In vivo transfer and expression of a human epidermal growth factor gene accelerates wound repair.

This report details the transfer of a human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) expression plasmid to porcine partial-thickness wound keratinocytes by particle-mediated DNA transfer (Accell). After gene transfer an external sealed fluid-filled wound chamber was used to protect the wound, provide containment of the exogenous DNA and expressed peptide, and permit sampling of the wound fluid. Analysis of wound fluid for hEGF and total protein, an indicator of reformation of the epithelial barrier, showed that wounds bombarded with the hEGF plasmid exhibited a 190-fold increase in EGF concentration and healed 20% (2.1 days) earlier than the controls. EGF concentrations in wound fluid persisted over the entire 10-day monitored period, decreasing from 200 pg/ml to 25 pg/ml over the first 5 days. Polymerase chain reaction results showed that plasmid DNA was present in the wound for at least 30 days. These findings demonstrate the possible utility of in vivo gene transfer to enhance epidermal repair.     

Malignancy may adversely influence the quality and behaviour of oocytes

A case series of eight cycles of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in five women diagnosed with malignant disorders is presented. These patients chose to defer definitive treatment for a chance for preservation of potential fertility. The response of these patients to ovarian stimulation, and the outcome, was compared with 17 IVF cycles in 12 age- matched patients with isolated tubal infertility. An apparent adverse influence of malignant disease on the quality and behaviour of oocytes was observed. Despite a comparable total number of oocytes per cycle in the two groups, a significantly reduced percentage of mature oocytes was retrieved per cycle from patients with malignant diseases. The oocytes from patients with malignant disorders were of a poorer quality and exhibited a significantly impaired fertilization rate compared to the controls. We propose that neoplastic processes, irrespective of the site or cell of origin, may have a detrimental impact on the biology of oocytes, an effect akin to that seen on spermatozoa in men with certain malignancies.      

Microglial inflammation in the parkinsonian substantia nigra: relationship to alpha-synuclein deposition

Background  

The role of both microglial activation and alpha-synuclein deposition in Parkinson's disease remain unclear. We have tested the hypothesis that if microglia play a primary role in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, the microglial "activated" phenotype should be associated with histopathological and/or clinical features of the disease.     

„Breast implant illness“ – Fakt oder Fiktion?

Journal für Ästhetische Chirurgie - Brustvergrößerungen mit Implantaten gehören zu den häufigsten ästhetisch chirurgischen Eingriffen. Trotz jahrzehntelanger...     

Gene therapy perspectives in modulation of wound healing

A variety of reasons can afflict wound healing. Current research is focussed on the acceleration of wound healing by stimulating molecular processes. Gene therapy may offer completely new ways to treat chronic wounds. Possible advantages of gene therapeutic modulation of wound healing might be a long term efficiency, systemic or local regulation of gene expression and low side-effects. Current goals comprise the improvement of transfection efficiency and specificity. In vivo applications are therefore focussed on optimized inducible or even cell-type specific promotors, as well as on improved local application techniques. Studies from our laboratory demonstrate the possibility to combine modern cell culture techniques with different types of gene transfer. This enables the simultaneous grafting of manipulated cells to the wound with the continuous delivery of specific proteins of interest. Experimentally, this lead to accelerated closure of partial and full thickness animal wounds. Clinically, gene therapy for the treatment of chronic wounds seems to be a realistic goal within the next years and might be applicable for a variety of novel indications.     

Assessing Generalization of the Picture Exchange Communication System in Children with Autism

Since its introduction to the field, a growing body of research on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) has demonstrated its efficacy for children with autism in research settings. However, knowledge of PECS generalization remains limited and mixed. The present study explored a train and probe technique of assessing generalization after each phase of PECS training. Four children with autism were taught PECS in treatment rooms with a therapist at their behavioral treatment program. Generalization was assessed in a playroom with a therapist, at home with a therapist and parent, and in the community with a stranger. Results indicated that all four participants generalized PECS use across settings and people and maintained PECS use at follow-up. Findings provide support for the utility of a train and probe technique to assess generalization when using PECS with children with autism.     

Der Resektionsrand und seine Beurteilung

In recent years there has been an intensive discussion about how to define a negative surgical resection margin. Despite the impact of radiation and systemic therapy a positive margin in breast surgery is associated with an increased risk of local recurrence. Thus, a positive margin confirmed by the pathologist results in further surgery that is troublesome for the patient in several ways and can also delay the initiation of adjuvant treatment. Therefore, the field of intraoperative margin assessment was intensively investigated and methods and technologies have been developed to support the breast surgeon in the operating theater. Some of these developments, such as frozen sections, touch imprint cytology, intraoperative ultrasound and radiofrequency spectroscopy are now established in the clinical routine. Others, such as near-infrared optical imaging, X-ray diffraction, high-frequency ultrasound and micro-computed tomography (CT) are still in the experimental stage. This article illustrates the current status of defining a negative surgical margin and gives an overview of the various and innovative technologies for intraoperative margin assessment.     

Endotoxin-induced suppression of erythropoiesis: the role of erythropoietin and a heme synthesis stimulating factor

The regulation of erythropoiesis is primarily controlled by erythropoietin (Ep). Recently, however, other factors that both stimulate and inhibit erythropoiesis have been reported. Using an in vitro liquid culture of bone marrow cells, a factor in normal mouse serum was demonstrated that markedly stimulated heme synthesis by marrow erythroid cells. In this study, the role of this heme synthesis stimulating factor (HSF) and Ep in the erythropoietic suppression caused by endotoxin administration to mice was examined. Although HSF levels did not alter appreciably after endotoxin injection, marrow erythroid cells from these animals became unresponsive to the factor. This could be reversed if Ep was added to the culture in vitro or if the hormone was injected into the mice 18 hr prior to harvesting the marrow. This marrow erythroid cell response is identical to that seen in animals in whom Ep levels are markedly reduced, such as that found in exhypoxic polycythemia, and suggest a decrease in the hormone following endotoxin administration. Additional studies demonstrated that when Ep was injected into mice 6 hr after endotoxin administration, an increase in femoral erythroid colony-forming units (CFU-E), proerythroblast number, and 59 Fe incorporation into femoral marrow cells could be demonstrated. These findings, together with the marrow erythroid cell response to the hormone, suggest that the mechanism for suppression of erythropoiesis after endotoxin injection is a reduction in the level of circulating Ep.