0000000000331439
AUTHOR
Michael Pietsch
Feces production as a form of social immunity in an insect with facultative maternal care
Background Social animals have the unique capability of mounting social defenses against pathogens. Over the last decades, social immunity has been extensively studied in species with obligatory and permanent forms of social life. However, its occurrence in less derived social systems and thus its role in the early evolution of group-living remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether lining nests with feces is a form of social immunity against microbial growth in the European earwig Forficula auricularia, an insect with temporary family life and facultative maternal care. Results Using a total of 415 inhibition zone assays, we showed that earwig feces inhibit the growth of two GRAM+ bact…
Immunologic findings in workers formerly exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and its congeners
One hundred ninety-two workers in a German pesticide factory who were exposed to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and -furans (PCDD/PCDF) were investigated for former and present diseases and laboratory changes of the immune system. Moreover, in a subgroup of 29 highly exposed and 28 control persons, proliferation studies were performed. In addition to assays such as blood count, immunoglobulins, serum electrophoresis, monoclonal bands, surface markers, autoantibodies, and lymphocyte proliferation, two new methods, the rise of tetanus antibody concentration after vaccination and the in vitro resistance of lymphocytes to chromate, were used to diagnose the morphologic and functional state of t…
Microbiological quality of carbonated drinking water produced with in-home carbonation systems.
The microbiological quality of carbonated water produced with tap water in commercial in-home carbonation systems was determined, the results being discussed in the context of the microbiological quality of the tap water used, the properties of the drink makers, and the procedures of preparation and washing of various parts of the appliance. The last-mentioned data were received from each participant of the study by questionnaire. Escherichia coli, coliforms, fecal streptococci and spore-forming sulphite-reducing anaerobes were used as indicators for the hygienic quality of the water. Tap-water samples were collected according to the usual procedure when filling the carbonating bottle, i.e.…
Nachweis körperfremder Substanzen
Neben den in biologischen Systemen selbst gebildeten Substanzen (z.B. Enzyme, Hormone, Antikorper oder Antigene) konnen im Organismus auch Fremdsubstanzen, sog. Xenobiotika, nachgewiesen werden. Die Aufnahme erfolgt intentionell oder akzidentell, durch Inhalation, Ingestion, parenteral oder perkutan; sei es durch therapeutische Eingriffe, Umwelteinwirkungen, Belastungen am Arbeitsplatz oder ggf. auch im Rahmen krimineller Handlungen. Erhohte Konzentrationen dieser Substanzen konnen zu akuter oder chronischer Gesundheitsgefahrdung, von Befindlichkeitsstorungen uber akute oder chronische Schaden bis hin zum Tode fuhren. Einige Substanzen sind nachgewiesenermasen mutagen oder kanzerogen, ander…
Influence of different biomaterials on the viability of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Abstract Objectives The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of different biomaterials used for regenerative periodontal surgery on the growth of the periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans . Methods Three commercially available biomaterials of synthetic origin (hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate, nanostructured hydroxyapatite paste, oily calcium hydroxide suspension), a bovine-derived xenograft as well as an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) were added in different concentrations to calibrated suspensions of A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 43718/33384 (serotype b/c). Equal aliquots (0.1 ml) for the viability assay were taken after 5 min, 1 h, 3 h,…
Nachweis körpereigener Substanzen
Die vom menschlichen Organismus im Rahmen der zellularen Aktivitat und der funktionalen Ablaufe gebildeten Substanzen — beispielsweise Enzyme, Hormone, Antikorper, Zellantigene — werden in verschiedene Korperflussigkeiten sezerniert und sind hierin regular oder erst bei Auftreten von Dysfunktionen oder manifesten Erkrankungen bestimmbar. Im nachfolgenden Abschnitt werden die in der labormedizinischen Routinediagnostik relevanten und in ihrer Aussagekraft anerkannten Analyte mit Angabe von Interpretationshilfen aufgefuhrt.