The relationship of weather with daily physical activity and the time spent out of home in older adults from Germany – the ActiFE study

Background

There is a need for a comprehensive evaluation of the associations between varieties of weather conditions on the time spent out-of-home (TOH) and on walking duration (WD) among older adults. We aim to investigate the extent to which various weather parameters (temperature, solar radiation, sunshine duration, humidity, windspeed, and rain) determine daily WD the TOH in older adults.

Methods

The ActiFE (Activity and Function in Older People in Ulm) study is a prospective study of participants aged 65 years or older who wore an accelerometer and kept a movement diary in up to three temporally separated waves from 2009 to 2018 for a duration up to seven days per wave (up to three weeks in summary). We used weather data from a weather station near the participants‘ homes. Age-adjusted and gender-stratified generalized mixed models were used to predict WD and TOH (with 95% confidence interval (CI)) within and between weather categories. Generalized additive models were computed for the single predictions at the weather quartile boundaries. Cubic splines (with 95% pointwise confidence bands (CB)) visualized the continuous course of the weather values.

Results

Higher temperatures, solar radiation and more hours of sunshine, led to an increase in WD and TOH, while higher precipitation, humidities and windspeeds led to a decrease. Women had in general higher WD and TOH times than men.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that weather parameters have a considerable influence on PA and TOH. Future analyses and interpretation of PA data should therefore account for weather parameters.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11556-022-00286-0.

[Adults with congenital heart disease presenting to the emergency department : Potential pitfalls]

Die Patientengruppe der Erwachsenen mit angeborenen Herzfehlern (EMAH) ist mittlerweile bereits größer als die der Kinder mit angeborenen Herzfehlern. EMAH-Patienten weisen auch nach Reparaturoperationen oft komplexe pathophysiologische und anatomische Verhältnisse auf. Bei Komplikationen kann es sehr rasch zu Notfallsituationen auch bei ansonsten asymptomatischen oder nur wenig symptomatischen Patienten kommen. Gemessen an der Gesamtzahl der Patienten, die von Notärzten und in den Notaufnahmen versorgt werden, sind EMAH-Notfallsituationen nach wie vor sehr selten. Diese Übersicht soll die Notfallbetreuung von EMAH-Patienten erleichtern. Für ca. zwei Drittel aller Notfälle sind Rhythmusstörungen und akute Herzinsuffizienz verantwortlich. Rhythmusstörungen müssen in der Regel zügig terminiert werden, weil sie unbehandelt rasch zur kardialen Dekompensation führen können. Bei Scheitern der medikamentösen Therapie oder hämodynamischer Instabilität müssen EMAH-Patienten mit tachykarden Rhythmusstörungen rasch elektrisch kardiovertiert werden. Symptomatische Bradykardien können eine rasche Schrittmacherversorgung erforderlich machen. Aufgrund der komplexen Anatomie kann das Einschwemmen eines transvenösen Interim-Schrittmachers bei einzelnen Vitien unmöglich sein. Die akute kardiale Dekompensation bei EMAH ist oft durch ein akutes Rechtsherzversagen verursacht. Weitere relativ häufige Aufnahmegründe sind Infektionen, Synkopen, Thromboembolien und Aortendissektion. Der Herzpass der Patienten informiert über das vorliegende Vitium. Die umgehende Kontaktaufnahme mit dem behandelnden EMAH-Zentrum wird dringend empfohlen.

Lazy Sundays: role of day of the week and reactivity on objectively measured physical activity in older people

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of day of the week and wearing a device (reactivity) on objectively measured physical activity (PA) in older people.

Methods

Walking duration as a measure for PA was recorded from 1333 German community-dwelling older people (≥65 years, 43.8% women) over 5 days using accelerometers (activPAL). Least-square means of PA with 95%-confidence intervals (95%-CI) from multi-level analysis were calculated for each day of the week and each measurement day (days after sensor attachment).

Results

Walking duration on Sundays was significantly lower compared to working days (Sunday vs. Monday-Friday: − 12.8 min (95%-CI: − 14.7; − 10.9)). No statistically significant difference compared to working days was present for Saturdays. The linear slope for measurement day and walking duration was marginal and not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Studies using PA sensors in older people should assess Sundays and working days to adequately determine the activity level of the participants.

Does Cadmium Contribute to the Development of Renal Parenchymal Hypertension?

In our study we investigated 36 out-patients with renal disease, 22 of whom were hypertensive. In all patients proteinuria was present (4.30 ± 5.05 g protein/day) and kidney diseases were verified by renal biopsy. Blood cadmium in non-smokers was significantly (p< 0.05) lower than in smokers. We found a positive correlation between cadmium-concentration of blood and urine (p<0.01, R = 0.44) and between cadmium-concentration of blood and blood uric acid (p< 0.01, R = 0.44). Proteinuria was weakly correlated with cadmium concentration of urine (p<0.05, R = 0.35). Patients with renal hypertension showed a significantly higher (p< 0.05) urine cadmium excretion per day (1.60 ± 1.12 μg/day) compared to normotensives with a disease of the kidney (1.14 ± 1.47 μg/day). Our results indicate that cadmium may be involved in the development of hypertension in patients with renal disease.

Biochemical Assessment and Clinical Evaluation of a Bilirubin Adsorbent Column (Br-350) in Critically ILL Patients with Intractable Jaundice

We investigated the efficacy of an anion-exchange adsorbent column (ASAHI BR-350, DIAMED) for removal of bilirubin and bile acids in five patients with intractable jaundice of various origin. Four litres of plasma were separated by membrane plasma separation (Plasmaflow OP-05) at a rate of 22.5 ml/min. The plasma was then perfused through an anion exchange adsorbent and returned to the venous blood line of the plasma separator. In some of the patients this procedure was combined with regular hemodialysis treatment. The concentration of total bilirubin was cut by 31 to 60%; total bile acids were reduced by 20 to 74%. Three patients recovered and had a favourable outcome. Two patients died despite the bilirubin adsorption treatment. The effects of the adsorbent column on specific blood parameters, including the coagulation system, were measured. Our data suggest that bilirubin adsorption should be examined further as a treatment for critically ill patients with intractable jaundice.

Heterodimerization of AML1/ETO with CBFβ is required for leukemogenesis but not for myeloproliferation

The AML1/Runx1 transcription factor and its heterodimerization partner CBFβ are essential regulators of myeloid differentiation. The chromosomal translocation t(8;21), fusing the DNA binding domain of AML1 to the corepressor eight-twenty-one (ETO), is frequently associated with acute myeloid leukemia and generates the AML1/ETO (AE) fusion protein. AE represses target genes usually activated by AML1 and also affects the endogenous repressive function of ETO at Notch target genes. In order to analyze the contribution of CBFβ in AE-mediated leukemogenesis and deregulation of Notch target genes, we introduced two point mutations in a leukemia-initiating version of AE in mice, called AE9a, that disrupt the AML1/CBFβ interaction (AE9aNT). We report that the AE9a/CBFβ interaction is not required for the AE9a-mediated aberrant expression of AML1 target genes, while upregulation/derepression of Notch target genes does require the interaction with CBFβ. Using retroviral transduction to express AE9a in murine adult bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitors, we observed that both AE9a and AE9aNT lead to increased myeloproliferation in vivo. However, both development of leukemia and long-term replating capacity are only observed with AE9a but not with AE9aNT. Thus, deregulation of both AML1 and Notch target genes is required for the development of AE9a-driven leukemia.

New Kaempferol Glycosides from Equisetum Species

Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside-7-O-sophoroside and kaempferol-3-O-(6-O-malonylgluco-side)-7-O-glucoside were isolated from Equisetum palustre and Equisetum x litorale, respectively. Their structures are prooved

[Changing spectrum of renal disease in HIV infection]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Renal disease is a common complication in HIV-infected patients. The causes and spectrum of kidney disease among these patients is extensive, including HIV-related and HIV unrelated causes. Our objective was to assess the changes in distribution of renal disease under antiretroviral therapy (ART).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients from the Frankfurt HIV Cohort (FHC) who underwent renal biopsy because of chronic, progressive renal disease between 1989 and 2012. Two time periods were defined: 1989-2001 (early period) and 2000-2012 (late period).

RESULTS

69 HIV-infected patients, mostly Caucasian and male, underwent renal biopsy (early period: 22 patients, late period: 47 patients). During the total observation time immuncomplex-mediated glomerulonephritis (26.1 %), hypertensive (20.3 %) and diabetic nephropathy (20.3 %) were the most frequent causes of chronic renal disease. HIV-associated renal diseases were predominant in the first period, whereas hypertensive and diabetic kidney disease accounted for almost 50 % of cases diagnosed in the late period. Other types of renal disease frequently encountered during the late period include renal AA-amyloidosis and tenofovir-related kidney disease.

CONCLUSION

The underlying pathology of renal disease in HIV-infected patients is highly variable and evolving. Since the introduction of HAART, renal disease not directly related to HIV has become the predominant cause, reflecting the growing burden of co-morbidities in this aging population.

Acute kidney injury caused by tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and diclofenac co-administration

OBJECTIVES

The renal elimination of tenofovir (TFV) may be subject to renal drug-drug interactions that may increase the risk of kidney injury. Case reports indicated that diclofenac might increase TFV-associated nephrotoxicity via a drug-drug interaction, leading to an increased intracellular TFV concentration in proximal tubular cells.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data for all patients from the Frankfurt HIV Cohort (FHC) who had diclofenac prescriptions between January 2008 and June 2012 was carried out.

RESULTS

Among 89 patients with diclofenac use, 61 patients (68.5%) were treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and 28 patients (31.5%) were treated with TDF-sparing combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Thirteen patients (14.6%) developed acute kidney injury (AKI) shortly after initiating diclofenac treatment. AKI occurred exclusively in TDF-treated patients, although all had previously stable renal function. All cases were accompanied by new onset of at least two parameters indicating proximal tubular damage, such as normoglycaemic-glucosuria and hypophosphataemia. TFV-associated nephrotoxicity was demonstrated by renal biopsy in four cases. Additionally, 11.5% of patients on TDF treatment developed new-onset proximal tubular damage, while having a preserved glomerular filtration rate. In contrast, diclofenac did not affect renal function in patients with TDF-sparing cART, as only one case of isolated hypophataemia was observed in these patients. In univariate analysis, risk factors for AKI were TDF-containing cART (P = 0.0076) and pre-existing hypophosphataemia (P = 0.0086).

CONCLUSIONS

Drug-drug interaction caused by diclofenac could exacerbate TFV-associated nephrotoxicity. Diclofenac should be used with caution in patients on TDF therapy, especially in those with hypophosphataemia. Our findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.

[Appraisal, diagnosis and therapy of chronic metabolic acidosis in Germany]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Data concerning chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) has been sparse for a long time. This might be one reason why the diagnosis and therapy of this common complication in CKD patients has not received much attention. Emerging clinical data indicate that the treatment of metabolic acidosis, which is simple and cost-efficient, offers great therapeutic potential.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Survey among German nephrologists to collect information about current appraisal, diagnostic and therapeutic routine in clinical practice, and to determine the need for recommendations by the medical society.

RESULTS

In August 2012, all nephrologists in Germany (n = 2095) were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire regarding diagnosis, evaluation and therapy of CMA. 207 questionnaires (9.9 %) were returned and analysed. The CMA was rated as the second most important contributor for the progression of renal insufficiency, with the most important being hypertension. In addition, there was a high consensus concerning diagnosis and therapy of CMA. But estimates on prevalence were highly diverse.

CONCLUSION

In this survey the CMA was rated as an important co-morbidity. Participating nephrologists mostly followed treatment guidelines. However, major differences in the perception of prevalence of CMA were observed, leaving the possibility that CMA is still underdiagnosed. Further recommendations of the German Society of Nephrology could improve the diagnosis and therapy.

End-stage renal disease and dialysis in HIV-positive patients: observations from a long-term cohort study with a follow-up of 22 years

OBJECTIVES

Renal disease is a common and serious complication in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis for the period 1989-2010 was carried out to determine the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD was defined as initiation of renal replacement therapy. Three time periods were defined: 1989-1996 [pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)], 1997-2003 (early HAART) and 2004-2010 (late HAART).

RESULTS

Data for 9198 patients [78.2% male; 88.9% Caucasian; cumulative observation time 68 084 patient-years (PY)] were analysed. ESRD was newly diagnosed in 35 patients (0.38%). Risk factors for ESRD were Black ethnicity [relative risk (RR) 5.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-10.3; P < 0.0001], injecting drug use (IDU) (RR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-4.6; P = 0.02) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection (RR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.2; P = 0.03). The incidence of ESRD decreased in Black patients over the three time periods [from 788.8 to 130.5 and 164.1 per 100 000 PY of follow-up (PYFU), respectively], but increased in Caucasian patients (from 29.9 to 41.0 and 43.4 per 100 000 PYFU, respectively). The prevalence of ESRD increased over time and reached 1.9 per 1000 patients in 2010. Mortality for patients with ESRD decreased nonsignificantly from period 1 to 2 (RR 0.72; P = 0.52), but significantly from period 1 to 3 (RR 0.24; P = 0.006), whereas for patients without ESRD mortality decreased significantly for all comparisons. ESRD was associated with a high overall mortality (RR 9.9; 95% CI 6.3-14.5; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

As a result of longer survival, the prevalence of ESRD is increasing but remains associated with a high mortality. The incidence of ESRD declined in Black but not in Caucasian patients. IDU and HCV were identified as additional risk factors for the development of ESRD.

Switch to a sirolimus-based immunosuppression in long-term renal transplant recipients: reduced rate of (pre-)malignancies and nonmelanoma skin cancer in a prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled clinical trial

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have a 50-200-fold higher risk for nonmelanoma-skin cancer (NMSC) causing high rates of morbidity and sometimes mortality. Cohort-studies gave evidence that a sirolimus-based immunosuppression may inhibit skin tumor growth. This single-center, prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized trial investigated if switching to sirolimus treatment inhibits the progression of premalignancies and moreover how many new NMSC occur compared to continuation of the original immunosuppressive therapy. Forty-four RTR (mean age 59.9 years, mean duration of immunosuppression 229.5 months) with skin lesions were randomized to sirolimus or continuation of their original immunosuppression. Blinded dermatological assessment at month 6 and 12 by the same dermatologist evaluated the clinical change compared to baseline. Biopsy was performed in suspected malignancy. Already the 6-month-assessment showed significant superiority of sirolimus-therapy: a stop of progression, even regression of preexisting premalignancies (p < 0.0005). This effect was increased at month 12 (p < 0.0001). Nine patients developed histologically confirmed NMSC: one in the sirolimus group, eight in the control group, p = 0.0176. Sirolimus-based immunosuppression in RTR, even when established many years after transplantation, can delay the development of premalignancies, induce regression of preexisting lesions and decelerate the incidence of new NMSC.

Conditioned medium from renal tubular epithelial cells initiates differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions play a pivotal role in tubular morphogenesis and in maintaining the integrity of the kidney. During renal repair, similar mechanisms may regulate cellular reorganization and differentiation. We have hypothesized that soluble factors from proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTC) induce differentiation of adipose-derived adult mesenchymal stem cells (ASC). This hypothesis has been tested using cultured ASC and PTC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Conditioned medium was prepared from injured PTC and transferred to ASC cultures. ASC proliferation was analysed by a fluorometric and photometric assay. Signal transduction was analysed by phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/ERK2). Grade of ASC differentiation was assessed by morphological analysis and cell expression of characteristic markers.

RESULTS

Conditioned medium significantly induced proliferation and phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2 of ASC. After 12 days of incubation, cell morphology changed to an epithelial-like monolayer. Expression of cytokeratin 18 was induced by conditioned medium, while alpha-smooth muscle actin, CD49a and CD90 expression decreased. These alterations strongly indicate onset of the differentiation process to the epithelial lineage. In summary, soluble factors from PTC induce signal transduction and differentiation of ASC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that conditioned medium from renal tubular epithelial cells provides a convenient source of inductive signals to initiate differentiation of ASC towards epithelial lineage. We deduce that these interactions may play an important role during renal repair mechanisms.

Complementary and alternative medicine for multiple sclerosis

We analyzed characteristics, motivation, and effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine in a large sample of people with multiple sclerosis. A 53-item survey was mailed to the members of the German Multiple Sclerosis Society, chapter of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Surveys of 1573 patients (48.5 ± 11.7 years, 74% women, duration of illness 18.1 ± 10.5 years) were analyzed. In comparison with conventional medicine, more patients displayed a positive attitude toward complementary and alternative medicine (44% vs 38%, P < 0.05), with 70% reporting lifetime use of at least one method. Among a wide variety of complementary and alternative medicine, diet modification (41%), Omega-3 fatty acids (37%), removal of amalgam fillings (28%), vitamins E (28%), B (36%), and C (28%), homeopathy (26%), and selenium (24%) were cited most frequently. Most respondents (69%) were satisfied with the effects of complementary and alternative medicine. Use of complementary and alternative medicine was associated with religiosity, functional independence, female sex, white-collar job, and higher education ( P < 0.05). Compared with conventional therapies, complementary and alternative medicine rarely showed unwanted side effects (9% vs 59%, P < 0.00001). A total of 52% stated that the initial consultation with their physician lasted less than 15 min. To conclude, main reasons for the use of complementary and alternative medicine include the high rate of side effects and low levels of satisfaction with conventional treatments and brief patients/physicians contacts.

Pathologic alterations of the heart and the kidney in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of a variety of pathological lesions of the heart and kidneys have been described in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The frequency of these alterations and whether they are specific for AS has been discussed controversially. -

METHODS

Outpatients with AS were studied to determine the frequency of cardiac and renal alterations and to assess the associated clinical and demographic factors. -

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients with AS participated in the study (male 84.4%, mean age 48.3 +/- 1.5 years, mean duration of disease 15.4 +/- 1.2 years). Hypertension was present in 36.4% and diabetes mellitus in 13.0%. Impaired renal function (defined by a decrease in GFR) combined with markers of kidney damage suspective for chronic kidney disease were present in 3 patients (3.9%). Pathologic alterations of the heart were found in 25 patients (37.3%). Echocardiographic abnormalities were present in 20 patients (e.g. aortic and mitral insufficiency). Electrocardiographic abnormalities were present in 12 patients (e.g. atrioventricular, left and right branch block). Patients with cardiac abnormalities were older (54.2 +/- 2.9 vs. 44.9 +/- 1.7 years) and had a longer duration of disease (20.6 +/- 2.1 vs. 13.9 +/- 1.6 years) as compared to non-affected patients. -

CONCLUSION

In our study, cardiac abnormalities were frequently seen in patients with AS, while renal disease was more rare and might be due to diseases not related to AS in most of patients. In contrast to cardiac involvement, it therefore appears questionable, that chronic kidney disease is part of the extraskeletal manifestations, or at least that AS has a high impact on renal integrity.

DNA repair polymorphisms and outcome of chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes RAD51 and XRCC3 increase susceptibility to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults, an effect enhanced by deletion of the glutathione-S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene. In this study, we genotyped 452 children with de novo AML treated on CCG protocols 2941 and 2961 and compared genotype frequencies with those of normal blood donors, and analyzed the impact of genotype on outcome of therapy. XRCC3 Thr241Met, RAD51 G135C and GSTM1 genotypes did not increase susceptibility to AML when assessed singly. In contrast, when XRCC3 and RAD51 genotypes were examined together a significant increase in susceptibility to AML was seen in children with variant alleles. Analysis of outcome of therapy showed that patients heterozygous for the XRCC3 Thr241Met allele had improved post-induction disease-free survival compared to children homozygous for the major or minor allele, each of whom had similar outcomes. Improved survival was due to reduced relapse in the heterozygous children, and this effect was most marked in children randomized to therapy likely to generate DNA double-strand breaks (etoposide, daunomycin), compared with anti-metabolite (fludarabine, cytarabine) based therapy. In contrast, RAD51 G135C and the GSTM1 deletion polymorphism did not influence outcome of AML therapy in our study population.

IL-18 is expressed in the intercalated cell of human kidney

We determined the cellular location of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and caspase-1 and the purinergic receptor P2X7, two proteins necessary for its activation and secretion. The mRNA and protein of IL-18 were detectable in normal human kidney by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridization, and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry located IL-18 to nephron segments containing calbinbin-D28k or aquaporin-2 that suggest location in the distal convoluted and the connecting tubule and to parts of the collecting duct. IL-18 was not detected in the thick ascending limb of Henle. Confocal microscopy showed that IL-18 was expressed in cells negative for calbindin-D28k and for aquaporin-2 but positive for the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase. This demonstrates that the intercalated cells produce IL-18. These segments were also positive for caspase-1 and P2X7 that are essential for IL-18 secretion. Our results show that IL-18 is constitutively expressed by intercalated cells of the late distal convoluted tubule, the connecting tubule, and the collecting duct of the healthy human kidney. Since IL-18 is an early component of the inflammatory cytokine cascade, its location suggests that renal intercalated cells may contribute to immediate immune response of the kidney.

Schwere Hyponatriämie mit Lungen- und Hirnödem bei einer Ironman-Triathletin

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS

A 45-year-old female presented with somnolence and convulsions after finishing her first ironman triathlon. Besides the neurological symptoms she had a swollen face and swollen ankles. Rales could be heard on pulmonary auscultation. The past medical history was unremarkable. Due to musculoskeletal pain the patient had taken ibuprofen until two days before the race.

INVESTIGATIONS

The laboratory tests showed severe hyponatremia ( 111 mmol/l ) and hypoosmolalitiy of the serum. The osmolality of the urine was high (314 mosm/kg). Radiological examination revealed pulmonary as well as cerebral edema.

TREATMENT AND COURSE

On admission the patient was treated with hypertonic saline which increased the serum sodium concentration. Nevertheless she developed respiratory and hemodynamic failure. She had to be intubated, mechanically ventilated and needed catecholamines. After treatment with furosemide recovery occurred. The patient was extubated and was transferred to a hospital near her home without any neurolgical deficits one week after admission. One year later the former patient was again participant of the ironman triathlon. She was advised not to drink excessively and received oral salt supplementation. This time the athlete finished the race with a serum sodium concentration of 141 mmol/l.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultra-endurance exercise can lead to severe hyponatremia, pulmonary and cerebral edema. This is caused mainly by fluid overload due to excesssive drinking and a release of ADH induced by hypovolemia and stress which impairs the excretion of free water. Hence a moderate fluid intake during and after endurance exercise is very important.

Long-term therapy of acute chronic liver failure to successful transplantation with an extracorporeal liver support system

We report the case of a 38-year-old Caucasian male who was admitted because of end-stage liver failure due to primary sclerosing cholangitis. Because of the rapidly progressive severe hepatic encephalopathy and development of hepatorenal syndrome type I, the patient was immediately upgraded to a high priority status on the liver transplantation waiting list (T2 status according to Eurotransplant criteria). Intermittent therapy with an extracorporeal liver support system (Prometheus) was initiated in order to bridge the time period until the expected transplantation date. Under therapy with the extracorporeal liver support system, total serum bilirubin decreased significantly from 33 to 15 mg/dL after 8 sessions. Simultaneously the encephalopathy resolved gradually within 3 weeks (10 sessions) from initially grade 3 to grade 1. Extracorporeal detoxification therapy was continued for 51 days (23 sessions) until the patient underwent his successful liver transplantation in good general clinical condition. Prometheus, a new liver support system, seemed to sufficiently replace hepatic detoxification on a long-term basis in this patient with end-stage liver failure in order to bridge the time period until liver transplantation.

Large-scale mapping of mutations affecting zebrafish development

Background

Large-scale mutagenesis screens in the zebrafish employing the mutagen ENU have isolated several hundred mutant loci that represent putative developmental control genes. In order to realize the potential of such screens, systematic genetic mapping of the mutations is necessary. Here we report on a large-scale effort to map the mutations generated in mutagenesis screening at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology by genome scanning with microsatellite markers.

Results

We have selected a set of microsatellite markers and developed methods and scoring criteria suitable for efficient, high-throughput genome scanning. We have used these methods to successfully obtain a rough map position for 319 mutant loci from the Tübingen I mutagenesis screen and subsequent screening of the mutant collection. For 277 of these the corresponding gene is not yet identified. Mapping was successful for 80 % of the tested loci. By comparing 21 mutation and gene positions of cloned mutations we have validated the correctness of our linkage group assignments and estimated the standard error of our map positions to be approximately 6 cM.

Conclusion

By obtaining rough map positions for over 300 zebrafish loci with developmental phenotypes, we have generated a dataset that will be useful not only for cloning of the affected genes, but also to suggest allelism of mutations with similar phenotypes that will be identified in future screens. Furthermore this work validates the usefulness of our methodology for rapid, systematic and inexpensive microsatellite mapping of zebrafish mutations.

Epstein-barr virus-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder of donor origin after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation limited to pancreas allograft: A case report

A 45-year-old man was admitted with fever and elevated pancreas enzymes 6 months after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT). Function of the allografts was normal. Bacterial and fungal infections were excluded, while Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive. However, screening for EBV-associated lymphoma was negative. EBV infection did not respond to antiviral therapy. After an 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography positive signal and an abnormal computed tomography scan of the pancreas transplant, a biopsy revealed a diffuse large monomorphic B-cell lymphoma, which was confined to the grafted organ. Its origin was assigned to the donor by microsatellite analysis. Reduction of immunosuppression and immunotherapy with rituximab was unsuccessful. After 10 weeks, the patient developed an acute hemolytic uremic syndrome which required explantation of the allografts. Subsequent to the intervention, fever disappeared, EBV DNA became undetectable and lymphoma screening remained negative. In posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder of donor origin after SPKT, transplantectomy may be a curative therapy.

C-reactive protein induced activation of MAP-K and RANTES in human renal distal tubular epithelial cells in vitro

AIMS

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a component of the acute-phase reaction to inflammation, severe tissue injury, and infection. Investigations have shown that CRP concentration is highly increased in the urine during acute renal graft dysfunction and, therefore, may affect tubular cell metabolism. Nevertheless, no data about the effects of CRP on human renal tubular epithelial cells are available.

METHODS

Human renal distal tubular cells (DTC) were isolated immunomagnetically and cultured. Cells were stimulated with affinity chromatography pure native CRP from human ascites (10 - 0.001 microg/ml). Phosphorylation of MAP-K was assessed by Westernblot analysis. Release of RANTES and interleukin-6 was evaluated with an enzyme immunoassay. Cytotoxic effects of CRP were determined by a commercially available Live/Dead assay and MTT assay. Effects on cell proliferation were analyzed by a fluorimetric assay.

RESULTS

Westernblot analysis clearly showed that CRP activates the MAP-K pathway of DTC. CRP upregulated RANTES expression of DTC in a significant and dose-dependent manner. CRP (10 microg/ml) induced a 12.3-fold upregulation, CRP 1 or 0.1 microg/ml induced a 6.3-/2.8-fold RANTES upregulation, respectively. Interleukin-6 synthesis was not influenced. Cytotoxic, proliferative or apoptotic effects were not observed at the concentrations used.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated an activating effect of CRP on DTC in vitro. In vivo, this effect of CRP might be part of the immune activation cascade during episodes of renal graft rejection or bacterial infections.