[Long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic : Considerations on the way back to normality]. / Langzeitpflegeeinrichtungen in der COVID-19-Pandemie : Überlegungen auf dem Weg zurück in die Normalität.

Long-term care facilities (LTCF) were and are particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The dimensions of the outbreaks and the high mortality among residents led to massive restrictions in LTCFs, especially in the area of social contacts and activities but also in areas of medical care. With the start of vaccinations and the improved testing options, the situation has now changed and existing restrictions must be evaluated to determine whether they are still appropriate. In an interprofessional and interdisciplinary group of experts, considerations have been formulated on how a way back to normality could look like in LTCFs.

Catalytic mechanism and substrate specificity of HIF prolyl hydroxylases.

This review describes the catalytic mechanism, substrate specificity, and structural peculiarities of alpha-ketoglutarate dependent nonheme iron dioxygenases catalyzing prolyl hydroxylation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Distinct localization and regulation of three isoforms of HIF prolyl hydroxylases suggest their different roles in cells. The recent identification of novel substrates other than HIF, namely ß2-adrenergic receptor and the large subunit of RNA polymerase II, places these enzymes in the focus of drug development efforts aimed at development of isoform-specific inhibitors. The challenges and prospects of designing isoform-specific inhibitors are discussed.

In situ x-ray diffraction studies of alkyl quaternary ammonium montmorillonite in a CO(2) environment.

An in situ study was conducted using an x-ray diffractometer and a specially designed high pressure cell to examine the effects of carbon dioxide at different pressures and temperatures on three different modified montmorillonite species. These organoclays possessed organic pillars of quaternary ammonium surfactant with either one, two, or three long (C(16)-C(18)) alkyl chains attached to expand the galleries of the clay mineral. The three clay species were tested between 50 degrees C and 200 degrees C with carbon dioxide pressures between 0.1 and 8.4 MPa. Under these conditions, the three organoclays exhibited marked differences in their basal spacing depending on the surfactant used. The physical state of the intercalated surfactant was found to be of critical importance, with no changes in basal spacing noted until the organic component began to melt, in spite of CO(2) being present. A pressure effect was also noted which delayed melting of the surfactants as the pressure of the system increased. In all cases, further cation exchange with residual sodium cation present in the galleries was observed in the presence of CO(2) and above the melting state of the surfactant. The study included examination of the effect of rapid depressurization on the clay structure, which produced only a small change in basal spacing.

Pathological prenatal Doppler sonography findings and their association with neonatal cranial ultrasound abnormalities in a high risk collective.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prenatal Doppler ultrasound plays a role in the risk assessment of neonatal abnormal cranial ultrasound findings (NACU). Doppler examinations of blood flow velocities in the umbilical artery (n = 132), the fetal middle cerebral artery (n = 96) and the ductus venosus (n = 46) were conducted in 132 consecutive high-risk cases. The cases were divided into three groups: normal (I), pathological (II) and highly pathological Doppler (III) results, according to the resistance index calculated and were assessed for any association between the Doppler groups and the short-term outcome of the neonate, especially NACU. A significant association was found between Doppler groups and gestational age at delivery, birth weight, length and head circumference, growth restriction, cesarean section rate, Apgar score and pH values. NACU was diagnosed significantly more often in the pathological (12.1%) and highly pathological (38.5%) Doppler groups than in the group with normal Doppler (1.7%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the Doppler groups (odds ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.84, p < 0.001) and gestational age at delivery (odds ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.08-2.74; p < 0.001) were independent variables that could be used to predict NACU. The present study showed that a pathological prenatal Doppler result is highly predictive for NACU in addition to gestational age and can therefore be used for risk assessment.

Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies for the immunohistochemical detection of glycodelin A in decidual, endometrial and gynaecological tumour tissues.

AIMS: Glycodelin is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 28 kDa. Unusual LacdiNAc structures have been identified on glycodelin A, isolated from amniotic fluid. Three major functions of this glycoprotein have been identified. Glycodelin is an immunosuppressive molecule, a marker of morphological differentiation, and a contraceptive. Because no monoclonal antibodies for glycodelin A are commercially available, our aim was to develop and characterize three monoclonal antibodies against this glycoprotein. METHODS AND RESULTS: Glycodelin A was purified from amniotic fluid by three chromatographic steps and its purity was checked by SDS-PAGE. Antibodies were generated from immunized BALB/c mice. Three IgG1 monoclonal antibodies detecting glycodelin A were cloned. All three antibodies recognized carbohydrate structures of glycodelin A and did not cross-react with glycodelin S. They are applicable to immunohistochemistry (frozen and paraffin sections), ELISA and Western blots. CONCLUSION: The new antibodies can be used for the detection of glycodelin A in frozen and paraffin-embedded decidual and endometrial tissue. One antibody (A87-B/D2) can be used for the detection of glycodelin in endometrial and ovarian tumour tissues. Because glycodelin A is a major secretory endometrial product during the luteal phase, in early pregnancy and in gynaecological tumours, the new antibodies are, potentially, valuable tools for the study of endometrial development and tumour progression.

Her-2/neu expression in breast cancer--A comparison of different diagnostic methods.

BACKGROUND: Determination of Her-2/neu overexpression in breast cancer has previously been shown to be of prognostic significance. In this study, Her-2/neu expression in breast cancer was characterised by real-time PCR (RLT-PCR) based LightCycler-HER-2/neu DNA Quantification with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen specimens of invasive breast cancer - whole tissue sections as well as microdissected tumour cells - were subjected to RLT-PCR. Additionally, IHC and FISH were performed. RESULTS: Her-2/neu overexpression was detected by FISH and by real-time PCR in the same tumours. In contrast, IHC revealed discordant results. CONCLUSION: Determination of Her-2/neu amplification by real-time PCR is a sensitive and specific method with some advantages over FISH. This method is simple and reliable and has the potential of categorizing those tumours with borderline Her-2/neu overexpression as determined by IHC.

Evaluation of processing characteristics of photochemically treated pooled platelets: target requirements for the INTERCEPT Blood System comply with routine use after process optimization.

To ensure good performance of pathogen inactivation with the INTERCEPT blood system, specific target requirements must be met for platelet dose, volume, plasma content and residual red blood cells (RBCs) prior to photochemical treatment (PCT). A two-arm in vitro study was conducted to compare quality parameters of pooled platelet concentrates (PCs), either treated (test units) or nontreated (control units). PCs meeting European requirements were evaluated with reference to their compliance with INTERCEPT guard bands. Of 50 PCs (25 tests and 25 controls) meeting European quality requirements, 24% (three test and three controls units) did not reach INTERCEPT requirements, particularly in terms of sufficient volumes and RBC contamination. The buffy-coat optimization procedure assessed prior to this study ensured plasma contents well within target limits of 30 to 45%. Due to PCT-related in-process loss of 11% in volume (34.38 +/- 3.94) and in platelet dose (0.41 +/- 0.14), the mean platelet dose was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in test units: 3.1 +/- 0.3 versus 3.6 +/- 0.4 x 10(11). After treatment, six of the overall 25 test units (25%) would not have met the European guideline for platelet dose (3.0 x 10(11)). Before implementation of techniques for pathogen reduction, each centre should optimize processing steps during a validation procedure to ensure PC complying with INTERCEPT targets before and European targets after treatment. Besides buffy-coat optimization for sufficient plasma reduction, centrifugation profiles need to be optimized as well to prevent PC with low volumes and, in particular, with higher than acceptable RBC contamination.

Secondary organic aerosol formation from the irradiation of simulated automobile exhaust.

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the potential for secondary organic aerosol formation from emissions from automotive exhaust. The goal was to determine to what extent photochemical oxidation products of these hydrocarbons contribute to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and how well their formation is described by recently developed models for SOA formation. The quality of a surrogate was tested by comparing its reactivity with that from irradiations of authentic automobile exhaust. Experiments for secondary particle formation using the surrogate were conducted in a fixed volume reactor operated in a dynamic mode. The mass concentration of the aerosol was determined from measurements of organic carbon collected on quartz filters and was corrected for the presence of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms in the organic species. A functional group analysis of the aerosol made by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated

Immunohistochemical analysis of steroid receptors and glycodelin A (PP14) in isolated glandular epithelial cells of normal human endometrium.

Highly purified fractions of isolated endometrial cells can be useful for investigating endometrial function. After a first collagenase digestion, normal human endometrial stromal and epithelial cells were separated by filtration. Glands were purified further by two collagenase digestion steps, filtration, differential sedimentations, and Ficoll gradient centrifugation. Epithelial cells were polyhedral and grew as islands in a whorl-like wavy pattern around glandular fragments. High cell culture purity was confirmed with the positive immunohistochemical reaction against cytokeratin 7,8,18,19. Isolated human glands had a similar distribution pattern of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) as observed in vivo, suggesting that glands have a functional hormone receptor system at the time of plating. Using a specific monoclonal antibody against glycodelin A (GdA), a characteristic cyclical expression was demonstrated during the menstrual cycle. The GdA reaction was weak in the proliferative phase, increasing significantly till the late secretory phase, suggesting a similar GdA concentration in vitro as observed in vivo glands. In conclusion, this method could be a model for studying endometrial glandular cells from different menstrual phases, endometrial cell interactions, implantation mechanisms, GdA regulation mechanisms, and pharmacological or other influences on ER and PR alteration.

Hemangioma of the spleen: presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Splenic hemangioma is a rare disorder but remains the most common benign neoplasm of the spleen. It often has a latent clinical picture; however, spontaneous rupture has been reported to occur in as many as 25% of this patient population.1 Treatment most often consists of splenectomy. This report reviews an 8-year experience with splenic hemangioma at Mayo Clinic. Thirty-two patients were identified with SH during the 8-year study period. The average age was 63 years (range 23 to 94 years) with 17 women and 15 men. Six patients presented with symptoms potentially related to the SH. The remainder (80%) were asymptomatic, and the SH was discovered incidentally during evaluation for other disorders. A mass or palpable spleen was appreciated in only four patients (12.5%). SHs ranged in size from 0.3 to 7 cm maximum diameter. A diagnosis of SH was made in 11 patients based on the findings of a splenic mass on computed tomography or ultrasound. Each of these SHs was < or =4 cm. Three of the 11 patients had multiple SHs. All 11 patients were managed successfully with observation. All but one of the patients remains asymptomatic, and no complications have developed during follow-up (range 0.6 to 7 years, mean 2.9 years). The diagnosis of splenic hemangioma was made at the time of surgery in the remaining 21 patients (65%). Splenectomy was performed for suspicion of primary or secondary splenic pathology. There were no instances of spontaneous rupture of the SH. Small splenic lesions, which meet the radiologic criteria for hemangiomas, may be safely observed.

Personality psychology: research trends for 1993-1995.

Articles published in five prominent personality journals for the three-year period 1993-1995 were reviewed in order to identify recent trends in personality research. Each article was assessed in terms of research methodology and content area. Research methodology has changed very little, the exceptions being a shift away from laboratory settings and a greater use of nonuniversity participants. Results for content demonstrate that over time certain topics emerge and fade from popularity. Current popular topics include traits, emotion/motivation, and health psychology. The general lack of advancement in methodology is discussed, and the current "hot topics" in content area are compared with those of the past. In addition, some comparisons are made between current personality research in North America versus research in Europe.

Nondestructive single-shot soft x-ray lithography and contact microscopy using a laser-produced plasma source.

A toroidal relay optic has been used to overcome the problem of damage caused by debris that has limited previous attempts at soft x-ray lithography and contact microscopy using laser-produced plasma sources. Not only is the specimen preserved, but it is now possible to have a vacuum retaining soft x-ray transparent Si(3)N(4) window as a permanent part of the apparatus, greatly simplifying specimen handling. The exposure times are ~2 ns.

Organo-platinum complexes as antitumor agents (review).

Rosenberg et al discovered in the coordination complexes of platinum a new, novel type of potential antitumor agent. Cisplatin [cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (II)4 proved active against a variety of rodent tumors and acted synergistically when combined with other chemotherapeutic agents. Initial clinical tests by Hill et al in 1971, showed cisplatin to be active against malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and certain other malignancies. Significant nephrotoxicity, nausea, and vomiting were noted. Since then, cisplatin has been tested alone and in combination chemotherapy and has proven an efficacious anticancer agent in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, ovarian carcinoma, disseminated testicular cancer, and others. Its therapeutic value was acknowledged when approved in 1978 by the U.S. FDA for treatment of the latter cancer. The current clinical literature indicates clearly that the full potential of this drug has not yet been realized. Hydration and diuresis have served to mitigate much of the nephrotoxicity, while significant strides toward amelioration of the nausea and vomiting have also been achieved. Literally, thousands of chemically-related congeners have been synthesized, and many have shown marked potency against rodent tumors. Very few, however, have been evaluated clinically, vis-a-vis malonato trans(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum(II); this appears a most promising and fertile area of future investigation.

Unsymmetrical C-substituted ethylenediamine platinum coordination complexes: synthesis and activity against mouse leukemia L1210.

A series of new unsymmetrical C-substituted ethylenediamines was prepared. The substituents included branched chain alkyl, cycloalkyl, and phenyl groups. Twenty-eight new platinum compounds were prepared from these diamines and were tested for activity against leukemia L1210. The cycloalkyl substituted ethylenediamines produced especially active compounds. The phenyl-substituted analogs were generally low in activity. The activity of the complexes was compared to aqueous solubility, organic solubility, and amphipathic character. There was good indication that antitumor activity increased as aqueous solubility and hydrophilic character of the molecules increased.

Grazing incidence interferometry: the use of the Linnik interferometer for testing image-forming reflection systems.

A simple interferometric method capable of displaying quantitatively the wave front aberration of any image-forming optical system is described. Its application for testing and aligning grazing incidence reflection optics at the same conjugates as those of short-wavelength use is demonstrated. The image-forming wave front from the system being tested is compared with a true spherical wave front generated within the interferometer from a point at the intended focus. The differences are displayed as a fringe pattern superimposed on an image of the exit pupil. Each fringe corresponds to one wavelength of separation between the actual image-forming wave front and the Gaussian reference sphere. The principle originates from a paper by W. P. Linnik published in Russian and German in 1933. A translation is included as an appendix. Four variations on Linnik's design are discussed, one of which avoids the use of transmitting optics and normal incidence reflections altogether and could therefore be used at ultraviolet or soft x-ray wavelengths.

Coordination complexes of platinum as antitumor agents.

Rosenberg and VanCamp first reported the bacteriostatic and antitumor properties of certain platinum coordination compounds. This pioneering work has led to the synthesis and testing of a large number of related platinum products and the clinical use of cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II). This drug has proven very efficacious against a wide variety of mouse tumors when employed as the sole chemotherapeutic agent and has also been combined successfully with other antitumor agents, such as cyclophosphamide and cytosine arabinsoide. Unfortunately, cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) has a low therapeutic index with renal toxicity being the principal limitation of its use. This has prompted the synthesis and testing of many related platinum compounds, of which cis-dichlorobiscyclopentylamine-platinum (II) and the "platinum blues" appear most promising. Experience in the synthesis, purification, and testing of such products will be discussed together with identification of outstanding unsolved problems in this area.