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J Benton

Publications and source records attributed to J Benton.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of serotonin depletion on local interneurons in the developing olfactory pathway of lobsters.

During embryonic life, the growth of the olfactory and accessory lobes of the lobster brain is retarded by serotonin depletion using 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) (Benton et al., 1997). The local and projection interneurons that synapse with chemosensory cells in the olfactory lobes are potential targets of this depletion. This study documents proliferation and survival in the local interneuron cell clusters, and examines the differentiation of a prominent local interneuron, the serotonergic dorsal giant neuron (DGN), following serotonin depletion. An increase in dye coupling between the DGN and nearby cells is seen after serotonin depletion. However, morphometric analyses of individual DGNs in normal, sham-injected, and 5,7-DHT-treated embryos show that the general morphology and size of the DGNs are not significantly altered by serotonin depletion. Thus, the DGN axonal arbor occupies a greater proportion of the reduced olfactory lobes in the 5,7-DHT-treated embryos than in normal and sham-injected groups. The paired olfactory globular tract neutrophils (OGTNs), where olfactory interneurons synapse onto the DGNs, are 75% smaller in volume than the comparable region in either sham-injected or normal embryos. In vivo experiments using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) show that proliferation in the local interneuron soma clusters is reduced by 5,7-DHT treatment and that survival of newly proliferated local interneurons is also compromised. Our data suggest that alterations in the growth of the DGNs do not contribute to the dramatic reduction in size of the olfactory neutrophils following serotonin depletion, but that cell proliferation and survival among the local interneurons are regulated by serotonin during development. Reduced numbers of local interneurons are therefore one likely reason for the growth reduction observed after serotonin depletion.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

From embryo to adult: persistent neurogenesis and apoptotic cell death shape the lobster deutocerebrum.

Neuronal plasticity and synaptic remodeling play important roles during the development of the invertebrate nervous system. In addition, structural neuroplasticity as a result of long-term environmental changes, behavioral modifications, age, and experience have been demonstrated in the brains of sexually mature insects. In adult vertebrates, persistent neurogenesis is found in the granule cell layer of the mammalian hippocampus and the subventricular zone, as well as in the telencephalon of songbirds, indicating that persistent neurogenesis, which is presumably related to plasticity and learning, may be an integral part of the normal biology of the mature brain. In decapod crustaceans, persistent neurogenesis among olfactory projection neurons is a common principle that shapes the adult brain, indicating a remarkable degree of life-long structural plasticity. The present study closes a gap in our knowledge of this phenomenon by describing the continuous cell proliferation and gradual displacement of proliferation domains in the central olfactory pathway of the American lobster Homarus americanus from early embryonic through larval and juvenile stages into adult life. Neurogenesis in the deutocerebrum was examined by the in vivo incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine, and development and structural maturation of the deutocerebral neuropils were studied using immunohistochemistry against Drosophila synapsin. The role of apoptotic cell death in shaping the developing deutocerebrum was studied using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling method, combined with immunolabeling using an antiphospho histone H3 mitosis marker. Our results indicate that, in juvenile and adult lobsters, birth and death of olfactory interneurons occur in parallel, suggesting a turnover of these cells. When the persistent neurogenesis and concurrent death of interneurons in the central olfactory pathway of the crustacean brain are taken into account with the life-long turnover of olfactory receptor cells in crustacean antennules, a new, highly dynamic picture of olfaction in crustaceans emerges.

Animals↗

A new look at embryonic development of the visual system in decapod crustaceans: neuropil formation, neurogenesis, and apoptotic cell death.

In recent years, comparing the structure and development of the central nervous system in crustaceans has provided new insights into the phylogenetic relationships of arthropods. Furthermore, the structural evolution of the compound eyes and optic ganglia of adult arthropods has been discussed, but it was not possible to compare the ontogeny of arthropod visual systems, owing to the lack of data on species other than insects. In the present report, we studied the development of the crustacean visual system by examining neurogenesis, neuropil formation, and apoptotic cell death in embryos of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, the spider crab, Hyas araneus, and the caridean shrimp, Palaemonetes argentinus, and compare these processes with those found in insects. Our results on the patterns of stem cell proliferation provide evidence that in decapod crustaceans and hemimetabolous insects, there exist considerable similarities in the mechanisms by which accretion of the compound eyes and growth of the optic lobes is achieved, suggesting an evolutionary conservation of these mechanisms.

Animals↗

Practical risk management principles for physicians.

Most medical schools and postgraduate residency programs do not focus adequate attention on risk management and quality management issues. This article will prepare physicians with an adequate working knowledge of risk management and quality management information, which will enable them to practice more effectively in today's litigious and regulatory climate.

Advance Directives↗

Neurogenesis in the thoracic neuromeres of two crustaceans with different types of metamorphic development

The mode of embryonic and larval development and the ethology of metamorphosis in the spider crab and the American lobster are very different, and we took advantage of this to compare neuronal development in the two species. The goals of this study were to discover whether the differences in the maturation of the neuromuscular system in the pereopods and the metamorphic changes of motor behavior between the two species are reflected at the level of the developing nervous system ('neurometamorphosis'). Furthermore, we wanted to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms that govern neuronal development in arthropods. Proliferation of neuronal stem cells in thoracic neuromeres 4-8 of the lobster Homarus americanus and the crab Hyas araneus was monitored over the course of embryonic and larval development using the in vivo incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Neuropil structure was visualized using an antibody against Drosophila synapsin. While proliferation of neuronal precursors has ceased when embryogenesis is 80 % complete (E80%) in the lobster thoracic neuromeres, proliferation of neuroblasts in the crab persists throughout embryonic development and into larval life. The divergent temporal patterns of neurogenesis in the two crustacean species can be correlated with differences in larval life style and in the degree of maturation of the thoracic legs during metamorphic development. Several unusual aspects of neurogenesis reported here distinguish these crustaceans from other arthropods. Lobsters apparently lack a postembryonic period of proliferation in the thoracic neuromeres despite the metamorphic remodeling that takes place in the larval stages. In contrast, an increase in mitotic activity towards the end of embryonic development is found in crabs, and neuroblast proliferation persists throughout the process of hatching into the larval stages. In both E20% lobster embryos and mid-embryonic crabs, expression of engrailed was found in a corresponding set of neurons and putative glial cells at the posterior neuromere border, suggesting that these cells have acquired similar specific identities and might, therefore, be homologous. None of the BrdU-labeled neuroblasts (typically 6-8 per hemineuromere over a long period of embryogenesis) was positive for engrailed at this and subsequent stages. Our findings are discussed in relation to the spatial and temporal patterns of neurogenesis in insects.

Journal Article↗

Serotonin depletion by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine alters deutocerebral development in the lobster, Homarus americanus.

The olfactory and accessory lobes constitute prominent histological structures within the larval and mature lobster deutocerebrum, and both are associated with a dense innervation from paired serotonergic nerve cells, the dorsal giant neurons (DGNs). During development, the cell bodies of the DGNs are the first central somata to express serotonin (5-HT), and the onset of their 5-HT immunoreactivity coincides with the beginning of accessory lobe formation. In contrast, the olfactory lobe anlagen emerge much earlier and grow in the apparent absence of serotonin. The role of serotonergic input for the development of these brain structures was investigated in lobster embryos after serotonin had been depleted pharmacologically with the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. A approximately 90% reduction of serotonin was confirmed in eggs using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Morphometric analyses suggested that serotonin depletion dramatically slowed the growth of olfactory and accessory lobes, although glomeruli differentiated at the normal time in both areas. The toxin exhibited a high degree of specificity for serotonergic neurons and associated target regions, and serotonin depletion persisted for at least 2 months following treatment. The goal of future experiments is to determine which of the cell types that innervate the olfactory and accessory lobes are affected by toxin treatment, thereby resulting in the retarded growth of these areas.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Amines and peptides in the brain of the American lobster: immunocytochemical localization patterns and implications for brain function.

The distributions of serotonin- (5HT-), substance P- (SP-), small cardioactive peptideb- (SCPb-), and histamine- (HA-) like immunoreactivities were examined in the adult lobster supraesophageal ganglion. Vibratome sections were labeled using avidin-biotin-peroxidase immunocytochemical methods. The localization patterns for each substance were assessed in 21 regions within the median protocerebrum, deutocerebrum, and tritocerebrum. Each immunoreactivity has a unique distribution within the brain; however, most regions are immunoreactive for more than one neurotransmitter. Of particular interest are SP-immunoreactive protocerebral neurons that contact olfactory projection neurons and appear homologous to those found in other crustaceans. Regional differences in immunolabeling within the deutocerebral olfactory and accessory lobes suggest that specific areas within individual olfactory lobe glomeruli serve distinct functions in olfactory processing, and that subpopulations of accessory lobe glomeruli are innervated by different groups of neurons. This detailed comparison of the labeling patterns also has allowed us to define the anatomical connectivity between several cell body clusters, fiber tracts, and neuropil areas in the lobster brain.

Amines↗

TRAM flap breast reconstruction after radiation treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with and without radiation treatment before their breast reconstruction were compared to study the relationship of radiation to flap-related complications. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap for breast reconstruction involves a a vascular pedicle and recipient bed, both included in the radiated field of patients undergoing adjunctive therapy. Detailed reviews of flap-related complications in this subgroup of patients have been limited. METHODS: One hundred eight patients with radiation treatment who subsequently underwent a TRAM flap breast reconstruction were compared with 572 patients with no radiation treatment before similar reconstruction. Flap-related complications, radiation dosage, time, fields, relationships between risk factors, and complications were studied. RESULTS: Overall complication rates were comparable between the two groups. Only fat necrosis (> 10% of total reconstruction) was found to be statistically significant (17.6% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.03228). No difference was found for fat necrosis in unipedicled vs. bipedicled flaps controlled for radiation (17.7% vs. 17.4%). Obesity and radiation therapy were associated with fat necrosis and major infection in a logistic regression. Significant abdominal scarring was also associated with major infection (p = 0.0044). CONCLUSIONS: In this, the largest reported series, radiation therapy was associated with increased fat necrosis and major infection. The use of the TRAM flap was not found to be prohibitive in radiated patients and should still be the first choice in this subgroup of patients.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Two rapid urine screens for detection of bacteriuria: an evaluation.

Five hundred twenty-five random clean catch urine specimens, collected from 339 adult females, 137 adult males, and 49 pediatric patients, were screened for the presence of bacteriuria with the Uriscreen catalase test and with the Chemstrip 2 LN dipstick. Quantitative cultures were performed on all specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the catalase test, with 10(5) CFU/ml as the threshold for significant bacteriuria, were 91.3%, 72.3%, 33.7%, and 98.0%, respectively. Values for the dipstick were 83.9%, 77.9%, 43.7%, and 96.0%. When 10(4) CFU/ml was used as the threshold, the catalase test had a sensitivity of 89.2%, specificity of 70.4%, positive predictive value of 37.3%, and a negative predictive value of 97.0%. Values for the dipstick at that level were 82.3%, 77.5%, 48.6%, and 94.8%. While the catalase test was more sensitive than the dipstick, it was our opinion that high rates of false-negatives associated with these methods negated the convenience of these fast and simple urine screens.

Bacteriuria↗

Virulence factors in Escherichia coli from urinary tract infections in patients with spinal injuries.

A collection of 70 strains of Escherichia coli from urinary tract infections in spine-injured patients undergoing long-term bladder catheterization were tested for characteristics that have been associated with the ability to produce pyelonephritis. The incidence of the virulence factors were: mannose-resistant haemagglutinins (30%), P-fimbriae (17%), haemolysin (27%), K-antigens (28%) and aerobactin (by bioassay 33%, by gene probe 39%). Only 54% of the strains belonged to the O-serotypes usually associated with urinary tract infections. E. coli carrying the full complement of virulence factors were rare in the urinary tract of the spinal patients and were not associated with episodes of symptomatic pyelonephritis. It is clear that the neuropathic bladder and the presence of the catheter permits a wide variety of bacterial types to colonize the urinary tract and cause infection of the kidney. The identification of host markers rather than bacterial factors is suggested as a more fruitful approach to the early detection of cases likely to progress to pyelonephritis in this group of patients.

Cross Infection↗

The use of Ender nails in femoral shaft fractures: what are the remaining indications?

The use of Ender nails for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures has been described as technically easier and less time consuming than current intramedullary nailing techniques. We reviewed our results with unlocked Ender nails in 26 stable and 17 unstable fracture patterns an average of 3-4 years after injury. Because of continued instability, 42% of the stable and 76% of the unstable groups required adjunctive stabilization in the form of skeletal traction, a cast, or an external fixator. Additionally, nail migration and shortening and loss of motion at the knee were seen in 14 fractures in each group. Although two thirds of the patients with stable fracture patterns obtained good or excellent results, no outcome in the unstable group was rated excellent and only 19% were considered good. We therefore recommend that rigid locked intramedullary nails be used in femoral diaphyseal injuries. The use of Ender nails should be limited to stable fracture patterns and locked with screws or wires. They may be particularly useful for fractures in femora with small medullary canals (less than or equal to 8 mm), fractures below noncemented femoral prostheses, and fractures in young children requiring intramedullary stabilization without injuring the physeal plates.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of spinal fluid beta 2-microglobulin levels with CD4+ T cell count, in vitro T helper cell function, and spinal fluid IgG parameters in 163 neurologically normal adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Beta 2-microglobulin levels were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 163 human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) persons with normal neurologic physical examinations. None were on antiretroviral therapy. Only 3% had a positive CSF HIV p24 antigen test. The CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels increased as the CD4+ T cell count decreased. Intrathecal production of beta 2-microglobulin was suggested by finding CSF concentrations greater than serum concentrations in 15% of patients. The CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels rose as in vitro T helper cell function deteriorated, independent of CD4+ T cell count. CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels paralleled CSF IgG, IgG index, and IgG synthesis. Higher CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels were found in persons with positive CSF oligoclonal bands. CSF beta 2-microglobulin concentration may serve as a marker for subclinical neurologic damage due to HIV. If this is established, defining the effect of anti-HIV interventions on CSF beta 2-microglobulin would be warranted.

Albumins↗

Hemorrhagic colitis and pseudomelanosis coli in ipecac ingestion by proxy.

This report describes a toddler with chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and hypotonia due to surreptitious administration of syrup of ipecac by his mother (Munchausen's syndrome by proxy). Several features of this case distinguish it from previous reports of chronic ipecac ingestion in childhood: the development of grossly bloody stools; radiologic, endoscopic, and biopsy evidence of a chronic moderate colitis resembling ulcerative colitis; and the histologic finding of pseudomelanosis coli, providing an important clue to toxic ingestion. The significance and possible mechanism for genesis of pseudomelanosis coli is discussed. This case emphasizes the variability in presentation and difficulty in diagnosing long-term ipecac ingestion by proxy. Ipecac toxicity should be considered in children with unexplained colitis and vomiting.

Biopsy↗