The afferent connections of the posterior hypothalamic nucleus in the rat using horseradish peroxidase

The posterior hypothalamic nucleus has been implicated as an area controlling autonomic activity. The afferent input to the nucleus will provide evidence as to its role in autonomic function. In the present study, we aimed to identify the detailed anatomical projections to the posterior hypothalamic nucleus from cortical, subcortical and brainstem structures, using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde axonal transport technique in the rat. Subsequent to the injection of HRP into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus, extensive cell labelling was observed bilaterally in various areas of the cerebral cortex including the cingulate, frontal, parietal and insular cortices. At subcortical levels, labelled cells were observed in the medial and lateral septal nuclei, the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, and various thalamic and amygdaloid nuclei. Also axons of the vertical and horizontal limbs of the diagonal band were labelled and labelled cells were localised at the CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus and the dentate gyrus. The brainstem projections were from the medial, lateral and parasolitary nuclei, the intercalated nucleus of the medulla, the sensory nuclei of the trigeminal nerve, and various reticular, vestibular, raphe and central grey nuclei. The posterior hypothalamic nucleus also received projections from the lateral and medial cerebellar nuclei and from upper cervical spinal levels. The results are discussed in relation to the involvement of the posterior hypothalamic nucleus in autonomic function and allows a better understanding of how the brain controls visceral function.     

Magnetic Field Interference in High-Resolution Electrocardiography

Magnetic Field Interference. Introduction: High-resolution electrocardiography, with or without signal averaging, requires extremely low levels of extraneous noise pickup. A significant amount of such interference is transmitted to the patient electrode wires as a magnetic (as opposed to electric) field, which is unresponsive to many commonly used shielding methods. Methods and Results: To investigate the source and quantify the strengths of magnetic fields, we used a battery-powered device of our own design and performed magnetic field measurements in various locations in two hospitals. We found that significant sources of magnetic interference were cathode ray tube defiection coils, electric motors, and power transformers on wall-mounted ophthalmoscopes or on the electrocardiographic equipment itself. The lowest noise level could be produced by running the patient electrode wires twisted closely together and by distancing the magnetic field sources, including electrocardiographic equipment. Conclusion: We conclude that magnetic fields at typical locations in modern hospitals are usually of such strength as to cause significant interference in high-resolution electrocardiography. To reduce such an interference, the patient electrode wires should be twisted together and all suspected magnetic field sources, including the signal-averaging equipment itself, should be placed as remotely from the patient as possible. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. Vol. 3. pp. 34–39, February 1992)     

Sustained increase in haemoglobin and RBC following long-term administration of recombinant human erythropoietin to patients with homozygous beta-thalassaemia

Summary. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) was given subcutaneously three times per week in an escalating dose from 500u/kg to 950u/kg together with ferrous fumarate 305 mg and folic acid 5mg/d, to 10 patients from four unrelated Arab families with homozygous /3-thaIassaemia. Six splenectomized patients showed a mean (istandard error) increase in haemoglobin from 7-1 – 0-1 to 9-3 – 0-1 g/dl (P = 0-0001), in RBC from 4-0 to 5-0 × 10¹²/1 (P = 0-0001) and in nucleated RBC from 32 – 7 × 10¹⁰/1 to 82–6 × 10¹⁰/1 while receiving 750u/kg three times per week which persisted for 4-11 months. In two patients there was no need for further blood transfusions. In three out of four unsplenectomized patients there were no changes in Hb and RBC despite dose escalation. There were no significant changes in MVC, MCH and reticulocyte count, serum bilirubin, LDH, malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin E levels. After 13 weeks of rHuEPO there was a mean increase in the percentage of F cells from 31 –10% to 86 –6% (P< 0-003) in three splenectomized patients and in one unsplenectomized patient from 56-4% to 80% without changes in the levels of Hb F. Globin chain synthesis ratios did not change in four responding patients. Mean serum iron and transferrin saturation index did not change, whereas mean serum ferritin increased from 299–45/ng/I to 480–20/ig/l (P< 0-001). In seven responding patients an accelerated linear growth was indicated by positive changes in height standard deviation score for chronological age. Side-effects were minimal throughout the treatment period.     

Mobile oral treatment and examination chair

A lightweight portable cardboard chair has been developed for use in portable dental care delivery programs. The design will accommodate an adult patient, is sturdy, and includes a reclining and upright position. A stool has been added to the design for sitdown dentistry, and, when disassembled, the stool component parts are used as supports for the upright backrest.     

Spermatic cord metastasis as an initial manifestation of non-small cell carcinoma of the lung

Lung cancer is among the most common cancers which continue to be a major cause of death in the world and many present with distant metastasis in advanced stages precluding curative treatment. Herein, we report a 62-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital with complaint of a painful mass in his left inguinal region. Surprisingly, a chest radiograph revealed a mass in his left lung with ipsilateral pleural effusion. Thorough radiological and pathologic examinations he was confirmed to have a non-small cell lung cancer with only spermatic cord metastasis and unfortunately the patient died two weeks after admission.     

Portable dental chair

To many people, dental care is solely for the relief of pain or infection; to others i To is a luxury that cannot be afforded because of monetary or geographic barrierS. Although the handicapped may be unable to travel to receive dental care services, they should be the recipients of definitive care including the prevention of disease. The dentist and his staff are more able to leave the confines of a fixed operatory and travel with portable equipment to urban and rural areas. The goal is to provide more than just emergency treatment, with'the type and quality of care partly dependent on the capabilities of transportable equipment. system is completed, using handtightened knobs and thumbscrews to secure the attachments. The system is easy to clean and maintain, being of simple design and composed of durable, corrosion-resistant materialS. Repairs require a few common tools and, because of compactness and lightweight, assembled modules or subsystems can be containerized for shipment if replacements are required. The concept of a portable dental clinic is not new but its function as a total care unit has been directly proportional to bulk, as might be seen in the mobile van concept. With modem technology, miniaturized devices are as effective as or are highly improved over larger couterpartS. By using smaller, light-weight components in a dental treatment unit, the system can be more easily transported, even to the point of being hand carried. The design criteria established for the portable chair system are based on the concept of miniaturization. The components are commercially available and, with a few modifications, all assemblies can be attached to the dental chair. Assembly and disassembly of the One problem encountered with portable dental systems is the number of containers needed for large modular components and chair. The total system is packaged into one durable weatherproof container weighing 150 Ib. Two men can easily carry the container over short distances or it can be transported in a small motorized vehicle, or in a trailer drawn by an animal. Because of its compact size, a dental operatory can be set up in a limited space and design features permit use even when based on soft ground. If electricity and compressed air are not available, they can be supplied by a small generator and a compact quiet air compressor. There is a growing need to develop equipment and methods for portable dental treatment. The portable chair design has removed much of the unnecessary bulk and weight yet has retained the function of comprehensive dental care.