External Portion Research Articles

Carbon-containing pyrite spherules: mineral biosignatures in black smokers?

Abstract. Sulfide- and sulfate-rich hydrothermal vents are involved in Earth's major geochemical cycles. An outstanding scientific question consists of finding out whether certain minerals found in hydrothermal chimneys are influenced more or less directly by microorganisms living at high temperatures (thermophiles or hyperthermophiles) in these environments. Here we report the morphological, textural and chemical characterization of pyrite crystals collected across a section of a chimney from the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse hydrothermal site, sampled from the inner, hotter portion to the external, cooler portion, providing a promising approach to the search for hyperthermophilic biosignatures. The internal and middle portions of the chimney mainly harbour cube-shaped pyrite containing low quantities of hydrocarbons and thermally matured organic compounds. In contrast, the samples from the external portion contain pyrite spherules composed of a mosaic of slightly disoriented domains that include large amounts of organic material chemically consistent with thermally matured biogenic organic compounds. These characteristics make them comparable but not identical to pyrite spherules produced in the laboratory in the presence of hyperthermophilic archaea of the order Thermococcales. Differences include larger crystalline domains and more thermally matured organic compounds. Such features could be consistent with the thermal transformation of pyrite spherules produced by (or at least in the presence of) living cells. However, it remains impossible to completely rule out an abiotic origin without further isotopic investigation and experimental studies on the abiotic production of pyrite spherules in the presence of organic compounds and under hydrothermal conditions.

In vivo optimization of the experimental conditions for the non-invasive optical assessment of breast density

In this study, time domain diffuse optical spectroscopy is performed in the range 600–1100 nm on 11 healthy volunteers with a portable system for the quantitative characterization of breast tissue in terms of optical properties and optically-derived blood parameters, tissue constituent concentrations, and scattering parameters. A measurement protocol involving different geometries (reflectance and transmittance), subject’s positions (sitting and lying down), probing locations (outer, lower, and inner breast quadrants), and source-detector distances (2 and 3 cm) allowed us to investigate the effect of tissue heterogeneity and different measurement configurations on the results with the aim of identifying the best experimental conditions for the estimate of breast density (i.e., amount of fibro-glandular tissue in the breast) as a strong independent risk factor for breast cancer. Transmittance results, that in previous studies correlated strongly with mammographic density, are used as a reference for the initial test of the simpler and more comfortable reflectance measurement configuration. The higher source-detector distance, which probes deeper tissue, retrieves optical outcomes in agreement with higher average density tissue. Similarly, results on the outer quadrants indicate higher density than internal quadrants. These findings are coherent with breast anatomy since the concentration of dense fibro-glandular stroma is higher in deep tissue and towards the external portion of the breast, where the mammary gland is located. The dataset generated with this laboratory campaign is used to device an optimal measurement protocol for a future clinical trial, where optical results will be correlated with conventional mammographic density, allowing us to identify a subset of wavelengths and measurement configurations for an effective estimate of breast density. The final objective is the design of a simplified, compact and cost-effective optical device for a non-invasive, routine assessment of density-associated breast cancer risk.

(097) MEASUREMENT OF CLITORAL PULSE AMPLITUDE WITH A WEARABLE DEVICE

Abstract Introduction Penile erection is well understood and has been extensively studied. The Erectile Hardness Score is a commonly used tool to quantify the strength of an erection. Few such measurement tools exists for women. This study builds on the work done by Mechelmans et al exploring Clitoral Pulse Amplitude (CPA) as a marker for physical arousal in women. CPA has been shown to be related to clitoral blood volume, erection, and engorgement of the clitoris. The erection in the clitoris is homologous to penile erection. Objective To test a new, wearable, clitoral pulse sensor designed for at-home use for correlation with subjective arousal for proof of concept. To test the comfort and usability of such a device configured with an internal (vaginal) portion and a clitoral portion. Methods 20 healthy female participants were shipped the device and completed the study from their home with an online module which guided them through the study material. Participants wore the device while watching a control (non-arousing) video and during progressively more sexually arousing activities. They were allowed to choose their own materials to watch, read, or listen to for arousal. A masturbation phase was included for additional information. Participants also reported their subjective arousal after each phase. After the test, participants were also surveyed about the comfort and usability of the device. Results The pulse sensor successfully detected CPA. Results show that most participants had increasing levels of subjective arousal correlating with increasing CPA. Statistical correlation between CPA and arousal was positive but low, which could be attributed to differences of sensor calibration and/or device placement by participants. Overall, this positive relationship indicates that a commercially available pulse sensor could be integrated into a future device to measure physical arousal in women, a metric which was previously not widely available. Participants reported high satisfaction with the comfort and usability of the device. These insights validate that this device shape will be comfortable and usable in further iterations, with the ultimate goal of producing a device which would give clitoris-owners greater insight into their sexual health and provide valuable information to their healthcare providers. Conclusions This study showed a positive relationship between Clitoral Pulse Amplitude and subjective sexual arousal using an at-home wearable device, opening possibilities for future measurement devices. Participants felt the device was very comfortable and easy to use, suggesting this form factor with vaginal (internal) and clitoral (external) portions is a viable configuration for further development. We anticipate improving both the pulse sensing system and device usability as the device is further commercialized. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: FirmTech. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: FirmTech.

(054) Novel Use of Clitoral Pulse Sensor During Arousal

Abstract Introduction Penile erection is well understood in men and has been extensively studied. The Erectile Hardness Score is a commonly used tool to quantify the strength of an erection. No such measurement tool exists for women. This study builds on the work done by Mechelmans et al exploring Clitoral Pulse Amplitude (CPA) as a marker for physical arousal in women. CPA has been shown to be related to clitoral blood volume, erection, and engorgement of the clitoris. This erection in the clitoris is homologous to penile erection. Objective To test a new clitoral pulse sensor for correlation with subjective arousal for proof of concept. To test the comfort and usability of such a device configured with an internal (vaginal) portion and a clitoral portion. Methods In the study, 20 healthy female participants wore the device while watching a control (non-arousing) video and during progressively more sexually arousing activities. They were allowed to choose their own materials to watch, read, or listen to for arousal, and a masturbation phase was included for additional information. Participants also reported their subjective arousal after each phase. After the test, participants were also surveyed about the comfort and usability of the device. Results The main outcome measures are CPA, subjective sexual arousal, and usability feedback ratings. The pulse sensor successfully detected CPA and results show that most participants had increasing levels of subjective arousal correlating with increasing CPA. Statistical correlation between CPA and arousal was positive but low, which could be attributed to differences of sensor calibration and/or device placement by participants. Overall, this positive relationship indicates that a commercially available pulse sensor could be integrated into a future device to measure physical arousal in women, a metric which was previously not widely available. Furthermore, participants reported high satisfaction with the comfort and usability of the device. These insights give us confidence that this device shape will be comfortable and usable in further iterations. Eventually, we hope to commercialize a similar device which would give women greater insights into their sexual health and provide valuable information to their doctors. Conclusions This study showed a positive relationship between CPA and subjective sexual arousal, opening possibilities for future measurement devices. Participants felt the device was very comfortable and easy to use, suggesting this form factor with vaginal (internal) and clitoral (external) portions is a viable configuration for further development. We anticipate improving both the pulse sensing system and device usability as the device is further commercialized. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: FirmTech. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: FirmTech.

A lower crust shear zone facilitates delamination and continental subduction under the Apennines

Physical properties and structure of the lithosphere are the first step to constrain the evolution of mountain belts. Here we show detailed shear wave velocity profiles of the lithosphere in the Apennines that clarify a controversial aspect of continental subduction: the intricate mechanism of crust delamination from the downgoing plate. From the analysis of complete and dense teleseismic Receiver Function data set, we find that the delamination of the continental lithosphere is favored by the development of a low seismic shear wave velocity zone in the middle-lower crust. We observe a double Moho below the external portions of the present mountain range, suggesting the progressive formation of the shallow interface. The delamination edge is located in the forearc, far eastward than expected, implying that the re-equilibration of the thermal unbalance, generated by the mantle substitution, may last 10-7 Myr.

(125) Measurement of Clitoral Pulse Amplitude with a Wearable Device

Abstract Introduction Penile erection is well understood and has been extensively studied. The Erectile Hardness Score is a commonly used tool to quantify the strength of an erection. Few such measurement tools exists for women. This study builds on the work done by Mechelmans et al exploring Clitoral Pulse Amplitude (CPA) as a marker for physical arousal in women. CPA has been shown to be related to clitoral blood volume, erection, and engorgement of the clitoris. The erection in the clitoris is homologous to penile erection. Objective To test a new, wearable, clitoral pulse sensor designed for at-home use for correlation with subjective arousal for proof of concept. To test the comfort and usability of such a device configured with an internal (vaginal) portion and a clitoral portion. Methods 20 healthy female participants were shipped the device and completed the study from their home with an online module which guided them through the study material. Participants wore the device while watching a control (non-arousing) video and during progressively more sexually arousing activities. They were allowed to choose their own materials to watch, read, or listen to for arousal. A masturbation phase was included for additional information. Participants also reported their subjective arousal after each phase. After the test, participants were also surveyed about the comfort and usability of the device. Results The pulse sensor successfully detected CPA. Results show that most participants had increasing levels of subjective arousal correlating with increasing CPA. Statistical correlation between CPA and arousal was positive but low, which could be attributed to differences of sensor calibration and/or device placement by participants. Overall, this positive relationship indicates that a commercially available pulse sensor could be integrated into a future device to measure physical arousal in women, a metric which was previously not widely available. Participants reported high satisfaction with the comfort and usability of the device. These insights validate that this device shape will be comfortable and usable in further iterations, with the ultimate goal of producing a device which would give clitoris-owners greater insight into their sexual health and provide valuable information to their healthcare providers. Conclusions This study showed a positive relationship between Clitoral Pulse Amplitude and subjective sexual arousal using an at-home wearable device, opening possibilities for future measurement devices. Participants felt the device was very comfortable and easy to use, suggesting this form factor with vaginal (internal) and clitoral (external) portions is a viable configuration for further development. We anticipate improving both the pulse sensing system and device usability as the device is further commercialized. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: FirmTech. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: FirmTech.

Finite element analysis of the stress generated by the type of restorative material in the implant crown system

The aim of this work was to evaluate the stress generated on the prosthetic intermediary in prosthetic crowns made with different materials using finite element analysis. Three-dimensional models of a portion of the maxilla with an implant and abutment screwed onto it were created. Three crowns for the first molar were constructed, and load simulations were carried out with axial (100 Newtons) and oblique (50 Newtons) forces, as follows: Model 1: prosthetic crown with a cobalt chromium infrastructure, 0.3 mm thick, and feldspathic porcelain roof; Model 2: prosthetic crown with a zirconia infrastructure on the abutment, 0.5 mm thick, and covering feldspathic porcelain; Model 3: zirconia prosthetic crown on the abutment, 1.5 mm thick. The results obtained in the external and inner portions of the intermediary were as follows: in the axial load, model M1 presented peaks in megapascals of 153.5, M2 of 153.6, and M3 of 156.1. In the oblique load, the peaks were in model M1 220.6, M2 220.7, and M3 220.5. In the inner portion of the intermediary, the peaks in megapascals in the axial load were 482.4 in the M1 model, 482.3 in the M2, and 482.3 in the M3. In the oblique load, they presented peaks of 672.8 in M1, 672.9 in M2, and 682.7 in M3. Quantitatively and qualitatively, there were no significant variations between the stress peaks in the outer and inner portions of the abutment, both in axial and oblique loads. Considering the models and methodology used, it is concluded that the mechanical performance of the different treatments analyzed is similar.

Distinct eLPBChAT projections for methamphetamine withdrawal anxiety and primed reinstatement of conditioned place preference.

Methamphetamine (METH) withdrawal anxiety symptom and relapse have been significant challenges for clinical practice, however, the underlying neuronal basis remains unclear. Our recent research has identified a specific subpopulation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT+) neurons localized in the external lateral portion of parabrachial nucleus (eLPBChAT), which modulates METH primed-reinstatement of conditioned place preference (CPP). Here, the anatomical structures and functional roles of eLPBChAT projections in METH withdrawal anxiety and primed reinstatement were further explored. Methods: In the present study, a multifaceted approach was employed to dissect the LPBChAT+ projections in male mice, including anterograde and retrograde tracing, acetylcholine (Ach) indicator combined with fiber photometry recording, photogenetic and chemogenetic regulation, as well as electrophysiological recording. METH withdrawal anxiety-like behaviors and METH-primed reinstatement of conditioned place preference (CPP) were assessed in male mice. Results: We identified that eLPBChAT send projections to PKCδ-positive (PKCδ+) neurons in lateral portion of central nucleus of amygdala (lCeAPKCδ) and oval portion of bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (ovBNSTPKCδ), forming eLPBChAT-lCeAPKCδ and eLPBChAT-ovBNSTPKCδ pathways. At least in part, the eLPBChAT neurons positively innervate lCeAPKCδ neurons and ovBNSTPKCδ neurons through regulating synaptic elements of presynaptic Ach release and postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). METH withdrawal anxiety and METH-primed reinstatement of CPP respectively recruit eLPBChAT-lCeAPKCδ pathway and eLPBChAT-ovBNSTPKCδ pathway in male mice. Conclusion: Our findings put new insights into the complex neural networks, especially focusing on the eLPBChAT projections. The eLPBChAT is a critical node in the neural networks governing METH withdrawal anxiety and primed-reinstatement of CPP through its projections to the lCeAPKCδ and ovBNSTPKCδ, respectively.

PSIII-9 Bacterial Community Diversity in Reproductive Tissues and Fetal Fluids of Pregnant Gilts

Abstract The fertility status of women has previously been linked to shifts in bacterial diversity within the reproductive tract. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity of bacterial populations within reproductive tissues (i.e., vagina, cervix, endometrium, and chorion) and fetal fluids (i.e., allantoic and amniotic) of pregnant gilts. Crossbred gilts free of physical, health or reproductive-related issues were euthanized and hysterectomized during the preimplantation (D11, n = 7), implantation (D15, n = 5), mid-gestation (D60, n = 6), and late gestation (D90, n = 6) stages of pregnancy. Sterile swabs were rotated 8 times to collect samples from the mucosal surface of individual tissues and immediately placed in microcentrifuge tube for storage (-80°C) until sequencing. A one cm incision was made to expose the endometrium and cervix, whereas for vaginal sampling, sterile swabs were inserted 6 inches past the vulva and then rotated. For collection of samples of chorion, an incision was made in the endometrium, exposing the chorioallantois to allow sampling of the chorion adjacent to the endometrium, while the allantoic epithelial surface of the chorioallantois was sampled directly. For allantoic and amniotic fluids, 5 mL samples were collected and placed immediately in sterile 10 mL conical tubes and stored (-80°C) for sequencing targeting the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Quality of all samples was determined by FastQC before being processed for taxon analysis using the qiime2 pipeline. Alpha diversity (within sample metric) was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, whereas PERMANOVA was performed for beta diversity analysis (between sample metric). Shannon’s index, an alpha diversity metric, indicated contrasts in diversity by day (P = 0.02). A pairwise comparison indicated that D15 had greater alpha diversity (Shannon’s index) compared with D60 and D90 (4.89 ± 0.20 vs. 3.96 ± 0.19 and 4.10 ± 0.18, respectively; P < 0.05). Differences in alpha diversity by tissue and fluid type were detected with a pairwise comparison indicating that amniotic fluid had the lowest alpha diversity compared with the cervix (3.44 ± 0.34 vs. 4.62 ± 0.22, respectively; P = 0.04). For beta diversity, PERMANOVA and PCoA plots for unweighted UniFrac demonstrated significant clustering by day (P < 0.01), with clusters being D11 and D15 vs. D60 and D90. Additionally, PERMANOVA and PCoA plots for unweighted UniFrac indicated significant clustering by tissue and fluid type (P < 0.01), with distinct clustering from the external portion of the reproductive tract (i.e., vagina) to the internal portion (i.e., amniotic and allantoic fluids). Based on these results, bacterial diversity within the reproductive tract shifts changes depending on the stage of pregnancy. Moreover, bacterial diversity decreases as you move from the external surface of the reproductive tubes towards the fetus (i.e., least in the amniotic fluid).

Structural, lithostratigraphic and thermal features of a Permian lower crust from the Western Italian Alps (Valpelline Series, Valle d’Aosta)

AbstractThe Valpelline Series (Dent-Blanche Tectonic System, Western Italian Alps) is a sector of lower continental crust, which consists of Permian migmatitic metapelite with different mineral assemblages (i.e., garnet-, cordierite- and orthopyroxene-bearing), minor amphibolite and marble, intruded by aplite and pegmatite. Widespread melt production in metapelite and locally in amphibolite occurred during the development of the regional foliation. The P–T conditions during migmatisation, estimated using conventional geothermobarometers, range between 800–900 °C and 0.5–0.8 GPa, with a difference of up to ∼50 °C between cordierite- and orthopyroxene-bearing migmatites, the latter reaching higher temperatures. The Valpelline Series shows rock types, metamorphic assemblages, P–T conditions and published ages of high-temperature regional metamorphism like the archetypal lower crust section of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone in the Southern Western Alps. The latter likely represents an external portion of the same extending lower crust, at the onset of the Tethyan rifting due to lithospheric extension and asthenospheric rising.

Fracture stratigraphy controls karst localization within a carbonate sequence with terrigenous input: Implications for conduit-seal layer development in a karst system

The present study uses a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the impact of fractures on karst system localization that affects carbonate units containing terrigenous input. The study area is the Lapinha Cave external cliffs in the Neoproterozoic Salitre Formation, São Francisco Craton, Brazil. We performed structural and stratigraphic field investigations of the external cave portions with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and laser detection and ranging (LiDAR). We also collected uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and gamma-ray (GR) data and performed petrographic and petrophysical analyses. The fracture stratigraphy characterization results indicate that sedimentary facies controlled the fracture distribution. The studied sequence consists of an impure carbonate sequence that comprises three main sedimentary facies: (i) mudstone (MD), (ii) packstone-grainstone containing mudstone and siliciclastic intercalations (PG), and (iii) mixed carbonate-siliciclastic unit composed of grainstone and sandstone (CS). The MD, PG and CS facies displayed the highest, medium, and lowest fracture intensities and densities, respectively. The MD and PG facies behaved as ideal reservoirs or geofluid conduits related to intense deformation. Two principal fracture sets along these MD and PG facies striking N–S and E‒W, respectively, were documented. In contrast, the heterogeneous and less deformed CS facies displayed a geofluid barrier behavior. Overall, the results produce a guideline for investigating carbonate sequences characterized by terrigenous input affected by different fracture concentrations and distributions.

A study on mechanical behavior of 3D printed elastomers with various infills and densities

Obtaining the mechanical properties of 3D printed elastomers is a difficult task given the large variety of combinations with respect to materials and process parameters. Specifically, with Fused-Filament-Fabrication (FFF) printers, the tool path to lay-down lines of material can be modified for both the external and internal portions of the part. The internal structures are referred to as infill patterns and are akin to lattice structures. In this paper, we investigate the effect of infill pattern and infill density on both the working range of common elastomeric applications and the break characteristics. A commercial slicer is used to generate six patterns with a variety of shapes and different alignments to the tensile direction. With the infill patterns selected, the samples are printed using a FFF 3D printer at different infill densities. Finally, the properties of the samples are acquired through tensile tests. The characteristics at break, the inflection point, and the behavior of the working range are then presented and analyzed. Current literature on 3D printed structures mostly focuses on reporting break characteristics for different infill patterns, with no mention of its relationship to the working range. Additionally, lack of reproducibility of their results limits their applicability. As most common applications of elastomeric materials have a working range within 45% strain, the behavior within this region needs to be analyzed as well. This paper answers two hypotheses: increasing the density, regardless of infill pattern, will uniformly increase break characteristics; and increasing the break characteristics will similarly decrease the softening behavior of the eccentric elasticity zone. The paper presents three key findings. First, density’s relative effect on tensile properties increases as density increases. Second, the working range follows similar trends, in terms of strongest and weakest samples, to the break characteristics. However, the relative behavior of all samples in the working range remained constant regardless of pattern or density. Last, it was found that both the inflection point, where the elastomer goes from softening to stiffening, and the softening rate of the working range, are independent to infill pattern and density. Understanding the underlying effects of 3D printing parameters such as infill pattern and infill density can guide the generation of new patterns to address specific applications.

Cochlear implants – An Overview. Are CIs world’s most successful sensory prostheses?

Cochlear implants (CIs) have greatly improved over the last 2 decades and now are the world’s most successful sensory prostheses, that restored hearing to more than 800,000 deaf people. CIs are small electronic devices that consists of an external portion that is located behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically fixed under the skin, they replace the function of the inner hair cells in the cochlea by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. Although cochlear implantation has been used for almost 50 years, the indications for this procedure are subject to constant modifications but the main indication is the inability to achieve sufficient speech understanding. Properly implanted, fitted, and rehabilitated hearing prostheses allow to achieve open speech understanding in 70-80% of post-lingual deafness patients and very good speech development results in children. These days cochlear implantation has become the treatment of choice for people with significant hearing loss and are constantly being developed intensively.

Chemical-mineralogical characterization of critical elements into ferromanganese crusts

The demand for critical chemical elements applied in clean energy technologies is increasing and, although deep-sea mining feasibility still is an open question, it might be a pathway to overcome the problem. Among areas of interest for seabed mining, the Rio Grande Rise is an ocean ridge in the southwest Atlantic Ocean known for hosting a large polymetallic mineral deposit containing various critical elements at high concentrations. Therefore, this mineralogical and chemical study characterizes the Rio Grande Rise FeMn crusts and establishes features from a structural-chemical perspective that can guide further studies from various locations. Combining X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy, it was found that samples are composed by manganese oxides, MnOx; ferryxite or goethite, FeOOH; magnesian calcite, Ca,Mg(CO3)2; and carbonate fluorapatite, Ca5(PO4,CO3)3F. The external portion of analyzed rocks consists of younger crust layers enriched in critical metals, such as cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), associated with MnOx – mainly vernadite and asbolane; titanium (Ti), associated with iron oxyhydroxides; and rare earth elements (REE), at distinct bearing minerals. Therefore, the data herein reported show that regions where the FeMn crusts have a thicker young layer host a higher content of critical elements. In addition, the information about the elemental distribution and mineral associations can guide further mineral and metallurgical processing steps.

OC-028 USING THE VACUUM ASSISTED “FRENCH FRY” TECHNIQUE (FFT) FOR WOUND CLOSURE IN CONTAMINATED OPEN ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION (AWR)

Abstract Introduction In some settings, it is not appropriate to close wounds primarily, such as when patients are felt to be at high risk for wound infection. FFT is a useful method of wound closure in these patients following open AWR. Methods A consecutive series of patients were closed with FFT following AWR from 2019–2022. The FFT includes cutting a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) sponge into 1×1×8cm segments that are partially placed through an otherwise closed wound. A skin VAC is placed over the wound and external portion of the FFs. Patient characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Standard descriptive statistics were reported. Results Wound closure was performed with FFT in 15 patients. Patients were 63.8±13.1 years old, mean BMI was 31.1±6.5 kg/m2, and there was history of tobacco use in 40.0% of patients, diabetes in 46.7%, and prior failed hernia repair in 11(73.3%). Almost all had CDC wound class of 3 or 4(13, 86.7%) wounds, and hernia defect size was 144[8, 310]cm2. Biologic mesh was placed in 9(60.0%), and no mesh was used in 6(40.0%). Wound complication risk based on the CeDAR risk score was 59.5±15.1%. There were 2(13.3%) 30-day readmissions, including 1(6.7%) for a wound infection that was reopened at the bedside. There were no other wound complications. Conclusions FFT is an alternative method of wound closure for significantly at-risk wounds in patients undergoing AWR. The present study describes FFT use in high-risk, complex patients with only 1 of 15 patients having a postoperative wound complication.

Molecular simulations of SSTR2 dynamics and interaction with ligands

The cyclic peptide hormone somatostatin regulates physiological processes involved in growth and metabolism, through its binding to G-protein coupled somatostatin receptors. The isoform 2 (SSTR2) is of particular relevance for the therapy of neuroendocrine tumours for which different analogues to somatostatin are currently in clinical use. We present an extensive and systematic computational study on the dynamics of SSTR2 in three different states: active agonist-bound, inactive antagonist-bound and apo inactive. We exploited the recent burst of SSTR2 experimental structures to perform μs-long multi-copy molecular dynamics simulations to sample conformational changes of the receptor and rationalize its binding to different ligands (the agonists somatostatin and octreotide, and the antagonist CYN154806). Our findings suggest that the apo form is more flexible compared to the holo ones, and confirm that the extracellular loop 2 closes upon the agonist octreotide but not upon the antagonist CYN154806. Based on interaction fingerprint analyses and free energy calculations, we found that all peptides similarly interact with residues buried into the binding pocket. Conversely, specific patterns of interactions are found with residues located in the external portion of the pocket, at the basis of the extracellular loops, particularly distinguishing the agonists from the antagonist. This study will help in the design of new somatostatin-based compounds for theranostics of neuroendocrine tumours.

A proteomic study of “Coppa Piacentina”: A typical Italian dry-cured Salami

Coppa Piacentina is considered a peculiar dry cured salami, since it is manufactured by the entire neck muscles stuffed and matured in natural casings, the same as dry cured ham and fermented dry cured sausages. In this work the proteolysis of external and internal portions was investigated by a proteomic approach and by amino acids analysis. Samples of “Coppa Piacentina” were analyzed at 0 days and after 5 and 8 months of ripening through mono- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Image analysis of 2D electrophoretic maps indicated a more intense enzyme activity on the external part, mainly due to endogenous enzymes. They favored, respectively, myofibrillar or sarcoplasmic proteins at 5 or 8 months of ripening. Free amino acids determination proved that lysine and glutamic acid were the most represented ones, followed by a free amino acids sequence like that of dry cured ham. The peculiarities of “Coppa Piacentina” were characterized by a slow proteolysis, due to sacking and binding of the whole cut of the pork neck.

The begomovirus tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus is seed-borne but not seed-transmitted in melon.

Seed transmission can be of considerable relevance to the dissemination of plant viruses in nature and for their prevalence and perpetuation. Long-distance spread of isolates of the begomovirus species Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) has recently occurred from Asia to the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin. Here we investigated the possible transmission by melon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds of a tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) isolate of the "Spain" strain widely distributed in the Mediterranean area as an alternative mechanism for long-distance spread. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification detection of ToLCNDV in floral parts and mature seeds of melon plants reveals that this virus is seed-borne. Seed-borne is defined as the ability of a virus to be carried through seeds, which does not necessarily lead to transmission to the next generation. Treatment with a chemical disinfectant significantly reduced the detectable virus associated with melon seeds, suggesting ToLCNDV contamination of the external portion of the seed coat. Also, when the internal fraction of the mature seed (seed cotyledons + embryo) was analyzed by quantitative PCR amplification, ToLCNDV was detectable at low levels, suggesting the potential for viral contamination or of infection of the internal portions of seed. However, grow-out studies conducted with melon progeny plants germinated from mature seeds collected from ToLCNDV-infected plants and evaluated at early (one leaf) or at late (20 leaf) growth stages did not support the transmission of ToLCNDV from seeds to offspring.

Optimizing aesthetics in gender-affirming vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty: a narrative review and discussion based on over 600 cases of transfeminine vulvar construction.

The vulva is the external portion of a gender-affirming vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty procedure-the "visible" result of surgery. The vulvar appearance can play a major role in how individuals feel about their surgical results and new genital anatomy. Therefore, optimizing the aesthetics of the vulva is an important component of surgical care. Although there is no one "ideal" vulvar appearance, aesthetics are optimal when each major sub-unit of the vulva is reconstructed to create a proportional and cohesive vulvar unit. In this article we perform a narrative review of the literature and discuss clinical approaches to improve aesthetic satisfaction such as patient education, re-defining the "ideal" vulva, aesthetic surgery tenets and technical strategies based on our collective experience of over 630 gender-affirming vulvar constructions. A narrative review of the literature was completed accessing PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar using search terms "Vaginoplasty OR Vulvoplasty". Articles were removed if not pertaining to gender affirmation surgery, were not in English language, were not accessible or did not discuss aesthetics in the body of the text. A total of 1,042 articles were identified from initial search criteria. Of those, 905 were excluded as they did not involve gender affirmation as an indication. An additional 112 papers were excluded as they were not accessible, not in English, focused on non-vulvar outcomes or did not comment on vulvar aesthetics. Ultimately 25 articles were included for narrative review; 21 of these included technical descriptions of vulva and 13 had direct aesthetic discussion. The anatomy and aesthetics of the transfeminine vulva are reviewed according to the previously described principle of anatomic vulvar sub-units: the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethra and the introitus. Ultimately, creating the optimal vulva for each individual patient will demand flexible surgical decisions based on individual anatomy and available tissues. This narrative review provides an overview of current approaches to aesthetics in gender-affirming vulvar construction and technical insights based on our institutional experience of performing over 630 gender-affirming vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty procedures.

Assessment of surface quality in extrusion honing process using dimensional analysis approach

It is critical to obtain the desired surface quality on machined parts’ internal and external portions. The estimated level of surface texture can be induced on the outer regions using traditional finish machining processes such as grinding, honing, and so on. While the problem emerges when processing miniature core components such as micro bores and inlet/outlet valves. The EH approach overcomes this limitation of the conventional finishing method. It is a novel micromachining process that extrudes pressured flow of carrier media combined with abrasives into the confined passage to generate the desired level of surface texture. Due to the abrasion process, micromachining occurs by taking away negligible stock material. The present study focus on the impact of the number of passes at the specimen’s entry and exit sides of the carrier media. The improvements in the surface finish (Ra) on both sides, i.e. entry and exit, are also evaluated. A dimensionless expression for Ra is also developed. The relation is implemented using Buckingham’s π theorem, and the developed model is compared with experimental results. SEM analysis is made to portray surface texture produced by selected