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Imine reductases (IREDs) have emerged as promising enzymes for the asymmetric synthesis of secondary and tertiary amines starting from carbonyl substrates. Screening the substrate specificity of the reductive amination reaction is usually performed by time-consuming GC analytics. We found two highly active IREDs in our enzyme collection, IR-20 from Streptomyces tsukubaensis and IR-Sip from Streptomyces ipomoeae, that allowed a comprehensive substrate screening with a photometric NADPH assay. We screened 39 carbonyl substrates combined with 17 amines as nucleophiles. Activity data from 663 combinations provided a clear picture about substrate specificity and capabilities in the reductive amination of these enzymes. Besides aliphatic aldehydes, the IREDs accepted various cyclic (C4 -C8 ) and acyclic ketones, preferentially with methylamine. IR-Sip also accepted a range of primary and secondary amines as nucleophiles. In biocatalytic reactions, IR-Sip converted (R)-3-methylcyclohexanone with dimethylamine or pyrrolidine with high diastereoselectivity (>94-96 % de). The nucleophile acceptor spectrum depended on the carbonyl substrate employed. The conversion of well-accepted substrates could also be detected if crude lysates were employed as the enzyme source.

Due to the recommendations in the urological guidelines to perform nephron-sparing surgery in patients with organ-confined renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the customary therapy regimen changed, but it is not well studied yet whether partial nephrectomy (PN) especially in the elderly is beneficial. From 2000 to 2015, 3,592 patients from 7 clinics undergoing surgery in RCC were identified; 2,323 had T1 tumours. We retrospectively compared the overall survival benefit of patients with T1 RCC who underwent either PN or radical nephrectomy (RN) and studied effects of age and gender. Results: In T1 RCC, PN was beneficial in male patients (p = 0.0006) independent of age, especially in those men ≤75 years of age (p = 0.0005); but PN was not beneficial for female patients (p = 0.0629) regardless of age and male patients older than 75 years (p = 0.736). The OS of female patients after RN and male patients after PN is the same, regardless of age. A life expectancy of more than 45 months at least is necessary to experience an overall survival benefit after PN. Conclusions: There should be harder proven indications for PN in female patients and especially in all patients older than 75 years, particularly with regard to perioperative risk factors.

In diesem Artikel werden ausgewählte Zeitpunkte innerhalb der Filmgeschichte markiert, die entscheidende Beobachtungen über die Entwicklung des Splattergenres zulassen. So wird versucht, mit den Positionen Distribution, Rezeption und Ästhetik drei Forschungsansätze vorzuformulieren, mit denen sich die Entwicklung des Splattergenres und damit eine mögliche Bewegung dieses Genres vom ‚I-Stream‘ zum ‚Mainstreamgenre‘ nachzeichnen lässt. Somit kann wiederum eine weitere Perspektive auf das Thema ‚I-Stream‘ selbst eröffnet werden.

A new grade of the 200 series has been defined for the European market as a candidate alternative to austenitic grade EN 1.4301 (AISI 304). The grade was recently assigned a material number by VDEh (1.4618 - X9CrMnNiCu 17-8-5-2). The paper presents mechanical properties of the grade including drawability and corrosion resistance characteristics. The newly designed grade has mechanical properties slightly superior to those of EN 1.4301 (AISI 304) and equivalent to those of EN 1.4310 (AISI 301) grade. In terms of corrosion resistance, the grade is close to that of grade EN 1.4301 (AISI 304), upgrading the classical 200 series.

There is little debate that nephrolithiasis is an increasing problem for public health. In the USA, the treatment of renal stone disease costs more than two billion dollars per year. The lack of prospective randomized trials reflects the problem of subjecting stone-formers to prospective studies and placebo treatment, and studies often use a single-group design. Nevertheless, investigation of metabolic abnormalities often makes the identification of an etiologic factor, and consequent treatment, possible, and stone formation can be reduced.

Since 1993 we have prospectively followed a cumulative cohort of males with benign prostatic hyperplasia and symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction who underwent interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) of the prostate. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ILC with respect to relief of symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction. In addition to the critical evaluation of our clinical results, the perineal and transurethral approaches were investigated as they may make a substantial impact on the overall success rate, including prostate size, number of sticks per prostate volume and type of application. A total of 59 patients were treated with the Nd-YAG laser (mediLas fibertom) between April 1993 and December 1996. At the time of reevaluation, 47 patients had completed a follow-up of up to 24 months. A perineal approach was used in 34%, transurethral in 23%, and a combined approach in 43% of the patients, depending on the preoperative volume of the prostate. 75% were high-risk patients in accordance with the ASA score (ASA III). The efficacy of treatment was assessed 6, 12, 24 and 52 weeks postoperatively in accordance with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPS/quality of life), cystomanometric studies, peak urinary flow rate, residual volume and volume reduction of the prostate. Reduction of prostatic volume and sticks used per prostate volume were correlated to the overall success rate. A significant improvement in all voiding parameters (flow rate, residual volume), including the symptom score, was observed. Pdet decreased from an average of 90 cm H2O preoperatively to 42 cm H2O postoperatively after 24 weeks and the mean reduction in prostate volume was 14 cm3. Interestingly, it was noted that the overall success rate was not size-related. A distinct positive correlation was found in the number of sticks performed and the improvement in objective and subjective parameters. In view of the low morbidity outcome, especially in high-risk patients, we proclaim Nd-YAG interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate to be an effective and safe alternative method of treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We report the long-term results of penile revascularization surgery for erectile failure and suggest possible selection criteria for this controversial surgical procedure.In 7 years 62 impotent men who did not respond to pharmacotherapy underwent microsurgical penile revascularization and completed long-term followup evaluation in 41 months (range 18 to greater than 62) consisting of a detailed questionnaire, duplex sonography and optional pharmacotherapy or angiography. The Virag procedure was chosen for the first 7 patients, the original Hauri technique for the next 13 and the modified Mannheim triple anastomosis for 42.Of all patients 34% achieved spontaneous and another 20% pharmacologically induced erections. Success in diabetics and older patients was lower (43% for diabetics, 39% for those older than 50 years at surgery), while it was high in men with less than 2 risk factors (58%) as well as in younger patients (69% for those up to 50 years old). Shunt patency was 92%. Complications such as glans hyperemia developed in 13% of patients, shunt thrombosis in 8% and inguinal hernias in 6.5%.Patient selection is vital for the successful outcome of penile revascularization surgery. We adhere to strict selection criteria, such as patient age maximum of 50 years, less than 2 risk factors, no recent diabetes and termination of nicotine abuse. Penile revascularization surgery is highly indicated in this group of patients, especially since it is the only causal therapy for erectile failure.

Zum anstehenden zehnjährigen Jubiläum des Digital Turns reiht sich der simulierte Raum in die Standardtricks eines Alltagszaubers des digitalen Kinos ein. Analog zu Rodowicks Argumentation für eine Emanzipation des Films, soll an dieser Stelle die Simulation filmphysischer Präsenz vermittels Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) untersucht werden. In einer Analyse entlang Baudrillard‘scher Begriffsbildung kann das Problem digitaler Raumkonzeption in ihrer diegetischen Ausbreitung für die Perzeption anhand des Films HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 (USA 2010) im Kontrast zum Einsatz des gleichen Effekts in IRRÉVERSIBLE (F 2002) verdeutlicht werden.

Summary The effect of peroxide on endothelial cells (perfused pig aorta) was examined using an in vitro perfusion model. Hydrogen peroxide was added to the perfusion medium (pig serum together with a buffer solution) which was expected to lead to an increased oxidation of lipids and lipoproteins. Oxidation processes of this type play a decisive role in the pathogenesis and progression of arteriosclerosis. The aim of the present investigation was to demonstrate by introducing hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in varying concentrations (0.5–1.5%), the destructive impact of peroxides on the endothelium, while these cells are believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. The extent of endothelial cell impairment was assessed by means of silver staining visualisation of endothelial cell borders as well as light- and scanning-electronmicroscopic investigation. It was discovered that the endothelial cells show increasing impairment after 10 h of perfusion due to the effect of peroxide (hydrogen peroxide).

Summary A perfusion apparatus is described which permits the perfusion of arterial segments of about 5 cm in length. It works under physiological conditions. During the perfusion, temperature and pressure constancy or pressure variation, respectively, pulsation, sufficient oxygen supply, and high sterility are guaranteed. Hitherto, the duration of the perfusion has been extended to 10 h. After this time the endothelium was well preserved. The method shall be used for the study of some problems in arteriosclerosis research.

Iliac-ureteral fistulas (IUF) are a rare but potential life threatening event and an important cause of gross hematuria. We report on three cases of IUF. In all cases, prior chronic ureteral stenting, extended pelvic surgery or pelvic irradiation had been performed. Diagnosis was confirmed with angiography in one case, in the others a CT scan revealed the IUF. Treatment included surgical exploration with local reconstruction, extra-anatomical bypass and nephrectomy with arterial patch repair. The increasing incidence of IUF is a consequence of an increasing number of advanced and extended pelvic operations, radiation therapy and long-term ureteral stenting. Diagnosis should be made by provocative angiography or CT. Treatment options vary depending on the site and morphology of the local situation, but morbidity and mortality is still high due to delayed adequate diagnosis and treatment. A conclusive algorithm should be followed for the successful management of IUF.

La migration dans l'espace germanique est un phenomene connu depuis le 3e siecle av. J.-C. Le concept de migration a partir de l'annee 375 a un sens dans la mesure ou a cette epoque les Huns representent un nouveau facteur qui intervient dans le jeu de forces en ce qui concerne les frontieres de l'Empire romain et que la qualite des races migrantes se transforment. Dans deux chapitres de son etude, l'A. etudie les persecutions des chretiens dont celle d'Athanaric qui prend fin en 372 avec le martyr de saint Saba ainsi que la christianisation dans l'espace germanique en se basant sur les etudes contradictoires d'Ammianus Marcellinus et de deux historiens de l'Eglise : Socrate et Sozomene.