Choroidal bodies: a new structure in the fourth ventricular choroid plexus of the rat and mouse

Histologic study of the caudal end of the fourth ventricular choroid plexus of the rat and mouse revealed 1-4 small, discrete collections of cells that differed from the surrounding choroidal epithelial cells in appearance. They did not occur in other parts of the choroid plexuses. These choroidal bodies were not affected by a chemical toxin that caused hydropic degeneration of all the epithelial cells in the choroid plexuses. The function, if any, of the choroidal bodies is unknown. They were present in all rats that were studied by serial sections.     

Comparison of two methods used to assess first-ray mobility

Mobility of the first-ray is associated with several common lower extremity disorders. However, the reliability and validity of clinical measurement remains unclear. In this study we examined first-ray mobility by using one hand to stabilize the lesser metatarsals while the clinician's other hand applied a displacement force to the head of the first metatarsal. The amount of mobility was graded as stiff, normal or hypermobile. We then used a well-validated mechanical device to perform similar tests and assessed validity, intrarater reliability and interrater reliability. Three clinicians having varied levels of experience graded first-ray mobility on 15 subjects. A separate investigator measured dorsal mobility with a mechanical device. Both methods of testing were repeated to assess measurement reliability. Reliability was estimated by kappa (K) statistics. Spearman correlation assessed the relationship between mobility graded manually and dorsal mobility measured by device. Manual examination intrarater K values ranged from 0.50 to 0.85, and interrater agreement from 0.09 to 0.16. Manual grading was not related (r = -0.21) to the absolute measure of total dorsal mobility made by device. This brings into question the validity and reliability of manual estimates of first-ray mobility.     

反应停治疗难治性多发性骨髓瘤25例

1临床资料我院2001-02/2004-01接受2个疗程卡氮芥 环磷酰胺 马法兰 泼尼松 长春新碱或2个疗程长春新碱 阿霉素 地塞米松方案化疗无效或复发的难治性多发性骨髓瘤患者25(男16,女9)例,年龄42～80(中位年龄57.2)岁.单用反应停口服治疗,起始剂量200 mg/d,如无不良反应,每周增加100 mg,根据患者耐受情况,最高剂量为600 mg/d,3 mo为1疗程.服药期间禁止使用糖皮质激素类药物及细胞毒药物.     

Neuropsychological function in mild hyperphenylalaninemia

Whether specific cognitive deficits related to frontal-lobe dysfunction that have been reported in individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) are also characteristic of mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP) was investigated. Tests of executive function and control tasks not assessing executive function were administered to a group of individuals with MHP and a group without MHP, similar in age, gender, and IQ. Tests of academic skills and behavior-rating questionnaires were also administered to the group with MHP. No group differences were found for any measure, suggesting that the mild elevations of phenylalanine in individuals with MHP are not sufficient to produce behavioral and cognitive impairments characteristic of PKU.     

Nurses' perceived barriers to the implementation of a Fall Prevention Clinical Practice Guideline in Singapore hospitals

Background  

Theories of behavior change indicate that an analysis of barriers to change is helpful when trying to influence professional practice. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived barriers to practice change by eliciting nurses' opinions with regard to barriers to, and facilitators of, implementation of a Fall Prevention clinical practice guideline in five acute care hospitals in Singapore.     

Prevention of lithium nephrotoxicity in a novel one-hour model in rats

It is well established that lithium can cause morphologically visible damage to the kidneys of humans and animals. Although the clinical significance of its nephrotoxicity is debatable, it would be desirable to find a method to prevent lithium’s effect on the kidneys. Toward this end, we have developed a novel method for producing nephrotoxicity that will be useful for research on prevention. A single, large, toxic dose of lithium chloride (LiCl) caused necrosis of the distal convoluted tubules, which was visible by light microscopy in 30 min, had fully developed in 1 h, and had disappeared by the next day. The lesions were seen after IP or IV injections of fasted rats of three different strains. Equivalent doses of NaCl, KCl, MgCl₂ and combinations thereof had no such effect, nor did they inhibit nephrotoxicity when incorporated into the LiCl solution. However, relatively small doses of LiCl injected by any route 3 or 24 h beforehand prevented the nephrotoxicity. The mechanism of prevention is not known, but it does not involve reduction of lithium levels in the kidneys. Received: 30 July 1997/Final version: 18 November 1997     

The effect of accuracy of implantation on range of movement of the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement

When performing the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR), the positioning of the talar component and the selection of mobile-bearing thickness are critical. A biomechanical experiment was undertaken to establish the effects of these variables on the range of movement (ROM) of the ankle. Six cadaver ankles containing a specially-modified STAR prosthesis were subjected to ROM determination, under weight-bearing conditions, while monitoring the strain in the peri-ankle ligaments. Each specimen was tested with the talar component positions in neutral, as well as 3 and 6 mm of anterior and posterior displacement. The sequence was repeated with an anatomical bearing thickness, as well as at 2 mm reduced and increased thicknesses. The movement limits were defined as 10% strain in any ligament, bearing lift-off from the talar component or limitations of the hardware. Both anterior talar component displacement and bearing thickness reduction caused a decrease in plantar flexion, which was associated with bearing lift-off. With increased bearing thickness, posterior displacement of the talar component decreased plantar flexion, whereas anterior displacement decreased dorsiflexion.