bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rifampin-divalproex drug-drug interaction in an adult patient: A case report
Authors: Doran Christine , Moro Michael , Green Jennifer , Gardner Kristen N.
Published: January 2021

The divalproex (DVP) package insert states that rifampin may increase the oral clearance of valproate by 40% and that valproic acid derivative dose adjustments may be required when starting or stopping rifampin. However, the overall clinical significance of this drug-drug interaction remains unclear given that limited clinical outcome data has been published. This case describes a 52-year-old female with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD who was previously stable on a medication regimen consisting of DVP delayed-release 500 mg every morning and 1500 mg every evening (baseline steady-state trough 99.8 mcg/mL). Throughout rifampin therapy for latent tuberculosis treatment, she required an increase in both the frequency of DVP administration, from 2 to 3 times daily, and DVP dose by 75% to maintain clinical stability. Valproic acid trough concentrations ranged from 56.4 to 75.9 mcg/mL during the 4-month course of rifampin. This report supports that the DVP-rifampin interaction may be clinically significant and of a greater magnitude than suggested by the package insert.
Analysis: Controlled drinking approach comparably effective to abstinence
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2021

Philosophical arguments abound over whether controlled drinking (CD) approaches to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) work, and which individuals they might work best for, but in many cases these discussions have not been grounded in concrete data. Researchers last November published a meta‐analysis that seeks to fill the knowledge gap, with their results suggesting that CD could be as effective as an abstinence‐based model for many patients.
Formation of branched polyethylenes by ethylene homopolymerization using LNiBr2 homo‐ and heterogeneous precatalysts: Interpretation of the polymer structures in comparison with commercial LLDPE
Authors: Matsko Mikhail A. , Semikolenova Nina V. , Zakharov Vladimir A. , Soshnikov Igor E. , Shundrina Inna K. , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: January 2021

Comparative data on the micro‐structures and properties of branched polyethylenes (BPE) produced via ethylene homopolymerization over homogeneous N,N‐α‐diimine LNiBr2 complexes with different ligand composition (AlEt2Cl as a cocatalyst) and corresponding supported catalysts LNiBr2/SiO2(Al) (Al[iso‐Bu]3 as a cocatalyst) are presented. Noticeable differences were observed between micro‐structures of BPEs obtained using homo‐ and heterogeneous LNiBr2 complexes as catalysts. Supported catalysts produce BPEs with the majority of methyl branches (17–18 CH3(1000 C)−1 characterized by different molecular masses (1800–210 kg mol−1) and molecular weight distributions (Mw[Mn]−1 = 5.9 and 2.6). Thermal and mechanical properties of these BPE samples obtained over supported Ni catalysts are similar to those of commercial LLDPE samples prepared with metallocene and Ziegler‐Natta catalysts.
Preoperative undernutrition predicts postoperative complications of acute empyema
Authors: Sakai Takashi , Sano Atsushi , Azuma Yoko , Koezuka Satoshi , Otsuka Hajime , Shimizu Hiroshige , Kishi Kazuma , Iyoda Akira
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Surgery for acute empyema is associated with postoperative complications and relapse. Establishing a predictor for postoperative complications may improve prognosis.

Objectives

To demonstrate undernutrition as a predictor of complications after surgery for acute empyema.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 52 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for acute empyema from 2004 to 2019 and validated the correlation of undernutrition with serum albumin level, patient characteristics, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Results

The median preoperative serum albumin level was 2.4 g/dL (range: 1.1‐3.4). The levels in all patients were lower than the standard value (3.5 g/dL). Patients were divided into two groups based on the median serum albumin levels: the low serum albumin level group (group L, n = 28) and the high serum albumin level group (group H, n = 24). Group L patients were significantly older (64.5 vs 52.9 years, P = .002), had lower median body mass index (21.0 vs 24.2, P = .008), and significantly had Streptococcus anginosus group as the causative bacteria (50% vs 21%, P = .044). Their hospitalization duration was significantly longer (28.1 vs 14.8 days, P < .001), and postoperative complications were significant or tended to be more frequent (all incidence; 11 (39%) vs 2 (8%), P = .012, respiratory‐related; 7 (25%) vs 1 (4%), P = .056) in group L. Further analyses revealed that other undernutrition indicators also correlated with postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Preoperative serum albumin level is a valid predictor of complications after surgery for acute empyema. Preoperative nutrition management for empyema patients may reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications.
Factors influencing the ability to honour debt repayment obligations by Governments in Africa
Authors: Abotsi Anselm K.
Published: January 2021

The debt overhang in the 1990s among African countries significantly constrained fiscal space and had a devastating effect on economic development. With the current rising levels of public debt, this study seeks to explore the factors that influence the ability of governments to honour their debt repayment obligations. The study used secondary data from the World Development Indicators and World Economic Outlook. The frequency of the data is annual from 1980 to 2019. The fixed and random effects panel data estimation technique was deployed. Deploying fixed and random panel data estimation techniques while controlling for other variables, the study shows that government gross debt and total investment have a positive influence on the ability to honour debt repayment obligations while government expenditure and current account balance have a negative influence. Prudent government expenditure, financing of productive public investment, and implementation of export‐oriented policies are recommended.
Building youth leadership skills and community awareness: Engagement of rural youth with a community‐based leadership program
Authors: T. Puxley Shane , Chapin Laurie A.
Published: January 2021

Aims

Community leadership programs have the potential to positively impact many aspects of young people's development, as well as the community. This study, therefore, aims to understand the experiences of the young people, particularly rural youth, involved with the Western Bulldogs Youth Leadership Project (WBYLP), a 7‐month program for Year‐9 and Year‐10 students, and if the developmental assets are a good framework to inform future program development.

Method

A transformative mixed‐methods design was used and included surveys with 96 participants at two time points, and semistructured interviews with eight participants.

Results

Quantitatively leadership significantly increased, particularly due to increases in the domains of understanding self and decision‐making skills. Social competencies increased, though total developmental assets did not. Interviews identified four primary themes: Perspective taking, self‐efficacy, community awareness, and decreased isolation.

Conclusions

These results indicate that participants developed both individual skills relating to leadership and social skills. The participants also developed their awareness of the issues in their community.
UV‐B tolerances of conidia, blastospores, and microsclerotia of Metarhizium spp. entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Corval Amanda R. C. , Mesquita Emily , Corrêa Thaís A. , Silva Cárita de S. R. , Bitencourt Ricardo de O. B. , Fernandes Éverton K. K. , Bittencourt Vânia R. E. P. , Roberts Donald W. , Gôlo Patrícia S.
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study was to analyze ten native Metarhizium spp. isolates as to their UV‐B tolerances. Comparisons included: different fungal propagules (conidia, blastospores, or microsclerotia [MS]); conidia in aqueous suspensions or in 10% mineral oil‐in‐water emulsions; and conidia mixed with different types of soil. The UV‐B effect was expressed as the germination of conidia or culturability of blastospores and MS relative to nongerminated propagules. Metarhizium anisopliae LCM S05 exhibited high tolerance as blastospores and/or MS, but not as conidia; LCM S10 and LCM S08 had positive results with MS or conidia but not blastospores. The formulations with 10% mineral oil did not always protect Metarhizium conidia against UV‐B. Conidia of LCM S07, LCM S08, and LCM S10 exhibited the best results when in aqueous suspensions, 24 h after UV‐B exposure. In general, conidia mixed with soil and exposed to UV‐B yielded similar number of colony forming units as conidia from unexposed soil, regardless the soil type. It was not possible to predict which type of propagule would be the most UV‐B tolerant for each fungal isolate; in conclusion, many formulations and propagule types should be investigated early in the development of new fungal biocontrol products.
Risk analysis in the management of a green supply chain
Authors: Zou Zhiqin , Farnoosh Arash , McNamara Tom
Published: January 2021

In order to implement or maintain a green supply chain (GSC) that produces goods and services responsibly and sustainably, supply chain managers should use tools that allow for the efficient identification, quantification, and mitigation of the ever‐present risks. The objective of the present research is to identify the risk factors associated with the processes involved in GSC management. Based on an analysis of the characteristics of GSC risk, the authors put forward a list of risk design principles and a risk criteria evaluation system for a GSC. Gray relation analysis method was then used to clarify the degree of connection between certain supply chain risk factors and select key risk factors. Finally, Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network (BP‐ANN) method was used to determine the risk level associated with a GSC. The determination of risk level will help companies to develop effective strategic management initiatives in a GSC environment.
Probiotics‐fermented blueberry juices as potential antidiabetic product: antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic potentials
Authors: Zhong Hao , Abdullah  , Zhao Minjie , Tang Jun , Deng Lingli , Feng Fengqin
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Fermentation is a traditional food‐preserving technique. It is an effective process, widely used to enrich the nutrients diversity and bioactivity of the fermented foods since ancient times. This study aimed at investigating the effects of various fermentation starters on the physicochemical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties of blueberry juices. The blueberry juices were fermented by natural fermentation (NFBJ), self‐made starters fermentation (SFBJ), and commercial starters fermentation (CFBJ); fresh blueberry juice (BBJ) was processed without fermentation for comparison.

RESULTS

Probiotics‐fermented blueberry juices (SFBJ and CFBJ) showed less total and reducing sugars, higher titratable acidity, and a wider variety and higher amounts of organic acids than non‐fermented blueberry juice (BBJ) did. All the fermented blueberry juices (NFBJ, SFBJ, and CFBJ) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant potentials than that of BBJ measured by 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid, cupric‐reducing antioxidant capacity, and ferric‐reducing ability power assays. The SFBJ exhibited the highest antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium, with inhibition zone diameters of 38.84 ± 1.74 mm, 34.91 ± 1.53 mm, and 36.18 ± 3.16 mm respectively. Compared with BBJ, the α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of the SFBJ and CFBJ increased by two‑to threefold. The α‐amylase inhibitory activity of the SFBJ and CFBJ increased by 600%, whereas the spontaneous fermentation showed no improvement. The SFBJ and CFBJ promoted glucose consumption of HepG2 cell lines, indicating the promising potential for a higher glucose bio‐utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

The SFBJ and CFBJ showed remarkable improvements in the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities compared with non‐fermented and spontaneous fermented juices, indicating their promising potentials as an antihyperglycemic agent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel visualization system of using augmented reality in knee replacement surgery: Enhanced bidirectional maximum correntropy algorithm
Authors: Maharjan Nitish , Alsadoon Abeer , Prasad P.W.C. , Abdullah Salma , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Image registration and alignment are the main limitations of augmented reality (AR)‐based knee replacement surgery. This research aims to decrease the registration error, eliminate outcomes that are trapped in local minima to improve the alignment problems, handle the occlusion and maximize the overlapping parts.

Methodology

Markerless image registration method was used for AR‐based knee replacement surgery to guide and visualize the surgical operation. While weight least square algorithm was used to enhance stereo camera‐based tracking by filling border occlusion in right‐to‐left direction and non‐border occlusion from left‐to‐right direction.

Results

This study has improved video precision to 0.57–0.61 mm alignment error. Furthermore, with the use of bidirectional points, that is, forward and backward directional cloud point, the iteration on image registration was decreased. This has led to improve the processing time as well. The processing time of video frames was improved to 7.4–11.74 frames per second.

Conclusions

It seems clear that this proposed system has focused on overcoming the misalignment difficulty caused by the movement of patient and enhancing the AR visualization during knee replacement surgery. The proposed system was reliable and favourable which helps in eliminating alignment error by ascertaining the optimal rigid transformation between two cloud points and removing the outliers and non‐Gaussian noise. The proposed AR system helps in accurate visualization and navigation of anatomy of knee such as femur, tibia, cartilage, blood vessels and so forth.
Commonly dispensed herbal medicinal products and their source of information for practice in community pharmacies in Ethiopia: Promoting evidence‐based practice in health‐care settings
Authors: Emiru Yohannes Kelifa , Ayele Asnakew Achaw , Tefera Yonas Getaye , Siraj Ebrahim Abdela , Girma Habtamu , Lilay Melaku , Girma Tinsae , Belachew Sewunet Admasu , Gebresillassie Begashaw Melaku
Published: January 2021

Aim

The objective of this study was to assess commonly dispensed herbal medicinal products (HMPs) and their sources of information for practice at Ethiopian community pharmacies in the light of promoting evidence‐based practice in health‐care settings of the nation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted at community pharmacies in Northwest Ethiopia from February to April 2019. Data collection was carried out using a structured self‐administered Yesquestionnaire. Demographic data and pharmacists’ range of HMPs and information sources were evaluated using descriptive analysis. The chi‐squared test was used to find correlations of demographic variables with sells and accessibility of information regarding HMPs. AP‐value of less than 0.05 represents a significant difference.

Results

The study results show that 100 (86.2%) of the community pharmacists had dispensed various class of HMPs at their practice site and 71 (61.2%) pharmacists accessed HMP information. The majority of accessible HMP information sources at community pharmacies were package inserts/brochures and internet websites. Regarding the categorical class of regularly dispensed products, more than 50% were dermatological products. Regarding their customers’ inquiries regarding HMPs, 76.7% of respondents get queries related to HMPs during the dispensing period. Dispensing practice was significantly correlated with employment status (P= 0.021) and any previous continuing education on HMPs (P< 0.01) but accessibility of HMP information was only correlated with employment status (P= 0.044).

Conclusions

The evidence of these findings suggests that HMPs are increasingly dispensed as therapeutic agents with inadequate delivery of evidence‐based information in community pharmacies of Ethiopia.
Axisymmetric polyharmonic spline approximation in the dual reciprocity method
Authors: Karaiev Artem , Strelnikova Elena
Published: January 2021

The paper is devoted to developing the dual reciprocity boundary element method for axisymmetric problems based on usage of axisymmetric polyharmonic splines. The axisymmetric polyharmonic spline is introduced as a linear combination of polyharmonic radial basic functions and polynomial terms. The analytical expressions for proposed axisymmetric polyharmonic radial basic functions are obtained for splines with arbitrary degrees. These expressions include special elliptic integrals that are analyzed and calculated for the first time. The relationships between radial basic functions with positive and negative degree numbers are obtained that allows us to receive the recurrence formulae for specific elliptic integrals with nearest indexes. It reveals the possibility of calculating radial basic functions with arbitrary orders by using the combination of only the first two members in recursive sequence. Implementation of the Gauss well‐known arithmetic‐geometric mean technique provides calculation of the specific elliptic integrals and axisymmetric polyharmonic splines with any given accuracy. Numerical examples for solving two axisymmetric problems in potential theory using the proposed dual reciprocity boundary element method demonstrate high calculation accuracy with low computational costs.
Selected Design and Analysis Techniques for Contemporary Symmetric Encryption
Authors: Mikhalev Vasily , Mihaljević Miodrag J. , Kara Orhun , Armknecht Frederik
Published: January 2021

In this chapter we provide an overview of selected methods for the design and analysis of symmetric encryption algorithms that have recently been published. We start by discussing the practical advantages, limitations and security of the keystream generators with keyed update functions which were proposed for reducing the area cost of stream ciphers. Then we present an approach to enhancing the security of certain encryption schemes by employing a universal homophonic coding and randomized encryption paradigm.
The Governance of Global Innovation Systems: Putting Knowledge in Context
Authors: Binz Christian , Truffer Bernhard
Published: January 2021

Technological innovation increasingly depends on multiscalar actor networks and institutions. However, the developers of many conceptual frameworks explaining innovation success have paid only limited attention to this new reality, due to their focus on regions and countries as agents that shape innovation governance and as containers that provide institutional conditions for innovation success. In particular, innovation systems literature has been criticized in this respect. In the present chapter, we refer to the recently formulated Global Innovation Systems approach, which enables researchers to capture the emergence of system resources across spatial scales. With this framework, we emphasize that beyond the focus on knowledge generation processes, a better understanding ofvaluationprocesses is necessary to guide governance structures for generating new technologies and products. This is particularly true for sectors that are oriented towards confronting grand challenges, such as cleantech industries.
The Atmosphere of Democracy: Knowledge and Political Action
Authors: Stehr Nico
Published: January 2021

The leading scientists debating climate change increasingly view the relationship between knowledge and governance as an “inconvenient democracy.” On the one hand, the discrepancy between the knowledge of climate change and citizens’ commitments to behavioral changes amounts to the diagnosis of an “inconvenient mind”; on the other hand, the inertia of policies to capture progress in knowledge leads to the diagnosis of “inconvenient institutions.” The sense of political ineffectiveness felt especially among climate scientists provokes a strong disenchantment with democratic governance. As a result, some scientists propose that political action based on principles of democratic governance be abandoned. In my article, I argue that such a view is mistaken.
Lepton-flavour violation in hadronic tau decays and μ-τ conversion in nuclei
Authors: Husek Tomáš , Monsálvez-Pozo Kevin , Portolés Jorge
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Within the Standard Model Effective Field Theory framework, with operators up to dimension 6, we perform a model-independent analysis of the lepton-flavour-violating processes involving tau leptons. Namely, we study hadronic tau decays and ℓ-τ conversion in nuclei, with ℓ = e, μ. Based on available experimental limits, we establish constraints on the Wilson coefficients of the operators contributing to these processes. Our work paves the way to extract the related information from Belle II and foreseen future experiments.
Multiplicative noise and the diffusion of conserved densities
Authors: Chao Jingyi , Schäfer Thomas
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Stochastic fluid dynamics governs the long time tails of hydrodynamic correlation functions, and the critical slowing down of relaxation phenomena in the vicinity of a critical point in the phase diagram. In this work we study the role of multiplicative noise in stochastic fluid dynamics. Multiplicative noise arises from the dependence of transport coefficients, such as the diffusion constants for charge and momentum, on fluctuating hydrodynamic variables. We study long time tails and relaxation in the diffusion of a conserved density (model B), and a conserved density coupled to the transverse momentum density (model H). Careful attention is paid to fluctuation-dissipation relations. We observe that multiplicative noise contributes at the same order as non-linear interactions in model B, but is a higher order correction to the relaxation of a scalar density and the tail of the stress tensor correlation function in model H.
Senescence under appraisal: hopes and challenges revisited
Authors: Davan-Wetton Camilla S. A. , Pessolano Emanuela , Perretti Mauro , Montero-Melendez Trinidad
Published: January 2021

In recent years, cellular senescence has become the focus of attention in multiple areas of biomedical research. Typically defined as an irreversible cell cycle arrest accompanied by increased cellular growth, metabolic activity and by a characteristic messaging secretome, cellular senescence can impact on multiple physiological and pathological processes such as wound healing, fibrosis, cancer and ageing. These unjustly called ‘zombie cells’ are indeed a rich source of opportunities for innovative therapeutic development. In this review, we collate the current understanding of the process of cellular senescence and its two-faced nature, i.e. beneficial/detrimental, and reason this duality is linked to contextual aspects. We propose the senescence programme as an endogenous pro-resolving mechanism that may lead to sustained inflammation and damage when dysregulated or when senescent cells are not cleared efficiently. This pro-resolving model reconciles the paradoxical two faces of senescence by emphasising that it is the unsuccessful completion of the programme, and not senescence itself, what leads to pathology. Thus, pro-senescence therapies under the right context, may favour inflammation resolution. We also review the evidence for the multiple therapeutic approaches under development based on senescence, including its induction, prevention, clearance and the use of senolytic and senomorphic drugs. In particular, we highlight the importance of the immune system in the favourable outcome of senescence and the implications of an inefficient immune surveillance in completion of the senescent cycle. Finally, we identify and discuss a number of challenges and existing gaps to encourage and stimulate further research in this exciting and unravelled field, with the hope of promoting and accelerating the clinical success of senescence-based therapies.
Memantine in neurological disorders – schizophrenia and depression
Authors: Czarnecka Kamila , Chuchmacz Jakub , Wójtowicz Przemysław , Szymański Paweł
Published: January 2021

Memantine is used in Alzheimer’s disease treatment as a non-competitive modern-affinity strong voltage-dependent N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. The fundamental role of these receptors is to bind glutamate: the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, believed to play a crucial role in neuronal plasticity and learning mechanisms. Glutamate transmission plays an important role in all internal CNS structures and maintains the physiological state of the brain. Excessive glutamate transmission can lead to enlarged calcium ion current which may cause neurotoxicity; however, insufficient transmission can drastically alter the information flow in neurons and the brain, potentially causing schizophrenia-like symptoms by replacing lost information with completely new stimuli. Hence, it is possible that the modulation of NMDA activity may give rise to pathophysiological states. Available literature and clinical trials indicate that memantine is well tolerated by patients, with very few and light side effects. There is a belief that memantine may also benefit other conditions such as schizophrenia and depression.
Isolierte Verletzung des tiefen Innenbands am Kniegelenk
Authors: Schroedter René , Hoser Christian , Wierer Guido
Published: January 2021

Isolierte Rupturen des tiefen Innenbands am Kniegelenk (dMCL) werden meist im chronischen Stadium bzw. in Zusammenhang mit einer Verletzung des oberflächlichen Innenbands beschrieben. In diesem Beitrag wird über den Fall eines 15-jährigen Patienten berichtet, welcher sich nach einem Außenrotationstrauma des Kniegelenks in der Notaufnahme vorstellte. Die weiterführende Diagnostik zeigte eine isolierte Läsion des tiefen Innenbands. Erstmaßnahmen erfolgten mit Schonung, Hochlagerung, Salbenverbänden, oraler Schmerztherapie und einer Knieorthese. Fünf Wochen nach dem initialen Trauma war der Patient beschwerdefrei. Anhand der aktuellen Literatur wird ein Therapieschema der akuten bis chronischen Läsion des dMCL diskutiert.
Prevalence, incidence and bothersomeness of urinary incontinence in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moossdorff-Steinhauser Heidi F. A. , Berghmans Bary C. M. , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , Bols Esther M. J.
Published: January 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common and embarrassing complaint for pregnant women. Reported prevalence and incidence figures show a large range, due to varying case definitions, recruited population and study methodology. Precise prevalence and incidence figures on (bothersome) UI are of relevance for health care providers, policy makers and researchers. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and incidence of UI in pregnancy in the general population for relevant subgroups and assessed experienced bother.

Methods

All observational studies published between January 1998 and October 2018 reporting on prevalence and/or incidence of UI during pregnancy were included. All women, regardless of weeks of gestation and type of UI presented in all settings, were of interest. A random-effects model was used. Subgroup analyses were conducted by parity, trimester and subtype of UI.

Results

The mean (weighted) prevalence based on 44 included studies, containing a total of 88.305 women, was 41.0% (range of 9–75%). Stress urinary incontinence (63%) is the most prevalent type of UI; 26% of the women reported daily loss, whereas 40% reported loss on a monthly basis. Bother was experienced as mild to moderate.

Conclusions

UI is very prevalent and rising with the weeks of gestation in pregnancy. SUI is the most common type and in most cases it was a small amount. Bother for UI is heterogeneously assessed and experienced as mild to moderate by pregnant women.
Linking Bacterial Communities Associated with the Environment and the Ecosystem Engineer Orchestia gammarellus at Contrasting Salt Marsh Elevations
Authors: García Hernández Edisa , Berg Matty P. , Van Oosten A. Raoul , Smit Christian , Falcão Salles Joana
Published: January 2021

The digestive tract of animals harbors microbiota important for the host’s fitness and performance. The interaction between digestive tract bacteria and soil animal hosts is still poorly explored despite the importance of soil fauna for ecosystem processes. In this study, we investigated the interactions between the bacterial communities from the digestive tract of the litter-feeding, semi-terrestrial crustacean Orchestia gammarellus and those obtained from the environment; these organisms thrive in, i.e., soil and plant litter from salt marshes. We hypothesized that elevation is an important driver of soil and litter bacterial communities, which indirectly (via ingested soil and litter bacteria) influences the bacterial communities in the digestive tract of O. gammarellus. Indeed, our results revealed that elevation modulated soil and litter bacterial community composition along with soil organic matter content and the C:N ratio. Soil and plant litter differed in alpha diversity indexes (richness and diversity), and in the case of plant litter, both indexes increased with elevation. In contrast, elevation did not affect the composition of bacterial communities associated with O. gammarellus’ digestive tract, suggesting selection by the host, despite the fact that a large component of the bacterial community was also detected in external sources. Importantly, Ca. Bacilloplasma and Vibrio were highly prevalent and abundant in the host. The taxonomic comparison of Ca. Bacilloplasma amplicon sequence variants across the host at different elevations suggested a phylogenetic divergence due to host habitat (i.e., marine or semi-terrestrial), thus supporting their potential functional role in the animal physiology. Our study sheds light on the influence of the environment on soil animal–bacteria interactions and provides insights into the resilience of the O. gammarellus–associated bacteria to increased flooding frequency.
Identifying Potential Hosts of Short-Branch Microsporidia
Authors: Doliwa Annemie , Dunthorn Micah , Rassoshanska Erika , Mahé Frédéric , Bass David , Duarte Ritter Camila
Published: January 2021

Microsporidia are obligate parasites that are closely related to Fungi. While the widely known “long-branch” Microsporidia infect mostly metazoans, the hosts of “short-branch” Microsporidia are only partially characterized or not known at all. Here, we used network analyses from Neotropical rainforest soil metabarcoding data, to infer co-occurrences between environmental lineages of short-branch microsporidians and their potential hosts. We found significant co-occurrences with several taxa, especially with Apicomplexa, Cercozoa, and Fungi, as well as some Metazoa. Our results are the first step to identify potential hosts of the environmental lineages of short-branch microsporidians, which can be targeted in future molecular and microscopic studies.
Activity of ipilimumab plus nivolumab in avelumab-refractory Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Glutsch Valerie , Kneitz Hermann , Gesierich Anja , Goebeler Matthias , Haferkamp Sebastian , Becker Jürgen C. , Ugurel Selma , Schilling Bastian
Published: January 2021

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous malignancy with poor prognosis. In Europe, approved systemic therapies are limited to the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab. For avelumab-refractory patients, efficient and safe treatment options are lacking.

Methods

At three different sites in Germany, clinical and molecular data of patients with metastatic MCC being refractory to the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab and who were later on treated with combined IPI/NIVO were retrospectively collected and evaluated.

Results

Five patients treated at three different academic sites in Germany were enrolled. Three out of five patients investigated for this report responded to combined IPI/NIVO according to RECIST 1.1. Combined immunotherapy was well tolerated without any grade II or III immune-related adverse events. Two out of three responders to IPI/NIVO received platinum-based chemotherapy in between avelumab and combined immunotherapy.

Conclusion

In this small retrospective study, we observed a high response rate and durable responses to subsequent combined immunotherapy with IPI/NIVO in avelumab-refractory metastatic MCC patients. In conclusion, our data suggest a promising activity of second- or third-line PD-1- plus CTLA-4-blockade in patients with anti-PD-L1-refractory MCC.
Influence of the Cu substitution on magnetic properties of Ni–Mn–Sn–B shape memory ribbons
Authors: Kirat G. , Aksan M. A.
Published: January 2021

The Heusler alloy Ni50-xCuxMn38Sn12 + By (x = 0, 1, 3 and 5) was successfully produced in ribbon form using melt spinning technique. The magnetic properties of the obtained ribbons were analyzed in detail. In all ribbons, it was detected that the ferromagnetic austenite phase transformed into the weak magnetic martensite phase. A separation between FC and ZFC curves at lower temperatures was found. An increase in the magnetization in FC mode can be attributed to the coexistence of ferromagnetic (FM)/antiferromagnetic (AFM) at martensitic phase. It was found that the transition temperatures shifted to low temperatures with increasing the Cu content. The magnetization results under high magnetic field (10 kOe and 50 kOe) showed a thermal hysteresis between the cooling and heating cycles, which is clear evidence for a first-order transformation in the ribbons. From M–H data, all the ribbons exhibited ferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures below the martensitic transition temperature and paramagnetic behavior at high temperatures above the transition temperature. The results provide us a comprehensive view to reveal the effect of the Cu substitution on the magnetic properties of Ni–Mn-based shape memory ribbons.
The use of Lactobacillus casei DG® prevents symptomatic episodes and reduces the antibiotic use in patients affected by chronic bacterial prostatitis: results from a phase IV study
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Gallelli Luca , Cione Erika , Perletti Gianpaolo , Ciarleglio Francesco , Malossini Gianni , De Pretis Giovanni , Palmieri Alessandro , Mirone Vincenzo , Bartoletti Riccardo , Johansen Truls E. Bjerklund
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-1572 (L. casei DG®) in both prevention of symptomatic recurrences and improvement of quality of life in patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP).

Methods

Patients with CBP attending a single Urological Institution were enrolled in this phase IV study. At enrollment, all patients were treated with antibiotics in agreement with EAU guidelines and then were treated with L. casei DG® (2 capsules/day for 3 months). Clinical and microbiological analyses were carried out before (enrollment, T0) and 6 months (T2) after the treatment. Both safety and adherence to the treatment were evaluated 3 months (T1) after the enrollment. NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Well-Being (QoL) questionnaires were used. The outcome measures were the rate of symptomatic recurrence, changes in questionnaire symptom scores and the reduction of antibiotic use.

Results

Eighty-four patients were included. At T2, 61 patients (72.6%) reported a clinical improvement of symptoms with a return to their clinical status before symptoms. A time dependent improvement in clinical symptoms with significant changes in NIH-CPSI, IPSS and QoL (mean difference T2 vs T0: 16.5 ± 3.58; − 11.0 ± 4.32; + 0.3 ± 0.09; p < 0.001), was reported. We recorded that L. casei DG® treatment induced a statistically significant decrease in both (p < 0.001) symptomatic recurrence [1.9/3 months vs 0.5/3 months] and antibiotic use [− 7938 UDD]. No clinically relevant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

L. casei DG® prevents symptomatic recurrences and improves the quality of life in patients with CBP, reducing the antibiotic use.
Limitation of current probe design for oligo-cross-FISH, exemplified by chromosome evolution studies in duckweeds
Authors: Hoang Phuong T. N. , Rouillard Jean-Marie , Macas Jiří , Kubalová Ivona , Schubert Veit , Schubert Ingo
Published: January 2021

Duckweeds represent a small, free-floating aquatic family (Lemnaceae) of the monocot order Alismatales with the fastest growth rate among flowering plants. They comprise five genera (Spirodela, Landoltia, Lemna, Wolffiella, and Wolffia) varying in genome size and chromosome number. Spirodela polyrhiza had the first sequenced duckweed genome. Cytogenetic maps are available for both species of the genus Spirodela (S. polyrhiza and S. intermedia). However, elucidation of chromosome homeology and evolutionary chromosome rearrangements by cross-FISH using Spirodela BAC probes to species of other duckweed genera has not been successful so far. We investigated the potential of chromosome-specific oligo-FISH probes to address these topics. We designed oligo-FISH probes specific for one S. intermedia and one S. polyrhiza chromosome (Fig. 1a). Our results show that these oligo-probes cross-hybridize with the homeologous regions of the other congeneric species, but are not suitable to uncover chromosomal homeology across duckweeds genera. This is most likely due to too low sequence similarity between the investigated genera and/or too low probe density on the target genomes. Finally, we suggest genus-specific design of oligo-probes to elucidate chromosome evolution across duckweed genera.
Decreased inflammatory cytokine production of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in NMDA receptor encephalitis
Authors: Dao Le-Minh , Machule Marie-Luise , Bacher Petra , Hoffmann Julius , Ly Lam-Thanh , Wegner Florian , Scheffold Alexander , Prüss Harald
Published: January 2021

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is the most common autoimmune encephalitis with psychosis, amnesia, seizures and dyskinesias. The disease is mediated by pathogenic autoantibodies against the NR1 subunit that disrupt NMDAR function. Antibody infusion into mouse brains can recapitulate encephalitis symptoms, while active immunization resulted also in strong T cell infiltration into the hippocampus. However, whether T cells react against NMDAR and their specific contribution to disease development are poorly understood. Here we characterized the ex vivo frequency and phenotype of circulating CD4+ T helper (TH) cells reactive to NR1 protein using antigen-reactive T cell enrichment (ARTE) in 24 patients with NMDAR encephalitis, 13 patients with LGI1 encephalitis and 51 matched controls. Unexpectedly, patients with NMDAR encephalitis had lower frequencies of CD154-expressing NR1-reactive TH cells than healthy controls and produced significantly less inflammatory cytokines. No difference was seen in T cells reactive to the synaptic target LGI1 (Leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1), ubiquitous Candida antigens or neoantigens, suggesting that the findings are disease-specific and not related to therapeutic immunosuppression. Also, patients with LGI1 encephalitis showed unaltered numbers of LGI1 antigen-reactive T cells. The data reveal disease-specific functional alterations of circulating NMDAR-reactive TH cells in patients with NMDAR encephalitis and challenge the idea that increased pro-inflammatory NMDAR-reactive T cells contribute to disease pathogenesis.
NF-κB, iNOS, IL-6, and collagen 1 and 5 expression in healthy and keratoconus corneal fibroblasts after 0.1% riboflavin UV-A illumination
Authors: Berger Tim , Szentmáry Nóra , Latta Lorenz , Seitz Berthold , Stachon Tanja
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To analyze the effect of riboflavin UV-A illumination on mRNA and protein expression of healthy (HCFs) and keratoconus human corneal fibroblasts (KC-HCFs), concerning the inflammatory markers NF-κB, iNOS, IL-6, and collagen 1 and 5 (Col 1/Col 5).

Methods

Keratocytes were isolated from healthy (n = 3) and keratoconus (KC) corneas (n = 3) and were cultivated in basal medium with 5% fetal calf serum, which resulted in their transformation into human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs/KC-HCFs). Cells underwent 0.1% riboflavin UV-A illumination for 250 s (CXL). NF-κB, iNOS, IL-6, Col 1, and Col 5 expression was investigated by qPCR and Western blot analysis. IL-6 concentration of the cell culture supernatant and cell lysate was determined by ELISA.

Results

In untreated KC-HCFs, NF-κB (p = 0.0002), iNOS (p = 0.0019), Col 1 (p = 0.0286), and Col 5 (p = 0.0054) mRNA expression was higher and IL-6 expression was lower (p = 0.0057), than in healthy controls. In HCFs, CXL led to an increased NF-κB (p = 0.0286) and IL-6 (p = 0.0057) mRNA expression. The IL-6 concentration in the cell culture supernatant was increased in HCFs (p = 0.0485) and KC-HCFs (p = 0.0485) after CXL. CXL increased intracellular IL-6 concentration only in KC-HCFs (p = 0.0357). In the HCF group (p = 0.0286), an increased Col 1 mRNA expression after CXL could be observed.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed altered gene expression in untreated KC-HCFs compared to untreated HCFs. Riboflavin UV-A illumination affected gene expression only in HCFs. Increased IL-6 concentration in the cell culture supernatant and cell lysate indicate a secondary inflammatory response of HCFs and KC-HCFs to riboflavin UV-A illumination.
Performing newborn life support in advance of neonatal advanced life support course—back to basics?
Authors: Hundscheid Tim , Bruinenberg Jos , Dudink Jeroen , de Jonge Rogier , Hogeveen Marije
Published: January 2021

In this retrospective analysis, the Newborn Life Support (NLS) test scenario performance of participants of the Dutch Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) course was assessed. Characteristics of participants and total amount of failures were collected. Failures were subdivided in (1) errors of omission; (2) errors of commission; and (3) unspecified if data was missing. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to assess differences between participant groups. In total, 23 out of 86 participants (27%) failed their NLS test scenario. Life support course instructors in general (20/21) passed their test scenario more often compared to other participants (43/65) (p = 0.008). In total 110 fail items were recorded; the most common errors being not assessing heart rate (error of omission) (n = 47) and inadequate performance of airway management (error of commission) (n = 24).

Conclusion: A substantial part of NALS participants failed their NLS test scenario. Errors of omission could be reduced by the availability of a checklist/NLS algorithm. Life support course instructors possibly make less errors of commission due to retention of skills by teaching these skills at least twice a year. Therefore, our study suggests that neonatal basic life support skills should be retained by local assurance of training programmes.

What is Known:• Retention of skills after life support courses decreases after three months.• Adherence to newborn life support guidelines is suboptimal.

What is New:• NLS performance is suboptimal in participants for advanced neonatal life support.• Most common failures are not assessing heart rate and inadequate airway management.
Combination of mesenchymal stromal cells and machine perfusion is a novel strategy for organ preservation in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Zhao Lingfei , Hu Chenxia , Han Fei , Chen Dajin , Ma Yanhong , Cai Fanghao , Chen Jianghua
Published: January 2021

Organ preservation is a prerequisite for an urgent increase in the availability of organs for solid organ transplantation (SOT). An increasing amount of expanded criteria donor (ECD) organs are used clinically. Currently, the paradigm of organ preservation is shifting from simple reduction of cellular metabolic activity to maximal simulation of an ex vivo physiological microenvironment. An ideal organ preservation technique should not only preserve isolated organs but also offer the possibility of rehabilitation and evaluation of organ function prior to transplantation. Based on the fact that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess strong regeneration properties, the combination of MSCs with machine perfusion (MP) is expected to be superior to conventional preservation methods. In recent years, several studies have attempted to use this strategy for SOT showing promising outcomes. With better organ function during ex vivo preservation and the potential of utilization of organs previously deemed untransplantable, this strategy is meaningful for patients with organ failure to help overcome organ shortage in the field of SOT.
What is the recommended procedure for recurrent rectal prolapse? A retrospective cohort study in a single Japanese institution
Authors: Funahashi Kimihiko , Kurihara Akiharu , Miura Yasuyuki , Ushigome Mitsunori , Kaneko Tomoaki , Kagami Satoru , Yoshino Yu , Koda Takamaru , Nagashima Yasuo , Yoshida Kimihiko , Sakai Yu
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The choice of surgical procedure for rectal prolapse (RP) is challenging because of the high recurrence and morbidity rates. We aimed to clarify whether laparoscopic suture rectopexy (lap-rectopexy) is suitable for Japanese patients with recurrent RP.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 77 recurrent RP patients who had been treated on average 1.5 times between June 2008 and April 2016. Forty-one patients underwent lap-rectopexy and 36 underwent perineal procedures. We compared surgical outcomes and recurrence rate following surgery between the two groups. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors of recurrent RP.

Results

In patients’ characteristics, significant differences were observed in the type of anesthesia (p < 0.01) and length of recurrent RP (p = 0.030). The mean operative time was significantly longer in the lap-rectopexy group (p < 0.001). Blood loss, length of hospitalization, and postoperative complications were similar. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the lap-rectopexy group (17.1% vs. 38.9%, p = 0.032). Multivariate analysis showed that only the laparoscopic approach was significantly associated with a low recurrence following surgery (odds ratio 0.273, 95% CI − 2.568 to − 0.032).

Conclusion

Lap-rectopexy is recommended for recurrent RP because its low recurrence rate and safety profile are similar to those of perineal procedures.