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Recovery Phase (recovery + phase)
Selected AbstractsRespiratory patterns in panic disorder reviewed: a focus on biological challenge testsACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009V. Niccolai Objective:, To provide a systematic review of studies investigating respiration in PD and comments on relative inconsistencies. Method:, A Medline search of controlled studies focusing on pCO2, respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume in PD patients was conducted for baseline/resting condition, challenge, and recovery phase. Respiratory variability and comparisons between panickers and non-panickers were also examined. Results:, Lower pCO2 levels in PD subjects are a consistent finding during the baseline/resting condition, the challenge, and recovery phases. Tidal volume and minute volume are increased in PD subjects relative to controls during the baseline/resting condition. However, the most robust finding is a higher than normal respiratory variability, which appears to be a promising factor for the identification of respiratory etiopathological pathways in PD. Conclusion:, Respiratory variability might be a candidate for a biological marker of PD: an abnormal breathing pattern as found in panic disorder (PD) patients compared with controls might indicate instability of the respiratory homeostasis. [source] Flagship regeneration project as a tool for post-disaster recovery planning: the Zeytinburnu caseDISASTERS, Issue 2 2009Ozlem Ozcevik Sustainable redevelopment following disasters has been a main policy objective of post-disaster recovery efforts over the past few decades. Yet, nine years after the 1999 Marmara earthquake in Turkey, the redevelopment of risky housing areas is still a point of debate on the urban planning and disaster mitigation agenda. However, planning studies on mildly and moderately damaged areas located in the centre of Istanbul are ongoing. This article presents the evidence of a pilot project undertaken by Zeytinburnu Municipality, Istanbul, four years after the Marmara earthquake., The aim is to generate a debate on the preconditions required for a sustainable urban regeneration approach in the post-disaster recovery phase. The results of the pilot project underline the importance of capacity building in sustaining social capital, strengthening the legal framework, restructuring planning regulations, and managing the housing redevelopment process by taking advantage of a window of opportunity afforded by the disaster recovery period. [source] Comparison of cardiovascular function and quality of recovery in isoflurane-anaesthetised horses administered a constant rate infusion of lidocaine or lidocaine and medetomidine during elective surgeryEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010A. VALVERDE Summary Reasons for performing study: The effects of lidocaine combined with medetomidine or lidocaine alone on cardiovascular function during anaesthesia and their effects on recovery have not been thoroughly investigated in isoflurane-anaesthetised horses. Objectives: To determine the effects of an intraoperative i.v. constant rate infusion of lidocaine combined with medetomidine (Group 1) or lidocaine (Group 2) alone on cardiovascular function and on the quality of recovery in 12 isoflurane-anaesthetised horses undergoing arthroscopy. Hypothesis: The combination would depress cardiovascular function but improve the quality of recovery when compared to lidocaine alone in isoflurane-anaesthetised horses. Methods: Lidocaine (2 mg/kg bwt i.v. bolus followed by 50 µg/kg bwt/min i.v.) or lidocaine (same dose) and medetomidine (5 µg/kg bwt/h i.v.) was started 30 min after induction of anaesthesia. Lidocaine administration was discontinued 30 min before the end of surgery in both groups, whereas medetomidine administration was continued until the end of surgery. Cardiovascular function and quality of recovery were assessed. Results: Horses in Group 1 had longer recoveries, which were of better quality due to better strength and overall attitude during the recovery phase than those in Group 2. Arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 and this effect was associated with medetomidine. No significant differences in cardiac output, arterial blood gases, electrolytes and acid-base status were detected between the 2 groups. Conclusions and potential relevance: The combination of an intraoperative constant rate infusion of lidocaine and medetomidine did not adversely affect cardiovascular function in isoflurane-anaesthetised horses and improved the quality of recovery when compared to an intraoperative infusion of lidocaine alone. [source] Elevated sweat sodium associated with pulmonary oedema in meningococcal sepsisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 8 2004M. Eisenhut Abstract Background, We observed a temporary positive sweat test with sodium and chloride levels greater than 60 mmol L,1 following meningococcal septicaemia. Objective was to investigate whether this finding is reproducible and whether this disturbance in epithelial sodium transport is related to sepsis-induced pulmonary oedema. Materials and methods, Twenty-four children with a diagnosis of meningococcal septicaemia and 10 controls with noninfectious critical illness admitted to the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital were included. Sweat collection was by pilocarpine iontophoresis in the acute phase of the illness (days 1,5) and on follow up. Sodium and chloride concentrations were determined by flame photometry. Results, In patients with meningococcal septicaemia, sweat sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly higher in the acute compared with the recovery phase, with a mean (SD) of 31·0 (14·6) mmol L,1 in the acute vs. 19·6 (10·2) mmol L,1 on recovery for sodium and 21·0 (12·1) mmol L,1 in the acute vs. 11·8 (4·9) mmol L,1 on recovery for chloride (P < 0·01, t -test, for sodium and chloride). Sweat sodium and chloride were significantly higher in patients with meningococcal disease compared with controls and in the acute phase in patients with septicaemia-related pulmonary oedema [mean (SD) sodium: 41·0 (15·4) mmol L,1 and chloride: 28·8 (14·3) mmol L,1] compared with septic patients without [mean (SD) sodium: 24·5 (10·1) mmol L,1 and chloride: 15·3 (7·9) mmol L,1] (P < 0·01 for sodium and chloride). Conclusions, This is the first study to provide in vivo evidence of reduced epithelial sodium transport in children with septicaemia and of its association with pulmonary oedema. [source] Treatment of neutral glycosphingolipid lysosomal storage diseases via inhibition of the ABC drug transporter, MDR1FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 9 2006Cyclosporin A can lower serum, liver globotriaosyl ceramide levels in the Fabry mouse model We have shown that the ABC transporter, multiple drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1, P-glycoprotein) translocates glucosyl ceramide from the cytosolic to the luminal Golgi surface for neutral, but not acidic, glycosphingolipid (GSL) synthesis. Here we show that the MDR1 inhibitor, cyclosporin A (CsA) can deplete Gaucher lymphoid cell lines of accumulated glucosyl ceramide and Fabry cell lines of globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb3), by preventing de novo synthesis. In the Fabry mouse model, Gb3 is increased in the heart, liver, spleen, brain and kidney. The lack of renal glomerular Gb3 is retained, but the number of verotoxin 1 (VT1)-staining renal tubules, and VT1 tubular targeting in vivo, is markedly increased in Fabry mice. Adult Fabry mice were treated with ,-galactosidase (enzyme-replacement therapy, ERT) to eliminate serum Gb3 and lower Gb3 levels in some tissues. Serum Gb3 was monitored using a VT1 ELISA during a post-ERT recovery phase ± biweekly intra peritoneal CsA. After 9 weeks, tissue Gb3 content and localization were determined using VT1/TLC overlay and histochemistry. Serum Gb3 recovered to lower levels after CsA treatment. Gb3 was undetected in wild-type liver, and the levels of Gb3 (but not gangliosides) in Fabry mouse liver were significantly depleted by CsA treatment. VT1 liver histochemistry showed Gb3 accumulated in Kupffer cells, endothelial cell subsets within the central and portal vein and within the portal triad. Hepatic venule endothelial and Kupffer cell VT1 staining was considerably reduced by in vivo CsA treatment. We conclude that MDR1 inhibition warrants consideration as a novel adjunct treatment for neutral GSL storage diseases. [source] Cladoceran community responses to biomanipulation and re-oligotrophication in Lake Vesijärvi, Finland, as inferred from remains in annually laminated sedimentFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010MIRVA NYKÄNEN Summary 1. We studied the role of zooplankton in biomanipulation and the subsequent recovery phase in the Enonselkä basin of Lake Vesijärvi, using subfossil cladocerans in annually laminated sediment. Measures to restore the Enonselkä basin included reduction in external nutrient loading and mass removal of plankti- and benthivorous fish. Water clarity increased and the lake changed from a eutrophic to a mesotrophic state. However, some signs of increased turbidity were observed after 5,10 years of successful recovery. 2. Annual laminae in a freeze core sample were identified and sliced, based on the seasonal succession of diatoms. Cladoceran remains and rotifer eggs were counted, and Daphnia ephippia and Eubosmina and Bosmina ephippia and carapaces were measured. Annual changes in pelagic species composition were studied with principal component analysis. Individual species abundance, size measurements and various cladoceran-based indices or ratios (commonly used to reconstruct changes in trophic state and fish predation) were tested for change between four distinct periods: I (1985,1988) dense fish stocks, poor water quality; II (1989,1992) fish removal; III (1993,1997) low fish density, improved water quality; IV (1998,2002) slightly increased fish density and poorer water quality. 3. After the removal of fish, the mean size of Daphnia ephippia and Eubosmina crassicornis ephippia and carapaces increased significantly. In contrast, the percentage of Daphnia did not increase. When based on ephippia, the ratio Daphnia/(Daphnia + E. crassicornis) increased, but the interpretation was obscured by the tolerance of fish predation by small Daphnia and by the fact that bosminids were the preferred food of roach. Moreover, ephippial production by E. crassicornis decreased in recent years. 4. The abundance of Diaphanosoma brachyurum and Limnosida frontosa increased significantly after the fish population was reduced, while that of Ceriodaphnia and rotifers decreased. 5. The expanding littoral vegetation along with improved water clarity was clearly reflected in the concentration of littoral species in the deep sediment core. The species diversity index for the entire subfossil community also increased. 6. The period of faltering recovery was characterised by greater interannual variability and an increased percentage of rotifers. Nevertheless, the mean sizes of Daphnia ephippia and E. crassicornis ephippia and carapaces indicated a low density of fish. The deteriorating water quality was apparently related to multiple stressors in the catchment after rehabilitation, such as intensified lakeshore building, as well as to exceptional weather conditions, challenging the management methods in use. [source] Hydraulic observations from a 1 year fluid production test in the 4000 m deep KTB pilot boreholeGEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2006W. GRÄSLE Abstract A long-term pump test was conducted in the KTB pilot borehole (KTB-VB), located in the Oberpfalz area, Germany. It produced 22 300 m3 of formation fluid. Initially, fluid production rate was 29 l min,1 for 4 months, but was then raised to an average of 57 l min,1 for eight more months. The aim of this study was to examine the fluid parameters and hydraulic properties of fractured, crystalline crusts as part of the new KTB programme ,Energy and Fluid Transport in Continental Fault Systems'. KTB-VB has an open-hole section from 3850 to 4000 m depth that is in hydraulic contact with a prominent continental fault system in the area, called SE2. Salinity and temperature of the fluid inside the borehole, and consequently hydrostatic pressure, changed significantly throughout the test. Influence of these quantities on variations in fluid density had to be taken into account for interpretation of the pump test. Modelling of the pressure response related to the pumping was achieved assuming the validity of linear Darcy flow and permeability to be independent of the flow rate. Following the principle ,minimum in model dimension', we first examined whether the pressure response can be explained by an equivalent model where rock properties around the borehole are axially symmetric. Calculations show that the observed pressure data in KTB-VB can in fact be reproduced through such a configuration. For the period of high pumping rate (57 l min,1) and the following recovery phase, the resulting parameters are 2.4 × 10,13 m3 in hydraulic transmissivity and 3.7 × 10,9 m Pa,1 in storativity for radial distances up to 187 m, and 4.7 × 10,14 m3 and 6.0 × 10,9 m Pa,1, respectively, for radial distances between 187 and 1200 m. The former pair of values mainly reflect the hydraulic properties of the fault zone SE2. For a more realistic hydraulic study on a greater scale, program FEFLOW was used. Parameter values were obtained by matching the calculated induced pressure signal to fluid-level variations observed in the KTB main hole (KTB-HB) located at 200 m radial distance from KTB-VB. KTB-HB is uncased from 9031 to 9100 m and shows indications of leakage in the casing at depths 5200,5600 m. Analysis of the pressure record and hydraulic modelling suggest the existence of a weak hydraulic communication between the two boreholes, probably at depths around the leakage. Hydraulic modelling of a major slug-test in KTB-HB that was run during the pumping in KTB-VB reveals the effective transmissivity of the connected formation to be 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than the one determined for the SE2 fault zone. [source] Auditory orienting and inhibition of return in mild traumatic brain injury: A FMRI studyHUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 12 2009Andrew R. Mayer Abstract The semiacute phase of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is associated with deficits in the cognitive domains of attention, memory, and executive function, which previous work suggests may be related to a specific deficit in disengaging attentional focus. However, to date, there have only been a few studies that have employed dynamic imaging techniques to investigate the potential neurological basis of these cognitive deficits during the semiacute stage of injury. Therefore, event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate the neurological correlates of attentional dysfunction in a clinically homogeneous sample of 16 patients with mTBI during the semiacute phase of injury (<3 weeks). Behaviorally, patients with mTBI exhibited deficits in disengaging and reorienting auditory attention following invalid cues as well as a failure to inhibit attentional allocation to a cued spatial location compared to a group of matched controls. Accordingly, patients with mTBI also exhibited hypoactivation within thalamus, striatum, midbrain nuclei, and cerebellum across all trials as well as hypoactivation in the right posterior parietal cortex, presupplementary motor area, bilateral frontal eye fields, and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex during attentional disengagement. Finally, the hemodynamic response within several regions of the attentional network predicted response times better for controls than for patients with mTBI. These objective neurological findings represent a potential biomarker for the behavioral deficits in spatial attention that characterize the initial recovery phase of mTBI. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of Low-Dose Prednisone on Bone Metabolism,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2005Francine N Ton MD Abstract Prednisone 5 mg/day suppresses multiple indices of bone formation in a randomized placebo-controlled trial in healthy postmenopausal females. This suggests that even low doses of prednisone may reduce bone repair or renewal and may have adverse effects on bone mass and/or bone strength. Introduction: High doses of chronic glucocorticoids are known to have adverse effects on bone, and measures to prevent bone loss are well established for doses >7.5 mg daily, because these doses can cause premature or exaggerated osteoporosis. However, it is unclear if chronic prednisone doses of 5 mg daily have the same effects on bone. There are no established recommendations for preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in people taking prednisone 5 mg daily, a dose used frequently in medical practice to treat diseases of the lungs, joints, skin, muscles, eyes, nerves, etc. Our primary objective was to test whether prednisone 5 mg daily affects serum and urine indices of bone metabolism in healthy postmenopausal women. Our secondary objectives were to determine if prednisone 5 mg affected systolic or diastolic blood pressure or causes side effects. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled 8-week trial in 50 healthy postmenopausal women was conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital Outpatient General Clinical Research Center. Patients were randomly assigned to prednisone 5 mg daily or matching placebo for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week recovery phase. Markers of bone formation and resorption were determined at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Indices of osteoblast activity included serum propeptide of type I N-terminal procollagen (PINP), propeptide of type I C-terminal procollagen (PICP), osteocalcin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSALP). Indices of osteoclast activity included urine and serum type I collagen N-telopeptide (NTX) and free urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD). Results and Conclusions: Prednisone rapidly and significantly decreased serum PINP (p < 0.01), PICP (p < 0.01), and osteocalcin (p < 0.01) and free urinary deoxypyridinoline (p = 0.017). These changes were largely reversed during the recovery period. Side effects were indistinguishable in the two groups. Neither systolic nor diastolic blood pressure changed significantly throughout the study between the two groups. In conclusion, low-dose prednisone significantly decreases indices of bone formation and may decrease indices of bone resorption in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of low-dose prednisone on BMD and fracture risk. [source] Investigation and recommendations concerning prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and promotion of hygiene in earthquake-stricken areasJOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008Guang Zeng Abstract In order to identify all public hygiene problems in the Wenchuan quake-affected areas, and also to provide relevant recommendations to local governments, the quake areas were entered for field investigation and consultation. The current situation and hidden dangers and problems of epidemic surveillance, planned immunization, drinking water hygiene, nutrition and food hygiene, environmental hygiene are discussed in the article. Some suggestions are also provided for government public hygiene policy: (i) launch a patriotic health campaign among the population; (ii) study on green agricultural policy of changing dung into manure; (iii) start from quake-affected area to develop rural environmental hygiene work; (iv) prolong treatment of infectious diseases free of charge, and draw up a policy of free vaccination for earthquake victims; and (v) realize reform of the CDG funding system in the quake-affected area. At last, meaning and judgment criteria of ,no big epidemic after a great disaster' are interpreted. The observation period is divided into three phases: forthcoming summer and autumn phase, forthcoming winter and next spring phase, and comprehensive recovery phase. [source] Cooperative use of unmanned sea surface and micro aerial vehicles at Hurricane WilmaJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 3 2008Robin R. Murphy On Oct. 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma, a category 5 storm, made landfall at Cape Romano, Florida. Three days later, the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue at the University of South Florida deployed an iSENYS helicopter and a prototype unmanned water surface vehicle, AEOS-1, to survey damage in parts of Marco Island, 14 km from landfall. The effort was the first known use of unmanned sea surface vehicles (USVs) for emergency response and established their suitability for the recovery phase of disaster management by detecting damage to seawalls and piers, locating submerged debris (moorings and handrails), and determining safe lanes for sea navigation. It provides a preliminary domain theory of postdisaster port and littoral inspection with unmanned vehicles for use by the human,robot interaction community. It was also the first known demonstration of the strongly heterogeneous USV,micro aerial vehicle (MAV) team for any domain. The effort identified cooperative UAV,USV strategies and open issues for autonomous operations near structures. The effort showed that the MAV provided a much-needed external view for situation awareness and provided spotting for areas to be inspected. Concepts of operations for USV damage inspection and USV,MAV cooperation emerged, including a formula for computing the human,robot ratio: Nh = (2 × Nv) + 1, where Nh is the number of humans and Nv is the number of vehicles. The outstanding research issues span three areas: challenges for USVs operating near littoral structures, general issues for USV,MAV cooperation, and new applications. It is expected that the lessons learned will be transferrable to defense and homeland safety and security applications, such as port security, and other phases of emergency response, including rescue. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis resulting in respiratory failure during neutrophil recovery from postchemotherapy neutropenia in three patients with acute leukaemiaJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2002T. Takuma Abstract.,Takuma T, Okada K, Uchida Y, Yamagata A, Sawae Y (Kyushu University Graduate School of Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan; University of California, CA, USA; and Shin-kokura Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan). Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis resulting in respiratory failure during neutrophil recovery from postchemotherapy neutropenia in three patients with acute leukaemia (Case Report). J Intern Med 2002; 252: 173,177. Respiratory failure is a severe complication of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Its pathogenesis is not well understood. We herein describe three cases of subacute respiratory failure that occurred during the recovery phase of neutropenia following induction chemotherapy for acute leukaemia with IPA. In each case, severe neutropenia (19,85 days), high-grade fever, severe anaemia, the use of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor and increasing infusion volume were noted. As the neutrophil count was recovering, the shadows on the chest X-ray expanded with progressing hypoxia. We should pay attention to the respiratory failure during the recovery phase of neutropenia in patients with IPA. [source] Patterns of performance degradation and restoration during sleep restriction and subsequent recovery: a sleep dose-response studyJOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003Gregory Belenky SUMMARY Daytime performance changes were examined during chronic sleep restriction or augmentation and following subsequent recovery sleep. Sixty-six normal volunteers spent either 3 (n = 18), 5 (n= 16), 7 (n = 16), or 9 h (n = 16) daily time in bed (TIB) for 7 days (restriction/augmentation) followed by 3 days with 8 h daily TIB (recovery). In the 3-h group, speed (mean and fastest 10% of responses) on the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) declined, and PVT lapses (reaction times greater than 500 ms) increased steadily across the 7 days of sleep restriction. In the 7- and 5-h groups speed initially declined, then appeared to stabilize at a reduced level; lapses were increased only in the 5-h group. In the 9-h group, speed and lapses remained at baseline levels. During recovery, PVT speed in the 7- and 5-h groups (and lapses in the 5-h group) remained at the stable, but reduced levels seen during the last days of the experimental phase, with no evidence of recovery. Speed and lapses in the 3-h group recovered rapidly following the first night of recovery sleep; however, recovery was incomplete with speed and lapses stabilizing at a level comparable with the 7- and 5-h groups. Performance in the 9-h group remained at baseline levels during the recovery phase. These results suggest that the brain adapts to chronic sleep restriction. In mild to moderate sleep restriction this adaptation is sufficient to stabilize performance, although at a reduced level. These adaptive changes are hypothesized to restrict brain operational capacity and to persist for several days after normal sleep duration is restored, delaying recovery. [source] Molecular physiology of adventitious root formation in Petunia hybrida cuttings: involvement of wound response and primary metabolismNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 3 2009Amir H. Ahkami Summary ,,Adventitious root formation (ARF) in the model plant Petunia hybrida cv. Mitchell has been analysed in terms of anatomy, gene expression, enzymatic activities and levels of metabolites. This study focuses on the involvement of wound response and primary metabolism. ,,Microscopic techniques were complemented with targeted transcript, enzyme and metabolite profiling using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Northern blot, enzymatic assays, chromatography and mass spectrometry. ,,Three days after severance from the stock plants, first meristematic cells appeared which further developed into root primordia and finally adventitious roots. Excision of cuttings led to a fast and transient increase in the wound-hormone jasmonic acid, followed by the expression of jasmonate-regulated genes such as cell wall invertase. Analysis of soluble and insoluble carbohydrates showed a continuous accumulation during ARF. A broad metabolite profiling revealed a strong increase in organic acids and resynthesis of essential amino acids. ,,Substantial changes in enzyme activities and metabolite levels indicate that specific enzymes and metabolites might play a crucial role during ARF. Three metabolic phases could be defined: (i) sink establishment phase characterized by apoplastic unloading of sucrose and being probably mediated by jasmonates; (ii) recovery phase; and (iii) maintenance phase, in which a symplastic unloading occurs. [source] Management of flood victims: Chainat Province, central ThailandNURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 1 2010Anchaleeporn Wisitwong rn Abstract This article focuses on the processes of flood management and the experiences of flood victims in Chainat Province, central Thailand, so as to develop knowledge about the future handling of such disasters. A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to describe the processes of providing assistance to flood victims. In-depth interviews and observation were used to collect the data. Criterion sampling was used to select 23 participants. Content analysis of the data revealed that some flood victims could predict flooding based on prior experiences, so they prepared themselves. The data revealed six themes that demonstrated that those who could not predict how floods would impact on them were unprepared and suffered losses and disruption to their daily life. Damaged routes meant people could not go to work, resulting in the loss of income. There was a lack of sanitary appliances and clean drinking water, people were sick, and experienced stress. At the community level, people helped one another, making sandbags and building walls as a defense against water. They formed support groups to enable the processing of stressful experiences. However, later, the water became stagnant and contaminated, creating an offensive smell. The government provided assistance to cut off electricity services, food and water, toilets and health services, and water drainage. In the recovery phase, the victims needed money for investment, employment opportunities, books for children, extra time to pay off loans, reconnection of electricity, surveys of damage, and pensions to deal with damage and recovery. [source] Predator,prey coupling: interaction between mink Mustela vison and muskrat Ondatra zibethicus across CanadaOIKOS, Issue 3 2009Nina Holmengen In this paper we explore variation in the predator-prey interaction between mink Mustela vison and muskrat Ondatra zibethicus across Canada based on 25 years of mink (predator) and muskrat (prey) data from the Hudson's Bay Company. We show that predator,prey interactions have stronger signatures in the west of Canada than in the east. In particular, we show that the observed phase plot trajectories of mink and muskrat rotate significantly clock-wise, consistent with predator,prey theory. We also investigate four phases of the mink muskrat interaction sequence (predator crash phase, prey recovery phase, etc.) and show that they are all consistent with a strong coupling in the west, whereas the presence of generalist predators and alternative preys can explain deviations from this pattern in the east. [source] Managing sedation withdrawal in children who undergo prolonged PICU admission after discharge to the wardPEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 4 2004M. Cunliffe MBBS Summary Children who undergo a prolonged stay within the intensive care unit require adequate sedation and analgesia. During the recovery phase there will need to be a period of sedation withdrawal to prevent occurrence of an abstinence syndrome. We present a strategy developed within our hospital for managing this process which uses the resource of the Pain Service, along with guidelines to help prevent the development of withdrawal, and a plan for managing any signs of abstinence which occur. [source] Volume targeted ventilation (volume guarantee) in the weaning phase of premature newborn infantsPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 10 2007F. Scopesi MD Abstract Objective Several options are currently available in neonatal mechanical ventilation: complete breathing synchronization (patient triggered ventilation, synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation,SIPPV); positive pressure flow-cycled ventilation (pressure support ventilation, PSV); and volume targeted positive pressure ventilation (volume guarantee, VG). The software algorithm for the guarantee volume attempts to deliver a tidal volume (Vt) as close as possible to what has been selected by the clinician as the target volume. Main objectives of the present study were to compare patient,ventilator interactions and Vt variability in premature infants recovering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who were weaned by various ventilator modes (SIMV/PSV,+,VG/SIPPV,+,VG and SIMV,+,VG). Methods This was a short-term crossover trial in which each infant served as his/her own control. Ten premature infants born before the 32nd week of gestation in the recovery phase of RDS were enrolled in the study. All recruited infants started ventilation with SIPPV and in the weaning phase were switched to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). Baseline data were collected during an initial 20-min period of monitoring with the infant receiving SIMV alone, then they were switched to SIPPV,+,VG for a 20-min period and then switched back to SIMV for 15 min. Next, they were switched to PSV,+,VG for the study period and switched back to SIMV for a further 15 min. Finally, they were switched to SIMV,+,VG and, at the end of monitoring, they were again switched back to SIMV alone. Results Each mode combined with VG discharged comparable Vts, which were very close to the target volume. Among the VG-combined modes, mean variability of Vt from preset Vt was significantly different. Variability from the target value was significantly lower in SIPPV and PSV modes than in SIMV (P,<,0.0001 and P,<,0.04 respectively). SIPPV,+,VG showed greater stability of Vt, fewer large breaths, lower respiratory rate, and allowed for lower peak inspiratory pressure than what was delivered by the ventilator during other modes. No significant changes in blood gases were observed after each of the study periods. Conclusions With regards to the weaning phase, among combined modes, both of the ones in which every breath is supported (SIPPV/PSV) are likely to be the most effective in the delivery of stable Vt using a low working pressure, thus, at least in the short term, likely more gentle for the neonatal lung. In summary, we can suggest that the VG option, when combined with traditional, patient triggered ventilation, adheres very closely to the proposed theoretical algorithm, achieving highly effective ventilation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:864,870. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Serum regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted concentrations and eosinophils in respiratory syncytial virus infectionPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2006YUKIHIKO KAWASAKI Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to characterize respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. To do this, the authors evaluated eosinophil counts and chemokines including regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) in children with RSV, adenoviral, and influenza virus infections. Methods: The authors enrolled 80 patients who had been diagnosed with acute viral respiratory infection caused by RSV, adenoviral, or influenza viruses. In total, 35 patients (Group A) had RSV infection, 18 (Group B) had adenoviral infection, and 27 (Group C) had influenza virus infection. The authors evaluated clinical manifestations, white blood cell and eosinophil counts, and serum chemokines including RANTES concentrations in the acute and recovery phases in each group. Results: In recovery phase, eosinophil counts were higher in Group A than Groups B and C. In Group A, eosinophil counts were higher in recovery phase than in the acute phase. In Group A, serum RANTES concentration was significantly higher in the recovery phase than in the acute phase (132 ± 76 pg/mL vs 52 ± 25 pg/mL, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that high values of RANTES in children with RSV infection may be associated with the presence of eosinophils and be an important mediator of inflammatory response. [source] Diagnostic role of 99mTc hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime brain single photon emission computed tomography in Sydenham's choreaPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2004Kaan Demirören AbstractBackground:,The objective of this study was to determine whether technetium-99m hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging is capable of detecting perfusional abnormalities in Sydenham's chorea (SC) patients and contributing to diagnosis of SC. Methods:,In this study, 17 SC patients were evaluated. HMPAO SPECT was performed on all patients at the acute phase and six of them at the recovery phase. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed to 13 patients. SPECT images of basal ganglia and thalamus were evaluated both visually and by measuring the radioactivity uptakes. Ten subjects constituted the control group. Results:,HMPAO SPECT was visually evaluated as indicating hyperperfusion in the basal ganglia and thalamus in 16 patients, and evaluated as normal in one patient at the acute phase. The radioactivity uptakes of basal ganglia and thalamus of the patients at the acute phase were found statistically higher than those of the patients at the recovery phase, and also higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). A significant difference between the radioactivity uptake of the patients at the recovery phase and those of the control group was not found (P > 0.05). Only one patient did not show any abnormality in both acute and recovery phases. MRI study did not show any abnormality in the basal ganglia and thalamus. Conclusion:,It is suggested that brain SPECT can contribute to the diagnosis of SC as an objective tool. Resolving of the hyperperfusion at the recovery phase provides further support for the diagnosis of SC. [source] Ca2+ -dependent Regulation of Phototransduction,PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Ricardo Stephen Photon absorption by rhodopsin triggers the phototransduction signaling pathway that culminates in degradation of cGMP, closure of cGMP-gated ion channels and hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor membrane. This process is accompanied by a decrease in free Ca2+ concentration in the photoreceptor cytosol sensed by Ca2+ -binding proteins that modulate phototransduction and activate the recovery phase to reestablish the photoreceptor dark potential. Guanylate cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs) belong to the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family and are responsible for activating retinal guanylate cyclases (retGCs) at low Ca2+ concentrations triggering synthesis of cGMP and recovery of the dark potential. Here we review recent structural insight into the role of the N-terminal myristoylation in GCAPs and compare it to other NCS family members. We discuss previous studies identifying regions of GCAPs important for retGC1 regulation in the context of the new structural data available for myristoylated GCAP1. In addition, we present a hypothetical model for the Ca2+ -triggered conformational change in GCAPs and retGC1 regulation. Finally, we briefly discuss the involvement of mutant GCAP1 proteins in the etiology of retinal degeneration as well as the importance of other Ca2+ sensors in the modulation of phototransduction. [source] Gene expression profiles of O3 -treated Arabidopsis plantsPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 9 2006NICOLA TOSTI ABSTRACT To analyse cellular response to O3, the tolerant Arabidopsis thaliana genotype Col-0 was exposed to O3 fumigation (300 ppb) for 6 h and the modulation of gene expression during the treatment (3 h after the beginning of the treatment, T3 h) and the recovery phase (6 h from the end of the treatment, T12 h) assessed by gene chip microarray and real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR analyses. The Arabidopsis transcriptional profile is complex, as new genes (i.e. reticuline oxidase) and pathways, other than those already reported as O3 -responsive, appear to be involved in the O3 response. The steady-state transcript levels of several WRKY genes were increased in O3 -treated plants and the W-box was the cis -element over-represented in the promoter region of T3 h up-regulated genes. The fact that the W-box element was also over-represented in almost all T3 h-induced receptor-like kinases (RLKs) suggests a WRKY-mediated control of RLKs under O3 stress and a mechanicistic similarity with the pathogen-induced transcriptional responses. We investigated the molecular and physiological implications of our findings in relation to O3 -induced plant stress response. [source] Proteome analysis of ventral midbrain in MPTP-treated normal and L1cam transgenic micePROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 6 2008Madeleine Diedrich Abstract Treatment of mice by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridene hydrochloride (MPTP) is a well established animal model for Parkinson's disease (PD), while overexpression of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1cam) has been proposed to attenuate the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons induced by MPTP. To gain insight into the role of L1cam in the pathomechanism of PD, we investigated protein expression patterns after MPTP-treatment in both C57BL/6 (wild-type) and transgenic mice overexpressing L1cam in astrocytes. Our results showed that during the acute phase, proteins in functional complexes responsible for mitochondrial, glycolysis, and cytoskeletal function were down-regulated in MPTP-treated wild-type mice. After a recovery phase, proteins that were down-regulated in the acute phase reverted to normal levels. In L1cam transgenic mice, a much higher number of proteins was altered during the acute phase and this number even increased after the recovery phase. Many proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation were still down-regulated and glycolysis related protein were still up-regulated. This pattern indicates a lasting severely impaired energy production in L1cam mice after MPTP treatment. [source] Stress and selective attention: The interplay of mood, cortisol levels, and emotional information processingPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Mark A. Ellenbogen The effects of a stressful challenge on the processing of emotional words were examined in college students. Stress induction was achieved using a competitive computer task, where the individual either repeatedly lost or won against a confederate. Mood, attention, and cortisol were recorded during the study. There were four findings: (1) Participants in the negative stressor condition were faster to shift attention away from negative words than positive or neutral words; (2) attentional shifts away from negative words were associated with stress-induced mood lowering; (3) participants in the negative stress condition with elevated scores on the Beck Depression Inventory were slow to disengage attention from all stimuli; and (4) elevated depression scores were associated with lower cortisol change from baseline during the experimental phase, and with higher cortisol levels during the recovery phase. These findings point to information-processing strategies as a means to regulate emotion, and to atypical features of cognitive and adrenocortical function that may serve as putative risk markers of depression. [source] Insulins in equine urine: qualitative analysis by immunoaffinity purification and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for doping control purposes in horse-racingRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 3 2008Tiia Kuuranne Insulin is a peptide hormone consisting of two peptide chains (A- and B-chain) that are cross-linked by two disulfide bonds. To obtain improved pharmacokinetic onset of action profiles of insulin treatment in diabetic patients, recombinant long-, intermediate-, and rapid-acting insulin analogs are produced, in which the C-terminal end of the B-chain plays an especially important role. A review of the veterinary literature reveals the low prevalence of equine type I diabetes mellitus, which indicates that the therapeutic use of insulin in racing horses is unlikely. Although there is no unequivocal evidence of an overall performance-enhancing effect of insulin, in human sports the misuse of insulin preparations is reported among elite athletes. The desired effects of insulin include the increase of muscular glycogen prior to sports event or during the recovery phase, in addition to a chalonic action, which increases the muscle size by inhibiting protein breakdown. In the present study urinary insulin was detected in equine samples and differences between equine insulin, human insulin, as well as rapidly acting recombinant insulin variants were examined. The method was based on sample purification by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC), and subsequent analysis by microbore liquid chromatography (LC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using top-down sequencing for the determination of various insulins. Product ion scan experiments of intact proteins and B-chains enabled the differentiation between endogenously produced equine insulin, its DesB30 metabolite, human insulin and recombinant insulin analogs, and the assay allowed the assignment of individual product ions, especially those originating from modified C-termini of B-chains. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Remote monitoring of leaf turgor pressure of grapevines subjected to different irrigation treatments using the leaf patch clamp pressure probeAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010S. RÜGER Abstract Background and Aims:, Effects of four irrigation treatments on leaf turgor pressure of grapevines were studied using the novel leaf patch clamp pressure (LPCP) probe. Data were correlated with yield and yield components. Methods and Results:, The LPCP probe measures leaf water status by monitoring the attenuation of an external pressure applied magnetically to a leaf patch. The output pressure signals, Pp, are inversely correlated with cell turgor pressure. Measurements showed that changes in transpiration and stomatal conductance induced by environmental parameters were reflected nearly immediately in Pp. Ongoing non-irrigation resulted in a continuous increase of Pp, in the occurrence of stomatal oscillations and in an increased turgor pressure recovery phase during afternoon. Interestingly, analysis of the numerous diurnal Pp data sets showed that east-directed leaves responded more sensitively to water stress than west-directed leaves. Conclusions:, For the cultivar and conditions used in this study, the probe data as well as the yield data support irrigation on a 3-day basis with relatively small amounts of water. Significance of the Study:, The results show that the LPCP probe is a user-friendly, high precision instrument for online-monitoring of leaf turgor pressure in dependency on changes in microclimate and irrigation, thus helping growers to increase yield while simultaneously saving water. [source] SERCA function declines with age in adrenergic nerves from the superior cervical ganglionAUTONOMIC & AUTACOID PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2000W. J. Pottorf 1 Intracellular calcium is a universal second messenger integrating numerous cellular pathways. An age-related breakdown in the mechanisms controlling [Ca2+]i homeostasis could contribute to neuronal degeneration. One component of neuronal calcium regulation believed to decline with age is the function of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) pumps. 2 Therefore we investigated the impact of age on the capacity of SERCA pumps to control high (68 m M) [K+]-evoked [Ca2+]i -transients in acutely dissociated superior cervical ganglion (SCG) cells from 6- and 20-month-old Fisher-344 rats. Calcium transients were measured by fura-2 microfluorometry in the presence of vanadate (0.1 ,M) to selectively block plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) pumps, dinitrophenol (100 ,M) to block mitochondrial calcium uptake and extracellular sodium replaced with tetraethylammonium to block Na+/Ca2+ -exchanger, thus forcing the neuronal cells to rely on SERCA uptake to control [Ca2+]i homeostasis. 3 In the presence of these calcium buffering blockers, the rate of recovery of [Ca2+]i was significantly slower and time to recover to approximately 90% of resting [Ca2+]i was significantly greater in SCG cells from old (20 months) compared with young (6 months) animals. 4 This age-related change in the recovery phase of [K+]-evoked [Ca2+]i -transients could not be explained by differences in the sensitivity of SCG cells to the calcium buffering blockers, as no age-related difference in basal [Ca2+]i was observed. 5 These studies illustrate that when rat SCG cells are forced to rely on SERCAs to buffer [K+]-evoked [Ca2+]i -transients, an age-related decline in SERCA function is revealed. Such age-related declines in calcium regulation coupled with neuronal sensitivity to calcium overload underscore the importance of understanding the components of [Ca2+]i homeostasis and the functional compensation that may occur with advancing age. [source] Tongue weakness is associated with respiratory failure in patients with severe Guillain-Barré syndromeACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2009D. Orlikowski Objective,,, Swallowing impairment may worsen respiratory weakness and conduct to respiratory complications such as aspiration pneumonia in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). We prospectively evaluate how tongue weakness could be associated to bulbar dysfunction and respiratory weakness in severe GBS patients. Measurements and main results,,, Tongue strength, dysphagia and respiratory parameters were measured in 16 GBS patients at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and discharge and in seven controls. Tongue strength was decreased in the GBS patients compared with the controls. At admission, patients with dysphagia and those requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) had greater tongue weakness. All the patients with initial tongue strength <150 g required MV during ICU stay. Tongue strength correlated significantly with respiratory parameters. Conclusion,,, This study confirms the strong association between bulbar and respiratory dysfunction in GBS admitted to ICU. Tongue weakness may be present in GBS, especially during the phase of increasing paralysis, and resolves during the recovery phase. Tongue strength and indices of global and respiratory strength vary in parallel throughout the course of GBS. Further studies are needed to assess if, when used in combination with other respiratory tests, tongue strength measurement could contribute to identify patients at high risk for respiratory complications. [source] Consequences of Citrobacter rodentium infection on enteroendocrine cells and the enteric nervous system in the mouse colonCELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Jennifer R. O'Hara Summary We tested the hypothesis that Citrobacter rodentium infection leads to changes in the mucosal enteroendocrine signalling and the enteric nervous system and that the host's immune response contributes to these changes. Enteroendocrine cells, serotonin (5-HT) reuptake transporter (SERT), 5-HT release, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were assessed in the colon of infected wild-type or severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Immunoreactivity for iNOS and neuropeptides were examined in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses. Mice were orogastrically infected with C. rodentium and experiments were conducted during the injury phase (10 days) and the recovery phase (30 days). 5-HT and somatostatin enteroendocrine cells and SERT were significantly reduced 10 days after infection, with numbers returning to control values at 30 days. 5-HT release was increased at 10 days. Changes to the mucosal serotonin signalling system were not observed in SCID mice. iNOS immunoreactivity was increased in the submucosa and mucosa at 10 days and returned to baseline levels by 30 days. No differences were observed in neuropeptide or iNOS immunoreactivity in the enteric plexuses following infection. The host's immune response underlies changes to enteroendocrine cells, SERT expression and 5-HT release in C. rodentium infection. These changes could contribute to disturbances in gut function arising from enteric infection. [source] Carbon Monoxide Has Direct Toxicity on the Myocardium Distinct from Effects of Hypoxia in an Ex Vivo Rat Heart ModelACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008Selim Suner MD Abstract Objectives:, Carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity causes significant central nervous system and cardiac injury. Although the neurological damage caused by CO toxicity is extensively described, the mechanisms underlying myocardial insult are unclear. The authors used an externally perfused isolated rat heart model to examine the effects of a physiological saline solution (Krebs Henseleit HEPES, KHH) aerated with CO on cardiac function. Methods:, Fifteen rats were equally divided into three groups: the control group (KHH + 100% O2), the nitrogen control group (KHH + 70% O2, 30% N2), and the CO group (KHH + 70% oxygen, 30% CO). Left ventricular peak systolic pressure (LVPsP), end diastolic pressure (LVEdP), and coronary perfusion pressure were measured while the isolated heart was paced and perfused on a modified Langendorf apparatus. Results:, Left ventricular generated pressure (LVGP = LVPsP , LVEdP) decreased in the nitrogen control and CO groups compared to the control group. There was higher LVGP in the recovery phase between the nitrogen control group compared to the CO group. Both groups had increased lactic acid levels in the experimental phase. Conclusions:, Carbon monoxide with hypoxia and hypoxemic hypoxia both result in similar depression of cardiac function. Hearts poisoned with CO with hypoxia do not recover function to the extent that hearts rendered hypoxic with nitrogen do when perfused with 100% oxygen after the insult. This suggests that CO causes direct myocardial toxicity distinct from the effects of hypoxia. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||