Impact of pH-adjusted fluoride and stannous solutions on the protective properties on the pellicle layer in vitro and in situ

This study evaluates the ideal pH for anti-erosion and anti-adherent efficacy of fluoride and stannous solutions (sodium fluoride (SF), amine fluoride (AF), sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP), stannous fluoride (SnF2) with 500 ppm fluoride concentration each and stannous chloride (SnCl2, 1563 ppm stannous)). In vitro, solutions were tested at pH 4.5 and 5.5. The main in situ experiments were carried out at the pH of 4.5: For pellicle formation 6 volunteers wore bovine enamel slabs intraorally for 1 min, rinsed with 8 ml solution for 1 min and continued for up to 30 min/8 h. Physiological pellicle samples served as controls. After incubation in HCl (2.0, 2.3) for 2 min mineral release was determined photometrically. Bacterial counts on 8 h biofilms were determined by fluorescence microscopy (BacLight™ and DAPI with Concanavalin A). Modification of the pellicle ultrastructure was examined by TEM. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests with Bonferroni-correction (p < 0.05). SnF2 showed a significant erosion protection. AF, SnF2, and SnCl2 were most anti-adherent. SnF2 and SnCl2 caused a pronounced basal pellicle with stannous precipitates. Compared to other fluoride monosubstances, stannous ions offer greater protection against erosive acidic attacks. Stannous ions act as crucial co-factor in this process.

Determination of the optimal feed recipe of anaerobic digesters using a mathematical model and a genetic algorithm

Recently, numerous experimental studies have been undertaken to understand the interactions between different feedstocks in anaerobic digestion. They have unveiled the potential of blending substrates in the process. Nevertheless, these experiments are time-intensive, prompting the exploration of various optimization approaches. Notably, genetic algorithms have gained interest due to their population-based structures allowing them to efficiently yield multiple Pareto-optimal solutions in a single run. This study uses a simplified static anaerobic co-digestion model as the fitness function for a multi-objective optimization. The optimization aims to achieve a methane production set-point while reducing the output ammonia nitrogen and increasing the recipe' profitability. Thus, the study employs genetic algorithms to identify Pareto fronts and constraints confined the solution space within feasible boundaries. It also underscores the influence of economic considerations on the viable solution space. Ultimately, the optimal feed recipe not only ensures stable operations within the digester but also enhances associated profits.

Are you better than me? Social comparisons in carrion crows (Corvus corone)

Comparing oneself to others is a key process in humans that allows individuals to gauge their performances and abilities and thus develop and calibrate their self-image. Little is known about its evolutionary foundations. A key feature of social comparison is the sensitivity to other individuals' performance. Recent studies on primates produced equivocal results, leading us to distinguish between a 'strong' variant of the social comparison hypothesis formulated for humans and a 'weak' variant found in non-human primates that would comprise some elements of human social comparison. Here, we focus on corvids that are distantly related to primates and renowned for their socio-cognitive skills. We were interested in whether crows' task performances were influenced (i) by the presence of a conspecific co-actor performing the same discrimination task and (ii) by the simulated acoustic cues of a putative co-actor performing better or worse than themselves. Crows reached a learning criterion quicker when tested simultaneously as compared to when tested alone, indicating a facilitating effect of social context. The performance of a putative co-actor influenced their performance: crows were better at discriminating familiar images when their co-actor was better than they were. Standard extremity (how pronounced the difference was between the performance of the subject and that of the co-actor), and category membership (affiliation status and sex), of the putative co-actors had no effect on their performance. Our findings are in line with the 'weak' variant of social comparison and indicate that elements of human social comparison can be found outside of primates.

Role of HIPEC after Complete Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) in Peritoneal Recurrence of Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (OC): The Aim for Standardization at Two Reference Centers for CRS

BACKGROUND

This bicentric study evaluated cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer patients.

METHODS

The data of 88 patients with the first peritoneal recurrence of platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent CRS and HIPEC from a prospective HIPEC registry were retrospectively investigated. Endpoints were feasibility, chemotherapeutic compound, time of exposure, complications, and overall survival.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 4.7 years (95%-CI 4.6-5.5). The median age was 55.8 years (IQR: 50.3-66.2). Eighty-four patients (95.5%) had high-grade serous histology. The median peritoneal cancer index was 12.0 (IQR: 7.0-20.5). Sixty-five patients (73.9%) had complete cytoreduction (CCR 0). Thirty-eight patients (43.2%) received HIPEC for 60 min, and fifty patients (56.8%) for 90 min. Eighteen patients (20.5%) had grade III to IV complications. One patient (1.1%) died perioperatively. The overall median survival was 43.1 months (95%-CI 34.1-52.2), and the 5-year survival rate was 39.7%. Only 90 min HIPEC and cisplatin were associated with survival.

CONCLUSION

In well-selected patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, survival may correlate with complete CRS and 90 min cisplatin-based HIPEC. We confirmed the results of primary OC studies; therefore, this combination should be used for further analysis in the recurrent situation.

Machine learning models for predicting severe COVID-19 outcomes in hospitals

The aim of this observational retrospective study is to improve early risk stratification of hospitalized Covid-19 patients by predicting in-hospital mortality, transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation from electronic health record data of the first 24 h after admission. Our machine learning model predicts in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.918), transfer to ICU (AUC = 0.821) and the need for mechanical ventilation (AUC = 0.654) from a few laboratory data of the first 24 h after admission. Models based on dichotomous features indicating whether a laboratory value exceeds or falls below a threshold perform nearly as good as models based on numerical features. We devise completely data-driven and interpretable machine-learning models for the prediction of in-hospital mortality, transfer to ICU and mechanical ventilation for hospitalized Covid-19 patients within 24 h after admission. Numerical values of. CRP and blood sugar and dichotomous indicators for increased partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) are amongst the best predictors.

Temporal trends regarding clinical impact of diabetes mellitus on peripheral artery disease

Introduction

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and Diabetes mellitus (DM) suffer from higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to non-diabetic PAD patients. Huge efforts are made to improve medical care of patients with DM including chronic disease programs.

Purpose

To investigate temporal trends of the clinical burden of DM on PAD patients between the years 2005 and 2019.

Methods

All patients hospitalized due to PAD between 2005 and 2019 in Germany based on the diagnosis related groups [DRG] system were stratified according to presence or absence of DM (source: Federal Statistical Offices of Germany, DRG statistics 2005–2019 and own calculations). Morbidity and mortality of both groups were compared in time trend.

Results

The number of hospitalisations due to PAD increased from 142,778 in the year 2005 to 190,135 in 2019 (β 3956 per year [95% CI 3034–4878], P&lt;0.001). In the same period also the amount of PAD patients with additional diagnosis of DM inclined (2005: 41,609 patients corresponding 29.1% of all PAD patients vs. 2019: 65,302 patients corresponding 34.3% of all PAD patients; β 2019 per year [95% CI 1593–2446], P&lt;0.001). While the portion of patients with type 1 DM decreased during the observational period (β −1.43 [95% CI −1.49 to −1.37]; P&lt;0.001), type 2 DM was progressive (β 2.27 [95% CI 2.23–2.32]; P&lt;0.001). PAD patients with DM suffered from lower rates of pulmonary embolism (β −0.64 [95% CI −0.89 to −0.40]; P&lt;0.001) and intracerebral bleeding (β −0.45 [95% CI −0.94 to 0.04]; P=0.072) in the last years of the investigation period, whereas the amount of patient-cases with pneumonia (β 0.29 [95% CI 0.23–0.35]; P&lt;0.001), shock (β 0.75 [95% CI 0.66–0.84]; P&lt;0.001) and gastrointestinal bleeding (β 0.33 [95% CI 0.20–0.46]; P&lt;0.001) increased. Fortunately, less amputations had to be performed in diabetics over time (amputations regardless of minor or major amputations: β −0.42 [95% CI −0.44 to −0.40]; P&lt;0.001; minor amputations: β −0.03 [95% CI −0.06 to −0.01]; P=0.015; major amputations: β −1.24 [95% CI −1.28 to −11.20]; P&lt;0.001) and in-hospital mortality decreased during the observational-time (2005: 4.7%, 2019: 2.8%; β −0.64 [95% CI −0.69 to −0.59]; P&lt;0.001). Despite the improvement in morbidity and mortality within the investigated time period, diabetics with DM were still associated with increased risk for morbidity and mortality compared to PAD patients without DM.

Conclusions

We observed an improvement regarding morbidity and mortality in hospitalized PAD patients with DM in Germany within the investigation period between 2005 and 2019. However, DM remained to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared to non-diabetics. Hence, despite the achieved improvements within the period 2005 to 2019, DM still represents an outstanding risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients with PAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus on cardiac function in the general population

Introduction

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are risk factors for heart failure (HF). The association of prediabetes and T2DM to different forms of functional left ventricular impairment and their impact on clinical outcome in the general population needs to be further investigated. In this context, little is known about the prevalences of prediabetes and different HF subtypes in the general population, especially in Europe.

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on functional cardiac disorder (FCD).

Methods

The participants of the Gutenberg Health Study sample (15,010 subjects, 35–74 years) were stratified in individuals with euglycaemia, prediabetes and T2DM based on clinical information and HbA1c level. FCD included asymptomatic systolic and diastolic dysfunction, symptomatic systolic and diastolic heart failure, asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction and reduced EF, asymptomatic preserved diastole and reduced EF, symptomatic heart failure with preserved EF (HFpEF) and symptomatic heart failure with reduced EF HFrEF). Using structured follow-up clinical outcome was assessed.

Results

Overall, 14,870 individuals were included in the present analysis. Among them, 9,426 individuals were categorized in the euglycaemia group, 4,128 participants had prediabetes and in 1,316 individuals T2DM was present. Prevalence of FCD increased from euglycaemia (19.6%) over prediabetes (33.3%) to T2DM (46.8%, p&lt;0.0001). Prevalence of symptomatic HF was increased in patients with T2DM (euglycaemia 2.8%, prediabetes 5.9%, T2DM 11.9%). T2DM was associated with reduced EF (β −0.63, 95% CI −0.99 to −0.26, P=0.00088) and elevated E/E' (β 0.08, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.10, P&lt;0.0001), whereas prediabetes was associated to elevated E/E' (β 0.02, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.03, P=0.0029). Prediabetes and T2DM revealed increased prevalences of FCD (13%, 18%), asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction with preserved EF (prediabetes: 14%, T2DM: 11%), symptomatic heart failure (prediabetes: 46%, T2DM: 70%) and HFpEF (prediabetes: 49%, T2DM: 82%). With prediabetes and T2DM all-cause mortality was elevated in presence and absence of FCD, only T2DM was also a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality with and without FCD. Within a 5-years follow-up, T2DM was an independent risk factor for the development of FCD, asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction with reduced ejection fraction, symptomatic heart failure and HFrEF. Prediabetes was not an independent risk factor for FCD.

Conclusions

In the general population, a high prevalence of asymptomatic FCD is present. Coexisting FCD and prediabetes as well as T2DM result in increased mortality elucidating the need for early detection and prevention of DM development, especially with regard to numerous asymptomatic people concerned. T2DM, but not prediabetes, is a risk factor for incident FCD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): The Gutenberg Health Study is supported by the government of Rheinland-Pfalz (`Stiftung Rheinland-Pfalz für Innovation'), the research programmes `Wissen schafft Zukunft' and the Centre forTranslational Vascular Biology (CTVB) of the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany, and its contract with Boehringer Ingelheim and Philips Medical Systems including an unrestricted grant forthe Gutenberg Health Study. P.S.W. and J.H.P. are funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF 01EO1503). P.S.W. and T.M. are principal investigators of the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). P.S.W. is principal investigator of the DIASyM research core (BMBF 161L0217A).

A single hole spin with enhanced coherence in natural silicon

Semiconductor spin qubits based on spin-orbit states are responsive to electric field excitations, allowing for practical, fast and potentially scalable qubit control. Spin electric susceptibility, however, renders these qubits generally vulnerable to electrical noise, which limits their coherence time. Here we report on a spin-orbit qubit consisting of a single hole electrostatically confined in a natural silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor device. By varying the magnetic field orientation, we reveal the existence of operation sweet spots where the impact of charge noise is minimized while preserving an efficient electric-dipole spin control. We correspondingly observe an extension of the Hahn-echo coherence time up to 88 μs, exceeding by an order of magnitude existing values reported for hole spin qubits, and approaching the state-of-the-art for electron spin qubits with synthetic spin-orbit coupling in isotopically purified silicon. Our finding enhances the prospects of silicon-based hole spin qubits for scalable quantum information processing.

Enhanced l-Malic Acid Production by Aspergillus oryzae DSM 1863 Using Repeated-Batch Cultivation

l-Malic acid is a C4-dicarboxylic acid and a potential key building block for a bio-based economy. At present, malic acid is synthesized petrochemically and its major market is the food and beverages industry. In future, malic acid might also serve as a building block for biopolymers or even replace the commodity chemical maleic anhydride. For a sustainable production of l-malic acid from renewable resources, the microbial synthesis by the mold Aspergillus oryzae is one possible route. As CO₂ fixation is involved in the biosynthesis, high yields are possible, and at the same time greenhouse gases can be reduced. In order to enhance the production potential of the wild-type strain Aspergillus oryzae DSM 1863, process characteristics were studied in shake flasks, comparing batch, fed-batch, and repeated-batch cultivations. In the batch process, a prolonged cultivation time led to malic acid consumption. Keeping carbon source concentration on a high level by pulsed feeding could prolong cell viability and cultivation time, however, did not result in significant higher product levels. In contrast, continuous malic acid production could be achieved over six exchange cycles and a total fermentation time of 19 days in repeated-batch cultivations. Up to 178 g/L l-malic acid was produced. The maximum productivity (0.90 ± 0.05 g/L/h) achieved in the repeated-batch cultivation had more than doubled than that achieved in the batch process and also the average productivity (0.42 ± 0.03 g/L/h for five exchange cycles and 16 days) was increased considerably. Further repeated-batch experiments confirmed a positive effect of regular calcium carbonate additions on pH stability and malic acid synthesis. Besides calcium carbonate, nitrogen supplementation proved to be essential for the prolonged malic acid production in repeated-batch. As prolonged malic acid production was only observed in cultivations with product removal, product inhibition seems to be the major limiting factor for malic acid production by the wild-type strain. This study provides a systematic comparison of different process strategies under consideration of major influencing factors and thereby delivers important insights into natural l-malic acid production.

Edge-to-edge transcatheter valve repair of atrial functional mitral regurgitation positively influences atrial pathology

Introduction

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is the result of an insufficient coaptation of the mitral valve leaflets lacking relevant degeneration or morphological alterations of the valve apparatus. In most patients, this is caused by left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and remodelling (ischemic or non-ischemic). However, a small subset of FMR patients is seen in the context of left atrial (LA) enlargement due to isolated atrial dilation in the absence of a ventricular pathology and has been termed “atrial functional MR” (AFMR) as a distinct etiology of FMR.

The effect of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) by edge-to-edge-repair (e.g., MitraClip®) on AFMR reduction has not been studied, but it is considered to be effective regarding its effect on the anterior-posterior mitral annular diameter.

Methods

We retrospectively screened all 737 patients treated with TMVR by edge-to-edge repair in our center between January 2013 and April 2019. AFMR was defined as FMR with: (1) relevant LA dilatation, (2) no LV systolic dysfunction or (3) dilatation, (4) no ischemic etiology of FMR. LA mean pressure was invasively measured peri-interventionally before and after device implantation. Echocardiographic assessment was repeated at 1 year follow-up (1yFUP).

Results

Among 350 patients (47.5%) with FMR, 57 patients (16.3%) met the inclusion criteria for AFMR and were included in the data analysis. All patients in the AFMR group (mean age 81.4±5.7 years, 78.9% female) were symptomatic (82.2% functional NYHA class≥III) at baseline and were assessed to be at elevated risk for surgery (mean logistic EuroScore of 24.8±12.0%).

TVMR was successfully performed in all patients without any peri-interventional major complications. At hospital discharge, 78.3% of patients had mild residual MR and 17.4% had no detectable MR. At 1 year, the echocardiographic prevalence of residual moderate MR was 11.4% and 2.9% of patients had severe MR (Figure A). Invasive LA mean pressure measurements were available in 39 patients (68.4%). In average, LA mean pressures decreased from 18.8 mmHg to 12.8 mmHg (p&lt;0.001).

Analysis at 1yFUP showed a significant reduction in LA volume, both at end-systole (79.6±31.9 vs. 66.9±31.8 ml/m2 p&lt;0.001; Figure B) and at end-diastole (61.6±21.5 vs. 50.4±27.37 ml/m2; p&lt;0.01; Figure C). LA ejection fraction increased from 18.8%±12.6% to 30.1%±12.3% in 54.8% of patients. These findings were accompanied by a relevant symptomatic benefit (NYHA class I/II was found in 66.7% of patients at 1 year).

Conclusions

Transcatheter mitral valve repair by edge-to-edge therapy in symptomatic patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation is safe and capable of a relevant reduction of mitral regurgitation severity accompanied by symptomatic improvement and positive atrial remodeling.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Microbiota-Induced Type I Interferons Instruct a Poised Basal State of Dendritic Cells

Environmental signals shape host physiology and fitness. Microbiota-derived cues are required to program conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) during the steady state so that they can promptly respond and initiate adaptive immune responses when encountering pathogens. However, the molecular underpinnings of microbiota-guided instructive programs are not well understood. Here, we report that the indigenous microbiota controls constitutive production of type I interferons (IFN-I) by plasmacytoid DCs. Using genome-wide analysis of transcriptional and epigenetic regulomes of cDCs from germ-free and IFN-I receptor (IFNAR)-deficient mice, we found that tonic IFNAR signaling instructs a specific epigenomic and metabolic basal state that poises cDCs for future pathogen combat. However, such beneficial biological function comes with a trade-off. Instructed cDCs can prime T cell responses against harmless peripheral antigens when removing roadblocks of peripheral tolerance. Our data provide fresh insights into the evolutionary trade-offs that come with successful adaptation of vertebrates to their microbial environment.

Lipid-Droplet Formation Drives Pathogenic Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Airway Inflammation

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play an important role in the control and maintenance of barrier immunity. However, chronic activation of ILCs results in immune-mediated pathology. Here, we show that tissue-resident type 2 ILCs (ILC2s) display a distinct metabolic signature upon chronic activation. In the context of allergen-driven airway inflammation, ILC2s increase their uptake of both external lipids and glucose. Externally acquired fatty acids are transiently stored in lipid droplets and converted into phospholipids to promote the proliferation of ILC2s. This metabolic program is imprinted by interleukin-33 (IL-33) and regulated by the genes Pparg and Dgat1, which are both controlled by glucose availability and mTOR signaling. Restricting dietary glucose by feeding mice a ketogenic diet largely ablated ILC2-mediated airway inflammation by impairing fatty acid metabolism and the formation of lipid droplets. Together, these results reveal that pathogenic ILC2 responses require lipid metabolism and identify ketogenic diet as a potent intervention strategy to treat airway inflammation.

Adiponectin Limits IFN-γ and IL-17 Producing CD4 T Cells in Obesity by Restraining Cell Intrinsic Glycolysis

Compared to the innate immune system, the contribution of the adaptive immune response during obesity and insulin resistance is still not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that high fat diet (HFD) increases the frequencies of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and frequencies of T cells positive for IFN-γ and IL-17 in the adipose tissue. The adipocyte-derived soluble factor adiponectin reduces IFN-γ and IL-17 positive CD4+ T cells from HFD mice and dampens the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th1 cells and Th17 cells. Adiponectin reduces Th17 cell differentiation and restrains glycolysis in an AMPK dependent fashion. Treatment with adult worm extracts of the rodent filarial nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis (LsAg) reduces adipose tissue Th1 and Th17 cell frequencies during HFD and increases adiponectin levels. Stimulation of T cells in the presence of adipocyte-conditioned media (ACM) from LsAg-treated mice reduces Th1 and Th17 frequencies and this effect was abolished when ACM was treated with an adiponectin neutralizing antibody. Collectively, these data reveal a novel role of adiponectin in controlling pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cells during obesity and suggest that the beneficial role of helminth infections and helminth-derived products on obesity and insulin resistance may be in part mediated by adiponectin.

Establishing an infrastructure for collaboration in primate cognition research

Inferring the evolutionary history of cognitive abilities requires large and diverse samples. However, such samples are often beyond the reach of individual researchers or institutions, and studies are often limited to small numbers of species. Consequently, methodological and site-specific-differences across studies can limit comparisons between species. Here we introduce the ManyPrimates project, which addresses these challenges by providing a large-scale collaborative framework for comparative studies in primate cognition. To demonstrate the viability of the project we conducted a case study of short-term memory. In this initial study, we were able to include 176 individuals from 12 primate species housed at 11 sites across Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. All subjects were tested in a delayed-response task using consistent methodology across sites. Individuals could access food rewards by remembering the position of the hidden reward after a 0, 15, or 30-second delay. Overall, individuals performed better with shorter delays, as predicted by previous studies. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong phylogenetic signal for short-term memory. Although, with only 12 species, the validity of this analysis is limited, our initial results demonstrate the feasibility of a large, collaborative open-science project. We present the ManyPrimates project as an exciting opportunity to address open questions in primate cognition and behaviour with large, diverse datasets.

Quantitative SPECT imaging and biodistribution point to molecular weight independent tumor uptake for some long-circulating polymer nanocarriers

Polymeric nanocarriers are promising entities for cancer diagnosis and therapy. The aim of such nanocarriers is to selectively accumulate in cancerous tissue that is difficult to visualize or treat. The passive accumulation of a nanocarrier in a tumor through extravasation is often attributed to the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect and the size and shape of the nanocarrier. However, the tumor microenvironment is very heterogeneous and the intratumoral pressure is usually high, leading to different opinions about how the EPR of nanocarriers through the irregular vasculature of a tumor leads to accumulation. In order to investigate this topic, we studied methods for the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters, biodistribution and the tumor uptake of nanocarriers. More specifically, we used non-invasive quantitative Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (qSPECT/CT) imaging of hyperbranched polyglycerols (HPGs) to explore the specific biodistribution and tumor uptake of six model nanocarriers in Rag2m mice. We were interested to see if a distinct molecular weight (MW) of nanocarriers (HPG 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500 kDa) is favoured by the tumor. To trace the model nanocarriers, HPGs were covalently linked to the strong chelator desferrioxamine (DFO), and radiolabeled with the gamma emitter 67Ga (EC = 100%, E γ = 185 keV (21.4%), 300 keV (16.6%), half-life = 3.26 d). Without the need for blood collection, but instead using qSPECT/CT imaging inside the heart, the blood circulation half-lives of the 67Ga labeled HPGs were determined and increased from 9.9 ± 2.9 to 47.8 ± 7.9 hours with increasing polymer MW. Total tumor accumulation correlated positively with the circulation time of the HPGs. Comparing the tumor-to-blood ratio dynamically revealed how blood and tumor concentrations of the nanocarrier change over time and when equilibrium is reached. The time of equilibrium is size-dependent and increases with molecular weight. Furthermore, the data indicate that for larger MWs, nanocarrier uptake and retention by the tumor is size independent. Further studies are necessary to advance our understanding of the interplay between MW and nanoparticle accumulation in tumors.

Applications of high-resolution magic angle spinning MRS in biomedical studies II-Human diseases

High-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) MRS is a powerful method for gaining insight into the physiological and pathological processes of cellular metabolism. Given its ability to obtain high-resolution spectra of non-liquid biological samples, while preserving tissue architecture for subsequent histopathological analysis, the technique has become invaluable for biochemical and biomedical studies. Using HRMAS MRS, alterations in measured metabolites, metabolic ratios, and metabolomic profiles present the possibility to improve identification and prognostication of various diseases and decipher the metabolomic impact of drug therapies. In this review, we evaluate HRMAS MRS results on human tissue specimens from malignancies and non-localized diseases reported in the literature since the inception of the technique in 1996. We present the diverse applications of the technique in understanding pathological processes of different anatomical origins, correlations with in vivo imaging, effectiveness of therapies, and progress in the HRMAS methodology.

Synthesis of surfactant-free micro- and nanolatexes from Pickering emulsions stabilized by acetylated cellulose nanocrystals

Surfactant-free micro- and nanolatexes from Pickering emulsions stabilized by acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).

Drainage dynamics of thin liquid foam films containing soft PNiPAM microgels: influence of the cross-linking density and concentration

We investigate the drainage dynamics of thin liquid foam films containing PNiPAM microgel suspensions with two cross-linking densities (1.5 and 5 mol% BIS) and at two microgel concentrations (0.1 and 1% wt). For this purpose, we use a thin-film pressure balance apparatus that can apply a controlled and sudden hydrostatic pressure on a film, and record the subsequent film thinning as a function of time. Once the film thickness has reached a stationary value, we test the adhesion between the interfaces of the film by reducing the pressure and measuring the angle between the film and the meniscus. This angle increases on reduction of pressure for adhesive films, which resists the separation of their interfaces. Non-adhesive films separate easily, and the meniscus angle stays constant. At a low microgel concentration, the more densely cross-linked microgels (5 mol% BIS) tend to drain into more adhesive films than the more loosely cross-linked particles (1.5 mol% BIS). The adhesion results from particles that bridge the two air-water interfaces of the film and are shared between them. In these cases, the film, which is initially stabilized by a bilayer of microgel particles, rearrange to a state where the microgels bridge the interfaces. These results are discussed and compared with previous studies at a low concentration of microgels, which have shown that emulsions stabilized with densely cross-linked microgels are more adhesive and less resistant to mechanical stresses than those obtained with lower cross-linking densities. In addition, micron-scale depleted zones with no microgels are observed in the films stabilized with the 5 mol% BIS particles, which eventually lead to the rupture of the films. At 1% wt, the films drain slowly, are not adhesive and have the thickness of a bilayer of microgel; while at 0.1% wt, the films have the thickness of a monolayer of microgel, are adhesive and show bridging. From the thin liquid foam film thicknesses we extract a rough estimation of the radii of adsorbed particles in the thick films before applying the pressure. Our results are consistent with particles being adsorbed in a spread conformation for the 0.1% wt sample and in a compressed conformation for the 1% wt sample. In line with previous studies on emulsions, we conclude that a larger surface coverage may reduce rearrangements, thus preventing bridging.

Critical role of fatty acid metabolism in ILC2-mediated barrier protection during malnutrition and helminth infection

Belkaid et al. show that type 2 innate lymphoid cells rely predominately on fatty acid metabolism during helminth infection and malnutrition.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) play an important role in many immune processes, including control of infections, inflammation, and tissue repair. To date, little is known about the metabolism of ILC and whether these cells can metabolically adapt in response to environmental signals. Here we show that type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), important mediators of barrier immunity, predominantly depend on fatty acid (FA) metabolism during helminth infection. Further, in situations where an essential nutrient, such as vitamin A, is limited, ILC2 sustain their function and selectively maintain interleukin 13 (IL-13) production via increased acquisition and utilization of FA. Together, these results reveal that ILC2 preferentially use FAs to maintain their function in the context of helminth infection or malnutrition and propose that enhanced FA usage and FA-dependent IL-13 production by ILC2 could represent a host adaptation to maintain barrier immunity under dietary restriction.

Do monkeys compare themselves to others?

Social comparisons are a fundamental characteristic of human behaviour, yet relatively little is known about their evolutionary foundations. Adapting the co-acting paradigm from human research (Seta in J Pers Soc Psychol 42:281–291, 1982. doi:10.1037//0022-3514.42.2.281), we examined how the performance of a partner influenced subjects’ performance in long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Using parallel testing in touch screen setups in which subjects had to discriminate familiar and novel photographs of men and women, we investigated whether accuracy and reaction time were influenced by partner performance and relationship quality (affiliate vs. non-affiliate). Auditory feedback about the alleged performance of the co-actor was provided via playback; partner performance was either moderately or extremely better or worse than subject performance. We predicted that subjects would assimilate to moderately different comparison standards as well as to affiliates and contrast away from extreme standards and non-affiliates. Subjects instantly generalized to novel pictures. While accuracy was not affected by any of the factors, long reaction times occurred more frequently when subjects were tested with a non-affiliate who was performing worse, compared to one who was doing better than them (80 % quantile worse: 5.1, better: 4.3 s). For affiliate co-actors, there was no marked effect (worse: 4.4, better: 4.6 s). In a control condition with no auditory feedback, subjects performed somewhat better in the presence of affiliates (M = 77.8 % correct) compared to non-affiliates (M = 71.1 %), while reaction time was not affected. Apparently, subjects were sensitive to partner identity and performance, yet variation in motivation rather than assimilation and contrast effects may account for the observed effects.

Biomechanical Analysis of the Modified Kessler, Lahey, Adelaide, and Becker Sutures for Flexor Tendon Repair

PURPOSE

To compare the biomechanical properties of the modified Kessler, Lahey, Adelaide, and Becker repairs, which are marked by either a locking-loop or a cross-lock configuration.

METHODS

Ninety-six lacerated porcine flexor tendons were repaired using the respective core suture and an epitendinous repair. Biomechanical testing was conducted under static and cyclic loads. Parameters of interest were 2-mm gap formation force, displacement during different loads, stiffness, maximum force, and mode of failure.

RESULTS

The meaningful gap formation occurred in all 4 repairs at similar tension loads without any significant differences. Maximum force was highest in the Becker repair with a considerable difference compared with the modified Kessler and Lahey sutures. The Adelaide repair showed the highest stiffness. Overall, the displacement during cyclic loading demonstrated similar results with an exception between the Lahey and the Adelaide repairs at 10 N load. Failure by suture pull-out occurred in 42% in the modified Kessler, in 38% in the Lahey, and in 4% in the Adelaide repairs. The Becker repair failed only by suture rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that the difference between the 4-strand repairs with a cross-lock or a locking-loop configuration is minor in regard to gap formation. A strong epitendinous suture and the application of core suture pretension might prevent differences in gapping. However, the modified Kessler and Lahey repairs had an inferior maximum tensile strength and were prone to early failure caused by the narrow locking loops with their limited locking power.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We suggest that surgeons should use pre-tension in repaired tendons to improve gap resistance and should avoid narrow locking loop anchoring to the tendon.

Surgical adhesive BioGlue™ does not benefit tendon repair strength: an ex vivo study

Surgical adhesives are useful supplements in surgery, but their benefit in tendon repair is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of BioGlue™ on strength of flexor tendon repair. A total of 60 porcine flexor tendons were divided into three groups. In group one, a conventional core and peripheral suture repair was used. In group two, a core suture and BioGlue™ were used. In group three, a conventional core and peripheral suture repair and BioGlue™ were used. We performed static and cyclic axial load testing and measured diameter of the repair site. We found that BioGlue™ did not improve the tensile strength when added to a core and peripheral suture and that there was an increase in bulk at the repair site. We conclude that BioGlue™ application cannot replace a peripheral suture as tensile strength significantly decreases without a peripheral suture, and it does not benefit a tendon already repaired with a core and peripheral suture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

n/a.

Seeing the experimenter influences the response to pointing cues in long-tailed macaques

Methodological variations in experimental conditions can strongly influence animals' performances in cognitive tests. Specifically, the procedure of the so-called object-choice task has been controversially discussed; here, a human experimenter indicates the location of hidden food by pointing or gazing at one of two or more containers. Whereas dogs usually succeed, results for nonhuman primates are ambiguous. In the standard version of the task the majority of subjects do not respond appropriately to human pointing. However, modifying the task setup, such as placing the containers further apart, seems to improve subjects' performances, suggesting that cue salience may be an important variable. Here we investigated whether the visibility of the experimenter inhibits long-tailed macaques' (Macaca fascicularis) usage of the pointing cue. In our baseline condition, with the experimenter fully visible, the monkeys chose the correct container in 61% of the trials. The performance increased significantly, however, when the experimenter was hidden behind a curtain and only the arm of the experimenter, a doll's arm, or a stick was visible. Furthermore, the monkeys performed significantly better when the tip of the pointing finger or device was close to the target compared to the more distant condition. Intriguingly, after these experiments the monkeys' performance was also significantly improved in the baseline condition (70%). Apparently, the monkeys were first distracted by the presence of the experimenter, but then learned to use the cue. These findings highlight the importance of the test conditions, and question some of the assumptions about species-specific differences in the object-choice task.

The Th17/Treg balance is disturbed during aging

Aging is associated with multiple changes in the proliferative and functional abilities of the immune system which are not related to any pathology but consequences in immunosenescence and inflammaging. T helper (TH) 17 cells have been implicated in the development of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases in humans. Additionally, a reciprocal relationship between these pro-inflammatory TH17 and the anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been described. Recent studies reported an increase of TH17 cells in aged humans and aged mice, but the role of TH17 cells and their relation to Tregs is poorly understood in human aging. This study investigated the proportion of TH17 (CD4+ IL23 receptor(R)+) cells and Tregs (CD4+ Foxp3+) as well as Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 production in four different age groups from human healthy donors. The data revealed a continual increase of basal CD4+ IL23R+ cell amounts in the different age groups. By analyzing the balance of both T-cell subsets it was observed that, on a basal resting level, TH17 cells were significantly increased in older individuals whereas Tregs were reduced. However, the TH17/Treg ratio decreased age-dependently after stimulation and was accompanied by elevated Foxp3 mRNA and IL-10 protein expressions. In conclusion, changes of the TH17/Treg ratios in combination with altered cytokine expression during aging may contribute to an imbalance between the pro-inflammatory and the anti-inflammatory immune response. This indicates a higher susceptibility to develop inflammatory diseases with increasing age.

Monkeys perform as well as apes and humans in a size discrimination task

Whether the cognitive competences of monkeys and apes are rather similar or whether the larger-brained apes outperform monkeys in cognitive experiments is a highly debated topic. Direct comparative analyses are therefore essential to examine similarities and differences among species. We here compared six primate species, including humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas (great apes), olive baboons, and long-tailed macaques (Old World monkeys) in a task on fine-grained size discrimination. Except for gorillas, subjects of all taxa (i.e. humans, apes, and monkeys) were able to discriminate three-dimensional cubes with a volume difference of only 10 % (i.e. cubes of 50 and 48 mm side length) and performed only slightly worse when the cubes were presented successively. The minimal size discriminated declined further with increasing time delay between presentations of the cubes, highlighting the difficulty to memorize exact size differences. The results suggest that differences in brain size, as a proxy for general cognitive abilities, did not account for variation in performance, but that differential socio-ecological pressures may better explain species differences. Our study highlights the fact that differences in cognitive abilities do not always map neatly onto phylogenetic relationships and that in a number of cognitive experiments monkeys do not fare significantly worse than apes, casting doubt on the assumption that larger brains per se confer an advantage in such kinds of tests.

Co-doping of (Bi(0.5)Na(0.5))TiO(3): secondary phase formation and lattice site preference of Co

Bismuth sodium titanate (Bi(0.5)Na(0.5))TiO(3) (BNT) is considered to be one of the most promising lead-free alternatives to piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT). However, the effect of dopants on the material has so far received little attention from an atomic point of view. In this study we investigated the effects of cobalt-doping on the formation of additional phases and determined the preferred lattice site of cobalt in BNT. The latter was achieved by comparing the measured x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra to numerically calculated spectra of cobalt on various lattice sites in BNT. (Bi(0.5)Na(0.5))TiO(3) + x mol% Co (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.6) was synthesized via solid state reaction. As revealed by SEM backscattering images, a secondary phase formed in all doped specimens. Using both XRD and SEM-EDX, it was identified as Co(2)TiO(4) for dopant levels >0.5 mol%. In addition, a certain amount of cobalt was incorporated into BNT, as shown by electron probe microanalysis. This amount increased with increasing dopant levels, suggesting that an equilibrium forms together with the secondary phase. The XANES experiments revealed that cobalt occupies the octahedral B-site in the BNT perovskite lattice, substituting Ti and promoting the formation of oxygen vacancies in the material.

Old world monkeys compare to apes in the primate cognition test battery

Understanding the evolution of intelligence rests on comparative analyses of brain sizes as well as the assessment of cognitive skills of different species in relation to potential selective pressures such as environmental conditions and social organization. Because of the strong interest in human cognition, much previous work has focused on the comparison of the cognitive skills of human toddlers to those of our closest living relatives, i.e. apes. Such analyses revealed that apes and children have relatively similar competencies in the physical domain, while human children excel in the socio-cognitive domain; in particular in terms of attention sharing, cooperation, and mental state attribution. To develop a full understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of primate intelligence, however, comparative data for monkeys are needed. We tested 18 Old World monkeys (long-tailed macaques and olive baboons) in the so-called Primate Cognition Test Battery (PCTB) (Herrmann et al. 2007, Science). Surprisingly, our tests revealed largely comparable results between Old World monkeys and the Great apes. Single comparisons showed that chimpanzees performed only better than the macaques in experiments on spatial understanding and tool use, but in none of the socio-cognitive tasks. These results question the clear-cut relationship between cognitive performance and brain size and--prima facie--support the view of an accelerated evolution of social intelligence in humans. One limitation, however, is that the initial experiments were devised to tap into human specific skills in the first place, thus potentially underestimating both true nonhuman primate competencies as well as species differences.

Formulation and mechanical properties of emulsion-based model polymer foams

We produce cellular material based on the formulation of model emulsions whose drop size and composition may be continuously tuned. The obtained solid foams are characterized by narrow cell and pore size distributions in direct relation with the emulsion structure. The mechanical properties are examined, by varying independently the cell size and the foam density, and compared to theoretical predictions. Surprisingly, at constant density, Young's modulus depends on the cell size. We believe that this observation results from the heterogeneous nature of the solid material constituting the cell walls and propose a mean-field approach that allows describing the experimental data. We discuss the possible origin of the heterogeneity and suggest that the presence of an excess of surfactant close to the interface results in a softer polymer layer near the surface and a harder layer in the bulk.

Characterization of a two-transmon processor with individual single-shot qubit readout

We report the characterization of a two-qubit processor implemented with two capacitively coupled tunable superconducting qubits of the transmon type, each qubit having its own nondestructive single-shot readout. The fixed capacitive coupling yields the sqrt[iSWAP] two-qubit gate for a suitable interaction time. We reconstruct by state tomography the coherent dynamics of the two-bit register as a function of the interaction time, observe a violation of the Bell inequality by 22 standard deviations after correcting readout errors, and measure by quantum process tomography a gate fidelity of 90%.

Coupling a quantum dot, fermionic leads, and a microwave cavity on a chip

We demonstrate a hybrid architecture consisting of a quantum dot circuit coupled to a single mode of the electromagnetic field. We use single wall carbon nanotube based circuits inserted in superconducting microwave cavities. By probing the nanotube dot using a dispersive readout in the Coulomb blockade and the Kondo regime, we determine an electron-photon coupling strength which should enable circuit QED experiments with more complex quantum dot circuits.

Representational format determines numerical competence in monkeys

A range of animal species possess an evolutionarily ancient system for representing number, which provides the foundation for simple arithmetical operations such as addition and numerical comparisons. Surprisingly, non-human primates tested in ecologically, highly valid quantity discrimination tasks using edible items often show a relatively low performance, suggesting that stimulus salience interferes with rational decision making. Here we show that quantity discrimination was indeed significantly enhanced when monkeys were tested with inedible items compared with food items (84 versus 69% correct). More importantly, when monkeys were tested with food, but rewarded with other food items, the accuracy was equally high (86%). The results indicate that the internal representation of the stimuli, not their physical quality, determined performance. Reward replacement apparently facilitated representation of the food items as signifiers for other foods, which in turn supported a higher acuity in decision making.

Many animals can do simple quantity discrimination, but they often perform poorly when food is used. Here, the authors show that monkeys are good at food quantity discrimination when they are not allowed to eat it, suggesting that the mental representation of the stimuli is more important than the physical quality.

Inferential reasoning and modality dependent discrimination learning in olive baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis)

Apes use inferential reasoning by exclusion to locate food both in the visual and auditory domain. To test whether olive baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis) show similar abilities as the apes object choice experiments with differing information about food located in 1 of 2 cups were conducted in the visual and auditory modality. Although all baboons (N = 7) were able to locate the reward when they had previously seen it, they failed to make use of auditory cues or arbitrary acoustic signals. When only partial information was given (i.e., only 1 cup was opened) 4 of the baboons were apparently able to infer the location of the reward by reasoning, whereas the other 3 may have adopted an alternative strategy ("avoid the empty cup"). In addition, 3 of the baboons were able to use arbitrary visual markers to locate the food reward. The results suggest that inferential reasoning is not restricted to apes but is shared with Old World monkeys. Furthermore, they also highlight some important differences in the processing of auditory versus visual information in operant conditioning settings.