Validation of a platinum bioelectrode model for preclinical electrical and biological performance evaluation.

High throughput testing of clinically representative Pt electrodes requires an inexpensive, efficient method of production. The aim of this study was to develop a facile platinum (Pt) model electrode (PME) and assess its production process, stability, and reproducibility. In this study a new model electrode was developed using representative substrates and dimensions as state-of-the-art electrode arrays used for neural stimulation. It was found that the PME is a highly reproducible robust system with similar electrochemical performance but with lower variability than other neural prosthetic arrays.Clinical Relevance- As an estimate these novel model electrodes cost 300 times less than a cochlear implant, can be manufactured in a tenth of the time and with a less than 10% failure rate. It is expected that model electrodes with low variability of electrical properties will significantly improve preclinical validation testing of electrochemical stimulation, surface modifications, and coatings.

Silent mastoiditis-tuberculous aetiology presenting as facial nerve palsy.

We report an unusual case of sudden onset lower motor neuron facial palsy in a 30-year-old male. It was subsequently diagnosed to be caused by silent mastoiditis of tuberculous aetiology. The diagnosis was based on the histology of granulations found during facial nerve decompression. The facial palsy resolved after initiating anti-tubercular therapy and surgical decompression. Our case is an uncommon case of acute onset infranuclear facial palsy due to tuberculosis, in the absence of any ear findings, resembling Bell's palsy.

Molecular cloning of MIS, a myeloid inhibitory siglec, that binds protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2.

We describe the molecular cloning and characterization of a novel myeloid inhibitory siglec, MIS, that belongs to the family of sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins. A full-length MIS cDNA was obtained from murine bone marrow cells. MIS is predicted to contain an extracellular region comprising three immunoglobulin-like domains (V-set amino-terminal domain followed by two C-set domains), a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail with two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-like sequences. The closest relative of MIS in the siglec family is human siglec 8. Extracellular regions of these two siglecs share 47% identity at the amino acid level. Southern blot analysis suggests the presence of one MIS gene. MIS is expressed in the spleen, liver, heart, kidney, lung and testis tissues. Several isoforms of MIS protein exist due to the alternative splicing. In a human promonocyte cell line, MIS was able to bind Src homology 2-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2. This binding was mediated by the membrane-proximal ITIM of MIS. Moreover, MIS exerted an inhibitory effect on FcgammaRI receptor-induced calcium mobilization. These data suggest that MIS can play an inhibitory role through its ITIM sequences.

A protocol for administration of electroconvulsive therapy in elderly patients with fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an important treatment for depressive illness in the elderly. METHOD: We describe a brief protocol, divided into three phases, for the administration of ECT to elderly patients with fractures. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we suggest that elderly patients with fractures should not be denied this potentially life saving treatment. Used with caution ECT is both safe and effective in patients with fractures. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2000; 4:101-104).

A study of the role of osteotomy in unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Osteotomy has been used in treatment of unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures in an attempt to increase the stability of the fracture fragments. We have assessed this stability in a randomised prospective study on 138 patients, all having been fixed by dynamic hip screen, comparing anatomical reduction with medialisation osteotomy. The groups were similar in terms of age, gender and fracture configuration. There was no difference in final results in both groups except that operation time was longer in osteotomy group and the blood loss was more. We found no clear benefit from osteotomy and therefore recommend anatomical reduction and fixation by a sliding hip screw in most cases. Rarely, a fracture configuration which does not allow anatomical reduction may benefit from an osteotomy.

Septilin and geriforte in allergic and vasomotor rhinitis.

Our study comprised 50 patients of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. Seventeen patients gave history of stress and strain hence they were given Geriforte in addition to Septilin. The results of therapy were judged on following criteria: i) Symptomatic improvement. ii) Appearance of nasal mucosa before and after the therapy. Thirty-nine patients (78%) were cured 100% as they had total relief from symptoms along with change of nasal mucosa from bluish to pink. Eight patients (16%) had about 75% improvement and 3 patients (6%) had only 50% improvement. These patients were advised to continue the therapy for a longer time (6-8 weeks). Of these, 4 patients showed further improvement. In our opinion, Septilin has proved very useful in cases of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. The patients who have history of stress and strain may also need Geriforte in addition to Septilin.

Monoclonal antibodies to human C4. I. Purification of hemolytically active C4 from small volumes of normal serum.

A C4-specific monoclonal antibody has been developed that allows the rapid purification of C4 from whole serum or plasma by affinity chromatography. 1- to 2-ml volumes of serum are loaded onto a small column of antibody-coupled agarose beads and washed through with buffer. C4 is eluted by adjusting the pH to 11.2. The purified C4 is free of extraneous proteins as detected by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and retains high activity as assessed by hemolytic assay and incorporation of [14C]-methylamine. Columns are reusable, and the entire procedure can be adapted for large-scale purifications.