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PubMed1985

Comparison of abilities of preterm and maturely born children at 5 years of age.

This study investigated whether the development of 5 year old preterm born children was appropriate for age and equivalent to or different from their peers who were full term at birth. At the adjusted age of 5 years, the development of 106 children born 5 or more weeks before term was compared with the development of 103 children who were born at term. This latter group of children were matched to the preterm group in sex, year of birth, birthplace, race and residential location. No cerebral palsy children were included in either subject group. The results indicated a significant difference between the two groups. Factors distinguishing the preterm children from their full term peers included small involuntary hand movements, less competent gross motor ability, poorer verbal performance and more variability in behaviour, postural response and balance. A higher than average incidence of minor motor, speech, behaviour and learning problems in early school years is probable.

Child Behavior↗
PubMed2002

Contact chemoreception in feeding by phytophagous insects.

Gustatory receptors associated with feeding in phytophagous insects are broadly categorized as phagostimulatory or deterrent. No phytophagous insect is known that tastes all its essential nutrients, and the ability to discriminate between nutrients is limited. The insects acquire a nutritional balance largely "adventitiously" because leaves have an appropriate chemical composition. Sugars are the most important phagostimulants. Plant secondary compounds are most often deterrent but stimulate phagostimulatory cells if they serve as host-indicating sign stimuli, or if they are sequestered for defense or used as pheromone precursors. The stimulating effects of chemicals are greatly affected by other chemicals in mixtures like those to which the sensilla are normally exposed. Host plant selection depends on the balance of phagostimulatory and deterrent inputs with, in some oligophagous and monophagous species, a dominating role of a host-related chemical. Evolution of phytophagy has probably involved a change in emphasis in the gustatory system, not fundamentally new developments. The precise role of the gustatory systems remains unclear. In grasshoppers, it probably governs food selection and the amounts eaten, but in caterpillars there is some evidence that central feedbacks are also involved in regulating the amount eaten.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Semaphorin 3d guides laterality of retinal ganglion cell projections in zebrafish.

The optic chiasm is an important choice point at which retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons either cross the midline to innervate the contralateral brain or turn back to innervate the ipsilateral brain. Guidance cues that regulate this decision, particularly those directing the midline crossing of contralateral axons, are still not well understood. Here we show that Sema3d, a secreted semaphorin expressed at the midline, guides the crossing of RGC axons in zebrafish. Both Sema3d knockdown and ubiquitous overexpression induced aberrant ipsilateral projections, suggesting that Sema3d normally guides axons into the contralateral optic tract. Live imaging in vivo showed that RGC growth cones responded to ubiquitous Sema3d overexpression by pausing for extended periods and increasing their exploratory behavior at the midline, suggesting that Sema3d overexpression causes the midline environment to become less favorable for RGC axon extension. Interestingly, Sema3d overexpression did not affect growth cone behaviors before the midline, suggesting that RGC axons normally respond to Sema3d only upon reaching the midline. After Sema3d knockdown, growth cones grew across the midline but then paused or repeatedly retracted, impairing their ability to leave the midline region. Our results indicate that a proper balance of Sema3d is needed at the midline for the progression of RGC axons from the chiasm midline into the contralateral optic tract.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

A micropuncture study of kidney function in the river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis adapted to sea water.

Micropuncture techniques have been used to investigate kidney function in lampreys adapted to hyperosmotic media. Plasma electrolyte concentrations were maintained well below corresponding concentrations in the external environment. Urine composition was variable, but generally showed high concentrations of magnesium, sulphate and chloride ions. Lampreys in 50% sea water produced urine which was hypo or iso-osmotic to plasma, whereas those in 100% sea water produced hyperosmotic urine. Urine flow rate in 50% sea water was one tenth of that in fresh water, due to a reduction in filtration rate and an increase in water reabsorption by the kidney. As in fresh water, little if any filtered water was reabsorbed by the proximal segment. Almost 90% of filtered water was reabsorbed by the kidney of 100% sea water lampreys and most of this must have occurred in the distal and collecting segments.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2005

Immersion scald burns and the ability of young children to climb into a bathtub.

INTRODUCTION: Immersion scald burns in children are often suspicious for neglect or abuse. The history that a child climbed into a tub previously filled with hot water by the parent is common. The child's ability to climb into such a tub is a major factor in determining the reliability of the history. METHODS: A standard bathtub was installed in an examination room at a pediatric clinic in a children's hospital. Foam mats were placed in and outside of the tub. Toy boats were placed in the back of the tub. Children were selected if they were between 10 and 18 months of age, born at term, and had no past or present medical condition that could be expected to have affected their fine or gross motor or central nervous system development and had a normal Denver Developmental Screening Test within the past 3 months. The parent placed the child in a standing position with the child holding onto the front of the tub. Parents encouraged the child to climb into the tub and get the toys. The child's efforts were videotaped. Children were allowed 5 minutes to climb, depending on their attention span and tolerance. RESULTS: Of 176 children in the study, 62 (35%) climbed into the tub. One fourth climbed in head first, and the rest climbed in sideways. CONCLUSIONS: Our study may have underestimated children's climbing abilities because of the absence of a shower curtain to help with balance and the distracting presence of strangers. The diagnosis of abuse is in part based on a described mechanism being inconsistent with the observed pattern of injury. This has severe repercussions for the child and his or her family. Our study brings into question previously held beliefs that these injuries could only be sustained by direct immersion.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1997

Modulation of ara-C induced apoptosis in leukemia by the PKC activator bryostatin 1.

Modulation of ara-C-induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells by the macrocyclic lactone PKC activator bryostatin 1 occurs at multiple levels, and involves a variety of oncogenes and signalling pathways. Under some circumstances, bryostatin 1 may lead to enhanced conversion of ara-C to its lethal metabolite, ara-CTP. However, bryostatin 1 is able to potentiate ara-C-mediated cytotoxicity in the absence of metabolic perturbations, presumably by modulating the cell death pathway itself. For example, chronic exposure of cells to bryostatin 1 leads to PKC down-regulation, which may alter the balance between survival (e.g., ERK) versus stress (e.g., SAPK/JNK)-related pathways. The ability of bryostatin 1 to enhance ara-C-mediated apoptosis is inversely related to its capacity to induce leukemic cell maturation and may involve the failure to down-regulate expression of the cell cycle progression-related proto-oncogene, c-myc. Finally, recent evidence suggests that bryostatin 1 may act, through modification of Bcl-2 phosphorylation status, at a distal site in the cell death pathway. These studies could provide a paradigm important for understanding the mechanism(s) by which agents acting through signal transduction pathways modulate cytotoxic drug-induced cell death

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed2000

Herbal therapy: what a clinician needs to know to counsel patients effectively.

The use of herbal medicine in the United States has been increasing at a steady pace over the past decade. Most recent estimates suggest that the US population spends $5 billion per year for herbal supplements alone. Herbal supplements are receiving increasing exposure through national media, in lay journals, and more recently in the scientific press. Interest in herbal medicine has been facilitated by multiple factors, including the perception that pharmaceutical medications are expensive, overprescribed, and often dangerous. Alternatively, herbal medicine is often perceived as being "natural" and is therefore considered safe. While the growth of the herbal medicine industry in the United States can probably not continue at this accelerated pace indefinitely, there is little indication of any major slowing. Therefore, patients will continue to use herbal medications. Knowledge of these preparations (including their potential benefits and risks as well as their ability to interact with pharmaceutical medications) will enable physicians to provide a balanced and objective view to patients seeking information on herbal therapy.

Counseling↗
PubMed2003

Morbidity and mortality of neonates admitted in general paediatric wards at Kenyatta National Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal morbidity and mortality is high in developing countries. Facilities for specific neonatal care are limited in Kenya with no neonatal intensive care unit in the public health institutions. The new born unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) cannot accommodate all neonates so a number of these are admitted to the general paediatric wards. OBJECTIVES: To establish the morbidity and mortality of neonates admitted to the general wards at KNH and to review the medical interventions applied in the management and make recommendations that will improve on this. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Kenyatta National Hospital general paediatric wards-Nairobi, Kenya. SUBJECTS: All babies who were admitted to the general paediatric wards at KNH from January to December 2000. RESULTS: A total of 308 records of neonates admitted to the general paediatric wards at KNH in the year of study were found and retrieved. The mortality was 315/1000 neonates admitted. Of the 308 admissions, 33.4% were low birth weight (LBW), 5% being very low birth weight (VLBW). The common diagnoses at admission or discharge were suspected sepsis 71% (confirmed sepsis 8.4%), jaundice 35%, pneumonia 32%, omphalitis 28%, dehydration 14%, apnoec attacks 13%, and hypothermia 6%. Eighty nine (29%) of the infants were not investigated at all. The mean duration of stay was nine days for those who lived to discharge and four days for those who died. Of those who died, 49% died within 24 hours of admission. The frequently cited cause of death was suspected sepsis, pneumonia, dehydration and hypothermia. There were only six admissions to the general purpose intensive care unit referred from the wards. The independent predictors of mortality were low birth weight, apnoec attacks, hypothermia and dehydration(p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mortality rate for neonates admitted to the general paediatric wards is high with almost half the deaths occurring in the first twenty four hours of admission. While the wards are doing commendable work, they need support by improving laboratory back up for improved diagnostic ability and to improve supportive care such as maintenance of fluid electrolyte balance, temperature regulation and access to intensive care facilities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Mistletoe lectin (Viscum album coloratum) modulates proliferation and cytokine expressions in murine splenocytes.

It is well documented that an extract of European mistletoe has a variety of biological effects, such as the stimulation of cytokine production from immune cells, and additional immunoadjuvant activities. While the European mistletoe has been studied intensively, we know less about Korean mistletoe as a therapeutic plant, especially as a possible immunomodulating drug. This study will investigated the effects of Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin, VCA) on murine splenocytes to investigate whether VCA acts as an immunomodulator, which could lead to improved immune responses in these cells. The results showed that VCA inhibited cell proliferation at higher concentrations (at 1-8 ng/ml) and enhanced cell proliferation at lower concentrations (at 4-32 pg/ml). Further studies were carried out to determine if the proproliferative or anti-proliferative activity exhibited by VCA was correlated with cytokine secretion. Consequently, interferon (IFN)-gamma secretion was decreased in concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated murine splenocytes by VCA (4-64 ng/ml), but there was no change in IL-4 levels. This suggests that VCA has the ability to modulate murine splenocyte proliferation and can possibly act on the balance of Th1/Th2 cellular immune responses.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Physiology of aging.

Aging could be due to reduced ability to adapt to stress and/or aging of immune system. It is suggested that body cells (except germ cells and transformed cells) bear specific 'death' genes responsible for aging process. However, current concepts of free radicals (chemical intermediate) and aging, postulate that intermolecular linkages between degradation products of lipid oxidation (when free radical is a polysaturated fatty acid) results in inactive polymers interfering with cell activity which could be inactivated by natural or artificial antioxidants (e.g. vit.E, vit.C) With aging body composition and conformation changes resulting in diminished activity of vital organs and structural changes in the body involving skin, muscle, bones etc. with altered look, diminished movements, hearting, vision etc. However, changes in higher function cause decline in intelligence, memory, ability to take decision, slow reaction and decrease ability to learn new skills resulting in more rigid attitude in elderly. Balanced diet plays an important role in delaying aging process and sexual activity promotes active life span.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

A survey of hospitals with computerized incorporation of the pharmacy patient profile and medication administration record.

A survey was distributed in 1985 to 48 hospitals throughout the United States known to have a single-source computer-generated pharmacy patient profile and medication administration record. The study centered on staff attitude toward this single source concept, time and staff requirements when compared to traditional methods of record keeping, and how up-to-the-minute information is disseminated between pharmacy and nursing. A major issue of consideration is the ability of such a system to maintain a method of checks and balances as far as reference to and interpretation of physicians' orders. The investigation revealed that 85% of the respondents felt that the checks and balances remains intact even though one party, nursing or pharmacy, is responsible for data entry that is used by both departments during the medication cycle. More than 88% of the returned surveys included a recommendation that such systems be adopted. Increased efficiency, maintainence of accuracy, and less time spent in dealing with discrepancies when compared with the duplicative manual process of order transcribing and profiling make transition to computerization an acceptable alternative. The information provided is subjective.

Attitude to Computers↗
PubMed1999

A single growth cone is capable of integrating simultaneously presented and functionally distinct molecular cues during target recognition.

A variety of cell recognition pathways affect neuronal target recognition. However, whether such pathways can converge at the level of a single growth cone is not well known. The RP3 motoneuron in Drosophila has previously been shown to respond to the muscle cell surface molecules TOLL and fasciclin III (FAS3), which are normally encountered during RP3 pathfinding in a sequential manner. TOLL and FAS3, putative "negative" and "positive" recognition molecules, respectively, affect RP3 antagonistically. Under normal conditions, TOLL and FAS3 together improve the accuracy of its target recognition. Here, we show that, when presented with concurrent TOLL and FAS3 expression, RP3 responds to both, integrating their effects. This was demonstrated most succinctly by single cell visualization methods. When a balance in relative expression levels between the two antagonistic cues is achieved, the RP3 growth cone exhibits a phenotype virtually identical to that seen when neither TOLL nor FAS3 is misexpressed. Thus, growth cones are capable of quantitatively evaluating distinct recognition cues and integrating them to attain a net result, in effect responding to the "balance of power" between positive and negative influences. We suggest that the ability to integrate multiple recognition pathways in real-time is one important way in which an individual growth cone interprets and navigates complex molecular environments.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Water and electrolyte homeostasis and kidney function of desert-dwelling marsupial wallabies in Western Australia.

Prolonged drought, necessitating conservation of water, is one of the major environmental challenges faced by many Australian marsupials. Radioactive isotopes of water and sodium were used to assess the ability of two species of marsupial wallabies to maintain water and electrolyte balance during periods of extreme water deprivation in the arid Pilbara region of Western Australia. The spectacled hare-wallaby, Lagorchestes conspicillatus, has the lowest mass-specific rate of water turnover at 27.5 ml.kg(-0.82).day(-1) yet reported for any mammal and was two to three orders of magnitude lower than that of the Rothschild's rock-wallaby, Petrogale rothschildi. Studies of renal function show that the hare-wallaby conserves water by producing a highly concentrated urine under the influence of lysine vasopressin (LVP), the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) in macropodid marsupials. In contrast, rock-wallabies show unusual renal responses to water deprivation, with no change in LVP levels and a limited response to water deprivation involving a reduction in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, with no significant change in tubular function. Both species are able to maintain water and electrolyte homeostasis during periods of drought, highlighting the efficacy of their differing adaptive solutions to the problem of water scarcity, although the hare-wallaby is superior to the rock-wallaby in this respect. Rock-wallabies appear to rely primarily on behavioural rather than physiological responses for their survival in the Pilbara and appear to be more vulnerable to extinction in the event of significant habitat modification. The secure nature of their rock habitat, however, means that they have suffered less than hare-wallabies in the recent past.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[New data about neuroimmunomodulation and its functional implications].

After a brief presentation of the immune system as sensorial and effector organ, which recognizes and defends against cellular aggressions, the main psychoneuroendocrine components of immune reaction regulation and modulation are shown. Both central nervous structures that control the hormonal emissions, the vegetative innervation of the lymphoid organs as wells as the afferent neurohumoral pathways involved in the making of the self-regulating and neuromodulating circuits of the humoral and cellular immune responses are mentioned. An important position is held by the interrelations between the hypothalamus-pituitary-corticoadrenal gland, the sympathetic-parasympathetic efferent pathways and the chemical messengers (hormones, neurotransmitters, interleukins, neurotrophins) which make possible the bi-directional neuroimmune communication for maintaining the homeostatic balances on this third effector pathway, too. Also experimental proof concerning the ability of central neurons to secrete neuromodulator cytokines and the presence of specific receptors for the various neuroactive molecules within lymphoid organs and circulating lymphocytes are presented. To close, the psychoemotional components of the neuroimmunomodulator circuits are mentioned, using as examples the changes induced by stress generally and oxidative stress in particular.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Self-doctoring: a qualitative study of physicians with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Self-doctoring is providing oneself care normally delivered by a professional caregiver. Expert authors warn physicians not to self-doctor, yet cross-sectional studies document that physicians frequently do. Explanations for this disparity remain speculative. OBJECTIVE: To better understand the circumstances when physicians did and did not doctor themselves and the reasoning behind their actions. DESIGN: Qualitative semistructured interview study of 23 physician-patients currently or previously treated for cancer. RESULTS: Participants had multiple opportunities to doctor themselves (or not) at each stage of illness. Only 1 physician recommended self-doctoring, although most reported having done so, sometimes without realizing it. Participants' approaches to their own health care created a continuum ranging between typical physician and patient roles. Participants emphasizing their physician role approached their health care as they would approach the care of their own patients, preferring convenience and control of their care to support from professional caregivers. Participants emphasizing their role as patient approached their health care as they thought a patient should, preferring to rely less on their own abilities and more on their providers, whose support they valued. Most participants balanced both roles depending on their experiences and basic issues of trust and control. Importantly, subjects at both ends of the continuum reported unanticipated pitfalls of their approach. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that participants' health care-seeking strategies fell on a continuum that ranged from a purely patient role to one that centered on physician activities. Participants identified problems associated with overdependence on either role, suggesting that a balanced approach, one that uses the advantages of both physician and patient roles, has merit.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

ArcEGMO-URBAN--hydrological model for point sources in river basins.

The new model ArcEGMO-URBAN aims at deterministic and spatiotemporal modelling of water, nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes from all urbanised areas of a river basin considering all potential sources. Pollution loads are calculated for discrete urban patches and balanced on the level of hydrological subbasins. Modelling results can be defined by the user of any level of spatial and/or temporal aggregation, e.g. matter balances for river basins or river sections and years or months, respectively. To process spatial data, a Geographic Information System is linked to the model. Information on urban land use and general characteristics of river basins is based on digital coverages, partly generated from remote-sensing data. Moreover, statistical data, e.g. on population, sewer systems, wastewater treatment plants etc. are included. Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces is calculated as one input to the sewer network. Wastewater is considered with its main sewer system, pumping stations and treatment plants. Finally, the discharge is balanced for discrete river sections. Modelling results attest ArcEGMO-URBAN its ability to realistically quantify matter fluxes and major pollution sources as well as their seasonal variation. This makes the model an applicable tool for the analysis of scenarios with e.g. varying population distribution or climatic and technological conditions.

Geographic Information Systems↗