Does visual fatigue from 3D displays affect autonomic regulation and heart rhythm?

Most investigations into the negative effects of viewing stereoscopic 3D content on human health have addressed 3D visual fatigue and visually induced motion sickness (VIMS). Very few, however, have looked into changes in autonomic balance and heart rhythm, which are homeostatic factors that ought to be taken into consideration when assessing the overall impact of 3D video viewing on human health. In this study, 30 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one group watching a 2D video, (2D-group) and the other watching a 3D video (3D-group). The subjects in the 3D-group showed significantly increased heart rates (HR), indicating arousal, and an increased VLF/HF (Very Low Frequency/High Frequency) ratio (a measure of autonomic balance), compared to those in the 2D-group, indicating that autonomic balance was not stable in the 3D-group. Additionally, a more disordered heart rhythm pattern and increasing heart rate (as determined by the R-peak to R-peak (RR) interval) was observed among subjects in the 3D-group compared to subjects in the 2D-group, further indicating that 3D viewing induces lasting activation of the sympathetic nervous system and interrupts autonomic balance.

Urologic complications in over 1000 kidney transplants performed at the Saint Barnabas healthcare system

We report the complication rate based on one urologist's experience over a 9-year period including over 1000 ureteral reimplants performed at the time of kidney transplantation. Among 1083 ureteral reimplant operations, there was a 4.3% urologic complication rate, including a 2.7% ureteral stricture rate and a less than 1% rate each of urine leak ureteropelvic junction obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux and clot obstruction. The factors that lead to a low urologic complication rate are believed to be the use of short ureteral segment using the Lich (compared to the Politano-Leadbetter) technique and the routine use of indwelling stents. In addition, a consistency in results was attributed to one transplant urologist performing all ureteral reimplants and managing all urologic complications.

Nephrogenic adenomas occurring in a patient with simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant

We present a female patient who developed multiple nephrogenic adenomas of the bladder about 3 years after a simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant. The patient was initially treated with endoscopic resection but, due to recurrences, she later underwent a conversion of pancreatic drainage from the bladder to the small bowel and has since done well. We believe this to be the first such case reported in the literature.

The incidence of multifocal renal cell carcinoma in patients who are candidates for partial nephrectomy

PURPOSE

A prospective study was performed to determine the incidence of multifocal renal cell carcinoma in patients who are candidates for partial nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preoperative imaging studies and surgical specimens in 44 patients suitable for partial nephrectomy but undergoing radical nephrectomy were prospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 44 renal cell cancers 11 (25%) demonstrated pathological multifocality, while 10 of 11 multifocal tumors (91%) occurred in the face of a primary tumor 5 cm. or smaller. Tumor multifocality was independent of the size of the primary renal tumor but occurred with a slightly higher frequency in tumors of stage T3A or greater even if the primary tumor was small.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial nephrectomy in patients with unilateral renal cancer should be approached with caution and should not be performed simply because it is technically feasible.

PSA density (PSAD). Role in patient evaluation and management

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is the most accurate serum marker for cancer of the prostate. However, sensitivity and specificity are suboptimal, especially at the intermediate levels between 4.1 and 10.0 ng/ml (monoclonal). For intermediate PSA levels, prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) provides unique information regarding the need for biopsy and the likelihood of prostate cancer. This article summarizes the utility of PSAD in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.

Early differentiation of the gonads in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

The time course for gonadal development in gray short-tailed opossums was examined in this study. It was found that the gonads were not differentiated on day 1 of postnatal life (the day of birth). While testis development was seen by postnatal day 4, ovarian development did not occur until after postnatal day 16. In both sexes, primordial germ cells were not identified until after postnatal day 1. These findings are discussed with respect to gonadal differentiation in other marsupial species.

Effects of ethephon on aging and photosynthetic activity in isolated chloroplasts

Chloroplasts, isolated from the primary leaves of 7-day-old seedlings, were incubated in vitro at 25 degrees C with 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) under light (0.16 milliwatts per square centimeter) and dark conditions. Ethephon at 1 micromolar (0.1445 ppm), 0.1 and 1 millimolar, or 5 microliters ethylene promoted the deterioration of chloroplasts, increased proteolysis, and reduced the chlorophyll content and PSI and PSII during 72 hours under both light and dark conditions. The decline in PSI and PSII occurred prior to a measurable loss of chlorophyll. The loss of photosynthetic activity affected by ethephon was initiated prior to 12 hours of incubation. After 24 hours in light, 0.1 millimolar (1.445 ppm) epthephon significantly reduced PSI and PSII and promoted the total free amino acid liberation in isolated chloroplasts. In darkness the rate of loss of PSI activity was about 50% of that in light. After 24 hours, in light at 1 millimolar epthephon, PSII activity was 55% of the control, yet nearly 90% of the chlorophyll remained, which indicates that the loss of thylakoid integrity was promoted by ethephon. Ethylene injected in the chloroplast medium at 5 microliters (0.22 micromolar per milliliter) reduced PSI by nearly 50% of the initial in 12 hours. In leaf sections floated in 5 microliters per milliliter suspension medium, a 36% loss of chlorophyll of the control in 36 hours was observed. Cycloheximide at 0.5 millimolar masked the effect of 1 millimolar ethephon and maintained the initial chlorophyll content during the 72 hour period.