False aneurysm of the brachial artery: an unusual complication following accidental puncture by a patient on home haemodialysis

A case is reported of false aneurysm of the brachial artery following accidental puncture during attempted cannulation of the median cubital vein for routine haemodialysis at home. The merits of early diagnosis and prompt surgical repair are discussed.     

Evaluation of Coomassie dye binding method for microprotein assay in diabetic proteinuria

A simple and relatively cheap method for quantitating diabetic microproteinuria with Coomassie brilliant blue dye binding method was evaluated. It provides a proportional reactivity to urinary albumin as measured by the more expensive immunoassay. The significant correlation between haemoglobin A1 and microproteinuria shows that the quantity of urinary protein is affected by metabolic control of diabetes.     

Active suppression of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-immune T cells. Requirement of an auxiliary T cell induced by antigen

We investigated T-T cell interactions in the suppression of contact sensitivity. Suppressor cells that block the efferent limb of sensitivity (Ts-eff) can inhibit the passive transfer of contact sensitivity mediated by 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene immune cells (T DH). But, Ts-eff cannot block the passive transfer of TDH which comes from cyclophosphamide (Cy) pretreated sensitized mice. We interpret these results to indicate that lymph node cells from sensitized mice contain not only TDH but also another intermediate cell which is required for the suppression of TDH by Ts-eff. This intermediate cell is sensitive to cyclophosphamide and requires antigen activation for its development. It is sensitive to adult thymectomy and anti-brain associated theta serum and is therefore designated as an auxiliary T-suppressor cell (Ts-aux). It is not sensitive to splenectomy and it carries I-J determinants. Ts-aux are required for the activity of suppressors of the efferent limb (Ts-eff) but not of suppressors of the afferent limb (Ts-aff). Thus, in the feedback loops in contact sensitivity, the generation of Tdh is coordinated with the development of auxiliary Ts which are essential for the suppression of those TDH.     

Occupational voice demands and their impact on the call-centre industry

Background  

Within the last decade there has been a growth in the call-centre industry in the UK, with a growing awareness of the voice as an important tool for successful communication. Occupational voice problems such as occupational dysphonia, in a business which relies on healthy, effective voice as the primary professional communication tool, may threaten working ability and occupational health and safety of workers. While previous studies of telephone call-agents have reported a range of voice symptoms and functional vocal health problems, there have been no studies investigating the use and impact of vocal performance in the communication industry within the UK. This study aims to address a significant gap in the evidence-base of occupational health and safety research. The objectives of the study are: 1. to investigate the work context and vocal communication demands for call-agents; 2. to evaluate call-agents' vocal health, awareness and performance; and 3. to identify key risks and training needs for employees and employers within call-centres.     

Lipid redistribution in renal dysfunction

Zhao et al. demonstrated that chronic renal failure was associated with lipid redistribution in the kidney and other organs. We discuss three types of lipid redistribution in the context of inflammatory stress, which might help to explain many conflicting clinical observations in relation to lipid-mediated renal and vascular injury. An assessment of lipid redistribution may provide a new target for therapeutic intervention.     

Organ failure and tight glycemic control in the SPRINT study

Introduction  

Intensive care unit mortality is strongly associated with organ failure rate and severity. The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score is used to evaluate the impact of a successful tight glycemic control (TGC) intervention (SPRINT) on organ failure, morbidity, and thus mortality.