Molecular Characterisation of Bacterial Wilt Resistance in \u3cem\u3eLolium Multiflorum\u3c/em\u3e Lam.

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), a forage grass of prime importance throughout the world, is adversely affected by the pathogen Xanthomonas translucens pv graminis. Breeding for resistant cultivars is the only practicable means of disease control. However, the inheritance of bacterial wilt resistance is largely unknown. The aim of our research is to elucidate genetic control of bacterial wilt resistance using molecular technologies such as genetic linkage mapping and the analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL)

First results on proton radiography with nuclear emulsion detectors

We propose an innovative method for proton radiography based on nuclear emulsion film detectors, a technique in which images are obtained by measuring the position and the residual range of protons passing through the patient's body. For this purpose, nuclear emulsion films interleaved with tissue equivalent absorbers can be used to reconstruct proton tracks with very high accuracy. This is performed through a fully automated scanning procedure employing optical microscopy, routinely used in neutrino physics experiments. Proton radiography can be used in proton therapy to obtain direct information on the average tissue density for treatment planning optimization and to perform imaging with very low dose to the patient. The first prototype of a nuclear emulsion based detector has been conceived, constructed and tested with a therapeutic proton beam. The first promising experimental results have been obtained by imaging simple phantoms.Comment: Submitted to Journal of Instrumentation (JINST

Case series on granulosa cell tumour in cattle with practical hints on diagnostics and outcome

Granulosa cell tumours are the most common neoplasm of the bovine ovary and present with a wide range of clinical signs. This case series comprises five case reports of ovarian granulosa cell tumours in cattle. The affected animals had different breeds (Red Holstein, Eringer, Swiss Braunvieh, crossbred beef) and ranged in age from 1 year 4 months to 20 years 11 months. The diversity of the cases gives an overview of the diagnostic possibilities as well as the possible treatments and outcomes of the disease. Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) was measured in one of the affected animals, and was extremely elevated (>150 pmoL/L) compared to reported normal values (<3 pmoL/L). Three animals underwent standing laparotomy with unilateral ovariectomy, and the remaining two animals were slaughtered. One of the cases confirms the previously published reports that malignancy or metastasis is possible in cattle. Another case indicates that successful surgical treatment with subsequent resumption of reproduction is possible. In summary, the initial tentative diagnosis of GCT is made by ultrasound-assisted rectal examination of the genital tract or ovaries and can subsequently be supported by evaluation of AMH levels. The decision to proceed with treatment should be made without delay, as surgical removal of the altered ovary with subsequent resumption of reproductive activity and cessation of undesirable behaviour is possible

The magnetic phase diagram of the frustrated spin chain compound linarite, PbCuSO4_4(OH)2_2, as seen by neutron diffraction and 1^1H-NMR

We report on a detailed neutron diffraction and $^1$H-NMR study on the frustrated spin-1/2 chain material linarite, PbCuSO$_4$(OH)$_2$, where competing ferromagnetic nearest neighbor and antiferromagnetic next-nearest neighbor interactions lead to frustration. From the magnetic Bragg peak intensity studied down to 60 mK, the magnetic moment per Cu atom is obtained within the whole magnetic phase diagram for $H \parallel b$ axis. Further, we establish the detailed configurations of the shift of the SDW propagation vector in phase V with field and temperature. Finally, combining our neutron diffraction results with those from a low-temperature/high-field NMR study we find an even more complex phase diagram close to the quasi-saturation field suggesting that bound two-magnon excitations are the lowest energy excitations close to and in the quasi-saturation regime. Qualitatively and semi-quantitatively, we relate such behavior to $XYZ$ exchange anisotropy and contributions from the Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction to affect the magnetic properties of linarite

Neurofeedback training in children with ADHD: 6-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

Neurofeedback (NF) could help to improve attentional and self-management capabilities in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a randomised controlled trial, NF training was found to be superior to a computerised attention skills training (AST) (Gevensleben et al. in J Child Psychol Psychiatry 50(7):780–789, 2009). In the present paper, treatment effects at 6-month follow-up were studied. 94 children with ADHD, aged 8–12 years, completed either 36 sessions of NF training (n = 59) or a computerised AST (n = 35). Pre-training, post-training and follow-up assessment encompassed several behaviour rating scales (e.g., the German ADHD rating scale, FBB-HKS) completed by parents. Follow-up information was analysed in 61 children (ca. 65%) on a per-protocol basis. 17 children (of 33 dropouts) had started a medication after the end of the training or early in the follow-up period. Improvements in the NF group (n = 38) at follow-up were superior to those of the control group (n = 23) and comparable to the effects at the end of the training. For the FBB-HKS total score (primary outcome measure), a medium effect size of 0.71 was obtained at follow-up. A reduction of at least 25% in the primary outcome measure (responder criterion) was observed in 50% of the children in the NF group. In conclusion, behavioural improvements induced by NF training in children with ADHD were maintained at a 6-month follow-up. Though treatment effects appear to be limited, the results confirm the notion that NF is a clinically efficacious module in the treatment of children with ADHD

Implementation of a standardized protocol to manage elderly patients with low energy pelvic fractures: can service improvement be expected?

Purpose: The incidence of low energy pelvic fractures (FPFs) in the elderly is increasing. Comorbidities, decreased bone-quality, problematic fracture fixation and poor compliance represent some of their specific difficulties. In the absence of uniform management, a standard operating procedure (SOP) was introduced to our unit, aiming to improve the quality of services provided to these patients. Methods: A cohort study was contacted to test the impact of (1) using a specific clinical algorithm and (2) using different antiosteoporotic drugs. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine prognostic factors. Study endpoints were the time-to-healing, length-of-stay, return to pre-injury mobility, union status, mortality and complications. Results: A total of 132 elderly patients (≥65 years) admitted during the period 2012–2014 with FPFs were enrolled. High-energy fractures, acetabular fractures, associated trauma affecting mobility, pathological pelvic lesions and operated FPFs were used as exclusion criteria. The majority of included patients were females (108/132; 81.8%), and the mean age was 85.8 years (range 67–108). Use of antiosteoporotics was associated with a shorter time of healing (p = 0.036). Patients treated according to the algorithm showed a significant protection against malunion (p < 0.001). Also, adherence to the algorithm allowed more patients to return to their pre-injury mobility status (p = 0.039). Conclusions: The use of antiosteoporotic medication in elderly patients with fragility pelvic fractures was associated with faster healing, whilst the adherence to a structured clinical pathway led to less malunions and non-unions and return to pre-injury mobility state