MEASUREMENTS OF INTERFACE PRESSURE BETWEEN BODY SITES AND THE SURFACES OF FOUR SPECIALISED AIR MATTRESSES

SUMMARY Four specialised air mattresses had interface pressure measured under six body sites prone to pressure sores in 10 subjects, supine and sitting. The mattresses were the Clinirest (SSI) and FirstStep (KCI) continuous airflow mattress overlays, and Airwave (Pegasus) and Nimbus (Huntleigh) alternating pressure air mattresses. On the mattress overlays, average supine interface pressures were 2.33 kPa (scapula), 4.15 kPa (elbow), 1.94 kPa (sacrum) and 2.79 kPa (buttock), although they were higher at the occiput (7.97 kPa) and heel (11.7 kPa). The alternating pressure air mattresses had an average minimum interface pressure close to zero for three sites, rising to 4.28 kPa under the heel. Average maximum interface pressures were 8.61 kPa (occiput), 5.21 kPa (scapula), 4.90 (elbow), 4.85 kPa (sacrum), 4.61 kPa (buttock) and 13.2 kPa (heel). No accepted scientific method exists for comparing the two types of mattress. Our data suggest a clinical benefit at the occiput and heel (supine) in using an alternating pressure air mattress and a benefit in using a continuous airflow mattress overlay at other sites.     

Cre recombinase-mediated site-specific recombination between plant chromosomes.

We report the use of the bacteriophage P1 Cre-loxsystem for generating conservative site-specific recombination between tobaccochromosomes. Two constructs, one containing a promoterless hygromycin-resistancegene preceded by a lox site (lox-hpt) and the other containing a cauliflowermosaic virus 35S promoter linked to a lox sequence and the cre coding region(35S-lox-cre), were introduced separately into tobacco plants. Crosses betweenplants harboring either construct produced plants with the two constructssituated on different chromosomes. Plants with recombination events wereidentified by selecting for hygromycin resistance, a phenotype expressed uponrecombination. Molecular analysis showed that these recombination eventsoccurred specifically at the lox sites and resulted in the reciprocal exchangeof flanking host DNA. Progenies of these plants showed 67-100% cotransmission ofthe new transgenes, 35S-lox-hpt and lox-cre, consistent with the preferentialcosegregation of translocated chromosomes. These results illustrate thatsite-specific recombination systems can be useful tools for the large-scalemanipulation of eukaryotic chromosomes in vivo.     

No-scalpel vasectomy: a technique for family physicians.

Family physicians frequently perform outpatient vasectomies. A new approach to exposing the vas deferens, called the no-scalpel vasectomy, results in fewer complications and, the authors believe, improved patient acceptance. This technique, which calls for two specialized instruments, is described, along with patient selection and education issues, vasal occlusion techniques and post-vasectomy follow-up.     

Retinal degeneration associated with RDH12 mutations results from decreased 11-cis retinal synthesis due to disruption of the visual cycle

Human Molecular Genetics     

Radiology and the Health Policy Agenda for the American People

Eleven radiologists appointed by the major radiological societies participated for the past 5 years in the development of the Health Policy Agenda for the American People. The Agenda is an action plan to address a wide variety of serious problems in medicine. The first phase involved establishment of 159 principles, broad value statements that were the foundation of the project. Phase 2 involved the development of policy proposals on 38 urgent issues for action in medical science; education; health resources; delivery mechanisms; evaluation, assessment, and control; and payment for services. These proposals are summarized in this report. The activities and recommendations of representatives for the field of radiology are described. The Agenda has been released, and an implementation phase has begun. It will likely be of great importance to the practice of radiology over the next decade. Important issues can be addressed by acting with the coalitions that are being formed from among the more than 150 participating organizations.