Postcontrast HU evaluations were done at the nephrographic phase

Postcontrast HU evaluations were done at the nephrographic phase of the procedure. Tumor HU values were compared according to histological subtype, tumor grade and www.selleckchem.com/products/urmc-099.html pathological stage.

Results: Mean +/- SD patient

age was 57 +/- 13 years and mean tumor size was 4.8 +/- 2.7 cm. Postcontrast HU and contrast difference values were significantly lower in the malignant group. A cutoff HU value of 138 HU (mean AUC 0.893 +/- 0.027, 95% CI 0.84-0.94) differentiated renal cell cancer from oncocytoma with 88% sensitivity and 87% specificity. Low and high grade cases demonstrated similar precontrast and postcontrast HU, and contrast difference values. These enhancement parameters were significantly lower for higher stage (pT2-3) renal cell cancer than for pT1. We detected higher postcontrast values (mean 62 +/- 14 vs 56 +/- 39 HU, p = 0.011) and contrast difference values (mean 92 +/- 15 vs 82 +/- 42 HU, p = 0.034) for high grade than for low grade renal cell cancer in patients with tumors 4 cm or less.

Conclusions: The degree of enhancement on computerized tomography helps differentiate tumor characteristics. These outcomes may help the clinician with prognostic evaluation and may augment the role of computerized tomography in therapeutic planning.”
“Inflated

responsibility is increasingly regarded a pathogenetic mechanism in obsessive-compulsive DihydrotestosteroneDHT clinical trial disorder (OCD). In seeming contrast, there is mounting evidence that latent aggression is also elevated in OCD. Building upon psychodynamic theories that an altruistic facade including exaggerated concerns for others is partly a defense against latent aggression, evidence was recently obtained for high interpersonal ambivalence in OCD patients relative to psychiatric and healthy controls using a newly developed instrument entitled the Responsibility and Interpersonal Behaviors and Attitudes Questionnaire (RIBAQ). A total of 46

OCD patients and 23 healthy participants took part in the present study. OCD patients displayed a higher social responsibility than controls. At the same time, patients also disclosed more latent aggression/calculating behavior and interpersonal distrust. While the pathogenic role of latent aggression VX-770 nmr is still not fully uncovered, it may deserve more consideration in treatment in view of frequent tensions in the families of OCD patients. Longitudinal studies with at-risk sample are needed to assess the relationship between problems with anger expression as well as (exaggerated) moral standards in OCD. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Purpose: We assess the accuracy of a biopsy directed treatment algorithm in correctly assigning active surveillance vs treatment in patients with small renal masses by comparing biopsy results with final surgical pathology.

Materials and Methods: From 1999 to 2011, 151 patients with small renal masses 4 cm or smaller underwent biopsy and subsequent surgical excision.

No signs

of clotting or other technical incidents were re

No signs

of clotting or other technical incidents were recorded. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011;141:1145-9)”
“The development of ectopic neural discharge at a site of peripheral nerve injury is thought to contribute to the initiation of sensory disturbances and pain. We have previously shown that this discharge can be initiated or increased by the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We have now studied a potential therapeutic approach to reducing the discharge by evaluating the effect of a systemically administered monoclonal antibody to CGRP on injury-induced activity in the lingual nerve. In 16 anaesthetised adult ferrets the left lingual nerve was sectioned. One day after the injury, Selleck Paclitaxel the animals received a subcutaneous injection of either a monoclonal antibody to CGRP or a vehicle control. Three days after the injury, under a second anaesthetic, single-unit electrophysiological recordings were made from central to the injury site (469 and 391 units

were analysed in antibody and vehicle groups, respectively), and the proportion of units that were spontaneously active was determined. In the vehicle-treated animals 6.4 +/- this website 2.7 [SEM]% of the units were spontaneously active, with conduction velocities of 8.8-40.8 m/s and discharge frequencies of 0.03-2.7 Hz. In the monoclonal antibody-treated animals 5.7 +/- 2.0% of the units were spontaneously active, with conduction velocities of 13.9-38.8

m/s and discharge frequencies of 0.07-1.8 Hz. There was no significant difference between these two groups (for spontaneous activity and conduction velocity: p > 0.05, Student’s t-test; for discharge frequency: p > 0.05. Mann-Whitney test), suggesting that the spontaneous activity initiated by a nerve injury cannot be modulated by administration of a monoclonal antibody JQ-EZ-05 ic50 to CGRP. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives: We evaluated results of an echocardiographically based strategy combining mitral annuloplasty with other procedures to treat chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Methods: From March 2006 to February 2009, 147 patients underwent mitral valve surgery for chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. Mean effective regurgitant orifice was 36 +/- 11 mm(2), and ejection fraction was 35% +/- 9%. On the basis of echocardiographic findings, in 10 cases a prosthesis was inserted and mitral annuloplasty was performed in 137 cases, isolated in 83, associated with chordal cutting in 12 cases (in 5 anterior leaflet was augmented with pericardial patch), and with exclusion of anteroseptal (n = 35) or inferior (n = 7) scars in 42.

Results: Thirty-day mortality was 4.8%; 3-year survival was 86% +/- 3%.

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has a very high

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has a very high negative predictive value for the detection of coronary

disease, but its usefulness in determining whether discharge of patients from the emergency department is safe is not well established.

METHODS

We randomly assigned low-to-intermediate-risk patients presenting with possible acute coronary syndromes, in a 2: 1 ratio, to undergo CCTA or to receive traditional care. Patients were enrolled at five centers in the United States. Patients older than 30 years of age with a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score of 0 to 2 and signs or symptoms warranting admission or testing were eligible. The primary outcome was safety, assessed in the subgroup of patients with a negative CCTA examination, with safety defined as the absence of myocardial infarction and cardiac Nepicastat concentration death during the first 30 days after presentation.

RESULTS

We enrolled 1370 subjects: 908 in the CCTA group and 462 in the group receiving traditional care. The baseline Stattic characteristics were similar in the two groups. Of 640 patients with a negative CCTA examination, none died or had a myocardial infarction within 30 days (0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0 to 0.57). As compared with patients

receiving traditional care, patients in the CCTA group had a higher rate of discharge from the emergency department (49.6% vs. 22.7%; difference, 26.8 percentage points; 95% CI, 21.4 to 32.2), a shorter length of stay (median, 18.0 hours vs. 24.8 hours; P<0.001), and a higher rate of detection of coronary disease (9.0% vs. 3.5%; difference,

5.6 percentage points; 95% CI, 0 to 11.2). There was one serious adverse event in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

A CCTA-based strategy for low-to-intermediate-risk patients presenting with a possible acute coronary syndrome appears selleck products to allow the safe, expedited discharge from the emergency department of many patients who would otherwise be admitted. (Funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network Foundation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00933400.)”
“Aims: To investigate the antibiofilm effect of cinnamaldehyde on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and analyse the effect of subminimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cinnamaldehyde on the expression of the biofilm-related gene sarA.

Methods and Results: The MICs and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined using a microtitre broth dilution method. Biofilm susceptibility was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining and colony forming unit (CFU) counting assays.

The results provide evidence for task-specific compensatory recru

The results provide evidence for task-specific compensatory recruitment in parietal cortex as well as task-independent compensatory recruitment in prefrontal Elacridar in vitro cortex in normal aging. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background. Limited information exists on the relationship between specific chronic somatic conditions and care for co-morbid depression in primary care settings.

Therefore, the present prospective, general practice-based study examined this relationship.

Method. Longitudinal data on morbidity, prescribing and referrals concerning 991 patients newly diagnosed with depression by their general practitioner (GP) were analysed. The influence of a broad range of 13 specific chronic somatic conditions on the initiation of any depression care, as well as the prescription of continuous antidepressant therapy for 180 days, was examined. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to control for history of depression, psychiatric co-morbidity, sociodemographics and interpractice variation.

Results. Multilevel analysis showed that patients with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease (72.1%) or cardiac arrhythmia (59.3%) were significantly less GDC-0449 cost likely to have any depression

care being initiated by their GP than patients without chronic somatic morbidity (88.0%). No other specific condition had a significant influence on GP initiation of any care for depression. Among the

patients being prescribed antidepressant treatment by their GP, none of the conditions was significantly associated with being prescribed continuous treatment for 180 days.

Conclusions. Our study indicates that patients with ischaemic heart disease or cardiac arrhythmia have a lower likelihood of GP initiation of any care for depression after being newly diagnosed with depression by their GP. This finding points to the importance of developing interventions aimed at supporting selleck GPs in the adequate management of comorbid depression in heart disease patients to reduce the negative effects of this co-morbidity.”
“Salmonellae are enterobacteria that have the unique ability to change their flagellar composition by switching expression among two loci that encode the major flagellin protein. This property is not available to all Salmonella, but is species, subspecies and serotype specific. Curiously, the subsequent loss of the second locus in some lineages of Salmonella has apparently been tolerated and, indeed, has led to considerable success for some lineages. We discuss here an evolutionary model for maintenance of this unique function and the possible evolutionary advantages of loss or preservation of this mechanism. We hypothesize that the second flagellin locus is a genetic ‘spare tyre’ used in particular environmental circumstances.


“The Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus


“The Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus orf92 (p33), ac92, is one of 31 genes carried in all sequenced baculovirus genomes, thus suggesting an essential function. Ac92 has homology to the family of flavin adenine dinucleotide-linked sulfhydryl oxidases and is related to

the ERV/ALR family of sulfhydryl oxidases. The role of ac92 during virus replication is unknown. Selleckchem Acalabrutinib Ac92 was associated with the envelope of both budded and occlusion-derived virus (ODV). To investigate the role of Ac92 during virus replication, an ac92-knockout bacmid was generated through homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. Titration and plaque assays showed no virus spread in ac92-knockout bacmid DNA-transfected insect cells. Deletion of ac92 did not affect viral DNA replication. However, ac92-knockout bacmid DNA-transfected cells lacked multiply enveloped occlusion-derived nucleocapsids; instead, singly enveloped nucleocapsids were detected. To gain insight into the requirement for sulfhydryl oxidation during virus replication, a virus was constructed in which the Ac92 C(155)XXC(158) amino acids, important for sulfhydryl oxidase activity, were mutated to A(155)XXA(158). The mutant virus exhibited a phenotype similar to that of the knockout virus, suggesting that the C-X-X-C motif was essential for sulfhydryl oxidase activity and

responsible for the altered ODV phenotype.”
“The Epstein-Barr virus immediate-early protein, BZLF1 (Z), initiates the switch between latent and lytic infection and plays an essential role in mediating viral replication. Z also inhibits expression of Ilomastat ic50 the major receptor for tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TNFR1, thus repressing TNF cytokine signaling, but the mechanism for this effect is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Z prevents both C/EBP alpha- and C/EBP beta-mediated activation of the TNFR1 promoter (TNFR1p) by interacting directly with both IPI145 price C/EBP family members. We show that Z interacts directly with C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta in vivo and that a Z mutant altered at alanine residue 204 in the

bZIP domain is impaired for the ability to interact with both C/EBP proteins. Furthermore, we find that the Z(A204D) mutant is attenuated in the ability to inhibit the TNFR1p but mediates lytic viral reactivation and replication in vitro in 293 cells as well as wild-type Z. Although Z does not bind directly to the TNFR1p in EMSA studies, chromatin immunoprecipitation studies indicate that Z is complexed with this promoter in vivo. The Z(A204D) mutant has reduced interaction with the TNFR1p in vivo but is similar to wild-type Z in its ability to complex with the IL-8 promoter. Finally, we show that the effect of Z on C/EBP alpha- and C/EBP beta-mediated activation is promoter dependent. These results indicate that Z modulates the effects of C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta in a promoter-specific manner and that in some cases (including that of the TNFR1p), Z inhibits C/EBP alpha- and C/EBP beta-mediated activation.

OBJECTIVE: To present a feasible approach for the treatment of BI

OBJECTIVE: To present a feasible approach for the treatment of BI.

METHODS: We present an alternative surgical approach for the treatment of symptomatic BI in a 37-year-old

woman with Klippel-Feil syndrome. Because of the altered anatomy, traditional approaches such as the transoral-transpharyngeal, transmandibular circumglossal, PCI 32765 and transcervical endoscopic routes were not feasible.

RESULTS: We chose a staged sublabial, transnasal, transpalatal route for the anterior brainstem decompression followed by posterior fixation. The patient tolerated the procedures well and at last follow-up had nearly complete resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSION: The sublabial route is an alternative approach for anterior decompression in patients with symptomatic basilar impression and altered anatomic circumstances such as that caused by Klippel-Feil syndrome.”
“Aim:

To investigate

the viability, surface characteristics and ability of spores of a Geobacillus sp. isolated from a milk powder production line to adhere to stainless steel surfaces before and after a caustic (NaOH) wash used in clean-in-place regimes.

Methods and Results:

Exposing sessile spores to 1% NaOH at 65 degrees C for 30 min decreased spore viability by two orders of selleck compound magnitude. The zeta potential of the caustic treated spores decreased from -20 to -32 mV and they became more hydrophobic. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that caustic treated spores contained breaks in their spore coat. Under flow conditions, caustic treated spores suspended in 0 center dot 1 mol l-1 KCl were shown to attach to stainless steel in significantly greater numbers (4 center dot 6 log(10) CFU cm-2) than untreated spores (3 center dot 6 log(10) CFU cm-2).

Conclusions:

This Copanlisib ic50 research suggests that spores surviving a caustic wash will have a greater

propensity to attach to stainless steel surfaces.

Significance of Study:

The practice of recycling caustic wash solutions may increase the risk of contaminating dairy processing surfaces with spores.”
“BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation is an established technology for management of chronic low back and leg pain when other surgical options have failed or are not feasible. Precise placement of the paddle-style electrode relative to the patient’s distribution of pain can be difficult because of anatomic variation and the inherent limitations of electrode design.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique for adjustment of spinal cord stimulator epidural electrode location during placement or revision to optimize stimulation coverage.

METHODS: We devised a method using a malleable disposable suture retrieval snare to precisely position an epidural electrode in either a midline or paramedian position during initial placement or revision. The snare is deployed and used to grasp a suture knot tied at the end of the electrode.

Renal scarring was detected in 369 (26 7%) of the 1,384 patients

Renal scarring was detected in 369 (26.7%) of the 1,384 patients who underwent dimercapto-succinic acid imaging. Reflux grade in the GSK J4 manufacturer 2,341 ureters was II in 98 (4.2%), III in 1,340 (57.3%), IV in 818 (34.9%) and V in 85 (3.6%). Followup ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram were performed

3 months after the outpatient procedure, and renal ultrasound was performed annually thereafter. Patients were followed for 3 months to 10 years (median 5.6 years).

Results: Vesicoureteral reflux resolved after the first, second and third endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in 2,039 (87.1%), 264 (11.3%) and 38 (1.6%) ureters, respectively. Febrile urinary tract infections developed during followup in 69 (4.6%) patients. None of the patients in the series needed reimplantation of ureters or experienced any significant complications.

Conclusions: Our results confirm the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in the eradication of high grade vesicoureteral reflux. We recommend this 15-minute outpatient procedure as the first

line of treatment for high grade vesicoureteral reflux.”
“Patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) demonstrate impaired cognition in some selected domains. Although serotoninergic dysfunction has been implicated in OCD, recent evidence suggests that dopamine may play a role as well.

The aim of the study was to evaluate learning and working memory in OCD and to determine the effects of dopaminergic manipulations on these capacities.

Visuospatial associative memory and spatial and verbal working memory were examined in www.selleckchem.com/products/pd-0332991-palbociclib-isethionate.html AZD5582 cost 18 nondepressed patients with OCD and 18 matched healthy controls. The study further investigated whether acute administration of dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist and antagonist would differentially modulate cognition in OCD. Each participant underwent the cognitive battery three times in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design.

Significant impairments

in patients compared with controls were noted on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) paired associates learning (PAL) and a measure of sustained attention (rapid visual information processing, RVIP) that persisted across all sessions, with deficient strategy in the CANTAB spatial working memory task in the first session alone. Although the dopamine D2/D3 agonist, pramipexole, led to poorer performance on the PAL and RVIP tasks, no differential effects were noted between the two groups. No significant effects were noted for the D2/D3 antagonist, amisulpride.

The results are consistent with a specific associative memory deficit in OCD that remained robust despite possible practice effects and compensatory strategies and point to abnormal medial temporal lobe involvement in OCD in addition to the previously implicated frontostriatal loops, with no clear evidence of D2 receptor mediation.

The h

The buy TPCA-1 excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) through NMDARs recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons increased significantly 20 min after a single LFS and this increase was

inhibited when the LFS was delivered in the presence of an IP3R antagonist or a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor. These results suggest that activation of IP3R5 by a preconditioning LFS results in postsynaptic protein phosphorylation and/or enhancement of NMDAR activation during a subsequent LFS, leading to reversal of LTP in the field EPSP in hippocampal CA1 neurons. (C) 2012 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“S100B is a calcium-binding protein, produced and secreted by astrocytes, which has a putative paracrine neurotrophic activity. Clinical studies have suggested that peripheral elevation of this protein is positively correlated with a therapeutic antidepressant response. particularly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); however, the mechanism underlying this response remains unclear. Here, we measured S100B secretion directly in hippocampal astrocyte

cultures and hippocampal slices exposed to fluoxetine and observed a significant increment of S100B release in the presence of this SSRI, apparently dependent on protein kinase A (PKA). Moreover, we found that serotonin (possibly via the 5HT(1A) receptor) reduces S100B secretion and antagonizes the effect of fluoxetine on S100B secretion. These data reinforce Avapritinib the effect of fluoxetine, independently of serotonin and serotonin Elafibranor supplier receptors, suggesting a putative role for S100B in depressive disorders and suggesting that other molecular targets may be relevant for antidepressant activity. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Purpose: Voiding cystourethrogram is the gold standard for evaluating and diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux. Reflux detection can potentially be affected by many parameters during voiding cystourethrogram.

Materials and Methods: A 29-item survey was sent via e-mail

through Survey-Monkey (R) to the chairperson of pediatric radiology at 65 national pediatric hospitals. This survey included questions on institutional protocols for performing voiding cystourethrogram.

Results: Responses were received from 41 institutions from across North America, including 17 of 19 Randomized Intervention for Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux study sites. Many aspects of the reports of voiding cystourethrogram protocols were similar with 90% or greater agreement in allowing parents in the room, contrast infusion by gravity, catheter or feeding tube use without balloons, no contrast dilution and voiding without a catheter in place. The height at which contrast medium was raised for infusion was 40, 60, 80, 100 and greater than 100 cm at 2.4%, 17.1%, 17.1%, 39.0% and 12.2% of sites, respectively, while the height was not measured or it varied at 12.2%.

Functionally, Notch expression induced a significant expansion of

Functionally, Notch expression induced a significant expansion of pre-leukemic clones; however, a majority of these clones were not fully transformed and could NU7026 not induce leukemia when transplanted into recipient animals. Limiting-dilution cell transplantation revealed that Notch signaling does not increase the overall frequency of leukemia-propagating cells (LPCs), either alone or in collaboration with Myc. Taken together, these data indicate that a primary role of Notch signaling in T-ALL is to expand a population of pre-malignant thymocytes, of which a subset acquire the necessary mutations to become fully transformed

LPCs.”
“Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) play a critical role in the development LEE011 solubility dmso of peripheral tactile and thermal hypersensitivity after the induction of paw inflammation in rats. We used a spinal microdialysis model to examine the effect of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation on the spinal release of EAAs and assessed the antinociceptive effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF). CFA was injected into the plantar surface of the left hind paw to induce inflammation. Either the sciatic nerve of adult CFA rats in the mid-thigh,

or the L4 anterior primary ramus just distal to the intervertebral foramen was treated with PRF (20 ms, 500 kHz pulses) at a rate of 2Hz and a maximum temperature of 42 degrees C. Concentrations of amino acids in the dialysate from the spinal microdialysis catheter and mechanical paw withdrawal threshold were determined to evaluate the analgesic effect of PRF. An intraplantar injection of CFA induced a significant release of glutamate, aspartate, and citrulline for 7 days. The behavior tests showed that PRF administered to the anterior ramus, just distal

to the intervertebral foramen, significantly reduced mechanical allodynia, and microanalysis showed a significant suppression of EAAs and VX-809 in vitro citrulline release. The antiallodynic effect of PRF was observed the day following CFA injection and maintained for 7 days. We showed that PRF administered adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion suppresses the release of EAAs, which may account for the PRF antiallodynic properties observed in adjuvant-induced inflammation. NeuroReport 24:431-436 (C) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.”
“Neuroimaging studies have provided evidence that a bilateral frontal-parietal network is involved in voluntary attentional control. However, because those studies used instructive cue stimuli, some of the activity may have been due to interactions between cue processing and voluntary orienting. Here, we show that self-initiated voluntary orienting, in the absence of any cue stimulus, evokes activity in this frontal-parietal network.


“Dendritic cells (DCs) form a bridge between the innate an


“Dendritic cells (DCs) form a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems and fundamentally have an impact on anti-infectious defense and immune-mediated diseases, including those affecting the kidney. The field of renal dendritic cells (rDCs) is rapidly evolving, and work in rodent models has provided the first insight into their functional role in kidney homeostasis and disease. Recent findings indicate that rDCs have an important sentinel role against kidney injury and infection. In acute immune-mediated disease they function in an anti-inflammatory

manner, but may acquire pro-inflammatory functionality when renal inflammation becomes chronic. In chronic disease rDCs mature and stimulate rather than tolerize effector T cells, and may contribute to progression of kidney disease. Recent progress in aligning murine Poziotinib ic50 and human DC subsets has opened avenues for making knowledge obtained from mechanistic studies

in find more animal models available for better interpretation of kidney biopsies. There is firsthand evidence indicating changes in human DC subsets and their distribution in some kidney diseases. Data are presently lacking on the identity of rDC progenitors, the molecular mechanisms governing their recruitment into the kidney, and the role of rDCs in kidney homeostasis. This review highlights recent findings in the study of rDCs. Kidney International (2011) 80, 139-145; doi:10.1038/ki.2011.129; published online 25 May 2011″
“The oscillatory activity in the basal ganglia is believed to have an important function, but little is known about its actual mechanisms. We studied the resonance characteristics of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons and their ionic mechanisms

using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in rat brain slices. A swept-sine-wave current with constant amplitude and linearly ��-Nicotinamide nmr increasing frequency was applied to measure the resonance frequency (f(res)) of STN neurons. We also used single-frequency sine wave current to evoke firing. We found that the resonance of STN neurons was temperature- and voltage-dependent. The f(res) of STN neurons was about 4Hz when the temperature was maintained at 38 degrees C and holding potential was at -70 mV. The f(res) increased with more negative holding potentials and decreased with lower temperature. Action potentials fired most readily when the input frequency was near f(res) After application of drug ZD7288 (20 mu M), the resonance of STN neurons was blocked and the spikes evoked by both impedance amplitude profile (ZAP) current and single-frequency sine wave current arose readily at the lowest frequencies, indicating that hyperpolarization-activated cation current (I-h) generated the resonance and mediated a preferential coupling at frequencies near lies between inputs and firing. In conclusion, there is a theta-frequency resonance mediated by I-h in STN neurons.