Clusters of polymersomes and Janus nanoparticles hierarchically self-organized and controlled by DNA hybridization

The combination of "hard", structurally well-defined particles with "soft", functional compartments bears great potential to produce structurally intricate hybrid nanomaterials that promote a multitude of applications that require multimodal agents and that permit the production of molecular factories. However, the co-assembly of "hard" and "soft" components in a programmable and directional manner is challenging due to the strongly differing mechanical properties of such disparate entities. Here, a versatile strategy to generate clusters by the directional and controlled self-organization of "hard" Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) with "soft" polymersomes is described. The hybridization of complementary ssDNA strands bound to the components drives cluster formation, while the asymmetry of the JNPs governs the directionality of the self-organization. Various factors have been explored to simultaneously preserve the integrity of the polymersomes and program the cluster formation. Differently loaded polymersomes on each lobe of the JNPs preserved their architecture in the clusters which, were shown to be non-toxic when interacting with cell lines. The architecture of the clusters, as a molecular factory where each component can be separately controlled bears great promise for use in advanced medical applications, including theranostics and correlative imaging

Evaluation of interface quality in organ-cultured lamellar corneal transplants

Background: With increasing numbers of lamellar keratoplasties, eye banks are challenged to deliver precut lamellar donor tissue. In Europe, the most common technique of corneal storage is organ culture which requires a deswelling process before surgical processing. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different deswelling times on the cutting plane quality after microkeratome-assisted lamellar dissection. Methods: Eight paired donor corneas (16 specimens) not suitable for transplantation were organ cultured under standard conditions at the Eye Bank of the Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Munich, Germany. Pairs of corneal buttons were analyzed during the deswelling process in dextrane-containing medium. While one cornea was cut at an early time point during the deswelling process and put back into deswelling medium thereafter, the partner cornea was completely deswollen and dissected after 72 hours. Specimens were then further processed for scanning electron microscopy. Surface quality was assessed both digitally using Scanning Probe Imaging Processing software, and manually by three blinded graders. Results: The corneal buttons processed at the beginning of the deswelling process had a smoother surface when compared to the partner cornea that was cut at the end of the deswelling process. In our setting, no relevant difference was detectable between manual and automated microkeratome dissection. Conclusion: For lamellar keratoplasty, organ-cultured corneas should be processed at an early stage during the deswelling process. We interpret the smoother dissection plane during early deswelling as a result of mechanical properties in a highly hydrated cornea

Modelling growth of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish on the northern Great Barrier Reef

The corallivorous crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster spp.) is a major cause of coral mortality on Indo-Pacific reefs. Despite considerable research into the biology of crown-of-thorns starfish, our understanding of the early post-settlement life stage has been hindered by the small size and cryptic nature of recently settled individuals. Most growth rates are derived from either laboratory studies or field studies conducted in Fiji and Japan. The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is currently experiencing its fourth recorded outbreak and population models to inform the progression of outbreaks lack critical growth rates of early life history stages. High numbers of 0+ year juveniles (n = 3532) were measured during extensive surveys of 64 reefs on the northern GBR between May and December 2015. An exponential growth model was fitted to the size measurement data to estimate monthly ranges of growth rates for 0+ year juveniles. Estimated growth rates varied considerably and increased with age (e.g., 0.028–0.041 mm.day-1 for one-month-old juveniles versus 0.108–0.216 mm.day-1 for twelve-month-old juveniles). This pioneering study of 0+ year juveniles on the GBR will inform population models and form the basis for more rigorous ongoing research to understand the fate of newly settled Acanthaster spp

Passive Pneumatic Stabilization Device for Assisting in Reduction of Femoral Shaft Fractures

During treatment of femoral shaft fractures, not only the actual fracture reduction but also the retention of the achieved reduction is essential. Substantial forces may apply to the bone fragments, due to multidirectional muscular contraction. Furthermore, forces from manipulation of one bone fragment may be transferred over the soft tissues onto the other fragments, thus hindering accurate fracture reduction. Once a sufficient reduction has been achieved, this position must be retained whilst definitive internal fixation is performed. Conventional methods comprise mounting patients on a traction table and applying manual distraction or employing special distraction devices, such as the AO distractor device. These approaches, however, only insufficiently stabilize both main fragments. For example, on the traction table the proximal femoral fragment can pivot around the hip joint thus complicating precise reduction. A novel pneumatic stabilization device to assist surgeons during operative procedures is described. This passive holding device "Passhold” connects to one main fragment through a minimally invasive bone interface and statically locks the fragment's position. Thereafter, only the other main fragment is manipulated to achieve reduction. Mutual interference of the reciprocal fragment positions, due to soft-tissue force transfer during manipulation, is avoided. The authors examined the stability of the novel retention device on a test rig and proved its functionality under sterile settings using cadaver tests. It is concluded that this device largely facilitates the operative procedure in femoral shaft fractures, is sufficiently stable and ergonomically suitable for intraoperative deploymen

Informationen zu Blauen und Weissen Lupinen

Präsentation beim Flurgang im Lupinen-Feldversuch

Aktueller Stand der Forschung bei Lupinen

Inhalt der Präsentation - Hintergrund - Lupinen: Potential, Probleme, Lösungsansätze - FiBL-Lupinenprojekt: Züchtung von Weisser Lupine auf Anthraknoseresistenz in Mischkultur - Ergebnisse vom Feldversuch 2015 für Blaue Lupine --- Behandlungsversuch mit Knöllchenbakterien --- Blaue Lupine mit vier Hafersorten --- Andere Mischungspartner für Blaue Lupine --- Sortenversuch Blaue Lupine - Fazi

Prospective, randomized, double-blind trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of corneal cross-linking to halt the progression of keratoconus

Background: Corneal cross-linking is widely used to treat keratoconus. However, to date, only limited data from randomized trials support its efficacy. Methods: The efficacy and safety of corneal cross-linking for halting progression of keratoconus were investigated in a prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo controlled, multicentre trial. Twenty-nine keratoconus patients were randomized in three trial centres. The mean age at inclusion was 28 years. Longitudinal changes in corneal refraction were assessed by linear regression. The best corrected visual acuity, surface defects and corneal inflammation were also assessed. These data were analysed with a multifactorial linear regression model. Results: A total of 15 eyes were randomized to the treatment and 14 to the control group. Follow-up averaged 1098 days. Corneal refractive power decreased on average (+/-standard deviation) by 0.35 +/- 0.58 dioptres/year in the treatment group. The controls showed an increase of 0.11 +/- 0.61 dioptres/year. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Our data suggest that corneal cross-linking is an effective treatment for some patients to halt the progression of keratoconus. However, some of the treated patients still progressed, whereas some untreated controls improved. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to decide which patients require treatment and which do not

Mit Mischkulturen die inländische Eiweissversorgung verbessern

Mischkulturen von Körnerleguminosen mit Getreide sind vielversprechend, um wirtschaftlich und ressourceneffizient heimische Proteinpflanzen zu produzieren. Seit 2009 hat das FiBL in Zusammenarbeit mit Biolandwirten Praxisversuche angelegt, um gemeinsam geeignete Anbauverfahren für Schweizer Bedingungen zu entwickeln. Getestet wurde eine Vielzahl von Mischungsverhältnissen sowie von Arten- und Sortenkombinationen. Als standardisierte praxisreife Anbauverfahren wurden Mischkulturen mit Proteinerbsen/Gerste und Ackerbohnen/Hafer entwickelt. Als brauchbares standardisiertes Mischverhältnis haben sich für Leguminosen 80 % der ortsüblichen Reinsaatstärke in einer Mischung mit 40 % der ortsüblichen Reinsaatstärke für Getreide bewährt (sowohl für Winterungen als auch für Sommerungen). Das Getreide dient dabei als Stützfrucht, unterdrückt das Unkraut und bietet eine Risikoabsicherung, wenn sich die Körnerleguminose schwach entwickelt. Mittlere Erträge lagen bei Winteraussaaten von Erbsen/Gerste bei 42 kg/a und von Ackerbohnen/Hafer bei 46,9 kg/a. Nur in vereinzelten Fällen wurde der Leguminosenanteil von 30 % für den Einzelkulturbeitrag von 1000 Fr./ha nicht erreicht. Seit 2010 haben sich die Anbauflächen für Bioerbsen und Bioackerbohnen vervielfacht, meist wird in Mischkultur angebaut. Dazu haben nicht zuletzt die Mühlen beigetragen, die die Ernte von Mischkulturen aufkaufen und auftrennen