Osteonecrosis in kidney recipients: has hypocalcaemia a role?

In a previous study, the musculoskeletal affections among kidney recipients (KR) were reported, with 63 KR suffering from joint affections. We sought to determine the prevalence of osteonecrosis (ON) among those KR with joint affections, its distribution among the affected joints, and possible risk predictors. KR were subjected to biochemical, haematological, and hepatitis serology estimations. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Relevant data were retrieved from Patient Information System. Fourteen KR were suffering from ON, with an incidence of 22.2% in KR with joint affections and 12.0% in the target population of KR. The femoral head was affected in 57.1% and the femoral condyles in 28.6%. Hypocalcaemia was observed in KR with ON. Whether hypocalcaemia is a causative or associative of ON yet remains to be decided in forthcoming studies.     

The effect of electromagnetic radiation in the mobile phone range on the behaviour of the rat

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is emitted from electromagnetic fields that surround power lines, household appliances and mobile phones. Research has shown that there are connections between EMR exposure and cancer and also that exposure to EMR may result in structural damage to neurons. In a study by Salford et al. (Environ Health Perspect 111:881–883, 2003) the authors demonstrated the presence of strongly stained areas in the brains of rats that were exposed to mobile phone EMR. These darker neurons were particularly prevalent in the hippocampal area of the brain. The aim of our study was to further investigate the effects of EMR. Since the hippocampus is involved in learning and memory and emotional states, we hypothesised that EMR will have a negative impact on the subject’s mood and ability to learn. We subsequently performed behavioural, histological and biochemical tests on exposed and unexposed male and female rats to determine the effects of EMR on learning and memory, emotional states and corticosterone levels. We found no significant differences in the spatial memory test, and morphological assessment of the brain also yielded non-significant differences between the groups. However, in some exposed animals there were decreased locomotor activity, increased grooming and a tendency of increased basal corticosterone levels. These findings suggested that EMR exposure may lead to abnormal brain functioning.     

Improvement of embryonic development and production of offspring by transferring meiosis-II chromosomes of senescent mouse oocytes into cytoplasts of young mouse oocytes

Purpose  The effects of reciprocal transplantation of meiosis-II chromosomes between senescent and young mouse oocytes were evaluated based on pre- and post-implantation development ability of resultant embryos. Methods  Karyoplasts including meiosis-II chromosomes of oocytes from senescent Rockefeller mouse/Ms-Rb(6, 15) females (10 to 12 months, age-related infertile mice) were transferred into cytoplasts of oocytes from young F₁ females (3 to 5 months). Reconstructed oocytes were fertilized in vitro, and then the resultant embryos were cultured in vitro and transferred to recipient mice. Results  The reconstructed oocytes that consisted of aged-karyoplasts and young-cytoplasts showed significantly improved embryonic development (from 23.2% to 30.0%) and development to term (from 6.3% to 27.1%, P < 0.05) as compared with the oocytes reconstructed from young-karyoplasts and aged-cytoplasts. Conclusions  The present study showed successful rejuvenation for age-related infertility using transplantation of meiosis-II chromosomes in animal experimental models. Capsule Transplantation of meiosis-II chromosomes of senescent mouse oocytes into cytoplasts of young mouse oocytes improves subsequent embryonic and fetal development until birth.     

'We call it the shaking illness': perceptions and experiences of Parkinson's disease in rural northern Tanzania

Background  

Parkinson disease (PD) causes physical disability that negatively affects the quality of life of the sufferer's and their families. There are no Parkinson's disease (PD) social science studies published from Africa. This paper presents findings from a qualitative research study on how PD is perceived and treated in a population of approximately 161,000 within a demographic surveillance site in rural Tanzania.     

Feasibility and acceptability of a multiple risk factor intervention: The Step Up randomized pilot trial

Background  

Interventions are needed which can successfully modify more than one disease risk factor at a time, but much remains to be learned about the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of multiple risk factor (MRF) interventions. To address these issues and inform future intervention development, we conducted a randomized pilot trial (n = 52). This study was designed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Step Up program, a MRF cognitive-behavioral program designed to improve participants' mental and physical well-being by reducing depressive symptoms, promoting smoking cessation, and increasing physical activity.     

Predictors of chronic breathlessness: a large population study

Background  

Breathlessness causes significant burden in our community but the underlying socio-demographic and lifestyle factors that may influence it are not well quantified. This study aims to define these predictors of chronic breathlessness at a population level.     

Necrotising Fasciitis of the Neck and Anterior Chest Wall

Maxillary antral mucocoeles have an incidence of only 3–10%. Mucocoeles are more commonly seen in the frontoethmoidal region. We present one such rare case of a 52-year-old lady who came to us with complaints of pain and swelling of the left cheek of 4 months duration. Clinical examination and investigation revealed a giant maxillary sinus mucocoele which was duly treated surgically. We discuss its classical presentation and management since such large mucocoeles are not often seen in the maxillary sinus.