Interleukin-1-induced leukocyte extravasation across rat mesenteric microvessels is mediated by platelet-activating factor

Although our understanding of the molecular interactions that mediate the adhesion of leukocytes to venular endothelial cells has greatly expanded, very little is known about the mechanisms that mediate the passage of leukocytes across the vessel wall in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of endogenously formed platelet-activating factor (PAF) in the process of leukocyte extravasation induced by interleukin-1 (IL-1). To determine at which stage of emigration PAF was involved, we studied the behavior of leukocytes within rat mesenteric microvessels by intravital microscopy. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline, recombinant rat IL-1 beta (IL-1 beta), or the peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl- phenylalanine (FMLP) 4 hours before the exteriorization of the mesenteric tissue. In animals treated with IL-1 beta there was a significant increase in the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes within venules (20- to 40-micron diameter) and in the number of extravasated leukocytes in the tissue. Pretreatment of rats with the PAF receptor antagonist UK-74,505 had no effect on the leukocyte responses of rolling and adhesion, but significantly inhibited the migration of the leukocytes across the vessel wall induced by IL-1 beta (76% inhibition). A structurally unrelated PAF antagonist, WEB-2170, produced the same effect (64% inhibition). However, in contrast, UK- 74,505 had no effect on the leukocyte extravasation induced by FMLP, indicating selectivity for the response elicited by certain mediators. These results provide the first line of direct evidence for the involvement of endogenously formed PAF in the process of leukocyte extravasation induced by IL-1 in vivo.     

An integrative review exploring the physical and psychological harm inherent in using restraint in mental health inpatient settings

In Western society, policy and legislation seeks to minimize restrictive interventions, including physical restraint; yet research suggests the use of such practices continues to raise concerns. Whilst international agreement has sought to define physical restraint, diversity in the way in which countries use restraint remains disparate. Research to date has reported on statistics regarding restraint, how and why it is used, and staff and service user perspectives about its use. However, there is limited evidence directly exploring the physical and psychological harm restraint may cause to people being cared for within mental health inpatient settings. This study reports on an integrative review of the literature exploring available evidence regarding the physical and psychological impact of restraint. The review included both experimental and nonexperimental research papers, using Cooper's (1998) five‐stage approach to synthesize the findings. Eight themes emerged: Trauma/retraumatization; Distress; Fear; Feeling ignored; Control; Power; Calm; and Dehumanizing conditions. In conclusion, whilst further research is required regarding the physical and psychological implications of physical restraint in mental health settings, mental health nurses are in a prime position to use their skills and knowledge to address the issues identified to eradicate the use of restraint and better meet the needs of those experiencing mental illness.     

Renal cell carcinoma metastases to gallbladder

A 74-year old man underwent a radical cholecystectomy for presumed gallbladder cancer. The histology of the resected specimen in fact revealed the lesion to be metastatic renal cell carcinoma from his resected right nephrectomy performed 14 years previously.     

Truth-telling in discussing prognosis in advanced life-limiting illnesses: a systematic review

Many health professionals (HPs) express discomfort at having to broach the topic of prognosis, including limited life expectancy, and may withhold information or not disclose prognosis. A systematic review was conducted of 46 studies relating to truth-telling in discussing prognosis with patients with progressive, advanced life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers. Relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified by searching computerized databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials) up to November 2004, with handsearching of studies, as well as inclusion of studies satisfying selection criteria reported in 2005 by the authors. The reference lists of identified studies were hand-searched for further relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were studies of any design evaluating communication of prognostic information that included adult patients with an advanced, life-limiting illness; their caregivers; and qualified HPs. Results showed that although the majority of HPs believed that patients and caregivers should be told the truth about the prognosis, in practice, many either avoid discussing the topic or withhold information. Reasons include perceived lack of training, stress, no time to attend to the patient's emotional needs, fear of a negative impact on the patient, uncertainty about prognostication, requests from family members to withhold information and a feeling of inadequacy or hopelessness regarding the unavailability of further curative treatment. Studies suggest that patients can discuss the topic without it having a negative impact on them. Differences and similarities in findings from different cultures are explored.     

应用功能磁共振成像分析脑卒中患者康复治疗前后大脑再塑机制

目的:应用功能磁共振成像观察脑卒中后及康复过程中,在相应脑内运动功能区激活的变化情况,探讨不同运动模式下皮质功能再塑的表现。方法:选取2003-02/10大庆油田总医院康复科住院的皮质下脑梗死患者8例,在发病后1周始进行连续两个月的康复。在康复前、康复1,2个月时运用Brunnstrom分级、Caroll上肢功能量表(0￣100分,评分越高功能越好)对其手功能进行评价,并采用GEMR/iHiSpeed1.5超导磁共振扫描机进行磁共振成像功能激发检查。患者用病手执行简单运动(快速连续的拇指与其他各指的对指动作)、随意运动(用病手摸不同形状的木块),获得脑功能激发图像,观察脑内相关功能区的激活情况。结果:8例受试者均进入结果分析。①康复后所有患者Brunnstrom分级和Caroll上肢功能评分均较康复前有明显改善。②病手简单运动时脑内相关功能区的激活情况:8例受试者7例在损伤后早期手指不能对指,所以没有激活;M1,SMA,PMA脑区和小脑呈现单侧激活-双侧激活-单侧激活的变化过程;随着运动功能恢复,脑内激活数目随时间呈下降趋势,几乎接近正常人脑功能表现。③病手随意运动时脑内相关功能区的激活情况:实验中发现引起的运动相关功能区的激发情况变化多样,规律性较差,但其中5例受试者表现出损伤后激发数目明显减少,许多对运动起决定性支配作用的功能区亦不激活;随着运动功能恢复,激发区数目呈上升趋势,同损伤后简单运动的激活表现。结论:①脑卒中后病手经过康复治疗简单运动恢复较好,康复治疗2个月后脑内运动功能相关区域激活的规律已同正常人。②脑卒中后病手随意运动恢复较困难,康复治疗后不如简单运动恢复好,脑内相关运动功能区激活无明显的规律性。随着运动功能的恢复,脑内相应的运动功能区激活增多。