Technical Note: A Problem with the Clinical Measurement of Dark Adaptation by the Friedmann Visual Field Analyser

ABSTRACT The measurement of the dark adaptation function is possible in private practice with the Friedmann Visual Field Analyser. However errors are introduced by internal stray light in some of the early Mark 1 instruments. A method of overcoming this problem is described.     

Common Hematologic Problems of the Immediate Newborn Period

Hematologic problems in the early periods of postnatal life are common. Many complications of the common hematologic problems in the newborn, including death, might be prevented with astute nursing care. Frequently encountered blood disorders of the immediate newborn period, clinical manifestations, common treatments, and nursing management are presented.     

Antigenic diversity of the asexual developmental stages of Eimeria tenella

Total polypeptides from unsporulated and sporulated oocysts, sporozoites and the first two generations of merozoites of Eimeria tenella were fractionated by electrophoresis through polyacrylamide gels. The parasites are complex and the arrays of polypeptides differ for each of the developmental stages indicating that there is stagespecific control of gene expression. In particular, first generation merozoites display a markedly different polypeptide profile to that of either sporozoites or second generation merozoites. Changes in antigenicity during sporulation and the antigenic relationships between the three asexual zoite stages were examined by probing electroblotted polypeptides with a panel of antisera raised in rabbits to purified preparations of each stage. Antigenic cross-reactivity is well maintained throughout sporulation even though the sizes of antibody-reactive polypeptides change. In contrast there is a marked lack of cross-reactive epitopes between sporozoites, first and second generation merozoites.     

Determinants of fetal and maternal atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations at delivery in man

Summary. Matched maternal venous (MV), umbilical artery (UA) and umbilical vein (UV) concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP] were measured in 36 normotensive women at term delivery (23 vaginal, 13 caesarean) and 17 non-pregnant women in the first half of the menstrual cycle. MV [ANP] at caesarean section was similar to that in nonpregnant women, but UA and UV [ANP] were higher ( P <0.01 for both). UA, but not UV, [ANP] was markedly raised after vaginal delivery. Plasma concentrations of aldosteronce[ALD] were measured in 16 of the matched sets of samples. No statistically significant association was found between [ANP] and [ALD] in either maternal or fetal samples. Neither maternal nor fetal [ANP] correlated with serum Na⁺ or osmolality, haematoerit, blood pressure or heart rate.     

Concordance: what is the relevance for pharmacists?

Non‐adherence (or non‐compliance) to prescribed medicines has long been regarded as problematic. The concept of concordance, rather than seeking ways to persuade people to take their medicines, instead focuses on the need to adopt a different model of the patient‐prescriber relationship. Much of the discussion about concordance thus far has related to the relationship between doctors and patients. In this article, the role of the pharmacist and ways in which pharmacists could usefully engage with the concordance model, both as part of the primary health care team and as independent practitioners, are considered. Concordance was developed as an ideal to which to aspire and needs to make the transition into practice. It is however important to note that if the move towards concordance is to happen and be successful it will require the support, enthusiasm and commitment of patients and health care professionals generally.     

The Impulsivist: a multi-impulsive personality disorder

The authors report a literature review of impulsivity in the substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, classical disorders of impulse control, self-harm and personality disorders. They suggest that within each of these clinic populations there is a significant number of patients who have a very poor prognosis and are characterised not just by the specific presenting symptom but by multiple impulsive behaviours. It is suggested that this group, who place very large demands both on the psychiatric and emergency services, form a unitary ‘multi-impulsive personality’ group and that they would repay detailed research which cuts across the boundaries of the specialist services.