The extent of vestibular impairment is important in recovery of canal paresis of patients with vestibular neuritis

Objectives

We questioned whether the extent of vestibular impairment affected the recovery of vestibular function in acute vestibular neuritis (VN). The objective of this study was to identify how the extent of vestibular impairment influenced the recovery from canal paresis (CP) in patients with VN.

Micronuclei induced by sulfur dioxide inhalation in mouse bone-marrow cells in vivo

Induction effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) inhalation on micronuclei (MN) formation in the polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) of mouse bone marrow were studied in vivo. It was shown that SO2 inhalation caused an increase of MN frequencies in the PCE cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results from male and female mice were very similar; no sex difference was observed. These results imply that SO2 is a clastogenic and genotoxic agent.     

Involvement of serotonin in nicotine dependence: processes relevant to positive and negative regulation of drug intake

The neurobiological substrate of nicotine dependence has been the subject of extensive preclinical and clinical research. Many experimental reports have implicated the brain serotonin (5-HT) systems in processes relevant to nicotine dependence, but the specific role of this neurotransmitter system largely remains to be elucidated. This review will focus on the role of 5-HT in the acute and chronic effects of nicotine. In particular, the evidence for a role of 5-HT neurotransmission in brain processes thought to be involved in positive and negative control of nicotine use will be examined, and potential clinical implications discussed.     

Activation of KCNQ5 channels stably expressed in HEK293 cells by BMS-204352

The novel anti-ischemic compound, BMS-204352 ((3S)-(+)-(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-indol-2-one)), strongly activates the voltage-gated K+ channel KCNQ5 in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 2.4 microM. At 10 microM, BMS-204352 increased the steady state current at -30 mV by 12-fold, in contrast to the 2-fold increase observed for the other KCNQ channels [Schr?der et al., 2001]. Retigabine ((D-23129; N-(2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-phenyl) carbamic acid ethyl ester) induced a smaller, yet qualitatively similar effect on KCNQ5. Furthermore, BMS-204352 (10 microM) did not significantly shift the KCNQ5 activation curves (threshold and potential for half-activation, V1/2), as observed for the other KCNQ channels. In the presence of BMS-204352, the activation and deactivation kinetics of the KCNQ5 currents were slowed as the slow activation time constant increased up to 10-fold. The M-current blockers, linopirdine (DuP 996; 3,3-bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)-1-phenylindolin-2-one) and XE991 (10,10-bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)-9(10H)-anthracenone), inhibited the activation of the KCNQ5 channel induced by the BMS-204352. Thus, BMS-204352 appears to be an efficacious KCNQ channels activator, and the pharmacological properties of the compound on the KCNQ5 channel seems to be different from what has been obtained on the other KCNQ channels.     

Die Bedeutung des Unglücksfalles als Todesursache bei Kindern

Ohne ZusammenfassungHerrn Professor Dr. H. Kleinschmidt zum 70. Geburtstage gewidmet.     

A proposal for cervical screening information systems in developing countries

The effective and efficient delivery of cervical screening programs requires information for planning, management, delivery and evaluation. Specially designed systems are generally required to meet these needs. In many developing countries, lack of information systems constitutes an important barrier to development of comprehensive screening programs and the effective control of cervical cancer. Our report outlines a framework for creating such systems in developing countries and describes a conceptual model for a cervical screening information system. The proposed system is modular, recognizing that there will be considerable between-region heterogeneity in current status and priorities. The proposed system is centered on modules that would allow for the assembly and computerization of data on Pap tests, since these represent the main screening modality at the present time. Additional modules would process data and create and maintain a screening database (e.g., standardize, edit, link and update modules) and allow for the integration of other types of data, such as cervical histopathology results. An open systems development model is proposed, since it is most compatible with the goals of local stakeholder involvement and capacity-building.     

Effects of moderate and high doses of alcohol on carotid atherogenesis

The role of alcohol consumption on pathophysiology of atherosclerosis is not completely well established. Past studies were conducted with different methodological approaches, sometimes leading to opposing conclusions. The aim of this study was to determine the weight of alcohol intake on carotid atherosclerosis in a group of subjects asymptomatic for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. They were examined by ultrasonographic assessment during the period 1993 through 1997. Common risk factors of atherosclerosis and drinking habit were assessed by a standardized questionnaire. In this survey we confirm the J-shaped relationship between atherosclerosis and alcohol consumption. The effect of alcohol intake is more evident if we consider the presence of multiple internal carotid stenosis, or those greater than 25%, as outcome variables. These effects are independent from the other risk factors included in logistic regression paradigms (age, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, family history of cardio-cerebrovascular disease, smoking and social status). Our study supported that a high level of alcohol intake plays a role as an independent factor in carotid atherogenesis.     

肾癌相关新基因GYLZ-RCC18的表达及意义

目的 探讨GYLZ－RCC18功能及在肾癌发生发展中的作用。方法 应用SMARTRACE技术克隆GYLZ－RCC18全长,应用逆转录聚合酶链式反应（RT－PCR）特异扩增第1阅读框中504bp序列,分析在肾癌中的表达特点及与肾癌分级、分期的关系。结果 GYLZ－RCC18基因全长约为3．5kb,在肾癌组织特异表达,正常肾组织低表达或不表达,两者表达量差异 约1－9倍。GYLZ－RCC18表达在高分级分期肾癌中的表达明显高于低分级分期者。结论 GYLZ－RCC18是肾癌组织相对特异表达的新基因,高表达与肾癌的早期发生及晚期进展密切相关。     

孕鼠产前缺氧性适应后胎鼠、新生大鼠脑组织热休克蛋白70的表达

目的 通过观察产前缺氧性适应后胎鼠、新生大鼠组织热休克蛋白70（HSP70）变化,探讨产前缺氧性适应对胎鼠、新生鼠脑保护作用机制。方法 将临产前Wistar孕大白鼠22只随机分成2组,I组为实验组（缺氧性适应组）;将孕鼠置于缺氧性适应密封仓中,当氧浓度降至15%时,将孕鼠放入新鲜空气中5min,再放入密封仓中,重复第一次过程,然后待其自然分娩,Ⅱ组为对照组,除密封仓不密闭（氧浓度21%）外,其余同I组,两组于缺氧性适应（Ⅱ组模拟）后1、3、8、24、48、72、120、168h分别各取7只新生大鼠断头取脑,10%甲醛固定做海马冰冻切片,免疫组化染色评定HSP70免疫反应强度。结果 1、正常胎鼠、新生鼠脑组织中无HSP70表达;2、缺氧性适应后8hHSP70即有表达,可持续至168hh最强;3、在海马各区和皮层均有HSP70表达,但以海马CAl区最强。结论 热休克蛋白（HSP70）参与了产前缺氧性适应的形成。