A new guard for Kirschner wires

Means of providing adequate protective cover for Kirschner wires protruding through the skin were investigated. A new guard was developed which satisfactorily abolishes the difficulties associated with other forms of cover.     

Epidural buprenorphine for pain relief after major abdominal surgery. A controlled comparison with epidural morphine

In a controlled trial epidural buprenorphine was compared with epidural morphine as the sole means of analgesia after major abdominal surgery. Bolus injections of buprenorphine 60 micrograms in 10 ml or morphine 2 mg in 10 ml of normal saline were given on demand for the first 48 hours postoperatively. Both drugs produced significant reduction in pain scores as assessed by the linear visual analogue scale and both produced prolonged analgesia at this dosage, which could be extended by further 'top-ups'. The authors conclude that, for postoperative epidural analgesia, buprenorphine may be the opiate of choice and the reasons for this are discussed.     

The role of relaxation in systematic desensitization: Revisiting an unresolved issue

Forty-three socially anxious females received systematic desensitization, noncontiguous relaxation, hierarchy exposure only, or no treatment. Analysis of pre-posttest fear in a laboratory social interaction task revealed virtually no treatment effects on self-report or behavioral measures. Analysis of continuously monitored heart rate, however, indicated reduced anticipatory activity among subjects receiving relaxation training and reduced reactive activity for desensitization subjects.     

Evaluation of the Sheffield system for identifying children at risk from unexpected death in infancy. Results from Birmingham and Newcastle upon Tyne

The "at birth" system which is used in Sheffield to identify children likely to die unexpectedly in infancy, was tested retrospectively in Birmingham (83 cases) and in Newcastle upon Tyne (56 cases). The discrimination between cases and age-matched controls was poor in both cities. Analysis of the 8 factors used in the system showed that only 2 maintained significant case/control differences in Birmingham and Newcastle. Further investigation showed that other factors from maternity records showed significant case/control differences in these cities. Although the system used in Sheffield would not be of use in a prospective prevention programme in either Newcastle or Birmingham, the possibility of evolving an "at risk" system which might apply more widely is discussed.