Cognitive dysfunction in NIDDM: P3 event related evoked potential study

P3 component of the endogenous cerebral evoked response is a sophisticated, objective and quantitative approach to assess higher functions of the brain. This test was employed using auditory 'odd ball' paradigm to assess cognitive functions in thirty non insulin dependent diabetic patients (NIDDM) aged 43.6 +/- 9 yrs with poor blood glucose control. (HbAlc. 9.9 +/- 1.0%). The peak latencies of N2, P3 components of event related evoked potentials obtained in these patients were compared with 30 age and sex matched non diabetic healthy controls. Latencies of these potentials were: N2 = 248.0 +/- 36.3, P3 = 391.6 +/- 49.9 msec in NIDDM as compared to 220.6 +/- 26.4, 326.2 +/- 26.8 msec in controls and were highly significant (P < 0.001). The duration of disease, blood glucose level or the physical parameters of height, weight and blood pressure did not show any correlation with N2 or P3 latencies or amplitude. These findings provide an electrophysiological evidence of delayed cognition in poorly controlled NIDDM cases.     

Vasodilatory effect in rat aorta of eriodictyol obtained from Satureja obovata

The vasodilator effect of eriodictyol (5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavanone), isolated previously from the medicinal plant Satureja obovata Lag., was studied in rat thoracic aorta rings. Eriodictyol relaxed in a concentration-dependent manner the noradrenaline (10(-6) M) and KCl (80 mM) induced contractions. The relaxant effect was more potent in noradrenaline precontracted preparations (IC50 = 6.11 +/- 0.2 x 10(-5) M) than in those precontracted with KCl (IC50 = 2.96 +/- 0.1 x 10(-4) M). Eriodictyol produced weakly concentration-dependent inhibition of the phasic component induced by KCl and noradrenaline while the inhibition of the tonic phase of these contractions was more pronounced. These effects were endothelium independent. In addition, eriodictyol (10(-5) and 5 x 10(-5) M) inhibited CaCl2 cumulative concentration response curves. Eriodictyol weakly inhibited the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and its contribution to the relaxant effect seems to be slight. We have also observed the relaxant effect of eriodictyol on phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) (10(-7) M) induced contractions both in normal calcium (IC50 = 4.69 +/- 0.3 x 10(-5) M) and calcium-free medium (IC50 = 3.74 +/- 0.4 x 10(-5) M). Finally we studied the effects on protein kinase C (PKC) activity. This flavonoid did not show any activity. These results suggest that the vasodilator effect of eriodictyol in rat thoracic aorta could be partially related to the inhibition of calcium influx or other enzymatic protein subsequent to activation of PKC related to the activation of contractile proteins like myosin light chain kinase (MLCK).     

The Spanish Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule (AUDADIS): reliability and concordance with clinical diagnoses in a Hispanic population

OBJECTIVE: The study reports the process of translation into Spanish and adaptation to the Hispanic culture of the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Schedule (AUDADIS). This instrument is a structured diagnostic interview schedule specifically developed for the assessment of substance-related disorders and their comorbid disorders and disabilities. METHOD: A random sample (N = 169) of adults from a primary health care clinic in Puerto Rico was selected. The test-retest reliability of the instrument was examined across time and across interviewers, and the validity was assessed by comparing computer-derived diagnoses obtained through the administration of lay interviewers with best estimate diagnoses given by board-certified psychiatrists. RESULTS: For most diagnoses and symptoms studied, as well as for most of the alcohol consumption measures, the test-retest reliability of the Spanish AUDADIS was consistent with results reported in other national and international studies using this instrument. Good to excellent test-retest reliability was obtained for the diagnoses of alcohol dependence and major depression. Similarly, good to excellent agreement was obtained between the lay administered AUDADIS and best estimate diagnoses for most diagnostic categories, with the exception of dysthymia. As in other studies, the reliability and validity of the substance abuse category was poor. When agreement for this category was estimated independent of lifetime dependence, both the reliability and validity coefficients were considerably improved. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish AUDADIS generally demonstrates good to excellent levels of reliability and validity that are comparable to findings reported for this instrument in other national and international studies.     

Semiconductor diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation versus filtering surgery with Mitomycin-C

Both filtering surgery with Mitomycin-C and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation have proved to be effective alternatives in cases of glaucoma with poor surgical prognosis. The right eyes of 40 pigmented rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: Mitomycin-C group underwent filtering surgery with application of 0.4 mg/ml of Mitomycin-C whereas the diode laser (DL) group received 15 applications of 1.8 J (1800 mW. 1000 ms) distributed in 270°. Mean IOP showed statistical differences in two periods between days 3–13 and 45–60 — Mann-Whitney U test — with a higher IOP lowering in the DL group. The comparison of IOP survival curves (Log-Rank test) was not significant p = 0.070809. Ocular hypertension, hyphema and inflammatory signs were higher in the DL group, both in short and long term, but in terms of statistical significance only ocular hypertension showed differences p = 0.00011717 - Fisher exact test. Microscopic examination revealed patent sclerostomies in 60% of the MMC group eyes with different grades of fibroblastic proliferation. In the DL group we observed necrosis of the sclieral stroma and of the pigmented and unpigmented ciliary epithelium, with signs of thermal coagulation of the ciliary stroma and of the stromal vasculature. We must point out that the treatment with laser has proved to be more effective although both treatments showed very acceptable IOP lowering until 2 months after the surgery.     

Aesthetic considerations in facial reconstructive surgery: The V-Y flap revisited

The subcutaneous pedicled V-Y advancement flap (also known as the kite flap of Dufourmentel) has been described by many authors. Its versatility in reconstructive surgery is well known, both in facial reconstructive surgery as well as surgery of the trunk and extremities. Its advantages in achieving aesthetic reconstruction in specific facial regions have been less well emphasized in the literature. The flap can be designed within natural facial creases and heals inconspicuously because of its widely based subcutaneous or muscle pedicle which incorporates venous and lymphatic drainage over most of its length. The undesirable biscuiting or flap edema frequently observed with other conventional transposition flaps is avoided. We have found the V-Y flap particularly useful in reconstructing the lower eyelid/medial canthus, supra-alar, and nasolabial regions. Our experience with over 40 such flaps is described, and technical considerations in designing and elevating the flap are discussed.     

Pressure changes in the pneumoballoon of several endotracheal tubes after the administration of nitrous oxide]

We compare the degree of nitrous oxide diffusion in three types of endotracheal tubes available in the market, by means of continuous monitoring of the pressure attained at the pneumoballoon. Among the systems designed to impede or to minimize nitrous oxide diffusion, we have used in this study the so called "rediffusion system". When the endotracheal tube possesses this system, the pressure attained at the pneumoballoon remained constant throughout the study period (23.2 +/- 0.53 mmHg at time zero vs 24.2 +/- 0.66 mmHg 50 min after administration of protoxide). In contrast, endotracheal tubes without "rediffusion system" showed a statistically significant increase (p less than 0.05) of pneumoballoon pressure (25.2 +/- 2.43 mmHg and 26.7 +/- 1.01 mmHg at time zero vs 45.2 +/- 3.12 and 44.3 +/- 2.41 mmHg 50 min after protoxide administration in the two other types of endotracheal tubes). We believe that during anesthesia with nitrous oxide the pneumoballoon pressure should be monitored or systems that avoid diffusion of this inhalational agent should be inserted. Our results indicate that endotracheal tubes equiped with "rediffusion system" are effective in impeding diffusion of the inhalational agents.     

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Neurogenesis in the Chick Retina

Chick embryo retinas were labelled in ovo by single injections of [3H]thymidine at selected times between days 2 and 12 of incubation. Embryos were later removed, at different stages of development, and the retinas processed for autoradiography of either serial sections or dissociated cell preparations. Analysis of unlabelled cells shows that neurogenesis starts, on day 2 of incubation, in a dorsotemporal area of the central retina, close to the posterior pole and to the optic nerve head. A gradient of neurogenesis spreads from this central area to the periphery, where neurogenesis ends, shortly after day 12, when the last few bipolar cells withdraw from the cell cycle. Additional dorsal-to-ventral and temporal-to-nasal gradients can be discerned in our autoradiographs. In all retinal sectors, ganglion cells start first to withdraw from the cell cycle, followed, with substantial overlapping, by amacrine, horizontal, photoreceptor plus Müller, and bipolar neuroblasts. Ganglion cells are also the first to reach the 50% level of unlabelled cells, followed this time by horizontal, photoreceptor, amacrine, Müller and bipolar cells. Finally, 100% levels of unlabelled cell populations are attained simultaneously by ganglion, horizontal and photoreceptor cells, followed by amacrine, then by Müller, and last by bipolar cells. Although all classes of neurons, in varying proportions, are being produced most of the time, our results also demonstrate that, in any given retinal area, the first cells leaving the cycle are determined to become ganglion cells, and the last ones bipolar cells, and not other types.     

Effects of Nd-YAG laser on platelet function in vitro: A comparative study using the spectraprobe, ‘hot tip’ and bare fibres

The effects of Nd-YAG laser irradiation on platelet function in vitro were studied using platelet rich plasma obtained from the blood of healthy volunteers. Laser delivery was effected via the bare optical fibre, thermal hot tip fibre and spectraprobe and the effects of these probes on platelet function were compared. Fall in platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) were proportional to increasing energy delivery with all three probes, the effect being maximal with the spectraprobe, moderate with the hot tip and least with the bare optical fibre. A significant decrease in percentage aggregation of platelets in response to added ADP, collagen and ristocetin with increasing energy delivery was also observed with all three probes. The formation of preformed aggregates, however, showed an increase proportional to energy delivery with all three probes.The differential effects of the various probes used in this study on platelet function may enhance our understanding of the complex role played by platelets in the pathogenesis of complications such as arterial thrombosis and re-occlusion after laser angioplasty.     

Staged TRAM Breast Reconstruction: Combining the Advantages of Tissue Expansion with Surgical Delay

The TRAM flap has become the gold standard in breast reconstruction but suffers from the disadvantages of poor color match, different texture, and impaired sensation compared to the normal breast. This study reports on a two-stage procedure to address these problems. The first stage consists of insertion of a tissue expander and surgical delay of the TRAM flap. The second stage consists of removal of the tissue expander and transposition of a deepithelized TRAM flap into the tissue expanded cavity. (The capsule is excised.) Four cases of breast reconstruction are reported. The advantage of this procedure is that it offers the benefits of tissue expansion, viz., normal color match, texture, and sensation, and in addition, reconstruction is achieved with autologous tissue by a pedicled TRAM flap. The vascularity of the TRAM is enhanced by a surgical delay procedure.     

Pharmacokinetics, in-situ absorption and protein binding studies of a new neuroleptic agent centbutindole in rats.

The present study reports the absorption kinetics, plasma protein binding and pharmacokinetic profile of the centbutindole (I) after i.v. and oral dosing in rats. In addition, an in-situ absorption study was carried out using a closed-loop technique at pH 2.6 and 7.4. The rate of absorption at pH 2.6 was 5-fold less compared to that observed at pH 7.4. In-vitro and in-vivo protein binding (ultra filtration technique) was independent of substrate concentration over a range of 1.25-10.0 microg/ml. Pharmacokinetic parameters of I were determined in male rats after administering a single 4 mg/kg oral dose and 2 mg/kg intravenous dose. The peak serum concentration of I was found to be 50.1 ng/ml at 30 min after oral administration followed by a secondary Cmax of 43.2 ng/ml at 180 min. For the hydroxy metabolite (II), a Cmax of 6.4 ng/ml was measured at 360 min after oral administration of I. After oral dosing an irregular concentration-time profile with secondary peaks was observed for both I and II. The terminal half-lives for I and II after oral dosing were 163 and 263 min, respectively. After intravenous dosing, the levels of I decreased biexponentially with a distribution (t(1/2) alpha) and elimination (t(1/2) beta) half-lives of 5.7 and 128 min, respectively. Comparison of the AUC after oral and intravenous dosing of I indicates that only about 24% of the oral dose reaches the systemic circulation. The limited bioavailability can either be due to the poor solubility of the compound and/or extensive first pass metabolism in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Co-administration of polyethylene glycol (PEG) at oral dosing improves solubilization and increases bioavailability.