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International technology transfer (ITT) is commonly seen as an essential way to bridge the gap between highly advanced industrialised nations and developing countries. This gap is particularly pronounced with a view of African states. These generally have a limited capacity to cope with the effects of climate change. Therefore, foreign innovations must be successfully adopted to realities on the continent to mitigate the effects. This has sparked a growing academic interest in this topic in recent years, leading to many aspects being covered in the literature. This paper takes stock of the current state of the art, thereby asking the question: What do we know about the problems regarding international technology transfer to Africa? Employing a reproducible, transparent and clear systematic review, 73 relevant texts are identified. The barriers to more (successful) international technology transfer that these publications identify are discussed. As this review clarifies, many aspects are known, but specifics around governance aspects and institutional set‐ups are primarily bypassed in the discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Poor oral hygiene can cause infections and inflammatory diseases. Data on its impact on outcome after lung transplantation (LuTX) is scarce. Most transplant centers have individual standards regarding dental care as there is no clinical guideline. This study's objective was to assess LuTX‐listed patient's dental status and determine its effect on postoperative outcome. Methods: Two hundred patients having undergone LuTX from 2014 to 2019 were selected. Collected data comprised LuTX‐indication, periodontal status, and number of carious teeth/fillings. A preoperative panoramic dental X‐ray and a dentist's consultative clarification were mandatory. Results: 63.5% had carious dental status, differing significantly regarding TX‐indication (p < 0.001; ILD: 41.7% vs. CF: 3.1% of all patients with carious teeth). Mean age at the time of LuTX differed significantly within these groups. Neither preoperative carious dental status nor periodontitis or bone loss deteriorated post‐LuTX survival significantly. No evidence was found that either resulted in a greater number of deaths related to an infectious etiology. Conclusion: This study shows that carious dental status, periodontitis, and bone loss do not affect post‐TX survival. However, literature indicates that they can cause systemic/pulmonary infections that deteriorate post‐LuTX survival. Regarding the absence of standardized guidelines regarding dental care and LuTX, we strongly recommend emphasizing research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: It is not known whether the route of administration affects the mechanisms of action of therapeutic immunoglobulin in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the immunomodulatory effects of intravenous (IVIg) and subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) in patients with CIDP and in IVIg‐treated common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients. Methods: Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples were obtained from 30 CIDP patients receiving IVIg, 10 CIDP patients receiving SCIg, and 15 patients with CVID receiving IVIg. Samples and clinical data were obtained prior to IVIg/SCIg and at 3 days, 7 days, and, in CIDP patients receiving IVIg, 21 days post‐administration. Serum cytokines were assessed by Luminex‐based multiplex assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Results: Immune cell profiles of CIDP and CVID patients differed in frequencies of myeloid dendritic cells and cytotoxic natural killer cells. During treatment with IVIg or SCIg in CIDP patients, cellular immunomarkers were largely similar. CIDP patients receiving IVIg had higher macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α (p = 0.01), interleukin (IL)‐4 (p = 0.04), and IL‐33 (p = 0.04) levels than SCIg recipients. IVIg treatment more broadly modulated cytokines in CIDP than SCIg treatment. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the modulation of cellular immunomarkers in CIDP is independent of the application route of therapeutic immunoglobulin. Minor differences were observed between CIDP and CVID patients. In contrast, cytokines were differentially modulated by IVIg and SCIg in CIDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collection of single‐photon emission from a quantum dot (QD) in a Bragg waveguide through a photonic wire bond (PWB) via free‐space resonant frequency pumping at 1.6 K is demonstrated. The in‐fiber single photons show a small multiphoton contribution, quantified by a low second order photon autocorrelation value of gcorr(2)(0)=(5.9±0.8)×10−3$g_{{\mathrm{corr}}}^{(2)}\;(0) = ({5.9 \pm 0.8})\; \times {10^{ - 3}}$ (background‐corrected) or graw(2)(0)=(9.5±1.4)×10−2$g_{{\mathrm{raw}}}^{(2)}(0)\; = ({9.5 \pm 1.4})\; \times {10^{ - 2}}{\mathrm{\;}}$(raw data). The decay time of the QD is measured to be τ=440${\mathrm{\tau \;}} = {\mathrm{\;}}440$ ps. The PWB obviates the need for in‐cryostat alignment of the single‐photon source with an optical fiber and thus offers a route to scalable integration of quantum photonic devices in a cryogenic environment. Uniquely, the approach combines the QD‐waveguide technique, enabling resonant driving of individual QDs without the need for cross‐polarization filtering, and the PWB for deterministic, alignment‐free coupling of single‐photon sources to optical fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular matching is a new approach for virtual histocompatibility testing in organ transplantation. The aim of our study was to analyze whether the risk for de novo donor‐specific HLA antibodies (dnDSA) after lung transplantation (LTX) can be predicted by molecular matching algorithms (MMA) and their combination. In this retrospective study we included 183 patients undergoing LTX at our center from 2012–2020. We monitored dnDSA development for 1 year. Eplet mismatches (epMM) using HLAMatchmaker were calculated and highly immunogenic eplets based on their ElliPro scores were identified. PIRCHE‐II scores were calculated using PIRCHE‐II algorithm (5‐ and 11‐loci). We compared epMM and PIRCHE‐II scores between patients with and without dnDSA using t‐test and used ROC‐curves to determine optimal cut‐off values to categorize patients into four groups. We used logistic regression with AIC to compare the predictive value of PIRCHE‐II, epMM, and their combination. In total 28.4% of patients developed dnDSA (n = 52), 12.5% class I dnDSA (n = 23), 24.6% class II dnDSA (n = 45), and 8.7% both class II and II dnDSA (n = 16). Mean epMMs (p‐value = 0.005), mean highly immunogenic epMMs (p‐value = 0.003), and PIRCHE‐II (11‐loci) (p = 0.01) were higher in patients with compared to without class II dnDSA. Patients with highly immunogenic epMMs above 30.5 and PIRCHE‐II 11‐loci above 560.0 were more likely to develop dnDSA (31.1% vs. 14.8%, p‐value = 0.03). The logistic regression model including the grouping variable showed the best predictive value. MMA can support clinicians to identify patients at higher or lower risk for developing class II dnDSA and might be helpful tools for immunological risk assessment in LTX patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: Nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN) is characterized by a predominant lower limb involvement in many patients. Motor unit changes in upper extremity muscles have not been investigated in this subgroup but may be of interest for improving our understanding of the multifocal nature of the disease and counseling of patients about potential future symptoms. In this study we aimed to better understand subclinical motor involvement in the upper extremity muscles of patients with lower limb–predominant NSVN using the new motor unit number estimation (MUNE) method MScanFit. Methods: In this single‐center, cross‐sectional study, 14 patients with biopsy‐proven NSVN, with no clinical signs of upper extremity motor involvement, were investigated and compared with 14 age‐matched healthy controls. All participants were assessed clinically and by the MUNE method MScanFit to the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. Results: The number of motor units and peak CMAP amplitudes were significantly reduced in patients with NSVN (P =.003 and P =.004, respectively). Absolute median motor unit amplitudes and CMAP discontinuities were not significantly different (P =.246 and P =.1, respectively). CMAP discontinuities were not significantly correlated with motor unit loss (P =.15, rho = 0.4). The number of motor units did not correlate with clinical scores (P =.77, rho = 0.082). Discussion: Both MUNE and CMAP amplitudes showed motor involvement in upper extremity muscles in lower limb–predominant NSVN. Overall, there was no evidence of significant reinnervation. Investigations of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle did not show a correlation with overall functional disability of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state batteries promise higher energy and power densities as well as increased safety compared to lithium‐ion batteries by using non‐flammable solid electrolytes and metallic lithium as the anode. Ensuring permanent and close contact between the components and individual particles is crucial for long‐term operation of a solid‐state cell. This study investigates the particle size dependent compression mechanics and ionic conductivity of the mechanically soft thiophosphate solid electrolyte tetragonal Li7SiPS8 (t‐LiSiPS) under pressure. The effect of stack and pelletizing pressure is demonstrated as a powerful tool to influence the microstructure and, hence, ionic conductivity of t‐LiSiPS. Heckel analysis for granular powder compression reveals distinct pressure regimes, which differently impact the Li ion conductivity. The pelletizing process is simulated using the discrete element method followed by finite volume analysis to disentangle the effects of pressure‐dependent microstructure evolution from atomistic activation volume effects. Furthermore, it is found that the relative density of a tablet is a weaker descriptor for the sample's impedance compared to the particle size distribution. The multiscale experimental and theoretical study thus captures both atomistic and microstructural effects of pressure on the ionic conductivity, thus emphasizing the importance of microstructure, particle size distribution and pressure control in solid electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state batteries promise higher energy and power densities as well as increased safety compared to lithium‐ion batteries by using non‐flammable solid electrolytes and metallic lithium as the anode. Ensuring permanent and close contact between the components and individual particles is crucial for long‐term operation of a solid‐state cell. This study investigates the particle size dependent compression mechanics and ionic conductivity of the mechanically soft thiophosphate solid electrolyte tetragonal Li7SiPS8 (t‐LiSiPS) under pressure. The effect of stack and pelletizing pressure is demonstrated as a powerful tool to influence the microstructure and, hence, ionic conductivity of t‐LiSiPS. Heckel analysis for granular powder compression reveals distinct pressure regimes, which differently impact the Li ion conductivity. The pelletizing process is simulated using the discrete element method followed by finite volume analysis to disentangle the effects of pressure‐dependent microstructure evolution from atomistic activation volume effects. Furthermore, it is found that the relative density of a tablet is a weaker descriptor for the sample's impedance compared to the particle size distribution. The multiscale experimental and theoretical study thus captures both atomistic and microstructural effects of pressure on the ionic conductivity, thus emphasizing the importance of microstructure, particle size distribution and pressure control in solid electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state batteries promise higher energy and power densities as well as increased safety compared to lithium‐ion batteries by using non‐flammable solid electrolytes and metallic lithium as the anode. Ensuring permanent and close contact between the components and individual particles is crucial for long‐term operation of a solid‐state cell. This study investigates the particle size dependent compression mechanics and ionic conductivity of the mechanically soft thiophosphate solid electrolyte tetragonal Li7SiPS8 (t‐LiSiPS) under pressure. The effect of stack and pelletizing pressure is demonstrated as a powerful tool to influence the microstructure and, hence, ionic conductivity of t‐LiSiPS. Heckel analysis for granular powder compression reveals distinct pressure regimes, which differently impact the Li ion conductivity. The pelletizing process is simulated using the discrete element method followed by finite volume analysis to disentangle the effects of pressure‐dependent microstructure evolution from atomistic activation volume effects. Furthermore, it is found that the relative density of a tablet is a weaker descriptor for the sample's impedance compared to the particle size distribution. The multiscale experimental and theoretical study thus captures both atomistic and microstructural effects of pressure on the ionic conductivity, thus emphasizing the importance of microstructure, particle size distribution and pressure control in solid electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state batteries promise higher energy and power densities as well as increased safety compared to lithium‐ion batteries by using non‐flammable solid electrolytes and metallic lithium as the anode. Ensuring permanent and close contact between the components and individual particles is crucial for long‐term operation of a solid‐state cell. This study investigates the particle size dependent compression mechanics and ionic conductivity of the mechanically soft thiophosphate solid electrolyte tetragonal Li7SiPS8 (t‐LiSiPS) under pressure. The effect of stack and pelletizing pressure is demonstrated as a powerful tool to influence the microstructure and, hence, ionic conductivity of t‐LiSiPS. Heckel analysis for granular powder compression reveals distinct pressure regimes, which differently impact the Li ion conductivity. The pelletizing process is simulated using the discrete element method followed by finite volume analysis to disentangle the effects of pressure‐dependent microstructure evolution from atomistic activation volume effects. Furthermore, it is found that the relative density of a tablet is a weaker descriptor for the sample's impedance compared to the particle size distribution. The multiscale experimental and theoretical study thus captures both atomistic and microstructural effects of pressure on the ionic conductivity, thus emphasizing the importance of microstructure, particle size distribution and pressure control in solid electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Trials of CT‐based screening for lung cancer have shown a mortality advantage for screening in North America and Europe. Before introducing a nationwide lung cancer screening program in Germany, it is important to assess the criteria used in international trials in the German population. Methods: We used data from 3623 lung cancer patients from the data warehouse of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). We compared the sensitivity of the following lung cancer screening criteria overall and stratified by age and histology: the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), the Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial (DLCST), the 2013 and 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and an adapted version of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian no race model (adapted PLCOm2012) with 6‐year risk thresholds of 1.0%/6 year and 1.7%/6 year. Results: Overall, the adapted PLCOm2012 model (1%/6 years), selected the highest proportion of lung cancer patients for screening (72.4%), followed by the 2021 USPSTF (70.0%), the adapted PLCOm2012 (1.7%/6 year) (57.4%), the 2013 USPTF (57.0%), DLCST criteria (48.7%), and the NLST (48.5%). The adapted PLCOm2012 risk model (1.0%/6 year) had the highest sensitivity for all histological types except for small‐cell and large‐cell carcinomas (non‐significant), whereas the 2021 USPTF selected a higher proportion of patients. The sensitivity levels were higher in males than in females. Conclusion: Using a risk‐based selection score resulted in higher sensitivities compared to criteria using dichotomized age and smoking history. However, gender disparities were apparent in all studied eligibility criteria. In light of increasing lung cancer incidences in women, all selection criteria should be reviewed for ways to close this gender gap, especially when implementing a large‐scale lung cancer screening program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of different low‐coordinate iron selenide complexes is reported. These are obtained by reaction of the linear iron(I) silylamide K{18c6}[Fe(N(Dipp)SiMe3)2] (Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with red selenium. Careful adjustment of the reaction conditions results in the formation of unique low‐coordinate selenido iron complexes, namely a monoselenide bridged [2Fe−1Se]2+ complex, as well as mononuclear iron per‐ and triselenides. Further, C−H bond activation of one of the silylamide ligands by a putative terminal iron monoselenide is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of high energy proton implantation is demonstrated to precisely and independently shift the energies of both exciton and photon components of GaAs microcavity exciton–polaritons. The technique applies post‐growth proton implantation and annealing steps in order to create a small local interdiffusion across either the quantum well–barrier material interfaces, or between the layers of the cavity distributed Bragg reflector mirrors to induce energy shifts to the exciton or photon components, respectively. The polariton mode is tunable by an energy exceeding 10 meV with a corresponding increase (decrease) in effective mass for photon (exciton) energy shifts, while maintaining narrow‐linewidth polariton photoemission and condensation for both photonic and excitonic polaritons. This technique uniquely enables new opportunities to explore coherent polariton matter with narrow‐linewidth and heavy masses in tight‐binding, non‐Hermitian, and topological landscapes with sub‐µm feature‐sizes, while also being a simple post‐growth process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare neurologic complication that can occur under immunosuppressive therapy with CNI after organ transplantation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 545 patients who underwent lung transplantation between 2012 and 2019. Within this group, we identified 30 patients with neurological symptoms typical of PRES and compared the characteristics of patients who were diagnosed with PRES (n = 11) to those who were not (n = 19). Results: The incidence of PRES after lung transplantation was 2%. Notably, 73% of the patients with PRES were female and the mean age was 39.2. Seizure (82% vs. 21%, p =.002) was the most common neurological presentation. The risk of developing PRES was significantly associated with age (OR =.92, p <.0001) and having cystic fibrosis (CF) (OP = 10.1, p <.0001). Creatinine level (1.9 vs. 1.1 mg/dl, p =.047) and tacrolimus trough level (19.4 vs. 16.5 ng/ml, p =.048) within 1 week prior to neurological symptoms were significantly higher in patients with PRES. Conclusion: Renal insufficiency and high tacrolimus levels are associated with PRES. A change of immunosuppressive drug should be done after confirmed PRES diagnosis or immediately in case of severe neurological dysfunction to improve neurological outcomes and minimize the risk of early allograft rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: This study assessed the prevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in therapeutic immunoglobulin and their impact on serological response to COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine in patients with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)‐treated chronic immune neuropathies. Methods: Forty‐six samples of different brands or lots of IVIg or subcutaneous IgG were analyzed for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Blood sera from 16 patients with immune neuropathies were prospectively analyzed for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA, IgG, and IgM before and 1 week after IVIg infusion subsequent to consecutive COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine doses and after 12 weeks. These were compared to 42 healthy subjects. Results: Twenty‐four (52%) therapeutic immunoglobulin samples contained anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG. All patients with immune neuropathies (mean age = 65 ± 16 years, 25% female) were positive for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG after COVID‐19 vaccination. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA titers significantly decreased 12–14 weeks after vaccination (p = 0.02), whereas IgG titers remained stable (p = 0.2). IVIg did not significantly reduce intraindividual anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA/IgG serum titers in immune neuropathies (p = 0.69). IVIg‐derived anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG did not alter serum anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG decrease after IVIg administration (p = 0.67). Conclusions: Our study indicates that IVIg does not impair the antibody response to COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine in a short‐term observation, when administered a minimum of 2 weeks after each vaccine dose. The infusion of current IVIg preparations that contain anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG does not significantly alter serum anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG titers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hereditary transthyretin‐mediated amyloidosis is a treatable condition caused by amyloidogenic variants in the transthyretin‐gene resulting in severe peripheral neuropathy or cardiomyopathy. Only about a third of over 130 known variants are clearly pathogenic, most are classified as variants of uncertain significance. A clear delineation of these into pathogenic or non‐pathogenic is highly desirable but hampered by low frequency and penetrance. We thus sought to characterize their amylogenic potential by an unbiased in vitro approach. Methods: Thioflavin T and turbidity assays were used to compare the potential of mammalian cell expressed wt‐transthyretin and 12 variant proteins (either variants of uncertain significance, benign, pathogenic) to aggregate and produce amyloid fibrils in vitro. As proof of principle, the assays were applied to transthyretin‐Ala65Val, a variant that was newly detected in a family with peripheral neuropathy and amyloid deposits in biopsies. In silico analysis was performed to compare the position of the benign and pathogenic variants. Results: Transthyretin‐Ala65Val showed a significantly higher amyloidogenic potential than wt‐transthyretin, in both turbidity‐ and Thioflavin T‐assays, comparable to known pathogenic variants. The other eight tested variants did not show an increased amyloidogenic potential. In silico structural analysis further confirmed differences between pathogenic and benign variants in position and interactions. Interpretation: We propose a biochemical approach to assess amyloidogenic potential of transthyretin variants. As exemplified by transthyretin‐Ala65Val, data of three assays together with histopathology clearly demonstrates its amyloidogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The aim was to assess the organization and short‐term changes of motor units in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treated with nusinersen. Methods: In this single‐centre cross‐sectional and longitudinal study 15 adult patients with SMA type 3 were assessed and compared to 15 age‐matched healthy controls and nine patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, 10 patients with SMA were followed up after 4–8 months. All patients were investigated clinically and by the motor unit number estimation method MScanFit of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. Results: The number of motor units (p < 0.001) was significantly lower in patients with SMA compared to healthy controls at study entry. Mean unit amplitude, median amplitude and largest unit (p < 0.001) were significantly increased in patients with SMA. Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis showed a significant reduction of compound muscle action potential (p = 0.005) and number of motor units (p = 0.03) compared to patients with SMA, accompanied by a larger median amplitude (p = 0.03). A prospective analysis identified patients with the ability to walk to improve the number of motor units (p = 0.046) accompanied by a decreased median amplitude (p = 0.03). Electrophysiological measures showed a moderate to strong correlation with clinical scores. Conclusion: Patients with SMA show loss of motor units in distal muscles. MScanFit variables indicate that compound muscle action potential amplitudes are maintained by collateral sprouting. Prospective analyses suggest that milder affected adult patients with SMA preferentially benefit from nusinersen treatment through recovery of smaller motor units. Correlations with clinical scores underline the potential of MScanFit as a surrogate marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Posaconazole and itraconazole are commonly used for systemic antifungal prophylaxis after lung transplantation. The aim of this study on critically ill lung transplant recipients was to assess the rate of adequate plasma concentrations and the frequency of fungal‐induced transitions from antifungal prophylaxis to therapy after the administration of either posaconazole or itraconazole for systemic prophylaxis. Methods: Critically ill lung transplant recipients with postoperative posaconazole or itraconazole prophylaxis and therapeutic drug monitoring from February 2016 to November 2019 were retrospectively included in the study. Positive fungal cultures or Aspergillus antigen tests resulting in a transition from antifungal prophylaxis to therapy were analyzed from the first day of prophylaxis until 7 days after the last sample for each patient. Adequate plasma concentrations were defined as ≥500 µg/L for itraconazole and ≥700 µg/L for posaconazole. Results: Two hundred seventy‐five samples from 73 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, 60% of the posaconazole and 55% of the itraconazole concentrations were subtherapeutic. Administration of posaconazole suspension resulted significantly (P <.01) more often in subtherapeutic concentrations than tablets (68% vs 10%). Patients treated with posaconazole showed less positive fungal records resulting in a transition from prophylaxis to therapy than patients treated with itraconazole (10% vs 33%, P‐value:.029). The detection of a fungal pathogen was not associated with the measured plasma concentrations or the achievement of the target concentrations. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that posaconazole should be used instead of itraconazole for systemic prophylaxis in critically ill lung transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protecting against CMV infection and maintaining CMV in latent state are largely provided by CMV‐specific T‐cells in lung transplant recipients. The aim of the study was to assess whether a specific T‐cell response is associated with the risk for CMV infection in seronegative patients who are at high risk for delayed CMV infection. Methods: All CMV‐seronegative recipients (R−) from CMV‐seropositive donors (D+) between January 2018 and April 2019 were included and retrospectively screened for CMV infection before and after assessment of CMV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity. Results: Thirty‐one of the 50 patients (62%) developed early‐onset CMV infection. Lower absolute neutrophil counts were significantly associated with early‐onset CMV infection. Antiviral prophylaxis was ceased after 137.2 ± 42.8 days. CMV‐CMI were measured at a median of 5.5 months after LTx. 19 patients experienced early and late‐onset CMV infection after prophylaxis withdrawal within 15 months post transplantation. Positive CMV‐CMI was significantly associated with lower risk of late‐onset CMV infection after transplantation in logistic and cox‐regression analysis (OR=0.05, p =.01; OR=2,369, p =.026). Conclusion: D+/R− lung transplant recipients are at high risk of developing early and late‐onset CMV infection. Measurement of CMV‐CMI soon after transplantation might further define the CMV infection prediction risk in LTx recipients being at high risk for CMV viremia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The A 8 Saarlouis motorway junction – demolition of a prestressed concrete bridge For the task of replacing the Saar Bridge on the A 8 motorway at the A 8 motorway junction, dismantling the old prestressed concrete bridge was also necessary. Especially the development and implementation of an intelligent demolition concept presented the engineers with particular challenges. Through competent cooperation of all parties involved in the project, the tender design was perfected in various respects. This made it possible to use the advantages of several specialty trades optimally together and, above all, to ensure implementation. In addition to conventional demolition, adequately experienced specialist companies supplemented the special operations required for this task. Thus, functioning concepts from new construction trades could contribute to the ultimately optimal solution of this complex dismantling project on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A [Fe‐S‐Fe] subunit with a single sulfide bridging two low‐coordinate iron ions is the supposed active site of the iron‐molybdenum co‐factor (FeMoco) of nitrogenase. Here we report a dinuclear monosulfido bridged diiron(II) complex with a similar complex geometry that can be oxidized stepwise to diiron(II/III) and diiron(III/III) complexes while retaining the [Fe‐S‐Fe] core. The series of complexes has been characterized crystallographically, and electronic structures have been studied using, inter alia, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry. Further, cleavage of the [Fe‐S‐Fe] unit by CS2 is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new strategy of extracting parameters for tapped delay line (TDL) channel models from vehicle to infrastructure channel measurements. The proposed approach is based on an already existing method to derive parameters for a non‐stationary model using first‐order Markov chains. It will be shown that with the proposed method, the number of taps necessary to regenerate the delay spread of a channel can be significantly reduced. An approach will be discussed to evaluate the performance of the model. The feasibility of the method will be confirmed using channel sounding measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunosuppression leaves transplanted patients at particular risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. The specific features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in immunosuppressed patients are largely unknown and therapeutic experience is lacking. Seven transplanted patients (two liver, three kidneys, one double lung, one heart) admitted to the Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University Munich because of COVID‐19 and tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 were included. The clinical course and the clinical findings were extracted from the medical record. The two liver transplant patients and the heart transplant patient had an uncomplicated course and were discharged after 14, 18, and 12 days, respectively. Two kidney transplant recipients were intubated within 48 hours. One kidney and the lung transplant recipients were required to intubate after 10 and 15 days, respectively. Immunosuppression was adapted in five patients, but continued in all patients. Compared to non‐transplanted patients at the ICU (n = 19) the inflammatory response was attenuated in transplanted patients, which was proven by decreased IL‐6 blood values. This analysis might provide evidence that continuous immunosuppression is safe and probably beneficial since there was no hyperinflammation evident. Although transplanted patients might be more susceptible to an infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, their clinical course seems to be similar to immunocompetent patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polariton condensates' propagation is strongly dependent on the particular energy landscape the particles are moving upon, in which the geometry of the pathway laid for their movement plays a crucial role. Bends in the circuit's trajectories affect the condensates' speed and oblique geometries introduce an additional discretization of the polaritons' momenta due to the mixing of short and long axis wavevectors on the propagating eigenvalues. In this work, the nature of the propagation of condensates along the arms of a polariton coupler is studied by a combination of time‐resolved micro‐tomography measurements and a theoretical model based on a mean field approximation where condensed polaritons are described by an equation for the slow varying amplitude of the polariton field coupled to an equation for the density of incoherent excitons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was meant to analyse the centre experience of the Munich Lung Transplant Group in lung transplantation of patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. Outcome data focus on survival and right heart remodelling. Methods: All patients receiving a lung transplant between 10/2010 and 08/2016 were retrospectively analysed (n = 343). Patients were categorised into individuals with or without severe pre‐operative pulmonary hypertension (PH; mPAP ≥ 35 mm Hg or mPAP ≥ 25 mm Hg with cardiac index < 2.0 L/min/m2). Among those, patients with severe PH secondary to lung disease (Nice Class III) were compared with patients with severe PH due to idiopathic PH (IPAH; Nice Class I). All surviving patients with severe PH were electively followed up by echocardiography. Results: Kaplan–Meier survival probabilities after lung transplantation of each group according to pre‐operative mPAP values showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.14 by log‐rank test). Lung transplantation in severe PH patients led to marked right ventricular remodelling as indicated by significantly increased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (P = 0.002), decreased right ventricular end‐diastolic dimensions (P = 0.001) and overall reduction in tricuspid valvular regurgitation, when compared to pre‐operative assessments. Conclusion: Sequential bilateral lung transplantation (BLTx) in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension is a feasible treatment option in this high‐risk group in experienced high‐volume centres. Lung transplantation allows for resolution of secondary right heart failure in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent accelerated approvals of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapies targeting refractory haematological malignancies underscore the potential for this novel technology platform to provide new therapeutic options for oncology areas with high unmet medical needs. However, these powerful 'living drugs' are markedly different to conventional small molecule and biologic therapies on several levels. The highly complex nature and varied composition of CAR‐T based products still requires considerable investigation to resolve the best approaches to ensure reproducible and cost‐effective manufacture, clinical development, and application. This review will focus on key issues for manufacturing and quality control of these exciting new therapeutic modalities, preceded by a brief description of CAR principals and clinical development considerations. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the reassessment of the validity of Anglican orders as there have been developments indicating that apostolic succession restored in the period after the decision by Leo XIII. Since the sacrament of Order and the true priesthood of Christ has been expunged from the Anglican rite.

We report the first examples of lithium rare earth metal hexathiohypodiphosphates(IV). Three new lithium‐scandium hexathiohypodiphosphates(IV) were synthesized and characterized. The compounds crystallize in three different structure types, featuring isolated ethane‐like [P2S6]4– hexathiohypodiphosphate(IV) units. Li2.926Sc0.358P2S6 or Li4–3xScxP2S6 (x = 0.358) crystallizes in the space group P31m (no. 162) with a = b = 6.0966(5) Å, c = 6.5866(6) Å, V = 212.02(4) Å3, and Z = 1. The compound is isostructural to Li2FeP2S6 as well as the Li ion conductor Li4–2xMgxP2S6 (x = 1/3, 2/3). Monoclinic LiScP2S6 was found to be a layered compound with van der Waals gaps. The layers consist of edge sharing octahedra that are occupied by Li, Sc, and P2 in an alternating fashion. It is isostructural to LiAlP2S6 and crystallizes in the space group C2/c (no. 15) with a = 6.933(1) Å, b = 10.754(2) Å, c = 11.694(2) Å, β = 94.41(3)°, V = 869.3(3) Å3, and Z = 4. Trigonal LiScP2S6 crystallizes in the space group P31c (no. 163) with a = b = 6.363(1) Å, c = 12.386(3) Å, V = 434.3(2) Å3, and Z = 2, and is isostructural to AgInP2S6 and AgScP2S6. Its structure is closely related to the monoclinic version, except that trigonal LiScP2S6 features disordered [P2/2P6/6S6]4– units. The new phases were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and DFT calculations. We further demonstrate that Li4–3xScxP2S6 shows significantly enhanced Li ion conductivity compared to the parent compound Li4P2S6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution presents propagation measurements at 60 GHz in indoor non-line of sight scenarios. Besides analysing the measurements, the authors have considered several system aspects, such as bandwidth and directivity in order to investigate the small-scale behaviour of the radio channel after beam-forming. The results show that due to the high resolution in the angular and time domain achievable by large antenna arrays and wideband signals, the fading is significantly reduced and the equivalent transmission channel becomes more sparse and deterministic. These insights represent an essential source of information for future systems design and the ongoing channel modelling activities for systems operating at mm-waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot protocol, effecting 14-fold bromination with elemental bromine, has afforded copper β-octabromo- meso-tris(2,6-dibromo-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)corrole, a new bis-pocket metallocorrole. The Cu complex underwent smooth demetalation under reductive conditions, affording the free corrole ligand, which in turn could be readily complexed to MnIII and AuIII. A single-crystal X-ray structure was obtained for the MnIII complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonatocalix[4]arene mit einem geeigneten Hydroxamsäurerest können neurotoxische Organophosphonate der Klasse der V ‐ Stoffe mit Halbwertszeiten bis hinunter zu 3 min in wässriger Pufferlösung bei 37 °C und pH 7.4 entgiften. Diese Aktivität ist auf die millimolare Affinität des Calixarenrings für kationische V ‐ Stoffe in Kombination mit einer geeigneten Positionierung des Hydroxamsäurerests zurückzuführen. Bei der Reaktion wird zunächst die Hydroxamsäure phosphonyliert. Anschließend erfolgt eine Lossen ‐ Umlagerung, sodass der Wirkmechanismus dieser Verbindungen insgesamt stöchiometrischer und nicht katalytischer Natur ist. Dennoch stellen die entwickelten Calixarene momentan die effizientesten synthetischen Scavenger dar, die persistente V ‐ Stoffe unter milden Bedingungen entgiften. Sie können als Leitverbindungen für neue Wirkstoffe aufgefasst werden, die eine Behandlung von Vergiftungen mit hochtoxischen Nervenkampfstoffen ermöglichen. Zuerst toxisch und plötzlich nicht mehr: Monosubstituierte Sulfonatocalix[4]aren ‐ Derivate vermitteln die schnelle Entgiftung von chemischen Kampfstoffen der Klasse der V ‐ Stoffe. Diese Verbindungen stellen somit vielversprechende Leitstrukturen für die Entwicklung von Antidoten dar, die eine Behandlung von Vergiftungen mit persistenten und hochtoxischen V ‐ Stoffen ermöglichen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonatocalix[4]arenes with an appended hydroxamic acid residue can detoxify VX and related V-type neurotoxic organophosphonates with half-lives down to 3 min in aqueous buffer at 37 °C and pH 7.4. The detoxification activity is attributed to the millimolar affinity of the calixarene moiety for the positively charged organophosphonates in combination with the correct arrangement of the hydroxamic acid group. The reaction involves phosphonylation of the hydroxamic acid followed by a Lossen rearrangement, thus rendering the mode of action stoichiometric rather than catalytic. Nevertheless, these calixarenes are currently the most efficient low-molecular-weight compounds for detoxifying persistent V-type nerve agents under mild conditions. They thus represent lead structures for novel antidotes that allow treatment of poisonings by these highly toxic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium cobaltate (Na xCoO2, NCO) is a model type thermoelectric material for high temperature applications, which is representative for the class of non-stoichiometric and mixed ion-electron conducting thermoelectrics (e.g., Cu2 - xSe). The present study deals with the kinetic instability of the originally homogeneous chemical composition when a temperature gradient is applied - a common situation in thermoelectric materials with a mobile component (element), but rarely considered in thermoelectric materials research so far. In order to investigate a well reproducible system, highly epitaxial thin films of Na xCoO2 with an atmosphere protective capping layer of alumina are prepared via pulsed laser deposition on sapphire (001) and lanthanum aluminate (111). A self-designed non-isothermal set-up allows the precise determination of the heat of transport for mobile sodium as 8.3 kJ mol−1 and, therefore, the quantification of thermodiffusion (i.e., the Ludwig-Soret effect in the stationary state). The experiments also allow to estimate the chemical diffusion coefficient of sodium at 422 K as about [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical studies have explored the relationship between toothbrushing and development of gingival recession (GR), but relevant GR data for the multidirectional power toothbrush (PT) are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of brushing with either a multidirectional PT or American Dental Association reference manual toothbrush (MT) on mid-buccal preexisting GR (PreGR) during 12 months.Methods: This was a 12-month prospective, single-masked, parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical study. Healthy participants without periodontitis with at least two teeth showing PreGR ≥2 mm were randomized to a group brushing with either an MT or PT. The primary outcome parameter was change at sites with PreGR ≥2 mm. All clinically based GR measurements were performed by one calibrated examiner at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were changes of GR at all mid-buccal sites (with or without PreGR), changes in percentage of GR sites demonstrating a change of ≥1 mm, and changes in probing depths.Results: A total of 107 participants completed the study (PT: 55, MT: 52). During the 12-month study period the mean recession at sites with PreGR ≥2 mm decreased significantly from 2.2 to 2.1 mm in both groups (P <0.05). The extent of GR parameters did not differ between MT and PT groups at any time point. GR evaluated clinically and on stone casts was well correlated.Conclusion: Neither the PT nor MT led to an increase in PreGR during 12 months of daily use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the "nbo" topology constitute a diverse suite of more than 100 nanoporous materials, but their use in applications such as chemical sensing and membranes is inhibited by a lack of methods for growing them as thin films. Here, layer-by-layer (LBL) and solvothermal growth of "nbo" films is demonstrated and it is established for the first time that interlinker steric hindrance is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of the LBL method. Film growth is demonstrated for three "nbo" MOFs: NOTT-100 and NOTT-101, which have the R-3m space group and are deposited by the LBL method, and PCN-14, with the R-3c space group, which is deposited by a solvothermal approach. Continuous and dense films of NOTT-100 and NOTT-101 are obtained and LBL growth is verified by observing deposition with a quartz crystal microbalance technique, which also yields the temperature dependence. Oxygen plasma treatment is found to be a useful tool for promoting the MOF film growth under solvothermal conditions. Effective mechanical coupling of these films to the substrate is demonstrated by growing them on surface acoustic wave sensors, which respond reversibly to vapors of water, acetone, and n-hexane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the structural and optical properties of self-assembled (Al,Ga)InP quantum dots (QDs) with varying material composition embedded in a (Al0.30Ga0.70)0.51In0.49P matrix. The samples were grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. Atomic force microscopy was used to study the structural properties of the quantum dots, revealing a strong dependence of the morphology on the material composition. Low-temperature ensemble photoluminescence was observed between 590 nm and 720 nm. Temperature and excitation power dependent, as well as time resolved measurements were performed, indicating a significantly reduced electron confinement and a reduced overlap of the electron/hole wavefunctions for Al- and/or Ga-rich compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay, I explore the notion of wisdom in Johannes von Tepl's Der Ackermann (c. 1401). 'Wisdom' is central to the text because it serves to justify God's concluding judgment in the dispute between man and Death: Death is awarded victory for having spoken weyßheyt. In previous interpretations, the term is tentatively explained as 'divine wisdom.' The question remains open, however, what this 'Gottesweisheit' might be. Drawing on medieval biblical exegesis, I argue that it refers to the Book of Proverbs and, in particular, the account of personified Sapientia. 'Wisdom' as it is used in chapters 18 and 33 of the dialogue reflects the exegetical tradition of Prov. 8.22-31 and thus serves as a metonymic expression for the person of Christ. Furthermore, with this Christological interpretation of divine wisdom in the Ackermann, I challenge the widespread notion of a 'Christological gap' in von Tepl's text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the series of ternary rare-earth transition metal carbides Sc3 TC4 ( T = Fe, Co, Ni) only the Co congener displays a structural phase transition at 72 K and an onset of bulk superconductivity at 4.5 K. In this paper we present the results of a detailed analysis of the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of the low-temperature phase of Sc3CoC4 that represents one of the few well-documented examples of a quasi one-dimensional (1D) superconductor. Variable temperature neutron powder diffraction and low temperature X-ray diffraction experiments were performed in order to confirm the subtle structural distortions during the phase transition. The results of periodic electronic structure calculations indicate, that the structural transition can clearly be identified as a Peierls-type distortion and by a comparison with the isostructural carbide Sc3FeC4 we are able to identify the chemical, electronic, and the vibrational control parameters of the transition. Topological analyses of the electron density distribution and of the valence shell charge concentrations at the cobalt atom finally allow us to directly correlate the changes in the electronic structure due to the Peierls transition in reciprocal space with the according subtle changes in the real space properties of Sc3CoC4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we describe epitaxial growth and investigations of optical properties of In(Ga)As/GaAs site-controlled quantum dots (QDs) fabricated on (001)-oriented GaAs substrates. The QD nucleation is directed by pre-patterning planar GaAs surfaces with shallow nanoholes. The focus of this work lies on the realization of arrays of site-controlled QDs (SCQDs) with a tailored morphology and optical properties comparable to QDs fabricated on planar substrates. By maximizing the migration length during QD deposition, we were able to increase the QD pitches to values exceeding device dimensions of typical semiconductor microresonators. The introduction of a seeding layer in our growth scheme allows us to extend the vertical distance between the QDs and the etched nucleation centres to about 20 nm without suffering from nanoholes being occupied by multiple QDs. Furthermore, the extended distance between the QD layer and the re-growth interface allows us to preserve excellent optical properties of the single QDs as probed in photoluminescence with an average single QD related linewidth of 133 µeV and minimum values as low as 25 µeV for non-resonant excitation. The high yield of optically active QDs on the pre-defined nucleation positions is studied by cathodoluminescence (CL) with high spatial resolution. We find emission from single SCQDs on more than 90% of the nucleation centres, which is a pre-requisite for any scalable QD-device fabrication scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the prevalence of upper extremity vein obstruction or anomalies in patients before first implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). It remains unclear in which patients contrast venography is warranted before implantation procedure. Results of clinical data and contrast venography of 302 consecutive patients scheduled for first ICD implantation were analyzed. Prevalence of upper vein obstruction was 6.6% (20/302 patients) in a typical patient population undergoing first ICD implantation. Age, left ventricular ejection fraction, underlying heart disease, prior open-heart surgery, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation were not predictors of obstruction. Patients with previous cardiac pacemaker implantation had a higher rate of obstruction, though this was not statistically significant (20% vs 15.7%, P = 0.54). Persistent left vena cava was found in 0.7%. There is no clinical parameter sufficient enough to predict upper extremity venous obstruction. Contrast venography may be considered in patients with previous pacemaker placement but should not be a routine diagnostic tool in unselected patients prior to first ICD-implantation procedure. (PACE 2011; 1-6) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute mortality of unselected critically ill patients has improved during the last 15 years. Whether these benefits also affect survival of critically ill patients with secondary peritonitis is unclear as is the relevance of specific prognostic factors, such as source control. We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively from March 1993 to February 2005. A cohort of 319 consecutive postoperative patients with secondary peritonitis requiring intensive care was evaluated. End points for outcome analysis were derived from daily changes of hazard rate. Four-month survival rate after intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 31.7%. For patients who have survived for more than 4 months, the 1-year survival was 82.7%. After adjustment for relevant covariates, a high disease severity at ICU admission and during ICU stay, specific comorbidities (extended malignancies, liver cirrhosis) and sources of infection (distal esophagus, stomach), and an inadequate initial antibiotic therapy were associated with worse 4-month prognosis. Inability to obtain source control was the most important determinant of mortality, and treatment after 2002 was combined with improved prognosis. Four-month prognosis of critically ill, surgical patients with secondary peritonitis is poor and mostly determined by the ability to obtain source control. Outcome has improved since 2002, and after successful surgical and intensive care therapy long-term survival seems to be good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Multi-marker risk scores accurately predict prognosis in heart failure patients but calculation is complex. Aims: To compare the prognostic accuracy of the Seattle Heart Failure Survival Score (SHFS) and a model derived from the CHARM programme, with laboratory parameters NT-proBNP and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Methods and results: In a sample of 290 heart failure patients, 39 patients died, 22 were hospitalised with acute heart failure and 4 underwent urgent cardiac transplantation during a median follow-up of 498 days. NT-proBNP, GFR, CHARM and SHFS showed an AUC for an endpoint during 1-year of 0.80, 0.72, 0.79 and 0.69, respectively. The hazard ratio for an endpoint during follow-up was 2.1, 2.6, 1.9 and 2.1 per 1 SD increase of log NT-proBNP and CHARM and per 1 SD decrease of GFR and SHFS, respectively. In multivariate analysis, log NT-proBNP and GFR added independent prognostic information to CHARM and SHFS, respectively. Conclusion: NT-proBNP and GFR independently predicted endpoint-free survival in systolic heart failure patients, with NT-proBNP being superior and equally predictive to the SHFS and CHARM score, respectively. Assessment of both laboratory markers can simplify prognostic stratification, addition to multi-marker scores should be evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The performance of temporary pacing wires is still limited by capture and sensing problems. Fractal coating can enhance electrical properties and reliability. We therefore investigated fractal-laminated wires in comparison with conventional wires. Methods: In 21 patients two unipolar, fractal-coated pacing wires (fe) and one conventional bipolar electrode (se) were implanted in ventricular position. Afterward pacing threshold (V), R-wave sensing (mV), lead impedance (ohm), and slew-rate (mV/s) were measured. Loss of capture or sensing and dislocation was documented. fe wires were examined with energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDX)-analysis and scanning electrode microscopy (SEM). Results: Failure in pacing was less frequent in fe wires. Also fe leads had lower pacing thresholds at implantation (0.76 ± 0.15 V vs 1.51 ± 0.95 V, P< 0.0001) and afterward. Furthermore fe wires showed lower increase of pacing threshold/time (0.25 V/day vs 0.42 V/day). R-wave sensing and slew-rate values in the fe group on day of operation (5.81 ± 4.80 mV; 0.63 ± 0.71 V/s) were lower than in the se group (10.37 ± 6.89 mV; 1.85 ± 1.71 V/s P< 0.0001) and afterward. Nevertheless, decrease of amplitude/time was lower in fe wires (0.17mV/day vs 0.46 mV/day). fe wires always had lower impedance values. Conclusions: Lower pacing threshold and increase of threshold/time in fe wires indicate more reliable function. Initial lower sensitivity values are still not understandable and must be investigated. However, fe wires, constancy of sensing and impedance values was more stable, so fe epicardial wires can be recommended for safe and feasible use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YANG, A., et al.: Advanced Pacemaker Diagnostic Features in the Characterization of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact on Preventive Pacing Algorithms.Pacing algorithms to prevent PAF are mainly based on the suppression of premature atrial complexes (PACs), which play an important role in its initiation. In contrast to 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms, advanced pacemaker (PM) diagnostic features are capable of recording AF episodes during long follow-up periods and of characterizing AF in a detailed fashion. For the specific use of these algorithms, a detailed characterization of AF was performed in 91 dual chamber PM recipients with histories of AF. Fifteen patients with episodes of oversensing due to far-field signals or frequent episodes of “2:1-undersensing” of atrial flutter were excluded. The remaining 76 patients had high recurrence rates of AF (median 0.8 episodes/day), however, the majority of episodes lasted <7 minutes. Despite frequent PACs (median 10.8/hour) during sinus rhythm, a median of 66.4% of the AF episodes were preceded by <2 PACs/min before onset. In conclusion, frequent, short-lived AF episodes seem best suited for AF preventive pacing therapies. However, the small number of PACs preceding many AF episodes may limit the efficacy of PAC suppressing algorithms. (PACE 2003; 26[Pt. II]:310–313). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims Methods Results Discussion Myotonia is a key symptom of myotonic dystrophies (DM), and its quantification is challenging. This exploratory study evaluated the utility of tissue Doppler ultrasound (TDU) to assess myotonia in DM.Twelve DM patients (seven type‐1 DM [DM1] and five type‐2 DM [DM2]) and 20 age‐matched healthy subjects were included in this cross‐sectional study. After measuring cross‐sectional areas of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscles in a resting state, muscle contraction/relaxation time, time to peak tissue velocity, peak tissue velocity and velocity gradients of these muscles were measured via TDU while performing forced fist unclenching after fist closure. Additionally, grip strength, Medical Research Council Sum score and patient‐reported myotonia severity scores were assessed.DM1 and DM2 patients had a lower grip strength than healthy subjects (p = .0001/p = .002). Patient‐reported myotonia did not differ between DM1 and DM2 patients. DM1 patients revealed FDS and EDC atrophy compared to DM2 patients and healthy subjects (p = .003/p = .004). TDU revealed prolonged muscle contraction and relaxation times in both DM subtypes, with prolonged time to reach FDS peak relaxation velocity and altered peak FDS relaxation velocity only in DM1 patients (p = .03/p = .003). Peak FDS relaxation velocity correlated inversely with C(C)TG repeat numbers in DM patients. Sensitivity of TDU parameters to detect myotonic dystrophy varied between 50% and 75%, with a specificity of 95%.Our exploratory study suggests that TDU could serve as a novel tool to quantify myotonia in DM patients, but larger follow‐up studies are warranted to validate its diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]