Integrative phylogenetic, phylogeographic and morphological characterisation of the Unio crassus species complex reveals cryptic diversity with important conservation implications.

The global decline of freshwater mussels and their crucial ecological services highlight the need to understand their phylogeny, phylogeography and patterns of genetic diversity to guide conservation efforts. Such knowledge is urgently needed for Unio crassus, a highly imperilled species originally widespread throughout Europe and southwest Asia. Recent studies have resurrected several species from synonymy based on mitochondrial data, revealing U. crassus to be a complex of cryptic species. To address long-standing taxonomic uncertainties hindering effective conservation, we integrate morphometric, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic analyses to examine species diversity within the U. crassus complex across its entire range. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (815 specimens from 182 populations) and, for selected specimens, whole mitogenome sequences and Anchored Hybrid Enrichment (AHE) data on âˆ¼ 600 nuclear loci. Mito-nuclear discordance was detected, consistent with mitochondrial DNA gene flow between some species during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Fossil-calibrated phylogenies based on AHE data support a Mediterranean origin for the U. crassus complex in the Early Miocene. The results of our integrative approach support 12 species in the group: the previously recognised Unio bruguierianus, Unio carneus, Unio crassus, Unio damascensis, Unio ionicus, Unio sesirmensis, and Unio tumidiformis, and the reinstatement of five nominal taxa: Unio desectusstat. rev., Unio gontieriistat. rev., Unio mardinensisstat. rev., Unio nanusstat. rev., and Unio vicariusstat. rev. Morphometric analyses of shell contours reveal important morphospace overlaps among these species, highlighting cryptic, but geographically structured, diversity. The distribution, taxonomy, phylogeography, and conservation of each species are succinctly described.

Two communication lines in a 3 × 3 matrix speller.

In a matrix speller both eye fixation and attention are reflected in the event-related potentials to highlighting of characters. We consider the question of whether this can be used to open up two parallel channels by dissociating the attended character from the fixated one. Complementary classifiers for both characters are established and their relationship is investigated.

Intubating laryngeal mask airway, laryngeal tube, 1100 ml self-inflating bag-alternatives for basic life support?

Insufficient oxygenation, ventilation and gastric inflation with subsequent regurgitation of stomach contents is a major hazard of bag-valve-face mask ventilation during the basic life support phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The European Resuscitation Council has recommended smaller tidal volumes of approximately 500 ml as an effort to reduce gastric inflation; furthermore, the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the laryngeal tube have been recently developed in order to provide rapid ventilation and to secure the airway. The purpose of our study was to examine whether usage of a newly developed medium-size self-inflating bag (maximum volume, 1100 ml) in association with the intubating laryngeal mask airway, and laryngeal tube may provide adequate lung ventilation, while reducing the risk of gastric inflation in a bench model simulating the initial phase of CPR. Twenty house officers volunteered for our study. When using the laryngeal tube, and the intubating laryngeal mask airway, respectively, the medium-size (maximum volume, 1100 ml) versus adult (maximum volume, 1500 ml) self-inflating bag resulted in significantly (P<0.05) lower mean+/-S.E.M. lung tidal volumes (605+/-22 vs. 832+/-4 ml, and 666+/-27 vs. 887+/-37 ml, respectively), but comparable peak airway pressures. No gastric inflation occurred when using both devices with either ventilation bag. In conclusion, both the intubating laryngeal mask airway and laryngeal tube in combination with both an 1100 and 1500 ml maximum volume self inflating bag proved to be valid alternatives for emergency airway management in a bench model of a simulated unintubated cardiac arrest victim.

[Emergency airway management-- comparison of various strategies in an unsecured airway]. / Notfall-Atemwegs-Management--eine vergleichende Untersuchung verschiedener Strategien bei ungesichertem Luftweg.

OBJECTIVES: Gastric inflation and regurgitation of stomach contents are major hazards of bag-valve-mask ventilation in an emergency. The purpose of our study was to determine lung ventilation and gastric inflation when using the bag-valve-face mask, laryngeal mask, and combitube with different sizes of self-inflating bags (max. volume: 700, 1100, 1500 ml). METHODS: Twenty-six training emergency doctors without prior extensive training in emergency airway management volunteered for our study and ventilated a bench model simulating an unintubated respiratory arrest patient with bag-valve-face mask, laryngeal mask, and combitube using paediatric, medium size, and adult self-inflating bags. Lung and gastric tidal volume, as well as lung and gastric peak airway pressure were measured with respiratory monitors and a pneumotachometer. RESULTS: When using either the combitube or the laryngeal mask, the paediatric vs. medium-size and adult self-inflating bag resulted in significantly (P < .001) lower mean +/- SEM lung tidal volumes (328 +/- 34 vs. 626 +/- 65 vs. 654 +/- 69 ml; and 368 +/- 30 vs. 532 +/- 48 vs. 692 +/- 67 ml, respectively). No gastric inflation occurred with the combitube, while gastric inflation was comparably low when using the laryngeal mask with either ventilation bag (3 +/- 2 vs. 7 +/- 4 vs. 6 +/- 3 ml; P = NS). The paediatric vs. medium-size and adult self-inflating bag in combination with the bag-valve-face mask resulted in comparable lung tidal volumes (250 +/- 23 vs. 313 +/- 24 vs. 282 +/- 38 ml; P = NS); but significantly (P < .01) lower gastric tidal volumes (147 +/- 23 vs. 206 +/- 24 vs. 267 +/- 23 ml). CONCLUSIONS: Both the laryngeal mask and the combitube proved to be valid alternatives for the bag-valve-face mask in our experimental model. The medium size self-inflating bag seems to be adequate when using either the laryngeal mask or the combitube.

Emergency airway management by intensive care unit nurses with the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the laryngeal tube.

When using the laryngeal tube and the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA), the medium-size (maximum volume 1100 ml) versus adult (maximum volume 1500 ml) self-inflating bags resulted in significantly lower lung tidal volumes. No gastric inflation occurred when using both devices with either ventilation bag. The newly developed medium-size self-inflating bag may be an option to further reduce the risk of gastric inflation while maintaining sufficient lung ventilation. Both the ILMA and laryngeal tube proved to be valid alternatives for emergency airway management in the experimental model used.

[Age dependence of the density of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in liver cell membranes of domestic fowl]. / Altersabhängigkeit der Dichte alpha 1-adrenerger Rezeptoren an Leberzellmembranen beim Haushuhn.

Age dependence of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor number on hepatocytes of chickens was determined by incubation of liver cell membranes from chickens of different ages with 3H-prazosin. We showed, that there is a continuous and significant rise of alpha 1-adrenergic binding sites with increasing age of the chickens from 226 +/- 22 fmol/mg protein at the age of up to 4 weeks to 628 +/- 34 fmol/mg protein in laying hens. Changes in receptor affinity could not be registered. The KD-values ranged insignificantly from 0.34 +/- 0.03 nM to 0.50 +/- 0.06 nM in the different ages of chickens and amounted to 0.44 +/- 0.02 nM averagely. The classification of the binding sites for 3H-prazosin to the alpha 1B-subtype could be caused by the high sensitivity to chlorethylclonidine and by the low affinity for alpha A-adrenergic antagonists.

[Determination of beta-adrenergic binding sites in the myocardium of young female chickens of various strains--a study for the clarification of frequent occurrence of sudden death and ascites in male broilers]. / Ermittlung beta-adrenerger Bindungsstellen im Myokard bei Junghühnern unterschiedlicher Nutzungsrichtung--Eine Studie zur Klärung des gehäuften Auftretens des Plötzlichen Herztodes und der Bauchwassersucht bei männlichen Broilern.

The present investigations should contribute to clarify the importance of beta-adrenergic system in myocard for the triggering of sudden death syndrome and ascites in male broiler chickens. Therefore it should be verified if differences in density of beta-adrenergic receptors in myocard exist in several strains and sexes of chickens. We showed in both male and female broilers that the receptor density was significantly higher as in chickens of the laying strain. There were no significant differences in receptor density between sexes in both investigated strains as well as in KD-values between all groups. The latter finding is referred to the absence of differences in receptor affinity for 3H-dihydroalprenolol between the groups. Clarification of the question if chronic heart failure is in contrast to myocard hypertrophy accompanied with reduction of beta-adrenergic receptor density or receptor affinity in broilers too, as could be shown in other species, has to carried out in further investigations.

Plasma levels of catecholamines and lipolysis during starvation in growing pigs.

The aim of this study was to clarify the triggering mechanism of lipolysis in adipose tissue during feed withdrawal in pigs. Evaluation of blood samples drawn via an intravenous catheter from 10 growing pigs fasted for 60 h demonstrated, in addition to a haemodilution, a significant rise in plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids (250 +/- 37 to 1427 +/- 144 mumol/l) and free glycerol (98 +/- 27 to 232 +/- 41 mumol/l) within 48 h of feed restriction, and thereafter the concentrations levelled off. The pigs also showed a significant decrease in plasma levels of glucose (6.01 +/- 0.20 to 4.62 +/- 0.12 mmol/l) within 48 h of fasting, followed by repeated increase until the end of the experimental period. A significant decrease in plasma insulin-like growth factor I (84 +/- 13 to 65 +/- 7 ng/ml) was observed after 16 h, which continued during the whole period of feed withdrawal. However, no significant changes in plasma levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline during the period of increased lipolysis were detected. Therefore, the observed stimulation of lipolysis in growing swine during fasting is not the result of an increase in plasma concentration of catecholamines.

[Patient dismissal to promote progress: brief discharge as a possible method in inpatient psychotherapy of adolescent patients]. / Wegschicken, um weiterzukommen: die Kurzentlassung als eine Handlungsmöglichkeit stationärer Psychotherapie Jugendlicher.

In dealing with aggressive juveniles in a setting it often is difficult to sustain the concept of therapy without risking the end of cooperation. A chance to save the ability to act on the therapist's side, offers the shorttime dismissal as a therapeutical measure. It works as a remedy in times of stationary crises' as well as a juncture with the juvenile's original system that is forced into the process of therapy closing links between the stationary ongoings and the dynamics of the familiar system outside.

Evidence of the existence of alpha 1B-adrenoceptors on hepatocytes of domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

In liver cell membranes of laying hens alpha 1-adrenergic receptors were characterized using 3H-prazosin. Specific binding was saturable and indicative of a single class of high-affinity binding sites with a KD of 0.40 +/- 16 nM and a Bmax of 390 +/- 38 fmol/mg membrane protein. Preincubation of membranes with chlorethylclonidine significantly diminished the binding of 3H-prazosin (Bmax = 99 +/- 14 fmol/mg membrane protein). Furthermore, competition experiments revealed a rank order of prazosin >> phentolamine = oxymetazoline >> WB 4101, with Ki values of 0.71 +/- 0.62, 20 +/- 6, 32 +/- 13, and 119 +/- 48 nM, respectively. These results suggest the existence of alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors in hen liver cell membranes.

[Effect of restraining growth pigs with snare restraints on plasma levels of catecholamines, cortisol, insulin and metabolic parameters]. / Einfluss einer Fixation von Mastschweinen mittels Oberkieferschlinge auf das Verhalten der Plasmakonzentrationen an Catecholaminen, Cortisol, Insulin und Stoffwechselparametern.

The aim of the experiments was to evaluate the effect of an acute stressor (snare restraint for 5 min) on hormonal and metabolic parameters in pigs and to look for parameters which reflect best the stress intensity. The snare restraint resulted in an increase in plasma level of epinephrine from 88 +/- 12 to 2264 +/- 470 pg/ml and in plasma level of norepinephrine from 206 +/- 14 to 7727 +/- 1969 pg/ml within a minute. In contrast, the cortisol level showed a delayed increase from 30.8 +/- 4.9 to 101.8 +/- 12.0 nmol/l. The inhibitory effect of catecholamines on insulin secretion resulted in a delayed increase of plasma level of insulin from 0.14 +/- 0.01 to 0.29 +/- 0.04 nmol/l. Moreover, there was a significant increase in haematocrit and in plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, free glycerol and ascorbic acid. A biphasic pattern in plasma level of potassium was observed. The present results suggest that besides the level of lactate the plasma concentration of catecholamines reflects best the individual degree of excitement and the time of physical strain.

[Effect of acute stress on plasma levels of catecholamines and cortisol in addition to metabolites in stress-susceptible growing swine]. / Einfluss einer akuten Belastung auf die Plasmakonzentrationen an Catecholaminen und Cortisol sowie an Metaboliten bei stressempfindlichen Mastschweinen.

The purpose of this study was to show the behaviour of the plasma level of catecholamines in stress-susceptible pigs during an acute stress and to gain new insights in the role of catecholamines in the initiation of malignant hyperthermia. Therefore, a halothane challenge test was performed in stress-susceptible growing pigs, and the changes of haematocrit, hormones and metabolites were monitored during the handling before the test, during halothane exposure and thereafter. Already in connection with the handling before the test, haematocrit values and plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucose, lactate and potassium increased significantly. However, the plasma concentration of cortisol and free glycerol increased gradually and the level of nonesterified fatty acids did not show any changes. While the levels of catecholamines and potassium decreased already during halothane exposure, haematocrit values and concentrations of glucose and lactate continued to increase. The present results indicate that the catecholamines are not involved in the initiation of malignant hyperthermia.

[The effect of anesthesia, of an alpha or beta adrenergic blockade in conscious and of adrenaline in anesthetized halothane-positive swine on hematologic and metabolic parameters in the blood during the course of halothane exposure]. / Einfluss einer Narkose, einer alpha- oder beta-adrenergen Blockade bei wachen sowie von Adrenalin bei narkotisierten halothanpositiven Schweinen auf hämatologische und Stoffwechselparameter im Blut im Verlaufe einer Halothanexposition.

The halothane test was performed under different conditions in 10 halothane-sensitive growing pigs (Landrace, line 01). Haematological and metabolic changes in blood were monitored during the handling of the pigs before the test, during the exposure to halothane and thereafter. Already in connection with the catching and fixation of the pigs, the levels of haemoglobin in blood, and of glucose, lactate and potassium in plasma increased significantly. However, the concentration of glycerol was not raised before the occurrence of the malignant hyperthermia. While the level of potassium decreased already from the beginning of the halothane exposure until the development of symptoms, the values of haemoglobin, glucose and lactate continued to increased. The level of the free fatty acids did not show any changes during the experimental period. An infusion of phentolamine reduced the increase of haemoglobin and potassium and an infusion of propranolol reduced the increase of haemoglobin and glycerol significantly, without any effect on the result of the halothane test. By an anaesthesia, starting 30 minutes before the exposure to halothane, the development of the typical halothane reaction was obviated for at least 10 minutes. Observed metabolic changes during a simultaneous epinephrine administration were exclusively due to its adrenergic effects.