The comparison of the effects of multi and single doses of buspirone, chlordiazepoxide and hydroxyzine on psychomotor function and EEG

This study compares the effects of buspirone (5 mg), chlordiazepoxide (5 mg), hydroxyzine (10 mg) and placebo on psychomotor function and EEG, when taken thrice daily for a period of two weeks, with those after a single dose administration. Nine healthy volunteers participated in the study. The battery of psychomotor tests included peak velocity of saccadic eye movements (SEM), a Sternberg memory scanning and choice reaction time test (SMS-CRT) and critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF). The peak velocity of saccadic eye movements was significantly impaired by the single dose of hydroxyzine (P = 0.03) in comparison to the multidose results. A similar comparison regarding buspirone only approached significance (P = 0.07). The SMS-CRT and CFFF did not reveal any difference between the multi and single dose regimens. Spectral analysis of the EEG did not distinguish between the multi and single dosage schedules regarding the respective drugs in the low doses administered.     

Wise use of perioperative antibiotics

NOSOCOMIAL SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS (SSIs), especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms, are a major concern for perioperative nurses. Administering the correct antibiotic at its effective dose within the optimal time frame can help prevent SSIs. THE SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP between microbial resistance and overuse of antibiotics justifies an examination of practices and a move away from widespread antibiotic administration. NEW ANTIBIOTIC GUIDELINES and research support recommendations for antibiotic administration for specific cardiac, colorectal, gynecologic, ophthalmologic, orthopedic, and urinary surgical procedures. Perioperative nurses can help protect their patients from nosocomial SSIs by using this clinical evidence.     

P-31 MR spectroscopy of normal human brain and brain tumors

Image-guided phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance (MR)-localized image-selected in vivo spectroscopy was performed on normal human brain and brain tumors. Peak area ratios, absolute molar concentrations of metabolites, and pH were determined. T1 values in normal brain were measured. The most important finding was that the metabolite concentrations detectable with MR spectroscopy in brain tumors were reduced from 20% to 70%. Phosphomonoesters, phosphodiesters, and phosphocreatine (PCr) showed the greatest decreases, while inorganic phosphate (Pi) showed the least change. The PCr-Pi ratio was significantly reduced in tumors. The pH of brain tumors (7.12 +/- 0.03) was more alkaline than that of normal brain (6.99 +/- 0.01). The authors conclude that the metabolite concentrations and pH in human brain tumors differ significantly from those in normal brain. These differences may be ultimately useful in characterizing tumors in man.     

Angiostatin generating capacity and anti-tumour effects of D-penicillamine and plasminogen activators

Background  

Upregulation of endogenous angiostatin levels may constitute a novel anti-angiogenic, and therefore anti-tumor therapy. In vitro, angiostatin generation is a two-step process, starting with the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin by plasminogen activators (PAs). Next, plasmin excises angiostatin from other plasmin molecules, a process requiring a donor of a free sulfhydryl group. In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that administration of PA in combination with the free sulfhydryl donor (FSD) agents captopril or N-acetyl cysteine, resulted in angiostatin generation, and anti-angiogenic and anti-tumour activity in murine models.     

The relationship between sleep and behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a review

Although there is evidence that significant sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that poor sleep exacerbates problematic daytime behavior, such relationships have received very little attention in both research and clinical practice. Treatment guidelines to help manage challenging behaviors in ASD fail to mention sleep at all, or they present a very limited account. Moreover, limited attention is given to children with low-functioning autism, those individuals who often experience the most severe sleep disruption and behavioral problems. This paper describes the nature of sleep difficulties in ASD and highlights the complexities of sleep disruption in individuals with low-functioning autism. It is proposed that profiling ASD children based on the nature of their sleep disruption might help to understand symptom and behavioral profiles (or vice versa) and therefore lead to better-targeted interventions. This paper concludes with a discussion of the limitations of current knowledge and proposes areas that are important for future research. Treating disordered sleep in ASD has great potential to improve daytime behavior and family functioning in this vulnerable population.     

Planning for children whose parents are dying of HIV/AIDS. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Pediatric AIDS, 1998-1999

Although the character of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is changing into a chronic illness, it is estimated that by the end of this century, 80 000 children and adolescents in the United States will be orphaned by parental death caused by human immunodeficiency virus infection. Plans for these children need to be made to ensure not only a stable, consistent environment that provides love and nurturing, but also the medical and social interventions necessary to cope with the tragic loss. Pediatricians should become aware of local laws and community resources and initiate discussion early in the course of parental illness to facilitate planning for the future care and custody of the children. States need to adopt laws and regulations that provide flexible approaches to guardianship and placement of children orphaned by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.     

Transverse cerebellar diameter on cranial ultrasound scan in preterm neonates in an Australian population

OBJECTIVE: Fetal measurement of transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) has been shown to correlate well with gestational age (GA), even in the presence of growth retardation. The aim of this study was to define the normal range of TCD in preterm neonates in an Australian population between 23 and 32 weeks GA. METHODOLOGY: Infants admitted to the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, having routine cranial ultrasound scans (< 1500 g and/or of gestational age 相似文献