Retention Elements Research Articles

The implementation of resilience based clinical supervision to support transition to practice in newly qualified healthcare professionals

BackgroundHealthcare workforce shortages are an international issue. This service development targets the contributory element of poor retention amongst newly qualified nurses. Resilience Based Clinical Supervision is underpinned by the principles of Compassion Focused Therapy. It aims to alleviate work related stress and support individuals to reframe their experiences through structured and reflective discussion. It incorporates skills which develop proficiency in mindfulness, distress tolerance and positive reframing. ObjectivesTo explore the acceptability, feasibility, and experience of Resilience Based Clinical Supervision to support transition to practice in newly qualified nurses. DesignAn extensive program of champion (N = 40) and cascade (N = 78) training for facilitators was implemented as a development of their standard transition to practice package. SettingsSix pilot sites within the UK. ParticipantsNewly qualified nurses (266) received a minimum of six Resilience Based Clinical Supervision sessions over a one-year period. MethodsData were gathered via eleven focus groups (n = 48). A deductive and collaborative approach to content analysis was utilised to consider the perceived outcomes, challenges, experience and best practice amongst both facilitators and nurses' transitioning from student to registered practitioner. ResultsAnalysis showed the new registrants were extending and accepting compassion to and from their peers, signifying the compassionate flow within the group setting. This was continued through the development of self-care strategies utilised in practice, which allowed compassion to flow into patient care and towards colleagues. ConclusionsThe main perceived outcome of RBCS was recognised as restorative. However, the growth of skills for self-care, emotional intelligence, and confidence to challenge poor working conditions also indicated a developmental function. These perceived outcomes have the potential to result in positive implications for workforce retention. Importantly, findings draw attention to the importance of wider organisational commitment and structures which support and respond to RBCS facilitator and participant concerns.

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF RESTORATIONS OF ENDODONTICALLY TREATED TEETH

For endodontically treated lateral teeth, direct restoration made of photocomposites is most often used, and indirect ceramic restoration appears to be more promising, for which, however, additional retention is required.
 The aim of the study was the clinical evaluation of direct photocomposite and indirect ceramic restorations of endodontically treated lateral teeth.
 The object and methods of the research. We examined 118 people aged from 24 to 53 years, in whom 249 lateral teeth with cavities were endodontically treated according to the 2nd class by Black. Group 1 included 38 patients (32.2% of the total number of subjects) who underwent direct restoration of 89 molars (35.7% of the total number of restorations) made of photocomposite; 41 patients (34.7%) with 81 indirect ceramic restorations (32.5%) were included in group 2 according to the generally accepted requirements; group 3 consisted of 39 people (33.1%), who underwent 79 indirect ceramic restorations (31.7%) with the formation of cavities with additional retention elements.
 Direct restorations in the subjects from group 1 were performed with a photocomposite using a 5th generation adhesive system in a layered technique with light polymerization by “soft start”. In the molars of persons from groups 2 and 3, cavities were prepared taking into account the generally accepted requirements, while in the cavities of the molars in patients from group 3, we formed retention elements in dentin in the form of depressions. Intraoral optoelectronic scanner CEREC AC Connect Omnicam, Dentsply Sirona was used for scanning, restorations were modeled in Exocad software and made of ceramic CAD-blocks based on lithium disilicate using an inLab MC X5 assembler, Dentsply Sirona. The restoration was fixed on a self-adhesive composite cement of double hardening. Clinical evaluation of restoration was performed in 18 and 24 months. Impairments and the number of restorations with them were registered.
 Research results and their discussion. In the period of 18 months, out of 70 direct photocomposite restorations (78.7% of the initial number) in persons of group 1, 2 restorations (2.2%) were partially absent, in 4 restorations (4.5%) anatomical impairments were revealed, in 5 (5.6%) – impairments of the marginal adaptation, in 8 (9.0%) – marginal color, also in 8 cases (9.0%) there were impairments of contact points. All impairments were identified in 12 restorations (13.5%). In patients of 2 groups, in 78 indirect ceramic restorations (96.3%) we revealed a partial destruction and shift of 1 restoration (1.2%), disturbance of an anatomic form – in 2 restorations (2.5%), in 3 restorations (3.7% each) there were defects of marginal adaptation and marginal color, contact points were impaired in 4 cases (4.9%). In total, impairments were detected in 5 restorations (6.2%). In 77 indirect ceramic restorations (97.5%) in patients of group 3, 1 restoration (1.3% each) had impairments of anatomical shape, marginal adaptation and contact points, 2 restorations (2.5%) had marginal color. Impairments pertained to only 2 restorations (2.5%).
 In 24 months, out of 58 direct restorations (62.5%) of patients in group 1, 3 restorations (3.4%) were partially or completely absent, anatomical impairments were found in 6 restorations (6.7%), and marginal defects were found in 7 (7.9%), marginal color – in 11 (12.4%), 15 contact points (16.9%) were with impairments. The number of direct restorations with impairments was 20 (22.5%). In 77 indirect restorations (90.1%) in persons of the 2nd group, we revealed a partial destruction and displacement of 3 restorations (3.7%), 2 restorations (2.5% each) had impairments of anatomical shape and marginal adaptation, 4 each (4 , 9%) – marginal color and defects of contact points. In total, there were 7 indirect restorations (8.6%) with impairments. In patients of group 3, among 75 indirect restorations (94.9%) 1 restoration (1.3% each) had disturbances of anatomic shape and marginal adaptation, 2 restorations (2.5%) were with marginal coloring, 3 (3.8 %) – with defects of contact points. There were 3 indirect restorations with impairments (3.8%).
 Conclusion. During both terms with impairments, we detected 32 direct photocomposite restorations (36.0%), 12 indirect ceramic restorations (14.8%) and only 5 indirect ceramic restorations (6.3%) made with additional retention elements.

Nonlinear vibrations of a 3 × 3 reduced scale PWR fuel assembly supported by spacer grids

The core of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) is composed by nuclear fuel assemblies, bundles of slender fuel rods containing uranium pellets, kept in position by spacer grids equipped with elastic elements for retention, and exposed to an axial flow of coolant. Fuel assemblies are subjected to fluid-induced vibrations causing fretting at the interface with spacer grids; events such as earthquakes may also constitute an external excitation resulting in large-amplitude vibrations of the fuel rods. The relationship between the excitation amplitude and the damping during large-amplitude forced vibrations of nuclear fuel assemblies in the presence of flowing fluid is not fully understood. The present experimental study investigated the vibrations of a 3 × 3 tube assembly composed by eight regularly spaced fuel rods installed around a guide tube and supported by spacer grids; tests were performed in still and flowing water. In addition to experimental modal analysis under small random excitation, stepped-sine experiments at different levels of harmonic excitation that caused large-amplitude vibrations were performed. The equivalent viscous damping ratios of the fundamental model at different excitation levels were extracted by fitting the results with a single degree-of-freedom model. The vibrations of the fuel assembly were strongly influenced by the vibrational behavior of the single rods, which constitute coupled oscillators. An increase of damping with the excitation amplitude was observed both in still and in flowing water and acted in the direction of structural safety. The water flow did not cause instabilities in the operational range; instead, the increment of flow speed increased the damping ratios in the linear (small-amplitude vibrations) and nonlinear (large-amplitude vibrations) regime.

A novel method reveals how channel retentiveness and stocks of detritus (CPOM) vary among streams differing in bed roughness

Abstract Coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) is a fundamental resource in freshwater streams, providing food, shelter and habitat for diverse invertebrate taxa and playing a key role in metabolism in low‐order streams. Benthic CPOM stocks are determined by rates of supply and breakdown of detritus and by channel retentiveness (i.e. the capacity for the channel to trap and retain CPOM). We focussed on factors affecting the retentiveness of channels, which theoretically differs among streams with different sediment sizes and concomitant channel morphology. We developed a new, rapid method to measure retentiveness using line‐intercept surveys along transects. With this rapid approach, we surveyed 32 sites from three types of streams (smooth sandy channels, n = 10; gravel channels of intermediate roughness, n = 12; rough cobble channels, n = 10) in Victoria, south‐eastern Australia, and tested the simple hypotheses that: (1) retentiveness increases in channels with increasing channel roughness (i.e. sandy versus gravel versus cobble‐bed streams); (2) different types of channel features (e.g. log jams, cobbles, depositional areas) differ in the efficiency with which they retain CPOM. The line‐intercept survey method was readily adapted to measure retentiveness as m of retentive structure per m of transect (i.e. the Linear Coverage Index) and trapping efficiency as m of CPOM per m of retentive element, for 10 different types of retentive elements. Unexpectedly, the retentiveness of channels did not increase with channel roughness. This occurred because channels with different roughness were dominated by different types of retentive structure. Retentive structure in cobble sites was dominated by cobbles themselves, which were highly retentive in other studies but poorly retentive in our system. Gravel and sand sites had more log jams and depositional areas, such as pools and backwaters, and these features were more effective at trapping CPOM. Thus, retention of CPOM was highest in gravel and sand sites. Our method provides a new tool for investigators testing hypotheses about CPOM retention in streams. The method is rapid, requires a minimum of equipment and personnel, and may be applied in any wadeable stream. Retentiveness is calculated in intuitive units that are directly comparable among sites and may have utility as variables in models of CPOM dynamics. We hope this method will open up new avenues for research that may shed light on how CPOM stocks vary among streams, with implications for diversity of aquatic fauna and ecosystem functions such as decomposition.

Predicting Tree-Related Microhabitats by Multisensor Close-Range Remote Sensing Structural Parameters for the Selection of Retention Elements

The retention of structural elements such as habitat trees in forests managed for timber production is essential for fulfilling the objectives of biodiversity conservation. This paper seeks to predict tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) by close-range remote sensing parameters. TreMs, such as cavities or crown deadwood, are an established tool to quantify the suitability of habitat trees for biodiversity conservation. The aim to predict TreMs based on remote sensing (RS) parameters is supposed to assist a more objective and efficient selection of retention elements. The RS parameters were collected by the use of terrestrial laser scanning as well as unmanned aerial vehicles structure from motion point cloud generation to provide a 3D distribution of plant tissue. Data was recorded on 135 1-ha plots in Germany. Statistical models were used to test the influence of 28 RS predictors, which described TreM richness (R2: 0.31) and abundance (R2: 0.31) in moderate precision and described a deviance of 44% for the abundance and 38% for richness of TreMs. Our results indicate that multiple RS techniques can achieve moderate predictions of TreM occurrence. This method allows a more efficient and objective selection of retention elements such as habitat trees that are keystone features for biodiversity conservation, even if it cannot be considered a full replacement of TreM inventories due to the moderate statistical relationship at this stage.

Exploring surface properties of substrate to understand the difference in enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse treated with dilute acid and sulfite

The sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) is beneficial to subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, to elucidate enzymatic hydrolysis mechanism of SPORL treated sugarcane bagasse (SCB), the surface properties of SPORL and dilute acid (DA) treated SCBs were compared, including cellulase adsorption isotherm and kinetics, specific surface area and average size of pores, water retention value (WRV), element composition and percentages of different chemical bonds on the substrate surface. The results showed the hydrolysis yield of SPORL SCB (76.16 %) was higher than that of DA (57.82 %) and SPORL SCB had better adsorption capacity, lower binding strength, a higher cellulase adsorption rate, larger specific surface area and higher WRV, and these two SCBs might adsorb cellulase by COR bonds (R: organic groups), suggesting SPORL SCB’s surface was more advantageous to enzymatic hydrolysis. This study could help understand the mechanism of lignocellulosic hydrolysis in depth.

Incorrectness of the method of calculating cargo fastening on railway platforms

Inaccuracy of the existing methodology for calculating cargo fastening. Cargo fastening by flexible and retention elements. The paper should define the “shearing” force across the car as the sum of the transverse transport inertia and wind load, taking into account the safety factor from tipping over; determine the transverse force perceived by the means of securing the load, taking into account the reaction of the retention bars of only one direction; calculate the forces in the elastic fasteners when exposed to shearing forces, taking into account the geometry of the fasteners according to existing methods. The research methods are based on the basic law of dynamics for the relative motion of a material point, where the transverse and vertical transferring inertia forces are formally assigned to external forces. The paper proves that according to the existing methodology, the force in all elastic cargo fasteners under the influence of transverse forces has the same value, regardless of the different arrangement of the geometric parameters of the fasteners in space. This is not true. The calculations of forces in the elastic fastening elements according to Appendix 8 of the existing methodology are given. Under the influence of transverse forces, the strength of the first and second pairs of elastic fasteners, both one and the other direction, are not provided by the method of Appendix 8 - the forces in the fasteners are greater than the permissible one (24.8 kN). Existing calculation methods do not ensure the strength of the cargo fastening elements.

Improving vocational recovery among people with psychosis: a two-pronged approach

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the feasibility of conducting research on a two-pronged vocational intervention for people with first episode psychosis. The paper also aims to empirically examine the impact of a two-pronged vocational intervention for people with first episode psychosis by determining what effect, if any, introducing a two-pronged vocational intervention to an early intervention for psychosis service (EIPS) has on vocational outcomes using a prospective follow-up design. The approach consisted of supported employment (individual placement and support, IPS) for participants without a productive role and a job retention programme for those employed or studying.Design/methodology/approachBetween 2010 and 2013, a supported employment specialist joined an EIPS where occupational therapy was available to all attenders. The appropriate intervention was determined by the occupational therapist on the team. Participants were interviewed at baseline and one follow-up. Ethical approval was attained. The Individual Placement and Support Fidelity Scale was used to ensure the quality of IPS implementation.FindingsIn total, 39 (20 men, 19 women) consented; 21 (54 per cent) of these participants were unoccupied; 18 (46 per cent) had a productive role; 87 per cent (n= 34) were followed up. The mean length of follow-up was 18 months. At follow-up, 50 per cent (n= 10) of unoccupied participants had attained a productive role, and 17 of the 18 participants had retained their productive role. Overall, participants were found to have spent an average of 62 per cent of the follow-up period in a productive role.Research limitations/implicationsRates of vocational recovery among people affected by psychosis may be enhanced by a two-pronged approach that allows for the persons individual work circumstances to be taken into account.Originality/valueThis study highlights the impact of a two-progroned vocational intervention for people with first episode psychosis in Ireland. It is the first study of its kind to be published in the Republic of Ireland and the first world-wide to include a job retention element in its design.

Connectivity Dynamics in Dryland Litter Cycles: Moving Decomposition beyond Spatial Stasis

AbstractDrylands (arid and semiarid ecosystems) cover nearly half of Earth's terrestrial surface, but biogeochemical pools and processes in these systems remain poorly understood. Litter can account for a substantial portion of carbon and nutrient pools in these systems, with litter decomposition exerting important controls over biogeochemical cycling. Dryland decomposition is typically treated as a spatially static process in which litter is retained and decomposed where it is initially deposited. Although this assumption is reasonable for mesic systems with continuous plant canopy cover and a stable subcanopy litter layer, dryland pools generally reflect discontinuous inputs from heterogeneous canopy cover followed by substantial litter transport. In the present article, we review horizontal and vertical transport processes that move litter from the initial deposition point and retention elements that influence litter accumulation patterns. Appreciation of the spatially dynamic litter cycle, including quantitative assessment of transport patterns, will improve estimates of the fate and distribution of organic matter in current and future drylands.

Nuclear retention element recruits U1 snRNP components to restrain spliced lncRNAs in the nucleus

ABSTRACTIn contrast to cytoplasmic localization of spliced mRNAs, many spliced lncRNAs are localized in the nucleus. To investigate the mechanism, we used lncRNA MEG3 as a reporter and mapped a potent nuclear retention element (NRE), deletion of this element led to striking export of MEG3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Insertion of the NRE resulted in nuclear retention of spliced lncRNA as well as spliced mRNA. We further purified RNP assembled on the NRE in vitro and identified the proteins by mass spectrometry. Screen using siRNA revealed depletion of U1 snRNP components SNRPA, SNRNP70 or SNRPD2 caused significant cytoplasmic localization of MEG3 reporter transcripts. Co-knockdown these factors in HFF1 cells resulted in an increased cytoplasmic distribution of endogenous lncRNAs. Together, these data support a model that U1 snRNP components restrain spliced lncRNAs in the nucleus via the interaction with nuclear retention element.

An Acoustic Trap for Bead Injection Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy.

In this work, we introduce a system combining an acoustic trap for bead injection with attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared (IR) spectroscopy. By mounting an acoustofluidic cell hosting an ultrasound source on top of a custom-built ATR fixture we were able to trap beads labeled with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase without requiring any mechanical retention elements. Sequential injection analysis was employed for reproducible sample handling and bead injection into the acoustic trap. To showcase potential applications of the presented setup for kinetic studies, we monitored the conversion of p-nitrophenylphosphate into p-nitrophenol and phosphate via beads carrying the immobilized enzyme using ATR-IR spectroscopy. Retaining the labeled beads via ultrasound particle manipulation resulted in excellent experimental reproducibility (relative standard deviation, 3.91%). It was demonstrated that trapped beads remained stably restrained with up to eight cell volumes of liquid passing through the acoustofluidic cell. Beads could be discarded in a straightforward manner by switching off the ultrasound, in contrast to systems containing mechanical retention elements, which require backflushing. Multiple experiments were performed by employing different substrate concentrations with the same batch of trapped beads as well as varying the amount of enzyme present in the cell, enabling enzyme kinetic studies and emphasizing the application of the proposed setup in studies where enzymatic reuse is desired. This proves the potential of the acoustic trap combined with ATR-IR spectroscopy to monitor the activity of immobilized enzymes and its ability to perform complex bead-based assays.

The calmodulin-binding tetraleucine motif of KCNE4 is responsible for association with Kv1.3.

The voltage-dependent potassium (Kv) channel Kv1.3 regulates leukocyte proliferation, activation, and apoptosis, and altered expression of this channel is linked to autoimmune diseases. Thus, the fine-tuning of Kv1.3 function is crucial for the immune system response. The Kv1.3 accessory protein, potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily E (KCNE) subunit 4, acts as a dominant negative regulatory subunit to both enhance inactivation and induce intracellular retention of Kv1.3. Mutations in KCNE4 also cause immune system dysfunction. Although the formation of Kv1.3-KCNE4 complexes has profound consequences for leukocyte physiology, the molecular determinants involved in the Kv1.3-KCNE4 association are unknown. We now show that KCNE4 associates with Kv1.3 via a tetraleucine motif situated within the carboxy-terminal domain of this accessory protein. This motif would function as an interaction platform, in which Kv1.3 and Ca2+/calmodulin compete for the KCNE4 interaction. Finally, we propose a structural model of the Kv1.3-KCNE4 complex. Our experimental data and the in silico structure suggest that the KCNE4 interaction hides a forward-trafficking motif within Kv1.3 in addition to adding a strong endoplasmic reticulum retention signature to the Kv1.3-KCNE4 complex. Thus, the oligomeric composition of the Kv1.3 channelosome fine-tunes the precise balance between anterograde and intracellular retention elements that control the cell surface expression of Kv1.3 and immune system physiology.-Solé, L., Roig, S. R., Sastre, D., Vallejo-Gracia, A., Serrano-Albarrás, A., Ferrer-Montiel, A., Fernández-Ballester, G., Tamkun, M. M., Felipe, A. The calmodulin-binding tetraleucine motif of KCNE4 is responsible for association with Kv1.3.

FLEXIBLE POLYMER DENTURES - CONTEMPORARY SOLUTIONS FOR SUPERIOR ESTHETIC AND COMFORТ

The method for making flexible polymer partial dentures provides the opportunity to obtain dental devices, in a very short period of time, without multiple try-in appointments. The materials are fully biocompatible and do not contain allergic monomers, their durability is large, they are flexible and practically unbreakable. Obtaining a prosthetic solution of this type without the presence of metal retention elements (clasps and attachments), without hard and rigid acrylate mass, present remarkable and contemporary therapeutic and prophylactic solution.Тhe aim of the paper is to present different prosthetic solutions for the patients with flexible prostheses made from the Bre. Flex material. Bre.flex is a nylon-based thermoplastic material, composed of nylon PA 12 (polyamide). Nylon exhibits high physical strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. Тhe material, after heating, passes into a plastic state and is injected under pressure into a mold for definite formation of the prosthesis. Due to the low melting temperature, the material exhibits excellent flow characteristics and can be safely injected up to a thickness of 0.5 mm under a pressure of 7.0 to 7.5 bar. The high pressure reduces shrinkage and ensures extended dimensional stability so that precision-fit dentures are obtained and accumulation of plaque is avoided. It can be easily modified to increase stiffness and wear resistance. Nylon resin can be semi-translucent and provides excellent esthetics but it is difficult to readjust the dentures and provide smooth and polish surfaces after correction.These dentures in our patients represent an immediate solution only a few hours after the extraction of the teeth, a temporary solution after implant therapy until the end of the period of ossification and permanent prosthesis in patients who do not like preparation of the adjacent teeth for retention elements (attachments) or visible metal parts characteristic for classic and cast metal removable partial denture. Flexible polymer partial dentures present a highly esthetic solution, they are very thin, and through elastic clasps provide good retention and stabilization of the device during the masticatory process, giving the opportunity for greater comfort in the exploitation and faster and shorter adaptation period.

LABORATORY STUDY OF STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS GLASS-FIBER REINFORCED LIGHT-CURED COMPOSITE

Abstract. Resin-bonded bridges (RBB), which are made by the direct method are widely used to restore the integrity of the dentition. There is no common opinion regarding the optimal design of the retention elements of such prosthetics.
 Purpose is to study the influence of the design RBB supporting elements on the mechanical strength of fixing light-cured composite material, reinforced with glass-fiber tape and bulk, to the hard tissues of the teeth in laboratory conditions,.
 Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 20 laboratory samples. Extracted intact lower third molars were sprayed into halves in a transverse direction on two fragments. Each of the fragments was fixed in fast-hardening plastic so that the contact surface of the fragment of the removed tooth stood 2 mm above the plastic level, with the surface of the enamel, which was a circle, with a diameter of 4-5 mm, and was free. Samples were divided into 2 groups of 10 in each. In samples of group I, the preparation of an approximate surface of a tooth fragment was made in the form of a box-shaped cavity with rounded corners and a minimal conicality of vertical walls with the following parameters: length - 3 mm, width - 3 mm, depth - 2 mm. Reference cavities in the samples of the second group were prepared according to the proposed method, after preparation of the classical box-shaped cavity with parameters: length - 3 mm, width - 3 mm, depth - 2 mm, created additional retention elements in the form of dives located in the lower third each of the vertical walls of the cavities using special marking burs with height and thickness of the working part by 1 mm.
 In order to determine the strength of the light-cured composite fixation, reinforced by glass-fiber tape and bulk, developed device for investigating the maximum destructive loading of the samples by the shear method was used. The destructive load was measured using a dynamometer installed in the test vehicle to within 0.1 N. In addition, the specific strength of the samples was determined as the ratio of the destructive load to the surface area of the fracture or separation, and the safety margin, as the ratio of the destructive load to the mean the value of the chewing load in the area of molars taken for 150 N.
 Results and discussion. During conducting ofd the laboratory study of fixation strength of light-cured composite, reinforced by glass-fiber tape and bulk, to solid teeth tissues with different design retention elements there were found that the maximum destructive load and specific strength of the different sample groups were significantly different (p <0,01). Indicators of destructive loading of samples of the 1st group were ranged from 576.5 N to 835.9 N and amounted to an average of 771.8+90.1 N. At the same time, the destructive loading for samples of the II group was from 2425.0 N to 2999.0 N with an average of 2805.9+191.4 N. Thus, the samples of the second group had almost 4 times the magnitude of the maximum destructive load than the values of group І samples.
 The indexes of the specific strength of light-cured composite fixing to the hard tissues of the supporting teeth were also higher in the samples of the second group, their values were ​​ranged from 341.1 N / mm2 to 421.8 N / mm2 with an average value of 394.5+26.8 N/mm2. In samples from Group I, these figures were ranged from 23.1 N/mm2 to 33.4 N/mm2 and amounted to 28.6+3.3 N/mm2 on average, they were 14 times smaller than II group indicators.
 Conclusion. As a result of the laboratory study, it was found that samples of the second group with the proposed design of retention elements had higher characteristics of the strength of fixation to the hard teeth tissues than those of group I with the "classic" box-shaped form of retention cavities. Destruction of samples of the second group occurred at a significant load that greatly exceeded that which occured in clinical conditions and at a distance from the retention elements, created according to the proposed design, due to insufficient physical and mechanical parameters of the light-cured composite and reinforcing fiberglass elements. The use of the proposed preparation option will reduce the risk of failure of the fixation and improve the prognosis for the long-term exploitation of resin-bonded bridges made by direct method.

In focus: TriaAkneal Expert / Clinans Expert

Clinical practice and numerous studies show that the use of medical cosmetics on the one hand helps to stop, and in some cases prevent the development of side effects of drugs, on the other hand, having a certain therapeutic activity against the main pathogenetic links of acne, improves the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. Materials and methods. Under observation there were 56 patients with mild to moderate severity (group 1), who used the derma cosmetic cream Aven Clinans Expert. Group 2 - 52 patients - in the clinical picture in which, in addition to inflammatory and retention elements, post-acne scars were noted, the Aven TriAkneal Expert emulsion regulating smoothing was used. Evaluation of the effectiveness was carried out taking into account the clinical examination methods: IGA index, DIQL index, corneometry, secumetry. Results. The number of patients with achieved IGA 0/1 effect in group 1 (n = 56) at 6 months was 80.4 % and 19.6 %, respectively, in group 2 (n = 52) at 6 months was 34, 6 % and 65.4 %, respectively. By the end of the observation period in group 1, the DIQL index decreased by 95.2 %, in group 2 - by 79.9 %. The rate of sebometry after 3 months of therapy in all groups decreased by more than 25 %. At the same time, 100 % of patients positively evaluated the tolerability of treatment and did not report any side effects. Findings. Aven Clinans Expert has antikomedogennym, sebostaticheskoe and anti-inflammatory effects, which causes high effectiveness against all clinical symptoms of acne and can be recommended as a monotherapy with a moderate degree of severity of acne (retention elements and single inflammatory). The use of emulsion Aven TriAkneal expert in patients with moderate severity of acne and atrophic scars after acne causes a high therapeutic effect due to the impact on the main pathogenetic links of the pathogenesis of not only acne, but scar cicatricial deformities. The use of Aven Clinans Expert / emulsion cream Aven TriAkneal, an expert in monotherapy, greatly improves the quality of life of patients with moderate severity of acne / acne.

Simplifying the digital workflow of facial prostheses manufacturing using a three-dimensional (3D) database: setup, development, and aspects of virtual data validation for reproduction

PurposeTo set up the digital database (DDB) of various anatomical parts, skin details and retention elements in order to simplify the digital workflow of facial prostheses manufacturing; and to quantify the reproduction of skin wrinkles on the prostheses prototypes with stereolithography (SLA) and direct light processing (DLP) methods. MethodsTwo structured light scanners were used to obtain the nasal and auricle forms of 50 probands. Furthermore, the ala nasi and scapha areas were captured with the digital single lens reflex camera and saved in jpeg format. The four magnetic retention elements were remodeled in computer aided design (CAD) software. The 14 test blocks with embossed wrinkles of 0.05–0.8mm were printed with SLA and DLP methods and afterwards analyzed by means of profilometry and confocal microscopy. ResultsThe introduced DDB allows for production of customized facial prosthesis and makes it possible to consider the integration of concrete retention elements on the CAD stage, which makes the prosthesis modelling more predictable and efficient. The obtained skin structures can be applied onto the prosthesis surface for customization. The reproduction of wrinkles from 0.1 to 0.8mm in depth may be associated with the loss of 4.5%–11% of its profile with SLA or DLP respectively. Besides, the reproduction of 0.05mm wrinkles may be met with up to 40% profile increasement. ConclusionsThe utilization of DDB may simplify the digital workflow of facial prostheses manufacturing. The transfer of digitally applied skin wrinkles till the prostheses’ prototypes may be associated with deviations from 11 to 40%.

Matrix Mediated Viral Gene Delivery: A Review.

Polymeric matrices inherently protect viral vectors from pre-existing immune conditions, limit dissemination to off-target sites, and can sustain vector release. Advancing methodologies in development of particulate based vehicles have led to improved encapsulation of viral vectors. Polymeric delivery systems have contributed to increasing cellular transduction, responsive release mechanisms, cellular infiltration, and cellular signaling. Synthetic polymers are easily customizable, and are capable of balancing matrix retention with cellular infiltration. Natural polymers contain inherent biorecognizable motifs adding therapeutic efficacy to the incorporated viral vector. Recombinant polymers use highly conserved motifs to carefully engineer matrices, allowing for precise design including elements of vector retention and responsive release mechanisms. Composite polymer systems provide opportunities to create matrices with unique properties. Carefully designed matrices can control spatiotemporal release patterns that synergize with approaches in regenerative medicine and antitumor therapies.

An interdomain bridge influences RNA binding of the human La protein

La proteins are RNA chaperones that perform various functions depending on distinct RNA-binding modes and their subcellular localization. In the nucleus, they help process UUU-3'OH-tailed nascent RNA polymerase III transcripts, such as pre-tRNAs, whereas in the cytoplasm they contribute to translation of poly(A)-tailed mRNAs. La accumulation in the nucleus and cytoplasm is controlled by several trafficking elements, including a canonical nuclear localization signal in the extreme C terminus and a nuclear retention element (NRE) in the RNA recognition motif 2 (RRM2) domain. Previous findings indicate that cytoplasmic export of La due to mutation of the NRE can be suppressed by mutations in RRM1, but the mechanism by which the RRM1 and RRM2 domains functionally cooperate is poorly understood. In this work, we use electromobility shift assays (EMSA) to show that mutations in the NRE and RRM1 affect binding of human La to pre-tRNAs but not UUU-3'OH or poly(A) sequences, and we present compensatory mutagenesis data supporting a direct interaction between the RRM1 and RRM2 domains. Moreover, we use collision-induced unfolding and time-resolved hydrogen-deuterium exchange MS analyses to study the conformational dynamics that occur when this interaction is intact or disrupted. Our results suggest that the intracellular distribution of La may be linked to its RNA-binding modes and provide the first evidence for a direct protein-protein interdomain interaction in La proteins.

Long-term results of endosseous implants as retention elements of orbital epitheses, reconstruction techniques, and aftercare after radical tumor resection.

The aim of this study was to examine the long-term results of implants in orbital reconstruction after exenteration. From 1998 to 2012, patients undergoing implant-supported rehabilitation after subtotal or total exenteration due to a tumor were included in a retrospective study. All the patients were evaluated for soft tissue reconstruction, irradiation, complications, abutments, hygiene index, implant mobility, and long-term success. Forty-eight patients (aged between 27 and 81 years) were selected. A total of 187 implants were inserted. All the patients were supplied with epitheses after implantation in the long term. Of the 187 implants, nine implants placed on five patients were lost. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (ranging from 6 to 144 months). The 5-year survival rate was 88%. On the basis of this retrospective study of 48 patients with 187 implants, the following observations were made: (1) The 5-year survival of implants in nonradiated bone was 92%, and (2) the 5-year survival of implants in radiated bone was 86%. Extraoral implants should be presented as an option in orbital rehabilitation after exenteration.

Model Predictive Control for optimising the operation of Urban Drainage Systems

This work presents a methodology for developing a Model Predictive Control (MPC) for enhancing the operation of Urban Drainage Systems (UDS). The objective of the MPC is to apply a proactive management strategy that uses optimised time-state schedules for operating the actuators of UDS in real time. Aiming to mitigate flooding consequences, the MPC uses EPA-SWMM hydrologic-hydraulic simulation engine and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimise the time-state schedules for the actuators of UDS. The efficiency of the MPC was tested on the Lille University Campus, resulting in satisfying improvements in the use of storage capacity of retention elements within the UDS.