First-principles investigation of oxidized Si- and Ge-terminated diamond (100) surfaces.

Diamond is a semiconductor material with remarkable structural, thermal, and electronic properties that has garnered significant interest in the field of electronics. Although hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) terminations are conventionally favored in transistor designs, alternative options, such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), are being explored because of their resilience to harsh processing conditions during fabrication. Density-functional theory was used to examine the non-oxidized and oxidized group-IV (Si and Ge)-terminated diamond (100) surfaces. The (3 × 1) reconstructed surfaces feature an ether configuration and show relative stability compared with the bare surface. Hybrid-functional calculations of the electronic properties revealed reduced fundamental bandgaps (<1 eV) and lower negative electron affinities (NEAs) than those of H-terminated diamond surfaces, which is attributed to the introduction of unoccupied Si (Ge) states and the depletion of negative charges. Furthermore, oxidation of these surfaces enhanced the stability of the diamond surfaces but resulted in two structural configurations: ether and ketone. Oxidized ether configurations displayed insulating properties with energy gaps of ∼4.3 ± 0.3 eV, similar to H-terminated diamond (100) surfaces, whereas bridged ether configurations exhibited metallic properties. Oxidization of the metallic ketone configurations leads to the opening of relatively smaller gaps in the range of 1.1-1.7 eV. Overall, oxidation induced a shift from NEAs to positive electron affinities, except for the reverse-ordered ketone surface with an NEA of -0.94 eV, a value comparable to the H-terminated diamond (100) surfaces. In conclusion, oxidized group-IV-terminated diamond surfaces offer enhanced stability compared to H-terminated surfaces and display unique structural and electronic properties that are influenced by surface bonding.

Variations of accessory thoracic muscles identified in the ethnically diverse whole-body donation population in Northern California.

Accessory thoracic muscles in humans are relatively common and it is important to draw awareness to their variable presentations and potential clinical implications owing to their close association with the axilla. Here we report four cases of accessory thoracic muscle variations identified in the ethnically diverse whole- -body donation population in Northern California (4 out of 48 donors, 8.3%). Of these, combined presentations of thoracic accessory muscles were observed in two of the donors, one involving bilateral axillary arches and a pectoralis quartus on the left and the other a unilateral axillary arch on the left and bilateral pairs of pectoral fascicles. In the former, the proximal ends of the left axillary arch and pectoralis quartus joined to form a common aponeurosis which inserted onto the deep tendon of the pectoralis major; in the latter, the pectoral fascicles originated from the surface of the ribs and inserted into the deep surface of the pectoralis major muscle. In the other two donors, unilateral axillary arches were observed. Our observations illustrate that accessory thoracic muscles, in isolated as well as combined forms, are commonplace in the general population. We also describe the proposed embryonic origins of these accessory muscles, which may reflect their frequent occurrence, and potential clinical implications of these muscles, as discussed in literature.

Review: Physiological growth trend of current meat broilers and dietary protein and energy management approaches for sustainable broiler production.

The food production system needs to be sustainable including poultry sector to feed the increasing global population. An accepted economical and environmental approach of broiler production is to produce larger broilers faster while using less feed. Broiler production is aimed at producing consumable meat and meat products. The global broiler meat market has evolved over the years with increasing selection pressure shifted toward attaining yield characteristics for increased cut-up parts such as breast and thighs. There is a shift toward a big bird market in the U.S. with approximately 70% of the broiler meat produced from large birds (>2.72 kg). Genetic selection of broilers for quantitative traits such as growth rate and lean muscle mass without increasing the fat mass has altered broiler physiological homeostasis to adapt toward the larger rates of muscle protein turnover. Physiological stresses created due to selection pressures in broilers have produced several muscle myopathies including an emerging one called woody breast myopathy. The sustainable broiler production practice may require humane consideration of raising broilers in less stressful grow-out regimes that will have minimal impact on broiler metabolic health. Another sustainability approach of broiler production toward feed efficiency lies on understanding dietary formulation approach of amino acids and energy that promote optimal nutrient utilization and minimal nutrient output to environment while also fulfilling the growth demands and body composition changes associated with increased protein gain in current meat broilers brought by the genetic progress.

The effect of feeding adequate or deficient vitamin B6 or folic acid to breeders on methionine metabolism in 18-day-old chick embryos.

Three isotopic tracers ([2,3,3-2H3]-L-serine, [2H11]-L-betaine, and [1-13C]-L-methionine) were administered by amnion injection into 18-day-old chick embryos to investigate the kinetics of methionine metabolism. The embryos utilized were from eggs collected from 34-week-old Cobb 500 broiler breeders that were fed either a control diet containing folic acid (1.25 mg/kg diet) and pyridoxine HCl (5 mg/kg diet) or diets devoid of supplemental pyridoxine or folic acid. Intermediate metabolites of methionine metabolism and polyamines were analyzed in 18-day-old chick embryos. There were no differences in hepatic [2H2] methionine or [2H3] cysteine enrichments or in physiological concentrations of sulfur amino acids for chick embryos from breeders fed the control diet and embryos from breeders fed diets containing no pyridoxine or folic acid. Supplementation of B6 or folic acid did not affect the production of methionine and cysteine in chick embryos. However, breeders fed the control diet with both folic acid and pyridoxine supplementation produced embryos with a two-fold reduction of hepatic homocysteine and increased spermine compared with embryos from breeders fed diets containing no supplemental pyridoxine or folic acid (P < 0.05). Hepatic S-adenosylmethionine for embryos from breeders fed no supplemental B6 was half the concentration compared with embryos from breeders fed the control diet. Embryos from breeders fed the control diet were utilized to determine the proportion of homocysteine going through remethylation and transsulfuration and also to determine the pathway of remethylation. Sixty-five percent of the methyl groups used for homocysteine remethylation from control embryos was via the MFMT pathway. Alternatively, 61% of homocysteine from control embryos was remethylated via the MFMT and the BHMT reactions and 39% of homocysteine was catabolized to cysteine via the transsulfuration pathway. These data show that in embryos, intermediate metabolites of methionine and polyamines increase in concentration when pyridoxine levels are provided in deficient concentrations to the breeder hen. In addition, this research demonstrates that folic acid deficient embryos conserve methionine, rather than catabolize it to cysteine.

[Finger pain and personality changes after chemotherapy initiation via a central venous port system in a 67-year-old female patient]. / Fingerschmerz und Wesensveränderungen nach Chemotherapieeinleitung über einen Portkatheter bei einer 67-jährigen Patientin.

Central venous port systems are an integral part of chemotherapy. Early recognition and management of arterial malposition are crucial to prevent further complications. A 67-year-old female with breast cancer underwent central venous port implantation for adjuvant chemotherapy. After administration of the first chemotherapy the patient developed acute bihemispheric cerebral infarction and myocardial ischemia due to arterio-arterial emboli with a toxic encephalopathic component. After systemic lysis and surgical removal of the central venous port system, the patient showed a complete recovery.

Non-cellulosic polysaccharide content in feed ingredients and ileal and total tract non-cellulosic polysaccharide digestibility in 21- and 42-day-old broilers fed diets with and without added composite enzymes.

An initial study profiled non-cellulosic polysaccharide (NCP) levels in feed ingredient samples-corn, soybean meal (SBM), whole soybean, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). A separate NCP digestibility assay was performed in broilers at day 21 (grower phase) and day 42 (finisher phase) fed corn-soy based diets with and without composite enzymes (phytases, multi-carbohydrases, and proteases). Negative control (NC), NC + composite enzymes (NC+E), and positive control (PC) diets were tested. Negative control and NC + E diets were isocaloric, 3,020 kcal/kg ME at grower phase and 3,026 kcal/kg ME at finisher phase. Positive control diet was formulated to meet the Cobb standard nutrient specifications. Diets, pooled digesta, and excreta samples from all treatment diets were collected from 21- and 42-day-old birds and NCP content analyzed as soluble NCP (S-NCP) and insoluble NCP (I-NCP) fractions. Digestibility coefficient (DC) values were determined for all dietary treatments for both the feeding periods. Results from the ingredient analysis showed NCP levels of ∼7 to 10% in corn samples, ∼8 to 11% in SBM samples, ∼11 to 14% (including pectin level) in whole soybean, and ∼12 to 17% in DDGS samples, suggesting variation (P < 0.05) in NCP levels existed within ingredient samples. Digestibility assays showed that enzyme treated (NC + E) diet improved DC values at day 21 from 6 to 10 units and 6 to 9 units for ileal and total tract collection, respectively, for I-NCP fraction (P < 0.05) compared to DC values for NC or PC diets. The ileal DC values at day 42 were not different between treatment diets (∼0.6) but total tract DC values improved 9 to 11 units for broilers fed NC + E diet compared to NC or PC diets. Higher DC values for S-NCP were observed for all treatments for both feeding periods (∼0.7-ileal and ∼0.8-total tract) compared to DC values for I-NCP. Overall, the use of supplemental enzymes in corn-soy-based diets showed improvement in total NCP digestion.

[Comments on the guidelines (2018) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) on the management of arterial hypertension]. / Kommentar zu den Leitlinien (2018) der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (ESC) und der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Hypertonie (ESH) für das Management der arteriellen Hypertonie.

Arterial hypertension represents one of the most frequent chronic diseases that can lead to complications, such as stroke, dementia, heart attack, heart failure and renal failure. By 2025 the number of hypertensive patients will increase to approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide. The new guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) on the management of arterial hypertension replace the guidelines of the ESC/ESH from 2013. The 2018 guidelines of the ESC/ESH were adopted by the German Cardiac Society and the German Hypertension League. In these comments national characteristics are worked out and the essential new aspects of the guidelines are critically discussed. These include, for example, the definition of hypertension, the importance of out of office blood pressure measurements, revised blood pressure targets, the modified algorithm for drug treatment and the relevance of device-based hypertension treatments. Important aspects for the management of hypertensive emergencies are also presented.

Skills, expertise and role of Australian emergency clinicians in caring for people with advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the views of Australian emergency department (ED) clinicians about their skills, role and expertise in caring for people with advanced cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey of doctors and nurses working in Australian EDs was undertaken. Comparisons were made by demographics and whether respondents had received palliative care education. RESULTS: The sample comprised 444 doctors (response rate 13.5%), the majority Fellows (emergency medicine specialists) of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, and 237 nurses, from all states, territories and regions (metropolitan and regional). A minority (n=123, 20.6%) felt that the ED was not an appropriate place for patients with advanced cancer to present for acute care, while almost two-thirds (n=397, 64.8%) found caring for such patients rewarding, particularly nurses and those who had received palliative care education; very few (n=40, 6.5%) reported feeling uncomfortable talking to the families of dying patients. A minority (n=129, 21.0%) felt that it was not appropriate for junior medical staff to assess these patients, nurses much more than doctors (42.9% vs 8.5%, p<0.001). Over half (n=338, 55.1%) felt sufficiently skilled in managing pain for people with advanced cancer, with Fellows, more experienced doctors, and those who had received palliative care education more likely to feel skilled. CONCLUSIONS: ED clinicians in Australia, particularly those who have received palliative care education, feel comfortable and adequately skilled in managing people with advanced cancer presenting to EDs, and most find it rewarding. The importance of palliative care education to emergency clinicians' training should be recognised.

[Pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease: recommendations of the Cologne Consensus Conference 2016]. / Pulmonale Hypertonie bei Linksherzerkrankungen: Empfehlungen der Kölner Konsensus-Konferenz 2016.

The 2015 European Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension are also valid for Germany. While the guidelines contain detailed recommendations regarding pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), they contain only a relatively short paragraph on other, much more common forms of PH such as PH due to left heart disease. Despite the lack of data, targeted PAH treatments are increasingly being used for PH associated with left heart disease. This development is of concern because of limited ressources and the need to base treatments on scientific evidence. On the other hand, PH is a frequent problem that is highly relevant for morbidity and mortality in patients with left heart disease, representing an unmet need of targeted PH therapies. It that sense, the practical implementation of the European Guidelines in Germany requires the consideration of several specific issues and already existing novel data. This requires a detailed commentary to the guidelines, and in some aspects an update already appears necessary. In June 2016, a Consensus Conference organized by the PH working groups of the German Society of Cardiology (DGK), the German Society of Respiratory Medicine (DGP) and the German Society of Pediatric Cardiology (DGPK) was held in Cologne, Germany. This conference aimed to solve practical and controversial issues surrounding the implementation of the European Guidelines in Germany. To this end, several working groups were initiated, one of which was specifically dedicated to PH associated with left heart disease. This article summarizes the results and recommendations of this working group.

A tertiary hospital audit of the use of medical imaging in the 24 h preceding death.

This study aims to investigate the number, modality and indication for imaging studies performed on acute hospital inpatients in the 24 h prior to death. Data were obtained from retrospective analysis of deceased patients from a university affiliated tertiary hospital over a 2-year period and it was found that around one in five inpatients received medical imaging in the last 24 h of their life (364 of 1855, 19.6%).

Care of the dying cancer patient in the emergency department: findings from a National survey of Australian emergency department clinicians.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer are presenting to emergency departments (ED) for end-of-life care with increasing frequency. Little is known about this experience for patients and ED clinicians in Australia. AIMS: To assess the barriers and enablers regarding end-of-life care for cancer patients as perceived by Australian ED clinicians. METHODS: There were 4501 Australian ED clinicians invited through their professional colleges to complete an online survey, using multiple-choice and free-text responses. RESULTS: A total of 681 ED clinicians responded, most (84.2%) felt comfortable providing care to the dying and found it to be rewarding (70.9%). Although 83.8% found caring for the dying a reasonable demand on their role as clinician, 83.8% also agreed that the ED is not the right place to die. Respondents demonstrated a wide range of views regarding caring for this patient group in ED through free-text responses. In addition, 64.5% reported that futile treatment is frequently provided in the ED; the main reasons reported were that limitations of care were not clearly documented, or discussed with the patient or their family. Almost all (94.6%) agreed that advance care plans assist in caring for dying patients in the ED. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide important new insights into a growing area of care for ED. Barriers and enablers to optimal care of the dying patient in ED were identified, and especially the reported high occurrence of futile care, likely a result of these barriers, is detrimental to both optimal patient care and allocation of valuable healthcare resources.

[Differentiated antiplatelet therapy for acute coronary syndromes]. / Differenzierte antithrombozytäre Therapie bei akutem Koronarsyndrom.

Dual antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of maintenance medication following invasive treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ST elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, unstable angina). Over the last decade, P2Y12 inhibition in addition to low-dose acetylsalicylic acid has been intensively debated. The debate was enriched by the results of the large phase III clinical trials for prasugrel (TRITON) and ticagrelor (PLATO) compared to clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes. This article summarizes the critical details und subanalyses of both study programmes and highlights on clinical decision making when using the three P2Y12 blockers in acute coronary syndromes. A special focus is on higher risk patients such as those with ST elevation myocardial infarction and those with coexisting diabetes, but also on minimizing relevant bleedings, which are common during more intense platelet inhibition.

Pediatric patients with Marfan syndrome: frequency of dural ectasia and its correlation with common cardiovascular manifestations.

PURPOSE: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. Aortic root dilation is a main criterion of the Ghent Nosology. Dural ectasia and the presence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) contribute to its systemic score. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of dural ectasia and its correlation with cardiovascular manifestations in a pediatric study population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 119 pediatric patients with confirmed or suspected MFS were examined in the local Marfan Clinic. 31 children with MFS who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. Each patient was evaluated according to the Ghent nosology. Echocardiography was used to measure the aortic root diameter and assess the presence of MVP and mitral regurgitation. Z-scores were calculated for the evaluation of the aortic root diameters. MRI was performed to determine the dural sac ratio (DSR). RESULTS: The prevalence of dural ectasia was 90.3 %, of aortic root dilation 32.2 %, of MVP 64.5 % and of mitral regurgitation 51.6 %. DSR at L5 correlated with the intraindividual z-scores (slope, 3.62 ±â€Š1.5 [0.56; 6.68]; r = 0.17; p = 0.02; F = 5.84). Z-scores ≥ 2 were accompanied by dural ectasia in 100 %, MVP in 95 % and mitral regurgitation in 100 % of cases. MVP was accompanied by mitral regurgitation in 70 % of cases. CONCLUSION: As the examined cardiac manifestations show a coincidence with dural ectasia in 95 - 100 % of cases, MRI for diagnostic dural sac imaging should be reserved for MFS suspicions with the absence of those manifestations in order to establish the diagnosis according to the Ghent criteria. Thus, the present study supports the recent downgrading of dural ectasia to a contributor to the systemic score.

Ideal care and the realities of practice: interdisciplinary relationships in the management of advanced cancer patients in Australian emergency departments.

PURPOSE: Over the course of their illness, a person with cancer is likely to see a number of different healthcare professionals, including those in the emergency department (ED). There is limited research examining the interaction and communication between the involved healthcare professionals when such a patient presents to the ED. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of interdisciplinary interactions of healthcare professionals caring for patients with advanced cancer who present to the ED. METHODS: Focus groups and semistructured interviews were conducted with clinical staff working in ED, oncology and community and hospital-based palliative care services. Interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken by three researchers independently. These themes were then discussed by the wider team and consensus reached on themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Eighty-three healthcare professionals participated in focus groups, and 11 were interviewed. The over-arching theme to emerge was one of a conflict between ideal care and the realities of practice, particularly arising where clinicians from different services were required to work together to provide care. This idea was further understood through a series of subthemes including communication, decision-making and understanding of other services. CONCLUSIONS: Participants articulated agreed upon ideals of optimal care for advanced cancer patients across all three services, however there was frequently discord between these ideals and the actual care provided. Service demands and the day-to-day stressors of practice appeared to influence people's actions and engender conflict.

Australian resident doctors want more palliative medicine education: a survey of attitudes and perceived needs.

Most expected deaths occur in acute hospitals, and medical staff providing end-of-life care are generally not palliative medicine specialists. Through a voluntary self-administered survey, this study explored resident doctors' attitudes to palliative medicine and their perceived educational needs. Fifty-two resident doctors participated (response rate 39%), mostly acknowledging the importance of palliative medicine to their practice and emphasising that further postgraduate education is necessary.

Aortic arch repair: let it beat!

Objective aortic arch repair (AAR) on the beating heart may reduce cross-clamping times and offer improved postoperative cardiac function.Methods A single-center review of all patients (n = 24) who underwent surgical AAR during biventricular repair between 01/2006 and 01/2008 was done. All patients were operated on under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP). During AAR, 13 patients (group 1) received cardioplegic arrest, and were compared to 11 patients (group 2) who underwent a beating-heart modification with selective myocardial perfusion. Seventeen patients had additional intracardiac lesions and underwent simultaneous correction during the procedure.Results Durations of CPB, AAR and ACP did not differ statistically between groups. Cardioplegic arrest time was significantly lower in group 1 (34 ± 13 vs. 76 ± 11 min, p = 0.02) and resulted in a subsequent reduction of myocardial ischemic damage as borne out by lower postoperative levels of troponin T and CK-MB (2.5 ± 0.7 vs. 7.1 ± 1.4 ng/mL, p = 0.02; 68.7 ± 11.5 vs. 149.1 ± 27.2 U/l, p = 0.03). We observed an enhanced patient recovery with shorter inotropic and ventilatory support times (p < 0.05).Conclusion Pediatric aortic arch correction on a CPB beating heart with selective myocardial perfusion is technically feasible and safe. The reduction of the myocardial ischemic time is effective and results in less myocardial damage.

[Risk factor "smoking" : smoking cessation in patients with cardiovascular diseases]. / Risikofaktor "Rauchen" : Wege aus der Nikotinsucht bei Patienten mit kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen.

Smoking is the most frequent cause of avoidable premature death. Annually, almost 6 million people die due to nicotine consumption. Comparing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, smoking has the strongest impact on cardiovascular mortality. More than 50% of all premature myocardial infarctions are related to nicotine consumption. Even in patients with known coronary disease receiving optimal medical therapy, there is a remarkable additional preventive effect of smoking cessation detectable. Therefore, smoking cessation is an essential component of primary and secondary prevention strategies. Smoking cessation programs applying a combination of behavior therapy and supporting medical treatment have been demonstrated to be the most effective.

[Renal denervation a new treatment option in resistant arterial hypertension]. / Die renale Denervation als neue Behandlungsmöglichkeit der therapierefraktären arteriellen Hypertonie.

Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains above therapeutic goal despite the use of 3 antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. After exclusion of secondary causes and medical in compliance, the estimated prevalence of resistant arterial hypertension ranges from 4% to 19% in hypertensive patients. Treatment requires a multimodal therapeutic approach. Hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in the genesis of hypertension. Targeting renal sympathetic nerves, percutaneous catheter-based renal denervation is a new therapeutic option for the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension in selected drug resistant patients.