Microencapsulated dopamine (DA)-induced restitution of function in 6-OHDA-denervated rat striatum in vivo: comparison between two microsphere excipients.

Biodegradable controlled-release microsphere systems made with the biocompatible biodegradable polyester excipient poly [DL lactide-co-glycolide] constitute an exciting new technology for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). The present study describes functional observations indicating that implantation of dopamine (DA) microspheres encapsulated within two different polymer excipients into denervated-striatal tissue assures a prolonged release of the transmitter in vivo. Moreover, in this regard, the results show that there were clear cut temporal differences in the effect of the two DA microsphere formulations compared in this study, probably reflecting variations in the actual composition (i.e., lactide to glycolide ratio) of the two copolymer excipients examined. This technology has considerable potential for basic research with possible clinical application.     

计算机医嘱输入系统对用药错误的助长作用

背景：医院的计算机医嘱输入（computerized physician order entry，CPOE）系统被广泛认为能从技术上解决用药错误，后者是最常见的可以预防的医院诊疗错误的来源。已发表的研究表明，CPOE可减少高达81％的用药错误。然而，很少研究关注CPOE助长用药错误作用的范围或类型。     

Case series: Combined spinal epidural anesthesia for Cesarean delivery andex utero intrapartum treatment procedure

PURPOSE: To report the use of regional anesthesia and iv nitroglycerin to provide anesthesia and uterine relaxation for three Cesarean deliveries (CD) involving ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) of potentially life-threatening airway obstruction in the newborn. CLINICAL FEATURES: Case 1--a 36-yr-old woman at 38 weeks' gestation was scheduled for an elective CD for fetal skeletal dysplasia and micrognathia. Case 2--a 34-yr-old woman at 35 weeks gestation had a fetal ultrasound revealing fixed neck flexion and micrognathia consistent with fetal arthrogryposis. Case 3--a 27-yr-old woman presented at 38 weeks gestation for CD for severe fetal micrognathia, with mandibular growth below the fifth percentile. For each case, a combined spinal epidural anesthetic was performed with 0.75% bupivacaine, fentanyl and morphine intrathecally followed by placement of a multiorifice epidural catheter. Prior to uterine incision patients received a loading dose followed by an iv infusion of nitroglycerin. Uterine relaxation was sufficient in all cases for delivery of the fetus, and allowed for evaluation by direct laryngoscopy and intubation while maintaining fetal-placental circulation. The surgical procedures were completed without incident. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia and uterine relaxation for CD and EXIT procedures can be safely provided with regional anesthesia and iv nitroglycerin.     

Functional differences among those high and low on a trait measure of psychopathy.

BACKGROUND: It has been established that individuals who score high on measures of psychopathy demonstrate difficulty when performing tasks requiring the interpretation of other's emotional states. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relation of emotion and cognition to individual differences on a standard psychopathy personality inventory (PPI) among a nonpsychiatric population. METHODS: Twenty participants completed the PPI. Following survey completion, a mean split of their scores on the emotional-interpersonal factor was performed, and participants were placed into a high or low group. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected while participants performed a recognition task that required attention be given to either the affect or identity of target stimuli. RESULTS: No significant behavioral differences were found. In response to the affect recognition task, significant differences between high- and low-scoring subjects were observed in several subregions of the frontal cortex, as well as the amygdala. No significant differences were found between the groups in response to the identity recognition condition. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that participants scoring high on the PPI, although not behaviorally distinct, demonstrate a significantly different pattern of neural activity (as measured by blood oxygen level-dependent contrast)in response to tasks that require affective processing. The results suggest a unique neural signature associated with personality differences in a nonpsychiatric population.     

Safety Concerns Affecting Delivery of Home Health Care

Abstract Factors influencing the remarkable growth of home health care include increased elderly population, decreased average length of hospital stay, and technological advancements that reduce the need for hospitalization. Societal changes have prompted increasing concern about personal risk to home care providers. The purpose of this pilot study was to: 1) ascertain factors related to perception of risk by home health care administrators and staff and to identify strategies used by home health care administrators to reduce risk to staff; and 2) determine whether quality of care is affected when home-visit situations present risk. A convenience sample of 36 home health care administrators and 62 staff was surveyed about risks and measures provided by the home health care agency to minimize risk. Factors associated with risk are geographic location, high incidence of crime, inappropriate patient or caregiver behavior, infectious diseases, and evening assignments. Strategies used to minimize risk include safety programs, preplanning of visits, personal protective equipment, escorts, and buddy systems. Perceived ability to refuse high-risk assignments, however, is questionable, as 66% of the staff stated that they leave a situation "as soon as possible." These findings will be used to strengthen inservice programs and to provide a basis for future studies.