CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides enhance T-cell receptor-triggered interferon-gamma production and up-regulation of CD69 via induction of antigen-presenting cell-derived interferon type I and interleukin-12.

Bacterial cytidine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG-DNA) activates antigen-presenting cells (APC) and drives T helper 1 (Th1)-polarized immune responses in the mouse. Claims have been made that CpG-DNA costimulates murine T cells. We examined the direct and indirect effects of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) on human T-cell activation.

K-ras oncogene mutations indicate malignancy in cystic tumors of the pancreas.

Objective: To evaluate clinical parameters, presurgical diagnostic tests, histologic findings, and the presence of K-ras oncogene mutations in cystic tumors of the pancreas to determine which best predict malignancy.

Summary Background Data: Because presurgical, intraoperative, and final pathologic differentiation is difficult in cystic tumors of the pancreas, it would be a major benefit to identify markers that accurately predict malignancy in these rare tumors. The role of K-ras oncogene mutations as an indicator of malignancy has not been determined in these tumors.

Different patterns of sighs in neonates and young infants.

To examine the prevalence and clinical assessment of sighs in neonates, we observed three different patterns of sighs: (A) sighs in the absence of apneic pause; (B) sighs with instantly following apneic pause >2 s, and (C) sighs with apneic pause >2 s following 1-3 normal breaths. We investigated preterm and term infants with 12 h nocturnal polygraphic recording. Sighs were more frequent in preterm than in term infants and more so during REM sleep than non-REM sleep.

Enhanced renal allograft rejection by inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase: a nonimmunologic influence on alloreactivity.

Clinical and experimental studies indicate that nonimmunologic factors may modulate the alloreactivity of a renal transplant. Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential modulator of endothelial function. It was postulated that, in renal allografts, inhibition of constitutive NO synthase may lead to an aggravation of immunologic damage to endothelia and therefore may enhance dysfunction of the graft.

Influence of HPA-1a and HLA antibodies on primary hemostasis.

The influence of platelet specific and HLA antibodies was investigated on primary hemostasis by the in vitro bleeding test (IVBT) (Thrombostat 4000). Seven of 12 plasmas with HPA-1a (P1A1) antibodies and two with antibodies against glycoprotein Ib/IX significantly inhibited the IVBT of normal, cross-match-positive donor blood. This correlated with a significant increase of GMP-140 (CD 62) on the platelets, determined by flow cytometry.

Thrombocytopenia-adapted in vitro bleeding test assesses platelet function in thrombocytopenic patients.

Platelet counts do not always reflect the true bleeding risk in chronically thrombocytopenic patients, and the posttransfusion platelet increments do not necessarily demonstrate that therapeutic efficacy. There are no easy and reliable tests yet permitting the determination of platelet function in thrombocytopenic patients. The in-vitro bleeding test (IVBT) with the Thrombostat 4000 proved to be a very sensitive and specific test for the detection of platelet disorders.

Therapeutic use of phospholipids in thrombocytopenic or thrombocytopathic patients.

Eight thrombocytopenic/pathic patients received an intravenous infusion of phospholipids. In vitro bleeding test (Thrombostat 4000), thrombelastography, and resonance thrombography were performed in order to show the hemostatic effect. In none of the cases did phospholipids exert an effect comparable to platelet transfusion.

Hemostaseological management of urological operations in patients taking aspirin using the Thrombostat 4000.

A clinical study was started in order to examine the suitability of the Thrombostat (in vitro bleeding test) (IVBT) as a diagnostic tool to prevent perioperative bleeding due to aspirin (ASA) and/or platelet function disorders of other origins. This report is based on preliminary data. Eighty three patients who had ingested ASA in the last two weeks and/or with a history of bleeding and/or documented hemorrhagic disorders requiring distinct urological operations, were included in the study.

Desmopressin effect on acetylsalicylic acid impaired platelet function.

The mechanism of DDAVP's shortening of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prolonged bleeding times was investigated. Sixteen healthy subjects received two dosages of ASA (100 mg) in 12 hours. Twenty four hours after the first ASA application and again after 32 hours DDAVP was administered intravenously (0.

Variables influencing the Thrombostat 4000: recommended standardization.

The in vitro bleeding test (IVBT) (Thrombostat 4000) was performed on blood samples from healthy blood donors using a "preliminary standard test." Only one factor of the test procedure was changed each time. We found the following parameters to have a significant influence on the test results: time interval between sampling and testing, diameter of the filter's aperture, capillary diameter, aggregating agents and their concentration, temperature of the blood and cartridges, method of drying the capillaries, the aspiration pressure, and the hematocrit of the blood sample.

Gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric determination and pharmacokinetics of 11 alpha-hydroxy-9,15-dioxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostan oic acid in plasma.

11 alpha-Hydroxy-9,15-dioxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostanoic acid (PGE-M) was determined in plasma. Analysis was performed using an isotope dilution assay and gas chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). Basal levels of PGE-M were 64.

Environmental actions of agrochemicals. 1. Side-effects of the herbicide 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole on a laboratory acarine/host-plant interaction (Tetranychus urticae/Phaseolus vulgaris) as revealed by electron microscopy.

Foliar and soil application in concentrations below the recommended rate of the herbicide 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole to the host plant Phaseolus vulgaris L. results in structural alterations of the protein-synthesizing apparatus of midgut and salivary-gland cells of the phytophagous spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) independent of its mode of application. With prolonged incubation times cytological defects become more intense, and spread to more cells and tissues.