Impact of spin label rigidity on extent and accuracy of distance information from PRE data.

Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) is a versatile tool for NMR spectroscopic structural and kinetic studies in biological macromolecules. Here, we compare the quality of PRE data derived from two spin labels with markedly different dynamic properties for large RNAs using the I-A riboswitch aptamer domain (78 nt) from Mesoplamsa florum as model system. We designed two I-A aptamer constructs that were spin-labeled by noncovalent hybridization of short spin-labeled oligomer fragments. As an example of a flexible spin label, UreidoU-TEMPO was incorporated into the 3' terminal end of helix P1 while, the recently developed rigid spin-label Çm was incorporated in the 5' terminal end of helix P1. We determined PRE rates obtained from aromatic 13C bound proton intensities and compared these rates to PREs derived from imino proton intensities in this sizeable RNA (~78 nt). PRE restraints derived from both imino and aromatic protons yielded similar data quality, and hence can both be reliably used for PRE determination. For NMR, the data quality derived from the rigid spin label Çm is slightly better than the data quality for the flexible UreidoTEMPO as judged by comparison of the structural agreement with the I-A aptamer crystal structure (3SKI).

Meningoencephaloradiculomyelitis after tick-borne encephalitis virus infection: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a RNA-virus and is in about 50% of cases characterized by a biphasic clinical course in adults. Different clinical syndromes have been described, including meningitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis and meningoencephaloradiculomyelitis. The latter seems to be the most disabling and severe form of TBE virus infection. METHODS: Here we report five cases with meningoencephaloradiculomyelitis. Only in three patients a tick prick was remembered. RESULTS: Only two patients could be weaned successfully from assisted ventilation; only one patient was able to return to self-dependent life without nursing support. The youngest patient in this case series showed the most favourable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Polyradiculopathy and/or myelopathy as verified by electrophysiological examination within 4 weeks from symptom onset were indicative of a more severe disease course and a greater likelihood of moderate to serious sequelae even after long-term rehabilitation. Older age at symptom onset seems to be associated with a less favourable outcome. Because of frequent long-term hospitalization with immobilization and invasive ventilation, secondary complications, such as ventilation associated pulmonary infections and decubiti, must be avoided.

Antioxidants for bone marrow cryopreservation.

Addition of antioxidants into the preservation solution improved the cryoprotection of human bone marrow cells. The viability was studied by the growth of GM-CFC in agar culture before and after storage at -196 degrees C. All used antioxidative drugs (selenomethionine, methionine, tocopherol, penicillin/Fe++) increased the tolerance of the stem cells to freezing and thawing and elevated the number of surviving GM-CFC up to the twofold in comparison with that of controls. More immature colony forming cells were especially protected.

Antioxidants increase the cryoresistance of GM-CFC.

The influence of antioxidative drugs on the cryopreservation of human bone marrow cells was studied. The viability of bone marrow cells was tested after freezing and thawing from--196 degrees C by the growth of GM-CFC in agar culture. The results suggest the ability of antioxidants to protect stem cells against damage caused by freezing and thawing. Addition of tocopherol or penicillin to a cryoprotective medium increases the number of surviving GM-CFC. From the colony-to-cluster ratio can be concluded that antioxidants especially protect more immature haematopoietic (colony forming) cells.

[Serial studies of the long-term effects of a total-fasting regimen (author's transl)]. / Verlaufsuntersuchungen zum Langzeiteffekt der Nulldiät

The long-term results of total fasting during hospitalisation were evaluated an average of 21 months after the end of the hospital stay in 42 patients treated for obesity between 1971 and 1975. Further weight reduction occurred in 14, while the remainder had regained some weight. Nine of the latter had, in fact, surpassed their prehospitalisation weight. Neither age not sex, social status, time interval since fasting had any influence on the long-term results of total fasting. It is concluded that, in view of the poor correlation between cost and long-term result of such total-fasting regimen, it should be undertaken in this form only exceptionally.