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Overgrowth of connective tissue and scar formation induced by the electrode array insertion increase the impedance and, thus, diminish the interactions between neural probes as like cochlear implants (CI) and the target tissue. Therefore, it is of great clinical interest to modify the carrier material of the electrodes to improve the electrode nerve interface for selective cell adhesion. On one side connective tissue growth needs to be reduced to avoid electrode array encapsulation, on the other side the carrier material should not compromise the interaction with neuronal cells. The present in vitro-study qualitatively and quantitatively characterises the interaction of fibroblasts, glial cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) with ultrathin poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA), poly(2-ethyloxazoline) (PEtOx) and poly([2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammoniumchlorid) (PMTA) films immobilised onto glass surfaces using a photoreactive anchor layer. The layer thickness and hydrophilicity of the polymer films were characterised by ellipsometric and water contact angle measurement. Moreover the topography of the surfaces was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The neuronal and non-neuronal cells were dissociated from spiral ganglions of postnatal rats and cultivated for 48 h on top of the polymer coatings. Immunocytochemical staining of neuronal and intermediary filaments revealed that glial cells predominantly attached on PMTA films, but not on PDMAA and PEtOx monolayers. Hereby, strong survival rates and neurite outgrowth were only found on PMTA, whereas PDMAA and PEtOx coatings significantly reduced the SG neuron survival and neuritogenesis. As also shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) SGN strongly survived and retained their differentiated phenotype only on PMTA. In conclusion, survival and neuritogenesis of SGN may be associated with the extent of the glial cell growth. Since PMTA was the only of the polar polymers used in this study bearing a cationic charge, it can be assumed that this charge favours adhesion of both glial cells and SG neurons glial cells and SGN.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV-related stigma among people with HIV (PWH) in Switzerland., Design: A cross-sectional multicenter study nested within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS)., Methods: We included adult PWH enrolled in the SHCS, attending follow-up between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Inability to speak English, French, German, or Italian was the only exclusion criterion. Participants were invited to complete a validated 12-item HIV-stigma questionnaire comprising four stigma subscales (negative self-image, personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, and concerns regarding public attitudes), plus two healthcare-related stigma items. Questionnaire responses were graded using a four-point Likert-type scale, higher scores indicating higher stigma. "Non-applicable," inferring HIV-status non-disclosure, was possible for personalized stigma; stigma scores from participants answering "non-applicable" to at least one item were analyzed separately. Factors associated with HIV-stigma were identified through multivariable linear models., Results: Of 9643 PWH with a SHCS visit, 5563 participated in the study: 26% were female, 13% Black, and 37% heterosexual; median age was 53 years (interquartile range 44-59); 2067 participants (37%) gave at least one "non-applicable" response. Disclosure concerns had the highest stigma scores and were reported by 4656/5563 (84%). HIV-stigma was reported across all demographic groups. However, being female, Black, and heterosexual were independently associated with higher scores. Higher education and longer follow-up duration were associated with lower scores. Healthcare-related stigma was reported in 37% of participants., Conclusion: HIV-stigma was prevalent across all demographic groups. The association with being female and Black suggests that HIV-stigma accentuates preexisting sex and race inequalities., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Although cochlear implants have become a well-established method for patients with sensory neural hearing loss, clinical results indicate that in some cases, corrosion of electrode contacts leads to high impedance that interferes with successful stimulation of the auditory nerve. As it is unclear whether corrosion products induce cell damage, we focused on cell culture models of the organ of Corti cell line (HEI-OC1), rat spiral ganglion cells (SGC) and rat organ of Corti explant (OCex) cultivated from neonatal rat cochleae to characterize the cytotoxicity of sodium hexachloroplatinate (IV) (Na2(PtCl6)). The oxidative activity in HEI-OC1 cells decreased with increasing Na2(PtCl6) concentrations between 8 and 16 ng/μl, and live cell staining with Calcein acetoxymethyl/Ethidium homodimer III revealed an increasing number of cells with disrupted membranes. Ultrastructural evidence of mitophagy followed by necroptosis was detected. Additionally, exposure of the SGC to 15-35 ng/μl Na2(PtCl6) dose-dependently reduced neuronal survival and neuritogenesis, as determined by neurofilament antigen staining. In parallel, staining glial cells and fibroblasts with specific antibodies confirmed the dose-dependent induction of cell death by Na2(PtCl6). Exposure of the OCex to 25-45 ng/μl Na2(PtCl6) resulted in severe concentration-dependent hair cell loss. Our data show for the first time that Na2(PtCl6) induces cell death in a concentration-dependent manner in inner ear cell types and tissues., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Berger et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: To eliminate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, 90% of those infected must be diagnosed and 80% treated. In Switzerland, >40% of the estimated 32,000 infected people are still undiagnosed. In the canton of St Gallen, HCV prevalence and cascade of care have only been studied in the centralised opioid agonist therapy (OAT) setting (institutions), although about 80% of OAT patients are treated decentrally (general practitioner [GP] or pharmacy)., Aim: To describe HCV prevalence and cascade of care among patients in the decentralised OAT programme of the canton of St Gallen, Switzerland, and compare it to contemporaneous data from the centralised setting., Methods: For each patient receiving his/her OAT from a GP or pharmacy on 1 April 2021, the cantonal medical office sent a questionnaire to the prescribing GP. Patient characteristics, HCV antibody (Ab)/RNA screening uptake, HCV Ab/RNA prevalence and HCV treatment uptake were obtained and compared to those of patients of the Medizinisch-soziale Hilfsstelle 1 in St Gallen (centralised setting)., Results: Of the 563 OAT patients under the care of 127 GPs, 107 patients from 41 GPs could be analysed (median age: 48 years [IQR: 40-56]; ongoing intravenous drug use: 25%; OAT provider: 66% GP, 34% pharmacy). HCV Ab screening uptake was 68% (73/107) with an HCV Ab prevalence of 68% (50/73) among those tested. Of the HCV Ab-positive patients, 84% (42/50) were HCV RNA-tested, among whom 57% (24/42) were viraemic. HCV treatment uptake was 83% (20/24), with 95% (19/20) achieving a sustained virological response. Non-uptake of HCV screening and treatment tended to be higher among patients receiving OAT at the pharmacy vs at the GP's office: 37% vs 26% (p = 0.245) for screening and 30% vs 7% (p = 0.139) for treatment. The proportion never HCV Ab-tested and the proportion of HCV Ab-positives never HCV RNA-tested was significantly higher in the decentralised compared to the centralised setting: 32% vs 3% (p <0.001) never Ab-tested and 16% vs 0% (p = 0.002) never RNA-tested. In contrast, HCV treatment uptake (83% vs 78%), sustained virological response rate (95% vs 100%) and residual HCV RNA prevalence among the HCV Ab-positive (12% vs 14%) were comparable for both settings., Conclusion: In the decentralised OAT setting of the canton of St Gallen, HCV Ab prevalence is high. Since HCV Ab and RNA screening uptake are markedly lower than in the centralised setting, potentially >40% of patients with chronic HCV are not diagnosed yet. HCV screening in the decentralised setting needs improvement, e.g. by increasing awareness and simplifying testing. High HCV treatment uptake and cure rates are possible in centralised and decentralised settings.

The intricate process of biomineralization, e.g. in sea urchins, involves the precise interplay of highly regulated mineralization proteins and the spatiotemporal coordination achieved through compartmentalization. However, the investigation of biomineralization effector molecules, e.g. proteins, is challenging, due to their very low abundance. Therefore, we investigate the functional mimicry in the bioinspired precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) with artificial peptides selected from a peptide library by phage display based on peptide-binding to calcite and aragonite, respectively. The structure-directing effects of the identified peptides were compared to those of natural protein mixes isolated from skeletal (test) structures of two sea urchin species ( Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus ). The calcium carbonate samples deposited in the absence or presence of peptides were analyzed with a set of complementary techniques with regard to morphology, polymorph, and nanostructural motifs. Remarkably, some of the CaCO 3 -binding peptides induced morphological features in calcite that appeared similar to those obtained in the presence of the natural protein mixes. Many of the peptides identified as most effective in exerting a structure-directing effect on calcium carbonate crystallization were rich in basic amino acid residues. Hence, our in vitro mineralization study further highlights the important, but often neglected, role of positively charged soluble organic matrices associated with biological and bioinspired CaCO 3 deposition.

We report on a nonoxidative topochemical route for the synthesis of a novel indate-based oxyfluoride, LaBaInO 3 F 2 , using a low-temperature reaction of Ruddlesden-Popper-type LaBaInO 4 with polyvinylidene difluoride as a fluorinating agent. The reaction involves the replacement of oxide ions with fluoride ions as well as the insertion of fluoride ions into the interstitial sites. From the characterization via powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Rietveld analysis as well as automated electron diffraction tomography (ADT), it is deduced that the fluorination results in a symmetry lowering from I 4 /mmm (139) to monoclinic C 2 /c (15) with an expansion perpendicular to the perovskite layers and a strong tilting of the octahedra in the ab plane. Disorder of the anions on the apical and interstitial sites seems to be favored. The most stable configuration for the anion ordering is estimated based on an evaluation of bond distances from the ADT measurements via bond valence sums (BVSs). The observed disordering of the anions in the oxyfluoride results in changes in the optical properties and thus shows that the topochemical anion modification can present a viable route to alter the optical properties. Partial densities of states (PDOSs) obtained from ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal a bandgap modification upon fluoride-ion introduction which originates from the presence of the oxide anions on the interstitial sites. The photocatalytic performance of the oxide and oxyfluoride shows that both materials are photocatalytically active for hydrogen (H 2 ) evolution.

With the current global projection of over 130 million electric vehicles (EVs), there soon will be a need for battery waste management. Especially for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (lithium ASSBs), aspects of waste management and circular economy have not been addressed so far. Within such ASSBs, the use of solid-electrolytes like garnet-type Li 6.5 La 3 Zr 1.5 Ta 0.5 O 12 (LLZTO) may shift focus on strategies to recover not only the transition metal elements but also elements like La/Zr/Ta. In this work, we present a two-step recycling approach using citric acid as the leaching agent to separate and recover the individual components of a model cell comprising of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) anode, Li 6.5 La 3 Zr 1.5 Ta 0.5 O 12 (LLZTO) garnet electrolyte and LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 (NMC) cathode. We observe that by adjusting the concentration of citric acid, it was possible to separate the materials from each other without strong mixing of individual phases and also to maintain their principle performance characteristics. Thus, the process developed has a potential for upscaling and can guide towards considering separation capability of battery components in the development of lithium ASSBs., (© 2023 The Authors. ChemSusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

So far, it was supposed that the increase of electrical impedance following cochlear implant (CI) insertion was due to technical defects of the electrode, inflammatory and/or formation of scar tissue along the electrode. However, it was recently reported that corrosion of the platinum electrode contacts may be the reason for high impedances. It could be shown that platinum particles were stripped from the electrode surfaces. Its potential cytotoxic effects within the inner ear remains to be examined. In this study in vitro cell culture models of the mouse organ of Corti cell line (HEI-OC1) and the spiral ganglion (SG) cells derived from the cochleae neonatal rats were used to investigate the effects of the polyvinylpyrrolidone coated platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPPVP, 3 nm) on cell metabolism, neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth. Our data revealed no decrease of the metabolic activity of the HEI-OC1 cells at Pt-NPPVP concentrations between 50-150 μg/ml. Also, staining with Calcein AM/EthD demonstrated prevalent presence of vital cells. As shown by transmission electron microscopy no Pt-NPPVP could be found at the cell surface or in the cytosol of the HEI-OC1 cells. Similarly, the SG cells exposed to 20-100 μg/ml Pt-NPPVP did not show any reduced survival rate and neurite outgrowth following staining of the neurofilament antigen even at the highest Pt-NPPVP concentration. Although the SG cells were exposed to Pt-NPPVP for further 72 h and 96 h immunocytochemical staining of the glial cells and fibroblasts presented normal cell morphology and growth independently of the cultivation period. Our data indicates that the used Pt-NPPVP do not trigger the cellular uptake and, thus, presumable do not initiate apoptotic pathways in cells of the organ of Corti cell line or the auditory nerve. The protection mechanisms to the Pt-NPPVP interactions remain to be clarified., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Berger et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Echinacea purpurea has clinical antiviral activity against respiratory viruses and modulates immune functions. In this study, we compared higher doses of new Echinacea formulations with conventional formulations at lower, preventive doses for therapy of respiratory tract infections (RTIs)., Methods: In this randomized, blinded, controlled trial, healthy adults ( n = 409) were randomized between November 2018 and January 2019 to one of four Echinacea formulations, which were taken in case of an RTI for up to 10 days. New formulations A (lozenges) and B (spray) delivered an increased dose of 16,800 mg/d Echinacea extract during days 1-3 and 2,240-3,360 mg/d afterward; as controls, conventional formulations C (tablets) and D (drops) delivered a lower daily dose of 2,400 mg, usually taken for prevention. The primary endpoint was time to clinical remission of first RTI episodes based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis of patient-reported, investigator-confirmed, respiratory symptoms assessed for up to 10 days. In a sensitivity analysis, the mean time to remission beyond day 10 was calculated by extrapolating the treatment effects observed on days 7 to 10., Results: A total of 246 participants (median age 32 years, 78% female participants) were treated for at least one RTI. Recovery by day 10 (complete absence of symptoms) was achieved in 56 and 44% of patients with the new and conventional formulations, respectively, showing a median time to recovery of 10 and 11 days, respectively ( p = 0.10 in intention-to-treat analysis, p = 0.07 in per-protocol analysis). In the extrapolated sensitivity analysis, new formulations resulted in a significantly shorter mean time to remission (9.6 vs. 11.0 days, p < 0.001). Among those with an identified respiratory virus, viral clearance until day 10 based on real-time PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs was more frequent with new formulations (70 vs. 53%, p = 0.046). Tolerability and safety (adverse events: 12 vs. 6%, p = 0.19) were good and similar between formulations. There was one severe adverse event with a potential hypersensitivity reaction in a recipient of the novel spray formulation., Conclusion: In adults with acute RTI, new Echinacea formulations with higher doses resulted in faster viral clearance than conventional formulations in prophylactic dosages. The trend for faster clinical recovery was not significant by day 10 but became so upon extrapolation. A dose increase during acute respiratory symptoms might improve the clinical benefits of orally administered Echinacea formulations., Trial Registration: The study was registered in the Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal (SNCTP000003069) and on ClinicalTrials.gov (NTC03812900; URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03812900?cond=echinacea&draw=3&rank=14)., Competing Interests: WA has received a speaker's fee from A. Vogel AG. RS is employed by A. Vogel AG, Switzerland, but was not involved in data collection. Data evaluation was carried out by PKl, an independent provider of data management and statistical services. PKl was an employee of d.s.h. Statistical Services GmbH, Germany. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The authors declare that this study received funding from A. Vogel AG Switzerland. The funder had the following involvement in the study: preparation of formulation and compounds with support from the Kommission für Technologie und Innovation KTI, project 19002.2PFLS-LS, and statistical analyses., (Copyright © 2023 Sumer, Keckeis, Scanferla, Frischknecht, Notter, Steffen, Kohler, Schmid, Roth, Wissel, Vernazza, Klein, Schoop and Albrich.)

Background: Leukocyte telomere length (TL) shortens with age and is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) events in the general population. Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH) may have accelerated atherosclerosis and shorter TL than the general population. It is unknown whether TL is associated with CAD in PLWH., Methods: We measured TL by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in white Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants. Cases had a first CAD event during 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017. We matched 1-3 PLWH controls without CAD events on sex, age, and observation time. We obtained univariable and multivariable odds ratios (OR) for CAD from conditional logistic regression analyses., Results: We included 333 cases (median age 54 years; 14% women; 83% with suppressed HIV RNA) and 745 controls. Median time (interquartile range) of TL measurement was 9.4 (5.9-13.8) years prior to CAD event. Compared to the 1st (shortest) TL quintile, participants in the 5th (longest) TL quintile had univariable and multivariable CAD event OR = 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], .35-.91) and OR = 0.54 (95% CI, .31-.96). Multivariable OR for current smoking was 1.93 (95% CI, 1.27-2.92), dyslipidemia OR = 1.92 (95% CI, 1.41-2.63), and for recent abacavir, cumulative lopinavir, indinavir, and darunavir exposure was OR = 1.82 (95% CI, 1.27-2.59), OR = 2.02 (95% CI, 1.34-3.04), OR = 3.42 (95% CI, 2.14-5.45), and OR = 1.66 (95% CI, 1.00-2.74), respectively. The TL-CAD association remained significant when adjusting only for Framingham risk score, when excluding TL outliers, and when adjusting for CMV-seropositivity, HCV-seropositivity, time spent with detectable HIV viremia, and injection drug use., Conclusions: In PLWH, TL measured >9 years before, is independently associated with CAD events after adjusting for multiple traditional and HIV-related factors., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have lowered the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) worldwide. However, the influence of regional vaccine uptake differences on the changing epidemiology of IPD remains unclear. We aimed to examine the overall impact of both seven- and 13-valent PCVs (PCV7 and PCV13) on IPD in Switzerland. Three-year periods from 2005-2010 and 2011-2019 were considered, respectively, as (early and late) PCV7 eras and (early, mid and late) PCV13 eras. Vaccine coverage was estimated from a nationwide survey according to east (German-speaking) and west (French/Italian-speaking) regions for each period. Reported incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were compared between successive periods and regions using nationwide IPD surveillance data. Overall IPD incidence across all ages was only 16% lower in the late PCV13 era compared to the early PCV7 era (IRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.79-0.88), due to increasing incidence of non-PCV-type IPD (2.59, 2.37-2.83) in all age groups, except children <5 years. PCV uptake rates in swiss children were slightly higher in the west than the east ( p < 0.001), and were accompanied by lower IPD incidences across all age groups in the former region. Post-PCV13, non-PCV serotypes 8, 22F and 9N were the major cause of IPD in adults ≥65 years. Increased PCV coverage in both areas of Switzerland resulted in a decrease in vaccine-type and overall IPD incidence across all age groups, in a regionally dependent manner. However, the rising incidence of non-vaccine-type IPD, exclusive to older adults, may undermine indirect beneficial effects.

Background: The extent of inappropriate prescribing observed in geriatric medicine has not been thoroughly evaluated in people ageing with HIV. We determined the prevalence of and risk factors for inappropriate prescribing in individuals aged ≥75 years enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study., Methods: Retrospective review of medical records was performed to gain more insights into non-HIV comorbidities. Inappropriate prescribing was screened using the Beers criteria, the STOPP/START criteria and the Liverpool drug-drug interactions (DDIs) database., Results: For 175 included individuals, the median age was 78 years (IQR 76-81) and 71% were male. The median number of non-HIV comorbidities was 7 (IQR 5-10). The prevalence of polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing was 66% and 67%, respectively. Overall, 40% of prescribing issues could have deleterious consequences. Prescribing issues occurred mainly with non-HIV drugs and included: incorrect dosage (26%); lack of indication (21%); prescription omission (drug not prescribed although indicated) (17%); drug not appropriate in elderly individuals (18%) and deleterious DDIs (17%). In the multivariable logistic regression, risk factors for prescribing issues were polypharmacy (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-4.7), renal impairment (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.4-5.1), treatment with CNS-active drugs (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-3.8) and female sex (OR: 8.3; 95% CI: 2.4-28.1)., Conclusions: Polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing are highly prevalent in elderly people living with HIV. Women are at higher risk than men, partly explained by sex differences in the occurrence of non-HIV comorbidities and medical care. Medication reconciliation and periodic review of prescriptions by experienced physicians could help reduce polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing in this vulnerable, growing population., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Within this study, we show that a sequence of substitutive topochemical fluorination of the n = 2 Ruddlesden-Popper type compounds Sr 3 Ti 2 O 7 to Sr 3 Ti 2 O 5 F 4 followed by reductive topochemical defluorination reactions between the oxyfluoride and the reducing agent sodium hydride allows for a substantial reduction of the oxidation state of Ti due to selective extraction and hydride substitution of fluoride ions. The oxyfluoride Sr 3 Ti 2 O 5 F 4 has been synthesized and characterized structurally for the first time. The defluorination experiments have been conducted at temperatures as low as 300 °C, enabling also the reduction of this metastable compound. The evolution of phase fractions and unit cell volumes of various reduced phases as well as of side products has been monitored by an X-ray diffraction study as a function of the amount of sodium hydride used. Strong structural changes within the reduced phases, involving considerable decreases in the c lattice parameters partly accompanied by symmetry, lowering have been observed. To gain a deeper understanding of the structural changes, selected reduction reaction products have been further investigated by coupled analysis of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data. Moreover, changes in the oxidation state of Ti have been studied using magnetic measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy examining differences between the bulk and the surface properties. Additionally, similarities and differences between previously published results on the topochemical defluorination of the n = 1 Ruddlesden-Popper type compound Sr 2 TiO 3 F 2 are discussed.

Objectives: Late presentation (LP) to HIV care disproportionally affects individuals from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We explored the reasons for late presentation to care among this group of patients in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study., Methods: The prevalence of LP was compared between patients from Western Europe (WE) and those from SSA enrolled between 2009 and 2012. Patients were asked about HIV testing, including access to testing and reasons for deferring it, during face-to-face interviews., Results: The proportion of LP was 45.8% (435/950) among patients from WE, and 64.6% (126/195) among those from SSA (P < 0.001). Women from WE were slightly more likely to present late than men (52.6% versus 44.5%, respectively; P = 0.06), whereas there was no sex difference in patients from SSA (65.6% versus 63.2%, respectively; P = 0.73). Compared with late presenters from WE, those from SSA were more likely to be diagnosed during pregnancy (9.1% versus 0%, respectively; P < 0.001), but less likely to be tested by general practitioners (25.0% versus 44.6%, respectively; P = 0.001). Late presenters from SSA more frequently reported 'not knowing about anonymous testing possibilities' (46.4% versus 27.3%, respectively; P = 0.04) and 'fear about negative reaction in relatives' (39.3% versus 21.7%, respectively; P = 0.05) as reasons for late testing. Fear of being expelled from Switzerland was reported by 26.1% of late presenters from SSA., Conclusions: The majority of patients from SSA were late presenters, independent of sex or education level. Difficulties in accessing testing facilities, lack of knowledge about HIV testing and fear-related issues are important drivers for LP in this population., (© 2019 British HIV Association.)

Perovskite oxides exhibiting mixed protonic and electronic conductivities have interesting applications in protonic ceramic fuel cells. In this work, we report on a hydrated phase of BaCoO1.80(OH)0.86 synthesized using nebulized spray pyrolysis. Structural analysis based on X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data showed that the compound is isotypic to BaFeO2.33(OH)0.33. The water loss behaviour was studied using simultaneous thermal analysis and high temperature X-ray diffraction, indicating that protons (respectively water) can be stabilized within the compound up to temperatures significantly above 673 K, confirmed by ex situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. Impedance spectroscopy was used to determine the conductivity characteristics of BaCoO1.80(OH)0.86, finding and a total electrical conductivity in the order of 10-4 S cm-1 at ambient temperature with an activation energy of 0.28 eV.

The Ruddlesden-Popper (K 2 NiF 4 ) type phase La 2 NiO 3 F 2 was prepared via a polymer-based fluorination of La 2 NiO 4+ d . The compound was found to crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cccm ( a = 12.8350(4) Å, b = 5.7935(2) Å, c = 5.4864(2) Å). This structural distortion results from an ordered half occupation of the interstitial anion layers and has not been observed previously for K 2 NiF 4 -type oxyfluoride compounds. From a combination of neutron and X-ray powder diffraction and 19 F magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy, it was found that the fluoride ions are only located on the apical anion sites, whereas the oxide ions are located on the interstitial sites. This ordering results in a weakening of the magnetic Ni-F-F-Ni superexchange interactions between the perovskite layers and a reduction of the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature to 49 K. Below 30 K, a small ferromagnetic component was found, which may be the result of a magnetic canting within the antiferromagnetic arrangement and will be the subject of a future low-temperature neutron diffraction study. Additionally, density functional theory-based calculations were performed to further investigate different anion ordering scenarios.

Despite the technological progress made with cochlear implants (CI), impedances and their diagnosis remain a focus of interest. Increases in impedance have been related to technical defects of the electrode as well as inflammatory and/or fibrosis along the electrode. Recent studies have demonstrated highly increased impedances as the result of corroded platinum (Pt) electrode contacts. This in vitro study examined the effects of Pt ions and compounds generated by corrosion of the electrode contacts of a human CI on cell metabolism. Since traces of solid Pt in surrounding cochlear tissues have been reported, the impact of commercially available Pt nanoparticles (Pt-NP, size 3 nm) on the cell culture model was also determined. For this purpose, the electrode contacts were electrically stimulated in a 0.5% aqueous NaCl solution for four weeks and the mass fraction of the platinum dissolute (Pt-Diss) was determined by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metabolic activity of the murine fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells was determined using the WST-1 assay following exposure to Pt-Diss and Pt-NP. It was found that 5-50 μg/ml of the Pt-NP did not affect the viability of both cell types. In contrast, 100 μg/ml of the nanoparticles caused significant loss in metabolic activity. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed mitochondrial swelling in both cell types indicating cytotoxicity. Additionally, TEM demonstrated internalized Pt-NP in NIH 3T3 cells in a concentration dependent manner, whereas endocytosis in SH-SY5Y cells was virtually absent. In comparison with the Pt-NP, the corrosion products (Pt-Diss) with concentrations between 1.64 μg/ml and 8.2 μg/ml induced cell death in both cell lines in a concentration dependent manner. TEM imaging revealed both mitochondrial disintegration and swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that Pt ions trigger cytotoxicity in both NIH 3T3 and SH-SY5Y cell lines by interacting with the respiratory chain.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been related to many different mutations in more than 20 different, mostly sarcomeric proteins. While development of the HCM-phenotype is thought to be triggered by the different mutations, a common mechanism remains elusive. Studying missense-mutations in the ventricular beta-myosin heavy chain (β-MyHC, MYH7 ) we hypothesized that significant contractile heterogeneity exists among individual cardiomyocytes of HCM-patients that results from cell-to-cell variation in relative expression of mutated vs. wildtype β-MyHC. To test this hypothesis, we measured force-calcium-relationships of cardiomyocytes isolated from myocardium of heterozygous HCM-patients with either β-MyHC-mutation Arg723Gly or Arg200Val, and from healthy controls. From the myocardial samples of the HCM-patients we also obtained cryo-sections, and laser-microdissected single cardiomyocytes for quantification of mutated vs. wildtype MYH7 -mRNA using a single cell RT-qPCR and restriction digest approach. We characterized gene transcription by visualizing active transcription sites by fluorescence in situ hybridization of intronic and exonic sequences of MYH7 -pre-mRNA. For both mutations, cardiomyocytes showed large cell-to-cell variation in Ca ++ -sensitivity. Interestingly, some cardiomyocytes were essentially indistinguishable from controls what might indicate that they had no mutant β-MyHC while others had highly reduced Ca ++ -sensitivity suggesting substantial fractions of mutant β-MyHC. Single-cell MYH7 -mRNA-quantification in cardiomyocytes of the same patients revealed high cell-to-cell variability of mutated vs. wildtype mRNA, ranging from essentially pure mutant to essentially pure wildtype MYH7 -mRNA. We found 27% of nuclei without active transcription sites which is inconsistent with continuous gene transcription but suggests burst-like transcription of MYH7 . Model simulations indicated that burst-like, stochastic on/off-switching of MYH7 transcription, which is independent for mutant and wildtype alleles, could generate the observed cell-to-cell variation in the fraction of mutant vs. wildtype MYH7 -mRNA, a similar variation in β-MyHC-protein, and highly heterogeneous Ca ++ -sensitivity of individual cardiomyocytes. In the long run, such contractile imbalance in the myocardium may well induce progressive structural distortions like cellular and myofibrillar disarray and interstitial fibrosis, as they are typically observed in HCM.

The polyimide Kapton® was coated photochemically with hydrophilic polymers to prevent undesirable cell growth on the polyimide surface. The polymer coatings were generated using photochemically reactive polymers synthesized by a simple and modular strategy. Suitable polymers or previously synthesized copolymer precursors were functionalized with photoactive arylazide groups by a polymer analogous amide coupling reaction with 4-azidobenzoic acid. A photoactive chitosan derivative (chitosan-Az) and photochemically reactive copolymers containing DMAA, DEAA or MTA as primary monomers were synthesized using this method. The amount of arylazide groups in the polymers was adjusted to approximately 5%, 10% and 20%. As coating on Kapton® all polymers effect a significantly reduced water contact angle (WCA) and consequently a rise of the surface hydrophilicity compared to the untreated Kapton®. The presence of the polymer coatings was also proven by ATR-IR spectroscopy. Coatings with chitosan-Az and the DEAA copolymer cause a distinct inhibition of the growth of fibroblasts. In the case of the DMAA copolymer even a strong anti-adhesive behavior towards fibroblasts was verified. Biocompatibility of the polymer coatings was proven which enables their utilization in biomedical applications., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Overgrowth of connective tissue and scar formation induced by the electrode array insertion increase the impedance and, thus, diminish the interactions between neural probes as like cochlear implants (CI) and the target tissue. Therefore, it is of great clinical interest to modify the carrier material of the electrodes to improve the electrode nerve interface for selective cell adhesion. On one side connective tissue growth needs to be reduced to avoid electrode array encapsulation, on the other side the carrier material should not compromise the interaction with neuronal cells. The present in vitro-study qualitatively and quantitatively characterises the interaction of fibroblasts, glial cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) with ultrathin poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA), poly(2-ethyloxazoline) (PEtOx) and poly([2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammoniumchlorid) (PMTA) films immobilised onto glass surfaces using a photoreactive anchor layer. The layer thickness and hydrophilicity of the polymer films were characterised by ellipsometric and water contact angle measurement. Moreover the topography of the surfaces was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The neuronal and non-neuronal cells were dissociated from spiral ganglions of postnatal rats and cultivated for 48 h on top of the polymer coatings. Immunocytochemical staining of neuronal and intermediary filaments revealed that glial cells predominantly attached on PMTA films, but not on PDMAA and PEtOx monolayers. Hereby, strong survival rates and neurite outgrowth were only found on PMTA, whereas PDMAA and PEtOx coatings significantly reduced the SG neuron survival and neuritogenesis. As also shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) SGN strongly survived and retained their differentiated phenotype only on PMTA. In conclusion, survival and neuritogenesis of SGN may be associated with the extent of the glial cell growth. Since PMTA was the only of the polar polymers used in this study bearing a cationic charge, it can be assumed that this charge favours adhesion of both glial cells and SG neurons glial cells and SGN.

Unlabelled: Endothelial dysfunction and enhanced platelet reactivity in congestive heart failure (CHF) contribute to poor prognosis. CHF patients display an impaired responsiveness to clopidogrel. Fractalkine activates platelets and elevated plasma levels of this chemokine are a feature of CHF. We here addressed the interrelation of fractalkine, platelet reactivity and clopidogrel efficacy in humans and rats with CHF. Fractalkine serum levels determined by ELISA were increased in CHF patients (CHF: 1548 ± 650 pg/ml;, Control: 968 ± 575 pg/ml, p<0.01) and following CHF induction in rats (CHF: 1509 ± 753 pg/ml; Sham: 1181 ± 275 pg/ml, p<0.05). Expression of fractalkine and its receptor CX3CR1 was enhanced in aortas of CHF rats as determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and molecular analysis. Fractalkine significantly aggravated endothelial dysfunction and augmented P-selectin expression on platelets from CHF rats. Platelet surface expression of CX3CR1 was increased in CHF rats, who displayed an impaired response to clopidogrel (platelet reactivity to ADP: CHF 30 ± 22%; Sham: 8 ± 5%, p<0.05). Similarly in humans with CHF, elevated fractalkine levels were accompanied by reduced clopidogrel responsiveness. Patients with high on-clopidogrel treatment platelet P2Y12 reactivity displayed higher fractalkine levels (1525 ± 487 pg/ml) than those with sufficient clopidogrel response (684 ± 315 pg/ml, p<0.01). In conclusion, in CHF fractalkine was increased on the endothelium and in blood serum, and platelet surface-expression of CX3CR1 was enhanced. Fractalkine diminished endothelial function beyond the impairment already observed in CHF and was associated with a reduced responsiveness to the platelet inhibitor clopidogrel. These findings may indicate a novel pathophysiological mechanism contributing to impaired clopidogrel responsiveness in CHF.

The formation of gliosis around implant electrodes for deep brain stimulation impairs electrode-tissue interaction. Unspecific growth of glial tissue around the electrodes can be hindered by altering physicochemical material properties. However, in vitro screening of neural tissue-material interaction requires an adequate cell culture system. No adequate model for cells dissociated from the inferior colliculus (IC) has been described and was thus the aim of this study. Therefore, IC were isolated from neonatal rats (P3&#95;5) and a dissociated cell culture was established. In screening experiments using four dissociation methods (Neural Tissue Dissociation Kit [NTDK] T, NTDK P; NTDK PN, and a validated protocol for the dissociation of spiral ganglion neurons [SGN]), the optimal media, and seeding densities were identified. Thereafter, a dissociation protocol containing only the proteolytic enzymes of interest (trypsin or papain) was tested. For analysis, cells were fixed and immunolabeled using glial- and neuron-specific antibodies. Adhesion and survival of dissociated neurons and glial cells isolated from the IC were demonstrated in all experimental settings. Hence, preservation of type-specific cytoarchitecture with sufficient neuronal networks only occurred in cultures dissociated with NTDK P, NTDK PN, and fresh prepared papain solution. However, cultures obtained after dissociation with papain, seeded at a density of 2×10(4) cells/well and cultivated with Neuro Medium for 6 days reliably revealed the highest neuronal yield with excellent cytoarchitecture of neurons and glial cells. The herein described dissociated culture can be utilized as in vitro model to screen interactions between cells of the IC and surface modifications of the electrode.

Objectives/hypothesis: To investigate the influence of alterations of the scala tympani environment and modifications of the surface of cochlear implant electrode arrays on insertion forces in vitro., Study Design: Research experimental study., Methods: Fibroblasts producing neurotrophic factors were cultivated on the surface of Nucleus 24 Contour Advance electrodes. Forces were recorded by an Instron 5542 Force Measurement System as three modified arrays were inserted into an artificial scala tympani model filled with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The recorded forces were compared to control groups including three unmodified electrodes inserted into a model filled with PBS (unmodified environment) or Healon (current practice). Fluorescence microscopy was used before and after the insertions to identify any remaining fibroblasts. Additionally, three Contour Advance electrodes were inserted into an artificial model, filled with alginate/barium chloride solution at different concentrations, while insertion forces were recorded., Results: Modification of the scala tympani environment with 50% to 75% alginate gel resulted in a significant decrease in the insertion forces. The fibroblast-coated arrays also led to decreased forces comparable to those recorded with Healon. Fluorescence microscopy revealed fully cell-covered arrays before and partially covered arrays after the insertion; the fibroblasts on the arrays' modiolar surface remained intact., Conclusions: Modifications of the scala tympani's environment with 50% to 75% alginate/barium chloride and of the cochlear implant electrode surface with neurotrophic factor-producing fibroblasts drastically reduce the insertion forces. As both modifications may serve future intracochlear therapies, it is expected that these might additionally reduce possible insertion trauma., (Copyright © 2012 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.)

The treatment of choice for profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is direct electrical stimulation of spiral ganglion cells (SGC) via a cochlear implant (CI). The number and excitability of SGC seem to be critical for the success that can be achieved via CI treatment. However, SNHL is associated with degeneration of SGC. Long-term drug delivery to the inner ear for improving SGC survival may be achieved by functionalisation of CI electrodes with cells providing growth factors. Therefore, the capacity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-secreting NIH3T3 cells grown on cylindrically shaped silicone elastomers (SE) to exert local and sustained neuroprotective effects was assessed in vitro and in vivo. An in vitro model to investigate adhesion and cell growth of lentivirally modified NIH3T3 cells synthesising BDNF on SE was established. The bioactivity of BDNF was characterised by co-cultivation of SGC with cell-coated SE. In addition, cell-coated SE were implanted into deafened guinea pigs. The recombinant NIH3T3 cells proliferated on silicone surfaces during 14 days of cultivation and expressed significantly increasing BDNF levels. Enhanced survival rates and neurite outgrowth of SGC demonstrated the bioactivity of BDNF in vitro. Implantation of SE with adhering BDNF-secreting NIH3T3 cells into the cochleae of systemically deafened guinea pigs induced a significant increase in SGC survival in comparison to SE without cell coating. Our data demonstrate a novel approach of cell-based long-term drug delivery to support SGC survival in vitro and in vivo. This therapeutic strategy--once transferred to cells suitable for clinical application--may improve CI performance., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Apart from their involvement in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, there is emerging evidence that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) also promote remyelination. We investigated region-specific expression patterns of 11 MMPs and 4 tissueinhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the cuprizone murine demyelination model. Messenger RNA (mRNA) was extracted at different time points of exposure to cuprizone from microdissected samples of corpus callosum, cortex, and ex vivo isolated microglia and analyzedusing quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Matrix metalloproteinase 12 and TIMP-1 mRNA were significantly upregulated versus age-matched controls in both areas during demyelination and remyelination. Matrix metalloproteinases 3, 11, and 14 mRNA were upregulated only in white matter during remyelination. Matrix metalloproteinase 24 mRNA was downregulated during both demyelination and remyelination. To identify potential cellular sources of the MMPs and TIMPs, we isolated microglia and detected high MMP-12and TIMP-2 mRNA upregulation at the peak of demyelination.By immunohistochemistry, MMP-3 protein was localized in astrocytes and MMP-12 was identified in microglia, astrocytes, and cells of oligodendrocyte lineage. These findings suggest that MMPs and TIMPs have roles in the regulation of demyelination and remyelination in thismodel. Moreover, differences in the expression levels of these genesbetween white and gray matter reveal region-specific molecularmechanisms.

Demyelination is the cause of disability in various neurological disorders. It is therefore crucial to understand the molecular regulation of oligodendrocytes, the myelin forming cells in the CNS. Growth factors are known to be essential for the development and maintenance of oligodendrocytes and are involved in the regulation of glial responses in various pathological conditions. We employed the well established murine cuprizone model of toxic demyelination to analyze the expression of 13 growth factors in the CNS during de- and remyelination. The temporal mRNA expression profile during demyelination and the subsequent remyelination were analyzed separately in the corpus callosum and cerebral cortex using laser microdissection and real-time PCR techniques. During demyelination a similar pattern of growth factor mRNA expression was observed in both areas with a strong up-regulation of NRG1 and GDNF and a slight increase of CNTF in the first week of cuprizone treatment. HGF, FGF-2, LIF, IGF-I, and TGF-ß1 were up-regulated mainly during peak demyelination. In contrast, during remyelination there were regional differences in growth factor mRNA expression levels. GDNF, CNTF, HGF, FGF-2, and BDNF were elevated in the corpus callosum but not in the cortex, suggesting tissue differences in the molecular regulation of remyelination in the white and grey matter. To clarify the cellular source we isolated microglia from the cuprizone lesions. GDNF, IGF-1, and FGF mRNA were detected in the microglial fraction with a temporal pattern corresponding to that from whole tissue PCR. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed IGF-1 protein expression also in the reactive astrocytes. CNTF was located in astrocytes. This study identified seven different temporal expression patterns for growth factors in white and grey matter and demonstrated the importance of early tissue priming and exact orchestration of different steps during callosal and cortical de- and remyelination.

Artemin and its receptors are upregulated in the auditory nerve of deafened rats as a possible intrinsic protective mechanism against ototoxicity-related apoptosis. Consequently, we examined the effect of artemin on spiral ganglion neurons in vitro and in vivo. Spiral ganglion neurons were isolated from neonatal rats and cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with artemin and/or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In vitro, the survival rate of spiral ganglion neurons cultivated with artemin or BDNF was significantly improved compared with negative controls. In addition, artemin was delivered to the inner ear of deafened guinea pigs for 28 days. In-vivo artemin was as effective as BDNF in spiral ganglion neuron protection. Therefore, artemin promotes the survival of spiral ganglion neurons in vitro and in vivo.

The expression of neurotrophic factors, such as artemin, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, transforming growth factors (TGF)-beta1/beta2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is enhanced in vestibular schwannomas compared to peripheral nerves. Furthermore, this upregulation may correlate with mitotic activity. Vestibular schwannoma arising from Schwann cells of the vestibular nerve are mostly benign and slow-growing. Most of the pathogenic mechanisms regulating the vestibular schwannoma growth process are unknown. An impaired growth regulation and imbalance between mitosis and apoptosis can be assumed. However, molecular mechanisms interfering with regulation of the vestibular schwannoma growth also modulated by mitogenic factors have to be identified. Neurotrophic factors are involved in regulation of developmental processes in neuronal tissues and regeneration after peripheral nerve trauma and also reveal mitogenic effects on glial cell populations. Gene expression profiles of artemin, BDNF, GDNF, TGF-beta1/beta2 and Ret were determined in the vestibular schwannoma in comparison to the peripheral nerve tissues by using semiquantitative RT-PCR. The expression data were correlated to the proliferation-associated Ki-67 labelling index. A significant higher BDNF expression was observed in the vestibular schwannoma, whereas gene expression of artemin and GDNF was upregulated in peripheral nerves. The correlation between LI and BDNF, TGF-beta1 and Ret was found to be significant in the vestibular schwannoma. Our results demonstrate a coherence between BDNF expression and proliferative activity in the vestibular schwannoma. Based on these results, we propose a pivotal role for BDNF in modulating the vestibular schwannoma growth.

Hypothesis: Recombinantly modified cells deliver neurotrophic factors with the capacity to induce differentiation and the outgrowth of neurites of rat pheochromocytoma cells 12 (PC12) serving as a neuronal model., Background: The benefit of cochlea implant (CI) is depending, among other factors, on the number of surviving spiral ganglion neurons (SGN). Studies have shown that the external application of neurotrophic factors in combination with electrical stimulation increases the survival rate of SGN after ototrauma. Therefore, functionalization of electrodes with recombinantly modified cells providing neurotrophic factors to the SGN for inducing survival mechanisms may be an approach to realize drug delivery to the cochlea., Methods: Murine NIH3T3 cells were recombinantly modified with an infectious lentiviral monocistronic and bicistronic system to synthesize glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and the green fluorescent protein. Free glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor from the supernatant of the modified NIH3T3 cells was added to rat PC12, and the neuronal-like outgrowth was determined for 10 days., Results: A significant neuronal-like outgrowth appeared as early as Day 3 after the application of the supernatant., Conclusion: The results indicate that the established in vitro model represents a powerful basic model for determining signal pathways between neuronal-like processing PC12 cells and cellular drug delivery systems.

Background: Genomic studies are routinely performed on young plants in controlled environments which is very different from natural conditions. In reality plants in temperate countries are exposed to large fluctuations in environmental conditions, in the case of perennials over several years. We have studied gene expression in leaves of a free-growing aspen (Populus tremula) throughout multiple growing seasons, Results: We show that gene expression during the first month of leaf development was largely determined by a developmental program although leaf expansion, chlorophyll accumulation and the speed of progression through this program was regulated by the temperature. We were also able to define "transcriptional signatures" for four different substages of leaf development. In mature leaves, weather factors were important for gene regulation., Conclusion: This study shows that multivariate methods together with high throughput transcriptional methods in the field can provide additional, novel information as to plant status under changing environmental conditions that is impossible to mimic in laboratory conditions. We have generated a dataset that could be used to e.g. identify marker genes for certain developmental stages or treatments, as well as to assess natural variation in gene expression.

Isolating cells from the cochlea to perform molecular biology assessment presents a challenge, because it is not possible to dissect pure cell pools by conventional methods. Thus, we set out to demonstrate that laser microdissection and pressure catapulting (LMPC) is superior to conventional manual cochlea dissection for this purpose. Spiral ganglions (SG) were isolated from neonatal rat cochleae by manual dissection and LMPC. Also, modioli were manually dissected. Total RNA was isolated from all three cell pools. In order to demonstrate contamination of the dissected cell pool, we determined the expression of type II iodothyronine deiodinase (D2), claudin 11 (Cld-11), neurofilament light chain (NF-L) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) transcripts by RT-PCR. The results showed that LMPC is not only a suitable method for selectively dissecting cochlear tissues, but in addition the molecular markers confirmed pure spiral ganglion cell pools without indication for any contamination by other cells. This indicates that LMPC is capable of providing a pure SG cell pool in contrast to conventional manual dissection. Therefore, LMPC presents a new technique for cochlear tissue separation improving the validity of molecular biological studies of the inner ear.