Correction to: Influence of cancer and acute inflammatory disease on taste perception: a clinical pilot study.

The Acknowledgement Statement was incorrect in the original publication of this article [1] and the previous correction note [2]. The correct statement is as follows.

Correction to: Influence of cancer and acute inflammatory disease on taste perception: a clinical pilot study.

The "Acknowledgment Statement" of the published paper is incorrect. The correct statement should be the below: Acknowledgements We thank Sarah Vogel for her support in taste test realization and Yvonne Sauermann for preparation of the tastant solutions. The present work was carried out by Ms. Schalk in order to meet the requirements for the awarding of the title of Dr. med. at the FAU.

Influence of cancer and acute inflammatory disease on taste perception: a clinical pilot study.

PURPOSE: Cancer patients are at high risk of malnutrition and tumor cachexia further increasing morbidity and mortality. Reasons for cachexia are not clear yet, but inflammatory processes as well as the occurrence of taste disorders reducing nutrient uptake are discussed to play key roles. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into causative factors of taste disturbance in cancer patients. Does the cancer itself, inflammatory processes or cancer therapy influence taste disorders? METHODS: To capture an underlying taste disorder patients with cancer (n = 42), acutely hospitalized inflammatory disease patients (n = 57) and healthy controls (n = 39) were examined. To assess the influence of chemotherapy, patients with and without chemotherapy were compared. Taste tests were performed according to DIN ISO 3972:2011. Inflammation was recorded using laboratory parameters. Statistical evaluation was conducted using the Software R. RESULTS: Cancer patients showed significantly increased taste thresholds for sweet, salty, and umami compared to healthy controls. There were no significant differences in taste detection and recognition between patients with former, current, or without chemotherapeutical treatment. Patients with an acute inflammatory disease showed an increased taste threshold for umami compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: It could be shown that cancer patients suffer from taste disorders irrespective of an existing chemotherapeutical treatment. Cancer-related inflammation appears to have a greater impact on taste perception than an acute inflammatory process. Therefore, an adapted dietary adjustment should be carried out at an early stage for cancer patients in order to avoid nutritional disorders caused by a taste disorder.

Emulsifying properties of legume proteins compared to ß-lactoglobulin and Tween 20 and the volatile release from oil-in-water emulsions.

The emulsifying properties of plant legume protein isolates (soy, pea, and lupin) were compared to a milk whey protein, ß-lactoglobulin (ß-lg), and a nonionic surfactant (Tween 20). The protein fractional composition was characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The following emulsion properties were measured: particle diameter, shear surface ζ-potential, interfacial tension (IT), and creaming velocity. The effect of protein preheat treatment (90 °C for 10 min) on the emulsifying behavior and the release of selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from emulsions under oral conditions was also investigated in real time using proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry. The legume proteins showed comparable results to ß-lg and Tween 20, forming stable, negatively charged emulsions with particle diameter d3,2 < 0.4 µm, and maintained stability over 50 d. The relatively lower stability of lupin emulsions was significantly correlated with the low protein surface hydrophobicity and IT of the emulsion. After heating the proteins, the droplet size of pea and lupin emulsions decreased. The VOC release profile was similar between the protein-stabilized emulsions, and greater retention was observed for Tween 20-stabilized emulsions. This study demonstrates the potential application of legume proteins as alternative emulsifiers to milk proteins in emulsion products.

Transport of hop aroma compounds across Caco-2 monolayers.

Although being reported and used as a sedative remedy for several years, the bioactive principle of hop preparations is still not decisively clarified. Understanding absorption and transformation processes of potential physiologically active constituents is essential to evaluate the likeliness of biological effects on humans. Therefore, single hop aroma compounds as well as digestive transformation products thereof have been investigated in view of their human intestinal absorption, applying Caco-2 transport experiments as well as investigations on potential biotransformation processes. Selective and sensitive identification and quantification were thereby achieved by application of two-dimensional high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in conjunction with stable isotope dilution analysis, leading to the determination of apparent permeability values by different mathematical approaches considering sink and non-sink conditions. Overall, calculated permeability values ranged from 2.6 × 10(-6) to 1.8 × 10(-4) cm s(-1) with all mathematical approaches, indicating high absorption potential and almost complete bioavailability for all tested compounds with hydroxyl-functionalities. Considering this high permeability together with the high lipophilicity of these substances, a passive transcellular uptake route can be speculated. Investigated sesquiterpenes and ß-myrcene showed flat absorption profiles while the investigated esters showed decreasing profiles. In view of the lipophilic and volatile nature of the investigated substances, special attention was paid to recovery and mass balance determination. Furthermore, in the course of the transport experiments of 1-octen-3-ol and 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, additional biotransformation products were observed, namely 3-octanone and 3-methyl-2-butenal, respectively. The absence of these additional substances in control experiments strongly indicates an intestinal first-pass metabolism of the α,ß-unsaturated alcohols 1-octen-3-ol and 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol in Caco-2 cells.

Volatile release and structural stability of ß-lactoglobulin primary and multilayer emulsions under simulated oral conditions.

The relationship between emulsion structure and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was investigated using a model mouth system under oral conditions (tongue mastication, artificial saliva, pH and salt). The VOCs were monitored on-line by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Two types of emulsion system were compared: primary and multilayer oil-in-water (P-O/W, M-O/W) emulsions consisting of soy oil coated by ß-lactoglobulin and pectin layers. The P-O/W emulsions showed intensive flocculation at pH 5 and above 200 mM NaCl where the electrostatic repulsive charge was at a minimum. Bridging and depletion flocculation were mostly observed for P-O/W emulsions containing artificial saliva with 1 wt% mucin. The VOC release was found to increase when the emulsion droplets flocculated, thus changing the oil volume phase distribution. The adsorbed pectin layer stabilised the emulsion structure under conditions of short-time oral processing, and hindered the release of hydrophobic VOCs.

Tongue pressure and oral conditions affect volatile release from liquid systems in a model mouth.

The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the mouth cavity is an integral part of the way flavor is perceived. An in vitro model mouth with an artificial tongue was developed to measure the dynamic release of VOCs from liquid model systems [e.g., aqueous solution, oil, and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions] under oral conditions. The release of seven selected VOCs was affected by the different polarity and vapor pressure of the compounds and their affinity to the liquid system media. Different tongue pressure patterns were applied to the liquid systems, and the release of VOCs was monitored in real time using proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry. The release was significantly more intense for longer tongue pressure duration and was influenced by the tongue altering the sample surface area and the distribution of the VOCs. The role of saliva (artificial versus human) and the sample temperature had a significant effect on VOC release. Saliva containing mucin and a higher sample temperature enhanced the release.

Ability of non-invasive intermittent blood pressure monitoring and a continuous non-invasive arterial pressure monitor (CNAP™) to provide new readings in each 1-min interval during elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

We compared the ability of automated non-invasive intermittent oscillometric blood pressure monitoring with a new device, CNAP(TM) (continuous non-invasive arterial pressure) to provide a new blood pressure reading in each 1-min interval between spinal anaesthesia and delivery during caesarean section. We also compared the accuracy of continuous non-invasive arterial pressure readings with non-invasive blood pressure measurements before spinal anaesthesia. Fifty-nine women participated. The non-invasive and continuous non-invasive monitors displayed new blood pressure readings in a mean of 82% (11%) and 83% (13%) (p = 0.97) of the one-minute intervals between spinal anaesthesia and delivery, respectively. Continuous non-invasive arterial pressure was more likely to fail on two or more consecutive minutes (p=0.001). From the pre-spinal readings, the mean bias, defined as non-invasive-continuous non-invasive arterial pressure, and limits of agreement (±2SD mean bias) for systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure respectively were +1.3 (±26.0), -2.9 (±21.8) and +2.6 (±20.4) mmHg. The new monitor has disadvantages compared with conventional non-invasive intermittent blood pressure monitoring.

Scaffold-free 3D cellulose acetate membrane-based cultures form large cartilaginous constructs.

Scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) cultures provide clinical potential in cartilage regeneration. The purpose of this study was to characterize a scaffold-free 3D membrane-based culture system, in which human articular chondrocytes were cultivated on a cellulose acetate membrane filter, and compare it to pellet and monolayer cultures. Chondrocytes were expanded in monolayer culture for up to 5 passages, transferred to membrane-based or pellet cultures and harvested after 7 or 21 days. The chondrogenic potential was assessed by histology (toluidine blue, safranin-O), immunohistochemistry for collagen type II and quantitative analysis of collagen type II α(1) (COL2A1). Membrane-based cultures (P1) formed flexible disc-like constructs (diameter 4000 µm, thickness 150 µm) with a large smooth surface after 7 days. Positive safranin-O and collagen type II staining was found in membrane-based and pellet cultures at P1-3. Expression of COL2A1 after 7 days was increased in both culture systems compared to monolayer culture up to P3, whereas cells from monolayer > P3 did not redifferentiate. The best results for COL2A1 expression were obtained from membrane-based cultures at P1. After 21 days the membrane-based cultures did not express COL2A1. We concluded that membrane-based and pellet cultures showed the ability to promote redifferentiation of chondrocytes expanded in monolayer culture. The number of cell passages had an impact on the chondrogenic potential of cells. Membrane-based cultures provided the highest COL2A1 expression and a large, smooth and cartilage-like surface. As these are appropriate features for clinical applications, we assume that membrane-based cultures might be of use in cartilage regeneration if they displayed similar results in vivo.

Ultrafast double-slab regenerative amplifier with combined gain spectra and intracavity dispersion compensation.

We report on a diode-pumped double-slab Yb:KYW regenerative amplifier with combined gain spectra and intracavity dispersion compensation. At repetition rates > 20 kHz an average power of up to 5 W after compression was generated, resulting in a maximum pulse energy of 250 µJ. Pulse durations of around 190 fs were achieved by using a GRISM compressor with a transmission efficiency of 90%.

Real-time breath gas analysis for pharmacokinetics: monitoring exhaled breath by on-line proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry after ingestion of eucalyptol-containing capsules.

Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) is a common active agent in non-prescription pharmaceutical products that is employed to clear the airways during mucus blockages. Following ingestion of a eucalyptol-containing capsule, the capsule dissolves in the gut and transfers eucalyptol into the blood, which is subsequently expelled via the lungs, thus exposing this decongesting and inflammation-abating compound to the airways. The breath gas concentrations of eucalyptol in 11 healthy adult volunteers were monitored at regular intervals after capsule ingestion using on-line proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Eucalyptol appeared in exhaled breath gas at varying times following ingestion, with its onset ranging from 1 h and 6 min to 4 h and 48 min (mean ± SD: 2.1 ± 0.5 h). Maximum concentrations also varied greatly, with peak eucalyptol levels between 106 and 1589 ppb(v) (mean ± SD: 489 ± 319 ppb(v)). These variations were not only inter-subject, but also intra-subject, i.e. repeated tests with the same participant yielded different onset times and a broad range of concentration maxima. A considerable contribution to these variations from infrequent sampling and analysis is discussed. This study characterized the temporal transfer of eucalyptol via the blood into the airways by examining exhaled breath and thereby demonstrated the suitability of on-line breath gas analyses, particularly PTR-MS, for certain pharmacokinetic investigations.

Morphometric studies of the ligamentum flavum: a correlative microanatomical and MRI study of the lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND: Foraminal degenerative lumbar stenosis is traditionally considered a result of bony narrowing due to osteophytic appositions on the superior articular process. Clinical experience reveals that significant additional compression of the neural structures is due to degenerative hypertrophy of the adjacent ligamentum flavum. Therefore, microanatomical and neuroradiological investigations were performed to determine the microtopography of this ligament, especially with respect to its lateral extension. METHODS: Lumbar spine specimens of eight mid-aged human cadavers (mean age 34.5 years) were collected, and MRI studies with T1-weighted images were performed. The specially embedded specimens were sectioned horizontally at the level of the spinal ganglion (slice thickness: 2 mm). Anatomical morphometric data were correlated with identical measurements based on neuroradiological imaging and were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The distance between midline and extraforaminal extension of the ligamentum flavum showed a mean value of 17 mm. The distance increased to 19 mm when the lateral insertion was correlated to the origin of the ligamentum flavum at the anterior margin of the lamina. The farthest lateral segment of the ligamentum flavum was determined in each case; it covered the synovial cavity of the lumbar facet joint in the direction of the extraforaminal segment of the intervertebral canal. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements from mid-aged cadavers show the extent of the ligamentum flavum including its intra- and extraforaminal parts. Due to this anatomical situation a hypertrophic ligamentum flavum may contribute significantly to nerve root compression at the level of the lateral spinal recess. This has to be kept in mind during surgical decompression, which might be incomplete unless these hypertrophied parts are completely removed.

Anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section, 2000-2004, at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne.

The provision of anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section is a major part of the workload of obstetric anaesthetists and the urgency often dictates the mode of anaesthesia that can be provided. We have audited the provision of anaesthesia for 'immediate' caesarean sections over a four-year period following the introduction of a 'Code Green' system to coordinate a rapid response to an obstetric decision to proceed with an 'immediate' caesarean section. The records of all patients for whom a Code Green was called between July 2000 and June 2004 were studied. The reasons for the call, interval timings (for example decision-to-delivery interval) and type of anaesthesia used were collected. There were 444 Code Green procedures, of which 47 were excluded due to incomplete data. The most common indication was fetal distress' and the three most common types of anaesthesia used were general (n = 206), Epidural top-up (n = 106) and spinal (n = 65). Mean decision-to-delivery intervals (+/- SD) for all caesarean sections were 17 (+/- 6) minutes with general anaesthesia, 19 (+/- 9) minutes with epidural and 26 (+/- 9) minutes with spinal anaesthesia. Forty-five percent of calls were made between the hours of 0700 and 1700 h. General anaesthesia was most used between the hours of 0700 and 1700 h. A swift response to the call for an immediate caesarean section can be achieved when suitable facilities and procedures are in place. Administering an epidural bolus into an already established epidural catheter that is working effectively can allow a decision-to-delivery interval almost as short as general anaesthesia.

[Endogenous endophthalmitis. Nine cases in Greater Rostock 2003-2005]. / Endogene Endophthalmitis. Neun Fälle im Grossraum Rostock 2003-2005.

BACKGROUND: In the rare condition of endogenous (or metastatic) endophthalmitis, septicemia leads to intraocular colonization by bacteria, fungi or parasites. Immunologically compromised or multimorbid patients are commonly affected by this ophthalmological emergency. Although appropriate anti-infective drugs and modern surgical treatment are available, this disease still has a poor prognosis in terms of organ and function preservation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and September 2005 nine patients (5 male, 4 female, average age: 60.6 years) with a diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis were treated in the Ophthalmology Department of Rostock University Hospital. The infection was in a very advanced stage in eight cases. Six patients offered no fundus view, and in three cases the intraocular view was heavily blurred. Eight patients had an initial visual acuity of

Genetics of suicide.

The concept that genetic factors contribute to the complex trait of suicidal behaviour has stimulated much work aimed at identifying susceptibility genes. So far molecular genetic studies focused on the serotonergic pathway as the intent to die and the lethality of suicide acts were related to the serotonergic system. Two genes have so far emerged as being involved in the vulnerability for suicidality: first, the intronic polymorphisms (A218C or A779C) of the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene, which was suggested as a quantitative risk factor for suicidal behaviour; second, the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), which does not seem to be involved in general suicidal behaviour, but in violent and repeated suicide attempts. The data have further shown that the MAOA gene, which is consistently associated with impulsive-aggressive personality traits, is not related to suicide but might induce violent methods in subjects with other suicide risk factors. Predominantly negative were the findings with any type of the serotonin receptors and inconsistent with catecholamine-synthesizing and -metabolizing enzymes or with the dopaminergic receptors. This paper reviews the status of current knowledge in this area, points to the weakness of the investigations and presents new approaches beyond the serotonergic system.

Incidence of epidural blood patch following obstetric regional analgesia in private Australian anaesthetic practice.

BACKGROUND: Collection of audit data about epidural blood patches has traditionally relied on voluntary reporting, which is notoriously incomplete. The records of Medicare-funded Australian private obstetric practice, which represents 30% of all deliveries, allow a novel method of central data collection and retrieval. METHOD: Data relating to all deliveries, epidurals and blood patches in private practice in Australia over a two-year period were retrieved from the Health Insurance Commission. RESULTS: The overall rate of epidural analgesia in labour was estimated at 30% and the proportion of epidurals that progressed to blood patching was 0.35%. The rate of epidural blood patching varied between states from 0.18% to 0.56%. CONCLUSION: Despite certain limitations of our data interpretation, we regard this technique as a useful audit tool capable of generating accurate and robust audit data that might otherwise be unobtainable.

Molecular composition and pathology of entheses on the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus: a structural basis for epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: To improve the understanding of epicondylitis by describing the normal structure and composition of the entheses associated with the medial and lateral epicondyles and their histopathology in elderly cadavers. METHODS: Medial and lateral epicondyles were obtained from 12 cadavers. Six middle aged cadavers (mean 47 years) were used to assess the molecular composition of "normal" entheses from people within an age range vulnerable to epicondylitis. Cryosections of epicondylar entheses were immunolabelled with monoclonal antibodies against molecules associated with fibrocartilage and related tissues. A further six elderly cadavers (mean 84 years) were used for histology to assess features of entheses related to increasing age. RESULTS: Tendon entheses on both epicondyles fused with those of the collateral ligaments and formed a more extensive structure than hitherto appreciated. Fibrocartilage (which labelled for type II collagen and aggrecan) was a constant feature of all entheses. Entheses from elderly subjects showed extensive microscopic damage, hitherto regarded as a hallmark of epicondylitis. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrocartilage is a normal feature and not always a sign of enthesopathy. Furthermore, pathological changes documented in patients with epicondylitis may also be seen in elderly people. The fusion of the common extensor and flexor tendon entheses with those of the collateral ligaments suggests that the latter may be implicated as well. This may explain why pain and tenderness in epicondylitis may extend locally beyond the tendon enthesis and why some patients are refractory to local treatments.