Engineering of lactic acid bacteria for delivery of therapeutic proteins and peptides

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have a long-term history of use in food industry and are becoming attractive for use in therapy on account of their safety, intrinsic beneficial health effects, and considerable biotechnological potential. The established systems for engineering are combined with novel approaches, such as CRISPR-Cas, to enable the use of LAB as vectors for delivery of various therapeutic molecules. The latter are either secreted or surface displayed and can be used for the treatment or prevention of numerous conditions: inflammatory bowel diseases, infections, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. This review presents some recent data on engineering of LAB, with the emphasis on the most commonly used genera Lactococcus and Lactobacillus. Their use for the delivery of therapeutic proteins is discussed, while a special focus is given to the delivery of therapeutic peptides. Therapeutically relevant improvements of engineered LAB, such as containment systems, ability to visualize bacteria, or target specific host cells are also addressed. Future engineering of LAB for therapy will adopt the capabilities of synthetic biology, with first examples already emerging.

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The diaphragma sellae, diaphragm opening, and subdiaphragmatic cistern: an anatomical study using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Purpose

Few studies have explored the detailed morphology of the diaphragma sellae (DS), diaphragm opening (DO) or stoma, and subdiaphragmatic cistern (SDC) using neuroimages. The aim of the present study was to characterize these structures using magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Thin-sliced, sagittal and coronal T2-weighted imaging was performed for a total of 84 outpatients.

Results

The DS, DO, SDC, and relevant structures were consistently delineated in all patients. In 66% of patients, all three structures appeared to be highly variable, and were classifiable as six distinct morphological types. In 4% of patients, the DS presented as a complete sheet lacking a discernible DO. In addition, 30% of the patients presented with undiscernible SDCs. In the coronal sections of 11% of patients, the pituitary glands extended laterally, reaching or extending beyond the center line on the sectional image of the cavernous internal carotid artery.

Conclusions

Thin-sliced, sagittal, and coronal T2-weighted sequences are useful for delineating the DS, DO, and SDC. Morphological variation of these structures among individuals may considerably influence the direction of pituitary tumor expansion.

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Hypoplastic superficial brachioradial artery coexisting with atypical formation of the median and musculocutaneous nerves: a rare combination of unusual topographical relationships

Abstract

The use of the term "brachioradial artery" was introduced for the high origin of the radial artery. Although the prevalence of the brachioradial artery reported by different authors varies from 4.67 to 15.6%, the presence of the hypoplastic brachial segment of the brachioradial artery is rare with an occurrence rate of 0.83%. Moreover, in just 0.6% of cases the loop of the median nerve may be placed near half of the length of the brachial artery, as in the case described in our report. A comprehensive understanding of anatomical variations of neurovascular structures in the upper limb is of great clinical significance. The presented case report illustrates a rare manifestation of persistent primitive developmental relationships in the arterial pattern of the upper limb (persistent, hypoplastic brachial segment of the superficial brachioradial artery), coexisting with atypical formation of the median and musculocutaneous nerves. Anatomical variations of vessels and nerves may coexist which should be taken into account when performing vascular, reconstructive or orthopedic surgery.

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The importance of soils in predicting the future of plant habitat suitability in a tropical forest

Abstract

Aims

Assessment of the future of biodiversity under climate change has been based on climate-only models. We investigated the effects of including soil information when predicting future suitable areas for selected plant species in Amazonia.

Methods

We modelled current and future suitable habitats for 35 plant species and compared results of climate-only models with those obtained when climatic and edaphic variables were included. We considered six climatic scenarios for 2050 using different algorithms and projections of atmospheric CO₂ concentration.

Results

Twenty-five species distribution models had an AUC > 0.69. Out of those, edaphic variables had the greatest contribution in 11 species models, while climatic variables were more important for 14 species. The inclusion of soil variables affected the size and shape of predicted suitable areas, especially in future models. For nearly half of the species, the size of future suitable areas were smaller in climate+soil models than predicted by climate-only models. Area reduction was more extreme in future scenarios with the higher level of CO₂ concentration.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of moving beyond climatic scenarios when modelling biodiversity responses to climate change. Failure to include soils in the models can overestimate future habitat suitability for many plant species.

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Elevated CO 2 alters the rhizosphere effect on crop residue decomposition

Abstract

Background and aims

Elevated atmospheric CO₂ (eCO₂) can affect microbial decomposition of native soil organic carbon (SOC) via enhanced root exudation and rhizosphere activity. Few studies have examined the effect of eCO₂ on the decomposition of newly-added crop residues, which are important to understand below-ground C changes. A soil microcosm experiment was conducted to examine whether eCO₂ would enhance the rhizosphere effects on the decomposition of crop residues.

Methods

White lupin (Lupinus albus L. cv. Kiev) was grown for 34 or 62 days under ambient CO₂ (aCO₂, 400 μmol mol⁻¹) or eCO₂ (800 μmol mol⁻¹) in a low-C (2.0 mg g⁻¹) soil which was amended with or without dual ¹³C and ¹⁵N labelled wheat, field pea or canola crop residues. An isotopic tracing technique was adopted to partition residue-derived CO₂ from total below-ground CO₂ efflux. Two independent groups of data were analysed statistically at either Day 34 or 62.

Results

The presence of white lupin increased the decomposition of all residues at Day 34. This positive rhizosphere effect on residue decomposition decreased and was even reversed at Day 62, probably due to depletion of labile C, or microbial N limitation, or rhizosphere acidification. The eCO₂-induced decomposition depended on residue type at Day 34. Specifically, when compared to aCO₂, eCO₂ did not affect the decomposition of canola residue, increased that of field pea residue by 13.5% but decreased wheat straw decomposition by 7.4%. However, residue decomposition was, on average, 13% higher under eCO₂ at Day 62, which was correlated positively with the increase in rhizosphere extractable C (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Elevated CO₂ generally increased residue decomposition in the rhizosphere, but this effect was mediated by residue type at Day 34. Enhanced residue decomposition under legumes at eCO₂ may favour C turnover and the release of residue N.

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Pictorial review of Morel‐Lavallée lesions

Summary

A Morel‐Lavallée lesion is a post‐traumatic soft tissue degloving injury which presents as a haemolymphatic mass or collection. Morel‐Lavallée lesions are the result of direct trauma or shearing forces abruptly separating skin and subcutaneous tissue from underlying fascia causing disruption of perforating vessels and nerves, creating a potential space that may fill with blood, lymph and debris forming a collection. Morel‐Lavallée lesions usually occur adjacent to osseous protuberances, most commonly along the greater trochanter. Early diagnosis and management is essential to prevent complications. We present this pictorial review to highlight the imaging characteristics of Morel‐Lavallée lesions across imaging modalities to improve recognition, early diagnosis and management.

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Elucidating the dechlorination mechanism of hexachloroethane by Pd-doped zerovalent iron microparticles in dissolved lactic acid polymers using chromatography and indirect monitoring of iron corrosion

Abstract

The degradation mechanism of the pollutant hexachloroethane (HCA) by a suspension of Pd-doped zerovalent iron microparticles (Pd-mZVI) in dissolved lactic acid polymers and oligomers (referred to as PLA) was investigated using gas chromatography and the indirect monitoring of iron corrosion by continuous measurements of pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and conductivity. The first experiments took place in the absence of HCA, to understand the evolution of the Pd-mZVI/PLA/H₂O system. This showed that the evolution of pH, ORP, and conductivity is related to changes in solution chemistry due to iron corrosion and that the system is initially cathodically controlled by H⁺ mass transport to Pd surfaces because of the presence of an extensive PLA layer. We then investigated the effects of Pd-mZVI particles, temperature, initial HCA concentration, and PLA content on the Pd-mZVI/PLA/HCA/H₂O system, to obtain a better understanding of the degradation mechanism. In all cases, HCA dechlorination first requires the production of atomic hydrogen H^*—involving the accumulation of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) as an intermediate—before its subsequent reduction to non-chlorinated C₂ and C₄ compounds. The ratio between Pd-mZVI dosage, initial HCA concentration, and PLA content affects the rate of H^* generation as well as the rate-determining step of the process. A pseudo-first-order equation can be applied when Pd-mZVI dosage is much higher than the theoretical stoichiometry (600 mg for [HCA]₀ = 5–20 mg L⁻¹). Our results indicate that the HCA degradation mechanism includes mass transfer, sorption, surface reaction with H^*, and desorption of the product.

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Chloroplast proteomic analysis of Triticum aestivum L. seedlings responses to low levels of UV-B stress reveals novel molecular mechanism associated with UV-B tolerance

Abstract

In this study, we have investigated UV-B-induced alterations including chloroplast ultrastructure, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, physiological metabolism, and chloroplast proteome profile. Comparison of seedling phenotypic characterization and physiological status revealed that the low level of 1.08 KJ m⁻² of UV-B irradiation had no obvious effects on seedling phenotype and growth and maintained better chloroplast ultrastructure and higher photosynthetic efficiency. Nevertheless, the high dose of 12.6 KJ m⁻² of UV-B stress caused significant inhibitory effects on the growth and development of wheat seedlings. Proteomic analysis of chloroplasts with or without 1.08 KJ m⁻² of UV-B irradiation identified 50 differentially expressed protein spots, of which 35 were further analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. These proteins were found to be involved in multiple cellular metabolic processes including ATP synthesis, light reaction, Calvin cycle, detoxifying and antioxidant reactions, protein metabolism, malate and tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, and signal transduction pathway. We also identified 3 novel UV-B-responsive proteins, spots 8801, 8802, and 9201, and predicted three new proteins might be UV-B protective proteins. Our results imply chloroplasts play a central protective role in UV-B resistance of wheat seedlings and also provide novel evidences that UV-B stress directly affects on the structure and function of chloroplasts and explore molecular mechanisms associated with plant UV-B tolerance from chloroplast perspective.

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Parabens

Parabens have been widely used as preservatives in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries for more than 70 years. Monitoring for paraben allergy closely followed with studies reporting paraben testing in standard screening fashion as early as 1940. The frequency of sensitivity to this widely used biocide has remained low and remarkably stable for many decades despite extensive use and progressive expansion of utilization worldwide. The authors select paraben mix as the (non)allergen of the year. Paraben reactions are quite uncommon and generally relevant. Parabens remain one of the least allergenic preservatives available. The unsubstantiated public perception of paraben safety has led to its replacement in many products with preservatives having far greater allergenic potential. This report reviews the well-established safety of parabens from an allergologic standpoint.

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Airborne Contact Dermatitis Caused by Essential Oils in a Child

No abstract available

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Paraben Toxicology

Parabens now being formally declared as the American Contact Dermatitis Society (non)allergen of the year, the allergologic concerns regarding parabens raised during the past century are no longer a significant issue. The more recent toxicological concerns regarding parabens are more imposing, stemming from the gravity of the noncutaneous adverse health effects for which they have been scrutinized for the past 20 years. These include endocrine activity, carcinogenesis, infertility, spermatogenesis, adipogenesis, perinatal exposure impact, and nonallergologic cutaneous, psychologic, and ecologic effects. To assert that parabens are safe for use as currently used in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries, all toxicological end points must be addressed. We seek to achieve perspective through this exercise: perspective for the professional assessing systemic risk of parabens by all routes of exposure. The data reviewed in this article strive to provide a balanced perspective for the consumer hopefully to allay concerns regarding the safety of parabens and facilitate an informed decision-making process. Based on currently available scientific information, claims that parabens are involved in the genesis or propagation of these controversial and important health problems are premature. Haste to remove parabens from consumer products could result in their substitution with alternative, less proven, and potentially unsafe alternatives, especially given the compelling data supporting the lack of significant dermal toxicity of this important group of preservatives.

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A Subtle Historical Clue Unlocks a Contact Puzzle

No abstract available

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Systemic Treatments for Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common disease within the family of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. In more severe cases of allergic contact dermatitis, topical steroids may prove insufficient, and systemic therapeutic agents are often used. Even when systemic therapies such as cyclosporine lead to improvement, withdrawal of these agents is challenging and can lead to undesirable morbidities. Currently, there are no systemic treatments indicated for the treatment of widespread recalcitrant contact dermatitis. This review discusses the targets of in-use off-label systemic medications and potential therapeutics in the pipeline.

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Allergic Reaction to Red Cosmetic Lip Tattoo Treated With Hydroxychloroquine

No abstract available

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Atopic Dermatitis and Hospitalization for Mental Health Disorders in the United States

Little is known about mental health (MH) emergencies in atopic dermatitis (AD) and their financial burden. We sought to determine hospitalization rates and costs of MH disorders in AD patients. We analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2012, containing a representative 20% sample of US hospitalizations. Overall, 835 AD (1.36%) and 2,434,703 non-AD (0.75%) patients had a primary admission for an MH disorder. Atopic dermatitis patients admitted for MH disorders were more likely to be younger, Asian, of black race, and in a higher income quartile and have an increasing number of chronic conditions. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for demographics, AD was associated with a primary admission for MH disorders in adults, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, and developmental disorders. Atopic dermatitis was not associated with a primary admission for an MH disorder in children. There were an estimated US $183,821,629 excess costs of care annually for MH disorders in inpatients with versus without AD. In conclusion, AD was associated with higher odds of hospitalization for all MH disorders and substantial excess costs of inpatient care.

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Formaldehyde in Hypoallergenic Household Gloves

No abstract available

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Atopy and Sensitization to Allergens Known to Cause Systemic Contact Dermatitis

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) associated with respiratory atopy may represent a form of systemic contact dermatitis (SCD), whereby AD flares after ingestion or inhalation of allergens. Objective The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of positive patch tests to allergens known to cause SCD in AD patients with and without respiratory atopy. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients with AD patch tested to 23 allergens known to cause SCD. Positive patch tests were compared between AD patients with and without respiratory atopy, stratified by age and wet or dry work occupation. Conclusions Children and adolescents, but not adults, with AD and respiratory atopy were more likely than age-matched AD patients without respiratory atopy to have positive patch tests to these allergens (odds ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–4.79). Moreover, AD patients with respiratory atopy and engaging in wet work, but not dry work, occupations were more likely than AD patients without respiratory atopy to have positive patch tests to allergens known to cause SCD (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.06). Thus, respiratory atopy and wet work are associated with sensitization to allergens known to cause SCD in patients with AD, and patch testing may be valuable in identifying systemic triggers of dermatitis in these patients.

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Everlasting Liquid Lipstick: Reminder to Patch Test Personal Products

No abstract available

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Formaldehyde Release From Personal Care Products: Chromotropic Acid Method Analysis

Background Preservatives such as formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers (F/FRs) are found in personal care products. Studies from Europe and Israel have indicated that products with undeclared F/FRs on product labels may have detectable levels of formaldehyde. Objective The aim of the study was to determine the presence of formaldehyde in samples of US personal care products. Methods Fifty-four baby and adult products were tested with the chromotropic acid method. A blinded investigator graded the color change as mild, moderate, or strong. Results All 8 products declaring F/FRs resulted in a deep purple color change, indicating a strong reaction. Of the 46 products with undeclared F/FRs, 4 (8.6%) were found to release formaldehyde. All 4 resulted in a light purple color change, indicating a mild reaction. Conclusions Overall, 4 of 54 products (7.4%) had label information, which did not match chromotropic acid method testing results. Clinicians and formaldehyde-allergic individuals should be aware of the limitations of product ingredient labeling in managing allergic contact dermatitis to formaldehyde.

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Pediatric Cases Involving Chemical Burns to Garlic Used to Treat Warts

No abstract available

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“Fresh Breath” on Toothpaste: Peppermint as Cause of Cheilitis

No abstract available

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Interleukin-4 Inhibition in Recalcitrant Dermatitis

No abstract available

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US astronomers plot wish list for the next decade

US astronomers plot wish list for the next decade

US astronomers plot wish list for the next decade, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00172-3

Survey to set field's priorities is haunted by ghosts of past efforts.

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Human blood vessel organoids as a model of diabetic vasculopathy

Human blood vessel organoids as a model of diabetic vasculopathy

Human blood vessel organoids as a model of diabetic vasculopathy, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0858-8

Organoids derived from human stem cells recapitulate the structure and functions of human blood vessels, and can be used to model and identify regulators of diabetic vasculopathy.

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Wild coffee species threatened by climate change and deforestation

Wild coffee species threatened by climate change and deforestation

Wild coffee species threatened by climate change and deforestation, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00150-9

The extinction of wild species could jeopardize the viability of commercial coffee varieties.

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Heart of a stellar explosion revealed

Heart of a stellar explosion revealed

Heart of a stellar explosion revealed, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00043-x

During the deaths of some massive stars, a narrow beam called a jet is launched through the stellar envelope, leaving an imprint that is difficult to detect. Such an imprint has now been seen in unprecedented detail.

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Daily briefing: WHO calls out ‘vaccine hesitancy’ as top 10 health threat

Daily briefing: WHO calls out 'vaccine hesitancy' as top 10 health threat

Daily briefing: WHO calls out 'vaccine hesitancy' as top 10 health threat, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00188-9

Anti-vaccination sentiment up there with deadly air pollution, Ebola and antibiotic resistance. Plus: the Milky Way is awesome and there's a plant growing on the Moon.

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Washington state’s tech billionaires pour cash into global health

Washington state's tech billionaires pour cash into global health

Washington state's tech billionaires pour cash into global health, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00130-z

Gifts from pioneering philanthropists have equipped the US state for a frontline battle against some of the world's deadliest diseases.

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Excised linear introns regulate growth in yeast

Excised linear introns regulate growth in yeast

Excised linear introns regulate growth in yeast, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0828-1

A set of 34 excised introns in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, characterized by having a short distance between the lariat branch point and the 3′ splice site, have a biological function within the TOR growth-signalling network.

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Plants on the Moon, US emissions spike and fish die-off

Plants on the Moon, US emissions spike and fish die-off

Plants on the Moon, US emissions spike and fish die-off, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00121-0

The week in science: 11–17 January 2019.

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Mass student protests bring down Albania’s science minister

Mass student protests bring down Albania's science minister

Mass student protests bring down Albania's science minister , Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00144-7

The government has bowed to pressure to fix the country's research and higher education — but stopped short of repealing a controversial law.

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Molecular control of macroscopic forces drives formation of the vertebrate hindgut

Molecular control of macroscopic forces drives formation of the vertebrate hindgut

Molecular control of macroscopic forces drives formation of the vertebrate hindgut, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0865-9

Cell-labelling experiments are used to demonstrate that the hindgut in the chick embryo is formed by cells moving through the stationary caudal intestinal portal as a result of a contractile force gradient directed by fibroblast growth factor signalling.

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3D printing mimics metals

3D printing mimics metals

3D printing mimics metals, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00139-4

Additive manufacturing combines with metallurgy to design strong, lightweight materials.

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War on drugs won’t work in Brazil

War on drugs won't work in Brazil

War on drugs won't work in Brazil, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00154-5

War on drugs won't work in Brazil

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Watch: Robot reveals how ancient reptile ancestor moved

Watch: Robot reveals how ancient reptile ancestor moved

Watch: Robot reveals how ancient reptile ancestor moved, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00186-x

Scientists use a combination of x-ray video, computer modelling and robotics to reanimate 280 million year old fossil.

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Define working culture, don’t leave it to chance

Define working culture, don't leave it to chance

Define working culture, don't leave it to chance, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00119-8

Define working culture, don't leave it to chance

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Photoredox catalysis using infrared light via triplet fusion upconversion

Photoredox catalysis using infrared light via triplet fusion upconversion

Photoredox catalysis using infrared light via triplet fusion upconversion, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0835-2

Photoredox transformations are achieved with infrared light by using triplet fusion upconversion that converts infrared into visible light, enabling the use of photoredox chemistry on larger scales and through barriers that are impenetrable by visible light.

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Cinematic and scientific techniques combine to show how a long-extinct creature moved

Cinematic and scientific techniques combine to show how a long-extinct creature moved

Cinematic and scientific techniques combine to show how a long-extinct creature moved, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00138-5

Dynamic computer modelling addresses the question of how early vertebrates got about on land.

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Institutions must state policy on data sharing

Institutions must state policy on data sharing

Institutions must state policy on data sharing, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00118-9

Institutions must state policy on data sharing

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Damage-tolerant architected materials inspired by crystal microstructure

Damage-tolerant architected materials inspired by crystal microstructure

Damage-tolerant architected materials inspired by crystal microstructure, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0850-3

Inspired by the enhanced mechanical strength of microstructured metals, damage-tolerant architected materials are developed in which the internal structure is granular, with different regions having different lattice orientations.

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Podcast: RNA splicing in yeast, and a walking fossil

Podcast: RNA splicing in yeast, and a walking fossil

Podcast: RNA splicing in yeast, and a walking fossil, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00181-2

Benjamin Thompson and Charlotte Stoddart bring you the latest science news.

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Cryptic DNA sequences may help cells survive starvation

Cryptic DNA sequences may help cells survive starvation

Cryptic DNA sequences may help cells survive starvation, Published online: 16 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00183-0

Stretches of non-coding DNA in genes called introns could have an important survival function.

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Origin and behavior of radionuclides in sediment core: a case study of the sediments collected from man-made reservoirs located in the past mining region in Central Slovakia

Abstract

The analyzed sediments were taken from the man-made reservoirs (Velka Richnava, Rozgrund and Vindsachta) located in an area intensively mined for polymetallic ores since the end of the eleventh century (Banska Stiavnica region, Central Europe). The aims of this study were to determine the radioactivity of natural (²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Th, ²¹⁰Pb) and artificial (¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am) radionuclides, compare the radionuclides' distribution, and indicate the correlation of radioisotopes and their origin related to sediment properties. Two analytical techniques were used. ²²⁸Th, ²²⁶Ra, ²⁴¹Am, and ¹³⁷Cs were measured by means of gamma spectrometry and ²¹⁰Pb was determined by its daughter radionuclide ²¹⁰Po using alpha spectrometry. The results showed that the highest mean level of ²²⁶Ra (42.6 Bq·kg⁻¹), ²²⁸Th (49.7 Bq·kg⁻¹) and ²¹⁰Pb (75.2 Bq·kg⁻¹) was in the sediments collected from Rozgrund. The radioactivity of ¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am were present at a higher level in the layer related to Chernobyl (1986) accident and nuclear weapon test (1950/1960). The distribution of natural radionuclides was quite similar in all reservoirs. Chemometric analysis confirmed the radionuclides' origin and correlation between the analyzed parameters.

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[ASAP] Two-Dimensional PC6 with Direct Band Gap and Anisotropic Carrier Mobility

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11350

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[ASAP] Molecular Upconversion in Water in Heteropolynuclear Supramolecular Tb/Yb Assemblies

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b10932

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[ASAP] Germanium Fluoride Nanocages as Optically Transparent n-Type Materials and Their Endohedral Metallofullerene Derivatives

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11259

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[ASAP] Cooperative Effects between Hydrophilic Pores and Solvents: Catalytic Consequences of Hydrogen Bonding on Alkene Epoxidation in Zeolites

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b12861

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Cryptic DNA sequences may help cells survive starvation

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Wild coffee species threatened by climate change and deforestation

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Τhe minimum fascia–tumor distance (MFTD) criterion is more feasible for benign tumors than for malignant tumors for the localization of parotid tumors. For benign parotid tumors, US is enough to guide operations.

The Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography in Differentiating Superficial from Deep Lobe Parotid Tumors

Ping‐Chia Cheng  Chih‐Ming Chang  Chun‐Chieh Huang  Wu‐Chia Lo  Tsung‐Wei Huang  Po‐Wen Cheng Li‐Jen Liao

First published: 12 January 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.13289

This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/coa.13289

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Abstract

Objectives

To validate and compare ultrasound (US) versus computed tomography (CT) criteria in the localization of superficial/deep lobe tumors of the parotid gland.

Design and Setting

This was a retrospective study of diagnostic tests performed from January 2008 to June 2017.

Participants

We included adult patients who were referred for a neck ultrasonography examination due to parotid tumors, and who subsequently underwent parotid surgery.

Main outcome measures

We assessed the location of parotid tumors, comparing the minimum fascia–tumor distance (MFTD) criterion on an US with eight CT criteria. We analyzed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the MFTD for malignant, benign, and all parotid tumors, and compared the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the optimal MFTD with those of CT anatomical criteria.

Results

A total of 166 parotid tumors were included. The mean (SD) MFTD in superficial lobe tumors was significantly shorter than that of deep lobe tumors (1.2 [0.7] vs 2.8 [1.9] mm, effect size: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.41). The areas under the ROC curve were 0.63 for malignant tumors and 0.88 for benign tumors. The optimal MFTD cut point was 2.4 mm for the 154 benign parotid tumors and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 90%, 80% and 91%, respectively. For the 136 benign parotid tumors that underwent CT examination, three criteria had an accuracy of over 90% (FNline, tMasseter and Conn's arc), but the sensitivities were all below 50%.

Conclusions

MFTD is more feasible for benign tumors than for malignant tumors for the localization of parotid tumors. For benign parotid tumors, US is enough to guide operations.

Atomic-scale hardening mechanisms apply on larger scales in ‘architected’ materials

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2TO5AG6

Heart of a stellar explosion revealed

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HIF-1α metabolically controls collagen synthesis and modification in chondrocytes

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Molecular control of macroscopic forces drives formation of the vertebrate hindgut

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Signatures of a jet cocoon in early spectra of a supernova associated with a γ-ray burst

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Cinematic and scientific techniques combine to show how a long-extinct creature moved

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A kiwellin disarms the metabolic activity of a secreted fungal virulence factor

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Damage-tolerant architected materials inspired by crystal microstructure

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US astronomers plot wish list for the next decade

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Magnetic and magnetic inverse spin Hall effects in a non-collinear antiferromagnet

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Human blood vessel organoids as a model of diabetic vasculopathy

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Introns are mediators of cell response to starvation

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Watch: Robot reveals how ancient reptile ancestor moved

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Interacting neural ensembles in orbitofrontal cortex for social and feeding behaviour

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Excised linear introns regulate growth in yeast

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Podcast: RNA splicing in yeast, and a walking fossil

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Photoredox catalysis using infrared light via triplet fusion upconversion

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3D printing mimics metals

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Plants fight fungi using kiwellin proteins

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Reverse-engineering the locomotion of a stem amniote

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Denitrification Rates Across a Temperate North Pacific Estuary, Yaquina Bay, Oregon

Abstract

The extent and temporal variability of denitrification activity was measured in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, over a year using sediment cores collected approximately monthly from August 2003 through August 2004. Denitrification rates in sediments from a marine-dominated intertidal sand flat near the mouth of the estuary averaged 0.181 ± 0.114 mmol N m⁻² day⁻¹, whereas sediments within the estuary and river averaged 0.626 ± 0.141 mmol N m⁻² day⁻¹. Sediments from all sites had denitrification rates throughout the year that were within the values reported for other temperate estuaries. Denitrification rates decreased with depth from 0.4 mmol N m⁻² day⁻¹ in the upper 2 to 5 cm of sediment to 0.006 mmol N m⁻² day⁻¹ at 28 cm sediment depth, indicating that denitrification was greatest in the upper 5 cm. Denitrification rates were lowest in areas with low sediment carbon content, particularly in the sandy intertidal areas at the mouth of the estuary. The results suggested that denitrification rates in this estuary were influenced by the availability of organic carbon (r² = 0.84). Denitrification removed an estimated 8.7% of the annual Yaquina River nitrate load for August 2003 through August 2004. The relatively low percent lost via denitrification may be due to high river discharge during winter storm events when the nitrate load was greatest and dissolved nitrogen was exported directly from the estuary into the Pacific Ocean. For this reason, a direct relationship between denitrification rate and nitrate concentrations in the overlying water column was not observed. Carbon isotopic data used to investigate the carbon source indicated that δ¹³C increased from − 27 ‰ in the freshwater river sediments to − 21.5 ‰ δ¹³C at the seawater site, reflecting a change from terrestrial plant vegetation in the river to phytoplankton carbon sources at the mouth of the estuary. Similar values for δ¹³C between suspended and benthic sediments suggested that resuspension and mixing occurred frequently during tidal inflow.

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High-Load Soft Grippers Based on Bionic Winding Effect

Soft Robotics, Ahead of Print.


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Daily briefing: WHO calls out ‘vaccine hesitancy’ as top 10 health threat

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[ASAP] Coordination-Driven Self-Assembled Metallacycles Incorporating Pyrene: Fluorescence Mutability, Tunability, and Aromatic Amine Sensing

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b12749

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[ASAP] Complex Molecules That Fold Like Proteins Can Emerge Spontaneously

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11698

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[ASAP] Deciphering Determinants in Ribosomal Methyltransferases That Confer Antimicrobial Resistance

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b10277

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