Spatial distribution of human neocortical neurons and glial cells according to sex and age measured by the saucer method.

A new stereological probe, the saucer, was used for estimating three-dimensional (3D) spatial distributions of particles around particles. The advantages of the saucer include that the measurements and the results are in 3D and the size and design of the probe enables the investigator to sample a proportion of a suitable size to have a reasonable relationship between workload and the information obtained. In this paper the method is used on vertical sections to investigate the spatial distribution of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglial cells, endothelial cells and secondary neurons around primary neurons in the human neocortex (divided into frontal-, temporal-, parietal- and occipital cortex) of young and old subjects free of neurological or psychological disease to test if age and gender has any influence on the cell distribution in human neocortex. Plots of the spatial distribution of the densities of all cell types did not show any difference between women and men and no difference between brains of young and old subjects. Thus it is concluded that in this small study the spatial distribution of the densities of the different types of cells in brains from individuals free of neurological disorders was independent of age and gender.

Efficacy and safety of prolonged thromboprophylaxis with a low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin) after total hip arthroplasty--the Danish Prolonged Prophylaxis (DaPP) Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of prolonged (35 days) thromboprophylaxis with a standard length (7 days) regimen of a low molecular weight heparin in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The study was multicentre, randomised, double-blind, and prospective with two groups. Following seven days on a standard length regimen of dalteparin (5000 antifactor Xa units subcutaneously once daily starting 12 h before surgery), patients were randomized to continue the prophylaxis with either subcutaneous injections of dalteparin or placebo injections for a further 28 days. Efficacy was evaluated at the end of the study (day 35) in all patients with bilateral ascending phlebography to detect deep vein thrombosis. Bleeding complications and other adverse events were registered throughout the study period. Three hundred consecutive patients agreed to participate before the operation: 281 were finally randomised and 215 completed the study; two patients died before randomisation; 17 developed deep vein thrombosis; none developed pulmonary embolism; and five of 113 patients (4.4%, 95% CI 1-10%) developed deep vein thrombosis in the dalteparin group, compared with 12 of 102 (11.8%; 95% CI 6-20%) in the placebo group (p=0.039). Deep vein thrombosis in the proximal veins was diagnosed in one patient (0.9%; 95% CI 0-5%) in the dalteparin group, and in five (5.0%; 95% CI 2-11%) in the placebo group (p=0.076). Major bleeding was observed in one patient in the placebo group; minor bleeding complications and adverse events were equally distributed between the groups. We concluded that prolonged (35 days) thrombo prophylaxis with dalteparin is more effective than a standard length (7 days) regimen without increased risk of bleeding complications or other adverse events.

[Transport time and early treatment--important factors in knife injuries]. / Transporttid og tidlig behandling som faktorer ved knivdrab.

A forensic material of 71 victims killed by knife has been reviewed. The investigation covers all such cases in the eastern part of Denmark in the period from 1970 to 1984. Each case has been analysed based on timetables in the police reports, information from medical case reports, the results of the forensic autopsy and local conditions such as distance of ambulance transportation and the facilities in the hospital to which the victim was brought. Fifteen cases with a possible other exitus than death are finally discussed. It is concluded that the ambulance service with its "scoop and run" technique and the preparedness of hospitals receiving patients of this type are satisfactory. However, treatment of some of the victims with isolated lesions of the lung indicates that a more aggressive attitude to these lesions might have improved the possibility of survival.

[Skateboard and rollerskate accidents]. / Rullebraet- og rulleskøjteuheld.

The increasing popularity of skateboards and rollerskates has resulted in an increased number of contacts with the casualty department in Denmark after accidents. As part of the Danish share in the EHLASS project (European Home and Leisure Surveillance System), 120,000 consecutive contacts with the casualty departments were reviewed. Out of these 516 were due to accidents with skateboards and rollerskates (181/335). A total of 194 of these injuries (38%) were fractures and 80% of these were in the upper limbs. Twenty fractures required reposition under general anaesthesia and two required osteosynthesis. Nine patients were admitted for observation for concussion. One patient had sustained rupture of the spleen and splenectomy was necessary. A total of 44 patients were admitted. None of the 516 patients had employed protective equipment on the injured region. Considerable reduction in the number of injuries could probably be produced by employment of suitable protective equipment.

[Knee replacement with a St. Georg prosthesis]. / Knaealloplastik med St. Georg protesen.

Fifty-six St. Georg prostheses (23 unicompartmental and 33 bicompartmental) were introduced and 34 of these patients were followed-up with a mean period of observation of 4.6 years (2.1-8.9). The results were assessed according to the New York Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale. Out of the unicompartmental replacements, 15 out of 19 obtained excellent or good results in contrast to 14 out of the 28 bicompartmental replacements. The St. Georg prostheses may be recommended for treatment of unicompartmental arthrosis. This review suggest that bicompartmental St. Georg prostheses provide unsatisfactory results compared with the results obtained with total condyle prostheses.