IL-2 Therapy Diminishes Renal Inflammation and the Activity of Kidney-Infiltrating CD4+ T Cells in Murine Lupus Nephritis

An acquired deficiency of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and related disturbances in regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Low-dose IL-2 therapy was shown to restore Treg homeostasis in patients with active SLE and its clinical efficacy is currently evaluated in clinical trials. Lupus nephritis (LN), a challenging organ manifestation in SLE, is characterized by the infiltration of pathogenic CD4+ T cells into the inflamed kidney. However, the role of the Treg-IL-2 axis in the pathogenesis of LN and the mode of action of IL-2 therapy in the inflamed kidneys are still poorly understood. Using the (NZB × NZW) F1 mouse model of SLE we studied whether intrarenal Treg are affected by a shortage of IL-2 in comparison with lymphatic organs and whether and how intrarenal T cells and renal inflammation can be influenced by IL-2 therapy. We found that intrarenal Treg show phenotypic signs that are reminiscent of IL-2 deprivation in parallel to a progressive hyperactivity of intrarenal conventional CD4+ T cells (Tcon). Short-term IL-2 treatment of mice with active LN induced an expansion the intrarenal Treg population whereas long-term IL-2 treatment reduced the activity and proliferation of intrarenal Tcon, which was accompanied by a clinical and histological amelioration of LN. The association of these immune pathologies with IL-2 deficiency and their reversibility by IL-2 therapy provides important rationales for an IL-2-based immunotherapy of LN.DFG, SFB 650, Zelluläre Ansätze zur Suppression unerwünschter Immunreaktionen - From Bench to Bedsid

Measurements of stellar spectra using a silicon photodiode array

This work describes the preparation and use of the Plessey linear photodiode array in the observation of some stellar spectral features. An outline of the principles of the construction and operation of the diode array, along with some preliminary laboratory test results, form the initial part of this thesis. A suitable xy-movement control was designed and constructed, as well as the cryostat which was used to house the array at the coude focus of the telescope. Constraints at the telescope imposed several limitations, all of which had to be taken into consideration. The general experimental operation, signal processing, and control logic are all described, along with the data acquisition and storage techniques. Data reduction and analysis methods were developed to deal with difficulties peculiar to this type of photodiode array system. A theoretical investigation into the effects of the array geometry on the collection of spectra is described. On the astronomical side, observations of the neutral oxygen triplet at A7774 form the major set of results obtained. The equivalent width of A7774 can give information about the temperature absolute magnitude, and luminosity of many types of stars. The role of non-LTE is discussed, as well as its effect on the measurements of line widths. Finally, the phenomenon of stellar mass loss is outlined. Unfortunately, few results were obtained in this investigation. However, a description of the reasons behind the loss of matter from stars is given, along with probable mass loss mechanisms, features, and detection. A brief word on mass loss rates is included, but the lack of sufficient results in this region pre-empted any quantitative comparisons

The false promise of the better argument

Effective argumentation in international politics is widely conceived as a matter of persuasion. In particular, the ‘logic of arguing’ ascribes explanatory power to the ‘better argument’ and promises to illuminate the conditions of legitimate normative change. This article exposes the self-defeating implications of the Habermasian symbiosis between the normative and the empirical force of arguments. Since genuine persuasion is neither observable nor knowable, its analysis critically depends on what scholars consider to be the better argument. Seemingly, objective criteria such as universality only camouflage such moral reification. The paradoxical consequence of an explanatory concept of arguing is that moral discourse is no longer conceptualized as an open-ended process of contestation and normative change, but has recently been recast as a governance mechanism ensuring the compliance of international actors with pre-defined norms. This dilemma can be avoided through a positivist reification of valid norms, as in socialization research, or by adopting a critical and emancipatory focus on the obstacles to true persuasion. Still, both solutions remain dependent on the ‘persuasion vs. coercion’ problem that forestalls an insight into successful justificatory practices other than rational communication. The conclusion therefore pleas for a pragmatic abstention from better arguments and points to the insights to be gained from pragmatist norms research in sociology

Health Concerns in the Juvenile Justice System in Philadelphia: An Analysis

Introduction: There are more than 40,000 minors nationwide that are incarcerated, and yet there remains to be no standardized way to offer this population health care. Time spent in prison offers a unique opportunity that could allow healthcare workers to intervene, providing needed health care to an otherwise neglected population. This research seeks to better understand the healthcare offered to youth in juvenile detention centers in Philadelphia and to determine the unique health concerns of this population. Methods: The target population of this study is the incarcerated youth in the juvenile detention centers of Philadelphia. I intend to collect data through surveying the existing incarcerated population in Philadelphia evaluating barriers to care and care consistency. Additionally, I plan to assess what the present protocols are in offering healthcare at intake, during their stay, and upon transferring. Results: Data collection is ongoing and conclusions are to come with the collection of the data. I anticipate to see that there is inconsistent health care offered to incarcerated youth across different correctional facilities. Conclusion: While there have yet to be conclusions drawn due to forthcoming data, I do have some predictions about the conclusions that will be drawn. I expect that inconsistent care provided to the juveniles incarcerated will prove to be a detriment to their overall health. This information can then be used to address how care is lacking in juvenile centers and improve streamlining care between facilities when transferring youth and in a given single facility