[Transcranial Doppler ultrasound--robotics-controlled transducers for quantifying the effect of acupuncture]

Transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD) monitoring was carried out in 12 healthy subjects (mean age: 35.2 +/- 4.4 years; range: 26-41 years; 4 women, 8 men), prior to, during and following acupuncture. In all subjects an identical acupuncture scheme with a "general increase in Qi energy" setting was employed. Measurements were obtained with new robotic TCD probes enabling three-dimensional imaging of the middle cerebral artery by the use of the multi-scan technique. The results showed a significant (p < 0.01; ANOVA; Tukey test) increase in mean bloodflow velocity measured simultaneously at different depths within the right middle cerebral artery. Quantifiable changes in the physiological effects of acupuncture may contribute to improved acceptance of this unconventional complementary medical procedure.

Transcranial cerebral oximetry--is it clinically useless at this moment to interpret absolute values obtained by the INVOS 3100 cerebral oximeter?

Dynamic changes of regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) were measured simultaneously to laser Doppler flowmetry in a 35-year-old female during cerebral aneurysm surgery. In addition, to demonstrate the uselessness of the absolute values obtained by the INVOS 3100, cerebral oximeter readings from a pumpkin ("Styrian Cucurbita") are demonstrated. The results of the present study and of other reports discussed in this paper demonstrate that the INVOS 3100 cerebral oximeter should not be used at this moment as a measure reflecting absolute rSO2 values. However, it seems to be relevant that the INVOS 3100 system can monitor the dynamic changes in rSO2, although limitations have to be taken into consideration.

[Laser Doppler data analysis during interstitial laser thermotherapy with magnetic resonance control within the scope of an animal experiment study]

The aim of the present study was to investigate, using laser Doppler (LD) flowmetry, the phases immediately prior to and following experimental, neurosurgical laser therapy in animals. Two statistical models obtained on the basis of discriminant analysis are described. These models should enable the user to classify the sets of parameters calculated from the LD signals. With both models which contain 3 and 5 parameters, respectively. 100% discrimination of the two phases was attained. The usefulness of the models could be validated by results obtained with other models.

Transcranial cerebral oximetry in the hyperbaric environment

Continuous monitoring of dynamic changes of transcranial regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) was performed in 7 healthy volunteers (mean age 40.9 +/- 12.6 years; range 25-62 years) during normo- and hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO at 2.5 and at 1.95 ATA) using an INVOS 3100 cerebral oximeter. A significant change between HBO and control phase could be found in rSO2, alterations (p < 0.05; ANOVA, Tukey test). The results suggest that the calculation of rSO2 may be a useful method to monitor changes of oxygen saturation under hyperbaric conditions. However, the absolute quantification of rSO2 is useless at the moment and needs further investigation.

[Burst suppression detection in pEEG]

In the present paper, experience with the detection of burst suppression in the pEEG is described. The possibilities and limitations of the method during monitoring of anaesthesia under real conditions are discussed.

Abnormal brain stem auditory evoked potentials in a girl with the central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials were recorded in a 3-year-old girl with the central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome (Ondine's syndrome). Abnormal findings were seen at the level of the mid to upper brain stem (wave III), which was not reproducibly recordable on the left side. This electrophysiologic abnormality is consistent with a previous finding in a patient with sleep apnea.

Preferential partitioning of melittin into the air/water interface: structural and thermodynamic implications

The membrane active agent melittin has been investigated with regard to the formation of a Langmuir monolayer and the accordingly induced surface activities. We show that in spite of its considerable solubility in an aqueous medium, this peptide nevertheless largely accumulates in the air/water interface unless the lateral pressure is raised beyond a certain threshold value depending on the pH in the subphase. The true surface concentrations have been determined by means of a recently developed novel method based on thermodynamic principles. It affords an access to the partitioning equilibrium between the surface and subphase domains, provided the latter surrounding is not excessively preferred. In the present case this approach was used to derive quantitative information on the pertinent interfacial structure and thermodynamics. In particular, the apparent molecular area and the Gibbs energy of mutual interaction in the monolayer could be evaluated as a function of the applied surface pressure. The data suggest the existence of two structural conversions in the course of an increasing lateral compression. The surface-associated peptide accordingly assumes three different states of successively reduced area requirements, supposedly owing to an orientational transition involving a straightening up of a helical conformation. This conclusion is corroborated by surface potential measurements reflecting corresponding changes of the effective dipole moment perpendicular to the surface.

Cerebral oximetry in dead subjects

Near-infrared spectroscopy is a technique used to monitor cerebral oxygenation. To validate the method, we measured regional oxygen saturation (rSo2) in the brains of 18 dead subjects (mean age, 74.4 +/- 14.6 years) 19.8 +/- 18.2 h (range, 1-73) after cessation of systemic circulation, and in 15 healthy probands (mean age, 34.2 +/- 8.7 years) with an INVOS 3100 cerebral oximeter. The mean (+/-SD) rSo2 in the dead subjects was 51.0 +/- 26.8% [range, 6-88%; left, 48.4 +/- 28.0% (n = 21); right, 54.4 +/- 25.7% (n = 16)]. The mean rSo2 in the control group was 68.4 +/- 5.2% (range, 60-76%; left, 68.1 +/- 5.0%; right, 68.7 +/- 5.6%). After removal of the brain at autopsy in five of the dead subjects, the rSo2 was 73.4 +/- 13.3% (15 measurements). Six of 18 of the dead subjects had values above the lowest values found in the healthy adults (> or = 60%). These findings raise concerns about the validity of cerebral rSo2 data in adults obtained by the INVOS 3100 system.

[Laser Doppler flowmetry--experiences from intensive care medicine]

Laser Doppler flowmetry makes it possible to determine the status of the microcirculation with the aid of a non-invasive procedure. The present article describes the use in two ICU patients of Doppler laser flowmetry to effect a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the side effects that may occur when using various stimulation procedures.

The effect of anti-epileptic drugs on visual perception in patients with epilepsy

We investigated the influence of the antiepileptic drugs carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT) and valproic acid (VPA) on different aspects of visual perception in patients with epilepsy by three different methods. (i) The colour arrangement test Farnsworth Munsell D100. (ii) A monitor system generating 24 different Gaussian dots and 24 different vertical sinusoidal gratings. Luminance increments and decrements for achromatic discrimination and four different colours for chromatic discrimination were investigated with four different sizes each adding up to 24 stimuli. (iii) A Maxwellian view system providing a foveal blue test light either superimposed on a yellow adaptation field (increment threshold) or after switching off this field (postadaptation threshold). Five different adaptation levels were investigated. Patients on PHT offered the most abnormalities, particularly in the D100 and in all Gaussian dots recordings. The individual differences between increment and postadaptation threshold (transient tritanopia effect) were significantly elevated at the four higher adaptation levels, whereas no change was found in the increment thresholds and only for the highest luminance level in the postadaptation thresholds. With VPA, chromatic and achromatic increment discrimination was impaired particularly for larger Gaussian stimuli on the monitor system. Valproic acid also induced a consistent increment threshold increase on the Maxwellian view system, an increase of the postadaptation threshold at the highest luminance level and, like PHT, an increase of the threshold differences at level 3 and 4, but not at the highest background level 5. Patients on CBZ provided normal results in all investigations, with the exception of a slight but significant increase in the D100 error score. Sinusoidal gratings turned out to be much less sensitive than Gaussian dots since they remained unchanged in patients on all three drug groups.

[Neurophysiologic signal recording. New technical and general practice aspects of EEG recording electrodes]

The problem of electrode selection for neurophysiological monitoring, whether for routine clinical applications or special scientific research, still remains to be resolved. In addition to the classical types of electrode-cup (silver/silver chloride or gold) or needle electrodes, new self adhesive electrodes (e.g. zipprep electrodes) for rapid application and reliable recording have recently come onto the market. However, this electrode type can lead to superficial lesions of the skin or inflammatory infiltration, which so far have not been investigated. New developments in the field of cortex electrodes and so-called active electrodes are additionally discussed.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in respiratory insufficiency following encephalitis

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded in 14 artificially ventilated patients (12 males, 2 females; mean age 33.3 +/- 16.3 years, range 18-67) with respiratory insufficiency resulting from severe inflammatory encephalopathies. The results were compared with those of 17 healthy volunteers (13 males, 4 females; mean age 27.4 +/- 5.3 years, range 21-45). BAEPs in the study patients showed prolonged interpeak latencies (I-III, I-V, III-V, IV-V) and delayed absolute latencies of waves I, II, III, and V at least on one side. Because the auditory pathways are in the near vicinity of the respiratory control centers in the brainstem, the electrophysiologic abnormalities of wave III and the IV/V complex may be a reflection of the disturbed central control of ventilation.

Electrical interactions of membrane active peptides at lipid/water interfaces

Vital functions of biological membranes are frequently controlled by amphipathic peptides that are associated with the lipid bilayer. The extent of association is largely determined by influences encountered at the interface between the aqueous and lipid moieties, especially involving electrostatic interactions. A basic thermodynamic analysis is presented in terms of a partitioning equilibrium where the membrane is treated as a non-ideal solution of peptide molecules in a two-dimensional lipid solvent. This may then be employed to interpret experimental association isotherms (i.e. the ratio of associated peptide per lipid plotted versus the free aqueous peptide concentration) in the light of a molecular mechanism. Special emphasis is directed towards the evaluation of original titration data under most general circumstances when the association can be monitored using a suitable linear signal (preferentially an optical one). The experimental approaches as well as the merits regarding possible information about the underlying structural and functional features are discussed with pertinent practical examples.

Pore kinetics reflected in the dequenching of a lipid vesicle entrapped fluorescent dye

Pore formation in lipid vesicle membranes can be monitored by the fluorescence signal F(t) arising from the induced release of a self-quenching dye in the course of the elapsed efflux time t. We present a basic theoretical analysis of pertinent experimental data allowing the quantitative evaluation of information on the pore kinetics and mechanism. This implies an investigation of the 'dynamic' quenching factor Qt exhibited by that fraction of dye which is still being retained inside the liposomes at t. It is shown how Qt depends on the mode of release which could be 'all-or-none' or more gradual as expressed by a parameter rho < or = 1 (related to the pore lifetime), i.e., the average dye retention factor in a vesicle after a single pore opening. A fit to measured values of Qt at a sufficient extent of efflux may be applied in order to determine rho. Then the pore formation rate per liposome, va(t), can be derived from the registered F(t). We give a practical demonstration of the procedures with carboxyfluorescein-loaded phosphatidylcholine liposomes of two different sizes to which the wasp venom peptide mastoparan X had been added.

[Cerebral monitoring in anesthesia and intensive care]

To ensure efficient computer-based cerebral monitoring in the ICU and during anaesthesia, sophisticated and sometimes expensive equipment is needed. It is thus all the more important that the clinician should have a good understanding and knowledge of the various methods involved, the origins of the different signals and their relationships, and of the possibilities of artefacts occurring, if the information that this equipment is capable of providing is to be fully and properly utilized. The present paper describes a number of new techniques of cerebral monitoring, and their successful application in the intensive care unit and the operating theatre.

Brain-stem auditory evoked potential monitoring. Variations of stimulus artifact in brain death

Brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded in 20 subjects with brain death (mean age, 33.2 +/- 15.1 years) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age, 29.8 +/- 6.8 years). Brain death was due to head injury (n = 14), encephalitis (n = 3), brain-stem hemorrhage (n = 1), cerebellar hemorrhage (n = 1) or cerebral infarction (n = 1). The presence, latency and amplitude of the individual BAEP components and variations of the stimulus artifact were evaluated. The mean (+/- S.D.) amplitude of the stimulus artifact was 0.26 +/- 0.12 microV in the brain-dead subjects and 0.09 +/- 0.05 microV in the control group (P < 0.001, t test). The causes of the phenomenon of increasing stimulus artifacts in the evolution of brain death remain unclear.

[Osteochondromatosis in shoulder joint arthrosis--a case report]

We report on a 59 year old patient with repetitive shoulder trauma due to numerous grand mal convulsions and consequent severe osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint with formation of multiple loose bodies. We discuss the aetiology of the loose bodies as being different to those found in synovial chondromatosis, as well as the radiological, histological, clinical and therapeutical features of this entity.

Laser Doppler flowmetry--peripheral microcirculation during cessation of cerebral and cardiocirculatory function

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a noninvasive method to study the microcirculation. We studied the feasibility of the clinical use of LDF in the intensive care unit by continuously recording different LDF parameters during the cessation of cerebral and cardiocirculatory function. The LDF-Conc (concentration of red blood cells) reflected biological phenomena correlated with the heart rate and microvibration that could not be detected with conventional means (systemic blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation).

[Near infrared spectroscopy. Limits and problems in the intensive care unit]

Near infrared spectroscopy is a non-invasive method of calculating changes in cerebral oxygenation. We have now evaluated a new near infrared spectroscope, the NIRO-500 (Hamamatsu Photonics, Japan), in an intensive care unit setting. The influence of extracerebral and intracerebral physical-technical, physiological and pathophysiological parameters was investigated. The results showed that the method is very sensitive to changes in oxygenation and perfusion in the cerebral vasculature. However, the influence of other factors can be considerable and not always easy to detect and interpret.

[Noninvasive monitoring of regional cerebral oxygen saturation--experiences in critical care medicine]

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was studied in 15 healthy volunteers aged between 23 and 53 years (mean age: 34.2 +/- 8.7 years) and in 17 intensive care patients (mean age: 37.2 +/- 18.6 years; range 17-70). An infrared spectroscopy technique (INVOS 3100, Somanetics Co.) was used. The results were analysed in terms of age, heart rate, temperature at the recording site, blood pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation. The mean +/- SD of rSO2 was 69.4% +/- 7.0% in the healthy volunteers and 66.4% +/- 7.4% in intensive care patients (65.3% +/- 6.2% in 7 patients with a cerebral lesion, 67.1% +/- 8.4% in 10 patients with no cerebral lesion). Individual examples are presented to show that infrared spectroscopy is a useful non-invasive method of investigating cerebral oxygenation. However, regional pathological-anatomical limitations of the technique, and possible extracerebral artefacts make necessary a critical interpretation of the rSO2 values.

Cytoskeletal modulation of the response to mechanical stimulation in human vascular endothelial cells

Possible interactions of cytoskeletal elements with mechanically induced membrane currents and Ca2+ signals were studied in human endothelial cells by using a combined patch-clamp and Fura II technique. For mechanical stimulation, cells were exposed to hypotonic solution (HTS). The concomitant cell swelling activates a Cl- current, releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores and activates Ca2+ influx. To interfere with the cytoskeleton, cells were loaded either with the F-actin-stabilizing agent phalloidin (10 mumol/l), or the F-actin-depolymerizing substance cytochalasin B (50 mumol/l). These were administered either in the bath or the pipette solutions. The tubulin structure of the endothelial cells was modulated by taxol (50 mumol/l), which supports polymerization of tubulin, or by the depolymerizing agent colcemid (10 mumol/l) both applied to the bath. Immunofluorescence experiments show that under the chosen experimental conditions the cytoskeletal modifiers employed disintegrate the F-actin and microtubuli cytoskeleton. Neither of these cytoskeletal modifiers influenced the HTS-induced Cl- current. Ca2+ release was not affected by cytochalasin B, taxol or colcemid, but was suppressed if the cells were loaded with phalloidin. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin renders the intracellular [Ca2+] sensitive to the extracellular [Ca2+], which is indicative of a Ca2+ entry pathway activated by store depletion. Neither cytochalasin B nor phalloidin affected this Ca2+ entry. We conclude that F-actin turnover or depolymerization is necessary for Ca2+ release by mechanical activation. The tubulin network is not involved. The Ca2+ release- activated Ca2+ entry is not modulated by the F-actin cytoskeleton.

Computer-assisted neurovegetative monitoring in patients after heart transplantation

The effects of orthotopic heart transplantation on spontaneous fluctuations of the respiration rate and heart rate were studied with a computer-assisted system for neurovegetative monitoring in 22 patients (mean age +/- SD: 48.7 +/- 9.4 years) 19.5 +/- 14.4 months after transplantation. The control group consisted of 12 healthy volunteers (mean age +/- SD: 38.7 +/- 6.6 years). The mean (+/- SE) respiratory rate was higher in the transplantation group than in the control group (17.7 +/- 0.8/min vs. 14.6 +/- 1.1 breaths/min, P < 0.2). The mean variability of the respiratory rate was smaller in the transplant patients than in the controls (3.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.8 +/- 0.4, P < 0.2). The heart rate variability coefficient in the patients after transplantation was lower than that in the controls (1.3 +/- 0.1% vs. 6.9 +/- 0.5%, P < 0.001). Spectral analysis of heart rate variability showed a smaller decrease of variability of respiration (P < 0.05) than of blood pressure regulation (P < 0.001) or of the angiotensin-renin system (P < 0.001). A separate group of 7 transplant patients (mean age 51.0 +/- 7.7 years) had activated cardiac pacemakers and thus no spontaneous physiologic heart rate oscillations. The variability of the respiratory rate in these patients was lower than in the other 22 transplant patients (1.8 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.7 +/- 0.3, P < 0.001). The data provided by multiparametric neurovegetative monitoring support the evaluation of complex regulatory mechanisms of respiratory and cardiovascular function and their adaptability after orthotopic heart transplantation.

Sitting position for neurosurgery: experience with preoperative contrast echocardiography in 301 patients

A persisting foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common cause of paradoxical air embolism. To detect right-to-left shunting, transthoracic contrast echocardiography was performed preoperatively in 301 patients scheduled for neurosurgical procedures in the sitting position. Echocardiography yielded evaluable results in 285 patients (94.7%). In 72 of 285 patients (25.2%), a PFO was diagnosed on the basis of contrast echo signals appearing in the left atrium or ventricle within 5 heart cycles after application of contrast medium via a peripheral vein. If echo signals appeared in the left heart after more than 5 heart cycles, an intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt was considered (11 patients, 3.9%). Venous air embolism (VAE) occurred in 27.4% of 226 patients operated on in the sitting position and in none of the 59 patients operated on in a nonsitting position. We conclude that the sitting position during neurosurgery should be avoided in patients with preoperative evidence of a right-to-left shunt at contrast echocardiography to reduce the risk of paradoxical air embolism (PAE).

Multiple effects of SK&F 96365 on ionic currents and intracellular calcium in human endothelial cells

1. Multiple effects of the imidazole compound SK&F 96365 have been evaluated on endothelial cells from human umbilical vein using a combined patch clamp and Ca(2+)-microfluorimetric technique (Fura-2). 2. At concentrations of 100 mumol/l or higher of SK&F 96365, the block of the receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry overlaps with the activation of another Ca(2+)-entry mechanism, which is associated with a non selective cationic current. 3. This rise in [Ca2+]i depends on the extracellular Ca(2+)-concentration, and the entry pathway is in contrast with the receptor-mediated Ca(2+)-entry pathway permeable to Ni2+, as shown by quenching of the Fura-2 fluorescence signal. 4. The concentration of SK&F 96365 for half maximal increase in [Ca2+]i was 141 +/- 19 mumol/l (n = 16). 5. SK&F 96365 activated a current that reversed at +11.8 +/- 2.1 mV (n = 21) when measured using nystatin-perforated patches with either Cs+ or K+ in the pipette and 140 Na+, 1.5 Ca2+ in the bath (chloride equilibrium potential ECl = -36 mV). 6. SK&F 96365 (200 mumol/l) blocked an inwardly rectifying K+ current in endothelial cells independently of [Ca2+]i. This block caused depolarization of the endothelial cells from -55.3 +/- 2.57 mV (n = 33) to -10 +/- 5.5 mV (n = 6). This block was concentration-dependent, half maximal block occurred at a concentration of about 40 mumol/l SK&F 96365. 7. In cells which showed an outwardly rectifying current, this outward component was also completely blocked by 200 mumol/l SK&F 96365. 8. It is concluded that SK&F 96365 reversibly activates a non-selective cation channel at concentrations higher than 100 mumol/l, but also blocks K+ currents in endothelial cells independently of [Ca2+]i. These multiple effects overlap with the proposed block of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry. The block of K(+)-channels may in unclamped cells reduce the driving force for Ca2+, and thereby interfere with the Ca(2+)-influx.

WIRELESS TRANSMISSION OF MUSCLE POTENTIALS DURING FREE FLIGHT OF A LOCUST

Scientists have long been interested in recording data from freely moving animals. For larger animals, several telemetric techniques are available not only for following the movement of unrestrained animals in the wild (White and Garrott, 1990) but also for transmitting measures of heartbeat, body temperature, wingbeat, respiration, etc. (e.g. Lord et al. 1962; Butler and Woakes, 1980; Funk et al. 1993; for an overview, see Amlaner and Macdonald, 1980). Because of the size of such transmission devices, however, data acquisition has been restricted to larger animals. The development of lightweight batteries and microchips has only recently facilitated efforts to transmit data from smaller animals such as insects. Such data should greatly enhance our understanding of the processes involved in the neuronal control of unrestricted behaviour. Eventually it should be possible to monitor the activity of individual units (neurones, muscles) under closed-loop conditions, which closely resemble free movement. It is to be expected that this new approach will surpass previous studies involving intact but surface-bound animals implanted with long flexible electrodes (for crickets, see Kutsch, 1969) or animals tethered in a windstream (for improvement of the flight balance device, compare Weis-Fogh, 1956, with Dombrowsky, 1991). Increased freedom has been achieved in experiments on ‘free flight’ of large insects (Mohl, 1988; Stolley, 1990), although even these animals were restricted to a short or stationary flight handicapped by several implanted flexible electrodes.

Modulation by histamine of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel in human endothelial cells

1. Whole-cell and single-channel currents were recorded together with intracellular Ca2+ in voltage clamped, single endothelial cells isolated from human umbilical vein. 2. The major current component under resting conditions in the whole-cell configuration was a strongly inwardly rectifying potassium current. 3. This current is due to activation of a K+ channel with an inward conductance of 29 +/- 3 pS (n = 7) with symmetrical 140 mM K+ on both sides of the membrane. This channel could be measured both in the cell-attached and in the inside-out configuration. At potentials below -110 mV both whole-cell and averaged single-channel currents showed a fast inactivation. 4. During stimulation of endothelial cells with histamine, whole-cell K+ currents initially increased but then substantially declined, despite the sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). 5. The blockade of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel by histamine could not be observed in cell-attached patches if histamine was added to the bath. 6. It is concluded that endothelial cells possess K+ channels that are directly inhibited by agonists, such as histamine. Blocking these channels may depolarize the cell membrane and thereby reduce the driving force for Ca2+ influx.

Control of intracellular calcium by membrane potential in human melanoma cells

The modulation of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) by the membrane potential was investigated in human melanoma cells by combining the nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique with Ca2+ measurements. Voltage steps to -100 mV induced a rise in [Ca2+]i and a creeping inward current. These effects were absent in Ca(2+)-free solution and could be blocked by Ni2+ or La3+. Voltage ramps revealed a close correlation between [Ca2+]i and voltage, with the strongest voltage dependence around the resting potential. Long-lasting tail currents, closely correlated with the rise in [Ca2+]i and a reversal potential close to the K+ equilibrium potential, occurred if the membrane potential was clamped back to 0 mV. They were absent if intracellular K+ was replaced by Cs+ and blocked by extracellular tetraethylammonium (5 mM), Ba2+ (1 mM), or a membrane-permeable adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate analogue. These observations are discussed in relation to cell proliferation. The enhanced expression of K+ channels during cell proliferation provides a positive-feedback mechanism resulting in long-term changes in [Ca2+]i required for the G1-S transition in the cell cycle.

[Computer controlled brain death documentation in the intensive care unit]

An interactive, knowledge-based computer system for brain death documentation is presented. The specific exponents BRAINDEX R and G were realised by the software tool Personal Consultant Plus and the programming language Clipper, respectively. The strategies of conclusion were forward chaining for approximate evaluation of coma stages and backward chaining for analysing the brain death syndrome. BRAINDEX was developed for use with an IBM personal computer or compatible equipment. Systemic analyses were compared retrospectively with the data from clinical brain death protocols (n = 132) of 128 comatose patients (mean age 35.1 +/- 15.8 years) with a Glasgow Coma Score of 3. Identical classifications (system vs physician) were found in all patients without diagnosis of brain death (n = 35). Differences related to the findings of the physician were evaluated in lower numbers of the systemic positive diagnosis of brain death (82 vs 89) and higher numbers of impossibility of systemic evaluation (11 vs 2). These results were obtained by conclusions of the computer system drawn by restrictive systemic mechanisms to avoid false-negative diagnoses. The system therefore seems to be useful for documentation, consultation, and as a teaching instrument and data bank in brain death.

Impairment of retinal increment thresholds in Huntington's disease

We have investigated detection thresholds for a foveal blue test light using a Maxwellian view system in 61 normal subjects, 19 patients with Huntington's chorea, 14 patients with Tourette's syndrome, and 20 patients with schizophrenia. Ten measurements were made: The blue test light (1 degree diameter, 500 msec duration) was presented either superimposed on a yellow adaptation field (5 degree diameter) or 500 msec after switching off this field (transient tritanopia effect). In both cases five different background intensities were presented. The only abnormality found was in patients with Huntington's chorea. During adaptation these patients' thresholds are significantly higher than normal (p < 0.005). No change was found in the transient tritanopia effect. Huntington's disease causes degeneration of several different transmitter systems in the brain. Increment threshold testing allows for noninvasive investigation of patients and confirms the involvement of the retina in the degenerative process in Huntington's chorea.

Microbial metabolism of quinoline and related compounds. XIX. Degradation of 4-methylquinoline and quinoline by Pseudomonas putida K1

A bacterial strain, designated K1, which utilizes 4-methylquinoline and quinoline as sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy was isolated from soil. Based on its morphological and physiological characteristics, it was classified as Pseudomonas putida biovar B. Four metabolites of 4-methylquinoline degradation were isolated from the culture supernatant and identified as 4-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline, 8-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline, 7,8-dihydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline and 6-hydroxy-5-(2-carboxyethenyl)-4-methyl-1H-2-pyridone. Formation of the latter compound is suggested to proceed by decarbonylation of a putative meta-cleavage product of the 7,8-dihydroxy derivative. During growth on quinoline four compounds were released into the culture fluid, too. Upon isolation they were identified as 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline, 6-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline, 5-hydroxy-6-(3-carboxy-3-oxopropenyl)-1H-2-pyridone and 2H-pyran-2-on-[3,2b]-5H-6-pyridone. Thus it is proved, that Pseudomonas putida possesses two different catabolic pathways for various quinoline derivatives, which are induced selectively depending on the growth substrate.

Computer-based analysis of continuous non-invasive blood pressure and heart rate variability-methodology and normal values during wakefulness and sleep

Polysomnographic recordings were made in 10 healthy male adult subjects (mean age 25.1 +/- 2.8 years). Parameters were obtained from continuous non-invasive measurement of blood pressure and from heart rate spectra analysed both in the waking state and during sleep (stage 4). The total heart rate variability (mean +/- SE) was not significantly diminished (p < 0.2; paired t-test) during stage 4 sleep (6.2 +/- 0.5%) as compared with the waking state (7.1 +/- 0.5%). The relative heart rate variability coefficient within the frequency band HRV-II ((3-9)/min) was, however, significantly higher (p < 0.001) during slow-wave sleep (0.55 +/- 0.04) than during wakefulness (0.34 +/- 0.04). This fact is in accordance with results concerning an estimated value of the baroreflex sensitivity, which was also significantly higher (p < 0.001) during sleep stage 4 (7.0 +/- 0.8 ms/mmHg vs. 10.4 +/- 1.4 mmHg).

Microbial metabolism of quinoline and related compounds. XVII. Degradation of 3-methylquinoline by Comamonas testosteroni 63

A bacterial strain which utilizes 3-methylquinoline as sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy was isolated from activated sludge. On the basis of its morphological and physiological characteristics, this isolate was classified as Comamonas testosteroni. Four metabolites of 3-methylquinoline degradation were isolated from the culture supernatant and identified as 3-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline, 6-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline, 5,6-dihydroxy-3-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline and 2,5,6-trihydroxy-3-methylpyridine. Based on these results, a degradation pathway for 3-methylquinoline is proposed.

Association of the wasp venom peptide mastoparan with electrically neutral lipid vesicles. Salt effects on partitioning and conformational state

We have measured circular dichroism signals of aqueous mastoparan and mastoparan-X when titrated with electrically neutral phospholipid unilamellar vesicles. The data could be converted into association isotherms (binding curves) under various conditions of salt content. In spite of the absence of a net charge in the lipid moiety, substantial salt effects have been observed regarding the partition coefficient of the peptide and its conformation in the associated state. These results are discussed on the basis of a general thermodynamic approach for peptide association with lipid bilayers.

Nonselective ion pathways in human endothelial cells

Four probably different transmembrane pathways are described in human endothelial (EN) cells that are all nonselective for cations. i) A nonselective cation channel that is more permeable for Na+ and K+ than for Ca2+ can be gated by agonists such as histamine. This channel provides an agonist-gated entry route for Ca2+ into EN cells with a single-channel conductance of 25 pS for Na+, K+, and approximately 4 pS for Ca2+ (110 mM). ii) Another Ca(2+)-permeable pathway can be activated by shear stress. This supposedly mechanically activated channel is more permeable for divalent than for monovalent cations and provides mechano-sensing properties to EN cells. iii) A third ionic current, activated by the selective Ca(2+)-ATPase blocker thapsigargin, seems to be related to Ca(2+)-release from Ca(2+)-stores in the endoplasmic reticulum. In EN cells, this Ca(2+)-entry route is cation selective, but cannot differentiate between Na+ and K+. Activation of this nonselective current is associated with an increase in intracellular Ca2+. We therefore assume a Ca(2+)-entry through this thapsigargin-activated pathway. iv) A nickel-blockable, Ca(2+)-permeable, nonselective leak is described that is present in nonstimulated EN cells. It will be discussed whether agonist-gated channels and leak channels might be related to the Ca(2+)-release activated Ca(2+)-entry mechanism.

Shear stress-induced calcium transients in endothelial cells from human umbilical cord veins

1. Changes of the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration induced by shear stress were measured in Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester-loaded endothelial cells from human umbilical cord veins. 2. We were able to induce Ca2+ transients in almost every cell by blowing a stream of physiological solution onto a single endothelial cell thereby inducing shear stress between 0 and 50 dyn cm-2. The Ca2+ response could be graded by varying the shear stress, and reached a half-maximal value at a shear stress of 30 dyn cm-2. 3. The shear stress responses critically depended on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration and were absent in a Ca(2+)-free solution. Repetitive application of short pulses of shear stress induced cumulative effects because of the slow decay of the shear stress Ca2+ responses (time constants 82.3 +/- 17.8 s from twenty-five cells). Application of a depolarizing high potassium solution to reduce the driving force for Ca2+ entry decreased the Ca2+ transients in some of the cells. 4. Application of shear stress in the presence of other divalent cations, such as nickel, cobalt or barium, always produced substantial changes in the ratio of the 390/360 nm fluorescence signal, indicating influx of these cations and subsequent quenching of the Fura-2 fluorescence. 5. Shear stress responses in the presence of 10 mM Ca2+ were completely blocked by application of 1 mM La3+. 6. Incubation of the cells with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) did not alter the shear stress response, but completely blocked histamine-induced Ca2+ transients. 7. Small submaximal shear stress potentiated the Ca2+ transients induced by histamine. 8. We conclude that shear stress-dependent Ca2+ signals are induced by an influx of calcium that is not modulated via protein kinase C and not activated by membrane depolarization. The influx pathway is also permeable to divalent cations such as Ni2+, Co2+ and Ba2+, but is blocked by La3+.

HLA and immunoglobulin polymorphisms in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an idiopathic heart muscle disorder. The presence of circulating cardiac antibodies and the association with HLA-DR4 are consistent with autoimmune pathogenesis in a subset of patients. Sixty-eight DCM patients and 277 controls were typed for IgG heavy-chain constant region (Gm) and kappa light-chain (Km) allotypes. All patients and 210 of the 277 controls were HLA-DR typed. The Gm (1, 3, 17; 23; 5*, 21, 28) phenotype was overrepresented in DCM compared with controls (25% vs 13%, p = 0.0139, pc = NS, RR = 2.23). The frequency of this phenotype was higher in patients with younger age at onset, shorter symptom duration, and among those who were positive for cardiac as well as for non-organ-specific autoantibodies than in controls. A higher frequency of the Gm (1, +/- 2, 3, 17; +/- 23; 5*, 21, 28) heterozygous phenotypes was also found in DCM compared to controls (40.91% vs 26.89%; p = 0.02, pc = 0.04, RR = 1.88). The finding of Gm heterozygosity in DCM was associated with serum positivity for cardiac antibodies. A higher proportion of DCM patients were positive for both the Gm (1, 3, 17; 23; 5*, 21, 28) phenotype and HLA-DR4 compared to normals (3/68 vs 0/210; p = 0.04, RR = 22.50).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Kinetics of melittin induced pore formation in the membrane of lipid vesicles

We have investigated the permeabilization of POPC unilamellar vesicle bilayers upon the addition of melittin. This process was measured in an early time range of a few minutes by means of monitoring the release of an entrapped marker, the self-quenching fluorescent dye carboxyfluorescein. Pore formation is indicated by an apparent 'all-or-none' efflux out of individual vesicles and a higher than linear dependence on melittin concentration. Applying a recently developed evaluation procedure, the data are readily converted into the gross number of pores per vesicle formed within the elapsed measuring time t. The results can be generally described in terms of a fast initial rate of pore formation that slows down to a much lower value after a period of about 1 to 2 minutes, following a single exponential time course. The three rate parameters involved are shown to be power functions of the concentration of melittin that is actually associated with the vesicle membrane. These findings are in excellent quantitative agreement with a proposed scheme of reaction steps where the formation of lipid associated peptide dimers becomes rate determining once an initial fast deposit is exhausted.

Shear stress induced membrane currents and calcium transients in human vascular endothelial cells

We have measured membrane currents induced by shear stress together with intracellular calcium signals in endothelial cells from human umbilical cord veins. In the presence of extracellular calcium (Ca2+]o), shear stress induced an inward current at a holding potential of 0 mV which is accompanied by a rise in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). In the absence of extracellular calcium shear stress was unable to evoke a calcium signal but still induced a membrane current. The voltage dependence of the shear stress induced current was obtained from difference currents evoked by linear voltage ramps before and during application of shear stress. Its reversal potential Erev shifted from -2.3 +/- 0.8 mV (n = 4) in a nominally Ca2+ free solution to +1.5 +/- 1.6 mV at 1.5 mM [Ca2+]o (n = 4) and to +21.9 +/- 4.4 mV (n = 7) at 10 mM [Ca2+]o. From our data we conclude that shear stress opens an ion channel that is 12.5 +/- 2.9 (n = 7) times more permeable for calcium than for sodium or cesium.

[Acoustic evoked brainstem potentials--patterns of stimulus artefacts in irreversible coma]

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) were performed in a total of 20 subjects (mean age 33.2 +/- 15.1 years; severe head injury in most cases) with the diagnosis of coma dépassé. The control group consisted of 33 healthy volunteers (mean age 26.9 +/- 5.3 years). The presence, latency and amplitude of the single BAEP-components and the variations of the stimulus artifact were evaluated. The mean amplitudes of the stimulus artifact of the brain dead subjects were calculated (means +/- SD) to be 0.26 +/- 0.12 microV (control group: 0.11 +/- 0.03 microV). Pathological alterations of the mechanics of the inner ear as well as extracerebral changes in conductivity or stimulus related depolarization processes in extracerebral parts of the auditory system were taken into consideration to be possible reasons for this significant (p less than 0.001; t-test) difference.

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: lack of association between circulating organ-specific cardiac antibodies and HLA-DR antigens

Organ-specific cardiac antibodies are serological markers of autoimmunity in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). HLA-DR4 and possibly DR5 are immunogenetic markers of susceptibility in DCM, but it is not known whether they are associated with autoantibody production. We studied the frequency of HLA-DR antigens and the presence of organ-specific cardiac antibodies in 80 DCM Caucasian patients from Northern Italy. HLA-DR typing was performed by serology; 289 healthy blood donors from the same region were tested as controls. HLA-DR frequencies in DCM were also compared with VIII International Workshop control data for Italy. Cardiac antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on human heart. Skeletal muscle was used to identify cross-reacting antibodies. The prevalence of cardiac antibodies in DCM was: organ-specific 34% and skeletal muscle cross-reactive 30%. The previously reported positive association between DCM and HLA-DR4 was confirmed using either the controls from the same region (21.25% vs 10.73% p = 0.02, relative risk = 2.30) or from all of Italy (21.25% vs 12.3%, p = 0.03). HLA-DR5 frequency was slightly but not significantly higher in DCM than in controls from the same region (46.25% vs 31.49% p = 0.02, relative risk of 1.87, p corrected = NS) or from all of Italy (46.25% vs 35.8% p = NS). HLA-DR3 frequency was lower in DCM than in controls from the same region (12.50% vs 29.41% p = 0.003, relative risk of 0.36, p corrected = 0.03). This negative association was not confirmed using the control data from the whole of Italy (12.50% vs 16.5% p = NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)