The use of cadaver models to diagnose rib fractures: A pilot study

Background

In the emergency department, rib fractures are a common finding in patients who sustain chest trauma. Rib fractures may be a sign of significant, underlying pathology, especially in the elderly patients where rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To date, no studies have evaluated the ability of ultrasound to detect rib fractures using cadaver models and subsequently use this model as a teaching tool.

The effects of KATP channel modulators on counterregulatory responses and cognitive function during acute controlled hypoglycaemia in healthy men: a pilot study.

AIMS: To examine the effects of agents that alter potassium adenosine triphosphate (KATP) channel activity in beta-cells on cognitive function and counterregulatory hormone responses during acute hypoglycaemia, given the physiological similarities between the pancreatic beta-cell and the hypothalamic glucose-sensitive neurones (GSN) and the widespread distribution of sulphonylurea receptors in neuronal cells throughout the brain. METHODS: Ten healthy males were studied on four occasions and in random order underwent three stepped hypoglycaemic (plasma glucose aims: 3.4, 2.8, 2.4 mmol/l) and one euglycaemic (plasma glucose aim: 5 mmol/l) insulin clamps. Prior to each hypoglycaemic study, volunteers received either 10 mg glibenclamide, or 5 mg/kg diazoxide or placebo orally. Cognitive function, symptom scores and counterregulatory hormone responses were measured at each glycaemic level. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant effect of either drug on the symptoms generated or the counterregulatory hormonal response during hypoglycaemia. However, cognitive function was better preserved during hypoglycaemia in the glibenclamide-treated arm, particularly four-choice reaction time which deteriorated at a plasma glucose 2.5 mmol/l compared with 3.0 mmol/l with diazoxide (P = 0.015) and 2.9 mmol/l with placebo (P = 0.114). CONCLUSIONS: Single doses of pharmacological agents which alter membrane KATP channel activity do not affect the counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia but may modify cognitive function during cerebral glucopenia. The unexpected effects of glibenclamide on cortical function suggest a novel action of sulphonylureas that warrants further investigation.     

Herpes simplex virus hepatitis: an analysis of the published literature and institutional cases.

Hepatitis is a rare complication of herpes simplex virus (HSV), often leading to acute liver failure (ALF), liver transplantation (LT), and/or death. Our aim was to identify variables associated with either survival or progression (death/LT), based on an analysis of cases in the literature and our institution. A total of 137 cases (132 literature, 5 institutional) of HSV hepatitis were identified. The main features at clinical presentation were fever (98%), coagulopathy (84%), and encephalopathy (80%). Rash was seen in less than half of patients. Most cases (58%) were first diagnosed at autopsy and the diagnosis was suspected clinically prior to tissue confirmation in only 23%. Overall, 74% of cases progressed to death or LT, with 51% in acyclovir-treated patients as compared to 88% in the untreated subjects (P=0.03). Variables on presentation associated with death or need for LT compared to spontaneous survival: male gender, age>40 yr, immunocompromised state, ALT>5,000 U/L, platelet count<75x10(3)/L, coagulopathy, encephalopathy, and absence of antiviral therapy. In conclusion, HSV hepatitis has a high mortality and is often clinically unsuspected. Patients who are male, older, immunocompromised, and/or presenting with significant liver dysfunction are more likely to progress to death and should thus be evaluated for LT early. Based on the frequent delay in HSV diagnosis, low risk-benefit ratio, and significantly improved outcomes, empiric acyclovir therapy for patients presenting with ALF of unknown etiology is recommended until HSV hepatitis is excluded.     

Cardiovascular risk factors in the population of 2 regions covered by the MONICA-France regions: Strasbourg and Toulouse

Cardiovascular risk factors were studied from 1985 to 1987 in two population samples from the French regions of the Bas-Rhin (BR) (Strasbourg) and the Haute-Garonne (HG) (Toulouse). 1,257 men and women in the BR and 1,323 in the HG, aged 35-64, participated in the survey. A common investigation methodology in harmony with the MONICA protocol, was used. The mean weight was higher among the male (5 kg) and female (6 kg) populations living in the BR than in the HG. Even after age, body mass index and tobacco consumption adjustments, arterial systolic blood pressure was higher in the male population of the BR (145 mm Hg) than in the HG (133 mm Hg). Similar differences were observed among the female population. A higher proportion of hypertensive subjects whatever the sex and the age group was noted in the BR. The proportion of smokers, and the quantity of tobacco they smoked, did not differ between the two centers. Adjusted total cholesterolemia was higher in the HG, with mean differences of 0.32 mmol/l among the men and 0.35 mmol/l among the women. In the case of HDL cholesterol, the differences were 0.23 mmol/l among the men and 0.34 mmol/l among the women, explaining in large part the differences of the mean levels of total cholesterol.     

Advances in the use of nucleic acid probes in diagnosis of viral diseases of man

Summary A variety of methods are now available for the preparation and labelling of viral nucleic acids for use as probes in diagnostic virology. Some of these are assessed including the use of synthetic oligonucleotides in place of molecularly cloned nucleic acids, and alternatives to labelling with radioactive isotopes such as biotin, enzymes and fluorochromes. Dot blot, sandwich, indirect sandwich and in situ hybridization are covered, and examples given of the current use of nucleic acid probes in detection of human viral infections. The potential and limitations of nucleic acid hybridization are discussed in the light of these new methods.     

Transmission of Syphilis by Solid Organ Transplantation

Two organ recipients developed serologic evidence of syphilis infection after renal transplantation from a common deceased donor with a history of treated syphilis. Testing of donor serum for syphilis, which occurred after transplantation, gave results interpreted as consistent with past infection. However, subsequent serologic results in the recipients suggested transmission of infection at transplantation due to active infection of the donor. This may be explained by recent donor re-infection in view of the current syphilis epidemic in the United Kingdom. An initial error in the treatment of recipients further served to highlight unfamiliarity in managing this resurgent infection in the context of organ transplantation.     

Incidence of complications in 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy based on the surgical indications.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The complications of 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy based on the surgical indications were reviewed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients underwent 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy. Indications for vitrectomy, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, and any intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Complications included the need to suture a leaking sclerotomy intraoperatively in four eyes (9%), all of which involved oil removal; postoperative hypotony with choroidals in two eyes (5%); mild progression of nuclear sclerotic cataract in one eye (2% of all eyes, 4% of phakic eyes); the need to switch to 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in one eye (2%); corneal abrasion in one eye (2%); and retinal detachment in one eye (2%). Sclerotomy leakage and hyopotony with choroidals were only encountered in cases involving previously vitrectomized eyes, whereas none of the eyes without previous vitrectomy had leakage-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Previously vitrectomized eyes have a higher incidence of complications related to postoperative leakage, possibly due to the lack of plugging effect of peripheral vitreous on the unsutured sclerotomy. One should consider suturing any leaking sclerotomy at the conclusion of surgery involving previously vitrectomized eyes.     

Coexisting Endogenous and Exogenous Llpold Pneumonia and Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis in a Patient with Neurodevelopmental Disease

We report a unique case of coexistingexogenous lipoid pneumonia, endogenous lipoid pneumonia (EU), and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) in a 5-year-old patient with severe neurodevelop mental disease. The patient presented with gastroesophageal reflux and presumed chronic lung disease resulting from recurrent aspiration pneumonias and succumbed to respiratory failure. The autopsy showed lipid-laden macrophages and periodic acid-SchiJf9ositive granular matm'al i n alveolar spaces and multilamellated structures within both alveolar macrophages and extracellular debris.

These findings were similar to those in previous reports of coexisting E I P and PAP in the setting of gastroesophageal refux [I] . However, the present case diJfered by the presence of scattered large osmiophilic extracellular lipid vacuob. Besides strengthening the association between EIP and PAP and their relationship to gastroesophageal refux, this case suggests that t h q may arise together with exogenous lipoid pneumonia, through related mechanisms, in the setting of neurodevelopmental disease.     

Mapping the social and physical contexts of physical activity across adolescence using ecological momentary assessment

BACKGROUND: Research has sought to understand how environmental factors influence adolescent physical activity, yet little is known about where and with whom adolescents are physically active. PURPOSE: This study used electronic ecological momentary assessment (e.EMA) to map the social and physical contexts of exercise and walking across adolescence. Differences in physical activity contexts by gender, grade in school, day of the week, and season were examined. METHODS: Twice a year between 9th and 12th grade, 502 adolescents (51% female) of mixed ethnicity (55% White) participated in 4-day e.EMA intervals (Thursday-Sunday) where their primary activity (e.g., exercise, TV, homework), social company (e.g., friends, family, class), and physical location (e.g., home, school, outdoors) were assessed every 30 (+/-10) min during waking hours. RESULTS: Overall, greater proportions of exercise and walking were reported with friends, outdoors, and at school. However, boys were more likely to report exercising and walking in outdoor locations than girls. Exercising with classmates, family, and at school decreased across high school. Walking with family, friends, and outdoors also decreased. On weekdays compared to weekends, students reported a greater proportion of their exercise and walking at school. Students were more likely to report exercising and walking outdoors in the fall and the spring than in the winter. CONCLUSION: e.EMA showed that the social and physical contexts of adolescent exercise and walking vary as a function of gender, grade in school, day of the week, and season. Understanding the contexts of physical activity during the high school years can be helpful in designing interventions during adolescence.