This thesis deals with establishing chronological data and palaeoenvironmental information for Neanderthal open-air sites on the European Plain with disputed ages. By employing geomorphological and... Show moreThis thesis deals with establishing chronological data and palaeoenvironmental information for Neanderthal open-air sites on the European Plain with disputed ages. By employing geomorphological and sedimentological methods as well as luminescence dating and pollen analysis on the two sites of Lichtenberg (GER) and Khotylevo I (RU), their occupations are assigned to the latest Early Weichselian. Show less
Kramann, R.; Erpenbeck, J.; Schneider, R.K.; Rohl, A.B.; Hein, M.; Brandenburg, V.M.; ... ; Schlieper, G. 2014
Background Although anesthetics have some cardioprotective properties, these benefits are often counterbalanced by their negative inotropic effects. Xenon, on the other hand, does not influence... Show moreBackground Although anesthetics have some cardioprotective properties, these benefits are often counterbalanced by their negative inotropic effects. Xenon, on the other hand, does not influence myocardial contractility. Thus, xenon may be a superior treatment for the maintenance of global hemodynamics, especially during right ventricular ischemia, which is generally characterized by a high acute complication rate. Methods The effects of 70 vol% xenon and 0.9 vol% isoflurane on biventricular function were assessed in a porcine model (n=36) using the conductance catheter technique, and the expression of the type B natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene was measured. The animals underwent 90 min of right ventricular ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. A barbiturate-anesthetized group was included as a control. Results Cardiac output was compromised in unprotected animals during ischemia by 33 +/- 18% and during reperfusion by 53 +/- 17%. This was mainly due to impaired contractility in the left ventricle (LV) and increased stiffness. Isoflurane attenuated the increase in stiffness and resulted in a higher preload. In contrast, xenon increased the right ventricular afterload, which was compensated by an increase in contractility. Its effects on diastolic function were less pronounced. Upregulation of BNP mRNA expression was impeded in the remote area of the LV by both isoflurane and xenon. Conclusions Xenon and isoflurane demonstrated equipotent effects in preventing the hemodynamic compromise that is induced by right ventricular ischemia and reperfusion, although they acted through somewhat differential inotropic and vasodilatory effects. Show less
