Effects of intracoronary injection of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells on natriuretic peptides and inflammatory markers in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Intracoronary administration of autologous bone marrow stem cells (BMC) has been shown to result in a subtle improvement of global left ventricular ejection fraction after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but the overall benefits of BMC therapy are still unclear. We studied the influence of intracoronary injections of BMC on levels of natriuretic peptides and inflammatory mediators, which are well established prognostic biomarkers, in patients with STEMI.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind study, consecutive patients with an acute STEMI treated with thrombolysis followed by PCI 2?C6?days after STEMI, were randomly assigned to receive either intracoronary BMC or placebo medium into the infarct-related artery. Blood samples were drawn for biochemical determinations.

Results

From baseline to 6?months, there was a significant decrease in the levels of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the whole patient population (P?<?0.001 for all). However, no difference was observed between the BMC group (n?=?39) and the placebo group (n?=?39) in the change of the levels of NT-proANP (median ?54 vs. +112?pmol/L), NT-proBNP (?88 vs. ?115?pmol/L) or inflammatory markers IL-6 (?3.86 vs. ?5.61?pg/mL), hsCRP (?20.29 vs. ?22.36?mg/L) and tumor necrosis factor ?? (?0.12 vs. ?0.80?pg/mL) between baseline and 6?months.

Conclusion

Intracoronary BMC therapy does not appear to exert any significant effects on the secretion of natriuretic peptides or inflammatory biomarkers in STEMI patients.     

Gastric Emptying and Postprandial PYY Response After Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Background  

Super-obesity (BMI > 50) is increasing rapidly. We use the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) as one option in this patient category. The aim of the present study was to investigate the emptying of the gastric tube, PYY levels and dumping symptoms after BPD-DS.     

Cell membrane damage and protein interaction induced by copper containing nanoparticles—Importance of the metal release process

Cu-containing nanoparticles are used in various applications in order to e.g. achieve antimicrobial activities and to increase the conductivity of fluids and polymers. Several studies have reported on toxic effects of such particles but the mechanisms are not completely clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between cell membranes and well-characterized nanoparticles of CuO, Cu metal, a binary Cu-Zn alloy and micron-sized Cu metal particles. This was conducted via in vitro investigations of the effects of the nanoparticles on (i) cell membrane damage on lung epithelial cells (A549), (ii) membrane rupture of red blood cells (hemolysis), complemented by (iii) nanoparticle interaction studies with a model lipid membrane using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The results revealed that nanoparticles of the Cu metal and the Cu-Zn alloy were both highly membrane damaging and caused a rapid (within 1 h) increase in membrane damage at a particle mass dose of 20 μg/mL, whereas the CuO nanoparticles and the micron-sized Cu metal particles showed no such effect. At similar nanoparticle surface area doses, the nano and micron-sized Cu particles showed more similar effects. The commonly used LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) assay for analysis of membrane damage was found impossible to use due to nanoparticle-assay interactions. None of the particles induced any hemolytic effects on red blood cells when investigated up to high particle concentrations (1 mg/mL). However, both Cu and Cu-Zn nanoparticles caused hemoglobin aggregation/precipitation, a process that would conceal a possible hemolytic effect. Studies on interactions between the nanoparticles and a model membrane using QCM-D indicated a small difference between the investigated particles. Results of this study suggest that the observed membrane damage is caused by the metal release process at the cell membrane surface and highlight differences in reactivity between metallic nanoparticles of Cu and Cu-Zn and nanoparticles of CuO.     

Choloroplast DNA heterogeneity in Monodus sp. (Eustigmatophyta)

Summary Monodus satellite DNA, isolated by CsCl-Hoescht dye gradient centrifugation, was subjected to field inversion gel electrophoresis. Five differently sized DNA molecules were resolved. Molecules of 110 and 48 kb were identified as chloroplast DNA by hybridization analysis; a 40 kb molecular species is a degradation proluct, while the organellar origin of the 140 and 135 kb molecules remains unknown.     

In vivo degradation of porous poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite scaffolds

This study investigated the in vivo degradation of poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF)/poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) composite scaffolds designed for controlled release of osteogenic factors. PPF/PLGA composites were implanted into 15.0mm segmental defects in the rabbit radius, harvested after 12 and 18 weeks, and analyzed using histological techniques to assess the extent of polymer degradation as well as the tissue response within the pores of the scaffolds. Polymer degradation was limited to micro-fragmentation of the scaffold at the ends and edges of the implant at both 12 and 18 weeks. The tissue within the pores of the scaffold consisted of fibrous tissue, blood vessels and some inflammatory cells. In areas where polymer breakdown was evident, an increased inflammatory response was observed. In contrast, areas of bone ingrowth into the polymer scaffold were characterized by minimal inflammatory response and polymer degradation. Our results show that minimal degradation of porous PPF occurs within 18 weeks of implantation in a rabbit model. Further, the in vivo degradation data of porous PPF/PLGA scaffolds are comparable with earlier obtained in vitro data.     

Use of molecular subtyping in surveillance for Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium

BACKGROUND: Because Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium is the most common serotype isolated from persons with salmonellosis in the United States, it is difficult to detect unusual clusters or outbreaks. To determine whether molecular subtyping could be useful in public health surveillance for S. enterica serotype typhimurium, the Minnesota Department of Health initiated the routine use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of isolates. METHODS: Beginning in 1994, all S. enterica serotype typhimurium isolates submitted by clinical laboratories to the Department of Health were subtyped by PFGE. A standard questionnaire was used to interview patients about possible sources of infection. RESULTS: From 1994 through 1998, 998 cases of infection with S. enterica serotype typhimurium were reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (4.4 cases per 100,000 person-years). PFGE was performed on 958 of the isolates (96 percent), and 174 different patterns were identified. Sixteen outbreaks with a common source were identified, accounting for 154 cases. PFGE subtyping made it possible to confirm 10 outbreaks that involved small numbers of cases in institutional settings. Of six larger, community-based outbreaks, four would probably not have been recognized without PFGE subtyping. These four outbreaks accounted for 96 of the 154 culture-confirmed outbreak cases (62 percent). Fifty-six of 209 isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility (27 percent) were resistant to at least five antimicrobial agents. The multidrug-resistant isolates identified had unique PFGE patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Routine molecular subtyping of S. enterica serotype typhimurium by PFGE can improve the detection of outbreaks and aid in the identification of multidrug-resistant strains. Combining routine molecular subtyping with a method of rapid communication among public health authorities can improve surveillance for S. enterica serotype typhimurium infections.     

Effect of beta-lactamase inhibitors on beta-lactamases from anaerobic bacteria

Three beta-lactamase inhibitors in clinical use — clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam — were investigated for their activity on beta-lactamases fromBacteroides uniformis, Clostridium butyricum andFusobacterium nucleatum. Purification of the beta-lactamases was carried out by anion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration and FPLC. The inactivation of beta-lactamase activity was determined spectrophotometrically with nitrocefin as substrate. Various concentrations of the inhibitors were preincubated at 30 °C together with the enzyme for different periods of time before determination of the beta-lactamase activity. The three beta-lactamases tested were more susceptible to tazobactam than to clavulanic acid and sulbactam. Clavulanic acid and sulbactam reduced the enzyme activity of theBacteroides uniformis beta-lactamase more effectively than theClostridium butyricum andFusobacterium nucleatum beta-lactamases.