Are the cognitive functions of children with Down syndrome related to their participation?

Aim  There is a lack of investigation into the functional developmental profile of children with Down syndrome. On the basis of current international health paradigms, the purpose of this study was to assess the developmental profile of these children.
Method  Sixty children (33 males, 27 females) with Down syndrome (age range 6–16y; mean age 9y 3mo, SD 28.8mo), who had received standard, holistic, early intervention, were assessed. Of these, 42 (70%) had congenital anomalies, 12 had severe congenital heart defects. Participants were assessed on measures of cognitive function (Beery–Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual–Motor Integration; Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale) and participation (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales).
Results  No difference was found on any measure on the basis of severity of congenital anomaly. Results showed improvements in age-related body function and correlations between specific body functions and participation. No decline in IQ was found with age, and significant correlations between IQ and all other measures were noted. Although sex differences were found in the body functions of short-term memory and motor function, no difference in measures of activity performance and participation was found.
Interpretation  Our findings emphasize the need for paediatric Down syndrome intervention to encourage improved body functions while emphasizing the acquisition of functional skills that enable enhanced participation in age-appropriate activities.     

软性膀胱镜在手术治疗复杂性肾结石中的应用价值

目的　提高复杂性肾结石的治疗效果。　方法　采用软性膀胱镜在术中经肾盂切口或经扩张输尿管 ,术后经肾盂造瘘取肾内残余结石 ,共治疗复杂性肾结石患者 31例。　结果　 11例于术中 ,16例于术后 ,4例分别于术中术后 ,共取出肾内残余结石 10 6枚。 2 8例取净结石 ,其中 2例配合ESWL治疗 ;3例肾内残余结石未能取净。　结论　软性膀胱镜协助手术可有效处理复杂性肾结石 ,且简便、安全、经济     

NMR structure of neuromedin C,a neurotransmitter with an amino terminal CuII-, NiII-binding (ATCUN) motif

The structure of neuromedin C, a 10-residue bombesin-like neuropeptide with the sequence Gly-Asn-His-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-Met-NH₂, has been investigated. Like human serum albumin, neuromedin C contains the amino-terminal Cu^II-, Ni^II-binding (ATCUN) motif which has high affinity for Cu^II and Ni^II. The solution structure of the Ni^II-peptide complex has been calculated based on 2D ROESY data obtained at 25°C, using a hybrid distance geometry-simulated annealing approach. Comparison of H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N chemical shifts and ROESY data in the presence and absence of Ni^II demonstrates that the metal binds at the N-terminus of the peptide, leading to a conformational change. The metal complex adopts a conformation comprising two connected turns including residues Gly to ³His and ⁵Ala to ⁸His. The first turn corresponds to the Ni^II coordination ligands in a square planar conformation, and the second reflects the interaction between ⁴Trp and ⁸His. The results may have important physiological implications in the phenomenon of neurotransmission. © Munksgaard 1997.     

Advice Versus Extended Treatment for Alcoholism: a controlled study

One hundred and fifty-two attenders at an alcohol problems clinic were randomly allocated to one session of advice or extended in or outpatient treatment. Two years later, the group who were offered extended treatment were functioning better, in that over the year prior to the independently conducted follow-up interview they had accumulated less harm from their drinking than those only treated briefly. Abstinence was not, however, more common in patients offered extended treatment. In the group of 94 patients given advice only, no advantage in amplifying the session of advice could be demonstrated.     

Conventional Oral Cholecystography Versus Single-visit Oral Cholecystography

The conventional method of preparing patients for oral cholecystography with six tablets of iopanoic acid ‡ yields results which are essentially equal to those obtained by single-visit oral cholecystography (two-day preparation with 12 tablets of iopanoic acid). Also, it is more convenient for patients and referring physicians. The conventional method of preparation is recommended for hospitalized patients as well.     

Treatment of Wrinkles and Elastosis Using Vacuum-Assisted Bipolar Radiofrequency Heating of the Dermis

BACKGROUND: Reduction of wrinkles is increasingly becoming one of the most sought after aesthetic procedures. A variety of treatment modalities are available for this application, including radiofrequency energy in various modes of action. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the reported study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new device, which implements an innovative combination of bipolar radiofrequency and vacuum. METHODS: Forty-six healthy adults at two clinics underwent eight facial treatments every 1 to 2 weeks. For 6 months after treatment, patients were assessed directly by two evaluators at each clinic (the treating physician and an additional reviewer) using standard evaluation tools-the Fitzpatrick-Goldman Classification of Wrinkling and Degree of Elastosis and a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Significant improvement in the skin's appearance and texture was observed during the treatment course and continued to increase during the follow-up period. The mean elastosis score on the wrinkling and elastosis scale before treatment was 4.5 and was reduced to less than 2.5 by 6 months after treatment, representing a drop of an entire wrinkle class (from II to I) on this scale. The reported pain levels were low, and the subjects expressed their satisfaction with the treatment and its outcome. The adverse responses consisted mainly of transient erythema and burn/blistering; there were also a few occurrences of edema, purpura, and crusting and one transient hyperpigmentation. No permanent complications had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the safety and efficacy associated with use of this radiofrequency and vacuum device, employing Functional Aspiration Controlled Electrothermal Stimulation (FACES) technology, for reduction of facial wrinkles and elastosis.     

Patterns of drug use and risk-taking among injecting amphetamine and opioid drug users in Sydney, Australia

Data are presented on the patterns of drug use and HIV risk-taking of daily amphetamine and opioid injectors among 1245 injecting drug users who were interviewed in Sydney in 1989. About one-third of the sample had injected amphetamines during a typical month of injecting, and 12% were using amphetamines on a daily basis. Daily amphetamine injectors were younger, less well educated, and less likely to have engaged in drug treatment, but they were no more likely than daily opioid users to have shared injection equipment or to have engaged in other behaviour likely to transmit HIV. Although there seemed to be no special cause for concern about HIV risk-taking among amphetamine injectors, there was nonetheless a high prevalence of sharing injecting equipment, with over half of daily amphetamine and heroin injectors having shared in the past several months. In addition, approximately a third of amphetamine injectors were injecting on a daily basis, a pattern of use which increases the risk of developing a severe dependence syndrome, and of experiencing an amphetamine-induced psychosis.