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Transurethral resection of the tumor (TUR-B) followed by adjuvant intravesical treatment with cytostatic drugs or Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) as standard therapy of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is associated with a high recurrence rate of about 60–70%, considerable side effects and requires close monitoring. Alternative treatment options are warranted. Two patients with epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer were treated the first time by an intravesical administration of the trifunctional bispecific EpCAM targeting antibody catumaxomab (total dosage of 470 and 1120 µg, respectively). The binding and killing activity of catumaxomab in urine milieu was evaluated in vitro. In contrast to its previous systemic application catumaxomab was well tolerated without any obvious signs of toxicity. Relevant cytokine plasma levels were not detected and no significant systemic drug release was observed. The induction of a human anti-mouse-antibody (HAMA) reaction was either absent or untypically weak contrary to the high immunogenicity of intraperitoneal applied catumaxomab. Tumor cells that were detectable in urine patient samples disappeared after catumaxomab therapy. Endoscopically confirmed recurrence-free intervals were 32 and 25 months. Our data suggest that intravesical administration of catumaxomab in NMIBC is feasible, safe and efficacious, thus arguing for further clinical development of catumaxomab in this indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In the recent International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery ( ISGPS) consensus on extended pancreatectomy, several issues on perioperative outcome and long-term survival remained unclear. Robust data on outcomes are sparse. The present study aimed to assess the outcome of extended pancreatectomy for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods A consecutive series of patients with primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma undergoing extended pancreatectomies, as defined by the new ISGPS consensus, were compared with patients who had a standard pancreatectomy. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors for perioperative mortality and characteristics associated with survival. Long-term outcome was assessed by means of Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results The 611 patients who had an extended pancreatectomy had significantly greater surgical morbidity than the 1217 patients who underwent a standard resection (42·7 versus 34·2 per cent respectively), and higher 30-day mortality (4·3 versus 1·8 per cent) and in-hospital mortality (7·5 versus 3·6 per cent) rates. Operating time of 300 min or more, extended total pancreatectomy, and ASA fitness grade of III or IV were associated with increased in-hospital mortality in multivariable analysis, whereas resections involving the colon, portal vein or arteries were not. Median survival and 5-year overall survival rate were reduced in patients having extended pancreatectomy compared with those undergoing a standard resection (16·1 versus 23·6 months, and 11·3 versus 20·6 per cent, respectively). Older age, G3/4 tumours, two or more positive lymph nodes, macroscopic positive resection margins, duration of surgery of 420 min or above, and blood loss of 1000 ml or more were independently associated with decreased overall survival. Conclusion Extended resections are associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality, particularly when extended total pancreatectomy is performed. Favourable long-term outcome is achieved in some patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute cholecystitis is the most common complication of cholecystolithiasis. It develops in about 10 % of symptomatic patients and gangrenous cholecystitis, gallbladder perforation, gallbladder empyema, or abscesses are typical complications. Cholecystectomy is the most relevant therapy to achieve pain reduction, to prevent the progression of inflammation or local complications and to minimize the risk of recurrence. Surgical therapy can be supported by medical and interventional treatment modalities depending on the severity of the disease. The present review summarizes the surgical aspects in acute cholecystitis with a focus on laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is the gold standard of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a review of the research related to the impact of preoperative biopsy for tumours of the pancreas in the U.S. Such biopsy is best executed by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). But in patients with curative, resectable pancreatic neoplasm, preoperative biopsy cannot be suggested because the quality is lower. Before performing a biopsy, the physician must weigh the welfare against the danger of the procedure for the individual patient.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. It has been linked to infections with hepatitis C, EBV, HTLV-1, and Yersinia enterocolitica. As parvovirus B19 has been associated with a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases, we investigated the potential role of B19 infection in inducing Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Serum samples derived from 73 children and adolescents with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and from 73 age-matched controls were included in the study. The mean age of disease manifestation was 10 y 7 mo. All samples were analyzed for the presence of viral DNA and for antibodies against VP1, VP2, and NS1 proteins. VP1- and VP2-specific antibodies were present in 38 patients (52) and 43 controls (59; N.S.). NS1-specific antibodies were detectable in 23 patients (32) and 19 controls (26; N.S.). Parvovirus B19 DNA was detectable in 9 patients (12) and 2 controls (3; p< 0.03), indicating recent B19-infection. A negative correlation between disease duration and the detection of viral DNA was seen. The mean disease duration in B19-DNA-positive patients was 6 mo, compared to 29 mo in the remainder (p< 0.01).There is strong evidence that acute parvovirus B19 infections are involved in the pathogenesis of some cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with rheumatic oligo- and polyarthritis frequently establish persistent parvovirus B19 infections, which may be associated with the production of antiphospholipid antibodies. Reported in this paper are the data of five girls with polyarticular rheumatic diseases of different types and persistent parvovirus B19 infection associated in four cases with the presence of antibodies against phospholipids. Clinical parameters, virus load, and antiphospholipid-IgG levels were determined during an observation period up to 92 months. In two patients, erythema infectiosum preceded the development of arthritis and B19 viremia persisted. Two other girls showed antibodies against parvoviral structural proteins at time of the manifestation of the rheumatic disease. Subsequent samples also revealed persistent B19 infection. In the fifth patient, parvovirus B19-specific IgG antibodies were detected for the first time after 120 months of progressing disease at an age of 11 1/2 years. Five years later, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed viral DNA. In a synovial tissue specimen subsequently obtained, parvovirus B19 structural proteins could be detected by immunohistochemistry. Three of five patients recovered completely without severe sequels. One patient is in remission under immunosuppressive therapy. The fifth patient suffers from progressive erosions despite intensive therapeutical efforts. In consequence, parvovirus B 19 should generally be taken into consideration as a trigger of various forms of juvenile arthritis and persistence of infection should be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Erythema infectiosum is the main manifestation of human parvovirus B19 infections. Further B19-related diseases commonly associated with the acute infection are flue-like symptoms, transient aplastic crisis, transient arthralgias, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, spontaneous abortion and hydrops fetalis in pregnant women. Hepatitis, myocarditis, meningitis, encephalitis as well as pure red cell anemia may occur occasionally. In addition parvovirus B19 infections have been frequently described as cause or trigger of various forms of autoimmune diseases affecting all blood cell lines, joints, connective tissue, uvea, large and small vessels. Molecular mimicry may be one major contribution to the appearance of autoimmune antibodies, f.e. antiphospholipid and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies as well as antinuclear antigens. These mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of parvovirus B19 triggered autoimmune diseases, especially focused on the development of antiphospholipid antibodies will be discussed in this short review. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The essential oils of Stachys alpina L., Stachys officinalis (L.) Trevis., Stachys palustris L., Stachys recta L. subsp. recta, S. recta L. subsp. subcrenata (Vis.) Briq., Stachys salviifolia Ten., and Stachys sylvatica L. were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the main group of constituents of all taxa, except S. alpina, which was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes. S. alpina and S. palustris had a significant aldehyde fraction and a high amount of alcohols. Some differences in the essential oil composition of two subspecies of S. recta (S. recta subsp. recta and S. recta subsp. subcrenata), growing under almost identical conditions, have been found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The composition of the essential oil and the antioxidant properties of the dried herbs of Thymus bracteosus Vis. ex Benth. (Lamiaceae) were investigated. Of the essential oil (yield 0.06%), 77.4% could be identified by GC[sol ]MS analysis. The major compounds were germacrene-D (11.6%), β-caryophyllene (9.7%), myrcene (7.2%), α-pinene (6.3%) and trans- β-farnesene (6.1%). The content of thymol was very low (0.1%) as compared with the essential oil of T. vulgaris. Aqueous and methanolic extracts as well as the essential oil of T. bracteosus were also investigated on their radical scavenger capacity. Furthermore, the ability of the extracts to inhibit peroxidation of membrane lipids was tested. The essential oil of T. bracteosus did not show any antioxidant activity in the test systems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective:: To investigate the long-term preventive effect of the immunotherapeutic OM-89 versus placebo in uncomplicated recurrent UTI in a large cohort of female patients only. Methods:: Adult female patients could enrol in this multicenter, double-blind study if they had acute UTI at the enrolment visit and positive results of urinalysis (≥103 bacteria/ml). Patients received the immunotherapeutic OM-89 or a matching placebo; 1 capsule per day for 90 days, 3 months without treatment, then the first 10 days in Months 7, 8 and 9 and were followed up during 12 months. Primary efficacy criteria were UTI rates over 12 months, distribution of UTIs and proportion of patients with UTI. Results:: A total of 453 patients were treated, 231 in the active group and 222 in the placebo group. Mean rate of post-baseline UTIs was significantly lower in the active group than in the placebo group (0.84 vs. 1.28; p &#60;0.003), corresponding to a 34% reduction of UTIs in patients treated with OM-89. In the active group, 93 patients (40.3%) had 185 post-baseline UTIs, compared to 276 UTIs in 122 patients (55.0%) in the placebo group (p =0.001). The safety profile of OM-89 was good and consistent with that reported in previous studies. Conclusions:: OM-89 significantly reduced the incidence of UTI during the 12 months of the study including 3 months of treatment and three 10-day booster courses. These results confirm that OM-89 is a valuable component of the management of recurrent UTI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Surface characteristics of primary and secondary needles of Pinus canariensis were investigated using scanning electron micro-scopy and gas chromatography to study structure and composition of epicuticular wax, cuticle micromorphology and the structure of stomata. Tubular waxes could be observed on the whole needle surface of the glaucous primary needles whereas on secondary needles they were restricted to the lower surface of young needles. Recrystallization resulted in comparable wax tubes and, addition-ally, plate like structures recrystallized from primary needle wax. Isolated cuticles of primary needles were tender and showed a simple stomata complex with six subsidiary cells whereas the cuticles of secondary needles were massive and revealed 9-12 subsidiary cells. In contrast to the cuplike epistomatal chamber of the primary needles that of the secondary needles was larger and often irregularly formed. Main constituents of the cuticular wax were ω-hydroxy-n-alkanoic acids, 10-nonacosanol and n-alkanoic acids with no differences in the qualitative composition between primary and secondary needles but with some differences in the quantitative pattern. The possible role of the investigated cuticular features in adaptive strategies of the needles to avoid light and water stress is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment is described showing that a 33-GHz microwave signal received by rotating antennas is not exhibiting the frequency shift ("transverse Doppler effect") predicted by the relativistic Doppler formula. The sensitivity of the apparatus used has been tested to be sufficient for detecting frequency shifts as small as 10[SUB-3] Hz which corresponds to the value of (v/c)[SUP2] = 5.10[SUP-14] used in the transverse Doppler shift experiment reported here. From the observed absence of the transverse Doppler shift it is concluded that either the time dilation predicted by the standard theory of special relativity does not exist in reality or, if it does, is a phenomenon which does not depend on relative velocities but may be a function of absolute velocities in the fundamental frame of the isotropic microwave background radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find further evidence of the association of parvovirus B19 infection with juvenile rheumatic diseases, and to get new insights into the immunopathogenesis of these diseases. Paired serum and synovial fluid samples from 74 children with rheumatic disease were analyzed with respect to their content of viral DNA and antibodies directed against the B19 viral proteins VP1, VP2, and NS1. Control sera from 124 children with noninflammatory bone diseases or growth retardation were also analyzed. The sequence of the viral DNA, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), was determined. IgG-complexed virus was isolated from sera and synovial fluid by adsorption to protein A beads. The amount of free virus versus immunocomplexed virus particles was determined by quantification of the viral genomes by quantitative PCR. Twenty-six of the 74 patients (35%) had detectable amounts of parvovirus B19 DNA in the serum (n = 22 [30%]) and/or the synovial fluid (n = 16 [22%]), whereas only 9 of the 124 control sera (7%) were positive for the viral DNA (P < 0.0001). Forty-six patients (62%) had serum IgG against the structural proteins, indicating past infection with B19. NS1-specific antibodies were detected in sera from 29 patients (39%) and 27 controls (22%) (P < 0.001). In addition, 3 patients (4%) showed VP2-specific IgM. In 15 patients, viral DNA could be repeatedly detected in followup samples of serum and synovial fluid. Sequencing revealed low-degree nucleotide variations that are in the range of genotype 1 of parvovirus B19. Immunocomplexed virus was present in varying amounts, both in the sera and in the synovial fluid samples. Parvovirus B19 is frequently found in serum or synovial fluid of children with rheumatism. The rate of persistent B19 infection in these patients is significantly higher than in age-matched controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human parvovirus B19 infections may cause a widespread benign and self-limiting disease in children and adults, known as erythema infectiosum or fifth disease. A variety of further manifestations are associated with the infection such as arthralgias, arthritis, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, anemia and vasculitis, spontaneous abortion and hydrops fetalis in pregnant women. Both in children and adults parvovirus B19 infections have been frequently implicated as a cause or trigger of various forms of autoimmune diseases affecting joints, connective tissue and large and small vessels. In addition, autoimmune neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia are known as sequelae of B19 infection. The molecular basis of the autoimmune phenomena and resultant pathogenesis is unclear. The involvement of molecular mimicry between cellular and viral proteins, the induction of enhanced cytokine production via the viral transactivator protein NS1 and the phospholipase A2-like activity of the capsid protein VP1 may contribute to the induction of autoimmune reactions. All the known data and the potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis will be discussed in this review. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Parvovirus B19 causes erythema infectiosum in children, but the virus is associated with an increasing range of different diseases. About 20% of infections are associated with delayed virus elimination and viremia persisting over several months or years. These persistent B19-infections are characterised by the presence of IgG against the non-structural protein NS1. This study aimed to find further evidence for an association of parvovirus B19 persistence with VP1/2- and NS1-specific IgG-antibodies in children suffering from rheumatic diseases of childhood. Forty-eight children and adolescents with joint complaints lasting longer than 1 year including patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis and juvenile dermatomyositis showed antibodies against the viral NS1-protein. Laboratory markers of inflammation, humoral immune response against parvovirus B19 proteins and the presence of viral genomes in patients’ sera as well as in 124 healthy children were investigated. Almost 50% of the patients showed laboratory signs of chronic inflammation. B19-DNA was amplified in 31% of patients’ sera and 7% of the controls (P<0.0001). VP2-specific IgM was detectable in 50% of the patients’ and 6% of control sera. NS1-specific immune reactions were linked to persistent B19-infection as indicated by the presence of viral genomes in the peripheral blood and of VP2-specific IgM years after disease onset. To estimate the severity of the disease and the clinical course, the number of affected and functionally impaired joints were noted and compared with the records from patients’ initial visit in the hospital. Disease related complications were registered. Impairment of activities of daily living was assessed by Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ)- and Munich Quality of Life Questionnaire (KINDL)-tests. During observation the clinical state of four patients worsened, 27 improved, the others remained stable. Twenty-four children were restricted in their daily activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Härtel's turbidity test ('Trübungstest') has been one of the most widely used diagnostic tests for air pollution injury. It relies on the extraction of lipophilic substances into an aqueous suspension, whose light absorption is used as an indication of exposure to pollution. As a first step towards a better understanding of the test's reaction mechanism, the identity of the turbidifying compounds was analyzed. For that purpose, needles of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] extracted with boiling water following the standardized procedures of the turbidity test. The lipids were recovered by centrifugation and fractionated by preparative chromatography. The isolated compounds were identified by gas chromatography (GC), GC-mass spectrometry and comparison with authentic samples. The samples were hydrolyzed with methanolic HCl. Quantitative analysis of the lipid composition was completed by GC without prior class separation. The composition of the trubidifying substances was equal to control samples of epicuticular waxes of Norway spruce needles, with ω-hydroxy-n-alkanoic acids, n-alkanoic acids, αω-alkanediols, and the secondary alcohol 10-nonacosanol as the predominant compound classes. The content of unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1, C18:2, C18:3), which are characteristic constituents of membrane lipids, was negligible. Extraction of needles with sodium oxalate, which resulted in enhanced turbidity, was connected only with an enhanced recovery of extracted epicuticular lipids, whereas the lipid composition showed only minimal variation. Therefore, the reaction mechanism of Härtel's turbidity test seems to be solely control by factors that influence the interaction of epicuticular was compounds with water. The previously published supposition, that filtration of compounds through the epidermal cell wall should be the main principle of the test's reaction mechanism, could not be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The famously diverse body coloration of cichlid fish serves communicative functions in mating and social interactions including competition for resources. Here, we examined the effects of a color pattern trait—the width of a yellow bar on a black body—on territorial competition in males and females of a color variant ("Ikola") of the Lake Tanganyika cichlid Tropheus. First, measuring integumentary carotenoid concentrations in the yellow and black body regions, we established that wider yellow bars require more carotenoids allocated to body coloration. However, we also detected high carotenoid concentrations in the black body regions (> 100 µg/g fresh skin), raising questions about the function of non-displayed integumentary carotenoids. Behavioral experiments showed that fish with wider bars were quicker to explore an unfamiliar area of the tank. In experiments including presentations of fish dummies, the bar width of 'territorial' dummies had no effect on the latency time which test fish took to intrude into the dummies' territories. However, male test fish performed fewer aggressive acts against wide-barred than against narrow-barred dummy competitors. Our results suggest that intimidation by wide bars as well as correlations between bar width and explorative behavior may contribute to mediating success in territorial Tropheus "Ikola". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Girls and women face persistent negative stereotyping within STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). This field intervention was designed to improve boys' perceptions of girls' STEM ability. Boys (N = 667; mostly White and East Asian) aged 9–15 years in Canadian STEM summer camps (2017–2019) had an intervention or control conversation with trained camp staff. The intervention was a multi‐stage persuasive appeal: a values affirmation, an illustration of girls' ability in STEM, a personalized anecdote, and reflection. Control participants discussed general camp experiences. Boys who received the intervention (vs. control) had more positive perceptions of girls' STEM ability, d = 0.23, an effect stronger among younger boys. These findings highlight the importance of engaging elementary‐school‐aged boys to make STEM climates more inclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the function of platelet adhesion and function during early reperfusion after pancreatic ischaemia. Evaluation of platelet-endothelium interaction after platelet separation and staining by fluorescence microscopy; Occurrence of mild pancreatitis after ischaemia-reperfusion; Increase in the numbers of adherent platelets in capillaries and venules.

The paradigm shift in the treatment concept for acute appendicitis is currently the subject of intensive discussions. The diagnosis and differentiation of an uncomplicated from a complicated appendicitis as well as the selection of an adequate treatment is very challenging, especially since nonoperative treatment models have been published. The laparoscopic appendectomy is still the standard for most cases. Guidelines for the treatment of acute appendicitis do not exist in Germany. Therefore, a group of experts elaborated 21 recommendations on the treatment of acute appendicitis after 3 meetings. After initial definition of population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) questions, recommendations have been finalized through the Delphi voting system. The results were evaluated according to the current literature. The aim of this initiative was to define a basic support for decision making in the clinical routine for treatment of acute appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch serves functions that range over a timescale of minutes to years, according to the cell type from which it is derived. In guard cells, starch is rapidly mobilized by the synergistic action of β-AMYLASE1 (BAM1) and α-AMYLASE3 (AMY3) to promote stomatal opening. In the leaves, starch typically accumulates gradually during the day and is degraded at night by BAM3 to support heterotrophic metabolism. During osmotic stress, starch is degraded in the light by stress-activated BAM1 to release sugar and sugar-derived osmolytes. Here, we report that AMY3 is also involved in stress-induced starch degradation. Recently isolated Arabidopsis thaliana amy3 bam1 double mutants are hypersensitive to osmotic stress, showing impaired root growth. amy3 bam1 plants close their stomata under osmotic stress at similar rates as the wild type but fail to mobilize starch in the leaves. 14C labeling showed that amy3 bam1 plants have reduced carbon export to the root, affecting osmolyte accumulation and root growth during stress. Using genetic approaches, we further demonstrate that abscisic acid controls the activity of BAM1 and AMY3 in leaves under osmotic stress through the AREB/ABF-SnRK2 kinase-signaling pathway. We propose that differential regulation and isoform subfunctionalization define starch-adaptive plasticity, ensuring an optimal carbon supply for continued growth under an ever-changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Chemoradioimmunotherapy of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma from the CapRI trial did not show any benefit of interferon-α in addition to a 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-based treatment. The aim of this study was to identify immunological parameters in patients from this trial to be used for predictive and/or prognostic purposes.Methods:The following methods were used: tumour immunohistology, FACS analyses, cytokine measurement, as well as cytotoxicity and ELIspot. Immunological parameters were correlated with patients' survival using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results:Irrespective of therapy type, high lymphocyte accumulation in tumours and frequencies of NK cells and effector (eff) CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of the patients were associated with patients' survival. Amount of CD3+ and effector-memory CD8+ blood lymphocytes, expression of CD152 and interleukin (IL)-2 serum level showed a predictive value for chemoradioimmunotherapy. Tumoural accumulation of CD3+ and CD8+ cells was predictive for outcome of chemotherapy alone. Besides, we identified the frequencies of CD3+ lymphocytes, effCD8+ T cells and NK cells in the peripheral blood of the patients, and IL-10 amount in serum, to be predictive values for 5FU-based chemotherapy.Conclusions:Immunological parameters, identified in this trial as possible markers, may be of interest in personalized medicine towards the improvement of the treatment and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemoradioimmunotherapy of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma from the CapRI trial did not show any benefit of interferon-α in addition to a 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-based treatment. The aim of this study was to identify immunological parameters in patients from this trial to be used for predictive and/or prognostic purposes.Methods: The following methods were used: tumour immunohistology, FACS analyses, cytokine measurement, as well as cytotoxicity and ELIspot. Immunological parameters were correlated with patients' survival using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results: Irrespective of therapy type, high lymphocyte accumulation in tumours and frequencies of NK cells and effector (eff) CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood of the patients were associated with patients' survival. Amount of CD3(+) and effector-memory CD8(+) blood lymphocytes, expression of CD152 and interleukin (IL)-2 serum level showed a predictive value for chemoradioimmunotherapy. Tumoural accumulation of CD3(+) and CD8(+) cells was predictive for outcome of chemotherapy alone. Besides, we identified the frequencies of CD3(+) lymphocytes, effCD8(+) T cells and NK cells in the peripheral blood of the patients, and IL-10 amount in serum, to be predictive values for 5FU-based chemotherapy.Conclusions: Immunological parameters, identified in this trial as possible markers, may be of interest in personalized medicine towards the improvement of the treatment and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive prostate specific antigen screening for prostate cancer generates a high number of unnecessary biopsies and over-treatment due to insufficient differentiation between indolent and aggressive tumours. We hypothesized that seminal plasma is a robust source of novel prostate cancer (PCa) biomarkers with the potential to improve primary diagnosis of and to distinguish advanced from indolent disease. Methodology/Principal Findings: In an open-label case/control study 125 patients (70 PCa, 21 benign prostate hyperplasia, 25 chronic prostatitis, 9 healthy controls) were enrolled in 3 centres. Biomarker panels a) for PCa diagnosis (comparison of PCa patients versus benign controls) and b) for advanced disease (comparison of patients with post surgery Gleason score <7 versus Gleason score >7) were sought. Independent cohorts were used for proteomic biomarker discovery and testing the performance of the identified biomarker profiles. Seminal plasma was profiled using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry. Pre-analytical stability and analytical precision of the proteome analysis were determined. Support vector machine learning was used for classification. Stepwise application of two biomarker signatures with 21 and 5 biomarkers provided 83% sensitivity and 67% specificity for PCa detection in a test set of samples. A panel of 11 biomarkers for advanced disease discriminated between patients with Gleason score 7 and organ-confined (

Most humans lack a functional CASP12 gene, with the nonfunctional variant ( CASP12p1), found in 100% of the Caucasian and east Asian population, and in approximately 80% of people of African descent. However, 20% of Africans carry an intact allele of CASP12, which produces a full-length pro-enzyme and increases the risk of sepsis. We examined CASP12 allele distribution in persons from central and southern Asia and found that CASP12 was significantly present in members of the Dravidian language group, particularly in persons from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the role of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in determining the distinction between benign and invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. Procedure included the measurement of preoperative CA19-9 and CEA levels in 142 patients who were administered with surgical resection for IPMN. Researchers concluded that patients with positive tumour markers and IPMN face the risk of malignant disease.

Multicellular long-stalked glandular hairs of the outer involucral bracts of Sigesbeckia jorullensis Kunth were investigated with transmission electron micros-copy. The apical layer of head cells was characterized by many irregular leucoplasts, a well developed and in the secretory phase mostly agranular endoplasmic reticu-lum, few dictyosomes, and one calcium oxalate crystal per cell. The prevalent part of the secretion seems to originate from leucoplasts of apical head cells and is secreted into a subcuticular space after crossing cytoplasm and the plasma membrane. The sheath of this sub-cuticular space was formed exclusively by a thin cuticle, which was detached from the cell wall in the secretory phase. Some small wall protuberances were found between the sub-apical and apical cell layer. Whether the three to six layers of sub-apical head cells, containing many chloroplasts, contribute to the biogenesis of the lipophilic secretion or not, remains unclear. Light microscopy demonstrated that there was a small girdle bordering the subcuticular space, where the cuticle was firmly fixed to the cell wall. Analysis with EM did not reveal alterations in cell wall ultrastructure, which might cause the firm attachment of the cuticle to the cell wall along a girdle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Acute uncomplicated cystitis is generally treated with short-term antibiotic therapy. However, recurrence of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) is very common, especially in premenopausal women. These recurrent infections considerably affect a patient''s quality of life and have a huge financial and economic impact on society. Therefore, prevention of UTI recurrence is highly important. Objective: To provide an overview of the state of the art and the current controversies on the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs. Evidence acquisition: This manuscript is based on presentations given at a satellite symposium held at the 2nd World Congress on Controversies in Urology (CURy) in Lisbon, Portugal. Data were retrieved from recent review papers, original papers, and abstracts on recurrent UTIs. Evidence synthesis: Currently, antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended as a first-line strategy for the prevention of recurrent UTIs in the European Association of Urology guidelines. However, more and more uropathogens become resistant to certain types of antimicrobials. Hence, alternative prophylactic strategies are gaining importance. Oral administration of immunoactive Escherichia coli (E. coli) fractions (Uro-Vaxom®) is one of these methods. Our understanding of its mechanism of action has considerably grown over the past 20 yr. In several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, oral immunostimulation with E. coli extracts significantly reduced recurrent UTIs compared with placebo. Moreover, this strategy was well tolerated. Two new Uro-Vaxom studies have been initiated to gather more data on the long-term efficacy, the treatment regimen, and the mechanism of action of this immunostimulant and to find broader indications for this therapy. Conclusions: Although scientific and clinical data on oral immunostimulation with E. coli fractions have increased significantly, more studies are needed to provide convincing evidence that this strategy is equally effective as antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of recurrent cystitis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extreme desiccation and irradiation increase the formation of reactive oxygen species in organisms. Lichens are highly resistant to potential damage, but it is not known whether biochemical interaction between their fungal and algal partners is involved in conferring stress tolerance. Here, we show that antioxidant and photoprotective mechanisms in the lichen Cladonia vukani are more effective by orders of magnitude than those of its isolated partners. When alone, both alga and fungus suffer oxidative damage during desiccation, but in the lichen, each appears to induce up-regulation of protective systems in the other. Without the fungal contact, the alga tolerates only very dim light and its photoprotective system is only partially effective; without the alga, the glutathione-based antioxidant system of the fungus is slow and ineffective. In the lichen, this mutually enhanced resistance to oxidative stress and, in particular, its desiccation tolerance are essential for life above ground. This lifestyle, in turn, increases the chance of dispersal of reproductive propagules and ensures their joint evolutionary success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Myrothamnus flabellifolia , a short woody shrub from southern Africa, can survive severe desiccation of its vegetative organs. We studied mechanisms protecting this plant from oxidative damage during desiccation for 2 weeks, 4 and 8 months, and also during subsequent rehydration. This plant retains high concentrations of chlorophyll during desiccation, and these chlorophyll molecules are probably a source for potentially harmful singlet oxygen production. Desiccation triggered substantial increases in zeaxanthin and redox shifts of the antioxidants glutathione and ascorbate towards their oxidised forms. Simultaneously, the concentrations of violaxanthin, β -carotene, ascorbate, α -tocopherol, and glutathione reductase activity progressively decreased. Antheraxanthin, γ -tocopherol, lutein, neoxanthin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase displayed less pronounced changes in response to desiccation. Even after 4 months of desiccation, Myrothamnus flabellifolia recovered rapidly upon rehydration. Re-watering induced formation of ascorbate and glutathione, simultaneous reduction of their oxidised forms, and rapid production of α -tocopherol and of various carotenoids. Only after 8 months of desiccation did the antioxidant system of M. flabellifolia break down; 3 weeks after the onset of rehydration, these plants abscised their leaves, but even then they were still able to recover and develop new ones. Ascorbate, β -carotene and α -tocopherol were totally depleted after 8 months of desiccation and did not recover upon rehydration; glutathione was partly maintained, but only in the oxidised form. We present a model demonstrating which parts of antioxidant pathways break down as oxidative stress becomes detrimental and we discuss some potential implications of our results for the genetic modification of crop plants to improve their drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Background: b Postoperative chyle leak (CL) is a common complication in pancreatic surgery, where extensive soft tissue clearance is indispensable. A subgroup analysis on those patients who had drain removal despite of persistent CL with respect to the need of subsequent CT-guided drainage within three months postoperatively was performed. After drain removal despite of persistent CL, none of the patients had CT-drainage with proof of CL within three months postoperatively. [Extracted from the article]

B Background: b Postoperative chyle leak (CL) is a common complication in pancreatic surgery, where extensive soft tissue clearance is indispensable. A subgroup analysis on those patients who had drain removal despite of persistent CL with respect to the need of subsequent CT-guided drainage within three months postoperatively was performed. After drain removal despite of persistent CL, none of the patients had CT-drainage with proof of CL within three months postoperatively. [Extracted from the article]