High-resolution imaging of progressive articular cartilage degeneration.

The objective of this study was to develop and verify a new technique for monitoring the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) by combining a rat model with the imaging modality optical coherence tomography (OCT). Time-sequential, in vivo, OCT imaging was performed on the left femoral condyles of 12 Wistar rats following sodium-iodoacetic acid-induced OA progression. The right femoral condyles (untreated) were also imaged and served as controls. Imaging was performed on days 0, 10, 20, 30, and 60 with an OCT system capable of acquiring images at four frames per second and an axial resolution of 5 microm. Progressive changes were analyzed using an OA scoring system. OCT successfully identified progressive cartilage degeneration as well as alteration of the cartilage/bone interface. Significant changes to both of these structures were observed in the sodium-iodoacetic acid-injected condyles. Structural changes detected with OCT were confirmed histologically. OCT in combination with a well-known model used in arthritis research represents a powerful tool for following degenerative joint disease progression in a given animal by detecting changes to the cartilage/bone interface and articular cartilage.     

Quantitative assessment of variables that influence soft-tissue electrovaporization in a fluid environment

Objectives. To evaluate the process of soft-tissue electrovaporization and to study variables that affect tissue clearance rates in a laboratory setting, in order to identify parameters that can optimize transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate.Methods. Fresh bovine skeletal muscle, equivalent in impedance and surface properties to the human prostate, was submerged in 3.3% sorbitol solution and electrovaporized with a grooved monopolar electrode attached to the weighted arm of a linear actuator. The effects of excursion rate, applied mechanical load, power setting, electrode configuration, and generator performance on the volume of tissue removed, were assessed.Results. Tissue removal increased significantly when electrode excursion rate was slowed from 25 to 15 mm/s (P <0.05) and then to 10 mm/s (P <0.05); when the load was increased from 20 to 50 g (P <0.005); and when dial power was increased from 120 to 150 W (P <0.01). Tissue removal was generator dependent. There was no significant difference between the Force 40 and the Force 2 (P > 0.4), but a new computer-controlled constant power output generator (Force FX) did significantly improve tissue vaporization at an equivalent power setting (P <0.005 and P <0.01, respectively). Tissue removal was also dependent upon electrode configuration, with the VaporTrode-Grooved Bar removing significantly more tissue than either an ungrooved roller bar of equivalent size or 2-mm smooth roller ball, respectively, both after a single pass (P <0.001 and P <0.05) and after five repeated passes (P <0.05 and P <0.005). The histologic depth of tissue thermal effect was less than 1 mm, but it was 38% greater for the VaporTrode-Grooved Bar (0.68 mm) than for the standard cutting loop (0.5 mm, P <0.01).Conclusions. Using a novel method to quantify tissue removal, we have demonstrated that electrode configuration, excursion rate, applied load, power setting, and generator performance are interdependent factors that influence the efficacy of the electrovaporization process in a fluid environment.     

Aggressive behaviour in elderly psychiatric inpatients.

We describe the types of aggressive behaviour and determine their prevalence in a sample of hospitalized elderly psychiatric patients. Data were obtained by nurse ratings of aggressive behaviour using the recently developed Rating Scale for Aggressive Behaviour in the Elderly; 90 patients were rated over a 3-d period. Nearly half the sample were at least mildly aggressive; the frequencies of some specific types of aggressive behaviour were high. In contrast, the frequency of injuries and the use of restraints and medication for aggressive behaviour were low. Some correlates of the aggressive behaviour were also analysed.     

Probes for the cocaine receptor. Potentially irreversible ligands for the dopamine transporter.

Several potentially irreversible ligands (i.e., wash-resistant binding inhibitors) for the cocaine receptor site on the dopamine transporter, derived from (-)-cocaine or 3 beta-phenyltropan-2 beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester (WIN 35,065-2), were prepared and shown to produce wash-resistant inhibition of [3H]-3 beta-(p-fluorophenyl)tropan-2 beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester ([3H]WIN 35,428) binding. All the compounds prepared had the same absolute configuration as cocaine; they include analogues possessing chemically reactive groups such as the isothiocyanato and bromoacetamido as well as photoactive azido groups. The potentially irreversible ligands, as well as all the intermediates prepared in this study, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the binding of [3H]WIN 35,428 in coincubation experiments. Of the potentially irreversible ligands, 3 beta-(p-chlorophenyl)tropan-2 beta-carboxylic acid 2-[p-(bromoacetamido)phenyl]ethyl ester (6c) had the highest apparent potency. The potentially irreversible ligands were also preincubated, and inhibition of [3H]WIN 35,428 binding was determined both before and after washing the ligand-exposed tissues. The most effective ligands in this regard were 3 beta-(3-iodo-4-azidophenyl)tropan-2 beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester (5) and 3 beta-(p-chlorophenyl)tropan-2 beta-carboxylic acid 2-(3-iodo-4-azidophenyl)ethyl ester (6d). The structure-activity relationships of these data are discussed.     

Nationwide survey on the use of image-guided functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate impressions and usage of sinus surgery image-guided surgical (IGS) systems by ENT surgeons in the United States. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A survey was mailed to selected practicing ENT physicians, investigating regional information, practice type, IGS usage patterns, perceived benefits and limitations, and usage of the 61795 surgery code. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of respondents use IGS. Nonusers respond that it provides no benefit or is too expensive. Eighty percent of respondents replied that IGS may allow for increased safety in certain procedures. Most users attempt reimbursement with the 61795 code. CONCLUSION: IGS usage is increasing but appears to be perceived as expensive and nonbeneficial in certain situations. Most respondents, however, felt that IGS may lead to safer surgery in certain situations, including revision and frontal procedures. Several factors appear to limit routine use including ease of use, technical setup, code reimbursement, and initial purchase costs. SIGNIFICANCE: IGS use appears to be increasing. The most frequent users appear to agree with the previously issued AAO-HNS guidelines regarding appropriate indications. Expanded use may depend on ease of use, reimbursement, and affordability. EBM rating: D-5.     

Endothelial cell infection and thrombosis in paralysis caused by equid herpesvirus-1: Equine stroke

Summary Eight mares were infected with equid herpesvirus-1 subtype 1 isolated from a case of equine paresis. In two mares killed at 4 d.p.i. immunofluorescence showed endothelial cell infection together with thrombosis in the rete arteriosus of the nasal mucosa and also in the spinal cord of one of these mares. Circulating platelet counts in the other six mares fell as early as 2 d.p.i. and remained depressed for seven days. Circulating immune complexes started to appear at 2 d.p.i., reached maximum levels at 10 d.p.i., but were undetectable at 28 d.p.i. Three of the six remaining mares developed varying degrees of inco-ordination at 8 and 9 d.p.i. In the two inco-ordinate mares that were killed at 9 and 10 d.p.i. the haemorrhages in the spinal cord and brain were associated with extensive endothelial cell fluorescence and thrombus formation. Clinical paresis coincided with an increase in circulating complement fixing and neutralising antibodies which in all six mares were higher against the subtype 2 isolate than subtype 1.In five yearlings infected with a subtype 2 isolate of EHV-1 platelet counts remained normal and neither immune complexes nor viraemia, nor inco-ordination were detected.With 8 Figures