Seeding the Electrothermal Instability through a Three-Dimensional, Nonlinear Perturbation.

Electrothermal instability plays an important role in applications of current-driven metal, creating striations (which seed the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability) and filaments (which provide a more rapid path to plasma formation). However, the initial formation of both structures is not well understood. Simulations show for the first time how a commonly occurring isolated defect transforms into the larger striation and filament, through a feedback loop connecting current and electrical conductivity. Simulations have been experimentally validated using defect-driven self-emission patterns.

Risk factors for an infection with Coxiella burnetii in German sheep flocks.

In Germany, sheep are the main source of human Q fever epidemics, but data on Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) infections and related risk factors in the German sheep population remain scarce. In this cross-sectional study, a standardised interview was conducted across 71 exclusively sheep as well as mixed (sheep and goat) farms to identify animal and herd level risk factors associated with the detection of C. burnetii antibodies or pathogen-specific gene fragments via univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Serum samples and genital swabs from adult males and females of 3367 small ruminants from 71 farms were collected and analysed using ELISA and qPCR, respectively. On animal level, univariable analysis identified young animals (<2 years of age; odds ratio (OR) 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.83) to reduce the risk for seropositivity significantly (p < 0.05). The final multivariable logistic models identified lambing all year-round (OR 3.46/3.65; 95% CI 0.80-15.06/0.41-32.06) and purchases of sheep and goats (OR 13.61/22.99; 95% CI 2.86-64.64/2.21-239.42) as risk factors on herd level for C. burnetii infection detected via ELISA and qPCR, respectively.

Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in German sheep flocks and evaluation of a novel approach to detect an infection via preputial swabs at herd-level.

A prevalence study was conducted on German sheep flocks including goats if they cohabitated with sheep. In addition, a novel approach was applied to identify an infection at the herd-level before lambing season with preputial swabs, suspecting venereal transmission and ensuing colonisation of preputial mucosa with Coxiella (C.) burnetii. Blood samples and genital swabs were collected from breeding males and females after the mating season and were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) respectively. In total, 3367 animals were sampled across 71 flocks. The true herd-level prevalence adjusted for misclassification probabilities of the applied diagnostic tests using the Rogan-Gladen estimator for the prevalence estimate and a formula by Lang and Reiczigel (2014) for the confidence limits, ranged between 31.3% and 33% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 17.3-45.5) detected by the ELISA and/or qPCR. Overall 26-36.6% (95% CI 13-56.8) were detected by ELISA, 13.9% (95% CI 4.5-23.2) by the qPCR and 7.9-11.2% (95% CI 0.08-22.3) by both tests simultaneously. The range of results is due to data obtained from literature with different specifications for test quality for ELISA. Among eight farms with females shedding C. burnetii, three farms (37.5%) could also be identified by preputial swabs from breeding sires. This indicates less reliability of preputial swabs if used as a single diagnostic tool to detect C. burnetii infection at the herd-level.

Genetic investigation of equine recurrent uveitis in Appaloosa horses.

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is characterized by intraocular inflammation that often leads to blindness in horses. Appaloosas are more likely than any other breed to develop insidious ERU, distinguished by low-grade chronic intraocular inflammation, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Appaloosas are known for their white coat spotting patterns caused by the leopard complex spotting allele (LP) and the modifier PATN1. A marker linked to LP on ECA1 and markers near MHC on ECA20 were previously associated with increased ERU risk. This study aims to further investigate these loci and identify additional genetic risk factors. A GWAS was performed using the Illumina Equine SNP70 BeadChip in 91 horses. Additive mixed model approaches were used to correct for relatedness. Although they do not reach a strict Bonferroni genome-wide significance threshold, two SNPs on ECA1 and one SNP each on ECA12 and ECA29 were among the highest ranking SNPs and thus warranted further analysis (P = 1.20 × 10-5 , P = 5.91 × 10-6 , P = 4.91 × 10-5 , P = 6.46 × 10-5 ). In a second cohort (n = 98), only an association with the LP allele on ECA1 was replicated (P = 5.33 × 10-5 ). Modeling disease risk with LP, age and additional depigmentation factors (PATN1 genotype and extent of roaning) supports an additive role for LP and suggests an additive role for PATN1. Genotyping for LP and PATN1 may help predict ERU risk (AUC = 0.83). The functional role of LP and PATN1 in ERU development requires further investigation. Testing samples across breeds with leopard complex spotting patterns and a denser set of markers is warranted to further refine the genetic components of ERU.

A brief bedside visual art intervention decreases anxiety and improves pain and mood in patients with haematologic malignancies.

Treatment of cancer-related symptoms represents a major challenge for physicians. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether a brief bedside visual art intervention (BVAI) facilitated by art educators improves mood, reduces pain and anxiety in patients with haematological malignancies. Thirty-one patients (21 women and 10 men) were invited to participate in a BVAI where the goal of the session was to teach art technique for ~30 min. Primary outcome measures included the change in visual analog scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scale, from baseline prior to and immediately post-BVAI. Total of 21 patients (19 women and two men) participated. A significant improvement in positive mood and pain scores (p = .003 and p = .017 respectively) as well as a decrease in negative mood and anxiety (p = .016 and p = .001 respectively) was observed. Patients perceived BVAI as overall positive (95%) and wished to participate in future art-based interventions (85%). This accessible experience, provided by artists within the community, may be considered as an adjunct to conventional treatments in patients with cancer-related mood symptoms and pain, and future studies with balanced gender participation may support the generalisability of these findings.

Oral application of a periodontal pathogen impacts SerpinE1 expression and pancreatic islet architecture in prediabetes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological studies suggest a close association between periodontitis and prediabetes/insulin resistance (IR) but whether periodontitis causes prediabetes in humans is not known. Using various animal models, we have recently established that periodontitis can be an initiator of prediabetes, which is characterized by glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia and IR. In addition, our in vitro studies indicated that Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) induced insulin secretion in MIN6 ß cells and this induction was in part SerpinE1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, PAI1) dependent. However, the mechanism(s) by which periodontitis induces prediabetes is not known. As α and ß cells in pancreatic islets are the major modulators of glucose levels, we investigated whether experimental periodontitis by oral application of a periodontal pathogen caused molecular and/or cellular alterations in pancreatic islets and whether SerpinE1 was involved in this process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We induced periodontitis in C57BL/6 mice by oral application of a periodontal pathogen, Pg, and determined changes that occurred in islets following 22 weeks of Pg application. Pancreatic islet architecture was determined by 2-D and 3-D immunofluorescence microscopy and SerpinE1 and its target, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), as well as insulin, glucagon and Pg/gingipain in islets were detected by immunofluorescence. The presence of apoptotic islet cells was determined by both histochemical and immunofluorescence TUNEL assays. To investigate further the direct effect of Pg on apoptosis and the involvement of SerpinE1 in this process, we used SerpinE1 knockdown and scrambled control clones of the MIN6 pancreatic ß-cell line. RESULTS: Pg/gingipain was detected in both the periodontium and pancreas in the experimental group. Islets from animals that were administered Pg orally (experimental group) developed significant changes in islet architecture, upregulation of SerpinE1, and increased ß-cell apoptosis compared with the control group. We also observed that exposure of MIN6 cells to Pg in vitro resulted in apoptosis. However, apoptosis was significantly reduced when SerpinE1 expression by MIN6 cells was knocked down. CONCLUSION: Oral application of the periodontal pathogen Pg to C57BL/6 mice induces periodontitis, translocation of Pg/gingipain to the pancreas and results in complex alterations in pancreatic islet morphology. SerpinE1 appears to be involved in this process.

Fipronil 1% pour-on: further studies of its effects against lab-reared Glossina palpalis gambiensis.

In order to assess the residual effects of fipronil 1% on tsetse fly survival, male Glossina palpalis gambiensis were released on non-treated and treated cattle, with 0.1 ml of fipronil/kg b.w. as a pour-on formulation. In a second trial, the female fecundity performances were evaluated by feeding teneral females on the same cattle. These females were then mated and their production parameters monitored, as well as the survival of freshly emerged flies. Fipronil had a significant effect on tsetse fly survival (p < 0.001). Over a period of 30 days, up to 40% of tsetse fly mortality was observed within 72 h after tsetse were released. The residual effects ranged between 51 and 74 days when tsetse flies were released twice within a 15-day interval in the presence of a treated animal. When tsetse flies were fed on treated cattle through a parafilm membrane, 92 days after the treatment, no significant effect of fipronil was observed on the reproductive performance of females, i.e., as well as on fecundity (p = 0.948) and emergence rates (p = 0.743), or puparial weight (p = 0.422). This was also the case for the survival of young flies, with no difference observed between the two groups. After this study, it is confirmed that fipronil is highly effective against tsetse flies. Its efficacy in controlling ticks is already known but other externalities such as the control of biting insects add value to its use.

Keratinocytes and neutrophils are important sources of proinflammatory molecules in hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of the chronic inflammatory skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa (HS, also known as acne inversa) involves epidermal alterations such as psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia and keratin plugging. Keratinocytes are an important source of proinflammatory molecules in inflammatory skin diseases and can be stimulated by interleukin (IL)-17(+) cells. OBJECTIVES: To explore the possible role of the epithelium in the pathogenesis of HS. METHODS: We performed immunohistochemical stainings and Western blot experiments to investigate the localization and expression of inflammation-associated molecules, including the cytokine IL-17, components of the inflammasome including caspase-1, and the endogenous danger-associated molecular pattern molecules S100A8 and S100A9 (calprotectin). To examine a possible effect of upregulated proinflammatory cytokines on the inflammatory infiltrate, differences in the cellular composition of perifollicular and deep dermal infiltrates were analysed. RESULTS: The number of IL-17(+) cells is increased in lesional and perilesional HS skin. The epidermis produces proinflammatory molecules and shows an upregulated expression of components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, activated caspase-1 and expression of S100A8/S100A9. Additionally, the course of the inflammatory process in HS involves influx of innate immune cells, particularly IL-17-expressing neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: IL-17-producing cells are present in lesional and perilesional HS skin and may contribute to the initiation of inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the epidermis is a source of proinflammatory cytokines, shows inflammasome activation and expresses S100A8/S100A9, thereby possibly contributing to the propagation of inflammation. A massive influx of IL-17-expressing neutrophils is observed in the deep infiltrate.

Chronic Glaucoma in Dogs: Relationships Between Histologic Lesions and the Gonioscopic Diagnosis of Pectinate Ligament Dysplasia.

Pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) is a common cause of canine glaucoma and the definitive clinical diagnosis is based on gonioscopy. Although the histologic lesions of PLD have been described, it has not been determined whether these changes are specific for PLD or if similar histologic changes can develop as a consequence of secondary glaucoma. The filtration angles of 61 enucleated canine globes with chronic glaucoma were evaluated with light microscopy by 3 examiners who were masked to the clinical history, signalment, and gonioscopic results. A histologic diagnosis of PLD versus non-PLD was determined by each examiner based on previously reported morphologic criteria and compared with the clinical gonioscopic diagnosis. Of the 61 enucleated glaucomatous eyes, 40 were clinically diagnosed with PLD. For all 3 examiners, a histologic diagnosis of PLD corresponded poorly with the clinical diagnosis of PLD (range of kappa score: 0.149-0.269; range of AUC: 0.592-0.621). There was no difference between examiners in their ability to correctly diagnose PLD histologically (P = .978). A fair degree of agreement was noted among examiners in obtaining their suspected histologic diagnosis of PLD (kappa score 0.256). No individual or sets of histologic ICA features were consistent with clinical PLD. The results indicate the histologic ICA changes proposed to be characteristic of PLD are also noted in canine globes affected with chronic secondary glaucoma. Therefore, using routine histologic evaluation, a histologic diagnosis of PLD is not possible in the face of chronic canine glaucoma.

Laboratory evaluation of efficacy and persistence of a 1% w/w fipronil pour-on formulation (Topline®) against Glossina palpalis gambiensis, Diptera: Glossinidae.

One zebu bull of 365 kg live weight was treated along the back line with 36 mL of fipronil as a pour-on formulation. Long-lasting mortalities of Glossina palpalis gambiensis were recorded despite exposure to sunlight and regular rinsing with 50 L of water during the following 5 months. Significantly higher mortalities were still observed even 140, 170 and 190 days after treatment following their triple releases or triple feeding of caged tsetse on the treated bull. Mortalities of 70, 80 and 44%, respectively, were recorded after 15 days of observation. This contrasted with the mortalities of control flies that were released in the presence of the untreated bull or fed in cages on the animal, amounting to 20 and twice 10% after 170 and 190 days. The feeding successes of the released or caged flies were higher than 95% and did not differ between control and experimental groups, indicating no repulsive or irritant effects of fipronil. The findings of this study are discussed, particularly in view of the potential of fipronil as an effective means for tsetse control.

Multiple host feeding in Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina tachinoides in southeast Mali.

Changes in agricultural practices and the resulting extinction of wildlife have led to the reduction or disappearance of savannah tsetse species. Riparian tsetse such as Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank 1949 and Glossina tachinoides Westwood 1850 (Diptera: Glossinidae) continue to persist in peridomestic sites, transmitting trypanosomiasis. At present, little is known about interspecies differences in feeding behaviour in these two species in southeast Mali, or of the phenomenon of multiple bloodmeals. To study these topics, 279 samples of G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides containing host DNA, caught in the Sikasso region between November 2008 and April 2009, were analysed by applying host species-specific primers and sequencing. Human accounted for > 66% of G. p. gambiensis bloodmeals, whereas G. tachinoides contained in equal parts DNA of human, cattle or both, showing a significantly higher proportion of multiple host use. Further, the trypanosome infection rate was found to be three-fold higher in G. tachinoides. Logistic regression analysis revealed double-feeding and infection to be independent of one another, but showed infection to be correlated with engorgement in G. p. gambiensis and female sex in G. tachinoides. Enhanced host-seeking activities paired with the high trypanosome infection rate found in G. tachinoides would indicate that this species has a higher vectorial capacity than G. p. gambiensis.

Three-dimensional feedback processes in current-driven metal.

Using three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic simulations, we study how a pit on a metal surface evolves when driven by intense electrical current density j. Redistribution of j around the pit initiates a feedback loop: j both reacts to and alters the electrical conductivity σ, through Joule heating and hydrodynamic expansion, so that j and σ are constantly in flux. Thus, the pit transforms into larger striation and filament structures predicted by the electrothermal instability theory. Both structures are important in applications of current-driven metal: The striation constitutes a density perturbation that can seed the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability, while the filament provides a more rapid path to plasma formation, through 3D j redistribution. Simulations predict distinctive self-emission patterns, thus allowing for experimental observation and comparison.

Implementation of extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy on a sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch.

A diagnostic for extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy was fielded on the sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) fusion Z-pinch experiment (FuZE-Q) for the first time. The spectrometer collected time-gated plasma emission spectra in the 5-40 nm wavelength (30-250 eV) range for impurity identification, radiative power studies, and for plasma temperature and density measurements. The unique implementation of the diagnostic included fast (10 ns risetime) pulsed high voltage electronics and a multi-stage differential pumping system that allowed the vacuum-coupled spectrometer to collect three independently timed spectra per FuZE-Q shot while also protecting sensitive internal components. Analysis of line emission identifies oxygen (N-, C-, B-, Be-, Li-, and He-like O), peaking in intensity shortly after maximum current (>500 kA). This work provides a foundation for future high energy spectroscopy experiments on SFS Z-pinch devices.

BASE-high-precision comparisons of the fundamental properties of protons and antiprotons.

Abstract: The BASE collaboration at the antiproton decelerator/ELENA facility of CERN compares the fundamental properties of protons and antiprotons with ultra-high precision. Using advanced Penning trap systems, we have measured the proton and antiproton magnetic moments with fractional uncertainties of 300 parts in a trillion (p.p.t.) and 1.5 parts in a billion (p.p.b.), respectively. The combined measurements improve the resolution of the previous best test in that sector by more than a factor of 3000. Very recently, we have compared the antiproton/proton charge-to-mass ratios with a fractional precision of 16 p.p.t., which improved the previous best measurement by a factor of 4.3. These results allowed us also to perform a differential matter/antimatter clock comparison test to limits better than 3%. Our measurements enable us to set limits on 22 coefficients of CPT- and Lorentz-violating standard model extensions (SME) and to search for potentially asymmetric interactions between antimatter and dark matter. In this article, we review some of the recent achievements and outline recent progress towards a planned improved measurement of the antiproton magnetic moment with an at least tenfold improved fractional accuracy.

BASE-STEP: A transportable antiproton reservoir for fundamental interaction studies.

Currently, the world's only source of low-energy antiprotons is the AD/ELENA facility located at CERN. To date, all precision measurements on single antiprotons have been conducted at this facility and provide stringent tests of fundamental interactions and their symmetries. However, magnetic field fluctuations from the facility operation limit the precision of upcoming measurements. To overcome this limitation, we have designed the transportable antiproton trap system BASE-STEP to relocate antiprotons to laboratories with a calm magnetic environment. We anticipate that the transportable antiproton trap will facilitate enhanced tests of charge, parity, and time-reversal invariance with antiprotons and provide new experimental possibilities of using transported antiprotons and other accelerator-produced exotic ions. We present here the technical design of the transportable trap system. This includes the transportable superconducting magnet, the cryogenic inlay consisting of the trap stack and detection systems, and the differential pumping section to suppress the residual gas flow into the cryogenic trap chamber.

[Persistent swelling after flushing of an abscess with Octenisept®]. / Persistierende Schwellung nach Spülung eines Abszesses mit Octenisept®.

We report the case of a long-lasting cutaneous side effect after inappropriate use of Octenisept® solution (containing octenidine and phenoxyethanol). Following lavage of an abscess in the inguinal region, a painful erythematous induration mimicking cellulitis persisted for several months. Manual lymphatic drainage considerably improved the symptoms. Octenisept® shows considerable tissue toxicity in vivo including - but not restricted to - blood vessel damage. Deterioration of endothelial cells followed by oedema and continued tissue damage can be seen histologically. Despite the fact that there is a circular letter issued by the manufacturer as well as a boxed warning on the bottles, the awareness to avoid this misuse of Octenisept® is still lacking.

Correction of ulnar claw hand and Wartenberg's sign.

Ulnar claw hand usually occurs when the ulnar nerve is damaged distally. Claw hand deformity is characterized by metacarpophalangeal hyperextension and interphalangeal flexion, making it impossible to oppose the fingers and thumb. Bouvier's test is used to guide the procedure. Palliative surgery requires prior preparation of paralytic hands. In case of a positive Bouvier's test, Zancolli's lasso technique is preferred because of its effectiveness. Capsuloplasty with anteroposterior transosseous fixation is used if the bone is strong enough and when flexor digitorum profondus muscle is inactive and does not allow flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer. In case of a negative Bouvier's test with interphalangeal extension deficit of 45° of less, direct interossei muscle restoration techniques by active transfers are performed. If the interphalangeal extension deficit is more than 45°, proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis is indicated. Wartenberg first described actively irreducible abduction of the little finger. Wartenberg's sign is seen when ulnar paralysis occurs, and during ulnar nerve regeneration. Treatment of isolated Wartenberg's sign consists of re-routing the extensor digiti minimi. Among the other techniques, Belmahi's "tie lasso" is preferred when flexible claw hand is associated with Wartenberg's sign.

Tendon transfer surgery for radial nerve palsy.

Palliative tendon transfer is an integral part of radial nerve palsy treatment. It can be considered in the first weeks when the possibility of nerve repair by direct suture or nerve grafting is not feasible or reasonable. Mostly, it is discussed secondarily when it is too late for nerve surgery and motor recovery cannot be expected, or after failure or incomplete recovery after nerve repair. The goal of tendon transfers is to restore wrist, finger and thumb extension. For wrist extension, the use of pronator teres is well accepted. The best tendon transfer for finger extension is debated. This can be restored doing a flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), flexor carpi radialis or flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) to extensor digitorum communis transfer. Regarding thumb extension and abduction, a palmaris longus (PL) or one FDS tendon to the rerouted extensor pollicis longus (EPL) transfer can be performed. If a transfer is done on the EPL without rerouting it, abduction can be restored by doing a tendon transfer to the abductor pollicis longus (APL) or an APL tenodesis. The different tendon transfer options are selected based on the surgeon's preference, and most importantly, discussed with the patients to define the objectives together. The transfer is chosen based on the clinical examination (high or low radial nerve palsy, tendon available for transfer like PL, wrist mobility) and based on the patient's needs and expectations (activities requiring the FCU, finger independence, independence of thumb extension or abduction). If the surgical rules and the postoperative instructions for rehabilitation are followed, tendon transfers for radial nerve palsy regularly produce very satisfactory results.

Controlling the rates of biochemical reactions and signaling networks by shape and volume changes.

In biological systems, chemical activity takes place in micrometer- and nanometer-sized compartments that constantly change in shape and volume. These ever-changing cellular compartments embed chemical reactions, and we demonstrate that the rates of such incorporated reactions are directly affected by the ongoing shape reconfigurations. First, we show that the rate of product formation in an enzymatic reaction can be regulated by simple volume contraction-dilation transitions. The results suggest that mitochondria may regulate the dynamics of interior reaction pathways (e.g., the Krebs cycle) by volume changes. We then show the effect of shape changes on reactions occurring in more complex and structured systems by using biomimetic networks composed of micrometer-sized compartments joined together by nanotubes. Chemical activity was measured by implementing an enzymatic reaction-diffusion system. During ongoing reactions, the network connectivity is changed suddenly (similar to the dynamic tube formations found inside Golgi stacks, for example), and the effect on the reaction is registered. We show that spatiotemporal properties of the reaction-diffusion system are extremely sensitive to sudden changes in network topology and that chemical reactions can be initiated, or boosted, in certain nodes as a function of connectivity.