Surface anchoring on layers of grafted liquid-crystalline chain molecules: A computer simulation

By Monte Carlo simulations of a soft ellipsoid model for liquid crystals, we study whether a layer of grafted liquid-crystalline chain molecules can induce tilt in a nematic fluid. The chains are fairly short (four monomers) and made of the same particles as the solvent. They are attached to a substrate which favors parallel (planar) alignment. At low grafting densities, the substrate dominates and we observe planar alignment. On increasing the grafting density, we find a first order transition from planar to tilted alignment. Beyond the transition, the tilt angle with respect to the surface normal decreases continuously. The range of accessible anchoring angles is quite large.Comment: To appear in J. Chem. Phy

Cribriform Morular Thyroid Carcinoma - Ultimobranchial Pouch-Related? Deep Molecular Insights of a Unique Case.

A 44-year-old female patient with a familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) was diagnosed with a cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma (CMTC). We observed within the very necrotic tumor a small but distinct poorly differentiated carcinomatous component. As expected, next generation sequencing of both components revealed a homozygous APC mutation and in addition, a TERT promoter mutation. A TP53 mutation was found exclusively in the CMTC part, while the poorly differentiated component showed a clonal evolution, harboring an activating PIK3CA mutation and copy number gains of BRCA2, FGF23, FGFR1, and PIK3CB-alterations which are typically seen in squamous cell carcinoma. The mutational burden in both components was low, and there was no evidence for microsatellite instability. No mutations involving the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, typically seen in papillary thyroid carcinomas, were detected. Immunohistochemically, all tumor parts were negative for thyroglobulin, providing further evidence that this entity does not belong to the follicular epithelial cell-derived thyroid carcinoma group. CD5 was negative in the poorly differentiated component, making a relation to intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma rather unlikely. However, since this marker was seen in the morules, a loss in the poorly differentiated component and a relation to the ultimobranchial body cannot be excluded either. After total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation, the patient was disease-free with no residual tumor burden on 2-year follow-up

Lipid emulsion interfacial design modulates human in vivo digestion and satiation hormone response

\ua9 2022 The Royal Society of Chemistry. Lipid emulsions (LEs) with tailored digestibility have the potential to modulate satiation or act as delivery systems for lipophilic nutrients and drugs. The digestion of LEs is governed by their interfacial emulsifier layer which determines their gastric structuring and accessibility for lipases. A plethora of LEs that potentially modulate digestion have been proposed in recent years, however, in vivo validations of altered LE digestion remain scarce. Here, we report on the in vivo digestion and satiation of three novel LEs stabilized by whey protein isolate (WPI), thermo-gelling methylcellulose (MC), or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in comparison to an extensively studied surfactant-stabilized LE. LE digestion and satiation were determined in terms of gastric emptying, postprandial plasma hormone and metabolite levels characteristic for lipid digestion, perceived hunger/fullness sensations, and postprandial food intake. No major variations in gastric fat emptying were observed despite distinct gastric structuring of the LEs. The plasma satiation hormone and metabolite response was fastest and highest for WPI-stabilized LEs, indicating a limited capability of proteins to prevent lipolysis due to fast hydrolysis under gastric conditions and displacement by lipases. MC-stabilized LEs show a similar gastric structuring as surfactant-stabilized LEs but slightly reduced hormone and metabolite responses, suggesting that thermo-gelling MC prevents lipase adsorption more effectively. Ultimately, CNC-stabilized LEs showed a drastic reduction (>70%) in plasma hormone and metabolite responses. This confirms the efficiency of particle (Pickering) stabilized LEs to prevent lipolysis proposed in literature based on in vitro experiments. Subjects reported more hunger and less fullness after consumption of LEs stabilized with MC and CNCs which were able to limit satiation responses. We do not find evidence for the widely postulated ileal brake, i.e. that delivery of undigested nutrients to the ileum triggers increased satiation. On the contrary, we find decreased satiation for LEs that are able to delay lipolysis. No differences in food intake were observed 5 h after LE consumption. In conclusion, LE interfacial design modulates in vivo digestion and satiation response in humans. In particular, Pickering LEs show extraordinary capability to prevent lipolysis and qualify as oral delivery systems for lipophilic nutrients and drugs

Surgical fixation of distal ulna neck and head fractures

Objectives: Distal ulna plate fixation for ulnar neck and head fractures (excluding ulnar styloid fractures) aims to anatomically reduce the distal ulna fracture (DUF) by open reduction and internal fixation, while obtaining a stable construct allowing functional rehabilitation without need for cast immobilization. Indications: Severe displacement, angulation or translation, as well as unstable or intra-articular fractures. Furthermore, multiple trauma or young patients in need of quick functional rehabilitation. Contraindications: Inability to surgically address concomitant ipsilateral extremity fractures, thus, limiting early active rehabilitation. Stable, nondisplaced fractures. Need for bridging plate or external fixator of distal radiocarpal joint. Surgical technique: An ulnar approach, with a straight incision between the extensor and flexor carpi ulnaris. Preservation of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve. Reduction and plate fixation with avoidance of plate impingement in the articular zone. Postoperative management: Postoperatively, an elastic bandage is applied for the first 24–48 h. In isolated DUF with stable fixation, a postoperative splint is often unnecessary and should be avoided. For the first four weeks, only light weightbearing of everyday activities is allowed to protect the osteosynthesis. Thereafter, heavier weightbearing and activities are allowed and can be increased as tolerated. Results: The best available evidence likely shows that for younger patients with a DUF, with or without concomitant distal radius fractures, open reduction and internal fixation can be safely achieved with good functional outcome and acceptable union and complication rates as long as proper technique is ensured

Social Identity and Upward Mobility: Elite Groups, Lower Classes, and Slaves

Il contributo (redatto con Sandra Scheuble-Reiter), che per la mia parte si incentra sull'Egitto romano, traccia dapprima la strutturazione sociale che i Romani costituirono, rigidamente fissando una piramide sociale connessa al sistema di pagamento della tassa capitale (laographia). Si individuano dunque i vertici (di cittadinanza romana) e poi le \ue9lites locali nelle loro sfaccettature, per concentrarsi in seguito sul problema della mobilit\ue0 sociale, caratteristica della gestione imperiale romana, ma eccezionalmente assai limitata nella strategica provincia d'Egitto. Qui si osserva che neppure la militanza nell'esercito consente un salto di mobilit\ue0 che porti ad assurgere ad una dimensione extra-provinciale, men che meno a Roma. L'analisi segue poi l'evoluzione della concentrazione della propriet\ue0 fondiaria nelle mani di pochi sempre pi\uf9 ricchi, a discapito della piccola e media propriet\ue0, a partire dal II sec. d.C., e poi in forma sempre pi\uf9 accentuata nel III secolo. Tra III e IV secolo si osserva infine una sostanziale discontinuit\ue0 nella composizione sociale delle \ue9lites rispetto al I e II secolo. D'altro canto, soprattutto prima dell'Editto di Caracalla una dinamica di mobilit\ue0 ascensionale vivace si pu\uf2 osservare tra i liberti. Gli schiavi restano comunque in Egitto un fenomeno assai meno diffuso che in altre parti del mondo romano. Col diffondersi del cristianesimo la schiavit\uf9 non scompare, ma anzi gli stati pi\uf9 fragili della popolazione si trovano sovente esposti al rischio di perdita dello status libertatis a causa dei debiti contratti. I monasteri giocano a questo punto un ruolo centrale nella difesa dei liberi caduti pi\uf9 o meno illegalmente in schiavit\uf9

Regioregular polythiophenes with alkylthiophene side chains

We present the synthesis of regioregular polythiophenes with alkylthiophene side chains P3TC16 prepared by Ni-catalyzed polymerization from the branched, thiophene-based monomer 5-bromo-5 ''-hexadecyl-[2,2';3',2 '']-terthiophene. The optical properties in solution and thin films of the polymer were investigated in situ as a function of temperature and compared to the low regioregularity analogue FeP3TC6 synthesized by Fe(III) mediated oxidative polymerization of 5 ''-hexyl-[2,2';3',2 '']terthiophene. It was found that due to the regioregular structure, P3TC16 tends to strong aggregation in solution, which is ascribed to pi-pi interactions. The bandgap in thin films of 1.88 eV is slightly smaller than the bandgap of the reference polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT, 1.91 eV). Interestingly, it was found that the HOMO and LUMO levels of P3TC16 are shifted to significantly lower values as compared to P3HT. First results regarding the application of P3TC16 in FETs are shown and mobilities of up to 3.1 X 10(-2) cm(2)/(V s) were achieved. Open circuit voltages of up to 710 mV in combination with PC[60]BM in organic solar cells were found, which is about 30% higher than for P3HT, which can be attributed to the low HOMO energy level

Restoration of normal sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation: impact of reverse remodelling of right chambers on tricuspid regurgitation severity

Abstract Background The severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with restored normal sinus rhythm (SR) after atrial fibrillation (AF) has been poorly assessed. Purpose Our study aimed to assess (1) right chamber remodelling and (2) TR severity in patients with AF who have had their rhythms restored to normal sinus. Methods We prospectively evaluated 94 consecutive patients hospitalized for AF who received either ablation, direct current cardioversion, or pharmacological therapy. Patients were divided into two groups according to their cardiac rhythm at 6 months follow up (6M): restoration to SR (SR group, n=54), persistence of AF (AF group, n=40). TR vena contracta (VC), TR grade severity was divided into 4 grades using an integrated approach (0: none or trace; 1: mild; 2: moderate; 3: severe TR). Two dimensional (2D) end diastolic (ED) tricuspid annulus (TA) diameter in the apical 4 chambers view, three-dimensional (3D) indexed volumes (3D Vi) of the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) in end systole (ES) and ED were acquired using transthoracic echocardiography at admission and at 6M. Results At 6M, in the SR group a significant improvement in TR VC (Figure A) and TR grade (Figure B) were noted, whereas there was no differences in the AF group (0.41 vs. 0.42cm, p=0.24 for TR VC; 1.70 vs. 1.76, p=0.16 for mean TR grade). In the SR group a significant reduction in 3D ES RV Vi, 2D ED TA diameter, 3D ES and ED Vi of the RA (Table) were observed. Regression of TR VC was correlated with regression of right cavities parameters (ρ=0.47, p&amp;lt;0.001 for 2D ED TA diameter; ρ=0.34, p&amp;lt;0.005 for 3D ES RA Vi; ρ=0.33, p&amp;lt;0.005 for 3D ED RV Vi; ρ=0.29, p&amp;lt;0.005 for 3D ES RV Vi). Conclusion Restoration of normal SR in patients with AF results in beneficial remodelling of right cavities at 6M of follow-up which were associated with a significant decrease in TR severity. Strategies for normal SR restoration in patients with AF and TR should be vigorously attempted. TR Evolution Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None </jats:sec