Intensity of Intrathecal Total IgG Synthesis in Multiple Sclerosis Correlates with the Degree of Pleocytosis, Diversity of Intrathecal Antiviral Antibody Specificities, and Female Sex.

Background: The presence of intrathecal total IgG production is a hallmark of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics in multiple sclerosis (MS). Herein, we systematically analyze how the intensity (instead of mere presence) of intrathecal total IgG production relates to basic CSF parameters in MS.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed clinical routine CSF findings from 390 therapy-naïve relapsing-remitting MS patients diagnosed according to 2017 revised McDonald criteria.

Intrathecal immune reactivity against Measles-, Rubella-, and Varicella Zoster viruses is associated with cerebrospinal fluid inflammation in multiple sclerosis.

Background/objectives: We aimed to determine in multiple sclerosis (MS) whether intrathecal immunoglobulin G (IgG) production against measles- (M), rubella- (R), and varicella zoster (Z) viruses, which is called MRZ reaction (MRZR) and considered the most specific soluble biomarker for MS, is associated with demographic and basic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters reflecting inflammation.

Methods: We analyzed the presence of positive MRZR and associations with demographic and clinical routine CSF parameters in 513 patients with MS and 182 non-MS patients.

Results: Comparing MS patients versus non-MS patients, positive MRZR (38.

HLA Associations of Intrathecal IgG Production against Specific Viruses in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: Specific human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are not only associated with higher risk to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases, but also with the severity of various viral and bacterial infections. Here, we analyzed the most specific biomarker for MS, that is, the polyspecific intrathecal IgG antibody production against measles, rubella, and varicella zoster virus (MRZ reaction), for possible HLA associations in MS.

Methods: We assessed MRZ reaction from 184 Swiss patients with MS and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and 89 Swiss non-MS/non-CIS control patients, and performed HLA sequence-based typing, to check for associations of positive MRZ reaction with the most prevalent HLA alleles.

Differentiating neurosarcoidosis from multiple sclerosis using combined analysis of basic CSF parameters and MRZ reaction.

Background: Neurosarcodosis is one of the most frequent differential diagnoses of multiple sclerosis (MS) and requires central nervous system (CNS) biopsy to establish definite diagnosis according to the latest consensus diagnostic criteria. We here analyzed diagnostic values of basic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters to distinguish neurosarcoidosis from MS without CNS biopsy.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed clinical, radiological and laboratory data of 27 patients with neurosarcoidosis treated at our center and compared following CSF parameters with those of 138 patients with relapsing-remitting MS: CSF white cell count (WCC), CSF/serum albumin quotient (Q), intrathecal production of immunoglobulins including oligoclonal bands (OCB), MRZ reaction, defined as a polyspecific intrathecal production of IgG reactive against ≥2 of 3 the viruses measles (M), rubella (R), and zoster (Z) virus, and CSF lactate levels.

Programmable Self-Regulation with Wrinkled Hydrogels and Plasmonic Nanoparticle Lattices.

This paper describes a self-regulating system that combines wrinkle-patterned hydrogels with plasmonic nanoparticle (NP) lattices. In the feedback loop, the wrinkle patterns flatten in response to moisture, which then allows light to reach the NP lattice on the bottom layer. Upon light absorption, the NP lattice produces a photothermal effect that dries the hydrogel, and the system then returns to the initial wrinkled configuration.

Predictors of colonization with Staphylococcus species among patients scheduled for cardiac and orthopedic interventions at tertiary care hospitals in north-eastern Germany-a prevalence screening study.

As methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection in humans are a global challenge. In Mecklenburg and Western Pomerania (Germany) 1,517 patients who underwent surgical interventions were systematically screened for MRSA and MSSA colonization on the day of hospital admission and discharge. Demographic data, risk factors and colonization status of the (i) nose, (ii) throat, (iii) groin, and (iv) thorax or site of surgical intervention were determined.

Processes involving selective precipitation for the recovery of purified pectins from mango peel.

Three methods for the recovery of purified pectins from directly dried mango peel were developed, using selective precipitation of mango pectin in propan-2-ol (IPA) of adequate volume concentrations for purification. Yields, composition, macromolecular and gelling properties of the resultant pectins were compared. Effluent analyses proved postextractive removal of fruit exudate arabinogalactans.

Theoretical examination of solvent and R group dependence in gold thiolate nanoparticle synthesis.

The growth of gold thiolate nanoparticles can be affected by the solvent and the R group on the ligand. In this work, the difference between methanol and benzene solvents as well as the effect of alkyl (methyl) and aromatic (phenyl) thiols on the reaction energies and barrier heights is investigated theoretically. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the BP86 functional and a triple ζ polarized basis set show that the overall reaction favors methylthiol over phenylthiol with reaction energies of -0.

In vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C from differently processed oranges and orange juices [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck].

Carotenoid, flavonoid, and vitamin C concentrations were determined in fresh orange segments and a puree-like homogenate derived thereof, as well as freshly squeezed, flash-pasteurized, and pasteurized juices. Lutein and β-cryptoxanthin were slightly degraded during dejuicing, whereas β-carotene levels were retained. Vitamin C levels remained unaffected, whereas flavonoid levels decreased 8-fold upon juice extraction, most likely due to the removal of flavonoid-rich albedo and juice vesicles.

Patterns and correlates of expressed emotion, perceived criticism, and rearing style in first admitted early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

The aim of this study was to assess patterns and correlates of family variables in 31 adolescents treated for their first episode of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (early-onset schizophrenia [EOS]). Expressed emotion, perceived criticism, and rearing style were assessed. Potential correlates were patient psychopathology, premorbid adjustment, illness duration, quality of life (QoL), sociodemographic variables, patient and caregiver "illness concept," and caregiver personality traits and support.

An acetate-hydroxide gradient for the quantitation of the neutral sugar and uronic acid profile of pectins by HPAEC-PAD without postcolumn pH adjustment.

An HPAEC-PAD method was developed and validated to quantitate seven neutral sugars and two uronic acids of hydrolyzed pectic polysaccharides without postcolumn pH adjustment. Due to a short gradient phase minimizing the ion concentrations after equilibrating the CarboPac PA20 column with sodium acetate and hydroxide, subsequent isocratic separation of the neutral sugars was characterized by almost baseline resolution of rhamnose and arabinose (1.45 ± 0.

Occurrence of alk(en)ylresorcinols in the fruits of two mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars during on-tree maturation and postharvest storage.

Regarding their relevance for the fungal resistance of mangoes in long supply chains, the alk(en)ylresorcinols (AR) were quantitated in peel and mesocarp throughout storage (27 days, 14 °C, ethylene absorption). The 12 'Chok Anan' and 11 'Nam Dokmai #4' lots picked between 83 and 115 days after full bloom (DAFB) had different harvest maturity indices. The development of dry matter and fruit growth indicated physiological maturity ∼100 DAFB.

Changes in flavonoids and nonphenolic pigments during on-tree maturation and postharvest pericarp browning of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) as shown by HPLC-MSn.

Polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoids were characterized by HPLC-DAD-MS(n) in the pericarp of unripe to over-ripe 'Hong Huey' and 'Chacapat' litchi fruit at harvest and during subsequent storage (5 °C, 90% RH, 21 days). (-)-Epicatechin and A-type procyanidins always predominated quantitatively. Besides these ortho-diphenolic compounds, minor novel litchi flavonoids included monohydroxylated structures.

Yield and quality of pectins extractable from the peels of thai mango cultivars depending on fruit ripeness.

Pectins, recovered from the peels of four mango ( Mangifera indica L.) cultivars by mimicking industrial techniques, were evaluated in terms of yield, composition, macromolecular properties, and technofunctional quality. Freeze-dried peels of mature-green fruits, after major mesocarp softening, and at full ripeness were extracted using hot acid.

Effects of thermal treatments and storage on pectin methylesterase and peroxidase activity in freshly squeezed orange juice.

A specific indicator of freshness, allowing routine distinction between freshly squeezed orange juices (FSOJs) and FSOJ-like products, was to be identified. Using the Actijoule unit of a tubular heater at a flow rate of 60 L/h, FSOJs from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv.

Comparative study of pulsed electric field and thermal processing of apple juice with particular consideration of juice quality and enzyme deactivation.

As an alternative to thermal pasteurization, pulsed electric fields (PEF) were applied to apple juices on laboratory and pilot plant scale, investigating the effects on juice quality. PEF application still falls under the EU Novel Food Regulation. Consequently, extensive investigation of quality parameters is a prerequisite to prove substantial equivalence of juices resulting from the novel process and conventional production, respectively.

Chromoplast morphology and beta-carotene accumulation during postharvest ripening of Mango Cv. 'Tommy Atkins'.

Accumulation of beta-carotene and trans-cis isomerization of ripening mango mesocarp were investigated as to concomitant ultrastructural changes. Proceeding postharvest ripening was shown by relevant starch degradation, tissue softening, and a rising sugar/acid ratio, resulting in a linear decrease (R (2) = 0.89) of a ripening index (RPI(KS)) with increasing ripening time.

Accumulation of all-trans-beta-carotene and its 9-cis and 13-cis stereoisomers during postharvest ripening of nine Thai mango cultivars.

Accumulation of beta-carotene during postharvest ripening of nine Thai mango cultivars was assessed after verifying extraction and high-performance liquid chromatographic quantification of the beta-carotene stereoisomers for this sample matrix. No relevant trans-cis isomerization was induced by the analytical procedure. The vitamin A potential of mangoes was evaluated at different ripening stages unequivocally defined by a ripening index (RPIWB).

Identification and quantification of epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine in digests of enzymatically cross-linked leguminous proteins by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS).

A rapid and convenient method for the precise quantification of epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine isopeptide in lyophilized proteolytic digests of cross-linked plant protein samples was developed. The isopeptide was baseline-separated from three other isomers containing lysyl and glutamyl residues by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography after exhaustive proteolytic digestion of the samples cross-linked by a microbial transglutaminase (MTG). Highly selective detection was performed by electrospray mass spectrometry in MS/MS mode.

Restricted innervation of uterus and placenta during pregnancy: evidence for a role of the repelling signal Semaphorin 3A.

Because data from the literature suggest a lack of innervation of the placenta, we have investigated placenta, umbilical cord, and uterus to identify the molecules that play a role in regulating innervation in these organs. Neuropilin-1 and Plexin-A1 are cell surface proteins that form a receptor complex for Semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A), a secreted molecule mediating repelling signals for axonal growth cones. We have analyzed the expression of Neuropilin-1, Plexin-A1, and Semaphorin 3A in the above-mentioned tissues on the hypothesis that these molecules could regulate innervation in these organs during gestation.

Effect of technological processing on the allergenicity of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.).

In parallel with the rising popularity of exotic fruits in Europe, allergy against mango is of increasing importance. Because mangoes are also consumed as processed products such as chutneys or beverages, the influences of different process conditions on their allergenicity were investigated. Mango purees and nectars were manufactured at small pilot-plant scale, and the allergenic potencies of the resulting intermediate and final products were determined by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), immunoblotting and inhibitive enzyme allergosorbent tests (EAST-inhibition), using a pool serum of 9 individuals with manifest mango allergy.

Quantitative determination of beta-carotene stereoisomers in fresh, dried, and solar-dried mangoes (Mangifera indica L.).

A rapid method for quantitative determination of beta-carotene, including cis-isomers, in dried mango has been developed. Applicability of available methods to dried products was limited because of formation of artifacts caused by extraction and preparation. The analytical procedure was based on the extraction of carotenoids from dried mango mesocarp using a mixture of methanol and acetone/hexane, allowing the separation of disturbing fibers.