Identification of neutrophils and eosinophils in upper airway mucosa with immunofluorescence multiplex image cytometry.

Characterization of inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) is an ongoing research process. To overcome limitations of current cytologic techniques, we investigated whether immunofluorescence multiplex image cytometry could quantify intact neutrophils, eosinophils, and other immune cells in solid upper airway mucosa. We used a four-channel immunofluorescence-microscopy technique for the simultaneous detection of the leukocyte marker CD45, the neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase, two eosinophil markers, i.

Sequential Indirect Dual Immunohistochemistry with Primary Rabbit Antibodies on Cochlear Sections Using an Intermediate Heat-Denaturation Step.

Advanced immunohistochemical (IHC) protocols aim to visualize different molecules in situ simultaneously. These techniques are of utmost importance as a first step in studying possible interactions of proteins at the subcellular level. Colocalized stains in tissue sections indicate proximity of two proteins of interest.

Measurement of the Intracochlear Hypothermia Distribution Utilizing Tympanic Cavity Hypothermic Rinsing Technique in a Cochlea Hypothermia Model.

Cochlea implants can cause severe trauma leading to intracochlear apoptosis, fibrosis, and eventually to loss of residual hearing. Mild hypothermia has been shown to reduce toxic or mechanical noxious effects, which can result in inflammation and subsequent hearing loss. This paper evaluates the usability of standard surgical otologic rinsing as cooling medium during cochlea implantation as a potential hearing preservation technique.

Characterization of epithelial cells, connective tissue cells and immune cells in human upper airway mucosa by immunofluorescence multichannel image cytometry: a pilot study.

Epithelial, connective tissue and immune cells contribute in various ways to the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, data of their distribution in upper airway mucosa are sparse. We aimed to provide quantitative, purely informative data on the distribution of these cell lineages and their coexpression patterns, which might help identifying, e.

HCN channels in the mammalian cochlea: Expression pattern, subcellular location, and age-dependent changes.

Neuronal diversity in the cochlea is largely determined by ion channels. Among voltage-gated channels, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels open with hyperpolarization and depolarize the cell until the resting membrane potential. The functions for hearing are not well elucidated and knowledge about localization is controversial.

Growth and cellular patterning during fetal human inner ear development studied by a correlative imaging approach.

Background: Progressive transformation of the otic placode into the functional inner ear during gestational development in humans leads to the acquisition of hearing perception via the cochlea and balance and spatial orientation via the vestibular organ.

Results: Using a correlative approach involving micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT), transmission electron microscopy and histological techniques we were able to examine both the morphological and cellular changes associated with human inner ear development. Such an evaluation allowed for the examination of 3D geometry with high spatial and temporal resolution.

Anatomical basis of drug delivery to the inner ear.

The isolated anatomical position and blood-labyrinth barrier hampers systemic drug delivery to the mammalian inner ear. Intratympanic placement of drugs and permeation via the round- and oval window are established methods for local pharmaceutical treatment. Mechanisms of drug uptake and pathways for distribution within the inner ear are hard to predict.

Visualization of the Membranous Labyrinth and Nerve Fiber Pathways in Human and Animal Inner Ears Using MicroCT Imaging.

Design and implantation of bionic implants for restoring impaired hair cell function relies on accurate knowledge about the microanatomy and nerve fiber pathways of the human inner ear and its variation. Non-destructive isotropic imaging of soft tissues of the inner ear with lab-based microscopic X-ray computed tomography (microCT) offers high resolution but requires contrast enhancement using compounds with high X-ray attenuation. We evaluated different contrast enhancement techniques in mice, cat, and human temporal bones to differentially visualize the membranous labyrinth, sensory epithelia, and their innervating nerves together with the facial nerve and middle ear.

Analysis of Vestibular Labyrinthine Geometry and Variation in the Human Temporal Bone.

Stable posture and body movement in humans is dictated by the precise functioning of the ampulla organs in the semi-circular canals. Statistical analysis of the interrelationship between bony and membranous compartments within the semi-circular canals is dependent on the visualization of soft tissue structures. Thirty-one human inner ears were prepared, post-fixed with osmium tetroxide and decalcified for soft tissue contrast enhancement.

Model-based Vestibular Afferent Stimulation: Modular Workflow for Analyzing Stimulation Scenarios in Patient Specific and Statistical Vestibular Anatomy.

Our sense of balance and spatial orientation strongly depends on the correct functionality of our vestibular system. Vestibular dysfunction can lead to blurred vision and impaired balance and spatial orientation, causing a significant decrease in quality of life. Recent studies have shown that vestibular implants offer a possible treatment for patients with vestibular dysfunction.

Role of BDNF and neurotrophic receptors in human inner ear development.

The expression patterns of the neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, and the neurotrophic receptors-p75NTR and Trk receptors-in the developing human fetal inner ear between the gestational weeks (GW) 9 to 12 are examined via in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. BDNF mRNA expression was highest in the cochlea at GW 9 but declined in the course of development. In contrast to embryonic murine specimens, a decline in BDNF expression from the apical to the basal turn of the cochlea could not be observed.

Characteristics of the heme catabolic pathway in mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and their associations with inflammation and disease prevention.

Heme catabolism exerts physiological functions that impact health through depressing inflammation. Upon reactive pathway progression, as in Gilbert's Syndrome (GS; UGT1A1*28 polymorphism), aggravated health effects have been determined. Based on lower inflammation and improved metabolic health reported for GS, inter-group differences in heme catabolism were explored.

Neurosensory Differentiation and Innervation Patterning in the Human Fetal Vestibular End Organs between the Gestational Weeks 8-12.

Balance orientation depends on the precise operation of the vestibular end organs and the vestibular ganglion neurons. Previous research on the assemblage of the neuronal network in the developing fetal vestibular organ has been limited to data from animal models. Insights into the molecular expression profiles and signaling moieties involved in embryological development of the human fetal inner ear have been limited.

Biofunctionalization of scaffold material with nano-scaled diamond particles physisorbed with angiogenic factors enhances vessel growth after implantation.

Unlabelled: Biofunctionalized scaffold facilitates complete healing of large defects. Biological constraints are induction and ingrowth of vessels. Angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor or angiopoietin-1 can be bound to nano-scaled diamond particles.

Development of the innervation of the human inner ear.

Studies on the formation of neuronal structures of the human cochlea are rare, presumptively, due to the difficult accessibility of specimens, so that most investigations are performed on mouse models. By means of immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopic techniques, we investigated an uninterrupted series of unique specimens from gestational week 8 to week 12. We were able to demonstrate the presence of nerve fibers in the prosensory domain at gestational week 8, followed by afferent synaptogenesis at week 11.

Novel RHD alleles with weak hemagglutination and genetic Exon 9 diversity: weak D Types 45.1, 75, and 76.

Background: Molecular variant RHD allele analysis is best complemented by detailed characterization of the associated D phenotype.

Study Design And Methods: Variant D types were characterized using molecular typing, RHD sequencing, extended serologic D antigen investigations, and flow cytometric D antigen quantification.

Results: We discovered three novel weak D types termed weak D Types 45.

Obstacles of Multiplex Real-Time PCR for Bacterial 16S rDNA: Primer Specifity and DNA Decontamination of Taq Polymerase.

BACKGROUND: The detection of a broad range of bacteria by PCR is applied for the screening of blood and blood products with special attention to platelet concentrates. For practical use it is desirable that detection systems include Gram-positive, Gram-negative and non-Gram-stainable bacteria. It is quite challenging to achieve high sensitivity along with a clear negative control with PCR reagents, because especially Taq polymerase is contaminated with traces of bacterial DNA.

Fine mapping of T-cell immunoglobulin mucin domain gene 1 failed to detect a significant association with multiple sclerosis.

The T-cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM) gene family encodes receptors on T-cells that regulate Th1- and Th2-cell-mediated immunity. Recently published data implied differential expression of human TIM molecules by mononuclear cells in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and might therefore be involved in different phases of the pathogenesis of MS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of TIM1 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to and clinical progression in MS.

Presence of RHD in serologically D-, C/E+ individuals: a European multicenter study.

Background: RHD blood group alleles with reduced or absent antigen expression are a clinically significant and heterogeneous group.

Study Design And Methods: To detail population genetics data on apparently D- individuals in central Europe, a six-center study was performed with participants from Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Russia. A total of 1700 serologically D- samples, positive for C and/or E, were investigated.

Body fat perception in eating-disordered men.

Objective: We sought to assess the relative roles of body fat ideals and body fat perception in men with eating disorders.

Method: We compared 27 men meeting criteria for a current eating disorder (17 with anorexia nervosa and 10 with bulimia nervosa), 21 male mountain climbers, and 21 control men, using a computerized test of body image, the "somatomorphic matrix."

Results: When asked to choose the body that they "ideally would like to have," men with eating disorders selected an image with body fat closely comparable to that chosen by the control men.

Lack of antibody production following immunization in old age: association with CD8(+)CD28(-) T cell clonal expansions and an imbalance in the production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines.

Although it is generally recognized that the function of the immune system declines with age, the nature of the underlying defects is still poorly understood. We now demonstrate the predominance of CD8(+)CD28(-) T cell clonal expansions in elderly persons who fail to produce specific Abs following influenza vaccination. These clones express effector cell markers and are mostly CD45RA(+).

Attitudes toward antipsychotics among outpatient clinic attendees with schizophrenia.

Background: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with schizophrenia who regularly attended an outpatient clinic to examine the impact of psychopathology, side effects, and sociodemographic factors on attitudes toward antipsychotics.

Method: Sixty patients with a schizophrenic disorder according to ICD-10 criteria who had a duration of illness over 1 year and whose discharge from an inpatient unit had been at least 6 weeks earlier were investigated. Apart from the registration of demographic data, various rating scales were used: the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the St.

Selection bias in clinical trials with antipsychotics.

Although the selection of patients is known to be a powerful factor affecting the results of clinical trials, little is known about recruitment issues. Many patients with schizophrenia who are screened for a clinical trial of an investigational antipsychotic are ultimately not included in the study. Therefore, the question arises of whether the results obtained by studying a selected group of patients are really representative of the general population of patients with schizophrenia.