Ag- but Not ZnO-Nanoparticles Disturb the Airway Epithelial Barrier at Subtoxic Concentrations.

Inhalation is considered to be the most relevant source of human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs); however, only a few investigations have addressed the influence of exposing the respiratory mucosal barrier to subcytotoxic doses. In the nasal respiratory epithelium, cells of the mucosa represent one of the first contact points of the human organism with airborne NPs. Disruption of the epithelial barrier by harmful materials can lead to inflammation in addition to potential intrinsic toxicity of the particles. The aim of this study was to investigate whether subtoxic concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO)- and silver (Ag)-NPs have an influence on upper airway barrier integrity. Nasal epithelial cells from 17 donors were cultured at the air-liquid interface and exposed to ZnO- and Ag-NPs. Barrier function, quantified by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), decreased after treatment with 10 µg/mL Ag-NPs, but FITC-dextran permeability remained stable and no change in mRNA levels of tight junction proteins and E-cadherin was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The results indicate that subtoxic concentrations of Ag-NPs may already induce damage of the upper airway epithelial barrier in vitro. The lack of similar disruption by ZnO-NPs of similar size suggests a specific effect by Ag-NPs.

[The (Refugee) Crisis in the Psychotherapeutic Treatment Room]. / Die (Flüchtlings-) Krise im psychotherapeutischen Behandlungszimmer.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to examine how discourses of refugees in the media influence the perspective of independent psychotherapists working with refugees. METHODS: 20 problem-centered interviews were carried out across Germany with independent psychotherapists, and were analyzed using the principles of Grounded Theory. RESULTS: 4 portrayals of refugees were identified: 'The problematic Other' (1), 'No Other' (2), 'The advantageous Other' (3) and 'The excluded subject' (4). CONCLUSION: The impact of discourses about refugees in the media can contribute to understand the findings in this study. Further explanations for the findings could be the differing access to knowledge about the situation of refugees, difficult living conditions of refugees in Germany and a psychotherapeutic approach focusing mainly on mental disorders.

[Renal pleomorphic sarcoma in four guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)]. / Renale pleomorphe Sarkome bei vier Meerschweinchen (Cavia porcellus).

OBJECTIVE: Renal tumours apparently are rare not only in cats and dogs, but also in guinea pigs and can be difficult to diagnose. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical findings in guinea pigs with renal tumours. Furthermore, the symptoms, diagnostic possibilities and therapy are compared with renal tumours in other small animals, including cats and dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a period of 4 years and 4 months the data of guinea pigs that had been presented in the clinic were retrospectively analysed. The analysis comprised guinea pigs that underwent a macroscopical and histopathological postmortem examination, and were diagnosed to have a renal neoplasm. RESULTS: Four guinea pigs had a renal tumour. The percentage of renal neoplasms in relation to the overall necropsied carcasses and the number of organs originating from guinea pigs was 4.7 % and the percentage of renal neoplasms in relation to the overall diagnosed tumours of the abdominal and pelvic cavities was 30.7 %. Histology and immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of renal pleomorphic sarcomas in all four cases. In two of the four guinea pigs, the classical triad, as described for cats and dogs with renal tumours (weight loss, abdominal mass and haematuria), was observed. During clinical examination, a prominent, apparently painful abdominal mass in the region of the kidneys was palpable in all four cases. Applying radiography, the suspected diagnosis of a mass in the area of the kidney was confirmed in three cases, and in two animals the renal origin of the masses was determined by ultrasound examination. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because a renal neoplasm is a pain-inducing disease with a high risk of metastases in domestic animals, a prompt nephrectomy should be performed when azotaemia is absent.