The number and biodiversity of the parasites from small mammals in the evacuation area of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station

The study of the micromammalian parasite complexes in the Belorussian part of the evacuation zone of the Chernobyl nuclear station revealed 13 species of Coccidia and 30 species of ectoparasitic Arthropoda. Total increase of abundance and biodiversity of both parasites and their hosts was observed. The part of ectoparasites being epidemically hazardous was significantly increased. An analysis of a long-term dynamics of parasite abundance reveals their adaptation to new conditions in the Belorussia.     

Chronic pain in the lives of older women

We investigated the effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ) in a murine model of T-cell-dependent liver injury caused by concanavalin A (ConA). CPZ (3 and 10 mg/kg) treatment 1 h before ConA injection prevented liver injury. CPZ (3, 10 mg/kg) administered 1 h after a ConA injection was also hepatoprotective, whereas cyclosporin (CsA, 100 mg/kg) was active only when given before ConA. Under either condition, CsA but not CPZ prevented concurrent increases in splenic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, a putative index of T-cell proliferation/differentiation. CPZ down-regulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and up-regulated IL-10 in mice that then received ConA, whereas delayed administration of CPZ had no effect. These results suggest that CPZ prevented liver injury without affecting the proliferation/differentiation of T-cells. The dissociation of hepatoprotection by CPZ from cytokine modulation indicates that this drug intervenes in the adherence of T-cells or the death of hepatocytes in the ConA-model.     

Experimental peri-implant tissue breakdown around hydroxyapatite-coated implants

Factor V Leiden mutation was initially detected in thrombophilic patients and relatives by PCR RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) according to Bertina (1). This technique presents some drawbacks and the current trend is to simplify the diagnosis. We describe a technique of Allele Specific Amplification (ASA) which is optimized in terms of reliability: an additional mismatch in antepenultimate position enables to obtain the same specificity as PCR RFLP. Furthermore, coamplification of internal control warrants an optimal sensitivity. All the PCR have been simplified: the DNA extraction improvement allows to analyse the genotype with only a few microliters of whole blood whatever the anticoagulant and the procedure of preservation (freezing, dried blood spots, storage at +4 degrees C for several days). This technique saves time. Moreover, full automation of the ASA technique may be shortened thanks to the lack of extraction and the positive/negative reading of the PCR signal.     

Results of selective venous site-specific catheterization in occult C-cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a surgical procedure used for the treatment of people with chronic ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The surgery is intended to preserve anal sphincter function, but it carries a risk for certain complications, including pouchitis and anastomotic stricture. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical manifestations, causes, and treatment of anastomotic stricture and pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.     

Nonoperative management of esophageal perforations. Is it justified?

OBJECTIVE: Experiences obtained with nonoperative treatment (NOT), i.e. total prohibition of per oral food intake for a minimum of 7 days, administration of combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and parenteral hyperalimentation, are described in the management of esophageal perforations. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The place, value, and indication of NOT in the management of esophageal perforation has not yet been unequivocally defined. As a result, contradictory data have been published regarding the outcome of NOT. METHODS: During the past 15 years (1979 to 1994), 20 of 86 patients (23.3%) with esophageal perforation have been treated nonoperatively from the outset. In this group, perforations were located to the upper, middle, and lower third of the esophagus in 50%, 30%, and 20%, respectively. In the operative management group (OT)--in which conservative (drainage, endeprothesis), reconstructive (suture, reinforced suture), and radical (resection) surgical methods were applied--lesions were preponderantly located in the lower one third of the esophagus (56.1%--37/66). As to the interval between the perforation and the onset of treatment, 14 patients had been diagnosed within 24 hours, whereas in 6 cases treatment had been begun beyond 24 hours. RESULTS: NOT could be successfully carried out in 16 patients; the decision to use NOT had to be revised in 4 other cases (Table 1). Two patients were lost; the mortality rate was 10% (2 of 20). The rate of complications was lower in the NOT group (20%, or 4 of 20) than in the OT group (50%, or 33 of 66). CONCLUSIONS: NOT can be suggested for the treatment of intramural perforations. In the case of transmural perforation, this approach should be taken into consideration if the esophageal lesion is circumscribed, is not in neoplastic tissue, is not in the abdominal cavity, and is not accompanied by simultaneous obstructive esophageal disease; in addition, symptoms and signs of septicemia should be absent.     

Microscopical imaging of hydroxyapatite/mica composite and packed hydroxyapatite structure--an atomic force microscopy investigation

A focus on the importance of leisure in the development of student nurses has been neglected in the 1990s. This study considers 444 prospective nurses on conventional, diploma and degree courses in two areas of England. It examines their activities associated with socializing, their social support networks and their use of clubs, sports and hobbies before entering nursing. It is evident that students enter nurse training with a wide variety of leisure experiences. Changing recruitment patterns and the structure of nurse training has an effect on the leisure needs of prospective nurses which must be addressed.     

Fibrinolytic variables and cardiovascular prognosis in patients with stable angina pectoris treated with verapamil or metoprolol. Results from the Angina Prognosis study in Stockholm

BACKGROUND: Disturbed fibrinolytic function may influence the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and contribute to thrombotic cardiovascular (CV) events. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Angina Prognosis Study in Stockholm (APSIS), patients with stable angina pectoris were studied prospectively during double-blind treatment with metoprolol or verapamil. Various measures of fibrinolytic function were studied in 631 (of 809) patients. During a median follow-up time of 3.2 years (2132 patient-years), 32 patients suffered a CV death, 21 had a nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and 77 underwent revascularization. Plasma levels of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) activity and antigen (ag), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) activity at test, and TPA responses to exercise were determined at baseline and after 1 month's treatment and were related to subsequent fatal and nonfatal CV events. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that elevated levels of TPA-ag at rest (P < .05), high PAI-1 activity (P < .05), and low TPA-ag responses to exercise (P < .05) were associated with increased risk of subsequent CV death. After adjustment for baseline risk factors, TPA-ag independently predicted CV death or MI. In addition, PAI-1 activity independently predicted CV death or MI in male patients. Verapamil treatment was associated with a 10% decrease of TPA-ag levels and metoprolol treatment with a 2% increase (P < .001 for treatment difference). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma TPA-ag levels at rest, and among male patients PAI-1 activity as well, independently predict subsequent CV death or MI in patients with stable angina pectoris.