Induction of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes.

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are caused by mutations in the NLRP3 gene leading to overproduction of IL-1β and other NLRP3 inflammasome products. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a novel innate immune cell subset capable of suppressing T-cell responses. As inflammasome products were previously found to induce MDSCs, we hypothesized that NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent factors induce the generation of MDSCs in CAPS.

Platelet-derived stromal cell-derived factor-1 regulates adhesion and promotes differentiation of human CD34+ cells to endothelial progenitor cells.

Background: Peripheral homing of progenitor cells in areas of diseased organs is critical for tissue regeneration. The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) regulates homing of CD34+ stem cells. We evaluated the role of platelet-derived SDF-1 in adhesion and differentiation of human CD34+ cells into endothelial progenitor cells.

["Hospice concerns the whole person!"--voluntary hospice helpers supporting dementia patients].

Due to demographic change and increase of dementia there is an obvious need of voluntary hospice helpers who support dementia patients. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the experience and challenges of hospice volunteers supporting dementia patients. The results were taken into account in the development of a training course.

["Quality of life means acting independently". How do COPD-patients experience non-invasive ventilation? A qualitative study].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disorder including chronic obstructive bronchitis, emphysema and combinations. The management of stable COPD in an advanced stage involves noninvasive mechanical ventilation. There is a lack of convincing scientific studies about the influence of mechanical ventilation on quality of life.

Fondaparinux and enoxaparin in comparison to unfractionated heparin in preventing thrombus formation on mechanical heart valves in an ex vivo rabbit model.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of three different parenterally administered anticoagulants for the prevention of thrombus formation on artificial heart valves in an experimental rabbit model. Unfractionated heparin was administered intravenously in group I (n = 10), Enoxaparin subcutaneously in group II (n = 10), fondaparinux intravenously in group III (n = 10), and no medication was administered to group IV (n = 9). Leaflets from Sulzer Carbomedics bileaflet mechanical heart valves were placed in a flow chamber.