bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe(III)‐Mediated para‐Selective Nucleophilic Thiocyanation and Oxidation Reactions, Access to Thiocyanated Amidophenols and Amidoquinones
Authors: Yuan Ye , Liu Yibo , Wang HongLing , Zhang Xiang
Published: October 2022

A para‐selective thiocyanation and a para‐oxidation reaction of amidophenols are shown to occur in the presence of Fe(III) reagents. A variety of thiocyanated products and amidoquinones can be selectively achieved in excellent yields (Gram‐scale for 2 h and 3 h). The nucleophilic pathway, oxidative dearomatization‐nucleophilic substitution‐rearomatization, is confirmed by control experiments. Furthermore, the bifunctionalized or trifluoromethylthiolated amidophenols and amino‐/thio‐amidoquinones are also available through simple derivatization and tandem Michael addition/oxidation reactions, respectively.
Perovskite/Hole Transport Layer Interfacial Engineering with Substoichiometric Tungsten Oxide Rich in Oxygen Vacancies to Boost the Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lv Zheng , Guo Zonghan , Li Dan , Jiang Haipeng , Wang Fengyou , Fan Lin , Wei Maobin , Yang Lili
Published: October 2022

The collaborative strategy of optical design and charge transport dynamics optimization can provide double guarantee to achieve high‐efficient planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, WO3−X
nanorods with tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect are introduced at the interface between perovskite and hole transport layer (HTL) via antisolvent method during the preparation of perovskite films. The photocurrent of WO3−X
nanorods‐based devices significantly increases due to the extension of absorption region caused by LSPR effect. The charge transfer at the perovskite/HTL interface is also accelerated due to the electromagnetic near‐field enhancement via the LSPR effect. The synchronized improvement in photocurrent and charge transfer by WO3−X
nanorods leads to a power conversion efficiency of 21.14% in MAPbI3‐based PSCs. This work not only provides an effective approach to enhance the photovoltaic performance of PSCs, but also demonstrates the potential application of inorganic oxide semiconductors with LSPR in other optoelectronic devices.
Partial pancreatectomy and en bloc excision of thrombosed vessels in a dog with insulinoma of the right limb of the pancreas
Authors: Valls Susana Martínez , Cantatore Matteo
Published: October 2022

A 7‐year‐old, neutered golden retriever was evaluated for acute episodes of weakness, ataxia and disorientation, low blood glucose and inappropriately high insulin levels. Results of computed tomography revealed irregular enlargement of the distal tip of the right pancreas associated with thrombosis of the pancreaticoduodenal and first jejunal vein. A partial pancreatectomy with en bloc excision of the thrombosed vessels was performed. The distal duodenum and proximal jejunum maintained normal peristalsis and remained viable, obviating the need for concurrent intestinal resection and anastomosis. Histopathology confirmed a completely excised insulinoma with an associated tumour thrombus (vascular invasion of tumour). The dog remains alive with no evidence of recurrence 18 months after surgery.
Ageing and Loneliness: A Life Course and Cumulative Disadvantage Approach
Authors: Lam Jack , Dickson Catherine , Baxter Janeen
Published: October 2022

Loneliness is emerging as a significant issue in modern societies with impacts on health and wellbeing. Many of the existing studies on loneliness focus on its contemporaneous correlates. Drawing on life course and cumulative disadvantage theory and data from qualitative interviews with 50 older adults living in the community, we examine how past events shape variations in later-life loneliness. We identify four factors that are of significance for understanding loneliness: (1) Formation of social networks; (2) history of familial support; (3) relocation and migration, and (4) widowhood and separation. Our findings point to the importance of maintenance of social ties over the adult life course while at the same time highlighting how disruptions to social networks impact on later-life loneliness. We also find that loneliness and disadvantage, like other social or health outcomes, compound over time.
On Deductive Verification of an Industrial Concurrent Software Component with VerCors
Authors: Monti Raúl E. , Rubbens Robert , Huisman Marieke
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a case study where a concurrent module of a tunnel control system written in Java is verified for memory safety and data race freedom using VerCors, a software verification tool. This case study was carried out in close collaboration with our industrial partner Technolution, which is in charge of developing the tunnel control software. First, we describe the process of preparing the code for verification, and how we make use of the different capabilities of VerCors to successfully verify the module. The concurrent module has gone through a rigorous process of design, code reviewing and unit and integration testing. Despite this careful approach, VerCors found two memory related bugs. We describe these bugs, and show how VerCors could have found them during the development process. Second, we wanted to communicate back our results and verification process to the engineers of Technolution. We discuss how we prepared our presentation, and the explanation we settled on. Third, we present interesting feedback points from this presentation. We use this feedback to determine future work directions with the goal to improve our tool support, and to bridge the gap between formal methods and industry.
Routine use of laparoscopic techniques in daily practice improves outcomes after appendectomy
Authors: Mönttinen Tiia , Kangaspunta Helmi , Laukkarinen Johanna , Ukkonen Mika
Published: October 2022

Background

Appendectomy is the most common emergency operation and is often performed during on-call hours, when surgeons with different sub-specialties and levels of experience in emergency surgery operate on patients. However, little is known about the safety of the procedure when operations are performed by surgeons not regularly using standard laparoscopic techniques. Here we aim to assess variation in outcomes in patients operated on by surgeons with different levels of experience in laparoscopic surgery.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy at Tampere University Hospital between September 1, 2014 and April 30, 2017 for acute appendicitis were included. The data were analyzed by level of experience among surgeons regularly performing laparoscopic surgery and by volume among surgeons performing over 30 appendectomies per year or fewer.

Results

A total of 1560 patients underwent appendectomy, with 61% operated on by laparoscopic surgeons, and the rest by surgeons not habitually using laparoscopic techniques. Demographic characteristics, as well as share of patients with perforated appendicitis were similar in both groups. Morbidity was higher among those operated on by non-laparoscopic surgeons (6.1% and 3.0% p = 0.004), especially if appendicitis was complicated (18% and 5.6%, p < 0.001). Infectious complications were the most common. The risk of postoperative organ/space surgical site infections was higher among patients operated on by non-laparoscopic surgeons (3.5% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.006; Clavien–Dindo III–IV 2.0% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.030). Morbidity was 2.7% among those operated on by surgeons performing ≥ 30 appendectomies per year compared to 5.2% among those performing < 30 appendectomies per year. In multivariate analysis surgeon’s experience (p = 0.002; HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.38–3.90) and complicated disease (p < 0.001; HR 4.71; 95% CI 2.79–7.93) predicted higher morbidity.

Discussion

According to our study, routine use of laparoscopic techniques in daily practice improves outcomes after appendectomy. In addition, a higher surgical volume correlates with improved outcomes.
Differentiability in Measure of the Flow Associated with a Nearly Incompressible BV Vector Field
Authors: Bianchini Stefano , De Nitti Nicola
Published: October 2022

We study the regularity of the flow$${\varvec{X}}(t,y)$$X(t,y), which represents (in the sense of Smirnov or as regular Lagrangian flow of Ambrosio) a solution$$\rho \in L^\infty ({\mathbb {R}}^{d+1})$$ρ∈L∞(Rd+1)of the continuity equation$$\begin{aligned} \partial _t \rho + {{\,\textrm{div}\,}}(\rho {\varvec{b}}) = 0, \end{aligned}$$∂tρ+div(ρb)=0,with$${\varvec{b}}\in L^1_t {{\,\textrm{BV}\,}}_x$$b∈Lt1BVx. We prove that$${\varvec{X}}$$Xis differentiable in measure in the sense of Ambrosio–Malý, that is$$\begin{aligned} \frac{{\varvec{X}}(t,y+rz) - {\varvec{X}}(t,y)}{r} \underset{r \rightarrow 0}{\rightarrow }\ W(t,y) z \quad \text {in measure}, \end{aligned}$$X(t,y+rz)-X(t,y)r→r→0W(t,y)zin measure,where the derivativeW(t, y) is a BV function satisfying the ODE$$\begin{aligned} \frac{\textrm{d}}{\textrm{d}t} W(t, y) = \frac{(D {\varvec{b}})_y(\textrm{d}t)}{J(t-,y)} W(t-, y), \end{aligned}$$ddtW(t,y)=(Db)y(dt)J(t-,y)W(t-,y),where$$(D{\varvec{b}})_y(\textrm{d}t)$$(Db)y(dt)is the disintegration of the measure$$\int D {\varvec{b}}(t,\cdot ) \, \textrm{d}t$$∫Db(t,·)dtwith respect to the partition given by the trajectories$${\varvec{X}}(t, y)$$X(t,y)and the JacobianJ(t, y) solves$$\begin{aligned} \frac{\textrm{d}}{\textrm{d}t} J(t,y) = ({{\,\textrm{div}\,}}{\varvec{b}})_y(\textrm{d}t) = \textrm{Tr}(D{\varvec{b}})_y(\textrm{d}t). \end{aligned}$$ddtJ(t,y)=(divb)y(dt)=Tr(Db)y(dt).The proof of this regularity result is based on the theory of Lagrangian representations and proper sets introduced by Bianchini and Bonicatto in [16], on the construction of explicit approximate tubular neighborhoods of trajectories, and on estimates that take into account the local structure of the derivative of a$${{\,\textrm{BV}\,}}$$BVvector field.
Amino acids and glycation compounds in hot trub formed during wort boiling
Authors: Böhm Wendelin , Stegmann Robin , Gulbis Ojars , Henle Thomas
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the amino acid composition and the amount of individual glycation compounds in hot trub formed during boiling of wort prepared from different malts. Compared to the initial amino acid composition of the used malts, some Maillard reaction products (namely MG-H1, pyrraline) and hydrophobic amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine) accumulated in the hot trub, whereas hydrophilic amino acids remained in the boiled wort. For MG-H1, a threefold increase was observed during wort boiling, whereas the other Maillard reaction products, namely CML, CEL, pyrraline and maltosine increased only slightly (1.1–2-fold). Furosine as a hallmark for peptide-bound Amadori compounds showed a small decrease. The results suggest that mainly glycated amino acids derived from small dicarbonyl compounds such as methylglyoxal and glyoxal are formed during wort boiling. Furthermore, the studies indicate that the modification of the protein structure as a result of the Maillard reaction has an influence on the hydration of the denatured proteins during the wort boiling process, thus affecting the coagulation process and, therefore, precipitation of the hot trub. The work carried out contributes to the understanding of the chemical reactions influencing the amino acid and Maillard reaction product transfer from malt to beer.

Graphical abstract
Kilning invokes oxidative changes in malt proteins
Authors: Fleischer Kristina , Hellwig Michael
Published: October 2022

Beneath glycation, oxidation reactions may take place at cereal proteins during production of malt. The extent of oxidative chemical changes at malt proteins has not yet been studied. In the present short communication, malt protein was characterized by the determination of free thiol groups and degree of methionine oxidation as well as the sites that are reactive to covalent modification by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH, “protein carbonylation”). Protein carbonylation in pale malts was around 1.5 nmol/mg protein and increased with increasing malt colour. Investigations on the protein pellet isolated for determination of carbonylation revealed that solubility and colour may disturb the quantification of carbonyl sites in roasted malts. Free thiols decreased with increasing malt colour already in pale malts (EBC < 10). The formation of methionine sulfoxide (MetSO) was intensified with increasing malt colour. An amount of 7–20% of methionine was converted to MetSO in pale and dark malt, whereas nearly 60% of methionine was oxidized to MetSO in roasted malts. The formation of methionine sulfone was negligible. This study shows that malt proteins suffer from oxidation during kilning, and future studies will have to show whether this supports the pro- or antioxidant activity of malt.
Effect of thermal and ultrasound treatments on denaturation and allergenic potential of Pru p 3 protein from peach
Authors: Tobajas Ana P. , Agulló-García Ana , Cubero José L. , Colás Carlos , Civera Alba , Condón Santiago , Sánchez Lourdes , Pérez María D.
Published: October 2022

The effect of thermal and ultrasound treatments on denaturation and allergenicity of Pru p 3, the major peach allergenic protein, was determined. The degree of denaturation of Pru p 3 was estimated by sandwich ELISA using specific rabbit IgG, that was previously developed. Validation of ELISA test showed high sensitivity and specificity, and acceptable results of precision and robustness. Allergenicity of Pru p 3 was determined by immunofluorescent assay using three pools of sera from peach allergic individuals. Denaturation of Pru p 3 was dependent on the intensity of the thermal treatment applied and the treatment medium. Thus, the degree of denaturation of Pru p 3 treated at 95 °C for 40 min was about 60% and 95%, for the protein heated in peach extract and in buffer, respectively. Ultrasound treatments denatured Pru p 3 up to 60%, being dependent on amplitude and pressure. However, both heat and ultrasound treatments at the most severe conditions applied inhibited less than 10% the IgE-binding of Pru p 3. These results indicate that although heat and ultrasound treatments induce a considerable denaturation of Pru p 3, they are not effective in reducing its allergenicity.

Graphical abstract
A meta-analysis of simulator sickness as a function of simulator fidelity
Authors: de Winkel Ksander N. , Talsma Tessa M. W. , Happee Riender
Published: October 2022

Driving simulators are an increasingly important tool to develop vehicle functionalities and to study driver or passenger responses. A major hindrance to the use and validity of such studies is Simulator Sickness (SS). Several studies have suggested a positive relation between improvements in simulator fidelity and the likelihood of sickness. We hypothesized that this relation only holds true for static (fixed-base) simulators, and that increased fidelity in fact reduces simulator sickness in dynamic (moving-base) simulators. We performed a meta-analysis investigating the relation between sickness and fidelity in static and dynamic systems. A literature search yielded a total of 41 simulator studies that varied aspects of mechanical and/or visual fidelity and assessed SS for the same driving conditions and the same or equivalent participant groups. Evaluation of a model synthesizing the findings of these studies indicates that SS decreases with visual fidelity, and suggests that this effect may be negated for static simulators. The results of the modeling efforts thereby provide some support for the hypothesis that increased fidelity can reduce SS in dynamic simulators. Based on the evaluation of the literature we also note particular shortcomings and gaps in available research. Finally, we make recommendations for specific experiments that may fill these gaps and allow definitive conclusions on the role of simulator fidelity in SS.
Intramuscular Adipose Tissue Content as a Predictor of Incisional Hernia after Hepatic Resection
Authors: Nagaoka Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Katsunori , Ogawa Kohei , Ito Chihiro , Iwata Miku , Sakamoto Akimasa , Matsui Takashi , Nishi Yusuke , Shine Mikiya , Uraoka Mio , Honjo Masahiko , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Tamura Kei , Funamizu Naotake , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: October 2022

Background

Incisional hernia (IH) is a common surgical complication, with an incidence of 6–31% following major abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC) on the incidence of IH in patients who underwent hepatic resection.

Methods

Data of 205 patients who underwent open hepatic resection between 2007 and 2019 at Ehime University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, perioperative findings, and body composition were compared between patients with IH and those without IH. The quantity and quality of skeletal muscle, calculated as skeletal muscle index and IMAC, were evaluated using preoperative computerized tomography images.

Results

Forty (19.5%) patients were diagnosed with IH. The cumulative incidence rates were 15.6% at 1 year and 19.6% at 3 years. On univariate analysis, body mass index, areas of subcutaneous and visceral fat, and IMAC were significantly higher in the IH group than in the non‐IH group (p = 0.0023, 0.0070, 0.0047, and 0.0080, respectively). No significant difference in skeletal muscle index was found between the groups (p = 0.3548). The incidence of diabetes mellitus, intraoperative transfusion, and postoperative wound infection was significantly higher in the IH group than in the non‐IH group (p = 0.0361, 0.0078, and 0.0299, respectively). On multivariate analysis, a high IMAC and wound infection were independent risk factors for IH (adjusted odds ratio, 2.83 and 4.52, respectively; p = 0.0152 and 0.0164, respectively).

Conclusion

IMAC can predict the incidence of IH in patients undergoing hepatic resection.
Medial femoral condyle free flap for carpo-metacarpal instability following hamate comminute fracture
Authors: Borsetti Marco , Patanè Luca , Germano Silvia , Cavalieri Enrico
Published: October 2022

Complete reconstruction of the hamate bone has been reported in the literature mostly following cancer excision or avascular necrosis. For the exiguity of the tissue deficit, bone grafting has usually been used as treatment option for its rapidity and easiness to perform, even if a variable amount of bone resorption may occur. In traumatic cases, microbial contamination may jeopardize the success of a well performed bone graft and vascularised bone grafts may represent a better reconstructive option. Here we describe the first case reported in the literature of a patient underwent complete hamate reconstruction following trauma with an osseous medial femoral condyle free flap as vascularized arthrodesis between the capitate and the 4th MTC base, in order to stabilize the 4th and 5th finger and the ulnar carpo-metacarpal joint.
Estimated specific antibody-based true sero-prevalences of canine filariosis in dogs in Central Europe and the UK
Authors: Fehr Jeannine E. , Schnyder Manuela , Joekel Deborah E. , Pantchev Nikola , Sarkunas Mindaugas , Torgerson Paul , Deplazes Peter
Published: October 2022

Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne disease mainly caused by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. In contrast to the known endemicity of dirofilariosis in southern and south-eastern Europe, information on the distribution of D. repens in Central-Europe is fragmentary. We tested 8877 serum samples from dogs from Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Switzerland and the UK using an ELISA detecting filarial-specific antibodies, hypothesising higher occurrence of D. repens. Based on two overlapping frequency distributions, presumed negative samples had a mean optical density (OD) value of 0.097, representing 97.45% of all samples. Presumed positive samples, representing 2.55% of all sera, had a mean OD value of 0.287. Test prevalence based on the calculated cut-off was 3.51% for all sera (4.36% for Austria, 1.94% for Denmark, 1.39% for Germany, 3.37% for Italy, 6.90% for Lithuania, 6.99% for Poland, 0.77% for Switzerland and 0.0% for the UK, respectively). The bimodal distribution, representing overlapping distributions of OD values from positive and negative dogs, enabled the assignment of a probability of true infection status to each dog. Mean probabilities of true infection status across groups, based on the postal codes of origin, allowed us to estimate and map true prevalences. For all countries, except the UK, the true prevalence was lower than the test prevalence. The large number of serum samples and the use of a non-gold standard analytical method allowed us to create a more realistic picture of the distribution of D. repens in Central Europe and the UK.
Clinical practice guidelines for duodenal cancer 2021
Authors: Nakagawa Kenji , Sho Masayuki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kakushima Naomi , Horimatsu Takahiro , Okada Ken-ichi , Iguchi Mikitaka , Uraoka Toshio , Kato Motohiko , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Aoyama Toru , Akahori Takahiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kanaji Shingo , Kanetaka Kengo , Kuroda Shinji , Nagakawa Yuichi , Nunobe Souya , Higuchi Ryota , Fujii Tsutomu , Yamashita Hiroharu , Yamada Suguru , Narita Yukiya , Honma Yoshitaka , Muro Kei , Ushiku Tetsuo , Ejima Yasuo , Yamaue Hiroki , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: October 2022

Duodenal cancer is considered to be a small intestinal carcinoma in terms of clinicopathology. In Japan, there are no established treatment guidelines based on sufficient scientific evidence; therefore, in daily clinical practice, treatment is based on the experience of individual physicians. However, with advances in diagnostic modalities, it is anticipated that opportunities for its detection will increase in future. We developed guidelines for duodenal cancer because this disease is considered to have a high medical need from both healthcare providers and patients for appropriate management. These guidelines were developed for use in actual clinical practice for patients suspected of having non-ampullary duodenal epithelial malignancy and for patients diagnosed with non-ampullary duodenal epithelial malignancy. In this study, a practice algorithm was developed in accordance with the Minds Practice Guideline Development Manual 2017, and Clinical Questions were set for each area of epidemiology and diagnosis, endoscopic treatment, surgical treatment, and chemotherapy. A draft recommendation was developed through a literature search and systematic review, followed by a vote on the recommendations. We made decisions based on actual clinical practice such that the level of evidence would not be the sole determinant of the recommendation. This guideline is the most standard guideline as of the time of preparation. It is important to decide how to handle each case in consultation with patients and their family, the treating physician, and other medical personnel, considering the actual situation at the facility (and the characteristics of the patient).
Perkinsus olseni and other parasites and abnormal tissue structures in New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (Perna canaliculus) across different seasons
Authors: Muznebin Farhana , Alfaro Andrea C. , Webb Stephen C.
Published: October 2022

The New Zealand Greenshell™ mussel (Perna canaliculus) supports the largest aquaculture industry in the country. However, summer mortality events and potential disease outbreaks may threaten the growth of this industry. As an approach to gauging potential threats through the seasons, a detailed histopathological examination was conducted on 256 adult cultured mussels collected from a farm between April 2018 to September 2019, which covered the austral autumn, winter, spring and summer seasons. Histological sections followed by confirmatory in situ hybridization (ISH) resulted in the identification of Perkinsus olseni at an overall prevalence of 56%. Other parasites and pathogens were identified by histology: apicomplexan parasite X (APX) (78%), copepods (Pseudomyicola spinosus or Lichomolgus uncus) (1%), Microsporidium rapuae (1%), intracellular microcolonies of bacteria (IMCs) (2%) and bacilli and cocci bacteria (4%) in gills, mantle, gonads, digestive epithelium and digestive tubules. There was a significant association between P. olseni and APX infection in mussels. This is the first report on seasonal variations of P. olseni and APX in New Zealand Greenshell™ mussel. There was a significant association between seasons and the presence of P. olseni and APX in mussels. A significant positive association between the brown material accumulation and parasites (P. olseni and APX) and between haemocytosis and P. olseni infections were recorded. A significant association between presence of parasites and health condition (healthy and unhealthy) of mussels was observed. Moreover, a significant association between digestive tubule deterioration (large lumen, with a thin epithelial wall) and P. olseni infection was noted. Therefore, this study provides information regarding the infections of potential parasites and pathogens for the first time in P. canaliculus, their seasonal variations and host-parasite interactions within a commercial farm.
Protocol for iterative optimization of modified peptides bound to protein targets
Authors: Ochoa Rodrigo , Cossio Pilar , Fox Thomas
Published: October 2022

Peptides are commonly used as therapeutic agents. However, they suffer from easy degradation and instability. Replacing natural by non-natural amino acids can avoid these problems, and potentially improve the affinity towards the target protein. Here, we present a computational pipeline to optimize peptides based on adding non-natural amino acids while improving their binding affinity. The workflow is an iterative computational evolution algorithm, inspired by the PARCE protocol, that performs single-point mutations on the peptide sequence using modules from the Rosetta framework. The modifications can be guided based on the structural properties or previous knowledge of the biological system. At each mutation step, the affinity to the protein is estimated by sampling the complex conformations and applying a consensus metric using various open protein-ligand scoring functions. The mutations are accepted based on the score differences, allowing for an iterative optimization of the initial peptide. The sampling/scoring scheme was benchmarked with a set of protein-peptide complexes where experimental affinity values have been reported. In addition, a basic application using a known protein-peptide complex is also provided. The structure- and dynamic-based approach allows users to optimize bound peptides, with the option to personalize the code for further applications. The protocol, called mPARCE, is available at: https://github.com/rochoa85/mPARCE/.
John squire and endothelial glycocalyx structure: an unfinished story
Authors: Arkill Kenton P. , Michel C. Charles , Rider Elizabeth V. M. , Wood Elise A. , Small Mathew O. , Brown Jennifer L. E. , Kinnaird Abigail L.
Published: October 2022

John Squire did not only produce leading works in the muscle field, he also significantly contributed to the vascular permeability field by ultrastructural analysis of the endothelial glycocalyx. Presented here is a review of his involvement in the field by his main collaborator C.C. Michel and his last postdoctoral researcher KP Arkill. We end on a reinterpretation of his work that arguably links to our current understanding of endothelial glycocalyx structure and composition predicting 6 glycosaminoglycans fibres per syndecan core protein, only achieved in the endothelium by dimerization.
Industrial side streams as sustainable substrates for microbial production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)
Authors: Vlaeminck Elodie , Uitterhaegen Evelien , Quataert Koen , Delmulle Tom , De Winter Karel , Soetaert Wim K.
Published: October 2022

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a microbially produced biopolymer that is emerging as a propitious alternative to petroleum-based plastics owing to its biodegradable and biocompatible properties. However, to date, the relatively high costs related to the PHB production process are hampering its widespread commercialization. Since feedstock costs add up to half of the total production costs, ample research has been focusing on the use of inexpensive industrial side streams as carbon sources. While various industrial side streams such as second-generation carbohydrates, lignocellulose, lipids, and glycerol have been extensively investigated in liquid fermentation processes, also gaseous sources, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane, are gaining attention as substrates for gas fermentation. In addition, recent studies have investigated two-stage processes to convert waste gases into PHB via organic acids or alcohols. In this review, a variety of different industrial side streams are discussed as more sustainable and economical carbon sources for microbial PHB production. In particular, a comprehensive overview of recent developments and remaining challenges in fermentation strategies using these feedstocks is provided, considering technical, environmental, and economic aspects to shed light on their industrial feasibility. As such, this review aims to contribute to the global shift towards a zero-waste bio-economy and more sustainable materials.
Pro-inflammatory RNA:DNA Hybrids Are p53 Independently Boosted by Hyperbaric Oxygen: a Subcellular Distribution Analysis by Automated Quantitative Imaging
Authors: De Santis Ilaria , Zanoni Michele , Pignatta Sara , Longobardi Pasquale , Tesei Anna , Bevilacqua Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Purpose

RNA:DNA hybrids are co-transcriptional products with acknowledged cytoplasmic pro-inflammatory role as activators of the cGAS-STING pathway. We recently proved them also as radiation-induced senescence messages for the abscopal effect mediation, demonstrating the need for a functional p53 for their production and release in A549 and H1299 tumour cells. However, little is known about their role under different stress conditions, especially in cancer cells.

Methods

In this work, we open the investigation making use of automated quantitative imaging to characterize the hybrid subcellular distribution in HeLa cells grown under different oxygen pressures or exposed to different ionizing radiation doses. After cell imaging by confocal fluorescent microscopy, we apply automated imaging methods developed on purpose to quantify hybrid foci and nuclear cluster intensity, regional and local density and dimension.

Results

We show that alteration of culture oxygenation increases hybrid cytoplasmic presence, especially when caused by an hyperoxic environment, with evident hybrid gathering at the cell membrane. Ionizing radiations always fail to increase hybrids, in accordance with the absence of functional p53 in HeLa cells. However, dose-dependent effects are still evident and suggest a threshold dose of 7.5 Gy for remarkable hybrid reduction.

Conclusion

Together with our previous results, these data demonstrate for the first time that different types of stress can increase hybrid production in cancer cells and by at least two different pathways, one p53-dependent triggerable by ionizing radiations and one p53-independent triggerable by oxidative stress. Together, our findings provide a starting point for understanding hybrid role in tumour stress response.
Nail and enthesis assessment in patients with psoriatic disease by high frequency ultrasonography: findings from a single-centre cross-sectional study
Authors: Ruscitti Piero , Esposito Maria , Gianneramo Camilla , Di Cola Ilenia , De Berardinis Andrea , Martinese Andrea , Nkamtse Tochap Gerard , Conforti Alessandro , Masciocchi Carlo , Cipriani Paola , Barile Antonio , Fargnoli Maria Concetta
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To characterize nail and enthesis abnormalities using high frequency ultrasound (HFUS) in patients with psoriasis (PSO), psoriatic arthritis (PSA) with PSO, and PSA sine PSO.

Material and Methods

Patients with PSO, PSA with PSO, and PSA sine PSO were evaluated and compared in a cross-sectional single centre study. Nail and enthesis abnormalities were evaluated by HFUS using high frequency probes (27 MHz). After a descriptive assessment, Brown University Nail Enthesis Scale (BUNES) and Madrid Sonography Enthesitis Index (MASEI) were used to assess nail and enthesis, respectively.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled (19 PSO, 22 PSA with PSO, 18 PSA sine PSO). In patients with PSO and in those with PSA and PSO, HFUS evaluation identified the following nail alterations characterised by thickened matrix, inhomogeneous echogenicity of the nail bed, and increased blood flow by power Doppler. In 38.9% patients with PSA sine PSO, a subclinical nail involvement was described. No difference was observed comparing BUNES values in three groups. In PSA patients with PSO and in those with PSA sine PSO, HFUS assessment of entheses mainly showed a hypoechoic aspect and thickness of the tendon, focal cortical erosion, and ossification. A subclinical enthesis involvement in 47.4% patients with PSO was observed. No difference was reported comparing MASEI values in three groups.

Conclusion

Qualitative and quantitative abnormalities of nail and enthesis were demonstrated by HFUS in patients with PSO, PSA with PSO, and PSA sine PSO, suggesting a practical additional tool to be used in clinical settings. Furthermore, HFUS highlighted a subclinical nail involvement in patients with PSA sine PSO and enthesis subclinical alterations in patients with PSO.
COVID-19 and its treatments: lights and shadows on testicular function
Authors: Pallotti Francesco , Esteves Sandro C. , Faja Fabiana , Buonacquisto Alessandra , Conflitti Anna Chiara , Hirsch Maria Neve , Lenzi Andrea , Paoli Donatella , Lombardo Francesco
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has rapidly spread worldwide and, among the others, the male gender was quickly recognized as an independent risk factor for both the disease and its consequences. Since the possibility of long-term hormonal axis changes and male gamete impairment have been hypothesized but a relatively low levels of evidence has been reached, we focused this narrative mini-review on summarizing key state-of-the-art knowledge on male reproductive effects of COVID-19 as a quick reference for reproductive health specialists.

Methods

A comprehensive Medline/PubMed and Embase search was performed selecting all relevant, peer-reviewed papers in English published from 2020. Other relevant papers were selected from the reference lists.

Results

Available evidence indicates that the likelihood of direct testicular damage from SARS-CoV-2 is somewhat low, but there are many indirect ways (fever, cytokine imbalance, and drugs) through which the pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis may be disrupted. These alterations are probably transient, but as available evidence is low quality, it cannot be excluded that previous pathologies or comorbidities might modulate the risk of their persistence. On the other hand, available evidence shows high safety regarding andrological health for available vaccines, although studies are mainly focused on mRNA vaccines.

Conclusion

A careful andrological evaluation of men recovering from COVID-19 is highly recommended. Since available evidence is relatively scarce, a careful andrological follow-up and counseling of these patients are mandatory.
Aquinas’s Principle of Misericordia in Corporations: Implications for Workers and other Stakeholders
Authors: Robson Angus
Published: October 2022

Despite its central position in the history of European and Christian thought on the protection of human dignity, the virtue of mercy is currently a problematic and under-developed concept in business ethics, compared to related ideas of care, compassion or philanthropy. The aim of this article is to argue for its revival as a core principle of ethical business practice. The article is conceptual in method. An overview is provided of the scope of contemporary business ethics research on related topics and clarifies some of the similarities and differences between mercy and popular terms, such as compassion and prosocial behaviour. The question is then explored as to why mercy has so little traction in business ethics. Some of the history of the idea of mercy in European and Anglophone philosophy is discussed, from Anselm and Aquinas to the present day, showing how discourse on mercy came to be split into a wider concept of the prevention and alleviation of suffering (misericordia) and a narrower one of clemency or leniency. Aquinas’s wide concept of the virtue of misericordia is developed as the basis for a principle of mercy, which is applicable directly to corporations. The practical implications of this for standards of corporate behaviour towards employees and other stakeholders are then considered through the introduction of a ‘vulnerability grid’. The grid offers a critical contrast to other analysis tools, such as stakeholder power-interest matrices. Cases drawn from empirical studies are used to illustrate application of the grid and to challenge some common assumptions of stakeholder theory.
The information geometry of two-field functional integrals
Authors: Smith Eric
Published: October 2022

Two-field functional integrals (2FFI) are an important class of solution methods for generating functions of dissipative processes, including discrete-state stochastic processes, dissipative dynamical systems, and decohering quantum densities. The stationary trajectories of these integrals describe a conserved current by Liouville’s theorem, despite the absence of a conserved kinematic phase space current in the underlying stochastic process. We develop the information geometry of generating functions for discrete-state classical stochastic processes in the Doi-Peliti 2FFI form, and exhibit two quantities conserved along stationary trajectories. One is a Wigner function, familiar as a semiclassical density from quantum-mechanical time-dependent density-matrix methods. The second is an overlap function, between directions of variation in an underlying distribution and those in the directions of relative large-deviation probability that can be used to interrogate the distribution, and expressed as an inner product of vector fields in the Fisher information metric. To give an interpretation to the time invertibility implied by current conservation, we use generating functions to represent importance sampling protocols, and show that the conserved Fisher information is the differential of a sample volume under deformations of the nominal distribution and the likelihood ratio. We derive a pair of dual affine connections particular to Doi-Peliti theory for the way they separate the roles of the nominal distribution and likelihood ratio, distinguishing them from the standard dually-flat connection of Nagaoka and Amari defined on the importance distribution, and show that dual flatness in the affine coordinates of the coherent-state basis captures the special role played by coherent states in Doi-Peliti theory.
Microstructure evolution of pure titanium during hydrostatic extrusion
Authors: Wojtas Daniel , Maj Łukasz , Wierzbanowski Krzysztof , Jarzębska Anna , Chulist Robert , Kawałko Jakub , Trembecka-Wójciga Klaudia , Bieda-Niemiec Magdalena , Sztwiertnia Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

Regarding severely deformed materials of potentially high applicability in various industry branches, their microstructure evolution during processing is of vast significance as it enables to control or adjust the most essential properties, including mechanical strength or corrosion resistance. Within the present study, the microstructure development of commercially pure titanium (grade 2) in the multi-stage process of hydrostatic extrusion has been studied with the use of the well-established techniques, involving electron backscatter diffraction as well as transmission electron microscopy. Microstructural deformation-induced defects, including grain boundaries, dislocations, and twins, have been meticulously analyzed. In addition, a special emphasis has been placed on grain size, grain boundary character as well as misorientation gradients inside deformed grains. The main aim was to highlight the microstructural alterations triggered by hydroextrusion and single out their possible sources. The crystallographic texture was also studied. It has been concluded that hydrostatically extruded titanium is an exceptionally inhomogeneous material in terms of its microstructure as evidenced by discrepancies in grain size and shape, a great deal of dislocation-type features observed at every single stage of processing and the magnitude of deformation energy stored. Twinning, accompanied by grain subdivision phenomenon, was governing the microstructural development at low strains; whereas, the process of continuous dynamic recrystallization came to the fore at higher strains.

Selected mechanical properties resulting from the studied material microstructure are also presented and discussed.
The Violated Body of Christ and the Voices of Young Catholic Women: A Call to Ecclesial Action
Authors: Groppe Elizabeth T. , Feder Julia
Published: October 2022

In the United States, there is growing awareness of violence against women in the aftermath of media coverage of numerous cases of high-profile men implicated in sexual harassment or assault and the viral spread of the “#MeToo” movement. There has not been, however, a corresponding degree of ecclesial attention to the child abuse, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and rape prevalent in our society. The authors recommend the establishment of opportunities for ecclesial listening to women who are survivors of sexual violence. This listening will strengthen the communion of the church and generate constructive recommendations for pastoral ecclesial action. As the ecclesial Body of Christ, the church has both a graced capacity through the power of the Holy Spirit and a moral responsibility to act in response to the body's violation.
Preferential voting systems
Authors: Biale Enrico
Published: October 2022

Democracy acknowledges its members as free and equal by recognising them as full political agents rather than mere beneficiaries of policies chosen by others and by granting them the opportunity to exercise this role without incurring excessive burdens. This does not require that they directly participate in the decision-making process, because this form of participation would be particularly demanding and it will be limited to a few decisions. To properly embody the democratic ideal, citizens must have the opportunity to shape the political process and to challenge the choices made if these choices do not respond to their interests or ideas.
Large Pleistocene tortoise tracks on the Cape south coast of South Africa
Authors: Helm Charles W. , Carr Andrew S. , Cawthra Hayley C. , De Vynck Jan C. , Dixon Mark G. , Lockley Martin G. , Stear Willo , Venter Jan A.
Published: October 2022

Although tortoises (Testudinidae) are a familiar clade of reptiles, with a body fossil record extending to at least the Eocene, hitherto no tortoise ichnosites have been described. Here, a number of sites attributed to tortoise trackmakers are identified within Pleistocene aeolianites on South Africa's Cape south coast. These date from late Marine Isotope Stage 6 to Marine Isotope Stage 4. The findings indicate large trackmakers, with evidence of a trackmaker length of more than a meter—substantially longer than the largest extant tortoises in southern Africa. This suggests either the presence of an extinct very large tortoise species, or that Pleistocene leopard tortoises in the region were larger than their descendants. Variations in substrate properties are responsible for a variety of track and trace forms. A mismatch exists between the reported ichnological evidence for large tortoises, and the regional archaeological and body fossil records, which almost exclusively comprise smaller tortoises. The findings illustrate the potential of ichnology to complement and augment the paleontological and archaeological records.
Inadequate sleep duration may attenuate the anti-inflammatory effects of fish consumption in a healthy Japanese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tani Shigemasa , Imatake Kazuhiro , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Yagi Tsukasa , Takahashi Atsuhiko , Matsumoto Naoya , Okumura Yasuo
Published: October 2022

High fish consumption may be associated with lower inflammation, suppressing atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). Long sleep duration, as well as short sleep, may contribute to inflammation, thus facilitating ASCVD. This study investigated the overall association between fish consumption, sleep duration and leucocytes count. We conducted a cross-sectional study between April 2019 and March 2020 with a cohort of 8947 apparently healthy participants with no history of ASCVD (average age, 46·9 ± 12·3 years and 59 % males). The average frequency of fish consumption and sleep duration were 2·13 ± 1·26 d/week and 6·0 ± 0·97 h/d. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that increased fish consumption was an independent determinant of sleep duration (β = 0·084, P < 0·0001). Additionally, habitual aerobic exercise (β = 0·059, P < 0·0001) or cigarette smoking (β = −0·051, P < 0·0001) and homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β = −0·039, P = 0·01) were independent determinants of sleep duration. Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analysis identified fish consumption as an independent determinant of leucocytes count (β = −0·091, P < 0·0001). However, a significant U-shaped curve was found between leucocytes count and sleep duration, with 6–7 h of sleep as the low value (P = 0·015). Higher fish consumption may be associated with a lower leucocytes count in the presence of adequate sleep duration and healthy lifestyle behaviors. However, long sleep duration was also related to increased inflammation, even in populations with high fish consumption. Further studies are needed to clarify the causality between these factors.
Effects of drought stress and plant cultivar type on demographic characteristics of the rose-grain aphid, Metopolophium dirhodum (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Aleosfoor Maryam , Zahediannezhad Maryam , Minaei Kambiz , Fekrat Lida , Razi Hooman
Published: October 2022

Drought is a substantial threat to cereal production under global climatic change scenarios, albeit its aftermath on arthropod pests is yet contentious. To address this issue, demographic characteristics of Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker, 1849) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were studied on one drought-susceptible wheat cultivar and one drought-tolerant wheat cultivar under different water treatments. Some physiological and biochemical features of wheat cultivars including leaf soluble sugar and proline contents and antioxidant enzymes activities were also investigated. Significant differences occurred in the developmental period, survival, and fecundity of M. dirhodum between wheat cultivars under various water treatments. The impact of intermediate and severe water stress on M. dirhodum was neutral and negative for the tolerant cultivar and negative for the water-susceptible cultivar, respectively. Under severe water stress, on both wheat cultivars, the aphids had low net reproductive rates and finite and intrinsic rates of increase in comparison with those reared on unstressed plants. In total, drought resulted in lower growth of population and reduced survival of aphids. Hence, in the context of projected climatic changes, acute water deficiency could probably result in reducing the abundance and menace of outburst of M. dirhodum. However, it should be noted that the potential likelihood of M. dirhodum eruptions can be drastically affected by the degree of drought intensity and host plant cultivar.