Deafferentation-induced changes in protein kinase C expression in the rat cochlear nucleus

Isoforms of the signal transducing molecule, protein kinase C (PKC), may play a role in neural plasticity following sensory deafferentation. To explore the role of PKC in central auditory plasticity, we studied the effect of auditory deafferentation on the expression of PKC betaI, betaII, gamma, and delta in the rat dorsal (DCN) and ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN), using immunocytochemistry. Male rats were treated with kanamycin and furosemide to induce hair cell loss. At various intervals post-treatment, brains were perfusion-fixed and processed for immunocytochemistry. Following deafferentation, we observed a gradual increase in PKC betaI immunoreactivity (ir) in the deepest layers of the DCN, possibly representing synapses of primary afferents or parallel fibers on unlabeled neurons. Correlated with this, we observed an increase in the number of neurons in the deep DCN that showed PKC delta ir. In controls, we observed PKC gamma ir in small ovoid cells concentrated in the middle layer of the DCN. From days 4 through 14 after deafferentation, we found an increase in the intensity of staining of these cells, with a return toward control levels by day 28. Finally, Purkinje-like cells (PLC) in the VCN, which express only PKC delta in control rats, began to express PKC gamma after deafferentation, correlated with increased expression of calbindin D28k in PLC. Thus PKC isoforms are differentially regulated in the CN following deafferentation, supporting a role for PKC in auditory plasticity.

Effect of weather on the number and the nature of visits to a pediatric ED

To determine whether unfavorable weather conditions affect the number and acuity of visits to a pediatric emergency department (ED), a retrospective analysis was conducted of children's hospital ED visits and weather conditions utilizing an ED log book and local climatological data during the year 1993. Visits, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, non-ICU admissions, time periods with favorable weather (TPF), and time periods with unfavorable weather (TPUF) were measured. Each day of the year was divided into two time periods. The time periods were labeled TPF or TPUF based on certain weather conditions. There were 632 (86%) TPF and 98 (14%) TPUF. The number of visits, non-ICU admissions, and ICU admissions during TPF were 13,008 (88%), 1,031 (87%) and 121 (86%), respectively. The number of visits, non-ICU admissions, and ICU admissions during TPUF were 1,720 (12%), 148 (13%), and 19 (14%), respectively. No significant differences in visits and admissions during TPF and TPUF were identified. Also, there was no difference identified when the distribution of visits and admissions was examined during TPUF due to different weather factors, eg, low temperature, precipitation, etc. The results show that unfavorable weather due to the types of weather factors discussed does not affect the number or the nature of visits to a pediatric ED.

Assessment of electric differential treatment (EDiT) and Endosan treatment for ovarian cysts and concomitant symptoms

The mechanisms of action and clinical applications of electric differential treatment (EDiT) and Endosan in the treatment of ovarian cysts and concomitant symptoms are reviewed. Possible mechanisms of action include an increased level of cyclic AMP, stimulation of endorphin release, anti-inflammatory action, and steroidogenesis resulting from normalization of intercellular communication. Favorable results in the clinical setting were achieved in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Treatment success was reflected in a significant reduction in overall cyst size as well as amelioration of various concomitant symptoms, including fever, chills, inflammation, and abdominal pain. EDiT and Endosan were shown to have potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. No adverse effects have been reported.

Outflow obstruction and bladder stones in Kelantan

Bladder stones in men are thought to be almost exclusively due to outflow obstruction. We studied the incidence of operations for urinary outflow obstruction and bladder stone to establish the relationship between these two conditions in Kelantan. In only 48 (31%) of 154 men undergoing removal of bladder stones was a procedure for outflow obstruction performed. Thus the remaining 69% had no clinical obstruction to account for their stones. Bladder stones were more common in prostatectomy patients than expected (42/193: 22%). We suggest that other causes may be important in the aetiology of bladder stones in Kelantan.