Laryngeal paralysis as the presenting sign of aortic trauma

Disruption of the thoracic aorta is usually fatal without prompt surgical attention. Left recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis has been reported in approximately 10% of patients who survive long enough to develop a pseudoaneurysm, but the time of onset has rarely been specified. In this study, 50 cases of thoracic aortic trauma were reviewed to determine the incidence and timing of laryngeal paralysis, compared with 50 cases of atherosclerotic aneurysms matched for location. Four patients in the traumatic group were hoarse, and the onset was immediate in 3. Six in the atherosclerotic group became hoarse. Results indicate that laryngeal paralysis following severe trauma can be a very early sign of aortic injury and requires prompt and thorough investigation.     

Effects of intracerebroventricular infusions of naltrexone and phentolamine on central and peripheral oxytocin release and on maternal behaviour induced by vaginocervical stimulation in the ewe

The effects of intracerebroventricular infusions of naltrexone and phentolamine on the ability of vaginocervical stimulation to induce maternal behaviour, and plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of oxytocin, were measured in oestrogen-primed ewes. Results showed that naltrexone, but not phentolamine, significantly inhibited maternal behaviour following vaginocervical stimulation. Naltrexone also prevented the CSF increase in oxytocin following vaginocervical stimulation but was without effect on plasma levels. Phentolamine did not prevent either CSF or plasma increases in oxytocin, following vaginocervical stimulation, but reduced basal plasma levels. Results are discussed in terms of an opioid influence on maternal behaviour which may be mediated through a modulation of central oxytocin release.     

Biochemical and neurobehavioral profile of CHF2819, a novel, orally active acetylcholinesterase inhibitor for Alzheimer's disease

1,2,3,3a,8,8a-Hexahydro-1,3a,8-trimethylpyrrolo?2,3-b?ndol-5-ol 2-ethylphenylcarbamate N-oxide hydrochloride (3aS-cis) (CHF2819) is a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that produces central cholinergic stimulation after oral administration in rats. In vivo studies show that CHF2819 (0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 mg/kg p.o.) significantly increases acetylcholine levels in young adult rat hippocampus in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, aged animals, which show a significant decrease in basal acetylcholine levels with respect to young adult rats, also exhibit a marked increase in the hippocampal concentrations of this neurotransmitter after the administration of CHF2819. This compound (1.5 mg/kg p.o.) significantly attenuates scopolamine-induced amnesia in a passive avoidance task. Furthermore, CHF2819 induces a significant decrease in dopamine levels and a significant elevation of extracellular concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine, whereas it does not modify norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the hippocampus of young adult rats. Functional observational battery screening demonstrates that CHF2819 (1.5 and 4.5 mg/kg p.o.) does not affect activity, excitability, autonomic, neuromuscular, and sensorimotor domains, as well as physiological end points (body weight and temperature). However, this compound induces involuntary motor movements (ranging from mild tremors to myoclonic jerks) in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the anti-amnestic properties of CHF2819, together with its stimulatory effect on cholinergic and serotonergic functions, might have a therapeutic potential mainly for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients in which the cognitive impairment is accompanied by a depressive syndrome.     

PRIMARY MENINGOCOCCAL CONJUNCTIVITIS IN CHILDREN

SUMMARY Four cases of primary meningococcal conjunctivitis in children are reported. This represents an incidence of 2% of patients presenting with conjunctivitis to a paediatric A&E department. All were initially treated with topical chloramphenicol, followed by systemic rifampicin once the diagnosis had been established. No ocular or systemic complications developed, nor recolonisation of the conjunctiva or colonisation of the nasopharynx at follow-up (1–2 years).     

Fragmented IgG for post-exposure prophylaxis of type A hepatitis

To determine whether fragmentation of IgG in immune serum globulin (ISG) preparations has an adverse effect upon protection against type A hepatitis, three materials were given to household contacts of icteric cases: (1) human albumin as a placebo; (2) normal ISG containing intact IgG; and (3) ISG from the same lot but containing IgG deliberately fragmented with fibrinolysin. Attack rates per 100 children were 4.9, 2.8, and 2.3, respectively. IgG fragmentation, therefore, had no adverse effect on overall level of protection. In addition, IgG fragmentation produced a statistically significant reduction in secondary attack rate when given as late as six days prior to expected onset (as judged from the placebo group); ISG with intact IgG had to be given 16 days or more prior to expected onset to achieve a comparably significant reduction. This result suggests that fragmentation may be advantageous for ISG preparations intended for post-exposure prophylaxis of viral diseases.     

四肢关节专用低场强MRI评估对膝关节损伤的诊断价值

目的：分析四肢关节专用低场强MRI诊断膝关节损伤的临床应用价值。 方法：于2004-12/2005-10解放军总医院全军骨科研究所收治经手术、关节镜检查或临床证实的膝关节损伤患者40例（43个膝关节）。应用Atorscan0.2T永磁型四肢关节专用低场强磁共振机,对膝关节损伤的MRI表现进行分析。 结果：四肢关节专用低场强MRI对半月板、前交叉韧带、骨挫伤等均可作出正确诊断。 结论：四肢关节专用低场强MRI对膝关节损伤的综合诊断具有重要意义,是膝关节损伤较理想的一种非创伤性检查方法。     

Community-based exercise intervention: Zuni Diabetes Project

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a serious health problem among the Zuni Indians of New Mexico. In July 1983, Indian Health Service personnel initiated a community-based exercise program designed to help control NIDDM in the community. To retrospectively evaluate the effects of the exercise program, the medical records of 30 participants with NIDDM were compared with the medical records of 56 nonparticipants with NIDDM matched by age, sex, health-care provider, and duration of NIDDM. From 1 July 1983 through 1 October 1985, participants had a mean weight loss of 4 kg, whereas nonparticipants had a mean weight loss of 0.9 kg (P less than .05). Participants' fasting blood glucose values dropped by a mean of 43 mg/dl, compared to a mean drop of 2 mg/dl among the nonparticipants (P less than .05). Participants were significantly more likely than nonparticipants to have stopped their hypoglycemic medication (relative risk 4.2) and to have decreased their medication dosage (relative risk 2.2). These results suggest that participation in a community-based exercise program can produce significant weight loss and improvement in glycemic control among a group of Native Americans with NIDDM.