Stress-Induced Intensification of Deoxyshikonin Production in Rindera graeca Hairy Root Cultures with Ester-Based Scaffolds.

In vitro plant cell and tissue culture systems allow for controlling a wide range of culture environmental factors selectively influencing biomass growth and the yield of secondary metabolites. Among the most efficient methods, complex supplementation of the culture medium with elicitors, precursors, and other functional substances may significantly enhance valuable metabolite productivity through a stress induction mechanism. In the search for novel techniques in plant experimental biotechnology, the goal of the study was to evaluate stress-inducing properties of novel biodegradable ester-based scaffolds made of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) influencing on the growth and deoxyshikonin productivity of Rindera graeca hairy roots immobilized on the experimental constructs. Rindera graeca hairy roots were maintained under the dark condition for 28 days in three independent systems, i.e., (i) non-immobilized biomass (a reference system), (ii) biomass immobilized on PGS scaffolds, and (iii) biomass immobilized on PLA scaffolds. The stress-inducing properties of the applied polymerized esters selectively impacted R. graeca hairy roots. The PGS scaffolds caused the production of deoxyshikonin, which does not occur in other culture systems, and PLA promoted biomass proliferation by doubling its increase compared to the reference system.

Patients' expectations, motivation and multi-dimensional subjective and objective socio-medical success in medical rehabilitation measures.

This report describes the subjective and objective socio-medical rehabilitation success of a cohort of patients with a primary musculoskeletal or cardiovascular diagnosis 1 year after medical rehabilitation. Furthermore, the predictive value of patients' motivation, expectations and subjective need for rehabilitation, at time of application, on rehabilitation success are examined. Data were derived from a German study, comparing different methods of social medical assessments for the selection of patients for inpatient medical rehabilitation. The results discussed refer to a sample of 352 patients with primary orthopaedic or cardiovascular disease who replied to the 1-year follow-up survey. Rehabilitation subjectively had positive effects for the majority and a positive socio-medical outcome (for at least 80% of the participants); although there was lower subjective success concerning job-related problems and working ability. Multiple regression analysis showed that somatic impairments, functional disabilities in general life as well as health and coping-related expectations/motivation are significant predictors of rehabilitation success. Generally, the explained variance by the regression model was low and further potential criteria of rehabilitation success should be investigated.

Rehabilitation in Germany: new challenges of a structured social security scheme.

The structured social security scheme established in Germany is clearly reflected in the configuration of the German rehabilitation system. For medical rehabilitation the institutions of statutory pension insurance and statutory health insurance are of particular importance. Within the past decades differentiated supply structures were built up and re-built within the rehabilitation system. As a consequence, insured parties receive different rehabilitation benefits depending on which insurance is responsible. This article outlines central elements of the German rehabilitation supply structure as well as the numerous rehabilitation forms and benefits. Moreover, perspectives of a recently passed law of rehabilitation and the participation of handicapped people (SGB IX) (SGB=social law), which forces insurers into increased co-operation and restructuring, are presented.