Use of electric stimulation for activating the process of bone consolidation

A method of electrostimulation aimed at activation of bone adhesion processes was developed and introduced into practice at the Latvian Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics on the basis of data on bone bioelectric activity. The method was used in complex with external fixation of the fracture by Kalnbers' apparatus. The phase pattern of callus formation necessitated the employment of the appropriate potential of direct current. Cyclic potentials similar to piezopotentials of a normal bone in cyclic physiological load were used in the phase of functional reorganization. Positive results were achieved in 88.4% of 79 patients.     

Biochemical effects and monitoring of exposure of rats to 4-methylcyclohexyl-1,6-dicarboxylic acid anhydride vapour

Male Wistar rats exposed to 5, 10 or 20 p.p.m. 4-methylcyclohexyl-1,6-dicarboxylic acid anhydride vapour for 2-11 weeks showed dose-dependent blood anhydride concentrations. The maximum concentrations were found after two weeks. At five exposure weeks, they were smaller but they did not decrease further thereafter. The change was coincident with increased epoxide hydrase activity in liver. The excretion of 4-methylcyclohexyl-1,6-dicarboxylic acid was detected in the urine. The excretion was linearly related to the exposure in specimens collected during the 10th and 11th week. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was transiently inhibited by the exposure at the two higher doses while decreased enzyme activity in the isolated spinal cord axons was only found after 11 weeks. This change was simultaneous with increased creatine kinase activity in the cerebellar homogenate. In the occupational setting, acetylcholinesterase activity might only be significantly inhibited in lungs because of the low exposure levels.     

Misuse of zopiclone and convulsions during withdrawal.

It has been documented that benzodiazepines have the potential to cause dependence and withdrawal reactions, including convulsions. However, the available data concerning zopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, are insufficient. The present study describes the case of a 36-year-old man who repeatedly misused zopiclone, in daily doses of 60-90 mg. Furthermore, the patient suffered from convulsion on two occasions following abrupt withdrawal of zopiclone. The concomitant use of alcohol, trimipramine, and promazine may have contributed to the development of convulsions. It is concluded that zopiclone may cause problems associated with misuse and withdrawal reactions similar to those of benzodiazepines.     

Development of glutamate neurotoxicity in cortical cultures: induction of vulnerability by insulin.

The effect of insulin on the development of excitotoxic vulnerability in primary cultures of the rat cerebral cortex was examined. Cells were maintained for two weeks in serum-supplemented culture media, in the presence or absence of increasing insulin concentrations. Excitotoxic cell death was induced by 1 mM glutamate. The vulnerability of cells was evaluated by phase contrast microscopy and by the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release due to cytotoxic injury. In addition to a moderate (less than 50%) stimulation of protein and DNA synthesis, insulin produced more than a twofold increase in the excitotoxic vulnerability of cells. The effect of insulin was specific, concentration-dependent and required an intact molecular structure of insulin. Our findings indicate that insulin induces significant changes in cerebral neurons by increasing the lethal vulnerability of cortical cells to excitatory amino acids (EAAs).     

Mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA in a series of 64 patients suspected of having mitochondrial myopathy

Biochemical results concerning 64 patients suspected of mitochondrial myopathies are presented. Four clinical groups were studied including 21 encephalomyopathies, 42 ocular myopathies, 8 isolated myopathies and 3 cardiomyopathies. In 26 cases, the coexistence of a normal mitochondrial DNA and a mutated mitochondrial DNA (heteroplasmy) was found (19 simple deletions, 4 multiple deletions and 3 punctual mutations) and all cases presented with ocular disorders (excepted 2 cases with MERRF). Furthermore, 1 complex I deficiency (1 ocular myopathy), 1 complex IV deficiency (1 adult encephalomyopathy type Leigh), 3 complexes I + IV deficiencies (2 cases with a cardiomyopathy and 1 familial MELAS) and 2 pyruvate (1 adult from of Leigh's encephalomyopathy) dehydrogenase deficiencies (clinically and genetically different) did not show evidence of mitochondrial DNA mutation.     

Bilateral absolute phakolytic glaucoma. A clinical and ultrasonographic case study

We describe an unusual case of absolute bilateral phakolytic glaucoma. On admission for cataract surgery the 75-year-old patient was found to be totally blind, no light perception in either eye. The ocular tensions were about 75 mmHg in both eyes, corneas hazy, the fundi could not be seen. The swollen lens of the right eye had slightly subluxated downwards. In the left eye the ultrasound showed a luxated swollen lens in the vitreous space. The ultrasound also revealed totally excavated optic discs. This patient had been on the waiting list for 8 months. Information of the stage of the cataracts of patients on the waiting lists for operation is of paramount importance in the prevention of lens induced problems which may lead to irreversible visual deterioration.