bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pure transoral robotic thyroidectomy; institutional adaptation and early results from a tertiary endocrine surgery centre
Authors: Tunca Fatih , Dural Ahmet Cem , Sahbaz Nuri Alper , Akarsu Cevher , Sormaz Ismail Cem , Saygi Emir Nalan , Guzey Deniz , Giles Senyurek Yasemin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Novel thyroidectomy techniques have been described to minimize the visible scar. Hereby, we aim to present our experience with transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) without axillary access.

Material and Methods

Between August 2018 and March 2019, six eligible patients were enrolled to undergo TORT. Procedures were performed by using the Da Vinci Xi platform under intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring.

Results

All patients were female, and the mean age was 40.0 ± 14.4 years. Three patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and lobectomy was performed for the remaining three patients. In one patient, the procedure was converted to conventional open thyroidectomy due to bleeding. The mean docking time, console time and total operative time were 22.8 ± 5.2 min, 118.5 ± 48.7 min and 218.29 ± 50.6 min for total thyroidectomy and 21.8 ± 4.1 min, 68.6 ± 6.1 min and 177.6 ± 15.1 min for lobectomy, respectively. All patients were discharged uneventfully.

Conclusions

Pure TORT is a safe procedure, when performed in carefully selected patients by experienced surgeons, but further prospective studies with larger number of patients are required.
Linear versus Branched Peptide with Same Amino Acid Sequence for Legumain‐Targeting in Macrophages: Targeting Efficiency and Bioimaging Potential
Authors: Kanathasan Jayasree S. , Gunasagaram Diivananthan , Khan Shafi Ullah , Palanisamy Uma D. , Radhakrishnan Ammu Kutty , Ahemad Nafees , Swamy Varghese
Published: August 2020

The relative legumain‐targeting efficiency of a Y‐shaped peptide and a linear peptide with the same amino acid sequence was investigated using in vitro experiments and computer simulations. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy of cell types with varying levels of legumain expression (RAW 264.7, 4T1, MCF 10 A, MCF 7 and MDA MB 231) revealed that the linear peptide has a higher legumain binding efficiency in legumain‐active cells compared to the Y‐shaped peptide. Peptide‐protein docking simulations showed that the more stable linear peptide binds at the active site of legumain, whereas the Y‐shaped peptide binds at a different site. The Y‐shaped peptide has its asparaginyl binding site (‐Asn‐) coiled into an α‐helix form, and this reduces access to legumain binding. The linear peptide conjugated to fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) displayed enhanced binding efficiency towards legumain. The peptide‐CDs conjugate nanoparticles are stable under pH, temperature, and medium composition conditions similar to that may be expected in tumor environments, suggesting their high potential as a bioimaging agent.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Antimicrobial Activity of α, β‐Unsaturated Ketone Exchange Moiety for Chalcone and Pyrazoline Derivatives
Authors: Farooq Saba , Ngaini Zainab
Published: August 2020

Bacterial diseases cause hazardous infections due to the occurrence of bacterial resistance. Drugs production to cure bacterial resistance from natural sources has become ineffective to execute the resisted bacteria due to the unsuitable binding interaction of active sites with the receptors. Drug link to natural products moieties such as chalcones and pyrazolines, which originated from plants extracts, has become attractive among researchers due to its significant pharmaceutical moiety. In this study a series of chalcone derivatives (1 a–d) has been synthesized via Claisen‐Schmidt condensation, followed by cyclization to form pyrazolines (2 a–d, 3 a–d). Fischer esterification of pyrazolines formed 4 a–d in moderate to good yield (42.91‐88.23 %). Antimicrobial activities of all the synthesized compounds were evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus via disc diffusion. Among all compounds, pyrazolines 3 c and 3 d showed the highest zone of inhibition (17 mm) compared to 1 a‐d (5‐11 mm) and standard ampicillin (11 mm). The exchange of α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl showed phenomenal increment in the biological activities. Structure activity relationship of 1 a, 1 d, 3 a and 3 d was analyzed via molecular docking of N‐terminal domain having deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding protein (4pql) with excellent binding energy of −6.2, −6.6, −7.1 and −7.2 kcal/mol, respectively. This work is significant in designing new drugs with keto‐exchange relationship for medicinal industry.
Ionic Conductivity of Low‐Crystalline Li4P2S6 and Li4P2S6–LiX (X=Cl, Br, and I) Systems and Their Role in Improved Positive Electrode Performance in All‐Solid‐State LiS Battery
Authors: Nagata Hiroshi , Akimoto Junji
Published: August 2020

Solid electrolytes strongly affect the performance of all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries. Therefore, they are required to have high ionic conductivity, interface‐forming ability, and high stability. This study investigates low‐crystalline Li4P2S6 and Li4P2S6−LiX (X=Cl, Br, and I) systems as solid electrolytes. The low‐crystalline Li4P2S6 exhibits considerably higher ionic conductivity (4.7×10−5 S cm−1) than the highly crystalline Li4P2S6. The Li4P2S6–LiX systems further improve the ionic conductivity while maintaining the P2S64− structure. Especially, the 0.4Li4P2S6 ⋅ 0.6LiI exhibits a relatively high ionic conductivity of 6.9×10−4 S cm−1, despite in low ionic conductive Li4P2S6 systems. Furthermore, battery performance of the positive electrode using 0.4Li4P2S6 ⋅ 0.6LiI for all‐solid‐state LiS battery considerably improves form that use highly crystalline Li4P2S6.
Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐ and 2,7‐Diaryl‐1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalenes. Overview of the “Buttressing effect” in 2,7‐Disubstituted Proton Sponges
Authors: Filatova Ekaterina A. , Gulevskaya Anna V. , Pozharskii Alexander F. , Ermolenko Eugeny A. , Ozeryanskii Valery A. , Misharev Alexander D.
Published: August 2020

Suzuki arylation of 2‐halogeno and 2,7‐dihalogeno derivatives of 1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene (proton sponge) was carried out. It was shown that the sterically hindered nature of the starting compounds in combination with the enhanced reactivity of their peri‐NMe2 groups allow to obtain the target 2‐aryl and 2,7‐diaryl derivatives in 20–34 % yields only. In most cases, a tandem Pd‐catalyzed hydrodehalogenation/N‐demethylation process was predominant. The latter, however, makes it possible to obtain yet unknown and synthetically valuable 2‐aryl‐N1,N1,N8‐trimethyl‐1,8‐diaminonaphthalenes (21–50 %), which can be easily converted into the corresponding proton sponges by conventional N‐methylation. Using the literature data on 2,7‐disubstituted derivatives of the proton sponge as a background together with the XRD and basicity measurements performed in this work, a comprehensive analysis of the so‐called “buttressing effect” in 2‐aryl‐ and 2,7‐diaryl‐1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalenes, along with previously unknown 2,6‐diphenyl‐N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine has been carried out for the first time.
Evaluating the chloride permeability of steel–concrete interface based on concretes of different stability
Authors: Cai Yuxin , Zhang Wulong , Yang Changhui , François Raoul , Yu Linwen , Chen Mengzhu , Chen Hang , Yang Huan
Published: August 2020

The deterioration of reinforced concrete structures caused by chloride‐induced corrosion is a major threat to their service life. Previous studies show that defects in the steel–concrete interface have a significant impact on the corrosion process of steel bars. Study on the chloride permeability of steel–concrete interface is very important for revealing the mechanism. In this article, we devised a new experimental method named chloride penetration depth test which was used to evaluate the chloride permeability along the steel–concrete interface. Two types of fresh concretes, normal concrete (NC) and lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) with obviously different stability, were designed to obtain specimens of various defect sizes in the steel–concrete interface. The results show that the chloride penetration depth measured with the new method increased with the defect size in the steel–concrete interface determined by backscattered electron (BSE) imaging and nanoindentation technology, indicating that the chloride permeability of steel–concrete interface could be identified by the method we proposed.
Seismic performances of a structure equipped with a large mass ratio multiple tuned mass damper
Authors: Kang Ying‐jie , Peng Ling‐yun , Pan Peng , Wang Hai‐shen , Xiao Gen‐qi
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on improvement of structural seismic performance under earthquakes of different intensities using a large mass ratio multiple tuned mass damper (LMTMD). A thermal power plant was taken as the example, and the plant was modeled using the finite element software ABAQUS. Coal buckets, which comprised 29.2% of the total mass of the structure, were used as the mass of the LMTMD. Thus, a large mass ratio was easily achieved without adding any extra mass. Incremental dynamic analysis was used to investigate the seismic fragility of the structures, and the seismic performances of the structure equipped with the LMTMD and the original structure were compared. The damping effectiveness and the control reliability of the LMTMD were evaluated. The fragility curves show that under rare earthquakes, the LMTMD reduced the probability of the moderate damage limit state by 43.9%, and under extremely rare earthquakes, the LMTMD exhibited good control robustness and reduced the probability of the severe damage limit state by 25.1%. Furthermore, the LMTMD could control the deformation pattern of the structure and effectively reduced concentrated damage, especially under high‐intensity ground motions; specifically, it reduced the average value of the interstory drift ratio by 1.2%–12% and reduced the standard deviation of the interstory drift ratio by 15%–62%. These results indicate that the LMTMD significantly improved the seismic performance of the structure with satisfactory reliability.
Brain tocopherol levels are associated with lower activated microglia density in elderly human cortex
Authors: de Leeuw Francisca A. , Schneider Julie A. , Agrawal Sonal , Leurgans Sue E. , Morris Martha Clare
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Higher brain tocopherol levels have been associated with lower levels of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

Methods

We studied the relations of α‐ and γ‐tocopherol brain levels to microglia density in 113 deceased participants from the Memory and Aging Project. We used linear regression analyses to examine associations between tocopherol levels and microglia densities in a basic model adjusted for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein E (APOE)ε4 genotype (any ε4 allele vs. none) , and post‐mortem time interval, and a second model additionally adjusted for total amyloid load and neurofibrillary tangle severity.

Results

Higher α‐ and γ‐tocopherol levels were associated with lower total and activated microglia density in cortical but not in subcortical brain regions. The association between cortical α‐tocopherol and total microglia density remained statistically significant after adjusting for AD neuropathology.

Discussion

These results suggest that the relation between tocopherols and AD might be partly explained by the alleviating effects of tocopherols on microglia activation.
Risk factors, histopathology and diagnostic accuracy in posterior placenta accreta spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tinari S. , Buca D. , Cali G. , Timor‐Tritsch I. , Palacios‐Jaraquemada J. , Rizzo G. , Lucidi A. , Di Mascio D. , Liberati M. , D'Antonio F.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To elucidate the risk factors, histopathological correlations and diagnostic accuracy of prenatal imaging in pregnancies complicated by posterior placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched for studies reporting on women with posterior PAS. Inclusion criteria were women with posterior PAS confirmed either at surgery or on histopathological analysis. The outcomes explored were risk factors for posterior PAS, histopathological correlation and the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting posterior PAS. Random‐effects meta‐analysis of proportions was used to analyze the data.

Results

Twenty studies were included. Placenta previa was present in 92.8% (107/114; 17 studies) of pregnancies complicated by posterior PAS, while 76.1% (53/88; 11 studies) of women had had prior uterine surgery, mainly a Cesarean section (CS) or curettage and 82.5% (66/77; 10 studies) were multiparous. When considering histopathological analysis in women affected by posterior PAS, 77.5% (34/44; 11 studies) had placenta accreta, 19.5% (8/44; 11 studies) had placenta increta and 9.3% (2/44; 11 studies) had placenta percreta. Of the cases of posterior PAS disorder, 52.4% (31/63; 12 studies) were detected prenatally on ultrasound, while 46.7% (32/63; 12 studies) were diagnosed only at birth. When exploring the distribution of the classic ultrasound signs of PAS, placental lacunae were present in 39.0% (12/30; seven studies), loss of the clear zone in 41.1% (13/30; seven studies) and bladder‐wall interruption in 16.6% (4/30; seven studies) of women, while none of the included cases showed hypervascularization at the bladder‐wall interface. When assessing the role of MRI in detecting posterior PAS, 73.5% (26/32; 11 studies) of cases were detected on prenatal MRI, while 26.5% (6/32; 11 studies) were discovered only at the time of CS.

Conclusions

Placenta previa, prior uterine surgery and multiparity represent the most commonly reported risk factors for posterior PAS. Ultrasound had a very low diagnostic accuracy in detecting these disorders prenatally. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Influence of wakes and atmospheric stability on the floater responses of the Hywind Scotland wind turbines
Authors: Jacobsen Arnhild , Godvik Marte
Published: August 2020

As the worlds first floating wind farm, one of the main technical challenges in the design phase of Hywind Scotland was the uncertainty related to wake interaction effects between the floating wind turbines. In this paper, we address this challenge by presenting an analysis of full‐scale measurements from the Hywind Scotland wind farm. Measurements of the floaters' roll, pitch and yaw motions are presented, both in the form of statistical data and response spectra. The floater responses of a turbine in free wind and a turbine in wake are compared, and the influence of different atmospheric stabilities on the floater motions is investigated. Despite the large distance between the turbines of 9 rotor diameters, wake effects in the measured floater motions are observed at the downstream turbine. Furthermore, both the wake responses and the free wind responses show a clear dependency on atmospheric stability. However, overall motions are small for all wind speeds, showing that the design performs satisfactorily in both free wind and wake conditions.
Integrable boundary states in D3-D5 dCFT: beyond scalars
Authors: Kristjansen Charlotte , Müller Dennis , Zarembo Konstantin
Published: August 2020

Abstract

A D3-D5 intersection gives rise to a defect CFT, wherein the rank of the gauge group jumps by k units across a domain wall. The one-point functions of local operators in this set-up map to overlaps between on-shell Bethe states in the underlying spin chain and a boundary state representing the D5 brane. Focussing on the k = 1 case, we extend the construction to gluonic and fermionic sectors, which was prohibitively difficult for k > 1. As a byproduct, we test an all-loop proposal for the one-point functions in the su(2) sector at the half-wrapping order of perturbation theory.
Massless higher spin cubic vertices in flat four dimensional space
Authors: Khabarov M. V. , Zinoviev Yu. M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In this paper we construct a number of cubic interaction vertices for massless bosonic and fermionic higher spin fields in flat four dimensional space. First of all, we construct these cubic vertices in AdS4 space using a so-called Fradkin-Vasiliev approach, which works only for the non-zero cosmological constant. Then we consider a flat limit taking care on all the higher derivative terms which FV-approach generates. We restrict ourselves with the four dimensions because this allows us to use the frame-like multispinor formalism which greatly simplifies all calculations and provides a description for bosons and fermions on equal footing.
Almansi Theorem and Mean Value Formula for Quaternionic Slice-regular Functions
Authors: Perotti Alessandro
Published: August 2020

We prove an Almansi Theorem for quaternionic polynomials and extend it to quaternionic slice-regular functions. We associate to every such function f, a pair $$h_1$$

h
1

, $$h_2$$

h
2

of zonal harmonic functions such that $$f=h_1-\bar{x} h_2$$

f
=

h
1

-

x

¯

h
2

. We apply this result to get mean value formulas and Poisson formulas for slice-regular quaternionic functions.
Convexity properties of functions defined on metric Abelian groups
Authors: Fechner Włodzimierz , Páles Zsolt
Published: August 2020

The notions of quasiconvexity, Wright convexity and convexity for functions defined on a metric Abelian group are introduced. Various characterizations of such functions, the structural properties of the functions classes so obtained are established and several well-known results are extended to this new setting.
Attitudes and practices of public health academics towards research funding from for-profit organizations: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nakkash Rima , Ali Ahmed , Alaouie Hala , Asmar Khalil , Hirschhorn Norbert , Mugharbil Sanaa , Nuwayhid Iman , London Leslie , Saban Amina , Rashid Sabina Faiz , Ahmed Md Koushik , Knai Cecile , Bigland Charlotte , Afifi Rima A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The growing trend of for-profit organization (FPO)-funded university research is concerning because resultant potential conflicts of interest might lead to biases in methods, results, and interpretation. For public health academic programmes, receiving funds from FPOs whose products have negative health implications may be particularly problematic.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey assessed attitudes and practices of public health academics towards accepting funding from FPOs. The sampling frame included universities in five world regions offering a graduate degree in public health; 166 academics responded. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Over half of respondents were in favour of accepting funding from FPOs; attitudes differed by world region and gender but not by rank, contract status, % salary offset required, primary identity, or exposure to an ethics course. In the last 5 years, almost 20% of respondents had received funding from a FPO. Sixty per cent of respondents agreed that there was potential for bias in seven aspects of the research process, when funds were from FPOs.

Conclusions

Globally, public health academics should increase dialogue around the potential harms of research and practice funded by FPOs.
Gelingt das Screening von Schwangeren auf HIV, Syphilis und Hepatitis B in Deutschland? Eine Analyse auf Basis von Routinedaten
Authors: Beermann Sandra , Jacob Josephine , Dudareva Sandra , Jansen Klaus , Marcus Ulrich , Zimmermann Ruth , Bremer Viviane
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

Infektionen in der Schwangerschaft sind weltweit eine der führenden Ursachen für erhöhte Morbidität und Mortalität bei Müttern und ihren Neugeborenen. In Deutschland gibt es seit mehr als 50 Jahren eine standardisierte Gesundheitsvorsorge in der Schwangerschaft. Die Mutterschafts-Richtlinien des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses bilden hierzu den gesetzlichen Rahmen und umfassen unter anderem das Screening von Schwangeren auf HIV, Syphilis und Hepatitis B.

Ziel der Arbeit

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll eruiert werden, wie hoch die Abdeckung des Screenings in der deutschen Bevölkerung ist.

Material und Methoden

Mithilfe von anonymisierten Routinedaten von gesetzlich Versicherten, die dem Institut für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung Berlin GmbH (InGef) aus den Jahren 2011 bis 2015 vorliegen, wurde mithilfe von verschiedenen Internationale statistische Klassifikationsziffern der Krankheiten und verwandter Gesundheitsprobleme(ICD-10)- und Einheitlicher Bewertungsmaßstab(EBM)-Ziffern eine Definition für Schwangerschaft entwickelt und eine erste Auswertung zur Inanspruchnahme von Testungen auf Infektionserreger in der Schwangerschaft vorgenommen.

Ergebnisse

Der hohe Anteil von Frauen, die im Rahmen der Schwangerschaft auf Syphilis (95,3 %) und Hepatitis B (91,6 %) getestet werden, spricht für eine sehr gute Erreichbarkeit und Inanspruchnahme von vorgeburtlichen Screeningangeboten. Bei HIV ist der Anteil an getesteten Frauen deutlich niedriger (84,9 %).

Diskussion

Ob Schwangere einen HIV-Test ablehnen, der Test anderweitig durchgeführt oder nicht durch das ärztliche Personal empfohlen wurde, lässt sich anhand der vorliegenden Datenlage nicht klären. Angesichts der hochwirksamen medizinischen Interventionsmöglichkeiten für Syphilis, HIV und Hepatitis B ist eine möglichst vollständige Testung von Schwangeren in Deutschland anzustreben. Die Gründe für fehlende Screeninguntersuchungen müssen weiter eruiert und Ansatzpunkte für eine Steigerung der Inanspruchnahme identifiziert werden.
Resuming elective hip and knee arthroplasty after the first phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: the European Hip Society and European Knee Associates recommendations
Authors: Kort N. P. , Barrena E. Gómez , Bédard M. , Donell S. , Epinette J.-A. , Gomberg B. , Hirschmann M. T. , Indelli P. , Khosravi Ismail , Karachalios T. , Liebensteiner M. C. , Stuyts B. , Tandogan R. , Violante B. , Zagra L. , Thaler M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted health care systems all over the world. Elective surgical procedures have been postponed and/or cancelled. Consensus is, therefore, required related to the factors that need to be in place before elective surgery, including hip and knee replacement surgery, which is restarted. Entirely new pathways and protocols need to be worked out.

Methods

A panel of experts from the European Hip Society and European Knee Association have agreed to a consensus statement on how to reintroduce elective arthroplasty surgery safely. The recommendations are based on the best available evidence and have been validated in a separate survey.

Results

The guidelines are based on five themes: modification and/or reorganisation of hospital wards. Restrictions on orthopaedic wards and in operation suite(s). Additional disinfection of the environment. The role of ultra-clean operation theatres. Personal protective equipment enhancement.

Conclusion

Apart from the following national and local guidance, protocols need to be put in place in the patient pathway for primary arthroplasty to allow for a safe return.
Pregnancy and delivery after mid-urethral sling operation
Authors: Tulokas Sari A. , Rahkola-Soisalo Päivi , Gissler Mika , Mikkola Tomi S. , Mentula Maarit J.
Published: August 2020

Introduction and hypotheses

There is no consensus regarding pregnancy after mid-urethral sling (MUS) operation, and some clinicians recommend postponing the MUS operation if a woman considers further pregnancies or routinely suggest cesarean section as the delivery method after MUS operations. Our primary aim was to assess the risk for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) re-procedure after delivery in women with a MUS operation prior to pregnancy. We also analyzed SUI re-visits and MUS-related complications during pregnancy and postpartum.

Methods

We conducted a register-based case-control study of women with a MUS operation in Finland during 1996–2016. We identified 94 cases with a subsequent pregnancy and 330 controls without subsequent pregnancies matched by age, operation type and year.

Results

The median follow-up time was 10.7 years (IQR 7.1–13.7). The number of SUI re-procedures did not differ between the cases (n = 3, 3.2%) and controls (n = 17, 5.2%; OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.2–2.1). There was no significant difference in re-visits for stress or mixed urinary incontinence between the cases (n = 23, 24.5%) and controls (n = 86, 26.1%; OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.5–1.6), but 35% of the re-visits in the case group occurred already before the delivery after MUS. The rate of vaginal delivery was lower after MUS operation (57%) than in deliveries before MUS (91%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pregnancy after MUS did not increase the odds for SUI re-procedure or re-visit. Considering on our results, future pregnancy does not need to be viewed as an absolute contraindication for MUS operation.
Aminoethyl substitution enhances the self-assembly properties of an aminocellulose as a potential archaeological wood consolidant
Authors: Wakefield Jennifer M. K. , Hampe Robert , Gillis Richard B. , Sitterli Agnes , Adams Gary G. , Kutzke Hartmut , Heinze Thomas , Harding Stephen E.
Published: August 2020

The 6-deoxy-6-aminocelluloses—or “aminocelluloses”—are a class of synthetic natural cellulose derivatives which are mostly aqueous soluble and have excellent film-forming properties. Recent studies have connected these properties at the molecular level with protein-like self-associative behaviour for a range of aminocelluloses including a 6-deoxy-6-(ω-aminoethyl) aminocellulose AEA-1 with the association being a two-stage process—a reversible oligomerisation followed by further (semi-reversible) aggregation into larger structures. Here, we synthesise and compare a new 6-deoxy-6-(ω-aminoethyl) aminocellulose AEA-1′ with different degree of substitution with one with further alkyl derivatisation, namely 6-deoxy-6-(ω-hydroxyethyl) aminocellulose HEA-1′. As with AEA-1, sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium in the analytical ultracentrifuge still show a two-stage process for both AEA-1′ and HEA-1′, with the latter giving higher molar masses. The consequences of these properties for use as consolidants for archaeological wood are considered.
The hydrophobicity of an amino acid residue in a flexible loop of KP-43 protease alters activity toward a macromolecule substrate
Authors: Okuda Mitsuyoshi , Ozawa Tadahiro , Kawahara Akihito , Takimura Yasushi
Published: August 2020

KP-43, a 43-kDa alkaline serine protease, is resistant to chemical oxidants and surfactants, making it suitable for use in laundry detergents. An amino acid residue at position 195, in a unique flexible loop that binds a Ca2+ ion, dramatically affects the proteolytic activity and thermal stability of KP-43. In the present study, we obtained 20 variants with substitutions at position 195 and investigated how these residues affect hydrolytic activity toward a macromolecular substrate (casein) and a synthetic tetra-peptide (AAPL). At pH 10, the variant with the highest caseinolytic activity, Tyr195Gln, exhibited 4.4-fold higher activity than the variant with the lowest caseinolytic activity, Tyr195Trp. A significant negative correlation was observed between the hydrophobicity of the residue at position 195 and caseinolytic activity at pH 8–10. At pH 7, the correlation became weak; at pH 6, the correlation reversed to positive. Unlike casein, in the case of hydrolysis of AAPL, no correlation was observed at pH 10 or pH 6. Because the amino acid residue at position 195 is located on the protein surface and considered sufficiently far from the active cleft, the variation in caseinolytic activity between the 20 variants was attributed to changes in interaction efficiency with different states of casein at different pH values. To improve the enzymatic activity, we propose substituting amino acid residues on the protein surface to change the efficiency of interaction with the macromolecular substrates.

Key points

• A single amino acid residue on the protein surface markedly changed enzyme activity.

• The hydrophobicity of the amino acid residue and enzyme activity had a correlation.

• The key amino acid residue for substrate recognition exists on the protein surface.
Sub-Arctic alpine Vaccinium vitis-idaea exhibits resistance to strong variation in snowmelt timing and frost exposure, suggesting high resilience under climatic change
Authors: Gehrmann Friederike , Lehtimäki Iida-Maria , Hänninen Heikki , Saarinen Timo
Published: August 2020

In tundra ecosystems, snow cover protects plants from low temperatures in winter and buffers temperature fluctuations in spring. Climate change may lead to reduced snowfall and earlier snowmelt, potentially exposing plants to more frequent and more severe frosts in the future. Frost can cause cell damage and, in combination with high solar irradiance, reduce the photochemical yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII). Little is known about the natural variation in frost exposure within individual habitats of tundra plant populations and the populations’ resilience to this climatic variation. Here, we assessed how natural differences in snowmelt timing affect microclimatic variability of frost exposure in habitats of the evergreen Vaccinium vitis-idaea in sub-Arctic alpine Finland and whether this variability affects the extent of cell damage and reduction in ΦPSII. Plants in early melting plots were exposed to more frequent and more severe frost events, and exhibited a more pronounced decrease in ΦPSII, during winter and spring compared to plants in late-melting plots. Snowmelt timing did not have a clear effect on the degree of cell damage as assessed by relative electrolyte leakage. Our results show that sub-Arctic alpine V. vitis-idaea is currently exposed to strong climatic variation on a small spatial scale, similar to that projected to be caused by climate change, without significant resultant damage. We conclude that V. vitis-idaea is effective in mitigating the effects of large variations in frost exposure caused by differences in snowmelt timing. This suggests that V. vitis-idaea will be resilient to the ongoing climate change.
Extreme biomineralization: the case of the hypermineralized ear bone of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Authors: Wysokowski Marcin , Petrenko Iaroslav , Galli Roberta , Schimpf Christian , Rafaja David , Hubalkova Jana , Aneziris Christos G. , Dyshlovoy Sergey , von Amsberg Gunhild , Meissner Heike , Yakovlev Yuri M. , Tabachnick Konstantin R. , Stelling Allison L. , Ehrlich Hermann
Published: August 2020

Selected hypermineralized bones (rostrum and tympanic bullae) have yet to be characterized for diverse species of whales (Cetacea). Hypermineralization in these structures is an example of extreme biomineralization that, however, occurs at temperatures around 36 °C. In this study we present the results of analytical investigations of the specimen of tympanic bulla isolated from gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) for the first time. Examination of the internal surface of the bone mechanically crushed under a press revealed the presence of a lipid-containing phase, which did not disappear even after complete demineralization of the bone material. Additionally, analytical investigations including CARS, ATR-FTIR, Raman and XRD confirmed the presence of carbonated bioapatite and a collagen- lipid complex as the main components of this up to 2.34 kg/cm3 dense bone. Our experimental results open the way for further research on understanding of the principles of hypermineralization in highly specialized whale bones.
Preoperative diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of FEPs of ureters in children: a 13-year retrospective study based on data at a large pediatric medical center
Authors: He Meng , Li Ning , Zhang Weiping , Ren Zhentao
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To describe our experience in handling cases of children with fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) of ureters. We specifically present preoperative diagnosis approaches, provide a clear definition of this entity and its outcomes following treatment.

Method

Clinical data of children with FEPs who were consecutively treated at Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2006 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The clinical data reviewed included diagnostic, intraoperative, and follow-up data.

Results

Of the 2653 children with surgery for hydronephrosis reviewed, 48 (1.8%) cases of FEPs of the ureters were identified, with a mean age of 109 ± 34.7 months. Among them, males accounted for 95.8%, left side for 81.3%, and proximal ureteral polyps for 97.9%. Notably, 70.8% of patients had only 1 polyp and the median size of the polyps was 2.1 ± 1.8 cm. All patients underwent ultrasound before surgery, which revealed the existence of polyps in 29 (60.4%) children. These polyps were completely resected surgically. The mean follow-up was 82 months (range of 6–153 months) and no cases of recurrences of polyps were seen after surgery during follow-up. The rate of other long-term complications was 9.3%.

Conclusions

In conclusion, FEPs are one of the important causes of hydronephrosis in children. Ultrasound is effective for preoperative diagnosis achieving higher true positive rates than other diagnostic methods. Although the recurrence rate of polyps and symptoms are low after complete resection in children, long-term follow-up is advocated to the adolescence stage to monitor the incidences of urinary tract infections, ureteropelvic junction obstruction and stone formation.
Polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel rectal spacers for prostate brachytherapy: a systematic review with a focus on technique
Authors: Vaggers S. , Rai B. P. , Chedgy E. C. P. , de la Taille A. , Somani B. K.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Radiation dose to the rectum in prostate brachytherapy (PBT) can be reduced by the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel spacers. This reduces the rate of rectal toxicity and allows dose escalation to the prostate. Our objectives were to provide an overview of technique for injection of a PEG hydrogel spacer, reduction in rectal dosimetry, gastrointestinal toxicity and potential complications.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the role of PEG hydrogel spacers in PBT using the Cochrane and PRISMA methodology for all English-language articles from January 2013 to December 2019. Data was extracted for type of radiotherapy, number of patients, type of PEG-hydrogel used, mean prostate-rectum separation, rectal dosimetry, acute and late GI toxicity, procedure-related complications and the technique used for hydrogel insertion.

Results

Nine studies (671 patients and 537 controls) met our inclusion criteria. Of these 4 used DuraSeal® and 5 used SpaceOAR®. The rectal spacing achieved varied between 7.7-16 mm. Failure of hydrogel insertion was seen only in 12 patients, mostly related to failure of hydrodissection in patients undergoing salvage PBT. Where reported, the rectal D2 cc was reduced by between 21.6 and 52.6% and the median rectal V75% cc was reduced by between 91.8–100%. Acute GI complications were mostly limited to grade 1 or 2 toxicity (n = 153, 33.7%) with low levels of grade 3 or 4 toxicity (n = 1, 0.22%). Procedure-related complications were limited to tenesmus (0.14%), rectal discomfort (1.19%), and bacterial prostatitis (0.44%).

Conclusions

PEG hydrogel spacers are safe to insert. Gel insertion is easy, fast and has a low rate of failure. These studies convincingly demonstrate a significant reduction in rectal dosimetry. Although the results of spacers in reducing rectal toxicity is promising, these need to be confirmed in prospective randomised trial.
Eddy-resolving Simulation of CAS-LICOM3 for Phase 2 of the Ocean Model Intercomparison Project
Authors: Li Yiwen , Liu Hailong , Ding Mengrong , Lin Pengfei , Yu Zipeng , Yu Yongqiang , Meng Yao , Li Yunlong , Jian Xiaodong , Jiang Jinrong , Chen Kangjun , Yang Qian , Wang Yaqi , Zhao Bowen , Wei Jilin , Ma Jinfeng , Zheng Weipeng , Wang Pengfei
Published: August 2020

A 61-year (1958–2018) global eddy-resolving dataset for phase 2 of the Ocean Model Intercomparison Project has been produced by the version 3 of Chinese Academy of Science, the State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (LASG/IAP) Climate system Ocean Model (CAS-LICOM3). The monthly and a part of the surface daily data in this study can be accessed on the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) node. Besides the details of the model and experiments, the evolutions and spatial patterns of large-scale and mesoscale features are also presented. The mesoscale features are reproduced well in the high-resolution simulation, as the mesoscale activities can contribute up to 50% of the total SST variability in eddy-rich regions. Also, the large-scale circulations are remarkably improved compared with the low-resolution simulation, such as the climatological annual mean SST (the RMSE is reduced from 0.59°C to 0.47°C, globally) and the evolution of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. The preliminary evaluation also indicates that there are systematic biases in the salinity, the separation location of the western boundary currents, and the magnitude of eddy kinetic energy. All these biases are worthy of further investigation.
Blood Cell Count Derived Inflammation Indexes in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Sotgiu Elisabetta , Mellino Sabrina , Mangoni Arduino A. , Zinellu Elisabetta , Negri Silvia , Collu Claudia , Pintus Gianfranco , Serra Antonello , Pistuddi Angelo Maria , Carru Ciriaco , Pirina Pietro , Fois Alessandro G.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Inflammation and immunity play a pivotal but yet unclear role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic disorder characterized by progressive damage of lung parenchyma and severe loss of lung function despite optimal treatment. However, the pathophysiological and predictive role of combined blood cell count indexes of inflammation in IPF is uncertain.

Methods

Seventy-three patients with IPF and 62 healthy subjects matched for age, gender and smoking status were included in this cross-sectional study.

Results

We found significant differences in neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) between IPF patients and healthy controls. In logistic regression, all combined blood inflammation indexes, barring PLR, were independently associated with the presence of IPF after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index and smoking status. Furthermore, significant associations between FVC% and NLR, LMR, SIRI and AISI, and between DLCO% and NLR, dNLR, LMR, SIRI and AISI, were observed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our data indicate significant alterations of combined blood cell count indexes of inflammation in IPF.
PGC-1α alternative promoter (Exon 1b) controls augmentation of total PGC-1α gene expression in response to cold water immersion and low glycogen availability
Authors: Allan R. , Morton J. P. , Close G. L. , Drust B. , Gregson W. , Sharples A. P.
Published: August 2020

This investigation sought to determine whether post-exercise cold water immersion and low glycogen availability, separately and in combination, would preferentially activate either the Exon 1a or Exon 1b Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) promoter. Through a reanalysis of sample design, we identified that the systemic cold-induced augmentation of total PGC-1α gene expression observed previously (Allan et al. in J Appl Physiol 123(2):451–459, 2017) was largely a result of increased expression from the alternative promoter (Exon 1b), rather than canonical promoter (Exon 1a). Low glycogen availability in combination with local cooling of the muscle (Allan et al. in Physiol Rep 7(11):e14082, 2019) demonstrated that PGC-1α alternative promoter (Exon 1b) expression continued to rise at 3 h post-exercise in all conditions; whilst, expression from the canonical promoter (Exon 1a) decreased between the same time points (post-exercise–3 h post-exercise). Importantly, this increase in PGC-1α Exon 1b expression was reduced compared to the response of low glycogen or cold water immersion alone, suggesting that the combination of prior low glycogen and CWI post-exercise impaired the response in gene expression versus these conditions individually. Data herein emphasise the influence of post-exercise cooling and low glycogen availability on Exon-specific control of total PGC-1 α gene expression and highlight the need for future research to assess Exon-specific regulation of PGC-1α.
The influence of Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour on “apparent” efficiency during running at different speeds
Authors: Monte Andrea , Maganaris Constantinos , Baltzopoulos Vasilios , Zamparo Paola
Published: August 2020

Purpose

We investigated the role of elastic strain energy on the “apparent” efficiency of locomotion (AE), a parameter that is known to increase as a function of running speed (up to 0.5–0.7) well above the values of “pure” muscle efficiency (about 0.25–0.30).

Methods

In vivo ultrasound measurements of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle–tendon unit (MTU) were combined with kinematic, kinetic and metabolic measurements to investigate the possible influence of the Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour on the mechanics (total mechanical work, WTOT) and energetics (net energy cost, Cnet) of running at different speeds (10, 13 and 16 km h−1); AE was calculated as WTOT/Cnet.

Results

GM fascicles shortened during the entire stance phase, the more so the higher the speed, but the majority of the MTU displacement was accommodated by the Achilles tendon. Tendon strain and recoil increased as a function of running speed (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The contribution of elastic energy to the positive work generated by the MTU also increased with speed (from 0.09 to 0.16 J kg−1 m−1). Significant negative correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between tendon work and metabolic energy at each running speed (the higher the tendon work the lower the metabolic demand) and significant positive correlations were observed between tendon work and AE (P < 0.001) at each running speed (the higher the tendon work the higher the efficiency).

Conclusion

These results support the notion that the dynamic function of tendons is integral in reducing energy expenditure and increasing the “apparent” efficiency of running.
Discrepancies in digital hematopathology diagnoses for consultation and expert panel analysis
Authors: van den Brand Michiel , Nooijen Peet T. G. A. , van der Laan Kimberly D. , de Bruin Peter C. , van Leeuwen A. M. , Leeuwis Jan Willem , Meijer Jos W. , Otte-Höller Irene , Hebeda Konnie M.
Published: August 2020

Digital pathology with whole-slide imaging (WSI) has a large potential to make the process of expert consultation and expert panel diagnosis more rapid and more efficient. However, comparison with the current methods is necessary for validation of the technique. In this study, we determined if digital assessment of whole-slide images of hematopathology specimens with a focus on the assessment of lymphoma can be used for consultation and panel diagnostics. Ninety-three histological specimens with a suspicion for lymphoma were assessed both with conventional microscopy and digital microscopy with a wash out period between assessments. A consensus diagnosis was based on full concordance between the pathologists or, in case of discordances, was reached at a joint session at a multi-headed microscope. In 81% of the cases, there was a full concordance between digital and light microscopical assessment for all three pathologists. Discordances between conventional microscopy and digital pathology were present in 3% of assessments. In comparison with the consensus diagnosis, discordant diagnoses were made in 5 cases with digital microscopy and in 3 cases with light microscopy. The reported level of confidence and need for additional investigations were similar between assessment by conventional and by digital microscopy. In conclusion, the performance of assessment by digital pathology is in general comparable with that of conventional light microscopy and pathologists feel confident using digital pathology for this subspecialty.
Stable C and N isotope natural abundances of intraradical hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Klink Saskia , Giesemann Philipp , Hubmann Timo , Pausch Johanna
Published: August 2020

Data for stable C and N isotope natural abundances of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are currently sparse, as fungal material is difficult to access for analysis. So far, isotope analyses have been limited to lipid compounds associated with fungal membranes or storage structures (biomarkers), fungal spores and soil hyphae. However, it remains unclear whether any of these components are an ideal substitute for intraradical AM hyphae as the functional nutrient trading organ. Thus, we isolated intraradical hyphae of the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis from roots of the grass Festuca ovina and the legume Medicago sativa via an enzymatic and a mechanical approach. In addition, extraradical hyphae were isolated from a sand-soil mix associated with each plant. All three approaches revealed comparable isotope signatures of R. irregularis hyphae. The hyphae were 13C- and 15N-enriched relative to leaves and roots irrespective of the plant partner, while they were enriched only in 15N compared with soil. The 13C enrichment of AM hyphae implies a plant carbohydrate source, whereby the enrichment was likely reduced by an additional plant lipid source. The 15N enrichment indicates the potential of AM fungi to gain nitrogen from an organic source. Our isotope signatures of the investigated AM fungus support recent findings for mycoheterotrophic plants which are suggested to mirror the associated AM fungi isotope composition. Stable isotope natural abundances of intraradical AM hyphae as the functional trading organ for bi-directional carbon-for-mineral nutrient exchanges complement data on spores and membrane biomarkers.