Coordination polymers of copper(I) halides.

A total of 21 complexes of CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) with bridging ligand (B = 4,4'-dipyridyl (Bpy), pyrazine (Pyz), quinoxaline (Quin), phenazine (Phz), 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA)) have been synthesized. The products show two stoichiometries: [CuXB] (type 1) and [(CuX)2B] (type 2). Both types can be obtained for B = Bpy, depending on the conditions of preparation. In these cases, the type 2 stoichiometry is the kinetic product. Type 2 complexes only are found for B = Pyz (X = I), Quin, Phz, DABCO, and HMTA. Type 1 complexes form for Pyz (X = Cl, Br). Thermogravimetic analyses of the complexes reveal the general decomposition trend: 1 --> 2 --> [(CuX)2B(1/2)] --> CuX. The X-ray crystal structure of [CuBr(Pyz)] (type 1) features copper atoms bridged by Br and Pyz, forming 2D sheets of fused rectangular Cu4Br2(Pyz)2 units. The X-ray structure of [(CuI)2(Quin)] (type 2) shows 2D layers composed of [Cu2I2]infinity "stair step" chains which are cross-linked by Quin ligands. A total of 16 complexes of CuXL (L = P(OPh)3) with bridging ligand (B = those above and 1,4-dimethylpiperazine (DMP)) have also been prepared. All of these products, except those of HMTA, are of type 3 formulation, [(CuXL)2B]. The HMTA products have the formula [CuX(HMTA)], type 4. Thermal decomposition of the type 3 and 4 complexes occurs with initial loss of B, L, or both. The X-ray structures of [(CuBrL)2(Bpy)] and [(CuBrL)2(Pyz)] (type 3) reveal 1D chains formed from rhomboidal (LCu)2Br2 units linked by the B ligand. The type 4 structure of [CuBrL(HMTA)] is shown by X-ray to be a simple halide-bridged dimer.

The effect of supplemental lysine and threonine on growth and development of yearling horses.

Thirty-nine Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse yearlings were used in two 112-d experiments to determine the effect of lysine and threonine supplementation on growth and development. Yearlings were individually fed three dietary treatments that consisted of a pelleted concentrate containing corn, oats, and soybean meal fed to appetite twice daily and Coastal bermuda grass hay group-fed at a rate of 1 kg/100 kg BW. Three concentrates were tested: (A) basal, (B) basal plus .2% lysine, and (C) basal plus .2% lysine, and .1% threonine. Feed intake, weight, withers height, girth, hip height, body length, and hoof growth (Exp. 1) were recorded every 28 d, and initial and final radiographs taken for estimating bone mineral content. Final croup fat thickness was measured ultrasonically in Exp. 1, and initial and final croup fat measured in Exp. 2. Blood samples were taken every 28 d for determination of serum urea N and protein in Exp. 2. Average daily feed intake (as-fed) was 8.8 +/- .14, 9.0 +/- .13, and 9.2 +/- .13 kg (P < .09), ADG was .57 +/- .02, .64 +/- .02, and .67 +/- .02 kg/d (P < .02), and girth gain was 9.7 +/- .49, 10.1 +/- .46, and 11.3 +/- .47 cm (P < .05) for Treatments A, B, and C, respectively. Gain:feed ratios in Exp. 1 were 70.5, 70.8, and 75.5 g/kg (P > .10) and in Exp. 2 were 61.7, 70.8, and 70.2 g/kg (P < .10) for Treatments A, B, and C, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessment of abdominal lymph nodes in a normal paediatric population: an ultrasound study.

During a 9 month period, 50 consecutive children were evaluated by ultrasound to determine the size, location (mesenteric vs para-aortic), number, shape and texture of abdominal lymph nodes in a normal paediatric population. High resolution linear array transducers were used with graded compression. Nodes ranging from 10 to 20 mm were recorded in the majority of subjects. In all cases mesenteric lymph nodes were larger and more numerous than para-aortic nodes. Para-aortic lymph nodes were not seen in isolation.

Targeting teenagers in a spinal cord injury prevention program.

The problem of teenage spinal cord injury (SCI) secondary to gunshot wounds was observed in a model SCI system. By identifying one factor, 'risk taking', in which the system could intervene, a SCI prevention program was developed that has had major community attention. Hopefully, it will also meet the needs of other communities experiencing interpersonal violence among adolescents.

Falls resulting in spinal cord injury: patterns and outcomes in an older population.

Falls are the major cause of spinal cord injuries in older people. The pattern of injury seen most frequently is that of a central cord syndrome due to cervical hyperextension. The medical records of 58 patients over 50 years of age who sustained a spinal cord injury in a fall were reviewed for circumstances of onset, length of stay and outcomes of rehabilitation. The study identified elderly single or widowed men, and those who use alcohol, as high risk groups.

Victims of gun shootings. A retrospective study of 36 spinal cord injured adolescents.

Interpersonal violence with a handgun is the primary cause of spinal cord injuries (SCI) among teenagers in the population served by the Southeastern Michigan Spinal Cord Injury System (SEMSCIS). As part of a community-wide effort to reduce the injury and death rate from acts of violence, SEMSCIS selected the victim, rather than the perpetrator or the sociocultural environment, as its segment of a prevention program. A retrospective study of demographic data, causal statements, medical information from the medical records of 36 injured adolescents, and telephone conversations with the victims identified "risk taking" as the pre-event behavior that had made them vulnerable to violence. This study led to the production of a powerful video, "Wasted Dreams," in which disabled teenagers tell their peers about their injury and how to avoid becoming a victim.

A new approach to catastrophic injury: spinal cord injury patients.

Catastrophic injuries and illnesses create great financial strains on patients who require lifetime care. Families, health care providers and insurers recognise that individual patient care needs require a closer look at the prudent allocation of health care benefit dollars. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has initiated an approach to this problem called 'case management'. Two ventilator dependent quadriplegics were discharged home utilising the case management concept. This system provides many advantages for patients. However, the health care team needs to be aware of the drawbacks of the system.

The dexamethasone suppression test in mania.

The results of the overnight 2 mg Dexamethasone Suppression Test administered to 50 manic patients are reported. Twenty-three (46%) cases showed an absence of normal suppression, results which are similar to those seen in endogenous depression and which differ to those of others who have all reported normal suppression in mania. Suppressors and non-suppressors were not shown to differ in the factors of age, weight, polarity or the rated severity of mood.