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Zusammenfassung: Neoadjuvante und adjuvante Therapiestrategien haben in der Onkologie eine weite Verbreitung. Die Eradikation von Mikrometastasen ist die Zielsetzung und der potentielle Gewinn, Überbehandlung und Inkaufnahme von Nebenwirkungen die Nachteile. Beim Prostatakarzinom (PCA) wurde eine neoadjuvante und adjuvante Hormonbehandlung sowohl im Zusammenhang mit der radikalen Prostatektomie als auch mit der Strahlentherapie in klinischen Studien untersucht. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studien legen die folgenden Therapieempfehlungen nahe: Ein neoadjuvante Hormontherapie vor radikaler Prostatektomie ist anhand der Datenlage nicht indiziert. Eine adjuvante Hormontherapie (LHRH-Analogon) bei Patienten mit Lymphknotenmetasen nach radikaler Prostatektomie ist gegen eine frühe PSA-progressionsgesteuerte Therapie abzuwägen. Bei Patienten mit lokal fortgeschrittenem Tumor ist eine adjuvante Hormontherapie (Bicalutamid 150 mg) gegen eine frühe progressionsgesteuerte Therapie abzuwägen. Bei klinisch lokal fortgeschrittenen Tumoren ist vor Strahlentherapie eine mindestens 2-monatige (maximal 6-monatige) Hormontherapie (LHRH-Analogon) bei Patienten mit geringem systemischen Risiko (Gleason-Score <7) indiziert. Die Hormontherapie wird während der Strahlentherapie fortgeführt. Bei Patienten mit hohem systemischen Risiko ist eine langfristige adjuvante Hormontherapie (2–3 Jahre) nach Strahlentherapie indiziert.

When a computer simulation of a model system that can exist in two phases (e.g., vapor and liquid at the condensation transition, or solid and liquid at the melting transition) is constrained such that the order parameter distinguishing the two phases takes a value in the two-phase coexistence region, the thermodynamic potential of the system contains a contribution due to the interfaces. Studying the chemical potential excess relative to the coexistence curve as a function of the density, for a suitable range of linear dimensions of the simulation box, the interfacial contribution to the thermodynamic potential can be found via thermodynamic integration methods. While for “slab-like” two-phase configurations this method is well-known (and has been tested for various models by comparison with other methods, such as the analysis of the capillary wave induced broadening of interfacial profiles), for curved interfaces of droplets this technique is new. The question whether it can be used to estimate a Tolman length is considered, and an extension to discuss phase coexistence in systems confined by planar walls is given. Then line-tension corrections need to be considered both for slab-like two-phase geometries and for wall-attached (sphere-cap-shaped) droplets. The methods proposed in this paper yield input for the description of both homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation and growth.

Abstract: When a computer simulation of a model system that can exist in two phases (e.g., vapor and liquid at the condensation transition, or solid and liquid at the melting transition) is constrained such that the order parameter distinguishing the two phases takes a value in the two-phase coexistence region, the thermodynamic potential of the system contains a contribution due to the interfaces. Studying the chemical potential excess relative to the coexistence curve as a function of the density, for a suitable range of linear dimensions of the simulation box, the interfacial contribution to the thermodynamic potential can be found via thermodynamic integration methods. While for “slab-like” two-phase configurations this method is well-known (and has been tested for various models by comparison with other methods, such as the analysis of the capillary wave induced broadening of interfacial profiles), for curved interfaces of droplets this technique is new. The question whether it can be used to estimate a Tolman length is considered, and an extension to discuss phase coexistence in systems confined by planar walls is given. Then line-tension corrections need to be considered both for slab-like two-phase geometries and for wall-attached (sphere-cap-shaped) droplets. The methods proposed in this paper yield input for the description of both homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation and growth.

Complete proximal tears of the hamstring tendon are uncommon. The available literature is sparse in regard to postoperative rehabilitative programs and the published protocols are variable. Our purpose is to outline and discuss the program currently implemented by the authors for proximal hamstring tendon injuries as well as to review and contrast it with other published protocols. Authors pose different opinions in 3 important areas: (1) early postoperative protection and/or restrictions, (2) details on the specific phases of rehabilitation, and (3) how to determine successful outcomes and the criteria used to allow full return to previous levels of activities. We discuss our program in detail and support it with our clinical observations and experiences. Copyright © 2010 by Elsevier Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results from the transplantation of donor male germ cells into xenogeneic recipient seminiferous tubules indicate that donor spermatogonia are capable of differentiating to form spermatozoa morphologically characteristic of the donor species. Germ cell transplantation procedures combined with developments in freezing, culturing or enriching germ cell populations have applications of paramount importance in medicine, basic sciences and animal reproduction. Additionally, these techniques can serve as an alternative approach for gonadal protection and fertility preservation in patients with cancer. This article is a chronological critical review of the technological advances that followed the initial successful transplantation of mouse germ cells into recipient mice. Furthermore, the factors responsible for the immunological privilege properties of the testis and the parameters influencing the potential of mammalian germ cells to undergo mitosis and meiosis within a xenogeneic testis are described. Finally, the role of human germ cell transplantation procedures in the therapeutic management of non-obstructive azoospermia is discussed.

We examined the role of glycosphingolipid- and cholesterol-enriched microdomains, or rafts, in the sorting of digestive enzymes into zymogen granules destined for apical secretion and in granule formation. Isolated membranes of zymogen granules from pancreatic acinar cells showed an enrichment in cholesterol and sphingomyelin and formed detergent-insoluble glycolipid-enriched complexes. These complexes floated to the lighter fractions of sucrose density gradients and contained the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein GP-2, the lectin ZG16p, and sulfated matrix proteoglycans. Morphological and pulse-chase studies with isolated pancreatic lobules revealed that after inhibition of GPI-anchor biosynthesis by mannosamine or the fungal metabolite YW 3548, granule formation was impaired leading to an accumulation of newly synthesized proteins in the Golgi apparatus and the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, the membrane attachment of matrix proteoglycans was diminished. After cholesterol depletion or inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis by fumonisin B1, the formation of zymogen granules as well as the formation of detergent-insoluble complexes was reduced. In addition, cholesterol depletion led to constitutive secretion of newly synthesized proteins, e.g. amylase, indicating that zymogens were missorted. Together, these data provide first evidence that in polarized acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas GPI-anchored proteins, e.g. GP-2, and cholesterol-sphingolipid-enriched microdomains are required for granule formation as well as for regulated secretion of zymogens and may function as sorting platforms for secretory proteins destined for apical delivery.

Compatibility is an important safety aspect related to the production and storage of energetic materials. To test different combinations of materials a simple test method with clear criteria is advisable. At the last ESTAC the use of microcalorimetry and the vacuum stability test for the compatibility testing of propellants were presented. This paper presents DSC, DTA/TG and (pressure) vacuum stability test results for the same combination. For three polymers (PMMA, PVC and CA) the results for all tests are the same. Only Nylon-6/6 gives a variable result for the different test methods.

Mammalian cells typically contain hundreds of peroxisomes but can increase peroxisome abundance further in response to extracellular stimuli. We report here the identification and characterization of two novel human peroxisomal membrane proteins, PEX11alpha and PEX11beta. Overexpression of the human PEX11beta gene alone was sufficient to induce peroxisome proliferation, demonstrating that proliferation can occur in the absence of extracellular stimuli and may be mediated by a single gene. Time course studies indicated that PEX11beta induces peroxisome proliferation through a multistep process involving peroxisome elongation and segregation of PEX11beta from other peroxisomal membrane proteins, followed by peroxisome division. Overexpression of PEX11alpha also induced peroxisome proliferation but at a much lower frequency than PEX11beta in our experimental system. The patterns of PEX11alpha and PEX11beta expression were examined in the rat, the animal in which peroxisome proliferation has been examined most extensively. Levels of PEX11beta mRNA were similar in all tissues examined and were unaffected by peroxisome-proliferating agents. Conversely, PEX11alpha mRNA levels varied widely among different tissues, were highest in tissues that are sensitive to peroxisome-proliferating agents, and were induced more than 10-fold in response to the peroxisome proliferators clofibrate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Taken together, these data implicate PEX11beta in the constitutive control of peroxisome abundance and suggest that PEX11alpha may regulate peroxisome abundance in response to extracellular stimuli.

We report three‐dimensional (3D) microscopy with nearly isotropic resolution in the λ/5 − λ/10 range. Our approach combines 4Pi‐confocal two‐photon fluorescence microscopy with image restoration. The 3D resolution is demonstrated with densely clustered beads as well as with F‐actin fibers in mouse fibroblast cells. A comparison with unrestored two‐photon confocal images reveals a total reduction of the uncertainty volume up to a factor of 15.

It has been reported that the skin of the palm is supplied by arteries receiving their blood from a radial, thenar, ulnar, or hypothenar arterial system. Interestingly, the middle of the palm has been described as hypovascularized, but detailed informations on number and distribution of blood vessels are not available.

A new upper limit of the electron antineutrino rest mass has been deduced from the tritium β-decay spectrum. A source of molecular tritium has been investigated with a new solenoid retarding spectrometer. The results are mv̄e2= −39 ± 34stat± 15syst(eV)2c4from which we conclude mv̄e≤ 7.2 eVwith 95% c.l. Our β-endpoint corresponds to a 3H3He atomic mass difference of Δm(3H3He) = 18591 ± 3 eV/c2(1σ).

It is shown that the original Good−Girifalco derivation of an equation for cos θ (where θ is the contact angle of a liquid on a solid) based on intermolecular force (IMF) theory contains an inconsistency which leads to dependence of cos θ on the term −πe/γL (where πe is the reduction in free energy on equilibraton of the solid surface with the vapor of the liquid at its saturation pressure). It is pointed out, furthermore, that the inconsistency has been carried over into the succeeding IMF approaches, such as, for example, that of Fowkes, that of Owens and Wendt, and that of Wu. Reported high experimental values for πe on low-energy surfaces and the possible effect on contact angle prediction are discussed in light of the above and of other factors.

In the course of systematic investigations on low-molecular-weight compounds from the venom of Crotalidae and Viperidae, we have isolated and characterized at least three bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPP-II, BPP-III, and BPP-V) from Bothrops neuwiedivenom by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 M, Sephadex G-10 followed by HPLC. The peptides showed bradykinin-potentiating action on isolated guinea-pig ileum, for which the BPP-V was more active than of BPP-II, and BPP-III, rat arterial blood pressure, and a relevant angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) competitive inhibiting activity. The kinetic studies showed a Kiof the order of 9.7 × 10−3μM to BPP-II, 7 × 10−3μM to BPP-III, and 3.3 ×10−3μM to BPP-V. The amino acid sequence of the BPP-III has been determined to be pGlu-Gly-Gly-Trp-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro-Glu-Ile-Pro-Pro, and the amino acid compositions of the BPP-II and BPP-V by amino acid analysis were 2Glu-2Gly-1Arg-4Pro-lIle and 2Glu-2Gly-lSer-3Pro-2Val-Ille, with molecular weight of 1372, 1046, and 1078, respectively.

Summary Long-term results in reduction mammaplasty can be evaluated at the earliest after one year. Criticism about the result induced us to apply more often the technique of Skoog beside the procedure of Strömbeck. A follow-up study of 110 patients could be done. Objective parameters were considered as well as subjective factors. Special attention was paid to diagnosis of cancer after mammaplasty.

Summary Late consequences of burns of the hands can be divided into four types depending on their extent and the involvement of the underlying tissue structures. Of 88 hands operated on, 43% were Type I, 28% were type II, 25% were type III, and only 4% belonged to the mutilating type IV. Clinical examples of types I and III are shown. Type I requires operation on the skin only to restore full function of the hand, whereas type III also needs repeated surgical treatment of the dorsal apparatus, tendons, ligaments and joints to improve hand movement.

Summary Results of shape-improving and shape-preserving operations to a woman's breast and the quality of the operation method cannot be assessed until a number of years later. Subsequent processes entailing alteration in the structure of the skin and subcutanous tissue, gliding down of gland tissue to Mm. pectorales, broadening of vertical scars, and complications to the remaining gland tissue may basically vary the results obtained. Late results and view points leading to the selection of procedure will be discussed and compared with those in the literature.

This paper reports on precision measurements of conversion lines in the decay of83mKr with nuclear transition energies of 32.1 keV and 9.4 keV, respectively. The spectra were taken from a submonolayer surface of83mKr frozen onto a cold backing, using the new Mainz solenoid retarding spectrometer. The high luminosity and resolution of this instrument enables the observation of all allowed conversion lines up to theN-shell and to fully separate the elastic component from inelastic satellites. The combined analysis of the data yields the transition energiesEy=32151.5±1.1 eV and 9405.9±0.8 eV, respectively. The experiment served also to pilot the application of this spectrometer to the question of a finite neutrino rest mass, searched for in theß-decay spectrum of tritium and to problems in precision electron spectroscopy in general.

A new method of identifying high-spin states at high excitation energies is presented.

Induction of neoplastic growth of murine stroma cells within the human tumor xenograft was observed after serial passage of CEA and ß2-microglobulin producing human colonic SLu tumor xenografts in nu/nu BALB/c mice. Mouse tumors within the human tumor xenografts wre identified using specific immunohistologic staining techniques for mouse histocompatibility marker or human CEA. These mixed tumors could be distinguished from normal human tumor xenografts by a different relationship between development of the tumor marker in the serum and tumor size. We were able to establish transformed murine cells from human xenografts, either induced by SC injection of 1×106 tumor cells of the SLu cell line or by human SLu or mammary carcinoma tissue serially passaged in athymic animals. The established human and murine cell lines were characterized by cytogenetic methods. Transformed murine cells were then continuously passaged in tissue culture. The transformed mouse fibroblasts proved to possess tumorigenicity in nude mice. In the case of SLu-derived mouse tumor cells, tumors also developed in the immunocompetent BALB/c mice using 1×106 to 5×106 tumor cells for SC transplantation.

At the present time there exist two internationally accepted classifications for the grouping of malformations of extremities: The anatomically and clinically orientated classification by Swanson (1976) and the anatomically and genetically founded classification by Temtamy (1966) and Temtamy and McKusick (1969 and 1978). In the introduction, the phylogeny and ontogeny of the extremities are considered. Under the aspect of phylogeny and ontogeny the groups I Failure of formation of parts, II Failure of differentiation (separation) of parts, III Duplication and VI Congenital constriction band syndrome of Swanson's (1976) classification are discussed. It is found that this anatomically founded classification is largely confirmed in the use of latest morphogenetic criteria and that only few modifications may be called for. In the light of present-day genetic knowledge the use of new classifications published in the literature, for example that of the cleft hand, appear doubtful, as they are based on mere by clinical criteria.

Holographic optical lenses based on volume gratings commonly suffer from severe aberrations due to wavelength mismatch between recording (blue-sensitive material) and application (often employing diode lasers). Here, methods are described for the precompensation of the aberrations at the recording. Both, aberrations in the phase of the reconstructed wave from the desired wave ('wave aberration'), as well as aberrations in intensity resulting from deviations from the Bragg condition during reconstruction ('Bragg aberration') need to be compensated for. The design method for generating the computer generated holograms is described which are used as precompensating elements in the recording step of the interferometrically produced holographic optical elements. The computer generated holograms are written on a laser pattern generator. Test results of our laser pattern generator are shown to demonstrate its capability for this process. The measurement of the aberrations at the design wavelength in the near infrared is a very important step because it allows to eliminate in a second recording process misadjustment errors which will occur during the first recording step. By modification of at least one of the computer generated holograms the convergence of the procedure can be achieved.

Envelope preparations of chemotrophically and phototrophically grown Rhodospirillum tenue were isolated and characterized on the basis of their contents and composition in phospholipids and fatty acids, as well as on the basis of their enzyme activities, absorption spectra and polypeptide patterns. Both preparations were similar in their contents in phospholipids and fatty acids. Their total fatty acids were characterized by a rather high percentage of saturated fatty acids. The activities of the respiratory reactions were considerably higher in chemotrophic than in phototrophic membranes. This is true especially for activities of the terminal oxidase which were over 20 times greater. The affinities of the corresponding enzymes to their respective substrates (Km) differed with differences in the culture conditions. Under chemotrophic conditions the Km values for the NADH-dependent reactions were lower than those values under phototrophic conditions, whereas the Km values for the succinate dependent reactions were higher. The low temperature (77°K) near infrared spectrum of the phototrophic membrane showed a peak at 875 nm which was not detectable in the chemotrophic membrane. The polypeptide patterns, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, of both preparations were quite similar except for the presence of two low molecular weight proteins (M. Wt. 12,000 and 10,000) in the phototrophic membrane which were absent in the chemotrophic membrane. Both envelope preparations were further fractionated into enriched cytoplasmic membrane and outer membrane fractions which were identified on the basis of their contents in 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate, ubiquinone 8 and bacteriochlorophyll (in the case of the phototrophic membrane) and their enzyme activities. The buoyant densities of the corresponding fractions from both envelope preparations were found to be equal. The data presented in this paper demonstrate that envelope preparations of chemotrophically and phototrophically grown R. tenue are similar in their contents in 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate, ubiquinone 8, phospholipids and fatty acids, yet differ significantly in their spectra, protein patterns and enzyme activities.

For the past 60 years it has been widely accepted among surface chemists involved with contact angle and wettability that exposure of an evacuated solid surface to any vapor will reduce the free energy of that solid surface. We show that this is a misconception which arises from the use of absolute adsorption in the free energy equation. When the adsorption is formulated as a “surface-excess” it is apparent that the free energy change on adsorption can be positive or negative, depending on whether the adsorption is negative or positive. We point out that evidence of the existence of negative adsorption in gas−solid interaction has been accumulating. Specifically we show that exposure of an evacuated Teflon (PTFE) surface to water vapor may result in negative adsorption which, of course, indicates that it has undergone an increase in surface free energy.

We measure the point-spread function in the two main configurations of 4Pi confocal microscopy as well as in the traditional confocal arrangement and derive the optical transfer functions from the experimental data. The optical transfer functions are in good agreement with their theoretical counterparts. We find a 3.5- to 5-fold increased axial bandwidth of the 4Pi confocal microscope and hence confirm the enhanced spatial-frequency content of 4Pi images.

The effects of the dihydropyridine derivative Bay K 8644 upon insulin secretion by perifused isolated mouse pancreatic islets were examined. At a non-stimulatory glucose concentration (5 mmol/l) Bay K 8644 (1 µmol/l) did not stimulate insulin release. However, the same drug concentration enhanced the insulin secretory responses to an intermediate (15 mmol/l) or high (30 mmol/l) glucose concentration by 80 or 90%, respectively. Bay K 8644 was half maximally effective at 0.1 µmol/l and maximally effective at 1 µmol/l. The results are compatible with the view that voltage-dependent calcium channels are essential for stimulus-secretion coupling in pancreatic B-cells.

We measure the point-spread function in the two main configurations of 4Pi confocal microscopy as well as in the traditional confocal arrangement and derive the optical transfer functions from the experimental data. The optical transfer functions are in good agreement with their theoretical counterparts. We find a 3.5- to 5-fold increased axial bandwidth of the 4Pi confocal microscope and hence confirm the enhanced spatial-frequency content of 4Pi images.

The article provides an answer to a question of the future of healthcare system; availability of enough physicians; and will medicine continue to draw some of the brightest to the profession.

Summary The results of micropreparations of freshly amputated fingers with 4th-grade contracture are presented in drawings. Two preparations confirm the theories published hitherto, while the 3rd preparation displays a different system with a different, up to now unconsidered, mode of development of the 4th-grade contracture. The results obtained in three cases subjected to reconstructive treatment are presented.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the quantitative detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA as a new molecular diagnostic parameter in the work-up of testicular tissue specimens from patients presenting with non-obstructive azoospermia. M ETHODS: hTERT mRNA expression was quantified in 49 cryopreserved testicular tissue specimens by fluorescence real-time RT–PCR in a LightCycler®. This was paralleled by conventional histological work-up in all tissue specimens and additional semithin sectioning preparation in cases with maturation arrest (&lt;it>n&lt;/it> &equals; 20) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS; &lt;it>n&lt;/it> &equals; 12). RESULTS: The average normalized hTERT expression (N&lt;inf>hTERT&lt;/inf>) was 136.1 ± 41.7 copies (mean ± standard deviation) in tissue specimens with presence of haploid germs cells, N&lt;inf>hTERT&lt;/inf> &equals; 48.2 ± 21.0 copies in those with maturation arrest and N&lt;inf>hTERT&lt;/inf> &equals; 2.7 ± 2.8 copies in those with SCOS. The discriminant analysis showed that detection of N&lt;inf>hTERT&lt;/inf> was able correctly to classify 89.0% of the investigated tissue specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that quantitative detection of hTERT mRNA expression in testicular tissue enables a molecular–diagnostic subclassification of spermatogenesis disorders. Quantitative detection of hTERT in testicular biopsies is thus well suited for predicting successful sperm recovery in patients with azoospermia and is a useful molecular diagnostic parameter for supplementing the histopathological evaluation.