Genes induced during the early developmental stages of the Cane Toad, Bufo (Chaunus) marinus.

Metamorphosis, a critical stage in the development of toads and frogs, involves rapid levels of morphological change. In the current study, we have used microarray analysis to identify shifts in gene expression between tadpole and toadlet stages of the cane toad, Bufo (Chaunus) marinus. Here, we report on nine genes that show the greatest induction during metamorphosis; the gut-associated gastrokine and trefoil factor, blood components haemoglobins alpha/beta, apolipoprotein and serum albumin, a nasal gene olfactomedin, a lens gene gamma-crystallin, and a novel gene with low homology to frog harderin. We present both temporal and spatial expression patterns of these genes identified in developing and adult cane toads. This study extends our knowledge of the molecular basis of toad metamorphosis, and not only offers insights to the genes induced during the general remodelling that occurs but also reveals possible targets for control and manipulation of amphibian pest species, for example, the cane toad in Australia.

Nesiritide for the treatment of diastolic dysfunction.

Despite advances in the treatment of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, therapy is still primarily empiric and readmission rates remain high, with up to half of patients discharged with the diagnosis of congestive heart failure being rehospitalized within 6 months due to recurrent decompensation. Even with this high economic burden, no effective, long-term therapies have been developed. The authors present a patient with recurrent hospitalizations for decompensated congestive heart failure due to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction becoming refractory to parenteral diuretic therapy. The patient exhibited a dramatic response to a 96-hour intravenous infusion of nesiritide and experienced prolonged clinical benefit, remaining in New York Heart Association functional class I for more than 6 months after the infusion.

Sulfonylureas attenuate electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation during an acute myocardial infarction in diabetics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether sulfonylureas attenuate ST-segment elevation in diabetics during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND: Sulfonylureas block adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels found in the pancreas and heart. Animal studies have demonstrated that opening of these cardiac channels results in ST-segment elevation during AMI, and pretreatment with sulfonylureas blunts these ST-segment changes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of diabetic patients hospitalized with AMI over a four-year period in Framingham, Massachusetts. Electrocardiograms obtained on arrival were analyzed for standard ST-segment criteria for thrombolytic therapy (>1 mm in two or more contiguous leads). Results were compared between the study group (40 patients taking sulfonylureas) and control group (48 patients taking alternative hypoglycemic agent). RESULTS: Demographics were similar for both groups apart from a female preponderance in the study group. A significantly higher percentage of patients in the study group did not meet ST-segment criteria for thrombolytic therapy as compared with the control group (53% vs. 29%, p = 0.02). This difference was most prominent in patients with peak creatinine phosphokinase levels between 500 and 1,000 mg/dl (86% vs. 22%, p = 0.04). The magnitude of ST-segment elevation and the frequency of thrombolytic therapy were significantly lower in the sulfonylurea group than in the control group (1.1 +/- 1.0 mm vs. 2.1 +/- 2.7 mm, p = 0.02 and 20% vs. 40%, p = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Sulfonylurea therapy appears to attenuate the magnitude of ST-segment elevation during an AMI, resulting in failure to meet criteria for thrombolytic therapy and as a consequence leading to inappropriate withholding therapy in this subset of diabetic patients.