Oil supplementation with a special combination of n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids does not protect for exercise induced asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients suffering from exercise-induced asthma (EIA) have normal lung function at rest and show symptoms and a decline in FEV1 when they do sports or during exercise-challenge. It has been described that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) could exert a protective effect on EIA. METHODS: In this study the protective effect of supplementation with a special combination of n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA (sc-LCPUFA) (total 1.19 g/ day) were investigated in an EIA cold air provocation model. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Decrease in FEV1 after exercise challenge and secondary outcome measure: anti-inflammatory effects monitored by exhaled NO (eNO) before and after sc-LCPUFA supplementation versus placebo. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients with exercise-induced symptoms aged 10 to 45 were screened by a standardized exercise challenge in a cold air chamber at 4 °C. Seventy-three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of a FEV1 decrease > 15% and were treated double-blind placebo-controlled for 4 weeks either with sc-LCPUFA or placebo. Thirty-two patients in each group completed the study. Mean FEV1 decrease after cold air exercise challenge and eNO were unchanged after 4 weeks sc-LCPUFA supplementation. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with sc-LCPUFA at a dose of 1.19 g/d did not have any broncho-protective and anti-inflammatory effects on EIA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration number: NCT02410096. Registered 7 February 2015 at Clinicaltrial.gov.

[Effects of knee pain on postural control excluding the musculature of the craniomandibular system]. / Auswirkungen von Kniebeschwerden auf die posturale Kontrolle unter Ausschluss der Muskulatur des kraniomandibulären Systems.

BACKGROUND: Knee pain can influence postural control in addition to changes in the anatomical structure of the knee joints. OBJECTIVE: Because the influence of imbalances in the craniomandibular system has been proven multiple times, it is the aim of the present work to investigate the influence of various knee diagnoses on postural control excluding occlusal information by means of symmetrical packing using cotton rolls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifteen patients (74 male/41 female) aged 18-75 years with an average BMI of 25.13 ± 3.66 kg/m2 took part in the study, among them 34 patients (26 male/8 female) with cruciate ligament injury, 26 (16 male/10 female) with meniscal lesions, 24 (13 male/11 female) with arthrosis, 21 (11 male/10 female) with patellar pain, and 10 (8 male/2 female) with other painful knee complaints. Postural control was increased using a force platform, the degree of severity of the disorder was recorded using the "Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome" questionnaire, and the occlusion packed on both sides with cotton rolls in the premolar area. RESULTS: With increasing age, patients with knee arthrosis are more likely to stand on the hindfoot. In those with patellar disorder, increased weight-bearing on the forefoot correlates with increasing BMI. An increase in weight-bearing on the forefoot on the side of the uninjured knee in people with patellar disorder results not only in a reduction in quality of life but also level of daily activity. DISCUSSION: The percentage weight-bearing on the zones of the feet differs in unilateral knee injuries (in particular, comparison of the side with the knee injury and the uninjured side). Age, BMI or gender are influencing factors. Because various correlations and/or effects in the subgroups of knee injuries are generated, an injury-specific analysis should be carried out. These effects are also identifiable in the subjective assessment of quality of life.

[Scanning laser optical tomography in a neuropathic mouse model : Visualization of structural changes. German version]. / Scannende laseroptische Tomographie in einem neuropathischen Mausmodell : Visualisierung von strukturellen Veränderungen.

BACKGROUND: In the field of hearing research a variety of imaging techniques are available to study molecular and cellular structures of the cochlea. Most of them are based on decalcifying, embedding, and cutting of the cochlea. By means of scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT), the complete cochlea can be visualized without cutting. The Cav1.3-/- mice have already been extensively characterized and show structural changes in the inner ear. Therefore, they were used in this study as a model to investigate whether SLOT can detect structural differences in the murine cochlea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole undissected cochleae from Cav1.3-/- and wildtype mice of various postnatal stages were immunostained and analyzed by SLOT. The results were compared to cochlea preparations that were immunostained and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, cochlea preparations were stained with osmium tetraoxide. RESULTS: Visualization by SLOT showed that the staining of nerve fibers at P27 in Cav1.3-/- mice was almost absent compared to wildtype mice and earlier timepoints (P9). The analysis of cochlea preparations confirmed a reduction of the radial nerve fibers. In addition, a significantly reduced number of ribbon synapses per inner hair cell (IHC) at P20 and P27 in the apical part of the cochlea of Cav1.3-/- mice was detected. CONCLUSION: The visualization of whole non-dissected cochleae by SLOT is a suitable tool for the analysis of gross phenotypic changes, as demonstrated by means of the Cav1.3-/- mouse model. For the analysis of finer structures of the cochlea, however, further methods must be used.

Scanning laser optical tomography in a neuropathic mouse model : Visualization of structural changes.

BACKGROUND: In the field of hearing research a variety of imaging techniques are available to study molecular and cellular structures of the cochlea. Most of them are based on decalcifying, embedding, and cutting of the cochlea. By means of scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT), the complete cochlea can be visualized without cutting. The Cav1.3-/- mice have already been extensively characterized and show structural changes in the inner ear. Therefore, they were used in this study as a model to investigate whether SLOT can detect structural differences in the murine cochlea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole undissected cochleae from Cav1.3-/- and wild-type mice of various postnatal stages were immunostained and analyzed by SLOT. The results were compared to cochlea preparations that were immunostained and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, cochlea preparations were stained with osmium tetraoxide. RESULTS: Visualization by SLOT showed that the staining of nerve fibers at P27 in Cav1.3-/- mice was almost absent compared to wild-type mice and earlier timepoints (P9). The analysis of cochlea preparations confirmed a reduction of the radial nerve fibers. In addition, a significantly reduced number of ribbon synapses per inner hair cell (IHC) at P20 and P27 in the apical part of the cochlea of Cav1.3-/- mice was detected. CONCLUSION: The visualization of whole non-dissected cochleae by SLOT is a suitable tool for the analysis of gross phenotypic changes, as demonstrated by means of the Cav1.3-/- mouse model. For the analysis of finer structures of the cochlea, however, further methods must be used.

The functional muscle-bone unit in children with cerebral palsy.

Our results suggest that the prevalence of bone health deficits in children with CP was overestimated, when using only age- and height-adjusted bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD). When applying the functional muscle-bone unit diagnostic algorithm (FMBU-A), the prevalence of positive results decreased significantly. We recommend applying the FMBU-A when assessing bone health in children with CP. INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of bone health deficits in children with cerebral palsy (CP) might be overestimated because age- and height-adjusted reference percentiles for bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) do not consider reduced muscle activity. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of positive DXA-based indicators for bone health deficits in children with CP to the prevalence of positive findings after applying a functional muscle-bone unit diagnostic algorithm (FMBU-A) considering reduced muscle activity. METHODS: The present study was a monocentric retrospective analysis of 297 whole body DXA scans of children with CP. The prevalence of positive results of age- and height-adjusted BMC and aBMD defined as BMC and aBMD below the P3 percentile and of the FMBU-A was calculated. RESULTS: In children with CP, the prevalence of positive results of age-adjusted BMC were 33.3% and of aBMD 50.8%. Height-adjusted results for BMC and aBMD were positive in 16.8 and 36.0% of cases. The prevalence of positive results applying the FMBU-A regarding BMC and aBMD were significantly (p < 0.001) lower than using age- and height-adjusted BMC and aBMD (8.8 and 14.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the prevalence of bone health deficits in children with CP was overestimated, when using age- and height-adjusted BMC and aBMD. When applying the FMBU-A, the prevalence decreased significantly. We recommend applying the FMBU-A when assessing bone health in children with CP.

Omalizumab effectively protects against early and late allergic responses in asthma after 4 weeks.

BACKGROUND: Omalizumab is licensed for therapy in severe allergic asthma with an effect demonstrated after 8 weeks or longer treatment. As new applications for omalizumab demand precise knowledge of the onset of effects, the objective of this study was to determine the time course of the early (EAR) and late allergic reaction (LAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (IgE>300 IU/mL and <700 IU/mL) with a significant response to allergen challenge were treated with omalizumab according to the approved dosing table. Bronchial allergen provocations (BAP) were repeated at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. RESULTS: EAR was significantly reduced after 4 weeks (ΔFEV1 28% vs 11%; P<.001), eNO (86 vs 53 ppb; P<.05) and basophil activation after 2 weeks (CD63 expression 79% vs 32%, P<.05) and LAR already after 1 week (ΔFEV1 26% vs 13%, P<.05). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the onset of protective effects earlier than previously determined, potentially improving seasonal utilization and combination with immunotherapy.

Ellipsometric characterization of doped Ge0.95Sn0.05 films in the infrared range for plasmonic applications.

GeSn as a group-IV material opens up new possibilities for realizing photonic device concepts in Si-compatible fabrication processes. Here we present results of the ellipsometric characterization of highly p- and n-type doped Ge0.95Sn0.05 alloys deposited on Si substrates investigated in the wavelength range from 1 to 16 µm. We discuss the suitability of these films for integrated plasmonic applications in the infrared region.

Exploring Dephasing of a Solid-State Quantum Emitter via Time- and Temperature-Dependent Hong-Ou-Mandel Experiments.

We probe the indistinguishability of photons emitted by a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) via time- and temperature-dependent two-photon interference (TPI) experiments. An increase in temporal separation between consecutive photon emission events reveals a decrease in TPI visibility on a nanosecond time scale, theoretically described by a non-Markovian noise process in agreement with fluctuating charge traps in the QD's vicinity. Phonon-induced pure dephasing results in a decrease in TPI visibility from (96±4)% at 10 K to a vanishing visibility at 40 K. In contrast to Michelson-type measurements, our experiments provide direct access to the time-dependent coherence of a quantum emitter on a nanosecond time scale.

Metastatic behaviour of sinonasal adenocarcinomas of the intestinal type (ITAC).

The relative frequency of regional lymphogenic versus distant hematogenic metastases was evaluated in 369 patients with sinonasal adenocarcinoma of the intestinal type (ITAC). We assessed the results of neck dissections for a limited number of patients undergoing this surgical intervention. 117 ITAC patients were followed up for at least 5 years. Neck dissections were performed in 18 cases (15 primary and 3 secondary operations), 4 of which revealed carcinoma-positive lymph nodes. Metastases in lymph nodes were also diagnosed clinically in three other patients adding up to a total of seven individuals (6 % of 117) with lymphogenic metastases. In comparison, distant hematogenic metastases were identified in 15.4 % of these 117 patients. In the second group of 252 patients, the occurrence of distant hematogenic metastases and colorectal adenocarcinomas was registered but no formal follow-up procedure was applied. 50 neck dissections were performed in this group, 46 of which exhibited no histological evidence for metastases in lymph nodes, while in 1 case they were carcinoma-positive. Three additional cases showed clinical signs of metastases in regional lymph nodes. Taken together, our observations indicate that regional lymphogenic metastases are rather rare (about 2 %) in patients with sinonasal adenocarcinoma of the intestinal type. Therefore, the surgery of neck dissection appears not advised as routine intervention in these cases. ITAC patients show a normal prevalence of colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Who gets dipyrone (metamizole) in Germany? Prescribing by age, sex and region.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Metamizole (dipyrone) is an analgesic that has been the focus of considerable controversy regarding its safety. Because of potentially life-threatening blood disorders such as agranulocytosis, it has been withdrawn in many countries but not in Germany, where prescribing even increased over recent years. We aimed to evaluate prescribing of metamizole in Germany with respect to age, sex and regional variations. METHODS: Using data of a statutory health insurance, we analysed a cohort of 1·7 million persons who were insured at least 1 day in each quarter of 2009. Outcome of interest was the outpatient prescription prevalence, for example the proportion of persons receiving at least one prescription of metamizole. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 6·8% received metamizole with a higher prescribing prevalence in females (7·8% vs. 6·0%). The prevalence increased with age up to 26·7% in persons ≥85 years (men: 21·1%; and women: 30·4%). We found large regional variations with higher prevalences in the northern part of Germany. Most of the prescriptions were issued by general practitioners (78·9%). 58·3% were liquid oral formulations with considerable regional variations ranging between 32·3% in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and 67·3% in North Rhine-Westphalia. Overall, liquid oral forms are much more often prescribed in the western than in the eastern part of Germany. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Metamizole - a drug with a relatively narrow indication - is often prescribed in Germany with relevant differences by age, sex and region. Qualitative studies should clarify reasons for this. Further quantitative research should investigate small-area variations, indications and treatment durations.

[Pain medication in nursing home residents with and without cancer. Most frequently with metamizole]. / Schmerzmittelversorgung von Pflegeheimbewohnern mit und ohne Krebserkrankung. Am häufigsten mit Metamizol.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a highly prevalent symptom in nursing home residents. The analgesic pharmacotherapy of older adults is associated with challenges; however, studies from Germany examining the prescription pattern of analgesics in nursing home residents are rare. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to examine the prescription of analgesics in nursing home residents with and without the diagnosis of cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using health insurance claims data persons aged ≥ 65 years who were newly admitted to a nursing home between 2004 and 2009 and who survived at least the first 90 days after admission were included in the study. Cancer was identified by outpatient diagnoses of malignant neoplasms (ICD-10: C00-C97). Prescription drugs within the first 90 days after admission to a nursing home were analyzed which means that aspirin and acetaminophen were not taken into account. RESULTS: A total of 5549 nursing home residents were included, who were on average 81.5 years old (56.8 % females). More than half (53.5 %) were assigned to care level I and 781 (14.1 %) were diagnosed with cancer. The study cohort received on average 7.8 different medications (with vs. without cancer: 8.6 vs. 7.6, respectively) and 43.8 % had prescriptions for analgesics (with vs. without cancer: 52.5 vs. 42.3 %, respectively). A total of 37.1 % were taking WHO step 1 analgesics (step 2: 11.4 % and step 3: 9.2 %). The proportion of persons receiving metamizole (dipyrone) was 28.3 % (with vs. without cancer: 35.6 vs. 27.1 %, respectively). Regarding all prescriptions, metamizole was by far the most frequently prescribed medication in nursing homes followed by melperone and omeprazole. CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of nursing home residents received metamizole and most were long-term prescriptions. Considering that metamizole is associated with potentially life-threatening adverse effects, caution is indicated particularly when prescribed over long periods.

Can we predict allergen-induced asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis?

BACKGROUND: A high percentage of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) exhibit signs of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), and approximately 30% may develop asthma later in life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify predictors for allergen-induced asthma in patients with AR. METHODS: Hundred patients with AR selected by public posting and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Twenty-three patients with concomitant physician-diagnosed asthma and four with a negative allergy test were excluded from further analysis. The remaining 73 subjects with AR underwent bronchial allergen provocation (BAP), which is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of clinically relevant allergen-specific asthma. The following parameters were measured to explore predictors for an early and late asthmatic response (EAR and LAR): standardised questionnaire, skin prick test (SPT), total IgE, specific IgE to grass pollen, FEV1, PD20FEV1 methacholine, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and eosinophils. RESULTS: Early asthmatic reaction was equally distributed between patients with and without signs of possible asthma by questionnaire (56.8% vs. 48.3%). The following cut-off values showed the best combination of sensitivity and specificity for an EAR: specific IgE grass pollen 18.5 kU/L (AUC 0.83), SPT 8.5 mm (AUC 0.76), total IgE 95.5 kU/L (AUC 0.73), FEV1 102.4% (AUC 0.69), PD20FEV1 methacholine 1.67 mg (AUC 0.74), eNO 18.05 ppB (AUC 0.64) and eosinophils 115/mm(3) (AUC 0.58). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is a considerable discordance between reported asthma signs and diagnosed disease by BAP. Simple measurement of allergen-specific IgE for grass pollen was the best predictor of allergen-induced asthma in patients with AR.

GeSn/Ge multiquantum well photodetectors on Si substrates.

Vertical incidence GeSn/Ge multiquantum well (MQW) pin photodetectors on Si substrates were fabricated with a Sn concentration of 7%. The epitaxial structure was grown with a special low temperature molecular beam epitaxy process. The Ge barrier in the GeSn/Ge MQW was kept constant at 10 nm. The well width was varied between 6 and 12 nm. The GeSn/Ge MQW structures were grown pseudomorphically with the in-plane lattice constant of the Ge virtual substrate. The absorption edge shifts to longer wavelengths with thicker QWs in agreement with expectations from smaller quantization energies for the thicker QWs.

[Healthcare associated infections (HAI), antibiotic use and prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRO) in residents of long-term care facilities: the Frankfurt HALT plus MDRO project 2012]. / Nosokomiale Infektionen, systemischer Antibiotikaeinsatz und multiresistente Erreger bei Bewohnern von Altenpflegeheimen : Das Frankfurter HALT plus MRE-Projekt, 2012.

BACKGROUND: Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) are at risk of healthcare associated infections (HAI) and are often treated with antibiotics. In Germany a current HAI prevalence of 1.6 % and antibiotic use in 1.15% have been reported. However, data published on the current prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MRDO) in LTCFs in Germany are scarce. Therefore, the prevalence of HAI, antibiotic use and presence of MDROs were investigated in LTCF residents in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. METHODS: A point prevalence study of HAI and antibiotic use according to the European HALT protocol (health care associated infections in long-term care facilities) was carried out; swabs from the nose, throat and perineum were analyzed for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterobacteria (ESBL) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). RESULTS: A total of 880 residents in 8 LTCFs were enrolled in the study in 2012. The study participants were 30% male, 46.7% were more than 85 years old, 70% exhibitied urinary or fecal incontinence, 11.4% had an indwelling urinary catheter and 0.1% a vascular catheter. Prevalence rates of HAI and of antibiotic use were 2.5 % and 1.5%, respectively. The prevalence of MDROs in 184 residents who agreed to being tested for MDROs was 9.2% MRSA, 26.7% ESBL and 2.7% VRE. CONCLUSION: The HAIs and antibiotic use were comparable to the German HALT data from 2010. Compared to other German studies there is a steadily increasing MRSA problem in German LTCFs. High and increasing ESBL rates have been detected in German LTCFs. Further studies are needed to confirm this trend, preferably encompassing molecular methods to study epidemiology.

[Sex-specific differences in drug utilisation in different phases of life]. / Geschlechtsspezifische Inanspruchnahme bei der Arzneimittelversorgung in verschiedenen Lebensphasen.

The aim of the present study is to analyse sex-specific differences in drug utilisation during different phases of life using relevant diseases as examples. We used a cohort of 1.7 million subjects who were insured with the Gmünder ErsatzKasse (GEK), a German health insurance fund, for at least one day in all four quarters of 2009. We analysed subjects with outpatient diagnoses of the following diseases: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (0-17 years), hypothyroidism (18-49 years), osteoporosis (50-79 years) and coronary heart disease (80 + years). Analysis was performed on an active-substance level. A number of differences were observed in drug treatment for the selected diseases (for example, substances for ADHD were prescribed more often in males and for hypothyroidism more often in females), as well as in prescribing practices relating to other drugs used in these groups. However, clear explanations for these differences, such as drug approval status, were not always apparent.

Reference ranges and cutoff levels of pneumococcal antibody global serum assays (IgG and IgG2) and specific antibodies in healthy children and adults.

Pneumococcal antibodies represent the acquisition of natural immunity. Determination of pneumococcal antibodies is an important screening tool for immunodeficiencies. Our study generated reference ranges and cutoff levels for pneumococcal antibody global serum assays correlated to a specific pneumococcal antibody ELISA. Specific pneumococcal antibody levels were measured from 457 children undergoing elective surgery and 46 healthy adult volunteers (88 with previous pneumococcal immunization from both groups), 22 severe immunodeficient subjects with ataxia telangiectasia (A-T, negative controls), and age-matched 36 healthy allergic asthmatics. We determined a representative panel of serotype-specific pneumococcal antibodies (serotype 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F) by ELISA and global pneumococcal IgG and IgG2 antibodies by EIA. In vaccine-naïve healthy subjects, initial pneumococcal IgG geometric mean concentrations of 13.1 µg/ml were low in the first year of life and increased over the time, reaching adult levels (70.5 µg/ml) at age 8-12 years. In parallel, IgG2 antibodies increased from 20.7 % (0.5-1 year old) to adult proportions (>30 %) in preschoolers. Correlation between the pneumococcal IgG screening assay and specific pneumococcal antibody levels was acceptable (Pearson's coefficient r = 0.4455; p = 0.001). Cutoff levels showed high sensitivity, whereas specificity was high to moderate calculated from correlations with the specific ELISA. We provide reference ranges and cutoff levels for the interpretation of specific antibody determinations in the clinical setting. The global pneumococcal IgG/IgG2 assay is a suitable screening tool and correlates with the ELISA serotype-specific pneumococcal antibodies. However, results below our cutoff values should be re-evaluated by serotype-specific ELISA testing.

Genetic variation in the gene encoding calpain-10 is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is the most common form of diabetes worldwide, affecting approximately 4% of the world's adult population. It is multifactorial in origin with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. A genome-wide screen for type 2 diabetes genes carried out in Mexican Americans localized a susceptibility gene, designated NIDDM1, to chromosome 2. Here we describe the positional cloning of a gene located in the NIDDM1 region that shows association with type 2 diabetes in Mexican Americans and a Northern European population from the Botnia region of Finland. This putative diabetes-susceptibility gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed member of the calpain-like cysteine protease family, calpain-10 (CAPN10). This finding suggests a novel pathway that may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

A genome-wide search for human non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes genes reveals a major susceptibility locus on chromosome 2.

Non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a common disorder of middle-aged individuals characterized by high blood glucose levels which, if untreated, can cause serious medical complications and lead to early death. Genetic factors play an important role in determining susceptibility to this disorder. However, the number of genes involved, their chromosomal location and the magnitude of their effect on NIDDM susceptibility are unknown. We have screened the human genome for susceptibility genes for NIDDM using non-and quasi-parametric linkage analysis methods in a group of Mexican American affected sib pairs. One marker, D2S125, showed significant evidence of linkage to NIDDM and appears to be a major factor affecting the development of diabetes mellitus in Mexican Americans. We propose that this locus be designated NIDDM1.

[A 55-year-old man with abdominal pain and fever]. / 55-jähriger Patient mit abdominellen Schmerzen und Fieber.

A 55-year-old man was admitted for evaluation of chronic abdominal pain and fever. Computed tomography demonstrated a retroperitoneal inflammatory process involving the mesenteric root. Adipose tissue biopsy showed panniculitis mesenterica with granulomas. Further examinations confirmed the diagnosis of plasmocytoma type IgG kappa. Treatment with steroids (prednisolone), resulted in immediate improvement of pain and fever. Mesenteric panniculitis represents a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Intracerebral gadolinium deposition following blood-brain barrier disturbance in two different mouse models.

To evaluate the influence of the blood-brain barrier on neuronal gadolinium deposition in a mouse model after multiple intravenous applications of the linear contrast agent gadodiamide. The prospective study held 54 mice divided into three groups: healthy mice (A), mice with iatrogenic induced disturbance of the blood-brain barrier by glioblastoma (B) or cerebral infarction (C). In each group 9 animals received 10 iv-injections of gadodiamide (1.2 mmol/kg) every 48 h followed by plain T1-weighted brain MRI. A final MRI was performed 5 days after the last contrast injection. Remaining mice underwent MRI in the same time intervals without contrast application (control group). Signal intensities of thalamus, pallidum, pons, dentate nucleus, and globus pallidus-to-thalamus and dentate nucleus-to-pons ratios, were determined. Gadodiamide complex and total gadolinium amount were quantified after the last MR examination via LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS. Dentate nucleus-to-pons and globus pallidus-to-thalamus SI ratios showed no significant increase over time within all mice groups receiving gadodiamide, as well as compared to the control groups at last MR examination. Comparing healthy mice with group B and C after repetitive contrast administration, a significant SI increase could only be detected for glioblastoma mice in globus pallidus-to-thalamus ratio (p = 0.033), infarction mice showed no significant SI alteration. Tissue analysis revealed significantly higher gadolinium levels in glioblastoma group compared to healthy (p = 0.013) and infarction mice (p = 0.029). Multiple application of the linear contrast agent gadodiamide leads to cerebral gadolinium deposition without imaging correlate in MRI.