Porosity at Different Structural Levels in Human and Yak Belly Hair and Its Effect on Hair Dyeing.

Yak belly hair was proposed as a cheap substitute for human hair for the development of hair dyes, as its chemical composition closely resembles human hair in Raman spectroscopy. The absence of melanin in yak belly hair also leads to a strong reduction of fluorescence in Raman measurements, which is advantageous for the investigation of the effectivity of hair dyes. To assess the suitability for replacing human hair, we analyzed similarities and differences of both hair types with a variety of methods: Raman spectroscopy, to obtain molecular information; small-angle X-ray scattering to determine the nanostructure, such as intermediate filament distance, distance of lipid layers and nanoporosity; optical and scanning electron microscopy of surfaces and cross sections to determine the porosity at the microstructural level; and density measurements and tensile tests to determine the macroscopic structure, macroporosity and mechanical properties.

Factors influencing intracranial pressure (ICP) during percutaneous tracheostomy.

Objectives: Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) is common on ICUs. An increase of intracranial pressure (ICP) can be observed in patients with acute cerebral diseases. Factors determining ICP increase remain unclear.

EcR recruits dMi-2 and increases efficiency of dMi-2-mediated remodelling to constrain transcription of hormone-regulated genes.

Gene regulation by steroid hormones plays important roles in health and disease. In Drosophila, the hormone ecdysone governs transitions between key developmental stages. Ecdysone-regulated genes are bound by a heterodimer of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle.

Relationship of Prolonged Operative Time and Comorbidities With Complications After Geriatric Ankle Fractures.

Background: The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures has increased during the last few decades. In contrast to younger patients, increased complication rates have been observed. Thus, the goal of the present study was to identify risk factors for perioperative complications following open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric ankle fractures.