193 research outputs found
Periodontal status of HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy compared to HIV-therapy naive patients: a case control study
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although severe oral opportunistic infections decreased with the implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, periodontitis is still a commonly described problem in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective of the present investigation was to determine possible differences in periodontal parameters between antiretroviral treated and untreated patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study population comprised 80 patients infected with HIV divided into two groups. The first group was receiving antiretroviral therapy while the second group was therapy naive. The following parameters were examined: probing pocket depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, papilla bleeding score, periodontal screening index and the index for decayed, missed and filled teeth. A questionnaire concerning oral hygiene, dental care and smoking habits was filled out by the patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were no significant differences regarding the periodontal parameters between the groups except in the clinical marker for inflammation, the papilla bleeding score, which was twice as high (<it>P </it>< 0.0001) in the antiretroviral untreated group (0.58 ± 0.40 versus 1.02 ± 0.59). The participants of this investigation generally showed a prevalence of periodontitis comparable to that in healthy subjects. The results of the questionnaire were comparable between the two groups.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is no indication for advanced periodontal damage in HIV-infected versus non-infected patients in comparable age groups. Due to their immunodeficiency, HIV-infected patients should be monitored closely to prevent irreversible periodontal damage. Periodontal monitoring and early therapy is recommended independent of an indication for highly active antiretroviral therapy.</p
Advanced Flow Cytometry Assays for Immune Monitoring of CAR-T Cell Applications
Adoptive immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has achieved
successful remissions in refractory B-cell leukemia and B-cell lymphomas. In order to
estimate both success and severe side effects of CAR-T cell therapies, longitudinal
monitoring of the patient’s immune system including CAR-T cells is desirable to
accompany clinical staging. To conduct research on the fate and immunological impact
of infused CAR-T cells, we established standardized 13-colour/15-parameter flow
cytometry assays that are suitable to characterize immune cell subpopulations in the
peripheral blood during CAR-T cell treatment. The respective staining technology is based
on pre-formulated dry antibody panels in a uniform format. Additionally, further antibodies
of choice can be added to address specific clinical or research questions. We designed
panels for the anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy and, as a proof of concept, we assessed a
healthy individual and three B-cell lymphoma patients treated with anti-CD19 CAR-T cells.
We analyzed the presence of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells as well as residual CD19+ B cells, the
activation status of the T-cell compartment, the expression of co-stimulatory signaling
molecules and cytotoxic agents such as perforin and granzyme B. In summary, this work
introduces standardized and modular flow cytometry assays for CAR-T cell clinical
research, which could also be adapted in the future as quality controls during the CART
cell manufacturing process
E+E-Projekt „Integration von Naturschutzzielen in den Ökologischen Landbau am Beispiel der Hessischen Staatsdomäne Frankenhausen“ - Maßnahmen zur Entwicklung dauerhafter Landschaftsstrukturen
The Hessian state domain Frankenhausen near Kassel was converted to organic farming in July 1998 and serves as a research and demonstration farm of the univer-sity. Before that time the farm changed constantly by typical intensification of conven-tional farming: The landscape is a mirror of intense use: cleared and drained fields, canalised brooks and large fields with few structural elements. – Within the project “The Integration of Nature Conservation into Organic Farming” (supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funds from the Federal Envi-ronmental Ministry) and based on the analysis of the present situation using methods of landscape ecology. Measures to restore brooks, structural elements and biotopes are to be implemented. The aim is to integrate structural elements like hedgerows into the farm management
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