[Endometriosis-related ovarian tumors]

Endometriosis is a frequent gynecological disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. It affects the gynecological organs and the peritoneum with varying frequency and can lead to severe symptoms, mainly pain and to infertility. Despite the fact that causal therapy is not feasible diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are necessary in many cases. In a small percentage of cases endometriosis is associated with neoplastic disease and in some cases it might develop into a neoplasm via the stage of atypical endometriosis, notably in the ovaries. Tumors which are most frequently associated with endometriosis are endometrioid carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, and low grade serous carcinoma. According to some authors tumors associated with endometriosis have a better prognosis than those without. Other tumors are Mullerian adenosarcoma, endometrioid stromal sarcoma, and seromucinous borderline tumor. In addition to the morphological findings more recent molecular findings serve to demonstrate the origin of the different types of carcinoma from endometriosis. In both endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) can be found in different gene loci. Mutations in CTNNB1 (beta catenin), PTEN, KRAS and ARID1a genes have been demonstrated in endometrioid carcinoma. Cases of clear cell carcinoma have been characterized by mutations of ARID1a gene, PIK3CA and less frequently PPP2R1A and KRAS.

HOLMES: The electron capture decay of [Formula: see text]Ho to measure the electron neutrino mass with sub-eV sensitivity

The European Research Council has recently funded HOLMES, a new experiment to directly measure the neutrino mass. HOLMES will perform a calorimetric measurement of the energy released in the decay of [Formula: see text]Ho. The calorimetric measurement eliminates systematic uncertainties arising from the use of external beta sources, as in experiments with beta spectrometers. This measurement was proposed in 1982 by A. De Rujula and M. Lusignoli, but only recently the detector technological progress allowed to design a sensitive experiment. HOLMES will deploy a large array of low temperature microcalorimeters with implanted [Formula: see text]Ho nuclei. The resulting mass sensitivity will be as low as 0.4 eV. HOLMES will be an important step forward in the direct neutrino mass measurement with a calorimetric approach as an alternative to spectrometry. It will also establish the potential of this approach to extend the sensitivity down to 0.1 eV. We outline here the project with its technical challenges and perspectives.

[Deterministic record linkage with indirect identifiers: data of the Berlin Myocardial Infarction Registry and the AOK Nordost for patients with myocardial infarction]

AIM OF THE STUDY

How can 2 pseudonymised data sets be linked? Using the example of data from the Berlin Myocardial Infarction Registry and from a German sickness fund (AOK Nordost) we will demonstrate how record linkage can be achieved without personal identifiers.

METHODS

In different steps the method of deterministic record linkage with indirect identifiers: age, sex, hospital admission date and time, will be explained.

RESULTS

We were able to show that 80.6% of the expected maximum number of patients were matched with our approach. As a result we had no duplicate matches in the linkage process, where one AOK patient was linked to 2 or more BMIR patients or vice versa. The matching variables produced enough uniqueness to be used as indirect patient identifiers.

CONCLUSION

Deterministic record linkage with the following indirect indicators: age, sex, hospital admission date and time was possible in our study of patients with myocardial infarction in a circumscribed geographical region, which limited the number of cases and avoided mismatches.

[Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for patients with somatostatin receptor expressing tumours. German Guideline (S1)]

This document describes the guideline for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) published by the German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN) and accepted by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) to be included in the official AWMF Guideline Registry. These recommendations are a prerequisite for the quality management in the treatment of patients with somatostatin receptor expressing tumours using PRRT. They are aimed at guiding nuclear medicine specialists in selecting likely candidates to receive PRRT and to deliver the treatment in a safe and effective manner. The recommendations are based on an interdisciplinary consensus. The document contains background information and definitions and covers the rationale, indications and contraindications for PRRT. Essential topics are the requirements for institutions performing the therapy, e. g. presence of an expert for medical physics, intense cooperation with all colleagues involved in the treatment of a patient, and a certificate of instruction in radiochemical labelling and quality control are required. Furthermore, it is specified which patient data have to be available prior to performance of therapy and how treatment has to be carried out technically. Here, quality control and documentation of labelling are of great importance. After treatment, clinical quality control is mandatory (work-up of therapy data and follow-up of patients). Essential elements of follow-up are specified in detail. The complete treatment inclusive after-care has to be realised in close cooperation with the involved medical disciplines. Generally, the decision for PRRT should be undertaken within the framework of a multi-disciplinary tumour board.

Untersuchungen über die Größe, Struktur und Dynamik von Gallensäure/Lecithin-Mischmicellen / Size, Structure, and Dynamics of Bile Salt/Lecithin Mixed Micelles

The structure and size of lecithin/sodium glycocholate mixed micelles was investigated by quasi­ elastic laser light scattering and spin label techniques.

The investigations are in accordance with a bilayer model for these micelles. The order parameter and the phase transition enthalpy of the micellar bilayer were determined.

The lateral and rotational diffusion constants of label molecules are compared with the cor­ responding diffusion constants in liposomes.

Validation of a novel real-time PCR for detecting Rasamsonia argillacea species complex in respiratory secretions from cystic fibrosis patients

Members of the recently introduced fungal genus Rasamsonia (formerly included in the Geosmithia genus) have been described as emerging pathogens in immunosuppressed hosts or patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Rasamsonia species have often been misidentified as Penicillium or Paecilomyces because of similar morphological characteristics. We validated a commercially available real-time PCR assay (Primerdesign™, UK) for accurate detection of species from the Rasamsonia argillacea complex. First, we tested this assay with a collection of 74 reference strains and clinical isolates and then compared the PCR with cultures of 234 respiratory samples from 152 patients with CF from two University Hospitals in Germany and France. The assay reliably detected the three main species within the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex (R. argillacea, R. piperina, R. aegroticola), which are typically encountered in CF patients. The limit of DNA detection was between 0.01 and 1 pg/μL. Analysis of the DNA extracts from respiratory specimens of CF patients revealed that four out of the 153 patients studied (2.6%) were colonized with R. argillacea species complex. Two species from the R. argillacea complex grew in the parallel cultures from the same patients. In one patient the PCR was positive 5 months before culture. The real-time PCR assay is a sensitive and specific method for detecting the three most important species of the R. argillacea species complex encountered in the CF context. Detection of these emerging pathogens in respiratory secretions from CF patients by this novel assay may increase our understanding of the occurrence and epidemiology of the R. argillacea species complex.

Neonatal eating epilepsy: 50-year follow-up

PURPOSE

We present a case of neonatal eating epilepsy.

METHOD

Case report.

RESULTS

An otherwise healthy female newborn started having epileptic seizures lasting up to 5 minutes induced by breastfeeding at age of 2 weeks. The convulsive seizure started with crying and coughing followed by opisthotonus, flexion of upper extremities, extension of lower extremities, and generalized jerks in extremities. The patient had fairly often postictal vomitings which could not be relieved by upright positioning. At baseline clinical examination, no abnormal symptoms or signs were found except for a postictal hoarseness. On the day of admission to the tertiary care hospital, during 1.5 hours, she had 10 attacks. Though some attacks were spontaneous and during sleep, most were induced by feeding or--less often and inconsistently--by manipulating the pharynx. Phenobarbital 15 mg four times a day stopped the attacks. The last seizure was documented 14 days after admission and phenobarbital was eventually withdrawn. The patient remained seizure free off AEDs during a prospective follow-up for over 50 years until 2013.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal eating epilepsy may be a suitable diagnosis if convulsive seizures are precipitated by feeding or eating. Polygraphic recording will help ascertain the diagnosis. Antiepileptic therapy is likely to abolish seizures.

Dynamical instability of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical ring resonator

We experimentally investigate the dynamical instability of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical ring resonator for various cavity detuning and pump powers. The resulting stability diagram is asymmetric with respect to the cavity detuning and can be described by the coupling of two atomic modes with one optical mode. We compare the experimental data to a numerical simulation and to an analytic expression of the phase boundary. For positive and negative pump cavity detuning, different coupling mechanisms are identified explaining the asymmetry of the stability diagram. We present a physical interpretation and discuss the connection to the Dicke quantum phase transition.

A physical model of the extreme mantis shrimp strike: kinematics and cavitation of Ninjabot

To study the mechanical principles and fluid dynamics of ultrafast power-amplified systems, we built Ninjabot, a physical model of the extremely fast mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda). Ninjabot rotates a to-scale appendage within the environmental conditions and close to the kinematic range of mantis shrimp's rotating strike. Ninjabot is an adjustable mechanism that can repeatedly vary independent properties relevant to fast aquatic motions to help isolate their individual effects. Despite exceeding the kinematics of previously published biomimetic jumpers and reaching speeds in excess of 25 m s(-1) at accelerations of 3.2 × 10(4) m s(-2), Ninjabot can still be outstripped by the fastest mantis shrimp, Gonodactylus smithii, measured for the first time in this study. G. smithii reached 30 m s(-1) at accelerations of 1.5 × 10(5) m s(-2). While mantis shrimp produce cavitation upon impact with their prey, they do not cavitate during the forward portion of their strike despite their extreme speeds. In order to determine how closely to match Ninjabot and mantis shrimp kinematics to capture this cavitation behavior, we used Ninjabot to produce strikes of varying kinematics and to measure cavitation presence or absence. Using Akaike Information Criterion to compare statistical models that correlated cavitation with a variety of kinematic properties, we found that in rotating and accelerating biological conditions, cavitation inception is best explained only by maximum linear velocity.

An assessment of the current Chlamydia trachomatis laboratory practices in Germany

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Currently, no information is available about the number of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) tests performed, testing facilities available or diagnostic methods used in Germany. This study aimed to map CT diagnostic facilities so that representative laboratories can be recruited for CT sentinel surveillance.

METHODS

Using a questionnaire, we collected information about population coverage, the number of tests performed, accreditation and current testing methods and systems for German facilities that potentially offer CT diagnostics.

RESULTS

Overall, 725/1,504 (48%) facilities responded; of the respondents, 143 reported that they perform CT diagnostics. Of the laboratories performing diagnostics, 45% were privately owned, and 42% were located in a hospital. Of the laboratories that provided information about their catchment area, 61% received samples from at least one federal state and therefore covered more than their surrounding area. The median length of time that CT diagnostics had been performed was 11.5 years. Over half (54%) of the laboratories that provided information on their accreditation status were accredited, for a median duration of 6 years. In accordance with national guidelines, 77% used nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for acute CT infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The long duration since Ct diagnostics have been performed and laboratories have been accredited can be seen as an indication of the high diagnostic quality of German laboratories. Additionally, laboratories mostly serviced doctors and patients from a large region and are not representative for people living in the area where the lab is located. This has to be considered when sampling representative labs for CT sentinel surveillance and further epidemiological studies.

Comparison of six crossbred lamb types: sensory, physical and nutritional meat quality characteristics

The effect of crossbreeding on lamb meat quality was examined on the M. longissimus dorsi and M. semimembranosus of South African lamb breed combinations. The lambs were sired by Dormer (D) and Suffolk (S) rams and born to Merino (M), Dohne Merino (DM) and SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) ewes to give six breed combinations. Ratings of sensory attributes on the M. semimembranosus of the different lamb breed combinations were obtained from a trained descriptive panel. The moisture, total lipids, protein, ash, mineral content and fatty acid composition of the M. semimembranosus were also obtained. Physical parameters measured on the M. longissimus dorsi were: pH(48), drip loss, cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS). Breed did not have a significant effect (P>0.05) on the sensory quality of lamb, except for D×SAMM lambs which only showed a significantly higher (P⩽0.05) initial juiciness compared to S×M. However, breed had a significant effect on pH(48), WBS, protein content and the fatty acid and mineral composition.