An automated enzymic micromethod for the measurement of fat in human milk

Most (98%) of the fat in human milk is present as triglycerides. This paper describes the use of a clarification procedure that enables the level of human milk fat to be determined by measurement of glycerol released by enzymic hydrolysis of triglycerides. The method requires only 10-50 microliters milk, thus presenting a possible technique for work with small mammals, and is suitable for use with autoanalysers, permitting rapid sample throughput.     

Implanted functional electrical stimulation hand system in adolescents with spinal injuries: an evaluation

OBJECTIVE: To study the utility and functional benefits of an implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for hand grasp and release in adolescents with tetraplegia secondary to spinal cord injuries. DESIGN: Intervention study with before-after trial measurement with each subject as his or her own control. SETTING: Nonprofit pediatric orthopedic rehabilitation facility specializing in spinal cord injury. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of five adolescents between 16 and 18 years of age with C5 or C6 level tetraplegia at least 1 year after traumatic spinal cord injury. Key muscles for palmar and lateral grasp and release were excitable by electrical stimulation. INTERVENTIONS: A multichannel stimulator/receiver and eight electrodes were surgically implanted to provide stimulated palmar and lateral grasp and release. In conjunction with implantation of the FES hand system, surgical reconstruction in the form of tendon transfers, tendon lengthenings and releases, and joint arthrodeses was performed to augment stimulated hand function. Rehabilitation of the tendon transfers and training in the use of the FES hand system were provided. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements of pinch and grasp force, the Grasp and Release Test (GRT), and an assessment of six activities of daily living (ADL) were administered before implantation of the FES hand system and at regular follow-up intervals. Results of the stimulated response of individual muscles and surgical reconstruction were evaluated using standard and stimulated muscle testing techniques and standard assessment of joint range of motion. All subjects completed followup testing. RESULTS: Lateral and palmar forces were significantly greater than baseline forces (p = .043). Heavy objects on the GRT could only be manipulated with FES, and FES increased the level of independence in 25 of 30 ADL comparisons (5 subjects, 6 activities) as compared to baseline. After training, FES was preferred in 21 of 30 comparisons over the typical means of task completion. Of the 40 electrodes implanted, 37 continue to provide excellent stimulated responses and all of the implanted stimulators have functioned without problems. The surgical reconstruction procedures greatly enhanced FES hand function by either expanding the workspace in which to utilize FES (deltoid to triceps transfer), stabilizing the wrist (brachioradialis to wrist extensor transfer), or stabilizing joints (intrinsic tenodesis transfer, FPL split transfer). CONCLUSION: For five adolescents with tetraplegia, the combination of FES and surgical reconstruction provided active palmar and lateral grasp and release. Laboratory-based assessments demonstrated that the FES system increased pinch force, improved the manipulation of objects, and typically increased independence in six standard ADL as compared to pre-FES hand function. The study also showed that the five adolescents generally preferred FES for most of the ADL tested. Data on the benefits of the implanted FES hand system outside of the laboratory are needed to understand the full potential of FES.     

Enzymes of the gamma-glutamyl cycle are programmed in utero by maternal nutrition

Regenerative axon growth in peripheral neurons is accompanied by increased expression of the growth-associated protein GAP-43. We examined the increase of GAP-43 immunoreactivity in DRG neurons following lesions at different distances along the sciatic nerve, using immunocytochemistry. To control for the variable involvement of DRG axons following injury at different sites, injured neurons were identified by retrograde labeling with Fluoro-Gold. GAP-43 labeling was similar for proximal, distal, and far-distal injuries when only injured neurons are considered. Our results stand in contrast to studies which show that GAP-43 upregulation in neurons of the central nervous system occurs only when lesions are made close to the cell body. This suggests that the mechanisms which control GAP-43 expression following injury differ between central and peripheral neurons.     

THE EFFECT OF CATHODIC PROTECTION POTENTIAL ON CORROSION FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH RATE OF AN OFFSHORE STRUCTURAL STEEL

Abstract— Duplicate tests have been performed to determine the effect of cathodic protection potential on corrosion fatigue crack growth rate of a modern offshore structural steel, produced by thermo-mechanically controlled processes. The experiments were carried out using compact tension specimens exposed to artificial seawater at 10°C and subjected to constant amplitude loading at 0.35 Hz. Reproducible results showed that the merits of cathodic protection potentials are strongly dependent on stress intensity ratio R and stress intensity range Δ K . It appears that a specific value of cathodic potential may not give comprehensive protection against corrosion fatigue within the spectrum of variable amplitude loading experienced in service. Fractography showed the initiation of secondary cracks on the fracture surface to be associated with the dissolution of calcium sulphide inclusions, regardless of imposed cathodic potential.     

Bone replacement in head and neck surgery: a biocompatible alternative

BACKGROUND: Defects in the skull have presented difficult reconstructive problems. Recently glass-ionomer cement and preformed. implants have been used to repair bony defects in the skull base and in cranio-facial surgery. Three patients are reported to illustrate possible applications for this new material. METHODS: Ionocap cement and Ionoroc-skull standardized implants have been used. The cement is available as a two component blister pack. When mixed and blended a gel is produced which can be worked for approximately 5 min before hardening. It can then be contoured and drilled to the required shape. The resultant material is biocompatible and biostable, is non-toxic and permanently bonds to bone with no increase in temperature or shrinkage. RESULTS: The material has been used to fill the temporal defect left by transplantation of the temporalis muscle for oral reconstruction, the anterior and lateral walls of the maxilla and following craniofacial resection, the posterior wall of the frontal sinus and anterior skull base. CONCLUSIONS: Three patients with different reconstructive problems have been presented to illustrate the use of an alloplastic material that has a tensile strength similar to bone and firmly adheres to it. The material was found to be safe and easy to use. All three patients have now been followed for 12 months with no adverse affects.