Anatomic relationship of the oculomotor nuclear complex and medial longitudinal fasciculus in the midbrain.

PURPOSETo compare the MR characteristics of the oculomotor nucleus with its appearance on anatomic images.METHODSSpecimens of cadaveric brains were imaged in a 3.0-T MR imager equipped with a 3.0-cm solenoid coil. The specimens were sectioned, stained, and examined histologically. On anatomic sections, the oculomotor nuclei, medial longitudinal fasciculus, red nuclei, and oculomotor nerve were identified. The MR images were then compared with the anatomic sections.RESULTSThe oculomotor nuclei, medial longitudinal fasciculus, red nuclei, and oculomotor nerve could be identified on MR images by their size, shape, signal intensity, and location.CONCLUSIONMR images show the anatomic relationship of the oculomotor nerve complex, medial longitudinal fasciculus, and related structures in the brain stem.     

EMG myokymia as a cause of ptosis in hypothyroidism

Ptosis is known to be associated with thyroid disorders. We describe two biochemically corrected hypothyroid patients presenting with isolated bilateral ptosis. EMG of the orbicularis oculi showed continuous grouped motor unit potentials. In the absence of obvious aetiology, it is hypothesised that focal demyelination of terminal branches to the orbicularis oculi may play a role in the generation of the discharges.     

Production of monoclonal antibody against granulomonopoietic enhancing activity (GM-EA)

The granulomonopoietic enhancing activity (GM-EA) is a novel myelopoietic synergizing factor which acts as an enhancing factor for the proliferation and/or maturation of myelopoietic progenitor cells (CFU-GM) in combination with various types of colony-stimulating factors. In the present study, we report the production of a mouse anti-human GM-EA monoclonal antibody (mAb) designated 63A which is of the IgG1 subclass and has kappa light chains. This mAb can be used to quantitate GM-EA using a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and is shown to have no cross-reaction with other myeloid synergizing factors. Furthermore, 63A mAb can significantly neutralize the colony-enhancing activity of GM-EA when added to CFU-GM assay cultures. In addition to being a convenient tool for the assay of GM-EA, 63A mAb may also be valuable for the exploration of the full potential of this enhancing factor in myelopoiesis.     

Blunt abdominal trauma causing a 'degloving injury' to the colon

A case of an unusual degloving injury of the descending colon resulting from a crushing injury to the mid-torso is reported. The diagnosis was made at laparotomy for associated injuries. The colon was stripped of its muscle layers and mesentery for 10 cm without perforation.     

Medialization thyroplasty for cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To justify the application of medialization thyroplasty in Chinese patients with symptomatic cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective chart review from February 2000 to March 2006. RESULTS: Eighty-seven Chinese patients undergoing medialization thyroplasty for UVFP were included; there were no significant differences between the cancer-related and benign groups in terms of the speech and swallowing rehabilitation outcome and the perioperative complication rate (P > 0.05). The median survival time of cancer-related UVFP patients from the date of medialization to death was 129 days. Age more than 65 years was identified as the only factor for a shorter survival period after medialization (P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Medialization thyroplasty restores satisfactory speech and swallowing and has a low perioperative complication rate in Chinese patients with cancer-related UVFP. Postmedialization survival period was also reasonable. SIGNIFICANCE: Medialization thyroplasty is a justifiable treatment option for cancer-related UVFP.     

Pregnancy: Oral misoprostol versus placebo for cervical dilatation before vacuum aspiration in first trimester pregnancy

Intravaginal misoprostol has been shown to be effective forcervical priming before a surgically induced abortion. The objectivewas to investigate the effectiveness of oral misoprostol incervical dilatation prior to vacuum aspiration between the 6thand 12th weeks of pregnancy. The results showed that in nulliparouspatients, the median cervical dilatation in the treatment group(7.8 mm) was significantly greater than that in the placebogroup (3.7 mm). In multiparous patients, the difference wasalso statistically significant (9.8 versus 6.0 mm). The easeof dilatation, assessed subjectively by the operating surgeons,was significantly improved in the treatment group. There wasalso a significant reduction in the duration of the operationand in the mean blood loss in the treatment group. The side-effectsencountered in the treatment group were mild and well acceptedby the women. Oral misoprostol is an effective and safe methodfor cervical dilatation prior to vacuum aspiration in firsttrimester pregnancy.