Diverse synaptic and dendritic mechanisms of complex spike burst generation in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells.

Complex spike bursts (CSBs) represent a characteristic firing pattern of hippocampal pyramidal cells (PCs). In CA1PCs, CSBs are driven by regenerative dendritic plateau potentials, produced by correlated entorhinal cortical and CA3 inputs that simultaneously depolarize distal and proximal dendritic domains. However, in CA3PCs neither the generation mechanisms nor the computational role of CSBs are well elucidated. We show that CSBs are induced by dendritic Ca2+ spikes in CA3PCs. Surprisingly, the ability of CA3PCs to produce CSBs is heterogeneous, with non-uniform synaptic input-output transformation rules triggering CSBs. The heterogeneity is partly related to the topographic position of CA3PCs; we identify two ion channel types, HCN and Kv2 channels, whose proximodistal activity gradients contribute to subregion-specific modulation of CSB propensity. Our results suggest that heterogeneous dendritic integrative properties, along with previously reported synaptic connectivity gradients, define functional subpopulations of CA3PCs that may support CA3 network computations underlying associative memory processes.

Quality assessment of family planning services in urban health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University, 2004.

PURPOSE: Quality of family planning services is now considered as a global concern and importance. The purpose of the present study is to assess quality of family planning services in the urbanhealth centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This was a descriptive study to assess structure, process and outcome of the family planning care services. A total of 15 health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University were randomized and the quality of provided care by 65 family planning care providers of these health centers were observed and assessed using checklists. A total of 75 family planning clients were interviewed to assess their knowledge about their selected family planning method all of whom completed the related forms of satisfaction with the services. The tools for data collection were two observational checklists, and two questionnaires with subsequent data analyzed using SPSS 11.5. In total 75 clients with an average age 24 (7 +/- 4) (mean +/- SD) participated in the study. The provision of family planning services by 65 providers was assessed by observation at three intervals. Of the providers, 60 (92.3 per cent) were midwives. FINDINGS: Mean satisfaction score of clients was 83.3 +/- 9.05 percent meaning clients were highly satisfied with the services. Mean knowledge score of clients about their family planning method of use was 59.1 +/- 18 percent, which shows their moderate knowledge about their method of use. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A more advanced tool to assess quality of care of family planning services with more focus on special care for the contraceptives was developed. Quality of care in family planning services of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University health centers showed adequate facilities and equipment and to have trained personnel however their client's knowledge about the selected method was moderate. Therefore, interventional programs are needed to improve counseling and the educational process of clients, which should be considered in future research and planning of the programs.