Kristall- und Molekülstruktur von 5.10-Dihydro-5.10-diniethylphenaziniiimtniodid und 5.10-Dihydro-5.10-diethylphenaziniumtriiodid / Molecular and Crystal Structure of 5,10-Dihydro-5.10-dimethylphenaziniumtriiodide and 5.10-Dihydro-5.10-diethylphenazinium triiodide

Oxidation of 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dimethylphenazine and 5,10-dihydro-5,10-diethyl-phenazine under different reaction conditions leads to several iodine containing solids. The preparation and X-ray structure of two of them, 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dimethyl-phcnaziniumtriiodide (3) and 5,10-dihydro-5,10-diethylphenaziniumtriiodido (4) are reported here.

Compound 3 crystallizes in space group P21/n with lattice parameters a = 8.552(6) Å, b= 16.953(2) Å, c- 12.157(9) Å and β= 103.46(2)° with four formula units in the unit cell. The structure was refined to an R-value of 0.046 using 2387 independent reflections. The lattice constains distinct, slightly distorted triiodide ions and bent 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dimethylphenazinium radical cations. Compound 4 crystallizes in the same space group P21/n with lattice parameters a = 8.531(6) Å, b = 8.332(21) Å, c = 13.320(15) Å and β= 94.44(19)° with two formula units in the unit cell. The structure was refined to an R-value of 0.076 using 1195 independent reflections. The lattice contains strictly linear symmetrical triiodide ions and planar centrosymmetrical 5,10-dihydro-5,10-diethyl- phenazinium radical cations.

Electrostatic interactions of cationic lauric arginate with anionic polysaccharides affect antimicrobial activity against spoilage yeasts

AIMS

To investigate the effect of anionic polysaccharides often used in beverage applications (xanthan and λ-carrageenan) on the antimicrobial efficacy of the cationic surfactant lauric arginate (LAE) against typical spoilage yeasts.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The antimicrobial efficacy of LAE against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans and Zygosaccharomyces bailii in the absence and presence of anionic polysaccharides was assessed by microtitre and macrobroth dilution assays. Combining LAE with either xanthan or λ-carrageenan caused a pronounced decrease in LAE's antimicrobial efficacy, with the minimal inhibitory and lethal concentrations (MIC and MLC) both increasing with increasing polysaccharide concentration. This reduction in antimicrobial efficacy was more pronounced for the addition of λ-carrageenan. To determine the cause of loss of activity, physical properties of solutions were examined. Turbidity and sedimentation measurements indicated that complexes between LAE and anionic polysaccharides had been formed. Electrophoresis measurements showed that complexes had varying electrical charges and dimensions depending on solution composition.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that electrostatic interactions between LAE and anionic polysaccharides play a major role in complex formation and loss of antimicrobial activity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Results have important implications for the utilization of LAE as an antimicrobial agent in beverage and food products containing anionic polysaccharides.

Effect of water velocity on hydroponic phytoremediation of metals

The influence of flow velocity on the uptake of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc by hydroponically grown soft stem bulrush (Scirpus validus) was investigated. The roots of the plants were exposed to a continually recycled, nutrient enriched, synthetic stormwater. Plants were divided into groups and the roots of each group exposed to different but constant water velocities. The metal concentrations in the roots and stems were compared after three weeks. Metal accumulation in roots was increased for water velocities between 1.3 and 4.0 cm s(-1). In a second experiment, the roots of all plants were exposed to a single velocity and the root and stem metal concentrations were determined as a function of time. Metal concentrations in the roots approached a constant value after three weeks. After this time, accumulation of metals depends upon root growth. The results suggest that long-term accumulation by the roots of hydroponic Scirpus validus can be increased by increasing water velocity, which implies that floating islands with movement will retain more metals from the water column.

Self-reported information sources and perceived knowledge in individuals with lymphedema

Currently, a limited number of studies have been conducted that examine sources of information and knowledge level in individuals with lymphedema. This study aimed (1) to examine self-reported information sources and perceived lymphedema knowledge among individuals with lymphedema; and (2) to examine differences in self-reported information sources and perceived lymphedema knowledge among individuals with primary or secondary lymphedema; and with upper or lower extremity lymphedema. The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) conducted a survey to collect self-report data from March 2006 to January 2010. Overall, participants preferred a variety of sources of information. Participants reported low levels of knowledge about the types of lymphedema, treatment approaches and methods, and self-administrated therapies. In comparison to participants with secondary or upper extremity lymphedema, participants with primary or lower extremity lymphedema reported lower knowledge level regarding causes of lymphedema, risks for and complications of lymphedema, treatment approaches and methods for lymphedema, and self-administered therapies. Opportunities exist to expand lymphedema information sources. Healthcare professionals should focus on delivering high quality information about treatment and self-care management to individuals with lymphedema.

[Is vocational reintegration of young cancer patients possible?]

BACKGROUND

Besides an improvement in quality of life, one of the major targets of rehabilitation programmes is to preserve the ability to work and to integrate the patient into working life again. Cancer in particular is often associated with a loss of employment and joblessness, frequently caused by incomplete rehabilitation.

METHODS

The programme is aimed at young cancer patients aged between 18 and 40 years. In addition to medical rehabilitation, they undergo a specially developed programme which they complete in groups of no more than 5 persons. At baseline and at the end of the 3 weeks rehabilitation, tests on physical and mental capacity are conducted. During rehabilitation, different training programmes concerning mobility at work, fine motor skills and cognitive abilities are held, complemented by an intensive psycho-social training programme. Additionally, patients receive individual social counselling.

RESULTS

So far, 34 patients with an average age of 31.8 years have participated in the programme, 65% of them suffering from malignant haematological diseases. The combination of a medical and a vocational rehabilitation programme was judged extremely positively by the participants, which remained the case 6 months after completion of the programme. The rehabilitation programme significantly reduced work incapacity periods: at baseline, only 6% of the participants had not experienced such periods, but after 3 and 6 months, this rate had increased to 61% and 62% respectively. This was accompanied by an increased health-related quality of life and reduced fatigue.

CONCLUSION

With our pilot project we were able to show that such a programme is feasible, can be well integrated into clinical routine and is successful.

Wound 'dechronification' with negatively-charged polystyrene microspheres: a double-blind RCT

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of negatively-charged polystyrene microspheres (NCM)with controls (saline soaks) in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds of various aetiologies.

METHOD

Patients with one or more hard-to-heal wounds, defined as refractory to healing for at least 4 weeks, or those with exposed bone, tendon or ligament, were eligible for inclusion and were randomised to either NCM (PolyHeal; MediWound Ltd.) or controls, both applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Patients were monitored bi-weekly for an additional 8 weeks, while treated by standard wound care, at the investigators' discretion, and were re-evaluated 2 years after inclusion. The primary endpoint was defined as coverage of> 75% of the wound area by light-red granulation tissue after 4 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients completed the study, 32 in the NCM group and 26 in the control group. The two most common wound types were those with primary etiologies of venous insufficiency and postoperative/post trauma. In the NCM group 47% of patients achieved > 75% light red granulation tissue after 4 weeks compared with 15% of patients in the control group (p=O.O I). The mean wound surface area in the NCM group was reduced by 39.0% after 4 weeks compared with 14.9% in the control group (p=0.02).The achievement of> 75% light red granulation tissue and reduction of mean wound surface area was also observed in the two main sub-groups (venous insufficiency and postoperative/post trauma), although it was not statistically significant, possibly due to the small sample size in each sub-group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that compared to control treatment, NCM treatment of hard to-heal and chronic wounds improves formation of healthy granulation tissue and reduces wound size thus in fact 'kick-starting' the healing process and 'dechronifying' chronic wounds.

Predictive factors of response to phase I complete decongestive therapy in upper extremity lymphedema following breast carcinoma in Iran

Post-mastectomy chronic lymphedema as a complication of breast cancer treatment is primarily managed with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). We examined various factors for correlating with results of Phase I CDT treatment in controlling the upper extremity lymphedema. Study population consisted of patients with lymphedema referred to the Lymphedema Clinic of the Iranian Breast Cancer Research Center for control of arm edema. After obtaining the demographic and clinical data, patients were treated with CDT for 2 - 3 weeks. One hundred and thirty seven patients (mean age +/- SD; 53.5 +/- 10 years) were studied. In 48.7% of patients, the affected arm was the dominant limb. Fifty percent of patients experienced lymphedema during the first year after surgery, and mean duration of lymphedema was 35 +/- 43 months. Mean volume reduction was 43% +/- 14.87% (p = 0.03). There was a significant relationship between the percent of volume reduction and initial lymphedema volume (p=0.003) as well as duration of lymphedema (p=0.002). Our results demonstrate that Phase I CDT treatment is very effective for post mastectomy lymphedema, and particularly if it is provided in earlier stages of disease. In addition, CDT also has an important role in reducing clinical symptoms and improving limb function. In the appropriate setting, Phase I CDT has been an effective method of controlling post mastectomy lymphedema in this Iranian population.

Recent skin self-examination and doctor visits in relation to melanoma risk and tumour depth

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the potential benefit of skin self-examination for melanoma prevention and early detection.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether skin self-examination is associated with reduced melanoma risk, self-detection of tumours, and reduced risk of deeper melanomas.

METHODS

We used data from a population-based case-control study (423 cases, 678 controls) to assess recent skin self-examination in relation to self-detection, melanoma risk and tumour depth ( ≤1 mm; > 1 mm). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of interest.

RESULTS

Skin self-examination conducted 1-11 times during a recent year was associated with a possible decrease in melanoma risk (OR 0·74; 95% CI 0·54-1·02). Melanoma risk was decreased for those who conducted skin self-examination and saw a doctor (OR 0·52; 95% CI 0·30-0·90). Among cases, those who examined their skin were twice as likely to self-detect the melanoma (OR 2·23; 95% CI 1·47-3·38), but self-detection was not associated with shallower tumours. Tumour depth was reduced for those who conducted skin self-examination 1-11 times during a recent year (OR 0·39; 95% CI 0·18-0·81), but was not influenced by seeing a doctor, or by conducting skin self-examination and seeing a doctor.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of a deeper tumour and possibly risk of melanoma were reduced by skin self-examination 1-11 times annually. Melanoma risk was markedly reduced by skin self-examination coupled with a doctor visit. We cannot, however, exclude the possibility that our findings reflect bias or confounding. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of skin self-examination for melanoma prevention and early detection.

Comparison among T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, modified dixon method, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in measuring bone marrow fat

INTRODUCTION

An increasing number of studies are utilizing different magnetic resonance (MR) methods to quantify bone marrow fat due to its potential role in osteoporosis. Our aim is to compare the measurements of bone marrow fat among T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), modified Dixon method (also called fat fraction MRI (FFMRI)), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

METHODS

Contiguous MRI scans were acquired in 27 Caucasian postmenopausal women with a modified Dixon method (i.e., FFMRI). Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) of T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction of the L3 vertebra and femoral necks were quantified using SliceOmatic and Matlab. MRS was also acquired at the L3 vertebra.

RESULTS

Correlation among the three MR methods measured bone marrow fat fraction and BMAT ranges from 0.78 to 0.88 (P < 0.001) in the L3 vertebra. Correlation between BMAT measured by T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction measured by modified FFMRI is 0.86 (P < 0.001) in femoral necks.

CONCLUSION

There are good correlations among T1-weighted MRI, FFMRI, and MRS for bone marrow fat quantification. The inhomogeneous distribution of bone marrow fat, the threshold segmentation of the T1-weighted MRI, and the ambiguity of the FFMRI may partially explain the difference among the three methods.

Symptom burden and infection occurrence among individuals with extremity lymphedema

Currently, there is a lack of data related to differences in symptoms and infection across different types and anatomical sites of lymphedema. The objective of this study was to examine differences in symptoms and infection status among individuals with lymphedema of the upper or lower extremities. The National Lymphedema Network initiated an online survey of self-report lymphedema data from March 2006 through January 2010. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney tests, and Chi-square tests were used to analyze data. 723 individuals with upper extremity lymphedema and 1114 individuals with lower extremity lymphedema completed the survey. Individuals with extremity lymphedema experienced high symptom burden and infectious complications. Compared with individuals with upper extremity lymphedema, individuals with lower extremity lymphedema experienced more frequent and more severe symptoms (p<.001), infection episodes (p<.001), and infection-related hospitalizations (p<.001). No statistically significant differences of symptom burden and infection status were identified between individuals with lower extremity primary and secondary lymphedema. Individuals with extremity lymphedema experience substantial symptom burden and infectious complications; however, those with lower extremity lymphedema have more severe symptoms and more infections than those with upper extremity lymphedema.

Impact of ASA and Body Mass Index in Pediatric Tonsillectomy

Objective: To identify the impact of body mass index and ASA classification on complications, PICU stay and length of hospitalization following tonsillectomy.

Method: Retrospective chart review of all tonsillectomies performed from July 2008 to December 2009 at a tertiary pediatric institution, including BMI, length of stay, length of intubation, ASA status, hemorrhage, and PICU stay.

Results: A total of 677 patients were identified, with complete data in 607, 4.4% underweight, 49% normal, 45% overweight or obese. No significance difference between BMI categories for hospitalization, length of intubation or postoperative hemorrhage, or between ASA for hemorrhage or length of intubation. BMI normal to obese ( P = .0006) and overweight to obese patients ( P = .0253) showed significant difference in PICU stay. ASA classification showed significant difference in length of hospitalization in ASA 1 and 2 ( P < .001), 2 and 3 ( P = .0002), and 1 and 3 ( P = .0002), and in PICU stay between ASA 1 and 3 ( P < .0001), 1 and 2 ( P = .0095) and 2 and 3 ( P < .0001).

Conclusion: Overweight and obese patients are a significant percentage of patients undergoing tonsillectomies in this country. Patients with higher ASA status (2 and 3) show higher use of PICU resources and longer hospitalizations, and patients of overweight and obese categories require PICU care more often than patients with normal weight.

Urinary matrix metalloproteinases-2/9 in healthy infants and haemangioma patients prior to and during propranolol therapy

The mechanism of therapeutic success of propranolol for severe infantile haemangioma remains unclear. Propranolol was shown to modify matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels, which are associated with tumour pathogenesis. We hypothesized that urinary MMP2/9 is higher in patients with infantile haemangioma compared to healthy infants and that propranolol reduces MMP2/9 levels and thus leads to an involution of the haemangioma. In this case, MMP2/9 could be used as a marker of indicated therapy or therapeutic success. Urinary samples were taken before, 2 weeks after, and 2 months after the beginning of propranolol treatment in haemangioma patients and once in healthy controls. Activity of MMP2/9 was determined by commercially available activity kits. Urine of 22 haemangioma patients and 21 control subjects was obtained. Propranolol therapy had significant success in all patients. MMP2/9 was present in most samples, the younger the children the higher the MMP2 levels. Haemangioma patients showed lower levels of MMP2. The MMP2 levels were significantly higher after 2 weeks of propranolol than prior to therapy. There were no differences in MMP9 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of MMP2/9 in the urine of infants <1 year can be explained by high rate of physiological tissue remodelling. Unexpectedly, MMP2 was lower in the urine of haemangioma patients and higher 2 weeks after propranolol treatment. Taking this and the diverse results in literature into account, the correlation between MMPs, proliferation, and regression of haemangiomas and propranolol remains unclear.

[Tattoos - harmless decoration or health hazard?]

Tattoos sind in. Aber nicht unbedingt unproblematisch: Untersuchungen zeigten kürzlich, dass einige der verwendeten Farbstoffe nicht so unbedenklich sind, wie gemeinhin angenommen. Und dann wäre da noch das Problem, unliebsam gewordene Tätowierungen wieder zu entfernen. Denn dies ist nicht ohne Weiteres möglich.

Contractile activity of human skeletal muscle cells prevents insulin resistance by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signalling pathways

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Obesity is closely associated with muscle insulin resistance and is a major risk factor for the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity not only prevents obesity, but also considerably improves insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle metabolism. We sought to establish and characterise an in vitro model of human skeletal muscle contraction, with a view to directly studying the signalling pathways and mechanisms that are involved in the beneficial effects of muscle activity.

METHODS

Contracting human skeletal muscle cell cultures were established by applying electrical pulse stimulation. To induce insulin resistance, skeletal muscle cells were incubated with human adipocyte-derived conditioned medium, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and chemerin.

RESULTS

Similarly to in exercising skeletal muscle in vivo, electrical pulse stimulation induced contractile activity in human skeletal muscle cells, combined with the formation of sarcomeres, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and increased IL-6 secretion. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was substantially elevated in contracting cells compared with control. The incubation of skeletal muscle cells with adipocyte-conditioned media, chemerin and MCP-1 significantly reduced the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. This effect was abrogated by concomitant pulse stimulation of the cells. Additionally, pro-inflammatory signalling by adipocyte-derived factors was completely prevented by electrical pulse stimulation of the myotubes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We showed that the effects of electrical pulse stimulation on skeletal muscle cells were similar to the effect of exercise on skeletal muscle in vivo in terms of enhanced AMPK activation and IL-6 secretion. In our model, muscle contractile activity eliminates insulin resistance by blocking pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. This novel model therefore provides a unique tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms that mediate the beneficial effects of muscle contraction.

Influence of prenatal organohalogen levels on infant male sexual development: sex hormone levels, testes volume and penile length

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors, like organohalogen compounds (OHCs), might be responsible for the increased aberrations in human male sexual development (hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testicular cancer and fall in sperm count) observed over the past decades. This development is established during fetal life, and reflected in sex hormone levels, testes volume and penile length post-partum. The present study investigates the correlation between prenatal OHC levels and male sexual development outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Levels of eight neutral [2,2'-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1'-dichloroethene (4,4'-DDE), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE)-47, -99, -100, -153, -154 and 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane, HBCDD] and four phenolic [(pentachlorophenol (PCP), 4OH-CB-107 (4-hydroxy-2,3,3',4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl), -146 and -187)] OHCs were determined in 55 maternal serum samples taken at 35 weeks of pregnancy. Eight sex development-related hormones [testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG); LH, FSH, estradiol (E(2)), free E(2) (FE(2)) and inhibin B (InhB)] were determined in their sons at 3 months of age, and testes volume and penile length at 3 and 18 months of age. The following prenatal OHC levels correlated significantly with sex hormone levels: PCP with SHBG and InhB (ρ = 0.30 and -0.43, respectively), 4OH-CB-107 with testosterone (ρ = 0.31) and BDE-154 with FE(2), E(2) and InhB (ρ = 0.49, 0.54 and 0.34, respectively). BDE-154 levels correlated positively with testes volume at 18 months of age (ρ = 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal OHC exposure is correlated with aspects of sexual development outcome in boys up to 18 months of age.

Multistate outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella newport infections associated with ground beef, October to December 2007

In late October 2007, an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Newport infections affected 42 case patients in California, Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada. A case-control study implicated ground beef from one chain store. Despite detailed ground beef purchase histories--including shopper card information for several case patients--traceback efforts by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service and the California Department of Public Health were unable to identify the source of contamination. Case patients consumed multiple types of ground beef products purchased at numerous chain store A retail locations. These stores had received beef products for grinding from multiple beef slaughter-processing establishments. Detailed retail grinding logs and grinding policies that prevent cross-contamination between batches of ground beef products are crucial in the identification of contaminated beef products associated with foodborne illness.

Cash transfer and microfinance interventions for tuberculosis control: review of the impact evidence and policy implications

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the impact of cash transfer and microfinance interventions on a selected list of tuberculosis (TB) risk factors and assess their potential role in supporting TB control.

DATA SOURCE

Published and unpublished references identified from clinical and social electronic databases, grey literature and web sites.

METHODS

Eligible interventions had to be conducted in middle- or low-income countries and document an impact evaluation on any of the following outcomes: 1) TB or other respiratory infections; 2) household socio-economic position; and 3) factors mediating the association between low household socio-economic position and TB, including inadequate health-seeking behaviours, food insecurity and biological TB risk factors such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and adult malnutrition. Interventions targeting special populations were excluded.

RESULTS

Fifteen cash transfer schemes (four unconditional and 11 conditional) and seven microfinance programmes met the eligibility criteria. No intervention addressed TB or any other respiratory infection. Of 11 cash transfer and four microfinance interventions, respectively seven and four reported a positive impact on indicators of economic well-being. A positive impact on household food security was documented in respectively eight of nine and three of five cash transfer and microfinance interventions. Improved health care access was documented respectively in 10 of 12 cash transfer and four of five microfinance interventions. The only intervention evaluating impact on HIV incidence was a microfinance project that found no effect. No cash transfer or microfinance interventions had an impact on adult malnutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

Cash transfer and microfinance interventions can positively impact TB risk factors. Evaluation studies are urgently needed to assess the impact of these social protection interventions on actual TB indicators.

In vitro effects of natural prenyloxycinnamic acids on human cytochrome P450 isozyme activity and expression

Previous studies demonstrated that natural prenyloxyphenylpropanoid derivatives have potent biological properties like anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Additionally they are extremely safe and associated with low toxicity, making them excellent candidates as chemopreventive agents. However, so far only little is known about possible interactions with isoforms of cytochrome P450 (CYPs) being involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and representing a major site for drug-drug interactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected natural prenyloxyphenylpropanoids (prenyloxycinnamic acids) on expression and activity of some major CYPs and on the activity of the major drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Inhibition of CYP3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6 was quantified using commercially available kits. P-gp inhibtion was quantified by calcein assay. Induction of CYP mRNA (CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2B6) was measured in LS180 cells by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using the LightCycler technology. Only boropinic acid revealed substantial inhibition of CYPs, especially of CYP2C19 (IC₅₀ = 31±5μM). This compound also had the most pronounced effect on CYP mRNA expression among the prenyloxycinnamic acids tested. However all but 4'-isopentenyloxy-p-coumaric acid revealed inducing effects on CYPs with different induction profiles. P-gp was only significantly inhibited by 4'-geranyloxyferulic acid. This was the first study demonstrating modulating effects of prenyloxycinnamic acids on CYP activity and expression and on P-gp activity. The results suggest that boropinic acid is most prone to drug-drug interactions at the level of CYPs, whereas 4'-isopentenyloxy-p-coumaric acid does not modulate CYP activity and expression.

Acute phosphate nephropathy: a cause of chronic kidney disease

Acute phosphate nephropathy occurs whenever a patient with renal dysfunction is exposed to high doses of phosphate. Bowel purgative agents are a common source of high doses of sodium phosphate and are widely used as bowel preparation agents prior to colonoscopy due to their efficacy and tolerability. Oral sodium phosphate (OSP) preparations used to prepare patients for colonoscopy may be a cause of acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD associated with OSP agents is the result of nephrocalcinosis, or calcium phosphorus crystal deposition in the renal parenchyma leading to interstitial disease. It is often irreversible and progressive in nature. The authors report a case of CKD which presented with non-specific symptoms weeks after use of an OSP agent as part of a bowel preparation regimen. Renal biopsy confirmed nephrocalcinosis.

[Nutrition patterns in German breast cancer patients]

BACKGROUND

Several studies could demonstrate an association between nutrition and the risk of breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study we examined the daily diet of German patients with breast cancer approximately 12 months after diagnosis. In a prospective trial nutritional habits were evaluated in 165 breast cancer patients on admittance to an inpatient medical rehabilitation program.

RESULTS

The results of this survey show that patients with breast cancer report on a nutritional pattern which is characterised by a (very) low consumption of grains, vegetables, fruits und fish and a high consumption of meat and processed meat. Due to epidemiological data, it may be hypothesized that the patients' diet might have contributed to the development of their disease.

CONCLUSION

Our results underscore the need for nutritional counselling of breast cancer patients, as they show a relatively unfavourable nutrition pattern which differs from currently available advice. An inpatient rehabilitation programme could be an adequate starting point for this purpose.

Formation and stabilization of antimicrobial delivery systems based on electrostatic complexes of cationic-non-ionic mixed micelles and anionic polysaccharides

Lauric arginate (LAE) is a cationic surfactant that is of great interest to the food industry because of its strong antimicrobial activity. However, its application within foods and beverages is currently restricted because of its limited solubility in aqueous solutions and its bitter taste, which have been associated with its cationic nature. This study examines whether electrostatic complexes between cationic LAE mixed micelles and anionic polysaccharides could be used to improve LAE functionality. Two types of pectin (high and low methoxyl) were titrated into buffer solutions containing either LAE micelles or LAE/Tween 20 mixed micelles (pH 3.5, 50 mM citrate buffer). The electrical characteristics of the micelles or micelle/pectin complexes were assessed by microelectrophoresis measurements, while their stability to aggregation was evaluated by light scattering measurements. LAE micelle/pectin complexes formed large aggregates that rapidly sedimented. On the other hand, mixed micelle/pectin complexes (1:1 LAE/Tween 20, w/w) were stable to aggregation and formed clear solutions. The electrical charge of mixed micelles changed from +8 to -15 mV when the pectin concentration was increased (0.00-0.05 wt %), indicating an electrostatic interaction between anionic pectin molecules and cationic micelles. Lower concentrations of low methoxyl pectin were required (0.01 wt %) to change the net charge of mixed micelles from positive to negative than high methoxyl pectin (0.025 wt %). Our results suggest that the addition of pectin to mixed LAE/Tween 20 micelles leads to the formation of electrostatic complexes that may be useful as functional ingredients in food and other products.

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 biofilms by micelle-encapsulated eugenol and carvacrol

Carvacrol and eugenol were encapsulated in micellar nonionic surfactant solutions to increase active component concentrations in the aqueous phase and used to treat two strains of Listeria monocytogenes (Scott A and 101) and two strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (4388 and 43895) grown as biofilms in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reactor. L. monocytogenes biofilms were grown in two different growth media, 1:20 TSB and Modified Welshimer's broth (MWB), while E. coli O157:H7 was grown in M9. In general, L. monocytogenes strains were more resistant to both micelle-encapsulated antimicrobials than E. coli O157:H7 strains. The two antimicrobials were equally effective against both strains of E. coli O157:H7, decreasing viable counts by 3.5 to 4.8 log CFU/cm(2) within 20 min. For both bacteria, most of the bactericidal activity took place in the first 10 min of antimicrobial exposure. Biofilm morphology and viability were assessed by the BacLight RedoxSensor CTC Vitality kit and confocal scanning laser microscopy, revealing an increasing number of dead cells when biofilms were treated with sufficiently high concentrations of carvacrol- or eugenol-loaded micelles. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the application of surfactant-encapsulated essential oil components on two pathogen biofilm formers such as E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes grown on stainless steel coupons.

A fast molecular nondestructive protocol for evaluating aerobic bacterial load on fresh-cut lettuce

Elaboration of minimally processed or fresh-cut vegetables requires a quick and reliable method for detection of bacterial contamination over the recommended limits. PCR-based methods fulfil these requirements, but amplification from DNA preparations of the food product is often hampered due to inhibiting substances. The purpose of this study was to develop a fast quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based method for aerobic bacterial enumeration in fresh-cut lettuce, using as reference the centrifugation water (CW) that comes up during processing instead of the food matrix itself. Comparisons between bacterial numbers on lettuce leaves before processing and bacterial numbers in the CW both for naturally occurring bacterial populations and for artificially inoculated lettuce were performed. On an average, 35% of the natural bacterial population and 64% of inoculated bacteria were recovered in the CW. Bacterial number in CW was proportional to initial lettuce contamination suggesting that measures on CW allow a narrow estimation of lettuce contamination. In qPCR, a 23S rDNA region was amplified from bacterial DNA present in the CW, followed by melting peak analyses and quantification. Enumeration of cell number by qPCR did not differ significantly from plate assay and might therefore replace it. The proposed protocol, which includes sample taking, DNA extraction and qPCR from the CW can be performed within less than 5 h. The resulting quantification might be used as a proxy of initial lettuce contamination, allowing direct intervention measures before fresh-cut commodity is shipped from the factory.

High-dose intravenous rituximab for multifocal, monomorphic primary central nervous system posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Primary central nervous system (CNS) posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-recognized but rare complication of solid organ transplantation. Most of these disorders are B-cell in origin and generally carry poor prognosis. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been used effectively in patients with systemic PTLD. However, its role in primary CNS PTLD is doubtful because it does not cross blood-brain barrier efficiently (<5%). Also, mechanisms, by which rituximab operates are not optimally effective in CNS. Here, we describe a renal transplant patient with monomorphic, multifocal, CD20-positive, primary B-cell CNS PTLD, who was treated with high-dose intravenous rituximab given in dose-escalation protocol, which has been used effectively for the patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. At 1-year follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed complete resolution. High-dose rituximab may have a role in highly selected patients with primary CNS PTLD.

Amyloid formation: age-related mechanism in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Protein aggregation occurs in many age-related neurodegenerative diseases, where it can lead to deposits of naturally occurring proteins in the brain. In case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), these deposits consist of prion protein (PrP). CJD has three etiologies: spontaneous, genetic, or caused by infection. A polymorphism within the PrP gene is associated with susceptibility of infection. The main event in prion diseases is the conversion of PrP from its naturally occurring isoform to its disease-associated isoform. Here, we present the adaption of a previously reported in vitro conversion system based on hamster recombinant PrP to analyze amyloid fibril formation of human recombinant PrP. We further compare the aggregation characteristics of the human PrP according to the polymorphism variants M129 and V129.

Dynamics below the depinning transition of interacting dislocations moving over fields of obstacles

The transition from the behavior of a single dislocation interacting with a field of fixed obstacles to the collective motion of multiple dislocations is studied below the depinning transition (thermally activated glide). In absence of interactions, a truncated power law distribution of jump amplitudes (avalanches) with a diverging cutoff toward the critical point, and intermittency are observed. Interactions lead to a modification of the correlation length exponent below the critical point and to more pronounced intermittency, a dynamics more compatible to acoustic emission experimental data.