The effects of retina-derived factors on the electrical and ultrastructural properties of the bovine pigment epithelium

The transepithelial potential (TEP) and short circuit current (SCC) of the bovine retina pigment epithelium (RPE) were monitored throughout a 3hr period. Application of retina-derived factors to the apical side of the preparation resulted in a stabilization of the TEP and SCC, followed by a secondary rise in both electrical parameters. The late, secondary rise could be eliminated or reduced by the administration of cycloheximide suggesting a dependence upon protein synthesis. The active component(s) is not heat labile and has an apparent molecular weight between 1,000-10,000. After 3 hr of incubation, both control and factor-treated RPE had normal appearing nuclei and mitochondria; however, the factor-treated preparations were significantly thicker (apical to basal membrane) and had more apical processes than the control tissues.     

Glenoid labrum: preliminary work with use of radial-sequence MR imaging

The authors describe a magnetic resonance imaging method for examination of the glenoid labrum of the shoulder joint that utilizes a radial fast-imaging sequence. Seven shoulders were examined: a total of five in three healthy asymptomatic volunteers, one in a symptomatic patient not suspected of having a lesion of the glenoid labrum, and one in a patient with recurrent shoulder dislocation and surgical proof of an extensive tear of the labrum. The preliminary results suggest that this technique may advantageously demonstrate pathologic changes in the glenoid labrum and may contribute to the evaluation of the unstable and painful shoulder.     

Tetrahydrocannabinol vs. prochlorperazine. The effects of two antiemetics on patients undergoing radiotherapy

The authors tested the effectiveness of orally administered delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as compared to prochlorperazine for the alleviation of symptoms, such as vomiting and nausea, experienced by patients receiving radiotherapy. The test subjects rated the severity of their illness, as well as the extent of their subsequent moods, their level of concentration, their amount of physical activity, and their desire for social interaction. They chose the drug they preferred and recorded its side effects. The use of THC was slightly more beneficial than the use of prochlorperazine.     

Computed tomography of the thorax

Computed tomography (CT) provides a valuable new perspective in assessing abnormalities of the thorax. In the patient with a mediastinal mass or widening detected by plain chest radiography, a definitive diagnosis is sometimes possible which would not be obtainable by conventional noninvasive radiological techniques. In certain clinical situations, CT is a highly sensitive modality for examining the lungs. The proved and potential clinical uses of CT in solving diagnostic problems of the thorax are discussed.     

Computer analysis of processor status

The authors describe the use of a desk-top computer to analyze processor status. Quality control data (sensitometry, densitometry, thermometry, etc.) are collected conventionally. Analysis of the data is subsequently performed using specially designed software. This computer analysis results in a small savings in time and in greatly improved management and presentation of quality control data.     

Post renal transplant thrombotic microangiopathy: A single centre experience

SUMMARY: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare complication of renal transplantation. This study is a review of our experience of seven cases of TMA occurring between 1986 and 1995, an incidence of 0.8%. One patient had a recurrence of TMA in her graft having an episode of haemolytic uraemic syndrome as the cause of her original kidney failure. the other six patients had a rejection episode either at the time of diagnosis of TMA or a mean of 12 days prior to the diagnosis of TMA. All patients were treated with plasma exchange and those on cyclosporin had their dose reduced. Two patients had graft loss while the remainder had successful outcomes with stable graft function 3–11 years post diagnosis of TMA. We conclude that, in our experience rejection played a prominent role in the disease pathogenesis and that cyclosporin could be continued successfully albeit at a reduced dosage.