Genotoxicity of synthetic amorphous silica nanoparticles in rats following short‐term exposure. Part 1: Oral route

Synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) in its nanosized form is now used in food applications although the potential risks for human health have not been evaluated. In this study, genotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage of two pyrogenic (NM‐202 and 203) and two precipitated (NM‐200 and ‐201) nanosized SAS were investigated in vivo in rats following oral exposure. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg b.w./day for three days by gavage. DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage were investigated in seven tissues (blood, bone marrow from femur, liver, spleen, kidney, duodenum, and colon) with the alkaline and the (Fpg)‐modified comet assays, respectively. Concomitantly, chromosomal damage was investigated in bone marrow and in colon with the micronucleus assay. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker, was measured in plasma. When required, a histopathological examination was also conducted. The results showed neither obvious DNA strand breaks nor oxidative damage with the comet assay, irrespective of the dose and the organ investigated. Similarly, no increases in chromosome damage in bone marrow or lipid peroxidation in plasma were detected. However, although the response was not dose‐dependent, a weak increase in the percentage of micronucleated cells was observed in the colon of rats treated with the two pyrogenic SAS at the lowest dose (5 mg/kg b.w./day). Additional data are required to confirm this result, considering in particular, the role of agglomeration/aggregation of SAS NMs in their uptake by intestinal cells. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:218–227, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Relationship of knee joint proprioception to pain and disability in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Proprioception plays an integral role in neuromotor control of the knee joint and deficits in knee joint proprioception are well documented in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the functional relevance of these deficits is not clear. This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between knee joint proprioception and pain and disability in a large cohort of individuals with knee OA. Two hundred and twenty participants (145 F, 75 M) with symptomatic knee OA were recruited from the community. Five non-weight bearing active tests with ipsilateral limb matching responses were performed at 20 degrees and 40 degrees flexion to measure knee joint position sense. Pain and disability were assessed by self-reported questionnaires and objective measures of balance and gait. Results showed little association between knee joint position sense variables and measures of pain and disability (r values <0.24, most p>0.05). When comparing participants with the worst and best joint position sense, no significant differences in pain and disability could be found (p>0.05). While our study design does not allow causality to be established, these results suggest that deficits in joint position sense may be due to factors other than pain and that deficits are not large enough to impact upon disability.     

The efficacy of 2 different dosages of methylphenidate in treating adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of methylphenidate in treating adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), using subjective (self-report) and objective (computerized test) measures. METHOD: This double-blind crossover trial of placebo vs methylphenidate included subjects with childhood and current ADHD symptoms, IQs above 80, no other psychiatric condition explaining their difficulties or requiring other treatment, and no substance abuse in the previous 6 months. We administered 10 mg 3 times daily of medication (that is, placebo or methylphenidate) for 2 weeks. On the final day, subjects completed self-report measures and were tested on computerized tests. We then increased dosage to 15 mg 3 times daily for 2 weeks and administered a complete reassessment on the final day. Following a 1-week washout, we repeated this process on the second medication (that is, placebo or methylphenidate). RESULTS: Thirty adults with ADHD participated. Self-report measures and computerized tests showed significant improvements in ADHD symptoms on methylphenidate, compared with placebo. Other psychiatric symptoms (notably, anxiety and depression) were alleviated with methylphenidate. There was no significant difference between the 2 dosages of methylphenidate. CONCLUSION: Methylphenidate is effective in improving ADHD symptoms in adults with ADHD, is well tolerated, and has minimal side effects.     

Localization of gonococcal lipopolysaccharide and its relationship to toxic damage in human fallopian tube mucosa.

An experimental model using human fallopian tubes in organ culture was used to study the localization of purified gonococcal lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS was visualized by light microscopy with immunoperoxidase staining. Immediately after addition to fallopian tube organ cultures, gonococcal LPS aggregated on the tips of cilia. By 1 to 2 h after exposure, LPS could be seen distributed throughout the cytoplasm of ciliated and nonciliated cells in structures resembling vesicles. By 12 h, there were sloughed, ciliated cells present in the fallopian tube lumen, which had positive LPS stain on their surfaces as well as in their cytoplasm. By 24 h, LPS was distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Control experiments with rabbit oviduct organ cultures showed that LPS failed to attach, enter, or damage mucosal cells. These studies illustrate the initial localization of LPS on human mucosal cells and its uptake into the cells, which are coincident with toxicity for ciliated epithelial cells.     

Development of a Programme Theory for Early Intervention Vocational Rehabilitation: A Realist Literature Review

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation - Purpose Little is currently known about how early intervention vocational rehabilitation (EIVR) works for people with newly acquired neurological conditions...     

Temporary antibiotic loaded acrylic hip replacement: a novel method for management of the infected THA

Postoperative infection after hip joint replacement is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication in contemporary orthopaedics. Management in two stages is the more favored approach in North America. This introduces difficulty with patient management in the interval between stages, delays rehabilitation, and introduces technical difficulty during the second stage. A method has been developed whereby a temporary antibiotic-loaded facsimile of the hip is introduced at the first stage, designed to maintain stability of the joint, length of the limb, and mobility of the patient. It has been used in a total of 86 cases to date. The results in 46 cases with a minimum follow-up of 2 years are reviewed in this article. The infection was controlled in 93.5% of cases.