Neuromodulation Systems in the Setting of Cochlear Implant Treatment Based on Case Reports and Literature Review.

Objectives: Cochlear implants are an established and proved method for auditory rehabilitation. In addition, neuromodulation systems for treating severe movement and pain disorders are gaining importance. To date, there is limited information regarding the concurrent use of the various implanted systems and potential electromagnetic interferences.

Modular air-liquid interface aerosol exposure system (MALIES) to study toxicity of nanoparticle aerosols in 3D-cultured A549 cells in vitro.

We present a novel lung aerosol exposure system named MALIES (modular air-liquid interface exposure system), which allows three-dimensional cultivation of lung epithelial cells in alveolar-like scaffolds (MatriGrids) and exposure to nanoparticle aerosols. MALIES consists of multiple modular units for aerosol generation, and can be rapidly assembled and commissioned. The MALIES system was proven for its ability to reliably produce a dose-dependent toxicity in A549 cells using CuSO aerosol.

MatriGrid Based Biological Morphologies: Tools for 3D Cell Culturing.

Recent trends in 3D cell culturing has placed organotypic tissue models at another level. Now, not only is the microenvironment at the cynosure of this research, but rather, microscopic geometrical parameters are also decisive for mimicking a tissue model. Over the years, technologies such as micromachining, 3D printing, and hydrogels are making the foundation of this field.

Sizes of pure and doped helium droplets from single shot x-ray imaging.

Advancements in x-ray free-electron lasers on producing ultrashort, ultrabright, and coherent x-ray pulses enable single-shot imaging of fragile nanostructures, such as superfluid helium droplets. This imaging technique gives unique access to the sizes and shapes of individual droplets. In the past, such droplet characteristics have only been indirectly inferred by ensemble averaging techniques.

Molecular characterization of hematopoietic stem cells after in vitro amplification on biomimetic 3D PDMS cell culture scaffolds.

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is successfully applied since the late 1950s. However, its efficacy can be impaired by insufficient numbers of donor HSCs. A promising strategy to overcome this hurdle is the use of an advanced ex vivo culture system that supports the proliferation and, at the same time, maintains the pluripotency of HSCs.

A Multisite Preregistered Paradigmatic Test of the Ego-Depletion Effect.

We conducted a preregistered multilaboratory project ( = 36; = 3,531) to assess the size and robustness of ego-depletion effects using a novel replication method, termed the . Each laboratory implemented one of two procedures that was intended to manipulate self-control and tested performance on a subsequent measure of self-control. Confirmatory tests found a nonsignificant result ( = 0.

Biogenesis of a Bacteriophage Long Non-Contractile Tail.

Siphoviruses are main killers of bacteria. They use a long non-contractile tail to recognize the host cell and to deliver the genome from the viral capsid to the bacterial cytoplasm. Here, we define the molecular organization of the Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPP1 ~ 6.

Multiplexed Serum Antibody Screening Platform Using Virus Extracts from Endemic and SARS-CoV-2.

The presence of antibodies against endemic coronaviruses has been linked to disease severity after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Assays capable of concomitantly detecting antibodies against endemic coronaviridae such as OC43, 229E, NL63, and SARS-CoV-2 may help to elucidate this question. We developed a serum screening platform using a bead-based Western blot system called DigiWest, capable of running hundreds of assays using microgram amounts of protein prepared directly from different viruses.

Exploring beyond clinical routine SARS-CoV-2 serology using MultiCoV-Ab to evaluate endemic coronavirus cross-reactivity.

The humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is a benchmark for immunity and detailed analysis is required to understand the manifestation and progression of COVID-19, monitor seroconversion within the general population, and support vaccine development. The majority of currently available commercial serological assays only quantify the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response against individual antigens, limiting our understanding of the immune response. To overcome this, we have developed a multiplex immunoassay (MultiCoV-Ab) including spike and nucleocapsid proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and the endemic human coronaviruses.

Detection and Quantification of Cracking in Concrete Aggregate through Virtual Data Fusion of X-ray Computed Tomography Images.

In this work, which is part of a larger research program, a framework called "virtual data fusion" was developed to provide an automated and consistent crack detection method that allows for the cross-comparison of results from large quantities of X-ray computed tomography (CT) data. A partial implementation of this method in a custom program was developed for use in research focused on crack quantification in alkali-silica reaction (ASR)-sensitive concrete aggregates. During the CT image processing, a series of image analyses tailored for detecting specific, individual crack-like characteristics were completed.

Biomimetic reconstruction of the hematopoietic stem cell niche for in vitro amplification of human hematopoietic stem cells.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is successfully applied since the late 1950s; however, its efficacy still needs to be increased. A promising strategy is to transplant high numbers of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Therefore, an improved ex vivo culture system that supports proliferation and maintains HSC pluripotency would override possible limitations in cell numbers gained from donors.

Lions Prefer Killing Certain Cattle Types.

Lion predation on cattle causes severe human-wildlife conflict that results in retaliatory persecution throughout the lion's geographic range. Cattle closely resemble the body size, shape, and herding patterns of preferred lion prey species. We studied cattle depredation patterns in Botswana's Okavango Delta and tested whether lions exhibited specific preferences based on cattle demographic characteristics (sex and age), as well as morphological traits (body mass, horn length, and pelage patterns).

Gastric cancer in autoimmune gastritis: A case-control study from the German centers of the staR project on gastric cancer research.

Objectives: Patients with autoimmune gastritis (AIG) are reported to have an increased risk of developing gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we assess the characteristics and outcomes of GC patients with AIG in a multicenter case-control study.

Methods: Between April 2013 and May 2017, patients with GC, including cancers of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) Siewert type II and III, were recruited.

Ablation index-guided 50 W ablation for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation: Procedural data, lesion analysis, and initial results from the FAFA AI High Power Study.

Background: Radiofrequency high-power ablation appears to be a novel concept for atrial fibrillation (AF). The ablation index (AI) value has been associated with durability of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Objectives: This study aimed to report the procedural data and initial results of a combined ablation technique using AI-guided high-power (AI-HP; 50 W) ablation for PVI.

Thromboembolism after electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage: a new indication for interventional closure?

Aims: Left atrial appendage electrical isolation (LAAI) may improve the rhythm outcome in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Controversy exists if LAAI is associated with an increased rate of thromboembolic complications. We sought to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of interventional left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in comparison to oral anticoagulation (OAC) after electrical LAAI.

[Travelling with a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator].

There are no guidelines for patients travelling with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators. Only few publications deal with specific problems that this patient group might face. In this article different aspects of travelling with implanted electric devices are summarized.

Left atrial appendage occlusion using LAmbre Amulet and Watchman in atrial fibrillation.

Background: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been suggested as an alternative to anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study aimed to compare a LAmbre LAA occluder system [Lifetech Scientific (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd.

Antithrombotic strategies after interventional left atrial appendage closure: an update.

Interventional left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a valid alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy for the prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Areas covered: Antithrombotic therapy following interventional LAAO is critical in balancing the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding during the endothelialization of the implanted devices. In this article, the most recent clinical trials are reviewed and the current real-world antithrombotic strategies following LAAO device implantation are discussed.

Low Risk of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Contemporary Atrial Fibrillation Ablation - Lessons From Repeat Procedures After Radiofrequency Current, Cryoballoon, and Laser Balloon.

Background: The incidence of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) after AF ablation following contemporary procedures remains unclear. We compared the incidence of PVS/narrowing (PVS/N) after PV isolation (PVI) for (1) 3-D mapping-guided wide-area encircling irrigated radiofrequency current (RFC) ablation; (2) first-third-generation big cryoballoon (CB1-3) ablation; and (3) laser balloon (LB) ablation.

Methods and results: All patients undergoing a second procedure between January 2012 and November 2016 were subgrouped according to index ablation (PVI): RFC; CB; or LB.

Short-term dual antiplatelet therapy after interventional left atrial appendage closure with different devices.

Aims: We aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for six weeks after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).

Methods And Results: Data of the Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien-LAAC registry were analysed. DAPT (aspirin 100 mg plus clopidogrel 75 mg) was administered until transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) evaluation six weeks after LAAC.

The distribution and numbers of cheetah in southern Africa.

Assessing the numbers and distribution of threatened species is a central challenge in conservation, often made difficult because the species of concern are rare and elusive. For some predators, this may be compounded by their being sparsely distributed over large areas. Such is the case with the cheetah The IUCN Red List process solicits comments, is democratic, transparent, widely-used, and has recently assessed the species.