Neurophysiologic changes and bound calcium dynamics during the elaboration of associative learning in Helix lucorum]

Neurophysiological effects and dynamics of bound calcium (Ca-b) in command neurons of defense behavior (LP11 and RP11) during food aversion conditioning were studied in snail Helix lucorum. It was found that during associative learning both conditioned reaction and nonspecific facilitation of sensory responses were determined in neurons. The nonspecific facilitation of sensory responses was similar to that found during sensitization development in neurons. However, conditioned response appeared 30 min later than long-term sensitization development. Specific dynamics of the Ca-b level in neurons was obtained after three and more conditioning. The dynamics of the Ca-b level correlated with neurophysiological effects and differed from those measured during sensitization development. It is suggested that molecular mechanisms underlying associative learning and sensitization are different in a command neuron of defense behavior in the snail.     

A Comment on the Need for Father-Infant Postpartal Interaction

Paternal participation in postpartal activities may enhance the formation of affectional bonds between the father and the newborn. The father's expression of love, warmth, and compassion for his infant have often been inhibited by a heretofore limited definition of the paternal role by certain socioeconomic events and by gaps in our implementation of family-centered maternity care. Research is needed to investigate paternal needs postpartally and to identify alternatives that nursing can provide to best fulfill these needs. The focus of family-centered maternity care must be broadened in order to more directly reject the needs of the father.     

Mutations in <Emphasis Type="Italic">APC</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">CTNNB1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">K-ras</Emphasis> genes and expression of hMLH1 in sporadic colorectal carcinomas from the Netherlands Cohort Study

Background  

The early to intermediate stages of the majority of colorectal tumours are thought to be driven by aberrations in the Wnt (APC, CTNNB1) and Ras (K-ras) pathways. A smaller proportion of cancers shows mismatch repair deficiency. The aim of this study was to analyse the co-occurrence of these genetic alterations in relation to tumour and patient characteristics.