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To meet the increasing need for quantification of allergens and to have an alternative to commercially available ELISA and PCR systems, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety started establishing in-house PCR systems. To obtain low limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), target sequences are preferably sought in multicopy genomes like mitochondrial- or chloroplast DNA. These molecules are of high but varying abundance even among tissues of the same organism. Beyond that, DNA might be degraded by processes of food manufacturing which additionally affects their quantification. Therefore, a reliable correlation of the allergen portion in a sample and its chloroplast-DNA concentration cannot be preassumed. This incoherence is not further considered (e.g., by a matrix-related reference material), and therefore, our quantitative results can only be understood as the mass of soy which maintained its biochemical activity, related to the soy content of the reference material used. To convert absolute results expressed in copies per microliter (Cp/µL) as obtained by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) into a unit of mass fraction (e.g., milligram per kilogram), a conversion function is generated by the measurement of a reference material in the same run. For the specific detection and quantification of the allergenic ingredient soy (Glycine max) in food a primer/probe system has been developed which amplifies a 140 bp product of the ndhH gene of the chloroplast DNA. It is specific for soy and does not react with even closely related plant species. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) was selected for quantification for its particular advantages and the method has been validated in-house. It was found to be applicable to various matrices including meat products, flour, milk, and fatty creams, with recovery rates between 60 and 100%. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification (LOQ) are 0.16 mg/kg and 0.60 mg/kg, respectively. Repeated analysis of analyte-free food matrices spiked with reference material provided acceptable values for precision: The relative standard deviation (RSDoverall) of the whole method (including DNA extraction) is below 25%. The recovery of pure soy material (pulverized beans) was between 112.5 and 135.0%. The presented method is shown to be reliable and accurate, provided that samples and reference material are extracted and amplified in the same way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature jump experiments with a characteristic heating time of 0.5 ms are used to study the kinetics of liquid/liquid phase separation in noncritical mixtures of 2,6-dimethyl pyridine and water (|x-xc|>0.02; x, mole fraction of 2,6-dimethyl pyridine; xc, critical composition) as functions of composition and supersaturation. The response of the system to a temperature jump is monitored by measuring the intensity of light scattered by the sample at different scattering angles Θ (30°<Θ<90°) as a function of time (up to several seconds). Starting from a level of constant intensity reached with a time constant in the range of milliseconds after a temperature jump the scattered intensity increases with time. For small supersaturations consecutive maxima and minima of scattered intensity develop.They reflect diffusion limited growth of droplets of the emerging second liquid phase (linear relationship between the square of the radius of growing droplets and time). The growth rate increases with increasing supersaturation. Practically no nucleation barrier is found for the onset of growth of droplets for small supersaturations and compositions (|x-xc|>0.03). The number density N of growing droplets is obtained from simultaneous measurements of scattered intensity and turbidity. For small supersaturations N is independent of time but changes with supersaturation in a characteristic way (classical nucleation model). There exists an upper limit of overheating δT* above which the number density N increases drastically. The ratio (δT*/ΔTc,p) is independent of the reduced temperature ε of phase separation (ε=ΔTc,p/Tc; ΔTc,p=Tc-Tp; Tc, critical temperature, Tp, temperature of phase separation). This is expected for mixtures of noncritical composition. The theory proposed by Langer and Schwartz to treat nucleation and growth of droplets in metastable near critical fluids does not describe the phenomena observed in this... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) alone or in combination with bevacizumab.MethodsSixty-four eyes were prospectively investigated. Group 1 (22 central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 16 branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)) was treated with Ozurdex alone, and group 2 (14 CRVO and 12 BRVO) was treated with three consecutive bevacizumab injections followed by Ozurdex. Recurrences were treated with Ozurdex only. Patients were seen preoperatively and thereafter in monthly intervals. The primary end point was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months.ResultsIn group 1, BCVA improved by 6.6 (±1.7) letters in CRVO and 7.8 (±2.9) in BRVO patients, and in group 2 by 9.8 (±1.0) vs 9.4 (±2.1) letters. A significant difference was only seen between CRVO patients in group 1 and 2 at 12 months (P<0.05). Recurrence after the first Ozurdex injection occurred after 3.8 (CRVO) and 3.5 months (BRVO) in group 1, vs 3.2 and 3.7 months in group 2. Elevated intraocular pressure (>5 mm Hg) was measured in approximately 40% cataract progression requiring surgery in about 50% of eyes after three Ozurdex injections.ConclusionCombined treatment showed slightly better functional outcome for CRVO patients. Increased intraocular pressure and cataract progression was frequent and should be considered when an individual treatment is planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human immune system is orchestrated in a complex manner and protects the host against invading organisms and controls adequate immune responses to different antigen challenges in an endo-, auto- and paracrine-regulated fashion. The variety and intensity of immune responses are known to be dependent on stress-sensitive neural, humoral and metabolic pathways. The delayed-type hypersensitivity ( DTH) skin test was a validated and standardized measure applied in clinical studies to monitor the integral function of cellular immune responses in vivo. The DTH skin test was, however, phased out in 2002. To obtain insight into the mechanisms of stress-sensitive immune reactions, we have developed an alternative in-vitro assay which allows the evaluation of antigen-dependent cellular immune responses triggered by T lymphocytes. The change in the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in supernatant of the blood-antigen mixture is of particular interest to mirror the degree and adequacy of cellular immune responses. In this study we report that the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α show a time-dependent increase upon ex-vivo bacterial, viral and fungal antigen stimulations. Furthermore, evidence is provided that this assay is sensitive to mirror stress hormone-mediated immune modulation in humans as shown either after hydrocortisone injection or after acute stress exposure during free fall in parabolic flight. This in-vitro test appears to be a suitable assay to sensitively mirror stress hormone-dependent inhibition of cellular immune responses in the human. Because of its standardization and relatively simple technical handling, it may also serve as an appropriate research tool in the field of psychoneuroendocrinology in clinical as in field studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Silorane-based dental monomers contain an epoxy functional group. Less is known about the toxicological and inflammatory potential of silorane-based composites. Therefore we compared the release of 24 cytokines from human leukocytes after incubation with silorane-based Filtek™ Silorane (Silo) and methacrylate-based TetricEvo Flow® (TC). Methods: Leukocytes from nine healthy test persons (P) were incubated with Silo or TC for up to 72h. All 24h cytokines were quantified with a magnetic bead assay. Results: Silo stimulates the leukocytes to higher release of cytokines when compared to TC. 72h after beginning the experiment, leukocytes from P6 incubated with Silo secreted more than an 18-fold amount of interleukin (IL)-6 when compared with leukocytes incubated with TC (771.8 vs 42.1pg/ml). Only leukocytes from P8 incubated with Silo release up to 14.4pg/ml IL-2 after 72h. Significance: The significantly higher induction of cytokines with Silo in comparison to TC is test person independent. This indicates a higher sensitization potential for Silo. Because of the cytokine release pattern (especially the release of T-cell dependent IL-2) from leukocytes from P8 after incubation with Silo it is likely that P8 can develop an allergic Type IV sensitization to Silo. Therefore the cytokine release assay is a helpful tool for providing information about possible immunological reactions to dental resins in individual cases as well as for a general risk assessment and comparison between different dental materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A comprehensive collection of mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) promoter and exon 2 sequences is here presented and analysed. It covers the three best known class II genes and one class I gene, and includes new wild mouse sequences from the ‘w’ back-cross strains and from the Jackson collection. All sequences are in GenBank, and the new exon sequences largely confirm previous typing by serology and immune function. As in human leucocyte antigen (HLA), the overall nucleotide diversity is higher in the class II genes, in keeping with their more diverse function. Diversity along the promoters is highest in the region of known transcription factor binding, most notably in and around the CRE and rCAAT sequences. This distribution parallels that of maximum single nucleotide polymorphism impact previously obtained with reporter constructs. Taking into account the low nucleotide diversity of the CIITA promoter, we conclude that MHC promoters are likely to have diversified through co-evolution with their exons, while themselves also directly subject to natural selection. The H2Ebp alleles form a distinct group, associated with their lack of the recombination hot spot located between exon 2 and exon 3. The collection is expected to prove useful in guiding functional and evolutionary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Parts of the mitochondrial genes coding for 12SrRNA and 16SrRNA (together about 960 bp) were sequenced for all Mediterranean species of ‘Mountain lizards’ of the genera Archaeolacerta (sensu lato ) and Iberolacerta . All subspecies of the Iberian species Iberolacerta cyreni and I. monticola were included in this study. In addition, samples of Apathya cappadocica and Darevskia rudis were analysed to elucidate the relationships of the European ‘Mountain lizards’ to their possible relatives in the Near East. Maximum parsimony and neighbour joining analyses lead to the following major conclusions: (i) the monophyly of the genus Iberolacerta is very well supported; (ii) Archaeolacerta bedriagae (the type species of the genus) is most basal with respect to the ingroup taxa. If we accept Iberolacerta as a genus, Archaeolacerta becames paraphyletic. Therefore, we propose to restrict Archaeolacerta to the type species and to treat A. mosorensis and A. oxycephala provisionally as members of the collective genus Lacerta ; (iii) within the genus Iberolacerta three groups were found: a Pyrenean group, an Iberian group and I. horvathi . The relationships among these groups remain unresolved; and (iv) the Peña de Francia lizards, described originally as a subspecies of I. cyreni , are in fact more closely related to I. monticola . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The problem of metal sensitivity (Ni, Cr, and Co) in arthroplasty is still unsolved. To prevent the risk of allergy in cases with proved metal allergy in an epicutaneous test, a Natural Knee total knee arthroplasty, made totally from titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) and polyethylene, can be implanted. The results of this device have to be compared to the results of normal knee arthroplasty designed with a femoral component out of CrCoNi alloy. The mechanical resistance of this alloy is much higher than that of titanium, and therefore it is the standard for the femoral components of most knee-resurfacing devices. Methods. Thirty-five patients with a titanium Natural Knee were examined retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 2 years and 5 months (range 6 months to 5 years and 4 months). In comparison, 36 patients with a Genesis-I knee with a CrCoNi alloy femoral component were studied after a mean follow-up of 2 years and 4 months (range 8 months to 6 years and 2 months). Results. In spite of the lower mechanical resistance of titanium, the Natural Knee showed better results (knee score 84.1 points, function score 77.7 points, HSS score 80.1 points, 82.9% excellent and good results) than the Genesis-I knee (knee score 80.6 points, function score 76.4 points, HSS score 76.4 points, 68.5% excellent and good results), although these differences had no statistical significance. Conclusions. The titanium Natural Knee prosthesis has proven to be a reliable knee joint replacement in the medium term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jawless Agnatha (lampreys and hagfishes) represent the phylogenetically oldest order of vertebrates that are believed to lack the adaptive immune system of jawed vertebrates. In order to search for molecular markers specific for cellular components of the adaptive immune system in lampreys, we used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify genes for transcription factors of the Ikaros family in genomic DNA and cDNA libraries from two species of lampreys, Petromyzon marinus and Lampetra fluviatilis . The mammalian Ikaros-like family of transcription factors consists of five members, Ikaros, Helios, Aiolos, Eos and Pegasus, of which the first three appear to be essential for lymphocyte development. Two different Ikaros -like genes, named IKLF1 and IKLF2 , were identified in lamprey. They both have the conserved exon–intron structure of seven exons and show alternative splicing like their counterparts in jawed vertebrates. The genes code for predicted proteins of 589 and 513 amino acid residues, respectively. The proteins contain six highly conserved zinc finger motifs that are 83–91% identical to the mammalian members of the Ikaros-like family. The remaining parts of the sequences are, however, mostly unalignable. Phylogenetic analysis based on the alignable segments of the sequences does not identify the orthologous gene in jawed vertebrates but rather shows equidistance of the lamprey Ikaros-like factors to each other and to Ikaros, Helios, Aiolos and Eos. Expression studies by reverse transcription (RT)–PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH), however, provide evidence for moderate expression in presumed lymphoid tissues like the gut epithelium and for high levels of expression in the gonads, especially in the ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the author of the article related to the impact of intravitreal Dexamethason-implant (Ozurdex) on the opacification of lens is presented.

A correction to the article related to eye surgery published on December 20, 2013 is presented.

A calendar of international meetings is presented which includes "Noise and Vibration: Emerging Methods (NOVEM 2009)" in Oxford, England on April 5-9, 2009, XXI Session of the Russian Acoustical Society in Moscow, Russia on June 2-5, 2009, and 16th International Congress on Sound and Vibration in Krakow, Poland on July 5-9, 2009.

The number of college students who need mental health treatment outpaces the resources available to counseling centers to provide these needed services, presenting a need for low-cost, scalable interventions for college populations. We conducted a pilot implementation-effectiveness trial of a scalable treatment package that consisted of a single (telehealth) workshop plus a companion app that provided ecological momentary intervention. Participants (n = 177) received a workshop provided by counseling center staff and trainees. We were interested in (1) engagement with the app, (2) acceptability of the treatment package, and (3) initial effectiveness of the treatment package. Regarding engagement with the app, we found that participants preferred two reminder prompts per day and identified two key breakpoints when engagement declined significantly: at day 15, when just over half of the sample practiced a skill on the app at least once during the day and at day 41, when just over one third of people practiced a skill on the app each day. Regarding acceptability of the treatment package, students generally reported positive attitudes about the single-session workshop and app, but also noted that the content and assessments in the app needed to be more dynamic to improve how engaging it is. Regarding effectiveness, we found that about 75% of the sample experienced a significant reduction in negative affect from pre- to post-ecological momentary intervention. Moreover, there were significant pre- to post-study decreases in experiential avoidance and symptoms of anxiety and depression and increases in self-efficacy for managing negative emotions. The results of this study are promising in terms of providing initial support for this novel treatment package and provide useful information for researchers planning to develop and test similar interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear magnetotransport of two-dimensional electrons in modulation-doped GaAs/AlAs heterostructures with anisotropic mobility is investigated. The mobility attains its maximum and minimum values in the $$\left[ {1\bar 10} \right]$$ and [110] directions, respectively. It is found that, upon an increase in the direct electrical current I though Hall bars oriented along the [110] direction, the transition of the two-dimensional system to the state with differential resistance r ≈ 0 in a magnetic field occurs at a lower value of I and is accompanied by a more pronounced 'plunge' into the region of negative r values as compared to bars oriented along the $$\left[ {1\bar 10} \right]$$ direction. The results are explained by the impact of mobility on the spectral diffusion of nonequilibrium charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes were sequenced from representatives of three lacertid lizards: Podarcis siculus, Podarcis muralis and Phoenicolacerta kulzeri. In all three genomes the arrangement of the 22 tRNAs, the two rRNAs and the 13 protein-coding genes conforms to the common vertebrate arrangement. The phylogenetic position of Lacertidae within the order Squamata was determined through sequence analyses based on large sections of complete mt genomes. The number of nucleotide sites used for tree construction was 9234 when outgroup taxa were included, and 10 499 when only Squamata were compared. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed the sister group relationship between Lacertidae and Amphisbaenia as previously proposed on the basis of molecular data. Additionally, Bayesian analysis revealed a well supported clade comprising (Gekkonidae (Lacertidae + Amphisbaenia)), which is not in accordance with the traditional morphological view and most of the previous molecular studies. It confirms, however, the close relationship between Gekkonidae and Amphisbaenia as revealed in a recent study based on complete mt genomes from a smaller number of taxa. Intra- and intergeneric sequence comparisons of six commonly used marker genes showed rather high levels of divergence within the Lacertidae. In the intrageneric comparison the control region proved to be considerably more conserved than the protein coding genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α2 -macroglobulin (A2M) and the complement components C3 and C4 are related proteins derived from a common ancestor. Theoretically, this derivation could have occurred either by tandem duplications of their encoding genes or by polyploidization involving chromosomal segments, a chromosome or the whole genome. In tetrapods the A2M -, C3 - and C4 -encoding genes are generally each located on a different chromosome. This observation has been interpreted as supporting their origin by polyploidization. We identified and mapped (with the help of a radiation hybrid panel of cell lines) the A2M , C3 and C4 loci in the zebrafish, Danio rerio . Each of the three types of loci is present in the zebrafish in multiple copies, but all of the identified copies of a given type map to the same region in linkage groups 1 ( C3 ) and 15 ( A2M , C4 ). The A2M and C4 loci are mapped in the same region not linked to any of the class I or class II major histocompatibility complex ( Mhc ) loci. These observations are interpreted as supporting the origin of the A2M family of genes by tandem duplications, followed by the dispersal of the copies to different chromosomes. It is also argued that the association of C4 with the class I/II loci in tetrapods is accidental and without functional significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/LBL) is a rare and heterogeneous malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of B or T cell precursor cells. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the outcome of early autologous stem cell transplantation in standard-risk patients in first complete remission (n=24) and of allogeneic transplantation in high and highest risk, and relapsed/refractory patients (n=35). The 10-year overall survival after autologous transplantation was 45%. The 10-year overall survival after allogeneic transplantation was 58%. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 29% after allogeneic and 67% after autologous transplantation. The cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality was 0% after autologous and 12% after allogeneic transplantation. This retrospective single center analysis in a limited number of standard-risk patients clearly demonstrates that early autologous transplantation in first complete remission leads to an acceptable long-term outcome with a short overall treatment duration of less than 6 months compared with more than 2 years with conventional chemotherapy. More sensitive and standardized methods to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) will further help to identify those patients more accurately who are most likely to benefit from such a short and intensive treatment strategy (i.e., MRD negative standard-risk patients) or those who require early targeted therapy (e.g., blinatumomab) in case of MRD positivity. Early allogeneic transplantation results in long-term survival/cure in nearly two-thirds of all high and highest risk, and relapsed/refractory patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperdoping with gallium (Ga) has been established as a route to observe superconductivity in silicon (Si). The relatively large critical temperatures (Tc) and magnetic fields (Bc) make this phase attractive for cryogenic circuit applications, particularly for scalable hybrid superconductor–semiconductor platforms. However, the robustness of Si:Ga superconductivity at millikelvin temperatures is yet to be evaluated. Here, we report the presence of a re-entrant resistive transition below Tc for Si:Ga whose magnitude strongly depends on the distribution of the Ga clusters that precipitate in the implanted Si after annealing. By monitoring the re-entrant resistance over a wide parameter space of implantation energies and fluences, we determine conditions that significantly improve the coherent coupling of Ga clusters, therefore eliminating the re-entrant transition at temperatures as low as 20 mK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Most leg ulcers occur in patients with venous insufficiency. However, not all patients with venous insufficiency develop leg ulcers. Recent studies have found that factors causing clotting abnormalities, e.g. anticardiolipin antibody (ACA), are associated with leg ulcers. Although lupus anticoagulant, like ACA, belongs to the group of antiphospholipid antibodies, its presence in patients with venous leg ulceration has not been previously reported. Objectives To determine the presence of lupus anticoagulant in patients with venous leg ulceration. Methods We investigated the presence of lupus anticoagulant in 27 patients with venous leg ulcers and compared these data with controls. Lupus anticoagulant was evaluated in all subjects by the Russell's viper venom test. Results Of 27 patients with venous leg ulceration, 16 (59%) were shown to have lupus anticoagulant, while only one of 32 controls (3%) was found to have lupus anticoagulant. Thus, lupus anticoagulant was significantly more frequent in patients with venous leg ulcers than in controls (P < 0·001). Conclusions We suggest that lupus anticoagulant could be a hitherto unknown factor contributing to the development of venous leg ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate refractive outcomes for a standard industry calculator using anterior corneal astigmatism or total corneal refractive power. Methods: This prospective interventional study evaluated the refractive outcomes of 56 eyes using a standard industry calculator (Zeiss ZCalc) and a digital IOL alignment software. After A-constant optimisation the ZCalc was recalculated with two different keratometry values using appropriate refractive indices: anterior corneal astigmatism (ACA) by IOLMaster 700 and total corneal refractive power (TCRP) by Pentacam. The Barrett toric calculator was used as a reference. Results: Undercorrection of 0.04 ± 0.42 D after 1 week and 0.13 ± 0.48 D after 3 months was achieved for the spherical equivalent by using a standard industry calculator. IOL misalignment was 2.8° ± 3.4° using a digital alignment system. For the ZCalc, the mean absolute error could be reduced from 0.19 ± 0.40 D using ACA to 0.04 ± 0.48 D when considering total corneal refractive power (p = 0.06). The Barrett calculator delivered better refractive outcomes than using a standard industry calculator with ACA measurements only (− 0.06 ± 0.43 D; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Reliable and accurate refractive outcomes in toric IOL calculation were achieved by using the ZCalc calculator. The prediction error for a widely used standard industry toric IOL calculator could be reduced by using measured total corneal refractive power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Increasing government legislation and regulations in manufacturing have led to additional documentation regarding the pharmaceutical product requirements of corneal grafts in the European Union. The aim of this project was to develop a software within a hospital information system (HIS) to support the documentation process, to improve the management of the patient waiting list and to increase informational flow between the clinic and eye bank. Materials and Methods. After an analysis of the current documentation process, a new workflow and software were implemented in our electronic health record (EHR) system. Results. The software takes over most of the documentation and reduces the time required for record keeping. It guarantees real-time tracing of all steps during human corneal tissue processing from the start of production until allocation during surgery and includes follow-up within the HIS. Moreover, listing of the patient for surgery as well as waiting list management takes place in the same system. Conclusion. The new software for corneal eye banking supports the whole process chain by taking over both most of the required documentation and the management of the transplant waiting list. It may provide a standardized IT-based solution for German eye banks working within the same HIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To compare two calculators for toric intraocular lens (IOL) calculation and to evaluate the prediction of refractive outcome. Methods. Sixty-four eyes of forty-five patients underwent cataract surgery followed by implantation of a toric intraocular lens (Zeiss Torbi 709 M) calculated by a standard industry calculator using front keratometry values. Prediction error, median absolute error, and refractive astigmatism error were evaluated for the standard calculator. The predicted postoperative refraction and toric lens power values were evaluated and compared after postoperative recalculation using the Barrett calculator. Results. We observed a significant undercorrection in the spherical equivalent (0.19 D) by using a standard calculator (p≤0.05). According to the Baylor nomogram and the refractive influence of posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA), undercorrection of the cylinder was lower for patients with WTR astigmatism, because of the tendency of overcorrection. An advantage of less residual postoperative SE, sphere, and cylinder for the Barrett calculator was observed when retrospectively comparing the calculated predicted postoperative refraction between calculators (p≤0.01). Conclusion. Consideration of only corneal front keratometric values for toric lens calculation may lead to postoperative undercorrection of astigmatism. The prediction of postoperative refractive outcome can be improved by using appropriate methods of adjustment in order to take PCA into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear magnetotransport of a two-dimensional (2D) electron gas in one-dimensional lateral superlattices based on a selectively doped GaAs/AlAs heterostructure is studied. The one-dimensional potential modulation of the 2D electron gas is performed by means of a series of metallic strips formed on the surface of a heterostructure with the use of electron beam lithography and a lift-off process. The dependence of the differential resistance r on the magnetic field B < 1.5T in superlattices with the period a = 400 nm at a temperature of T = 4.2 K is investigated. It is found that electronic states with r ≈ 0 appear in one-dimensional lateral superlattices in crossed electric and magnetic fields. It is shown that states with r ≈ 0 in 2D electronic systems with one-dimensional periodic modulation arise at the minima of commensurability oscillations of the magnetoresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To assess the effect of EGFR Inhibitor Erlotinib and the downstream Inhibitor Erufosin ( PI3K) soaked into intraocular lenses ( IOLs) on human lensepithelialcell ( LEC) proliferation in vitro. Methods Foldable IOLs were incubated with Erufosin or Erlotinib. Intraocular lenses of the same lot served as uncoated controls. Each IOL was placed into cell cultre containing proliferating human LECs. Cell survival was tested by the XTT-dye reduction assay 5 days later. Furthermore IOLs were put into the Gotoh anterior chamber model. In addition, soaked IOLs were implanted into the human capsular bags and braught to cell-culture. The time until full cell-coverage of the capsular bag was measured. Results Erufosin (P<0.05) and Erlotinib (P<0.05) coated IOLs attenuated human LEC proliferation in all above described models. For both substances soaked hydrophilic acrylic IOLs were more effective inhibitors of human LEC proliferation than coated hydrophobic acrylic. Conclusions Results show that both substances are suitable agents for IOL-soaking without linker molecules. Soaked IOLs can inhibit human LEC proliferation in our models and might become of clinical relevance in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of microwave radiation on the low-temperature magnetotransport of two-dimensional electrons in a one-dimensional lateral superlattice fabricated on the basis of a selectively doped GaAs/AlAs heterojunction has been investigated. It has been found that the resistance of the two-dimensional electron gas in this superlattice changes under the action of microwave radiation more substantially at the minima of commensurate oscillations than at the maxima. The experimental data demonstrate 'interference' of classical commensurate magnetoresistance oscillations and quantum microwave-induced oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is still poorly understood. An animal model of CSC proved that the mineralocorticoid receptor [] of the choroid also plays a role in CSC. Since there is still no evidence-based therapy for non-self-limiting CSC, this case series evaluates the effect of oral spironolactone in CSC patients. Methods: In this interventional, uncontrolled, prospective case series, we present 18 consecutive CSC patients. Patients were treated with spironolactone 25 mg twice daily (Spironolacton AL® 50 mg, ALIUD PHARMA) for up to 12 weeks. Follow-up examinations with BCVA, OCT, and EDI-OCT were performed at 1, 2, and 3 months after starting the treatment. Main outcome measure was a change of subretinal fluid (SRF) (in micrometers) measured by optical coherence tomography. Secondary outcome was a change in central retinal thickness (CRT) (in micrometers) measured by OCT and a change in BCVA. Results: The subretinal fluid (SRF; mean) decreased from 219 μm (baseline) to 100 μm (visit 3) (difference 119 μm). Total central retinal thickness (CRT; mean) decreased from 405 μm before treatment (baseline) to 287 μm after treatment (difference 118 μm). The BCVA (in logMAR; mean) increased from 0.32 at baseline to 0.20 at visit 3. Conclusion: Our case series could confirm a positive influence of spironolactone on the course CSC. Longer follow-up with a larger number of cases could provide more data about the long-term efficiency, recurrences, and safety of this well-tolerated and non-invasive treatment option of CSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most frequent complication after cataract surgery, leading to a loss of sight if untreated. Erlotinib might be of therapeutic interest as an effective target agent (selective EGF-tyrosin-kinase-1 inhibitor). In this in-vitro study, erlotinib was evaluated for ocular biocompatibility and its effect on cell proliferation, migration, 3D matrix contraction and spreading of human lens epithelial cells. Methods: To exclude toxic concentrations, erlotinib was assessed for its biocompatibility on five different human ocular cell types in vitro by the tetrazolium dye-reduction assay (MTT) and the Live-Dead assay. To determine its effect on human lens epithelial cell (HLE-B3) proliferation, the MTT test was performed after incubation with different concentrations of erlotinib. Chemotactic migration was analyzed with the Boyden chamber assay and chemokinetic migration was assessed by time lapse microscopy. Contraction was measured by a 3D collagen type 1 matrix contraction assay, and cell spreading was determined by measuring the cell diameter on a fibronectin coated surface. Results: The maximum non-toxic concentration of erlotinib was determined to be 100 μM in cell culture. Erlotinib potently inhibits human lens epithelial cell proliferation, with an IC of about 10 μM (8.8 μM ± 0.9 μM SD; r = 0.94). Chemotactic migration ( p = 0.004) and chemokinetic migration ( p = 0.001) were reduced significantly in a concentration-based manner. Erlotinib prevented human lens epithelial cells from matrix contraction ( p = 0.001) and cell-spreading ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: Erlotinib might become of clinical relevance for PCO prophylaxis in the future since it displayed good biocompatibility on ocular cells and mitigated human lens epithelial cell proliferation, migration, contraction, and spreading in vitro. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its potential for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) occurs in a large part of the south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed for a total of 59 specimens using sequences from three mitochondrial regions (16S and cytochrome b genes, and control region, totalling 2308bp). A considerable number of clades were observed within this species, showing a large genetic diversity within the Balkan peninsula. Splitting of the basal clades was evaluated to about 4 million years ago. Genetic results are in contradiction with presently accepted taxonomy based on morphological characters: V. a. gregorwallneri and V. a. ruffoi do not display any genetic difference compared with the nominotypic subspecies (V. a. ammodytes), involving that these subspecies can be regarded as synonyms. High genetic divergence in the central part of the Balkan peninsula is not concordant with low morphological differentiation. Finally, the extensive genetic diversity within the Balkan peninsula and the colonisation routes are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new femoral stem was developed with a design that leads to compression of cancellous bone in the calcar region which results in proximal loading. The cross-sectional design of the implant provides rotational stability. In the first clinical investigation ten patients underwent uncemented total hip arthroplasty between January 1999 and May 1999 using the CR-stem® (Implantcast GmbH, Buxtehude, Germany). Results were investigated using the Harris-hip-score (HHS) and antero-posterior and lateral radiographs. Migration was evaluated with the EBRA-FCA-method with a follow-up of 7 years. We demonstrated a mean subsidence rate of 2.23 ± 1.13 mm 7 years after implantation thus providing basic data for extensive testing in a clinical environment. As small subsidence rates are regarded as predictor for superior long-term results in uncemented total hip arthroplasty according to the literature, the CR-stem shows promise for excellent long-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allogeneic 2-unit RBC apheresis is a safe procedure offering many advantages for donors and blood banks. A controlled study was performed to determine whether the recommended minimum interval of 4 months between 2-unit RBC apheresis donations is appropriate in terms of the recovery of RBCs and the regeneration of iron stores.Study Design and Methods: Twenty male subjects each donated 2 units of RBCs by apheresis. The RBC count, reticulocyte count, EPO, and measures of iron status were analyzed before and during the 4 months after donation.Results: A significant decrease in Hb (15.89 +/- 0.82 [mean +/- SD] vs. 14.08 +/- 0.97 mg/dL, baseline vs. Day 7; p<0.001) was equalized within 2 months. In contrast, ferritin values declined significantly from 54.2 +/- 33.7 to 23.42 +/- 21.94 microg per L (predonation vs. Day 30) and remained significantly below predonation values, but within the normal range, until the end of the study period.Conclusion: A donation interval of 4 months is appropriate in terms of RBC recovery, but may not be appropriate in terms of iron store regeneration. The tendency to shorten the donation interval should be reconsidered in light of the measurements of iron storage. The use of ferritin levels is recommended as a preselection criterion for allogeneic 2-unit RBC apheresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]