Detailed β-(1→3)-D-glucan and mannan antigen kinetics in patients with candidemia.

Fungal antigens such as β-(1→3)-D-glucan (BDG) or mannan (Mn) are useful for detection of candidemia. However, detailed data on serum levels before diagnosis and during treatment are scarce. We conducted a prospective study at two German tertiary care centers for 36 months.

Seasonal variability of vitamin D status in patients with inflammatory bowel disease - A retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency predicts unfavorable disease outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease. Endogenous vitamin D synthesis is affected by seasonal factors including sunlight exposure, raising the question whether seasonality determines the risk of vitamin D deficiency and may mask other clinical risk factors.

Methods: Univariable and multiple regression analyses were performed in a retrospective cohort of 384 patients to determine risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

Comparison of (1->3)-β-D-glucan, mannan/anti-mannan antibodies, and Cand-Tec Candida antigen as serum biomarkers for candidemia.

We conducted a case-control study using the Fungitell assay, the novel Platelia Candida Antigen (Ag) Plus and Candida Antibody (Ab) Plus assays, and the Cand-Tec latex agglutination test to evaluate the usefulness of (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BDG), mannan antigen with/without anti-mannan antibody, and Cand-Tec Candida antigen measurement for the diagnosis of candidemia. A total of 56 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. One hundred patients with bacteremia and 100 patients with sterile blood cultures served as negative controls.

MODULAR ANALYTICS: A New Approach to Automation in the Clinical Laboratory.

MODULAR ANALYTICS (Roche Diagnostics) (MODULAR ANALYTICS, Elecsys and Cobas Integra are trademarks of a member of the Roche Group) represents a new approach to automation for the clinical chemistry laboratory. It consists of a control unit, a core unit with a bidirectional multitrack rack transportation system, and three distinct kinds of analytical modules: an ISE module, a P800 module (44 photometric tests, throughput of up to 800 tests/h), and a D2400 module (16 photometric tests, throughput up to 2400 tests/h). MODULAR ANALYTICS allows customised configurations for various laboratory workloads.

Improvement of contractility accompanies angiogenesis rather than arteriogenesis in chronic myocardial ischemia.

Introduction: Growth factor therapy provides a therapeutic alternative for "no option" patients with coronary disease. Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2) predominantly stimulates angiogenesis, the growth of new capillaries, whereas Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) is considered an arteriogenic agent. We hypothesised a synergetic effect of FGF-2 and MCP-1 in ischemic myocardium.

Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity indicates angiographic coronary artery disease independently of systemic inflammation and other risk factors: the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study.

Background: Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), also denoted as lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, is a lipoprotein-bound enzyme that is possibly involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. This study investigates the relationship of PAF-AH activity to angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD), the use of cardiovascular drugs, and other established risk factors.

Methods And Results: PAF-AH activity, lipoproteins, sensitive C-reactive protein (sCRP), fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, and white blood cell count were determined in 2454 subjects with angiographically confirmed CAD and in 694 control subjects.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

We examined the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on lipids and apolipoproteins in 87 patients with duodenal ulcers. A significant increase was observed in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (+24.

Stra13, a prostaglandin E2-induced gene, regulates the cellular redox state of podocytes.

Podocyte injury is a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of proteinuria. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been suggested to protect podocytes from cellular injury. Here we investigated whether PGE2-induced gene expression accounts for the protective role of PGE2 in podocytes.