Comparison of iron chelator efficacy in iron-overloaded beagle dogs and monkeys (Cebus apella).

Rodents and dogs are frequently used for preclinical toxicologic assessment of candidate iron chelators. Although the iron-clearing profile of a ligand often is known in rodents, and sometimes in primates, such information in dogs is rarely, if ever, available. Because of this, toxicity studies in dogs could be misleading; chelators that may otherwise be suitable for human clinical studies may be abandoned as being unacceptably toxic, simply because, unknown to the investigator, these drugs remove more iron in this species than would have been expected on the basis of iron clearance results in other species.

Control of irritable bowel syndrome with polyamine analogs: a structure-activity study.

The evaluation of a group of polyamine analogs as agents to ameliorate diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is described. Each compound was assessed when administered subcutaneously in a psychological stress-induced model of irritable bowel syndrome in rodents for its ability to reduce stool output in a dose-dependent manner. The spermine pharmacophore is shown to be an excellent platform from which to construct compounds to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Transradicular interfascicular approach for lumbar microdiscectomy: a useful technique in difficult circumstances.

Nerve root retraction is a component of lumbar disc surgery. The authors describe a transdural approach for lumbar microdiscectomy through the nerve root, instead of retracting the root. This technique can be safely used in rare cases where root manipulation is considered to be difficult and dangerous.

Polyamine analogue antidiarrheals: a structure-activity study.

The syntheses of a group of spermine polyamine analogues and their evaluation as antidiarrheals are described. Each compound was assessed in a rodent castor oil-induced diarrhea model for its ability to reduce stool output and weight loss in a dose-dependent manner. The spermine pharmacophore is shown to be an excellent platform from which to construct antidiarrheals.

Medical rapid prototyping and 3D CT in the manufacture of custom made cranial titanium plates.

This report describes a new method of custom making cranial titanium plates for the repair of skull defects. We have combined 3D CT imaging and surface modelling with rapid prototyping (RP) technology to produce physical models of our patients' skulls from which custom titanium plates were made. We have expanded the use of image processing tools applied to the CT image data to fabricate a representation of the skull defect.

Reality check: using stimulation modeling to plan and sell change.

As anyone who has worked with a computer knows, technology doesn't always solve problems. But when it comes to planning for health care institutions, operation simulation modeling can help executives make better decisions and create more efficient operations--by bringing more information, issues and communication power to the table.

Giant cell tumour of the temporal bone presenting as vertigo.

We report a case of giant cell tumour of the temporal bone arising in a 31-year-old man. The presenting symptoms were unusual, being rotational vertigo, unilateral tinnitus, and hearing loss. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large mass within the right temporal bone and the infratemporal fossa.

Assessment of endocrine function after transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease.

Objective: We assessed the endocrine outcome after transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease.

Design: Five-year (mean) follow-up (range 1 month-12 years) of patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease between 1977 and 1990; review of case notes, current clinical and biochemical assessment including 24-hour urinary free cortisol.

Setting: Northern Ireland.

Meningitis and midline facial deformity.

A baby with unilateral cleft lip, midline cleft palate and hypertelorism developed meningitis in the first 48 h of life. Examination of the nasopharynx showed a soft tissue mass, which was confirmed as a basal encephalocele by computed tomography. There was also congenital hydrocephalus and the corpus callosum was absent.

Ascertainment and natural history of treated acromegaly in Northern Ireland.

The prevalence of known cases of acromegaly in Northern Ireland in 1984 was 6.3 per 100,000 population. The incidence of newly-diagnosed cases over the preceding 25 years was 5.

Serpentine aneurysm of the posterior circulation: report of two cases.

Giant serpentine aneurysms form a subgroup of giant intracranial aneurysms with specific radiological and surgical features. Previous reports have stressed the predilection of these lesions for the carotid circulation, particularly the middle cerebral artery. Two cases of serpentine aneurysm affecting the posterior circulation are reported and the problems of diagnosis and treatment of this lesion are discussed.

Subdural haematoma associated with long term oral anticoagulation.

Twenty-two patients with subdural haematomas associated with long term oral anticoagulation have been reviewed. Clinical presentation was similar to other subdural haematomas, but patients were generally older and the clinical course was more rapid. The incidence of over-anticoagulation was 23% and there was no correlation between anticoagulant status and the extent of bleeding or prognosis.

Reye's syndrome: assessment of intracranial monitoring.

Direct measurements of arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure were recorded in 39 patients aged 3.6 months to 5 years 11 months with Reye's syndrome judged to be stage 2 or beyond. Of 33 patients who survived, 27 made a full recovery and six were severely handicapped.

Reye's syndrome.

Reye's syndrome, an uncommon childhood encephalopathy of uncertain aetiology, is an important cause of mortality and permanent handicap. Since its recognition treatment has changed, current management focusing upon prevention or control of raised intracranial pressure. Prognosis is radically improved by early recognition and prompt transfer to a specialist centre.

Kinetics and biotransformation of benzo(a)pyrene in Chironomus riparius.

Uptake and depuration kinetics for benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) were determined for the midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera) with one and two compartment models. Nonfeeding animals were exposed to nominal 1.0 microgram.

Use of a fractional factorial design to evaluate interactions of environmental factors affecting biodegradation rates.

For investigation of main and interactive effects of six experimentally controlled environmental factors on phenol biodegradation in a shake-flask system, a largely neglected statistical procedure was applied. A major benefit resulting from the application of the orthogonal, fractional factorial design is that the number of experiments necessary to evaluate multifactor interactions is limited. In our investigation, the required number of experiments was reduced to 81 from the 324 necessary with conventional factorial designs; information was sacrificed for only 3 of 15 possible two-factor interactions.