We documented simulation types (synthetic, virtual reality and animal models), participant experience level and tasks performed. The feasibility, validity, cost-effectiveness, reliability and educational impact of the simulators were also evaluated.

Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE (R), EMBASE (TM) and PsycINFO (R) databases were systematically searched until September 2010. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search.

Results: The study included case reports, Idasanutlin in vitro case series and empirical studies of training and assessment in urology using procedural simulation. The model name, training

tasks, participant level, training duration and evaluation scoring were extracted from each study. We also extracted data on face, content and construct validity. Most studies suitably addressed content,

construct and face validation as well as the feasibility, educational impact and cost-effectiveness of simulation models. Synthetic, animal and virtual reality models were demonstrated to be effective training and assessment tools for junior trainees. Few investigators looked at the transferability of skills from simulation to real patients.

Conclusions: Current simulation models are valid and reliable for the initial phase of training and assessment. For advanced and specialist level skill acquisition animal models GW4064 purchase can be used but availability is limited due to supply shortages and ethical restrictions. More research is selleck chemicals llc needed to validate simulated environments for senior trainees and specialists.”
“Dopamine

is a potentially toxic neurotransmitter that has long been speculated to contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent work has demonstrated the importance of proper storage of dopamine in vesicles to maintain dopamine homeostasis, thus protecting neurons from the detrimental effects of dopamine accumulation and breakdown in the cytosol. These studies suggest that factors which affect dopamine storage might increase the susceptibility of dopamine neurons to further environmental or genetic insults, exacerbating the neuronal degeneration that characterizes PD. This review seeks to revisit the pathogenicity of cytosolic dopamine and further address the critical role of neurotransmitter storage in dopamine-mediated neurotoxicity.”
“Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids, which are enriched in the brain, are important for multiple aspects of neuronal development and function including neurite outgrowth, signal transduction and membrane fluidity. Recent studies show that PUFA are capable of improving hippocampal long-term potentiation, learning ability of aged rats, and cognitive function of humans with memory deficits, although the underlying mechanisms are unknown.