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Important Research Tool (important + research_tool)
Selected AbstractsZebrafish as a model for long QT syndrome: the evidence and the means of manipulating zebrafish gene expressionACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010I. U. S. Leong Abstract Congenital long QT syndrome (LQT) is a group of cardiac disorders associated with the dysfunction of cardiac ion channels. It is characterized by prolongation of the QT-interval, episodes of syncope and even sudden death. Individuals may remain asymptomatic for most of their lives while others present with severe symptoms. This heterogeneity in phenotype makes diagnosis difficult with a greater emphasis on more targeted therapy. As a means of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying LQT syndrome, evaluating the effect of modifier genes on disease severity as well as to test new therapies, the development of model systems remains an important research tool. Mice have predominantly been the animal model of choice for cardiac arrhythmia research, but there have been varying degrees of success in recapitulating the human symptoms; the mouse cardiac action potential (AP) and surface electrocardiograms exhibit major differences from those of the human heart. Against this background, the zebrafish is an emerging vertebrate disease modelling species that offers advantages in analysing LQT syndrome, not least because its cardiac AP much more closely resembles that of the human. This article highlights the use and potential of this species in LQT syndrome modelling, and as a platform for the in vivo assessment of putative disease-causing mutations in LQT genes, and of therapeutic interventions. [source] Statistical issues in interpreting clinical trialsJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2004D. L. DeMets Abstract. Randomized clinical trial is an important research tool in evaluating new therapeutic agents, devices and procedures. In order to obtain reliable and unbiased results, careful consideration must be given in the design and conduct of the trial. However, bias can be introduced in the analysis of the final data if certain principles are not followed. Several issues are described that make interpretation of analyses challenging. These include the intent-to-treat principle, the use of surrogate outcome measures, subgroup analyses, missing data and noninferiority trials. [source] Long-Term Behavioral Changes in Response to Early Developmental Exposure to Ethanol in ZebrafishALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2009Yohaan Fernandes Background:, Zebrafish is becoming an important research tool for the analysis of brain function and behavior. It has been proposed to model human alcoholism as well as fetal alcohol syndrome. Previous studies investigating the consequences of exposure to ethanol during early development of zebrafish employed robust dosing regimens (high ethanol concentration and long exposure) that may model a rare situation in the human clinic. These studies found major structural abnormalities developing in the exposed fish. Methods: Here we hope to avoid such gross changes and administer only low doses of ethanol (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 vol/vol %) at 24-hour postfertilization and for only a short period of time (for 2 hours). We analyze the behavior of exposed fish at adult stage using computerized stimulus presentation and automated videotracking response quantification. Results: Despite the short ethanol exposure period and the modest concentrations, significant behavioral alterations were found: fish exposed to higher doses of ethanol swam at an increased distance from a computer-animated zebrafish shoal while their activity levels did not change. Conclusions: Although the interpretation of and the mechanisms underlying this finding will require further investigation, the results suggest that zebrafish will be an appropriate model organism for the analysis of the effects of moderate to mild prenatal ethanol exposure. [source] The role of imaging in urinary incontinenceBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2005Walter Artibani A detailed history, physical examination, symptom and quality-of-life assessment, and urine analysis are unanimously considered essential components of the initial evaluation of urinary incontinence. Beyond these assessments, there are no universally accepted recommendations and, to date, imaging is not recommended in the initial management of urinary incontinence. In selected patients, urodynamics and/or a radiographic evaluation may be indicated. According to International Continence Society guidelines, imaging of the upper and lower urinary tract is indicated only if renal damage or pelvic pathology are suspected; video-urodynamics and voiding cysto-urethrography are considered optional diagnostic tests and continue to be refined; magnetic resonance imaging is considered an important research tool in evaluating lower urinary tract disorders, but at present its clinical role remains investigational. [source] Inhibitors and antagonists of bacterial quorum sensingMEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 1 2009Nanting Ni Abstract Bacteria can regulate community-wide behaviors including biofilm formation, virulence, conjugation, sporulation, and swarming motility through a process called quorum sensing. Inhibitors and antagonists of bacterial quorum sensing are important research tools and potential therapeutic agents. In this review, we have summarized recent developments in this area. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 1, 65,124, 2009 [source] | ||||||||||