Schultheisz E

Bio: Schultheisz E is an academic researcher. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 152 citations.

Alveolar epithelial type II cell: defender of the alveolus revisited

Abstract: In 1977, Mason and Williams developed the concept of the alveolar epithelial type II (AE2) cell as a defender of the alveolus. It is well known that AE2 cells synthesise, secrete, and recycle all components of the surfactant that regulates alveolar surface tension in mammalian lungs. AE2 cells influence extracellular surfactant transformation by regulating, for example, pH and [Ca2+] of the hypophase. AE2 cells play various roles in alveolar fluid balance, coagulation/fibrinolysis, and host defence. AE2 cells proliferate, differentiate into AE1 cells, and remove apoptotic AE2 cells by phagocytosis, thus contributing to epithelial repair. AE2 cells may act as immunoregulatory cells. AE2 cells interact with resident and mobile cells, either directly by membrane contact or indirectly via cytokines/growth factors and their receptors, thus representing an integrative unit within the alveolus. Although most data support the concept, the controversy about the character of hyperplastic AE2 cells, reported to synthesise profibrotic factors, proscribes drawing a definite conclusion today.

Cell type-specific regulation of IL-10 expression in inflammation and disease.

Abstract: IL-10 plays an essential part in controlling inflammation and instructing adaptive immune responses. Consequently, dysregulation of IL-10 is linked with susceptibility to numerous infectious and autoimmune diseases in mouse models and in humans. It has become increasingly clear that appropriate temporal/spatial expression of IL-10 may be the key to how IL-10 contributes to the delicate balance between inflammation and immunoregulation. The mechanisms that govern the cell type- and receptor-specific induction of IL-10, however, remain unclear. This is due largely to the wide distribution of cellular sources that express IL-10 under diverse stimulation conditions and in a variety of tissue compartments. Further complicating the issue is the fact that human IL-10 expression patterns appear to be under genetic influence resulting in differential expression and disease susceptibility. In this review, we discuss the cellular sources of IL-10, their link to disease phenotypes and the molecular mechanisms implicated in IL-10 regulation.

Extreme weather events and public health responses

Abstract: 1. The Climate Dilemma A. Navarra 2. Projected Changes in Extreme Weather and Climate Events in Europe? G.R. McGregor, D. Stephenson, C. Ferro 3. Is the Frequency and Intensity of Flooding Changing in Europe Z.W. Kundzewicz 4. Bio-climatological Aspects of Summer 2003 Over France J.-C. Cohen, J.-M. Veysseire, P. Bessemoulin 5. Improving Public Health Responses to Extreme Weather Events K. L. Ebi 6. Cold Extremes and Impacts on Health J. Hassi 7. Temperature Regulation, Heat Balance and Climatic Stress G. Havenith 8. Health Impact of the 2003 Heat Wave in France S. Vandentorren, P. Empereur-Bissonnet 9. Portugal, Summer 2003 Mortality: the Heat Waves Influence R. Calado, J. Botelho, Judite Catarino, M. Carreira 10. The Effects of Temperature and Heat Waves on Daily Mortality in Budapest, Hungary, 1970 - 2000 A. Paldy, J. Bobvos, A. Vamos, S. Kovats, S. Hajat 11. Epidemiologic Study of Mortality During Summer 2003 in Italian Regional Capitals: Results of a Rapid Survey S. Conti, G. Minelli, R. Solimini, V. Toccaceli, M. Vichi, C. Beltrano, L. Perini 12. Heat Waves in Italy: Cause Specific Mortality and the Role of Educational Level and Socio-Economic Conditions P. Michelozzi, F. de'Donato, L. Bisanti, A. Russo, E. Cadum, M. DeMaria, M. D'Ovidio, G. Costa, C.A. Perucci Response to Temperature Extremes 13. Lessons of the 2003 Heat Wave in France and Action Taken to Limit the Effects of Future Heat Waves T. Michelon,P. Magne, F. Simon-Delavelle 14. Examples of Heat Health Warning Systems: Lisbon's ICARO's Surveillance System, Summer of 2003 P.J. Nogueira 15. Lessons from the Heat Wave Epidemic in France (Summer 2003) L. Abenhaim 16. How Toronto and Montreal (Canada) Respond to Heat T. Kosatsky, N. King, B. Henry Flooding: The Impacts on Human Health 17. Lessons to be Learned from the 2002 Floods in Dresden, Germany D. Meusel, W. Kirch 18. The Human Health Consequences of Flooding in Europe: A Review S. Hajat, K. L Ebi, S. Kovats, B. Menne, S. Edwards, A. Haines 19. Mortality in Flood Disasters Z.W. Kundzewicz, W.J. Kundzewicz 20. Key Policy Implications of the Health Effects of Floods E. Penning-Rowsell, S. Tapsell, T. Wilson 21. Learning from Experience: Evolving Responses to Flooding Events in the United Kingdom M. McKenzie Hedger National Case-Studies on Health Care System Responses to Extreme Weather Events 22. Extreme Weather Events in Bulgaria for the Period 2001-2003 and Responses to Address Them R. Chakurova, L. Ivanov 23. 2002 - A Year of Calamities - The Romanian Experience A. Cristea 24. A System of Medical Service to assist the Population of Uzbekistan in the Case of Natural Catastrophes A.A. Khadjibayev, E. Borisova 25. Moscow Smog of Summer 2002. Evaluation of Adverse Health Effects V. Kislitsin, S. Novikov, N.

Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in asymptomatic carriers

Abstract: Microarrays were used to extensively characterise 155 Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from asymptomatic carriers from Saxony, Germany, in order to determine clonal complex affiliation, as well as the carriage of clinically relevant genes. Isolates belonged to 20 different clonal complexes (CCs). The most common CC was CC8 (18.71%), followed by CCs 15, 30 and 45. Three isolates (1.94%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Beta-lactamase was common (70.97%), but other resistance genes were found only sporadically. Genes encoding superantigens were abundant. The enterotoxin cluster egc was found in 45.81% of isolates. The toxic shock syndrome toxin gene tst was detected in 14.84% of isolates and 17.42% harboured enterotoxin A alleles (sea, sea-N315). Contrarily, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (lukS/F-PV) was rare, being found in only one methicillin-susceptible CC30 isolate. Its low prevalence in asymptomatic carriers might emphasise a pathogenetic significance in patients with skin and soft tissue infections. Most microbial surface components recognising adhesive matrix molecules of the host (MSCRAMMs) genes were nearly ubiquitously present. However, two MSCRAMM genes, cna (collagen adhesion) and sasG (surface protein G), were detected in only some CCs. These data provide an insight into its pathogenesis, especially when compared to isolates from patients with defined clinical conditions. They might also be helpful for the design of a future vaccine.

Chilblain lupus erythematosus—a review of literature

Abstract: Chilblain lupus erythematosus (CHLE) is a rare, chronic form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Sporadic cases and two families with autosomal dominant-inherited CHLE have been reported. In familial CHLE, two missense mutations in TREX1 encoding the 3'-5' repair exonuclease 1 were described in affected individuals. The pathogenesis of sporadic CHLE remains unknown. Up to 20% of patients develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An association with anorexia is discussed. In many cases, there is good response to symptomatic therapy. SLE therapeutics have good effects on SLE-typical symptoms but not on chilblains themselves. This article reviews the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of CHLE. As an index patient with unique features, we report a 13-year-old boy developing CHLE after anorexia nervosa. Sequencing of TREX1 was normal. With psychotherapeutic support for anorexia and after antibiotic therapy, topical steroids, physical warming and calcium channel blockers, the patient experienced significant relief. Improvement of phalangeal perfusion was demonstrated by angio-MRI.