Viruskörper vonRumex obtusifolius

Zusammenfassung Im Sommer 1956 wurde in Zagreb eine gro\e Anzahl vonRumex obtusi-folius- Pflanzen beobachtet, die an einer Mosaikkrankheit litten. In den Blatt-Epidermiszellen dieser Pflanzen wurden amorphe X-Körper gefunden. Die Krankheit ist durch Verimpfung des infizierten Zellsaftes auf die gesunden Pflanzen übertragbar.Für die Unterstützung bei der Arbeit und viele RatschlÄge wollen wir auch an dieser Stelle Herrn Dr. Milan Panjan, Direktor des Instituts für Pflanzenschutz in Zagreb, unseren innigsten Dank aussprechen.     

Eiweißkristalloide inOpuntia inermis

Zusammenfassung In den Epidermiszellen der Blätter vonOpuntia inermis wurden neben den X-Körpern und Eiweißspindeln auch echte Eiweißkristalle in Form rhombenförmiger Plättchen gefunden. Diese Kristalle sind vermutlich im Zellsafte lokalisiert.Die spindelhaltigen Exemplare vonOpuntia inermis unterschieden sich auch dadurch von anderen spindelführenden Kakteen, daß sie auch in Schließzellen Eiweißspindeln enthielten. Das Ausbleiben der Eiweißspindeln in den Schließzellen der Kakteen ist demnach keine regelmäßige Erscheinung.Prof. Dr. V.Vouk zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Inhibition of both BRAF and MEK in BRAFV600E mutant melanoma restores compromised dendritic cell (DC) function while having differential direct effects on DC properties

Purpose

Dendritic cells (DCs) can induce strong tumor-specific T-cell immune responses. Constitutive upregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by a BRAF^V600 mutation, which is present in about 50 % of metastatic melanomas, may be linked to compromised function of DCs in the tumor microenvironment. Targeting both MEK and BRAF has shown efficacy in BRAF^V600 mutant melanoma.

Methods

We co-cultured monocyte-derived human DCs with melanoma cell lines pretreated with the MEK inhibitor U0126 or the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Cytokine production (IL-12 and TNF-α) and surface marker expression (CD80, CD83, and CD86) in DCs matured with the Toll-like receptor 3/Melanoma Differentiation-Associated protein 5 agonist polyI:C was examined. Additionally, DC function, viability, and T-cell priming capacity were assessed upon direct exposure to U0126 and vemurafenib.

Results

Cytokine production and co-stimulation marker expression were suppressed in polyI:C-matured DCs exposed to melanoma cells in co-cultures. This suppression was reversed by MAPK blockade with U0126 and/or vemurafenib only in melanoma cell lines carrying a BRAF^V600E mutation. Furthermore, when testing the effect of U0126 directly on DCs, marked inhibition of function, viability, and DC priming capacity was observed. In contrast, vemurafenib had no effect on DC function across a wide range of dose concentrations.

Conclusions

BRAF^V600E mutant melanoma cells modulate DC through the MAPK pathway as its blockade can reverse suppression of DC function. MEK inhibition negatively impacts DC function and viability if applied directly. In contrast, vemurafenib does not have detrimental effects on important functions of DCs and may therefore be a superior candidate for combination immunotherapy approaches in melanoma patients.     

Where do we stand now? Mouse early embryo patterning meeting in Freiburg, Germany (2005)

Mechanism underlying mammalian preimplantation development has long been a subject of controversy and the central question has been if any "determinants" play a key role in a manner comparable to the non-mammalian "model" system. During the last decade, this issue has been revived (Pearson, 2002; Rossant and Tam, 2004) by claims that the axes of the mouse blastocyst are anticipated at the egg ("prepatterning model"; Gardner, 1997; Gardner, 2001; Piotrowska et al., 2001; Piotrowska and Zernicka-Goetz, 2001; Zernicka-Goetz, 2005), suggesting that a mechanism comparable to that operating in non-mammals may be at work. However, recent studies by other laboratories do not support these claims ("regulative model"; Alarcon and Marikawa, 2003; Chroscicka et al., 2004; Hiiragi and Solter, 2004; Alarcon and Marikawa, 2005; Louvet-Vallee et al., 2005; Motosugi et al., 2005) and the issue is currently under hot debate (Vogel, 2005). Deepening our knowledge of this issue will not only provide an essential basis for understanding mammalian development, but also directly apply to ongoing clinical practices such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). These practices were originally supported by a classical premise that mammalian preimplantation embryos are highly regulative (Tarkowski, 1959; Tarkowski, 1961; Tarkowski and Wroblewska, 1967; Rossant, 1976), in keeping with the "regulative model". However, if the "prepatterning model" is correct, the latter will require critical reassessment.     

Influences of age and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient's satisfaction with dental appearance and tooth colour

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00543.x Influences of age and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient’s satisfaction with dental appearance and tooth colour Objectives: To study the impact of age, gender, tooth colour and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient’s satisfaction with their dental appearance. Material and methods: A total of 259 Caucasian subjects participated in the study (119 men, mean age 56 years; 140 women, mean age 61 years) divided into three age groups (young <35 age; middle aged 35–54 age; old ≥55 age). Their maxillary anterior teeth status was classified into three groups: (1) natural teeth (NTG) group; (2) composite filling group (CFG) and (3) porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal fixed prosthodontic restoration group (FPDG). The participants judged appearance and tooth colour using a scale with three categories: completely dissatisfied, moderately dissatisfied and completely satisfied. Results: Almost half of the participants were completely satisfied with their dental appearance and tooth colour. Half of the ‘young’ and ‘middle‐aged’ participants with natural maxillary anterior teeth were completely satisfied and half of the ‘old’ participants were moderately satisfied with their dental appearance and tooth colour. The majority of participants with composite restorations (45–51%) were moderately satisfied with their dental appearance, one‐third of ‘young’ and ‘middle‐aged’ participants were moderately satisfied or dissatisfied with their tooth colour and more than 70% of older participants were dissatisfied with their tooth colour (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Satisfaction with the appearance of the maxillary anterior teeth differed both between individuals of different age and different dental status.     

Biomarkers of mild hyperthermia related to flashover training in firefighters

Flashover phenomenon occurs when surfaces exposed to thermal radiation reach the ignition temperature, and the fire rapidly spreads in enclosed area. Flashover training (FOT) performed by firefighters is a simulation of flashover phenomenon under controlled conditions. The study aimed to test thermal and physical strain in male firefighters and instructors attending FOT and its influence on DNA damage, exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). DNA damage markers were analyzed in 51 attendees and 7 instructors, and EBC pH and FeNO in 40 respiratory healthy non-smoking subjects (34 attendees and 6 instructors).The average body temperature and pulse increase was 1.1 °C and 30 beats per minute, respectively. A prominent increase in the alkali-labile sites' level has been observed in instructors' peripheral leukocytes compared to first-time attendees (tail length p=0.050, % of DNA in tail p=0.005). FOT was related only to physiological FVC and FEV₁ increase (by 4% and 2.7% on average), and FeNO dropped after the exercise by 2 ppb in comparison with basal values (P=0.034). EBC pH did not change during FOT, but FeNO was inversely correlated to EBC pH after the exercise (Spearman's rho=−0.66, P=0.013). With respect to the thermal and physical strain, FOT is considered to be a safe training procedure for healthy firefighters. The increase rate in primary DNA damage found in the instructors' peripheral leukocytes requires further examination in a larger sample size.     

Obesity--new threat to Croatian longevity

The aim of this study was to examine the association of weight gain and life expectancy at birth in Croatia. Mean body mass index was based on the data from the Croatian Adult Health Survey 2003. Birth rate and mortality data needed for life expectancy calculation were supplied by the Central Bureau of Statistics. The results suggest that the increase in mean body mass index value (1.31 kg m(-2) for women and 1.41 kg m(-2) for men) will shorten life expectancy at birth for one year. Obesity, if unchecked, might have a negative effect on life expectancy in Croatia. Despite widespread knowledge about how to reduce the severity of the problem, observed trends in obesity in Croatia continue to worsen. These trends threaten to diminish the health and life expectancy of current and future generations.     

A pilot Croatian survey of risk factor (CRO-SURF) management in patients with cardiovascular disease

A pilot survey was performed to determine the presence of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Croatian patients with diagnosed coronary heart disease (CHD) using a new questionnaire. The idea was to test this new and very simple questionnaire but also to compare the data collected in this pilot survey with the results of the last Croatian national survey (TASPIC-CRO V) and so to obtain the information whether secondary prevention has improved between 2003 and 2010. 122 patients with established CHD (88 men, 34 women, mean age 66.3 years) treated in Zagreb University Hospital Center were included. Data collection was based on filling the SURF questionnaire right after the clinical exam or later using review of medical records. Patients were hospitalized because of CABG (1%), PCI (8%), ACS (35%) or chronic stable angina (56%). The history of arterial hypertension had 95%patients (however, on admission mean systolic pressure was 130.1 mmHg, diastolic 76.8 mmHg), 90% had dyslipidaemia (total cholesterol <4.5 mmol/L had 43%; <4.0 mmol/L 33%; LDL-cholesterol <2.5 mmol/L 49%; <2.0 mmol/L 32%; HDL>1.2 mmol/L (women) or >1.0 mmol/L (men) had 67%), 25% had diabetes which was poorly regulated (mean HbA1c 8.2%), 18% were active smokers. After discharge only 24% performed cardiac rehabilitation. Mean body mass index of the patients was 28.3 kg/m2 (32% were obese, 72% overweight). Compared to TASPIC-CRO V there was lower usage of aspirin than recommended on discharge. This was also true for statin therapy. More patients were taking beta blockers, calcium antagonists and diuretics than 7 years ago. This pilot survey showed that CRO-SURF questionnaire is short, quick, effective and simple to use. It is a good and cost effective tool to collect data on CVD risk factors and their management. The results obtained by using it indicate that there is still a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors in Croatian patients with CHD.     

Five-year cumulative incidence of obesity in adults in Croatia: the CroHort study

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the 5-year incidence of obesity on a sample of 3229 adults and investigate the potential effect of several sociodemographic and lifestyle habits on weight change and obesity incidence in these individuals. The average annual rate of increase in the prevalence of obese adults between 2003 and 2008 was 10.60% for men and 11.08% for women. Analysis showed that development of obesity in 5-year period in women in Croatia is significantly positively associated with frequent consumption of "hidden" fats of animal origin and significantly negative with each higher education level. No significant predictor of obesity has been found in men. Obesity remains a serious health problem for the Croatian population; the alarming rates of excess body weight continue to increase. Preventive measures should urgently be undertaken.     

Human fetal tau protein isoform: possibilities for Alzheimer's disease treatment

While early 1990s reports showed the phosphorylation pattern of fetal tau protein to be similar to that of tau in paired helical filaments (PHF) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), neither the molecular mechanisms of the transient developmental hyperphosphorylation of tau nor reactivation of the fetal plasticity due to re-expression of fetal protein kinases in the aging and AD human brain have been sufficiently investigated. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on fetal tau, adding new data on the specific patterns of tau protein and mRNA expression in the developing human brain as well as on change in tau phosphorylation in the perforant pathway after entorhinal cortex lesion in mice. As fetal tau isoform does not form PHF even in a highly phosphorylated state, understanding its expression and post-translational modifications represents an important avenue for future research towards the development of AD treatment and prevention.