Behavioral effects of oral subacute exposure to BDE-209 in young adult mice: a preliminary study

In this study, we examined the effects of an oral subacute exposure to 2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on young adult inbred wild type Tg2576 mice. BDE-209 was administered by gavage at doses of 0 and 20 mg/kg/day dissolved in sunflower oil for 15 days. Two behavioral endpoints were examined: anxiety-activity in a light/dark test and a zero maze test, and learning and spatial memory in a water maze test. Young adult mice exposed to BDE-209 showed a reduction in anxiety levels and a delayed learning in a spatial memory task. Although the results indicated that behavioral effects were present in a young adult exposed population of wild type Tg2576 mice, further studies on chronic exposure to BDE-209 are clearly necessary in order to corroborate these effects.     

Confirmation of high blood flow rates through 150 μ filter/high-flow tubing

Many new products designed to assist in rapid blood infusion are appearing. Some highly touted and routinely used devices for intravenous (IV) infusion have recently been shown to be, at least in part, defective. A tubing with an in-line 150 μ filter (150 μ High-Flow Blood Filter; Saftifllter^® Blood Administration Sets; Cutter Biological, Berkeley, CA 94710) has recently been introduced to facilitate rapid blood transfusion. It is claimed that at least 8.5 units of blood can be rapidly run through each set before replacement is necessary. To test this under simulated clinical conditions, four sets of ten random units of outdated erythrocytes at 4 to 9°C were each admixed with 250 mL 70°C 0.9 NaCl and infused through the system under a constant 300 mmHg pressure. Two sets infused through unmodified tubing flowed at an average of 25 mL/sec (1500 mL/min) before there was an appreciable slowing of the flow rate. Two sets with 8 Fr catheters attached infused at an average of 22 mL/sec (1320 mL/min) before there was an appreciable slowing of the flow rate. Even after the flow slowed, the 9th and 10th units infused at an average greater than 10 mL/sec (600 ml/min). The tubing/filter exceeded the manufacturer's published claims. This tubing/filter appears to be one element that could be an effective component of a high-flow infusion system.     

Transient synovitis of the hip in children: role of US

Transient synovitis of the hip remains a common diagnostic problem for the clinician. The physical signs are not pathognomonic of the condition, and the classic technical examinations are of little help. Therefore, the authors retrospectively studied the value of hip arthrosonography in 46 children with clinical symptoms suggesting pathologic hip conditions. In 20 of the 21 patients with a final diagnosis of transient synovitis, articular effusion was detected on ultrasound (US). Conventional radiography showed an increased medial joint space in only eight of these patients. Increased echogenicity of the articular fluid was found in both transient synovitis and septic arthritis. The high sensitivity of US in detecting intraarticular fluid was demonstrated by cadaver studies.