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PubMed1987

Pharmacological subtraction of the sensory controls over grasping in rats.

Catecholamine-depletion-induced catalepsy isolates and leaves intact an aggregate of allied reflexes (e.g., righting, standing still, bracing, and clinging) which involve all the body and limb segments in defending stable static equilibrium. Because other movement subsystems (locomotion, orienting, scanning, directed use of mouth or forepaws) are depressed, such animals cling in a vertical position for an abnormally long period of time. As a consequence, grasping reflexes may be studied independently of other responses. Haloperidol, a dopamine antagonist, abolishes visually elicited reaching and grasping, but leaves intact tactile and proprioceptive control of grasping. The grasping of haloperidol-treated rats can be further simplified by the pharmacological removal of the remaining sensory controls. The addition of morphine to haloperidol abolishes tactile grasping, while the addition of diazepam to haloperidol abolishes both tactile and proprioceptive (traction-elicited) grasping. Although visual, tactile, and proprioceptive grasping are abolished by haloperidol-plus-diazepam, some vestibular input to clinging remains: such rats, in response to being held vertically upright in the air, flex their digits with sufficient strength to allow them to cling vertically. The strength of forepaw digit flexion is severely diminished by labyrinthectomy, but the digits of the hindpaws appear to be unaffected. This residual non-labyrinthine digit gripping appears to be induced by proprioceptive inputs from the head, neck and torso in response to the vertical body position. Wrapping an elastic bandage snugly around the head and neck of a labyrinthectomized rat given haloperidol-plus-diazepam further diminishes the strength of forepaw digit flexion, and to a lesser degree hindpaw digit flexion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Potentiation of the immobility response elicited by bandaging and clamping in mesencephalic rats.

In earlier work, we showed that adult rats exhibit immobility response (IR) if a clamp is fastened to the skin of the nape of the neck, but not at other areas of the body, and not by bandaging. The present study characterizes IR in adult rats with complete mesencephalic transections. In the mesencephalic rats, the duration of the IR not only increased, but the stimuli capable of eliciting it were more diverse. All head and body areas clamped or bandaged were capable of inducing a profound IR. In contrast, the IR in intact rats was of shorter duration, and was only induced by clamping the neck, or by bandaging the upper or the lower torso. Furthermore, unlike the mesencephalic rats the ability of the bandaging to induce IR is reduced after the first trial and finally disappears. Only clamping the neck was able to persistently induce IR in intact rats. These data support the hypothesis that the IR control system is in the midbrain, hindbrain or spinal cord, and that systems above the mesencephalon modulate the IR. Such modulation appears to involve the ability to discriminate amongst tactile stimuli, and to integrate previous experience.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Distribution of microfilariae in Guatemalans with onchocerciasis.

Ten Simulium ochraceum were allowed to feed at 10 different sites on 12 Guatemalans with onchocerciasis, and skin snips were taken from six of these sites. Numbers of microfilariae (mff) ingested by the flies and mff emerging from skin snips were highly correlated and showed that concentrations were greatest on the torso and decreased peripherally. S. ochraceum ingested the number of mff present in 1.0 mg or under 1.5 mm2 of skin. Numbers of mff in skin snips from the head, shoulder and upper arm correlated with over-all levels of infection but were frequently negative in subjects with light infections. Two or more skin snips were best able to detect and quantify infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

New directions for oculomotor research.

This paper reviews major trends in the study of the oculomotor system since Westheimer published his doctoral research on this topic 35 years ago. Westheimer introduced the use of linear system analysis for the study of eye movements, an approach used a great deal by others ever since. Westheimer himself abandoned this approach within a decade, in part, because this kind of analysis becomes ambiguous when predictive properties of oculomotor system performance become prominent. We discuss the implications of ignoring the prominence of predictive eye movements and describe recent evidence for their prevelence and power. This leads us to propose that a new approach to the study of oculomotor performance is required. We also discuss the recent trend to apply the "connectionist" (or "neural network") approach in studies of the oculomotor system, and point out that the "symbolic", rather than the "adaptive", nature of predictive eye movements makes successful extension of these models to oculomotor performance unlikely. Our new approach emphasizes the use of natural stimulation in subjects free from bodily restraints. Accurate measurement of eye, head and torso movements under such conditions has become possible recently and data obtained in this manner has led to the discovery of a number of unexpected characteristics of oculomotor system performance. These developments have encouraged us to abandon the modular view of the oculomotor system, popular since Dodge launched the modern era of oculomotor research in 1903, which postulates five, or more, largely independent "subsystems". We suggest that only two subsystems (a fast saccadic and a somewhat slower smooth) are used to fixate and track a central representation of objects located in three-dimensional space. We show that this two-subsystem approach is consistent with current knowledge of oculomotor system neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

A gain-of-function mutation in Drosophila MAP kinase activates multiple receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.

In the Drosophila eye, activation of the sevenless (sev) receptor tyrosine kinase is required for the specification of the R7 photoreceptor cell fate. In a genetic screen for mutations that result in the activation of the sev signaling pathway in the absence of the inducing signal, we identified a gain-of-function mutation in rolled (rlSevenmaker [rlSem]), which encodes a homolog of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. In addition to the sev pathway, this mutation activates the pathways controlled by torso and the epidermal growth factor receptor homology. The rlSem mutation results in the substitution of a single conserved amino acid in the kinase domain. Activation of MAP kinase by the rlSem mutation is both necessary and sufficient to activate multiple signaling pathways controlled by receptor tyrosine kinases.

Alleles↗
PubMed1981

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic applied to prosthetics and orthotics.

This paper describes the work carried out at the Rehabilitation Engineering Unit, Chailey Heritage Hospital, in applying carbon fibre reinforced plastic CFRP to prosthetics and orthotics. The prosthetic application relates to the construction of the Chailey Harness which was used to mount externally powered, upper limb prostheses to the torso of limb deficient children damaged by the drug Thalidomide. The application to orthotics was limited to Hip-Knee-Ankle-Orthoses (HKAO) as worn by severely handicapped children with spina bifida and led to the development of a shapable CFRP/aluminium alloy hybrid composite bar. The construction of the composite, its properties and the assembly and performance of the first orthoses are described. Some of the practical problems experienced with the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic are identified.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1983

Finite element analysis of current pathways with implanted electrodes.

A technique for numerical solution to complex electric field distribution problems has been devised. The specific application for which it was developed is the analysis of current density and isopotential line spacing from implanted neurostimulation electrodes. Three configurations of cerebellar stimulation electrodes in clinical use were studied for current spread to regions distant from the cerebellum using a planar model of the human head, neck, and upper torso in mid-saggital section. It was found that an array of cathodes on the superior cerebellar surface and an array of anodes on the inferior cerebellar surface causes significant current spread to the brainstem, a prediction confirmed by clinical observation in patients with previously implanted electrodes of this configuration. Results modelling other electrode configurations are also presented, along with a study of the effects of possible inaccuracies in available impedance data for neural tissue.

Brain Diseases↗
PubMed1993

A critical review of the genotoxic potential of electric and magnetic fields.

55 published articles were identified which reported results of tests of ELF (extremely low frequency) or static electric or magnetic fields for genotoxic effects. The biological assays used spanned a wide range, including microbial systems, plants, Drosophila, mammalian and human cells in vitro and in vivo. Experimental results were grouped into four exposure categories: ELF Electric; ELF Magnetic; Static Electric; and Static Magnetic. The internal electric fields present in media (for in vitro experiments) and in the torso and extremities (for in vivo experiments) were estimated, providing an index of comparison. All experiments were critically analyzed with respect to basic data quality criteria. Experiments within each exposure category were then compared to determine if results reinforced or contradicted one another. The preponderance of evidence suggests that neither ELF nor static electric or magnetic fields have a clearly demonstrated potential to cause genotoxic effects. However, there may be genotoxic activity from exposure under conditions where phenomena auxiliary to an electric field, such as spark discharges, electrical shocks, or corona can occur. In addition, two unconfirmed reports suggest the genotoxic potential of certain chemical mutagens or ionizing radiation may be affected by co-exposure to electric or magnetic fields. Certain exposure categories are not represented or are under-represented by tests in some genotoxicity test systems that are usually included in minimal test batteries as specified by EPA for chemicals. It is suggested that consideration be given to whether additional genotoxicity testing is warranted to fill these gaps.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The role of the inferior collicular cortex in the neonatal rat: sensorimotor modulation.

A tail pinch in rats up to 10 days of age produces a spectrum of motor behaviors characterized by forelimb paddling, hindlimb treading and occasional curling and rolling of the torso, a behavioral pattern similar to the seizure behaviors electrically-elicited from the inferior collicular cortex of 5- or 10-day-old rats. In 5-day-old rats, these tail pinch-induced paddling and treading behaviors coincided with afterdischarge-like EEG activity recorded from the seizure-sensitive site in the inferior collicular cortex. In contrast, no change in the EEG activity occurred in an adjacent seizure-insensitive site during these tail pinch-induced behaviors. Similar electrographic-behavioral synchrony was found in 10-day-old rats, but by 16 days of age, as in the adult rat, a tail pinch stimulus did not induce post-stimulus behavioral changes or afterdischarge-like EEG activity. Since auditory function does not develop until 12-14 days of age in the rat, we propose that the inferior collicular cortex modulates sensorimotor integration in the neonatal rat, prior to assumption of this function by the cerebral cortex.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

GABA-specificity of behaviour responses to picrotoxin injected into the colliculus superior of cats.

The behavioural response to picrotoxin (25-500 ng) injected into the colliculus superior (CS) of freely moving cats was investigated. The maximal response to unilateral injections of picrotoxin (greater than or equal to 200 ng) was characterized by the following sequence of behavioural events. During the first 5 min after the injection the cat executed retroflexions of the contralateral ear. After 1-5 min these contralateral ear movements were followed by short, contralateral head movements. As time progressed the front part of the body, including the forelimbs, became involved in the movements resulting in contralateral torso movements. Finally, as the response was maximal, the whole body became involved in the movements resulting in contralateral body movements. Data are shown indicating that most of these behavioural phenomena were dose-dependent, locus-specific, and GABA-specific. Bilateral injections of picrotoxin resulted in similar characteristic movements, but now directed towards both sides and/or directed 'ventrocaudally'. Finally, it was found that blindfolding the animals did not change the response to unilaterally injected picrotoxin. As the behavioural phenomena described here are dissimilar to the effects observed after disturbing the GABAergic activity in the substantia nigra, pars reticulata (SNR), it is concluded that the CS, being an output station of the SNR, transforms its input signals into new output signals. Finally, it is suggested that picrotoxin resulted in a fixed code at the level of the CS, forcing the animal to execute characteristic motor patterns.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Multicentre dosimetry study of mantle treatment in Australia and New Zealand.

PURPOSE: To determine the difference between expected and measured dose for patients prescribed a mantle treatment for Hodgkin's disease and estimate the range of dose at critical sites and between different treatment centres. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty three radiotherapy centres were surveyed with regard to the accuracy of dose delivery to a custom-built upper-torso phantom. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to monitor the delivered dose at sites such as mid-plane, spinal cord, neck, axilla and lung. RESULTS: The intended dose to the phantom at each centre was 1 Gy to central axis mid-plane. Of the centres surveyed, the median measured dose to this region was 0.96 Gy with a minimum of 0.92 and a maximum of 1.00 Gy. Median dose to the axilla region was low (0.90 Gy) whereas median dose to the blocked lung and neck region were higher than expected, 0.18 Gy and 1.25 Gy, respectively. The 95% confidence interval on the reported relative dose using the 4000 thermoluminescence dosimetry readings in this study was +/- 1.5% CONCLUSION: In this controlled experiment, using conventional methods to calculate dose, there was a surprising variability in the dose delivered at the central axis mid-plane position. This was traced to lack of uniformity in the use of equivalent squares to calculate the output factor. The measured doses to axilla and lung are explained by photon and electron scattering effects. Centres, where dose compensation was included, had a superior dose homogeneity in the neck. The off-axis dose calculations depend on computer planning software but the magnitude of these differences is secondary to that of central axis mid-point dose differences. Improved consistency of dose calculation techniques between centres would enable more reliable dose response evaluation from multicentre clinical studies of Hodgkin's disease.

Australia↗
PubMed1992

Cutaneous Bowen's disease. An analysis of 1001 cases according to age, sex, and site.

BACKGROUND: There are no large studies of Bowen's disease that have analyzed its distribution according to age, sex, and site. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed primarily to determine whether there were significant sex and site differences in the distribution of Bowen's disease. METHODS: One thousand one skin biopsy specimens of Bowen's disease were analyzed according to age, sex, and site of origin. RESULTS: This study revealed that the most common site of Bowen's disease was the head and neck (440 lesions), whereas specimens from the lower limbs (298 lesions) and upper limbs (198 lesions) outnumbered specimens from the torso (65 lesions). Of 298 specimens from the lower limbs, 72.1% were from women; 79.3% of the 87 specimens from the scalp and ears were from men. Eighty percent of the 85 specimens of Bowen's disease from the cheeks were from women. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that cutaneous Bowen's disease occurs mainly on sun-exposed sites. This is also supported by the predominance of Bowen's disease on the lower limbs in women and on the scalp and ears in men. The basis for the female predominance on the cheeks is unknown, but may reflect the increased vulnerability to sun damage of superficial vellus hair follicles that predominate on the cheeks in women. This finding may provide indirect support for the hypothesis that some forms of Bowen's disease have a follicular histogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

'Axial apraxia' in labyrinthectomized lateral hypothalamic-damaged rats.

Contact righting, that is, turning from a recumbent position to prone, is abolished for a few days after large electrolytic lesions of the lateral hypothalamus. With recovery, contact righting reappears, but does so in a distinct manner. At first the body is righted by backleg movements, in the absence of any active axial rotation. Later, righting switches from back to front, so that righting begins in the shoulders and then proceeds to the pelvis. Such righting is achieved by axial rotation, that is, the limbs are carried by the torso, rather than vice versa. Labyrinthectomy, when combined with lateral hypothalamic (LH) damage, slows this recovery (now taking as long as 3 weeks), and reveals many intermediate stages of contact-righting. The absence of axial rotation in the early stages of recovery from combined LH damage and labyrinthectomy is compared to the 'axial apraxia' seen in some parkinsonian patients.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Acute pain response in infants: a multidimensional description.

Fourteen infants who were undergoing routine immunization were studied from a multidimensional perspective. The measures used were heart rate, crying, body movement/posturing, and voice spectrographs. There was wide variability between infants on the measures, especially on the cry spectrographs, although facial expression was consistent across infants. The pattern that did emerge was characterized by an initial response: a drop in heart rate, a long, high pitched cry followed by a period of apnea, rigidity of the torso and limbs, and a facial expression of pain. This was followed by a sharp increase in heart rate, lower pitched, but dysphonated cries, less body rigidity, but still facial expression was of pain. Finally, in the second half of the minute's response, heart rate remained elevated, cries were lower pitched, more rhythmic, with a rising-falling pattern, and were mostly phonated, and body posturing returned to normal. Those faces that could be viewed also were returning to the at rest configuration. It was suggested that facial expression may be the most consistent across-infant indicator of pain at this point in time.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Lidocaine patch: double-blind controlled study of a new treatment method for post-herpetic neuralgia.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common and often intractable neuropathic pain syndrome predominantly affecting the elderly. Topical local anesthetics have shown promise in both uncontrolled and controlled studies. Thirty-five subjects with established PHN affecting the torso or extremities completed a four-session, random order, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of the analgesic effects of topically applied 5% lidocaine in the form of a non-woven polyethylene adhesive patch. All subjects had allodynia on examination. Up to 3 patches, covering a maximum of 420 cm2, were applied to cover the area of greatest pain as fully as possible. Lidocaine containing patches were applied in two of the four 12-h-long sessions, in one session vehicle patches were applied, and one session was a no-treatment observation session. Lidocaine containing patches significantly reduced pain intensity at all time points 30 min to 12 h compared to no-treatment observation, and at all time points 4--12 h compared to vehicle patches. Lidocaine patches were superior to both no-treatment observation and vehicle patches in averaged category pain relief scores. The highest blood lidocaine level measured was 0.1 micrograms/ml, indicating minimal systemic absorption of lidocaine. Patch application was without systemic side effect and well tolerated when applied on allodynic skin for 12 h. This study demonstrates that topical 5% lidocaine in patch form is easy to use and relieves post-herpetic neuralgia.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1983

Power deposition patterns in magnetically-induced hyperthermia: a two-dimensional low-frequency numerical analysis.

The electric fields and power deposition patterns generated in two-dimensional inhomogenous models exposed to the axially directed uniform magnetic fields of an infinitely long solenoid are calculated numerically. The fields are calculated using the method of moments (Galerkin procedure) with linear basis and weighting functions. This low-frequency analysis is useful for studying the power deposition patterns attributable to solenoidal inductive applicators operated at frequencies up to 13.56 MHz. For the models we have studied, the ratio of power per volume deposited into the tumor to power per volume deposited into the immediately surrounding tissue is largest for tumors in the lung, although the power per volume deposited into the outermost layer is still much larger than the power per volume deposited into the tumor; it may be possible, however, to cool this region adequately from the body surface. When the complex permittivity of the tumor model is similar to that of the region in which it is embedded, the currents in the torso and tumor circulate primarily around the center of the body, as has been previously calculated for concentric cylinders. When the complex permittivity of the tumor is much greater than the region in which it is embedded, the currents in the tumor circulate primarily around the center of the tumor.

Diathermy↗
PubMed1983

Dose to lung in primary breast irradiation.

Using anatomic data derived from computerized tomography (CT) scans of the torso, the volume of lung irradiated during primary breast treatment has been measured for a variety of irradiation techniques. Two-field tangential plans which are angled into lung to treat also the internal mammary nodes have been compared to three-field plans which include a separate internal mammary field (IMF). The volume of lung achieving high dose (greater than 3000 rad) is similar in both techniques when photons only are used. Electron beam treatment of the IMF is successful in lowering the lung dose. Additional treatment plans that angle the IMF parallel to the tangential fields may offer some theoretical advantage.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1984

Breast phantom for ion chamber dosimetry.

For studies of breast treatment techniques, a water phantom has been developed which allows high accuracy dose measurements using an ion chamber. The phantom is made from the torso of a female mannequin, which is supported so that it can be positioned either supine or prone. The back of the mannequin has been cut away to allow the phantom to be filled with water when positioned prone. The phantom can be simulated, planned, and treated in the manner of a patient. During "treatment" (prone rather than supine), ion chamber measurements can be made at any desired point within (or outside) the treatment volume. The ion chamber support system accurately assigns an (x, y, z) coordinate to each detector position within the phantom.

Breast Neoplasms↗