Search

Background: Cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (CBCL) is part of dermatopathological routine diagnostics. However, in contrast to cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, there are only a few studies on the prevalence and possible clinical impact of lymphatic vessel involvement. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to quantify the prevalence of lymphovascular involvement in CBCL and to assess the association between lymphovascular involvement and recurrence. Methods: Thirty‐nine patients from two tertiary care hospitals diagnosed with CBCL were retrospectively identified and their biopsies were histopathologically examined for the presence of lymphatic vessel involvement using H&E stain, and CD20 and D2‐40 immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were retrieved from our digital documentation files. Results: Thirty patients were included in the evaluation (nPCFCL = 15, nPCMZL = 10, and nPCLBCL = 5). Lymphovascular involvement occurred in all three types of lymphoma and was present in 14/30 specimens. The presence of lymphatic involvement did not show a significant impact on recurrence rate (p = 0.150). Conclusions: This immunohistochemical pilot study shows that lymphovascular involvement is a relatively frequent finding in primary CBCL. Although no definitive conclusion can be drawn from our findings because of the small sample size, there were no strong signs of tendencies for recurrence in either group. Future studies with larger sample size are warranted to assess the possible clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The currently accepted methods for neurotoxicity (NT) testing rely on animal studies. However, high costs and low testing throughput hinder their application for large numbers of chemicals. To overcome these limitations, in vitro methods are currently being developed based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) that allow higher testing throughput at lower costs. We applied six different protocols to generate 3D BrainSphere models for acute NT evaluation. These include three different media for 2D neural induction and two media for subsequent 3D differentiation resulting in self-organized, organotypic neuron/astrocyte microtissues. All induction protocols yielded nearly 100% NESTIN-positive hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPCs), though with different gene expression profiles concerning regional patterning. Moreover, gene expression and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed that the choice of media determines neural differentiation patterns. On the functional level, BrainSpheres exhibited different levels of electrical activity on microelectrode arrays (MEA). Spike sorting allowed BrainSphere functional characterization with the mixed cultures consisting of GABAergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurons. A test method for acute NT testing, the human multi-neurotransmitter receptor (hMNR) assay, was proposed to apply such MEA-based spike sorting. These models are promising tools not only in toxicology but also for drug development and disease modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conventional photodynamic therapy (c‐PDT) is a highly effective treatment for actinic keratoses. Besides pain as the main side effect, blood pressure (BP) increases and hypertensive crises may occur during treatment. Reducing the irradiation intensity while keeping the total dose constant (low‐irradiance PDT) can achieve a clinically relevant reduction in pain. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of li‐PDT on the BP and pulse (PR) during therapy and the incidence of post‐interventional hypertension compared with c‐PDT. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the treatment data of 79 patients (39 c‐PDT and 40 li‐PDT). BP and PR measurements were performed in all patients before PDT, at mid‐exposure, and immediately after PDT. In addition, the pain was assessed by using the visual analog scale. Results: Patients treated with li‐PDT reported significantly lower pain than those receiving c‐PDT (p <.0005). Additionally, they showed less systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP increase (∆SBP: p <.0005, ∆DBP: p =.015) and overall lower absolute BP values (SBP: p <.0005, DBP: p =.008) compared with c‐PDT. They were also significantly less likely to develop post‐interventional hypertension (p =.037) or higher stages of arterial hypertension. Regarding PR, there was no difference in absolute values between both groups, but the increase from onset to half irradiation duration was significantly higher in c‐PDT (p =.013). Conclusions: Li‐PDT is an excellent option to reduce the elevation of arterial BP and decrease the incidence of post‐interventional hypertension and hypertensive crisis. This finding has considerable relevance, especially with the risk profile of many PDT patients in mind (advanced age and cardiovascular history). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to tackle two questions related to the systematics of small-flowering Euphrasia species from the Eastern Alps. Our first aim was to test the hypothesis of a wider distribution of diploid E. inopinata, considered endemic to the uppermost Ötztal valley in Austria based on ploidy screening of ca. 70 populations along a latitudinal transect. We failed to find new populations of E. inopinata but during the sampling campaign, a diploid population was detected in the eastern Ortler/Ortles mountain range (Italy), which could neither be assigned to E. inopinata nor to E. minima. Thus, our second aim was to clarify, based on a comprehensive sampling of individuals and the use of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) and/or morphometric data, if this diploid population is morphologically and genetically consistently divergent from both, tetraploid widespread E. minima and E. inopinata. As this was confirmed, we established the relationships of the new entity based on Internal Transcribed Spacer sequences, which uncovered a close relationship with E. minima and describe it here as a new diploid species, E. ultima, which, based on current knowledge, is locally endemic even if a bigger distribution area appears likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: End of life symptoms and symptom management as well as the quality of dying (QoD) of persons with advanced dementia (PWAD) have not yet been systematically studied in Germany.Objective: 1) To investigate symptoms, treatment and care at the end of life, advance care planning, and circumstances of death of recently deceased PWAD; 2) To determine whether there are differences between young and late onset dementia (YOD and LOD).Methods: The study was performed in the context of the project EPYLOGE (IssuEs in Palliative care for persons in advanced and terminal stages of Young-onset and Late-Onset dementia in Germany). Closest relatives of recently deceased patients with advanced YOD (N = 46) and LOD (N = 54) living at home or in long term care were interviewed.Results: Circumstances of death, symptoms, and treatment appeared to be similar between YOD and LOD, except that persons with LOD had significantly more somatic comorbidities and were admitted to hospital in the last three months of life more often than persons with LOD. At end of life, 60% of PWAD appeared to be "at peace". Difficulty swallowing, gurgling, shortness of breath, and discomfort were observed most frequently. Large interindividual differences in suffering and QoD were present. Determinants of QoD were not identified.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that low QoD was caused by inadequate recognition and/or insufficient treatment of burdensome physical and emotional symptoms. PWADs' needs should be assessed regularly, and strategies focusing on treatment and implementing support for both the patient and caregiver must be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advanced stages of dementia are characterized by severe cognitive and physical impairment. It has not yet been investigated whether persons with young onset dementia (YOD) and late onset dementia (LOD) differ in advanced disease stages.Objectives: To compare quality of life (QoL) between persons with advanced YOD and LOD; to explore the determinants of QoL; to investigate whether YOD and LOD differ with regard to symptoms and care.Methods: The study was performed in the context of EPYLOGE (IssuEs in Palliative care for persons in advanced and terminal stages of YOD and LOD in Germany). Persons with advanced dementia (PWAD) were assessed and caregivers were interviewed. QoL was measured with the proxy rating Quality of Life in Late Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale.Results: 93 persons with YOD and 98 with LOD were included. No significant differences in QoL were detected. Determinants of QoL were similar in YOD and LOD. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), suffering and other distressing symptoms were associated with a lower QoL. In YOD but not in LOD antipsychotic treatment was associated with low QoL. The group of persons who were younger than 65 years at the time of the study visit experienced significantly more distressing symptoms than older PWAD.Conclusion: Overall, persons with advanced YOD do not appear to be disadvantaged compared to old and oldest PWAD. Special attention, however, must be paid to the group of the very young persons who seem to be particularly vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silyl ethers fulfil a fundamental role in synthetic organic chemistry as protecting groups and their selective cleavage is an important factor in their application. We present here for the first time two enzymes, SilE−R and SilE−S, which are able to hydrolyse silyl ethers. They belong to the stress‐response dimeric A/B barrel domain (DABB) family and are able to cleave the Si−O bond with opposite enantiopreference. Silyl ethers containing aromatic, cyclic or aliphatic alcohols and, depending on the alcohol moiety, silyl functions as large as TBDMS are accepted. The X‐ray crystal structure of SilE−R, determined to a resolution of 1.98 Å, in combination with mutational studies, revealed an active site featuring two histidine residues, H8 and H79, which likely act synergistically as nucleophile and Brønsted base in the hydrolytic mechanism, which has not previously been described for enzymes. Although the natural function of SilE−R and SilE−S is unknown, we propose that these 'silyl etherases' may have significant potential for synthetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the discovery of two enzymes, SilE-R and SilE-S, that have the ability to hydrolyze silylethers. These enzymes belong to the Stress-Response-A/B-Barrel-Domain-containing Proteins (DABB) family and exhibit enantiospecific hydrolysis of silylethers. They accept a wide range of substrates, including TBDMS-protected alcohols. The natural function of SilE-R and SilE-S is still unknown, but they have potential applications in synthetic chemistry. The article also explores the structure and mechanism of these enzymes. The study was funded by the German Research Foundation and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Objectives German legislation establishes advance directives (ADs) as legally binding instruments that all involved parties need to adhere to. This applies also to family members who have been authorized as official surrogates of the AD's author. As surrogates, they are expected to make sure that the AD is being implemented. Our study aims at uncovering how family members experience their legally assigned role as an advocate of an AD. Research Design and Methods We conducted 25 episodic interviews with family surrogates of persons living with dementia and used thematic analysis to make sense of our interview data. Results Family surrogates expressed scepticism toward ADs as instruments for planning end-of-life care. They did not necessarily follow the decisions expressed in the AD. We found cases in which family surrogates intentionally refrained from bringing the ADs to the attention of health care providers as well as cases in which the ADs conflicted with self-related interests of family surrogates. Discussion and Implications Our findings lead us to critique the legal construction of family surrogates as advocates of the AD. Family members are directly and enduringly affected by the end-of-life care decisions that the AD sets out and are thus no neutral agents who have no stake in the matter. Expecting them to simply transmit decisions formulated in the AD means expecting them to render their own interests irrelevant—which, arguably, might be too much to ask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; case report; exposure; methyl aminolevulinate; Metvix; occupational; photodynamic therapy EN allergic contact dermatitis case report exposure methyl aminolevulinate Metvix occupational photodynamic therapy 50 52 3 06/19/20 20200701 NES 200701 Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used for treatment of different types of nonmelanoma skin cancers. In conclusion, we would like to point out that sensitization to MAL and resulting allergic contact dermatitis is not only an important adverse event in patients receiving repetitive PDT treatment but also in individuals with occupational exposure. 2007; 23 (1): 35 - 36. 4 Hohwy T, Andersen KE, Solvsten H, Sommerlund M. Allergic contact dermatitis to methyl aminolevulinate after photodynamic therapy in 9 patients. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Research often needs to determine iron (Fe) concentrations in plant tissue samples. Current established methods depend on equipment and often require skilled laboratory staff, large sample sizes, and are relatively slow and expensive. We propose an efficient and fast method for measuring Fe concentrations of small rice samples via a microplate reader using sodium dithionite (SDT) as reducing agent and dipyridyl (DPD) as coloring agent. The results show that the method yields results comparable to ICP‐OES measurements which were used as standard method. Different concentrations of the chemicals used were tested for extraction, reducing power, and coloring efficiency, to optimize the method for the range of concentrations to be expected in rice under toxic Fe conditions. Best results were obtained using 500 mM SDT and 10 mM DPD, a sample size of 0.01g dry weight, and Fast Prep as extraction method. A linear calibration curve was obtained for 0 to 100 mg kg−1 iron within the measured samples. The method proposed here was successfully applied to measure total Fe concentration in oven‐dried, milled plant samples. Applicability of the method for tissues other than rice and suboptimal extraction methods are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reserve in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is defined as maintaining cognition at a relatively high level in the presence of neurodegeneration, an ability often associated with higher education among other life factors. Recent evidence suggests that higher resting-state functional connectivity within the frontoparietal control network, specifically the left frontal cortex (LFC) hub, contributes to higher reserve. Following up these previous resting-state fMRI findings, we probed memory-task related functional connectivity of the LFC hub as a neural substrate of reserve. In elderly controls (CN, n = 37) and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 17), we assessed global connectivity of the LFC hub during successful face-name association learning, using generalized psychophysiological interaction analyses. Reserve was quantified as residualized memory performance, accounted for gender and proxies of neurodegeneration (age, hippocampus atrophy, and APOE genotype). We found that greater education was associated with higher LFC-connectivity in both CN and MCI during successful memory. Furthermore, higher LFC-connectivity predicted higher residualized memory (i.e., reserve). These results suggest that higher LFC-connectivity contributes to reserve in both healthy and pathological aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quiz concerning the diagnosis of fast-growing painful leg ulcers in a 26-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus is presented.

We consider local-global principles for torsors under linear algebraic groups, over function fields of curves over complete discretely valued fields. The obstruction to such a principle is a version of the Tate-Shafarevich group; and for groups with rational components, we compute it explicitly and show that it is finite. This yields necessary and sufficient conditions for local-global principles to hold. Our results rely on first obtaining a Mayer-Vietoris sequence for Galois cohomology and then showing that torsors can be patched. We also give new applications to quadratic forms and central simple algebras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a notion of refinements in the context of patching, in order to obtain new results about local-global principles and field invariants in the context of quadratic forms and central simple algebras. The fields we consider are finite extensions of the fraction fields of two-dimensional complete domains that need not be local. Our results in particular give the u-invariant and period-index bound for these fields, as consequences of more general abstract results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations increasingly adopt ecological product design techniques to lessen their harmful impacts on the natural environment. Theory about ecological product design remains in an early stage of development though. The present study focuses on organizational integration capabilities and their conceptual relation to ecological product design, such that they can be redeployed, expanded, and leveraged to affect manufacturing performance. Drawing on data collected from 769 Russian manufacturers and using structural equation modeling, this study shows that cross-functional integration and technological integration mediate the relationship between ecological product design and manufacturing performance. In this Russian context though, customer integration does not function as a mediator. These findings have implications for theory and practice related to both ecological product design and environmental operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is a tendency to substitute frequently used, but relatively hazardous brominated flame retardants (BFRs) with halogen-free flame retardants (HFFRs). Consequently, information on the persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT) of these HFFRs is urgently needed, but large data gaps and inconsistencies exist. Therefore, in the present study the toxicity of a wide range of HFFRs to the water flea Daphnia magna was investigated. Our results revealed that four HFFRs were showing no effect at their Sw (saturated water concentration) and three had a low toxicity (EC50 >10mgL−1), suggesting that these compounds are not hazardous. Antimony trioxide had a moderate toxicity (EC50 =3.01mgL−1, 95% CL: 2.76–3.25) and triphenyl phosphate and the brominated reference compound tetra bromobisphenol A were highly toxic to D. magna (EC50 =0.55mgL−1, 95% CL: 0.53–0.55 and EC50 =0.60mgL−1, 95% CL: 0.24–0.97 respectively). Aluminum trihydroxide and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) caused limited mortality at Sw (26 and 25% respectively) and have a low solubility (<10mgL−1). Hence, increased toxicity of these compounds may be observed when for instance decreasing pH could increase solubility. By testing all compounds under identical conditions we provided missing insights in the environmental hazards of new generation flame retardants and propose as best candidates for BFR replacements: APP, ALPI, DOPO, MHO, MPP, ZHS and ZS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) iron overload caused by long-term red blood cell transfusions is an important factor for comorbidity especially in low-risk MDS. In this report we present the results of a comparative study based on colony formation assays of hematopoietic cells in MDS patients with and without iron overload. We demonstrate that iron overload suppresses the proliferation of erythroid progenitors cells (BFU-E), while the myeloid compartment (CFU-GM) was not found to be affected. Even patients with slightly elevated ferritin values show an impaired proliferation capacity in comparison to patients with normal ferritin levels. Furthermore, we show that this negative impact is reversible by sufficient iron chelation therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The scholarly debate on advance directives (ADs) in the context of dementia is mainly built around ethical arguments. Empirical studies that shed light into the realities of ADs of persons living with dementia are few and far between and too little is known about the effect of national AD legislation on such realities. This paper offers insight into the preparation phase of ADs according to German legislation in the context of dementia. It presents results from a document analysis of 100 ADs and from 25 episodic interviews with family members. Findings show that drafting an AD involves family members and different professionals in addition to the signatory, whose cognitive impairment differed considerably at the time of preparing the AD. The involvement of family members and professionals is at times problematic, which prompts the question of how much and what kind of involvement of others turns an AD of a person living with dementia into an AD about a person living with dementia. The results invite policy makers to critically review legislation on ADs from the perspective of cognitively impaired persons, who might find it difficult to protect themselves from inappropriate involvement when completing an AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides applications of patching to quadratic forms and central simple algebras over function fields of curves over Henselian valued fields. In particular, we use a patching approach to reprove and generalize a recent result of Parimala and Suresh (in Preprint , ) on the u-invariant of p-adic function fields, p≠2. The strategy relies on a local-global principle for homogeneous spaces for rational algebraic groups, combined with local computations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging dose from megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MVCBCT) can be significantly reduced without loss of image quality by using an imaging beam line (IBL), with no flattening filter and a carbon, rather than tungsten, electron target. The IBL produces a greater keV-range x-ray fluence than the treatment beam line (TBL), which results in a more optimal detector response. The IBL imaging dose is not necessarily negligible, however. In this work an IBL was dosimetrically modeled with the Philips Pinnacle3 treatment planning system (TPS), verified experimentally, and applied to clinical cases. The IBL acquisition dose for a 200° gantry rotation was verified in a customized acrylic cylindrical phantom at multiple imaging field sizes with 196 ion chamber measurements. Agreement between the measured and calculated IBL dose was quantified with the 3D γ index. Representative IBL and TBL imaging dose distributions were calculated for head and neck and prostate patients and included in treatment plans using the imaging dose incorporation (IDI) method. Surface dose was measured for the TBL and IBL for four head and neck cancer patients with MOSFETs. The IBL model, when compared to the percentage depth dose and profile measurements, had 97% passing γ indices for dosimetric and distance acceptance criteria of 3%, 3 mm, and 100% passed for 5.2%, 5.2 mm. For the ion chamber measurements of phantom image acquisition dose, the IBL model had 93% passing γ indices for acceptance criteria of 3%, 3 mm, and 100% passed for 4%, 4 mm. Differences between the IBL- and TBL-based IMRT treatment plans created with the IDI method were dosimetrically insignificant for both the prostate and head and neck cases. For IBL and TBL beams with monitor unit values that would result in the delivery of the same dose to the depth of maximum dose under standard calibration conditions, the IBL imaging surface dose was higher than the TBL imaging surface dose by an average of 18%, with a standard deviation of 8% (p=2×10-6). The IBL can be modeled with acceptable accuracy using a standard TPS, and accounting for IBL dose in treatment plans with the IDI method is straightforward. The resulting composite dose distributions, assuming similar imaging doses, are negligibly different from those of the TBL. The increased IBL surface dose relative to the TBL is likely clinically insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often a prodromal state of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Imaging studies have shown that metabolic deficits in cerebral regions known to be affected early by AD pathology are predictive of progression to AD. In the present article, the authors examine associations between clinical impairment (Clinical Dementia Rating scale sum of boxes [CDR-SB]) and regional deficits in glucose utilization in a sample of 41 patients with MCI, who underwent cerebral 18F-FDG PET for the measurement of regional glucose metabolism. A linear regression analysis with CDR-SB score as the independent variable and glucose metabolism as the dependent variable, adjusted for age, gender, and years of school education, was conducted in voxel-by-voxel fashion in SPM2. The regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between CDR-SB score and glucose metabolism in the right posterior cingulate gyrus (P < .001, uncorrected for multiple comparisons), which was independent from demographical variables. The authors conclude that clinical severity of impairments is already correlated with deficits in glucose metabolism in the stage of MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the burden of disease from well-studied drinking water contaminants is declining, risks from emerging chemical and microbial contaminants arise because of social, technological, demographic and climatological developments. At present, emerging chemical and microbial drinking water contaminants are not assessed in a systematic way, but reactively and incidence based. Furthermore, they are assessed separately despite similar pollution sources. As a result, risks might be addressed ineffectively. Integrated risk assessment approaches are thus needed that elucidate the uncertainties in the risk evaluation of emerging drinking water contaminants, while considering risk assessors' values. This study therefore aimed to (1) construct an assessment hierarchy for the integrated evaluation of the potential risks from emerging chemical and microbial contaminants in drinking water and (2) develop a decision support tool, based on the agreed assessment hierarchy, to quantify (uncertain) risk scores. A multi-actor approach was used to construct the assessment hierarchy, involving chemical and microbial risk assessors, drinking water experts and members of responsible authorities. The concept of value-focused thinking was applied to guide the problem-structuring and model-building process. The development of the decision support tool was done using Decisi-o-rama, an open-source Python library. With the developed decision support tool (uncertain) risk scores can be calculated for emerging chemical and microbial drinking water contaminants, which can be used for the evidence-based prioritisation of actions on emerging chemical and microbial drinking water risks. The decision support tool improves existing prioritisation approaches as it combines uncertain indicator levels with a multi-stakeholder approach and integrated the risk assessment of chemical and microbial contaminants. By applying the concept of value-focused thinking, this study addressed difficulties in evidence-based decision-making related to emerging drinking water contaminants. Suggestions to improve the model were made to guide future research in assisting policy makers to effectively protect public health from emerging drinking water risks. • Structured assessment model for emerging contaminants using value-focused thinking. • Improving integrated policy making on chemical and microbial drinking water risks. • Input from 47 risk assessors, drinking water experts & authorities was incorporated. • Model developed to calculate drinking water risk scores for emerging contaminants. • Uncertainty in evidence base of emerging contaminants is included in risk scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As well as known contaminants, surface waters also contain an unknown variety of chemical and microbial contaminants which can pose a risk to humans if surface water is used for the production of drinking water. To protect human health proactively, and in a cost-efficient way, water authorities and drinking water companies need early warning systems. This study aimed to (1) assess the effectiveness of screening the scientific literature to direct sampling campaigns for early warning purposes, and (2) detect new aquatic contaminants of concern to public health in the Netherlands. By screening the scientific literature, six example contaminants (3 chemical and 3 microbial) were selected as potential aquatic contaminants of concern to the quality of Dutch drinking water. Stakeholders from the Dutch water sector and various information sources were consulted to identify the potential sources of these contaminants. Based on these potential contamination sources, two sampling sequences were set up from contamination sources (municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants), via surface water used for the production of drinking water to treated drinking water. The chemical contaminants, mycophenolic acid, tetrabutylphosphonium compounds and Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Trimer Acid, were detected in low concentrations and were thus not expected to pose a risk to Dutch drinking water. Colistin resistant Escherichia coli was detected for the first time in Dutch wastewater not influenced by hospital wastewater, indicating circulation of bacteria resistant to this last-resort antibiotic in the open Dutch population. Four out of six contaminants were thus detected in surface or wastewater samples, which showed that screening the scientific literature to direct sampling campaigns for both microbial and chemical contaminants is effective for early warning purposes. Unlabelled Image • Sampling campaign based on literature mining is effective for early warning purposes • Integrated assessment of potential chemical and microbial risks to drinking water • Four out of six analysed contaminants detected in surface water and wastewater • First report of Bu 4 P+, mycophenolic acid and MCR-1 E. coli in Dutch wastewater [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In experimental plant science, research often faces large numbers of tissue samples resulting from sequential harvests of a larger number of genotypes and treatments combinations. Analyses of biological processes such as enzyme kinetics are often time-consuming or need specific sample preparation procedures before the actual measurements can be done. Time is thus often the critical factor and the possibility to store plant samples either as tissue or as extracts increases the available timeframe for analyses. Biological molecules such as enzymes often change their activities when stored and thus do not reflect the processes occurring in living tissue. We investigated the effect of different storage methods such as freeze-drying, freezing at −20 °C, and freezing at −80 °C on the activity of three enzymes known as antioxidants, namely ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase from two rice varieties. Varieties differed in enzyme activity in extracts of fresh material from leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and roots. When subjected to different storage methods, there were no differences between varieties, but strong effects of the different storage methods on enzyme activities were found. The effects of the storage methods on enzyme activity strongly differed between extracts from stored tissue samples or extracts stored from freshly sampled material. We propose enzyme-specific storage methods and durations that allow for expanding the window for analyses in large experimental studies involving destructive samplings for enzyme kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion The GOAL is a unique CP-specific patient- or parent-reported outcome measure that covers the ICF domains body structure and function, activities, and participation. Whereas previously established instruments focus mainly on the patient's capacity in test situations, the GOAL adds the patient's and parent's perspective more broadly on the actual gait-related function and mobility in everyday life. Cerebral palsy, gait outcome assessment list, questionnaire, gait function, patient reported outcome measure Keywords: cerebral palsy; gait outcome assessment list; gait function; patient reported outcome measure; questionnaire EN cerebral palsy gait outcome assessment list gait function patient reported outcome measure questionnaire 96 101 6 04/21/22 20220301 NES 220301 Conflict of Interest None declared. [Extracted from the article]

Pain and inferior efficacy are major limiting factors of conventional photodynamic therapy for the field treatment of actinic keratoses in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients. This prospective randomized controlled study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of ablative fractional laser system pretreatment combined with low-irradiance photodynamic therapy (18.5 mW/cm²) compared with conventional photodynamic therapy (61.67 mW/cm²) in the treatment of actinic keratoses on the face and scalp in organ transplant recipients, using a red light-emitting diode lamp at a total light dose of 37 J/cm². Low-irradiance photodynamic therapy combined with Er:YAG pretreatment achieved a significantly superior lesion response rate (mean ± standard deviation 77.3 ± 23.6%) compared with conventional photodynamic therapy (61.8 ± 21.4%; p = 0.025) in intra-individual fields at 3 months without negatively impacting pain (p = 0.777) or cosmetic outcome (p = 0.157). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the structure of the absolute differential Galois group of a rational function field over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. In particular, we relate the behavior of differential embedding problems to the condition that the absolute differential Galois group is free as a proalgebraic group. Building on this, we prove Matzat's freeness conjecture in the case that the field of constants is algebraically closed of countably infinite transcendence degree over Q. This is the first known case of the twenty year old conjecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scientific research on palliative care in dementia is still underdeveloped. In particular, there are no research studies at all on palliative care issues in young onset dementia (YOD), although significant differences compared to late onset dementia (LOD) are expected. Most studies have focused on persons with dementia in long term care (LTC) facilities but have neglected persons that are cared for at home. We hypothesize that unmet care needs exist in advanced and terminal stages of YOD and LOD and that they differ between YOD and LOD. Methods/design: The EPYLOGE-study (IssuEs in Palliative care for people in advanced and terminal stages of Young-onset and Late-Onset dementia in GErmany) aims to prospectively assess and survey 200 persons with YOD and LOD in advanced stages who are cared for in LTC facilities and at home. Furthermore, EPYLOGE aims to investigate the circumstances of death of 100 persons with YOD and LOD. This includes 1) describing symptoms and management, health care utilization, palliative care provision, quality of life and death, elements of advance care planning, family caregivers’ needs and satisfaction; 2) comparing YOD and LOD regarding these factors; 3) developing expert-consensus recommendations derived from the study results for the improvement and implementation of strategies and interventions for palliative care provision; 4) and communicating the recommendations nationally and internationally in order to improve and adapt guidelines, to change current practice and to give a basis and perspectives for future research projects. The results will also be communicated to patients and their families in order to counsel and support them in their decision making processes and their dialogue with professional caregivers and physicians. Discussion: EPYLOGE is the first study in Germany that assesses palliative care and end-of-life issues in dementia. Furthermore, it is the first study internationally that focuses on the specific palliative care situation of persons with YOD and their families. EPYLOGE serves as a basis for the improvement of palliative care in dementia. Trial registration: The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03364179; Registered: 6. December 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent evidence derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies suggests that functional hubs (i.e., highly connected brain regions) are important for mental health. We found recently that global connectivity of a hub in the left frontal cortex (LFC connectivity) is associated with relatively preserved memory abilities and higher levels of protective factors (education, IQ) in normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. These results suggest that LFC connectivity supports reserve capacity, alleviating memory decline. An open question, however, is why LFC connectivity is beneficial and supports memory function in the face of neurodegeneration. We hypothesized that higher LFC connectivity is associated with enhanced efficiency in connected major networks involved in episodic memory. We further hypothesized that higher LFC-related network efficiency predicts higher memory abilities. Methods: We assessed fMRI during a face-name association learning task performed by 26 healthy, cognitively normal elderly participants. Using beta-series correlation analysis, we computed task-related LFC connectivity to key memory networks, including the default mode network (DMN) and dorsal attention network (DAN). Network efficiency within the DMN and DAN was estimated by the graph theoretical small-worldness statistic. We applied linear regression analyses to test the association between LFC connectivity with the DMN/DAN and small-worldness of these networks. Mediation analysis was applied to test LFC connectivity to the DMN and DAN as a mediator of the association between education and higher DMN and DAN small-worldness. Last, we tested network small-worldness as a predictor of memory performance. Results: We found that higher LFC connectivity to the DMN and DAN during successful memory encoding and recognition was associated with higher small-worldness of those networks. Higher task-related LFC connectivity mediated the association between education and higher small-worldness in the DMN and DAN. Further, higher small-worldness of these networks predicted better performance in the memory task. Conclusions: The present results suggest that higher education-related LFC connectivity to key memory networks during a memory task is associated with higher network efficiency and thus enhanced reserve of memory abilities in aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since people with advanced dementia are usually not able to make complex decisions, it is usually the family caregivers, as proxies, who have to decide on treatments and their termination. However, these decisions are difficult for the caregivers to make, as they are often inadequately informed and cannot properly assess the consequences; moreover, they are concerned about harming the sick person. We aimed to first develop an informative booklet about palliative care issues for caregivers of people with advanced dementia. Secondly, we aimed to investigate a change in family caregivers' knowledge regarding palliative care issues and caregivers' involvement in medical and care decisions before and after studying this booklet. Methods: A first version of the booklet was drafted by an experienced psychiatrist and palliative care specialist based on existing booklets and guidelines; necessary cultural adaptions were taken into consideration. A nominal group process was conducted to develop the informative guide. In order to investigate the acceptance of the booklet and the possibility to implement it, 38 patient-caregiver dyads were recruited, and caregivers were interviewed both before receiving the booklet and after 3 months of receiving the booklet. Results: Experts from various disciplines collaborated on a German booklet for family caregivers of people with advanced dementia as an information aid regarding issues of palliative care. The subsequent test showed that all caregivers had experienced a personal benefit from the booklet. Caregivers had a significant gain of knowledge after provision of the booklet. A large proportion of caregivers who had not previously considered and/or discussed medical topics reported that they had done so within 3 months after obtaining the booklet, or planned to do so in the near future. Conclusions: The caregivers valued the comprehensible, concise and well-structured information guide on palliative care issues in advanced dementia. They agreed it increases knowledge and prompts decision making and therefore should be developed in many languages and disseminated among family caregivers of people with dementia. Trial registration: clinicaltrial.gov, NCT03548142. Retrospectively registered 7 June 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seems to be associated with procrastination and both may hinder academic success. Further, research indicates that both constructs are associated with self-regulation and perfectionism. In this study, we used data of two samples (N total = 762) to test possible associations of ADHD-symptoms with procrastination and to test possible mediators for such an association. Results showed indeed positive associations between procrastination and ADHD-subscales for both samples (inattention: r =.67 and r =.66; hyperactivity / impulsivity: r =.35 and r =.22). Indirect effects of inattention on procrastination via self-regulation and indirect effects of hyperactivity / impulsivity on procrastination via self-regulation and socially prescribed perfectionism were found. The association between ADHD-symptoms and procrastination thus can partly be explained by indirect effects via other constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We solve the inverse differential Galois problem over the fraction field of k [ [ t , x ] ] and use this to solve split differential embedding problems over k ((t)) (x) that are induced from k (x). The proofs use patching as well as prior results on inverse problems and embedding problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Guidelines for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) recommend that if antipsychotics are necessary, these should be used only for a limited time and with the lowest possible dose. Objective: In order to raise awareness of the risks of antipsychotic treatment in patients with dementia and the resulting need for time-limited and as low-dose antipsychotic treatment as possible, recommendations for deprescribing of antipsychotics in people with dementia have been developed. Material and methods: The recommendations were developed in a multistage process: 1. Literature search with special appreciation of agreed guideline recommendations and results of an intervention study (READY study) 2. Discussion and consensus in a panel of experts, 3. Online survey of medical dementia experts working in Germany. Results: From the 51 statements that were initially drafted 32 statements on antipsychotic deprescribing were formulated after the discussion in the multiprofessional expert panel. Of the 32 statements 25 were finally implemented after agreement by the experts in the online survey. Discussion: In Germany, there are so far no specific recommendations for the reduction and discontinuation of antipsychotics used to treat BPSD in people with dementia. The article is intended as recommendations for general practitioners and specialists. The recommendations are not guidelines and do not replace personal responsibility. The individual approach always depends on the individual treatment situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determine the absolute differential Galois group of the field C (x) of rational functions: It is the free proalgebraic group on a set of cardinality | C |. This solves a longstanding open problem posed by B.H. Matzat. For the proof we develop a new characterization of free proalgebraic groups in terms of split embedding problems, and we use patching techniques in order to solve a very general class of differential embedding problems. Our result about C (x) also applies to rational function fields over more general fields of coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate modelling of plant development is the basis for any assessment of climate change impact on crop yields. Most rice models simulate development (phenology) based on temperature and photoperiod, but often the reliability of these models is reduced beyond the environment they were calibrated for. In our study, we tested the effects of relative air humidity and solar radiation on leaf appearance rate in greenhouse experiments and analysed data sets from field studies conducted in two extremely different rice‐growing environments in Nepal and Senegal. We also analysed environmental effects on duration to flowering of one popular IRRI material (IR64) for eight different sites covering the entire temperature range where rice is widely cultivated. Both low relative air humidity and low solar radiation significantly decreased leaf appearance rate. Mean air temperature explained 81% of the variation in duration to flowering across sites, which was furthermore significantly influenced by relative air humidity. Across all sites, a simple linear regression approach including mean air temperature and mean relative humidity in the calculation of duration to flowering led to a root mean square error (RMSE) of 10 days, which was slightly lower than the RMSE of 11 days achieved with an automated calibration tool for parameter optimization of cardinal temperatures and photoperiod sensitivity. Parameter optimization for individual sites led to a much smaller prediction error, but also to large differences in cardinal temperatures between sites, mainly lower optimum temperatures for the cooler sites. To increase the predictive power of phenological models outside their calibration range and especially in climate change scenarios, a more mechanistic modelling approach is needed. A starting point could be including relative air humidity and radiation in the simulation procedure of crop development, and presumably, a closer link between growth and development procedures could help to increase the robustness of phenological models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To shed more light on the pathogenesis of sebaceous carcinoma, we analysed the expression of proteins related to angiogenesis in 18 ocular and 22 extraocular sebaceous carcinomas using a broad panel of immunohistochemical markers. To quantify the expression of D2-40, vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and -3, we calculated a quantification score by considering the percentage of positive tumour cells (0=0%, 1=up to 1%, 2=2-10%, 3=11-50%, and 4=>50%) in relation to the staining intensity (0=negative, 1=low, 2=medium, and 3=strong). Additionally, lymphatic microvessel density in the D2-40 stained sections was counted. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (quantification score 9.42 ± 2.94) was significantly more strongly expressed than vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (quantification score 2.15 ± 2.42, p < 0.001). Furthermore, epidermal vascular endothelial growth factor expression was negatively correlated with the intratumoural lymphatic vessel density, and the ratio of small lymphatics to large lymphatics was much higher in intratumoural tissue than in paratumoural tissue and in intraindividual control tissue, suggesting a lymphangiogenetic potential of sebaceous carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Subcortical T2-weighted (T2w) lesions are very common in older adults and have been associated with dementia. However, little is known about the strategic lesion distribution and how lesion patterns relate to vascular risk factors and cognitive impairment. Aim The aim of this study was to analyze the association between T2w lesion load and location, vascular risk factors, and cognitive impairment in a large cohort of older adults. Methods 1017 patients participating in a large prospective cohort study (INtervention project on cerebroVAscular disease and Dementia in the district of Ebersberg, INVADE II) were analyzed. Cerebral T2w white matter and deep grey matter lesions, the so-called white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), were outlined semi-automatically on fluid attenuated inversion recovery images and normalized to standard stereotaxic space (MNI152) by non-linear registration. Patients were assigned to either a low-risk or a high-risk group. The risk assessment considered ankle brachial index, intima media thickness, carotid artery stenosis, atrial fibrillation, previous cerebro-/cardiovascular events and peripheral artery disease as well as a score based on cholesterol levels, blood pressure and smoking. Separate lesion distributions were obtained for the two risk groups and compared using voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping. Moreover, we assessed the relation between lesion location and cognitive impairment (demographically adjusted z-scores of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery Plus, CERAD-NAB Plus) using voxel-based statistics (α = 0.05). Results A total of 878 out of 1017 subjects (86%) had evaluable MRI data and were included in the analyses (mean age: 68.2 ± 7.6 years, female: 515). Patients in the high-risk group were characterized by a significantly higher age, a higher proportion of men, a higher lesion load (p < 0.001), and a worse performance in some of the cognitive subdomain scores (p < 0.05). Voxels with significant associations to the subjects' cerebrovascular risk profiles were mainly found at locations of the corpus callosum, superior corona radiata, superior longitudinal fasciculus, internal and external capsule, and putamen. While several cognitive domains have shown significant associations with the participants' total lesion burden (p < 0.05), no focal WMH locations were found to be associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusion Age, gender, several cognitive scores, and WMH lesion load were shown to be significantly associated with vascular risk factors in a population of older, but cognitively preserved adults. Vascular risk factors seem to promote lesion formation most severely at well-defined locations. While lesion load showed weak associations to some cognitive scores, no focal locations causing specific cognitive disturbances were identified in this large cohort of older adults. Highlights • Study of association between T2w lesion load and location, vascular risk factors, cognition. • Increased vascular risk reflected in higher age, proportion of men, lesion load, cognitive disturbances. • Periventricular lesions significantly associated with vascular risk factors. • Total lesion burden but not focal locations partially explain cognitive disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) at cervical cancer screening are currently referred for further diagnostic work up despite 80% having no precancerous lesion. The primary purpose of this study is to measure the test characteristics of 3q26 chromosome gain (3q26 gain) as a host marker of carcinogenesis in women with LSIL. A negative triage test may allow these women to be followed by cytology alone without immediate referral to colposcopy. Methods and Findings: A historical prospective study was designed to measure 3q26 gain from the archived liquid cytology specimens diagnosed as LSIL among women attending colposcopy between 2007 and 2009. 3q26 gain was assessed on the index liquid sample; and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were measured at immediate triage and at 6-16 months after colposcopic biopsy. The sensitivity of 3q26 gain measured at immediate triage from automated and manually reviewed tests in 65 non-pregnant unique women was 70% (95% CI: 35, 93) with a NPV of 89% (95% CI: 78, 96). The sensitivity and NPV increased to 80% (95% CI: 28, 99) and 98% (95% CI: 87, 100), respectively, when only the automated method of detecting 3q26 gain was used. Conclusions: 3q26 gain demonstrates high sensitivity and NPV as a negative triage test for women with LSIL, allowing possible guideline changes to routine surveillance instead of immediate colposcopy. Prospective studies are ongoing to establish the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 3q26 gain for LSIL over time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture leads to mechanical and functional knee instability. Functional instability is likely attributable to a sensorimotor deficit. In previous studies, a method has been introduced which allows this deficit to be objectively assessed using ACL-hamstring reflex measurements. There is evidence that subjectively stable and unstable patients with ACL rupture can be objectively distinguished by this method. This study on 34 men was conducted to investigate the reliability of this method on the basis of several factors (intra-individual reproducibility, side-to-side differences, inter-examiner reliability, audiovisual stimuli, fatigue, height, weight, physical fitness, and level of activity at work). The role of gender was assessed in 20 men and 20 women. None of the factors had a relevant influence on reflex responses. The tests were reproducible and reliable. The method described here can thus be used for further research and the clinical diagnosis of functional instability following ACL rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture leads to mechanical and functional knee instability. Functional instability is likely attributable to a sensorimotor deficit. In previous studies, a method has been introduced which allows this deficit to be objectively assessed using ACL-hamstring reflex measurements. There is evidence that subjectively stable and unstable patients with ACL rupture can be objectively distinguished by this method. This study on 34 men was conducted to investigate the reliability of this method on the basis of several factors (intra-individual reproducibility, side-to-side differences, inter-examiner reliability, audiovisual stimuli, fatigue, height, weight, physical fitness, and level of activity at work). The role of gender was assessed in 20 men and 20 women. None of the factors had a relevant influence on reflex responses. The tests were reproducible and reliable. The method described here can thus be used for further research and the clinical diagnosis of functional instability following ACL rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the impact of cognitive impairment on activities of daily living (ADL) is being used as a major criterion for differentiating between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The concept of an ADL threshold that separates MCI from dementia, however, appears to he improbable for several reasons. Objectives: to determine whether complex ADL are impaired in patients with MCI; to examine the usefulness of the assessment of ADL impairment for the diagnosis of MCI; to explore whether both cognitive testing and assessment of impaired ADL are significant predictors of the diagnosis according to the diagnostic gold standard of MCI. Design: cross sectional study. Setting: university-based outpatient clinic. Subjects: a total of 45 elderly MCI patients diagnosed according to research diagnostic criteria and 30 age- matched cognitively unimpaired controls. Methods: clinical assessment Alzheimer's disease Assessment scale, cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) for the assessment of cognitive functions, Alzheimer's disease Cooperative Study scale for ADL in MCI (ADCS-MCI-ADL) for the assessment of impairments of complex ADL. Statistical evaluation -- Mann--Whitney U tests for significant differences on measures of cognition and everyday functioning. Non-parametric correlations for associations between ADL and cognitive ability. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analyses to identify optimal cut-off scores on the ADCS-MCI-ADL and ADAS-cog scales to differentiate between MCI patients and controls. Binary logistic regression analyses to predict the diagnosis of MCI on the basis of the above-mentioned instruments. Results: patients scored significantly higher than controls on the ADAS cog scale and significantly lower on the ADCS MCI-ADL scale. There was a significant negative correlation of the above-mentioned scales in MCI patients (r = -0.46, P<0.01). Both instruments discriminated well between patients anti controls (ADCS-MCI-ADL: optimal cut- off 52 points, sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.97; ADAS-cog: optimal cut-off 10 points, sensitivity 0.78, specificity 1.0). With regard to the linear predictor in the logistic regression built, both instruments were strong predictors of the diagnosis according to the diagnostic gold standard (ADCS-MCI-ADL: P = 0.002; ADAS cog: P = 0.041). Conclusion: impairment of ADL is already present in MCI. Therefore, intact ADL cannot be used as a criterion to define the syndrome of MCI and to distinguish it from mild dementia. The assessment of complex ADL is probably useful for the diagnosis of MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a borderline state between age-associated cognitive decline and mild dementia. MCI is separated from mild dementia by an absence of global intellectual deterioration and the preservation of activities of daily living (ADL). However, even mild degrees of cognitive deterioration are known to have negative effects on complex ADL. ObjectivesTo examine whether patients with MCI have impaired ADL as compared to healthy controls, which areas of ADL are particularly involved, and whether limitations on ADL are associated with demographical or clinical data. MethodsForty-eight patients with MCI diagnosed according to research criteria and 42 cognitively unimpaired controls were enrolled. Cognitive function was inter alia assessed by the MMSE, complex ADL by the ADCS-MCI-ADL scale. Frequency distributions were compared between patients and controls using chi-square tests. Mean values were examined for statistically significant differences using Kruskal-Wallis tests. A Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied to the comparison of the 18 areas of the ADCS-MCI-ADL scale. Associations between ADL and biographical or clinical data were analysed using non-parametric correlations. ResultsThe overall score on the ADCS-MCI-ADL scale was significantly lower in the MCI group. Patients performed significantly worse on 14 out of 18 activities. Activities involving memory or complex reasoning were particularly impaired, whereas more basic activities were unimpaired. There were no statistically significant associations of the ADCS-MCI-ADL overall score with age, years of formal education, gender, or number of cognitive domains affected in the group of MCI patients. However, there was a statistically significant association between the ADCS-MCI-ADL and the MMSE score. ConclusionMCI patients may be impaired in complex ADL. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constitutive expression and localization of antimicrobial human β-defensin-1 (HBD-1) in human kidneys as a potential mechanism of antimicrobial defense has been previously reported. Inducible expression of human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2) has been described in various epithelial organs but not for the urogenital tract. Methods: We investigated the gene- and protein expression of HBD-1 and HBD-2 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry in 15 normal human kidney samples and 15 renal tissues with chronic bacterial infection. Additionally, cell culture experiments were performed to study HBD gene expression by real-time RT-PCR in response to inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β as well as lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative bacteria. Results: Constitutive HBD-1 gene- and protein expression was detected in normal renal tissue and kidneys with chronic infection. As a novel finding, inducible HBD-2 gene- and protein expression was demonstrated in tubulus epithelia with chronic infection but not in normal renal tissue. In pyelonephritic kidneys HBD-1 and HBD-2 expression showed a similar pattern of localizaton in distal tubules, loops of Henle and in collecting ducts of the kidney. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR of kidney derived cell lines stimulated with inflammatory agents TNF-α, IL-1β and LPS revealed a strong increase in relative HBD-2 transcription level and also a slight increase in relative HBD-1 transcription level. Conclusions: Upregulated HBD-2 expression in renal tubulus epithelium indicates a role of a wider range of human defensins for antimicrobial host defense in the urogenital tract than previously recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing demand for dairy products with long shelf-life is foreseen. A limiting factor for maintaining high quality of these products is the activity of spoilage enzymes during storage. Lipase and protease activities in Swedish raw milk at farm and dairy level were investigated, analysing milk samples from three geographical regions and two seasons. Lipase activity in milk at farm level was affected by regional and seasonal variations, whereas at dairy level only season had an effect. Lipase activity was positively correlated with ionic calcium. For protease activity, no effect of either region or season was seen. Degradation products, e.g., free fatty acids, peptides and plasmin proteolysis products, varied differently between season and geographical origin at both farm and dairy level. The results indicate that lipase and protease activities are important for raw milk quality, while ionic calcium might be a future indicator for milk fat stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]