Alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene do not protect marmosets against the dopaminergic neurotoxicity of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) may possibly be caused by one or more unidentified neurotoxins present in the environment, or formed endogenously, which progressively damage dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons. N-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is an experimental neurotoxin which produces biochemical and neuropathological changes in humans, lower primates and mice that closely resemble those found in PD. Because the mechanisms of neuronal damage in both idiopathic PD and in the MPTP model of PD may involve free radical formation in the substantia nigra, antioxidants might protect dopaminergic neurons. Previously, we found that both alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene partially protected mice against MPTP. However, in the experiments described in this paper, neither alpha-tocopherol nor beta-carotene, each administered in massive doses, had any demonstrable protective effect for dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons in marmosets injected with low doses of MPTP. Without more knowledge about the identity of the neurotoxin(s) causing idiopathic PD, and their mechanism of action, it is not possible at this time to predict whether these 2 antioxidants might be clinically useful in preventing or ameliorating PD.     

Intussesception after jejunoileal bypass as diagnosed by ultrasound

Eighty patients who had undergone jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity were examined by ultrasound at their routine follow-up visits to the clinic. Ultrasonographic evidence of intestinal intussusception was found in 15 patients (19%). Two of these patients were asymptomatic. Ultrasonographic findings were confirmed by operation in 6 patients (5 with intussusception, 1 negative).     

The histomorphologic and morphometric study of asymptomatic hip arthroplasty. A postmortem study

The purpose of this study was to determine the histologic findings at the bone-cement interface in successful asymptomatic total hip replacements (THR) retrieved from patients at autopsy. The criteria for a successful hip arthroplasty were clinical, radiologic, and direct examination of the prosthesis at the time of harvesting. Twelve patients with a total of 14 cemented hip arthroplasties came to autopsy at a mean of 4.7 years after implantation. A detailed histomorphometric objective means of assessing the tissue response was applied to the membrane. The density of histiocytes correlated with the thickness of the membrane, the density of polyethylene particles, and the time after implantation. The fibrohistiocytic membrane in this group of patients was similar to that described in the literature in cases of loose THRs. These findings advance current understanding of transcellular particle transportation (directional exocytosis) in tissue reactions to endoprostheses of THR.     

MR pelvimetry--a practical alternative.

Pelvimetry remains a useful technique as part of the assessment of the term breech pregnancy where vaginal delivery is planned. MR pelvimetry is accurate, well tolerated and shows soft-tissue structures as well as bone. It avoids the potentially carcinogenic effects of ionising radiation and is thought to be completely safe for mother and fetus. A technique of MR pelvimetry is described which uses gradient-echo sequences. This quick, practical method makes minimal inroads into valuable scanning time, and may therefore be considered a potentially cost-effective alternative to conventional pelvimetry.     

Administration to humans of ORG 21465, a water soluble steroid i.v. anaesthetic agent

Ten male volunteers received a 1-min i.v. infusion of a new water soluble steroid anaesthetic agent, ORG 21465. Individuals received doses ranging from 0.8 to 1.8 mg kg-1. All subjects experienced venous pain at the site of injection; those receiving 1.0 mg kg-1 or more became anaesthetized. There was no evidence of histamine release and apnoea did not occur. Excitatory phenomena were observed in all subjects and were dose related; no spikes were seen on the EEG. Pharmacokinetic analysis supported a three-compartment (non-weight- related) model with compartmental volumes V1, V2 and V3 of 4.31, 14.2 and 89.4 litre, respectively. Clearance from the central compartment V1 was 1.55 litre min-1. Inter-compartmental clearances Q1 and Q2 were 2.54 and 1.79 litre min-1. We found that ORG 21465 was an effective anaesthetic in humans. The relationship between sedation, anaesthesia and excitation requires further exploration.      

A review of intra-articular knee injuries in racquet sports diagnosed by arthroscopy

Because of the recent rapid increase in the number of knee injuries related to racquet sports, the authors undertook a retrospective study of such injuries seen over a 5-year period at the Toronto Western Hospital Sports Medicine Institute. The 121 patients who presented over the study period with a racquet-sports-related knee injury requiring arthroscopy represented 30% of all racquet-sports related injuries seen during that period. The mean age at presentation was 32.8 years and two-thirds of the patients were men. All the major racquet sports were represented. In all, 213 lesions (7 bilateral) were seen at 128 arthroscopies, and 165 arthroscopic procedures were performed. The most common lesion was meniscal followed by chondromalacia patellae, anterior cruciate ligament tears, chondral lesions and pathologic plicae. Over 90% of the patients returned to their chosen racquet sport within 3 months of the arthroscopy and most were playing at a similar performance level to that before the initial injury.