[Reduction of treatment time for children in the trauma room care : Impact of implementation of an interdisciplinary trauma room concept (iTRAPS)]. / Verkürzung der Versorgungszeit im Trauma-Schockraum für Kinder : Auswirkungen der Einführung eines interdisziplinären Schockraumkonzepts (iTRAPS).

INTRODUCTION: In addition to infrastructural and conceptual planning, smooth interdisciplinary cooperation is crucial for trauma room care of severely injured children based on time-saving management and a clear set of priorities. The time to computed tomography (CT) is a well-accepted marker for the efficacy of trauma management. Up to now there are no guidelines in the literature for an adapted approach in pediatric trauma room care. METHODS: A step-by-step algorithm for pediatric trauma room care (Interdisciplinary Trauma Room Algorithm in Pediatric Surgery, iTRAPS) was developed within the framework of an interdisciplinary team: pediatric surgeons, pediatric anaethesiologists, pediatric intensivists and pediatric radiologists. In two groups of patients from January 2014 to April 2015 (group 1) and from July 2015 to January 2017 (group 2) process quality was monitored by the time required for trauma room treatment until the CT scan was performed and used as a surrogate marker. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 0-16 years, who were evaluated in a level 1 pediatric trauma room with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥8 and the necessity for a CT scan. RESULTS: Before (group 1) and after (group 2) implementation of iTRAPS 16 patients were included in each group. There were no significant differences between the age and the ISS in the two groups of patients. The required time for trauma room treatment was significantly reduced from an average of 33.6 min before to 15.2 min after implementation of iTRAPS (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The required time for the trauma care room treatment could be significantly reduced by more than half after the implementation of iTRAPS. The reasons were the interdisciplinary organization of the trauma room leadership, reorganization of patient transfer and improved briefing by emergency doctors. CONCLUSION: Besides a well-organized trauma team, it is essential that the trauma room workflow is adapted to the specific structure of the hospital. Despite the limitations of the study the data demonstrate that the trauma room workflow enables an efficient management. By the interdisciplinary reorganization of the pediatric trauma room treatment with improved structures and standardized processes, patient care was more effective with a significant reduction in the time required for trauma room treatment. The suggested iTRAPS concept could be used as a framework to establish individualized workflows for pediatric trauma room treatment in other hospitals. This algorithm should be supplemented by standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for the differentiated radiological diagnostic procedures in areas of traumatic brain injury (TBI), thoracic and abdominal trauma in children.

Sensitivity and Efficacy of Boscalid, Fluazinam, and Thiophanate-Methyl for White Mold Control in Snap Bean in New York.

White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) of leguminous crops in New York is generally managed with preventive applications of fungicides. However, no research has been conducted during the last decade to assess the sensitivity of the S. sclerotiorum population to fungicides or compare their performance under field conditions. The sensitivity of S. sclerotiorum to boscalid, fluazinam, and thiophanate-methyl was assessed in 151 isolates from 15 fields across New York using an agar dilution method with discriminatory concentrations. In addition, the effective concentration at which mycelial growth is reduced by 50% (EC50) was estimated for one representative isolate from each field. The efficacy of commercial formulations of each fungicide on white mold incidence in plants and pods was also tested in two field trials (2015 and 2016). The EC50 values ranged from 0.068 to 0.219, 0.001 to 0.002, and 1.23 to 2.15 µg/ml for boscalid, fluazinam, and thiophanate-methyl, respectively. Evidence of resistance was not found using the discriminatory concentration tests. The mycelial growth inhibition relative to the control ranged from 56 to 83%, 66 to 84%, and 53 to 83% at discriminatory concentrations of boscalid (5 µg a.i./ml), fluazinam (0.05 µg a.i./ml), and thiophanate-methyl (5 µg a.i./ml), respectively. Fourteen isolates with mycelial growth inhibition lower than 60% at 5 µg/ml of thiophanate-methyl, did not exhibit point mutations within a partial sequence of the ß-tubulin gene. In the field trials, fungicides effectively reduced white mold incidence on plants by 75% (2015) and 93% (2016) and on pods by 81% (2015) and 87% (2016), both relative to the nontreated plots. However, fungicide applications led to significant increases in pod yield, relative to the nontreated plots, only in 2015 when the incidence of white mold on plants and pods were higher (85 and 49.2%) than in 2016 (31.3 and 10.3%). Although fungicide resistance was not detected, and thus control failures reported by New York snap bean growers may be due to other factors, further monitoring of sensitivity within the S. sclerotiorum population is encouraged as well as the use of rational systems to base their judicious and economic use.

Similar Aggressiveness of Phenotypically and Genotypically Distinct Isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Understanding how Sclerotinia sclerotiorum aggressiveness varies among isolates may be useful for breeding programs aimed at developing common bean cultivars resistant to white mold. The aggressiveness of 20 S. sclerotiorum isolates collected in common bean fields from four Brazilian states was tested against two common bean genotypes (Pérola and A195) using two inoculation methods. The isolates were characterized using 10 microsatellite (SSR) loci, mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs), partial sequences of the oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase (OAH) gene, and morphological traits. Twenty SSR and seven OAH haplotypes, 10 MCGs, and high variability in colony morphology were found. One isolate was more aggressive when inoculated on plants of the genotype A195, but all other isolates had similar aggressiveness. Aggressiveness was not related with MCGs, SSR, OAH haplotypes, mycelial pigmentation, growth rate, or sclerotia production.

Combined anti CXC receptors 1 and 2 therapy is a promising anti-inflammatory treatment for respiratory diseases by reducing neutrophil migration and activation.

Neutrophil infiltration and activation in the lung are important pathophysiological features in COPD, severe asthma and bronchiectasis mostly mediated by CXCL8 and CXCL1 via CXCR1 and CXCR2. No thorough study to date has been performed to compare the anti-inflammatory effect profile of dual CXCR1/2 vs. selective CXCR2 antagonists in relevant human neutrophil assays and pulmonary inflammation models. Dual CXCR1/2 (SCH527123, diaminocyclobutandione-1) and selective CXCR2 (SB265610, thiopyrimidine-1) antagonist activity and receptor residence time were determined by [(35)S]GTPγS binding in human (h)- and guinea pig (gp)-CXCR1 and CXCR2 overexpressing membranes. h-neutrophil chemotaxis, degranulation and ROS production were established using CXCL8 or CXCL1 to evaluate dual CXCR1/2- or selective CXCR2-dependent activities. LPS-induced lung inflammation in gp was selected to assess in vivo potency. Dual CXCR1/2 antagonists blocked both CXCL8 and CXCL1-induced h-neutrophil functions and [(35)S]GTPγS binding. In contrary, selective CXCR2 antagonists displayed significantly reduced potency in CXCL8 -mediated h-neutrophil responses despite being active in CXCR2 assays. Upon LPS challenge in gp, administration of SCH527123 inhibited the increase of neutrophils in BALF, modestly reduced blood neutrophils and induced minor neutrophil accumulation in bone marrow. Differentiation of CXCR1/2 vs. CXCR2 antagonists could not be extended to in vivo due to differences in CXCR1 receptor homology between h and gp. Dual CXCR1/2 therapy may represent a promising anti-inflammatory treatment for respiratory diseases reducing more effectively neutrophil migration and activation in the lung than a CXCR2 selective treatment. However, the in vivo confirmation of this claim is still missing due to species differences in CXCR1.

Adaptation and Resistance to Diseases in Brazil of Putative Sources of Common Bean Resistance to White Mold.

Common bean breeding programs for white mold (WM) resistance are in their initial stages in Brazil. Sources of partial resistance to WM are available abroad but their performance in Brazil is unknown. In two greenhouse (straw test) and three field experiments conducted in three districts in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, we evaluated a total of 23 lines with putative WM resistance with the objective to select lines with resistance to WM and other diseases associated with high yield potential. Two field-resistant local lines, two susceptible local cultivars, and two susceptible international lines were also included in the study. In the greenhouse, Cornell 605, A 195, and G122 were among the lines with the highest partial resistance to WM. In the field, these three lines were highly resistant to WM and had intermediate resistance or were resistant to anthracnose, angular leaf spot, rust, and Fusarium wilt. Cornell 605 and A 195 had high-yield potential but G122 yielded 47% less than the local lines under WM pressure. Our results suggest that Cornell 605 and A 195 are the most useful sources of resistance to WM for use in common bean breeding programs in Brazil.

Fungicide Sensitivity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: A Thorough Assessment Using Discriminatory Dose, EC50, High-Resolution Melting analysis, and Description of New Point Mutation Associated with Thiophanate-Methyl Resistance.

Thiophanate-methyl (TM), fluazinam, and procymidone are fungicides extensively used for white mold control of common bean in Brazil. We assessed the sensitivity of Brazilian isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to these three fungicides using discriminatory doses and concentration that results in 50% mycelial growth inhibition (EC50) values. In total, 282 isolates from the most important production areas were screened and none was resistant to fluazinam or procymidone. The EC50 values varied from 0.003 to 0.007 and from 0.11 to 0.72 µg/ml for fluazinam and procymidone, respectively. One isolate was resistant to TM. The EC50 of the TM-resistant isolate was greater than 100 µg/ml, whereas the EC50 of the sensitive isolates varied from 0.38 to 2.23 µg/ml. The TM-resistant isolate had a L240F mutation in the ß-tubulin gene. This is the first report of mutation at codon 240 causing resistance to a benzimidazole fungicide in S. sclerotiorum. The high-resolution melting analysis allowed the distinction of TM-sensitive and -resistant isolates by specific melting peaks and curves. The TM-resistant isolate had mycelial growth, sclerotia production, and aggressiveness comparable with that of the sensitive isolates, indicating that this genotype will likely compete well against sensitive isolates in the field. This study demonstrates that resistance to TM, fluazinam, and procymidone is nonexistent or rare. Resistance management practices should be implemented, however, to delay the spread of TM-resistant genotypes.

[Establishment of a Neonatal ECMO Programme on the Basis of a Special Training Programme--A 6-year Analysis]. / Etablierung neonataler ECMO bei Lungenversagen auf der Grundlage eines speziellen Trainingsprogramms--Eine 6-Jahres-Analyse.

BACKGROUND: Internationally the need for neonatal ECMO is decreasing and the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) recommends that centres providing neonatal ECMO should treat at least 6 children per year. METHOD: After a one-year training programme and preparation of the clinical application, neonatal ECMO was established and subsequently 41 infants [median age 1 day (1-172 days), median weight 3.25 kg (1.27-5.79 kg)] with severe respiratory failure have been treated within a 6-year period (fall 2008-fall 2014). For rescue therapy we provide inhaled nitric oxide, high-frequency oscillation and other differentiated ventilator strategies. Parallel to the clinical use of ECMO all employees have been trained in a special programme at 3-monthly intervals. RESULTS: By establishing an elaborate training programme and concentrating the treatment of critically ill newborns in one centre, the expertise of both running and preventing of neonatal ECMO due to pulmonary failure can be achieved. The diagnoses correlate to those of other centres which perform neonatal ECMO. 13 infants needed ECMO. The resulting overall survival rate was 11/12 (91.7%) infants treated with ECMO with a curative approach. All patients could be weaned from ECMO. CONCLUSION: In the context of a specialised university hospital with all treatment options for critically ill newborns and with the establishment of a specialised training programme, neonatal ECMO for pulmonary failure can achieve equally good results in comparison to those of national and international ECMO centres.

[Strategies in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children - proven and controversial]. / Behandlungsstrategien bei der suprakondylären Humerusfraktur im Kindesalter - Bewährtes und Kontroverses.

Elbow fractures are the 2nd most frequent fractures in children. Their therapy needs high expertise. Particularly an adequate analgesic therapy as well as an efficient and differentiated non-surgical or surgical therapy depending on the fracture type needs to be chosen. Secondary damage, especially growth disturbances, has to be prevented. Type I fractures can be managed conservatively with a cast. The crossed percutaneous pin fixation after open or closed reduction is the typical and most frequent surgical treatment option in supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Another good treatment option for supracondylar fractures type II to IV after closed reduction is the elastic-stable intramedullar nailing (ESIN). It is a minimally invasive treatment away from the fracture zone, which allows immediate free movement of the extremity. An immobilisation in a cast is therefore not necessary. That are the most possible effects (opinion of the authors) of the ESIN method, but discussed controversial in the literature. Especially neurovascular concomitant injuries require a differentiated treatment strategy to prevent long-term damage and should only be carried out in a specialised paediatric surgery unit. Long-term complications of supracondylar fractures are limitations in range of motion, nerval palsies, disturbances of growth, as well as cubitus varus (30 %) and valgus (3-7 %). These last ones often result from an insufficient initial anatomic reduction. The aim of the therapy should in any case be a patient-orientated treatment with the expected quickest recovery time and lowest long-term complications. Therefore supracondylar fractures should be treated only by a specialised paediatric trauma team, which can provide all non-surgical and surgical treatments. The spontaneous correcture is only seen in the sagittal view in young children between 6-7 years of age.

[Non-invasive estimation of intracranial pressure : MR-based evaluation in children with hydrocephalus]. / Nichtinvasive Bestimmung des intrakraniellen Drucks : MR-basierte Untersuchung bei Kindern mit Hydrozephalus.

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: The intracranial pressure (ICP) is a crucially important parameter for diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in patients with hydrocephalus. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: So far there is no standard method to non-invasively assess the ICP. Various approaches to obtain the ICP semi-invasively or non-invasively are discussed and the clinical application of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based method to estimate ICP (MR-ICP) is demonstrated in a group of pediatric patients with hydrocephalus. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Arterial inflow, venous drainage and craniospinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow were quantified using phase-contrast imaging to derive the MR-ICP. PERFORMANCE: A total of 15 patients with hydrocephalus (n=9 treated with shunt placement or ventriculostomy) underwent MRI on a 3 T scanner applying retrospectively-gated cine phase contrast sequences. Of the patients six had clinical symptoms indicating increased ICP (age 2.5-14.61 years, mean 7.4 years) and nine patients had no clinical signs of elevated ICP (age 2.1-15.9 years; mean 9.8 years; all treated with shunt or ventriculostomy). Median MR-ICP in symptomatic patients was 24.5 mmHg (25th percentile 20.4 mmHg; 75th percentile 44.6 mmHg). Median MR-ICP in patients without acute signs of increased ICP was 9.8 mmHg (25th percentile 8.6 mmHg; 75th percentile 11.4 mmHg). Group differences were significant (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney U-test). ACHIEVEMENTS: The MR-ICP technique is a promising non-invasive tool for estimating ICP. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Further studies in larger patient cohorts are warranted to investigate its application in children with hydrocephalus.

Osteoclastic craniectomy for scaphocephaly in infants results in physiological head shapes.

INTRODUCTION: Sagittal synostosis leading to scaphocephaly is the most common type of craniostenosis being operated. Different treatment options are known, but the optimal treatment method is still controversial. Head growth indicated by measurements of the head´s circumference and cephalic index (CI) are valid surrogate parameters for normal head shapes in children. The aim of the study was to analyze if osteoclastic craniectomy (OC) in scaphocephaly children at four to ten months of age results in normal head shapes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with scaphocephaly underwent OC between 2003 and 2011. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 6.75 months. The body weight was between 6.1 and 9.3 kg, mean 8.0 kg. The average duration of surgery was 108 minutes. The mean blood loss during the procedure was 168 ml and the mean amount of erythrocyte transfusion was 152 ml. The mean time spent on the ICU was 1.48 days and the mean of total hospital stay was 5.81 days. The operative method is described. During the mean follow-up time of 6.3 years (min 3.8, max 10.4, median 7.1) focus was set on the patient´s head growth and cephalic index (CI) following OC. For statistical reason the follow up period was divided into three groups: follow up 2-4 years, 5-7 years and 8-10 years. RESULTS: For all cases the total head growth was 9.5cm (mean) during the follow up period of 6.3 years. Analyzing the mean head growth by bootstrapping analysis, the three observational groups showed a significant increase of the head circumference in all cases being analyzed: group 1 p=0.003, group 2 p=0.005 and group 3 p=0.028 Evaluation of the CI showed a statistically significant change from a pathologic value of 0.67 (mean) preoperatively to a normal value of 0.78 (mean) postoperatively during the follow up analyzing all patients. To precise these findings, the bootstrapping analysis showed in the first period an increase of the mean CI not reaching statistical significance (p=0.351). Analyzing the second and third period the CI significantly increased in both groups (p=0.016 and p=0.037). All patients showed a nearly complete re-ossification during the follow up period. No secondary operation was necessary in any patient of this cohort. CONCLUSION: As shown in this single-center observational study, the surgical intervention significantly improved the cephalic index and resulted in a symmetric head shape with excellent aesthetic appearance. The results were not dependent on postoperative helmet therapy, and compliance of caregivers. Re-ossification reached 100% within the observation period. According to these data, we recommend osteoclastic craniectomy as the method of choice in infants six to twelve months of age.

The opposite role of hippocampal mGluR1 in fear conditioning in kindled and non-kindled rats.

In the present paper, we analyzed the effects of hippocampal mGluR1 on the consolidation of a fear-conditioned response and on hippocampal glutamate and GABA concentration in rats subjected to the chemically-induced kindling of seizures. We hypothesized the important role of this glutamate receptor subpopulation in behavioural disturbances accompanying epilepsy. To this end, the behavioural and biochemical effects of selective mGluR1 and 5 receptor ligands were compared in sham and kindled animals (pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures). It was found that despite the fact that the freezing response to the aversively conditioned context was not changed by kindling itself, post-training intrahippocampal (dentate gyrus) injection of AIDA (a mGluR1 antagonist) oppositely influenced rat freezing behaviour in the non-kindled and kindled animals (i.e. the receptor ligand increased and decreased duration of the fear reaction, respectively). Kindling of seizures also enhanced the Glutamate/GABA ratio in the dorsal hippocampus (in vivo microdialysis), indicating an enhancement of excitatory processes in the brain. Altogether, the results showed that kindling of seizures led the potentiation of excitatory processes in the hippocampus, changing the role of the local mGluRs1 population in the conditioned fear learning.

Chronic stress changes prepulse inhibition after amphetamine challenge: the role of the dopaminergic system.

The goal of this research was to examine the influence of chronic mild stress (CMS) on prepulse inhibition (PPI). We used an amphetamine challenge to study the role of the dopaminergic system in limbic structures. Chronic stress caused a reduction in both sucrose preference and body weight. It was found that the initially strong response to amphetamine in the control rats was weakened after stress on both the behavioural and biochemical levels: improved PPI, decreased dopamine D2 receptor expression in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) and nucleus accumbens (NAC), and decreased dopamine and 3-MT (3-methoxytyramine) levels in NAC. We observed that the stress-evoked attenuation of amphetamine-induced stimulation was also paralleled by changes in corticosterone level. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in both glutamate and the glutamate/gamma-aminobutric acid (GABA) ratio in the NAC. The interpretation of these results is that prolonged stress induces compensatory mechanisms in the mesolimbic system which are responsible for psychostimulant (amphetamine) effects.

Corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 antagonist differentially inhibits freezing behavior and changes gamma-aminobutyric acidergic activity in the amygdala in low- and high-anxiety rats.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of non-peptide corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) antagonist (antalarmin) administration on rat conditioned fear responses and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic brain activity (GAD67 expression and GABA concentration) in low-anxiety (LR) and high-anxiety (HR) rats. The animals were divided into the LR and HR groups based on the duration of their conditioned freezing response in the first contextual fear test. After 28 days, the animals were re-subjected to the contextual fear training and test. The rats received an antalarmin injection (10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg) 80 min before the second exposure to the aversive context. Antalarmin significantly attenuated the conditioned fear response only in the HR rats. The behavioral effect of a lower dose (10 mg/kg) of antalarmin was accompanied by increased GAD67 expression in the prelimbic cortex (PL) and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and an increased GABA concentration in the amygdala. These studies showed that HR rats were more susceptible to the anxiolytic effects of CRF1 antagonist administration, which were associated with increased GABAergic activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala. The current data may provide insights into the neurobiological mechanism operating within the mesolimbic CRF-GABA neurotransmitter systems, which may be responsible for individual differences in stress-related diseases. This knowledge can be applied to further elucidate the pathophysiology of anxiety and trauma/stress-related disorders.

Methotrexate treatment suppresses local cytokine and chemokine production in rat adjuvant arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that is still insufficiently controlled by current treatments. Methotrexate (M7X), a small molecular weight compound, has been the gold standard in the treatment of RA. It has several anti-inflammatory activities, but their contribution to its antiarthritic effects has not yet been established. We conducted a rat adjuvant arthritis study, in which we investigated the effect of MTX on local cytokine and chemokine production in arthritic paws. Our data demonstrate that MTX was able to significantly suppress cytokine and chemokine release in the inflamed joints in a dose-dependent fashion, accompanied by amelioration of the disease as indicated by reduced paw swelling and arthritic scores. These findings prompt further studies to clarify whether these suppressive effects of MTX on local cytokine and chemokine release are direct or whether they are a result of other preceding anti-inflammatory activities of the compound.

Tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty (Snodgrass) in primary hypospadias repair.

In the past TIP urethroplasty became a preferred technique for distal hypospadias repair, and subsequently gained worldwide popularity and acceptance. The procedure gives good functional results and a cosmetic appearance that is superior to that obtained by flip-flap or onlay preputial flap repairs. In addition, this procedure is associated with a fairly low rate of complications. From 06/2000 to 04/2004 we performed 100 primary TIP urethroplasties in patients with distal hypospadias. The age of the patients at the time of surgical correction was 16 months to 10 years with a mean of 41.4 months. All patients underwent the procedure under general anesthesia supplemented by additional pain management with a penile block anesthesia or caudal anesthesia. The surgical technique is described. During follow-up (23.5 months) we observed 2 types of complications: formation of a urethrocutaneous fistula (5 pts., 5 %) and formation of meatal stenosis (17 pts., 17 %) with a steady decrease with no stenosis formation in the last 8 months of this series. A key point might be the length of the dorsal incision of the urethral plate which should not touch the dorsal lip of the anticipated neomeatus. There were no other complications, and the cosmetic results were good in all cases.

Functional imaging for determination of nephroblastoma: an obligatory diagnostic program.

In Europe, 1.7 % of children with predicted nephroblastoma undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy without being correctly diagnosed. It is necessary to reduce the number of misdiagnoses. In a girl who was referred to our institute with the diagnosis of nephroblastoma of the right kidney, DMSA scan revealed a hypertrophic compensation of the contralateral nephropathy in the lower part. Functional imaging studies of the kidney should be performed in patients in whom the type of pathology of a suspect mass in the kidney region is unclear, including a careful scrutiny of the MRI scan.

Functional maturation of dendritic cells by exposure to CD40L transgenic tumor cells, fibroblasts or keratinocytes.

Tumor antigen pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) can induce anti-tumor immunity. We studied strategies for the reliable generation of such a tumor vaccine by functional maturation of DCs via interaction of CD40 with its ligand (CD40L, CD154). Exposure of immature DCs to CD40L transgenic cells, soluble recombinant human CD40L molecules or lipopolysaccharide induced expression of the co-stimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86, and supported an allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction. In contrast, the release of IL-12, an important mediator of anti-tumor immunity, and antigen-specific expansion and IFNgamma secretion of lymphocytes, was strongly triggered only by DCs exposed to CD40L transgenic cells.

Pentylenetetrazol-kindling of seizures selectively decreases [3H]-citalopram binding in the CA-3 area of rat hippocampus.

The present study was aimed at determining the changes in the 5-HT transporter activity, in different brain structures after pentylenetetrazol induced kindling of seizures. We examined [3H]-citalopram binding in the rat brain structures, and the neurodegenerative effects in the hippocampal formation using autoradiographic and immunohistochemical methods. A statistically significant and selective reduction in the binding of [3H]-citalopram was found in the CA3 field of the hippocampus (P=0.009), and a similar tendency, close to the significance level, in the dentate gyrus (P=0.05). This effect was accompanied by a loss of neurons and activation of microglia in the hippocampal formation. The present data suggest the important role for CA3- serotonergic innervation in pentylenetetrazol induced kindling of seizures.

Evaluation of the API ATB 32C system for the rapid identification of foodborne yeasts.

The commercial API ATB 32C identification kit was compared with a standard method for identifying 11 reference strains and 53 yeast strains isolated from fermented milk products. Approx. 50% of the species considered in the API ATB 32C database were identified on a level of good, very good, and excellent identification. The numerical profile of 25 strains was not found in the API ATB 32C index. Low discrimination or misidentification was observed in seven strains. The low reliability of the API ATB 32C system may be ascribed to the incomplete nature of the profile index. A majority (91%) of the strains, however, were identified correctly by the API ATB 32C strip test results in combination with the commercial computer program of Barnett et al. (1985). This combined procedure offers the possibility to identify any out of 497 species considered by Barnett et al. (1985).

Pregnenolone sulfate potentiates the effects of NMDA on hippocampal alanine and dopamine.

The aim of the present study was to analyze biochemical effects of a neurosteroid, pregnenolone sulfate (PS), which accompany changes in the threshold of seizures, and to establish the contribution of local, hippocampal monoaminergic and amino acid systems, to the control of convulsive activity. Pretreatment of mice with PS (intracerebroventricularly) selectively enhanced the potency of peripherally (intraperitoneally) administered NMDA at the LD16 (88.0 mg/kg) to induce clonic-tonic convulsions (PS, LD84 = 184.7 nM; 95% CL = 181.4-188.1). The proconvulsive actions of picrotoxin and bicuculline, the GABA-A receptor antagonists, were not modified by pretreatment of mice with PS. Administration of PS alone (up to 240 nM icv) did not show any seizure-like activity. PS given at LD84, together with NMDA (at the LD16), increased the hippocampal concentration of alanine, and enhanced local metabolism of dopamine in a period immediately preceding the onset of seizures significantly stronger than did NMDA alone. These and other data indicate that the enhancement by PS of hippocampal levels of alanine may contribute to the seizures development as this amino acid is a precursor of glutamate, and a co-agonist of the NMDA receptors. On the other hand, simultaneously occurring stimulation of hippocampal dopaminergic system may be considered a compensatory phenomenon, limiting seizures propagation through the limbic forebrain. Summarizing, our results show that PS-induced potentiation of NMDA seizures is accompanied by selective changes in hippocampal dopamine turnover and alanine concentration.