bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunneling nanotubes, TNT, communicate glioblastoma with surrounding non-tumor astrocytes to adapt them to hypoxic and metabolic tumor conditions
Authors: Valdebenito Silvana , Malik Shaily , Luu Ross , Loudig Olivier , Mitchell Megan , Okafo George , Bhat Krishna , Prideaux Brendan , Eugenin Eliseo A.
Published: July 2021

Cell-to-cell communication is essential for the development and proper function of multicellular systems. We and others demonstrated that tunneling nanotubes (TNT) proliferate in several pathological conditions such as HIV, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the nature, function, and contribution of TNT to cancer pathogenesis are poorly understood. Our analyses demonstrate that TNT structures are induced between glioblastoma (GBM) cells and surrounding non-tumor astrocytes to transfer tumor-derived mitochondria. The mitochondrial transfer mediated by TNT resulted in the adaptation of non-tumor astrocytes to tumor-like metabolism and hypoxia conditions. In conclusion, TNT are an efficient cell-to-cell communication system used by cancer cells to adapt the microenvironment to the invasive nature of the tumor.
Light modulates important physiological features of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum during the colonization of tomato plants
Authors: Tano Josefina , Ripa María Belén , Tondo María Laura , Carrau Analía , Petrocelli Silvana , Rodriguez María Victoria , Ferreira Virginia , Siri María Inés , Piskulic Laura , Orellano Elena Graciela
Published: July 2021

Ralstonia pseudosolanacearumGMI1000 (RpsoGMI1000) is a soil-borne vascular phytopathogen that infects host plants through the root system causing wilting disease in a wide range of agro-economic interest crops, producing economical losses. Several features contribute to the full bacterial virulence. In this work we study the participation of light, an important environmental factor, in the regulation of the physiological attributes and infectivity ofRpsoGMI1000. In silico analysis of theRpsogenome revealed the presence of aRsp0254gene, which encodes a putative blue light LOV-type photoreceptor. We constructed a mutant strain ofRpsolacking the LOV protein and found that the loss of this protein and light, influenced characteristics involved in the pathogenicity process such as motility, adhesion and the biofilms development, which allows the successful host plant colonization, rendering bacterial wilt. This protein could be involved in the adaptive responses to environmental changes. We demonstrated that light sensing and the LOV protein, would be used as a location signal in the host plant, to regulate the expression of several virulence factors, in a time and tissue dependent way. Consequently, bacteria could use an external signal andRpsolovgene to know their location within plant tissue during the colonization process.
Prediction of corneal graft rejection using central endothelium/Descemet’s membrane complex thickness in high-risk corneal transplants
Authors: Eleiwa Taher , Elsawy Amr , Ozcan Eyup , Chase Collin , Feuer William , Yoo Sonia H. , Perez Victor L. , Abou Shousha Mohamed F.
Published: July 2021

To determine whether measurements of Endothelium/Descemet complex thickness (En/DMT) are of predictive value for corneal graft rejection after high-risk corneal transplantation, we conducted this prospective, single-center, observational case series including sixty eyes (60 patients) at high risk for corneal graft rejection (GR) because of previous immunologic graft failure or having at least two quadrants of stromal vascularization. Patients underwent corneal transplant. At 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th postoperative month, HD-OCT imaging of the cornea was performed, and the corneal status was determined clinically at each visit by a masked cornea specialist. Custom-built segmentation tomography algorithm was used to measure the central En/DMT. Relationships between baseline factors and En/DMT were explored. Time dependent covariate Cox survival regression was used to assess the effect of post-operative En/DMT changes during follow up. A longitudinal repeated measures model was used to assess the relationship between En/DMT and graft status. Outcome measures included graft rejection, central Endothelium/Descemet’s complex thickness, and central corneal thickness (CCT). In patients with GR (35%), the central En/DMT increased significantly 5.3 months (95% CI: 2, 11) prior to the clinical diagnosis of GR, while it remained stable in patients without GR. During the 1-year follow up, the rejected grafts have higher mean pre-rejection En/DMTs (p = 0.01), compared to CCTs (p = 0.7). For En/DMT ≥ 18 µm cut-off (at any pre-rejection visit), the Cox proportional hazard ratio was 6.89 (95% CI: 2.03, 23.4; p = 0.002), and it increased to 9.91 (95% CI: 3.32, 29.6; p < 0.001) with a ≥ 19 µm cut-off. In high-risk corneal transplants, the increase in En/DMT allowed predicting rejection prior to the clinical diagnosis.
Probiotic supplementation reduces inflammatory profiles but does not prevent oral immune perturbations during SIV infection
Authors: Jones Rhianna , Kroll Kyle , Broedlow Courtney , Schifanella Luca , Smith Scott , Hueber Brady , Shah Spandan V. , Ram Daniel R. , Manickam Cordelia , Varner Valerie , Klatt Nichole R. , Reeves R. Keith
Published: July 2021

HIV/SIV infections lead to massive loss of mucosal CD4 + T cells and breakdown of the epithelial mucosa resulting in severe microbial dysbiosis and chronic immune activation that ultimately drive disease progression. Moreover, disruption of one of the most understudied mucosal environments, the oral cavity, during HIV-induced immunosuppression results in significant microbial and neoplastic co-morbidities and contributes to and predicts distal disease complications. In this study we evaluated the effects of oral probiotic supplementation (PBX), which can stimulate and augment inflammatory or anti-inflammatory pathways, on early SIV infection of rhesus macaques. Our study revealed that similar to the GI mucosae, oral CD4 + T cells were rapidly depleted, and as one of the first comprehensive analyses of the oral microflora in SIV infection, we also observed significant modulation among two genera, Porphyromonas and Actinobacillus, early after infection. Interestingly, although PBX therapy did not substantially protect against oral dysbiosis or ameliorate cell loss, it did somewhat dampen inflammation and T cell activation. Collectively, these data provide one of the most comprehensive evaluations of SIV-induced changes in oral microbiome and CD4 + T cell populations, and also suggest that oral PBX may have some anti-inflammatory properties in lentivirus infections.
Influence of biochemical diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency on replacement therapy response and retesting results at adult height
Authors: Rodari Giulia , Profka E. , Giacchetti F. , Cavenaghi I. , Arosio M. , Giavoli C.
Published: July 2021

Isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) is the most frequent endocrinological disorder in children with short stature, however the diagnosis is still controversial due to the scarcity of reliable diagnostic criteria and pre-treatment predictive factors of long term-response. To evaluate recombinant growth hormone (rGH) long-term response and retesting results in three different groups of children divided in accordance with the biochemical criteria of initial diagnosis. Height gain (∆HT) at adult height (AH) and retesting results were evaluated in 57 rGH treated children (M = 34, 59.6%) divided into 3 groups according to initial diagnosis: Group A (n = 25) with max GH peak at stimulation test < 8 µg/L, Group B (n = 19) between 8 and 10 µg/L and Group C (n = 13) with mean overnight GH < 3 µg/L (neurosecretory dysfunction, NSD). Retesting was carried out in all patients after at least one month off therapy upon reaching the AH. 40/57 (70.2%) patients were pre-pubertal at diagnosis and showed ∆HT of 1.37 ± 1.00 SDS, with no significant differences between groups (P = 0.08). Nonetheless, 46% patients in Group B showed ∆HT < 1SDS (vs 13% and 12% in Group A and C, respectively) and 25% children failed to reach mid-parental height (vs 6% and 0% in Group A and C, respectively). At AH attainment, IGHD was reconfirmed in 28% (7/25) and 10% (2/19) in Group A and B, respectively. A reduction of diagnostic cut-off at GH stimulation tests could better discriminate between “good” and “poor responders” and predict the persistence of IGHD through transition. Group C response and the predictive value of baseline IGF-I SDS bring back to light NSD: should we consider an underlying hypothalamic derangement when the clinical presentation is strongly consistent with IGHD but pharmacological stimulation test is normal?
Long term relationship between farming damselfish, predators, competitors and benthic habitat on coral reefs of Moorea Island
Authors: Feeney William E. , Bertucci Frédéric , Gairin Emma , Siu Gilles , Waqalevu Viliame , Antoine Morgan , de Loma Thierry Lison , Planes Serge , Galzin René , Lecchini David
Published: July 2021

Understanding the processes that shape biodiversity is essential for effective environmental management. Across the world’s coral reefs, algal farming damselfish (Stegastes sp.) modify the surrounding benthic community through their creation of algae “farms”. Using a long-term monitoring dataset (2005–2019) from Moorea Island, French Polynesia, we investigated whether the density of dusky damselfish (Stegastes nigricans) is associated with benthic habitat composition, the density of predators and/or competitors, and whether the survey area was inside or outside of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). We found no evidence that benthic cover or number of competitors were associated with dusky damselfish densities, both inside and outside MPAs. In contrast, fluctuations in dusky damselfish densities were negatively associated with the density of predators (e.g. Serranidae, Muraenidae and Scorpaenidae) in the preceding year in non-MPA areas, and both within and outside of MPAs when predator densities were high (2005–2010). These results suggest that healthy predator populations may be important for regulating the abundances of keystone species, such as algal farming damselfish, especially when predator densities are high.
Skyrmion control of Majorana states in planar Josephson junctions
Authors: Mohanta Narayan , Okamoto Satoshi , Dagotto Elbio
Published: July 2021

Planar Josephson junctions provide a versatile platform, alternative to the nanowire-based geometry, for the generation of the Majorana bound states, due to the additional phase tunability of the topological superconductivity. The proximity induction of chiral magnetism and superconductivity in a two-dimensional electron gas showed remarkable promise to manipulate topological superconductivity. Here, we consider a Josephson junction involving a skyrmion crystal and show that the chiral magnetism of the skyrmions can create and control the Majorana bound states without the requirement of an intrinsic Rashba spin-orbit coupling. Interestingly, the Majorana bound states in our geometry are realized robustly at zero phase difference at the junction. The skyrmion radius, being externally tunable by a magnetic field or a magnetic anisotropy, brings a unique control feature for the Majorana bound states.
Front-induced transitions control THz waves
Authors: Schiff-Kearn Aidan W. , Gingras Lauren , Bernier Simon , Chamanara Nima , Agarwal Kartiek , Ménard Jean-Michel , Cooke David G.
Published: July 2021

Relativistically moving dielectric perturbations can be used to manipulate light in new and exciting ways beyond the capabilities of traditional nonlinear optics. Adiabatic interaction with the moving front modulates the wave simultaneously in both space and time, and manifests a front-induced transition in both wave vector and frequency yielding exotic effects including non-reciprocity and time-reversal. Here we introduce a technique called SLIPSTREAM, Spacetime Light-Induced Photonic STRucturEs for Advanced Manipulation, based on the creation of relativistic fronts in a semiconductor-filled planar waveguide by photoexcitation of mobile charge carriers. In this work, we demonstrate the capabilities of SLIPSTREAM for the manipulation of terahertz (THz) light pulses through relativistic front-induced transitions. In the sub-luminal front velocity regime, we generate temporally stretched THz waveforms, with a quasi-static field lasting for several picoseconds tunable with the front interaction distance. In the super-luminal regime, the carrier front outpaces the THz pulse and a time-reversal operation is performed via a front-induced intra-band transition. We anticipate our platform will be a versatile tool for future applications in the THz spectral band requiring direct and advanced control of light at the sub-cycle level.
Correlation between the TiO2 encapsulation layer on Pt and its electrochemical behavior
Authors: Armengol Raquel Aymerich , Lim Joohyun , Ledendecker Marc , Hengge Katharina , Scheu Christina
Published: July 2021

Partial TiO2 encapsulation of Pt nanoparticles on TiO2 support due to strong metal–support interactions is revealed by TEM and correlated to the electrochemical properties. Changes related to multiple electrochemical cycling are investigated.
A pH-responsive Pt-based nanoradiosensitizer for enhanced radiotherapy via oxidative stress amplification
Authors: Yu Licheng , Zhang Xiaolei , Li Xiaomin , Zhang Zhenjie , Niu Xiaoyan , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Wei , Yuan Zhi
Published: July 2021

This work could reduce tumor radioresistance and increase the effect of radiotherapy.
Hyperbranched polymer hydrogels with large stimuli-responsive changes in storage moduli and peroxide-induced healing
Authors: Chimala Prathyusha , Perera M. Mario , Wade Aissatou , McKenzie Tucker , Allor Joshua , Ayres Neil
Published: July 2021

Hydrogels prepared using hyperbranched polymers with dynamic disulfide bonds show larger changes in moduli upon exposure to chemical stimuli for both softening and stiffening responses compared to linear polymers.
Graphene nanoribbon-based supramolecular ensembles with dual-receptor targeting function for targeted photothermal tumor therapy
Authors: Dou Wei-Tao , Xu Fugui , Xu Chen-Xi , Gao Jie , Ru Hong-Bo , Luan Xiangfeng , Zhang Jiacheng , Zhu Ling , Sedgwick Adam C. , Chen Guo-Rong , Zang Yi , James Tony D. , Tian He , Li Jia , Mai Yiyong , He Xiao-Peng
Published: July 2021

Dual receptor-targeting supramolecular glycomaterials are constructed based on graphene nanoribbons for the targeted photothermal therapy of triple-negative breast cancer in vivo.
Lewis acid catalyzed heavy atom tunneling – the case of 1H-bicyclo[3.1.0]-hexa-3,5-dien-2-one
Authors: Henkel Stefan , Merini Melania Prado , Mendez-Vega Enrique , Sander Wolfram
Published: July 2021

The ring-opening of a highly strained cyclopropene to a carbene proceeds via heavy-atom tunneling. This rearrangement is accelerated in the presence of H2O, ICF3 or BF3, resulting in a novel Lewis-acid catalyzed tunneling reaction.
Simulation, élaboration et caractérisation de cellules photovoltaïques
Authors: Ternon Céline , Kaminski Anne , Constantin Delphine , Claudon Lionel , Volpi Fabien , Vincent Loïc , Rafhay Quentin , Bsiesy Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Avec les besoins croissants en énergie renouvelable, les activités industrielles dans le domaine du photovoltaïque gagnent une place considérable dans le secteur de l’énergie. Afin d’être en adéquation avec ce marché de l’emploi en plein développement, il devient important de former des ingénieurs compétents dans ce domaine.
Un TP a été développé au CIME Nanotech pour simuler, élaborer et caractériser des cellules photovoltaïques de première génération. Le travail de simulation (sur SILVACO®) porte sur les procédés de fabrication de la cellule, ainsi que sur sa réponse I-V sous éclairement. La fabrication (effectuée dans la salle blanche du CIME Nanotech) comprend essentiellement les étapes suivantes : (1) texturation de la surface d’un substrat de silicium (2) réalisation d’une jonction pn, (3) dépôt d’une couche anti-reflet et (4) métallisation. Au-delà de la confrontation aux procédés de fabrication en salle blanche, les étudiants appréhendent l’importance d’étapes technologiques comme, par exemple, la texturation ou la couche anti-reflet ainsi que le rôle de la géométrie, telle que le motif de métallisation. Ces cellules sont ensuite testées électriquement par la mesure des caractéristiques I-V sous obscurité et sous simulateur solaire. Les rendements et autres paramètres caractéristiques (facteur de forme, résistance série…) de chaque cellule sont ensuite calculés et comparés.
Chopart- und Lisfranc-Luxationsverletzungen – operative Zugangswege, Lagerungstechniken sowie intraoperative Erfolgskontrolle
Authors: Rinas Ingmar , Mittlmeier Thomas
Published: July 2021

Eine hohe Zahl von Kombinationsverletzungen der Fußwurzel wird primär nicht erkannt (20 – 25%). Insbesondere Luxationsfrakturen sind folgenschwere Verletzungen und können mit erheblichen funktionellen Einschränkungen verbunden sein. Eine suffiziente Primärdiagnostik beinhaltet Standardröntgenaufnahmen des Fußes in 3 Ebenen. Bei klinischem Verdacht sollte die Indikation zur erweiterten Schnittbildgebung mittels Computertomografie mit multiplanaren Rekonstruktionen großzügig gestellt werden. Die physiologische Rekonstruktion der Gelenkstrukturen und Lagebeziehungen der medialen zur zentralen und lateralen Fußsäule sowie die Erfassung und Therapie ligamentärer Instabilitäten sind elementare Bestandteile einer adäquaten Behandlung. Können diese Prinzipien nicht erreicht werden, sind Korrekturarthrodesen im Verlauf unvermeidlich. Mittels Bildverstärker können latente Instabilitäten auch im Stresstest dynamisch untersucht werden. Bei chronischen Beschwerden können
Belastungsaufnahmen im Stehen helfen, Instabilitäten und Fehlstellungen zu erkennen.
Reducing the Risk of Preterm Preeclampsia: Comparison of Two First Trimester Screening and Treatment Strategies in a Single Centre in Switzerland
Authors: Amylidi-Mohr Sofia , Kubias Jakub , Neumann Stefanie , Surbek Daniel , Risch Lorenz , Raio Luigi , Mosimann Beatrice
Published: July 2021

Introduction First trimester screening for preeclampsia (PE) is based on the combined risks model. Recent trials demonstrate that variations in multiple of the medians (MoMs) of the screening markers influence the performance of the algorithm in different populations. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of the algorithm in two cohorts with different prevention strategies.

Material and Methods All first trimester screening tests performed between January 2014 and April 2020 were included. Up to June 2017 pregnancies with a risk > 1 : 200 for early-onset PE (eoPE) were considered at risk and received 100 mg of aspirin (strategy A). From July 2017 onwards, pregnancies with a risk > 1 : 100 for preterm PE (pPE) received 150 mg of aspirin (strategy B). We compared the screen positive rates (SPR) and incidence of PE between the two screening approaches. Statistical analysis were performed with Graphpad 8.0.

Results 3552 pregnancies were included; 1577 pregnancies were screened according to strategy A, 1975 pregnancies according to strategy B. The screen positive rate (SPR) for strategy A and B was 8.9 and 16.9% respectively (p < 0.0001) while the incidence of PE was 1.41 and 1.84% respectively (p = ns).

Conclusion With a SPR of less than 10% we achieved a remarkably low rate of PE in our population, no further reduction in PE could be achieved by an increase in the SPR and LDA-prescription during the second screening period. The cut-off to define a pregnancy at risk for PE should be tailored to keep the SPR below 10% to avoid unnecessary treatment with aspirin.
Telemedizin bei Herzinsuffizienz – Translation von klinischen Studien in die Regelversorgung
Authors: Hiddemann Meike , Prescher Sandra , Koehler Kerstin , Koehler Friedrich
Published: July 2021

Für telemedizinische Mitbetreuung von Patient*innen mit chronischer Herzinsuffizienz besteht Evidenz bezüglich der Senkung von Letalität und kardiovaskulärer Morbidität. Nach aktuellem Beschluss des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses (G-BA) wird erstmals eine digitale Methode in die Regelversorgung überführt. Hochrisikopatient*innen mit reduzierter linksventrikulärer Ejektionsfraktion haben künftig einen Leistungsanspruch, entweder mittels aktiver Implantate (ICD, CRT-P und CRT-D) oder mittels telemedizinischer Heimmessgeräte betreut zu werden. Die Indikation zum Telemonitoring stellt der/die primär behandelnde Arzt/Ärztin (PBA). Der tägliche Vitaldatentransfer erfolgt an ein kardiologisch geführtes Telemedizinzentrum (TMZ), welches den/die PBA bei auffälligen Befunden zeitnah benachrichtigt. Der/die PBA entscheidet im Einzelfall über den Bedarf einer telemedizinischen 24/7-Mitbetreuung. Ein/e kardiologische/r PBA mit einer TMZ-Infrastruktur kann die telemedizinische
Mitbetreuung der eigenen Patient*innen übernehmen.
Supraspinatus Tendon Changes and Glenohumeral Range of Motion in
College Baseball Players
Authors: Ishigaki Tomonobu , Hirokawa Motoki , Ezawa Yuya , Yamanaka Masanori
Published: July 2021

Baseball players commonly show altered glenohumeral range of motion during
internal rotation, external rotation, total rotation, and horizontal adduction.
These altered ranges of motion appear to be associated with throwing shoulder
injuries, which frequently involve the supraspinatus tendons; thus, we aimed to
examine the relationship between altered glenohumeral range of motion and
supraspinatus tendon changes in collegiate baseball players. To investigate this
association using the Pearson correlation coefficient, we measured glenohumeral
internal rotation, external rotation, total rotation, and horizontal adduction
ranges of motion and supraspinatus tendon thickness in 22 college baseball
players. Consequently, there was a significant relationship between increase in
supraspinatus tendon thickness and greater deficit of internal rotation
(r=–0.520, P=0.013). Increased
supraspinatus tendon thickness tended to be associated with greater external
rotation gain (r=0.394, P=0.073). No other range
of motion had any relationship with supraspinatus tendon changes. These results
might indicate that restricted glenohumeral internal rotation and excessive gain
in external rotation increase the risk of supraspinatus tendon abnormalities in
baseball players.
Recurrent Olfactory Groove Meningioma Filling the Nasal Cavity: A Case Report and Technical Video
Authors: Mastronardi Luciano , Corrivetti Francesco , Bevilacqua Pio , Roperto Raffaelino , Sufianov Albert
Published: July 2021

Background Meningiomas are usually benign tumors and account for 15% of the overall intracranial tumors. Less than 3% of them extend up to the sinonasal region.

Case Report A 61-year-old woman, operated on for a huge olfactory meningioma 8 years before, came for progressive nasal obstruction. On physical examination, a mass that completely obliterated the right nasal passage was detected. A c.e. cranial MRI confirmed the presence of an enhancing mass completely occupying the right nostril, without intracranial extension. A biopsy of the mass revealed a meningioma (WHO grade I) and the patient was admitted to our department for the surgical removal of the endonasal recurrent tumor.

Results The meningioma was approached and excised by endonasal endoscopic approach using a microdebrider and electrocautery. A linear residual of tumor was left attached to the previous anterior skull base’ vascularized galeal flap, in order to avoid a communication with the intracranial compartment and a possible cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient immediately referred an improvement in breathing. A c.e. postoperative MRI confirmed the nearly total removal of tumor.

Conclusions We present a video with the most relevant steps of transnasal endoscopic surgical removal of a quite rare case of a recurrent olfactory groove meningioma, completely obliterating the right nostril.
Evaluation of Erythrocytes Magnetized Technology for Measurement of ABO Isoagglutinin Titers
Authors: Chopra Parul , Bhardwaj Sunanda , Samkaria Ajay , Amoli Asha , Arora Anil
Published: July 2021

Background A variation in the measurement of ABO antibody titer has been seen among different laboratories due to lack of standardization. In our study, we aim to evaluate automated ABO isoagglutinin titer measurements by erythrocytes magnetized technology (EMT) and compare with conventional tube technique (TT).

Methods We performed ABO isoagglutinin titration on samples received in a reference laboratory during a period of 2 months. A total of 134 tests for immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer and 116 for immunoglobulin M (IgM) for anti-A or anti-B were included in the study. Samples were processed for ABO isoagglutination titers by both TT and EMT by QWALYS-3 (DIAGAST, France). Microsoft Excel was used to compile data, for all calculations, and to draw graphs and plots. The number and percentage of cases within ±1, ±2, or ±3 titer difference (TT-EMT) were calculated.

Results Median titers and their ranges obtained by EMT were higher or equal to those by TT for all IgM and IgG ABO-antibodies in all blood group (BGs), except anti-A IgM in (BG) O that was lower by EMT (32 [4:128]) than TT (48 [8:256]). One twenty one (121/134, 90.3%) cases of IgG titer showed an agreement by both methods (within ± one titer difference). One hundred seven cases (107/116, 92.2%) for IgM titer were within one titer difference by both the methods.

Conclusion Results of titration by EMT-based automated instrument QWALYS-3 and conventional TT may vary by one titer dilution in the majority of cases. Use of consistent method for patient management is, therefore, advised.
Markenbildung im Krankenhaus: Du bist mir 'ne Marke: Wieso Branding eine Pflichtaufgabe ist
Authors: Camphausen Martin , Schuster Tiziana
Published: July 2021

Die Veränderungen der Krankenhauslandschaft erzeugen einen Druck, sich auch als Klinik auf dem Markt zu positionieren. Die Marke spielt dabei eine zentrale Rolle, gewährleistet sie im besten Fall Konsistenz im Auftreten nach innen und außen. Das Markenversprechen muss sich jedoch in der Organisation wiederfinden und von den Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern auch einlösbar sein. Keine leichte Aufgabe.
Krankenhaus-Markengebung: „Marke ist viel mehr als ein neues Logo“
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Die SRH hat sich 2019 auf den Weg gemacht, sich eine neue Markenidentität zu geben. Das nicht ohne Grund: Die Konkurrenz ist groß, der „war of talents“ hat längst begonnen. Dennoch ist es nicht damit getan, sich ein neues Logo zu geben, sondern es ist vielmehr ein langjähriger Change-Prozess. kma sprach mit dem Vorstandsvorsitzenden der SRH Holding, Professor Christof Hettich, und Simone Kuhn, Leiterin Strategische Markenführung und Innovationsmanagement.
Ärztlicher Pandemierat: Mit geballtem Expertenwissen die Krise bewältigen
Authors: Reisinger Kathrin
Published: July 2021

Auf Initiative der Bundesärztekammer (BÄK) hatte sich im November 2020 ein ärztlicher Pandemierat aus Vertretern wissenschaftlich-medizinischer Fachgesellschaften, des Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes und des Wissenschaftlichen Beirats der BÄK gegründet. Doch was macht der Rat eigentlich, wer gehört ihm an und welche Ergebnisse gibt es nach einem halben Jahr bereits? Eine Zwischenbilanz.
Digitales Krankenhausmarketing: Heute Wettbewerbsvorteil – morgen Selbstverständlichkeit
Authors: Hodek Jan-Marc
Published: July 2021

Die Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen schreitet voran, die Gesundheitswelt vernetzt sich. Gesundheits- und Patientenportale sind auf dem Vormarsch. Die Digitalisierung im Klinikmarketing ist kein Trend mehr, Klinikmarketing etabliert sich und auch die Kommunikation wird sich dadurch nachhaltig verändern.
Digitale Transformation: Digitaler OP eröffnet neue Perspektiven in der Pflege
Authors: Krex Dietmar , Köbsch Daniel
Published: July 2021

Die Digitalisierung verändert Prozesse und Abläufe, aber auch bestehende hierarchische Strukturen im OP. Dies birgt insbesondere für die OP-Pflege das Potenzial, sich neue Tätigkeitsfelder zu erschließen. Gleichzeitig müssen durch die veränderten Modalitäten im digitalen OP neue organisatorische Strukturen etabliert werden.
Krankenhaus-Catering: Mit Optimismus aus dem Lockdown
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: July 2021

Die deutschen Krankenhaus-Caterer bewegen sich in einem schwierigen Umfeld. Um im Markt bestehen zu können, müssen sie innovativ sein. Dabei setzen sie immer mehr auf Digitalisierung.
FM-Software: Nie wieder Schulung
Authors: Neumann Eva , Neumann Oswald
Published: July 2021

Die neue FM-Software ist da – doch sie ist in der Anwendung leider viel zu kompliziert. Statt Einsparungspotenziale zu bieten, wird sie damit zu einem zusätzlichen Zeit- und Kostenfresser. Das muss nicht sein, wenn Krankenhäuser bereits im Vorfeld die richtigen Tools auswählen.
Digitalisierung des Zentrallagers: Keine Papierlisten mehr
Authors: Szlamma Steffen
Published: July 2021

Die Alb Fils Kliniken digitalisierten in den vergangenen beiden Jahren ihr Zentrallager für Medizinprodukte und Wirtschaftsgüter. Die Abläufe im Lager basierten bisher zum großen Teil auf Papierausdrucken, händischen Notizen und aufwändigen Eingaben im Nachgang. Die Digitalisierung hat die Prozesse von Wareneingang bis Ausgabe erheblich beschleunigt.
ÖVKT-Jahrestagung vom 21. bis 24. September in Pörtschach: Zurück in den Normalbetrieb
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: July 2021

Während der Pandemie zählte schnelles zielgerichtetes Handeln. „Das Thema Sicherheit hatte dabei nicht immer höchste Priorität. Jetzt müssen die Kliniken in den Normalbetrieb zurückfinden“, sagt Martin Krammer. „Die ÖVKT-Tagung wird dieses Jahr in mehrerlei Hinsicht mit der Corona-Lage abschließen.
Tailoring the flow properties of soft composites through component manipulation
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: July 2021

Small changes in the molecular architecture of soft particles are introduced to impact the state diagram of colloidal mixtures.
Log-convex set of Lindblad semigroups acting on N-level system
Authors: Shahbeigi Fereshte , Amaro-Alcalá David , Puchała Zbigniew , Życzkowski Karol
Published: July 2021

We analyze the set ANQ of mixed unitary channels represented in the Weyl basis and accessible by a Lindblad semigroup acting on an N-level quantum system. General necessary and sufficient conditions for a mixed Weyl quantum channel of an arbitrary dimension to be accessible by a semigroup are established. The set ANQ is shown to be log-convex and star-shaped with respect to the completely depolarizing channel. A decoherence supermap acting in the space of Lindblad operators transforms them into the space of Kolmogorov generators of classical semigroups. We show that for mixed Weyl channels, the super-decoherence commutes with the dynamics so that decohering a quantum accessible channel, we obtain a bistochastic matrix from the set ANC of classical maps accessible by a semigroup. Focusing on three-level systems, we investigate the geometry of the sets of quantum accessible maps, its classical counterpart, and the support of their spectra. We demonstrate that the set A3Q is not included in the set U3Q of quantum unistochastic channels, although an analogous relation holds for N = 2. The set of transition matrices obtained by super-decoherence of unistochastic channels of order N ≥ 3 is shown to be larger than the set of unistochastic matrices of this order and yields a motivation to introduce the larger sets of k-unistochastic matrices.
The classical β-ensembles with β proportional to 1/N: From loop equations to Dyson’s disordered chain
Authors: Forrester P. J. , Mazzuca G.
Published: July 2021

In the classical β-ensembles of random matrix theory, setting β = 2α/N and taking the N → ∞ limit gives a statistical state depending on α. Using the loop equations for the classical β-ensembles, we study the corresponding eigenvalue density, its moments, covariances of monomial linear statistics, and the moments of the leading 1/N correction to the density. From earlier literature, the limiting eigenvalue density is known to be related to classical functions. Our study gives a unifying mechanism underlying this fact, identifying, in particular, the Gauss hypergeometric differential equation determining the Stieltjes transform of the limiting density in the Jacobi case. Our characterization of the moments and covariances of monomial linear statistics is through recurrence relations. We also extend recent work, which begins with the β-ensembles in the high-temperature limit and constructs a family of tridiagonal matrices referred to as α-ensembles, obtaining a random anti-symmetric tridiagonal matrix with i.i.d. (Independent Identically Distributed) gamma distributed random variables. From this, we can supplement analytic results obtained by Dyson in the study of the so-called type I disordered chain.
Field-free spin–orbit torque driven multi-state reversal in wedged Ta/MgO/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures
Authors: Li Dong , Cui Baoshan , Guo Xiaobin , Xiao Zhengyu , Zhang Wei , Jia Xiaoxiong , Duan Jinyu , Liu Xu , Chen Jie , Quan Zhiyong , Yu Guoqiang , Xu Xiaohong
Published: July 2021

We report a current-induced four-state magnetization reversal under zero magnetic field in a wedged Ta/MgO/CoFeB/MgO heterostructure with a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Anomalous Hall effect and magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy measurements were performed to demonstrate that the field-free multi-level reversal is jointly determined by the spin–orbit torque effective field that originates from the lack of the lateral inversion symmetry in the wedged stacking structure and the current-induced Oersted field. Moreover, the creation of robust intermediate Hall resistance states in the multi-state switching strongly depends on the current-induced Joule heating. Our results provide a route for the field-free multi-level state reversal, which is significant for fabricating the non-volatile and energy-efficient multi-level memories or artificial neuron devices.
Adsorption of semiflexible polymers in crowded environments
Authors: Chauhan Gaurav , Simpson Michael L. , Abel Steven M.
Published: July 2021

Macromolecular crowding is a feature of cellular and cell-free systems that, through depletion effects, can impact the interactions of semiflexible biopolymers with surfaces. In this work, we use computer simulations to study crowding-induced adsorption of semiflexible polymers on otherwise repulsive surfaces. Crowding particles are modeled explicitly, and we investigate the interplay between the bending stiffness of the polymer and the volume fraction and size of crowding particles. Adsorption to flat surfaces is promoted by stiffer polymers, smaller crowding particles, and larger volume fractions of crowders. We characterize transitions from non-adsorbed to partially and strongly adsorbed states as a function of bending stiffness. The crowding-induced transitions occur at smaller values of the bending stiffness as the volume fraction of crowders increases. Concomitant effects on the size and shape of the polymer are reflected by crowding- and stiffness-dependent changes to the radius of gyration. For various polymer lengths, we identify a critical crowding fraction for adsorption and analyze its scaling behavior in terms of polymer stiffness. We also consider crowding-induced adsorption in spherical confinement and identify a regime in which increasing the bending stiffness induces desorption. The results of our simulations shed light on the interplay of crowding and bending stiffness on the spatial organization of biopolymers in encapsulated cellular and cell-free systems.
An improved Slater’s transition state approximation
Authors: Hirao Kimihiko , Nakajima Takahito , Chan Bun
Published: July 2021

We have extended Slater’s transition state concept for the approximation of the difference in total energies of the initial and final states by three orbital energies of initial, final, and half-way Slater’s transition states of the system. Numerical validation was performed with the ionization energies for H2O, CO, and pyrrole by calculation using Hartree–Fock (HF) and Kohn–Sham (KS) theories with the B3LYP and LCgau-core-BOP functionals. The present extended method reproduces full ΔSCF very accurately for all occupied orbitals obtained with HF and for valence orbitals obtained with KS. KS core orbitals have some errors due to the self-interaction errors, but the present method significantly improves the core electron binding energies. In its current form, the newly derived theory may not yet be practically useful, but it is simple and conceptually useful for gaining improved understanding of SCF-type orbital theories.
Cell contact guidance via sensing anisotropy of network mechanical resistance
Authors: Thrivikraman Greeshma , Jagiełło Alicja , Lai Victor K. , Johnson Sandra L. , Keating Mark , Nelson Alexander , Schultz Billianne , Wang Connie M. , Levine Alex J. , Botvinick Elliot L. , Tranquillo Robert T.
Published: July 2021

Significance

Cell contact guidance in aligned fibers is, in many ways, a final frontier in directed cell migration. Despite its ubiquitous importance in normal/pathological processes, notably metastasis from solid tumors, and scaffold design for tissue engineering/regenerative medicine, the signal that induces contact guidance in an aligned fiber network has defied elucidation. We report definitive demonstration of a biophysical signal sensed by fibroblasts cultured within aligned fibrils: mechanical resistance anisotropy, the resistance resulting from viscous and elastic properties of fibril network to pseudopod protrusion/retraction and how it differs in different directions (anisotropy). This discovery is of fundamental importance to understanding contact guidance, providing a rationale, currently lacking, for future studies of the intracellular signal transduction/response pathways for physiologically relevant contact guidance.
POU4F3 pioneer activity enables ATOH1 to drive diverse mechanoreceptor differentiation through a feed-forward epigenetic mechanism
Authors: Yu Haoze V. , Tao Litao , Llamas Juan , Wang Xizi , Nguyen John D. , Trecek Talon , Segil Neil
Published: July 2021

Significance

Embryonic development relies on a hierarchy of transcription factor expression and chromatin structure changes to establish unique patterns of gene expression in different cell types. The mechanisms regulating these changes are poorly understood. We compared two mechanosensory cell types, inner ear hair cells and epidermal Merkel cells, to demonstrate a feed-forward mechanism involving the transcription factors ATOH1, a “master regulator” of differentiation, and POU4F3 during mechanosensory differentiation. We show that downstream POU4F3 pioneer factor activity allows ATOH1 to access much of its enhancer network in developmentally closed chromatin. Our data suggest this shared feed-forward mechanism preceded the evolutionary divergence of hair cells and Merkel cells from an ancient mechanosensory receptor type and thus may have enabled their divergence.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of hexagonal boron nitride on Ni foils
Authors: Hadid Jawad , Colambo Ivy , Boyaval Christophe , Nuns Nicolas , Dudin Pavel , Avila Jose , Wallart Xavier , Vignaud Dominique
Published: July 2021

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) was synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy on polycrystalline Ni foils using borazine (B3N3H6) as precursor. Our photoemission analysis shows that several components of boron and nitrogen are detected, suggesting the complex nature of the bonds noticeably at the h-BN/Ni interface. The BN thickness was estimated by photoemission and the BN distribution by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Due to the catalytic effect of the Ni substrate, this thickness is self-limited in the range 1–2 layers regardless of the borazine dose. A spatially resolved photoemission study was carried out before and after transfer of the h-BN on a Si substrate. It shows that a strong electronic coupling exists at the interface between h-BN and polycrystalline Ni, not only for (111) grains, which disappears after transfer on Si. In addition, we highlight the importance of detecting π plasmons in the photoemission spectra to confirm the hexagonal nature of BN.
Dynamics near the central singularity in spherical collapse
Authors: Guo Jun-Qi
Published: July 2021

We study the dynamics near the central singularity in spherically symmetric collapse of a massless scalar field toward Schwarzschild black hole formation. The equations of motion take different simplified forms in the early and late stages of the singularity curve. We report some fine structures of the analytic solutions and universal features for the metric functions and matter near the singularity.
Local structure and dynamics of tungsten oxide-based glasses: insights from concurrent neutron diffraction and Compton scattering
Authors: Krzystyniak Matthew , Drużbicki Kacper , Tolnai Istvan , Fabian Margit
Published: July 2021

In this work, following our previous work on molybdate glasses, we employ a combination of neutron diffraction and neutron Compton scattering, augmented by ab initio harmonic lattice dynamics and Reverse Monte Carlo modelling to characterise the force-constant disorder in the tungsten oxide-based glasses. Specifically, we discuss the correlations between the average interatomic force constant magnitudes inferred from neutron Compton scattering and the glass formation ability, measured in terms of the value of the glass transition temperature, as well as the average bond-lengths and interatomic distances obtained from diffraction data analysis. Moreover, we provide a comparative analysis of the widths of force-constant distributions of individual atomic species in glasses and their precursor metal oxides based on the distributions of the widths of nuclear momentum distributions. Furthermore, we assess the degree of softening of atom-projected vibrational densities of states induced by the force-constant disorder in the glasses.
Michael Atiyah’s work in algebraic topology
Authors: Segal Graeme
Published: July 2021

In 1960 algebraic topology was at the centre of the mathematical stage, but Michael Atiyah burst into the field and changed its focus and its language. I describe his work of the following decade and its influence, keeping to the themes ofKK-theory and generalized cohomology to minimise the overlap with Dan Freed’s account of Atiyah’s work on index theory, which also appears in this issue.
Postoperative complications and waiting time for surgical intervention after radiologically guided drainage of intra-abdominal abscess in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: El-Hussuna A , Karer M L M , Uldall Nielsen N N , Mujukian A , Fleshner P R , Iesalnieks I , Horesh N , Kopylov U , Jacoby H , Al-Qaisi H M , Colombo F , Sampietro G M , Marino M V , Ellebæk M , Steenholdt C , Sørensen N , Celentano V , Ladwa N , Warusavitarne J , Pellino G , Zeb A , Di Candido F , Hurtado-Pardo L , Frasson M , Kunovsky L , Yalcinkaya A , Tatar O C , Alonso S , Pera M , Granero A G , Rodríguez C A , Minaya A , Spinelli A , Qvist N
Published: July 2021

Background

In patients with active Crohn’s disease (CD), treatment of intra-abdominal abscess usually comprises antibiotics and radiologically guided percutaneous drainage (PD) preceding surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of postoperative complications and identify the optimal time interval for surgical intervention after PD.

Methods

A multicentre, international, retrospective cohort study was carried out. Details of patients with diagnosis of CD who underwent ultrasonography- or CT-guided PD were retrieved from hospital records using international classification of disease (ICD-10) diagnosis code for CD combined with procedure code for PD. Clinical variables were retrieved and the following outcomes were measured: 30-day postoperative overall complications, intra-abdominal septic complications, unplanned intraoperative adverse events, surgical-site infections, sepsis and pathological postoperative ileus, in addition to abscess recurrence. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the length of the interval from PD to surgery (1–14 days, 15–30 days and more than 30 days) for comparison of outcomes.

Results

The cohort comprised 335 CD patients with PD followed by surgery. Median age was 33 (i.q.r. 24–44) years, 152 (45.4 per cent) were females, and median disease duration was 9 (i.q.r. 3.6–15) years. Overall, the 30-day postoperative complications rate was 32.2 per cent and the mortality rate was 1.5 per cent. After adjustment for co-variables, older age (odds ratio 1.03 (95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 1.06), P < 0.012), residual abscess after PD (odds ratio 0.374 (95 per cent c.i. 0.19 to 0.74), P < 0.014), smoking (odds ratio 1.89 (95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 3.53), P = 0.049) and low serum albumin concentration (odds ratio 0.921 (95 per cent c.i. 0.89 to 0.96), P < 0.001) were associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. A short waiting interval, less than 2 weeks after PD, was associated with a high incidence of abscess recurrence (odds ratio 0.59 (95 per cent c.i. 0.36 to 0.96), P = 0.042).

Conclusion

Smoking, low serum albumin concentration and older age were significantly associated with postoperative complications. An interval of at least 2 weeks after successful PD correlated with reduced risk of abscess recurrence.
K.Vita: a feasibility study of a blend of medium chain triglycerides to manage drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Schoeler Natasha E , Orford Michael , Vivekananda Umesh , Simpson Zoe , Van de Bor Baheerathi , Smith Hannah , Balestrini Simona , Rutherford Tricia , Brennan Erika , McKenna James , Lambert Bridget , Barker Tom , Jackson Richard , Williams Robin S B , Sisodiya Sanjay M , Eaton Simon , Heales Simon J R , Cross J Helen , Walker Matthew C ,   K.Vita Study Group, Rajakulendran Sanjeev , Vezyroglou Aikaterini , Pujar Suresh , Kalser Judith , Eltze Christin , Varadkar Sophia , Robinson Robert , Rahman Shamima
Published: July 2021

This prospective open-label feasibility study aimed to evaluate acceptability, tolerability and compliance with dietary intervention with K.Vita, a medical food containing a unique ratio of decanoic acid to octanoic acid, in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. Adults and children aged 3–18 years with drug-resistant epilepsy took K.Vita daily whilst limiting high-refined sugar food and beverages. K.Vita was introduced incrementally with the aim of achieving ≤35% energy requirements for children or 240 ml for adults. Primary outcome measures were assessed by study completion, participant diary, acceptability questionnaire and K.Vita intake. Reduction in seizures or paroxysmal events was a secondary outcome. 23/35 (66%) children and 18/26 (69%) adults completed the study; completion rates were higher when K.Vita was introduced more gradually. Gastrointestinal disturbances were the primary reason for discontinuation, but symptoms were similar to those reported from ketogenic diets and incidence decreased over time. At least three-quarters of participants/caregivers reported favourably on sensory attributes of K.Vita, such as taste, texture and appearance, and ease of use. Adults achieved a median intake of 240 ml K.Vita, and children 120 ml (19% daily energy). Three children and one adult had ß-hydroxybutyrate >1 mmol/l. There was 50% (95% CI 39–61%) reduction in mean frequency of seizures/events. Reduction in seizures or paroxysmal events correlated significantly with blood concentrations of medium chain fatty acids (C10 and C8) but not ß-hydroxybutyrate. K.Vita was well accepted and tolerated. Side effects were mild and resolved with dietetic support. Individuals who completed the study complied with K.Vita and additional dietary modifications. Dietary intervention had a beneficial effect on frequency of seizures or paroxysmal events, despite absent or very low levels of ketosis. We suggest that K.Vita may be valuable to those with drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly those who cannot tolerate or do not have access to ketogenic diets, and may allow for more liberal dietary intake compared to ketogenic diets, with mechanisms of action perhaps unrelated to ketosis. Further studies of effectiveness of K.Vita are warranted.