Post-transcriptional splicing can occur in a slow-moving zone around the gene

Splicing is the stepwise molecular process by which introns are removed from pre-mRNA and exons are joined together to form mature mRNA sequences. The ordering and spatial distribution of these steps remain controversial, with opposing models suggesting splicing occurs either during or after transcription. We used single-molecule RNA FISH, expansion microscopy, and live-cell imaging to reveal the spatiotemporal distribution of nascent transcripts in mammalian cells. At super-resolution levels, we found that pre-mRNA formed clouds around the transcription site. These clouds indicate the existence of a transcription-site-proximal zone through which RNA move more slowly than in the nucleoplasm. Full-length pre-mRNA undergo continuous splicing as they move through this zone following transcription, suggesting a model in which splicing can occur post-transcriptionally but still within the proximity of the transcription site, thus seeming co-transcriptional by most assays. These results may unify conflicting reports of co-transcriptional versus post-transcriptional splicing.

[Equine anaplasmosis and equine piroplasmosis in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - previously anecdotal, now relevant?]

INTRODUCTION

Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) and equine piroplasmosis (EP) are triggered by tick-borne pathogens - the intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the intracellular protozoa Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. These pathogens attack cells in the blood stream and cause similar clinical symptoms and changes in laboratory values. Although the treatment principles are naturally different, similarities in prophylaxis exists due to the transmission route. Tick transmitted pathogens can play a greater role in equine medicine in the future due to various factors, such as the tendency of relevant tick species to spread, but also the increasing import and travel activities of and with pets (both in the context of sporting events and as a leisure activity). While EGA is endemic in Central Europe, EP is a sporadic disease in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. However, EP must be viewed as underdiagnosed, as horses persistently infected with T. equi are also repeatedly detected in Central Europe. These diseases should be considered in horses with a fever and corresponding laboratory changes. Available diagnostic tests are direct pathogen detection by blood smear or PCR, and, indirect antibody detection, which is considered to be highly sensitive and (as a competitive ELISA) also very specific. Acute infections can be detected with PCR, serology is more suitable for chronic infections. A pathogen-free condition after treatment can be demonstrated with decreasing antibody titers in combination with repeated PCR tests. In addition, clinically healthy horses infected with T. equi should be identified by antibody detection and appropriate preventative transmission measures must be initiated. The prophylaxis of tick bites in horses is difficult due to the high exposure, and long-term tick bite prevention can hardly be guaranteed. Monitoring of tick activity and strict measures to prevent the spread of the pathogen within the tick population are therefore of great importance.

Current production by non-methanotrophic bacteria enriched from an anaerobic methane-oxidizing microbial community

In recent years, the externalization of electrons as part of respiratory metabolic processes has been discovered in many different bacteria and some archaea. Microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) plays an important role in many anoxic natural or engineered ecosystems. In this study, an anaerobic methane-converting microbial community was investigated with regard to its potential to perform EET. At this point, it is not well-known if or how EET confers a competitive advantage to certain species in methane-converting communities. EET was investigated in a two-chamber electrochemical system, sparged with methane and with an applied potential of +400 mV versus standard hydrogen electrode. A biofilm developed on the working electrode and stable low-density current was produced, confirming that EET indeed did occur. The appearance and presence of redox centers at −140 to −160 mV and at −230 mV in the biofilm was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry scans. Metagenomic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization of the biofilm showed that the anaerobic methanotroph ‘Candidatus Methanoperedens BLZ2’ was a significant member of the biofilm community, but its relative abundance did not increase compared to the inoculum. On the contrary, the relative abundance of other members of the microbial community significantly increased (up to 720-fold, 7.2% of mapped reads), placing these microorganisms among the dominant species in the bioanode community. This group included Zoogloea sp., Dechloromonas sp., two members of the Bacteroidetes phylum, and the spirochete Leptonema sp. Genes encoding proteins putatively involved in EET were identified in Zoogloea sp., Dechloromonas sp. and one member of the Bacteroidetes phylum. We suggest that instead of methane, alternative carbon sources such as acetate were the substrate for EET. Hence, EET in a methane-driven chemolithoautotrophic microbial community seems a complex process in which interactions within the microbial community are driving extracellular electron transfer to the electrode.

ICH3, a selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, modulates adipocyte inflammation associated with obesity

PURPOSE

The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), involved in the modulation of inflammation and insulin sensitivity, is downregulated in white adipose tissue (WAT) of obese patients. This study aims to test the ability of a selective synthetic α7nAChR agonist, the spirocyclic Δ²-isoxazoline derivative (R)-(-)-ICH3 (ICH3), to counteract acute inflammation and obesity-associated modifications in WAT.

METHODS

We employed the LPS-septic shock murine model, human primary adipocytes and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Inflammatory factor expression was assessed by ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR. Flow cytometry was employed to define WAT inflammatory infiltrate. Insulin signaling was monitored by quantification of AKT phosphorylation.

RESULTS

In the septic shock model, ICH3 revealed antipyretic action and reduced the surge of circulating cytokines. In vitro, ICH3 stimulation (10 µM) preserved viability of human adipocytes, decreased IL-6 mRNA (P < 0.05) and blunted LPS-induced peak of TNFα (P < 0.05) and IL-6 (P < 0.01). Chronic administration of ICH3 to DIO mice was associated with lower numbers of CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05) and to changed WAT expression of inflammatory factors (Hp, P < 0.05; CD301/MGL1, P < 0.01; Arg-1, P < 0.05). As compared to untreated, ICH3 DIO mice exhibited improved insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle (P < 0.01) mirrored by an improved response to glucose load (ipGTT: P < 0.05 at 120 min).

CONCLUSIONS

We proved that ICH3 is an anti-inflammatory drug, able to reduce inflammatory cytokines in human adipocytes and to blunt the effects of obesity on WAT inflammatory profile, on glucose tolerance and on tissue insulin sensitivity.

Nursing Education Intervention Effects on Pain Intensity of Nursing Home Residents with Different Levels of Cognitive Impairment: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Pain management in nursing homes is challenging and pain prevalence remains high. The objective of this study was to improve the pain situation of nursing home residents following a nursing-related educational intervention within a cluster-randomized controlled trial (2016-2018).

PARTICIPANTS

Clusters were nursing homes from one nursing home operator in Bavaria, Germany. Nursing home residents who were permanently registered in the facilities, at least 60 years of age, and who themselves or their legal guardians provided informed consent were included.

INTERVENTION

In addition to the implementation of pain nurses and pain care assistants, staff of the intervention group received an educational intervention in pain management, containing classroom (quality circles) and web-based training for nurses.

METHODS

Based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), residents were either interviewed (MMSE 10-30) using self-report instruments or observed (MMSE 0-9) by proxy assessment. The primary outcome in residents able to self-report was maximum pain intensity according to Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); in those not able to self-report treatment-relevant pain above cut-off (≥2) on the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD).

RESULTS

Out of 20 randomly selected clusters, 9 nursing homes from the control, and 6 nursing homes from the intervention group participated. Multilevel linear (n=347 residents, MMSE 10-30) and logistic regression (n=222 residents, MMSE 0-9) analyses were conducted. Maximum pain intensity was higher after intervention (B=1.32, p<0.01), decreased with a better quality of life (B=-0.07, p<0.001), and was lower when dementia diagnoses were present (B=-1.12, p<0.01). PAINAD scores before and after intervention did not differ significantly (OR=0.89, p=0.724), but chances to exhibit treatment-related pain were higher with decreasing MMSE (OR=0.94, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

While no significant positive intervention effect was measured, findings suggest nurses' raised awareness towards pain management. Overall results indicate that large-scale educational interventions seem to be less effective in complex nursing home settings without also including specific individual-based intervention measures.

Improvement of AOAC Official Method 984.27 for the Determination of Nine Nutritional Elements in Food Products by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy After Microwave Digestion: Single-Laboratory Validation and Ring Trial

A single-laboratory validation (SLV) and a ring trial (RT) were undertaken to determine nine nutritional elements in food products by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy in order to improve and update AOAC Official Method 984.27. The improvements involved optimized microwave digestion, selected analytical lines, internal standardization, and ion buffering. Simultaneous determination of nine elements (calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc) was made in food products. Sample digestion was performed through wet digestion of food samples by microwave technology with either closed or open vessel systems. Validation was performed to characterize the method for selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, ruggedness, and uncertainty. The robustness and efficiency of this method was proved through a successful internal RT using experienced food industry laboratories. Performance characteristics are reported for 13 certified and in-house reference materials, populating the AOAC triangle food sectors, which fulfilled AOAC criteria and recommendations for accuracy (trueness, recovery, and z-scores) and precision (repeatability and reproducibility RSD and HorRat values) regarding SLV and RT. This multielemental method is cost-efficient, time-saving, accurate, and fit-for-purpose according to ISO 17025 Norm and AOAC acceptability criteria, and is proposed as an improved version of AOAC Official Method 984.27 for fortified food products, including infant formula.

Rituximab in routine care of severe active rheumatoid arthritis : A prospective, non-interventional study in Germany

OBJECTIVE

To assess safety, effectiveness and onset of effect of rituximab (RTX) in routine clinical treatment of severe, active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Prospective, multi-centre, non-interventional study in rheumatological outpatient clinics or private practices in Germany. RTX-naïve adult patients were to receive RTX according to marketing authorisation and at their physician's discretion. Also according to their physician's discretion, patients could receive a second cycle of RTX (re-treatment = treatment continuation). Major outcome was the change in Disease Activity Score based on 28-joints count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) over 24 weeks and during 6 months of re-treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, 1653 patients received at least one cycle RTX; 99.2% of these had received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) pre-treatment and 75.5% anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF)‑α pre-treatment. After a mean interval of 8.0 months, 820 patients received RTX re-treatment. Mean DAS28-ESR decreased from 5.3 at baseline to 3.8 after 24 weeks (-1.5 [95% confidence interval, CI: -1.6; -1.4]), and from 4.1 at start of cycle 2 to 3.5 at study end (change from baseline: -1.8 [95% CI: -2.0; -1.7]). Improvements in DAS28-ESR and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score occurred mainly during the first 12 weeks of RTX treatment, with further DAS28-ESR improvement until week 24 or month 6 of re-treatment. Improvements in DAS28-ESR and EULAR responses were more pronounced in seropositive patients. RF was a predictor of DAS28-ESR change to study end. Safety analysis showed the established profile of RTX.

CONCLUSION

RTX was safe and effective in a real-life setting with rapid and sustained improvement in RA signs and symptoms.

Transmission of hepatitis E virus by water: An issue still pending in industrialized countries

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an enteric virus divided into eight genotypes. Genotype 1 (G1) and G2 are specific to humans; G3, G4 and G7 are zoonotic genotypes infecting humans and animals. Transmission to humans through water has been demonstrated for G1 and G2, mainly in developing countries, but is only suspected for the zoonotic genotypes. Thus, the water-related HEV hazard may be due to human and animal faeces. The high HEV genetic variability allows considering the presence in wastewater of not only different genotypes, but also quasispecies adding even greater diversity. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that HEV particles may be either quasi-enveloped or non-enveloped, potentially implying differential viral behaviours in the environment. The presence of HEV has been demonstrated at the different stages of the water cycle all over the world, especially for HEV G3 in Europe and the USA. Concerning HEV survival in water, the virus does not have higher resistance to inactivating factors (heat, UV, chlorine, physical removal), compared to viral indicators (MS2 phage) or other highly resistant enteric viruses (Hepatitis A virus). But the studies did not take into account genetic (genogroups, quasispecies) or structural (quasi- or non-enveloped forms) HEV variability. Viral variability could indeed modify HEV persistence in water by influencing its interaction with the environment, its infectivity and its pathogenicity, and subsequently its transmission by water. The cell culture methods used to study HEV survival still have drawbacks (challenging virus cultivation, time consuming, lack of sensitivity). As explained in the present review, the issue of HEV transmission to humans through water is similar to that of other enteric viruses because of their similar or lower survival. HEV transmission to animals through water and how the virus variability affects its survival and transmission remain to be investigated.

Performance of genotypic algorithms for predicting tropism for HIV-1 CRF01_AE recombinant

OBJECTIVES

There is no consensus about the performances of genotypic rules for predicting HIV-1 non-B subtype tropism. Three genotypic methods were compared for CRF01_AE HIV-1 tropism determination.

METHODS

The V3 env region of 207 HIV-1 CRF01_AE and 178 B subtypes from 17 centers in France and 1 center in Switzerland was sequenced. Tropism was determined by Geno2Pheno algorithm with false positive rate (FPR) 5% or 10%, the 11/25 rule or the combined criteria of the 11/25, net charge rule and NXT/S mutations.

RESULTS

Overall, 72.5%, 59.4%, 86.0%, 90.8% of the 207 HIV-1 CRF01_AE were R5-tropic viruses determined by Geno2pheno FPR5%, Geno2pheno FPR10%, the combined criteria and the 11/25 rule, respectively. A concordance of 82.6% was observed between Geno2pheno FPR5% and the combined criteria for CRF01_AE. The results were nearly similar for the comparison between Geno2pheno FPR5% and the 11/25 rule. More mismatches were observed when Geno2pheno was used with the FPR10%. Neither HIV viral load, nor current or nadir CD4 was associated with the discordance rate between the different algorithms.

CONCLUSION

Geno2pheno predicted more X4-tropic viruses for this set of CRF01_AE sequences than the combined criteria or the 11/25 rule alone. For a conservative approach, Geno2pheno FPR5% seems to be a good compromise to predict CRF01_AE tropism.

Abstract 2578: Investigating the role of mutant p53 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by a high rate of metastasis, limited therapeutic options, and a poor prognosis. However, there is limited information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the metastatic properties of ESCC. p53 is one of the most commonly mutated genes in ESCC, and our group has shown that esophageal cells lines expressing a mutation in human p53 shows signs of malignancy and increased invasion in 3D organotypic culture. A mouse model of mutant p53 (R172H) in ESCC is lacking in the field. To elucidate the role of mutant p53 in ESCC we developed a novel mouse model utilizing a genetic and carcinogenic approach. L2cre;p53-/- and p53R172H/- mice were generated and treated with 4NQO in their drinking water for 16 weeks, which resulted in the development of ESCC. Compared to wildtype mice, p53R172H/- mice and p53-/- mice exhibited a decreased tumor latency time, increased tumor frequency and a more severe tumor diagnosis. However, p53R172H/- mice and p53-/- mice displayed similar tumorigenic properties. RNA-seq was performed on cell lines established from wildtype and p53 mouse models and reveled different gene expression profiles between wildtype, p53R172H/-, and p53-/- cells. p53R172H/- cells displayed an increase in mesenchymal and decrease in epithelial marker expression, supporting the idea that they are undergoing EMT. In addition, several endocytic recycling related genes, including Rab11-fip1, Rab25, and Myo5b were downregulated in mutant and null p53 compared to wildtype cells. Further examination of the differing genetic profiles in our mouse models can provide novel insight into the role of mutant p53 in ESCC tumorigenesis and lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets.

Citation Format: Ashley Lento, Apple Long, Veronique Giroux, Qiaosi Tang, Morgan Sammons, Andres Klein-Szanto, Shelly Berger, Anil Rustgi. Investigating the role of mutant p53 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2578. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2578

Actively evolving subglacial conduits and eskers initiate ice shelf channels at an Antarctic grounding line

Ice-shelf channels are long curvilinear tracts of thin ice found on Antarctic ice shelves. Many of them originate near the grounding line, but their formation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we use ice-penetrating radar data from Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf, East Antarctica, to infer that the morphology of several ice-shelf channels is seeded upstream of the grounding line by large basal obstacles indenting the ice from below. We interpret each obstacle as an esker ridge formed from sediments deposited by subglacial water conduits, and calculate that the eskers' size grows towards the grounding line where deposition rates are maximum. Relict features on the shelf indicate that these linked systems of subglacial conduits and ice-shelf channels have been changing over the past few centuries. Because ice-shelf channels are loci where intense melting occurs to thin an ice shelf, these findings expose a novel link between subglacial drainage, sedimentation and ice-shelf stability.

Early Conversion to Prednisolone/Everolimus as an Alternative Weaning Regimen Associates With Beneficial Renal Transplant Histology and Function: The Randomized-Controlled MECANO Trial

In renal transplantation, use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) is associated with nephrotoxicity and immunosuppression with malignancies and infections. This trial aimed to minimize CNI exposure and total immunosuppression while maintaining efficacy. We performed a randomized controlled, open-label multicenter trial with early cyclosporine A (CsA) elimination. Patients started with basiliximab, prednisolone (P), mycophenolate sodium (MPS), and CsA. At 6 months, immunosuppression was tapered to P/CsA, P/MPS, or P/everolimus (EVL). Primary outcomes were renal fibrosis and inflammation. Secondary outcomes were estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and incidence of rejection at 24 months. The P/MPS arm was prematurely halted. The trial continued with P/CsA (N = 89) and P/EVL (N = 96). Interstitial fibrosis and inflammation were significantly decreased and the eGFR was significantly higher in the P/EVL arm. Cumulative rejection rates were 13% (P/EVL) and 19% (P/CsA), (p = 0.08). A post hoc analysis of HLA and donor-specific antibodies at 1 year after transplantation revealed no differences. An individualized immunosuppressive strategy of early CNI elimination to dual therapy with everolimus was associated with decreased allograft fibrosis, preserved allograft function, and good efficacy, but also with more serious adverse events and discontinuation. This can be a valuable alternative regimen in patients suffering from CNI toxicity.

Zur Struktur des Enols von Benzoylaceton / On the Structure of the Enol of Benzoylacetone

A low temperature X-ray study of the enol of benzoylacetone indicates fixed positions of the C and O atoms within the enolic ring system and an extensive bond delocalisation over these atoms. The distribution of electron density between the two oxygen atoms shows that the enolic hydrogen is spread over a wide range. This is in accordance with a structural model proposed by de la Vega, whereupon the C and O atoms are kept fixed in their average positions during a tunneling process of the hydrogen between the two oxygen atoms. With this conception, the chemical shifts in the 17O and 13C NMR spectra, the 13C13C spin coupling constants and the temperature independance of these values can be explained.

Interactions and competition processes among tree species in young experimental mixed forests, assessed with chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf morphology

Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) and leaf morphology were assessed in two sites in Europe (Kaltenborn, Germany, and Satakunta, Finland) within a forest diversity experiment. Trees at Satakunta, planted in 1999, form a stratified canopy, while in Kaltenborn the trees are 7 years old, with no apparent canopy connection among broadleaf species. The following ChlF parameters from measured OJIP transient curves were examined: F(V)/F(M) (a proxy for maximum quantum yield); ΨEo (a proxy for efficiency in transferring an electron from reduced QA to the electron transport chain); I-P phase (a proxy for efficiency of reducing final acceptors beyond PSI); and PItot (total performance index for potential energy conservation from photons absorbed by PSII to reduction of PSI end acceptors). At Satakunta F(V)/F(M) and ΨEo in Betula pendula were higher in monocultures and lower in mixed plots, perhaps due to increasing light availability in mixed plots, which can induce photoinhibition. The opposite trend was observed in Picea abies, which was shaded in mixed plots. At Kaltenborn F(V)/F(M) decreased in Fagus sylvatica and P. abies in mixed plots due to competition both above- and belowground. At Satakunta LMA increased in B. pendula leaves with increasing species richness. Leaf area of ten leaves was reduced in F. sylvatica in mixed plots at Kaltenborn. By up-scaling the overall fluorescence response to plot level (PItot_plot ), a significant positive correlation with tree diversity was found at Kaltenborn, but not at Satakunta. This could suggest that competition/facilitation processes in mixed stands play a significant role in the early stages of forest establishment, but then tend to be compensated in more mature stands.

[Patient satisfaction in oncological aftercare--differential results of gender aspects in doctor-patient dyads]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of gender of the physician and gender of the patient in explaining differences in patient satisfaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Overall, 1,130 patients were assigned to one of 4 possible physician-patient sex dyads and were interviewed with a questionnaire about their patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Female patients in a dyad with a female physician were most satisfied with the overall judgment of practice visit and the inclusion of life situation in comparison to all other dyads. Male patients in a dyad with a male physician were least satisfied.

CONCLUSION

In the future, the specific role of patient-physician dyads has to be considered more in the assessment of subdimensions of patient satisfaction.

Patient participation in the medical decision-making process in haemato-oncology--a qualitative study

Cancer patients are showing increased interest in shared decision-making. Patients with haematological illnesses, however, express considerably less desire for shared decision-making as compared with other oncological patient groups. The goal of the current project was to identify the reasons for the lower desire for shared decision-making among patients with haematological illness. We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 11 haematological patients (39-70 years old) after the beginning of therapy concerning the course and evaluation of medical shared decision-making. The patients were often overwhelmed by the complexity of the illness and the therapy and did not want to assume any responsibility in medical decision-making. They reported a great deal of distress and very traditional paternalistic role expectations with regards to their health care providers, which limited the patients' ability to partake in the decision-making process. In contrast to the socio-cultural support for many other oncological diseases, haematological diseases are not as well supported, e.g. there is a lack of self-help materials, systematic provision of information and support groups for patients, which may be related to a lower empowerment of this patient population. Results show the limits of patient participation in the context of highly complicated medical conditions. In addition to already researched preferences of the physicians and patients for shared decision-making, future research should pay greater attention to the process and other variables relevant to this aspect of the doctor-patient relationship.

Insular dysfunction and descending pain inhibition in anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

Reduced perception of pain is a well-established phenomenon in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). We tested the hypothesis that altered processing of pain within the insula might account for reduced perception of pain.

METHOD

Heat pain thresholds were obtained in nineteen patients with AN and matched controls. Thereafter, a thermode was used to deliver thermal painful stimuli to the right arm during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurements. Stimuli were initiated for 10 s from a baseline resting temperature (32°C) to three different levels (37, 42, 45°C).

RESULTS

Significantly increased heat pain thresholds were observed in patients. A stronger activation during heat pain perception was found in the left posterior insula in controls. In contrast, higher levels of activity were shown in the ipsilateral pons in patients when compared to controls. In patients, we found a significant interrelation between the depression score (Beck depression inventory) and heat pain activations.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that reduced activity in the left posterior insula might contribute to increased pain thresholds in patients, while increased activations in the right anterior insula and pons mirror augmented sympathetic modulation putatively related to amplification of adrenergic descending pain inhibition. In addition, pain thresholds and brain activations were influenced by disease-inherent depressed mood.

Biologically based strategies to augment rotator cuff tears

Lesions of the rotator cuff (RC) are among the most frequent tendon injuries. In spite of the developments in both open and arthroscopic surgery, RC repair still very often fails. In order to reduce the failure rate after surgery, several experimental in vitro and in vivo therapy methods have been developed for biological improvement of the reinsertion. This article provides an overview of the current evidence for augmentation of RC reconstruction with growth factors. Furthermore, potential future therapeutic approaches are discussed. We performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed database using various combinations of the keywords “tendon,” “rotator cuff,” “augmentation,” “growth factor,” “platelet-rich fibrin,” and “platelet-rich plasma” for publications up to 2011. Given the linguistic capabilities of the research team, we considered publications in English, German, French, and Spanish. We excluded literature reviews, case reports, and letters to the editor.

Geometric phase and nonadiabatic effects in an electronic harmonic oscillator

Steering a quantum harmonic oscillator state along cyclic trajectories leads to a path-dependent geometric phase. Here we describe its experimental observation in an electronic harmonic oscillator. We use a superconducting qubit as a nonlinear probe of the phase, which is otherwise unobservable due to the linearity of the oscillator. We show that the geometric phase is, for a variety of cyclic paths, proportional to the area enclosed in the quadrature plane. At the transition to the nonadiabatic regime, we study corrections to the phase and dephasing of the qubit caused by qubit-resonator entanglement. In particular, we identify parameters for which this dephasing mechanism is negligible even in the nonadiabatic regime. The demonstrated controllability makes our system a versatile tool to study geometric phases in open quantum systems and to investigate their potential for quantum information processing.

[Traumatic brain injury in children]

The general practitioner has an important role in the acute management and during the rehabilitation process of children after a traumatic head injury. Latest research shows that sequelae may occur even after a mild head injury without loss of consciousness. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms after a head injury allows the general practitioner to counsel the child and parents in secondary prevention, particularly in order to avoid any further head injury during the recovery phase. Under the supervision of the general practitioner, a gradual progressive return to the child's everyday activities optimizes the chances of a rapid and complete recovery.