Pubertal exposure to dietary advanced glycation end products disrupts ductal morphogenesis and induces atypical hyperplasia in the mammary gland

BACKGROUND

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are reactive metabolites intrinsically linked with modern dietary patterns. Processed foods, and those high in sugar, protein and fat, often contain high levels of AGEs. Increased AGE levels are associated with increased breast cancer risk, however their significance has been largely overlooked due to a lack of direct cause-and-effect relationship.

METHODS

To address this knowledge gap, FVB/n mice were fed regular, low AGE, and high AGE diets from 3 weeks of age and mammary glands harvested during puberty (7 weeks) or adulthood (12 weeks and 7 months) to determine the effects upon mammary gland development. At endpoint mammary glands were harvested and assessed histologically (n ≥ 4). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to assess cellular proliferation and stromal fibroblast and macrophage recruitment. The Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare continuous outcomes among groups. Mammary epithelial cell migration and invasion in response to AGE-mediated fibroblast activation was determined in two-compartment co-culture models. In vitro experiments were performed in triplicate. The nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare differences between groups.

RESULTS

Histological analysis revealed the high AGE diet delayed ductal elongation, increased primary branching, as well as increased terminal end bud number and size. The high AGE diet also led to increased recruitment and proliferation of stromal cells to abnormal structures that persisted into adulthood. Atypical hyperplasia was observed in the high AGE fed mice. Ex vivo fibroblasts from mice fed dietary-AGEs retain an activated phenotype and promoted epithelial migration and invasion of non-transformed immortalized and tumor-derived mammary epithelial cells. Mechanistically, we found that the receptor for AGE (RAGE) is required for AGE-mediated increases in epithelial cell migration and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a disruption in mammary gland development when mice were fed a diet high in AGEs. Further, both epithelial and stromal cell populations were impacted by the high AGE diet in the mammary gland. Educational, interventional, and pharmacological strategies to reduce AGEs associated with diet may be viewed as novel disease preventive and/or therapeutic initiatives during puberty.

Are you better than me? Social comparisons in carrion crows (Corvus corone)

Comparing oneself to others is a key process in humans that allows individuals to gauge their performances and abilities and thus develop and calibrate their self-image. Little is known about its evolutionary foundations. A key feature of social comparison is the sensitivity to other individuals' performance. Recent studies on primates produced equivocal results, leading us to distinguish between a 'strong' variant of the social comparison hypothesis formulated for humans and a 'weak' variant found in non-human primates that would comprise some elements of human social comparison. Here, we focus on corvids that are distantly related to primates and renowned for their socio-cognitive skills. We were interested in whether crows' task performances were influenced (i) by the presence of a conspecific co-actor performing the same discrimination task and (ii) by the simulated acoustic cues of a putative co-actor performing better or worse than themselves. Crows reached a learning criterion quicker when tested simultaneously as compared to when tested alone, indicating a facilitating effect of social context. The performance of a putative co-actor influenced their performance: crows were better at discriminating familiar images when their co-actor was better than they were. Standard extremity (how pronounced the difference was between the performance of the subject and that of the co-actor), and category membership (affiliation status and sex), of the putative co-actors had no effect on their performance. Our findings are in line with the 'weak' variant of social comparison and indicate that elements of human social comparison can be found outside of primates.

Abstract C029: Consumption of dietary AGEs during puberty and increased breast cancer risk: A link between lifestyle and cancer disparity

Introduction. The focus of this study is on early lifestyle factors and their effect on mammary development during puberty and how they relate to increased breast cancer risk and disparities. At this time we do not understand what biological changes occur during pubertal mammary development which leads to a greater risk of developing cancer in later life. Identifying the molecular mechanisms that cause aberrant pubertal mammary development may lead to defined strategies to reduce breast cancer burden in later life. As our bodies use the sugars that we consume for energy they generate waste chemicals known as advanced glycation end products or AGEs for short. Significantly, low income, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are established factors driving health disparity that also contribute to increased AGE accumulation levels in our bodies. In particular, AGE content in the Western Diet has consistently increased over the last 50 years due to increased consumption of sugar-laden and cheap processed/manufactured foods which are high in reactive AGE metabolites and can promote obesity. Methods. We use a dietary mouse model to assess impact of AGE on normal mammary development. Wild type FVB/n and RAGE null (RAGE-/-) mice are fed the respective diets from weaning until 7 (pubertal) or 12 (adult) weeks of age. Mammary glands are extracted for whole mounting and paraffin embedded for histology. Fibroblasts were isolated from mammary glands and cultured ex vivo. Transwell migration assays were performed with isolated fibroblasts and HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cells. qPCR was performed on the isolated fibroblasts to assess their activation status. Results. Early life exposures during mammary development influence the breast microenvironment to increase breast cancer risk. We show that due to an innate ability to influence the cellular matrix, dietary AGEs disrupt developmental programs during puberty and promote breast tumor growth. Through receptor for AGE (RAGE) dependent and independent mechanisms, chronic AGE consumption delayed ductal extension, increased ductal branching and caused aberrant terminal end bud (TEB) morphology. Dietary AGE activation of RAGE mediated a program of activated stroma leading to hyperplastic growth and the formation of pre-neoplastic lesions which persisted into adulthood. Importantly, AGE mediated effects remained even after diet intervention after puberty. In dietary-AGE breast tumor models, AGE mediated changes in tissue architecture and cell function were recapitulated and resulted in 3-fold increase in neoplastic growth. Through the perpetual activation of a reactive stroma, AGEs derived from diet represent a common early life exposure which can influence tumor behavior. Conclusions. A greater mechanistic understanding of the link between AGE intake during puberty and increased breast cancer risk may define novel potential strategies for lifestyle and pharmacological intervention aimed at reducing breast cancer risk and cancer disparities.

Citation Format: Callan C Frye, Bradley A Krisanits, Reid Schuster, Jaime Randise, Lourdes M Nogueira, Kristi Helke, Amanda C LaRue, David P Turner, Victoria J Findlay. Consumption of dietary AGEs during puberty and increased breast cancer risk: A link between lifestyle and cancer disparity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C029.

Abstract C083: Consumption of lifestyle-associated advanced glycation end products promotes prostate tumor growth by creating a tumor-enhancing stromal microenvironment

Our research has demonstrated that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) derived from the diet can directly impact neoplastic growth by creating a tumor-enhancing micro-environment. Most people are unaware of what AGEs are or the damage they can cause, but we are exposed to them every day through the lives we lead and the foods that we eat. The Western diet together with more sedentary habits means that lifestyle-associated AGEs are accumulating in our bodies at a faster rate than ever before. Changes in the AGE equilibrium due to lifestyle cause protein dysfunction, reduced genetic fidelity, and aberrant cell signaling activation which we believe contribute to cancer disparity outcomes. Disparity populations defined by AGE-associated risk factors such as diet, smoking, drinking and physical inactivity often bear a greater cancer burden when compared to the general population (reviewed by the PI, Cancer Research 2015). Lifestyle associated AGEs therefore may represent a unifying biological consequence of the social, demographic and environmental risk factors that contribute to the increased cancer incidence and mortality associated with cancer disparity. An important discovery from our work is that consumption of a diet high in AGEs accelerates prostate tumor growth in syngeneic xenograft prostate cancer (PCa) models as well as disease progression in spontaneous PCa models. Critically, dietary-AGE mediated effects on prostate tumor growth were dependent upon the stromal activation of RAGE. An activated stroma is a critical pathway impacting prostate cancer outcomes in African American men. Our studies show that dietary-AGE alters cytokine profiles, increases the activation of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and increases immune cell recruitment to the tumor microenvironment. Tumor associated immune cells adopt distinct metabolic patterns which function to maintain the energy requirements needed for cell differentiation and functionality. Pathway analysis of expression data from excised tumors shows that AGE consumption significantly impacts energy metabolism through the aberrant expression of MYC regulated transcriptional targets. Our studies also show that AGEs are highest in African American men with prostate cancer. Dietary-AGE mediated activation of tumor stroma therefore may align with the ancestry specific stromal and immune profiles observed in African American men with prostate cancer. Due to their links with lifestyle, both pharmacological and/or interventional strategies aimed at reducing the AGE accumulation pool may be viewed as universal cancer preventive and/or therapeutic initiatives. This may be an attractive option for populations where lifestyle change is not feasible due to poverty, inability, illness, treatment side effects, time, apathy and depression.

Citation Format: Bradley Krisanits, Callen Fry, Lourdes M Nogueira, Reid Schuster, Marvella El Ford, Mark T Hamann, Michaell B Lilly, Mahtabuddin Ahmed, Victoria J Findlay, David P Turner. Consumption of lifestyle-associated advanced glycation end products promotes prostate tumor growth by creating a tumor-enhancing stromal microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C083.

Hygienic Evaluation of Materials for the Production of Elastomers in Contact with Drinking Water

Materials intended for use in contact with drinking water have to meet specific requirements for the protection of human health. In Germany, these requirements are laid down in the Drinking Water Ordinance and are legally binding. Where elastomer products are concerned, their hygienic assessment can alternatively be based on the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) Elastomer Guideline, which mainly addresses the evaluation of starting substances and their migration. This paper discusses the specific requirements and the principles of the assessment.

Oscillations in an array of bistable microelectrodes coupled through a globally conserved quantity

The dynamical behavior of an array of microelectrodes is investigated under controlled current conditions during CO electrooxidation, a bistable electrochemical reaction with an S-shaped negative differential resistance (S-NDR) current-potential curve. Under these conditions, the total current constitutes a globally conserved quantity, thus coupling all microelectrodes globally. Upon increasing the total current, the microelectrodes activate one by one, with a single microelectrode being on its intermediate S-NDR current branch and the other ones being either on their passive or their active branches. When a few coupled microelectrodes are activated, the electrochemical system exhibits spontaneous potential oscillations. Mathematical analysis shows that oscillations arise already in a two group approximation of the dynamics, the two groups consisting of 1 electrode and n - 1 electrodes with n ≥ 3, respectively, with each group being described by a single evolution equation. In this minimal representation, oscillations occur when the single electrode is on the intermediate branch and the larger group is on the active branch.

Astaxanthin-based polymers as new antimicrobial compounds

In this work, we describe the development of a library of polyastaxanthin, new polyester compounds with significant antimicrobial activity.

Calcium as a treatment option for alcohol dependence

In the last couple of decades anti-craving drugs have been developed. Acamprosate was described as an effective treatment option to support alcohol abstinence with a low side effect profile. Moreover its molecular mode of action is highly controversial. Recently, calcium salt was described to be the active part of Acamprosate.

Using a clinical sample of placebo (n = 10) vs. Acamprosate-treated (n = 19) abstinent alcohol-dependent patients, we measured calcium plasma concentrations after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd month after the treatment commenced. Before treatment, the same physiological calcium concentration of about 2.4 mmol/l was found in both groups respectively. We found significant correlations in the Acamprosate group while no correlations in the placebo group were observed.

The very well regulated extracellular calcium serum concentration seems to get out of balance in association with the severity of alcohol dependence in inpatients during withdrawal.

Accordingly, in another clinical sample (n = 57) we found a negative correlation between calcium serum concentration and craving (r2= 0.125; P = 0.011) on day 1 of detoxification. The measurement of craving was carried out by a self-rating scale, the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS). Furthermore a low calcium level correlated with high breathalyser readings and the number of alcohol inpatient detoxification's.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Anisotropic Particle-Hole Excitations in Black Phosphorus

We report on the energy- and momentum-resolved optical response of black phosphorus (BP) in its bulk form. Along the armchair direction of the puckered layers, we find a highly dispersive mode that is strongly suppressed in the perpendicular (zigzag) direction. This mode emerges out of the single-particle continuum for finite values of momentum and is therefore interpreted as an exciton. We argue that this exciton, which has already been predicted theoretically for phosphorene-the monolayer form of BP-can be detected by conventional optical spectroscopy in the two-dimensional case and might pave the way for optoelectronic applications of this emerging material.

Rb/Sr isotopic and compositional retentivity of muscovite during deformation

Permian metapegmatite muscovite from the Upper-Austroalpine Matsch Unit in Southern Tyrol (Italy) was investigated regarding its Rb/Sr and compositional retentivity during Cretaceous Upper-greenschist facies deformation. The data imply that microstructurally relic Permian magmatic muscovite largely maintained its major and trace element compositions during deformation, whereas the Rb/Sr geochronometer is strongly affected by a net loss of Sr. Lower Sr concentrations of muscovite correlate with higher ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. In most samples, the muscovite grain size- and magnetic-fractions with the lowest ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios preserve a Permo-Triassic muscovite-whole rock Rb/Sr apparent age interpreted as to reflect formation during or cooling after pegmatite emplacement. Contrastingly, muscovite fractions with higher ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are arranged along a roughly linear array with a positive correlation of the ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in the ⁸⁷Rb/⁸⁶Sr vs ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr space. They yield successively lower muscovite-whole rock Rb/Sr apparent ages. We explain the variations in the Rb/Sr isotopic character of microstructurally relic muscovite by a, presumably deformation-related, loss of Sr during the Cretaceous event. Contemporaneously, only very limited amounts of isotopically different Sr from the matrix reservoir might possibly have entered the muscovite. Consequently, the Rb/Sr of the relic muscovite is affected by a net loss of Sr. The results imply that at temperatures of < 500 °C, deformation is supposed to be the predominant factor in controlling the Rb/Sr geochronometer of relic muscovite, by significantly reducing the characteristic length scale for volume diffusion. However, variations of the major and trace element compositions within Permian relic muscovite are interpreted to rather reflect primary compositional instead of deformation-related variations.

Acute-phase protein α1-anti-trypsin: diverting injurious innate and adaptive immune responses from non-authentic threats

One would assume that the anti-inflammatory activity of α1-anti-trypsin (AAT) is the result of inhibiting neutrophil enzymes. However, AAT exhibits tolerogenic activities that are difficult to explain by serine-protease inhibition or by reduced inflammatory parameters. Targets outside the serine-protease family have been identified, supporting the notion that elastase inhibition, the only functional factory release criteria for clinical-grade AAT, is over-emphasized. Non-obvious developments in the understanding of AAT biology disqualify it from being a straightforward anti-inflammatory agent: AAT does not block dendritic cell activities, nor does it promote viral and tumour susceptibilities, stunt B lymphocyte responses or render treated patients susceptible to infections; accordingly, outcomes of elevated AAT do not overlap those attained by immunosuppression. Aside from the acute-phase response, AAT rises during the third trimester of pregnancy and also in advanced age. At the molecular level, AAT docks onto cholesterol-rich lipid-rafts and circulating lipid particles, directly binds interleukin (IL)-8, ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17) and danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules, and its activity is lost to smoke, high glucose levels and bacterial proteases, introducing a novel entity - 'relative AAT deficiency'. Unlike immunosuppression, AAT appears to help the immune system to distinguish between desired responses against authentic threats, and unwanted responses fuelled by a positive feedback loop perpetuated by, and at the expense of, inflamed injured innocent bystander cells. With a remarkable clinical safety record, AAT treatment is currently tested in clinical trials for its potential benefit in a variety of categorically distinct pathologies that share at least one common driving force: cell injury.

Phthalates in German daycare centers: occurrence in air and dust and the excretion of their metabolites by children (LUPE 3)

Phthalates have been used for decades in large quantities, leading to the ubiquitous exposure of the population. In an investigation of 63 German daycare centers, indoor air and dust samples were analyzed for the presence of 10 phthalate diesters. Moreover, 10 primary and secondary phthalate metabolites were quantified in urine samples from 663 children attending these facilities. In addition, the urine specimens of 150 children were collected after the weekend and before they went to daycare centers. Di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), dibutyl phthalate (DnBP), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) were found in the indoor air, with median values of 468, 227, and 194ng/m(3), respectively. In the dust, median values of 888mg/kg for DEHP and 302mg/kg for di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) were observed. DnBP and DiBP were together responsible for 55% of the total phthalate concentration in the indoor air, whereas DEHP and DiNP were responsible for 70% and 24% of the total phthalate concentration in the dust. Median concentrations in the urine specimens were 44.7μg/l for the DiBP monoester, 32.4μg/l for the DnBP monoester, and 16.5μg/l and 17.9μg/l for the two secondary DEHP metabolites. For some phthalates, we observed significant correlations between their concentrations in the indoor air and dust and their corresponding metabolites in the urine specimens using bivariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, the concentrations in dust were not associated with urinary metabolite excretion after controlling for the concentrations in the indoor air. The total daily "high" intake levels based on the 95th percentiles calculated from the biomonitoring data were 14.1μg/kg b.w. for DiNP and 11.9μg/kg b.w. for DEHP. Compared with tolerable daily intake (TDI) values, our "high" intake was 62% of the TDI value for DiBP, 49% for DnBP, 24% for DEHP, and 9% for DiNP. For DiBP, the total daily intake exceeded the TDI value for 2.4% of the individuals. Using a cumulative risk-assessment approach for the sum of DEHP, DnBP, and DiBP, 20% of the children had concentrations exceeding the hazard index of one. Therefore, a further reduction of the phthalate exposure of children is needed.

Estabilidade oxidativa e perfil de ácidos graxos do leite de vacas suplementadas com óleo de linhaça na dieta associado ou não ao selenito de sódio injetável

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação com óleo de linhaça na dieta, com ou sem injeção de selenito de sódio, sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos e sobre a estabilidade oxidativa do leite de vacas leiteiras. Catorze vacas foram distribuídas em três tratamentos: as do grupo 1, que receberam diariamente 400mL de óleo de linhaça (LIN); as do grupo 2, 400mL de óleo de linhaça + 0,2mg/kg de selenito de sódio IM (LINSe); e as do grupo 3 (controle), que não foram tratadas (C). O óleo foi fornecido diariamente após 15 dias da aplicação única de selenito de sódio, e o experimento teve duração de quatro semanas. Os animais suplementados com o óleo de linhaça produziram leite com altas porcentagens de ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) e de ômega 3, contudo mais suscetível à oxidação. A aplicação injetável de selenito de sódio mostrou-se eficaz ao impedir a oxidação prematura do leite. Concluiu-se que a inclusão do óleo de linhaça na dieta de vacas leiteiras resulta em aumento do CLA, do ômega 3 e, consequentemente, da oxidação do leite, necessitando, assim do uso de substâncias antioxidantes ou promotores antioxidantes, como o selenito de sódio injetável.

Remarks on boiling water reactor stability analysis – part 2: stability monitoring

In part 1 of this article we explained the partly relative complex solution manifold of the differential equations describing the stability behaviour of a BWR, in particular the coexistence of different types of solutions, such as the coexistence of unstable limit cycles and stable fixed points are of interest from the operational safety point of view. The part 2 is devoted to the surveillance of the stability behaviour. We summarize some stability monitoring methods and suggest to support stability tests by RAM-ROM analyses in order to reveal in advance the stability “landscape” of the BWR in a parameter region high sensitive for appearing of linear unstable states. The analysis of an especial stability test, performed at NPP Leibstadt (KKL), makes it clear that the measurement results can only be interpreted by application of bifurcation analysis.

Remarks on boiling water reactor stability analysis – part 1: theory and application of bifurcation analysis

Modern theoretical methods for analysing the stability behaviour of Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) are relatively reliable. The analysis is performed by comprehensive validated system codes comprising 3D core models and one-dimensional thermal-hydraulic parallel channel models in the frequency (linearized models) or time domain. Nevertheless the spontaneous emergence of stable or unstable periodic orbits as solutions of the coupled nonlinear differential equations determining the stability properties of the coupled thermal-hydraulic and neutron kinetic (highly) nonlinear BWR system is a surprising phenomenon, and it is worth thinking about the mathematical background controlling such behaviour. In particular the coexistence of different types of solutions, such as the coexistence of unstable limit cycles and stable fixed points, are states of stability, not all nuclear engineers are familiar with. Hence the part I of this paper is devoted to the mathematical background of linear and nonlinear stability analysis and introduces a novel efficient approach to treat the nonlinear BWR stability behaviour with both system codes and so-called (advanced) reduced order models (ROMs). The efficiency of this approach, called the RAM-ROM method, will be demonstrated by some results of stability analyses for different power plants.

Influence of the matrix on the fractal properties of precipitated silica in composites

The influence of different interactions between polymer chains and the particle surface on the morphology of hierarchically structured silica were studied by means of small-angle X-ray scattering experiments and a thorough analysis. To realize different interaction strengths, the particles were dispersed in natural and nitrile rubber,i.e. matrices having different polarities. Changing the silica fraction renders the respective influences of particle–particle, cluster–cluster and polymer–particle interactions accessible. Thus, the interplay between external mechanical forces from the mixer, internal forces,e.g. caused by silica–silica collisions, and forces mediated by the polymers are addressed in detail. Mixing of particles and polymers affects all parameters related to the clusters, but not the primary particle structure. It is demonstrated that the external forces cause a change in cluster size as well as the internal forces arising from silica–silica collisions. There is no evidence that the different interaction strengths between polymer chains and particle surfaces influence the morphology. Hence, the mixing process dominates the final structure at the macroscopic scale but not the different interaction strength on the molecular scale.

CXCR1 deficiency does not alter liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice

Previous studies have shown that CXC chemokines containing Glu-Leu-Arg (ELR) in their amino-terminus stimulate hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. These ELR+CXC chemokines bind to two receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2. Previous work has shown that CXCR2 is involved in the proliferative effects of CXC chemokines. However, the function of CXCR1 during the regenerative response has not been studied. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of CXCR1 in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. C57BL/6 (wild type) or CXCR1-/- mice were subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy or sham surgery and sacrificed on day 2 and 4 after operation. There were no significant differences in liver-to-body weight ratio or hepatocyte proliferation. The data suggest that CXCR1 does not mediate the proliferative effects of ELR+ CXC chemokines during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy.

Prognostic relevance of circulating tumor cells in metastatic uveal melanoma

OBJECTIVE

Uveal melanoma primarily metastasizes hematogenously with metastases often confined to the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in patients with metastatic disease as a marker for systemic disease and to determine their prognostic relevance.

METHODS

Blood samples from 68 patients were collected at the time of initial treatment of metastases. mRNA expression of tyrosinase and MelanA/MART1 as a surrogate marker for the presence of CTC was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and compared with patient characteristics.

RESULTS

CTC were detected in 63% of all patients and in 67% of the 48 patients with only liver metastases. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed PCR results and serum lactate dehydrogenase as independent prognostic factors for progression-free (hazard ratios 2.2/3.5) and overall survival (hazard ratios 4.0/6.5). Combination of PCR and lactate dehydrogenase divided the patient cohort into 3 groups with distinct prognosis.

CONCLUSION

CTC as evidence for systemic disease can be found in the majority of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma, including patients with visible disease confined to the liver. Detection of CTC-specific mRNA transcripts for tyrosinase and MelanA/MART1 by PCR is a poor prognostic factor for progression-free and overall survival. Characterization of CTC could improve the understanding of their biology.

Impact of disease concepts on attitudes towards alcohol dependent patients

Introduction

Stigmatizing attitudes regarding mentally ill people are common (Rusch et al., 2010). Study result suggest that the degree of stigmatization may depend on concepts of psychiatric diseases (Crisafulli et al., 2008).

Aims

We aimed to investigate the impact of a sole neurobiological vs. a sole sociodynamic disease concept on the attitudes of students towards the alcohol dependent patients (Crisafulli et al., 2008).

Methods

200 students were randomly assigned to read information explaining alcohol dependence sole neurobiologically/sociodynamically. Subsequently, the students completed a series of questionnaires (adapted from Crisafulli et al. (2008)) regarding their attitudes towards the alcohol dependent patients. Attitudes were compared to attitudes of students not exposed to any disease concept.

Results

Consistent with former study results we found increased blaming and decreased willingness to finance therapy in those students exposed to the sociodynamic explanation. Attitudes regarding blaming and harmfulness of the alcohol dependent patients were increased in the neurobiological and sociodynamic group compared to the un-exposed control group.

Conclusions

Information regarding possible causalities regarding the development of alcohol dependence is associated with more negative attitudes towards alcohol dependent patients in the questioned students compared to unexposed controls. This may be reasoned by the recognition of alcohol dependence as a manifestation of mental illness and the subsequent inclusion of the alcohol dependent patients in the prejudices and acts of discrimination commonly leveled against the mentally ill. Therefore, multimodal interventions rather than medicinal information seem to be necessary in order to decrease stigmatization of the alcohol dependent patients.

Bridging charge-orbital ordering and Fermi surface instabilities in half-doped single-layered manganite La(0.5)Sr(1.5)MnO₄

The single-layered half-doped manganite La(0.5)Sr(1.5)MnO₄ (LSMO), was studied by means of the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and resistivity measurements. STM revealed a smooth reconstruction-free surface; the density of states, extracted from photoemission and tunneling spectroscopy, is in agreement with transport measurements. The derived from ARPES Fermi surface (FS) nesting properties correspond to the known pattern of the charge-orbital ordering (COO), which implies that FS instability is related to the propensity to form a COO state in LSMO.

Indifference between punishment and free shock: evidence for the negative law of effect

Pigeons were trained to respond under two conditions with two identical variable-interval schedules of positive reinforcement. While the schedules operated for separate response keys, they were not available concurrently. During one condition, each response was punished with electric shock. During the other condition, shocks were delivered independently of responding. The punishment suppressed responding but the free shocks did not. However, when allowed to choose, the pigeons preferred the condition associated with the lowest rate of shock regardless of whether or not the shock was dependent on responding. In general, shocks exerted their greatest effect on whichever response had the greatest influence on shocks. In this respect, punishment is instrumental in suppressing behavior and the properties of punishment are symmetrical to those of reinforcement. This empirical symmetry dictates a corresponding conceptual symmetry in terms of a positive law of effect accounting for response increments and a negative law accounting for response decrements.

Incidence and outcome of weaning from mechanical ventilation according to new categories

Weaning from mechanical ventilation was categorised as simple, difficult or prolonged by an international task force of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Society of Critical Care Medicine/Sociéte de Réanimation de Langue Française in 2007. This new classification has not been tested in clinical practice. The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence and outcome of weaning according to the new categories. We included medical and surgical patients who required mechanical ventilation in a prospective, multicentre, 6-month cohort study. From an initial cohort of 510 patients, 257 intubated patients started weaning. Of these patients, the cumulative incidences of simple, difficult, and prolonged weaning were 152 (59%), 68 (26%) and 37 (14%), respectively. Hospital mortality was increased in patients with prolonged (32%) but not difficult (9%) weaning in comparison with those with simple weaning (13%), overall p = 0.0205. In a multivariate logistic regression model, prolonged but not difficult weaning was associated with an increased risk of death. Ventilator-free days and intensive care unit (ICU)-free days were decreased in both difficult and prolonged weaning. In conclusion, the new weaning category prolonged weaning is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in the ICU. The new category difficult to wean was associated with increased morbidity, but not mortality.

Optical study of LaO0.9F0.1FeAs: evidence for a weakly coupled superconducting state

We have studied the reflectance of the recently discovered superconductor LaO0.9F0.1FeAs in a wide energy range from the far infrared to the visible regime. We report on the observation of infrared active phonons, the plasma edge, and possible interband transitions. On the basis of this data and the reported in-plane penetration depth lambda{L}(0)=254 nm [H. Luetkens, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 097009 (2008)] a disorder sensitive relatively small value of the total electron-boson coupling constant lambda{tot}=lambda{e-ph}+lambda{e-sp} approximately 0.6+/-0.35 can be estimated adopting an effective single-band picture.

Single-step electrochemical nanolithography of metal thin films by localized etching with an AFM tip

This work introduces electrochemical nanolithography (ENL), a single-step method in which a metal thin film is locally etched without application of a mask on a 100 nm length scale with an electrochemical atomic force microscope (AFM). The method requires the application of ultra-short voltage pulses on the tip (nanosecond range duration, 2-4 V amplitude), while both the sample and the metalized tip are under independent potentiostatic control for full control of interface reactions in an AFM electrochemical cell. It is demonstrated that Cu films as well as Co and Cu/Co sandwich magnetic films can be patterned if negative voltage pulses are applied to the tip. This method also applies to films deposited on an insulating substrate. Moreover the lateral dimension of lithographed structures is tunable, from a few micrometers down to 150 nm, by appropriate choice of ENL conditions. Simulation of the dissolution process is discussed.

Level ofFusarium infection in wheat spikelets related to location and number of inoculated spores

The flowering time is the most susceptible period for primary infection of wheat heads byFusarium spp. During this period spores can be deposited into the opened wheat florets where they may later cause infections. We quantitatively explored the relationship between variables related to the flowering process and the infection level byFusarium graminearum in single spikelets. We imitated open (chasmogamous) and closed (cleistogamous) flowering by injecting well-defined amounts of spores into and between wheat florets. Applying the spores between the florets resulted in weaker disease symptoms and significantly lower amounts ofFusarium mycotoxins. With larger numbers of spores, the disease symptoms became more pronounced and the mycotoxin amounts per spikelet increased significantly.Our results indicate that the probability of primary infection is approximately proportional to the number of spores reaching the open florets during the flowering process. The breeding of wheat lines which flower partially or completely cleistogamously might reduce theFusarium susceptibility in wheat.

Pseudogap and charge density waves in two dimensions

Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy we demonstrate that a normal-state pseudogap exists above T(N-IC) in one of the most studied two-dimensional charge-density wave (CDW) dichalcogenides 2H-TaSe(2). The initial formation of the incommensurate CDW is confirmed as being driven by a conventional nesting instability, which is marked by a pseudogap. The magnitude, character, and anisotropy of the 2D-CDW pseudogap bear considerable resemblance to those seen in superconducting cuprates.

Momentum and energy dependence of the anomalous high-energy dispersion in the electronic structure of high temperature superconductors

Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy we have studied the momentum and photon energy dependence of the anomalous high-energy dispersion, termed waterfalls, between the Fermi level and 1 eV binding energy in several high-T_{c} superconductors. We observe strong changes of the dispersion between different Brillouin zones and a strong dependence on the photon energy around 75 eV, which we associate with the resonant photoemission at the Cu3p-->3d_{x;{2}-y;{2}} edge. We conclude that the high-energy "waterfall" dispersion results from a strong suppression of the photoemission intensity at the center of the Brillouin zone due to matrix element effects and is, therefore, not an intrinsic feature of the spectral function. This indicates that the new high-energy scale in the electronic structure of cuprates derived from the waterfall-like dispersion may be incorrect.

Gesundheitliche Anforderungen an Werkstoffe und Materialien im Kontakt mit Trinkwasser

In Germany the hygienic requirements on materials used to supply drinking water are a part of the technical standards. These regulations have to ensure that legal requirements on drinking water are met at the tap. The hygienic harmlessness is assured by requirements on the composition of materials and by test procedures including parametric limits. Historically, the requirements on different types of materials are a part of different technical standards.

Exciton band structure of pentacene molecular solids: breakdown of the Frenkel exciton model

Employing inelastic electron scattering we demonstrate here the determination of the exciton dispersion in a molecular solid. The failure of the applied tight-binding description provides strong evidence for a necessary reconsideration of the traditional, Frenkel-exciton based, understanding of the lowest-lying electronic transitions in organic semiconductors.

Transnasal small-caliber esophagogastroduodenoscopy for preoperative evaluation of the high-risk morbidly obese patient

BACKGROUND

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an important facet of the preoperative evaluation for bariatric surgery. Morbidly obese patients are at high risk for airway complications during this procedure, and an attractive alternative is transnasal EGD. This report describes a series of patients evaluated successfully using this technique.

METHODS

All patients undergoing preoperative transnasal small-caliber EGD for morbid obesity surgery between September 2004 and June 2005 at a Veterans Affairs Hospital were included in the analysis. The variables assessed were the adequacy of the examination, patient tolerance, the need for sedation, and the ability to perform interventions.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 25 patients (17 men and 8 women) with an average age of 55 years (range, 44-63 years) and an average body mass index (BMI) of 47 kg/m2 (range, 38-69 kg/m2). All the patients met the 1991 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference Criteria for bariatric surgery and were undergoing preoperative evaluation. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (82%), diabetes mellitus (80%), and obstructive sleep apnea (68%). All 25 patients had successful cannulation of the duodenum's second portion with excellent tolerance. There were no sedation requirements for 23 (92%) of the 25 patients. Significant pathology was found in 14 (56%) of the 25 patients, including hiatal hernia (28%), gastritis (16%), esophageal intestinal metaplasia (16%), esophagitis (12%), gastric polyps (8%), gastric ulcer (4%) and esophageal varices (4%). Biopsies were indicated for 12 patients and successful for all 12 (100%).

CONCLUSION

Transnasal small-caliber EGD is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional EGD for the preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. It requires minimal to no sedation in a population at high risk for complications in this setting. In addition, this technique is effective in identifying pathology that requires preoperative treatment and offers a complete examination with biopsy capabilities. This technique should be considered for all morbidly obese patients at high risk for airway compromise during EGD.

A randomized phase II trial of gemcitabine plus treosulfan versus treosulfan alone in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma

BACKGROUND

Several trials demonstrated efficacy of the gemcitabine/treosulfan (GeT) combination in metastatic uveal melamoma. This randomized phase II trial compared the GeT combination versus treosulfan alone (T) in this rare disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-naive patients with proven metastatic uveal melanoma were randomly assigned to receive 1000 mg/m(2) of gemcitabine plus 3500 mg/m(2) of treosulfan (GeT) or 3500 mg/m(2) of T. Chemotherapy was administered on days 1 and 8 in both arms, cycles were repeated on day 29. Primary end point was rate of responses and disease stabilizations.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were randomized. Seven confirmed stable diseases (SDs) and one partial remission (PR) were observed in 24 patients treated with the GeT regimen, whereas no PR and only three SDs were observed in the T arm (P = 0.08). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3 months (95% CI 1.1-4.9) and 2 months (95% CI 1.7-2.3) in the GeT and T arm (P = 0.008, log-rank). Six and 12 months PFS was 34.8% and 17.9% and 16.7% and 0% always favoring the GeT arm.

CONCLUSIONS

This first randomized trial in metastatic uveal melanoma showed a superior PFS and a trend for a higher response/stabilization rate of the GeT combination over T.

A randomized phase II trial of gemcitabine plus treosulfan versus treosulfan alone in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma

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Background: In-vitro studies have suggested synergy of gemcitabine and treosulfan against uveal melanoma cells, and the combination of both drugs in the GeT regimen has shown activity in metastatic uveal melanoma patients. This first randomized phase II trial in this rare disease compared the efficacy of the gemcitabine/treosulfan (GeT) combination versus treosulfan alone. Methods: Chemotherapy-naïve patients with proven metastatic uveal melanoma were randomly assigned to receive 1000mg/m2 gemcitabine plus 3500mg/m2 of treosulfan (GeT) or 3500mg/m2 of treosulfan (T) alone. Chemotherapy was administered on days 1 and 8 in both arms, cycles were repeated on day 29. In the absence of disease progression a maximum of 6 cycles were administered. Results: Forty-eight patients were randomized. Seven confirmed stable diseases and one partial remission were observed in 24 patients (PR+SD=33%) treated with the GeT regimen, whereas no PR and only 3 SD (13%) were observed in the treosulfan alone arm (p=0.08). Median progression free survival was 3 months (95% CI 1.1–4.9) in the GeT arm and 2 months (95% CI interval 1.7–2.3) in the treosulfan arm (p=0.008, log-rank). Six and 12 months progression free survival was 34.8% and 17.9% and 16.7% and 0% always favouring the GeT arm. Conclusions: This first prospectively randomized trial in metastatic uveal melanoma showed a superior PFS and a trend for a higher response/stabilization rate of the GeT combination over treosulfan alone. Therefore GeT will further be investigated in randomized trials.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Potential role for IL-23 in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury

IL-12 and IL-23 are related cytokines that share a p40 subunit. Our previous studies identified IL-12 as a primary initiator of the cytokine cascade induced after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion. Because those studies were conducted prior to the discovery of IL-23, it is not clear whether IL-12 or IL-23 is the relevant cytokine in this response. The current studies show that the antibodies used in our original study cross-react with IL-23. We also found that both IL-12 p35 and IL-23 p19 mRNA are expressed rapidly in the liver after ischemia/reperfusion. Finally, isolated Kupffer cells produced TNFalpha in response to IL-23, but not IL-12, suggesting that IL-23 may be the relevant initiator of the hepatic inflammatory response to ischemia/reperfusion.

Two-dimensional roughening of adsorbate islands in thermodynamic equilibrium

Equilibrium fluctuations of islands of adsorbed O atoms on Ru(0001) were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), density functional theory calculations (DFT) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Very ramified (2 x 2)-O islands were observed by high-speed STM that point to complex interactions between the O atoms. The DFT calculations show that, in addition to pairwise attractive interactions between third-nearest neighbors, a repulsive three-body interaction exists between these. MC simulations that include three-body interactions reproduce the observed ordering behavior.