Colorectal hemangioma: radiologic findings

The authors correlated radiographs with the clinical and histologic data of 12 patients with colorectal hemangioma. All patients presented with rectal bleeding, which was chronic in seven. Phleboliths were also visible in seven cases, which correlated with chronic bleeding in five. On barium studies, three masses were soft and three produced rigid narrowing. The atypical features of rigid luminal narrowing, which might mimic a carcinoma, and hypovascularity correlated with chronic bleeding or visible phleboliths, which suggest the correct diagnosis of colorectal hemangioma.     

Visual reaction time as a function of locus, area, and complexity of stimulus.

Reaction time (RT) of normal subjects to square-wave gratings of two different frequencies were related to locus of presentation, area, and stimulus complexity. Each frequency was presented to either side of the horizontal meridian (half size stimulus) or both sides stimultaneously (full size stimulus). The two different frequencies were also flashed simultaneously to both hemifields (compound stimulus). Stimulus position affected RT with the 1 c/deg stimulus, RT being faster for the lower hemifield. With presentation on both sides of the horizontal median simultaneously or of the two spatial frequencies, the resulting RT was equal to that of the faster component. Implications of the results for the functional organization of the visual system are discussed.     

Tactile perception of direction in relation to hemispheric locus of lesion

The performances of patients with lesions of the right or the left hemisphere on a task involving the perception of the direction of tactile stimulation applied to the palms of the hands were compared with each other and with those of patients without cerebral disease. The results confirmed earlier findings of bilateral impairment in this function in a noteworthy proportion of patients with lesions of the right hemisphere. Patients with lesions of the left hemisphere showed significant impairment only in the right hand. Within the left hemisphere group, aphasic and non-aphasic patients did not differ with respect to level or pattern of performance. The results are interpreted as supporting the conclusion that the right hemisphere plays a distinctively important role in mediating spatial perception in the tactile as well as in the visual and auditory modalities.     

Female body image following acquired brain injury

Primary objective: To investigate body image concerns and psycho-emotional health in females with acquired brain injury (ABI). Research design: Between subjects design. Methods and procedures: Thirteen females with ABI and thirteen matched controls were assessed on a number of variables relating to body image, self-esteem and affect. Main outcomes and results: Indicated that women with ABI had a different profile of body image dissatisfaction than controls and that in some areas it was significantly worse. The women with ABI had significantly lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression than controls and this related to body image. Conclusion: Significant changes in body image and self-concept are potentially damaging to quality of life post-injury and suggest a role for targeted therapeutic work with women with ABI.     

Safety and efficacy of resistance training in patients with chronic heart failure: research-based evidence

Although a rich body of research exists regarding the safety and efficacy of resistance training, health care providers continue to caution patients with heart failure not to engage in this type of exercise. Research studies utilizing resistance training demonstrate improvements in muscular strength and endurance, New York Heart Association functional class, and quality of life. Despite the hemodynamic changes which occur during resistance exercise, no negative outcomes have been reported. The purpose of this paper is to review the most current research regarding the use of resistance training with heart failure patients to provide assistance to clinicians and enable them to provide education and appropriate recommendations to their patients.