Influence of Acute Jugular Vein Compression on the Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity,Pial Artery Pulsation and Width of Subarachnoid Space in Humans

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute bilateral jugular vein compression on: (1) pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ); (2) cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV); (3) peripheral blood pressure; and (4) possible relations between mentioned parameters.

Methods

Experiments were performed on a group of 32 healthy 19–30 years old male subjects. cc-TQ and the subarachnoid width (sas-TQ) were measured using near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS), CBFV in the left anterior cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler, blood pressure was measured using Finapres, while end-tidal CO₂ was measured using medical gas analyser. Bilateral jugular vein compression was achieved with the use of a sphygmomanometer held on the neck of the participant and pumped at the pressure of 40 mmHg, and was performed in the bend-over (BOPT) and swayed to the back (initial) position.

Results

In the first group (n = 10) during BOPT, sas-TQ and pulse pressure (PP) decreased (−17.6% and −17.9%, respectively) and CBFV increased (+35.0%), while cc-TQ did not change (+1.91%). In the second group, in the initial position (n = 22) cc-TQ and CBFV increased (106.6% and 20.1%, respectively), while sas-TQ and PP decreases were not statistically significant (−15.5% and −9.0%, respectively). End-tidal CO₂ remained stable during BOPT and venous compression in both groups. Significant interdependence between changes in cc-TQ and PP after bilateral jugular vein compression in the initial position was found (r = −0.74).

Conclusions

Acute bilateral jugular venous insufficiency leads to hyperkinetic cerebral circulation characterised by augmented pial artery pulsation and CBFV and direct transmission of PP into the brain microcirculation. The Windkessel effect with impaired jugular outflow and more likely increased intracranial pressure is described. This study clarifies the potential mechanism linking jugular outflow insufficiency with arterial small vessel cerebral disease.     

The Effects of Involuntary Respiratory Contractions on Cerebral Blood Flow during Maximal Apnoea in Trained Divers

The effects of involuntary respiratory contractions on the cerebral blood flow response to maximal apnoea is presently unclear. We hypothesised that while respiratory contractions may augment left ventricular stroke volume, cardiac output and ultimately cerebral blood flow during the struggle phase, these contractions would simultaneously cause marked ‘respiratory’ variability in blood flow to the brain. Respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular parameters were measured in ten trained, male apnoea divers during maximal ‘dry’ breath holding. Intrathoracic pressure was estimated via oesophageal pressure. Left ventricular stroke volume, cardiac output and mean arterial pressure were monitored using finger photoplethysmography, and cerebral blood flow velocity was obtained using transcranial ultrasound. The increasingly negative inspiratory intrathoracic pressure swings of the struggle phase significantly influenced the rise in left ventricular stroke volume (R ² = 0.63, P<0.05), thereby contributing to the increase in cerebral blood flow velocity throughout this phase of apnoea. However, these contractions also caused marked respiratory variability in left ventricular stroke volume, cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity during the struggle phase (R ² = 0.99, P<0.05). Interestingly, the magnitude of respiratory variability in cerebral blood flow velocity was inversely correlated with struggle phase duration (R ² = 0.71, P<0.05). This study confirms the hypothesis that, on the one hand, involuntary respiratory contractions facilitate cerebral haemodynamics during the struggle phase while, on the other, these contractions produce marked respiratory variability in blood flow to the brain. In addition, our findings indicate that such variability in cerebral blood flow negatively impacts on struggle phase duration, and thus impairs breath holding performance.     

Sympathetic Activation Does Not Affect the Cardiac and Respiratory Contribution to the Relationship between Blood Pressure and Pial Artery Pulsation Oscillations in Healthy Subjects

Introduction

Using a novel method called near-infrared transillumination backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS) that allows for the non-invasive measurement of pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ) and subarachnoid width (sas-TQ) in humans, we assessed the influence of sympathetic activation on the cardiac and respiratory contribution to blood pressure (BP) cc-TQ oscillations in healthy subjects.

Methods

The pial artery and subarachnoid width response to handgrip (HGT) and cold test (CT) were studied in 20 healthy subjects. The cc-TQ and sas-TQ were measured using NIR-T/BSS; cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured using Doppler ultrasound of the left internal carotid artery; heart rate (HR) and beat-to-beat mean BP were recorded using a continuous finger-pulse photoplethysmography; respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (MV), end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO2) and end-tidal O₂ (EtO2) were measured using a metabolic and spirometry module of the medical monitoring system. Wavelet transform analysis was used to assess the relationship between BP and cc-TQ oscillations.

Results

HGT evoked an increase in BP (+15.9%; P<0.001), HR (14.7; P<0.001), SaO₂ (+0.5; P<0.001) EtO₂ (+2.1; P<0.05) RR (+9.2%; P = 0.05) and MV (+15.5%; P<0.001), while sas-TQ was diminished (-8.12%; P<0.001), and a clear trend toward cc-TQ decline was observed (-11.0%; NS). CBFV (+2.9%; NS) and EtCO₂ (-0.7; NS) did not change during HGT. CT evoked an increase in BP (+7.4%; P<0.001), sas-TQ (+3.5%; P<0.05) and SaO₂(+0.3%; P<0.05). HR (+2.3%; NS), CBFV (+2.0%; NS), EtO₂ (-0.7%; NS) and EtCO₂ (+0.9%; NS) remained unchanged. A trend toward decreased cc-TQ was observed (-5.1%; NS). The sas-TQ response was biphasic with elevation during the first 40 seconds (+8.8% vs. baseline; P<0.001) and subsequent decline (+4.1% vs. baseline; P<0.05). No change with respect to wavelet coherence and wavelet phase coherence was found between the BP and cc-TQ oscillations.

Conclusions

Short sympathetic activation does not affect the cardiac and respiratory contribution to the relationship between BP—cc-TQ oscillations. HGT and CT display divergent effects on the width of the subarachnoid space, an indirect marker of changes in intracranial pressure.     

Cystatin C对大鼠蛛网膜下腔出血后的自噬的影响

目的:探讨CystatinC对大鼠蛛网膜下腔出血后自噬的影响.方法:成年雄性SD大鼠48只,随机分为假手术组(n＝8)、SAH组(n=8)、安慰剂组(n=8)、Cystatin C组(分为低浓度(2μg/ml)、中浓度(5μg/ml)、高浓度(10 μg/ml),每个亚组(n=8)).采用视交叉池注血技术建立大鼠蛛网膜下腔出血模型.各组于建模后48 h后取颞底脑皮层,分别用western blot技术和免疫组化技术测定脑皮层组织中自噬标志物LC3和Beclin-1的变化,透射电镜观察脑皮层组织中自噬体和自噬溶酶体.结果:与假手术组相比,SAH组、安慰剂组大鼠脑皮层组织中自噬标志物Beclin-1及LC3于蛛网膜下腔出血后48 h后明显升高;与SAH组、安慰剂组相比,Cystatin C干预后大鼠脑皮层中Beclin-1及LC3表达水平进一步升高,且与浓度呈正相关,透射电镜下并可见Cystatin C组大鼠脑皮层组织中自噬体和自噬溶酶体数量增加.结论:Cystatin C可以进一步诱导激活大鼠蛛网膜下腔出血后脑组织的自噬,可能对蛛网膜下腔出血后的早期脑损伤起保护作用.     

The Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on Various Elements in Elite Taekwondo Players

The present study aims to examine the effects of both physical activity and vitamin A supplementation on trace element metabolism in individuals engaged in taekwondo. The study registered seven healthy male national taekwondo players whose mean age was 21.86 ± 0.34 years and mean weight was 64.86 ± 2.72 kg. The subjects were supplemented with oral administration of 100 mg vitamin A (retinol) for 6 weeks, and concurrently, they were subjected to taekwondo training 5 days a week. Before starting the vitamin A supplementation, blood samples were taken from the subjects twice, once at rest and once after exhaustion. Similarly, at the end of the 6-week vitamin A supplementation, two blood samples were taken from the subjects, once at rest and once after exhaustion, in order to determine (by atomic emission) and compare serum cobalt, molybdenum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, boron, and zinc (mg/L) levels. Values of boron and nickel dropped significantly after 6-week vitamin A supplementation (p < 0.001). Reduced levels of boron and nickel we obtained in the present study are believed to result from the antioxidant effect of long-term vitamin A supplementation.     

Effect of Platelet Lysate on Human Cells Involved in Different Phases of Wound Healing

Background

Platelets are rich in mediators able to positively affect cell activity in wound healing. Aim of this study was to characterize the effect of different concentrations of human pooled allogeneic platelet lysate on human cells involved in the different phases of wound healing (inflammatory phase, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix secretion and epithelialization).

Methodology/Principal Findings

Platelet lysate effect was studied on endothelial cells, monocytes, fibroblasts and keratinocytes, in terms of viability and proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, tissue repair pathway activation (ERK1/2) and inflammatory response evaluation (NFκB). Results were compared both with basal medium and with a positive control containing serum and growth factors. Platelet lysate induced viability and proliferation at the highest concentrations tested (10% and 20% v/v). Whereas both platelet lysate concentrations increased cell migration, only 20% platelet lysate was able to significantly promote angiogenic activity (p<0.05 vs. control), comparably to the positive control. Both platelet lysate concentrations activated important inflammatory pathways such as ERK1/2 and NFκB with the same early kinetics, whereas the effect was different for later time-points.

Conclusion/Significance

These data suggest the possibility of using allogeneic platelet lysate as both an alternative to growth factors commonly used for cell culture and as a tool for clinical regenerative application for wound healing.     

食品级槲皮素粉对机体最大摄氧量和耐力的影响

为了考察食品级槲皮素粉对机体最大摄氧量和耐力的影响,本研究纳入20名健康的大学生志愿者作为本研究的研究对象。将受试者随机分为A组和B组,每组10名,A组饮用剂量为1 mg/mL的槲皮素饮料,B组饮用安慰剂饮料,每天饮用1 000 m L。饮用7 d后,通过自行车分级运动测试最大摄氧量(VO2max),通过骑行疲劳时间测试耐力,同时检测血清丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)含量。然后进行交叉实验并测试VO2max、骑行疲劳时间及抗氧化指标。研究显示,与基线VO2max相比,饮用槲皮素饮料后VO2max显著升高13.21%,而饮用安慰剂饮料后的VO2max与基线无显著差异。与基线骑行疲劳时间相比,饮用槲皮素饮料后骑行疲劳时间显著升高25.15%,而饮用安慰剂饮料后的骑行疲劳时间与基线无显著差异。与基线血清MDA相比,饮用安慰剂饮料后受试者血清MDA显著升高27.15%,而饮用槲皮素饮料可抑制血清MDA的升高。与基线血清SOD和GSH-Px相比,饮用安慰剂饮料后受试者血清SOD和GSH-Px分别降低了20.49%和21.08%,而饮用槲皮素饮料可抑制血清SOD和GSH-Px的降低,表明槲皮素可显著提高骑行运动过程中受试者的VO2max和耐力。本研究初步表明,补充槲皮素可通过降低运动过程中MDA水平来减少脂质过氧化损伤。另外,槲皮素通过抑制运动过程中SOD和GSH-Px的降低来提高机体的抗氧化能力,从而延缓疲劳。     

The Effect of Gibberellic Acid on Cell Width and the Cell-wall of Some Phloem Fibres

Treatment of plants of Cochorusoiltorius L., Hibiscus cannabinusL., and Cannabis sativa L. with gibberellic acid induced highlysignificant increases in cell diameter and wall thickness ofproblem fibres. This difference varies along the shoot and ismaximal in the middle region, internodes 10–15. The ratio is higher in treated plants. Gibberellic acid reduces the angle of orientation of the pits to the cellwall and also the pit frequency. Pits in treated plants arelonger and narrower in surface view.     

Influence of Menstrual Cycle Phase and Oral Contraceptive Use on the Time-of-Day Effect on Maximal Anaerobic Power

This study was designed to analyse the time-of-day effect in maximal anaerobic power, and the influence of menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use on any diurnal effect. Diurnal variations in maximal cycling power were studied in 11 eumenorrheic women and 10 women using monophasic oral contraceptives. Subjects were tested at 09:00, 14:00 and 18:00 hours, assigned randomly on separate days, in the mid-follicular or pseudo-follicular phase (days 7, 8, 9) and in the mid-luteal or pseudo-luteal phase (days 19, 20, 21) of the menstrual cycle. The order of test sessions was randomly assigned. Body mass was measured before, and rectal temperature after, a standardized 15-min warm-up. Maximal cycling power (Pc) was determined by a force-velocity test. Rectal temperature significantly increased from morning (09:00) to afternoon (14:00 and 18:00) in follicular and luteal phases for eumenorrheic subjects, and in days 7–9 and days 19–21 for contraceptive users (p < 0.05). No significant interaction effects (time of day × group × cycle phase) were observed for rectal temperature. In eumenorrheic subjects, Pc increased significantly from 09:00 to afternoon during the follicular phase (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant time-of-day effects were observed during the luteal phase in eumenorrheic subjects, and at any cycle phase in contraceptive users. Analysis of variance failed to reveal any significant interaction effects for Pc. This study suggested that the time-of-day effect on maximal anaerobic power could be damped during the luteal phase of eumenorrheic women or at any cycle phase by oral contraceptive use.     

血管回声跟踪技术评价戒烟前后对动脉弹性影响的临床研究

目的:血管回声跟踪(echo-tracking,ET)技术探讨长期吸烟及戒烟对颈总动脉(common carotid artery,CCA)及肱动脉(brachial artery,BA)弹性的影响.方法:受试者为吸烟组(80例,男性,46±岁)和正常对照组(25例,男性,45±6岁),戒烟组在戒烟六个月后,根据戒烟情况将受试者分为成功戒烟组(23人)、部分戒烟组(25人)、戒烟失败组(32人),应用ET技术检测各吸烟组戒烟前及戒烟六个月后CCA及BA弹性(僵硬度β、弹性模量Ep、脉搏波传导速度PWVβ)的变化,同时检测每日吸烟量、吸烟指数、血脂、血糖、血压等各项指标,并与正常对照组比较.结果:(1)正常对照组与各吸烟组戒烟前及戒烟后血脂、血糖、血压、体重指数等指标比较均无统计学差异(P＞0.05).(2)各吸烟组戒烟前每日吸烟量、吸烟指数等指标比较均无统计学差异(P＞0.05).(3)各吸烟组戒烟前CCA及BA的β、Ep、PWVβ较正常对照组均明显增高,具有显著统计学差异(P＜0.001).(4)各吸烟组戒烟后,成功戒烟组CCA及BA的β、Ep、PWVβ与正常对照组无统计学差异(P＞0.05),成功戒烟组CCA及BA的β、Ep、PWVβ较戒烟失败组减低,具有统计学差异(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),部分戒烟组CCA及BA的β、Ep、PWVβ与正常对照组有统计学差异(P＜0.05).结论:吸烟引起CCA及BA弹性减低,成功戒烟可使CCA及BA弹性改善,BA改善效果更明显.     

多聚糖止血颗粒对兔股动脉出血的止血效果观察

目的:观察PerClotTM多聚糖止血颗粒在兔股动脉局部止血效果。方法:分离并剪断兔股动脉,应用多聚糖止血颗粒止血,通过测定出血量与止血时间同阴性对照组对比了解活动患肢对止血稳定性的影响。结果:受试2组平均出血量如下:PerClotTM组:(1.46±0.06)g;阴性对照组(2.48±0.10)g。统计分析后可知PerClotTM组较阴性对照组出血量减少(P<0.01)。平均止血时间如下:PerClotTM组:(100±30.1)s;阴性对照组(200±36.33)g。统计分析后可知PerClotTM组较阴性对照组止血时间减少(P<0.01).活动患肢对止血稳定性无影响。结论:多聚糖颗粒止血效果可靠,有临床应用前景,值得进行临床实验。     

蛛网膜下腔麻醉在剖宫产麻醉中的应用效果及对泌乳素、IL-10及循环系统的影响

摘要 目的：探讨蛛网膜下腔麻醉在剖宫产麻醉中的应用效果及对泌乳素、白细胞介素10（IL-10）及循环系统的影响。方法：选择2019年6月-2021年6月在我院接受治疗的120例剖宫产产妇,采用随机数表法分为试验组（n=61）和对照组（n=59）。对照组给予连续性硬膜外麻醉,试验组蛛网膜下腔麻醉。比较两组麻醉情况、泌乳素、IL-10、心率（HR）、收缩压（SBP）及舒张压（DBP）、去甲肾上腺素（NE）、肾上腺素（E）、多巴胺（DA）水平变化情况及不良反应发生情况。结果：试验组感觉阻滞起效、运动阻滞起效时间均显著低于对照组,感觉阻滞维持、运动阻滞维持时间均高于对照组（P<0.05）;术前,试验组和对照组血清泌乳素、IL-10比较无显著性差异;术后,试验组血清泌乳素、IL-10均高于对照组,具有显著性差异（P<0.05）;术前,试验组和对照组HR、SBP及DBP比较无显著性差异;术后,试验组和对照组HR、SBP及DBP均有所降低,两组间无显著性差异（P>0.05）;术前,两组应激反应水平无显著性差异;术后试验组和对照组NE、E、DA水平均有所升高,且试验组上述指标均显著低于对照组,具有显著性差异（P<0.05）;两组不良反应总发生率为4.92%、8.47%,无显著性差异（P>0.05）。结论：在剖宫产中应用蛛网膜下腔麻醉效果显著,可有效改善产妇泌乳素、IL-10水平。     

多聚糖止血颗粒对兔股动脉出血的止血效果观察

目的：观察PerClot^TM多聚糖止血颗粒在兔股动脉局部止血效果。方法：分离并剪断兔股动脉,应用多聚糖止血颗粒止血,通过测定出血量与止血时间同阴性对照组对比了解活动患肢对止血稳定性的影响。结果：受试2组平均出血量如下：PerClot^TM组：（1．46±0．06）g;阴性对照组（2．48＞±0．10）g。统计分析后可知PerClot^TM组较阴性对照组出血量减少（P〈0．叭。平均止血时间如下：PerClot^TM组：（100±30．1）s;阴性对照组（200±36．33）g。统计分析后可知PerClot^TM组较阴性对照组止血时间减少（P〈0．01）．活动患肢对止血稳定性无影响。结论：多聚糖颗粒止血效果可靠,有临床应用前景,值得进行临床实验。     

Effect of Gap Width and Turf Type on the Establishment of the Australian Forb Bulbine bulbosa

This study investigates the influence of gap width and turf type on the growth of planted seedlings of the Australian forb Bulbine bulbosa (bulbine lily) and subsequent recruitment of this species from self-sown seed. In a low-productivity turf of Danthonia setacea (bristly wallaby grass), planted Bulbine seedlings established satisfactorily in all gaps 50 mm wide or larger. In highly productive turfs of Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue) successful, establishment and growth of planted seedlings required a competition-free gap more than 200 mm wide. Successful recruitment of self-sown Bulbine seedlings was observed in all gap widths in Danthonia turfs. In Festuca, however, seedling recruitment was low, irrespective of gap width. The results are related to establishing Bulbine bulbosa in habitat reconstruction programs in southeastern Australia.     

醒脑静注射液联合血府逐瘀汤对SAH大鼠CRP、TNF-alpha的影响

目的：探讨醒脑静注射液联合血府逐瘀汤对蛛网膜下腔出血（subarachnoidhemorrhage,SAH）大鼠C反应蛋白(C-reactionprotein, CRP) 、肿瘤坏死因子-a（Tumor necrosis factor-a,TNF-a）的影响。方法：50 只大鼠随机分为5 组：正常组,模型组,醒脑静组 （0.3 mL/kg）,血府逐瘀汤组（0.3 mL/kg）,联合用药组（醒脑静联合血府逐瘀汤）。除正常组外,其余4组采用" 二次枕大池注血法" 建立大鼠SAH 模型。从造模成功后的第1 d 开始给药,连续给药7 d。正常对照组及模型组给予等量生理盐水。分别在术前、术后 1 d、3 d、7 d、14 d取血浆及脑脊液,按ELISA 试剂盒说明书分别测定各组血清及脑脊液中肿瘤坏死因子-alpha（TNF-alpha）、C- 反应蛋白 （CRP）的含量。结果：（1）术后随着时间推移,SAH大鼠血清及脑脊液中TNF-alpha及CRP 含量逐渐上升,在第7 d 达到高峰。（2）术 后第1 d,与正常组比较,模型组中血清及脑脊液中TNF-琢、CRP含量均显著上升,差异显著（P<0.01）;与模型组比较,醒脑静组及 血府逐瘀汤组中血清及脑脊液中TNF-alpha、CRP 含量无差异（P>0.05）,而联合用药组中血清及脑脊液中TNF-琢含量下降,差异具有 显著意义（P<0.05）。（3）术后第3 d、7 d、14 d,与正常组比较,模型组中血清及脑脊液中TNF-琢、CRP 含量均显著上升,差异显著 （P<0.01）;与模型组比较,醒脑静组、血府逐瘀汤组及联合用药组中血清及脑脊液中TNF-琢、CRP 含量下降,差异均显著（P<0.0 1）,与醒脑静组或血府逐瘀汤组比较,联合用药组中血清及脑脊液中TNF-alpha、CRP含量下降,差异均显著（P<0.05）。结论：醒脑静 联合血府逐瘀汤能有效缓解SAH大鼠CVS,与降低SAH大鼠血清及脑脊中TNF-alpha、CRP 水平有关。     

G-CSF对高脂喂养兔不同动脉段内皮的影响

目的通过高脂喂养兔制造动脉粥样硬化动物模型,研究G-CSF对不同动脉段内皮形态和功能变化的影响及相互关系。方法30只新西兰成年雄兔随机分4组,分为对照组6只,高脂喂养组、普通及高脂喂养＋G-CSF组各8只,分别测定血脂及血清NO浓度,各取胸主动脉、颈总动脉、股动脉,采用病理分析及扫描电镜观察内皮形态的不同变化,同时用RT-PCR方法测定eNOS、ET-1基因的表达了解不同动脉段的内皮功能变化。结果高脂喂养后兔血脂、NO浓度明显升高,病理发现动脉内膜增厚,以大动脉最著,小动脉最次,扫描电镜下内皮细胞的凋亡、变形亦然。ET-1基因表达相对定量次序为胸主动脉〉颈总动脉〉股动脉,eNOS基因反之。应用G-CSF后大动脉内皮功能及形态受到明显影响,但小型动脉变化不大。结论高脂喂养兔能成功制造动脉粥样硬化模型,成模后动脉内皮功能显著受损,其中以大型动脉显著,同时内皮形态出现相应变化。应用G-CSF对全身动脉系统有影响,且动脉越小,影响越小,说明粥样硬化动脉内皮形态与功能改变之间存在必然联系,对G-CSF的反应也不同。     

Higher Education Moderates the Effect of T2 Lesion Load and Third Ventricle Width on Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis

Background

Previous work suggested greater intellectual enrichment might moderate the negative impact of brain atrophy on cognition. This awaits confirmation in independent cohorts including investigation of the role of T2-lesion load (T2-LL), which is another important determinant of cognition in MS. We here thus aimed to test this cognitive reserve hypothesis by investigating whether educational attainment (EA) moderates the negative effects of both brain atrophy and T2-LL on cognitive function in a large sample of MS patients.

Methods

137 patients participated in the study. Cognition was assessed by the “Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests.” T2-LL, normalized brain volume (global volume loss) and third ventricle width (regional volume loss) served as MRI markers.

Results

Both T2-LL and atrophy predicted worse cognition, with a stronger effect of T2-LL. Higher EA (as assessed by years of education) also predicted better cognition. Interactions showed that the negative effects of T2-LL and regional brain atrophy were moderated by EA.

Conclusions

In a cohort with different stages of MS, higher EA attenuated the negative effects of white matter lesion burden and third ventricle width (suggestive of thalamic atrophy) on cognitive performance. Actively enhancing cognitive reserve might thus be a means to reduce or prevent cognitive problems in MS in parallel to disease modifying drugs.     

Variations of Rat Brain Calmodulin Content in Dark and Light Phases: Effect of Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Kindling

Calmodulin (CaM) through activation of CaM-kinase II may be involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying the epileptogenic processes. Some evidence suggests that kindling responses change across the day-night cycle. In order to test if kindling stimulation modifies CaM content, we measured CaM concentrations in amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus obtained from control and kindled rats during light and darkness. Male Wistar rats (250–300 g), were injected i.p. with Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (35 mg/kg/24 h). Once chemical kindling was established, rats were sacrificed by decapitation at 10:30 a.m. and 01:30 a.m. The brains were obtained, and the amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus dissected. CaM content was measured in the cytosol and membrane fractions by radioimmunoassay. We found a significant increase in CaM content in cytosol and membrane fractions of both control and kindled rats during the dark phase. No significant differences in CaM concentrations were observed between control and experimental rats, whether during the light or the dark phase. The data suggest a well defined photoperiodic variation in CaM concentrations in limbic structures, despite the neuronal excitability produced by kindling. In addition, the observed CaM increases during the dark time may be related to a protective mechanism against enhanced sensitivity to seizures observed during the night.     

Effect of Lunar Phases,Tides, and Wind Speed on the Abundance of Diptera Calliphoridae in a Mangrove Swamp

Abiotic factors, such as lunar phases and tides, have a significant effect on insect development. Reproduction and immature development are usually interlinked to these abiotic factors. The tide is at its highest levels at full moon or new moon, hindering the feeding of the immature or causing their drowning. The oviposition by adult females is also compromised on these days because much of the available food is submerged. Another important abiotic factor is the wind, which displaces odoriferous particles in the air. Wind speed and direction are important elements to indicate potential sources of food for insects. I report on the effects of lunar phases, tides, and wind speed on the Calliphoridae fauna in mangrove swamps. The different species collected were identified, and the predominant species in the area were quantified. A total of 1,710 flies were collected over a 1-year period. Six Calliphoridae flies, Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were collected. Data indicated that lunar phases have a significant effect on the abundance of C. albiceps (r?=?0.39, p?<?0.01), and that the variation of the tides also affected the abundance of C. putoria (r?=?0.40, p?<?0.00), C. macellaria (r?=?0.41, p?<?0.00), and C. idioidea (r?=?0.31, p?<?0.04). The wind speed, however, did not affect these species.