An anti-CD19/CTLA-4 switch improves efficacy and selectivity of CAR T cells targeting CD80/86-upregulated DLBCL

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy is a potent treatment for relapsed/refractory (r/r) B cell lymphomas but provides lasting remissions in only ∼40% of patients and is associated with serious adverse events. We identify an upregulation of CD80 and/or CD86 in tumor tissue of (r/r) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with tisagenlecleucel. This finding leads to the development of the CAR/CCR (chimeric checkpoint receptor) design, which consists of a CD19-specific first-generation CAR co-expressed with a recombinant CTLA-4-linked receptor with a 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain. CAR/CCR T cells demonstrate superior efficacy in xenograft mouse models compared with CAR T cells, superior long-term activity, and superior selectivity in in vitro assays with non-malignant CD19+ cells. In addition, immunocompetent mice show an intact CD80-CD19+ B cell population after CAR/CCR T cell treatment. The results reveal the CAR/CCR design as a promising strategy for further translational study.

Injurious pecking in organic turkey fattening-effects of husbandry and feeding on injuries and plumage damage of a slow- (Auburn) and a fast-growing (B.U.T.6) genotype

Injuries and plumage damage (PD) are important indicators of welfare. First priority in turkey fattening is to reduce injurious pecking, which includes aggressive pecking (agonistic behavior) and additionally severe feather pecking (SFP) and cannibalism with their multifactorial reasons. Still, there are few studies available evaluating different genotypes for their welfare status under organic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genotype and husbandry with 100% organic feeding (2 variants with different riboflavin content: V1 and V2) on injuries and PD. During rearing nonbeaktrimmed male turkeys of a slow- (Auburn, n = 256) and fast-growing (B.U.T.6, n = 128) genotype were kept in 2 indoor housing systems (without environmental enrichment (EE) = H1-, n = 144 and with EE = H2+, n = 240). During fattening 13 animals per pen of H2+ were relocated to a free-range system (H3 MS, n = 104). EE included pecking stones, elevated seating platforms and silage feeding. The study included five 4-wk feeding phases. At the end of each phase, injuries and PD were scored to assess animal welfare. Injury scores ranged from 0 (=no damage) to 3 (=severe damage) and PD from 0 to 4. Injurious pecking was observed from the 8th week onward (injuries: 16.5% and PD: 31.4%). Binary logistic regression models showed that both indicators were affected by genotype (each P < 0.001), husbandry (each P < 0.001), feeding (injuries P = 0.004; PD P = 0.003), and age (each P < 0.001). Auburn showed less injuries and PD than B.U.T.6. H1- had the fewest injuries and PD for Auburn animals compared to H2+ or H3 MS. In summary, the use of alternative genotypes (Auburn) in organic fattening improved welfare, but keeping them in free-range systems or in husbandry with EE, does not lead to a reduction of injurious pecking. Therefore, further studies are needed with more and changing enrichment materials, further management measures, changes in housing structure, and even more intensive animal care.

Long non-coding RNA TERRA regulates DNA damage and survival of endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes: implications for aging

Introduction

Ageing is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Long non-coding RNAs are emerging as novel regulators of cellular functions and contributors to cardiovascular ageing. One of the hallmarks of aging is telomere attrition. Non-coding transcripts called Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) are molecules of 0.2–10kb in length which are transcribed from the subtelomeres and telomeres of chromosomes and might play a role in cardiovascular ageing.

Purpose

This study aims to characterize the role of TERRA in aging of the cardiovascular system.

Methods and results

TERRA molecules from different chromosomes were upregulated in the hearts of old mice compared to young mice (p=0.002). Increased TERRA expression was also shown in heart tissue of patients with ischemic heart disease compared to donors (p=0.001). In vitro an upregulation of the TERRA molecule transcribed from chromosome 20 (h20q-TERRA) was found with increasing passage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) (p=0.014) and IPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (p=0.011). After h20q-TERRA knockdown with LNA GapmeRs, HUVECs show less sprout formation in a spheroid assay compared to negative control transfected HUVECs (p=0.002), without showing a change in migration (p=0.205) or proliferation (p=0.114). H20q-TERRA knockdown revealed an increase in apoptosis (p=0.015) and telomeric DNA damage (p=0.011) and a decrease in telomere length (p&lt;0.001), while lentiviral TERRA-repeat overexpression had the opposite effect (p=0.016, p=0.031, p&lt;0.001, resp.). Apoptosis (p=0.012) and telomeric DNA damage (p=0.007) were also increased after the knockdown of h20q-TERRA in human cardiomyocytes. An apoptosis pathway profiler array in HUVECs showed that the expression of the antioxidant PON2 was decreased after knockdown of h20q-TERRA (p=0.040). PON2 expression was increased after TERRA overexpression (p=0.003). RNA immunoprecipitation revealed that TERRA can bind to PON2. Silencing PON2 in TERRA overexpressing cells diminished the TERRA-mediated decrease in caspase activation, suggesting a detrimental role for PON2 in caspase activation and endothelial cell survival.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrates that TERRA is upregulated with ageing and plays a role in endothelial and cardiomyocyte function and survival.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Horizon 2020

Agreement between heart rate deflection point and maximal lactate steady state in young adults with different body masses

We examined the agreement between heart rate deflection point (HRDP) variables with maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in a sample of young males categorized to different body mass statuses using body mass index (BMI) cut-off points. One hundred and eighteen young males (19.9 ± 4.4 years) underwent a standard running incremental protocol with individualized speed increment between 0.3 and 1.0 km/h for HRDP determination. HRDP was determined using the modified Dmax method called S.Dmax. MLSS was determined using 2-5 series of constant-speed treadmill runs. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration (La) were measured in all tests. MLSS was defined as the maximal running speed yielding a La increase of less than 1 mmol/L during the last 20 min. Good agreement was observed between HRDP and MLSS for HR for all participants (±1.96; 95% CI = -11.5 to +9.2 b/min, ICC = 0.88; P < 0.001). Good agreement was observed between HRDP and MLSS for speed for all participants (±1.96; 95% CI = -0.40 to +0.42 km/h, ICC = 0.98; P < 0.001). The same findings were observed when participants were categorized in different body mass groups. In conclusion, HRDP can be used as a simple, non-invasive and time-efficient method to objectively determine submaximal aerobic performance in nonathletic young adult men with varying body mass status, according to the chosen standards for HRDP determination.

Long non-coding RNA TERRA influences DNA damage and survival of endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes

 

Ageing is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Current therapies are mainly based on proteins, while targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is largely unexplored. Long non-coding RNAs are emerging as novel regulators of cellular functions and contributors to cardiovascular ageing. Although telomeres are heterochromatic regions, non-coding transcripts called Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) are transcribed from the telomeres of most chromosomes. The transcription of TERRA starts at the subtelomere and ends in the telomere, leading to molecules of 0.2–10kb. This study aims to characterize the role of TERRA in the cardiovascular system.

TERRA molecules from different chromosomes were upregulated in the hearts of old mice compared to young mice (p=0.002). An increased TERRA expression was also shown in heart tissue of patients with ischemic heart disease compared to donor heart tissue (p=0.001). In vitro an upregulation of the TERRA molecule transcribed from chromosome 20 (h20q-TERRA) was found in old passage human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) (P15–17) compared to young HUVECs (P3) (p=0.014). IPSC-derived cardiomyocytes also increased the expression of h20q-TERRA with increasing passage (p=0.011). After knockdown of h20q-TERRA with LNA GapmeRs HUVECs show less sprout formation in a spheroid assay compared to negative control transfected HUVECs (p=0.002), without showing a change in migration (p=0.205) or proliferation (p=0.114). H20q-TERRA knockdown revealed that there was more apoptosis (p=0.015), more DNA damage as measured with the comet assay (p&lt;0.001), increased γH2AX levels (p=0.029) and an increase in γH2AX colocalization with the telomere (p=0.011). The amount of phosphorylated P53 was also increased after knockdown (p=0.038), while it was decreased after TERRA overexpression (p=0.001). Inhibition of the ATM-yH2AX-P53 pathway did however not reduce the increased apoptosis after knockdown (KU60019 p=0.399; siP53 p=0.303). Silencing the m18-TERRA molecule in mouse endothelial H5V cells led to an increase in caspase activity (p=0.004) similar to what was shown in HUVECs. In addition, increased caspase activity (p=0.012), increased γH2AX levels (p&lt;0.001) and increased γH2AX colocalization with the telomere (p=0.007) was also shown after silencing of h20q-TERRA in human cardiomyocytes.

In summary, our data demonstrates that TERRA is upregulated with ageing and plays a role in endothelial and cardiomyocyte function and survival. These data show that TERRA transcripts are induced in cardiovascular ageing and are essential for endothelial cell function.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Horizon 2020

The occupied electronic structure of ultrathin boron doped diamond

Using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we compare the electronic band structure of an ultrathin (1.8 nm) δ-layer of boron-doped diamond with a bulk-like boron doped diamond film (3 μm). Surprisingly, the measurements indicate that except for a small change in the effective mass, there is no significant difference between the electronic structure of these samples, irrespective of their physical dimensionality, except for a small modification of the effective mass. While this suggests that, at the current time, it is not possible to fabricate boron-doped diamond structures with quantum properties, it also means that nanoscale boron doped diamond structures can be fabricated which retain the classical electronic properties of bulk-doped diamond, without a need to consider the influence of quantum confinement.

80% Valley Polarization of Free Carriers in Singly Oriented Single-Layer WS_{2} on Au(111)

We employ time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to study the spin- and valley-selective photoexcitation and dynamics of free carriers at the K[over ¯] and K[over ¯]^{'} points in singly oriented single-layer WS_{2}/Au(111). Our results reveal that in the valence band maximum an ultimate valley polarization of free holes of 84% can be achieved upon excitation with circularly polarized light at room temperature. Notably, we observe a significantly smaller valley polarization for the photoexcited free electrons in the conduction band minimum. Clear differences in the carrier dynamics between electrons and holes imply intervalley scattering processes into dark states being responsible for the efficient depolarization of the excited electron population.

Determination of Maduramicin in Feedingstuffs and Premixtures by Liquid Chromatography: Development, Validation, and Interlaboratory Study

A reversed-phase liquid chromatography method for determination of maduramicin in feedingstuffs and premixtures was developed, validated, and interlaboratory studied. The extraction solvent was methanol. Maduramicin was detected at 520 nm after postcolumn derivatization with vanillin.

Impact of physical exercise on sensor performance of the FreeStyle Libre intermittently viewed continuous glucose monitoring system in people with Type 1 diabetes: a randomized crossover trial

AIMS

To evaluate the sensor performance of the FreeStyle Libre intermittently viewed continuous glucose monitoring system using reference blood glucose levels during moderate-intensity exercise while on either full or reduced basal insulin dose in people with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Ten participants with Type 1 diabetes [four women, mean ± sd age 31.4 ± 9.0 years, BMI 25.5±3.8 kg/m² , HbA_1c 55±7 mmol/mol (7.2±0.6%)] exercised on a cycle ergometer for 55 min at a moderate intensity for 5 consecutive days at the clinical research facility, while receiving either their usual or a 75% basal insulin dose. After a 4-week washout period, participants performed the second exercise period having switched to the alternative basal insulin dose. During exercise, reference capillary blood glucose values were analysed using the fully enzymatic-amperometric method and compared with the interstitial glucose values obtained. Intermittently viewed continuous glucose monitoring accuracy was analysed according to median (interquartile range) absolute relative difference, and Clarke error grid and Bland-Altman analysis for overall glucose levels during exercise, stratified by glycaemic range and basal insulin dosing scheme (P<0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 845 glucose values were available during exercise to evaluate intermittently viewed continuous glucose monitoring sensor performance. The median (interquartile range) absolute relative difference between the reference values and those obtained by the sensor across the glycaemic range overall was 22 (13.9-29.7)%, and was 36.3 (24.2-45.2)% during hypoglycaemia, 22.8 (14.6-30.6)% during euglycaemia and 15.4 (9-21)% during hyperglycaemia. Usual basal insulin dose was associated with a worse sensor performance during exercise compared with the reduced (75%) basal insulin dose [median (interquartile range) absolute relative difference: 23.7 (17.2-30.7)% vs 20.5 (12-28.1)%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The intermittently viewed continuous glucose monitoring sensor showed diminished accuracy during exercise. Absolute glucose readings derived from the sensor should be used cautiously and need confirmation by additional finger-prick blood glucose measurements.

Acute Exercise-Induced Circulating Haematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Cardiac Patients - A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Exercise-induced circulating haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HPC) number has been discussed in the context of regeneration in heart disease patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pilot study was to compare the effect of different exercise protocols usually applied in cardiac rehabilitation on the number of acute, exercise-induced HPCs, related to potential mediators, e.g. biomarkers of sympathetic and oxidative stress, and inflammation.

METHODS

This is a case series comprising seven patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD) undertaken at the Center for Ambulant Cardiac Rehabilitation. Patients (n=6) performed two exercise modes (constant-load, CLE; high-intensity interval, HIIE) in randomised order. Venous blood was drawn before and immediately after each test to assess CD34+/CD45+ HPC number by flow cytometry and biomarkers in blood plasma. The primary outcome was the change in HPC number, the secondary outcomes were changes in sympathetic/oxidative stress and markers of inflammation.

RESULTS

Both exercise modes resulted in a non-significant increase in HPC number after exercise, even when the results of both tests were combined. Overall, free norepinephrine increased significantly and was positively related to exercise-induced HPC number (r=0.70, p<0.05). Markers of sympathetic activation (fNE), oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase) and inflammation (interleukin-6) significantly increased after CLE and HIIE with no difference between tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Interestingly, acute CLE and HIIE did not stimulate significant HPC mobilisation in CHD, although both exercise modes elevated circulating concentrations of sympathetic activation. Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell mobilisation could be blunted due to disease-related bone-marrow exhaustion.

Ultra-endurance exercise induces stress and inflammation and affects circulating hematopoietic progenitor cell function

Although amateur sports have become increasingly competitive within recent decades, there are as yet few studies on the possible health risks for athletes. This study aims to determine the impact of ultra-endurance exercise-induced stress on the number and function of circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells (CPCs) and hematological, inflammatory, clinical, metabolic, and stress parameters in moderately trained amateur athletes. Following ultra-endurance exercise, there were significant increases in leukocytes, platelets, interleukin-6, fibrinogen, tissue enzymes, blood lactate, serum cortisol, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Ultra-endurance exercise did not influence the number of CPCs but resulted in a highly significant decline of CPC functionality after the competition. Furthermore, Epstein-Barr virus was seen to be reactivated in one of seven athletes. The link between exercise-induced stress and decline of CPC functionality is supported by a negative correlation between cortisol and CPC function. We conclude that ultra-endurance exercise induces metabolic stress and an inflammatory response that affects not only mature hematopoietic cells but also the function of the immature hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fraction, which make up the immune system and provide for regeneration.

Cell harvesting method influences results of apoptosis analysis by annexin V staining

BACKGROUND

Annexin V staining is a common tool in apoptosis analysis. However, in adherently growing cell lines, substantial experimental bias could be introduced by membrane damage during the harvesting process. We investigated the influence of three different harvesting methods on the cell membrane integrity of six malignant cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six malignant cell lines were detached enzymatically by standard trypsinization or mechanically by scraping or wash-down by water jet. Membrane damage was measured by annexin V staining.

RESULTS

Three out of six cell lines (Mel-Ho, SW480 and PaTu 8988t) were not susceptible to membrane damage long the mothods used here. In HT 29, PANC 1 and A-673 cell lines, a high percentage of cells were stained positively for annexin V after mechanical detachment. These cells would wrongly be declared apoptotic cells.

CONCLUSION

To avoid substantial experimental bias caused by membrane damage, we recommend pre-testing of different harvesting methods before performing apoptosis analysis.

Excitation of coherent phonons in the one-dimensional Bi(114) surface

We present time-resolved photoemission experiments from a peculiar bismuth surface, Bi(114). The strong one-dimensional character of this surface is reflected in the Fermi surface, which consists of spin-polarized straight lines. Our results show that the depletion of the surface state and the population of the bulk conduction band after the initial optical excitation persist for very long times. The disequilibrium within the hot electron gas along with strong electron-phonon coupling cause a displacive excitation of coherent phonons, which in turn are reflected in coherent modulations of the electronic states. Beside the well-known A(1g) bulk phonon mode at 2.76 THz, the time-resolved photoelectron spectra reveal a second mode at 0.72 THz which can be attributed to an optical surface phonon mode along the atomic rows of the Bi(114) surface.

Evaluation of neutron sources for ISAGE-in-situ-NAA for a future lunar mission

For a future Moon landing, a concept for an in-situ NAA involving age determination using the (40)Ar-(39)Ar method is developed. A neutron source (252)Cf is chosen for sample irradiation on the Moon. A special sample-in-source irradiation geometry is designed to provide a homogeneous distribution of neutron flux at the irradiation position. Using reflector, the neutron flux is likely to increase by almost 200%. Sample age of 1Ga could be determined. Elemental analysis using INAA is discussed.

Abstract 5352: A high percentage of Merkel cell carcinomas is biologically associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA has been detected by PCR in 75-100% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC), an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. MCPyV is a 5.4 kb DNA virus that expresses tumor (T) antigen in tumor tissues. The aim of this study was to analyze which subset of MCC is biologically associated with MCPyV using various viral detection methods.

Genomic DNA isolated from paraffin-embedded tissue of 61 MCC was analyzed by MCPyV-specific PCR. Using a 5kb MCPyV DNA probe, the physical status of MCPyV was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using tyramide signal amplification and ApoTome microscopy. Expression of large T antigen was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using monoclonal antibody CM2B4 (kindly provided by Y. Chang).

A total of 44 of 61 (72%) MCC were positive for MCPyV by PCR. 34 of these 44 cases (77%) were also positive for MCPyV by FISH and 28 (64%) showed strong nuclear large T antigen expression by IHC. In contrast, none of the 17 PCR-negative tumors showed FISH signals and only 1 case showed a weak immunostaining for large T antigen. FISH analysis showed in 16 cases (47%) tumor nuclei with a single punctate signal indicating viral integration. In 8 of these tumors also areas were observed with a granular pattern with &gt;1 nuclear signals varying significantly in size and intensity, indicating the presence of episomal viral DNA and/or RNA. In the remaining 18 cases (53%) an exclusive granular FISH pattern was observed.

Our data indicate that a subset of MCC is caused by MCPyV as determined by PCR, FISH and IHC analysis (46% is positive with all 3 detection methods). FISH and IHC showed a strong positive and negative concordance. FISH signal evaluation furthermore suggests viral integration in half of the positive MCC and a non-clonal viral persistence in the remaining positive cases. Further studies have to validate these findings and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MCV-positive and -negative MCC development.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5352.

Leucoencephalopathy with cerebral calcinosis in a young chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) - a case report

CASE HISTORY

A 4-year-old chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) had a clinical history of a 2-year progressive central nervous dysfunction including convulsions and severe paralysis.

RESULTS

Gross pathology revealed cerebral atrophy, ventricular enlargement and a severe encephalomalacia with extensive calcifications. Histologically, the white matter showed diffuse demyelination as well as vascular and perivascular calcifications which also involved the basal ganglia. Blood vessels with less distinctive calcium deposits exhibited periodic acid Schiff positive hyalinosis. Large areas of necrosis, hemorrhage and intense gliosis were also present. Activation of astrocytes and macrophages was confirmed by immunohistochemical methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The etiology of the leucoencepalopathy could not be ascertained by macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical examinations. Potential differential diagnoses include the rarely occurring Fahr's disease in humans, arteriosclerosis, storage disease and the Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Based on the results of the postmortal examinations Fahr's disease is regarded as the most likely diagnosis in the present case of the chimpanzee.

Changes in brain metabolism after ECT-positron emission tomography in the assessment of changes in glucose metabolism subsequent to electroconvulsive therapy--lessons, limitations and future applications

BACKGROUND

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used as an effective treatment option in severe and treatment resistant cases of depression for decades. However the mode of action of ECT is still not fully understood. Advances in neuroimaging created new possibilities to understand the functional changes of the human brain.

METHODS

Literature review of studies assessing possible changes in cerebral glucose metabolism pre- and post-ECT by PET, identified by PubMed.

RESULTS

Studies were limited by small sample size, inhomogeneous study population with uni- and bipolar depressive patients and methodological inconsistencies. Despite considerable variance, reduction in glucose metabolism after ECT in bilateral anterior and posterior frontal areas represented the most consistent findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research into this issue should include larger and more consistent cohorts of patients. Assessing clinical improvement of depression after ECT should allow to correlate changes in brain glucose metabolism with functional scores. Follow up PET scans after six or twelve months should be performed to test if changes in brain metabolism are persistent.

HRTP, Prolonged Ergometer Exercise, and Single Sculling

The use of the heart rate turn point (HRTP) to set target heart rate (THR) for prolonged rowing ergometer (E) and single scull rowing (R) was evaluated. Ten trained subjects (age 21.3 +/- 4.0 yrs; VO (2max) 4.77 +/- 0.62 l . min-1) performed incremental exercise tests and 30-min prolonged E and R. Expired air and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously. During E and R, blood lactate concentration (La) was measured at rest and after 5, 10, 20, and 30 min. HRTP and V (E)TP (2) were determined as the deflection point of the heart rate performance curve and the second TP in minute ventilation (V. (E)). No significant differences were found for work rate (W), HR, and VO (2) between HRTP and V. (E)TP (2) and they were significantly related (r = 0.94, p < 0.001; r = 0.96, p < 0.001). Mean HR, VO (2), VCO (2), and V. (E) were not significantly different between E and R. La remained at a steady state in both E and R but was slightly higher in E. Tidal volume (V (T)) was found to be lower and breathing rate (BR) was significantly higher in R. HR at HRTP from an incremental rowing ergometer exercise test is valid to establish a THR consistent with constant metabolic training intensity in prolonged ergometer and single scull rowing.

Plasma adiponectin response to sculling exercise at individual anaerobic threshold in college level male rowers

The purpose of the investigation was to study plasma adiponectin response to a single exercise session in male rowers. Eight college level, single scull rowers (VO2max: 5.01+/-0.43 l.min-1; age: 21.5+/-4.5 yrs; height: 184.9+/-5.0 cm; body mass: 78.5+/-8.4 kg; body fat: 11.8+/-1.2%) participated in this study. Venous blood samples were obtained before, immediately after, and following the first 30 min of recovery of constant load on-water rowing over a distance of 6.5 km (approximately 30 min) at the individual anaerobic threshold (75.2+/-2.9% of VO2max). Adiponectin was unchanged (p>0.05) immediately after the exercise. However, adiponectin was significantly increased above the resting value after the first 30 min of recovery (+14.7%; p<0.05). Similarly, leptin was unchanged immediately after exercise and was significantly decreased after the first 30 min of recovery (-18.2%; p<0.05). Plasma insulin was significantly reduced immediately after exercise and remained significantly lower during the first 30 min of recovery period. Glucose increased with exercise and returned to the pre-exercise level after the first 30 min of recovery. Basal adiponectin was significantly related to VO2max (r=-0.62; p=0.034). However, there was no relationship between basal adiponectin and other measured variables. Similarly, basal leptin demonstrated no relationship with other measured variables. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that plasma adiponectin is sensitive in the first 30 min of recovery to the effects of relatively short-term exercise at individual anaerobic threshold when all major muscle parts are involved.

[Case report of successful therapy of necrotizing fasciitis using a device of vacuum assisted closure]

Successful wound management is reported in a case of extended and life threatening necrotizing fasciitis of the leg of a poly-morbid older woman by use of standards of septic surgery (sufficient excision of necrotic tissue, use of bacteria adapted antibiotics, programmed wound revisions) and use of an industrial supplied device of vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.).

Oral magnesium therapy, exercise heart rate, exercise tolerance, and myocardial function in coronary artery disease patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) upward deflection of the heart rate (HR) performance curve can be observed and that this upward deflection and the degree of the deflection are correlated with a diminished stress dependent left ventricular function. Magnesium supplementation improves endothelial function, exercise tolerance, and exercise induced chest pain in patients with CAD.

PURPOSE

We studied the effects of oral magnesium therapy on exercise dependent HR as related to exercise tolerance and resting myocardial function in patients with CAD.

METHODS

In a double blind controlled trial, 53 male patients with stable CAD were randomised to either oral magnesium 15 mmol twice daily (n = 28, age 61+/-9 years, height 171+/-7 cm, body weight 79+/-10 kg, previous myocardial infarction, n = 7) or placebo (n = 25, age 58+/-10 years, height 172+/-6 cm, body weight 79+/-10 kg, previous myocardial infarction, n = 6) for 6 months. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the degree and direction of the deflection of the HR performance curve described as factor k<0 (upward deflection), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were the outcomes measured.

RESULTS

Magnesium therapy for 6 months significantly increased intracellular magnesium levels (32.7+/-2.5 v 35.6+/-2.1 mEq/l, p<0.001) compared to placebo (33.1+/-3.1.9 v 33.8+/-2.0 mEq/l, NS), VO2max (28.3+/-6.2 v 30.6+/-7.1 ml/kg/min, p<0.001; 29.3+/-5.4 v 29.6+/-5.2 ml/kg/min, NS), factor k (-0.298+/-0.242 v -0.208+/-0.260, p<0.05; -0.269+/-0.336 v -0.272+/-0.335, NS), and LVEF (58+/-11 v 67+/-10%, p<0.001; 55+/-11 v 54+/-12%, NS).

CONCLUSION

The present study supports the intake of oral magnesium and its favourable effects on exercise tolerance and left ventricular function during rest and exercise in stable CAD patients.

Intravenous mirtazapine is safe and effective in the treatment of depressed inpatients

Mirtazapine is a third-generation antidepressant with a dual mode of action. The oral administration has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of depressed patients. In this multicenter naturalistic study, we assessed the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy of intravenously administered mirtazapine in 80 moderately to severely depressed inpatients during a treatment period of 14 days. We found a significant decrease of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score compared to baseline. Side effects were mild and transient. Our data indicate that intravenous mirtazapine is an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment for depressed inpatients.

Novel shielding materials for space and air travel

The reduction of dose onboard spacecraft and aircraft by appropriate shielding measures plays an essential role in the future development of space exploration and air travel. The design of novel shielding strategies and materials may involve hydrogenous composites, as it is well known that liquid hydrogen is most effective in attenuating charged particle radiation. As precursor for a later flight experiment, the shielding properties of newly developed hydrogen-rich polymers and rare earth-doped high-density rubber were tested in various ground-based neutron and heavy ion fields and compared with aluminium and polyethylene as reference materials. Absorbed dose, average linear energy transfer and gamma-equivalent neutron absorbed dose were determined by means of LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescence dosemeters and CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors. First results for samples of equal aerial density indicate that selected hydrogen-rich plastics and rare-earth-doped rubber may be more effective in attenuating cosmic rays by up to 10% compared with conventional aluminium shielding. The appropriate adaptation of shielding thicknesses may thus allow reducing the biologically relevant dose. Owing to the lower density of the plastic composites, mass savings shall result in a significant reduction of launch costs. The experiment was flown as part of the European Space Agency's Biopan-5 mission in May 2005.

[Personality profile and psychic deviations in offenders examined for psychiatric-forensic appraisal]

Personality is one factor within the multidimensional structure of conditions involved in the development of an offender. The aim of this study is to contribute to a better accuracy of discrimination of risk factors and prediction of delinquent behaviour. For psychiatric-forensic opinions, social, forensic and psychiatric history as well as type of the last offence and its course for adjudged delinquents (n=128) was recorded. For determining personality structure, the "Freiburger Personlichkeitsinventar" (FPI-R) and the "Fragebogen zur Erfassung von Aggressivitatsfaktoren" (FAF) was used. Psychiatric diagnosis was based on criteria of ICD-10. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis including the dimensions of the FPI-R, three personality profiles could be separated. First offenders and re-offenders could be discriminated by family environment and age at the first delict. The importance of classification for risk estimation of delinquent behaviour and its significance for providing forensic opinions is discussed.

Sexuality in multiple sclerosis

Sexuality and partnership have an important influence on the quality of life of every person and also on people with chronic disorders such as multiple sclerosis. The findings in literature show high evidence that people with multiple sclerosis experience high levels of sexual dysfunction, most of them with hypoactive sexual behaviour often associated with dissatisfaction in relationship, and also the partners seem to show lower sexual and partnership satisfaction. The most common problems in women are lack of sexual interest and decreased libido, often with problems in orgasmic capacity, while men report erectile dysfunction and also lack of sexual interest. The impact of the level of disability and duration of the illness remains unclear. Positive familial support can often help the patient in coping with the illness, nonetheless problems with changing roles and multiple-sclerosis-minimizing can improve the need of contacts to outstanding persons.

[Electron microscopic investigation of CD4+ lymphocyte cell line C8166 after infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)]

The SIV infection of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is the most appropriate animal model in HIV research. The permanent human T-cell line C8166 is used for in vitro SIV propagation. This paper describes ultrastructural features of the cells after infection with SIVmac. The C8166 cells are ultrastructurally characterized by a heterogenous morphology which is independent of the infection. SIV induced cell syncytia are observed 18 hours after infection. Viral particles and budding occur 48 hours p.i with a peak at the day 8. Viral particles present the typical lentiviral morphology. Using the monoclonal antibody anti SIVp28 and ultra small (0.8 nm) immunogold-silver enhancement technique, we are able to demonstrate SIV antigen immunoelectron microscopically. Therefore, this ultrastructural method is suitable to detect SIV antigen in in vivo experiments with C8166 cells from day 8 p.i. serving as positive control.