Root stimulation studies in the evaluation of patients with motor neuron disease

Nerve root stimulation may be employed in patients with motor neuron disease (MND) to rule out motor neuropathy with conduction block. The diagnostic utility of these studies is unknown, in part because the range of amplitude changes across nerve root segments in patients with active neuronal degeneration has not been well studied. We reviewed root stimulation studies in 32 patients (59 nerves) with MND and found segmental amplitude reduction from 0 to 45%, a range similar to values reported for normal subjects; there was no suggestion of conduction block based on our usual criteria.     

Immunological similarities between two cerebral substances from Schistocerca gregaria and two neurohormones from Locusta migratoria

Two neurohormones produced by two distinctive neurosecretory median cells (A1, B) of the protocerebum have been characterized in Locusta migratoria; on with a multiple functions one called neuroparsin and one stimulating the ovarian maturation called lom OMP. Using the specific immunoserum of these two neurohormones in Schistocerca gregaria, we could demonstrate the occurring of molecules related to the neuroparsin and lom OMP of Locusta. Through histology studies of the brain and corpora cardiaca complex, the immunoserum revealed the presence of the two types of these neurosecretory cells suggesting the occurring in Locusta as well as Schistocerca of the same cells releasing molecules immunologically apparented to neuroparsin and lom OMP. The results were confirmed by electrophoretic separation of corpora cardiaca extract under unreduced conditions followed by a transfer on immobilon membrane.     

Rescue therapy for the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

The potential risk of feto-maternal haemorrhage following coelocentesis was examined in 17 singleton pregnancies at 6-11 weeks of gestation by measuring maternal serum concentration of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) before and 1 and 10 min after the procedure. There was no significant difference between the maternal serum AFP concentration before coelocentesis (median 7.5, range 4.5-21.5 IU) compared to the values at 1 min (median 8.6, range 3.9-17.8; Z = -0.504, P = 0.614), and 10 min (median 7.5, range 5.7-20.6; Z = -0.432, P = 0.666) after the procedure. These findings demonstrate that coelocentesis is not associated with significant feto-maternal haemorrhage.     

Use of the ganciclovir implant for treating cytomegalovirus retinitis secondary to immunosuppression after bone marrow transplantation

PURPOSE: To report a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy after administration of retrobulbar anesthesia for an otherwise uncomplicated cataract extraction. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: After cataract surgery with retrobulbar anesthesia, the patient followed a typical course of Purtscher-like retinopathy with an initial severe loss of vision followed by a gradual and nearly complete improvement in visual function. CONCLUSIONS: Purtscher-like retinopathy is uncommon after administration of retrobulbar anesthesia but had the same clinical course as other causes of this disorder.     

Skeletal muscle extra-aortic counterpulsation in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy

Skeletal muscle extra-aortic counterpulsation was performed in seven dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. A left latissimus dorsi dynamic descending thoracic aortomyoplasty was used as the autologous counterpulsator. Pulse train stimulation in diastole was used to initiate contraction and fibre type transformation. Two of the dogs died within 48 hours of surgery. The device was successfully activated in the five remaining dogs, but in one individual it failed within 48 hours of activation. Serial echocardiographic examinations of dogs in which the device functioned successfully (n = 4) showed trends towards the decrease in the left ventricular systolic internal dimension, left ventricular diastolic internal dimension, E-point to septal separation and left atrial diameter in systole seven to 14 days following the procedure, although these changes failed to persist in the long-term. The results suggest that skeletal muscle for cardiac assistances such as extra-aortic muscle counterpulsation, might be a therapeutic option for dogs with cardiac failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy.     

Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on serum lipoproteins in patients with combined hyperlipidemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily dietary supplementation with 1.25 g or 2.5 g of docosahexaenoic (DHA), in the absence of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on serum lipids and lipoproteins in persons with combined hyperlipidemia (CHL) [serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 130 to 220 mg/dL and triglycerides 150 to 400 mg/dL]. METHODS: After a 6-week dietary stabilization period, subjects entered a 4-week single-blind placebo (vegetable oil) run-in phase. Those with adequate compliance during the the run-in were randomized into one of three parallel groups (placebo, 1.25, or 2.5 g/day DHA) for 6 weeks of treatment. Supplements were administered in a triglyceride form contained in gelatin capsules. Primary outcome measurements were plasma phospholipid DHA content, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). LDL-C and non-HDL-C. RESULTS: The DHA content of plasma phospholipids increased dramatically (2 to 3 fold) in a dose-dependent manner. Significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed in serum triglycerides (17 to 21% reduction) and HDL-C (6% increase) which were of similar magnitude in both DHA groups. Non-HDL-C [+1.6 (NS) and +5.7% (p < 0.04)] and LDL-C [+9.3% (NS) and +13.6% (p < 0.001)] increased in the DHA treatment groups. All lipid effects reached an apparent steady state within the first 3 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: Dietary DHA, in the absence of EPA, can affect lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. The desirable triglyceride and HDL-C changes were present at a dose which did not significantly increased non-HDL-C or LDL-C. These preliminary findings suggest that dietary supplementation with 1.25 g DHA/day, provided in a triglyceride form, may be an effective tool to aid in the management of hypertriglyceridemia.