Comparative assessment of a virtual performance measure with self-report and performance-based outcomes in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Background: The purposes of this study were to examine the reliability and factorial and convergent validity of a virtual performance measure (VPM) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip joint and to compare the known-group validity of the VPM with traditional self-report and performance-based outcomes.

Methods: The VPM score was based on the results of 10 videos showing increasing difficulty in performing specific functional tasks. Patients were requested to choose the video that best reflected their own level of function.

Maximizing Muscle Function in Cuff-Deficient Shoulders: A Rehabilitation Proposal for Reverse Arthroplasty.

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to describe the role of altered joint biomechanics in reverse shoulder arthroplasty and to propose a rehabilitation protocol for a cuff-deficient glenohumeral joint based on the current evidence. The proposed rehabilitation incorporates the principles of pertinent muscle loading while considering risk factors and surgical complications.

Results: In light of altered function of shoulder muscles in reverse arthroplasty, scapular plane abduction should be more often utilized as it better activates deltoid, teres minor, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior.

Acceptable levels of digital image compression in chest radiology.

The introduction of picture archival and communications systems (PACS) and teleradiology has prompted an examination of techniques that optimize the storage capacity and speed of digital storage and distribution networks. The general acceptance of the move to replace conventional screen-film capture with computed radiography (CR) is an indication that clinicians within the radiology community are willing to accept images that have been 'compressed'. The question to be answered, therefore, is what level of compression is acceptable.

Computerised tomography does not predict N2 disease in patients with lung cancer.

Background: Mediastinal node involvement in primary lung cancer determines the staging and prognosis of the patient, and as these nodes can be seen on the computerised tomography (CT) scan of the chest it is a temptation to diagnose malignant involvement if the nodes appear enlarged. However, initial experience with mediastinal node mapping at lung resection demonstrated this extrapolation to be unreliable and misinterpretation of enlarged nodes on CT may lead to misdiagnosis and prejudice the patient's management.

Aim: To demonstrate that the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the CT to detect malignant mediastinal nodes is too low to use size of node on CT as representative of malignant involvement.

Synthesis of N-nicotinoyl-tryptamine (tryptamide).

N-Nicotinoyl-tryptamine was synthetized by acylation of tryptamine with mixed nicotinic anhydride. The synthesis of tryptamine via DL-tryptophan decarboxylation in cyclohexanol, in the presence of tetraline oxidation products as the catalyst, was described as well.

Synthesis and gastric antisecretory properties of allenic 16-phenoxy-omega-tetranor prostaglandin E analogs.

In order to improve the modest oral activity of PGE2 as an inhibitor of gastric acid secretion, analogs were prepared and tested orally in histamine-challenged rats. Insertion of a double bond at C-4, resulting in the 4,5-allene analog of PGE1, gave a small increase in activity. Introduction of the omega-tetranor-16-phenoxy lower sidechain, a modification known to enhance activity in the PGF series, gave an eight-fold increase in activity.

Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer properties of enprostil, (+/-)-11 alpha, 15 alpha-dihydroxy-16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor-9-oxoprosta- 4,5,13(t)-trienoic acid methyl ester.

Prostaglandins of the E series have been shown, both in animals and humans to produce gastrointestinal antisecretory and antiulcer effects. Enprostil, a modified allenic prostaglandin E was found to be a highly potent inhibitor of gastric HCl secretion in a variety of species. In rats, in which both the pylorus and esophagus were ligated, p.

Pulmonary dirofilariasis diagnosed by computerised tomography scan controlled percutaneous needle aspiration.

The use of computerised tomography has enabled a small lesion to be successfully aspirated with a percutaneous needle. The tissue obtained was characteristic of Dirofilaria immitis; thus a thoracotomy was unnecessary.

Synthesis and central nervous system properties of 2-[(alkoxycarbonyl)amino]-4(5)-phenyl-2-imidazolines.

A series of 2-[( alkoxycarbonyl )amino]-4(5)-phenyl-2-imidazolines was prepared and evaluated for central nervous system (CNS) effects (antidepressant, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and depressant) in animal models. Some separation of those CNS activities was achieved through substitutions on the phenyl and imidazoline moieties. Halo-substituted phenyl compounds were among the most potent antidepressants in this series, while imidazole N-alkylation produced compounds with increased depressant effects (loss of righting reflex, mouse behavior).

Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of 4'-substituted spiro[4H-3,1-benzoxazine-4,4'-piperidin]-2(1H)-ones.

A series of 4'-substituted spiro[4H-3,1-benzoxazine-4,4'-piperidin]-2(1H)-ones was prepared and evaluated for antihypertensive activity in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). The basic ring system was prepared in one step by condensation of dilithiated (tert-butoxycarbonyl)aniline (3) with (tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidinone. Deprotection afforded 6, which was condensed with expoxides or alkyl halides to furnish the title compounds.

A model for evaluation of postural hypotension induced by drugs in conscious restrained normotensive rats.

A rat model was developed for use in evaluating postural hypotensive activity of a compound. Conscious normotensive rats were restrained on a tilt board with special restrainers to avoid blocking limb circulation. Dose response curves were explored to delineate the potential postural hypotensive activity of a compound.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic profile of 6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b.e.]-thiepin-11-one-3-acetic acid (tiopinac).

Tiopinac displayed marked anti-inflammatory activity when given p.o. in rat models of acute and chronic inflammation.

Inhibition of histamine-induced gastric secretion by flavone-6-carboxylic acids.

Twenty-five flavone-6-carboxylic acids were synthesized and tested as to their ability to inhibit histamine-induced gastric acid secretion in the rat. 3-Isopropoxy-4'-methoxyflavone-6-carboxylic acid (41) showed consistent oral activity while being devoid of any other noteworthy pharmacological effects. In vitro, this compound was found to be inactive as a histamine H2 antagonist, and its mode of action remains unknown.

Drug effects on plasma renin activity in the mouse.

To investigate the possible effects of newly synthesized beta-adrenergic blockers on plasma renin activity, an assay was developed using unanesthetized mice and radioimmunoassay. Renin activity was significantly increased by the administration of hydralazine (1 mg/kg, i.p.

Dibenzotropone- and dibenzosuberonecarboxylic acids with bronchodilator activity.

The syntheses of 44 5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-one derivatives bearing a carboxyl gropu at the 1, 2, 3, or 10 position and various substituents at the 7, 8, or 9 position are described. Some of the compounds showed significant bronchodilator activity in guinea pigs and protected the animals against a histamine challenge administered either by aerosol or intravenously. The most active compounds were 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-one-2-carboxylic acids bearing a methyl or halogen substituent at the 9 position.

Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of 6,11-dihydro-11-oxodibenzo[b,e]thiepinalkanoic acids and related compounds.

Acetic acid derivatives of tricyclic systems, such as 6,11-dihydro-11-oxodibenzo[b,e]thiepin, 4,10-dihydro-4-oxo-thieno[2,3-c][1]benzothiepin, dibenzo[b,f]thiepin, dibenz[b,f]oxepin, etc., were synthesized and assayed for antiinflammatory activity. One of the compounds, 6,11-dihydro-11-oxodibenzo[b,e]thiepin-3-acetic acid (52), was chosen for evaluation in man on the basis of high antiinflammatory activity in both short- and long-term animal assays and a low gastric irritation liability in rats and dogs.