Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 383
Filter
1.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 11607, 2021 06 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34078953

ABSTRACT

Atom Probe Tomography (APT) is currently a well-established technique to analyse the composition of solid materials including metals, semiconductors and ceramics with up to near-atomic resolution. Using an aqueous glucose solution, we now extended the technique to frozen solutions. While the mass signals of the common glucose fragments CxHy and CxOyHz overlap with (H2O)nH from water, we achieved stoichiometrically correct values via signal deconvolution. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the stability of the detected pyranose fragments. This paper demonstrates APT's capabilities to achieve sub-nanometre resolution in tracing whole glucose molecules in a frozen solution by using cryogenic workflows. We use a solution of defined concentration to investigate the chemical resolution capabilities as a step toward the measurement of biological molecules. Due to the evaporation of nearly intact glucose molecules, their position within the measured 3D volume of the solution can be determined with sub-nanometre resolution. Our analyses take analytical techniques to a new level, since chemical characterization methods for cryogenically-frozen solutions or biological materials are limited.

2.
Sci Rep ; 10(1): 20271, 2020 11 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33219263

ABSTRACT

Measuring biological samples by atom probe tomography (APT) in their natural environment, i.e. aqueous solution, would take this analytical method, which is currently well established for metals, semi-conductive materials and non-metals, to a new level. It would give information about the 3D chemical structure of biological systems, which could enable unprecedented insights into biological systems and processes, such as virus protein interactions. For this future aim, we present as a first essential step the APT analysis of pure water (Milli-Q) which is the main component of biological systems. After Cryo-preparation, nanometric water tips are field evaporated with assistance by short laser pulses. The obtained data sets of several tens of millions of atoms reveal a complex evaporation behavior. Understanding the field evaporation process of water is fundamental for the measurement of more complex biological systems. For the identification of the individual signals in the mass spectrum, DFT calculations were performed to prove the stability of the detected molecules.

3.
J Phys Condens Matter ; 32(36): 365404, 2020 May 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32396885

ABSTRACT

Thermally-activated phase transitions in Pt/Mn/Fe thin films were investigated by a combination of x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, secondary neutral mass spectrometry depth profiling, atomic force microscopy, and magnetic properties measurements. Post-annealing was carried out in vacuum to different temperatures up to 620 °C. Initially, at temperatures between 280 °C-450 °C first L10-MnPt is formed at the Mn/Pt interface followed by the most likely formation of metastable bcc Fe3Pt, which gets transformed by further annealing to fcc Fe3Pt and eventually to chemically ordered L12-Fe3Pt. The final product after annealing at 620 °C consists of two interesting phases, which are relevant for spintronic applications, antiferromagnetic L10-MnPt with addition of Fe and ferromagnetic L12-Fe3Pt, consistent with the initial element composition.

4.
Ann Bot ; 124(1): 27-40, 2019 08 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30668651

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Water limitation is an important determinant of the distribution, abundance and diversity of plant species. Yet, little is known about how the response to limiting water supply changes among closely related plant species with distinct ecological preferences. Comparison of the model annual species Arabidopsis thaliana with its close perennial relatives A. lyrata and A. halleri, can help disentangle the molecular and physiological changes contributing to tolerance and avoidance mechanisms, because these species must maintain tolerance and avoidance mechanisms to increase long-term survival, but they are exposed to different levels of water stress and competition in their natural habitat. METHODS: A dry-down experiment was conducted to mimic a period of missing precipitation. The covariation of a progressive decrease in soil water content (SWC) with various physiological and morphological plant traits across a set of representative genotypes in A. thaliana, A. lyrata and A. halleri was quantified. Transcriptome changes to soil dry-down were further monitored. KEY RESULTS: The analysis of trait covariation demonstrates that the three species differ in the strategies they deploy to respond to drought stress. Arabidopsis thaliana showed a drought avoidance reaction but failed to survive wilting. Arabidopsis lyrata efficiently combined avoidance and tolerance mechanisms. In contrast, A. halleri showed some degree of tolerance to wilting but it did not seem to protect itself from the stress imposed by drought. Transcriptome data collected just before plant wilting and after recovery corroborated the phenotypic analysis, with A. lyrata and A. halleri showing a stronger activation of recovery- and stress-related genes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The response of the three Arabidopsis species to soil dry-down reveals that they have evolved distinct strategies to face drought stress. These strategic differences are in agreement with the distinct ecological priorities of the stress-tolerant A. lyrata, the competitive A. halleri and the ruderal A. thaliana.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis Proteins , Arabidopsis , Droughts , Phenotype
5.
RSC Adv ; 9(66): 38855-38859, 2019 Nov 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35540238

ABSTRACT

The fast Li conductivity of LiBH4 envisages its use in all-solid-state batteries. Powders are commonly applied. But here, we study the formation of dense micrometer films by melting, spinning and subsequent solidifying. Characterized by electron microscopy, and spectroscopy (EDX/XPS/impedance), a reversible phase transformation is confirmed as well as a maximum conductivity of 103 S cm-1.

7.
J Biol Regul Homeost Agents ; 32(4): 1007-1013, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30043586

ABSTRACT

Many studies, focused on identifying new biomarkers for coronary artery disease (CAD) risk computation and monitoring, suggested a potential diagnostic role for fatty acids (FA). In the present study, we explored the potential diagnostic role of FA by using a data mining approach based on fourth generation artificial neural networks (ANN). Forty-one male subjects were enrolled. According to coronary angiography, 31 displayed CAD and 10 did not (non-CAD, control group). FA analysis was performed on plasma samples using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system and analyses were performed by an ANN method. The variables most closely related to CAD were low levels of alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. High levels of 1,1-dimethoxyhexadecane, total dimethyl acetals and docosatetraenoic acid were related to non-CAD condition. This subset of variables, which were most closely correlated to the target diagnosis, achieved a consistent predictive rate. The average accuracy obtained was 76.5%, with 93% of sensitivity and 60% of specificity. The area under the ROC curve was equal to 0.79. In conclusion, our study highlighted the association between different plasma FA species, CAD and non-CAD conditions. The specific subset of variables could be of interest as a new diagnostic tool for CAD management.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers/blood , Coronary Artery Disease/blood , Fatty Acids/blood , Neural Networks, Computer , Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Sensitivity and Specificity
8.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage ; 25(11): 1890-1899, 2017 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28736247

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Phospholipids (PLs), together with hyaluronan and lubricin, are involved in boundary lubrication within human articular joints. Levels of lubricants in synovial fluid (SF) have been found to be associated with the health status of the joint. However, the biosynthesis and release of PLs within human joints remains poorly understood. This study contributes to our understanding of the effects of cytokines on the biosynthesis of PLs using cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from human osteoarthritic knee joints. METHODS: Cultured FLS were stimulated with IL-1ß, TNFα, IL-6, or inhibitors of cell signaling pathways such as QNZ, SB203580 and SP600125 in the presence of stable isotope-labeled precursors of PLs. Lipids were extracted and quantified using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). RESULTS: Our analyses provide for the first time a detailed overview of PL species being synthesized by FLS. IL-1ß increased the biosynthesis of both phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and PE-based plasmalogens. We show here that the NF-κB, p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways are all involved in IL-1ß-induced PL biosynthesis. IL-6 had no impact on PLs, whereas TNFα increased the biosynthesis of all PL classes. CONCLUSION: The biosynthesis of various PLs is controlled by IL-1ß and TNFα. Our detailed PL species analysis revealed that FLS can partly contribute to the elevated PL levels found in human osteoarthritis (OA) SF. IL-1ß in particular stimulates PE and PE-based plasmalogens which can act as cell-protective antioxidants. These results suggest that during OA progression, FLS undergo alterations in their PL composition to adapt to the new diseased environment.


Subject(s)
Cytokines/pharmacology , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Interleukin-1beta/pharmacology , Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism , Phospholipids/biosynthesis , Synoviocytes/drug effects , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anthracenes/pharmacology , Female , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Glycoproteins/metabolism , Humans , Hyaluronic Acid/metabolism , Imidazoles/pharmacology , Interleukin-6/pharmacology , Knee Joint/cytology , MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects , Male , Middle Aged , NF-kappa B/drug effects , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Pyridines/pharmacology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization , Synovial Fluid/drug effects , Synovial Fluid/metabolism , Synoviocytes/metabolism , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/drug effects , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
9.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol ; 169: 176-188, 2017 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27163393

ABSTRACT

Stored platelet concentrates (PLCs) for therapeutic purpose, develop a platelet storage lesion (PSL), characterized by impaired platelet (PLT) viability and function, platelet extracellular vesicle (PL-EV) release and profound lipidomic changes. Whereas oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) activates PLTs and promotes atherosclerosis, effects linked to oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL) are poorly characterized. PLCs from blood donors were treated with native (nHDL) or mildly oxidized HDL (moxHDL) for 5days under blood banking conditions. Flow cytometry, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), aggregometry, immunoblot analysis and mass spectrometry were carried out to analyze PL-EV and platelet exosomes (PL-EX) release, PLT aggregation, protein expression, and PLT and plasma lipid composition. In comparison to total nHDL, moxHDL significantly decreased PL-EV release by -36% after 5days of PLT storage and partially reversed agonist-induced PLT aggregation. PL-EV release positively correlated with PLT aggregation. MoxHDL improved PLT membrane lipid homeostasis through enhanced uptake of lysophospholipids and their remodeling to corresponding phospholipid species. This also appeared for sphingomyelin (SM) and d18:0/d18:1 sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) at the expense of ceramide (Cer) and hexosylceramide (HexCer) leading to reduced Cer/S1P ratio as PLT-viability indicator. This membrane remodeling was associated with increased content of CD36 and maturation of scavenger receptor-B1 (SR-B1) protein in secreted PL-EVs. MoxHDL, more potently than nHDL, improves PLT-membrane lipid homeostasis, partially antagonizes PL-EV release and agonist-induced PLT aggregation. Altogether, this may be the result of more efficient phospho- and sphingolipid remodeling mediated by CD36 and SR-B1 in the absence of ABCA1 on PLTs. As in vitro supplement in PLCs, moxHDL has the potential to improve PLC quality and to prolong storage.


Subject(s)
Blood Platelets/cytology , Coagulants/chemistry , Lipoproteins, HDL/chemistry , Platelet Aggregation , Blood Platelets/metabolism , Flow Cytometry , Homeostasis , Humans , Lipids/chemistry , Lipoproteins, LDL/chemistry , Lysophospholipids/chemistry , Mass Spectrometry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Oxidation-Reduction , Oxygen/chemistry , Sphingosine/analogs & derivatives , Sphingosine/chemistry
10.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage ; 24(8): 1470-8, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27049029

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The lipid profile of synovial fluid (SF) is related to the health status of joints. The early stages of human osteoarthritis (OA) are poorly understood, which larger animals are expected to be able to model closely. This study examined whether the canine groove model of OA represents early OA in humans based on the changes in the lipid species profile in SF. Furthermore, the SF lipidomes of humans and dogs were compared to determine how closely canine lipid species profiles reflect the human lipidome. METHODS: Lipids were extracted from cell- and cellular debris-free knee SF from nine donors with healthy joints, 17 patients with early and 13 patients with late osteoarthritic changes, and nine dogs with knee OA and healthy contralateral joints. Lipid species were quantified by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). RESULTS: Compared with control canine SF most lipid species were elevated in canine OA SF. Moreover, the lipid species profiles in the canine OA model resembled early OA profiles in humans. The SF lipidomes between dog and human were generally similar, with differences in certain lipid species in the phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and sphingomyelin (SM) classes. CONCLUSIONS: Our lipidomic analysis demonstrates that SF in the canine OA model closely mimics the early osteoarthritic changes that occur in humans. Further, the canine SF lipidome often reflects normal human lipid metabolism.


Subject(s)
Osteoarthritis, Knee , Animals , Dogs , Humans , Knee , Knee Joint , Synovial Fluid , Tandem Mass Spectrometry
11.
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis ; 26(3): 246-53, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26841679

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In coronary artery disease (CAD) epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) shows an elevated inflammatory infiltrate. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important mediators of adipose tissue inflammation and they are able to recognize endogenous products released by damaged cells. Because adipocyte death may be driven by hypertrophy, our aim was to investigate in CAD and non-CAD patients the association between EAT adipocyte size, macrophage infiltration/polarization and TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression. METHODS AND RESULTS: EAT biopsies were collected from CAD and non-CAD patients. The adipocyte size was determined by morphometric analysis. Microarray technology was used for gene expression analysis; macrophage phenotype and TLRs expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical techniques. Inflammatory mediator levels were determined by immunoassays. EAT adipocytes were larger in CAD than non-CAD patients and do not express perilipin A, a marker of lipid droplet integrity. In CAD, EAT is more infiltrated by CD68-positive cells which are polarized toward an M1 state (CD11c positive) and presents an increased pro-inflammatory profile. Both TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression is higher in EAT from CAD and observed on all the CD68-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that EAT hypertrophy in CAD promotes adipocyte degeneration and drives local inflammation through increased infiltration of macrophages which are mainly polarized towards an M1 state and express both TLR-2 and TLR-4.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/pathology , Coronary Artery Disease/genetics , Macrophages/pathology , Pericardium/pathology , Toll-Like Receptor 2/metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism , Adipocytes/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Biopsy , Case-Control Studies , Coronary Artery Disease/pathology , Humans , Hypertrophy , Male , Middle Aged , Perilipin-1/genetics , Perilipin-1/metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 2/genetics , Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics , Up-Regulation , Young Adult
12.
Ultramicroscopy ; 159 Pt 2: 278-84, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26141253

ABSTRACT

The evolution of phase separation and ordering processes determines the structure and properties of Ni-based superalloys. Here we use atom probe tomography to clarify the origin of γ particles occurring in ordered (L12) γ' precipitates in a Ni86.1Al8.5Ti5.4 alloy. Particularly, we elucidate the evolution from nanoscaled Ni-rich heterogeneities (Ni-rich clusters) to γ spheres and then γ plates inside γ' precipitates from the compositional and the thermodynamic point of view. We find that Ni supersaturation of γ' precipitates is relieved by formation of Ni-rich clusters, which results in an energetically more favorable state. Subsequently, coalescence introduces necking between the Ni-rich clusters and leads to the formation of γ particles. Our results demonstrate that phase separation of γ' precipitates is characterized by different stages with various governing driving forces.

13.
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis ; 25(3): 267-73, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25315671

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alterations in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) biology (i.e. increased fat thickness and inflammation) have been described in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. In addition to its classic role in the regulation of calcium-phosphate homeostasis, vitamin D may exert immune-regulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Whether EAT inflammation may be linked to vitamin D deficiency is still unknown. In the present study we evaluated plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD) level in CAD patients and its relationship with EAT ability to locally metabolize vitamin D, EAT expression of inflammation-related molecules and EAT thickness. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma 25OHD level was quantified by an immunoluminometric assay. EAT expression of inflammation-related molecules (MCP-1, PTX3, TNFα, IL-6, adiponectin), vitamin D receptor (VDR), CYP27B1 (25OHD-activating enzyme) and CYP24A1 (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-metabolizing enzyme) was performed by microarray. EAT thickness was quantified by echocardiography. Median plasma 25OHD level was 10.85 ng/mL and 83% of CAD patients displayed 25OHD level below 20 ng/mL. At decreasing plasma 25OHD concentration, we observed a down-regulation in CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 level and an increased expression of VDR and pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, PTX3, TNFα, IL-6) at EAT level. No correlation was observed between plasma 25OHD level and EAT thickness. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest an increased activation of inflammatory pathways at EAT level possibly related to systemic and local vitamin D deficiency in CAD patients. Whether maintaining an optimal vitamin D status may be helpful to reduce EAT inflammation and to prevent CAD and its progression needs further investigation.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/physiopathology , Coronary Artery Disease/physiopathology , Inflammation/physiopathology , Pericardium/physiopathology , Vitamin D Deficiency/physiopathology , 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics , 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase/metabolism , Adiponectin/genetics , Adiponectin/metabolism , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , C-Reactive Protein/genetics , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Chemokine CCL2/genetics , Chemokine CCL2/metabolism , Cholesterol, HDL/blood , Cholesterol, LDL/blood , Coronary Artery Disease/blood , Coronary Artery Disease/complications , Down-Regulation , Humans , Inflammation/complications , Interleukin-6/genetics , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Receptors, Calcitriol/genetics , Receptors, Calcitriol/metabolism , Serum Amyloid P-Component/genetics , Serum Amyloid P-Component/metabolism , Triglycerides/blood , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Vitamin D/blood , Vitamin D Deficiency/blood , Vitamin D Deficiency/complications , Vitamin D3 24-Hydroxylase/genetics , Vitamin D3 24-Hydroxylase/metabolism
14.
Gesundheitswesen ; 77(1): e1-7, 2015 Jan.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24493580

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Decreasing staff numbers compounded by an increasing number of cases is regarded as main challenge in German hospital nursing. These input reductions accompanied by output extensions imply that hospital nursing services have had to achieve a continuous productivity growth in the recent years. Appropriately targeted productivity enhancements require approved and effective methods for productivity acquisition and measurement. However, there is a lack of suitable productivity measurement instruments for hospital nursing services. This deficit is addressed in the present study by the development of an integrated productivity model for hospital nursing services. Conceptually, qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of nursing services productivity are equally taken into consideration. METHODS: Based on systematic literature reviews different conceptual frameworks of service productivity and the current state of research in hospital nursing services productivity were analysed. On this basis nursing sensitive inputs, processes and outputs were identified and integrated into a productivity model. RESULTS: As an adequate framework for a hospital nursing services productivity model the conceptual approach by Grönroos/Ojasalo was identified. The basic structure of this model was adapted stepwise to our study purpose by integrating theoretical and empirical findings from the research fields of service productivity, nursing productivity as well as national and international nursing research. Special challenges existed concerning the identification of relevant influencing factors as well as the representation of nursing sensitive outputs. The final result is an integrated productivity model, which can be used as an adequate framework for further research in hospital nursing productivity. CONCLUSIONS: Research on hospital nursing services productivity is rare, especially in Germany. The conceptual framework developed in this study builds on established knowledge in service productivity research. The theoretical findings have been advanced and adapted to the context of German hospital nursing services. The presented productivity model represents a unique combination of services and nursing services research, which did not exist so far. By operationalisation of the model's components it can be used as the basis for further empirical -research.


Subject(s)
Efficiency, Organizational , Models, Organizational , Nursing Service, Hospital/organization & administration , Nursing Staff, Hospital/organization & administration , Process Assessment, Health Care/methods , Process Assessment, Health Care/organization & administration , Germany , Workload
15.
Arch Dermatol Res ; 306(8): 731-7, 2014 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24920240

ABSTRACT

Classic Refsum disease (RD) is a rare, autosomal recessively-inherited disorder of peroxisome metabolism due to a defect in the initial step in the alpha oxidation of phytanic acid (PA), a C16 saturated fatty acid with four methyl side groups, which accumulates in plasma and lipid enriched tissues (please see van den Brink and Wanders, Cell Mol Life Sci 63:1752-1765, 2006). It has been proposed that the disease complex in RD is in part due to the high affinity of phytanic acid for retinoid X receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Structurally, epidermal hyperplasia, increased numbers of cornified cell layers, presence of cells with lipid droplets in stratum basale and reduction of granular layer to a single layer have been reported by Blanchet-Bardon et al. (The ichthyoses, SP Medical & Scientific Books, New York, pp 65-69, 1978). However, lamellar body (LB) density and secretion were reportedly normal. We recently examined biopsies from four unrelated patients, using both OsO4 and RuO4 post-fixation to evaluate the barrier lipid structural organization. Although lamellar body density appeared normal, individual organelles often had distorted shape, or had non-lamellar domains interspersed with lamellar structures. Some of the organelles seemed to lack lamellar contents altogether, showing instead uniformly electron-dense contents. In addition, we also observed mitochondrial abnormalities in the nucleated epidermis. Stratum granulosum-stratum corneum junctions also showed co-existence of non-lamellar and lamellar domains, indicative of lipid phase separation. Also, partial detachment or complete absence of corneocyte lipid envelopes (CLE) was seen in the stratum corneum of all RD patients. In conclusion, abnormal LB contents, resulting in defective lamellar bilayers, as well as reduced CLEs, likely lead to impaired barrier function in RD.


Subject(s)
Lipid Droplets/ultrastructure , Refsum Disease/pathology , Skin/ultrastructure , Aged , Biopsy , Female , Humans , Lipid Metabolism/genetics , Microscopy, Electron , Middle Aged , Mixed Function Oxygenases/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Peroxisomal Targeting Signal 2 Receptor , Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors/metabolism , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics , Refsum Disease/diagnosis , Refsum Disease/genetics , Skin/metabolism
16.
Klin Padiatr ; 226(2): 53-8, 2014 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24633979

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive ABCA3 (ATP-binding cassette protein A3) gene mutations have been associated with neonatal respiratory distress and pediatric interstitial lung disease. The clinical course of the disease depends on the underlying mutations. Therefore, knowledge of course, symptoms and treatment of the disease is important. PATIENT AND METHODS: A term newborn suffered from progressive respiratory insufficiency, which led to death at the age of 4.8 months. The girl developed interstitial lung disease. Infections as well as structural and functional disorders of the lung were systematically excluded. A homozygous c.4681C > T (Arg 1561 Stop) mutation of the ABCA3 gene was identified. A literature review of the pathophysiology and treatment options of the disease was done. Therapeutic approaches with corticosteroids, macrolide, and hydroxychloroquine did not improve the clinical course. RESULTS: Therapeutic strategies for chronic interstitial lung disease have been used successfully in cases of a mild clinical course in juvenile patients with ABCA3 gene mutation. In our patient with homozygous ABCA3 gene mutation,they were not effective. Lung transplantation remains as a therapeutic option, but because of donor organ shortage and associated morbidity and mortality it is rarely feasible. CONCLUSION: More experience in the treatment of newborns with ABCA3 gene mutations is needed. Randomized, prospective evaluation of the different therapeutic approaches in a specific registry may improve prognosis and treatment of affected individuals.


Subject(s)
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics , Codon, Terminator/genetics , Homozygote , Mutation/genetics , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/genetics , Respiratory Insufficiency/genetics , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Chromosome Aberrations , Fatal Outcome , Female , Genes, Recessive/genetics , Humans , Hydroxychloroquine/therapeutic use , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/drug therapy , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/genetics , Macrolides/therapeutic use , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/drug therapy , Respiratory Insufficiency/drug therapy , Treatment Failure
17.
Nutr Diabetes ; 4: e106, 2014 Feb 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24513579

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4) levels with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in obese subjects with varying degrees of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: Fifty morbidly obese subjects with LVDD were selected at random and matched by age (±5 years) and sex with 50 morbidly obese with normal left ventricular (LV) function. In addition, 24 healthy lean subjects were included as controls. RESULTS: Median FABP4 levels (interquartile range) in obese subjects with LVDD were significantly higher (42 ng ml(-1) (32-53)) than in obese with normal LV function (24 ng ml(-1) (36-43), P=0.036), and in normal weight controls (13 ng ml(-1) (10-20), P<0.0001). Increasing FABP4 tertiles were significantly associated with parameters of LVDD, the number of LVDD components, physical performance and epicardial fat thickness. In multivariate regression analysis adjusting for age, sex and adiposity, FABP4 levels remained significantly associated with parameters of diastolic function. The association of FABP4 levels with LVDD was mainly observed in subjects with metabolic complications, but not in metabolically healthy obese. CONCLUSIONS: FABP4 levels are significantly associated with LVDD in obese subjects, when the MetS is present. Thus, FABP4 may be a link between obesity and cardiometabolic disorders.

18.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun ; 446(3): 751-5, 2014 Apr 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24463103

ABSTRACT

The application of Gas Chromatography (GC)-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI)-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF-MS) is presented for sterol analysis in human plasma. A commercial APCI interface was modified to ensure a well-defined humidity which is essential for controlled ionization. In the first step, optimization regarding flow rates of auxiliary gases was performed by using a mixture of model analytes. Secondly, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of sterols including oxysterols, cholesterol precursors, and plant sterols as trimethylsilyl-derivatives was successfully carried out. The characteristics of APCI together with the very good mass accuracy of TOF-MS data enable the reliable identification of relevant sterols in complex matrices. Linear calibration lines and plausible results for healthy volunteers and patients could be obtained whereas all mass signals were extracted with an extraction width of 20 ppm from the full mass data set. One advantage of high mass accuracy can be seen in the fact that from one recorded run any search for m/z can be performed.


Subject(s)
Chromatography, Gas/methods , Mass Spectrometry/methods , Sterols/blood , Atmospheric Pressure , Humans , Humidity , Xanthomatosis, Cerebrotendinous/blood
19.
J Phys Condens Matter ; 25(11): 115401, 2013 Mar 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23407023

ABSTRACT

In this article we study the elemental distribution and solute solubility in nanocrystalline alloys of immiscible components near restricted equilibrium for the case of the binary Cu-Ag system. As predicted from thermodynamic considerations, a grain boundary segregated monophase alloy is observed in the annealed mechanically alloyed state for low Ag content by using atom probe tomography. From the detected Ag solute grain boundary enrichment the segregation free enthalpy is estimated to range between -25 and -49 kJ mol(-1) following the McLean equation, in agreement with values reported for coarse-grained Cu-Ag. The extension of the alloying range is described by a two-domain thermodynamic model that considers the excess free volume in the grain boundaries and the strain in the grain interior on the basis of the universal equation of state at negative pressure. To access the grain boundary volumetric strain experimentally, a method based on a combination of density measurements and microscopical quantification of closed pore areas is presented. Moreover, we apply x-ray diffraction line broadening analysis to determine the local strain amplitude, which yields a root-mean-square microstrain of ~0.3% for a grain size of ~30 nm. It is shown that the grain boundary free volume represents the major origin for the global solubility enhancement in nanocrystalline Cu-Ag at 503 K.

20.
Ultramicroscopy ; 132: 216-21, 2013 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23298536

ABSTRACT

The addition of 200 ppm strontium to an Al-10 wt% Si casting alloy changes the morphology of the eutectic silicon phase from coarse plate-like to fine fibrous networks. In order to clarify this modification mechanism the location of Sr within the eutectic Si phase has been investigated by a combination of high-resolution methods. Whereas three-dimensional atom probe tomography allows us to visualise the distribution of Sr on the atomic scale and to analyse its local enrichment, transmission electron microscopy yields information about the crystallographic nature of segregated regions. Segregations with two kinds of morphologies were found at the intersections of Si twin lamellae: Sr-Al-Si co-segregations of rod-like morphology and Al-rich regions of spherical morphology. Both are responsible for the formation of a high density of multiple twins and promote the anisotropic growth of the eutectic Si phase in specific crystallographic directions during solidification. The experimental findings are related to the previously postulated mechanism of "impurity induced twinning".

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...