[Vital animal predation of the genital region caused by a mongrel dog]

A 79-year-old man, who was in a helpless situation due to cardiac decompensation, suffered dog bite injuries on the left thigh and in the genital region while still alive. Two extensive soft-tissue defects with contused and bruised wound edges were surrounded by multiple slit-like skin lesions. The outer genitals were almost completely missing. Because of surgical emergency treatment, molecular biological investigations were no longer possible. Therefore, the cause of the bite injuries had to be determined solely on the basis of the documented morphology of the wounds.

The role of annexins I, II and IV in tumor development, progression and metastasis of human penile squamous cell carcinomas

PURPOSE

The outcome of patients with penile squamous cell carcinomas (PSCC) largely depends on occurrence of metastasis. Therefore, prognostic markers indicating the risk for tumor cell spreading would be useful. Since Annexins are potential prognostic markers in a variety of tumors, we immunohistochemically examined the expression of Annexins I, II and IV (ANX AI, ANX AII and ANX AIV) in PSCC.

METHODS

Samples originated from 29 patients subjected to surgical resection of invasive PSCC. Immunohistochemistry was done on paraffin-embedded sections using monoclonal antibodies against ANX AI, ANX AII and ANX AIV. Expression of ANXs was compared with clinical data.

RESULTS

ANX AI expression was found in conventional PSCC and was absent in basaloid and sarcomatoid subtypes. High ANX AI score was significantly associated with higher T stages (P = 0.006). Strong expression in the invasion front of carcinomas was significantly associated with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001). ANX AIV expression was weak in conventional PSCC, while it was strong in basaloid and sarcomatoid subtypes. Strong expression of Annnexin IV in the invasion front also showed a significant association with metastasis (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Expression of ANXs was different in histologic subtypes of penile carcinomas. Strong expression of ANX AI and ANX AIV in the invasion front seems to indicate a higher risk of lymph node metastasis.

Tracers determine movement of soil moisture and evapotranspiration

The downward movement of water in soil is a layered one. Marking a certain layer with hydrogen-isotope tracer, and watching its displacement, makes possible a water balance and gives information on evaporation and groundwater recharge.

The voltage-dependent step of the chloride transporter of Valonia utricularis encounters a Nernst-Planck and not an Eyring type of potential energy barrier

Voltage-clamp experiments were performed on cells of the giant marine alga Valonia utricularis to study the voltage dependence of the previously postulated chloride transporter (Wang, J., G. Wehner, R. Benz, and U. Zimmermann. 1991. Biophys. J. 59:235-248). Only one exponential current relaxation (apart from the capacitive spike) could be resolved up to a clamp voltage of approximately 120 mV within the time resolution of our experimental instrumentation (100 mus). This means that the rate constants of the heterogeneous complexation, k(R) (association) and k(D) (dissociation), were too fast to be resolved. Therefore, the "Läuger" model for carrier-mediated ion transport with equilibrium heterogeneous surface reaction was used to fit the experimental results. The voltage dependence of the initial membrane conductance was used for the evaluation of the voltage dependence of the translocation rate constant of the complexed carriers, k(AS). The initial conductance was found to be independent on the clamp voltage, which means that the translocation rate constant k(AS) is a linear function of the applied voltage and that the voltage dependence of the translocation of charged carriers through the plasmalemma could be explained by a square-type Nernst-Planck barrier. The movement of the complexed form of the carrier through the membrane may be explained by a diffusion process rather than by simple first-order kinetic jump across an Eyring-type potential well. The current relaxation after a voltage clamp was studied as a function of the external chloride concentration. The results allowed an estimation of the stability constant, K, of the heterogeneous complexation reaction and a calculation of the translocation rate constants of the free and the complexed carriers, k(s) and k(AS), respectively.

Harmonic system analysis of the algae Valonia utricularis: contribution of an electrogenic transport system to gain and phase-shift of the transfer function

Cell membrane properties of the giant marine alga Valonia utricularis were measured in the frequency domain between 1 Hz and 10 MHz by harmonic system analysis. Harmonic analysis was performed by imposing a sinusoidal electrical voltage on the cell interior via an internal microelectrode. Gain and phase-shift of the resulting sinusoidal membrane voltage were measured over the whole frequency range with an internal voltage microelectrode. Bode plots of gain and phase-shift allowed the determination of the electrical parameters of the equivalent electronic circuits of the cell membrane of V. utricularis, which showed dynamic and passive properties dependent on the pH of the external aqueous solution. The dynamic components of the membrane impedance were caused by an electrogenic transport system for chloride described previously (Wang, J., G. Wehner, R. Benz, and U. Zimmermann. 1991. Biophys. J. 59:235-248). The kinetic and equilibrium parameters of the transport system could be evaluated from the fit of Bode plots of gain and phase-shift. The frequency domain technique revealed complete agreement of transport parameters with previously published results. The data demonstrate that an electrogenic transport system can be driven by an oscillating electric field.

Effects of environmental parameters and irrigation on the turgor pressure of banana plants measured using the non-invasive, online monitoring leaf patch clamp pressure probe

Turgor pressure provides a sensitive indicator for irrigation scheduling. Leaf turgor pressure of Musa acuminate was measured by using the so-called leaf patch clamp pressure probe, i.e. by application of an external, magnetically generated and constantly retained clamp pressure to a leaf patch and determination of the attenuated output pressure P(p) that is highly correlated with the turgor pressure. Real-time recording of P(p) values was made using wireless telemetric transmitters, which send the data to a receiver base station where data are logged and transferred to a GPRS modem linked to an Internet server. Probes functioned over several months under field and laboratory conditions without damage to the leaf patch. Measurements showed that the magnetic-based probe could monitor very sensitively changes in turgor pressure induced by changes in microclimate (temperature, relative humidity, irradiation and wind) and irrigation. Irrigation effects could clearly be distinguished from environmental effects. Interestingly, oscillations in stomatal aperture, which occurred frequently below turgor pressures of 100 kPa towards noon at high transpiration or at high wind speed, were reflected in the P(p) values. The period of pressure oscillations was comparable with the period of oscillations in transpiration and photosynthesis. Multiple probe readings on individual leaves and/or on several leaves over the entire height of the plants further emphasised the great impact of this non-invasive turgor pressure sensor system for elucidating the dynamics of short- and long-distance water transport in higher plants.

The del/del genotype of the nuclear factor-kappaB -94ATTG polymorphism and its relation to aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontitis is influenced by specific host-dependent immune responses. Periodontopathogens induce innate immune responses, amongst others, via toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), resulting in activation of the nuclear transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate links between genetic variants of these genes and chronic/aggressive periodontitis in a multivariate model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 141 patients with periodontitis (63 with chronic periodontitis and 78 with aggressive periodontitis) and 81 controls without periodontitis were included in the study. Polymorphisms in TLR2 (Arg677Trp, Arg753Gln) and in NF-kappaB (-94ins/delATTG) were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism and fragment length analyses, respectively. Subgingival bacterial colonization was evaluated using a PCR/DNA probe test (micro-Ident).

RESULTS

Although there was no association of the TLR2 polymorphism Arg753Gln with periodontitis, heterozygous carriers (Arg/Gln) were at a higher risk for colonization with bacteria of the 'red complex' (corrected p-value = 0.042). The del/del genotype of the NF-kappaB polymorphism was associated with aggressive periodontitis considering age, gender, smoking and approximal plaque index as potential confounders (odds ratio = 2.81, p = 0.035, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-7.33). del/del carriers had a higher risk for subgingival colonization with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (odds ratio = 2.36, p = 0.030, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-5.1; adjusted for age, gender, smoking and pocket depth(bacteria)).

CONCLUSIONS

The del/del genotype of NF-kappaB was shown to be associated with the occurrence of aggressive periodontitis.

Immunohistochemical expression of caspase-1 and -9, uncleaved caspase-3 and -6, cleaved caspase-3 and -6 as well as Bcl-2 in benign epithelium and cancer of the prostate

Activation of caspases is an essential prerequisite for induction of apoptosis. In many tumors caspases are down-regulated, while anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 is up-regulated. To elucidate their putative role in prostate cancer (PCa) we determined the expression of different caspases and Bcl-2 in benign prostate epithelium (BPE) and PCa. Paraffin-embedded prostate whole mounts were cut (4 μm) and investigated immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies against caspase-1 and -9, uncleaved caspase-3 and -6, cleaved caspase-3 and -6, and Bcl-2. In BPE all caspases were localized to the cytoplasm of glandular cells. In PCa we found a statistically significant reduction in cleaved caspase-3 and -6 compared to the levels in BPE. The Bcl-2 protein was detected in the basal compartment of epithelial gland cells, but no immunostaining was noted in PCa. The decreased immunoreactivity of activated caspases probably indicates an alteration in post-translational cleavage that may play an important role during PCa progression.

Intrarenal artery superoxide is mainly NADPH oxidase-derived and modulates endothelium-dependent dilation in elderly patients

AIMS

The present study was performed to investigate the contribution of NADPH oxidases (Nox) to superoxide formation in human renal proximal resistance arteries and to test whether superoxide formation contributes to acute vasoconstrictor responses and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in these vessels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Arcuate and proximal interlobular artery segments were from patients who underwent nephrectomy because of a renal tumour. Vessels were dissected from tumour-free parts of the kidneys. Additional intrarenal arteries were obtained from rats. Superoxide formation was measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, expression of Nox isoforms was analysed by RT-PCR, and functional studies were performed by small vessel wire myography. Sixty per cent of superoxide formation in human arcuate and proximal interlobular arteries was due to Nox activity. mRNA expression analyses revealed the presence of Nox2 and Nox4 but not Nox1. Phenylephrine and endothelin-1 induced powerful concentration-dependent vasoconstrictions that were unaffected by superoxide scavengers. Vasopressin elicited small and variable vasoconstrictions with signs of tachyphylaxis. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was blunted by tiron and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester but not by superoxide dismutase or catalase. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide elicited vasoconstriction.

CONCLUSION

Nox activity is the major source of superoxide formation in renal proximal resistance arteries from elderly patients. Acute vasoconstrictor responses to alpha1-adrenoreceptor activation and to endothelin-1 do not depend on superoxide formation, while endothelium-dependent vasodilation in intrarenal arteries is reactive oxygen species-dependent.

A non-invasive probe for online-monitoring of turgor pressure changes under field conditions

An advanced non-invasive, field-suitable and inexpensive leaf patch clamp pressure probe for online-monitoring of the water relations of intact leaves is described. The probe measures the attenuated output patch clamp pressure, P(p), of a clamped leaf in response to an externally applied input pressure, P(clamp). P(clamp) is generated magnetically. P(p) is sensed by a pressure sensor integrated into the magnetic clamp. The magnitude of P(p) depends on the transfer function, T(f), of the leaf cells. T(f) consists of a turgor pressure-independent (related to the compression of the cuticle, cell walls and other structural elements) and a turgor pressure-dependent term. T(f) is dimensionless and assumes values between 0 and 1. Theory shows that T(f) is a power function of cell turgor pressure P(c). Concomitant P(p) and P(c) measurements on grapevines confirmed the relationship between T(f) and P(c). P(p) peaked if P(c) approached zero and assumed low values if P(c) reached maximum values. The novel probe was successfully tested on leaves of irrigated and non-irrigated grapevines under field conditions. Data show that slight changes in the microclimate and/or water supply (by irrigation or rain) are reflected very sensitively in P(p).

Impact of genetic variants of CD14 and TLR4 on subgingival periodontopathogens

CD14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are involved in host's immune response to bacterial pathogens including periodontal bacteria. Functional important gene polymorphisms are described for both genes. The aim of this study was to evaluate links between genetic polymorphisms of CD14 and TLR4 and risk markers of periodontitis in a multivariate model. One hundred and thirty-three periodontitis patients (chronic: n = 60, aggressive: n = 73) and 80 healthy controls without periodontitis were included in the study. Polymorphisms in CD14 c.-159C>T and in TLR4 Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses. The clinical investigation included smoking status, plaque and bleeding indexes, pocket depth and attachment loss. Subgingival bacterial colonization was analysed molecularbiologically using the micro-Ident test. Prevotella intermedia occurred less frequently in individuals positive for the TT genotype of CD14 in bivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.36%, confidence interval: 0.14-0.91, P = 0.045). In binary logistic regression analyses, the occurrence of this bacterium was significantly decreased in TT carriers (odds ratio = 0.31%, confidence interval: 0.81-0.12, P = 0.017) considering age, smoking and maximum clinical attachment loss at microbial test site as confounding factors. However, no significant association with chronic and or aggressive periodontitis and polymorphisms in CD14 and TLR4 could be proven. Although the CD14 c.-159C>T polymorphism could be shown to be associated with subgingival colonization with P. intermedia, there is no evidence that CD14 and TLR4 polymorphisms investigated are independent risk factors for chronic or aggressive periodontitis in German periodontitis patients.

Large-scale production of Ba(2+)-alginate-coated islets of Langerhans for immunoisolation

Islet xenografts immunisolated in alginate capsules have been proposed by many groups for clinical islet transplantation. However, diffusion limitations and the total volume of microcapsules required for transplantation are, among other things, factors which have so far prevented successful clinical application. In this study, these problems have been overcome by immobilisation of rat and porcine islets in a Ba(2+)-cross-linked alignate matrix using an air jet droplet generator technique in combination with subsequent density-gradient purification. This procedure leads to high yields of islets coated with a tailored, thin layer of cross-linked alginate which protects the islets against cytotoxic compounds present in human plasma. The recovery of encapsulated rat and porcine islets was about 70%. Empty capsules were nearly completely removed. Using this technique, the total volume of the resulting microcapsules increased only by a factor of about 1.5 compared to the volume of free islets. The technique can be used for large-scale production of coated islets.

A simple device for serial blood collection in human subjects and animals

A simple system for the continuos withdrawal of blood and the serial collection of blood samples in human subjects and experimental animals is described. It consists of heparin-coated tubing, a connector attached to an indwelling cannula that allows flushing of the i.v. catheter, a peristaltic pump and a fraction collector and an alarm system which is activated when blood flow through the system is interrupted. It can be assembled from parts available in every laboratory or hospital.

Adverse reactions to dermal fillers: A review of European experiences

BACKGROUND

In Europe, numerous dermal fillers have been utilized for the past decade. A lot of drawbacks have been reported and sometimes, severe complications occurred.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose is to report the clinical aspects of the adverse reactions following injections of some of the dermal fillers. Histological aspects of complications are also described.

RESULTS

Adverse reactions secondary to biodegradable products are usually time limited, but with the non-biodegradable products, we have observed severe, persistent, and recurrent complications. Histological examinations, in cases of non-biodegradable products, may show the presence and persistence of the filler.

CONCLUSION

For the moment, there is no ideal dermal filler. All fillers can lead to adverse events and we need to inform patients fully before injecting. Clinical studies with long-term follow-up before launching a new product on the market are recommended. We believe that in Europe, at present, the CE mark is not a guarantee of safety of dermal fillers.

Interleukin-2 -330 and 166 gene polymorphisms in relation to aggressive or chronic periodontitis and the presence of periodontopathic bacteria

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-2 mediates the activation, growth and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Promoter polymorphisms of the interleukin-2 gene have been associated with altered interleukin-2 production or identified as prognostic markers for various infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate two polymorphisms at positions -330 T/G and 166 G/T in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (n = 58) or generalized aggressive periodontitis (n = 73) in comparison with periodontitis-free controls (n = 69).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Both interleukin-2 polymorphisms were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. Distributions of single alleles, genotypes and haplotypes were calculated using the chi-square test. Risk factor analyses were carried out by logistic regression with respect to established cofactors for periodontitis. The presence of subgingival bacteria in an individual were analyzed using a molecular biological method (the micro-Ident test).

RESULTS

The interleukin-2 genotype -330 TG occurred less frequently in patients with chronic periodontitis (25.9% vs. 49.3%). Moreover, this genotype decreased the adjusted odds ratio for chronic periodontitis (odds ratio = 0.394), whereas the interleukin-2 genotype 166 TT and the haplotype combination interleukin-2 -330,166 TT : TT were associated with an increased adjusted odds ratio (odds ratio = 2.82 or 2.97). For the latter interleukin-2 combination, a positive association for the subgingival presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (81.3% vs. 59.5%) and bacteria of the 'red complex' (78.1% vs. 56.0%) was shown.

CONCLUSION

The interleukin-2 genotypes -330 TG and 166 TT, as well as the combination genotype interleukin-2 TT : TT, could be putative prognostic factors for chronic periodontitis.

Evidence for discontinuous water columns in the xylem conduit of tall birch trees

The continuity of the xylem water columns was studied on 17- to 23-m tall birch trees (trunk diameter about 23 cm; first branching above 10 m) all year round. Fifty-one trees were felled, and 5-cm thick slices or 2-m long boles were taken at regular, relatively short intervals over the entire height of the trees. The filling status of the vessels was determined by (i) xylem sap extraction from trunk and branch pieces (using the gas bubble-based jet-discharge method and centrifugation) and from trunk boles (using gravity discharge); (ii) (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of slice pieces; (iii) infusion experiments (dye, (86)Rb(+), D(2)O) on intact trees and cut branches; and (iv) xylem pressure measurements. This broad array of techniques disclosed no evidence for continuous water-filled columns, as postulated by the Cohesion-Tension theory, for root to apex directed mass transport. Except in early spring (during the xylem refilling phase) and after extremely heavy rainfall during the vegetation period, cohesive/mobile water was found predominantly at intermediate heights of the trunks but not at the base or towards the top of the tree. Similar results were obtained for branches. Furthermore, upper branches generally contained more cohesive/mobile water than lower branches. The results suggest that water lifting occurs by short-distance (capillary, osmotic and/or transpiration-bound) tension gradients as well as by mobilisation of water in the parenchymatic tissues and the heartwood, and by moisture uptake through lenticels.