Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in brain-injured patients.

One-hundred consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated on admission to our Brain Injury Unit for signs and symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) in the upper extremity. Patients averaged 4 months postinjury and had an average age of 29 years. Thirteen patients had clinical signs and symptoms of RSD and were then evaluated with standard radiographs and 3-phase radionuclide scintigraphy. Twelve of 13 patients had 3-phase bone scans (TPBS) consistent with RSD (12% overall incidence). RSD was present exclusively in the spastic upper extremity. There were 9 patients with hemiparesis and 3 with quadraparesis. There was a significantly higher (P < 0.01) incidence of associated upper extremity injury in the group with RSD (75%). All patients had a mean Rancho Cognitive Level of V and initial Glasgow Coma Scores less than 8. Patients who developed RSD had lower Glasgow Coma Scores than the non-RSD patients. Brain-injured patients often display agitation, hyperalgesia, disuse or neglect of the RSD-involved extremity. In addition, these patients are often cognitively unable to vocalize complaints of pain. Undiagnosed RSD in these patients can result in a significant delay in rehabilitation and possible loss of the use of an otherwise functional upper extremity.     

Employee physical activity: how does it compare to the nation?

1. Working adults exercise as much as the rest of society. 2. The amount of physical activity declines with age until 55, at which point increases were observed. 3. Marriage appears to have the largest effect on reducing the amount of physical activity a person gets. 4. Males are 1 1/2 times more likely than females to be vigorously active.     

HLA-DR expression in macaque neuroendothelial cells in vitro and during SIV encephalitis

HLA-DR expression in neuroendothelial cells (NEC) was studied during the course of SIV encephalitis in rhesus monkeys. HLA-DR determinants were detected on NEC in monkeys with SIV encephalitis, but not in control animals. In situ hybridization with an SIV probe indicated that HLA-DR expression was not a consequence of SIV replication within NEC. Cultured rhesus NEC stimulated with gamma interferon expressed HLA-DR to a higher degree than cultured brain fibroblasts or astrocytes. These data support the contention that NEC participate in retrovirus-induced inflammation and autoimmunity within the central nervous system.     

Radical prostatectomy: anatomical predictors of success or failure

A total of 143 patients underwent radical prostatectomy. Surgical specimens were evaluated with respect to local extent of disease, Gleason grade of the primary and relative nuclear roundness of the surgical specimen. The probability of disease control in the total population was 88 per cent at 5 years. Only 8 per cent of the patients who had disease confined to the specimen failed compared to 14 per cent of those who demonstrated extension outside of the surgical margins. The incidence of failure increased as a function of seminal vesicle involvement. Seminal vesicle involvement was greatest among patients with a Gleason grade greater than 7. Postoperative radiation did not offer any apparent advantage in patients with positive margins.     

Anesthetic action of opiates: correlations of lipid solubility and spectral edge

The ability of opiates to be a complete anesthetic has been assessed in animals. These studies have investigated the serum levels of opiate required to produce a decrease in anesthetic requirement for a concomitantly administered inhalation anesthetic. A linear dose-response relation has been observed between opiate serum level and reduction in anesthetic requirement up to the level of 50% reduction in minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC). These studies have not demonstrated the production of one MAC anesthesia by the opiates. Recent EEG studies have provided another means of comparing the central nervous system effects of opiates and inhalation anesthetics. The serum levels of several opiates associated with a 50% reduction (IC50 or 50% inhibitory concentration) in maximal spectral edge frequency (SEF) have been reported. The free, unionized serum levels of each opiate at IC50 in humans or 50% MAC reduction in animals are remarkably similar. We calculated brain lipid opiate content at these serum levels using available physiochemical data. The calculated nanogram and molar brain lipid contents of the drugs fell within a 10-fold range while serum levels varied by 5000-fold. This similarity in membrane lipid content in association with EEG and anesthetic effects suggests that opiate "anesthesia" may involve a membrane effect in addition to the well established receptor interaction.     

Feasibility analysis for medical services.

Feasibility analysis is an important aspect of business planning. A feasibility study is a study of the impacts of revenues, cost, and returns on a decision. It helps answer the questions of "What share of total sales can be attained?" "What revenues will be generated?" "What costs will be incurred?" "What will be the return on investment?" The discipline of going through a systematic approach to analyze market demand, cost requirements, and return on investment will improve business decisions by eliminating risk and increasing the possibility of successful ventures.