Soil C and N availability determine the priming effect: microbial N mining and stoichiometric decomposition theories.

The increasing input of anthropogenically derived nitrogen (N) to ecosystems raises a crucial question: how does available N modify the decomposer community and thus affects the mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM). Moreover, N input modifies the priming effect (PE), that is, the effect of fresh organics on the microbial decomposition of SOM. We studied the interactive effects of C and N on SOM mineralization (by natural (13) C labelling adding C4 -sucrose or C4 -maize straw to C3 -soil) in relation to microbial growth kinetics and to the activities of five hydrolytic enzymes.

Age-related and regional differences in the prevalence of hepatitis E virus-specific antibodies in pigs in Germany.

An increasing number of acute autochthonous human hepatitis E virus (HEV)-infections was noticed in Germany and other developed countries, most likely the result of a zoonotic virus transmission from pig, wild boar and deer. Currently there is still a lack of profound data concerning the actual prevalence of HEV-specific antibodies in domestic pig herds in Germany, in particular for regions with high pig density, and its age-dependency. 2273 domestic pig sera were collected in 2011 mainly from Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony from areas having a high pig density.

Prevalence of hepatitis E virus antibodies in children in Germany.

Background: Since asymptomatic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections particularly affect children, there is a need for studies to determine the HEV seroprevalence among infants, children and adolescents.

Methods: The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was determined in sera taken in 2008-2010 from 1646 children aged 0-17 years living in Germany. Antibody testing was carried out using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay recomWell HEV IgG as well as the recomLine HEV IgG/IgM distributed by Mikrogen.

The subthalamic nucleus influences visuospatial attention in humans.

Spatial attention is a lateralized feature of the human brain. Whereas the role of cortical areas of the nondominant hemisphere on spatial attention has been investigated in detail, the impact of the BG, and more precisely the subthalamic nucleus, on signs and symptoms of spatial attention is not well understood. Here we used unilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus to reversibly, specifically, and intraindividually modify the neuronal BG outflow and its consequences on signs and symptoms of visuospatial attention in patients suffering from Parkinson disease.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency: functional consequences of four CYP11B1 mutations.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited endocrine disease. Steroid 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD) is the second most common form of CAH. The aim of the study was to study the functional consequences of three novel and one previously described CYP11B1 gene mutations (p.

Prevalence of antibodies to European porcine influenza viruses in humans living in high pig density areas of Germany.

The risk of zoonotic human infection caused by European porcine influenza virus strains was estimated in German regions with a high pig density. Sera from 622 healthy volunteers were collected between April 2009 and November 2011, mainly in Westphalia and western Lower Saxony. These included 362 subjects with occupational contact to pigs and 260 blood donors without any direct exposition to pigs.

In vivo evaluation of chitosan as an adjuvant in subcutaneous vaccine formulations.

Vaccines utilising pure antigens instead of whole pathogens and alternative administration routes require the use of potent adjuvants and effective antigen delivery systems. Chitosan has been reported to act as both an adjuvant as well as a matrix for delivery systems. Chitosan is a natural product produced predominantly from crab shell and commercially available preparations vary in molecular weight, degree of deacetylation and purity.

Attitudes and behaviour regarding deep dentin caries removal: a survey among German dentists.

Incomplete removal of deep caries has been shown to reduce the risks of pulp exposure and postoperative pulpal complications. It is therefore of interest whether dentists perform one- or two-step incomplete excavation, and which criteria and methods they use to assess and provide removal of deep caries. This study investigated the attitudes and behaviour of dentists in northern Germany using a new, validated questionnaire.

The cationic cytokine IL-26 differentially modulates virus infection in culture.

Interleukin-26 (IL-26) belongs to the IL-10 cytokine family, is produced by activated T cells, and targets epithelial target cells for signal transduction. Here, we describe the IL-26 effects on the infection of culture cells with recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) expressing green fluorescent protein. After pre-incubation with recombinant IL-26 and at low multiplicity of infection, VSV showed strongly enhanced infection and replication rates as measured for infectivity, for transcript levels, and for protein expression.

Physico-chemical characterisation of surface modified particles for inhalation.

Surface modification of drugs for inhalation is a possibility to influence interparticulate forces. This can be necessary to achieve a sufficient aerosolisation during powder inhalation as the cohesiveness of the micronised drug can be reduced. In addition, the interaction with propellants in pressurised metered dose inhaler can be changed.

Composite lymphoma of nodular lymphocyte-predominant and classical Hodgkin lymphoma-Epstein-Barr virus association suggests divergent pathogenesis despite clonal relatedness.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma are considered 2 distinct entities whose co-occurrence in 1 patient is extremely rare. We report a case of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma concurrently affecting the same lymph nodes in a 48-year-old male patient. Amplification and sequencing of the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain genes in tumor cells isolated by laser-assisted microdissection revealed identical variable, diverse and joining segment rearrangements and somatic hypermutation events, demonstrating a clonal relationship between the 2 lymphomas.

Ascaroside signaling in C. elegans.

Over the past 10 years, the relevance of small-molecule signaling for many aspects of C. elegans development and behavior has become apparent. One prominent group of small-molecule signals are the ascarosides, which control dauer entry and exit as well as a variety of sex-specific and social behaviors, including male attraction, hermaphrodite repulsion, olfactory plasticity, and aggregation.

Locally enhanced early bone formation of zoledronic acid incorporated into a bone cement plug in vivo.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to gain experience about the short-term effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on bone-implant contact (BIC), bone regeneration and bone area (BA).

Methods: In this in-vivo study, ZOL was released locally from a drug-loaded pre-shaped calcium phosphate bone cement plug which was implanted into a bone defect in the proximal tibia of rats. At 1 and 3 weeks post implantation, tissue reactions as well as bone regeneration capabilities at the implant site were investigated.

Interleukin-26, a highly cationic T-cell cytokine targeting epithelial cells.

Interleukin-26 (IL-26) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family due to sequence homology. IL-26 was discovered, since the gene is strongly overexpressed in T cells which are growth transformed by herpesvirus saimiri. The IL-26 gene maps to human chromosome 12q15 between the genes for two other T-cellular class-II cytokines, namely interferon-γ (lFN-γ) and lL-22.

Pore-forming bacterial toxins and antimicrobial peptides as modulators of ADAM function.

Membrane-perturbating proteins and peptides are widespread agents in biology. Pore-forming bacterial toxins represent major virulence factors of pathogenic microorganisms. Membrane-damaging peptides constitute important antimicrobial effectors of innate immunity.

Capabilities and limitations of using powder rheology and permeability to predict dry powder inhaler performance.

Dry powder inhalers play a major role in today's treatment of various respiratory diseases. A lot of effort has been put into the optimization of a device and the appropriate formulation regarding its local lung deposition. However, the complexity and interactions of different factors governing powder dispersion and, therefore, its inhalable fraction challenge research groups around the world.

Delivery of antigens used for vaccination: recent advances and challenges.

Pasteur's principle 'isolate, inactivate, inject' was the starting point for the successful development of many vaccines, but now, new ways for antigen discovery and vaccine administration present a challenge. Whereas vaccines against polio, measles and influenza are common for many parts of the world, the development of thermostable vaccines not being injected would ease vaccine distribution in developing countries. This review summarizes the general principles of vaccination and looks at common and novel vaccination targets.

Kinematic effects of subthalamic stimulation on reach-to-grasp movements in Parkinson's disease.

Background: Parkinsonian patients demonstrate particular difficulties when performing sequential motor tasks compared to simple movements indicating an important role of the basal ganglia in switching between different motor programs.

Objective: To investigate the impact of subthalamic stimulation on the kinematics of composed reach-to-grasp movements and on isolated movement segments.

Methods: 11 age matched controls and 16 PD patients with subthalamic stimulation were examined without medication with stimulation switched on and off.

Differential effect of dopa and subthalamic stimulation on vestibular activity in Parkinson's disease.

Postural disturbances in advanced Parkinson's disease are less responsive to therapy than other cardinal motor signs. The vestibulocollic reflex represents one brain-stem neuronal circuit involved in postural adjustments. The objective of this study was to investigate the vestibulocollic reflex in parkinsonian patients and the effects of subthalamic stimulation and dopa by recording vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials.

Melittin modulates keratinocyte function through P2 receptor-dependent ADAM activation.

Melittin, the major component of the bee venom, is an amphipathic, cationic peptide with a wide spectrum of biological properties that is being considered as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. It modulates multiple cellular functions but the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. Here, we report that melittin activates disintegrin-like metalloproteases (ADAMs) and that downstream events likely contribute to the biological effects evoked by the peptide.

Time-dependent analysis and representation of force distribution and occlusion contact in the masticatory cycle.

Objective: Until now, the exact timing of force buildup and the distribution of contact points during occlusion have not been analyzed in sufficient detail. Investigations published so far have tended to focus on force curve measurements on single teeth or on a static point in time in the entire dental arch. The objective of this study was to describe precisely and analyze force relations in the dental arch over the course of time and in correlation with their antagonistic dental contact points via instrumental occlusal analysis (T-Scan III; Cumdente, Tübingen, Germany).

[Specifics of histopathological and genetical diagnosis and classification of lymphomas in children and adolescents].

Malignant lymphoma along with leukemias account for nearly half of all malignancies arising in childhood and adolescence. The correct tissue-based histopathological diagnosis of lymphomas results from a close interdisciplinary exchange between pediatric oncologists and hematopathologists. We describe here relevant features of lymphoma subtypes arising in the young age group, Burkitt lymphoma, precursor/lymphoblastic lymphomas, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as well as primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma and the rare pediatric follicular lymphomas.

Evaporation dynamics of tarsal liquid footprints in flies (Calliphora vicina)and beetles (Coccinella septempunctata).

Insect tarsal adhesive structures secrete a thin layer of fluid into the contact area. It was previously reported that the presence of this fluid significantly increases adhesion on various substrata. Previous data obtained from representatives of different insect groups suggest a difference not only in the chemical composition of the fluid, but also in its physical properties.