Effects of physical activity and life-style factors on uterine contraction frequency

In this cohort study, uterine contractions were recorded in 81 low-risk pregnant women who wore ambulatory tocodynamometers continuously during three 72-hour periods at advancing gestational ages. During these periods, they also recorded their daily activities in a diary. Examination of the data, in general, revealed no association between uterine contraction frequency and habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or drinking caffeinated beverages. Physical activities, such as prolonged standing, heavy housework, lifting, or organized exercise also did not appear to affect uterine contraction rates. Only climbing stairs and walking were associated with increased contraction frequencies, but this effect, although statistically significant, was relatively small in magnitude and was present only during the last gestational age period monitored (30 to 33 weeks).     

Examination of the ocular fundus with monochromatic light

In the process of insulin release by exocytosis, a fusion between the membranes of secretory vesicles and the plasma membrane occurs which is followed by the rupture of these membranes and the formation of an exocytotic stoma. As revealed by freeze-fracturing, the membrane structure is altered in the region of membrane interaction. An accumulation of membrane-associated particles can be observed in membranes of secretory vesicles contacting the plasma membrane. At the exocytotic stoma the boundary between granule limiting membrane and plasma membrane is occasionally outlined by a ring-like aggregation of membrane-associated particles. The effects of hypertonic solutions on tissue structure indicate that the membrane junctions during exocytosis are permeable to ions and small molecules, forming a communication between the interior of the secretory vesicle and the extracellular space.     

Congenital hypothyroidism: clues to an early clinical diagnosis

Congenital hypothyroidism is clinically difficult to diagnose early in life. A review of the common signs and symptoms of this treatable disease is presented, and a case diagnosed on the third day of life is discussed. Until neonatal thyroid screening is generally available it behooves all physicians caring for newborns and young infants to have a high index of suspicion for this disease.     

Severe bradyarrythmia induced by tricyclic antidepressants in an elderly patient

The fluoroquinolones have an established role in treatment of infection with aerobic gram negative rods. The increased importance of gram positive nosocomial infection and of acquired fluoroquinolone resistance has stimulated a search for new compounds with enhanced potency and spectrum. CP-99,219 is a novel compound in this class with enhanced activity against gram positive organisms. We have studied the activity of CP-99,219 relative to ciprofloxacin, fleroxacin, ofloxacin, and sparfloxacin using test panels of organisms with a high proportion of ciprofloxacin resistance. CP-99,219 is more potent than any of the other four compounds against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The activity of CP-99,219 against many bacteria resistant to the established agents, warrants further in vitro and clinical studies.