cAMP controls a trafficking mechanism that maintains the neuron specificity and subcellular placement of electrical synapses.

Electrical synapses are established between specific neurons and within distinct subcellular compartments, but the mechanisms that direct gap junction assembly in the nervous system are largely unknown. Here, we show that a developmental program tunes cAMP signaling to direct the neuron-specific assembly and placement of electrical synapses in the C. elegans motor circuit.

Platelet storage in more than 90% additive solution containing glucose and bicarbonate has the potential to increase shelf life.

Background: Platelet concentrates (PCs) suspended in more than 90% additive solution (AS) are recommended for patients with reactions to platelets stored in plasma. Next-generation AS containing glucose and bicarbonate might enable storage of these PCs for longer than those in current-generation AS, which was therefore evaluated in this study.

Study Design And Methods: Five buffy coat or apheresis-derived PCs were pooled and split into identical units.

Storage of washed or irradiated red cells in AS-7 improves their in vitro characteristics.

Background: AS-7 is a new alkaline hypotonic red cell additive solution (AS) shown to improve red cell quality during storage compared with AS-1. We sought to compare red cells stored in AS-7 with those stored in SAGM using RCC that were either untreated, or washed or irradiated on day 14 of storage.

Study Design And Methods: A pooled and split study design was used to produce seven identical RCC (four in SAGM and three in AS-7).

Head injury attenders in the emergency department: the impact of advice and factors associated with early symptom outcome.

Primary Objective: Many who attend hospital after head injury are not admitted to a hospital bed. This study explores the views of hospital attenders about advice received, predictors of memory for and compliance with advice and factors associated with early symptom persistence and outcome that might identify those requiring follow-up.

Design: A single group prospective follow-up design.

A survey of information given to head-injured patients on direct discharge from emergency departments in Scotland.

Aim: To survey the information provided to head-injured patients on discharge from emergency departments (EDs) in Scotland.

Methods: EDs throughout Scotland were asked to supply a copy of their head injury advice pamphlet for analysis. Each pamphlet was assessed against a template and an Excel spreadsheet was created.