Genetic and phenotypic spectrum in the NONO-associated syndromic disorder

The non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding (NONO) protein is involved in multiple steps of gene regulation such as RNA metabolism and DNA repair. Hemizygous pathogenic variants in the NONO gene were confirmed to cause a rare X-linked syndromic disorder. Through our in-house diagnostics and subsequent matchmaking, we identified six unrelated male individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic NONO variants. For a detailed comparison, we reviewed all published characterizations of the NONO-associated disorder. The combined cohort consists of 16 live-born males showing developmental delay, corpus callosum anomalies, non-compaction cardiomyopathy and relative macrocephaly as leading symptoms. Seven prenatal literature cases were characterized by cardiac malformations. In this study, we extend the phenotypic spectrum through two more cases with epilepsy as well as two more cases with hematologic anomalies. By RNA expression analysis and structural modeling of a new in-frame splice deletion, we reinforce loss-of-function as the pathomechanism for the NONO-associated syndromic disorder.

Thermogravimetric substrate analysis for prediction of biogas and methane yields

Biodegradability of biomass constituents is the reason for the gap between theoretical biogas/methane yield and the maximum yield obtainable in bioconversion. The prediction of biogas/methane yields by applying thermal analysis is a relatively new development in this field. The aim of this study was to develop a bioconversion model based on thermogravimetry. Eleven substrates with a specific biogas yield within the range 104 to 572 mL_N per gram of volatile solids were subjected to thermogravimetry and a multi linear regression model was developed to predict biogas and methane yields. The optimum parameters describe biogas and methane yields with a root mean square error of 58.8 and 34.3 mL_N per gram of volatile solids respectively. The coefficient of determination for these two datasets was 0.81 and 0.84. A prediction technique based on thermogravimetric analysis appears to be a good alternative to other prediction models.

A fast and simple method to monitor carbonation of MSWI bottom ash under static and dynamic conditions

Accelerated carbonation may be employed to improve the leaching behaviour and the geotechnical properties of MSWI bottom ash (BA). Here we report on a novel method to monitor and evaluate the progress of carbonation in both static and dynamic reactor systems. The method is based on following the pressure drop in the gas phase induced by the CO₂-uptake of BA and was benchmarked against carbonate contents as measured by thermogravimetry. Laboratory results demonstrated the serviceability and reproducibility of the method. Complementary logging of relative humidity and temperature showed constant moisture conditions and self-heating induced by the exothermal carbonation reaction, respectively. Under dynamic conditions BA carbonation was higher than in the static reactor. Consistently, the self-heating was more pronounced. After a reaction time of 120 min the pressure records indicated a CO₂-uptake of 1.5 g CO₂/100 g BA (static tests) and of 2.6 g CO₂/100 g BA (dynamic tests). The proposed method is suited to study carbonation processes at minimum analytical expense and integrates over the small-scale heterogeneity of BA.

Quantitative elastography of the cervix for predicting labor induction success

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of quantitative elastography of the cervix in the prediction of successful labor induction compared to the Bishop score (BS) and ultrasound cervical length (CL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective pilot study was conducted between July 2010 and June 2011 in patients without preterm membrane rupture undergoing labor induction with vaginal prostaglandins. Before starting induction, the BS, functional CL and cervical tissue strain (TS) were assessed. TS assessment was performed twice using the Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) software. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated for the prediction of the following endpoints: active labor achievement (success vs. failure, time interval < 24 h and < 48 h), vaginal delivery (success vs. failure, time interval < 36 h and < 72 h) and total amount of prostaglandins used for labor induction (< 6 mg and < 12 mg).

RESULTS

We analyzed 77 patients with a mean gestational age of 39.7 ± 1.5 weeks of gestation and a mean strain of 0.75 ± 0.17. The TS significantly predicted a failure of labor induction, which occurred in 4 cases, both in mono- and multivariate analysis, independently of the functional cervical length (TS 0.6 ± 0.1). No correlation was found between the TS and other outcomes. The Bishop score and functional cervical length were found to predict only an early response to labor induction (time to active labor < 24 h, time to vaginal delivery < 36 h and PG usage < 6 mg). The diagnostic accuracy was slightly but not significantly improved if both TS and CL were considered.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary data show the possible usefulness of quantitative cervical elastography in the prediction of labor induction failure.

Wärmeleitfähigkeit, elektrische Leitfähigkeit, Hall-Effekt, Thermospannung und spezifische Wärme von Ag2Se

The thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity. Hall coefficient und thermoelectric power of Ag2Se have been measured between 80 and 600°K. In the low temperature semiconductor phase the thermal conductivity increases with increasing temperature due to the high amount of carrier contribution. The latter has been calculated using the Price formula. Agreement with experiment is satisfactory. The specific heat has been measured between 30 and 200°C. For the latent heat a value of (5.7 ± 0.5) cal/gr was determined in agreement with measurements of Bellati and Lussana 4. In addition to the transition at 133 °C an unknown new transition has been found at about 90 °C.

Constraining the astrophysical origin of the p-nuclei through nuclear physics and meteoritic data

A small number of naturally occurring, proton-rich nuclides (the p-nuclei) cannot be made in the s- and r-processes. Their origin is not well understood. Massive stars can produce p-nuclei through photodisintegration of pre-existing intermediate and heavy nuclei. This so-called γ-process requires high stellar plasma temperatures and occurs mainly in explosive O/Ne burning during a core-collapse supernova. Although the γ-process in massive stars has been successful in producing a large range of p-nuclei, significant deficiencies remain. An increasing number of processes and sites has been studied in recent years in search of viable alternatives replacing or supplementing the massive star models. A large number of unstable nuclei, however, with only theoretically predicted reaction rates are included in the reaction network and thus the nuclear input may also bear considerable uncertainties. The current status of astrophysical models, nuclear input and observational constraints is reviewed. After an overview of currently discussed models, the focus is on the possibility to better constrain those models through different means. Meteoritic data not only provide the actual isotopic abundances of the p-nuclei but can also put constraints on the possible contribution of proton-rich nucleosynthesis. The main part of the review focuses on the nuclear uncertainties involved in the determination of the astrophysical reaction rates required for the extended reaction networks used in nucleosynthesis studies. Experimental approaches are discussed together with their necessary connection to theory, which is especially pronounced for reactions with intermediate and heavy nuclei in explosive nuclear burning, even close to stability.

Cannabis use and cannabis use disorders and their relationship to mental disorders: a 10-year prospective-longitudinal community study in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Whereas the role of externalizing disorders is relatively well established in predicting the onset of cannabis use (CU) or cannabis use disorder (CUD), the status of anxiety and mood disorders in predicting CU and CUD remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

(1) To examine cross-sectional and prospective associations of CU and CUD with a range of mental disorders and whether anxiety and mood disorders are associated with CU/CUD after adjusting for externalizing disorders.

METHODS

N=1395 community subjects aged 14-17 at baseline were followed-up at three waves prospectively over 10 years. Substance use, substance disorders and mental disorders were assessed using the DSM-IV/M-CIDI.

RESULTS

(1) The baseline prevalence rates where 19.3% at t(0) for CU and 2.6% for CUD. Cumulative incidence rates at t(3) were 54.3% for CU and 13.7% for CUD. (2) In cross-sectional and prospective analyses other substance use disorders, mood and anxiety disorders were associated with CU and CUD. (3) Associations of panic-anxiety with CU and of depressive and bipolar disorders with CU and CUD were significant after controlling for externalizing disorders.

CONCLUSION

A range of psychopathological conditions, including depressive, bipolar and less consistently anxiety disorders as well as the degree of their comorbidity are significantly associated with incident CU and progression to CUD, even when controlling for externalising disorders. A better understanding of this complex interplay may result in better aetiological models and intervention strategies.

Variations in solar luminosity and their effect on the Earth's climate

Variations in the Sun's total energy output (luminosity) are caused by changing dark (sunspot) and bright structures on the solar disk during the 11-year sunspot cycle. The variations measured from spacecraft since 1978 are too small to have contributed appreciably to accelerated global warming over the past 30 years. In this Review, we show that detailed analysis of these small output variations has greatly advanced our understanding of solar luminosity change, and this new understanding indicates that brightening of the Sun is unlikely to have had a significant influence on global warming since the seventeenth century. Additional climate forcing by changes in the Sun's output of ultraviolet light, and of magnetized plasmas, cannot be ruled out. The suggested mechanisms are, however, too complex to evaluate meaningfully at present.

Altersunterschiede in psychosozialen Ressourcen und im Befinden von Krebspatienten am Beginn einer Chemotherapie

It has been suggested that older patients would have fewer resources than younger patients. We assessed psychosocial resources in 361 recently diagnosed cancer patients. Older patients had a stronger internal health-related locus of control but also less hope than younger patients. No age differences were found for self-esteem and perceived social support. In addition, older patients reported lower levels of negative and positive affect. Curative-intended therapy and social support were associated with a more positive affect only in younger patients, whereas hope was only related to older patients' psychological well-being. It is concluded that older cancer patients have similar levels of psychosocial resources compared to younger patients, but that lack of hope is a vulnerability factor for older patients in particular.

Where have they been? Service use of regular substance users with and without abuse and dependence

OBJECTIVE

To present lifetime rates of service use for psychological and substance use related problems among regular substance users and to examine factors associated with service use.

METHOD

Data come from a prospective-longitudinal, epidemiological study of a community sample of adolescents and young adults (n = 2548, age 14-24 years at baseline) in Munich, Germany. The Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (M-CIDI) was used at baseline and at two follow-ups to assess substance use and service use.

RESULTS

Cumulated lifetime incidence of any substance abuse or dependence was 43.7%. Of those with abuse and dependence 23% had ever used any services for psychological or substance use related problems. Illicit substance users especially those with dependence had the highest rates of lifetime service use (52.1%). Psychotherapists and counseling services were contacted most frequently among regular substance users over their lifetimes. Utlilisation rates of substance abuse services were low (2%). Comorbid anxiety disorders and distressing life events were associated with increased lifetime service use.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a minority of adolescents and young adults with substance use disorders have ever sought professional help. Specialized substance abuse services play only a minor role. The core role of psychotherapists and non-substance abuse specialized services needs critical research attention. Linkages between psychotherapists and the substance use service system should be strengthened to detect and intervene at early developmental stages of abuse and dependence.

Neutrino-induced nucleosynthesis of A>64 nuclei: the nu p process

We present a new nucleosynthesis process that we denote as the nu p process, which occurs in supernovae (and possibly gamma-ray bursts) when strong neutrino fluxes create proton-rich ejecta. In this process, antineutrino absorptions in the proton-rich environment produce neutrons that are immediately captured by neutron-deficient nuclei. This allows for the nucleosynthesis of nuclei with mass numbers A>64, , making this process a possible candidate to explain the origin of the solar abundances of (92,94)Mo and (96,98)Ru. This process also offers a natural explanation for the large abundance of Sr seen in a hyper-metal-poor star.

DSM-IV pain disorder in the general population. An exploration of the structure and threshold of medically unexplained pain symptoms

BACKGROUND

Despite an abundance of questionnaire data, the prevalence of clinically significant and medically unexplained pain syndromes in the general population has rarely been examined with a rigid personal-interview methodology.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of pain syndromes and DSM-IV pain disorder in the general population and the association with other mental disorders, as well as effects on disability and health-care utilization.

METHODS

Analyses were based on a community sample of 4.181 participants 18-65 years old; diagnostic variables were assessed with a standardized diagnostic interview (M-CIDI).

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence for DSM-IV pain disorder in the general population was 8.1%; more than 53% showed concurrent anxiety and mood disorders. Subjects with pain disorder revealed significantly poorer quality of life, greater disability, and higher health-care utilization rates compared to cases with pain below the diagnostic threshold. The majority had more than one type of pain, with excessive headache being the most frequent type.

CONCLUSIONS

Even when stringent diagnostic criteria are used, pain disorder ranks among the most prevalent conditions in the community. The joint effects of high prevalence in all age groups, substantial disability, and increased health services utilization result in a substantial total burden, exceeding that of depression and anxiety.

AhR-agonist-induced transcriptional changes of genes involved in thyroid function in primary porcine thyrocytes

The Ah receptor (AhR) is a ligand transcription factor mediating toxic effects of chemicals such as dioxins. The 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and the coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl 126 (PCB 126) are member of the polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons family exerting a variety of toxic effects in a tissue-specific and species-specific manner including thyroid function. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of TCDD (1 and 10 nM) and dioxin-like PCB 126 (306 nM) on the AhR signaling pathway and on the gene expression profiles of key factors involved in thyroid function, including thyroglobulin (TG), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), the sodium iodide symporter (NIS), TSH receptor (TSHR), and cathepsins (Cat B and L), using a primary porcine thyrocyte culture as the experimental model. AhR and ARNT expression was detected both as mRNA and on the protein level. Expression did not vary upon treatment with either TCDD or PCB 126. However, treatment with TCDD and PCB 126 induced an AhR signaling response, as indicated by the expression of the AhR-target gene cytochrome P-450 1A1 (CYP1A1). Both 10 nM TCDD and PCB 126 treatment induced a significant downregulation in the expression of NIS and cathepsin B without affecting any of the other parameters investigated. In conclusion, these data indicate that (a) thyrocytes are targets of TCDD and TCDD-like compounds and (b) there is evidence for two independent most likely AhR-mediated molecular mechanisms, by which these compounds negatively interfere with thyroid function.

Influence of weather and climate on subjective symptom intensity in atopic eczema

The frequent clinical observation that the course of atopic eczema, a skin disease involving a disturbed cutaneous barrier function, is influenced by climate and weather motivated us to analyse these relationships biometrically. In the Swiss high-mountain area of Davos the intensity of itching experienced by patients with atopic eczema was evaluated and compared to 15 single meteorological variables recorded daily during an entire 7-year observation period. By means of univariate analyses and multiple regressions, itch intensity was found to be correlated with some meteorological variables. A clear-cut inverse correlation exists with air temperature (coefficient of correlation: -0.235, P < 0.001), but the effects of water vapour pressure, air pressure and hours of sunshine are less pronounced. The results show that itching in atopic eczema is significantly dependent on meteorological conditions. The data suggest that, in patients with atopic eczema, a certain range of thermo-hygric atmospheric conditions with a balance of heat and water loss on the skin surface is essential for the skin to feel comfortable.

Characterization of pyrgeometers and the accuracy of atmospheric long-wave radiation measurements

A detailed characterization is performed to calibrate pyrgeometers, using a newly developed apparatus that contains a blackbody radiation source and the means to vary the temperatures of the pyrgeometer under testing. Calibration measurements cover the parameter space of radiation and instrument temperatures that prevail during field measurements. Dome-temperature measurements, normally provided on pyrgeometers, are inadequate for accurate corrections of the dome emission. A new temperature measurement with three sensors inside the dome at 45° elevation is proposed and has been implemented on several test instruments. This modification and the detailed characterization measurements permit an improved evaluation, based on thorough analysis of the thermal balance of the instrument, leading to a sensitivity factor C and three correction factors, k(1,2,3). Test measurements demonstrate the substantial improvement achieved on the accuracy of atmospheric and terrestrial long-wave radiation measurements, down to ±2Wm(-2).

[Quantitative assessment of heliotherapy in psoriasis vulgaris in high altitude climate]

At the Davos Clinic for Dermatology and Allergy (Alexanderhausklinik), patients suffering from psoriasis were treated with natural UV irradiation over 6 weeks in 1987: the average doses applied amounted to 1.042 J/cm2 UVB (= 41.7 sunburn units (SU] and 41.511 J/cm2 UVA. These doses were far below those of artificial UV sources usually required in the treatment of psoriasis. The doses were also far below those which statistically increase the incidence of non-melanotic skin cancer.

New determination of Rayleigh scattering in the terrestrial atmosphere

New Rayleigh-scattering optical thickness values for the terrestrial atmosphere in the 260 < lambda < 1500-nm wavelength range have been calculated using updated data on atmospheric optical parameters. The calculations include molecular scattering from water vapor and take into account varying atmospheric composition with altitude. The new Rayleigh-scattering coefficients average 4.5% lower than those listed by Penndorf in 1955.