Prospects and constraints in studying the biodiversity of agriculturally important microalgae and cyanobacteria and useful statistical tools

Biodiversity and Conservation - Microalgal and cyanobacterial communities have a key role in sustaining the fertility of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Thus, understanding the actual...     

Atrial natriuretic peptides in man

Research on the physiological role of atrial peptides in man is limited, and the potential for these peptides, or more stable analogues, in therapeutics is uncertain. It is clear, however, that plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (IR-ANP) are increased in volunteers taking a high sodium diet, and are elevated in patients with heart failure, chronic renal failure, and primary aldosteronism. There is suggestive evidence that IR-ANP levels are increased also in essential hypertension, although overlap with normotensives is considerable. Injection or infusion of atrial peptides into man results in a diuresis, an increased output of urine electrolytes, a fall in blood pressure and a rise in heart rate, suppression of aldosterone and sometimes of renin also, and stimulation of norepinephrine. In essential hypertensives, urinary effects may be greater than in normotensives. Heart failure patients show a rise in cardiac output and falls in both systemic and pulmonary arterial pressure. Over the next few years and especially if specific antagonists can be developed, the physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of atrial peptides in normal man and in clinical disorders should be clarified. It is possible that stable analogues of atrial peptides will find a place in the treatment of cardiac failure, renal failure, and perhaps hypertension.     

Genomic-based characterization of Enterococcus spp.: an emerging pathogen isolated from human gut

Molecular Biology Reports - Enterococci are ubiquitous microorganisms having diverse ecological niches but most prominently in gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Production of enterocins...     

Bradycardiac Angina: Haemodynamic Aspects and Treatment

A patient with a sinus bradycardia and angina is described who was unable to increase his heart rate on vigorous exercise by more than a few beats. His severe angina was attributed to the bradycardia. Atrial pacing of his heart abolished his angina and increased his exercise tolerance. Circulatory changes at rest, on exertion, and with atrial pacing are described. The cause of angina in this patient is discussed.     

Lupin alkaloids from Sophora mollis

The major alkaloids of Sophora mollis are (+)-sparteine and (?)-cytisine, and the minor ones are also of the sparteine-type (lupanine and 5,6-deh