Asymmetric space closure

In a vertically slotted 0.022 X 0.028 inch edgewise system, the use of a two-dimensional ribbon arch--0.022 X 0.016 inch from lateral incisor to lateral incisor and 0.016 X 0.022 inch from the canine to the molars--plus an uprighting spring on the canine maintained incisor position while unilaterally protracting a molar-premolar unit by means of sliding mechanics. Five degrees of labial crown torque was placed in the incisor portion of the wire and the uprighting spring exerted a force of 200 to 250 g. The intra-arch force applied to protract the molar--premolar unit was 300 to 350 g.     

Shared care: a review of the literature

This review examines broad issues of concern regarding the primary/secondarycare interface. The main purpose was to identify areas of goodpractice which could be adapted for more general use. One ofthe most fundamental aspects identified was communication, whichis discussed in some detail. Also covered are shared prescribingand disease management. The data suggest that the most effectivesystem(s) of shared care has yet to be established. Furtherqualitative and economic evaluations are required, taking intoaccount patient preferences. Although the literature does describecertain practice exemplars, it is clear that inter- and intra-professionalcommunication continues to be a problem. Whilst informationtechnology may provide some of the solutions, it is concludedthat a culture change, which compels health professionals tomake sharing of patient information a much higher priority,is reauired. Keywords. Shared care, seamless care, hospital, general practice, family practice.     

Differential changes of nicotinic receptors in the ratbrain following ibotenic acid and 192-IgG saporin lesionsof the nucleus basalis magnocellularis

The basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are implicated in the pathogenesis ofneurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer^fn2s disease (AD). The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been found to besignificantly afflicted in AD. To study the underlying mechanisms for dysfunction of the basalforebrain cholinergic neurons development of suitable animal models is warranted. In this studywe investigated the effects of bilateral lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis on nAChRs inthe rat brain using the cholinergic system selective immunotoxin 192-IgG saporin andnon-selective excitotoxin ibotenic acid. Changes in nAChRs were measured by ³H-cytisineand ³H-epibatidine, two ligands with different selectivity for nAChRs subtypes. Inthe parietal cortex of ibotenic acid lesioned rates, the choline acetyltransferase activity (ChAT)was decreased by 24% while no changes were detected in the frontal cortex or hippocampus.Similarly, a 40% decrease was observed in the number of nAChRs labelled by ³H-cytisine,but not by ³H-epibatidine, in the parietal cortex, while no changes were found in thefrontal cortex or hippocampus. Although the 192-IgG saporin induced lesions reduced the ChATactivity in the frontal cortex, parietal cortex and hippocampus by 77, 50 and 21%, respectively, nochanges were observed in the number of nAChRs as studied by ³H-cytisine or ³H-epibatidine. The results indicate a difference in vulnerability of the cortical nAChRsubtypes to experimental lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis. The findings in this studysuggest that a major portion of the nAChRs might be located on non-cholinergic neurons in thebrain.