No abstract

Objective:Colchicine, a potent neurotoxin derived of plant has been recently identified as a degenerative toxin of small pyramidal cells in the hippocampal cortical area 1 (CA1). In this study, the effect of the alkaloid intra hippocampal CA1 on the novelty seeking behavior in the conditioning task was measured.Materials and Methods:Injections of colchicine (1-75 μg/rat, intra-CA1) were performed in cannulated male Wistar rats while being settled in the stereotaxic apparatus. Control group was solely injected saline (1 μl/rat, intra-CA1). One week later, after recovery, all the animals passed the novelty seeking paradigm using an unbiased conditioning task. They were habituated with the conditioned place preference (CPP) apparatus on day 1. Then they were confined in one part of the CPP box for 3 more days. Finally, the animals were tested in the last day. To evaluate, the possible cell injury effect of the toxin on the pyramidal cells of the CA1 both the motivational staying signal in the parts of the box and the non-motivational locomotive signs of the rats were measured.Results:Based on the present study, the alkaloid caused significant novelty seeking behavior at higher doses. It also affected the compartment entering behavior in the colchicine received group. However, the alkaloid did not show the significant effect on sniffing, rearing or grooming in the rats.Conclusion:Injection of colchicine intra-CA1 may impair the neuronal transmission of motivational information by the pyramidal cells in the dorsal hippocampus.

Afin d'évaluer la fréquence des admissions non pertinentes et d'identifier les facteurs qui leur sont associés, une étude descriptive a été conduite sur un échantillon aléatoire de 411 hospitalisations dans 3 hôpitaux régionaux. L'évaluation de l'adéquation des admissions a été faite en utilisant le protocole d'évaluation Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP). Vingt et un pour cent (21 %) [IC 95 % : 17-25] des admissions ont été jugées évitables selon l'AEP. Les hospitalisations non pertinentes étaient associées au lieu d'hospitalisation (p = 0,005), à l'âge du patient (p = 0,003), à la durée du séjour et au diagnostic (p < 0,01).Les principales raisons justifiant les admissions étaient la thérapie parentérale, la présence de troubles sensorimoteurs circulatoires ou respiratoires aigus ou progressifs entraînant une incapacité pour le patient et la présence de troubles électrolytiques sévères. Cette étude souligne le besoin d'une meilleure organisation des hôpitaux. Dans ce cadre, il est nécessaire de développer des alternatives à l'hospitalisation. Analysis of the appropriateness of hospitalizations in Monastir, TunisiaABSTRACT We aimed to measure the extent of inappropriate hospital admissions and to identify factors associated with inappropriate hospital use. A descriptive study was carried out on a randomized sample of 411 hospitalizations in 3 regional hospitals. The appropriateness of admissions was assessed using the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP). We found 21% (95% CI: 17%-25%) of the admissions were avoidable according to the AEP. Inappropriate admissions were associated with the hospital (P = 0.005), patient age (P = 0.003), length of stay and diagnosis (P < 0. 001). The most frequent reasons for appropriate admissions were parenteral therapy, an acute or progressive sensory motor circulatory or respiratory condition sufficient to incapacitate the patient and severe electrolyte or blood gas abnormality. Our study highlights the need to improve hospital management and to develop alternatives to hospitalization.