@article{BelairBaudChabasetal.2011, author = {Belair, C{\´e}dric and Baud, Jessica and Chabas, Sandrine and Sharma, Cynthia M and Vogel, J{\"o}rg and Staedel, Cathy and Darfeuille, Fabien}, title = {Helicobacter pylori interferes with an embryonic stem cell micro RNA cluster to block cell cycle progression}, series = {Silence : a Journal of RNA regulation}, volume = {2}, journal = {Silence : a Journal of RNA regulation}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1186/1758-907X-2-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-140438}, pages = {1-16}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background MicroRNAs, post-transcriptional regulators of eukaryotic gene expression, are implicated in host defense against pathogens. Viruses and bacteria have evolved strategies that suppress microRNA functions, resulting in a sustainable infection. In this work we report that Helicobacter pylori, a human stomach-colonizing bacterium responsible for severe gastric inflammatory diseases and gastric cancers, downregulates an embryonic stem cell microRNA cluster in proliferating gastric epithelial cells to achieve cell cycle arrest. Results Using a deep sequencing approach in the AGS cell line, a widely used cell culture model to recapitulate early events of H. pylori infection of gastric mucosa, we reveal that hsa-miR-372 is the most abundant microRNA expressed in this cell line, where, together with hsa-miR-373, it promotes cell proliferation by silencing large tumor suppressor homolog 2 (LATS2) gene expression. Shortly after H. pylori infection, miR-372 and miR-373 synthesis is highly inhibited, leading to the post-transcriptional release of LATS2 expression and thus, to a cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition. This downregulation of a specific cell-cycle-regulating microRNA is dependent on the translocation of the bacterial effector CagA into the host cells, a mechanism highly associated with the development of severe atrophic gastritis and intestinal-type gastric carcinoma. Conclusions These data constitute a novel example of host-pathogen interplay involving microRNAs, and unveil the couple LATS2/miR-372 and miR-373 as an unexpected mechanism in infection-induced cell cycle arrest in proliferating gastric cells, which may be relevant in inhibition of gastric epithelium renewal, a major host defense mechanism against bacterial infections.}, language = {en} } @article{DrechslerMeinitzerPilzetal.2011, author = {Drechsler, Christiane and Meinitzer, Andreas and Pilz, Stefan and Krane, Vera and Tomaschitz, Andreas and Ritz, Eberhard and M{\"a}rz, Winfried and Wanner, Christoph}, title = {Homoarginine, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death in haemodialysis patients}, series = {European Journal of Heart Failure}, volume = {13}, journal = {European Journal of Heart Failure}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1093/eurjhf/hfr056}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-140495}, pages = {852-859}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Aims Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major contributor to the excess mortality of patients on maintenance dialysis. Homoarginine deficiency may lead to decreased nitric oxide availability and endothelial dysfunction. Based on this rationale we assessed whether homoarginine deficiency is a risk factor for SCD in dialysis patients. Methods and results This study examined the association of homoarginine with cardiovascular outcomes in 1255 diabetic haemodialysis patients from the German diabetes and dialysis study. During a median of 4 years of follow-up, hazard ratios (HR) (95\% CI) for reaching the following pre-specified, adjudicated endpoints were determined: SCD, myocardial infarction, stroke, death due to heart failure, and combined cardiovascular events. There was a strong association of low homoarginine concentrations with the presence of congestive heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy as well as increased levels of brain natriuretic peptide. Per unit decrease in homoarginine, the risk of SCD increased three-fold (HR 3.1, 95\% CI 2.0-4.9), attenuating slightly in multivariate models (HR 2.4; 95\% CI 1.5-3.9). Patients in the lowest homoarginine quintile experienced a more than two-fold increased risk of SCD, and more than three-fold increased risk of heart failure death than patients in the highest quintile, which accounted for the high incidence of combined cardiovascular events. Low homoarginine showed a trend towards increased risk of stroke, however, myocardial infarction was not meaningfully affected. Conclusion Low homoarginine is a strong risk factor for SCD and death due to heart failure in haemodialysis patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, offering the potential to develop new interventional strategies.}, language = {en} } @article{OderVerghoErtletal.2016, author = {Oder, Daniel and Vergho, Dorothee and Ertl, Georg and Wanner, Christoph and Nordbeck, Peter}, title = {Case report of a 45-year old female Fabry disease patient carrying two alpha-galactosidase A gene mutation alleles}, series = {BMC Medical Genetics}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Medical Genetics}, number = {46}, doi = {10.1186/s12881-016-0309-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146617}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background X-chromosomal inheritance patterns and generally rare occurrence of Fabry disease (FD) account for mono-mutational hemizygous male and heterozygous female patients. Female mutation carriers are usually clinically much less severely affected, which has been explained by a suggested mosaicism in cell phenotype due to random allele shutdown. However, clinical evidence is scarce and potential additional effects in female gene carriers, which might account for specific clinical characteristics such as less severe chronic kidney disease, are yet unknown. Case presentation This article reports on a 45 year old female patient carrying the two alpha-galactosidase A gene mutations c.416A > G, p.N139S in exon 3 and c.708G > C, p.W236C in exon 5, but still showing only mild organ manifestations. Conclusion This current case highlights the importance of careful clinical characterization in patients with Fabry disease, who may show additional rare constellations and, therefore, are in need of personalized medicine. The impact of potential additional protective effects exceeding the presence of a non-pathogenic GLA allele in female gene carriers requires further investigation.}, language = {en} } @article{PrinzKaraciviStormannsetal.2015, author = {Prinz, Johanna and Karacivi, Aylin and Stormanns, Eva R. and Recks, Masha S. and K{\"u}rten, Stefanie}, title = {Time-Dependent Progression of Demyelination and Axonal Pathology in MP4-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis}, series = {PloS One}, volume = {10}, journal = {PloS One}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0144847}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146651}, pages = {e0144847}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal pathology. Myelin basic protein/proteolipid protein (MBP-PLP) fusion protein MP4 is capable of inducing chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in susceptible mouse strains mirroring diverse histopathological and immunological hallmarks of MS. Limited availability of human tissue underscores the importance of animal models to study the pathology of MS. Methods Twenty-two female C57BL/6 (B6) mice were immunized with MP4 and the clinical development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was observed. Methylene blue-stained semi-thin and ultra-thin sections of the lumbar spinal cord were assessed at the peak of acute EAE, three months (chronic EAE) and six months after onset of EAE (long-term EAE). The extent of lesional area and inflammation were analyzed in semi-thin sections on a light microscopic level. The magnitude of demyelination and axonal damage were determined using electron microscopy. Emphasis was put on the ventrolateral tract (VLT) of the spinal cord. Results B6 mice demonstrated increasing demyelination and severe axonal pathology in the course of MP4-induced EAE. In addition, mitochondrial swelling and a decrease in the nearest neighbor neurofilament distance (NNND) as early signs of axonal damage were evident with the onset of EAE. In semi-thin sections we observed the maximum of lesional area in the chronic state of EAE while inflammation was found to a similar extent in acute and chronic EAE. In contrast to the well-established myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) model, disease stages of MP4-induced EAE could not be distinguished by assessing the extent of parenchymal edema or the grade of inflammation. Conclusions Our results complement our previous ultrastructural studies of B6 EAE models and suggest that B6 mice immunized with different antigens constitute useful instruments to study the diverse histopathological aspects of MS.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerSchaeferMackenrodtetal.2016, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Sch{\"a}fer, Kristina A. and Mackenrodt, Daniel and Sommer, Claudia and M{\"u}llges, Wolfgang}, title = {High-Resolution Ultrasonography of the Superficial Peroneal Motor and Sural Sensory Nerves May Be a Non-invasive Approach to the Diagnosis of Vasculitic Neuropathy}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, number = {48}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2016.00048}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146671}, year = {2016}, abstract = {High-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) is an emerging new tool in the investigation of peripheral nerves. We set out to assess the utility of HRUS performed at lower extremity nerves in peripheral neuropathies. Nerves of 26 patients with polyneuropathies of different etiologies and 26 controls were investigated using HRUS. Patients underwent clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological assessment, and a diagnostic sural nerve biopsy as part of the routine work-up. HRUS was performed at the sural, tibial, and the common, superficial, and deep peroneal nerves. The superficial peroneal nerve longitudinal diameter (LD) distinguished best between the groups: patients with immune-mediated neuropathies (n = 13, including six with histology-proven vasculitic neuropathy) had larger LD compared to patients with non-immune-mediated neuropathies (p < 0.05) and to controls (p < 0.001). Among all subgroups, patients with vasculitic neuropathy showed the largest superficial peroneal nerve LD (p < 0.001) and had a larger sural nerve cross-sectional area when compared with disease controls (p < 0.001). Enlargement of the superficial peroneal and sural nerves as detected by HRUS may be a useful additional finding in the differential diagnosis of vasculitic and other immune-mediated neuropathies.}, language = {en} } @article{PetritschKoestlerWengetal.2016, author = {Petritsch, B. and K{\"o}stler, H. and Weng, A. M. and Horn, M. and Gassenmaier, T. and Kunz, A. S. and Weidemann, F. and Wanner, C. and Bley, T. A. and Beer, M.}, title = {Myocardial lipid content in Fabry disease: a combined \(^1\)H-MR spectroscopy and MR imaging study at 3 Tesla}, series = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, number = {205}, doi = {10.1186/s12872-016-0382-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146693}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Fabry disease is characterized by a progressive deposition of sphingolipids in different organ systems, whereby cardiac involvement leads to death. We hypothesize that lysosomal storage of sphingolipids in the heart as occurring in Fabry disease does not reflect in higher cardiac lipid concentrations detectable by \(^1\)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3 Tesla. Methods Myocardial lipid content was quantified in vivo by \(^1\)H-MRS in 30 patients (12 male, 18 female; 18 patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy) with genetically proven Fabry disease and in 30 healthy controls. The study protocol combined \(^1\)H-MRS with cardiac cine imaging and LGE MRI in a single examination. Results Myocardial lipid content was not significantly elevated in Fabry disease (p = 0.225). Left ventricular (LV) mass was significantly higher in patients suffering from Fabry disease compared to controls (p = 0.019). Comparison of patients without signs of myocardial fibrosis in MRI (LGE negative; n = 12) to patients with signs of fibrosis (LGE positive; n = 18) revealed similar myocardial lipid content in both groups (p > 0.05), while the latter showed a trend towards elevated LV mass (p = 0.076). Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential of lipid metabolic investigation embedded in a comprehensive examination of cardiac morphology and function in Fabry disease. There was no evidence that lysosomal storage of sphingolipids influences cardiac lipid content as measured by \(^1\)H-MRS. Finally, the authors share the opinion that a comprehensive cardiac examination including three subsections (LGE; \(^1\)H-MRS; T\(_1\) mapping), could hold the highest potential for the final assessment of early and late myocardial changes in Fabry disease.}, language = {en} } @article{LichthardtKerscherDietzetal.2016, author = {Lichthardt, Sven and Kerscher, Alexander and Dietz, Ulrich A. and Jurowich, Christian and Kunzmann, Volker and von Rahden, Burkhard H. A. and Germer, Christoph-Thomas and Wiegering, Armin}, title = {Original article: role of adjuvant chemotherapy in a perioperative chemotherapy regimen for gastric cancer}, series = {BMC Cancer}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC Cancer}, number = {650}, doi = {10.1186/s12885-016-2708-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147743}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Multimodal treatment strategies - perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) and radical surgery - are currently accepted as treatment standard for locally advanced gastric cancer. However, the role of adjuvant postoperative CTx (postCTx) in addition to neoadjuvant preoperative CTx (preCTx) in this setting remains controversial. Methods Between 4/2006 and 12/2013, 116 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer were treated with preCTx. 72 patients (62 \%), in whom complete tumor resection (R0, subtotal/total gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy) was achieved, were divided into two groups, one of which receiving adjuvant therapy (n = 52) and one without (n = 20). These groups were analyzed with regard to survival and exclusion criteria for adjuvant therapy. Results Postoperative complications, as well as their severity grade, did not correlate with fewer postCTx cycles administered (p = n.s.). Long-term survival was shorter in patients receiving postCTx in comparison to patients without postCTx, but did not show statistical significance. In per protocol analysis by excluding two patients with perioperative death, a shorter 3-year survival rate was observed in patients receiving postCTx compared to patients without postCTx (3-year survival: 71.2 \% postCTx group vs. 90.0 \% non-postCTx group; p = 0.038). Conclusion These results appear contradicting to the anticipated outcome. While speculative, they question the value of post-CTx. Prospectively randomized studies are needed to elucidate the role of postCTx.}, language = {en} } @article{BuschHoffjanBergmannetal.2016, author = {Busch, Albert and Hoffjan, Sabine and Bergmann, Frauke and Hartung, Birgit and Jung, Helena and Hanel, Daniela and Tzschach, Andeas and Kadar, Janos and von Kodolitsch, Yskert and Germer, Christoph-Thomas and Trobisch, Heiner and Strasser, Erwin and Wildenauer, Ren{\´e}}, title = {Vascular type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is associated with platelet dysfunction and low vitamin D serum concentration}, series = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, volume = {11}, journal = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, number = {111}, doi = {10.1186/s13023-016-0491-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147757}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background The vascular type represents a very rare, yet the clinically most fatal entity of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Patients are often admitted due to arterial bleedings and the friable tissue and the altered coagulation contribute to the challenge in treatment strategies. Until now there is little information about clotting characteristics that might influence hemostasis decisively and eventually worsen emergency situations. Results 22 vascular type EDS patients were studied for hemoglobin, platelet volume and count, Quick and activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, factor XIII, von Willebrand disease, vitamin D and platelet aggregation by modern standard laboratory methods. Results show a high prevalence of over 50 \% for platelet aggregation disorders in vascular type EDS patients, especially for collagen and epinephrine induced tests, whereas the plasmatic cascade did not show any alterations. Additionally, more than half of the tested subjects showed low vitamin D serum levels, which might additionally affect vascular wall integrity. Conclusion The presented data underline the importance of detailed laboratory screening methods in vascular type EDS patients in order to allow for targeted application of platelet-interacting substances that might be of decisive benefit in the emergency setting.}, language = {en} } @article{BluemelLinkeHerrmannetal.2016, author = {Bluemel, Christina and Linke, Fraenze and Herrmann, Ken and Simunovic, Iva and Eiber, Matthias and Kestler, Christian and Buck, Andreas K. and Schirbel, Andreas and Bley, Thorsten A. and Wester, Hans-Juergen and Vergho, Daniel and Becker, Axel}, title = {Impact of \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT on salvage radiotherapy planning in patients with prostate cancer and persisting PSA values or biochemical relapse after prostatectomy}, series = {EJNMMI Research}, volume = {6}, journal = {EJNMMI Research}, number = {78}, doi = {10.1186/s13550-016-0233-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147798}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) is clinically established in prostate cancer (PC) patients with PSA persistence or biochemical relapse (BCR) after prior radical surgery. PET/CT imaging prior to SRT may be performed to localize disease recurrence. The recently introduced \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA outperforms other PET tracers for detection of recurrence and is therefore expected also to impact radiation planning. Forty-five patients with PSA persistence (16 pts) or BCR (29 pts) after prior prostatectomy, scheduled to undergo SRT of the prostate bed, underwent \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT. The median PSA level was 0.67 ng/ml. The impact of \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT on the treatment decision was assessed. Patients with oligometastatic (≤5 lesions) PC underwent radiotherapy (RT), with the extent of the RT area and dose escalation being based on PET positivity. Results Suspicious lesions were detected in 24/45 (53.3 \%) patients. In 62.5 \% of patients, lesions were only detected by 68Ga-PSMA PET. Treatment was changed in 19/45 (42.2 \%) patients, e.g., extending SRT to metastases (9/19), administering dose escalation in patients with morphological local recurrence (6/19), or replacing SRT by systemic therapy (2/19). 38/45 (84.4 \%) followed the treatment recommendation, with data on clinical follow-up being available in 21 patients treated with SRT. All but one showed biochemical response (mean PSA decline 78 ± 19 \%) within a mean follow-up of 8.12 ± 5.23 months. Conclusions \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT impacts treatment planning in more than 40 \% of patients scheduled to undergo SRT. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm this significant therapeutic impact on patients prior to SRT.}, language = {en} } @article{ThibaudeauTaubenbergerTheodoropoulosetal.2015, author = {Thibaudeau, Laure and Taubenberger, Anna V. and Theodoropoulos, Christina and Holzapfel, Boris M. and Ramuz, Olivier and Straub, Melanie and Hutmacher, Dietmar W.}, title = {New mechanistic insights of integrin β1 in breast cancer bone colonization}, series = {Oncotarget}, volume = {6}, journal = {Oncotarget}, number = {1}, doi = {10.18632/oncotarget.2788}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-175432}, pages = {332-344}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Bone metastasis is a frequent and life-threatening complication of breast cancer. The molecular mechanisms supporting the establishment of breast cancer cells in the skeleton are still not fully understood, which may be attributed to the lack of suitable models that interrogate interactions between human breast cancer cells and the bone microenvironment. Although it is well-known that integrins mediate adhesion of malignant cells to bone extracellular matrix, their role during bone colonization remains unclear. Here, the role of β1 integrins in bone colonization was investigated using tissue-engineered humanized in vitro and in vivo bone models. In vitro, bone-metastatic breast cancer cells with suppressed integrin β1 expression showed reduced attachment, spreading, and migration within human bone matrix compared to control cells. Cell proliferation in vitro was not affected by β1 integrin knockdown, yet tumor growth in vivo within humanized bone microenvironments was significantly inhibited upon β1 integrin suppression, as revealed by quantitative in/ex vivo fluorescence imaging and histological analysis. Tumor cells invaded bone marrow spaces in the humanized bone and formed osteolytic lesions; osteoclastic bone resorption was, however, not reduced by β1 integrin knockdown. Taken together, we demonstrate that β1 integrins have a pivotal role in bone colonization using unique tissue-engineered humanized bone models.}, language = {en} } @article{MaggRieglerWiedmannetal.2015, author = {Magg, Barbara and Riegler, Christoph and Wiedmann, Silke and Heuschmann, Peter and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan}, title = {Self-administered version of the Fabry-associated pain questionnaire for adult patients}, series = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, volume = {10}, journal = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, number = {113}, doi = {10.1186/s13023-015-0325-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-145294}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background Fabry-associated pain may be the first symptom of Fabry disease (FD) and presents with a unique phenotype including mostly acral burning triggerable pain attacks, evoked pain, pain crises, and permanent pain. We recently developed and validated the first Fabry Pain Questionnaire (FPQ) for adult patients. Here we report on the validation of the self-administered version of the FPQ that no longer requires a face-to-face interview but can be filled in by the patients themselves allowing more flexible data collection. Methods At our W{\"u}rzburg Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Treatment, Germany, we have developed the self-administered version of the FPQ by adapting the questionnaire to a self-report version. To do this, consecutive Fabry patients with current or past pain history (n = 56) were first interviewed face-to-face. Two weeks later patients' self-reported questionnaire results were collected by mail (n = 55). We validated the self-administered version of the FPQ by assessing the inter-rater reliability agreement of scores obtained by supervised administration and self-administration of the FPQ. Results The FPQ contains 15 questions on the different pain phenotypes, on pain development during life with and without therapy, and on impairment due to pain. Statistical analysis showed that the majority of questions were answered in high agreement in both sessions with a mean AC1-statistic of 0.857 for 55 nominal-scaled items and a mean ICC of 0.587 for 9 scores. Conclusions This self-administered version of the first pain questionnaire for adult Fabry patients is a useful tool to assess Fabry-associated pain without a time-consuming face-to-face interview but via a self-reporting survey allowing more flexible usage.}, language = {en} } @article{WuPuAllenetal.2012, author = {Wu, Lingdan and Pu, Jie and Allen, John J. B. and Pauli, Paul}, title = {Recognition of facial expressions in individuals with elevated levels of depressive symptoms: an eye-movement study}, series = {Depression Research and Treatment}, volume = {2012}, journal = {Depression Research and Treatment}, number = {249030}, doi = {10.1155/2012/249030}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123153}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Previous studies consistently reported abnormal recognition of facial expressions in depression. However, it is still not clear whether this abnormality is due to an enhanced or impaired ability to recognize facial expressions, and what underlying cognitive systems are involved. The present study aimed to examine how individuals with elevated levels of depressive symptoms differ from controls on facial expression recognition and to assess attention and information processing using eye tracking. Forty participants (18 with elevated depressive symptoms) were instructed to label facial expressions depicting one of seven emotions. Results showed that the high-depression group, in comparison with the low-depression group, recognized facial expressions faster and with comparable accuracy. Furthermore, the high-depression group demonstrated greater leftwards attention bias which has been argued to be an indicator of hyperactivation of right hemisphere during facial expression recognition.}, language = {en} } @article{ReiterRitterNordbecketal.2012, author = {Reiter, Theresa and Ritter, Oliver and Nordbeck, Peter and Beer, Meinrad and Bauer, Wolfgang Rudolf}, title = {MRI-guided ablation of wide complex tachycardia in a univentricular heart}, series = {World Journal of Cardiology}, volume = {4}, journal = {World Journal of Cardiology}, number = {8}, doi = {10.4330/wjc.v4.i8.260}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123165}, pages = {260-263}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Magnetic resonance imaging can be used for preprocedural assessment of complex anatomy for radiofrequency (RF) ablations, e.g., in a univentricular heart. This case report features the treatment of a young patient with a functionally univentricular heart who suffered from persistent sudden onset tachycardia with wide complexes that required RF ablation as treatment.}, language = {en} } @article{DoerhoeferLammertKraneetal.2013, author = {D{\"o}rh{\"o}fer, Lena and Lammert, Alexander and Krane, Vera and Gorski, Mathias and Banas, Bernhard and Wanner, Christoph and Kr{\"a}mer, Bernhard K. and Heid, Iris M. and B{\"o}ger, Carsten A.}, title = {Study design of DIACORE (DIAbetes COhoRtE) - a cohort study of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2}, series = {BMC Medical Genetics}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Medical Genetics}, number = {25}, issn = {1471-2350}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2350-14-25}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-122040}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is highly associated with increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), end stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular morbidity. Epidemiological and genetic studies generate hypotheses for innovative strategies in DM2 management by unravelling novel mechanisms of diabetes complications, which is essential for future intervention trials. We have thus initiated the DIAbetes COhoRtE study (DIACORE). Methods: DIACORE is a prospective cohort study aiming to recruit 6000 patients of self-reported Caucasian ethnicity with prevalent DM2 for at least 10 years of follow-up. Study visits are performed in University-based recruiting clinics in Germany using standard operating procedures. All prevalent DM2 patients in outpatient clinics surrounding the recruiting centers are invited to participate. At baseline and at each 2-year follow-up examination, patients are subjected to a core phenotyping protocol. This includes a standardized online questionnaire and physical examination to determine incident micro-and macrovascular DM2 complications, malignancy and hospitalization, with a primary focus on renal events. Confirmatory outcome information is requested from patient records. Blood samples are obtained for a centrally analyzed standard laboratory panel and for biobanking of aliquots of serum, plasma, urine, mRNA and DNA for future scientific use. A subset of the cohort is subjected to extended phenotyping, e. g. sleep apnea screening, skin autofluorescence measurement, non-mydriatic retinal photography and non-invasive determination of arterial stiffness. Discussion: DIACORE will enable the prospective evaluation of factors involved in DM2 complication pathogenesis using high-throughput technologies in biosamples and genetic epidemiological studies.}, language = {en} } @article{LjunggrenBarrettStoykovetal.2013, author = {Ljunggren, Osten and Barrett, Annabel and Stoykov, Ivaylo and Langdahl, Bente L. and Lems, Willem F. and Walsh, J. Bernard and Fahrleitner-Pammer, Astrid and Rajzbaum, Gerald and Jakob, Franz and Karras, Dimitrios and Marin, Fernando}, title = {Effective osteoporosis treatment with teriparatide is associated with enhanced quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: the European Forsteo Observational Study}, series = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, number = {251}, issn = {1471-2474}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2474-14-251}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-122057}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: To describe changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with teriparatide for up to 18 months and followed-up for a further 18 months, and to assess the influence of recent prior and incident fractures. Methods: The European Forsteo Observational Study (EFOS) is an observational, prospective, multinational study measuring HRQoL using the EQ-5D. The primary objective was to assess changes in HRQoL during 36 months in the whole study population. A secondary post-hoc analysis examined fracture impact on HRQoL in four subgroups classified based on recent prior fracture 12 months before baseline and incident clinical fractures during the study. Changes from baseline were analysed using a repeated measures model. Results: Of the 1581 patients, 48.4\% had a recent prior fracture and 15.6\% of these patients had an incident fracture during follow-up. 10.9\% of the 816 patients with no recent prior fracture had an incident fracture. Baseline mean EQ-VAS scores were similar across the subgroups. In the total study cohort (n = 1581), HRQoL (EQ-VAS and EQ-5D index scores) improved significantly from baseline to 18 months and this improvement was maintained over the 18-month post-teriparatide period. Improvements were seen across all five EQ-5D domains during teriparatide treatment that were maintained after teriparatide was discontinued. Subjects with incident clinical fractures had significantly less improvement in EQ-VAS than those without incident fractures. Recent prior fracture did not influence the change in EQ-VAS during treatment. Conclusions: EFOS is the first longitudinal study in women with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis in the real world setting to show a substantial improvement in HRQoL during teriparatide treatment that was sustained during subsequent treatment with other medications. The increase in HRQoL was lower in the subgroups with incident fracture but was not influenced by recent prior fracture. The results should be interpreted in the context of the design of an observational study.}, language = {en} } @article{WimmerRandauDemletal.2013, author = {Wimmer, Matthias D. and Randau, Thomas M. and Deml, Moritz C. and Ascherl, Rudolf and Forst, Raimund and Gravius, Nadine and Wirtz, Dieter and Gravius, Sascha}, title = {Impaction grafting in the femur in cementless modular revision total hip arthroplasty: a descriptive outcome analysis of 243 cases with the MRP-TITAN revision implant}, series = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, number = {19}, issn = {1471-2474}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2474-14-19}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-122061}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: We present a descriptive and retrospective analysis of revision total hip arthroplasties (THA) using the MRP-TITAN stem (Peter Brehm, Weisendorf, GER) with distal diaphyseal fixation and metaphyseal defect augmentation. Our hypothesis was that the metaphyseal defect augmentation (Impaction Bone Grafting) improves the stem survival. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the aggregated and anonymized data of 243 femoral stem revisions. 68 patients with 70 implants (28.8\%) received an allograft augmentation for metaphyseal defects; 165 patients with 173 implants (71.2\%) did not, and served as controls. The mean follow-up was 4.4 +/- 1.8 years (range, 2.1-9.6 years). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the study and control group regarding age, body mass index (BMI), femoral defects (types I-III as described by Paprosky), and preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS). Postoperative clinical function was evaluated using the HHS. Postoperative radiologic examination evaluated implant stability, axial implant migration, signs of implant loosening, periprosthetic radiolucencies, as well as bone regeneration and resorption. Results: There were comparable rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications in the study and control groups (p > 0.05). Clinical function, expressed as the increase in the postoperative HHS over the preoperative score, showed significantly greater improvement in the group with Impaction Bone Grafting (35.6 +/- 14.3 vs. 30.8 +/- 15.8; p <= 0.05). The study group showed better outcome especially for larger defects (types II C and III as described by Paprosky) and stem diameters >= 17 mm. The two groups did not show significant differences in the rate of aseptic loosening (1.4\% vs. 2.9\%) and the rate of revisions (8.6\% vs. 11\%). The Kaplan-Meier survival for the MRP-TITAN stem in both groups together was 93.8\% after 8.8 years. [Study group 95.7\% after 8.54 years; control group 93.1\% after 8.7 years]. Radiologic evaluation showed no significant change in axial implant migration (4.3\% vs. 9.3\%; p = 0.19) but a significant reduction in proximal stress shielding (5.7\% vs. 17.9\%; p < 0.05) in the study group. Periprosthetic radiolucencies were detected in 5.7\% of the study group and in 9.8\% of the control group (p = 0.30). Radiolucencies in the proximal zones 1 and 7 according to Gruen occurred significantly more often in the control group without allograft augmentation (p = 0.05). Conclusion: We present the largest analysis of the impaction grafting technique in combination with cementless distal diaphyseal stem fixation published so far. Our data provides initial evidence of improved bone regeneration after graft augmentation of metaphyseal bone defects. The data suggests that proximal metaphyseal graft augmentation is beneficial for large metaphyseal bone defects (Paprosky types IIC and III) and stem diameters of 17 mm and above. Due to the limitations of a retrospective and descriptive study the level of evidence remains low and prospective trials should be conducted.}, language = {en} } @article{BrandenburgKramannKoosetal.2013, author = {Brandenburg, Vincent M. and Kramann, Rafael and Koos, Ralf and Krueger, Thilo and Schurgers, Leon and M{\"u}hlenbruch, Georg and H{\"u}bner, Sinah and Gladziwa, Ulrich and Drechler, Christiane and Ketteler, Markus}, title = {Relationship between sclerostin and cardiovascular calcification in hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study}, series = {BMC Nephrology}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Nephrology}, number = {219}, issn = {1471-2369}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2369-14-219}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-122070}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Sclerostin is a Wnt pathway antagonist regulating osteoblast activity and bone turnover. Here, we assessed the potential association of sclerostin with the development of coronary artery (CAC) and aortic valve calcifications (AVC) in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional multi-slice computed tomography (MS-CT) scanning study in 67 chronic HD patients (59.4 +/- 14.8 yrs) for measurement of CAC and AVC. We tested established biomarkers as well as serum sclerostin (ELISA) regarding their association to the presence of calcification. Fifty-four adults without relevant renal disease served as controls for serum sclerostin levels. Additionally, sclerostin expression in explanted aortic valves from 15 dialysis patients was analysed ex vivo by immunohistochemistry and mRNA quantification (Qt-RT-PCR). Results: CAC (Agatston score > 100) and any AVC were present in 65\% and in 40\% of the MS-CT patient group, respectively. Serum sclerostin levels (1.53 +/- 0.81 vs 0.76 +/- 0.31 ng/mL, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in HD compared to controls and more so in HD patients with AVC versus those without AVC (1.78 +/- 0.84 vs 1.35 +/- 0.73 ng/mL, p = 0.02). Multivariable regression analysis for AVC revealed significant associations with higher serum sclerostin. Ex vivo analysis of uraemic calcified aortic valves (n = 10) revealed a strong sclerostin expression very close to calcified regions (no sclerostin staining in non-calcified valves). Correspondingly, we observed a highly significant upregulation of sclerostin mRNA in calcified valves compared to non-calcified control valves. Conclusion: We found a strong association of sclerostin with calcifying aortic heart valve disease in haemodialysis patients. Sclerostin is locally produced in aortic valve tissue adjacent to areas of calcification.}, language = {en} } @article{WeiseStoll2012, author = {Weise, Gesa and Stoll, Guido}, title = {Magnetic resonance imaging of blood brain/nerve barrier dysfunction and leukocyte infiltration: closely related or discordant?}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {3}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, number = {178}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2012.00178}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123359}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Unlike other organs the nervous system is secluded from the rest of the organism by the blood brain barrier (BBB) or blood nerve barrier (BNB) preventing passive influx of fluids from the circulation. Similarly, leukocyte entry to the nervous system is tightly controlled. Breakdown of these barriers and cellular inflammation are hallmarks of inflammatory as well as ischemic neurological diseases and thus represent potential therapeutic targets. The spatiotemporal relationship between BBB/BNB disruption and leukocyte infiltration has been a matter of debate. We here review contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive tool to depict barrier dysfunction and its relation to macrophage infiltration in the central and peripheral nervous system under pathological conditions. Novel experimental contrast agents like Gadofluorine M (Gf) allow more sensitive assessment of BBB dysfunction than conventional Gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA enhanced MRI. In addition, Gf facilitates visualization of functional and transient alterations of the BBB remote from lesions. Cellular contrast agents such as superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO) and perfluorocarbons enable assessment of leukocyte (mainly macrophage) infiltration by MR technology. Combined use of these MR contrast agents disclosed that leukocytes can enter the nervous system independent from a disturbance of the BBB, and vice versa, a dysfunctional BBB/BNB by itself is not sufficient to attract inflammatory cells from the circulation. We will illustrate these basic imaging findings in animal models of multiple sclerosis, cerebral ischemia, and traumatic nerve injury and review corresponding findings in patients.}, language = {en} } @article{SaidPolatSteinetal.2012, author = {Said, Harun M. and Polat, Buelent and Stein, Susanne and Guckenberger, Mathias and Hagemann, Carsten and Staab, Adrian and Katzer, Astrid and Anacker, Jelena and Flentje, Michael and Vordermark, Dirk}, title = {Inhibition of N-Myc down regulated gene 1 in in vitro cultured human glioblastoma cells}, series = {World Journal of Clinical Oncology}, volume = {3}, journal = {World Journal of Clinical Oncology}, number = {7}, doi = {10.5306/wjco.v3.i7.104}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123385}, pages = {104-110}, year = {2012}, abstract = {AIM: To study short dsRNA oligonucleotides (siRNA) as a potent tool for artificially modulating gene expression of N-Myc down regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) gene induced under different physiological conditions (Normoxia and hypoxia) modulating NDRG1 transcription, mRNA stability and translation. METHODS: A cell line established from a patient with glioblastoma multiforme. Plasmid DNA for transfections was prepared with the Endofree Plasmid Maxi kit. From plates containing 5 x 10(7) cells, nuclear extracts were prepared according to previous protocols. The pSUPER-NDRG1 vectors were designed, two sequences were selected from the human NDRG1 cDNA (5'-GCATTATTGGCATGGGAAC-3' and 5'-ATGCAGAGTAACGTGGAAG-3'. reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed using primers designed using published information on -actin and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 mRNA sequences in GenBank. NDRG1 mRNA and protein level expression results under different conditions of hypoxia or reoxygenation were compared to aerobic control conditions using the Mann-Whitney U test. Reoxygenation values were also compared to the NDRG1 levels after 24 h of hypoxia (P < 0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS: siRNA- and iodoacetate (IAA)-mediated downregulation of NDRG1 mRNA and protein expression in vitro in human glioblastoma cell lines showed a nearly complete inhibition of NDRG1 expression when compared to the results obtained due to the inhibitory role of glycolysis inhibitor IAA. Hypoxia responsive elements bound by nuclear HIF-1 in human glioblastoma cells in vitro under different oxygenation conditions and the clearly enhanced binding of nuclear extracts from glioblastoma cell samples exposed to extreme hypoxic conditions confirmed the HIF-1 Western blotting results. CONCLUSION: NDRG1 represents an additional diagnostic marker for brain tumor detection, due to the role of hypoxia in regulating this gene, and it can represent a potential target for tumor treatment in human glioblastoma. The siRNA method can represent an elegant alternative to modulate the expression of the hypoxia induced NDRG1 gene and can help to monitor the development of the cancer disease treatment outcome through monitoring the expression of this gene in the patients undergoing the different therapeutic treatment alternatives available nowadays.}, language = {en} } @article{HansenSeilerRumpfetal.2012, author = {Hansen, Niels and Seiler, Carola and Rumpf, Julian and Kraft, Peter and Dlaske, Henry and Abele-Horn, Marianne and Muellges, Wolfgang}, title = {Human Tuberculous Meningitis Caused by \(Mycobacterium\) \(caprae\)}, series = {Case Reports in Neurology}, volume = {4}, journal = {Case Reports in Neurology}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1159/000337299}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123425}, pages = {54-60}, year = {2012}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Tuberculous meningitis (TM) causes substantial morbidity and mortality in humans. Human TM has been known to be induced by bacteria from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), such as M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of meningitis treated with fosfomycin, which showed partial effectiveness in an 80-year-old patient. After a lethal myocardial infarction, M. caprae (MC) was identified in cerebrospinal fluid culture. This isolated acid-fast organism was first identified as MTBC by MTBC-specific PCR (16S rDNA-PCR). Furthermore, species-specific identification of the isolate was done by gyrB PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of a part of gyrB DNA. Colony morphology of the isolated MC strain showed dysgonic growth on Lowenstein-Jensen medium. The strain was susceptible to pyrazinamide (PZA). CONCLUSION: This isolated strain was convincingly identified as MC according to the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and PZA sensitivity. This is the first report of MC causing TM.}, language = {en} } @article{FluriFleischerKleinschnitz2015, author = {Fluri, Felix and Fleischer, Michael and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Accidental Thrombolysis in a Stroke Patient Receiving Apixaban}, series = {Cerebrovascular Diseases Extra}, volume = {5}, journal = {Cerebrovascular Diseases Extra}, doi = {10.1159/000375181}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-126326}, pages = {55-56}, year = {2015}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @article{EiseleBlozikStoerketal.2013, author = {Eisele, Marion and Blozik, Eva and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Tr{\"a}der, Jens-Martin and Herrmann-Lingen, Christoph and Scherer, Martin}, title = {Recognition of depression and anxiety and their association with quality of life, hospitalization and mortality in primary care patients with heart failure - study protocol of a longitudinal observation study}, series = {BMC Family Practice}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Family Practice}, number = {180}, issn = {1471-2296}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2296-14-180}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-121881}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: International disease management guidelines recommend the regular assessment of depression and anxiety in heart failure patients. Currently there is little data on the effect of screening for depression and anxiety on the quality of life and the prognosis of heart failure (HF). We will investigate the association between the recognition of current depression/anxiety by the general practitioner (GP) and the quality of life and the patients' prognosis. Methods/Design: In this multicenter, prospective, observational study 3,950 patients with HF are recruited by general practices in Germany. The patients fill out questionnaires at baseline and 12-month follow-up. At baseline the GPs are interviewed regarding the somatic and psychological comorbidities of their patients. During the follow-up assessment, data on hospitalization and mortality are provided by the general practice. Based on baseline data, the patients are allocated into three observation groups: HF patients with depression and/or anxiety recognized by their GP (P+/+), those with depression and/or anxiety not recognized (P+/-) and patients without depression and/or anxiety (P-/-). We will perform multivariate regression models to investigate the influence of the recognition of depression and/or anxiety on quality of life at 12 month follow-up, as well as its influences on the prognosis (hospital admission, mortality). Discussion: We will display the frequency of GP-acknowledged depression and anxiety and the frequency of installed therapeutic strategies. We will also describe the frequency of depression and anxiety missed by the GP and the resulting treatment gap. Effects of correctly acknowledged and missed depression/anxiety on outcome, also in comparison to the outcome of subjects without depression/anxiety will be addressed. In case results suggest a treatment gap of depression/anxiety in patients with HF, the results of this study will provide methodological advice for the efficient planning of further interventional research.}, language = {en} } @article{WeissRauGeier2014, author = {Weiss, Johannes and Rau, Monika and Geier, Andreas}, title = {Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Epidemiology, Clinical Course, Investigation, and Treatment}, series = {Deautsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, volume = {111}, journal = {Deautsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, number = {26}, doi = {10.3238/arztebl.2014.0447}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119557}, pages = {447-52}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: The global obesity epidemic has increased the prevalence of fatty liver disease. At present, 14\% to 27\% of the general population in the industrialized world has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: We review pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search of the PubMed database for the years 1995 to 2013. Results: The term "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" covers cases of a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from bland fatty liver without any inflammation and with little or no tendency to progress all the way to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with inflammatory reactions and hepatocyte damage, with or without fibrosis. Some 5\% to 20\% of patients with NAFLD develop NASH, which undergoes a further transition to higher-grade fibrosis in 10\% to 20\% of cases. In fewer than 5\% of cases, fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis. These approximate figures lead to an estimate of 0.05\% to 0.3\% for the prevalence of cirrhosis in the general population. About 2\% of all cirrhosis patients per year develop hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis of fatty liver disease can be suspected initially on the basis of abnormally high aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) levels and abnormal ultrasonographic findings. The positive predictive value of an ultrasonographic study for mild steatosis is 67\% at most. The NAFLD fibrosis score, which is computed on the basis of multiple parameters (age, body-mass index, diabetes status, ASAT, ALAT, platelet count, and albumin level), has a positive predictive value of 82\% to 90\% and a negative predictive value of 88\% to 93\%. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis but should be performed sparingly in view of its rare but sometimes life-threatening complications, such as hemorrhage. The treatment of NAFLD and NASH consists mainly of changes in lifestyle and nutrition. Conclusion: NAFLD can, in principle, be reversed. This is only possible with weight reduction by at least 3\% to 5\%.}, language = {en} } @article{Schneider2014, author = {Schneider, Peter}, title = {SIRT Was Given Short Shrift}, series = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, volume = {111}, journal = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, number = {26}, doi = {10.3238/arztebl.2014.0464a}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119564}, pages = {101-6}, year = {2014}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @article{DavisYuKeenanetal.2013, author = {Davis, Lea K. and Yu, Dongmei and Keenan, Clare L. and Gamazon, Eric R. and Konkashbaev, Anuar I. and Derks, Eske M. and Neale, Benjamin M. and Yang, Jian and Lee, S. Hong and Evans, Patrick and Barr, Cathy L. and Bellodi, Laura and Benarroch, Fortu and Berrio, Gabriel Bedoya and Bienvenu, Oscar J. and Bloch, Michael H. and Blom, Rianne M. and Bruun, Ruth D. and Budman, Cathy L. and Camarena, Beatriz and Campbell, Desmond and Cappi, Carolina and Cardona Silgado, Julio C. and Cath, Danielle C. and Cavallini, Maria C. and Chavira, Denise A. and Chouinard, Sylvian and Conti, David V. and Cook, Edwin H. and Coric, Vladimir and Cullen, Bernadette A. and Deforce, Dieter and Delorme, Richard and Dion, Yves and Edlund, Christopher K. and Egberts, Karin and Falkai, Peter and Fernandez, Thomas V. and Gallagher, Patience J. and Garrido, Helena and Geller, Daniel and Girard, Simon L. and Grabe, Hans J. and Grados, Marco A. and Greenberg, Benjamin D. and Gross-Tsur, Varda and Haddad, Stephen and Heiman, Gary A. and Hemmings, Sian M. J. and Hounie, Ana G. and Illmann, Cornelia and Jankovic, Joseph and Jenike, Micheal A. and Kennedy, James L. and King, Robert A. and Kremeyer, Barbara and Kurlan, Roger and Lanzagorta, Nuria and Leboyer, Marion and Leckman, James F. and Lennertz, Leonhard and Liu, Chunyu and Lochner, Christine and Lowe, Thomas L. and Macciardi, Fabio and McCracken, James T. and McGrath, Lauren M. and Restrepo, Sandra C. Mesa and Moessner, Rainald and Morgan, Jubel and Muller, Heike and Murphy, Dennis L. and Naarden, Allan L. and Ochoa, William Cornejo and Ophoff, Roel A. and Osiecki, Lisa and Pakstis, Andrew J. and Pato, Michele T. and Pato, Carlos N. and Piacentini, John and Pittenger, Christopher and Pollak, Yehunda and Rauch, Scott L. and Renner, Tobias J. and Reus, Victor I. and Richter, Margaret A. and Riddle, Mark A. and Robertson, Mary M. and Romero, Roxana and Ros{\`a}rio, Maria C. and Rosenberg, David and Rouleau, Guy A. and Ruhrmann, Stephan and Ruiz-Linares, Andreas and Sampaio, Aline S. and Samuels, Jack and Sandor, Paul and Sheppard, Broke and Singer, Harvey S. and Smit, Jan H. and Stein, Dan J. and Strengman, E. and Tischfield, Jay A. and Valencia Duarte, Ana V. and Vallada, Homero and Van Nieuwerburgh, Flip and Veenstra-VanderWeele, Jeremy and Walitza, Susanne and Wang, Ying and Wendland, Jens R. and Westenberg, Herman G. M. and Shugart, Yin Yao and Miguel, Euripedes C. and McMahon, William and Wagner, Michael and Nicolini, Humberto and Posthuma, Danielle and Hanna, Gregory L. and Heutink, Peter and Denys, Damiaan and Arnold, Paul D. and Oostra, Ben A. and Nestadt, Gerald and Freimer, Nelson B. and Pauls, David L. and Wray, Naomi R. and Stewart, S. Evelyn and Mathews, Carol A. and Knowles, James A. and Cox, Nancy J. and Scharf, Jeremiah M.}, title = {Partitioning the Heritability of Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Reveals Differences in Genetic Architecture}, series = {PLoS Genetics}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS Genetics}, number = {10}, issn = {1553-7390}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pgen.1003864}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-127377}, pages = {e1003864}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The direct estimation of heritability from genome-wide common variant data as implemented in the program Genome-wide Complex Trait Analysis (GCTA) has provided a means to quantify heritability attributable to all interrogated variants. We have quantified the variance in liability to disease explained by all SNPs for two phenotypically-related neurobehavioral disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette Syndrome (TS), using GCTA. Our analysis yielded a heritability point estimate of 0.58 (se = 0.09, p = 5.64e-12) for TS, and 0.37 (se = 0.07, p = 1.5e-07) for OCD. In addition, we conducted multiple genomic partitioning analyses to identify genomic elements that concentrate this heritability. We examined genomic architectures of TS and OCD by chromosome, MAF bin, and functional annotations. In addition, we assessed heritability for early onset and adult onset OCD. Among other notable results, we found that SNPs with a minor allele frequency of less than 5\% accounted for 21\% of the TS heritability and 0\% of the OCD heritability. Additionally, we identified a significant contribution to TS and OCD heritability by variants significantly associated with gene expression in two regions of the brain (parietal cortex and cerebellum) for which we had available expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Finally we analyzed the genetic correlation between TS and OCD, revealing a genetic correlation of 0.41 (se = 0.15, p = 0.002). These results are very close to previous heritability estimates for TS and OCD based on twin and family studies, suggesting that very little, if any, heritability is truly missing (i.e., unassayed) from TS and OCD GWAS studies of common variation. The results also indicate that there is some genetic overlap between these two phenotypically-related neuropsychiatric disorders, but suggest that the two disorders have distinct genetic architectures.}, language = {en} } @article{DasenbrookLuDonnolaetal.2013, author = {Dasenbrook, Elliot C. and Lu, Luan and Donnola, Shannon and Weaver, David E. and Gulani, Viskas and Jakob, Peter M. and Konstan, Michael W. and Flask, Chris A.}, title = {Normalized T1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessment of Regional Lung Function in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients - A Cross-Sectional Study}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {8}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {9}, issn = {1932-6203}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128346}, pages = {e73286}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients would benefit from a safe and effective tool to detect early-stage, regional lung disease to allow for early intervention. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe, non-invasive procedure capable of providing quantitative assessments of disease without ionizing radiation. We developed a rapid normalized T1 MRI technique to detect regional lung disease in early-stage CF patients. Materials and Methods: Conventional multislice, pulmonary T1 relaxation time maps were obtained for 10 adult CF patients with normal spirometry and 5 healthy non-CF control subjects using a rapid Look-Locker MRI acquisition (5 seconds/imaging slice). Each lung absolute T1 map was separated into six regions of interest (ROI) by manually selecting upper, central, and lower lung regions in the left and right lungs. In order to reduce the effects of subject-to-subject variation, normalized T1 maps were calculated by dividing each pixel in the absolute T1 maps by the mean T1 time in the central lung region. The primary outcome was the differences in mean normalized T1 values in the upper lung regions between CF patients with normal spirometry and healthy volunteers. Results: Normalized T1 (nT1) maps showed visibly reduced subject-to-subject variation in comparison to conventional absolute T1 maps for healthy volunteers. An ROI analysis showed that the variation in the nT1 values in all regions was <= 2\% of the mean. The primary outcome, the mean (SD) of the normalized T1 values in the upper right lung regions, was significantly lower in the CF subjects [.914 (.037)] compared to the upper right lung regions of the healthy subjects [.983 (.003)] [difference of .069 (95\% confidence interval .032-.105); p=.001). Similar results were seen in the upper left lung region. Conclusion: Rapid normalized T1 MRI relaxometry obtained in 5 seconds/imaging slice may be used to detect regional early-stage lung disease in CF patients.}, language = {en} } @article{GrubeKoenneckeWalteretal.2013, author = {Grube, Maike Miriam and Koennecke, Hans-Christian and Walter, Georg and Meisel, Andreas and Sobesky, Jan and Nolte, Christian Hans and Wellwood, Ian and Heuschmann, Peter Ulrich}, title = {Influence of Acute Complications on Outcome 3 Months after Ischemic Stroke}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {8}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {9}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0075719}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128362}, pages = {e75719}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Early medical complications are potentially modifiable factors influencing in-hospital outcome. We investigated the influence of acute complications on mortality and poor outcome 3 months after ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were obtained from patients admitted to one of 13 stroke units of the Berlin Stroke Registry (BSR) who participated in a 3-months-follow up between June 2010 and September 2012. We examined the influence of the cumulative number of early in-hospital complications on mortality and poor outcome (death, disability or institutionalization) 3 months after stroke using multivariable logistic regression analyses and calculated attributable fractions to determine the impact of early complications on mortality and poor outcome. Results: A total of 2349 ischemic stroke patients alive at discharge from acute care were included in the analysis. Older age, stroke severity, pre-stroke dependency and early complications were independent predictors of mortality 3 months after stroke. Poor outcome was independently associated with older age, stroke severity, pre-stroke dependency, previous stroke and early complications. More than 60\% of deaths and poor outcomes were attributed to age, pre-stroke dependency and stroke severity and in-hospital complications contributed to 12.3\% of deaths and 9.1\% of poor outcomes 3 months after stroke. Conclusion: The majority of deaths and poor outcomes after stroke were attributed to non-modifiable factors. However, early in-hospital complications significantly affect outcome in patients who survived the acute phase after stroke, underlining the need to improve prevention and treatment of complications in hospital.}, language = {en} } @article{HagemannAnackerErnestusetal.2012, author = {Hagemann, Carsten and Anacker, Jelena and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and Vince, Giles H.}, title = {A complete compilation of matrix metalloproteinase expression in human malignant gliomas}, series = {World Journal of Clinical Oncology}, volume = {3}, journal = {World Journal of Clinical Oncology}, number = {5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123982}, pages = {67-79}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Glioblastomas are characterized by an aggressive local growth pattern, a marked degree of invasiveness and poor prognosis. Tumor invasiveness is facilitated by the increased activity of proteolytic enzymes which are involved in destruction of the extracellular matrix of the surrounding healthy brain tissue. Elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were found in glioblastoma (GBM) cell-lines, as well as in GBM biopsies as compared with low-grade astrocytoma (LGA) and normal brain samples, indicating a role in malignant progression. A careful review of the available literature revealed that both the expression and role of several of the 23 human MMP proteins is controversely discussed and for some there are no data available at all. We therefore screened a panel of 15 LGA and 15 GBM biopsy samples for those MMPs for which there is either no, very limited or even contradictory data available. Hence, this is the first complete compilation of the expression pattern of all 23 human MMPs in astrocytic tumors. This study will support a better understanding of the specific expression patterns and interaction of proteolytic enzymes in malignant human glioma and may provide additional starting points for targeted patient therapy.}, language = {en} } @article{VanBaelenMottetSpahnetal.2012, author = {Van Baelen, Anthony and Mottet, Nicolas and Spahn, Martin and Briganti, Alberto and Gontero, Paolo and Joniau, Steven}, title = {Sense and Nonsense of an Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer}, series = {Advances in Urology}, volume = {2012}, journal = {Advances in Urology}, number = {983058}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123990}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Lymph node metastases associated with prostate cancer (PCa) has been shown to be a poor prognostic factor. The role of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) itself in relation to survival remains unclear, however. A Medline search was conducted to address this issue. The following conclusions were drawn. Only recently, improved survival due to completion of radical prostatectomy (RP) (compared to abandoning RP) in known or presumed lymph-node-positive patients has been shown. Lymph node sampling can only be considered representative if an adequate number of nodes is removed. While several authors have suggested that a therapeutic benefit in patients undergoing RP is not provided by PLND, the reliability of these studies is uncertain. Contrary to this, several studies have indicated the possibility of long-term survival even in the presence of limited lymph node metastases. The role and timing of initiation of adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients who have node-positive disease after RP is controversial. Recent studies suggest that delaying ADT may not adversely impact survival.}, language = {en} } @article{RauBaurGeier2012, author = {Rau, Monika and Baur, Katharina and Geier, Andreas}, title = {Host Genetic Variants in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C.}, series = {Viruses}, volume = {4}, journal = {Viruses}, number = {12}, doi = {10.3390/v4123281}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123611}, pages = {3281-302}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) are currently replacing antiviral therapy for Hepatitis C infection. Treatment related side effects are even worse and the emergence of resistant viruses must be avoided because of the direct-antiviral action. Altogether it remains a challenge to take treatment decisions in a clinical setting with cost restrictions. Genetic host factors are hereby essential to implement an individualized treatment concept. In recent years results on different genetic variants have been published with a strong association with therapy response, fibrosis and treatment-related side effects. Polymorphisms of the IL28B gene were identified as accurate predictors for therapy response and spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and are already used for diagnostic decisions. For RBV-induced side effects, such as hemolytic anemia, associations to genetic variants of inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) were described and different SLC28 transporters for RBV-uptake have been successfully analyzed. Fibrosis progression has been associated with variants of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and ABCB11 (bile salt export pump). Cirrhotic patients especially have a high treatment risk and low therapy response, so that personalized antiviral treatment is mandatory. This review focuses on different host genetic variants in the pathogenesis of Hepatitis C at the beginning of a new area of treatment.}, language = {en} } @article{MonteliusLjungbergHornetal.2012, author = {Montelius, Mikael and Ljungberg, Maria and Horn, Michael and Forssell-Aronsson, Eva}, title = {Tumour size measurement in a mouse model using high resolution MRI}, series = {BMC Medical Imaging}, volume = {12}, journal = {BMC Medical Imaging}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2342-12-12}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124049}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Animal models are frequently used to assess new treatment methods in cancer research. MRI offers a non-invasive in vivo monitoring of tumour tissue and thus allows longitudinal measurements of treatment effects, without the need for large cohorts of animals. Tumour size is an important biomarker of the disease development, but to our knowledge, MRI based size measurements have not yet been verified for small tumours (10-2-10-1 g). The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of MRI based tumour size measurements of small tumours on mice. Methods 2D and 3D T2-weighted RARE images of tumour bearing mice were acquired in vivo using a 7 T dedicated animal MR system. For the 3D images the acquired image resolution was varied. The images were exported to a PC workstation where the tumour mass was determined assuming a density of 1 g/cm3, using an in-house developed tool for segmentation and delineation. The resulting data were compared to the weight of the resected tumours after sacrifice of the animal using regression analysis. Results Strong correlations were demonstrated between MRI- and necropsy determined masses. In general, 3D acquisition was not a prerequisite for high accuracy. However, it was slightly more accurate than 2D when small (<0.2 g) tumours were assessed for inter- and intraobserver variation. In 3D images, the voxel sizes could be increased from 1603 μm3 to 2403 μm3 without affecting the results significantly, thus reducing acquisition time substantially. Conclusions 2D MRI was sufficient for accurate tumour size measurement, except for small tumours (<0.2 g) where 3D acquisition was necessary to reduce interobserver variation. Acquisition times between 15 and 50 minutes, depending on tumour size, were sufficient for accurate tumour volume measurement. Hence, it is possible to include further MR investigations of the tumour, such as tissue perfusion, diffusion or metabolic composition in the same MR session.}, language = {en} } @article{DorschKrieterLemkeetal.2012, author = {Dorsch, Oliver and Krieter, Detlef H. and Lemke, Horst-Dieter and Fischer, Stefan and Melzer, Nima and Sieder, Christian and Bramlage, Peter and Harenberg, Job}, title = {A multi-center, prospective, open-label, 8-week study of certoparin for anticoagulation during maintenance hemodialysis - the membrane study}, series = {BMC Nephrology}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC Nephrology}, number = {50}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2369-13-50}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124052}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Adequate anticoagulation is prerequisite for effective hemodialysis to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit. We aimed providing first data on the efficacy and safety of the low-molecular-weight heparin certoparin in this setting. Methods Multicenter, open-label, 8-week trial. Patients received a single dose of 3,000 IU certoparin i.v. with additional titration steps of 600 IU and/or continuous infusion if necessary. Results 120 patients were screened, 109 enrolled (median age 71; range 26-90 years) and 106 available for efficacy analyses. The percentage of unsatisfactory dialysis results at 8 weeks due to clotting or bleeding, was 1.9\% (n = 2/106; 95\% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-6.65\%); no major bleeding. 1.9\% had moderate/severe clotting in the lines/bubble catcher and 2.8\% in the dialyser at week 8. 15.7 ± 14.3\% of the dialysis filters' visual surface area was showing redness. In subgroups of patients receiving median doses of 3000 ± 0, 3000 (2400-6000) and 4200 (3000-6600) IU, plasma aXa levels at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks were 0.24 [95\%CI 0.21-0.27], 0.33 [0.27-0.40] and 0.38 [0.33-0.45] aXa IU/ml at 2 h. \(C_{48h}\) was 0.01 [0.01-0.02] aXa IU at all visits. At baseline and 4 weeks \(AUC_{0-48h}\) was 2.66 [2.19-3.24] and 3.66 [3.00-4.45] aXa IU*h/ml. In 3.0\% of dialyses (n = 83/2724) prolonged fistula compression times were documented. Eight patients (7.34\%) had at least one episode of minor bleeding. 4) 85.3\% of patients had any adverse event, 9.2\% were serious without suspected drug relation; and in 32 patients a drug-relation was suspected. Conclusions Certoparin appears effective and safe for anticoagulation in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.}, language = {en} } @article{NassWeissbrichHuberetal.2012, author = {Nass, Maximilian and Weissbrich, Benedikt and Huber, Moritz and Schneider, Elisabeth Marion and Weiss, Manfred}, title = {BK viremia in critically ill surgical patients with hemorrhagic or septic shock}, series = {BMC Research Notes}, volume = {5}, journal = {BMC Research Notes}, number = {100}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124136}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Infections with polyomavirus BK virus (BKV) are a common cause of renal dysfunction after renal transplantation and may also be harmful in surgical patients with shock. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of BKV viremia in critically ill surgical patients with septic or hemorrhagic shock, and, if viremia is detectable, whether viremia may be associated with renal dysfunction. Findings A total of 125 plasma samples from 44 critically ill surgical patients with septic or hemorrhagic shock were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BKV DNA during their stay on the intensive care unit (ICU). BKV viremia occurred in four patients, i.e. in three of the septic and in one of the hemorrhagic shock group. There was no association between viremia and renal dysfunction. All positive samples contained a low viral load (< 500 copies/ml). Conclusions Since BK viremia was rarely found and with low viral load only in critically ill surgical patients with shock, it is very unlikely that BK viremia results in BK nephropathy later on.}, language = {en} } @article{NolteZadehKhorasaniSafarovetal.2012, author = {Nolte, Thomas and Zadeh-Khorasani, Maryam and Safarov, Orkhan and Rueff, Franziska and Varga, Rita and Herbach, Nadja and Wanke, R{\"u}diger and Wollenberg, Andreas and Mueller, Thomas and Gropp, Roswitha and Wolf, Eckhard and Siebeck, Matthias}, title = {Induction of oxazolone-mediated features of atopic dermatitis in NOD-scid \(IL2Rγ^{null}\) mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells}, series = {Disease Models and Mechanisms}, volume = {6}, journal = {Disease Models and Mechanisms}, doi = {10.1242/dmm.009167}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124150}, pages = {125-134}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Animal models mimicking human diseases have been used extensively to study the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the efficacy of potential therapeutics. They are, however, limited with regard to their similarity to the human disease and cannot be used if the antagonist and its cognate receptor require high similarity in structure or binding. Here, we examine the induction of oxazolone-mediated features of atopic dermatitis (AD) in NOD-scid IL2Rγnull mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The mice developed the same symptoms as immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Histological alterations induced by oxazolone were characterized by keratosis, epithelial hyperplasia and influx of inflammatory cells into the dermis and epidermis. The cellular infiltrate was identified as human leukocytes, with T cells being the major constituent. In addition, oxazolone increased human serum IgE levels. The response, however, required the engraftment of PBMC derived from patients suffering from AD, which suggests that this model reflects the immunological status of the donor. Taken together, the model described here has the potential to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutics targeting human lymphocytes in vivo and, in addition, might be developed further to elucidate molecular mechanisms inducing and sustaining flares of the disease.}, language = {en} } @article{FrankeFaraoneAshersonetal.2012, author = {Franke, B. and Faraone, S. V. and Asherson, P. and Buitelaar, J. and Bau, C. H. D. and Ramos-Quiroga, J. A. and Mick, E. and Grevet, E. H. and Johansson, S. and Haavik, J. and Lesch, K.-P. and Cormand, B. and Reif, A.}, title = {The genetics of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults, a review}, series = {Molecular Psychiatry}, volume = {17}, journal = {Molecular Psychiatry}, doi = {10.1038/mp.2011.138}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124677}, pages = {960-987}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The adult form of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aADHD) has a prevalence of up to 5\% and is the most severe long-term outcome of this common neurodevelopmental disorder. Family studies in clinical samples suggest an increased familial liability for aADHD compared with childhood ADHD (cADHD), whereas twin studies based on self-rated symptoms in adult population samples show moderate heritability estimates of 30-40\%. However, using multiple sources of information, the heritability of clinically diagnosed aADHD and cADHD is very similar. Results of candidate gene as well as genome-wide molecular genetic studies in aADHD samples implicate some of the same genes involved in ADHD in children, although in some cases different alleles and different genes may be responsible for adult versus childhood ADHD. Linkage studies have been successful in identifying loci for aADHD and led to the identification of LPHN3 and CDH13 as novel genes associated with ADHD across the lifespan. In addition, studies of rare genetic variants have identified probable causative mutations for aADHD. Use of endophenotypes based on neuropsychology and neuroimaging, as well as next-generation genome analysis and improved statistical and bioinformatic analysis methods hold the promise of identifying additional genetic variants involved in disease etiology. Large, international collaborations have paved the way for well-powered studies. Progress in identifying aADHD risk genes may provide us with tools for the prediction of disease progression in the clinic and better treatment, and ultimately may help to prevent persistence of ADHD into adulthood.}, language = {en} } @article{DietzWichelmannWunderetal.2012, author = {Dietz, U. A. and Wichelmann, C. and Wunder, C. and Kauczok, J. and Spor, L. and Strauß, A. and Wildenauer, R. and Jurowich, C. and Germer, C. T.}, title = {Early repair of open abdomen with a tailored two-component mesh and conditioning vacuum packing: a safe alternative to the planned giant ventral hernia}, series = {Hernia}, volume = {16}, journal = {Hernia}, number = {4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124686}, pages = {451-460}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Purpose Once open abdomen therapy has succeeded, the problem of closing the abdominal wall must be addressed. We present a new four-stage procedure involving the application of a two-component mesh and vacuum conditioning for abdominal wall closure of even large defects. The aim is to prevent the development of a giant ventral hernia and the eventual need for the repair of the abdominal wall. Methods Nineteen of 62 patients treated by open abdomen over a two-year period could not receive primary abdominal wall closure. To achieve closure in these patients, we applied the following four-stage procedure: stage 1: abdominal damage control and conditioning of the abdominal wall; stage 2: attachment of a tailored two-component mesh of polyglycolic acid (PGA) and large pore polypropylene (PP) in intraperitoneal position (IPOM) plus placement of a vacuum bandage; stage 3: vacuum therapy for 3-4 weeks to allow granulation of the mesh and optimization of dermatotraction; stage 4: final skin suture. During stage 3, eligible patients were weaned from respirator and mobilized. Results The abdominal wall gap in the 19 patients ranged in size from 240 cm2 to more than 900 cm2. An average of 3.44 vacuum dressing changes over 19 days were required to achieve 60-100 \% granulation of the surface area, so final skin suture could be made. Already in stage 3, 14 patients (73.68 \%) could be weaned from respirator an average of 6.78 days after placement of the two-component mesh; 6 patients (31.57 \%) could be mobilized on the edge of the bed and/or to a bedside chair after an average of 13 days. No mesh-related hematomas, seromas, or intestinal fistulas were observed. Conclusion The four-stage procedure presented here is a viable option for achieving abdominal wall closure in patients treated with open abdomen, enabling us to avoid the development of planned giant ventral hernias. It has few complications and has the special advantage of allowing mobilization of the patients before final skin closure. Long-term course in a large number of patients must still confirm this result.}, language = {en} } @article{RadermacherWinglerKleikersetal.2012, author = {Radermacher, Kim A. and Wingler, Kirstin and Kleikers, Pamela and Altenh{\"o}fer, Sebastian and Hermans, Johannes J. R. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Schmidt, Harald H. H. W.}, title = {The 1027th target candidate in stroke: Will NADPH oxidase hold up?}, series = {Experimental and Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {4}, journal = {Experimental and Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1186/2040-7378-4-11}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124197}, year = {2012}, abstract = {As recently reviewed, 1026 neuroprotective drug candidates in stroke research have all failed on their road towards validation and clinical translation, reasons being quality issues in preclinical research and publication bias. Quality control guidelines for preclinical stroke studies have now been established. However, sufficient understanding of the underlying mechanisms of neuronal death after stroke that could be possibly translated into new therapies is lacking. One exception is the hypothesis that cellular death is mediated by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is defined as an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from different possible enzymatic sources. Among these, NADPH oxidases (NOX1-5) stand out as they represent the only known enzyme family that has no other function than to produce ROS. Based on data from different NOX knockout mouse models in ischemic stroke, the most relevant isoform appears to be NOX4. Here we discuss the state-of-the-art of this target with respect to stroke and open questions that need to be addressed on the path towards clinical translation.}, language = {en} } @article{LanghauserHeilerGrudzenskietal.2012, author = {Langhauser, Friederike L. and Heiler, Patrick M. and Grudzenski, Saskia and Lemke, Andreas and Alonso, Angelika and Schad, Lothar R. and Hennerici, Michael G. and Meairs, Stephen and Fata, Marc}, title = {Thromboembolic stroke in C57BL/6 mice monitored by 9.4 T MRI using a 1H cryo probe}, series = {Experimental and Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {4}, journal = {Experimental and Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {18}, doi = {10.1186/2040-7378-4-18}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124218}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background A new thromboembolic animal model showed beneficial effects of t-PA with an infarct volume reduction of 36.8\% in swiss mice. Because knock-out animal experiments for stroke frequently used C57BL76 mice we evaluated t-PA effects in this mouse strain and measured infarct volume and vascular recanalisation in-vivo by using high-field 9.4 T MRI and a 1H surface cryo coil. Methods Clot formation was triggered by microinjection of murine thrombin into the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). Animals (n = 28) were treated with 10 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg or no tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) 40 min after MCA occlusion. For MR-imaging a Bruker 9.4 T animal system with a 1H surface cryo probe was used and a T2-weighted RARE sequence, a diffusion weighted multishot EPI sequence and a 3D flow-compensated gradient echo TOF angiography were performed. Results The infarct volume in animals treated with t-PA was significantly reduced (0.67 ± 1.38 mm3 for 10 mg/kg and 10.9 ± 8.79 mm3 for 5 mg/kg vs. 19.76 ± 2.72 mm3 ; p < 0.001) compared to untreated mice. An additional group was reperfused with t-PA inside the MRI. Already ten minutes after beginning of t-PA treatment, reperfusion flow was re-established in the right MCA. However, signal intensity was lower than in the contralateral MCA. This reduction in cerebral blood flow was attenuated during the first 60 minutes after reperfusion. 24 h after MCA occlusion and reperfusion, no difference in signal intensity of the contralateral and ipsilateral MCAs was observed. Conclusions We confirm a t-Pa effect using this stroke model in the C57BL76 mouse strain and demonstrate a chronological sequence MRI imaging after t-PA using a 1H surface cryo coil in a 9.4 T MRI. This setting will allow testing of new thrombolytic strategies for stroke treatment in-vivo in C57BL76 knock-out mice.}, language = {en} } @article{WildMarshallBocketal.2012, author = {Wild, J. M. and Marshall, H. and Bock, M. and Schad, L. R. and Jakob, P. M. and Puderbach, M. and Molinari, F. and Van Beek, E. J. R. and Biederer, J.}, title = {MRI of the lung (1/3): methods}, series = {Insights into Imaging}, volume = {3}, journal = {Insights into Imaging}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1007/s13244-012-0176-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124238}, pages = {345-353}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently emerged as a clinical tool to image the lungs. This paper outlines the current technical aspects of MRI pulse sequences, radiofrequency (RF) coils and MRI system requirements needed for imaging the pulmonary parenchyma and vasculature. Lung MRI techniques are presented as a "technical toolkit", from which MR protocols will be composed in the subsequent papers for comprehensive imaging of lung disease and function (parts 2 and 3). This paper is pitched at MR scientists, technicians and radiologists who are interested in understanding and establishing lung MRI methods. Images from a 1.5 T scanner are used for illustration of the sequences and methods that are highlighted. Main Messages • Outline of the hardware and pulse sequence requirements for proton lung MRI • Overview of pulse sequences for lung parenchyma, vascular and functional imaging with protons • Demonstration of the pulse-sequence building blocks for clinical lung MRI protocols}, language = {en} } @article{BiedererBeerHirschetal.2012, author = {Biederer, J. and Beer, M. and Hirsch, W. and Wild, J. and Fabel, M. and Puderbach, M. and Van Beek, E. J. R.}, title = {MRI of the lung (2/3). Why … when … how?}, series = {Insights into Imaging}, volume = {3}, journal = {Insights into Imaging}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1007/s13244-011-0146-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124268}, pages = {355-371}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Among the modalities for lung imaging, proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the latest to be introduced into clinical practice. Its value to replace X-ray and computed tomography (CT) when radiation exposure or iodinated contrast material is contra-indicated is well acknowledged: i.e. for paediatric patients and pregnant women or for scientific use. One of the reasons why MRI of the lung is still rarely used, except in a few centres, is the lack of consistent protocols customised to clinical needs. Methods This article makes non-vendor-specific protocol suggestions for general use with state-of-the-art MRI scanners, based on the available literature and a consensus discussion within a panel of experts experienced in lung MRI. Results Various sequences have been successfully tested within scientific or clinical environments. MRI of the lung with appropriate combinations of these sequences comprises morphological and functional imaging aspects in a single examination. It serves in difficult clinical problems encountered in daily routine, such as assessment of the mediastinum and chest wall, and even might challenge molecular imaging techniques in the near future. Conclusion This article helps new users to implement appropriate protocols on their own MRI platforms. Main Messages • MRI of the lung can be readily performed on state-of-the-art 1.5-T MRI scanners. • Protocol suggestions based on the available literature facilitate its use for routine • MRI offers solutions for complicated thoracic masses with atelectasis and chest wall invasion. • MRI is an option for paediatrics and science when CT is contra-indicated}, language = {en} } @article{BiedererMirsadraeeBeeretal.2012, author = {Biederer, J{\"u}rgen and Mirsadraee, S. and Beer, M. and Molinari, F. and Hintze, C. and Bauman, G. and Both, M. and Van Beek, E. J. R. and Wild, J. and Puderbach, M.}, title = {MRI of the lung (3/3)—current applications and future perspectives}, series = {Insights into Imaging}, volume = {3}, journal = {Insights into Imaging}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1007/s13244-011-0142-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124348}, pages = {373-386}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background MRI of the lung is recommended in a number of clinical indications. Having a non-radiation alternative is particularly attractive in children and young subjects, or pregnant women. Methods Provided there is sufficient expertise, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be considered as the preferential modality in specific clinical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and acute pulmonary embolism, since additional functional information on respiratory mechanics and regional lung perfusion is provided. In other cases, such as tumours and pneumonia in children, lung MRI may be considered an alternative or adjunct to other modalities with at least similar diagnostic value. Results In interstitial lung disease, the clinical utility of MRI remains to be proven, but it could provide additional information that will be beneficial in research, or at some stage in clinical practice. Customised protocols for chest imaging combine fast breath-hold acquisitions from a "buffet" of sequences. Having introduced details of imaging protocols in previous articles, the aim of this manuscript is to discuss the advantages and limitations of lung MRI in current clinical practice. Conclusion New developments and future perspectives such as motion-compensated imaging with self-navigated sequences or fast Fourier decomposition MRI for non-contrast enhanced ventilation- and perfusion-weighted imaging of the lung are discussed. Main Messages • MRI evolves as a third lung imaging modality, combining morphological and functional information. • It may be considered first choice in cystic fibrosis and pulmonary embolism of young and pregnant patients. • In other cases (tumours, pneumonia in children), it is an alternative or adjunct to X-ray and CT. • In interstitial lung disease, it serves for research, but the clinical value remains to be proven. • New users are advised to make themselves familiar with the particular advantages and limitations.}, language = {en} } @article{DurrenbergerGruenblattFernandoetal.2012, author = {Durrenberger, Pascal F. and Gr{\"u}nblatt, Edna and Fernando, Francesca S. and Monoranu, Camelia Maria and Evans, Jordan and Riederer, Peter and Reynolds, Richard and Dexter, David T.}, title = {Inflammatory Pathways in Parkinson's Disease; A BNE Microarray Study}, series = {Parkinson's Disease}, volume = {2012}, journal = {Parkinson's Disease}, number = {214714}, doi = {10.1155/2012/214714}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124380}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The aetiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is yet to be fully understood but it is becoming more and more evident that neuronal cell death may be multifactorial in essence. The main focus of PD research is to better understand substantia nigra homeostasis disruption, particularly in relation to the wide-spread deposition of the aberrant protein α-synuclein. Microarray technology contributed towards PD research with several studies to date and one gene, ALDH1A1 (Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1), consistently reappeared across studies including the present study, highlighting dopamine (DA) metabolism dysfunction resulting in oxidative stress and most probably leading to neuronal cell death. Neuronal cell death leads to increased inflammation through the activation of astrocytes and microglia. Using our dataset, we aimed to isolate some of these pathways so to offer potential novel neuroprotective therapeutic avenues. To that effect our study has focused on the upregulation of P2X7 (purinergic receptor P2X, ligand-gated ion channel, 7) receptor pathway (microglial activation) and on the NOS3 (nitric oxide synthase 3) pathway (angiogenesis). In summary, although the exact initiator of striatal DA neuronal cell death remains to be determined, based on our analysis, this event does not remain without consequence. Extracellular ATP and reactive astrocytes appear to be responsible for the activation of microglia which in turn release proinflammatory cytokines contributing further to the parkinsonian condition. In addition to tackling oxidative stress pathways we also suggest to reduce microglial and endothelial activation to support neuronal outgrowth.}, language = {en} } @article{RallGrimm2012, author = {Rall, Susanne and Grimm, Tiemo}, title = {Survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy}, series = {Acta Myologica}, volume = {31}, journal = {Acta Myologica}, number = {2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124404}, pages = {117-120}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Objective: To determine the survival in a population of German patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Patients and methods: Information about 94 patients born between 1970 and 1980 was obtained by telephone interviews and questionnaires. In addition to age of death or actual age during the investigation, data concerning clinical course and medical interventions were collected. Results: 67 patients with molecularly confirmed diagnoses had a median survival of 24.0 years. Patients without molecular confirmation (clinical diagnosis only) had a chance of 67 \% to reach that age. Grouping of our patient cohort according to the year of death (before and after 2000), ventilation was recognized as main intervention affecting survival with ventilated reaching a median survival of 27.0 years. For those without ventilation it was 19.0 years. Conclusion and clinical relevance: our study provides survival data for a cohort of DMD patients in Germany stratified by year of death. Median survival was 24.0 years in patients confirmed by molecular testing. Ventilated patients had a median survival of 27 years. We consider this piece of information helpful in the medical care of DMD patients.}, language = {en} } @article{SteppuhnLangenScheidtNaveetal.2013, author = {Steppuhn, Henriette and Langen, Ute and Scheidt-Nave, Christa and Keil, Thomas}, title = {Major comorbid conditions in asthma and association with asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency department admissions in adults: results from the German national health telephone interview survey (GEDA) 2010}, series = {BMC Pulmonary Medicine}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC Pulmonary Medicine}, number = {46}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2466-13-46}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-122121}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: It remains unclear to what extent asthma in adults is linked to allergic rhinitis (AR), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and acetylsalicylic acid exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and how these comorbidities may affect asthma outcomes in the general population. We therefore aimed to assess the prevalence of these major comorbidities among adults with asthma and examine their impact on asthma exacerbations requiring hospital care. Methods: A total of 22,050 adults 18 years and older were surveyed in the German National Health Telephone Interview Survey (GEDA) 2010 using a highly standardized computer-assisted interview technique. The study population comprised participants with self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma, among which the current (last 12 months) prevalence of AR and GERD-like symptoms (GERS), and life-time prevalence of AERD was estimated. Weighted bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were applied to assess the association of each comorbid condition with the asthma outcome (any self-reported asthma-related hospitalization and/or emergency department (ED) admission in the past year). Results: Out of 1,136 adults with asthma, 49.6\% had GERS and 42.3\% had AR within the past 12 months; 14.0\% met the criteria of AERD, and 75.7\% had at least one out of the three conditions. Overall, the prevalence of at least one exacerbation requiring emergency room or hospital admission within the past year was 9.0\%. Exacerbation prevalence was higher among participants with comorbidities than among those without (9.8\% vs. 8.2\% for GERS; 11.2\% vs. 7.6\% for AR, and 22.2\% vs. 7.0\% for AERD), but only differences in association with AERD were statistically significant. A strong association between asthma exacerbation and AERD persisted in multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusting for sex, age group, level of body mass index, smoking status, educational attainment, and duration of asthma: odds ratio (OR) = 4.5, 95\% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5-8.2. Conclusions: Data from this large nation-wide study provide evidence that GERS, AR and AERD are all common comorbidities among adults with asthma. Our data underline the public health and clinical impact of asthma with complicating AERD, contributing considerably to disease-specific hospitalization and/or ED admission in a defined asthma population, and emphasize the importance of its recognition in asthma care.}, language = {en} } @article{KunathKrauseWullichetal.2013, author = {Kunath, Frank and Krause, Steffen F. and Wullich, Bernd and Goebell, Peter J. and Engehausen, Dirk G. and Burger, Maximilian and Meerpohl, Joerg J. and Keck, Bastian}, title = {Bladder cancer - the neglected tumor: a descriptive analysis of publications referenced in MEDLINE and data from the register clinicaltrials.gov}, series = {BMC Urology}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC Urology}, number = {56}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2490-13-56}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-122133}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Uro-oncological neoplasms have both a high incidence and mortality rate and are therefore a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate research activity in uro-oncology over the last decade. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov systematically for studies on prostatic, urinary bladder, kidney, and testicular neoplasms. The increase in newly published reports per year was analyzed using linear regression. The results are presented with 95\% confidence intervals, and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The number of new publications per year increased significantly for prostatic, kidney and urinary bladder neoplasms (all <0.0001). We identified 1,885 randomized controlled trials (RCTs); also for RCTs, the number of newly published reports increased significantly for prostatic (p = 0.001) and kidney cancer (p = 0.005), but not for bladder (p = 0.09) or testicular (p = 0.44) neoplasms. We identified 3,114 registered uro-oncological studies in ClinicalTrials.gov. However, 85\% of these studies are focusing on prostatic (45\%) and kidney neoplasms (40\%), whereas only 11\% were registered for bladder cancers. Conclusions: While the number of publications on uro-oncologic research rises yearly for prostatic and kidney neoplasms, urothelial carcinomas of the bladder seem to be neglected despite their important clinical role. Clinical research on neoplasms of the urothelial bladder must be explicitly addressed and supported.}, language = {en} } @article{TimofeevSchlerethWanzeletal.2013, author = {Timofeev, Oleg and Schlereth, Katharina and Wanzel, Michael and Braun, Attila and Nieswandt, Bernhard and Pagenstecher, Axel and Rosenwald, Andreas and Els{\"a}sser, Hans-Peter and Stiewe, Thorsten}, title = {p53 DNA Binding Cooperativity Is Essential for Apoptosis and Tumor Suppression In Vivo}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {3}, journal = {Cell Reports}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2013.04.008}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-122168}, pages = {1512-1525}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Four molecules of the tumor suppressor p53 assemble to cooperatively bind proapoptotic target genes. The structural basis for cooperativity consists of interactions between adjacent DNA binding domains. Mutations at the interaction interface that compromise cooperativity were identified in cancer patients, suggesting a requirement of cooperativity for tumor suppression. We report on an analysis of cooperativity mutant p53(E177R) mice. Apoptotic functions of p53 triggered by DNA damage and oncogenes were abolished in these mice, whereas functions in cell-cycle control, senescence, metabolism, and antioxidant defense were retained and were sufficient to suppress development of spontaneous T cell lymphoma. Cooperativity mutant mice are nevertheless highly cancer prone and susceptible to different oncogene-induced tumors. Our data underscore the relevance of DNA binding cooperativity for p53-dependent apoptosis and tumor suppression and highlight cooperativity mutations as a class of p53 mutations that result in a selective loss of apoptotic functions due to an altered quaternary structure of the p53 tetramer.}, language = {en} } @article{JainVelezAcostaetal.2012, author = {Jain, M. and V{\´e}lez, J. I. and Acosta, M. T. and Palacio, L. G. and Balog, J. and Roessler, E. and Pineda, D. and Londo{\~n}o, A. C. and Palacio, J. D. and Arbelaez, A. and Lopera, F. and Elia, J. and Hakonarson, H. and Seitz, C. and Freitag, C. M. and Palmason, H. and Meyer, J. and Romanos, M. and Walitza, S. and Hemminger, U. and Warnke, A. and Romanos, J. and Renner, T. and Jacob, C. and Lesch, K.-P. and Swanson, J. and Castellanos, F. X. and Bailey-Wilson, J. E. and Arcos-Burgos, M. and Muenke, M.}, title = {A cooperative interaction between LPHN3 and 11q doubles the risk for ADHD}, series = {Molecular Psychiatry}, volume = {17}, journal = {Molecular Psychiatry}, doi = {10.1038/mp.2011.59}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125128}, pages = {741-747}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In previous studies of a genetic isolate, we identified significant linkage of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to 4q, 5q, 8q, 11q and 17p. The existence of unique large size families linked to multiple regions, and the fact that these families came from an isolated population, we hypothesized that two-locus interaction contributions to ADHD were plausible. Several analytical models converged to show significant interaction between 4q and 11q (P<1 × 10-8) and 11q and 17p (P<1 × 10-6). As we have identified that common variants of the LPHN3 gene were responsible for the 4q linkage signal, we focused on 4q-11q interaction to determine that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) harbored in the LPHN3 gene interact with SNPs spanning the 11q region that contains DRD2 and NCAM1 genes, to double the risk of developing ADHD. This interaction not only explains genetic effects much better than taking each of these loci effects by separated but also differences in brain metabolism as depicted by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy data and pharmacogenetic response to stimulant medication. These findings not only add information about how high order genetic interactions might be implicated in conferring susceptibility to develop ADHD but also show that future studies of the effects of genetic interactions on ADHD clinical information will help to shape predictive models of individual outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{GerlachMaetzlerBroichetal.2012, author = {Gerlach, Manfred and Maetzler, Walter and Broich, Karl and Hampel, Harald and Rems, Lucas and Reum, Torsten and Riederer, Peter and St{\"a}ffler, Albrecht and Streffer, Johannes and Berg, Daniela}, title = {Biomarker candidates of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease for the evaluation of disease-modifying therapeutics}, series = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, volume = {119}, journal = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, number = {1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125375}, pages = {39-52}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Reliable biomarkers that can be used for early diagnosis and tracking disease progression are the cornerstone of the development of disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD). The German Society of Experimental and Clinical Neurotherapeutics (GESENT) has convened a Working Group to review the current status of proposed biomarkers of neurodegeneration according to the following criteria and to develop a consensus statement on biomarker candidates for evaluation of disease-modifying therapeutics in PD. The criteria proposed are that the biomarker should be linked to fundamental features of PD neuropathology and mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in PD, should be correlated to disease progression assessed by clinical rating scales, should monitor the actual disease status, should be pre-clinically validated, and confirmed by at least two independent studies conducted by qualified investigators with the results published in peer-reviewed journals. To date, available data have not yet revealed one reliable biomarker to detect early neurodegeneration in PD and to detect and monitor effects of drug candidates on the disease process, but some promising biomarker candidates, such as antibodies against neuromelanin, pathological forms of α-synuclein, DJ-1, and patterns of gene expression, metabolomic and protein profiling exist. Almost all of the biomarker candidates were not investigated in relation to effects of treatment, validated in experimental models of PD and confirmed in independent studies.}, language = {en} } @article{GaletzkaHansmannElHajjetal.2012, author = {Galetzka, Danuta and Hansmann, Tamara and El Hajj, Nady and Weis, Eva and Irmscher, Benjamin and Ludwig, Marco and Schneider-R{\"a}tzke, Brigitte and Kohlschmidt, Nicolai and Beyer, Vera and Bartsch, Oliver and Zechner, Ulrich and Spix, Claudia and Haaf, Thomas}, title = {Monozygotic twins discordant for constitutive BRCA1 promoter methylation, childhood cancer and secondary cancer}, series = {Epigenetics}, volume = {7}, journal = {Epigenetics}, number = {1}, doi = {10.4161/epi.7.1.18814}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125386}, pages = {47-54}, year = {2012}, abstract = {We describe monozygotic twins discordant for childhood leukemia and secondary thyroid carcinoma. We used bisulfite pyrosequencing to compare the constitutive promoter methylation of BRCA1 and several other tumor suppressor genes in primary fibroblasts. The affected twin displayed an increased BRCA1 methylation (12\%), compared with her sister (3\%). Subsequent bisulfite plasmid sequencing demonstrated that 13\% (6 of 47) BRCA1 alleles were fully methylated in the affected twin, whereas her sister displayed only single CpG errors without functional implications. This between-twin methylation difference was also found in irradiated fibroblasts and untreated saliva cells. The BRCA1 epimutation may have originated by an early somatic event in the affected twin: approximately 25\% of her body cells derived from different embryonic cell lineages carry one epigenetically inactivated BRCA1 allele. This epimutation was associated with reduced basal protein levels and a higher induction of BRCA1 after DNA damage. In addition, we performed a genome-wide microarray analysis of both sisters and found several copy number variations, i.e., heterozygous deletion and reduced expression of the RSPO3 gene in the affected twin. This monozygotic twin pair represents an impressive example of epigenetic somatic mosaicism, suggesting a role for constitutive epimutations, maybe along with de novo genetic alterations in recurrent tumor development.}, language = {en} } @article{HornBaumannPereiraetal.2012, author = {Horn, Michael and Baumann, Reto and Pereira, Jorge A. and Sidiropoulos, P{\´a}ris N. M. and Somandin, Christian and Welzl, Hans and Stendel, Claudia and L{\"u}hmann, Tessa and Wessig, Carsten and Toyka, Klaus V. and Relvas, Jo{\~a}o B. and Senderek, Jan and Suter, Ueli}, title = {Myelin is dependent on the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 4H disease culprit protein FRABIN/FGD4 in Schwann cells}, series = {Brain}, volume = {135}, journal = {Brain}, doi = {10.1093/brain/aws275}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125390}, pages = {3567-3583}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Studying the function and malfunction of genes and proteins associated with inherited forms of peripheral neuropathies has provided multiple clues to our understanding of myelinated nerves in health and disease. Here, we have generated a mouse model for the peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4H by constitutively disrupting the mouse orthologue of the suspected culprit gene FGD4 that encodes the small RhoGTPase Cdc42-guanine nucleotide exchange factor Frabin. Lack of Frabin/Fgd4 causes dysmyelination in mice in early peripheral nerve development, followed by profound myelin abnormalities and demyelination at later stages. At the age of 60 weeks, this was accompanied by electrophysiological deficits. By crossing mice carrying alleles of Frabin/Fgd4 flanked by loxP sequences with animals expressing Cre recombinase in a cell type-specific manner, we show that Schwann cell-autonomous Frabin/Fgd4 function is essential for proper myelination without detectable primary contributions from neurons. Deletion of Frabin/Fgd4 in Schwann cells of fully myelinated nerve fibres revealed that this protein is not only required for correct nerve development but also for accurate myelin maintenance. Moreover, we established that correct activation of Cdc42 is dependent on Frabin/Fgd4 function in healthy peripheral nerves. Genetic disruption of Cdc42 in Schwann cells of adult myelinated nerves resulted in myelin alterations similar to those observed in Frabin/Fgd4-deficient mice, indicating that Cdc42 and the Frabin/Fgd4-Cdc42 axis are critical for myelin homeostasis. In line with known regulatory roles of Cdc42, we found that Frabin/Fgd4 regulates Schwann cell endocytosis, a process that is increasingly recognized as a relevant mechanism in peripheral nerve pathophysiology. Taken together, our results indicate that regulation of Cdc42 by Frabin/Fgd4 in Schwann cells is critical for the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system. In particular, this regulatory link is continuously required in adult fully myelinated nerve fibres. Thus, mechanisms regulated by Frabin/Fgd4-Cdc42 are promising targets that can help to identify additional regulators of myelin development and homeostasis, which may crucially contribute also to malfunctions in different types of peripheral neuropathies.}, language = {en} } @article{NordbeckBeerKoestleretal.2012, author = {Nordbeck, Peter and Beer, Meinrad and K{\"o}stler, Herbert and Ladd, Mark E. and Quick, Harald H. and Bauer, Wolfgang R. and Ritter, Oliver}, title = {Cardiac catheter ablation under real-time magnetic resonance guidance}, series = {European Heart Journal}, volume = {33}, journal = {European Heart Journal}, number = {15}, doi = {10.1093/eurheartj/ehs139}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125638}, year = {2012}, abstract = {One of the main shortcomings of interventional electrophysiology (EP) is its inability to generate sufficient soft tissue contrast for intra-procedural visualization of the myocardium and the surrounding tissue, using conventional imaging techniques. Interventional cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aims at bringing about significant improvements to the complex and decisive EP interventions far beyond the capabilities of currently available supportive imaging techniques used to surmount the drawbacks of fluoroscopy, as MRI not only allows of precise three-dimensional exposure of the cardiovascular morphology, but also proves to be a promising technique exclusively suitable for direct visualization of arrhythmogenic substrate and therapeutic effects. The major challenge posed by clinical …}, language = {en} } @article{WalterReilichThieleetal.2013, author = {Walter, Maggie C. and Reilich, Peter and Thiele, Simone and Schessl, Joachim and Schreiber, Herbert and Reiners, Karlheinz and Kress, Wolfram and M{\"u}ller-Reible, Clemens and Vorgerd, Matthias and Urban, Peter and Schrank, Bertold and Deschauer, Marcus and Schlotter-Weigel, Beate and Kohnen, Ralf and Lochm{\"u}ller, Hans}, title = {Treatment of dysferlinopathy with deflazacort: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial}, series = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, volume = {8}, journal = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, number = {26}, issn = {1750-1172}, doi = {10.1186/1750-1172-8-26}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125663}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Dysferlinopathies are autosomal recessive disorders caused by mutations in the dysferlin (DYSF) gene encoding the dysferlin protein. DYSF mutations lead to a wide range of muscular phenotypes, with the most prominent being Miyoshi myopathy (MM) and limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B). Methods: We assessed the one-year-natural course of dysferlinopathy, and the safety and efficacy of deflazacort treatment in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. After one year of natural course without intervention, 25 patients with genetically defined dysferlinopathy were randomized to receive deflazacort and placebo for six months each (1 mg/kg/day in month one, 1 mg/kg every 2nd day during months two to six) in one of two treatment sequences. Results: During one year of natural course, muscle strength declined about 2\% as measured by CIDD (Clinical Investigation of Duchenne Dystrophy) score, and 76 Newton as measured by hand-held dynamometry. Deflazacort did not improve muscle strength. In contrast, there is a trend of worsening muscle strength under deflazacort treatment, which recovers after discontinuation of the study drug. During deflazacort treatment, patients showed a broad spectrum of steroid side effects. Conclusion: Deflazacort is not an effective therapy for dysferlinopathies, and off-label use is not warranted. This is an important finding, since steroid treatment should not be administered in patients with dysferlinopathy, who may be often misdiagnosed as polymyositis.}, language = {en} } @article{GassenmaierPetritschKunzetal.2015, author = {Gassenmaier, Tobias and Petritsch, Bernhard and Kunz, Andreas S. and Gkaniatsas, Spyridon and Gaudron, Philipp D. and Weidemann, Frank and Nordbeck, Peter and Beer, Meinrad}, title = {Long term evolution of MRI characteristics in a case of atypical left lateral wall hypertrophic cardiomyopathy}, series = {World Journal of Cardiology}, volume = {7}, journal = {World Journal of Cardiology}, number = {6}, doi = {10.4330/wjc.v7.i6.357}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124934}, pages = {357-360}, year = {2015}, abstract = {We are reporting a long-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up in a rare case of cardiac left lateral wall hypertrophy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiovascular disorder and a significant cause of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can be a valuable tool for assessment of detailed information on size, localization, and tissue characteristics of hypertrophied myocardium. However, there is still little knowledge of long-term evolution of HCM as visualized by magnetic resonance imaging. Recently, our group reported a case of left lateral wall HCM as a rare variant of the more common forms, such as septal HCM, or apical HCM. As we now retrieved an old cardiac MRI acquired in this patient more than 20 years ago, we are able to provide the thrilling experience of an ultra-long MRI follow-up presentation in this rare case of left lateral wall hypertrophy. Furthermore, this case outlines the tremendous improvements in imaging quality within the last two decades of CMR imaging.}, language = {en} } @article{HefnerCsefFrantzetal.2015, author = {Hefner, Jochen and Csef, Herbert and Frantz, Stefan and Glatter, Nina and Warrings, Bodo}, title = {Recurrent Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) in a pre-menopausal woman: late sequelae of a traumatic event?}, series = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, volume = {15}, journal = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2261-15-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124949}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background "Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy" (TTC) is a syndrome characterized by left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities, usually without coronary artery disease, mimicking the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. It most often affects post-menopausal women and TTC tends to run a benign course with very low rates of recurrence, complications or mortality. The condition is also called "stress-induced cardiomyopathy" because acute physical or emotional stress appears to be frequently related to its onset. The pathogenic role of premorbid or comorbid psychiatric illnesses has been discussed controversially. For the first time, we present a case of fourfold recurrent TTC with severe complications in a pre-menopausal woman. Furthermore, a long history of flaring posttraumatic stress symptoms anteceded the first event. Case presentation A 43-year old, pre-menopausal Caucasian woman was hospitalized with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. Clinical examination revealed hypokinetic wall motion in the apical ventricular region with no signs of coronary artery disease and diagnosis of TTC was established. She experienced recurrence three times within the following ten months, which led to thrombembolism and myocardial scarring among others. The circumstances of chronic distress were striking. 16 years ago she miscarried after having removed a myoma according to her doctor's suggestion. Since then, she has suffered from symptoms of posttraumatic distress which peaked annually at the day of abortion. Chronic distress became even more pronounced after the premature birth of a daughter some years later. The first event of TTC occurred after a family dispute about parenting. Conclusion This is the first case report of fourfold TTC in a pre-menopausal woman. From somatic perspectives, the course of the disease with recurrences and complications underlines the fact that TTC is not entirely benign. Furthermore, it is the first case report of long lasting symptoms of traumatic stress anteceding TTC. Close connections between adrenergic signaling and late onset of clinical stress symptoms are well known in the psychopathology of traumatization. Although larger clinical trials are needed to elucidate possible interactions of premorbid psychiatric illnesses and TTC, cardiologists should be vigilant especially in cases of recurrent TTC.}, language = {en} } @article{WarnockOrtizMaueretal.2012, author = {Warnock, David G. and Ortiz, Alberto and Mauer, Michael and Linthorst, Gabor E. and Oliveira, Jo{\~a}o P. and Serra, Andreas L. and Mar{\´o}di, L{\´a}szl{\´o} and Mignani, Renzo and Vujkovac, Bojan and Beitner-Johnson, Dana and Lemay, Roberta and Cole, J. Alexander and Svarstad, Einar and Waldek, Stephen and Germain, Dominique P. and Wanner, Christoph}, title = {Renal outcomes of agalsidase beta treatment for Fabry disease: role of proteinuria and timing of treatment initiation}, series = {Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation}, volume = {27}, journal = {Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation}, number = {3}, organization = {Fabry Registry}, doi = {10.1093/ndt/gfr420}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124697}, pages = {1042-1049}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of renal disease progression in adults with Fabry disease during treatment with agalsidase beta. Methods. Renal function was evaluated in 151 men and 62 women from the Fabry Registry who received agalsidase beta at an average dose of 1 mg/kg/2 weeks for at least 2 years. Patients were categorized into quartiles based on slopes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with renal disease progression. Results. Men within the first quartile had a mean eGFR slope of -0.1 mL/min/1.73m2/year, whereas men with the most rapid renal disease progression (Quartile 4) had a mean eGFR slope of -6.7 mL/min/1.73m2/year. The risk factor most strongly associated with renal disease progression was averaged urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UP/Cr) ≥1 g/g (odds ratio 112, 95\% confidence interval (95\% CI) 4-3109, P = 0.0054). Longer time from symptom onset to treatment was also associated with renal disease progression (odds ratio 19, 95\% CI 2-184, P = 0.0098). Women in Quartile 4 had the highest averaged UP/Cr (mean 1.8 g/g) and the most rapid renal disease progression: (mean slope -4.4 mL/min/1.73m2/year). Conclusions. Adults with Fabry disease are at risk for progressive loss of eGFR despite enzyme replacement therapy, particularly if proteinuria is ≥1 g/g. Men with little urinary protein excretion and those who began receiving agalsidase beta sooner after the onset of symptoms had stable renal function. These findings suggest that early intervention may lead to optimal renal outcomes.}, language = {en} } @article{MuysomsCampanelliChampaultetal.2012, author = {Muysoms, F. and Campanelli, G. and Champault, G. G. and DeBeaux, A. C. and Dietz, U. A. and Jeekel, J. and Klinge, U. and K{\"o}ckerling, F. and Mandala, V. and Montgomery, A. and Morales Conde, S. and Puppe, F. and Simmermacher, R. K. J. and Śmietański, M. and Miserez, M.}, title = {EuraHS: the development of an international online platform for registration and outcome measurement of ventral abdominal wall hernia repair}, series = {Hernia}, volume = {16}, journal = {Hernia}, number = {3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124728}, pages = {239-250}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Although the repair of ventral abdominal wall hernias is one of the most commonly performed operations, many aspects of their treatment are still under debate or poorly studied. In addition, there is a lack of good definitions and classifications that make the evaluation of studies and meta-analyses in this field of surgery difficult. Materials and methods Under the auspices of the board of the European Hernia Society and following the previously published classifications on inguinal and on ventral hernias, a working group was formed to create an online platform for registration and outcome measurement of operations for ventral abdominal wall hernias. Development of such a registry involved reaching agreement about clear definitions and classifications on patient variables, surgical procedures and mesh materials used, as well as outcome parameters. The EuraHS working group (European registry for abdominal wall hernias) comprised of a multinational European expert panel with specific interest in abdominal wall hernias. Over five working group meetings, consensus was reached on definitions for the data to be recorded in the registry. Results A set of well-described definitions was made. The previously reported EHS classifications of hernias will be used. Risk factors for recurrences and co-morbidities of patients were listed. A new severity of comorbidity score was defined. Post-operative complications were classified according to existing classifications as described for other fields of surgery. A new 3-dimensional numerical quality-of-life score, EuraHS-QoL score, was defined. An online platform is created based on the definitions and classifications, which can be used by individual surgeons, surgical teams or for multicentre studies. A EuraHS website is constructed with easy access to all the definitions, classifications and results from the database. Conclusion An online platform for registration and outcome measurement of abdominal wall hernia repairs with clear definitions and classifications is offered to the surgical community. It is hoped that this registry could lead to better evidence-based guidelines for treatment of abdominal wall hernias based on hernia variables, patient variables, available hernia repair materials and techniques.}, language = {en} } @article{JakobEbertRudertetal.2012, author = {Jakob, Franz and Ebert, Regina and Rudert, Maximilian and N{\"o}th, Ulrich and Walles, Heike and Docheva, Denitsa and Schieker, Matthias and Meinel, Lorenz and Groll, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {In situ guided tissue regeneration in musculoskeletal diseases and aging}, series = {Cell and Tissue Research}, volume = {347}, journal = {Cell and Tissue Research}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1007/s00441-011-1237-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124738}, pages = {725-735}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In situ guided tissue regeneration, also addressed as in situ tissue engineering or endogenous regeneration, has a great potential for population-wide "minimal invasive" applications. During the last two decades, tissue engineering has been developed with remarkable in vitro and preclinical success but still the number of applications in clinical routine is extremely small. Moreover, the vision of population-wide applications of ex vivo tissue engineered constructs based on cells, growth and differentiation factors and scaffolds, must probably be deemed unrealistic for economic and regulation-related issues. Hence, the progress made in this respect will be mostly applicable to a fraction of post-traumatic or post-surgery situations such as big tissue defects due to tumor manifestation. Minimally invasive procedures would probably qualify for a broader application and ideally would only require off the shelf standardized products without cells. Such products should mimic the microenvironment of regenerating tissues and make use of the endogenous tissue regeneration capacities. Functionally, the chemotaxis of regenerative cells, their amplification as a transient amplifying pool and their concerted differentiation and remodeling should be addressed. This is especially important because the main target populations for such applications are the elderly and diseased. The quality of regenerative cells is impaired in such organisms and high levels of inhibitors also interfere with regeneration and healing. In metabolic bone diseases like osteoporosis, it is already known that antagonists for inhibitors such as activin and sclerostin enhance bone formation. Implementing such strategies into applications for in situ guided tissue regeneration should greatly enhance the efficacy of tailored procedures in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{WalshLemsKarrasetal.2012, author = {Walsh, J. Bernard and Lems, Willem F. and Karras, Dimitrios and Langdahl, Bente L. and Ljunggren, Osten and Fahrleitner-Pammer, Astrid and Barrett, Annabel and Rajzbaum, Gerald and Jakob, Franz and Marin, Fernando}, title = {Effectiveness of Teriparatide in Women Over 75 Years of Age with Severe Osteoporosis: 36-Month Results from the European Forsteo Observational Study (EFOS)}, series = {Calcified Tissue International}, volume = {90}, journal = {Calcified Tissue International}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1007/s00223-012-9590-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124746}, pages = {373-383}, year = {2012}, abstract = {This predefined analysis of the European Forsteo Observational Study (EFOS) aimed to describe clinical fracture incidence, back pain, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during 18 months of teriparatide treatment and 18 months post-teriparatide in the subgroup of 589 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis aged ≥75 years. Data on clinical fractures, back pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), and HRQoL (EQ-5D) were collected over 36 months. Fracture data were summarized in 6-month intervals and analyzed using logistic regression with repeated measures. A repeated-measures model analyzed changes from baseline in back pain VAS and EQ-VAS. During the 36-month observation period, 87 (14.8 \%) women aged ≥75 years sustained a total of 111 new fractures: 37 (33.3 \%) vertebral fractures and 74 (66.7 \%) nonvertebral fractures. Adjusted odds of fracture was decreased by 80 \% in the 30 to <36-month interval compared with the first 6-month interval (P < 0.009). Although the older subgroup had higher back pain scores and poorer HRQoL at baseline than the younger subgroup, both age groups showed significant reductions in back pain and improvements in HRQoL postbaseline. In conclusion, women aged ≥75 years with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis treated with teriparatide in normal clinical practice showed a reduced clinical fracture incidence by 30 months compared with baseline. An improvement in HRQoL and, possibly, an early and significant reduction in back pain were also observed, which lasted for at least 18 months after teriparatide discontinuation when patients were taking other osteoporosis medication. The results should be interpreted in the context of an uncontrolled observational study.}, language = {en} } @article{HirschMartinoWardetal.2013, author = {Hirsch, Hans H. and Martino, Rodrigo and Ward, Katherine N. and Boeckh, Michael and Einsele, Hermann and Ljungman, Per}, title = {Fourth European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-4): Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Parainfluenza Virus, Metapneumovirus, Rhinovirus, and Coronavirus}, series = {Clinical Infectious Diseases}, volume = {56}, journal = {Clinical Infectious Diseases}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1093/cid/cis844}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124758}, pages = {258-266}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Community-acquired respiratory virus (CARV) infections have been recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with leukemia and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Progression to lower respiratory tract infection with clinical and radiological signs of pneumonia and respiratory failure appears to depend on the intrinsic virulence of the specific CARV as well as factors specific to the patient, the underlying disease, and its treatment. To better define the current state of knowledge of CARVs in leukemia and HSCT patients, and to improve CARV diagnosis and management, a working group of the Fourth European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-4) 2011 reviewed the literature on CARVs, graded the available quality of evidence, and made recommendations according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America grading system. Owing to differences in screening, clinical presentation, and therapy for influenza and adenovirus, ECIL-4 recommendations are summarized for CARVs other than influenza and adenovirus.}, language = {en} } @article{WeidemannSanchezNinoPoliteietal.2013, author = {Weidemann, Frank and Sanchez-Nino, Maria D. and Politei, Juan and Oliveira, Jo{\~a}o-Paulo and Wanner, Christoph and Warnock, David G. and Oritz, Alberto}, title = {Fibrosis: a key feature of Fabry disease with potential therapeutic implications}, series = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, volume = {8}, journal = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, number = {116}, issn = {1750-1172}, doi = {10.1186/1750-1172-8-116}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124773}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Fabry disease is a rare X-linked hereditary disease caused by mutations in the AGAL gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the current cornerstone of Fabry disease management. Involvement of kidney, heart and the central nervous system shortens life span, and fibrosis of these organs is a hallmark of the disease. Fibrosis was initially thought to result from tissue ischemia secondary to endothelial accumulation of glycosphingolipids in the microvasculature. However, despite ready clearance of endothelial deposits, ERT is less effective in patients who have already developed fibrosis. Several potential explanations of this clinical observation may impact on the future management of Fabry disease. Alternative molecular pathways linking glycosphingolipids and fibrosis may be operative; tissue injury may recruit secondary molecular mediators of fibrosis that are unresponsive to ERT, or fibrosis may represent irreversible tissue injury that limits the therapeutic response to ERT. We provide an overview of Fabry disease, with a focus on the assessment of fibrosis, the clinical consequences of fibrosis, and recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis that may suggest novel therapeutic approaches to Fabry disease.}, language = {en} } @article{BeckerAndersenHofmeisterMuelleretal.2012, author = {Becker, J{\"u}rgen C. and Andersen, Mads H. and Hofmeister-M{\"u}ller, Valeska and Wobser, Marion and Frey, Lidia and Sandig, Christiane and Walter, Steffen and Singh-Jasuja, Harpreet and K{\"a}mpgen, Eckhart and Opitz, Andreas and Zapatka, Marc and Br{\"o}cker, Eva-B. and thor Straten, Per and Schrama, David and Ugurel, Selma}, title = {Survivin-specific T-cell reactivity correlates with tumor response and patient survival: a phase-II peptide vaccination trial in metastatic melanoma}, series = {Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy}, volume = {61}, journal = {Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1007/s00262-012-1266-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124830}, pages = {2091-2103}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Therapeutic vaccination directed to induce an anti-tumoral T-cell response is a field of extensive investigation in the treatment of melanoma. However, many vaccination trials in melanoma failed to demonstrate a correlation between the vaccine-specific immune response and therapy outcome. This has been mainly attributed to immune escape by antigen loss, rendering us in the need of new vaccination targets. Patients and methods This phase-II trial investigated a peptide vaccination against survivin, an oncogenic inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein crucial for the survival of tumor cells, in HLA-A1/-A2/-B35-positive patients with treatment-refractory stage-IV metastatic melanoma. The study endpoints were survivin-specific T-cell reactivity (SSTR), safety, response, and survival (OS). Results Sixty-one patients (ITT) received vaccination therapy using three different regimens. 55 patients (PP) were evaluable for response and survival, and 41/55 for SSTR. Patients achieving progression arrest (CR + PR + SD) more often showed SSTRs than patients with disease progression (p = 0.0008). Patients presenting SSTRs revealed a prolonged OS (median 19.6 vs. 8.6 months; p = 0.0077); multivariate analysis demonstrated SSTR as an independent predictor of survival (p = 0.013). The induction of SSTRs was associated with gender (female vs. male; p = 0.014) and disease stage (M1a/b vs. M1c; p = 0.010), but not with patient age, HLA type, performance status, or vaccination regimen. Conclusion Survivin-specific T-cell reactivities strongly correlate with tumor response and patient survival, indicating that vaccination with survivin-derived peptides is a promising treatment strategy in melanoma.}, language = {en} } @article{AlbSieAdametal.2012, author = {Alb, Miriam and Sie, Christopher and Adam, Christian and Chen, Suzie and Becker, J{\"u}rgen C. and Schrama, David}, title = {Cellular and cytokine-dependent immunosuppressive mechanisms of grm1-transgenic murine melanoma}, series = {Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy}, volume = {61}, journal = {Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1007/s00262-012-1290-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125096}, pages = {2239-2249}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Grm1-transgenic mice spontaneously develop cutaneous melanoma. This model allowed us to scrutinize the generic immune responses over the course of melanoma development. To this end, lymphocytes obtained from spleens, unrelated lymph nodes and tumor-draining lymph nodes of mice with no evidence of disease, and low or high tumor burden were analyzed ex vivo and in vitro. Thereby, we could demonstrate an increase in the number of activated CD4\(^+\) and CD8+ lymphocytes in the respective organs with increasing tumor burden. However, mainly CD4\(^+\) T cells, which could constitute both T helper as well as immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, but not CD8\(^+\) T cells, expressed activation markers upon in vitro stimulation when obtained from tumor-bearing mice. Interestingly, these cells from tumor-burdened animals were also functionally hampered in their proliferative response even when subjected to strong in vitro stimulation. Further analyses revealed that the increased frequency of regulatory T cells in tumor-bearing mice is an early event present in all lymphoid organs. Additionally, expression of the immunosuppressive cytokines TGF-β1 and IL-10 became more evident with increased tumor burden. Notably, TGF-β1 is strongly expressed in both the tumor and the tumor-draining lymph node, whereas IL-10 expression is more pronounced in the lymph node, suggesting a more complex regulation of IL-10. Thus, similar to the situation in melanoma patients, both cytokines as well as cellular immune escape mechanisms seem to contribute to the observed immunosuppressed state of tumor-bearing grm1-transgenic mice, suggesting that this model is suitable for preclinical testing of immunomodulatory therapeutics.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinertTonyKrauseetal.2012, author = {Kleinert, Stefan and Tony, Hans-Peter and Krause, Andreas and Feuchtenberger, Martin and Wassenberg, Siegfried and Richter, Constanze and R{\"a}ther, Ekkehard and Spieler, Wolfgang and Gnann, Holger and Wittig, Bianca M.}, title = {Impact of patient and disease characteristics on therapeutic success during adalimumab treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: data from a German noninterventional observational study}, series = {Rheumatology International}, volume = {32}, journal = {Rheumatology International}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1007/s00296-011-2033-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125118}, pages = {2759-2767}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The objective of this study was to use data from a noninterventional study to evaluate the effectiveness of adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during routine clinical practice and to explore the potential impact of patient and disease characteristics in response to adalimumab therapy. A total of 2,625 RA patients with specified data at baseline (prior to initiating adalimumab treatment) and 12 months entered this study between April 2003 and March 2009. We evaluated response to adalimumab therapy and conducted stepwise regression and subgroup analyses of factors influencing therapeutic response. During the 1-year adalimumab treatment period, disease activity decreased from a baseline mean disease activity score-28 joints (DAS28) of 5.9-3.9, while functional capacity improved from 59.0 to 68.4 Funktionsfragebogen Hannover (FFbH) percentage points. In multivariate regression models, high baseline DAS28 was the strongest positive predictor for decrease in disease activity, and high baseline functional capacity was associated with reduced gains in functional capacity. Male gender was a positive predictor of therapeutic response for both disease activity and functional capacity, while older age and multiple previous biologics were associated with a reduced therapeutic response. Subset analyses provided further support for the impact of baseline DAS28, FFbH, and prior biologic therapy on therapeutic response during treatment. We conclude that treatment with adalimumab leads to decreased disease activity and improved function during routine clinical practice. Patients with high disease activity and low functional capacity are particularly benefitted by adalimumab therapy.}, language = {en} } @article{KunzmannHerrmannBluemeletal.2014, author = {Kunzmann, Volker and Herrmann, Ken and Bluemel, Christina and Kapp, Markus and Hartlapp, Ingo and Steger, Ulrich}, title = {Intensified neoadjuvant chemotherapy with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine followed by FOLFIRINOX in a patient with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer}, series = {Case Reports in Oncology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Case Reports in Oncology}, number = {3}, issn = {1662-6575}, doi = {10.1159/000367966}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-120189}, pages = {648-55}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The prognosis of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer can be improved if secondary complete (R0) resection is possible. In patients initially staged as unresectable this may be achieved with neoadjuvant treatment which is usually chemoradiotherapy based. We report the case of a 46-year-old patient with an unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer (pT4 Nx cM0 G2) who was treated with a sequential neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen consisting of 2 cycles of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine followed by 4 cycles of FOLFIRINOX. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in secondary resectability (R0 resection). After 2 cycles of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine, the patient already had a complete metabolic remission as measured by integrated fludeoxyglucose ((18)F) positron emission tomography and computerized tomography. After a follow-up of 18 months the patient is alive without progression of disease. We propose to assess the clinical benefit of sequencing the combinations nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine and FOLFIRINOX as neoadjuvant therapy for patients with locally advanced and initially unresectable pancreatic cancer in a controlled clinical trial.}, language = {en} } @article{MeuleGearhard2014, author = {Meule, Adrian and Gearhard, Ashley N.}, title = {Food Addiction in the Light of DSM-5}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {6}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {9}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu6093653}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119279}, pages = {3653-71}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The idea that specific kind of foods may have an addiction potential and that some forms of overeating may represent an addicted behavior has been discussed for decades. In recent years, the interest in food addiction is growing and research on this topic lead to more precise definitions and assessment methods. For example, the Yale Food Addiction Scale has been developed for the measurement of addiction-like eating behavior based on the diagnostic criteria for substance dependence of the fourth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). In 2013, diagnostic criteria for substance abuse and-dependence were merged, thereby increasing the number of symptoms for substance use disorders (SUDs) in the DSM-5. Moreover, gambling disorder is now included along SUDs as a behavioral addiction. Although a plethora of review articles exist that discuss the applicability of the DSM-IV substance dependence criteria to eating behavior, the transferability of the newly added criteria to eating is unknown. Thus, the current article discusses if and how these new criteria may be translated to overeating. Furthermore, it is examined if the new SUD criteria will impact future research on food addiction, for example, if "diagnosing" food addiction should also be adapted by considering all of the new symptoms. Given the critical response to the revisions in DSM-5, we also discuss if the recent approach of Research Domain Criteria can be helpful in evaluating the concept of food addiction.}, language = {en} } @article{HeldHesseGoettetal.2014, author = {Held, Matthias and Hesse, Alexander and G{\"o}tt, Franziska and Holl, Regina and H{\"u}bner, Gudrun and Kolb, Philipp and Langen, Heinz Jakob and Romen, Tobias and Walter, Franziska and Sch{\"a}fers, Hans Joachim and Wilkens, Heinrike and Jany, Berthold}, title = {A symptom-related monitoring program following pulmonary embolism for the early detection of CTEPH: a prospective observational registry study}, series = {BMC Pulmonary Medicine}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Pulmonary Medicine}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2466-14-141}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119281}, pages = {141}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a long-term complication following an acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages which is concerning as delayed treatment has important implications for favourable clinical outcome. Performing a follow-up examination of patients diagnosed with acute PE regardless of persisting symptoms and using all available technical procedures would be both cost-intensive and possibly ineffective. Focusing diagnostic procedures therefore on only symptomatic patients may be a practical approach for detecting relevant CTEPH. This study aimed to evaluate if a follow-up program for patients with acute PE based on telephone monitoring of symptoms and further examination of only symptomatic patients could detect CTEPH. In addition, we investigated the role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) as a diagnostic tool. Methods In a prospective cohort study all consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PE (n=170, 76 males, 94 females within 26 months) were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were contacted via telephone and asked to answer standardized questions relating to symptoms. At the time of the final analysis 130 patients had been contacted. Symptomatic patients underwent a structured evaluation with echocardiography, CPET and complete work-up for CTEPH. Results 37.7\%, 25.5\% and 29.3\% of the patients reported symptoms after three, six, and twelve months respectively. Subsequent clinical evaluation of these symptomatic patients saw 20.4\%, 11.5\% and 18.8\% of patients at the respective three, six and twelve months time points having an echocardiography suggesting pulmonary hypertension (PH). CTEPH with pathological imaging and a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥ 25 mm Hg at rest was confirmed in eight subjects. Three subjects with mismatch perfusion defects showed an exercise induced increase of PAP without increasing pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP). Two subjects with pulmonary hypertension at rest and one with an exercise induced increase of mPAP with normal PAOP showed perfusion defects without echocardiographic signs of PH but a suspicious CPET. Conclusion A follow-up program based on telephone monitoring of symptoms and further structured evaluation of symptomatic subjects can detect patients with CTEPH. CPET may serve as a complementary diagnostic tool.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasSpiegelBrumbergetal.2014, author = {Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Spiegel, J{\"o}rg and Brumberg, Joachim and Cosgrove, Kelly P. and Marotta, Giorgio and Oishi, Naoya and Higuchi, Takahiro and K{\"u}sters, Sebastian and Schiller, Markus and Dillmann, Ulrich and van Dyck, Christopher H. and Buck, Andreas and Herrmann, Ken and Schloegl, Susanne and Volkmann, Jens and Lassmann, Michael and Fassbender, Klaus and Lorenz, Reinhard and Samnick, Samuel}, title = {Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor density in cognitively intact subjects at an early stage of Parkinson's disease}, series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2014.00213}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119351}, pages = {213}, year = {2014}, abstract = {We investigated in vivo brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) distribution in cognitively intact subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) at an early stage of the disease. Fourteen patients and 13 healthy subjects were imaged with single photon emission computed tomography and the radiotracer 5-[(123)I]iodo-3-[2(S)-2-azetidinylmethoxy]pyridine ([(123)I]5IA). Patients were selected according to several criteria, including short duration of motor signs (<7 years) and normal scores at an extensive neuropsychological evaluation. In PD patients, nAChR density was significantly higher in the putamen, the insular cortex and the supplementary motor area and lower in the caudate nucleus, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the middle temporal gyrus. Disease duration positively correlated with nAChR density in the putamen ipsilateral (ρ = 0.56, p < 0.05) but not contralateral (ρ = 0.49, p = 0.07) to the clinically most affected hemibody. We observed, for the first time in vivo, higher nAChR density in brain regions of the motor and limbic basal ganglia circuits of subjects with PD. Our findings support the notion of an up-regulated cholinergic activity at the striatal and possibly cortical level in cognitively intact PD patients at an early stage of disease.}, language = {en} } @article{AdelfingerGentschevdeGuibertetal.2014, author = {Adelfinger, Marion and Gentschev, Ivaylo and de Guibert, Julio Grimm and Weibel, Stephanie and Langbein-Laugwitz, Johanna and H{\"a}rtl, Barbara and Escobar, Hugo Murua and Nolte, Ingo and Chen, Nanhai G. and Aguilar, Richard J. and Yu, Yong A. and Zhang, Qian and Frentzen, Alexa and Szalay, Aladar A.}, title = {Evaluation of a New Recombinant Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Strain GLV-5b451 for Feline Mammary Carcinoma Therapy}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0104337}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119387}, pages = {e104337}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Virotherapy on the basis of oncolytic vaccinia virus (VACV) infection is a promising approach for cancer therapy. In this study we describe the establishment of a new preclinical model of feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) using a recently established cancer cell line, DT09/06. In addition, we evaluated a recombinant vaccinia virus strain, GLV-5b451, expressing the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) single-chain antibody (scAb) GLAF-2 as an oncolytic agent against FMC. Cell culture data demonstrate that GLV-5b451 virus efficiently infected, replicated in and destroyed DT09/06 cancer cells. In the selected xenografts of FMC, a single systemic administration of GLV-5b451 led to significant inhibition of tumor growth in comparison to untreated tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, tumor-specific virus infection led to overproduction of functional scAb GLAF-2, which caused drastic reduction of intratumoral VEGF levels and inhibition of angiogenesis. In summary, here we have shown, for the first time, that the vaccinia virus strains and especially GLV-5b451 have great potential for effective treatment of FMC in animal model.}, language = {en} } @article{FreyPoppPostetal.2014, author = {Frey, Anna and Popp, Sandy and Post, Antonia and Langer, Simon and Lehmann, Marc and Hofmann, Ulrich and Siren, Anna-Leena and Hommers, Leif and Schmitt, Angelika and Strekalova, Tatyana and Ertl, Georg and Lesch, Klaus-Peter and Frantz, Stefan}, title = {Experimental heart failure causes depression-like behavior together with differential regulation of inflammatory and structural genes in the brain}, series = {Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience}, issn = {1662-5153}, doi = {10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00376}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-118234}, pages = {376}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Depression and anxiety are common and independent outcome predictors in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, it is unclear whether CHF causes depression. Thus, we investigated whether mice develop anxiety- and depression-like behavior after induction of ischemic CHF by myocardial infarction (MI). Methods and Results: In order to assess depression-like behavior, anhedonia was investigated by repeatedly testing sucrose preference for 8 weeks after coronary artery ligation or sham operation. Mice with large MI and increased left ventricular dimensions on echocardiography (termed CHF mice) showed reduced preference for sucrose, indicating depression-like behavior. 6 weeks after MI, mice were tested for exploratory activity, anxiety-like behavior and cognitive function using the elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark box (LDB), open field (OF), and object recognition (OR) tests. In the EPM and OF, CHF mice exhibited diminished exploratory behavior and motivation despite similar movement capability. In the OR, CHF mice had reduced preference for novelty and impaired short-term memory. On histology, CHF mice had unaltered overall cerebral morphology. However, analysis of gene expression by RNA-sequencing in prefrontal cortical, hippocampal, and left ventricular tissue revealed changes in genes related to inflammation and cofactors of neuronal signal transduction in CHF mice, with Nr4a1 being dysregulated both in prefrontal cortex and myocardium after MI. Conclusions: After induction of ischemic CHF, mice exhibited anhedonic behavior, decreased exploratory activity and interest in novelty, and cognitive impairment. Thus, ischemic CHF leads to distinct behavioral changes in mice analogous to symptoms observed in humans with CHF and comorbid depression.}, language = {en} } @article{DiessnerBruttelSteinetal.2014, author = {Diessner, J. and Bruttel, V. and Stein, R. G. and Horn, E. and H{\"a}usler, S. F. M. and Dietl, J. and H{\"o}nig, A. and Wischhusen, J.}, title = {Targeting of preexisting and induced breast cancer stem cells with trastuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1)}, series = {Cell Death \& Disease}, volume = {5}, journal = {Cell Death \& Disease}, issn = {2041-4889}, doi = {10.1038/cddis.2014.115}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119884}, pages = {e1149}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) has substantially improved overall survival for patients with aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. However, about 70\% of all treated patients will experience relapse or disease progression. This may be related to an insufficient targeting of the CD44(high)CD24(low) breast cancer stem cell subset, which is not only highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy but also a poor target for trastuzumab due to low HER2 surface expression. Hence, we explored whether the new antibody-drug conjugate T-DM1, which consists of the potent chemotherapeutic DM1 coupled to trastuzumab, could improve the targeting of these tumor-initiating or metastasis-initiating cells. To this aim, primary HER2-overexpressing tumor cells as well as HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer cell lines were treated with T-DM1, and effects on survival, colony formation, gene and protein expression as well as antibody internalization were assessed. This revealed that CD44(high)CD24(low)HER2(low) stem cell-like breast cancer cells show high endocytic activity and are thus particularly sensitive towards the antibody-drug conjugate T-DM1. Consequently, preexisting CD44(high)CD24(low) cancer stem cells were depleted by concentrations of T-DM1 that did not affect the bulk of the tumor cells. Likewise, colony formation was efficiently suppressed. Moreover, when tumor cells were cocultured with natural killer cells, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity was enhanced, and EMT-mediated induction of stem cell-like properties was prevented in differentiated tumor cells. Thus our study reveals an unanticipated targeting of stem cell-like breast cancer cells by T-DM1 that may contribute to the clinical efficacy of this recently approved antibody-drug conjugate.}, language = {en} } @article{SteinbrunnChatterjeeBargouetal.2014, author = {Steinbrunn, Torsten and Chatterjee, Manik and Bargou, Ralf C. and St{\"u}hmer, Thorsten}, title = {Efficient Transient Transfection of Human Multiple Myeloma Cells by Electroporation - An Appraisal}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0097443}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119616}, pages = {e97443}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Cell lines represent the everyday workhorses for in vitro research on multiple myeloma (MM) and are regularly employed in all aspects of molecular and pharmacological investigations. Although loss-of-function studies using RNA interference in MM cell lines depend on successful knockdown, no well-established and widely applied protocol for efficient transient transfection has so far emerged. Here, we provide an appraisal of electroporation as a means to introduce either short-hairpin RNA expression vectors or synthesised siRNAs into MM cells. We found that electroporation using siRNAs was much more efficient than previously anticipated on the basis of transfection efficiencies deduced from EGFP-expression off protein expression vectors. Such knowledge can even confidently be exploited in "hard-to-transfect" MM cell lines to generate large numbers of transient knockdown phenotype MM cells. In addition, special attention was given to developing a protocol that provides easy implementation, good reproducibility and manageable experimental costs.}, language = {en} } @article{DonatRotherSchaeferetal.2014, author = {Donat, Ulrike and Rother, Juliane and Sch{\"a}fer, Simon and Hess, Michael and H{\"a}rtl, Barbara and Kober, Christina and Langbein-Laugwitz, Johanna and Stritzker, Jochen and Chen, Nanhai G. and Aguilar, Richard J. and Weibel, Stephanie and Szalay, Alandar A.}, title = {Characterization of Metastasis Formation and Virotherapy in the Human C33A Cervical Cancer Model}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0098533}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119674}, pages = {e98533}, year = {2014}, abstract = {More than 90\% of cancer mortalities are due to cancer that has metastasized. Therefore, it is crucial to intensify research on metastasis formation and therapy. Here, we describe for the first time the metastasizing ability of the human cervical cancer cell line C33A in athymic nude mice after subcutaneous implantation of tumor cells. In this model, we demonstrated a steady progression of lumbar and renal lymph node metastases during tumor development. Besides predominantly occurring lymphatic metastases, we visualized the formation of hematogenous metastases utilizing red fluorescent protein (RFP) expressing C33A-RFP cells. RFP positive cancer cells were found migrating in blood vessels and forming micrometastases in lungs of tumor-bearing mice. Next, we set out to analyze the influence of oncolytic virotherapy in the C33A-RFP model and demonstrated an efficient virus-mediated reduction of tumor size and metastatic burden. These results suggest the C33A-RFP cervical cancer model as a new platform to analyze cancer metastases as well as to test novel treatment options to combat metastases.}, language = {en} } @article{BloemerPachelHofmannetal.2013, author = {Bl{\"o}mer, Nadja and Pachel, Christina and Hofmann, Urlich and Nordbeck, Peter and Bauer, Wolfgang and Mathes, Denise and Frey, Anna and Bayer, Barbara and Vogel, Benjamin and Ertl, Georg}, title = {5-Lipoxygenase facilitates healing after myocardial infarction}, series = {Basic Research in Cardiology}, volume = {108}, journal = {Basic Research in Cardiology}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1007/s00395-013-0367-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132602}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Early healing after myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by a strong inflammatory reaction. Most leukotrienes are pro-inflammatory and are therefore potential mediators of healing and remodeling after myocardial ischemia. The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) has a key role in the transformation of arachidonic acid in leukotrienes. Thus, we tested the effect of 5-LOX on healing after MI. After chronic coronary artery ligation, early mortality was significantly increased in 5-LOX\(^{-/-}\) when compared to matching wildtype (WT) mice due to left ventricular rupture. This effect could be reproduced in mice treated with the 5-LOX inhibitor Zileuton. A perfusion mismatch due to the vasoactive potential of leukotrienes is not responsible for left ventricular rupture since local blood flow assessed by magnetic resonance perfusion measurements was not different. However, after MI, there was an accentuation of the inflammatory reaction with an increase of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Yet, mortality was not changed in chimeric mice (WT vs. 5-LOX\(^{-/-}\) bone marrow in 5-LOX\(^{-/-}\) animals), indicating that an altered function of 5-LOX\(^{-/-}\) inflammatory cells is not responsible for the phenotype. Collagen production and accumulation of fibroblasts were significantly reduced in 5-LOX\(^{-/-}\) mice in vivo after MI. This might be due to an impaired migration of 5-LOX\(^{-/-}\) fibroblasts, as shown in vitro to serum. In conclusion, a lack or inhibition of 5-LOX increases mortality after MI because of healing defects. This is not mediated by a change in local blood flow, but through an altered inflammation and/or fibroblast function.}, language = {en} } @article{PuschmannSommer2011, author = {Puschmann, Anne-Katrin and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Hypervigilance or avoidance of trigger related cues in migraineurs? - A case-control study using the emotional stroop task}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, number = {141}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2377-11-141}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137750}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background "Negative affect" is one of the major migraine triggers. The aim of the study was to assess attentional biases for negative affective stimuli that might be related to migraine triggers in migraine patients with either few or frequent migraine and healthy controls. Methods Thirty-three subjects with frequent migraine (FM) or with less frequent episodic migraine, and 20 healthy controls conducted two emotional Stroop tasks in the interictal period. In task 1, general affective words and in task 2, pictures of affective faces (angry, neutral, happy) were used. For each task we calculated two emotional Stroop indices. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVAs. Results The expected attentional bias in migraine patients was not found. However, in task 2 the controls showed a significant attentional bias to negative faces, whereas the FM group showed indices near zero. Thus, the FM group responded faster to negative than to positive stimuli. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. Conclusions The findings in the FM group may reflect a learned avoidance mechanism away from affective migraine triggers.}, language = {en} } @article{GellaSeguraDuranyetal.2011, author = {Gella, Alejandro and Segura, M{\`o}nica and Durany, N{\´u}ria and Pfuhlmann, Bruno and St{\"o}ber, Gerald and Gawlik, Micha}, title = {Is Ankyrin a genetic risk factor for psychiatric phenotypes?}, series = {BMC Psychiatry}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Psychiatry}, number = {103}, doi = {10.1186/1471-244X-11-103}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137769}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background Genome wide association studies reported two single nucleotide polymorphisms in ANK3 (rs9804190 and rs10994336) as independent genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder. Another SNP in ANK3 (rs10761482) was associated with schizophrenia in a large European sample. Within the debate on common susceptibility genes for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, we tried to investigate common findings by analyzing association of ANK3 with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. Methods We genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ANK3 (rs9804190, rs10994336, and rs10761482) in a case-control sample of German descent including 920 patients with schizophrenia, 400 with bipolar affective disorder, 220 patients with unipolar depression according to ICD 10 and 480 healthy controls. Sample was further differentiated according to Leonhard's classification featuring disease entities with specific combination of bipolar and psychotic syndromes. Results We found no association of rs9804190 and rs10994336 with bipolar disorder, unipolar depression or schizophrenia. In contrast to previous findings rs10761482 was associated with bipolar disorder (p = 0.015) but not with schizophrenia or unipolar depression. We observed no association with disease entities according to Leonhard's classification. Conclusion Our results support a specific genetic contribution of ANK3 to bipolar disorder though we failed to replicate findings for schizophrenia. We cannot confirm ANK3 as a common risk factor for different diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{MakoahNigelArndtPradel2012, author = {Makoah Nigel, Animake and Arndt, Hans-Dieter and Pradel, Gabriele}, title = {The proteasome of malaria parasites: A multi-stage drug target for chemotherapeutic intervention?}, series = {International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance}, volume = {2}, journal = {International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijpddr.2011.12.001}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137777}, pages = {1-10}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The ubiquitin/proteasome system serves as a regulated protein degradation pathway in eukaryotes, and is involved in many cellular processes featuring high protein turnover rates, such as cell cycle control, stress response and signal transduction. In malaria parasites, protein quality control is potentially important because of the high replication rate and the rapid transformations of the parasite during life cycle progression. The proteasome is the core of the degradation pathway, and is a major proteolytic complex responsible for the degradation and recycling of non-functional ubiquitinated proteins. Annotation of the genome for Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria tropica, revealed proteins with similarity to human 26S proteasome subunits. In addition, a bacterial ClpQ/hslV threonine peptidase-like protein was identified. In recent years several independent studies indicated an essential function of the parasite proteasome for the liver, blood and transmission stages. In this review, we compile evidence for protein recycling in Plasmodium parasites and discuss the role of the 26S proteasome as a prospective multi-stage target for antimalarial drug discovery programs.}, language = {en} } @article{vonRahdenKircherLazariotouetal.2011, author = {von Rahden, Burkhard H.A. and Kircher, Stefan and Lazariotou, Maria and Reiber, Christoph and Stuermer, Luisa and Otto, Christoph and Germer, Christoph T. and Grimm, Martin}, title = {LgR5 expression and cancer stem cell hypothesis: clue to define the true origin of esophageal adenocarcinomas with and without Barrett's Esophagus?}, series = {Journal of Experimental \& Clinical Cancer Research}, volume = {30}, journal = {Journal of Experimental \& Clinical Cancer Research}, number = {23}, doi = {10.1186/1756-9966-30-23}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137783}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background Investigation of the expression of an intestinal stem cell marker in esophageal adenocarcinomas (EAC) with and without Barrett's Esophagus (BE), with respect to a cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis. Materials and methods Expression of a putative intestinal stem cell marker LgR5 was analyzed in esophageal cancer specimen (n = 70: 41 EAC with BE, 19 EAC without BE, and n = 10 esophageal squamous-cell carcinomas, ESCC) and in the adenocarcinoma cell line OE-33. Ki-67 and Cdx-2 were co-labelled with LgR5 in double staining experiments. Immunhistochemical expression results were confirmed by RT-PCR and correlated with tumor stage and five-year survival rates. Results LgR5was found expressed in 35 of 41 (85\%) EAC with BE and in 16 of 19 (81\%) EAC without BE. By contrast, LgR5 was not found to be expressed in ESCC. Quantification of immunolabeling showed 15\% LgR5+ cells in EAC with BE, 32\% LgR5+ cells in adjacent BE and 13\% in EAC without BE. Immunofluorescence double staining experiments with LgR5 and Ki-67 revealed a subpopulation (~5\%) of proliferating LgR+/Ki-67+ cells. On mRNA-level, expression of LgR5 was higher in BE in comparison to EAC (p = 0.0159). High levels of LgR5 expression in BE associated EAC were associated with poorer survival in univariate analysis. Conclusion The stem cell marker LgR5 is expressed in EAC, irrespective of association with BE, and appears to have negative impact on survival. The subset of proliferating LgR5+ cells (<5\%) might resemble rapidly cycling CSCs, which needs to be substantiated in further investigations.}, language = {en} } @article{KohlGruendlerHuysetal.2015, author = {Kohl, S. and Gruendler, T. O. J. and Huys, D. and Sildatke, E. and Dembek, T. A. and Hellmich, M. and Vorderwulbecke, M. and Timmermann, L. and Ahmari, S. E. and Klosterkoetter, J. and Jessen, F. and Sturm, V. and Visser-Vandewalle, V. and Kuhn, J.}, title = {Effects of deep brain stimulation on prepulse inhibition in obsessive-compulsive disorder}, series = {Translational Psychiatry}, volume = {5}, journal = {Translational Psychiatry}, number = {e675}, doi = {10.1038/tp.2015.171}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-138300}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Owing to a high response rate, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral striatal area has been approved for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (tr-OCD). Many basic issues regarding DBS for tr-OCD are still not understood, in particular, the mechanisms of action and the origin of side effects. We measured prepulse inhibition (PPI) in treatment-refractory OCD patients undergoing DBS of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and matched controls. As PPI has been used in animal DBS studies, it is highly suitable for translational research. Eight patients receiving DBS, eight patients with pharmacological treatment and eight age-matched healthy controls participated in our study. PPI was measured twice in the DBS group: one session with the stimulator switched on and one session with the stimulator switched off. OCD patients in the pharmacologic group took part in a single session. Controls were tested twice, to ensure stability of data. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between controls and (1) patients with pharmacological treatment and (2) OCD DBS patients when the stimulation was switched off. Switching the stimulator on led to an increase in PPI at a stimulus-onset asynchrony of 200 ms. There was no significant difference in PPI between OCD patients being stimulated and the control group. This study shows that NAcc-DBS leads to an increase in PPI in tr-OCD patients towards a level seen in healthy controls. Assuming that PPI impairments partially reflect the neurobiological substrates of OCD, our results show that DBS of the NAcc may improve sensorimotor gating via correction of dysfunctional neural substrates. Bearing in mind that PPI is based on a complex and multilayered network, our data confirm that DBS most likely takes effect via network modulation.}, language = {en} } @article{KurzKampfBuschleetal.2015, author = {Kurz, Felix T. and Kampf, Thomas and Buschle, Lukas R. and Schlemmer, Heinz-Peter and Heiland, Sabine and Bendszus, Martin and Ziener, Christian H.}, title = {Microstructural Analysis of Peripheral Lung Tissue through CPMG Inter-Echo Time R2 Dispersion}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {10}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0141894}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-138345}, pages = {e0141894}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Since changes in lung microstructure are important indicators for (early stage) lung pathology, there is a need for quantifiable information of diagnostically challenging cases in a clinical setting, e.g. to evaluate early emphysematous changes in peripheral lung tissue. Considering alveoli as spherical air-spaces surrounded by a thin film of lung tissue allows deriving an expression for Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill transverse relaxation rates R-2 with a dependence on inter-echo time, local air-tissue volume fraction, diffusion coefficient and alveolar diameter, within a weak field approximation. The model relaxation rate exhibits the same hyperbolic tangent dependency as seen in the Luz-Meiboom model and limiting cases agree with Brooks et al. and Jensen et al. In addition, the model is tested against experimental data for passively deflated rat lungs: the resulting mean alveolar radius of RA = 31.46 \(\pm\) 13.15 \(\mu\)m is very close to the literature value (similar to 34 \(\mu\)m). Also, modeled radii obtained from relaxometer measurements of ageing hydrogel foam (that mimics peripheral lung tissue) are in good agreement with those obtained from mu CT images of the same foam (mean relative error: 0.06 \(\pm\) 0.01). The model's ability to determine the alveolar radius and/or air volume fraction will be useful in quantifying peripheral lung microstructure.}, language = {en} } @article{HerrmannQueirozHuellneretal.2015, author = {Herrmann, Ken and Queiroz, Marcelo and Huellner, Martin W. and Barbosa, Felipe de Galiza and Buck, Andreas and Schaefer, Niklaus and Stolzman, Paul and Veit-Haibach, Patrick}, title = {Diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/MRI and WB-DW-MRI in the evaluation of lymphoma: a prospective comparison to standard FDG-PET/CT}, series = {BMC Cancer}, volume = {15}, journal = {BMC Cancer}, number = {1002}, doi = {10.1186/s12885-015-2009-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-136039}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background: Use of FDG-PET/CT for staging and restaging of lymphoma patients is widely incorporated into current practice guidelines. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/MRI and WB-DW-MRI compared with FDG-FDG-PET/CT using a tri-modality PET/CT-MRI system. Methods: From 04/12 to 01/14, a total of 82 FDG-PET/CT examinations including an additional scientific MRI on a tri-modality setup were performed in 61 patients. FDG-PET/CT, FDG-PET/MRI, and WB-DW-MRI were independently analyzed. A lesion with a mean ADC below a threshold of 1.2 x 10\(^{-3}\) mm\(^2\)/s was defined as positive for restricted diffusion. FDG-PET/CT and FDG-PET/MRI were evaluated for the detection of lesions corresponding to lymphoma manifestations according to the German Hodgkin Study Group. Imaging findings were validated by biopsy (n = 21), by follow-up imaging comprising CT, FDG-PET/CT, and/or FDG-PET/MRI (n = 32), or clinically (n = 25) (mean follow-up: 9.1 months). Results: FDG-PET/MRI and FDG-PET/CT accurately detected 188 lesions in 27 patients. Another 54 examinations in 35 patients were negative. WB-DW-MRI detected 524 lesions, of which 125 (66.5 \% of the aforementioned 188 lesions) were true positive. Among the 188 lesions positive for lymphoma, FDG-PET/MRI detected all 170 instances of nodal disease and also all 18 extranodal lymphoma manifestations; by comparison, WB-DW-MRI characterized 115 (67.6 \%) and 10 (55.6 \%) lesions as positive for nodal and extranodal disease, respectively. FDG-PET/MRI was superior to WB-DW-MRI in detecting lymphoma manifestations in patients included for staging (113 vs. 73), for restaging (75 vs. 52), for evaluation of high-(127 vs. 81) and low-grade lymphomas (61 vs. 46), and for definition of Ann Arbor stage (WB-DW-MRI resulted in upstaging in 60 cases, including 45 patients free of disease, and downstaging in 4). Conclusion: Our results indicate that FDG-PET/CT and FDG-PET/MRI probably have a similar performance in the clinical work-up of lymphomas. The performance of WB-DW-MRI was generally inferior to that of both FDG-PET-based methods but the technique might be used in specific scenarios, e.g., in low-grade lymphomas and during surveillance.}, language = {en} } @article{BartlScholzHinterbergeretal.2011, author = {Bartl, Jasmin and Scholz, Claus-J{\"u}rgen and Hinterberger, Margareta and Jungwirth, Susanne and Wichart, Ildiko and Rainer, Michael K. and Kneitz, Susanne and Danielczyk, Walter and Tragl, Karl H. and Fischer, Peter and Riederer, Peter and Gr{\"u}nblatt, Edna}, title = {Disorder-specific effects of polymorphisms at opposing ends of the Insulin Degrading Enzymegene}, series = {BMC Medical Genetics}, volume = {12}, journal = {BMC Medical Genetics}, number = {151}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2350-12-15}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137744}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is the ubiquitously expressed enzyme responsible for insulin and amyloid beta (Aβ) degradation. IDE gene is located on chromosome region 10q23-q25 and exhibits a well-replicated peak of linkage with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several genetic association studies examined IDE gene as a susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease (AD), however with controversial results. Methods We examined associations of three IDE polymorphisms (IDE2, rs4646953; IDE7, rs2251101 and IDE9, rs1887922) with AD, Aβ42 plasma level and T2DM risk in the longitudinal Vienna Transdanube Aging (VITA) study cohort. Results The upstream polymorphism IDE2 was found to influence AD risk and to trigger the Aβ42 plasma level, whereas the downstream polymorphism IDE7 modified the T2DM risk; no associations were found for the intronic variant IDE9. Conclusions Based on our SNP and haplotype results, we delineate the model that IDE promoter and 3' untranslated region/downstream variation may have different effects on IDE expression, presumably a relevant endophenotype with disorder-specific effects on AD and T2DM susceptibility.}, language = {en} } @article{KoutsilieriLutzScheller2013, author = {Koutsilieri, E. and Lutz, M. B. and Scheller, C.}, title = {Autoimmunity, dendritic cells and relevance for Parkinson's disease}, series = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, volume = {120}, journal = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, doi = {10.1007/s00702-012-0842-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132308}, pages = {75-81}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Innate and adaptive immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases have become recently a focus of research and discussions. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder without known etiopathogenesis. The past decade has generated evidence for an involvement of the immune system in PD pathogenesis. Both inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms have been recognized and studies have emphasized the role of activated microglia and T-cell infiltration. In this short review, we focus on dendritic cells, on their role in initiation of autoimmune responses, we discuss aspects of neuroinflammation and autoimmunity in PD, and we report new evidence for the involvement of neuromelanin in these processes.}, language = {en} } @article{VolkmannAlbaneseAntoninietal.2013, author = {Volkmann, Jens and Albanese, Alberto and Antonini, Angelo and Chaudhuri, K. Ray and Clarke, Karl E. and de Bie, Rob M. A. and Deuschl, G{\"u}nther and Eggert, Karla and Houeto, Jean-Luc and Kulisevsky, Jaime and Nyholm, Dag and Odin, Per and Ostergaard, Karen and Poewe, Werner and Pollak, Pierre and Rabey, Jose Martin and Rascol, Olivier and Ruzicka, Evzen and Samuel, Michael and Speelman, Hans and Sydow, Olof and Valldeoriola, Francesc and van der Linden, Chris and Oertel, Wolfgang}, title = {Selecting deep brain stimulation or infusion therapies in advanced Parkinson's disease: an evidence-based review}, series = {Journal of Neurology}, volume = {260}, journal = {Journal of Neurology}, doi = {10.1007/s00415-012-6798-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132373}, pages = {2701-2714}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD) result from the short half-life and irregular plasma fluctuations of oral levodopa. When strategies of providing more continuous dopaminergic stimulation by adjusting oral medication fail, patients may be candidates for one of three device-aided therapies: deep brain stimulation (DBS), continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, or continuous duodenal/jejunal levodopa/carbidopa pump infusion (DLI). These therapies differ in their invasiveness, side-effect profile, and the need for nursing care. So far, very few comparative studies have evaluated the efficacy of the three device-aided therapies for specific motor problems in advanced PD. As a result, neurologists currently lack guidance as to which therapy could be most appropriate for a particular PD patient. A group of experts knowledgeable in all three therapies reviewed the currently available literature for each treatment and identified variables of clinical relevance for choosing one of the three options such as type of motor problems, age, and cognitive and psychiatric status. For each scenario, pragmatic and (if available) evidence-based recommendations are provided as to which patients could be candidates for either DBS, DLI, or subcutaneous apomorphine.}, language = {en} } @article{HornSchellerduPlessisetal.2013, author = {Horn, Anne and Scheller, Carsten and du Plessis, Stefan and Arendt, Gabriele and Nolting, Thorsten and Joska, John and Sopper, Sieghart and Maschke, Matthias and Obermann, Mark and Husstedt, Ingo W. and Hain, Johannes and Maponga, Tongai and Riederer, Peter and Koutsilieri, Eleni}, title = {Increases in CSF dopamine in HIV patients are due to the dopamine transporter 10/10-repeat allele which is more frequent in HIV-infected individuals}, series = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, volume = {120}, journal = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, doi = {10.1007/s00702-013-1086-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132385}, pages = {1411-1419}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission has been implicated in HIV infection. We showed previously increased dopamine (DA) levels in CSF of therapy-na{\"i}ve HIV patients and an inverse correlation between CSF DA and CD4 counts in the periphery, suggesting adverse effects of high levels of DA on HIV infection. In the current study including a total of 167 HIV-positive and negative donors from Germany and South Africa (SA), we investigated the mechanistic background for the increase of CSF DA in HIV individuals. Interestingly, we found that the DAT 10/10-repeat allele is present more frequently within HIV individuals than in uninfected subjects. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender and ethnicity showed an odds ratio for HIV infection in DAT 10/10 allele carriers of 3.93 (95 \% CI 1.72-8.96; p = 0.001, Fishers exact test). 42.6 \% HIV-infected patients harbored the DAT 10/10 allele compared to only 10.5 \% uninfected DAT 10/10 carriers in SA (odds ratio 6.31), whereas 68.1 versus 40.9 \%, respectively, in Germany (odds ratio 3.08). Subjects homozygous for the 10-repeat allele had higher amounts of CSF DA and reduced DAT mRNA expression but similar disease severity compared with those carrying other DAT genotypes. These intriguing and novel findings show the mutual interaction between DA and HIV, suggesting caution in the interpretation of CNS DA alterations in HIV infection solely as a secondary phenomenon to the virus and open the door for larger studies investigating consequences of the DAT functional polymorphism on HIV epidemiology and progression of disease.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasMarzeganPezzolietal.2012, author = {Isaias, Ioannis U. and Marzegan, Alberto and Pezzoli, Gianni and Marotta, Giorgio and Canesi, Margherita and Biella, Gabriele E. M. and Volkmann, Jens and Cavallari, Paolo}, title = {A role for locus coeruleus in Parkinson tremor}, series = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, volume = {5}, journal = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, number = {179}, doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2011.00179}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133955}, year = {2012}, abstract = {We analyzed rest tremor, one of the etiologically most elusive hallmarks of Parkinson disease(PD), in 12 consecutive PD patients during a specific task activating the locus coeruleus (LC) to investigate a putative role of noradrenaline (NA) in tremor generation and suppression. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed in all subjects by reduced dopamine reuptake transporter (DAT) binding values investigated by single photon computed tomography imaging (SPECT) with [\(^{123}\)I] N-\(\omega\)-fluoropropyl-2 \(\beta\)-carbomethoxy-3 \(\beta\)-(4-iodophenyl) tropane (FP-CIT). The intensity of tremor (i.e., the power of Electromyography [EMG] signals), but not its frequency, significantly increased during the task. In six subjects, tremor appeared selectively during the task. In a second part of the study, we retrospectively reviewed SPECT with FP-CIT data and confirmed the lack of correlation between dopaminergic loss and tremor by comparing DAT binding values of 82 PD subjects with bilateral tremor (n = 27), unilateral tremor (n = 22), and no tremor (n = 33). This study suggests a role of the LC in Parkinson tremor.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasVolkmannMarzeganetal.2012, author = {Isaias, Ioannis U. and Volkmann, Jens and Marzegan, Alberto and Marotta, Giorgio and Cavallari, Paolo and Pezzoli, Gianni}, title = {The Influence of Dopaminergic Striatal Innervation on Upper Limb Locomotor Synergies}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0051464}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133976}, pages = {e51464}, year = {2012}, abstract = {To determine the role of striatal dopaminergic innervation on upper limb synergies during walking, we measured arm kinematics in 13 subjects with Parkinson disease. Patients were recruited according to several inclusion criteria to represent the best possible in vivo model of dopaminergic denervation. Of relevance, we included only subjects with normal spatio-temporal parameters of the stride and gait speed to avoid an impairment of upper limbs locomotor synergies as a consequence of gait impairment per se. Dopaminergic innervation of the striatum was measured by FP-CIT and SPECT. All patients showed a reduction of gait-associated arms movement. No linear correlation was found between arm ROM reduction and contralateral dopaminergic putaminal innervation loss. Still, a partition analysis revealed a 80\% chance of reduced arm ROM when putaminal dopamine content loss was >47\%. A significant correlation was described between the asymmetry indices of the swinging of the two arms and dopaminergic striatal innervation. When arm ROM was reduced, we found a positive correlation between upper-lower limb phase shift modulation ( at different gait velocities) and striatal dopaminergic innervation. These findings are preliminary evidence that dopaminergic striatal tone plays a modulatory role in upper-limb locomotor synergies and upper-lower limb coupling while walking at different velocities.}, language = {en} } @article{BrandtZimmermannKaufholdetal.2012, author = {Brandt, Alexander U. and Zimmermann, Hanna and Kaufhold, Falko and Promesberger, Julia and Schippling, Sven and Finis, David and Aktas, Orhan and Geis, Christian and Ringelstein, Marius and Ringelstein, E. Bernd and Hartung, Hans-Peter and Paul, Friedemann and Kleffner, Ilka and D{\"o}rr, Jan}, title = {Patterns of Retinal Damage Facilitate Differential Diagnosis between Susac Syndrome and MS}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0038741}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134013}, pages = {e38741}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Susac syndrome, a rare but probably underdiagnosed combination of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and visual deficits due to branch retinal artery occlusion of unknown aetiology has to be considered as differential diagnosis in various conditions. Particularly, differentiation from multiple sclerosis is often challenging since both clinical presentation and diagnostic findings may overlap. Optical coherence tomography is a powerful and easy to perform diagnostic tool to analyse the morphological integrity of retinal structures and is increasingly established to depict characteristic patterns of retinal pathology in multiple sclerosis. Against this background we hypothesised that differential patterns of retinal pathology facilitate a reliable differentiation between Susac syndrome and multiple sclerosis. In this multicenter cross-sectional observational study optical coherence tomography was performed in nine patients with a definite diagnosis of Susac syndrome. Data were compared with age-, sex-, and disease duration-matched relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients with and without a history of optic neuritis, and with healthy controls. Using generalised estimating equation models, Susac patients showed a significant reduction in either or both retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and total macular volume in comparison to both healthy controls and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. However, in contrast to the multiple sclerosis patients this reduction was not distributed over the entire scanning area but showed a distinct sectorial loss especially in the macular measurements. We therefore conclude that patients with Susac syndrome show distinct abnormalities in optical coherence tomography in comparison to multiple sclerosis patients. These findings recommend optical coherence tomography as a promising tool for differentiating Susac syndrome from MS.}, language = {en} } @article{JariusRuprechtWildemannetal.2012, author = {Jarius, Sven and Ruprecht, Klemens and Wildemann, Brigitte and Kuempfel, Tania and Ringelstein, Marius and Geis, Christian and Kleiter, Ingo and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Berthele, Achim and Brettschneider, Johannes and Hellwig, Kerstin and Hemmer, Bernhard and Linker, Ralf A. and Lauda, Florian and Hayrettin, Christoph A. and Tumani, Hayrettin and Melms, Arthur and Trebst, Corinna and Stangel, Martin and Marziniak, Martin and Hoffmann, Frank and Schippling, Sven and Faiss, J{\"u}rgen H. and Neuhaus, Oliver and Ettrich, Barbara and Zentner, Christian and Guthke, Kersten and Hofstadt-van Oy, Ulrich and Reuss, Reinhard and Pellkofer, Hannah and Ziemann, Ulf and Kern, Peter and Wandinger, Klaus P. and Bergh, Florian Then and Boettcher, Tobias and Langel, Stefan and Liebetrau, Martin and Rommer, Paulus S. and Niehaus, Sabine and M{\"u}nch, Christoph and Winkelmann, Alexander and Zettl, Uwe K and Metz, Imke and Veauthier, Christian and Sieb, J{\"o}rn P. and Wilke, Christian and Hartung, Hans P. and Aktas, Orhan and Paul, Friedemann}, title = {Contrasting disease patterns in seropositive and seronegative neuromyelitis optica: A multicentre study of 175 patients}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {14}, doi = {10.1186/1742-2094-9-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133636}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: The diagnostic and pathophysiological relevance of antibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4-Ab) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) has been intensively studied. However, little is known so far about the clinical impact of AQP4-Ab seropositivity. Objective: To analyse systematically the clinical and paraclinical features associated with NMO spectrum disorders in Caucasians in a stratified fashion according to the patients' AQP4-Ab serostatus. Methods: Retrospective study of 175 Caucasian patients (AQP4-Ab positive in 78.3\%). Results: Seropositive patients were found to be predominantly female (p < 0.0003), to more often have signs of co-existing autoimmunity (p < 0.00001), and to experience more severe clinical attacks. A visual acuity of <= 0.1 during acute optic neuritis (ON) attacks was more frequent among seropositives (p < 0.002). Similarly, motor symptoms were more common in seropositive patients, the median Medical Research Council scale (MRC) grade worse, and MRC grades <= 2 more frequent, in particular if patients met the 2006 revised criteria (p < 0.005, p < 0.006 and p < 0.01, respectively), the total spinal cord lesion load was higher (p < 0.006), and lesions >= 6 vertebral segments as well as entire spinal cord involvement more frequent (p < 0.003 and p < 0.043). By contrast, bilateral ON at onset was more common in seronegatives (p < 0.007), as was simultaneous ON and myelitis (p < 0.001); accordingly, the time to diagnosis of NMO was shorter in the seronegative group (p < 0.029). The course of disease was more often monophasic in seronegatives (p < 0.008). Seropositives and seronegatives did not differ significantly with regard to age at onset, time to relapse, annualized relapse rates, outcome from relapse (complete, partial, no recovery), annualized EDSS increase, mortality rate, supratentorial brain lesions, brainstem lesions, history of carcinoma, frequency of preceding infections, oligoclonal bands, or CSF pleocytosis. Both the time to relapse and the time to diagnosis was longer if the disease started with ON (p < 0.002 and p < 0.013). Motor symptoms or tetraparesis at first myelitis and > 1 myelitis attacks in the first year were identified as possible predictors of a worse outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{HedrichHofmannPabliketal.2013, author = {Hedrich, Christian M. and Hofmann, Sigrun R. and Pablik, Jessica and Morbach, Henner and Girschick, Hermann J.}, title = {Autoinflammatory bone disorders with special focus on chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO)}, series = {Pediatric Rheumatology}, volume = {11}, journal = {Pediatric Rheumatology}, number = {47}, doi = {10.1186/1546-0096-11-47}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132456}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Sterile bone inflammation is the hallmark of autoinflammatory bone disorders, including chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) with its most severe form chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). Autoinflammatory osteopathies are the result of a dysregulated innate immune system, resulting in immune cell infiltration of the bone and subsequent osteoclast differentiation and activation. Interestingly, autoinflammatory bone disorders are associated with inflammation of the skin and/or the intestine. In several monogenic autoinflammatory bone disorders mutations in disease-causing genes have been reported. However, regardless of recent developments, the molecular pathogenesis of CNO/CRMO remains unclear. Here, we discuss the clinical presentation and molecular pathophysiology of human autoinflammatory osteopathies and animal models with special focus on CNO/CRMO. Treatment options in monogenic autoinflammatory bone disorders and CRMO will be illustrated.}, language = {en} } @article{HarrisonClausJiangetal.2013, author = {Harrison, Odile B. and Claus, Heike and Jiang, Ying and Bennett, Julia S. and Bratcher, Holly B. and Jolley, Keith A. and Corton, Craig and Care, Rory and Poolman, Jan T. and Zollinger, Wendell D. and Frasch, Carl E. and Stephens, David S. and Feavers, Ian and Frosch, Matthias and Parkhill, Julian and Vogel, Ulrich and Quail, Michael A. and Bentley, Stephen D. and Maiden, Martin C. J.}, title = {Description and Nomenclature of Neisseria meningitidis Capsule Locus}, series = {Emerging Infectious Diseases}, volume = {19}, journal = {Emerging Infectious Diseases}, number = {4}, doi = {10.3201/eid1904.111799}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-131703}, pages = {566-573}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Pathogenic Neisseria meningitidis isolates contain a polysaccharide capsule that is the main virulence determinant for this bacterium. Thirteen capsular polysaccharides have been described, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has enabled determination of the structure of capsular polysaccharides responsible for serogroup specificity. Molecular mechanisms involved in N. meningitidis capsule biosynthesis have also been identified, and genes involved in this process and in cell surface translocation are clustered at a single chromosomal locus termed cps. The use of multiple names for some of the genes involved in capsule synthesis, combined with the need for rapid diagnosis of serogroups commonly associated with invasive meningococcal disease, prompted a requirement for a consistent approach to the nomenclature of capsule genes. In this report, a comprehensive description of all N. meningitidis serogroups is provided, along with a proposed nomenclature, which was presented at the 2012 XVIIIth International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference.}, language = {en} } @article{MarcusVogelSchubertetal.2013, author = {Marcus, U. and Vogel, U. and Schubert, A. and Claus, H. and Baetzing-Feigenbaum, J. and Hellenbrand, W. and Wichmann, O.}, title = {A cluster of invasive meningococcal disease in young men who have sex with men in Berlin, October 2012 to May 2013}, series = {Eurosurveillance}, volume = {18}, journal = {Eurosurveillance}, number = {28}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-131711}, pages = {6-8}, year = {2013}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @article{WeidemannNiemannStorketal.2013, author = {Weidemann, F. and Niemann, M. and Stork, S. and Breunig, F. and Beer, M. and Sommer, C. and Herrmann, S. and Ertl, G. and Wanner, C.}, title = {Long-term outcome of enzyme-replacement therapy in advanced Fabry disease: evidence for disease progression towards serious complications}, series = {Journal of Internal Medicine}, volume = {247}, journal = {Journal of Internal Medicine}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1111/joim.12077}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132075}, pages = {331-4}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The long-term effects of enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) in Fabry disease are unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether ERT in patients with advanced Fabry disease affects progression towards 'hard' clinical end-points in comparison with the natural course of the disease. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with genetically proven Fabry disease (mean age 40 ± 9 years; n = 9 women) were treated prospectively with ERT for 6 years. In addition, 40 subjects from the Fabry Registry, matched for age, sex, chronic kidney disease stage and previous transient ischaemic attack (TIA), served as a comparison group. The main outcome was a composite of stroke, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death. Secondary outcomes included changes in myocardial left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and replacement fibrosis, change in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), new TIA and change in neuropathic pain. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 6.0 years (bottom and top quartiles: 5.1, 7.2), 15 events occurred in 13 patients (n = 7 deaths, n = 4 cases of ESRD and n = 4 strokes). Sudden death occurred (n = 6) only in patients with documented ventricular tachycardia and myocardial replacement fibrosis. The annual progression of myocardial LV fibrosis in the entire cohort was 0.6 ± 0.7\%. As a result, posterior end-diastolic wall thinning was observed (baseline, 13.2 ± 2.0 mm; follow-up, 11.4 ± 2.1 mm; P < 0.01). GFR decreased by 2.3 ± 4.6 mL min(-1) per year. Three patients experienced a TIA. The major clinical symptom was neuropathic pain (n = 37), and this symptom improved in 25 patients. The event rate was not different between the ERT group and the untreated (natural history) group of the Fabry Registry. CONCLUSION: Despite ERT, clinically meaningful events including sudden cardiac death continue to develop in patients with advanced Fabry disease.}, language = {en} } @article{DrechslerSchmiedekeNiemannetal.2013, author = {Drechsler, Christiane and Schmiedeke, Benjamin and Niemann, Markus and Schmiedeke, Daniel and Kr{\"a}mer, Johannes and Turkin, Irina and Blouin, Katja and Emmert, Andrea and Pilz, Stefan and Obermayer-Pietsch, Barbara and Wiedemann, Frank and Breunig, Frank and Wanner, Christoph}, title = {Potential role of vitamin D deficiency on Fabry cardiomyopathy}, series = {Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease}, volume = {37}, journal = {Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1007/s10545-013-9653-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132102}, pages = {289-295}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Patients with Fabry disease frequently develop left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and renal fibrosis. Due to heat intolerance and an inability to sweat, patients tend to avoid exposure to sunlight. We hypothesized that subsequent vitamin D deficiency may contribute to Fabry cardiomyopathy. This study investigated the vitamin D status and its association with LV mass and adverse clinical symptoms in patients with Fabry disease. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) was measured in 111 patients who were genetically proven to have Fabry disease. LV mass and cardiomyopathy were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography. In cross-sectional analyses, associations with adverse clinical outcomes were determined by linear and binary logistic regression analyses, respectively, and were adjusted for age, sex, BMI and season. Patients had a mean age of 40 ± 13 years (42 \% males), and a mean 25(OH)D of 23.5 ± 11.4 ng/ml. Those with overt vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D ≤ 15 ng/ml) had an adjusted six fold higher risk of cardiomyopathy, compared to those with sufficient 25(OH)D levels >30 ng/ml (p = 0.04). The mean LV mass was distinctively different with 170 ± 75 g in deficient, 154 ± 60 g in moderately deficient and 128 ± 58 g in vitamin D sufficient patients (p = 0.01). With increasing severity of vitamin D deficiency, the median levels of proteinuria increased, as well as the prevalences of depression, edema, cornea verticillata and the need for medical pain therapy. In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with cardiomyopathy and adverse clinical symptoms in patients with Fabry disease. Whether vitamin D supplementation improves complications of Fabry disease, requires a randomized controlled trial.}, language = {en} } @article{HuangBelharazemLietal.2013, author = {Huang, Bei and Belharazem, Djeda and Li, Li and Kneitz, Susanne and Schnabel, Philipp A. and Rieker, Ralf J. and K{\"o}rner, Daniel and Nix, Wilfried and Schalke, Berthold and M{\"u}ller-Hermelink, Hans Konrad and Ott, German and Rosenwald, Andreas and Str{\"o}bel, Philipp and Marx, Alexander}, title = {Anti-apoptotic signature in thymic squamous cell carcinomas - functional relevance of anti-apoptotic BIRC3 expression in the thymic carcinoma cell line 1889c}, series = {Frontiers in Oncology}, volume = {3}, journal = {Frontiers in Oncology}, number = {316}, doi = {10.3389/fonc.2013.00316}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132214}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The molecular pathogenesis of thymomas and thymic arcinomas (TCs) is poorly understood and results of adjuvant therapy are unsatisfactory in case of metastatic disease and tumor recurrence. For these clinical settings, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Recently, limited sequencing efforts revealed that a broad spectrum of genes that play key roles in various common cancers are rarely affected in thymomas and TCs, suggesting that other oncogenic principles might be important.This made us re-analyze historic expression data obtained in a spectrumof thymomas and thymic squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs) with a custom-made cDNA microarray. By cluster analysis, different anti-apoptotic signatures were detected in type B3 thymoma and TSCC, including overexpression of BIRC3 in TSCCs. This was confirmed by qRT-PCR in the original and an independent validation set of tumors. In contrast to several other cancer cell lines, the BIRC3-positive TSCC cell line, 1889c showed spontaneous apoptosis after BIRC3 knock-down. Targeting apoptosis genes is worth testing as therapeutic principle in TSCC.}, language = {en} } @article{BingShiTanKressCastroetal.2013, author = {Bing-Shi Tan, Ariel and Kress, Sebastian and Castro, Leticia and Sheppard, Allan and Raghunath, Michael}, title = {Cellular re- and de-programming by microenvironmental memory: why short TGF-β1 pulses can have long effects}, series = {Fibrogenesis Tissue Repair}, volume = {6}, journal = {Fibrogenesis Tissue Repair}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1186/1755-1536-6-12}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-131898}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background Fibrosis poses a substantial setback in regenerative medicine. Histopathologically, fibrosis is an excessive accumulation of collagen affected by myofibroblasts and this can occur in any tissue that is exposed to chronic injury or insult. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a crucial mediator of fibrosis, drives differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. These cells exhibit α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and synthesize high amounts of collagen I, the major extracellular matrix (ECM) component of fibrosis. While hormones stimulate cells in a pulsatile manner, little is known about cellular response kinetics upon growth factor impact. We therefore studied the effects of short TGF-β1 pulses in terms of the induction and maintenance of the myofibroblast phenotype. Results Twenty-four hours after a single 30 min TGF-β1 pulse, transcription of fibrogenic genes was upregulated, but subsided 7 days later. In parallel, collagen I secretion rate and α-SMA presence were elevated for 7 days. A second pulse 24 h later extended the duration of effects to 14 days. We could not establish epigenetic changes on fibrogenic target genes to explain the long-lasting effects. However, ECM deposited under singly pulsed TGF-β1 was able to induce myofibroblast features in previously untreated fibroblasts. Dependent on the age of the ECM (1 day versus 7 days' formation time), this property was diminished. Vice versa, myofibroblasts were cultured on fibroblast ECM and cells observed to express reduced (in comparison with myofibroblasts) levels of collagen I. Conclusions We demonstrated that short TGF-β1 pulses can exert long-lasting effects on fibroblasts by changing their microenvironment, thus leaving an imprint and creating a reciprocal feed-back loop. Therefore, the ECM might act as mid-term memory for pathobiochemical events. We would expect this microenvironmental memory to be dependent on matrix turnover and, as such, to be erasable. Our findings contribute to the current understanding of fibroblast induction and maintenance, and have bearing on the development of antifibrotic drugs.}, language = {en} } @article{VandeKerkhofFeenstravanderHeijdenetal.2012, author = {Van de Kerkhof, Noortje W. A. and Feenstra, Ilse and van der Heijden, Frank M. M. A. and de Leeuw, Nicole and Pfundt, Rolph and St{\"o}ber, Gerald and Egger, Jos I. M. and Verhoeven, Willem M. A.}, title = {Copy number variants in a sample of patients with psychotic disorders: is standard screening relevant for actual clinical practice?}, series = {Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment}, volume = {8}, journal = {Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment}, doi = {10.2147/NDT.S32903}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134769}, pages = {295-300}, year = {2012}, abstract = {With the introduction of new genetic techniques such as genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization, studies on the putative genetic etiology of schizophrenia have focused on the detection of copy number variants (CNVs), ie, microdeletions and/or microduplications, that are estimated to be present in up to 3\% of patients with schizophrenia. In this study, out of a sample of 100 patients with psychotic disorders, 80 were investigated by array for the presence of CNVs. The assessment of the severity of psychiatric symptoms was performed using standardized instruments and ICD-10 was applied for diagnostic classification. In three patients, a submicroscopic CNV was demonstrated, one with a loss in 1q21.1 and two with a gain in 1p13.3 and 7q11.2, respectively. The association between these or other CNVs and schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychoses and their clinical implications still remain equivocal. While the CNV affected genes may enhance the vulnerability for psychiatric disorders via effects on neuronal architecture, these insights have not resulted in major changes in clinical practice as yet. Therefore, genome-wide array analysis should presently be restricted to those patients in whom psychotic symptoms are paired with other signs, particularly dysmorphisms and intellectual impairment.}, language = {en} } @article{vandeKerkhofvanderHeijdenSchneideretal.2012, author = {van de Kerkhof, Noortje W. A. and van der Heijden, Frank M. M. A. and Schneider, Marc K. F. and Pfuhlmann, Bruno and St{\"o}ber, Gerald and Egger, Jos I. M. and Verhoeven, Willem M. A.}, title = {Cycloid psychoses: Leonhard's descriptions revisited}, series = {European Journal of Psychiatry}, volume = {26}, journal = {European Journal of Psychiatry}, number = {4}, doi = {10.4321/S0213-61632012000400006}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134779}, pages = {266-278}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background and Objectives: Cycloid psychoses are characterized by polymorphic symptomatology with intraphasic bipolarity, a remitting and recurrent course and favourable prognosis. Perris and Brocicington (P\&B) described the first set of operational criteria that were partly incorporated in ICD-10. The present study investigates psychopathological profiles according to the P\&B criteria and the original descriptions by Leonhard, both against the background of the criteria from the prevailing international classification systems. Methods: Eighty patients with psychotic disorders were recruited and assessed with various psychometric instruments at baseline and after six weeks of antipsychotic treatment in order to investigate the presence of cycloid psychoses according to Leonhard (LCP) and the effect of treatment with antipsychotics. The overlap between LCP and DSM-IV Brief Psychotic Disorder (BPD), ICD Acute Polymorphic Psychotic Disorder (APP) and P\&B criteria was calculated. Results: Using P\&B criteria and a symptom checklist adapted from the original descriptions by Leonhard, 14 and 12 cases of cycloid psychosis were identified respectively reflecting a prevalence of 15-18\%. Small though significant concordance rates were found between LCP and both DSM-BPD and ICD-APP. Concordance between LCP and P\&B criteria was also significant, but modest. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that LCP can be identified in a substantial number of patients with psychotic disorders. Cycloid psychoses are not adequately covered in current classification systems and criteria. Since they are demonstrated to have a specific psychopathological profile, relapsing course and favourable prognosis, it is advocated to include these psychoses in daily differential diagnostic procedures.}, language = {en} } @article{MolochnikovRabeyDobronevskyetal.2012, author = {Molochnikov, Leonid and Rabey, Jose M. and Dobronevsky, Evgenya and Bonuccelli, Ubaldo and Ceravolo, Roberto and Frosini, Daniela and Gr{\"u}nblatt, Edna and Riederer, Peter and Jacob, Christian and Aharon-Peretz, Judith and Bashenko, Yulia and Youdim, Moussa B. H. and Mandel, Silvia A.}, title = {A molecular signature in blood identifies early Parkinson's disease}, series = {Molecular Neurodegeneration}, volume = {7}, journal = {Molecular Neurodegeneration}, number = {26}, doi = {10.1186/1750-1326-7-26}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134508}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: The search for biomarkers in Parkinson's disease (PD) is crucial to identify the disease early and monitor the effectiveness of neuroprotective therapies. We aim to assess whether a gene signature could be detected in blood from early/mild PD patients that could support the diagnosis of early PD, focusing on genes found particularly altered in the substantia nigra of sporadic PD. Results: The transcriptional expression of seven selected genes was examined in blood samples from 62 early stage PD patients and 64 healthy age-matched controls. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis identified five genes as optimal predictors of PD: p19 S-phase kinase-associated protein 1A (odds ratio [OR] 0.73; 95\% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.90), huntingtin interacting protein-2 (OR 1.32; CI 1.08-1.61), aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 subfamily A1 (OR 0.86; 95\% CI 0.75-0.99), 19 S proteasomal protein PSMC4 (OR 0.73; 95\% CI 0.60-0.89) and heat shock 70-kDa protein 8 (OR 1.39; 95\% CI 1.14-1.70). At a 0.5 cut-off the gene panel yielded a sensitivity and specificity in detecting PD of 90.3 and 89.1 respectively and the area under the receiving operating curve (ROC AUC) was 0.96. The performance of the five-gene classifier on the de novo PD individuals alone composing the early PD cohort (n = 38), resulted in a similar ROC with an AUC of 0.95, indicating the stability of the model and also, that patient medication had no significant effect on the predictive probability (PP) of the classifier for PD risk. The predictive ability of the model was validated in an independent cohort of 30 patients at advanced stage of PD, classifying correctly all cases as PD (100\% sensitivity). Notably, the nominal average value of the PP for PD (0.95 (SD = 0.09)) in this cohort was higher than that of the early PD group (0.83 (SD = 0.22)), suggesting a potential for the model to assess disease severity. Lastly, the gene panel fully discriminated between PD and Alzheimer's disease (n = 29). Conclusions: The findings provide evidence on the ability of a five-gene panel to diagnose early/mild PD, with a possible diagnostic value for detection of asymptomatic PD before overt expression of the disorder.}, language = {en} } @article{EdelmannStahrenbergGelbrichetal.2011, author = {Edelmann, Frank and Stahrenberg, Raoul and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Durstewitz, Kathleen and Angermann, Christiane E. and D{\"u}ngen, Hans-Dirk and Scheffold, Thomas and Zugck, Christian and Maisch, Bernhard and Regitz-Zagrosek, Vera and Hasenfuß, Gerd and Pieske, Burkert M. and Wachter, Rolf}, title = {Contribution of comorbidities to functional impairment is higher in heart failure with preserved than with reduced ejection fraction}, series = {Clinical Research in Cardiology}, volume = {100}, journal = {Clinical Research in Cardiology}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1007/s00392-011-0305-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134354}, pages = {755-764}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background Comorbidities negatively affect prognosis more strongly in heart failure with preserved (HFpEF) than with reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction. Their comparative impact on physical impairment in HFpEF and HFrEF has not been evaluated so far. Methods and results The frequency of 12 comorbidities and their impact on NYHA class and SF-36 physical functioning score (SF-36 PF) were evaluated in 1,294 patients with HFpEF and 2,785 with HFrEF. HFpEF patients had lower NYHA class (2.0 ± 0.6 vs. 2.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.001) and higher SF-36 PF score (54.4 ± 28.3 vs. 54.4 ± 27.7, p < 0.001). All comorbidities were significantly (p < 0.05) more frequent in HFrEF, except hypertension and obesity, which were more frequent in HFpEF (p < 0.001). Adjusting for age and gender, COPD, anemia, hyperuricemia, atrial fibrillation, renal dysfunction, cerebrovascular disease and diabetes had a similar (p for interaction > 0.05) negative effect in both groups. Obesity, coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial occlusive disease exerted a significantly (p < 0.05) more adverse effect in HFpEF, while hypertension and hyperlipidemia were associated with fewer (p < 0.05) symptoms in HFrEF only. The total impact of comorbidities on NYHA (AUC for prediction of NYHA III/IV vs. I/II) and SF-36 PF (r 2) in multivariate analyses was approximately 1.5-fold higher in HFpEF, and also much stronger than the impact of a 10\% decrease in ejection fraction in HFrEF or a 5 mm decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in HFpEF. Conclusion The impact of comorbidities on physical impairment is higher in HFpEF than in HFrEF. This should be considered in the differential diagnosis and in the treatment of patients with HFpEF.}, language = {en} } @article{IpKronerGrohetal.2012, author = {Ip, Chi Wang and Kroner, Antje and Groh, Janos and Huber, Marianne and Klein, Dennis and Spahn, Irene and Diem, Ricarda and Williams, Sarah K. and Nave, Klaus-Armin and Edgar, Julia M. and Martini, Rudolf}, title = {Neuroinflammation by Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes Impairs Retrograde Axonal Transport in an Oligodendrocyte Mutant Mouse}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0042554}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134982}, pages = {e42554}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Mice overexpressing proteolipid protein (PLP) develop a leukodystrophy-like disease involving cytotoxic, CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Here we show that these cytotoxic T-lymphocytes perturb retrograde axonal transport. Using fluorogold stereotactically injected into the colliculus superior, we found that PLP overexpression in oligodendrocytes led to significantly reduced retrograde axonal transport in retina ganglion cell axons. We also observed an accumulation of mitochondria in the juxtaparanodal axonal swellings, indicative for a disturbed axonal transport. PLP overexpression in the absence of T-lymphocytes rescued retrograde axonal transport defects and abolished axonal swellings. Bone marrow transfer from wildtype mice, but not from perforin- or granzyme B-deficient mutants, into lymphocyte-deficient PLP mutant mice led again to impaired axonal transport and the formation of axonal swellings, which are predominantly located at the juxtaparanodal region. This demonstrates that the adaptive immune system, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes which release perforin and granzyme B, are necessary to perturb axonal integrity in the PLP-transgenic disease model. Based on our observations, so far not attended molecular and cellular players belonging to the immune system should be considered to understand pathogenesis in inherited myelin disorders with progressive axonal damage.}, language = {en} }