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Tract Function (tract + function)
Kinds of Tract Function Selected AbstractsNeuropathic pain in spinal cord injury: significance of clinical and electrophysiological measuresEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 1 2009Susanne Wydenkeller Abstract A large percentage of spinal cord-injured subjects suffer from neuropathic pain below the level of the lesion (bNP). The neural mechanisms underlying this condition are not clear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the general effects of spinal deafferentiation and of bNP on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. In addition, the relationship between the presence of bNP and impaired function of the spinothalamic tract was studied. Measurements were performed in complete and incomplete spinal cord-injured subjects with and without bNP as well as in a healthy control group. Spinothalamic tract function, assessed by contact heat evoked potentials, did not differ between subjects with and without bNP; nevertheless, it was impaired in 94% of subjects suffering from bNP. In the EEG recordings, the degree of deafferentiation was reflected in a slowing of EEG peak frequency in the 6,12-Hz band. Taking into account this unspecific effect, spinal cord-injured subjects with bNP showed significantly slower EEG activity than subjects without bNP. A discrimination analysis in the subjects with spinothalamic tract dysfunction correctly classified 84% of subjects as belonging to either the group with bNP or the group without bNP, according to their EEG peak frequency. These findings could be helpful for both the development of an objective diagnosis of bNP and for testing the effectiveness of new therapeutic agents. [source] The effect of familial aggregation on the children with primary nocturnal enuresisNEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 5 2009Qing Wei Wang Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of familial aggregation on the children with PNE by evaluating nocturnal urine output, bladder, and arouse function. Patients and Methods According to whether relatives of family of probands over three generations were affected by PNE, forty-five children with familial aggregation PNE (FPNE), seventy children with sporadic PNE (SPNE) and ten children with normal lower urinary tract function but waiting for operation (control group) were included. Questionnaire of arousal from sleep (AS scores), bladder diary and daytime urodynamic studies were performed in all patients. Results The incidences of severe PNE and nonmonosymptomatic PNE in FPNE group were significantly higher than those in SPNE group. The nocturnal urine output and AS scores in both PNE groups was significantly higher, maximal voided volume significantly smaller than those in control group. Moreover, the incidences of small bladder in FPNE group was 44%, significantly higher than that in SPNE group (21%), but no significantly difference was found in nocturnal polyuria and arousal AS scores between two PNE groups. There were 53% patents with daytime detrusor overactivity and 60% patents with urodynamic functional bladder outflow obstruction in FPNE group, significantly higher than those in SPNE group (19% and 37%). Maximum cystometric capacity significantly decreased from control group to FPNE group. Conclusion Familial aggregation has significant effects on the children with PNE, and FPNE are more likely to be severe symptoms and bladder dysfunction. It would be beneficial to have an urodynamic study for their diagnosis and treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:423,426, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Diabetes mellitus and female lower urinary tract symptoms: A reviewNEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 5 2008Simon R. Hill Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions world wide. Many chronic complications of DM, including neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy, have been well studied and although urologic complications have been recognized since 1935, little is known about DM as a pathophysiological risk factor for development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women. Diabetic nephropathy, a life-threatening condition, has received considerable attention in the last few years. Diabetic cystopathy, on the other hand, has received far less attention despite having a significant impact on quality of life, and with significant individual health risks. Initial studies suggested that long standing DM causes paralysis of the detrusor muscle leading to voiding difficulties and this has been the received wisdom regarding diabetic cystopathy for many years. In this review, we discuss what is currently known about lower urinary tract function and urinary incontinence in diabetic females, with a critical analysis of the available evidence and suggest areas for future research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:362,367, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effect of lumbar-epidural administration of tramadol on lower urinary tract function,,NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 1 2008S.K. Singh Abstract Aims Intrathecal and epidural administration of µ-agonist opioids is associated with urinary retention, a potentially serious adverse-event. In animal studies tramadol has been found not to affect voiding function. We evaluated urodynamic effects of epidural tramadol in humans. Methods Fifteen adults planned for cystoscopy under local-anesthesia underwent urodynamics (UDS) at baseline and 30 min after administration of 100 mg tramadol in lumbar-epidural space. UDS consisted of filling cystometry, pressure-flow study and pelvic floor electromyography (EMG). Subsequently, all underwent cystoscopy and were observed for 6 hr. Results After injection of tramadol, a significant rise was observed in bladder capacity (391.8,±,179.6 ml vs. 432.7,±,208.8 ml; P,=,0.019) and compliance (60.1,±,51.5 ml/cm H2O vs. 83.0,±,63.0 ml/cm H2O; P,=,0.011) without a significant change in filling pressure (22.5,±,13.2 cm H2O vs. 24.1,±,15.1 cm H2O; P,=,0.576). Filling sensations were delayed significantly (P,,,0.05). EMG during filling phase showed a significant fall (P,=,0.027). Peak flow-rate (Qmax), average flow-rate, postvoid residue and detrusor pressure-at-Qmax did not show significant change from baseline (P,>,0.05). Three patients had bladder outlet obstruction which did not worsen after the injection. Guarding reflex was inhibited in seven out of 12 patients who had it at baseline (P,=,0.016). Conclusions Epidural tramadol increases the bladder capacity and compliance and delays filling-sensations, without ill effect on voiding. This seems true even for patients with obstructed outflow; however, due to small number of patients a definite conclusion cannot be derived. These results will guide clinician to avoid catheterization in cases where epidural tramadol is used for postoperative pain. The inhibitory effects of tramadol on EMG activity are intriguing and need further studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function in children and adolescents: Report from the standardization committee of the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS),NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 1 2007Tryggve Nevéus Abstract Purpose We updated the terminology in the field of pediatric lower urinary tract function. Materials and Methods Discussions were held in the board of the International Children's Continence Society and an extensive reviewing process was done involving all members of the International Children's Continence Society, the urology section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the European Society of Pediatric Urology, as well as other experts in the field. Results and Conclusions New definitions and a standardized terminology are provided, taking into account changes in the adult sphere and new research results. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:90,102, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Comparative Anatomy of the Male Guinea-Pig and Human Lower Urinary Tract: Histomorphology and Three-Dimensional ReconstructionANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2001Neuhaus The guinea-pig is often used for experimental studies in urology. However, the anatomy of the lower urinary tract of the guinea-pig is poorly described in the literature. The structure and function of the lower urinary tract, i.e. continence, micturition and sexual function, are closely related to the gross anatomy of the pelvis and the fine structure of the musculature. We investigated the anatomy and histomorphology of the lower urinary tract by serial sections in male guinea-pigs and compared it to that in humans. Immunohistochemical stainings for alpha-smooth muscle cell actin were used to differentiate between smooth and striated muscles. By using whole pelvic preparations, including all internal organs preserved in their in situ location for three-dimensional reconstruction, we developed three-dimensional models, which elucidate the spatial relationship of all muscular structures and can help to deduce functional aspects of lower urinary tract function. In the guinea-pig, most of the muscles found in humans can be demonstrated in comparable location and extension. However, the structure of the prostate and the existence of the so-called coagulation glands define a significant difference in the morphology of the prostatic urethra. [source] Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma components: alpha-glucosidase, fructose and citrate in infertile men compared with a normospermic population of Tunisian menANDROLOGIA, Issue 3 2009L. Said Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the secretory function of the male accessory glands and sperm parameters in normospermic controls and infertile patients. One hundred and fifty-nine men were investigated: they were composed of two groups: normospermic (n = 37) and infertile (n = 122) men with altered sperm characteristics. These infertile men were divided into the following groups: asthenozoospermia (n = 38), teratozoospermia (n = 40) and asthenoteratozoospermia (n = 44). The patients underwent semen analysis and measurements of fructose, neutral alpha-glucosidase and citric acid. The level of fructose was significantly decreased in asthenozoospermic and increased in asthenoteratozoospermic men. It was significantly correlated with semen volume, sperm count, motility and morphology. The seminal alpha-glucosidase levels were significantly correlated with semen volume and pH and citric acid was significantly correlated with pH. Thus, alpha-glucosidase and citric acid levels were associated with semen pH. The significant correlation between semen parameters, accessory glands and epididymal functions highlights the relationship between semen and normal genital tract function. [source] Frequency and nocturia after successful renal transplantation: a normal situation?BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2006DIRK-HENRIK ZERMANN OBJECTIVE To analyse lower urinary tract function before and after successful renal transplantation and compare the data with those from a healthy control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were gathered by retrospective analysis of 331 charts of patients transplanted between March 1998 and May 2003, using written questionnaires and personal interview, and investigation of 150 patients. The control group consisted of 150 urologically healthy volunteers. RESULTS Frequency and nocturia were the main lower urinary tract symptoms. Frequency of more than six voids/day was reported by 87% and nocturia of more then one void/night by 93% of all patients after successful renal transplantation. There was no significant correlation with fluid intake, diuretic medication, gender or age. Over the years the number of voids tended to decrease but remained higher than in the control group. However, 94% of all patients were happy with the quality of life after renal transplantation. CONCLUSION Frequency and nocturia are the two main characteristics of lower urinary tract function after renal transplantation, probably through a combination of high fluid intake, a long-term defunctionalized urinary bladder during renal replacement therapy, a denervated donor kidney, concomitant diseases and psychosocial distress. Quality of and satisfaction with life were not compromised. [source] Correlation of intravesical prostatic protrusion with bladder outlet obstructionBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2003S.J. Chia OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of intravesical protrusion of the prostate (IPP, graded I to III) on lower urinary tract function, by correlating it with the results of a pressure-flow study. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a prospective study men (aged> 50 years) with lower urinary tract symptoms were initially evaluated as recommended by the International Consultation on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, together with the IPP and prostate volume, as measured by transabdominal ultrasonography. These variables were then correlated with the results from a pressure-flow study. RESULTS The IPP was a statistically significant predictor (P < 0.001) of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) compared with other variables in the initial evaluation. In all, 125 patients had significant BOO, defined as a BOO index of> 40. Of these men, 94 had grade III and 30 had grade I,II IPP. Seventy-five patients had a BOO index of < 40; 69 had grade I,II and six grade III IPP. In patients with BOO confirmed on the pressure-flow study, grade III IPP was associated with a higher BOO index than was grade I,II (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The IPP assessed by transabdominal ultrasonography is a better and more reliable predictor of BOO than the other variables assessed. [source] Urodynamic findings in children with cerebral palsyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 8 2005M IHSAN KARAMAN Abstract Aim: More than one-third of children with cerebral palsy are expected to present with dysfunctional voiding symptoms. The voiding dysfunction symptoms of the cerebral palsy patients in the present study were documented. Methods: Of the study group, 16 were girls and 20 were boys (mean age: 8.2 years). Children with cerebral palsy were evaluated with urodynamics consisting of flow rate, filling and voiding cystometry, and electromyography findings of the external urethral sphincter to determine lower urinary tract functions. Treatment protocols were based on the urodynamic findings. Anticholinergic agents to reduce uninhibited contractions and to increase bladder capacity were used as a treatment. Clean intermittent catheterization and behavioral modification were used for incomplete emptying. Results: Of the children, 24 (66.6%) were found to have dysfunctional voiding symptoms. Daytime urinary incontinence (47.2%) and difficulty urinating (44.4%) were the most common symptoms. Urodynamic findings showed that neurogenic detrusor overactivity (involuntary contractions during bladder filling) with a low bladder capacity was present in 17 (47.2%) children, whereas detrusor,sphincter dyssynergia was present in four patients (11%). The mean bladder capacity of patients with a neurogenic bladder was 52.2% of the expected capacity. Conclusions: The present study concluded that voiding dysfunction was seen in more than half of the children with cerebral palsy, which is a similar result to other published studies. We propose that a rational plan of management of these patients depends on the evaluation of the lower urinary tract dysfunction with urodynamic studies. These children benefit from earlier referral for assessment and treatment. [source] Expression of aquaporins in the efferent ductules, sperm counts, and sperm motility in estrogen receptor-, deficient mice fed lab chow versus caseinMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2006Ricardo Ruz Abstract Estrogens play an important role in the male reproductive tract, and this is especially so for the efferent ductules, where ,-estrogen receptors (ER,) have been localized. Mice deficient in ER, (,ERKO mice) are infertile, and the effect appears to be due in part to retention of water at the level of the efferent ductules. In the present study, we examined the consequences of ER, deletion on the distribution of certain aquaporins (AQPs), water protein channels, in the efferent ductules and on sperm numbers and motility. In addition, the effects of feeding mice a regular lab chow diet, which contains phytoestrogens, known to affect male reproductive tract functions, and a casein diet, which lacks phytoestrogens, were also assessed. Light microscope immunolocalizations of AQP-1 and AQP-9 revealed dramatic reduction and patchier staining in ,ERKO mice with distal areas of the efferent ductules being more affected than proximal areas. No other changes in immunolocalizations were noted as a consequence of diet. Computer-assisted sperm analyses demonstrated a 62% reduction in cauda epididymal sperm/ml in ,ERKO mice fed lab chow, whereas 87% fewer sperm/ml were observed in ,ERKO mice fed casein, suggesting an enhanced role for sperm production and concentration in a diet containing phytoestrogens. All sperm motility parameters were altered to some degree in ,ERKO mice fed lab chow. Alterations in sperm motility parameters were also detected, but were less dramatic in ,ERKO mice fed casein. These data suggest that the decrease in AQP expression in the efferent ductules of ,ERKO mice contributes in part to water retention in this tissue, eventually leading to backflow of water into the testis, with subsequent decreases in sperm concentration and motility. The data also suggest that phytoestrogens, which are present in regular lab chow, can influence the male reproductive tract with and without the presence of ER,, promoting efferent ductule and epididymal functions when ER, is expressed, but inhibiting these same functions when ER, is missing. Taken together the data underscore the importance of estrogens and ER, in maintaining sperm maturation and preventing male infertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Immunodetection of Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript in the Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and Abomasum of the SheepANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2009M. B. Arciszewski Summary Enteric nerves harbour a wide array of neuropeptides playing a key role in the regulation of gastrointestinal tract functions. In this study, the distribution patterns of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript-immunoreactive (CART-IR) nerve fibres as well as the percentages of CART-positive enteric neurons were immunohistochemically assessed in the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum of the sheep. Double staining were applied, to elucidate whether neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), somatostatin or serotonin co-exist in CART-IR gastric structures. In the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum, a majority of myenteric neurons identified by immunoreactivity to Hu C/D were CART-positive (47.1 ± 3.6%, 45.1 ± 3.0%, 41.6 ± 2.6% and 40.9 ± 2.9% respectively). The smooth musculature of the forestomachs as well as abomasum was innervated with numerous CART-IR nerve fibres. Blood vessels-associated CART-positive nerve terminals were identified in the submucosa of the reticulum only. Lamina muscularis mucosae of the omasum and abomasum was moderately innervated with CART-IR nerve terminals. In the abomasum sparse CART-IR nerve fibres were seen between mucosal glands. A small population of endocrine cells of the abomasum also exhibited the presence of CART. All neuronal elements as well as endocrine cells IR to CART were negative to somatostatin and/or serotonin. No immunoreactivity to VIP, NPY and/or SP was found in myenteric ganglia-projecting CART-positive nerve fibres. The co-localization of CART with VIP, NPY and/or SP was regularly observed in myenteric neurons as well as the smooth muscle layer- and lamina muscularis mucosae-projecting nerve fibres. CART-IR nerve terminals located between mucosal glands of the abomasum frequently co-stored VIP, NPY and/or SP. Although the exact function of CART in the ovine forestomachs/stomach has to be elucidated, several potential functions (like enteric nerves protection) have been suggested. [source] | |||||||||||||