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For an accurate theoretical description of muonic bound systems, it is crucial to consistently treat relativistic and recoil corrections to vacuum polarization. The one-loop vacuum-polarization effect is by far the dominant quantum electrodynamic (QED) energy correction for bound muons, being of order $\alpha (Z\alpha)^2 m_r$, where $\alpha$ is the fine-structure constant, $Z$ is the nuclear charge number, and $m_r$ is the reduced mass. Gauge invariance of the relativistic and recoil corrections to vacuum polarization of order $\alpha (Z\alpha)^4 m_r$ is investigated with respect to nonretarded and standard, renormalized variants of Coulomb gauge. The invariance is shown after including three-photon exchange diagrams. Our derivation is based on an adapted form of Nonrelativistic Quantum Electrodynamics for bound muon systems (NRQED$_\mu$), which is a version of NRQED where the hard scale is set at the muon mass instead of the electron mass. Updated values for the gauge-independent corrections for one-muon ions with nuclear charge numbers $Z = 1,2,6$ are presented., Comment: 15 pages, 1 figure

We discuss numerical aspects of instantons in two- and three-dimensional $\phi^4$ theories with an internal $O(N)$ symmetry group, the so-called $N$-vector model. Combining asymptotic transseries expansions for large argument with convergence acceleration techniques, we obtain high-precision values for certain integrals of the instanton that naturally occur in loop corrections around instanton configurations. Knowledge of these numerical properties are necessary in order to evaluate corrections to the large-order factorial growth of perturbation theory in $\phi^4$ theories. The results contribute to the understanding of the mathematical structures underlying the instanton configurations., Comment: 11 pages; RevTeX

The recursive Neville algorithm allows one to calculate interpolating functions recursively. Upon a judicious choice of the abscissas used for the interpolation (and extrapolation), this algorithm leads to a method for convergence acceleration. For example, one can use the Neville algorithm in order to successively eliminate inverse powers of the upper limit of the summation from the partial sums of a given, slowly convergent input series. Here, we show that, for a particular choice of the abscissas used for the extrapolation, one can replace the recursive Neville scheme by a simple one-step transformation, while also obtaining access to subleading terms for the transformed series after convergence acceleration. The matrix-based, unified formulas allow one to estimate the rate of convergence of the partial sums of the input series to their limit. In particular, Bethe logarithms for hydrogen are calculated to 100 decimal digits. Generalizations of the method to series whose remainder terms can be expanded in terms of inverse factorial series, or series with half-integer powers, are also discussed., QC 20240708

Background: Rhinoplasty is a challenging and demanding procedure in plastic surgery. Surgical success, patient satisfaction, and improved quality-of-life are important outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision outcomes as well as quality-of-life after rhinoplasty using validated questionnaires. The role of patient demographics on outcomes was also studied. Methods: Patients who underwent a primary rhinoplasty were selected for this cohort study. Patient-reported satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision as well as quality-of-life were evaluated with the Utrecht Questionnaire and FACE-Q at intake and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Overall, 380 patients were included. Patients reported a more positive subjective perception of nasal appearance (VAS score) at 6 months post-surgery compared with preoperative scores (7.9 ± 1.6 vs 3.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher quality-of-life and body image scores were observed at 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperative scores (7.7 ± 3.5 vs 15.2 ± 4.4, p < 0.05). Patients reported high satisfaction with treatment outcome (70.3 ± 23.4) as well as with their decision to undergo surgery (75.9 ± 23.4) on a scale of 0–100 at 6 months postoperatively. Patients reached similar postoperative scores regardless of their intake scores. Patients ≥30 years and patients with a history of cosmetic surgery were less satisfied postoperatively. Conclusion: Despite differences in appearance satisfaction at intake, most patients showed greater satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision outcomes as well as quality-of-life 6 months postoperatively. However, older age and a history of cosmetic surgery influenced these outcomes negatively. These factors should be considered during preoperative management of outcome expectations.

We analyze the leading and higher-order quantum electrodynamic corrections to the energy levels for a single electron bound in a Penning trap, including the Bethe logarithm correction due to virtual excitations of the reference quantum cyclotron state. The effective coupling parameter alpha_c in the Penning trap is identified as the square root of the ratio of the cyclotron frequency, converted to an energy via multiplication by the Planck constant, to the electron rest mass energy. We find a large, state-independent, logarithmic one-loop self-energy correction of order alpha alpha_c^4 m c^2 ln(alpha_c^(-2)), where m is the electron rest mass and c is the speed of light. Furthermore, we find a state-independent "trapped" Bethe logarithm. We also obtain a state-dependent higher-order logarithmic self-energy correction of order alpha alpha_c^6 m c^2 ln(alpha_c^(-2)). In the high-energy part of the bound-state self energy, we need to consider terms with up to six magnetic interaction vertices inside the virtual photon loop., Comment: 11 pages; RevTeX

We use an algebraic approach to the calculation of Landau levels for a uniform magnetic field in the symmetric gauge with a vector potential A = (1/2) (B x r), where B is assumed to be constant. The magnetron quantum number constitutes the degeneracy index. An overall complex phase of the wave function, given in terms of Laguerre polynomials, is a consequence of the algebraic structure. The relativistic generalization of the treatment leads to fully relativistic bispinor Landau levels in the symmetric gauge, in a representation which writes the relativistic states in terms of their nonrelativistic limit, and an algebraically accessible lower bispinor component. Negative-energy states and the massless limit are discussed. The relativistic states can be used for a number of applications, including the calculation of higher-order quantum electrodynamic binding corrections to the energies of quantum cyclotron levels., Comment: 7 pages; RevTeX

Recently, the large-order behavior of correlation functions of the O(N)-anharmonic oscillator has been analyzed by us [L. T. Giorgini et al., Phys. Rev. D 101, 125001 (2020)]. Two-loop corrections about the instanton configurations were obtained for the partition function, the two-point and four-point functions, and the derivative of the two-point function at zero momentum transfer. Here, we attempt to verify the obtained analytic results against numerical calculations of higher-order coefficients for the O(1), O(2), and O(3) oscillators, and we demonstrate the drastic improvement of the agreement of the large-order asymptotic estimates and perturbation theory upon the inclusion of the two-loop corrections to the large-order behavior.

We investigate the time propagation of tachyonic (superluminal) and tardyonic (subluminal, ordinary) massive wave packets on cosmic scales. A normalizable wave packet cannot be monochromatic in momentum space and thus acquires a positional uncertainty (or packet width) that increases with travel distance. We investigate the question of how this positional uncertainty affects the uncertainty in the detection time for cosmic radiation on Earth. In the ultrarelativistic limit, we find a unified result, $\delta x(t)/c^3 = m^2 \delta p t /p_0^3$, where $\delta x(t)$ is the positional uncertainty, $m$ is the mass parameter, $\delta p$ is the initial momentum spread of the wave function, and $p_0$ is the central momentum of the wave packet, which, in the ultrarelativistic limit, is equal to its energy. This result is valid for tachyons and tardyons; its interpretation is being discussed., Comment: Published in journal "Symmetry" in the special issue on "Tachyons and Fundamental Symmetries"

Rare perivascular mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with therapeutic properties have been identified in many tissues. Their rarity necessitates extensive in vitro expansion, resulting in spontaneous differentiation, cellular senescence and apoptosis, producing therapeutic products with variable quality and decreased potency. We previously demonstrated that A83-01, a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor inhibitor, maintained clonogenicity and promoted the potency of culture-expanded premenopausal endometrial MSCs using functional assays and whole-transcriptome sequencing. Here, we compared the effects of A83-01 on MSCs derived from postmenopausal endometrium, menstrual blood, placenta decidua-basalis, bone marrow and adipose tissue. Sushi-domain-containing-2 (SUSD2+) and CD34+CD31-CD45- MSCs were isolated. Expanded MSCs were cultured with or without A83-01 for 7 days and assessed for MSC properties. SUSD2 identified perivascular cells in the placental decidua-basalis, and their maternal origin was validated. A83-01 promoted MSC proliferation from all sources except bone marrow and only increased SUSD2 expression and prevented apoptosis in MSCs from endometrial-derived tissues. A83-01 only improved the cloning efficiency of postmenopausal endometrial MSCs (eMSCs), and expanded adipose tissue MSCs (adMSCs) underwent significant senescence, which was mitigated by A83-01. MSCs derived from bone marrow (bmMSCs) were highly apoptotic, but A83-01 was without effect. A83-01 maintained the function and phenotype in MSCs cultured from endometrial, but not other, tissues. Our results also demonstrated that cellular SUSD2 expression directly correlates with the functional phenotype.Copyright © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The hypothesis of Lorentz violation in the neutrino sector has intrigued scientists for the last two to three decades. A number of theoretical arguments support the emergence of such violations first and foremost for neutrinos, which constitute the "most elusive" and "least interacting" particles known to mankind. It is of obvious interest to place stringent bounds on the Lorentz-violating parameters in the neutrino sector. In the past, the most stringent bounds have been placed by calculating the probability of neutrino decay into a lepton pair, a process made kinematically feasible by Lorentz violation in the neutrino sector, above a certain threshold. However, even more stringent bounds can be placed on the Lorentz-violating parameters if one takes into account, additionally, the possibility of neutrino splitting, i.e., of neutrino decay into a neutrino of lower energy, accompanied by "neutrino-pair Cerenkov radiation". This process has negligible threshold and can be used to improve the bounds on Lorentz-violating parameters in the neutrino sector. Finally, we take the opportunity to discuss the relation of Lorentz and gauge symmetry breaking, with a special emphasis on the theoretical models employed in our calculations., Comment: 16 pages; LaTeX

Background: Amongst various options of vascularized lymph node transfers, the submental flap has the lowest risk for iatrogenic lymphedema. The aim of this study was to gain insight into distribution, number, and size of lymph nodes along the mandible using computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: A total of 52 CTA scans of head/ne

Two recent experimental observations at the ATOMKI Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (regarding the angular emission pattern of electron-positron pairs from nuclear transitions from excited states in 8Be and 4He) indicate the possible existence of a particle of a rest mass energy of roughly 17 MeV. The so-called X17 particle constitutes a virtual state in the process, preceding the emission of the electron-positron pair. Based on the symmetry of the nuclear transitions ($1^+$ to $0^+$ and $0^-$ to $0^+$), the X17 could either be a vector, or a pseudoscalar particle. Here, we calculate the effective potentials generated by the X17, for hyperfine interactions in simple atomic systems, for both the pseudoscalar as well as the vector X17 hypotheses. The effective Hamiltonians are obtained in a general form which is applicable to both electronic as well as muonic bound systems. The effect of virtual annihilation and its contribution to the hyperfine splitting also is considered. Because of the short range of the X17-generated potentials, the most promising pathway for the observation of the X17-mediated effects in bound systems concerns hyperfine interactions, which, for $S$ states, are given by modifications of short-range (Dirac-delta) potentials in coordinate space. For the pseudoscalar hypothesis, the exchange of one virtual X17 quantum between the bound lepton and the nucleus exclusively leads to hyperfine effects, but does not affect the Lamb shift. Effects due to the X17 are shown to be drastically enhanced for muonic bound systems. Prospects for the detection of hyperfine effects mediated by X17 exchange are analyzed for muonic deuterium, muonic hydrogen, muonium, true muonium ($\mu^+\mu^-$ bound system), and positronium., Comment: 14 pages; RevTeX

Recently, a peak in the light fermion pair spectrum at invariant q^2 approximately equal to 16.7 Me^2. has been observed in the bombardment of Li-7 by protons. This peak has been interpreted in terms of a protophobic interaction of fermions with a gauge boson (X boson) of invariant mass of approximately 16.7 MeV which couples mainly to neutrons. High-precision atomic physics experiments aimed at observing the protophobic interaction need to separate the X boson effect from the nuclear-size effect, which is a problem because of the short range of the interaction 11.8 fm, which is commensurate with a "nuclear halo". Here, we analyze the X boson in terms of its consequences for both electronic atoms as well as muonic hydrogen and deuterium. We find that the most promising atomic systems where the X boson has an appreciable effect, distinguishable from a finite-nuclear-size effect, are muonic atoms of low and intermediate nuclear charge numbers., Comment: 8 pages; RevTeX

We study the interplay of general relativity, the equivalence principle, and high-precision experiments involving atomic transitions and g factor measurements. In particular, we derive a generalized Dirac Hamiltonian, which describes both the gravitational coupling for weak fields, as well as the electromagnetic coupling, e.g., to a central Coulomb field. An approximate form of this Hamiltonian is used to derive the leading gravitational corrections to transition frequencies and g factors. The position-dependence of atomic transitions is shown to be compatible with the equivalence principle, up to a very good approximation. The compatibility of g factor measurements requires a deeper, subtle analysis, in order to eventually restore the compliance of g factor measurements with the equivalence principle. Finally, we analyze small, but important limitations of Einstein's equivalence principle due to quantum effects, within high-precision experiments. We also study the relation of these effects to a conceivable gravitationally induced collapse of a quantum mechanical wave function (Penrose conjecture), and space-time noncommutativity, and find that the competing effects should not preclude the measurability of the higher-order gravitational corrections. Surprisingly large higher-order gravitational effects are obtained for transitions in diatomic molecules., Comment: 19 pages; RevTeX; some typographical errors corrected

Theoretical and experimental resonance strengths for KLL dielectronic recombination (DR) into He-, Li-, Be-, and B-like mercury ions are presented, based on state-resolved DR x-ray spectra recorded at the Heidelberg electron beam ion trap. The DR resonance strengths were experimentally extracted by normalizing them to simultaneously recorded radiative recombination signals. The results are compared to state-of-the-art atomic calculations that include relativistic electron-electron correlation and configuration mixing effects. Combining the present data with other existing ones, we derive an improved semi-empirical $Z$-scaling law for DR resonance strength as a function of the atomic number, taking into account higher-order relativistic corrections, which are especially relevant for heavy highly charged ions., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, accepted to Phys. Rev. A

The emission of a charged light lepton pair by a superluminal neutrino has been identified as a major factor in the energy loss of highly energetic neutrinos. The observation of PeV neutrinos by IceCube implies their stability against lepton pair Cerenkov radiation. Under the assumption of a Lorentz-violating dispersion relation for highly energetic superluminal neutrinos, one may thus constrain the Lorentz-violating parameters. A kinematically different situation arises when one assumes a Lorentz-covariant, space-like dispersion relation for hypothetical tachyonic neutrinos, as an alternative to Lorentz-violating theories. We here discuss a hitherto neglected decay process, where a highly energetic tachyonic neutrinos may emit other (space-like, tachyonic) neutrino pairs. We find that the space-like dispersion relation implies the absence of a q^2 threshold for the production of a tachyonic neutrino-antineutrino pair, thus leading to the dominant additional energy loss mechanism for an oncoming tachyonic neutrino in the medium-energy domain. Surprisingly, the small absolute value of the decay rate and energy loss rate in the tachyonic model imply that these models, in contrast to the Lorentz-violating theories, are not pressured by the cosmic PeV neutrinos registered by the IceCube collaboration., Comment: 7 pages; RevTeX; accepted for publication for Advances in High Energy Physics

We consider in detail the calculation of the decay rate of high-energy superluminal neutrinos against (charged) lepton pair Cerenkov radiation (LPCR), and neutrino pair Cerenkov radiation (NPCR), i.e., against the decay channels nu -> nu e+ e- and nu -> nu nubar nu. Under the hypothesis of a tachyonic nature of neutrinos, these decay channels put constraints on the lifetime of high-energy neutrinos for terrestrial experiments as well as on cosmic scales. For the oncoming neutrino, we use the Lorentz-covariant tachyonic relation E_nu = (p^2 - m_nu^2)^(1/2), where m_nu is the tachyonic mass parameter. We derive both threshold conditions as well as decay and energy loss rates, using the plane-wave fundamental bispinor solutions of the tachyonic Dirac equation. Various intricacies of rest frame versus lab frame calculations are highlighted. The results are compared to the observations of high-energy IceCube neutrinos of cosmological origin., Comment: 29 pages; RevTeX

Current experiments do not exclude the possibility that one or more neutrinos are very slightly superluminal or that they have a very small tachyonic mass. Important bounds on the size of a hypothetical tachyonic neutrino mass term are set by lepton pair Cerenkov radiation (LPCR), i.e., by the decay channel nu -> e^+ e^- nu which proceeds via a virtual Z0 boson. Here, we use a Lorentz-invariant dispersion relation which leads to very tight constraints on the tachyonic mass of neutrinos; we also calculate decay and energy loss rates. A possible cutoff seen in the IceCube neutrino spectrum for E_nu > 2 PeV, due to the potential onset of LPCR, is discussed., Comment: 7 pages; accepted for publication in the Advances of High-Energy Physics

Contains fulltext : 170219.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access), In chronic wounds, excess levels and activity of proteases such as elastase and plasmin have been detected. Oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix (ORC/collagen matrix) has been reported to ameliorate the wound microenvironment by binding and inactivating excess proteases in wound exudates. In this study, the levels and activity of elastase and plasmin in wound exudates of pressure sore ulcers were measured to determine the beneficial effect of ORC/collagen matrix treatment compared with control treatment with a foam dressing. A total of 33 patients with pressure sores were enrolled in the study and were followed up for 12 weeks after treatment. Ten control patients were treated with a foam hydropolymer dressing (TIELLE(R) , Systagenix), and the remaining 23 patients were treated with ORC/collagen matrix plus the foam dressing (TIELLE(R) , Systagenix) on top. Wound assessments were carried out over 12 weeks on a weekly basis, with dressing changes twice a week. Ulcers were photographed and wound exudates were collected on admission and at days 5, 14 and then every 14 days to provide a visual record of any changes in appearance of the ulcer and healing rate and for biochemical analysis of the wound. The levels and activity of elastase and plasmin were measured in wound exudates. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test with P-values <0.05 considered to be significant. Compared with controls, ORC/collagen matrix-treated pressure sore wounds showed a significant faster healing rate, which positively correlated with a decreased activity of elastase and plasmin in wound exudates. No signs of infection or intolerance to the ORC/collagen matrix were observed.

Aims Data on female sexual function after prolapse surgery are conflicting. The aim of the study was to evaluate the change in sexual function and vaginal symptoms using patient reported outcomes following prolapse surgery in addition to the anatomical stage. Methods Prospective observational study of women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. The validated International Consultation on Incontinence modular Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire was completed preoperatively, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results Ninety-three women participated in the study with 83 (89%) returning the 6 months questionnaire and 80 (86%) the 12 months questionnaire. Twenty-four healthy women without prolapse were included as a control group. The mean vaginal- and sexual-symptom score both improved with a significant decrease at 6 months and 12 months after surgery (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively). The POP-Q scores of each compartment also improved significantly after 6 and 12 months (P < 0.001) with 75% reaching anatomical success. There was no correlation between anatomical success and subjective ICIQ-VS outcomes. The vaginal and sexual matters score had a lesser reduction in women who had additional levator plication sutures during posterior vaginal repair compared to those without. Women with levator plication also showed a significant increase in postoperative dyspareunia. Conclusions Surgical intervention for POP improved the vaginal and sexual matters scores at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Levator plication additionally to posterior vaginal repair is associated with an increase in postoperative dyspareunia rates and with decreased sexual function. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:316-321, 2015.Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

STUDY QUESTION Does post-menopausal endometrium contain mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) that have adult stem cell properties and can be prospectively isolated from a biopsy? SUMMARY ANSWER Perivascular W5C5 + cells isolated from post-menopausal endometrial biopsies displayed characteristic MSC properties of clonogenicity, multipotency and surface phenotype irrespective of whether the women were or were not pre-treated with estrogen to regenerate the endometrium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recently MSCs have been identified in human premenopausal endometrium, and can be prospectively isolated using a single marker, W5C5/SUSD2. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Endometrial tissue of both the functional and basal layers, from 17 premenopausal (pre-MP) women, 19 post-menopausal (post-MP) women without hormonal treatment and 15 post-menopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy (post-MP+ E2), was collected through a prospective phase IV clinical trial over 2 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Post-menopausal women <65 years of age were treated with or without E2 for 6-8 weeks prior to tissue collection. Serum E2 levels were determined by estradiol immunoenzymatic assay. Endometrial tissue was obtained from women by biopsy (curettage) just prior to the hysterectomy. The effect of E2 on endometrial thickness and glandular and luminal epithelial height was determined using image analysis. Endometrial tissue was dissociated into single cell suspensions and MSC properties were examined in freshly isolated and short-term cultured, magnetic bead-purified W5C5+ cells. MSC properties were assessed using clonogenicity, serial cloning, mesodermal differentiation in adipogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic and myogenic induction culture media, and surface phenotype analysis by flow cytometry. Estrogen receptor alpha expression in W5C5+ cells was examined using dual colour immunofluorescence. Vascularity was analysed using CD34 and alpha smooth muscle actin immunostaining and

INTRODUCTION: Recently MSC have been identified in the regenerative endometrial lining of the uterus and specific markers (W5C5/ SUSD2) for their prospective isolation identified. Postmenopausal endometrium is atrophic but regenerates with systemic estrogen treatment and has even lead to a successful IVF pregnancy in a 64 year old woman.The aim of this study was to determine whether postmenopausal endometrium contains a population of endometrial MSC (eMSC) that might be responsible for its regenerative capacity which could be exploited for future clinical applications. We hypothesized that eMSC are present in postmenopausal endometrium at similar frequency as in premenopausal endometrium. METHOD(S): Single-cell suspensions of endometrial stromal cells were obtained from hysterectomy tissues of 17 premenopausal (pre-MP), 19 postmenopausal (post-MP) and 15 postmenopausal women enrolled into a phase IV clinical trial of estrogen replacement therapy (2mg oral estradiol valerate daily) (post-MP+E2) for 8 weeks. The proliferative potential and differentiation W5C5+ cells were assessed by colony forming unit CFU assays and differentiation-induction media culture. EMSC surface markers were determined using flow cytometry. RESULT(S): In post-MP+E2 Passage 1 (P1) stromal cultures, 3.7+/-1.8% (n=7) of the cells were W5C5+ cells and 7.7+/-6.3% (n=8) in post-MP cultures (p=0.69). The cloning efficiency for post-MP+E2 W5C5+ P1 cells was 3.41+/-2.71% (n=6), and comparable to post-MP W5C5+ cells (3.73+/-1.19%; n=8) but statistically lower than P1 Pre-MP cells (p>0.05) (n=6). W5C5, CD140b, CD146, CD29, CD44, CD73, CD105 surface markers were present in both PostMP groups. PostMP W5C5+ cells differentiated into chondrocytes, adipocytes, myocytes and osteocytes, but to a lesser degree than PreMP W5C5+ cells. CONCLUSION(S): Postmenopausal endometria possess eMSC at similar frequency and potency irrespective of whether or not it is regenerated with estrogen. Human endometrium is a promis

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is defined as the descent of one or more of the pelvic structures into the vagina and includes uterine, vaginal vault, and anterior or posterior vaginal wall prolapse. The treatment of POP may include implantation of a synthetic mesh. However, the long-term benefit of mesh surgery is controversial due to complications such as mesh exposure or pain. The aim of this study was to use a tissue engineering (TE) approach to assess the in vivo biological and biomechanical behavior of a new gelatin/polyamide mesh, seeded with a novel source of mesenchymal stem cells in a subcutaneous rat model of wound repair. Method(s): W5C5-enriched human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSC) were seeded onto meshes (gelatin-coated polyamide knit) at 100,000 cells/cm2. Meshes, with or without cells were subcutaneously implanted dorsally in immunocompromised rats for 7, 30, 60, and 90 days. Flow cytometry was used to detect DiO labeled cells after explantation. Immunohistochemical assessment of foreign body reaction and tissue integration were conducted. Total collagen and the levels of collagens type III and type I were determined. Uniaxial tensiometry was performed on explanted meshes, originally seeded with and without cells, at days 7 and 90. Result(s): Implanted meshes were well tolerated, with labeled cells detected on the mesh up to 14 days postimplantation. Meshes with cells promoted significantly more neovascularization at 7 days (p<0.05) and attracted fewer macrophages at 90 days (p<0.05). Similarly, leukocyte infiltration was significantly lower in the cell-seeded meshes at 90 days (p<0.05). Meshes with cells were generally less stiff than those without cells, after 7 and 90 days implantation. Conclusion(s): The TE approach used in this study significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells around the implanted mesh and promoted neovascularization. Seeding with eMSC exerts an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes wound repair wit

Objective: There are increasing numbers of reports describing human vaginal tissue composition in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to compare ovine and human posterior vaginal tissue in terms of histological and biochemical tissue composition and to assess passive biomechanical properties of ovine vagina to further characterise this animal model for pelvic organ prolapse research. Study Design: Vaginal tissue was collected from ovariectomised sheep (n = 6) and from postmenopausal women (n = 7) from the proximal, middle and distal thirds. Tissue histology was analyzed using Masson's Trichrome staining; total collagen was quantified by hydroxyproline assays, collagen III/I+III ratios by delayed reduction SDS PAGE, glycosaminoglycans by dimethylmethylene blue assay, and elastic tissue associated proteins (ETAP) by amino acid analysis. Young's modulus, maximum stress/strain, and permanent strain following cyclic loading were determined in ovine vagina. Result(s): Both sheep and human vaginal tissue showed comparable tissue composition. Ovine vaginal tissue showed significantly higher total collagen and glycosaminoglycan values (p<0.05) nearest the cervix. No significant differences were found along the length of the human vagina for collagen, GAG or ETAP content. The proximal region was the stiffest (Young's modulus, p<0.05), strongest (maximum stress, p<0.05) compared to distal region, and most elastic (permanent strain). Conclusion(s): Sheep tissue composition and mechanical properties showed regional differences along the postmenopausal vaginal wall not apparent in human vagina, although the absolute content of proteins were similar. Knowledge of this baseline variation in the composition and mechanical properties of the vaginal wall will assist future studies using sheep as a model for vaginal surgery. © 2014 Ulrich et al.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake a comprehensive analysis of the biochemical tissue composition and passive biomechanical properties of ovine vagina and relate this to the histo-architecture at different reproductive stages as part of the establishment of a large preclinical animal model for evaluating regenerative medicine approaches for surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: Vaginal tissue was collected from virgin (n = 3), parous (n = 6) and pregnant sheep (n = 6; mean gestation; 132 d; term = 145 d). Tissue histology was analyzed using H+E and Masson's Trichrome staining. Biochemical analysis of the extracellular matrix proteins used a hydroxyproline assay to quantify total collagen, SDS PAGE to measure collagen III/I+III ratios, dimethylmethylene blue to quantify glycosaminoglycans and amino acid analysis to quantify elastin. Uniaxial tensiometry was used to determine the Young's modulus, maximum stress and strain, and permanent strain following cyclic loading. RESULTS: Vaginal tissue of virgin sheep had the lowest total collagen content and permanent strain. Parous tissue had the highest total collagen and lowest elastin content with concomitant high maximum stress. In contrast, pregnant sheep had the highest elastin and lowest collagen contents, and thickest smooth muscle layer, which was associated with low maximum stress and poor dimensional recovery following repetitive loading. CONCLUSION: Pregnant ovine vagina was the most extensible, but the weakest tissue, whereas parous and virgin tissues were strong and elastic. Pregnancy had the greatest impact on tissue composition and biomechanical properties, compatible with significant tissue remodeling as demonstrated in other species. Biochemical changes in tissue protein composition coincide with these altered biomechanical properties.

POP is the descent of one or more of the pelvic structures into the vagina and includes uterine, vaginal vault as well as anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Treatment of POP includes surgical treatment and/or implantation of synthetic mesh. However, the long-term outcome of synthetic mesh surgery is unsatisfactory due to surgical failure and post-surgical complications. We have fabricated 3 novel warpknitted synthetic scaffolds, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyamide (PA) and gelatine coated PA (PA+G). Our aim was to compare the in vivo biocompatibility of these meshes with a commercial Polypropylene (PP) mesh. A SD rat abdominal hernia model was used to implant PA, PEEK, PA+G, PP meshes (25 . 35 mm, n = 24/gp). After 7, 30, 60, 90 days tissues (n = 6/mesh) were explanted for immunohistochemical assessment of foreign body reaction and tissue integration, using CD31, CD45, CD68, alpha-SMA antibodies. CD68+ macrophages showed a trend toward decreased numbers in PP compared to PA, PA+G and PEEK. The smooth muscle content at 60 days was significantly higher in PA and PA+G meshes compared to PP (p > 0.05), but there were no significant differences at 90 days. The collagen content was similar for all meshes at 90 days(p > 0.05). PA, PA+G and PEEK appear to have similar biocompatibility properties compared to PP, inducing a similar foreign body reaction response. These novel meshes may provide an alternative option for future treatment of POP.

Introduction: Fascial defects are a common problem in the abdominal wall and in the vagina leading to hernia or pelvic organ prolapse that requires mesh enhancement to reduce operation failure. However, the long-term outcome of synthetic mesh surgery may be unsatisfactory due to post-surgical complications. We hypothesized that mesh fabricated from alternative synthetic polymers may evoke a different tissue response, and provide more appropriate mechanical properties for hernia repair. Our aim was to compare the in vivo biocompatibility of new synthetic meshes with a commercial mesh. Method(s): We have fabricated 3 new warp-knitted synthetic meshes from different polymers with different tensile properties polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA) and a composite, gelatin coated PA (PA+G). The rat abdominal hernia model was used to implant the meshes (25x35 mm, n = 24/ group). After 7, 30, 60, 90 days tissues were explanted for immunohistochemical assessment of foreign body reaction and tissue integration, using CD31, CD45, CD68, alpha-SMA antibodies. The images were analysed using an image analysis software program. Biomechanical properties were uniaxially evaluated using an Instron Tensile Tester. Result(s): This study showed that the new meshes induced complex differences in the type of foreign body reaction over the time course of implantation. The PA, and particularly the composite PA+G meshes, evoked a milder early inflammatory response, and macrophages were apparent throughout the time course. Our meshes led to better tissue integration and new collagen deposition, particularly with the PA+G meshes, as well as greater and sustained neovascularisation compared with the PP meshes. Conclusion(s): PA, PA+G and PEEK appear to be well tolerated and are biocompatible, evoking an overlapping and different host tissue response with time that might convey mechanical variations in the healing tissue. These new meshes comprising different polymers may provide an alterna

INTRODUCTION: Fascial defects are a common problem in the abdominal wall and in the vagina leading to hernia or pelvic organ prolapse that requires mesh enhancement to reduce operation failure. However, the long-term outcome of synthetic mesh surgery may be unsatisfactory due to post-surgical complications. We hypothesized that mesh fabricated from alternative synthetic polymers may evoke a different tissue response, and provide more appropriate mechanical properties for hernia repair. Our aim was to compare the in vivo biocompatibility of new synthetic meshes with a commercial mesh. METHODS: We have fabricated 3 new warp-knitted synthetic meshes from different polymers with different tensile properties polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA) and a composite, gelatin coated PA (PA+G). The rat abdominal hernia model was used to implant the meshes (25 × 35 mm, n = 24/ group). After 7, 30, 60, 90 days tissues were explanted for immunohistochemical assessment of foreign body reaction and tissue integration, using CD31, CD45, CD68, alpha-SMA antibodies. The images were analysed using an image analysis software program. Biomechanical properties were uniaxially evaluated using an Instron Tensile® Tester. RESULTS: This study showed that the new meshes induced complex differences in the type of foreign body reaction over the time course of implantation. The PA, and particularly the composite PA+G meshes, evoked a milder early inflammatory response, and macrophages were apparent throughout the time course. Our meshes led to better tissue integration and new collagen deposition, particularly with the PA+G meshes, as well as greater and sustained neovascularisation compared with the PP meshes. CONCLUSION: PA, PA+G and PEEK appear to be well tolerated and are biocompatible, evoking an overlapping and different host tissue response with time that might convey mechanical variations in the healing tissue. These new meshes comprising different polymers may provide an alternative

The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) is a only motor nerve innervating the deep muscles of the forearm. Its compression is rare. We present a retrospective analysis of 14 patients with an AIN syndrome with a variety of clinical manifestations who underwent operative and conservative treatment. Fourteen patients (six female, eight male, mean age 48 ± 9 years) were included. In six patients, the right limb was affected, and in eight patients the left limb. Conservative treatment was started for every patient. If no signs of recovery appeared within 3 months, operative exploration was performed. Final assessment was performed between 2 and 9 years after the onset of paralysis (mean duration of follow-up 46 ± 11 months). Patients were examined clinically for return of power, range of motion, pinch and grip strengths. Also the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score was calculated. Seven of our 14 patients had incomplete AIN palsy with isolated total loss of function of flexor pollicis longus (FPL), five of FPL and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP)1 simultaneously, and two of FDP1. Weakness of FDP2 could be seen in four patients. Pronator teres was paralysed in two patients. Pain in the forearm was present in nine patients. Four patients had predisposing factors. Eight patients treated conservatively exhibited spontaneous recovery from their paralysis during 3-12 months after the onset. In six patients, the AIN was explored 12 weeks after the initial symptoms and released from compressing structures. Thirteen patients showed good limb function. In one patient with poor result a tendon transfer was necessary. The DASH score of patients treated conservatively and operatively presented no significant difference. AIN syndrome can have different clinical manifestations. If no signs of spontaneous recovery appear within 12 weeks, operative treatment should be performed.

Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction – A method for detection of volatiles from potato plants?ZusammenfassungDie Anwendung der Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) als Methode zur Extraktion von emittierten volatilen Substanzen von Kartoffelblättern für die Bestimmung mittels GC/MS wird untersucht. Es soll eine effiziente Methode entwickelt werden, die zur Darstellung von sortenbedingten Unterschieden im Spektrum der volatilen Substanzen bei Kartoffelpflanzen geeignet ist. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass SBSE Nachweise gestattet, die bei geringeremAufwand mit bekannten Methoden vergleichbar sind. Weitere Untersuchungen dienen der Optimierung der Methodik. Ziel ist es, das Spektrum der volatilen Stoffe als Parameter für eine Bewertung von Sorten (z.B.: Pflanzengesundheit, Pflanzenschutz, Biosicherheit) heranzuziehen.Stichwörter: Sesquiterpene, GC/MS, KartoffelAbstractThe application of Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) as a method for extraction of emitted volatile compounds of potato leaves using GC/MS will be studied. A suitable efficient method shall be developed to describe differences in the spectrum of volatile compounds of potato varieties. It was shown that SBSE yields results similar to other established methods but withless effort. The method will be optimised further. The use of the spectrum of volatile compounds as a parameter for variety assessment (e.g.: plant health, plant protection, biosafety) is planned.Keywords: sesquiterpene, GC/MS, potato

The concept of a generalized nonanalytic expansion which involves nonanalytic combinations of exponentials, logarithms and powers of a coupling is introduced and its use illustrated in various areas of physics. Dispersion relations for the resonance energies of odd anharmonic oscillators are discussed, and higher-order formulas are presented for cubic and quartic potentials.