Innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection contributes to neuronal damage in human iPSC-derived peripheral neurons

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes neurological disease in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS, respectively) of some patients. It is not clear whether SARS-CoV-2 infection or the subsequent immune response are the key factors that cause neurological disease. Here, we addressed this question by infecting human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CNS and PNS neurons with SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infected a low number of CNS neurons and did not elicit a robust innate immune response. On the contrary, SARS-CoV-2 infected a higher number of PNS neurons. This resulted in expression of interferon (IFN) λ1, several IFN-stimulated genes and proinflammatory cytokines. The PNS neurons also displayed alterations characteristic of neuronal damage, as increased levels of sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin receptor motif-containing protein 1, amyloid precursor protein and α-synuclein, and lower levels of cytoskeletal proteins. Interestingly, blockade of the Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway by Ruxolitinib did not increase SARS-CoV-2 infection, but reduced neuronal damage, suggesting that an exacerbated neuronal innate immune response contributes to pathogenesis in the PNS. Our results provide a basis to study coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related neuronal pathology and to test future preventive or therapeutic strategies.

Innovative biochemisurgical treatment for stabilisation of an end-stage chronic wound in a complex vascular compromized patient

INTRODUCTION

Treating advanced peripheral arterial occlusive disease (e.g. PAOD IV) poses a significant challenge, as conventional treatments quite often fall short at this stage. However, a range of interventions can be considered to postpone amputation. This study presents an example of advanced stage of Peripheral Artery Occlusive Disease (PAOD) stage IV, encompassing a history of a high thigh amputation on the left side, coupled with pronounced wound healing disorders.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Our patient, 55 years old, smoker and ASA Class III is in a left sided above-the knee-amputation situation. He presented to our outpatient clinic with blistering in the stump area, caused by non-proportinate pressure from the prosthesis. With an emerging septic course and advanced peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) at Fontaine class IV, revascularization was unfeasible in the left iliac artery axis and groin arteries. Additionally, a stage PAOD IV presents itself with poorly healing wounds on the right side which our patient still uses to support his transfers in and out bed and his wheelchair. Multiple surgical stump revisions and femur shortenings and diverse wound treatments were performed all were unsatisfying for patient and practitioners. We introduced a novel biochemisurgical treatment in our teaching hospital.

DISCUSSION

Desiccating-agent-A is an innovative dehydrating agent with potent desiccating characteristics upon application to organic substances. Its formulation involves blending 83% methane sulfonic acid with proton acceptors and dimethyl sulfoxide, as outlined in patent application. The case description results in an illustrated follow up period of 16 months and is presented in line with the recommendations of the consensus-based surgical case reporting guideline development.

CONCLUSION

The goal of achieving a secondary healing trend is to establish stability within the wound area or achieve complete healing. This endeavor becomes particularly intricate when severe blood circulation compromise exists. Nonetheless, progress in wound treatment measures has made it feasible to achieve this aim by fostering the formation of dry and clean necrotic tissue. This dry and clean wound is now manageable in a patient's home situation, allowing for effective care and a better chance at preventing further severe complications.

Luminescent reporter cells enable the identification of broad-spectrum antivirals against emerging viruses

The emerging viruses SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses cause severe respiratory and hemorrhagic diseases, respectively. The production of infectious particles of both viruses and virus spread in tissues requires cleavage of surface glycoproteins (GPs) by host proprotein convertases (PCs). SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses rely on GP cleavage by PCs furin and subtilisin kexin isozyme-1/site-1 protease (SKI-1/S1P), respectively. We report improved luciferase-based reporter cell lines, named luminescent inducible proprotein convertase reporter cells that we employ to monitor PC activity in its authentic subcellular compartment. Using these sensor lines we screened a small compound library in high-throughput manner. We identified 23 FDA-approved small molecules, among them monensin which displayed broad activity against furin and SKI-1/S1P. Monensin inhibited arenaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in a dose-dependent manner. We observed a strong reduction in infectious particle release upon monensin treatment with little effect on released genome copies. This was reflected by inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 spike processing suggesting the release of immature particles. In a proof of concept experiment using human precision cut lung slices, monensin potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection, evidenced by reduced infectious particle release. We propose that our PC sensor pipeline is a suitable tool to identify broad-spectrum antivirals with therapeutic potential to combat current and future emerging viruses.

Electron-induced photon emission above the quantum cutoff due to time-energy uncertainty

The light emission from a tunneling junction induced by tunneling electrons has been studied around the cutoff at hν=eV_t. The emitted photons are found to exceed the excitation energy provided by the energy of the tunneling electrons. The experiments have been performed by a low- temperature scanning tunneling microscope at 80 K for an Ag(111) surface and an Ag-covered PtIr tip. A detailed analysis of the emission spectra reveals that the findings cannot be explained by the thermal broadening of the electron Fermi distribution alone. However, a correct description is found if a finite lifetime of the excited states in the range of 30-80 fs is included.

Reversible 2D Phase Transition Driven By an Electric Field: Visualization and Control on the Atomic Scale

We report on a reversible structural phase transition of a two-dimensional system that can be locally induced by an external electric field. Two different structural configurations may coexist within a CO monolayer on Cu(111). The balance between the two phases can be shifted by an external electric field, causing the domain boundaries to move, increasing the area of the favored phase controllable both in location and size. If the field is further enhanced new domains nucleate. The arrangement of the CO molecules on the Cu surface is observed in real time and real space with atomic resolution while the electric field driving the phase transition is easily varied over a broad range. Together with the well-known molecular manipulation of CO adlayers, our findings open exciting prospects for combining spontaneous long-range order with man-made CO structures such as "molecule cascades" or "molecular graphene". Our new manipulation mode permits us to bridge the gap between fundamental concepts and the fabrication of arbitrary atomic patterns in large scale, by providing unprecedented insight into the physics of structural phase transitions on the atomic scale.

Scanning noise microscopy

The paper describes a simple scheme enabling the real-time characterization of fluctuations, e.g., of the conductance in scanning tunneling microscopy. The technique can be used in parallel to other data acquisition, evaluating the rate, the amplitude, and the duty cycle of telegraphic noise in the tunneling current. This kind of scanning probe microscopy allows to evaluate the noise parameters as a function of the average tunneling current, the electron energy, and the lateral position. Images of the noise with Ångstrom spatial resolution are acquired simultaneously to the topographic information providing a direct correlation between the structural information and the noise. The method can be applied to a large variety of systems to monitor dynamics on the nanoscale, e.g., the localization of tunneling current induced switching within a single molecule. Noise spectroscopy may reveal the involved molecular orbitals, even if they cannot be resolved in standard scanning tunneling spectroscopy. As an example we present experimental data of the organic molecule copper phthalocyanine on a Cu(111) surface [J. Schaffert, M. C. Cottin, A. Sonntag, H. Karacuban, C. A. Bobisch, N. Lorente, J.-P. Gauyacq, and R. Möller, Nature Mater. 12, 223-227 (2013)].

Current induced surface diffusion on a single-crystalline silver nanowire

Scanning tunnelling microscopy was used to study the morphological changes of the surface of a single-crystalline silver nanowire caused by a lateral electron current. At current densities of about 1.5 × 10(7) A cm(-2), surface atoms are extracted from step edges, resulting in the motion of surface steps, islands and holes with a thickness or depth of one monolayer. Upon current reversal the direction of the material transport can be altered. The findings are interpreted in terms of the wind force.

Reduced urinary glutamate levels are associated with the frequency of migraine attacks in females

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent evidences indicate that glutamatergic homeostasis disorders are implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. In particular, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid glutamate levels seem to be altered in migraine patients. However, the impacts of glutamate on migraine and especially on aura symptoms, alterations in the frequency of migraine attacks as well as investigations on glutamate on migraine-related metabolic dysfunctions, like hyperinsulinaemia, and an atherogenic lipid profile remain elusive to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of glutamate on migraine and related metabolic dysfunctions.

METHODS

We investigated the urinary glutamate levels of female migraineurs (n = 48) in the interictal phase and healthy controls (n = 48). Parameters of the insulin- and lipid metabolism, inflammatory parameters and anthropometric parameters were additionally determined.

RESULTS

Urinary glutamate levels of female migraineurs were significantly decreased with respect to the control group. Logistic regression revealed an odds ratio of 4.04 for migraine. We found a significant correlation with the time-period of patients' last attack and a significant inverse correlation with the annual frequency of migraine attacks. Other parameters of the insulin- and lipid metabolism, anthropometric and inflammatory parameters showed no significant correlation with glutamate levels.

CONCLUSION

We show here that female migraineurs exhibit decreased urinary glutamate levels which are associated with a 4.04-fold higher risk for migraine and correlated with patients' frequency of migraine attacks.

PTCDA on Cu(111) partially covered with NaCl

The organic molecule 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) was studied by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on thin insulating NaCl films grown on a Cu(111) single crystal. The deposition of approximately two monolayers (ML) of sodium chloride onto a Cu(111) substrate at a sample temperature of about 350 K causes a rather rough growth of (100)-oriented NaCl islands up to a local height of 4 ML. For submonolayer coverages (0.1 and 0.4 ML) of PTCDA on a Cu(111) surface partly covered with NaCl, two different rod structures of PTCDA were found on the copper surface, which are in contrast to previously published data for PTCDA on Cu(111) showing a herringbone-like arrangement. These findings can be explained by the formation of a Na(x)-PTCDA complex. On NaCl covered areas, single PTCDA molecules adsorb at vacancies of [010] and [001] oriented steps of the NaCl(100) islands. In this case, the electrostatic forces between the polar step edges and the PTCDA molecules are dominant. The terraces of the alkali halide surface are free of PTCDA molecules.

Oxidative stress is associated with migraine and migraine-related metabolic risk in females

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Oxidative stress is discussed to be implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. However, data are in part controversial and the possible underlying mechanisms remain elusive to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative stress status of female patients with migraine and its implications on migraine-related metabolic alterations.

METHODS

Oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), carbonylated proteins, parameters of associated nitric oxide stress, inflammation, lipid- and glucose-metabolism were determined in the interictal phase in female patients with migraine and controls.

RESULTS

We found significantly increased HNE levels in female migraineurs compared with controls. Logistic regression analyses of HNE revealed an odds ratio for migraine of 4.55. HNE showed significant correlations with the nitric oxide pathway, the insulin- and the lipid-metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

We show here that increased oxidative stress is associated with migraine and contributes to migraine-related metabolic risk like nitrosative stress, an atherogenic lipid profile and hyperinsulinemia. Our data suggest that oxidative stress may represent a key event in the pathophysiology of migraine and a suitable therapeutic target.

Increased matrix metalloproteinase activity is associated with migraine and migraine-related metabolic dysfunctions

OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are discussed to be involved in the pathophysiology of migraine. Moreover, MMPs may also be involved in migraine-related metabolic alterations like an atherogenic lipid profile and hyperinsulinemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of MMPs and TIMPs on migraine with and without aura and related metabolic dysfunctions.

METHODS

MMP activity, six MMPs and three TIMPs, parameters of the insulin and lipid metabolism as well as anthropometric parameters were determined in 124 non-obese subjects.

RESULTS

We found highly significant increased MMP activity in migraine patients independent of aura symptoms, which was associated with migraine with an odds ratio of 7.57. Interestingly, none of the determined MMPs and TIMPs showed significant different serum levels between migraine patients and healthy controls. We found significant correlations between MMP activity and parameters of the insulin and lipid metabolism, like Homeostasis Model Assessment index (HOMA index), cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidized LDL.

CONCLUSION

We show here that increased MMP activity is tightly associated with migraine and migraine-related hyperinsulinemia and atherogenic lipid alterations. Our findings represent a new pathophysiological mechanism, which may be of clinical relevance, especially in regard to therapeutic approaches using MMP inhibitors.

Doubly resonant optical nanoantenna arrays for polarization resolved measurements of surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We report that rhomb-shaped metal nanoantenna arrays support multiple plasmonic resonances, making them favorable bio-sensing substrates. Besides the two localized plasmonic dipole modes associated with the two principle axes of the rhombi, the sample supports an additional grating-induced surface plasmon polariton resonance. The plasmonic properties of all modes are carefully studied by far-field measurements together with numerical and analytical calculations. The sample is then applied to surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurements. It is shown to be highly efficient since two plasmonic resonances of the structure were simultaneously tuned to coincide with the excitation and the emission wavelength in the SERS experiment. The analysis is completed by measuring the impact of the polarization angle on the SERS signal.

Hyperinsulinaemia in migraineurs is associated with nitric oxide stress

There is growing evidence that alterations in the insulin and glucose metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. Nitric oxide (NO) stress has been associated with migraine. However, the role of NO on the insulin and glucose metabolism in migraineurs has remained elusive to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the insulin and glucose metabolism in migraineurs and to determine possible interactions with the NO pathway. One hundred and twenty non-obese probands participated in this study, including 48 migraineurs and 72 healthy volunteers. Various parameters of the NO pathway, glucose metabolism as well as body measurement parameters were determined. We found a highly significantly increased insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA)-index in migraine patients, whereas fasting glucose was decreased. Logistic regression revealed an odds ratio of 5.67 for migraine, when comparing the lowest with the highest quartile of HOMA. Multivariate analysis showed that HOMA, waist-to-length ratio and nitrite as parameters of NO stress were highly significantly correlated. We show here that hyperinsulinaemia is associated with migraine and, furthermore, is correlated with increased NO stress. These findings represent a new pathophysiological mechanism that may be of clinical relevance.

Electromigration and potentiometry measurements of single-crystalline Ag nanowires under UHV conditions

We report on in situ electromigration and potentiometry measurements on single-crystalline Ag nanowires under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions, using a four-probe scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). The Ag nanowires are grown in place by self-organization on a 4° vicinal Si(001) surface. Two of the four available STM tips are used to contact the nanowire. The positioning of the tips is controlled by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Potentiometry measurements on an Ag nanowire were carried out using a third tip to determine the resistance per length. During electromigration measurements current densities of up to 1 × 10(8) A cm(-2) could be achieved. We use artificially created notches in the wire to initiate electromigration and to control the location of the electromigration process. At the position of the notch, electromigration sets in and is observed quasi-continuously by the SEM.

Conservation of the lateral electron momentum at a metal-semiconductor interface studied by ballistic electron emission microscopy

We report on ballistic electron emission microscopy and spectroscopy studies on epitaxial (3-5 nm thick) Bi(111) films, grown on n-type Si substrates. The effective barrier heights of the Schottky barrier observed are 0.58 eV for the Bi/Si(100)-(2x1) and 0.68 eV for the Bi/Si(111)-(7x7). At the step edges of the epitaxial films a strong increase of the ballistic electron emission microscopy current is observed for Bi/Si(111)-(7x7), while no increase occurs for Bi/Si(100)-(2x1). These observations can be explained by the conservation of the lateral momentum of the electron at the metal-semiconductor interface.

Electronic transport on the nanoscale: ballistic transmission and Ohm's law

If a current of electrons flows through a normal conductor (in contrast to a superconductor), it is impeded by local scattering at defects as well as phonon scattering. Both effects contribute to the voltage drop observed for a macroscopic complex system as described by Ohm's law. Although this concept is well established, it has not yet been measured around individual defects on the atomic scale. We have measured the voltage drop at a monatomic step in real space by restricting the current to a surface layer. For the Si(111)-( [see text]3 x [see text]3)-Ag surface a monotonous transition with a width below 1 nm was found. A numerical analysis of the data maps the current flow through the complex network and the interplay between defect-free terraces and monatomic steps.

Bio-inspired motion detection in an FPGA-based smart camera module

Flying insects, despite their relatively coarse vision and tiny nervous system, are capable of carrying out elegant and fast aerial manoeuvres. Studies of the fly visual system have shown that this is accomplished by the integration of signals from a large number of elementary motion detectors (EMDs) in just a few global flow detector cells. We developed an FPGA-based smart camera module with more than 10,000 single EMDs, which is closely modelled after insect motion-detection circuits with respect to overall architecture, resolution and inter-receptor spacing. Input to the EMD array is provided by a CMOS camera with a high frame rate. Designed as an adaptable solution for different engineering applications and as a testbed for biological models, the EMD detector type and parameters such as the EMD time constants, the motion-detection directions and the angle between correlated receptors are reconfigurable online. This allows a flexible and simultaneous detection of complex motion fields such as translation, rotation and looming, such that various tasks, e.g., obstacle avoidance, height/distance control or speed regulation can be performed by the same compact device.

Ballistic electron emission spectroscopy on Ag/Si devices

In this work we report on ballistic electron emission spectroscopy (BEES) studies on epitaxial layers of silver grown on silicon surfaces, with either a Si(111)-(7  × 7) or Si(100)-(2  × 1) surface reconstruction. The experiments were done at low temperature and in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). In addition, BEES measurements on polycrystalline Ag films grown on hydrogen-terminated H:Si(111)-(1  × 1) and H:Si(100)-(2  × 1) surfaces were performed. The Schottky barrier heights were evaluated by BEES. The results are compared to the values for the barrier height reported for macroscopic Schottky diodes. We show that the barrier heights for the epitaxial films substantially differ from the values measured on polycrystalline Ag films, suggesting a strong effect of the interface on the barrier height.

Local potentiometry using a multiprobe scanning tunneling microscope

Scanning tunneling potentiometry (STP) is a powerful tool to analyze the conductance through thin conducting layers with lateral resolution in the nanometer range. In this work, we show how a commercial ultrahigh vacuum multiprobe system, equipped with four independent tips, can be used to perform STP experiments. Two tips are gently pushed into the surface applying a lateral current through the layer of interest. Simultaneously, the topography and the potential distribution across the metal film are measured with a third tip. The signal-to-noise ratio of the potentiometry signal may be enhanced by using a fourth tip, providing a reference potential in close vicinity of the studied area. Two different examples are presented. For epitaxial (111) oriented Bi films, grown on a Si(100)-(2 x 1) surface, an almost constant gradient of the potential as well as potential drops at individual Bi-domain boundaries were observed. On the surface of the Si(111)(3 x 3)-Ag superstructure the potential variation at individual monoatomic steps could be precisely resolved.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is tightly correlated with growth in juveniles without correlations to obesity related disorders

BACKGROUND

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) was found to be increased in conditions associated with atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders. We investigated ADMA in obese juveniles with pre-atherosclerotic symptoms and in normal weight juveniles.

DESIGN

To elucidate correlations of ADMA in juveniles with obesity related disorders such as insulin resistance, low grade inflammation, hypertension and pre-atherosclerosis, we analysed ADMA by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 68 obese and 68 healthy, age and gender matched juveniles.

RESULTS

ADMA levels are slightly, but significantly increased (p=0.04) in obese (0.78+/-0.01 micromol/l), compared to normal weight juveniles (0.74+/-0.01 micromol/l). There are no robust correlations of ADMA with obesity related disorders, like dyslipidemia, hypertension, low-grade inflammation and pre-atherosclerosis. Age, body length and alkaline phosphatase, as markers of growth are correlated with ADMA. Multiple testing revealed that, alkaline phosphatase turned out as highly significant positively correlated with ADMA in normal weight (r=0.45/p<0.0001) and obese (r=0.59/p<0.0001) children.

CONCLUSIONS

We show here, that ADMA is slightly increased in obese juveniles without any robust correlations to obesity related disorders. ADMA is tightly correlated with alkaline phosphatase as a marker of growth in obese and normal weight, healthy juveniles.

Peritoneal Folds of the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The anatomy of the rabbit is not well known and there is no consensus on the anatomical nomenclature for this species. The objective of this study was to give a complementary description of the peritoneal folds in order to improve the existing knowledge on this species. Eighteen adult rabbits were studied. Ten animals were dissected unfixed and the remaining eight after fixation in formalin. The hepatic ligaments were similar to those of the dog. The transverse mesocolon was absent. The entry to the caudal recess of the omental sac was relatively smaller than that in other domestic species. We consistently found an omental foramen. An amount of fat tissue was almost always found in the proximal mesorchium. The vaginal process was inconstant.

Body fat distribution of overweight females with a history of weight cycling

Weight cycling may cause a redistribution of body fat to the upper body fat compartments. We investigated the distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in 30 overweight women with a history of weight-cycling and age-matched controls (167 normal weight and 97 overweight subjects). Measurements of SAT were performed using an optical device, the Lipometer. The SAT topography describes the thicknesses of SAT layers at 15 anatomically well-defined body sites from neck to calf. The overweight women with a history of weight cycling had significantly thicker SAT layers on the upper body compared to the overweight controls, but even thinner SAT layers on their legs than the normal weight women. An android fat pattern was attributed to overweight females and, even more pronounced, to the weight cyclers. The majority of normal weight women showed a gynoid fat pattern. Using stepwise discriminant analysis, 89.0% of all weight cyclers and overweight controls could be classified correctly into the two groups. These findings show the importance of normal weight maintenance as a health-promoting factor.

Android subcutaneous adipose tissue topography in lean and obese women suffering from PCOS: Comparison with type 2 diabetic women

The new optical device, the lipometer, enables the noninvasive, quick, safe, and precise determination of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) layers at any given site of the human body. Fifteen anatomically well-defined body sites from neck to calf describe a SAT topography (SAT-Top) like an individual "fingerprint" of a subject. This SAT-Top was examined in 16 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and compared to the body fat distribution of 87 age-matched healthy controls and 20 type-2 diabetic women. SAT-Top differences of these three groups were described and, to render the possibility of visual comparison, the 15-dimensional body fat information was condensed to a two-dimensional factor plot by factor analysis. All PCOS patients had an android body fat distribution with significantly thinner SAT layers on the legs as compared to healthy controls. Moreover, a hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in two distinctly different groups of PCOS women, a lean (PCOSL) and an obese (PCOSO) cluster: compared to healthy women, lean PCOS patients had significantly lower total SAT development, even though height, weight, and body mass index did not deviate significantly. Especially on the legs, their SAT layers were significantly lowered, indicating a more "apple-like" fat distribution type. Obese PCOS women showed a SAT-Top pattern very similar to that of women with type-2 diabetes, although the mean age difference between these groups was more than 30 years. Compared to healthy controls, the SAT-Top of these obese PCOS patients was strongly shifted into the android direction, appearing as "super-apples" with a significantly increased upper trunk obesity to 237.8% and a significantly decreased leg SAT development to 79.8%.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue pattern in lean and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

The new optical device, Lipometer, permits the noninvasive, quick, safe, and precise measurement of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) layers at any given site of the human body. Fifteen anatomically well-defined body sites from neck to calf describe the SAT topography (SAT-Top) like an individual "fingerprint." SAT-Top was examined in 33 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in 87 age-matched healthy controls and in 20 Type-II diabetic women. SAT-Top differences of these three groups were described, and, based on a hierarchical cluster analysis, two distinctly different groups of PCOS women, a lean (PCOS(L)) and an obese (PCOS(O)) cluster, were found. For visual comparison of the different types of body fat distribution, the 15-dimensional body fat information was condensed to a two-dimensional factor plot by factor analysis. For comparison of the PCOS like body fat distribution with the "healthy" fat pattern, the (previously published) SAT-Top results of 590 healthy women and men (20-70 years old) and 162 healthy girls and boys (7-11 years old) were added to the factor plot. PCOS(O) women showed a SAT-Top pattern very similar to that of women with Type-II diabetes, even though the diabetic women were on average 30 years older. Compared with their healthy controls, SAT-Top of these PCOS(O) patients was strongly skewed into the android direction, providing significantly decreased leg SAT development and significantly higher upper body obesity. Compared with healthy women, PCOS(L) patients had significantly lower total SAT development (even though height, weight, and body mass index did not deviate significantly), showing a slightly lowered amount of body fat in the upper region and a highly significant leg SAT reduction. This type of fat pattern is the same as found in girls and boys before developing their sex specific body fat distribution. We conclude that women with PCOS develop an android SAT-Top, but compared in more detail, we found two typical types of body fat distribution: the "childlike" SAT pattern in lean PCOS patients, and the "diabetic" body fat distribution in obese PCOS women.

DNA monolayer on gold substrates characterized by nanoparticle labeling and scanning force microscopy

Monolayers of single-stranded DNA on gold substrates were studied by scanning force microscopy. Complementary DNA probes labeled by gold nanoparticles were applied for contrast enhancement. Substrate regions modified with DNA could be visualized in a highly specific manner. The influence of the solution concentration on the surface density of adsorbed nanoparticles could be visualized. Because individual label particles can be easily detected, this labeling technique opens the way for characterization of DNA monolayers with a lateral resolution in the nanometer range.

Relationship between subcutaneous fatness and leptin in male athletes

PURPOSE

Circulating leptin is low in trained subjects and closely related to body fat content. However, data are scarce as to whether differences exist in the relationship between different estimates of adiposity, metabolic parameters, and leptin in endurance- and resistance-trained male athletes. We investigated this relationship with special emphasis on subcutaneous fatness and its distribution.

METHODS

20 endurance (ET) and 17 resistance (RT) athletes recruited from different kind of sports were studied. Fat-free mass (FFM) was estimated by means of impedance and fat mass (FM) was calculated. Subcutaneous fat (SAT) and its distribution was measured by means of the optical device Lipometer at 15 body sites (SAT-layers; from 1-neck to 15-calf) on the right side of the body. Fifteen SAT-layers were summed to calculate SAT. Blood samples were obtained for determination for leptin, insulin, and glucose. Insulin resistance was calculated through the fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI; [insulin x glucose/25]).

RESULTS

RT-athletes had a greater body mass and body fat content than ET-athletes, but no differences were found for leptin and metabolic parameters. In all athletes, estimates of adiposity were correlated to leptin. However, in ET-athletes FM (P < 0.05), FFM (P < 0.05), and SAT (P < 0.001) but not metabolic parameters were correlated to leptin. In RT-athletes, SAT (P < 0.0001), metabolic parameters (all P < 0.05), but not FM and FFM were in significant relationship with leptin. Stepwise regression revealed SAT as the main determinant for the variation in leptin in all athletes (adj. R(2 )= 0.52, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that estimates of adiposity and metabolic parameters are associated with leptin in a sport-specific manner. Whereas leptin might be regulated by overall subcutaneous fatness in athletes, our study does not imply a main influence of fat patterning on leptin in this group of trained subjects.

Interrelationship between estimates of adiposity and body fat distribution with metabolic and hemostatic parameters in obese children

Adiposity in childhood is often associated with metabolic abnormalities and accompanied by a dysregulation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. We studied the interrelationship of metabolic and hemostatic parameters and explored their relationship with measures of adiposity and fat distribution in obese children. In 34 obese boys (mean age, 11.7 years) and 57 obese girls (12.1 years), blood samples were determined for insulin, glucose, triglycerides, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tissue-type plasminogen activator-antigen (tPA-Ag). Body composition was assessed by means of impedance. Waist (Wc) and hip circumference were measured. The thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue-layers (SAT-layers) was measured at 15 different body sites (from 1-neck to 15-calf) by means of the optical device, Lipometer. Overall subcutaneous fatness (SAT) was calculated and SAT-distribution was estimated by means of factor analysis. Significant correlations were found between different measures of adiposity and Wc with metabolic parameters. Fibrinogen was mainly associated with upper body subcutaneous fatness (factor 1) in boys. In girls, hemostatic parameters were associated with nearly all measures of adiposity and also with factor 1 and SAT. Regression analysis showed that factor 1 together with PAI-1 (both P <.0001) contribute to fibrinogen (adjusted [adj], R(2) =.30). PAI-1 together with trigylcerides (both P <.0001) and age (P <.04) were main determinants for tPA-Ag (adj, R(2) =.41). tPA-Ag (P <.0001) together with glucose (P <.001, negative slope), fibrinogen (P <.001, negative slope), and percentage fat mass (%FM) (P <.01) contributed to PAI-1 (adj, R(2) =.54). These results favor the concept of an interrelationship between metabolic and hemostatic parameters resulting from increased adiposity, perhaps influenced by pubertal development of children. Although upper body subcutaneous fatness was found to be a main correlate of metabolic and hemostatic parameters, it remains to be investigated whether this type of subcutaneous fat distribution is involved in the expression of metabolic and hemostatic risk factors and participates in the dysregulation of the hemostatic system in the state of childhood obesity.

Do insects use templates or parameters for landmark navigation?

As an explanation for the landmark navigation abilities of insects, the template hypothesis is currently clearly dominating the parameter hypothesis. In a series of computer simulations, this paper investigates the conspicuous behavior of desert ants in experimental setups with expanded landmark arrays. It is shown that a parameter-based model accounts much better for the data than different template models.

Orthogonal factor coefficient development of subcutaneous adipose tissue topography (SAT-Top) in girls and boys

The new optical device Lipometer allows noninvasive, quick, and safe determination of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) layers (in mm) at any site of the human body. The specification of 15 evenly distributed body sites enables the precise measurement of subcutaneous body fat distribution, so-called subcutaneous adipose tissue topography (SAT-Top). SAT-Top was measured in 980 children aged 7-19 years. In this paper we describe the degree to which SAT-Top body sites are intercorrelated. We consider whether a meaningful reduction of data is possible using factor analysis, which factors can be extracted, and how SAT-Top data of children can be added to a factor value plot, depicting the essential results of age-dependent subcutaneous fat development. SAT layers situated on the same body area provide correlation coefficients up to +r = 0.91. Two factors are extracted: factor 1, containing all upper body sites (from neck to hip); and factor 2, consisting of all leg body sites. When all 980 children are divided into three age groups in a factor value plot, the first age group (7-11 years) shows almost equal SAT-Top development in boys and girls. Afterwards, for the consecutive age groups 2 (11-15 years) and 3 (15-19 years), the age-dependent subcutaneous fat development of boys and girls progresses into nearly orthogonal directions.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue layers as a stable correlate of leptin in response to short term energy restriction in obese girls

AIMS

We studied the relationship of subcutaneous adipose tissue layers (SAT-layers) measured at 15 specified body sites with leptin before and after a weight loss program for three weeks.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In 70 obese girls, SAT-layers were measured by means of the optical device, lipometer. Fat mass (FM) was estimated by means of bioelectrical impedance.

RESULTS

At the beginning of the study, all estimates of adiposity, insulin, and SAT-layers from the upper body (from 1-neck to 6-lateral chest) were correlated to leptin at a P-value of<0.0001. Percentage FM together with SAT-layer 4-upper back and insulin explained 75% of the variation in leptin (P<0.0001). After three weeks, estimates of adiposity and leptin were reduced (all P<0.0001). Most SAT-layers were reduced, but SAT-layers 8-lower abdomen and 9-lower back were significantly increased. Changes in leptin were best explained by initial leptin, but percentage change (Delta) in insulin, Delta SAT-layer 1-neck, and Delta SAT-layer 3-biceps contributed to the Delta leptin (adj. r(2)=0.47, P<0.0001). In the weight-reduced state, circulating leptin was best explained by three SAT-layers and insulin (adj. r(2)=0.67, P<0.0001).

DISCUSSION

The results suggest that Delta changes in leptin are attributable to changes in the endocrine state and subcutaneous fat, and SAT-layers may serve as a stable correlate of leptin in the weight-reduced state.

Effects of weight loss on leptin, sex hormones, and measures of adiposity in obese children

Adipose tissue influences steroid conversion by paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. Leptin is secreted by adipocytes and influenced by sex hormones and adiposity. Short-term weight loss in the treatment of childhood obesity reduces leptin and adipose tissue. We therefore asked, Do alterations in sex hormones occur owing to weight loss? and can these alterations be explained by changes in fat mass or sc fat and are alterations in sex hormones directly related to the fall in leptin? Twenty obese boys and 40 obese girls were studied before and after 3 wk of low-calorie diet and physical activity. The weight loss program significantly lowered fat mass, abdominal fat distribution, sc fat (all p < 0.0001), leptin, insulin, and estradiol (all p < 0.0001) but not testosterone. Changes in leptin were related to changes in body mass and to changes in fat mass in boys. In girls, changes in leptin were related to changes in sc fatness and also to changes in insulin. In boys, the reduction in sc fat was positively correlated to changes in testosterone (r = 0.54; p < 0.01) and inversely related to the fall in estradiol (r = -0.41; p < 0.05). In girls, changes in testosterone (r = 0.33; p < 0.05) and in estradiol (r = 0.40; p < 0.01) were related to changes in insulin. Stepwise regression showed that initial leptin was the best determinant for the fall in leptin (adjusted R2 = 0.87; p < 0.0001). The results show that alterations in sex hormones are related to changes in certain fat depots in boys whereas in girls changes in insulin might participate in changes in sex hormones. A greater fall in leptin owing to short-term weight loss is not associated with greater alterations in sex hormones and initial leptin is the best determinant to explain the variability in changes in leptin. The possibility of sex differences in changes in sex hormones secondary to the reduction in fatness warrants further study.

Differences of subcutaneous adipose tissue topography in type-2 diabetic (NIDDM) women and healthy controls

Women suffering from type-2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]) have more total body fat and upper body obesity compared with healthy controls. However, the standard measurement methods have disadvantages such as radiological burden, lack of precision, or high time consumption. A new optical device, the Lipometer, enables the noninvasive, quick, and save determination of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue layers at any given site of the human body. The specification of 15 evenly distributed body sites allows the precise measurement of subcutaneous body fat distribution, so-called subcutaneous adipose tissue topography (SAT-Top). SAT-Tops of 20 women with clinically proven NIDDM and 122 healthy controls matched by age group were measured. In this paper, we describe the precise SAT-Top differences of these two groups and present the multidimensional SAT-Top information condensed in a two-dimensional factor plot and in a response plot of an artificial neural network. NIDDM women provide significantly lower leg SAT-Top and significantly higher upper trunk SAT-Top development ("apple"-type) compared with their healthy controls.

Artificial neural networks as a method to improve the precision of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness measurements by means of the optical device LIPOMETER

The LIPOMETER is an optical device for measuring the thickness of a subcutaneous adipose tissue layer. It illuminates the interesting layer, measures the backscattered light signals and from these, it computes absolute values of subcutaneous adipose tissue layer thickness (in mm). Previously, these light pattern values were fitted by nonlinear regression analysis to absolute values provided by computed tomography. Nonlinear regression analysis might provide slight limitations for our problem: a selected curve type cannot be changed afterwards during the application of the measurement device. Artificial neural networks yield a more flexible approach to this fitting problem and might be able to refine the fitting results. In the present paper we compare nonlinear regression analysis with the behaviour of different architectures of multilayer feed forward neural networks trained by error back propagation. Specifically, we are interested whether neural networks are able to yield a better fit of the LIPOMETER light patterns to absolute subcutaneous adipose tissue layer thicknesses than the nonlinear regression techniques. Different architectures of these networks are able to surpass the best result of regression analysis in training and test, providing higher correlation coefficients, regression lines with absolute values obtained from computed tomography closer to the line of identity, decreased sums of absolute and squared deviations, and higher measurement agreement.

DNA probes on chip surfaces studied by scanning force microscopy using specific binding of colloidal gold

Single-stranded DNA was covalently bound on chip surfaces using two different silanization procedures. The resulting surfaces were characterized by fluorescence and scanning force microscopy using sequence-complementary DNA molecules with labels. Colloidal gold (30 nm) was used as the topographic label. Scanning force microscopy revealed the individual labels on the surface and their distribution. Steps of silane layers or DNA-modified surfaces prepared using an elastomeric mask provided internal controls for comparison of modified with unmodified surfaces.

Artificial neural networks compared to factor analysis for low-dimensional classification of high-dimensional body fat topography data of healthy and diabetic subjects

Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness was measured in 590 healthy subjects at 15 specific body sites by means of the new optical device, lipometer, providing a high-dimensional and partly highly intercorrelated set of data, which had been analyzed by factor analysis previously. N-2-N back-propagation neural networks are able to perform low-dimensional display of high-dimensional data as a special application. We report about the performance of such a 15-2-15 network and compare its results with the output of factor analysis. As test data for verification, measurement values on women with proven diabetes mellitus type II (NIDDM) are used. Surprisingly our 15-2-15 neural network is able to reproduce the classification pattern resulting from factor analysis very precisely. After extracting the network weights the classification of new subjects is even more simple with the neural network as compared with factor analysis. In addition, the network weights are able to cluster highly correlated body sites nicely to different groups, corresponding to different regions of the human body. Thus, the analysis of these weights provides additional information about the structure of the data. Therefore, N-2-N networks seem to be a good alternative method for analyzing high-dimensional data with strong intercorrelation.

Increased withdrawal volume per deposit for pre-operative autologous blood donation in adolescents

OBJECTIVES

This study was undertaken to assess the feasibility, tolerance, haemodynamic and haematologic effects of an aggressive phlebotomy schedule for autologous blood donation (ABD) in adolescents undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

Twenty adolescents were studied prospectively; 10 patients in group A donated 20% of the circulating blood volume on 2 occasions, whereas 10 patients in group B donated 10% on 4 occasions.

RESULTS

The amount of blood donated, subjective tolerance, cardiovascular changes during the procedure and pre-operative haemoglobin level did not differ between the study groups (group A 111+/-16 vs. group B 106+/-10 g/l). The increase in erythropoietin was greater and occurred sooner in group A than in group B.

CONCLUSION

In adolescents ABD is feasible with a reduced number of appointments as they demonstrate tolerance to phlebotomies with a volume which is double the standard per deposit.

Insect visual homing strategies in a robot with analog processing

The visual homing abilities of insects can be explained by the snapshot hypothesis. It asserts that an animal is guided to a previously visited location by comparing the current view with a snapshot taken at that location. The average landmark vector (ALV) model is a parsimonious navigation model based on the snapshot hypothesis. According to this model, the target location is unambiguously characterized by a signature vector extracted from the snapshot image. This article provides threefold support for the ALV model by synthetic modeling. First, it was shown that a mobile robot using the ALV model returns to the target location with only small position errors. Second, the behavior of the robot resembled the behavior of bees in some experiments. And third, the ALV model was implemented on the robot in analog hardware. This adds validity to the ALV model, since analog electronic circuits share a number of information-processing principles with biological nervous systems; the analog implementation therefore provides suggestions for how visual homing abilities might be implemented in the insect's brain.

The relationship between different subcutaneous adipose tissue layers, fat mass and leptin in obese children and adolescents

We studied the relationships of subcutaneous adipose tissue layers (SAT-layers), body fat mass (FM) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with leptin in obese children and adolescents. Twenty-nine obese children and adolescents (12 boys: age: 11.3 +/- 3.7 yr; body mass index [BMI]: 28.5 +/- 4) and 17 girls (age: 12.2 +/- 2.2 yr; BMI: 29.8 +/- 4.7) (mean +/- SD) were studied. FM was estimated by bioelectrical impedance. SAT-layers were determined at 15 different body sites from 1-neck to 15-calf by the Lipometer optical device. Leptin and insulin were determined by RIA. Maturity was associated with a greater thickness of certain SAT-layers from the upper body and with a lower thickness of SAT-layers from the abdominal region and lower extremities. Significant correlations were found for all estimates of adiposity and leptin (all p<0.001). Waist and hip circumferences were not correlated to leptin after adjustment for FM. SAT-layers from the upper body were significantly and positively correlated to leptin. Multiple regression analysis revealed FM as a main contributor to the variation in leptin (R2=0.53, p<0.0001). FM together with SAT-layers 5-front chest and 13-rear thigh explained 72% of the variation in leptin (p<0.0001). In a body fat distribution model, hip circumference together with SAT-layers 4-upper back and 2-triceps explained 75% of the variation in leptin (p< 0.0001). The results suggest that SAT-layers and their topography are main determinants for leptin in obese children and adolescents. Maturity in obese children is associated with higher values of upper body SAT-layers and lower values of abdominal and lower extremities SAT-layers. Whether leptin is under the control of certain subcutaneous adipose tissue depots from the upper body remains to be elucidated by longitudinal studies.

Quantifying the 'appleness' or 'pearness' of the human body by subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution

To quantify subcutaneous adipose tissue topography (SAT-Top) describing individual SAT distribution for a subject or even a group we measured subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at 15 specified body sites of 303 healthy women aged 20-69 yrs and 20 women with proven non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) by the optical device 'LIPOMETER'. The type of upper-body- and lower-body-fat pattern, (apples or pears), was determined by factor analysis of the data. Upper body sites were highly loaded in factor 1, whereas factor 2 included highly loaded body sites from the lower extremities. For an individual, factor 1 scores > factor 2 scores, was described as an 'apple'-type, while factor 2 > factor 1 was described as a 'pear'-type. We found about 80% 'pears' and 20% 'apples' in 20-29 year olds and 20% 'pears' and 80% 'apples' in 60-69 year old women. Women with NIDDM tended to be 'super-apples'. SAT-Top provides a useful differentiation between apples and pears and we recommend this approach as a screening method.

Visual homing in analog hardware

Insects of several species rely on visual landmarks for returning to important locations in their environment. The "average landmark vector model" is a parsimonious model which reproduces some aspects of the visual homing behavior of bees and ants. To gain insights in the structure and complexity of the neural apparatus that might underly the navigational capabilities of these animals, the average landmark vector model was implemented in analog hardware and used to control a mobile robot. The experiments demonstrate that the apparently complex task of visual homing might be realized by simple and mostly peripheral neural circuits in insect brains.

The determination of three subcutaneous adipose tissue compartments in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus women with artificial neural networks and factor analysis

The optical device LIPOMETER allows for non-invasive, quick, precise and safe determination of subcutaneous fat distribution, so-called subcutaneous adipose tissue topography (SAT-Top). In this paper, we show how the high-dimensional SAT-Top information of women with type-2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)) and a healthy control group can be analysed and represented in low-dimensional plots by applying factor analysis and special artificial neural networks. Three top-down sorted subcutaneous adipose tissue compartments are determined (upper trunk, lower trunk, legs). NIDDM women provide significantly higher upper trunk obesity and significantly lower leg obesity ('apple' type), as compared with their healthy control group. Further, we show that the results of the applied networks are very similar to the results of factor analysis.

[Inducibility of olfactory sensitivity by odor exposure of persons with specific anosmia]

Insensitivity to single odors, called specific anosmia, has been repeatedly reported in the literature. The main question of the present study was whether olfactory sensitivity is inducable in subjects with specific anosmia. For this reason the olfactory sensitivity of women with specific anosmia to the volatile steroid androstenone was investigated by threshold measurements at two times, before and after repeated odor exposure. Androstenone is a compound that contributes to human body odor and is found at a higher concentration in male axillary sweat than in female sweat. The results show that in more than 80% of the odor exposed anosmics olfactory perception of androstenone could be induced.

[Comèl-Netherton syndrome]

The Comèl-Netherton syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease. A 23-year old female presented with the classical triad of ichthyosis linearis circumflexa, trichorrhexis invaginata with bamboo hairs of up to 12 cm length and atopic diathesis. Nevertheless, more than 20 years passed before the final diagnosis was established. In addition, the patient was slightly mentally retarded and suffered from a genital papillomatosis, minimal hypergammaglobulinaemia and a marked bilateral eyelid ectropion, more severe than previously reported. Oral therapy with Acitretin was quite successful.

NADH stimulates endogenous dopamine biosynthesis by enhancing the recycling of tetrahydrobiopterin in rat phaeochromocytoma cells

Treatment of Parkinson patients with L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) leads to endproduct inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase, the key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis and the enzyme needing tetrahydrobiopterin and iron as cofactors. To overcome this problem an alternative treatment was investigated which attempted to stimulate endogenous dopamine biosynthesis. Incubation of rat PC 12 cells with NADH (beta-nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide) leads to increased dopamine production. We investigated the possibility that this increase of dopamine biosynthesis was due to stimulation of quinonoid dihydropteridine reductase, the enzyme which recycles the inactive dihydrobiopterin to the active tetrahydrobiopterin. The experiments showed that whereas NADH is able to increase dopamine production in PC 12 cells (rat phaeochromocytoma cells, clone PC 12) up to three-fold, no influence is exerted by NADH on pteridine metabolism; neither are tetrahydrobiopterin concentrations nor the de novo-biosynthesis of pteridines from guanosine triphosphate altered by NADH. Further no influence of NADH on protein de novo synthesis of quinonoid dihydropteridine reductase was observed. However, NADH was able to directly increase the catalytic activity of this enzyme. Our results suggest that the stimulation of dopamine biosynthesis by NADH is due to more rapid regeneration of quinonoid dihydrobiopterin to tetrahydrobiopterin.