Common problems in wound care: caring for the skin around wounds

A case of pyogenic granuloma of the prepuce is presented. This to our knowledge, is the first reported case of this condition affecting this site.     

Multiband properties of a fractal tree antenna generated byelectrochemical deposition

Experimental results on a fractal tree-like antenna are reported. The fractal structure is generated by electrochemical deposition. The antenna presents a multiband behaviour with a denser band distribution than the previously reported Sierpinski fractal antenna. The matched frequencies are related to the length distribution over the fractal shape     

Concepts for the reduction of waste volumes from nuclear fuel reprocessing operations

It is desirable, for environmental and economic reasons, to reduce the number and volume of waste streams from nuclear fuel processing operations. Concepts for achieving this end in future plants are reviewed. These include advanced dissolution concepts, simplification of the solvent extraction flowsheet, and the use of alternative separation techniques such as crystallisation, pyrochemistry and ion exchange.     

Demonstration of the expression of CD95 ligand transcript and protein in human placenta

Thrombopoietin (TPO) or Mpl ligand is the primary physiological regulator of platelet production. This cytokine is the most potent stimulator of the proliferation and differentiation of MK progenitor and precursor cells in vitro. It also acts additively or synergistically with several cytokines on progenitor cells from various hematopoietic lineages, including the primitive stem cells. The factor is an extremely potent thrombocytopoietic agent when administrated to normal animals, and it accelerates platelet and erythropoietic recovery in several models of myelosuppression. Phase I/II clinical trials are ongoing with no detectable adverse effects. Mpl ligand does not induce platelet aggregation, but it lowers the platelet sensitivity to physiological dose of agonists. In experimental mouse models, high and chronic dose of Mpl ligand results in myelofibrosis. TPO is constantly produced by the liver and the kidney; its plasmatic clearance occurs by binding to its receptor expressed on megakaryocytes and platelets. However, the full spectrum of the biological effects of this new cytokine is not fully understood, in particular its the role in the terminal stage of platelet production. In the near future, it is likely that new insights will be obtained in the physiopathological mechanisms underlying abnormal platelet production in human.     

Hereditary macular dystrophies

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension is a common phenomenon in the elderly. Hormonal changes during orthostatic stress have been described in elderly normotensive people and in those with essential hypertension. However, the hormonal response in elderly people who have systolic hypertension during orthostasis has not yet been quantified. METHODS: In this study we investigated 14 non-diabetic men, aged 60 to 75 years, with untreated systolic hypertension who were subjected to 45 degrees passive head-up incline on a tilt table for 15 min. Their hormonal profile and hemodynamic changes were analyzed before and after the stress. RESULTS: In the supine position, plasma levels of norepinephrine, atrial natriuretic peptide and aldosterone were in the normal range, while the plasma renin activity was low. Immediately upon tilt the systolic blood pressure fell but it reverted to baseline values after 15 min of orthostasis. At that time the cardiac output decreased while the systemic vascular resistance and the plasma norepinephrine concentration rose. The atrial natriuretic peptide appeared to fall, and the renin-aldosterone level did not change. CONCLUSION: The physiologic response to orthostatic stress in elderly people with systolic hypertension is comparable to that of elderly normotensive people and those with essential hypertension, i.e. a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in plasma norepinephrine levels. The atrial natriuretic peptide appeared to fall appropriately. The response of the renin-aldosterone system mimicked that in elderly patients with low renin essential isolated hypertension. These observations may have a bearing on the management of elderly people with systolic hypertension who also have orthostatic symptoms; they may not require a different approach from that needed for others of the same age group.