bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Urinary Incontinence Associated with Lichen Sclerosus in Females? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kirby L. , Gran S. , Kreuser-Genis I. , Owen C. , Simpson R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a scarring chronic inflammatory disease with a predilection for genital skin in both sexes. The aetiology of LS is controversial, but evidence increasingly suggests that the occluded exposure of susceptible epithelium to urine is involved in the pathogenesis of genital LS in males. This theory has not yet been robustly investigated in females.

Objectives

This review and meta-analysis examined whether there is an association between urinary incontinence (UI) and genital lichen LS in females.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL to identify observational studies assessing the prevalence of UI in females with LS. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models were used to estimate the overall pooled prevalence and risk ratio compared to controls. Heterogeneity was assessed.

Results

In total, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and five studies were included in a meta-analysis. Three studies were graded as moderate quality and five were poor. The pooled prevalence for UI in LS was 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.58, I2 = 98.4%). The risk ratio of UI in LS was 0.97 (95% CI 0.53–1.75, I2 = 87.5%).

Conclusion

There appears to be no difference between patients with LS and those without LS in terms of UI. Studies are limited by clinical and methodological quality and heterogeneity is high. Well-designed prospective studies are needed.
Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous Silica by Sol‐Gel of Sodium Silicate and Nanoemulsion Templating: Effective Combination Conditions
Authors: Hessien Manal , Prouzet Eric
Published: February 2021

Hierarchical porous materials have attracted a considerable attention owing to the increased interest in their applications. Hierarchical Porous Silica (HPS) was synthesized by combining the sol‐gel of sodium silicate (SS) and oil in water nanoemulsion (O/W‐NE) templating. The oil droplets of NE acted as pore forming agent and the sol‐gel built the silica framework. The O/W‐NE was prepared by a low energy method, i. e., the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The influence of pH of SS and NE on HPS was studied. The volume of ammonia, used to induce gelling, was studied as a factor influencing the HPS. The calcined samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), FTIR, N2 adsorption and small‐angel X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The results show that the microstructure is highly affected by pH and can be; macropores inserted in a dense matrix; a blend of a dense and a porous structure; or fully hierarchical porous silica. HPS has a specific surface area of 240 m2/g and a large pore volume (1.5 cm3/g) and a surface roughness of 2.95.
Multisite Coordination Ligands on Cyclotriphosphazene Core for the Assembly of Metal Clusters and Porous Coordination Polymers
Authors: Jeevananthan Velusamy , Thangavelu Senthil A. Gurusamy , Loganathan Pushparaj , Shanmugan Swaminathan
Published: February 2021

In this review, we account the recent advancements on cyclotriphosphazene (N3P3Cl6) based multi‐site coordination ligands for the synthesis of multi‐metallic architectures. In case of N3P3Cl6, Phosphorous centres with two chlorides use to be bonded with nitrogen [−P(Cl2)=N−]3 at alternative positions in six membered ring to provide a robust planar structure to anchor the ligand arms with wide flexibility. Cyclic P−N robust motif is renowned as the potential support for the design of multi‐site ligands originating from phosphorus centres by viable substitution of variable number of ligand units (1 to 6) consist of one or more coordination site(s) via geminal and/or non‐geminal modes. Despite these phosphorus centres are promising to support in ligand structure, occasionally involve in coordination with transition metals as well. Three of alternative nitrogen atoms in this heterocyclic core are supposed to function as Lewis base centres while the electron releasing substituents occurred to tether on phosphorus centres, also when the resultant ring size favours adequate interaction towards the transition metal ions with respect to skeletal flexibility. The ligand modes vary with respect to numbers and orientation of coordination sites, which is imperative to enrich the ligation ability. Moreover, several examples of cyclotriphosphazene core ligands consist of the spacer oxygen atom while tethering with exocyclic ligand units to incorporate more flexibility. In accordance with coordination sites on ligand framework and choice of metal, the skeletal ring nitrogen atom(s) of the cyclotriphosphazene can be involved in coordination with metal ions. Indeed, the coordination of ligands is reported to coordinate with main group, transition and lanthanide metal ions to form variety of metal clusters and porous coordination polymers. Subsequently, the geometry of homo or heterometallic complexes with respect to versatile coordination modes of metallic complexes tends to afford inherent chemical properties for specific application. In terms of exocyclic ligands, the heterocyclic units such as pyridyloxy‐, pyrazolyl‐, pyridylalkylamino‐, bipyridyl‐, 1,10‐phenanthroline, porphyrinato, hydrazide, hydrazone, Schiff's base and spirocyclic amine units attached to cyclotriphosphazene were exploited to form series of metal complexes. Similarly, the variety of metal clusters, polymeric network (1D to 3D) and porous coordination polymers have been reported on basis of cyclic core molecule substituted with ligand units, pyridyloxy‐, multi‐carboxylic, aromatic amines substituted pyridyloxy‐ and imidazole moiety involved to form variety of products.
Metal‐, Photocatalyst‐, Light‐ and Electrochemical‐Free C‐3 Trifluoromethylation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines and 2H‐Indazoles
Authors: Dutta Nibedita Baruah , Bori Jugal , Gogoi Pinku , Baishya Gakul
Published: February 2021

We report an efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3‐trifluoromethylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, 3‐trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines and 3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2H‐indazoles under metal‐, photocatalyst‐, light‐ and electrochemical‐free conditions. The combination of Langlois’ reagent (sodium triflinate) with the oxidant (NH4)2S2O8in DMSO: H2O (10 : 1) works as an efficient reagent system to promote this free radical trifluoromethylation reaction. The trifluoromethyl radical generated by the oxidation of sodium triflinate with (NH4)2S2O8attacks on to the C‐3 position of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines and 2H‐indazoles; and the excess SO4•−completes the reaction furnishing their respective 3‐trifluoromethyl derivatives in very good to excellent yields. Radical scavenging experiments with (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO), butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), and 1,1‐diphenylethylene also prove the participation of radical.
Naked Eye and Colorimetric Detection of Cyanide with a 1,3‐Diethyl‐2‐thiobarbituric Acid Substituted Ferrocene Chemosensor
Authors: Babu Balaji , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: February 2021

A 1,3‐diethyl‐2‐thiobarbituric‐acid‐substituted ferrocene (FET) has been evaluated for its cyanide sensing ability by UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy and other characterization methods. FET provides a ratiometric colorimetric chemosensor for the CN− anion detection in 1 : 1 DMSO/H2O (v/v) solution. The addition of CN− results in an immediate color change from dark blue to pale orange that is visible to the naked eye. Mechanism studies and molecular modelling with TD‐DFT calculations demonstrate that nucleophilic addition of CN− to an electrophilic sp2‐hybridized carbon atom blocks charge transfer from the ferrocene ring complex to the thiobarbituric acid moiety. The FET sensor exhibits excellent selectivity for CN− and a limit of detection of 0.2 μM.
Single Cell Reactomics: Real‐Time Single‐Cell Activation Kinetics of Optically Trapped Macrophages
Authors: Vasse Gwenda F. , Buzón Pedro , Melgert Barbro N. , Roos Wouter H. , van Rijn Patrick
Published: February 2021

Macrophages are well known for their role in immune responses and tissue homeostasis. They can polarize towards various phenotypes in response to biophysical and biochemical stimuli. However, little is known about the early kinetics of macrophage polarization in response to single biophysical or biochemical stimuli. Our approach, combining optical tweezers, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and microfluidics, allows us to isolate single macrophages and follow their immediate responses to a biochemical stimulus in real‐time. This strategy enables live‐cell imaging at high spatiotemporal resolution and omits surface adhesion and cell–cell contact as biophysical stimuli. The approach is validated by successfully following the early phase of an oxidative stress response of macrophages upon phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) stimulation, allowing detailed analysis of the initial macrophage response upon a single biochemical stimulus within seconds after its application, thereby eliminating delay times introduced by other techniques during the stimulation procedure. Hence, an unprecedented view of the early kinetics of macrophage polarization is provided.
The political economy of theCOVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Boettke Peter , Powell Benjamin
Published: February 2021

We argue that the policy response to the COVID‐19 pandemic by all levels of government around the world is not consistent with recommendations from standard welfare economics. Thus, it is important to ask why such policies have been adopted. That opens the door to examining the political economy of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This requires examining the incentives and information that confront policymakers and voters and the institutional environments that shape their incentives and information. This lead article frames questions addressed in the remainder of the symposium.
Employing Photocatalysis for the Design and Preparation of DNA‐Encoded Libraries: A Case Study
Authors: Kölmel Dominik K. , Zhu Hongyao , Flanagan Mark E. , Sakata Sylvie K. , Harris Anthony R. , Wan Jinqiao , Morgan Barry A.
Published: February 2021

This Personal Account describes the authors’ foray into DNA‐encoded libraries. The article addresses several key aspects of this hit generation technology, from the development of new synthetic methodology to the subsequent conception, design, and delivery of a DNA‐encoded library. In particular, we have been engaged in adapting photocatalytic reactions to the idiosyncratic requirements of DNA‐encoded chemistry. We have chosen one such methodology, namely a photocatalytic [2+2] cycloaddition reaction, to showcase how we employed property‐based computational analyses to guide the selection and validation of building blocks for the production of a library. Ultimately, these novel bond disconnections and design principles led to the assembly of a DNA‐encoded library that is composed of structurally diverse compounds within largely desirable property space and, therefore, well positioned to deliver novel chemical matter for drug discovery programs.
Supporting Black women's pursuits in STEM
Authors: Nguyen Thai‐Huy , Gasman Marybeth , Washington Lockett Amanda , Peña Vanessa
Published: February 2021

Research related to achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) does not provide a clear understanding of the conditions that influence the experiences and performance of Black women. Studies make it difficult to tease out the forces shaping student aspirations and outcomes in STEM, which can lead to flawed explanations that do not take in account the influence of macro forces that can structure students' pathways to degree. This study addresses these concerns by identifying and exploring the opportunities—both past and present—that facilitate the achievement of Black women undergraduate students in STEM at 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Soft Errors in Logic LSI Due to Electric Field Noise Caused by Corona Discharge Air Ionizer
Authors: Okano Makoto , Mitsui Shu , Hanayama Eiji
Published: February 2021

Corona discharge air ionizers are widely used during quality control inspections to neutralize the static electricity on electronic devices because the electric field generated by static charge can lead to soft errors. However, an air ionizer may act as a source of noise, which can also lead to soft errors, because it creates a large number of ions that generate a high‐intensity electric field. The soft errors of a CMOS inverter in a large‐scale integration (LSI) were investigated in a minienvironment in which an AC corona discharge air ionizer was operated. The LSI mounted on a printed circuit board was placed 500 mm under the air ionizer, which was operated with a peak‐to‐peak voltage of 15 kV at frequencies of 1‐50 Hz. The noise in the output voltage, which is a source of soft errors, of the CMOS inverter decreased with increasing operating frequency. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A community cultural wealth analysis of newcomer student writing: Identifying strengths
Authors: Kelly Laura Beth , Duncan Taylor , Herrera Daniela
Published: February 2021

In this study, the researchers analyzed writing produced by newcomer immigrant and refugee students in a literacy workshop facilitated by visiting college tutors. Fourteen adolescent students, primarily from Central America, worked over a semester with a college partner to read mentor texts about youth immigration experiences, write their own stories, and produce digital presentations of their work. Using the community cultural wealth framework, the researchers analyzed these digital presentations and found examples of aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistant capital. The authors consider how the examples of capital that students revealed could support educators in knowing their students better and thus planning appropriate instruction for them.
DNA damage induced by cylindrospermopsin on different tissues of the biomonitor fish Poecilia reticulata
Authors: Rabelo Jéssica C. S. , Hanusch Alex L. , de Jesus Lázaro Wender O. , Mesquita Lorena A. , Franco Fernanda C. , Silva Raquel A. , Sabóia‐Morais Simone M. T.
Published: February 2021

The cyanotoxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is the second biggest cause of poisoning worldwide, both in humans and animals. Although CYN primarily affects the aquatic environments and can be absorbed in fishes by multiple routes, data reporting its toxicity and mechanism of action are still scarce in this group. Using P. reticulata as model species, it was evaluated whether CYN promotes mutagenic and genotoxic effects in different fish target tissues. Adult females were exposed in a static way to 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg L−1 of pure CYN for 24 and 96 hours. For the first time, DNA damage was detected in fish brain after CYN exposition. In brain cells, a concentration‐response DNA damage was observed for both exposure times, suggesting a direct or indirect action of CYN in neurotoxicity. For the liver cells, 96 hours caused an increase in DNA damage, as well the highest percentage of DNA in the tail was reached when used 1.5 μg L−1 of CYN. In peripheral blood cells, an increase in DNA damage was observed for all tested concentrations after 96 hours. In erythrocytes, micronuclei frequency was higher at 1.5 μg L−1 treatment while the erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENA) frequency was significantly higher even at the lowest CYN concentration. Such data demonstrated that acute exposition to CYN promotes genotoxicity in the brain, liver, and blood cells of P. reticulata, as well mutagenicity in erythrocytes. It rises an alert regarding to the toxic effects of CYN for aquatic organisms as well as for human health.
Enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 related multi‐drug resistance gene in melanoma and osteosarcoma cell lines by TSG‐6 secreted from canine adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Yang Se‐Jin , An Ju‐Hyun , Park Su‐Min , Lee Jeong‐Hwa , Chae Hyung‐Kyu , Lee Kyung‐Mi , Song Woo‐Jin , Youn Hwa‐Young
Published: February 2021

Background

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells is the main cause of intrinsic or acquired desensitization to chemotherapy in many cancers. A number of studies have found high expression of COX‐2 to be a factor for expression of MDR gene in several cancer. Furthermore, adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ADSC) have been found to increase cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in some tumour cells. The mechanism for this, however, is not yet clear and needs further study.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether tumour necrosis factor‐alpha stimulated gene/protein 6 (TSG‐6) secreted from ADSCs is associated with an increase in MDR genes by inducing COX‐2 gene expression in melanoma and osteosarcoma cell lines.

Methods

ADSCs were transfected with TSG‐6 siRNA or Control RNA respected, and cancer cell line were transfected with COX‐2 siRNA or Control RNA respected. Using trans well coculture system, the interactions of ADSCs with tumour cells were investigated.

Results

Increased COX‐2 expression was observed in cancer cell co‐cultured with ADSCs. Additionally, we identified that COX‐2 expression was related to drug resistance genes (P‐glycoprotein, multidrug resistance‐associated protein). Transfecting canine ADSCs with small interfering RNA, TSG‐6 secreted from ADSCs was found to be a major factor in the regulation of COX‐2 expression and drug resistance genes in osteosarcoma and melanoma cell lines.

Conclusion

TSG‐6 mediated COX‐2 up‐regulation is a possible mechanism of chemoresistance development induced by ADSCs. These findings provide better understanding about the mechanism associated with ADSC‐induced chemoresistance in cancer.
Cryopreservation of dog semen in a Tris extender with two different 1% soybean preparations compared with a Tris egg yolk extender
Authors: Hermansson Ulrika , Johannisson Anders , Axnér Eva
Published: February 2021

Egg yolk is widely used as a cryoprotectant in dog semen extenders, but there is a risk of contamination with animal pathogens. In addition, egg yolk may vary in composition, making it difficult to standardize the extender. Lecithin is an animal protein‐free alternative to egg yolk for semen cryopreservation. Recently, it was shown that 1% of soybean lecithin type II‐S was better than 2% for freezing canine semen. The aim of the study was to compare two different types of soybean lecithin, with egg yolk as a control. Ejaculates from eight dogs were divided into three equal parts and diluted with a Tris‐based extender, containing either 20% egg yolk, 1% soybean lecithin Type II‐S or 1% soybean lecithin Type IV‐S. The samples were then frozen. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA), acrosome integrity (FITC‐PNA/PI) and sperm membrane integrity (SYBR‐14/PI) post‐thaw, as well as after 2 and 4 hr incubation at 37°C. Post‐thaw sperm chromatin structure assay and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated by flow cytometry. Total motility, sperm plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were significantly better in the egg yolk extender than in the two soybean lecithin‐based extenders. Individual motility post‐thaw differed more than in the fresh samples, illustrating individual differences in tolerance to the cryostress. The DNA Fragmentation Index (% DFI) was significantly lower in the Tris egg yolk (TEY) extender compared to any of the soybean‐based extenders. The number of high green stained spermatozoa were significantly higher in Type IV‐S compared to the control TEY extender. In conclusion, egg yolk was superior to the two lecithin‐based extenders to cryopreserve canine semen.
A systematic evaluation of wind's capacity credit in the Western United States
Authors: Jorgenson Jennie , Awara Sarah , Stephen Gord , Mai Trieu
Published: February 2021

The degree to which wind energy can contribute to the capacity needed to meet resource adequacy requirements, also known as capacity credit (CC), can be impacted by many factors. The CC varies regionally with wind resource and correlation to net load and may also vary with wind technology (land‐based versus offshore) and turbine specifications. We use a probabilistic resource adequacy tool to systematically assess the CC of multiple technologies for near‐term wind deployment across the Western US power system to help inform planning decisions. We find that wind CC varies by weather year and location but averages 16% for land‐based turbines and 41% for offshore turbines, with large regional variations. The average wind CC increases to 20% for land‐based and 53% for offshore when considering only the sites in the top 25th percentile of capacity factor. The CC of land‐based wind is generally lower than its capacity factor, which indicates a low correlation of generation to system needs. However, offshore wind shows a substantially higher CC, which is driven by not only a higher capacity factor but also a greater correlation with system needs.
Hazardous wastewater treatment by low‐cost sorbent with in situ regeneration using hybrid solar energy‐electrochemical system
Authors: Khan Muhammad Masood , Asghar Hafiz Muhammad Anwar , Saulat Hammad , Chawla Muhammad , Rafiq Sikander , Khan Muhammad Mahmood , Ya Jie Wang , Aslam Muhammad , Mukhtar Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Hazardous industrial wastes negatively impact the environment by creating issues for aquatic as well as human's life. This study investigates the treatment of hazardous industrial wastewater using cost‐effective graphite adsorbent along with electrochemical regeneration integrated with renewable solar energy. The synthetic industrial effluent containing crystal violet dye was treated using an adsorbent (Nyex™ 1000) having a surface area of 1.0 m2 g−1. The efficiency of removing solute was found to be more than 90%. The adsorbent regeneration efficiency was achieved at 99.5% by passing a charge of 100 C g−1 at current density of 10 mA cm−2 for 1 h. Solar energy was integrated with electrochemical reactor for the regeneration of adsorbent to make the system cost‐effective and self‐sustainable.

Practitioner points

Industrial hazardous wastewater treatment with a cost‐effective graphite integrated adsorbent.

Development of renewable solar energy‐integrated with electrochemical system for regeneration.

Regeneration efficiency of adsorbent Nyex™ 1000 was achieved around 99.5% with integrated system.

Sustainable system was introduced to incorporate with renewable energy for waste water treatment.
Spatiotemporal strategies to identify aggressive biology in precancerous breast biopsies
Authors: Frankhauser David E. , Jovanovic‐Talisman Tijana , Lai Lily , Yee Lisa D. , Wang Lihong V. , Mahabal Ashish , Geradts Joseph , Rockne Russell C. , Tomsic Jerneja , Jones Veronica , Sistrunk Christopher , Miranda‐Carboni Gustavo , Dietze Eric C. , Erhunmwunsee Loretta , Hyslop Terry , Seewaldt Victoria L.
Published: February 2021

Over 90% of breast cancer is cured; yet there remain highly aggressive breast cancers that develop rapidly and are extremely difficult to treat, much less prevent. Breast cancers that rapidly develop between breast image screening are called “interval cancers.” The efforts of our team focus on identifying multiscale integrated strategies to identify biologically aggressive precancerous breast lesions. Our goal is to identify spatiotemporal changes that occur prior to development of interval breast cancers. To accomplish this requires integration of new technology. Our team has the ability to perform single cell in situ transcriptional profiling, noncontrast biological imaging, mathematical analysis, and nanoscale evaluation of receptor organization and signaling. These technological innovations allow us to start to identify multidimensional spatial and temporal relationships that drive the transition from biologically aggressive precancer to biologically aggressive interval breast cancer.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Computational Models

Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics
Short‐term cold storage of seminal samples of the golden lancehead pitviper (Bothrops insularis)
Authors: da Silva Kalena Barros , Frediani Mayra Hespanhol , Angrimani Daniel de Souza Ramos , Coeti Rafaela Zani , Pereira Ricardo José Garcia , Nichi Marcílio , de Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria
Published: February 2021

Assisted reproductive technologies such as cooling, freezing, and artificial insemination are essential in conserving genetic diversity of critically endangered reptiles like the golden lancehead pitviper (Bothrops insularis). Therefore, we examined viability of semen samples from captive golden lanceheads diluted in coconut‐water based extender over a 48‐h period of cooling (5°C). Semen evaluations were performed immediately after the dilution and at 6, 24, and 48 h, using computer‐assisted sperm analysis and stains to assess plasma membrane and acrosomal status. Our findings showed that the extender and protocol employed here were effective in preserving golden lancehead pitviper spermatozoa for a short periods of time (48 h), allowing semen samples to be transported to distant locations for immediate use without the setbacks of cryopreservation.
Grading fecal consistency in an omnivorous carnivore, the brown bear: Abandoning the concept of uniform feces
Authors: De Cuyper Annelies , Clauss Marcus , Lens Luc , Strubbe Diederik , Zedrosser Andreas , Steyaert Sam , Saravia Arturo Muñoz , Janssens Geert P. J.
Published: February 2021

Grading the fecal consistency of carnivores is a frequently used tool for monitoring gut health and overall digestion. Several fecal consistency grading systems are available for mainly felids and canids. No such system exists for the brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758). We aim at extending current fecal consistency grading systems with a scoring system for brown bears. The system was set up during a diet study with nine individuals fed a variety of diets including beef meat, rabbit, fruit, and grass‐fruit‐pellet mix in an incomplete crossover design. One additional individual was included opportunistically and was fed the typical zoo diet (vegetable‐fruit‐meat‐pellet diet). All feces from the collection period were photographed, graded by “handling the feces” and visually inspected for dietary components. Based on a total of 446 feces, a six‐point scale for uniform fecal consistencies was established. In 11% of all feces, two distinct consistencies could be distinguished, a feature that appears in other carnivore species as well. Hence, an additional grading system for dual consistencies was developed. The fecal consistency of brown bears is heavily dependent on the diet items processed before defecation with the general observation that the more vegetation or whole prey, the firmer the feces, and at certain proportions of the latter, the higher the chance for dual fecal consistencies to occur. The results indicate that in bears, diet may have a strong effect on fecal consistency, hampering animal health assessments without prior knowledge of the diet.
Neutrino oscillations in matter: from microscopic to macroscopic description
Authors: Akhmedov Evgeny
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Neutrino flavour transmutations in nonuniform matter are described by a Schrödinger-like evolution equation with coordinate-dependent potential. In all the derivations of this equation it is assumed that the potential, which is due to coherent forward scattering of neutrinos on matter constituents, is a continuous function of coordinate that changes slowly over the distances of the order of the neutrino de Broglie wavelength. This tacitly assumes that some averaging of the microscopic potential (which takes into account the discrete nature of the scatterers) has been performed. The averaging, however, must be applied to the microscopic evolution equation as a whole and not just to the potential. Such an averaging has never been explicitly carried out. We fill this gap by considering the transition from the microscopic to macroscopic neutrino evolution equation through a proper averaging procedure. We discuss some subtleties related to this procedure and establish the applicability domain of the standard macroscopic evolution equation. This, in particular, allows us to answer the question of when neutrino propagation in rarefied media (such as e.g. low-density gases or interstellar or intergalactic media) can be considered within the standard theory of neutrino flavour evolution in matter.
Eri Jabotinsky, mathematician and politician: a short biography
Authors: Gronau Detlef
Published: February 2021

Despite the fact that Eri Jabotinsky (1910–1969) published only few (i.e. fourteen) mathematical papers, some of them had a remarkable influence in iteration theory. But also his life was remakable. Eri was the son of the famous Zionist Revisionist leader Vladimir Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Eri Jabotinsky was active in the Zionist movement and later as parlamentarian in the Knesset. Here we give an outline of his live and a complete list of his publications.
The intersection graph of a finite simple group has diameter at most 5
Authors: Freedman Saul D.
Published: February 2021

Let G be a non-abelian finite simple group. In addition, let $$\Delta _G$$

Δ
G

be the intersection graph of G, whose vertices are the proper non-trivial subgroups of G, with distinct subgroups joined by an edge if and only if they intersect non-trivially. We prove that the diameter of $$\Delta _G$$

Δ
G

has a tight upper bound of 5, thereby resolving a question posed by Shen (Czechoslov Math J 60(4):945–950, 2010). Furthermore, a diameter of 5 is achieved only by the baby monster group and certain unitary groups of odd prime dimension.
Context-dependent roles of YAP/TAZ in stem cell fates and cancer
Authors: LeBlanc Lucy , Ramirez Nereida , Kim Jonghwan
Published: February 2021

Hippo effectors YAP and TAZ control cell fate and survival through various mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation of key genes. However, much of this research has been marked by conflicting results, as well as controversy over whether YAP and TAZ are redundant. A substantial portion of the discordance stems from their contradictory roles in stem cell self-renewal vs. differentiation and cancer cell survival vs. apoptosis. In this review, we present an overview of the multiple context-dependent functions of YAP and TAZ in regulating cell fate decisions in stem cells and organoids, as well as their mechanisms of controlling programmed cell death pathways in cancer.
An Explicit Large Deviation Analysis of the Spatial Cycle Huang–Yang–Luttinger Model
Authors: Adams Stefan , Dickson Matthew
Published: February 2021

We introduce a family of ‘spatial’ random cycle Huang–Yang–Luttinger (HYL)-type models in which the counter-term only affects cycles longer than some cut-off that diverges in the thermodynamic limit. Here, spatial refers to the Poisson reference process of random cycle weights. We derive large deviation principles and explicit pressure expressions for these models, and use the zeroes of the rate functions to study Bose–Einstein condensation. The main focus is a large deviation analysis for the diverging counter term where we identify three different regimes depending on the scale of divergence with respect to the main large deviation scale. Our analysis derives explicit bounds in critical regimes using the Poisson nature of the random cycle distributions.
Akuter Winkelblock
Authors: Nuessle S. , Luebke J. , Boehringer D. , Reinhard T. , Anton A.
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Die Symptome des akuten Winkelblocks, ein Notfallereignis, das ohne rechtzeitige Therapie zur irreversiblen Erblindung führen kann, sind vielfältig. Diese können initial als internistische oder neurologische Erkrankungen gedeutet werden, wenn Kopfschmerzen, Pupillenstarre oder Übelkeit im Vordergrund stehen. Ziel unserer Studie war es, die Rate belastender und invasiver Diagnostik durch primäre Vorstellung bei Nichtophthalmologen bei akutem primären Winkelblock zu erfassen.

Methode

Retrospektive Single-Center-Studie von Patienten mit akutem primärem Winkelblock. Zur Identifizierung dieser wurden alle Patienten erfasst, bei denen im Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Klinik für Augenheilkunde im Zeitraum 2014–2018 eine chirurgische Iridektomie (5-133.0) oder Iridotomie durch Laser (5-136.1) durchgeführt wurde. Anschließend erfolgte durch Akteneinsicht die Datenanalyse zur Prüfung der Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien sowie des Krankheitsverlaufs.

Ergebnisse

Eingeschlossen wurden 91 Patienten mit akutem primären Winkelblock. Davon stellten sich 28 % (n = 25) initial bei nichtophthalmologischen Fachdisziplinen vor. In dieser Patientengruppe erhielten 56 % (n = 11) eine nichtzielführende Diagnostik, wobei bei 32 % (n = 8) eine kraniale Bildgebung und bei 8 % (n = 2) eine Lumbalpunktion durchgeführt wurde.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei akutem primären Winkelblock zeigt sich eine hohe Rate an nicht wegweisender Diagnostik durch Nichtophthalmologen, weshalb dieses Krankheitsbild fächerübergreifend präsent sein sollte. Bei unspezifischen Symptomen, wie Kopfschmerzen, Übelkeit und Erbrechen sowie Pupillenstarre, muss an die Möglichkeit eines akuten Augeninnendruckanstiegs durch einen akuten Winkelblock gedacht und das frühzeitige Hinzuziehen eines Ophthalmologen erwogen werden.
Organoids of the female reproductive tract
Authors: Chumduri Cindrilla , Turco Margherita Y.
Published: February 2021

Healthy functioning of the female reproductive tract (FRT) depends on balanced and dynamic regulation by hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth. The mucosal epithelial lining of different regions of the FRT—ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina—facilitates the selective transport of gametes and successful transfer of the zygote to the uterus where it implants and pregnancy takes place. It also prevents pathogen entry. Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) organoid systems from the FRT now provide crucial experimental models that recapitulate the cellular heterogeneity and physiological, anatomical and functional properties of the organ in vitro. In this review, we summarise the state of the art on organoids generated from different regions of the FRT. We discuss the potential applications of these powerful in vitro models to study normal physiology, fertility, infections, diseases, drug discovery and personalised medicine.
Reoperations are few and confined to the most valgus phenotypes 4 years after unrestricted calipered kinematically aligned TKA
Authors: Howell Stephen M. , Gill Manpreet , Shelton Trevor J. , Nedopil Alexander J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The present study determined the postoperative phenotypes after unrestricted calipered kinematically aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whether any phenotypes were associated with reoperation, implant revision, and lower outcome scores at 4 years, and whether the proportion of TKAs within each phenotype was comparable to those of the nonarthritic contralateral limb.

Methods

From 1117 consecutive primary TKAs treated by one surgeon with unrestricted calipered KA, an observer identified all patients (N = 198) that otherwise had normal paired femora and tibiae on a long-leg CT scanogram. In both legs, the distal femur–mechanical axis angle (FMA), proximal tibia–mechanical axis angle (TMA), and the hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA) were measured. Each alignment angle was assigned to one of Hirschmann’s five FMA, five TMA, and seven HKA phenotype categories.

Results

Three TKAs (1.5%) underwent reoperation for anterior knee pain or patellofemoral instability in the subgroup of patients with the more valgus phenotypes. There were no implant revisions for component loosening, wear, or tibiofemoral instability. The median Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) was similar between phenotypes. The median Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was similar between the TMA and HKA phenotypes and greatest in the most varus FMA phenotype. The phenotype proportions after calipered KA TKA were comparable to the contralateral leg.

Conclusion

Unrestricted calipered KA’s restoration of the wide range of phenotypes did not result in implant revision or poor FJS and OKS scores at a mean follow-up of 4 years. The few reoperated patients had a more valgus setting of the prosthetic trochlea than recommended for mechanical alignment. Designing a femoral component specifically for KA that restores patellofemoral kinematics with all phenotypes, especially the more valgus ones, is a strategy for reducing reoperation risk.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic, Level III
Blutspurenmusteranalyse trägt zur Aufklärung eines vorgetäuschten Raubüberfalls bei
Authors: Bützler I. M. , Rothschild M. A. , Kamphausen T.
Published: February 2021

Ein Mann wurde nicht ansprechbar mit einer Schnittverletzung am Hals in seiner Kfz-Werkstatt aufgefunden. Er berichtete, von hinten überfallen, ausgeraubt und mit einem scharfen Gegenstand am Hals verletzt worden zu sein. Eine Blutspurenmusteranalyse und Plausibilitätsprüfung der Angaben des Mannes ergab Hinweise auf eine Selbstbeibringung und darauf, dass das Handlungsgeschehen mehrphasig ablief. Als Tatwerkzeug wurde ein Teppichmesser, in einem Ölfass versteckt, gefunden. Nach umfangreichen Ermittlungen konnten ein Tatverdächtiger entlastet und der Verletzte wegen Vortäuschung einer Straftat verurteilt werden.
Assembly of a Rieske non-heme iron oxygenase multicomponent system from Phenylobacterium immobile E DSM 1986 enables pyrazon cis-dihydroxylation in E. coli
Authors: Hunold Andreas , Escobedo-Hinojosa Wendy , Potoudis Elsa , Resende Daniela , Farr Theresa , Syrén Per-Olof , Hauer Bernhard
Published: February 2021

Phenylobacterium immobile strain E is a soil bacterium with a striking metabolism relying on xenobiotics, such as the herbicide pyrazon, as sole carbon source instead of more bioavailable molecules. Pyrazon is a heterocyclic aromatic compound of environmental concern and its biodegradation pathway has only been reported in P. immobile. The multicomponent pyrazon oxygenase (PPO), a Rieske non-heme iron oxygenase, incorporates molecular oxygen at the 2,3 position of the pyrazon phenyl moiety as first step of degradation, generating a cis-dihydrodiendiol. The aim of this work was to identify the genes encoding for each one of the PPO components and enable their functional assembly in Escherichia coli. P. immobile strain E genome sequencing revealed genes encoding for RO components, such as ferredoxin-, reductase-, α- and β-subunits of an oxygenase. Though, P. immobile E displays three prominent differences with respect to the ROs currently characterized: (1) an operon-like organization for PPO is absent, (2) all the elements are randomly scattered in its DNA, (3) not only one, but 19 different α-subunits are encoded in its genome. Herein, we report the identification of the PPO components involved in pyrazon cis-dihydroxylation in P. immobile, its appropriate assembly, and its functional reconstitution in E. coli. Our results contributes with the essential missing pieces to complete the overall elucidation of the PPO from P. immobile.

Key points

• Phenylobacterium immobile E DSM 1986 harbors the only described pyrazon oxygenase (PPO).

• We elucidated the genes encoding for all PPO components.

• Heterologous expression of PPO enabled pyrazon dihydroxylation in E. coli JW5510.
Tracking changes in adaptation to suspension growth for MDCK cells: cell growth correlates with levels of metabolites, enzymes and proteins
Authors: Pech Sabine , Rehberg Markus , Janke Robert , Benndorf Dirk , Genzel Yvonne , Muth Thilo , Sickmann Albert , Rapp Erdmann , Reichl Udo
Published: February 2021

Adaptations of animal cells to growth in suspension culture concern in particular viral vaccine production, where very specific aspects of virus-host cell interaction need to be taken into account to achieve high cell specific yields and overall process productivity. So far, the complexity of alterations on the metabolism, enzyme, and proteome level required for adaptation is only poorly understood. In this study, for the first time, we combined several complex analytical approaches with the aim to track cellular changes on different levels and to unravel interconnections and correlations. Therefore, a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) suspension cell line, adapted earlier to growth in suspension, was cultivated in a 1-L bioreactor. Cell concentrations and cell volumes, extracellular metabolite concentrations, and intracellular enzyme activities were determined. The experimental data set was used as the input for a segregated growth model that was already applied to describe the growth dynamics of the parental adherent cell line. In addition, the cellular proteome was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry using a label-free protein quantification method to unravel altered cellular processes for the suspension and the adherent cell line. Four regulatory mechanisms were identified as a response of the adaptation of adherent MDCK cells to growth in suspension. These regulatory mechanisms were linked to the proteins caveolin, cadherin-1, and pirin. Combining cell, metabolite, enzyme, and protein measurements with mathematical modeling generated a more holistic view on cellular processes involved in the adaptation of an adherent cell line to suspension growth.

Key points

• Less and more efficient glucose utilization for suspension cell growth

• Concerted alteration of metabolic enzyme activity and protein expression

• Protein candidates to interfere glycolytic activity in MDCK cells
[18F]FMISO PET/CT imaging of hypoxia as a non-invasive biomarker of disease progression and therapy efficacy in a preclinical model of pulmonary fibrosis: comparison with the [18F]FDG PET/CT approach
Authors: Tanguy Julie , Goirand Françoise , Bouchard Alexanne , Frenay Jame , Moreau Mathieu , Mothes Céline , Oudot Alexandra , Helbling Alex , Guillemin Mélanie , Bonniaud Philippe , Cochet Alexandre , Collin Bertrand , Bellaye Pierre-Simon
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease with poor outcome and limited therapeutic options. Imaging of IPF is limited to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) which is often not sufficient for a definite diagnosis and has a limited impact on therapeutic decision and patient management. Hypoxia of the lung is a significant feature of IPF but its role on disease progression remains elusive. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate hypoxia imaging with [18F]FMISO as a predictive biomarker of disease progression and therapy efficacy in preclinical models of lung fibrosis in comparison with [18F]FDG.

Methods

Eight-week-old C57/BL6 mice received an intratracheal administration of bleomycin (BLM) at day (D) 0 to initiate lung fibrosis. Mice received pirfenidone (300 mg/kg) or nintedanib (60 mg/kg) by daily gavage from D9 to D23. Mice underwent successive PET/CT imaging at several stages of the disease (baseline, D8/D9, D15/D16, D22/D23) with [18F]FDG and [18F]FMISO. Histological determination of the lung expression of HIF-1α and GLUT-1 was performed at D23.

Results

We demonstrate that mean lung density on CT as well as [18F]FDG and [18F]FMISO uptakes are upregulated in established lung fibrosis (1.4-, 2.6- and 3.2-fold increase respectively). At early stages, lung areas with [18F]FMISO uptake are still appearing normal on CT scans and correspond to areas which will deteriorate towards fibrotic lesions at later timepoints. Nintedanib and pirfenidone dramatically and rapidly decreased mean lung density on CT as well as [18F]FDG and [18F]FMISO lung uptakes (pirfenidone: 1.2-, 2.9- and 2.6-fold decrease; nintedanib: 1.2-, 2.3- and 2.5-fold decrease respectively). Early [18F]FMISO lung uptake was correlated with aggressive disease progression and better nintedanib efficacy.

Conclusion

[18F]FMISO PET imaging is a promising tool to early detect and monitor lung fibrosis progression and therapy efficacy.
Serial dictatorship mechanisms with reservation prices: heterogeneous objects
Authors: Klaus Bettina , Nichifor Alexandru
Published: February 2021

We adapt a set of mechanisms introduced by Klaus and Nichifor (Econ Theory 70:665–684, 2020), serial dictatorship mechanisms with (individual) reservation prices, to the allocation of heterogeneous indivisible objects, e.g., specialist clinic appointments. We show how the characterization of serial dictatorship mechanisms with reservation prices for homogeneous indivisible objects (Klaus and Nichifor 2020, Theorem 1) can be adapted to the allocation of heterogeneous indivisible objects by adding neutrality: mechanism $$\varphi $$
φ
satisfies minimal tradability, individual rationality, strategy-proofness, consistency, independence of unallocated objects, neutrality, and non wasteful tie-breaking if and only if there exists a reservation price vector r and a priority ordering $$\succ $$
≻
such that $$\varphi $$
φ
is a serial dictatorship mechanism with reservation prices based on r and $$\succ $$
≻
.
Intraoperative free margins assessment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with confocal laser endomicroscopy: a pilot study
Authors: Sievert Matti , Stelzle Florian , Aubreville Marc , Mueller Sarina K. , Eckstein Markus , Oetter Nicolai , Maier Andreas , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Iro Heinrich , Goncalves Miguel
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of intraoperative assessment of safe margins with confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) during oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) surgery.

Methods

We included five consecutive patients confirmed OPSCC and planned tumor resection in September and October 2020. Healthy appearing mucosa in the marginal zone, and the tumor margin, were examined with CLE and biopsy during tumor resection. A total of 12,809 CLE frames were correlated with the gold standard of hematoxylin and eosin staining. Three head and neck surgeons and one pathologist were asked to identify carcinoma in a sample of 169 representative images, blinded to the histological results.

Results

Healthy mucosa showed epithelium with uniform size and shape with distinct cytoplasmic membranes and regular vessel architecture. CLE optical biopsy of OPSCC demonstrated a disorganized arrangement of variable cellular morphology. We calculated an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 86%, 90%, 79%, 88%, and 82%, respectively, with inter-rater reliability and κ-value of 0.60.

Conclusion

CLE can be easily integrated into the intraoperative setting, generate real-time, in-vivo microscopic images of the oropharynx for evaluation and demarcation of cancer. It can eventually contribute to a less radical approach by enabling a more precise evaluation of the cancer margin.