Personalized antiplatelet treatment after percutaneous coronary intervention: the MADONNA study.

Background And Objectives: Clopidogrel non-responsiveness is associated with adverse clinical outcome. We aimed to investigate whether individualized antiplatelet treatment in clopidogrel non-responders is an effective and safe strategy.

Methods: This was a prospective non-randomized non-blinded study comparing two cohorts (guided and non-guided treatment) with a follow-up of 1-month.

Rapid quantitation of cytomegalovirus DNA in whole blood by a new molecular assay based on automated sample preparation and real-time PCR.

Quantitation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in whole blood samples has gained significance in the routine diagnostic laboratory. In this study, the analytical performance of the artus™ CMV RG PCR kit in conjunction with automated sample preparation on the new QIAsymphony™ SP instrument was evaluated. Clinically referred samples were tested and results compared to those obtained with the routinely used molecular test system.

Cell-free plasma DNA: a marker for apoptosis during hemodialysis.

Background: We evaluated whether cell-free plasma DNA might be an appropriate marker for cell damage during hemodialysis (HD) and whether it correlated with annexin V expression and 7-amino-actinomycin D (7AAD) nuclear staining of blood leukocytes.

Methods: Circulating DNA, annexin V, and 7AAD were measured in HD patients before HD, 20 min after start of HD, and after HD had ended. Healthy volunteers provided control measurements.

Cell cycle analysis of the CD133+ and CD133- cells isolated from umbilical cord blood.

Background: Umbilical cord blood cells (stem/progenitor cells) exhibit high proliferative capacities leading to a large expansion of cells in appropriate cell culture conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate by flow cytometry the cycling status of CD133+ and CD133- cells depending on various culture conditions, such as sera, stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin 3 (IL-3) and interleukin 6 (IL-6).

Methods: An immunomagnetic system was used for cell separation.

Differentiation of human umbilical cord blood CD133+ stem cells towards myelo-monocytic lineage.

Background: Characterisation of stem cells by flow cytometry, their expansion and differentiation are presently of major interest for cell engineering as the basis of a therapeutic concept for transplantation. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) express CD34, the adhesion structure which binds 2L-selectin, CD117, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF; c-kit ligand), and CD133, a transmembrane protein belonging to the family of mucoproteins.

Methods: The aim of the present investigation was the systematic investigation of proliferation and differentiation characteristics of umbilical cord blood stem cells (UCBSC) isolated by an immmunomagnetic separation system using CD133 antibody-coated microbeads and to evaluate the effects of different sera and various concentrations, as well as the effects of IL-3 and IL-6 on total cell expansion and differentiation of isolated CD133+ cells.

Leptin induces endothelin-1 in endothelial cells in vitro.

Leptin, a protein encoded by the obese gene, is produced by adipocytes and released into the bloodstream. In obese humans, serum leptin levels are increased and correlate with the individual's body mass index and blood pressure. Elevated serum concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor and mitogen, were also observed in obese subjects.