Discriminative conditioning-related slow potential and single-unit responses in the frontal cortex of urethane-anesthetized rats

A model is described for obtaining long-term and stable discriminative conditioning-related slow-potential and single-unit responses from the frontal cortex of urethane-anesthetized rats. Responses were recorded and analyzed to reinforced (rewarding medial forebrain bundle stimulation) and non-reinforced tone cues. In the present study, cortical event-related slow potentials provided an adequate index of the level of discriminative conditioning. Single-unit response patterns are described for 57 neurons which demonstrated a discriminative response to either the reinforced or non-reinforced tone cue.     

Combining Vaccines with Conventional Therapies for Cancer

Preclinical and clinical investigations currently underway are employing novel strategies for combining vaccines with conventional and experimental anticancer therapies. To date, the FDA has not approved a therapeutic cancer vaccine. However, the results of recent investigations suggest an increasing role for vaccines in new models of combination therapy for many types of cancer. This article reviews and discusses therapeutic cancer strategies that employ vaccines in combination with local radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and anti-CTLA-4 mAb. Preclinical studies have shown that certain anticancer agents have immune modulatory effects that result in up-regulation of surface expression of MHC molecules, tumor-associated antigens, or Fas on malignant cells, rendering them more susceptible to immune destruction. Preliminary results of clinical studies using combination strategies have demonstrated a postvaccination antigen cascade, prolonged time to disease progression, and improved overall survival. Several larger randomized trials are ongoing, and more are required to support these findings.     

Compensation for light loss resulting from filtering by macular pigment: relation to the S-cone pathway.

PURPOSE: Macular pigment (MP) filters short-wavelength light before it reaches the visual pigments. At peak absorbance (460 nm), transmission of light through MP can range from almost 100% transmission to as little as 3%. As a result of the uneven topographic distribution of MP, spatial nonuniformities in visual perception would result if the visual system did not compensate for filtering differences across the central retina. This study characterizes compensation for different densities of MP. METHODS: Sixteen young subjects (aged 24-40 years) with a wide range of MP density were studied. Increment thresholds were measured at 440 and 500 nm in the center of the fovea and at 6 degrees to 7 degrees eccentricity using conditions chosen to isolate the pi-1 mechanism. For six of the subjects, increment thresholds were also obtained for eccentricities of 1 degrees , 1.75 degrees , and 3 degrees . MP density was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry at the same locations as the increment thresholds. RESULTS: Peak sensitivity of the short-wavelength pathway across the central retina was constant despite MP density differences as large as 1.0 log unit. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the visual system increases gain of the S-cone pathway to offset light absorption by MP.     

Predicting outcome in severe heart failure. Who will benefit from device therapy (CRT)?

Dyssynchronous ventricular contraction in severe heart failurecontributes to low cardiac output, worsening symptoms, and poorprognosis. Recognition of the effect of dyssynchrony in heartfailure, and the possibility of manipulating the sequence ofelectrical cardiac activation to improve the efficiency of mechanicalevents, led Cazeau et al. to attempt four-chamber pacing in1994.¹ This early system could stimulate both atria and bothventricles extrinsically, and could dictate the temporal relationshipbetween atrial systole and ventricular systole, and the ventriculo-ventricularrelationship. Modern cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT),involving pacing of the right and left ventricles, with rightatrial pacing to optimize atrio-ventricular delay, has evolvedrapidly from this beginning. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) on the surface electrocardiogram(ECG) has been considered a marker of mechanical dyssynchronyas it represents a delay in conduction of depolarization tothe left ventricle, with the greatest delay usually being in     

Levetiracetam in the treatment of childhood epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common pediatric neurologic disorder that is difficult to manage in a substantial portion of children. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED) that has recently been approved as add-on treatment for various seizure types in epilepsy populations that include children: for refractory partial seizures in epilepsy patients ≥4 years old, for myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy patients ≥12 years old, and for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients (≥6 years old with FDA approval; ≥12 years old with EMEA approval). A review of published pediatric studies indicates that the efficacy of LEV is best established for partial seizures; however, results from recent double-blind and open-label trials indicate that adjunctive LEV also controls generalized seizures – particularly myoclonic and generalized tonic-clonic – in children and adolescents with primary generalized epilepsy. LEV was well-tolerated in pediatric studies. The most common adverse events (AEs) reported were sedation related. Behavioral AEs were among the most commonly reported events in some trials; conversely, improvements in behavior and cognition were also frequently reported. LEV appears to be a safe and effective AED with unique characteristics that benefit the treatment of children with epilepsy.     

Transvenous catheter–based microwave ablation for atrial flutter

We report a case of successful transvenous, catheter-based, cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for treatment of atrial flutter using microwave energy. Microwave energy was delivered at 900–930 MHz using 21 W of power. Bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus conduction block was achieved by microwave ablation without any patient discomfort or complication during the procedure. Our initial experience suggests that transcatheter microwave ablation is feasible for the cure of typical atrial flutter.     

Perceptions and attitudes of Canadian orthodontists regarding digital and electronic technology.

INTRODUCTION: To plan for future acceptance and implementation of computer-related technology, it is necessary to understand orthodontists' current perceptions and attitudes toward emerging technologies. METHODS: An anonymous, self-administered, mail-out survey of Canadian orthodontists was conducted. The response rate was 45.6% (304/667). RESULTS: Most orthodontists indicated that computer technology could improve current practice efficiency and quality of patient care. Only 15% reported that digital models are quite or very useful; 73.6%, 69.1%, 55%, and 37.4% agreed or strongly agreed with using digital and electronic technology to consult with other dental specialists, other orthodontists, general dentists, and the public, respectively. Cost of the technology was reported as a significant or insurmountable obstacle by 54% of the respondents. Interprovincial legislation, unclear consultation remuneration guidelines, and lack of comfort with the technology were not perceived as significant obstacles. Only 36% reported security or privacy issues as a significant or insurmountable obstacle. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian orthodontists seem to view digital and electronic technology as useful and capable of improving their offices' efficiency and production. Although they are sensitive to some potential obstacles, they are willing to overcome these and incorporate the technology into their practices.     

Use of the risk-rescue rating scale with adolescent suicide attempters: A cautionary note

The assessment of the medical lethality and intent of suicide attempts has been considered an important area of research for those interested in suicide. The current study examined the usefulness of the Risk-Rescue Rating Scale with 109 adolescent suicide attempters and found a restricted range of variability, which, in turn, resulted in poor interrater reliability on a number of items. Results suggest that the Risk-Rescue Rating Scale is of limited usefulness with adolescents, and alternative approaches to assessing lethality and suicidal intent with this age group are discussed.