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The aim of this study was to assess the effect of body temperature (37 °C) on the cyclic fatigue resistance of three endodontic single-file systems using a new testing setup. One Shape® new generation (OS), WaveOne™ (WO) and WaveOne® GOLD (WOG), which are made from different NiTi alloys and operated in different motions (rotation/reciprocation), were evaluated. The study design included four groups. Each group comprised 30 files, 10 files of each of the three file systems, tested at 20 ± 2 °C (group 1 and 3) and at 37 ± 1 °C (group 2 and 4). All files were tested in a custom-made metal block with artificial canals of 60° angle, and a 5 mm and 3 mm radius of curvature, respectively. A heating element was attached to replicate a temperature of 37 °C. Files were introduced 18 mm into the canals and operated until failure. Transformation temperatures of five samples of each of the tested file systems were determined via the bend and free recovery (BFR) method. With the exception of WOG in canals with a 3 mm radius of curvature (p = 0.075), all the tested file systems showed statistically significantly less time needed to fracture when operated at 37 ± 1 °C compared to at 20 ± 2 °C in canals with a 5 mm and 3 mm radius of curvature using Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05). All file systems showed transformation temperatures below the body temperature. We concluded that body temperature directly affects the cyclic fatigue resistance of all tested file systems. Bend and free recovery can be suitable for the determination of austenite finish temperatures (Af) of endodontic instruments as it allows testing a longer portion of the instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to modify TLR-2-mediated effects on the paracrine, proliferative, and differentiation potentials of human dental pulp–derived cells using histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Materials and methods: Cell viability was assessed using the XTT assay. Cells were either treated with 10 μg/ml Pam3CSK4 only, or pre-treated with valproic acid (VPA) (3 mM), trichostatin A (TSA) (3 μM), and MG-149 (3 μM) for a total of 4 h and 24 h. Control groups included unstimulated cells and cells incubated with inhibitors solvents only. Transcript levels for NANOG, OCT3-4, FGF-1 and 2, NGF, VEGF, COL-1A1, TLR-2, hβD-2 and 3, BMP-2, DSPP, and ALP were assessed through qPCR. Results: After 24 h, TSA pre-treatment significantly upregulated the defensins and maintained the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, but significantly reduced healing and differentiation genes. VPA significantly upregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, while MG-149 significantly downregulated them. Pluripotency genes were not significantly affected by any regimen. Conclusions: At the attempted concentrations, TSA upregulated the defensins gene expression levels, and MG-149 exerted a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect; therefore, they could favorably impact the immunological profile of hDPCs. Clinical relevance: Targeting hDPC nuclear function could be a promising option in the scope of the biological management of inflammatory pulp diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Excess visceral adiposity contributes to elevated cardiometabolic risk, and waist circumference is commonly used as a surrogate measure of visceral adipose tissue. Although regular aerobic exercise is known to improve abdominal obesity, its effect on waist circumference is unclear. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to determine (1) the effect of aerobic exercise on waist circumference in adults with overweight or obesity; (2) the association between any change in waist circumference and change in visceral adipose tissue and/or bodyweight with aerobic exercise interventions; and (3) if reductions in waist circumference with exercise are moderated by clinical characteristics or components of aerobic exercise prescription. Twenty‐five randomized controlled trials (1686 participants) were included. Regular aerobic exercise significantly reduced waist circumference by 3.2 cm (95% confidence interval [CI] −3.86, −2.51, p ≤ 0.001) versus control. Change in waist circumference was associated with change in visceral adipose tissue (β = 4.02; 95% CI 1.37, 6.66, p = 0.004), and vigorous intensity produced superior reduction (−4.2 cm, 95% CI −4.99, −3.42, p < 0.0001) in waist circumference compared with moderate intensity (−2.50 cm, 95% CI −3.22, −1.79, p = 0.058). These findings suggest regular aerobic exercise results in modest reductions in waist circumference and associated visceral adipose tissue and that higher intensity exercise may offer superior benefit to moderate intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient regulation in aquaponic environments has been a topic of research for many years. Most studies have focused on appropriate control of nutrients in an aquaponic set-up, but very little research has been conducted on commercial-scale applications. In our model, the input data were sourced on a weekly basis from three commercial aquaponic farms in Southeast Texas over the course of a year. Due to the limited number of data points, dimensionality reduction techniques such as pairwise correlation matrix were used to remove the highly correlated predictors. Feature selection techniques such as the XGBoost classifier and Recursive Feature Elimination with ExtraTreesClassifier were used to rank the features in order of their relative importance. Ammonium and calcium were found to be the top two nutrient predictors, and based on the months in which lettuce was cultivated, the median of these nutrient values from the historical dataset served as the optimal concentration to be maintained in the aquaponic solution to sustain healthy growth of tilapia fish and lettuce plants in a coupled set-up. To accomplish this, Vernier sensors were used to measure the nutrient values and actuator systems were built to dispense the appropriate nutrient into the ecosystem via a closed loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of strategies supporting vaccine development. During the pandemic, TRANSVAC, the European vaccine–research-infrastructure initiative, undertook an in-depth consultation of stakeholders to identify how best to position and sustain a European vaccine R&D infrastructure. The consultation included an online survey incorporating a gaps-and-needs analysis, follow-up interviews and focus-group meetings. Between October 2020 and June 2021, 53 organisations completed the online survey, including 24 research institutes and universities, and 9 pharmaceutical companies; 24 organisations participated in interviews, and 14 in focus-group meetings. The arising recommendations covered all aspects of the vaccine-development value chain: from preclinical development to financing and business development; and covered prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, for both human and veterinary indications. Overall, the recommendations supported the expansion and elaboration of services including training programmes, and improved or more extensive access to expertise, technologies, partnerships, curated databases, and-data analysis tools. Funding and financing featured as critical elements requiring support throughout the vaccine-development programmes, notably for academics and small companies, and for vaccine programmes that address medical and veterinary needs without a great potential for commercial gain. Centralizing the access to these research infrastructures via a single on-line portal was considered advantageous. • 53 organisations were consulted on the European vaccine R&D infrastructure (RI). • Consultations included a gaps-and-needs analysis, followed by interviews and meetings. • Consultations were conducted between October 2020 and June 2021. • Recommendations for improvement to the RI covered all aspects of vaccine development. • Funding & financing were critical elements for support throughout vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a study that sought to investigate the knowledge of teachers of the early years of elementary school about algebra and its teaching. Algebra is one of the five thematic units of mathematics for the early years of elementary school, proposed in the National Common Core Curriculum (2017), whose purpose is to develop students' algebraic thinking. Questionnaires answered by 98 teachers were used to form a database, whose content was furthered through interviews. The methodology used for data analysis was Grounded Theory - a theory grounded on data. The results indicated the absence of specific training for teaching the thematic unit concerning algebra, reported by 74.5% of teachers. That condition makes them feel unprepared in their knowledge to develop algebraic activities. After the initial diagnosis, reflective/formative interviews were conducted with three pairs of teachers. The dimensions of algebra as proposed by the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) for the early years of elementary school were emphasized, such as the generalization of patterns in sequences and the sense of equivalence of equality. Initially, the teachers did not demonstrate clarity regarding content and curriculum knowledge, in aspects such as the relationship between work with sequences and generalization, the importance of working with the sense of equivalence of equality, and the use of relational thinking. During the reflective/formative interviews, the teachers emphasized the importance of knowledge and the need for training on themes that contribute to the development of algebraic thinking to implement the teaching of algebra, highlighting the viability of that teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in the exploration of compounds from the secondary metabolism is seen as a strategic alternative in agriculture, even for the control of invasive plants. The objective of this work was to measure the allelopathic activity of extracts CHCl3 and AcOEt from the leaves of O. puberula on the germination of lettuce. The ethanolic extract was obtained from the dried and milled leaves. The crude extract was solubilized in ethanol and acidified (hydroalcoholic fraction). The C6H14 fraction was obtained by liquid-liquid extraction of the hydroalcoholic fraction, the same procedure was used to extract the AcOEt fraction. The hydroalcoholic fraction was basified and extracted with CHCl3. The chemical profile of the obtained fractions was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography using specific revelators that confirmed the presence of alkaloids as majority compounds in AcOEt and CHCl3 fractions. The fractions were evaluated for allelopathic potential on lettuce cypselas at 0.8 g mL-1, 0.4 g mL-1 and 0.2 g mL-1. In germination tests the germination parameters analyzed were: germination percentage (% G) and germination speed index (IVG). The results indicated significant changes in the %G, IVG and root growth (CR) of the lettuce seeds and seedlings. The ethanolic extract of leaves of O. puberula showed allelopathic influence on the species L. sativa. Both the AcOEt and CHCl3 fractions reduced the germination rates evaluated, and the latter indicated a dose-response inhibition between the treatments applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the nature and determinants of evidence-based treatment (EBT) modification is an important step toward understanding the impact of modifications and informing modification guidelines. We examined the prevalence, types, reasons for, and predictors of clinician-reported modification to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents. Ninety-eight clinicians trained in CBT completed surveys on their intent to modify CBT, perceptions of CBT characteristics, confidence in their ability to appropriately deliver CBT in complex clinical situations, and organizational EBT implementation climate post-training. Post-consultation, clinicians self-reported the types and reasons for modifications they performed. Ninety-three percent of clinicians reported they modified CBT, primarily with fewer than half of their clients. Client needs and clinician preference or style accounted for the highest proportion of modification reasons. The number of reported modifications performed was predicted by clinician confidence in their ability to deliver CBT appropriately (b =.90, p =.01) and their intent to modify (b =.55, p =.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preloaded bolted connections made of stainless steel The application of preloaded bolted connections made of stainless steel is demanded in reasons of serviceability or ultimate limit state, e. g. when used in particularly corrosive environments or in stainless steel structures. However, based on EN 1090‐2 the use of bolting assemblies made of stainless steel is restricted to non‐preloaded bolted connections for several reasons. Resentment still exists against the application of stainless steel bolting assemblies in preloaded connections due to the expected high preload losses and the problem of cold welding ("seizure"). In addition, there are currently no bolting assemblies available on the market comparable to the DIN EN 14399 standards, which are tested by the manufacturer for suitability for preloading including the application of a calibrated lubrication. The main product standard for high‐strength structural bolting assemblies for preloading of bolted connections in steel structures, EN 14399‐1, is also limited to the application of bolts made of carbon steel, so that the use is also restricted there. Consequently, procedure tests must be carried out for every application scenario. The presented contribution shall give an insight into the possibilities of the application of stainless steel in preloaded bolted connections in general, and in slip‐resistant connections in particular. In addition, assistance and guidance for the approach within a procedure test is given by the "Bolt Tightening Qualification Procedure (BTQP)" as a supplement to the regulations of the DASt‐Guideline 024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive salivary malignancy that results in high mortality rates and is often resistant to chemotherapy. Anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) checkpoint inhibitors have led to dramatic improvements in patients with various cancers. Other immunotherapeutic approaches, e.g. cancer vaccines, have shown promising results. Cancer testis antigens, e.g. preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), are regarded as promising vaccine targets because of their tumour‐specific expression pattern. Methods and results: We analysed the immunoexpression of PD‐L1, PD‐1, major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and PRAME in 53 SDCs. The immunoexpression levels of PD‐L1 in tumour cells (TCs) and immune cells (ICs), PD‐1 in ICs, PRAME in TCs and MHC I in TCs were analysed, and were correlated with outcome. PRAME expression was seen in 83% of SDCs. No PRAME staining was present in normal salivary gland tissue. With the three established diagnostic algorithms proposed for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the criteria being a combined positive score of ≥1, TC% ≥1%, and TC% ≥25%, 35 (66%), 17 (32%) and three cases (6%), respectively, were deemed to be positive for PD‐L1. PD‐1‐positive ICs were seen in 35 (66%) cases. MHC I down‐regulation was seen in 82% of SDCs. There was a significant correlation among PD‐L1 expression in ICs, PD‐1 expression in ICs, and PRAME expression in TCs. PD‐L1 expression in TCs and lack of PD‐1 expression in ICs were associated with decreased disease‐specific survival in SDC patients. Conclusions: Alterations of the tumour immune microenvironment are common in SDCs, including expression of PD‐1/PD‐L1 and PRAME, which opens the way to potential novel immune therapies, such as cancer vaccination and PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade, in these tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The execution of preloaded stainless steel bolting assemblies is currently only permitted according to EN 1090-2 if procedure tests are carried out. Nevertheless, it has be shown in various previously and recently conducted studies that preloading of bolting assemblies and threaded rods made of stainless steel is in principle feasible and that reliable tightening procedures can be developed. Thus, there is an urgent need for clear guidance and normative implementation as EN 1090-2 does not give any procedure to qualify these bolting assemblies for preloading. This paper aims to present background information on the Bolt Tightening Qualification Procedure (BTQP) for stainless steel bolting assemblies, which was already implemented in the recently drafted ISO 17607-6. • EN 1090–2 only permits the use of stainless steel if procedure tests are carried out. • EN 1090–2 does not give any guidance on how to perform procedure tests. • The Bolt Tightening Qualification Procedure (BTQP) BTQP does give guidance on how to qualify bolting assemblies for preloading. • The BTQP covers the initial parameters, determination of tightening parameters as wells as inspection requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution X-ray in situ pull-out tests with stepwise increasing load were performed to investigate the force transfer between a NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) wire with selectively electrochemically structured surface and the surrounding epoxy polymer matrix. The advancing interfacial failure was observed. Furthermore, the stochastic surface structure of the SMA wire was utilized to determine the axial and radial strains introduced into the SMA wire during the test by performing digital volume correlation on the reconstructed microcomputed tomography (μCT) data. Thus, the global and local strain of the embedded SMA wire volume could be correlated with the force of the first interfacial failure. Using image segmentation on the cross-sections derived from the reconstructed μCT volume data, it was possible to quantitatively assess the growth of the amount of delamination along the observed length of the embedded SMA wire for increasing load levels. In addition, the advancing interfacial failure was correlated with changes in the cross-sectional area of the SMA wire due to transverse contraction. Finally, the local surface strain characteristics of an embedded SMA wire during μCT of an in situ pull-out test were compared to a non-embedded SMA wire loaded in situ. It was found that the polymer matrix exerts an external stress on the SMA wire, constraining its radial strain. Thereby, the study reveals that interfacial failure is not only a shear-stress-induced failure. • In situ high resolution X-ray synchrotron tomography of the interfacial failure process between Shape Memory Alloy wire and epoxy polymer matrix • Using surface structured SMA wire for improvement of force transfer between SMA and epoxy polymer and as a stochastic marker for DVC. • Spatially resolved analysis of the thermo-mechanical clamping due to embedding theSMA wire into a polymer matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carey Fineman Ziter Syndrome (CFZS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the MYMK locus which encodes the protein, myomaker. Myomaker is essential for fusion and concurrent myonuclei donation of muscle progenitors during growth and development. Strikingly, in humans, MYMK mutations appear to prompt myofiber hypertrophy but paradoxically, induce generalised muscle weakness. As the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unexplored, the present study aimed to gain insights by combining myofiber deep-phenotyping and proteomic profiling. Hence, we isolated individual muscle fibers from CFZS patients and performed mechanical, 3D morphological and proteomic analyses. Myofibers from CFZS patients were ~ 4x larger than controls and possessed ~ 2x more myonuclei than those from healthy subjects, leading to disproportionally larger myonuclear domain volumes. These greater myonuclear domain sizes were accompanied by smaller intrinsic cellular force generating-capacities in myofibers from CFZS patients than in control muscle cells. Our complementary proteomic analyses indicated remodelling in 233 proteins particularly those associated with cellular respiration. Overall, our findings suggest that myomaker is somewhat functional in CFZS patients, but the associated nuclear accretion may ultimately lead to non-functional hypertrophy and altered energy-related mechanisms in CFZS patients. All of these are likely contributors of the muscle weakness experienced by CFZS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several approaches exist to screen neonates for congenital cytomegalovirus infection. We here describe a new method using cellulose pads for urine collection and its evaluation in an experimental and a clinical setting. Methods We systematically tested the effect of storage duration of the pads after exposure to cytomegalovirus-positive urine, meconium contamination and specimen handling on the cytomegalovirus load and the detection rate. Further, the method was tested in clinical practice in a cohort of 500 neonates. Results Following exposure of urine pads with cytomegalovirus-positive urine, the viral load decreased after 15 min, 12 h, 24 h, and 7 days to 63.2%, 42.1%, 31.6%, and 9.3% of the baseline value. Cytomegalovirus detection rate after seven days was 100%. Contamination with meconium resulted in a comparable reduction of the viral load. The detection rate for dried urine pads after seven days was 93.3%. In clinical practice, urine collection from pads was successful in 73.6% by the first attempt and in 26.4% by the second attempt. Conclusions Urine collection using cellulose pads seems feasible regardless of a reduction of the cytomegalovirus load due to exposure to the pad itself or to meconium. Drying of the exposed urine pad should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mauna Loa volcano, on the Island of Hawaii, has numerous young lava tubes. Among them, two at high altitudes are known to contain ice year-round: Mauna Loa Icecave (MLIC) and the Arsia Cave. These unusual caves harbor cold, humid, dark, and biologically restricted environments. Secondary minerals and ice were sampled from both caves to explore their geochemical and microbiological characteristics. The minerals sampled from the deep parts of the caves, where near freezing temperatures prevail, are all multi-phase and consist mainly of secondary amorphous silica SiO2, cryptocrystalline calcite CaCO3, and gypsum CaSO4·2H2O. Based on carbon and oxygen stable isotope ratios, all sampled calcite is cryogenic. The isotopic composition of falls on the global meteoric line, indicating that little evaporation has occurred. The microbial diversity of a silica and calcite deposit in the MLIC and from ice pond water in the Arsia Cave was explored by analysis of ~50,000 small subunit ribosomal RNA gene fragments via amplicon sequencing. Analyses reveal that the Hawaiian ice caves harbor unique microbial diversity distinct from other environments, including cave environments, in Hawaii and worldwide. Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the most abundant microbial phyla detected, which is largely consistent with studies of other oligotrophic cave environments. The cold, isolated, oligotrophic basaltic lava cave environment in Hawaii provides a unique opportunity to understand microbial biogeography not only on Earth but also on other planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The congenital myopathies are a group of early-onset, non-dystrophic neuromuscular conditions with characteristic muscle biopsy findings, variable severity and a stable or slowly progressive course. Pronounced weakness in axial and proximal muscle groups is a common feature, and involvement of extraocular, cardiorespiratory and/or distal muscles can implicate specific genetic defects. Central core disease (CCD), multi-minicore disease (MmD), centronuclear myopathy (CNM) and nemaline myopathy were among the first congenital myopathies to be reported, and they still represent the main diagnostic categories. However, these entities seem to belong to a much wider phenotypic spectrum. To date, congenital myopathies have been attributed to mutations in over 20 genes, which encode proteins implicated in skeletal muscle Ca2+ homeostasis, excitation-contraction coupling, thin-thick filament assembly and interactions, and other mechanisms. RYR1 mutations are the most frequent genetic cause, and CCD and MmD are the most common subgroups. Next-generation sequencing has vastly improved mutation detection and has enabled the identification of novel genetic backgrounds. At present, management of congenital myopathies is largely supportive, although new therapeutic approaches are reaching the clinical trial stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major trauma and its consequences are one of the leading causes of death worldwide across all age groups. Few studies have conducted comparative age-specific investigations. It is well known that children respond differently to major trauma than elderly patients due to physiological differences. The aim of this study was to analyze the actual reality of treatment and outcomes by using a matched triplet analysis of severely injured patients of different age groups. Methods: Data from the TraumaRegister DGU® were analyzed. A total of 56,115 patients met the following inclusion criteria: individuals with Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale > 2 and < 6, primary admission, from German-speaking countries, and treated from 2011–2020. Furthermore, three age groups were defined (child: 3–15 years; adult: 20–50 years; and elderly: 70–90 years). The matched triplets were defined based on the following criteria: 1. exact injury severity of the body regions according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (head, thorax, abdomen, extremities [including pelvis], and spine) and 2. level of the receiving hospital. Results: A total of 2,590 matched triplets could be defined. Traffic accidents were the main cause of severe injury in younger patients (child: 59.2%; adult: 57.9%). In contrast, low falls (from < 3 m) were the most frequent cause of accidents in the elderly group (47.2%). Elderly patients were least likely to be resuscitated at the scene. Both children and elderly patients received fewer therapeutic interventions on average than adults. More elderly patients died during the clinical course, and their outcome was worse overall, whereas the children had the lowest mortality rate. Conclusions: For the first time, a large patient population was used to demonstrate that both elderly patients and children may have received less invasive treatment compared with adults who were injured with exactly the same severity (with the outcomes of these two groups being opposite to each other). Future studies and recommendations should urgently consider the different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procedure qualification for the determination of tightening parameters for preloaded bolted connections. DIN EN 1090-2 and DIN EN 1993-1-8/NA define tightening procedures for preloaded bolted assemblies tightened at the nut side by simple use thereof. However, in a multitude of applications, preloaded bolted connections are used, which for example are tightened on the head side, designed as tapped hole connections and/or are to be used several times. In these cases, a procedure test is necessary to determine the tightening parameters. The present paper describes the principal procedure for carrying out such a procedure test, in particular the target level of preloading, the length of thread engagement for components with internal threads, the single and multiple use of components, and the boundary criteria for determining the tightening parameters. Furthermore, the procedure is explained using practical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copepod naupliar grazing estimates often appear to represent an insignificant fraction of prey community mortality, despite high naupliar abundances and weight-specific ingestion rates. To address this seeming paradox, the impact of incubation time on grazing by nauplii of the subtropical copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris on natural prey assemblages was evaluated. Measurements of prey removal during feeding experiments were taken every 6-h over a 24-h period during two experiments (E1, E2), where the initial 2–35 μm natural prey biomass differed by 3-fold, i.e., 66 μg C L − 1 (E1) vs. 198 μg C L − 1 (E2). Results showed that total prey ingestion rate estimates decreased over the course of incubation by up to 75% after 24-h, with highest ingestion rates obtained during the initial 6-h. In no predator controls, total prey biomass also decreased significantly during the 24-h incubation particularly in the smallest prey size groups despite the absence of nauplii, and positive non-significant trends were observed in prey > 10 μm in the experiment with higher initial prey abundances. Predator density effects in this experiment provided additional evidence for trophic cascades. Results of this work suggest that in communities with rapidly changing natural prey assemblages and predators with short development times, short incubations minimize bottle effects and reduce the risk of measuring grazing rates on prey communities that no longer resemble the in situ populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insight into the preloading behaviour of bolted assemblies of stainless steel. Preloaded bolted assemblies made of stainless steel are currently not permitted. Nonetheless, the wish of the construction industry exists to carry out these types of connections in special cases for ultimate or serviceability limit state reasons. Generally, preloaded bolted assemblies made of stainless steel are presumed to be subjected to very high preload losses due to relaxation and creep of the bolts and creep of the clamping packages, which is why the actual preloading force remaining in the connection is assumed not to be estimable. Within the scope of the European RFCS research project SIROCO, extensive investigations are currently being conducted on the tightening and preloading behaviour of bolted assemblies made of austenitic and duplex stainless steels. First results from this project show that a targeted attraction of such compounds is quite possible and that the preload losses due to relaxation are far from being as high as presumed. Furthermore, galling of the connections can be avoided by choosing suitable material pairings and lubricants. The present paper will provide an initial insight into the results of the still ongoing project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The congenital myopathies – including Central Core Disease (CCD), Multi-minicore Disease (MmD), Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), Nemaline Myopathy (NM) and Congenital Fibre Type Disproportion (CFTD) – are a genetically heterogeneous group of early-onset neuromuscular conditions characterized by distinct histopathological features, and associated with a substantial individual and societal disease burden. Appropriate supportive management has substantially improved patient morbidity and mortality but there is currently no cure. Recent years have seen an exponential increase in the genetic and molecular understanding of these conditions, leading to the identification of underlying defects in proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and excitation-contraction coupling, thick/thin filament assembly and function, redox regulation, membrane trafficking and/or autophagic pathways. Based on these findings, specific therapies are currently being developed, or are already approaching the clinical trial stage. Despite undeniable progress, therapy development faces considerable challenges, considering the rarity and diversity of specific conditions, and the size and complexity of some of the genes and proteins involved. The present review will summarize the key genetic, histopathological and clinical features of specific congenital myopathies, and outline therapies already available or currently being developed in the context of known pathogenic mechanisms. The relevance of newly discovered molecular mechanisms and novel gene editing strategies for future therapy development will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological process by which Ca 2+ is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum is called excitation-contraction coupling; it is initiated by an action potential which travels deep into the muscle fiber where it is sensed by the dihydropyridine receptor, a voltage sensing L-type Ca 2+ channel localized on the transverse tubules. Voltage-induced conformational changes in the dihydropyridine receptor activate the ryanodine receptor Ca 2+ release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The released Ca 2+ binds to troponin C, enabling contractile thick-thin filament interactions. The Ca 2+ is subsequently transported back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum by specialized Ca 2+ pumps (SERCA), preparing the muscle for a new cycle of contraction. Although other proteins are involved in excitation-contraction coupling, the mechanism described above emphasizes the unique role played by the two Ca 2+ channels (the dihydropyridine receptor and the ryanodine receptor), the SERCA Ca 2+ pumps and the exquisite spatial organization of the membrane compartments endowed with the proteins responsible for this mechanism to function rapidly and efficiently. Research over the past two decades has uncovered the fine details of excitation-contraction coupling under normal conditions while advances in genomics have helped to identify mutations in novel genes in patients with neuromuscular disorders. While it is now clear that many patients with congenital muscle diseases carry mutations in genes encoding proteins directly involved in Ca 2+ homeostasis, it has become apparent that mutations are also present in genes encoding for proteins not thought to be directly involved in Ca 2+ regulation. Ongoing research in the field now focuses on understanding the functional effect of individual mutations, as well as understanding the role of proteins not specifically located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum which nevertheless are involved in Ca 2+ regulation or excitation-contraction coupling. The principal challenge for the future is the identification of drug targets that can be pharmacologically manipulated by small molecules, with the ultimate aim to improve muscle function and quality of life of patients with congenital muscle disorders. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the most recent findings concerning Ca 2+ dysregulation and its impact on muscle function in patients with congenital muscle disorders due to mutations in proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling and more broadly on Ca 2+ homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, muscle (magnetic resonance) imaging has become an important complementary tool in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of inherited neuromuscular disorders, particularly in conditions where the pattern of selective muscle involvement is often more predictive of the underlying genetic background than associated clinical and histopathological features. Following an overview of different imaging modalities, the present review will give a concise introduction to systematic image analysis and interpretation in genetic neuromuscular disorders. The pattern of selective muscle involvement will be presented in detail in conditions such as the congenital or myofibrillar myopathies where muscle imaging is particularly useful to inform the (differential) diagnosis, and in disorders such as Duchenne or fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy where the diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds but where detailed knowledge of disease progression on the muscle imaging level may inform better understanding of the natural history. Utilizing the group of the congenital myopathies as an example, selected case studies will illustrate how muscle MRI can be used to inform the diagnostic process in the clinico-pathological context. Future developments, in particular, concerning the increasing use of whole-body MRI protocols and novel quantitative fat assessments techniques potentially relevant as an outcome measure, will be briefly outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some cancers have been shown to lack expression of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS), an enzyme required for the synthesis of arginine and a possible biomarker of sensitivity to arginine deprivation. Arginine deiminase (ADI) is a microbial enzyme capable of efficiently depleting peripheral blood arginine.Methods: Argininosuccinate synthetase expression was assessed in human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by immunohistochemistry (IHC), with expression also assessed in a panel of 10 human SCLC by qRT-PCR and western blot. Proliferation assays and analyses of apoptosis and autophagy assessed the effect of pegylated ADI (ADI-PEG20) in vitro. The in vivo efficacy of ADI-PEG20 was determined in mice bearing SCLC xenografts.Results: Approximately 45% of SCLC tumours and 50% of cell lines assessed were negative for ASS. Argininosuccinate synthetase-deficient SCLC cells demonstrated sensitivity to ADI-PEG20, which was associated with the induction of autophagy and caspase-independent cell death. Arginine deiminase-PEG20 treatment of ASS-negative SCLC xenografts caused significant, dose-dependent inhibition of tumour growth of both small and established tumours.Conclusion: These results suggest a role for ADI-PEG20 in the treatment of SCLC, and a clinical trial exploring this therapeutic approach in patients with ASS-negative SCLC by IHC has now been initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: What result can one expect in treating an Essex-Lopresti lesion--a rare complex combination injury of the forearm consisting of a radial head fracture and a rupture of the interosseous membrane--which failed to be identified at first? Materials and Methods: We report on a 45-year-old poly traumatized patient in which a primary Essex-Lopresti injury was overlooked following a dislocated radial head fracture. A radial head resection followed by an ulna-shortening osteotomy was performed with disastrous consequences at another clinic. As a result of persistent instability in the distal radioulnar joint, we implanted a mono-polar radial head prosthesis, which was subsequently changed as a result of a loosening of the prosthesis and persistent complex instability and pain in the area of the entire forearm, while an ulna osteotomy had to be carried out to correct this. This prosthesis also loosened, which destroyed the capitulum humeri. Results: It was only after a specially designed modular radial head prosthesis with a capitulum shield was implanted and an elapse of 5(1/2) years of the illness that permanent stability could be achieved on the forearm and the pain experienced by the patient eliminated while at the same time the patient regained a moderate degree of functioning and grip strength. Conclusion: An overlooked primary and ultimately initially incorrectly treated Essex-Lopresti injury can degenerate into a real therapeutic disaster. the Result: Years of illness and multiple corrective operations which only serve to limit the collateral damage caused by the wrong therapy strategy and ultimately only lead to restoration of moderate function. The crucial factor is an early diagnosis. Then a radial head prosthesis should first be implanted in an operation in order to prevent an additional proximal migration of the radius and to move the distal radioulnar joint into the proper anatomical position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone defects remain a challenge for patients and orthopaedic surgeons. Autologous transfer of cancellous bone grafts remains the standard of care. However, in recent years various osteoinductive substitute materials, such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) have been shown to improve bone healing. This study evaluates the effects of a combined application of PRP and HBO with autologous bone grafting in an animal model. In 48 New Zealand White rabbits bone defects at the radius were filled with autologous bone harvested at the iliac crest. This was combined with application of autologous PRP and/or HBO treatment for the duration of this study. After 3 and 6 weeks histomorphometric, immunohistochemical and radiologic evaluations were performed. All animals tolerated the treatment well. Improved bone regeneration was shown in all groups at 6 weeks compared to 3 weeks. Additional application of PRP and HBO resulted in an increase in new bone formation and increased neovascularization at 3 and 6 weeks. There was no statistical significant difference between PRP and HBO application in these regards. A combinatory use of PRP and HBO resulted in an increased bone regeneration and neovascularization compared to all other groups. This study provides evidence for an improvement of bone regeneration with the combinatory application of PRP and HBO to autologous cancellous bone grafts in a model of weight bearing bone defects in rabbits. Also synergistic effects of these two measures on angiogenesis were evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the dinoflagellate, Alexandrium fundyense, on relative expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) transcripts was examined in the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. Adult females were fed for 5-days on one of three experimental diets: control (100% Rhodomonas spp.), low dose of A. fundyense (25% by volume, 75% Rhodomonas spp.), and high dose (100% A. fundyense). Relative expression of three GST genes was measured using RT-qPCR on days 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 in two independent experiments. Differential regulation was found for the Delta and the Sigma GSTs between 0.5 to 2 days, but not on day 5 in both experiments. The third GST, a microsomal, was not differentially expressed in either treatment or day. RT-qPCR results from the two experiments were similar, even though experimental females were collected from the Gulf of Maine on different dates and their reproductive output differed. In the second experiment, expression of 39 GSTs was determined on days 2 and 5 using RNA-Seq. Global gene expression analyses agreed with the RT-qPCR results. Furthermore, the RNA-Seq measurements indicated that only four GSTs were differentially expressed under the experimental conditions, and the response was small in amplitude. In summary, the A. fundyense diet led to a rapid and transient response in C. finmarchicus in three cytosolic GSTs, while a fourth GST (Omega I) was significantly up-regulated on day 5. Although there was some regulation of GSTs in response the toxic dinoflagellate, the tolerance to A. fundyense by C. finmarchicus is not dependent on the long-term up-regulation of specific GSTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For silage production, high bulk density (BD) is critical to minimize aerobic deterioration facilitated by oxygen intrusion. To precisely assess packing quality for bunker silos, there is a desire to visualize the BD distribution within the silage. In this study, a penetrometer-based mapping system was developed. The data processing included filtering of the penetration friction component (PFC) out of the penetration resistance (PR), transfer of the corrected penetration resistance (PRc) to BD, incorporation of Kriged interpolation for data expansion and map generation. The experiment was conducted in a maize bunker silo (width: 8 m, middle height: 3 m). The BD distributions near the bunker silo face were represented using two map groups, one related to horizontal- and the other to vertical-density distribution patterns. We also presented a comparison between the map-based BD results and core sampling data. Agreement between the two measurement approaches (RMSE = 19.175 kg·m–3) demonstrates that the developed penetrometer mapping system may be beneficial for rapid assessment of aerobic deterioration potential in bunker silos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beim Lichtbogenbolzenschweißen wird ein stiftförmiges Verbindungselement mit oder ohne Gewinde mittels eines Lichtbogens mit einem Bauteil verbunden. Verwendet werden in der Regel Verbindungsmittel wie Stifte, Buchsen und Bolzen mit Gewinde. Während des Schweißprozesses wird ein Lichtbogen an der Stirnfläche des zu verschweißenden Bolzens gezündet, wodurch sowohl die Stirnfläche des Bolzens als auch das Werkstück lokal angeschmolzen und unter einem definierten Anpressdruck zusammengefügt werden. Unterschieden wird zwischen zwei Verfahren der Schweißung, dem Lichtbogenbolzenschweißen mit Hub- oder mit Spitzenzündung. Das Merkblatt DVS 0904 des Deutschen Verbands für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren e.V. (DVS) gibt neben den Regelungen zum Lichtbogenschweißen von metallischen Werkstoffen der DIN EN ISO 14555 weiterführende Hinweise zum Lichtbogenbolzenschweißen für die Praxis. Für das Bolzenschweißen werden unter anderem Anweisungen für die Schweißvorbereitung, die Ausführung und die Prüfung der Bolzenschweißung gegeben. Darüber hinaus liefert das Merkblatt aber auch Angaben zur Montage und damit zur Verschraubung sowie zur Zugprüfung von aufgeschweißten Gewindebolzen. Diese Angaben betreffen das Montagedrehmoment und die resultierende Montagevorspannkraft, die auf Annahmen zu Reibbeiwerten beruhen, welche bisher nicht durch Versuche gestützt wurden. Im Zuge der Überarbeitung des Merkblatts DVS 0904 sollten diese Angaben überprüft und angepasst werden, weshalb experimentelle Untersuchungen an aufgeschweißten Gewindebolzen am Institut für Metall- und Leichtbau der Universität Duisburg-Essen durchgeführt wurden. Diese Untersuchungen und deren Ergebnisse werden im vorliegenden Beitrag als Hintergrundinformationen zu den in der überarbeiteten DVS 0904 ausgewiesenen Anziehdrehmomenten dargestellt und erörtert. Tightening of arc welded studs according to the technical bulletin DVS 0904. Within the process of arc stud welding, a pen-shaped threaded or non-threaded stud is connected to a steel component. During the process the two components bolt and steel component are locally melted by an arc and then plunched together. The process of arc stud welding can be divided into arc stud welding with a drawn arc or with condenser discharge. The technical bulletin DVS 0904 of the German Welding Society (DVS) gives next to the rules for arc stud welding in EN ISO 14555 further references for arc stud welding in practical use. Beside rules and references for welding preparation, execution and controlling of arc stud welding, DVS 0904 gives further information on tightening and tensile testing of the installed studs. The given tightening torque and bolt force values for different stud diameters and materials are based on assumptions for coefficients of friction, which were not determined by tightening tests. In the frame of the revision of DVS 0904 these assumptions should be checked. For this reason tightening tests were performed at the Institute for Metal and Lightweight Structures of University of Duisburg-Essen. The experimental investigations and their results are presented as background information for the revision of DVS 0904 within this contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mit der Einführung des Eurocodes 3 und der DIN EN 1090-2 ist es in Deutschland unter anderem in Bezug auf die Ausführung von geschraubten Verbindungen in Stahltragwerken zu großen Verwirrungen gekommen. Diese beruhen im Wesentlichen - aber nicht nur - auf der Frage: Welches Vorspannkraftniveau darf bei welchem Verbindungstyp mit welchem Anziehverfahren angesetzt werden? Wo die Frage nach dem richtigen Anziehverfahren relativ schnell geklärt ist, da dieses über den Nationalen Anhang zur Bemessungsnorm für Stahlbauanschlüsse, der DIN EN 1993-1-8/NA, eindeutig an die Höhe des Vorspannkraftniveaus gekoppelt ist, führt die Frage nach dem 'richtigen' Vorspannkraftniveau sowohl beim Tragwerksplaner als auch bei der ausführenden Stahlbaufirma immer wieder zu großen Diskussionen, dass das in DIN EN 1090-2 angebotene Mindestvorspannkraftniveau Fp,C in Deutschland nur mit dem in der nationalen Praxis zwar durchaus bekannten, aber absolut unüblichen Kombinierten Vorspannverfahren aufgebracht werden darf. Alternativ dazu wurde in DIN EN 1993-1-8/NA das niedrigere 'alte' deutsche Regelvorspannkraftniveau Fp,C* mit Ausführungsregeln zum Anziehen mittels des modifizierten Drehmoment-Vorspannverfahrens wieder definiert. Weitere praxisrelevante Fragestellungen betreffen exemplarisch das Anziehen von nicht vorgespannten Schraubverbindungen und den Einsatz von nicht CE-gekennzeichneten Komponenten einer CE-gekennzeichneten Schraubengarnitur. Im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags werden diese und weitere Fragestellungen zum Anziehen von geschraubten Verbindungen im Stahlbau zusammenfassend beantwortet. Tightening of bolted connections according to Eurocode 3 and DIN EN 1090-2. With the introduction of Eurocode 3 and DIN EN 1090-2, great confusions arise in Germany regarding the execution of bolted connections in steel structures. This is based essentially - but not exclusively - on the question: which preload level may be applied in which connection type with which tightening procedure? Where the question of the 'correct' tightening procedure is resolved relatively quickly, since this is clearly linked via DIN EN 1993-1-8 / NA at the height of the applied preload level, yields the question of the 'correct' preload level for both the structural engineer and the executive steel construction company to major discussions since DIN EN 1090-2 offers the minimum preloading force Fp,C which is allowed to be applied in Germany only by the - although known, but absolutely unusual - combined method. Alternatively, the lower 'old' German preloading force Fp,C* is defined in DIN EN 1993-1-8 / NA with execution rules for the modified torque method. Other practical questions relate to the tightening of non-preloaded bolts and the use of non CE-marked components of a CE-marked bolt assembly. As part of this paper, these and other issues for the tightening of bolted connections in steel structures are answered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spitz tumors are a group of melanocytic neoplasms with distinct morphological features that tend to affect young individuals. Distinguishing benign from malignant Spitz tumors can be challenging, but cytogenetic and molecular tests have contributed to improvements in diagnostic accuracy. Spitz tumors harbor diverse genetic alterations, including mutations in HRAS, loss of BAP1, or kinase fusions in ROS1, NTRK1, ALK, BRAF, and RET genes. Limited data exist on the correlation between histopathological features and kinase fusions. Here, we describe the histopathological features of 105 Spitz tumors (Spitz nevi and atypical Spitz tumors), comparing lesions according to their immunoreactivity for ALK or NTRK1. Intersecting fascicular growth of fusiform melanocytes was seen in all but one ALK-positive tumor (27 of 28 or 96.4%), whereas it was infrequent in NTRK1-positive tumors (5 of 20 or 25.0%) and tumors negative for both ALK and NTRK1 (96.4% vs 25.0% vs 8.7%, P < .0027). There was a trend toward ALK-positive tumors being amelanotic compared with NTRK1-positive tumors and combined ALK-/NTRK1-negative tumors (89.3% vs 45% vs 47.4%, respectively, P = .1023) and lacking epithelioid cell morphology (0% vs 45.0% vs 41%, respectively, P = .6985). In conclusion, this study confirms that although not specific, the growth pattern of intersecting fascicles of amelanotic fusiform melanocytes is strongly associated with ALK expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose In the last few months five multicentre, randomized controlled trials ( RCTs) unequivocally showed the superiority of mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion acute ischaemic stroke compared to systemic thrombolysis. Despite varying inclusion criteria and time intervals from onset to revascularization overall increases of good functional outcome between 55% and 81% were reported. However, only a minority of screened patients (approximately 1%) were eligible for intra-arterial ( IA) therapy. Methods An investigator-initiated, single-centre, prospective and blinded end-point analysis was performed of 3123 consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke presenting between February 2010 and December 2014. Results One hundred and fifty-four patients [4.9%, age (years) mean ( SD), median (interquartile range) 71.2 (±14), 74.7 (65.9-81.4)] met the inclusion criteria of sparse early ischaemic signs on initial standard cranial computed tomography ( CT) ( ASPECT score ≥7), large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation on CT angiography and start of treatment within 6 h of onset of symptoms. After consensual interdisciplinary treatment decisions 130 patients (4.2%) received IA treatment - in the majority stent-assisted thrombectomy in combination with intravenous ( IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator - and 24 patients (0.7%) standard IV thrombolysis. On 3 months' follow-up an overall significant improvement of disability ( P = 0.05) as measured by the modified Rankin Scale was shown in favour of the IA treatment group. Good functional outcome was achieved in about twice as many patients ( IA vs. IV, 41.2% vs. 21.2%; P = 0.078). Conclusion By choosing pragmatic inclusion criteria state-of-the-art IA therapy of a specialized tertiary stroke centre can be safely applied under real-world conditions to a higher percentage of patients with similar success to the recently published RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der Fall behandelt klassische Probleme der Verfassungsbeschwerde in strafrechtlichem Gewand. Sowohl Sachverhalt als auch Lösung sind eng angelehnt an die Entscheidung des Bundesverfassungsgerichts vom 26. 08. 2013 zum Fall »Gustl Mollath« (vgl. BVerfG NJW 2013, 3228 ff.). Neben der Frage der Zulässigkeit eines Verfassungsbeschwerdeverfahrens nach Erledigung der eigentlichen Beschwer, steht insbesondere der Prüfungsmaβstab des Bundesverfassungsgerichts bei der Überprüfung einer fachgerichtlichen – hier strafgerichtlichen – Entscheidung im Mittelpunkt. Speziell die sich aus dem Verhältnismäβigkeitsgrundsatz ergebenden Anforderungen an die Anordnung der Fortdauer langandauernder Unterbringungen in einem psychiatrischen Krankenhaus waren diesbezüglich virulent. Zudem stellt die Frage der Ablehnung der Einholung eines sachverständigen Gegengutachtens im Hinblick auf den Anspruch auf rechtliches Gehör ein zu thematisierendes Problem dar. Wegen ihrer Aktualität und der breiten Beachtung des Verfahrens »Mollath« in der Öffentlichkeit, ist die Thematik als besonders examensrelevant einzustufen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boar taint in carcasses may vary between farms and abattoirs, although the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In the present study, 169 boars from three farms were split into two groups and slaughtered at two abattoirs. Duration of transport and the time between arrival at the abattoir and unloading (pre-unloading time) were recorded. During slaughter, blood, feces, and urine were collected to measure testosterone and cortisol levels. Carcasses were classified according to the number of skin lesions, and fat samples were taken to determine skatole, indole and androstenone levels. Androstenone in fat and testosterone in blood, feces, and urine were mainly influenced by the duration of transport. Skatole and indole concentrations were increased by both pre-unloading time and duration of transport, but were also related to skin lesions. Thus it is concluded that androstenone and skatole concentrations in fat are significantly modified by pre-slaughter conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this series of studies was the development and validation of a new model for evaluation of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) therapies. Materials and methods: Roots from extracted human teeth were sealed with a flowable composite. In the cervical area, a 3-mm-wide circular window was ground through the seal 1 mm deep into dentine. The pulp lumen was connected to a reservoir of artificial dentinal fluid (ADF) containing protein, mineral salts and methylene blue. At increased pulpal pressure, the ADF released through the said window was collected in containers each with 20 ml of physiologic saline for a consecutive series of 30-min intervals and ADF concentration (absorption) was determined photometrically. The model was verified by three experiments. In experiment 1, the lower limit of quantification (LLoQ, coefficient of variation = 20 % and difference of 5 standard deviations (SD) from blank) of ADF in physiologic saline was determined by measuring the absorption of 15 dilutions of ADF in physiologic saline (containing 0.625 ng to 12.5 μg methylene blue/ml) photometrically for ten times. In experiment 2, long-term linearity of ADF perfusion/outflow was investigated using 11 specimens. The ADF released through the window was collected in the said containers separately for each consecutive interval of 30 min for up to 240 min. Absorption was determined and analysed by linear regression over time. In experiment 3, perfusion before (2×) and after single treatment according to the following three groups was measured: BisGMA-based sealant (Seal&Protect®), an acidic fluoride solution (elmex fluid®) and control (no treatment). Results: In experiment 1, the LLoQ was 0.005 μg methylene blue/ml. In experiment 2, permeability was different within the specimens and decreased highly linearly with time, allowing the prediction of future values. In experiment 3, Seal&Protect® completely occluded dentinal tubules. elmex fluid® increased tubular permeability by about 30 % compared to control. Conclusions: A model comprising the use of artificial dentinal fluid was developed and validated allowing screening of therapeutic agents for the treatment of DH through reliable measurement of permeability of cervical root dentine. Clinical relevance: The described in vitro model allows evaluation of potential agents for the treatment of DH at the clinically relevant cervical region of human teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A world key is given to the species of Pyxine with lichexanthone in the upper cortex. Pyxine pustulata Aptroot & Jungbluth is described as a new corticolous species of Pyxine from São Paulo State in Brazil, with lichexanthone in the cortex, upper surface K−, a yellow to ochraceous medulla and clusters of laminal polysidiangia. Brazil is clearly the centre of Pyxine diversity, with 34 out of c. 70 species known worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal thyroid metabolism is essential for human development, including the formation and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system. Disorders of thyroid metabolism are increasingly recognized within the spectrum of paediatric neurological disorders. Both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid disease states (resulting from genetic and acquired aetiologies) can lead to characteristic neurological syndromes, with cognitive delay, extrapyramidal movement disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and neuromuscular manifestations. In this review, the neurological manifestations of genetic disorders of thyroid metabolism are outlined, with particular focus on Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome and benign hereditary chorea. We report in detail the clinical features, major neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations, molecular genetic findings, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for these emerging genetic 'brain-thyroid' disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal thyroid metabolism is essential for human development, including the formation and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system. Disorders of thyroid metabolism are increasingly recognized within the spectrum of paediatric neurological disorders. Both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid disease states (resulting from genetic and acquired aetiologies) can lead to characteristic neurological syndromes, with cognitive delay, extrapyramidal movement disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and neuromuscular manifestations. In this review, the neurological manifestations of genetic disorders of thyroid metabolism are outlined, with particular focus on Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome and benign hereditary chorea. We report in detail the clinical features, major neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations, molecular genetic findings, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for these emerging genetic 'brain-thyroid' disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world of science continues to train and grant degrees to an abundance of eager young investigators, yet the number of tenure-track positions in oceanography and related fields is not increasing. Nevertheless, academic institutions and scientific research programs still largely emphasize academic careers for PhD recipients. Rarely do graduate programs explicitly provide information on, or preparation for, careers outside of the university setting. Here, we describe a series of four workshops on careers and networking that were organized and led by graduate students and postdocs from the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE). This grassroots effort allowed young scientists to sculpt and organize the information and training sought by their peers. As these efforts were highly successful, we recommend that graduate students at other academic institutions consider using this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copepod nauplii are important in plankton food web dynamics, but limited information is available about their ecology due to methodological challenges. Reported here is a new molecular method that was developed, optimized, and tested in laboratory and field samples that uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) to identify and estimate the abundance of nauplii of the planktonic copepod, Parvocalanus crassirostris. The overall approach included collection of bulk zooplankton samples in the field, size fractionation to create artificial cohorts of relatively few developmental stages, obtaining DNA copy number for each size fraction by qPCR amplification of a target gene region, and estimation of the number of animals in each fraction through application of known DNA copy number across developmental stage. Method validation studies found that our qPCR-based approach has comparable accuracy to microscope-based counts of early developmental stages. Naupliar abundance estimates obtained using the two methods on cultured populations were similar; the regression of qPCR estimates on microscope-based counts resulted in a nearly 1:1 ratio (slope = 1.09). The qPCR-based method is superior to traditional identification and quantification methods for nauplii due to its higher taxonomic resolution, sensitive detection over a range of DNA quantities, and relatively high throughput sample processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) contains high densities of progenitor cells. Therefore, in critical size defects BMC may have the potency to support bone healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMC in combination with calcium phosphate granules (CPG) on bone defect healing in a metaphyseal long bone defect in mini-pigs. A metaphyseal critical-size bone defect at the proximal tibia of 24 mini-pigs was filled with CPG combined with BMC, CPG solely (control group) or with an autograft. Radiological and histomorphometrical evaluations after 6 weeks (42 days) showed significantly more bone formation in the BMC group in the central area of the defect zone and the cortical defect zone compared to the CPG group. At the same time the resorption rate of CPG increased significantly in the BMC group. Nevertheless, compared to the BMC group the autograft group showed a significantly higher new bone formation radiologically and histomorphometrically. In BMC the count of mononuclear cells was significantly higher compared to the bone marrow aspirate (3.5-fold). The mesenchymal progenitor cell characteristics of the cells in BMC were confirmed by flow cytometry. Cells from BMC created significantly larger colonies of alkaline phosphatase-positive colony forming units (CFU-ALP) (4.4-fold) compared to cells from bone marrow aspirate. Nevertheless, even in the BMC group complete osseous bridging was only detectable in isolated instances of the bone defects. Within the limitations of this study the BMC+CPG composite promotes bone regeneration in the early phase of bone healing significantly better than the isolated application of CPG. However, the addition of BMC does not lead to a solid fusion of the defect in the early phase of bone healing an still does not represent an equal alternative to autologous bone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethanol is one of the most commonly used fixatives for zooplankton samples in molecular studies, despite known problems with this method. Alternative preservation solutions are desired that would reliably preserve DNA over medium to long time scales (months to years). This study tested the efficacy of acetone as a bulk fixative for DNA preservation in marine zooplankton. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure changes in DNA copy number individual−1 over weeks to months in specimens of the planktonic copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris that were bulk preserved in (i) acetone, with the fixative changed within 24 h of collection, (ii) acetone, with the fixative not changed and (iii) a standard 95% ethanol bulk fixation protocol. We found that DNA preservation in acetone was comparable to that in ethanol in both short- (30 days) and long-term (4 months) laboratory and field experiments, with modest, but non-significant, declines in DNA copy number individual−1 over time. Significant DNA degradation was observed over a 4-month storage period in acetone-preserved samples in which the fixative was not changed immediately following collection. Although acetone provided comparable DNA preservation to ethanol in this study, we also found that precipitates form in the presence of seawater, making identification of copepod specimens difficult in bulk acetone preserved samples. For this reason, we do not recommend acetone as a bulk fixative, but do recommend that it be considered a good alternative for preservation of individual specimens in taxonomic groups that are known to preserve poorly in ethanol (e.g. chaetognaths). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study used prospective, observational methods to evaluate six features of therapist behavior as predictors of homework adherence in cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescent depression, with the goal of identifying therapist strategies with the potential to improve adolescent adherence. Therapist behaviors were expected to interact with initial levels of client resistance or adherence to predict subsequent homework completion. Participants were 50 referred adolescents (33 female, 54% ethnic minority) ages 14 to 18 (M = 15.9) meeting diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder, and without comorbid psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or concurrent treatments. Therapist homework-related behaviors were coded from audiotapes of Sessions 1 and 2 and used to predict adolescents’ homework adherence, coded from audiotapes of Sessions 2 and 3. Several therapist behaviors were predictive of subsequent homework adherence, particularly for initially resistant or nonadherent adolescents. Stronger homework rationale and greater time allocated to explaining homework in Session 1 predicted greater adherence at Session 2, particularly for initially resistant adolescents. Stronger rationale and eliciting reactions/troubleshooting obstacles in Session 2 predicted greater adherence at Session 3, particularly for adolescents who were less adherent to prior homework. Strategies such as providing a strong rationale, allocating more time to assigning homework, and eliciting reactions/troubleshooting obstacles may be effective ways to bolster homework adherence among initially less engaged, depressed teens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copepod communities in lagoons and embayments on subtropical islands in the Pacific Ocean are geographically isolated from other populations along continents and other islands. Nevertheless, taxonomic identifications suggest that many of these species are cosmopolitan. The genetic diversity of planktonic copepod species in a subtropical embayment, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, was investigated by pairing morphological identification of the species with sequencing a 710 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (mtCOI) gene. DNA sequences were obtained for six calanoid and three cyclopoid copepod species. The sequences of two oceanic species found in the bay, Undinula vulgaris and Paracalanus parvus, were ≤3.0% divergent from conspecifics in the coastal western Pacific Ocean. In contrast, sequences from the more estuarine, Parvocalanus crassirostris and Bestiolina similis specimens were ≥16.0% divergent from conspecifics of the western Pacific Ocean. The Labidocera sp. and Acartia sp. were ≥16.0% divergent from all congeners, while three Oithona species differed by ≥26.5% from congeners. These results suggest significant genetic isolation of the more estuarine species, although more sequence data for Hawaii and elsewhere will be needed to understand the population and genetic structure of coastal island copepod populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In 1977 Wijngaarden et al. reported a Dutch family with a congenital myopathy characterized by external ophthalmoplegia and a remarkable histological feature, focal loss of cross-striations. A small number of other families with similar clinical and pathological features led to the consideration of this congenital myopathy as a distinct entity. Here we present more than 30years of follow-up from the Dutch family and report recently identified compound heterozygous mutations in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RYR1) gene, c.10627-2A>G and p.Arg3539His (c.10616G>A). Focal loss of cross-striations on muscle biopsy is another histopathological feature that should raise the possibility of RYR1 involvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]