Projected Entangled Pair States: Fundamental Analytical and Numerical Limitations.

Matrix product states and projected entangled pair states (PEPS) are powerful analytical and numerical tools to assess quantum many-body systems in one and higher dimensions, respectively. While matrix product states are comprehensively understood, in PEPS fundamental questions, relevant analytically as well as numerically, remain open, such as how to encode symmetries in full generality, or how to stabilize numerical methods using canonical forms. Here, we show that these key problems, as well as a number of related questions, are algorithmically undecidable, that is, they cannot be fully resolved in a systematic way. Our work thereby exposes fundamental limitations to a full and unbiased understanding of quantum many-body systems using PEPS.

A systematic review of the indirect costs of schizophrenia in Europe.

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic disease associated with significant and long-lasting effects on health, and it is also a social and financial burden, not only for patients but also for families, other caregivers, and the wider society. It is essential to conduct the assessment of indirect costs, to understand all the effects of the disease on society. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of the indirect costs of schizophrenia in Europe. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review covering EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO as well as reviewing Health Technology Assessment databases from different countries. We used a qualitative research synthesis for presenting information, as most of the studies were methodologically diverse, a quantitative analysis would have been impractical. Results: Indirect cost adjusted to inflation ranged vastly between studies included in the review from 119 Euros to 62, 034 Euros annually. The average proportion of indirect costs of total costs was 44%. Studies highlighted important cost drivers as age, gender, and disease severity, explaining the variation in costs between treatment and patient groups. Conclusions: Regardless of the methodological heterogeneity of the reviewed studies, there was an agreement about the significance of indirect costs of schizophrenia on the society. Considering the relatively high prevalence of schizophrenia in Europe, a need for more cost of illness studies especially from Central Eastern and Southern Europe is suggested.

[Conservative management of traumatic priapism in paediatric patients]. / Manejo conservador del priapismo traumático en la edad pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: High-flow priapism is infrequent in pediatric patients. It is mostly secondary to perineal trauma resulting in laceration of a penile artery and the formation of an arterio-cavernous fistula. It does not constitute a medical emergency in itself, and allows conservative management awaiting spontaneous resolution. CLINICAL CASE: A six-year-old boy with painless persistent erection preceded by perineal trauma. Ultrasound imaging confirmed the clinical suspicion of high flow priapism secondary to arterio-cavernous fistula. After adopting a conservative approach, the patient presented progressive detumescence, as well as ultrasound resolution one month after the episode. COMMENTS: In high-flow priapism, venous drainage of the penis is preserved. The classical approach in adults is based on therapeutic angiography, which presents greater technical complexity and the risk of iatrogenic hypoxia in pediatric patients.

INTRODUCCION: El priapismo de alto flujo es una entidad infrecuente en la edad pediátrica. Es, en su mayoría, secundario a traumatismo perineal que provoca la laceración de una arteria peneana y formación de una fístula arterio-cavernosa. No constituye una emergencia médica, permitiendo un manejo conservador a la espera de su resolución espontánea. CASO CLINICO: Niño de seis años con erección persistente e indolora tras traumatismo perineal. El diagnóstico ecográfico confirma la sospecha de priapismo de alto flujo secundario a fístula arteria-cavernosa. Tras manejo conservador, presenta detumescencia progresiva y resolución ecográfica al mes del episodio. COMENTARIOS: En el priapismo de alto flujo el drenaje venoso del pene se encuentra conservado. El manejo clásico en adultos se fundamenta en la angiografía terapéutica, de mayor complejidad técnica y riesgo de hipoxia iatrogénica en el paciente pediátrico.

The impact of redistributing power to disadvantaged families in Hungary.

Summary: The Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) formulated recommendations along which health inequalities can be successfully tackled anywhere in the world. The situation of the Roma minority in Europe provides countless opportunities for the translation of these guidelines into action that should be guided by coherent and evidence-based strategies integrating lessons learned in smaller-scale field projects. Our paper describes the long-term evaluation of a locally initiated housing project in Hungary carried out more than a decade after implementation, which highlights the salience of the CSDH's recommendations and critical factors for success and sustainability. The project provides evidence for the long-term positive impact on education of the social housing project implemented by an empowered community through delegating decision making to a board of representatives of the beneficiaries in all decisions, including financial ones. Educational level greatly improved, and all houses­inhabited by 17 out of 20 families who initially entered the project­remained in good condition, properly equipped and decorated after 13 years of implementation, in spite of an increase of unemployment during the same period which led to reduced income and deterioration of the families' economic situation. Better housing conditions for vulnerable people can be sustained and result in increased educational level if incremental improvement is aimed for and coupled with the redistribution of power at the local level.

Assessing serum metabolite profiles as predictors for feed efficiency in broiler chickens reared at geographically distant locations.

1. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in growth performance, serum intermediary metabolites, acute-phase proteins and white blood cells in low, medium and high-residual feed intake (RFI) chickens. It was also assessed if the environment affects the feed efficiency (FE) and FE-related performance and serum profiles of chickens. 2. Individual body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were recorded from d 7 of life. At 5 weeks of age, female and male broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were selected according to their RFI (L1: Austria; L2: UK; n = 9/RFI group, sex and locatity -45on) and blood samples were collected. 3. Chickens at L1 had similar FI but a 15% higher BW gain compared to chickens at L2. The RFI values of female chickens were -231, 8 and 215 g and those of male chickens -197, 0 and 267 g for low, medium and high RFI, respectively. 4. Location affected serum glucose, urea, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ovotransferrin in females, and serum glucose and triglycerides in male chickens. Serum uric acid and NEFA linearly increased from low to high RFI in females, whereas in males, cholesterol showed the same linear response from low to high RFI. Serum alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and blood heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio linearly increased by 35% and 68%, respectively, from low to high RFI but only in male chickens at L1. 5. Regression analysis showed significant positive relationships between RFI and serum uric acid (R2 = 0.49) and cholesterol (R2 = 0.13). 6. It was concluded that RFI-related variation in serum metabolites of chickens was largely similar for the two environments and that serum metabolite patterns could be used to predict RFI in chickens.

Changes in egg quality traits during the last phase of production: is there potential for an extended laying cycle?

1. A field study was conducted to investigate the deterioration of eggshell quality at the end of lay and examine the potential to extend the production cycle. A total of 1200 eggs were assessed originating from commercial farms in Belgium: eggs were random sampled at the collection belt at 57-65 weeks of age and at the end of the production cycle (74-92 weeks). 2. Based on a linear mixed model, egg quality was estimated for an average flock at 60 weeks of age and changes in quality traits were predicted until the end of the laying cycle. 3. Egg weight increased by 0.07 g every week from 60 weeks of age onwards and shape index decreased by 0.04 unit weekly (P < 0.001). Haugh unit values decreased weekly by 0.38 units whereas relative yolk weight was unaffected after 60 weeks of age. Relative albumen weight showed a weekly increase of 0.02% and relative shell decreased by 0.02% weekly until the end of lay. 4. Shell quality traits were also influenced by age: shell index decreased by 0.013 g weekly, shell thickness was calculated to be 0.23 µm thinner every week, deformation increased by 0.06 µm weekly from 60 weeks to the end of the laying cycle. Variability of the deformation of eggs indicated more heterogeneous shell quality at the end of the production cycle. Dynamic stiffness increased from 60 weeks of age on. 5. Laying hens were depopulated on average at 80 weeks of age (varying from 74-92 weeks). Although ageing had a significant effect on most of the egg quality traits, egg quality was still acceptable at the end of lay, indicating the potential to extend the laying cycle.

Composition of diet modifies colonization dynamics of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of diet composition on colonization dynamics of Camp. jejuni and on related physiological parameters in the chicken intestine. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 54 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into three isocaloric and isonitrogenous dietary groups: maize-based (MB), wheat-based (WB) diet and wheat-based diet with NSP-degrading enzyme supplementation (WBES). Chickens were orally infected with 10(8)  CFU Camp. jejuni on day 14, and samples (n = 6) were collected on 7, 14 and 21 days postinfection (DPI), respectively. Colony forming units of Camp. jejuni of caecum and jejunum, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, pH values of the caecum, jejunal histomorphology and viscosity of jejunal chymus were measured. In case of WBES diet, lower Camp. jejuni colonization 14 DPI, higher jejunal viscosity, higher total SCFA concentrations in the caecum and enhanced jejunal histomorphology were observed compared to those measured in chickens fed MB diet. CONCLUSIONS: The WBES diet altered Camp. jejuni colonization dynamics in the chicken intestine which resulted by higher SCFA concentrations in the caecum and by the change of gut morphology. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our study proves that diet composition can modify Camp. jejuni colonization depending on sampling time point postinfection.

Risk factors influencing the surgical outcome in 138 consecutive patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysm: experience at the Cluj-Napoca Cardiovascular Surgery Center.

UNLABELLED: Abdominal aortic aneurysms represent a common pathologic condition, with an increasing incidence in the last decades. Unfortunately, the mortality rate in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms has also increased. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the risk factors that could interfere with the surgical outcome of these patients, especially with the perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we included 138 consecutive patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysm, who underwent elective repair (for chronic aortic aneurysm) or emergency repair (for ruptured aortic aneurysm), in the Cluj-Napoca Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic between January 2003 and December 2011. We noted the most frequently associated diseases and perioperative complications among the studied population. Three types of interventions were performed:tubular graft interposition, aortobiiliac bypass and aortobifemoral bypass. RESULTS: The perioperative mortality in the elective repair group was 5.68% (5 - 88), while in the emergency repair group it was 46% (23 - 50). CONCLUSIONS: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm continues to represent a condition associated with substantial risks and high mortality. Selective screening and elective repair are therefore necessary for the improvement of the survival rate for patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysm.

Open intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with anterior component separation as a bail-out procedure in the management of complex hernias.

PURPOSE: Surgical repair of complex abdominal wall hernias remains technically demanding and is widely recognized as a risk factor for unfavorable outcomes with high recurrence and morbidity rates. The objective is to assess short- and long-term complications after open intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair combined with bilateral anterior component separation (ACS) for large and difficult incisional hernias, alongside evaluating hernia recurrence rates. METHODS: This retrospective analysis utilized data sourced from Hospital electronic health records and a prospective database at an academic tertiary referral center. Data collection was carried out from patients operated between January 2006 and December 2017. Eligible patients had complex incisional hernias measuring at least 10 cm in their transverse diameter and had an open IPOM repair with bilateral ACS. RESULTS: In our study group of 45 patients, the 30-day surgical site occurrence (SSO) rate was high (37.8%), primarily consisting of superficial postoperative complications as seroma (17.8%) and wound dehiscence (6.7%). Among six patients (13.3%), wound complications escalated to chronic infected mesh-related problems, leading to complete mesh removal in four cases (8.9%) and partial mesh removal in two cases (4.4%). Regarding long-term complications, five patients (11.1%) developed enterocutaneous fistula. The recurrence rate was modest [5 out of 41 (12.2%)] over a median follow-up period of 99 months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high SSO rate, application of the open IPOM technique with ACS could serve as a valuable rescue option for managing large and complex hernias, with acceptable hernia recurrence rates at long-term follow-up.

Placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices in mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices in diabetic pregnancies in the second and third trimesters and to compare them with those of the normal controls. METHODS: Placental vascularization of pregnant women was determined by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound technique. The calculated indices included vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI). Uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 113) were compared with pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 56) and diabetes mellitus (n = 43). RESULTS: The three-dimensional power Doppler indices were not significantly different between the two diabetic subgroups. All the indices in diabetic patients were significantly reduced compared with those in non-diabetic individuals (p < 0.001). Placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices are slightly diminished throughout diabetic pregnancy [regression coefficients: -0.23 (FI), -0.06 (VI), and -0.04 (VFI)] and normal pregnancy [regression coefficients: -0.13 (FI), -0.20 (VI), and -0.11 (VFI)]. The uteroplacental circulation (umbilical and uterine artery) was not correlated significantly to the three-dimensional power Doppler indices. If all placental indices are low during late pregnancy, then the odds of the diabetes are significantly high (adjusted odds ratio: 1.10). CONCLUSIONS: A decreased placental vascularization could be an adjunct sonographic marker in the diagnosis of diabetic pregnancy in mid-gestation and late gestation.

Tritium and radiocarbon in the water column of the Red Sea.

Despite being the busiest transient sea in the world due to the Suez Canal, radionuclide distribution studies in seawater and sediment of the Red Sea remain rare. A sampling expedition in the Red Sea was conducted from June 9 to July 6, 2021, visiting a transect of several deep sampling stations located along the central axis of the basin from the Gulf of Aqaba to the southern Red Sea (near Farasan Island, Saudi Arabia). The collected seawater profile samples were analyzed for tritium, radiocarbon and oxygen-18. The observed tritium levels in surface waters of the Red Sea peaked at 0.3-0.4 TU, similar to the values observed in the western Arabian Sea (decay corrected). The values observed at waters below 150 m were around 0.2 TU, however, at depths of 450 and 750 m, tritium minima (<0.2 TU) were observed, which could be associated with a partial return flow of bottom waters from the southern to the northern Red Sea. At two stations at the depth of about 550 m, deep Δ14C minima were observed as well (-4‰ and -10‰), documenting ongoing transport of carbon in the water column, important for sink of anthropogenic carbon.

Date of birth and the incidence of acute ischemic stroke in Hungary. / Fecha de nacimiento e incidencia del ictus isquémico agudo en Hungría.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of the date of birth on the incidence of cardiovascular disease was confirmed in earlier studies. We aimed to determine whether the season of birth may be associated with a higher incidence of stroke in later life by analyzing thrombolysis numbers according over a ten-year period in Hungary. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed daily thrombolysis numbers between 2007 and 2016 according to the patients' date of birth based on seasons. The correlation between cumulative thrombolysis numbers between 2007 and 2016 per month and birth numbers per month based on data of the 1949 census were also examined. RESULTS: Our results indicate that being born in the spring and summer in the northern hemisphere may be associated with a higher frequency of ischemic stroke necessitating thrombolytic treatment. This equates to a higher risk when conception and early pregnancy occur in the summer and autumn months. CONCLUSIONS: This, however, cannot be defined as a causal relationship if we consider the number of live births in 1949, as both measures change similarly during the year, as indicated by the strong positive correlation between thrombolysis frequency according to date of birth between 2007 and 2016 and the number of births in the 1949 census by month.

TITLE: Fecha de nacimiento e incidencia del ictus isquémico agudo en Hungría.Introducción. El efecto de la fecha de nacimiento sobre la incidencia de enfermedad cardiovascular se ha confirmado en estudios anteriores. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar si la temporada de nacimiento puede estar asociada con una mayor incidencia de accidente cerebrovascular en etapas posteriores de la vida mediante el análisis de las cifras de trombólisis durante un período de 10 años en Hungría. Pacientes y métodos. Analizamos las cifras diarias de trombólisis entre 2007 y 2016 según la fecha de nacimiento de los pacientes según las estaciones. También se examinó la correlación entre las cifras de trombólisis acumuladas entre 2007 y 2016 por mes, y las cifras de nacimientos por mes según los datos del censo de 1949. Resultados. Nuestros resultados indican que nacer en primavera y verano en el hemisferio norte puede estar asociado con una mayor frecuencia de accidentes cerebrovasculares isquémicos que requieren tratamiento trombolítico. Esto equivale a un mayor riesgo cuando la concepción y el embarazo temprano ocurren en los meses de verano y otoño. Conclusión. Esto, sin embargo, no puede definirse como una relación causal si consideramos el número de nacidos vivos en 1949, ya que ambas medidas cambian de manera similar durante el año, como lo indica la fuerte correlación positiva entre la frecuencia de trombólisis según la fecha de nacimiento entre 2007 y 2016, y el número de nacimientos en el censo de 1949 por mes.

Effect of different concentrations of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, carcase quality, gut microflora and immune response of broiler chickens.

1. An experiment was conducted to study the effects of different Bacillus subtilis concentrations on productivity, carcase quality, immune response and the gut microflora of broiler chickens. 2. There were 5 treatment groups: control, with no added Bacillus subtilis supplementation; and 4 treatment groups receiving feed supplemented with different concentrations of B. subtilis. 3. Weight gain was significantly higher and the feed conversion rate was significantly better in all groups receiving feed supplemented with B. subtilis, regardless of its concentration. The groups given B. subtilis supplementation produced relatively bigger breasts, and smaller carcases and thighs, compared with the control group. 4. The appearance of increased diffuse lymphohistiocytic infiltration and solitary lymphoid follicles in the mucosa, and a stronger response to NDV vaccination, indicate increased immunological responses in chickens fed with the B. subtilis supplemented diet. 5. The higher inclusion rate of B. subtilis did not increase Lactobacillus concentrations in the ileum or in the caecum, but decreased the E. coli population significantly.

Magneto-optical diagnosis of symptomatic malaria in Papua New Guinea.

Improved methods for malaria diagnosis are urgently needed. Here, we evaluate a novel method named rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD) in 956 suspected malaria patients in Papua New Guinea. RMOD tests can be conducted within minutes and at low cost. We systematically evaluate the capability of RMOD to detect infections by directly comparing it with expert light microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests and polymerase chain reaction on capillary blood samples. We show that compared to light microscopy, RMOD exhibits 82% sensitivity and 84% specificity to detect any malaria infection and 87% sensitivity and 88% specificity to detect Plasmodium vivax. This indicates that RMOD could be useful in P. vivax dominated elimination settings. Parasite density correlates well with the quantitative magneto-optical signal. Importantly, residual hemozoin present in malaria-negative patients is also detectable by RMOD, indicating its ability to detect previous infections. This could be exploited to reveal transmission hotspots in low-transmission settings.

"A herder's duty is to think": landscape partitioning and folk habitats of Mongolian herders in a mountain forest steppe (Khuvsugul-Murun region).

BACKGROUND: Traditional habitat knowledge, like the classification of folk habitats and how people partition their landscape into habitats, is an emerging but still understudied part of traditional ecological knowledge. Our objectives were to reconstruct the folk habitats and the partitioning of the landscape into these folk habitats by Mongolian herders in Northern Mongolia and to compare it with other Northern Hemisphere boreal-temperate classifications. METHODS: The study area is located in Seruun Gilad (Khuvsugul province) and belongs to the mountain forest steppe of the Khangai region (dominated by meadow steppes and larch forests). Most herder families use the area for summer pasturing. Data collection was based on indoor and outdoor, structured and semi-structured interviews and interviews during landscape walks and participatory fieldwork. We interviewed 20 people using 76+ photos of plant species and 25+ photos of habitats and asked them to name and describe the habitats and describe the habitat preferences of the species. RESULTS: Mongolian herders distinguished at least 88 folk habitat categories and knew well the habitat preferences of the 76 plant species. They argued that a herder has to be observant of nature. The habitat classification was moderately lexicalized, with many descriptive expressions. Most habitats (77%) belonged to the meso-scale, while macro-scale habitats (like taiga, Gobi) and micro-scale habitats (like marmot burrow, top of the tussock) were few. Habitat names did not reflect directly the usefulness of the habitat. Classification was multidimensional; key dimensions were geomorphological and edaphic. There were some species (e.g., botyuul, hyag, shireg) and species groups (hot plants, leafy plants) that were often used to describe habitat types. CONCLUSIONS: Landscape partitionings in the Northern Hemisphere differed considerably in the importance of various dimensions used, with edaphic, geomorphological, hydrological, and dominant species-based dimensions having higher importance, while land use, successional, and zoological dimensions having lower importance. We argue that conducting research on folk habitats will contribute to a deeper understanding of how nature is perceived by locals and to a more efficient management of the Mongolian pastures.

Plant selenium toxicity: Proteome in the crosshairs.

The metalloid element, selenium (Se) is in many ways special and perhaps because of this its research in human and plant systems is of great interest. Despite its non-essentiality, higher plants take it up and metabolize it via sulfur pathways, but higher amounts of Se cause toxic symptoms in plants. However, the molecular mechanisms of selenium phytotoxicity have been only partly revealed; the data obtained so far point out that Se toxicity targets the plant proteome. Besides seleno- and oxyproteins, nitroproteins are also formed due to Se stress. In order to minimize proteomic damages induced by Se, certain plants are able to redirect selenocysteine away from protein synthesis thus preventing Se-protein formation. Additionally, the damaged or malformed selenoproteins, oxyproteins and nitroproteins may be removed by proteasomes. Based on the literature this review sets Se toxicity mechanisms into a new concept and it draws attention to the importance of Se-induced protein-level changes.

Effects of aerobic workout on the changes in the characteristics of dynamics of the center of gravity in different age categories.

INTRODUCTION: The quality and function of movements undergo deterioration due to weight gain. Aerobic training normalizes body weight, improves the health status, and in addition, it is expected to improve the dynamics of movements. The aims of this study were to prove the beneficial effects of recreational physical activities on the movements. METHODS: Participants were divided into five different age categories: second childhood, adolescence, mature age I, mature age II, and aging. Squatting and vertical jumping of the participants were measured at the beginning and at the end of a 5-month training program. These movements simulated ordinary daily movements. Changes in the body were determined by InBody230. APAS 3D system was used for movement analysis. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvements in body weight, fat mass, muscle mass, fat mass-body weight ratio, muscle mass-body weight ratio, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-hip ratio. During jumping, the lifting and sinking of the center of gravity's (CG) position and its velocity and acceleration were improved. In case of squatting, the results showed significant improvements in the velocity and acceleration of dynamical characteristics of the CG. Other correlations were observed between changes in body composition and the dynamics of movements. DISCUSSION: The research proved that recreational training optimized body composition and improved the characteristics of CG's dynamics. The study suggests considerable connection between body composition and the characteristics of the movements' dynamics. From this point of view, our training program was the most effective in the working age groups.

Significance of the adrenergic system in the regulation of vasopressin secretion in rat neurohypophyseal tissue cultures.

UNLABELLED: The effects of adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA) on vasopressin (VP) secretion were studied in 13-14-day cultures of isolated rat neurohypophyseal (NH) tissue. The VP contents of the supernatant media were determined by radioimmunoassay after a 1 or 2-h incubation. Significantly increased VP levels were detected in the tissue culture media following the administration of A (an alpha+beta(2)-receptor agonist), depending on the dose of A. The VP secretion elevation was totally blocked by the previous administration of phentolamine (an alpha(1)+alpha(2)-receptor antagonist) or corynanthine (an alpha(1)-receptor antagonist). Yohimbine (an alpha(2)-receptor antagonist) did not influence the VP secretion increase induced by A. After the administration of NA (a beta+alpha(1)-receptor agonist), a VP secretion elevation was again detected, but the degree of enhancement proved smaller than that of the VP secretion increase induced by A. Propranolol (a beta(1)+beta(2)-receptor antagonist) before NA administration prevented the VP secretion increase. Atenolol (a beta(1)-receptor antagonist) did not block the VP secretion elevation induced by NA. Corynanthine (an alpha(1)-receptor antagonist) treatment before NA administration reduced the NA-induced VP enhancement, because NA has an alpha(1)-receptor agonist character in addition to its main character (a beta-receptor agonist). Surprisingly, the administration of pindolol (a beta(1)+beta(2)-receptor antagonist) enhanced VP secretion. This contradictory effect can be explained in that pindolol not only acts as a blocker, but also exerts "intrinsic sympathomimetic action" and a strong adrenergic agonist effect. Pindolol before NA administration significantly increased the NA-induced VP elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Mainly the alpha(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors are involved in the A- or NA-induced increase of VP secretion in isolated NH tissue cultures. The results indicate that VP release is influenced directly by the adrenergic system, and the adrenergic control of VP secretion from the NH tissue in rats can occur at the level of the posterior pituitary.

Inhibitory effect of vasopressin receptor antagonist OPC-31260 on experimental brain oedema induced by global cerebral ischaemia.

The effects of the non-peptide vasopressin V(2) receptor antagonist 5-dimethylamino-1-[4-(2-methylbenzoylamino)benzoyl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzazepine hydrochloride (OPC-31260) on the cerebral oedema induced by general cerebral hypoxia were studied in rats. The general cerebral hypoxia was produced by bilateral common carotid ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats of the CFY strain. By 6 h after the ligation, half of the rats had died, but the survival rate was significantly higher following OPC-31260 administration. Electron microscopic examinations revealed typical ischaemic changes after the carotid ligation. The carotid ligation increased the brain contents of water and Na(+) and enhanced the plasma vasopressin level. The increased brain water and Na(+) accumulation was prevented by OPC-31260 administration, but the plasma vasopressin level was further enhanced by OPC-31260. These results demonstrate the important role of vasopressin in the development of the disturbances in brain water and electrolyte balance in response to general cerebral hypoxia. The carotid ligation-induced cerebral oedema was significantly reduced following oral OPC-31260 administration. The protective mechanism exerted by OPC-31260 stems from its influence on the renal vasopressin V(2) receptors. These observations might suggest an effective approach to the treatment of global hypoxia-induced cerebral oedema in humans.

Generalized alterations in the biomechanical properties of large veins in non-thrombotic thrombophilic young patients.

AIM: In young, post-thrombotic patients, venous distensibility is decreased not only in the affected lower limb, but also in the contralateral limb and in the jugular vein when compared to age-matched control subjects. In the present study, we investigated venous wall mechanical properties in young, asymptomatic thrombophilic patients. METHODS: Eleven young (24+/-0.4 years) control subjects and 9 age-matched patients (21.1+/-1.8 years) with proven thrombophilic molecular defects, but without any signs or history of previous deep vein thrombosis, were compared. Anterolateral and mediolateral diameters of the common femoral, axillary and internal jugular veins were measured by ultrasonography in situ. Pressure alterations were induced by altering body positions and by pressure-controlled Valsalva tests. Distensibility was calculated from diameter and pressure changes. RESULTS: In thrombophilic patients, resting diameter of both the common femoral and of internal jugular veins at low transmural pressure was larger than those for the control subjects. Distensibility, however, was significantly less when high pressures were applied. Alterations in diameter of the axillary vein were minimal. CONCLUSION: Our measurements suggest that there are generalized changes in venous mechanical properties in thrombophilic patients even before the appearance of thrombotic processes. These biomechanical alterations of the venous wall and/or surrounding connective tissue are similar to those found in connection with aging and in post-thrombotic patients. The pathological mechanisms behind these processes are unknown.