[The role of civil society in improving childhood cancer care in Latin AmericaO papel da sociedade civil na melhoria da atenção ao câncer infantil na América Latina]. / El papel de la sociedad civil en la mejora de los cuidados del cáncer infantil en América Latina.

In Latin America, childhood cancer includes a number of resource-intensive diseases, with inequalities in access to timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In this context, civil society plays a fundamental role in improving childhood cancer care. The Region's organizations in this sector have become stronger and they now play a leading role in the delivery of services and in the promotion of awareness and advocacy for children's health. The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, promoted by the World Health Organization and other relevant actors, is an opportunity for governments and civil society to work together to implement best practices in the control of childhood cancer. This article addresses the role of civil society in the care of pediatric cancer in Latin America, highlighting the importance of its commitment to the fight against cancer, participation in awareness-raising, and defense of public policies that favor access to quality health services. It also focuses on the problems and opportunities for civil society in the Region in relation to the implementation of strategies to improve the survival and quality of life of children and adolescents living with cancer.

Na América Latina, o câncer infantil inclui várias doenças que demandam muitos recursos e trazem desigualdades no acesso a diagnóstico e tratamento oportunos e adequados. Nesse contexto, a sociedade civil tem um papel fundamental na melhoria da atenção ao câncer infantil. As organizações desse setor foram fortalecidas na região para desempenhar um papel de liderança na prestação de serviços, na conscientização e na defesa da saúde infantil. A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil, impulsionada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e outros atores relevantes, é uma oportunidade para que os governos e a sociedade civil trabalhem juntos para implementar melhores práticas no controle do câncer infantil. Nesse contexto, este artigo aborda o papel da sociedade civil na atenção ao câncer na população pediátrica da América Latina. Destaca-se a importância do compromisso da sociedade na luta contra essa doença, da participação na conscientização e da defesa de políticas públicas que favoreçam o acesso a serviços de saúde de qualidade. Além disso, destacam-se problemas e oportunidades da sociedade civil da Região no que diz respeito à implementação de estratégias para melhorar a sobrevida e a qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes que sofrem dessa doença.

Efficient fluorescence quenching in electrochemically exfoliated graphene decorated with gold nanoparticles.

High surface area graphene sheets were obtained by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in an acid medium under constant potential conditions. Filtration and centrifugation processes played an important role in order to obtain stable dispersions in water. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy imaging revealed highly exfoliated crystalline samples of ∼5 µm. Raman, Fourier transform infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further confirmed the high quality of the exfoliated material. The electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) was decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using sodium cholate as a buffer layer. This approach allowed for a non-covalent functionalization without altering the desirable electronic properties of the EEG. The AuNP-EEG samples were characterized with various techniques including absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy. These samples displayed a fluorescence signal using an excitation wavelength of 290 nm. The calculated quantum yield (Φ) for these samples was 40.04%, a high efficiency compared to previous studies using solution processable graphene.

Cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling in chronic lung disease.

Background: Airway epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts play an important role in the development of chronic lung disease, but the exact mechanisms responsible have not been clarified. Our objective was to investigate the involvement of these cells in the inflammatory response associated to chronic lung disease. Methods: Human lung fibroblasts and airway epithelial cells were challenged with Interleukin-1ß and hypoxia, and with inhibitory (simvastatin) stimuli of the inflammatory response. Expression of markers of local inflammation ((IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), factor-κB1 (NF-κB1)), systemic inflammation ((C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA)) and proteases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and 12 were assessed by PCR and ELISA. Apoptosis/necrosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Our results showed that the lung fibroblasts had a higher expression of local and systemic inflammation and protease activity markers when they were treated with IL-1ß compared to airway epithelial cells. Under hypoxic conditions, we observed a decrease in systemic inflammation in lung fibroblasts, which was further attenuated by simvastatin. Conclusion: The lung fibroblasts seem to be the main initially stimulated cells that could potentially trigger the inflammatory response, and be responsible for the eventual onset of chronic lung disease. The involvement of IL-1ß stimulation in systemic inflammatory and proteinase imbalance biomarkers is higher in lung fibroblasts. Apoptosis is not a predominant mechanism in these cells.

A molecular map of the apomixis-control locus in Paspalum procurrens and its comparative analysis with other species of Paspalum.

Since apomixis was first mapped in Paspalum, the absence of recombination that characterizes the related locus appeared to be the most difficult bottleneck to overcome for the dissection of the genetic determinants that control this trait. An approach to break the block of recombination was developed in this genus through an among-species comparative mapping strategy. A new apomictic species, P. procurrens (Q4094) was crossed with a sexual plant of P. simplex and their progeny was classified for reproductive mode with the aid of morphological, embryological and genetic analyses. On this progeny, a set of heterologous rice RFLP markers strictly co-segregating in coupling phase with apomixis was identified. These markers were all located on the telomeric region of the long arm of the chromosome 12 of rice. In spite of the lack of recombination exhibited by the apomixis-linked markers in P. procurrens, a comparative mapping analysis among P. simplex, P. malacophyllum, P. notatum and P. procurrens, allowed us to identify a small group of markers co-segregating with apomixis in all these species. These markers bracketed a chromosome region that likely contains all the genetic determinants of apomictic reproduction in Paspalum. The implications of this new inter-specific approach for overcoming the block of recombination to isolate the genetic determinants of apomixis and gain a better comprehension of genome structure of apomictic chromosome region are discussed.

Guidelines for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. Consensus document of Spanish Societies of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Cardiovascular Surgery (SECCE) and Perfusionists (AEP). / Vía clínica de recuperación intensificada en cirugía cardiaca. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor (SEDAR), la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Cardiovascular y Endovascular (SECCE) y la Asociación Española de Perfusionistas (AEP).

The ERAS guidelines are intended to identify, disseminate and promote the implementation of the best, scientific evidence-based actions to decrease variability in clinical practice. The implementation of these practices in the global clinical process will promote better outcomes and the shortening of hospital and critical care unit stays, thereby resulting in a reduction in costs and in greater efficiency. After completing a systematic review at each of the points of the perioperative process in cardiac surgery, recommendations have been developed based on the best scientific evidence currently available with the consensus of the scientific societies involved.

Hyptis mociniana: phytochemical fingerprint and photochemoprotective effect against UV-B radiation-induced erythema and skin carcinogenesis.

Skin cancer is a public health problem due to its high incidence. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main etiological agent of this disease. Photochemoprotection involves the use of substances to avoid damage caused by UV exposure. The aim of this work was to determine the phytochemical fingerprint and photochemoprotective effect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage such as erythema and carcinogenesis of H. mociniana methanolic extract (MEHm). The chemical composition of the MEHm was analysed by LC/ESI-MS/MS. Three quercetin derivatives, two pectinolides, and two caffeic acid derivatives were identified in the methanolic extract. MEHm has antioxidant effect and it is not cytotoxic in HaCaT cells. Phytochemicals from H. mociniana have a photochemopreventive effect because they absorb UV light and protect HaCaT cells from UVR-induced cell death. Also, in SKH-1 mice -acute exposure-, it decreased erythema formation, modulating the inflammatory response, reduced the skin damage according to histological analysis and diminished p53 expression. Finally, MEHm protects from photocarcinogenesis by reducing the incidence and multiplicity of skin carcinomas in SKH-1 mice exposed chronically to UVB radiation.

El papel de la sociedad civil en la mejora de los cuidados del cáncer infantil en América Latina / The role of civil society in improving childhood cancer care in Latin America / O papel da sociedade civil na melhoria da atenção ao câncer infantil na América Latina

[RESUMEN]. En América Latina, el cáncer infantil incluye una serie de enfermedades que exigen muchos recursos y presentan desigualdades en el acceso a diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos y adecuados. En este contexto, la sociedad civil juega un papel fundamental en la mejora de los cuidados del cáncer infantil. Las organizaciones de este sector se han fortalecido en la Región para cumplir un papel protagónico en la entrega de servicios y en la promoción de conciencia y defensa en pro de la salud infantil. La Iniciativa Global para el Cáncer Infantil, impulsada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y otros actores relevantes, es una oportunidad para que los gobiernos y la sociedad civil trabajen juntos en la implementación de mejores prácticas en el control del cáncer infantil. En este sentido, en este artículo se aborda el papel de la sociedad civil en el cuidado del cáncer en la edad pediátrica en América Latina. Se destaca la importancia de su compromiso en la lucha contra esta enfermedad, participación en la concienciación y la defensa de políticas públicas que favorezcan el acceso a servicios de salud de calidad. Además, se destacan los problemas y las oportunidades que tiene la sociedad civil en la Región con relación a la implementación de estrategias para mejorar la sobrevida y la calidad de vida de los niños, niñas y adolescentes que padecen esta enfermedad.

[ABSTRACT]. In Latin America, childhood cancer includes a number of resource-intensive diseases, with inequalities in access to timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In this context, civil society plays a fundamental role in improving childhood cancer care. The Region's organizations in this sector have become stronger and they now play a leading role in the delivery of services and in the promotion of awareness and advocacy for children's health. The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, promoted by the World Health Organization and other relevant actors, is an opportunity for governments and civil society to work together to implement best practices in the control of childhood cancer. This article addresses the role of civil society in the care of pediatric cancer in Latin America, highlighting the importance of its commitment to the fight against cancer, participation in awareness-raising, and defense of public policies that favor access to quality health services. It also focuses on the problems and opportunities for civil society in the Region in relation to the implementation of strategies to improve the survival and quality of life of children and adolescents living with cancer.

[RESUMO]. Na América Latina, o câncer infantil inclui várias doenças que demandam muitos recursos e trazem desigualdades no acesso a diagnóstico e tratamento oportunos e adequados. Nesse contexto, a sociedade civil tem um papel fundamental na melhoria da atenção ao câncer infantil. As organizações desse setor foram fortalecidas na região para desempenhar um papel de liderança na prestação de serviços, na conscientização e na defesa da saúde infantil. A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil, impulsionada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e outros atores relevantes, é uma oportunidade para que os governos e a sociedade civil trabalhem juntos para implementar melhores práticas no controle do câncer infantil. Nesse contexto, este artigo aborda o papel da sociedade civil na atenção ao câncer na população pediátrica da América Latina. Destaca-se a importância do compromisso da sociedade na luta contra essa doença, da participação na conscientização e da defesa de políticas públicas que favoreçam o acesso a serviços de saúde de qualidade. Além disso, destacam-se problemas e oportunidades da sociedade civil da Região no que diz respeito à implementação de estratégias para melhorar a sobrevida e a qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes que sofrem dessa doença.

El papel de la sociedad civil en la mejora de los cuidados del cáncer infantil en América Latina / The role of civil society in improving childhood cancer care in Latin America / O papel da sociedade civil na melhoria da atenção ao câncer infantil na América Latina

RESUMEN En América Latina, el cáncer infantil incluye una serie de enfermedades que exigen muchos recursos y presentan desigualdades en el acceso a diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos y adecuados. En este contexto, la sociedad civil juega un papel fundamental en la mejora de los cuidados del cáncer infantil. Las organizaciones de este sector se han fortalecido en la Región para cumplir un papel protagónico en la entrega de servicios y en la promoción de conciencia y defensa en pro de la salud infantil. La Iniciativa Global para el Cáncer Infantil, impulsada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y otros actores relevantes, es una oportunidad para que los gobiernos y la sociedad civil trabajen juntos en la implementación de mejores prácticas en el control del cáncer infantil. En este sentido, en este artículo se aborda el papel de la sociedad civil en el cuidado del cáncer en la edad pediátrica en América Latina. Se destaca la importancia de su compromiso en la lucha contra esta enfermedad, participación en la concienciación y la defensa de políticas públicas que favorezcan el acceso a servicios de salud de calidad. Además, se destacan los problemas y las oportunidades que tiene la sociedad civil en la Región con relación a la implementación de estrategias para mejorar la sobrevida y la calidad de vida de los niños, niñas y adolescentes que padecen esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT In Latin America, childhood cancer includes a number of resource-intensive diseases, with inequalities in access to timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In this context, civil society plays a fundamental role in improving childhood cancer care. The Region's organizations in this sector have become stronger and they now play a leading role in the delivery of services and in the promotion of awareness and advocacy for children's health. The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, promoted by the World Health Organization and other relevant actors, is an opportunity for governments and civil society to work together to implement best practices in the control of childhood cancer. This article addresses the role of civil society in the care of pediatric cancer in Latin America, highlighting the importance of its commitment to the fight against cancer, participation in awareness-raising, and defense of public policies that favor access to quality health services. It also focuses on the problems and opportunities for civil society in the Region in relation to the implementation of strategies to improve the survival and quality of life of children and adolescents living with cancer.

RESUMO Na América Latina, o câncer infantil inclui várias doenças que demandam muitos recursos e trazem desigualdades no acesso a diagnóstico e tratamento oportunos e adequados. Nesse contexto, a sociedade civil tem um papel fundamental na melhoria da atenção ao câncer infantil. As organizações desse setor foram fortalecidas na região para desempenhar um papel de liderança na prestação de serviços, na conscientização e na defesa da saúde infantil. A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil, impulsionada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e outros atores relevantes, é uma oportunidade para que os governos e a sociedade civil trabalhem juntos para implementar melhores práticas no controle do câncer infantil. Nesse contexto, este artigo aborda o papel da sociedade civil na atenção ao câncer na população pediátrica da América Latina. Destaca-se a importância do compromisso da sociedade na luta contra essa doença, da participação na conscientização e da defesa de políticas públicas que favoreçam o acesso a serviços de saúde de qualidade. Além disso, destacam-se problemas e oportunidades da sociedade civil da Região no que diz respeito à implementação de estratégias para melhorar a sobrevida e a qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes que sofrem dessa doença.

Psychometric properties of the parent́s perception uncertainty in illness scale, spanish version. / Escala de incertidumbre en la enfermedad­forma padres/hijos: validación de la adaptación al español.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the psychometric properties of the Parents' Perception of Uncertainty in Illness Scale, parents/children, adapted to Spanish. METHOD: A descriptive methodological study involving the translation into Spanish of the Parents' Perception of Uncertainty in Illness Scale, parents/children, and analysis of their face validity, content validity, construct validity and internal consistency. RESULTS: The original version of the scale in English was translated into Spanish, and approved by its author. Six face validity items with comprehension difficulty were reported; which were reviewed and adapted, keeping its structure. The global content validity index with expert appraisal was 0.94. In the exploratory analysis of factors, 3 dimensions were identified: ambiguity and lack of information, unpredictability and lack of clarity, with a KMO=0.846, which accumulated 91.5% of the explained variance. The internal consistency of the scale yielded a Cronbach alpha of 0.86 demonstrating a good level of correlation between items. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of "Parent's Perception of Uncertainty in Illness Scale" is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to determine the level of uncertainty of parents facing the illness of their children.

Lippia graveolens photochemopreventive effect against UVB radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis.

Lippia graveolens HBK (Mexican oregano) is a species that is regularly used as a condiment in Mexican cuisine. In traditional medicine, it is used for the treatment of respiratory and digestive illnesses, headaches, rheumatism and inflammation-related disorders. The main chemical components reported in this species include the following: terpenoids, iridoids and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to determine the potential photochemopreventive effect of the methanolic extract of Lippia graveolens (MELG) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin cancer in SKH-1 mice. The phenolic content, radical scavenger activity, penetration and genotoxicity of the MELG were also evaluated. The MELG exhibited scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, and it did not exhibit genotoxic activity in the micronucleus test. In addition, the MELG absorbed UVB (280nm) electromagnetic radiation. The main components detected in the plant extract were naringenin and galangin, and pinocembrin was also isolated and identified through spectroscopic analysis. The MELG demonstrated a photoprotective effect against UVB-induced cell death in Escherichia coli. In chronic challenge experiments, the MELG protected against UVB-induced skin cancer in SKH-1 mice. The MELG penetrated the skin of mice. Topical administration of the MELG protected against chronic UVB-induced damage in mouse SKH-1 skin. Our results suggest that the MELG has photochemopreventive activity and may potentially prevent photo-tumorigenesis.

The primate pulvinar nuclei: vision and action.

The pulvinar nuclei of the thalamus are proportionately larger in higher mammals, particularly in primates, and account for a quarter of the total mass. Traditionally, these nuclei have been divided into oral (somatosensory), superior and inferior (both visual) and medial (visual, multi-sensory) divisions. With reciprocal connections to vast areas of cerebral cortex, and input from the colliculus and retina, they occupy an analogous position in the extra-striate visual system to the lateral geniculate nucleus in the primary visual pathway, but deal with higher-order visual and visuomotor transduction. With a renewed recent interest in this thalamic nuclear collection, and growth in our knowledge of the cortex with which it communicates, perhaps the time is right to look to new dimensions in the pulvinar code.

Corrective effects of interleukin-12 on age-related deficiencies in IFN-gamma production and IL-12Rbeta2 expression in virus-specific CD8+ T cells.

Interleukin-12 receptor beta2 (IL-12Rbeta2) has been shown to be selectively expressed on Th1 T cell subsets, and we have previously shown that influenza-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) deficiency in old mice was associated with deficient Th1 (interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma]) cytokine production. This study tested whether IL-12Rbeta2 expression was also deficient in CD8+ CTL from old mice and the effect of IL-12 treatment on these responses. Splenic lymphocytes from influenza-primed old and young BALB/c mice were stimulated with influenza virus in vitro with and without IL-12 and then enriched for CD8+ T cells. IFN-gamma was significantly reduced, whereas IL-4 and IL-12p40 (an antagonist of IL-12 function) were evaluated in old when compared with young mice. This was true for secreted protein measured by ELISA and for mRNA levels quantitated by RT-PCR. IL-12Rbeta2 mRNA expression in CD8+ CTL was also significantly reduced in old mice. IL-12 treatment in vitro caused significant upregulation of IFN-gamma and IL-12Rbeta2 and downregulation of IL-4 in CD8+ T cells from old mice and young mice. The present demonstration of an age-related downregulation in IL-12Rbeta2 expression and our previous data showing reduced IFN-gamma and elevated IL-4 production provide strong evidence that CD8+ CTL deficiency in aging results from a Th1/Th2 cytokine production switch. Agents that increase IL-12Rbeta2 expression and redirect Th2 to Thl immune responses are likely to enhance CD8+ CTL-mediated control of viral infections in aging.

Cytokines and impaired CD8+ CTL activity among elderly persons and the enhancing effect of IL-12.

We have previously demonstrated that about 70% of elderly persons exhibit deficient cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CD8+ CTL) responses against influenza viruses when compared to young persons. Since IFN-gamma, a Th1 cytokine and IL-4, a Th2 cytokine, stimulate and inhibit CD8+ CTL responses respectively, their role(s) in the age-related CTL deficiency was investigated. Lymphocytes from young adults (34 +/- 5 years old) and elderly subjects (71 +/- 1 years old) were stimulated in vitro with influenza A/H3N2, A/H1N1 or influenza B virus for 6-7 days. The CD8+ CTL activity against virus-infected autologous target cells was significantly lower among the elderly than the young subjects (P < 0.01). Following stimulation with influenza virus, IL-4 production in both age groups was similar on day 3 but significantly higher among elderly persons on day 6 (P < 0.05). In contrast, T cells from the elderly produced significantly lower IFN-gamma than did those from young persons on both days (P < 0.05). Treatment of T cells from young and elderly adults with recombinant human IL-12, a pivotal cytokine that stimulates Th1 cytokines, resulted in enhancement of CD8+ CTL activity and IFN-gamma production in a dose dependent manner (P < 0.01). IL-12-dependent enhancement of CTL activity was not always abrogated by anti-IFN-gamma antibody treatment. These results suggest that deficient influenza virus-specific CTL activity among the elderly is attributable to a Th1 to Th2 cytokine production switch. Immunotherapy with IL-12 could represent a useful approach to correct the CD8+ CTL deficiency and cytokine imbalance among elderly humans.

The role of nitric oxide in the transformation of visual information within the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat.

We have shown that application of an inhibitor of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) effectively suppresses the visual responses of relay cells in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the anaesthetized paralysed cat. Such suppression seems to result from a specific reduction in transmission via N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, since iontophoretic application of the inhibitor of NOS selectively and in a dose-dependent manner decreased the responses to exogenously applied NMDA. Responses to other exogenously applied amino acid agonists, such as quisqualate (Quis), kainate (Kain) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) were largely unaffected. Furthermore, the excitatory action of acetylcholine (ACh), normally co-localized with NOS in axonal terminals within the dLGN arising from the brainstem, was also unaffected. Unlike some other actions of nitric oxide (NO), this role seems not to involve an increase in production of cyclic guanosine-3',5'-mono-phosphate (cGMP), since application of the membrane permeable cGMP analogue 8-bromo-cGMP did not alter the suppressive effect of NOS inhibitors on either visual or NMDA evoked responses. We conclude that the normal function of NO at this level of the visual system is permissive, allowing full expression of NMDA mediated visually elicited information.

Binocular matching in monkey visual cortex: single cell responses to correlated and uncorrelated dynamic random dot stereograms.

This paper presents results obtained from experiments performed on two behaving monkeys (Macaca mulatta) viewing correlated and uncorrelated dynamic random dot stereograms. Extracellular single unit activity was recorded from areas V1 and V2. We found that cells sensitive to correlated stereograms (38%) were also sensitive to uncorrelated stereograms. Regarding their response to both situations, these cells were grouped into two types. The first type (57%), termed "correlation-sensitive cells", responded with statistically significant difference to correlated and uncorrelated stereograms. The second type responded equally to both stereograms (43%), and therefore they were termed "correlation-insensitive cells". Our data suggest that these two types may form two populations with different functions subserving depth perception.

An unusual effect of application of the amino acid L-arginine on cat visual cortical cells.

Iontophoretic application of L-arginine (L-Arg) resulted in a profound decrease in visually elicited and spontaneous activity in 22 of 77 (29%) cells in area 17 of the anaesthetized/paralysed cat. Duration was long, and cells did not recover pre-application activity levels, indicating permanent decline. This effect was obtained without change in the extracellularly recorded wave-form, demonstrating that this did not result from depolarization block. In the remaining 55 cells, application of L-Arg alone, at levels capable of eliciting inhibition as described above, was without effect. In 29 cells, L-Arg application was able to reverse the effect of inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. Populations of cells showing the depressive effect described above and those affected by NO modulation levels were mutually exclusive.

Location of neurons projecting to the retina in mammals.

In this study, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as a retrograde tracer in order to investigate the existence of centrifugal pathways to the retina in mammals and to locate the somas of the retinopetal neurons. After the application of HRP to the stump of the cut optic nerve in monkeys, cats, guinea-pigs and rabbits, labeled neurons were located in various areas. The largest number of labeled neurons was found bilaterally in the hypothalamus in the premammillary area, and some neurons were also found slightly more rostral and dorsally towards the posterior hypothalamic area. At the mesencephalic-metencephalic junction, a few labeled neurons were observed in the dorsal raphe nucleus and more ventrally in the tegmental area situated between the medial longitudinal fascicle and the superior cerebellar peduncle. Furthermore, labeled neurons were found in the contralateral medial pretectal area in guinea-pigs, in the ipsilateral tegmental mesencephalic reticular formation in monkeys, in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus in rabbits, and in the dorsal hypothalamic area near the nucleus of the anterior commissure in monkeys. We were unable to find labeled cells in the dorsal raphe nucleus or in the hypothalamus in rabbits or in the above-mentioned tegmental area in guinea-pigs. These divergences may be due to species differences or may simply be false-negative results due to the known difficulty of using the currently available tracers to label retinopetal neurons.

Defects in accuracy of reaching after removal of posterior parietal cortex in monkeys.

We measured the capacity of monkeys to project the arm to visually located targets under conditions differing in the nature of visual control allowed during reaching. This capacity was impaired by a unilateral posterior parietal lesion which increased the magnitude and variability of errors in projecting the contralateral arm to targets located on either side of the midline. Furthermore, accurate projections of the arm were often accompanied by misorientations of the fingers of the hand. These errors occurred whether reaching with or without visual guidance of the limb. The presence or absence of vision influenced the direction of errors in arm projection. Under conditions permitting a view of the limb and sight of the target, errors occurred in a direction toward the side of the lesion. When all visual cues were eliminated during reaching, errors were directed away from on-target toward the midline as they are in normal monkeys, but were greater in magnitude following the lesion.

Does the pulvinar-LP complex contribute to motor programming?

Extracellular unit recording studies in the pulvinar lateral posterior complex (Pul-LP) of behaving monkeys have shown a response property not previously reported. In monkeys performing aimed arm reaching movements towards frontally located targets some cells showed a change in activity beginning 495 +/- 84 ms before the onset of the reaching movement. This change in frequency precedes that observed in primary motor and parietal posterior cortex for reaching movements. These findings seem to indicate the involvement of the Pul-LP in motor functions and suggest its possible contribution to motor programming.

Cell responses to vertical and horizontal retinal disparities in the monkey visual cortex.

Because of the horizontal separation of both ocular globes, the projection angles are slightly different. These differences are commonly termed retinal disparities. Vertical and horizontal retinal disparities occur constantly in normal life. We have investigated the responses of single cells in cortical areas V1 and V2 of behaving Macaca mulatta monkeys to retinal disparities by using dynamic random dot stereograms. Our findings show that cortical visual cells are sensitive to both vertical and horizontal disparities. To calculate the distance between two objects in a three-dimensional space from horizontal disparities, it is necessary to know the fixation distance. It has been suggested that the horizontal gradient of vertical disparity contains information to estimate the fixation distance and therefore to scale horizontal disparities. We suggest that these cells sensitive to horizontal and vertical disparities represent a neural mechanism that provides information to the visual system in order to achieve a correct eye alignment and depth perception.