Establishing a multivariate clinical laboratory data base

A regional or hospital-based “reference” value study is well within the range of every clinical laboratory. A program is described that samples one to two “health” subjects each working day under tightly controlled conditions. Sixty-seven variables are tested simultaneously to provide univariate age and sex ranges, and variance/covariance matrices from which associated correlation coefficients are obtained. This ongoing “reference” value program offers essential information for both univariate and multivariate interpretations along with validation and quality control for certain methods within the clinical laboratory.     

Forced exercise does not improve recovery after hemorrhagic stroke in rats

Exercise can improve recovery following ischemia and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rodents. We tested whether forced exercise (EX; running wheel) prior to and/or following ICH in rats would reduce lesion volume and improve functional outcome (walking, skilled reaching, spontaneous paw usage) at 7 weeks post-ICH. A striatal hemorrhage was produced by infusing collagenase. First, we compared animals that received EX (2 weeks; 1 h/day) ending two days prior to ICH and/or starting two weeks following ICH. EX did not improve functional recovery or affect lesion size. Doubling the amount of EX given per day (two 1-h sessions) both prior to and following ICH did not alter lesion volume, but worsened recovery. We then determined if EX (1 h/day) prior to and following ICH would affect outcome after a somewhat milder insult. There were no differences between the groups in lesion volume or recovery. Finally, we used a hemoglobin assay at 12 h following ICH to determine if pre-stroke EX (2 weeks; 1 h/day) aggravated bleeding. It did not. These observations suggest that EX does not improve outcome when given prior to and/or when delayed following ICH. Effective rehabilitation for ICH will likely require more complex interventions than forced running.     

Child sexual abuse: a preliminary study

In 1997, 52 child victims of sexual abuse were examined at Oporto Institute of Forensic Medicine. The authors analysed the data concerning these cases in an attempt to contribute to the elucidation of child sexual abuse, particularly in the north of Portugal.     

The transition from fetus to neonate – an endocrine perspective

Gluckman PD, Sizonenko SV, Bassett NS. The transition from fetus to neonate - an endocrine perspective. Acta Pædiatr 1999; Suppl 428: 7–11. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5326
The transition from fetus to neonate involves three phases: late gestation, parturition and the processes needed to establish independent homoeostatic regulation after separation from the placenta. These phases are regulated by a series of fetal and placental endocrine events. Glucocorticoids have an important role in the preparation for birth, including involvement in lung and cardiac development, and the maturation of enzymes in a variety of pathways. Fetal Cortisol production is, in turn, also under hormonal control. Parturition is a complex process, which is still poorly understood in humans. The final steps are largely dependent on the effect of prostaglandin F_2α on the myometrium associated with increased oxytocin activity. The transition to birth is accompanied by changes in respiration, circulation, glucose homoeostasis, and the onset of independent oral feeding and thermoregulation. Several examples of endocrine components of the transition from fetal to neonatal life are reviewed here: the role of prostanoids, the onset of thermogenesis, and changes in the thyroid hormone and growth hormone axes. The effects of hormone levels on prematurity and growth retardation are also discussed. □ Birth transition, fetus, gestation, hormonal control, neonate, parturition