The Influence of Visual, Vestibular, and Hindlimb Proprioceptive Ablations on Landing Preparation in Cane Toads.

Coordinated landing from a jump requires preparation, which must include appropriate positioning and configuration of the landing limbs and body to be successful. While well studied in mammals, our lab has been using the cane toad (Rhinella marinus) as a model for understanding the biomechanics of controlled landing in anurans, animals that use jumping or bounding as their dominant mode of locomotion. In this article, we report new results from experiments designed to explore how different modes of sensory feedback contribute to previously identified features of coordinated landing in toads. More specifically, animals in which vision, hindlimb proprioception, or vestibular feedback were removed, underwent a series of hopping trials while high-speed video was used to record and characterize limb movements and electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from a major elbow extensor (anconeus). Results demonstrate that altering any sensory system impacts landing behavior, though loss of vision had the least effect. Blind animals showed significant differences in anconeus EMG timing relative to controls, but forelimb and hindlimb movements as well as the ability to successfully decelerate the body using the forelimbs were not affected. Compromising hindlimb proprioception led to distinctly different forelimb kinematics. Though EMG patterns were disrupted, animals in this condition were also able to decelerate after impact, though with less control, regularly allowing their trunks to make ground contact during landing. Animals with compromised vestibular systems showed the greatest deficits, both in takeoff and landing behavior, which were highly variable and rarely coordinated. Nevertheless, animals in this condition demonstrated EMG patterns and forelimb kinematics similar to those in control animals. The fact that no ablation entirely eliminates all aspects of landing preparation suggests that its underpinnings are complex and that there is no single sensory trigger for its initiation.

Codeine influences the serum and urinary profile of endogenous androgens but does not interact with the excretion rate of administered testosterone.

Today's doping tests involve longitudinal monitoring of urinary steroids including the testosterone glucuronide and epitestosterone glucuronide ratio (T/E) in an Athlete Biological Passport (ABP). The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of short-term use of codeine on the urinary excretion of androgen metabolites included in the steroidal module of the passport prior to and after the co-administration with testosterone. The study was designed as an open study with the subjects being their own control. Fifteen healthy male volunteers received therapeutic doses of codeine (Kodein Meda) for 6 days. On Day 3, 500 mg or 125 mg of testosterone enanthate (Testoviron®-Depot) was administered. Spot urine samples were collected for 17 days, and blood samples were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 14 days after codeine intake. The circulatory concentration of total testosterone decreased significantly by 20% after 3 days' use of codeine (p = 0.0002) and an atypical ABP result was noted in one of the subjects. On the other hand, the concomitant use of codeine and testosterone did not affect the elevated urinary T/E ratio. In 75% of the individuals, the concentration of urinary morphine (a metabolite of codeine) was above the decision limit for morphine. One of the participants displayed a morphine/codeine ratio of 1.7 after codeine treatment, indicative of morphine abuse. In conclusion, our study shows that codeine interferes with the endogenous testosterone concentration. As a result, the urinary steroid profile may lead to atypical findings in the doping test.

Genetic Expression Profile of Vitamin D Metabolizing Enzymes in the First Trimester.

The aim of this study was to map the genetic expression of the vitamin D metabolizing enzymes CYP27A, CYP27B1, CYP2R1, and CYP24A1 in the first trimester in different human fetal tissues. In addition, the gene expression was correlated with fetal age, season, and presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding CYP27A1 (rs4674344), CYP2R1 (rs2060793), and CYP24A1 (rs6013897). Fetal samples from livers (n=60), kidneys (n=43), lungs (n=37), and intestines (n=14) were analyzed by quantitative PCR. In addition, the expression of the enzymes was also analyzed in adult livers (n=20). The highest expression of CYP2R1 and CYP24A1 was found in fetal kidney and lung. CYP27A1 was expressed at the highest levels in the liver and kidney and CYP27B1 had the highest levels in the kidney. The expression of fetal hepatic CYP2R1 and CYP27A1 was increased during summertime. Carriers of the G-allele of the rs2060793 SNP in the CYP2R1 gene, a genotype previously associated with rickets, had lower levels of CYP2R1 mRNA.In conclusion, this study suggest that the kidneys rather than the liver, may be of importance for fetal vitamin D metabolism, even for the 25-hydroxylation, during the first trimester. The results also suggest that the lungs and intestines are important for vitamin D metabolism in the fetus. Finally, GG- carriers of the rs2060793 SNP had significantly lower CYP2R1 expression and might be at risk for 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency.

Impact of single-dose nandrolone decanoate on gonadotropins, blood lipids and HMG CoA reductase in healthy men.

The aim was to study the effect and time profile of a single dose of nandrolone decanoate (ND) on gonadotropins, blood lipids and HMG CoA reductase [3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR)] in healthy men. Eleven healthy male participants aged 29-46 years were given a single dose of 150 mg ND as an intramuscular dose of Deca Durabol®, Organon. Blood samples for sex hormones, lipids and HMGCR mRNA analysis were collected prior to ND administration day 0, 4 and 14. A significant suppression of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was seen after 4 days. Total testosterone and bioavailable testosterone level decreased significantly throughout the observed study period. A small but significant decrease in sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was seen after 4 days but not after 14 days. Total serum (S)-cholesterol and plasma (P)-apolipoprotein B (ApoB) increased significantly after 14 days. In 80% of the individuals, the HMGCR mRNA level was increased 4 days after the ND administration. Our results show that a single dose of 150 mg ND increases (1) HMGCR mRNA expression, (2) total S-cholesterol and (3) P-ApoB level. The long-term consequences on cardiovascular risk that may appear in users remain to be elucidated.

Vitamin D status in Well-Controlled Caucasian HIV Patients in Relation to Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers--A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study in Sweden.

To study vitamin D (25OH D3 ) in relation to (i) microbial translocation (ii) systemic inflammation and (iii) blood lipid markers, in Caucasian, well-controlled HIV patients and healthy controls, plasma and serum samples from n = 97 male, HIV patients on HAART with immeasurable viral load (<20 copies/ml) since median 6.5 years and no concurrent inflammatory or infectious disease and n = 30 healthy controls were analysed for (i) LPS; (ii) sCD14, hsCRP, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, MCP-1 and IFN-γ; as well as (iii) blood lipids. Vitamin D levels were similarly distributed and equally low in both HIV patients and controls. There was no association between vitamin D levels and markers of microbial translocation, systemic inflammation or dyslipidemia. LPS levels were similar in both groups but HIV patients expressed higher levels of sCD14 and hsCRP, with HIV as an independent risk factor. HIV patients had higher cholesterol and Apo B levels. Notably, more HIV patients smoked and smoking was associated with lower vitamin D levels. In conclusion; these well-treated Caucasian HIV patients had similar vitamin D levels as healthy controls. However, despite perfect virological control, they exhibited slightly increased inflammatory markers and disturbed blood lipids. However, neither of these parameters were associated with low vitamin D levels but appeared to be linked to the HIV-disease per se. Thus, the rationale for vitamin D substitution as a way to improve microbial translocation and systemic inflammation is not fully supported in this HIV population.

Genetic variation, expression and ontogeny of sulfotransferase SULT2A1 in humans.

Sulfotransferases (SULTs) are enzymes involved in the metabolism of several endogenous molecules. The activity and expression exhibit inter- and intra-individual variations due to age and genetic variation. The aims of this study were to compare the gene expression of SULT2A1 in fetal and adult livers, to study the intra-individual tissue distribution, and investigate if expression is associated with a SULT2A1 copy number variation polymorphism. In contrast to other drug metabolizing enzyme systems the expression of SULT2A1 did not differ between fetal and adult liver samples and it was not affected by maternal smoking or gestational age. Gene expression in relation to sex could not be assessed as the sex of the fetuses was unknown. SULT2A1 was consistently expressed in livers and adrenals, being seven times more abundant in adrenals, but was absent in the lungs. The SULT2A1 copy number variation was proportional to gene expression in liver and adrenals. Our results show that SULT2A1 is important in the first trimester; particularly in the adrenals.

A lactoferrin-derived peptide (PXL01) for the reduction of adhesion formation in flexor tendon surgery: an experimental study in rabbits.

Injuries to flexor tendons can lead to loss of finger function after healing due to adhesion formation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the new peptide, PXL01, in the prevention of peritendinous adhesions. The effect of a single intraoperative administration of PXL01 in sodium hyaluronate on mobility of the affected digit after surgery was assessed in a rabbit model by measuring total active motion, metatarsophalangeal-claw distance and resistance to bending the digits. Load-to-failure testing was done in the same specimens to assess tendon healing. The results demonstrated that a single application of PXL01 in sodium hyaluronate significantly improved mobility of the treated digits compared with the digits in which the same surgery was carried out but no treatment was provided. No negative effects on tendon healing were observed in connection with the treatment.

Education in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Sweden and its clinical consequences.

AIM: To describe the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training programmes in Sweden for 25 years and relate those to changes in the percentage of patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who receive bystander CPR. METHODS: Information was gathered from (a) the Swedish CPR training registry established in 1983 and includes most Swedish education programmes in CPR and (b) the Swedish Cardiac Arrest Register (SCAR) established in 1990 and currently covers about 70% of ambulance districts in Sweden. RESULTS: CPR education in Sweden functions according to a cascade principle (instructor-trainers who train instructors who then train rescuers in CPR). Since 1989, 5000 instructor-trainers have taught more than 50,000 instructors who have taught nearly 2 million of Sweden's 9 million inhabitants adult CPR. This is equivalent to one new rescuer per 100 inhabitants every year in Sweden. In addition, since 1989, there are 51,000 new rescuers in Advanced Life Support (ALS), since 1996, 41,000 new Basic Life Support (BLS) rescuers with Automated External Defibrillation (AED) training, and since 1998, there are 93,000 new rescuers in child CPR. As a result of this CPR training the number of bystander CPR attempts for OHCA in Sweden increased from 31% in 1992 to 55% in 2007. CONCLUSION: By using a cascade principle for CPR education nearly 2 million rescuers were educated in Sweden (9 million inhabitants) between 1989 and 2007. This resulted in a marked increase in bystander CPR attempts.

Deletion polymorphism of the UGT2B17 gene is associated with increased risk for prostate cancer and correlated to gene expression in the prostate.

Metabolism of androgens includes glucuronidation, the major pathway of steroid elimination in several steroid target tissues. Glucuronidation is catalysed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). UGT2B17 has been shown to be particularly active against androgens and is highly abundant in the prostate. Recently, we discovered that deletion of the UGT2B17 gene is associated with low or undetectable urinary testosterone levels. Here, we determined the phenotypic outcome of the deletion by quantifying the UGT2B17 mRNA expression in normal prostate tissues in individuals with different genotypes. Additionally, the frequency of UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism was studied in a Swedish population-based case-control study including 176 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 161 controls. We found that the individuals homozygous for the insertion allele expressed 30 times more UGT2B17 mRNA in prostate tissue than the heterozygotes. Carriers of the deletion allele had a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer (OR=2.07; 95% CI=1.32-3.25). In conclusion, these results show the UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism is associated with prostate cancer risk.

Reactive changes in the adolescent porcine spine with disc degeneration due to endplate injury.

Degenerative and reactive structural alterations occurring after experimentally-induced disc degeneration were evaluated using a porcine model. A cranial perforation was made through the L4 vertebral endplate into the nucleus pulposus. Three months later, the lumbar intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebrae were dissected, fixed in formalin and further processed for histopathological analyses. The results showed that there were nucleus pulposus fragments, rather than a distinct border between the nucleus and annulus fibrosus. The central lamellae were distorted and delamination of the outer anterior layers was observed. Blood vessels emerged from the adjacent tissue, penetrated the annulus and branched into the residues of the nucleus. Nerve fibres accompanying the blood vessels could be recognized in the disc within the connective scar tissue. The epiphyseal cartilage plates in the vertebrae were hypertrophic in several areas and there was bone formation directed towards the centre of the vertebral body and the disc. Hypertrophic hyaline cartilage, newly formed bone and scar tissue filled the injury canal. A slight chronic inflammatory reaction was evident along vascular buds. The reactive changes dominated over the degenerated features in the operated disc. Physiological loading enhanced the infiltration of various tissue types characterizing immature cartilage formation. Prominent neovascularisation of the central parts of the disc is likely to be of key importance in turning the degenerative features of the remaining tissue into reactive healthy structures.

Intradiscal pressure in the degenerated porcine intervertebral disc.

Measuring intradiscal pressure is one way of mechanically assessing the discs degenerative state. In this study, the load-bearing capacity of degenerated and their adjacent lumbar intervertebral discs was evaluated using two different injury models. Seventeen adolescent pigs were divided into two groups, an annulus injury group and an endplate injury group. The annulus injury group was subjected to a stab incision in the L3-L4 disc, whereas the endplate injury group received a cranial endplate perforation of the L4 vertebral body. Both groups were biomechanically evaluated three months later using a miniaturized servohydraulic testing machine across L2-L4 and with two pressure needles inserted into the nucleus pulposus of the L2-L3 and L3-L4 discs. Linear relationships between the intradiscal pressure and the applied load were determined within the load range studied. When comparing the ratio of the injured to the adjacent disc pressure, the endplate injury was lower (mean value 0.31) than the annulus injury (mean value 0.51). The pressures in the discs adjacent to the degenerated level were found to be slightly higher. This increase can be expected due to a redistribution in mobility demands in segments adjacent to those with increased stiffness, i.e. degenerated intervertebral discs.

A novel polymorphism in the 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 (aldo-keto reductase 1C3) gene is associated with lower serum testosterone levels in caucasian men.

Genetic variation in the androgen metabolizing enzymes is important to identify and feature as they may influence the risk of prostate cancer and help clarify the etiology of the disease. Human 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 (AKR1C3) is highly expressed in the prostate gland and plays a major role in the formation and metabolism of androgens. We identified five novel polymorphisms in the AKR1C3 gene. One of those an A>G substitution in exon 2 that confers a Glu77Gly change occurred in 4.8% in Caucasians but was completely absent in Orientals. Interestingly, the testosterone level in serum was significantly lower in subjects with the Gly77 allele. A promoter A>G polymorphism was associated with significantly altered promoter activity in reporter constructs, but was not associated with any change in testosterone levels. In conclusion, the Glu77Gly polymorphism is associated with lower testosterone levels in serum.

A functional C-G polymorphism in the CYP7B1 promoter region and its different distribution in Orientals and Caucasians.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 7B1 is involved in many metabolic processes including androgen metabolism. Genetic variation in the CYP7B1 gene may play a role in predisposition to prostate cancer. Here, we screened the human CYP7B1 gene for possible polymorphisms. Only one single polymorphism was detected, a C-G change in the promoter -104 base pair from the transcription start site. The allele frequency was investigated in Swedish men and compared to a Korean population, as it is known that the frequency of prostate cancer is low among Orientals. We found that the frequency of the G-allele was 4.04% in Swedes (n=150) but only 0.33% among Koreans (n=153). Computer analysis indicated that the two variants bind with different affinities to a CCAAT-box binding protein. Expression studies with reporter constructs showed significantly higher transcriptional activity of the G variant in Hek293 cells (2.7-fold, P<0.05). In conclusion, we report here for the first time the detection of a single polymorphism in the CYP7B1 gene. This polymorphism is associated with phenotypic differences in an expression system and a widely different allele frequency in two ethnic populations, with great differences in the incidence of prostate cancer.

Psychosocial functioning in a group of Swedish adults with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism.

This study reports on psychosocial functioning in Swedish adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA). A systematically selected sample of patients and relatives was interviewed concerning their psychosocial situation. The majority was living independently. All persons but one were unemployed. None was married and none had children. Only a few had some kind of partner. Most persons needed a high level of public and/or private support. The overall adjustment was rated good in 12 percent, fair in 75 percent and poor in 12 percent. Adult persons with AS/HFA have extensive need for support from their families and/or society. This information is important in order to provide adequate interventions that are in accordance with the expressed needs of the individuals themselves.

International studies to compare methods for personal sampling of bitumen fumes.

A newly recommended Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) sampler, optimized for the inhalable fraction, was compared with 'total particulate' samplers currently used by five laboratories in different countries for the analysis of bitumen fumes. Using a laboratory fume generator, all samplers were uniformly exposed to bitumen fumes from typical USA bitumen (commercial Pen 65). The results show that, for laboratory-generated bitumen fumes, benzene-extractable inhalable particulate data for the IOM sampler are consistent with benzene soluble matter data from the other samplers. Direct comparison of the IOM sampler with the 37 mm closed-face cassette (USA sampler) using an identical protocol in a single laboratory gave a ratio of 1.05:1 (USA:IOM). Similarly, for total particulate matter, the standard previously recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), an average value of approximately 1 between the IOM and the five samplers was obtained. For unadulterated bitumen fumes, the geometry of the cassettes does not appear to affect entry of the particles into the sampler. Field studies may show differences in results as other factors, e.g. wind and its effect on sampling efficiency, and also particulates originating from sources other than bitumen, such as dust, are involved. These will require thorough investigation prior to the assessment of the impact of the new sampler and prior to any reconsideration of occupational exposure limits taking into account practical feasibility. Other tests were conducted on the bitumen fume samples including total organic matter, simulated distillation and polycyclic aromatic compound analysis. These additional tests were performed on the fume collected on the filter plus the volatile portion that passed through the filter and was captured on various adsorbent materials. Protocols for sample collection and analysis varied in different countries with results reflective of these differences, suggesting the need for standardization.

Intensive use of intravascular ultrasound during coronary angioplasty. A six-month campaign.

BACKGROUND: Compared to coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) gives additional information important for the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedure, but is time-consuming and may cause complications. AIM: To evaluate, during a period of intensive use of IVUS, the impact of IVUS on the final decision on balloon/stent diameter, consumption of devices, time-consumption and IVUS-related complications. METHOD: During a 6-month period, IVUS was contemplated in all PTCA procedures and the reason for not using IVUS was specified. We used CVIS during the first, and Endosonics during the last 3 months, and both periods started with 1 week of hands-on practice. All procedures were to be planned according to an initial quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), and the finally achieved result, material used and complications were registered. RESULTS: The proportion of IVUS/PTCA was 37% during, 8% 6 months before and 12% 6 months after the study period. Three hundred and twenty-three patients were included in the study (57% of all patients), 199 of them were subjected to IVUS. The indications for PTCA during the study period were stable angina (58%), unstable angina (32%) and acute myocardial infarction (10%). The main reasons for not doing IVUS were use of 6F guiding catheter (13%), urgent procedure (12%) and occluded vessel (11%). Initial QCA detected 253 stenoses in 199 patients and 64 additional stenoses were treated, most of them probably detected by IVUS. QCA systematically underestimated vessel size, particularly in small vessels. There was a non-significant trend to more accurate estimations towards the end of the study in small vessels. Dissection, probably due to IVUS, occurred in two cases (1%). There were no significant differences in the number of devices used in IVUS compared to non-IVUS patients. The procedural time was 24 min longer in IVUS than in non-IVUS cases and more stenoses were treated per procedure in the IVUS group. CONCLUSION: Coronary angiography often underestimated balloon/stent size but in an unpredictable way, with a substantial proportion of significant stenoses being undetected. IVUS had few serious complications, did not increase device consumption but prolonged procedural time.

The diagnostic performance of vertebral displacement measurements derived from ultrasonic indentation in an in vivo model of degenerative disc disease.

STUDY DESIGN: The diagnostic performance of a newly described variable was assessed in an in vivo model of disc degeneration using a split-pair experimental design. OBJECTIVE: To determine if vertebral displacement measures generated from ultrasonic indentation could distinguish between experimental and control groups of animals. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few procedures are available that noninvasively assess subcutaneous vertebral mechanics. Information from such a procedure would be of value in determining potential clinical relevance of spinal mechanics with respect to low back pain. METHODS: Eight adolescent pigs underwent endplate perforation surgery to initiate lumbar disc degeneration. After 4 months of recovery, these and eight age-matched controls were assessed by ultrasonic indentation, a noninvasive procedure that quantifies vertebral displacements in the plane of loading-indentation. Each animal then received a facetectomy and was reindented at the same location as confirmed by ultrasonic imaging. Discal materials were removed postmortem for analysis. RESULTS: Degenerative discs exhibited morphologic changes consistent with early degenerative disc disease. Prefacetectomy comparison of vertebral displacement measures between control and experimental animals resulted in sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy values of 75.0%, 83.3%, and 77%, respectively. After facetectomy these values increased to 87.5%, 83.3%, and 85%, respectively. These measures of diagnostic performance were comparable or superior to those of existing clinical techniques (invasive or otherwise) used to assess degenerative conditions of the spine. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that noninvasive measures of vertebral displacement are clinically significant and possess the additional advantages of being objective and noninvasive.

Characteristics and outcome among patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest in monitored and non-monitored areas.

AIM: To describe the characteristics and outcome among patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest in relation to whether the arrest took place in a ward with monitoring facilities. METHODS: All patients who suffered an in-hospital cardiac arrest during a 4-year period in Sahlgrenska Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden and in whom resuscitative efforts were attempted, were prospectively recorded and described in terms of characteristics and outcome. RESULTS: Among 557 patients, 292 (53%) had a cardiac arrest in wards with monitoring facilities. Those in a monitored location more frequently had a confirmed or possible acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as judged to be the cause of arrest (P < 0.0001), and the arrest was witnessed more frequently (96 vs. 79%; P < 0.0001). Ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia was observed more often as initial arrhythmia in monitored wards (56 vs. 44%; P = 0.006). The median interval between collapse and first defibrillation was 1 min in monitored wards and 5 min in non-monitored wards (P < 0.0001). Among patients with arrest in monitored wards 43.2% were discharged alive compared with 31.1% of patients in non-monitored wards (P = 0.004). Cerebral performance category (CPC-score) at discharge was somewhat better among survivors in monitored wards. CONCLUSION: In a Swedish University Hospital 47% of in-hospital cardiac arrests in which resuscitation was attempted took place in wards without monitoring facilities. These patients differed markedly from those having arrest in wards with monitoring facilities in terms of characteristics, interval to defibrillation and outcome. A shortening of the interval between collapse and defibrillation in these patients might increase survival even further.

Is there a difference between women and men in characteristics and outcome after in hospital cardiac arrest?

AIM: To describe the characteristics and outcome among patients suffering from an in-hospital cardiac arrest in women and men. METHODS: All patients who suffered an in-hospital cardiac arrest during a 4 year period in Sahlgrenska Hospital Göteborg, Sweden, where the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) team was called, were recorded and described prospectively in terms of characteristics and outcome. RESULTS: There were 557 patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest in whom the CPR-team was alerted. Among them, 217 (39%) were women. Women differed from men having a lower prevalence of earlier myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, renal disease and a higher prevalence of rheumatic disease. In terms of aetiology of the cardiac arrest, 47% men and 48% women were judged to have had a confirmed or possible AMI. More men than women were found in ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) (57 vs. 41%; P<0.001), whereas more women were found in pulseless electrical activity (30 vs. 15%; P<0.0001). Cerebral performance categories (CPC)-score at discharge did not differ between men and women. Among women, 36.4% survived to discharge as compared with 38.0% among men (NS). Survival from VF/VT was 64.3% in women and 52.7% in men (NS). When correcting for dissimilarities at baseline, the adjusted odd ratio for being discharged alive from hospital among women as compared with men was 1.66 (95% confidence limit 1.06-2.62; P=0.028). CONCLUSION: Thirty nine percent of patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest for whom the CPR-team was alerted, were women. Women were less frequently found in VF/VT than men. After correcting for dissimilarities at baseline, female gender was associated with a small improvement in survival.