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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.

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”. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10750-020-04354-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Defining of gray scale ultrasound standard reference values of the shoulder joint in childhood and adolescence during maturation. Patients: We examined 445 healthy girls and boys between 1 year and 18 years of age. Method A cross-sectional multicentre grey-scale ultrasound study was performed to examine the shoulder joint on both sides. The children were divided according to their gender and were further classified into six age groups, which constituted three-year age ranges, to record anatomical development changes. We measured the capsule-bone distance (BCD) as a representation of the intracapsular cavity, as well as the thickness of the joint capsule and joint cartilage. Values were expressed in mean±standard deviation (SD) and minimum-maximum (min-max). The shape of the joint capsule and capsule-bone junction zone was qualitatively analysed. Results The joint cartilage thickness decreased with increasing age in all joints independently from sex and body side. However, the BCD and the capsule thickness increased with age. There was no intraarticular fluid visible. The joint capsule had a predominantly concave form, whereas the capsule-bone junction was mostly sharp. Discussion This study is the first describing age-related normal values of the intracapsular cavity, joint capsule and cartilage thickness as well as their respective shape in a large cohort of healthy children. Conclusion The findings could be helpful to differentiate between physiological and pathological joint conditions and thereby distinguishing age-related variations from alterations caused by inflammation.

Despite the agronomic importance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), the early‐stage development of its taproot has only been poorly investigated. Thus, the mechanisms that determine growth and sugar accumulation in sugar beet are largely unknown. In the presented study, a physiological characterization of early‐stage sugar beet taproot development was conducted. Activities were analyzed for fourteen key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in developing taproots over the first 80 days after sowing. In addition, we performed in situ localizations of selected carbohydrate‐metabolic enzyme activities, anatomical investigations, and quantifications of soluble carbohydrates, hexose phosphates, and phytohormones. Based on the accumulation dynamics of biomass and sucrose, as well as on anatomical parameters, the early phase of taproot development could be subdivided into three stages—prestorage, transition, secondary growth and sucrose accumulation stage—each of which was characterized by distinct metabolic and phytohormonal signatures. The enzyme activity signatures corresponding to these stages were also shown to be robustly reproducible in experiments conducted in two additional locations. The results from this physiological phenotyping approach contribute to the identification of the key regulators of sugar beet taproot development and open up new perspectives for sugar beet crop improvement concerning both physiological marker‐based breeding and biotechnological approaches.

The Second author’s name was incorrectly published in the original article. The correct name is Hartwig Wilhelm Lehmann.

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. (14)C 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.

Hintergrund: In der deutschen Kinderrheumatologie finden seit etwa 15 Jahren die Gelenksonografie und Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) zunehmenden Einsatz bei der Diagnosestellung einer Juvenilen idiopathischen Arthritis (JIA). Zielsetzung: Ziel unserer Studie war es, sowohl den Einsatz in der kinderrheumatologischen Praxis als auch den aktuellen Status der Aus- und Weiterbildung deutscher Kinderrheumatologen bezuglich bildgebender Verfahren zu erfassen. Methoden: Mitglieder der Gesellschaft fur Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie (GKJR) wurden zur Teilnahme an einem Online-Fragebogen mit 15 Fragen zur Weiterbildung, Einsatzmoglichkeit und Verwendung bildgebender Verfahren eingeladen. Ergebnisse: 78 Mitglieder der GKJR beteiligten sich an der Umfrage. Etwa zwei Drittel aller Teilnehmer fuhren die Gelenksonografie in ihrer taglichen Praxis durch, damit kommt der Gelenksonografie der hochste Stellenwert in der taglichen Diagnostik rheumatischer Erkrankungen zu. Die Mehrzahl der Teilnehmer setzt MRT- und Rontgenuntersuchungen nur bei maximal 19% ihrer Patienten ein. Zur Diagnosestellung einer JIA wird die Gelenksonografie von 84,2% der Teilnehmer und zur Verlaufsbeobachtung von 93,3% der Teilnehmer als wichtigste bildgebende Methode angesehen. Das MRT wird von den Befragten wichtiger fur die Diagnosestellung (26,3%) als fur die Verlaufskontrolle (6,7%) eingestuft. 76,6% der Teilnehmer haben mindestens einen Ultraschallkurs absolviert. Es besteht ein groses Interesse an Weiterbildungsmoglichkeiten auf den Gebieten der Gelenksonografie (71,1%), MRT- (84,2%) und Rontgenbildgebung (60,8%). Die haufigste Indikation fur die Gelenksonografie sind Gelenkschmerzen. Schlussfolgerung: Die Gelenksonografie besitzt unter den Befragten einen sehr hohen Stellenwert in der taglichen kinderrheumatologischen Praxis und wird von den meisten Kinderrheumatologen eigenstandig durchgefuhrt und befundet. Es besteht ein groses Interesse an Weiterbildungsmoglichkeiten fur alle bildgebenden Techniken.

ZusammenfassungKennzeichen der juvenilen idiopathischen Arthritis sind neben der synovialen Entzündung knorpelige und knöcherne Veränderungen. Während der vergangenen Dekade ist es, insbesondere durch den zunehmenden Einsatz von Biologika, zu einer deutlichen Verbesse-rung der Therapieeffektivität gekommen. Als Folge dieser Entwicklung wandelten sich die Anforderungen an die bildgebenden Verfahren von der reinen Dokumentation von Schäden, hin zur Entdeckung früher Krankheitszeichen. Da diese der konventionellen Röntgendiagnostik verborgen bleiben, spielen empfindlichere Methoden wie die Kontrastverstärkte Kernspintomografie oder der Dopplerultraschall eine zunehmende Rolle bei der Diagnose, Risikostratifizierung und Verlaufskontrolle. Allerdings haben Röntgendiagnostik und die Computertomografie weiterhin eine Bedeutung zum Ausschluss von Frakturen, Tumoren, in der Dokumentation knöcherner Veränderungen sowie in der sicheren intraartikulären Steroidinjektion in schwer zugängliche Gelenke.

Cytokinins are phytohormones that are involved in various regulatory processes throughout plant development, but they are also produced by pathogens and known to modulate plant immunity. A novel transgenic approach enabling autoregulated cytokinin synthesis in response to pathogen infection showed that cytokinins mediate enhanced resistance against the virulent hemibiotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tabaci. This was confirmed by two additional independent transgenic approaches to increase endogenous cytokinin production and by exogenous supply of adenine- and phenylurea-derived cytokinins. The cytokinin-mediated resistance strongly correlated with an increased level of bactericidal activities and up-regulated synthesis of the two major antimicrobial phytoalexins in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), scopoletin and capsidiol. The key role of these phytoalexins in the underlying mechanism was functionally proven by the finding that scopoletin and capsidiol substitute in planta for the cytokinin signal: phytoalexin pretreatment increased resistance against P. syringae. In contrast to a cytokinin defense mechanism in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) based on salicylic acid-dependent transcriptional control, the cytokinin-mediated resistance in tobacco is essentially independent from salicylic acid and differs in pathogen specificity. It is also independent of jasmonate levels, reactive oxygen species, and high sugar resistance. The novel function of cytokinins in the primary defense response of solanaceous plant species is rather mediated through a high phytoalexin-pathogen ratio in the early phase of infection, which efficiently restricts pathogen growth. The implications of this mechanism for the coevolution of host plants and cytokinin-producing pathogens and the practical application in agriculture are discussed.

Background: Immunomax® is a novel immunostimulant manufactured from potato sprouts. It consists of acidic peptidoglycans with a molecular mass of 1,000–40,000 kDa. In order to demonstrate its therapeutic effectiveness and safety, we here present data on the treatment of papilloma virus infections, and two pilot studies on prostatitis and prostate carcinoma treatment. Methods: Immunomax® was investigated using in vitro murine macrophage activation studies and by efficacy studies in human patients suffering from either recurrent anogenital warts caused by papilloma virus, or from chronic prostatitis type IIIa, as determined by the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), or from prostate carcinoma. Results: Immunomax® stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in murine bone marrow derived macrophages. In human patients, Immunomax® was effective for treating recurrent anogenital warts caused by papilloma virus. Immunomax® therapy also showed, in two pilot studies, a ...

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...

Because of its availability, ease of collection, and correlation with physiology and pathology, urine is an attractive source for clinical proteomics/peptidomics. However, the lack of comparable data sets from large cohorts has greatly hindered the development of clinical proteomics. Here, we report the establishment of a reproducible, high resolution method for peptidome analysis of naturally occurring human urinary peptides and proteins, ranging from 800 to 17,000 Da, using samples from 3,600 individuals analyzed by capillary electrophoresis coupled to MS. All processed data were deposited in an Structured Query Language (SQL) database. This database currently contains 5,010 relevant unique urinary peptides that serve as a pool of potential classifiers for diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases. As an example, by using this source of information, we were able to define urinary peptide biomarkers for chronic kidney diseases, allowing diagnosis of these diseases with high accuracy. Application of the chronic kidney disease-specific biomarker set to an independent test cohort in the subsequent replication phase resulted in 85.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. These results indicate the potential usefulness of capillary electrophoresis coupled to MS for clinical applications in the analysis of naturally occurring urinary peptides.

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.

Only 30% of patients with elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels who undergo prostate biopsy are diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa). Novel methods are needed to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. We report on the identification and validation of a panel of 12 novel biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCaP), using CE coupled MS. The biomarkers could be defined by comparing first void urine of 51 men with PCa and 35 with negative prostate biopsy. In contrast, midstream urine samples did not allow the identification of discriminatory molecules, suggesting that prostatic fluids may be the source of the defined biomarkers. Consequently, first void urine samples were tested for sufficient amounts of prostatic fluid, using a prostatic fluid indicative panel (“informative” polypeptide panel; IPP). A combination of IPP and PCaP to predict positive prostate biopsy was evaluated in a blinded prospective study. Two hundred thirteen of 264 samples matched the IPP criterion. PCa was detected with 89% sensitivity, 51% specificity. Including age and percent free PSA to the proteomic signatures resulted in 91% sensitivity, 69% specificity.

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.

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.

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.

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.Adult female patients could enroll in this multicenter, double-blind study if they had acute UTI at the enrollment visit and positive results of urinalysis (or =10(3)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.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; p0.003), 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.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.

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 vulcani 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.

Summary 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.

Objective To show a possible association between parvovirus B19 infection and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods Serum samples obtained from 88 children with various forms of juvenile rheumatic disease and from 40 adults with systemic lupus erythematosus, the antiphospholipid syndrome, or other rheumatic disease, who had previously been tested and shown to be positive for IgG aPL, were analyzed for the presence of B19 DNA, for antibodies against the B19 viral proteins VP1, VP2, and NS1, and for IgG aPL (anticardiolipin, anti–β2-glycoprotein I, and antiphosphatidylserine). As controls, serum samples obtained from 135 children with noninflammatory bone diseases or growth retardation were also analyzed. Results Twenty-four (27%) of the 88 children with rheumatic diseases had detectable amounts of IgG aPL. Fourteen (58%) of these 24 IgG aPL–positive patients showed IgG against VP1/VP2 and viral genomes, indicating the presence of acute (2 patients) or persistent (12 patients) infection. Past parvovirus B19 infection was identified in 7 (29%) of 24 IgG aPL–positive children, as indicated by VP1/VP2-specific IgG in the absence of viral DNA. Three (12%) of 24 IgG aPL–positive children had not been infected with B19. Sixty-nine (51%) of 135 control children displayed VP1/VP2-specific IgG. Three (2%) of these 135 children were IgG aPL positive (2 children had past parvovirus B19 infection, and 1 was negative for parvovirus B19). Analysis of the parvovirus B19 status of 40 adult IgG aPL–positive patients showed that 33 (83%) were anti–IgG VP1/VP2–positive, and viral DNA was detected in 11 patients (28%). Ten of these 11 viremic patients were in the subgroup of 28 IgG aPL–positive SLE patients. Conclusion Antiphospholipid antibodies are preferentially found in serum of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who have been previously infected with parvovirus B19 and have established, persistent infection. Adult patients with IgG aPL positivity have a high incidence of persistent parvovirus B19 infection. We conclude that parvovirus B19 might be directly involved in the elicitation of autoimmune reactions partly mediated by aPL.

Objective 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.

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, beta-carotene, ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, and glutathione reductase activity progressively decreased. Antheraxanthin, gamma-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 alpha-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, beta-carotene and alpha-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.

The essential oil of Pinus canariensis Sweet ex Sprengel obtained by steam distillation of needles was investigated by GC and GC–MS. One hundred and sixteen components were separated, of which 75 (comprising 93.9% w/w of the sample) were positively identified and a further 41 partially characterized. One hundred and eight substances could be assigned to terpenoids: 33 monoterpenes (42.7%), 46 sesquiterpenes (52.1%), and 29 diterpenes (4.8%). Minor substances were alkane derivatives as well as benzyl esters of benzoic and salicylic acid. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Härtel's turbidity test (Trübungstest) has been one widely used diagnostic test for air pollution injury for decades. This test is based on the extraction of lipophilic substances into an aqueous suspension, whose light absorption is used as an indication of exposure to pollution. Little is known about the underlying principles controlling the response of the test. In this study, the influence of the cations Li+, Na+, K+, and Ca2+ and that of the anions Cl-, Br-, I-, and SO42- on the response of Härtel's test was reinvestigated. In contrast to an earlier study, both the extracts' absorbance and acidity were monitored. Additionally, the effects of the Ca-chelating agents ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) and oxalic acid were compared with that of deionized water and different buffers. All effects of ions including that of Ca2+ on the response of the test were accompanied by shifts of the extracts' acidity. Even small changes in the pH caused significant variations in the test's response. On the other hand, addition of the Ca chelating agents EDTA and oxalic acid to the solvent did not affect the response of the test when the pH was equal to solvents without Ca chelating compounds. Therefore, the previously published assumption that the availability of Ca2+ could be the main principle of the test's reaction mechanism was not confirmed.

SUMMARY Hartel's turbidity test (‘Trubungstest’) 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.] were 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 turbidifying substances was equal to control samples of epicuticular waxes of Norway spruce needles, with w-hydroxy-n-alkanoic acids, n-alkanoic acids, α,ω-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 Hartel's turbidity test seems to be solely controlled by factors that influence the interaction of epicuticular wax 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.

Data on B cell depletion therapy in severe autoimmune diseases in paediatric patients are very limited. We conducted a retrospective cohort study and recruited patients who were treated with rituximab (RTX) and followed up for at least 6 months through the German societies of paediatric rheumatology and nephrology. The aim was to describe the spectrum of autoimmune disorders for which RTX was used and to describe the applied therapeutic regimens, the observed efficacy, as well as potential immunological side effects. The need to develop standard treatment guidelines for future trials should be discussed. Sixty-five patients were included. Nineteen patients suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus, 13 from vasculitic disorders, 12 from hematological autoimmune diseases, 5 from mixed connective tissue disorders, 4 from juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and 9 had other autoimmune diseases. Adverse, infusion-related events were reported in 12/65 (18%) patients. Considering laboratory and clinical parameters, 13 patients (22%) were in complete remission, 31 (52%) were in partial remission, 6 (10%) were unchanged and 10 (17%) had progressed after 6 months. In 46% of the patients, the steroid dose could be more than halved. IgG, IgM and IgA decreased from normal levels prior to RTX therapy to below normal levels at 6 months in 2/22 (9%), 10/21 (48%), and 4/22 (18%) patients, respectively. Immunoglobulin deficiency or prolonged CD20 depletion was reported in eight patients after an observation period longer than 12 months. RTX therapy led to a perceivable reduction in disease activity. However, long-term immunological alterations may occur in more than 10% of the patients. Guidelines and protocols for off-label therapy are desirable to document reasonable follow-up data. Controlled prospective studies for RTX therapies in children with standardised therapeutic and diagnostic protocols are urgently needed.

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.

SUMMARY Owing to its availability, ease of collection and correlation with (patho-) physiology, urine isan attractive source for clinical proteomics. However, the lack of comparable datasets fromlarge cohorts has greatly hindered development in this field. Here we report theestablishment of a high resolution proteome database of naturally occurring human urinarypeptides and proteins - ranging from 800–17,000 Da - from over 3,600 individual samplesusing capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry, yielding an average of 1,500peptides per sample. All processed data were deposited in an SQL database, currentlycontaining 5,010 relevant unique urinary peptides that serve as classifiers for diagnosisand monitoring of diseases, including kidney and vascular diseases. Of these, 352 havebeen sequenced to date. To demonstrate the applicability of this database, two examplesof disease diagnosis were provided: For renal damage diagnosis, patients with a specificrenal disease were identified with high specificity and sensitivity in a blinded cohort of 131individuals. We further show definition of biomarkers specific for immunosuppression andcomplications after transplantation (Kaposi‘s sarcoma). Due to its high information content,this database will be a powerful tool for the validation of biomarkers for both renal and non-renal diseases.NaturePrecedings:hdl:10101/npre.2007.1219.1:Posted11Oct2007

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.

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 (P0.0001). 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%) (P0.001). 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.

During 2002 the International Association of Pancreatology developed evidenced-based guidelines on the surgical management of acute pancreatitis. There were 11 guidelines, 10 of which were recommendations grade B and one (the second) grade A. (1) Mild acute pancreatitis is not an indication for pancreatic surgery. (2) The use of prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics reduces infection rates in computed tomography-proven necrotizing pancreatitis but may not improve survival. (3) Fine-needle aspiration for bacteriology should be performed to differentiate between sterile and infected pancreatic necrosis in patients with sepsis syndrome. (4) Infected pancreatic necrosis in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis is an indication for intervention including surgery and radiological drainage. (5) Patients with sterile pancreatic necrosis (with negative fine-needle aspiration for bacteriology) should be managed conservatively and only undergo intervention in selected cases. (6) Early surgery within 14 days after onset of the disease is not recommended in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis unless there are specific indications. (7) Surgical and other forms of interventional management should favor an organ-preserving approach, which involves debridement or necrosectomy combined with a postoperative management concept that maximizes postoperative evacuation of retroperitoneal debris and exudate. (8) Cholecystectomy should be performed to avoid recurrence of gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis. (9) In mild gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis, cholecystectomy should be performed as soon as the patient has recovered and ideally during the same hospital admission. (10) In severe gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis, cholecystectomy should be delayed until there is sufficient resolution of the inflammatory response and clinical recovery. (11) Endoscopic sphincterotomy is an alternative to cholecystectomy in those who are not fit to undergo surgery in order to lower the risk of recurrence of gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis. There is however a theoretical risk of introducing infection into sterile pancreatic necrosis. These guidelines should now form the basis for audit studies in order to determine the quality of patient care delivery.

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, beta-carotene, ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, and glutathione reductase activity progressively decreased. Antheraxanthin, gamma-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 alpha-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, beta-carotene and alpha-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.

Long‐stalked glandular hairs of outer and inner involucral bracts of Sigesbeckia jorullensis, which are important for epizoic fruit propagation, were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The essential oil secreted by the hairs was analysed by chromatographic methods including gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and with a laser microprobe mass analyser. The glandular hairs consisted of a large multicellular stalk and a multicellular secreting head. The apical layer of glandular head cells was characterized by leucoplasts and calcium oxalate crystals. Below the apical cells there were up to six layers of cells containing many chloroplasts around the nucleus and surrounded by vacuoles filled with flavonoids and tannins. The essential oil originating in the head cells was secreted into the subcuticular space and may be liberated by rupture of the cuticle. It was mainly composed of sesqui‐ and diterpenes, with the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon germacrene‐d as the main component. Monoterpenes, n‐alkanes and their derivatives as well as flavonoid aglycones were also detected. The stickiness of the essential oil is probably associated with the high content of oxygenated sesqui‐ and diterpenes. In addition to long‐stalked trichomes, small biseriate trichomes occurred, secreting small quantities of essential oil into a subcuticular space.

To accurately measure the contents of chlorophylls and carotenoids in lichen tissues, and to determine their metabolic roles, requires careful selection of appropriate techniques and equipment. Despite the progress in the chromatography of pigments it is still frequent practice to measure the amounts of individual chlorophylls and total carotenoids spectrophotometrically in mixed extracts. However, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques have facilitated the separation and quantification of plastid pigments. Fast one-step separations of chlorophylls and carotenoids have been described (e.g. Siefermann-Harms 1988, Pfeifhofer 1989, Thayer and Bjorkman 1990). Reversed-phase partition chromatography is now most widely used for the routine analysis of pigments in natural extracts (for reviews see Bramley 1992, Young et al. 1997).

Phytohormones are essential regulators of various processes in plant growth and development. Several phytohormones are also known to regulate plant responses to environmental stress and pathogens. Only recently, cytokinins have been demonstrated to play an important role in plant immunity. Increased levels of cytokinins such as trans-zeatin, which are considered highly active, induced resistance against mainly (hemi)biotrophic pathogens in different plant species. In contrast, cis-zeatin is commonly regarded as a cytokinin exhibiting low or no activity. Here we comparatively study the impact of both zeatin isomers on the infection of Nicotiana tabacum by the (hemi)biotrophic microbial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. We demonstrate a biological effect of cis-zeatin and a differential effect of the two zeatin isomers on symptom development, defense responses and bacterial multiplication.

Children with rheumatic oligoarthritis and polyarthritis frequently establish persistent parvovirus B19 infections that may be associated with the production of antiphospholipid antibodies (anti-PL IgG). In this study we analysed the influence of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy on virus load, on the level of anti-PL IgG and its potential capacity to improve the patients' clinical status. Four juvenile patients with long-lasting polyarticular rheumatic diseases and persistent parvovirus B19 infection, associated in three cases with the presence of antibodies against β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI IgG), were treated with two cycles of IVIG on five successive days (0.4 g/kg per day). Clinical parameters including scores of disease activity, virus load and anti-PL IgG levels were determined before, during and after treatment. Two patients showed a complete remission that has lasted 15 months. During that period they showed neither clinical nor laboratory signs of inflammation. Viral DNA was not detectable in serum, and a decrease in anti-β2GPI IgG was observed. As assessed by the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children, both patients were no longer restricted in their activities of daily living and no impact on the health-related quality of life was observed. In one patient the therapy failed: there was no improvement of symptoms and no decrease in virus load or inflammatory parameters. In the fourth patient, clinical and laboratory parameters did not improve despite a decrease in both viral load and anti-PL IgG. Our results show that the use of IVIG to treat parvovirus B19-triggered polyarticular rheumatic disease of childhood might offer an opportunity to improve this disabling condition.

Fifty patients bilaterally adrenalectomized for Cushing's disease were followed for 1 to 22 (mean, 12) years. In 14 of them (28%) Nelson's syndrome appeared within 1.5 to 12 (mean, 4.8) years after adrenalectomy. All the patients were deeply pigmented, 12 had a radiologically demonstrable tumour and six had visual defects. Plasma ACTH levels ranged from 450 to 8000 ng/l. However in every case at least one estimation during circadian studies equalled 2000 ng/l. One patient with an anaplastic pituitary tumour died 3 years after the discovery of the tumour. Anaplasia was also diagnosed in another patient with recurrence of pituitary tumour after a transsphenoidal operation. Symptoms of tumour infarction occurred in two patients, followed by clinical remission of Nelson's syndrome. In the majority of cases the course was benign. We conclude that all cases, however, should be followed indefinitely because Nelson's tumours are not infrequently aggressive.

There are contradictory reports as to whether the pylorus plays an important role in preventing duodenogastric reflux. In the present study we measured bile reflux under fasting conditions, employing a new radionuclide method which was modified for easy and standardized use. Intravenously administered99mTc-HIDA (0.1 mCi) is detected in gastric juice aspirated during routine gastric secretion analysis. In order to prove that the radioactivity in the aspirate comes from reflux, in preliminary intraoperative experiments we clamped the antrum and measured the intraluminal activity. Only a very low amount of free activity was found. We found the same result in 3 Heidenhain pouch dogs. We then studied the bile regurgitation in 60 patients with duodenal ulcer disease and in 30 patients operated on for duodenal ulcers (selective proximal vagotomy with pyloroplasty). Preoperatively, we found bile reflux in 66% of the patients. There was a distinct difference between active and chronic ulcers. In the florid state, 76% of our patients had bile reflux as compared to 58% in the chronic state. After pyloric surgery, with a pyloroplasty appropriate to form and function, bile reflux was not increased. Our conclusion is that the pylorus seems to have no important reflux-preventing properties.

Summary The plastid pigments of the saprophytic orchid Neottia nidus-avis (L.) L. C. Rich. were examined using high-performance liquid chromatography. In contrast to earlier reports, small amounts of chlorophyll b could be detected in extracts of inflorescences, leaves and stalks. No evidence for lutein was obtained. On the other side, the amount of zeaxanthin was extraordinary high in Neottia suggesting that lutein and zeaxanthin were mixed up in previous works. Inflorescences, leaves and stalks also contain a number of other components which do not accumulate in normal green leaves. To clarify their identity and role, further investigations will be necessary. Roots of Neottia nidus-avis contain a number of xanthophylls but no lutein and no chlorophylls.

This paper presents a survey of active microwave semiconductor devices with emphasis on devices made from Gallium Arsenide which is presently the material with the greatest scope and promise. Thanks to the three properties of high mobility, low threshold field and the existence of semi-insulating substrate GaAs is now preferably used as the starting material for avalanche (IMPATT) diodes, transferred electron (Gunn) diodes and field effect transistors. The GaAs IMPATT diode is presently the hottest performer in the frequency range up to X-band, whereas at higher frequencies the double-drift Si IMPATT diode still has the honor of maximum power and efficiency. Although exhibiting lower power and efficiency the Gunn diode has certain advantages such as low noise, low bias voltage, needs less critical tuning and bias circuitry and has a simpler structure. During recent years the GaAs field effect transistor has been developed to the fastest three terminal semiconductor device with outstanding noise performance. The paper outlines the basic device physics, terminal characteristics and reports the newest results.

Mit Dem Histamin H2-Receptorenblocker Cimetidin And Dem Peptidhormon Somatostatin Stehen Fur Die Klinische Anwendung Zwei Sehr Wirksame Saurehemmer Zur Verfugung. Beide Wurden Mit Erfolg Bereits Zur Sekretionsblockad-C In Der Sofortbehandlung Van Gastrointestinalen Blutungen Eingesetzt (2, 3). Therapieversager, Die Sowohl Nach Cimetidin Als Auch Nach Somatostatin Auftraten, Kbnnten U.A. Auf Eine Ungenugende Sekretionshemmung Bezogen Werden. In Der Vorliegenden Untersuchung Sollte Deshalb Der Hemmeffekt Von Cimetidin And Somatostatin Auf Die Stimulierte Magensekretion Nach Alleiniger And Nach Simultaner Applikation Untersucht Werden.101

We have investigated the modulation of prostatic acid phosphatase expression in the human prostatic cancer cell line LNCaP in response to the natural androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, the female sex steroid estradiol and the synthetic androgen R1881 (methyltrienolone). Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone at 1 microgram/ml enhance the acid phosphatase synthesis by a factor of 3.5, while a hundred-fold lower concentration of the synthetic androgen R1881 induces an almost five-fold increase in the expression of this enzyme. The stimulation by all androgens tested and estradiol was dose-dependent. The synthetic glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide does not modulate the prostatic acid phosphatase expression in LNCaP cells, neither alone nor in combination with R1881.

In a first operative stage, 4 dogs were prepared with Heidenhain pouches (HP) and 3 with Pavlov pouches (PP), 2 of the latter with an additional esophageal cannula. In a second stage all dogs had a selective proximal vagotomy (SPV), and in a third stage a submucosal pyloroplasty (P). Sham feeding experiments were carried out on the 2 dogs with PP and an esophageal fistula before and after SPV. Feeding tests were performed in all animals after the three operative procedures. Gastrin release after sham feeding increased significantly after SPV, whereas PP acid secretion was abolished. Gastrin release after feeding increased significantly after SPV in both HP and PP dogs. Acid secretion from HP was correlated with the changes in postprandial serum gastrin levels. PP acid secretion was diminished after SPV, in spite of the elevated gastrin levels. Subsequent pyloroplasty induced a significant decrease in the postprandial gastrin levels in both HP and PP dogs. However, acid secretion decreased significantly only in HP dogs.

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