Centre de Coopération Universitaire Franco-Bavarois

Cell death plays a key role in cancer progression and treatment. After its onset, cell membrane integrity is often compromised. Here, it is shown in cells, animals and humans that the transmembrane water exchange rate, measured using magnetic resonance filter-exchange spectroscopy (FEXSY) or imaging (FEXI), and quantified by the apparent exchange rate (AXR), is an early biomarker of cell death. AXR measurements detect the onset of cell death in vivo earlier than diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and in vitro with similar sensitivity as flow cytometry. 13C magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the malate/fumarate ratio (MFR), following injection of hyperpolarized [1,4-13C2]fumarate, in tumors displaying diffuse necrosis, are correlated with AXR. AXR detects early treatment response in colorectal and lymphoma tumor models while the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured by DWI remains unchanged. AXR measurements in human uterine fibroids show sensitivity to post-treatment changes soon after embolization, demonstrating clinical translatability of the method.

This study examined the biomechanical properties of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) retainers made of titanium and nickel-titanium (NiTi). Four retainer types were tested: (1) twisted steel, (2) NiTi, (3) cut titanium, and (4) printed titanium. Longitudinal wires were manufactured (2-4) and subjected to a three-point bending test (3PBT). In a biomechanical bending test (BMT), retainers were designed from patient scans and applied to models in an Orthodontic Measurement and Simulation System, with the maxillary central incisor and mandibular central incisor loaded with deflections of ±0.2 mm and rotation of ±1°. The 3PBT showed that NiTi wires exhibited a characteristic hysteresis loop, whereas the cut and printed titanium wires had different flow and yield strengths. The BMT forces during intrusive and extrusive movements were measured, and the findings revealed that in the maxilla, all CAD/CAM materials showed significant differences from the twisted steel, with NiTi differing from the cut and printed titanium. In the mandible, the forces were generally higher, with significant differences observed at 0.1-mm extrusion and 0.2-mm deflection. In addition, significant differences were observed in the mesial and distal deflections, particularly in the mandible, where the cut titanium generated the lowest forces. Twisted steel exhibited the lowest torque, whereas cut titanium exhibited the highest torque. CAD/CAM retainers differ significantly from conventional twisted steel retainers, with notable differences between NiTi and titanium retainers, especially in the maxilla. However, these differences may be negligible in the mandible due to the shorter interdental distance.

Vor allem in der 2. Hälfte des 16. Jhs. wurden in den protestantischen Territorien Deutschlands zahlreiche Teufelbücher veröffentlicht, d. h. Erbauungsschriften, die das Wirken eines „Spezialteufels“ entlarven. So erschien der „Mode-Teufel“.In seinem Hosenteufel wettert Andreas Musculus gegen das Tragen von Plunderhosen, das dafür ein Zeichen sei, daß die Menschen unter den Einfluß des Teufels gelangt seien, und sich von Gott abgewendet hätten, der sie dafür strafen wird.Im 17. Jh. verleiht die Literatur der „Alamode-Kritik“ (Ellinger, Hartmann) der Verteufelung der Moden neue Funktionen: Moden erscheinen als ein vom Teufel eingesetztes Mittel, um die göttliche Ordnung, die sich in der Ehe und in der Gesellschaft kund tut, zu vernichten.Die franzosenfeindlichen Flugschriften der 2. Hälfte des 17. Jhs. stellen oft eine Beziehung her zwischen dem Teufel und den Franzosen als Erfinder neuer Moden, die dazu angetan seien, Deutschland um die Tugenden (Einfachheit, Ehrlichkeit) zu bringen, die seine moralische Überlegenheit begründen.

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is an essential component of the plasma membrane ion transporter (PMIT) system and of the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Because of its intrinsic functions in cell growth and energy metabolism (ATP synthesis), and its protective effects against oxidative stress, CoQ(10) is a good candidate for supporting growth of cells in culture. However, because of its quinone structure, CoQ(10) is extremely lipophilic and practically insoluble in water. We used a specific technology to prepare a submicron-sized dispersion of CoQ(10), inhibiting re-crystallization by a stabilizer. This dispersion, which exhibits a very large specific surface area for drug dissolution, was tested as a supplement for the in vitro culture of bovine embryos in a chemically defined system. The rate of early cleavage of embryos (5- to 8-cell stages) was evaluated 66 h postinsemination (hpi) and was highest in medium supplemented with 30 or 100 microM CoQ(10) (66.5 +/- 0.8% and 68.7 +/- 1.1%, respectively) and lowest in 10 microM CoQ(10) (55.3 +/- 0.8%). The proportions of oocytes developing to blastocysts by 186 hpi were 19.0 +/- 0.6% and 25.2 +/- 0.3% in medium supplemented with 10 microM and 30 microM CoQ(10), respectively, and were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those obtained with the equivalent amounts of stabilizer (9.9 +/- 0.4% and 11.3 +/- 0.4%). In the presence of 30 microM CoQ(10), significantly (p < 0.001) more blastocysts hatched by 210 hpi than in the equivalent amount of stabilizer (31.8 +/- 1.3 vs. 8.4 +/- 2.2). Expanded blastocysts produced in the presence of 30 microM CoQ(10) had significantly (p < 0.01) more inner cell mass cells and trophectoderm cells, and a significantly (p < 0.001) increased ATP content as compared to expanded blastocysts produced in the presence of the corresponding amount of stabilizer. Our results show that noncrystalline CoQ(10) in submicron-sized dispersion supports the development and viability of bovine embryos produced in a chemically defined culture system.

ZusammenfassungIn kardiologischen Akut- und Rehabilitationskliniken und in kardiologischen Fachpraxen hat sich aus methodischen und praktischen Gründen die dynamische Streßechokardiographie und unter den pharmakologischen Techniken die Dipyridamol-, Arbutamin- und vor allem die Dobutamin-Streßechokardiographie durchgesetzt. In diesem Buch werden daher schwerpunktmäßig diese Routinetechniken eingehender vorgestellt. In Tabelle 3.1 sind die gängigsten Belastungs- bzw. Streßmodifikationen aufgeführt. Isometrische, elektro-physiologische und psychomentale Streßverfahren und alle transösophagealen Methoden kommen überwiegend bei wissenschaftlichen Fragestellungen zum Einsatz und sollen nur kurz besprochen werden (2, 10-15, 17, 19, 22-25, 28-31, 34, 36, 37, 44, 45, 47, 51-59, 65-67, 70, 75, 78, 88-90, 93, 94).