A multiparametric index of platelet in vitro aggregation in cerebrovascular disease

148 patients with various forms of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were studied by means of a multiparametric analysis ofin vitro platelet aggregation, based on the following six parameters: ADP and epinephrine primary and secondary aggregation thresholds and percent maximum aggregation induced by optimal concentrations of ADP and epinephrine. These patients were assigned to four study groups, according to clinical diagnosis supported by CT scan, of transient ischemic attack and reversible neurological deficit (TIA-RIND), or completed stroke, in the presence or absence respectively of antiplatelet medical treatment at the time of the study. A statistically significant increase of thein vitro platelet aggregation was found in 44.4% of the untreated TIA-RIND patients and in 33.9% of the untreated stroke patients. However this last group showed a higher percentage of very marked hyperaggregation. Differences between the two treated study groups and controls were not signicant. No difference was found in collagen-and ristocetin-induced aggregation between the patient groups and the controls.

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Sommario 148 pazienti con varie forme di malattia cerebrovascolare, sono stati studiati con analisi multiparametriche dell'aggregazione piastrinica in vitro sulla base dei seguenti sei parametri: le soglie di aggregazione primaria e secondaria e l'aggregazione massima percentuale indotta da ADP ed Epinefrina. Questi pazienti sono stati suddivisi in 4 gruppi di studio in accordo con la diagnosi clinica confortata dai dati della TAC e cioè: TIA, RIND, o rammollimento in presenza o in assenza rispettivamente di un trattamento antiaggregante nel momento dello studio. è stato trovato un aumento statisticamente significativo dell'aggregazione in vitro delle piastrine nel 44.4% dei casi TIA, RIND non trattati e nel 33,9% dei casi di rammollimento non trattati. Quest'ultimo gruppo, però, ha dimostrato una più alta percentuale di iperaggregazione molto marcata. Le differenze tra i 2 gruppi di studio trattati con antiaggreganti e i controlli non erano significative. Inoltre nessuna differenza è stata riscontrata tra i gruppi e i controlli nell'aggregazione indotta da collageno e ristocetina.

     

改良电针痉挛连续两次发作治疗重性抑郁症疗效分析

目的　探讨改良电针痉挛连续两次发作治疗重性抑郁症的疗效。方法　使用YA型电针痉挛治疗仪 ,对 64例重性抑郁症患者进行连续两次发作 (试验组 )和单次发作 (对照组 )治疗 ,采用HAMD抑郁量表评分。结果　试验组临床显效率为 82 3 % ,对照组为 60 0 % ,试验组的疗效显著性地优于对照组 (χ2 =3 94,P <0 0 5 )。HAMD抑郁量表评定 :两组治疗前后总分均值比较均有显著差异 (P <0 0 1) ,试验组和对照组治疗后总分均值有显著差异 (t=5 .10 8,P <0 0 1) ;两组 4次发作治疗后总分均值比较试验组显效快于对照组 ;试验组的绝望感、认知障碍、迟滞因子分均值减低比对照组更明显 (P <0 0 1)。结论　改良电针痉挛连续两次发作疗法见效快、疗效好 ,无明显副作用 ,是治疗重性抑郁症的一种新方法     

Are chronic wheezing and asthma-like attacks related to FEV1 decline? The Cracow study

Analysis is presented of the relationship between decline in ventilatory function and possible symptoms of bronchial hypereactivity. Data comes from three consecutive surveys within a 13-year follow-up study of a population sample of 1747 persons (718 males and 1029 females) who completed spirometric testing and interviews. Chest symptoms recorded in the two initial surveys were used as baselines for the prognostic study on FEV₁ change. To evaluate changes in lung function the FEV₁ decline index, expressed as percentage of FEV₁ loss during the study period, was calculated. Chronic wheezing and asthma-like attacks were very strongly related to FEV₁ baseline level. Multiple linear regression analysis for each separate symptom including age and smoking habits as confounders and showed that the FEV₁ decline index was higher and more significant when wheezing and asthma-like attacks or chronic cough were present. When the combination of symptoms were introduced into the regression model, the effect of wheezing became insignificant. Only attacks of shortness of breath in both sexes and chronic cough in women were significantly associated with more rapid FEV₁ decline. However, the effect of persistent wheezing in men had a rather substantial impact on FEV₁ change. Comparing the effect of the number of cigarettes smoked with the effect of symptoms, one can see that FEV₁ decline due to attacks of shortness of breath is comparable to that seen with heavy smoking. There was no strong evidence that the symptoms under study precede the more rapid FEV₁ decline.     

Choreoathetosis related to lithium intoxication

A 76-year old woman was admitted because of severe gait ataxia and dysarthric speech that had worsened over the last 24 h. The patient was initially suspected of having repeated transitory ischemic attacks (TIAs) as her daughter reported a similar episode that had happened 3 weeks prior to admission. The onset of spontaneous twisting, choreoathetotic movements of both hands and arms and worsening of symptoms one hour after admission together with a history of lithium therapy lead to the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.     

Gender-specific symptoms of depression and anger attacks

Depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental illness, which does not only lead to personal suffering but also impairs social functioning and has a significant socioeconomic effect. Epidemiological studies have found a life-time prevalence of up to 17% in the general population and death due to suicides of up to 15%. As women have a two-fold higher prevalence for depressive disorder, it is noteworthy that suicide rates are consistently higher for men. Previous studies have suggested that mainly men suffer from a specific irritable depressive syndrome, which is characterized by lowered impulse control, symptomatic substance abuse, an increased readiness to take risks, and anger attacks, which present as sudden spells of inappropriate anger with vegetative hyperarousal. This article reviews gender-specific aspects of depressive disorder focussing on anger attacks and their clinical management.     

TIA对后继脑梗死神经保护作用的临床研究

目的探讨预先短暂性脑缺血发作(TIA)是否对后继脑梗死具有神经保护作用。方法根据脑梗死患者是否预先发生同侧的TIA分为TIA组和无TIA组,分别从TIA持续时间、发作次数、与脑梗死间隔时间及梗死部位几方面同无TIA组比较,采用ADL评分标准,评定患者预后恢复情况。结果Ⅰ级预后预先有TIA的占72%,无TIA的占63%,二者相比差异无显著性(X~2=3．31,P＞0．05)。但脑梗死前有TIA且持续时间在5～20min、发作次数2～3次,与脑梗死间隔不超过1周者,其Ⅰ级预后较多,同无TIA组相比较差异有显著性(P＜0．05)。结论脑梗死前发生的TIA有可能对人脑产生缺血耐受作用。TIA的神经保护性与其发作持续时间、发作次数及与脑梗死间隔时间有一定关系。     

Trajectories of Violent and Nonviolent Behaviors From Adolescence to Early Adulthood: Does Early Puberty Matter,and, If So,How Long?

PurposeIt is well known that pubertal timing affects adolescents' externalizing behaviors, but it is unknown if this effect lasts into adulthood. This study assessed if and when the early maturation effect wanes, specifically in two domains of externalizing behaviors: nonviolent and violent behaviors.MethodsUsing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) that include age-appropriate items of violent and nonviolent behaviors assessed from ages 11–30 over four waves (N = 4,255), we conducted a series of longitudinal growth curve analyses to evaluate the effect of pubertal timing on the trajectories of nonviolent and violent externalizing behaviors for males and females.ResultsCompared to later maturing male peers, early maturing males reported significantly elevated overall externalizing, nonviolent, and violent behaviors throughout adolescence, but became indistinguishable from on-time and late-maturing counterparts in young adulthood. Similarly, early maturing females showed higher levels of overall externalizing and nonviolent behaviors than later maturing counterparts, but no effect of pubertal timing was seen on the trajectories of violent behaviors. However, early maturing females' overall externalizing and nonviolent behaviors also became indistinguishable from on-time and late-maturing females after adolescence.ConclusionsThese findings clarify the differential effect of early maturation on nonviolent and violent behaviors, especially in females, and highlight the short-lived nature of the effects of early pubertal timing.     

Injuries caused by fragmenting rifle ammunition

IntroductionAlthough penetrating injuries are encountered on a regular basis in high volume trauma centres, most civilian trauma teams will be unfamiliar with the treatment of patients with injuries caused by fragmenting ammunition. The terrorist attacks in Norway on July 22, 2011 included a shooting spree causing 69 deaths and 60 injured. One of the weapons used was a semi-automatic rifle, calibre 5.56 mm, with soft tip, short stop ammunition. The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristic injury patterns and lessons learned from the treatment of multiple patients admitted at the regional trauma centre with injuries from this type of ammunition.MethodsWe undertook an observational study of patients admitted at Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval after the shooting spree at Utoya on July 22, 2011. Data on demographics, injuries, injury severity, surgical procedures and outcome were collected prospectively.ResultsOf the 21 patients admitted after the shooting incident, 18 were identified with injuries caused by fragmenting ammunition and included in the study. Median age was 17 years (IQR 16, 19), median ISS 21 (IQR 12, 30) and 12 patients were female. They had been hit by a total of 38 projectiles, of which 32 were fragmenting bullets. Of the seven patients who sustained injuries to the head, neck and face, one patient required a craniotomy and one patient had a non-survivable head injury. Of the 11 patients with torso injuries, six of the eight patients with chest injuries had intra-thoracic injuries that could be treated with chest tubes only. One patient had cardiac tamponade, requiring thoracotomy. Six patients underwent laparotomy, four of them more than one. Of the 10 patients with extremity injuries, two had nerve injuries and six patients had fractures. Five amputations were performed within the first nine days.A total of 101 operations were required within the first four weeks. The majority of these were repeated soft tissue debridements due to progressive necrosis.ConclusionKnowledge about the specific challenges created by the progressive soft tissue necrosis caused by fragmenting ammunition should lead to planned, repeated debridements to reduce total tissue loss and complications.     

Month of birth and suicide: An exploratory study

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between suicide and month of birth. METHOD: Data were extracted from records of the Public Health Department in North Cheshire between 1989 and 2000. &#164 Suicide' refers to all deceased who were the subjects of coroner's inquests resulting in a verdict of suicide or an open verdict. The month of birth of all who died of natural causes and were reported during a 2-year period was obtained from the Public Health Department in North Cheshire for comparison. RESULTS: There were 502 incidents of suicide in North Cheshire during the 12-year period. Significant differences were found between suicides and deaths due to natural causes, with an increase of incidents of suicide in those born in the month of May ( &#104 2 23, d.f.11, P < 0.01). The distribution of suicide by hanging appeared to be significantly higher in those born in September and July and lowest in those born in November compared with what would expected by chance ( &#104 2 28, d.f.11, P < 0.005). Those who died by violent means were more likely to have been born in the summer. The difference between the observed and expected numbers of suicides by methods other than hanging failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The results, though inconclusive, are interesting, particularly in view of recent reports that persons born during the winter &#45 spring months had significantly lower values of 5-HIAA, and also reports of low CSF levels of 5-HIAA in persons with violent suicidal behaviour such as hanging, stabbing, firearms, or jumping from heights and impulsivity. A biological explanation of suicidal behaviour could have implications for our understanding of the psychopathology of suicide and eventually offer new strategies for treatment and prevention. The conflicting reports from different countries within the northern hemisphere indicate the need for future studies with adequate design and acceptable statistical power.