The effect of tonsillectomy on eustachian tube function

A two-part study was designed to investigate the effect of tonsillectomy on eustachian tube function and to identify if any change is related to postoperative pain. Middle ear pressure was measured by tympanometry and results were classified as type A (+50 daPa to -99 daPa), type B (flat) or type C (-100 daPa to -350 daPa). Thirty-one patients with type A tympanograms, undergoing tonsillectomy enrolled in study A. Patients had tympanometry the next day and filled in a questionnaire incorporating visual analogue pain scores. In study B, 30 patients underwent a similar protocol and were followed up at 1 week tympanometry and a questionnaire. A control group of 26 patients undergoing appendicectomy was recruited. Follow-up was available on 23 patients from study B. Combining A and B, on the first postoperative day 39% of patients developed type C tympanograms. No member of the control group developed any change in middle ear pressure. There was no significant relationship between pain scores for throat pain or otalgia and the development of negative middle ear pressure. By day 7 all patients had type A tympanograms. Otalgia was a delayed symptom significantly associated with increased throat pain. Transient negative middle ear pressure commonly occurs following tonsillectomy.     

The effect of cholisorb on liver exocrine function

The effect of cholisorb and its salt (Na and K) forms on the external secretion of the liver was studied. The cholagogic effect of the H-form of cholisorb and its salt forms was demonstrated in dog experiments. The effect of the H-form proved to be stronger. This effect was associated with decreased absorption of bile acids and cholesterol in the intestine and disturbed hepato-intestinal biliary cycle as a result of which adaptation mechanisms directed at restoration of this cycle are apparently switched on.     

Colonic and anorectal function in constipated patients with anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVES: Many patients with eating disorders complain of severe constipation. Previous studies have suggested that constipation in patients with anorexia nervosa may be associated with slow colonic transit. However, it is unclear whether a refeeding program will alter colonic transit in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate colorectal function by measuring colonic transit and anorectal function in anorexic patients with constipation during treatment with a refeeding program. METHODS: We prospectively studied 13 female patients with anorexia nervosa who were admitted to an inpatient treatment unit and compared them to 20 previously studied, age-matched, healthy female control subjects. Patients underwent colonic transit studies using a radiopaque marker technique and anorectal manometry measuring anal sphincter function, rectal sensation, expulsion dynamics, and rectal compliance. Patients were studied both early (< 3 wk) and late (> 3 wk) in their admission. We restudied two patients who had slow colonic transit. All patients also underwent structured interviews. RESULTS: Four of six patients studied within the first 3 wk of their admission had slow colonic transit, defined as > 70 h (108.0 +/- 17.0 h, mean +/- SEM), on initial evaluation. In contrast, none of the seven patients studied later than 3 wk into their admission had slow colonic transit. Two of the four patients with slow transit were restudied later in their admission and were found to have normal transit times. Rectal sensation, internal anal sphincter relaxation threshold, rectal compliance, sphincter pressures, and expulsion pattern were normal in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Despite complaints of severe constipation, colonic transit is normal or returns to normal in the majority of patients with anorexia nervosa once they are consuming a balanced weight gain or weight maintenance diet for at least 3 wk.     

肛肠手术术前清洁灌肠方法的改进及效果观察

目的 探讨肛肠手术术前清洁灌肠方法的改进及效果观察.方法 将230例患者随机分为观察组(120例)、对照组(110例).对照组采用常规清洁灌肠法;观察组采用改良清洁灌肠法.对比2组在操作流程满意度,肠道清洁度方面的差异.结果 观察组在操作流程满意度,肠道清洁度方面明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均＜0.01).结论 改良清洁灌肠法,灌肠效果满意,优于传统清洁灌肠操作方法.     

The effect of surgical medicaments on peripheral nerve function

To estimate the prevalence rate of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) uveitis, an epidemiological survey was carried out in the Chikugo District of Fukuoka Prefecture between 1 September and 31 October 1995. The survey was done by sending questionnaires on uveitis patients to all ophthalmological institutes in the district and measuring the serum antibody to HTLV-I. The recovery rate of the survey was 39 of 48 institutes (81.3%). A total of 357 patients with uveitis were reported in the survey, of whom 317 (88.8%) were tested for their seropositivity to HTLV-I. Among them, 18 patients were counted as having HTLV-I uveitis (HU) on 1 October 1995. Based on these data together with the age- and sex-specific population of HTLV-I carriers in the Chikugo District, it was estimated that the crude prevalence rates of HU per 100,000 HTLV-I carrier population were 58.6 in males, 152.0 in females, and 112.2 in both sexes. The prevalence rate of HU was slightly higher than that of HTLV-I associated myelopathy.     

The effect of dehydration on parotid salivary gland function

Dehydration is common in the elderly, and has been traditionally linked with salivary hypofunction. This study examined the effect of dehydration on parotid salivary flow rates. Twelve young and 12 older healthy subjects abstained from food and fluid intake for 24 hrs (dehydration) and then underwent i.v. rehydration proportional to the amount of weight lost. Unstimulated and stimulated parotid flow rates, weight, hematocrit and hemoglobin values were assessed at baseline and 24 hrs, and 1 hr after completion of rehydration. All subjects experienced decreases in weight and increases in hematocrit and hemoglobin during dehydration. I.v. fluids caused weight gain and decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin, demonstrating that subjects were metabolically rehydrated. During dehydration, unstimulated flow rates decreased in young (p < 0.001) and older (p < 0.001) subjects, and stimulated flow rates decreased in young (p > 0.05) and older (p = 0.03) subjects. While flow rates increased with rehydration, they remained lower than baseline levels. No age or gender differences were detected for salivary data. These findings suggest that dehydration may cause decreased parotid flow rates, independent of age in healthy adults.     

The effect of different biotechnical measures on live and stillborn piglets of sows of different body condition and parity

In a single large pig production unit of 6000 breeding sows, seven groups of 100 sows each were formed at random on the 110th day of pregnancy. Each group was evaluated and divided according to body condition in three subgroups. The average parity in each subgroup was recorded. The groups were treated as follows: Group 1 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 3 mg single intramuscular dose of alfaprostol. Group 2 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 3 mg single intramuscular dose of alfaprostol, 24 hours later a single intramuscular dose of 10 IU of oxytocin. Group 3 received a single intramuscular dose of 10 IU of oxytocin after the birth of the first piglet. Group 4 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 100 mg single intramuscular dose of prednisolone. Group 5 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 0.2 mg single intramuscular dose of carbamylcholine. Group 6 received from the 110th day of pregnancy food consisting of 12% fiber, 3 kg per sow per day. Group 7 (control) received a 3 ml physiologic NaCl solution on the 114th day of pregnancy. The following parameter were evaluated: A: Number of live born piglets B: Number of intrapartum stillborn piglets As regard number of live born piglets no significant difference was seen between the experimental groups (1-6) and the control group (7). On the other hand showed the experimental group 1, 2, 5 and 6 significant lower incidence of intrapartum stillbirth when compared to the control (group 7). Within the groups the tendency was seen, that the sows with higher parity and body condition produced less numbers of live born and higher numbers of intrapartum stillborn piglets.     

The effect of vasectomy on pituitary-gonadal function in men

The testosterone concentration in allantoic fluid between 90 and 150 days of gestation in cattle can be used to determine the fetal sex; values were 442 +/- 20-3 (S.E.M.) pg testosterone/ml for males fetuses and 215 +/- 8-2 pg/ml for female fetuses.     

A twin study examining the effect of parity on the prevalence of psychiatric disorder

The study compares the prevalence of current and lifetime psychiatric illness in twin pairs where one twin is more parous than the other. The main finding was that parity did not affect the prevalence of psychiatric disorder. This adds confirmation to the study of Bebbington et al. (1991) that high prevalence rates in women with children is due to an effect of marriage rather than an effect of parity. There was a diagnostic difference between the twins with the less parous twin having significantly more cases of Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC; Spitzer et al., 1978) major and minor depression and the more parous twin more cases of generalised anxiety disorder. The life events and difficulties in the previous 12 months were also established in the whole group and events and difficulties over the whole of the subjects life for the first 20 pairs. The total number of events in the previous 12 months was significantly higher in the more parous twin of the pair, these were child-related events and not associated with an increased likelihood of current psychiatric illness. There were no differences in the number of events and difficulties during the lifetime between the first 20 twin pairs.     

A retrospective study of the effects of pelvic irradiation for gynecological cancer on anorectal function

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of anorectal dysfunction following therapeutic pelvic irradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Anorectal function was evaluated in 15 randomly selected patients (aged 47-84 years) who had received pelvic irradiation for treatment of carcinoma of the uterine body and cervix 5 and 10 years earlier. The following parameters were assessed in each patient: (a) anorectal symptoms (questionnaire), (b) anorectal pressures at rest and in response to rectal distension, voluntary squeeze, and increases in intraabdominal pressure (multiport anorectal manometry with concurrent electromyography of the anal sphincters), (c) rectal sensation (rectal balloon distension) and, (d) anal sphincteric morphology (ultrasound). Results were compared with those obtained in nine female control subjects. RESULTS: Ten of the 15 patients had urgency of defecation and 4 also suffered fecal incontinence. Basal anorectal pressures measured just proximal to the anal canal (p = 0.05) and anorectal pressures generated in response to voluntary squeeze measured at the anal canal were less (p < 0.01) in the patients. The fall in anal pressures in response to rectal distension was greater in the patients (p < 0.05) and the desire to defecate occurred at lower rectal volumes (p < 0.05). The slope of the pressure/volume relationship in response to rectal distension was greater (p < 0.05) in the patients, suggestive of a reduction in rectal compliance. In 14 of the 15 patients at least one parameter of anorectal motor function was outside the control range. There was no difference in the thickness of the anal sphincters between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Abnormal anorectal function occurs frequently following pelvic irradiation for gynecological malignant diseases and is characterized by multiple dysfunctions including weakness of the external anal sphincter, stiffness of the rectal wall, and a consequent increase in rectal sensitivity.     

Serial evaluation of anorectal function following low anterior resection of the rectum

PURPOSE: This prospective study was performed to serially assess the changes in anorectal function after low anterior resection of the rectum, and to elucidate the mechanisms of functional impairment and the recovery process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients undergoing low anterior resection for rectal cancer were evaluated prospectively. Standardized interviews concerning anorectal function and physiologic studies consisting of manometry and balloon proctometry were performed preoperatively, then at 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. Depending on the length of the residual rectum, patients were divided into two groups: (1) shorter than 4 cm (the short group, n = 18), and (2) longer than or equal to 4 cm (the long group, n = 14). RESULTS: Postoperatively, stool frequency increased and urgency to defecate occurred, which continued until 3-6 months had passed and was more remarkable in the short group. Overall incontinence score increased, which was more remarkable in the short group. Anal resting pressure showed a moderate reduction after 3 months, whereas squeeze pressure did not decrease significantly. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex was postoperatively abolished in almost all patients in the short group, which showed nearly no recovery for 1 year. In the long group, it persisted postoperatively in half the cases, and the reflex returned in a few cases within 1 year. Balloon proctometry revealed overall reduction in rectal capacity and compliance. Although the values tended to recover steadily, they did not reach the preoperative level for 1 year. Urgent volume and maximal tolerable volume remarkably declined, which continued for 1 year and for 6 months, respectively. Rectal compliance also decreased considerably, which continued for 6 months. Most values of rectal capacity tended to be smaller in the short group. CONCLUSION: Impairment of continence after low anterior resection seemed multifactorial, including diminished rectal capacity and compliance, impaired internal anal sphincter tone, and loss of rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Clinical outcome was better and reduction in rectal capacity was less in patients whose rectum remained more than 4 cm. Most of the functional impairments clinically recovered by 6 months postoperation. In the process of clinical recovery of continence, restoration of rectal capacity and compliance and internal anal sphincter tone seemed to contribute a significant degree, while the rectoanal inhibitory reflex did not contribute as much.     

The effect of indomethacin on renal function in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs

The effects of indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, on renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow and excretion of sodium and potassium were studied in the anesthetized dog. Indomethacin, 2.5 mg/kg i.v., decreased renal blood flow but increased aortic pressure and calculated renal vascular resistance. Glomerular filtration rate was not influenced by the synthetase inhibitor. Sodium excretion was decreased and para-aminohippurate extraction was increased after administration of indomethacin. Transient decreases in urine flow and potassium excretion were observed; however, both parameters returned to control value 75 minutes after administration of indomethacin. The early decrease in urine flow rate correlated closely with the decrease in sodium excretion. These data suggest that in the anesthetized dog, endogenous prostaglandins may serve to maintain renal blood flow but not glomerular filtration rate. Under the conditions of the present experiments, sodium excretion and to a lesser extent potassium excretion have been suggested as being dependent on prostaglandin synthesis.     

The effect of cancer diagnosis and treatment on hand function

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound effect upon hand function, presenting a challenge to the occupational therapist. The therapist who specializes in oncology or hand therapy must have knowledge of the medical treatment model in regard to cancer conditions and must be able to set realistic goals that consider the patient's medical prognosis as well as the effect the disease or medical treatment has on the patient's physical and emotional functioning. The challenge to therapists in this area of practice will be to conduct research to verify or validate the effectiveness of the occupational therapy interventions currently provided. As cancer is diagnosed at earlier stages of the disease and survival improves after cancer treatment, hand therapy may improve the functional outcomes of persons with cancer. This judgment of rehabilitation oncology practice will need to be confirmed by research.     

The effect of splenectomy on alveolar macrophages morphology and function

OBJECTIVE: To study the morphological and functional changes of pulmonary alveolar macrophages of rats after splenectomy, and the applied effects of splenic tissue autotransplantation in practice. METHODS: 87 Wistar rats were randomly divided into shamoperation group, splenectomy group and splenic tissue autotransplantation group. Six months after splenectomy, alveolar macrophges were subjected to brochoalveolar lavage described by Shennib. The dynamic survival and adherent rate of alveolar macrophages in culture, lysosomal enzyme content, hydrogen peroxide production and expression level of interleukin 1 (IL-1) activity of alveolar macrophages were quantitatively measured. The alveolar macrophages ultrastructure was observed by utilizing transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The splenectomized rat's alveolar macrophages were different from alveolar macrophages of sham-operated rats. Their surface filopodia was reduced and shortened, lysosome fewer and its acid phosphatase quantity decreased, adherence postponed, hydrogen peroxide production and expression of IL-1 activity impaired. Splenic tissue autotransplantation fairly restored the splenic effects on maturation and function of alveolar macrophages. CONCLUSION: Splenic tissue autotransplantation is a simple useful operation for preserving splenic function after splenectomy.     

The effect of a normal vaginal delivery on anal function

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of an uncomplicated vaginal delivery on anal sphincter function in primiparous women. METHODS: In a prospective study, anal manometry was performed prenatally and at 4-6 weeks postnatally in 18 primiparous women (11 undergoing vaginal delivery; seven having Cesarean section). No patient had any evidence of anal sphincter damage after delivery as determined by anal ultrasound and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. RESULTS: Vaginal delivery was associated with a significant reduction in the squeeze pressure (SP: prenatal 269 cm H2O vs postnatal 204 cm H2O; p=0.004) but not the resting pressure (RP: prenatal 96 cm H2O vs postnatal 86 cm H2O; p=0.075). Cesarean section was not associated with any significant change in anal pressures. CONCLUSION: A normal vaginal delivery with no evidence of sphincter injury was associated with a significant effect on anal function when measured 4-6 weeks postnatally.     

The effect of drugs on hand function in rheumatoid arthritis

In 30 inpatients with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according ACR criteria we evaluated efficacy of non steroid-antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (CS) on pain, morning stiffness and grip strength. NSAIDs and combination of NSAIDs and CS showed statistically significant analgesic effect (P < 0.005). Combination of NSAIDs and CS statistically significant shortened morning stiffness comparing NSAIDs or CS as single drug. Grip strength didn't rise in any investigated group. This could be explained with long disease duration (11.69 years). Morning stiffness is symptom not related only to extracellular fluid cumulation in affected areas but also to other progressive and longlasting disease signs.     

Mutual influence between vesicourethral and anorectal function in spinal cord injury patients

Twenty two patients having mild to moderate hypertension were treated with a single daily dose of amlodipine for 4 weeks. Satisfactory response defined as final diastolic blood pressure < 90 mm of Hg and a reduction from baseline values > 10 mm of Hg could be achieved in 81.8% of patients in supine position and 70% of patients in standing position. Thirteen patients responded to 5 mg dose and 9 patients required 10 mg. Postural hypotension and reflex tachycardia were absent. Three patients has mild leg cramps and constipation. No deleterious effects were observed on liver, kidney and hemopoetic function, or on E.C.G. Changes. Amlodipine given once daily is effective and safe, and is a useful addition to the existing armamentarium of antihypertensive drugs.