Broadband sample holder for microwave spectroscopy of superconducting qubits.

We present a practical design and implementation of a broadband sample holder suitable for microwave experiments with superconducting integrated circuits at millikelvin temperatures. Proposed design can be easily integrated in standard dilution cryostats, has flat pass band response in a frequency range from 0 to 32 GHz, allowing the RF testing of the samples with substrate size up to 4 × 4 mm(2). The parasitic higher modes interference in the holder structure is analyzed and prevented via design considerations. The developed setup can be used for characterization of superconducting parametric amplifiers, bolometers, and qubits. We tested the designed sample holder by characterizing of a superconducting flux qubit at 20 mK temperature.

Tissue engineering of composite grafts: Cocultivation of human oral keratinocytes and human osteoblast-like cells on laminin-coated polycarbonate membranes and equine collagen membranes under different culture conditions.

In complex craniomaxillofacial defects, the simultaneous reconstruction of hard and soft tissue is often necessary. Until now, oral keratinocytes and osteoblast-like cells have not been cocultivated on the same carrier. For the first time, the cocultivation of human oral keratinocytes and human osteoblast-like cells has been investigated in this study. Different carriers (laminin-coated polycarbonate and equine collagen membranes) and various culture conditions were examined. Human oral keratinocytes and human osteoblast-like cells from five patients were isolated from tissue samples, seeded on the opposite sides of the carriers and cultivated for 1 and 2 weeks under static conditions in an incubator and in a perfusion chamber. Proliferation and morphology of the cells were analyzed by EZ4U-tests, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Cocultivation of both cell-types seeded on one carrier was possible. Quantitative and qualitative growth was significantly better on collagen membranes when compared with laminin-coated polycarbonate membranes independent of the culture conditions. Using perfusion culture in comparison to static culture, the increase of cell proliferation after 2 weeks of cultivation when compared with the proliferation after 1 week was significantly lower, independent of the carriers used. In conclusion, the contemporaneous cultivation of human oral keratinocytes and human osteoblast-like cells on the same carrier is possible, a prerequisite for planned in vivo studies. As carrier collagen is superior to laminin-coated polycarbonate membranes. Regarding the development over time, the increase of proliferation rate is lower in perfusion culture. Examinations of cellular differentiation over time under various culture conditions will be subject of further investigations.

Impact of temperature on biodegradation of bulk and trace organics during soil passage in an indirect reuse system.

Investigations on the behavior of bulk organics and trace organic compounds in a temperature controlled soil column system are reported. Objective of the research was to assess the importance of temperature for the degradation of bulk and trace organics. The analysis of the bulk organic behavior showed a fast mineralization of easily degradable organic carbon in the first few centimetres of the columns, which does not seem to be temperature-dependent. Along the further infiltration path an influence of the different temperatures on the bioactivity was clearly visible. However, a significant increase of mineralization potential of bulk organic compounds with increasing temperature was shown. The monitoring of the single organic pollutants Iopromide, Sulfamethoxazole and naphthalenedisulfonic acids showed that temperature has an influence on the degradation behavior of the monitored compounds. In most cases higher temperatures increased the mineralization potential.

Comparative in vitro study of the proliferation and growth of human osteoblast-like cells on various biomaterials.

In vitro studies about the growth behavior of osteoblasts onto biomaterials is a basic knowledge and a screening method for the development and application of scaffolds in vivo. In this in vitro study human osteoblast-like (HOB) cells were cultured on seven different biomaterials used in dental and craniomaxillofacial surgery, respectively. The tested biomaterials were synthetic biodegradable (MacroPore, Ethisorb, PDS, Beriplast P) and nonbiodegradable polymers (Palacos) as well as calcium phosphate cement (BoneSource) and titanium. The cell proliferation and cell colonization were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and EZ4U-test. Statistical analysis were performed. HOB-like cells cultivated on Ethisorb showed the highest proliferation rate. The proliferation rate was statistically significant compared with Palacos, MacroPore, and BoneSource. Whereas, Beriplast, PDS, and titanium yielded lower proliferation rates. However, there was no statistically significant difference compared with Palacos, MacroPore, and BoneSource. SEM analysis showed no significant difference in individual cell features and cell colonization. But an infiltration and a growth of HOB-like cells throughout the porous structure of Ethisorb, which is formed by crossing fibers, is a striking different feature (macrotopography). This feature can explain the highest proliferation rate of Ethisorb. The results showed that HOB-like cells appear to be sensitive to substrate composition and topography. Moreover, the basis for further studies with such biomaterial/osteoblast constructs in vivo are provided. Further focusing points are developing techniques to fabricate three-dimensional porous biomaterial/cell constructs, studying the tissue reaction and the bone regeneration of such constructs compared with the use of autologous bone.

Evidence for associations between common polymorphisms of estrogen receptor beta gene with homocysteine and nitric oxide.

BACKGROUND: Homocysteine and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) affect nitric oxide (NO) concentration, thereby contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both amino acids can be reduced in vivo by estrogen. Variation in the estrogen receptor (ER) may influence homocysteine and ADMA, yet no information is available on associations with single nucleotide polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor genes ERalpha (PvuII and XbaI) and ERbeta (1730G-->A and cx + 56 G-->A). OBJECTIVE: To find relationships between common polymorphisms associated with cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors homocysteine and ADMA. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study with healthy postmenopausal women (n = 89), homocysteine, ADMA, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), plasma folate and ERalpha and beta polymorphisms ERalpha PvuII, ERalpha XbaI; ERbeta 1730G-->A (AluI), ERbeta cx + 56 G-->A (Tsp509I) were analyzed. RESULTS: Women who are homozygotic for ERbetacx + 56 G-->A A/A exhibited higher homocysteine (p = 0.012) and NOx (p = 0.056) levels than wildtype or heterozygotes. NOx concentration was also significantly affected by ERbeta 1730 G -->A polymorphism (p = 0.025). The ERbeta (p < 0.001) and ERalpha (p < 0.001) polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: Women who are homozygotic for ERbetacx + 56 G-->A A/A may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease due to higher homocysteine levels.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), intracellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) level in serum and follicular fluid of infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and tubal damage, and their effect on ICSI outcome.

PROBLEM: The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and soluble intracellular adhesions molecule (sICAM-1) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of polycystic ovary (PCO), endometriosis and tubal factor infertility and male factor infertility patients, and to investigate the relationship between these parameters and the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHOD OF STUDY: The concentration of FGF and sICAM-1 in serum and FF were determined in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for ICSI therapy for various etiology of infertility and the results of cytokines concentration and ICSI outcome were compared between the groups. Twenty patients with PCO (G.I), 17 with endometriosis (G.II), 19 with tubal damage (G.III) and 19 with male factor infertility (G.IV) were enrolled in this study. Quantitative determination of levels of FGF and sICAM-1 was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). RESULTS: The FGF level in serum of PCO patients (G.I) were 4.8 +/- 2.3 and in FF were 104.0 +/- 39.0 pg/mL. The corresponding values in the endometriosis patients group (G.II) were 5.9 +/- 3.1 and 125.4 +/- 74.9 pg/mL. The concentration of FGF in tubal factor infertility group (G.III) in serum was significantly higher (P = 0.009) than those observed in the PCO group (G.I) 7.4 +/- 4.5 pg/mL, whereas the concentration in FF was at the same level like the other groups investigated, 128.7 +/- 75.9 pg/mL. Besides, the sICAM-1 (pg/ml) concentration in FF showed a significant difference between the groups investigated (G.I, 175.3 +/- 52.8; G.II 194.4 +/- 32.2; G.III 233.1 +/- 54.3; and G.IV 215.1 +/- 54.4 ng/mL; P = 0.003). The sICAM-1 levels in serum were not significantly different between the groups (217.0 +/- 42.9; 216.3 +/- 73.6; 254.8 +/- 79.6; 237.56 +/- 78.4 ng/ml; P = 0.267). The fertilization rate was significantly higher in G.III (66.0 +/- 23.89%) in comparison to G.II (38.8 +/- 33.9%; P = 0.014) or G.IV (38.7 +/- 22.7%; P = 0.012). The pregnancy rates were similar in all groups (30, 35.3 and 35.0, 38.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both, FGF and sICAM-1 are present in serum and FF of patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for ICSI therapy. The FGF concentration in serum differs significantly between the groups investigated, whereas, no significant difference could be observed in the FF concentration of FGF. On the other hand, the sICAM in serum showed no significant difference between the groups, whereas, sICAM in FF demonstrated a significant difference between the patient groups investigated. On the whole, the ICSI outcome was not related to serum or FF concentrations of FGF or sICAM-1. Therefore, the mean concentration of FGF and sICAM-1 in serum and in FF could not be used to predict the fertilization rate in an ICSI program.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparins: a consensus statement of the Gesellschaft für Thrombose-und Hämostaseforschung (GTH).

Recent studies have led to a new concept for the management of deep vein thrombosis. The German Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis decided to work up the clinical studies in this field published until June 1996 for a consensus statement. The consensus group concluded that (1) high-dose, APTT-controlled subcutaneous administration of unfractionated heparin is as effective as high-dose, APTT-controlled continuous intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin (grade B recommendation); (2) the anticoagulation with heparin may start at day 1 or 2, overlapping with oral anticoagulants for 7 to 10 days (grade C recommendation); (3) high-dose subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparins are almost as effective and safe as continuous intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparins (grade B recommendation); (4) no agreement was obtained for the other concomitant treatments of DVT, such as duration of bed rest, use of antiphlogistic drugs, whether LMW heparins are comparable, and whether outpatient treatment can be recommended using LMW heparins.

[The immunocytochemical study of pleural effusion and ascites using Ber-EP-4 antibodies]. / Immuzytochemische Untersuchung von Pleuraerguss und Aszites mit Ber-EP-4-Antikörpern.

OBJECTIVE: It was investigated whether the immunocytochemical analysis of pleural effusions and ascites with a new antibody can improve sensitivity and specificity in the demonstration of carcinoma cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cytological and immunocytochemical analyses were performed on 111 unselected consecutive aspirated samples (from 97 patients) of pleural effusions (73) and ascites (38). They were stained with Ber-EP-4 antibodies against epithelial antigen and leukocyte common antigen. Information indicated the presence of malignancy underlying 59 of the effusions. RESULTS: Native cytology demonstrated tumour cells in 21 of these 59 samples (36%), while Ber-EP-4 positive cells were present in 34 (58%). 41 samples were judged as "suspect" by native cytology, 29 of which were actually malignant, while 16 out of 48 samples "without evidence of tumour" were actually known to be malignant. Demonstration of tumour cells succeeded by immunocytochemical analysis in 10 of the 41 judged "suspect" by native cytology and in four of the 48 "unremarkable" samples. There were no false-positive reactions with mesothelial cells or macrophages: no Ber-EP-4 reactivity occurred in the 45 benign effusions and the seven malignant, but not epithelial, ones. Tests with one LCA antibody was of no additional diagnostic value, but proved valuable as positive controls of the staining technique. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that analysis of effusions with the Ber-EP-4 antibody has a higher specificity and sensitivity than native cytology in the demonstration of carcinoma cells.

Rate of fibrinogen breakdown related to coronary patency and bleeding complications in patients with thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction--results from the PRIMI trial.

Four hundred and one patients with acute myocardial infarction of less than 4 h duration were randomized to receive intravenous thrombolytic treatment with either 80 mg of full length unglycosylated single-chain-urokinase plasminogen activator (INN saruplase) or 1.5 million IU of streptokinase delivered over a 60 min period. Angiographic patency rates were higher at 60 min in saruplase treated patients (71.8% vs 48%; P less than 0.001), but did not differ significantly at 90 min (71.2% vs 63.9%; P = 0.15). Fibrinogen levels dropped markedly in both groups, the decrease being delayed and less pronounced with saruplase. Total fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products and D-dimer values rose earlier and to higher peak values in streptokinase treated patients. In both groups marked plasminogen and alpha 2-antiplasmin consumption was observed. Lower fibrinogen levels, and in particular the faster rate of fibrinogen breakdown, were associated with higher patency rates at 90 min (P less than 0.05). Patients with bleeding complications had lower 'lowest points' and a more rapid decrease in fibrinogen (P less than 0.05). These findings were not related to the drug used. Increased heparin levels at 6 to 12 h were correlated to bleeding complications in streptokinase treated patients. It is concluded that the rate of fibrinogen breakdown during and following thrombolytic treatment for acute myocardial infarction is related to early vessel patency and bleeding complications.

Lack of association between haemostatic variables and the presence or the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.

Blood samples were taken for haemostatic analysis from 225 patients with angina pectoris who were admitted to hospital for coronary angiography. beta thromboglobulin, platelet factor 3, platelet factor 4, factor VII:C, factor VIII:C, von Willebrand factor antigen, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C:Ag, plasminogen, and antiplasmin were measured before angiography. Patients who had had a myocardial infarction in the two months before the investigation were excluded from the study. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that none of the haemostatic variables contributed independently to the prediction of an angiographic score that indicated the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. History of myocardial infarction, male sex, worsening of angina pectoris, serum triglycerides, and ejection fraction were independently associated with the angiographic score. There were some significant correlations between haemostatic variables and conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease. Thus data obtained from haemostatic analyses of peripheral venous blood do not permit the presence or the extent of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries to be predicted.

[Partial remission of fulminant thrombotic-thrombopenic purpura (Moschcowitz syndrome) by infusion of fresh plasma]. / Partielle Remission der fulminanten thrombotisch-thrombozytopenischen Purpura (Moschcowitz-Syndrom) unter Infusion von Frischplasma.

In addition to the typical manifestations of thrombotic-thrombocytopenic purpura like thrombocytopenia, haemolysis, fever, coma and renal failure, signs of a beginning DIC could be seen in a patient after abdominal surgery. Haemostatic, cardiovascular and respiratory data are presented. Pulmonary angiography by using a Swan-Ganz-catheter revealed multiple filling defects reversible with therapy. Treatment with fresh whole blood aggravated thrombocytopenia. Daily infusions of fresh frozen plasma combined with heparinisation and antithrombin III because of DIC, induced haematologic remission. Renal failure and cerebral symptoms could not be influenced. Diagnosis, monitoring and therapy are discussed.

Influence of low molecular weight heparin on the hemostatic system after abdominal surgery.

The hemostatic effect of two low molecular weight heparin fractions and of one unfractionated heparin preparation administered subcutaneously b.i.d. was examined in 6 healthy subjects and in 53 patients after major abdominal surgery. Among other tests platelet count, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, beta-thromboglobulin, antithrombin, antiplasmin, FPA and F-CB 3 related antigen, as well as various heparin activities, were repeatedly determined pre- and postoperatively. Under all tested conditions the low molecular weight fractions induced higher heparin levels, both in terms of anti-Xa and of anti-thrombin activity. No further significant differences of the laboratory results between the treatment groups were documented. Total blood loss measured at the first postoperative day was higher in patients with malignancy and negatively correlated with antithrombin and antiplasmin levels, while no relation was observed with the heparin activities and the other tested parameters. Whereas evidence for a hemorrhagic property of the tested low molecular weight heparin fractions was found, a particular mechanism underlying this effect could not be identified.

Evidence for an endothelial cell dysfunction in association with Behçet's disease.

Suppression of the fibrinolytic system is a well-known phenomenon in patients with Behcet's disease regardless of whether they present thrombotic complications. This finding has been related to impaired production and/or release of plasminogen activators from the vascular endothelium. In previous studies a diminished release of PF4 upon heparin stimuli was observed in plasma from patients with Behcet's disease and interpreted as an additional indicator for endothelial cell dysfunction. In the present investigations, 12 patients and 10 healthy volunteers received DDAVP infusions and euglobulin clot lysis time, factor VIII activities and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels in plasma were repeatedly determined before and after infusions. At different times following DDAVP infusion, euglobulin clot lysis time was significantly longer and levels of F.VIII R:Ag were lower in patients than in normals. F. VIII:C activity increased in both groups, whereas no changes were seen in the plasma levels of 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha either in normals or in patients. It is concluded that the disseminated damage of endothelial tissue associated with Behçet's disease correlates with multiple endothelial cell dysfunctions and subsequent hemostatic abnormalities.

Clinical efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis.

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of two low molecular weight heparin ( LMWH ) fractions in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were assessed. One hundred twenty-six patients undergoing major abdominal surgery received alternatively 2,500 APTT units b.i.d. of two LMWH fractions or 5,000 APTT units b.i.d. of an unfractionated sodium mucosal heparin ( UFH ). LMWH 2 differed from LMWH 1 by presenting a lower mean molecular weight and a higher anti-Xa/APTT ratio in vitro. Patients were randomly allocated to the three groups, and the development of DVT was studied with the 125I-fibrinogen uptake test ( RFUT ). The study was interrupted and the code broken prematurely because of otherwise unexplainable bleeding events. While no thrombosis and no severe bleeding were detected in the UFH group, three (7%) RFUT -positive DVT and two (5%) hemorrhagic complications occurred in the LMWH 1 group. No thrombosis and nine (22%) cases of severe bleeding were observed in the LMWH 2 group. Thus, the latter group differed significantly from the control group with regard to subjective and objective criteria for postoperative bleeding. Although these results do not allow general conclusions as to the value of LMWH fractions in the prevention of DVT, they indicate that these preparations just as ordinary heparin have a limited therapeutic range.

[Heparin elimination in intraoperative autotransfusion with the haemonetics cell saver]. / Heparin-Elimination bei intraoperativer Autotransfusion mit dem Haemonetics Cell Saver.

Intraoperative autotransfusion has proved useful in decreasing decisively the need of donor blood in major operations. Due to an important technical development of the equipment used including the possibility to separate red blood cells and to wash them in physiological saline, typical problems occurring during intraoperative autotransfusion seem to be overcome for the most part. One of these problems is the retransfusion of the citrate or heparin added for anticoagulation of blood. Heparin itself may be responsible for a disturbance of coagulation. The efficiency of eliminating heparin by washing it in the Haemonetics Cell Saver was tested by means of a high sensitive heparin test. Partly the samples were totally free of heparin, partly small remains of heparin could be found. Even the maximum value of 60 I.E. measured in one autologous red blood cell concentrate is of no importance for the daily clinical practice. Intraoperative autotransfusion with the Haemonetics Cell Saver is also superior to a homologous transfusion of blood with its unavoidable share of citrate.