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Sampling strategies used in paleomagnetic studies play a crucial role in dictating the accuracy of our estimates of properties of the ancient geomagnetic field. However, there has been little quantitative analysis of optimal paleomagnetic sampling strategies and the community has instead defaulted to traditional practices that vary between laboratories. In this paper, we quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of alternative paleomagnetic sampling strategies through numerical experiments and an associated analytical framework. Our findings demonstrate a strong correspondence between the accuracy of an estimated paleopole position and the number of sites or independent readings of the time‐varying paleomagnetic field, whereas larger numbers of in‐site samples have a dwindling effect. This remains true even when a large proportion of the sample directions are spurious. This approach can be readily achieved in sedimentary sequences by distributing samples stratigraphically, considering each sample as an individual site. However, where the number of potential independent sites is inherently limited the collection of additional in‐site samples can improve the accuracy of the paleopole estimate (although with diminishing returns with increasing samples per site). Where an estimate of the magnitude of paleosecular variation is sought, multiple in‐site samples should be taken, but the optimal number is dependent on the expected fraction of outliers. The use of filters based on angular distance helps the accuracy of paleopole estimation, but leads to inaccurate estimates of paleosecular variation. We provide both analytical formulas and a series of interactive Jupyter notebooks allowing optimal sampling strategies to be developed from user‐informed expectations. Plain Language Summary: Earth's magnetic field can be preserved in rocks when they form. Through studying these magnetic records using the tools of paleomagnetism, scientists can learn about how Earth's magnetic field has changed through time and how tectonic plates have moved. This study is about the best ways to design sampling approaches to gain these insights using statistical quantification. Traditional protocols emphasize the collection of numerous samples from units that record the field at a given instant in time. Such units are referred to as sites. Through simulating data, we develop tools for evaluating trade‐offs between collecting more sites and more samples per site. Our results show that strategies that maximize collecting more sites, even if fewer samples are taken at each site, leads to more accurate estimates even in the presence of spurious observations. While there is a benefit to more samples per site, particularly for studies seeking to estimate the variability of the ancient field, such sampling has diminishing returns relative to maximizing the number of sites. We provide formulas and interactive computational resources to help the community to make informed decisions about the best way to gather data. Key Points: We explore the effect of alternative sampling strategies on the accuracy of paleomagnetic parameter estimatesThe accuracy of paleopole estimation is dominated by the number of independent site recordings instead of the number of in‐site samplesEven in the presence of frequent outliers, or for studies of paleosecular variation, a focus on sites over in‐site samples is advantageous [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of Earth's paleogeography relies heavily on paleomagnetic apparent polar wander paths (APWPs), which represent the time‐dependent position of Earth's spin axis relative to a given block of lithosphere. However, conventional approaches to APWP construction have significant limitations. First, the paleomagnetic record contains substantial noise that is not integrated into APWPs. Second, parametric assumptions are adopted to represent spatial and temporal uncertainties even where the underlying data do not conform to the assumed distributions. The consequences of these limitations remain largely unknown. Here, we address these challenges with a bottom‐up Monte Carlo uncertainty propagation scheme that operates on site‐level paleomagnetic data. To demonstrate our methodology, we present an extensive compilation of site‐level Cenozoic paleomagnetic data from North America, which we use to generate a high‐resolution APWP. Our results demonstrate that even in the presence of substantial noise, polar wandering can be assessed with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Plain Language Summary: Records of Earth's ancient magnetic field preserved in rocks provide valuable information for understanding past tectonic plate motions. These "paleomagnetic" records are collected from individual rock samples and subsequently grouped to develop global‐scale paths called apparent polar wander (APW) paths. However, the standard methods for analyzing and grouping paleomagnetic data are limited in the way they propagate and quantify uncertainties, and the consequences of these limitations are not known. In this study, we address these limitations through the introduction of a new methodological approach, which we use to study a large data set of paleomagnetic data from North America for the past 60 million years. We demonstrate that through our new methodology it is possible to generate APW paths with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, which may offer new insights into Earth's deep time evolution. Key Points: We present an extensive compilation of Cenozoic paleomagnetic and geochronologic data from North America at the site levelA bottom‐up Monte Carlo uncertainty propagation scheme enables the propagation of errors from site level data into apparent polar wander pathsThese advances allowed us to describe Cenozoic North American polar wander at the unprecedented temporal resolution of 1 Myr [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, our experience showed that psoriasis exacerbation after COVID-19 vaccination may also develop in patients undergoing biologic treatment, even if the risk is reduced and limited. The patients in this manuscript have given written informed consent to publication of their case details. Hence, patients undergoing topical treatment for psoriasis have a higher risk of psoriatic flares compared with patients treated with systemic drugs. [Extracted from the article]

Background/objective: Although 40% of psoriasis patients reported skin pain, this symptom is often underestimated. A new formula of calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) has been recently approved for psoriasis treatment. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Cal/BD aerosol foam on skin pain of patients with plaque psoriasis. Methods: A real‐life 4‐week prospective, open study on Cal/BD aerosol foam (not compared to vehicle or emollient cream) was performed in adult psoriasis patients attending three Dermatology units located in Campania region, Italy, between March and October 2018. Inclusion criteria were a history of skin pain over the last week and psoriatic involvement of the palmar area. Before (t0) and after a course of once daily application of Cal/BD aerosol foam for 4 weeks (t1), the following items were evaluated: Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Physician Global Assessment (PGA) index of target plaque on palmar region, subjective skin pain features through Pain Qualities Assessment Scale questionnaire and skin pain threshold measured by pressure digital algometer at palmar psoriatic plaques. Results: Seventy‐five patients (43 male, mean age of 43.2 years) were enrolled. After 4 weeks of therapy with Cal/BD aerosol foam, a significant improvement in both PASI (mean: 6.5 ± 2.1 at t0 vs. 2.3 ± 1.6 at t1) and palmar plaques PGA (mean: 3.6 at t0 vs. 1.7 at t1) was observed (P < 0.001). The mean intensity score of skin pain decreased from 7.6 to 1.3 (P < 0.001); among skin pain qualities, intense, sensible, aching and unpleasant showed the highest rate of reduction (t0–t1: 6.3, 6.3, 6.1 and 5.8, respectively). Pain threshold of palmar skin lesions increased at t1. Conclusions: Our real‐life study suggested that Cal/BD aerosol foam may represent a valid topical anti‐psoriatic treatment, not only improving skin lesions, but also relieving cutaneous pain, thus contributing to ameliorate patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Energy densities (ED, mJ/mm3) quantify mechanical work imposed on articular cartilages during function. This cross‐sectional study examined differences in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ED during asymmetric versus symmetric jaw closing in healthy females versus males. ED component variables were tested for differences between and within sexes for two types of jaw closing. Seventeen female and 17 male subjects gave informed consent to participate. Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders and images (magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography) were used to confirm healthy TMJ status. Numerical modelling predicted TMJ loads (Fnormal) consequent to unilateral canine biting. Dynamic stereometry combined MR imaging and jaw‐tracking data to measure ED component variables during 10 trials of each type of jaw closing in each subject's TMJs. These data were then used to calculate TMJ ED during jaw closing asymmetrically and symmetrically. Paired and Student's t tests assessed ED between jaw closing movements and sexes, respectively. Multivariate data analyses assessed ED component variable differences between jaw closing movements and sexes (α = 0.05). Contralateral TMJ ED were 3.6‐fold and significantly larger (P < .0001) during asymmetric versus symmetric jaw closing, due to significantly larger (P ≤ .001) distances of TMJ stress‐field translation in asymmetric versus symmetric movement. During asymmetric jaw closing, contralateral TMJ ED were twofold and significantly larger (P = .036) in females versus males, due to 1.5‐fold and significantly smaller (P ≤ .010) TMJ disc cartilage volumes under stress fields in females versus males. These results suggest that in healthy individuals, asymmetric compared to symmetric jaw closure in females compared to males has higher TMJ mechanical fatigue liabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Patagonia (Argentina) in recent decades, the exotic species and hybrids of Salix alba - Salix fragilis complex has spread over wide areas along watercourses, taking advantage of it is sexually and vegetatively propagation. It outcompetes with native vegetation, facilitated by stochastic events related to large floods of long-lasting duration higher than the average maximum of 186 m3/s for more than a day. We analysed the exotic willow's increase along the braiding Azul River, and the hydrological regime between 1966 and 2012. We evaluated the links between regime and tree density over time using dendrochronological data. Results showed an increase of the forest's cover from 2.1% to 70.8% over the last 46 years. The densities of exotic willows grew exponentially between 1966 and 1973, during a period which was free of higher floods. The initial native populations declined as willow's population increased. Up to 1973, there was an increase in the native populations too. Then from 1974 on, the willow showed a gradual growth coupled with a decline in the native trees. Up to 1977, the willow expansion could be linked to an extreme flood that reached 392 m3/s (210.75%) greater than the average of the maximum flows). We concluded that plant succession in the Azul River follows a 'Red Queen' effect whereby the exotic willow and native trees repeatedly reorganized the system after pulses and periods of extreme flooding events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supermassive black hole (SMBH) accretion is an important topic of astro-physical research for a variety of fields. However, literature shows that precisely modelling the X-ray reflection component of an accretion disk around a SMBH is challenging. We test how reliably we can measure key active galactic nuclei (AGN) X-ray reflection parameters by simulating the spectra of average Seyfert 1 galaxies and then fitting those spectra using common modelling techniques. The AGN spectra were created from 0.01-300.0 keV using XMM- Newton pn responses and with (3.75±0.10)×106 counts in the 2-10 keV band. The model RELXILL was used to create all spectra with a reflection fraction (ratio of reflected flux over primary flux from 0.1-100 keV) of R = 1. The values of six key parameters were generated randomly within given ranges to simulate the spectra: photon index (Γ), inner emissivity index ( q 1), black hole spin ( a), disk inclination angle (θ), ionization (ξ), and iron abundance in solar units ( A Fe). Once the simulated spectra were created, they were autonomously fit with RELXILL from 2.5-10.0 keV. All six key parameters were allowed to vary throughout the modelling process, with a gradual thawing of model parameters to mimic manual fitting procedure. We find that we can successfully measure key AGN spectral components in this scenario, but some conditions apply: Γ, θ, and A Fe are well constrained, however they are also consistently overestimated. Only black hole spin ( a) measurements that are in extrema, a > 0.9, can be considered reliable. Lastly, ξ and q 1 cannot be measured and these parameters - along with intermediate spin values - should be verified using other techniques. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured Abstract Objective To determine differences in masticatory muscle usage between temporomandibular joint disorders diagnostic groups. Setting and sample population Seventy-one informed and consented subjects (27 men; 44 women) participated at the University at Buffalo. Material and methods Research diagnostic criteria and imaging data were used to categorize subjects according to the presence/absence (+/−) of TMJ disc placement ( DD) and chronic pain (P) (+ DD+P, n = 18; + DD−P, n = 14; − DD−P, n = 39). Electromyographic ( EMG)/bite-force calibrations determined subject-specific masseter and temporalis muscle activities per 20 N bite-force ( T20N, μV). Over 3 days and nights, subjects collected EMG recordings. Duty factors ( DFs, % of recording time) were determined based on threshold intervals (5-9, 10-24, 25-49, 50-79, ≥80% T20N). anova and Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests identified 1) diagnostic group differences in T20N and 2) the effects of diagnostic group, gender, time and interval on muscle DFs. Results Mean (± SE) temporalis T20N in + DD+P subjects was significantly higher (71.4 ± 8.8 μV) than masseter T20N in these subjects (19.6 ± 8.8 μV; p = 0.001) and in − DD−P subjects (25.3 ± 6.0 μV, p = 0.0007). Masseter DFs at 5-9% T20N were significantly higher in + DD−P women (3.48%) than + DD−P men (0.85%) and women and men in both other diagnostic groups (all p < 0.03), and in + DD+P women (2.00%) compared to − DD−P men (0.83%; p = 0.029). Night-time DFs at 5-9% T20N in + DD−P women (1.97%) were significantly higher than in − DD−P men (0.47%) and women (0.24%; all p < 0.01). Conclusions Between-group differences were found in masticatory muscle activities in both laboratory and natural environmental settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured Abstract Objectives Cartilage fatigue, due to mechanical work, may account for precocious development of degenerative joint disease in the temporomandibular joint ( TMJ). This study compared energy densities (mJ/mm³) in TMJs of three diagnostic groups. Setting and Sample Population Sixty-eight subjects (44 women, 24 men) gave informed consent. Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders ( DC/ TMD) and imaging were used to group subjects according to presence of jaw muscle or joint pain (+ P) and bilateral disk displacement (+ DD). Material and Methods Subjects (+ P+ DD, n = 16; - P+ DD, n = 16; and - P- DD, n = 36) provided cone-beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, and jaw-tracking data. Numerical modeling was used to determine TMJ loads ( Fnormal). Dynamic stereometry was used to characterize individual-specific data of stress-field dynamics during 10 symmetrical jaw-closing cycles. These data were used to estimate tractional forces ( Ftraction). Energy densities were then calculated as W/ Q ( W = work done or mechanical energy input=tractional force × distance of stress-field translation, Q = volume of cartilage). anova and Tukey- Kramer post hoc analyses tested for intergroup differences. Results Mean ± standard error energy density for the +P+ DD group was 12.7 ± 1.5 mJ/mm³ and significantly greater (all adjusted p < 0.04) when compared to - P+ DD (7.4 ± 1.4 mJ/mm³) and -P- DD (5.8 ± 0.9 mJ/mm³) groups. Energy densities in -P+ DD and -P- DD groups were not significantly different. Conclusion Diagnostic group differences in energy densities suggest that mechanical work may be a unique mechanism, which contributes to cartilage fatigue in subjects with pain and disk displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using next-generation sequencing, we developed the first whole-genome resources for two hybridizing Nothofagus species of the Patagonian forests that crucially lack genomic data, despite their ecological and industrial value. A de novo assembly strategy combining base quality control and optimization of the putative chloroplast gene map yielded ~32 000 contigs from 43% of the reads produced. With 12.5% of assembled reads, we covered ~96% of the chloroplast genome and ~70% of the mitochondrial gene content, providing functional and structural annotations for 112 and 52 genes, respectively. Functional annotation was possible on 15% of the contigs, with ~1750 potentially novel nuclear genes identified for Nothofagus species. We estimated that the new resources (13.41 Mb in total) included ~4000 gene regions representing ~6.5% of the expected genic partition of the genome, the remaining contigs potentially being nongenic DNA. A high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms resource was developed by comparing various filtering methods, and preliminary results indicate a strong conservation of cp DNA genomes in contrast to numerous exclusive nuclear polymorphisms in both species. Finally, we characterized 2274 potential simple sequence repeat ( SSR) loci, designed primers for 769 of them and validated nine of 29 loci in 42 individuals per species. Nothofagus obliqua had more alleles (4.89) on average than N. nervosa (2.89), 8 SSRs were efficient to discriminate species, and three were successfully transferred in three other Nothofagus species. These resources will greatly help for future inferences of demographic, adaptive and hybridizing events in Nothofagus species, and for conserving and managing natural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of premature ejaculation ( PE) was based on a score > 8 at the PEDT five-item questionnaire. Local anaesthetic treatment ( LAT) was the first-line therapy. Subjects who obtained a normalisation of EPDT score (≤8) were considered responders to LAT and even affected by lifelong PE due glans hypersensitivity. We proposed to patients not completely satisfied with LAT to undergo circumcision as a potential definitive treatment for PE. All patients received exhaustive information about potential benefits, limitations and complications. In case of refusal, each man was asked for the reasons of his choice. A total of 152 patients were recruited. Hundred and twenty-four patients among 152 (81.6%) positively responded to LAT. Among the 124 LAT responders, 21 (17%) were completely satisfied. The remaining 103 men experienced adverse reactions. It was proposed to such patients if they would be interested to a definitive form of treatment to resolve their problem. All the patients responded positively to this question. Only four patients among them (3.9%) accepted. The remaining 99 (96.1%) refused providing the following reasons of their choice: absence of guarantees 82.8%; irreversibility of the procedure creating a permanent body alteration 75.7%; costs of the procedure 12.1%; fear of potential complications 7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For identical diagnoses in the trigeminal innervation territory, individual differences have been clinically observed among the symptoms reported, such as dysesthesia and pain. Different subjective perceptions of unpleasantness and pain intensity may have different cortical substrates. The aim of this study was to identify brain areas in which activation depends on the subjective perception (intensity and unpleasantness) of electric dental stimulation. Electrical stimuli of increasing intensity were applied to maxillary canines in 14 healthy volunteers. Ratings for stimulus intensity and unpleasantness perceived across the stimulation session were reported postscan on 11-point numerical scales. The rating values were then included as covariates in the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) group analysis. Interindividual differences of intensity ratings were reflected in differential activity of the following brain areas: superior parietal lobule, superior temporal gyrus/anterior insula, inferior and middle temporal gyrus, lingual gyrus, anterior cingulate, and caudate nucleus. Differences related to unpleasantness ratings were reflected in the lingual gyrus. In conclusion, differences of perceived intensity between individuals are reflected in the differential activity of a set of brain areas distinct from those regions, reflecting rating differences of unpleasantness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root rot caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major disease of avocados worldwide. Heat sensitivity of a collection of P. cinnamomi isolates was determined by exposing agar discs containing mycelium or mycelium plus chlamydospores at various temperatures for different periods. Long-term effectiveness of soil solarisation to control Phytophthora root rot was evaluated in two field trials. In the first, soil disinfestation by solarisation was applied in 1990 to a naturally infested plot before planting avocado ( Persea americana) and viñatigo ( Persea indica) seedlings. In the second trial, established avocado trees were solarised for four consecutive summers (1996–1999). Results for heat sensitivity showed that fungal mycelium was inactivated after 1–2 h at 38°C. However, 1–2 h at 40°C was needed to kill all propagules when chlamydospores were present. Fungal growth inhibition after thermal treatments was related to levels of time and temperature, and detrimental effects occurred as consequence of sublethal thermal doses. Soil solarisation presented long-term positive effects when applied as a preplanting treatment. Five years after solarisation, disease severity (0–5 scale where 0 = healthy and 5 = dead plant) of avocado and viñatigo planted in solarised soil was 2.03 and 0.71, respectively, compared with 4.65 and 4.84 in controls. Eleven years after solarisation, the percentage of dead plants in solarised soil was 73% for avocado and 43% for viñatigo but 100% in controls. In contrast, an insufficient level of control was observed in established orchards, probably because of the lower temperature reached during solarisation under the shade of tree canopy. In this situation, maximum temperatures at 5-cm depth were 10–13.7°C lower than under solar-heated mulch, only exceeding 40°C in 1997. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional systemic therapies can be highly risky or even contraindicated in elderly psoriatic patients, shifting physicians' attention to biologics.[1] However, efficacy and safety of biologics in patients >=65 years are not clearly described. We performed a retrospective observational study on moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis elderly patients treated with ixekizumab for at least 1 year at the psoriasis care centre of University of Naples Federico II, Italy, analysing data from July 2017 to July 2019. The study population was represented by 16 elderly patients; mean psoriasis duration was of 39 ± 22 years with all patients being previously treated with at least one conventional systemic treatment (Table). [Extracted from the article]

It has been suggested that occlusal interferences may lead to pain and tenderness of the masticatory muscles. Tender jaw muscles are more sensitive to pressure pain, as assessed by means of pressure algometry. We tested the effects of occlusal interferences on the pressure pain threshold of the jaw muscles by means of a double-blind randomized crossover experiment carried out on 11 young healthy females. Golden strips were glued either to an occlusal contact area (active interference) or to the vestibular surface of the same tooth (dummy interference) and left for 8 d each. Pressure pain thresholds of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles were assessed under interference-free, dummy-interference and active-interference conditions. The results indicated that the application of an active occlusal interference, as used in this study, did not influence significantly the pressure pain thresholds of these muscles in healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piazza V, Beltramello M, Menniti M, Colao E, Malatesta P, Argento R, Chiarella G, Gallo LV, Catalano M, Perrotti N, Mammano F, Cassandro E. Functional analysis of R75Q mutation in the gene coding for Connexin 26 identified in a family with nonsyndromic hearing loss. Mutations in the gene ( GJB2) coding for Connexin 26 (Cx26) are responsible for genetic forms of sensorineural hearing loss. This article describes a family characterized by congenital profound hearing loss, inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and associated to a R75Q substitution in Cx26. Cell transfection and fluorescence imaging, dye transfer experiments and dual patch clamp recording showed that the mutant completely prevents the formation of functional channels despite assembling into junctional plaques, in communication incompetent HeLa cells. The disease is not associated with palmar and plantar keratosis in any of the family members, suggesting that R75Q substitution is not sufficient for the development of the complete syndromic phenotype. The association of palmar and plantar keratosis with profound hearing loss may be dependent on genetic background, requiring a functional interaction between the mutated Cx26 and other epidermally expressed connexins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of the genetic variation in long-lived species is a combination of both, historical and current processes. In Nothofagus nervosa (Phil.) Dim. et Mil., the possible existence of multiple glacial refugia, the unidirectional gene flow along fragmented areas and the natural hybridization with the related species Nothofagus obliqua (Mirb.) Oerst. highlights as the most important factors responsible for modelling its genetic structure. The present study aims to find out the relative importance of these evolutionary processes in determining the distribution pattern of the genetic variation in N. nervosa. The study was carried out in north-western Patagonia, Argentina. Twenty populations covering the entire distribution range of N. nervosa in Argentina were analysed. For comparison purposes, three populations from Chile were also included. Genetic variation was detected using isozyme gene markers; diversity and differentiation parameters were calculated. A cluster analysis was performed and the correlation between genetic and geographical distances was tested. Levels of genetic variation were relatively high given the small distribution range of the species in Argentina. Genetic and geographical distances were not correlated and a longitudinal trend in the genetic variation was evident. Hotspots of diversity with rare and private alleles were observed among western populations, while hybrid seeds were found almost exclusively among eastern populations. The higher level of diversity observed in western populations could be related with the location of glacial refugia. Furthermore, it should also reflect low levels of gene flow given the eastward unidirectional winds. On the contrary, ancient and current interspecific hybridization processes would mainly cause the particular genetic constitution of the eastern populations. Evidence is presented supporting that glaciations and hybridization were the main factors shaping the distribution of the genetic variation in N. nervosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The Quaternary life history of a species determines its current range and the degree and distribution of its present genetic variation. Past climates, ecological relationships and disturbances in connection to evolutionary factors have determined the genetic and geographical distribution patterns of the current vegetation, and consequently, evolutionary processes can be inferred from those patterns. The aim of the present study is to find a plausible evolutionary explanation for the current natural range and genetic variation patterns of Austrocedrus chilensis (D. Don) Florin et Boutelje in Argentina. Location The studied species ranges naturally over a narrow strip not wider than 50 km that runs parallel to the Cordillera de los Andes from 32°39′ S in Chile to 43°44′ S in Argentina. The studied populations are located in the Argentine range, especially in its central part. Methods Information on palynological data, current geographical distribution and on amount and distribution of genetic variation of the species in Argentina was the basis for an integrating analysis and discussion. Results Palynological evidence of the past reported the presence of A. chilensis before and immediately after last glaciation on the east side of the Andes. The most conspicuous present populations of A. chilensis are located in areas that were covered by ice during the Last Glacial Maximum. The allelic multiplicity and diversity as well as the population differentiation of the species in Argentina were shown to be small, while the levels of heterozygosity were moderate. A latitudinal gradient trend was recognized as a pattern of distribution of variation in Argentina, the northerly populations being more variable. Extreme marginal populations located in the steppe, out of the glaciated area, show the greatest levels of variation. Main conclusions Evidence was shown supporting that the major factor responsible for the variation pattern found in A.... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term electromyography with portable recorders allows the study of muscle activity in the natural environment to investigate whether muscle overuse or oral habits may contribute to initiate or perpetuate a myoarthropathy of the masticatory system. At present, little is known about the behaviour of masticatory muscles over long time periods. The aim of this preliminary study was to define parameters which allow the automatic recognition of different types of oral activities from the electromyogram form. A programme with functional and parafunctional activities was performed by four volunteers (total of 333 functional and 82 parafunctional recordings). Electromyograms of the masseter and temporal muscles were recorded by means of a self-developed portable intelligent solid state recorder. Signal mean level (mw) and dynamics (dw) within a sliding window were determined. Temporal muscle recordings allowed better discrimination between function and simulated parafunction. The average of mw for clenching was 514 ± 35% and for tooth grinding 21.2 ± 2% of the peak electromyogram value at maximum voluntary clench. At 0.96 s sliding window duration, clenching, tooth grinding and chewing signals had maximum separation, using dw/mw as parameters (average: 016 ± 0.01 for clenching, 0.39 ± 0.01 for teeth grinding and 0.88 ± 0.01 for chewing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life-long antiretroviral treatment of HIV-1 infection requires effective and well tolerated medications complemented by high rates of adherence in order to achieve viral suppression, immunologic reconstitution and to prevent the development of resistance. Single-tablet regimens (STRs), combining a full antiretroviral regimen in one tablet taken once daily, have been designed to achieve high adherence and better long-term outcomes. 'STRike' is the first cohort study, describing the use of various STRs in routine clinical practice in Germany. In this observational cohort study 800 participants will be included in 4 treatment arms, treated with the STRs of TDF/FTC/EFV (a retrospective and prospective arm), TDF/FTC/RPV or TDF/FTC/COBI/EVG after regulatory approval. Patients are followed for at least two years, and reasons for choice of medications and treatment satisfaction will be collected, in addition to safety, demographic, effectiveness data. To date 344 patients on TDF/FTC/EFV and 123 patients on TDF/FTC/RPV are being followed. In general, the spectrum of patients in the study reflects the German HIV-1 infected population with regards to gender (88%/89% male), age (median 40/38 years of age) and mode of infection (71%/63% MSM). However, patients starting TDF/FTC/RPV are less progressed in their disease according to their CDC stage compared with patients on TDF/FTC/EFV (74.5% stage 'A' vs. 53.2%). Patients starting TDF/FTC/RPV show less comorbidities (54% vs. 82%) with a spectrum different from patients on TDF/FTC/EFV. Pre-existing neuropsychiatric comorbidities are relatively more common (10% more) among patients starting TDF/FTC/RPV than TDF/FTC/EFV. The decision to use an STR is mostly driven by patient preference to start with a more convenient ART regimen (56%) or to simplify their current ART regimen (75%). STRs aim to make treatment of HIV more convenient, more efficacious and more durable and by that allowing for earlier initiation of treatment. Different STRs may meet the requirements of distinct patient populations. TDF/FTC/RPV in this early review of our data, is utilized by younger patients with fewer overall comorbidities, but is selected more frequently for patients with pre-existing neuropsychiatric comorbidities presumably to avoid the known neuropsychiatric complications of TDF/FTC/EFV. TDF/FTC/RPV appears to fit into the concept of early HIV treatment initiation as recommended by national and international guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 62-year-old woman with Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) which responds to efalizumab therapy as she has a two-year history of erythema and pustules on her right third finger. The growth of normal saprophytic flora was shown as bacterial and fungal cultures of pustules were carried out. Amelioration of the symptoms occurred after the administration of efalizumab.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the case of a 9-year-old Italian patient with relapsing lichen actinicus successfully treated with cyclosporin.

Facial pain of patients with craniomandibular disorders might be caused by muscle overload. In a former study (Gallo et al ., 1999) we collected data on masseter EMG of healthy subjects during sleep by means of portable recorders (integration time of 500 ms). The automated analysis of the tracings yielded the normal range of activity in the natural environment. For this study, we focused on the analysis of the distribution of masseter activity in bruxers by means of the same automated system used for asymptomatic subjects. For this purpose, data from single masseter channels of polysomnographic recordings of 10 bruxers and 10 controls were reformatted as if they had been recorded by means of the portable devices. The signals were analysed for number, amplitude and duration of contraction episodes (signal portions above a threshold which could contain subthreshold portions shorter than the standby time of 5 s). The signal amplitude was expressed in percentage of the amplitude at maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). In the bruxers, 166·8 ± 48·5 contraction episodes per night, i.e. 20·4 ± 5·7 h -1 , with a net duration of 8·4 ± 2·4 s and an integral of the amplitude over time of 191·6 ± 74·0 %MVCs were found (controls: 96·5 ± 39, 12·9 ± 3·5, 4·7 ± 1·2 s and 99·1 ± 28·0 %MVCs, respectively) . For these parameters there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (t -test, P < 0·01). The distribution of all contraction episodes of all bruxers according to net duration and mean amplitude was shifted towards shorter episodes with a massive presence of episodes between 60 and 70% MVC, much higher than in controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7-11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the research paper "Efficacy and Safety of TDF/FTC-Containing, First-Line HAART in Clinical Practice: 3-Year Data From the German Outpatient Cohort," by J. van Lunzen and colleagues which was presented at the Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection held at Glasgow, Scotland from November 7-11, 2010 is presented.