Recombinant inbred lines derived from wide crosses in Pisum.

Genomic resources are becoming available for Pisum but to link these to phenotypic diversity requires well marked populations segregating for relevant traits. Here we describe two such resources. Two recombinant inbred populations, derived from wide crosses in Pisum are described. One high resolution mapping population involves cv Caméor, for which the first pea whole genome assembly was obtained, crossed to JI0281, a basally divergent P. sativum sativum landrace from Ethiopia. The other is an inter sub-specific cross between P. s. sativum and the independently domesticated P. s. abyssinicum. The corresponding genetic maps provide information on chromosome level sequence assemblies and identify structural differences between the genomes of these two Pisum subspecies. In order to visualise chromosomal translocations that distinguish the mapping parents, we created a simplified version of Threadmapper to optimise it for interactive 3-dimensional display of multiple linkage groups. The genetic mapping of traits affecting seed coat roughness and colour, plant height, axil ring pigmentation, leaflet number and leaflet indentation enabled the definition of their corresponding genomic regions. The consequence of structural rearrangement for trait analysis is illustrated by leaf serration. These analyses pave the way for identification of the underlying genes and illustrate the utility of these publicly available resources. Segregating inbred populations derived from wide crosses in Pisum, together with the associated marker data, are made publicly available for trait dissection. Genetic analysis of these populations is informative about chromosome scale assemblies, structural diversity in the pea genome and has been useful for the fine mapping of several discrete and quantitative traits.

The transcriptional landscape of polyploid wheat.

The coordinated expression of highly related homoeologous genes in polyploid species underlies the phenotypes of many of the world's major crops. Here we combine extensive gene expression datasets to produce a comprehensive, genome-wide analysis of homoeolog expression patterns in hexaploid bread wheat. Bias in homoeolog expression varies between tissues, with ~30% of wheat homoeologs showing nonbalanced expression. We found expression asymmetries along wheat chromosomes, with homoeologs showing the largest inter-tissue, inter-cultivar, and coding sequence variation, most often located in high-recombination distal ends of chromosomes. These transcriptionally dynamic genes potentially represent the first steps toward neo- or subfunctionalization of wheat homoeologs. Coexpression networks reveal extensive coordination of homoeologs throughout development and, alongside a detailed expression atlas, provide a framework to target candidate genes underpinning agronomic traits in wheat.

[Literature review of the latest research results concerning the positive effect of exercise therapy in chronic heart insufficiency]. / Literaturübersicht zu aktuellen Forschungsergebnissen zum positiven Effekt von Bewegungstherapie bei chronischer Herzinsuffizienz.

Scientific investigations indicate similarities in the pathophysiology of heart insufficiency and that of physical inactivity: similar changes in peripheral hemodynamics (increased peripheral vascular resistance, worsening of oxygen utilization during exercise), in autonomic control (activation of neurohumoral compensatory mechanisms, e.g. the renin-angiotensin system, overactivation of the sympathicus, reduction of vagal tonus, reduced pressosensitivity), in functional activity (reduced exercise tolerance and reduced maximum oxygen uptake), in skeletal muscle (decrease in mass, changes in structure), and in the psychological state (reduction in activity and feeling of well-being). In several, although small-scale studies it could be shown that patients with advanced left ventricular failure were able to take part in training programs without experiencing any ill effects, and that there was a positive shift in the usual typical effects of physical training, such as increase of heart rate, change in respiratory frequency, and maximum oxygen uptake. It could be shown that exercise therapy can result in a shift in the balance between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic tonus in the low- and high-frequency maxima of the R-R interval variability. The pre-training general predominance of the sympathetic tonus over the vagal tonus was changed dramatically by the training, leading to a predominance of the vagal tonus. Recent controlled studies with a randomized and controlled cross-over design and the application of a training program which was carried out regularly and independently have confirmed the positive effect of aerobic fitness training in cases of heart disease. At the end of the exercise phase, the patients experienced a significant improvement of the symptoms of left ventricular failure and of their capacity for exercise; furthermore, the training altered parts of the neurohumoral activation, which count as the main factors in the progression and death rate of patients with chronic cardiac disease.

[Cerebral hemodynamics in carbon dioxide applications]. / Zerebrale Hämodynamik bei Kohlendioxidapplikationen.

INTRODUCTION: We compare the effect of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) dry and wet applications on cerebral hemodynamics. METHODS: On 22 volunteers measurements were taken during CO(2) application. 10 probands were examined in CO(2) wet application (1,100-1,300 mg/l) and 12 probands in CO(2) dry application (500 g in a 800 l bathtub). The cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in the middle cerebri artery (MCA) was measured as a parameter of cerebral hemodynamics by means of transcranial doppler sonography. Furthermore were recorded CO(2) expiratory concentration (CO(2)et), blood pressure, and sublingual temperature. RESULTS: At CO(2) wet application the CBFV increased during therapy phase by 15% (p = 0.001), parallel to the rise of the CO(2)et by 18% (p = 0.01). During CO(2) dry application CBFV decreased by 11% (p = 0.007), body temperature increased significantly by 0.2 degrees C. CONCLUSION: CO(2) applications have influence on cerebral hemodynamics. Assuming constant diameters of the great brain vessels, CO(2) wet application shows a raising and CO(2) dry application a reducing influence on cerebral blood flow. This influence will attain therapeutic relevance.

[Health situation of homeless in a health care home in Hannover]. / Gesundheitliche Situation von Wohnungslosen in einer Krankenwohnung für Wohnungslose.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Extension of the medical health care system for social fringe groups by means of a special 'Health Care Apartment' for homeless people with an ambulatory nursing service. Between 55-70 % of the homeless people in Germany are in-patients for medical treatment nearly once a year. Only 10-20 % have a family doctor. METHOD: : The pilot experiment of a special Health Care Apartment for homeless people was scientifically evaluated for approximately one and a half year under socio-medical and socio-economic viewpoints. Every patient passes a standardized interview at admission and discharged with one validated systematic setup and one specifically developed questionnaire. RESULTS: : The mean age of the 36 investigated persons was 48.7. 36.1 % (13) of the patients lived in divorce. About 86.1 % (31) of the patients had secondary school qualifications, 69.4 % (25) had learnt a profession. All were unemployed. Two-thirds of them stated they had been found guilty of a criminal offence within the last few years. 44.5 % (16) had been homeless for 3 or more years. Approximately x of the homeless were addicted to alcohol, according to the employees entrusted with looking after the inmates. The main reasons for the average 8-week stay in the medical department were diseases of the skin and skeletal system, which had caused several hospital admissions in the past. The satisfaction of their own health status improved by 66 % from the day of their admission to the day of their discharge. 72.2 % (26) said they could get easier medical support in the Health Care Apartment. Supported by intensive socio-pedagogical care, 55.5 % (20) of the homeless people could be discharged from the special Health Care Apartment to other arrangements for homeless people, respectively to own apartments. CONCLUSION: : The pilot study of the special Health Care Apartment for homeless people in Hannover closes a gap in the provision of medical care which exists in many major cities. Moreover, hospital admissions for homeless people can be prevented and their social reintegration promoted.

[Effects of active and passive movement stimuli on cerebral hemodynamics and the cerebral metabolism]. / Wirkungen kinetischer Stimuli auf die zerebrale Hämodynamik und den zerebralen Stoffwechsel am Beispiel von aktiven und passiv ausgeführten Bewegungen.

INTRODUCTION: In contrast to the well-examined cardiovascular changes during movement stimuli, up to now changes of cerebral hemodynamics and cerebral metabolism have rarely been studied. We investigated the question if active and passive movement stimuli cause changes in the cerebral hemodynamics and the cerebral metabolism. METHOD: Active and passive repetitive movement stimuli on 14 volunteers (8 females, 6 males, age 35 +/- 8 years) were examined. As a parameter of cerebral hemodynamics the mean and the peak blood flow velocity (mCBFV(MCA), pCBFV(MCA)) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were recorded by transcranial Doppler sonography. At the same time the noninvasive blood pressure (Penaz method) and the CO(2) expiration concentration were investigated on 8 volunteers of the collective. As cerebral metabolic parameters we examined in 4 volunteers additionally the cerebral respiratory chain enzyme cytochrome aa3 (ccytaa3) and the cerebral oxygen saturation (cHbO(2)) by the transcranial near infrared spectroscopy. With each volunteer 4 measurement series were carried out with a special active and passive exercise program for the right upper as well as the right lower extremity. Each measurement series was formed according to the evoked flow test (R. Aaslid): Exercises were carried out for 20 s, followed by a break of 20 s; this was repeated 10 times for each series. RESULTS: During active exercises of the right lower extremity we found an increase of 13.6% (p < 0.001) of pCBFV(MCA) and an increase of 3.8% (p = 0.003) of mCBFV(MCA). During passive exercises of the lower extremity the increases ran up to 12.3% (p < 0.001) for pCBFV(MCA) and 3.4% (p = 0.004) for mCBFV(MCA). The increases of pCBFV(MCA) came up to 12.5% (p < 0.001) at active exercises of the right upper extremity, those of mCBFV(MCA) to 3.5% (p = 0.15). During passive exercises of the upper extremity the pCBFV(MCA) increased by 12.2% (p < 0.001) and the mCBFV(MCA) by 4.6% (p = 0.007). Significant increases of ccytaa3 were measured during active exercises of the upper extremity (1.6%; p = 0.04) and of the lower extremity (2.7%, p = 0.007). We also found an increase of ccytaa3 during passive exercises of the upper extremity (1.5%, p = 0.04). Significant changes of cHbO(2) were measured with 2.5% (p < 0.05) at active exercises of the lower extremity. CONCLUSION: These studies show that active as well as passive clinical exercises cause an increase of cerebral blood flow velocity. We attribute the increase of cerebral hemodynamics and cerebral metabolism to cerebral activation and autoregulative mechanisms.

[Changes of cognitive brain functions in the elderly by Kneipp therapy]. / Veränderung kognitiver Hirnleistungen im Alter Durch Kneipp-Anwendungen.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of brain syndrome is multifarious. Until now, plain external applications of physical stimuli, as used daily in geriatric care, were not explored regarding their influence on cognitive brain function. The aim of this randomized cross-over study was to examine the influence of dermatoreceptive stimuli on cognitive brain function of healty geriatric volunteers. METHODS: 24 healthy volunteers (23 women, 1 man) were randomized into 2 groups (cross-over design). Group A (mean age +/- SD: 68.8 +/- 6.2 years) was treated according to the following regime: at first a 10-12 degrees C cold stimulus for 10 s (a so-called Kneipp face shower) and afterwards a cold wet pack of 10-12 degrees C at the neck for 1 min. Group B (age 69.8 +/- 5.3 years) was subjected to an identical procedure but with warm thermoindifferent temperatures of 34-36 degrees C. After 1 week the two groups were interchanged. The parameters of interest were the critical flicker frequency (CFF) and the latencies of the event-related P300 potentials of the visually evoked potentials (VEP), which can be considered the electroencephalographic substrate of the cognitive functional ability. The CFFs and the P300 latencies and amplitudes were measured directly before and 10 min after the application of the above-mentioned stimuli. Furthermore, the CFFs were recorded a second and third time 30 and 60 min later. RESULTS: Following application of cold-water stimuli, the CFF increased from (mean +/- SE) 32.55 +/- 0.44 s(-1) to 33.06 +/- 0.44 s(-1) (p = 0.003) 10 min after the stimulus. 30 min later the CFF was still elevated at 32.95 +/- 0.47 s(-1) (p = 0.043). The P300 latencies decreased by 4.8% (p < 0.001) after cold-water application from 266.5 +/- 5.28 to 253.7 +/- 4.22 ms. After warm stimuli they increased from 258.69 +/- 3.71 to 266.17 +/- 5.03 ms (p = 0.01). The P300 amplitudes were elevated by 5% only with the cold stimuli (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Cold water applied locally to face and neck region is able to provoke significant improvements of cognitive abilities.

Changes of laboratory markers of cognitive brain function by thermostimuli in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: Plain external applications of physical stimuli, which are used quite commonly in geriatric care in Germany, have not been studied for their influence on cognitive brain function. The aim of this randomized crossover study was to examine the influence of dermatoreceptive stimuli on cognitive brain function in healthy geriatric volunteers. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy volunteers (23 women, 1 man) were randomized into two groups (crossover design). Group A (mean age, 68.8+/-6.2 [SD] years) was treated with a 10 degrees C to 12 degrees C cold stimulus for 10 seconds (a so-called "Kneipp face shower"), followed by a cold 10 degrees C to 12 degrees C wetpack at the neck for 1 minute. Group B (mean age, 69.8+/-5.3 [SD] years) was subjected to an identical procedure but with warm to neutral temperatures of 34 degrees C to 36 degrees C. After I week the two groups were interchanged. The parameters of interest were the critical flicker frequency (CFF) and the latencies of the event-related P-300 potentials of the visual evoked potentials (VEP), which can be considered an electroencephalographic marker of the cognitive functional ability. The CFFs and the P-300 latencies and amplitudes were measured directly both before and 10 minutes after the application of the respective stimuli. In addition, the CFFs were recorded 30 and 60 minutes later. RESULTS: After cold water stimuli were applied, the CFF increased from 32.55+/-2.26/sec (mean+/-SD) to 33.06+/-2.25/sec (p = .003) 10 minutes after the stimulus. Thirty minutes later the CFF was still elevated at 32.95+/-2.3/sec (p = .043). The P-300 latencies, after cold water application, decreased by 4.8% (p < .001), from 266.5+/-21.1msec (mean+/-SD) to 253.7+/-16.9msec. After warm stimuli they increased from 258.69+/-14.8msec to 266.17+/-20.1msec (p = .01). The P-300 amplitudes were significantly elevated, by 5% (p = .004), only after cold stimuli. CONCLUSION: Cold water applied locally to the face and neck region can provoke significant changes in electroencephalographic markers as measured by an electroencephalographic marker (VEP and P-300 latency) and, by inference, may help to improve cognitive function in the elderly.

External stimuli in the form of vibratory massage after heart or lung transplantation.

Manual vibratory massage is part of the preventive physiotherapeutic activities performed in intensive care units. The vibratory massage can be performed manually or as electrovibratory massage. The manual massage is a fast rhythmical vibration performed by the arm and shoulder muscles of the masseur and transferred to the patient's thorax by the hand. The hand of the masseur has to achieve a tremor with a frequency of 8 to 11 tremors/s. The aim of the pilot study was to examine the influence of manual vibratory massage on the pulmonary function of postoperative patients who were receiving mechanical ventilation, with special interest being focused on pulmonary ventilation and perfusion and cerebral blood flow velocity. Manual vibratory massage was performed postoperatively in the intensive care unit on eight patients: three patients had undergone heart transplantation, three had undergone lung transplantation, and two had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (mean age, 53.6+/-8 yr). With the aid of continuous monitoring, we examined the changes of the respiration parameters and the cerebral blood flow velocity (measured by transcranial Doppler sonography). The vibratory massage was performed with a frequency of 8 to 10 vibrations/s for 15 min, 7.5 min on each side of the thorax, starting from the lower costal arch and progressing to the upper thoracic aperture. For 10 min before, during, and 10 min after the massage, the parameters of peripheral oxygen saturation, central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, lung resistance and compliance, tidal volume, respiration rate, and cerebral blood flow velocity were recorded at 2-min intervals. Moreover, before and after vibratory massage, arterial blood gases were determined. In four of the eight patients, it was possible to determine pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, as well as pulmonary vascular resistance. During the vibratory massage, we could prove a significant increase of the mean tidal volume by 30% (P = 0.008). The percutaneous oxygen saturation significantly increased also, from 92 to 93.6% (P = 0.002). Central venous pressure significantly decreased by 11% (P = 0.04), and pulmonary vessel resistance was reduced by 18.3% (P = 0.001). The pulmonary resistance decreased from 10.5 to 9.2 H2O/l/s (P < 0.05) by the end of the observation period. Cerebral blood flow velocity showed no significant change. Vibratory massage seems to improve pulmonary mechanism and perfusion, thus, reducing ventilation perfusion mismatch and increasing oxygen saturation.

Cerebral autoregulation during whole-body hypothermia and hyperthermia stimulus.

The purpose of the study contained herein was to investigate the effects of old traditional physiotherapeutic treatments on cerebral autoregulation. Treatment consisted of complete body immersion in cold or warm water baths. Fifteen volunteers were investigated by means of transcranial Doppler sonography and a servo-controlled noninvasive device for blood pressure measuring. One group of 8 volunteers (mean age, 27.2+/-3.5 yr; gender, 3 females/5 males) was subjected to cold baths of 22 degrees C for 20 min Another group of 7 volunteers (mean age, 52.1+/-8.5 yr; gender, 4 females/3 males) took hyperthermic baths at rising water temperatures from 36 degrees to 42 degrees C, increased by 1 degree C every 5 min. Each volunteer in both groups underwent autoregulation tests two to four times before, during, and after the thermic bath. Dynamic autoregulation was measured by the response of cerebral blood flow velocity to a transient decrease of the mean arterial blood pressure, induced by rapid deflation of thigh cuffs. The autoregulation index, i.e., a measure of the speed of change of cerebral autoregulation, was used to quantify the response. Further parameters were core temperature, blood pressure (mm Hg) and CO2et. During hypothermic baths, core temperature decreased by 0.3 degrees C (P = 0.001), measured between preliminary phase and the end of the bath; the autoregulation index decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 5.3 before the bath to 4.25 during the bath. During hyperthermic baths, the autoregulation index increased from 6.0 to 7.5 and 8.9 (P < 0.001), with an increase of core temperature of 0.4 degrees C. The main cerebral autoregulation system is dependent on changes of core temperature, provoked by hypothermic or hyperthermic whole-body thermostimulus. Application of hyperthermic baths increased the autoregulation index, and hypothermic baths decreased the autoregulation index. Further studies are needed to prove the positive effects of thermo-stimulating water applications on cerebral hemodynamics in patients with cerebral diseases.

Passive and active exercises increase cerebral blood flow velocity in young, healthy individuals.

Unlike the well-examined cardiovascular changes during movement stimuli, changes of cerebral hemodynamics and cerebral metabolism in physical exercises have, as yet, rarely been studied. Our objective was to investigate whether there are changes in cerebral hemodynamics and cerebral metabolism caused by active and passive movement stimuli. Response to repetitive active and passive movement stimuli was studied in 14 volunteers (8 females, 6 males; mean age, 35.2+/-8 yr). Each volunteer was subjected to four measurement series while performing a defined active and passive exercise program of the right upper or right lower limb. Measurement series were designed according to Aaslid's "evoked flow test"; exercises were performed for 20 s, followed by a rest of 20 s. This sequence was repeated 10 times in each series. As a measure of cerebral hemodynamics mean and peak blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery were recorded by transcranial Doppler sonography (Multidop-X-DWL). In addition, cerebral metabolism was quantified in a subsample by means of oxygenic cytochrome aa3 (respiratory chain enzyme), cerebral oxygen saturation using near infrared spectroscopy (Critikon). As well, noninvasive blood pressure (Penaz method) and expiratory pCO2 were measured. Compared with resting measures, an increase in mean cerebral blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery of 3.8% (P = 0.003, paired t test) was observed after active exercises of the right lower limb and 3.5% after active exercises of the right upper limb. Respective changes were 3.4% (P = 0.004) for passive exercises of the lower limb and 4.6% (P = 0.007) for passive exercises of the right upper limb. Peak cerebral blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery showed an even more pronounced increase during passive and active exercises in all cases, with values of between 12.2% (P < 0.001) and 13.6% (P < 0.001). Significant increases (1.5-3%) of cytochrome aa3 and cerebral oxygen saturation were observed during active and passive exercises. These studies show that active as well as passive exercises are followed by an increase of cerebral blood flow velocity. We attribute the increase of cerebral hemodynamic and cerebral metabolism to cerebral activation and autoregulative mechanisms.

[Diabetes mellitus and physical medicine]. / Diabetes mellitus und Physikalische Medizin.

In the treatment of diabetes, the importance of kinesitherapy increases steadily. In fact, a prospective study (1996) which was done on 897 Finnish middle-aged males over a period of 4 years, showed that the risk of diabetes can be reduced to 50% by moderate physical exercise of 40 minutes per week compared with less active persons of the same age. The amount of kinesitherapeutic measures depends on the physiological resilience of the diabetes patient and on the extent of existing diabetes-induced lesions. An endurance kinesitherapy activates the carbohydrate metabolism and affects the glucosensitive receptors situated in peripheral and central organs. A muscle activity of ten minutes can already multiply by fifteen the increase of glucose absorption from the blood. Another positive result by physical effort is to be seen in the preventine and therapeutic effect of an increased insuline action. The individually adapted kinesitherapeutic endurance stimulation should last from five to ten minutes each day and reach at least 50% of maximum capacity but not more than 70%. This maximum capacity can among other things be gauged from the heart rate as well as from the breathing rate.

[Cerebral hemodynamics during implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator systems]. / Zerebrale Hämodynamik während der Implantation von Kardioverter-Defibrillator-Systemen.

OBJECTIVE: During ICD-implantation it is necessary to prove the function and to determine the optimal threshold by means of induced ventricular fibrillation (VF). Provoked cardiac arrests cause a circulator stop of the cerebral perfusion. Our aim was to examine the changes of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV(MCA)) after induced VF depending on the duration of fibrillation and prior values of CBFV(MCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty induced episodes of VF in 9 patients (mean age +/- SD 53.5 +/- 8 years) were examined during ICD-implantation. Beside the standardized anaesthesiological monitoring, transcranial Doppler sonography was used to record the cerebral blood flow velocity in the middle cerebri artery CBFV(MCA). The duration of the fibrillation-period and the range and duration of the CBFV increase during the post defibrillation-period were correlated. Additionally, we examined whether systematic differences existed between the episodes of each patient (time-trend) by means of 5 following episodes of a patient. RESULTS: During all episodes of VF and hyperperfusion was present, that means a time interval showing increased values of CBFV(MCA), compared to the values present before VF. The duration of hyperperfusion depended significantly on the fibrillation time (r = 0.57; p < 0.001). The equation of regression is: hyperperfusion time = 11.1 + 1.22 x fibrillation time. The amount of hyperperfusion, that means the maximal CBFV after defibrillation, increase significantly with CBFV(MCA) before VF (correlation = 0.88; p < 0.001). The equations of regression is hyperperfusion height = 6.11 + 1.22 x CBFV(MCA) before VF. The duration of hyperperfusion is not influenced by the maximal CBFV(MCA) after defibrillation (r = 0.08; p = 0.52). In the examined patients no significant differences in the hyperperfusion time maximal CBFV(MCA) after defibrillation between the episodes were found. CONCLUSION: After induced VF you always have to expect a reactive cerebral hyperperfusion. The amount of increase of CBFV after defibrillation depends on the prior values of CBFV before fibrillation and shows a nearly proportional relation to these. The duration of hyperperfusion shows a linear dependency on VF-times. This may show that we had VF-times, in which the cerebral autoregulation and other cerebral physiological reactions compensate the drop of the CBFV(MCA) during VF in the postfibrillation time. In further studies will be examined if there are similar changes in the cerebral metabolism as in CBFV(MCA).