Three-dimensional reconstruction of synapses and dendritic spines in the rat and ground squirrel hippocampus: New structural-functional paradigms for synaptic function

Published data are reviewed along with our own data on synaptic plasticity and rearrangements of synaptic organelles in the central nervous system. Contemporary laser scanning and confocal microscopy techniques are discussed, along with the use of serial ultrathin sections for in vivo and in vitro studies of dendritic spines, including those addressing relationships between morphological changes and the efficiency of synaptic transmission, especially in conditions of the long-term potentiation model. Different categories of dendritic spines and postsynaptic densities are analyzed, as are the roles of filopodia in originating spines. The role of serial ultrathin sections for unbiased quantitative stereological analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction is assessed. The authors data on the formation of more than two synapses on single mushroom spines on neurons in hippocampal field CA1 are discussed. Analysis of these data provides evidence for new paradigms in both the organization and functioning of synapses.Translated from Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deyatelnosti, Vol. 54, No. 1, pp, 120–129, January–February, 2004.     

一种新颖的序列图像自动配准方法

序列图像的配准是医学临床与科研实践中扮演着非常重要的角色.为了快速、准确地进行医学序列图像配准,本文提出了一种利用图像联合直方图进行序列图像自动配准的新方法.首先对图像阈值分割,将其联合直方图划分为4个区域,然后根据不同的配准图像数据,选择定义在不同区域上的计数值作为参数计算的准则函数.该方法设计简单、巧妙,以计数方法代替其他方法中大量的浮点运算.由于准则函数具有良好的光滑特性,且选择Powell算法做最优化搜索,因此保证了优化结果的准确性.和其他算法相比,该方法大大简化了准则函数的计算,从而显著提高了配准优化搜索的速度.根据实验结果,及与基于互信息量方法的对比,证明该方法准确、简便、快速、有效.     

基于VS2010动态血压监测系统的设计

目的：伴随着生活水平的提高、生活节奏的加快、工作压力的增大,高血压疾病呈现出年轻化的趋势,因此近年来便携式、家庭化的动态血压监测系统成为研究热点。本文即阐述一种动态血压监测系统的设计,该系统能实现对患者血压24h的动态监测,且能将监测到的数据在PC机上显示,为高血压疾病的预防、诊断、治疗及治疗效果提供重要参考信息。方法：该系统由全自动充气放气袖带、压力传感器、信号调理电路、AD转换器、单片机控制模块、按键、存储卡、显示器件及PC机监测软件等部分组成。其中,该系统采用MSP430449单片机作为下位机,实现血压的检测、采集、存储及充放气模块电机的控制;PC机作为上位机,采用VS2010实现该系统监测界面的设计,采用Access作为数据库;单片机和PC机之间通过RS232实现数据通信。结果：该系统能实现对血压的动态监测,监测界面可以设置病人信息,设置通信协议,以柱状图、饼图、拟合线、数据报表等形式显示被测试者的测量数据,界面生动形象。结论：该监测系统能够有效的实现对血压的24h动态监测,监测到的数据能够以图表的形式显示,显示界面简洁友好,便于操作,因此该系统既可用于医院病房,亦可用于家庭,通用性较强。     

Viral load and immune response dynamics in patients with haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Slovenia can be caused by infection with either Dobrava (DOBV) or Puumala (PUUV) virus, but a clear difference in disease severity is observed. We hypothesized that the wide spectrum of disease observed among HFRS patients might be related to differing immune responses and viral load kinetics. To test this hypothesis we analysed sequential blood samples from 29 HFRS patients hospitalized in Slovenia. Measuring viral RNA in patient samples revealed that viraemia lasts for longer than previously believed, with DOBV or PUUV-infected patients having viraemias lasting on average 30 days or 16 days, respectively. DOBV-infected patients were found to have a higher viral load than the PUUV-infected patients (10⁷ vs. 10⁵ RNA copies/mL). Both DOBV and PUUV-infected patients had IgM at the time of hospital admission, but there was a difference in IgG antibody dynamics, with only a minority of DOBV-infected patients having IgG antibodies. In our study, elevated levels of IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ were detected in all of the samples regardless of the causative agent. In DOBV-infected patients the decrease in cytokine secretion level appeared around day 20 post-infection, while in PUUV-infected patients the change was earlier. In general, our findings point toward notable differences between PUUV and DOBV infections, in terms of viral load and antibody and cytokine response dynamics, all of which may be reflected in differing disease severities and clinical outcomes.     

Case report: serial serum HCG measurements in a patient with an ectopic pregnancy: a case for caution

Improvements in the use of ultrasound in early pregnancy have resulted in improved diagnosis of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. There are still, however, a significant number of women with a suspected abnormal pregnancy, where transvaginal ultrasound is unable to locate the pregnancy. The concern is the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. An alternative diagnostic tool is required and it has been suggested that it is possible to monitor serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin. The present case highlights the potential dangers of this management.     

Serial killing in schizophrenia

Serial criminality, although rare, has always aroused the interest of researchers in criminology, psychiatry, psychology, and sociology. We report the case of a patient, suffering from a chronic psychotic disorder, having committed several murders over a period of 9 years, underpinned by a delirium of misidentification of Frigoli syndrome.