The early diagnosis of the severity of blast trauma to the brain and auditory system]

This paper presents the information on the early period of an explosive head trauma and trauma to the auditory system. Different types of hearing impairment, the staging of the pathological process were determined along with various immunological and biochemical changes occurring in this group of patients. The results of the study call for necessity of the early ENT observation of all patients in whom an explosive trauma is suspected.     

Paleomagnetic evidence of a low-temperature origin of carbonate in the Martian meteorite ALH84001

Indirect evidence for life on Mars has been reported from the study of meteorite ALH84001. The formation temperature of the carbonates is controversial; some estimates suggest 20 degrees to 80 degrees C, whereas others exceed 650 degrees C. Paleomagnetism can be used to distinguish between these possibilities because heating can remagnetize ferrimagnetic minerals. Study of two adjacent pyroxene grains from the crushed zone of ALH84001 shows that each possesses a stable natural remanent magnetization (NRM), implying that Mars had a substantial magnetic field when the grains cooled. However, NRM directions from these particles differ, implying that the meteorite has not been heated significantly since the formation of the internal crushed zone about 4 billion years ago. The carbonate globules postdate this brecciation, and thus formed at low temperatures.     

Influence of timing on the dosimetric analysis of transperineal ultrasound-guided, prostatic conformal brachytherapy

Postoperative computed tomography (CT)-based dosimetric analysis of transperineal ultrasound-guided conformal prostate brachytherapy provides detailed information regarding the coverage and uniformity of the implant. However, there is no generally accepted standard for the optimal timing of the postoperative dosimetry. This report details dosimetric analysis and the effect of timing based upon CT and orthogonal film evaluation for ten unselected patients implanted with either iodine-125 (125I) or palladium-103 (103Pd). Within 2 hours after implantation, patients underwent a CT scan and the first of four sequential sets of orthogonal films. Subsequent orthogonal films were obtained on days 3, 14, and 28 postimplant. CT-based dosimetry revealed coverage of the prostate to the prescribed minimal peripheral dose (mPD) at 93.1 +/- 3.6% of the volume, the prostate volume receiving 150% of mPD was 38.2 +/- 8.7%, and the urethral and rectal doses were 114 +/- 12% and 78 +/- 19% of mPD, respectively. The implanted seeds seen on orthogonal films acted as markers for temporal changes in prostate dimensions, and the standard deviation of each dimension was used as input in an ellipsoidal volume calculation. Seed coordinates were self normalized to the center of gravity of each two-dimensional view and were measured relative to the linear regression line in the superior-inferior direction. The reproducibility of the anteroposterior (AP) film setup in terms of temporal variation in the angle of the regression line was markedly better than that of the lateral films, 1.8 degrees +/- 1.2 degrees vs. 4.3 degrees +/- 2.6 degrees, respectively. Dimensional contraction from day 0 to day 28 averaged 11.3% in the superior-inferior direction, 8.5% in the AP/PA (posteroanterior) direction, and 2.5% in the right-left lateral direction. This translated into a volume change of 20.9% (ranged 11.6-31.6%), which was determined by using the ellipsoid method. The half-life for edema resolution was 10.6 +/- 1.8 days (range 8.6-14.3 days). However, because of variability in the degree and extent of edema and its rate of resolution, we believe that it may be futile to define a single point in time as the most accurate indicator of the postoperative dose distribution. Rather, it may be preferable to accept universal standardization of timing and methodology for CT-based postoperative dosimetry, which would facilitate comparison of results between centers and maximize the information content of that single measurement. We conclude that day 0 represents the optimal time, because dosimetric evaluation at that time minimizes patient discomfort and inconvenience (a catheter is already in place), provides information about edema when it is near its maximum extent, and provides prompt closure of the learning loop and, as such, hopefully will result in improved implantation techniques and results.     

Alteration of the hormonal bioactivity of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) as a result of limited proteolysis by prostate-specific antigen

This paper examines why the law concerns itself with euthanasia. The nature of the right to life and its protection in law is explored. Such a right demands legal intervention to prohibit, or at least control, involuntary and non-voluntary euthanasia. Voluntary euthanasia is not a violation of the individual's right to life as such, so on what grounds can law limit autonomy by prohibiting such conduct? It is suggested that, while concepts of sanctity of life still play a part in the legal debate, fears of abuse in any scheme for voluntary euthanasia largely explain the reluctance of many jurisdictions to follow the example of The Netherlands. Finally, the paper asks whether reform and regulation of voluntary euthanasia are as attractive options as they are sometimes portrayed.     

Development of a new scale for measuring acculturation: the Taiwan Aboriginal Acculturation Scale (TAAS)

As part of the Taiwan Aboriginal Study Project (TASP), a new acculturation scale (the Taiwan Aboriginal Acculturation Scale, or TAAS) has been developed among the aboriginal minorities of Austronesian origin in Taiwan. The design of the original 54 items was based on Milton Gordon's concept of assimilation in association with a careful consideration of cross-cultural validity. These items were administered to 144 subjects stratified by age and sex who were randomly sampled from four major Taiwanese aboriginal groups. Item analysis and factor analysis were applied to select an 18-item scale which has three subscales (factors): cultural assimilation, social assimilation, and social attitude. Results of validity and reliability studies of the TAAS were found to be acceptable. The development of TAAS demonstrates the applicability of the concept of acculturation as a process that involves changes both in attitude, and in behaviour, to non-western societies.     

Double patch closure of ventricular septal defect with increased pulmonary vascular resistance

BACKGROUND: Closure of a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) in children with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary hypertensive episodes continue to be a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. We designed a fenestrated flap valve double VSD patch in an effort to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with the closure of a large VSD with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. METHODS: Eighteen children (mean age, 5.7 years) with a large VSD and elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (mean, 11.4 Wood units) underwent double patch VSD closure using moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest. The routine VSD patch was fenestrated (4 to 6 mm) and on the left ventricular side of the patch, a second, smaller patch was attached to the fenestration along its superior margin before closure of the VSD. RESULTS: All children survived operation and were weaned from inotropic and ventilator support within 48 hours postoperatively. Postoperative pulmonary artery pressures were significantly lower than preoperative values. One child died 9 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of a large VSD in children with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance can be performed with low morbidity and mortality when a flap valve double VSD patch is used.     

Attenuation of LPA-mediated calcium signaling and inositol polyphosphate production in rat-1 fibroblasts transformed by the v-src oncogene

Alterations in cellular signaling underlie the transforming actions of many oncogenes. The vsrc oncogene tyrosine kinase, pp60vsrc, is known to alter multiple signal transduction pathways, including those involving phosphatidylinositol (PI) metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of vsrc-transformation on lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor coupling to intracellular free calcium [Ca2+]i and PI turnover in rat-1 fibroblasts. In normal rat-1 cells, LPA rapidly elevated [Ca2+]i (EC50 = 10nM). In contrast, the ability of LPA to mobilize calcium was markedly attenuated in rat-1-vsrc cells. Further study revealed that the LPA-mediated generation of inositol (1,4,5)P3 and other inositol polyphosphates was also markedly attenuated in the vsrc-transformed cells. Although LPA caused a transient reduction in the level of PI(4,5)P2 in normal rat-1 cells, the agonist elevated the level of PI(4,5)P2 in the vsrc-transformed cells. These findings demonstrate that vsrc-transformation alters the coupling of LPA receptors to PI turnover and calcium signaling in rat-1 cells, and point to G protein-coupled receptor systems as targets for modulation by the vsrc kinase.