Superselective Radioembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 5-Year Results of a Prospective Study

Twenty patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were followed up to 5 years after transarterial radiotherapy with 90Y-resin particles. Diagnostic radioembolizations of 99mTc-macroaggregates facilitated scintigraphic assessment of activity distribution, dose evaluation and final procedural verification. The overall survival rates were 56, 38 and 14% (after 1, 2 and 3 years, resp.). Patients with unifocal HCC and a single feeding artery (n = 7) even presented 83, 67 and 40% (2 alive after 2.75 and 4 years). With multiple arteries (n = 7), the longest survival was 26 months. Patients with multifocal HCC survived up to 33 months after selective radioembolization. Quality of life was improved in all. Survival was positively correlated with absorbed dose but residual/recurrent tumour occurred even after ≥300 Gy. Post-treatment symptoms were minimal (35 applications), pulmonary shunt rates were correctly predicted and pulmonary complications avoided.

TGFβ-1 and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions promote smooth muscle gene expression in bone marrow stromal cells: Possible application in therapies for urological defects

Purpose

For regenerative and cellular therapies of the urinary tract system, autologous bladder smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have several limitations, including constricted in vitro proliferation capacity and, more importantly, inability to be used in malignant conditions. The use of in vitro (pre-)differentiated multipotential adult progenitor cells may help to overcome the shortcomings associated with primary cells.

Methods

By mimicking environmental conditions of the bladder wall, we investigated in vitro effects of growth factor applications and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions on smooth muscle gene expression and on the morphological appearance of adherent bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs).

Results

Transcription growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ-1) upregulated the transcription of myogenic gene desmin and smooth muscle actin-γ2 in cultured BMSCs. Stimulatory effects were significantly increased by coculture with urothelial cells. Prolonged stimulation times and epigenetic modifications further enhanced transcription levels, indicating a dose-response relationship. Immunocytochemical staining of in vitro-differentiated BMSCs revealed expression of myogenic protein α-smooth muscle actin and desmin, and changes in morphological appearance from a fusiform convex shape to a laminar flattened shape with filamentous inclusions similar to the appearance of bladder SMCs. In contrast to the TGFβ-1 action, application of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) did not affect the cells.

Conclusions

The combined application of TGFβ-1 and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions promoted in vitro outgrowth of cells with a smooth muscle-like phenotype from a selected adherent murine bone marrow-derived cell population.

“UroMaix” Scaffolds: Novel Collagen Matrices for Application in Tissue Engineering of the Urinary Tract

Reconstruction of bladder and ureter tissue is indicated in cases of injury, stenosis, infection or tumor. Substitution by ileum, colon or pure synthetic polymers generates a variety of complications. Biohybrid tissue mimicking structural and functional attributes of the multilayered wall architecture of the urinary conduit may be the solution to current problems.

This study reports on porcine urinary tract cells isolated and placed on UroMaix matrices with different degrees of cross-linking produced from highly purified type I collagen from medically approved porcine tissue. A patented procedure revealed membrane structures composed of a dense fibrous side and an open fibrous side. These scaffolds with the porcine urinary tract cells were incubated in a batch culture system for up to 14 days. Cell growth and topographical orientation were examined.

Urothelial cells showed maximum attachment and a significant increase of living cells on the dense fiber layer of UroMaix-1. No attachment of urothelial cells occurred on the other prototypes. Smooth muscle cells showed similar behavior within the open fiber layer of all UroMaix matrices. Both urothelial and smooth muscle cells retained their phenotypes as demonstrated by the immunostaining of epithelial cytokeratin 18 and the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain respectively. Thus we could show that UroMaix scaffolds support the attachment and proliferation of urinary tract cells. The elastomeric properties of the collagenous matrices promise attractive applications in the tissue engineering of the urinary tract with its high mechanical demands.

Engrafting Periodontal Fibroblasts with New 3-Dimensional Polylactide Foams

In clinical periodontics, “tissue engineering” techniques have been developed to guide the regenerative process following periodontal disease. We explored a new shaped biomaterial in order to promote cellular adhesion, proliferation and migration of periodontal cells. Granules of poly-D,L-lactide were foamed in specially designed moulds by a controlled gas-loading process. Explant cultures of periodontal tissue were seeded at different densities on the 3-dimensional scaffolds following analysis of cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and differentiation. The moulding procedure led to porous structures with predetermined tubes for cellular locomotion. Cells adhered to and populated the material's surface and inner cavities while retaining fibroblastic phenotype. An optimal ratio between cellular proliferation and mortality rate was achieved at a seeding density of > 106 cells/cm3 scaffold. We designed modified polylactide scaffolds capable of acting as a stent and a cell carrier matrix. The foaming process is easy, cheap and suitable for commercial production.

Restaging of patients with lymphoma

Aim: Assessment of the clinical benefit of i.v. contrast enhanced diagnostic CT (CE-CT) compared to low dose CT with 20 mAs (LD-CT) without contrast medium in combined [18F]-FDG PET/CT examinations in restaging of patients with lymphoma. Patients, methods: 45 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 35) and Hodgkin's disease (n = 10) were included into this study. PET, LD-CT and CECT were analyzed separately as well as side-by-side. Lymphoma involvement was evaluated separately for seven regions. Indeterminate diagnoses were accepted whenever there was a discrepancy between PET and CT findings. Results for combined reading were calculated by rating indeterminate diagnoses according the suggestions of either CT or PET. Each patient had a clinical follow-up evaluation for >6 months. Results: Region-based evaluation suggested a sensitivity/specificity of 66/93% for LD-CT, 87%/91% for CE-CT, 95%/96% for PET, 94%/99% for PET/LD-CT and 96%/99% for PET/CE-CT. The data for PET/CT were obtained by rating indeterminate results according to the suggestions of PET, which turned out to be superior to CT. Lymphoma staging was changed in two patients using PET/ CE-CT as compared to PET/LD-CT. Conclusion: Overall, there was no significant difference between PET/LD-CT and PET/CE-CT. However, PET/CE-CT yielded a more precise lesion delineation than PET/LD-CT. This was due to the improved image quality of CE-CT and might lead to a more accurate investigation of lymphoma.

Nrf2-dependent persistent oxidative stress results in stress-induced vulnerability to depression

Stressful life events produce a state of vulnerability to depression in some individuals. The mechanisms that contribute to vulnerability to depression remain poorly understood. A rat model of intense stress (social defeat (SD), first hit) produced vulnerability to depression in 40% of animals. Only vulnerable animals developed a depression-like phenotype after a second stressful hit (chronic mild stress). We found that this vulnerability to depression resulted from a persistent state of oxidative stress, which was reversed by treatment with antioxidants. This persistent state of oxidative stress was due to low brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which characterized the vulnerable animals. We found that BDNF constitutively controlled the nuclear translocation of the master redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2, which activates antioxidant defenses. Low BDNF levels in vulnerable animals prevented Nrf2 translocation and consequently prevented the activation of detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes, ultimately resulting in the generation of sustained oxidative stress. Activating Nrf2 translocation restored redox homeostasis and reversed vulnerability to depression. This mechanism was confirmed in Nrf2-null mice. The mice displayed high levels of oxidative stress and were inherently vulnerable to depression, but this phenotype was reversed by treatment with antioxidants. Our data reveal a novel role for BDNF in controlling redox homeostasis and provide a mechanistic explanation for post-stress vulnerability to depression while suggesting ways to reverse it. Because numerous enzymatic reactions produce reactive oxygen species that must then be cleared, the finding that BDNF controls endogenous redox homeostasis opens new avenues for investigation.

High Intensity Functional Exercise (HIFE) Training

Hintergrund: Das in Schweden entwickelte und evaluierte Trainingsprogramm „High Intensity Functional Exercise“ (HIFE) wird dort zur Sturzprävention im stationären Seniorenpflegebereich eingesetzt. Das Programm besteht aus funktionellen, hochintensiven Kraft- und Balanceübungen und könnte eine wertvolle Ergänzung zu bereits bestehenden Sturzpräventionsprogrammen in Deutschland darstellen.

Ziel: Überprüfung der Anwendbarkeit des HIFE-Programms in 2 deutschen Pflegeheimen.

Methode: Machbarkeitsstudie einer 10-wöchigen HIFE-Intervention mit 16 Teilnehmern*. Primäre Zielparameter waren Teilnahme- und Drop-out-Raten, Beschwerden und Nebenwirkungen, Akzeptanz bei Heimleitung und Pflegepersonal. Sekundäre Zielparameter umfassten 30-Seconds Chair Rising Test (30 CR), 5-Seconds Chair Rising Test (5 CR), habituelle und maximale Gehgeschwindigkeit, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Sit and Reach Test (SR) und Standbalance zur Beschreibung funktioneller Veränderungen im Prä-Post-Vergleich.

Ergebnisse: Während der Intervention traten keine schwerwiegenden Nebenwirkungen auf. Teilnahmeraten und Akzeptanz des HIFE-Programms waren bei Heimleitung und Pflegepersonal sehr gut und die Drop-out-Rate gering. Die Standbalance (p < 0,05), funktionelle Beinkraft (30 CR: p < 0,005, 5 CR: p < 0,005) und habituelle Gehgeschwindigkeit (p < 0,05) verbesserten sich signifikant. Die Verbesserungen der maximalen Gehgeschwindigkeit (p = 0,075) und im TUG (p = 0,05) erreichten kein signifikantes Niveau. Die Beweglichkeit beim SR veränderte sich nicht (p = 0,608).

Schlussfolgerungen: Das HIFE-Trainingsprogramm lässt sich ist in Deutschland sicher und praktikabel anwenden. Verbesserungen funktioneller Parameter sind zu erwarten, was insgesamt einen wertvollen Beitrag zur Sturzprävention in Seniorenheimen leisten kann.

[Splice variant AR-V7 : Is it time for its routine use as a predictive marker in prostate cancer?]

Androgen receptor splice variants (AR-Vs), if overexpressed, lack the ligand-binding domain conveying metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer with a therapeutic resistance to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Particularly AR-V7 has recently been proposed as a potential predictive biomarker to identify patients who would probably benefit most from taxane-based cytotoxic treatment. Several assays to substantiate or quantify AR-V7 expression have recently been proposed. However, their broad clinical value is still debatable. This contemporary update aims to shed light on the current evidence in the field and draw distinct practical conclusions.

Primary lower limb lymphoedema: classification with non-contrast MR lymphography

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to analyse the performance of non-contrast MR lymphography for the classification of primary lower limb lymphoedema in 121 consecutive patients with 187 primary lower limb lymphoedemas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

121 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed primary lower limb lymphoedema underwent non-contrast MR lymphography with a free-breathing 3D fast spin-echo sequence with a very long TR/TE (4000/884 ms). MR examinations were retrospectively reviewed for severity of lymphoedema (absent, mild, moderate, severe) and characteristics of inguinal lymph nodes and iliac and inguinal lymphatic trunks graded as aplasic (no lymph nodes or lymphatic trunks), hypoplasic (less lymph nodes or lymphatic trunks), normal and hyperplasic (more lymph nodes or more and/or dilated trunks).

RESULTS

There was an excellent correlation between clinical stage and severity of lymphoedema (Cramer's V of 0,73 (p < 0.001)). Differentiation was feasible between inguinal lymphatic vessel aplasia (21%), hypoplasia (15%), normal pattern (53%) and hyperplasia (11%). Severe lymphoedema was observed in 46% of aplasic patterns and in 37% of hyperplasic patterns, but in only 15% of hypoplasic patterns and never observed in normal patterns (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Non-contrast MR lymphography is able to classify primary lower limb lymphoedemas into hyperplasic, aplasic, hypoplasic and normal patterns.

KEY POINTS

• Non-contrast MR lymphography is able to classify primary lower limb lymphoedemas. • Lymphoedema can be classified in hyperplasic, aplasic, hypoplasic and normal patterns. • Non-contrast MR lymphography can optimize clinical management of primary lower limb lymphoedemas.

A Multidimensional Analytical Comparison of Remicade and the Biosimilar Remsima

In April 2016, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first biosimilar monoclonal antibody (mAb), Inflectra/Remsima (Celltrion), based off the original product Remicade (infliximab, Janssen). Biosimilars promise significant cost savings for patients, but the unavoidable differences between innovator and copycat biologics raise questions regarding product interchangeability. In this study, Remicade and Remsima were examined by native mass spectrometry, ion mobility, and quantitative peptide mapping. The levels of oxidation, deamidation, and mutation of individual amino acids were remarkably similar. We found different levels of C-terminal truncation, soluble protein aggregates, and glycation that all likely have a limited clinical impact. Importantly, we identified more than 25 glycoforms for each product and observed glycoform population differences, with afucosylated glycans accounting for 19.7% of Remicade and 13.2% of Remsima glycoforms, which translated into a 2-fold reduction in the level of FcγIIIa receptor binding for Remsima. While this difference was acknowledged in Remsima regulatory filings, our glycoform analysis and receptor binding results appear to be somewhat different from the published values, likely because of methodological differences between laboratories and improved glycoform identification by our laboratory using a peptide map-based method. Our mass spectrometry-based analysis provides rapid and robust analytical information vital for biosimilar development. We have demonstrated the utility of our multiple-attribute monitoring workflow using the model mAbs Remicade and Remsima and have provided a template for analysis of future mAb biosimilars.

Automated Antibody De Novo Sequencing and Its Utility in Biopharmaceutical Discovery

Applications of antibody de novo sequencing in the biopharmaceutical industry range from the discovery of new antibody drug candidates to identifying reagents for research and determining the primary structure of innovator products for biosimilar development. When murine, phage display, or patient-derived monoclonal antibodies against a target of interest are available, but the cDNA or the original cell line is not, de novo protein sequencing is required to humanize and recombinantly express these antibodies, followed by in vitro and in vivo testing for functional validation. Availability of fully automated software tools for monoclonal antibody de novo sequencing enables efficient and routine analysis. Here, we present a novel method to automatically de novo sequence antibodies using mass spectrometry and the Supernovo software. The robustness of the algorithm is demonstrated through a series of stress tests. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Investigation of Feshbach resonances in ultracold 40K spin mixtures

Magnetically tunable Feshbach resonances are an indispensable tool for experiments with atomic quantum gases. We report on 37 thus far unpublished Feshbach resonances and four further probable Feshbach resonances in spin mixtures of ultracold fermionic ⁴⁰K with temperatures well below 100 nK. In particular, we locate a broad resonance at B = 389.7G with a magnetic width of 26.7 G. Here 1 G = 10^-4 T. Furthermore, by exciting low-energy spin waves, we demonstrate a means to precisely determine the zero crossing of the scattering length for this broad Feshbach resonance. Our findings allow for further tunability in experiments with ultracold ⁴⁰K quantum gases.

A millikelvin all-fiber cavity optomechanical apparatus for merging with ultra-cold atoms in a hybrid quantum system

We describe the construction of an apparatus designed to realize a hybrid quantum system comprised of a cryogenically cooled mechanical oscillator and ultra-cold ⁸⁷Rb atoms coupled via light. The outstanding feature of our instrument is an in situ adjustable asymmetric all-fiber membrane-in-the-middle cavity located inside an ultra-high vacuum dilution refrigerator based cryostat. We show that Bose-Einstein condensates of N=2×10⁶ atoms can be produced in less than 20 s and demonstrate a single photon optomechanical coupling strength of g₀=2π×9 kHz employing a high-stress Si₃N₄ membrane with a mechanical quality factor Q_m>10⁷ at a cavity setup temperature of T_MiM = 480 mK.

Fracture risk in people with developmental disabilities: results of a large claims data analysis

Age- and sex-specific fracture rates of 18,000 people with developmental disabilities aged 0-69 years were compared to the general population. Age-standardized incidence of femoral fracture was 4.8- and 7.1-fold higher in women and men, respectively. Comparable fracture risks to the general population occurred 10-15 years earlier in females and 20-40 years earlier in males.

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies suggested that fracture risks in people with developmental disabilities (DD) may be higher than in people in the general population. However, there are no current sufficiently large studies to compare age- and sex-specific fracture rates of single fracture types.

METHODS

People with DD and incident fractures were identified by routine data of a health insurance company. Fractures in the general population were derived from the official fracture statistics. Age-specific and age-standardized fracture incidences were analyzed. To compare fracture risks in people with DD with that of the general population incidence ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2010, 148 femoral fractures and 469 other fractures were observed in nearly 18,000 people with DD aged 0-69 years. The three most frequent fracture types leading to hospital admission were fractures of the femur, lower leg/ankle, and shoulder/arm. For femoral fractures, a particularly high risk was observed in children and adolescents with DD. In adults with DD, the risk of femoral fractures increased with increasing age. Even if the youngest age category was not considered, the age-standardized incidence was 4.8- and 7.1-fold higher in women and men, respectively. For all other fracture types, except fractures of forearm/hand and of pelvis, people with DD had also higher fracture incidences than the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

People with DD have a high fracture burden. Comparable risks of femoral fracture, for example, occurred about 10-15 years earlier in females and even 20-40 years earlier in males with DD than in the general population.

Nrf2-dependent persistent oxidative stress results in stress-induced vulnerability to depression

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.144.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 ion channel in macrophages modulates colitis through a balance-shift in TNF-alpha and interleukin-10 production

The transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family is well characterized in sensory neurons; however, little is known about its role in the immune system. Here we show that the cold-sensing TRPM8 has an unexpected role in innate immunity. TRPM8 expression and function in macrophages were demonstrated in vitro using molecular techniques and calcium imaging. In addition, adoptive macrophage transfer and systemic interleukin (IL)-10 overexpression were performed in experimental colitis. TRPM8 activation induced calcium-transients in murine peritoneal macrophages (PM) and bone marrow-derived macrophages of wild-type (WT) but not TRPM8-deficient mice. TRPM8-deficient PM exhibited defective phagocytosis and increased motility compared with those in WT, whereas the opposite effects of TRPM8 activation were induced in WT PM. TRPM8 activation or blockage/genetic deletion induced a anti- or pro-inflammatory macrophage cytokine profile, respectively. WT mice treated with repeated menthol (TRPM8 agonist) enemas were consistently protected from experimental colitis, whereas TRPM8-deficient mice showed increased colitis susceptibility. Adoptive transfer of TRPM8-deficient macrophages aggravated colitis, whereas systemic IL-10 overexpression rescued this phenotype. TRPM8 activation in peptidergic sensory neurons did not affect neuropeptide release from the inflamed colon. TRPM8 in macrophages determines pro- or anti-inflammatory actions by regulating tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10 production. These findings suggest novel TRPM8-based options for immunomodulatory intervention.

GARP inhibits allergic airway inflammation in a humanized mouse model

BACKGROUND

Regulatory T cells (Treg) represent a promising target for novel treatment strategies in patients with inflammatory/allergic diseases. A soluble derivate of the Treg surface molecule glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (sGARP) has strong anti-inflammatory and regulatory effects on human cells in vitro as well as in vivo through de novo induction of peripheral Treg. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory function of sGARP and its possible role as a new therapeutic option in allergic diseases using a humanized mouse model.

METHODS

To analyze the therapeutic effects of sGARP, adult NOD/Scidγc(-/-) (NSG) mice received peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from allergic patients with sensitization against birch allergen. Subsequently, allergic inflammation was induced in the presence of Treg alone or in combination with sGARP.

RESULTS

In comparison with mice that received Treg alone, additional treatment with sGARP reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), influx of neutrophils and macrophages into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and human CD45(+) cells in the lungs. Furthermore, the numbers of mucus-producing goblet cells and inflammatory cell infiltrates were reduced. To elucidate whether the mechanism of action of sGARP involves the TGF-β receptor pathway, mice additionally received anti-TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) antibodies. Blocking the signaling of TGF-β through TGF-βRII abrogated the anti-inflammatory effects of sGARP, confirming its essential role in inhibiting the allergic inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Induction of peripheral tolerance via sGARP is a promising potential approach to treat allergic airway diseases.

Gait analysis and WOMAC are complementary in assessing functional outcome in total hip replacement

Objective: To investigate the correlation between objective and subjective evaluation of patients with total hip replacement.

Design: Prospective preliminary trial comparing the Western Ontario and McMaster University questionnaire (WOMAC) and gait analysis preoperatively and three months postoperatively.

Setting: A German academic orthopaedic centre specializing in total hip replacement surgery.

Subjects: Seventeen patients (median age 70 years) with hip osteoarthritis.

Intervention: All patients had had a primary unilateral total hip replacement.

Main measures: WOMAC questionnaire to assess self-perceived health status and gait analysis to determine objective gait parameters.

Results: Performance of walking as well as subjective judgement of health status improved following surgery (gait speed P = 0.0222; stride length P = 0.038; stance phase ratio P = 0.0466; WOMAC P < 0.0001). However, the correlation between gait parameters and WOMAC was poor ( r = -0.27 or less). Correlation between changes of walking parameters and WOMAC was bad to good ( r = 0.01 to r = -0.72).

Conclusion: The WOMAC questionnaire might not reflect walking performance. The addition of gait analysis is recommended to gain objective information about the quality of gait.

[Caregiver intervention studies : Recommendations on endpoints and outcome measures for cognitively impaired care recipients]

BACKGROUND

Even though the intervention effects on cognitively impaired care recipients are of interest, the evaluation in dementia caregiver studies on caregiver outcomes is often limited. Furthermore, the comparison of studies and interventions is difficult because of the large variance of endpoints and assessments used in this field.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to give an overview on the most prevalent outcomes for cognitively impaired care recipients and expert based recommendations for assessment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A written Delphi survey was carried out on 16 assessments from 5 dimensions with 14 experts working in different disciplines in German healthcare and research institutes.

RESULTS

The most important outcomes and best rated assessments were 1) for problem behavior: revised memory and behavior problem checklist and neuropsychiatric inventory Q, 2) for depressive symptoms: geriatric depression scale, 3) for quality of life: quality of life in Alzheimer's disease, 4) for cognition: mini mental state examination and 5) for ADL/IADL: Katz activities of daily living and Lawton instrumental activities of daily living.

CONCLUSION

Due to the varying experiences of the experts with particular assessments, the ratings were in some cases relatively heterogeneous. Overall previous international recommendations could be confirmed. There is particular need of German validation studies on internationally used instruments within the dimensions of problem behavior and quality of life.

Host and microbiota interactions are critical for development of murine Crohn's-like ileitis

Deregulation of host-microbiota interactions in the gut is a pivotal characteristic of Crohn's disease. It remains unclear, however, whether commensals and/or the dysbiotic microbiota associated with pathology in humans are causally involved in Crohn's pathogenesis. Here, we show that Crohn's-like ileitis in Tnf(ΔARE/+) mice is microbiota-dependent. Germ-free Tnf(ΔARE/+) mice are disease-free and the microbiota and its innate recognition through Myd88 are indispensable for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) overexpression and disease initiation in this model. The epithelium of diseased mice shows no major defects in mucus barrier and paracellular permeability. However, Tnf(ΔARE/+) ileitis associates with the reduction of lysozyme-expressing Paneth cells, mediated by adaptive immune effectors. Furthermore, we show that established but not early ileitis in Tnf(ΔARE/+) mice involves defective expression of antimicrobials and dysbiosis, characterized by Firmicutes expansion, including epithelial-attaching segmented filamentous bacteria, and decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes. Microbiota modulation by antibiotic treatment at an early disease stage rescues ileitis. Our results suggest that the indigenous microbiota is sufficient to drive TNF overexpression and Crohn's ileitis in the genetically susceptible Tnf(ΔARE/+) hosts, whereas dysbiosis in this model results from disease-associated alterations including loss of lysozyme-expressing Paneth cells.

Sinusoidal nanotextures for light management in silicon thin-film solar cells

Recent progresses in liquid phase crystallization enabled the fabrication of thin wafer quality crystalline silicon layers on low-cost glass substrates enabling conversion efficiencies up to 12.1%. Because of its indirect band gap, a thin silicon absorber layer demands for efficient measures for light management. However, the combination of high quality crystalline silicon and light trapping structures is still a critical issue. Here, we implement hexagonal 750 nm pitched sinusoidal and pillar shaped nanostructures at the sun-facing glass-silicon interface into 10 μm thin liquid phase crystallized silicon thin-film solar cell devices on glass. Both structures are experimentally studied regarding their optical and optoelectronic properties. Reflection losses are reduced over the entire wavelength range outperforming state of the art anti-reflective planar layer systems. In case of the smooth sinusoidal nanostructures these optical achievements are accompanied by an excellent electronic material quality of the silicon absorber layer enabling open circuit voltages above 600 mV and solar cell device performances comparable to the planar reference device. For wavelengths smaller than 400 nm and higher than 700 nm optical achievements are translated into an enhanced quantum efficiency of the solar cell devices. Therefore, sinusoidal nanotextures are a well-balanced compromise between optical enhancement and maintained high electronic silicon material quality which opens a promising route for future optimizations in solar cell designs for silicon thin-film solar cells on glass.

Model development to study strategies of younger and older adults getting up from the floor

BACKGROUND

Long lies after a fall remain a public health challenge. Many successful fall prevention programmes have been developed but only few of them include recovery strategies after a fall. Once better understood, such movement strategies could be implemented into training interventions.

AIMS

A model of motion sequences describing successful movement strategies for rising from the floor in different age groups was developed. Possible risk factors for poor rising performance such as flexibility and muscle power were evaluated.

METHODS

Fourteen younger subjects between 20 and 50 years of age and 10 healthy older subjects (60+ years) were included. Movement strategies and key components of different rising sequences were determined from video analyses. The temporal parameters of transfers and number of components within the motion sequences were calculated. Possible explanatory variables for differences in rising performance were assessed (leg extension power, flexibility of the knee- and hip joints).

RESULTS

Seven different components were identified for the lie-to-stand-walk transfer, labelled as lying, initiation, positioning, supporting, elevation, or stabilisation component followed by standing and/or walking. Median time to rise was significantly longer in older subjects (older 5.7s vs. younger 3.7s; p < 0.001), and leg extension power (left p = 0.002, right p = 0.013) and knee flexibility (left p = 0.019, right p = 0.025) were significantly lower. The number of components for rising was correlated with hip flexibility (r = 0.514) and maximal power (r = 0.582). The time to rise was correlated with minimal goniometric knee angle of the less flexible leg (r = 0.527) and maximal leg extension power (r = 0.725).

CONCLUSIONS

A motion sequence model containing seven different components identified by individual key-frames could be established. Age-related differences in rising strategies and performance were identified.

Effects of pulsed atrazine exposures on autotrophic community structure, biomass, and production in field-based stream mesocosms

The authors performed a multiple-pulsed atrazine experiment to measure responses of autotrophic endpoints in outdoor stream mesocosms. The experiment was designed to synthetically simulate worst-case atrazine chemographs from streams in agricultural catchments to achieve 60-d mean concentrations of 0 μg/L (control), 10 μg/L, 20 μg/L, and 30 μg/L. The authors dosed triplicate streams with pulses of 0 μg/L, 50 μg/L, 100 μg/L, and 150 μg/L atrazine for 4 d, followed by 7 d without dosing. This 11-d cycle occurred 3 times, followed by a recovery (untreated) period from day 34 to day 60. Mean ± standard error 60-d atrazine concentrations were 0.07 ± 0.03 μg/L, 10.7 ± 0.05 μg/L, 20.9 ± 0.24 μg/L, and 31.0 ± 0.17 μg/L for the control, 10-μg/L, 20-μg/L, and 30-μg/L treatments, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that periphyton and phytoplankton community structure did not differ among treatments on any day of the experiment, including during the atrazine pulses. Control periphyton biomass in riffles was higher immediately following the peak of the first atrazine pulse and remained slightly higher than some of the atrazine treatments on most days through the peak of the last pulse. However, periphyton biomass was not different among treatments at the end of the present study. Phytoplankton biomass was not affected by atrazine. Metaphyton biomass in pools was higher in the controls near the midpoint of the present study and remained higher on most days for the remainder of the study. Ceratophyllum demersum, a submersed macrophyte, biomass was higher in controls than in 20-μg/L and 30-μg/L treatments before pulse 3 but was not different subsequent to pulse 3 through the end of the present study. Maximum daily dissolved oxygen (DO, percentage of saturation) declined during each pulse in approximate proportion to magnitude of dose but rapidly converged among treatments after the third pulse. However, DO increased in controls relative to all atrazine treatments during the last 17 d of the experiment, likely a result of metaphyton cover in the pools. Finally, atrazine significantly limited uptake of PO4(3-) and uptake and/or denitrification of NO3(-) but only during pulses; percentage of dose removed from the water column was >85% for P and >95% for N after pulse 3 through the end of the present study. Collectively, only DO and metaphyton biomass differed at the end of the present study and only slightly. Some other endpoints were affected but only during pulses, if at all. The high levels of primary production and accumulation of algal biomass in all streams suggest that effects of pulses of atrazine at the concentrations used in the present study appear transient and likely do not represent ecologically significant adverse outcomes to periphyton, phytoplankton, and aquatic macrophytes, particularly in agricultural streams subjected to high nutrient loads.

The role of mode match in fiber cavities

We study and realize asymmetric fiber-based cavities with optimized mode match to achieve high reflectivity on resonance. This is especially important for mutually coupling two physical systems via light fields, e.g., in quantum hybrid systems. Our detailed theoretical and experimental analysis reveals that on resonance, the interference effect between the directly reflected non-modematched light and the light leaking back out of the cavity can lead to large unexpected losses due to the mode filtering of the incoupling fiber. Strong restrictions for the cavity design result out of this effect and we show that planar-concave cavities are clearly best suited. We validate our analytical model using numerical calculations and demonstrate an experimental realization of an asymmetric fiber Fabry-Pérot cavity with optimized parameters.

Inflammation neither increases hepatic hepcidin nor affects intestinal (59)Fe-absorption in two murine models of bowel inflammation, hemizygous TNF(ΔARE/+) and homozygous IL-10(-/-) mice

Hepcidin-synthesis was reported to be stimulated by inflammation. In contrast, hepcidin synthesis was inhibited by TNFα and serum hepcidin was low. To elucidate these contradictions, we compare data on hepcidin expression, on iron absorption and homoeostasis and markers of inflammation between two murine models of intestinal inflammation and corresponding wild-types as determined by standard methods. In TNF(ΔARE/+) and IL-10(-/-)-mice hepatic hepcidin expression and protein content was significantly lower than in corresponding wild-types. However, (59)Fe whole-body retention showed no difference between knock-outs and corresponding wild-types 7d after gavage, in neither strain. Compared to wild-types, body weight, hepatic non-haem iron content, hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly decreased in TNF(ΔARE/+) mice, while erythropoiesis increased. These differences were not seen in IL-10(-/-) mice. Duodenal IL-6 and TNFα content increased significantly in TNF(ΔARE/+) mice, while ferritin-H decreased along with hepatic hepcidin expression, ferritin L, and non-haem iron. In IL-10(-/-) mice, these changes were less marked or missing for non-haem iron. Duodenal ferritin-L and ferroportin increased significantly, while HFE decreased. Our results corroborate the conflicting combination of low hepcidin with inflammation and without increased intestinal iron absorption. Speculating on underlying mechanism, decreased hepcidin may result from stimulated erythropoiesis. Unaltered intestinal iron-absorption may compromise between the stimulation by increased erythropoiesis and inhibition by local and systemic inflammation. The findings suggest intense interaction between counterproductive mechanisms and ask for further research.

Autologous Lymph Node Transfers

Lymphedema is a common chronic and progressive condition complicating cancer treatment. Patients undergoing lymph node dissection and radiation therapy required for oncological treatment in breast and pelvic cancers are at high risk for secondary lymphedema. Reconstruction of the damaged region with a fatty flap containing lymph nodes may restore the anatomy. It has been postulated that the cytokines included in the fat surrounding the nodes VEGF-c allow regrowth of the lymphatic vessels. Hypoplasic congenital lymphedema are also positively improved by the autologous lymph node transfer, thanks to the same principles.

Extended O-GlcNAc on HLA Class-I-Bound Peptides

We report unexpected mass spectrometric observations of glycosylated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-bound peptides. Complemented by molecular modeling, in vitro enzymatic assays, and oxonium ion patterns, we propose that the observed O-linked glycans carrying up to five monosaccharides are extended O-GlcNAc's rather than GalNAc-initiated O-glycans. A cytosolic O-GlcNAc modification is normally terminal and does not extend to produce a polysaccharide, but O-GlcNAc on an HLA peptide presents a special case because the loaded HLA class I complex traffics through the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus on its way to the cell membrane and is hence exposed to glycosyltransferases. We also report for the first time natural HLA class I presentation of O- and N-linked glycopeptides derived from membrane proteins. HLA class I peptides with centrally located oligosaccharides have been shown to be immunogenic and may thus be important targets for immune surveillance.