Self-calibration strategies for reducing systematic slope measurement errors of autocollimators in deflectometric profilometry

Deflectometric profilometers are used to precisely measure the form of beam shaping optics of synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers. They often utilize autocollimators which measure slope by evaluating the displacement of a reticle image on a detector. Based on our privileged access to the raw image data of an autocollimator, novel strategies to reduce the systematic measurement errors by using a set of overlapping images of the reticle obtained at different positions on the detector are discussed. It is demonstrated that imaging properties such as, for example, geometrical distortions and vignetting, can be extracted from this redundant set of images without recourse to external calibration facilities. This approach is based on the fact that the properties of the reticle itself do not change - all changes in the reticle image are due to the imaging process. Firstly, by combining interpolation and correlation, it is possible to determine the shift of a reticle image relative to a reference image with minimal error propagation. Secondly, the intensity of the reticle image is analysed as a function of its position on the CCD and a vignetting correction is calculated. Thirdly, the size of the reticle image is analysed as a function of its position and an imaging distortion correction is derived. It is demonstrated that, for different measurement ranges and aperture diameters of the autocollimator, reductions in the systematic errors of up to a factor of four to five can be achieved without recourse to external measurements.

Arthroscopic and open reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee have equally good clinical results: first results of a prospective 12-month follow-up study

PURPOSE

Arthroscopic reconstruction techniques for higher-grade posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries (Fanelli Type B, PoLIS LI-B) have not yet been validated in clinical studies. The open reconstruction technique described by Arciero is well-established and showed good restoration of joint stability in previous studies. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of this established open surgery technique to a newly developed arthroscopic technique in a prospective randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Between 2019 and 2021, this study focused on chronic high-grade PLC injuries (Fanelli Type B, PoLIS LI-B). Group A consisted of patients treated with conventional open surgery following Arciero's technique, while Group B included patients treated with Arciero's arthroscopic technique. All cases underwent additional PCL reconstruction. After a minimum 12-month follow-up, clinical scores and objective stability assessments were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

In total, 26 (group A 12, group B 14) eligible patients with a mean follow-up of 14.9 ± 7.2 months were evaluated in the present study. Knee stability and patient-reported outcome scores (PROMS) were significantly improved when comparing pre- and post-operative values (p < 0.0001). No clinically relevant differences in PROMS (Lysholm: A 83.9 ± 11.4 vs. B 85.3 ± 13.8; IKDC: A 76.91 ± 12.6 vs. B 76.8 ± 15.7) were shown in both groups. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were detected between groups with respect to external rotation, range of motion and instrumental stability testing. Arthroscopic reconstruction showed significantly shorter operation time (p = 0.0109). There were no clinical failures or neurovascular complications of the surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION

Both surgical techniques for isolated chronic PLC Fanelli Type B injuries significantly improved the knee stability, were equivalent with respect to PROMs and led to good clinical results. However, arthroscopic PLC reconstruction was associated with a shorter surgery time compared to open PLC reconstruction. Therefore, arthroscopic PLC reconstruction may be a viable option in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prospective cohort study, II.

Pop-up Langmuir probe diagnostic in the water cooled divertor of Wendelstein 7-X

The design, development, and successful implementation of pop-up Langmuir probes installed in the water-cooled divertor of W7-X are described. The probes are controlled by drive coils (actuators) installed behind the divertor plates. These drive coils make use of the magnetic field in W7-X to move the probe tips into and out of the plasma. The drive coils were installed in the vacuum vessel after extensively testing the durability of the coils and analyzing the criteria for safe operation. The probe design is carefully tailored for each of the 36 probe tips in order to be suitable for the different magnetic field configurations used in W7-X and ensure that the probes do not present leading edges to the magnetic flux tubes. An electronic bridge circuit is used for measurement to compensate for the effects of signal propagation time on the long cable lengths used. The diagnostic is integrated with the segment control of W7-X for automated operation and control of the diagnostic. The evaluation of the results from the plasma operation is presented after accounting for appropriate sheath expansion for negative bias voltage on the probes.

[Posterolateral instability of the knee joint]

The posterolateral corner of the knee is composed of a multilayered complex of ligamentous, musculotendinous, and capsular structures, which interact in a synergistic stabilizing manner with the central structures, particularly the posterior cruciate ligament. Injuries of the posterolateral corner are generally accompanied by rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament. Depending on the injured structures, injuries of the posterolateral corner result in posterolateral rotational instability alone (Fanelli A) or with lateral instability (Fanelli B/C). For rotational instability alone, isolated popliteus bypass is an effective procedure; with concomitant lateral instability in flexion, additional stabilization of the lateral collateral ligament is required. Most of the various available techniques are described as open reconstruction procedures. In recent years, arthroscopic techniques for posterolateral reconstruction have also been successfully developed.

Mono-UFMylation promotes misfolding-associated secretion of α-synuclein

Stressed cells secret misfolded proteins lacking signaling sequence via an unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) pathway, but how misfolded proteins are targeted selectively in UcPS is unclear. Here, we report that misfolded UcPS clients are subject to modification by a ubiquitin-like protein named ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1). Using α-synuclein (α-Syn) as a UcPS model, we show that mutating the UFMylation sites in α-Syn or genetic inhibition of the UFMylation system mitigates α-Syn secretion, whereas overexpression of UFBP1, a component of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated UFMylation ligase complex, augments α-Syn secretion in mammalian cells and in model organisms. UFM1 itself is cosecreted with α-Syn, and the serum UFM1 level correlates with that of α-Syn. Because UFM1 can be directly recognized by ubiquitin specific peptidase 19 (USP19), a previously established UcPS stimulator known to associate with several chaperoning activities, UFMylation might facilitate substrate engagement by USP19, allowing stringent and regulated selection of misfolded proteins for secretion and proteotoxic stress alleviation.

Influence of leg axis alignment on MRI T2* mapping of the knee in young professional soccer players

BACKGROUND

Investigation of the association between leg axis alignment and biochemical MRI in young professional soccer players in order to identify a potential influence of the leg axis on cartilage regions at risk.

METHODS

Sixteen professional soccer players (21 ± 3 years) underwent static and dynamic leg axis analysis via radiation free DIERS formetric 4 D as well as 3-T MRI examination of both knees. Quantitative T2* mapping of the knee cartilage was performed and T2* values were evaluated as 144 regions of interest. Subgroup analysis was performed in players with severe varus alignment (> 6°).

RESULTS

Analysis of the leg axis geometry revealed a mean static alignment of 6.6° ± 2.5 varus and a mean dynamic alignment of 5.1° ± 2.6 varus. Quantitative T2* mapping showed significantly increased T2* values in the superficial cartilage layer compared to the deeper region (p < 0.001) as well as a significant increase in relaxation times in the femoral cartilage from anterior to intermediate to posterior (p < 0.001). Combination of both methods revealed a significant correlation for the degree of varus alignment and the femoral, posterior, deep region of the medial knee compartment (r = 0.4; p = 0.03). If severe varus alignment was present this region showed a significant increase in relaxation time compared to players with a less pronounced leg axis deviation (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that varus alignment in young soccer players is associated with elevated T2* relaxation times in the deep cartilage layer of the medial, posterior, femoral compartment and might therefore be a contributing factor in the early pathogenesis of manifest cartilage lesions. Therefore, these findings should be considered in the development of preventive training programs.

Current standard of care for distal femur fractures in Germany and Switzerland

BACKGROUND

Distal femur fractures occur with an incidence of 4.5/100,000 and show a prevalence of 0.4%. Causes include low-impact trauma in older patients and high-impact trauma in younger patients without pre-existing medical conditions. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of trauma mechanisms, trauma-promoting factors, comorbidities, medication history and type of surgical care to provide an overview of the causes of injury and the most appropriate therapeutic approach.

METHODS

In this multicenter cohort study a retrospective analysis of 229 patients who sustained a distal femur fracture between January 2011 and December 2020 was performed. Individual fracture patterns, fracture predisposing factors, concomitant disease profiles, medication history, treatment strategy and associated complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

229 patients were included in the retrospective analysis. A total of 113-type 33 A, 50-type 33 B and 66-type 33 C fractures were diagnosed, of whom 92% received a lateral locking plate osteosynthesis. There was a complication in 14.4% of all cases, of which 6.1% were attributable to infection. Significant risk factors for developing a complication were an increased BMI (29.9 ± 8.5 kg/m2; p = 0.04), fracture displacement of over half a shaft width (p < 0.001) and AOC fractures (p < 0,016), specifically C2 fractures (p < 0,008).

CONCLUSION

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, lateral locking plate osteosynthesis was the method of choice and was selected in over 90% of cases, regardless of the fracture classification and risk factors. A complication rate of 14.4% emphasizes the necessary analysis of patient- and care-specific risk factors and a resulting adjustment of the therapy strategy. An increased BMI (29.9 ± 8.5 kg/m2; p = 0.04), fracture displacement of over half a shaft width (p < 0.001) and AOC fractures (p < 0,016), specifically C2 fractures (p < 0,008) increase the risk of developing a complication and should prompt an early switch to a treatment strategy that provides more stability.

ACL reconstruction provides superior stability than ACL repair in patients with Schenck III and IV knee joint dislocations: first results of a 12 month follow-up study

PURPOSE

Acute knee dislocation is a rare but devastating multi-ligamentous knee injury with only limited evidence-based surgical technique recommendations. The aim of this study was a comparison of two different anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) restoration techniques as part of an early total surgical care concept: (1) repair of ACL with additional internal bracing (ACLIB) compared to; (2) ACL reconstruction with autograft (ACLR).

METHODS

Retrospective, clinical-study of patients with an acute type III or IV knee dislocation (according to Schenck classification), in which the ACL was treated with ACLIB or ACLR within 12 days. The PCL was sutured and internally braced in all cases. Medial and lateral complex injuries were repaired and additionally laterally augmented by an Arciero reconstruction. After a minimum 12 months follow-up different patient-reported outcome measurements (IKDC, Lysholm, VAS, Tegner Score) and instrumental stability assessment by Rolimeter -test and stress radiographs (Telos™) were analyzed. Groups were compared by t test with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

In total, 20 patients (5 IIIM, 5 IIIL and 10 IV) were included in this study with an average follow-up of 13.7 ± 2.6 months. There were significant differences in instrumental stability testing (side-to-side difference (SSD) of anterior tibial translation: ACLIB 2.7 ± 1.5 mm vs. ACLR 1.3 ± 1.3; p = 0.0339) and stress radiography (SSD ACL: ACLIB 3.4 ± 2.2 mm vs. ACLR 0.4 ± 2.7; p = 0.0249) between groups. ACLIB group showed greater ROM in terms of flexion (SSD Flexion: ACLIB 7.8 ± 9.9° vs. ACLR 16 ± 7.0°; p = 0.0466; Total Flexion overall 125.5 ± 11.8°). No clinically relevant differences in patient-reported outcome scores (Lysholm Score: ACLIB 82 ± 16.4 vs. ACLR 85 ± 10.4; IKDC subjective score: ACLIB 70.4 ± 17 vs. ACLR 76.6 ± 8.3) were determined.

CONCLUSION

ACLR provides superior translational stability than ACLIB in terms of instrumental testing and stress radiography. Both techniques were equivalent with respect to PROMS and led to good and excellent clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort study, III.

Efficient preparation of microtip arrays for atom probe tomography using fs-laser processing

Microtip arrays, also called microtip coupons, are routinely used in atom probe tomography (APT) as specimen carriers. They are commercially available consumables, usually made of Si with high electrical conductivity, produced via dedicated shaping techniques. Their purpose is to act as a specimen mount after focused ion beam (FIB) based lift-out procedures. Within this work, an alternative approach to prefabricated microtip coupons is presented, by directly creating a microtip array on the sample to be investigated utilizing fs-laser processing. An exemplary array of microtip posts was fs-laser processed from a TiN coating on Si substrate and subjected to final preparation via annular FIB milling. Subsequently, APT specimen of the TiN coating as well as of the Si substrate were successfully measured in laser assisted mode, using a commercial local electrode APT system. To further emphasize the versatility of the proposed approach, additional voltage measurements of highly conductive B doped Si arrays as well as exemplarily fs-laser processed microtip arrays of various other materials are provided as supplementary material to this article. The presented methodology bypasses the lift-out and avoids the necessity of a Pt weld between specimens and coupon posts which is frequently considered to represent a weak spot. It reduces consumables consumption and provides a high number of specimens in short time, while it is applicable for a wide range of materials and has thus the potential to revolutionize APT specimen preparation.

The "hump" a new arthroscopic phenomenon guiding for reliable therapy of osteochondritis dissecans of variable stability status

INTRODUCTION

Despite 150 years of research, there are currently no reliable morphological characteristics that can be used to differentiate between stable and unstable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions in the knee joint. Arthroscopic probing is still the gold standard. In arthroscopic evaluation, a previously undescribed pattern of a cartilaginous convex elevation ("hump") was identified as a new feature and potential sign of JOCD in transition to instability. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after surgical intervention (drilling) on the "hump".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective case series of sixteen patients with an arthroscopically detectable "hump", the analysis of clinical function scores (Lysholm, Tegner) and morphological MRI monitoring of radiological healing were performed. The assessment of lesion healing was based on pre- and postoperative MRI examinations. The "hump" was defined as an arthroscopically impressive protrusion of the femoral articular surface with a minimally softened, discolored, but intact cartilage margin that, is not mobile upon in the arthroscopic palpation hook test. The primary therapy of choice was drilling of all "humps".

RESULTS

The "hump" could be detected arthroscopically in 16 of 59 JOCD lesions. Specific MRI correlations with the "hump" or arthroscopic unstable lesions could not be detected. Not all "humps" showed signs of MRI-based healing after the drilling, and in some a dissection of the osteochondral flap occurred within the first postoperative year. As a result, secondary refixation became necessary.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the "hump" was identified as an important differential diagnostic arthroscopic feature of an arthroscopically primarily stable JOCD lesion, potentially placing the lesion at risk of secondary loosening over time. Therefore, drilling alone may not be appropriate in the event of arthroscopic "hump" discovery, but additional fixation may be required to achieve the healing of the lesion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Laser-based sample preparation for high-resolution X-ray-computed tomography of glasses and glass ceramics

X-ray-computed tomography with sub-micron resolution (nano-CT) is one of the most useful techniques to examine the 3D microstructure of materials down to voxel sizes 10 nm. However, since size and shape of samples have considerable influence on acquisition time and data quality, adapted and universally applicable workflows are needed. Three novel workflows for sample preparation using ultra-short pulsed lasers are presented which allow for reproducible fabrication, safe extraction and mounting of samples. Their application potential is illustrated via nano-CT measurements of glass ceramics as well as a laser-modified glass. Since the according sample geometries take also the requirements of other analytical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy into account, samples prepared according to the new workflows can be furthermore seen as a starting point for correlative microstructural analyses involving multiple techniques.

Nanoscopy and an extended lateral approach can improve the management of latero-central segments in tibial plateau fractures: a cadaveric study

Introduction

The objective of this investigation was to compare different techniques to improve visualization and reduction in tibial plateau fractures involving the central lateral segments.

Methods

Matched pairs of pre-fractured cadaveric tibial plateau fractures that include the central lateral segments were treated by either an anterolateral approach (supine) or PL approach (prone). Reduction was stepwise extended by additional fracturoscopy (FS), nanoscopy (NS) and lastly by epicondyle osteotomy (ECO). Reduction was analyzed by 3D scan and visualization of the lateral plateau was quantified.

Results

Ten specimens (3 pairs 41B3.1, 2 pairs 41C3.3) were analyzed. Fracture steps involving the antero-latero-central (ALC) segment were insufficiently reduced after fluoroscopy using both approaches (AL 2.2 ± 1.2 mm vs PL 2.2 ± 1.0 mm, p 0.95). Additional NS and ECO achieved optimized fracture reduction in the ALC segment (NS AL 1.6 ± 1.3 mm vs PL 0.8 ± 0.9 mm, p 0.32). NS provided visualization of the entire lateral plateau (PL 102.9% ± 7.4, AL 108.8 ± 19.2%), while fracturoscopy only allowed visualization of the ALL segment and partially of PLL and ALC segments (PL 22.0 ± 23.4%, AL 29.7 ± 18.3%).

Conclusion

Optimized reduction of tibial head fractures with involvement of latero-central segments requires additional video-assisted reduction or extended approaches. Nanoscopy helps visualizing of the entire lateral plateau, when compared to fracturoscopy and may become a valuable reduction aid.

Reference Intervals in Coagulation Analysis

Blood coagulation analysis is characterized by the application of a variety of materials, reagents, and analyzers for the determination of the same parameter, or analyte, by different laboratories worldwide. Accordingly, the application of common reference intervals, that, by definition, would represent a "range of values (of a certain analyte) that is deemed normal for a physiological measurement in healthy persons," is difficult to implement without harmonization of procedures. In fact, assay-specific reference intervals are usually established to allow for the discrimination of normal and abnormal values during evaluation of patient results. While such assay-specific reference intervals are often determined by assay manufacturers and subsequently adopted by customer laboratories, verification of transferred values is still mandatory to confirm applicability on site. The same is true for reference intervals that have been adopted from other laboratories, published information, or determined by indirect data mining approaches. In case transferable reference intervals are not available for a specific assay, a direct recruiting approach may or needs to be applied. In comparison to transferred reference interval verification, however, the direct recruiting approach requires a significantly higher number of well-defined samples to be collected and analyzed. In the present review, we aim to give an overview on the above-mentioned aspects and procedures, also with respect to relevant standards, regulations, guidelines, but also challenges for both, assay manufacturers and coagulation laboratories.

Imaging of the medial collateral ligament of the knee: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The primary aim of this investigation was to systematically review relevant literature of various imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stress radiography and ultrasonography) in the assessment of patients with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review of articles indexed in PubMed and Cochrane library was performed. Original research reporting data associated with medial gapping, surgical, and clinical findings associated with MCL injuries were considered for inclusion. The methodological quality of each inclusion was also assessed using a verified tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-three imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) n = 14; ultrasonography n = 6; radiography n = 3) were ultimately included into the review. A total of 808 injured, and 294 control, knees were assessed. Interobserver reliabilities were reported in radiographic and ultrasonographic investigations with almost perfect agreement. MRI studies demonstrated agreement ranging between substantial to almost perfect. Intraobserver reliability was only reported in radiographic studies pertinent to medial gapping and was found to be almost perfect. Correlation of MRI with clinical findings was moderate to strong (65-92%). Additionally, MRI imaging was more sensitive in the detection of MCL lesions when compared to clinical examination. However, when compared to surgical findings, MRI underestimated the grade of instability in up to 21% of cases. Furthermore, MRI showed relatively inferior performance in the identification of the exact MCL-lesion location when compared to surgical findings. Interestingly, preoperative clinical examination was slightly inferior to stress radiography in the detection of MCL lesions. However, clinical testing under general anaesthesia performed similar to stress radiography. The methodological quality analysis showed a low risk of bias regarding patient selection and index testing in each imaging modality.

CONCLUSION

MRI can reliably diagnose an MCL lesion but demonstrates limitations in its ability to predict the specific lesion location or grade of MCL instability. Ultrasonography is a widely available, radiation free modality, but is rarely used in clinical practice for detecting MCL lesions and clinical or surgical correlates are scarce. Stress radiography findings correlate with surgical findings but clinical correlations are missing in the literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Tibial slope in the posterolateral quadrant with and without ACL injury

INTRODUCTION

An increased tibial slope is a risk factor for rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. In addition, a tibial bone bruise or posterior lateral impression associated with slope changes also poses chronic ligamentous instability of the knee joint associated with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. In the majority of cases, the slope is measured in one plane X-ray in the lateral view. However, this does not sufficient represent the complex anatomy of the tibial plateau and especially for the posterolateral quadrant. Normal values from a "healthy" population are necessary to understand if stability of the knee joint is negatively affected by an increasing slope in the posterolateral area. Until now there are no data about the physiological slope in the posterolateral quadrant of the tibial plateau.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 116 MRI scans of patients without ligamentous lesions and 116 MRI scans with an ACL rupture, tibial slope was retrospectively determined using the method described by Hudek et al. Measurements were made in the postero-latero-lateral (PLL) and postero-latero-central (PLC) segments using the 10-segment classification. In both segments, the osseous as well as the cartilaginous slope was measured. Measurements were performed by two independent surgeons.

RESULTS

In the group without ligamentous injury the mean bony PLL slope was 5.8° ± 4.8° and the cartilaginous PLL slope was 6.7° ± 4.8°. In the PLC segment the mean bony slope was 6.6° ± 5.0° and the cartilaginous slope was 9.4° ± 5.7°. In the cohort with ACL rupture, the bony and cartilaginous slope in both PLL and PCL were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the group without ACL injury (bony PLL 9.8° ± 4.8°, cartilage PLL 10.4° ± 4.7°, bony PLC 10.3° ± 4.8°, cartilage PLL 12.8° ± 4.3°). Measurements were performed independently by two experienced surgeons. There were good inter- (CI 87-98.7%) and good intraobserver (CI 85.8-99.6%) reliability.

CONCLUSION

The bony and the cartilaginous slope in the posterolateral quadrant of the tibial plateau are different but not independent. Patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury have a significantly steeper slope in the posterolateral quadrant compared to a healthy group. Our data indicate that this anatomic feature might be a risk factor for a primary ACL injury which has not been described yet.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

O-GlcNAc transferase plays a non-catalytic role in C. elegans male fertility

Animal behavior is influenced by the competing drives to maintain energy and to reproduce. The balance between these evolutionary pressures and how nutrient signaling pathways intersect with mating remains unclear. The nutrient sensor O-GlcNAc transferase, which post-translationally modifies intracellular proteins with a single monosaccharide, is responsive to cellular nutrient status and regulates diverse biological processes. Though essential in most metazoans, O-GlcNAc transferase (ogt-1) is dispensable in Caenorhabditis elegans, allowing genetic analysis of its physiological roles. Compared to control, ogt-1 males had a four-fold reduction in mean offspring, with nearly two thirds producing zero progeny. Interestingly, we found that ogt-1 males transferred sperm less often, and virgin males had reduced sperm count. ogt-1 males were also less likely to engage in mate-searching and mate-response behaviors. Surprisingly, we found normal fertility for males with hypodermal expression of ogt-1 and for ogt-1 strains with catalytic-dead mutations. This suggests OGT-1 serves a non-catalytic function in the hypodermis impacting male fertility and mating behavior. This study builds upon research on the nutrient sensor O-GlcNAc transferase and demonstrates a role it plays in the interplay between the evolutionary drives for reproduction and survival.

[Rhabdomyolysis due to drug-drug interaction of atorvastatin and cobicistat]

A 53-year-old man presented with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. The symptoms were presumably caused by a drug-drug interaction between an antiretroviral drug combination and atorvastatin. As a booster, cobicistat can also increase the toxicity of statins via inhibition of the enzyme cytochrome p450 3A4 (CYP3A4). After stopping atorvastatin and after intravenous fluid therapy, the symptoms regressed completely.

On-Chip Preconcentration Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis Based CE-PRM-LIVE for High-Throughput Selectivity Profiling of Deubiquitinase Inhibitors

The family of deubiquitinases (DUBs) comprises ∼100 enzymes that cleave ubiquitin from substrate proteins and thereby regulate key aspects of human physiology. DUBs have recently emerged as disease-relevant and chemically tractable, although currently there are no approved DUB-targeting drugs and most preclinical small molecules are low-potency and/or multitargeted. We paired a novel capillary electrophoresis microchip containing an integrated, "on-chip" C18 bed (SPE-ZipChip) with a TMT version of our recently described PRM-LIVE acquisition scheme on a timsTOF Pro mass spectrometer to facilitate rapid activity-based protein profiling of DUB inhibitors. We demonstrate the ability of the SPE-ZipChip to improve proteome coverage of complex samples as well as the quantitation integrity of CE-PRM-LIVE for TMT labeled samples. These technologies provide a platform to accurately quantify competitive binding of covalent and reversible inhibitors in a multiplexed assay that spans 49 endogenous DUBs in less than 15 min.

Time- and dose-dependent volume decreases in subcortical grey matter structures of glioma patients after radio(chemo)therapy

•

Radiotherapy causes atrophy of the hippocampus, amygdala, putamen, thalamus and pallidum.

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Atrophy is dose dependant and progressive over time.

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The hippocampus shows the highest atrophy rates at a given mean dose and time.

•

The caudate shows no significant atrophy.

Background and purpose

Radiotherapy (RT) is an adjuvant treatment option for glioma patients. Side effects include tissue atrophy, which might be a contributing factor to neurocognitive decline after treatment. The goal of this study was to determine potential atrophy of the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, putamen, pallidum and caudate nucleus in glioma patients having undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after RT.

Materials and methods

Subcortical volumes were measured using T1-weighted MRI from patients before RT (N = 91) and from longitudinal follow-ups acquired in three-monthly intervals (N = 349). The volumes were normalized to the baseline values, while excluding structures touching the clinical target volume (CTV) or abnormal tissue seen on FLAIR imaging. A multivariate linear effects model was used to determine if time after RT and mean RT dose delivered to the corresponding structures were significant predictors of tissue atrophy.

Results

The hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, putamen, and pallidum showed significant atrophy after RT as function of both time after RT and mean RT dose delivered to the corresponding structure. Only the caudate showed no dose or time dependant atrophy. Conversely, the hippocampus was the structure with the highest atrophy rate of 5.2 % after one year and assuming a mean dose of 30 Gy.

Conclusion

The hippocampus showed the highest atrophy rates followed by the thalamus and the amygdala. The subcortical structures here found to decrease in volume indicative of radiosensitivity should be the focus of future studies investigating the relationship between neurocognitive decline and RT.

Material-specific high-resolution table-top extreme ultraviolet microscopy

Microscopy with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation holds promise for high-resolution imaging with excellent material contrast, due to the short wavelength and numerous element-specific absorption edges available in this spectral range. At the same time, EUV radiation has significantly larger penetration depths than electrons. It thus enables a nano-scale view into complex three-dimensional structures that are important for material science, semiconductor metrology, and next-generation nano-devices. Here, we present high-resolution and material-specific microscopy at 13.5 nm wavelength. We combine a highly stable, high photon-flux, table-top EUV source with an interferometrically stabilized ptychography setup. By utilizing structured EUV illumination, we overcome the limitations of conventional EUV focusing optics and demonstrate high-resolution microscopy at a half-pitch lateral resolution of 16 nm. Moreover, we propose mixed-state orthogonal probe relaxation ptychography, enabling robust phase-contrast imaging over wide fields of view and long acquisition times. In this way, the complex transmission of an integrated circuit is precisely reconstructed, allowing for the classification of the material composition of mesoscopic semiconductor systems.