Modelling the permeability of polymers: a neural network approach

In this short communication, the prediction of the permeability of carbon dioxide through different polymers using a neural network is studied. A neural network is a numeric-mathematical construction that can model complex non-linear relationships. Here it is used to correlate the IR spectrum of a polymer to its permeability. The underlying assumption is that the chemical information hidden in the IR spectrum is sufficient for the prediction. The best neural network investigated so far does indeed show predictive capabilities

THE ROLE OF THE VIRAL NEF PROTEIN AS A MEDIATOR OF HIV-1 INDUCED ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNTION

poster abstractWith the prevalence of antiviral therapy in the developed world, many HIV-1-infected people die of diseases other than AIDS. One of the emerging major causes is cardiovascular disease, leading to the prediction that the majority of HIV-1 patients are expected to develop cardiovascular complications. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be a key event in the development of cardiovascular diseases, particular-ly atherosclerosis. Assays testing the effect of HIV-1 on endothelial ac-tivation shows that direct contact with HIV-1 infected T cells enhance endothelial cell activation to a greater extent than HIV-1 alone, sug-gesting an intracellular HIV-1 protein is responsible for endothelial ac-tivation. The HIV-1 viral protein Nef, which is responsible for T cell ac-tivation and maintenance of high viral loads in vivo, has been shown to mediate its own transfer to bystander cells. We demonstrate here for the first time that Nef induces nanotube-like conduits connecting T cells and endothelial cells. We also show that Nef is transferred from T cells to endothelial cells via these nanotubes, and is necessary and sufficient for endothelial cell activation. Moreover, we show that SIV-infected macaques exhibit endothelial Nef expression in coronary ar-teries. Nef expression in endothelial cells causes endothelial apoptosis, ROS and MCP-1 production. Interestingly, a Nef SH3 binding site mu-tant abolishes Nef-induced apoptosis and ROS formation and reduces MCP-1 production in endothelial cells, suggesting that the Nef SH3 binding site is critical for Nef effects on endothelial cells. Nef induces apoptosis of endothelial cells through an NADPH oxidase- and ROS-dependent mechanism, while Nef-induced MCP-1 production is NF-kB dependent. Taken together, these data suggest that Nef can mediate its transfer from T cells to endothelial cells through nanotubes to en-hance endothelial dysfunction in vivo. Thus, Nef is a promising new therapeutic target for reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease in the HIV-1 positive population

Spectrum, rate and unmet needs of sociomedical interventions in outpatient psychotherapy

Objective: Psychological disorders often take a long-term course, resulting in impairment in daily life and work. Treatment must therefore target not only symptoms of illness but also capacity limitations and context restrictions, as outlined in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This includes sociomedical and interdisciplinary interventions like coordination with other specialists, contact to employers and employment agencies, social support agencies, debt counselling, self-help and leisure groups. There are no data on the spectrum, rate and unmet needs of sociomedical interventions in outpatient psychotherapy. Method: Following a semistructured interview schedule, 131 psychotherapists in private practice were asked to report on unselected patients. The interviewer assessed to what degree 38 predefined sociomedical interventions were applied so far or should be considered in the future. Result: Reports for 322 patients were gathered. All sociomedical interventions were applied, depending on the sick leave status and course of illness. Cognitive behaviour therapists used more sociomedical interventions than psychodynamic therapists. Conclusion: The data show that sociomedical interventions are a frequent part of psychotherapy. They are used preferably in patients with participation restrictions. Psychotherapeutic concepts and education should include sociomedical aspects

Temporal Variations among Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Serotypes in Children and Adults in Germany (1992–2008)

Nationwide surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease has been conducted in Germany since 1992. From 1992 to 2008, a total of 12,137 isolates from invasive pneumococcal disease were collected. Data on serotypes were available for 9,394 invasive isolates. The leading serotypes were serotypes 14 (16.5%), 3 (8.0%), 7F (7.6%), 1 (7.3%), and 23F (6.0%). Variations in serotype distribution over the years are particularly extensive, especially concerning serotype 14 (min 7.4%, max 33.5%) with the highest percentages among the isolates serotyped from around 1997 to 2006. Serotypes 1 and 7F increased over the last decade. No increase was observed concerning serotype 19A. Higher pneumococcal conjugate vaccine coverages were observed among children (7v, 57.3%; 10v, 72.8%; 13v, 83.5%) than among adults (7v, 39.9%; 10v, 55.5%; 13v, 73.5%). The temporal variations in serotype distribution have to be kept in mind when interpreting vaccine coverages reported in epidemiological studies

Macrolide susceptibility and serotype specific macrolide resistance of invasive isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Germany from 1992 to 2008

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Macrolide resistant <it>Streptococcus pneumoniae </it>has been on a gradual increase in Germany for over a decade. The current study was undertaken against the background of the recent observation of declining macrolide resistance rates especially among German children. Nationwide surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease has been conducted in Germany since 1992. A population- and laboratory-based approach was used to collect data on invasive pneumococcal disease, and isolates sent to the National Reference Center for Streptococci by diagnostic microbiological laboratories from 1992 to 2008 were included in this study.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>From 1992 to 2008, data on macrolide susceptibility were available for 11,807 invasive isolates. 8,834 isolates (74.8%) were from adults (≥ 16 years), and 2,973 isolates (25.2%) from children (< 16 years). The overall nonsusceptibility rate of all isolates was 16.2% (intermediate, 0.2%; resistant, 16.0%). Higher resistance rates were observed among children (intermediate, 0.2%; resistant, 23.8%) than among adults (intermediate, 0.3%; resistant 13.4%). Maximum nonsusceptibility rates during the period under study were observed in 2005 (children: intermediate, 0.3%; resistant, 32.3%; adults: intermediate, 0.0%; resistant, 18.6%), while nonsusceptibility rates in 2008 were considerably lower, especially for children (children: intermediate, 0.0%; resistant, 15.2%; adults: intermediate, 0.1%; resistant, 12.9%). The rate of resistance was higher among the vaccine serotypes (7-valent, 36.6%; 10-valent, 28.2%; 13-valent, 24.3%) than among the non vaccine serotypes (non 7-valent, 6.5%; non 10-valent, 7.4%; non 13-valent, 6.3%). Serotype 14 (69.6% nonsusceptibility) proved to be the most resistant serotype.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There has been a considerable and statistically significant decrease in macrolide nonsusceptibility in Germany since 2005, especially among children.</p

Increased cardiovascular disease risk in the HIV-positive population on ART: potential role of HIV-Nef and Tat

With effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV-infected people die of diseases other than acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In particular, coronary artery disease has emerged as one of most critical complications of HIV infection and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although reportedly antiretroviral combination therapy itself may accelerate atherosclerosis by enhancing dyslipidemia, most recent epidemiological studies support the notion that HIV infection itself contributes to cardiovascular disease. However, it is still a mystery how the virus can contribute to cardiovascular disease development even while suppressed by ARTs. This review discusses the current understanding of interactions between HIV infection and cardiovascular diseases in both clinical and experimental studies with special focus on those viral proteins that are still produced by HIV. This will help infectious disease/vascular biology experts to gain insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV-associated cardiovascular disease and new trends to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease in the HIV-infected population

Families - A Summary of the Situation in Europe Today

Information brochure No. 1 on the state of knowledge on contemporary family life in Europe and key issues for policy and researc