Advancing Biomarker Development Through Convergent Engagement: Summary Report of the 2nd International Danube Symposium on Biomarker Development, Molecular Imaging and Applied Diagnostics; March 14-16, 2018; Vienna, Austria.

Here, we report on the outcome of the 2nd International Danube Symposium on advanced biomarker development that was held in Vienna, Austria, in early 2018. During the meeting, cross-speciality participants assessed critical aspects of non-invasive, quantitative biomarker development in view of the need to expand our understanding of disease mechanisms and the definition of appropriate strategies both for molecular diagnostics and personalised therapies. More specifically, panelists addressed the main topics, including the current status of disease characterisation by means of non-invasive imaging, histopathology and liquid biopsies as well as strategies of gaining new understanding of disease formation, modulation and plasticity to large-scale molecular imaging as well as integrative multi-platform approaches. Highlights of the 2018 meeting included dedicated sessions on non-invasive disease characterisation, development of disease and therapeutic tailored biomarkers, standardisation and quality measures in biospecimens, new therapeutic approaches and socio-economic challenges of biomarker developments. The scientific programme was accompanied by a roundtable discussion on identification and implementation of sustainable strategies to address the educational needs in the rapidly evolving field of molecular diagnostics. The central theme that emanated from the 2nd Donau Symposium was the importance of the conceptualisation and implementation of a convergent approach towards a disease characterisation beyond lesion-counting "lumpology" for a cost-effective and patient-centric diagnosis, therapy planning, guidance and monitoring. This involves a judicious choice of diagnostic means, the adoption of clinical decision support systems and, above all, a new way of communication involving all stakeholders across modalities and specialities. Moreover, complex diseases require a comprehensive diagnosis by converging parameters from different disciplines, which will finally yield to a precise therapeutic guidance and outcome prediction. While it is attractive to focus on technical advances alone, it is important to develop a patient-centric approach, thus asking "What can we do with our expertise to help patients?"

Effect of ion exchange of glazed dental glass ceramics on strength parameters.

Ion exchange treatments can significantly increase the strength of dental glass ceramic core materials by induced compressive residual stresses. However, the core materials of dental restorations need to be veneered or at least to be stained and glazed for esthetic and functional reasons. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different ion exchange treatments on the strength parameters of stained and glazed glass ceramics. Batches of specimens made of a leucite reinforced dental glass with and without staining and glazing layer, untreated, single ion exchanged (KNO3), and dual ion exchanged (1. KNO3/27, 2. 30 mol% NaNO3/70 mol% KNO3) were tested. The strength of the core material was increased from 117 to 213 MPa by single ion exchange. Staining and glazing increased the strength up to 165 MPa. Single ion exchange of the stained and glazed core caused only a slight additional strength increase up to 173 MPa. The dual ion exchanged stained and glazed core exhibit a strength of 195 MPa and decreased the large strength scatter because of a well-designed residual stress profile. We conclude that dual ion exchange treatments could significantly increase the mechanical reliability of stained and glazed glass ceramic restorations.

[Diagnostic and prognostic significance of so-called rheumatoid vasculitis]. / Zur diagnostischen und prognostischen Bedeutung der sog. rheumatoiden Vaskulitis.

23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and high rheumatic factors (mean titres of rheumatic factors 1 : 1 434) within a prospective study on the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the rheumatoid vasculitis which was performed together with the Research Institute for Rheumatism Moscow underwent examinations for the proof of an extraarticular organ manifestation. In correspondence with the data in literature we found rheumatic nodes (70%) as most frequent extraarticular organ manifestation. In 1 patient each a participation of the lungs and a rheumatic exudate of the pleura, respectively, could be diagnosed. In another patient there were references to a vasculitis at the fundus of the eye. In only 2 patients there was a vasculitis of the digital arteries with necroses, in one of them a generalized vasculitis. 5 of the 13 neurologically examined patients showed polyneuropathic symptoms. Of the biochemical findings the C-reactive protein and the blood sedimentation rate showed clear increases and correlations.