School of Medicine Publications - UQ eSpace

A cross-study transcriptional analysis of Parkinson's disease

2011-03-09T00:00:00Z

The study of Parkinson's disease (PD), like other complex neurodegenerative disorders, is limited by access to brain tissue from patients with a confirmed diagnosis. Alternatively the study of peripheral tissues may offer some insight into the molecular basis of disease susceptibility and progression, but this approach still relies on brain tissue to benchmark relevant molecular changes against. Several studies have reported whole-genome expression profiling in post-mortem brain but reported concordance between these analyses is lacking. Here we apply a standardised pathway analysis to seven independent case-control studies, and demonstrate increased concordance between data sets. Moreover data convergence increased when the analysis was limited to the five substantia nigra (SN) data sets; this highlighted the down regulation of dopamine receptor signaling and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling pathways. We also show that case-control comparisons of affected post mortem brain tissue are more likely to reflect terminal cytoarchitectural differences rather than primary pathogenic mechanisms. The implementation of a correction factor for dopaminergic neuronal loss predictably resulted in the loss of significance of the dopamine signaling pathway while axon guidance pathways increased in significance. Interestingly the IGF1 signaling pathway was also over-represented when data from non-SN areas, unaffected or only terminally affected in PD, were considered. Our findings suggest that there is greater concordance in PD whole-genome expression profiling when standardised pathway membership rather than ranked gene list is used for comparison.

Across the Rubicon: Medicalisation, Natural Death & Euthanasia

Parker, M. H. — 2007-08-14T00:00:00Z

A cryptic BAP1 splice mutation in a family with uveal and cutaneous melanoma, and paraganglioma

2012-11-21T15:40:56Z

Acticoat use on burns in the premature neonate

Mill, J. og Kimble, R. — 2008-03-05T00:00:00Z

Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

2013-04-14T12:55:05Z

Actinomycosis of the gall bladder

2010-10-18T00:00:00Z

This report describes the sixth case of actinomycosis of the gall bladder and discusses the salient features of the diagnosis and management of this rare disease.

Actinomycotic granule of the caruncle: A case report

2011-08-21T00:00:00Z

Actinomycosis is a rare cause of a caruncular mass previously unreported in large clinicohistopathologic studies. A 25-year-old man presented with an enlarged and irritated left caruncle and an otherwise normal ocular examination. After the patient failed to respond to conservative medical management, an excision biopsy revealed an underlying diagnosis of actinomycotic granule of the caruncle. The patient's symptoms resolved, and after 6 months of follow up there was no evidence of recurrence. Actinomycosis is a slowly progressive, chronic infection with a nonspecific clinical presentation. Diagnosis is therefore difficult and is generally made on the basis of histopathology. This case demonstrates that actinomycosis can present as a caruncular mass.

Action myoclonus–renal failure syndrome: A cause for worsening tremor in young adults

2010-01-12T00:00:00Z

Action myoclonus–renal failure syndrome (AMRF) is an autosomal recessive disorder first described in 4 French Canadian patients, followed by a recent description of 15 cases from various countries. The condition independently affects the kidney, with focal glomerulosclerosis causing renal failure and the brain causing progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) or progressive myoclonic ataxia (PMA). Tremor is often an early feature. The diagnosis of tremor and myoclonus in patients with severe renal disease is challenging. Here we highlight the evolution of tremor in this syndrome in two new cases and emphasize problems in early diagnosis. Copyright: ©2006AAN Enterprises, Inc.

Action research curriculum for the Institute of Health Management, Ministry of Health, Malaysia

Van Konkelenberg, R. — 2007-08-14T00:00:00Z

Action research training module

2007-08-10T00:00:00Z

Actions of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and prostaglandin E2 on cyclic AMP formation in chicken and rat osteoclasts

2011-05-24T00:00:00Z

Activated hepatic stellate cells produce increased collagen type I in patients with cystic fibrosis liver disease

2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Activated human dendritic cells express inducible cyclo-oxygenase and synthesize prostaglandin E2 but not prostaglandin D2

2011-03-09T00:00:00Z

Activated human dendritic cells express inducible cyclo-oxygenase and synthesize prostaglandin E2 but not prostaglandin D2

2009-03-03T00:00:00Z

Summary Prostaglandins (PG) are well known lipid mediators with important immunoregulatory properties. While exogenous PGE2 has the ability to modulate the function and maturation of antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DC), it is not clear whether human DC have the capacity to synthesize PGE2 and other prostaglandins themselves. We therefore examined the expression of inducible cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) by monocyte derived DC and the production of PGE2 and PGD2. Both monocyte derived DC and freshly isolated blood myeloid DC expressed little COX-2 constitutively, though COX-2 expression was rapidly but transiently upregulated in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. COX-2 mRNA was detectable within 1 h of LPS exposure, peaked at 4–6 h, and rapidly declined thereafter. COX-2 expression was accompanied by DC synthesis of PGE2, with peak levels present at 6–18 h post-stimulation. In contrast, PGD2 synthesis was not detected at any time point. When DC were activated with LPS in the presence of nimesulide, a COX-2 selective inhibitor, IL-10 synthesis was inhibited, indicating that endogenous prostaglandins regulate DC cytokine production. PGE2 production by DC may therefore modulate DC and T-cell function, thereby shaping the character of the immune response.

Activated human renal tubular cells inhibit autologous immune responses

2011-03-28T00:00:00Z

Activating and storing Dan Tian energy: The primary training for energy flow in Taiji and Qigong

Liu, X. — 2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Activating mutations of the tyrosine kinase receptor FGFR3 are associated with benign skin tumors in mice and humans

2011-03-09T00:00:00Z

Activation and adoptive transfer of Epstein-Barr virus-specific cytotoxic T cells in solid organ transplant patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease

2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

The treatment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)associated lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in EBV seronegative solid organ transplant recipients who acquire their EBV infection after engraftment poses a considerable challenge because of underlying immunosuppression that inhibits the virus-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response in vivo. We have developed a protocol for activating autologous EBV-specific CTL lines from these patients and show their potential use for immunotherapy against PTLD in solid organ transplant patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a panel of solid organ transplant recipients with and without active PTLD were used to assess EBV-specific memory CTL responses. The activation protocol involved cocultivation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with an autologous lymphoblastoid cell line under conditions that favored expansion of virus-specific CTL and hindered the proliferation of allospecific T cells. These CTL consistently showed (i) strong EBV-specificity, including reactivity through defined epitopes in spite of concurrent immunosuppressive therapy, and (ii) no alloreactivity toward donor alloantigens. More importantly, adoptive transfer of these autologous CTLs into a single patient with active PTLD was coincident with a very significant regression of the PTLD, These results demonstrate that a potent EBV-specific memory response can be expanded from solid organ recipients who have acquired their primary EBV infection under high levels of immunosuppressive therapy and that these T cells may have therapeutic potential against PTLD.

Activation-Induced Apoptosis of Autoreactive and Alloreactive T Lymphocytes in the Target Organ as a Major Mechanism of Tolerance

Pender, Michael P. — 2004-06-07T00:00:00Z

Normal individuals have mature T lymphocytes that are capable of reacting to self-antigens and can be activated by cross-reacting environmental antigens. The mechanism that maintains immune tolerance and prevents these activated autoreactive T cells from causing autoimmune disease is unclear. We have previously hypothesized that activation-induced apoptosis of previously activated autoreactive T cells in the target organ is a major mechanism for maintaining tolerance. Here I review the current evidence to support this hypothesis. It is proposed that when activated autoreactive T cells enter the target organ, they are reactivated mainly by non-professional antigen-presenting cells (APC) and deleted by activation-induced apoptosis through the Fas (CD95) pathway before producing significant target organ damage. This apoptosis occurs because the reactivated T cells do not receive sufficient costimulation from the non-professional APC to up-regulate their expression of Bcl-2-related anti-apoptotic proteins, which inhibit the CD95 pro-apoptotic pathway. This is in contrast to the situation in peripheral lymphoid organs, where reactivation of T cells by professional APC results in sufficient costimulation-induced up-regulation of Bcl-2-related proteins to inhibit the CD95 pathway and allow T cell proliferation and survival as memory T cells. Activation-induced apoptosis of alloreactive T cells in allografts can similarly account for spontaneous allograft acceptance, as occurs after MHC-mismatched liver transplantation.

Activation of an iron uptake mechanism from transferrin in hepatocytes by small-molecular-weight iron complexes: implications for the pathogenesis of iron-overload disease

2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

Activation of ATM and Chk2 kinases in relation to the amount of DNA strand breaks

2010-01-15T00:00:00Z

The diverse checkpoint responses to DNA damage may reflect differential sensitivities by molecular components of the damage-signalling network to the type and amount of lesions. Here, we determined the kinetics of activation of the checkpoint kinases ATM and Chk2 (the latter substrate of ATM) in relation to the initial yield of genomic DNA single-strand (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs). We show that doses of -radiation (IR) as low as 0.25 Gy, which generate vast numbers of SSBs but only a few DSBs per cell (<8), promptly activate ATM kinase and induce the phosphorylation of the ATM substrates p53–Ser15, Nbs1–Ser343 and Chk2–Thr68. The full activation of Chk2 kinase, however, is triggered by treatments inflicting >19 DSBs per cell (e.g. 1 Gy), which cause Chk2 autophosphorylation on Thr387, Chk2-dependent accumulation of p21waf1 and checkpoint arrest in the S phase. Our results indicate that, in contrast to ATM, Chk2 activity is triggered by a greater number of DSBs, implying that, below a certain threshold level of lesions (<19 DSBs), DNA repair can occur through ATM, without enforcing Chk2-dependent checkpoints.

Activation of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors hastens relaxation and mediates phosphorylation of phospholamban, troponin I, and C-protein in ventricular myocardium from patients with terminal heart failure

2007-08-13T00:00:00Z

Background-Catecholamines hasten cardiac relaxation through beta-adrenergic receptors, presumably by phosphorylation of several proteins, but it is unknown which receptor subtypes are involved in human ventricle. We assessed the role of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors in phosphorylating proteins implicated in ventricular relaxation. Methods and Results-Right ventricular trabeculae, obtained from freshly explanted hearts of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (n=5) or ischemic cardiomyopathy (n=5), were paced at 60 bpm. After measurement of the contractile and relaxant effects of epinephrine (10 mu mol/L) or zinterol (10 mu mol/L), mediated through beta(2)-adrenergic receptors, and of norepinephrine (10 mu mol/L), mediated through beta(1)-adrenergic receptors, tissues were freeze clamped. We assessed phosphorylation of phospholamban, troponin I, and C-protein, as well as specific phosphorylation of phospholamban at serine 16 and threonine 17, Data did not differ between the 2 disease groups and were therefore pooled. Epinephrine, zinterol, and norepinephrine increased contractile force to approximately the same extent, hastened the onset of relaxation by 15+/-3%, 5+/-2%, and 20+/-3%, respectively, and reduced the time to half-relaxation by 26+/-3%, 21+/-3%, and 37+/-3%. These effects of epinephrine, zinterol, and norepinephrine were associated with phosphorylation (pmol phosphate/mg protein) of phospholamban 14+/-3, 12+/-4, and 12+/-3, troponin I 40+/-7, 33+/-7, and 31+/-6; and C-protein 7.2+/-1.9, 9.3 +/- 1.4, and 7.5 +/- 2.0. Phosphorylation of phospholamban occurred at both Ser16 and Thr17 residues through both beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors. Conclusions-Norepinephrine and epinephrine hasten human ventricular relaxation and promote phosphorylation of implicated proteins through both beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors, thereby potentially improving diastolic function.

Activation of calcineurin in explanted human ventricle by endogenous peptides

Li, J. og Russell, F. D. og Molenaar, P. — 2007-08-24T00:00:00Z

Activation of calcineurin in human failing heart ventricle by endothelin-1, angiotensin II and urotensin

2007-08-23T00:00:00Z

Activation of calcineurin in human failing heart ventricle by endothelin-1, angiotensin II and urotensin II

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

1 The calcineurin (CaN) enzyme-transcriptional pathway is critically involved in hypertrophy of heart muscle in some animal models. Currently there is no information concerning the regulation of CaN activation by endogenous agonists in human heart. 2 Human right ventricular trabeculae from explanted human ( 14 male/2 female) failing hearts were set up in a tissue bath and electrically paced at 1Hz and incubated with or without 100 nM endothelin-1 (ET-1), 10 mu M, angiotensin-II (Ang II) or 20 nM human urotensin-II (hUII) for 30 min. Tissues from four patients were incubated with 200 nM tacrolimus (FK506) for 30 min and then incubated in the presence or absence of ET-1 for a further 30 min. 3 ET-1 increased contractile force in all 13 patients (P < 0.001). Ang II and hUII increased contractile force in three out of eight and four out of 10 patients but overall nonsignificantly (P > 0.1). FK506 had no effect on contractile force (P = 0.12). 4 ET-1, Ang II and hUII increased calcineurin activity by 32, 71 and 15%, respectively, while FK506 reduced activity by 34%. ET-1 in the presence of FK506 did not restore calcineurin activity (P = 0.1). 5 There was no relationship between basal CaN activity and expression levels in the right ventricle. Increased levels of free phosphate were detected in ventricular homogenates that were incubated with PKC epsilon compared to samples incubated without PKCe. 6 Endogenous cardiostimulants which activate G alpha q-coupled receptors increase the activity of calcineurin in human heart following acute (30 min) exposure. PKC may contribute to this effect by increasing levels of phosphorylated calcineurin substrate.

Activation of ephrin A proteins influences hematopoietic stem cell adhesion and trafficking patterns

2010-12-05T00:00:00Z

Activation of ERK in renal fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction: Modulation by antioxidants

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Activation of ERK in renal fibrosis after UUO stimulates epithelial proliferation and not fibroblast apoptosis

2007-08-24T00:00:00Z

Activation of gene expression by the human T-cell leukemia virus transactivator tax occurs in unique nuclear structures

2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Activation of human Valpha24NKT cells by alpha-glycoslceramide in a CD1d-restricted and Valpha24TCR-mediated manner

2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

Vα14NK(natural killer) T cells play an important role in controlling tumors or in preventing autoimmunity in the murine system. Vα24NKT cells, the human counterpart of Vα14NKT cells, may contribute to controlling the progression of autoimmune diseases in humans. These findings show the possibility that ligand(s) for these NKT cells can control the above-mentioned pathological conditions. Specific glycolipids such as α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and α-glucosylceramide (α-GlcCer) have been identified as ligand(s) recognized by murine Vα14NKT cells in a CD1d-restricted manner, but it remains unclear whether these glycolipids are ligand(s) for Vα24NKT cells in humans. To determine whether α-glycosylceramide is presented by CD1d molecules in humans, we initially established a Vα24NKT cell line specific for α-glycosylceramide using dendritic cell (DC) like cells from normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in an autologous mixed leukocyte reaction (auto-MLR) system, and characterized the Vα24NKT cell line. The Vα24NKT cells were CD3+CD4−CD8−Vα24+Vβ11+NKRP1A+ and specifically proliferated in response to α-glycosylceramide in CD1d-restricted and Vα24TCR-mediated manner. The phenotypic and functional similarities between murine Vα14NKT cells and human Vα24NKT cells suggest that Vα24NKT cells may play an important role in controlling tumors or in preventing autoimmunity as observed with Vα14NKT cells.

Activation of pancreatic stellate cells in human and experimental pancreatic fibrosis

2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

The mechanisms of pancreatic fibrosis are poorly understood. In the liver, stellate cells play an important role in fibrogenesis, Similar cells have recently been isolated from the pancreas and are termed pan creatic stellate cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether pancreatic stellate cell activation occurs during experimental and human pancreatic fibrosis. Pancreatic fibrosis was induced in rats (n = 24) by infusion of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) into the pancreatic duct. Surgical specimens were obtained from patients with chronic pancreatitis (n = 6). Pancreatic fibrosis was assessed using the Sirius Red stain and immunohistochemistry for collagen type I. Pancreatic stellate cell activation was assessed by staining for alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha SMA), desmin, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor type beta (PDGFR beta). The relationship of fibrosis to stellate cell activation was studied by staining of serial sections for alpha SMA, desmin, PDGFR beta, and collagen, and by dual-staining for alpha SMA plus either Sirius Red or in situ hybridization for procollagen alpha(1) (I) mRNA. The cellular source of TGF beta was examined by immunohistochemistry, The histological appearances in the TNBS model resembled those found in human chronic pancreatitis. Areas of pancreatic fibrosis stained positively for Sirius Red and collagen type I. Sirius Red staining was associated with alpha SMA-positive cells. alpha SMA staining colocallzed with procollagen alpha(1) (I) mRNA expression. In the rat model, desmin staining was associated with PDGFR beta in areas of fibrosis. TGF beta was maximal in acinar cells adjacent to areas of fibrosis and spindle cells within fibrotic bands. Pancreatic stellate cell activation is associated with fibrosis in both human pancreas and in an animal model. These cells appear to play an important role in pancreatic fibrogenesis.

Activation of protease-activated receptors (PAR) on cultured human proximal tubular cells (PAR) mediates inflammatory and fibroproliferative responses

2010-07-14T00:00:00Z

Activation of the complement system: a crucial link between inflammation and atherosclerosis?

Kostner, KM — 2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Active immunization (vaccination) against peptides of IL-1beta induces self anti-IL-1beta antibodies and protects against collagen-induced arthritis

2010-01-25T00:00:00Z

Active patient involvement in the education of health professionals

2011-07-21T00:00:00Z

Context: Patients as educators (teaching intimate physical examination) first appeared in the 1960s. Since then, rationales for the active involvement of patients as educators have been well articulated. There is great potential to promote the learning of patient-centred practice, interprofessional collaboration, community involvement, shared decision making and how to support self-care. Methods: We reviewed and summarised the literature on active patient involvement in health professional education. Results: A synthesis of the literature reveals increasing diversity in the ways in which patients are involved in education, but also the movement’s weaknesses. Most initiatives are ‘one-off’ events and are reported as basic descriptions. There is little rigorous research or theory of practice or investigation of behavioural outcomes. The literature is scattered and uses terms (such as ‘patient’!) that are contentious and confusing. Conclusions: We propose future directions for research and development, including a taxonomy to facilitate dialogue, an outline of a research strategy and reference to a comprehensive bibliography covering all health and human services.

Active surveillance for Candidemia, Australia

2010-01-07T00:00:00Z

Population-based surveillance for candidemia in Australia from 2001 to 2004 identified 1,095 cases. Annual overall and hospital-specific incidences were 1.81/100,000 and 0.21/1,000 separations (completed admissions), respectively. Predisposing factors included malignancy (32.1%), indwelling vascular catheters (72.6%), use of antimicrobial agents (77%), and surgery (37.1%). Of 919 episodes, 81.5% were inpatient healthcare associated (IHCA), 11.6% were outpatient healthcare associated (OHCA), and 6.9% were community acquired (CA). Concomitant illnesses and risk factors were similar in IHCA and OHCA candidemia. IHCA candidemia was associated with sepsis at diagnosis (p<0.001), death <30 days after infection (p<0.001), and prolonged hospital admission (p<0.001). Non–Candida albicans species (52.7%) caused 60.5% of cases acquired outside hospitals and 49.9% of IHCA candidemia (p = 0.02). The 30-day death rate was 27.7% in those >65 years of age. Adult critical care stay, sepsis syndrome, and corticosteroid therapy were associated with the greatest risk for death. Systematic epidemiologic studies that use standardized definitions for IHCA, OHCA, and CA candidemia are indicated.

Active surveillance of serious adverse drug reactions in New Zealand children

2012-09-10T11:59:47Z

Active Voluntary Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide: a Morally Irrelevant Distinction

Parker, Malcolm Holbrook — 2010-07-27T00:00:00Z

Activity and Affect: Repeated Within-Participant Assessment in People After Joint Replacement Surgery

2009-09-03T00:00:00Z

Activity assays and immunoassays for plasma renin and prorenin: Information provided and precautions necessary for accurate measurement

2010-03-16T00:00:00Z

Activity, dietary intake and weight changes in a longitudinal study of preadoloescent boys and girls

2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

Activity (occupation) is important for survival

Molineux, M. — 2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

Activity of temocillin against KPC-Producing klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli

2010-09-07T00:00:00Z

Activity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in multiple myeloma

2011-03-14T00:00:00Z

Actual and preferred work activites of mental health Occupational Therapists: Congruence or Discrepancy

Lloyd, C.A. og King, R. og McKenna, K. T. — 2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

The reform of Australian mental health services has resulted in new models of care and changed work practices for all mental health professionals. Occupational therapists today are as likely to be working in multidisciplinary teams performing a range of generic clinical roles as they are to be working in specialist rehabilitation units. These kinds of changes have taken place in other countries, with anecdotal and some empirical evidence that the changes have resulted in concerns about loss of professional identity and roles. This study sought to identify the current work activities carried out by occupational therapists and to determine whether there was a discrepancy between their actual and desired work activities. It was expected that, overall, they would indicate a preference to do more specialist rehabilitation focused work and less generic case management work. A survey of 196 occupational therapists investigated their actual and preferred work activities in 55 specific roles across four broad categories (senior administration, specialist clinical, general clinical and community development). As expected, the participants indicated that they would prefer to be undertaking more specialist rehabilitation oriented work activities than they were actually doing. Contrary to expectations, they also wished to undertake more rather than less generic clinical work activities, to be more engaged in community development work and to take on more senior and administrative roles. They indicated a preference for less rather than more activity on only 5 of the 55 work roles examined. On examining a subset of 113 participants who reported that 50% or more of their time was spent in case management, there was greater evidence of resistance to generic clinical roles. It was therefore concluded that occupational therapists in Australia are seeking to deploy their specialist skills to a greater degree than the current practice environment permits. They have broadly accepted the generic roles required in multidisciplinary community case management, but those who are actually working in these roles are most likely to have reservations about this kind of work.

A cultural models approach to osteoporosis prevention and treatment

2013-04-17T10:37:59Z

This article identifies cultural models of osteoporosis, as shared by community-dwelling older women in southeastern Australia, and compares these with cultural knowledge conveyed through social marketing. Cultural models are mental constructs about specific domains in everyday life, such as health and illness, which are shared within a community. We applied domain analyses to data obtained from in-depth interviews and stakeholder-identified print materials. The response domains identified from our case studies made up the shared cultural model “Osteoporosis has low salience,” particularly when ranked against other threats to health. The cultural knowledge reflected in the print materials supported a cultural model of low salience. Cultural cues embedded in social marketing messages on osteoporosis may be internalized and motivating in unintended ways. Identifying and understanding cultural models of osteoporosis within a community may provide valuable insights to inform the development of targeted health messages.

Acupressure for the in-patient treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: A randomized control trial

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure at the P6 point for the in-patient treatment of severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Study design: This was a prospective single-blind randomized control trial that involved 80 patients with nausea and vomiting plus ketonuria before 14 weeks of gestation. Results: There was no difference between length of stay, amount of medication, or fluid required between the acupressure and placebo groups, although acupressure reduced the number of patients who stayed >= 4 nights in the hospital. Acupressure was well tolerated and not associated with an increase in perinatal morbidity or death. Conclusion: The use of acupressure Lit the P6 point does not reduce the amount of antiemetric medication that is required, the requirement for intravenous fluid, and median duration of inpatient stay more than the use of placebo. A small reduction was seen in the number of women who required >= 4 days in the hospital. (c) 2006 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A curious experiment: the paradigm switch from observation and speculation to experimentation, in the understanding of neuromuscular function and disease

Pearn, J. H. — 2007-08-14T00:00:00Z

The four-link chain of the motor unit represents the contemporary end-point of some two millennia of evolving knowledge in neuroscience. The paradigm shift in neuromuscular epistemology occurred in the mid-17th century. In 1666, the newly graduated Dutch doctor, Jan Swammerdam (1637-1680) published his former investigations of dissected nerve-muscle preparations. These experiments comprised the quantum leap from observation and speculation, to that of experimentation in the field of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. In what he termed 'A Curious Experiment' he also described the phenomenon of intrinsic muscle excitability - I cannot observe that the muscle in the living animal ever absolutely ceases from all motion. Eighty years later (1752), von Haller demonstrated experimentally that irritability (contractility) was an intrinsic property of all muscular tissue; and distinguished between the sensibility of nerve impulses and the irritability of muscular contraction. This experimental progression from Swammerdam to von Haller culminated in 1850, when Claude Bernard's studies in experimental pharmacology confirmed that muscle was a functional unit, independent of any electrical innervation via its supplying nerve. This account comprises an audit of Swammerdam's work in the perspective of neuromuscular knowledge. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis following the bite of Indian saw-scaled viper

2011-04-08T00:00:00Z

Acute and chronic effects of streptomycin applied to the lateral semicircular canal

Norris, C. H. og Amedee, R. G. — 2011-05-18T00:00:00Z