Showing papers by "Markus Meissner published in 2012"

Dimethyl fumarate - only an anti-psoriatic medication?

Abstract: Summary Fumaric acid esters have been used successfully in the therapy of psoriasis vulgaris since 1959. In the last 17 years, many of the underlying mechanisms of anti-psoriatic action, such as a Th1/Th2 shift, a suppression of important leukocyte adhesion molecules, the induction of pro-apoptotic pathways in T-cells and recently anti-angiogenic action, have been discovered. Based on the knowledge of these immunomodulatory characteristics, fumaric acid esters have been shown to be effective or potentially effective in a multitude of dermatological as well as non-dermatological diseases. The range of new therapeutic targets reaches from multiple sclerosis to illnesses such as necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare and sarcoidosis. Experimental approaches offer promising, although preliminary, results on the treatment of cancer, malaria, chronic inflammatory lung diseases, and Huntington disease, to name but a few. This valued and well-known drug mainly prescribed by dermatologists is now experiencing a renaissance far beyond dermatologic applications.

'Nosing Around' the human skin: What information is concealed in skin odour?

Abstract: In todays world, natural body odour is mostly considered as being unpleasant and combated by intensive cleansing, deodorants and perfumes. However, there is evidence that volatile body compounds provide the recipient with important information. Here, we present the chemical identity of odorous compounds derived from odourless precursors within sweat and sebum. Moreover, distinct volatile markers may be relevant for the clinical diagnosis of disease. Interestingly, ageing seems to correlate with the appearance of specific compounds that convey the so-called old man smell. Finally, it is discussed if human skin odour has the quality to act as pheromone transmitting information between individuals in terms of major histocompatibility complex type or reproductive status.

Fast isomorphism testing for a graph-based analog circuit synthesis framework

Abstract: This contribution presents a major improvement for our analog synthesis framework with an explorative characteristic. The presented approach in principle allows the synthesis of a wide range of circuits, without the limitation to specific circuit classes. Defined by a specification of up to 15 different performances, a fully sized, transistor level circuit is synthesized for a provided process technology. The presented work reduces the needed computational effort and thus drastically reduces the synthesis time, while adding new abstraction into the framework to provide an even wider range of synthesized circuits - demonstrated in experimental results.

A case study: Automatic topology synthesis for analog circuit from an ASDeX specification

Abstract: ASDeX is an XML-based specification language for analog circuits. In this contribution we extend the ASDeX format for a usage in a synthesis work-flow. The intention is to realize a full-automatic synthesis of analog circuits from a given ASDeX specification representing all needed information for synthesis. With the help of ASDeX's API a reuse and an extraction of the ASDeX specification is easily accomplished. Using this API and several template scripts the set of target code needed for the synthesis framework will be generated. We apply the approach to an OP-AMP specification and present first synthesis results.

Bitemporale Skalpnekrose

Abstract: Wir berichten uber eine 71-jahrige Patientin, die innerhalb von 4 Wochen stark schmerzhafte und grosenprogrediente bitemporale Nekrosen der Kopfhaut entwickelte. Begleitet wurde dieser Befund von Kopfschmerzen sowie Myalgien und einer Muskelschwache vor allem im Bereich des Schultergurtels. Der klinische Verdacht einer Riesenzellarteriitis der A. temporalis mit Skalpnekrosen konnte mittels Arterienbiopsie histologisch bestatigt werden. Unter der systemischen Glukokortikoidtherapie, die insgesamt uber 18 Monate ausschleichend durchgefuhrt wurde, war die Patientin schnell beschwerdefrei, und die Nekrosen heilten nach erfolgreicher Konditionierung des Wundgrundes und Spalthauttransplantation ab. Der Fall stellt eine sehr seltene, schwerwiegende und haufig mit einer schlechten Prognose vergesellschaftete Komplikation der Riesenzellarteriitis der A. temporalis dar.

Ligand activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta suppresses cathepsin B expression in human endothelial cells in a posttranslational manner.

Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) delta agonists are known to have distinct anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects; though, the knowledge regarding their mode of action has thus far been limited. Different cathepsins have been shown to be upregulated in a broad range of pathological events, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atherosclerosis and diverse tumor entities, for example melanoma. Recent work demonstrated that cathepsin B in particular is an important pro-angiogenic protease in various pathological conditions. We therefore analysed whether cathepsins are a valid target for PPARδ agonists. This study reveals an inhibitory effect of two commonly used PPARδ agonists, GW501516 and L-165,041, on the protein expression and enzyme activity of cathepsin B in human endothelial cells. In contrast, no inhibitory effects were observed on cathepsin L and cathepsin D protein expression after treatment with PPARδ agonists. Furthermore, the results substantiate that PPARδ activators mediate their inhibitory action in a PPARδ-dependent manner and that the underlying regulatory mechanism is not based on a transcriptional but rather on a posttranslational mode of action, via the reduction in the cathepsin B protein half-life. Mechanisms conveying the suppressive effect by 5'-alternative splicing, a 3'-UTR-dependent way or by miRNA could be excluded. The data of this study explore cathepsin B as a new valid target for PPARδ agonists in endothelial cells. The results bolster other studies demonstrating PPARδ agonists as anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic agents and thus might have the potential to help to develop new pharmaceutical drugs.

[Bitemporal scalp necrosis : a very rare manifestation of giant cell arteritis].

Abstract: A 71-year-old woman developed progressive spreading of bitemporal scalp necrosis within 4 weeks accompanied by headaches, myalgia of the shoulder girdle and muscle weakness that had started a few months previously. No additional diseases were reported. The suspected temporal giant cell arteritis could be confirmed by temporal artery biopsy. Therapy with glucocorticoids led to a rapid resolution of clinical symptoms and was tapered over 18 months. Recovery of the scalp necrosis emerged following second intention healing and split-skin transplantation of necrotic areas after successful wound conditioning. The case study demonstrates a rare and serious complication of temporal arteritis which is often accompanied by a poor prognosis.

Dermatobia-hominis -Infektion bei einem 3-jährigen Kind

Abstract: In the context of increasing travel to the tropics, outpatient services are more frequently confronted with non-domestic diseases in Europe. A 3-year old child presented with a painful tumor of the scalp. After incision of the furuncle-like lesion, we extracted a larva of the botfly Dermatobia hominis. Botflies are mainly encountered in Central and South America; they should be considered if patients demonstrate a furuncle-like lesion and have returned from a holiday in these endemic regions.

Multiple orale Papeln und Plaques bei einem Patienten mit Morbus Crohn

Abstract: Bei einem 55-jahrigen Patienten traten innerhalb eines Jahres multiple, teils pflastersteinartig imponierende, asymptomatische Papeln an Zunge, Lippen- undWangenschleimhaut auf. Der Patient wurde wegen eines M. Crohn mit Azathioprin und Glukokortikoiden behandelt. Histologisch zeigte sich eine akanthotisch verbreiterte Plattenepithelhyperplasie mit Virus-assoziierten Epithelveranderungen. Unter der Diagnose einer oralen fokalen epithelialen Hyperplasie (Morbus Heck) wurden die Papeln, nach erfolgloser Anwendung von Imiquimod-Creme, mittels CO 2 -Laser erfolgreich vaporisiert.