HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"count": 127182,
"next": "https://api-test.medunigraz.at/v1/research/search/publication/?format=api&limit=20&offset=125540",
"previous": "https://api-test.medunigraz.at/v1/research/search/publication/?format=api&limit=20&offset=125500",
"results": [
{
"text": "\n124068\nVitamin D: do we get enough? A discussion between vitamin D experts in order to make a step towards the harmonisation of dietary reference intakes for vitamin D across Europe.\n\nBrouwer-Brolsma, EM\n\nBischoff-Ferrari, HA\n\nBouillon, R\n\nFeskens, EJ\n\nGallagher, CJ\n\nHypponen, E\n\nLlewellyn, DJ\n\nStoecklin, E\n\nDierkes, J\n\nKies, AK\n\nKok, FJ\n\nLamberg-Allardt, C\n\nMoser, U\n\nPilz, S\n\nSaris, WH\n\nvan Schoor, NM\n\nWeber, P\n\nWitkamp, R\n\nZittermann, A\n\nde Groot, LC\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000318280100004\n23229471.0\n10.1007/s00198-012-2231-3\nNone\nOn September 29, 2011, acknowledged experts in the field of vitamin D, mainly European, were brought together in order to discuss the recent scientific advances in relation to vitamin D: the current requirements and associations with various health outcomes. In this article, the discussions resulting from the meeting are summarized. Several groups at risk for developing vitamin D insufficiency have been identified. Accordingly, reviews indicate that a significant percentage of the population worldwide have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 50 nmol/l. In addition to the role of vitamin D in bone health, recent studies suggest that it may play a pivotal role in other systems, e.g., the cardiovascular system, pancreas, muscle, immune system and brain. Most evidence, however, is obtained from observational studies and yet inconclusive. To exchange and broaden knowledge on the requirements for vitamin D and its effect on various health outcomes, a workshop entitled "Vitamin D Expert Meeting: Do we get enough?", was organized. Despite low vitamin D levels worldwide, consensus on the definition of deficiency is not yet reached. In order to define cut-off points for vitamin D whilst taking into account extraskeletal health effects, randomized controlled trials in these fields are warranted. The experts do emphasize that there is evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in the maintenance of optimal bone health at all ages and that vitamin D supplementation, in most studies co-administered with calcium, reduces fracture risk in the senior population. To reach a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 50 nmol/l older adults aged a parts per thousand yen65 years are therefore recommended to meet a mean daily vitamin D intake of 20 mu g (800 IU), which is best achieved with a supplement.\n\nPilz, Stefan\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n131914\nIntrastriatal injection of interleukin-1 beta triggers the formation of neuromyelitis optica-like lesions in NMO-IgG seropositive rats.\n\nKitic, M\n\nHochmeister, S\n\nWimmer, I\n\nBauer, J\n\nMisu, T\n\nMader, S\n\nReindl, M\n\nFujihara, K\n\nLassmann, H\n\nBradl, M\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nNone\n24252536.0\n10.1186/2051-5960-1-5\nPMC3776214\nNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe, disabling disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by the formation of astrocyte-destructive, neutrophil-dominated inflammatory lesions in the spinal cord and optic nerves. These lesions are initiated by the binding of pathogenic aquaporin 4 (AQP4)-specific autoantibodies to astrocytes and subsequent complement-mediated lysis of these cells. Typically, these lesions form in a setting of CNS inflammation, where the blood-brain barrier is open for the entry of antibodies and complement. However, it remained unclear to which extent pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines contribute to the formation of NMO lesions. To specifically address this question, we injected the cytokines interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interferon gamma and the chemokine CXCL2 into the striatum of NMO-IgG seropositive rats and analyzed the tissue 24 hours later by immunohistochemistry.\n All injected cytokines and chemokines led to profound leakage of immunoglobulins into the injected hemisphere, but only interleukin-1 beta induced the formation of perivascular, neutrophil-infiltrated lesions with AQP4 loss and complement-mediated astrocyte destruction distant from the needle tract. Treatment of rat brain endothelial cells with interleukin-1 beta, but not with any other cytokine or chemokine applied at the same concentration and over the same period of time, caused profound upregulation of granulocyte-recruiting and supporting molecules. Injection of interleukin-1 beta caused higher numbers of blood vessels with perivascular, cellular C1q reactivity than any other cytokine tested. Finally, the screening of a large sample of CNS lesions from NMO and multiple sclerosis patients revealed large numbers of interleukin-1 beta-reactive macrophages/activated microglial cells in active NMO lesions but not in MS lesions with comparable lesion activity and location.\n Our data strongly suggest that interleukin-1 beta released in NMO lesions and interleukin-1 beta-induced production/accumulation of complement factors (like C1q) facilitate neutrophil entry and BBB breakdown in the vicinity of NMO lesions, and might thus be an important secondary factor for lesion formation, possibly by paving the ground for rapid lesion growth and amplified immune cell recruitment to this site.\n\nHochmeister, Sonja\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n159339\nClinical factors influencing death rattle breathing in palliative care cancer patients : Non-interventional study.\n\nLikar, R\n\nMichenthaler, MC\n\nTraar, R\n\nMolnar, M\n\nNeuwersch, S\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000403453600011\n27245228.0\n10.1007/s00391-016-1042-0\nNone\nIn the last days of life the clinical symptom of death rattle breathing is manifested in many awake or semiconscious patients in palliative care. Scientific studies on relevant influencing factors on the characteristics of the clinical symptom of death rattle breathing in patients in palliative care are rare.\n The design of the study is based on a non-interventional prospective study with questionnaire evaluation and was implemented at the palliative care unit at the Center for Interdisciplinary Pain Therapy, Oncology and Palliative Care at the Clinical Center Klagenfurt, Austria. The questionnaire was developed by the authors of this study.\n The study had a predefined duration of 10 months (from February to November 2012) and during this period a total of 273 patients were admitted to the palliative care unit of the Clinical Center in Klagenfurt. Of these 105 (38.5 %) died and could therefore be included in the evaluation but 3 patients in palliative care (2.9 %) did not fulfil the inclusion criteria of a malignant disease. In total 102 patients, 43 females (42.2 %) and 59 males (57.9 %) were evaluated. The average age was 69 years with a range of 41-92 years. The largest proportion of the random sample (62.8 %) was in the patient age group from 61 to 80 years old and death rattle breathing could be observed in 26 patients (25.3 %) of the total sample. In a specific subgroup analysis regarding the intensity of the symptom, many of the affected patients suffered noisy breathing or severe death rattle breathing. In these cases it was primarily women in the group of patients with death rattle breathing. Gender was found to be a statistically relevant influencing factor (p = 0.034) on the intensity of the symptom.\n The great majority of the variables studied showed no influence on the development of the symptom of death rattle breathing; however, more intensive forms were manifested in female patients. The small study population could be a limitation of the present study although the prospective design allows valid conclusions to be drawn. In the future studies should be implemented in order to improve treatment of patients suffering from death rattle breathing.\n\nMichenthaler, Manuela Christine\n\nNeuwersch-Sommeregger, Stefan Matthias\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n162155\nPolyphosphate in Neonates: Less Shedding from Platelets and Divergent Prothrombotic Capacity Due to Lower TFPI Levels.\n\nSchlagenhauf, A\n\nHaidl, H\n\nPohl, S\n\nWeiss, EC\n\nLeschnik, B\n\nGallistl, S\n\nMuntean, W\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000408241300001\n28970801.0\n10.3389/fphys.2017.00586\nPMC5609555\nBackground: The neonatal hemostatic system exhibits a fragile balance featuring lower levels of clotting factors as well as inhibitors. Neonatal platelets show in-vitro hypoaggregability, but neonates exhibit well-functioning primary and secondary hemostasis despite this impairment. Recently, polyphosphate shed by activated platelets has been shown to induce a prothrombotic shift on the plasmatic coagulation system of adults. The impact of platelet derived polyphosphate might differ in neonates due to aforementioned peculiarities. Aims: We aimed to comparatively determine polyphosphate content and release from adult and neonatal platelets and to determine its impact on thrombin generation in plasma from adult and cord blood. Methods: Polyphosphate was extracted from adult and neonatal platelet lysates and releasates using silica spin-columns and quantified with a DAPI based fluorescence assay. The impact of exogenous polyphosphate in various concentrations (208-0.026 μg/ml) on thrombin generation was evaluated in plasma from adult and cord blood as well as in adult plasma with reduced tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels using calibrated automated thrombography. Results: Polyphosphate content was comparable in both groups, but the fraction of released polyphosphate upon stimulation with thrombin receptor activating peptide was lower in neonatal samples (adult: 84.1 ± 12.9%; cord: 58.8 ± 11.2%). Relative impact of polyphosphate on lag time of thrombin generation was higher in adult samples compared to samples from cord blood (adult: 41.0% [IQR: 35.2-71.8%] of vehicle; cord: 73.4% [IQR: 70.2-91.4%] of vehicle). However, in samples from cord blood, lower concentrations of polyphosphate were required to obtain maximal impact on thrombin generation (adult: 26 μg/ml; cord: 0.814 μg/ml). PolyP affected thrombin generation in adult plasma similarly to cord plasma, when the TFPI concentration was reduced to neonatal levels. Conclusion: Differences in the impact of polyphosphate on adult and neonatal coagulation are largely caused by differences in TFPI levels. Lower polyphosphate release from neonatal platelets, but lower optimum concentration to drive neonatal plasmatic hemostasis emphasizes the well-matched, but fragile interplay between platelets and coagulation in newborns. A potential developmental mismatch should be considered when transfusing adult platelets into neonates.\n\nGallistl, Siegfried\n\nHaidl, Harald\n\nMuntean, Eugen\n\nSchlagenhauf, Axel\n\nWeiss, Eva-Christine\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n175531\nCell Morphology on Poly(methyl methacrylate) Microstructures as Function of Surface Energy.\n\nKatschnig, M\n\nMaroh, B\n\nAndraschek, N\n\nSchlögl, S\n\nZefferer, U\n\nBock, E\n\nLeitinger, G\n\nTrattnig, C\n\nKaufmann, M\n\nBalika, W\n\nHolzer, C\n\nSchäfer, U\n\nPatz, S\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000473403200001\n31186649.0\n10.1155/2019/2393481\nPMC6521382\nWhilst the significance of substrate topography as a regulator of cell function is well established, a systematic analysis of the principles underlying this is still unavailable. Here we evaluate the hypothesis that surface energy plays a decisive role in substrate-mediated modulation of cell phenotype by evaluation of cell behaviour on synthetic microstructures exhibiting pronounced differences in surface energy. These microstructures, specifically cubes and walls, were fabricated from a biocompatible base polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate), by variotherm injection molding. The dimensions of the cubes were 1 μm x 1 μm x 1 μm (height x width x length) with a periodicity of 1:1 and 1:5 and the dimensions of the walls 1 μm x 1 μm x 15 mm (height x width x length) with a periodicity of 1:1 and 1:5. Mold inserts were made by lithography and electroplating. The surface energy of the resultant microstructures was determined by static contact angle measurements. Light scanning microscopy of the morphology of NT2/D1 and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells cultured on structured PMMA samples in both cases revealed a profound surface energy dependence. "Walls" appeared to promote significant cell elongation, whilst a lack of cell adhesion was observed on "cubes" with the lowest periodicity. Contact angle measurements on walls revealed enhanced surface energy anisotropy (55 mN/m max., 10 mN/m min.) causing a lengthwise spreading of the test liquid droplet, similar to cell elongation. Surface energy measurements for cubes revealed increased isotropic hydrophobicity (87° max., H2O). A critical water contact angle of ≤ 80° appears to be necessary for adequate cell adhesion. A "switch" for cell adhesion and subsequently cell growth could therefore be applied by, for example, adjusting the periodicity of hydrophobic structures. In summary cell elongation on walls and a critical surface energy level for cell adhesion could be produced for NT2/D1 and MC3T3-E1 cells by symmetrical and asymmetrical energy barrier levels. We, furthermore, propose a water-drop model providing a common physicochemical cause regarding similar cell/droplet geometries and cell adhesion on the investigated microstructures.\n\nLeitinger, Gerd\n\nMaurer, Christa\n\nPatz, Silke\n\nSchäfer, Ute\n\nZefferer, Ulrike\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n176279\nChanges in Immunosuppressive Treatment of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: Comparison of 2 Surveys within Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.\n\nWolff, D\n\nHilgendorf, I\n\nWagner-Drouet, E\n\nJedlickova, Z\n\nAyuk, F\n\nZeiser, R\n\nSchäfer-Eckart, K\n\nGerbitz, A\n\nStadler, M\n\nKlein, S\n\nMiddeke, JM\n\nLawitschka, A\n\nWinkler, J\n\nHalter, J\n\nHoller, E\n\nKobbe, G\n\nStelljes, M\n\nDitschkowski, M\n\nGreinix, H\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000477092400022\n30876928.0\n10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.03.003\nNone\nChronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) remains the leading cause of late morbidity and mortality. Despite the growing number of treatment options in cGVHD, evidence remains sparse. The German-Austrian-Swiss GVHD Consortium performed a survey on clinical practice in treatment of cGVHD among transplant centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in 2009 and 2018 and compared the results. The survey performed in 2009 contained 20 questions on first-line treatment and related issues and 4 questions on second-line scenarios followed by a survey on all systemic and topic treatment options known and applied, with 31 of 36 transplant centers (86%) responding. The survey in 2018 repeated 7 questions on first-line treatment and 3 questions on second-line scenarios followed by an updated survey on all current systemic treatment options known and applied, with 29 of 66 centers (43%) responding. In summary, the results show a large overlap of first-line treatment practice between centers and the 2 surveys because of a lack of new data that changes practice, except significant heterogeneity of treatment of cGVHD progressive onset type, which can be explained by the lack of trials focusing on this high-risk entity. In contrast, treatment options applied to second-line therapy vary considerably, with new agents like ibrutinib and ruxolitinib entering clinical practice. Moreover, treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome demonstrates heterogeneity in applied therapeutic options and sequence because of a lack of controlled data and different conclusions from already existing evidence. In summary, the survey results demonstrate an increasing number of treatment options applied to cGVHD accompanied by a significant heterogeneity in second-line treatment and underline the urgent need for clinical trials and registry analyses on rare entities with high mortality like progressive onset type and lung involvement of cGVHD.\n Copyright © 2019 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.\n\nGreinix, Hildegard\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n178645\nHot topics in the mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension disease: cancer-like pathobiology, the role of the adventitia, systemic involvement, and right ventricular failure.\n\nSpiekerkoetter, E\n\nGoncharova, EA\n\nGuignabert, C\n\nStenmark, K\n\nKwapiszewska, G\n\nRabinovitch, M\n\nVoelkel, N\n\nBogaard, HJ\n\nGraham, B\n\nPullamsetti, SS\n\nKuebler, WM\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000498542500001\n31798835.0\n10.1177/2045894019889775\nPMC6868582\nIn order to intervene appropriately and develop disease-modifying therapeutics for pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and progression. We herein discuss four topics of disease mechanisms that are currently highly debated, yet still unsolved, in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Is pulmonary arterial hypertension a cancer-like disease? Does the adventitia play an important role in the initiation of pulmonary vascular remodeling? Is pulmonary arterial hypertension a systemic disease? Does capillary loss drive right ventricular failure? While pulmonary arterial hypertension does not replicate all features of cancer, anti-proliferative cancer therapeutics might still be beneficial in pulmonary arterial hypertension if monitored for safety and tolerability. It was recognized that the adventitia as a cell-rich compartment is important in the disease pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension and should be a therapeutic target, albeit the data are inconclusive as to whether the adventitia is involved in the initiation of neointima formation. There was agreement that systemic diseases can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension and that pulmonary arterial hypertension can have systemic effects related to the advanced lung pathology, yet there was less agreement on whether idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a systemic disease per se. Despite acknowledging the limitations of exactly assessing vascular density in the right ventricle, it was recognized that the failing right ventricle may show inadequate vascular adaptation resulting in inadequate delivery of oxygen and other metabolites. Although the debate was not meant to result in a definite resolution of the specific arguments, it sparked ideas about how we might resolve the discrepancies by improving our disease modeling (rodent models, large-animal studies, studies of human cells, tissues, and organs) as well as standardization of the models. Novel experimental approaches, such as lineage tracing and better three-dimensional imaging of experimental as well as human lung and heart tissues, might unravel how different cells contribute to the disease pathology.\n © The Author(s) 2019.\n\nKwapiszewska-Marsh, Grazyna\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n181982\nDeficient Decision Making in Pathological Gamblers Correlates With Gray Matter Volume in Medial Orbitofrontal Cortex.\n\nFreinhofer, D\n\nSchwartenbeck, P\n\nThon, N\n\nEigenberger, T\n\nAichhorn, W\n\nLenger, M\n\nWurst, FM\n\nKronbichler, M\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000524653500001\n32194455.0\n10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00109\nPMC7064713\nIndividuals suffering from pathological gambling (PG) show impaired decision making, but it is still not clear how this impairment is related to other traits and neuroanatomical characteristics. In this study, we investigated how the influence of PG on decision making (1) is connected to different impulsivity facets and (2) how it is related to gray matter volume (GMV) in various brain regions. Twenty-eight diagnosed PG patients and 23 healthy controls completed the cups task to measure decision making. In this task, participants had to decide between safe and risky options, which varied in expected value (EV) between risk advantageous, equal EV, and risk disadvantageous choices. A delay discounting task and the Barrant Impulsiveness Scale were applied to assess multiple impulsivity facets. In addition, structural magnetic resonance images were acquired. In comparison to the control group PG patients demonstrated more deficits in decision making, indicated by less EV sensitivity, but there was no significant difference in number of overall risky choices. Also, PG patients showed increased impulsivity in nearly every dimension. Results revealed (1) a positive correlation between decision making impairments and non-planning impulsivity but no significant relation to other impulsivity facets. Although we found no GMV differences between PG patients and controls, (2) a regions of interest analysis showed a correlation between medial orbitofrontal GMV and EV sensitivity in PG patients. Our findings showed that (1) the association between decision making and impulsivity can also be found in PG patients, but only for certain impulsivity facets. This suggests that it is essential to consider measuring different dimensions, when investigating impulsivity in a PG sample. Secondly, our findings revealed that (2) dysfunctional decision making-particularly the component of risk evaluation-is related to decreased GMV in the medial orbitofrontal cortex, a brain region concerned with processing of rewards. Interestingly, we did not find more risky choices for PG patients, and thus, we assume that decision making deficits in PG are primarily related to risk evaluation, not risk seeking, which is in line with our GMV findings.\n Copyright © 2020 Freinhofer, Schwartenbeck, Thon, Eigenberger, Aichhorn, Lenger, Wurst and Kronbichler.\n\nLenger, Melanie\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n182326\nChanges in peripheral muscle oxygenation measured with near-infrared spectroscopy in preterm neonates within the first 24 h after birth.\n\nWolfsberger, C\n\nBaik-Schneditz, N\n\nSchwaberger, B\n\nBinder-Heschl, C\n\nNina, H\n\nMileder, L\n\nBruckner, M\n\nAvian, A\n\nUrlesberger, B\n\nPichler, G\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000561579000001\n32498045.0\n10.1088/1361-6579/ab998b\nNone\nNear-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with venous occlusions enables peripheral-muscle oxygenation and perfusion monitoring.\n The aim of the present exploratory observational study was to evaluate peripheral-muscle oxygenation and perfusion during the first 24 h after birth in stable preterm neonates.\n Secondary outcome parameters of prospective observational studies were analysed. Preterm neonates with peripheral-muscle NIRS measurements combined with venous occlusion on the first day after birth were included. Neonates without circulatory support and without signs of infection/inflammation were included. Neonates were stratified in four groups according to their measurement time-point (6 h-periods) and matched 2:1 for gestational age ±1 week. For each group haemoglobin flow (Hbflow), oxygen-delivery (DO2), oxygen-consumption (VO2), fractional-oxygen-extraction (FOE), tissue-oxygenation-index (TOI) and mixed-venous-oxygenation (SvO2) were calculated. Neonates with measurements during the first 6-hour time period were compared to neonates with measurements of the following time periods.\n 40 preterm neonates (gestational age (median(IQR)): 33.5(32.5-34.1)weeks) measured during the first 6 h period after birth were compared to 20 preterm neonates measured in each of the following 6 h periods (period two: 33.7(33.1-34.3)weeks; period three: 34.1(33.2-34.6)weeks; period four: 33.8(32.6-34.6)weeks). Hbflow, DO2 and SvO2 were significantly higher in the second and third 6 h time period compared to the first 6 h period. VO2 did not change significantly during the first day after birth. FOE was significantly lower in the second, third and fourth time period compared to the first 6 h period. TOI showed a non-significant trend towards higher values in the third period compared to the first 6 h period.\n In preterm neonates Hbflow, DO2, SvO2 increased, FOE decreased and TOI showed a trend towards increase during the first day after birth, whereas VO2 did not change. Changes of peripheral-muscle oxygenation during the first day after birth in stable preterm neonates are different to already published changes thereafter.\n\nAvian, Alexander\n\nBaik-Schneditz, Nariae\n\nBinder-Heschl, Corinna\n\nBruckner, Marlies\n\nHöller, Nina\n\nMileder, Lukas Peter\n\nPichler, Gerhard\n\nSchwaberger, Bernhard Christian\n\nUrlesberger, Berndt\n\nWolfsberger, Christina H.\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n184208\nArylesterase Activity of HDL Associated Paraoxonase as a Potential Prognostic Marker in Patients With Sepsis and Septic Shock-A Prospective Pilot Study.\n\nReisinger, AC\n\nSchuller, M\n\nHolzer, M\n\nStadler, JT\n\nHackl, G\n\nPosch, F\n\nMarsche, G\n\nSourij, H\n\nEkart, R\n\nEller, K\n\nEller, P\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000585235200001\n33195328.0\n10.3389/fmed.2020.579677\nPMC7642222\nBackground: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an essential role in the immune system and shows effective antioxidative properties. We investigated correlations of lipid parameters with the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and the prognostic association with mortality in sepsis patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We prospectively recruited consecutive adult patients with sepsis and septic shock, according to sepsis-3 criteria as well as non-sepsis ICU controls. Results: Fifty-three patients with sepsis (49% with septic shock) and 25 ICU controls without sepsis were enrolled. Dyslipidemia (HDL-C < 40 mg/l) was more common in sepsis compared to non-sepsis patients (85 vs. 52%, p = 0.002). Septic patients compared to controls had reduced HDL-C (14 vs. 39 mg/l, p < 0.0001), lower arylesterase activity of the antioxidative paraoxonase of HDL (AEA) (67 vs. 111 mM/min/ml serum, p < 0.0001), and a non-significant trend toward reduced cholesterol efflux capacity (9 vs. 10%, p = 0.091). We observed a strong association between higher AEA and lower risk of 28-day [per 10 mM/min/ml serum increase in AEA: odds ratio (OR) = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.94; p = 0.01) and ICU mortality (per 10 mM/min/ml serum increase in AEA: OR = 0.71, 95% CI, 0.56-0.90, p = 0.004) in the sepsis cohort in univariable logistic regression analysis. AEA was confirmed as an independent predictor of 28-day and ICU mortality in multivariable analyses. AEA discriminated well-regarding 28-day/ICU mortality in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses. In survival analysis, 28-day mortality estimates were 40 and 69% with AEA ≥/< the 25th percentile of AEA's distribution, respectively (log-rank p = 0.0035). Conclusions: Both compositional and functional HDL parameters are profoundly altered during sepsis. In particular, the functionality parameter AEA shows promising prognostic potential in sepsis patients.\n Copyright © 2020 Reisinger, Schuller, Holzer, Stadler, Hackl, Posch, Marsche, Sourij, Ekart, Eller and Eller.\n\nEller, Kathrin\n\nEller, Philipp\n\nHackl, Gerald\n\nHolzer, Michael\n\nMarsche, Gunther\n\nPosch, Florian\n\nReisinger, Alexander Christian\n\nSchuller, Max\n\nSourij, Harald\n\nStadler, Julia\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n186431\nGoogle search trends for itch in Europe: a retrospective longitudinal study.\n\nPereira, MP\n\nZiehfreund, S\n\nRueth, M\n\nEwering, T\n\nLegat, FJ\n\nLambert, J\n\nElberling, J\n\nMisery, L\n\nBrenaut, E\n\nPapadavid, E\n\nGarcovich, S\n\nEvers, AWM\n\nHalvorsen, JA\n\nSzepietowski, JC\n\nReich, A\n\nGonçalo, M\n\nLvov, A\n\nBobko, S\n\nSerra-Baldrich, E\n\nWallengren, J\n\nSavk, E\n\nLeslie, T\n\nStänder, S\n\nZink, A\n\nEADV Task Force Pruritus\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nNone\n33295009.0\n10.1111/jdv.17077\nNone\nItch is a common symptom in the general population. Affected individuals often do not seek medical consultation and rely on Internet searches to obtain information regarding their itch.\n The aim of this study was to attain insights into common concerns of the general population regarding itch can by analysing itch-related Internet search behaviour.\n Google AdWords Keyword Planner was used to assess search volumes for itch-related terms in 15 European countries between September 2014 and August 2018. All identified keywords were qualitatively categorized. Itch-related terms were descriptively analysed and are shown as number of searches/100 000 inhabitants.\n The search volume for the keyword 'itch' per 100 000 inhabitants was highest in Northern Europe, followed by Eastern, Central and Southern Europe. In 4/15 countries, itch was searched for more often in the autumn/winter months compared to in the spring/summer months. Most itch-related terms were related to dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis), allergic or immunologic conditions (e.g. urticaria), and infectious diseases or infestations (e.g. scabies). In terms of body location, genitoanal itch dominated the searches. Symptoms and signs related to itch, possible non-dermatological aetiologies, and treatment options were also among the most searched terms.\n These analyses provided for the first time insights into the search behaviour patterns related to itch across Europe. People from Northern and Eastern Europe are more likely to seek online information regarding itch. Causes for the itch, especially dermatological conditions, and genitoanal itch are the most important concerns for Internet users. This unconventional and inexpensive method identifies medical needs of people beyond the medical setting, including people who do not seek medical consultation. Accordingly, the data could be used to guide public health interventions and manage respective inhabitants' medical needs.\n © 2020 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.\n\nLegat, Franz\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n212\nAnandamide-induced mobilization of cytosolic Ca2+ in endothelial cells.\n\nMombouli, JV\n\nSchaeffer, G\n\nHolzmann, S\n\nKostner, GM\n\nGraier, WF\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000079645200010\n10323591.0\n10.1038/sj.bjp.0702483\nPMC1565946\n1. Experiments were designed to determine whether anandamide affects cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations in endothelial cells and, if so, whether CB1 cannabinoid receptors are involved. To this effect, human umbilical vein-derived EA.hy926 endothelial cells were loaded with fura-2 to monitor changes in cytosolic Ca2+ using conventional fluorescence spectrometry methods. 2. Anandamide induced an increase in Ca2+ in endothelial cells which, in contrast to histamine, developed slowly and was transient. Anandamide caused a concentration-dependent release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores without triggering capacitative Ca2+ entry, contrary to histamine or the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin. 3. Anandamide pretreatment slightly reduced the mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores that was evoked by histamine. The mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores evoked by anandamide was impaired by 10 mM caffeine. 4. Anandamide and histamine each significantly increased NO synthase activity in EA.hy926 cells, as determined by the enhanced conversion of L-[3H]-arginine to L-[3H]-citruline. 5. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A (1 microM) only produced a marginal reduction of the mobilization of Ca2+ produced by 5 microM anandamide. However, at 5 microM SR141716A elicited the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. This concentration strongly impaired the mobilization of cytosolic Ca2+ evoked by either anandamide, histamine or thapsigargin. 6. Pretreatment of the cells with either 200 microM phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (to inhibit the conversion of anandamide into arachidonic acid) or 400 ng ml(-1) pertussis toxin (to uncouple CB1 cannabinoid receptors from Gi/o proteins) had no significant effect on the mobilization of cytosolic Ca2+ evoked by either anandamide, or histamine. 7. Taken together the results demonstrate that anandamide mobilizes Ca2+ from a caffeine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ store that functionally overlaps in part with the internal stores mobilized by histamine. However, a classical CB1 cannabinoid receptor-mediated and pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism does not mediate this novel effect of anandamide in endothelial cells. 8. The mobilization of cytosolic Ca2+ in endothelial cells may account for the endothelium-dependent and NO-mediated vasodilator actions of anandamide. Due to its non-specific inhibition of Ca2+ signalling in endothelial cells, SR141716A may not be used to assess the physiological involvement of endogenous cannabinoids to endothelium-dependent control of vascular smooth muscle tone.\n\nGraier, Wolfgang\n\nKostner, Gerhard\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n107570\nClinical experience with a tensor fasciae latae perforator flap based on septocutaneous perforators.\n\nHubmer, MG\n\nJustich, I\n\nHaas, FM\n\nKoch, H\n\nParvizi, D\n\nFeigl, G\n\nPrandl, E\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000290562600022\n21163717.0\n10.1016/j.bjps.2010.11.002\nNone\nBased on an anatomical study of the perforators of the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) perforator flap, a clinical study was undertaken to confirm our data in a clinical trial and to demonstrate the ability to harvest a TFL perforator flap on septocutaneous perforators.\n A retrospective case series analysis was performed of patients, who had undergone reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the extremities, the groin and the head in 17 cases with a TFL perforator flap based on septocutaneous perforators; in three cases, a combined flap was used. The size of the flaps, the number of perforators, their external diameter, the length of the pedicle and the location and the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) were recorded.\n The average number of septocutaneous perforators per flap was 1.3 (range, 1-3); the average distance from the ASIS was 11 cm (range, 8-14 cm). The pedicle length varied between 4 and 10 cm, with an average of 7 cm; the average diameter of the pedicle was 4 mm (range, 1-5 mm). The average length of the flaps was 14 cm (range, 4.5-25), and the average width was 7 cm (range, 4.5-19). Donor site closure was achieved by direct closure in 14 patients, and in three patients with a split-thickness skin graft. In one case, at least two-thirds of the flap became necrotic because the septocutaneous perforator was located too far laterally from the flap centre. In one case of a combined flap, one skin island became partly necrotic due to compression after the pedicle was placed beneath the tendon of the extensor tibialis anterior muscle. One flap was successfully revised after venous thrombosis.\n The reliability and consistency of the septocutaneous perforators of the TFL flap make planning of this flap easy and the dissection straightforward. Although the number of complications is high in this series, only one complication is related to the flap and the planning itself. With the proposed modifications, we recommend this flap as an interesting alternative to other fasciocutaneous flaps.\n Copyright © 2010 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.\n\nHubmer, Martin\n\nJustich, Ivo\n\nKoch, Horst\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n140771\nHolt Oram syndrome: a registry-based study in Europe.\n\nBarisic, I\n\nBoban, L\n\nGreenlees, R\n\nGarne, E\n\nWellesley, D\n\nCalzolari, E\n\nAddor, MC\n\nArriola, L\n\nBergman, JE\n\nBraz, P\n\nBudd, JL\n\nGatt, M\n\nHaeusler, M\n\nKhoshnood, B\n\nKlungsoyr, K\n\nMcDonnell, B\n\nNelen, V\n\nPierini, A\n\nQueisser-Wahrendorf, A\n\nRankin, J\n\nRissmann, A\n\nRounding, C\n\nTucker, D\n\nVerellen-Dumoulin, C\n\nDolk, H\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000345662800001\n25344219.0\n10.1186/s13023-014-0156-y\nPMC4245183\nHolt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by upper limb anomalies and congenital heart defects. We present epidemiological and clinical aspects of HOS patients using data from EUROCAT (European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies) registries.\n The study was based on data collected during 1990-2011 by 34 registries. The registries are population-based and use multiple sources of information to collect data on all types of birth using standardized definitions, methodology and coding. Diagnostic criteria for inclusion in the study were the presence of radial ray abnormalities and congenital heart disease (CHD), or the presence of either radial ray anomaly or CHD, with family history of HOS.\n A total of 73 cases of HOS were identified, including 11 (15.1%) TOPFA and 62 (84.9%) LB. Out of 73 HOS cases, 30.8% (20/65) were suspected prenatally, 55.4% (36/65) at birth, 10.7% (7/65) in the first week of life, and 3.1% (2/65) in the first year of life. The prenatal detection rate was 39.2% (20/51), with no significant change over the study period. In 55% (11/20) of prenatally detected cases, parents decided to terminate pregnancy. Thumb anomalies were reported in all cases. Agenesis/hypoplasia of radius was present in 49.2% (30/61), ulnar aplasia/hypoplasia in 24.6% (15/61) and humerus hypoplasia/phocomelia in 42.6% (26/61) of patients. Congenital heart defects (CHD) were recorded in 78.7% (48/61) of patients. Isolated septal defects were present in 54.2 (26/48), while 25% (12/48) of patients had complex/severe CHD. The mean prevalence of HOS diagnosed prenatally or in the early years of life in European registries was 0.7 per 100, 00 births or 1:135, 15 births.\n HOS is a rare genetic condition showing regional variation in its prevalence. It is often missed prenatally, in spite of the existence of major structural anomalies. When discovered, parents in 45% (9/20) of cases opt for the continuation of pregnancy. Although a quarter of patients have severe CHD, the overall first week survival is very good, which is important information for counselling purposes.\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n168741\nIntermittent Fasting (Alternate Day Fasting) in Healthy, Non-obese Adults: Protocol for a Cohort Trial with an Embedded Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.\n\nTripolt, NJ\n\nStekovic, S\n\nAberer, F\n\nUrl, J\n\nPferschy, PN\n\nSchröder, S\n\nVerheyen, N\n\nSchmidt, A\n\nKolesnik, E\n\nNarath, SH\n\nRiedl, R\n\nObermayer-Pietsch, B\n\nPieber, TR\n\nMadeo, F\n\nSourij, H\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000441364900012\n30046988.0\n10.1007/s12325-018-0746-5\nPMC6096974\nAlternate day fasting (ADF) is a subtype of intermittent fasting and is defined as a continuous sequence of a fast day (100% energy restriction, zero calories) and a feed day (ad libitum food consumption), resulting in roughly 36-h fasting periods. Previous studies demonstrated weight reductions and improvements of cardiovascular risk factors with ADF in obese subjects. However, rigorous data on potential endocrine, metabolic and cardiovascular effects, besides weight loss, are lacking. Therefore we aim to investigate the short- and mid- to long-term clinical and molecular effects of ADF in healthy non-obese subjects.\n We will perform a prospective cohort study with an embedded randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 90 healthy subjects. Thirty of them will have performed ADF for at least 6 months (mid-term group). Sixty healthy subjects without a particular diet before enrolment will serve as the control group. These subjects will be 1:1 randomized to either continuing their current diet or performing ADF for 4 weeks. All subjects will undergo study procedures that will be repeated in RCT participants after 4 weeks. These procedures will include assessment of outcome parameters, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, measurement of endothelial function, an oral glucose tolerance test, 24-h blood pressure measurement, retinal vessel analysis, echocardiography and physical activity measurement by an accelerometer. Blood, sputum, buccal mucosa and faeces will be collected for laboratory analyses. Participants in the RCT will wear a continuous glucose monitor to verify adherence to the study intervention.\n The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of ADF on human physiology and molecular cellular processes. This investigation should gain in-depth mechanistic insights into the concept of ADF and form the basis for larger subsequent cohort recruitment and consecutive intervention studies.\n NCT02673515; registered 24 November 2015. Current protocol date/version: 7 February 2017/version 1.8.\n\nAberer, Felix\n\nKolesnik, Ewald\n\nObermayer-Pietsch, Barbara\n\nPferschy, Peter\n\nPieber, Thomas\n\nRiedl, Regina\n\nSchmidt, Albrecht\n\nSourij, Harald\n\nTripolt, Norbert\n\nVerheyen, Nicolas Dominik\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n168904\nCarditis: a relevant marker of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Data from a prospective central European multicenter study on histological and endoscopic diagnosis of esophagitis (histoGERD trial).\n\nPinto, D\n\nPlieschnegger, W\n\nSchneider, NI\n\nGeppert, M\n\nBordel, H\n\nHöss, GM\n\nEherer, A\n\nWolf, EM\n\nVieth, M\n\nLangner, C\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000461509700002\n30137321.0\n10.1093/dote/doy073\nNone\nThe columnar-lined mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction may contain an inflammatory infiltrate, commonly referred to as carditis (or cardia gastritis). The etiology of carditis is not entirely clear since published data are conflicting. Some authors believe it to be secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and others to Helicobacter pylori gastritis. This prospective study aims at clarifying the relationship between carditis and the histological, clinical, and endoscopic findings of GERD, in a large cohort of individuals negative for H. pylori infection. Eight hundred and seventy-three individuals (477 females and 396 males, median age 53 years) participated in this study. Biopsy material was systematically sampled from above and below the gastroesophageal junction. Reflux-associated changes of the esophageal squamous epithelium were assessed according to the Esohisto consensus guidelines. Grading of carditis was performed according to the Updated Sydney System, known from the histological evaluation of gastritis. In total, 590 individuals (67.5%) had chronic carditis. Of these, 468 (53.6%) had mild chronic inflammation, with 321 individuals (68.6%) showing no or minimal changes on endoscopic examination (Los Angeles Categories N and M). The presence of chronic carditis was associated with several GERD-related parameters of the esophageal squamous epithelium (P < 0.0001), and data retained statistical significance even when analysis was restricted to individuals with mild chronic carditis and/or endoscopically normal mucosa. Chronic carditis was also associated with the presence of intestinal metaplasia (P < 0.0001). In addition, chronic carditis had a statistically significant association with patients' symptoms of GERD (P = 0.0107). This observation remained valid for mild chronic carditis in all patients (P = 0.0038) and in those with mild chronic carditis and normal endoscopic mucosa (P = 0.0217). In conclusion, chronic carditis appears to be the immediate consequence of GERD, correlating with patients' symptoms and endoscopic diagnosis. These results are valid in individuals with nonerosive reflux disease, which indicates a higher sensitivity of histological diagnosis. Our findings may impact the routine assessment of reflux patients.\n\nEherer, Andreas\n\nLangner, Cord\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n179864\nTherapeutic potential of FLANC, a novel primate-specific long non-coding RNA in colorectal cancer.\n\nPichler, M\n\nRodriguez-Aguayo, C\n\nNam, SY\n\nDragomir, MP\n\nBayraktar, R\n\nAnfossi, S\n\nKnutsen, E\n\nIvan, C\n\nFuentes-Mattei, E\n\nLee, SK\n\nLing, H\n\nCatela Ivkovic, T\n\nHuang, G\n\nHuang, L\n\nOkugawa, Y\n\nKatayama, H\n\nTaguchi, A\n\nBayraktar, E\n\nBhattacharya, R\n\nAmero, P\n\nHe, WR\n\nTran, AM\n\nVychytilova-Faltejskova, P\n\nKlec, C\n\nBonilla, DL\n\nZhang, X\n\nKapitanovic, S\n\nLoncar, B\n\nGafà, R\n\nWang, Z\n\nCristini, V\n\nHanash, SM\n\nBar-Eli, M\n\nLanza, G\n\nSlaby, O\n\nGoel, A\n\nRigoutsos, I\n\nLopez-Berestein, G\n\nCalin, GA\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000572338600017\n31988194.0\n10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318903\nPMC7382985\nTo investigate the function of a novel primate-specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), named FLANC, based on its genomic location (co-localised with a pyknon motif), and to characterise its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.\n FLANC expression was analysed in 349 tumours from four cohorts and correlated to clinical data. In a series of multiple in vitro and in vivo models and molecular analyses, we characterised the fundamental biological roles of this lncRNA. We further explored the therapeutic potential of targeting FLANC in a mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases.\n FLANC, a primate-specific lncRNA feebly expressed in normal colon cells, was significantly upregulated in cancer cells compared with normal colon samples in two independent cohorts. High levels of FLANC were associated with poor survival in two additional independent CRC patient cohorts. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the modulation of FLANC expression influenced cellular growth, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis and metastases formation ability of CRC cells. In vivo pharmacological targeting of FLANC by administration of 1, -dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles loaded with a specific small interfering RNA, induced significant decrease in metastases, without evident tissue toxicity or pro-inflammatory effects. Mechanistically, FLANC upregulated and prolonged the half-life of phosphorylated STAT3, inducing the overexpression of VEGFA, a key regulator of angiogenesis.\n Based on our findings, we discovered, FLANC as a novel primate-specific lncRNA that is highly upregulated in CRC cells and regulates metastases formation. Targeting primate-specific transcripts such as FLANC may represent a novel and low toxic therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients.\n © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.\n\nKlec, Christiane\n\nPichler, Martin\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n182123\nSclerodermiform basal cell carcinomas versus other histotypes: analysis of specific demographic, clinical and dermatoscopic features.\n\nConforti, C\n\nPizzichetta, MA\n\nVichi, S\n\nToffolutti, F\n\nSerraino, D\n\nDi Meo, N\n\nGiuffrida, R\n\nDeinlein, T\n\nGiacomel, J\n\nRosendahl, C\n\nGourhant, JY\n\nZalaudek, I\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:000607303300047\n32401364.0\n10.1111/jdv.16597\nNone\nAmong the various types of basal cell carcinoma, the sclerodermiform variant has a high risk of recurrence and local invasiveness. A systematic description of the dermatoscopic features associated with specific body localization is lacking.\n To describe the clinical and dermoscopic features of sclerodermiform BCC according to localization in the body confronting with superficial and nodular types.\n Clinical and dermoscopic images of sclerodermiform, nodular and superficial BCCs were retrospectively evaluated to study the location in the various body districts, maximum diameter, clinical appearance of the lesion, features of edges and presence or absence of specific dermatoscopic criteria of BCCs.\n We examined 291 histopathologically proven BCCs showing that in nodular BCCs, classical arborizing vessels were more frequently found in the body macro-area (trunk and limbs; n=46, 97.9%) than in the head/neck area (n=43, 82.7%); within sclerodermiform BCCs, short arborizing vessels were found more frequently in the head/neck district (n=35, 49.3%) than in the body (n=6, 23.1%) (p-value 0.02); within nodular BCCs, multiple blue-grey dots and globules were more frequently found on the trunk (n=23, 48.9%) than in the head/neck district (n=12, 23.1%) (p-value 0.01). In sclerodermiform BCCs, ulceration was found more frequently in the head/neck district (n=38, 53.5%) than in the body (n=4, 15.4%) (p-value >0.01) and in superficial BCCs, ulceration was found more frequently in the head/neck district (n=5, 38.5%) than in the body (n=8, 9.8%) (p-value 0.02).\n Our study shows that sBCC are found frequently in the head/neck district dermoscopically characterized by ulceration and arborizing vessels; nBCCs are more frequently found in the body than in the head/neck district and the dermoscopic pattern is characterized by the combination of three features: (i) classical arborizing vessels, (ii) multiple blue-grey dots and (iii) globules. Instead, sdBCCs is preferentially located in areas at high-moderate risk of recurrence; if pink-white areas and/or fine arborizing vessels are seen, clinicians should consider this diagnosis. Furthermore, location-specific dermatoscopic criteria have been described.\n This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.\n\nDeinlein, Teresa Maria\n\nZalaudek, Iris\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n1580\nMagnetic resonance imaging white matter hyperintensities in clinically normal elderly individuals. Correlations with plasma concentrations of naturally occurring antioxidants.\n\nSchmidt, R\n\nHayn, M\n\nFazekas, F\n\nKapeller, P\n\nEsterbauer, H\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:A1996VQ16300020\n8898813.0\n10.1161/01.STR.27.11.2043\nNone\nBACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: White matter hyperintensities are a common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) observation in the elderly. They are believed to represent a subclinical form of ischemic brain damage, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still incompletely understood. We postulated that oxidative mechanisms may favor the development of these changes and therefore correlated their presence and extent with the plasma concentrations of 10 naturally occurring antioxidants. METHODS: We studied 355 clinically normal volunteers 45 to 75 years of age who were randomly selected from the official community register. A 1.5-T MRI of the brain and measurements of the plasma concentrations of antioxidants including zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lycopene, alpha- and beta-carotene, retinol, gamma- and alpha-tocopherol, as well as ascorbate were performed in all study participants. White matter hyperintensities were graded as punctate, beginning confluent, and confluent abnormalities. RESULTS: Punctate, beginning confluent, and confluent white matter abnormalities occurred in 101 (28.5%), 44 (12.4%), and 14 (3.9%) individuals, respectively. Study participants with white matter damage were significantly older and had a higher frequency of arterial hypertension and cardiac disease but lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol. The plasma levels of lycopene and alpha-tocopherol were significantly lower in subjects with early confluent and confluent white matter hyperintensities, while individuals with punctate foci had an antioxidant status similar to those with normal MRI scans. Alpha-tocopherol was the only antioxidant that remained significantly and inversely related to the presence of beginning confluent and confluent white matter changes after adjustment for the between-group differences in age, arterial hypertension, cardiac disease, and cholesterol. The adjusted odds ratio for early confluent and confluent white matter abnormalities was 3.70 (95% CI, 1.69 to 8.10) in the lowest compared with the highest quartile of the alpha-tocopherol concentration. The odds ratio increased to 7.11 (95% CI, 1.63 to 22.84) when quintiles of the alpha-tocopherol level were compared. CONCLUSIONS: These data do not prove a causal relation, but they provide evidence of an association between low plasma concentrations of vitamin E and a higher risk of cerebral white matter disease in elderly normal subjects.\n\nFazekas, Franz\n\nKapeller, Peter\n\nSchmidt, Reinhold\n\n\n"
},
{
"text": "\n2398\nSonography of acute cholecystitis: comparison of color and power Doppler sonography in detecting a hypervascularized gallbladder wall.\n\nUggowitzer, M\n\nKugler, C\n\nSchramayer, G\n\nKammerhuber, F\n\nGröll, R\n\nHausegger, KA\n\nRatschek, M\n\nQuehenberger, F\n\nBeiträge in Fachzeitschriften\nISI:A1997WJ62800028\n9057520.0\n10.2214/ajr.168.3.9057520\nNone\nOBJECTIVE: We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of power Doppler sonography compared with conventional color Doppler sonography and gray-scale sonography in diagnosing patients with acute cholecystitis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients with right upper quadrant pain and 72 healthy volunteers underwent gray-scale sonography, conventional color Doppler sonography, and power Doppler sonography of the gallbladder. The vascularity of the gallbladder wall was scored on a scale of 0 to +3. Histology revealed acute cholecystitis in 55 patients. Histologic specimens and clinical workups showed that the remaining 21 patients suffered from other diseases. RESULTS: Sensitive sonographic features such as the positive Murphy's sign (in 96% of patients with acute cholecystitis), calculi (95%), and a thickened gallbladder wall (73%) lacked specificity (71%, 38%, 67%, respectively) for diagnosing acute cholecystitis. In our study, the sensitivity of power Doppler sonography was 95% compared with 33% for color Doppler sonography in revealing a hypervascularized gallbladder wall. Power Doppler sonography revealed hyperemia within a nonthickened gallbladder wall in four patients with surgically proven acute cholecystitis. Specificity of power Doppler sonography was 86% compared with 95% for conventional color Doppler sonography. False-positive results with power Doppler sonography were caused by pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer, and gallbladder carcinoma. Interobserver variability seemed to play no significant role. No intramural hypervascularity was detected in the volunteer group. In four (4%) of 89 symptomatic patients we could not use power Doppler sonography because of the patients noncompliance. Mean values of the resistive index assessed within intramural vessels of the gallbladder showed no significant differences (p < .001) between patients with acute cholecystitis (0.73) and patients with other diseases (0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Although the sensitivity of power Doppler sonography in diagnosing acute cholecystitis was similar to that of gray-scale sonography, the specificity of power Doppler sonography was significantly higher, which may substantially improve diagnostic confidence. However, the high susceptibility of power Doppler sonography to motion artifacts makes appropriate adjustment of technical parameters much more relevant than with other sonographic imaging. The resistive index within intramural vessels has no clinical use in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.\n\nHausegger, Klaus\n\nQuehenberger, Franz\n\nRatschek, Manfred\n\n\n"
}
]
}