Interleukin-1beta and its type 1 receptor are expressed in developing neural circuits in the frog, Xenopus laevis.

The cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) is an evolutionarily conserved molecule that was originally identified in the immune system. In addition to regulating peripheral immune responses, IL-1beta plays an important role in mediating neural-immune interactions and regulating glial activities during healing and repair in the damaged nervous system. Active IL-1beta is produced by interleukin-converting enzyme (ICE), a caspase thought to be involved in the induction of apoptosis. We report that, in the developing frog, Xenopus laevis, IL-1beta and the IL-1 type 1 receptor proteins are coexpressed in specific neurons that comprise early sensory-motor circuits. IL-1beta and IL-1 type 1 receptor proteins are colocalized in specific midbrain and hindbrain reticular cells, including Mauthner's neuron; specific cells in the trigeminal (fifth), lateral line (seventh), and vestibular (eighth) cranial ganglia; oculomotor neurons; and the primordial Purkinje cells of the lateral cerebellar auricle. In the spinal cord, Rohon-Beard sensory neurons, dorsal root ganglion cells, and primary motoneurons are immunopositive. Anteriorly, the olfactory pits, olfactory nerves, and olfactory bulbs are labeled, as are retinal cells, especially photoreceptor inner segments. With regard to the function of IL-1beta during neural development, IL-1beta and its type 1 receptor are present throughout the course of neural development in identifiable, long-lived neurons, such as Mauthner's neuron. These and other data suggest that IL-1beta and its type 1 receptor may be involved in the maintenance of cell survival rather than induction of neuronal death.

Efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed in a dental chair.

BACKGROUND: Within the dental setting, historically there has been some concern as to whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be performed effectively in the dental chair. This study tested the hypothesis that there is no difference in the efficacy of CPR performed in the dental chair or on the floor. METHODS: Four cycles of two-person CPR were performed by three health professionals on a manikin positioned alternately on the floor and in a dental chair. Ventilation was performed using a Laerdal pocket mask, without oxygen supplementation. Compression and ventilation performance was recorded using a computerized manikin skill meter. RESULTS: Each of the participants was able to achieve a mean cardiac compression depth of between 41 and 50cm, irrespective of the CPR surface. The only statistically significant difference found in expired air resuscitation (EAR) and external cardiac compression performance was that 37 per cent of ventilations performed on the floor were deemed to be too shallow, compared to only 15 per cent in the dental chair (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible for those trained in basic life support to perform CPR effectively in the dental chair. Each of the participants agreed that CPR, in particular EAR, was easier to perform when the manikin was in the dental chair compared with the floor. Dentists are encourage to regularly update their CPR knowledge and skills, including the practice of CPR in the dental chair.

Average recovery time from a standardized intravenous sedation protocol and standardized discharge criteria in the general dental practice setting.

Intravenous sedation has been used in dentistry for many years because of its perceived advantages over general anesthesia, including shorter recovery times. However, there is limited literature available on recovery from intravenous dental sedation, particularly in the private general practice setting. The aim of this study was to describe the recovery times when sedation was conducted in private dental practice and to consider this in relation to age, weight, procedure type, and procedure time. The data were extracted from the intravenous sedation records available with 1 general anesthesia-trained dental practitioner who provides ambulatory sedation services to a number of private general dental practices in the Perth, Western Australia Metropolitan Area. Standardized intravenous sedation techniques as well as clear standardized discharge criteria were utilized. The sedatives used were fentanyl, midazolam, and propofol. Results from 85 patients produced an average recovery time of 19 minutes. Recovery time was not associated with the type or length of dental procedures performed.

Maxillary nerve block via the greater palatine canal: new look at an old technique.

Although not widely used, maxillary nerve block via the greater palatine canal can be remarkably effective. This article is aimed at reviving its use by reviewing the indications, contraindications, and anatomy of the technique. A simplified guide to the technique is offered to place the technique within the armamentarium of the practicing dentist.

[Fosfomycin: animal experiments on nephrotoxicity, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy (author's transl)]. / Fosfomycin: Tierexperimentelle Untersuchung zur Nephrotoxizität, Pharmakokinetik und therapeutischen Effektivität.

The nephrotoxicity, pharmacokinetic and therapeutic activity of fosfomycin were investigated in female wistar-rats. Measures of nephrotoxicity were urinary excretion of tubular cells and of the enzymes MDH, LDH, and GOT. Histological investigations and estimation of serum urea concentration and proteinuria were also evaluated. The doses of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000 mg/kg/d were administered in 9 single doses with 12 hours interval. The lowest dose which induced a significantly increased tubular cell excretion was 1000 mg/kg/d and therefore in the same range as the tubulotoxic threshold doses of cephalosporins. Chemotherapy of the chronic estrogen induced pyelonephritis revealed equally favourable results for fosfomycin and cefuroxim at dosages of 2 X 150 mg/kg/d. The pharmacokinetics of fosfomycin at a single dose of 150 mg/kg/d were equivalent to those of cefuroxim. These animal experiments showed fosfomycin to be of value as a therapeutic alternative to cephalosporin antibiotics.