Standard Needle Magnetization for Ultrasound Needle Guidance: First Clinical Experiences in Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid Nodules

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology using a novel ultrasound needle guidance system on the basis of standard needle magnetization was consecutively performed in 30 (15 in‐plane and 15 out‐of‐plane) suspicious thyroid nodules. Nondedicated, commercially available needles were used. The technical effectiveness and safety of the system were satisfying; system failures were observed in 2 cases. The needle tip could be (at least occasionally) visualized inside the thyroid nodule in 96%, and the subjective procedure ratings were excellent in 57%. The out‐of‐plane technique was significantly superior in both respects (P = .021 and .027, respectively). Standard needle magnetization ultrasound needle guidance was easy to apply and cost‐effective and has the potential to improve fine‐needle aspiration cytology performance.     

Human exposure to 3-carene by inhalation: toxicokinetics, effects on pulmonary function and occurrence of irritative and CNS symptoms

Terpenes, especially 3-carene, may irritate the skin and mucous membranes and prolonged exposure may result in allergic contact dermatitis or chronic lung function impairment. The toxicokinetics of 3-carene were studied in human volunteers exposed by inhalation (2 hr 50 W) in an exposure chamber on three occasions. The exposure concentrations were approximately 10, 225, and 450 mg/m3 3-carene. The relative pulmonary uptake was high, approximately 70% for the higher exposure levels. Total uptake increased linearly with increasing exposure. The blood clearance of 3-carene observed in this study, 0.9 liter.kg-1.hr-1, indicates that 3-carene is fairly readily metabolized. About 3% of the total uptake was eliminated unchanged via the lungs while less than 0.001% was eliminated in the urine after the end of exposure. A long half time in blood was observed in the terminal phase which indicates a high affinity to adipose tissues. A statistically significant divergence between ratings of irritation during the high exposure level and during the medium and control levels was observed. The difference in airway resistance after exposure to a high concentration of 3-carene compared to control level was not significant (P = 0.02).     

Schedule-induced cocaine drinking: choice between cocaine and vehicle

Rats were exposed to daily 3-hr schedule-induced polydipsia sessions (fixed-time 1-min food-pellet delivery) with two drinking fluids available: cocaine solution and water. Fluid position was alternated daily. Polydipsia occurred mostly from a preferred-side spout (position preference) until cocaine solution concentration was increased to between 0.52 and 1.04 mg/ml and animals drank mostly water. Within a lower concentration range (0.28-0.6 mg/ml) maximum session cocaine intakes ranged from 54.3 to 120.1 mg/kg. Postsession serum cocaine levels were about 200 ng/ml. At individually chosen cocaine solution concentrations, the addition of saccharin to the solution did not increase cocaine intake, but a compound solution (saccharin plus glucose) did. With progressive dilution of the compound vehicle, an almost complete preference for cocaine solution was maintained. But with a return to water as the vehicle, animals reverted to a position preference after a few sessions, although one maintained a clear cocaine preference. Schedule-induced polydipsia produced chronic, oral self-administration of cocaine resulting in pharmacologically significant intakes and serum levels.     

A treadmill test of sprint running

Anaerobic power is characterized by a high degree of specificity regarding both the recruited muscles as well as the recruitment pattern. The popular Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) is a cycling test that does not satisfy the need for a running-specific anaerobic test. We describe such a test, using a novel type of a commercially available treadmill (BRL 1800, Gymrol, France). The ergometer is equipped with a torque motor to neutralize the frictional resistance of the treadmill belt, and a hip-belt harness connected to a horizontal rod. Force applied to the harness is monitored by a strain gauge mounted on the rod, while vertical movement is monitored by a potentiometer at the posterior fixed end of the rod. These, in conjunction with the treadmill belt speed, enable the computation of horizontal and vertical power as well as the combined total output. Power is calculated both as 'peak' power (highest 2.5 s segment) and 'mean' power (20 s duration). Preliminary results of young athletes were generally consistent with the expected age-related changes in anaerobic power. Values obtained on the anaerobic treadmill were always higher than the corresponding WAnT values previously obtained in comparable age groups. The higher values were probably due to the larger muscle mass involved and the shorter peak and mean power durations (2.5 and 20 s versus 5 and 30 s in the WAnT, respectively). This test should enable not only running-specific anaerobic power monitoring but also the characterization of the relationship between the horizontal and vertical components of that power.     

Thoraskopische Koronarchirurgie

Thorascopic coronary surgery has achieved great progress in the past few years. After computer-directed instrument systems were introduced, which enabled high precision and expanded mobility in close quarters, the limitations of conventional endoscopic instruments were largely overcome. Employing modern surgical telemanipulators and endoscopic stabilizers, entirely endoscopic myocardial revascularization of the anterior wall is being successfully performed during off-pump surgery. Longer operating times and conversion rates in about one-fifth of the patients due to technical and anatomical limitations still restrict the use of these new surgical techniques compared to conventional surgery. Development of further technologies and integration of video-assisted navigation systems will broaden the application of computer-assisted instrument systems in the near future.     

A prospective survey of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a short-term psychiatric hospital

Of 1,470 patients treated with neuroleptics during 1 year at a private psychiatric hospital, only one patient developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome--an annual frequency of 0.07%. Use of low doses of neuroleptics may account for this frequency, which is below recent estimates.