Sociability increases survival of adult female giraffes

Studies increasingly show that social connectedness plays a key role in determining survival, in addition to natural and anthropogenic environmental factors. Few studies, however, integrated social, non-social and demographic data to elucidate what components of an animal's socio-ecological environment are most important to their survival. Female giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) form structured societies with highly dynamic group membership but stable long-term associations. We examined the relative contributions of sociability (relationship strength, gregariousness and betweenness), together with those of the natural (food sources and vegetation types) and anthropogenic environment (distance from human settlements), to adult female giraffe survival. We tested predictions about the influence of sociability and natural and human factors at two social levels: the individual and the social community. Survival was primarily driven by individual- rather than community-level social factors. Gregariousness (the number of other females each individual was observed with on average) was most important in explaining variation in female adult survival, more than other social traits and any natural or anthropogenic environmental factors. For adult female giraffes, grouping with more other females, even as group membership frequently changes, is correlated with better survival, and this sociability appears to be more important than several attributes of their non-social environment.

Influence of birth cohort on age of onset cluster analysis in bipolar I disorder

Purpose:

Two common approaches to identify subgroups of patients with bipolar disorder are clustering methodology (mixture analysis) based on the age of onset, and a birth cohort analysis. This study investigates if a birth cohort effect will influence the results of clustering on the age of onset, using a large, international database.

Methods:

The database includes 4037 patients with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, previously collected at 36 collection sites in 23 countries. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to adjust the data for country median age, and in some models, birth cohort. Model-based clustering (mixture analysis) was then performed on the age of onset data using the residuals. Clinical variables in subgroups were compared.

Results:

There was a strong birth cohort effect. Without adjusting for the birth cohort, three subgroups were found by clustering. After adjusting for the birth cohort or when considering only those born after 1959, two subgroups were found. With results of either two or three subgroups, the youngest subgroup was more likely to have a family history of mood disorders and a first episode with depressed polarity. However, without adjusting for birth cohort (three subgroups), family history and polarity of the first episode could not be distinguished between the middle and oldest subgroups.

Conclusion:

These results using international data confirm prior findings using single country data, that there are subgroups of bipolar I disorder based on the age of onset, and that there is a birth cohort effect. Including the birth cohort adjustment altered the number and characteristics of subgroups detected when clustering by age of onset. Further investigation is needed to determine if combining both approaches will identify subgroups that are more useful for research.

X-ray fluorescence analysis of metal distributions in cryogenic biological samples using large-acceptance-angle SDD detection and continuous scanning at the Hard X-ray Micro/Nano-Probe beamline P06 at PETRA III

A new Rococo 2 X-ray fluorescence detector was implemented into the cryogenic sample environment at the Hard X-ray Micro/Nano-Probe beamline P06 at PETRA III, DESY, Hamburg, Germany. A four sensor-field cloverleaf design is optimized for the investigation of planar samples and operates in a backscattering geometry resulting in a large solid angle of up to 1.1 steradian. The detector, coupled with the Xspress 3 pulse processor, enables measurements at high count rates of up to 106 counts per second per sensor. The measured energy resolution of ∼129 eV (Mn Kα at 10000 counts s-1) is only minimally impaired at the highest count rates. The resulting high detection sensitivity allows for an accurate determination of trace element distributions such as in thin frozen hydrated biological specimens. First proof-of-principle measurements using continuous-movement 2D scans of frozen hydrated HeLa cells as a model system are reported to demonstrate the potential of the new detection system.

Characterization of the in situ pellicle ultrastructure formed under the influence of bovine milk and milk protein isolates

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate if bovine milk or milk protein isolates, respectively, alter the ultrastructure of thein situ pellicle and might therefore have an influence on oral health.

METHODS

In situ pellicle samples were formed on bovine enamel slabs exposed in the oral cavity of three subjects for 6, 30, 60 or 120 min. After 3 min of pellicle formation, mouthrinses were performed for 3 min with (non-)homogenized UHT- or fresh milk (0.3% or 3.8% fat), 30% UHT-treated cream or different types of casein- or milk protein isolates containing preparations. The specimens were removed after the exposure times and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed. Native pellicle samples served as controls.

RESULTS

Topical ultrastructural pellicle modifications were detected after mouthrinses with all types of homogenized UHT- or fresh milk and after the application of a 3% native casein micelles containing experimental solution. Atypical globular protein structures, identified as casein micelles, were temporarily adsorbed onto the pellicle. They were closely associated with lipid droplets. Furthermore, the mouthrinses occasionally affected the morphology of salivary bacteria. However, no notable ultrastructural alterations remained after 120 min of pellicle formation.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, bovine milk- and micellar casein-induced pellicle modifications were revealed by TEM. The adsorption of micellar casein is possibly due to its molecular interactions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Bovine milk or micellar caseins provide some potential for the development of preventive strategies against bacterial biofilm formation or erosive processes at the tooth surface.

Effect of fluoride mouthrinses and stannous ions on the erosion protective properties of the in situ pellicle

The particular feature of this study is the investigation of effects of pure fluoride- or stannous ions based mouthrinses on the erosion protective properties and the ultrastructure of the in situ pellicle (12 volunteers). Experimental solutions were prepared either from 500 ppm NaF, SMFP, AmF or SnF₂ or 1563 ppm SnCl₂, respectively. After 1 min of in situ pellicle formation on bovine enamel slabs, rinses with one of the preparations were performed for 1 min and intraoral specimens’ exposure was continued for 28 min. Native enamel slabs and rinses with bidestilled water served as controls. After oral exposure, slabs were incubated in HCl (pH 2; 2.3; 3) for 120 s and kinetics of calcium- and phosphate release were measured photometrically; representative samples were analysed by TEM and EDX. All mouthrinses reduced mineral loss compared to the native 30-min pellicle. The effect was pH-dependent and significant at all pH values only for the tin-containing mouthrinses. No significant differences were observed between the SnF₂- and the SnCl₂-containing solutions. TEM/EDX confirmed ultrastructural pellicle modifications. SnF₂ appears to be the most effective type of fluoride to prevent erosive enamel demineralisation. The observed effects primarily have to be attributed to the stannous ions’ content.

Photochromic peptidic NPY Y4 receptor ligands

Photoresponsive NPY Y₄R ligands, containing an azobenzene, azopyrazole, diethienylethene or a fulgimide chromophore were prepared to explore structural requirements of Y₄R agonists on Y₄R binding.

Treatment of very preterm preeclampsia via heparin-mediated extracorporeal LDL-precipitation (H.E.L.P.) apheresis: The Freiburg preeclampsia H.E.L.P.-Apheresis study

OBJECTIVE

Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is thought to be causative in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) and specific removal of sFlt-1 via dextran sulfate cellulose (DSC)-apheresis was suggested as cure to allow prolongation of pregnancy in preterm PE. However, in addition a deranged lipoprotein metabolism may impact endothelial and placental function in PE. Lipoprotein-apheresis by heparin-mediated extracorporeal LDL-precipitation (H.E.L.P.) was previously applied and has been shown to alleviate symptoms in PE. This clinical trial reevaluates the clinical efficacy of H.E.L.P.-apheresis in PE considering sFlt-1.

STUDY DESIGN

Open pilot study assessing the prolongation by H.E.L.P.-apheresis in 6 women (30-41 years) with very preterm PE (24+4 to 27+0 gestational weeks (GW)) (NCT01967355) compared to a historic control-group matched for GW at admission (<28 GW; n = 6). Clinical outcome of mothers and babies, and pre- and post H.E.L.P.-apheresis levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF were monitored.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In apheresis patients (2-6 treatments), average time from admission to birth was 15.0 days (6.3 days in controls; p = 0.027). Lung maturation was induced in all treated cases, and all children were released in healthy condition. Apheresis reduced triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol by more than 40%. Although H.E.L.P.-apheresis induced a transient peak baseline levels did not change and rather stabilized sFlt-1 levels at pre-apheresis levels throughout treatments, with sFlt-1/PLGF ratio remaining unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

H.E.L.P.-apheresis proved again to be safe and prolongs pregnancies in PE. However, without changing sFlt-1 levels below baseline lowering lipids or other yet undefined factors appear to be of more relevance than reducing sFlt-1.

1,10-Phenanthroline-dithiine iridium and ruthenium complexes: synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic dihydrogen evolution

Extending 1,10-phenanthroline with a dithiine link led to a remarkable increase of the luminescence lifetimes of the respective Ir(ppy)₂ and Ru(bpy)₂ complexes.

Solar insolation in springtime influences age of onset of bipolar I disorder

OBJECTIVE

To confirm prior findings that the larger the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation in springtime, the younger the age of onset of bipolar disorder.

METHOD

Data were collected from 5536 patients at 50 sites in 32 countries on six continents. Onset occurred at 456 locations in 57 countries. Variables included solar insolation, birth-cohort, family history, polarity of first episode and country physician density.

RESULTS

There was a significant, inverse association between the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation at the onset location, and the age of onset. This effect was reduced in those without a family history of mood disorders and with a first episode of mania rather than depression. The maximum monthly increase occurred in springtime. The youngest birth-cohort had the youngest age of onset. All prior relationships were confirmed using both the entire sample, and only the youngest birth-cohort (all estimated coefficients P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A large increase in springtime solar insolation may impact the onset of bipolar disorder, especially with a family history of mood disorders. Recent societal changes that affect light exposure (LED lighting, mobile devices backlit with LEDs) may influence adaptability to a springtime circadian challenge.

Impact of customary fluoride rinsing solutions on the pellicle's protective properties and bioadhesion in situ

This study investigated the impact of customary fluoride based mouthrinses on the ultrastructure and the functional properties of the in situ pellicle, considering the prevention of erosion (8 volunteers) and initial biofilm formation (12 volunteers). Bovine enamel slabs were carried intraorally. After 1 min of pellicle formation, the subjects rinsed with elmex Kariesschutz (A), Dontodent Med Care (B), meridol (C) or elmex Zahnschmelzschutz Professional (D) for 1 min. In situ pellicle formation was continued up to 30 min/8 h before processing the slabs in vitro. Erosion was simulated by incubating the specimens in HCl (pH 3.0, 2.3, 2.0) for 120 s, measuring the kinetics of calcium/phosphate release photometrically; representative samples were evaluated by TEM and EDX. Bacterial adhesion was visualized fluorescence microscopically (DAPI/BacLight). Native enamel slabs or physiological pellicle samples served as controls. All investigated mouthrinses enhanced the erosion preventive pellicle effect in dependence of the pH-value. A significant decrease of Ca/P release at all pH values was achieved after rinsing with D; TEM/EDX confirmed ultrastructural pellicle modifications. All mouthrinses tendentially reduced bacterial adherence, however not significantly. The mouthrinse containing NaF/AmF/SnCl₂ (D) offers an effective oral hygiene supplement to prevent caries and erosion.

Real-world experience with the all-oral, interferon-free regimen of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the German Hepatitis C Registry

Real-world studies are relevant to complement clinical trials on novel antiviral therapies against chronic hepatitis C; however, clinical practice data are currently limited. This study investigated effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r)±dasabuvir (DSV)±ribavirin (RBV) for treatment of HCV genotype (GT) 1 and GT4 infection in a large real-world cohort. The German Hepatitis C Registry is an observational cohort study prospectively collecting clinical practice data on direct-acting antiviral therapies. Patients with GT1/4 infection treated with OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV were analysed. Effectiveness was assessed by sustained virologic response in 558 patients who reached post-treatment week 12 (SVR12). Safety is reported in 1017 patients who initiated treatment. Of the patients, 892 (88%) had GT1 and 125 (12%) had GT4 infection. Prior treatment experience and cirrhosis were reported in 598 (59%) and 228 (22%) patients, respectively. Overall, SVR12 (mITT) was 96% (486/505) in GT1- and 100% (53/53) in GT4 patients. SVR12 rates were high across subgroups including patients with cirrhosis (95%, 123/129), patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (100%, 34/34), and subgroups excluded from registrational trials like patients ≥70 years (96%, 64/67) and failures to prior protease inhibitor treatment (96%, 46/48). Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were reported in 52% (525/1017) and 2% (21/1017) of patients, respectively, and led to treatment discontinuation in 1.5% (15/1017) of patients. OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV was effective and generally well tolerated for treatment of HCV infection in clinical practice.

Photochromic histone deacetylase inhibitors based on dithienylethenes and fulgimides

The synthesis, photochromic properties, inhibition of different HDACs and corresponding molecular dockings of photochromic inhibitors are described.

Solvent-free coupling of aryl halides with pyrroles applying visible-light photocatalysis

A novel reactor for solvent-free, visible-light-driven photocatalytic transformations was developed.

[Effects of a Pelvic Ring Injury on Earning Capacity]

Introduction: Pelvic ring injuries occur in 3-8 % of patients with fractures. They are rare, with an annual incidence of only 19-37 per 100,000 people annually. There have been publications on the generation of these injuries, as well as their diagnosis and treatment concepts, but there is little information on how these injuries impact the ability to work. Patients: The study covered all hospitalised patients between January 2003 and December 2011 with a pelvic ring injury, who had already been included in the data collection of the AG Becken III and who had had a work-related accident. Data acquisition was completed 12 months after the first cover letter. Data collection was supported by the statutory accident insurance institutions. Responses to the following questions were collected: Results: During the time period, 835 patients were admitted to our hospital with an injury to the pelvic ring or acetabulum. 632 patients (75.7 %) had a pelvic ring injury. 95 patients had a work-related accident, for which 67 records (70.5 %) could be evaluated. Seven patients were in retirement at the time. The average age was 48 years. In the patient population, we identified 9 type A, 16 type B and 42 type C injuries. The mean duration of incapacity for work was 9.5 months. 36 patients were able to return to their old work again, 22 patients did not. For two of these patients, this was due to cerebral haemorrhage. The mean reduction in earning capacity at the 1st and 2nd pension reports was 28 %. The individual rating of the degree of trauma lay between 0 % (B2.1) to 60 % (C1.2). Subgroup analysis was not performed, due to the small number of patients and their lack of homogeneity. As only hospitalised patients were included in the study group, there was excessive accumulation of pelvic B and C fractures in the patient group. The study shows that pelvic ring injuries can have a significant impact on the duration of the incapacity and the ability to work.

[Surgical Treatment of Acetabulum Fractures with a New Acetabulum Butterfly Plate]

Introduction: There have been significant increases in the number of acetabular fractures in elderly patients with primarily ventral pathology and medial protrusion of the femoral head. We have developed the "acetabulum wing plate", which is designed to facilitate repositioning, with its anatomically precontoured structure, and which offers full support of the quadrilateral surface, thus counteracting the force of the femoral head pushing inwards. Conventional plate osteosynthesis only provides insufficient support to the medial surface. After a successful series of biomechanical tests, we now report a clinical case series. Material and Methods: Between April 2012 and August 2013, a total of twelve patients underwent plate osteosynthesis using the precontoured plate described above. The patients (ten male, two female) were aged between 45 and 87 years, the average age being 62.5 years. We were able to perform all osteosynthesis with the modified Stoppa approach, in combination with the first window of the ilioinguinal approach (according to Letournel). In most patients, the plate was applied without complications, In some patients, it even supported repositioning. In six patients, the fractures were of the anterior collum and six fractures were fractures of both colla. The mean time span of follow-up was 13.1 months, the minimum being 4.5 and the maximum 23 months. Results: In most patients, the intra- and postoperative computed tomographic scans showed anatomically correct placement of the plate, thus confirming the correct repositioning of the bone. Routine follow-ups are part of the hospital's postsurgical care system for acetabular fractures; these revealed no secondary dislocation or loosening of the plate. The radiological examination showed consolidation of the fractures after a mean period of twelve weeks. A full year after the initial procedure, no implant-specific complications were observed. Revision surgery was necessary in one patient due to bleeding five days after surgery. In another patient, necrosis of the femoral head necessitated total hip replacement ten weeks after the first surgical intervention. In summary, the concept of the plate proved to be successful in its first case series. Summary: In spite of increasing surgical expertise and the refinements of standard approaches, there is a recognisable shift in acetabular fractures from mainly posterior fracture patterns to fractures of the anterior column. The new acetabulum wing plate takes these factors into account and is an implant designed to address the anterior aspects of the acetabulum. The outcome of the first application is promising and the acetabulum wing plate produces satisfactory results in our patients.

Light upconverting soft particles: triplet–triplet annihilation in the phospholipid bilayer of self-assembled vesicles

Large unilamellar vesicles (100 nm) were functionalised to obtain supramolecular particles capable of light upconversion in pure aqueous media.

Enantioselective ester hydrolysis by an achiral catalyst co-embedded with chiral amphiphiles into a vesicle membrane

Co-embedding of an amphiphilic non-chiral hydrolysis catalyst with amphiphilic chiral additives into the membrane of a phospholipid vesicle induces different rates of ester hydrolysis for enantiomeric amino acid esters.

Immobilisation of water-oxidising amphiphilic ruthenium complexes on unmodified silica gel

Amphiphilic ruthenium complexes immobilised on bare silica gel are an easily prepared heterogeneous system for photocatalytic and chemical water oxidation.

Synthesis and electronic properties of π-extended flavins

Flavin derivatives with an extended π-conjugation were synthesized in moderate to good yields from aryl bromides via a Buchwald-Hartwig palladium catalyzed amination protocol, followed by condensation of the corresponding aromatic amines with violuric acid. The electronic properties of the new compounds were investigated by absorption and emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The compounds absorb up to 550 nm and show strong luminescence. The photoluminescence quantum yields ϕPL measured in dichloromethane reach 80% and in PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)) 77%, respectively, at ambient temperature. The electrochemical redox behaviour of π-extended flavins follows the mechanism previously described for the parent flavin.

Visible light C-H amidation of heteroarenes with benzoyl azides

Benzoyl azides were used for the direct and atom economic C-H amidation of electron rich heteroarenes in the presence of phosphoric acid, a photocatalyst and visible light. Hetero-aromatic amides are obtained in good yields at very mild reaction conditions with dinitrogen as the only by-product. The reaction allows the use of aryl-, heteroaryl- or alkenyl acyl azides and has a wide scope for heteroarenes, including pyrroles, indole, furan, benzofuran and thiophene giving good regio-selectivities and yields.

Visible light photocatalytic reduction of aldehydes by Rh(iii)-H: a detailed mechanistic study

The slow visible light mediated generation of a rhodium hydride allows the chemoselective reduction of aldehydes in the presence of ketones. Electron transfer from the chromophore to the metal complex proceeds via a radical anion intermediate or a solvated electron as two competing reaction pathways.

The chemoselective photoreduction of aldehydes in the presence of ketones was achieved using triethanolamine (TEOA) as sacrificial electron donor, proflavine (PF) as photocatalyst and [Cp*Rh(iii)(bpy)Cl]Cl (Rh_cat) as mediator. The reducing agent, which reacts with the carbonyl group was found to be [Cp*Rh(iii)(bpy)H]Cl (Rh(iii)–H). Contrary to formate-based reduction, its slow photochemical in situ generation enables to kinetically distinguish aldehydes from ketones. The inherent reactivity difference of the carbonyl compounds is transferred by the method into synthetically useful reaction selectivities. The substrate scope is broad with excellent yields. A detailed study of the reaction mechanism reveals that the photoreduction of the PF triplet and the subsequent reduction of the Rh_cat leading to Rh(iii)–H represents the major reaction pathway, which is highly oxygen sensitive. The oxidative quenching of the PF singlet state by Rh_cat is a competing mechanism, which prevails in non-degassed systems.

Visible light photooxidation of nitrate: the dawn of a nocturnal radical

Highly oxidizing nitrate radicals (NO₃˙) are easily accessed from readily available nitrate salts by visible light photoredox catalysis using a purely organic dye as the catalyst and oxygen as the terminal oxidant.

Functionalization of photochromic dithienylmaleimides

Synthetic routes for the functionalization of photochromic dithienylmaleimides at three different positions are reported.

Thiacalix[4]arene-functionalized vesicles as phosphorescent indicators for pyridoxine detection in aqueous solution

Luminescent DPPC vesicles, decorated by new amphiphilic tetracarboxylate derivatives ofp-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene with Tb(iii) were used for the selective detection of pyridoxine hydrochloride.

Female house mice avoid fertilization by t haplotype incompatible males in a mate choice experiment

The t haplotype in house mice is a well-known selfish genetic element with detrimental, nonadditive fitness consequences to its carriers: recessive lethal mutations cause t/t homozygotes to perish in utero. Given the severe genetic incompatibility imposed by the t haplotype, we predict females to avoid fertilization by t haplotype incompatible males. Indeed, some of the strongest evidence for compatibility mate choice is related to the t haplotype in house mice. However, all previous evidence for compatibility mate choice in this system is based on olfactory preference. It is so far unknown how general these preferences are and whether they are relevant in an actual mating context. Here, we assess female compatibility mate choice related to t haplotypes in a setting that--for the first time--allowed females to directly interact and mate with males. This approach enabled us to analyse female behaviour during the testing period, and the resulting paternity success and fitness consequences of a given choice. We show that genetic incompatibilities arising from the t haplotype had severe indirect fitness consequences and t females avoided fertilization by t incompatible males. The results are inconclusive whether this avoidance of t fertilization by t females was caused by pre- or post-copulatory processes.

Large hospital outbreak of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: investigating mortality and the impact of screening for KPC-2 with polymerase chain reaction

BACKGROUND

Multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-2-producing K. pneumoniae are an increasing cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide.

AIMS

To investigate the impact of clinical infection on mortality, and examine the effect of use of KPC-2-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the time to contact isolation during an outbreak.

METHODS

Cases were defined as patients clinically infected or colonized with KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae between June 2010 and July 2012. Cases were described by demographic and health characteristics, and the association between infection and mortality, adjusted for comorbidities and demographic characteristics, was determined using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. A comparison was made between the time to contact isolation with a culture-based method and PCR using Wilcoxon's rank sum test.

FINDINGS

Of 72 cases detected, 17 (24%) had undergone transplantation and 21 (29%) had a malignancy. Overall, 35 (49%) cases were clinically infected, with pneumonia and sepsis being the most common infections. Infection was an independent risk factor for mortality (risk ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval 0.99-2.82). The median time to contact isolation was 1.5 days (range 0-21 days) using PCR and 5.0 days (range 0-39 days) using culture-based methods (P = 0.003). Intermittent negative tests were observed in 48% (14/29) of cases tested using culture-based methods.

CONCLUSION

KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae mainly affect severely ill patients. Half of the cases developed clinical infection, associated with increased risk of death. As PCR accelerates isolation and provides the opportunity for preventive measures in colonized cases, its use should be implemented promptly during outbreaks. Further studies are needed to enhance knowledge about KPC detection patterns and to adjust screening guidelines.

Maternal investment of communally nursing female house mice (Mus musculus domesticus)

Female house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) belonging to the same polygynous breeding unit rear their litters communally. This paper analyzes the consequences of communal nursing on the number and weight of offspring produced. The reproductive behaviour of monogamous females was compared to that of females living in polygynous groups, consisting of either two familiar sisters or of two genetically unrelated females (unfamiliar until the age of 7 weeks). The lifetime reproductive success of a female was measured as the total number of offspring weaned during a lifespan of 6 months (standardized as 120 days after mating at the age of 8 weeks). The number of litters produced and average litter size per female did not differ significantly between the 3 groups of females. However, females communally nursing with a sister weaned significantly more young than a monogamously paired female. Those sharing a nest with an unrelated female weaned an intermediate number of offspring. Sharing a communal nest with a sister significantly increased the total mass of offspring weaned in comparison with both monogamous females and unrelated females. Furthermore, communal nests improved the birth weight of the young when compared with young in solitary nests. By cooperative brood care and communal nursing, females improved the weight of the young produced. By having a sister for cooperation, a female futher improved the number of offspring weaned when compared with a female rearing litters in solitary nests, as well as the combined weight of offspring weaned compared with all other females studied.

Cooperative hydrolysis of aryl esters on functionalized membrane surfaces and in micellar solutions

Catalytic hydrolysis of peptides, proteins, phosphates or carboxylate esters in nature is catalysed by enzymes, which are efficient, fast and selective. Most of the hydrolytic chemical catalysts published so far mimic the active site of enzymes and contain metal complexes and amino acid residues. Their synthesis can be laborious, while the hydrolytic activity is still limited compared to enzymes. We present an approach that uses fluid membranes of vesicles and micelles as a support for amphiphilic additives, which cooperatively cleave aryl ester bonds. The membrane anchored bis-Zn(II)-complex 1 is hydrolytically active and hydrolyses fluorescein diacetate (FDA) with a second order rate constant (k2) of 0.9 M(-1) s(-1). The hydrolytic activity is modulated by co-embedded membrane additives, bearing common amino acid side chain functional groups. With this approach, the hydrolytic activity of the system is enhanced up to 16 fold in comparison with cyclen 1 (k2 = 14.7 M(-1) s(-1)). DOPC and DSPC lipids form at room temperature fluid or gel phase membranes, respectively. Omitting the lipid, micellar solutions were obtained with hydrolytic activity reaching k2 = 13.4 M(-1) s(-1). It is shown that cooperative hydrolysis is favoured in fluid membranes and micelles, allowing the active moieties to arrange freely. The embedding and dynamic self-assembly of membrane active components in fluid membranes and micelles provide facile access to hydrolytically active soft interfaces.

[CT-based classification aid for acetabular fractures: evaluation and clinical testing]

BACKGROUND

The basis for the classification of acetabular fractures depends on accurate radiological diagnostics. The use of conventional X-rays alone implicates a low intrapersonal reproducibility and interpersonal reliability. By applying computed tomography (CT) at an early stage in the emergency room, the typical diagonal X-rays of ala and obturator, on which the classification is based, are no longer recommended. The aim of this study was to develop a new reliable classification system based on standardized CT slices according to the system of Judet and Letournel without using diagonal X-rays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study 12 select cases with acetabular fractures were peer reviewed. In each case eight characteristic CT slices (five axial, two coronal and one sagittal) were selected as well as the conventional anteroposterior X-ray of the pelvis. All cases were peer reviewed by 14 members of the "AG Becken" (working group pelvis). The classification of the acetabular fractures was based on Judet and Letournel and the results were compared with the reference classification. The results were scaled according to differences to the original classification and the relevance to the approach as well as the medical qualification of the member.

RESULTS

A total of 167 out of 168 possible classifications were conducted, 90 cases (54 %) were in accordance with the reference classification. In 69 cases (41 %) the outcome was different, which would have had no influence on the choice of the surgical approach. A wrong classification was present eight times (5 %). According to the medical qualification status the senior physicians were right in 54%, the residents in 53 %. Within the group of senior physicians 7.5 % of the classifications were completely wrong and 93 % of the participating members would have preferred to have more CT slices.

CONCLUSION

The CT-based classification developed represents an adaption to the current standard of diagnostics of acetabular fractures and represents a step towards simplification of the classification. It is suitable to estimate the correct surgical approach and the behavior of the fracture. For an accurate classification and the association to one of the fracture types in the system of Judet and Letournel more slices and 3D reconstructions (MPR) are necessary.

[A new anatomical wing plate for osteoporotic acetabular fractures: biomechanical testing and first clinical experience]

BACKGROUND

Acetabular fractures are rare injuries, but there is an increasing number of elderly people with ventral medial instability in cases of central subluxation of the femoral head in osteoporotic acetabular fractures. Common plate osteosynthesis cannot enable medial support of the quadrilateral surface. The new "acetabular wing plate" is anatomically shaped to fix the arcuate line and the quadrilateral surface. The plate pushes the femoral head back to lateral. The aim of this study was the biomechanical comparison with common plate concepts before clinical use of the new implant.

METHODS

For biomechanical testing eight artificial fracture models of the pelvis with anterior column fractures were used. They were implemented into a set-up of a one-leg stand model in the material test machine. Cyclical movements with axial pressure to the sacrum up to 250 N were given to the model. Fracture gap movement was measured with an optoelectronic 3D camera measuring system. In all pelvic models all screw holes were drilled by use of drill guides before first mechanical loading. The measurements were randomly done first with the new acetabular wing plate or with the pelvic low profile plate. Absolute and relative fracture gap movement and movements of the pelvic fragments were measured as well.

RESULTS

The fracture gap movement and the fragment rotation were comparable in both groups. There was a slightly higher stability in the group of the acetabular wing plate but without statistical significance. In the pelvic low profile group two screw loosenings were found, but the models were able to be tested also with the acetabular wing plate. The new plate was clinically used in the first eight patients due to the good biomechanical results. In all cases the osteosyntheses were done by use of the Stoppa approach and the first window of the ilioinguinal approach. Application of the plate was mostly easy, the plate was also used as a reduction tool. Postoperative controls show anatomic reduction and correct implant position in all eight cases. The three month follow-up examinations confirm the continuing good reduction during fracture healing with the acetabular wing plate.

Neuroprotective effect of lithium on hippocampal volumes in bipolar disorder independent of long-term treatment response

BACKGROUND

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated an association between lithium (Li) treatment and brain structure in human subjects. A crucial unresolved question is whether this association reflects direct neurochemical effects of Li or indirect effects secondary to treatment or prevention of episodes of bipolar disorder (BD).

METHOD

To address this knowledge gap, we compared manually traced hippocampal volumes in 37 BD patients with at least 2 years of Li treatment (Li group), 19 BD patients with <3 months of lifetime Li exposure over 2 years ago (non-Li group) and 50 healthy controls. All BD participants were followed prospectively and had at least 10 years of illness and a minimum of five episodes. We established illness course and long-term treatment response to Li using National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) life charts.

RESULTS

The non-Li group had smaller hippocampal volumes than the controls or the Li group (F 2,102 = 4.97, p = 0.009). However, the time spent in a mood episode on the current mood stabilizer was more than three times longer in the Li than in the non-Li group (t(51) = 2.00, p = 0.05). Even Li-treated patients with BD episodes while on Li had hippocampal volumes comparable to healthy controls and significantly larger than non-Li patients (t(43) = 2.62, corrected p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the neuroprotective effects of Li. The association between Li treatment and hippocampal volume seems to be independent of long-term treatment response and occurred even in subjects with episodes of BD while on Li. Consequently, these effects of Li on brain structure may generalize to patients with neuropsychiatric illnesses other than BD.

Chromo-pharmacophores: photochromic diarylmaleimide inhibitors for sirtuins

Controlling the activity of sirtuins is of high biomedical relevance as the enzymes are involved in cancer, neurodegeneration and other diseases.

First synthesis of naphthalene annulated oxepins

Highly condensed oxepins have been prepared in good yields from their corresponding diols by etherification using p-toluenesulfonic acid.