Toward an investigation of diversity and cultivation of rye (Secale cereale ssp. cereale L.) in Germany: methodological insights and first results from early modern plant material

Rye (Secale cerealessp.cerealeL.) is a secondary domesticate, considered to have originated asa weed in wheat fields and to have developed traits of domestication by evolving similar physiologicaland morphological characteristics to those of wheat. Although it migrated into Europe as a weedpossessing domestication traits, it became one of the most significant crops grown in large parts ofEurope from the medieval period onward. Within the modern borders of Germany, rye was grownusing at least two divergent cultivation practices: eternal rye monoculture and three-field rotation.The straw of rye was used to produce Wellerhölzer, which are construction components in traditionalhalf-timbered houses that have enabled a desiccated preservation of the plant remains. In order toassess the impact of cultivation practices, local environmental conditions and genetic variation onthe genetic diversification of rye, we seek to integrate well-established archaeobotanical methodswith aDNA sequencing of desiccated plant remains obtained from Wellerhölzer from Germany. Inthe current contribution, we present a proof of concept, based on the analysis of plant remains froma Wellerholz from the Old Town Hall of Göttingen. We use arable weed ecology to reconstructcultivation practices and local environmental conditions and present a phylogenetic analysis basedon targeted loci of the chloroplast and nuclear genome. Our results emphasise that the study ofdesiccated remains of plants from Wellerhölzer offer a unique opportunity for an integration ofarchaeobotanical reconstructions of cultivation practices and local environment and the sequencingof aDNA

Effect of Fe content on atomic and electronic structure of complex oxides Sr Ti,Fe O3 delta

Two series of SrTi1 xFexO3 amp; 948; STFO powders with different Fe content produced by two different methods, solid state reaction or modified Pechini synthesis, have been investigated by soft X ray absorption spectroscopy. The O1s K , Fe2p L2,3 and Ti2p L2,3 absorption spectra of STFO powders were analyzed. Partial substitution of Ti by Fe atoms in SrTiO3 were found to cause asymmetric distortion of TiO6 octahedrons which may violate the cubic symmetry of STFO. It was established that the distortion of TiO6 octahedrons increases with increasing Fe content. The joint analysis of the STFO spectra along with the reference compounds points to the presence mainly of Fe3 states in octahedral environment at small concentration of Fe atoms along with essentially smaller content of Fe4 states in octahedral environment where the latter contribution increases with increasing Fe content. Also a presence of Fe3 states in tetrahedral environment with Fe content higher than 50 is traced. A certain amount of Fe2 ions in an octahedral environment was also found in the STFO compound prepared by spray pyrolysis with Fe content higher than 75 . The O1s K absorption spectra point to increase in oxygen vacancy concentration with increasing Fe content. The lowest degree of structure distortions was traced in STFO35. Hence, the STFO35 compound seems to be mostly appropriate for technical application

Migraine and neck pain: Mechanisms of comorbidity

Neck pain and migraine are common diseases. Neck pain seldom occurs in a patient with migraine. However, the relationship between migraine and neck pain has been inadequately investigated.Objective: to analyze neck pain in patients with migraine to determine possible comorbidity mechanisms of these diseases.Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 63 patients with chronic migraine (CM) and 40 with episodic migraine (EM) diagnosed in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3). Winking reflex (WR) and nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) were examined to evaluate the function of antinociceptive systems.Results. In the patients with CM, neck pain was more common than in those with EM (53.03% versus 14.02%); and panful tenderness, sensitivity, and tension of neck muscles were more marked. There was also a significant reduction in WR and NFR thresholds. Neck pain was noted to be an integral component of the pathogenesis of CM in a large number of patients with this condition. The authors proposed several pathophysiological mechanisms of a relationship between migraine and neck pain. Neck muscles and craniovertebral junction areas serve as a source for the arrival of nociceptive pain pulses in the central nervous system (peripheral sensitization), promoting pain chronization. Muscle dysfunction in this area may be, in turn, a reflection of central sensitization and impaired descending pain control

Depression is not the only cause of cognitive impairment in chronic migraine

Background. Patients with the chronic migraine frequently present with memory and attention complaints. However, the prevalence and phenotype of such impairment in chronic migraine have not been studied.Objective – to evaluate the prevalence of the objective cognitive deficit in patients with chronic migraine and factors underlying its etiology. Materials and methods. We recruited 62 subjects with chronic migraine and 36 genderand age-matched controls with low-frequency episodic migraine (not more, then 4 headache days per month) aged 18–59. All patients filled in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Sheehan Disability Scale. Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-20).Results. In this study 58 % of patients with chronic migraine complained of memory loss. Cognitive impairment was also found with PDQ-20. Objectively, we found a significant decrease in 90-second DSST results and RAVLT total recall and learning rate. In 40 % of subjects with chronic migraine scored lower than 26 points on MoCA. Patients with chronic migraine more frequently had lower DSST rates as compared to episodic migraine (odds ratio 5.07 (95 % confidence interval – 1.59–16.17); p = 0.003). Depression and anxiety did not correlate with performance on cognitive tests. Chronic migraine (frequent headache) and longer headache history, but not depression, anxiety or medication overuse were independent predictors of cognitive impairment.Conclusion. Subjective and objective cognitive deficits are prevalent in the chronic migraine population. Most often memory and attention are impaired. Longer headache history and presence of chronic migraine are independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with chronic migraine

Dispersion force for materials relevant for micro and nanodevices fabrication

The dispersion (van der Waals and Casimir) force between two semi-spaces are calculated using the Lifshitz theory for different materials relevant for micro and nanodevices fabrication, namely, gold, silicon, gallium arsenide, diamond and two types of diamond-like carbon (DLC), silicon carbide, silicon nitride and silicon dioxide. The calculations were performed using recent experimental optical data available in the literature, usually ranging from the far infrared up to the extreme ultraviolet bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The results are presented in the form of a correction factor to the Casimir force predicted between perfect conductors, for the separation between the semi-spaces varying from 1 nanometre up to 1 micrometre. The relative importance of the contributions to the dispersion force of the optical properties in different spectral ranges is analyzed. The role of the temperature for semiconductors and insulators is also addressed. The results are meant to be useful for the estimation of the impact of the Casimir and van der Waals forces on the operational parameters of micro and nanodevices

Physical constraints of cultural evolution of dialects in killer whales

Data collection was supported by a variety of organizations, including the Russian Fund for the Fundamental Research (Grant No. 15-04-05540), the Rufford Small Grants Fund, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Grant No. SFRH/BD/30303/2006), Russell Trust Award of the University of St. Andrews, the Office of Naval Research, the Icelandic Research Fund (i. Rannsóknasjóður), the National Geographic Society Science and Exploration Europe (Grant No. GEFNE65-12), Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, the Canadian Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, and the North Gulf Oceanic Society.Odontocete sounds are produced by two pairs of phonic lips situated in soft nares below the blowhole; the right pair is larger and is more likely to produce clicks, while the left pair is more likely to produce whistles. This has important implications for the cultural evolution of delphinid sounds: the greater the physical constraints, the greater the probability of random convergence. In this paper the authors examine the call structure of eight killer whale populations to identify structural constraints and to determine if they are consistent among all populations. Constraints were especially pronounced in two-voiced calls. In the calls of all eight populations, the lower component of two-voiced (biphonic) calls was typically centered below 4 kHz, while the upper component was typically above that value. The lower component of two-voiced calls had a narrower frequency range than single-voiced calls in all populations. This may be because some single-voiced calls are homologous to the lower component, while others are homologous to the higher component of two-voiced calls. Physical constraints on the call structure reduce the possible variation and increase the probability of random convergence, producing similar calls in different populations.PostprintPeer reviewe

Нарушения памяти и внимания у пациентов с хронической мигренью

Background. Memory and attention deficits are prevalent in the chronic pain population. There are multiple common mechanisms in chronic pain and cognitive impairment. However, the presence, prevalence and clinical burden of such impairment are frequently underestimated.Objective: to evaluate subjective and objective cognitive deficits in patients with chronic migraine (CM).Materials and methods. We recruited 53 subjects with CM and 22 genderand age-matched controls with low-frequency episodic migraine (a maximum of 4 headache days per month) aged 18–59. All patients filled in the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) anxiety and depression scale and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI). Cognitive function was assessed with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-20).Results. 56 % of patients with CM complained of memory problems. Decreased cognitive function was also observed during self-assessment using the PDQ-20 questionnaire. Objectively, we found a significant decrease in 90-second DSST results and RAVLT total recall and learning rates. 44 % of subjects with CM scored lower than 26 points on MoCA. Most frequently we found impairments in attention (75 %), memory/delayed recall (50 %), language (50 %) and executive function (37 %). Depression and sleep quality correlated with only several parameters of cognitive tests.Conclusion. Subjective and objective cognitive deficits are prevalent in the CM population. Most often memory and attention are impaired. Cognitive complaints need to be carefully assessed, and treatment of such impairment may improve quality of life and decrease disability in CM.Введение. Нарушения памяти и внимания широко распространены у пациентов с хронической болью. Когнитивные нарушения и хроническая боль имеют множество общих патогенетических механизмов. В то же время наличие, частота встречаемости и клиническое значение этих нарушений зачастую недооцениваются.Цель исследования – изучение субъективных и объективных когнитивных расстройств у пациентов с хронической мигренью (ХМ). Материалы и методы. В исследовании приняли участие 53 пациента с ХМ и 22 пациента с редкой эпизодической мигренью (головная боль не более 4 дней в месяц) в возрасте 18–59 лет, подобранных по полу и возрасту. Всем пациентам проведены клиническое неврологическое исследование и анкетирование: опросник демографических и клинических характеристик, госпитальная шкала тревоги и депрессии HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), опросник для оценки качества ночного сна PSQI (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Inventory). Также всем участникам выполнено исследование когнитивных функций с помощью Монреальской шкалы оценки когнитивных функций MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), теста замены цифровых символов DSST (Digital Symbol Substitution Test), теста Рея на слухоречевое заучивание RAVLT (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) и опросника воспринимаемого дефицита PDQ-20 (Perceived Deficits Questionnaire).Результаты. Жалобы на нарушение памяти предъявляли 56 % пациентов с ХМ. Снижение когнитивных функций также выявлено при самооценке по опроснику PDQ-20. При объективном исследовании когнитивных функций в группе ХМ отмечено значимое снижение результатов теста DSST, общего числа запомненных слов, а также ухудшение показателя обучения. У 44 % пациентов с ХМ диагностированы когнитивные расстройства по шкале MоCA. Наиболее часто снижение суммы баллов по шкале MoCA наблюдалось по функциям внимания (75 %), памяти/отсроченного воспроизведения (50 %), речи (50 %) и исполнительной функции (37 %). Отмечена корреляция уровня депрессии и качества сна лишь с отдельными параметрами тестов когнитивных функций.Заключение. У пациентов с ХМ выявлена высокая распространенность субъективных (56 %) и объективных (44 %) нарушений когнитивных функций. В первую очередь отмечается снижение памяти и внимания. Необходимо обращать особое внимание на предъявляемые пациентами соответствующие жалобы, а терапия данных расстройств может повысить качество жизни и трудоспособность пациентов с ХМ

Депрессия – не единственная причина когнитивных нарушений у пациентов с хронической мигренью

Background. Patients with the chronic migraine frequently present with memory and attention complaints. However, the prevalence and phenotype of such impairment in chronic migraine have not been studied.Objective – to evaluate the prevalence of the objective cognitive deficit in patients with chronic migraine and factors underlying its etiology. Materials and methods. We recruited 62 subjects with chronic migraine and 36 genderand age-matched controls with low-frequency episodic migraine (not more, then 4 headache days per month) aged 18–59. All patients filled in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Sheehan Disability Scale. Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-20).Results. In this study 58 % of patients with chronic migraine complained of memory loss. Cognitive impairment was also found with PDQ-20. Objectively, we found a significant decrease in 90-second DSST results and RAVLT total recall and learning rate. In 40 % of subjects with chronic migraine scored lower than 26 points on MoCA. Patients with chronic migraine more frequently had lower DSST rates as compared to episodic migraine (odds ratio 5.07 (95 % confidence interval – 1.59–16.17); p = 0.003). Depression and anxiety did not correlate with performance on cognitive tests. Chronic migraine (frequent headache) and longer headache history, but not depression, anxiety or medication overuse were independent predictors of cognitive impairment.Conclusion. Subjective and objective cognitive deficits are prevalent in the chronic migraine population. Most often memory and attention are impaired. Longer headache history and presence of chronic migraine are independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with chronic migraine.Введение. Жалобы на снижение памяти и внимания у пациентов с хронической мигренью широко распространены в клинической практике. При этом частота встречаемости и структура когнитивных нарушений при хронической мигрени практически не изучены.Цель исследования – изучить распространенность и клиническую структуру объективных когнитивных нарушений у пациентов с хронической мигренью, а также факторов, имеющих значение для их развития.Материалы и методы. В исследовании приняли участие 62 пациента с хронической мигренью и 36 пациентов с редкой эпизодической мигренью (не более 4 дней головной боли в месяц) в возрасте от 18 до 59 лет, подобранных по полу и возрасту. Всем пациентам провели клиническое неврологическое обследование и анкетирование с использованием опросника демографических и клинических характеристик, госпитальной шкалы тревоги и депрессии (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), шкалы нетрудоспособности Шихана (Sheehan Disability Scale). Также всем участникам исследования провели тестирование когнитивных функций при помощи Монреальской шкалы оценки когнитивных функций (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA), теста замены цифровых символов (Digital Symbol Substitution Test, DSST), теста Рея на слухоречевое заучивание (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, RAVLT) и опросника воспринимаемого дефицита (Perceived Deficits Questionnaire, PDQ-20).Результаты. В исследовании 58 % пациентов с хронической мигренью предъявляли жалобы на нарушение памяти. Снижение когнитивных функций также выявлено при самооценке по опроснику PDQ-20. При объективном исследовании в группе хронической мигрени отмечено значимое снижение результатов теста DSST, общего числа запоминаемых слов, а также ухудшение показателя обучения. Вероятность ухудшения результата по тесту DSST при хронической мигрени была значимо выше по сравнению с эпизодической мигренью (отношение шансов 5,07 (95 % доверительный интервал 1,59–16,17); p = 0,003). У 40 % пациентов с хронической мигренью диагностировали когнитивные расстройства по шкале MоCA. Не отмечена корреляция уровня депрессии и тревоги с показателями тестов когнитивных функций. Наличие хронической мигрени (частой головной боли) и длительность анамнеза цефалгии (но не депрессия) тревога и злоупотребление анальгетиками являются независимыми факторами риска развития когнитивных нарушений.Выводы. У пациентов с хронической мигренью отмечена высокая распространенность субъективных и объективных нарушений когнитивных функций, в первую очередь снижения памяти и внимания. Длительный анамнез головной боли и наличие хронической мигрени являются независимыми факторами риска развития когнитивных нарушений у пациентов с хронической мигренью

Хроническая боль, депрессия и когнитивные нарушения: тесные взаимосвязи

Over a half of chronic pain (CP) patients present with cognitive complaints, which increase their disability and impact quality of life. The paper reviews objective impairments in memory, attention, processing speed and executive function demonstrated in the CP population. The paper also reviews common pathology underlying cognitive impairment and CP: neuroplasticity in the shared brain areas, neurotransmitter and other molecular mechanisms. Common mechanisms in CP and depression precipitating cognitive impairment are also discussed. The paper also compares the potential of different antidepressants to improve cognitive functions in depression and CP.Более половины пациентов с хронической болью (ХБ) предъявляют жалобы на когнитивные нарушения (КН), которые cнижают их трудоспособность и качество жизни. В статье представлен обзор исследований, продемонстрировавших объективные нарушения памяти, внимания, скорости мышления и исполнительной функции при ХБ. Также обсуждаются общие механизмы патогенеза КН и ХБ: нейропластичность в общих зонах головного мозга, нейромедиаторные и другие молекулярные механизмы. Представлен обзор общих патогенетических механизмов депрессии, ХБ и КН. Также приведено сравнение различных антидепрессантов в коррекции КН при депрессии и ХБ