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News media are important for society, because they provide information on relevant topics based on journalistic norms, such as truthfulness and impartiality. However, traditional news brands have f...

In modern society, attention is traded in markets on an industrial scale. Some theorists say that attention is even more important than money and power—the typical subjects of sociology. Based on a critical reflection of sociological concepts we develop a framework that answers three fundamental questions. The first asks, to what extent is the generation of attention a social action? Second, how do markets emerge and which type of attention is traded? Third, what causes change in attention markets? We discuss what the framework implies about current changes in attention markets through digital transformation by referring to numerous bestselling, critical, nonfiction books that predict doom and gloom regarding the subject. We conclude that attention has already become close to currency, as it can be measured accurately and in a timely and individualized manner. However, the limited information processing capacity of human consciousness make attention an economic scarcity. In order to professionalize the attraction of attention, certain professions, sophisticated technologies, and persuasion techniques have emerged over the last decades. Nevertheless, humans remain reflexive beings who constantly adapt their knowledge and abilities to avoid or sabotage unwanted attempts to capture their attention or persuade them. As a result of this, professional techniques to attract attention require a lot of ongoing creativity.

The motion picture industry has been subject of extensive academic research over the last decades. However, most scholars focused on the U.S. theatrical motion picture market. The number of research activities regarding even more profitable release windows, such as home video or television, has been substantially lower. Although international distribution is essential for a motion picture project to break even, there has been little significant re-search on most other markets. This paper aims at summarizing the current state of research on the motion picture industry, particularly from marketing and management perspective, revealing research gaps, and proposing recommendations for future research endeavors. Therefore, a three-pillar scheme is developed to systemize previous findings: Research on intraorganizational decision making, contractual relationships between national stakeholders, and international market competition are differentiated. Since these insights are mainly derived from U.S. theatrical exhibition, they can hardly be applied to other markets and exhibition windows. Thus, potential research areas are identified to expand knowledge of posttheatrical and international markets.

While it has been acknowledged that convergence is a multidimensional phenomenon, the convergence of media production processes has received little attention from researchers so far. In this article, we address this research gap with a qualitative study of production processes in different types of media. Our starting point is that independent of the media type, common product characteristics can be identified, that promote success in the audience market. We ask whether the same is true for process characteristics; whether there are converged processes that promote audience success independent of the media type. The study is based on n = 39 interviews in the German-speaking markets. Our findings provide a differentiated result: We do find similarities in the processes along the lines of product characteristics; however, the project phase is an important influencer. While processes in the development phase are more converged, production and distribution still demand distinct processes for different media types. In general, we can confirm studies that find a reluctance of media practitioners towards convergence, which often remains an underfunded and cost-oriented brain child of the top management.

OBJECTIVE Endothelial cell activation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and associated leukocyte infiltration are hallmarks of vasculitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of the cellular stress-associated endothelial X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) transcription factor in TNF-induced endothelial cell inflammation and vasculitis. METHODS Mice with an endothelial cell-specific XBP-1 deficiency were used in a modified local Shwartzman reaction (LSR) model of TNF-induced small vessel vasculitis. To address the contribution of XBP-1 to the TNF-mediated inflammatory response in endothelial cells, we examined the activation of XBP-1 expression by TNF as well as the effect of XBP-1 knockdown in endothelial cells on TNF-induced signaling, proinflammatory gene expression, and leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. RESULTS The active spliced form of XBP-1 in endothelial cells was triggered by TNF. In addition, endothelial XBP-1 contributed to the sustained TNF-triggered NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activation of proinflammatory molecules, which was associated with leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. In the LSR model, endothelial cell-specific XBP-1-deficient mice displayed significantly less vascular damage, accompanied by reduced perivascular neutrophil infiltration, as compared with wild-type mice. CONCLUSION Endothelial XBP-1 is activated by TNF and regulates leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion in vitro as well as neutrophil infiltration and vascular damage in murine vasculitis.

This chapter reviews the state of the media marketing and branding literature and proposes suggestions for future research. Media marketing is the marketing of media companies and involves a market-oriented media management. Media branding is a media marketing prototype that addresses external as well as internal stakeholder relationships. Media brands signal a priori information that assists audiences in making consumption choices and advertisers in choosing a certain advertising vehicle over another, and coordinates media organizations’ internal decision-making processes. The importance of media marketing and branding has increased in a competitive, ambiguous and aggregative multi-platform, as well as audience-centered and participatory media environment. In social media channels, media brands have to deal with multi-brand consumption situations in which content is aggregated with content of other sources and media brands, and the distribution channel is a brand of its own. Future media marketing and branding research should focus on the ambiguity of coping with “old” distribution channels and audiences while simultaneously embracing “new” aggregative and participatory online and social network content environments. The media market situation provides unique opportunities for future media marketing and branding practice and research.

Research on media success factors is a fragmented field. Definitions, measures, and methods vary, and findings are often inconsistent. In an attempt to fill this perceived research gap, we distilled generic success factors of media products from the literature. Guided by theory and empirical findings, these factors were aggregated to complex concepts, building blocks of success that we further investigated in an exploratory qualitative study. We found that the building blocks are applicable to all types of media, independent of seriality and content types of media products. Subsequently the research question of this article is: Which building blocks of success are most important for media products? To answer this question, we conducted an online survey of 255 media professionals in print, audio-visual, and online media in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. To analyze our data, we deployed qualitative comparative analysis, a method based on set theory that is suitable to investigate complex causality. We conclude that four building blocks are necessary for success: “good” distribution, environmental orientation, form/design, and human resources are preconditions for achieving success in terms of audience market share. In addition, three patterns emerge in the sufficient paths (combinations of building blocks) to success. Which route to success a media product shows can be related to the width of its topical scope and the corresponding projected audience size.

Das Makulaforamen (MF) ist eine Erkrankung des Sehzentrums der Netzhaut des menschlichen Auges und fuhrt unbehandelt zu starker Sehbeeintrachtigung. Die Makulaforamenchirurgie ist seit Jahren sehr erfolgreich und zeigt in fruhen Stadien einen sehr guten anatomischen und funktionellen Erfolg, weniger jedoch – trotz standiger Verbesserung der Operationsprozeduren – in hoheren Erkrankungsstadien. In einer retrospektiven Analyse untersuchten wir die Wirkung von autologem Thrombozytenkonzentrat bei Patienten mit einem hohen MF-Stadium (Stadium III–IV) hinsichtlich des Lochverschlusses und der Erholung der Sehkraft (Visus). Die Applikation der Thrombozyten erfolgte intraoperativ bei einer pars plana Vitrektomie (ppV). Zusatzlich wurden die Plattchenkonzentrate bei einigen Patienten qualitativ auf den Gehalt an Wachstumsfaktoren und mit Blick auf ihre Adhasionsfahigkeit untersucht. In der ersten Patientengruppe konnte ein guter anatomischer Lochverschluss bei 74 % der Patienten erzielt werden. Die Analysen der Plattchenkonzentrate in dieser Gruppe zeigten, dass ein moglicher Wundheilungseffekt am ehesten vom Gehalt an Wachstumsfaktoren (am Beispiel des Plattchenwachstumsfaktors, PDGF) beeinflusst wird und weniger von der Adharenzfahigkeit der Thrombozyten, gemessen an der Aggregationsfahigkeit nach Ristocetingabe. In der zweiten Patientengruppe zeigten sich nach Optimierung des Verfahrens fur die Thrombozytenkonzentratherstellung und des chirurgischen Verfahrens eine Steigerung des anatomischen Erfolgs (92 %) sowie eine sehr rasche Entwicklung der Visusverbesserung innerhalb der ersten sechs Wochen. Die Optimierung der chirurgischen Verfahren zur MF-Chirurgie stand in der Vergangenheit an erster Stelle. Konzepte zur Wundheilung sind eher rar. Wir postulieren aufgrund unserer Daten, dass der Einsatz von autologen Thrombozytenkonzentraten als Wundheilungskonzept gerade den funktionellen Erfolg in spaten Stadien der Erkrankung steigern hilft.

Increasing D-dimer (DD) levels after discontinuation of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy indicate an increased risk of recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, after discontinuation of d irect-acting n on-VKA o ral a nti c oagulants (DOACs or NOACs) the extent of coagulation activation and its clinical impact is unknown. Blood samples were collected from consenting patients with proximal VTE at the end of anticoagulation treatment with apixaban (n = 37), dabigatran (n = 17), rivaroxaban (n = 9) or VKA (n = 184) and 4 weeks later. DD, prothrombin fragments F1 + 2 (F1 + 2) and thrombin–antithrombin complexes (TAT) were measured. All patients underwent follow-up at 12 months to establish recurrent VTE or death from any cause. Irrespective of the treatment, DD and F1 + 2 but not TAT demonstrated a similar increase between baseline and week 4. At 12 months, 18 patients (7.3%) had recurrent VTE and two (0.8%) had died. For all patients and subgroups of VKA and DOAC, positive likelihood ratios were numerically higher for baseline values but only TAT values at 4 weeks were found to be related to a small increase of outcome event likelihood (2.6; 95%CI 1.23-5.50), which was driven by VKA patients (3.1; 95%CI 1.32-7.30) and not by DOAC patients (2.27; 95%CI 0.52-9.95). For all parameters, negative likelihood ratios were not predictive. In logistic regression analysis, only ΔTAT (optimal cut-off > 178% from baseline demonstrated a significant risk increase for VTE/death (odds ratio 3.76; 95% confidence interval 1.46-9.68; p = 0.006). In conclusion, the concept of testing coagulation activation parameters may also be transferred to VTE patients at the end of DOAC therapy. For patients with an increase of TAT levels within 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation (> 178% from baseline) is associated with an increased risk for VTE recurrence or death at 12 months.

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are common findings in patients undergoing lipoprotein apheresis (LA). Different intravenous (iv) formulations are used to treat ID in LA patients, however guidelines and data on ID/IDA management in LA patients are lacking. We therefore performed a prospective observational multi-center cohort study of ID/IDA in LA patients, comparing two approved i.v. iron formulations, ferric gluconate (FG) and ferric carboxymaltose (FCM).Inclusion criteria were a) serum ferritin100 μg/L or b) serum ferritin300 μg/L and transferrin saturation20%. Patients received either FG (62.5 mg weekly) or FCM (500 mg once in ID or up to 1000 mg if IDA was present) i.v. until iron deficiency was resolved. Efficacy and safety were determined by repeated laboratory and clinical assessment. Iron parameters pre and post apheresis were measured to better understand the pathogenesis of ID/IDA in LA patients.80% of LA patients treated at the three participating centers presented with ID/IDA; 129 patients were included in the study. Serum ferritin and transferrin levels were reduced following apheresis (by 18% (p0.0001) and by 13% (p0.0001) respectively). Both FG and FCM were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of ID/IDA in LA patients. FCM led to a quicker repletion of iron stores (p0.05), while improvement of ID/IDA symptoms was not different. Number and severity of adverse events did not differ between FG and FCM, no severe adverse events occurred.Our results suggest that FG and FCM are equally safe, well-tolerated and effective in treating ID/IDA in LA patients. These data form the basis for follow-up randomized controlled trials to establish clinical guidelines.

Lipid signaling network was proposed as a potential target for cancer prevention and treatment. Several recent studies revealed that phospholipid metabolising enzyme, phospholipase A2 (PLA2), is a critical regulator of cancer accelerating pathologies and apoptosis in several types of cancers. In addition to functioning as an enzyme, PLA2 can activate a phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R1) in plasma membrane. While the list of PLA2 targets extends to glucose homeostasis, intracellular energy balance, adipocyte development, and hepatic lipogenesis, the PLA2R1 downstream effectors are few and scarcely investigated. Among the most addressed PLA2R1 effects are regulation of pro-inflammatory signaling, autoimmunity, apoptosis, and senescence. Localized in glomeruli podocytes, the receptor can be identified by circulating anti-PLA2R1 autoantibodies leading to development of membranous nephropathy, a strong autoimmune inflammatory cascade. PLA2R1 was shown to induce activation of Janus-kinase 2 (JAK2) and estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα)-controlled mitochondrial proteins, as well as increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, thus leading to apoptosis and senescence. These findings indicate the potential role of PLA2R1 as tumor suppressor. Epigenetic investigations addressed the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and specific microRNAs in the regulation of PLA2R1 expression. However, involvement of PLA2R1 in suppression of malignant growth and metastasis remains controversial. In this review, we summarize the recent findings that highlight the role of PLA2R1 in the regulation of carcinogenesis-related intracellular signaling.

Media organizations are dealing with various internal and external value sets such as individual values of media professionals, journalistic values as professional standards, corporate values, but also monetary and societal values. Since media brands are not only based on a value set, but are established in co-orientation and co-creation processes between the media organization and its different stakeholders, the value sets of the different stakeholders are incorporated and influence decision-making processes. Thus, in aligning the different value sets and value-based expectations, we argue that branding is the appropriate strategy for media management to achieve market success as well as legitimacy.

TLR2 and TLR5 ligation directly induces β2-integrin activation, promoting cell adhesion to ICAM-1. Systemic in vivo administration of the TLR2 ligand Pam3CSK4 increases integrin-dependent adhesion to endothelium within minutes. The signaling pathway linking TLR ligation with β2-integin activation involves Rac-1, NADPH oxidase 2, and Rap1-GTPase., Rapid β2-integrin activation is indispensable for leukocyte adhesion and recruitment to sites of infection and is mediated by chemokine- or P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1–induced inside-out signaling. Here we uncovered a novel pathway for rapid activation of integrin-dependent leukocyte adhesion, triggered by toll-like receptor (TLR)–mediated signaling. TLR2 or TLR5 ligation rapidly activated integrin-dependent leukocyte adhesion to immobilized ICAM-1 and fibronectin. Consistently, in vivo administration of the TLR2-ligand Pam3CSK4 increased integrin-dependent slow rolling and adhesion to endothelium within minutes, as identified by intravital microscopy in the cremaster model. TLR2 and TLR5 ligation increased β2-integrin affinity, as assessed by the detection of activation-dependent neoepitopes. TLR2- and TLR5-triggered integrin activation in leukocytes required enhanced Rap1 GTPase activity, which was mediated by Rac1 activation and NADPH oxidase-2–dependent reactive oxygen species production. This novel direct pathway linking initial pathogen recognition by TLRs to rapid β2-integrin activation may critically regulate acute leukocyte infiltration to sites of pathogen invasion.

The low-grade inflammatory state present in obesity contributes to obesity-related metabolic dysregulation, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and insulin resistance. Intercellular interactions between immune cells or between immune cells and hepatic parenchymal cells contribute to the exacerbation of liver inflammation and steatosis in obesity. The costimulatory molecules, B7.1 and B7.2, are important regulators of cell-cell interactions in several immune processes; however, the role of B7 costimulation in obesity-related liver inflammation is unknown. Here, diet-induced obesity (DIO) studies in mice with genetic inactivation of both B7.1 and B7.2 (double knockout; DKO) revealed aggravated obesity-related metabolic dysregulation, reduced insulin signalling in the liver and adipose tissue (AT), glucose intolerance, and enhanced progression to steatohepatitis resulting from B7.1/B7.2 double deficiency. The metabolic phenotype of B7.1/B7.2 double deficiency upon DIO was accompanied by increased hepatic and AT inflammation, associated with largely reduced numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in these organs. In order to assess the role of B7 costimulation in DIO in a non-Treg-lacking environment, we performed antibody (Ab)-mediated inhibition of B7 molecules in wild-type mice in DIO. Antibody-blockade of both B7.1 and B7.2 improved the metabolic phenotype of DIO mice, which was linked to amelioration of hepatic steatosis and reduced inflammation in liver and AT. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a dual role of B7 costimulation in the course of obesity-related sequelae, particularly NASH. The genetic inactivation of B7.1/B7.2 deteriorates obesity-related liver steatosis and metabolic dysregulation, likely a result of the intrinsic absence of Tregs in these mice, rendering DKO mice a novel murine model of NASH. In contrast, inhibition of B7 costimulation under conditions where Tregs are present may provide a novel therapeutic approach for obesity-related metabolic dysregulation and, especially, NASH

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are catecholamine-producing chromaffin cell tumors with diverse phenotypic features reflecting mutations in numerous genes, including MYC-associated factor X (MAX). To explore whether phenotypic differences among PPGLs reflect a MAX-mediated mechanism and opposing influences of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)s HIF2α and HIF1α, we combined observational investigations in PPGLs and gene-manipulation studies in two pheochromocytoma cell lines. Among PPGLs from 140 patients, tumors due to MAX mutations were characterized by gene expression profiles and intermediate phenotypic features that distinguished these tumors from other PPGLs, all of which fell into two expression clusters: one cluster with low expression of HIF2α and mature phenotypic features and the other with high expression of HIF2α and immature phenotypic features due to mutations stabilizing HIFs. Max-mutated tumors distributed to a distinct subcluster of the former group. In cell lines lacking Max, re-expression of the gene resulted in maturation of phenotypic features and decreased cell cycle progression. In cell lines lacking Hif2α, overexpression of the gene led to immature phenotypic features, failure of dexamethasone to induce differentiation and increased proliferation. HIF1α had opposing actions to HIF2α in both cell lines, supporting evolving evidence of their differential actions on tumorigenic processes via a MYC/MAX-related pathway. Requirement of a fully functional MYC/MAX complex to facilitate differentiation explains the intermediate phenotypic features in tumors due to MAX mutations. Overexpression of HIF2α in chromaffin cell tumors due to mutations affecting HIF stabilization explains their proliferative features and why the tumors fail to differentiate even when exposed locally to adrenal steroids.

The Quick test and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are so-called global assays used to characterize different steps in plasmatic hemostasis. They reflect hemostasis in its classical differentiation into extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. However, they do not cover physiological aspects of cell-based hemostasis. Results are not necessarily congruent with a specific clinical situation and do not replace a complete medical history. Patients suffering from hemophilia A or B, for example, have normal Quick test results. Severe factor XII deficiency reveals an extreme aPTT prolongation without a significant bleeding tendency. In Lupus patients, aPTT is also prolonged with clinically a rather increased thrombotic risk. Fibrinogen as a substrate of coagulation discloses pathological results in both global tests in case of considerable reduction. In case of positive bleeding history and a normal global assay, disorders in platelets, von Willebrand factor and factor XIII must be considered. Reduced Quick test results may be expected in factor VII, II, V, or X deficiency. Disorders of liver synthesis of coagulation factors as well as vitamin K deficiency will be indicated by the Quick test rather than by aPTT. The most frequent hereditary reasons for a prolonged aPTT are hemophilia A and B as well as von Willebrand disease. In case of an acquired bleeding tendency, the diagnostic strategy must include autoantibodies. The sensitivity of the aPTT reagent varies widely. Low-molecular weight heparin and pentasaccharides do not influence the test. Oral direct inhibitors may reveal pathological results in a reagent-dependent manner.

Background: We first describe a patient who developed urosepsis from an ordinary urinary tract infection. In this case, the new hematological parameters of immature leukocytes, that is, the high-fluorescence lymphocyte cell (HFLC) and immature granulocyte (IG) counts peaked early, whereas the established infection parameters, that is, C-reactive protein (CRP) and total white blood cell count showed less dynamic regarding infection and therapy. Methods: To investigate this phenomenon in greater detail, the novel parameters HFLC and IG counts are investigated retrospectively in a cohort of 38 patients who were admitted to the anesthesia intensive care unit. Three groups of patients have been analyzed and compared: patients without signs of infection, patients with limited infections, and patients with sepsis. Data were collected with a Sysmex XE-5000 hematological analyzer. Results: In patients (n = 22) without any signs of infection, both values are very low. In patients with limited local infections (n = 10), moderate elevations of the IG and HFLC counts are seen. In patients with sepsis (n = 6), the IG and HFLC counts are significantly higher.Conclusion: The total IG countseemstobeusefulfordistinguishinga

Werbung differenziert sich immer weiter aus. Mit der Folge, dass das gesamte Feld der Werbung immer undurchschaubarer wird. Um die Werbung systematisieren und die Besonderheiten ihrer Erscheinungsformen herausarbeiten zu konnen, wurde in diesem Lehrbuch 2005 die zweidimensionale IP Matrix entwickelt. Dazu wurden die Integration in den redaktionellen Kontext und der Personalisierungsgrad der Werbung als relevante Verortungsdimensionen vorgestellt. Auch in der zweiten Auflage 2010 wurde die zweidimensionale Matrix beibehalten, obwohl sich bereits zeigte, dass der Interaktivitatsgrad der Werbung wichtiger wird.

Hinweise, die auf einer differenzierungstheoretischen Perspektive basieren, sind bereits in Kapitel 2.3 gegeben worden; und zwar dort, wo bei der Darstellung der Geschichte der Werbung ihre Ausdifferenzierung und die Anstose dazu thematisiert werden. In Kapitel 2.1 und 2.2 zeigen die Rahmenbedingungen und Meta-Entwicklungen strukturelle Einflusskomponenten auf, die zugleich die Eigenart gesellschaftlicher Entwicklungsphasen andeuten.

Werbung zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts steht in einer engen Wechselwirkung mit verschiedenen Rahmenbedingungen. Sie wird von Politik, Recht, Technologie, Okonomie und Kultur massgeblich beeinflusst. Vice versa beeinflusst sie ihrerseits diese Rahmenbedingungen – wenn auch ungleich stark.

Rivaroxaban is increasingly used to treat patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), a potentially life-threatening condition. Because absorption of rivaroxaban decreases from nearly 100% to 66% under fasting conditions, it is recommended that VTE patients take rivaroxaban with a meal. However, this recommendation is based on preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in healthy volunteers. So far, no clinical evidence is available to support this recommendation. We describe a case of a compliant young patient who developed recurrent pulmonary embolism during rivaroxaban treatment. PK studies provided evidence that malabsorption of rivaroxaban 20 mg due to irregular intake of meals during shift work was the leading cause of recurrent pulmonary embolism. When the patient was instructed to take rivaroxaban with a regular meal, peak plasma concentrations increased from 115 to 318 ng mL(-1) (+ 176%). Consequently, the importance of taking rivaroxaban with food may have a greater clinical relevance than data from preclinical PK studies suggest.

Introduction Serum amyloid A (SAA), secreted group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are acute-phase proteins whose serum concentrations increase not only during inflammatory disorders, but also in the course of malignant diseases.

Activated protein C (APC) resistance (Dahlback et al, 1993) is a common risk factor for venous thromboembolism (Bucciarelli et al, 1999). This phenotype is highly associated with the F5 R506Q (F5 rs6025; factor V Leiden, FVL) mutation (Bertina et al, 1994). Heterozygous and homozygous discrepancies between F5 R506Q genotype and phenotype (APC resistance), known as pseudo-homozygosity, have been described (Castaman et al, 1997; Brugge et al, 2005). This incidental phenomenon suggests that, based on APC-resistance testing, there is a homozygous F5 R506Q mutation, yet, genetic testing only shows a heterozygous F5 R506Q mutation (Simioni et al, 1996). In such cases, polymorphisms located on the second factor V (FV) protein coding allele (i.e. wild-type for F5 R506Q) cause intracellular decreased FV protein production, leading to reduced FV activity (Castoldi et al, 1998). In contrast, the phenomenon “pseudo-wild-type” FVL, suggesting a wild-type F5 R506Q according to APC resistance testing but heterozygous F5 R506Q mutation by genetic testing, is infrequently described (Dargaud et al, 2003; Asselta et al, 2004). In these two studies, the polymorphisms responsible for the reduced FV protein levels were found to be located on the same FV protein coding allele, together with the F5 R506Q mutation.

Zusammenfassung: Phäochromozytome, Paragangliome und Neuroblastome sind seltene neuroendokrine Tumoren, die durch eine erhöhte Katecholaminproduktion charakterisiert sind. Die Katecholamine werden noch in den Tumorzellen zu Metanephrinen O-methyliert. Diese Tatsache erklärt die hohe diagnostische Sensitivität und Spezifität der Katecholaminmetabolite zur Diagnostik von Phäochromozytomen und Paragangliomen. Altersangepasste Referenzwerte von Normetanephrin, dem O-methylierten Metabolit von Noradrenalin, erhöhen hierbei noch die diagnostische Spezifität. Gemessen an der höheren diagnostischen Sensitivität sind die auf Flüssigkeitschromatographie beruhenden Methoden, Metanephrine im Patientenplasma zu messen, immunologischen Verfahren überlegen. Für das Neuroblastom-Screening bleibt die Messung der Tumormarker Vanillinmandelsäure und Homovanillinsäure der am häufigsten benutzte Test, obwohl sie eine eingeschränkte diagnostische Sensitivität haben. Für die Diagnose solcher pädiatrischen Tumoren ist die Suche nach neuen, verbesserten Biomarkern notwendig.

Pseudothrombocytopenia remains a challenge in the haematological laboratory. The pre-analytical problem that platelets tend to easily aggregate in vitro, giving rise to lower platelet counts, has been known since ethylenediamine-tetra acetic acid EDTA and automated platelet counting procedures were introduced in the haematological laboratory. Different approaches to avoid the time and temperature dependent in vitro aggregation of platelets in the presence of EDTA were tested, but none of them proved optimal for routine purposes. Patients with unexpectedly low platelet counts or flagged for suspected aggregates, were selected and smears were examined for platelet aggregates. In these cases patients were asked to consent to the drawing of an additional sample of blood anti-coagulated with a magnesium additive. Magnesium was used in the beginning of the last century as anticoagulant for microscopic platelet counts. Using this approach, we documented 44 patients with pseudothrombocytopenia. In all cases, platelet counts were markedly higher in samples anti-coagulated with the magnesium containing anticoagulant when compared to EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples. We conclude that in patients with known or suspected pseudothrombocytopenia the magnesium-anticoagulant blood samples may be recommended for platelet counting.

It is well-known that the plasma level of group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) is increased in patients with malignant diseases, but whether the up-regulated enzyme expression is directly related to tumorigenesis or a consequence of tumor-associated inflammation remains unresolved. In this study we analyzed circulating levels of sPLA2-IIA, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and antithrombin as biomarkers of inflammation and coagulation in patients with various types of malignancies. Underlying tumor entities were lung, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, head and neck, and hepatocellular carcinomas as well as multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Plasma levels of sPLA2-IIA are shown to be markedly increased in all types of analysed malignancies in comparison to the normal range (22.8 ± 4.5 μg/L versus1.9 μg/L). Levels of sPLA2-IIA correlate positively with CRP (p0.001), fibrinogen (p0.01), FVIII (p0.05), and vWF (p0.05) and negatively with antithrombin levels (p0.05). Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed a statistically prolonged survival time of patients with lower sPLA2-IIA concentrations (4 μg/L) in comparison to those with elevated concentrations (4 μg/L) of this enzyme. In conclusion, the study shows that the measurement of plasma sPLA2-IIA levels has prognostic values in patients with different types of malignancies. The association of sPLA2-IIA levels with CRP, fibrinogen, FVIII, and vWF levels supports the importance of inflammatory processes for the up-regulation of sPLA2-IIA during cancer progression.

Economic news may not only report about the economy but also impact the development of an economy by affecting economic expectations. This study explores the impact of economic news on the economic expectations of experts. A content analysis of economic news tone and volume of two German and one Swiss public service news shows is combined with survey data on macroeconomic expectations of experts on the topics of general economy, capital expenditures, and private consumption. Results confirm that past news tone explains economic expectations on private consumption up to 70 per cent. This effect varies among news shows and the overall economic situation. The authors hold media dependency and an asymmetric third-person effect responsible for these variations.

Objective and methods Acute modification of plasma lipidomic profile was assessed by top-down shotgun profiling on a LTQ Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer in 14 patients treated with two different apheresis techniques: plasma lipidfiltration (LF) and whole blood dextran sulfate adsorption (DSA). Results Patients treated with DSA revealed a significantly more pronounced reduction of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), a diminished decrease of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), and a similar reduction in lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) level. Against the overall tendency of reduction of lipid metabolites of all lipid classes in post-apheresis plasma, independent of apheresis technology applied, a highly significant increase of phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) in response to DSA was observed. Conclusion These data indicate that DSA technology may be associated with an activation or damage of blood cells at contact surface which subsequently leads to a massive liberation of cellular and membrane PE's. Pathophysiological consequences, especially with respect to coagulation system and oxidative stress, have to be further elucidated.