Female Songbirds Can Initiate the Transition from a Migratory to a Reproductive Physiology during Spring Migration.

AbstractThe high energetic costs of both migration and reproduction and the physiological changes to support these costs suggest that these life-history stages should be compartmentalized with little overlap between stages. In contrast, previous studies have shown that male birds can initiate reproductive development during migration before arrival on the breeding grounds with increases in plasma testosterone levels and testis size. However, sex differences in seasonal gonadal function are now recognized as profound, and few studies to date have shown that females can initiate the costly, but critical, estrogen-dependent final stages of gonadal maturation and changes in liver function (yolk precursor synthesis, vitellogenesis) while on migration. Here, we show that female yellow warblers (Setophaga petechia) arrive on the breeding grounds with elevated plasma triglyceride levels compared with males. Some females had plasma triglyceride levels of 5-7 mmol L-1, suggesting that they arrived in a relatively advanced stage of yolk precursor production. Furthermore, we show that females that arrived with higher plasma triglyceride levels took less time to initiate their first clutch. Adaptive plasticity in the timing of the transition from a migratory to a reproductive physiology might help migrant birds buffer against a mismatch between timing of arrival and conditions on the breeding grounds and allow them to advance timing of breeding to maximize breeding productivity.

Use of electrogastrography in preclinical studies of cholinergic and anticholinergic agents in experimental pigs.

Electrogastrography (EGG) is a non-invasive method for the assessment of gastric myoelectrical activity. Porcine EGG is comparable with human one. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of atropine and neostigmine on the EGG in experimental pigs. Adult female pigs were administrated atropine (1.5 mg i.m., n=6) and neostigmine (0.5 mg i.m., n=6) after the baseline EGG, followed by a 90-min trial recording (MMS, Enschede, the Netherlands). Running spectral analysis was used for the evaluation. The results were expressed as dominant frequency of slow waves and EGG power (areas of amplitudes). Neostigmine increased continuously the dominant frequency and decreased significantly the EGG power. Atropine did not change the dominant frequency significantly. However, atropine increased significantly the EGG power (areas of amplitudes) from basal values to the maximum at the 10-20-min interval. After that period, the areas of amplitudes decreased significantly to the lowest values at the 60-90-min interval. In conclusion, cholinergic and anticholinergic agents affect differently EGG in experimental pigs.

Physiological assessment of the effects of changing water levels associated with reservoir management on fattening rates of neotropical migrants at a stopover site.

Riparian habitat makes up a small fraction of the landscape but provides important stopover habitat for migratory birds. Hydroelectric dam operations cause fluctuations in water levels that can change the amount or quality of riparian habitat, which in turn might affect potential fattening rates of migrant birds. Here we used plasma metabolite analysis to estimate variation in fattening rate in relationship to variable water levels associated with reservoir management in four species of neotropical migratory songbirds using riparian habitat at a dam-impacted stopover site in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. Residual plasma triglyceride, our measure of estimated fattening rate, varied systematically with time of day and Julian date and varied consistently among species, but did not vary with age or sex. Controlling for potentially confounding variables, we found no inter-annual variation in estimated fattening rate, even though there were marked differences in water levels among years. Likewise, there was no relationship between daily variation in water levels and estimated fattening rate. Data on feather isotopes (δD), indicative of migratory origin, did not add explanatory power to our models. There was inter-annual variation in plasma glycerol and ß-hydroxybutyrate levels and significant, though weak, relationships between these metabolites and water level (higher metabolite levels when drier) that might indicate effects on 'body condition' independent of fattening rate. Our study suggests that, at present, although hydroelectric dam operations influence water levels in the Arrows Lake Reservoir and adjacent riparian habitats, this does not significantly impact fattening rates of migratory passerines using these habitats.

Impaired bioavailability and antiplatelet effect of high-dose clopidogrel in patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

PURPOSE: Bioavailability of clopidogrel in the form of crushed tablets administered via nasogastric tube (NGT) has not been established in patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Therefore, we performed a study comparing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response to high loading dose of clopidogrel in critically ill patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with patients scheduled for elective coronary angiography with stent implantation. METHODS: In the NGT group (nine patients, after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanically ventilated, therapeutic hypothermia), clopidogrel was administered in the form of crushed tablets via NGT. Ten patients undergoing elective coronary artery stenting took clopidogrel per os (po) in the form of intact tablets. Pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) before and at 0.5, 1, 6, 12, 24 h after administration of a loading dose of 600 mg. In five patients in each group, antiplatelet effect was measured with thrombelastography (TEG; Platelet Mapping) before and 24 h after administration. RESULTS: The carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel was detected in all patients in the po group. In eight patients, the maximum concentration was measured in the range of 0.5-1 h after the initial dose. In four patients in the of NGT group, the carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel was undetectable and in the remaining patients was significantly delayed (peak values at 12 h). All patients in the po group reached clinically relevant (>50 %) inhibition of thrombocyte adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor after 24 h compared with only two in the NGT group (p = 0.012). There was a close correlation between peak of inactive clopidogrel metabolite plasmatic concentration and inhibition of the ADP receptor (r = 0.79; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The bioavailability of clopidogrel in critically ill patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is significantly impaired compared with stable patients. Therefore, other drugs, preferentially administered intravenously, should be considered.

Porcine model of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: To validate a porcine model of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Ten experimental and five sham-operated pigs were studied. Instrumentation for cardiac output (CO) measurement, regional blood flow (renal-REN and portal-PORT) and blood sampling (inferior vena cava (IVC), renal and portal vein) was done. Microcirculation was visualised sublingually and in ileostoma. PROTOCOL: simulation of rAAA with bleeding (mean arterial pressure (MAP) 45 mmHg) and increased abdominal pressure (25 mmHg) for 4 h; 2 h of infrarenal clamp with shed blood retransfusion; 11 h of post-surgery care. RESULTS: Six experimental pigs completed the protocol and are presented. Bleeding decreased CO to 95%, PORT to 80% and REN to 10% of baseline. From clamping on CO and PORT increased above baseline whereas REN (47%) with creatinine clearance remained compromised till the end. Microcirculation was affected more in ileum than sublingually. Approximately threefold increase in cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10) and oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) and 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal (HNE) was observed. Only mild increase in IL-6 and TBARs was observed in sham-operated animals. Organ histology did not reveal differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This near-lethal model of rAAA induced expected severe deterioration of haemodynamics and metabolism accompanied with a moderate inflammatory and oxidative stress response.

[Contribution of allergen immunotherapy using Phostal in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (two years of use)]. / Prínos alergenové imunoterapie Phostalem v lécbe sezonní alergické rýmy (dva roky aplikace).

Allergen immunotherapy consists in the administration of the appropriate allergen to which the patient is hypersensitive. The objective is to induce immunological tolerance of the organism. In the present study, the effect of the administration of Phostal on the occurrence of seasonal symptoms of pollinosis in a group of 35 outpatients was observed during two years. The substance was administered according to the regular dosage schedule, all year round. The results of the study have demonstrated a significant effect of the product on the decrease in the occurrence of observed objective symptoms of the disease, starting already from the first year of treatment. This is in correlation with changes in the spirometric functions, selected laboratory parameters and results of the prick tests in the treated group in comparison to the control group.

[Testing of antidiabetic and antioxidative effect of the flavonoid osajin in an experiment]. / Testování antidiabetického a antioxidacního úcinku flavonoidu osajinu v experimentu.

The antidiabetic and antioxidative effect of osajin was monitored under the conditions of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in an in vivo experiment. The animals were divided by random selection into 2 groups (n=7). The treated group was administered osajin in peroral doses of 10 mg/kg in Avicel, the placebo diabetic group was given only the solution of Avicel, and the last group was intact. Selected laboratory parameters (glucose, urea, cholesterol, antioxidative enzymes, total antioxidative capacity, malondialdehyde in serum, diuresis, total glucose and protein losses through urine) were determined in all animals. Kidney tissue and pancreas samples were taken for histopathological analysis. The findings included a statistically significant increase (p< or =0.05) in the glutathione peroxidase catalytic activity, total antioxidative capacity (p< or =0.01) and a statistically significant decrease (p< or =0.01) on malondialdehyde level in the treated group compared to the placebo group. A statistically highly significant decrease (p< or =0.01) in diuresis, glucose and protein losses through urine were identified in the treated group compared to the placebo group. The superoxide dismutase catalytic activity, urea and cholesterol levels involved non-significant changes. The results of biochemical examination show a protective antidiabetic and antioxidative effect of osajin. The results of histopathological examination correlate with them only partially.

[Examination of the antioxidative and antidiabetic effect of pomiferin in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in an experiment (a pilot study)]. / Sledování antioxidacního a antidiabetického efektu pomiferinu u alloxanem navozeného diabetes mellitus v experimentu--pilotní studie.

The antioxidative and antidiabetic effect of pomiferin was monitored under the experimental conditions of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. The animals were divided by random selection into 2 groups (n=7). The treated group was administered pomiferin in peroral doses of 10 mg/kg in Avicel, the placebo group was given only a solution of Avicel, and the last group was intact. Selected laboratory parameters (glucose, urea, cholesterol, antioxidative enzymes, total antioxidative capacity, malondialdehyde in serum: diuresis, total glucose and protein losses through urine) were determined. Kidney tissue and pancreas samples were taken for histopathological analysis. The findings included a statistically significant decrease (p < or = 0.01) in blood glucose level, a significant increase (p < or = 0.01) in glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity (p < or = 0.05) and a significant decrease (p < or = 0.01) in malondialdehyde level in the treated group compared to the placebo group. A highly significant decrease (p < or = 0.01) in diuresis, glucose and protein losses through urine were identified in the treated group compared to the placebo group. The superoxide dismutase catalytic activity, urea and cholesterol levels involved nonsignificant changes. The results of biochemical examination show a protective antioxidative and antidiabetic effect of pomiferin. The results of histopathological examination correlate with them only partially.

Hypericin and hyperforin production in St. John's wort in vitro culture: influence of saccharose, polyethylene glycol, methyl jasmonate, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Influence of saccharose in the presence or absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), methyl jasmonate, and an inactivated bacterial culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in cultivation medium on morphology of Hypericum perforatum L. and production of hypericin and hyperforin was studied under in vitro conditions. Production of hypericin and hyperforin was influenced by the presence of different concentrations of saccharose (10-30 g L(-1)) in cultivation medium. Addition of PEG (1.25-5 g L(-1)) in the presence of saccharose (10-30 g L(-1)) increased production of hypericin and hyperforin in the H. perforatum in vitro culture. Synthesis of hypericin and hyperforin was unchanged or reduced for most of the experimental plants at higher contents of PEG (10 and 15 g L(-1)). Concentrations of hypericin and hyperforin in the H. perforatum were on the order 100 and 103 microg g(-1) of dry plant material, respectively. Production of hypericin and hyperforin was stimulated either in the presence of a chemical elicitor (methyl jasmonate) or an inactivated bacterial culture of A. tumefaciens. Morphological changes induced by the abovementioned substances were observed and described in detail. The obtained results will be applied in experimental botany and in the technology of H. perforatum cultivation for pharmaceutical applications.

Rare incidence of pulmonary gangrene--algorithm of the treatment.

The pulmonary gangrene is rare and serious disease. Our experience is based on the treatment of the 2 patients with pulmonary gangrene during the last twenty years. The first and lifesaving step in the treatment of sepsis is the early removal of the necrotic tissue. Next surgery succeeds usually after one week after initial treatment. Surgical treatment continues step by step, we do not advise providing of a major anatomical resection in the initial stage of the disease. This policy is effective in the treatment of this serious disease.

Atencion primaria: diagnostico precoz de hipoacucia / Primary health care: early diagnosis of hearing loss

Resumen: La hipoacusia neurosensorial severa o profunda es un importante handicap o discapacidad que afecta del 1 a 3 por ciento de los recién nacidos vivos y del 2 al 4 por ciento de los neonatos egresados de las UTI neonatales. El pronóstico para el intelecto, condición psico-emocional, lenguaje y desarrollo del habla, es mejor cuando el diagnóstico es efectuado tempranamente y la intervención comienza antes de los 6 meses de vida. La edad habitual deldiagnóstico de hipoacusia es entre los 18 y los 30 meses, o aún más tarde, en casos de pérdida auditiva leve a moderada, cuando no hay implementados programas de screening auditivos. El screening auditivo universal efectuado a los RN, puededarle al niño discapacitado por sordera, la mejor oportunidad para un óptimo cuidado y desarrollo. El criterio “universal” es necesario, porque cuando el tamizaje es restringido al grupo de neonatos de alto riesgoauditivo, no son diagnosticados entre el 30 y el 50 por ciento de los RNcon pérdida auditiva.

Loss of cardiac contractile response to tetrahydropapaveroline with advanced age and hypertension.

Tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), a condensation product of ethanol-derived acetaldehyde, potentiates cardiac function through beta-adrenoceptor. We have recently shown that THP-induced cardiac contractile action is likely due to its action at the single myocyte level, and is markedly diminished during early hypertension. Cardiac function alters with advanced age reminiscent of hypertension. This study was to examine cardiac contractile response to THP with advanced age and hypertension. Left ventricular papillary muscles and myocytes were isolated from normotensive (WKY) or hypertensive (SHR) rats, and stimulated to contract at 0.5 Hz. Mechanical parameters evaluated include: peak tension developed (PTD)/peak shortening (PS), time-to-PTD/PS (TPT/TPS), time-to-90% relaxation/relengthening (RT90/TR90), and maximal velocities of contraction/relaxation (+/- VT/+/- dLdt). Intracellular Ca2+ transients were measured as fura-2 fluorescence intensity changes (AFFI). THP (0.1-100 microM) increased PTD in 10- but not 36-wk-old WKY rat myocardium. THP elicited positive, negative or no response on PS in myocytes from 10-wk WKY, 36-wk WKY, and 36-wk SHR groups, respectively. Interestingly, THP elicited discrepant response on intracellular Ca2+ transient compared with that of myocyte shortening. THP increased AFFI in 10-wk WKY and 36-wk SHR myocytes while exhibiting a significant inhibiting action in 36-wk WKY myocytes. Lastly, THP shortened TPT/TPS, RT90/TR90 and increased +VT in all animal groups. These results indicate that the THP-induced myocardial contractile response is altered in advanced age and hypertension, in a manner similar to early stage of hypertension. It is possible that altered intracellular Ca2+ responsiveness may be involved in THP-induced action.

Radiation methods in research of ancient monuments

A "Laboratory of Quantitative Methods in Monument Research" is being built at the CTU Prague. Its primary orientation is the investigation of historic architecture, although other objects of art can also be investigated. In the first phase, two radiation methods are being established, but it is set up in such a way, that various other methods can readily be added in its future development. The radiation methods chosen for the initial development of the laboratory are: thermoluminescence dating and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The design of the automated TL-reader, built in our laboratories, is adjusted for the purpose of dating of historic brick architecture (which, of course, does not exclude applications for ceramics and other materials). The investigation of renaissance architecture in southern Bohemia and Moravia is under preparation as the first large campaign of this kind in the Czech Republic. Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis has been chosen as the basic analytical method in the laboratory. The possibility of analyses of paintings and fired building materials (bricks, roof tiles) have been investigated. The first results in both the areas are very promising.

Diminished cardiac contractile response to tetrahydropapaveroline in hypertension: role of beta-adrenoceptors and intracellular Ca(2+).

Tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), a condensation product of ethanol-derived acetaldehyde, potentiates cardiac function through a beta-adrenergic mechanism. It is well established that beta-adrenergic activity is markedly depressed in hypertension. However, little is known about the myocardial action of THP in hypertension. In this study, the effect of THP was examined using left ventricular papillary muscles and ventricular myocytes from 10-week-old normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. The mechanical parameters evaluated include: peak tension developed (PTD), peak twitch amplitude (PTA), time-to-PTD/PTA (TPT/TPS), time-to-90% relaxation/relengthening (RT(90)/TR(90)), and the maximal velocities of contraction/shortening and relaxation/relengthening (+/-VT/+/-dL/dt). Intracellular Ca(2+) transients were measured as fura-2 fluorescence intensity changes (delta FFI). THP (0.01-100 microM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in myocardial contraction on muscles and myocytes from both groups of animals. However, preparations from the SHR group were generally less responsive to THP than their normotensive counterparts. The increase in contractility by THP was associated with increases in delta FFI and +/-VT, and shortening of TPT/TPS and RT(90)/TR(90). The role of beta-adrenoceptor(s) in the mechanism of action of THP was explored using specific beta-receptor subtype antagonists CGP 207.12A (beta(1)) and ICI 118,551 (beta(2)). In preparations from both WKY and SHR hearts, the THP-induced increase in cardiac contractility was either attenuated or blocked by CGP 207. 12A and ICI 118,551. These results indicate that THP exhibits a positive action on myocardial contraction that is mediated, in part, through both beta(1) and beta(2) adrenergic receptors. This cardiac inotropic response, however, is markedly diminished in hypertension, which is due possibly to alterations in beta-adrenergic signal transduction.

Fungicides cytotoxicity expressed in male gametophyte development in Brassica campestris after in vitro application of converted field doses.

A simple method to determine the toxicity of fungicides on male gametophyte in Brassica campestris subsp. oleiferae is described. The calculation of fungicide concentration used in the test is derived from doses used in field application. The expression of regression curves and calculation of regression equations require the logarithmic transformation of fungicide concentration. The range of the sensitivity of the method is very wide. The minimal concentration detected as significantly different from control ranges from 1.7 to 7.0 pg of the active compound. Fungicides declared as non-toxic for plants in field tests were cytotoxic for male gametophyte development. The synergistic action of more than one active compound resulted in higher toxicity.

Arginine-based structures are specific inhibitors of cathepsin C. Application of peptide combinatorial libraries.

Novel synthetic peptide inhibitors of lysosomal cysteine proteinase cathepsin C have been designed through the use of soluble peptide combinatorial libraries. The uncovered structural inhibitory module consists of the N-terminal cluster of L-arginine residues. Its modification with D-amino acids or arginine derivatives did not increase the inhibition strength. Inhibitory potency of oligoarginines improves with the elongation of peptide chain reaching a maximum for octa-L-arginine. The oligoarginines specifically interact with the cathepsin C active site as shown by competitive-type inhibition kinetics (Ki approximately 10-5 M) and intrinsic fluorescence measurements. The inhibitory interaction of oligoarginines is established through the specific spatial contact of a net of guanidino groups in the arginine side-chains, as indicated by comparison with inhibitory action of low molecular mass guanidine derivatives (Ki approximately 10-3 M). Nonarginine polyionic compounds cannot mimic the inhibitory effect of oligoarginines. The arginine-based peptide inhibitors were selective towards cathepsin C among other cysteine proteinases tested.

Pericardial abscess--a rare complication of sepsis.

Pericardial abscess is a very rare complication of sepsis. Authors describe the case of a 69-year-old woman. In her case staphylococcus sepsis led to pericardial abscess. During the course positive blood cultures (3x) indicated the sepsis and pus was obtained from the left pleural cavity (pleuropneumonia). Concomitant purulent process in the left shoulder also was noted. Decline immunity due to long-standing corticoid therapy (prednisone) for proctocolitis idiopathica was observed. Following antibiotic treatment successful surgical evacuation of the pericardial abscess was performed.

A case of a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation treated by lobectomy.

We present a case of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) in central localisation (type IIIa) of the upper lobe of the left lung. We discuss diagnostic (Doppler ultrasonography, CT, MRI, angiography) and therapeutic (embolization therapy) options and a current role of surgery in this uncommon clinical condition. Our patient underwent left upper lung lobectomy as an ultimate therapeutic method without subsequent morbidity. We conclude that surgery is a safe method of treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in selected cases i.e. when PAVM is solitary and of great diameter (more than two centimeters) and where the risks of embolotherapy are high.

The improvement of arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation--effect of different CPAP levels.

Authors studied different continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) levels and their effect on arterial oxygenation during thoracic surgery. Surgical interference of CPAP was studied as well. No significant difference has been found at 4 cm, 7 cm and 10 cm H2O in the improvement of oxygen content during one-lung ventilation. In contract to the lowest CPAP level, 7 cm and 10 cm H2O made the surgical conditions significantly worse.

[Videothoracoscopy and video-assisted thoracic procedures in the diagnosis and therapy of diseases of the thoracic cavity (experience with 155 procedures)]. / Prínos videotorakoskopie a videoasistovaných hrudních zákroku v diagnostice a lécbe onemocnení hrudní dutiny (zkusenosti se 155 zákroky).

Videothoracoscopic procedures and video-assisted thoracic surgery (V.A.T.S.) are up-to-date procedures in thoracic surgery. The authors evaluated results from 155 cases. They reviewed especially indications, complications and results. The most frequent indications were spontaneous pneumothorax, fluidothorax, interstitial lung disease and lung carcinoma. Staging was main procedure in cases of lung carcinoma. Complications were observed in 14 cases (9%). Of these complications 5 developed at the time of surgery (3.2%) and 9 were postoperative (5.8%).