A novel class of inferior colliculus principal neurons labeled in vasoactive intestinal peptide-Cre mice.

Located in the midbrain, the inferior colliculus (IC) is the hub of the central auditory system. Although the IC plays important roles in speech processing, sound localization, and other auditory computations, the organization of the IC microcircuitry remains largely unknown. Using a multifaceted approach in mice, we have identified vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons as a novel class of IC principal neurons.

Interferon α-stimulated natural killer cells from patients with acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection recognize HCV-infected and uninfected hepatoma cells via DNAX accessory molecule-1.

Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are an important component of the innate immune defense against viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). The cell culture system using HCV-permissive Huh-7.5 cells make studies on interaction of NK cells and HCV-infected target cells possible.

Clinical feasibility of liver elastography by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI).

Background: Transient elastography is increasingly used for assessment of liver fibrosis. Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) is a new technology to perform liver elastography.

Aims: We evaluated the clinical feasibility, validity and accuracy of the ARFI method and compared it to Fibroscan(®) and liver histology.

Prospective observational study for perioperative volume replacement with 6% HES 130/0,42, 4% gelatin and 6% HES 200/0,5 in cardiac surgery.

Background: the constantly growing amount of different kinds of colloid fluids necessitates comparative investigations with regards to the safety and effectivity in clinical use of these preparations. Hence we compared three colloid fluids in an observational study. The objective was the exploration of the influence of these three colloids on blood coagulation, hemodynamics and renal function of the cardiac surgical patient.

Measurement and diagnostic use of hepatic cytochrome P450 metabolism of oleic acid in liver disease.

Background: Oleic acid is a major systemically circulating fatty acid in humans with atheroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. As of today, the contribution of individual cytochrome P450 (CYP) mono-oxygenases to the epoxidation of this fatty acid is unknown. Furthermore, the extent of the oleic acid oxidation product cis-9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid (cis-EODA) in humans and its plasma levels in patients with impaired liver function are not known.