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Purpose Recent studies point to adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as a link between obesity and cancer. We aimed to determine whether survivin, which is highly secreted by ASCs from subjects with obesity, might drive a pro-tumoral phenotype in macrophages. Methods The effect of ASC conditioned medium on the macrophage phenotype was assessed by expression studies. Survivin intracellular localization and internalization were examined by subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence, respectively. Loss- and gain-of-function studies were performed using adenoviral vectors, and gene expression patterns, migration and invasion capacities of cancer cells were examined. Heterotypic cultures of ASCs, macrophages and cancer cells were established to mimic the tumor microenvironment. Survivin-blocking experiments were used to determine the impact of survivin on both macrophages and cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of survivin was performed in macrophages from ascitic fluids of cancer patients and healthy controls. Results We found that obese-derived ASCs induced a phenotypic switch in macrophages characterized by the expression of both pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Macrophages were found to internalize extracellular survivin, generating hybrid macrophages with a tumor-associated phenotype that included secretion of survivin. Exogenous expression of survivin in macrophages generated a similar phenotype and enhanced the malignant characteristics of cancer cells by a mechanism dependent on survivin phosphorylation at threonine 34. Survivin secreted by both ASCs from subjects with obesity and tumor-associated macrophages synergistically boosted the malignancy of cancer cells. Importantly, survivin was mainly detected in ascites-associated macrophages from patients with a malignant diagnosis. Conclusion Our data indicate that survivin may serve as a molecular link between obesity and cancer and as a novel marker for tumor-associated macrophages.

Introduction Construction of three-dimensional ventricular and atrial patches using decellularized extracellular matrix could allow the creation of “organ-like” structures for disease modeling, drug testing and regenerative medicine applications. To engineer functional artificial anatomical hearts several obstacles need to be overcome including generation of chamber-specific cells, prevention of immune reaction and donor/host tissue electrical coupling. Purpose In order to tackle these challenges we aimed to combine human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology, developmental biology inspired differentiation system to generate chamber-specific cardiomyocytes, decellularization/recellularization processes, and optogenetics utilizing light-sensitive ion channels to generate light-controllable atrial/ventricular tissue engineered patches. Material and method Atrial and ventricular patches of adult rats were decellularized using 1% SDS, 3% triton-X. The decellularized scaffolds were then recellularized with hiPSC- derived cardiomyocytes (2x107 atrial or ventricular cells). Adenoviral transduction was used to express the light-sensitive cationic channel ChR2 in the tissue engineered constructs. Results and discussion Eight days after cell seeding, we observed the development of spontaneous contraction of the atrial/ventricular tissues. Immunostaining for atrial (Cx40) or ventricular (MLC-2V) markers, gene expression, action-potential morphology, and the response to chamber-specific pharmacology confirmed the atrial/ventricular specific identity of the patches. Histological examination confirmed the preservation of the macro/micro- atrial/ventricular anatomical features in the generated chamber-specific recellularized patches. Optical mapping, using an EM-CCD camera, was used to characterize the conduction and repolarization properties of the generated tissues. The engineered patches could be paced and their electrical activity controlled by either electrical or optogenetic stimulation. Finally, arrhythmogenic reentrant arrhythmias could be induced in the tissue models and terminated by using optogenetic stimulation (“optogenetic-defibrillation”). Conclusions Three-dimensional light-sensitive chamber-specific engineered heart patches could be generated that could be controlled and manipulated through electrical and light pacing. These tissue could be used for several pathophysiological, drug testing, disease modeling and regenerative medicine applications. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): H2020-ERC-COG

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading bacterial food-borne pathogen in Europe. Despite the accepted limits of cultural detection of the fastidious bacterium, the “gold standard” in food microbiology is still the determination of colony-forming units (CFU). As an alternative, a live/dead differentiating qPCR has been established, using propidium monoazide (PMA) as DNA-intercalating crosslink agent for inactivating DNA from dead, membrane-compromised cells. The PMA treatment was combined with the addition of an internal sample process control (ISPC), i.e. a known number of dead C. sputorum cells to the samples. The ISPC enables i), monitoring the effective reduction of dead cell signal by the light-activated DNA-intercalating dye PMA, and ii), compensation for potential DNA losses during processing. Here, we optimized the method for routine application and performed a full validation of the method according to ISO 16140-2:2016(E) for the quantification of live thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in meat rinses against the classical enumeration method ISO 10272-2:2017. In order to render the method applicable and cost-effective for practical application, the ISPC was lyophilized to be distributable to routine laboratories. In addition, a triplex qPCR was established to simultaneously quantify thermophilic Campylobacter, the ISPC and an internal amplification control (IAC). Its performance was statistically similar to the two duplex qPCRs up to a contamination level of 4.7 log10 Campylobacter per ml of meat rinse. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the alternative method was around 20 genomic equivalents per PCR reaction, i.e. 2.3 log10 live Campylobacter per ml of sample. The alternative method passed a relative trueness study, confirming the robustness against different meat rinses, and displayed sufficient accuracy within the limits set in ISO 16140-2:2016(E). Finally, the method was validated in an interlaboratory ring trial, confirming that the alternative method was fit for purpose with a tendency of improved repeatability and reproducibility compared to the reference method for CFU determination. Campylobacter served as a model organism, challenging CFU as “gold standard” and could help in guidance to the general acceptance of live/dead differentiating qPCR methods for the detection of food-borne pathogens.

BACKGROUND: Ultrarare Marshall-Smith and Malan syndromes, caused by changes of the gene nuclear factor I X (NFIX), are characterised by intellectual disability (ID) and behavioural problems, although questions remain. Here, development and behaviour are studied and compared in a cross-sectional study, and results are presented with genetic findings. METHODS: Behavioural phenotypes are compared of eight individuals with Marshall-Smith syndrome (three male individuals) and seven with Malan syndrome (four male individuals). Long-term follow-up assessment of cognition and adaptive behaviour was possible in three individuals with Marshall-Smith syndrome. RESULTS: Marshall-Smith syndrome individuals have more severe ID, less adaptive behaviour, more impaired speech and less reciprocal interaction compared with individuals with Malan syndrome. Sensory processing difficulties occur in both syndromes. Follow-up measurement of cognition and adaptive behaviour in Marshall-Smith syndrome shows different individual learning curves over time. CONCLUSIONS: Results show significant between and within syndrome variability. Different NFIX variants underlie distinct clinical phenotypes leading to separate entities. Cognitive, adaptive and sensory impairments are common in both syndromes and increase the risk of challenging behaviour. This study highlights the value of considering behaviour within developmental and environmental context. To improve quality of life, adaptations to environment and treatment are suggested to create a better person-environment fit.

Background The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway is a well-described inducer of immunosuppression and can act as an oncogenic factor in advanced tumors. Several preclinical and clinical studies show that the TGF-β pathway can be considered a promising molecular target for cancer therapy. The human genome has three TGF-β isoforms and not much is known about the oncogenic response to each of the isoforms. Here, we studied the antitumor response to ISTH0047, a recently developed locked nucleic acid-modified antisense oligonucleotide targeting TGF-β2. Materials and methods We have studied the anticancer response to ISTH0047 using gymnotic delivery in tumor cell cultures and in in vivo preclinical orthotopic mouse models for primary tumors (breast and kidney tumors) and lung metastasis. Results We observed that ISTH0047 is able to significantly reduce TGF-β2 mRNA and protein levels without altering the levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3. ISTH0047 prevented lung metastasis in syngeneic orthotopic renal cell carcinoma (RENCA) and breast cancer (4T1) tumor models. In addition, using an orthotopic xenograft model of a lung cancer cell line (CRL5807) that mainly expresses TGF-β2, we observed that ISTH0047 had an important effect on the lung microenvironment inhibiting the growth of lung lesions. ISTH0047 treatment re-educated macrophages in the lung parenchyma to express the tumor-suppressive factor, CD86. Conclusion Overall, our data point to TGF-β2 as a therapeutic target and ISTH0047 as a novel anticancer drug to prevent lung metastasis by impacting on the tumor niche, in part, through the induction of CD86 in tumor-associated macrophages.

The H syndrome (OMIM 612391) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, histiocytosis and short stature. It is caused by mutations in the SLC29A3 gene, which encodes for the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 protein (ENT3), of still uncertain subcellular localisation. Here we report a new case of H syndrome with the novel mutation c.243delA, which has been concomitantly described by others [A. Bolze, A. Abhyankar, A.V. Grant, B. Patel, R. Yadav, M. Byun, D. Caillez, J.F. Emile, M. Pastor-Anglada, L. Abel, A. Puel, R. Govindarajan, L. de Pontual, J.L. Casanova, A mild form of SLC29A3 disorder: a frameshift deletion leads to the paradoxical translation of an otherwise noncoding mRNA splice variant, PLoS ONE 7 (2012) e29708]. Patient-derived primary skin fibroblasts and B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL) were obtained and, although no differences were found in mRNA levels of ENT3, a significant increase in plasma membrane equilibrative transport activity was found in fibroblasts from the patient. Loss of function of key proteins implicated in nucleoside metabolism can lead to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndromes (MDS). Measurement of respiratory chain complex activity revealed that mitochondrial function was unaltered. Neither fibroblasts nor B-LCL showed mtDNA depletion when compared with controls. Fibroblasts and B-LCL from the patient were not particularly protected when mitochondrial damage was induced using nucleoside-derived drugs susceptible to being transported by ENT3. Analysis of mtDNA amounts in tissues obtained at autopsy proved inconclusive with respect to mitochondrial involvement in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Overall, the data do not support the inclusion of H syndrome among the MDS and these findings are compatible with its recent inclusion among the lysosomal storage diseases.

A multiplex real-time PCR assay based on four differently labeled TaqMan probes for detection and differentiation of the thermophilic Campylobacter species C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari was established and validated in food products. This assay combines two previously published PCR assays for C. jejuni and C. coli with a newly developed detection assay for C. lari and an internal amplification control system. The selectivity of the method was determined by analyzing 70 Campylobacter strains and 43 strains of other bacteria. The sensitivity was 50 fg of C. jejuni and C. lari DNA and 500 fg of C. coli DNA per PCR. It was possible to detect 1 to 10 CFU/25 g of food before preenrichment of all three species. More than 400 samples of various foods (poultry, seafood, and meat) were analyzed after 48 h of preenrichment parallel to the conventional diagnostic method of culture and biochemical identification. Using the established real-time PCR assay, 55.4% of the samples were recognized as positive for thermophilic Campylobacter species, whereas with the conventional method only 40.3% of the samples were positive. The real-time PCR assay also detected contaminations with two different Campylobacter species in 32.6% of the analyzed poultry samples, a finding of epidemiological interest. Compared with the original PCR method, which was established for the differentiation of bacterial isolates of C. jejuni and C. coli, this new method also detects and distinguishes C. lari, was validated as an analytical tool for food analysis, and provides reliable and extensive results within 2 days.

A collaborative study including 13 German laboratories was conducted to evaluate the performance of two non-patented real-time PCR methods for the detection of Salmonella in milk powder targeting the ttrC/ttrA- or the invA gene. The enrichment procedure and sample DNA preparation method prior to the real-time PCR was the same for both systems and the identical DNA extraction samples were analysed. The traditional cultural method according to EN ISO 6579:2002 for the detection of Salmonella in food was performed in each laboratory as the reference. The participants received twelve coded milk powder samples each of 25 g for the analysis. Four of them were Salmonella negative (level L0), four artificially contaminated with

Salmonella belongs to the most important bacterial pathogens worldwide causing disease in humans and animals mainly by the oral uptake of contaminated food. Consequently, detection methodologies for Salmonella from food items are meaningful for routine laboratories. Here, we describe two different real-time PCR based methods for the detection of Salmonella in food. The procedure begins with a cultural pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water for 18–24 hours at 37 °C followed by a selective enrichment step in Rappaport-Vassiliadis medium for at least six hours at 42 °C. Next, the microbial DNA is extracted and finally Salmonella-DNA is specifically detected by the real-time PCR. Both methods differ in the Salmonella target gene sequence. One assay amplifies a 285-bp-DNA-Fragment of the invA-gene, and the other a 95-bp-DNA-Fragment of the ttrC/ttrA-gene. An internal amplification control indicates the correct carrying out of the PCR. The duration of both detection methods is between 24 and 28 hours.

The concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT) family (SLC28) has three members: SLC28A1 (CNT1), SLC28A2 (CNT2) and SLC28A3 (CNT3). The CNT1 and CNT2 transporters are co-expressed in liver parenchymal cells and macrophages, two suitable models in which to study cell cycle progression. Despite initial observations suggesting that these transporter proteins might contribute to nucleoside salvage during proliferation, their subcellular localization and regulatory properties suggest alternative roles in cell physiology. In particular, CNT2 is a suitable candidate for modulation of purinergic responses, since it is under the control of the adenosine 1 receptor. Increasing evidence also suggests a role for CNT2 in energy metabolism, since its activation relies on the opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels. Animal and cell models genetically modified to alter nucleoside transporter expression levels may help to elucidate the particular roles of CNT proteins in cell physiology.

Fludarabine is considered the treatment of choice for most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We have analyzed the role of plasma membrane transporters in nucleoside-derived drug bioavailability and action in CLL cells. Among the known plasma membrane transporters, we have previously observed a significant correlation between fludarabine uptake via ENT carriers and ex vivo sensitivity of CLL cells to fludarabine, although mRNA amounts of the equilibrative nucleoside transporters hENT1 and hENT2 do not show any predictive response to treatment. In this study, using polyclonal monospecific antibodies we have observed a significant correlation between the expression of hENT2 by Western blot and fludarabine uptake via hENT carriers and also with ex vivo sensitivity of CLL cells to fludarabine. These results suggest that the equilibrative nucleoside transporter hENT2 plays a role in fludarabine responsiveness in CLL patients.

In this minireview, the nature of the forces controlling selectivity in the high performance capillary electrochromatographic (HP-CEC) separation of peptides has been examined. For uncharged and charged peptides, a synergistic interplay occurs in HP-CEC systems between adsorptive/partitioning events and electrokinetically driven motion. Moreover, at high field strengths, both bulk electrophoretic migration and surface electrodiffusion occur. Thus, the migration behavior of peptides in different HP-CEC systems can be rationalized in terms of the combined consequences of these various processes. Moreover, in HP-CEC, the buffer electrolyte interacts with both the peptide analytes and the sorbent as bulk phenomena. These buffer-mediated processes control the solvational characteristics, ionization status and conformational behavior of the peptides as well as regulate the double-layer properties of the sorbent, and the ion flux and electro-osmotic flow characteristics of the HP-CEC system per se. These buffer electrolyte effects mediate mutual interactions between the peptide and the sorbent, irrespective of whether the interaction occurs at the surface of microparticles packed into a capillary, at the surface of a contiguous monolithic structure formed or inserted within the capillary or at the walls of the capillary as is the case with open tubular HP-CEC. Diverse molecular and submolecular forces thus coalesce to provide the basis for the different experimental modes under which HP-CEC can be carried out. As a consequence of this interplay, experimental parameters governing the separation of peptides in HP-CEC can be varied over a wide range of conditions, ensuring numerous options for enhanced selectivity, speed, and resolution of peptides. The focus of the peptide separation examples presented in this minireview has been deliberately restricted to the use of HP-CEC capillaries packed with n-alkyl-bonded silicas or mixed-mode strong ion exchange sorbents, although other types of sorbent chemistries can be employed. From these examples, several conclusions have been drawn related to the use of HP-CEC in the peptide sciences. These observations confirm that variation of a specific parameter, such as the pH or the content of the organic solvent modifier in the buffer electrolyte, simultaneously influences all other physicochemical aspects of the specific HP-CEC separation. Peptide selectivity in HP-CEC thus cannot be fine-tuned solely through the use of single parameter optimization methods. In this context, HP-CEC differs significantly from the analogous reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) procedures with peptides. Rather, more sophisticated multiparameter optimization procedures, involving knowledge of (a) the field strength polarity, (b) its contour and flux characteristics, (c) effects of buffer electrolyte composition and pH, (e) the influence of the temperature, and (f) the impact of the sorbent characteristics, are required if the full capabilities offered by HP-CEC procedures are to be exploited. In this minireview, the HP-CEC migration behavior of several different sets of synthetic peptides has been examined, and general guidelines elaborated from these fundamental considerations to facilitate the interpretation and modulation of peptide selectivity in HP-CEC. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 71: 429–453, 2003

Applying fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), six cosmid clones of rhesus macaque origin containing the genes SACM2L, RING1, BAT1 and MIC2, MIC3, MICD, and MOG of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were localised to the long arm of the rhesus macaque chromosome 6 in 6q24, the orthologous region to human 6p21.3. Furthermore, centromere to telomere orientation of the rhesus macaque MHC as well as the internal order of the MHC genes tested are the same as in human. Fiber-FISH allows a rough estimate of distances between these MHC genes in the rhesus macaque, and, as in the human, the rhesus macaque MHC comprises about 3 to 4 Mb.

We report the case of a 63-year-old patient suffering from a nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma. She presented with increased oral secretion and pharyngeal irritation, Horner's syndrome, and trigeminal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a tumor of the nasopharyngeal space invading the right cranial base. Lymph node metastases were clinically excluded. The histological sample confirmed an adenoid cystic carcinoma, which was therapeutically treated with adequate radiotherapy. Based on the presented case report and a review of the literature, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinomas of the nasopharynx.

Briefly after withdrawal of the (T-type) calcium channel blocker mibefradil from the market, four cases of life-threatening interaction of mibefradil with dihydropyridines were reported. We investigated in vitro whether mibefradil interacts with a dihydropyridine, as described for other non-dihydropyridine compounds. Rat working hearts were used to examine functional interactions between amlodipine and mibefradil. Gallopamil and another T-type-channel blocker, ethosuximide, were included for comparison. Effects of mibefradil, (+)- and (-)-gallopamil on [3H](+)-isradipine binding were studied in membranes from tsA201-cells transfected with alpha(1c)-, alpha(2)delta-, and beta(1a)- or beta(2a)-calcium channel subunits. Mibefradil increased negative inotropic effect of amlodipine, but not of gallopamil. Gallopamil and ethosuximide showed no influence on contractile effects of amlodipine. Furthermore, mibefradil concentration-dependently caused bradycardic rhythm disturbance. The same type of arrhythmia was observed combining low concentrations of mibefradil with amlodipine, or with gallopamil, respectively. Amlodipine alone, or the combination of gallopamil or ethosuximide with amlodipine did not cause any arrhythmia. Binding studies showed a concentration-dependent positive allosteric interaction between [3H](+)-isradipine and mibefradil, but not with [3H](+)-isradipine and gallopamil enantiomers. Molecular and functional evidence points to an interaction between a dihydropyridine and mibefradil. Mibefradil caused rhythm disturbances and potentiation of negative inotropy when combined with amlodipine.

The authors used a reconstruction of the presumed minimization algorithm underlying the Model of Defense Sufficiency proposed by Professor Tsygichko of the Russian Academy of Sience and performed a series of computational experiments for testing the implications of different assumptions about strategic/operational/ tactical mobility for Russia's force requirements and the appropriate peacetime force deployment. To this end, they used Huber's Stable Regional Force Ratio concept to transform the threat probability estimates published by Tsygichko into regional defense potentials satisfying Russia's security requirements vis‐a‐vis hypothetical threat potentials in the year 2010. The results of the experiments show that the adoption of Tygichko's defense sufficiently principle by Russian force planners would not only benefit Russia's security and budget, it would also result in an increase in the security of Russia's neighbors. They also indicate the need for super‐regional arms control agreements in order to...

The unsuitability of the "CFU" parameter and the usefulness of cultivation-independent quantification of Campylobacter on chicken products, reflecting the actual risk for infection, is increasingly becoming obvious. Recently, real-time PCR methods in combination with the use of DNA intercalators, which block DNA amplification from dead bacteria, have seen wide application. However, much confusion exists in the correct interpretation of such assays. Campylobacter is confronted by oxidative and cold stress outside the intestine. Hence, damage caused by oxidative stress probably represents the most frequent natural death of Campylobacter on food products. Treatment of Campylobacter with peroxide led to complete loss of CFU and to significant entry of any tested DNA intercalator, indicating disruption of membrane integrity. When we transiently altered the metabolic state of Campylobacter by abolishing the proton-motive force or by inhibiting active efflux, CFU was constant but enhanced entry of ethidium bromide (EtBr) was observed. Consistently, ethidium monoazide (EMA) also entered viable Campylobacter, in particular when nutrients for bacterial energization were lacking (in PBS) or when the cells were less metabolically active (in stationary phase). In contrast, propidium iodide (PI) and propidium monoazide (PMA) were excluded from viable bacterial cells, irrespective of their metabolic state. As expected for a diffusion-limited process, the extent of signal reduction from dead cells depended on the temperature, incubation time and concentration of the dyes during staining, prior to crosslinking. Consistently, free protein and/or DNA present in varying amounts in the heterogeneous matrix lowered the concentration of the DNA dyes at the bacterial membrane and led to considerable variation of the residual signal from dead cells. In conclusion, we propose an improved approach, taking into account principles of method variability and recommend the implementation of process sample controls for reliable quantification of intact and potentially infectious units (IPIU) of Campylobacter by real-time PCR.

Thermal measurements were made on indium-impregnated 5.6 nm Vycor glass at low temperatures in applied magnetic fields up to 1 Tesla. The indium lattice specific heat is enhanced relative to the bulk value, while the electronic contribution was unchanged. A slightly broadened superconducting transition with a bulk-like specific heat discontinuity indicate that the indium nanoparticles are strongly coupled. The phase diagram and size of the specific heat jump at T c ( H ) yield κ ≈ 15. A field-periodic magnetocaloric effect has also been observed which may be related to flux depinning in the superconducting network.

LIF is a pleiotropic cytokine that can act as an immunomodulatory factor in different biological processes, such as embryo implantation, organ transplantation tolerance and multiple sclerosis. Here, we have observed that in tumors expressing LIF, its blockade inhibits tumor growth, and that the anti-tumor effect of LIF neutralization is mediated by the polarization of tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs). LIF sustains the expression of CCL22, MRC1 and CD163 in human healthy monocytes and in TAMCs from mouse syngeneic (non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer) models, patient-derived xenograft models and organotypic cultures from glioblastoma. We show that LIF blockade down-regulates CCL22 secretion by TAMCs preventing regulatory T cell and inducing effector T and NK cell tumor infiltration, leading to an increase in tumor cell apoptosis and an anti-tumor response. A positive correlation between M2-like markers and LIF expression has been observed in glioblastoma patients, and high levels of these factors confer poor prognosis. Moreover, we have studied one of the multiple mechanisms through which LIF could modulate the inhibition of effector T and NK cells: the regulation of PD-1/PDL1 axis. We have seen that after anti-LIF treatment of tumor-bearing mice, the expression of PDL1 decreases in tumor cells and in TAMCs. Furthermore, a positive correlation between PDL1 and LIF expression has been observed in glioblastoma patients, and both proteins also correlate with CD44 expression, a marker for cancer-initiating cell (CIC) population. High levels of these three factors confer poor prognosis. Thus, we have found that LIF acts as an immune-suppressor in cancer recapitulating its normal function in other biological processes. LIF is a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune responses through the induction of CCL22 in TAMCs and subsequent regulation of regulatory and effector T and NK cells. Our results identify LIF as a promising immuno-oncology therapeutic target and establish the translational potential of anti-LIF agents.

Die vorliegende Kasuistik beschreibt den Fall einer 27-jahrigen Patientin mit einem zervikalen zystischen Hygrom. Bei Erstkonsultation bestand eine faustgrose prallelastische Weichteilschwellung des rechten hinteren Halsdreiecks ohne Begleitsymptome. Die Kernspintomographie zeigte einen zystischen Tumor ohne Enhancement nach Kontrastmittelgabe an gleicher Stelle. Es erfolgte die kurative Exstirpation der Zyste in Intubationsnarkose. 3 und 6 Monate nach Hygromentfernung bestand bei den Kontrolluntersuchungen kein Anhalt auf ein Rezidiv.

Current treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection is effective, although it does not permanently suppress viral replication in all patients. Viral persistence, drug toxicity, and antiretroviral resistance are challenging barriers to successful treatment of HIV-1 infection. It has become increasingly apparent that the balance between drug influx and efflux transporter activity plays a critical role in the overall disposition of anti-HIV drugs in both cells and tissues. Thus, drug transporters directly influence the appearance of drug resistance and toxicity, and could also be related to persistence of HIV-1. We review the role of drug uptake transporters from the solute carrier (SLC) superfamily, their relation with specific antiretroviral drug disposition, and their efficacy in the tissues that absorb, metabolize, and eliminate anti-HIV drugs. Recent studies focusing on the role of drug uptake transporters in immune cells, key sites in the action of antiviral therapy, are highlighted.

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

The electron impact ionization mass spectra of dipyrido [1,2-a: 4,3d] pyrimidinones are strongly influenced by the degree of aromaticity of the fused rings. The molecular ions of the compounds are fairly stable. The main routes of fragmentation involve formation of the [M − H] + ion and loss of substituents, H 2 CN*, CO and alkyl radicals

Concentrative nucleoside transporter 2 (CNT2) is a high-affinity adenosine transporter that may play physiological roles beyond nucleoside salvage. Previous reports relate CNT2 function to modulation of purinergic signaling and energy metabolism in intestinal and liver parenchymal cells (Duflot et al., 2004, Mol Cell Biol 24:2710-2719; Aymerich et al., 2006, J Cell Sci 119:1612-1621). In the present study, to further examine the link between CNT2 and energy metabolism, CNT2 protein partners were identified using the bacterial two-hybrid and GST pull-down approaches. The N-terminal segment of CNT2 was used as bait, since proteins lacking this domain display impaired plasma membrane insertion and intracellular retention. Glucose-regulated protein 58 (GRP58) was identified as a potential rCNT2 partner in pull-down experiments. Two-hybrid screening performed against a liver human cDNA library led to the identification of aldolase B as another hCNT2 partner. Aldolase B-RFP and endogenous GRP58 separately co-localized with CNT2 in HeLa cells transfected with YFPrCNT2. CNT2 interaction with GRP58 was validated using co-immunoprecipitation experiments. In HeLa cells, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency increased upon fructose addition, consistent with a transient interaction between aldolase B and the transporter. The physiological basis for in vivo interactions was derived from experiments in which GRP58 was inhibited or overexpressed and aldolase B activity stimulated towards glycolysis. GRP58 appeared to be a negative effector of CNT2 function, whereas aldolase B flux modulated CNT2 activity via a mechanism involving acquisition of higher affinity for its substrates. These findings support the theory that CNT2 plays roles other than salvage and establishes links with energy metabolism.

Starting from various stereoisomeric, alicyclic ethyl 2-aminocarboxylates (1–6, 23, 24) and 2-chloroethyl, 3-chloropropyl or 3-bromopropyl isothiocyanate, ring-closure reactions were performed under mild conditions. Thus, partially saturated thiazolo- and thiazino[2,3-b]quinazolinone derivatives (7–8) and asymmetric 2-[2′-(ethoxycarbonyl-cycloalkyl and -cycloalkenyl)-imino]-3-(2″-thiazolin-2″-yl)-thiazolidine diadducts (19–22) were formed. The structures of the new compounds were proved via their IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectra, use also being made of DR, DNOE, DEPT and 2D-HSC measurements.

3-Hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-1,3-benzoxazin-4-one and a number of its perhydrogenated derivatives were prepared from the corresponding 2-hydroxycarboxamides by treatment with a formaldehyde/formic acid mixture. Thermal decomposition of the 3-hydroxymethyl derivatives led to the previously unknown parent compounds. With one exception (14), both in the N-unsubstituted (16–18) and in the N-substituted (7–15) cyclopentane- and cyclohexane-fused derivatives the oxazinone ring predominantly attains a single half-chair conformation.

Nucleoside analogs are widely used in the treatment of cancer and viral-induced diseases. Efficacy of treatments relies upon a variety of events, including transport across tissue and target barriers, which determine drug pharmacokinetics and target cell bioavailability. To exert their action, nucleosides have to be chemically modified, thus compromising cellular uptake by those routes which are responsible for the uptake of natural nucleosides and nucleobases. In this review we will focus on established knowledge and recent advances in the understanding of nucleoside- and nucleobase-derived drug uptake mechanisms. Basically, these drug uptake processes involve the gene families SLC22, SLC28 and SLC29. These gene families encode Organic Anion Transporter (OAT)/Organic Cation Transporter (OCT), Concentrative Nucleoside Transporter (CNT) and Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter (ENT) proteins, respectively. The pharmacological profiles of these plasma membrane carriers as well as their basic physiological and regulatory properties, including their tissue and subcellular distribution will be reviewed. This knowledge is crucial for the understanding of nucleoside- and nucleobase-derived drug bioavailability and therapeutic action. Moreover, changes in both transporter expression and/or transporter function (for instance as a consequence of gene variability) might also modulate response to treatment, thereby anticipating a putative diagnostic and predictive added value to the analysis of transporter expression and their corresponding genetic variants.