Ligature carrier specifically designed for transvaginal sacrospinous colpopexy

The purpose of this paper is to clarify whether copper accumulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cause of high intensity signal pattern on T1-weighted images (T1-WI) by comparing the histologically proven copper accumulation with MR images. Forty-five surgically resected HCCs were analyzed. Distribution patterns of divalent copper by a modified Timm's method on their maximum cut surfaces were compared with signal patterns on corresponding T1-WI. The degree of copper accumulation in tumor compared with surrounding liver tissue was higher in 6 lesions, equal in 17 lesions, and lower in 22 lesions. High intensity pattern on T1-WI were observed in 3 of 6 lesions (50%), 10 of 17 lesions (59%), and 10 of 22 lesions (45%). Distribution patterns of copper were not correlated with intensity patterns on T1-WI. We conclude that the paramagnetic effect of divalent copper accumulation in HCC is insufficient to influence the MRI.     

Cerebral malaria

There is no established protocol for selection among the different retentive material-attachment combinations for clasps other than tradition or laboratory preference. Various wrought-wire, cast-metal, and thermoplastic materials were subjected to several fabrication procedures and tested in a custom-designed force displacement apparatus. The wrought wires included ADA Spec. No. 7 type I and type II alloys and other precious and nonprecious alloys. A graphic means was devised to allow the rational selection of wrought-wire clasp-arm combinations for placing clasps on canine and premolar teeth. Guidelines for using straight wire data for curved wire applications are indicated.     

Real-time X-ray diffraction study at different scan rates of phase transitions for dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine in KSCN

A questionnaire survey was carried out to examine the attitudes and practices of Australian and New Zealand intensivists with regard to brain death and organ donation. A return rate of 82.5% was achieved. Fifty-eight per cent had written evidence of their own wishes to donate organs and 94% would agree to donation from a dependent. At least one intensivist is involved in certifying brain death on 95% of occasions. Intensivists are involved in the request for organ donation over 90% of the time although one-third do not believe that it is their role to request organ donation. Although two-thirds believe that the family should always be approached for organ donation, another 52 out of 254 indicated that it was their (the intensivist's) role to decide if families should be asked for organ donation. Possible reasons for not requesting are language or other communication problems, perceptions of cultural differences and degrees of family distress. Twenty per cent of respondents do not provide haemodynamic support before brain death confirmation. Australian and New Zealand intensivists overwhelmingly support the concept of brain death, current methods of confirmation of brain death, organ donation and transplantation. Possible reasons behind loss of potential donors include decisions not to resuscitate both before and after brain death is confirmed. Perceptions of family grief and cultural differences clearly inhibit requests for organ donation. A very few units have an effective policy on approaching families about organ donation. Intensivists have almost exclusive control over requests for organ donation and thus bear a full professional responsibility for this element of hospital practice.     

Sulfation of parabens and tyrosylpeptides by bacterial arylsulfate sulfotransferases

Arylsulfate sulfotransferase purified from Eubacterium A-44 has higher specific activity than the enzymes from Klebsiella K-36 and Haemophilus K-12. Propylparaben and butylparaben were good substrates among several parabens. The antibacterial activity of parabens was reduced by the sulfation of the phenolic hydroxy group. Tyrosine-containing peptides, kyotorphin, enkephalin and cholecystokinin non-sulfate, were effective as acceptor substrates by A-44, K-36 and K-12 sulfotransferases.     

Intermediate-term outcome of cervical spinal cord-injured patients older than 50 years of age

STUDY DESIGN: This study retrospectively reviewed the intermediate-term clinical outcome of patients who were 50 years of age or older at the time they experienced their cervical spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVES: To establish reasonable expectations for the functional outcome in the older patient with cervical spinal cord injury. BACKGROUND DATA: The long-term morbidity and mortality of large groups of patients with spinal cord injury have been reported. The specific functional ability, disposition, morbidity, and mortality of this group of older patients injured after 50 years of age, however, have been less well defined. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients older than 50 years of age at the time of cervical cord injury were studied, and functional abilities, independence, need for assistance in activities of daily living, disposition, morbidity, and mortality were assessed. All patients had more than 2 years of follow-up examinations (mean, 5.5 years) by the same spine injury service. RESULTS: There were 13 complete and 28 incomplete cervical cord lesions. The mean age of the patients at follow-up examination was 67.5 years. The average follow-up period was 5.5 years after injury. None of the patients with complete cord injury improved, and all required extensive care. Twenty-one (80%) of 26 of the patients with incomplete cord injury were able to ambulate with some assistance. Nineteen of 26 patients had independent or near-independent abilities with activities of daily living. Twenty (77%) of 26 were able to return home. All patients with complete cord injury (13 of 13) had died by the time of the follow-up visit. Seventy-seven percent (10 of 13) of this patient group had died within the first year. Those surviving lived an average of 3.5 years after their injury. Fourteen of 28 patients with incomplete cord injury (50%) had died by the time of the follow-up visit. Six (43%) of the 14 deaths were attributed to complications of their spinal cord injury. CONCLUSION: The functional outcome of the person older than 50 years with a complete cervical cord injury is poor. Of the 14% who survived the first year, all required extensive attendant care, and no neurologic improvement was seen. The patient with an incomplete cord injury has an overall good outcome regarding ambulation and returning to home.     

Review of Child sexual abuse: Critical perspectives on prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Reviews the book, Child sexual abuse: Critical perspectives on prevention, intervention, and treatment edited by Christopher R. Bagley and Ray J. Thomlison (1991). This book is a compilation of a series of literature reviews originally commissioned by Health and Welfare Canada in 1987 and completed in 1988. The individual papers included in this edited version represent a cross section of Canadian academicians, clinicians, and case workers who are integrally involved in the policies and practices regarding child sexual abuse in Canada. The work provides a comprehensive perspective on prevention at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The list of authors is impressive in terms of their expertise and experience. At a time when numerous books on child sexual abuse are appearing on the market, it is nice to see a book that has some unusual aspects. Aside from its distinctly Canadian perspective, the book addresses several important, yet frequently ignored, topics. The book provides an up-to-date review of several core issues: conceptualization of the problem, prevention strategies, impact of sexual abuse, investigative interviewing, treatment outcome studies, and treatment issues for child molesters. The more unique topics include a review of the strategies used to evaluate prevention programs, prevalence rates among a number of special populations, the role of medical practitioners in preventing and intervening in child sexual abuse, and sexual abuse and exploitation among disabled individuals. Overall, I can recommend this book for clinicians and researchers in Canada and elsewhere who are interested in child sexual abuse. This compilation of literature reviews highlights the leading role that Canadian social service agencies have taken in developing programs for sexually abused children and their families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)