bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions of Proteases and Protease Inhibitors in Sertoli‐Germ Cell Cocultures Preceding the Formation of Specialized Sertoli‐Germ Cell JunctionsIn Vitro
Authors: MRUK DOLORES , ZHU LI‐JI , SILVESTRINI BRUNO , LEE WILL M. , CHENG C. YAN
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT:The biochemical mechanism(s) by which germ cells can form specialized junctions with Sertoli cells in the seminiferous epithelium at various stages of the spermatogenic cycle is unknown. This study sought to examine the biochemical changes that are involved when germ cells are cocultured with Sertoli cellsin vitropreceding the establishment of specialized Sertoli‐germ cell junctions. While isolated germ cells were allowed to attach to Sertoli cells, media from both the apical and basal compartments of bicameral units were collected to assess serine and cysteine protease activity. The expression of selected serine and cysteine proteases and their corresponding inhibitors in these Sertoli‐germ cell cocultures was also examined by RT‐PCR. Using an [125l]‐collagen film assay, a transient but significant increase in serine protease activity was noted in both the apical and basal compartments when germ cells began to settle onto the Sertoli cell monolayer preceding the formation of intercellular junctions. A specific tryptase (RNK‐Tryp 2, a serine protease formerly cloned from a rat granular lymphocyte leukemia cell line, RNK‐16, cDNA expression library) was shown to be expressed exclusively by Sertoli cells and not germ cells. Furthermore, Sertoli cell tryptase expression as well as urokinase plasminogen activator (u‐PA, also a serine protease) increased significantly when germ cells were adhering to Sertoli cells. The decline in total serine protease activity when Sertoli‐germ cell junctions were being formed was accompanied by a concomitant increase in α2—macroglobulin (α2‐MG, a nonspecific protease inhibitor) expression. No significant changes in cysteine protease activity in either the apical or basal compartment were noted. However, there was a transient but significant increase in cathepsin L expression when germ cells were adhering to Sertoli cells preceding cell junction formation. The subsequent reduction in cathepsin L expression after this transient increase was accompanied by a concomitant increase in cystatin C expression. These results suggest that proteases and their corresponding inhibitors are working synergistically and are likely to be involved in the adherence of germ cells to Sertoli cells and the subsequent formation of intercellular junctions.
Hst7: A Male Sterility Mutation Perturbing Sperm Motility, Flagellar Assembly, and Mitochondrial Sheath Differentiation
Authors: PILDER STEPHEN H. , OLDS‐CLARKE PATRICIA , ORTH JOANNE M. , JESTER WILLIAM F. , DUGAN LAWRENCE
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Hst7, a mouse hybrid sterility locus, has been mapped in close linkage to four other hybrid sterility loci, on proximal chromosome 17 within the t complex. When an allele (s) of Hst7 from the species Mus spretus is crossed into the Mus musculus domesticus (laboratory mouse) background, all male offspring are sterile. This occurs regardless of whether the Hst7 allele on the other chromosome 17 homolog is wild‐type (+) or an allele (t) derived from the structurally variant homolog known as a t haplotype. Males of the Hst7 genotype s/+ produce sperm that, after release from the cauda epididymis, display moderate asthenospermia (straight line velocity = 49 ± 4 μm/second, significantly lower than 102 ± 7 μm/second for congenic wild‐type controls) and normal morphology. However, males of the Hst7 genotype s/t produce sperm whose forward movement is below the detectable limit of the sperm motion analysis system. In addition, these sperm exhibit a variety of flagellar abnormalities, with about one third having normal heads attached to sacklike caudal regions. These sacks consist of membrane‐delimited cytoplasm containing disorganized and/or misshapen axonemal elements. The remainder of the sperm from s/t mice have flagella with seemingly normal axonemes, although many exhibit enlarged areas of cytoplasm in their midpieces with extra layers of misaligned mitochondria. The s/t sperm mitochondria also display diffuse and vacuolated matrices reminiscent of meiotic germ cell and spermatid mitochondria. Observations of developing spermatids in the s/t testis reveal an unusual phenotype in which gaps of varying length occur in the mitochondrial wrapping of the midpiece. These data suggest that both the s and t alleles of Hst7 are defective alleles that contribute differentially to the severe asthenospermia phenotype and interact genetically to perturb flagellar development.
Quantitative (Stereological) Study of Normal Spermatogenesis in the Adult Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: ZHENGWEI YANG , McLACHLAN ROBERT I. , BREMNER WILLIAM J. , WREFORD NIGEL G.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Germ cell and Sertoli cell numbers were estimated in six normal adult monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) using a contemporary unbiased and efficient stereological method—the optical disector. The data was used to assess the efficiency of spermatogenesis from type B spermatogonia to elongated spermatids. Animals underwent orchidectomy, and the right testis (volume 17.5 ± 1.7 cm3 [mean ± SEM], range 13.2−25.1 cm3) was fixed in Bouin's fluid. Blocks were embedded in methacrylate resin and germ cells were counted in thick (25 μm) sections using the optical disector in conjunction with a systematic uniform random‐sampling protocol. The total numbers of Sertoli cells and all germ cells per testis were 566 ± 43 (419–683) million and 12.8 ± 1.6 (9.0–20.2) billion, respectively. On average, one Sertoli cell supported 12.4 ± 1.9 (range 8.2–18.4) step 1–12 spermatids, 3.1 ± 0.4 (2.3–4.5) pachytene spermatocytes, and 23.7 ± 4.1 (15.0–39.0) total germ cells. Sertoli cell number correlated poorly with both testicular size (correlation coefficient r = −0.12) and germ cell numbers (r = −0.35 with total germ cell number). However, testicular size had a consistent and significant correlation with germ cell numbers (r = 0.97 with total germ cell number). The conversion ratio of pachytene spermatocytes to step 1–12 spermatids was 3.94 ± 0.19, which is close to the theoretical maximum of 4. Similarly, the conversion between other cell types was consistently close to the maximum theoretical value. We conclude that the efficiency of spermatogenesis in the adult monkey is high, with stepwise conversion being consistently close to the maximal values. The capacity of Sertoli cells to support a cohort of germ cells varies widely between monkeys. Although absolute number of cells per testis is always the preferred parameter, it cannot always be obtained in an experimental situation where cost and ethical constraints mean that biopsies, rather than whole testes, are collected. Thus, if absolute data on germ cell numbers are not available, experimental outcomes impacting on cells beyond preleptonene spermatocytes may be best expressed in terms of changes in germ cell conversion rather than the traditional germ cell: Sertoli cell ratio.
Direct visualization of immune status for tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes by rolling circle amplification
Authors: Sun Yupeng , Liu Yan , Li Rui , Zhang Cuilin , Wu Ming , Zhang Xiaolong , Xu Haipo , Zeng Rui , Zeng Yongyi , Liu Xiaolong
Published: October 2023

The immune status of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is essential for the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. However, due to the diversity of immune status in TILs, cellular heterogeneity, and the applicability to the clinic, it is still lacking effective strategies to meet clinical needs. We developed a novel immuno‐recognition‐induced method based on rolling circle amplification (RCA), namely immunoRCA, to in situ visualize the immune status of TILs in actual clinical samples. This developed immunoRCA method, in which, feature mRNAs were used as the biomarkers for the immune status of TILs, has a low fluorescence background, high sensitivity, and specificity. The immunoRCA was able to efficiently evaluate the immune status of CD8+ T cells regulated by activating or inhibiting factors, track the T cell type and immune status during in vitro expansion, and in situ visualize the number, location, and immune status of TILs in clinical specimens.
Sarcopenia classification model for musculoskeletal patients using smart insole and artificial intelligence gait analysis
Authors: Kim Shinjune , Kim Hyeon Su , Yoo Jun‐Il
Published: October 2023

Background

The relationship between physical function, musculoskeletal disorders and sarcopenia is intricate. Current physical function tests, such as the gait speed test and the chair stand test, have limitations in eliminating subjective influences. To overcome this, smart devices utilizing inertial measurement unit sensors and artificial intelligence (AI)‐based methods are being developed.

Methods

We employed cutting‐edge technologies, including the smart insole device and pose estimation based on AI, along with three classification models: random forest (RF), support vector machine and artificial neural network, to classify control and sarcopenia groups. Patient data of 83 individuals were divided into train and test sets, with approximately 67% allocated for training. Classification models were implemented using RStudio, considering individual and combined variables obtained through pose estimation and smart insole measurements.

Results

Performance evaluation of the classification models utilized accuracy, precision, recall and F1‐score indicators. Using only pose estimation variables, accuracy ranged from 0.92 to 0.96, with F1‐scores of 0.94–0.97. Key variables identified by the RF model were ‘Hip_dif’, ‘Ankle_dif’ and ‘Hipankle_dif’. Combining variables from both methods increased accuracy to 0.80–1.00, with F1‐scores of 0.73–1.00.

Conclusions

In our study, a classification model that integrates smart insole and pose estimation technology was assessed. The RF model showed impressive results, particularly in the case of the Hip and Ankle variables. The growth of advanced measurement technologies suggests a promising avenue for identifying and utilizing additional digital biomarkers in the management of various disorders. The convergence of AI technologies with diagnostics and treatment approaches a promising future for enhanced interventions in conditions like sarcopenia.
Persistent perineal sinus following proctocolectomy in the inflammatory bowel disease patient
Authors: Papasotiriou Sam D. , Dumanian Gregory A. , Strong Scott A. , Hanauer Stephen B.
Published: October 2023

Prolonged perineal wound healing following proctocolectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a frustrating result for the medical team and patients who were hoping for improved quality of life. Prolonged healing, which lasts more than 6 months following proctocolectomy, is termed persistent perineal sinus (PPS) and typically necessitates further surgical management. Healing of the PPS is difficult due to the resulting “dead space” following proctocolectomy, necessitating the need to fill the void with viable tissue in an area with anatomic constraints. Here we provide a narrative review and comprehensively address the incidence, pathogenesis, and clinical and operative management of a PPS in patients with IBD following proctocolectomy. Operative methods discussed include surgical debridement, flap closure of the perineum, omental flap closure, and gracilis muscle transposition. It is necessary to further investigate and establish a gold standard of care for these patients.
Development and characterization of hydrogel‐in‐oleogel (bigel) systems and their application as a butter replacer for bread making
Authors: Han Lijun , Chen Fu , Qiu Yihua , Gao Jianbiao , Zhu Qiaomei , Wu Tao , Wang Ping , Zhang Min
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Butter has been widely used in bakery products and it contains high level of saturated fats. However, excessive consumption of saturated fats would increase the risk of chronic disease. This study was to fabricate water‐in‐oil (W/O) type bigels as butter replacers to improve the quality attributes of breads.

RESULTS

A stable water‐in‐oil (W/O) type bigel system was fabricated based on mixed oleogelators (rice bran wax and glycerol monostearate) and sodium alginate hydrogel. The ratios of oleogel to hydrogel could significantly affect the stability, microstructure and rheological properties of bigels. All of the bigels exhibited solid‐like properties, with increased oleogel fractions, and the network structure of bigel became more compact and orderly with smaller sodium alginate gel particles. Meanwhile, the viscoelastic modulus and firmness of bigel increased, contributing to a higher stability. The bigel dough exhibited lower gel strength and relatively higher extensibility compared to the butter dough. Regardless of oleogel fractions, all the bigel produced bread with a higher specific volume and softer texture than the butter bread. When the oleogel fractions was less than 80%, increasing the oleogel fractions was more beneficial for improving the specific volume, softness and fluffy structure of bread.

CONCLUSION

W/O type bigel as butter replacers showed great potential in improving the appearance, structure and textural properties of bread. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
TRPV4 differentially controls inflammatory cytokine networks during static and dynamic compression of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Easson Garrett W. D. , Savadipour Alireza , Gonzalez Christian , Guilak Farshid , Tang Simon Y.
Published: October 2023

Background

The ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) critically transduces mechanical forces in the IVD, and its inhibition can prevent IVD degeneration due to static overloading. However, it remains unknown whether different modes of loading signals through TRPV4 to regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that TRPV4 signaling is essential during static and dynamic loading to mediate homeostasis and mechanotransduction.

Methods

Mouse functional spine units were isolated and either cyclically compressed for 5 days (1 Hz, 1 h, 10% strain) or statically compressed (24 h, 0.2 MPa). Conditioned media were monitored at 6 h, 24 h, 2 days, and 5 days, with and without TRPV4 inhibition. Effects of TRPV4 activation was also evaluated without loading. The media was analyzed for a panel of 44 cytokines using a microbead array and then a correlative network was constructed to explore the regulatory relationships during loading and TRPV4 inhibition. After the loading regimen, the IVDs were evaluated histologically for degeneration.

Results

Activation of TRPV4 led to an increase interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) family of cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐11, IL‐16, and leukemia inhibitory factor [LIF]) and decreased the T‐cell (CCL3, CCL4, CCL17, CCL20, CCL22, and CXCL10) and monocyte (CCL2 and CCL12) recruiting chemokines by the IVD. Dynamic and static loading each provoked unique chemokine correlation networks. The inhibition of TRPV4 during dynamic loading dysregulated the relationship between LIF and other cytokines, while the inhibition of TRPV4 during static loading disrupted the connectivity of IL‐16 and VEGFA.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that TRPV4 critically mediates the cytokine production following dynamic and static loading. The activation of TRPV4 upregulated a diverse set of cytokines that may suppress the chemotaxis of T‐cells and monocytes, implicating the role of TRPV4 in maintaining the immune privilege of healthy IVD.
Mesenchymal stem cells‐derived extracellular vesicle‐incorporated H19 attenuates cardiac remodeling in rats with heart failure
Authors: Jiao Wei , Hao Jie , Liu Jin‐Ming , Gao Wei‐Nian , Zhao Jia‐Jia , Li Yong‐Jun
Published: October 2023

Cardiac remodeling is manifested by hypertrophy and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, resulting in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as modifiers of cardiac remodeling. In this study, we aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of H19 shuttled by mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)‐derived extracellular vesicles (EV) in cardiac remodeling upon heart failure (HF). Using the GEO database, H19, microRNA (miR)‐29b‐3p, and CDC42 were screened out as differentially expressed biomolecules in HF. H19 and CDC42 were elevated, and miR‐29b‐3p was decreased after MSC‐EV treatment in rats subjected to ligation of the coronary artery. MSC‐EV alleviated myocardial injury in rats with HF. H19 downregulation exacerbated myocardial injury, while miR‐29b‐3p inhibitor alleviated myocardial injury. By contrast, CDC42 downregulation aggravated the myocardial injury again. PI3K/AKT pathway was activated by MSC‐EV. These findings provide insights into how H19 shuttled by EV mitigates cardiac remodeling through a competitive endogenous RNA network regarding miR‐29b‐3p and CDC42.
New cartilage formation in vivo using chondrocytes seeded on poly(L‐lactide)
Authors: Fujisato Toshia , Ikada Yoshito
Published: October 2023

A chondrocyte‐poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) composite was employed in an attempt to regenerate cartilage. Rat chondrocytes showed good proliferation on adherent polymer substrates like PLLA and type II collagen production under the in vitro condition. The collagen production became maximal on the 10th day after cultivation. From the in vivo study, seeded chondrocytes spread throughout the scaffold dispersively and a lot of small blood vessels were observed around the matrix when bFGF was coated on the PLLA scaffold. When the chondrocyte‐PLLA composite was transplanted into nude mouse, injection of an immunosuppressive agent was not necessary even in an xenograft implantation. A thin layer fibrous capsule was observed surrounding all of the implanted composites, and the inflammatory response of the host to the implants was mild. From the clear histological staining with thionin, it was obvious that the implanted cells exhibited their phenotypes and formed new matured cartilage.
Polylactides ‐ synthesis, characterization and medical application
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Kreiser‐Saunders Ingrid , Jürgens Christian , Wolter Dieter
Published: October 2023

Polymerizations of lactides via cationic, anionic, and insertion mechanisms are described. The usefulness of these three mechanisms for preparative purposes is evaluated. The polymerization mechanisms initiated by Al‐alkoxides or Sn(II)‐2‐ethylhexanoate are discussed in more detail. Furthermore, the usefulness of 13C NMR spectroscopy for the sequence analysis of copolylactones is demonstrated. Copolyesters of D,L‐lactide and ϵ‐caprolactone with Tg's around 35°C and high transparency were synthesized. Films of these copolylactones were characterized by various methods and their usefulness as resorbable wound dressing was evaluated. More than 30 patients were successfully treated with this novel wound dressings.
Controlled polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone ‐from macromolecules to microspheres
Authors: Slomkowski Stanislaw
Published: October 2023

Pseudoanionic polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone (CL), initiated with dialkylaluminum alkoxides, was used for the tailored synthesis of poly(CL) with M̄n ≤ 100 000 and M̄w /M̄n < 1. 20. Macromolecules with functional groups at one or at both ends were obtained in this way. Controlled polymerization of CL allowed to prepare poly(dodecyl acrylate)‐g‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (poly(DAC)‐g‐poly(CL)) with well defined poly(CL) grafts. These copolymers were used as the surface active agents for the direct synthesis of poly(CL) microspheres. The number average diameter (D̄n ) of poly(CL) microspheres varied from 0.628 μm to 0.94 μm and the diameter polydispersity (D̄v /D̄n ) varied from 1.038 to 1.26, depending on the composition of poly(DAC)‐g‐poly(CL). Human serum albumin (HSA) and human gamma globulins (γ G) were attached to the poly(CL) microspheres. The maximal surface concentrations of HSA and γ G adsorbed onto the microspheres were equal to 9·10−4 g/m2 and 2.0·10−3 g/m2 respectively.
Supplier innovativeness, supplier relationships, and enterprises' finance constraints
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Chen Jinlong
Published: October 2023

In this study, we adopt the perspective of supplier innovation and manually collect samples of enterprises and their suppliers listed on China's Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐shares markets from 2008 to 2021 to investigate whether supplier innovativeness affects enterprises' financing constraints. We find that supplier innovativeness can significantly alleviate enterprises' financing constraints; this effect is more significant when the relationship between enterprises and suppliers is more stable and their economic dependence is higher. The analysis of the mechanism of action reveals that supplier innovativeness can alleviate enterprises' financing constraints by enhancing their innovativeness. The heterogeneity analysis finds that the alleviation effect of supplier innovativeness on enterprises' financing constraints is more significant in nonstate‐owned enterprises. We examine the factors influencing enterprises' financing constraints from the unique perspective of supplier innovativeness, enrich the literature on financing constraints and provide new ideas for enterprise managers and policymakers.
GUIDEMOL: A Python graphical user interface for molecular descriptors based on RDKit
Authors: Aires‐de‐Sousa Joao
Published: October 2023

GUIDEMOL is a Python computer program based on the RDKit software to process molecular structures and calculate molecular descriptors with a graphical user interface using the tkinter package. It can calculate descriptors already implemented in RDKit as well as grid representations of 3D molecular structures using the electrostatic potential or voxels. The GUIDEMOL app provides easy access to RDKit tools for chemoinformatics users with no programming skills and can be adapted to calculate other descriptors or to trigger other procedures. A command line interface (CLI) is also provided for the calculation of grid representations. The source code is available at https://github.com/jairesdesousa/guidemol.
Dietary (Poly)phenols and Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Godos Justyna , Micek Agnieszka , Mena Pedro , Del Rio Daniele , Galvano Fabio , Castellano Sabrina , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Scope

This study aims to systematically review observational studies investigating the relation between dietary (poly)phenol consumption and various cognitive outcomes.

Methods and results

Embase and PubMed databases are searched from inception to April 2023 for observational studies investigating the relation between dietary (poly)phenol intake and cognitive outcomes. For quantitative analyses, random effects models, subgroup analyses, and dose–response analyses are performed. A total of 37 studies are included in the systematic review. Among (poly)phenols, a higher intake of flavonoids is associated with better cognitive function and lower odds of cognitive decline (although with some exceptions). A quantitative meta‐analysis shows an overall inverse association with cognitive impairment and reduced association with the incidence of dementia or related disorders for total flavonoids (relative risk (RR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76, 0.89), anthocyanins (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.89), flavones (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.94), flavan‐3‐ols (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.91), and flavonols (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.96). Data on other (poly)phenolic compounds (i.e., phenolic acids) are promising but too preliminary.

Conclusion

Habitual inclusion of flavonoids in the diet may play a preventive role against cognitive disorders.
High‐accuracy optical delay measurement based on linear frequency sweeping technology
Authors: Yang Dengcai , Feng Lingge , Yang Feng , Wang Yunxin
Published: October 2023

A high‐accuracy and wide‐range optical delay measurement method based on linear frequency modulation (LFM) of a microwave source is proposed, which can measure the delay of each channel in a parallel multichannel interference structure. The light wave emitted by the light source is injected into the dual‐parallel Mach‒Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) as a carrier wave. The LFM microwave signal is loaded into the radio frequency ports of the DPMZM through a 90° hybrid couple, and the bias voltages of the DPMZM are adjusted to make it work in carrier suppression single sideband (CS‐SSB) modulation mode. The CS‐SSB optical signal output by the modulator enters the test links, including a Mach‒Zehnder interference loop composed of the reference arm and the device under test arm. Then, the output optical signal of the interference loop is input into a photodetector, and the intermediate frequency (IF) signals are obtained by the beat frequency. The frequency of the IF signal is obtained through data acquisition and fast Fourier transform calculation. Thus, the delay time is calculated. By increasing or decreasing the LFM signal scanning time, the delay measurement range can be extended, or the measurement accuracy over a short distance can be improved. The feasibility of this method is verified by experiments, and the delay of parallel multichannel measurement is carried out.
Simulation of oriented NMR spectra: Combining molecular dynamics and chemical shift tensor calculations
Authors: Sternberg Ulrich , Witter Raiker
Published: October 2023

Solid state NMR is widely used to study the orientation and other structural features of proteins and peptides in lipid bilayers. Using data obtained by PISEMA (Polarization Inversion Spin Exchange at Magic Angle) experiments, periodic spectral patterns arise from well‐aligned α‐helical molecules. Significant problems in the interpretation of PISEMA spectra may arise for systems that do not form perfectly defined secondary structures, like α‐helices, or the signal pattern is disturbed by molecular motion. Here, we present a new method that combines molecular dynamics simulation with tensorial orientational constraints (MDOC) and chemical shift tensor calculations for the simulation and interpretation of PISEMA‐like spectra. The calculations include the spectra arising from non α‐helical molecules and molecules with non‐uniform intrinsic mobility. In a first step, dipolar or quadrupolar interaction tensors drive molecular rotations and reorientations to obtain the proper mean values as observed in corresponding NMR experiments. In a second step, the coordinate snapshots of the MDOC simulations are geometry optimized with the isotropic 15N chemical shifts as constraints using Bond Polarization Theory (BPT) to provide reliable 15N CS tensor data. The averaged dipolar 1H‐15N couplings and the δzz tensor components can then be combined to simulate PISEMA patterns. We apply this method to the ß‐helical peptide gramicidin A (gA) and demonstrate that this method enables the assignment of most PISEMA resonances. In addition, MDOC simulations provide local order parameters for the calculated sites. These local order parameters reveal large differences in backbone mobility between L‐ and D‐amino acids of gA.
Female Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A National Survey Study
Authors: Morse Elliot , Tai Katherine , Harpel Lexa , Born Hayley , Krishna Priya , Rameau Anaïs
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess the nature and impact surgical ergonomic challenges experienced by female otolaryngologists.

Study Design

National survey study.

Setting

Female otolaryngology residents, fellows and attendings recruited via social media posting and email distribution.

Methods

We distributed a survey study to female otolaryngologists throughout the United States. The height and glove size of participants reporting difficulties with equipment and instruments were compared to those not reporting difficulties.

Results

Ninety‐six female otolaryngologists participated in our study, comprised of 43% residents, 10% fellows, and 47% attendings. Ninety percent of participants reported difficulties using equipment and 77% of participants reported difficulty with instruments, the most common being nasal endoscopic instruments (28%). The vast majority of participants reported pain during and (or) after the operation (92%). Head and neck (53%) and rhinology (44%) were identified as particularly challenging specialities, but only 25% of participants reported that ergonomics affected their career plans. Participants felt that adjustable equipment (60%), a variety of sizes of instruments (43%), and more discussion around ergonomics (47%) would help. Respondents reported adjusting the operating room to accommodate their size took extra time (44%) and was a mental burden (39%). Participants reporting difficulties with operating room equipment were significantly shorter than those without difficulties (64 inches vs 67 inches, P = .037), and those reporting difficulties with instruments had a smaller median glove size (6 vs 6.5, P = .018).

Conclusion

Surgical ergonomics represent a challenge for female otolaryngologists, particularly those with smaller hands and shorter height. Partnering with industry, we must address the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce to ensure that all surgeons can operate effectively and comfortably.
Pediatric Airway Balloon Dilation: Urge for Safety Redesign
Authors: Leonard James A. , Blumenthal Daniel L. , Harley Earl H. , Shah Rahul K.
Published: October 2023

Airway balloons are widely used by otolaryngologists to treat laryngotracheal stenosis. We review an adverse event and interventions that may prevent similar occurrences. There are no other reports of similar incidents in the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience. We implore Acclarent to redesign their airway balloon device to prevent accidental airway irrigation.
Using conditional generative adversarial networks for the prediction of stresses in an adhesive composite
Authors: Khan Abdul Wasay , Balzani Claudio
Published: October 2023

Fiber reinforced adhesives are an integral part of wind energy turbine blades and play an important role in evaluation of structural integrity of the blades. Digitization of manufacturing processes and demand for fast and efficient stress analysis argues for the application of deep learning. As a step forward in using deep learning to predict structural properties in composite, the work would explore the applicability of deep learning methods to 2D fiber reinforced composite. In this work, a composite adhesive used in wind energy turbine blades is used as an illustrative example. The composite adhesive when viewed using a CT scan machine shows a heterogeneous structure with two phases, a softer matrix phase and a much stiff fiber phase. For this purpose, several CT scan images of the fiber adhesive composite are used. The images on subsequent FEA analysis serves as the training data for the deep learning framework. Once trained, the neural network would be able to predict the stress distributions in the structure. We apply conditional adversarial networks as general purpose solutions to problems focused on stress prediction, which could be thought of as an image‐to‐image translation from the microstructure domain to the stress domain. These networks in addition to learning the mapping from input image to output image also learn a loss function to train for this mapping. This makes the method more generic because otherwise different loss formulations for different problems have to be formulated.
Regulation of ester contents enabled tunable thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ester amide)
Authors: Liu Yihuan , Zuo Guoqing , Gao Han , Wu Zhao , Huang Wei , Ma Canliang , Yin Jie , Hu Xin , Zhu Ning , Guo Kai
Published: October 2023

Poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐ε‐caprolactam) was synthesized through ring‐opening copolymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CLO) and ε‐caprolactam catalyzed by ethylmagnesium bromide (EtMgBr) or sodium ε‐caprolactam. Varied ester contents were achieved from 0 to 100 mol%. EtMgBr enabled the copolymerization with high yield of over 95%. Thermal properties vary with different ester contents. With increasing CLO content, the onset decomposition temperature (273.36 to 240.97 °C) and glass transition temperature (52.1 to −56.3 °C) gradually decreased. The results of melting behavior of resultant poly(ester amide)s through differential scanning calorimetry and theoretical calculation indicated a eutectic temperature of 46.6 °C. The mechanical properties of obtained copolymers were systematically investigated. The enhancement of CLO incorporation led to a decrease in tensile strength (70.99 to 9.88 MPa) and Young's modulus (690.03 to 19.18 MPa). Copolymer with CLO incorporation of 70 mol% exhibited a eutectic temperature of 46.6 °C, and enabled a high elongation at break (658%) and enhanced impact strength (138.5 kJ m−2). © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Biological role of fructose in the male reproductive system: Potential implications for prostate cancer
Authors: Echeverría Carolina E. , Oyarzún Vanessa I. , López‐Cortés Andrés , Cancino Jorge , Sotomayor Paula C. , Goncalves Marcus D. , Godoy Alejandro S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Over the last 20 years, fructose has gradually emerged as a potential metabolic substrate capable of promoting the growth and progression of various cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). The biological and molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects of fructose on cancer are beginning to be elucidated.

Methods

This review summarizes the biological function of fructose as a potential carbon source for PCa cells and its role in the functionality of the male reproductive tract under normal conditions.

Results

The most recent biological advances related to fructose transport and metabolism as well as their implications in PCa growth and progression suggest that fructose represent a potential carbon source for PCa cells. Consequently, fructose derivatives may represent efficient radiotracers for obtaining PCa images via positron emission tomography and fructose transporters/fructose‐metabolizing enzymes could be utilized as potential diagnostic and/or predictive biomarkers for PCa.

Conclusion:

The existing data suggest that restriction of fructose from the diet could be a useful therapeutic strategy for patients with PCa.
Study of protonated dimers of cytosine, cytidine, and deoxycytidine using survival yield method and quantum mechanics calculations
Authors: Jankowski Wojciech , Hoffmann Marcin , Półrul Paulina , Frańska Magdalena
Published: October 2023

Rationale

Cytosine and its conjugates are prone to form protonated, triply‐bonded dimers. Therefore, the nucleic‐acid cytosine‐rich sequence forms the four‐stranded noncanonical secondary structure known as the intercalated motif (i‐motif). This process has resulted in studies on cytosine protonated dimers. This communication focuses on the protonated dimers of cytosine and its nucleoside using the survival yield (SY) method and quantum mechanics calculations.

Methods

To obtain the precursor ion fragmentation curve, the plot of SY against Ecomδ, the product ion spectra of the protonated dimers were obtained using a Waters/Micromass Q‐TOF Premier mass spectrometer. Quantum mechanics calculations were performed using GAUSSIAN 16, and full geometry optimizations and energy calculations were performed within the density functional theory framework at B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p).

Results

The precursor ion fragmentation curve allowed the rating of the gas‐phase stabilities of the analyzed protonated dimers. Substitution of sugar moiety at N1 cytosine atom decreased the gas‐phase stabilities of the protonated dimers. The deoxycytidine dimer was found to be more stable than the cytidine dimer and cytidine–deoxycytidine dimer. Quantum chemical calculations indicated that cytosine aminohydroxy tautomer may be involved in the formation of protonated cytosine–cytosine nucleoside dimers but not in the formation of cytosine dimers.

Conclusions

The results obtained for nucleoside dimers indicated that the SY method may reflect the i‐motif stabilities observed under physiological conditions. Therefore, the analysis of other protonated dimers of variously substituted cytosine–cytosine nucleoside using the SY method may be important to study the effect of cytosine substitution on the i‐motif stabilities. Cytosine tautomer containing C2‐OH… N(2H)‐C4 moiety may be involved in the formation of protonated cytosine–cytosine nucleoside dimers.
Sleep in NCAA Division I collegiate athletes: Relations with self‐compassion, stress, and rumination
Authors: Assar Arash , Lueke Niloufar A. , Eouanzoui Kianré B. , Bolin Jocelyn H.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the benefits of self‐compassion on sleep difficulties extend to a sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college athletes, and to examine the unique contributions of two possible pathways that have been separately evidenced to underlie the self‐compassion and sleep difficulties association in non‐athlete populations – namely perceived stress and rumination. A total of 412 NCAA Division I college athletes (M = 19.88, SD = 1.50) from 16 different West, Midwest, South, and North‐eastern universities completed the Self‐Compassion Scale, Perceived Stress Scale‐10, Rumination‐Reflection Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Findings indicated that self‐compassion is associated with fewer sleep difficulties in college athletes, and that lower levels of perceived stress and rumination are independent mechanisms through which self‐compassion is associated with sleep difficulties. Further, a comparison of the indirect effects revealed that perceived stress had a significantly stronger indirect effect on the relation between self‐compassion and sleep difficulties than rumination. This study provides initial support for self‐compassion training as a potentially relevant and important resource for promoting mental health and sleep health in the context of collegiate sport.
Engineered Macrophage Membrane‐Coated Nanoparticles with Enhanced CCR2 Expression Promote Spinal Cord Injury Repair by Suppressing Neuroinflammation and Neuronal death
Authors: Gu Changjiang , Geng Xiangwu , Wu Yicheng , Dai Yuya , Zeng Junkai , wang Zhenqiang , Fang Huapan , Sun Yanqing , Chen Xiongsheng
Published: October 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological disorder characterized by significant disability and limited treatment options. Mitigating the secondary inflammatory response following the initial injury is the primary focus of current research in the treatment of SCI. CCL2 (C─C motif chemokine ligand 2) serves as the primary regulator responsible for inflammatory chemotaxis of the majority of peripheral immune cells, blocking the CCL2‐CCR2 (C─C chemokine receptor type 2) axis has shown considerable therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases, including SCI. In this study, it presents a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform (CCR2‐MM@PLGA/Cur) specifically designed to target the CCL2‐CCR2 axis, which consisted of an engineered macrophage membrane (MM) coating with enhanced CCR2 expression and a PLGA (poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)) nanoparticle that encapsulated therapeutic drugs. CCR2 overexpression on MM not only enhanced drug‐targeted delivery to the injury site, but also attenuated macrophage infiltration, microglia pro‐inflammatory polarization, and neuronal apoptosis by trapping CCL2. Consequently, it facilitated neural regeneration and motor function recovery in SCI mice, enabling a comprehensive treatment approach for SCI. The feasibility and efficacy of this platform are confirmed through a series of in vitro and in vivo assays, offering new insights and potential avenues for further exploration in the treatment of SCI.
Combined Funnel, Concentrator, and Particle Valve Functional Element for Magnetophoretic Bead Transport Based on Engineered Magnetic Domain Patterns
Authors: Huhnstock Rico , Paetzold Lukas , Merkel Maximilian , Kuświk Piotr , Ehresmann Arno
Published: October 2023

Controlled actuation of superparamagnetic beads (SPBs) within a microfluidic environment using tailored dynamic magnetic field landscapes (MFLs) is a potent approach for the realization of point‐of‐care diagnostics within Lab‐on‐a‐chip (LOC) systems. Making use of an engineered magnetic domain pattern as the MFL source, a functional LOC‐element with combined magnetophoretic “funnel”, concentrator, and “valve” functions for micron‐sized SPBs is presented. A parallel‐stripe domain pattern design with periodically decreasing/increasing stripe lengths is fabricated in a topographically flat continuous exchange biased (EB) thin film system by ion bombardment induced magnetic patterning (IBMP). It is demonstrated that, upon application of external magnetic field pulses, a fully reversible concentration of SPBs at the domain pattern's focal point occurs. In addition, it is shown that this functionality may be used as an SPB “funnel”, allowing only a maximum number of particles to pass through the focal point. Adjusting the pulse time length, the focal point can be clogged up for incoming SPBs, resembling an on/off switchable particle “valve”. The observations are supported by quantitative theoretical force considerations.
Toward High‐Performance Mg/S Batteries with M4‐Assisted Mg(AlCl4)2/PYR14TFSI/DME Electrolyte and MoS2@CMK/S Cathode
Authors: Li Yabing , Cheng Miao , Liu Qianqian , Wang Ruirui , Ma Wujun , Li Xin , Hu Jing , Wei Tao , Liu Chengbao , Ling Yun , Liu Bo , Chen Muzi , Li Wanfei
Published: October 2023

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) are considered as one of the most promising candidates for next‐generation batteries. However, the popularization of RMBs is seriously plagued due to the lack of suitable non‐nucleophilic electrolytes and the passivation of Mg anode. Herein, a novel non‐nucleophilic electrolyte is developed by introducing (s)‐1‐methoxy‐2‐propylamine (M4) into themagnesium aluminum chloride complex (MACC)‐like electrolyte. The as‐synthesizes Mg(AlCl4)2‐IL‐DME‐M4 electrolyte enables robust reversible cycling of Mg plating/stripping with low overpotential, high anodic stability, and ionic conductivity (8.56 mS cm−1). These features should be mainly attributed to the in situ formation of an MgF2 containing Mg2+‐conducting interphase, which dramatically suppresses the passivation and parasitic reaction of Mg anode with electrolyte. Remarkably, the Mg/S batteries assemble with as‐synthesize electrolyte and a new type MoS2@CMK/S cathode deliver unprecedented electrochemical performance. Specifically, the Mg/S battery exhibited the highest reversible capacity up to 1210 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, excellent rate capability and satisfactory long‐term cycling stability with a reversible capacity of 370 mAh g−1 (coulombic efficiency of ≈100%) at 1.0 C for 600 cycles. The study findings provide a novel strategy and inspiration for designing efficient non‐nucleophilic Mg electrolyte and suitable sulfur‐host materials for practical Mg/S battery applications.
Two Birds with One Stone: Contemporaneously Enhancing OER Catalytic Activity and Stability for Dual‐Phase Medium‐Entropy Metal Sulfides
Authors: Li Fengqi , Wu Hao , Lv Shaochen , Ma Yujie , Wang Biao , Ren Yilun , Wang Cong , Shi Yuxuan , Ji Hurong , Gu Jian , Tang Shaochun , Meng Xiangkang
Published: October 2023

Transition metal‐based sulfides exhibit remarkable potential as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to the unique intrinsic structure and physicochemical characteristics. Nevertheless, currently available sulfide catalysts based on transition metals face a bottleneck in large‐scale commercial applications owing to their unsatisfactory stability. Here, the first fabrication of (FeCoNiMn2)S2 dual‐phase medium‐entropy metal sulfide (dp‐MEMS) is successfully achieved, which demonstrated the expected optimization of stability in the OER process. Benefiting from the “cell wall” ‐like structure and the synergistic effect in medium‐entropy systems, (FeCoNiMn2)S2 dp‐MEMS delivers an exceptionally low overpotential of 169 and 232 mV at current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. The enhancement mechanism of catalytic activity and stability is further validated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Additionally, the rechargeable Zn–air batteries integrated with FeCoNiMn2)S2 dp‐MEMS exhibit remarkable performance outperforming the commercial catalyst (Pt/C+RuO2). This work demonstrates that the dual‐phase medium‐entropy metal sulfide‐based catalysts have the potential to provide a greater application value for OER and related energy conversion systems.
Hydrogel and Nanomedicine‐Based Multimodal Therapeutic Strategies for Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yin Peng , Liang Weishi , Han Bo , Yang Yihan , Sun Duan , Qu Xianjun , Hai Yong , Luo Dan
Published: October 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurodegenerative disease caused by mechanical and biological factors, manifesting as a loss of motor and sensory functions. Inhibition of injury expansion and even reversal of injury in the acute damage stage of SCI are important strategies for treating this disease. Hydrogels and nanoparticle (NP)‐based drugs are the most effective, widely studied, and clinically valuable therapeutic strategies in the field of repair and regeneration. Hydrogels are 3D flow structures that fill the pathological gaps in SCI and provide a microenvironment similar to that of the spinal cord extracellular matrix for nerve cell regeneration. NP‐based drugs can easily penetrate the blood‐spinal cord barrier, target SCI lesions, and are noninvasive. Hydrogels and NPs as drug carriers can be loaded with various drugs and biological therapeutic factors for slow release in SCI lesions. They help drugs function more efficiently by exerting anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and nerve regeneration effects to promote the recovery of neurological function. In this review, the use of hydrogels and NPs as drug carriers and the role of both in the repair of SCI are discussed to provide a multimodal strategic reference for nerve repair and regeneration after SCI.
Bauingenieur der ersten Nachkriegsgeneration
Authors: Werner Frank , Hunger Hans‐Reinhard
Published: October 2023

Im Dezember des Jahres 2023 blicken wir zurück auf den 100. Geburtstag von Prof. Dr.‐Ing. habil. Peter Hofmann, einen Wissenschaftler, Hochschullehrer und Praktiker der alten Schule. In einer Zeit der Diskussionen über außerordentliche Belastungen und komplizierter werdende Lebensverhältnisse ist es interessant, einen Blick zurückzuwerfen auf eine Lebenswelt, die sich in ihren Anforderungen und Umständen deutlich von den heutigen Erfahrungen, Ansichten und Lebensplanungen unterschieden hat. Nach dem Studium und Diplom an der TU Dresden arbeitete er als Assistent am dortigen Lehrstuhl für Stahlbau, promovierte und habilitierte. Im Jahre 1967 erfolgte die Berufung als ordentlicher Professor an die Hochschule für Architektur und Bauwesen Weimar. Hier arbeitete er bis zu seiner Emeritierung im August 1989. Seine Forschungsarbeiten umfassten ein weites Spektrum. Im Zuge der Einführung der neuen Generation von Stahlbaunormen begründete Prof. P. Hofmann im Jahre 1971 die Informationstagung Metallbau, die bis in die 1990er‐Jahre durchgeführt wurde. Prof. P. Hofmann konnte auf eine umfangreiche Publikationstätigkeit zurückblicken. Hervorzuheben ist die zielgerichtete Betreuung seiner Mitarbeiter. An der Weimarer Hochschule wurden von ihm 28 Promotionen intensiv betreut und erfolgreich abgeschlossen. Prof. Dr.‐Ing. habil. Peter Hofmann verstarb im Mai 2015.