Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease: morphological and microanalytical features

The light microscopic and polarization appearances of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposits in tissues are reviewed. In routine sections haematoxylinophilic crystalline deposits with a feathery or brush-like pattern are typical of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. Short rhomboidal crystals showing positive birefringence are seen on polarization; X-ray microanalytical and infrared spectroscopic data support the specificity of these appearances. The appearances of the crystal deposits in decalcified specimens are also described. We include six cases of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition within periarticular bone; to the best of our knowledge this has not previously been described.     

TIME COURSE OF NEUROMUSCULAR EFFECTS AND PHARMACOKINETICS OF ROCURONIUM BROMIDE (ORG 9426) DURING ISOFLURANE ANAESTHESIA IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT RENAL FAILURE

We have studied the onset and duration of action and pharmacokineticsof rocuronium bromide (Org 9426) during anaesthesia with nitrousoxide, fentanyl and isoflurane after a single bolus dose ofrocuronium 0.6 mg kg^–1 in nine patients with chronic renalfailure requiring regular haemodialysis, and in nine healthycontrol patients. Blood samples were collected over 390 minand concentrations of rocuronium and its putative metabolitesmeasured using HPL C. Onset time for maximum block, durationof clinical relaxation (T1₂₅) and recovery index, were 61 (SD25.0) s and 65 (16.4) s, 55 (26.9) min and 42 (9.3) min and28 (12.3) min and 19 (8.8) min, respectively, for patients withand without renal failure. The time for TOF ratio to returnspontaneously to 0.7 was 99 (41.1) min and 73 (24.2) min, respectively,in the two groups. None of these differences was significant.The pharmacokinetic data were best described by a three-exponentialequation. There were significant differences between patientswith and without renal failure in the rates of clearance (2.5(1.1) ml kg^–1 min^–1 and 3.7(1.4) ml kg^–1 min^–1respectively) and the mean residence times (97.1 (48.7) minand 58.3(9.6) min) (P<0.05). The differences in other kineticparameters were not significant. We conclude that the effectsof rocuronium may be prolonged in patients with renal disease,because of a decreased clearance of the drug.     

对发展中国家改善用药的10点建议

WHO建议改善药品管理的工作要在国家药物政策保障之下.在许多国家,执行国家药物政策的机制是实施国家基本药物计划,其要点是强调公共领域的药品选择、采购、流通与使用的合理性.不适当的处方使医疗质量降低并导致资源浪费.本文以探讨在国家药物政策范畴内鼓励更合理地使用药品的问题为重点,在已有证据的基础上,详细阐明基本药物计划内容中的合理用药问题.本文评述了在发展中国家改善用药状况的有效策略及最新知识,并为决策者与管理者提出达到改善用药目标的建议.     

Clinical features and outcome of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood with respect to alterations at the TAL1 locus: a Pediatric Oncology Group study

Alteration of the TAL1 locus is the most common nonrandom genetic defect in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To determine if rearrangements of the TAL1 proto-oncogene confer a distinct leukemic phenotype, we studied leukemic peripheral blood or bone marrow samples from 182 children with newly diagnosed T-ALL enrolled on Pediatric Oncology Group treatment protocols. Forty-eight (26%) of the samples had a local rearrangement of the TAL1 locus. Demographic and clinical features were compared for patient subgroups with and without TAL1 rearrangements. The only clinical correlates that were significantly associated with TAL1 gene rearrangements were higher white blood cell count (P = .017) and higher hemoglobin (P = .007) at diagnosis. Immunophenotypically, samples with altered TAL1 were more likely to be CD2+ (P = .001) and lack CD10 (cALLa) expression (P = .007) than those without the rearrangement. There was a trend toward improved event-free survival (EFS) in patients with TAL1 rearrangements (4-year EFS was 44% +/- 7% for patients without the rearrangements v 59% +/- 11% for those with rearrangements), but the difference was not significant (P = .34). The role of TAL1 in leukemogenesis has yet to be clearly defined, and the prognostic significance of TAL1 gene rearrangements in T-ALL deserves further study.     

Prophylactic control of post‐operative nausea and vomiting using ondansetron and ramosetron after cardiac surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ondansetron and ramosetron in the reduction of post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) associated with patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) after cardiac surgery. Methods: A total of 320 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatment regimens (n=80 in each group): no prophylactic antiemetics (group P); intravenous (i.v.) ondansetron 4 mg at the end of surgery and 12 mg added to PCA (group O); i.v. ramosetron 0.3 mg at the end of surgery and no antiemetics added to PCA (group R1); and i.v. ramosetron 0.3 mg at the end of surgery and 0.6 mg added to PCA (group R2). Results: The incidence of PONV during the 48‐h post‐operative period was lower in groups O (46%), R1 (54%), and R2 (35%) compared with group P (71%, P<0.001). The incidence and severity of nausea were lower in groups O, R1, and R2 than in group P during the 24‐h post‐operative period, whereas the incidence and severity of nausea during 24–48 h after surgery were lower in groups O and R2, but not in group R1, than in group P. Compared with group P (53%), the frequency of rescue antiemetic usage was significantly lower in groups O (34%) and R2 (29%), but not in group R1 (43%). Conclusion: The addition of either ondansetron or ramosetron to PCA can reduce the incidence of PONV during 48 h after cardiac surgery.     

The influence of nursing leadership on nurse performance: a systematic literature review

brady germain p. & cummings g.g. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management 18, 425–439
The influence of nursing leadership on nurse performance: a systematic literature review Aim The aim was to explore leadership factors that influence nurse performance and particularly, the role that nursing leadership behaviors play in nurses’ perceptions of performance motivation. Background Nurse performance is vital to quality patient care outcomes and nursing leadership behaviors have been linked to nurse performance. Evaluations A review of research articles that examined the factors that nurses perceived as influencing their motivation and performance was conducted. Eight studies were included in the final analysis. Key issues Nurses’ perceptions of factors that affect their motivation and ability to perform were grouped into five categories using content analysis: autonomy, work relationships, resource accessibility, nurse factors, and leadership practices. Nursing leadership behaviors were found to influence both nurses’ motivations directly and indirectly via other factors. Conclusion The review suggests that nurse performance may be improved by addressing nurse autonomy, relationships among nurses, their colleagues and leaders, and resource accessibility. Implications for nursing management Nursing managers and leaders may enhance their nurses’ performance by understanding and addressing the factors that affect their ability and motivation to perform.