Search

Aims: Myocardial cell replacement therapies are hampered by a paucity of sources for human cardiomyocytes and by the expected immune rejection of allogeneic cell grafts. The ability to derive patient-specific human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) may provide a solution to these challenges. We aimed to derive hiPSCs from heart failure (HF) patients, to induce their cardiomyocyte differentiation, to characterize the generated hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), and to evaluate their ability to integrate with pre-existing cardiac tissue., Methods and Results: Dermal fibroblasts from two HF patients were reprogrammed by retroviral delivery of Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 or by using an excisable polycistronic lentiviral vector. The resulting HF-hiPSCs displayed adequate reprogramming properties and could be induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes with the same efficiency as control hiPSCs (derived from human foreskin fibroblasts). Gene expression and immunostaining studies confirmed the cardiomyocyte phenotype of the differentiating HF-hiPSC-CMs. Multi-electrode array recordings revealed the development of a functional cardiac syncytium and adequate chronotropic responses to adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation. Next, functional integration and synchronized electrical activities were demonstrated between hiPSC-CMs and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in co-culture studies. Finally, in vivo transplantation studies in the rat heart revealed the ability of the HF-hiPSC-CMs to engraft, survive, and structurally integrate with host cardiomyocytes., Conclusions: Human-induced pluripotent stem cells can be established from patients with advanced heart failure and coaxed to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, which can integrate with host cardiac tissue. This novel source for patient-specific heart cells may bring a unique value to the emerging field of cardiac regenerative medicine.

A real-time PCR procedure targeting the gene of the molecular cochaperon DnaJ (dnaJ) was developed for specific detection of strains belonging to the Enterobacter cloacae group. The inclusivity and exclusivity of the real-time PCR assay were assessed with seven reference strains of E. cloacae, 12 other Enterobacter species and 41 non-Enterobacter strains. Inclusivity as well as exclusivity of the duplex real-time PCR was 100%. In contrast, resolution of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was inadequate for delineation of Enterobacter asburiae, Enterobacter hormaechei, Enterobacter kobei and Enterobacter ludwigii from E. cloacae. Eleven of 56 (20%) clinical isolates of the E. cloacae group could not be clearly identified as a certain species using MALDI-TOF MS. In summary, the combination of MALDI-TOF MS with the E. cloacae-specific duplex real-time PCR is an appropriate method for identification of the six species of the E. cloacae complex., (© 2011 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aims: The aim of this study was to develop a real-time PCR test for differentiation between Shigella spp. and E. coli, in particular enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC)., Methods and Results: A duplex real-time PCR specific for the genes encoding for β-glucuronidase (uidA) and lactose permease (lacY) was developed. Ninety-six isolates including 11 EIEC isolates of different serotypes and at least three representatives of each Shigella species were used for selectivity testing. All isolates tested were positive for the uidA gene. Additionally, all E. coli isolates were positive for the lacY gene, whereas no Shigella isolate tested harboured lacY., Conclusions: The duplex real-time PCR assay was found to be simple, rapid, reliable and specific., Significance and Impact of the Study: If possible at all, delineation of so-called inactive EIEC from Shigella spp. is cumbersome. Biochemical and serological methods are limited to specific pheno- and serotypes. This assay clearly simplifies the differentiation of both., (Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology. No claim to German Government works.)

Cell replacement strategies are promising interventions aiming to improve myocardial performance. Yet, the electrophysiological impact of these approaches has not been elucidated. We assessed the electrophysiological consequences of grafting of two candidate cell types, that is, skeletal myoblasts and human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs). The fluorescently labeled (DiO) candidate cells were grafted into the rat's left ventricular myocardium. Two weeks later, optical mapping was performed using the Langendorff-perfused rat heart preparation. Images were obtained with appropriate filters to delineate the heart's anatomy, to identify the DiO-labeled cells, and to associate this information with the voltage-mapping data (using the voltage-sensitive dye PGH-I). Histological examination revealed the lack of gap junctions between grafted skeletal myotubes and host cardiomyocytes. In contrast, positive Cx43 immunostaining was observed between donor and host cardiomyocytes in the hESC-CMs-transplanted hearts. Optical mapping demonstrated either normal conduction (four of six) or minimal conduction slowing (two of six) at the hESC-CMs engraftment sites. In contrast, marked slowing of conduction or conduction block was seen (seven of eight) at the myoblast transplantation sites. Ventricular arrhythmias could not be induced in the hESC-CM hearts following programmed electrical stimulation but were inducible in 50% of the myoblast-engrafted hearts. In summary, a unique method for assessment of the electrophysiological impact of myocardial cell therapy is presented. Our results demonstrate the ability of hESC-CMs to functionally integrate with host tissue. In contrast, transplantation of cells that do not form gap junctions (skeletal myoblats) led to localized conduction disturbances and to the generation of a proarrhythmogenic substrate.

Aims: To identify the dominant culturable and nonculturable microbiota of rainbow trout intestine., Methods and Results: Microbial density of rainbow trout intestine was estimated by direct microscopic counts (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, DAPI) and by culturing on tryptone soya agar (TSA). Differential gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of bacterial DNA from intestinal samples, re-amplification of bands and sequence analysis was used to identify the bacteria that dominated samples where aerobic counts were < or =2% of the DAPI counts. 16S rDNA gene sequences of 146 bacterial isolates and three sequences of uncultured bacteria were identified. A set of oligonucleotide probes was constructed and used to detect and enumerate the bacterial community structure of the gastrointestinal tract of rainbow trout by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Members of the gamma subclass of Proteobacteria (mainly Aeromonas and Enterobacteriaceae) dominated the bacterial population structure. Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, Plesiomonas and Proteus were also identified together with isolates belonging to the beta subclass of Proteobacteria and Gram-positive bacteria with high and low DNA G + C content. In most samples, the aerobic count (on TSA) was 50-90% of the direct (DAPI) count. A bacterium representing a previously unknown phylogenetic lineage with only 89% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Anaerofilum pentosovorans was detected in intestinal samples where aerobic counts were < or =2% of direct (DAPI) counts. Ten to 75% of the microbial population in samples with low aerobic counts hybridized (FISH) with a probe constructed against this not-yet cultured bacterium., Conclusions: Proteobacteria belonging to the gamma subclass dominated the intestinal microbiota of rainbow trout. However, in some samples the microflora was dominated by uncultivated, presumed anaerobic, micro-organisms. The bacterial population structure of rainbow trout intestine, as well as total bacterial counts, varied from fish to fish., Significance and Impact of the Study: Good correlation was seen between cultivation results and in situ analysis, however, a molecular approach was crucial for the identification of organisms uncultivated on TSA.

16S rRNA gene libraries were prepared by polymerase chain reaction amplification and cloning from soil samples taken periodically from a field with genetically modified plants. Sequence analyses of the cloned rDNAs indicated that 140 of them clustered apart from known bacterial phyla. Based on 31 full sequences a new phylum could be defined. It includes Holophaga foetida, 'Geothrix fermentans' and Acidobacterium capsulatum as the only cultured species so far. Therefore, this line of descent was named the Holophagal Acidobacterium phylum. About 50 published partial sequences of cloned rDNAs retrieved from soil, freshwater sediments or activated sludge from different continents indicate the occurrence of further representatives of this phylum. Two specific hybridization probes were constructed for members of one of four subclusters. A careful data analysis revealed the importance and problems of identifying and dealing with artefacts such as chimeric structure when defining new phylogenetic groups based mainly upon cloned amplified rDNAs. For the first time, the presence of bacterial cells representing this group could be shown in soil, sediment, activated sludge and lake snow by in situ hybridization.

The respiratory stimulant properties of iv injections of 33, 67, and 100 micrograms synthetic human corticotropin-releasing hormone (hCRH) were studied in 12 normal men in a single blind, placebo-controlled trial. All doses of hCRH induced a respiratory stimulation in every subject, and the stimulation was dose dependent. The onset of respiratory stimulation occurred within 15-30 sec after hCRH infusion was started. Initially, there was an increase in tidal volume (VT), followed by an increase in respiratory rate. The maximum minute ventilation (VE) occurred 60-120 sec after starting the injection. The 33-micrograms hCRH dose induced a 35% increase in VE from 6.3 +/- 0.6 (+/- SD) to 9.7 +/- 1.3 liters/min (P less than 0.001) due to a marked increase in VT from 531 +/- 105 to 688 +/- 142 ml (P less than 0.001) and only a slight increase in the respiratory rate from 12.4 +/- 3.0 to 14.3 +/- 3.1 breaths/min (P less than 0.001); heart rate was not altered at this dose. The 100-micrograms hCRH dose increased the VE by 81% to 11.5 +/- 1.5 liters/min, mainly due to an increase in VT. VE was elevated for 5.8, 7.2, or 8.3 min after the end of injection of the three hCRH doses. Increases in VE markedly lowered the end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P(ET)CO2; nearly identical with the arterial PCO2 in normal subjects). hCRH (33 micrograms) lowered P(ET)CO2 from 40.3 +/- 1.2 to 37.2 +/- 1.9 mm Hg (P less than 0.001), and 100 micrograms hCRH lowered P(ET)CO2 to 33.4 +/- 1.2 mm Hg. End-tidal partial pressure of oxygen, i.e. the most sensitive parameter for the duration of action of respiratory stimulation, was elevated for 8.5, 10.2, and 14 min after injection of 33, 67, or 100 micrograms hCRH. Sixty-seven micrograms of hCRH was the lowest effective dose for an increase in the heart rate (from 66.4 to 79.0 beats/min; P less than 0.001), and 100 micrograms hCRH markedly increased the heart rate by 20% to a peak value of 83.5 beats/min. Heart rate increased within 90 sec and returned to the control value after 5-10 min. These data suggest that hCRH is a rapidly acting, dose-dependent, and potent respiratory stimulant. Since this hyperventilatory effect of hCRH occurred in every subject after all doses tested, respiratory stimulation may represent specific biological activity of CRH rather than a side-effect.

Human CRH (hCRH), which acts as a major neuroregulator within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is also a respiratory stimulant. The broad distribution of CRH receptors in brain areas involved in respiratory regulation is consistent with this finding. This study was designed to investigate whether ACTH or cortisol mediates the respiratory stimulation effect of CRH. Bolus injection of 100 micrograms hCRH induced significant respiratory stimulation in all 10 normal subjects studied. hCRH given after the administration of 2 mg dexamethasone, which greatly reduced plasma cortisol levels, had the same respiratory effect on respiration. Thus, increase in plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations are probably not involved in the respiratory analeptic effect of CRH.