Resonance assignments, secondary structure and topology of leukaemia inhibitory factor in solution

We evaluated a protocol involving two types of choice presentations for assessing leisure choice-making skills of seven older adults with severe disabilities. Initially when presented with pairs of objects representing choices, choice making was validated through demonstration of an object preference. A more complex choice-presentation format was then employed, involving pictures to represent choices. If the preference identified with objects was not demonstrated using pictures, a replication of the object format occurred to ensure changes in choice making using pictures was not due to a preference change. Five participants demonstrated choice-making skills using objects and two demonstrated choices using pictures. These results reflect the importance of assessing choice-making skills prior to presenting choice opportunities. Suggestions for future research focus on expanding the assessment protocol to include a wider array of choice-making skills and training staff to provide choices in a format commensurate with an individual's skill level.     

Local administration of L-703,081 using a composite polymeric stent reduces platelet deposition in canine coronary arteries

We compared the effect on platelet deposition of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist L-703,081, administered locally via a drug delivery stent, with that of a standard metal stent in a canine coronary model. There was a significant reduction in platelet deposition using the L-703,081-impregnated stent compared with the bare metal stent. This study demonstrates an alternative route of delivery of GPIIb/IIIa antagonists with potential advantages over systemic administration.     

Surgical treatment of common carotid artery occlusion

Eight patients with common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion underwent bypass with saphenous vein to either the carotid bifurcation (five), the internal carotid artery (two), or the external carotid artery (one). Indications included ipsilateral transient ischemic attack (two), recent nondisabling hemispheric stroke (two), and transient nonhemispheric cerebral symptoms (two). Two asymptomatic patients with CCA occlusion and contralateral internal carotid stenosis underwent prophylactic revascularization prior to planned aortic surgery. There were no perioperative strokes, occlusions, or deaths. Late ipsilateral stroke occurred in two patients, and one patient had a single transient ischemic attack after 2 years. The four patients with preoperative transient cerebral ischemia experienced relief of their symptoms. Duplex ultrasound is an accurate screening modality for distal patency. Collateral filling of the internal or external carotid artery can usually be demonstrated after aortic arch or retrograde brachial contrast injection. End-to-end distal anastomosis after endarterectomy eliminates the original occlusive plaque as a potential source of emboli. The subclavian artery is preferred for inflow on the left. The CCA origin is easily accessible for inflow on the right. Bypass of the occluded CCA is safe and may be effective in relieving transient cerebral ischemic symptoms, although long-term ipsilateral neurologic sequelae may still occur.     

The doorstop procedure. A technique for treating unstable fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint

The unstable fracture dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint remains a difficult injury to manage despite the availability of a wide variety of treatment options. We describe a simple alternative method of treatment called the doorstop procedure.     

Unilateral compartment syndrome after prolonged gynecologic surgery in the dorsal lithotomy position. A case report

We describe the onset of the compartment syndrome after gynecologic surgery in the dorsal lithotomy position for neovaginal reconstruction with a fasciocutaneous flap.     

Subjective evaluation of profile prediction using video imaging

Several cytokines and growth factors together with their binding proteins and/or receptors are being increasingly detected in mammalian thyroid tissue. These include epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factors, transforming growth factors, fibroblast growth factor, interleukins, interferons, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Their exact role in relation to thyroid regulation has not been fully elucidated but it is clear that many of these peptide regulatory factors are mitogenic for cultured thyrocytes. Recent evidence suggests that some thyroid cancers and benign goiters over-express receptors for a number of these growth factors. Transforming growth factor-beta is unique for its dominant anti-proliferative effect on thyrocytes concurrently exposed to potent thyroid mitogens. The mammalian thyroid cell is clearly a source as well as target of myriad polypeptide factors that probably co-regulate its normal growth and differentiation. Aberrant expression of these growth factors or their receptors might be a factor in the development of goiter.