On the distribution of intranuclear and cytoplasmic aggregates in the brainstem of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and 3.

The polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the expansion of polyQ sequences in unrelated disease proteins, which form different types of neuronal aggregates. The aim of this study was to characterize the aggregation pathology in the brainstem of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and 3 (SCA3) patients. For good recognition of neurodegeneration and rare aggregates, we employed 100 µm PEG embedded brainstem sections, which were immunostained with the 1C2 antibody, targeted at polyQ expansions, or with an antibody against p62, a reliable marker of protein aggregates.

Pbx1 is required for adult subventricular zone neurogenesis.

TALE-homeodomain proteins function as components of heteromeric complexes that contain one member each of the PBC and MEIS/PREP subclasses. We recently showed that MEIS2 cooperates with the neurogenic transcription factor PAX6 in the control of adult subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenesis in rodents. Expression of the PBC protein PBX1 in the SVZ has been reported, but its functional role(s) has not been investigated.

Severe sepsis and septic shock in pre-hospital emergency medicine: survey results of medical directors of emergency medical services concerning antibiotics, blood cultures and algorithms.

Delayed antibiotic treatment for patients in severe sepsis and septic shock decreases the probability of survival. In this survey, medical directors of different emergency medical services (EMS) in Germany were asked if they are prepared for pre-hospital sepsis therapy with antibiotics or special algorithms to evaluate the individual preparations of the different rescue areas for the treatment of patients with this infectious disease. The objective of the survey was to obtain a general picture of the current status of the EMS with respect to rapid antibiotic treatment for sepsis.

Meis2 is a Pax6 co-factor in neurogenesis and dopaminergic periglomerular fate specification in the adult olfactory bulb.

Meis homeodomain transcription factors control cell proliferation, cell fate specification and differentiation in development and disease. Previous studies have largely focused on Meis contribution to the development of non-neuronal tissues. By contrast, Meis function in the brain is not well understood.

Ataxin-2 associates with the endocytosis complex and affects EGF receptor trafficking.

Ataxin-2 is a novel protein, where the unstable expansion of an internal polyglutamine domain can cause the neurodegenerative disease Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 (SCA2). To elucidate its cellular function, we have used full-length ataxin-2 as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen of human adult brain cDNA. As binding partners we found endophilin A1 and A3, two brain-expressed members of the endophilin A family involved in synaptic vesicle endocytosis.

Brief report: tracheal intubation using the Bonfils intubation fibrescope or direct laryngoscopy for patients with a simulated difficult airway.

Background: The Bonfils intubation fibrescope (BIF), a rigid, straight and reusable fibreoptic device, is being used increasingly to facilitate endotracheal intubation after direct laryngoscopy has failed. We tested the hypothesis that, with the BIF compared to direct laryngoscopy, the rate of failed endotracheal intubation could be reduced in patients with a difficult airway, simulated by means of a rigid cervical immobilization collar.

Methods: Seventy-six adults undergoing elective gynecological surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to have endotracheal intubation, facilitated with either a standard size 3 Macintosh laryngoscope blade, or the BIF.

Insulin receptor and lipid metabolism pathology in ataxin-2 knock-out mice.

Ataxin-2 is a cytoplasmic protein, product of the SCA2 gene. Expansion of the normal polyglutamine tract in the protein leads to the neurodegenerative disorder Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Although ataxin-2 has been related to polyribosomes, endocytosis and actin-cytoskeleton organization, its biological function remains unknown.

Disposable laryngeal tube suction--a randomized comparison of two insertion techniques performed by novice users in anaesthetised patients.

Objective: Laryngeal tubes are supraglottic airway devices that can be used in alternative to a tracheal tube to provide ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The product line has recently been expanded by the disposable laryngeal tube suction (LTS-D). We tested the hypothesis that, with a modified insertion technique (MIT), the rate of correct placement attempts within 45 s could be significantly increased compared to the standard insertion technique (SIT) recommended by the manufacturer.

Prehospital ultrasound detects pericardial tamponade in a pregnant victim of stabbing assault.

The development of handheld, portable ultrasound devices has enabled the use of this diagnostic tool also in the out-of-hospital environment. We report on a pregnant teenager who was found haemodynamically unstable after a stab assault. When she suffered cardiac arrest shortly thereafter, diagnosis of cardiac tamponade was made by portable ultrasound, and immediate pericardiocentesis was performed by the emergency physician.

Does poor oxygenation during one-lung ventilation impair aerobic myocardial metabolism in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease?

One-lung ventilation is used during a variety of surgical procedures, even in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease. The study purpose was to elucidate if myocardial metabolism crosses the anaerobic threshold under hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation. Therefore, we determined myocardial metabolism as a marker for anaerobic myocardial metabolism in patients with significant multi-vessel coronary artery disease undergoing one-lung ventilation during minimally-invasive coronary artery bypass grafting.

Prehospital emergency endotracheal intubation using the Bonfils intubation fiberscope.

Among all prehospital emergency intubations, difficulties occur in 7-10%. Furthermore, intubation conditions often worsen when the cervical spine is immobilized in trauma patients. We report on six patients in whom the Bonfils intubation fiberscope, a reusable, rigid fiberoptic device, was used for emergency endotracheal intubation in the field.

Peri-operative complications during percutaneous tracheostomy in obese patients.

The safety of percutaneous tracheostomy in 73 obese patients (body mass index > or = 27.5 kg.m(-2)) in a cohort of 474 adults was studied.

Calcipotriol solution for the treatment of scalp psoriasis: evaluation of efficacy, safety and acceptance in 3,396 patients.

Background: Psoriasis of the scalp is a very common disease, cosmetically disturbing and therapeutically difficult to manage.

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy, safety and cosmetic acceptance of calcipotriol solution in a large number of patients with mild to moderate scalp psoriasis and to compare this treatment with previous therapies used.

Methods: In this multicentre prospective observational cohort study 3,396 patients were treated with calcipotriol solution (50 microg/ml) twice daily over an 8-week period either alone or in combination with other treatments.

Lengthening of the hypoplastic mandible by gradual distraction in childhood--a preliminary report.

Uni- or bilateral mandibular hypoplasia can be associated with various syndromes or is acquired after early traumatic or inflammatory disease in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Early treatment is necessary to avoid consequent impairment of midfacial growth. The standard treatment of these malformations consists of the application of bone grafts which can lead to unpredictable growth.