Nutritional supplementation improves the sexual response of bucks exposed to long days in semi-extensive management and their ability to stimulate reproduction in goats.

In confined management systems, well-nourished bucks rendered sexually active by exposure to long days are efficient in fertilizing out-of-season goats. However, underfeeding is common in semi-extensive management systems and may reduce the reproductive efficiency of bucks. The objective of the present study was to determine whether nutritional supplementation improved the sexual activity of bucks submitted to long days in semi-extensive management systems and their ability to stimulate the reproduction of goats in semi-extensive or confined conditions. In experiment 1, three groups of bucks were placed in different flocks and grazed daily with females for 7 h. Each day after grazing, males were separated from females and moved into open pens. One group did not receive any treatment (control group; n = 6). Two other groups were submitted to artificially long days from 15 November to 15 January. From 16 January, one group did not receive nutritional supplementation (long-day group; n = 5), whereas bucks from the other group each received 600 g of a commercial concentrate (long-day+supplementation group; n = 5). The fourth group was kept in confined conditions, exposed to long days and fed alfalfa hay (long-day confined group; n = 6). On 26 March, anovulatory goats from other flocks were assigned to four groups (n = 27 each) and confined separately in open pens. Three bucks of each group were housed with the females. Pregnancy rates were greater in the goats housed with the long-day group than those housed with the control group (P < 0.01). However, pregnancy rates did not differ between the long-day confined group (89%) and long-day+supplementation group (70%; P = 0.09), but these rates were greater than those from the long-day (37%) and control groups (0%; P < 0.05). In experiment 2, two groups of males (n = 3 each) were incorporated into two flocks under semi-extensive management and grazed daily with females for 7 h. One group of males did not receive any treatment (control group). The other group was submitted to long days and nutritional supplementation as in experiment 1 (long-day+supplementation group). Males remained with females during the whole study. The pregnancy rate was greater in the goats joined by males of the long-day+supplementation group (78%) than in those from the control group (0%; P < 0.001). We conclude that long days and nutritional supplementation improve the ability of bucks kept in semi-extensive management to stimulate reproduction of out-of-season goats in confined or semi-extensive management systems.

[Wide awake hand surgery based on application examples]. / Wide-awake-Technik in der Handchirurgie anhand von Anwendungsbeispielen.

OBJECTIVE: Anesthesiologic method with low bleeding level, risk level, and complication rate for surgical procedures on the hand without a tourniquet on an unsedated patient with the possibility for functional testing during surgery. INDICATIONS: Surgical procedures of the hand can be carried out using the wide awake technique depending on the patient's suitability and preference considering individual risk factors. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Absolute contraindications are allergies to the local anesthetic or its components. Relative contraindications are severe hepatic or renal insufficiency, infections in the injection area, acute circulatory disorders, or higher cardiac function impairment. INJECTION TECHNIQUE: Infiltration of a lidocaine/epinephrine mixture with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate in a ratio of 10:1.5 at least 30 min prior to surgery. Perpendicular puncture of the skin and slow injection. Continue injection until reaching a pale skin area of at least 1 cm around the entire operating area. If the needle tip always remains in a cushion of local anesthetic, a "hole-in-one" anesthesia can be achieved (only the first needle puncture is felt). POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Elevated care and awareness for numb body parts by the patient because of impaired sensation. Follow-up treatment according to the surgeon's specifications. Postoperative use of painkillers. RESULTS: Of 38 patients, 32 felt that the procedure was not stressful, 6 rated it as a bit stressful. Pain perception on a visual analog scale (0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain) scored an average of 1.6 during infiltration, 0.5 during the operation, 3.5 during the reduction of the anesthesia, and 2.9 on the following day. All patients would undergo surgery again using the wide awake technique.

One in two cancer patients is significantly distressed: Prevalence and indicators of distress.

OBJECTIVE: Psychological distress is common in cancer patients, and awareness of its indicators is essential. We aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological distress and to identify problems indicative of high distress. METHODS: We used the distress thermometer (DT) and its 34-item problem list to measure psychological distress in 3724 cancer patients (mean age 58 years; 57% women) across major tumor entities, enrolled in an epidemiological multicenter study. To identify distress-related problems, we conducted monothetic analyses. RESULTS: We found high levels of psychological distress (DT ≥ 5) in 52% of patients. The most prevalent problems were fatigue (56%), sleep problems (51%), and problems getting around (47%). Sadness, fatigue, and sleep problems were most strongly associated with the presence of other problems. High distress was present in 81.4% of patients reporting all 3 of these problems (DT M = 6.4). When analyzing only the subset of physical problems, fatigue, problems getting around, and indigestion showed the strongest association with the remaining problems and 76.3% of patients with all 3 problems were highly distressed (DT M = 6.1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a high prevalence of psychological distress in cancer patients, as well as a set of problems that indicate the likely presence of other problems and high distress and can help clinicians identify distressed patients even if no routine distress screening is available.

Performance in noise: Impact of reduced speech intelligibility on Sailor performance in a Navy command and control environment.

Noise, hearing loss, and electronic signal distortion, which are common problems in military environments, can impair speech intelligibility and thereby jeopardize mission success. The current study investigated the impact that impaired communication has on operational performance in a command and control environment by parametrically degrading speech intelligibility in a simulated shipborne Combat Information Center. Experienced U.S. Navy personnel served as the study participants and were required to monitor information from multiple sources and respond appropriately to communications initiated by investigators playing the roles of other personnel involved in a realistic Naval scenario. In each block of the scenario, an adaptive intelligibility modification system employing automatic gain control was used to adjust the signal-to-noise ratio to achieve one of four speech intelligibility levels on a Modified Rhyme Test: No Loss, 80%, 60%, or 40%. Objective and subjective measures of operational performance suggested that performance systematically degraded with decreasing speech intelligibility, with the largest drop occurring between 80% and 60%. These results confirm the importance of noise reduction, good communication design, and effective hearing conservation programs to maximize the operational effectiveness of military personnel.

Fluoride varnish or fluoride mouth rinse? A comparative study of two school-based programs.

OBJECTIVE: In many Danish communities, school-based fluoride programs are offered to children with high caries risk in adjunct to tooth brushing. The purpose of this field trial was to compare the caries-preventive effectiveness of two different fluoride programs in 6-12 year olds. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Clinical controlled trial. CLINICAL SETTING: The 2-year study was conducted in Public Dental Clinics in a multicultural low-socioeconomic suburban area of Odense, Denmark with an elevated prevalence of caries compared to the city average. PARTICIPANTS: 1,018 children (aged 6-12 years) from 9 different schools were enrolled after informed consent and their class unit was randomly allocated to one of two fluoride programs. INTERVENTIONS: One group received a semi-annual fluoride varnish applications (FV) and the other group continued with an existing program with fluoride mouth rinses once per week (FMR). All children received oral hygiene instructions and comprehensive dental care at the local Public Dental Clinics throughout the study period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Increment of caries lesions in permanent teeth at both cavitated and initial caries levels. RESULTS: The groups were balanced at baseline. After two years, 961 children (94.4%) were reexamined. The FV group showed a mean DMFS increment of 0.36 compared to 0.41 in the FMR group. The corresponding values for initial caries lesions were 0.83 and 0.91 respectively. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in caries development over two years among children participating in a school-based fluoride varnish or mouth rinse program.

Comparison of the effects of mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts with phytoestrogens on the reproductive physiology and sexual behavior in the male rat.

Mesquite (Prosopis sp.) and Leucaena leucocephala are widespread legumes, widely used to feed several livestock species and as food source for human populations in several countries. Both mesquite and Leucaena contain several phytoestrogens which might have potential estrogenic effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts on several aspects of behavior and reproductive physiology of the male rat. The effects of the extracts were compared with those of estradiol (E2) and of two isoflavones: daidzein (DAI) and genistein (GEN). The following treatments were given to groups of intact male rats: vehicle; mesquite pod extract; Leucaena extract; E2; DAI; GEN. The results indicate that mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts disrupt male sexual behavior in a similar way to DAI and GEN, but less than E2. The main disruptor of sexual behavior was E2, however after 40 and 50days of administration, both extracts and phytoestrogens disrupted sexual behavior in a similar way to E2. The extracts also increased testicular germ cell apoptosis, decreased sperm quality, testicular weight, and testosterone levels, as phytoestrogens did, although these effects were less than those caused by estradiol. The number of seminiferous tubules with TUNEL-positive germ cells increased in extracts treated groups in a similar way to phytoestrogens groups, and E2 caused the greatest effect. The number of TUNEL-positive cells per tubule increased only in Leucaena extract and E2 groups, but not in mesquite- and phytoestrogens-treated groups. Spermatocytes and round spermatids were the TUNEL-positive cells observed in all experimental groups. This effect was associated with smaller testicular weights without atrophy in experimental groups compared with control. Testicular atrophy was only observed in estradiol-treated males. Testosterone decreased in males of all experimental groups, compared with control, this androgen was undetectable in E2 treated males. These results suggest that mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts cause effects similar to those of phytoestrogens in male rat reproduction, these effects were lower than those caused by E2.

Task-dependent changes of corticospinal excitability during observation and motor imagery of balance tasks.

Non-physical balance training has demonstrated to be efficient to improve postural control in young people. However, little is known about the potential to increase corticospinal excitability by mental simulation in lower leg muscles. Mental simulation of isolated, voluntary contractions of limb muscles increase corticospinal excitability but more automated tasks like walking seem to have no or only minor effects on motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This may be related to the way of performing the mental simulation or the task itself. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify how corticospinal excitability is modulated during AO+MI, MI and action observation (AO) of balance tasks. For this purpose, MEPs and H-reflexes were elicited during three different mental simulations (a) AO+MI, (b) MI and (c) passive AO. For each condition, two balance tasks were evaluated: (1) quiet upright stance (static) and (2) compensating a medio-lateral perturbation while standing on a free-swinging platform (dynamic). AO+MI resulted in the largest facilitation of MEPs followed by MI and passive AO. MEP facilitation was significantly larger in the dynamic perturbation than in the static standing task. Interestingly, passive observation resulted in hardly any facilitation independent of the task. H-reflex amplitudes were not modulated. The current results demonstrate that corticospinal excitability during mental simulation of balance tasks is influenced by both the type of mental simulation and the task difficulty. As H-reflexes and background EMG were not modulated, it may be argued that changes in excitability of the primary motor cortex were responsible for the MEP modulation. From a functional point of view, our findings suggest best training/rehabilitation effects when combining MI with AO during challenging postural tasks.

Treatment of congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia using ethiodized oil lymphangiography.

Historically, congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) has had poor treatment outcomes despite aggressive therapy. There are recent reports of ethiodized oil (Lipiodol) lymphangiography successfully treating lymphatic leakage in adults. In this report, we describe two infants with CPL complicated by chylothoraces successfully treated by instillation of ethiodized oil into the lymphatic system. Congenital atresia of the thoracic duct was demonstrated on the lymphangiogram in both patients before treatment. Both patients have shown good short-term outcomes without supplemental oxygen or fat restricted diets at 9 months of age. Ethiodized oil lymphangiography represents a new treatment modality for some patients with CPL.

Effect of tablets containing probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri) on early caries lesions in adolescents: a pilot study.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of tablets containing probiotic lactobacilli on early caries lesions in adolescents with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). 36 healthy adolescents of both sexes (12-17 years of age) were enrolled and randomly allocated to a placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups. The test group received two tablets daily containing two strains of Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) for a period of three months, while the control group got identical placebo tablets without live bacteria. The primary outcome was QLF-readings (change in fluorescence, ΔF and lesion area, mm2) at baseline and after 3 months, conducted at two buccal sites of each individual, pre-selected with clearly visible clinical signs of enamel demineralisation (white spots). Significantly more premolars were allocated to the placebo group, while the test group had more incisors (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in fluorescence values between the groups, neither at baseline, nor at the follow-up. There was however a significant decrease in fluorescence over time in the test group, but not in the placebo group (P<0.05). No alterations of the lesion area (ΔA) were found in any group. The inter-examiner intra-class correlation coefficient-value for QLF-readings was excellent. No side- or adverse effects were reported during the intervention period. This pilot study found a significant decrease over time in the test group. However, no statistically significant differences in fluorescence values between the groups were found. Hence, the null hypothesis could not be rejected.

Effect of flaxseed supplementation rate and processing on the production, fatty acid profile, and texture of milk, butter, and cheese.

Health and nutrition professionals advise consumers to limit consumption of saturated fatty acids and increase the consumption of foods rich in n-3 fatty acids. Researchers have previously reported that feeding extruded flaxseed, which is high in C18:3n-3, improves the fatty acid profile of milk and dairy products to less saturated fatty acids and to more C18:3n-3. Fat concentrations in milk and butter decreased when cows were fed higher concentrations of extruded flaxseed. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal rate of flaxseed supplementation for improving the fatty acid profile without decreasing production characteristics of milk and dairy products. By using a double 5 × 5 Latin square design, 10 mid- to late-lactation Holstein cows were fed extruded (0, 0.91, 1.81, and 2.72 kg/d) and ground (1.81 kg/d) flaxseed as a top dressing for 2-wk periods each. At the end of each 2-wk treatment period, milk and serum samples were taken. Milk was subsequently manufactured into butter and fresh Mozzarella cheese. Increasing supplementation rates of extruded flaxseed improved the fatty acid profile of milk, butter, and cheese gradually to less saturated and atherogenic fatty acids and to more C18:3n-3 by increasing concentrations of C18:3n-3 in serum. The less saturated fatty acid profile was associated with decreased hardness and adhesiveness of refrigerated butter, which likely cause improved spreadability. Supplementation rates of extruded flaxseed did not affect dry matter intake of the total mixed ration, milk composition, and production of milk, butter, or cheese. Flaxseed processing did not affect production, fatty acid profile of milk, or texture of butter and cheese. Feeding up to 2.72 kg/d of extruded flaxseed to mid- to late-lactation Holstein cows may improve nutritional and functional properties of milk fat without compromising production parameters.

Neuropsychological function and cerebral metabolites in HIV-infected youth.

The effects of HIV on brain metabolites and cognitive function are not well understood. Sixteen HIV+youths (15 vertical, 1 transfusion transmissions) receiving combination antiretroviral therapy and 14 age-matched HIV- youths (13-25 years of age) were evaluated with brain two-dimensional (2D) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3 Tesla (T) and a neuropsychological battery that assessed three cognitive domains (attention/processing speed, psychomotor ability, and executive function). The relationship between brain metabolite ratios and cognitive performance was explored. Compared to HIV- controls, HIV+ subjects had higher sycllo-inositol (Scy)/total creatine (tCr) (+32%, p = 0.016) and higher Scy/total choline (tCho) (+31%, p = 0.018) on 2D-MRS in the right frontal lobe. HIV+ subjects also had higher glutamate (Glu)/tCr (+13%, p = 0.022) and higher Glu/tCho (+15%, p = 0.048) than controls. HIV+ subjects demonstrated poorer attention/processing speed (p = 0.011, d = 1.03) but similar psychomotor and executive function compared to HIV- controls. The attention/processing score also correlated negatively with the ratio of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) to tCr on 2D-MRS (r = -0.75, p = 0.0019) in the HIV- controls, but not in the HIV+ subjects (Fisher's r-z transformation, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that attention/processing speed is impacted by early HIV infection and is associated with right hemisphere NAA/tCr. Scy and Glu ratios are also potential markers of brain health in chronic, lifelong HIV infection in perinatally infected youths receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Neuroprotective effects of the sigma-1 receptor ligand PRE-084 against excitotoxic perinatal brain injury in newborn mice.

Excessive glutamate release followed by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation plays a crucial role in perinatal brain injury. We have previously shown that dextromethorphan, a low-affinity NMDAR antagonist with anti-inflammatory properties, is neuroprotective against neonatal excitotoxic brain injury. Of interest, dextromethorphan is also a sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) agonist. The pharmacologic class of σ1R agonists has yielded propitious results in various animal models of adult central nervous system pathology. In an established neonatal mouse model of excitotoxic brain injury, we evaluated the effect of the selective σ1R agonist 2-(4-morpholinethyl) 1-phenylcyclohexanecarboxylate (PRE-084). A single intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 µg/g (low dose) or 10 µg/g (high dose) bodyweight (bw) PRE-084, given 1h after the excitotoxic insult, significantly reduced lesion size in cortical gray matter 24 h and 120 h after the insult. Repetitive injections of 0.1 µg/g PRE-084 proved to be equally effective. PRE-084 treatment resulted in a decrease in cell death indicated by reduced TUNEL positivity and caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, it lowered the number of isolectin B4-positive, activated microglial cells. PRE-084 had no effect on developmental apoptosis in the undamaged brain. In vitro findings in primary hippocampal neurons suggest that PRE-084 treatment provides partial protection against glutamate induced morphological and functional changes. For excitotoxicity as playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of perinatal brain injury, we demonstrate for the first time that systemic treatment with the highly selective σ1R agonist PRE-084 protects against NMDAR-mediated excitotoxic brain damage.

Mesquite pod extract modifies the reproductive physiology and behavior of the female rat.

Phytoestrogens are non steroidal compounds that can bind to estrogen receptors, mimicking some effects of estradiol (E(2)). These compounds are widespread among legumes, which are used as pasture, and their importance in animal agriculture has increased. Mesquite (Prosopis sp) is a widespread legume, widely used to feed several livestock species in Mexico. The main product of mesquite is the pod, which is considered high quality food. As a legume, it could be assumed that mesquite contains some amounts of phytoestrogens which might induce potential estrogenic effects. However, to our knowledge, there are no reports regarding the possible estrogenic activity of this legume either in livestock or in animal models such as the rat. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the potential estrogenic effects of mesquite pod extract on several aspects of behavior and reproductive physiology of the female rat. The effects of the extract were compared with those of E(2) and two isoflavones: daidzein (DAI) and genistein (GEN). The following treatments were given to groups of intact and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats: vehicle; mesquite pod extract; E(2); GEN; DAI. Compared to vehicle groups, mesquite pod extract, DAI, GEN, and E(2) increased uterine weight and induced growth in vaginal and uterine epithelia. In intact rats, mesquite pod extract, GEN and DAI altered estrous cyclicity, decreased lordotic quotient and intensity of lordosis. In OVX rats, mesquite pod extract, DAI and GEN induced vaginal estrus, increased vaginal epithelium height, and induced lordosis, although its intensity was reduced, compared with intact rats in estrus and E2-treated rats. These results suggest that mesquite pod extract could have estrogenic activity. However, the presence of phytoestrogens in this legume remains to be confirmed.

Effectiveness of St John's wort in major depression: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Extracts of St John's wort are widely used to treat depression. Although more than 2 dozen clinical trials have been conducted with St John's wort, most have significant flaws in design and do not enable meaningful interpretation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a standardized extract of St John's wort with placebo in outpatients with major depression. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted between November 1998 and January 2000 in 11 academic medical centers in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred adult outpatients (mean age, 42.4 years; 67.0% female; 85.9% white) diagnosed as having major depression and having a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score of at least 20. INTERVENTION: Participants completed a 1-week, single-blind run-in of placebo, then were randomly assigned to receive either St John's wort extract (n = 98; 900 mg/d for 4 weeks, increased to 1200 mg/d in the absence of an adequate response thereafter) or placebo (n = 102) for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was rate of change on the HAM-D over the treatment period. Secondary measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), the Global Assessment of Function (GAF) scale, and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity and -Improvement scales (CGI-S and CGI-I). RESULTS: The random coefficient analyses for the HAM-D, HAM-A, CGI-S, and CGI-I all showed significant effects for time but not for treatment or time-by-treatment interaction (for HAM-D scores, P<.001, P =.16, and P =.58, respectively). Analysis of covariance showed nonsignificant effects for BDI and GAF scores. The proportion of participants achieving an a priori definition of response did not differ between groups. The number reaching remission of illness was significantly higher with St John's wort than with placebo (P =.02), but the rates were very low in the full intention-to-treat analysis (14/98 [14.3%] vs 5/102 [4.9%], respectively). St John's wort was safe and well tolerated. Headache was the only adverse event that occurred with greater frequency with St John's wort than placebo (39/95 [41%] vs 25/100 [25%], respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, St John's wort was not effective for treatment of major depression.

Outcome of the antegrade colonic enema procedure in children with chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation and fecal incontinence in children related to pelvic trauma, congenital anomalies, or malignancy will eventually lead to significant social and psychologic stress. Maximal medical treatment (daily enemas and laxatives) can also be difficult to maintain in many children. METHODS: At our children's hospital, 11 children with chronic constipation or fecal incontinence or both underwent the antegrade colonic enema (ACE) procedure. The operation involved constructing a conduit into the cecum using either the appendix (n = 8) or a "pseudo-appendix" created from a cecal flap (n = 3). We report our surgical results. RESULTS: Mean child age was 9.6 (5 to 18) years. With a mean follow-up of 14 (6 to 24) months, 10 of the children (91%) had significant improvement and 7 children (64%) are completely clean with no soiling and controlled bowel movements after irrigation. CONCLUSIONS: Regular colonic lavage after the ACE procedure allows children with chronic constipation and fecal incontinence to regain normal bowel habits and a markedly improved lifestyle. This procedure should be considered before colostomy in children and adults for the treatment of fecal incontinence from a variety of causes.

Preliminary screening of some traditional Zulu medicinal plants for antineoplastic activities versus the HepG2 cell line.

Aqueous and methanol extracts of nine traditional Zulu medicinal plants, Cissus quandrangularis L., Cyphostemma flaviflorum (Sprague) Descoings, Cyphostemma lanigerum (Harv.) Descoings ex Wild & Drum, Cyphostemma natalitium (Szyszyl.) J. v. d. Merwe, Cyphostemma sp., Rhoicissus digitata (L. F.) Gilg & Brandt, Rhoicissus rhomboidea (E. Mey. Ex harv.) Planch, Rhoicissus tomentosa (Lam.) Wild & Drum, R. tridentata (L. F.) Wild & Drum and Rhoicissus tridentata (L. F.) Wild & Drum subsp. cuneifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) N. R. Urton, all belonging to the Vitaceae family, were evaluated to determine their therapeutic potentials as antineoplastic agents. The antiproliferative activity in vitro against HepG2 cells was determined. Twenty-two of the twenty-seven crude plant extracts showed activities ranging from 25% to 97% inhibition of proliferation when compared with the control which showed no inhibitory activity. Higher degrees of growth inhibition were found in aqueous root extracts in comparison with the methanol extracts of the same plant parts. The results show potential antineoplastic activity, indicating some scientific validation for traditional usage.

Tonotopic variations of calcium signalling in turtle auditory hair cells.

Turtle cochlear hair cells are electrically tuned by a voltage-dependent Ca2+ current and a Ca2+-dependent K+ current (IBK(Ca)). The effects of intracellular calcium buffering on electrical tuning were studied in hair cells at apical and basal cochlear locations tuned to 100 and 300 Hz, respectively. Increasing the intracellular BAPTA concentration changed the hair cell's resonant frequency little, but optimized tuning at more depolarized membrane potentials due to a positive shift in the half-activation voltage (V ) of the IBK(Ca). The shift in V depended similarly on BAPTA concentration in basal and apical hair cells despite a 2. 4-fold difference in the size of the Ca2+ current at the two positions. The Ca2+ current amplitude increased exponentially with distance along the cochlea. Comparison of V values and tuning properties using different BAPTA concentrations with values measured in perforated-patch recordings gave the endogenous calcium buffer as equivalent to 0.21 mM BAPTA in low-frequency cells, and 0.46 mM BAPTA in high-frequency cells. High conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels recorded in inside-out membrane patches were 2-fold less Ca2+ sensitive in high-frequency than in low-frequency cells. Confocal Ca2+ imaging using the fluorescent indicator Calcium Green-1 revealed about twice as many hotspots of Ca2+ entry during depolarization in high-frequency compared to low-frequency hair cells. We suggest that each BKCa channel is gated by Ca2+ entry through a few nearby Ca2+ channels, and that Ca2+ and BKCa channels occupy, at constant channel density, a greater fraction of the membrane area in high-frequency cells than in low-frequency cells.

Psychosocial treatment prescriptions for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia, 1991-1996.

OBJECTIVE: Pharmacologic prescriptions for anxiety disorders have changed significantly in the last decade. This article investigates whether psychosocial treatments, as reported by 362 subjects in the Harvard/Brown Anxiety Disorders Research Program from 1991 to 1996, changed as well. METHOD: Subjects were interviewed in 1991 and 1995-1996 to determine which psychosocial treatments (behavioral, cognitive, dynamic, or relaxation or meditation) they had received. RESULTS: The percentage of subjects who received each type of psychosocial treatment either declined or remained the same from 1991 to 1995-1996. Dynamic psychotherapy remained the most frequently used method of these four. The percentage of subjects receiving any such method declined. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral and cognitive treatment, two empirically validated forms of psychotherapy, were less frequently used than dynamic psychotherapy, which lacks such validation. All use of verbal treatment methods declined from 1991 to 1995-1996.

The functional role of alternative splicing of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in auditory hair cells.

Turtle auditory hair cells are frequency tuned by the activity of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels, the frequency range being dictated primarily by the channel kinetics. Seven alternatively spliced isoforms of the KCa channel alpha-subunit, resulting from exon insertion at two splice sites, were isolated from turtle hair cells. These, when expressed in Xenopus oocytes, produced KCa channels with a range of apparent calcium sensitivities and channel kinetics. However, most expressed channels were less calcium sensitive than the hair cells' native KCa channels. Coexpression of alpha-subunit with a bovine beta-subunit substantially increased the channel's calcium sensitivity while markedly slowing its kinetics, but kinetic differences between isoforms were preserved. These data suggest a molecular mechanism for hair cell frequency tuning involving differential expression of different KCa channel alpha-subunits in conjunction with an expression gradient of a regulatory beta-subunit.

Preliminary screening of some traditional zulu medicinal plants for anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities.

Aqueous and methanolic extracts from different parts of nine traditional Zulu medicinal plants, of the Vitaceae from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were evaluated for therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents. Of the twenty-nine crude extracts assayed for prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, only five methanolic extracts of Cyphostemma natalitium-root, Rhoicissus digitata-leaf, R. rhomboidea-root, R. tomentosa-leaf/stem and R. tridentata-root showed significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1). The extracts of R. digitata-leaf and of R. rhomboidea-root exhibited the highest inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with 53 and 56%, respectively. The results suggest that Rhoicissus digitata leaves and of Rhoicissus rhomboidea roots may have the potential to be used as anti-inflammatory agents. All the screened plant extracts showed some degrees of anti-microbial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. The methanolic extracts of C. natalitium-stem and root, R. rhomboidea-root, and R. tomentosa-leaf/stem, showed different anti-microbial activities against almost all micro-organisms tested. Generally, these plant extracts inhibited the gram-positive micro-organisms more than the gram-negative ones. Several plant extracts inhibited the growth of Candida albicans while only one plant extract showed inhibitory activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All the plant extracts which demonstrated good anti-inflammatory activities also showed better inhibitory activity against Candida albicans.