Crossing North Peary Land in Summer 1953

Description of a traverse on foot made by the writer and F. Muller, Aug. 2-12, 1953, during the Danish Expedition to East Greenland, led by Lauge Koch. Starting from the head of Frigg Fjord at approx. 83 09 N. 35 W. they traveled north to the Arctic Ocean and east to Kap Morris Jesup at 83 39 N, 34 17 W Observations were made on geology, fauna, flora, and weather conditions. On the arctic coast (about 700 km from the North Pole) a closed moss vegetation and about 20 different higher plants were found. Brief summary of the geology is given. A more detailed report on the trip and observations is AB. No. 39873

Первичная сосудистая дисрегуляция и глаукома

The pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy is still debated. Ocular blood flow (OBF) in glaucoma patients is generally reduced, particularly in patients with progression of damage in spite of a normal IOP. However, the question of whether this OBF reduction is only secondary to the damage or whether it is a primary causal factor has remained open for a long time. In this review, we try to explain why vascular dysregulation contributes to glaucomatous damage. In people with primary vascular dysregulation, the autoregulation of ocular perfusion is disturbed. Therefore, fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP) or blood pressure lead to an unstable oxygen supply. This in turn increases oxidative stress, particularly in the mitochondria of the optic nerve head (ONH). The simultaneous activation of the astrocytes leads to altered gene expression, which contributes to both tissue remodeling in the ONH and the death of retinal ganglion cells. The activated astrocytes produce more metalloproteinase degrading the extracellular matrix. This results in a remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which is basic component of ONH excavation.На сегодняшний день патогенез глаукомной оптической нейропатии остается спорным вопросом. Известно, у пациентов с глаукомой, особенно с прогрессирующим поражением при нормальном уровне внутриглазного давления, также наблюдается снижение внутриглазного кровотока. Однако вопрос о том, является ли это снижение первичным или вторичным по отношению к общему повреждению тканей при глаукоме, остается открытым. В данном обзоре мы пытаемся описать роль, которую играет сосудистая дисрегуляция при глаукоме. У пациентов с первичной сосудистой дисрегуляцией происходит нарушение ауторегуляции перфузии глаза. Возникающие из-за этого перепады внутриглазного и артериального давления приводят к нестабильному поступлению кислорода в ткани. Это в свою очередь повышает оксидативный стресс, особенно в митохондриях диска зрительного нерва. Одновременная активация клеток астроглии приводит к изменениям в экспрессии генов, что вносит свой вклад как в ремоделирование тканей диска зрительного нерва, так и в гибель ганглионарных клеток сетчатки. Активированные астроциты производят больше металлопротеиназы, разрушительно действующей на внеклеточный матрикс - главный компонент экскавации диска зрительного нерва

cryoWriter: a blotting free cryo-EM preparation system with a climate jet and cover-slip injector

Electron microscopy (EM) introduced a fast and lasting change to structural and cellular biology. However, the sample preparation is still the bottleneck in the cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) workflow. Classical specimen preparation methods employ a harsh paper-blotting step, and the protein particles are exposed to a damaging air-water interface. Therefore, improved preparation strategies are urgently needed. Here, we present an amended microfluidic sample preparation method, which entirely avoids paper blotting and allows the passivation of the air-water interface during the preparation process. First, a climate jet excludes oxygen from the sample environment and controls the preparation temperature by varying the relative humidity of the grid environment. Second, the integrated "coverslip injector" allows the modulation of the air-water interface of the thin sample layer with effector molecules. We will briefly discuss the climate jet's effect on the stability and dynamics of the sample thin films. Furthermore, we will address the coverslip injector and demonstrate significant improvement in the sample quality

Retrograde Maculopathy in Patients With Glaucoma.

PURPOSE Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis can be used for quantitative measures of optic nerve atrophy at a location far from the optic nerve head. This recently led to the finding of microcystic macular edema (MME), that is vacuolar inclusions in the macular inner nuclear layer, in some glaucoma patients. The involvement of individual retinal layers is yet unclear in glaucoma. In this study we systematically investigated glaucoma-induced changes in macular layers to evaluate whether glaucoma-associated damage extends beyond the macular ganglion cell layer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We included 218 consecutive patients and 282 eyes with confirmed primary open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and macular OCT in a cross-sectional observational study. Eyes were screened for presence of MME. Thickness of individual retinal layers was determined using a semiautomatic segmentation algorithm. Peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness and mean defect in visual field testing were extracted from OCT and medical records, respectively. Results were compared with a small group of eyes with no apparent glaucoma. RESULTS We found MME in 5 eyes from 5 primary open-angle glaucoma patients and 3 eyes of 3 pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients (2.8%). MME was confined to the inner nuclear layer in a perifoveal ring and was associated with thinning of the ganglion cell layer and thickening of the macular inner nuclear layer. Glaucoma eyes without MME showed a significant inverse correlation of inner nuclear layer thickness with glaucoma severity. CONCLUSIONS Glaucomatous damage leads to a gradual thickening of the inner nuclear layer, which leads to MME in more severe glaucoma cases. These changes, along with nerve fiber loss and ganglion cell loss, may be summarized as glaucoma-associated retrograde maculopathy

The neurological level of spinal cord injury and cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE To determine the difference in cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, lipid profile, and markers of glucose metabolism and inflammation) according to the neurological level of spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS We searched 5 electronic databases from inception until July 4, 2020. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a pre-defined data collection form. The pooled effect estimate was computed using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was calculated using I2 statistic and chi-squared test (CRD42020166162). RESULTS We screened 4863 abstracts, of which 47 studies with 3878 participants (3280 males, 526 females, 72 sex unknown) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to paraplegia, individuals with tetraplegia had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (unadjusted weighted mean difference, -14.5 mmHg, 95% CI -19.2, -9.9; -7.0 mmHg 95% CI -9.2, -4.8, respectively), lower triglycerides (-10.9 mg/dL, 95% CI -19.7, -2.1), total cholesterol (-9.9 mg/dL, 95% CI -14.5, -5.4), high-density lipoprotein (-1.7 mg/dL, 95% CI -3.3, -0.2) and low-density lipoprotein (-5.8 mg/dL, 95% CI -9.0, -2.5). Comparing individuals with high- vs. low-thoracic SCI, persons with higher injury had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (-10.3 mmHg, 95% CI -13.4, -7.1; -5.3 mmHg 95% CI -7.5, -3.2, respectively), while no differences were found for low-density lipoprotein, serum glucose, insulin, and inflammation markers. High heterogeneity was partially explained by age, prevalent cardiovascular diseases and medication use, body mass index, sample size, and quality of studies. CONCLUSION In SCI individuals, the level of injury may be an additional non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Future well-designed longitudinal studies with sufficient follow-up and providing sex-stratified analyses should confirm our findings and explore the role of SCI level in cardiovascular health and overall prognosis and survival

How our Dreams Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects and Correlates of Dream Recall Frequency - a Multinational Study on 19,355 Adults

Objective: Many have reported odd dreams during the pandemic. Given that dreams are associated with mental health, understanding these changes could provide crucial information about wellbeing during the pandemic. This study explored associations between COVID-19 and dream recall frequency (DRF), and related social, health, and mental health factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional web survey of 19,355 individuals in 14 countries from May to July 2020. We collected data on COVID-19, mental health, sleep and DRF during the pandemic. We performed McNemar Tests to compare low (<3 nights per week) and high DRF (≥3 nights per week) before and during COVID-19 and to evaluate changes in sleep variables segmented by DRF. Chi-square tests were conducted to compare characteristics between low and high DRF. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between various independent variables and DRF. Results: Reports of high DRF during the pandemic were higher than before the pandemic (P<0.001). Female gender (aOR=1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.41), nightmares (aOR=4.22, 95% CI 3.45-5.17), sleep talking (aOR= 2.36, 1.73-3.23), sleep maintenance problems (aOR=1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.56), symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD; aOR=1.24, 95% CI 1.09-1.41) and repeated disturbing thoughts (posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms) were associated with high DRF. Age group 55-64 years (aOR=0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.83) reported less high DRF than younger participants. Unadjusted OR showed associations between depression, anxiety, and DRF; however, in adjusted regression depression (aOR= 0.71, 0.59-0.86) and anxiety (aOR=0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.94) were negatively associated with high DRF. Conclusion and relevance: DRF was higher than pre-pandemic levels across four continents. DRF was associated with gender and parasomnias like nightmares and RBD symptoms, sleep maintenance problems, PTSD symptoms and negatively associated with depression and anxiety. The results implicate that COVID-19 is reflected in our dreams as an expression of the emotional intensity of the pandemic. Keywords: collective threat; mental health; parasomnia; sleep; sleep disorder.Peer reviewe

Goethes Faust : Wegleitung / Otto Fränkl-Lundborg

GOETHES FAUST : WEGLEITUNG / OTTO FRÄNKL-LUNDBORG Goethes Faust : Wegleitung / Otto Fränkl-Lundborg (1) Einband (1) Titelseite (4) Faust - Erster Teil (5) Faust - Zweiter Teil (9) Literatur (16

Development and evaluation of a transdiagnostic, tailored and internet-based guide for individuals with persistent somatic symptoms (GUIDE-PSS): A proof-of-concept study using a patient participatory research approach.

At least one in five patients reports persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). These include terms such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and non-cardiac chest pain. Affected individuals often receive extensive bio-medical diagnostics and treatment for years without relief. They often feel stigmatised, helpless and left alone and often seek help outside the medical system. What is lacking is a care concept that guides those affected to needs-based and guideline-supported care at an early stage. In the field of early detection of de-pression, we were able to show that a patient-centred intervention leads to active patient participation and a reduction in depression. A central element for success was the direct involvement of patients in the research. Our assumption is that such a patient participatory approach could also forward health care research for individuals with PSS. Together with affected individuals, we want to develop a transdiagnostic, tailored and internet-based guide that leads patients to guideline-based care. A participatory research team consisting of affected individuals and researchers will conduct a series of workshops for the development. The contents of the PSS-GUIDE are based on educational material from national guidelines (e.g. fibromyalgia). Input from representatives of health insurance companies and self-help organisations will continue to contribute to the development. In a subsequent survey with patients, the final PSS-GUIDE will be compared with existing patient material in terms of acceptance, usefulness and accessibility and the potential to promote active patient participation in health care services