Esperanto for histones: CENP-A, not CenH3, is the centromeric histone H3 variant.

The first centromeric protein identified in any species was CENP-A, a divergent member of the histone H3 family that was recognised by autoantibodies from patients with scleroderma-spectrum disease. It has recently been suggested to rename this protein CenH3. Here, we argue that the original name should be maintained both because it is the basis of a long established nomenclature for centromere proteins and because it avoids confusion due to the presence of canonical histone H3 at centromeres.

Clinical and immune response to undiluted and diluted smallpox vaccine.

QUESTION UNDER STUDY: To assess clinical reactions, immune responses and adverse events to undiluted, three- and sixfold diluted Lister strain vaccine stockpiled in Switzerland. METHODS: A prospective, triple-blinded, randomised, parallel group clinical trial was performed. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2007 104 persons with an indication for vaccinia vaccination were recruited. They had a median age of 33 years (range 18-65), 56 (53.8%) were re-vaccinees and 48 (46.2%) primary vaccinees. There was no statistically significant variation in the proportion of revaccinees between diluted and undiluted vaccine groups (75% vs 51%, p = 0.118). With an overall clinical take rate (major reaction) of 97.1% the majority of the vaccinia-naïve participants exhibited an at least fourfold increase of neutralising antibody titres (32/38, 84.2%) post-vaccination. Interestingly this proportion was lower among re-vaccinees (29/46, 63.0%, p = 0.048). No significant difference was observed in the take rate or at least fourfold seroconversion rate between the threefold and sixfold diluted vaccine doses. Adverse events were reported by 98 (94.2%) participants, not accounting for itching at the vaccination site. CONCLUSION: Subjects requiring immunisation were successfully (re-) vaccinated with undiluted as well as with three- or sixfold diluted vaccinia vaccine. Our findings complement previous studies with respect to the clinical take rate and immune response. The rate of adverse events was substantial but not unexpected and no severe adverse events occurred. In conclusion, the existing smallpox vaccine stockpile might be expanded by administering three- or sixfold diluted vaccine doses combined with a careful pre-vaccination screening and extensive instructions to vaccinees.

Adaptive response of the rat pancreas to dietary substrates: parallel regulation of trypsinogen and pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor.

Chronic pancreatitis has been associated with malnutrition in alcoholic patients and malnourished juveniles. The composition of the diet, especially the protein content, regulates the synthesis of secretory proteins in the rat pancreas. Adaptive responses of the pancreas have shown that anionic proteases (e.g., trypsinogen) are upregulated during protein deprivation. We hypothesize that the (cationic) pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI) is down-regulated after a protein-deficient diet. Low PSTI levels might cause a lack of protection from prematurely activated trypsin and therefore enhance the risk for pancreatic inflammation. Over a period of 1 month, rats were fed one of four isocaloric diets with a casein content varying from 0 to 82%. PSTI and trypsinogen mRNA remained fairly constant, irrespective of the diet composition. Trypsinogen and elastase secreted into pancreatic juice were upregulated after a protein-deficient diet relative to a control diet. Contrary to our hypothesis, PSTI was also upregulated. Parallel secretion of trypsinogen and PSTI appears to ensure protection against premature activation even under extreme dietary conditions.

[Graduate and continuing education as a contribution to quality assurance in geriatric nursing--results of an empirical study on the current status and the need for change]. / Fort- und Weiterbildung als Beitrag zur Qualitätssicherung in der Altenpflege--Ergebnisse einer empirischen Erhebung zur Ist-Situation und zu Veränderungsnotwendigkeiten.

Efforts to improve the quality of care mainly depend on sufficient capacities of staff qualifications. Professional training is of primary importance to prepare for new tasks and to reduce educational deficits. The results of an empirical study carried out by the Federal Department of Family Affairs and the Kuratorium Deutsche Altershilfe showed that legal prerequisites are insufficient and not consensual among the different states. The offers of educational programs differ extensively, the market is changing topically and the teachers' qualifications can be judged as deficient.

[Status of terminal care in family practice]. / Zum Stellenwert der Betreuung Sterbender in der hausärztlichen Tätigkeit.

The changing paradigm in the health care system to focus stronger on community care also effects the care of the dying. In consequence, general practitioners are confronted with changing tasks and challenges. In an exploratory oriented study 80 general practitioners, who were recruited in one rural and one urban area were interviewed with regard to different variables of the care of the dying such as self concept, different aspects of burden, pain management, education and vocational training as well as cooperation with third parties. Main results show that age of the general practitioners and amount of burden experienced are interrelated. Further, the subject "death and dying" is hardly considered in education and training and the cooperation between the general practitioner and other health care professionals has to be extended and improved.

Special considerations concerning regulatory requirements and drug development for peptides and biotech products in the EU.

The marketing authorization for a new medicinal product is based on the scientific assessment of its quality, safety and efficacy. The marketing authorization application (MAA) which covers all the relevant documentation can be filed in the EU via different application procedures. For peptides and biological products special issues have to be taken into consideration during drug development. Due to special production procedures and the complexity of the active substance itself, peptides and biotech products are subject to specific regulatory requirements. This leads to the necessity to discuss the development program of a new peptide or biotech product with the health authorities on a case by case basis. This article will focus on the special regulatory requirements for peptides and biotech products including the registration procedures as well as technical, preclinical and clinical issues.

Detection of antibody in transparent fluid of semen and in serum after inoculation of Newcastle disease vaccines by different routes.

Cocks were immunized with live and inactivated Newcastle disease virus (ND) vaccines by different routes. Haemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibody activity could be detected in transparent fluid of semen (TF) of these birds except after intracloacal application of an inactivated ND vaccine. Although a comparative study of the HI antibody course in both serum and TF showed similarities after primary and secondary vaccinations, morphological studies of the TF-producing organ suggest the development of local immunity.

A morphological study of antibody transport in the transparent fluid flowing form the lymph-folds of the copulatory organ into the cloacal lumen of the cock (Gallus domesticus).

The lymph of the copulatory organ of the cock is produced mainly in the lymphobulbus phalli. The lymph fluid passes the secretory duct with its branching lymph capillaries and discharges into the lymph-fold. From here, it is released into the interstitial tissue through gaps of the lymph capillaries but also through the intercellular spaces between the endothelial cells of the lymph capillaries. A minor portion of the lymph is produced also in the lymph-fold from where it is transported in the interstitial tissue either by transfer vesicles of the circulatory blood capillaries or by pores and fenestrae of the transudatory blood capillaries. During the erection of the copulatory organ the lymph is pressed through the intercellular spaces of the epithelial covering the lymph-fold which is cylindrical and multistratified in shape. From here, it reaches the cloacal lumen in the form of transparent fluid (TF). TF was collected by different methods. It contains immunoglobulins which arise from plasma cells of the lymph-fold. Juxtaluminally, the lymph passage takes place via zonulae pseudooccludentes. The epithelial covering secretes a mucoid substance which is added to the TF prior to its following the spermatic phase as the final fraction of the ejaculate. Plasma cells and lymphocytes migrate along the lymph flow in the intercellular spaces of the epithelial covering of the lymph-fold. After an experimental application of antigen the sub- and intraepithelial cells and lymphocytes increase in number with their portion of active cells exceeding the less active ones. The increase coincides with the increase in antibodies detected in the TF where they may cause a local immunisation.