North-south cross sections of the vertical aerosol distribution over the Atlantic Ocean from multiwavelength Raman/polarization lidar during Polarstern cruises.

Shipborne aerosol lidar observations were performed aboard the research vessel Polarstern in 2009 and 2010 during three north-south cruises from about 50°N to 50°S. The aerosol data set provides an excellent opportunity to characterize and contrast the vertical aerosol distribution over the Atlantic Ocean in the polluted northern and relatively clean southern hemisphere. Three case studies, an observed pure Saharan dust plume, a Patagonian dust plume east of South America, and a case of a mixed dust/smoke plume west of Central Africa are exemplarily shown and discussed by means of their optical properties. The meridional transatlantic cruises were used to determine the latitudinal cross section of the aerosol optical thickness (AOT). Profiles of particle backscatter and extinction coefficients are presented as mean profiles for latitudinal belts to contrast northern- and southern-hemispheric aerosol loads and optical effects. Results of lidar observations at Punta Arenas (53°S), Chile, and Stellenbosch (34°S), South Africa, are shown and confirm the lower frequency of occurrence of free-tropospheric aerosol in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere. The maximum latitudinal mean AOT of 0.27 was found in the northern tropics (0- 15°N) in the Saharan outflow region. Marine AOT is typically 0.05 ± 0.03. Particle optical properties are presented separately for the marine boundary layer and the free troposphere. Concerning the contrast between the anthropogenically influenced midlatitudinal aerosol conditions in the 30- 60°N belt and the respective belt in the southern hemisphere over the remote Atlantic, it is found that the AOT and extinction coefficients for the vertical column from 0-5km (total aerosol column) and 1-5km height (lofted aerosol above the marine boundary layer) are a factor of 1.6 and 2 higher at northern midlatitudes than at respective southern midlatitudes, and a factor of 2.5 higher than at the clean marine southern-hemispheric site of Punta Arenas. The strong contrast is confined to the lowermost 3km of the atmosphere.

[Oral tocolytic therapy with clenbuterol--clinical facts]. / Orale Tokolyse mit Clenbuterol--clinische Fakten.

Clenbuterol is a betamimetic agent with a marked effect on the adrenergic beta-2-receptors relevant for tocolysis. The influence on beta-1-receptors of the heart, resulting in cardiovascular side effects is far less. The substance is resorbed almost completely enterally and has a half-life of 34 hours. Consequently, ingestion intervals of 12 hours are possible, resulting in a good acceptance of the tocolytic, therapy and a noticeable improvement of the patients compliance. Clenbuterol was applied in 37 cases in the course of a clinical test. Initially, the dose was 0.04 mg b.i.d., after 24 hours 0.02 mg b.i.d. In cases of cervix-effective, premature labor, an objectively measureable tocolytic effect was achieved. Subjectively reported side effects, i.e. palpation, tachycardia and tremor, were noticeably weaker than under fenoterol therapy. There was no indication of clenbuterol-related cardiotoxicity regarding continuous measurement of heart-specific enzymes, i.e. CK-MB and serum myoglobin. No pathologic alterations were found in the EKGs. Therefore, regarding indications and contraindications for beta-adrenergic agents, clenbuterol appears to have good tocolytic properties, with the advantages of less cardiac side effects, better compliance and a better dose-effect-ratio compared with the common oral tocolysis with fenoterol.

[Oral tocolytic therapy with clenbuterol--determination of the plasma level]. / Orale Tokolyse mit Clenbuterol--Plasmaspiegelbestimmungen.

12 pregnant women with premature labor received tocolytic treatment with clenbuterol tablets. Initially, 2 clenbuterol tablets (40 micrograms each) were to be given as loading dose (application interval = 12 hours), then a dose reduction was planned (40 micrograms), to be followed by a maintenance dose of 20 micrograms. The mean values of plasma levels of clenbuterol hydrochloride during the day ranged between 0.266 and 0.328 ng/ml on testing days 2 to 8, without significant statistical variation. Therefore, the loading dose lead to the desired rapid steady state of the plasma level. The applied dosage plan with clenbuterol tablets for oral therapy of premature labor proved to be ideal, both clinically as well as pharmacokinetically. After reaching an effective plasma level, only 20 micrograms b.i.d. is sufficient as maintenance dose, resulting in excellent patient compliance compared with oral fenoterol therapy (max. application interval: 4 hours).

[A space-occupying lesion of the placenta in the 3d trimester with progressive placental insufficiency]. / Raumforderung in der Plazenta im dritten Trimenon mit progredienter Plazenta-Insuffizienz.

The discovery of a placenta tumour should entail frequent sonographical examinations regarding the fact that most focal placenta lesions lead to adverse effects in the further course of pregnancy, resulting in premature termination of the pregnancy. Especially size, consistency, and, as reported in this case, location of the discovered tumor are of great importance for resulting diagnostical-therapeutical measures.