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Zoster vaccines generate antibody responses against varicella-zoster virus (VZV). We compared antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) elicited by zoster vaccine live (ZVL) and recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). ADCC mediated by antibodies against VZV lysate (VZV-ADCC) and recombinant glycoprotein E (gE-ADCC) was measured using plasma from 20 RZV- and 20 ZVL-recipients, including half 50–60-years-old and half ≥70-years-old. Solid phase-bound anti-VZV antibodies stimulated TNFα in NK cells as measured by flow cytometry or ELISA. VZV-ADCC pre- and post-immunization was higher in younger vaccinees. ZVL did not appreciably increase VZV-ADCC, whereas RZV increased VZV-ADCC in older vaccinees. ELISA-measured gE-ADCC was similar across groups pre-immunization; significantly increased after ZVL; and RZV and was higher in younger RZV than ZVL recipients. IgG3 antibodies increased after RZV and ZVL, with greater anti-gE than anti-VZV responses. Moreover, gE-ADCC strongly correlated with anti-gE antibody avidity, but there were no appreciable correlations between VZV-ADCC and avidity. NK cells stimulated by anti-gE antibodies showed increased IFNγ and CD107a expression, which was not observed with anti-VZV antibodies. In conclusion, anti-gE antibodies generated more robust ADCC than anti-VZV antibodies. RZV induced higher ADCC antibodies than ZVL depending on the antigen and age of vaccinees. Older adults had lower ADCC antibodies before and after vaccination than younger adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hypomorphic mutations in RAG1 and RAG2 are associated with significant clinical heterogeneity and symptoms of immunodeficiency or autoimmunity may be late in appearance. As a result, immunosuppressive medications may be introduced that can have life-threatening consequences. We describe a previously healthy 13-month-old girl presenting with rash and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, while highlighting the importance of vigilance and consideration of an underlying severe immunodeficiency disease prior to instituting immunosuppressive therapy. Methods: Given clinical deterioration of the patient and a temporal association with recently administered vaccinations, virus genotyping was carried out via 4 real-time Forster Resonance Energy Transfer PCR protocols targeting vaccine-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and analyzed via the next-generation sequencing method of sequencing-by-synthesis. Immune function studies included immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes, mitogen-induced proliferation and TLR ligand-induced production of TNFα. Analysis of recombination activity of wild-type and mutant RAG2 constructs was performed. Results: Virus genotyping revealed vaccine-strain VZV, mumps, and rubella. Next-generation sequencing identified heterozygosity for RAG2 R73H and P180H mutations. Profound lymphopenia was associated with intense corticosteroid therapy, with some recovery after steroid reduction. Residual, albeit low, RAG2 protein activity was demonstrated. Conclusions: Because of the association of RAG deficiency with late-onset presentation and autoimmunity, live virus vaccination and immunosuppressive therapies are often initiated and can result in negative consequences. Here, hypomorphic RAG2 mutations were linked to disseminated vaccine-strain virus infections following institution of corticosteroid therapy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about varicella-zoster virus (VZV) susceptibility in US-bound refugee populations, although published data suggest that VZV seroprevalence in these refugee populations may be lower than US populations. We describe VZV seroprevalence in five US-bound refugee groups: (1) Bhutanese in Nepal, (2) Burmese on the Thailand-Burma (Myanmar) border, (3) Burmese in Malaysia, (4) Iraqi in Jordan, and (5) Somali in Kenya. Sera were tested for presence of VZV IgG antibodies among adults aged 18-45 years. Overall VZV seroprevalence was 97 % across all refugee groups. VZV seroprevalence was also high across all age groups, with seroprevalence ranging from 92-100 % for 18-26 year-olds depending on refugee group and 93-100 % for 27-45 year-olds. VZV seroprevalence was unexpectedly high in these five US-bound refugee groups, though may not reflect seroprevalence in other refugee groups. Additional studies are needed to better understand VZV seroprevalence in refugee populations over time and by region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Physical activity may protect against bladder cancer through several biologic pathways, such as enhanced immune function and decreased chronic inflammation. Physical activity may also indirectly prevent bladder cancer by reducing obesity. A sizeable number of epidemiologic studies have examined the association between physical activity and bladder cancer, but the available evidence has not yet been formally summarised using meta-analysis.Methods:We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of English-language studies published from January 1975 through November 2013. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and used a random effects model to estimate the summary risk estimates for the association between physical activity and bladder cancer.Results:A total of 15 studies with 5 402 369 subjects and 27 784 bladder cancer cases were included. High vs low levels of physical activity were related to decreased bladder cancer risk (summary relative risk (RR)=0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.74-0.98; I2=83%; P-value for heterogeneity across all studies<0.001). Results were similar for cohort studies (RR=0.89, 95% CI=0.80-1.00; I2=64%) and case-control studies (RR=0.71, 95% CI=0.43-1.16; I2=87%; P-value for difference=0.108) and they were comparable for women (RR=0.83, 95% CI=0.73-0.94; I2=0%) and men (RR=0.92, 95% CI=0.82-1.05; I2=67; P-value for difference=0.657). Findings were also comparable for recreational (RR=0.81, 95% CI=0.66-0.99; I2=77%) and occupational physical activity (RR=0.90, 95% CI=0.76-1.0; I2=76%; P-value for difference=0.374), and they were largely consistent for moderate (RR=0.85, 95% CI=0.75-0.98; I2=76%) and vigorous activity (RR=0.80, 95% CI=0.64-1.00;I2=87%; P-value for difference=0.535).Conclusions:Physical activity is associated with decreased risk of bladder cancer. Further studies are required to assess the relations of intensity, frequency, duration, and timing in life of physical activity to bladder cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective:Evidence is accumulating that the long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) are associated with offspring growth and body composition. We investigated the relationship between LCPUFAs in red blood cells (RBCs) of pregnant women/breastfeeding mothers and umbilical cord RBCs of their neonates with infant growth and body composition 1 year of age.Subjects/Methods:In an open-label randomized, controlled trial, 208 healthy pregnant women received a dietary intervention (daily supplementation with 1200 mg n-3 LCPUFAs and dietary counseling to reduce arachidonic acid (AA) intake) from the 15th week of gestation until 4 months of lactation or followed their habitual diet. Fatty acids of plasma phospholipids (PLs) and RBCs from maternal and cord blood were determined and associated with infant body weight, body mass index (BMI), lean body mass and fat mass assessed by skinfold thickness measurements and ultrasonography.Results:Dietary intervention significantly reduced the n-6/n-3 LCPUFA ratio in maternal and cord-blood plasma PLs and RBCs. Maternal RBCs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), n-3 LCPUFAs and n-6 LCPUFAs at the 32nd week of gestation were positively related to birth weight. Maternal n-3 LCPUFAs, n-6 LCPUFAs and AA were positively associated with birth length. Maternal RBCs AA and n-6 LCPUFAs were significantly negatively related to BMI and Ponderal Index at 1 year postpartum, but not to fat mass.Conclusion:Maternal DHA, AA, total n-3 LCPUFAs and n-6 LCPUFAs might serve as prenatal growth factors, while n-6 LCPUFAs also seems to regulate postnatal growth. The maternal n-6/n-3 LCPUFA ratio does not appear to have a role in adipose tissue development during early postnatal life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) can provide information about angiogenesis and blood-flow characteristics in tumours. [18F]Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is one of the major oncological imaging techniques which provides information about viability of the tumour cell and partly also about its aggressiveness. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between FDG and CTP data in patients with head and neck cancers.Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients with a clinically suspected head and neck cancer were prospectively included. All patients underwent a combined PET/CT with an integrated CTP examination in the area of the head and neck tumour. CTP data (BF, BV and MTT) and PET data (SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, PETvol) were compared between tumours and (1) healthy contralateral tissue, (2) inflammatory lesions, (3) metastatic lymph nodes, and CTP data and PET data were correlated in tumours.Results: Thirty-five patients had a head and neck cancer. All CTP data were statistically different between tumours, inflammatory lesions, healthy tissue and metastatic lymph nodes; PET/CT data were in part significantly different. CTP and PET parameters were not significantly correlated.Conclusion: CTP and PET parameters were not significantly correlated; thus, the additional CTP values provide additional insights into tumour behaviour and their glycolytic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although an increase in burden of disease has frequently been reported for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), specific data on the effect of CDI on a patient's risk of death or overall hospital mortality are scarce. Therefore, we performed a prospective cohort study to analyse the effect of CDI on the risk of pre-discharge all-cause death in all inpatients with CDI compared to all inpatients without CDI during 2009 in a single hospital. Methods: Clostridium difficile infection was defined as by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Data were collected from the medical charts of CDI patients and from the hospital discharge data of non-CDI and CDI patients. The effect measures of CDI used to compute the risk of pre-discharge all-cause death were risk ratio, attributable risk, mortality fraction (%) and population attributable risk percentage. Co-morbidity was categorized using the Charlson co-morbidity score in which a value of ≤2 was defined as low co-morbidity and that of >2 as moderate/severe co-morbidity. A stratified analysis and a Poisson regression model were applied to adjust for the effects of the risk factors sex, age and severity of co-morbidity. Results: A total of 185 hospitalized patients with CDI were compared to 38,644 other hospitalized patients without CDI admitted between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2009. The mean age of the CDI and non-CDI patients was 74.3 (range 72.3-76.4) and 51.9 (range 51.6-52.1) years, respectively. Of the 185 CDI, 136 (73.5 %) and 49 (26.5 %) were categorized with low and high co-morbidity, respectively, versus 32,107 (83.4 %) and 6,352 (16.5 %), respectively, in non-CDI patients. Overall, 24 of the 185 CDI patients (13 %) versus 1,021 of the 38,459 non-CDI patients (2.7 %) died during their hospital stay, resulting in a relative risk of pre-discharge death of 4.89 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.35-7.13] for CDI patients, a CDI attributable risk of death of 10.3 per 100 patients and a CDI attributable fraction of 79.5 % (95 % CI 70.1-86 %). After adjustment for age, sex and co-morbidity the relative risk of pre-discharge death was 2.74 (95 % CI 1.82-4.10; p < 0.0001) for patients with CDI, and the proportion of hospital deaths due to CDI was 1.72 (95 % CI 1.22-2.05). Conclusion: The results of this study lead to the conclusion that hospitalized patients with CDI are-independent of age, sex and co-morbidity severity-2.74-fold more likely to die during their hospital stay than all other hospitalized patients. The eradication of CDI in the hospital could have prevented 1.72 % of in-hospital deaths in our study population during the 1 year of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk factors of severity (need for surgical intervention, intensive care or fatal outcome) were analysed in hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in a 777-bed community hospital. In a prospective analytical cross-sectional study, age (≥65 years), sex, CDI characteristics, underlying diseases, severity of comorbidity and PCR ribotypes were tested for associations with severe CDI. In total, 133 cases of hospital-acquired CDI (mean age 74.4 years) were identified, resulting in an incidence rate of 5.7/10,000 hospital-days. A recurrent episode of diarrhoea occurred in 25 cases (18.8%) and complications including toxic megacolon, dehydration and septicaemia in 69 cases (51.9%). Four cases (3.0%) required ICU admission, one case (0.8%) surgical intervention and 22 cases (16.5%) died within the 30-day follow-up period. Variables identified to be independently associated with severe CDI were severe diarrhoea (odds ratio [OR] 3.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-11.11, p = 0.02), chronic pulmonary disease (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.08-8.40, p = 0.04), chronic renal disease (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.07-7.81, p = 0.04) and diabetes mellitus (OR 4.30, 95% CI 1.57-11.76, p = 0.004). The case fatality of 16.5% underlines the importance of increased efforts in CDI prevention, in particular for patients with underlying diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET)/CT imaging of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) renders the possibility to study metabolic tumor activity by measuring FDG-uptake expressed as maximum standardized uptake value (SUV). A correlation between SUV and several factors including T-classification, histological tumor differentiation or different anatomic subsites is of potential interest in HNSCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate how metabolic tumor activity derived from FDG-PET correlates with prognostic clinical and pathological parameters including these factors. 262 patients with HNSCC undergoing PET/CT for initial staging were assessed separately for a potential correlation between SUV and T-classification, histological grading, and anatomical subsites of the primary tumor. Nonparametric testing showed a significant correlation between SUV and T-classification ( P < 0.001). On the contrary, no statistically significant correlation was found between SUV and histological tumor grading. Furthermore, no statistical significant correlation between the different anatomical subsites and SUV were found. There was no significant correlation of SUV and tumor grading after adjustment for T-stage and anatomical localization of the tumor, neither. Conclusion: Metabolic tumor activity correlates with T-stage of HNSCC. However, histological tumor grading does not correlate with SUV. The role of primary tumor SUV as a predictor of outcome or survival remains unclear. Clinicians should therefore exercise caution in attributing any clinical importance to SUV obtained from a single PET/CT exam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of hepatitis A affecting 21 residents of an Austrian city occurred from the end of November 2007 until mid-January 2008. A case series investigation suggested the consumption of food purchased from supermarket X as the common link. A food handler employed in the delicatessen department of that supermarket had been serologically diagnosed with hepatitis A on 28th November 2007. During the infectious period of approximately 3 weeks, he worked on 11 days. Interviews with the other cluster cases revealed that the hepatitis A virus (HAV)-infected food handler did not practice appropriate hand hygiene. The investigation revealed no other possible source of infection. We hypothesize that the food of the delicatessen department contaminated by the HAV-infected food handler during his infectious period was the source of the outbreak. The district public health authority recommended the reinforcement of hygiene precautions, i.e., access to viricidal hand disinfectant and the use of disposable gloves and single-use paper towels, in the involved supermarket. The federal ministry of health recommended HAV vaccination for all food handlers in food production and gastronomy companies; this recommendation was included in the Austrian national vaccination plan 2008, even though the vaccination of food handlers is costly and its cost-effectiveness is not proven. Appropriate and regular hand hygiene, particularly after toilet visits, is the most effective measure for preventing HAV transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norovirus is increasingly being recognized as a leading cause of foodborne disease. Nevertheless, welldocumented foodborne outbreaks due to norovirus are rarely found in the literature. A retrospective cohort study was conducted for identifying the source of a gastroenteritis outbreak. A total of 325 persons were identified as the atrisk group. The overall attack rate was 56% (182/325). Of the four working days of possible foodborne exposure to norovirus (Monday till Thursday), Wednesday (risk ratio [RR]: 18.82; 95%CI 11.82–29.96) and Thursday (RR 2.14; 95%CI 1.65–2.79) turned out to be the most likely days on which infections with norovirus occurred. The day-by-day food specific cohort analyses yielded consumption of salad on Wednesday (adjusted RR 2.82; 95%CI 1.0–7.94) to be associated with highest risk of illness. The most likely source of food contamination is a kitchen assistant having prepared salad manually. She fell ill with symptoms of gastroenteritis on Wednesday during the early working hours and continued working. Human stool samples obtained from five out of six outbreak cases, including the sick kitchen assistant, were RT-PCR positive for norovirus genotype GGII.7 (Leeds-like). This foodborne norovirus outbreak underlines the drastic consequences of neglecting the rules of basic kitchen hygiene. Food handlers working despite manifest diarrhea or vomiting – often in fear of job loss – are a common cause of foodborne norovirus outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Internist is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

MHC class II molecules are thought to present peptides derived from extracellular proteins to CD4+ T cells, which are important mediators of adaptive immunity to infections. In contrast, autophagy delivers constitutively cytosolic material for lysosomal degradation and has so far been recognized as an efficient mechanism of innate immunity against bacteria and viruses. Recent studies, however, link these two pathways and suggest that intracellular cytosolic and nuclear antigens are processed for MHC class II presentation after autophagy.Cell Death and Differentiation (2005) 12, 1519–1527. doi:10.1038/sj.cdd.4401727 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rechtsmedizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This prospective study aimed at determining whether nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) findings correlate to the neurologic disorders in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 25 acute SCI male patients with post-traumatic ED underwent neurological, electrophysiological and urodynamic examinations, respectively, as well as NPTR recordings. The mean value for rigidity (R), tumescence (T) and duration (D) during NTPR tests were 83.3%, 3.3?cm, 6.4?min in patients with a complete lesion above the sacral (S2-S4) spinal cord (n=10), 46.1%, 1.6?cm, 5.5?min in patients with a complete lesion involving the sacral metameres (n=5) and 89.8%, 3.8?cm, 29?min in patients with an incomplete suprasacral lesion (n=7). The differences among these groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients with lesions involving both sacral and thoracolumbar spinal cord showed no erections (n=3). We found four NTPR patterns: (1) normal R and T, short D; (2) weak R and T, short D; (3) normal R, T and D; and (4) no erections, which can be assigned to different levels and completeness of spinal cord lesions. Nocturnal erections of normal quality need preservation of thoracolumbar and sacral neuronal control as well as partially intact connections of the spinal erection centres with brain areas responsible for sexual arousal.International Journal of Impotence Research (2004) 16, 433-440. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901188 Published online 11 March 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most consistent biological findings in patients with depression are abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis, which can be measured using the combined dexamethasone-suppression/CRH-stimulation (Dex-CRH) test. The reactivity of the HPA-axis in this test, however, ranges over several orders of magnitude in depressed patients with comparable severity of symptoms. In this present study, we investigate which factors influence the magnitude of the response in the Dex-CRH test in 235 acutely depressed inpatients. We first examined the effects of common confounders shown to influence the HPA-axis, such as caffeine and nicotine consumption, acute stressors during the test, weight, gender, and age. Of all these variables, only female sex and nicotine consumption were positively correlated with the cortisol or ACTH response, respectively. As for the effects of psychopharmacological treatment, only the intake of carbamazepine and the fact of having relapsed under an established pharmacotherapy significantly increased the response in the Dex-CRH test, whereas the presence or absence of antidepressant treatment, the type of antidepressant treatment, or the number of ineffective antidepressant treatment trials during the index episode up to admission did not have any effect. We also found a positive correlation of the number of previous episodes, the overall HAM-D score and the severity of somatic/vegetative symptoms with the results in the Dex-CRH test. These results underline that in depressed patients this test is not majorly influenced by disease-unrelated factors. In addition, current antidepressant treatment does not appear to affect test outcome in the absence of clinical response. The influence of the number of previous episodes and relapse under pharmacotherapy suggests that HPA-axis reactivity may be altered by repetitive states of hypercortisolemia or continuous antidepressant treatment. Finally, more severe vegetative symptoms are associated with an enhanced HPA-axis activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN:: Pudendal nerve stimulation in complete spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the influence of pudendal nerve stimulation on the cardiovascular system in SCI patients in order to assess the underlying neuronal mechanism and the potential risk during stimulation. SETTING:: Swiss Paraplegic Center, and University Hospital, Zurich. METHODS:: A total of 22 male patients with a complete SCI were divided into two groups according to the level of lesion: group A (C6-T6, n=15) and group B (T7-L2, n=7). A total of 66 stimulations using biphasic rectangular impulses (0.2 ms, 10 Hz) with intensities up to 100 mA were applied to the dorsal penile nerve. Of these, 15 stimulations in five patients were repeated after intravenous application of 7 mg of phentolamine. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded by a Finapres® cuff applied to the right index finger. RESULTS:: Significant increased diastolic and systolic BP accompanied by significant decreased HR suggested the occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) during pudendal nerve stimulation. These cardiovascular changes corresponded with the subjective sensation of AD symptoms in patients of group A. Intravenous phentolamine lowered the resting BP and prevented severe hypertension during stimulation. Patients in group B presented with mild HR and BP changes in response to pudendal nerve stimulation and reported no AD symptoms. CONCLUSION:: Our results show a considerable effect of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation on HR and BP in patients with high SCI. This may indicate that sacral somatic afferent fibers of the pudendal nerve are involved in the neuronal mechanism of AD in SCI patients with high neurological level. Intravenous phentolamine enables pudendal nerve stimulation without the risk of severe hypertension.Spinal Cord (2003) 41, 539-542. doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101509 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WT1 gene is expressed in 73-100% of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and is thought to play a role in maintaining the viability of leukemic cells. WT1 has been proposed as a marker for minimal residual disease in leukemia. We obtained serial blood or bone marrow samples from patients with de novo AML at diagnosis, during therapy, and up to 95 months after diagnosis and analyzed for WT1 gene expression by RT-PCR to determine whether gene expression was predictive of relapse. Forty-four patients had WT1-positive AML and achieved a complete remission (CR) following chemotherapy and 24 patients underwent unrelated donor (n = 4), sibling donor (n = 13) or autologous (n = 7) marrow transplantation. After achieving CR 62% of the patients became WT1-negative, while 38% remained WT1-positive. There was no difference in the disease-free survival (DFS) and survival from remission between WT1-positive and -negative patients (P > 0.1). Following BMT, 32% of the patients analyzed in CR within the first 100 days after transplantation were WT1 PCR positive. Detection of WT1 transcripts within 100 days following BMT did not affect DFS and overall survival (OS) after transplantation (P > 0.1). Ten of 11 patients who are in continuous CR following chemotherapy or BMT for more than 3 years were transiently WT1-positive during the observation period. Four of these patients displayed the WT1 transcript at the last examination. Thirteen of 39 patients were WT1 PCR negative within 4 months before clinical onset of relapse and eight patients were WT1 PCR negative at time of relapse. These data indicate that: (1) achievement of WT1 negativity is not associated with longer DFS, survival from remission, or OS after transplantation; (2) not all patients who relapse become WT1 positive again; (3) long-term remitters frequently display the WT1 transcript. Thus, we conclude that the monitoring of WT1 gene expression by qualitative RT-PCR during treatment and CR is of very limited value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligosaccharides derivatized with various aminobenzoic esters and aminobenzonitrile were separated by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Methyl, ethyl and butyl aminobenzoates as well as aminobenzonitrile were used as the derivatization agents for homologous maltodextrins and the oligosaccharides from human milk. The polarity of the label had a significant influence on the partition between the aqueous and the micellar phases. Butyl aminobenzoate derivatives exhibited the longest retention times and the best resolution of the sugars. In contrast, derivatives of aminobenzonitrile gave the poorest separations owing to their relatively high polarity. The retention times of the oligosaccharides are inversely related to the degree of polymerization (DP) of the carbohydrates. Malto-oligosaccharides up to a DP of 10 could be resolved. The separation method was optimized with respect to the SDS concentration and the capillary temperature. Optimal resolution was found with a buffer consisting of 20 mM phosphate, pH 7.0, with 50 mM SDS at a temperature of 30 °C. Oligosaccharides from human milk could be separated by the optimized method. The separation by MEKC showed a similar profile as that obtained by reversed-phase capillary HPLC, which demonstrates the analogy of the retention mechanism of both techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the presence of WT1-specific mRNA in bone marrow samples of 125 patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis by two-step RT-PCR. The sensitivity of the assay was 1:100 (first step) and 1:10000 (second step), respectively. WT1-specific mRNA was detected in 73% of patients. No correlation was found between WT1 gene expression and age, FAB type, LDH and karyotype at diagnosis. All patients were treated with standard induction chemotherapy. There was no difference in the CR rate between WT1-positive and -negative patients. Using Kaplan and Meier plot analysis we found no difference in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between patients displaying the WT1 transcript and WT1-negative patients. Furthermore, no significant interactions between WT1 PCR results and age, FAB type, LDH and karyotype on DFS and OS were demonstrable using Cox regression analysis. Eight patients who were WT1 PCR positive at diagnosis and achieved complete hematological remission following chemotherapy were monitored during the course of the disease. Based on our limited data demonstrating a heterogeneity of WT1 PCR results in CR we cannot draw any conclusions regarding the usefulness of WT1 PCR analysis for the early detection of relapse. We conclude that WT1 gene expression at diagnosis is not associated with specific characteristics of AML blast cells and is not a prognostic factor for CR, remission duration and overall survival in acute myeloid leukemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 22 years old female with the late-onset type of argininosuccinic aciduria was successfully treated for 5 months with a mixture of essential amino acids and their keto-analogues. There was a marked change in plasma ammonia, plasma amino acids and argininosuccinic acid excretion. A long term anabolic response was reflected by an increase of total serum proteins and serum albumin by about 1 g/dl during the first 5 months of treatment. There was a striking improvement in the patient's seizure disorder following institution of the keto-analogue therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the suitability of a TNF-β cytokine ELISpot assay for assessing various aspects of the T cell response to herpes simplex viruses. The number of T cells responding to HSV-1 or HSV-2 was measured by TNF-β ELISpot assay. The number of T cells producing TNF-β in response to HSV-1 was high, ranging from 76 to 222 per 105. HSV-1-specific TNF-β-secreting responder cell frequencies fluctuated over time in individual donors. Comparable fluctuations were not observed in the T cell frequencies to phytohemaglutinin (PHA). Responder cell frequencies to glycoproteins gB and gD of HSV-2 accounted for a large number of the HSV-2-specific T cells as measured using the TNF-β ELISpot assay. Type-specific and type-common components of the T cell response to HSV-1 and HSV-2 could be estimated with this assay. Type-common responder cells typically accounted for 25–30%. Finally, CD4 and CD8 TNF-β-producing T cells were stimulated by HSV-1 at a CD4:CD8 ratio of 2:1, indicating that both major subsets of T lymphocytes are activated by HSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to determine whether natural killer (NK) activity against virus-infected target cells could be enhanced in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) taken from patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Nonspecific cell-mediated killing of heterologous herpesvirus-infected B lymphoblastoid targets could be enhanced by pretreating PBL with interferons-α or -γ, or with interleukin-2. NK activity was substantially enhanced over that of untreated cells, and virtually all cytolytic activity was attributable to CD16 NK cells. Pretreatment of PBL with a combination of cytokines resulted in additive, but never synergistic enhancement of NK activity. The results suggest that cytokine therapy may provide a useful means for treating severe varicella zoster infections in immunocompromised children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Optical absorption and paramagnetic resonance of KCl crystals containing preferentially R-centers have been studied during and after excitation with 430 mμ or 365 mμ light at 90 °K. A partly metastable, partly stable state has been detected and identified as the quartet state of the R-center, which proves to be an association of three F-centers forming an equilateral triangle in the (111) plane of the crystal as proposed by van Doorn and Haven and Pick. - The crystals used were additively colored to 6.6·10 F-centers/cm and illuminated with F-band light at room temperature until the R/M-ratio reached its maximum value. During light excitation the optical spectrum in the region of the R-bands shows characteristic small changes. A part of these changes disappears spontaneously with a time constant τ=14.5 sec when the light excitation is removed ('temporary bleaching'). The remaining part has a similar spectral distribution. It is completely stable in the dark, but can be bleached within a few seconds by illumination with 840 mμ light. - Electron spin resonance of the crystal under light excitation shows in addition to the F-center line a seven-line spectrum with strong angular dependence, if the field is rotated in a (110) plane. The maximum splitting is 674 G, the width of the individual lines 35.5 G. The angular dependence of the spectrum can be fitted to a fine-structure spin Hamiltonian with g=1.996, D/g μ=+168.5 G, S=3/2 and the z-axis in any of the four 〈111〉 directions of the crystal. After switching off the excitation light the seven-line spectrum decays with the same time constant as the optical changes to a stable level of approximately 20% which can be destroyed by illumination with 840 mμ light. ( ΔM=2)-transitions are expected on the basis of the above Hamiltonian and have been observed. - In the ENDOR spectrum the lines of the K nuclei which are nearest neighbours to the three F-centers of the R-center have been analysed. Their hyperfine interaction is purely isotropic with a/h=17.85 Mc/sec. - General expressions are derived for fine structure and hyperfine structure of the ( S= N/2)-state of an N-electron center with negligible spin-orbit coupling. The hyperfine interaction of the nucleus K is very well understood on the basis of an Heitler-London approximation of the R-center. For the fine structure the Heitler-London approximation using the known fine structure of the M-center triplet state predicts a value of D which is roughly a factor of 2/3 too small. The mechanisms of excitation and decay between the doublet ground state and the quartet state of the R-center are not yet understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous measurements of optical absorption and electron spin resonance of additively colored KCl crystals have been carried out during the optical bleaching of F-centers at −90°C. The F-center resonance signal does not change in its significant properties e.g. line shape, line width, g-value, and saturation behavior, but it decreases proportional to the decrease of the optical F-center absorption band. No ESR-signal due to the F′-center could be observed. The time dependence of the F⇄ F′-center conversion has been investigated by ESR and optical measurements. It does not give any indication of a paramagnetism of the F′-center, too. The kinetics of the thermal decay of the F′-center at −90°C have been studied. One can interpret the time dependence of this process, if one assumes that the mean lifetime of an F′-center depends on the distance of the nearest halogen ion vacancy. The expectation of life of the F′-centers therefore increases during the thermal decay, as the mean distance between remaining F′-centers and vacancies increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report varicella-zoster virus (VZV) meningitis in a healthy adult woman with no antecedent rash and with hypoglycorrhachia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed the presence of VZV DNA, anti-VZV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, and intrathecal production of anti-VZV IgG antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed audiovisually induced erections after nerve block of the neurovascular bundle during prostate biopsy. We evaluated neurovascular bundle nerve block to mimic non-nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in an experimental setup. Patients undergoing a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were randomized to bilateral injection of 5 ml ropivacaine hydrochloride 0.75% or NaCl 0.9% into the neurovascular bundle. The patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire (IIEF-5) questionnaire, and a detailed patient history was obtained. A routine prostate biopsy was performed. Thereafter, patients were exposed to 60 min of audiovisual stimulation. Erections were recorded using a Rigiscan-Plus™ device. A total of 11 patients were randomized. Five patients received NaCl (group 1) and six patients ropivacaine (group 2). Patient characteristics were comparable in terms of age (group 1: 59.8 y; group 2: 61.8 y), mean PSA (4.1 vs 4.7 ng/ml), mean IIEF-5 score (20.5 vs 22) and risk factors for erectile dysfunction, respectively. Patients of group 1 showed significantly stronger and longer erections after audiovisual stimulation than patients in group 2. Patients with bilateral infiltration of saline solution to the neurovascular bundle showed significantly stronger erections than patients receiving local anesthesia of the neurovascular bundle. Thus, this experiment might serve as a model to assess postoperative erectile function after a unilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, 510–512. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901345; published online 19 May 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Experientia is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)