Dendritic spine alterations in neocortical pyramidal neurons following postnatal neuronal Nogo-A knockdown.

The myelin-associated protein Nogo-A is a well-known inhibitor of axonal regeneration and compensatory plasticity, yet functions of neuronal Nogo-A are not as clear. The present study examined the effects of decreased levels of neuronal Nogo-A on dendritic spines of developing neocortical neurons. Decreased Nogo-A levels in these neurons resulted in lowered spine density and an increase in filopodial type protrusions. These results suggest a role for neuronal Nogo-A in maintaining a spine phenotype in neocortical pyramidal cells.

Factors contributing to the contamination of peripheral intravenous catheters in dogs and cats.

The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute significantly to the bacterial contamination of peripheral intravenous catheters in dogs and cats. Between January and June 2005, intravenous catheters were removed from 84 dogs and 15 cats at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College. None of the factors under consideration was significantly associated with bacterial contamination, but 42.9 per cent of the animals with clinical signs consistent with a peripheral catheter-related infection, 34.8 per cent of the animals in which blood had been collected from the catheter immediately after its insertion, and 21.1 per cent of the animals in which a T-connector rather than a Y-connector had been used had contaminated cannulae, compared with 19.0 per cent, 19.7 per cent and 8.3 per cent, respectively, of the animals that did not have signs of such an infection, from which blood was not taken immediately, and that had a Y-connector rather than a T-connector. Binary logistic regression showed that the animals with clinical signs of a catheter-related infection were 10 times more likely to have a contaminated catheter (odds ratio [OR] 10.9, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 0.89 to 134) and the animals fitted with Y-connectors rather than T-connectors were 10 times less likely to have a contaminated catheter (OR 0.10, 95 per cent CI 0.008 to 1.25).

Menstrual cycle effects on common medical conditions.

Menstrual cycle-related exacerbation of common medical conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes, is a well-recognized phenomenon. Accurate documentation of symptoms on a menstrual calendar allows identification of women with cyclic alterations in disease activity.

Fertility-sparing surgery, with subsequent pregnancy, in persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: case report.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is primarily a disease of women of reproductive age. In most instances, it is cured by surgical evacuation of the uterus, with persistent disease being very sensitive to chemotherapy. Hysterectomy, recommended for persistent chemotherapy-resistant uterine disease, may be unacceptable to the woman who wishes to maintain her fertility. Uterine resection of localized disease, with uterine reconstruction, may be a viable alternative. A case is presented of a woman with persistent uterine GTN, treated with localized uterine resection and reconstruction, followed by two successful pregnancies and deliveries. The literature is reviewed and potential pregnancy complications of this management, particularly uterine rupture, are discussed.

Successful twin pregnancy in a dual-transplant couple resulting from in-vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: case report.

There are numerous reports of successful pregnancy following liver transplantation. Little information is available regarding the incidence and management of infertility in transplant recipients, particularly the use of artificial reproductive technologies. We present a case of a successful twin pregnancy resulting from in-vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) in a liver transplant recipient, whose partner was a renal transplant recipient with severe oligozoospermia. With careful evaluation and monitoring, and the involvement of appropriate consultants, artificial reproductive technologies can be safely used in transplant recipient couples experiencing infertility.

Touch-pad technology: immediate feedback for resident educators in teenage reproductive health.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a program for residents in obstetrics and gynecology to design, research, and present an innovative teaching activity to secondary-school students in reproductive health. METHODS: An interactive 3-hour assembly was held for 285 grade-9 and -10 students. Six residents chose topics that encompassed key areas in adolescent health (menstruation, contraception, risk-taking behaviors, sexuality, and sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]). Each gave an interactive presentation designed to address issues identified through anonymous questions submitted by the students in advance. Touch-pad technology was used throughout the presentations to ascertain the students' knowledge about, and attitudes toward, a range of reproductive health issues. Each resident participant completed a follow-up questionnaire. RESULTS: Touch-pads provided a unique format, allowing teens to respond candidly to sensitive topics anonymously while providing important feedback to resident educators to help them focus their presentations and address areas of greatest need. Resident participants reported that by preparing these presentations, they honed their knowledge about contraception, STDs, and teen sexuality; identified important community resources for teens; and were sensitized to issues unique to teen sexual-health counseling. CONCLUSION: This project provided an opportunity for residents to improve their knowledge of teenage sexuality and to develop skills as teachers, while forging a valuable link between the community and the university.

Effects of the menstrual cycle on medical disorders.

Exacerbation of certain medical conditions at specific phases of the menstrual cycle is a well-recognized phenomenon. We review the effects of the menstrual cycle on medical conditions, including menstrual migraine, epilepsy, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes. We discuss the role of medical suppression of ovulation using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in the evaluation and treatment of these disorders. Peer-reviewed publications from English-language literature were located via MEDLINE or from bibliographies of relevant articles. We reviewed all review articles, case reports and series, and therapeutic trials. Emphasis was placed on diagnosis and therapy of menstrual cycle-related exacerbations of disease processes. Abrupt changes in the concentrations of circulating ovarian steroids at ovulation and premenstrually may account for menstrual cycle-related changes in these chronic conditions. Accurate documentation of symptoms on a menstrual calendar allows identification of women with cyclic alterations in disease activity. Medical suppression of ovulation using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can be useful for both diagnosis and treatment of any severe, recurrent menstrual cycle-related disease exacerbations.