Correlation between alerting rhythm and unit activity in the rabbit thalamus

The alerting rhythm, regular electroencephalographic (EEG) waves with a frequency of 4–10/sec arising simultaneously in several structures of the rabbit's brain, is seen during orienting, defensive and food-seeking behavior (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9). Questions of interest have to do with the topography of its spread through different brain structures and with the location of structures in which it is actually generated. In the light of these questions, a search for neurons whose activity determines the genesis of the alerting rhythm is of great importance.In these experiments with unanesthetized rabbits the connection between thalamic unit activity and the alerting rhythm arising as a component of the orienting reflex to sensory stimulation was investigated. No comparable data was found in the literature.     

Tamoxifen Therapy for Breast Cancer and Endometrial Pathology

Background

Tamoxifen, used as adjuvant therapy for carcinoma breast in postmenopausal women to prevent relapse has estrogenic effect on the endometrium.

Methods

104 patients on tamoxifen for more than six months were subjected to a clinical examination and transvaginal sonography. Patients with endometrial thickness > 8 mm were further evaluated by hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

Results

35(34%) patients were symptomatic. The average endometrial thickness was 11.2 mm which correlated with duration of tamoxifen use. 27(48%) patients had abnormal hysteroscopic findings. 35 (63%) of endometrial biopsies revealed abnormal endometrium. One case of endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed. The results were statistically analysed. There is a significant association between symptomatic status and endometrial thickness and duration of tamoxifen use.

Conclusion

All patients on long term tamoxifen should be annually screened for endometrial pathology.Key Words: Tamoxifen, Endometrium, Transvaginal sonography     

Cellular immunity in patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic retinopathies

A total of 200 patients with diabetes mellitus were examined for T and B immunity systems. The T and B lymphocytes were counted, the response of T lymphocytes to PHA and their sensitivity to thymosine and theophylline were determined. The data obtained attest to inhibition of the T immunity system in patients with diabetes mellitus regardless of the ophthalmoscopic appearance of the eye fundus, with this inhibition being most remarkable in subjects without vascular lesions of the retina. Patients with proliferating diabetic retinopathy manifested activation of the B cell component of immunity. Changes in the content and function of T lymphocytes were followed by inhibition of the hormonal activity of the thymus and accumulation in the blood of the theophylline-sensitive T cell population. It is suggested that quantitative and qualitative deficiencies of cellular immunity give rise to the development of immune complex pathology resulting in the formation and progression of diabetic retinopathies.     

Effect of prolonged electrical stimulation of the head of the caudate nucleus on secretory reflexes to food in dogs

Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology -     

Placement of Umbilical Artery Catheters High vs. Low

Placement of umbilical artery catheters was retrospectively reviewed in 181 newborns to evaluate random placement of catheter tip in the "high" position between T₇ and T₉ in the thoracic aorta of 127 infants and in the "low" position below 4 in the abdominal aorta of 54 infants. Group differences in gestational age, asphyxia, hypotension, respiratory disease, duration of catheterization, or infusate type were not significant. Cyanosis or blanching in the low extremities occurred in 67% of the "low" group and 21% of the "high" group ( P < .001). Hematuria occurred in 39% of the "low" group and 21% of the "high" group ( P < .05). High placement appears to have fewer complications. Prompt intervention by neonatal nurse practitioners can help reverse complications that occur during umbilical artery catheterizations.