The effects of a training program using a phantom to accustom heifers to the automatic milking system.

The introduction of heifers into the automatic milking system (AMS) can be associated with considerable stress for both animals and farm employees, as completely inexperienced heifers initially do not independently enter the unknown milking robot. This study investigated whether training heifers on an AMS phantom provides the possibility of preparing heifers for the following lactation at the AMS. For this purpose, 77 Holstein-Friesian heifers were randomly assigned to one of 2 experimental groups: control (CON) or phantom (PHAN). Four weeks before calving, the PHAN group was given free access to the phantom, which was similar to the actual milking robot, so that they could explore it and be positively conditioned by feeding concentrate in the phantom. The heifers of the CON group had no contact with the phantom or the AMS before the first milking at the AMS. The milking frequency per animal per day was recorded, and the proportion of animals that had to be fetched for milking was determined, to evaluate how the animals accepted the AMS after calving. To assess the stress level of the animals before and after introduction into the AMS, fecal cortisol concentrations and rumination times of the animals were measured. Additionally, lactation performance characteristics (milk yield, milk flow, electrical conductivity of milk, and milk composition) were recorded for 77 animals. The animals trained on the phantom showed a higher milking frequency (DIM 7: 2.70 ± 0.14 visits/d) than the control animals (DIM 7: 2.41 ± 0.14 visits/d) between the 4th and 10th day of lactation. In addition, between d 1 and d 5, the proportion of animals that had to be fetched for milking was lower in PHAN (DIM 1: 35.18 ± 4.16%) than in CON (DIM 1: 48.03 ± 4.46%). The PHAN heifers had unexpectedly high fecal cortisol levels (1 wk prepartum: 43.50 ± 0.93 ng/g of feces), although not considerably elevated compared with CON (1 wk prepartum: 40.76 ± 1.05 ng/g of feces). Training on the phantom had no appreciable influence on rumination time and lactation performance parameters. The increased number of milking visits and the reduced proportion of animals that had to be fetched into the AMS for milking indicate that training on the phantom prepares the animals well for being milked in the AMS. Therefore, training heifers on the phantom offers the possibility to facilitate the start into early lactation for the animals, providing a valuable contribution to improvement of animal welfare.

[Vaccinovigilance: Reports of adverse reactions in the year 2019]. / Vaccinovigilance: Gemeldete unerwünschte Wirkungen immunologischer Tierarzneimittel im Jahr 2019.

INTRODUCTION: The registration of adverse events after the use of immunological veterinary medicinal products (IVMP) is the aim of the vigilance reporting system in Switzerland. Adverse events comprise suspected adverse reactions and lack of expected efficacy. Since the Institute of virology and immunology (IVI) is the competent authority for the regulation of immunological VMP in Switzerland, the reporting system is administrated by the IVI. In 2019, 137 reports concerning authorized immunological VMP were received (15% less compared to 2018). While most of the reports were submitted by the marketing authorization holders (56%), practicing veterinary surgeons contributed to the reporting system, too (40%). This corresponds to an increase of 22% of reported adverse events by the practicing veterinary surgeons compared to the previous year. Private persons (4%) submitted five reports. In comparison to 2018, in 2019 79% of the adverse events were reported by marketing authorization holders and 18% by veterinarians. Dogs (55%) and cats (20%) were mainly affected. Further reports were related to cattle (13%) and horses (5%). Recently, the numbers of reports concerning dogs (+12%) and cats (+4%) have considerably increased. Most of the reports were based on the application of vaccines against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza in combination with leptospirosis in dogs as well as cat flu and feline panleukopenia in cats. In 34% of the submitted cases, the causality assessment between the vaccination and the reaction described was evaluated as probable.

INTRODUCTION: L'enregistrement des effets indésirables après utilisation de ­médicaments vétérinaires immunologiques est l'objectif du système de notification de vigilance en Suisse. Les effets indésirables comprennent les effets indésirables suspectés et le manque quant à l'efficacité attendue. L'Institut de virologie et d'immunologie (IVI) étant l'autorité compétente pour la réglementation des produits vétérinaires immunologiques en Suisse, le système de déclaration est administré par l'IVI. En 2019, 137 rapports concernant des produits vétérinaires immunologiques autorisées ont été reçus (15% de moins par rapport à 2018). Alors que la plupart des rapports ont été soumis par les titulaires de l'autorisation de mise sur le marché (56%), les vétérinaires en exercice ont également contribué au système de déclaration (40%). Cela correspond à une augmentation de 22% des effets indésirables rapportés par les vétérinaires en exercice par rapport à l'année précédente. Des particuliers (4%) ont soumis cinq rapports. Par rapport à 2018, en 2019, 79% des effets indésirables ont été signalés par les titulaires d'AMM et 18% par des vétérinaires. Les chiens (55%) et les chats (20%) ont été principalement concernés. D'autres rapports concernaient des bovins (13%) et des chevaux (5%). Récemment, le nombre de signalements concernant les chiens (+12%) et les chats (+4%) a considérablement augmenté. La plupart des rapports étaient basés sur l'application de vaccins contre la maladie de Carré, l'hépatite, la parvovirose et la parainfluenza en association avec la leptospirose chez le chien ainsi que contre la grippe et la panleucopénie féline chez le chat. Dans 34% des cas soumis, l'évaluation de la causalité entre la vaccination et la réaction décrite a été jugée probable.

Spiral microfluidic devices for cell separation and sorting in bioprocesses.

Inertial microfluidic systems have been arousing interest in medical applications due to their simple and cost-efficient use. However, comparably small sample volumes in the microliter and milliliter ranges have so far prevented efficient applications in continuous bioprocesses. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that these systems are well suited for cell separation in bioprocesses because of their facile adaptability to various reactor sizes and cell types. This review will discuss potential applications of inertial microfluidic cell separation systems in downstream bioprocesses and depict recent advances in inertial microfluidics for bioprocess intensification. This review thereby focusses on spiral microchannels that separate particles at a moderate Reynolds number in a laminar flow (Re < 2300) according to their size by applying lateral hydrodynamic forces. Spiral microchannels have already been shown to be capable of replacing microfilters, extracting dead cells and debris in perfusion processes, and removing contaminant microalgae species. Recent advances in parallelization made it possible to process media on a liter-scale, which might pave the way toward industrial applications.

[Vaccinovigilance: Reported adverse reactions of immunological veterinary medicinal products in 2018]. / Vaccinovigilance: Gemeldete unerwünschte Wirkungen immunologischer Tierarzneimittel im Jahr 2018.

INTRODUCTION: The registration of adverse events after the use of immunological veterinary medicinal products (VMP) is the aim of the vaccinovigilance reporting system in Switzerland. Adverse events comprise suspected adverse reactions and lack of expected efficacy. Since the Institute of virology and immunology (IVI) is the competent authority for the regulation of immunological VMP in Switzerland, the reporting system is administrated by the IVI. In 2018, 162 reports concerning authorized immunological VMP were received. While most of the reports were submitted by the marketing authorization holders (79%), practicing veterinary surgeons contributed to the reporting system, too (18%). Five reports were submitted by private persons (3%). Dogs were mainly affected (43%) with several terrier breeds and chihuahuas being the most frequently reported dog breeds. Further reports were related to cats (16%), cattle (14%) and horses (14%). Recently, the numbers of reports concerning cats (+26) and horses (+23) have considerably increased after there had been clearly less reports concerning these species (11 and 5, respectively) in the previous year. Most of the reports were based on the application of combined vaccines against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza with or without leptospirosis in dogs as well as cat flu and feline panleukopenia in cats. In 29.6% of the submitted cases, the causality assessment between the vaccination and the reaction described was evaluated probable.

INTRODUCTION: L'objectif du système de vaccinovigilance est d'identifier les effets indésirables pouvant survenir à la suite de l'utilisation de médicaments immunologiques pour animaux en Suisse. En plus des effets indésirables, le système couvre aussi les cas d'absence d'efficacité souhaitée. Comme l'institut de virologie et d'immunologie (IVI) est l'autorité compétente en matière des médicaments vétérinaires immunologiques, il est chargé de gérer le système d'annonces de vaccinovigilance. En 2018, 162 notifications ont été soumises concernant des médicaments vétérinaires immunologiques approuvés commercialement. Bien que la plupart des notifications aient été envoyées par les sociétés d'enregistrement (79%), les vétérinaires praticiens (18%) et les particuliers (3%) ont également contribué avec des annonces. Les effets indésirables concernaient principalement les chiens (43%), surtout les chihuahuas et les terriers. Les chiens furent suivis des chats (16%), des bovins (14%) et des chevaux (14%). Comparé aux années précédentes, il y a eu une nette augmentation des notifications concernant les chats (+26) et les chevaux (+23). La plupart des annonces concernait des vaccins combinés contre la maladie de Carré, l'hépatite, la parvovirose et la parainfluenza avec ou sans composants contre la leptospirose chez les chiens, ou des vaccins contre le coryza et la panleukopénie chez les chats. Dans 29.6% des cas, la relation entre la réaction et l'utilisation du vaccin a été jugée probable.

Lower serum osteocalcin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes and relationships with vascular risk factors among patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Lower serum concentrations of the osteoblast-derived protein, osteocalcin, have been associated with poorer glycemic control, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, and with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: This study compares concentrations of two physiological forms of osteocalcin, carboxylated (cOCN) and uncarboxylated (unOCN), between participants with T2DM (n = 20) and age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)-matched participants without T2DM (n = 40) among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and it explores relationships between osteocalcin concentrations and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Concentrations of unOCN (2.71 ±â€¯1.86 vs. 4.70 ±â€¯2.03 ng/mL; t = -3.635, p = 0.001) and cOCN (8.70 ±â€¯2.27 vs. 10.77 ±â€¯3.69 ng/mL; t = -2.30, p = 0.025) were lower in participants with T2DM. In participants without T2DM, concentrations of cOCN were associated with fitness (VO2Peak rho = 0.317, p = 0.047) and lower body fat (rho = -0.324, p = 0.041). In participants with T2DM, lower unOCN was associated with HbA1c (rho = -0.516, p = 0.020). Higher body mass was associated with higher unOCN (rho = 0.423, p = 0.009) in participants without T2DM, but with lower concentrations of both unOCN (rho = -0.590, p = 0.006) and cOCN (rho = -0.632, p = 0.003) in participants with T2DM. CONCLUSION: In patients with CAD, lower osteocalcin concentrations were related to type 2 diabetes, and to adverse fitness, metabolic and obesity profiles.

Langerhans and inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells in atopic dermatitis are tolerized toward TLR2 activation.

BACKGROUND: The skin of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients presents a significant dysbalance of the microbiome with a high colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which positively correlates with the severity of the disease. OBJECTIVE: Understanding the role of epidermal dendritic cells (DC) as link between the innate and the adaptive immune systems in AD. METHODS: Comparative phenotypic and functional analysis of TLR2 on Langerhans cells (LC) and inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells (IDEC) in organotypic models as well as freshly isolated cells from healthy and AD skin. RESULTS: In situ analysis of freshly isolated LC and IDEC from AD skin revealed decreased TLR2 expression compared to LC from healthy skin. In contrast to IDEC, LC from AD skin failed to display any evidence for in situ activation. Exposure to TLR2 ligand Pam3Cys resulted in maturation and increased migratory activity of LC from normal skin. LC and IDEC from AD were unresponsive to TLR2 ligand in that they failed to mature and displayed a high spontaneous migratory activity. Keratinocytes from both healthy and AD skin expressed similar levels of TLR2. The production of IL-6 and IL-10 was impaired by Pam3Cys in supernatants from AD skin. IL-18 was significantly higher in supernatants from AD skin and not influenced by TLR2 ligation, when compared to healthy skin. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that TLR2-mediated sensing of S. aureus-derived signals is strongly impaired in LC from AD skin. This phenomenon may partly contribute to the immune deviation in AD and the lack of S. aureus clearance.

The application of STEP-technology® for particle and protein dispersion detection studies in biopharmaceutical research.

Particle detection and analysis techniques are essential in biopharmaceutical industries to evaluate the quality of various parenteral formulations regarding product safety, product quality and to meet the regulations set by the authority agencies. Several particle analysis systems are available on the market, but for the operator, it is quite challenging to identify the suitable method to analyze the sample. At the same time these techniques are the basis to gain a better understanding in biophysical processes, e.g. protein interaction and aggregation processes. The STEP-Technology® (Space and Time resolved Extinction Profiles), as used in the analytical photocentrifuge LUMiSizer®, has been shown to be an effective and promising technique to investigate particle suspensions and emulsions in various fields. In this study, we evaluated the potentials and limitations of this technique for biopharmaceutical model samples. For a first experimental approach, we measured silica and polystyrene (PS) particle standard suspensions with given particle density and refractive index (RI). The concluding evaluation was performed using a variety of relevant data sets to demonstrate the significant influences of the particle density for the final particle size distribution (PSD). The most challenging property required for successful detection, turbidity, was stated and limits have been set based on the depicted absorbance value at 320 nm (A320 values). Furthermore, we produced chemically cross-linked protein particle suspensions to model physically "stable" protein aggregates. These results of LUMiSizer® analysis have been compared to the orthogonal methods of nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and micro-flow imaging (MFI). Sedimentation velocity distributions showed similar tendencies, but the PSDs and absolute size values could not be obtained. In conclusion, we could demonstrate some applications as well as limitations of this technique for biopharmaceutical samples. In comparison to orthogonal methods this technique is a great complementary approach if particle data e.g. density or refractive index can be determined.

Low medical morbidity and mortality after acute courses of electroconvulsive therapy in a population-based sample.

BACKGROUND: To determine event rates for specific medical events and mortality among individuals receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). METHOD: Population-based cohort study using health administrative data of acute ECT treatments delivered in Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2011. We measured the following medical event rates, per 10 000 ECT treatments, up to 7 and 30 days post-treatment: stroke, seizure, acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, pneumonia, pulmonary embolus, deep vein thrombosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, falls, hip fracture, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 135 831 ECT treatments were delivered to 8810 unique patients. Overall medical event rates were 9.1 and 16.8 per 10 000 ECT treatments respectively. The most common medical events were falls (2.7 and 5.5 per 10 000 ECT treatments) and pneumonia (1.8 and 3.8 per 10 000 ECT treatments). Fewer than six deaths occurred on the day of an ECT treatment. This corresponded to a mortality rate of less than 0.4 per 10 000 treatments. Deaths within 7 and 30 days of an ECT treatment, excluding deaths due to external causes (e.g., accidental and intentional causes of death), were 1.0 and 2.4 per 10 000 ECT treatments respectively. CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality events after ECT treatments were relatively low, supporting ECT as a low-risk medical procedure.

AhR mediates an anti-inflammatory feedback mechanism in human Langerhans cells involving FcεRI and IDO.

BACKGROUND: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), an important regulator of immune responses, is activated by UVB irradiation in the skin. Langerhans cells (LC) in the epidermis of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) carry the high-affinity receptor for IgE, FcεRI, and are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of AD by inducing inflammatory responses and regulating tolerogenic processes. OBJECTIVES: We investigated AhR and AhR repressor (AhRR) expression and functional consequences of AhR activation in human ex vivo skin cells and in in vitro-generated LC. METHODS: Epidermal cells from healthy skin were analyzed for their expression of AhR and AhRR. LC generated from CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (CD34LC) were treated with the UV photoproduct and AhR ligand 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). Cell surface receptors, transcription factors, and the tolerogenic tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) were analyzed using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Epidermal LC and CD34LC express AhR and AhRR. AhR was also found in keratinocytes, which lack AhRR. AhR activation of LC by FICZ caused downregulation of FcεRI in CD34LC without affecting their maturation. AhR-mediated regulation of FcεRI did not involve any known transcription factors related to this receptor. Furthermore, we could show upregulation of IDO mediated by AhR engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that AhR activation by FICZ reduces FcεRI and upregulates IDO expression in LC. This AhR-mediated anti-inflammatory feedback mechanism may dampen the allergen-induced inflammation in AD.

Peripheral cytokine and chemokine alterations in depression: a meta-analysis of 82 studies.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that measured cytokine and chemokine levels in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls (HCs). METHOD: The PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched up until May 30, 2016. Effect sizes were estimated with random-effects models. RESULT: Eighty-two studies comprising 3212 participants with MDD and 2798 HCs met inclusion criteria. Peripheral levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-10, the soluble IL-2 receptor, C-C chemokine ligand 2, IL-13, IL-18, IL-12, the IL-1 receptor antagonist, and the soluble TNF receptor 2 were elevated in patients with MDD compared to HCs, whereas interferon-gamma levels were lower in MDD (Hedge's g = -0.477, P = 0.043). Levels of IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), IL-5, CCL-3, IL-17, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 were not significantly altered in individuals with MDD compared to HCs. Heterogeneity was large (I2 : 51.6-97.7%), and sources of heterogeneity were explored (e.g., age, smoking status, and body mass index). CONCLUSION: Our results further characterize a cytokine/chemokine profile associated with MDD. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate sources of heterogeneity, as well as biosignature cytokines secreted by other immune cells.

Potential Biomarkers for Depression Associated with Coronary Artery Disease: A Critical Review.

Depression, the most common mood disorder, is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease affecting more than 120 million individuals worldwide. Various pathophysiological processes underlie depression; this complexity renders it difficult to identify clinically useful diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as treatment options. The current state of knowledge driving the management and treatment of depression remains incomplete, which underscores the need for further insight into pathways relevant to depression. Exploring co-morbid conditions, such as coronary artery disease, may be useful to further elucidate the etiopathology of depression. The present review therefore systematically identifies and critically evaluates relevant markers of depression as assessed in a high-risk population, namely patients with coronary artery disease. Biomarkers related to hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal axis dysregulation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation and aggregation, serotonin activity, sympathetic nervous system activation, thyroid function, structural and morphological brain abnormalities, genetic variation, lipid metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, endocannabinoid signalling irregularities, and vitamin D deficiency are reviewed. Markers exhibiting the most consistent associations with depression include tumour necrosis factor-α, flow-mediated dilation, endothelin-1, endothelial progenitor cells, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and docosahexaenoic acid. Further investigating the mechanisms underlying those markers and exploring novel pathways, such as oxidative stress, will extend the current state of knowledge and potentially lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Depressive symptoms predict non-completion of a structured exercise intervention for people with Type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To quantify the impact of depressive symptoms on completion of exercise-based rehabilitation for Type 2 diabetes management. METHODS: Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale in a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes entering a 6-month hybrid (home- and clinic-based) exercise rehabilitation programme. Attendance at exercise sessions was monitored and programme completion/non-completion was ascertained. RESULTS: Of the programme participants (n=624, mean age 55.6±10.5 years, 47% male), 26.8% endorsed significant depressive symptoms (depression score ≥16) and 68.1% completed the intervention, attending 54.6±30.0% of supervised exercise sessions. Baseline depressive symptoms (depression scale score ≥16) increased the risk of non-completion [hazard ratio 1.49 (95% CI 1.10-2.03); P = 0.010], and predicted fewer sessions attended (ß=-2.1, P= 0.002) in adjusted models. A depression score threshold of ≥10 (48.4% of participants) predicted non-completion [hazard ratio 1.60 (95% CI 1.19-2.17); P= 0.002) with optimum accuracy. Non-completions resulting from lack of interest (18.9 vs. 11.0%; P= 0.026) and medical complications (14.6 vs. 6.6%; P= 0.006) were more common among participants with depression scores ≥10. Greater hazard ratios for depression scores ≥10 were observed in subgroups not currently using insulin [hazard ratio 1.70 (95% CI 1.24-2.33); P= 0.001), or an antidepressant [hazard ratio 1.83 (95% CI 1.32-2.54); P<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent among participants with Type 2 diabetes entering exercise-based rehabilitation, and even mild depressive symptoms posed a significant barrier to completion. Depression screening may help target additional supports to facilitate completion of exercise interventions for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Regional cerebral arterial transit time hemodynamics correlate with vascular risk factors and cognitive function in men with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arterial transit time is the time needed for blood to travel from large arteries to capillaries, as estimated from arterial spin-labeling MR imaging. The purpose of this study was to determine whether vascular risk factors and cognitive performance are related to regional differences in cerebral arterial transit time in patients with coronary artery disease who are at risk for cognitive decline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arterial transit time was estimated from multiple postlabel delay pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling images obtained from 29 men with coronary artery disease. Tests of memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function were administered. Principal component analysis was used to create separate models of cognition and vascular risk, which were related to brain regions through voxelwise analyses of arterial transit time maps. RESULTS: Principal component analysis identified 2 components of vascular risk: 1) "pressor" (age, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure) and 2) "obesity" (body fat percentage and body mass index). Obesity was inversely related to arterial transit time in the posterior cingulate, precuneus, lateral occipital cortices, middle temporal gyrus, and frontal pole (P corrected < .05), whereas pressor was not significant. Cognitive scores were factored into a single component. Poor performance was inversely related to precuneus arterial transit time (P corrected < .05). The average arterial transit time in regions identified by obesity was associated with poorer cognitive function (r(2) = 0.21, t = -2.65, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Altered cerebral hemodynamics, notably in nodal structures of the default mode network, may be one way that vascular risk factors impact cognition in patients with coronary artery disease.

Poststroke neuropsychiatric symptoms: relationships with IL-17 and oxidative stress.

Stroke variably activates interleukin- (IL-) 17 expression, reduces regulatory T cells, and induces oxidative stress, which may support neurodegeneration. Ischemic stroke patients were screened for depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D)) and cognitive status (Mini Mental State Examination). Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-23, and interferon- [IFN-] γ), anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and lipid hydroperoxide (LPH), a measure of oxidative stress, were assayed from fasting serum. Of 47 subjects (age 71.8 ± 14.4 years, 36% female), 19 had depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16), which was associated with poorer cognitive status (F 1,46 = 8.44, P = 0.006). IL-17 concentrations did not differ between subjects with and without depressive symptoms (F 1,46 = 8.44, P = 0.572); however, IL-17 was associated with poorer cognitive status in subjects with depressive symptoms (F 1,46 = 9.29, P = 0.004). In those subjects with depressive symptoms, IL-17 was associated with higher LPH (ρ = 0.518, P = 0.023) and lower IL-10 (ρ = -0.484, P = 0.036), but not in those without. In conclusion, poststroke depressive symptoms may be associated with cognitive vulnerability to IL-17 related pathways, involving an imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity and increased oxidative stress.

TLR2 down-regulates FcεRI and its transcription factor PU.1 in human Langerhans cells.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) expressing the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) play a key role in atopic dermatitis (AD). AD skin is highly colonized with Staphylococcus aureus (S.a.), which are sensed by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). We hypothesized that TLR2 may impact on the expression of FcεRI on LC. OBJECTIVES: To study a putative impact of TLR2 signaling on FcεRI, we analyzed FcεRI and known transcription factors of the receptor after ligand binding to TLR2. METHODS: We generated LC from CD34(+) progenitors in vitro (CD34LC) expressing FcεRI and TLR2 as well as its partners TLR1 and TLR6. The expression of FcεRI and known transcription factors of the receptor was analyzed on the protein and RNA level by flow cytometry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. RESULTS: For CD34LC from 123 donors, we observed a high heterogeneity in FcεRI surface expression correlating with mRNA level of its α-chain. Stimulation of TLR1/2 or TLR2/6 dramatically down-regulated FcεRI on protein and mRNA level of both α- and γ-chain. Further analysis of putative transcription factors for FCER1A revealed the lack of GATA1 in CD34LC, weak expression of ELF1 and YY1, and high expression of PU.1. While ELF1 and YY1 appeared to be little affected by TLR2 engagement, PU.1 was significantly down-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings show that in human, LC ligation of TLR2 by S.a.-derived products down-regulates FcεRI and its transcription factor PU.1, thus suggesting that FcεRI is controlled by PU.1 in these cells.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiopulmonary fitness and cognition in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations as a correlate of cardiopulmonary fitness and as a predictor of cognitive performance in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Serum BDNF concentrations were assayed by ELISA and fitness was assessed using a standardized exercise stress test. The Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), California Verbal Learning Test 2nd Ed., Stroop, Trail Making Test B and the Digit Symbol-Coding task were administered. The val66met BDNF genotype and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were determined as potential confounders. RESULTS: In subjects with CAD (n=88; 85.2% male, mean age 62.8±10.5 yr), cardiopulmonary fitness was associated with higher serum BDNF concentrations (ß=.305, p=.013). Higher serum BDNF concentrations were associated with higher MMSE scores (F(1,87)=15.406, p<.0005) and better performance on the Digit Symbol-Coding task (F(1,87)=9.620, p=.003). IL-6, TNF-α and the val66met genotype did not influence these results. CONCLUSION: Serum BDNF concentrations were associated with cardiopulmonary fitness, psychomotor processing speed and overall cognition in subjects with CAD.

Lithium and its neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects: potential treatment for post-ischemic stroke sequelae.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment has a high prevalence in stroke patients and is associated with poor short and long term outcomes, including a negative impact on functional recovery. There is evidence that post-stroke impairment is the direct result of stroke induced neurological injury. Gray matter atrophy has been implicated in the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment and is the result of a series of neurochemical processes that are activated by ischemia. Lithium, traditionally used as a mood stabilizer, has been recognized in the last 10 years for its robust neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects against diverse insults, such as ischemia, both in vitro and in vivo. This has generated several preclinical and clinical studies of lithium treatment for managing neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral ischemia. Evidence suggests that lithium may protect against the cerebral atrophy and neuronal degeneration induced by the neurochemical processes and pathways known to regulate cell death and atrophy after an ischemic event. Lithium-mediated neurotroprotective and neurotrophic effects involve mechanisms highly relevant to the post-stroke population including the increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Bcl-2, and inhibition of GSK-3ß. Lithium-induced increases in human gray matter have been reported and occur within a time frame consistent with the known effects of lithium through increased expression of BDNF, Bcl-2 and GSK-3ß inhibition. This article reviews the evidence to support the use of lithium to reduce neuronal damage post-stroke through 1) mechanisms of excitotoxicity and post-ischemic inflammation; and 2) neurotrophic signaling cascades. Lithium's relevant actions in preclinical and clinical studies will be reviewed and presented to support the neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects of lithium as well as other clinical considerations in using lithium in the post-ischemic stroke population.

Measurement of the in-medium K0 inclusive cross section in pi(-) -induced reactions at 1.15 GeV/c.

The K0 meson production by pi(-) mesons of 1.15 GeV/c momentum on C, Al, Cu, Sn, and Pb nuclear targets was measured with the FOPI spectrometer at the Schwer-Ionen-Synchrotron accelerator of GSI. Inclusive production cross sections and the momentum distributions of K0 mesons are compared to scaled elementary production cross sections and to predictions of theoretical models describing the in-medium production of kaons. The data represent a new reference for those models, which are widely used for interpretation of the strangeness production in heavy-ion collisions. The presented results demonstrate the sensitivity of the kaon production to the reaction amplitudes inside nuclei and point to the existence of a repulsive KN potential of 20+/-5 MeV at normal nuclear matter density.

A SPECT study of sleep disturbance and Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the possible association of regional cerebral perfusion and sleep loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: 55 AD patients were characterized as having (SL) or not having (NSL) nocturnal sleep loss based on standard AD scales assessing sleep over the previous 4 weeks. (99m)Tc-ethylcysteinate dimer SPECT scans were performed in a relaxed, wakeful state. Whole-brain analysis using Statistical Parametrical Mapping (SPM5) was performed to compare perfusion across groups. In addition, the AD groups were compared to normal control (NC) subjects of comparable age and gender to provide a context for interpretation of findings. RESULTS: SPM analysis showed increased perfusion in the right middle frontal gyrus (R-MFG, Brodman area 9, p = 0.016, familywise-error-corrected) in SL versus NSL patients. Comparison with NC subjects confirmed that perfusion in the R-MFG among SL patients did not exceed that found in NCs (relative rather than absolute hyperperfusion). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of mild-to-moderate AD patients, relative hyperperfusion in the R-MFG is associated with reports of SL. This region may play a role in regulating sleep.