Standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function: pressure-flow studies of voiding, urethral resistance, and urethral obstruction

The 1988 version of the collated reports on standardisation of terminology, which appeared in Neurourology and Urodynamics, vol. 7, pp. 403–427, contains material relevant to pressure flow studies in many different sections. This report is a revision and expansion of Sections 4.2 and 4.3 and parts of Sections 6.2 and 7 of the 1988 report. It contains a recommendation for a provisional standard method for defining obstruction on the basis of pressure-flow data. 2. Evaluation of Micturition 2.1. Pressure-Flow Studies At present, the best method of analysing voiding function quantitatively is the pressure-flow study of micturition, with simultaneous recording of abdominal, intravesical and detrusor pressures and flow rate (Fig. A.1.6.1). Direct inspection of the raw pressure and flow data before, during and at the end of micturition is essential, because it allows artefacts and untrustworthy data to be recognised and eliminated. More detailed analyses of pressure-flow relationships, described below, are advisable to aid diagnosis and to quantify data for research studies. The flow pattern in a pressure-flow study should be representative of free flow studies in the same patient. It is important to eliminate artefacts and unrepresentative studies before applying more detailed analyses. Pressure-flow studies contain information about the behaviour of the urethra and the behaviour of the detrusor.This report has been produced at the request of the International Continence Society. It was approved at the twenty-fifth annual meeting of the society in Sydney, Australia

Nicotinic receptors

Regulation of normal or abnormal behaviour is critically controlled by the central serotonergic systems. Recent evidence has suggested that serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission dysfunction contributes to a variety of pathological conditions, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disorders. There is also a great amount of evidence indicating that 5-HT signalling may affect the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse by the interaction and modulation of dopamine (DA) function. This chapter is focused on one of the more addictive drugs, nicotine. It is widely recognised that the effects of nicotine are strongly associated with the stimulatory action it exhibits on mesolimbic DAergic function. We outline the role of 5-HT and its plethora of receptors, focusing on 5-HT2 subtypes with relation to their involvement in the neurobiology of nicotine addiction. We also explore the novel pharmacological approaches using 5-HT agents for the treatment of nicotine dependence. Compelling evidence shows that 5-HT2C receptor agonists may be possible therapeutic targets for smoking cessation, although further investigation is required.peer-reviewe

Campus Scenes - 170

Campus Scenes: Miscellaneousphotograph date: UnknownA senior marketing major from Arlington walks home via the rail road tracks after her car wouldn't start Tuesday afternoon