Einfluss von intravenös verabreichtem BNP auf die Hämodynamik bei Operationen an Schweinen unter Einsatz der Herz-Lungen-Maschine

In der durchgeführten Studie wurde an Schweinen der Einfluss von intravenös verabreichtem BNP auf die Hämodynamik beim Abgang von der Herz-Lungen-Maschine untersucht. Operiert wurden 2 Gruppen von je 10 deutschen Landschweinen. Die Tiere der Dosisgruppe erhielten beim Abgang von der HLM BNP als Bolus intravenös verabreicht(0,3µg/kg) und anschließend als kontinuierliche Infusion. Die Kontrollgruppe erhielt kein BNP.Die Schweine der Dosisgruppe zeigten am Versuchsende signifikant höheres HZV und signifikant höheren CI. Sie benötigten signifikant weniger Katecholamine als die Tiere der Kontrollgruppe

Purification of a Hydrophobic Elastin-Like Protein Toward Scale-Suitable Production of Biomaterials

Elastin-like proteins (ELPs) are polypeptides with potential applications as renewable bio-based high-performance polymers, which undergo a stimulus-responsive reversible phase transition. The ELP investigated in this manuscript—ELP[V2Y-45]—promises fascinating mechanical properties in biomaterial applications. Purification process scalability and purification performance are important factors for the evaluation of potential industrial-scale production of ELPs. Salt-induced precipitation, inverse transition cycling (ITC), and immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) were assessed as purification protocols for a polyhistidine-tagged hydrophobic ELP showing low-temperature transition behavior. IMAC achieved a purity of 86% and the lowest nucleic acid contamination of all processes. Metal ion leakage did not propagate chemical modifications and could be successfully removed through size-exclusion chromatography. The simplest approach using a high-salt precipitation resulted in a 60% higher target molecule yield compared to both other approaches, with the drawback of a lower purity of 60% and higher nucleic acid contamination. An additional ITC purification led to the highest purity of 88% and high nucleic acid removal. However, expensive temperature-dependent centrifugation steps are required and aggregation effects even at low temperatures have to be considered for the investigated ELP. Therefore, ITC and IMAC are promising downstream processes for biomedical applications with scale-dependent economical costs to be considered, while salt-induced precipitation may be a fast and simple alternative for large-scale bio-based polymer production

Critical dialogical approach: A methodological direction for occupation-based social transformative work

Background: Calls for embracing the potential and responsibility of occupational therapy to address socio-political conditions that perpetuate occupational injustices have materialized in the literature. However, to reach beyond traditional frameworks informing practices, this social agenda requires the incorporation of diverse epistemological and methodological approaches to support action commensurate with social transformative goals. Aim: Our intent is to present a methodological approach that can help extend the ways of thinking or frameworks used in occupational therapy and science to support the ongoing development of practices with and for individuals and collectives affected by marginaliz- ing conditions. Method: We describe the epistemological and theoretical underpinnings of a methodological approach drawing on Freire and Bakhtin ’ s work. Results: Integrating our shared experience taking part in an example study, we discuss the unique advantages of co-generating data using two methods aligned with this approach; dialogical interviews and critical reflexivity. Discussion: Key considerations when employing this approach are presented, based on its proposed epistemological and theoretical stance and our shared experiences engaging in it. Significance: A critical dialogical approach offers one way forward in expanding occupational therapy and science scholarship by promoting collaborative knowledge generation and examin- ation of taken-for-granted understandings that shape individuals assumptions and actions

Educación ambiental y energías renovables : Experiencia en una reserva natural

La Fundación Rachel y Pamela Schiele tiene entre sus objetivos principales la protección de la naturaleza, incluyendo la promoción de los cultivos orgánicos y el uso de las energías renovables. El Programa educativo desarrollado en la Estancia Las Dos Hermanas que se presenta en este trabajo es una de las herramientas más importantes para lograr estos objetivos. Se analizan los resultados del primer año del programa, destinado a alumnos de los niveles EGB y Polimodal. Las instalaciones solares realizadas en la estancia permiten mostrar aplicaciones prácticas, que complementan los conocimientos teóricos del programa educativo formal. Se presenta una evaluación de su funcionamiento desde el punto de vista técnico y de los usuarios.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Reversal of TGF-β1 stimulation of α-smooth muscle actin and extracellular matrix components by cyclic AMP in Dupuytren's - derived fibroblasts

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Myofibroblasts, a derived subset of fibroblasts especially important in scar formation and wound contraction, have been found at elevated levels in affected Dupuytren's tissues. Transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is characterized by expression of alpha- smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and increased production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, both events of relevance to connective tissue remodeling. We propose that increasing the activation of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A signaling pathway will inhibit transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β₁)-induced ECM synthesis and myofibroblast formation and may provide a means to blunt fibrosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fibroblasts derived from areas of Dupuytren's contracture cord (DC), from adjacent and phenotypically normal palmar fascia (PF), and from palmar fascia from patients undergoing carpal tunnel release (CTR; CT) were treated with TGF-β₁(2 ng/ml) and/or forskolin (10 μM) (a known stimulator of cAMP). Total RNA and protein extracted was subjected to real time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The basal mRNA expression levels of fibronectin- extra domain A (FN1-EDA), type I (COL1A2) and type III collagen (COL3A1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were all significantly increased in DC- and in PF-derived cells compared to CT-derived fibroblasts. The TGF-β₁stimulation of α-SMA, CTGF, COL1A2 and COL3A1 was greatly inhibited by concomitant treatment with forskolin, especially in DC-derived cells. In contrast, TGF-β₁stimulation of FN1-EDA showed similar levels of reduction with the addition of forskolin in all three cell types.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In sum, increasing cAMP levels show potential to inhibit the formation of myofibroblasts and accumulation of ECM components. Molecular agents that increase cAMP may therefore prove useful in mitigating DC progression or recurrence.</p