Studies in gnotobiotic piglets on non-O157:H7 Escherichia coli serotypes isolated from patients with hemorrhagic colitis

A number of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from sporadic cases of hemorrhagic colitis in the United States over the last 5 yr were shown to belong to serogroups other than O157:H7-the serotype originally implicated in this disease. Experimental infection of gnotobiotic piglets with five such strains (0111:NM, 0145:NM, 045:H2, 04:NM, and Ound:NM) caused diarrhea resulting from mucosal lesions in the cecum and colon that were indistinguishable from those previously described in piglets infected with E. coli O157:H7. This suggests that, as with other categories of pathogenic E. coli, several serotypes cause hemorrhagic colitis in humans. The five E. coli strains that were compared with one O157:H7 strain and with an enteropathogenic calf strain (serotype 05:NM) caused a spectrum of disease ranging from moderate diarrhea (O157:H7) to severe illness (including septicemia and death) (0111:NM). Characteristic lesions, which were identical for all seven pathogenic strains, included bacterial attachment, effacement of the microvillus border, and dissolution of the cell membranes of surface and glandular epithelium, resulting in complete cell destruction. Some piglets exhibited neurologic signs of convulsions and ataxia. It is concluded that a number of E. coli serotypes, in addition to O157:H7, fulfill the present limited criteria for enterohemorrhagic E. coli, which include association with hemorrhagic colitis, production of one or more verotoxins, possession of a large plasmid (50-70 megadaltons), and induction of distinct mucosal lesions in the large bowel of gnotobiotic piglets.

Aerosol particle analyzer

A new multiangle light scattering instrument is described for the classification of single aerosol particles in a flowing gas stream. Simultaneous measurement at sixteen scattering angles over the surface of a spherical chamber permits determination of a variety of optical observables useful for the subsequent characterization of each measured particle. Particles of 0.2 - 4.0-microm diameter have been measured and data collected at rates exceeding 200 particles/s. Data from polystyrene latex particles, liquid droplets, and irregular particles are shown. Spherical particle data are compared to theoretical calculations and used to confirm the validity of the measurement as well as a powerful calibration procedure.

Comparison of the Matthews Youth Test for Health and the Hunter-Wolf A-B Rating Scale: Measures of Type A behavior in children

This study evaluated the extent to which two youth measures of Type A behavior--the Matthews Youth Test for Health (MYTH) and the Hunter-Wolf A-B Rating Scale--similarly assess the Type A construct. Data from 25 elementary teachers and from 300 of their students revealed that these scales are weakly correlated and that the concordance of their Type A-Type B classifications was only slightly above that expected by chance. Weak agreement was found even when teachers and students rated the same Type A behaviors, which suggests that variability in content was not the principal reason for the lack of agreement between these measures. The major implication of this study is that the MYTH and the Hunter-Wolf scale should not be considered interchangeable measures of Type A behavior. The study reveals that investigators' choice of a Type A measure may strongly affect the nature of their research findings and may inhibit the integration of their data with data from other investigators who employ different measures of the Type A construct. It is recommended that, if multiple measures cannot be used in a study, the investigator employ the MYTH.

A controlled study of transitional day care for non-chronically-ill patients

The authors randomly assigned 79 inpatients with nonchronic schizophrenia or affective disorder to either an intensive experimental day program called "transitional treatment" or a control treatment--weekly clinically believed to require intensive posthospital treatment to make the transition to the community. Although initially there was a significantly higher dropout rate from the control condition, at the point of discharge from the two programs as well as at 6- and 12-month follow-up there was no difference in outcome. Direct costs for the transitional treatment, however, were much higher.

Left hemisphere intracerebral hemorrhages studied by ( (F-18)-fluorodeoxyglucose PET

We used PET to study patients with intracerebral hemorrhages in the left hemisphere. Three anatomic and physiologic patterns were observed. Patients 1 and 2 had midputamen hemorrhages with diffuse left less than right hemispheric metabolic asymmetry most prominent in temporal and parietal regions. Patients 3 and 4 had posterior putamen-insula-temporal hemorrhages with left less than right metabolic asymmetry in temporoparietal cortex and thalamus. Patients 5, 6, and 7 had smaller posterior hemorrhages. Left cortical metabolism was little affected in these three cases. Persistent aphasia was associated with severe metabolic left less than right asymmetry in posterior middle temporal regions.

A Combined Videotex/Videodisc System for Tourist Information

Videotex and videodisc are two relatively new media for electronic publishing. Although the current state of technology can deal with information in different forms, no one information system can handle all vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information at the same time. The convergence of the existing technologies may provide a new environment for electronic publishing and trigger a new range of applications in this area. The Brighton videotex/videodisc project has undertaken a pilot study into a combined videotex/videodisc system in which a videodisc player is controlled by a videotex terminal so that control information on videotex pages can select still frames, or sequences of frames, on the videodisc. The system has been developed in co-operation with the English Tourist Board. It is intended to mount a public trial of the system in the near future. This paper presents a description of the combined videotex/videodisc system. The user facilities are described in detail and there is a brief discussion of the technical issues involved in the implementation.

Alloviroidin, the naturally occurring toxic isomer of the cyclopeptide viroidin

A novel toxic cyclopeptide from Amanita suballiacea (Murr.) mushrooms that possesses structural features similar to viroidin is described. This peptide, alloviroidin, is identical with viroidin in mass, affinity for actin, and all amino acids except for one. The single discernible difference between the two peptides exists in the configuration at carbon 4 of the 4,5-dihydroxyleucine residues, as shown by a combination of chemical modification and magnetic resonance experiments. The configuration of this residue in viroidin is similar to that of phalloidin and is 2S,4R, while that in alloviroidin is established to be 2S,4S. This peptide is thus unique in its hydroxylation pattern among both the virotoxins and phallotoxins and may be an intermediate for more highly hydroxylated virotoxins, such as viroisin.

A new spontaneous mutation at the tufted locus within a mouse t haplotype

We report here the occurrence of a new spontaneous mutation at the tufted locus present within the crossover-suppressed region of the completethaplotypefwLub1This new tufted allele shows complete expressivity of the tufted phenotype without any apparent effect on viability or reproduction. The presence of a tufted mutation within athaplotype that is cytologically marked by a Robertsonian translocation is particularly useful in genetic experiments aimed at understanding the structure and function ofthaplotypes.

Fatal intracranial hemorrhage associated with phenylpropanolamine, pentazocine, and tripelennamine overdose

Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident is an uncommon but serious complication of drug overdose. A case of fatal intracranial hemorrhage following overdose with phenylpropanolamine, pentazocine, and tripelennamine is presented. The pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of poisoning by these agents are discussed.

The nurse as a survivor: delayed post-traumatic stress reaction and cumulative trauma in nursing

As opposed to studies on the immediate psychological impact of traumatic nursing experiences, little attention has been directed to the persistence of certain long-standing hidden symptoms of trauma in some nurses. Since psychological reactions to trauma are claimed to be similar, irrespective of the source of trauma, it is postulated that findings from recent studies on delayed post-traumatic stress reaction in Vietnam veterans, victims of natural disaster, and survivors of the holocaust, delineate symptoms which are also found in stress-prone nurses utilizing maladaptive coping strategies in response to hospital-related traumatic episodes. While some observations are conjectural and speculative, an integrated review is presented of areas of research hitherto unrelated, which serves to deepen our understanding of trauma and its impact upon the mental health of nurses.

Brain mitochondrial metabolism in experimental thiamine deficiency

Thiamine deficiency causes Wernicke's encephalopathy, although the precise mechanism is unknown. We used a low-thiamine diet in conjunction with a thiamine analog, pyrithiamine, as a model of severe thiamine deficiency in rats. We investigated the function of intact, coupled mitochondria isolated from both brain and liver. State 4 respiration did not change in the thiamine-deficient animals. Brain state 3 rates fell in thiamine-deficient animals when pyruvate/malate, alpha-ketoglutarate, or glutamate were used as substrate. Liver state 3 rates were depressed only when pyruvate/malate was substrate. Activities of brain and liver pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex were depressed in the thiamine-deficient group. We conclude that the mitochondrial abnormalities resulting from thiamine deficiency are secondary to depression of thiamine-mediated enzyme activity, rather than from a putative role of thiamine in chemiosmotic coupling, and that the resulting abnormalities in ATP synthesis and perhaps in glutamate catabolism result in the irreversible neurologic defect seen in this disease.

Amphetamine: differential effects on defensive flight and motor behavior in the rat

As in previous research, hooded rats treated with an acute high dose of d-amphetamine sulfate (5 mg/kg free base) showed a dramatic defensive flight reaction to a novel stimulus (mechanical robot) that did not elicit flight from saline controls. Both the defense response and stereotypy behavior (repetitive movements and oral, licking chewing) were assessed at eight time periods after injection: 1, 15, 30, 45, 75, 105, 135, and 165 min. The defense response peaked early (15-30 min) after injection and showed a significant decline by 75 min, with no reemergence as stereotypy subsided. Stereotypy peaked later (45 min) and did not decline until 105 min. Tests in the absence of the robot provided a control for motor effects of the drug. Whereas stereotypy occurred in both Robot and No Robot conditions, the defense response occurred only in the Robot condition. These results were thought to provide further evidence that the effects of amphetamine on defensive flight could not be attributed to purely motor reactions. Thus, amphetamine-induced defensive flight may be an appropriate pharmacological model of affective psychosis. As such, it may be helpful in establishing differential pharmacological profiles for affective versus motor potencies of potential antipsychotic compounds.

The 5-O-beta-D-galactofuranosyl-containing glycopeptide from Penicillium charlesii. Identification of phosphocholine attached to C-6 of mannopyranosyl residues of the mannan region

Peptidophosphogalactomannan from Penicillium charlesii contains ethanolamine, presumably linked via phosphodiester to galactomannan (Rick, P. D., Drewes, L. R., and Gander, J. E., (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 2072-2078). These investigations have been extended using 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopy to show that peptidophosphogalactomannan also contains choline and that both ethanolamine and choline are linked through phosphodiester linkages to C-8 of mannosyl residues of the mannan region of peptidophosphogalactomannan. Approximately one-half of the bases derived from ethanolamine, and which are attached to the mannan as phosphodiesters, are released as choline upon treatment with dilute alkali. It was shown that 13C from L-[methyl-13C]methionine is incorporated into methyl groups of mannosyl-6-phosphocholine in vivo. There were no 13C NMR signals from the methyl carbons of either 2-methylaminoethanol (33.3 ppm) or 2-dimethylaminoethanol (45.9 ppm) observed in these experiments even though the major signal was from the methyl carbons of choline (56.9 ppm).

Comparison of radioimmunoassay and the gel filtration technique for routine diagnosis of rubella during pregnancy

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for rubella-specific IgM antibodies was compared with haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) in conjunction with gel filtration for the diagnosis of rubella infection in pregnant women during a 1-year period. In total 476 women were investigated of whom 221 were tested for rubella IgM. Both techniques gave positive results with 64 sera, and RIA alone with one additional serum. Difficulties associated with the removal of non-specific HI activity were encountered with four sera all of which were negative by RIA. RIA was found to have practical advantages over the gel filtration method but is at present technically more difficult to perform.

Separation of mitochondria from contaminating subcellular structures utilizing silica sol gradient centrifugation

Discontinuous Percoll density gradients have been developed for the purification of mitochondria, permitting rapid separation under isosmotic and low viscosity conditions. Mitochondria from several etiolated tissues have been successfully separated from contaminating subcellular structures by this method. For potato tuber the ratio of washed to purified mitochondrial protein was 2.6, similar to the increase in specific activity of cytochrome c oxidase following separation. The purification of mitochondria from green leaf tissues on Percoll gradients has reduced chlorophyll contamination of spinach mitochondria from about 70 micrograms chlorophyll per milligram protein to approximately 8 micrograms chlorophyll per milligram protein.The ratio of protein content of the washed mitochondria compared to that in the purified preparation was 7 for spinach and respiratory activity was retained. The physiological integrity and oxidative properties of washed and gradient mitochondria are compared.

Subcellular localisation and identification of superoxide dismutase in the leaves of higher plants

1. The subcellular location of superoxide dismutase in the leaves of spinach and other C3 plants has been investigated. 2. Most activity appeared to be located within chloroplasts. These organelles contain a cyanide-sensitive (copper-zinc) superoxide dismutase, most of which is located in the stroma although some is bound to the thylakoids. 3. Intact chloroplast fractions also contain a cyanide-insensitive (manganese) superoxide dismutase, but this activity is located on the outside of the chloroplasts and may be adsorbed onto them during isolation. 4. Leaf mitochondrial fractions contain only a small percentage of total leaf superoxide dismutase activity, but there is more than can be accounted for by contamination with chloroplasts. 5. Mitochondria contain both a cyanide-sensitive dismutase, apparently located in the intermembrane space, and a cyanide-insensitive activity, apparently located in the matrix. 6. The microsomal fraction contains no superoxide dismutase activity.

The use of high speed gel filtration for the detection of rubella-specific IgM

Three new gels, Ultrogels AcA 22, AcA 34 and AcA 44 have been compared with Sephadex G-200 for the detection of rubella-specific IgM. Ultrogel AcA 44 did not achieve an adequate separation of IgM and IgG. Ultrogels AcA 22 and AcA 34 gave clear separation of IgM and IgG but only the latter could be operated at flow rates significantly higher than Sephadex G-200. With rubella convalescent sera fractionation with Ultrogel AcA 34 leads to a 2-4-fold loss of sensitivity for the detection of the first peak of rubella HI activity which is associated with recent infection. This is largely due to the occurrence of specific IgA antibody in the first peak of rubella HI activity after Sephadex G-200 fractionation but not after Ultrogel AcA 34 fractionation.

Depression of the platelet count after inoculation of mice with L1210 or L5178Y cells

The inoculation of L1210 or L5178Y leukaemia cells decreased the platelet count of the recipient mouse before extensive infiltration of marrow was expected by either tumour line. The decrease was more pronounced after intravenous inoculation of L1210 leukaemia than after intraperitoneal inoculation. Inoculation of L5178Y cells by both routes caused an initial decrease but the count recovered to 80% of normal before becoming markedly depressed prior to death of the host. Implantation of diffusion chambers containing L1210 cells also decreased the platelet count, which later returned to normal.

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma. Angiographic appearance and apparent prednisone responsiveness

A 6-month-old girl was seen because of multiple cutaneous hemangiomas, hepatomegaly, and failure to thrive. A liver scan with technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid showed two filling defects in the left lobe. Diffuse nodular hepatic lesions characteristic of hemangioendotheliomas were disclosed by celiac angiography and confirmed by biopsy. Congestive heart failure, present in many infants with this syndrome, was not manifest. Prednisone was administered, 2 mg/kg, on alternate days. Liver size and cutaneous hamangiomas promptly regressed in size and "catch up" linear growth occurred during six months of treatment. Congestive heart failure did not develop. Sixteen months after treatment, liver size and a second hepatic scan were normal.

Prophylactic ampicillin therapy for vaginal hysterectomy

Ampicillin was given to a group of 41 patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with and without vaginal repairs. This group was compared with 106 patients who received no antibiotic therapy. Retrospective analysis revealed both groups were the same when compared for race, parity, socioeconomic status, blood loss, operator experience and phase of the menstrual cycle. There was significantly less morbidity, infection and serious infections in the antibiotic-treated group than in the control group. In addition, significantly fewer complications of any type, fewer courses of therapeutic antibiotics and fewer readmissions for postoperative complications were noted in the group receiving prophylactic antibiotics. It is suggested that any patient undergoing a procedure which invades the peritoneal cavity by operating through the vagina should be placed on prophylactic antibiotics.

Suppurative Diseases of the Lung: Report on a Series of Bronchoscopic Observations

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