Ensemble-based adaptive soft sensor for fault-tolerant biomass monitoring

The accuracy and precision of soft sensors depend strongly on the reliability of underlying model inputs. These inputs (particularly readings of hardware sensors) are frequently subject to faults. This study aims to develop an adaptive soft sensor capable of reliable and robust biomass concentration predictions in the presence of faulty model inputs for a Pichia pastoris bioprocess. Hence, three soft sensor submodels were developed based on three independent model inputs (base addition, CO2 production, and mid-infrared spectrum). An ensemble-based algorithm combined the submodels to form an ensemble model, that is, an adaptive soft sensor, to achieve fault-tolerant prediction. The algorithm's basic steps are as follows: the initial determination of submodel reliability is followed by selecting appropriate submodels to generate a reliable prediction via variance-based weighting of the submodels. The adaptive soft sensor demonstrated high robustness and accuracy in biomass prediction in the presence of multiple simulated sensor faults (RMSE = 0.43 g L-1) and multiple real sensor faults (RMSE = 0.70 g L-1).

Detection of Circulating and Disseminated Tumor Cells and Their Prognostic Value under the Influence of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Esophageal Cancer Patients

Simple Summary

Esophageal cancer (EC) has a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. This study investigated the expression of CK20 and DEFA5, markers being associated with circulating (CTC) and disseminated tumor cells (DTC), in blood and bone marrow (BM) of EC patients, and correlated positivity rates with clinical data to assess the prognostic impact. Both markers were detected in blood and BM of EC patients and the control cohort so that a cut-off value was determined to define marker positivity for correlation with clinical parameters. CK20 and DEFA5 positivity in liquid biopsies of EC patients did not correlate with overall survival (OS). However, CK20 positivity in BM and DEFA5 negativity in blood were associated with reduced OS in patients without neoadjuvant therapy. In patients with neoadjuvant therapy, DEFA5 positivity in BM was associated with improved OS, pointing to the potential of DEFA5 as a prognostic biomarker in liquid biopsies of EC patients.

Abstract

Detection of circulating (CTC) or disseminated tumor cells (DTC) are correlated with negative prognosis in esophageal cancer (EC) patients. In this study, DTC- and CTC-associated markers CK20 and DEFA5 were determined by RT-PCR in EC patients and correlated with clinical parameters to determine their prognostic impact. The blood and bone marrow (BM) of 216 EC patients after tumor resection with or without neoadjuvant therapy and as control blood samples from 38 healthy donors and BM from 24 patients with non-malignant diseases were analyzed. Both markers were detected in blood and BM of EC patients and the control cohort. A cut-off value was determined to define marker positivity for correlation with clinical data. CK20 expression was detected in 47/206 blood samples and in 49/147 BM samples of EC patients. DEFA5 positivity was determined in 96/206 blood samples and 98/147 BM samples, not correlating with overall survival (OS). However, CK20 positivity in BM and DEFA5 negativity in blood were associated with reduced OS in EC patients without neoadjuvant therapy, while in patients with neoadjuvant therapy DEFA5 positivity in BM was associated with improved OS. Overall, our study suggests DEFA5 as a prognostic biomarker in liquid biopsies of EC patients which requires further validation.

Parenchyma Sparing ALPPS Ultrasound Guided Partition Through Segment 4 to Maximize Resectability (with video)

Background

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation (ALPPS) has evolved as a treatment strategy for patients with liver tumors who are not amenable for upfront hepatectomy because of an insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). Aim of this study was to test the applicability of ultrasound guided parenchyma sparing surgery to ALPPS concept, by non-anatomically shifting the plane of transection in favor of FLR, resulting in a new technical variant of ALPPS, entitled parenchyma sparing ALPPS (psALPPS).

Materials and Methods

Patients who could not safely undergo right trisectionectomy ALPPS because of insufficient FLR were considered eligible for psALPPS, consisting in liver partition through segment 4 using ultrasound guidance.

Results

Between April 2017 and April 2021, five patients with median age of 68 years (range: 66-78), four male and one female, underwent psALPPS for colorectal liver metastases (N=2), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (N=2), and hepatocellular carcinoma (N=1). Standardized FLR (sFLR) for segments 2-3 before stage 1 surgery would have been a median of 11.6%. PsALPPS could double the sFLR at stage 1 resulting in an increase of ps-sFLR from a median of 22.7% (at stage 1) to 34.0% (at stage 2) after a median interstage interval of 15 days. All patients tolerated surgery well and no major complications were recorded.

Conclusions

Applying the principles of parenchyma sparing surgery to ALPPS offers the advantage to maximize FLR and simultaneously reduce ischemic injury of segment 4 compared to conventional ALPPS. In this way, psALPPS may markedly increase resectability while reducing morbidity.

Video

https://www.revistachirurgia.ro/pdfs/?EntryID=922974&art=2021-parenchyma-sparing-ALPPS-ultrasound-guided-partition.pdf

Patients Benefit from Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma beyond Milan Criteria without Harming the Health Care System

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive treatment to cure hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. Waiting-list candidates are selected by the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). However, many indications are not sufficiently represented by labMELD. For HCC, patients are selected by Milan-criteria: Milan-in qualifies for standard exception (SE) and better organ access on the waiting list; while Milan-out patients are restricted to labMELD and might benefit from extended criteria donor (ECD)-grafts. We analyzed a cohort of 102 patients (2011−2020). Patients with labMELD (no SE, Milan-out, n = 56) and matchMELD (SE-HCC, Milan-in, n = 46) were compared. The median overall survival was not significantly different (p = 0.759). No difference was found in time on the waiting list (p = 0.881), donor risk index (p = 0.697) or median costs (p = 0.204, EUR 43,500 (EUR 17,800−185,000) for labMELD and EUR 30,300 (EUR 17,200−395,900) for matchMELD). Costs were triggered by a cut-off labMELD of 12 points. Overall, the deficit increased by EUR 580 per labMELD point. Cost drivers were re-operation (p < 0.001), infection with multiresistant germs (p = 0.020), dialysis (p = 0.017), operation time (p = 0.012) and transfusions (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that LT for HCC is successful and cost-effective in low labMELD patients independent of Milan-criteria. Therefore, ECD-grafts are favorized in Milan-out HCC patients with low labMELD.

Generation and evaluation of input values for computational analysis of transport processes within tissue cultures

Techniques for tissue culture have seen significant advances during the last decades and novel 3D cell culture systems have become available. To control their high complexity, experimental techniques and their Digital Twins (modelling and computational tools) are combined to link different variables to process conditions and critical process parameters. This allows a rapid evaluation of the expected product quality. However, the use of mathematical simulation and Digital Twins is critically dependent on the precise description of the problem and correct input parameters. Errors here can lead to dramatically wrong conclusions. The intention of this review is to provide an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art and remaining challenges with respect to generating input values for computational analysis of mass and momentum transport processes within tissue cultures. It gives an overview on relevant aspects of transport processes in tissue cultures as well as modelling and computational tools to tackle these problems. Further focus is on techniques used for the determination of cell‐specific parameters and characterization of culture systems, including sensors for on‐line determination of relevant parameters. In conclusion, tissue culture techniques are well‐established, and modelling tools are technically mature. New sensor technologies are on the way, especially for organ chips. The greatest remaining challenge seems to be the proper addressing and handling of input parameters required for mathematical models. Following Good Modelling Practice approaches when setting up and validating computational models is, therefore, essential to get to better estimations of the interesting complex processes inside organotypic tissue cultures in the future.

The role of migration in mental healthcare: treatment satisfaction and utilization

Migration rates increase globally and require an adaption of national mental health services to the needs of persons with migration background. Therefore, we aimed to identify differences between persons with and without migratory background regarding (1) treatment satisfaction, (2) needed and received mental healthcare and (3) utilization of mental healthcare.In the context of a cross-sectional multicenter study, inpatients and day hospital patients of psychiatric settings in Southern Germany with severe affective and non-affective psychoses were included. Patients' satisfaction with and their use of mental healthcare services were assessed by VSSS-54 and CSSRI-EU; patients' needs were measured via CAN-EU.In total, 387 participants (migratory background: n = 72; 19%) provided sufficient responses for analyses. Migrant patients were more satisfied with the overall treatment in the past year compared to non-migrant patients. No differences between both groups were identified in met and unmet treatment needs and use of supply services (psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial treatment).Despite a comparable degree of met and unmet treatment needs and mental health service use among migrants and non-migrants, patients with migration background showed higher overall treatment satisfaction compared to non-migrants. The role of sociocultural and migrant-related factors may explain our findings.

Effectiveness of a WHO self-help psychological intervention for preventing mental disorders among Syrian refugees in Turkey: a randomized controlled trial

Refugees are at high risk of developing mental disorders. There is no evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that psychological interventions can prevent the onset of mental disorders in this group. We assessed the effectiveness of a self-help psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization, called Self-Help Plus, in preventing the development of mental disorders among Syrian refugees experiencing psychological distress in Turkey. A two-arm, assessor-masked RCT was conducted in two Turkish areas. Eligible participants were adult Syrian refugees experiencing psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire ≥3), but without a diagnosis of mental disorder. They were randomly assigned either to the Self-Help Plus arm (consisting of Self-Help Plus combined with Enhanced Care as Usual, ECAU) or to ECAU only in a 1:1 ratio. Self-Help Plus was delivered in a group format by two facilitators over five sessions. The primary outcome measure was the presence of any mental disorder assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at six-month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were the presence of mental disorders at post-intervention, and psychological distress, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, personally identified psychological outcomes, functional impairment, subjective well-being, and quality of life at post-intervention and six-month follow-up. Between October 1, 2018 and November 30, 2019, 1,186 refugees were assessed for inclusion. Five hundred forty-four people were ineligible, and 642 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either Self-Help Plus (N=322) or ECAU (N=320). Self-Help Plus participants were significantly less likely to have any mental disorders at six-month follow-up compared to the ECAU group (21.69% vs. 40.73%; Cramer's V = 0.205, p<0.001, risk ratio: 0.533, 95% CI: 0.408-0.696). Analysis of secondary outcomes suggested that Self-Help Plus was not effective immediately post-intervention, but was associated with beneficial effects at six-month follow-up in terms of symptoms of depression, personally identified psychological outcomes, and quality of life. This is the first prevention RCT ever conducted among refugees experiencing psychological distress but without a mental disorder. Self-Help Plus was found to be an effective strategy for preventing the onset of mental disorders. Based on these findings, this low-intensity self-help psychological intervention could be scaled up as a public health strategy to prevent mental disorders in refugee populations exposed to ongoing adversities.

Predictors of competitive employment in individuals with severe mental illness: results from an observational, cross-sectional study in Germany

BACKGROUND

Employment is of great importance as it is associated with various positive effects. Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are often excluded from competitive employment. Current data on employment of individuals with mental illness are rare, and influencing factors are under-researched. The present study examines possible predictors of competitive employment among individuals with SMI.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional and multicentered study of 300 individuals with SMI aged 18 to 65 years. The following inclusion criteria were used: (I) diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (ICD-10 F2x), or affective disorders (ICD-10 F3x), (II) duration of psychiatric illness ≥ 2 years, and (III) substantial impact of illness on social functioning. Participants were interviewed by trained staff using standardised instruments. The relationship between potential predictors (age, sex, education, marital status, living situation, migration background, psychosocial functioning, age at first mental problem, physical illness, work ability) and employment was analysed using a hierarchic binary logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Only one-third (34%) of participants were competitively employed. Almost one-third were unemployed (30%), and 28% reported early retirement due to mental illness. Psychosocial functioning was positively associated with competitive employment (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05 - 1.13, p < 0.001); concurrent chronic physical illness was negatively associated with competitive employment (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21 - 0.71, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings confirm a high risk of exclusion from competitive employment among individuals with SMI. Nonetheless, a substantial proportion of individuals are employed. Findings call for efforts to maintain or enhance workforce participation among individuals with SMI. A special focus should be placed on improving physical health and strengthening psychosocial functioning.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under the registration number DRKS00015801 before the start of recruitment (Registration date: 21.02.2019).

Mitochondria shed their outer membrane in response to infection-induced stress

[Figure: see text].

The evaluation of a physical health promotion intervention for people with severe mental illness receiving community based accommodational support: a mixed-method pilot study

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy lifestyle constitutes a cause of increased morbidity and mortality in people with severe mental illness. The aim of this mixed-method pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an intervention to promote a health-conscious lifestyle in comparison to care as usual among people with severe mental illness receiving accommodational support in community settings.

METHODS

This was a prospective, quasi-experimental, controlled study over four six-month assessment points (t0, + 6 months, + 12 months, + 18 months) with 70 persons with severe mental illness receiving community based accommodational support. Mental health staff members of the housing facilities were trained in Motivational Interviewing and conducted a six-week health course with the intervention group participants in addition to care as usual. Next to the primary outcome - self-rated physical well-being (FEW 16) - anthropometric parameters and unhealthy behaviours (diet, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and oral hygiene) were examined. Effectiveness analysis was conducted using mixed-effects regression models with propensity score adjustment to control for selection bias. One year after the end of the intervention, semi-standardized expert interviews were conducted with 12 of these employees and evaluated by content analysis.

RESULTS

The qualitative interviews with mental health staff underline the intervention's feasibility in people with severe mental illness in sheltered housing, and the acceptability of and satisfaction with the intervention among mental health workers. But in this pilot study no superiority of the HELPS intervention compared to routine care could be demonstrated in terms of the investigated outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this pilot study underscore the feasibility and acceptability of health promotion programmes based on Motivational Interviewing and highlight the need to further develop multi-modal programs according to the needs of the target group. Long-term and sustainable support for healthy lifestyles of people with severe mental illness receiving community mental health care requires multi-modal concepts and organisational change.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00011659 , date of registration was 2017/02/15; retrospectively registered as date of first enrolment was 2017/01/24.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) after oesophagectomy and oesophageal perforations are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive endoscopy is often used as first-line treatment, particularly endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT). The aim was to assess the performance of the first commercially available endoluminal vacuum device (Eso-Sponge®) in the management of AL and perforation of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Methods

The Eso-Sponge® registry was designed in 2014 as a prospective, observational, national, multicentre registry. Patients were recruited with either AL or perforation within the upper GIT. Data were collected with a standardized form and transferred into a web-based platform. Twenty hospitals were enrolled at the beginning of the study (registration number NCT02662777; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). The primary endpoint was successful closure of the oesophageal defect.

Results

Eleven out of 20 centres recruited patients. A total of 102 patients were included in this interim analysis; 69 patients with AL and 33 with a perforation were treated by EVT. In the AL group, a closure of 91 per cent was observed and 76 per cent was observed in the perforation group. The occurrence of mediastinitis (P = 0.002) and the location of the defect (P = 0.008) were identified as significant predictors of defect closure.

Conclusions

The Eso-Sponge® registry offers the opportunity to collate data on EVT with a uniform, commercially available product to improve standardization. Our data show that EVT with the Eso-Sponge® is an option for the management of AL and perforation within the upper GIT.

Dual role of Mic10 in mitochondrial cristae organization and ATP synthase-linked metabolic adaptation and respiratory growth

Invaginations of the mitochondrial inner membrane, termed cristae, are hubs for oxidative phosphorylation. The mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) and the dimeric F₁F_o-ATP synthase play important roles in controlling cristae architecture. A fraction of the MICOS core subunit Mic10 is found in association with the ATP synthase, yet it is unknown whether this interaction is of relevance for mitochondrial or cellular functions. Here, we established conditions to selectively study the role of Mic10 at the ATP synthase. Mic10 variants impaired in MICOS functions stimulate ATP synthase oligomerization like wild-type Mic10 and promote efficient inner membrane energization, adaptation to non-fermentable carbon sources, and respiratory growth. Mic10's functions in respiratory growth largely depend on Mic10^ATPsynthase, not on Mic10^MICOS. We conclude that Mic10 plays a dual role as core subunit of MICOS and as partner of the F₁F_o-ATP synthase, serving distinct functions in cristae shaping and respiratory adaptation and growth.

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Dual role of Mic10 of mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS)

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Mic10 binds to mitochondrial ATP synthase and stabilizes higher order assemblies

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Oligomerization of Mic10 is required for its function in MICOS, not at ATP synthase

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Mic10 binding to ATP synthase supports metabolic adaptation and respiratory growth

Surgical anatomy of the upper esophagus related to robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy

Robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy (RACE) enables radical surgery for tumors of the middle and upper esophagus, avoiding a transthoracic approach. However, the cervical access, narrow working space, and complex topographic anatomy make this procedure particularly demanding. Our study offers a stepwise description of appropriate dissection planes and anatomical landmarks to facilitate RACE. Macroscopic dissections were performed on formaldehyde-fixed body donors (three females, three males), according to the surgical steps during RACE. The topographic anatomy and surgically relevant structures related to the cervical access route to the esophagus were described and illustrated, along with the complete mobilization of the cervical and upper thoracic segment. The carotid sheath, intercarotid fascia, and visceral fascia were identified as helpful landmarks, used as optimal dissection planes to approach the cervical esophagus and preserve the structures at risk (trachea, recurrent laryngeal nerves, thoracic duct, sympathetic trunk). While ventral dissection involved detachment of the esophagus from the tracheal cartilage and membranous part, the dorsal dissection plane comprised the prevertebral compartment harboring the thoracic duct and right intercosto-bronchial artery. On the left side, the esophagus was attached to the aortic arch by the aorto-esophageal ligament; on the right side, the esophagus was bordered by the azygos vein, right vagus nerve, and cardiac nerves. The stepwise, illustrated topographic anatomy addressed specific surgical demands and perspectives related to the left cervical approach and dissection of the esophagus, providing an anatomical basis to facilitate and safely implement the RACE procedure.

Detection of Marker Associated with CTC in Colorectal Cancer in Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Benign Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases

Simple Summary

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers in western countries, and non-invasive methods for early detection are still needed. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood of CRC patients have been proven as prognostic and predictive biomarker; however, the suitability of CTC-associated markers for early CRC detection and discrimination from benign diseases has not been analyzed. Thus, this study investigated whether CTC-associated markers can also be detected in the blood of patients with benign inflammatory intestinal disease (IID) or whether they are specific for malignancy. The detection rate of CK20 and DEFA5 clearly differed in diseased patients and healthy controls, while LAD1 and PLS3 was found in all samples but with clear qualitative differences in gene expression. No association between inflammation severity and CTC marker expression was found in IID patients. Finally, PLS3 was identified to be a suitable marker for differentiation between malignant and non-malignant intestinal diseases or healthy controls.

Abstract

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) belongs to the most common tumor entities in western countries. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood of CRC patients are a powerful prognostic and predictive biomarker. However, whether CTC-associated markers can also be used for early CRC detection and discrimination from benign diseases is not known. This study investigated the presence of CTC-associated markers CK20, PLS3, LAD1, and DEFA5 in blood of patients with benign inflammatory intestinal disease (IID) and their correlation with malignancy. The detection rate of CK20 and DEFA5 significantly differed between diseased patients and healthy controls. LAD1 and PLS3 were detected in all samples with clear differences in gene expression. DEFA5 expression was higher in CRC and IID patients compared to healthy donors, while CK20 and PLS3 were lower in CRC compared to IID patients or healthy controls. Overall, all CTC-associated markers were detectable in blood of IID patients, but not correlating with inflammation severity. Finally, PLS3 emerged as a suitable marker for differentiation between malignant and non-malignant intestinal diseases or healthy controls, however its suitability for early CRC detection needs to be further validated.

Protein Quality Control at the Mitochondrial Surface

Mitochondria contain two membranes, the outer and inner membrane. The outer membrane fulfills crucial functions for the communication of mitochondria with the cellular environment like exchange of lipids via organelle contact sites, the transport of metabolites and the formation of a signaling platform in apoptosis and innate immunity. The translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex) forms the entry gate for the vast majority of precursor proteins that are produced on cytosolic ribosomes. Surveillance of the functionality of outer membrane proteins is critical for mitochondrial functions and biogenesis. Quality control mechanisms remove defective and mistargeted proteins from the outer membrane as well as precursor proteins that clog the TOM complex. Selective degradation of single proteins is also an important mode to regulate mitochondrial dynamics and initiation of mitophagy pathways. Whereas inner mitochondrial compartments are equipped with specific proteases, the ubiquitin-proteasome system is a central player in protein surveillance on the mitochondrial surface. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that govern quality control of proteins at the outer mitochondrial membrane.

[Peer Support: Utilization and Benefit in Severe Mental Illness - Results from an Observational, Cross-Sectional Study]

OBJECTIVE

Peer support is playing an increasing role in the treatment of severely mentally ill people. International findings are available on its effectiveness. However, little is known about knowledge, use and benefit assessment in Germany. This paper addresses this question and presents results from an observational study with 10 participating clinics in southern Germany.

METHODS

As part of the observational cross-sectional study with people with severe mental illness (IMPPETUS, N=359), sociodemographic and illness- and treatment-associated data were collected by trained study staff between March 2019 and September 2019. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse a possible association with peer support use.

RESULTS

38% (N=138) of respondents reported knowledge about the possibility of peer support; 15% (N=55) affirmed its use. Use of peer support varied across sites (between 6.5 and 37.5%) and was associated with household income. Significantly less frequent use of peer support was among those with high versus low household income (OR=0.20 [95% CI: 0.06-0.68], p=0.01). Of respondents with peer support use (N=55), 78% reported perceiving peer support to be helpful or highly helpful.

DISCUSSION

Peer support not only proves to be effective under study conditions with regard to various outcomes, but is also assessed as beneficial under routine conditions in a defined care region by the majority of users. However, only a few respondents knew and used the possibility of peer support.

CONCLUSION

In order to implement peer support more strongly, information about this kind of service should be provided more effectively and a dialogue about successful implementation experiences should be initiated on a regional level.

To whose good? Directions and gaps in psychiatric research

BACKGROUND

Psychiatry's evidence-, implementation-, and treatment-gaps.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to uncover current trends and gaps in psychiatric research. Understanding where psychiatric research is going and where there might be blind spots is important to better align it with global mental health challenges and with service users' needs.

METHOD

10 top-ranking scientific journals (highest impact factors) in psychiatry were identified for 3 years (1999, 2009, 2019) using Clarivate Analytics. Metadata of all papers published by these journals in the index years were downloaded, and the relevance and relatedness of terms from all titles and abstracts were computed and visualized using VOSviewer.

RESULTS

In 1999, prominent themes included schizophrenia and novel antipsychotics as well as research on families. Ten and 20 years later, neurobiological research, especially genetic and animal studies, had gained importance. Social and psychological themes were less present across all three time points.

CONCLUSIONS

In high-ranking psychiatric journals, neurobiological research appears to gain importance while social themes are under-represented. In view of challenges such as implementation gaps, marginalization of people with severe mental illness and mental health risks through social inequality, there seems to be a dissociation between research and patient needs. We suggest a systems approach to bring together different kinds of knowledge.

Impact of the particle-polymer interface on small- and large-scale deformation response in protein- and carbohydrate-based food matrices

Interfaces are important regarding the mechanical behavior of foods. In particle-polymer-based food systems, the rheological effect of interface characteristics between microscopic particles and viscoelastic polymers is controversial. By using a new approach of presenting defined glass beads surfaces, which imitate functional groups of starch particle surfaces, the adhesiveness and the adsorption mechanism between particle and polymeric food matrix (protein-/carbohydrate-based) can be controlled. The combination of defined particle-polymer interfaces with a comprehensive rheological analysis gives new insights into the effect of particle-polymer interfaces on the mechanical properties of food. Independent of the matrix-type, non-adhesive particles show the strongest network at low stress (protein-based: network strength A_f = 2.02 ± 0.16 ∗ 10⁴ Pas^1/z), but the fastest network breakdown under higher stress (fracture strain protein-based 4.40 ± 0.08). Adhesive particles behave inverse (A_f = 1.02 ± 0.24 *10⁴ Pas^1/z; fracture strain 5.38 ± 0.32). Consequently, particle supplemented protein-/carbohydrate-based matrices have properties similar to particle reinforced rubbers and exhibit a more or less pronounced Payne effect depending on the adhesiveness. Besides the adhesiveness, the adsorption mechanism affects the deformation behavior of particle-polymer based system. The highly adhesive but unspecific adsorption of carbohydrate-based polymers at cyano-functionalized surfaces shows a similar relaxation behavior as non-adhesive surface functionalization.

Structure of the translating Neurospora ribosome arrested by cycloheximide

Ribosomes translate RNA into proteins. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) is widely used to inhibit eukaryotic ribosomes engaged in translation elongation. However, the lack of structural data for actively translating polyribosomes stalled by CHX leaves unanswered the question of which elongation step is inhibited. We elucidated CHX's mechanism of action based on the cryo-electron microscopy structure of actively translating Neurospora crassa ribosomes bound with CHX at 2.7-Å resolution. The ribosome structure from this filamentous fungus contains clearly resolved ribosomal protein eL28, like higher eukaryotes but unlike budding yeast, which lacks eL28. Despite some differences in overall structures, the ribosomes from Neurospora, yeast, and humans all contain a highly conserved CHX binding site. We also sequenced classic Neurospora CHX-resistant alleles. These mutations, including one at a residue not previously observed to affect CHX resistance in eukaryotes, were in the large subunit proteins uL15 and eL42 that are part of the CHX-binding pocket. In addition to A-site transfer RNA (tRNA), P-site tRNA, messenger RNA, and CHX that are associated with the translating N. crassa ribosome, spermidine is present near the CHX binding site close to the E site on the large subunit. The tRNAs in the peptidyl transferase center are in the A/A site and the P/P site. The nascent peptide is attached to the A-site tRNA and not to the P-site tRNA. The structural and functional data obtained show that CHX arrests the ribosome in the classical PRE translocation state and does not interfere with A-site reactivity.

[Fatherhood and Depression: Dealing with Depression in the Family from the Fathers' Perspective - A Qualitative Study]

OBJECTIVE

Investigation of the experiences of depressed fathers in dealing with their depressive disorder in the family.

METHODS

17 semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted and analyzed following a Grounded Theory Approach.

RESULTS

Fathers describe individual coping strategies in dealing with their depressive disorder that aim at independently coping from their family (self-management, [non])disclosure of the disorder).

CONCLUSION

Fathers should be supported in (the decision-making process of) disclosing their illness to the family and developing coping strategies that take family needs further into account.

Polygenic risk scores across the extended psychosis spectrum

As early detection of symptoms in the subclinical to clinical psychosis spectrum may improve health outcomes, knowing the probabilistic susceptibility of developing a disorder could guide mitigation measures and clinical intervention. In this context, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) quantifying the additive effects of multiple common genetic variants hold the potential to predict complex diseases and index severity gradients. PRSs for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) were computed using Bayesian regression and continuous shrinkage priors based on the latest SZ and BD genome-wide association studies (Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, third release). Eight well-phenotyped groups (n = 1580; 56% males) were assessed: control (n = 305), lower (n = 117) and higher (n = 113) schizotypy (both groups of healthy individuals), at-risk for psychosis (n = 120), BD type-I (n = 359), BD type-II (n = 96), schizoaffective disorder (n = 86), and SZ groups (n = 384). PRS differences were investigated for binary traits and the quantitative Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Both BD-PRS and SZ-PRS significantly differentiated controls from at-risk and clinical groups (Nagelkerke's pseudo-R2: 1.3-7.7%), except for BD type-II for SZ-PRS. Out of 28 pairwise comparisons for SZ-PRS and BD-PRS, 9 and 12, respectively, reached the Bonferroni-corrected significance. BD-PRS differed between control and at-risk groups, but not between at-risk and BD type-I groups. There was no difference between controls and schizotypy. SZ-PRSs, but not BD-PRSs, were positively associated with transdiagnostic symptomology. Overall, PRSs support the continuum model across the psychosis spectrum at the genomic level with possible irregularities for schizotypy. The at-risk state demands heightened clinical attention and research addressing symptom course specifiers. Continued efforts are needed to refine the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of PRSs in mental healthcare.

Controlled Semi-Automated Lased-Induced Injuries for Studying Spinal Cord Regeneration in Zebrafish Larvae

Zebrafish larvae possess a fully functional central nervous system (CNS) with a high regenerative capacity only a few days after fertilization. This makes this animal model very useful for studying spinal cord injury and regeneration. The standard protocol for inducing such lesions is to transect the dorsal part of the trunk manually. However, this technique requires extensive training and damages additional tissues. A protocol was developed for laser-induced lesions to circumvent these limitations, allowing for high reproducibility and completeness of spinal cord transection over many animals and between different sessions, even for an untrained operator. Furthermore, tissue damage is mainly limited to the spinal cord itself, reducing confounding effects from injuring different tissues, e.g., skin, muscle, and CNS. Moreover, hemi-lesions of the spinal cord are possible. Improved preservation of tissue integrity after laser injury facilitates further dissections needed for additional analyses, such as electrophysiology. Hence, this method offers precise control of the injury extent that is unachievable manually. This allows for new experimental paradigms in this powerful model in the future.