Diet and hyperactivity

A variety of dietary constituents, both naturally occurring and added, may directly or indirectly affect the levels of hyperactivity in children. Studies designed to evaluate the magnitude of this effect on the behaviour of children have revealed the monumental difficulties encountered by the many investigators who have ventured into this area of research. Some of these difficulties have been recognised to be due to the poor and variable definitions of hyperactivity, and the consistently small size of sample investigated in each of the studies. Sample size is greatly influenced by the high drop-out rates, often reducing the percentage of good responders to a treatment to insignificant numbers. Given these known factors that can influence the outcome of a study of this kind, one can design experiments to surmount these-difficulties. For example, the high drop-out rates observed in the majority of the studies dictate that one must start with a large enough number of well-defined hyperactive children to compensate for the expected losses. The initial diagnosis of hyperactivity also should be the result of a careful diagnostic evaluation including psychiatric and psychological workups as well as birth records and a thorough paediatric allergy screening. The evaluation of behavioural changes following the ingestion of food constituents is equally important. This evaluation should include not only subjective ratings, i.e. the use of parents' and teachers' (Conners) scales, but quantitative measures such as laboratory tests designed to measure attention span, coordination, motor activity, and inability to concentrate, etc. Finally, in view of the fact that hyperactivity in children is an aetiologically complex syndrome, a multidisciplinary approach in the search for treatment and/or prevention of this syndrome is required.     

WILLIAM R. WILDE,ANDREW. S. GRAY,AND TWO EYE AND EAR HOSPITALS OF VERY SIMILAR NAME

Historical background is given for the development of the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne. The similarity of names was fortuitous, but both have strong Influences derived from William R. Wilde and his St Mark's Ophthalmic Hospital In Dublin.     

Clinical Experience With the Prevention of Rh-lsoimmunization: A Historical Comparative Analysis

ABSTRACT: Clinical experience with prevention of Rh-immunization is reviewed. The pathogenesis of hemolytic disease and the chemistry of prophylaxis is explained. The factors which effect antigenic expression are delineated. The clinical indications for prevention of AMIS are reviewed. International data pertaining to Rhesonativ are presented from postpartum trials and antepartum trials. A protocol for antepartum administration of anti-Rh immunoglobulin is given.     

A Programmed Audiovisual Orientation to an Outpatient Clinic

A programmed audiovisual introduction to a large obstetric-gynecologic clinic was developed for and evaluated by nursing students who spent one or two weeks in the facility. This orientation is geared toward active learning and progress at each individual's rate. Data show that this orientation is an effective and efficient substitute for faculty presentation of repetitive information. In six of eight tasks evaluated, students in a programmed audiovisual group required fewer days to acquire skill in performing the tasks than did students in a control group. Faculty are released to help the student with the more sophisticated aspects of nursing care.