Distribution of thorny excrescences on CA3 pyramidal neurons in the rat hippocampus.

Thorny excrescences are the postsynaptic components of synapses between mossy fibers of granule cells and dendrites of CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal formation. Very little quantitative data on the number and distribution of excrescences in adult rats are available because, first, the vast majority are grouped into clusters and it is not possible to identify single excrescences within these clusters at the light microscope level. Second, clusters are of varying lengths and are distributed over hundreds of micrometers, making ultrastructural analysis prohibitively time-consuming. Here, by using three-dimensional analysis techniques at the light microscope level, we quantified the number, length, and distribution of excrescence clusters on proximal and midfield pyramidal neurons in the rat. Results indicated that proximal neurons had similar numbers of clusters on their apical and basal trees, and that cluster length was also similar. In contrast, midfield neurons had more apical than basal clusters, and apical clusters were longer. For neurons in both regions, basal clusters were located about 50% closer to somata. Overall, proximal neurons had more clusters than did midfield neurons, but the clusters were shorter; thus, proximal and midfield neurons had about the same total cluster length, and presumably the same number of single excrescences. Based on these data and on published ultrastructural measurements of single excrescences, we estimated an average of 41 excrescences/neuron, and suggest that a pyramidal neuron can be contacted by a maximum of 41 mossy fiber boutons, each from a different granule cell.

A large scale rooming-in program in a developing country: the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital experience.

This paper describes the successful expansion of a pilot rooming-in project to rooming-in for all mothers, whether they gave birth vaginally or by cesarean section. Babies in Intensive Care are also given breast milk as much as possible. This policy has resulted in reduced bleeding and hospital stays, and decreased costs, among other things. Objective indicators for different aspects of the program are currently being assessed. Four reasons are given for success: strong political will; persistent administrative determination; trained personnel; and an informed public.

Chemotherapy for trophoblastic neoplasms in the Philippines.

This paper presents a protocol currently used in the diagnosis and management of trophoblastic disease, amongst participating hospitals within the Greater Manila Area, Philippines. Using the protocol as a general guide, the results of the study of several authors were presented. The commonly used chemotherapeutic agent are methotrexate and actinomycin D depending upon local availability and price affordability. Prophylactic chemotherapy is resorted to, in view of the inconsistent monitoring of the HCG and patients either in danger of being lost to follow-up or actually fail to report for follow up. The results of the studies generally point to the facts that: trophoblastic neoplasms is indeed a problem amongst Filipino women; the success of chemotherapy is dependent upon early diagnosis, availability of a more sensitive HCG monitoring system; a wide selection of available and affordable chemotherapeutic agents and above all faithful patient compliance.