Virus-specific IgM antibodies in acute gastroenteritis due to a reovirus-like agent (rotavirus).

62 serum samples from 24 patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis were tested for IgM antibodies against a bovine rotavirus by an indirect fluorescent antibody technique. IgM antibodies were detected in one or more of the serum samples from all but one of the patients. IgM antibodies were not detected in samples obtained from 11 of the patients after the 5th week of illness. Absorption of sera for IgG with Staphylococcus aureus increased the sensitivity of the IgM antibody test. It is concluded that the presence of IgM antibodies against bovine rotavirus in a patient's serum, as measured by the present technique, does suggest a recent rotavirus infection. On the other hand, the lack of IgM antibodies in the serum of a child with acute gastroenteritis between the second and the 5th week of illness tends to exclude rotavirus as a cause of the disease.     

Relationship between stimulated prolactin release from GH cells and cyclic AMP degradation and formation

We have studied the relationship between the prolaction (PRL) release induced by thyroliberin (TRH) and theophylline and the formation and inactivation of adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in cultured rat-pituitary cells (GH3 cells). TRH, which stimulated prolactin release, increased cyclic AMP formation and stimulated transiently both the low- and high-Km cyclic phosphodiesterases. The maximal effect on the phosphodiesterase was observed at 30 mM TRH. The stimulatory effect of TRH on the activity of the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases was duplicated by incubation of the cells with cyclic AMP (2-10 mM). In washed particulate GH3 cell fractions, TRH increased the adenylyl cyclase activity up to 180%. Treatment of GH3 cells with theophylline stimulated the release of PRL and inhibited cyclic AMP degradation probably leading to the measured increase in cellular concentrations of the nucleotide. The effects of TRH and theophylline on cellular cyclic AMP concentrations and on PRL release were additive. There was a positive correlation between PRL release and cellular cyclic AMP concentration (r = 0.97). The elevations observed in cellular cyclic AMP concentration after TRH treatment are due to increased formation which in turn leads to phosphodiesterase activation. Therefore, cyclic AMP formation appears to be an intermediary step in the stimulus-secretion coupling caused by the tripeptide.     

The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap for chest wall reconstruction in male patients with Poland's syndrome

Poland's syndrome represents a congenital unilateral deformity of the breast, chest wall, and upper limb with extremely variable manifestations. In most cases, the problem is mainly cosmetic, and the reconstruction of the chest wall should use a method designed to be performed easily and to achieve minimal scarring and donor site morbidity. We describe using a transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap for chest wall and anterior maxillary fold reconstruction in three male patients. In two patients, only the pectoralis major muscle was missing. In the third case, the ipsilateral latissimus dorsi muscle was also absent. The indication for surgical treatment was purely cosmetic. In all patients, a free TMG flap was performed to reconstruct the anterior axillary fold and the soft tissue defect. There was no flap loss, and all three patients had a clearly improved appearance of the chest wall. In this article, we demonstrate our experience with the use of a TMG flap for chest wall reconstruction in male patients with Poland's syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

Sekundäre Rekonstruktion des digitalen A2-Ringbands

Objective

Secondary reconstruction of A2 flexor pulley for after closed rupture.

Indications

Persisting impairment of finger function and strength after combined injury of A2 and C1 pulley. Passive free movement of all finger joints.

Contraindications

Fixed flexion contractures of interphalangeal joints after complex finger injuries. Degenerative arthrosis of interphalangeal joints.

Surgical technique

A strip of extensor retinaculum approximately 10 mm in width together with the periosteum from the second floor of the extensor tunnel was used for reconstruction of the A2 pulley. After drilling bilateral burr holes in the palmar aspect of the phalanx at the distal and proximal ends of the A2 pulley, the graft was fixed by the periosteum to the bone of the phalanx, placing the synovial layer innermost.

Postoperative management

Postoperatively, patients in both treatment groups wore a palmar splint which extended from the distal interphalangeal joint to the proximal palmar crease for 4 weeks. The metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint were held in full extension. After removing the splint, physiotherapy was started. Full load-bearing, hard manual work and sport activities were not permitted for 3 months.

Results

Fifteen patients were treated using the extensor retinaculum for reconstruction of the A2 flexor pulley. The mean follow-up time was 48 months. The average range of motion of the PIP joint was 97?%, the average power grip strength 96?%, the finger pinch strength 100?%, and the average circumference 95?% of the uninjured contralateral side. The Buck–Gramcko score showed the following results: 10 excellent, 2 good, and 1 fair.     

Phylogeny and expression divergence of metabotropic glutamate receptor genes in the brain of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Glutamate, the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, modulates synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability via metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). These receptors are essential components for diverse cognitive functions and they represent potential drug targets for the treatment of a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here we describe the phylogenetic relation and mRNA distribution of zebrafish mGluRs. In comparison to the eight mglurs present in the mammalian genome, we identified 13 different mglur genes in the zebrafish genome. In situ hybridization experiments in zebrafish revealed widespread expression patterns for the different mglurs in the central nervous system, implicating their significance in diverse neuronal functions. Prominent mglur expression is found in the olfactory bulb, the optic tectum, the hypothalamus, the cerebellum, and the retina. We show that expression pattern of paralogs generated by the teleost‐specific whole genome duplication is overlapping in some brain regions but complementary in others, suggesting sub‐ and/or neofunctionalization in the latter. Group I mglurs are similarly expressed in brain areas of both larval and adult zebrafish, suggesting that their functions are comparable during these stages. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1449–1469, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Sympathectomy decreases size and invasiveness of tongue cancer in rats

The sympathetic nervous system plays a role in carcinogenesis wherein locally released sympathetic neurotransmitters affect proliferation, angiogenesis, vessel permeability, lymphocyte traffic and cytokine production. The present in vivo study was designed to investigate whether surgical sympathectomy, both unilateral and bilateral, had an effect on tumor growth, interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) and lymphatics in rat tongue cancer. We used 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) in drinking water for 19 weeks to induce tongue cancer in 20 Dark Agouti rats. After 11 weeks, one group underwent unilateral sympathectomy and another underwent bilateral sympathectomy, while the third group underwent sham surgery. By 19 weeks, tumors in the bilaterally sympathectomized (BL-SCGx) rats were significantly smaller (P<0.05), more diffuse in appearance and less invasive (P<0.05) compared with the large exophytic tumors in the sham-operated rats. The relative lymphatic area was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in tumors in the BL-SCGx rats compared with the sham group. Interestingly, the tumors in rats that underwent unilateral or bilateral sympathectomy had a significantly lower (P<0.05) IFP than those in sham rats. Lack of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive nerves and few neuropeptide Y (NPY) positive fibers indicate absence of sympathetic nerve fibers in the bilateral sympathectomized group. The peritumoral lymph vessel area was correlated with the tumor size (P<0.001), depth of invasion (P<0.001), weight of rats (P<0.005) and IFP (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present study presents evidence that deprivation of sympathetic nerves decreases tumor growth in rat tongue, probably caused by decreasing IFP and lymph vessel area.     

Wissenstransfer zur Reproduktionsmedizin

Background

The Internet in general and digital social networks in particular are increasingly important sources for health information; this also applies to information in the context of treatment of patients wishing for a baby. Initial studies show that patients are not only looking for factual information but also for emotional support. Whether digital social networks add to or compete with classical information and consulting is still unclear.

Methods

In order to provide a preliminary answer to this question, a literature study was conducted to determine relevant empirical findings regarding the use of the Internet and digital social networks. This was done using a keyword search in literature databases and then keyword snowballing.

Results

Information and advice from the Internet and from digital social networks can be seen as an addition to medical expertise, but are not a substitute. Digital social networks, in particular, supplement social peer groups and the relationship with physicians and will become even more important in the future.

Conclusion

For professionals active in the field of reproductive medicine, this could be an indication of deficits with regard to counseling and treatment, which in the future might be countered by providing new services.

     

Valproatverordnungen bei Mädchen und Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter in Deutschland

Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz - Aufgrund des teratogenen Potenzials von Valproat wurden die Empfehlungen zur Risikoaufklärung und Verordnung bei...