Measurement of active shoulder proprioception: dedicated system and device

Proprioception is an essential part of shoulder stability and neuromuscular control. The purpose of the study was the development of a precise system of shoulder proprioception assessment in the active mode (Propriometr). For that purpose, devices such as the electronic goniometer and computer software had been designed. A pilot study was carried out on a control group of 27 healthy subjects, the average age being 23.8 (22–29) in order to test the system. The result of the assessment was the finding of the error of active reproduction of the joint position (EARJP). EARJP was assessed for flexion, abduction, external and internal rotation. For every motion, reference positions were used at three different angles. The results showed EARJP to range in 3–6.1°. The proprioception evaluation system (propriometr) allows a precise measurement of active joint position sense. The designed system can be used to assess proprioception in both shoulder injuries and treatment. In addition, all achieved results of normal shoulders may serve as reference to be compared with the results of forthcoming studies.     

Effects of Vision herbicide on mortality, avoidance response, and growth of amphibian larvae in two forest wetlands

The effects of Vision (glyphosate, 356 mg acid equivalents (a.e.)/L) on mortality, avoidance response, and growth of larval amphibians (Rana clamitans and Rana pipiens) were investigated using in situ enclosures deployed in two forest wetlands of northern Ontario, Canada. In addition to untreated controls, Vision was applied to yield initial concentrations ranging from 0.29 to 14.3 mg a.e./L (0.94-46.1 mg/L of Vision). Resultant 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) values ranged from 2.70 to 11.5 mg a.e./L (8.71-37.1 mg/L of Vision) depending on the species or site involved. Substantial mortality and incidences of abnormal avoidance response occurred only at concentrations exceeding the expected environmental concentrations (EEC) (1.43 mg a.e./L, or 4.61 mg/L of Vision) as calculated by Canadian regulatory authorities. The concentration dependence of larval growth rate and maximum size varied depending on site and species. Mean growth rates and maximum sizes exposed to 1.43 mg a.e./L (EEC) treatments were the same or greater than controls. Experimental site and biotic/abiotic factors therein, such as pH and suspended sediments, substantially affected the expression of Vision herbicide toxicity in the amphibian larvae tested. Overall, results suggest that the silvicultural use of Vision herbicide in accordance with the product label and standard Canadian environmental regulations should have negligible adverse effects on sensitive larval life stages of native amphibians.     

Proinsulinemia in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant recipients

It has been shown that lipid profiles do not differ between pancreas recipients with systemic and portal venous anastomosis. However, it is unclear whether venous drainage from the transplanted pancreas has an impact on recipient atherogenesis and if other factors should be considered. Increased concentration of proinsulin correlates with tachycardia and other risk factors for ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to compare proinsulin levels in different types of pancreatic graft venous drainage. Twenty-four simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) recipients with systemic venous drainage (group S, n = 12) and portal venous drainage (group P, n = 12) under identical immunosuppressive treatment were prospectively observed during 24 months. Following transplantation, only recipients with normoglycemia, normal HbA1c, and normal serum creatine were evaluated. Proinsulin was assessed in fasting state; after glucagon stimulation (Delta-proinsulin), and during oral 75-g glucose tolerance test twice: between 3 and 6 months and 12 to 24 months posttransplantation. All SPK patients had higher proinsulin concentration in fasting state compared with age-matched healthy controls. After stimulation, proinsulin level did not significantly differ between groups; the type of the pancreas venous anastomosis did not change the release of proinsulin and should not have impact on cardiovascular risk factors.     

Body temperature of rats after prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha and their precursor

Prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha and arachidonic acid were injected into various brain structures outside the hypothalamus in rats. The body temperature rise induced by PGE2, but not by PGF2 alpha or arachidonic acid, was probably due to its diffusion or transport into the hypothalamus. Comparison of the latencies of the hyperthermic response to PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and arachidonic acid revealed that PGE2 was the most rapidly acting agent in structures located close to the hypothalamus. In contrast, arachidonic acid acted most rapidly after administration into the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis.     

Current epidemiology and practice patterns in prevention and treatment of PD-related infections in Poland

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) related infections are associated with technique failure and mortality. The aim of this multicentre study was to examine epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of PD-related infections in Poland as well as practice patterns for prevention of these complications in the context of current ISPD recommendations.

Methods

A survey on PD practices in relation to infectious complications was conducted in 11 large Polish PD centres. Epidemiology of peritonitis and exit-site infections (ESI) was examined in all patients treated in these units over a 2 year period.

Results

The study included data on 559 PD patients with 62.4% on CAPD. Practice patterns for prevention of infectious complications are presented. The rate of peritonitis was 0.29 episodes per year at risk, with Gram positive microorganisms responsible for more than 50% of infections and 85.8% effectively treated. Diagnosis and treatment followed ISPD guidelines however most units did not provide an anti-fungal prophylaxis. Although neither of the centres reported routine topical mupirocin on catheter exit-site, the rate of ESI was low (0.1 episodes per year at risk), with Staphylococcus aureus as most common pathogen and full recovery in 78.3% of cases.

Conclusion

The study shows rewarding outcomes in prevention and treatment of PD-associated infections, mainly due to a thorough compliance with the current ISPD guidelines, although some deviations from the recommendations in terms of practice patterns have been observed. More studies are needed in large numbers of patients to differentiate the importance of specific recommendations and further support the guidelines.

     

Promoting False-Lumen Thrombosis after Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Type B Aortic Dissection by Selectively Excluding False-Lumen Distal Entry Tears

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of ancillary endovascular procedures in promoting false-lumen (FL) thrombosis (FLT) and preventing aortic expansion in patients after thoracic endografting for type B dissections.

Chemical and biomonitoring to assess potential acute effects of Vision herbicide on native amphibian larvae in forest wetlands

In conjunction with operational forest herbicide spray programs in Ontario, Canada, chemical and biological monitoring studies were conducted in 51 different wetlands to quantify the probability and magnitude of contamination by a glyphosate herbicide formulation (Vision). Wetlands were classified as oversprayed, adjacent, or buffered in relation to the operational target spray blocks. Results show that vegetated buffers significantly mitigated against exposure and thus potential for acute effects. Aqueous concentrations of glyphosate in buffered wetlands were below analytical limits of quantitation (0.02 mg acid equivalent [a.e.]/L) in 14 of 16 cases, with mean concentration (0.03 +/- 0.02 mg a.e./L) significantly (p < 0.05) less than that of either adjacent (0.18 +/- 0.06 mg a.e./L) or oversprayed wetlands (0.33 +/- 0.11 mg a.e./L). Biomonitoring with caged amphibian larvae showed no significant differences among mean mortality (48 h) of either Rana pipiens (p = 0.194) or Rana clamitans larvae (p = 0.129) exposed in situ to Vision under these various wetland conditions. Percent mortality was not significantly (p = 0.05) correlated with exposure concentrations for either amphibian species tested. Results suggest that exposures typically occurring in forest wetlands are insufficient to induce significant acute mortality in native amphibian larvae.