Itch features considerable interindividual variability in humans, and initial studies using animal models have demonstrated a likely role of genetic factors in mediating such variability. In an attempt to systematically study genetic mediation of itch in the mouse such that gene identification by linkage mapping might be achieved, we examined scratching behavior induced by histamine and chloroquine in mice of 11 inbred mouse strains. Multiple chloroquine drug doses were used, revealing the existence of inverted-U dose-response relationships in every strain, allowing us to determine strain-dependent peak scratching behavior over the entire dose range. Peak chloroquine-induced scratching varied by 2.5-fold in this set of strains; scratching behavior shows moderate heritability in the mouse. The present data also reveal, for the first time, significant sex differences in pruritogen-induced scratching behavior, with female mice scratching an average of 23% more than males. Finally, a comparison of the strain means obtained here with previously collected data using nociceptive assays revealed a suggestive negative genetic correlation between chloroquine-induced itch and thermal pain, such that strains sensitive to pain are resistant to itch and vice versa. This finding may have implications both for our understanding of itch pathophysiology and for the identification of itch-related genes.

The bilobed flap has many uses in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. We describe its use in achieving skin cover following excision of mucous cysts in six digits in six patients, with a minimum follow up of 1 year. There were no postoperative complications. No cyst has recurred and cosmesis has been excellent in all cases.

Purpose: To examine and describe physiotherapy models of service delivery, staffing, and caseloads in Level I trauma centres across Canada. Methods: A telephone questionnaire was administered to one experienced trauma physiotherapist at each of the 19 Level I trauma centres in Canada. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively for national trends. Results: Data were collected from all 19 centres (100%), 89% of which provided physiotherapy services 5 days per week with priority weekend coverage. Physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) were employed by 89% of centres and were used across the continuum of care. Centres with PTAs appear to be more likely to provide patients with additional daily treatment. Departmental organizational structures were the most common (41%) and were associated with higher caseloads. Higher caseloads also appear to be linked with having less than 10 years of experience as a physiotherapist. Conclusions: Variations exist between centres with respect to the delivery of physiotherapy services. These variations may result from differences in province-specific legislation, differences in funding structure, and the lack of evidence-informed guidelines. Future research is needed to establish optimal models of physiotherapy services that are cost-effective and provide best patient care.Key Words: trauma center; physical therapy department, hospital; personnel staffing and scheduling. RÉ SUMÉObjectif : É tudier et dé crire les modè les de prestation de services, de dotation et de charge de travail de la physiothé rapie dans les centres de traumatologie de niveau 1 au Canada. Mé thodologie : Un questionnaire té lé phonique a é té envoyé à un physiothé rapeute d'expé rience de chacun des 19 centres de traumatologie de niveau 1 au Canada. Des donné es quantitatives ont fait l'objet d'une analyse descriptive afin de dé gager des tendances nationales. Ré sultats : Des donné es ont é té recueillies dans les 19 centres (100 %). De ce nombre, 89 % assuraient des services de physiothé rapie cinq jours par semaine, avec couverture prioritaire les fins de semaine. Des assistants-physiothé rapeutes (APT) sont employé s dans 89 % des centres et sont mis à contribution dans tout le continuum de soins. Ces centres qui disposent d'APT semblaient davantage en mesure de prodiguer aux patients des soins quotidiens supplé mentaires. Les structures organisationnelles de type dé partemental sont les plus habituelles (41 %) et ont é té associé es à des charges de travail plus é levé es. Une charge de travail plus é levé e semble é galement ê tre lié e à une expé rience professionnelle de moins de 10 ans comme physiothé rapeute. Conclusions : La prestation de services de physiothé rapie varie selon les centres. Ces variations peuvent s'expliquer par des diffé rences dans les lois propres à chaque province, par la structure de financement de ces centres, ainsi que par le manque de guides de pratique fondé s sur les faits probants. De futures é tudes seront né cessaires pour é tablir des modè les optimaux de services de phys...

Rat and human natural killers (rtNK and huNK, respectively) were compared in quantitative antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays for their capacity to recognize mouse and rat IgG monoclonal antibodies (MAb) of different subclasses. NK from these two species exhibit considerably different patterns of IgG subclass recognition as determined by the relative antibody concentrations required for comparable levels of target cells lysis. ADCC assays with a panel of 16 MAb revealed that the efficiency of rtNK-mediated target lysis diminished according to IgG subclass in the following order: molgG1 greater than rtlgG2a greater than molgG2b approximately molgG2a greater than rtlgG2b greater than molgG3. By comparison, huNK recognized the same antibodies with nearly the opposite order of efficiency: rtlgG2b much greater than molgG2a greater than molgG3 greater than molgG2b much greater than rtlgG2a approximately molgG1. Only molgG2a antibodies were equally potent with rtNK and huNK. The contrasting difference in IgG subclass recognition by rat and human NK reflects the comparatively low protein sequence homology between their respective IgG Fc receptors (Fc gamma R).