LRRC8A anion channels modulate vascular reactivity via association with myosin phosphatase rho interacting protein.

Leucine-rich repeat containing 8A (LRRC8A) volume regulated anion channels (VRACs) are activated by inflammatory and pro-contractile stimuli including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), angiotensin II and stretch. LRRC8A associates with NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) and supports extracellular superoxide production. We tested the hypothesis that VRACs modulate TNFα signaling and vasomotor function in mice lacking LRRC8A exclusively in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs, Sm22α-Cre, Knockout). Knockout (KO) mesenteric vessels contracted normally but relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was enhanced compared to wild type (WT). Forty-eight hours of ex vivo exposure to TNFα (10 ng/mL) enhanced contraction to norepinephrine (NE) and markedly impaired dilation to ACh and SNP in WT but not KO vessels. VRAC blockade (carbenoxolone, CBX, 100 µM, 20 min) enhanced dilation of control rings and restored impaired dilation following TNFα exposure. Myogenic tone was absent in KO rings. LRRC8A immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectroscopy identified 33 proteins that interacted with LRRC8A. Among them, the myosin phosphatase rho-interacting protein (MPRIP) links RhoA, MYPT1 and actin. LRRC8A-MPRIP co-localization was confirmed by confocal imaging of tagged proteins, Proximity Ligation Assays, and IP/western blots. siLRRC8A or CBX treatment decreased RhoA activity in VSMCs, and MYPT1 phosphorylation was reduced in KO mesenteries suggesting that reduced ROCK activity contributes to enhanced relaxation. MPRIP was a target of redox modification, becoming oxidized (sulfenylated) after TNFα exposure. Interaction of LRRC8A with MPRIP may allow redox regulation of the cytoskeleton by linking Nox1 activation to impaired vasodilation. This identifies VRACs as potential targets for treatment or prevention of vascular disease.

Definitions and symptoms of the post-COVID syndrome: an updated systematic umbrella review.

Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) describes a persistent complex of symptoms following a COVID-19 episode, lasting at least 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the specific criteria used for its definition. It is often associated with moderate to severe impairments of daily life and represents a major burden for many people worldwide. However, especially during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, therapeutic and diagnostic uncertainties were prominent due to the novelty of the disease and non-specific definitions that overlooked functional deficits and lacked objective assessment. The present work comprehensively examines the status of PCS definitions as depicted in recent reviews and meta-analyses, alongside exploring associated symptoms and functional impairments. We searched the database Pubmed for reviews and meta-analysis evaluating PCS in the period between May 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023. Out of 95 studies, 33 were selected for inclusion in our analyses. Furthermore, we extended upon prior research by systematically recording the symptoms linked with PCS as identified in the studies. We found that fatigue, neurological complaints, and exercise intolerance were the most frequently reported symptoms. In conclusion, over the past eighteen months, there has been a notable increase in quantity and quality of research studies on PCS. However, there still remains a clear need for improvement, particularly with regard to the definition of the symptoms necessary for diagnosing this syndrome. Enhancing this aspect will render future research more comparable and precise, thereby advancing and understanding PCS.

Long-term health sequelae and quality of life at least 6 months after infection with SARS-CoV-2: design and rationale of the COVIDOM-study as part of the NAPKON population-based cohort platform (POP).

PURPOSE: Over the course of COVID-19 pandemic, evidence has accumulated that SARS-CoV-2 infections may affect multiple organs and have serious clinical sequelae, but on-site clinical examinations with non-hospitalized samples are rare. We, therefore, aimed to systematically assess the long-term health status of samples of hospitalized and non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals from three regions in Germany. METHODS: The present paper describes the COVIDOM-study within the population-based cohort platform (POP) which has been established under the auspices of the NAPKON infrastructure (German National Pandemic Cohort Network) of the national Network University Medicine (NUM). Comprehensive health assessments among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals are conducted at least 6 months after the acute infection at the study sites Kiel, Würzburg and Berlin. Potential participants were identified and contacted via the local public health authorities, irrespective of the severity of the initial infection. A harmonized examination protocol has been implemented, consisting of detailed assessments of medical history, physical examinations, and the collection of multiple biosamples (e.g., serum, plasma, saliva, urine) for future analyses. In addition, patient-reported perception of the impact of local pandemic-related measures and infection on quality-of-life are obtained. RESULTS: As of July 2021, in total 6813 individuals infected in 2020 have been invited into the COVIDOM-study. Of these, about 36% wished to participate and 1295 have already been examined at least once. CONCLUSION: NAPKON-POP COVIDOM-study complements other Long COVID studies assessing the long-term consequences of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 by providing detailed health data of population-based samples, including individuals with various degrees of disease severity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at the German registry for clinical studies (DRKS00023742).

Inactivation of Tsc2 in Abcg2 lineage-derived cells drives the appearance of polycystic lesions and fibrosis in the adult kidney.

Tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), or tuberin, is a pivotal regulator of the mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway that controls cell survival, proliferation, growth, and migration. Loss of Tsc2 function manifests in organ-specific consequences, the mechanisms of which remain incompletely understood. Recent single cell analysis of the kidney has identified ATP-binding cassette G2 (Abcg2) expression in renal proximal tubules of adult mice as well as a in a novel cell population. The impact in adult kidney of Tsc2 knockdown in the Abcg2-expressing lineage has not been evaluated. We engineered an inducible system in which expression of truncated Tsc2, lacking exons 36-37 with an intact 3' region and polycystin 1, is driven by Abcg2. Here, we demonstrate that selective expression of Tsc2fl36-37 in the Abcg2pos lineage drives recombination in proximal tubule epithelial and rare perivascular mesenchymal cells, which results in progressive proximal tubule injury, impaired kidney function, formation of cystic lesions, and fibrosis in adult mice. These data illustrate the critical importance of Tsc2 function in the Abcg2-expressing proximal tubule epithelium and mesenchyme during the development of cystic lesions and remodeling of kidney parenchyma.

Deceased donor uterus retrieval: A novel technique and workflow.

Uterus transplantation has proven successful when performed with a living donor. Subsequently, interest in the novel field of reproductive transplantation is growing. The procedure is still considered experimental, with fewer than 25 cases performed worldwide, and the techniques of both uterus procurement and transplantation are still developing. We detail a new approach to deceased donor uterus procurement. In contrast to reported techniques and our own initial experience, in which the deceased donor uterus was procured post cross-clamp and after other organs were procured, our approach now is to perform the uterus procurement prior to the procurement of other organs in a multiorgan donor and hence prior to cross-clamp. We describe our practical experience in developing and implementing the logistical workflow for deceased donor uterus procurement in a deceased multiorgan donor setting.

Gastrointestinal ostomies and sexual outcomes: a comparison of colorectal cancer patients by ostomy status.

PURPOSE: Research examining effects of ostomy use on sexual outcomes is limited. Patients with colorectal cancer were compared on sexual outcomes and body image based on ostomy status (never, past, and current ostomy). Differences in depression were also examined. METHODS: Patients were prospectively recruited during clinic visits and by tumor registry mailings. Patients with colorectal cancer (N = 141; 18 past ostomy; 25 current ostomy; and 98 no ostomy history) completed surveys assessing sexual outcomes (medical impact on sexual function, Female Sexual Function Index, International Index of Erectile Function), body image distress (Body Image Scale), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Short Form). Clinical information was obtained through patient validated self-report measures and medical records. RESULTS: Most participants reported sexual function in the dysfunctional range using established cut-off scores. In analyses adjusting for demographic and medical covariates and depression, significant group differences were found for ostomy status on impact on sexual function (p < .001), female sexual function (p = .01), and body image (p < .001). The current and past ostomy groups reported worse impact on sexual function than those who never had an ostomy (p < .001); similar differences were found for female sexual function. The current ostomy group reported worse body image distress than those who never had an ostomy (p < .001). No differences were found across the groups for depressive symptoms (p = .33) or male sexual or erectile function (p values ≥ .59). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer treatment puts patients at risk for sexual difficulties and some difficulties may be more pronounced for patients with ostomies as part of their treatment. Clinical information and support should be offered.

Inducing perceived group variability triggers the incorporation of counter-stereotypic information into a generalized stereotype change.

Perceived variability is the extent to which individuals perceive group members as being similar to one another. Previous research has focused on how: group variability is perceived (and measured); information indicative of group heterogeneity can lead to reductions in stereotypicality; or how stereotype-inconsistent information can result into increased perceived variability. The present combines the three lines of research into a single research venue. In previous studies the stereotypicality of a group representation was influenced by priming stereotype-unrelated traits in an unrelated-context, prior to stereotype measurement; but priming counter-stereotypic traits had no effect on stereotypicality, although it boosted perceptions of group's variability. The present study examines whether highlighting dissimilarities among members of the same professional groups results in subsequent changes in the reported stereotype for a, not yet mentioned, group. The more the dissimilarity among group members, the more likely individuals were to incorporate counter-stereotypic information into the targeted-group, described as less stereotypic, even in central tendency measures. Importantly, the generating mechanism may involve a modification of participants' overall perception of variability. When members within professional groups are perceived as dissimilar, the well-known resistance of stereotypes to counter-stereotypic information is lessened making the group representations more flexible and less biased.

Characterization of BioID tagging systems in budding yeast and exploring the interactome of the Ccr4-Not complex.

The modified E. coli biotin ligase BirA* was the first developed for proximity labeling of proteins (BioID). However, it has low activity at temperatures below 37°C, which reduces its effectiveness in organisms growing at lower temperatures, such as budding yeast. Multiple derivatives of the enzymes have been engineered, but a comparison of these variations of biotin ligases has not been reported in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we designed a suite of vectors to compare the activities of biotin ligase enzymes in yeast. We found that the newer TurboID versions were the most effective at labeling proteins, but they displayed low constitutive activity from biotin contained in the culture medium. We describe a simple strategy to express free BioID enzymes in cells that can be used as an appropriate control in BioID studies to account for the promiscuous labeling of proteins caused by random interactions between bait-BioID enzymes in cells. We also describe chemically-induced BioID systems exploiting the rapamycin-stabilized FRB-FKBP interaction. Finally, we used the TurboID version of the enzyme to explore the interactome of different subunits of the Ccr4-Not gene regulatory complex. We find that Ccr4-Not predominantly labeled cytoplasmic mRNA regulators, consistent with its function in mRNA decay and translation quality control in this cell compartment.

Impaired hippocampal functions underlying memory encoding and consolidation precede robust Aß deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Current therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) target amyloid-beta (Aß) fibrils and high molecular weight protofibrils associated with plaques, but molecular cascades associated with AD may drive neural systems failure before Aß plaque deposition in AD. Employing hippocampal electrophysiological recordings and dynamic calcium imaging across the sleep-wake cycle in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD before Aß plaques accumulated, we detected marked impairments of hippocampal systems function: In a spatial behavioral task, but not REM sleep, phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) of the hippocampal theta and gamma oscillations was impaired and place cell calcium fluctuations were hyper-synchronized with the theta oscillation. In subsequent slow wave sleep (SWS), place cell reactivation was reduced. These degraded neural functions underlying memory encoding and consolidation support targeting pathological processes of the pre-plaque phase of AD to treat and prevent hippocampal impairments.

EFNS/MDS-ES/ENS [corrected] recommendations for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: A Task Force was convened by the EFNS/MDS-ES Scientist Panel on Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders to systemically review relevant publications on the diagnosis of PD. METHODS: Following the EFNS instruction for the preparation of neurological diagnostic guidelines, recommendation levels have been generated for diagnostic criteria and investigations. RESULTS: For the clinical diagnosis, we recommend the use of the Queen Square Brain Bank criteria (Level B). Genetic testing for specific mutations is recommended on an individual basis (Level B), taking into account specific features (i.e. family history and age of onset). We recommend olfactory testing to differentiate PD from other parkinsonian disorders including recessive forms (Level A). Screening for pre-motor PD with olfactory testing requires additional tests due to limited specificity. Drug challenge tests are not recommended for the diagnosis in de novo parkinsonian patients. There is an insufficient evidence to support their role in the differential diagnosis between PD and other parkinsonian syndromes. We recommend an assessment of cognition and a screening for REM sleep behaviour disorder, psychotic manifestations and severe depression in the initial evaluation of suspected PD cases (Level A). Transcranial sonography is recommended for the differentiation of PD from atypical and secondary parkinsonian disorders (Level A), for the early diagnosis of PD and in the detection of subjects at risk for PD (Level A), although the technique is so far not universally used and requires some expertise. Because specificity of TCS for the development of PD is limited, TCS should be used in conjunction with other screening tests. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging at 1.5 T are recommended as neuroimaging tools that can support a diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) or progressive supranuclear palsy versus PD on the basis of regional atrophy and signal change as well as diffusivity patterns (Level A). DaTscan SPECT is registered in Europe and the United States for the differential diagnosis between degenerative parkinsonisms and essential tremor (Level A). More specifically, DaTscan is indicated in the presence of significant diagnostic uncertainty such as parkinsonism associated with neuroleptic exposure and atypical tremor manifestations such as isolated unilateral postural tremor. Studies of [(123) I]MIBG/SPECT cardiac uptake may be used to identify patients with PD versus controls and MSA patients (Level A). All other SPECT imaging studies do not fulfil registration standards and cannot be recommended for routine clinical use. At the moment, no conclusion can be drawn as to diagnostic efficacy of autonomic function tests, neurophysiological tests and positron emission tomography imaging in PD. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of PD is still largely based on the correct identification of its clinical features. Selected investigations (genetic, olfactory, and neuroimaging studies) have an ancillary role in confirming the diagnosis, and some of them could be possibly used in the near future to identify subjects in a pre-symptomatic phase of the disease.

Evaluation of late vegetative and reproductive stage soybeans for resistance to soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, has become the most significant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] insect pest in the north central soybean production region of North America. The objectives of this research were to measure selected genotypes for resistance to the soybean aphid in the later vegetative and reproductive stages under field conditions, and confirm the presence of tolerance in KS4202. The results from 2007 to 2011 indicate that KS4202 can support aphid populations with minimal yield loss at levels where significant yield loss would be expected in most other genotypes. The common Nebraska cultivar, 'Asgrow 2703', appears to show signs of tolerance as well. None of the yield parameters were significantly different between the aphid infested and noninfested treatments. Based on our results, genotypes may compensate for aphid feeding in different ways. Asgrow 2703 appears to produce a similar number of seeds as its noninfested counterpart, although the seeds produced are slightly smaller. Field evaluation of tolerance in KS4202 indicated a yield loss of only 13% at 34,585-53,508 cumulative aphid-days, when 24-36% yield loss would have been expected.

Effects of thiamethoxam seed treatments on soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding behavior.

Since its discovery in North America in 2000, the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has rapidly become an important pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], sometimes resulting in significant yield losses. Previous research has documented the toxicity of neonicotinoid seed treatments to soybean aphids, but control under field conditions has been inconsistent. Imidacloprid, a popular neonicotinoid insecticide, has been shown to exhibit antifeedant effects on aphids. Antifeedant activity has not been demonstrated for other neonicotinoids, including thiamethoxam. This research investigated the effects of a thiamethoxam seed treatment on soybean aphid feeding behavior by using electronic penetration graphs (EPG) to visualize stylet penetration behavior. Soybean aphid feeding behavior was assessed for 9 h on thiamethoxam-treated and untreated soybeans (V2 and V4 stages). Because results were inconclusive from initial experiments, a study was conducted to document the effects of thiamethoxam-treated soybeans on soybean aphid survival. The seed treatment was shown to negatively affect aphid survival at 4, 8, and 11 d after aphid introduction. A subsequent EPG study then was designed to document soybean aphid feeding behavior for 15 h, after an initial exposure of 9 h to thiamethoxam-treated soybeans. In this study, the exposed aphids exhibited significant differences in feeding behavior compared with those aphids feeding on untreated soybeans. Soybean aphids on thiamethoxam-treated soybeans spent significantly less time feeding in the sieve element phase, with a greater duration of nonprobing events. These studies suggest soybean aphids are unable to ingest phloem sap, which may be another important element in seed treatment protection.

LRRC8A anion channels modulate vasodilation via association with Myosin Phosphatase Rho Interacting Protein (MPRIP).

Background: In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), LRRC8A volume regulated anion channels (VRACs) are activated by inflammatory and pro-contractile stimuli including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), angiotensin II and stretch. LRRC8A physically associates with NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) and supports its production of extracellular superoxide (O 2 -• ). Methods and Results: Mice lacking LRRC8A exclusively in VSMCs (Sm22α-Cre, KO) were used to assess the role of VRACs in TNFα signaling and vasomotor function. KO mesenteric vessels contracted normally to KCl and phenylephrine, but relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was enhanced compared to wild type (WT). 48 hours of ex vivo exposure to TNFα (10ng/ml) markedly impaired dilation to ACh and SNP in WT but not KO vessels. VRAC blockade (carbenoxolone, CBX, 100 µM, 20 min) enhanced dilation of control rings and restored impaired dilation following TNFα exposure. Myogenic tone was absent in KO rings. LRRC8A immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectroscopy identified 35 proteins that interacted with LRRC8A. Pathway analysis revealed actin cytoskeletal regulation as the most closely associated function of these proteins. Among these proteins, the Myosin Phosphatase Rho-Interacting protein (MPRIP) links RhoA, MYPT1 and actin. LRRC8A-MPRIP co-localization was confirmed by confocal imaging of tagged proteins, Proximity Ligation Assays, and IP/western blots which revealed LRRC8A binding at the second Pleckstrin Homology domain of MPRIP. siLRRC8A or CBX treatment decreased RhoA activity in cultured VSMCs, and MYPT1 phosphorylation at T853 was reduced in KO mesenteries suggesting that reduced ROCK activity contributes to enhanced relaxation. MPRIP was a target of redox modification, becoming oxidized (sulfenylated) after TNFα exposure. Conclusions: Interaction of Nox1/LRRC8A with MPRIP/RhoA/MYPT1/actin may allow redox regulation of the cytoskeleton and link Nox1 activation to both inflammation and vascular contractility.

Normative data collection of the Marburg Concentration Test for Pre-school Children (German: MKVK).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was the standardization of the Marburg Concentration Test for Pre-school Children (German: MKVK) for 3- to 6-year-old children as an instrument for the early diagnosis of lack of concentration in connection with language development disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted the MKVK on 309 children in 15 day-care centres. The MKVK is a matter of a simple sorting task of 80 cards according to pictures. The ascertainment of the concentration performance is conducted using the criteria processing time and error count. The results are analysed in seven age groups. RESULTS: An age dependence is seen in the execution time and a tendency in the amount of errors. Three-year-olds require more time and make more errors than 4.5- and 5-year-olds. Two groups become apparent in the 3-year-olds: children with whom the test is easy to take and children who are still overwhelmed with the instructions and processing. CONCLUSION: The MKVK is easy to conduct and shows children's ability to concentrate at pre-school ages. It proves to be of particular value for the 4- and 5-year-olds. The study gives hints on different work methods of the children. Indications for a differentiated facilitation could be deduced from that.

[Parkinson's disease: cost-of-illness in an outpatient cohort]. / Morbus Parkinson: Krankheitskosten einer ambulanten Patientenkohorte.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct and indirect costs in a cohort of German outpatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to identify major cost drivers in PD. METHODS: 91 PD patients were consecutively enrolled in the outpatient department of the neurological clinic at the University of Marburg, Germany. Patients had to fill out a standardised questionnaire at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up and report their health service resource utilisation for the past three months, retrospectively. In addition, information on clinical parameters of PD (UPDRS, Hoehn and Yahr stage) were assessed. For 86 patients, the direct and indirect cost data were analysed. Indirect costs were calculated by the human capital approach. RESULTS: Total costs per patient and 6-month period amounted to € 8,400 [95%CI 6,768-10,302]. Of these, 30% were indirect costs (€ 2,505 [95%CI 1,541-4,047]) and 70% were direct costs (€ 5,895 [95%CI 4,846-7,376]). The major parts of the direct costs were triggered by antiparkinsonian medication (€ 2,889 [95%CI 2,392-3,655]) and inpatient stays (hospital und rehabilitation, € 1,556 [95%CI 865-2,892]). A linear multivariate model with disease severity, disease duration, sleep disorders, psychosis and dystonia explained 24% of the variance of total costs and 33% of variance of direct costs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Parkinson's disease imposes a high financial burden on both patient and society. A reduced health-related quality of life reflects the individual patient's impairment by PD.

Longitudinal study of the socioeconomic burden of Parkinson's disease in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the health economic burden on patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in Germany over a 12-month observation period and provide a comprehensive analysis of cost-driving factors. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Patients with PD (n = 145) were recruited from two clinical departments, two office-based neurologists and 12 GPs. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Disease severity was measured using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Cost data were assessed based on a patient diary and via personal structured interviews at the respective time-points. Costs were calculated from the societal perspective (2009 euro). Cost-driving factors were identified by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean annual costs totalled euro20 095 per patient. Amongst direct costs, the highest expenditures (euro13 158) were for drugs (euro3526) and inpatient care including nursing homes (euro3789). Indirect costs accounted for 34.5% (euro6937) of total costs. Costs of home care provided by family accounted for 20% of direct costs. Cost-driving factors were identified for total costs (UPDRS, fluctuations, dyskinesia and younger age), direct costs (UPDRS, fluctuations), patient expenditures (UPDRS, depression) and drug costs (younger age). CONCLUSION: Parkinson's disease has a chronic course with growing disability and considerable socioeconomic burden. Disease progression leads to an increasing number of patients who require costly institutionalized care. Home care is a major factor influencing patients' families. Healthcare programmes aimed at reducing the burden of PD on society and individuals should consider cost-driving factors of PD.

Categorizing the resistance of soybean genotypes to the soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

We evaluated selected soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., genotypes during their reproductive stages for resistance to the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), under greenhouse conditions and documented the categories of aphid-resistant soybean. Two screening studies were performed to assess the level of resistance to the soybean aphid on six soybean genotypes during the reproductive stages of development. Significant differences in aphid damage ratings were detected among the soybean evaluated in the screening studies. Three genotypes (KS4202, K-1639-2, and K1621) were considered moderately resistant based on the assessed damage ratings. Two of these genotypes (K-1639-2 and KS4202), along with a commercial variety ('Asgrow 2703') were used in a follow-up greenhouse study to test for antibiosis and tolerance. For the antibiosis evaluation, KS4202 had significantly more nymphs than Asgrow 2703 and K-1639-2. In fact, KS4202 had a threefold difference in the number of nymphs compared with Asgrow 2703 (81.8 +/- 14.7 and 26.2 +/- 13.9 nymphs, respectively) and a fivefold difference compared with K-1639-2 (15.6 +/- 13.9). Although not significant, Asgrow 2703 had more nymphs than K-1639-2. The lower aphid numbers on infested K-1639-2 plants compared with aphid numbers on Asgrow 2703 and KS4202 plants indicates antibiosis for this genotype. No significant differences in average seed weight, number of seeds per pod, or plant damage were observed between infested and control KS4202 plants; however, significant differences in biomass, total seed weight, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per plant were detected.

Variation of resistance in barley against biotypes 1 and 2 of the Russian wheat aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The Russian wheat aphid, Diruaphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is globally one of the most devastating pests of bread wheat, Tritium aestivum L.; durum wheat, Triticum turgidum L.; and barley, Hordeum vulgare L. Host plant resistance is the foundation for cereal insect pest management programs, and several sources of D. noxia resistance have been incorporated in cultivars to manage D. noxia damage. The emergence of D. noxia North American biotype 2 (RWA2) in Colorado has made all known Dn genes vulnerable except the Dn7 gene from rye, Secale cereale, and has warranted exploration for sources of resistance to both RWA1 and RWA2. The category of resistance in resistant donor plants may exert selection pressure over the aphid population to form a new virulent population. In the current study, we report tolerance and antibiosis resistance to RWA1 and RWA2 in the barley genotype 'Stoneham'. The rate and degree of expression of resistance in Stoneham against RWA1 and RWA2, although not similar, are greater than the partial resistance in 'Sidney'. Antixenosis resistance to RWA1 or RWA2 was not observed in Sidney or Stoneham. The tolerance identified in Stoneham is encouraging because it may delay D. noxia biotype selection and fits well in a dryland barley cropping system.

[Direct costs for Parkinson's treatment in private neurology practices in Berlin]. / Direkte Kosten der Parkinson-Behandlung : Eine Erhebung in neurologischen Schwerpunktpraxen in Berlin.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to assess the direct costs of Parkinson's disease (PD) within a 3-month period (i.e. the accounting period for the German statutory health insurance) in 12 neurological outpatient practices in Berlin during 2006. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 425 patients (age 69.1+/-9.3 years, 185 females) were recruited, and sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained by a specific questionnaire. The distribution of costs was analyzed based on several clinical and patient parameters. The costs were calculated with different approaches: (1) prospectively, with the practices' accounting according to German uniform scales (GoA, EbM) and (2) retrospectively, with questionnaires for the Parkinson's patients. Costs were calculated according to current German guidelines of the statutory health insurance. Clinical parameters were assessed with a questionnaire for physicians. RESULTS: The direct medical costs totaled 1,667 EUR (range 1,436-1,995 EUR, CI 95%) per patient per 3 months. Charges by physicians were 42 EUR (39-45 EUR, CI 95%) for patients with statutory health insurance and 135 EUR (106-177 EUR, CI 95%) for those with private insurance. Disease severity and disease duration correlated with higher direct medical costs. Motor fluctuations and depression also were major factors influencing cost. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes the large economic burden caused mainly by PD medication and hospitalization. For the first time a direct comparison between costs and actual physicians' reimbursement was possible. In combination with further economic studies, this comparison will help to define shortcomings and excesses in PD health care services.