Studies on cerebral vasospasm

Studies of cerebral vasospasm were performed using two different experimental models. The duration and degree of constriction of the cat’s basilar artery produced by several different substances was examined. Topical applications of fresh whole venous blood, autogenous platelet-rich plasma and rupture of a branch of the basilar artery were used. There was a suggestion that platelet-rich plasma produced more long lasting spasm than the other spasmogenic methods, but in all other respects the constriction produced was similar. Intravenous administration of acetazolamide failed to prevent or reverse the vasospasm. In the second group of experiments, the effects of cisternal infusion of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1 ) on the cerebral circulation were studied in the dog. Measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were made with the 133Xe clearance technique, fluorescein angiograms were performed to assess cerebral circulation, and measurements of vessel diameter change were made from colour photographs of the exposed epicerebral vessels

Measuring oral sensitivity in clinical practice: A quick and reliable behavioural method.

This article aims to offer a behavioural assessment strategy for oral sensitivity that can be readily applied in the clinical setting. Four children, ranging in age and with a variety of developmental and medical problems, were used as test cases for a task analysis of tolerance to touch probes in and around the mouth. In all cases, the assessment was sensitive to weekly measures of an intervention for oral sensitivity over a 3-week period. Employing an inexpensive, direct, specific to the individual, replicable, reliable, and effective measure for a specific sensory problem would fit better with the edicts of evidence-based practice. The current method offered the initial evidence towards this goal