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SOAE from the last major lizard family not yet systematically investigated, the teiids, were collected from the genera Callopistes, Tupinambis and Cnemidophorus. Although their papillae show characteristics of the family Teiidae, the papillae differ both in their size and in the arrangement of uni- and bi-directional hair-cell areas. Among these three genera, Callopistes showed few (2 or 3) SOAE peaks, whereas the other two genera showed more (up to 6 per ear). In the absence of knowledge of the tonotopic maps, however, it was not possible to clearly relate the spectral patterns to the differences in papillar anatomy, suggesting that the determinants of these patterns may be more subtle than anticipated., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Care for cancer patients is often provided by family caregivers. The terminal care period is usually associated with restricted mobility., Aim: The aim of this literature review is to analyse the needs of caregivers concerning mobility support and encouragement in everyday care of a cancer patient at the end of life., Methods: Relevant articles were identified via electronic database searches in Cochrane, PubMed, PsychINFO, ERIC, and CINAHL. Studies examining needs concerning mobility support and encouragement for terminal cancer care provided by family caregivers at home, published in English or German, have been included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by two authors., Results: A total of eleven studies with various designs have been included. The results show a need for information, guidance and support regarding mobility in two areas: i) activities of daily living including personal hygiene and ii) usage of equipment including transport., Conclusion: The literature review indicates that practical needs of family caregivers concerning mobility support and encouragement have been assessed unsystematically and not yet adequately studied. This should be done in future studies, in order to implement well-defined interventions for teaching nursing skills subsequently.

Parkinson's disease is among the most common neurological diseases. About 4.1 million people are attected worldwide. The course of Parkinson's disease is chronically progressive. With L-Dopa therapy the life expectancy of people being affected by Parkinon's disease is not shortened compared with people who are not affected. Therefore people with Parkinson's disease often suffer from the serious effects for decades which include motor symptoms as well as vegetative disturbance, which concerns bladder function and functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Urinary and fecal incontinence involve severe impairment of quality of life. In this review the occurence of urinary and fecal incontinence should be determined in order to be able to describe its extent. There are different measures for treatment or improvement. These are reviewed based on the following research question: Which effects do interventions have in improving urinary and fecal incontinence in persons with Parkinson's disease compared to usual care? In order to answer the questions a systematic review was conducted. The literature search occured in the electronic databases Cochrane database, PubMed and CINAHL. Three studies investigating the prevalence with a total sample size of n = 1077 and for the evaluation of interventions four studies with a total sample size of n = 48 have been included. 25 percent of the women with Parkinson's disease suffer from urgency incontinence compared to seven percent of the women without Parkinson's disease (p < 0.01). Among men with Parkison's disease 28 percent are affected and six percent among men without Parkinson's disease (p < 0.01). In respect to stress and fecal incontinence there were no significant differences between people affected and people not affected by Parkinson's disease. With pelvic floor muscle exercises and accompanying measures as well as with injections of botulinum toxin A a reduction of urinary incontinence seems to be possible. Due to methodological insufficiency of these studies, no clear recommendations can be given.

The factor Tollip is known to dampen TLR2- and TLR4-mediated signalling in mammals. No negative regulator of the piscine TLR-signalling cascade has been described so far, albeit a sizable collection of factors contributing to this ancient pathogen-sensing system are known from fish to date. We identified two closely related Tollip-encoding genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and the respective ortholog mRNA molecules in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The salmonid Tollip genes are segmented into 6 exons, similar to the human orthologous gene. The protein-encoding sequences are homologous to >97% among the twin factors and also between the species. Both encoded proteins contain a C2 domain and an ubiquitin system component, which are also characteristic features of the mammalian Tollip factor. We analysed the expression of these genes in trout. Both Tollip-encoding genes are ubiquitously and also equally expressed, as indicated by similar mRNA concentrations of both factors in any one tissue. Tollip expression was found to be up-regulated by viral infection. Our data suggest that the Tollip genes were duplicated before salmon and trout were evolutionary separated. Moreover, pathways dampening the activity of the TLR-cascade may have been conserved from lower vertebrates to mammals since Tollip, as a respective key factor has been highly conserved from fish to human.

We investigate positive effects of volunteering on psychological well-being and self-reported health using all four waves of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Confirming previous research, volunteering was positively related to both outcome variables. Both consistency of volunteering over time and diversity of participation are significantly related to well-being and self-reported health. The relationship of volunteering to psychological well-being was moderated by level of social integration, such that those who were less well integrated benefited the most. Mattering appears to mediate the link between volunteering and wellbeing. Controls for other forms of social participation and for the predictors of volunteering are employed in analyses of well-being in 1992. We find volunteering effects on psychological well-being in 2004, controlling for 1992 wellbeing, thus providing strong evidence for a causal effect.

Structure and function of factors contributing to the innate immune system of lower vertebrates, including fish are only sparsely characterized. We retrieved with RT-PCR cDNA copies of two closely related Toll-like receptors (TLR) from liver RNA of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The cDNA sequences are homologous to 95.6%. The phylogenetic analysis of their deduced amino acid sequences places these twin factors closely to other known TLRs from fish. The twin factors are equally expressed in all tissues analysed, most abundantly in spleen and head kidney and lowest in adipose tissue. Formalin-inactivated Aeromonas salmonicida pathogens induce their expression up to eight-fold in vitro in peripheral blood lymphocytes and in tissues from spleen and head kidney. Our sequence information will be useful to establish expression constructs for these factors necessary to analyse the pathogen specific signal transduction activating the innate immune defence in fish.

Two secreted proteins were detected in culture supernatants of PHA or PMA stimulated, immunomagnetically separated, sIgM(-) leucocytes of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with 60kDa and with 12-15kDa (multiple bands). So called conditioned media (CM), containing these proteins, induced significant activation of blood and head kidney leucocytes. Immunomagnetically separated, naive as well as PHA activated sIgM(-) T lymphocytes and LPS prestimulated sIgM(+) B lymphocytes could be identified to be responding to these secreted proteins. Using a monoclonal antibody specific for mouse IL-2 (clone JES6-1A12), one of the multiple 12-15kDa proteins could be stained in Western blots. It was also shown that the induced proliferation was due to this protein in the CM, as the same anti-IL-2 mab was able to block the CM induced proliferation. Furthermore, survival of the IL-2 dependent mouse cell line HT-2 was enhanced after addition of various concentrations of CM. The data presented show, for the first time, that mitogen stimulated trout sIgM(-) leucocytes secrete a cytokine like growth factor sharing functional and structural similarities with mammalian IL-2.

The morphology of the basilar papilla of the emu was investigated quantitatively with light and scanning electron microscopical techniques. The emu is a member of the Paleognathae, a group of flightless birds that represent the most primitive living avian species. The comparison of the emu papilla with that of other, more advanced birds provides insights into the evolution of the avian papilla. The morphology of the emu papilla is that of an unspecialised bird, but shows the full range of features previously shown to be typical for the avian basilar papilla. For example, the orientation of the hair cells' sensitive axes varied in characteristic fashion both along and across the papilla. Many of the quantitative details correlate well with the representation of predominantly low frequencies along the papilla. The most distinctive features were an unusually high density of hair cells and an unusual tallness of the hair-cell bodies. This suggests that the evolution of morphologically very short hair cells, which are a hallmark of avian papillae, is a recent development in evolution. The small degree of differentiation in hair-cell size contrasts with the observation that a significant number of hair cells in the emu lack afferent innervation. It is therefore suggested that the development of functionally different hair-cell types in birds preceded the differentiation into morphologically tall and short hair cells.

The aim of the present experimental series was to provide further information on the distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DP) of birds and contribute to a general understanding of DP generation. Basic characteristics of the DP 2f1-f2 and 2f2-f1 were measured in the ear canal of both awake and anaesthetized European Starlings and chickens. The effect of a third suppressive tone and the behaviour of the DP under anaesthesia were also studied. In general, the DP characteristics of both bird species resembled those of lizards and mammals, but first appeared at somewhat higher primary-tone levels. The best frequencies of third tones suppressing 2f1-f2 lay near the first primary tone (f1), but for 2f2-f1, the situation was more complex. Facilitation via a third tone was also seen for both DP, often at levels below those eliciting suppression. The DP 2f1-f2 disappeared completely at the onset of deep anaesthesia and recovered to its original magnitude when the anaesthesia was lightened, sometimes with a considerable delay. The compound action potential (CAP) was somewhat more sensitive to anaesthesia than the DP. Control experiments showed that the anaesthesia effect was not a result of hypoxia. Avian DP at low and intermediate sound levels are thus physiologically-sensitive manifestations of normal hair-cell function that are, in contrast to mammals, also anaesthesia-sensitive.

The internalization of the gold labelled monoclonal antibody RoMo-1 recognizing the CD 14 surface molecule of human monocytes was studied by electron microscopy. Monocyte enriched mononuclear cells (MNC) from the peripheral blood of healthy donors were incubated for 15, 30, 60, and 90 min with gold marked RoMo-1 in Eagle MEM at 37 degrees C. The process of internalization of RoMo-1 occurs as a receptor mediated endocytosis (RME), as described for other ligands.

The importance of the receptor ligand system IL 2-receptor and IL 2 for the regulation of the T-cell proliferation was confirmed recently. In this review most important points are discussed as biochemical data, regulation of the expression, monoclonal antibodies, binding behaviour, affinity and activation events. Other activation antigens are also discussed in a short part.

Allogeneic sensitization in vivo results in cytotoxic lymphocytes specific in cytotoxic reactions against thymus cells as target cells. Only those targets are destroyed which have common private determinants with the stimulator cell. Target determinants on the K end of the histocompatibility complex are mainly responsible for cell lysis. Alloantibodies block specifically the cytotoxic reaction. First of all blocking activity is directed against the private determinant of the K end. Alloantibodies against public determinants from other H-2 incompatible combinations don't influence the cytotoxic reaction. The blocking antibodies belong mainly to the IgG class but antibodies of the IgM class show a inhibitory activity too.

Graft versus host reaction (GvHR) induced in 10-day-old F1 mice by in vitro allogeneically or mitogenically stimulated spleen cells is lower than that induced by unstimulated fresh spleen cells. In vitro stimulated lymphoblasts are unable or only slightly able to induce a GvHR. An active suppression by the blasts is not involved. Since lymphoblasts after in vivo stimulation show an increased ability to elicit a GvHR it is concluded that in vitro and in vivo stimulated lymphoblasts have different properties. A different homing cannot be excluded after transfer to the mouse.

The effect of foetal liver cells on GVH reaction with the parental lymphocytes in F1 hybrid mice was studied. The GVH reaction was induced in newborn (CBA X C3H)F1 and in 10-day-old (CBA X C57BL/6)F1 hybrid mice. Foetal liver cells did not induce a GVH reaction. The GVH reaction of CBA spleen cells in (CBA X C3H)F1 hybrid mice was demonstrable, although weak. Foetal liver cells suppressed the GVH reaction, in dependence on cell concentration, in (CBA x C3H)F1 but not in (CBA X C57BL/6)F1 hybrid mice. The possibility to induce transplantation tolerance with foetal liver cells is discussed.

We produced a monoclonal antibody against human monocytes (ROMO 1) which was identified to be directed against the monocyte specific glycoprotein CD 14. For electron microscopic studies, this antibody was labelled with colloidal gold. By using a preembedding technique, we investigated the binding and internalization of gold labelled ROMO 1. The binding is highly specific. No other cells than monocytes bind it. Suspensions of monocytes, prepared from human blood, were incubated for 15 to 90 min with the marked antibody. The cells were labelled on the whole surface. Already after an incubation period of 15 min, the internalization of the antibody receptor-complex is demonstrable. This process is similar to that of receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME), described for different ligands such as cell nutrients, growth factors, hormones, and others.

Transfer of neonatally induced tolerance in the H-2 compatible CBA/C3H strain combination is possible with different efficiency by injection of adherent and non-adherent spleen cells, unseparated spleen cells and lymph node cells from C3H-tolerant CBA mice into sublethal irradiated CBA mice. The most efficient cell populations are adherent spleen cells and lymph node cells. Successful transfer of transplantation tolerance is not possible to non-irradiated mice. The adherent fraction of spleen cells and lymph node cells contains a suppressor cell population responsible for transplantation tolerance against non-H-2 antigens. The induced transplantation tolerance is not due to a chimaeric state of C3H-tolerant CBA mice.

Sera from normal, allogeneically hyperimmunized and transplantation tolerant mice show an inhibitory effect on MLR and PHA stimulation. After gel chromatography these inhibitory factors are preferably found in fraction III for MLR (MW 250-750 KD) and III and IV for PHA stimulation. These factors are not identical with the IL-2 inhibitor. A specific inhibitory component with a MW of about 1000 KD is found in sera from transplantation tolerant mice. This suppressor factor could have a synergistic function in induction of specificity and activity of suppressor cell.

The immune response of mice bearing a transplantable tumor which was induced by Benzyprene was studied. The humoral response to sheep red blood cells (hemolytic plaque assay) is increased until the day 18 after inoculation of the tumor if calculated in relation to the total number of spleen cells, but it is decreased related to 10(6) spleen cells after day 9. Because the weight of the spleen increases during this time this result suggests that the relation between antibody producing and nonproducing cells becomes smaller, despite the total number of antibody producing cells is higher. The unspecific suppression of the cell-mediated immune response in vivo was was studied by the adoptive transfer of spleen cells from tumor bearing mice and allografting of the recipients. The rejection of the grafts is delayed. The stimulation of spleen cells with PHA is smaller with cells from tumor animals than in controls. The fraction which is nonadherent on glass beads has a higher reactivity than the total population, this difference is more distinct in tumor animals. The suppressor cells from tumor mice are glass adherent and their activity is negatively influenced by treatment of the tumor mice with Carageenan.

The in vitro activity of an immunotoxin (IT) prepared by conjugating the monocyte specific RoMo-1 monoclonal antibody and partially inactivated Mistletoe lectin I (dMLI) containing inactivated B chain has been initially characterized. It is shown that while not affecting other mononuclear cells viability, this IT is capable of selectively destroying human monocytes after 24 h exposure thus resulting in the abrogation of monocyte support for PHA reactivity in mononuclear cell preparations. Therefore it seems to be possible to use this non-sugar binding holotoxin for immunotoxin preparation.

After allogeneic skin grafting and allogeneic sensibilization with spleen cells in the mouse system cytotoxic lymphocytes are induced, which can be shown in an vitro assay. The maximum of the cytotoxicity appears 2 to 3 days after transplantation. Cytotoxicity during graft rejection is clearly lower than the maximum cytotoxicity. After 3 to 4 weeks no cytotoxic lymphocytes can be detected. A similar time course is seen after sensibilization with allogeneic spleen cells. The cytotoxic lymphocytes do not react only against the stimulator haplotype if tumor cells are used as target cells. Common specificities between the stimulator and target cells may be responsible for this cytotoxicity. On the other side we found a specific cytotoxic reaction with thymocytes as target cells and in vivo no cross reaction for a second-set graft rejection.

The stimulation rate with PHA of murine spleen cells increases after removal of glass-adherent cells from the total spleen population. Unfractionated spleen population from HC treated mice suppresses the response to PHA of glass non-adherent cells from untreated animals only 24-48 h after HC treatment. From the third day on after the treatment the suppressive effect disappears.

The monoclonal IgG2a-antibody RoMo-1 binds to peripheral human blood monocytes but does not react with other blood cells, tissue macrophages, HL-60, K 562 or U 937. It seems possible, that the antibody defines an antigen expressed on the premonocytic and monocyte stages of cells from the mononuclear phagocytic system only. The antibody is cytotoxic.

A monoclonal antibody reacting with human MHC class II molecules was prepared. This antibody, RoDR, is directed against a nonpolymorphic determinant on DR, but not DP or DQ molecules.

GvH reactions were induced in (CBA X C57B1)F1 and (CBA X A)F1 mice with sensitized lymphocytes. Specific sensitization results in an increased GvH reaction, sensitization against third party cells does not influence the GvH reaction. Therefore serologically defined public antigens of the H-2 system play not role in the GvH reaction. The comparison of different numbers of specifically sensitized lymphocytes, lymphocytes sensitized against third party cells, and control lymphocytes for the induction of the GvH reaction leads to the same result.

Transplantation tolerance is used as model for investigation of mechanisms in recognition of "self" and "non-self". The clonal deletion of specific lymphocytes as reason transplantation tolerance is called more and more in question. Active mechanims, as for instance induction and maintenance by suppressor cells are more possible. Suppressor cells may be active not only in inhibition of inductor phase but also in blocking of effector cells. A synergistic effect of blocking factors is supposed too. The thymus plays an important role in induction of transplantation tolerance. Different methods for induction of tolerance are described.

alpha-amylase is an enzyme, rarely detected histochemically. Only a few examples are known in mammals. A method is described for the histochemical detection of an alpha-amylase in the pancreas of pike using a rabbit antiserum against pike amylase and FITC-labelled anti-rabbit immunoglobulin.