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Contaminant Metals and Cardiovascular Health
No full textA growing body of research has begun to link exposure to environmental contaminants,
such as heavy metals, with a variety of negative health outcomes. In this paper, we sought to review
the current research describing the impact of certain common contaminant metals on cardiovascular
(CV) health. We reviewed ten metals: lead, barium, nickel, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, mercury,
selenium, zinc, and copper. After a literature review, we briefly summarized the routes of environmen-
tal exposure, pathophysiological mechanisms, CV health impacts, and exposure prevention and/or
mitigation strategies for each metal. The resulting article discloses a broad spectrum of pathological
significance, from relatively benign substances with little to no described effects on CV health, such
as chromium and selenium, to substances with a wide-ranging and relatively severe spectrum of CV
pathologies, such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. It is our hope that this article will provide clinicians
with a practical overview of the impact of these common environmental contaminants on CV health
as well as highlight areas that require further investigation to better understand how these metals
impact the incidence and progression of CV diseases
Kontrollierte supramolekulare Polymerisation von tetrapyridyl-basierten d 8 Metallkomplexen
No full textDiese Arbeit zeigt die Synthese, photophysikalische Charakterisierung und Selbstassemblierung von isoleptischen tetrapyridylbasierten Pt(II)- und Pd(II)-Komplexen. Ihre supramolekularen Wechselwirkungen wurden mittels spektroskopischer und mikroskopischer Techniken untersucht, unter Einbeziehung von Referenzverbindungen. Funktionelle Gruppen wurden integriert, um zusätzliche nicht-kovalente Wechselwirkungen zu ermöglichen, wobei Gegenionen eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Aggregation spielen. Schon geringe Mengen hydratisierter Gegenionen beeinflussen die Pd⋯Pd- und Pt⋯Pt-Wechselwirkungen und ändern Lumineszenz- und Aggregationseigenschaften. Pd(II)-Komplexe mit Amidgruppen zeigen unterschiedliche Aggregatsmorphologien, je nach Temperatur und Lösungsmittel. Die Studie liefert wichtige Erkenntnisse zur metallo-supramolekularen Polymerisation mit Potenzial für optische Anwendungen.This work presents the synthesis, photophysical characterization, and self-assembly behavior of isoleptic tetrapyridyl-based Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes. Various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were used to investigate their supramolecular behavior and interactions, including reference compounds for comparative analysis. Functional groups were incorporated to enable additional non-covalent interactions, and counterions were shown to play a crucial role in aggregation. The hydration of weakly coordinated counterions, even in small amounts, significantly affects the Pd⋯Pd and Pt⋯Pt interactions, influencing luminescence and aggregation properties. Furthermore, Pd(II) complexes with amide groups demonstrate pathway complexity, with different aggregate morphologies forming based on temperature and solvent conditions. The study reveals significant insights into metallo-supramolecular polymerization, with potential applications in optical devices
On-Demand Release of Anti-Infective Silver from a Novel Implant Coating Using High-Energy Focused Shock Waves
No full textImplant-related infections are a significant concern in orthopedic surgery. A novel anti-infective implant coating made of bioresorbable polymer with silver nitrate was developed. A controlled release of silver ions into the vicinity of the prosthesis can be triggered on-demand by extracorporeal shock waves to effectively combat all clinically relevant microorganisms. Microscopy techniques were used to examine the effects of shock wave application on coated titanium discs. Cytotoxicity was measured using a fibroblast proliferation assay. The anti-infective effect was assessed by monitoring the growth curves of three bacterial strains and by conventional culture. Microscopic analysis confirmed surface disruption of the coatings, with a complete release of silver in the focus area after shock wave application. Spectrometry detected an increase in silver concentration in the surrounding of the discs that surpassed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for both 'S. epidermidis' RP62A and 'E. coli' ATCC 25922. The released silver demonstrated an anti-infective effect, significantly inhibiting bacterial growth, especially at 6% and 8% silver concentrations. Cytotoxicity testing showed decreasing fibroblast viability with increasing silver concentration in the coating, with 6% silver maintaining viability above 25%. Compared to a commonly used electroplated silver coating on the market, the new coating demonstrated superior antimicrobial efficacy and lower cytotoxicity
"Ordnung in die verrotteten Verhältnisse bringen" – Aspekte der Gründungsgeschichte
No full textDer Beitrag beleuchtet die Gründungsgeschichte des Städtischen Orchesters in Münster um 1919 anhand von Archivdokumenten aus dem Stadtarchiv Münster. Daraus wird ersichtlich, dass nach Gründung des Städtischen Orchesters unter seinem illustrem Generalmusikdirektor Fritz Volbach (1861–1940) das Fortbestehen des Orchesters von diversen Unsicherheiten geprägt worden ist und es erst nach einigen Jahren, nicht zuletzt durch den unermüdlichen Einsatz Volbachs, gesichert wurde
Pharyngeal electrical stimulation for postextubation dysphagia in acute stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial
No full textPrimary Stability of Kyphoplasty in Incomplete Vertebral Body Burst Fractures in Osteoporosis: A Biomechanical Investigation
No full textBackground: The objective of our study was to biomechanically evaluate the use of kyphoplasty to stabilize post-traumatic segmental instability in incomplete burst fractures of the vertebrae. Methods: The study was performed on 14 osteoporotic spine postmortem samples (Th11–L3). First, acquisition of the native multisegmental kinematics in our robot-based spine tester with three-dimensional motion analysis was set as a baseline for each sample. Then, an incomplete burst fracture was generated in the vertebral body L1 with renewed kinematic testing. After subsequent kyphoplasty was performed on the fractured vertebral body, primary stability was examined again. Results: Initially, a significant increase in the range of motion after incomplete burst fracture generation in all three directions of motion (extension–flexion, lateral tilt, axial rotation) was detected as proof of post-traumatic instability. There were no significant changes to the native state in the adjacent segments. Radiologically, a significant loss of height in the fractured vertebral body was also shown. Traumatic instability was significantly reduced by kyphoplasty. However, native kinematics were not restored. Conclusions: Although post-traumatic segmental instability was significantly reduced by kyphoplasty in our in vitro model, native kinematics could not be reconstructed, and significant instability remained
Recurrent Instability Rate and Subjective Knee Function following Accelerated Rehabilitation after ACL Reconstruction in Comparison to a Conservative Rehabilitation Protocol
No full textIntroduction: The Purpose of the present study was to assess the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with an accelerated rehabilitation protocol and to compare it to a conservative rehabilitation protocol. It was hypothesized that an accelerated rehabilitation protocol, including brace-free early weight bearing, would result in a higher rate of recurrent instability and revision surgery compared to a conservative rehabilitation protocol. Methods: From 2016 to 2017, two different rehabilitation protocols for isolated ACLR were used at a high-volume knee surgery center. A total of 65 consecutive patients with isolated hamstring ACLR, of whom n = 33 had been treated with an accelerated (AccRehab) and n = 32 with a conservative rehabilitation protocol (ConRehab), were retrospectively included in the study. Patients were evaluated for recurrent instability, revision surgery, and other complications at a mean follow-up period of 64 ± 7.4 months. In addition, Tegner Activity Scale, Lysholm Score, and IKDC-subjective Score were evaluated. Statistical comparison between the two groups was performed utilizing Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test. Results: Mean age (29.3 vs. 26.6 years) and preoperative Tegner Score (6.4 vs. 5.9) were comparable between both groups. At 64 ± 7.4 months after ACLR, six cases of recurrent instability were reported in the AccRehab group (18%) in comparison to three cases (9%) in the ConRehab group (p = n.s.). There was no significant difference regarding revision surgery and further complications. Furthermore, no significant difference was found between both groups regarding Tegner (5.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.5 ± 1.2), Lysholm (93.6 ± 6.3 vs. 89.3 ± 10.7), and IKDC score (89.7 ± 7.9 vs. 86.7 ± 12.1). Conclusion: No significant disadvantage of an accelerated rehabilitation protocol following ACLR was found in terms of recurrent instability rate, revision surgery, or patient-reported outcome. However, a trend towards a higher reinstability rate was found for an accelerated rehabilitation protocol. Future level one trials evaluating brace-free early weight bearing following ACLR are desirable
"Regelmäßige Kontrolle ist unabdingbar":Podcast zum Tag der Zahngesundheit mit Anne Wolowski
No full textFür eine gute Mundhygiene ist nicht nur regelmäßiges Zähneputzen von großer Bedeutung, sondern auch eine bewusste und ausgewogene Ernährung, sagt Zahnmedizinerin Prof. Dr. Anne Wolowski in der neuen Folge des "Umdenken"-Podcasts der Universität Münster. Auch psychische Faktoren wie Stress und Unruhe können Zahnschmerzen verursachen. In jedem Fall empfiehlt die Expertin regelmäßige Kontrolltermine beim Zahnarzt, denn: "Der Schein, dass weiße und schmerzfreie Zähne gesund sind, kann trügen. Einige sensible Stellen wie beispielsweise die Zahnzwischenräume lassen sich von außen nicht ohne Weiteres überprüfen.
Small Spleen Peptides (SSPs) Shape Dendritic Cell Differentiation through Modulation of Extracellular ATP Synthesis Profile
No full textRestoring peripheral immune tolerance is crucial for addressing autoimmune diseases. An ancient mechanism in maintaining the balance between inflammation and tolerance is the ratio of extracellular ATP (exATP) and adenosine. Our previous research demonstrated the effectiveness of small spleen peptides (SSPs) in inhibiting psoriatic arthritis progression, even in the presence of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα, by transforming dendritic cells (DCs) into tolerogenic cells and fostering regulatory Foxp3+ Treg cells. Here, we identified thymosins as the primary constituents of SSPs, but recombinant thymosin peptides were less efficient in inhibiting arthritis than SSPs. Since Tβ4 is an ecto-ATPase-binding protein, we hypothesized that SSPs regulate exATP profiles. Real-time investigation of exATP levels in DCs revealed that tolerogenic stimulation led to robust de novo exATP synthesis followed by significant degradation, while immunogenic stimulation resulted in a less pronounced increase in exATP and less effective degradation. These contrasting exATP profiles were crucial in determining whether DCs entered an inflammatory or tolerogenic state, highlighting the significance of SSPs as natural regulators of peripheral immunological tolerance, with potential therapeutic benefits for autoimmune diseases. Finally, we demonstrated that the tolerogenic phenotype of SSPs is mainly influenced by adenosine receptors, and in vivo administration of SSPs inhibits psoriatic skin inflammation
Die Programmatik der AfD – eine Kritik:Darstellung und Vergleich mit Positionen der katholischen Kirche
No full textDie Studie untersucht die aktuelle Programmatik der "Alternative für Deutschland" und vergleicht sie mit Positionen der Soziallehre der katholischen Kirche. Ziel der Untersuchung ist es, Material und Argumente für eine genaue, sorgfältige und tiefe Debatte in christlichen und kirchlichen Zusammenhängen und in der gesellschaftlichen Öffentlichkeit anzubieten. Grundlinien der Programmatik der "Alternative für Deutschland" werden dargestellt, indem konstant wiederkehrende Leitmotive und Narrative aus den Wahlprogrammen erhoben werden; sie machen das ideologische Grundgerüst der Partei erkennbar und bilden den Rahmen für neun textnah gearbeitete Themenanalysen, in denen die Parteipositionen mit katholischen Lehrpositionen gegenübergestellt und vergleichend kommentiert werden. Das Schlusskapitel skizziert Orientierungen für ein gesellschaftspolitisches Engagement, das sich einem christlichen Verständnis des Menschen und einem menschenrechtlichen Ethos verpflichtet weiß und der grundsätzlich universalen Verantwortung für Gerechtigkeit und Solidarität Rechnung zu tragen versucht