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The improvement and development of blood-contacting devices, such as mechanical circulatory support systems, is a life saving endeavor. These devices must be designed in such a way that they ensure the highest hemocompatibility. Therefore, in-silico trials (flow simulations) offer a quick and cost-effective way to analyze and optimize the hemocompatibility and performance of medical devices. In that regard, the prediction of blood trauma, such as hemolysis, is the key element to ensure the hemocompatibility of a device. But, despite decades of research related to numerical hemolysis models, their accuracy and reliability leaves much to be desired. This study proposes a novel optimization path, which is capable of improving existing models and aid in the development of future hemolysis models. First, flow simulations of three, turbulent blood flow test cases (capillary tube, FDA nozzle, FDA pump) were performed and hemolysis was numerically predicted by the widely-applied stress-based hemolysis models. Afterward, a multiple-objective particles swarm optimization (MOPSO) was performed to tie the physiological stresses of the simulated flow field to the measured hemolysis using an equivalent of over one million numerically determined hemolysis predictions. The results show that our optimization is capable of improving upon existing hemolysis models. However, it also unveils some deficiencies and limits of hemolysis prediction with stress-based models, which will need to be addressed in order to improve its reliability.

Physical chemistry, chemical physics 24(44), 27121 - 27127 (2022). doi:10.1039/D2CP02408J special issue: "Ions, electrons, coincidences and dynamics: Festschrift for John H.D. Eland", During the last decade, X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) have enabled the study of light–matter interaction under extreme conditions. Atoms which are subject to XFEL radiation are charged by a complex interplay of (several subsequent) photoionization events and electronic decay processes within a few femtoseconds. The interaction with molecules is even more intriguing, since intricate nuclear dynamics occur as the molecules start to dissociate during the charge-up process. Here, we demonstrate that by analyzing photoelectron angular emission distributions and kinetic energy release of charge states of ionic molecular fragments, we can obtain a detailed understanding of the charge-up and fragmentation dynamics. Our novel approach allows for gathering such information without the need of complex ab initio modeling. As an example, we provide a detailed view on the processes happening on a femtosecond time scale in oxygen molecules exposed to intense XFEL pulses., Published by RSC Publ., Cambridge

Physical review letters 129(25), 253201 (2022). doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.253201, We investigate experimentally and theoretically the C and O 1s photoionization of fixed-in-space CO molecules at a photon energy of 905 eV. We find a significant dependence of the photoelectron angular distributions on the direction of propagation of the ionizing radiation. It results from an interplay of nondipole effects, on one hand, and molecular effects, on the other. The nondipole effects lead to an increase of the emission probability in the forward direction along the light propagation, and the photoelectron wave being scattered by the molecular potential gives rise to a strong peak in the direction of the atom neighboring the emitter site. These effects can either conspire or extenuate each other, depending on the photoelectron emission direction and molecular orientation in space., Published by APS, College Park, Md.

The improvement and development of blood-contacting devices, such as mechanical circulatory support systems, is a life saving endeavor. These devices must be designed in such a way that they ensure the highest hemocompatibility. Therefore, in-silico trials (flow simulations) offer a quick and cost-effective way to analyze and optimize the hemocompatibility and performance of medical devices. In that regard, the prediction of blood trauma, such as hemolysis, is the key element to ensure the hemocompatibility of a device. But, despite decades of research related to numerical hemolysis models, their accuracy and reliability leaves much to be desired. This study proposes a novel optimization path, which is capable of improving existing models and aid in the development of future hemolysis models. First, flow simulations of three, turbulent blood flow test cases (capillary tube, FDA nozzle, FDA pump) were performed and hemolysis was numerically predicted by the widely-applied stress-based hemolysis models. Afterward, a multiple-objective particles swarm optimization (MOPSO) was performed to tie the physiological stresses of the simulated flow field to the measured hemolysis using an equivalent of over one million numerically determined hemolysis predictions. The results show that our optimization is capable of improving upon existing hemolysis models. However, it also unveils some deficiencies and limits of hemolysis prediction with stress-based models, which will need to be addressed in order to improve its reliability.

Eine 32-jahrige Frau in der 32. Schwangerschaftswoche erlitt zu Hause nach akutem Thoraxschmerz einen Kreislaufstillstand auf dem Boden einer pulslosen ventrikularen Tachykardie. Nach sofortiger Defibrillation mit ROSC zeigte sich als Ursache ein ST-Hebungsinfarkt aufgrund einer Koronararteriendissektion. Sie erhielt zwei Drug-eluting Stents und eine duale Plattchenaggregationshemmung. Die Echokardiographie zeigte eine Akinesie von Apex und Vorderwand. Bei hohem Risiko fur eine Stentthrombose erfolgte die Fortsetzung der dualen Plattchenhemmung bis zur Sectio caesarea in der 35. SSW. Intraoperativ erhielt die Patientin zwei Erythrozytenkonzentrate, ein Thrombozytenkonzentrat, 4 g Fibrinogen und 2 g Tranexamsaure. Acht Tage nach Entbindung verschlechterte sich die linksventrikulare Funktion zunehmend und die Patientin entwickelte eine Herzinsuffizienz.

Background Dendritic cells (DCs) are the professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the lung. They are known to be key players in the induction and maintenance of allergic asthma by cross-linking innate and adaptive immune responses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to influence cell fate and function by translational suppression or induction of messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation. miR-155 has been shown to be a crucial regulator of the immune system. However, its function in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation (AAI) is not completely elucidated yet. Methods Wild type (WT) and miR-155-deficient (miR-155−/−) mice were used in ovalbumin (OVA) and house dust mite (HDM) models of AAI. Adoptive transfer of sensitized DCs to the lungs, migration, and T-cell priming assays were used to investigate the functional relevance of miR-155 in DCs. Results miR-155−/− mice showed reduced eosinophilic airway inflammation compared to WT mice in both models of AAI. Furthermore, miR-155−/− DCs showed limited Th2 priming capacity and failed to induce airway inflammation in allergen-exposed WT mice. miR-155 deficiency on DCs was also associated with impaired purinergic receptor signaling, as miR-155-/- DCs showed reduced chemotaxis and IL-1beta secretion upon stimulation with ATP, probably due to direct targeting of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (ENTPD) by miR-155. Conclusions miR-155 deficiency alleviates AAI by diminishing Th2 priming capacity and ATP-/P2R-induced activation of DCs in mice, suggesting this miRNA as a potential therapeutic target of AAI.

Allergic contact eczema due to type IV reactions are more frequent than irritative eczema in facial skin, particularly in the sensitive periorbital region. Concomitant eczema of different locations is pathognomonic and allows a distinction from seborrhoic dermatitis. Avoidance of allergen exposure is mandatory for an effective treatment; therefore allergological examinations have a very high significance. Patch tests with a wide spectrum of potential allergens have to be included in these tests. Therapeutic regimes include a restrictive use of topical steroids. Substances like calcineurin inhibitors are the first-line therapy in facial atopic dermatitis, in spite of therapeutic effects, they have not yet been approved for other forms of periorbital dermatitis.

In veterinary medicine, limb-sparing techniques are most implemented when the uninvolved limbs are affected by other orthopaedic or neurological disorders, in large breeds or when the owner declines amputation. This report describes the surgical technique used for implantation of an endoprosthesis following tumour resection in the distal radius in 3 dogs using both standard and angle-stable plates. Endoprosthesis offers an easy and readily available surgical alternative to cortical allografts. Despite post-operative complications, this technique resulted in a good quality of life in all 3 dogs.

Ankyloglossia, commonknown as tongue-tie, is a rare congenital oral anomaly in dogs. A complete attachment of the lingual frenulum to the floor of the oral cavity leads to limited mobility of the tongue including problems during eating and swallowing. In humans ankyloglossia is a common anomaly in newborn infants. In our report a 5-month old Anatolian Shepherd dog was surgically treated and full function of the tongue could be achieved with a horizontal-to-vertical frenuloplasty.

We introduce a p-i-n-type heterojunction architecture for organic solar cells where the active region is sandwiched between two doped wide-gap layers. The term p-i-n means here a layer sequence in the form p-doped layer, intrinsic layer and n-doped layer. The doping is realized by controlled co-evaporation using organic dopants and leads to conductivities of 10-4 to 10-5 S/cm in the p- and n-doped wide-gap layers, respectively. The photoactive layer is formed by a mixture of phthalocyanine zinc (ZnPc) and the fullerene C60 and shows mainly amorphous morphology. As a first step towards p-i-n structures, we show the advantage of using wide-gap layers in M-i-p-type diodes (metal layer–intrinsic layer–p-doped layer). The solar cells exhibit a maximum external quantum efficiency of 40% between 630-nm and 700-nm wavelength. With the help of an optical multilayer model, we optimize the optical properties of the solar cells by placing the active region at the maximum of the optical field distribution. The results of the model are largely confirmed by the experimental findings. For an optically optimized device, we find an internal quantum efficiency of around 82% under short-circuit conditions. Adding a layer of 10-nm thickness of the red material N,N′-dimethylperylene-3,4:9,10-dicarboximide (Me-PTCDI) to the active region, a power-conversion efficiency of 1.9% for a single cell is obtained. Such optically thin cells with high internal quantum efficiency are an important step towards high-efficiency tandem cells. First tandem cells which are not yet optimized already show 2.4% power-conversion efficiency under simulated AM 1.5 illumination of 125 mW/cm2 .

Extrahepatic biliary tract rupture only rarely occur secondary to blunt or sharp trauma to the abdomen. Clinical symptoms result from chemical peritonitis and are unspecific. Recognition most often is delayed from several days to weeks, when patients suffer from ascites, icterus, dehydration and apathy. Surgical therapy depends of the site of laceration. In the present case, a dog with bile peritonitis was presented two weeks after being hit by a car. Explorative celiotomy revealed a rupture of the common bile duct. A cholecystojejunostomy was performed.

SummaryChronic lameness of the forelimb with a firm swelling at the medial aspect of the antebrachiocarpal joint can be caused by a tenosynovitis of the abductor pollicis longus muscle. Connective tissue proliferation leads to stenosis of the synovial sheath. The patients show pain in hyperflexion of the carpus. Radiographically, proliferative bone reactions at the distal radius can be found in advanced cases of the disease. If the results of medical treatment by injection of corticosteroids in the area of the synovial sheath are not successful, good results can be achieved by surgical release of the tendon. Based on 10 cases examined, aetiology, clinical findings and therapy are discussed and compared with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis in man.Lameness due to tenosynovitis of the abductor pollicis longus muscle is reported and findings and therapy of ten animals is discussed.

Prurigo nodularis Hyde (PN) is a highly pruritic condition due to a vicious circle of repeated itching and scratching. There are no representative clinical studies investigating comorbidities in a large collective of PN patients.This pilot study aimed to investigate the exact distribution of the coexisting diseases in a large representative consecutive cohort of PN patients.A total of 108 PN patients (36.1% male; mean age of 61.5 ± 16.7 years) were enrolled in the study.In 87.0% of patients, diseases underlying PN could be established (18.5% skin disease, 7.4% systemic origin, 1.8% neurological diseases, 59.3% mixed origin). Due to several possible causative co-factors, the majority of patients were classified in the group of mixed origin (59.3%). In 53.1% of these patients, at least one dermatological factor was involved in the induction of PN. Interestingly, nearly half (46.3%) of all PN patients had either an atopic predisposition or atopic dermatitis as a single cause of PN (18.5%) or as one co-factor of PN of mixed origin (27.8%). Considering the different underlying diseases, there was no significant age or gender difference.PN does not seem to represent a characteristic symptom of one disease only. Multiple pruritogenic diseases are linked to evolution and improvement of PN upon treatment. Atopic predisposition is a major factor in nearly half of PN patients. The large collective of the present study helped detect a broad range of underlying diseases and thus to provide recommendations for rational diagnostics.

An eight-year-old, neutered female Rottweiler was presented with lameness of seven days duration. Radiographs were consistent with a distal radial bone tumour. Limb-sparing surgery was performed using a commercially available endoprosthesis with a locking bone plate. Histopathological examination of the resected bone revealed an intraosseous fibrosarcoma, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated three weeks after surgery. Despite initial satisfactory limb function, lameness worsened four months after surgery. Radiographs revealed large areas of bone lysis around the proximal and distal screws, leading to significant resorption of the radius and radial carpal bone with subsequent construct failure. Further treatment was declined by the owner and the dog was subsequently euthanased. This case illustrates that implant failure is not necessarily averted by the use of locking (compared with non-locking) implants combined with an endoprosthesis to treat distal radial tumours in dogs.

In 2005, a scoring system (CLASI, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index) was developed for patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) to assess disease 'activity' and 'damage'. However, the CLASI does not give an accurate assessment of the severity in all disease subtypes.The main objective of this study was to analyse critically the included parameters of the CLASI and to revise the activity and damage score taking into account various clinical features of the different subtypes of CLE. The revised CLASI (RCLASI) was also validated for use in clinical trials. Patients and methods A RCLASI was designed with regard to the anatomical region (i.e. face, chest, arms) and morphological aspects (i.e. erythema, scaling/hyperkeratosis, oedema/infiltration, scarring/atrophy) of skin lesions and evaluated by nine dermatologists who scored 12 patients with different subtypes of CLE to estimate inter- and intrarater reliability.Reliability studies demonstrated an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for an inter-rater reliability of 0.89 for the activity score [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-0.96] and of 0.79 for the damage score (95% CI 0.62-0.92). The ICC for intrarater reliability for the activity score was 0.92 (95% CI 0.89-0.95) and the ICC for the damage score was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.98).In the present study, a RCLASI was developed by experts, and reliability studies supported the validity and applicability of the revised scoring instrument for CLE. Thus, the RCLASI is a valuable instrument in multicentre studies and for the clinical evaluation of activity and damage in different disease subtypes.

Two strains, E3 and F2, capable to mineralize 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) were isolated from a chlorinated benzenes contaminated soil using (14)C-1, 2,4-TCB as carbon source. They were identified by their 16S rDNA coding genes and fluoresence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis as members of the genus Bordetella. A similarity of 100% were observed between strains E3 and F2 with their 16S rDNA sequences. They had the highest homology of 100% with Bordetella sp. QJ2-5 and the closest relation to described species, Bordetella petrii (GDH030510) with a similary of 99.4%. Strains E3 and F2 could degrade about 90% of 1,2,4-TCB and mineralize 58% and 46% of 1,2,4-TCB to CO2 within 30 days in mineral liquid cultures, respectively. Biomass was formed during the mineralization process.

Die Beurteilung der Tubenfunktion bei einer Untersuchung in der Druckkammer erfolgt normalerweise aufgrund subjektiver Empfindungen der untersuchten Personen. Eine Registrierung der Trommelfellbewegungen wahrend Druckanderungen in der Druckkammer kann our erfolgen, wenn auch im abgeschlossenen Gehorgang der Druck laufend an den der Umgebung angeglichen wird. In einem ncuartigen Differentialmanometer bewirken spezielle Ausgleichsoffnungen, das nur Druckanderungen im Gehorgang durch schnelle Trommelfellbewegungen erfast werden, jedoch keine Druckschwankungen, die bei der Anderung des Ausendruckes oder durch die langsame Ausbuchtung des Trommelfells wahrend dieser Druckanderung entstehen. Die Registrierung einer schnellen Trommelfellbewegung als Ausschlag auf einem Schreibgerat zeigt eine Tubenoffnung an, die zu einem Druckausgleich zwischen Mittelohr und Umgebung gefuhrt hat.