bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in the adult population of the Basque country, Spain
Authors: Urrutia Inés , Martín-Nieto Alicia , Martínez Rosa , Casanovas-Marsal J Oriol , Aguayo Anibal , del Olmo Juan , Arana Eunate , Fernandez-Rubio Elsa , Castaño Luis , Gaztambide Sonia ,   The Diabetes Epidemiology Group, García-Castaño Alejandro , Gómez-Conde Sara , Larrauri Sara , Martínez de LaPiscina Idoia , Saso Laura , Velasco Olaia
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of diabetes mellitus in the Basque Country and the risk factors involved in the disease by reassessing an adult population after 7 years of follow-up. In the previous prevalence study, 847 people older than 18 years were randomly selected from all over the Basque Country and were invited to answer a medical questionnaire, followed by a physical examination and an oral glucose tolerance test. In the reassessment, the same variables were collected and the resulting cohort comprised 517 individuals of whom 43 had diabetes at baseline. The cumulative incidence of diabetes was 4.64% in 7 years and the raw incidence rate was 6.56 cases/1000 person-years (95%CI: 4.11–9.93). Among the incident cases, 59% were undiagnosed. The most strongly associated markers by univariate analyses were age > 60 years, dyslipidaemia, prediabetes and insulin resistance. We also found association with hypertension, obesity, family history of diabetes and low education level. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex showed that a set of risk factors assessed together (dyslipidaemia, waist-to-hip-ratio and family history of diabetes) had great predictive value (AUC-ROC = 0.899, 95%CI: 0.846–0.953, p = 0.942), which suggests the need for early intervention before the onset of prediabetes.
Decoupling the metal insulator transition and crystal field effects of VO2
Authors: Hwang In-Hui , Park Chang-In , Yeo Sunmog , Sun Cheng-Jun , Han Sang-Wook
Published: February 2021

VO2 is a highly correlated electron system which has a metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) with a dramatic change of conductivity accompanied by a first-order structural phase transition (SPT) near room temperature. The origin of the MIT is still controversial and there is ongoing debate over whether an SPT induces the MIT and whether the Tc can be engineered using artificial parameters. We examined the electrical and local structural properties of Cr- and Co-ion implanted VO2 (Cr-VO2 and Co-VO2) films using temperature-dependent resistance and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements at the V K edge. The temperature-dependent electrical resistance measurements of both Cr-VO2 and Co-VO2 films showed sharp MIT features. The Tc values of the Cr-VO2 and Co-VO2 films first decreased and then increased relative to that of pristine VO2 as the ion flux was increased. The pre-edge peak of the V K edge from the Cr-VO2 films with a Cr ion flux ≥ 1013 ions/cm2 showed no temperature-dependent behavior, implying no changes in the local density of states of V 3d t2g and eg orbitals during MIT. Extended XAFS (EXAFS) revealed that implanted Cr and Co ions and their tracks caused a substantial amount of structural disorder and distortion at both vanadium and oxygen sites. The resistance and XAFS measurements revealed that VO2 experiences a sharp MIT when the distance of V–V pairs undergoes an SPT without any transitions in either the VO6 octahedrons or the V 3d t2g and eg states. This indicates that the MIT of VO2 occurs with no changes of the crystal fields.
Increased C reactive protein, cardiac troponin I and GLS are associated with myocardial inflammation in patients with non-ischemic heart failure
Authors: Schwuchow-Thonke S. , Göbel S. , Emrich T. , Schmitt V. H. , Fueting F. , Klank C. , Escher F. , Schultheiss H. P. , Münzel T. , Keller K. , Wenzel P.
Published: February 2021

Inflammatory cardiomyopathy diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is common in non-ischemic heart failure (HF) and might be associated with adverse outcome. We aimed to identify markers predicting myocardial inflammation in HF. We screened 517 patients with symptomatic non-ischemic HF who underwent EMB; 397 patients (median age 54 [IQR 43/64], 28.7% females) were included in this study. 230 patients were diagnosed with myocardial inflammation, defined as ≥ 7.0 CD3+ lymphocytes/mm2 and/or ≥ 35.0 Mac1 macrophages/mm2 and were compared to 167 inflammation negative patients. Patients with myocardial inflammation were more often smokers (52.4% vs. 39.8%, p = 0.013) and had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (5.4 mg/dl vs. 3.7 mg/dl, p = 0.003). In logistic regression models CRP ≥ 8.15 mg/dl (OR 1.985 [95%CI 1.160–3.397]; p = 0.012) and Troponin I (TnI) ≥ 136.5 pg/ml (OR 3.011 [1.215–7.464]; p = 0.017) were independently associated with myocardial inflammation, whereas no association was found for elevated brain natriuretic peptide (OR 1.811 [0.873–3.757]; p = 0.111). In prognostic performance calculation the highest positive predictive value (90%) was detected for the combination of Global longitudinal strain (GLS) ≥ -13.95% and TnI ≥ 136.5 pg/ml (0.90 (0.74–0.96)). Elevated CRP, TnI and GLS in combination with TnI can be useful to detect myocardial inflammation. Smoking seems to predispose for myocardial inflammation.
Early alterations in retinal microvasculature on swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Podkowinski Dominika , Foessl Bernhard , de Sisternes Luis , Beka Sophie , Mursch-Edlmayr Anna-Sophie , Strauss Rupert W. , Bolz Matthias
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the retinal blood flow in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) over an observational period of 1 month using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCTA), focusing especially on changes in the area of subretinal fluid (A-SRF). We correlated these findings with conventional indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). ICGA and SS-OCTA images were collected and analyzed of 12 eyes of 12 patients. The A-SRF was annotated and a qualitative analysis of choriocapillaris, the vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of the retinal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) was performed in A-SRF and the unaffected remaining area (RA). The VD and PD in the DCP were statistically significantly lower in A-SRF than in the RA at baseline. (VD: p = 0.014; PD: p = 0.036). After 1 month, there was a statistically significant difference in the VD and PD of the DCP (VD: p = 0.015; PD: p = 0.014), and for the PD of the SCP between the A-SRF and the RA (p = 0.015), with lower values in the A-SRF. We found low perfused areas in choriocapillaris corresponding to hypofluorescent areas on ICGA. In conclusion there is a difference in VD and VD of the DCP in the area of SRF in acute CSC. These alterations may lead to a chronic change in the microvasculature and potentially to morphological changes.
Polychlorinated biphenyls and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in the population living in a highly polluted area in Italy
Authors: Donato Francesco , Moneda Marco , Portolani Nazario , Rossini Angelo , Molfino Sarah , Ministrini Silvia , Contessi Giovanni Battista , Pesenti Silvia , De Palma Giuseppe , Gaia Alice , Zanardini Elena , Sileo Claudio Vito , Magoni Michele
Published: February 2021

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are human carcinogens, based on sufficient evidence for melanoma and limited evidence for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer. Few data are available for liver cancer, although PCBs cause it in rats and determined liver damage in poisoned people. We investigated the association between PCB serum levels and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a case–control study in a PCB-polluted area in North Italy. We enrolled prospectively 102 HCC incident cases and 102 age and gender-matched hospital controls. Serum concentrations of 33 PCB congeners were determined by a gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometry. Of 102 HCC cases, 62 who had lost < 3 kg of body weight in past 3 years were included in the analysis (67.7% males, mean age 68 years). The odds ratio (OR) for HCC for 3rd compared to 1st tertile of PCB distribution was 1.76 (95% confidence interval 0.62–5.03) for total PCB, adjusting for socio-demographic variables and risk factors for HCC by logistic regression. For most PCB congeners, ORs > 1.5 or 2 were found, although the 95% CIs included the null value for almost all of them. This preliminary study suggests that PCBs might play a role in HCC development.
A decellularized human corneal scaffold for anterior corneal surface reconstruction
Authors: Polisetti Naresh , Schmid Anke , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Maier Philip , Lang Stefan J. , Steinberg Thorsten , Schlunck Günther , Reinhard Thomas
Published: February 2021

Allogenic transplants of the cornea are prone to rejection, especially in repetitive transplantation and in scarred or highly vascularized recipient sites. Patients with these ailments would particularly benefit from the possibility to use non-immunogenic decellularized tissue scaffolds for transplantation, which may be repopulated by host cells in situ or in vitro. So, the aim of this study was to develop a fast and efficient decellularization method for creating a human corneal extracellular matrix scaffold suitable for repopulation with human cells from the corneal limbus. To decellularize human donor corneas, sodium deoxycholate, deoxyribonuclease I, and dextran were assessed to remove cells and nuclei and to control tissue swelling, respectively. We evaluated the decellularization effects on the ultrastructure, optical, mechanical, and biological properties of the human cornea. Scaffold recellularization was studied using primary human limbal epithelial cells, stromal cells, and melanocytes in vitro and a lamellar transplantation approach ex vivo. Our data strongly suggest that this approach allowed the effective removal of cellular and nuclear material in a very short period of time while preserving extracellular matrix proteins, glycosaminoglycans, tissue structure, and optical transmission properties. In vitro recellularization demonstrated good biocompatibility of the decellularized human cornea and ex vivo transplantation revealed complete epithelialization and stromal repopulation from the host tissue. Thus, the generated decellularized human corneal scaffold could be a promising biological material for anterior corneal reconstruction in the treatment of corneal defects.
Genome-wide characterization of the hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii F-box family under cadmium stress
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Qiu Wenmin , Liu Wen , Han Xiaojiao , Wu Longhua , Yu Miao , Qiu Xuelong , He Zhengquan , Li HaiYing , Zhuo Renying
Published: February 2021

The F-box genes, which form one of the largest gene families in plants, are vital for plant growth, development and stress response. However, F-box gene family in Sedum alfredii remains unknown. Comprehensive studies addressing their function responding to cadmium stress is still limited. In the present study, 193 members of the F-box gene (SaFbox) family were identified, which were classified into nine subfamilies. Most of the SaFboxs had highly conserved domain and motif. Various functionally related cis-elements involved in plant growth regulation, stress and hormone responses were located in the upstream regions of SaFbox genes. RNA-sequencing and co-expression network analysis revealed that the identified SaFbox genes would be involved in Cd stress. Expression analysis of 16 hub genes confirmed their transcription level in different tissues. Four hub genes (SaFbox40, SaFbox51, SaFbox136 and SaFbox170) were heterologously expressed in a Cd-sensitive yeast cell to assess their effects on Cd tolerance. The transgenic yeast cells carrying SaFbox40, SaFbox51, SaFbox136, or SaFbox170 were more sensitive and accumulated more cadmium under Cd stress than empty vector transformed control cells. Our results performed a comprehensive analysis of Fboxs in S. alfredii and identified their potential roles in Cd stress response.
Novel nano-plasmonic sensing platform based on vertical conductive bridge
Authors: Park Hyo-Seung , Park Jongkil , Kwak Joon Young , Hwang Gyu-Weon , Jeong Doo-Seok , Lee Kyeong-Seok
Published: February 2021

A novel nano-plasmonic sensing platform based on vertical conductive bridge was suggested as an alternative geometry for taking full advantages of unique properties of conductive junction while substantially alleviating burdens in lithographic process. The effects of various geometrical parameters on the plasmonic properties were systematically investigated. Theoretical simulation on this structure demonstrates that the presence of vertical conductive bridge with smaller diameter sandwiched between two adjacent thin nanodiscs excites a bridged mode very similar to the charge transfer plasmon and exhibits a remarkable enhancement in the extinction efficiency and the sensitivity when the electric field of incident light is parallel to the conductive bridge. Furthermore, for the electric field perpendicular to the bridge, another interesting feature is observed that two magnetic resonance modes are excited symmetrically through open-gaps on both sides of the bridge together with strongly enhanced electric field intensity, which provides a very favorable environment as a surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate for fluid analysis. These results verify a great potential and versatility of our approach for use as a nanoplasmonic sensing platform. In addition, we demonstrated the feasibility of fabrication process of vertical conductive bridge and high tunability in controlling the bridge width.
Exosomes from human cord blood plasma accelerate cutaneous wound healing by promoting fibroblast function, angiogenesis, and M2 macrophage differentiation
Authors: Kim Sueon , Kim Yeongwon , Hyun You-Seok , Choi Haeyoun , Kim Su-Yeon , Kim Tai-Gyu
Published: February 2021

To evaluate the CBPexo molecules involved, five proteins, GAL-3, GAL-7, HSP-72, PIP, and S100-A7, were selected through proteomic analysis, and their functions were investigated using an artificial exosome that expresses these proteins.
The reaction of prop-2-ynylsulfonium salts and sulfonyl-protected β-amino ketones to epoxide-fused 2-methylenepyrrolidines and S-containing pyrroles
Authors: Jia Tingting , Zeng Gongruixue , Zhang Chong , Zeng Linghui , Zheng Wenya , Li Siyao , Wu Keyi , Shao Jiaan , Zhang Jiankang , Zhu Huajian
Published: February 2021

A divergent domino reaction of prop-2-ynylsulfonium salts with sulfonyl-protected β-amino ketones was developed to afford epoxide-fused 2-methylenepyrrolidines and S-containing pyrroles.
Heteroternary cucurbit[8]uril complexes as supramolecular scaffolds for self-assembled bifunctional photoredoxcatalysts
Authors: Lutz Fabian , Lorenzo-Parodi Nerea , Schmidt Torsten C. , Niemeyer Jochen
Published: February 2021

Bifunctional catalysts can be generated by supramolecular self-assembly in aqueous solution – giving active photoredoxcatalysts for hydrogen generation.
Optimizing the morphology of calcium d-pantothenate by controlling phase transformation processes
Authors: Han Dandan , Du Shichao , Wu Songgu , Ouyang Ruiling , Gong Junbo
Published: February 2021

A process for preparing calcium d-pantothenate tetramethanol monohydrate (d-PC·4MeOH·H2O) with a block-like morphology was developed, the solvent-free D-PC with a block-like morphology was obtained by controlling the de-solvation of d-PC·4MeOH·H2O.
Localized electronic and vibrational states in amorphous diamond
Authors: Cheng Rong , Lu Wen-Cai , Ho K. M. , Wang C. Z.
Published: February 2021

Amorphous diamond structures with more than 97% of sp3 bonding fraction are generated by quenching liquid carbon using tight-binding molecular-dynamics simulations. The electronic and vibrational properties of the amorphous sample are investigated.
Characterization of lithium zinc titanate doped with metal ions as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Tang Haoqing , Song Yaoming , Zan Lingxing , Yue Yizhi , Dou Di , Song Yike , Wang Miao , Liu Xiaotong , Liu Tao , Tang Zhiyuan
Published: February 2021

The metal doped Li2Zn0.9M0.1Ti3O8 products are successfully fabricated via a high temperature calcination process. The ionic and electronic conductivities of Li2Zn0.9Nb0.1Ti3O8 has improved and shows the best lithium storage.
2-Azabutadiene complexes of rhenium(i): S,N-chelated species with photophysical properties heavily governed by the ligand hidden traits
Authors: Schlachter Adrien , Juvenal Frank , Kinghat Tangou Rodolphe , Khatyr Abderrahim , Guyon Fabrice , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Strohmann Carsten , Kubicki Marek M. , Rousselin Yoann , Harvey Pierre D. , Knorr Michael
Published: February 2021

The S,N-coordination of azabutadienes onto fac-Re(CO)3X species creates moderately emissive complexes, which exhibit ultrafast and multiphasic deactivation kinetics of both their singlet and triplet (MLCT/ILCT) excited states.
Synthesis, characterization, and polymerization of capped paddlewheel porous cages
Authors: Deegan Meaghan M. , Bloch Eric D.
Published: February 2021

Octahedral paddlewheel-based porous coordination cages capped by dicarboxylate supporting ligands are described. Polymerization of these structures provides access to a new phase with enhanced thermal stability and porosity.
Correction: Combined mechanistic and genetic programming approach to modeling pilot NBR production: influence of feed compositions on rubber Mooney viscosity
Authors: He Ge , Luo Tao , Dang Yagu , Zhou Li , Dai Yiyang , Ji Xu
Published: February 2021

Correction for ‘Combined mechanistic and genetic programming approach to modeling pilot NBR production: influence of feed compositions on rubber Mooney viscosity’ by Ge He et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 817–829, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA07257E.
The survey of planetary nebulae in Andromeda (M 31)
Authors: Bhattacharya Souradeep , Arnaboldi Magda , Gerhard Ortwin , McConnachie Alan , Caldwell Nelson , Hartke Johanna , Freeman Kenneth C.
Published: February 2021

Context.The Andromeda (M 31) galaxy displays several substructures in its inner halo. Different simulations associate their origin with either a single relatively massive merger, or with a larger number of distinct, less massive accretions.

Aims.The origin of these substructures as remnants of accreted satellites or perturbations of the pre-existing disc would be encoded in the properties of their stellar populations (SPs). The metallicity and star formation history of these distinct populations leave traces on their deep [O III] 5007 Å planetary nebulae luminosity function (PNLF). By characterizing the morphology of the PNLFs, we constrain their origin.

Methods.From our 54 sq. deg. deep narrow-band [O III] survey of M 31, we identify planetary nebulae in six major inner-halo substructures: the Giant Stream, North East Shelf, G1 Clump, Northern Clump, Western Shelf, and Stream D. We obtain their PNLFs and those in two disc annuli, with galactocentric radii ofRGC= 10–20 kpc andRGC= 20–30 kpc. We measure PNLF parameters from cumulative fits and statistically compare the PNLFs in each substructure and disc annulus. We link these deep PNLF parameters and those for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) to published metallicities and resolved stellar population-age measurements for their parent SPs.

Results.The absolute magnitudes (M*) of the PNLF bright cut-off for these sub-populations span a significant magnitude range, despite being located at the same distance and having a similar line-of-sight extinction. TheM*values of the Giant Stream, W Shelf, and Stream D PNLFs are fainter than those predicted by PN evolution models by 0.6, 0.8, and 1.5 mag, respectively, assuming the measured metallicity of the parent stellar populations. The faint-end slope of the PNLF increases linearly with decreasing fraction of stellar mass younger than 5 Gyr across the M 31 regions and the LMC. From their PNLFs, the Giant Stream and NE Shelf are consistent with being stellar debris from an infalling satellite, while the G1 Clump appears to be linked with the pre-merger disc with an additional contribution from younger stars.

Conclusions.The SPs of the substructures are consistent with those predicted by simulations of a single fairly massive merger event that took place 2–3 Gyr ago in M31. Stream D has an unrelated, distinct origin. Furthermore, this study provides independent evidence that the faint-end of the PNLF is preferentially populated by planetary nebulae evolved from older stars.
Polypendetektion mit künstlicher Intelligenz
Authors: Rademacher Andres , Faiss Siegbert
Published: February 2021

Durch die Vorsorgekoloskopie lässt sich die Inzidenz und die Sterblichkeit des kolorektalen Karzinoms effektiv senken. Die Adenomdetektionsrate (ADR = engl. adenoma detection rate) stellt ein entscheidendes Qualitätskriterium der Vorsorgekoloskopie dar. Die Nutzung computerbasierender Assistenzsysteme in der Endoskopie bietet große Chancen, die Adenomdetektionsrate weiter zu steigern und für eine weitere Qualitätssicherung in der Endoskopie zu sorgen.

Die theoretischen Grundlagen der künstlichen Intelligenz wurden bereits in den 1950er-Jahren gelegt, eine breite Anwendung ist jedoch erst jetzt durch die Entwicklung schneller Computer und die Verfügbarkeit großer digitaler Datenmengen möglich. Das Deep Learning (dt. mehrschichtiges Lernen oder tiefes Lernen) stellt eine Form des maschinellen Lernens dar, bei dem durch Nutzung eines künstlichen neuronalen Netzwerks nach einer Lernphase komplexe Aufgaben gelöst werden können. Es eignet sich für Anwendungen, die für das menschliche Gehirn keine große Anstrengung darstellen (wie z. B. Gesichts- oder Spracherkennung), die jedoch mit konventionellen Methoden sehr aufwendig zu programmieren sind.

Für den Einsatz in der Endoskopie wurden auf künstlicher Intelligenz basierende Systeme zur computergestützten Polypendetektion (engl. computer aided Detection = CADe), computergestützte Diagnose (engl. computer aided diagnosis = CADx) und zum computergestützten Monitoring (engl. computer aided monitoring = CADm) erfolgreich in Studien getestet. Erste kommerzielle Systeme zur Polypendetektion und zur optischen Biopsie im Kolon sind bereits erhältlich und konnten in Studien eine Steigerung der ADR durch Einsatz der künstlichen Intelligenz belegen.

Computergestützte Assistenzsysteme auf Basis des Deep Learning könnten in naher Zukunft zum Standard in der Endoskopie werden, um eine optimale Polypendetektion, akkurate Diagnosestellung und objektives Untersuchungsmonitoring zu gewährleisten.
Wann machen digitale Spiele krank?
Authors: Mikusky David , Abler Birgit
Published: February 2021

Computer-, Video- und Mobilespiele (digitale Spiele) sind ein weit verbreitetes Massenmedium, das in allen Altersklassen und sozialen Schichten vertreten ist. Damit im Zusammenhang stehende Krankheitsbilder sind im Abschnitt für Forschungsdiagnosen des Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) als Internet Gaming Disorder und den Vorabversionen der International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) als Gaming Disorder definiert. In der Literatur kontrovers diskutiert wird neben der Notwendigkeit einer möglichen Überpathologisierung von Alltagsverhalten die nosologische Einordnung als Suchterkrankung versus Impulskontrollstörung. Hinweise zur Einordnung als Suchtverhalten geben zum einen Validierungsstudien der Diagnosekriterien, in welchen mit Toleranzentwicklung, Kontrollverlust und Vernachlässigung anderer Aktivitäten allgemeine Suchtkriterien zur Voraussage einer Beeinträchtigung als geeignet eingeschätzt werden. Zum anderen zeigen neurobiologische und bildgebende Befunde eine deutliche Übereinstimmung der Veränderungen bei Konsumenten digitaler Spiele mit denen, wie sie auch bei stoffgebundenen Suchterkrankungen beobachtet wurden. Hilfreich bei einer Risikoeinschätzung für die Entwicklung eines psychiatrisch relevanten Syndroms kann die Kenntnis von Spielmechaniken und Bezahlmodellen digitaler Spiele sein, welche nach lerntheoretischer Konzeption zur Entstehung beitragen können: Gestaffelter Fortschritt im Spiel (Progressionssysteme) mit an saliente Reize gekoppelte Belohnungen zur Charakteraufwertung, der Spieleinstieg ohne Bezahlung (free-to-play), Erwerb von Spielfortschritt und Individualisierungsoptionen (In-Game-Items) durch Kleinstbeträge (Mikrotransaktionen) und an Zufall gekoppelte Belohnungen mit der Möglichkeit, digitale Münzwürfe zu erwerben (Lootboxen) können die Entwicklung von Suchtverhalten fördern.
Long-term follow-up after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in 182 cases
Authors: Suchy Christian , Berger Moritz , Steinbrück Ingo , Oyama Tsuneo , Yahagi Naohisa , Dumoulin Franz Ludwig
Published: February 2021

Background and study aims We previously reported a case series of our first 182 colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESDs). In the initial series, 155 ESDs had been technically feasible, with 137 en bloc resections and 97 en bloc resections with free margins (R0). Here, we present long-term follow-up data, with particular emphasis on cases where either en bloc resection was not achieved or en bloc resection resulted in positive margins (R1).

Patients and methods Between September 2012 and October 2015, we performed 182 consecutive ESD procedures in 178 patients (median size 41.0 ± 17.4 mm; localization rectum vs. proximal rectum 63 vs. 119). Data on follow-up were obtained from our endoscopy database and from referring physicians.

Results Of the initial cohort, 11 patients underwent surgery; follow-up data were available for 141 of the remaining 171 cases (82,5 %) with a median follow-up of 2.43 years (range 0.15–6.53). Recurrent adenoma was observed in 8 patients (n = 2 after margin positive en bloc ESD; n = 6 after fragmented resection). Recurrence rates were lower after en bloc resection, irrespective of involved margins (1.8 vs. 18,2 %; P < 0.01). All recurrences were low-grade adenomas and could be managed endoscopically.

Conclusions The rate of recurrence is low after en bloc ESD, in particular if a one-piece resection can be achieved. Recurrence after fragmented resection is comparable to published data on piecemeal mucosal resection.
Posttraumatic Ocular Hypotony Through Epithelial Downgrowth
Authors: Heinzelmann Joana , Schober Celestina , Huth Andrea , Siebolts Udo , Viestenz Arne
Published: February 2021

Background Intraocular epithelial downgrowth is a rare but potentially devastating posttraumatic complication. If left untreated, this may result in corneal decompensation, secondary
angle-closure glaucoma, retinal detachment and blindness.

Patient and Method A 10-year-old patient with penetrating globe injury and delayed wound management elsewhere presented with corneal melting and decompensation, retinal detachment
and ocular hypotony. Following penetrating keratoplasty, cyclopexy and vitrectomy, corneal melting in the interface with renewed retinal detachment was noted within days. The hopeless
prognosis required enucleation of the globe.

Results Optical coherence tomography revealed not only corneal melting, but also markedly hyperreflective structures posterior to the cornea. Immunohistology demonstrated diffuse
multi-layered nonkeratinised squamous cell epithelium on the posterior corneal surface, iris, ciliary bodies, and retina, as well as below the choroid, with renewed tractional retinal
detachment.

Conclusion Posttraumatic epithelial downgrowth may result in tractional retinal detachment, cyclodialysis cleft and/or corneal melting. Hyperreflective membrane deposits on OCT may
be indicative of diffuse epithelial downgrowth. Especially in children, prompt wound closure in globe injuries is vital to avoid this serious posttraumatic complication.
Effect of IPL in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Schuh Anna , Muth Daniel , Shajari Mehdi , Mayer Wolfgang J. , Priglinger Siegfried , Messmer Elisabeth
Published: February 2021

Purpose To evaluate the effect of IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Methods Clinical data of 25 patients with MGD who underwent IPL treatment at the department of ophthalmology of Ludwig-Maximilians-University between 2016 and 2018 were analyzed. Demographics, clinical history, examination findings (eyelid vascularization, meibomian gland findings, conjunctival redness, tear film break-up time [TFBUT], corneal staining (Oxford grading scale [OGS]), and subjective patientsʼ findings (including ocular surface disease index [OSDI]) were collected from each visit (D1, D15, D45, D75).

Results All included patients underwent three sessions of IPL treatment in both eyes (D1, D15, D45). There was a significant improvement after IPL treatment (D75) in TFBUT (p < 0.001), corneal staining (OGS) (p < 0.001), conjunctival redness (p < 0.001), lid margin edema (p < 0.001) and redness (p < 0.001), meibum quality (p < 0.001), lid margin telangiectasia (p = 0.005), meibomian gland obstruction (p = 0.001), and OSDI score (p = 0.004). Even after the first IPL session, significant improvements in TFBUT (p < 0.001), corneal staining (OGS p < 0.001), conjunctival redness (p < 0.022), lid margin edema (p < 0.001) and redness (p < 0.016), meibum quality (p = 0.014), and OSDI score (p < 0.013) were noted. There were no relevant negative side effects. Subgroup analysis for age, sex, duration or severity of disease, and associated diagnosis of rosacea showed no significant difference in effectiveness.

Conclusion IPL is an effective and safe treatment for patients with MGD, which can be used as a supportive therapeutic option.
To Fill or Not to Fill? – Value of the Administration of Positive Rectal Contrast for CT Evaluation of Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Authors: Meyer Simone , Schmidbauer Martina , Wacker Frank K. , Ringe Kristina Imeen
Published: February 2021

Purpose To assess the value of the administration of positive rectal contrast at CT in patients referred for suspected diverticular disease (DD) of the colon.

Materials and Methods 460 patients (253 male, 207 female; median age 62 years; interquartile range 24) with clinical suspicion of DD of the colon were included in this retrospective IRB-approved study. CT was performed with i. v. contrast only (n = 328, group M1), i. v. + positive rectal contrast (n = 82, group M2), neither i. v. nor rectal contrast (n = 32, group S1), or positive rectal contrast only (n = 19, group S2). Two readers in consensus evaluated all CT datasets concerning diagnosis of DD (yes/no) and categorized findings (classification of diverticular disease (CDD)). Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for the diagnosis of DD were calculated for all groups, using either clinical follow-up (n = 335) or intraoperative findings (n = 125) as the reference standard. In patients undergoing surgery, radiological staging of DD was correlated with the histopathology (weighted Cohen-k).

Results 224 patients (48.7 %) were diagnosed with DD. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were as follows. Group M1 / M2: 92 %/92 %, 97 %/94 %, 96 %/96 %, 94 %/89 %, respectively; group S1 / S2: 94 %/86 %, 93 %/80 %, 94 %/92 %, 93 %/67 %, respectively. Radiological staging and histopathology correlated substantially in all groups (k = 0.748–0.861).

Conclusion Abdominal CT had a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of DD. Disease staging correlated well with the findings at surgery. Additional positive rectal contrast administration did not have a significant advantage and may therefore be omitted in patients with suspected DD.

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Homoeopathic Management in a Case of Infertility with PCOS
Authors: Rath Padmalaya , Gautam Shweta
Published: February 2021

Infertility is the inability of a sexually active couple, not using any birth control, to get pregnant after 1 year of trying. About one-quarter of female infertility is caused by a problem with ovulation. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) accounts for more than 75% of cases of anovulatory infertility. PCOS is a disorder of chronically abnormal ovarian function and hyperandrogenism (abnormally elevated androgen levels) manifested by irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovaries, excess unwanted hair, obesity etc. A case of a female aged 21 years with irregular menses for the past 2 years diagnosed with PCOS and inability to conceive has been reported here. The case was worked out as per homoeopathic principles and individualised homoeopathic medicine, Pulsatilla nigricans (Puls. nig.) was prescribed and the patient responded positively and conceived
Haemangioma Successfully Treated in a Bitch with Mercurius solubilis: A Case Report
Authors: Millán Macías Álvaro
Published: February 2021

Conventional medical therapy for haemangioma usually consists of corticosteroids through oral administration, intralesional injection or topical application. Recently, propranolol has demonstrated to offer advantages because its therapeutic efficacy is comparable and fewer adverse effects are observed. This benign vascular tumour is not always so complicated to have to be removed surgically and many others remit without treatment. However, sometimes the unexpected can happen and evolve unfavourably. For these situations, homeopathy can also be evaluated. Here is a case report of an elderly bitch that developed a haemangioma on the pad of the left fifth toe. The lesion increased in size after applying a corticosteroid ointment and became an infected wound with suppuration when the bitch bit it (self-mutilation). A homeopathic approach to the treatment was proposed. Complete remission of the vascular tumour and improvement of behavioural and physical complaints was achieved with a high dilution of Mercurius solubilis. The homeopathic remedy Phosphorus, a phytotherapic ointment of Calendula officinalis, and the application of topical antibiotics did not have the efficacy of the previous one. Although homeopathy does not yet have a specific mechanism of action for each remedy, the pathogenesis of M. solubilis is compatible with a negative regulation of glutamine synthetase. Given that it has been shown that ultra-dilutions can stimulate gene expression, it is theoretically hypothesised here that Mercurius could stimulate glutamate-ammonia ligase gene, which expresses the aforementioned enzyme, and solve or improve diseases whose symptoms are due to their underexpression or inhibition (at gene and protein level). Hence, the aim of this article is to show the results of homeopathy in the clinical practice and to propose a line of research on the mechanism of action of the remedies.
Quality of Root Canal Filling Using a Bioceramic Sealer in Oval Canals: A Three-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Penha da Silva Poliana J. , Marceliano-Alves Marília F. , Provenzano José C. , Dellazari Rafaela L. A. , Gonçalves Lucio Souza , Alves Flávio R. F.
Published: February 2021

Objectives The oval canals may be associated with inadequate debridement, which can affect the quality of the root canal filling, thus the treatment outcome. The aim of the present work was to compare the quality of oval canals fillings using EndoSequence BC sealer with the single-cone technique or cold lateral compaction.

Materials and Methods Thirty-eight human single-rooted premolars with oval canals were instrumented to 1 mm from the apical foramen with hand nickel–titanium files, followed by circumferential filing with Hedstrom files. Teeth were paired into two groups based on their micro-computed tomography (CT) morphological parameters. Both groups were filled using EndoSequence BC sealer. The first used a single cone and the other with the cold lateral compaction technique. The voids volume was evaluated by micro-CT and the percentage was calculated for the total length and for the apical 5 mm of each canal. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess whether the surface area and obturation length differed significantly between the groups and to compare the percentage of voids for each technique.

Results Both techniques resulted in less than 16% voids, with no statistically significant difference between them for the total canal length and for the apical 5 mm (p > 0.05).

Conclusions The quality of the obturation performed with the single-cone technique was similar to that achieved with lateral compaction using EndoSequence BC sealer in oval canals.
Surgical Management of Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus Anomaly with a Dorsal Ganglion Cyst
Authors: Geraghty Feargal J. , Anderson Lisa , Mir Haaris , Daniali Lily , Imbriglia Joseph E. , Pulikkottil Benson J.
Published: February 2021

Background The most common soft tissue tumor of the hand is the dorsal ganglion cyst and often is an indication for surgical excision. The differential diagnoses for dorsal hand masses include but are not limited to tenosynovitis, epidermoid cyst, abscess, lipoma, xanthoma, rheumatoid nodule, tophus, carpal boss, myositis ossificans, foreign body granuloma, neoplasm, and anomalous muscles.

Case Description Our case report reflects the latter, a 33-year-old female who presented with a 3-year history of a symptomatic dorsal ganglion cyst of her left wrist. She is a female in her 30s, with progressive, worsening pain on wrist extension. Intraoperatively, it was determined that an anomalous extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) was present and may have contributed to her pain and was excised.

Literature Review The literature is sparse with the surgical management of EDBM. This case study aims to explore algorithms for managing simultaneous EDBM with a dorsal wrist ganglion, which is clinically relevant for any hand surgeon, when faced with a similar intra-operative management situation.
Development and Evaluation of an Intravenous Infusion Sequence Annotation System
Authors: Qiu Ji , Deng Tingting , Wang Zhuo , Yang Zhangwei , Liu Ting , Liu Yunjie , Li Rui , Dai Fu
Published: February 2021

Objectives The sequence of intravenous infusions may impact the efficacy, safety, and cost of intravenous medications. The study describes and assesses a computerized clinical decision support annotation system capable of analyzing the sequence of intravenous infusions.

Methods All intravenous medications on the hospital formulary were analyzed based on factors that impact intravenous infusion sequence. Eight pharmacy infusion knowledge databases were constructed based on Hospital Infusion Standards. These databases were incorporated into the computerized sequence annotation module within the electronic health record system. The annotation process was changed from pharmacists' manual annotation (phase 1) to computer-aided pharmacist manual annotation (phase 2) to automated computer annotation (phase 3).

Results Comparing phase 2 to phase 1, there were significant differences in sequence annotation with regards to the percentage of hospital wards annotated (100% vs. 4.65%, chi-square  = 180.95, p < 0.001), percentage of patients annotated (64.18% vs. 0.52%, chi-square = 90.46, p < 0.001), percentage of intravenous orders annotated (75.67% vs. 0.77%, chi-square = 118.78, p < 0.001), and the number of tubing flushes per ward per day (118.51 vs. 2,115.00, p < 0.001). Compared with phase 1, there were significant cost savings in tubing flushes in phase 2 and phase 3. Compared with phase 1, there was significant difference in the time nurses spent on tubing flushes in phase 2 and phase 3 (1,244.94 vs. 21,684.8 minutes, p < 0.001; 1,369.51 vs. 21,684.8 minutes, p < 0.001). Compared with phase 1, significantly less time was required for pharmacist annotation in phase 2 and phase 3 (90.6 vs. 4,753.57 minutes, p < 0.001; 0.05 vs. 4,753.57 minutes, p < 0.001).

Conclusion A computerized infusion annotation system is efficient in sequence annotation and significant savings in tubing flushes can be achieved as a result.
Fat Augmentation as Adjunct to CORE Facelift Surgery
Authors: Wever Capi C.
Published: February 2021

Ruling out cases with strong jawlines, well-developed mid-cheek regions, and good fat presence, if done artistically, fat augmentation strongly assists midface definition and can replenish hollowed regions of the face. This is particularly true for candidates with low bodyfat or smaller skull structures. Hence, fat grafting is a strong adjunct to conventional excisional techniques in facial rejuvenation surgery, regardless of experience, technique, or geographical embedding. While CORE facelift techniques remain the golden standard that define the top level of facelift surgery, fat augmentation has its unique place along the full stretch of an individual surgeon's learning scope, as it will potentially improve results regardless of where one stands.
Final Endodontic Irrigation with 2% Peracetic Acid: Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Brandão-Neto Daniel de Oliveira , Mello João Victor Zebende , Marceliano-Alves Marilia Fagury Videira , Carvalho Coutinho Thais Machado de , Marceliano Eduardo Fagury Videira , Galhardi Michelle Paiva Weydt , Tavares Vívian Souza , Muzy Dias Aline Peçanha , Lins Renata Ximenes
Published: February 2021

Objective The aim of present study was to assess the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy of 2% peracetic acid (PAA) compared with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX).

Material and Methods For the cytotoxicity test, 100 µl of the tested solutions were added in 12 wells with ECV 304 endothelial cells in each group: NaOCl, CHX, and PAA, in addition to the control group. Each solution was evaluated after 24 hours of contact in four dilutions: 0.2, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025 through mitochondrial function using MTT colorimetric assay. In the antimicrobial evaluation, 40 dentin blocks 5 mm in length and 0.2 g in weight were incubated with 400 µl of Enterococcus faecalis suspension for 21 days at 37°C. The contaminated samples were divided into three experimental groups within 5 minutes of contact: NaOCl group, CHX group, PAA group, as well as the positive control group. The specimens received treatment and were transferred to a tube with saline for serial dilution of the solution and seeding for isolation and colony forming unit (CFU) count.

Statistical Analysis The results obtained were expressed as mean (A570 nm) ± standard deviation (SD) and in a multiple linear regression model and multiple comparisons conducted.

Results The antimicrobial evaluation revealed that the NaOCl and CHX groups showed a statistically significant difference compared with the control group (p < 0.001), while the PAA reduced only the CFU growth. It can be concluded that, among the agents tested, PAA expressed greater cell viability, followed by CHX and NaOCl. However, it did not show greater antimicrobial activity in vitro in the mature biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis.
Energetic motions in turbulent partially filled pipe flow
Authors: Ng Henry C.-H. , Collignon Emile , Poole Robert J. , Dennis David J. C.
Published: February 2021

Turbulent partially filled pipe flow was investigated using stereoscopic particle imaging velocimetry in the cross-stream plane for a range of flow depths at a nominally constant Reynolds number of 30 000 (based on the bulk velocity and hydraulic diameter). Unlike full pipe flow, which is axisymmetric, the turbulent kinetic energy exhibits significant azimuthal (and radial) variation. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of the fluctuating velocity field indicates that the leading-order POD modes occupy the “corners” where the free surface meets the pipe wall and that these modes, which are closely linked to the instantaneous cellular structure, contribute nearly a quarter of the overall turbulent kinetic energy. Spatial distributions of the large- and very-large-scale motions (LSMs/VLSMs) estimated from pseudo-instantaneous three-dimensional velocity fields reveal a preference for the sides (in close proximity to the free surface) and bottom quadrant of the pipe. That the LSMs and VLSMs are shown to populate a region spanning the width of the free surface, as well as the corners, strongly suggests that there is a dynamical connection between LSMs/VLSMs and the instantaneous cellular structures in turbulent partially filled pipe flow, which can explain the spatial redistribution of the turbulent kinetic energy.
Multi-objective optimal sizing of hybrid energy storage systems for grid-connected wind farms using fuzzy control
Authors: Du Rui , Zou Penghui , Ma Chao
Published: February 2021

With the emergence of large-scale wind farms in northwest China, the stable control of wind power through hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) is an effective measure. To match the grid-connected power quality requirements with the wind fluctuations, an adaptive wavelet decomposition based smoothing strategy achieves power distribution in the HESS. In this study, a multi-objective life cycle model is established and applied to the 99 MW Caka wind farm in Qinghai Province, China. Combined with the characteristics of the local wind output, typical model input scenarios are selected based on cluster analysis. Through the comparison of multiple schemes, the optimal HESS configuration scheme is obtained and proves to be superior to a single energy storage system scheme in terms of replacement cycle while reducing costs by 3.8%. The number of wind fluctuations is significantly reduced by 71.25% and the expected stable power output is guaranteed. Compared with traditional control, the fuzzy control strategy reduces the deviation of state of charge from the healthy range by 77.26%. Finally, the influence of energy storage cost and typical scenarios on the configuration of the HESS are analyzed. The results can provide a reference for the planning and construction of wind-HESS systems.
The translocation dynamics of the polymer through a conical pore: Non-stuck, weak-stuck, and strong-stuck modes
Authors: Sun Li-Zhen , Cao Wei-Ping , Wang Chang-Hui , Xu Xiaojun
Published: February 2021

The external voltage-driven polymer translocation through a conical pore (with a large opening at the entry and a small tip at the exit) is studied by using the Langevin dynamics simulation in this paper. The entire translocation process is divided into an approaching stage and a threading stage. First, the approaching stage starts from the polymer entering the large opening and ends up at a terminal monomer reaching the pore tip. In this stage, the polymer will undergo the conformation adjustment to fit the narrowed cross-sectional area of the pore, leading to three approaching modes: the non-stuck mode with a terminal monomer arriving at the pore tip smoothly, the weak-stuck mode for the polymer stuck inside the pore for a short duration with minor conformational adjustments, and the strong-stuck mode with major conformational changes and a long duration. The approaching times (the duration of the approaching stage) of the three approaching modes show different behavior as a function of the pore apex angle. Second, the threading stage describes that the polymer threads through the pore tip with a linear fashion. In this stage, an increase in the apex angle causes the reduction of the threading time (the duration of the threading stage) due to the increase in the driving force with the apex angle at the tip. Moreover, we also find that with the increase in the apex angle or the polymer length, the polymer threading dynamics will change from the quasi-equilibrium state to the non-equilibrium state.