Integrative phylogenetic, phylogeographic and morphological characterisation of the Unio crassus species complex reveals cryptic diversity with important conservation implications

The global decline of freshwater mussels and their crucial ecological services highlight the need to understand their phylogeny, phylogeography and patterns of genetic diversity to guide conservation efforts. Such knowledge is urgently needed for Unio crassus, a highly imperilled species originally widespread throughout Europe and southwest Asia. Recent studies have resurrected several species from synonymy based on mitochondrial data, revealing U. crassus to be a complex of cryptic species. To address long-standing taxonomic uncertainties hindering effective conservation, we integrate morphometric, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic analyses to examine species diversity within the U. crassus complex across its entire range. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (815 specimens from 182 populations) and, for selected specimens, whole mitogenome sequences and Anchored Hybrid Enrichment (AHE) data on ∼ 600 nuclear loci. Mito-nuclear discordance was detected, consistent with mitochondrial DNA gene flow between some species during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Fossil-calibrated phylogenies based on AHE data support a Mediterranean origin for the U. crassus complex in the Early Miocene. The results of our integrative approach support 12 species in the group: the previously recognised Unio bruguierianus, Unio carneus, Unio crassus, Unio damascensis, Unio ionicus, Unio sesirmensis, and Unio tumidiformis, and the reinstatement of five nominal taxa: Unio desectusstat. rev., Unio gontieriistat. rev., Unio mardinensisstat. rev., Unio nanusstat. rev., and Unio vicariusstat. rev. Morphometric analyses of shell contours reveal important morphospace overlaps among these species, highlighting cryptic, but geographically structured, diversity. The distribution, taxonomy, phylogeography, and conservation of each species are succinctly described.

[Traumatology-an interdisciplinary task: exclusively for educational purposes?]

BACKGROUND

Traumatology of the head and neck region is not only a part of otorhinolaryngology, but also has a large overlap with neighboring disciplines of the head and neck region. In Freiburg, an interdisciplinary lecture on "ENT emergencies" was implemented in the 21/22 winter semester. The aim was to provide an even more realistic view on interdisciplinary patient care and to make evident the areas of intersection of four of the major head disciplines (otorhinolaryngology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and maxillofacial surgery).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A new, special lecture in otorhinolaryngology was implemented as part of the regular online lecture series accompanying the semester. With reference to the clinical care of ENT emergencies, possible overlaps with neighboring disciplines were identified and explained by the discipline representatives or discussed in front of and with the auditorium. At the end of the semester, all participating students (n = 173) were invited to evaluate the seminar using the survey tool "EvaSys" (EvaSys GmbH, Lüneburg, Germany). In total, 78 students participated in the evaluation process.

RESULTS

The new lecture concept was very well accepted and immediately ranked top among the interdisciplinary lecture titles within the ENT lecture series. The clear communication of the term "interdisciplinarity" in the sense of a complementary clinical cooperation was also very successful and was appreciated accordingly by students during the evaluation process.

CONCLUSION

Pragmatic presentation of ideal clinical patient care using an interdisciplinary approach is possible within the regular ENT lecture series. This realistic portrayal, beyond any technical and/or professional differences, is of great interest to students and is considered clinically relevant. Thus, interdisciplinary lectures provide a valuable tool to teach the fundamental values of clinical interdisciplinary management for the best possible patient care.

Evaluation of activity meters for estrus detection: A stochastic bioeconomic modeling approach

Although estrus detection makes a relevant contribution to the reproductive performance of dairy cattle, studies on the economic evaluation of automatic estrus detection systems are rare. The objective of the present study is to provide an economic evaluation of activity meters used for estrus detection. The effect of different estrus detection rates on gross margins was modeled with SimHerd (SimHerd A/S, Viborg, Denmark). The analysis considers all costs associated with the investment in activity meters. The economic evaluation was carried out through simulation of Simmental herds with yearly milk yields of 7,000 or 9,000 kg and Holstein Friesian herds with yearly milk yields of 9,000 or 11,000 kg, each with herd sizes of 70 or 210 cows. Furthermore, we distinguished between 2 investment scenarios. In scenario 1, only cows are equipped with activity meters for estrus detection, whereas scenario 2 assumes that cows and heifers are equipped with activity meters. Because existing empirical information for some variables shows significant variability (estrus detection rates, time for estrus detection), they were modeled with distributions using the Monte Carlo method in @RISK (Palisade Corporation, Ithaca, NY), allowing us to model a probability distribution of net returns (NR) of investment in activity meters for estrus detection. The simulation results show that the average NR of investment in activity meters for estrus detection over all scenarios ranges from +€7 to +€40 per cow per year for the Simmental breed, and from +€19 to +€46 per cow per year for the Holstein Friesian breed. Generally, the NR depends on the milk production level assumed. For the Simmental breed, depending on the scenario, the simulation results show a 54 to 200% larger average NR of investment in activity meters for estrus detection with a milk yield of 9,000 kg/yr compared with 7,000 kg/yr. For the Holstein Friesian breed, the effect of the modeled milk yield on the NR is much less pronounced. Average NR of investment in activity meters are greater for larger herd sizes because of cost degression effects. An additional equipping of heifers has, on average, a positive effect on the economics of activity meters for estrus detection because of the resulting reduction in the age at first calving. Considering all scenarios, the probability of a positive NR of investment in activity meters ranges between 74 and 98% for the Simmental breed and between 85 and 99% for the Holstein Friesian breed.

Novel methods for the assessment of safety pharmacology and toxicology parameters in anesthetized and ventilated dogs receiving inhaled drugs

INTRODUCTION

For nonclinical drug development, it is optimal if safety pharmacology and toxicology studies are performed in a model that reasonably represents the patient the drug is intended to treat. To simulate prolonged inhalation therapy in ventilated patients, GLP inhalation toxicology methods, including safety pharmacology endpoints, in anesthetized, intubated and mechanically ventilated dogs were developed. This model required establishment of a canine intensive care unit (ICU) capable of providing prolonged anesthesia (propofol infusion and morphine titration) and partial parenteral nutrition (dextrose, amino acids and lipids) while safety parameters were monitored.

METHOD

Telemetry was used to continuously monitor heart rate, ECG and blood pressure. Blood gas parameters were periodically measured while oxygen saturation and core temperature were reported continuously. Glucose was measured hourly while other standard clinical pathology (hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry) samples were evaluated approximately every 12 h. Aerosols were administered continuously over 48 h by inhalation using a mesh nebulizer (Aerogen Solo) fed by a syringe pump into a humidified circuit of a critical care ventilator (LTV® 1000) ending in an endotracheal tube placed in the trachea. Animals were ventilated with pressure control ventilation targeting a respiratory minute volume of 2.0-3.5 l per minute (LPM). Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was maintained between 10 and 17 cm H₂O and inspiratory time was set to 1 s with an inspiratory:expiratory (I:E) ratio of 1:2. Ventilator parameters and anesthesia were adjusted to maintain normal PaCO₂ levels and adequate sedation, respectively. Novel methods were developed to determine dose and particle size in vitro as on-line measurements were not feasible during in vivo aerosol delivery.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Acceptable baseline measurements were established for all parameters over the 48-h evaluation period, qualifying the method as appropriate for assessment of GLP safety pharmacology and toxicology studies.

C-Halide bond cleavage by a two-coordinate iron(i) complex

The two-coordinate iron(i) complex [Fe^I(N(SiMe₃)₂)₂]⁻ is highly efficient in the cleavage of C-halide bonds.

Examination of the recommended safe and unsafe zone for placement of surgical instruments in thoracentesis and video-assisted thoracic surgery: a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

Thoracentesis and video-assisted thoracic surgery procedures can result in haemorrhage as a consequence of severing the collateral branches of the posterior intercostal artery. These branches have been shown to be most common in the 5th intercostal space (ICS). Tortuosity has been shown to be especially prevalent nearer to midline. A group of investigators have recommended the 4th and 7th ICS, 120 mm lateral to midline as a safe zone, least likely to hit branches when cutting into the ICS. The present study aimed to investigate that safe zone as a better entry points for procedures. In addition, investigation of the least safe 5th ICS was also performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 56 embalmed human cadavers were selected for the study. With the cadavers laid prone, 2 cm incisions were made at the 4th, 5th and 7th ICS, 120 mm lateral to midline bilaterally. The cadavers were then placed supine and the incisions were dissected. Careful attention was paid to identify if any collateral branches were cut.

RESULTS

After thorough dissection of the 4th, 5th and 7th ICS incision sites, it was shown that damage to the 5th intercostal was seen most frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this cadaveric study, a 2 cm incision at the 4th, 5th and 7th ICS 120 mm lateral from midline resulted in the most damage at the level of the 5th ICS. The 4th ICS had the least damage seen. Therefore, it is recommended that insertion should be placed at the level of the 4th ICS bilaterally.

Conducting and Superconducting Salts Based on Some Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Donors

Conducting and superconducting salts based on bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene, ehtylenedithioselenatrithiafulvalene, ethylenedioxyethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene, and ethylenedioxyvinylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene were prepared and studied.

[Nuchal swelling]

In the unusual case of a 68-year-old woman with one-sided painless lateral neck swelling, the ENT examination showed a firm nuchal mass (4 × 4 cm) on the right side with no other pathological findings. Angio-MRI confirmed a solid, sharply demarcated tumor with arterial hyperperfusion. Core needle aspiration biopsy was performed, revealing well-circumscribed tufts showing the typical "cannonball" aspect. After preoperative embolisation we performed extirpation of the mass. Histological examination showed an acquired tufted angioma. Clinical as well as radiological follow-up examination detected neither local relapse nor metastases.

One year after ART initiation: psychosocial factors associated with stigma among HIV-positive Mozambicans

The pathways through which stigma is associated with psychological distress remains understudied in Africa. This study evaluates stigma among 277 Mozambicans who were on an antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens for a full year. Using bivariate and multiple regression analyses, we examine psychosocial factors (disclosure decisions, perceived social support, and depression) associated with stigma, at ART initiation and 1 year later. We found 1 year after initiating ART, participants reported no change in stigma, a decrease in perceived social support, and an increase in depressive symptomology. Disclosing HIV status to friends (versus family or partner) was associated with lower levels of stigma. These findings suggest that HIV care in comparable settings should include counselling, support groups, and peer support, that includes stigma and disclosure concerns prior to and during the first year following diagnosis. Most importantly, assessment and treatment of depression should be incorporated into ongoing HIV care.

[Value and utility of minimal-invasive automatic cutting-needle biopsy as a diagnostic technique in the head and neck]

BACKGROUND

Lymphadenopathies and unclear masses in the head and neck often require tissue sampling to establish a diagnosis and to guide therapy. Open biopsy and lymph node excision is invasive and may entail general anaesthesia. Fine needle aspiration cytology is minimal-invasive and widely used but includes a high rate of non diagnostic samples and false negative results. Cutting needle biopsy is an established technique outside the head and neck but has found little attention among otorhinolaryngologists up to now.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 2003 and May 2007 we performed a total of 307 cutting-needle biopsies in 143 patients with unclear cervicofacial masses, using side-notch-needles with a diameter of 12-16 Gauge.

RESULTS

High-quality tissue cores without crushing artefacts for histopathological studies were obtained without complications from all patients. The target tissue was obtained in 132 of 143 patients, in these cases the sensitivity and accuracy rate for the diagnosis of malignant lesions was 98.9% and 99.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided Cutting-needle biopsy in the head and neck is a safe and reliable biopsy tool with an excellent diagnostic efficacy, which can be performed as an outpatient procedure with low expenditure of time and manpower. Performing the procedure requires substantiated experience in topographic head and neck anatomy as well as sonography of this body region.

[Malignancies arising in sinonasal inverted papillomas]

BACKGROUND

Inverted papillomas are primarily benign neoplasms that occur in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Many aspects of sinonasal inverted papillomas are still controversial and active fields of research. Inverted papillomas generate considerable interest because they are locally aggressive, have a propensity to recur and are associated with malignancy. However, neither the etiology and pathogenesis of these tumors nor the putative role as a precursor to carcinoma and the factors responsible for associated malignancy have been clarified. Whether carcinomas in inverted papillomas arise meta- or synchronous is also still unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective study we reviewed the charts of 93 patients with sinonasal inverted papillomas who were treated at our department between 1990 and 2007. Comparison was made between the group of patients with inverted papillomas and associated squamous cell carcinomas and the group of patients with benign inverted papillomas. We undertook a critical analysis of our results compared with the international medical literature.

RESULTS

Associated malignancy was found in 11 patients (11.8 %). In each one case a metachronous carcinoma with and without recurrent inverted papilloma was diagnosed, the remaining 9 carcinomas were determined to be synchronous malignancies. Our data suggest, that the association between carcinoma and inverted papilloma is indirect and that the gradual progression from inverted papilloma to a malignant neoplasm is if at all infrequent. Male gender, advanced age and recurrent inverted papilloma do not per se present risk factors for the development of associated malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Sinonasal carcinomas arise in about 10 % of patients with inverted papillomas, but the ratio of metachronous carcinomas has possibly been overrated up to now. Nevertheless, regular follow-up investigations after surgical resection of inverted papillomas are mandatory. The assumption, that carcinomas in inverted papillomas are less aggressive than carcinomas alone and the definition of high-risk groups for the development of carcinomas seems hazardous.

Spontane Zungennekrose bei rheumatoidem Hyperviskositätssyndrom. Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht

BACKGROUND

Because the tongue is an organ known for its excellent blood supply, ischaemic lingual necrosis is extremely rare within clinical everyday life. Acute lingual circulatory disturbances can result from impairment of venous drainage or more often from ischaemic arterial occlusion. Due to permanent function loss of the tongue, apparent lingual necrosis may lead to severe mutilation of the patient. While vasculitis of the lingual arteries in temporal arteritis is said to be the most frequent causation of tongue necrosis, diagnosing the underlying disease of lingual ischaemia may sometimes be challenging for the clinician.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present the first reported case of a spontaneous lingual necrosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, due to polyclonal gammopathy with extensive hyperviscosity syndrome and local vasculitis.

RESULTS

Clinical symptoms, diagnosis and therapy of tongue necrosis are presented in a case report. Besides an overview on the disorder of hyperviscosity syndrome, the discussion will illustrate pathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations of lingual ischaemia. The international medical literature is reviewed to summarize the causes of tongue necroses that are described up to now. The particular importance of temporal arteritis Horton for the otolaryngologist in general and for the development of lingual necrosis in particular is highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from the presentation of the first reported case of lingual necrosis in rheumatoid hyperviscosity syndrome, the intention of this article is to draw the clinician's attention on the fundamental aspects of lingual ischaemia and of temporal arteritis.

Usefulness of cutting needle biopsy in recurrent and advanced staged head and neck malignancies in a palliative setting

GOAL OF WORK

Advanced staged and recurrent head and neck malignancies require histological confirmation before planning further treatment. The purpose of this article is to focus on the clinical usefulness of cutting needle biopsies in the head and neck as a minimal invasive procedure to establish a tissue diagnosis in a palliative setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis on 74 core needle biopsies in 32 patients with recurrent and advanced staged head and neck malignancies was performed to determine the advantages of ultrasound-guided cutting needle biopsies compared to open biopsy and fine-needle aspiration cytology in palliative cancer treatment.

MAIN RESULTS

We experienced 100% success in obtaining high-quality histopathologic specimens. In 93.8% of the patients, a tissue core of the target organ was successfully obtained. All of the patients tolerated the procedure well without any minor or major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutting needle biopsy in the head and neck is a safe and minimal-invasive procedure that can be performed in local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. In a palliative setting, it can be recommended as an attractive alternative to both fine needle aspiration and open biopsy. It represents a simple and fast device for obtaining a tissue diagnosis with high diagnostic yield and accuracy and low morbidity.

Observation of soliton fusion in a Josephson array

The behavior of topological solitons in a parallel array of a Josephson junction is studied experimentally. We observe the fusion of two relativistic solitons of the same polarity into a single soliton. The soliton carries two quanta of magnetic flux and, most strikingly, travels 18% faster than an ordinary soliton under the same driving force. We also find a variety of bunched states composed of solitons of the same polarity, moving with fixed separation.

Intrahousehold resource allocation and child growth in Mozambique: an ethnographic case-control study

This study examines the effect of intrahousehold cash income control and decision-making patterns on child growth in the rural town of Sussundenga in Manica Province, Mozambique. A case-control study design was used to examine the influence of men's and women's disaggregated cash incomes on child growth. The research tested whether greater maternal share of household cash income was associated with (1) increased maternal decision-making and bargaining power in the household, and (2) better child growth. Fifty case households, with children 1-4 years old exhibiting poor growth, were matched with 50 control households of similar socioeconomic status in which all children under five demonstrated healthy growth. Data were gathered on gender-specific income generation and expenditure, specific intrahousehold allocation processes, diet, and sociodemographic variables using a formal survey. Key informant interviews, focus groups, and observation over one year provided ethnographic context for the case-control findings. Case-control differences were analyzed using McNemar's test, paired t-test, and conditional logistic regression. In spite of matching households for socioeconomic status, control household incomes were still slightly greater than cases. Male spouse income was also higher among controls while maternal income, and maternal proportion of household income, were not significantly different. Household meat, fish and poultry consumption, and maternal education were significantly greater among control households than cases. Greater maternal share of household income was not associated with greater maternal decision-making around cash. However, mothers must spend what little cash they earn on daily food supplies and usually request additional cash from spouses to cover these costs. There is evidence that if mothers earn enough to cover these socially prescribed costs, they can spend cash for other needs. Above this threshold, women's earnings may confer more bargaining power. The research also revealed a nuclearization of households, attenuation of community bonds of mutual aid, and increasing importance of cash for survival.

The PDZ-interacting domain of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is required for functional expression in the apical plasma membrane

Polarization of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel to the apical plasma membrane in epithelial cells is critical for vectorial chloride transport. Previously, we reported that the C terminus of CFTR constitutes a PDZ-interacting domain that is required for CFTR polarization to the apical plasma membrane and interaction with the PDZ domain-containing protein EBP50 (NHERF). PDZ-interacting domains are typically composed of the C-terminal three to five amino acids, which in CFTR are QDTRL. Our goal was to identify the key amino acid(s) in the PDZ-interacting domain of CFTR with regard to its apical polarization, interaction with EBP50, and ability to mediate transepithelial chloride secretion. Point substitution of the C-terminal leucine (Leu at position 0) with alanine abrogated apical polarization of CFTR, interaction between CFTR and EBP50, efficient expression of CFTR in the apical membrane, and chloride secretion. Point substitution of the threonine (Thr at position -2) with alanine or valine had no effect on the apical polarization of CFTR, but reduced interaction between CFTR and EBP50, efficient expression of CFTR in the apical membrane as well as chloride secretion. By contrast, individual point substitution of the other C-terminal amino acids (Gln at position -4, Asp at position -3 and Arg at position -1) with alanine had no effect on measured parameters. We conclude that the PDZ-interacting domain, in particular the leucine (position 0) and threonine (position -2) residues, are required for the efficient, polarized expression of CFTR in the apical plasma membrane, interaction of CFTR with EBP50, and for the ability of CFTR to mediate chloride secretion. Mutations that delete the C terminus of CFTR may cause cystic fibrosis because CFTR is not polarized, complexed with EBP50, or efficiently expressed in the apical membrane of epithelial cells.

Incorporation of chromium carbenes in a silica matrix by sol-gel processing: application to aminolysis of alkoxycarbene complexes

Chromium carbene complexes have been immobilized in a silica matrix by sol-gel processing based on the polycondensation of (trialkoxy)silylethylphosphane ligands and tetraalkoxysilanes. The microstructure of the material obtained depends on the gelation conditions. In situ gelation of alkoxy- or aminocarbene complexes with tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) affords mesoporous materials with a homogeneous distribution of the metal complex. The metal carbene moiety is accessible for small substrates as demonstrated for the aminolysis of the incorporated methoxy(phenyl)carbene complex which slows down with increasing bulk of the amine.

A caspase inhibitor decreases oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis in bovine endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis is a pathway of cell death orchestrated by a family of proteases called caspases. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is a putative cause of atherogenesis. We examined the effect of oxLDL on endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis and the ability of a caspase antagonist to inhibit oxLDL-induced EC injury.

METHODS

Bovine ECs were plated at a concentration of 5.0 x 10(5) cells/ml and exposed to LDL oxidized by ultraviolet radiation at a concentration of 100 microgram oxLDL/ml for 20 h. Some ECs were pretreated with an irreversible caspase inhibitor (ZVAD). Samples were analyzed histologically. Apoptosis was measured using the Annexin V assay (flow cytometry) which detects phosphatidylserine on plasma membranes and confirmed by TUNEL assay (flow cytometry). Statistical assessments were performed using ANOVA.

RESULTS

ECs treated with LDL were morphologically similar to untreated cells. Cells treated with oxLDL demonstrated cytoplasmic shrinkage, plasma membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and loss of adhesion. These effects were diminished after pretreatment with the caspase inhibitor ZVAD. The Annexin V assay showed: (a) cells exposed to LDL had a 12 +/- 1% apoptosis rate, (b) exposure to oxLDL induced apoptosis in 30 +/- 0.3% of the cells, and (c) pretreatment with the caspase inhibitor ZVAD decreased the oxLDL-induced apoptosis to 16 +/- 1% (P < 0.05). This decrease in apoptosis was also reflected by an increase in the percentage of alive cells from 34 +/- 7% after oxLDL exposure to 55 +/- 6% after apoptosis inhibition with ZVAD. TUNEL assay demonstrated a 2.5-fold reduction in mean fluorescence intensity between cells treated with oxLDL alone and those treated with ZVAD, suggesting a significant decrease in apoptosis in the latter group.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that treatment of bovine ECs with oxLDL induces apoptosis which can be significantly reduced by a specific caspase inhibitor.

Developing a culture of lifelong learning in a library environment

Between 1995 and 1996, the Annette and Irwin Eskind Biomedical Library (EBL) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) radically revised the model of service it provides to the VUMC community. An in-depth training program was developed for librarians, who began to migrate to clinical settings and establish clinical librarianship and information brokerage services beyond the library's walls. To ensure that excellent service would continue within the library, EBL's training program was adapted for library assistants, providing them with access to information about a wide variety of work roles and processes over a four to eight-month training period. Concurrently, customer service areas were reorganized so that any question--whether reference or circulation--could be answered at any of four service points, eliminating the practice of passing customers from person to person between the reference and circulation desks. To provide an incentive for highly trained library assistants to remain at EBL, management and library assistants worked together to redesign the career pathway based on defined stages of achievement, self-directed participation in library-wide projects, and demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning. Education and training were the fundamental principles at the center of all this activity.

Dental CAD/CAM technologies: the optical impression (II)

This article, has explained the principles and characteristics of the optical impression, such as is used in the Cerec dental CAD/CAM system, and discussed the limitations and perspectives for future developments of the technique. Optical methods of measurement are clearly capable of satisfying the basic requirements of a direct CAD/CAM procedure for fabricating restorations for individual teeth. Further improvements in the technique beyond the level that Cerec 2 offers today are conceivable but still in the far future because they require significant improvements of the basic components. These developments can be expected to enhance the accuracy of measurement and ease of operation, as well as permitting the measurement of several teeth at once for the fabrication of fixed partial dentures.

[Grinding precision and accuracy of the fit of Cerec-2 CAD/CIM inlays]

The grinding precision of one Cerec-1 (C1) and one Cerec-2 (C2) CAD/CIM unit each was evaluated using standardized inlay-like (mod) samples (n = 40) of Vita Cerec Mk II porcelain and Dicor MGC glass ceramic. Typical dimensions (B, E, F, H) of the sampleS were measured and the standard deviations (SD) analysed statistically using the F-test. SD of C2-machined sample dimensions were significantly lower using both Vita, B: p < 0.05; E: p < 0.001; F: p < 0.001; H: p < 0.001, and Dicor MGC, B: p < 0.05; E: p < 0.001; F: p < 0.001; H: p < 0.01, than those machined with C1, indicating a strong improvement of grinding precision of C2 compared to C1. Accuracy of fit to human molar cavities of mod inlays machined with C1 (n = 6) and C2 (n = 6) was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope with 100x magnification. The width of the interfacial luting gap was generally lower in C2 inlays (56 +/- 27 microns) than with C1 (84 +/- 38 microns). Significant differences (t-test) were seen in margin sections "cervical line angles above CEJ" (C1 = 124 +/- 44/C2 = 59 +/- 30 microns, p < 0.05), "cervical line angles at CEJ" (C1 = 109 +/- 55/C2 = 67 +/- 27 microns, p < 0.05) and "gingival margin above CEJ" (C1 = 81 +/- 32 microns/C2 = 31 +/- 18 microns, p < 0.05).

[Deinstitutionalization of psychiatric care: the post-war process in developed countries]

The authors pay their attention to the transformation of the psychiatric care which has formed in many industrial countries after the second world war. It concerns namely the deinstitutionalization process together with a development of the community psychiatric care, or the reduction process of the psychiatric bed number simultaneously with a spread of the community mental health facilities. The authors follow these changes namely in Great Britain, USA and Italy. They also discuss some theoretical problems (functions of the community psychiatry, model programs) and compare the positive and negative influences of the changes mentioned above on the society.

Cytoskeleton of living, unstained cells imaged by scanning force microscopy

Subsurface cytoskeletal structure can be visualized in either fixed or living mammalian cells in aqueous medium with approximately 50 nm resolution using the Scanning Force Microscope (SFM). In living cells, changes in cell topography, or subsurface cytoskeleton caused by the introduction of drugs (colchicine) or cross-linking of surface receptors (by antibodies against IgE bound to the IgE receptor) can be followed in time. Contrast in SFM images of cell surfaces result from both topographic features of the cell and from variations in cell surface "stiffness". The SFM is therefore capable of measuring local compliance and stress in living cells, and so should make it possible to map the cytoskeletal forces used to generate cell motions and changes in cell shape.

[Development of psychiatric disability in psychotics and their rehabilitation]

The authors describe the results of a 12-month follow up of a group of patients who had an attack of functional psychosis. They paid attention to their professional work, course of the disease and social sequelae of the disease. The authors assessed also predictors of satisfactory future of professional activities by clinical methods as well as by selected psychological tests. They confirmed the effectiveness of aimed rehabilitation and resocialization care in patients with a chronic course of the disease and with residual postpsychotic symptoms.