Evaluation of phagocytic cell function in an ex vivo model of hemodialysis

An ex vivo model of hemodialysis was used to evaluate the effect of dialysis membranes on phagocytic cell function. Blood was withdrawn continuously from healthy, non-uremic donors, heparinized, and pumped, single pass, through membrane modules under conditions which simulated normal dialysis conditions. The membrane modules contained membranes of cellulose, DEAE-substituted cellulose, or polysulfone. Blood was obtained from the module outlets for determination of complement activation, phagocyte elastase release, zymosan-induced phagocyte chemiluminescence, and monocyte interleukin-1 production. Significantly less complement activation occurred with the polysulfone and DEAE-substituted cellulose membranes than with cellulose membranes. Normal monocyte interleukin-1 production was not stimulated by any of the membranes used. In contrast, the cellulosic, but not the polysulfone, membranes primed the oxidative burst of the phagocytes and caused them to release elastase. DEAE-substituted cellulose had a lesser effect on elastase release than did cellulose and elastase release correlated significantly with the degree of complement activation. However, the correlation between complement activation and priming of phagocyte oxidative burst was weak, suggesting that membranes affect phagocyte oxidative metabolism through more than one mechanism. We conclude that some dialysis membranes stimulate the bacteriacidal functions of normal phagocytic cells, in part through complement-dependent mechanisms.     

The effect of nimodipine on ICP and CBF in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Eight patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) were studied. The resting mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was 100 (90-125) mmHg and the mean intracranial pressure (ICP) was 11 (5-17) mmHg. ICP and MABP were continuously measured intraventricularly and intra-arterially, respectively. Changes in global cerebral blood flow (CBF) were estimated by the arteriovenous oxygen difference method. Intravenous nimodipine (15 microgram/kg/hour) was given in the first 2 hours and 30 microgram/kg/hour in the next 2 hours. MABP was reduced 23 (4-47) mmHg (p less than 0.05). ICP was increased 3 (0-10) mmHg (p less than 0.05). CBF was unchanged in the group on the whole, but in 4 of patients a major drop in perfusion pressure was seen, and CBF decreased 6, 11, 23 and 34%, respectively. Thus these findings underline the importance of maintaining the perfusion pressure under treatment with nimodipine.     

Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence: response to behavioral training

Urinary incontinence after prostatectomy can be psychologically and socially disabling. We reviewed our experience with 27 patients who were incontinent between 5 and 198 months after either radical retropubic, total perineal or transurethral prostatectomy. These patients were entered into our bladder behavior clinic, which was administered by nursing staff with physician supervision. Patients were strongly encouraged to discontinue the incontinence devices, and were then evaluated for the type and extent of incontinence. Perineal exercises were demonstrated in detail, tested for their correct use via simultaneous rectal and abdominal examination, and applied to the pattern of incontinence. Patients were evaluated frequently for compliance and their progress was followed with instruction repeated as needed. Pharmaceutical agents were not used. Among the 24 patients evaluable over-all improvement in the number of incontinent episodes was 56.6% (p less than 0.001). Two patients (8.3%) achieved total continence, 10 (42%) improved greatly, 4 showed moderate improvement and 8 (33%) showed essentially no change. Transurethral and perineal prostatectomy patients improved by 74 and 61%, respectively, versus only 33% in the radical retropubic group (p = 0.14). In addition, patients who previously underwent transurethral resection before total prostatectomy did worse (18%) than did those who did not (67%). We conclude that a significant number of patients who are incontinent after prostatectomy (especially those without a prior transurethral resection) can improve dramatically with a behavioral training program that provides a strong support system.     

Hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia as a possible cause of androgenetic alopecia in the female

31 female patients suffering from androgentic alopecia were examined by means of the TRH test with regard to hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia. Before, as well as 20 and 40 minutes after, application of thyroxine releasing hormone (TRH), the serum concentrations of the hypohyseal thyroxine stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In 7 of the patients (23%), we found increased TSH levels after stimulation with TRH--indicative of hypothyroidism. In 9 of the patients (29%), we observed increased PRL levels after TRH stimulation, indicating prolactinemia. TSH and PRL can interact with androgen metabolism at various levels. Thyroxine may influence the unbound, metabolically active testosterone via the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Prolactine, which is stimulated by TRH, promotes the suprarenal cortisol and androgen production. In 48% of the patients, we found either hypothyroidism or hyperprolactinemia. This suggests that both conditions may contribute to the clinical picture of female androgenetic alopecia, as they interfere with the androgen metabolism.     

Positive affect predicts improved lip movement in facial movement disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Positive affect in individuals with a facial movement disorder may promote lip corner movement (zygomaticus major) during smiling. We investigated whether a positive affect marker (orbicularis oculi activity) observed in an initial clinic visit of individuals with facial movement disorder (N = 28) predicted increased lip corner movement at a subsequent visit. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: In this clinical outcomes study, lip corner movement was assessed with the use of automated facial analysis. Asymmetry of movement was compared in individuals who smiled with or without the positive affect marker at an initial clinic visit. RESULTS: The positive affect marker at the initial visit was associated with a reduction in the asymmetry of the lip corner movement at the second visit. CONCLUSION: Positive affect predicts improved facial movement outcomes in patients with facial movement disorders. SIGNIFICANCE: Positive emotion in facial movement patients may be an important factor in recovery of facial movement during therapy.