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Consumer interest in meat and dairy alternatives drives demand for plant-based protein ingredients. While soy and gluten dominate the market, there is a trend to explore alternative crops for functional ingredient production. The multitude of ingredients poses challenges for food manufacturers in selecting the right protein. We investigated 61 commercially available protein ingredients from various sources, categorizing them based on their protein content into protein-rich flours (protein content less than 50%), protein concentrates (protein content between 50% and 80%), and protein isolates (protein content higher than 80%). Methionine, cysteine, and lysine were decisive for the amino acid score, which even varied between ingredients produced from the same raw material. Such differences were also observed in the protein solubility profiles, characterized by their raw material-specific protein pattern. By focusing on soy, pea, and fava bean ingredients, the broad spectra of emulsifying and foaming properties were illustrated. These ranged from non-emulsifying and non-foaming to high emulsifying capacities of 737 mL/g ingredient and foaming activities of 2,278%, accompanied by a foam stability of 100%. Additionally, we demonstrated that the functionality of ingredients obtained from different batches could vary by up to 24% relative SD. Protein solubility, powder wettability, color, and particle size were determined as key properties for the differentiation of soy, pea, and fava bean protein ingredients by principal component analysis. In our study conclusion, we propose essential measures for overcoming challenges in protein ingredient production and utilization to realize their full potential in fostering sustainable and innovative plant-based food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycoside hydrolases (glycosidases) take part in myriad biological processes and are important therapeutic targets. Competitive and mechanism‐based inhibitors are useful tools to dissect their biological role and comprise a good starting point for drug discovery. The natural product, cyclophellitol, a mechanism‐based, covalent and irreversible retaining β‐glucosidase inhibitor has inspired the design of diverse α‐ and β‐glycosidase inhibitor and activity‐based probe scaffolds. Here, we sought to deepen our understanding of the structural and functional requirements of cyclophellitol‐type compounds for effective human α‐glucosidase inhibition. We synthesized a comprehensive set of α‐configured 1,2‐ and 1,5a‐cyclophellitol analogues bearing a variety of electrophilic traps. The inhibitory potency of these compounds was assessed towards both lysosomal and ER retaining α‐glucosidases. These studies revealed the 1,5a‐cyclophellitols to be the most potent retaining α‐glucosidase inhibitors, with the nature of the electrophile determining inhibitory mode of action (covalent or non‐covalent). DFT calculations support the ability of the 1,5a‐cyclophellitols, but not the 1,2‐congeners, to adopt conformations that mimic either the Michaelis complex or transition state of α‐glucosidases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axonal growth cones mediate axonal guidance and growth regulation. We show that migrating neurons in mice possess a growth cone at the tip of their leading process, similar to that of axons, in terms of the cytoskeletal dynamics and functional responsivity through protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type sigma (PTPσ). Migrating-neuron growth cones respond to chondroitin sulfate (CS) through PTPσ and collapse, which leads to inhibition of neuronal migration. In the presence of CS, the growth cones can revert to their extended morphology when their leading filopodia interact with heparan sulfate (HS), thus re-enabling neuronal migration. Implantation of an HS-containing biomaterial in the CS-rich injured cortex promotes the extension of the growth cone and improve the migration and regeneration of neurons, thereby enabling functional recovery. Thus, the growth cone of migrating neurons is responsive to extracellular environments and acts as a primary regulator of neuronal migration. Structure and functions of the tip of migratory neurons remain elusive. Here, the authors show that the PTPσ-expressing growth cone senses extracellular matrix changes and drives neuronal migration in the injured brain, leading to the functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Application-related (hands-on) training and instruction is an essential component in the advanced education of physicians in residency. To teach and train required endoscopic examinations and interventions in a standardized manner, courses are offered by various societies. Within these courses the assistant endoscopists learn and train how to use the technical equipment and how to perform the examinations and related interventions. Similarly, for graduate biomedical engineering students with a job- or research-related interest in the field of endoand laparoscopy, an early involvement and practical introduction to the instrumentation and techniques - if possible already during their studies - can generate a fundamental understanding of the technical requirements as well needs of the physicians. Objective: As various such (hands-on) training-courses for flexible and rigid endoscopy specifically addressing young physicians, surgeons as well as engineers are offered by numerous institutes, this contribution tries do provide a structured overview on/over these possibilities. Material: Known cross-institutional courses in the field of endo- and laparoscopy currently offered in Germany in cooperation of physicians and engineers are listed and briefly described. Results: A total of n = 4 crossinstitutional courses for the introduction and training in flexible and rigid endoscopy have been identified. Discussion: The cross-institutional courses for physicians and technicians in the field of endo- and laparoscopy presented serve to provide a better understanding of the subject matter and the field of either discipline. Questions that arise in the field of endoscopy from physicians can be addressed at an early stage and, if necessary, worked on with little effort. Ideas for new instruments and even new interventions can arise and be pursued through an intensive exchange between technicians and physicians. Collaborations are established on a local basis which will foster national activities in this field and which allow to develop competencies relevant for the industrial sector of medical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the most common disease caused by hypobaric hypoxia (HH) in high-altitude (HA) associated with high mortality when progressing to high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and/or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). There is evidence for a role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in development of AMS, but biological pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying AMS remain elusive. We aimed to measure changes in blood cytokine levels and their possible association with the development of AMS. Method: 15 healthy mountaineers were included into this prospective clinical trial. All participants underwent baseline normoxic testing with venous EDTA blood sampling at the Bangor University in United Kingdom (69 m). The participants started from Beni at an altitude of 869 m and trekked same routes in four groups the Dhaulagiri circuit in the Nepali Himalaya. Trekking a 14-day route, the mountaineers reached the final HA of 5,050 m at the Hidden Valley Base Camp (HVBC). Venous EDTA blood sampling was performed after active ascent to HA the following morning after arrival at 5,050 m (HVBC). A panel of 21 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were assessed using Luminex system (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-1ra, sIL-2Rα, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IP-10, G-CSF, GM-CSF, EGF, FGF-2, VEGF, and TGF-β1). Results: There was a significant main effect for the gradual ascent from sea-level (SL) to HA on nearly all cytokines. Serum levels for TNF-α, sIL-2Rα, G-CSF, VEGF, EGF, TGF-β1, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1β, and IP-10 were significantly increased at HA compared to SL, whereas levels for IFN-γ and MIP-1α were significantly decreased. Serum VEGF was higher in AMS susceptible versus AMS resistant subjects (p < 0.027, main effect of AMS) and increased after ascent to HA in both AMS groups (p < 0.011, main effect of HA). Serum VEGF increased more from SL values in the AMS susceptible group than in the AMS resistant group (p < 0.049, interaction effect). Conclusion: Cytokine concentrations are significantly altered in HA. Within short interval after ascent, cytokine concentrations in HH normalize to values at SL. VEGF is significantly increased in mountaineers suffering from AMS, indicating its potential role as a biomarker for AMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural product jasplakinolide is widely used to stabilize F‐actin. Based on extensive structure–activity relationship studies, we have developed a new generation of photoswitchable jasplakinolides that feature rationally designed red‐shifted azobenzene photoswitches. Our lead compound, nOJ, can be activated with longer wavelengths in the visible range (e.g. 440–475 nm) and rapidly returns to its inactive state through thermal relaxation. nOJ enables the reversible control of F‐actin dynamics, as shown through live‐cell imaging, cell migration, and cell proliferation assays. Short, local irradiation with blue light resulted in highly localized and reversible actin aggregation with subcellular precision. Our optical tool can be useful in diverse fields to study actin dynamics with excellent spatiotemporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural product jasplakinolide is widely used to stabilize F‐actin. Based on extensive structure–activity relationship studies, we have developed a new generation of photoswitchable jasplakinolides that feature rationally designed red‐shifted azobenzene photoswitches. Our lead compound, nOJ, can be activated with longer wavelengths in the visible range (e.g. 440–475 nm) and rapidly returns to its inactive state through thermal relaxation. nOJ enables the reversible control of F‐actin dynamics, as shown through live‐cell imaging, cell migration, and cell proliferation assays. Short, local irradiation with blue light resulted in highly localized and reversible actin aggregation with subcellular precision. Our optical tool can be useful in diverse fields to study actin dynamics with excellent spatiotemporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) was associated with better clinical success and a lower rate of adverse events (AEs) than fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in recent single center studies with mainly retrospective design and small case numbers (< 50). The aim of this prospective European multicenter study is to compare both drainage procedures using ultrasound-guidance and primary metal stent implantation in patients with malignant distal bile duct obstruction (PUMa Trial). Methods: The study is designed as a non-randomized, controlled, parallel group, non-inferiority trial. Each of the 16 study centers performs the procedure with the best local expertise (PTBD or EUS-BD). In PTBD, bile duct access is performed by ultrasound guidance. EUS-BD is performed as an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS), EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) or EUS-guided antegrade stenting (EUS-AGS). Insertion of a metal stent is intended in both procedures in the first session. Primary end point is technical success. Secondary end points are clinical success, duration pf procedure, AEs graded by severity, length of hospital stay, re-intervention rate and survival within 6 months. The target case number is 212 patients (12 calculated dropouts included). Discussion: This study might help to clarify whether PTBD is non-inferior to EUS-BD concerning technical success, and whether one of both interventions is superior in terms of efficacy and safety in one or more secondary endpoints. Randomization is not provided as both procedures are rarely used after failed endoscopic biliary drainage and study centers usually prefer one of both procedures that they can perform best. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03546049 (22.05.2018). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial photosynthesis for hydrogen production is an important element in the search for green energy sources. The incorporation of photoactive units into mechanically stable 2D materials paves the way toward the realization of ultrathin membranes as mimics for leaves. Here we present and compare two concepts to introduce a photoactive RuII polypyridine complex into ≈1 nm thick carbon nanomembranes (CNMs) generated by low‐energy electron irradiation induced cross‐linking of aromatic self‐assembled monolayers. The photoactive units are either directly incorporated into the CNM scaffold or covalently grafted to its surface. We characterize RuII CNMs using X‐ray photoelectron, surface‐enhanced Raman, photothermal deflection spectroscopy, atomic force, scanning electron microscopy, and study their photoactivity in graphene field‐effect devices. Therewith, we explore the applicability of low‐energy electron irradiation of metal complexes for photosensitizer nanosheet formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial photosynthesis for hydrogen production is an important element in the search for green energy sources. The incorporation of photoactive units into mechanically stable 2D materials paves the way toward the realization of ultrathin membranes as mimics for leaves. Here we present and compare two concepts to introduce a photoactive RuII polypyridine complex into ≈1 nm thick carbon nanomembranes (CNMs) generated by low‐energy electron irradiation induced cross‐linking of aromatic self‐assembled monolayers. The photoactive units are either directly incorporated into the CNM scaffold or covalently grafted to its surface. We characterize RuII CNMs using X‐ray photoelectron, surface‐enhanced Raman, photothermal deflection spectroscopy, atomic force, scanning electron microscopy, and study their photoactivity in graphene field‐effect devices. Therewith, we explore the applicability of low‐energy electron irradiation of metal complexes for photosensitizer nanosheet formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical functionalization of molecular 2D materials toward the assembly of hierarchical functional nanostructures is of great importance for nanotechnology including areas like artificial photocatalytic systems, nanobiosensors, or ultrafiltration. To achieve the desired functionality of 2D materials, these need to be characterized down to the nanoscale. However, obtaining the respective chemical information is challenging and generally requires the application of complementary experimental techniques. Here, the synthesis and chemical characterization of hierarchically assembled molecular nanosheets based on ≈1 nm thin, molecular carbon nanomembrane (CNM) and covalently grafted, single‐molecule layer cobalt(III) catalysts for the light‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is demonstrated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to access both the transversal and longitudinal chemical information of the synthesized nanosheets with nanometer resolution are employed. TERS and XPS data provide detailed information on the average and local surface distribution of the catalyst as well as mechanistic details of the grafting reaction. The proposed approach represents a general route toward a nanoscale structural analysis for a variety of molecular 2D materials—a rapidly growing materials class with broad prospects for fundamental science and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date most studies focusing on light‐driven water splitting for green energy conversion schemes depend on bulk analyses of the produced hydrogen using, e. g., head‐space gas chromatography. In this contribution, we present the fabrication of Pd‐modified microelectrodes for in situ electrochemical hydrogen measurements using de‐alloyed Au−Ni microelectrodes. Stability studies and pH‐dependent investigations revealed the stability of these microsensors over a period of seven days, and confirmed their applicability in a pH range of 3–10 with a limit of detection (LOD)<1 μmol/L. First in situ proof‐of‐principle electrochemical imaging of hydrogen generated at a microelectrode and operando studies of hydrogen evolution at earth‐abundant cobalt hydrogen evolution catalysts using the developed Pd‐microsensors in combination with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) demonstrated the potential of these microsensors for operando studies in light‐driven heterogeneous catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pull-out resistance of fully threaded, self-tapping screws under axial loading has been investigated intensively in the past. Actual design models are based mainly on empirical data because the detailed interaction between the screw thread and the surrounding timber member remains unclear and might depend on the test set-up. An innovative screw sensor with 19 internal fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) was developed to measure the forces along the screw axis. The screw diameter was 12 mm and the maximum embedding length was 360 mm. The FBG measurement screw was applied in pull-out tests under different support conditions. The results carried out show details of the axial forces along fully threaded screws depending on the magnitude of the screw axis to grain angle, the embedding length, the material and the support conditions. Load transfer between the screw and the surrounding timber was determined by means of the change of axial forces along the screw axis. A comparison of the experimental results with Volkersen's theory points out the decisive dependency of the support conditions on the axial forces in fully threaded self-tapping screws. Additionally, the experimental test results show indications of shear and compressive stresses in the interface of the measurement screw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobaloximes are promising, earth‐abundant catalysts for the light‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Typically, these cobalt(III) complexes are prepared in situ or employed in their neutral form, for example, [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl], even though related complex salts have been reported previously and could, in principle, offer improved catalytic activity as well as more efficient immobilization on solid support. Herein, we report an interdisciplinary investigation into complex salts [Co(dmgH)2(py)2]+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]−, TBA+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]- and [Co(dmgH)2(py)2]+BArF−. We describe their strategic syntheses from the commercially available complex [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl] and demonstrate that these double and single complex salts are potent catalysts for the light‐driven HER. We also show that scanning electrochemical cell microscopy can be used to deposit arrays of catalysts [Co(dmgH)2(py)2]+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]−, TBA+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]- and [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl] on supported and free‐standing amino‐terminated ∼1‐nm‐thick carbon nanomembranes (CNMs). Photocatalytic H2 evolution at such arrays was quantified with Pd microsensors by scanning electrochemical microscopy, thus providing a new approach for catalytic evaluation and opening up novel routes for the creation and analysis of "designer catalyst arrays", nanoprinted in a desired pattern on a solid support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of graphene to transduce an adsorption event of ions into a detectable electrical signal has sparked a lot of interest for its use in sensors. However, a low concentration of the chemically active sites for binding analytes on the graphene surface has significantly prevented its applications so far. Here, we report on implementation of the van der Waals heterostructure based on a monolayer graphene and an ∼1-nm-thick molecular carbon nanomembrane (CNM) in a solution-gated field-effect transistor (FET) for pH sensing. The nondestructive functionalization of a graphene FET with the amino-terminated CNM (NH2-CNM) enables the induction of chemically active groups in the vicinity of the graphene sheet, maintaining its charge carrier transport properties. We applied complementary characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical and atomic force microscopy as well as field-effect and electrical impedance measurements to characterize the engineered NH2-CNM/graphene devices. We demonstrate their high pH resolution with a minimum detectable pH change of ∼0.01 at pH 2 and ∼0.04 at pH 12, with a response time in the range of seconds, and we apply an electrical double-layer model to rationalize the experimentally observed performance theoretically. The developed device concept enables the engineering of microscale pH sensors for applications in biological and environmental sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first total synthesis of the actin‐stabilizing marine natural product geodiamolide H was achieved. Solid‐phase based peptide assembly paired with scalable stereoselective syntheses of polyketide building blocks and an optimized esterification set the stage for investigating the key ring‐closing metathesis. Geodiamolide H and synthetic analogues were characterized for their toxicity and for antiproliferative effects in cellulo, by characterising actin polymerization induction in vitro, and by docking on the F‐actin target and property computation in silico, for a better understanding of structure‐activity relationships (SAR). A non‐natural analogue of geodiamolide H was discovered to be most potent in the series, suggesting significant potential for tool compound design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actin is essential for key processes in all eukaryotic cells. Cellpermeable optojasps provide spatiotemporal control of the actin cytoskeleton, confining toxicity and potentially rendering F‐actin druggable by photopharmacology. Here, we report cryo electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) structures of both isomeric states of one optojasp bound to actin filaments. The high‐resolution structures reveal for the first time the pronounced effects of photoswitching a functionalized azobenzene. By characterizing the optojasp binding site and identifying conformational changes within F‐actin that depend on the optojasp isomeric state, we refine determinants for the design of functional F‐actin photoswitches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actin is essential for key processes in all eukaryotic cells. Cellpermeable optojasps provide spatiotemporal control of the actin cytoskeleton, confining toxicity and potentially rendering F‐actin druggable by photopharmacology. Here, we report cryo electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) structures of both isomeric states of one optojasp bound to actin filaments. The high‐resolution structures reveal for the first time the pronounced effects of photoswitching a functionalized azobenzene. By characterizing the optojasp binding site and identifying conformational changes within F‐actin that depend on the optojasp isomeric state, we refine determinants for the design of functional F‐actin photoswitches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) can be cross-linked into molecular nanosheets – carbon nanomembranes (CNMs) – via low-energy electron irradiation. Due to their favorable mechanical stability and tunable functional properties, they possess a high potential for various applications including nanosensors and separation membranes for osmosis or energy conversion devices. Despite this potential, the mechanistic details of the electron irradiation induced cross-linking process still need to be understood in more detail. Here, we studied the cross-linking of 4′-nitro-1,1′-biphenyl-4-thiol SAM on gold. The SAM samples were irradiated with different electron energies ranging from 2.5 to 100 eV in ultra-high vacuum and subsequently analysed by complementary techniques. We present results obtained via spectroscopy and microscopy characterization by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy electron diffraction with micrometre sized electron beams (μLEED) and low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM). To demonstrate the formation of CNMs, the formed two-dimensional molecular materials were transferred onto grids and oxidized wafer and analyzed by optical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found a strong energy dependence for the cross section for the cross-linking process, the rate of which decreases exponentially towards lower electron energies by about four orders of magnitude. We conduct a comparative analysis of the cross sections for the C–H bond scission via electron impact ionization and dissociative electron attachment and find that these different ionization mechanisms are responsible for the variation of the cross-linking cross section with electron energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although lichen planus (LP) is a common skin disorder, the prevalence of esophageal involvement (ELP) and its clinical manifestations are poorly defined. We aimed to establish diagnostic criteria and characterize disease outcomes of ELP. Methods: Clinical, endoscopic, histological, and immunofluorescence data from consecutive patients with known LP between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed. We established endoscopic (denudation and tearing of the mucosa, hyperkeratosis and trachealization) and histological criteria (mucosal detachment, T-lymphocytic infiltrate, intraepithelial apoptosis, dyskeratosis, and fibrinogen deposits along the basement membrane) to grade disease severity. Endoscopic findings were correlated with clinical symptoms. Response to medical therapy was monitored. Results: Fifty-two consecutive patients (median age 59.5 years) were analyzed. According to our grading system, 16 patients were considered as severe and 18 as mild ELP. Dysphagia was the only symptom which differentiated patients with severe (14/16) or mild ELP (8/18) from patients without ELP (1/18). Concomitant oral and genital involvement of LP was associated with the presence of ELP, while oral involvement alone was not. Follow-up of 14/16 patients with severe EPL for at least one year revealed that most of these patients responded to topical corticosteroids (budesonide: n = 9/10 or fluticasone n = 2/2). Three budesonide patients experienced a resolution of symptomatic esophageal stenosis. Conclusions: Esophageal involvement of LP is frequent, but may be asymptomatic. ELP can be diagnosed using the diagnostic criteria proposed here. Dysphagia and combined oral and genital manifestation are associated with ELP. Therapy with topical corticosteroids appears to be a prudent therapeutic approach for ELP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper presents a framework for incorporating arbitrary implicit multistep schemes into the lattice Boltzmann method. While the temporal discretization of the lattice Boltzmann equation is usually derived using a second‐order trapezoidal rule, it appears natural to augment the time discretization by using multistep methods. The effect of incorporating multistep methods into the lattice Boltzmann method is studied in terms of accuracy and stability. Numerical tests for the third‐order accurate Adams‐Moulton method and the second‐order backward differentiation formula show that the temporal order of the method can be increased when the stability properties of multistep methods are considered in accordance with the second Dahlquist barrier. A general multistep time integration framework for the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is presented. Concretely, a third‐order Adams‐Molton LBM and a second‐order backward differentiation formula LBM are developed and investigated concerning stability, accuracy, and applicability in comparison to the standard trapezoidal rule. It is shown that the order of convergence can be increased by high‐order multistep methods, taking a changed stability region into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rising use of nanomaterials in everyday objects, an uptake of those materials by humans is very likely. To assess their effect on the body, reliable detection of nanoparticles even in very low amounts in human blood becomes increasingly important. Single-particle (SP) inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a fast and reliable method for counting and sizing particles at lowest concentrations, while simultaneously distinguishing between dissolved and particulate analytes. For the first time to our knowledge, a dedicated method validation approach for silver and gold nanoparticle analysis in human whole blood has been performed. With only little sample preparation, trueness expressed as bias with values below or equal to 5% and imprecision values below 6% for particle size as well as an effective limit of detection of around 20 nm are possible. The concentration working range throughout all measured samples was in the nanogram per liter range, making SP-ICP-MS a powerful tool in future nanotoxicological applications and trace analysis of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforation is a life-threatening complication that arises very rarely in routine endoscopic procedures, with an incidence of 0.03-0.8%. It is more likely in highly complex and invasive therapeutic interventions. In certain situations, endoscopic closure of the perforation and treatment with antibiotics can obviate the need for emergency surgical repair. Methods: This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective literature search in PubMed and on a relevant position paper. Results: Existing clinical studies of treatment for iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforation are mainly retrospective and uncontrolled. No randomized and controlled trials have been performed to date. If the perforation is discovered soon after it arises, endoscopic treatment can be considered. Gastrointestinal perforations that are less than 30 mm in size can be closed with a clip. In the esophagus, expanding metal stents can be used as well. Clip application is successful in 80-100% of cases of gastrointestinal perforation, and the perforation remains permanently closed in 60-100% of cases. Reports on the endoscopic treatment of esophageal perforation show mixed results, with closure rates of roughly 90% and clinical success rates of roughly 80%. If endoscopic treatment is not possible, timely laparoscopic or open surgical repair is needed. Conclusion: The endoscopic treatment of iatrogenic perforations is safe and reliable. Success depends on early detection, adequate endoscopic closure with properly mastered technique, and the early initiation of concomitant antibiotic treatment, which must be continued for a full course. Most patients who are treated in this way do not need emergency surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on two patients with recurrent episodes of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO). A 50-year-old woman with severe multiple sclerosis and an 84-year-old man with Parkinson's disease and dementia had multiple hospital admissions because of pain and distended abdomen. Radiographic and endoscopic findings showed massive dilation of the colon without any evidence of obstruction. Conservative management resolved symptoms only for a short period of time. As these patients were poor candidates for any surgical treatment we carried out percutaneous endoscopic colostomy by placing a 20-Fr tube in the cecum with the introducer method. The procedure led to durable symptom relief without complications. We present these two cases and give a review through the existing literature of the procedure in CIPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry is an emerging technology for direct therapeutic drug monitoring in dried blood spots (DBS). Current DBS methods require manual application of small molecules as internal standards for absolute drug quantification. With industrial standardization in mind, we superseded the manual addition of standard and built a three-layer setup for robust quantification of salicylic acid directly from DBS. We combined a dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate weave facilitating sample spreading with a cellulose layer for addition of isotope-labeled salicylic acid as internal standard and a filter paper for analysis of the standard-containing sample by DESI-MS. Using this setup, we developed a quantification method for salicylic acid from whole blood with a validated linear curve range from 10 to 2000 mg/L, a relative standard deviation (RSD%) ≤14 %, and determination coefficients of 0.997. The limit of detection (LOD) was 8 mg/L and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 10 mg/L. Recovery rates in method verification by LC-MS/MS were 97 to 101 % for blinded samples. Most importantly, a study in healthy volunteers after administration of a single dose of Aspirin provides evidence to suggest that the three-layer setup may enable individual pharmacokinetic and endpoint testing following blood collection by finger pricking by patients at home. Taken together, our data suggests that DBS-based quantification of drugs by DESI-MS on pre-manufactured three-layer cartridges may be a promising approach for future near-patient therapeutic drug monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knee radiographs of 77 patients were examined by two physicians not involved in the operation a mean of 41.2 months after implantation of a synthetic ligament (Trevira hochfest). They evaluated the increase of degenerative osteoarthritis on a five-grade scale (0-4) by Jonasch and Mohing as modified by Holz, and using the IKDC score. Fifty patients with acute rupture had the synthetic ligament implanted for protection of anterior cruciate repair. Twenty-seven patients had a salvage procedure with the alloplastic ligament functioning as a prosthesis. Both examiners found a statistically significant increase of degenerative arthritis. Patients with acute anterior cruciate tears had a lower degree of osteoarthritis on the day of surgery compared to the patients with chronic insufficiency, but the postoperative increase was identical in both groups. Statistical analysis revealed correlations between osteoarthric changes and several factors such as concomitant meniscus or posterior cruciate injury and demonstrated no correlation to the grade of postoperative stability or injuries to the medial or lateral collateral ligaments or capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Orthopaedics is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Die photoaktiven Einheiten werden entweder direkt in das Gerüst eingebaut oder kovalent an die Oberflächen gebunden. Frontispiz: Two-Dimensional Photosensitizer Nanosheets via Low-Energy Electron Beam Induced Cross-Linking of Self-Assembled RuII Polypyridine Monolayers Keywords: 2D Materials; Monolayers; Nanomembranes; Nanostructures; Ruthenium Sensitizers; Surface Chemistry EN 2D Materials Monolayers Nanomembranes Nanostructures Ruthenium Sensitizers Surface Chemistry 1 1 1 07/06/22 20220711 NES 220711 B Nanomembranen b . [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nanomembranes. In their Communication (e202204953), Andrey Turchanin et al. present two concepts to introduce a photoactive Ru(II) polypyridine complex into carbon nanomembranes. The photoactive units are either directly incorporated into the scaffold or covalently grafted to its surface. Frontispiece art by Ilia Ghiasedin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: 2D Materials; Monolayers; Nanomembranes; Nanostructures; Ruthenium Sensitizers; Surface Chemistry EN 2D Materials Monolayers Nanomembranes Nanostructures Ruthenium Sensitizers Surface Chemistry 1 1 1 07/06/22 20220711 NES 220711 B Nanomembranes b . In their Communication (e202204953), Andrey Turchanin et al. present two concepts to introduce a photoactive Ru(II) polypyridine complex into carbon nanomembranes. Frontispiece: Two-Dimensional Photosensitizer Nanosheets via Low-Energy Electron Beam Induced Cross-Linking of Self-Assembled RuII Polypyridine Monolayers. [Extracted from the article]

The analytical fractionation of aquatic humic substances (HS) by means of immobilized metal-chelate affinity chromatography (IMAC) on metal-loaded chelating ion exchangers is described. The cellulose HYPHAN, loaded with different trivalent ions, and the chelate exchanger Chelex 100, loaded to 90% of its capacity with Fe(III), were used. The cellulose HYPHAN, loaded with 2% Fe(III), resulted in HS distribution coefficients Kd of up to 103.7 mL/g at pH 4.0 continuously decreasing down to 101.5 at pH 12, which were appropriate for HS fractionation by a pH-depending chromatographic procedure. Similar distribution coefficients Kd were obtained for HS sorption onto Fe(III)-loaded Chelex 100. On the basis of Fe-loaded HYPHAN both, a low-pressure and high-pressure IMAC technique, were developed for the fractionation of dissolved HS applying a buffer-based pH gradient for their gradual elution between pH 4.0 and 12.0. By coupling the Chelex 100 column under high-pressure conditions with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer an on-line characterization of HS metal species could be achieved. Using these fractionation procedures a number of reference HS were characterized. Accordingly, the HA (humic acids) and FA (fulvic acids) studied could be discriminated into up to 6 fractions by applying cellulose HYPHAN, significantly differing in their Cu(II) complexation capacity but hardly in their substructures assessed by conventional FTIR. In the case of using Chelex 100 exchanger resin two major UV active HS fractions were obtained, which significantly differ in their complexation properties for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: catalyst nanoarrays; cobaloximes; in situ amperometric H2 measurements; photocatalysis; SECCM EN catalyst nanoarrays cobaloximes in situ amperometric H2 measurements photocatalysis SECCM 16805 16805 1 12/09/21 20211206 NES 211206 B The setup for b I B operando b i B measurement b of hydrogen evolution under illumination is shown in the cover feature picture. Catalyst nanoarrays, cobaloximes, in situ amperometric H2 measurements, photocatalysis, SECCM. [Extracted from the article]

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Copyright of Unfallchirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Unfallchirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)