Acellular materials of xenogenic origin are used worldwide as xenografts and Phase I trials of viable pig pancreatic islets are currently being performed. However, limited information is available on transmission of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) after xenotransplantation and on the long-term immune response of recipients to xenoantigens. We analyzed the blood of burn patients who had received living pig skin dressings for up to 8 weeks for the presence of PERV as well as for the level and nature of their long term (maximum 34 years) immune response against pig antigens. Whilst no evidence of PERV genomic material or anti PERV antibody response was found, we observed a moderate increase in anti αGal antibodies and a high and sustained anti non-αGal IgG response in those patients. Antibodies against the non-human sialic acid Neu5Gc constituted the anti non-αGal response with the recognition pattern on a sialogly can array differing from that of burn patients treated without pig skin. These data suggest that anti-Neu5Gc antibodies may represent a barrier for long-term acceptance of porcine xenografts. As anti-Neu5Gc antibodies can promote chronic inflammation, the long-term safety of living and acellular pig tissue implants in recipients warrants further evaluation.

Very little is known about bile composition in the end stage of chronic renal sufficiency. Patients with this condition are either assigned to a dialysis-transplantation programme, or are treated temporarily with a low-protein diet. Our study was designed to determine bile composition both in a group of ten patients treated with a low-protein diet over a long period of time, and in 11 patients on regular haemodialysis. The patients on haemodialysis were found to have increased bile cholesterol and an increased saturation index in the bile, i.e. changes implying increased risk of cholecystolithiasis. These changes were further enhanced by the effect of a low-protein diet with subsequent increases in cholesterol values and the bile saturation index, as well as a decrease in primary and an increase in secondary bile acids in the bile, i.e. a change in the spectrum of bile acid characteristic for cholecystolithiasis.

Abstract

Colour is considered a key means of expression for use in cartographic works. This is because colours and the relations among them influence not only the aesthetic impression a map creates but also its overall utility. In addition to Newton's spectral colour theory, today theories with origins in artistic technique are gaining ground in cartography. This article introduces J. Itten's colour theory (first published in 1961 in The Art of Colour [Kunst der Farbe]) with special attention given to his concept of seven colour contrasts. The article also discusses the suitability and unsuitability of their application in practical cartography, and it contributes original examples employing thematic maps, a discipline with broad possibilities for the application of these inventive methods by today's mapmakers.

The article focuses on the geodetic monitoring of the Rabenov landslide territory. The monitored slope is situated in the landscape deteriorated by mining activity in North Bohemia, West of Ústí nad Labem, in Chabařovice, a reclaimed brown coal pit. The article presents a general description of the application and accuracy of geodetic methods used to measure on the movement of material in landslides. Also, the history, the problems and the plans for reclamation of the monitored territory are briefly mentioned. The text concentrates on the description of the network of three observed points which are formed by geotechnical instrumentations and on the description of a terrestrial and GNSS measurement in the network of monitored points. The assessment methods and the results from the eight-year phased monitoring process are also discussed. Different methods were tested during the phases. For terrestrial measurements, standard deviations of about 2 mm in position were made and for GNSS standard deviations of about 14 mm. Surveys in a local grid showed that there were continuous movements of observed station points of about 10 mm per year. The paper also discusses the use and assessment of digital terrain models in zones with on-going artificial as well as natural changes. Models indicate elevation changes of about 2-6 m and movement of about 10,000-100,000 m 3 of material.