@article{SmithKotliarLammertynetal.2020, author = {Smith, Wayne and Kotliar, Konstantin and Lammertyn, Leandi and Ramoshaba, Nthai E. and Vilser, Walthard and Huisman, Hugo W. and Schutte, Aletta E.}, title = {Retinal vessel caliber and caliber responses in true normotensive black and white adults: The African-PREDICT study}, series = {Microvascular Research}, volume = {128}, journal = {Microvascular Research}, number = {Article 103937}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0026-2862}, doi = {10.1016/j.mvr.2019.103937}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Purpose Globally, a detrimental shift in cardiovascular disease risk factors and a higher mortality level are reported in some black populations. The retinal microvasculature provides early insight into the pathogenesis of systemic vascular diseases, but it is unclear whether retinal vessel calibers and acute retinal vessel functional responses differ between young healthy black and white adults. Methods We included 112 black and 143 white healthy normotensive adults (20-30 years). Retinal vessel calibers (central retinal artery and vein equivalent (CRAE and CRVE)) were calculated from retinal images and vessel caliber responses to flicker light induced provocation (FLIP) were determined. Additionally, ambulatory blood pressure (BP), anthropometry and blood samples were collected. Results The groups displayed similar 24 h BP profiles and anthropometry (all p > .24). Black participants demonstrated a smaller CRAE (158 ± 11 vs. 164 ± 11 MU, p < .001) compared to the white group, whereas CRVE was similar (p = .57). In response to FLIP, artery maximal dilation was greater in the black vs. white group (5.6 ± 2.1 vs. 3.3 ± 1.8\%; p < .001). Conclusions Already at a young age, healthy black adults showed narrower retinal arteries relative to the white population. Follow-up studies are underway to show if this will be related to increased risk for hypertension development. The reason for the larger vessel dilation responses to FLIP in the black population is unclear and warrants further investigation.}, language = {en} } @article{StreeseKotliarDeiserothetal.2020, author = {Streese, Lukas and Kotliar, Konstantin and Deiseroth, Arne and Infanger, Denis and Gugleta, Konstantin and Schmaderer, Christoph and Hanssen, Henner}, title = {Retinal endothelial function in cardiovascular risk patients: A randomized controlled exercise trial}, series = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports}, volume = {30}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1600-0838}, doi = {10.1111/sms.13560}, pages = {272 -- 280}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on retinal microvascular endothelial function in cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. In the randomized controlled trial, middle-aged and previously sedentary patients with increased CV risk (aged 58 ± 6 years) with ≥ two CV risk factors were randomized into a 12-week HIIT (n = 33) or control group (CG, n = 36) with standard physical activity recommendations. A blinded examiner measured retinal endothelial function by flicker light-induced maximal arteriolar (ADmax) and venular (VDmax) dilatation as well as the area under the arteriolar (AFarea) and venular (VFarea) flicker curve using a retinal vessel analyzer. Standardized assessments of CV risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and retinal endothelial function were performed before and after HIIT. HIIT reduced body mass index, fat mass, and low-density lipoprotein and increased muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Both ADmax (pre: 2.7 ± 2.1\%, post: 3.0 ± 2.2\%, P = .018) and AFarea (pre: 32.6 ± 28.4\%*s, post: 37.7 ± 30.6\%*s, P = .016) increased after HIIT compared with CG (ADmax, pre: 3.2 ± 1.8\%, post: 2.9 ± 1.8\%, P = .254; AFarea, pre: 41.6 ± 28.5\%*s, post: 37.8 ± 27.0\%*s, P = .186). Venular function remained unchanged after HIIT. There was a significant association between ∆-change VO2peak and ∆-changes ADmax and AFarea (P = .026, R² = 0.073; P = .019, R² = 0.081, respectively). 12-weeks of HIIT improved retinal endothelial function in middle-aged patients with increased CV risk independent of the reduction in classical CV risk factors. Exercise has the potential to reverse or at least postpone progression of small vessel disease in older adults with increased CV risk under standard medication. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis seems to be a sensitive tool to detect treatment effects of exercise interventions on retinal microvascular endothelial function in middle-aged individuals with increased CV risk.}, language = {en} } @article{HamouKotliarTanetal.2020, author = {Hamou, Hussam Aldin and Kotliar, Konstantin and Tan, Sonny Kian and Weiß, Christel and Blume, Christian and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander and Albanna, Walid}, title = {Surgical nuances and placement of subgaleal drains for supratentorial procedures—a prospective analysis of efficacy and outcome in 150 craniotomies}, series = {Acta Neurochirurgica}, volume = {2020}, journal = {Acta Neurochirurgica}, number = {162}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {0942-0940}, doi = {10.1007/s00701-019-04196-6}, pages = {729 -- 736}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background For supratentorial craniotomy, surgical access, and closure technique, including placement of subgaleal drains, may vary considerably. The influence of surgical nuances on postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or impaired wound healing overall remains largely unclear. With this study, we are reporting our experiences and the impact of our clinical routines on outcome in a prospectively collected data set. Method We prospectively observed 150 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy and recorded technical variables (type/length of incision, size of craniotomy, technique of dural and skin closure, type of dressing, and placement of subgaleal drains). Outcome variables (subgaleal hematoma/CSF collection, periorbital edema, impairment of wound healing, infection, and need for operative revision) were recorded at time of discharge and at late follow-up. Results Early subgaleal fluid collection was observed in 36.7\% (2.8\% at the late follow-up), and impaired wound healing was recorded in 3.3\% of all cases, with an overall need for operative revision of 6.7\%. Neither usage of dural sealants, lack of watertight dural closure, and presence of subgaleal drains, nor type of skin closure or dressing influenced outcome. Curved incisions, larger craniotomy, and tumor size, however, were associated with an increase in early CSF or hematoma collection (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01 resp.), and larger craniotomy size was associated with longer persistence of subgaleal fluid collections (p < 0.05). Conclusions Based on our setting, individual surgical nuances such as the type of dural closure and the use of subgaleal drains resulted in a comparable complication rate and outcome. Subgaleal fluid collections were frequently observed after supratentorial procedures, irrespective of the closing technique employed, and resolve spontaneously in the majority of cases without significant sequelae. Our results are limited due to the observational nature in our single-center study and need to be validated by supportive prospective randomized design.}, language = {en} } @article{RauschKahmannBaltschunetal.2020, author = {Rausch, Valentin and Kahmann, Stephanie Lucina and Baltschun, Christoph and Staat, Manfred and M{\"u}ller, Lars P. and Wegmann, Kilian}, title = {Pressure distribution to the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity: a biomechanical study}, series = {The Journal of Hand Surgery}, volume = {45}, journal = {The Journal of Hand Surgery}, number = {8}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0363-5023}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.01.006}, pages = {776.e1 -- 776.e9}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Purpose Mechanical impingement at the narrow radioulnar space of the tuberosity is believed to be an etiological factor in the injury of the distal biceps tendon. The aim of the study was to compare the pressure distribution at the proximal radioulnar space between 2 fixation techniques and the intact state. Methods Six right arms and 6 left arms from 5 female and 6 male frozen specimens were used for this study. A pressure transducer was introduced at the height of the radial tuberosity with the intact distal biceps tendon and after 2 fixation methods: the suture-anchor and the cortical button technique. The force (N), maximum pressure (kPa) applied to the radial tuberosity, and the contact area (mm²) of the radial tuberosity with the ulna were measured and differences from the intact tendon were detected from 60° supination to 60° pronation in 15° increments with the elbow in full extension and in 45° and 90° flexion of the elbow. Results With the distal biceps tendon intact, the pressures during pronation were similar regardless of extension and flexion and were the highest at 60° pronation with 90° elbow flexion (23.3 ± 53.5 kPa). After repair of the tendon, the mean peak pressure, contact area, and total force showed an increase regardless of the fixation technique. Highest peak pressures were found using the cortical button technique at 45° flexion of the elbow and 60° pronation. These differences were significantly different from the intact tendon. The contact area was significantly larger in full extension and 15°, 30°, and 60° pronation using the cortical button technique. Conclusions Pressures on the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity increase during pronation, especially after repair of the tendon. Clinical relevance Mechanical impingement could play a role in both the etiology of primary distal biceps tendon ruptures and the complications occurring after fixation of the tendon using certain techniques.}, language = {en} } @article{DigelKernGeenenetal.2020, author = {Digel, Ilya and Kern, Inna and Geenen, Eva-Maria and Akimbekov, Nuraly}, title = {Dental plaque removal by ultrasonic toothbrushes}, series = {dentistry journal}, volume = {8}, journal = {dentistry journal}, number = {28}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2304-6767}, doi = {10.3390/dj8010028}, pages = {1 -- 13}, year = {2020}, abstract = {With the variety of toothbrushes on the market, the question arises, which toothbrush is best suited to maintain oral health? This thematic review focuses first on plaque formation mechanisms and then on the plaque removal effectiveness of ultrasonic toothbrushes and their potential in preventing oral diseases like periodontitis, gingivitis, and caries. We overviewed the physical effects that occurred during brushing and tried to address the question of whether ultrasonic toothbrushes effectively reduced the microbial burden by increasing the hydrodynamic forces. The results of published studies show that electric toothbrushes, which combine ultrasonic and sonic (or acoustic and mechanic) actions, may have the most promising effect on good oral health. Existing ultrasonic/sonic toothbrush models do not significantly differ regarding the removal of dental biofilm and the reduction of gingival inflammation compared with other electrically powered toothbrushes, whereas the manual toothbrushes show a lower effectiveness.}, language = {en} } @article{AbelKahmannMellonetal.2020, author = {Abel, Alexander and Kahmann, Stephanie Lucina and Mellon, Stephen and Staat, Manfred and Jung, Alexander}, title = {An open-source tool for the validation of finite element models using three-dimensional full-field measurements}, series = {Medical Engineering \& Physics}, volume = {77}, journal = {Medical Engineering \& Physics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1350-4533}, doi = {10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.10.015}, pages = {125 -- 129}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Three-dimensional (3D) full-field measurements provide a comprehensive and accurate validation of finite element (FE) models. For the validation, the result of the model and measurements are compared based on two respective point-sets and this requires the point-sets to be registered in one coordinate system. Point-set registration is a non-convex optimization problem that has widely been solved by the ordinary iterative closest point algorithm. However, this approach necessitates a good initialization without which it easily returns a local optimum, i.e. an erroneous registration. The globally optimal iterative closest point (Go-ICP) algorithm has overcome this drawback and forms the basis for the presented open-source tool that can be used for the validation of FE models using 3D full-field measurements. The capability of the tool is demonstrated using an application example from the field of biomechanics. Methodological problems that arise in real-world data and the respective implemented solution approaches are discussed.}, language = {en} } @incollection{SavitskayaKistaubayevaAkimbekovetal.2020, author = {Savitskaya, Irina S. and Kistaubayeva, Aida S. and Akimbekov, Nuraly and Digel, Ilya and Shokatayeva, Dina and Zhubanova, Azhar Achmet}, title = {Prospective Use of Probiotics Immobilized on Sorbents with Nanostructured Surfaces}, series = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, booktitle = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, publisher = {Jenny Stanford Publishing}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-4800-27-3}, doi = {10.1201/9780429428647-12}, pages = {229 -- 267}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Activated carbons are known as excellent adsorbents. Their applications include the adsorptive removal of color, odor, taste, undesirable organic and inorganic pollutants from drinking and waste water; air purification in inhabited spaces; purification of many chemicals, pharmaceutical products and many others. This chapter elucidates the role of normal microflora in the maintenance of human health and presents materials on possible clinical displays of microecological infringements and ways of their correction. It presents new developments concerning new probiotics with immobilized Lactobacillus and Bacillus. The chapter considers the mechanisms of the intestine disbacteriosis correction by sorbed probiotics. It demonstrates the advantages and creation prospects of immobilized probiotics developed on the basis of carbonized rice husk. There are great prospects for the development of medical biotechnology due to use of carbon sorbents with a nanostructured surface. Microbial communities form a biocenosis of the biotope and together with the host organism create permanent or temporary ecosystems.}, language = {en} } @incollection{ZhubanovaMansurovDigel2020, author = {Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Mansurov, Zulkhair A. and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Use of Advanced Nanomaterials for Bioremediation of Contaminated Ecosystems}, series = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, booktitle = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, publisher = {Jenny Stanford Publishing}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-4800-27-3}, doi = {10.1201/9780429428647-18}, pages = {353 -- 378}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This chapter shows that nanomaterials obtained by high-temperature carbonization of inexpensive plant raw material such as rice husk, grape seeds, and walnut shells can serve as a basis for the production of highly efficient microbial drugs, biodestructors, biosorbents, and biocatalysts, which are promising for the remediation of the ecosystem contaminated with heavy and radioactive metals, oil and oil products. A strong interest in engineering zymology is dictated by the necessity to address the issues of monitoring enzymatic processes, treatment, and diagnosis of a number of common human diseases, environmental pollution, quality control of pharmaceuticals and food. Nanomaterials obtained by high-temperature carbonization of cheap plant raw material such as-rice husks, grape seeds and walnut shells, can serve as a basis for creating of highly effective microbial preparations-biodestructors, biosorbents and biocatalysts, which are promising for the use of contaminated ecosystems, and for restoration of human intestine microecology.}, language = {en} } @article{PogorelovaRogachevDigeletal.2020, author = {Pogorelova, Natalia and Rogachev, Evgeniy and Digel, Ilya and Chernigova, Svetlana and Nardin, Dmitry}, title = {Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposites: Morphology and Mechanical Properties}, series = {Materials}, volume = {13}, journal = {Materials}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, isbn = {1996-1944}, doi = {10.3390/ma13122849}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising material for biomedical applications due to its unique properties such as high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. This article describes the microbiological synthesis, modification, and characterization of the obtained BC-nanocomposites originating from symbiotic consortium Medusomyces gisevii. Two BC-modifications have been obtained: BC-Ag and BC-calcium phosphate (BC-Ca3(PO4)2). Structure and physicochemical properties of the BC and its modifications were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and infrared Fourier spectroscopy as well as by measurements of mechanical and water holding/absorbing capacities. Topographic analysis of the surface revealed multicomponent thick fibrils (150-160 nm in diameter and about 15 µm in length) constituted by 50-60 nm nanofibrils weaved into a left-hand helix. Distinctive features of Ca-phosphate-modified BC samples were (a) the presence of 500-700 nm entanglements and (b) inclusions of Ca3(PO4)2 crystals. The samples impregnated with Ag nanoparticles exhibited numerous roundish inclusions, about 110 nm in diameter. The boundaries between the organic and inorganic phases were very distinct in both cases. The Ag-modified samples also showed a prominent waving pattern in the packing of nanofibrils. The obtained BC gel films possessed water-holding capacity of about 62.35 g/g. However, the dried (to a constant mass) BC-films later exhibited a low water absorption capacity (3.82 g/g). It was found that decellularized BC samples had 2.4 times larger Young's modulus and 2.2 times greater tensile strength as compared to dehydrated native BC films. We presume that this was caused by molecular compaction of the BC structure.}, language = {en} } @article{MoratFaudeHanssenetal.2020, author = {Morat, Mareike and Faude, Oliver and Hanssen, Henner and Ludyga, Sebastian and Zacher, Jonas and Eibl, Angi and Albracht, Kirsten and Donath, Lars}, title = {Agility Training to Integratively Promote Neuromuscular, Cognitive, Cardiovascular and Psychosocial Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Study Protocol of a One-Year Randomized-Controlled Trial}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {17}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph17061853}, pages = {1 -- 14}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Exercise training effectively mitigates aging-induced health and fitness impairments. Traditional training recommendations for the elderly focus separately on relevant physiological fitness domains, such as balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. Thus, a more holistic and functional training framework is needed. The proposed agility training concept integratively tackles spatial orientation, stop and go, balance and strength. The presented protocol aims at introducing a two-armed, one-year randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effects of this concept on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cognitive and psychosocial health outcomes in healthy older adults. Eighty-five participants were enrolled in this ongoing trial. Seventy-nine participants completed baseline testing and were block-randomized to the agility training group or the inactive control group. All participants undergo pre- and post-testing with interim assessment after six months. The intervention group currently receives supervised, group-based agility training twice a week over one year, with progressively demanding perceptual, cognitive and physical exercises. Knee extension strength, reactive balance, dual task gait speed and the Agility Challenge for the Elderly (ACE) serve as primary endpoints and neuromuscular, cognitive, cardiovascular, and psychosocial meassures serve as surrogate secondary outcomes. Our protocol promotes a comprehensive exercise training concept for older adults, that might facilitate stakeholders in health and exercise to stimulate relevant health outcomes without relying on excessively time-consuming physical activity recommendations.}, language = {en} }