Postnatal changes of leptin levels in full-term and preterm neonates: their relation to intrauterine growth, gender and testosterone

The present study was carried out to investigate leptin levels in arterial and venous cord serum and in amniotic fluid in full-term infants at birth and on the 5th postnatal day to define the relationship of leptin to intrauterine growth rate, gender and early postnatal life. The relation of weight gain to serum leptin levels in male preterm infants was determined measuring leptin concentration weekly in the first 5 postnatal weeks. Testosterone levels were determined simultaneously to explore a possible relationship between leptin and testosterone concentrations. Fifty-three term newborn infants with mean birth weight and gestational age of 3,419 g (range 2,150-4,480) and 38.9 weeks (range 36-41) and 19 preterm male infants (mean birth weight and gestational age were 1,416 g (770-1,800) and 30.2 weeks (26-35) were enrolled into the study. Leptin and testosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. It was demonstrated that serum leptin levels were markedly elevated in the cord blood without discernible arteriovenous differences. Cord blood leptin was found to correlate with birth weight (r = 0.40, p < 0.002), weight to length ratio (r = 0.40, p < 0.002) and body mass index (r = 0.35, p < 0.005). It was significantly lower in boys as opposed to girls (p < 0.01) and there was an apparent fall by the 5th postnatal day (p < 0.001). Amniotic fluid contained leptin in much less concentration than cord blood and it proved to be independent of intrauterine growth or gender. Serum leptin concentration in preterm infants at 1 week of age was significantly lower compared with term infants (p < 0.002) and it increased progressively with age (p < 0.01). An inverse relationship was found between leptin and testosterone level (r = -0.358, p < 0.01) and a positive correlation between leptin level and weight/height ratio (r = 0.674, p < 0.01). It is concluded that leptin derived either from placenta or fetal adipose tissue may be involved in regulating fetal growth and development and it may be related to energy intake, storage and expenditure. In preterm male infants serum leptin concentration increases with postnatal weight and testosterone may suppress leptin synthesis.

CO2 Mitigation Potential of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles larger than expected

The actual contribution of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles (PHEV and BEV) to greenhouse gas mitigation depends on their real-world usage. Often BEV are seen as superior as they drive only electrically and do not have any direct emissions during driving. However, empirical evidence on which vehicle electrifies more mileage with a given battery capacity is lacking. Here, we present the first systematic overview of empirical findings on actual PHEV and BEV usage for the US and Germany. Contrary to common belief, PHEV with about 60 km of real-world range currently electrify as many annual vehicles kilometres as BEV with a much smaller battery. Accordingly, PHEV recharged from renewable electricity can highly contribute to green house gas mitigation in car transport. Including the higher CO_2eq emissions during the production phase of BEV compared to PHEV, PHEV show today higher CO_2eq savings then BEVs compared to conventional vehicles. However, for significant CO_2eq improvements of PHEV and particularly of BEVs the decarbonisation of the electricity system should go on.

Pseudotyping lentiviral vectors with the wild-type measles virus glycoproteins improves titer and selectivity

We pseudotyped HIV-1 vectors with cytoplasmic tail-truncated envelope glycoproteins of a wild-type (WT) measles virus (MV). The particles entered the lymphatic cells exclusively through the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM, CD150), whereas particles pseudotyped with the MV vaccine strain glycoproteins also recognized the ubiquitous membrane cofactor protein (CD46) as receptor and had less specific cell entry. MV(WT)-HIV vectors reached titers of 10(8) t.u. ml(-1), which were up to 10-fold higher than those of MV(Vac)-HIV vectors, and discriminated between SLAM-positive and SLAM-negative cells, also in mixed cell cultures. As these vectors transduce primary human cells more efficiently than vesicular stomatitis virus-G pseudotyped vectors do, they are promising candidates for gene transfer to human lymphocytes and certain epithelial cells.

QIAD assay for quantitating a compound's efficacy in elimination of toxic Aβ oligomers

Strong evidence exists for a central role of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) oligomers in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. We have developed a fast, reliable and robust in vitro assay, termed QIAD, to quantify the effect of any compound on the Aβ aggregate size distribution. Applying QIAD, we studied the effect of homotaurine, scyllo-inositol, EGCG, the benzofuran derivative KMS88009, ZAβ3W, the D-enantiomeric peptide D3 and its tandem version D3D3 on Aβ aggregation. The predictive power of the assay for in vivo efficacy is demonstrated by comparing the oligomer elimination efficiency of D3 and D3D3 with their treatment effects in animal models of Alzheimer´s disease.

Imaging spectroscopic ellipsometry of MoS2

Micromechanically exfoliated mono- and multilayers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are investigated by spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry. In combination with knife edge illumination, MoS2 flakes can be detected and classified on arbitrary flat and also transparent substrates with a lateral resolution down to 1-2 µm. The complex dielectric functions from mono- and trilayer MoS2 are presented. They are extracted from a multilayer model to fit the measured ellipsometric angles employing an anisotropic and an isotropic fit approach. We find that the energies of the critical points of the optical constants can be treated to be independent of the utilized model, whereas the magnitude of the optical constants varies with the used model. The anisotropic model suggests a maximum absorbance for a MoS2 sheet supported by sapphire of about 14% for monolayer and of 10% for trilayer MoS2. Furthermore, the lateral homogeneity of the complex dielectric function for monolayer MoS2 is investigated with a spatial resolution of 2 µm. Only minor fluctuations are observed. No evidence for strain, for a significant amount of disorder or lattice defects can be found in the wrinkle-free regions of the MoS2 monolayer from complementary µ-Raman spectroscopy measurements. We assume that the minor lateral variation in the optical constants are caused by lateral modification in the van der Waals interaction presumably caused by the preparation using micromechanical exfoliation and viscoelastic stamping.

A survey of peptides with effective therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease rodent models or in human clinical studies

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia. Today, only palliative therapies are available. The pathological hallmarks of AD are the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, mainly composed of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), in the brains of the patients. Several lines of evidence suggest that the increased production and/or decreased cleavage of Aβ and subsequent accumulation of Aβ oligomers and aggregates play a fundamental role in the disease progress. Therefore, substances which bind to Aβ and influence aggregation thereof are of great interest. A wide range of Aβ binding peptides were investigated to date for therapeutic purposes. Only very few were shown to be effective in rodent AD models or in clinical studies. Here, we review those peptides and discuss their possible mechanisms of action.

Decelerated neurodegeneration after intravitreal injection of α-synuclein antibodies in a glaucoma animal model

Although elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the major risk factor in glaucoma, neurodegenerative processes continue despite effective IOP lowering. Altered α-synuclein antibody (Abs) levels have been reported to play a crucial role. This study aimed at identifying whether α-synuclein Abs are capable to decelerate neuronal decay while providing insights into proteomic changes. Four groups of Sprague Dawley rats received episcleral vein occlusion: (1) CTRL, no intravitreal injection, n = 6, (2) CTRL IgG, intravitreal injection of unspecific IgG, n = 5, (3) Buffer, intravitreal injection of buffer, n = 6, (4), α-synuclein Ab, intravitreal injection of α-synuclein Ab, n = 5. IOP and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) were monitored and immunohistochemistry, microarray and proteomic analysis were performed. RNFLT was reduced in CTRL, CTRL IgG and Buffer group (all p < 0.01) and α-synuclein Ab group (p = 0.17). Axon and RGC density showed an increased neurodegeneration in CTRL, CTRL IgG and Buffer group (all p < 0.01) and increased neuronal survival in α-synuclein Ab group (p = 0.38 and 0.06, respectively) compared with fellow eyes. Proteomic analysis revealed alterations of cofilin 1 and superoxide dismutase 1 expression. This data indicate that α-synuclein Ab might indirectly modulate the actin cytoskeleton organization and negatively regulate apoptotic processes via cofilin 1 and superoxide dismutase 1.

Recognition of intoxication by alcohol counselors

Recent studies have found that police officers, bartenders, social drinkers, and trained interviewers are often unable to recognize when others are intoxicated. The present two studies were conducted to evaluate: (a) the recognition ability of alcohol counselors compared to mental health counselors, and (b) the recognition ability of less-experienced versus more-experienced alcohol counselors. Subjects viewed four videotapes of a 21-year-old male engaged in simulated counseling interviews after he was given drinks containing alcohol to achieve one of four target Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) goals: .00%, .05%, .10%, .15%. Results indicated that alcohol counselors were not uniformly more accurate than mental health therapists, nor were more-experienced alcohol counselors uniformly more accurate than less-experienced alcohol counselors at recognizing intoxication or estimating BAL. In addition, subjects generally underestimated the target's sober-intoxicated status and BAL when he was given alcohol, but almost every subject recognized that the target was at least moderately intoxicated when his BAL was .15%.

Decreased bone density and treatment in patients with autosomal recessive cutis laxa

AIM

Due to the occasional association pathological fractures and osteoporosis we evaluated four patients with cutis laxa syndrome for skeletal anomalies.

PATIENT/METHODS

We prospectively evaluated four patients, a male and a female child and a brother-sister sib pair, with dysmorphic features, growth delay, joint anomalies, psychomotor retardation and congenital cutis laxa. The clinical features and the family history were suggestive for autosomal recessive cutis laxa syndrome type II, partially overlapping with geroderma osteodysplastica. Skeletal survey, sequential bone density measurements, endocrine and metabolic investigations were performed including N- and O-linked glycosylation analysis. ATP6V0A2 and FBLN5 mutations were ruled out in all patients.

RESULTS

All children were diagnosed with significantly decreased bone density, especially in the lumbar spine, including spontaneous vertebral and rib fractures in three children. Following 24 months of bisphosphonate treatment a total restitution of bone density was observed in three cases and no relapse was detected in the 2-year follow-up period. A spontaneous improvement was found in one female during puberty.

CONCLUSION

Bone disease might occur early in the course in autosomal recessive cutis laxa syndrome. We report on a significant clinical improvement and stabilization in our patients following bisphosphonate therapy. We suggest early, systemic evaluation and follow up of bone density in all children presenting with inherited cutis laxa.

A synthetic amino acid substitution of Tyr10 in Aβ peptide sequence yields a dominant negative variant in amyloidogenesis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in elderly people, and age is the major nongenetic risk factor for sporadic AD. A hallmark of AD is the accumulation of amyloid in the brain, which is composed mainly of the amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) in the form of oligomers and fibrils. However, how aging induces Aβ aggregation is not yet fully determined. Some residues in the Aβ sequence seem to promote Aβ-induced toxicity in association with age-dependent risk factors for AD, such as (i) increased GM1 brain membrane content, (ii) altered lipid domain in brain membrane, (iii) oxidative stress. However, the role of Aβ sequence in promoting aggregation following interaction with the plasma membrane is not yet demonstrated. As Tyr10 is implicated in the induction of oxidative stress and stabilization of Aβ aggregation, we substituted Tyr 10 with a synthetic amino acid that abolishes Aβ-induced oxidative stress and shows an accelerated interaction with GM1. This variant peptide shows impaired aggregation properties and increased affinity for GM1. It has a dominant negative effect on amyloidogenesis in vitro, in cellulo, and in isolated synaptosomes. The present study shed new light in the understanding of Aβ-membrane interactions in Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. It demonstrates the relevance of Aβ sequence in (i) Aβ-membrane interaction, underlining the role of age-dependent enhanced GM1 content in promoting Aβ aggregation, (ii) Aβ aggregation, and (iii) Aβ-induced oxidative stress. Our results open the way for the design of peptides aimed to inhibit Aβ aggregation and neurotoxicity.

Open-Label Placebo Administration Decreases Pain in Elderly Patients With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Recent studies indicate that the administration of open-label placebos (OLP) can improve symptoms in various medical conditions. The primary aim of this 3-week randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of OLP treatments on pain, functional disability, and mobility in patients with arthritic knee pain.

Methods

Sixty patients (55% females; mean age, 66.9 ± 9.7 SD years) were randomized to one of two OLP treatments (n = 41) or no treatment (NT; n = 19). OLP treatments were accompanied by the verbal suggestion "to decrease pain" (OLP-pain, n = 20) or "to improve mood" (OLP-mood, n = 21). Pain and mood levels were monitored on 11-point Numeric Rating Scales (NRSs) in a patient diary, and global clinical improvement (CGI-I) was assessed at the end of the study. At baseline and after 21 days, patients filled in validated questionnaires to assess symptoms and functional disability of the knee (WOMAC), mental and physical quality of life (SF-36), state anxiety (STAI-state), perceived stress (PSQ-20), and self-efficacy (GSE). In addition, knee mobility (neutral zero-method), heart rate variability (HRV), and diurnal cortisol levels were evaluated before and after treatment.

Results

Evaluation of daily pain ratings indicated significant pain decrease in the OLP groups compared to NT (p = 0.013, d = 0.64), with no difference between the OLP-pain and the OLP-mood groups (p = 0.856, d = 0.05). OLP treatment also improved WOMAC pain (p = 0.036, d = 0.55), again with no difference between the two OLP groups (p = 0.65, d = 0.17). WOMAC function and stiffness, knee mobility, stress, state anxiety, quality of life, and self-efficacy did not change differently between groups.

Conclusion

OLP treatment improved knee pain in elderly patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA), while functional disability and mobility of the knee did not change. The content of the verbal suggestion was of minor importance. OLP administration may be considered as supportive analgesic treatment in elderly patients with symptomatic knee OA.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register (https://www.drks.de/), DRKS00015191 (retrospectively registered).

[Autoimmunity and glaucoma]

In addition to the clinically most relevant risk factor for glaucoma, i.e., elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), there are other factors with high relevance for the disease. Changes in the autoimmune component of the immune system are of particular importance. Clinical studies have demonstrated alterations in different autoantibodies in glaucoma patients compared to healthy controls, some of which increase in abundance/have a raised titer, but also some which have a reduced titer. These changes have a distinct potential-not only as a tool for early glaucoma detection, but also as a therapeutic option due to the documented neuroprotective effects of some of these antibodies. Several antibodies displaying lower abundance in glaucoma patients, e.g., antibodies against 14-3-3 proteins, γ‑/α-synuclein, or also against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), show neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells in vivo and in vitro. To assess the relevance of changes detected in the immune system of glaucoma patients, "‑omics-based" analyses of different ocular tissues are of particular importance alongside cell culture studies. In this manner, not only samples derived from experimental studies but also samples derived from glaucoma patients in even very small amounts (e. g., tears, aqueous humor, serum, or post-mortem retina) can be analyzed in detail in terms of protein and, in particular, antibody changes. Modern mass spectrometric proteomic characterization of relevant samples will deliver valuable information concerning the understanding of molecular disease mechanisms in the coming years, thus also improving diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Morphometry on the rat thyroid gland: evaluation of the apical plasma membrane (microvilli and zonula occludens) in freeze-fracture replicas under different functional conditions

Morphometry was employed on freeze-fracture replicas of the rat thyroid gland following long-term TSH stimulation and hypophysectomy. Our results demonstrate two conspicuous alterations of the luminal (apical) plasma membrane in comparison to normal control specimens: firstly there is an augmentation of surface area after TSH administration which is related to the novel formation of microplicae (pseudopods), but not an increase in the total number of microvillous structures per unit area. In addition an occurrence of numerous endocytic invaginations is observed. Secondly the zonula occludens reveals a loosening of its reticular structure by showing wider meshes without increase in discontinuities of ridges (grooves respectively) following activation of the thyroid gland. These ultrastructural features corroborate electrophysiological findings of an increase in capacitance and a rapid fall of the transepithelial resistance in TSH stimulated thyroid follicle cells.

Sudden death due to sarcoid heart disease

A case of sudden death due to massive myocardial sarcoidosis is presented. Cardiac sarcoidosis is discussed. Since the deceased was a New York City police officer with death benefit entitlements under the Heart Bill, the implications of the medicolegal autopsy are emphasized.