University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

About: University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is a education organization based out in Erlangen, Bayern, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Immune system. The organization has 42405 authors who have published 85600 publications receiving 2663922 citations.

Electron Affinity of the Bare and Hydrogen Covered Single Crystal Diamond (111) Surface

Abstract: The electron affinity $\ensuremath{\chi}$ and the band diagram of single crystal diamond (111) surfaces was determined as a function of hydrogen coverage by combining work function measurements with photoelectron yield and core level photoemission spectroscopy. $\ensuremath{\chi}$ ranges from $\ensuremath{-}1.27\mathrm{eV}$ for the fully hydrogen covered $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ surface to $+0.38\mathrm{eV}$ for the hydrogen free $(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ reconstructed surface. This change is quantitatively explained by a surface dipole model provided a coverage dependent depolarization is included. The dipole moment of the C-H bond on diamond (111) is found to be $0.09e\AA{}$.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, ocular manifestation of a systemic disorder?

Abstract: The pseudoexfoliation syndrome has recently been suggested to represent the local manifestation of a more widespread disorder. In this study, a case of classic bilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome with systemic distribution of pseudoexfoliation material involving a variety of organ systems is described. Using transmission electron microscopy, typical pseudoexfoliation fibers were identified in autopsy tissue specimens of skin, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, and cerebral meninges in addition to the classic intraocular locations. The pseudoexfoliation material was mainly localized to connective-tissue portions or septa traversing the various organs. The pseudoexfoliation fibers were consistently associated with connective-tissue components, particularly fibroblasts and collagen and elastic fibers; myocardial tissue specimens; and heart-muscle cells. These findings provide evidence for the systemic nature of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome, which apparently involves an aberrant connective-tissue metabolism throughout the body.

Avosentan for Overt Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract: In the short term, the endothelin antagonist avosentan reduces proteinuria, but whether this translates to protection from progressive loss of renal function is unknown. We examined the effects of avosentan on progression of overt diabetic nephropathy in a multicenter, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We randomly assigned 1392 participants with type 2 diabetes to oral avosentan (25 or 50 mg) or placebo in addition to continued angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and/or angiotensin receptor blockade. The composite primary outcome was the time to doubling of serum creatinine, ESRD, or death. Secondary outcomes included changes in albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and cardiovascular outcomes. We terminated the trial prematurely after a median follow-up of 4 months (maximum 16 months) because of an excess of cardiovascular events with avosentan. We did not detect a difference in the frequency of the primary outcome between groups. Avosentan significantly reduced ACR: In patients who were treated with avosentan 25 mg/d, 50 mg/d, and placebo, the median reduction in ACR was 44.3, 49.3, and 9.7%, respectively. Adverse events led to discontinuation of trial medication significantly more often for avosentan than for placebo (19.6 and 18.2 versus 11.5% for placebo), dominated by fluid overload and congestive heart failure; death occurred in 21 (4.6%; P = 0.225), 17 (3.6%; P = 0.194), and 12 (2.6%), respectively. In conclusion, avosentan reduces albuminuria when added to standard treatment in people with type 2 diabetes and overt nephropathy but induces significant fluid overload and congestive heart failure.

Fc-receptors as regulators of immunity.

Abstract: Receptors for immunoglobulins [Fc-receptors (FcRs)] are widely expressed throughout the immune system. By binding to the antibody Fc-portion, they provide a link between the specificity of the adaptive immune system and the powerful effector functions triggered by innate immune effector cells. By virtue of coexpression of activating and inhibitory FcRs on the same cell, they set a threshold for immune cell activation by immune complexes (ICs). Besides their involvement in the efferent phase of an immune response, they are also important for modulating adaptive immune responses by regulating B cell and dendritic cell (DC) activation. Deletion of the inhibitory FcR leads to the loss of tolerance in the humoral immune system and the development of autoimmune disease. Uptake of ICs by FcRs on DCs and the concommitant triggering of activating and inhibitory signaling pathways will determine the strength of the initiated T-cell response. Loss of this balanced signaling results in uncontrolled responses that can lead to the damage of healthy tissues and ultimately to the initiation of autoimmune processes. In this chapter, we will discuss how coexpression of different activating and inhibitory receptors on different immune cells of the innate and adaptive immune system modulates cell activity. Moreover, we will focus on exogenous factors that can influence the balanced triggering of activating and inhibitory FcRs, such as the cytokine milieu and the role of differential antibody glycosylation.

Amphiphilic TiO2 nanotube arrays: an actively controllable drug delivery system.

Abstract: Amphiphilic TiO(2) nanotube arrays are fabricated by a two-step anodization procedure combined with hydrophobic monolayer modification after the first step. These tubes can be used as biomolecular carriers, where the outer hydrophobic barrier provides an efficient cap against drug leaching to the environment. By utilizing the photocatalytic ability of TiO(2), a precisely controlled removal of the cap and a highly controlled release of the hydrophilic payload (drug) can be achieved.