Mutagenic and genotoxic activities of four pesticides: captan, foltaf, phosphamidon and furadan

The mutagenic and genotoxic potential of four pesticides viz. captan, foltaf, phosphamidon and furadan was evaluated by the Ames mutagenicity assay and their DNA damaging ability on radiation repair defective E. coli K-12 strains respectively. The mutagenic spectrum revealed captan to be most mutagenic in the absence of metabolic activation, while the presence of S9 mix led to an attenuated mutagenic response. Foltaf, phosphamidon and furadan were detected as relatively weaker mutagens. A significant decrease in the survival of SOS defective mutants, recA, lexA and pol- of E. coli was observed as compared to their wild-type counterparts in the presence of the pesticides. The role of SOS repair genes gains further support from the Salmonella strains triggering the error-prone SOS response.     

Comparison of closed-suction drainage and no drainage after primary total knee arthroplasty

One hundred thirty-six primary total knee arthroplasty patients were randomized for the use of closed-suction, nonreinfusable wound drains. Blood loss was identical in the drained and undrained groups. Forty percent of undrained wounds compared with 0% of drained wounds required dressing reinforcement. Sixty-nine percent of undrained wounds compared with 39% of drained wounds developed ecchymosis, measuring 92 cm2 in the undrained group and 28 cm2 in the drained group. This study concludes that a simple wound drain effectively minimizes the undesirable accumulation of blood in the surrounding soft tissues and the postoperative wound dressing after total knee arthroplasty.     

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.     

Use ofLeucaena leucocephala (Lam. de Wit) leaves as a nitrogen source for crop production

Field and pot trials were conducted to determine optimum management practices for usingLeucaena leucocephala (Lam. de Wit) leaves as a N source for crop production. Field trials with maize showed no benefit from split application of leucaena leaves or from application of fresh as opposed to dried material. Field trials also failed to show any difference between incorporation as opposed to surface application of leucaena leaves. This may be attributed to the low nitrogen response observed. Pot trials however, showed that soil incorporation of leucaena leaves was more effective than surface application in increasing plant dry weight.Leucaena leaves were not as effective as inorganic N in increasing maize grain yield (field trials) or dry matter production (pot trial). Unlike inorganic N, leucaena leaves had a significant residual effect on the succeeding maize crop. In decomposition studies, buried leucaena leaves decomposed more quickly than surface-applied leaves, and fresh leaves decomposed more rapidly than dried leaves.     

A resume or curriculum vitae for success

Nurses who are searching for new positions can enhance their job employment potential with well-written resumes. Scholarship and award recognition also can be improved by creating well-written resumes and/or curricula vitae. Appropriate cover letters effectively introduce nurses to employers or review committees. This article presents a few basic suggestions that can simplify the creation of any of these documents and help nurses produce a quality product.     

Role of postural status in the nocturnal hemodynamic patterns of nonhuman primates

We compared the nocturnal hemodynamic patterns of seven tethered monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with those of seven chaired animals to determine whether the overnight changes are comparable in the two conditions. In both groups, we found a consistent hemodynamic pattern characterized by an overnight fall in cardiac output and central venous pressure and a rise in total peripheral resistance that maintained blood pressure homeostasis. The pattern of overnight change occurred despite major differences in response levels: cardiac output and central venous pressure were significantly elevated, and total peripheral resistance was significantly reduced at all times (from 1800 to 1200 h the following day) in the chaired animals relative to the tethered animals. This difference was probably due to an expanded plasma volume in the chaired animals, because stroke volume was also significantly elevated. Because the nocturnal hemodynamic pattern occurred under both conditions, it is likely that it is a stable biologic effect, which is probably related to an overnight loss in fluid volume that is not replaced in animals that sleep throughout the night.