Consolidation Period (consolidation + period)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Post-training reversible inactivation of hippocampus reveals interference between memory systems

HIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 2 2002
Jason P. Schroeder
Abstract A post-training reversible lesion technique was used to examine the effects of neural inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus on place and response learning. Male Long-Evans rats trained in one of two versions of a water plus-maze task received post-training intra-hippocampal infusions of the local anesthetic drug bupivacaine (0.75% solution, 0.5 ,l), or saline. Post-training intra-hippocampal infusions of bupivacaine attenuated acquisition of the place task and enhanced acquisition of the response task. Delayed (2-h) post-training infusions of bupivacaine did not affect retention in either task. The findings demonstrate (1) enhanced learning after reversible hippocampal lesions that is independent of treatment influences on non-mnemonic factors, and (2) inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus during the post-training memory consolidation period is sufficient to enhance response learning. Hippocampus 2002;12:280,284. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Systemic Regulation of Distraction Osteogenesis: A Cascade of Biochemical Factors,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2002
S. Weiss M.D.
Abstract This study investigates the systemic biochemical regulation of fracture healing in distraction osteogenesis compared with rigid osteotomy in a prospective in vivo study in humans. To further clarify the influence of mechanical strain on the regulation of bone formation, bone growth factors (insulin-like growth factor [IGF] I, IGF binding protein [IGFBP] 3, transforming growth factor [TGF] ,1, and basic FGF [bFGF]), bone matrix degrading enzymes (matrix-metalloproteinases [MMPs] 1, 2, and 3), human growth hormone (hGH), and bone formation markers (ALP, bone-specific ALP [BAP], and osteocalcin [OC]) have been analyzed in serum samples from 10 patients in each group pre- and postoperatively. In the distraction group, a significant postoperative increase in MMP-1, bFGF, ALP, and BAP could be observed during the lengthening and the consolidation period when compared with the baseline levels. Osteotomy fracture healing without the traction stimulus failed to induce a corresponding increase in these factors. In addition, comparison of both groups revealed a significantly higher increase in TGF-,1, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and hGH in the lengthening group during the distraction period, indicating key regulatory functions in mechanotransduction. The time courses of changes in MMP-1, bone growth factors (TGF-,1 and bFGF), and hGH, respectively, correlated significantly during the lengthening phase, indicating common regulatory pathways for these factors in distraction osteogenesis. Significant correlation between the osteoblastic marker BAP, TGF-,1, and bFGF suggests strain-activated osteoblastic cells as a major source of systemically increased bone growth factors during callus distraction. The systemic increase in bFGF and MMP-1 might reflect an increased local stimulation of angiogenesis during distraction osteogenesis. [source]


A study of a training scheme for Macmillan nurses in Northern Ireland

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 2 2008
BSocSc, Cert Ed., DipDN, Johnston Gail PhD
Aim., To evaluate a one year training scheme for Macmillan Nurses. Background., The role of the clinical nurse specialist has evolved and expanded greatly over the past few years so that it now encompasses components far beyond the traditional nursing remit of direct clinical practice. While several studies have looked at the barriers and facilitators to this process for clinical nurse specialists in particular, none has looked at the benefits of a structured training scheme which involves both a theoretical and clinical component. Methods., Tape recorded, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of trainees who undertook the scheme, their practice-based facilitators and another person(s) involved in the trainee's support Analysis., Tapes were transcribed verbatim and each transcript anonymized to prevent identification of participants. Data were analysed thematically using the main headings of expectations, experience and impact and the structured prompts from the aide-memoir within these headings. Results., Results showed that the majority of respondents felt the scheme had been successful with one of the main achievements being that trainees were perceived to be adequately prepared to take on the role of a CNS on completion of the scheme. While the Role Development Programme was thought to provide a good academic structure for the scheme some participants thought that more theory on symptom control and communication skills and a placement in a specialist palliative care centre should also be included. Conclusion., The Macmillan Trainee Scheme has succeeded in its objectives to facilitate the transition from generalist to specialist nursing. It should be extended to include an induction and consolidation period and more theoretical input on communication skills and symptom control. Relevance to clinical practice., With these improvements, the scheme could be used as a standard model for training specialist practitioners and a means to address the current issues of workforce planning. [source]


Morphometric analysis of canine skeletal muscles following experimental callus distraction according to the ilizarov method

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2000
Bernd Fink
Muscle fiber diameter and fiber-type distribution were analyzed during callus distraction. The right tibia in 24 beagles was lengthened 2.5 cm by callus distraction after osteotomy and application of a ring fixator. Distraction was started at the fifth postoperative day, at a rate of two times for 0.5 mm per day. Twelve dogs that underwent limb-lengthening and three dogs in the control group that did not undergo limb-lengthening were killed at the end of the 25-day distraction phase (group A). The remaining dogs (12 that underwent limb-lengthening and three that did not) were killed after an additional consolidation period of 25 days (group B). The tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, peroneus longus, and gastrocnemius muscles were removed from the right limb (which had undergone distraction) and the left control side of each animal. Crosscut cryostat sections were stained by adenosine triphosphatase at pH 4.3 and 9.4 to determine the size and distribution of types I and II fibers. Morphometric analysis of the muscle fibers was performed by a computer-assisted two-point technique. On the lengthened side, the muscles revealed marked atrophy affecting predominantly type-II fiber in the dogs in group A and affecting both fiber types in dogs in group B. Fiber density increased in both groups. In addition, fiber-type grouping indicative of reinnervation was obvious in group B. Fiber-type distribution in the dogs in group B showed a shift toward type I in the tibialis anterior (p = 0.043) and extensor digitorum longus (p = 0.034) muscles and a shift toward type II in the gastrocnemius (p = 0.038). The data show that tension-stress during tibial lengthening leads to atrophy of type-II fiber, reflecting disuse of muscle fiber in the distraction period as well as neurogenic atrophy followed by the reinnervation processes. Furthermore, the data are consistent with the occurrence of histoneogenesis during limb-lengthening resulting in an increase in fiber density. [source]