Immune Function and Host Defense in Rodents Exposed to 60-Hz Magnetic Fields

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of sub-chronicexposure to pure, linearly polarized 60-Hz magnetic fields (MF)on the host immune response in mice. The experimental designwas as follows: three groups were exposed continuously (18.5hr/day) to MF at field strengths of 0.02, 2, or 10 gauss (G),one group was exposed intermittently (1 hr on/l hr off) to MFat a field strength of 10 G, and one group served as a shamcontrol. Experimental endpoints included spleen and thymus weightsand cellularity, antibody-forming cell (AFC) response, delayed-typehypersensitivity (DTH) response, splenic lymphocyte subset analysis, susceptibility to infection with Listeria monocytogenes,and natural killer (NK) cell activity. No differences in bodyweight, lymphoid organ weight, or lymphoid organ cellularitywere ob served in any MF-exposed group in comparison to shamcontrols. Likewise, no statistically significant differenceswere found in com parisons of AFC responses. Isolated statisticallysignificant differ ences from control were observed in MF-exposedmice in the DTH assay, although no clear dose-related patternof altered activity was seen. Splenic lymphocyte subset parametersexamined were within normal limits in all groups, and no differencesbetween control and MF-exposed mice were found. Host resistanceto bacterial infection was not altered at any MF exposure examinedin this study. Finally, although apparently dose-related, statisticallysignificant alterations were observed in an initial study ofNK cell function, repeat studies failed to demonstrate a consistentpattern of alteration.     

TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATIC RESECTION OR LASER THERAPY FOR MEN WITH ACUTE URINARY RETENTION: THE CLASP RANDOMIZED TRIAL

PURPOSE: Transurethral resection of the prostate is the standard operation for acute urinary retention, although laser prostatectomy is reportedly effective and safe. The ClasP (conservative management, laser, transurethral resection of the prostate) study compared transurethral prostatic resection and noncontact neodymium (Nd):YAG visual laser assisted prostatectomy for treatment of acute urinary retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a multicenter randomized controlled trial, analyses were by intention to treat and followup was at 7.5 months after randomization. Primary outcomes were treatment failure, and included International Prostate Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life score, residual urine and flow rate. Secondary outcomes included complications, and duration of catheterization and hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 148 men were randomized to transurethral prostatic resection (74) and laser (74). There were fewer treatment failures after prostatic resection (p = 0.008) and fewer men after resection required secondary surgery for poor results (1 versus 7, p = 0.029). Maximum flow rates after transurethral prostatic resection were better than after laser (mean difference 4.4 ml. per second). Comparison of symptom and quality of life scores demonstrated that any clinically significant advantage for laser could be ruled out. Patients stayed a mean of 2 extra days in the hospital after resection. The duration of catheterization was greater after laser but significantly fewer major treatment complications were found with laser therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral prostatic resection was more effective, resulted in fewer failures than laser treatment and remains the procedure of choice for men with acute urinary retention.     

LOCUS OF CONTROL AND SELF-ESTEEM AS STRESS-MODERATORS OR STRESS-MEDIATORS IN PARENTALLY BEREAVED CHILDREN

Parentally bereaved children's locus of control and self-esteem were examined as stress-moderators or stress-mediators of their internalizing and externalizing mental health problems. Seventy-six children ages 8 to 16 and their surviving parent were assessed 4 to 34 months after the death. Stress, locus of control, and self-esteem were measured by child report questionnaires. Internalizing and externalizing mental health problems were measured by child report on both questionnaires and a structured interview and by parent report questionnaires. The results revealed that self-esteem was a significant mediator of the relations between stress and both child and parent reports of internalizing problems but not externalizing problems. No significant mediation effects were found for locus of control. Neither locus of control nor self-esteem was a significant moderator of the relations between stress and children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Implications for understanding parentally bereaved children's mental health problems and for developing preventive interventions are discussed.     

Validation of Coronary Sinus Activation Pattern During Left Atrial Appendage Pacing for Beat‐to‐Beat Assessment of Mitral Isthmus Conduction/Block

Assessment of Mitral Isthmus . Introduction: Mitral isthmus (MI) ablation for treatment of perimitral flutter is often performed during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation but is technically challenging. Traditional assessment of MI conduction by left atrial activation mapping while pacing from either side of the line is time‐consuming, and cannot be performed during ongoing ablation. Analysis of the coronary sinus (CS) activation pattern during left atrial appendage (LAA) pacing has been proposed as a simpler technique for evaluating MI conduction, enabling beat‐to‐beat assessment of conduction during ablation procedures and prompt identification of conduction block. Methods: MI conduction was evaluated in 40 patients undergoing MI ablation using both: ((i) endocardial activation mapping and other standard techniques, and (ii) CS activation pattern during LAA pacing (change from distal‐to‐proximal activation to proximal‐to‐distal taken to signify the onset of MI block) Results: CS activation sequence was used to assess conduction in 39 of 40 patients (unable to advance CS catheter distally in one case). MI block was achieved in 36 of 39 cases. The mean MI conduction time (LAA to distal CS) was 92.9 ± 25.9 ms prior to ablation and 178.4 ± 59.9 ms after MI block was confirmed. The mean step‐out in conduction time at point of block was 80.8 ± 40.6 ms. In all individuals in whom CS activation indicated block, there was concordance with endocardial activation, differential pacing and, where detectable, presence of widely split double potentials. CS lesions were required to achieve block in 24 of 36 (67%) successful cases. Radiofrequency application time and procedure time to achieve MI block were 10.8 ± 6.0 minutes and 21.1 ± 15.3 minutes, respectively. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 418–422, April 2010)     

Reference values for anaerobic performance and agility in ambulatory children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

Aim The aim of this study was to provide reference values of anaerobic performance and agility in a group of children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Method A total of 300 children (184 males, 116 females) with spastic CP were recruited from 26 rehabilitation centres in six different countries. Of these, 215 were classified at GMFCS level I (mean age 11y 2mo, SD 3y, range 6–18y) and 85 were classified at GMFCS level II (mean age 11y; SD 3y 1mo, range 6–18y). The children performed the Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST) and the 10×5m sprint test in a standardized manner. To establish reference values, reference curves were created using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. Results Height‐related reference curves were created based on performance on the two tests. Interpretation This study provides height‐related reference values for anaerobic performance and agility for children and adolescents with CP classified at GMFCS levels I and II. These curves are clinically relevant and provide a user‐friendly method in the interpretation of anaerobic performance and agility for children with spastic CP.