The use of cadaver models to diagnose rib fractures: A pilot study

Background

In the emergency department, rib fractures are a common finding in patients who sustain chest trauma. Rib fractures may be a sign of significant, underlying pathology, especially in the elderly patients where rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To date, no studies have evaluated the ability of ultrasound to detect rib fractures using cadaver models and subsequently use this model as a teaching tool.

Ultrasound Examination and Localization of the Sciatic Nerve: A Volunteer Study

Background: Few studies have examined the use of ultrasound for sciatic nerve localization. The authors evaluated the usefulness of low-frequency ultrasound in identifying the sciatic nerve at three locations in the lower extremity and in guiding needle advancement to target before nerve stimulation.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, 15 volunteers underwent sciatic nerve examination using a curved ultrasound probe in the range of 2-5 MHz and a Philips-ATL 5000 unit (ATL Ultrasound, Bothell, WA) in the gluteal, infragluteal, and proximal thigh regions. Thereafter, an insulated block needle was advanced inline with the ultrasound beam to reach the nerve target, which was further confirmed by electrical stimulation. The quality of sciatic nerve images, ease of needle to nerve contact, threshold stimulating current, and resultant motor response were recorded.

Results: The sciatic nerve was successfully identified in the transverse view as a solitary predominantly hyperechoic structure on ultrasound in all of the three regions examined. The target nerve was visualized easily in 87% and localized within two needle attempts in all patients. Nerve stimulation was successful in 100% after two attempts with a threshold current of 0.42 +/- 0.12 (mean +/- SD) eliciting foot plantarflexion or dorsiflexion.     

Epidemic measles in an isolated unvaccinated population, India

Between June and September, 1986, an outbreak of measles occurred in Pilkhi Primary Health Centre area (population 56,000) in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Overall, 1092 cases were identified and 62 died; case-fatality ratio was 5.7%. Illness was restricted primarily to children below 15 years of age; 38% cases were in children under 5 and 58% between 5-14 years of age. To better characterize the outbreak, a survey was conducted in 13 affected villages. The age of the cases ranged from 5 months to 19 years (median = 7.0 years). The age-specific attack rates were 22.4%, 54.5%, 46.2% and 35.3% for children under 1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14 years of age respectively. In as many as four villages, the attack rate in children below ten was 80% or more. Secondary attack rate among family members was 70%. Overall, 82% of children with measles developed complications which consisted mainly of pneumonia, diarrhoea and dysentery. The age-specific case-fatality ratios in infants and children 1-4 years of age were 23.1% and 11.5% respectively; thereafter the rates tended to decline with increasing age and was higher in females than in males (less than 0.05). Pneumonia which was a complication in 39% of measles cases contributed to 56% of deaths. Traditional beliefs and customs in the area were strong and did not encourage treatment of measles cases. Although a measles vaccination programme has been launched in India since 1985, only 30 districts could be covered during the first year and another 90 during 1986.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of danazol on mineral homeostasis in normal postmenopausal women: preliminary communication.

The effects of danazol on calcium homeostasis in normal postmenopausal women was examined in a 14-day study utilizing a dosage of 800 mg per day. Danazol caused significant falls in plasma ionized calcium and in the fasting urinary calcium/creatinine ratio, indicating inhibition of bone resorption. Retention of phosphate was also observed as expected with this anabolic agent. The plasma total alkaline phosphatase was also depressed by the drug, which had no effect on hepatocellular function as measured by plasma AST. Certain effects induced by treatment with danazol were still apparent two weeks after cessation of treatment. The drug was well tolerated and androgenic side effects were not seen. It is suggested that the minimal dose regimen of danazol which exerts a calcium-sharing effect should be identified, and that this regimen should be considered for use in a prospective study of the effects of danazol on bone mineral content in the postmenopause.     

In vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of N-piperazinyl quinolone derivatives with a 2-thienyl group.

We examined the cytotoxic potential of nine N-[2-substituted-2-(2-thienyl)ethyl] piperazinyl quinolone derivatives on human oral epithelial mouth carcinoma (KB) and human squamous carcinoma (A431) cell lines. Phototoxic properties of these compounds were also evaluated by mouse 3T3 fibroblast under ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation. The percent of cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Compound 6 having a 4-[2-(phenylmethoxyimino)-2-(2-thienyl)ethyl] group attached to N4 position of piperazine ring of enoxacin showed the highest cytotoxicity potential on both A431 and KB cell lines (IC50 of 3.11+/-0.52 and 4.91+/-1.94 microg/ml, respectively). While some of the other tested compounds exhibited clear phototoxic potential in 3T3 cell line, compound 6 showed only a minor potential of phototoxicity. These findings suggest the high potential of 4-[2-(phenylmethoxyimino)-2-(2-thienyl)ethyl] derivative of enoxacin as a cytotoxic compound with low potency of phototoxic reactions. The mentioned chemical was identified to be of special interest for further characterization.     

Hyperglycemic crises in diabetes mellitus: diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) potentially are fatal but largely preventable acute metabolic conditions of uncontrolled diabetes, the incidence of which continues to increase. Mortality from DKA has declined remarkably over the years because of better understanding of its pathophysiology and treatment. The mortality rate of HHS remains alarmingly high, however, owing to older age and mode of presentation of patients and associated comorbid conditions. DKA and HHS also are economically burdensome; therefore, any resources invested in their prevention would be rewarding.