. At present, India produces 20% of the total milk production in the world. This paper is a blend and analysis of theoretical perspectives and ground realities of the dairy cooperative sector in India. The paper follows theoretical perspectives from institutional theory to analyse the present scenario of dairy cooperatives in India. It addresses the gaps in the dairy cooperative development sector with an in‐depth analysis of ground realities and contributes to future policy formulation and interventions.
High‐efficiency single‐junction p‐i‐n GaAs solar cell on roll‐to‐roll epi‐ready flexible metal foils for low‐cost photovoltaics
Authors: Khatiwada Devendra , Favela Carlos A. , Sun Sicong , Zhang Chuanze , Sharma Sahil , Rathi Monika , Dutta Pavel , Galstyan Eduard , Belianinov Alex , Ievlev Anton V. , Pouladi Sara , Fedorenko Anastasiia , Ryou Jae‐Hyun , Hubbard Seth , Selvamanickam Venkat
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate the fabrication and characterization of high‐efficiency, single‐junction p‐i‐n GaAs solar cells, on flexible metal foil with epi‐ready buffer via roll‐to‐roll fabrication. Single‐junction p‐i‐n GaAs solar cells were fabricated using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). An efficiency greater than 13% was obtained at 1 sun, which is the highest reported efficiency on GaAs photovoltaics directly deposited on metal tapes. This exceeds our previously reported study showcasing 11.5% efficiency on single‐junction p‐n solar cell structure. Improved morphology of p‐i‐n structure compared with p‐n is explained by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and helium ion microscopy (HIM) measurements. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) analysis showed reduced Zn diffusion in p‐i‐n cell compared with the p‐n cell. We attribute the improvement in efficiency of p‐i‐n cells on flexible metal tapes to the quality of the junction, surface morphology, controlled diffusion of species within the active layers, and increase in absorption due to the optimized intrinsic layer thickness.
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry as a novel clinical imaging tool to detect asbestos fibres in malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Voloaca Oana M. , Greenhalgh Calum J. , Cole Laura M. , Clench Malcolm R. , Managh Amy J. , Haywood‐Small Sarah L.
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and incurable malignancy associated with prior exposure to asbestos fibres. Difficulties remain in relation to early diagnosis, notably due to impeded identification of asbestos in lung tissue. This study describes a novel laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) imaging approach to identify asbestos within mesothelioma models with clinical significance.

Methods

Human mesothelioma cells were exposed to different types of asbestos fibres and prepared on plastic slides for LA‐ICP‐MS analysis. No further sample preparation was required prior to analysis, which was performed using an NWR Image 266 nm laser ablation system coupled to an Element XR sector‐field ICP mass spectrometer, with a lateral resolution of 2 μm. Data was processed using LA‐ICP‐MS ImageTool v1.7 with the final graphic production made using DPlot software.

Results

Four different mineral fibres were successfully identified within the mesothelioma samples based on some of the most abundant elements that make up these fibres (Si, Mg and Fe). Using LA‐ICP‐MS as an imaging tool provided information on the spatial distribution of the fibres at cellular level, which is essential in asbestos detection within tissue samples. Based on the metal counts generated by the different types of asbestos, different fibres can be identified based on shape, size, and elemental composition. Detection of Ca was attempted but requires further optimisation.

Conclusions

Detection of asbestos fibres in lung tissues is very useful, if not necessary, to complete the pathological dt9iagnosis of asbestos‐related malignancies in the medicolegal field. For the first time, this study demonstrates the successful application of LA‐ICP‐MS imaging to identify asbestos fibres and other mineral fibres within mesothelioma samples. Ultimately, high‐resolution, fast‐speed LA‐ICP‐MS analysis has the potential to be integrated into clinical workflow to aid earlier detection and stratification of mesothelioma patient samples.
Determination of 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid and its intermediate vinylphosphonic acid from artificially ripened sapota fruit by modified dispersive solid‐phase extraction cleanup and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Vemula Madhu , Sreedashyam Haripriya , Shaikh Asif Sadiq , Upadhyayula Vijayasarathi
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Fruit is generally ripened after harvesting using artificial ripeners such as ethylene, calcium carbide, and ethephon (2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid), which can release some residues into the fruits. These residues must be within the maximum levels described in various international standards. The presence of the residues of artificial ripeners must be verified using sensitive and selective detection methods.

Methods

The residues of ethephon and vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) were extracted from the pulp of sapota fruit using acetone, and the extract was treated with MgSO4 to remove residual water. The extract was subjected to dispersive solid‐phase extraction cleanup using DSC‐6S sorbent and graphitized carbon black mix, and the cleaned sample was evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in ether containing diazomethane. The analytes were quantitatively identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

The developed method was observed to be linear in the concentration range of 1–5000 ng/g, and the limits of detection and quantification of the method were 1 and 2 ng/g, respectively, for both ethephon and VPA residues. The inter‐day and intra‐day precision was below 15%. The developed method was used for the quantification of ethephon residues from sapota fruit ripened with 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, and 10 000 mg/L solutions of ethephon, and ethephon residues were detected in the pulp samples up to a concentration of 5 ng/g. VPA residues were not detected in the fruit pulp; however, the washing solution of fruit ripened with a 10 000 mg/L ethephon solution showed VPA residues.

Conclusions

The validated method exhibited high sensitivity for the analytes with a limit of quantification of 2 ng/g, which is lower than the described maximum residue level of 0–5 μg/g. The ethephon residues were below the maximum residue limits in the pulp of sapota fruit ripened with ethephon solutions up to 10 000 mg/L concentration.
Evaluating a fishway reconstruction amidst fluctuating abundances
Authors: Holter Tobias H. , Myrvold Knut M. , Pulg Ulrich , Museth Jon
Published: July 2020

Fishways have traditionally been designed according to the capabilities of salmonids, but other species may be unable to navigate such structures. To improve passage for the entire local fish fauna in a cost‐effective manner, pool‐and‐weir fishways can be reconstructed to a hybrid vertical slot design. Here, we contrast a typical short‐term before‐after monitoring approach with a long term data series to assess whether we could document an effect of the reconstruction on the numbers and composition of species ascending the Høyegga fishway in the Glomma River, Norway. We found a significant difference in the species composition ascending the fishway before (2014–2015) and after (2016–2017) reconstruction. Species diversity increased and the combined number of fish ascending the fishway approximately doubled, largely driven by greater numbers of European grayling and European whitefish. However, the variance of the total number of fish and their relative composition found in the long‐term monitoring data (1985–2013) exceeded the range of values found in the apparent short‐term change. We could therefore not reliably attribute the changes to the reconstruction, as they could perceivably result from other, unexplained factors. Although diversity increased, we did find evidence that the fishway remained species‐selective after reconstruction. We conclude that although there have been improvements to passage in the fishway, the potential fish migration has not been restored.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated introduction of the sodium/iodide symporter gene enables noninvasive in vivo tracking of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ostrominski John W. , Yada Ravi Chandra , Sato Noriko , Klein Michael , Blinova Ksenia , Patel Dakshesh , Valadez Racquel , Palisoc Maryknoll , Pittaluga Stefania , Peng Kah-Whye , San Hong , Lin Yongshun , Basuli Falguni , Zhang Xiang , Swenson Rolf E. , Haigney Mark , Choyke Peter L. , Zou Jizhong , Boehm Manfred , Hong So Gun , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: July 2020

Techniques that enable longitudinal tracking of cell fate after myocardial delivery are imperative for optimizing the efficacy of cell-based cardiac therapies. However, these approaches have been underutilized in preclinical models and clinical trials, and there is considerable demand for site-specific strategies achieving long-term expression of reporter genes compatible with safe noninvasive imaging. In this study, the rhesus sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) gene was incorporated into rhesus macaque induced pluripotent stem cells (RhiPSCs) via CRISPR/Cas9. Cardiomyocytes derived from NIS-RhiPSCs (NIS-RhiPSC-CMs) exhibited overall similar morphological and electrophysiological characteristics compared to parental control RhiPSC-CMs at baseline and with exposure to physiological levels of sodium iodide. Mice were injected intramyocardially with 2 million NIS-RhiPSC-CMs immediately following myocardial infarction, and serial positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed with 18F-tetrafluoroborate to monitor transplanted cells in vivo. NIS-RhiPSC-CMs could be detected until study conclusion at 8 to 10 weeks postinjection. This NIS-based molecular imaging platform, with optimal safety and sensitivity characteristics, is primed for translation into large-animal preclinical models and clinical trials.
Nahm sums, quiver A-polynomials and topological recursion
Authors: Larraguível Hélder , Noshchenko Dmitry , Panfil Miłosz , Sułkowski Piotr
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We consider a large class ofq-series that have the structure of Nahm sums, or equivalently motivic generating series for quivers. First, we initiate a systematic analysis and classification of classical and quantum A-polynomials associated to suchq-series. These quantum quiver A-polynomials encode recursion relations satisfied by the above series, while classical A-polynomials encode asymptotic expansion of those series. Second, we postulate that those series, as well as their quantum quiver A-polynomials, can be reconstructed by means of the topological recursion. There is a large class of interesting quiver A-polynomials of genus zero, and for a number of them we confirm the above conjecture by explicit calculations. In view of recently found dualities, for an appropriate choice of quivers, these results have a direct interpretation in topological string theory, knot theory, counting of lattice paths, and related topics. In particular it follows, that various quantities characterizing those systems, such as motivic Donaldson-Thomas invariants, various knot invariants, etc., have the structure compatible with the topological recursion and can be reconstructed by its means.
Zero modes of local operators in 2d CFT on a cylinder
Authors: Dymarsky Anatoly , Pavlenko Kirill , Solovyev Dmitry
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Studies of Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis (ETH) in two-dimensional CFTs call for calculation of the expectation values of local operators in highly excited energy eigenstates. This can be done efficiently by representing zero modes of these operators in terms of the Virasoro algebra generators. In this paper we present a pedagogical introduction explaining how this calculation can be performed analytically or using computer algebra. We illustrate the computation of zero modes by a number of examples and list explicit expressions for all local operators from the vacuum family with the dimension of less or equal than eight. Finally, we derive an explicit expression for the quantum KdV generator Q7 in terms of the Virasoro algebra generators. The obtained results can be used for quantitative studies of ETH at finite value of central charge.
Improved recovery of temporal variations of the Earth’s gravity field from satellite kinematic orbits using an epoch-difference scheme
Authors: Guo Xiang , Ditmar Pavel , Zhao Qile , Xiao Yun
Published: July 2020

To monitor temporal variations of the Earth’s gravity field and mass transport in the Earth’s system, data from gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) satellite mission and its successor GRACE Follow-On (GFO) are used. To fill in the temporal gap between these missions, other satellites’ kinematic orbits derived from GPS-based high-low satellite-to-satellite tracking data may be considered. However, it is well known that kinematic orbits are highly sensitive to various systematic errors. These errors are responsible for a non-stationary noise in the kinematic orbits, which is difficult to handle. As a result, the quality of the obtained gravity field solutions is reduced. In this research, we propose to apply an epoch-difference (ED) scheme in the context of the classical dynamic approach to gravity field recovery. Compared to the traditional undifferenced (UD) scheme, the ED scheme is able to mitigate constant or slowly varying systematic errors. To demonstrate the added value of the ED scheme, three sets of monthly gravity field solutions produced from 6 years of GRACE kinematic orbits are compared: two sets produced in-house (with the ED and UD scheme), and a set produced with the undifferenced scheme in the frame of the short-arc approach (Zehentner and Mayer-Gürr in J Geodesy 90(3):275–286, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-015-0872-7). As a reference, we use state-of-the-art ITSG-Grace2018 monthly gravity field solutions. A comparison in the spectral domain shows that the gravity field solutions suffer from a lower noise level when the ED scheme is applied, particularly at low-degree terms, with cumulative errors up to degree 20 being reduced by at least 20%. In the spatial domain, the ED scheme notably reduces noise levels in the mass anomalies recovered. In addition, the signals in terms of mean mass anomalies in selected regions become closer to those inferred from ITSG-Grace2018 solutions, while showing no evidence of any damping, when the ED scheme is used. We conclude that the proposed ED scheme is preferable for time-varying gravity field modeling, as compared to the traditional UD scheme. Our findings may facilitate, among others, bridging the gap between GRACE and GFO satellite mission.
Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
Authors: Netzband Nige , Ruffell Simon , Linton S. , Tsang W. F. , Wolff T.
Published: July 2020

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originates from the Amazon basin, where it is used primarily for ceremonial purposes. Ayahuasca tourists are now entering certain communities seeking alternative physical or psychological healing, as well as spiritual growth.

Rationale

Recent evidence has shown that the similar acting psychedelic compound, psilocybin, facilitated long-term increases in trait openness following a single administration.

Objectives

This paper assesses the impact of ayahuasca on personality in a traditional framework catering for ayahuasca tourists.

Method

Within a mixed design, we examined the effect of ayahuasca on participants’ personality (measured by the NEO Personality Inventory 3 questionnaire) across time (pre- to post-ayahuasca administration, and 6-month follow-up), relative to a comparison group (who did not ingest ayahuasca).

Results

The results demonstrated significant increases in agreeableness pre- and post-ayahuasca administration and significant reductions in neuroticism in 24 participants, relative to the comparison group. Both of these changes were sustained at 6-month follow-up, and trait level increases were also observed in openness at this stage. Additionally, greater perceived mystical experience (measured using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire 30) was associated with increased reductions in neuroticism.

Conclusions

These findings, which indicate a positive mediating effect of ayahuasca on personality, support the growing literature suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for serotonergic psychedelics.
The “Balgrist Score” for evaluation of Charcot foot: a predictive value for duration of off-loading treatment
Authors: Berli Martin C. , Higashigaito Kai , Götschi Tobias , Pfirrmann Christian W. A. , Sutter Reto , Rosskopf Andrea B.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To develop a new magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scoring system for evaluation of active Charcot foot and to correlate the score with a duration of off-loading treatment ≥ 90 days.

Methods

An outpatient clinic database was searched retrospectively for MRIs of patients with active Charcot foot who completed off-loading treatment. Images were assessed by two radiologists (readers 1 and 2) and an orthopedic surgeon (reader 3). Sanders/Frykberg regions I–V were evaluated for soft tissue edema, bone marrow edema, erosions, subchondral cysts, joint destruction, fractures, and overall regional manifestation using a score according to degree of severity (0–3 points). Intraclass correlations (ICC) for interreader agreement and receiver operating characteristic analysis between MR findings and duration of off-loading-treatment were calculated.

Results

Sixty-five feet in 56 patients (34 men) with a mean age of 62.4 years (range: 44.5–85.5) were included. Region III (reader 1/reader 2: 93.6/90.8%) and region II (92.3/90.8%) were most affected. The most common findings in all regions were soft tissue edema and bone marrow edema. Mean time between MRI and cessation of off-loading-treatment was 150 days (range: 21–405). The Balgrist Score was defined in regions II and III using soft tissue edema, bone marrow edema, joint destruction, and fracture. Interreader agreement for Balgrist Score was excellent: readers 1/2: ICC 0.968 (95% CI: 0.948, 0.980); readers 1/2/3: ICC 0.856 (0.742, 0.917). A cutoff of ≥ 9.0 points in Balgrist Score (specificity 72%, sensitivity 66%) indicated a duration of off-loading treatment ≥ 90 days.

Conclusion

The Balgrist Score is a new MR scoring system for assessment of active Charcot foot with excellent interreader agreement. The Balgrist Score can help to identify patients with off-loading treatment ≥ 90 days.
Correction to: Barriers to Effective Transfusion Practices in Limited‐Resource Settings: From Infrastructure to Cultural Beliefs
Authors: Mohammed Alhassan Datti , Ntambwe Papytcho , Crawford Ana Maria
Published: July 2020

The article “Barriers to Effective Transfusion Practices in Limited‐Resource Settings: From Infrastructure to Cultural Beliefs”.
Anatomical basis of a safe mini-invasive technique for lengthening of the anterior gastrocnemius aponeurosis
Authors: Moroni Simone , Fernández-Gibello Alejandro , Nieves Gabriel Camunas , Montes Ruben , Zwierzina Marit , Vazquez Teresa , Garcia-Escudero Maria , Duparc Fabrice , Moriggl Bernhard , Konschake Marko
Published: July 2020

Background

The surgical procedure itself of lengthening the gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis is performed to treat multiple musculoskeletal, neurological and metabolical pathologies related to a gastro-soleus unit contracture such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, cerebral palsy, or diabetic foot ulcerations. Therefore, the aim of our research was to prove the effectiveness and safety of a new ultrasound-guided surgery-technique for the lengthening of the anterior gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis, the “GIAR”- technique: the gastrocnemius-intramuscular aponeurosis release.

Methods and results

An ultrasound-guided surgical GIAR on ten fresh-frozen specimens (10 donors, 8 male, 2 females, 5 left and 5 right) was performed. Exclusion criteria of the donated bodies to science were BMI above 35 (impaired ultrasound echogenicity), signs of traumas in the ankle and crural region, a history of ankle or foot ischemic vascular disorder, surgery or space-occupying mass lesions. The surgical procedures were performed by two podiatric surgeons with more than 6 years of experience in ultrasound-guided procedures. The anterior gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis was entirely transected in 10 over 10 specimens, with a mean portal length of 2 mm (± 1 mm). The mean gain at the ankle joint ROM after the GIAR was 7.9° (± 1.1°). No damages of important anatomical structures could be found.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that our novel ultrasound-guided surgery for the lengthening of the anterior gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis (GIAR) might be an effective and safe procedure.
Risk adapted diagnostics and hospitalization following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Leitner Lukas , El-Shabrawi Jasmin Helena , Bratschitsch Gerhard , Eibinger Nicolas , Klim Sebastian , Leithner Andreas , Puchwein Paul
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of hospital admission and mortality, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) presents a severe complication. Low complication tolerance in developed countries and risk uncertainty, often cause excessive observation, diagnostics and hospitalization, considered unnecessary and expensive. Risk factors predicting ICH, progression and death in patients hospitalized with mild TBI have not been identified yet.

Methods

Mild TBI cases indicated for cranial computer tomography (CT) and hospitalization, according to international guidelines, at our Level I Trauma Center between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively included. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for ICH, progression and mortality predictors.

Results

1788 mild TBI adults (female: 44.3%; age at trauma: 58.0 ± 22.7), were included. Skull fracture was diagnosed in 13.8%, ICH in 46.9%, ICH progression in 10.6%. In patients < 35 years with mild TBI, chronic alcohol consumption (p = 0.004) and skull fracture (p < 0.001) were significant ICH risk factors, whilst in patients between 35 and 65 years, chronic alcohol consumption (p < 0.001) and skull fracture (p < 0.001) revealed as significant ICH predictors. In patients with mild TBI > 65 years, age (p = 0.009), anticoagulation (p = 0.007) and neurocranial fracture (p < 0.001) were significant, independent risk factors for ICH, whilst increased age (p = 0.01) was a risk factor for mortality following ICH in mild TBI. Late-onset ICH only occurred in mild TBI cases with at least two of these risk factors: age > 65, anticoagulation, neurocranial fracture. Overall hospitalization could have been reduced by 15.8% via newly identified low-risk cases.

Conclusions

Age, skull fracture and chronic alcohol abuse require vigilant observation. Repeated CT in initially ICH negative cases should only be considered in newly identified high-risk patients. Non-ICH cases aged < 65 years do not gain safety from observation or hospitalization. Recommendations from our data might, without impact on patient safety, reduce costs by unnecessary hospitalization and diagnostics.
Simultaneous ipsilateral nephrectomy during kidney transplantation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a matched pair analysis of 193 consecutive cases
Authors: Jänigen Bernd Martin , Hempel Johann , Holzner Philipp , Schneider Johanna , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Thomusch Oliver , Neeff Hannes , Pisarski Przemyslaw , Glatz Torben
Published: July 2020

Background

In end-stage renal transplant recipients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the imperative, optimal timing, and technique of native nephrectomy remains under discussion. The Freiburg Transplant Center routinely performs a simultaneous ipsilateral nephrectomy.

Methods

From April 1998 to May 2017, we retrospectively analyzed 193 consecutive ADPKD recipients, receiving per protocol simultaneous ipsilateral nephrectomy and compared morbidity, mortality, and outcome with 193 non-ADPKD recipients of a matched pair control.

Results

The incidence of surgical complications was similar with respect to severe medical, surgical, urological, vascular, and wound-related complications as well as reoperation rates and 30-day mortality. Intraoperative blood transfusions were required more often in the ADPKD (22.8%) compared with the control group (6.7%; p < 0.0001). Early postoperative urinary tract infections occurred more frequent (ADPKD 40.4%/control 29.0%; p = 0.0246). Time of surgery was prolonged by 30 min (ADPKD 169 min; 95%CI 159.8–175.6 min/control 139 min; 95%CI 131.4–145.0 min; p < 0.0001). One-year patient (ADPKD 96.4%/control 95.8%; p = 0.6537) and death-censored graft survival (ADPKD 94.8%/control 93.7%; p = 0.5479) were comparable between both groups.

Conclusions

With respect to morbidity and mortality, per protocol, simultaneous native nephrectomy is a safe procedure. Especially in asymptomatic ADPKD KTx recipients, the number of total operations can be reduced and residual diuresis preserved up until transplantation. In living donation, even preemptive transplantation is possible.
Z-score values of left ventricular dimensions in adolescent elite male soccer players
Authors: Gerling Stephan , Pollinger Tobias , Michel Holger , Dechant Markus-Johann , Melter Michael , Krutsch Werner
Published: July 2020

Recent studies showed contrasting findings in morphological changes due to competitive soccer in adolescent players (SP). We present a prospective study in 315 consecutive adolescent (10–14 years) male elite SP and 53 healthy matched active controls (CON). All participants underwent a complete transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography (TTE). The mean age in SP was 12.8 ± 0.65 years compared to 12.6 ± 0.8 years in CON. For all left ventricular (LV) dimensions, mean Z-score values were higher in SP. There was a significant Z-score increase in interventricular septum diastolic diameter (2.47z vs. 1.62z, p < 0.05), left ventricular posterior wall diastolic and systolic diameter (1.15z vs. 0.47z, p < 0.05 and 1.05z vs. − 0.4z, p < 0.05). Athletes had significant greater LV mass indexed for BSA (94 ± 12 g/m2 vs. 81 ± 13 g/m2, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in LV function or diameters.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that elite soccer training in adolescent male is a type of sport predominantly related to cardiac resistance remodeling. Adolescent SP may develop supernormal left ventricular wall dimensions (+ 2.0 to + 2.5z). If in SP Z-scores, any LV dimension above + 2.5 is measured, primary or secondary cardiomyopathies should be excluded.

What is Known:• Morphological cardiac adaptation in response to exercise depends on the type, duration, and intensity of training.• Morphological and functional changes due to competitive sports (athlete’s heart) occur even in pre-adolescent athletes.

What is New:• Our findings point out that German elite soccer training in adolescent male (10–14 years of age) is a type of sport predominantly related to cardiac resistance remodeling.• If in an adolescent competitive soccer player any LV dimension Z-score value above + 2.5 is measured, a primary or secondary cardiomyopathy should be excluded.
Efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibodies in NSCLC patients with an EGFR mutation and high PD-L1 expression
Authors: Masuda Ken , Horinouchi Hidehito , Tanaka Midori , Higashiyama Ryoko , Shinno Yuki , Sato Jun , Matsumoto Yuji , Okuma Yusuke , Yoshida Tatsuya , Goto Yasushi , Yamamoto Noboru , Ohe Yuichiro
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Several studies have demonstrated that non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLCs) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations have poor clinical outcomes in response to treatment with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors. However, it remains unclear whether EGFR-mutated NSCLCs with a high programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression (tumor proportion score ≥ 50%) respond to PD-1 inhibitors.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the NSCLCs who had received PD-1 inhibitors between January 2016 and December 2018 to assess the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with an EGFR mutation and high PD-L1 expression.

Results

There were 153 patients with a high PD-L1 expression level, and the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 5.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–12.4 months] in the patients with EGFR mutations (n = 17) and 8.3 months (95% CI 6.0–11.7 months) in those with wild-type EGFR (n = 136; hazard ratio (HR) 1.62; 95% CI 0.83–2.87). Among the 110 patients in the low PD-L1 expression group, the mPFS was 1.6 months (95% CI 1.3–5.9 months) in the patients with EGFR mutations (n = 18) and 3.8 months (95% CI 2.5–5.9 months) in those with wild-type EGFR (n = 92; HR 2.59; 95% CI 1.48–4.31). The HR for PFS in the group with EGFR mutations and high PD-L1 expression was 0.97 (95% CI 0.56–1.59) compared to the group with wild-type EGFR and low PD-L1 expression.

Conclusions

PD-1 inhibitors can serve as one of the treatment options for NSCLCs with an EGFR mutation and high PD-L1 expression.
Range expansion and reproduction of the ectoparasitic deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) in its novel host, the Arctic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), in Finland
Authors: Kynkäänniemi Sanna-Mari , Kortet Raine , Laaksonen Sauli
Published: July 2020

The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is a harmful ectoparasite that emerged in the reindeer herding area of Finland in 2006. To understand the current range and the intensity of infestations on its novel reindeer host, we studied deer ked pupae collected from reindeer and moose bedding sites and conducted a questionnaire survey among the managers of 18 reindeer herding cooperatives in the southern part of the reindeer herding area. Our study confirmed that the deer ked can survive and successfully reproduce on reindeer through winter and that flying deer keds had been observed in reindeer wintering areas during several autumns in twelve cooperatives. The pupae originating from reindeer were smaller and showed lower hatching rates than the pupae from moose. The present results indicate that the range of the deer ked infestations on reindeer in Finland expanded during the recent 5 years, now reaching 14 cooperatives and bordering an area south of approximately 66° N 25° E in the west and 65° N 29° E east.
Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders in neurosurgery: a systematic review
Authors: Lavé Alexandre , Gondar Renato , Demetriades Andreas K. , Meling Torstein R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a growing and probably undervalued concern for neurosurgeons and spine surgeons, as they can impact their quality of life and career length. This systematic review aims to ascertain this association and to search for preventive measures.

Methods

We conducted a PRISMA-P-based review on ergonomics and WMSDs in neurosurgery over the last 15 years. Twelve original articles were included, of which 6 focused on spine surgery ergonomics, 5 cranio-facial surgery (mainly endoscopic), and one on both domains.

Results

We found a huge methodological and content diversity among studies with 5 surveys, 3 cross-sectional studies, 2 retrospective cohorts, and 2 technical notes. Spine surgeons have sustained neck flexion and neglect their posture during surgery. In a survey, low back pain was found in 62% of surgeons, 31% of them with a diagnosed lumbar disc herniation, and 23% of surgery rate. Pain in the neck (59%), shoulder (49%), finger (31%), and wrist (25%) are more frequent than in the general population. Carpal tunnel syndrome showed a linear relationship with increasing cumulative hours of spine surgery practice. Among cranial procedures, endoscopy was also significantly related to shoulder pain while pineal region surgery received some attempts to optimize ergonomics.

Conclusions

Ergonomics in neurosurgery remains underreported and lack attention from surgeons and authorities. Improvements shall target postural ergonomics, equipment design, weekly schedule adaptation, and exercise.
Some remarks to the derivation of the “generalized Lippmann equation”
Authors: Láng Gyözö G.
Published: July 2020

In the present communication, an attempt is made to demonstrate (once again) some of the problems with the derivation of the “generalized Lippmann equation” considered to be valid by many researchers for solid electrodes and to address the problems in the framework of the Gibbs model of the interface by using only the basic principles of thermodynamics. By surveying the relevant literature, it has been shown that during the derivation of the equation, it was completely ignored that the Gibbs-Duhem equation (i.e., the electrocapillary equation) is a mathematical consequence which follows directly from the homogeneous degree one property of the corresponding thermodynamic potential function; consequently, the resulting expression cannot be correct. Some alternative approaches have also been considered. The adequacy of the open system and the partly closed system approach has been critically discussed, together with the possibility of introducing new thermodynamic potential functions.
HDAC6/HNF4α loop mediated by miR-1 promotes bile acids-induced gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Wang Na , Chen Min , Ni Zhen , Li Ting , Zeng Jiaoxia , Lu Guofang , Wang Jiaojiao , Zhang Jian , Wu Siran , Shi Yongquan
Published: July 2020

Background

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is considered a precancerous lesion, and bile acids (BA) play a critical role in the induction of IM. Ectopic expression of HNF4α was observed in a BA-induced IM cell model. However, the mechanisms underlying the upregulation of the protein in IM cells remains to be elucidated.

Methods

The effects of HNF4α on gastric mucosal cells in vivo were identified by a transgenic mouse model and RNA-seq was used to screen downstream targets of deoxycholic acid (DCA). The expression of pivotal molecules and miR-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in normal, gastritis and IM tissue slides or microarrays. The transcriptional regulation of HDAC6 was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

The transgenic mouse model validated that HNF4α stimulated the HDAC6 expression and mucin secretion in gastric mucosa. Increased HDAC6 and HNF4α expression was also detected in the gastric IM cell model and patient specimens. HNF4α could bind to and activate HDAC6 promoter. In turn, HDAC6 enhanced the HNF4α protein level in GES-1 cells. Furthermore, miR-1 suppressed the expression of downstream intestinal markers by targeting HDAC6 and HNF4α.

Conclusions

Our findings show that the HDAC6/HNF4α loop regulated by miR-1 plays a critical role in gastric IM. Blocking the activation of this loop could be a potential approach to preventing BA-induced gastric IM or even gastric cancer (GC).