Virtual Commissioning of Distributed Systems in the Industrial Internet of Things

With the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) in Industry 4.0, edge computing is increasingly relevant in the context of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). While the use of simulation is already the state of the art in almost every engineering discipline, e.g., dynamic systems, plant engineering, and logistics, it is less common for edge computing. This work discusses different use cases concerning edge computing in IIoT that can profit from the use of OT simulation methods. In addition to enabling machine learning, the focus of this work is on the virtual commissioning of data stream processing systems. To evaluate the proposed approach, an exemplary application of the middleware layer, i.e., a multi-agent reinforcement learning system for intelligent edge resource allocation, is combined with a physical simulation model of an industrial plant. It confirms the feasibility of the proposed use of simulation for virtual commissioning of an industrial edge computing system using Hardware-in-the-Loop. In summary, edge computing in IIoT is highlighted as a new application area for existing simulation methods from the OT perspective. The benefits in IIoT are exemplified by various use cases for the logic or middleware layer using physical simulation of the target environment. The relevance for real-life IIoT systems is confirmed by an experimental evaluation, and limitations are pointed out.

Deep Reinforcement Learning Multi-Agent System for Resource Allocation in Industrial Internet of Things

The high number of devices with limited computational resources as well as limited communication resources are two characteristics of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). With Industry 4.0 emerges a strong demand for data processing in the edge, constrained primarily by the limited available resources. In industry, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is increasingly used in robotics, job shop scheduling and supply chain. In this work, DRL is applied for intelligent resource allocation for industrial edge devices. An optimal usage of available resources of the IIoT devices should be achieved. Due to the structure of IIoT systems as well as security aspects, multi-agent systems (MASs) are preferred for decentralized decision-making. In our study, we build a network from physical and virtualized representative IIoT devices. The proposed approach is capable of dealing with several dynamic changes of the target system. Three aspects are considered when evaluating the performance of the MASs: overhead due to the MASs, improvement of the resource usage of the devices as well as latency and error rate. In summary, the agents’ resource usage with respect to traffic, computing resources and time is very low. It was confirmed that the agents not only achieve the desired results in training but also that the learned behavior is transferable to a real system.

Enabling In Vivo Photocatalytic Activation of Rapid Bioorthogonal Chemistry by Repurposing Silicon-Rhodamine Fluorophores as Cytocompatible Far-Red Photocatalysts

Chromophores that absorb in the tissue-penetrant far-red/near-infrared window have long served as photocatalysts to generate singlet oxygen for photodynamic therapy. However, the cytotoxicity and side reactions associated with singlet oxygen sensitization have posed a problem for using long-wavelength photocatalysis to initiate other types of chemical reactions in biological environments. Herein, silicon-Rhodamine compounds (SiRs) are described as photocatalysts for inducing rapid bioorthogonal chemistry using 660 nm light through the oxidation of a dihydrotetrazine to a tetrazine in the presence of trans-cyclooctene dienophiles. SiRs have been commonly used as fluorophores for bioimaging but have not been applied to catalyze chemical reactions. A series of SiR derivatives were evaluated, and the Janelia Fluor-SiR dyes were found to be especially effective in catalyzing photooxidation (typically 3%). A dihydrotetrazine/tetrazine pair is described that displays high stability in both oxidation states. A protein that was site-selectively modified by trans-cyclooctene was quantitatively conjugated upon exposure to 660 nm light and a dihydrotetrazine. By contrast, a previously described methylene blue catalyst was found to rapidly degrade the protein. SiR-red light photocatalysis was used to cross-link hyaluronic acid derivatives functionalized by dihydrotetrazine and trans-cyclooctenes, enabling 3D culture of human prostate cancer cells. Photoinducible hydrogel formation could also be carried out in live mice through subcutaneous injection of a Cy7-labeled hydrogel precursor solution, followed by brief irradiation to produce a stable hydrogel. This cytocompatible method for using red light photocatalysis to activate bioorthogonal chemistry is anticipated to find broad applications where spatiotemporal control is needed in biological environments.

Stage of goose embryo development at oviposition depending on genotype, flock age, and period of laying

Embryo development and chick quality are influenced by parental genotype, age, nutrition, environment, and flock management. The aim of study was to determine if genotype, age of goose or eggs laid near the onset of egg production vs. eggs laid near the end of reproduction influence the stage of embryo at oviposition. Three experiments were undertaken. To compare genotypes (Experiment 1) 150 eggs were collected from 3-year-old commercial line White Koluda (WK) geese and from two breeds involved in a genetic resources conservation program, Zatorska (Za) and Bilgoraj (Bi). Age comparison (Experiment 2) was conducted with 200 eggs collected from 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old WK geese. To compare laying periods (Experiment 3), 150 WK eggs were collected at the first week of March and 100 at the second half of June. Eggs were stored for 72 h at 16°C, staged using Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK, Roman numerals) and Hamburger and Hamilton (HH, Arabic numerals) procedures. Experiment 1: Individual breed differences were evident with Stage X EGK embryos comprising 42.4, 33.3, and 38.7% in the eggs examined from the WK, Bi, and Za, respectively. For all breeds combined, 38.8% of the embryos were in Stage X, but in the next order in WK there was stage XI (18.2%), while in geese from the genetic reserve it was stage XIII (Bi - 33.3; Za - 29.0%). Experiment 2: In eggs of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old WK geese, the majority of embryos (38.7, 32.4 and 42.2%, respectively) were in Stage X. In contrast, in 4-year-old geese the embryos were in Stage XI (36.1%). Experiment 3: In eggs collected in March and in June most of embryos were in Stage X (33.7% and 43.6%, respectively). In addition, more developmentally advanced stages (XI-XIII) were similar in both periods. However, embryos in Stage 2 HH were only observed in eggs collected at the end of laying season. Interestingly, earlier stages (VI-IX) were observed exclusively in the eggs collected in March.

The endolithic bacterial diversity of shallow bedrock ecosystems

Terrestrial subsurface microbial communities are not restricted to the fluid-filled void system commonly targeted during groundwater sampling but are able to inhabit and dwell in rocks. However, compared to the exploration of the deep biosphere, endolithic niches in shallow sedimentary bedrock have received little interest so far. Despite the potential contribution of rock matrix dwellers to matter cycling and groundwater resource quality, their identity and diversity patterns are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the bacterial diversity in twenty-two rock cores in common limestone-mudstone alternations that differed in rock permeabilities and other geostructural and petrological factors. 16S rRNA gene analysis showed the existence of a unique rock matrix microbiome compared to surrounding groundwater. Typically, shallow weathered limestones contained bacterial groups most likely originating from soil habitats. In low-permeable mudstones, we found similar communities of oligotrophic heterotrophs, and thiosulfate-oxidizing autotrophs, without relation to depth, rock type and bulk rock permeability. In fractured limestone, the bacterial communities of fracture surfaces were distinct from their matrix counterparts and ranged from organic matter decomposers in outcrop areas to autotrophs in downdip positions that receive limited surface input. Contrastingly, rock matrices from lithologically corresponding, but highly isolated environments, were dominated by spore-forming bacteria, oligotrophic heterotrophs and hydrogen-oxidizing autotrophs. Neither depth, matrix permeability nor major mineralogy dominantly controlled the endolithic bacterial diversity. Instead, a combination of subsurface factors drives the supply of niches by fluids, matter and energy as well as the (re)dispersal conditions that likely shape bacterial diversity.

Surface Activity Profiling (SAP): A potential means of predicting intestinal membrane permeability

Early characterization of new drug substances intended for oral application includes not only physicochemical properties and stability but also the ability of the substance to permeate through the intestinal mucosa. In this work, a rapid screening method, surface activity profiling (SAP), is proposed as an alternative to animal studies and screening in cell cultures. Measurements are made with a multichannel tensiometer and require only 50 µl of stock solution for the complete permeability analysis. Correlation of SAP results with human absorption was demonstrated for marketed drugs and with absorption in rats for development compounds of Boehringer Ingelheim. Cross-laboratory results for marketed drugs showed excellent agreement. For early stage investigations of lead compounds, where only small amounts of the compound are available, the SAP method appears to be an effective and fast tool to accurately predict fa, provided the compound is amphiphilic.

Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus After Kidney Transplantation in Slovakia: Multicentric, Prospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence rate of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) after kidney transplantation (KT) is 5% to 40%. The objective of this analysis was to identify the risk factors of PTDM after KT in the Slovak Republic (SR).

METHODS

In the group of 133 patients/non-diabetics, we identified the risk factors of PTDM in the monitored period of 12 months from transplantation.

RESULTS

The incidence of PTDM in the SR in 2014 was 38.3%. By logistic regression, we discovered that the age at the time of KT [odds ratio, 1.0885; 95% CI, 1.0222-1.1592; P = .0082], the value of body mass index (BMI) at the time of KT [odds ratio, 1.4606; 95% CI, 1.0099-2.1125; P = .0442], and the value of insulin resistance index (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance) at the time of KT [odds ratio, 2.5183; 95% CI, 1.7119-3.4692; P < .0001] represented predictive factors of PTDM. The independent risk factors of PTDM in our group were age at the time of KT of more than 60 years [HR 0.3871; 95% CI 0.1659-1.7767; P = .0281], waist circumference at the time of KT in men more than 94 cm and in women more than 80 cm [HR, 3.4833; 95% CI, 1.2789-9.4878 (P = .0146)], BMI at the time of KT [HR 3.0011; 95% CI 1.0725-8.3977 (P = .0363)], and triacylglycerols at the time of KT more than 1.7 mmol/L [HR, 2.9763; 95% CI, 1.0141-8.7352; P = .0471].

CONCLUSIONS

In the group of Slovak patients after kidney transplantation, the dominating risk factor for PTDM development was insulin resistance prior to KT.

The associations between fatigue, apathy, and depression in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES

Fatigue and apathy are two of the most common and most disabling non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). They have a high coincidence and can often be confused; moreover, their relationship is not fully understood. The aim of our study was to describe the coincidence of apathy with different fatigue domains in the presence/absence of depression and to separately describe the associations of different aspects of primary and secondary fatigue with apathy and other clinical and disease-related factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 151 non-demented patients with PD were examined using the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Starkstein Apathy Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

RESULTS

The prevalence and severity of fatigue and apathy were significantly higher in depressed PD patients. However, our results show that depression, fatigue, and apathy can be clearly distinguished in PD. Apathy was associated with the MFI's-reduced motivation domain in both depressed and non-depressed patients. However, apathy was associated with mental fatigue aspects only in non-depressed patients, and it was not related to the physical aspects of fatigue in any of the studied groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the pathophysiology of fatigue and apathy in PD is clearly multifactorial, in a proportion of PD patients, these symptoms are associated with depression, dopaminergic depletion in the mesocorticolimbic structures, and disruption of the prefrontal cortex-basal ganglia axis. Therefore, in some PD patients, adequate management of depression and optimal dopaminergic medication may improve both fatigue and apathy.

Depression, Anxiety and Health Status in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Aims:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults and is frequently accompanied by symptoms of depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to explore the association of depression and anxiety with health status in younger and older MS patients.

Method:

223 MS patients (67.3% female; mean age 38.9±10.8 years; mean disease duration 5.8±5.2 years) were divided into younger and older age groups (< 45 and ≥45 years). They completed questionnaires focusing on sociodemographic data, depression and anxiety (HADS), and physical and mental health status (SF-36). Functional disability (EDSS) was assessed by a neurologist. To analyse the data, a U-test and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

Results:

A model consisting of age, gender, marital status, EDSS, depression and anxiety explained 46.6% of the variance in physical health status and 60.8% of the variance in mental health status (p≤.001). Depression was a significant predictor of physical health status in older MS patients and was associated with mental health status in both age groups (p≤0.001). Anxiety was related to worse physical and mental health status in younger MS patients, but not in the older ones.

Conclusion:

Depression in MS patients is associated with mental health status and with physical health status only in the older group; anxiety is associated only in younger MS patients with regard to their health status. Psychiatric diagnostics focusing on depression and anxiety might be important for treatment of MS patients in order to contribute to improving a patient's health status.

Feeding colostrum rapidly alters enzymatic activity and the relative isoform abundance of jejunal lactase in neonatal pigs

Our objective was to determine the short-term effects of feeding colostrum and mature milk on the enzyme activity and relative isoform abundance of lactase in neonatal pigs. We studied newborn pigs that were fed colostrum, mature milk and water for 6 h (Study 1). We also studied unfed pigs shortly after birth, and newborn pigs fed either colostrum or mature milk for 24 h (Study 2). The specific activity (micromol x min(-1) x g protein(-1)) of lactase in ajejunal mucosal homogenate and a purified membrane fraction was lower in pigs fed colostrum than in unfed newborns or those fed either milk or water. However, after 24 h, total jejunal lactase activity (micromol x mol(-1)), jejunal mass and protein content were higher in the colostrum- and milk-fed pigs than in the unfed newborns. In colostrum-fed pigs, the reduction in lactase specific activity after 6 h was associated with 1) a marked increase in the relative abundance of a 180-kDa protein, which was shown to be one of three pro-lactase isoforms, and 2) a lower relative abundance of the 160-kDa isoform, considered to be the mature form of the enzyme. Our evidence suggests that feeding either colostrum or mature milk increases total jejunal lactase activity. The reduction in both the specific activity and abundance of the mature isoform in conjunction with an increased relative abundance of the 180-kDa pro-lactase isoform suggests that feeding colostrum alters the post-translational processing of intestinal lactase in neonatal pigs.

A renal transplant patient with intractable hiccups and review of the literature

Intractable hiccups in transplanted patients may be caused by various medical conditions including infections. We report a case of a 44-year-old man who suffered from intractable hiccups after cadaveric kidney transplantation. We identified 3 different hiccup periods with different causes: 1) steroid and anesthetics use, 2) severe ulcerose herpetic and mycotic esophagitis, and 3) pleuropneumonia caused by nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and pulmonary abscess requiring thoracic surgery.

Inflammatory mediators increase the expression of nociceptin/orphanin FQ in rat astrocytes in culture

In the central nervous system, glial cells play an important role in inflammatory and immune responses, and opioid peptides have been identified as essential mediators between the nervous and the immune systems. We report the profound upregulation of the opioid-related nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) by inflammatory mediators in astrocytes. The bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), induced levels of N/OFQ mRNA and immunoreactivity. HPLC analysis of the immunoreactivity in astrocyte extracts revealed that a large molecular weight precursor for N/OFQ is being synthesized and released in response to LPS and astrocytes appear to lack the enzymes required to process the precursor protein. Western blot analysis showed that LPS treatment elicited the activation of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAP kinases. Blockade of the p38 or the ERK MAP kinase pathways prevented the LPS-induced increase in N/OFQ mRNA levels indicating a role for these cascades in the regulation of N/OFQ genes in response to LPS. Regulation of N/OFQ gene expression by ERK and p38 activation may be mediated through the transcription factor CREB. We observed CREB phosphorylation in response to LPS, which was also prevented by SB202190 and PD98059. The NFkappaB pathway also appears to be involved in the induction of N/OFQ transcription by LPS, since NFkappaB inhibitors antagonized the effect of LPS on N/OFQ expression. Regulation of N/OFQ by inflammatory mediators in astrocytes may suggest a role for N/OFQ in neural-glial communication and in inflammatory responses in certain neuropathophysiological conditions.

Oxidative stress induces proorphanin FQ and proenkephalin gene expression in astrocytes through p38- and ERK-MAP kinases and NF-kappaB

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases affecting both neuronal and glial cells in the CNS. In this study we have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) dramatically induce the expression of two neuropeptide genes, the opioid proenkephalin (pENK) and the opioid-related proorphanin FQ (pOFQ; also known as pronociceptin) in primary astrocytes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment dose-dependently increased pENK and pOFQ mRNA levels with a maximal effect ( approximately 15-fold increase) being detected at 50 microM concentration. Exposing the astrocyte cultures to hypoxia and subsequent re-oxygenation also led to a profound elevation of pOFQ and pENK mRNA levels. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry revealed that H2O2 treatment elicited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAP kinases. Blockade of the p38 or the ERK MAP kinase pathways (by SB202190 and PD98059, respectively) prevented the H2O2-induced increase in pENK and pOFQ mRNA levels indicating a central role for these cascades in the regulation of pOFQ and pENK genes in response to oxidative stress. Regulation of pOFQ and pENK gene expression by ERK and p38 activation may be mediated through the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). We observed CREB phosphorylation in response to H2O2, which was also prevented by SB202190 and PD98059. The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway appears to be involved exclusively in the induction of pOFQ transcription by H2O2, as NF-kappaB inhibitors antagonized the effect of oxidative stress on pOFQ, but not on pENK expression. The profound induction of these genes by oxidative stress and these other factors may suggest a role for orphanin FQ and enkephalin in injury and stress responses of the CNS and neuropathophysiological conditions involving reactive oxygen species.

Activity and cyclic AMP-dependent regulation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ gene expression in primary neuronal and astrocyte cultures

The regulation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) gene expression by neuronal activity and by activation of the cyclic AMP signaling pathway in primary neuronal and astroglial cultures is described. Neuronal activity mimicked by veratridine-mediated depolarization profoundly increased N/OFQ gene expression in primary striatal neurons. Calcium entry through L-type, but not N-type, voltage-sensitive calcium channels activated by depolarization appears to be involved, because nitrendipine and nifedipine, but not omega-conotoxin, reduced the induction of N/OFQ expression by veratridine. A selective inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin kinases (KN-62) also antagonized the depolarization-induced increase in N/OFQ mRNA levels, suggesting a role for these enzymes in the activity-dependent induction of N/OFQ gene expression. Constitutively expressed transcription factors may mediate N/OFQ gene expression levels, because veratridine induction of N/OFQ transcription was insensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Regulation of N/OFQ gene expression by depolarization and cyclic AMP is not restricted to striatal neurons, because similar regulation was also observed in neuronal cultures derived from the cerebral cortex. Veratridine did not increase N/OFQ mRNA levels in primary astrocyte cultures; however, elevated intracellular cyclic AMP levels lead to a dramatic, 30-fold induction of N/OFQ mRNA levels in these cells.

Protein kinetics determined in vivo with a multiple-tracer, single-sample protocol: application to lactase synthesis

Precise analysis of the kinetics of protein/enzyme turnover in vivo has been hampered by the need to obtain multiple tissue samples at different times during the course of a continuous tracer infusion. We hypothesized that the problem could be overcome by using an overlapping (i.e., staggered) infusion of multiple stable amino acid isotopomers, which would take the place of multiple tissue samples. We have measured, in pigs, the in vivo synthesis rates of precursor (rapidly turning over) and mature (slowly turning over) polypeptides of lactase phlorizin hydrolase (LPH), a model for glycoprotein synthesis, by using an overlapping infusion of [2H3]leucine, [13C1]leucine, [13C1]phenylalanine, [2H5]phenylalanine, [13C6]phenylalanine, and [2H8]phenylalanine. Blood samples were collected at timed intervals, and the small intestine was collected at the end of the infusion. The tracer-to-tracee ratios of each isotopomer were measured in the plasma and jejunal free amino acid pools as well as in purified LPH polypeptides. These values were used to estimate kinetic parameters in vivo using a linear steady-state compartmental model. The fractional synthesis rates of the high-mannose, complex glycosylated and mature brush-border LPH polypeptides, so determined, were 3.3 +/- 1.1%/min, 17.4 +/- 11%/min, and 0.089 +/- 0.02%/min, respectively. We conclude that this multiple-tracer, single-sample protocol is a practicable approach to the in vivo measurement of protein fractional synthesis rates when only a single tissue sample can be obtained. This method has broad application and should be particularly useful for studies in humans.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent transcriptional activation of delta-opioid receptor gene expression induced by membrane depolarization in NG108-15 cells

Regulation of gene expression is one of the mechanisms by which neuronal activity elicits long-term changes in neuronal phenotype and function. Although activity-dependent induction of immediate-early genes has been extensively studied, much less is known about the late-response genes. We have investigated the activity-dependent regulation of delta-opioid receptor (DOR) mRNA levels in NG108-15 cells. Transsynaptic activation was mimicked by depolarization with 55 mM KCl or veratridine. Both treatments lead to a time-dependent increase of DOR mRNA levels. Ca2+ entry through L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels activated by depolarization appears to be involved, because L-type channel blockers reduced the induction of DOR expression. Ca2+ binding to calmodulin is the next step in the signal transduction pathway, because a calmodulin antagonist, W7, reduced the effect of veratridine. A selective inhibitor of calmodulin kinases (KN-62) and cyclosporin, an inhibitor of calcineurin, also antagonized the depolarization-induced increase in DOR mRNA levels, which indicates that both calcium/calmodulin-dependent enzymes are involved in the activity-dependent induction of DOR gene expression. Induction of DOR gene expression by an activity-dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration may serve as a feedback regulatory mechanism because activation of DOR leads to hyperpolarization and lower excitability of neurons.

Parenteral nutrition selectively decreases protein synthesis in the small intestine

We investigated the effects of an elemental diet fed parenterally or enterally on total mucosal protein and lactase phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) synthesis. Catheters were placed in the stomach, jugular vein, and carotid artery of 12 3-day-old pigs. Half of the animals were given an elemental regimen enterally and the other half parenterally. Six days later, animals were infused intravenously with [2H3]leucine for 6 h and killed, and the midjejunum of each animal was collected for analysis. The weight of the midjejunum was 8 +/- 1.5 and 17 +/- 1.6 g in parenterally fed and enterally fed piglets, respectively. LPH activities (mumol.min-1.g protein-1) were significantly higher in parenterally vs. enterally fed piglets. Total small intestinal LPH activities were lower in parenterally vs. enterally fed animals. The abundance of LPH mRNA relative to elongation factor-1 alpha mRNA was not different between groups. The fractional synthesis rate of total mucosal protein and LPH was significantly lower in parenterally fed animals (67 +/- 7 and 66 +/- 7%/day, respectively) than in enterally fed animals (96 +/- 7 and 90 +/- 6%/day, respectively). The absolute synthesis rate (the amount of protein synthesized per gram of mucosa) of total mucosal protein was significantly lower in parenterally fed than in enterally fed piglets. However, the absolute synthesis rate of LPH was unaffected by the route of nutrient administration. These results suggest that the small intestine partially compensates for the effects of parenteral feeding by maintaining the absolute synthesis rate of LPH at the same levels as in enterally fed animals.

Lactase phlorizin hydrolase synthesis is decreased in protein-malnourished pigs

We have examined the effect of protein malnutrition on brush border (BB) lactase phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) synthesis in young pigs. Two groups of four 3-wk-old pigs were fed diets containing either 19 g soy protein, 63 g carbohydrate and 5 g fat per 100 g diet (a protein-sufficient diet) or 3 g soy protein, 85 g carbohydrate and 5 g fat per 100 g diet (a protein-deficient diet). After 8 wk of consuming the diets, pigs were infused intravenously with 2H3-leucine for 8 h, then killed. The jejunum was collected for measurement of lactase activity, LPH mRNA abundance and the rate of LPH post-translational synthesis. Lactase activities did not differ between groups (mean 8.1 +/- 1.2 micromol x min(-1) x g mucosa(-1)). LPH mRNA abundance relative to elongation factor-1alpha mRNA (the constitutive/reference mRNA) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in well-nourished pigs (0.36 +/- 0.03%) than in protein-malnourished pigs (0.21 +/- 0.02%). The rate constants of BB LPH post-translational synthesis were also significantly higher in the well-nourished (103 +/- 9% x d(-1)) than in the protein-malnourished pigs (66 +/- 8% x d(-1)). Further, the absolute synthesis rate of BB LPH, a measure of the amount of enzyme synthesized per gram of tissue, was significantly higher in well-nourished than in protein-malnourished pigs (in arbitrary units, 892 +/- 90 vs. 450 +/- 34, respectively). Thus, protein malnutrition affects both LPH mRNA abundance and post-translational processing in young pigs.

Regulation of delta-opioid receptor mRNA levels by receptor-mediated and direct activation of the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A pathway

The effects of activation of the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A pathway on the expression of delta-opioid receptor mRNA in the NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma cell line has been investigated. Activation of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) receptors, which are positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase, resulted in a reduction in delta-receptor messenger RNA levels. Direct stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin or treatment of cells with the cyclic AMP analogue dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) mimicked the effect of PGE1. Down-regulation in receptor protein levels, as measured by loss of radioligand binding sites, was also observed and its extent correlated well with the decrease in the amount of delta-opioid receptor transcripts. D-Ser2-Leu-enkephalin-Thr6 (DSLET) inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity was also diminished after db-cAMP treatment. Inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA) partially reversed the PGE1- and db-cAMP-mediated repression of the delta-opioid receptor mRNA levels. The rate of degradation of delta-opioid receptor mRNA in the presence of actinomycin D was not altered in response to db-cAMP, suggesting that mRNA stability is not reduced by PKA action. The regulation of delta-opioid receptor mRNA levels by db-cAMP was not sensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo protein synthesis is not required in this process.

Lactase phlorhizin hydrolase turnover in vivo in water-fed and colostrum-fed newborn pigs

We have estimated the synthesis rates in vivo of precursor and brush-border (BB) polypeptides of lactase phlorhizin hydrolase (LPH) in newborn pigs fed with water or colostrum for 24h post partum. At the end of the feeding period, piglets were anaesthetized and infused intravenously for 3h with L-[4-3H]- phenylalanine. Blood and jejunal samples were collected at timed intervals. The precursor and BB forms of LPH were isolated from jejunal mucosa by immunoprecipitation followed by SDS/PAGE, and their specific radioactivity in Phe determined. The kinetics of precursor and BB LPH labelling were analysed by using a linear compartmental model. Immunoisolated LPH protein consisted of five polypeptides [high-mannose LPH precursor (proLPHh), complex glycosylated LPH precursor (proLPHe), intermediate complex glycosylated LPH precursor (proLPH1i) and two forms of BB LPH]. The fractional synthesis rate (Ks) of proLPHh and proLPHc (approx. 5%/min) were the same in the two groups but the absolute synthesis rate (in arbitrary units, min-1) of proLPHh in the colostrum-fed animals was twice that of the water-fed animals. The Ks values of proLPHi polypeptides were significantly different (water-fed, 3.89%/min; colostrum-fed, 1.6%/min), but the absolute synthesis rates did not differ. The Ks of BB LPH was not different between experimental treatment groups (on average 0.037%/min). However, the proportion of newly synthesized proLPHh processed to BB LPH was 48% lower in colostrum-fed than in water-fed animals. We conclude that in neonatal pigs, the ingestion of colostrum stimulates the synthesis of proLPHh but, at least temporarily, disrupts the processing of proLPH polypeptides to the BB enzyme.

The rabbit ileal lipid-binding protein. Gene cloning and functional expression of the recombinant protein

A bile-acid-binding protein of Mr 14000 has been previously identified by photoaffinity labeling in rabbit ileal brush border membrane vesicles [Kramer et al. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 18035-18046]. This peripheral membrane-associated protein was purified and identified as an ileal lipid-binding protein. It was further shown to be identical to the cytosolic 14-kDa bile-acid-binding protein from the same tissue. Starting with sequence information from tryptic fragments, we cloned and sequenced the gene and its transcript. It has four exons (123, 176, 90, 115 bp) and three introns (1372, 2291, 3137 bp) and a similar structure as the genes from other members of the fatty-acid-binding protein family. The deduced protein has 128 amino acid residues and a calculated molecular mass of 14404 Da. It exhibits high similarity to its human (83%), mouse (77%), rat (76%) and porcine (72%) counterparts. Furthermore, the recombinant protein was produced in Escherichia coli and shown to be identical to native protein from ileal tissue. Functionality of the recombinant protein was demonstrated by labeling with various photoaffinity derivatives of bile acids. Ranking of the photolabeling efficiency of these probes towards the recombinant protein was comparable to the respective ranking towards the native protein. Polyclonal antibodies that were raised in hens against the recombinant protein, specifically recognized the ileal lipid-binding protein in the brush border membrane and cytosol from rabbit ileum. In contrast, no labeling was observed with jejunal tissue. Our results suggest a specific role of the membrane-associated ileal lipid-binding protein for the process of ileal bile acid uptake.

Mu and delta opioid receptor gene expression after chronic treatment with opioid agonist

Levels of mRNA coding for mu and delta opioid receptors were evaluated by competitive PCR in regions of rat brain where adaptive changes in opioid regulation of adenylyl cyclase occur following chronic morphine treatment. Correlation between receptor protein and mRNA levels after exposure to full and partial agonists were also investigated in NG108-15 cells. Different basal gene expression levels of mu and delta opioid receptors were found in the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, thalamus and periaquaductal gray. After continuous morphine treatment for 7 days both mu and delta opioid receptor mRNA levels were unchanged in all four regions compared with saline-treated controls. In NG108-15 cells marked down-regulation of delta opioid receptors as measured by radioligand binding was observed after 5 or 24 h full agonist (D-Ser3-Leuenkephalin; DSLET) treatment. Morphine, a partial agonist at delta receptors, did not reduce receptor number at either time point. The reduction in delta receptor binding after DSLET treatment was not accompanied by significantly diminished levels of delta receptor mRNA. Unaltered mu and delta receptor mRNA levels in brain after chronic morphine exposure make it unlikely that adaptive changes in the transcription of these genes play a role in the observed tolerance in opioid regulation of adenylyl cyclase.

Jejunal brush border hydrolase activity is higher in tallow-fed pigs than in corn oil-fed pigs

We tested the effect of dietary fat on the lipid composition and hydrolase activity of jejunal brush border membranes in piglets. Eighteen 5-wk-old piglets were divided into three groups and for 4 wk fed either an unsaturated low fat diet (3.2% corn oil), an unsaturated high fat diet (17.2% corn oil) or a saturated high fat diet (2.2% corn oil + 15% tallow). Brush border membranes were prepared from the jejunal mucosa and analyzed for cholesterol, phospholipid and fatty acids. The activities of sucrase-isomaltase, lactase-phlorizin hydrolase, maltase-glucoamylase, aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Lactase-phlorizin hydrolase isoforms were immunopurified and separated by SDS-PAGE, and their relative proportions were measured by densitometry. The activities of the disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase, but not aminopeptidase, were greater in animals fed the saturated high fat diet than in animals fed the unsaturated high fat diet. The fatty acid composition of the membranes generally reflected the composition of the diet. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the phospholipid, fatty acid and cholesterol compositions of the membranes were associated with the differences in brush border hydrolase activity.

In vivo sucrase-isomaltase and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase turnover in the fed adult rat

We estimated in vivo turnover rates of sucrase-isomaltase and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase in adult rats. Fed animals received a primed continuous infusion of phenylalanine (300 microCi, 150 mumol Phe/100 g of body weight for 30 s, then 7.5 microCi, 3.75 mumol Phe/min for 10 to 140 min). Sucrase-isomaltase and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase were immunoprecipitated from jejunal mucosal membranes; isoforms were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Endoglycosidase H digestions and (for lactase-phlorizin hydrolase) N-terminal amino acid sequencing were performed on all isoforms. Specific radioactivity of prosucrase-isomaltase and prolactase-phlorizin hydrolase isoforms reached isotopic equilibrium by 60 and 90 min, respectively. Specific radioactivity of brush border sucrase and lactase did not reach steady state. The isotope kinetic, N-terminal amino acid sequencing, and endoglycosidase H digestion data suggested that one of the high molecular weight lactase isoforms is a dimer of mature lactase. Compartmental modeling of specific radioactivity demonstrated that mean intracellular residence time is 59 min for prosucrase-isomaltase isoforms and 68 min for prolactase-phlorizin hydrolase isoforms. Mean residence time in the brush border was 5.8 h for sucrase and 7.8 h for lactase. Fractional synthesis rates were 414%/day for sucrase and 307%/day for lactase. Thus, in vivo brush border sucrase and lactase turn over at similar rates in the adult rat.

Feeding status affects in vivo prosucrase.isomaltase processing in rat jejunum

Fed and fasted (18 h) adult male rats received a primed constant infusion of [3H]leucine for 15 to 180 min. Prosucrase-isomaltase (pro-SI) and sucrase were isolated from mixed jejunal mucosal membranes by immunoprecipitation and separated from one another by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing and reducing conditions. The rate at which pro-SI was processed to sucrase was calculated on the assumption that the steady-state specific radioactivity of leucine in pro-SI defined the pool of amino acids used in the formation of brush border sucrase. At isotopic steady state, pro-SI achieved a specific radioactivity that was higher than that of mucosal free leucine in both feeding groups. The relationship between the isotopic equilibrium of the free amino acid pools and pro-SI was sensitive to feeding status; the specific radioactivity of pro-SI was 25 and 55% (P less than 0.05) of the blood specific radioactivity in fed and fasted animals, respectively. The fractional rate of pro-SI processing tended to be higher (P less than 0.07) in fed (407%/d) than in fasted animals (274%/d). We conclude that the general mucosal free amino acid pool is not the amino acid pool from which pro-SI is synthesized and that the rate of pro-SI processing from the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi membranes to the brush border membrane is sensitive to the feeding status of the animal.

[Are patellar tension band reconstructions with absorbable materials possible? An animal experiment]

Different biodegradable tension band reconstructions of transverse osteotomies of sheep patella were tested in an experimental pilot study. Without postoperative immobilization, 4 metallic fixations in the control group dislocated secondarily 3 +/- 2 days after the operation. After tenotomy of the gastrocnemius muscle tendon, 6 other metallic fixations showed good bone healing after 12 weeks. Therefore all other fixations were immobilized postoperatively. In 5 of 6 tension band fixations with pure polydioxanone cords (PDS) ventral callus distraction started after 18 +/- 7 days, but total consolidation had taken place after 14 weeks. One PDS fixation failed for technical reasons. The combination of two axial polyglycolide rods (BIOFIX) with two ventral PDS cords showed different results: when rods 4.5 mm in diameter were used 1 fixation dislocated because the fragments were burst by the oversized rods. With rods 3.2 mm in diameter 3 other fixations were followed by complete consolidation with no dislocation after 12 weeks. Other tested combined fixation systems made up of polyglycolide and polylactide composites (cords, screws) failed secondarily, either because the fragments were burst by the oversized implants or because of the fragility of the polylactide cords. It was impossible to use polylactide screws as lag screws, because the screw heads gave way to torque. In an additional study we observed a decrease in tissue pH after implantation of polyglycolide rods in the medullary space of the tibia. Compared with the control medullary space without implants, the pH decreased from 7.38 to 6.92 at the point of greatest implant mass.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Religious self and secular self: Clinical transitions

Clerical people, returning to secular life, may undergo shifts in self-experience, including alterations in internal object relations. Self-psychology, positing the importance to health of cohesion of all aspects of self, provides a theoretical model for exploring such shifts and their facilitation through psychoanalytic psychotherapy. A case of a released Roman Catholic priest is discussed to illustrate dynamic processes. Emphasis is on a clinical approach that does not require conversion of religious and spiritual self-experience into drive derivative formulations.

Synthesis of 2,2-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione as an inhibitor of aromatase

2,2-Dimethyl-4-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione (4) has been synthesized and has been shown to be a powerful competitive inhibitor of aromatase (Ki = 11.4 nM). However, compound 4 does not cause time-dependent loss of enzyme activity, in contrast to the unmethylated parent compound, 4-OHA.

[Treatment of malignant pathologic fractures. Results of a retrospective study]

In malignant pathological fractures, surgery is an essential part of the whole oncologic conception. In most cases it is combined with adjuvant therapies. Various surgical procedures are available for the different sites depending on the fact whether the operation is performed in a curative or palliative intent. Even in case of palliative indication with only a limited life expectancy, the indication for surgery is adopted more and more generously. A very important point is the wish of the patient. With our low complication rates, we have been able to facilitate the hard fates of many patients even if they had only short survival times.

[Experiences with the locking nail]

In case of clear indication, the locking nail system brings about good results in the treatment of problematic long bone fractures. The indication for primary static locking should be defined in a wide manner. Early loading is possible and is applied by us more and more in not adipose patients with static locking, too. From our point of view, the following factors are some of the drawbacks of the system: bolt loosening due to different causes, the impractical aiming device for distal locking, problems with the lavage of the medullary cavity in case of infection, pains in the knee joint after transcondylar implantation of a Steinmann nail. In case of long bones with narrow medullary cavities (young women) for which the thinnest nail has to be used, slotted nails bear the risk of distortion.

[Threatening preoperative conditions in hyperparathyroidism]

Within 10 years in 2 out of 44 patients with pHPT (4.5%) a hypercalcemic crisis, in 3 other patients symptoms of hypercalcemic syndrome were observed. A quick diagnosis of the life threatening situation and a therapy of decreasing calcium led to an elective operation.

[The value of arthroscopy in the diagnosis of knee injuries]

Arthrographic and arthroscopic findings of traumatized knee joints were compared by operation. It was found that endoscopic examination, particularly in case of damage to joint cartilage and cruciated ligaments, is superior to arthrographic examination. The lesions of meniscus could not always be detected radiologically. Hence, whenever there is a suspicious knee joint damage, arthroscopy should be performed liberally.

[Postoperative care of patients with chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)]

137 patients, who had had surgery of the pancreas, were followed up postoperatively; 72 of these had had resection of pancreas, 65 patients had organ preserving surgery. Diabetes occurred in 44% of the total group. Control of diabetes was adequate only in 19%. 89 patients had an insufficient exocrine pancreatic function; substitution with pancreatic enzyme products was not adequate in 39 patients in this group. 65% took up work again, the working ability being reduced by less than 33%. 14% of the whole group retired immediately after operation from working life, 6% remained jobless for longer periods of time. After surgery of the pancreas patients should be encouraged to active work; granting pensions too generously will increase the relapse rate of alcoholism. In 6 cases of subtotal surgery and in 21 cases of organ preserving surgery operation had to be done for a second time. A classification is proposed for evaluation of postoperative results.

[Cystadenoma of the pancreas, a potentially malignant tumor (author's transl)]

Cystadenomas occur rather rarely among the cystic lesions of the pancreas, but they nevertheless require special attention. These cystadenomas do have a tendency for malignant degeneration, especially their mucinous form with papillary proliferation of the epithelium; insofar cystadenomas have to distinguished from retention nor pseudocysts, resulting from pancreatitis or from traumatic lesions of the pancreas. Differentiation of cystadenomas and other cysts can neither be achieved by preoperative diagnostic procedures nor by macroscopic findings during surgery. Diagnosis however can be established after biopsy during surgery. A cystadenoma has to be suspected especially in women of middle age, who do not have any history of pancreatitis, abdominal trauma or alcoholism, if the lesion is localized in the corpus or tail are of the pancreas. Cystadenoma have to be treated as potentially malignant tumors. The therapy of choice is excision far out in normal tissue; this is the only way to prevent relapses and to avoid transition of the lesion into a carcinoma. Thus, it has to be postulated for all patients who are being operated upon because of cysts of the pancreas that multiple biopsies should be done from various parts of the cystic wall during surgery and that drainage of the cyst should be performed only if a cystadenoma can be excluded.