Kinbank: A global database of kinship terminology

For a single species, human kinship organization is both remarkably diverse and strikingly organized. Kinship terminology is the structured vocabulary used to classify, refer to, and address relatives and family. Diversity in kinship terminology has been analyzed by anthropologists for over 150 years, although recurrent patterning across cultures remains incompletely explained. Despite the wealth of kinship data in the anthropological record, comparative studies of kinship terminology are hindered by data accessibility. Here we present Kinbank, a new database of 210,903 kinterms from a global sample of 1,229 spoken languages. Using open-access and transparent data provenance, Kinbank offers an extensible resource for kinship terminology, enabling researchers to explore the rich diversity of human family organization and to test longstanding hypotheses about the origins and drivers of recurrent patterns. We illustrate our contribution with two examples. We demonstrate strong gender bias in the phonological structure of parent terms across 1,022 languages, and we show that there is no evidence for a coevolutionary relationship between cross-cousin marriage and bifurcate-merging terminology in Bantu languages. Analysing kinship data is notoriously challenging; Kinbank aims to eliminate data accessibility issues from that challenge and provide a platform to build an interdisciplinary understanding of kinship.

Continuous wave interdigital H-mode cavities for alternating phase focusing heavy ion acceleration

In the future, a new superconducting (SC) continuous wave (CW) high intensity heavy ion HElmholtz LInear ACcelerator (HELIAC) should provide ion beams with maximum beam energy above the Coulomb barrier for the Super Heavy Element program at GSI (Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung, in Engl.: Association for Heavy Ion Research). The HELIAC consists of a SC main accelerator supplied by a normal conducting injector, which comprises an electron cyclotron resonance ion source, a radio-frequency quadrupole, and two separate interdigital H-mode drift-tube linear accelerator cavities, based on an Alternating Phase Focusing (APF) scheme. Together, both cavities will accelerate ions from 300 to 1400 keV/u with only one external quadrupole triplet for transverse focusing in between. Due to the demanding requirements of the APF concept on the voltage distribution along the beam axis on the one hand and the CW operation on the other hand, the optimization of each cavity concerning RF, mechanical, and thermal properties is crucial for the successful operation of the HELIAC injector.

A dynamic collimation and alignment system for the Helmholtz linear accelerator

The upcoming commissioning of the superconducting (SC) continuous wave Helmholtz linear accelerators first of series cryomodule is going to demand precise alignment of the four internal SC cavities and two SC solenoids. For optimal results, a beam-based alignment method is used to reduce the misalignment of the whole cryomodule, as well as its individual components. A symmetric beam of low transverse emittance is required for this method, which is to be formed by a collimation system. It consists of two separate plates with milled slits, aligned in the horizontal and vertical direction. The collimation system and alignment measurements are proposed, investigated, and realized. The complete setup of this system and its integration into the existing environment at the GSI High Charge State Injector are presented, as well as the results of the recent reference measurements.

Production of high current proton beams using complex H-rich molecules at GSI

In this contribution, the concept of production of intense proton beams using molecular heavy ion beams from an ion source is described, as well as the indisputable advantages of this technique for operation of the GSI linear accelerator. The results of experimental investigations, including mass-spectra analysis and beam emittance measurements, with different ion beams (CH3(+),C2H4(+),C3H7(+)) using various gaseous and liquid substances (methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, and iodoethane) at the ion source are summarized. Further steps to improve the ion source and injector performance with molecular beams are depicted.

Abstract 2525: Intravenous infusions of TriN 2755, a new alkylating agent, inhibit the growth of human MDA-MB-231 breast tumor in nude rats

Background: The new cytotoxic anti-neoplastic agent TriN 2755, containing a triazene unit with alkylating properties, exhibited a potent antitumor activity in a large panel of human xenograft tumor models in mice when dosed by IV bolus injection. In rat, dog and mini pig toxicity studies, TriN 2755 demonstrated a favourable safety profile. Here, we present efficacy data of TriN 2755 intravenously injected in the MDA-MB-231 tumor bearing Nude rat model.

Material and methods: The breast tumors were induced subcutaneously by injecting 2×107 of MDA-MB-231 cells in 200 µl of RPMI 1640 containing matrigel (50:50, v:v). Tumor-bearing nude rats received a single 4-hour IV infusion of TriN 2755 at 30, 80 or 240 mg/kg/infusion or IV bolus injection of TriN 2755 at 160, 240 or 360 mg/kg/injection twice weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Moreover, two groups of rats received a single 4-hour IV infusion of TriN 2755 at 240 mg/kg/infusion twice weekly for 4 consecutive weeks in combination with repeated weekly IV bolus injection of CPT-11 at 40 mg/kg/inj for 4 consecutive weeks or Docetaxel at 2.5 mg/kg/inj for 3 consecutive weeks. The treatment started when the mean tumor volumes reached about 400-800 mm3, and the antitumor activity of TriN 2755 was assessed as tumor volume inhibition relative to a vehicle control group (T/C value in %). Tolerability was analysed by recording mortality and body weight loss.

Results: Repeated IV infusions of TriN 2755 were well tolerated by female nude rats bearing subcutaneous (SC) MDA-MB-231 tumors at all tested doses (no death, no body weight loss).

The histopathological analysis of liver, kidneys, and bone marrow of treated rats revealed no treatment related changes. Based upon TriN 2755 antitumor efficacy criteria at 80 and 240 mg/kg when injected by IV infusion, and at 160, 240 or 360 mg/kg when injected by IV bolus displayed a marked, and dose-dependent antitumor activity against SC MDA-MB-231 tumor (Optimal T/C% values were 37, and 7%, 21, 19 and 12%, respectively) Tumor regressions were observed after two weeks of treatment for all rats treated with TriN 2755 administered by IV bolus or IV infusion of 240mg/kg/infusion. Tumor cells derived from TriN 2755 IV bolus treated rats had an impaired colony formation compared to non-treated tumors in vitro.

Moreover, an enhancement of the antitumor activity of drugs alone was observed in the SC MDA MB-231 tumor bearing nude rats model when TriN 2755 at 240 mg/kg/infusion was combined with CPT-11 at 40 mg/kg/inj or Docetaxel at 2.5 mg/kg/inj.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that TriN 2755 dosed by IV infusion and IV bolus displayed a marked antitumor activity alone, and efficacy of IV infusion was increased by combination with CPT-11 or Docetaxel in SC nude rats human breast tumor model. TriN 2755 is currently under evaluation in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2525. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2525

Experimental evidence of space charge driven emittance coupling in high intensity linear accelerators

In high intensity linacs emittance exchange driven by space charge coupling may lead to the well-known "equipartitioning" phenomenon if the stop band at sigma(parallel) = sigma(perpendicular) is crossed at sufficiently slow rate. This Letter is the first experimental evidence of this phenomenon in a high intensity linear accelerator, here the UNILAC at GSI. Measurements of emittances at the entrance and exit of one drift tube linac tank comprising 15 lattice cells are taken for a set of transverse and longitudinal tunes. The onset of exchange on the stop band of previously derived "stability charts" confirms theoretical predictions. The measured transverse emittance growth also compares well with results from the beam dynamics simulation codes DYNAMION and TRACEWIN.

Experimental evidence of the 90 degrees stop band in the GSI UNILAC

In a particle accelerator with a periodic structure beam space charge force may excite resonant beam emittance growth if the particle's transverse phase advance approaches 90 degrees . A recent simulation study with the PARMILA code [D. Jeon, Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 12, 054204 (2009)]10.1103/PhysRevSTAB.12.054204 has shown the feasibility of measuring the stop band of this fourth order resonance in the GSI Universal Linear Accelerator UNILAC and proposed its experimental verification, which is reported here. Measurements of transverse phase space distributions behind a periodically focusing structure reveal a fourfold symmetry characteristic of fourth order resonances as well as a resonance stop band above sigma_{0}=90 degrees per focusing cell. These experimental findings agree with results from three different beam dynamics simulation codes, i.e., DYNAMION, PARMILA, and TRACEWIN.

Risk factors in the population of the GDR-MONICA Study (1983/84)

The GDR-MONICA project comprises 25 administratively defined areas with a population of nearly two million people aged 25-64. Data from the first random sample survey are reported here. The survey gathered information regarding risk factors, dietary behaviour, physical activity and psychosocial factors from 11,281 persons aged 25-64. The average risk factor levels were high in the population: The mean casual blood pressure was 140/88 mmHg and 138/86 mmHg for men and women respectively. In both sexes the mean total cholesterol level exceeded 6.1 mmol/L, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was just over 26.0. The study population consumed, on average, excessive amounts of energy, fat, alcohol, and sodium, and too few carbohydrates. Preliminary conclusions regarding unfavourable trends in risk factor levels have been drawn by comparing the present data with other recent reliable epidemiological studies.

Human alveolar long-term clearance of ferromagnetic iron oxide microparticles in healthy and diseased subjects

Monodisperse ferrimagnetic microparticles (Fe3O4) with 1.3 microm geometric diameter were inhaled to study alveolar long-term clearance in healthy and diseased human subjects. Nineteen younger (age 20 to 39 years) and 20 older (age 40 to 65 years) healthy volunteers participated in the study as well as 15 patients with sarcoidosis (SAR), 12 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and 15 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB). In each group the subjects were divided into never smokers (NS) and active smokers (S). Clearance was measured by magnetopneumography (MPG) for 300 days after inhalation. In COB, 50% of the deposited particles were removed from the lungs after 2 days, indicating high bronchial deposits due to bronchial obstructions. In healthy NS, only 10% of the particles were removed after 2 days and cigarette smoking enhanced the fraction of fast-cleared particles. In subjects who smoked, slow clearance was significantly impaired (P < . 02). Clearance half-lives (in days) for younger, healthy, NS were 124 +/- 66 (mean +/- SD) compared to 220 +/- 74 for S. Similarly for older subjects, the timeswere 162 +/- 120 for NS and 459 +/- 334 for S. The impairment of alveolar clearance due to cigarette smoking increases by 5.7 +/- 1.3 days/pack-year (P < .01). Alveolar clearance was impaired in SAR and in IPF; half-lives were 275 +/- 109 days (P < .05) and 756 +/- 345 days (P < .02), respectively, compared to healthy NS. Most COB patients were ex-smokers, their long-term clearance was 240 +/- 74 days, which is more than healthy NS (P < .01), but less than healthy S and might indicate a recovery of alveolar clearance. In view of studies using totally inert particles like Teflon, we conclude that the lung clearance measured with iron oxide tracer particles primarily reflects clearance by intraphagosomal particle dissolution within alveolar macrophages, which is impaired by cigarette smoke consumption and in patients.

Transient pleural effusion in norepinephrine-stimulated rats

Transient pleural effusions occurred in rats receiving continuous intravenous infusion of norepinephrine (NE, 0.1 mg/kg/h). We hypothesized that these pleural effusions result from a NE-induced increase in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). NE was administered over time intervals between 20 min and 72 h. It induced an immediate doubling in RVSP whereas LVSP remained at the control level. TPR increased with a delay of 6 h. At this time, pleural effusions occurred in NE-treated animals, reached their maximum after 8h and disappeared after 24 h of NE stimulation. Combining NE with the alpha-blocker prazosin normalized TPR and prevented pleural effusions. Therefore, we interpret the pleural effusion as a consequence of pulmonary venous congestion, mainly caused by an increased TPR. LV hypertrophy which developed after 24 h of NE stimulation is considered to compensate for the hemodynamic disturbance due to the NE-induced elevation in TPR. This is reflected in the disappearance of pleural effusion.

Lymphoma in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate treatment: successful treatment with rituximab

A 55 year old man with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treated for four years with methotrexate (MTX), who developed a B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL), is described. The tumour was localised to the shoulder and axillary lymph nodes, and positive for Epstein-Barr viral antigens. After failure of radiation and chemotherapy, a complete remission was achieved with a combination of antibody treatment (rituximab) and EPOCH. The development of a second malignancy in a patient with RA receiving MTX has not been described before. The summation of T cell deficiencies induced by MTX, CLL, and RA may all have contributed to the development of the B-NHL.

Changes in extracellular matrix and in transforming growth factor beta isoforms after coronary artery ligation in rats

Extensive myocardial remodeling occurs after transmural myocardial infarction (MI). The infarcted myocardium is being replaced by scar tissue after gradual resorption of the necrotic tissue. The remodeling process involves both synthesis and degradation of collagens as major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In the present study we have analyzed the time-dependent changes of the processes related to this fibrosis in the infarct area and in the non-infarcted left ventricle (LV) six hours to 82 days after occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in rats. We also examined whether changes occurred in the expression pattern of the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta isoforms, since this cytokine is known as powerful inductor of fibrosis. Elevation in colligin expression preceded the pronounced increase in mRNA expression of both type I and type III collagen after MI from day three onwards. The maximal increase in colligin protein in the infarct area coincided with the most pronounced expression of collagen I and collagen III mRNA expression. Also, the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 mRNA were increased predominantly in the infarct area. TGF beta(1)and TGF-beta(2)expression increased within the first days after MI, whereas TGF-beta(3)expression was elevated predominantly in the infarct area. This pronounced increase in TGF-beta(3)persisted up to 82 days and correlated positively with the parameters of ECM metabolism. Thus, the scar formation is an ongoing dynamic process in which TGF-beta(3)seems to play an active role in the complex ventricular remodeling.

Pregnancy and labor increase the capacity of human myometrial cells to secrete parathyroid hormone-related protein

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a oncofetal gene product possessing smooth muscle relaxant properties, has been found in rat and human uterine smooth muscle cells (USMC) where it is postulated to regulate myometrial tone and/or blood flow. Studies investigating the gestational regulation of PTHrP in human USMC have not been performed. This study was conducted to determine if pregnancy alters the capacity of USMC to secrete or respond to PTHrP. USMC cultures were established from 8 hysterectomy specimens (H) and 7 non-laboring (NP) and 5 laboring term pregnant uterine biopsies (LP). PTHrP secretion was measured at baseline and in response to TGF-beta1 using a immunoradiometric assay. The USMC response to PTHrP was assessed by incubating cultures with human (1-34)PTHrP and measuring cellular cAMP by radioimmunoassay. We found that cultures from the groups did not differ with respect to basal PTHrP secretion. TGF-beta1, on the other hand, produced dose-dependent increases in secreted PTHrP in each group such that LP>NP>H at 12 hrs and LP>NP and H 24 hrs. Maximal responses were found at 24 hrs in cells treated with 10 ng/ml TGF-beta1 (LP: 2034+/-366 vs NP: 1485+/-427; H: 1250+/-202 fmol/mg). Incubation of cultures with PTHrP produced dose-dependent increases in cAMP production, with 10(-7) M increasing levels by 64%. Neither pregnancy nor labor significantly affected the cAMP response. These findings indicate that the human myometrium has the capacity to increase PTHrP secretion during pregnancy and labor through a TGF-beta-dependent pathway. Such findings are consistent with a role of PTHrP in enhancing uterine blood flow.

Electrical multisite stimulation of the isolated chicken retina

Visual prostheses such as subretinal implants are intended for electrical multisite excitation of the retinal network. To investigate relevant issues like spatial resolution and operational range, we have developed an in vitro method using microelectrode arrays to stimulate isolated retinae. Ganglion cell activity in the chicken retina evoked by distally applied spatial voltage patterns consisted of fast bursts, transient inhibition and delayed discharges, and depended on the amount, location and spatial pattern of the injected charge. The response was altered or disappeared when synaptic transmission was blocked. Our results indicate that shape perception and object location can be partially achieved with subretinal electrical multisite stimulation.

Changes in the mRNA expression of cytokines and chemokines by stimulated RPE cells in vitro

PURPOSE

The transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a possible therapy for degenerative diseases of the retina. However, the immune response and the subsequent rejection of the allografts are major problems in this field. We investigated the effect of pro-inflammatory factors on the cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression of human RPE cells during long-term observations in vitro.

METHODS

Human RPE cells were cultured in the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, 10 ng/ml), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma, 1000 U/ml) or with a combination of both up to 96 hours. Cells were harvested and total RNA was isolated. The changes in expression of mRNA coding for RANTES, the interleukines (IL)-6, 8, 10, 15, IFN-gamma, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) during the stimulation were investigated using the ribonuclease protection assay.

RESULTS

IL-10 and IFN-gamma mRNA were detected in neither unstimulated nor stimulated cells. Human RPE cells constitutively express the mRNA for IL-6, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-15, TGF-beta1 and, at very low levels, for RANTES. The TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was not influenced by either stimulation. The mRNA of the other factors was up-regulated for 24-48 h dependent on the stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Human RPE cells are able to increase their mRNA expression for the detected cytokines in response to the pro-inflammatory factors which are detectable in the rejection process. These up-regulated cytokines themselves are known to be involved in several inflammatory and immunological processes, suggesting their role in the rejection of transplanted RPE allografts.

Differential remodeling of the left and right heart after norepinephrine treatment in rats: studies on cytokines and collagen

Continuous intravenous infusion of norepinephrine norepinephrine (NE, 0.1 mg/kg/h) induced hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LV), but not of the right ventricle (RV) in rats, although RV systolic pressure (RVSP) was much more elevated than LVSP. After NE infusion, there was a time-dependent (20 min to 72 h) expression in the mRNA of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 beta. The expression of IL-6 increased markedly and reached the maximum after 4 h with an 80-fold elevation. In the RV, the expression increased only 20-fold. The mRNA of IL-1 beta increased significantly after NE stimulation only in the LV and reached the maximum after 12 h with a 12-fold elevation. After 12 h of NE infusion, colligin mRNA was elevated for the first time with further progression until 72 h. The six-fold abundance of colligin mRNA seen after 72 h was significantly higher in the LV than in the RV. A similar increase was observed on the protein level (Western blotting). The expression of collagen I and III increased significantly after 24 h only in the LV. After 72 h, the mRNA expression of collagen I was increased 16-fold and that of collagen III 10-fold. This expression was significantly higher than that in the RV. Also the elevation in atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA started earlier and was more pronounced in the LV than in the RV. The alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor blocker carvedilol normalized all functional parameters after 6 h and 72 h and prevented the development of LV hypertrophy that occurred after 72 h. The NE-induced increased expression of the mRNAs studied was either prevented (IL-6, IL-1 beta ) or attenuated (colligin, collagen I and III, ANP) by combined alpha- and beta-receptor blockade. The elevation of afterload which was associated with the NE effect was normalized by the calcium-channel blocker nisoldipin, but NE-induced LV hypertrophy and the increase in ANP and collagen mRNA were not affected.

Targeting of the mammalian nucleoporin p62 to the nuclear envelope in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and HeLa cells

We have analyzed the sorting of the mammalian nucleoporin p62 in human culture cells and in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To this end, gene fusions were generated that carry Aequorea victoria green fluorescence protein and defined portions of p62. Upon transient gene expression fluorescent fusion proteins were localized in HeLa cells. Likewise, fusion proteins were studied in S. cerevisiae using wild-type as well as mutant cells that cluster nuclear pore complexes. Our results demonstrate that evolutionarily distant organisms, such as humans and yeasts, recognize the same sequence elements of p62 for sorting to the nuclear envelope. Specifically, the entire sequence of p62 or its complete C-terminal domain targeted fusion proteins to the nuclear membranes. In contrast, truncations of the C-terminal domain or the N-terminal segment of p62 failed to associate with the nuclear envelope in either organism. In HeLa cells overexpression of several p62-containing fusion proteins resulted in nuclear fragmentation. The C-terminal domain of p62 caused this effect, and amino acid residues 477 to 525 were sufficient to induce aberrant nuclei. Thus, overexpression of 49 amino acid residues located at the C-terminal tail of p62 interferes with the nuclear integrity in human culture cells.

How the most common preservative affects the Meibomian lipid layer

PURPOSE Effects of preservatives like benzalkonium chloride on the tear film are often hypothetized. With regard to the Meibomian lipid layer only few data are available. In order to receive precise information about the effect of benzalkonium chloride on the Meibomian lipid layer we performed in vitro experiments using a direct optical control of the films. METHODS Meibomian gland secretion was spread on a water subphase containing benzalkonium chloride in concentrations of 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%, respectively. This aqueous subphase was chosen in analogy to the aqueous tear film layer. In our experimental assay, the pH was 5.5, the temperature was 20 degrees C. The spreading process and the quality of the films were controlled by the Brewster Angle Microscope. RESULTS Benzalkonium chloride was well tolerated up to concentrations of 0.005%. Concentrations > 0.005% affected the spreading process forming domains, and instable films. CONCLUSIONS. Thus it could be demonstrated that there is a critical concentration of benzalkonium chloride which destroys the spreading and alters the morphology of the Meibomian lipid layer. These results were confirmed by a modified method injecting benzalkonium chloride in the subphase after spreading the Meibomian lipid layer. Therefore eye drops with benzalkonium chloride in concentrations above 0.005% should be abandoned in clinical therapy.

Effects on skeletal muscle fibres of diabetes and Ginkgo biloba extract treatment

Combined cytophotometric and morphometric analysis of muscle fibre properties and myosin heavy chain electrophoresis were performed on extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles from healthy rats and rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Moreover, the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract, a potent oxygen radical scavenger, on diabetic muscles was investigated. Changes in fibre type-related enzyme activities, fibre type distribution, fibre cross areas and myosin isoforms were found. In muscles of diabetic rats, a metabolic shift was measured mainly in fibres with oxidative metabolism. Fast-oxidative glycolytic fibres showed a shift to more glycolytic metabolism and about a third transformed into fast-glycolytic fibres. Slow-oxidative fibres became more oxidative. Fibre atrophy was measured in diabetic muscles dependent on fibre type and muscle. Different fibre types atrophied to a different degree. Therefore, a decreased area percentage of slow fibres and an increased area percentage of fast fibres of the whole muscle cross section in both muscles were found. This is supported by reduced slow and increased fast myosin heavy chain isoforms. These alterations of diabetic muscle fibres could be due to less motion of diabetic rats and diabetic neuropathy. After treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract, enzyme activities were increased mainly in oxidative fibres of diabetic muscles, which was interpreted as protective effect. Generally, the soleus muscle with predominant oxidative metabolism was more vulnerable to diabetic alterations and Ginkgo biloba extract treatment than the extensor digitorum longus muscle with predominant glycolytic metabolism.

[Epidemiologic data of stroke. Data of the WHO-MONICA Project in Germany]

Analyses of stroke morbidity or mortality are usually based on official statistics. A reduction in stroke mortality rates has been shown for many countries. It is not clear, however, whether this is due to declining morbidity or case fatality (or both). For this purposes population-based register data are required. Using the standardized methodology of the WHO-MONICA Project, stroke cases were also registered in Germany from 1984 to 1993 (7,435 first-ever and recurrent stroke cases). The data collection was almost restricted to East Germany. The age-specific stroke rates in males/females showed an increase from 9/11 per 100,000 population in the youngest age group (25-34) to 1,005/779 cases per year in the oldest group under study (65-74). If one tries to classify stroke types, which is not always possible in a population-based register, the best estimate for men (women) would be: 63(62%) thromboembolic stroke, 25(22)% intracerebral hemorrhage, and 12(17)% subarachnoid hemorrhage. The 28-day case fatality of the 25-74 year old stroke patients was found to be about 40%. Neither for stroke attacks nor for case fatality was a convincing time trend over the 10-year period found. The very small changes observed over 10 years time should lead to increased attention to strokes, particularly primary and secondary prevention, and this not only in East Germany. This applies also for treatment in the acute phase, because the case fatality before admission in the hospital and during the first few days is still very high. Population-based studies of the long-term prognosis of stroke patients in Germany are also missing, i.e., including the effectiveness of various forms of treatment and rehabilitation. Systematic monitoring of the development in this field is an important part of the assessment of the quality and effectiveness of the health care service.

[Trends in cardiovascular risk factor profiles in East Germany. Three independent population studies as part of the project MONICA East Germany]

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate trends in cardiovascular risk factors in the population of former East Germany.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

As part of the international World Health Organisation's MONICA project ("MONItoring of Trends and Determinants of CArdiovascular Disease"), cross-sectional studies of independent random samples were undertaken, during three periods between 1982 and 1994, among the 24-64 year age groups in the population of East Germany. Those examined were 8470 (1982-1984), 9533 (1987-1989) and 2330 (1991-1994) men and women aged 25-64 years living in 17 regions (until 1989) and three regions (since 1991), respectively. Each person had standardized blood pressure measurements, His/her weight and height were measured, a blood sample was taken, and each was given a standardized interview by trained personnel.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension, ca. 30% overall, was relatively high. There was, however, a tendency over time towards a reduced prevalence among the women, from 29% to 25% (P < 0.05). The proportion of effectively treated hypertensives was clearly too low: 12-14% among men, 20-25% among women. There was a slightly downward trend in the frequency of hypercholesterolaemia (> 6.7 mmol/l), but it was statistically significant only for women. The proportion of markedly overweight persons (body mass index > or = 30) was not significantly reduced. The frequency of regular smokers decreased among men from 41% to 35% (P < 0.05), while among women (especially those in the younger age groups) there was a slight increase.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the known importance of risk factors, their prevalence was not significantly changed in East Germany over a period about 10 years. More effort and population-related primary prevention of coronary heart disease will thus be required, particularly in view of the risk factors cigarette smoking and hypertension.

Coronary heart disease mortality, morbidity, and case fatality in five east and west German cities 1985-1989. Acute Myocardial Infarction Register Teams of Augsburg, Bremen, Chemnitz, Erfurt, and Zwickau

Cardiovascular mortality (CVD; International Classification of Diseases [ICD] 390-458) is higher in East than in West Germany, but the differences in official coronary heart disease mortality (CHD; ICD 410-414) are not so pronounced. The aim of this study was to validate the official mortality statistics based on the five German AMI registers and to analyze whether these mortality differences are due to differences in the attack rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or to differences in the 28-day case fatality rates. This comparison includes the MONICA study cities of Augsburg and Bremen, both in West Germany, as well as the cities of Chemnitz, Erfurt, and Zwickau in East Germany (former the German Democratic Republic). The rates were calculated on the basis of all MONICA cases of definite AMI or coronary death aged 35 to 64 years occurring in the respective study populations between 1985 and 1989. All study populations except women in Augsburg showed higher coronary death rates compared to the rates based on the official cause of death statistics (ICD 410-414), but this difference was significant only for men in Chemnitz. In men there were no significant differences in the register-based coronary death rates between these urban areas (160/100,000 in Zwickau to 170/100,000 in Chemnitz) nor in the AMI attack rates (327/100,000 in Augsburg to 363/100,000 in Chemnitz), and consequently no significant center differences in the overall 28-day case fatality. However, the prehospital case fatality was significantly higher in Erfurt (34%) than in Bremen (27%). There were no significant differences in the AMI attack rates in women as well (60/100,000 in Chemnitz to 70/100,000 in Bremen and Erfurt), but the overall 28-day case fatality showed a clear gradient from the East (61-71%) to the West German cities (48-56%) and therefore also the register-based coronary death rates (38-50/100,000 and 34-38/100,000, respectively). However, the higher 28-day case fatality in women found in the MONICA registers in East compared to West Germany is not reflected in the CHD mortality statistics because of a stronger underestimation of the official mortality rates and in East than in West Germany, in particular in women. Nevertheless, the total mortality rates and in most cases also the CVD mortality rates were in women significantly higher in the East German compared to the West German cities. The East German official preunification CHD mortality data cannot be used for national and international comparisons. The results of the MONICA AMI registers in East and West Germany indicate, furthermore, the need to improve coronary care in women in the eastern part of the country. Nevertheless, because of the relatively high AMI attack rate in both parts of Germany primary prevention must generally be intensified.

Smoking impairs alveolar macrophage activation after inert dust exposure

Magnetopneumography was applied to investigate intracellular phagosome motion in alveolar macrophage cells of healthy subjects (non-smokers and smokers). Ingested magnetic microparticles are inhaled and phagocytized by alveolar macrophages within hours. Thereby the particles are transferred into phagolysosomes. After magnetization the particles produce a macroscopic magnetic field of the lungs. Cellular motility causes a decay of the field (relaxation) by stochastic disorientation of the dipole particles (phagolysosomes) in the cells. Our studies have shown that the deposition of magnetite test particles induces a non-specific activation of the macrophage cells with a faster relaxation. This activation vanishes within the first day after particle deposition. This macrophage activation due to dust exposure was not present in smokers. It follows that cigarette smoking either causes a damage of the cellular defense or causes an adaptation of the macrophage cells to the permanent cigarette smoke inhalation.

Cloning and characterization of another lignin peroxidase gene from the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Lignin peroxidase (LiP) isozymes of Phanerochaete chrysosporium are encoded by a large family of closely related genes, whose total number is still unknown. Among genomic clones, obtained using the polymerase chain reaction to clone the LiP gene LPOA from Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain BKM-F 1767, another LiP gene was found. This gene, HG3, showed more than 95% nucleotide homology to those LiP gene variants which encode LiP isozyme H8. The gene encodes a protein of 372 amino acids, including the typical leader sequence for secretion, that is identical to the LiP isozyme H8 except for 6 amino acid substitutions.

The yeast nucleoporin Nsp1 binds nuclear localization sequences in vitro

Facilitated transport of proteins into the nucleus requires nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) be present in the protein destined for the nucleus. The specific binding of NLSs by components of the nuclear transport apparatus is essential for these targeting reactions. We now report that the yeast nucleoporin Nsp1 binds specifically nuclear localization sequences in vitro. This nucleoporin recognizes several NLSs that are functional for nuclear targeting in vivo, including the NLS of SV40 T-antigen and of the yeast transcription factor Ga14. Nsp1 is organized into three domains, and we have located NLS binding sites to the N-terminal portion and the middle repetitive region of the protein. For the interaction between the NLS of SV40 T-antigen and Nsp1, we obtained association constants of 1.2 x 10(7) M-1 and 5 x 10(7) M-1. An association constant of 5 x 10(7) M-1 was determined for NLS binding to the repetitive domain of Nsp1. We analyzed binding of Nsp1 and its domains to a mutant version of the NLS derived from SV40 T-antigen, which poorly functions for nuclear targeting in vivo. The affinity for the mutant signal was about two orders of magnitude lower than for the wild-type NLS.

Trend of cardiovascular risk factors in the East German population 1968-1992

The deteriorating trend of life expectance since the mid 1970s, mainly due to higher cardiovascular mortality in the East compared to West Germany, requires explanations about what happened to the cardiovascular risk factor profile in the East. Epidemiologic studies in the East German population have been performed for about 25 years and can justify a first answer to the question, whether the opening gap in life expectancy could be attributable to a deteriorating cardiovascular risk factor profile of the 25-64 year old population. During a review process reliable epidemiological studies in the East German population have been identified to describe sequential changes from 1968 to 1992 in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) total cholesterol (CHOL), body mass index (BMI) and cigarette smoking in five periods of time. The mean SBP increased in males of higher age groups, whereas it dropped in females in all age groups in this period of time. The mean CHOL showed a striking increase in both sexes and levelled off in the mid 1980s only. The mean BMI increased slightly in men of the middle age groups and remained almost unchanged in women. The prevalence of cigarette smoking increased in both sexes until the 1970s, and declined thereafter in the age groups over 40, however, there is an increasing tendency in young age groups and females after the wall came down. These trends are congruent with the hypothesis, that the increasingly unfavourable trend of life expectancy in East Germany (compared to the continuously improving trend in West Germany) is at least partly attributable to the trend of the cardiovascular risk factor profile.

Trends of acute myocardial infarction morbidity and case fatality in East Germany since 1970

Because of the high risk factor levels and the high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases, a Myocardial Infarction Control Programme was implemented in East Germany in the 1970s. To measure its effect, many myocardial infarction registers have operated in the country ever since, and despite some methodological problems the results of these registers now make trend estimations possible. In recent years, we observed no decline in the acute myocardial infarction attack rates in the population aged 25-64 years, and in men there was even a slight increase towards the late 1980s. These somewhat different sex-specific trends run parallel to the trends of the risk factor levels, as well as the cardiovascular mortality rates in men and women. There was no decline in the case fatality rate either during that period. We have to conclude, therefore, that the aims of the Myocardial Infarction Control Programme have not been reached, and both primary and secondary myocardial infarction prevention must be intensified. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, under the new conditions existing in East Germany after unification, must be reduced at least to the level observed in West Germany.

Devices for the control of laser transmission across the sclera during transscleral photocoagulation

Improving the reproducibility of transscleral photocoagulation necessitates controlling the transmission of the laser beam through the sclera. Two factors make such control problematic: the locally increased transparency of the sclera resulting from the contact procedure and the occurrence of time-related relaxation phenomena. Two instruments have been devised to help control these factors. The first is a mechanical compensation unit comprised of magnets and a spring that allows the force exerted on the sclera to be adjusted to between 0.1 and 0.4 N, the pressure being determined by the outer diameter of the contact tip. The second instrument monitors the portion of the aiming beam reflected by the sclera as a means of determining the exact level of power actually transmitted through it. This information theoretically could be fed back to the treatment laser, allowing the level of power being delivered to be adjusted accordingly.

[Developments in street traffic from 1975 to 1988 from a statistical viewpoint]

The author gives a report on the events in road traffic in the Federal Republic of Germany under statistical aspects--doing so he continues a tradition, which is in practice by the "Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt" (Federal Motor-Vehicle Board) since 1971. Since individual road traffic and the density of traffic are rising, the number of traffic accidents is increasing nearly proportionally to the development of the rolling stock and the quantity of driving. A small positive development seems to be seen in the rate of accidents by drunken driving. It may be, that this is a result of the information-campaigns. But nevertheless: each alcoholized driver always has to expect particularly severe consequences from an accident.

Histocompatibility alloantigens in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Evidence for the influence of multiple genes in the major histocompatibility complex

The frequency of HLA-A, B, and Cw antigens as well as the antigens expressed preferentially on B cells and monocytes (DRw and Ia-like) was examined in a normal population and two related disease populations, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. HLA antigens distinguishing the two disease populations were found. Psoriatic patients demonstrated an increase in frequency of HLA-A1, B17, and B13. Patients with psoriatic arthritis demonstrated an increased frequency of HLA-A26, B38, and DRw4. Antigens showing a common increase in frequency in the two disease populations were HLA-Cw6, DRw7, and Ia744. These results demonstrate genetic differences as well as similarities in the two populations of patients with the common clinical feature of psoriasis. In addition to the above analysis, we examined the association of individual alloantigens elevated in frequency in the diseased population. These same alloantigens were examined for association in the normal population. This analysis revealed HLA antigen associations in the two disease groups that differed from the association of several antigens in the normal population. The results suggest that at least two genetic factors, one mapping in the HLA-A, C-B region and one mapping in the HLA-B-DRw region are associated with the disease states. Thus, multiple factors controlled by genes in the major histocompatibility complex appear to contribute to the disease entities under investigation.