Effects of NO synthase inhibitors on the synovial microcirculation in the mouse knee joint

Production of nitric oxide by the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is known to be enhanced in chronic joint inflammation and osteoarthritis as well as aseptic loosening of joint prostheses. Initial studies yielded promising results after inhibition of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, the effect of NOS inhibition has not been studied at the site of the primary function of NO, the microcirculation of the synovium in vivo. Using our recently developed model for the in vivo study of synovial microcirculation in the mouse knee joint, the effects of selective versus nonselective inhibition of iNOS were investigated by means of intravital fluorescence microscopy. After resection of the patella tendon, the synovial fatty tissue was exposed for intravital microscopy. Diameter of arterioles, functional capillary density (FCD), diameter of venules, venular red blood cell velocity and leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction were quantitatively analyzed before, and 10 and 60 min after intravenous injection of NOS inhibitors {[}selective iNOS inhibitor N-iminoethyl-L-lysine (L-NIL), and nonselective NOS inhibitor N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)]. Our results demonstrate that L-NAME causes a significant decrease in the arteriolar diameter and FCD associated with an increase in the leukocyte accumulation in the synovium in vivo. In contrast, L-NIL neither altered the microhemodynamics nor the leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction in the synovium, indicating its potential use for selective inhibition of iNOS in joint inflammation. Using our method, further studies will provide new insights into the unknown effect of NOS inhibition on the synovial microvasculature in inflammatory joint disease in vivo. Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel

Determination of regional bone blood flow by means of fluorescent microspheres using an automated sample-processing procedure

The determination of regional blood flow utilizing fluorescent microspheres (FMs) is an established method for numerous organs. Recent progress, in particular the automation of sample processing, has further improved this method. However, the FM method (reference sample technique), which allows repetitive measurement of regional organ blood flow, has so far not been used for the determination of blood flow in bone. The aim of the present study was to establish FM for the quantification of regional bone blood flow (RBBF). Female, anesthetized New Zealand rabbits (n = 6) received left ventricular injections of different amounts of FM at six subsequent time points. In order to examine the precision of RBBF determination, two different FM species were injected simultaneously at the sixth injection. At the end of the experiments the femoral and tibial condyles of each hind limb were removed and the fluorescence intensity in the tissue samples was measured by an automated procedure. In an in vitro study we have shown that acid digestion of the crystalline matrix has no effect on the fluorescence characteristics of FM. The determination of the number of spheres per tissue sample revealed that depending on the tissue sample size up to 3 x 10(6) spheres/injection were necessary to obtain about 400 microspheres in the individual bone samples. RBBF values of the tibial and femoral condyles did not differ at various injection intervals. The tibial blood flow values varied between 6.6 +/- 1.1 and 8.5 +/- 1.4 ml/min/100 g and were significantly higher than those of the femur (4.3 +/- 1.1 to 6.0 +/- 1.8 ml/min/100 g). The bone blood flow values obtained by simultaneous injection of two FM species correlated significantly (r = 0.96, slope = 1.06, intercept = 0.05), the mean difference was 0.39 +/- 1.11 ml/min/100 g. Our data demonstrate that the measurement of RBBF by means of FM allows a valid determination of RBBF. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Importance of appropriate selection environments for breeding maize adapted to organic farming systems

Organic farming systems, characterized by special attention to soil fertility, recycling techniques and low external inputs, gained increased significance in recent years. As a consequence, there is a growing demand for varieties adapted to organic and/or low input farming. The objectives of the present study were to (i) compare the testcross performance of segregating maize (Zea mays) populations under established organic (OF) and conventional farming (CF) systems, (ii) determine quantitative genetic parameters decisive for the selection response under OF vs CF conditions, and (iii) draw conclusions for breeding new varieties optimally adapted to OF. Testcross performance of four different material groups of preselected lines (90 lines per group) derived from early European breeding material was assessed under OF and CF in three different geographic regions in Germany in 2008. Grain yields under OF were 3 to 18% lower than under CF in the individual experiments depending on the test region and, to a lesser extent, on the genetic material. On average, grain dry matter yield under OF was 1077 g m-2 compared to 1186 g m-2 under CF. Phenotypic correlations between OF and CF were small or moderate for grain yield in each of the four material groups (0.22 to 0.45), while strong and highly significant correlations were found for dry matter content (0.89 to 0.94). Genotypes with top grain yields under OF often did not show this superiority under CF and vice versa. Despite considerable heterogeneity of the OF test sites, the heritability for grain yield was in the same order of magnitude under OF and CF. It is concluded that test sites managed by OF are indispensable for making maximum progress in developing maize varieties for these conditions

Islets of Langerhans Are Protected from Inflammatory Cell Recruitment during Reperfusion of Rat Pancreas Grafts

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury plays a pivotal role in the development of graft pancreatitis, with ischemia time representing one of its crucial factors. However, it is unclear, whether exocrine and endocrine tissue experience similar inflammatory responses during pancreas transplantation (PTx). This study evaluated inflammatory susceptibilities of islets of Langerhans (ILH) and exocrine tissue after different preservation periods during early reperfusion. Methods: PTx was performed in rats following 2 h (2h-I) or 18 h (18h-I) preservation. Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions (LEI) were analyzed in venules of acinar tissue and ILH in vivo over 2 h reperfusion. Nontransplanted animals served as controls. Tissue samples were analyzed by histomorphometry. Results: In exocrine venules leukocyte rolling predominated in the 2h-I group. In the 18h-I group, additionally, high numbers of adherent leukocytes were found. Histology revealed significant edema formation and leukocyte extravasation in the 18h-I group. Notably, LEI in postcapillary venules of ILH were significantly lower. Leukocyte rolling was only moderately enhanced and few leukocytes were found adherent. Histology revealed minor leukocyte extravasation. Conclusion: Ischemia time contributes decisively to the extent of the I/R-injury in PTx. However, ILH have a significantly lower susceptibility towards I/R, even when inflammatory reactions in adjacent exocrine tissue are evident. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Base

Inhaliertes PGI2 versus inhaliertes NO bei hypoxisch pulmonaler Vasokonstriktion

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Quantitative assessment of angiogenesis in murine antigen-induced arthritis by intravital fluorescence microscopy

Inhibition of angiogenesis might be a therapeutic approach to prevent joint destruction caused by the overgrowing synovial tissue during chronic joint inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate angiogenesis in the knee joint of mice with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) by means of intravital microscopy. In 14 mice (C57BL6/129Sv) intravital microscopic assessment was performed on day 8 after AIA induction in two groups (controls, AIA). Synovial tissue was investigated by intravital fluorescence microscopy using FITC-dextran (150 kD). Quantitative assessment of vessel density was performed according to the following categories: functional capillary density (FCD, vessels 10 mum) and FVD of vessels with angiogenic criteria (convoluted vessels, abrupt changes of diameter, vessels which are generated by sprouting and progressively pruned and remodelled). Microvessel count was performed using immunohistochemistry. There was no significant difference in FCD between the control group (337 +/- 9 cm/cm(2); mean +/-SEM) and the AIA group (359 +/- 13 cm/cm(2)). The density of vessels larger than 10 gm diameter was significantly increased in animals with AIA (135 +/- 10 vs. 61 +/- 5 cm/cm(2) in control). The density of blood vessels with angiogenic criteria was enhanced in arthritic animals (79 +/- 17 vs. 12 +/- 2 cm/cm(2) in control). There was a significant increase in the microvessel count in arthritic animals (297 +/- 25 vs. 133 +/- 16 mm(-2) in control). These findings demonstrate that angiogenesis in murine AIA can be assessed quantitatively using intravital microscopy. Further studies will address antiangiogenic strategies in AIA

Ischemic preconditioning attenuates portal venous plasma concentrations of purines following warm liver ischemia in man

Background/Aims: Degradation of adenine nucleotides to adenosine has been suggested to play a critical role in ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Thus, we questioned in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy whether (i) IPC will increase plasma purine catabolites and whether (ii) formation of purines in response to vascular clamping (Pringle maneuver) can be attenuated by prior IPC. Methods: 75 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group I underwent hepatectomy without vascular clamping; group II was subjected to the Pringle maneuver during resection, and group III was preconditioned (10 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion) prior to the Pringle maneuver for resection. Central, portal venous and arterial plasma concentrations of adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine and xanthine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Duration of the Pringle maneuver did not differ between patients with or without IPC. Surgery without vascular clamping had only a minor effect on plasma purine transiently increased. After the Pringle maneuver alone, purine plasma concentrations were most increased. This strong rise in plasma purines caused by the Pringle maneuver, however, was significantly attenuated by IPC. When portal venous minus arterial concentration difference was calculated for inosine or hypoxanthine, the respective differences became positive in patients subjected to the Pringle maneuver and were completely prevented by preconditioning. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that (i) IPC increases formation of adenosine, and that (ii) the unwanted degradation of adenine nucleotides to purines caused by the Pringle maneuver can be attenuated by IPC. Because IPC also induces a decrease of portal venous minus arterial purine plasma concentration differences, IPC might possibly decrease disturbances in the energy metabolism in the intestine as well. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

The impact of multiple sclerosis on the identity of mothers in Italy

Purpose: This paper reports on one of the themes that emerged from the analysis of the study, regarding the perceived influence of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the identity of mothers in the socio-cultural context of Italy. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 women at various stages of MS, with follow up interviews with seven of the women. Phenomenology guided the methodology and the analysis was conducted using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Through the research the value of motherhood to the women who participated emerged. The findings illustrated how many strove to maintain controlof their MS, which led to some making comparisons of themselves and other mothers and feeling different. Some women described how they adjusted their roles and found strength in being mothers but others spoke of their feelings of loss. Most women described living in the moment, appreciating the present and living each day as it came. Another significant experience was fear of stigma, both realized in the form of “pity” from others, and the perceived and actual associated stigma for their families. This contributed to why some women were reluctant to disclose their condition. The mothers who took part in this study differed in how they perceived their disabled identity. Conclusion: Although this study was conducted in the socio-cultural setting of Italy, the findings have implications for professionals working with disabled mothers and women with MS in Italy and beyond; including recognizing the value associated with fully identifying oneself as a mother, rather than solely focusing on doingmothering tasks. • Implications for Rehabilitation • Professionals need to be mindful of the value of motherhood for women with multiple sclerosis. • Professionals should support women who feel like they are battling with maintaining control of their multiple sclerosis, who may be adjusting their identity as mothers; recognizing that they may be influenced by the stage of their multiple sclerosis and whether they were diagnosed before or after having their children. • Women can have feelings of loss related to their ability to fully participate in their children’s lives and professionals should work with women to help them identify the value of their mothering role not only in physically participating in activities but also in being emotionally and physically present as a mother

75 godina katastra vodovoda grada Basela – stanje i perspektive

Povodom 75. godišnjice postojanja katastra vodova grada Basela dat je pregled njegovog sadašnjeg stanja kao i izgleda za budući razvoj. Katastar vodova je dio zvanične izmjere kantona Basel grad. Katastar vodova je tehničko i organizaciono usmjeren i prilagođen potrebama vlasnika vodova i drugih zainteresiranih, posebno onih kojima je povjerena izgradnja i održavanje gradske infrastrukture. Prelaz na automatsku obradu podataka je u toku. Izvodi se postepeno i uz učešće svih zainteresiranih i uzimajući u obzir tehnološki razvoj bit će intenziviran