Closed neural tube defects: neurologic, orthopedic, and gait outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to obtain a clear understanding of the various diagnoses within the closed neural tube defect (NTD) groups included in the large database of clients in our Spina Bifida Clinic and a clear picture of the outcomes for the various NTD groups. METHODS: One hundred and four clients with closed NTD were categorized using a classification system devised by Tortori-Donati et al. Various clinical markers were investigated, including ambulation and the need for orthoses and wheelchairs. RESULTS: Most clients are ambulatory, requiring an orthoses, but not a wheelchair, despite the high incidence of ankle/foot abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: This classification system has enhanced our knowledge of this group of clients, provided a greater understanding of the varied outcomes of these children and clinical management required.     

Researches on a unilaterally blue-blinded rhesus monkey

Psychophysical measures of hue (wavelength) discrimination and spectral sensitivity were collected over a 3-year-period on a rhesus monkey whose right eye had been exposed to intense blue light 10 years prior and had shown a pronounced loss of blue sensitivity in an increment-threshold, spectral-sensitivity task. Hue discrimination, to a somewhat greater degree than spectral sensitivity, revealed large differences between the normal and blue-exposed eye. The difference limens were in some cases 100 nm for the blue-exposed eye compared to 10-15 nm for the normal eye. The hue-discrimination functions from the blue-exposed eye were similar in form to those from human tritanopes (blue-blind humans), and those from the monkey's normal eye were similar to those from normal humans. Detailed functions, where the variable wavelength was shorter as opposed to longer than the reference wavelength, were shown separately for each of the monkey's eyes; those from the blue-exposed eye were very similar to analogous functions from the one case where they have been shown separately for a human tritanope.     

Use of the Splenic and Hepatic Artery for Renal Revascularization in Patients with Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Disease

p = 0.17) and the average number of antihypertensive medications decreased to 1.9 (p= 0.001). During the median follow-up of 33 months, 10 patients died, mainly from cardiac causes. Our experience indicates that the splenic and hepatic arteries provide useful alternatives to renal revascularization in selected circumstances with an acceptable rate of perioperative mortality and morbidity. The expected long-term survival in this group of patients is low.     

Psychological moods and subjectively perceived behavioral and somatic changes accompanying anabolic-androgenic steroid use.

To assess physiological and psychological states accompanying anabolic-androgenic steroid use, male weight lifters 1) were interviewed regarding their physical training and the patterns and effects of any drug use; 2) completed a written physical and medical history questionnaire, a Profile of Mood States questionnaire, and the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory; and 3) were physically examined, including a blood sample and urinalysis. Subjects were divided into current anabolic-androgenic steroid users (N = 12), previous users (N = 14), and nonusers (N = 24). Current and previous users reported the following changes associated with anabolic-androgenic steroid use: increases in enthusiasm, aggression, and irritability; changes in insomnia, muscle size, muscle strength and density; faster recovery from workouts and injuries; and changes in libido. We were unable to confirm these interview and physical and medical history questionnaire responses using standardized and well-accepted psychological inventories. There were no significant differences among groups for any Profile of Moods factor, total mood disturbance, total Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory score, or any subscale. For current users, there were no significant correlations between either total weekly drug dose or length of time on the current cycle of anabolic-androgenic steroids and any individual scale of the Profile of Mood States, Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, Profile of Mood States total mood disturbance, or composite Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory score. Furthermore, anabolic-androgenic steroid users did not differ in their responses on these inventories from nonusers or from general population norms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Should balloon angioplasty and stents have any role in operative intervention for lower extremity ischemia?

p < 0.01). Cumulative combined primary patency at 1 year by life-table methods was 82 ± 10% in the staged group and 83 ± 9% in the simultaneous group (p= 0.79). Mean follow-up was 13 ± 6 months. There is a role for balloon angioplasty and stent placement in operative revascularization of ischemic limbs in selected patients: patency was similar to that produced with the staged approach while the length of stay was shorter. Intraoperative balloon angioplasty is safe and effective and stents permit a measure of control in assuring an optimal intraoperative postangioplasty result.     

The choice of weapons in firearm suicides.

We report on the firearms used in 235 suicides in Sacramento County, California, during 1983-85. Handguns were used in 69 per cent of firearm suicides--65 per cent for males, 88 per cent for females--and in all such deaths among women ages 35 and older. We tested the hypothesis that the choice of firearms by persons committing suicide at home would passively reflect the reported prevalence of firearms by type in households in the region. Handguns were used more frequently (rate ratio 2.00; 95% CI = 1.68, 2.39), and rifles and shotguns less frequently than expected.