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Biomedical subjects

A Diallo

Publications and source records attributed to A Diallo.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Some synaptic inputs and ascending projections of lateralis posterior thalamic neurons.

(1) Some synaptic inputs and telencephalic targets of lateralis intermedius-lateralis posterior (LI-LP) thalamic neurons have been investigated in the encéphale isolé cat by recording extracellular unit discharges and focal slow waves following stimulation of cortical areas 5 and 7, center median (CM) thalamic nucleus and mesencephalic reticular formation (RF). (2) Orthodromic and/or antidromic discharges in LI-LP neurons following anterior suprasylvian stimulation are electrophysiological evidence of thalamocortical reciprocal pathway in this "association" system. A few neurons were backfired from several cortical stimulated foci at different latencies, thus suggesting the existence of LI-LP output cells with branching axons. The numerous cases of cortically elicited synaptic excitation in LI-LP cells, taken together with evidence of an unexpectedly high proportion of corticothalamic neurons found in parallel experiments of this laboratory on areas 5 and 7, support the suggestion that complex functions of the "association" cortex partially depend on its downstrem connections with thalamic integrative structures. (3) Monosynaptic and oligosynaptic excitatory projections link the brain stem reticular core with LI-LP nuclear group. For some neurons, this is a high-security pathway as shown by the ability of thalamic cells to follow at short latencies fast repetitive reticular shocks. The RF-elicited phasic excitation is followed by a period of suppressed spontaneous and evoked discharge. The excitatory projections from the upper brain stem RF to the LI-LP nuclei are discussed in relation to disfacilitatory phenomena in thalamocortical systems due to withdrawal of reticulofugal ascending activation at sleep onset.

Afferent Pathways↗

Reticular influences on lateralis posterior thalamic neurons.

(1) Spontaneous firing of lateralis intermedius-lateralis posterior (LI-LP) thalamic output cells, as well as excitatory-inhibitory sequences elicited in LI-LP neurons by anterior suprasylvian cortical and center median (CM) thalamic stimulation were studied in encéphale isolé preparations during control periods of EEG synchronization and during EEG activation induced by stimulating the mesencephalic reticular formation (RF). (2) Mean rate of spontaneous firing of identified thalamocortical neurons increased during spontaneous or RF-induced EEG activation and decreased during EEG synchronization, occuring spontaneously or elicited by hypocapnia. Compared with the sustained firing during EEG activation, discharge patterns of output cells during EEG synchronization were characterized by very short (less than 5 msec) and very long (greater than 1 sec) interspike intervals, and by a class of intervals reflecting rhythmic (2.5-4/sec) periods of neuronal silence between high-frequency spike bursts. (d) The following effects were exerted by a short conditioning mesencephalic RF stimulation on cortically evoked events in single LI or LP thalamic neurons: (a) increased probability of the early, antidromically or orthodromically elicited discharges; (b) decreased probability of late (15-25 msec) discharges; (c) shortened latency of the subsequent inhibitory period; (d) reduction in the duration of the first inhibitory phase, and blocking of subsequent, cyclic inhibitory pauses as well as disorganization of postinhibitory clustered excitation.

Afferent Pathways↗

Diagnosis of acute bacterial pneumonia in Nigerian children. Value of needle aspiration of lung of countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis.

Eighty-eight Nigerian children with untreated, severe, acute pneumonia were investigated by standard bacteriological techniques (blood culture and culture of pharyngeal secretions) and by needle aspiration of the consolidated lung. Countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) against grouped pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b antisera was carried out on serum samples from 45 patients. The aetiology of pneumonia was shown by examination of the needle aspirate in 70/88 patients (79%), by CIE in 9/45 patients (20%), and by blood culture in 4/36 patients (11%). Overall, a bacterial cause for pneumonia was shown in 73/88 patients (83%). The results of pharyngeal culture were misleading when compared with cultures of needle aspirates. The prediction of aetiology from the radiological appearance was alos inaccurate, even for labor pneumonia. Needle aspiration of the lung, with a low (5%) and minor complication rate, merits wider application in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary infections in children. Tradiational bacteriological techniques (blood culture and pharyngeal culture) are of very limited value. The place of CIE in the investigation of childhood pneumonia still needs thorough evaluation.

Acute Disease↗

Cortically elicited spike-wave after discharges in thalamic neurons.

Self-sustained, 3-4/sec spike-wave ADs were elicited in lateralis intermedius-lateralis posterior thalamic bursting neurons following incremental responses elicited by 10/sec shock-trains applied to the anterior suprasylvian cortex. The pattern of cortically elicited thalamic spike-wave complexes, with brief depolarizing components and a long-lasting hyperpolarizing wave, resembles that of previously described spike-wave seizures elicited in cortical interneurons following specific thalamo-cortical augmenting responses.

Animals↗

[Septicemic complications of venous perfusion catheterization. 4 years' experience in an intensive care unit].

Septicemia is a complication of prolonged venous catheterisation; although rare, is at present important owing to the severity of the condition and the possibility of prevention. The severity should lead one to very careful precautions to avoid sepsis, which antibiotic therapy and emergencies often lead one to neglect. The development of research on the prophylaxis of septicemia suggests that in the future, prolonged intravenous fluid may be given less dangerously. They are usually essential during the initial stages of intensive care.

Aged↗