Binucleation and polyploidization patterns in developmental and regenerative rat liver growth.

The hepatocellular binucleation rate, measured as the percentage of binuclear cells amongst newly formed bromodeoxyuridine-labelled and immunostained collagenase-isolated rat hepatocytes, decreased from 12% to 4% between days 30 and 40 after birth, rose to 20% between days 50 and 60, and then declined again to the adult rate of about 10% at day 80. During regenerative growth following a two-thirds partial hepatectomy, the rate of binucleation declined to about 3%, causing the fraction of binuclear cells to fall from 27% (before hepactectomy) to 5% (at 45 h after hepactectomy) as pre-existing binuclear cells replicated and formed mononuclear daughter cells. Essentially all (97%) hepatocytes replicated at least once, starting their DNA synthesis at around 13 h and reaching a peak at 30 h, irrespective of ploidy and nuclearity. At later time points, the diploid hepatocytes had a higher labelling index than the polyploid cells, suggesting a greater tendency to go through several cell cycles.

Determination of glucose in dried filter paper blood spots.

A method for glucose determination in blood sampled by the patients outside hospital, is described and evaluated. Glucose in capillary blood spotted on filter paper (Schleicher& Schüll No. 2992), dried and stored at room conditions, is stable for at least 7 days. 6.5 mm discs, containing 10.3 microliter capillary blood are punched out from the spots and eluted in percloric acid. The glucose concentration in the eluate is determined by the glucose dehydrogenase method. Using duplicates, CV within assay is 3.6% between assay 4.2%. Mean recovery is 98.3%, SD 9.6%. Correlation to ordinary whole blood glucose dehydrogenase method is good, r = 0.984 (n = 244). The influence of blood spot variation, punching procedure, paper humidity and haematocrit has been examined. Results are compared to those of others, and advantages of the method are discussed.

[The pain takes hold of life. A qualitative study of how patients with chronic back pain experience and cope with their life situation]. / Smertene styrer livet. En kvalitativ studie om hvordan pasienter med kronisk ryggsmerte opplever og håndterer sin livssituasjon.

Living with daily pain during a long period of time is a considerable strain which affects many aspects of life. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and coping strategies of patients with chronic low back pain. A strategic sample of 22 patients with chronic low back pain were interviewed according to a semistructured qualitative method: 14 women and eight men, with a mean age of 46 and a mean duration of illness of 15 years. 18 had been treated with low back surgery. All patients had pain every day. 19 were never without pain. They reported disturbed sleep, irritable mood and depression; 15 had thought of suicide. They felt constantly worn out. The pain influenced their everyday life and their total situation. The lives of patients with intermittent daily pain were less affected. The patients were asked what advice they would give to others in a similar situation. Their main point was not to give up, to focus less on the pain and the limitations and more on everything that could bring dedication and joy to everyday life.

[Being believed is what counts. A qualitative study of experiences with the health service among patients with chronic back pain]. / A bli trodd er det viktigste. En kvalitativ studie av erfaringer med helsevesenet blant pasienter med kroniske ryggsmerter.

The article presents a qualitative study of patient experiences with the health service and their general practitioners. 22 patients with daily pain were interviewed. They represent a strategic sample of patients with chronic low back pain, but without paresis. Their statements were not as critical as those voiced in the public debate. 18 patients had a continuing patient-doctor relationship. They were all satisfied with their doctor. A need for more information and a better understanding of the patient was present in all interviews. Many of the patients stressed the importance of feeling that the doctor honestly understood their problems. In addition to practical help, the patients also wanted the opportunity to talk to the doctor about their difficult life situation, however without actually expecting that much could be done about it. The most important aspect was to be able to talk about their life situation with a competent person. Kindliness and thoughtful consideration from the doctor meant a lot to the patients in what they experienced as a very difficult life situation.