Spectroscopija 125Te (n,γ), (d,p) i (3He,α) reakcijama

Single γ-ray spectra and γγ-coincidences, following thermal neutron capture in 124Te, were measured with semiconductor detectors at the light-water reactor LWR - 15 at Řež. Intensities of g transitions in 125Te were normalized using the absolute intensity of 7.8% of the 6620 keV line in 36Cl. The high resolution (d,p) measurements were performed with 17 MeV deuterons, using the Q3D spectrograph at two scattering angles of 15° and 30°. Spectra were recorded in the range up to 3.3 MeV and calibrated using the proton peaks with l =1, and the corresponding level energies were determined in the thermal neutron capture reaction. The (3He,α) experiment was carried out with a 32 MeV He beam at the angle of 10°. The spectrum was recorded in one run by means of a large detector in a range up to approximately 4.7 MeV. The absolute intensities were determined by measuring the total beam current.Mjerili su se izravni γ- i sudesni γ-γ-spektri nakon uhvata termičkih neutrona u 124Te. Mjerenja (d,p) reakcija visokog razlučivanja na toj jezgri izvela su se s deuteronima 17 MeV na kutovima od 15° i 30° , pomoću Q3D spektrografa. Također se mjerio spektar u reakciji (3He,α) na 10° . Na osnovi tih mjerenja utvrđena su mnoga nova stanja 125Te na energijama uzbude do oko 4.5 MeV. Razlika grananja 403/443 keV iz izravnih i sudesnih γ-spektara ukazuje na jaku primjesu E2 u primarnom prijelazu od 6125 keV

Biomechanics of common fixation devices for first tarsometatarsal joint fusion—a comparative study with synthetic bones

Abstract Background Hallux valgus disease is a common deformity of the forefoot. There are currently more than 100 surgical approaches for operative treatment. Because hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint is considered to be causal for hallux valgus disease, fusion of the tarsometatarsal joint is an upcoming surgical procedure. Despite the development of new and increasingly stable fixation devices like different locking plates, malunion rates have been reported in 5 to 15% of cases. Methods Biomechanical comparison of three commonly used fixation devices (a dorsal locking plate, a plantar locking plate, and an intramedullary fixation device) was performed by weight-bearing simulation tests on synthetic bones. Initial compression force and stiffness during simulation of postoperative weight-bearing were analysed. Results Fixation of the first tarsometatarsal joint with the plantar plate combination demonstrated a higher stiffness compared to fixation with the intramedullary implant or the medial locking plate. The intramedullary device provided the highest initial compression force. Failure was detected in the following ranking: (1) the angle-stable intramedullary fixation device, (2) the medial located plate, and (3) the plantar locking plate. Conclusion The intramedullary device demonstrated the highest initial compression force of the three tested implants. The plantar locking plate showed the best overall stability during weight-bearing simulation. Further clinical research is necessary to analyse if the intramedullary fixation device needs a longer period of non-weight-bearing to reach a better non-union rate compared to the plantar locking plate

The KORA Eye Study: A Population-Based Study on Eye Diseases in Southern Germany (KORA F4)

PURPOSE. The population-based KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg [Germany]) study was used to evaluate the prevalence of eye diseases and potential interactions with general health status, laboratory data, medication, and genetic background. METHODS. In all, 2593 probands, ranging in age from 32 to 71 years (mean: 52 years), were asked in a standardized interview for the presence of cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal or retinal disorders; positive answers were validated and specified by treating ophthalmologists. Additional data came from a questionnaire or from laboratory data. RESULTS. We validated 10 probands with corneal diseases (validation rate: 32%), 26 with retinal diseases (validation rate: 60%), 40 with glaucoma (validation rate: 75%), and 100 participants with cataracts (validation rate: 88%). Glaucoma was significantly associated with increasing age, diabetes and its treatment, and the use of drugs in airway diseases. Cataracts were significantly associated with increasing age, female sex, hypertension, and diabetes. In females, cataracts were particularly associated with the use of ophthalmological corticosteroids, some antihypertensives, and antidiabetics. In contrast, cataracts in males were associated only with the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We also tested some polymorphic markers; two (GJA8, CRYBB3) were significantly associated with cataracts. CONCLUSIONS. Self-reported ocular diagnoses by questionnaire showed varying degrees of accuracy; this method of data collection is valid, providing confirmation is obtained from treating ophthalmologists. It revealed a similar profile of major risk factors for cataracts (age, female sex, and diabetes) in Germany like that of other international studies. The reported associations between medical treatment and genetic polymorphisms in early-onset cataract merit further functional study. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:7778 -7786

The KORA eye study: a population-based study on eye diseases in southern Germany (KORA F4)

Purpose: The population-based KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg [Germany]) study was used to evaluate the prevalence of eye diseases and potential interactions with general health status, laboratory data, medication, and genetic background. Methods. In all, 2593 probands, ranging in age from 32 to 71 years (mean: 52 years), were asked in a standardized interview for the presence of cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal or retinal disorders; positive answers were validated and specified by treating ophthalmologists. Additional data came from a questionnaire or from laboratory data. Results. We validated 10 probands with corneal diseases (validation rate: 32%), 26 with retinal diseases (validation rate: 60%), 40 with glaucoma (validation rate: 75%), and 100 participants with cataracts (validation rate: 88%). Glaucoma was significantly associated with increasing age, diabetes and its treatment, and the use of drugs in airway diseases. Cataracts were significantly associated with increasing age, female sex, hypertension, and diabetes. In females, cataracts were particularly associated with the use of ophthalmological corticosteroids, some antihypertensives, and antidiabetics. In contrast, cataracts in males were associated only with the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We also tested some polymorphic markers; two (GJA8, CRYBB3) were significantly associated with cataracts. Conclusions. Self-reported ocular diagnoses by questionnaire showed varying degrees of accuracy; this method of data collection is valid, providing confirmation is obtained from treating ophthalmologists. It revealed a similar profile of major risk factors for cataracts (age, female sex, and diabetes) in Germany like that of other international studies. The reported associations between medical treatment and genetic polymorphisms in early-onset cataract merit further functional study

The First Scube3 Mutant Mouse Line with Pleiotropic Phenotypic Alterations

The vertebrate Scube (Signal peptide, CUB, and EGF-like domain-containing protein) family consists of three independent members, Scube1–3, which encode secreted cell surface-associated membrane glycoproteins. Limited information about the general function of this gene family is available, and their roles during adulthood. Here, we present the first Scube3 mutant mouse line (Scube3N294K/N294K), which clearly shows phenotypic alterations by carrying a missense mutation in exon 8, and thus contributes to our understanding of SCUBE3 functions. We performed a detailed phenotypic characterization in the German Mouse Clinic (GMC). Scube3N294K/N294K mutants showed morphological abnormalities of the skeleton, alterations of parameters relevant for bone metabolism, changes in renal function, and hearing impairments. These findings correlate with characteristics of the rare metabolic bone disorder Paget disease of bone (PDB), associated with the chromosomal region of human SCUBE3. In addition, alterations in energy metabolism, behavior, and neurological functions were detected in Scube3N294K/N294K mice. The Scube3N294K/N294K mutant mouse line may serve as a new model for further studying the effect of impaired SCUBE3 gene function