O-201 B2-INF: Giving voice to citizens towards improving assisted reproduction technologies for society. Gaps between young people’s perceptions and the information offered by ART providers

Study question

Are the young citizens’ perceptions and expectations on Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) aligned with the information that ART clinics offer to citizens?

Summary answer

There is a gap between young citizen’s perceptions and expectations and the information offered by ART providers taking into account gender, sociocultural, and legal perspectives.

What is known already

Studies investigating young people’s opinions, concerns, and expectations in relation to ART are scarce. Some studies have highlighted that young adults reported low general knowledge about ART and overestimated its success rates. In addition, gaps in knowledge about fertility and the potential of ART have been described among this population. To our knowledge, there are no studies that compare young people’s perceptions with the information offered by ART providers.

Study design, size, duration

B2-Inf is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No 872706), to be executed in 36 months. B2-InF contrasts ART perceptions of young population from 8 countries (Spain, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Slovenia) with the information provided by ART clinics to society in the same countries. To reach this objective, a descriptive multicentre qualitative study was designed through semi-structured interviews and documentary data collection from ART clinics

Participants/materials, setting, methods

From March to December 2021, 10-15 semi-structured interviews were conducted in each country. Participants were men and women aged 18 to 30 years old, childless and non-ART users. Additionally, 3-5 clinics’ websites from each country were planned to be explored and clinics’ ‘physical information’, such as consent forms, were requested. All the information was collected and transcribed verbatim in the native language and afterwards translated into English. A thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti V9.

Main results and the role of chance

In total, 98 interviews were conducted: 15 in Spain, 14 in Belgium, 13 in Italy, 10 in Switzerland, 15 in Kosovo, 11 in Albania, 10 in North Macedonia and 10 in Slovenia; and 33 clinics were explored: 5 in Spain, 5 in Belgium, 5 in Italy, 5 in Switzerland, 5 in Kosovo, 5 in Albania, 5 in North Macedonia and 3 in Slovenia.

The themes that emerged in the analysis of interviews were: 1. Social perceptions of parenthood and fertility; 2. Young people’s perceptions on ART; 3. Information and publicity of ART. Participants described parenthood as a relationship beyond biological ties and identified infertility as a social taboo. Young’s perceptions on ART techniques were positive and most would use it in case of need, but the knowledge related to ART was limited. Most participants suggested that trustworthy national information campaigns led by Governments should be implemented to raise awareness of ART.

Regarding clinics, information on websites addressed risk factors and prevalence of infertility. It included description of ART techniques with unclear data about success rates, economic information and clinics human resources and facilities. Gaps were identified between citizens’ expectations and needs and the online information provided by ART clinics.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is a first thematic analysis that provides an overview of the possible gaps between young citizen’s expectations and the information provided by ART clinics. In next steps of B2-InF project, an in-depth qualitative analysis will be conducted considering gender, sociocultural, and legal perspectives.

Wider implications of the findings

This is the first systematic multinational study that compare young people’s perceptions about ART and information provided by ART clinics. Although this is a preliminary analysis, the results will be used to develop national guidelines to inform policies on ART services with potential impact on European citizens and ART providers.

Trial registration number

European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (Grant Agreement No 872706)

Breaking a secure communication scheme based on the phase synchronization of chaotic systems

A security analysis of a recently proposed secure communication scheme based on the phase synchronization of chaotic systems is presented. It is shown that the system parameters directly determine the cipher text waveform, hence it can be readily broken by system parameter estimation from the cipher text signal.

[Comparison between two 13C-urea breath tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection: isotope ratio mass spectrometer versus infrared spectrometer]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the accuracy of the breath test using the isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) versus the nondispersive isotope-selective infrared spectrometer (NDIRS) in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHOD

Multicenter study in 4 Spanish hospitals. One group of dyspeptic patients who had not undergone prior eradication therapy and another group of patients with gastric ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal ulcer receiving H. pylori eradication therapy were included in the study. A reference standard based on histology and the rapid urease test was used. The breast test (TAU-KIT, Isomed S.L., Madrid, Spain) was performed with citric acid and 100 mg of 13C-urea. Samples of expired air were collected in tubes and bags for reading with the IRMS (ABCA, PDZ, Crewe, Manchester, England) and the NDIRS (UBiT-IR200, Otsuka Electronics, Co, Osaka, Japan), respectively. The endoscopist, pathologist and person responsible for reading the urease test and both breath tests were blinded to the results of the other diagnostic methods.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were included. The prevalence of H. pylori was 26%. No differences were found on comparing the mean values obtained with the IRMS and the NDIRS: 13 (standard deviation) (24) and 14 (25) delta units, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for the IRMS and the NDIRS was 0.96. The diagnostic accuracy for the best cut-off point with the IRMS and the NDIRS was, respectively: sensitivity (90 and 100%), specificity (96 and 89%), positive predictive value (90 and 77%), negative predictive value (96 and 100%), + likelihaod ratio (25 and 9.3) and (0.1 and 0). A close correlation was found between the values of the IRMS and those of the NDIRS (lineal regression equation, Y = 1.1 + 1.004. X; r = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Both the spectrometers used to evaluate the breath test, the IRMS and the NDIRS, offer a high degree of accuracy in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection.

Validation of the 13c-urea breath test for the initial diagnosis of helicobacter pylori infection and to confirm eradication after treatment

OBJECTIVES

the breath test with 13C-urea (UBT) is a method widely used in Spain, but its diagnostic accuracy has not been evaluated in a clinical trial until now. Our objective was to validate the UBT (TAU-KIT) both as an initial diagnostic method for the detection of H. pylori infection and as a method to confirm eradication.

METHODS

a multi-centre study in 7 Spanish hospitals was performed. A group of dyspeptic patients who had not previously received eradication treatment was included, and a second group of patients with gastric ulcer or upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcer was also included (eradication of H. pylori was confirmed 6 to 8 weeks after treatment completion with omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin). In both groups an endoscopy was performed with biopsies for histology and rapid urease test. Patients were considered infected if both tests yielded positive results, and not infected when both tests were negative. The UBT 13C-urea (TAU-KIT, Isomed S.L., Madrid, Spain) was performed with citric acid and 100 mg of 13C-urea. The pathologist and persons responsible for endoscopy, urease test and UBT were all unaware of the results from the other diagnostic methods.

RESULTS

in the pre-treatment group (36 patients) the prevalence of H. pylori was 72%, the area under the ROC curve for the diagnosis of infection with the UBT was 0.99, and the best cut-off point was 5 units, with the following results: sensitivity= 96% (95% CI = 81-99%), specificity= 100% (69-100%), positive predictive value (PPV) = 100% (87-100%), negative predictive value (NPV) = 92% (59-100%), likelihood ratio (LR) + = infinity, and LR- = 0.04. In the post-treatment group (85 patients) the prevalence of H. pylori was 16%, the area under the ROC curve was 0.99, and the best cut point was 4.6, with the following results: sensitivity= 100% (77-100%), specificity = 97% (90-99%), PPV = 88% (62-98%), NPV = 100% (95-100%), LR+ = 35, and LR- = 0.

CONCLUSION

UBT provides excellent accuracy both for the initial diagnosis of H. pylori infection and to confirm eradication after treatment.

Digestive anisakiasis: clinical manifestations and diagnosis according to localization

OBJECTIVES

Digestive anisakiasis is a parasitic disease whose clinical manifestations depend on the effect of Anisakis simplex on the digestive tract wall. Larvae are acquired by eating raw or poorly cooked fish. It is estimated that this entity is currently under-diagnosed, although publications are becoming increasingly common. We analyse our series of digestive anisakiasis checking localization and studying its relationship with symptoms and method of diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We review 23 cases of digestive anisakiasis registered between 1989 and 2001, and confirmed by the measurement of specific serum Ig E antibodies. We analyse clinical symptoms and method of diagnosis according to whether localization was gastro-duodenal or intestinal, evaluating whether surgical intervention was needed for a correct diagnosis. The statistical analysis is made using Fisher's test.

RESULTS

23 patients were included between 1989 and 2001, 8 with gastro-duodenal localization and 15 with intestinal localization. All patients with intestinal localization had abdominal pain. Symptoms were less severe for gastro-duodenal cases, and diagnosis was made by clinical suspicion and subsequent gastroscopy, whereas more than a half of intestinal cases required histological examination of a surgical specimen for correct diagnosis. In the remaining half, diagnosis was made by abdominal ultrasonography. We also observed that the need for surgery has decreased with time from 6/6 cases in the 1989-1996 period of time to 2/9 in the 1997-2001 period of time.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical manifestations of anisakiasis vary depending on localization, symptoms being more severe in intestinal forms. The diagnosis of gastro-duodenal anisakiasis did not need surgery and was based mainly on gastroscopy findings, whereas intestinal forms frequently required histological examination of the surgical specimen. In our hospital, a higher index of clinical suspicion allowed us to diagnose intestinal anisakiasis without examination of surgical specimens in the last years.

Prognostic power of dobutamine echocardiography after uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction in the elderly

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To assess the prognostic value of dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography (DSE) after uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in elderly patients.

DESIGN

We analyzed 59 consecutive patients (42 men) aged > or = 70 years (mean +/- SD age, 75 +/- 4 years) who underwent DSE within 10 days after uncomplicated AMI. DSE was carried out following the standard protocol. Five myocardial responses were considered: (1) negative, (2) sustained improvement of contractility, (3) biphasic response (initial improvement followed by worsening), (4) worsening of contractility in the infarcted area, and (5) worsening at a distance.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up duration was 13 +/- 8 months. Twenty-one patients had an event: cardiac death (n = 5), myocardial infarction (n = 1), heart failure (n = 1), unstable angina (n = 10), and revascularization (n = 4). Clinical and stress echocardiographic variables previously related to adverse prognosis were entered in Cox regression analysis, and the predictors of impaired outcome were inducible ischemia during DSE (hazard ratio [HR], 2.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77 to 4.99; p < 0.001) and resting wall motion score index (WMSI) > 1.6 (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.77; p = 0.04). After excluding revascularization procedures and considering only spontaneous events, the following predictors were found: ischemia during DSE (HR, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.78 to 3.12; p < 0.001) and resting WMSI > 1.6 (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.30 to 4.93; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Inducible ischemia during DSE within 10 days after uncomplicated AMI predicts an impaired outcome in the elderly.

[Cost effectiveness study on the use of somatostatin for reduction of acute pancreatitis after ERCP]

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies show that intravenous injection of somatostatin before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with a significant reduction in the rate of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis. The lack of data in our environment led us to study the possible economic benefits of somatostatin administration, obtained through the reduction of costs due to post-ERCP acute pancreatitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Theoretical study of the direct costs of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis using Markov's tree decisions. The costs of the group pre-treated with intravenous administration of 3 mg of somatostatin were compared with those of the control group. Post-ERCP rates of pancreatitis of 10% were accepted in the control group and rates of 3% were accepted in the somatostatin group. The costs of the different types of pancreatitis were as follows: costs with and without complications and with surgical intervention were based on the diagnosis related group-weights applied by the Ministry of Health in the Contract-program of the Health Service of Navarre for 1999. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis from which an economic benefit would be obtained in the group pre-treated with somatostatin.

RESULTS

Mean theoretical cost per procedure was 121,640 pesetas for the control group and 105,539 for the group pre-treated with somatostatin. Saving per patient was 13.26% (16,101 pesetas). The sensitivity analysis revealed that in the control group premedication produced an economic benefit starting from a pancreatitis rate of 4.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Independently of the clinical benefit signifying the reduction of post-ERCP pancreatitis, somatostatin administration led to a saving of 16,101 pesetas per patient. Accepting that the pancreatitis rate in the treated group was proportionately reduced, the sensitivity analysis showed that premedication produced an economic benefit starting from a pancreatitis rate of 4.2% in the control group.

Hemodynamic and antiadrenergic effects of dronedarone and amiodarone in animals with a healed myocardial infarction

The hemodynamic and antiadrenergic effects of dronedarone, a noniodinated compound structurally related to amiodarone, were compared with those of amiodarone after prolonged oral administration, both at rest and during sympathetic stimulation in conscious dogs with a healed myocardial infarction. All dogs (n = 6) randomly received orally dronedarone (10 and 30 mg/kg), amiodarone (10 and 30 mg/kg), and placebo twice daily for 7 days, with a 3-week washout between consecutive treatments. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MBP), positive rate of increase of left ventricular pressure (+LVdP/dt), echocardiographically assessed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and fractional shortening (FS), as well as chronotropic response to isoproterenol and exercise-induced sympathetic stimulation were evaluated under baseline and posttreatment conditions. Resting values of LVEF, FS, +LVdP/dt, and MBP remained unchanged whatever the drug and the dosing regimen, whereas resting HR was significantly and dose-dependently lowered after dronedarone and to a lesser extent after amiodarone. Both dronedarone and amiodarone significantly reduced the exercise-induced tachycardia and, at the highest dose, decreased the isoproterenol-induced tachycardia. Thus, dronedarone and amiodarone displayed a similar level of antiadrenergic effect and did not impair the resting left ventricular function. Consequently, dronedarone might be particularly suitable for the treatment and prevention of various clinical arrhythmias, without compromising the left ventricular function.

[The influence of sex on the performance of dobutamine echocardiography for the diagnosis of ischemic cardiopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the usefulness of dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease among men and women.

METHODS

We have consecutively studied 137 men and 99 women without a previous history of coronary artery disease who underwent dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography and coronary angiography afterwards.

RESULTS

Significant coronary artery disease was detected in 102 men and 42 women (74% and 42% respectively; p < 0.001). 64% of the women had single-vessel versus 45% of the men (p < 0.05). Dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography was positive in 78 men and 35 women. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the test were 72%, 88% and 76% for men and 69%, 89% and 83% for women (p = NS). Positive predictive value was higher in men (95% in men versus 83% in women; p < 0.05) and negative predictive value was significantly greater in women than in men (79% versus 52%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography is not affected by gender. Positive predictive value is higher in men and negative in women owing to the differences in both sexes of the prevalence of coronary artery disease.

Ordering of the Mandelbrot-like set of the exponential map

We graphically study the Mandelbrot-like set of the complex exponential family of maps E(lambda)(z)=lambdae(z), which we call the Baker-Rippon-Devaney (BRD) set. We observe that the period of every hyperbolic component can be deduced with the naked eye by using two simple rules. (c) 1998 American Institute of Physics.

Novel C5a receptor antagonists regulate neutrophil functions in vitro and in vivo

Novel recombinant human C5a receptor antagonists were discovered through modification of the C terminus of C5a. The C5a1-71T1M,C27S,Q71C monomer, (C5aRAM; CGS 27913), was a pure and potent functional antagonist. The importance of a C-terminal cysteine at position 71 to antagonist properties of C5aRAM was confirmed by studying C5a1-71 derivatives with replacements of Q71, C5a derivatives of various lengths (70-74) with C-terminal cysteines, and C5a derivatives of various lengths (71-74) with Q71C replacements. The majority of C5a1-71Q71 derivatives were agonists (C5a-like) in the human neutrophil C5a-induced intracellular calcium mobilization assay. The C5a1-71Q71C derivative was an antagonist. C5a derivatives of lengths 73 and 74 with C-terminal cysteines were agonists, while lengths 70 to 72 were antagonists. C5a derivatives of lengths 72, 73, and 74 with Q71C replacements were agonists, while, again, C5a1-71Q71C was an antagonist. C5aRAM and its adducts, including its dimer, C5aRAD (CGS 32359), were pure antagonists. Additionally, CSaRAM and CSaRAD inhibited binding of 125I-labeled recombinant human C5a to neutrophil membranes (Ki = 79 and 2 pM, respectively), C5a-stimulated neutrophil intracellular calcium mobilization (8 and 13 nM), CD11b integrin up-regulation (10 and 1 nM), superoxide generation (182 and 282 nM), lysozyme release (1 and 2 microM), and chemotaxis (11 and 7 microM). In vivo, intradermal injection of C5aRAM inhibited C5a-induced dermal edema in rabbits. Furthermore, a 5-mg/kg i.v. bolus of C5aRAD significantly inhibited C5a-induced neutropenia in micropigs when challenged with C5a 30 min after C5aRAD administration. C5aRAM and C5aRAD are novel, potent C5a receptor antagonists devoid of agonist or proinflammatory activity with demonstrated efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Development of a two-site immunoassay of recombinant urate oxidase (SR 29142) and its use for determination of pharmacokinetic parameters in rats and baboons

Two monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), 12C7 and 11G11, both directed against recombinant urate oxidase (SR 29142), were selected for their epitope specificity to develop a two-site immunoassay of urate oxidase in plasma. A quantitative recovery of urate oxidase in plasma was obtained at all the concentrations tested, and the limit of quantification was found to be 0.5 ng/mL. Intra-and interassay coefficients of variation ranged from 1.2 to 6.7% and from 3.5 to 10.8%, respectively. The specificity of the two antibodies was studied in Western-blot experiments. This assay was used successfully to determine urate oxidase pharmacokinetic parameters after intravenous injection in rats and baboons. In these two species, urate oxidase pharmacokinetics was characterized by a low clearance and a low volume of distribution without gender difference.

Development of a radioimmunoassay for SR 31747A, a new sigma ligand, in human plasma

A specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed for SR 31747A, a new sigma ligand, using a monoclonal antibody. This antibody was produced from spleen lymphocytes of a mouse immunized with SR 31747A coupled to bovine serum albumin via a peptide bond using SR 120684A, a succinamic acid derivative of SR 31747A. Negligible binding occurred when metabolites, obtained by chemical synthesis or by "in-vitro" incubation with hepatic microsomal fraction, were tested for cross-reactivity. A quantitative recovery in serum of the exogenous analyte was obtained for all the concentrations tested and the quantification limit was found to be 0.25 ng ml-1 of SR 31747 (the non-salified derivative). Intra- and inter-assay relative standard deviations ranged from 6.3-10.9 and from 5.3% to 15.4% respectively. Furthermore, comparison of results from samples which were assayed by radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography demonstrated an excellent correlation (r = 0.984).

LTB4-induced transient neutropenia in the rat: a model for evaluating efficacy and bioavailability of LTB4 receptor antagonists

An animal model of leukotriene B4- (LTB4) induced neutropenia has been developed to evaluate LTB4 receptor antagonists in vivo. LTB4, a potent chemotactic inflammatory mediator, when administered intravenously, induces a profound, rapid, and transient redistribution of blood neutrophils from the circulating pool to the marginated pool. This phenomenon is applied in the neutropenia model whereby circulating blood neutrophil counts prior to and after intravenous infusion of LTB4 are compared. Kinetics of LTB4-induced neutrophil responses are determined through the use of a Technicon H*1 automated blood cell analyzer. LTB4 receptor antagonists are identified by inhibition of LTB4-induced neutropenia. Standard antiinflammatory compounds including BW-755C, Abbott A-64077 (zileuton), dexamethasone-21-acetate, indomethacin, and naproxen did not affect LTB4-induced neutropenia. A potent LTB4 receptor antagonist, designated "RPR," inhibited LTB4-induced neutropenia following oral administration in a dose-dependent fashion.

Effect of capsaicin on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat pleurisy and exudate substance P level

Injection of 2.5 mg of lambda-carrageenan into the rat pleural cavity resulted in a time-dependent increase in pleural exudate substance P (SP) levels up to 24 hr. Synergistic increases in the exudate formation were observed when a sub-optimal quantity of carrageenan was injected with SP. Pre-treatment of rats with capsaicin at 50 and 100 mg/kg s.c. daily for one week prior to the induction of pleurisy blocked the increase in exudate volume and SP levels when compared to that normally detected after carrageenan injection. These results suggest that inhibition of SP production may improve inflammatory conditions.

CGS 22745: a selective orally active inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase

CGS 22745, and aralkyl hydroxamic acid, inhibited 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis in guinea pig leukocytes (IC50 = 0.6 microM). The compound did not appreciably affect cyclooxygenase (ram seminal vesicles), 12-lipoxygenase and thromboxane synthase (human platelets) or 15-lipoxygenase (human neutrophils). CGS 22745 inhibited A23187-induced formation of LTB4 in blood (IC50's of 4.3, 0.56 and 3.2 microM for human, dog and rat, respectively). At 1 mg/kg i.v. in dogs, it caused 96% inhibition of A23187-stimulated LTB4 formation ex vivo after 5 min. Its effective biological half-life was greater than 160 min. In dogs at 3 and 10 mg/kg p.o., CGS 22745 inhibited ex vivo A23187-stimulated LTB4 formation at 3 hr by 48% and 97%, respectively. The inhibition persisted up to 6 hr (26% at 3 mg/kg; 49% at 10 mg/kg). CGS 22745 (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg p.o.) inhibited exudate formation, mononuclear cells and PMN accumulation in a dose-dependent manner during the late phase (48 and 72 hr) of carrageenan-induced pleurisy in the rat.

Behavioral tolerance and sensitization to CGS 19755, a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist

Competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, including CGS 19755, have the ability to antagonize NMDA-induced convulsions, to cause ataxia and, at high doses, to increase spontaneous locomotor activity. It was of interest to determine whether or not repeated treatment with CGS 19755 would induce tolerance to some or all of these effects. CGS 19755 was administered to mice twice daily for 14 days at 54 mg/kg i.p. per injection. One day after the last repeated injection, mice were challenged with vehicle or one of several doses of CGS 19755 (10, 30, 54 and 100 mg/kg) and were tested for evidence of motor impairment (using righting reflex and traction tests), for spontaneous locomotor activity and for the threshold dose of NMDA required to induce convulsions. When challenged with CGS 19755, mice that had previously received only vehicle showed reduced motor activity in response to doses of 54 and 100 mg/kg. In contrast, mice that had received the repeated treatment regimen of CGS 19755 increased motor activity in response to challenge doses of 30 and 54 mg/kg. These effects resembled those reported previously by some investigators for phencyclidine. However, repeated treatment with CGS 19755 induced only slight tolerance to the ability of this drug to cause ataxia. In mice treated repeatedly with CGS 19755, the threshold dose of NMDA to induce convulsions did not differ significantly from that in mice treated repeatedly with vehicle, indicating no demonstrable tolerance to the apparent anticonvulsant effects of CGS 19755 over this time period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists CGS 19755 and CPP reduce ischemic brain damage in gerbils

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists reduce ischemic brain damage and associated hypermotility. Two potent, selective and competitive NMDA antagonists, cis-4-(phosphonomethyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylic acid (CGS 19755) and 4-(3-phosphonopropyl)-2-piperazine-carboxylic acid (CPP), were characterized in the gerbil ischemia model with respect to dose-response and time course effects. Both drugs were effective in reducing ischemia-induced hippocampal brain damage as well as hypermotility. In this model, CGS 19755 was more potent than CPP, and had protective effects when given after longer delays between ischemia and drug administration.

Characterization of motor activity patterns induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists in gerbils

A computerized motor activity data collection and analysis system is described. An example of the utilization of the Digiscan system is provided, in which motor activity patterns induced by three N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and the dissociative anesthetic, ketamine, are compared. All of these compounds produce a distinct pattern of motor activity characterized by an increase in distance traveled, movement time, speed and perimeter walking, with a decrease in vertical activity. Recently described links between NMDA and phencyclidine (PCP) binding sites may account for these findings. The utility of computerized motor activity apparatus is clearly demonstrated.

a-b palmar interdigital ridge-count in the Basque population

The a-b palmar interdigital ridge count was analyzed in a sample of 841 males and 911 females of Basque origin. Bimanual differences were not found, against that a significant sexual dimorphism. The mean ridge count value is in the lower lange of the variability among White populations.

CPP, a selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type receptor antagonist: characterization in vitro and in vivo

3-(2-Carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) was synthesized as a rigid analog of 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate, a previously known antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) preferring, or NMDA-type, of excitatory amino acid receptor. CPP was found to be a potent, selective and competitive antagonist of NMDA-type receptors. CPP antagonized with an IC50 of 8 muM [3H]ACh release which was evoked from rat striatal brain slices by NMDA (50 muM). In contrast, the release of [3H]ACh evoked by elevated KCI was not inhibited by CPP even at a concentration of 100 muM. The antagonism by CPP of NMDA-evoked [3H]ACh release was competitive, with a pA2 of 5.66 for CPP, compared with a pA2 value of 5.22 for 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate. CPP affected neither the uptake of L-[3H]glutamate nor the inhibition by aconitine of L-[3H]glutamate uptake, suggesting a lack of membrane-stabilizing or local anesthetic effects, and also suggesting that CPP itself may not be taken up through the L-glutamate membrane transporter. Moreover, [3H] CPP was not accumulated by synaptosomes (P2 fraction) which avidly accumulate L-[3H]glutamate, supporting the concept that this NMDA-type receptor antagonist acts at an NMDA-type receptor on the external surface of the plasma membrane. CPP (10 muM) failed to interact with any of 21 other putative neurotransmitter receptors including alpha-[3H]amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid binding (quisqualate-type receptor) and [3H]kainate binding (kainate-type receptor). Audiogenic convulsions in DBA/2 mice were blocked by CPP (ED50 = 1.5 mg/kg i.p.) as were NMDA-induced seizures in CF-1 mice (ED50 = 1.9 mg/kg i.p.). In both strains, CPP impaired the traction reflex at higher doses (ED50 = 6.8 mg/kg and 6.1 mg/kg and 6.1 mg/kg i.p. for DBA/2 and CF-1, respectively). The traction reflex impairment by CPP may be due to muscle relaxant effects of the compound, an explanation supported by the finding that CPP reduced muscle tone as assessed by electromyogram measurement in animals whose muscle tone had been increased by opiate administration. Finally, cerebellar cyclic GMP levels, known to be sensitive to neurotransmission via NMDA-type receptors, were decreased by CPP (ED50 = 4.7 mg/kg i.p.) in mice. In conclusion, based upon the competitive antagonism by CPP of NMDA-evoked [3H] ACh release in vitro and the antagonism of NMDA-induced convulsions in vivo, the data presented are consistent with competitive antagonism of NMDA-type receptors.

CGS 8216, a benzodiazepine antagonist, reduces food intake in food-deprived rats

CGS 8216, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist with weak inverse agonist properties, reduced food intake in food-deprived rats when administered orally or intraperitoneally at doses that antagonize diazepam. This effect was sustained when CGS 8216 was administered daily for five days, indicating no rapid tolerance to the anorectic effect. Ro 15-1788 did not reduce feeding when administered orally, and was active only at high intraperitoneal doses (54 and 100 mg/kg). CGS 9896, a close analog of CGS 8216 but a benzodiazepine partial agonist with anxiolytic properties, did not reduce food intake at doses as high as 100 mg/kg IP or PO. These results support prior suggestions that benzodiazepine receptors may modulate feeding behavior, and suggest that CGS 8216 may have appetite suppressant properties.

CGS 9896: agonist-antagonist benzodiazepine receptor activity revealed by anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxation assessment in rodents

CGS 9896, a pyrazoloquinoline that potently binds to benzodiazepine receptors, has been reported to have anticonflict activity in conventional footshock paradigms and to antagonize pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. In the present experiments, the pentylenetetrazol discriminative cue was blocked by CGS 9896 with a potency comparable to that of diazepam. CGS 9896 also selectively lengthened the latency to terminate self-initiated brain stimulation reward. These procedures extend the anxiolytic activity of CGS 9896 to models that do not rely upon footshock-induced conflict. CGS 9896 did not impair the traction reflex in mice, did not impair rotorod performance in rats, did not reduce unpunished operant responding and decreased motor activity only slightly, indicating no distinguishable sedation or muscle relaxation in rodent models. In fact, diazepam-induced rotorod impairment was blocked by CGS 9896. The anticonvulsant effects of CGS 9896, as indicated by audiogenic seizure and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure studies, were substantial but were weaker than those of diazepam, possibly because of the muscle relaxant component of diazepam. Ethanol-induced motor impairment was potentiated more markedly by diazepam than by CGS 9896. Mixed agonist-antagonist properties of CGS 9896 therefore emerge when a comprehensive battery of behavioral assessments is utilized. CGS 9896 may have clinical anxiolytic activity without sedation or muscle relaxation.

Hand clasping and arm folding in the Basque population

Hand clasping and arm folding have been analysed in 286 males and 455 females of the Basques. The results are compared with those from other Spanish populations. Examination of the association between hand clasping and arm folding shows a strong correlation between the right type of one and the left type of the other.

Postsynaptic dopamine agonist properties of TL-99 are revealed by yohimbine co-treatment

The claim that TL-99 (6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin hydrobromide) is a selective dopamine autoreceptor agonist relies partly upon indirect behavioral evidence, particularly the absence of stereotyped behavior in treated rats. The possibility was examined that concurrent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist properties of TL-99 could have masked postsynaptic dopamine agonist activity. Co-administration of yohimbine or piperoxan with a high dose of TL-99 (30 mg/kg) dramatically increased motor activity in reserpinized rats, whereas each drug by itself had no effect. Contralateral rotational behavior in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats resulted from combined treatment with yohimbine and a high dose of TL-99 (30 mg/kg) but appeared to be suppressed by concurrent flaccidity if TL-99 was given by itself. Yohimbine failed to alter the effects of 3-PPP (N-n-propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine), another putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, in either model of postsynaptic dopamine agonism. It is concluded that a concurrent behaviorally depressant action of TL-99, possibly alpha 2-agonism, masks the stimulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptors by high doses of TL-99.

Surgical treatment of the thoraco-abdominal aneurysms

Three thoraco-abdominal aneurysms treated surgically are presented. They were operated between July 1975 and February 1978. The different surgical-techniques are emphasized, which in turn allow us to comment on the complications that these types of patients may have. All our three patients were operated following the "Retrograde Revascularization Technique" proposed by Dubost. We think that the ischemic time of the visceral arteries is less than following the more simplified, less time consuming and perhaps less traumatic "Graft Inclusion and Direct Vessel Reattachment Crawford-Technique". The incidence of paraplegia can be reduced by maintaining normal blood pressure and reattaching intercostal and lumbar arteries to the graft. Two of our patients survived without presenting any complication in the last four years. The third died in the immediate postoperative period, due to insoluble coagulation problems after massive blood transfusion during surgery.

Delayed emergence of antidepressant efficacy following withdrawal in olfactory bulbectomized rats

Repeated antidepressant treatment attenuates the step-down passive avoidance deficit which is induced by olfactory bulbectomy in rats. Using a shuttlebox passive avoidance procedure, the effects of antidepressants were investigated after various drug withdrawal intervals. Imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, bupropion and mianserin were effective at 48 and usually 72 hours after withdrawal, but no significant attenuation of the deficit was seen 4 hours after withdrawal from any antidepressant tested. At least 4 to 7 days of imipramine treatment were required for efficacy. A high dose of d-amphetamine (5 mg/kg) produced similar results while tranylcypromine and haloperidol were inactive at all withdrawal intervals tested. The olfactory bulbectomy syndrome may reflect functional serotonin deficiency, which would be ameliorated through antidepressant-induced alterations in serotonin receptor sensitivity.

Antinociceptive effects of baclofen and muscimol upon intraventricular administration

The effects of intraventricularly administered baclofen and muscimol were investigated on tail-flick responding and on vocalization and motor responses to nociceptive pinch. Baclofen (1 microgram) and muscimol (0.1 microgram) strongly reduced responding to pinch, particularly vocalization, without altering tail-flick responding. When given systemically, however, baclofen markedly attenuated tail-flick as well as pinch responding. Muscimol produced only weak antinociception by systemic administration, suggesting that it may have poor access to brain. At antinociceptive doses, i. vent. muscimol produced less apparent muscle relaxation than did baclofen. These results suggest that baclofen's antinociceptive action may be mediated in part by a supraspinal, GABAergic substrate, in addition to a spinal component which may not directly involve GABA.