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Introduction: The interval slide procedure (IS) has been introduced to improve mobility in massive, retracted rotator cuff tears. As clinical studies showed controversial results, the benefit of the IS is still widely discussed. Aim: Aim of this study was to analyze the effect of IS procedure on tendon mobility in a fresh porcine cadaver model. Materials and methods: In 30 fresh porcine cadaver shoulders with artificial supraspinatus defect tendon mobility was tested by measuring the load (in N) during tendon reduction to the footprint at the greater tubercle using a sensor enhanced arthroscopic grasper (t1). In intervention group (N = 15) anterior IS (t2), posterior IS (t3) and intraarticular capsule release (t4) were successively performed, each followed by tendon mobility assessment. Tendon mobility of the control group (N = 15) was measured in same time schedule without intervention. Results: Mobility did not differ between groups for native tendons (CG 28.0 ± 11.2 N vs. IG 26.6 ± 11.6 N; P = 0.75). IS procedure significantly improves mobility at about 25.2% (t1 26.6 ± 11.6 N vs. t4 19.9 ± 12.3 N; P < 0.001) compared to the native tendon and 34.1% compared to CG (CG 30.2 ± 13.7 N vs. 19.9 ± 12.3 N; P = 0.026). In posthoc analyzes, anterior IS (P < 0.001) and capsule release (P = 0.005) significantly increased mobility, whereas the posterior IS did not (P = 0.778). Conclusion: The IS procedure results in increased supraspinatus tendon mobility in fresh porcine cadaver shoulders. However, performing the posterior IS subsequent to the anterior IS no significant improvement of mobility has been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In malignant melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, many microRNAs are aberrantly expressed contributing to tumorigenesis and progression. Further, deregulation of microRNA processing enzymes, like the miRNA-binding protein Argonaute 2, significantly impacts microRNA function. This study characterizes a novel splice variant of Argonaut 2, AGO2-ex1/3. AGO2-ex1/3 is substantially expressed in different melanoma cell lines and patient-derived tissue samples. It is a mature mRNA, which is translated into an N-terminally truncated Argonaute 2 protein form. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the PAZ, MID, and PIWI domain largely retain their structure in AGO2-ex1/3 and that the truncation of the N-terminus leads to an increased interdomain flexibility. Expression of AGO2-ex1/3 provides a survival advantage for melanoma cells while the knockdown causes significantly reduced proliferation and increases apoptosis. RNA-sequencing revealed that in cells lacking AGO2-ex1/3 expression many miRNA target genes are deregulated, implicating a considerable role of AGO2-ex1/3 for miRNA function. This study inaugurates insights into an important role of a so far unknown splice variant of Argonaute 2 for the miRNA pathway as well as the mechanisms which drive growth and survival of melanoma cells. This knowledge provides the basis for potential new promising therapeutic targets focusing on small RNA-mediated gene regulation in melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using two-dimensional top-down view microscopy, researchers have recently described chondrocytes as being spatially arranged in distinct patterns such as strings, double strings, and small and large clusters. Because of the seeming association of these changes with tissue degeneration, they have been proposed as an image-based biomarker for early osteoarthritis (OA) staging. The aim of our study was to investigate the spatial arrangement of chondrocytes in human articular cartilage in a 3D fashion and to evaluate the 3D changes of these patterns in the context of local tissue destruction. Decalcified femoral condyle resections from the load-bearing area were analysed in 3D for their spatial chondrocyte organisation by means of fluorescence microscopy and synchrotron-radiation micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT). In intact cartilage chondrocyte strings can be found in the superficial, transitional and deep zones. The proposed pattern changes accompanying tissue destruction could be located not just along the surface but also through all layers of cartilage. Each spatial pattern was characterised by a different cellular density (the only exception being between single and double strings with p = 0.062), with cellular density significantly increasing alongside the increase in local tissue degeneration as defined by the chondrocyte patterns. We can thus corroborate that the proposed cellular spatial changes are a three-dimensional function of local tissue degeneration, underlining their relevance as an image-based biomarker for the early diagnosis and description of OA. Clinical trial registration number: Project number of the ethics committee of the University of Tübingen:171/2014BO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonradiative processes limit optoelectronic functionality of nanocrystals and curb their device performance. Nevertheless, the dynamic structural origins of nonradiative relaxations in such materials are not understood. Here, femtosecond electron diffraction measurements corroborated by atomistic simulations uncover transient lattice deformations accompanying radiationless electronic processes in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. Investigation of the excitation energy dependence in a core/shell system shows that hot carriers created by a photon energy considerably larger than the bandgap induce structural distortions at nanocrystal surfaces on few picosecond timescales associated with the localization of trapped holes. On the other hand, carriers created by a photon energy close to the bandgap of the core in the same system result in transient lattice heating that occurs on a much longer 200 picosecond timescale, dominated by an Auger heating mechanism. Elucidation of the structural deformations associated with the surface trapping of hot holes provides atomic-scale insights into the mechanisms deteriorating optoelectronic performance and a pathway towards minimizing these losses in nanocrystal devices. Charge trapping can lead to severe nonradiative losses in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). The authors report femtosecond electron diffraction measurements on photoexcited NCs to reveal atomic-scale insights into how localization of charges at trap sites induce surface deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendon mobility is highly relevant in rotator cuff surgery. Objective data about rotator cuff mobility is rare. Tendon mobility still needs to be evaluated subjectively by the surgeon. This study aims to establish a porcine animal model for mobility analysis of the supraspinatus. In this context, we introduce a sensor-enhanced, arthroscopic grasper (SEAG) suitable for objective intraoperative measurements of tendon mobility in clinical praxis. Tendon mobility of 15 fresh porcine cadaver shoulders with artificial rotator cuff tears was evaluated using the SEAG. Mobility characteristics (load–displacement curves, maximum load, stiffness) were studied and inter- and intraobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) were tested. Factors with a potential adverse effect (plastic deformation and rigor mortis) were also evaluated. All shoulders showed characteristic reproducible load–displacement curves with a nonlinear part at the start, followed by a linear part. Mean maximum load was 28.6 N ± 12.5. Mean stiffness was 6.0 N/mm ± 2.6. We found substantial interobserver agreement (ICC 0.672) and nearly perfect intraobserver agreement (0.944) for maximum load measurement. Inter- (0.021) and intraobserver (0.774) agreement for stiffness was lower. Plastic deformation and rigor mortis were excluded. The animal model demonstrates reliable and in vivo-like measurements of tendon mobility. The SEAG is a reliable tool for tendon mobility assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic structures can be designed to tailor luminescence properties of materials, which becomes particularly interesting for non-linear phenomena, such as photon upconversion. However, there is no adequate theoretical framework to optimize photonic structure designs for upconversion enhancement. Here, we present a comprehensive theoretical model describing photonic effects on upconversion and confirm the model's predictions by experimental realization of 1D-photonic upconverter devices with large statistics and parameter scans. The measured upconversion photoluminescence enhancement reaches 82 ± 24% of the simulated enhancement, in the mean of 2480 separate measurements, scanning the irradiance and the excitation wavelength on 40 different sample designs. Additionally, the trends expected from the modeled interaction of photonic energy density enhancement, local density of optical states and internal upconversion dynamics, are clearly validated in all experimentally performed parameter scans. Our simulation tool now opens the possibility of precisely designing photonic structure designs for various upconverting materials and applications. A theoretical framework to optimize photonic structure designs for upconversion enhancement is lacking. Here, the authors present a comprehensive theoretical model and confirm the model's predictions by experimental realisation of 1D-photonic upconverter devices with large statistics and parameter scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dealing with highly configurable systems is generally very complex. Researchers and practitioners have conceived hundreds of different analysis techniques to deal with different aspects of configurable systems. One large focal point is the testing of configurable software. This is challenging due to the large number of possible configurations. Moreover, tests themselves are rarely configurable and instead built for specific configurations. However, existing tests need to be adapted to run on a different configuration. In this paper, we report on an experiment about automatically reusing existing tests in configurable systems. We used manually developed tests for specific configurations of three configurable systems and investigated how changing the configuration affects the tests. Subsequently, we employed an approach for automated reuse to generate new test variants (by reusing from existing ones) for combinations of previous configurations and compared their results to the ones from existing tests. Our results showed that we could directly reuse some tests for different configurations. Nonetheless, our automatically generated test variants generally yielded better results. Our generated tests had a higher or equal success rate to the existing tests in most cases. Even in the cases the success rate was equal, our generated tests generally had higher code coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Injection devices for administration of biopharmaceuticals enable subcutaneous self-administration by patients. To meet patient specific capabilities, injection forces need to be characterized. We address the open question of whether tissue resistance significantly contributes to overall injection forces, especially for large injection volumes. Methods: Subcutaneous tissue resistance was systematically quantified for injection volumes up to 11 mL depending on viscosity (1–20 mPa·s) and injection rates (0.025–0.2 mL/s) using Göttingen Minipigs as the animal model. The contribution of an artificially applied external force at the injection site simulating autoinjector needle cover depression was tested between 2.5–7.5 N. Results: Tissue resistance reached average values of ~120 mbar for injection volumes up to 11 mL independent of viscosity and injection rate, and maximum values of 300 mbar were determined. Artificially applied external forces led to higher values, independent of the absolute applied force — maximum values of 1 bar were obtained when injecting 4.5 mL of the 20 mPa·s solution at an injection rate of 0.1 mL/s with the application of an artificial 5 N force, corresponding to ~450 mbar. All conditions yield defined injection sites suggesting tissue resistance is defined by mechanical properties of the subcutaneous tissue. Conclusions: We set our results in relation to overall injection forces, concluding that maximum values in tissue resistance may cause challenges during subcutaneous injection when using injection devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rotator cuff tears (rct) subsequent to glenohumeral dislocation are relevant concomitant injuries, can lead to impaired shoulder function and increase risk of recurrent dislocation. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome, recurrent dislocation rate and tendon integrity after rotator cuff repair after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation. Materials and methods: In this retrospective case series, 23 patients (age 56.4 years ± 6.3) who underwent a rotator cuff reconstruction after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation with confirmed combination of full-thickness RCT and Bankart lesion were enrolled after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcome (age and gender adjusted Constant Murley Score (CMS), DASH, Rowe Score) (n = 23) and sonographic tendon integrity (n = 19) were studied. Results: After a mean follow-up of 58 ± 32 months, a CMS of 85.1% ± 14.7, DASH of 14.2 ± 20.5, and Rowe Score of 82.4 ± 15.2 indicated good functional outcome. In 4 of 19 patients (21.1%) a re-tear was found during sonographic evaluation. In 3 cases (13%), a revision was performed (2 × stiff shoulder, 1 × postoperative infection). One patient had a single traumatic re-dislocation (4.3%). Conclusions: Patients undergone reconstruction of the rotator cuff following a primary traumatic shoulder dislocation can achieve good functional results and a low rate of recurrent dislocation. Postoperative tendon integrity is comparable with known data about non traumatic tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Purpose: The usefulness of chest wall stabilization after blunt chest wall trauma with unstable rib fractures has recently been intensely discussed. Thereby, the surgical approach seems to influence outcome, mortality and the long-term complication rate including chronic chest pain, thoracic deformity and quality of life. Here, we present the outcome after surgical stabilization of unstable rib fractures using intramedullary splints and plate osteosynthesis. Methods: n = 50 patients were enrolled in this trial. Surgical stabilization was performed using intramedullary splints and/or plate osteosynthesis. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was performed in all patients for the inspection of the thoracic cavity and to exactly localize the fractured ribs. The pre- and postoperative pain course was documented using the visual analog scale. Results: A total of n = 50 patients (10 females, mean age 63 years) were included into the analysis. All patients presented with traumatic serial rib fractures with a mean of 3 fractured ribs (range 2–8 ribs) and an unstable thorax wall. Rib osteosynthesis was performed using intramedullary splints (n = 17 patients), locking plates (n = 17 patients), or a combined use of both procedures (n = 16 patients). Mean operating time was 80 min (31–161 min). No major complications were seen intra- and postoperatively. Mean hospital stay was 8 ± 2 days (2–21 days). In all patients, excellent chest wall stability was achieved. Moreover, a significant reduction of pain was observed (2.6 ± 0.3 postoperatively vs. 8 ± 1.15 preoperatively, p < 0.0001) already during the hospital stay. Conclusions: Rib osteosynthesis is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with unstable rib fractures after blunt chest wall trauma. It leads to a significant reduction of the trauma-associated pain caused by the rib fractures and supports a quick recovery of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is a severe complication after proximal humerus fracture dislocations, and leads to a poorer clinical outcome and subsequent revision surgeries. The aim of the current study was to analyze the influence of time to surgery on the AVN rate after locked plating of dislocation fractures of the proximal humerus.Patients and methods: This retrospective study included 30 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 14 years with dislocation fractures of the proximal humerus type B3 or C3 according the AO/OTA classification. The rates of AVN of the humeral head were determined clinically and radiographically. In addition, the clinical outcome was determined using the Constant score (CS), the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS%), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the range of motion, and complication and revision rates. Patients were subdivided into groups of subjects operated on early (≤48 h after trauma) and those with late surgery (>48 h after trauma), and the relative risk (RR) for complications and revisions was determined for both groups.Results: After a mean follow-up of 37 months (range: 12-66 month) the mean CS% was 60 ± 24 and the mean DASH score was 32 ± 24 points. Ten patients (33%) developed a symptomatic AVN, and ten patients underwent revision surgery. Early surgery was performed on 25 patients while five patients underwent late surgery. After late surgery, all five patients developed AVN, and patients had a fivefold increased RR for AVN (p = 0.002) and subsequent associated surgical revision (RR = 3.3, p = 0.031).Conclusion: In fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus, early surgery within 48 h of trauma significantly decreases the risk of AVN and subsequent surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study investigated the clinical outcome of open elbow dislocations, focusing on the influence of associated soft tissue and bone injury.Patients and methods: From October 2008 to August 2015, 230 patients with elbow dislocations were treated at the study center. Our retrospective study comprised 21 cases of open elbow dislocations. The mean age of patients was 49 years (20-83 years); there were six (29%) female and 15 (71%) male patients. The range of motion (ROM) of the injured and uninjured elbow was measured, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were assessed. Complications and revision surgeries were recorded. The influence of the severity of soft tissue injury (I°/II° open vs. III° open) and type of dislocation (simple vs. complex) was evaluated.Results: After a 57-month follow-up (range, 24-98 months), the mean DASH score was 20 ± 15, the MEPS was 82 ± 11, and the MWS was 74 ± 22. The ROM of the injured elbow was significantly decreased compared with the uninjured one (arc of ulnohumeral motion: 104° vs. 137°; p = 0.001). Patients with I°/II° open elbow dislocations had a better clinical outcome according to the MEPS (86 ± 11 vs. 76 ± 9; p = 0.045) and a comparable outcome according to the DASH score (19 ± 18 vs. 21 ± 9; p = 0.238). In all, 11 patients (52%) had postoperative complications and 11 patients underwent at least one revision surgery. Complex elbow dislocations had significantly more complications and revision surgeries than simple dislocations (77% vs. 13%; p = 0.008).Conclusion: Favorable clinical outcomes can be achieved after treatment of open elbow dislocations. These injuries are prone to neurovascular damage and complex dislocations are linked to high rates of complications and revision surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The Wolf motor function test (WMFT) evaluates the upper extremity performance of patients with neurological disorders and traumatic brain injuries by assessing time and functional capacity. It was later modified to also measure the quality of the performed movements. This study aimed to adapt the WMFT for patients with shoulder injuries and to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of this adapted version.Subjects and methods: A total of 20 individuals with a median age of 80.5 years were assessed using a test-retest design after surgical or conservative treatment of shoulder injuries. Two raters rated performance to determine inter-rater reliability. One rater rated the performance again to determine intra-rater reliability. Both inter-rater and intra-rater agreement were determined by weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics with corresponding confidence intervals. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency.Results: The inter-rater Cohen’s kappa values ranged from 0.84-1.00 for functional capacity and from 0.79-1.00 for quality of movement. For intra-rater reliability the Cohen’s kappa ranged from 0.71-1.00. Cronbach’s alpha was >0.94 for functional capacity and >0.96 for quality of movement.Conclusion: The adapted version of the WMFT shows high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for patients with shoulder injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory predicts that animals should adjust their escape responses to the perceived predation risk. The information animals obtain about potential predation risk may differ qualitatively depending on the sensory modality by which a cue is perceived. For instance, olfactory cues may reveal better information about the presence or absence of threats, whereas visual information can reliably transmit the position and potential attack distance of a predator. While this suggests a differential use of information perceived through the two sensory channels, the relative importance of visual vs. olfactory cues when distinguishing between different predation threats is still poorly understood. Therefore, we exposed individuals of the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher to a standardized threat stimulus combined with either predator or non-predator cues presented either visually or chemically. We predicted that flight responses towards a threat stimulus are more pronounced if cues of dangerous rather than harmless heterospecifics are presented and that N. pulcher, being an aquatic species, relies more on olfaction when discriminating between dangerous and harmless heterospecifics. N. pulcher responded faster to the threat stimulus, reached a refuge faster and entered a refuge more likely when predator cues were perceived. Unexpectedly, the sensory modality used to perceive the cues did not affect the escape response or the duration of the recovery phase. This suggests that N. pulcher are able to discriminate heterospecific cues with similar acuity when using vision or olfaction. We discuss that this ability may be advantageous in aquatic environments where the visibility conditions strongly vary over time. Significance statement: The ability to rapidly discriminate between dangerous predators and harmless heterospecifics is crucial for the survival of prey animals. In seasonally fluctuating environment, sensory conditions may change over the year and may make the use of multiple sensory modalities for heterospecific discrimination highly beneficial. Here we compared the efficacy of visual and olfactory senses in the discrimination ability of the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. We presented individual fish with visual or olfactory cues of predators or harmless heterospecifics and recorded their flight response. When exposed to predator cues, individuals responded faster, reached a refuge faster and were more likely to enter the refuge. Unexpectedly, the olfactory and visual senses seemed to be equally efficient in this discrimination task, suggesting that seasonal variation of water conditions experienced by N. pulcher may necessitate the use of multiple sensory channels for the same task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Determination of the appropriate treatment of unstable simple elbow dislocations is difficult and a topic of ongoing discussion. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome and complications after surgery and conservative treatment, with special focus on post-traumatic joint laxity.Methods: In this retrospective study, 118 consecutive patients with simple elbow dislocations underwent stability testing by fluoroscopy after joint reduction and were assigned to groups 1 (slight), 2 (moderate) or 3 (gross) depending on post-traumatic joint laxity. All patients of group 1 underwent conservative treatment, and of group 3 primary ligament repair. In patients with moderate elbow laxity, the treatment was decided individually. All patients underwent a similar functional rehabilitation programme during treatment. Clinical outcome was determined after an average of 3.4 ± 1.5 years using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and treatment-associated complications and revisions were recorded.Results: Forty-nine patients (41.5 %) were assigned to group 1, 41 patients (34.7 %) to group 2 and 28 patients (23.7 %) to group 3. In group 2, 22 patients underwent ligament repair, while 19 patients were treated conservatively. On average, an excellent MEPS was achieved in group 1 after conservative treatment (MEPS 95.8 ± 9.0), similar to results after ligament repair of grossly unstable elbows in group 3 (91.6 ± 11.7). Interestingly, in group 2 conservative treatment was associated with a slightly lower MEPS (90.0 vs. 95.7), and significantly fewer patients achieved an excellent MEPS (81.8 vs. 52.6 %, p = 0.045). Similarly, conservative treatment in group 2 was associated with a fivefold to sixfold risk of complications (p = 0.032) and revision surgery (p = 0.023).Conclusions: This study supports the notion that patients with slight elbow laxity can be treated non-operatively, while primary surgical treatment should be performed in patients with moderate and gross laxity to avoid post-traumatic sequelae and decrease revision rates.Level Of Evidence: Retrospective Cohort Study, Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sports activity after surgical AC joint stabilisation has not been comprehensively evaluated to date. The aim of this study was to determine rate, level and time to return to sports after AC joint stabilisation and to identify the influence of overhead sports on post-operative sports activity.Methods: In this retrospective case series, a total of 68 patients with a high-grade AC joint dislocation (Rockwood type V) were stabilised using a single TightRope technique. Fifty-five patients (80.9 %) with median age of 42.0 (range, 18-65) years completed questionnaires regarding sports activity before and after surgery. Clinical outcome and complications were also evaluated. Forty-three patients participated in sports regularly before injury. Their sports activity was rated according to Allain, and non-overhead and overhead sports were differentiated.Results: At median follow-up of 24 (18-45) months, 41 of 43 patients (95.3 %) had returned to sports. 63 % returned to the same sports activity as before injury. 16.3 % needed to adapt the type of sports to reduce demanding activities. 11.6 % reduced the frequency and 32.5 % the intensity of sports. The median time to return to sports was 9.5 (3-18) months. Overhead athletes (Allain Type III and IV) had to reduce their sports activity significantly more often (11.8 vs. 53.8 %; p = 0.011) and needed more time to return to sports (9.5 vs. 4.5 months; p = 0.009).Conclusion: After stabilisation of AC joint dislocation, the majority of patients returned to sports after a substantial period of time. Overhead athletes, in particular, required more time and had to considerably reduce their sports activity. The findings impact therapeutic decision-making after AC joint injury and help with the prognosis and assessment of rehabilitation progress.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Most cases of unstable humeral fractures in children can be treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN); however, it is essential to realize the limitations of this procedure. Good indications are transverse or short oblique fractures. In the case of multifragment or open fractures it could be necessary to use external fixation. Plate osteosynthesis is indicated in exceptional circumstances. In cases of nerve irritation the findings have to be recorded in the patients file and in certain cases should be treated or referred to institutions with the necessary experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Azimuthal movement of tropomyosin around the F-actin thin filament is responsible for muscle activation and relaxation. Recently a model of αα-tropomyosin, derived from molecular-mechanics and electron microscopy of different contractile states, showed that tropomyosin is rather stiff and pre-bent to present one specific face to F-actin during azimuthal transitions. However, a new model based on cryo-EM of troponin- and myosin-free filaments proposes that the interacting-face of tropomyosin can differ significantly from that in the original model. Because resolution was insufficient to assign tropomyosin side-chains, the interacting-face could not be unambiguously determined. Here, we use structural analysis and energy landscapes to further examine the proposed models. The observed bend in seven crystal structures of tropomyosin is much closer in direction and extent to the original model than to the new model. Additionally, we computed the interaction map for repositioning tropomyosin over the F-actin surface, but now extended over a much larger surface than previously (using the original interacting-face). This map shows two energy minima-one corresponding to the 'blocked-state' as in the original model, and the other related by a simple 24 Å translation of tropomyosin parallel to the F-actin axis. The tropomyosin-actin complex defined by the second minimum fits perfectly into the recent cryo-EM density, without requiring any change in the interacting-face. Together, these data suggest that movement of tropomyosin between regulatory states does not require interacting-face rotation. Further, they imply that thin filament assembly may involve an interplay between initially seeded tropomyosin molecules growing from distinct binding-site regions on actin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Limited information is available on injection forces of parenterals representing the in vivo situation. Scope of the present study was to investigate the contribution of the subcutaneous (sc) tissue layer to injection forces during in vivo injection. Methods: Göttingen minipigs received injections of isotonic dextran solutions (1-100 mPas) into the plica inguinalis using different injection rates and volumes (0.025-0.2 mL/s and 2.5 vs. 4.5 mL). Results: The contribution of the sc back-pressure to injection forces was found to increase linearly with viscosity and injection rate ranging from 0.6 ± 0.5 N to 1.0 ± 0.4 N (1 mPas), 0.7 ± 0.2 N to 2.4 ± 1.9 N (10 mPas), and 1.8 ± 0.6 N to 4.7 ± 3.3 N (20 mPas) for injection rates of 0.025 to 0.2 mL/s, respectively. Variability increased with viscosity and injection rate. Values are average values from 10 randomized injections. A maximum of 12.9 N was reached for 20 mPas at 0.2 mL/s; 6.9 ± 0.3 N was determined for 100 mPas at 0.025 mL/s. No difference was found between injection volumes of 2.5 and 4.5 mL. The contribution of the tissue was differentiated from the contribution of the injection device and a local temperature effect. This effect was leading to warming of the (equilibrated) sample in the needle, therefore smaller injection forces than expected compensating tissue resistance to some parts. Conclusions: When estimating injection forces representative for the in vivo situation, the contribution of the tissue has to be considered as well as local warming of the sample in the needle during injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Elbow dislocations with complex elbow instability (CEI) and unstable radial head fractures require reconstruction by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) if possible or alternatively by a radial head prosthesis. The aim of this study was to determine the differential outcome of both strategies and to investigate the contribution of prosthesis-related radiographic factors such as oversizing on clinical outcome. Methods: A total of 53 patients underwent ligament and coronoid refixation, and radial head reconstruction by ORIF ( n = 18; group 1) or by monopolar modular prosthesis ( n = 35; group 2). Patients were followed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and a radiological score including prosthesis oversizing, joint subluxation, ossifications, capitellar erosions, implant loosening and ulno-humeral osteoarthritis. To investigate the effect of oversizing, group 2 was subdivided by prosthesis overlenghtening ≥ 2 mm. Results: A total of 42 patients (79.2 %) could be followed for 3.0 ± 1.3 years with an average MEPS of 76.8 ± 17.2. Patients with ORIF had slightly better MEPS (82.1 ± 9.9) as compared with group 2 (74.7 ± 19.1) though three ORIF patients required an early conversion to prosthesis. In group 2, oversizing occurred frequently and 50 % showed an overlenghtening ≥ 2 mm. Oversizing significantly decreased MEPS (63.2 ± 21.3 vs 84.7 ± 9.0; p = 0.001) and elbow range of motion and increased the occurrence of other radiological abnormalities and the risk for surgical revisions. The radiological score and prosthesis overlenghtening but not prosthesis diameter showed an inverse correlation with MEPS. Conclusions: In CEI a radial head reconstruction with a prosthesis demonstrates similarly good clinical results as compared to ORIF in anatomically sized prosthesis, but prosthesis oversizing could induce other radiographic abnormalities with then deteriorated outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This systematic literature review applies the GRADE approach to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) for the treatment of (a) patients with obesity ≥ grade II (with comorbidities) and (b) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus + obesity ≥ grade I. We included ten studies with a total of 342 patients that primarily investigated a prototype of the DJBL. In high-grade obese patients, short-term excess weight loss was observed. For the remaining patient-relevant endpoints and patient populations, evidence was either not available or ambiguous. Complications (mostly minor) occurred in 64-100 % of DJBL patients compared to 0-27 % in the control groups. Gastrointestinal bleeding was observed in 4 % of patients. We do not yet recommend the device for routine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]