Lockdown in a specialised rehabilitation unit: the best of times.

Specialised rehabilitation units offer inpatient multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for individuals with severe and enduring mental illness. A cornerstone of therapy is the work in the community through further education and community organisations. However, coronavirus restrictions have meant that such external supports are no longer available for the duration of the crisis. This has led to opportunities for developing new ways of offering rehabilitation within hospital environments. This article describes some of the new initiatives developed. The benefits of the lockdown for service users are also discussed. Many found the cessation of visits from family members with whom they had an ambivalent relationship helpful. The lockdown improved relationships between patients on the unit and encouraged a greater feeling of community. The lockdown has also emphasised the importance of team self-awareness and an awareness of the nature of the treatments offered.

Erythrocyte and platelet fatty acids in retinitis pigmentosa.

The fatty acid composition and the glutathione-peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) of erythrocytes and platelets, the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) by platelets and the activity of the main systems of transmembrane cation transport in erythrocyte have been studied in 12 patients (5 males and 7 females) affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A remarkable increase of saturated fatty acids (SFA), particularly of stearic acid (C18:0), has been noted in these patients. The reduced unsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio (PUFA/SFA) observed in both erythrocytes and platelets and the decrease of arachidonic acid in platelets may depend by an active peroxidation process as documented by the increase of MDA. Platelet glutathione-peroxidase (PTL-GSH-PX) and plasma retinol were in the normal range, whereas erythrocyte glutathione-peroxidase (E-GSH-PX), MDA and plasma alfa-toco-pherol were increased in patients with RP. The activities of Na(+)-K+ pump, cotransport and Na(+)-Li+ countertransport were normal in RP erythrocytes.

Evaluation of Keeler Pulsair non-contact tonometry: reliability and reproducibility.

Intraocular pressure was evaluated in 414 eyes using Keeler Pulsair tonometry in comparison with values obtained by Goldmann tonometry. No statistically significant differences were found between the two techniques. Landis K statistical analysis was used to evaluate the measurements obtained by two operators in 125 eyes, with the results indicating good reproducibility. In 20 eyes, a statistically significant difference was found between values obtained with patients in the seated vs supine positions, whereas measurements made with subjects' heads in a supported or unsupported position yielded no statistically different values.

Evaluation of the 701 interzeag lens opacity meter.

The Interzeag 701 Lens Opacity Meter was used to study the lenses of 122 cataract eyes and 73 healthy eyes with clear lenses. The readings taken separately in 67 eyes by two different operators did not significantly differ. Statistically significant differences were found between the readings taken by the same operator when the pupil size was different in all types of cataract and also in eyes with transparent lenses. Opacity Meter readings correlate well with the visual acuity of eyes with nuclear and mixed cataracts, but no correlation was found in eyes with cortical or posterior subcapsular cataracts. In healthy eyes with clear lens, a correlation was found between the instrument readings and age.