bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synopsis of the genus Mitriostigma (Rubiaceae) with a new monocaulous species from south Cameroon
Authors: Sonké Bonaventure , Simo Murielle , Dessein Steven
Published: May 2009

Mitriostigma monocaule Sonké & Dessein sp. nov., a new Rubiaceae species from south Cameroon is described and illustrated. The novelty is easily separated from the other four Mitriostigma species by its monocaulous growth form, the other species being shrubs, sub‐shrubs, or occasionally trees. Another typical character for the species is its supra‐axillary inflorescences paired at the nodes. The novelty is related to M. barteri, from which it further differs in the somewhat larger leaves with a more pronounced acumen and a higher number of secondary veins. A first conservation status for the species is given. A synopsis of the genus Mitriostigma with a taxonomic key is also provided.
Hyperalbuminemia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Cooper Edward S. , Wellman Maxey L. , Carsillo Mary E.
Published: May 2009

Abstract: A 12‐year‐old, neutered male, mixed‐breed dog was presented to The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of weight loss and weakness. Laboratory abnormalities reported by the referring veterinarian during the past year included increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, hyperalbuminemia, and nonregenerative anemia. On referral, the dog appeared hydrated and had moderate muscle wasting and hepatomegaly. A large lobular hepatic mass was observed ultrasonographically. Laboratory results included mild to moderate nonregenerative anemia, urine‐specific gravity of 1.035, 3+ proteinuria, increased serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (229 U/L, reference interval 10–55 U/L), ALP (813 U/L, reference interval 15–120 U/L), and the steroid‐induced isoform of ALP (676 U/L, reference interval 0–6 U/L), marked hyperalbuminemia (5.3 g/dL, reference interval 2.9–4.2 g/dL), and an increased A/G ratio (1.7). Hyperalbuminemia was confirmed by reanalysis on 2 different analyzers and by agarose gel electrophoresis, and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) was markedly increased (42.5 mmHg, reference interval 20–25 mmHg). Cytologic examination of a fine‐needle aspirate of the hepatic mass indicated hepatocellular proliferation; histologic examination of an excisional biopsy confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma. Three weeks after surgery, the albumin concentration, A/G ratio, COP, and ALT activity had normalized, but ALP activities remained high. We hypothesized that hyperalbuminemia developed secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma due to increased synthesis of albumin by malignant hepatocytes or due to decreased negative feedback from impaired hepatocellular osmoreceptivity. Hepatocellular carcinoma has been associated with paraneoplastic secretion of other proteins, but hyperalbuminemia has been reported only once in a human patient and has not previously in dogs.
Serum chemistry reference values in free‐ranging North Atlantic male walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from the Svalbard archipelago
Authors: Tryland Morten , Lydersen Christian , Kovacs Kit M. , Thoresen Stein Istre
Published: May 2009

Background: Information regarding health and disease is limited for walruses, a keystone species in arctic marine ecosystems. Serum chemistry analysis is a useful clinical tool for the health assessment of walruses, but only a few captive Pacific walruses have been evaluated.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine serum chemistry reference values for free‐ranging male Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) on Svalbard and to assess potential differences in animals with low and high tissue levels of organic pollutants.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 17 wild, adult, male Atlantic walruses chemically immobilized with etorphine at eastern Svalbard (Norway). Serum was obtained for routine biochemical analysis as well as nonesterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and cortisol tests. Serum protein concentration was also measured by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results: Reference values (ranges) included alanine aminotransferase (12–51 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (54–137 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (42–243 U/L), creatine kinase (32–506 U/L), lactate dehydrogenase (480–1322 U/L), amylase (0–23 U/L), lipase (68–298 U/L), total protein (68–91 g/L), albumin (25.3–34.8 g/L), creatinine (84–137 μmol/L), urea (8.2–19.9 mmol/L), bilirubin (0–4 μmol/L), cholesterol (4.4–7.3 mmol/L), NEFA (0.1–0.4 mmol/L), triglycerides (0.6–2.2 mmol/L), calcium (2.0–2.7 mmol/L), phosphorus (1.7–2.8 mmol/L), sodium (147–162 mmol/L), potassium (4.7–7.4 mmol/L), chloride (102–115 mmol/L), and cortisol (<28–214 nmol/L). Walruses exposed to high levels of organic pollutants (n=6) had significantly lower (P=.022) phosphorus concentration than those with low levels of pollutants (n=6).

Conclusions: The clinical chemistry reference values determined in this study can serve as baseline data for future health‐related studies of walruses in a changing Arctic and may also be helpful for health evaluations of walruses in captivity. Impacts of the exposure of marine mammals to organic pollutants should be further investigated.
QTL-specific microarray gene expression analysis of wheat resistance to Fusarium head blight in Sumai-3 and two susceptible NILs
Authors: Golkari Saber , Gilbert Jeannie , Ban Tomohiro , Procunier J. Douglas
Published: May 2009

Fusarium head blight, predominantly caused by Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe) in North America, is a destructive disease that poses a serious threat to wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) production around the world. cDNA microarrays consisting of wheat ESTs derived from a wheat – F. graminearum interaction suppressive subtractive hybridization library were used to investigate QTL-specific differential gene expression between the resistant Chinese cultivar Sumai-3 and two susceptible near isogenic lines (NILs) following inoculation with F. graminearum. Stringent conditions were employed to reduce the false discovery rate. A total of 25 wheat unigenes were found to express differentially in response to F. graminearum infection. Genes encoding pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins such as β-1,3-glucanase (PR-2), wheatwins (PR-4), and thaumatin-like proteins (PR-5) showed a significant upregulation in genotypes having the Sumai-3 3BS region. For these three genes, the gene activity was significantly less in the genotype (NIL-3) lacking the Sumai-3 3BS segment. Significant upregulation of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was detected only in the resistant Sumai-3, indicating the importance of both the 2AL and 3BS regions in the activation of effective defense responses to infection by F. graminearum. Differences in gene expression between the resistant Sumai-3 and the susceptible NILs were found to be mainly quantitative in nature.
G-string slippage turns white rice red
Authors: Lee David , Lupotto Elisabetta , Powell Wayne
Published: May 2009

The mutations that convey the white pericarp phenotype to rice ( Oryza sativa subsp. japonica) are in a regulatory gene, Rc. We have identified a genetic difference between the cultivar ‘Perla’ and its natural red rice mutant ‘Perla Rosso’ in the Rc gene. The deletion of a G base restores the reading frame for the Rc gene, lost by the original 14 bp deletion that gave rise to white rice.
Molecular responses to strength and endurance training: Are they incompatible?This paper article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Hawley John A.
Published: May 2009

Simultaneously training for both strength and endurance results in a compromised adaptation, compared with training for either exercise mode alone. This has been variously described as the concurrent training effect or the interference effect. It now appears that the genetic and molecular mechanisms of adaptation induced by resistance- and endurance-based training are distinct, with each mode of exercise activating and (or) repressing specific subsets of genes and cellular signalling pathways. This brief review will summarize our current understanding of the molecular responses to strength and endurance training, and will examine the molecular evidence for an interference effect when concurrent training is undertaken. A better understanding of the activation and interaction of the molecular pathways in response to these different modes of exercise will permit sport scientists to develop improved training programs capable of maximizing both strength and endurance.
Sarcolemmal fatty acid uptake vs. mitochondrial β-oxidation as target to regress cardiac insulin resistanceThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Luiken Joost J.F.P.
Published: May 2009

Cardiomyopathy and heart failure are frequent comorbid conditions in type-2 diabetic patients. However, it has become increasingly evident that insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, and cardiomyopathy are not independent variables, and are linked through changes in metabolism. Specifically, elevated intracellular levels of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) metabolites are a central feature in the development of cardiac insulin resistance, and their prolonged accumulation is an important cause of heart failure. In the insulin-resistant heart, the abundance of the LCFA transporters CD36 and FABPpm at the sarcolemma of cardiac myocytes appears to be markedly increased. Because circulating LCFA levels are increased in insulin resistance, the cardiac LCFA metabolizing machinery is confronted with drastic increases in substrate supply. Indeed, LCFA esterification into triacylglycerol and other lipid intermediates is increased, as is β-oxidation and reactive oxygen species production. Therapeutic strategies to normalize the cardiac LCFA flux would be most successful when the target is the rate-limiting step in cardiac LCFA utilization. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)-I has long been considered to be this rate-limiting site and, accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of CPT-I, or β-oxidation enzymes, has been proposed as an insulin-resistance-antagonizing strategy. However, recent evidence indicates that, instead, sarcolemmal LCFA transport mediated by CD36 in concert with FABPpm provides a major site of flux control. In this review, it is proposed that a pharmacologically imposed net internalization of CD36 and FABPpm is the preferable strategy to limit LCFA entry and accumulation of LCFA metabolites, to regress cardiac insulin resistance and, eventually, prevent diabetic heart failure.
Physiologic and molecular bases of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy: impact of resistance exercise on human skeletal muscle (protein and exercise dose effects)This paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Phillips Stuart M.
Published: May 2009

Normally, skeletal muscle mass is unchanged, beyond periods of growth, but it begins to decline in the fourth or fifth decade of life. The mass of skeletal muscle is maintained by ingestion of protein-containing meals. With feeding, muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is stimulated and a small suppression of muscle protein breakdown (MPB) occurs, such that protein balance becomes positive (MPS > MPB). As the postprandial period subsides and a transition toward fasting occurs, the balance of muscle protein turnover becomes negative again (MPB > MPS). Thus, during maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, the long-term net result is that MPS is balanced by MPB. Acutely, however, it is of interest to determine what regulates feeding-induced increases in MPS, since it appears that, in a number of scenarios (for example aging, disuse, and wasting diseases), a suppression of MPS in response to feeding is a common finding. In fact, recent findings point to the fact that loss of skeletal muscle mass with disuse and aging is due not chronic changes in MPS or MPB, but to a blunted feeding-induced rise in MPS. Resistance exercise is a potent stimulator of MPS and appears to synergistically enhance the gains stimulated by feeding. As such, resistance exercise is an important countermeasure to disuse atrophy and to age-related declines in skeletal muscle mass. What is less well understood is how the intensity and volume of the resistance exercise stimulus is sufficient to result in rises in MPS. Recent advances in this area are discussed here, with a focus on human in vivo data.
In vivo imaging of GLUT4 translocationThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Lauritzen Hans P.M.M.
Published: May 2009

In skeletal muscle, both insulin and muscle contractions mediate translocation of glucose transporter GLUT4 to the plasma membrane proper, the sarcolemma, and the specialized membrane channel network, the transverse (t)-tubules. Despite the fact that skeletal muscle glucose uptake plays a major role in normal conditions, in insulin resistance, and type II diabetes, the details of GLUT4 translocation and the intracellular signalling involved have not been fully described. A main reason is that the majority of experiments have been carried out in muscle cultures in vitro. In vitro cultured muscle is not fully differentiated and, therefore, diverges from real muscle, in that it has lower expression of GLUT4, an underdeveloped or nonexistent t-tubule network, and a reduced or nonexistent response to insulin. Thus, experiments carried out in cultured muscle cell systems might give misleading results on how GLUT4 translocation and the signalling involved takes place. To address this problem, a confocal imaging technique has been developed that allows delineation of the spartial and spatial distribution of GFP-tagged GLUT4 (GLUT4-GFP) translocation in living muscle fibers in situ in anesthetized mice. The effects of stimuli with insulin or in situ muscle contractions in fully differentiated muscle fibers can now be studied before, during, and after applying stimuli. Initial analysis of insulin-stimulated GLUT4-GFP translocation showed a delay in maximal translocation between the sarcolemma and t-tubules. Corresponding to the delay, we found that fluorescent tagged insulin reaches the sarcolemma first and then, with a delay, diffuses into the t-tubule system, enabling interaction with local insulin receptors and, in turn, triggering local insulin signalling and local GLUT4 translocation. In parallel, we showed that the majority of GLUT4 depot vesicles do not move long distances but are depleted locally in the sarcolemma or t-tubule regions. Analysis of GLUT4 translocation in insulin-resistant muscle showed that, primarily, GLUT4 recruitment in the t-tubule region is affected. We have now analysed the kinetics of contraction-mediated GLUT4 translocation and reinternalization, as well as dilineated some of the key signalling points involved in these processes.
Effect of stimulation frequency on angiogenesis and gene expression in ischemic skeletal muscle of rabbit
Authors: Shen Mei , Gao Jing , Li Jianan , Su Juan
Published: May 2009

To examine the comparative effects of different frequencies of electrical stimulation (ES) on angiogenesis and gene expression, New Zealand white rabbits with femoral artery ligation in one hindlimb and electrode implantation on the sciatic nerve of the same hindlimb were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control group, 1 Hz group, 10 Hz group, and 40 Hz group. The ES procedure involved 5 min stimulation, followed by 5 min rest, repeated 8 times daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The resting blood flow (RBF) was measured via the microspheres technique. Collateralization was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Angiogenic factors were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Both RBF and capillary density were significantly increased in the 10 Hz and 40 Hz groups, but were not changed in the 1 Hz group. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA was highest in the 40 Hz group. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) mRNA was significantly elevated only in the 40 Hz group. VEGF receptor fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk-1) mRNA was upregulated equally in the 10 Hz and 40 Hz groups, but fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) mRNA did not change in any group. Our results suggest that the optimal frequency of ES for angiogenesis is within the 10–40 Hz range.
Coordination-induced sliding motion of a complementary porphyrin-phthalocyanine dimer: fluorescence-based molecular switch
Authors: Satake Akiharu , Sugimura Toshimasa , Kobuke Yoshiaki
Published: May 2009

The reversible control of dual (or multiple) states of molecules and supramolecules has attracted much attention for molecular switch, sensor, memory, logic gate, and molecular machine applications. In this paper, a ligand-induced sliding system using a complementary porphyrin-phthalocyanine dimer accompanied by a large fluorescence change is described. An imidazole-appended porphyrinatozinc-phthalocyaninatomagnesium complex 5 was synthesized by the palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction of the corresponding porphyrin and phthalocyanine moieties. The imidazole group of 5 coordinated to the magnesium ion of another 5 was formed spontaneously and dominantly to give a stacked dimer 5ST in non-coordinating solvents, such as chloroform, even at submicromolar concentration (< 10-6 M). When an appropriate amount of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was added to the 5ST solution, the stacked dimer was transformed almost quantitatively into the extended dimer 5Ex. This transformation was monitored by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. In the UV-vis spectra, the porphyrin's Soret band is split characteristically because of excitonic coupling between the two closely located porphyrins in 5Ex. At the same time, the fluorescence intensity of 5Ex at 700 nm (ex. 414 nm) increased by a factor of 28 compared with that of 5ST. Removal of the DMSO molecules by extraction with water from the system regenerated 5ST almost completely from 5Ex, and the fluorescence was quenched again. The reversible system can be repeated by cycles of addition and removal of DMSO. The present system can be classified as a coordination-induced sliding system accompanied by a large fluorescence change, and may be applied as a fluorescence-based molecular switch.
Asymmetric porphycenes: synthesis and photophysical properties of 9-substituted 2,7,12,17-tetraphenylporphycenes
Authors: Arad Ofir , Rubio Noemí , Sánchez-García David , Borrell José I. , Nonell Santi
Published: May 2009

The effects of 9-substitution on the photophysical properties of tetraphenylporphycenes (TPPo) have been examined using an electron acceptor, an electron donor, and an electroneutral substituent as model compounds. Introduction of the acetoxy group enhances the fluorescence ability of the compound, with only a small reduction in the singlet oxygen quantum yield. The optical and photophysical properties of a nitro-porphycene are reported for the first time. The compound is emerald green, contrasting with the typical blue color of porphycenes. While this compound is much less fluorescent than unsubstituted TPPo, its singlet oxygen quantum yield is only slightly lower, almost identical to that of the 9-acetoxy compound (9-AcOTPPo). Finally, the electron-donor amino group is found to induce the greatest changes in the porphycene photophysics, decreasing strongly its fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields. With the exception of such electron donors, introduction of substituents at the 9 (meso) position of tetraphenylporphycenes is not detrimental to their photophysics and photosensitizing ability and thus can be exploited for targeted photodynamic therapy purposes.
Evidence for role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids in mediating ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning in dog
Authors: Gross Garrett J. , Gauthier Kathryn M. , Moore Jeannine , Campbell William B. , Falck John R. , Nithipatikom Kasem
Published: May 2009

Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) epoxygenases and their arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), have been shown to produce marked reductions in infarct size (IS) in canine myocardium either given before an ischemic insult or at reperfusion similar to that produced in ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and postconditioning (POC) protocols. However, no studies have addressed the possibility that EETs serve a beneficial role in IPC or POC. We tested the hypothesis that EETs may play a role in these two phenomena by preconditioning dog hearts with one 5-min period of total coronary occlusion followed by 10 min of reperfusion before 60 min of occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion or by postconditioning with three 30-s periods of reperfusion interspersed with three 30-s periods of occlusion. To test for a role of EETs in IPC and POC, the selective EET antagonists 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE) or its derivative, 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid 2-[2-(3-hydroxy-propoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl ester (14,15-EEZE-PEG), were administered 10 min before IPC, 5 min after IPC, or 5 min before POC. In a separate series, the selective EET synthesis inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-6-(propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (MS-PPOH) was administered 10 min before IPC. Infarct size was determined by tetrazolium staining and coronary collateral blood flow at 30 min of occlusion and reperfusion flow at 3 h by radioactive microspheres. Both IPC and POC produced nearly equivalent reductions in IS expressed as a percentage of the area at risk (AAR) [Control 21.2 ± 1.2%, IPC 8.3 ± 2.2%, POC 10.1 ± 1.8% ( P < 0.001)]. 14,15-EEZE, 14,15-EEZE-PEG, and MS-PPOH markedly attenuated the cardioprotective effects of IPC and POC (14,15-EEZE and 14,15-EEZE-PEG) at doses that had no effect on IS/AAR when given alone. These results suggest a unique role for endogenous EETs in both IPC and POC.
The prone position results in smaller ventilation defects during bronchoconstriction in asthma
Authors: Harris R. Scott , Winkler Tilo , Musch Guido , Vidal Melo Marcos F. , Schroeder Tobias , Tgavalekos Nora , Venegas José G.
Published: May 2009

The effect of body posture on regional ventilation during bronchoconstriction is unknown. In five subjects with asthma, we measured spirometry, low-frequency (0.15-Hz) lung elastance, and resistance and regional ventilation by intravenous 13NN-saline positron emission tomography before and after nebulized methacholine. The subjects were imaged prone on 1 day and supine on another, but on both days the methacholine was delivered while prone. From the residual 13NN after washout, ventilation defective areas were defined, and their location, volume, ventilation, and fractional gas content relative to the rest of the lung were calculated. Independent of posture, all subjects developed ventilation defective areas. Although ventilation within these areas was similarly reduced in both postures, their volume was smaller in prone than supine (25 vs. 41%, P < 0.05). The geometric center of the ventilation defective areas was gravitationally dependent relative to that of the lung in both postures. Mean lung fractional gas content was greater in the prone position before methacholine and did not increase as much as in the supine position after methacholine. In the prone position at baseline, areas that became ventilation defects had lower gas content than the rest of the lung. In both positions at baseline, there was a gradient of gas content in the vertical direction. In asthma, the size and location of ventilation defects is affected by body position and likely affected by small differences in lung expansion during bronchoconstriction.
Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Express Retinal Phenotypic Markers Following Different Induction Protocols
Authors: Liu Dong Ning , Yin Zheng Qin , Wu Nan , Wang Yan Hua , Chen Li Feng
Published: May 2009

Purpose: To investigate and compare the effects of two different protocols on inducing bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into retinal neurons. Methods: BMSCs from adult rat femurs were cultured and passaged 3 times. The cells were then induced by either the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) protocol or by co-culturing with neonatal rat retina. Morphological changes were monitored and immunocytochemistry was used to detect the expression of neuronal and retinal neuron-specific markers. Results: The bFGF protocol induced a maximum of 74% of the BMSCs to assume a neuronal-like morphology, but this was also associated with significant cell detachment during the 7-day culture period. By comparison, with the co-culture method only a maximum of 10% of cells became neuronal-like, but without marked cell detachment. The cells expressed microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2, a neuronal marker) and Thy1.1 (a retinal ganglion cell marker) at all time points under both protocols. The percentage of MAP-2- and Thy1.1-positive cells was much higher following bFGF induction compared to co-culture induction. Following bFGF induction a small number of opsin-positive cells (a photoreceptor marker) were observed only on day 1. These cells were first observed at day 5 with co-culturing. The expression of protein kinase Cα (a bipolar cell marker) and glial fibrillary acidic protein was not detected after either protocol. Conclusion: BMSCs can express retinal neuron-specific phenotypic markers in response to bFGF induction or retinal co-cultures in vitro. When a short induction time is used the bFGF induction is superior, albeit with certain limitations, to retinal co-cultures for inducing BMSCs to express retinal neuron-specific markers.
Role of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor on Retinal Vascular Leakage in a Rat Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model
Authors: Nakamura Hiroaki , Yamazaki Mami , Ohyama Takao , Inoue Tatsuya , Arakawa Naohisa , Domon Yuki , Yokoyama Tomihisa
Published: May 2009

Aim: To investigate the role of angiotensin type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors in hypoxia-induced retinal vascular hyperpermeability. Methods: Brown-Norway rat pups were exposed to hyperoxic conditions from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12, and to subsequent normal air for 5 days [oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model]. Olmesartan medoxomil (AT1 receptor antagonist; administered orally), PD123319 (AT2 receptor antagonist; administered subcutaneously) or a vehicle was administered once daily during the last 5 days. At P16, the retinal permeability was determined by measuring the leaked fluorescein-conjugated dextran concentration in the retina. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) α proteins in the retina were assessed by an ELISA and western blotting, respectively. Results: Olmesartan medoxomil partially, but significantly, inhibited the retinal vascular hyperpermeability induced by hypoxia. In contrast, PD123319 did not show a significant effect. The VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels were significantly elevated in the OIR retina; however, there was no significant effect of olmesartan medoxomil on the expression of either protein. Conclusions: These results suggest that the AT1 receptor is, at least partly, responsible for hyperpermeability in the OIR rat retina via a mechanism independent of HIF-1 and VEGF expression.
Acute Cochlear Nucleus Compression Alters Tuning Properties of Inferior Colliculus Neurons
Authors: Crea Katherine N. , Shivdasani Mohit N. , Argent Rebecca E. , Mauger Stefan J. , Rathbone Graeme D. , O’Leary Stephen J. , Paolini Antonio G.
Published: May 2009

Auditory brainstem implants (ABI) have been used in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients in an attempt to restore hearing sensation, with limited clinical success. Factors associated with poor clinical outcomes for NF2 ABI patients include larger tumour size, longer duration of hearing loss, and brainstem distortion and/or deformation caused by tumours that compress the brainstem. The present study investigated changes in tuning properties of inferior colliculus (IC) neurons following compression of the contralateral cochlear nucleus (CN). The left CN in adult rats (n = 8) was exposed and a 32-channel acute recording probe inserted along the tonotopic gradient of the right IC. In 4 animals, an ethylene vinyl acetate bead was applied to the exposed CN. Three recordings were made corresponding to T1 = 0 min (before compression), T2 = 45 min (during compression) and T3 = 225 min (following bead removal/recovery). Recordings consisted of a response area protocol using pure tones of various frequencies and intensities (1–44 kHz; 10–70 dB SPL) to determine the characteristic frequency for each probe site. Compression of the CN led to sharpened tuning curves, decreased spike rate, and increased threshold and characteristic frequency in the IC. Reversal of compression enabled these variables, excluding threshold, to recover to baseline. NF2 patients may have poorer ABI performance due to damage to the physical structure of the CN, resulting in alterations to the tonotopic organisation of the auditory pathway which may complicate ABI implantation and activation.
Sound Localization and Binaural Hearing in Children with a Hearing Aid and a Cochlear Implant
Authors: Beijen J. , Snik A.F.M. , Straatman L.V. , Mylanus E.A.M. , Mens L.H.M.
Published: May 2009

The aims of the study were to investigate whether sound localization acuity improved when children with 1 cochlear implant use a hearing aid in the contralateral ear (bimodal fitting), and whether this enabled them to benefit from a binaural masking level difference. Four different noise bursts were used as stimuli for a minimal audible angle localization test. On average, localization acuity remained poor with the cochlear implant alone, but also with bimodal fitting. A significant benefit of bimodal fitting was only shown when the most complicated stimulus with roved amplitude and spectrum was presented (minimal audible angle of 151° with bimodal fitting vs. 175° with cochlear implant alone). No significant binaural masking level difference was found between the cochlear implant alone and the bimodal condition.
The Road to DSM-V
Authors: Colom F. , Vieta E.
Published: May 2009

There is general agreement that DSM-IV and ICD-10 require major improvements in format and content to make them more valid, evidence-based and clinically useful. DSM-IV-TR currently includes a series of clinical features that provide potentially useful information on cross-sectional and longitudinal courses of bipolar disorder. This conceptual and data-driven review proposes changes in the current classification by removing, modifying and adding bipolar episode and course specifiers in DSM-V. Specifiers to be maintained would be ‘with catatonic features’, ‘with melancholic features’, ‘with atypical features’ and ‘with rapid cycling’. The ‘seasonal pattern’ modifier should be amended to allow manic, hypomanic and mixed episodes to be included in the description. Some specifiers should likely be substantially reconceptualized (‘severity/psychosis/remission’) or removed (‘with post-partum onset’). Age at onset (early, intermediate or late onset) and predominant polarity (manic, depressive) should be added for their relevance for course and outcome.
Structural Differences within Negative and Depressive Syndrome Dimensions in Schizophrenia, Organic Brain Disease, and Major Depression: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
Authors: Eisenberg Daniel P. , Aniskin Dmitry B. , White Leonard , Stein Judith A. , Harvey Philip D. , Galynker Igor I.
Published: May 2009

Objective: The emerging dimensional approach to classification and treatment of psychiatric disorders calls for better understanding of diagnosis-related variations in psychiatric syndromes and for proper validation of psychometric scales used for the evaluation of those syndromes. This study tested the hypothesis that negative and depressive syndromes as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) are consistent across different diagnoses. Method: We administered the PANSS to subjects with schizophrenia (n = 305), organic brain disease (OBD, n = 66) and major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 75). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to establish if the PANSS items for negative symptoms and for depression fit the hypothesized factor structure and if the item factor loadings were similar among the diagnostic groups. Results: The negative and depressive symptom subscales fit well according to a variety of fit indexes for all groups individually after some modest model modification. However, multisample modeling procedures indicated that the pattern of factor loadings was significantly different among the groups in most cases. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate diagnosis-related variations in the negative and depressive syndrome dimensions in schizophrenia, OBD and MDD. These results also validate limited use of the PANSS for evaluation of negative and depressive syndromes in disorders other than schizophrenia. Larger studies are warranted to further evaluate clinical and nosologic significance of diagnostic categories, dimensions and structures of psychiatric syndromes.
Physiologische Grundlagen zur Therapie der Wasser-, Elektrolyt-und Säure-Basen-Störungen im Säuglings- und Kindesalter
Authors: Oetliker O.H.
Published: May 2009

Die Therapie von Störungen des Wasser-, Elektrolyt- und Säure-Basen-Haushaltes beruht im wesentlichen auf der Ausnützung der renalen Regulationsmechanismen und deren Steuerung. Eine solche Therapie im Säuglings- und Kleinkindesalter unterscheidet sich von derjenigen im Erwachsenenalter im wesentlichen nur durch die entwicklungsbedingte Quantität der Nierenleistung. Quantität und Qualität der Nierenleistung im Neugeborenen- und Säuglingsalter werden besprochen. Die normale Niere des Säuglings und Kleinkindes hat eine weniger breite Belastbarkeit, und für den Therapeuten sind deshalb die Möglichkeiten einfacher diagnostischer Maβnahmen zur Beurteilung der individuellen Nierenfunktion von besonderer Bedeutung. Sie werden besprochen, und ein konzeptuelles Schema zur Behandlung wird vorgelegt.
Die Technik der Infusionsbehandlung und der parenteralen Ernährung bei Neugeborenen und Säuglingen
Authors: Dangel P.
Published: May 2009

Es werden die verschiedenen in der Universitätskinderkünik Zürich verwendeten Infusionstechniken beschrieben. Die unbestrittenen Vor-teile bei der Anwendung von zentralen Venenkathetern werden auch bei optimaler Technik mit einigen Gefahren erkauft, wobei die Infektionsgefahr die wichtigste ist. Zentrale Venenkatheter sollen deshalb nur dann und so lange angewendet werden, wie da-für eine eindeutige Indikation besteht. Die wichtigsten Indikationen in der Pädiatrie und in der Kinderchirurgie sind gewisse Fälle von pr-ä und postoperativer Iniusionsbehandlung, die Schock-behandlung sowie die langdauernde parenterale Ernährung, welche ohne zentrale Venenkatheter unmöglich wäre. Die wirksamsten Maβnahmen zum Verhüten von Katheterinfektionen sind die aseptische Operationstechnik beim Anlegen des Katheters sowie die mög-lichst frühzeitige Entfernung desselben.
Parenterale Ernährung in der Kinderchirurgie – Ergebnisse von Bilanzuntersuchungen
Authors: Schärli A.F. , Rumlova E.
Published: May 2009

Nach einem operativen Eingriff ist regelmäßig eine erhebliche negative Stickstoffbilanz im Kindesalter festzustellen. Bilanzuntersuchungen haben gezeigt, daß ein Mindestbedarf von 300–350 mg N in der Form einer kristallinen Aminosäurenlösung zur Normalisierung der katabolen Stoffwechsellage besteht. Eine Stickstoff zufuhr ist aber nur dann rationell, wenn gleichzeitig 60 cal/kg an brennbarer Energie zur Verfügung gestellt wird. Bei schweren chirurgischen Leiden und im Neugeborenenalter können die Stoffwechselansprüche um das Doppelte höher liegen. In richtiger Handhabung und gerade unter Kontrolle der Stoffwechselbilanz ist in solchen Fällen die parenterale Ernährung von Nutzen und darf darum zu den größten Fortschritten der heutigen Medizin gezählt werden.
Melatonin Controls Seasonal Breeding by a Network of Hypothalamic Targets
Authors: Revel Florent G. , Masson-Pévet Mireille , Pévet Paul , Mikkelsen Jens D. , Simonneaux Valérie
Published: May 2009

In seasonal species, the photoperiod (i.e. day length) tightly regulates reproduction to ensure that birth occurs at the most favourable time of year. In mammals, a distinct photoneuroendocrine circuit controls this process via the pineal hormone melatonin. This hormone is responsible for the seasonal timing of reproduction, but the anatomical substrates and the cellular mechanisms through which melatonin modulates seasonal functions remain imprecise. Recently, several genes have been identified as being regulated by the photoperiod in the brain of seasonal mammals. These genes are thought to play active roles in the regulation of seasonal biology, notably for the adjustment of reproduction and body weight. Here, we briefly review findings associated with the control of seasonal breeding and describe recent data ascribing photoperiodic roles to type 2 and type 3 deiodinases, to the Kiss1/GPR54 system and to the RFamide-related peptides.Interestingly, these systems involve different hypothalamic nuclei, suggesting that several brain loci may be crucial for melatonin to regulate reproduction, and thus represent key starting points to identify the long-sought-after mode and site(s) of action of melatonin. Such findings raise great hopes for the future and could herald a new era of research in the field of seasonal biology.
Säure-Basen-Haushalt – Störungen und Therapie
Authors: Gofferje H. , Nierle G.
Published: May 2009

In der Arbeit wird der Versuch unternommen, anhand von Abbildun-gen und Tabellen das für die Intensivtherapie unbedingt erforderliche Wissen zum Säure-Basen-Haushalt in knapper Form darzustellen. Dabei wird vor allem auf die Auswirkungen von Störungen des Säure- Basen-Haushaltes auf die Organfunktionen eingegangen und damit gleichzeitig die Bedeutung einer situationsgerechten Therapie unter-strichen. In diesem Zusammenhang wird insbesondere auf den Platz der Infusionstherapie bei der Behandlung von Störungen des Säure- Basen-Haushaltes eingegangen.
Anwendung von rückstandsfrei resorbierbaren Nährpräparaten in der Dickdarmchirurgie
Authors: Bojanowicz K. , Wasiak J.
Published: May 2009

1.Unsere Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, daβ die Verwendung von Vivasorb®, also eines Nährpräparates, das im Dünndarm vollständig resorbiert wird, es möglich macht, die Patienten auf eine Operation des Dickdarmes vorzubereiten, ohne sie hungern lassen zu müssen. Dieses Nährpräparat garantiert die Zufuhr aller notwendigen Be-standteile der Nahrung bei hohem kalorischen Wert. 2.Es wird dabei eine Verbesserung der örtlichen Gegebenheiten für die Heilung der Darmnähte erreicht durch das Fehlen des Darm-inhaltes im Dickdarm und durch die guten trophischen Verhältnisse in der Darmwand. 3.Die Verwendung von Vivasorb® bietet die Möglichkeit, Mehr-etappen-Operationen, z. B. mit passageren Fisteln, zu vermeiden. 4.Die Anwendung von Vivasorb® schafft eine Möglichkeit zum Aus-gleich des Stickstoffdefizits, welches sich sonst durch den Abbau im Hunger während der Vorbereitungszeit zur Operation ergibt und in der postoperativen Phase verstárkt anhält. 5.Wir haben das orale Nährpräparat Vivasorb® mit gutem Erfolg bei unseren Untersuchungen und operativen Behandlungen von Dickdarm- und Rektumkarzinom, in Fallen von Hämorrhoiden und Anal-fisteln verwendet. Weitere Untersuchungen werden noch durchge-führt. 6.Wir halten es für günstig, in der Vorbereitungsperiode auch Klysmen anzuwenden, damit durch Entfernung des Restkotes aus der Zeit vor Vivasorb®-Anwendung die Vorbereitungszeit abgekürzt werden kann, ohne daβ deswegen die Keimfreiheit des Dickdarms beein-trächtigt würde.
Zum Stoffwechsel von Monosacchariden und Polyolen
Authors: Förster H.
Published: May 2009

Der Stoffwechsel und die verschiedenen Stoffwechselwirkungen der Zuckeraustauschstoffe Fruktose, Sorbit und Xylit wurden untersucht und mit Glukose verglichen. Fruktose, Sorbit und Xylit werden prak-tisch vollständig über die Leber in den Stoffwechsel eingeschleust, während Glukose höchstens zu 20–30% in diesem Organ umgesetzt wird. Die Zucker und Polyole haben eine Reihe von »kohlenhydrat-spezifischen« Wirkungen gemeinsam. Unter anderem sind dies die folgenden Wirkungen: Anstieg der Laktatkonzentration, Anstieg des Laktat/Pyruvat-Quotienten, Absinken der Konzentration der freien Fettsäuren und Absinken der Phosphatkonzentration. Die einzige Wirkung, die auf Fruktose, Sorbit und Xylit beschränkt ist, ist die vermehrte Harnsäuresynthese. Obwohl man davon ausgehen kann, daβ die Zuckeraustauschstoffe im Stoffwechsel als Glukosepräkur-soren zu betrachten sind, ist der Anstieg der Blutglukosekonzentra-tion bei Normalpersonen sehr gering oder fehlt vollständig. Dieses Verhalten könnte auf die als Glukose-Fettsäure-Zyklus bezeichnete Wechselwirkung zurückzuführen sein. Es ist daher zu erwarten, daβ Fruktose, Sorbit und Xylit bei Diabetes mellitus und bei Streβ-patienten Vorteile gegenüber Glukose haben.
Free Amino Acids in Plasma in the Post-Traumatic Period
Authors: Dölp R. , Fekl W. , Ahnefeld F.W.
Published: May 2009

The pattern of the amino acids in plasma of 22 polytraumatized patients who obtained a standardized total parenteral nutrition over a period of 3–10 days was studied. Following to the trauma – before the infusion period – a rapid decrease of concentration of a part of the amino acids appeared. During the period of parenteral nutrition nearly all of the amino acids showed a different increase in plasma, partly manifold over their normal range which resulted in a disturbance of the pattern of the amino acids. Particularly the influence of the infusion therapy on the sulfur-containing amino acids, the branched-chain amino acids and the glycine level in plasma is discussed.
Das Wissen um die Nachteile einer falschen Ernährung und um den Einfluß von Genußgiften (Ergebnisse einer Befragung bei 100 Arbeitnehmern ernes Großbetriebs)
Authors: Ehrnsperger H. , Wagner K. , Mehnert H.
Published: May 2009

Bei einem unausgewählten Kollektiv von 100 Angestellten und Arbeitern eines Großbetriebs wurden die Kenntnisse in Fragen des Körpergewichts, der Ernährung und des Nikotinabusus geprüft sowie die Eßgewohnheiten und die damit in Zusammenhang stehenden Erziehungsprinzipien ermittelt. Fast alle Befragten kannten ihr Körpergewicht. Die Hälfte der Befragten konnte das Idealgewicht mit einer Genauigkeit von ± 10% angeben. Der Anteil der erheblich Übergewichtigen zeigte innerhalb des Gesamtkollektivs eine Abhängigkeit vom höheren Lebensalter und vom weiblichen Geschlecht. Unter den Befragten mit höherer Schulbildung fanden sich mehr normalgewichtige Probanden. Die Befragten waren über die Nachteile des Übergewichts gut informiert und führten in zwei Drittel der Fälle mindestens eine wöchentliche Gewichtskontrolle durch. Die Probanden gaben an, dem Begriff »Diät« vor allem in den Massenmedien begegnet zu sein. Etwa die Hälfte der Befragten konnte den Begriff der Kalorie annähernd genau definieren. Die benötigte Kalorienmenge würde allerdings häufig unterschätzt, ohne daß daraus aber offenbar Konsequenzen gezogen worden waren. Der Kaloriengehalt von alkoholhaltigen Getränken wurde unterschätzt. Bier stand weit im Vordergrund der genossenen Alkoholika. Nur ein Fünftel der Befragten »belohnen« ihre Kinder mit Süßigkeiten und legen Wert darauf, daß die Kinder alles aufessen, was sie auf dem Teller haben. Etwa die Hälfte der Befragten waren Raucher. Ein weiteres Viertel hatte nie geraucht, ein anderes Viertel hatte sich das Rauchen abgewöhnt. Vorwiegend wurden Zigaretten konsumiert, obwohl beinahe alle Befragten das inhalierende Rauchen für schädlich hielten. Die alleinige Kenntnis von Faktoren, die sich nachteilig auf den Gesundheitszustand auswirken (z. B. Übergewicht, Rauchen) scheint nicht auszureichen, um gesundheitsbewußt zu leben. Da die Probanden im Prinzip jedoch willens sind, etwas für ihre Gesundheit zu tun, bietet sich die Zusammenfassung von Adipösen und Rauchern in Gruppen an, die verhaltenstherapeutisch behandelt und entsprechend positiv motiviert werden sollten.
Sind Maltoseinfusionen für die Infusionstherapie geeignet?
Authors: Förster H. , Hoos I. , Boecker S. , Michel B.
Published: May 2009

Die Eignung von Maltose für die Infusionstherapie wurde bei stoff-wechselgesunden Probanden überprüft. Den nüchternen Versuchs-personen wurden über einen Zeitraum von 4 Stunden 20%ige Maltoselösungen in drei verschiedenen Dosierungen infundiert (0,125 g/kg, 0,25 g/kg, 0,5 g/kg KG/h). Nach Abschluβ der Dauerinfusionen wurden noch weitere 4 Stunden »Nachbeobachtung« angeschlossen. Die Maltoseinfusionen wurden komplikationslos vertragen. Jedoch stellte sich nur bei der niedrigsten Konzentration von 0,125 g/kg KG und h eine annähernd konstante Blutkonzentration ein. Dies bedeutet, daβ die Umsatzkapazität für Maltose beim Menschen sehr gering ist. Die Blutglukosekonzentration blieb weitgehend unverändert, die Seruminsulinkonzentration stieg geringfügig an. Als weiteres Zeichen für einen Umsatz von Maltose im Organismus kann das Absinken der Konzentration der freien Fettsäuren gewertet werden. Aufgrund der geringen Umsatzkapazität für Maltose gehen bei höheren Infusionsgeschwindigkeiten 20–30% der zugeführten Maltose im Harn verloren (als Maltose und als Glukose). Ein gröβerer Teil der im Harn ausgeschiedenen Zucker besteht aus Glukose, obwohl die Blutglukosekonzentration nicht wesentlich erhöht war. Nach den vorliegenden Befunden an freiwilligen Versuchspersonen ist Maltose wegen der geringen Umsatzkapazität und wegen der hohen renalen Verluste für die Infusionstherapie wenig geeignet.
Die physiologische Bilanzierung von Wasser, Elektrolyten und Nahrungsstoffen
Authors: Deetjen P.
Published: May 2009

Es werden die wichtigsten Mechanismen zur Steuerung von Hunger und Durst geschildert, sowie die physiologischen Abläufe bei der Aufnahme von Nahrungsstoffen, Wasser und Elektrolyten dargestellt. Durch mehrfach abgesicherte Reflexketten ist der Organismus gegen eine übermäßige Wasseraufnahme abgesichert, andererseits aber auch gegen zu starke Wasser- und Salzverluste geschützt.
Ernährungsprobleme bei Nierenerkrankungen
Authors: Kult J.
Published: May 2009

Die diätetische Therapie bei Nierenerkrankungen ohne arterielle Hypertonie und Einschränkung der Nierenfunktion ist heute weit-gehend verlassen worden. Arterielle Hypertonie, Urämie, Kalk- und Uratsteine bedürfen dagegen einer spezifischen Therapie. Symptome des Urämiesyndroms sind zumindest teilweise auf Störungen im Aminosäurenstoffwechsel bei Niereninsuffizienz zurückzuführen, wie tierexperimentelle Befunde zeigten. Urämiepatienten mit Störungen im Plasmaproteinstoffwechsel (Transferrin, Komplement, Cholinesterase, retinolbindendes Protein, Präalbumin) bedürfen einer oralen bzw. parenteralen Substitution essentieller Aminosäuren. Dies gilt vor allem im akuten katabolen Streβ bei Niereninsuffizienz mit und ohne Dialysebehandlung.