Rapid microarray processing using a disposable hybridization chamber with an integrated micropump.

We present a disposable microarray hybridization chamber with an integrated micropump to speed up diffusion based reaction kinetics by generating convective flow. The time-to-result for the hybridization reaction was reduced from 60 min (standard protocol) down to 15 min for a commercially available microarray. The integrated displacement micropump is pneumatically actuated.

EUROPLUS ANCA BIOCHIP mosaic: PR3 and MPO antigen microdots improve the laboratory diagnostics of ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Introduction: The consensus on anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing requires screening with indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and confirmation in MPO- and PR3-ANCA specific assays. The EUROPLUS system combines in one incubation the conventional cell substrates with microdots of single antigens, i.e.

p53-independent regulation of p21Waf1/Cip1 expression and senescence by Chk2.

The Chk2 kinase is a tumor suppressor and key component of the DNA damage checkpoint response that encompasses cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and DNA repair. It has also been shown to have a role in replicative senescence resulting from dysfunctional telomeres. Some of these functions are at least partially exerted through activation of the p53 transcription factor.

Dermatophytes can trigger cooperative (CAMP-like) haemolytic reactions.

Background: Dermatophytes usually grow on skin that is also colonized by bacteria. Therefore, a possible interaction between dermatophytes and bacteria is of potential relevance for the pathogenesis of skin infections. Cell membranes contribute substantially to epidermal barrier function.

Haemolytic activities of Trichophyton species.

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi able to invade the stratum corneum of the skin and other keratinized structures. The pathogenic interactions between host and fungus are poorly understood. Some enzymes, especially keratinases, have previously been taken into consideration as virulence factors.

Inhibition of histone deacetylases by chlamydocin induces apoptosis and proteasome-mediated degradation of survivin.

The naturally occurring cyclic tetrapeptide chlamydocin is a very potent inhibitor of cell proliferation. Here we show that chlamydocin is a highly potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, inhibiting HDAC activity in vitro with an IC(50) of 1.3 nM.

The RNA binding protein HuD: rat cDNA and analysis of the alternative spliced mRNA in neuronal differentiating cell lines P19 and PC12.

HuD belongs to a family of neurospecific RNA binding proteins found in man, frog and fly [49]. To investigate whether this protein is involved in regulation of neuronal differentiation of rodent cells in vivo and in vitro, the cDNA of the rat homolog gene (r-HuD) was cloned, its expression was studied in rat brain and in neurogenic cell lines, and the splicing of its RNA was analyzed. Coding sequences of HuD from man and rat were found to be 99.

High-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy of cerebrospinal fluid in spinal diseases.

Twenty-nine patients with disk herniations, 7 patients with intraspinal tumors, 4 patients with multiple sclerosis and one patient with infection by borrelia have been studied by CT, myelography and/or MR. To gain information on the metabolism of central nervous system disease (CNS), and thus, to improve diagnosis the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was studied in all cases using high-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy at 360 MHz. Seventeen metabolites could be identified in CSF in addition to the usual clinical chemical parameters.

Cerebellar ataxia with recovery related to central pontine myelinolysis.

Development of severe ataxia and mild pyramidal signs without mental deterioration, tetraparesis or pseudobulbar palsy during recovery from withdrawal delirium and initial hyponatraemia are unusual clinical features consistent with central pontine myelinolysis. This diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an alcoholic man. Clinical and electrodiagnostic improvement occurred, whereas the MRI findings remained unchanged in a follow-up study.