Effects of chronic amitriptyline administration on saliva from the parotid and submandibular glands of the rat

The effect of prolonged treatment with amitriptyline on the secretory activity of rat salivary glands evoked by parasympathetic nerve stimulation and isoprenaline administration has been studied. Low doses of amitriptyline (10 mg/kg per day for 2 or 4 weeks), did not significantly affect salivary flow evoked by either parasympathetic nerve or isoprenaline stimulation. Higher doses of amitriptyline (50 mg/kg/day for 2 or 4 weeks) however, markedly decreased parasympathetic-evoked salivary secretion (flow and volume) from both parotid and submandibular glands, while isoprenaline-evoked secretions were unaffected. Sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations of nerve-elicited or isoprenaline-evoked saliva were not significantly altered by amitriptyline treatment. Protein concentration and amylase activity of nerve-elicited parotid saliva were, however, greatly increased by chronic amitriptyline administration. Possible mechanisms for drug-induced increase in nerveelicited salivary protein concentration include changes in cholinergic receptor binding, release of neuropeptides and variations in phosphatidylinositol turnover, which need further study.     

Efficacy of short‐term oral cobalamin therapy for the treatment of cobalamin deficiencies related to food‐cobalamin malabsorption: A study of 30 patients

Background: It has been suggested that oral cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) therapy may be an effective therapy for treating cobalamin deficiencies related to food‐cobalamin malabsorption. However, the duration of this treatment was not determined. Patients and method: In an open‐label, nonplacebo study, we studied 30 patients with established cobalamin deficiency related to food‐cobalamin malabsorption, who received between 250 and 1000 μg of oral crystalline cyanocobalamin per day for at least 1 month. Endpoints: Blood counts, serum cobalamin and homocysteine levels were determined at baseline and during the first month of treatment. Results: During the first month of treatment, 87% of the patients normalized their serum cobalamin levels; 100% increased their serum cobalamin levels (mean increase, +167 pg/dl; P < 0.001 compared with baseline); 100% had evidence of medullary regeneration; 100% corrected their initial macrocytosis; and 54% corrected their anemia. All patients had increased hemoglobin levels (mean increase, +0.6 g/dl) and reticulocyte counts (mean increase, +35 × 10⁶/l) and decreased erythrocyte cell volume (mean decrease, 3 fl; all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that crystalline cyanocobalamin, 250–1000 μg /day, given orally for 1 month, may be an effective treatment for cobalamin deficiencies not related to pernicious anemia.     

人精子穿卵改良试验对不同生育状态男子生育力测定的价值

目的　本研究用一种经改良的人精子穿卵试验 (SPA)处理人精子 ,以探讨一种更简便、快速、经济 ,适合一般实验室要求的方法。方法　将精子体外获能液用磷酸氢二钠把pH值调理至 8.2± 0 .2 ;用普通隔水式恒温培养箱进行培养 ;对 75例不同生育状态男子生育力进行测定 (其中 2 5例有生育力男子 ;2 5例“原因不明”不育男子 ;及 2 5例输精管吻合术后 )。结果　 3种不同生育状态男子的SPA值分别是 (4 7.12± 9.92 ) % ;(2 1.73± 9.91) % ,及 (2 8.0 4± 9.91) %。前两者在统计学上有显著差异 ,(P<0 .0 1) ;后两者在统计学上无明显差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。结果表明经用改良的精子获能液并在普通恒温培养箱培养后精子的活率和活力都有较大的提高 ,这有利于精子的长期获能及提高精子的穿透能力。结论　本研究提示改良后的人精子穿卵试验处理精子确实更简便、快速、经济 ,适合一般实验室要求 ,便于推广。     

Survival of Dairy Cows After Surgery to Correct Abomasal Displacement: 1. Clinical and Laboratory Parameters and Overall Survival

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and laboratory consequences of left and right displacement of the abomasum (LDA and RDA), short‐ and long‐term survival after surgery and the findings in cows, that could not be cured by omentopexy. Data from 564 cases of displaced abomasum (466 LDA, 98 RDA) were analysed retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the two manifestations of DA. Survival was assessed after 10 days and after 15 months. Necropsy was carried out on cows that died or were killed. On arrival at the clinic, left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) cows had been recognized as diseased for longer. LDA occurred earlier in lactation, and more cows with right displacement of the abomasum (RDA) were pregnant. Overall clinical symptoms were more severe in RDA than in LDA cows. Heart rate was higher, body temperature was lower, inanition, abnormal faeces and ruminal stasis were more frequent in RDA cows. Leucocyte counts were higher, and potassium and chloride levels were lower in RDA cows. Acetonuria was more frequent in LDA cows. More LDA than RDA cows were released from the clinic as cured (82.0% versus 74.5%). However, survival after the early post‐surgical period was similar for RDA and LDA cows. At necropsy, diseases of the gastrointestinal system were the predominant finding in RDA cows, while in LDA cows, diseases of the liver and other concurrent diseases were more important.     

Questionnaire analysis of the swallowing‐related outcomes following total laryngectomy

Objective: To determine the effects of a total laryngectomy on the swallow and subsequent quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. Design: Cross‐sectional single centre cohort study. Setting: Head and Neck Oncology Unit, Tertiary Referral Unit. Patients: Sixty‐two patients who underwent total laryngectomy at our centre participated in the study. Methods: Subjects were stratified by age, sex, tumour stage, other procedures such as myotomy and nerve re‐implantation. Pharyngectomy, glossectomy, flap reconstruction, neck dissection and previous radio‐ and chemotherapy were also assessed to see if they affected swallow and subsequent quality of life. Main outcome was measured using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory questionnaire. Results: Responses were received from 46 males and 16 females (response rate of 80.5%) with a mean age of 64.7 years (SD 9.4). Median follow‐up in patients was 90 months (range 1–276). The mean MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory total score in our series of patients was 77.7 (SD 16.6). MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory global score was 79.4 (SD 22.6), Emotional score was 77.7 (SD 17.8), Functional score 81.3 (SD 15.9) and Physical score was 74.1(SD 18). Statistically significant differences were seen between the emotional scores of glossectomised and non‐glossectomised patients (Mann Whitney, P = 0.04). No significant correlation was seen between the subscale scores and the remaining treatment variables such as age, gender, site, tumour stage, myotomy, nerve implantation, radiotherapy, reconstruction and major complications. Conclusion: This questionnaire study is the largest of its type to assess the swallow of patients who have undergone laryngectomy at a single centre. The overall result confirmed that most patients had a subjectively good swallow. Only glossectomy and the method of PE segment closure were shown to significantly affect swallowing outcomes following surgery. We recommend further work especially prospective studies pre and post surgery using this or similarly validated instruments to fully assess swallow in the laryngectomy population.     

温针灸治疗颞下颌关节功能紊乱病36例

目的:比较温针灸与口服西药治疗颞下颌关节功能紊乱病的疗效。方法:治疗组36例取下关、牵正、颊车、阿是穴、合谷(双)行温针灸,对照组口服地西泮、吲哚美辛。结果:治疗组治愈率80·6%、总有效率100%,对照组治愈率40·6%、总有效率78·1%,两组有非常显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论:温针灸治疗颞下颌关节功能紊乱病方法简单,疗效显著。