Synapses of cone horizontal cell axons in goldfish retina

The axon terminals of cone horizontal cells in the goldfish retina form typical chemical synaptic contacts in the middle of the inner nuclear layer. Approximately 60% of the identified postsynaptic elements were perikarya, axons and dendrites of bipolar cells. The other identified postsynaptic elements were perikarya and processes of interplexiform cells. We propose that the horizontal cell axon terminal contribute to the antagonistic surround responses of the bipolar cells and that they modulate inputs to the outer plexiform layer conveyed by interplexiform cells. Output synapses from horizontal cell axons to unidentified neuronal processes as well as occasional input synapses to the axons from interplexiform cell processes and unidentified perikarya were also observed in the same region of the inner nuclear layer.     

MEASUREMENTS OF INTERFACE PRESSURE BETWEEN BODY SITES AND THE SURFACES OF FOUR SPECIALISED AIR MATTRESSES

SUMMARY Four specialised air mattresses had interface pressure measured under six body sites prone to pressure sores in 10 subjects, supine and sitting. The mattresses were the Clinirest (SSI) and FirstStep (KCI) continuous airflow mattress overlays, and Airwave (Pegasus) and Nimbus (Huntleigh) alternating pressure air mattresses. On the mattress overlays, average supine interface pressures were 2.33 kPa (scapula), 4.15 kPa (elbow), 1.94 kPa (sacrum) and 2.79 kPa (buttock), although they were higher at the occiput (7.97 kPa) and heel (11.7 kPa). The alternating pressure air mattresses had an average minimum interface pressure close to zero for three sites, rising to 4.28 kPa under the heel. Average maximum interface pressures were 8.61 kPa (occiput), 5.21 kPa (scapula), 4.90 (elbow), 4.85 kPa (sacrum), 4.61 kPa (buttock) and 13.2 kPa (heel). No accepted scientific method exists for comparing the two types of mattress. Our data suggest a clinical benefit at the occiput and heel (supine) in using an alternating pressure air mattress and a benefit in using a continuous airflow mattress overlay at other sites.     

Antipeptide antibodies against the 5-HT1A receptor.

The availability of the primary amino acid sequence for a large number of molecules provides a fruitful opportunity for their cellular localization by utilizing the procedure of antipeptide antibody formation. This procedure permits a synthetic peptide sequence to be attached to a carrier molecule for the purpose of inoculating an animal to raise specific antibodies against the selected protein sequence. In this report we describe a number of steps that can be taken to increase the likelihood that the selected peptide sequence will be specific and antigenic. In addition, we describe how the peptides are synthesized, purified and coupled to keyhold limpet hemocyanin. The preparation of the antibody and its characterization are also presented in this method report. The immunocytochemical staining at both the light and ultrastructural level with serotonin (5-HT1A) receptor antipeptide antibodies is discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of this procedure are summarized.     

Radiology and the Health Policy Agenda for the American People

Eleven radiologists appointed by the major radiological societies participated for the past 5 years in the development of the Health Policy Agenda for the American People. The Agenda is an action plan to address a wide variety of serious problems in medicine. The first phase involved establishment of 159 principles, broad value statements that were the foundation of the project. Phase 2 involved the development of policy proposals on 38 urgent issues for action in medical science; education; health resources; delivery mechanisms; evaluation, assessment, and control; and payment for services. These proposals are summarized in this report. The activities and recommendations of representatives for the field of radiology are described. The Agenda has been released, and an implementation phase has begun. It will likely be of great importance to the practice of radiology over the next decade. Important issues can be addressed by acting with the coalitions that are being formed from among the more than 150 participating organizations.