The development and evaluation of a thermally-desorbable miniature passive dosimeter for the monitoring of organic vapors

A thermally desorbable passive dosimeter for organic vapors has been developed in conformity with theoretical and practical aspects of passive dosimeter design. The device was optimized for low sample loadings which result from short-term and/or low concentration level exposure. Laboratory evaluation of this device for factors critical to the performance of passive dosimeters included the following: desorption efficiency, capacity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision, concentration level, environmental conditions (e.g., air face velocity, relative humidity) and sample stability during short and long periods of time. This device has been shown to operate in accordance with theoretically predicted performance and should be adequate for short-term exposure limits and/or low concentration monitoring of organic vapors in the workplace.

Effect of diethyl maleate pretreatment on biliary excretion and choleretic action of sulfobromophthalein in rats

The effect of intraperitoneal administration of diethyl maleate on biliary excretion and choleretic action of sulfobromophthalein (BSP) was investigated in rats. Diethyl maleate was injected 60 min prior to the administration of the dye to avoid interferences with the organic anion transport system. The glutathione content of the liver was decreased by 75% following diethyl maleate treatment. Diethyl maleate had no influence on the biliary excretion of BSP after injection of its conjugate with glutathione, though there was a significant reduction after free BSP administration, with a lowered percentage of the conjugate in bile. The choleretic effect of the dye was not changed after conjugated BSP, but a marked cholestasis appeared following free BSP injection. These results confirm that diethyl maleate decreases the hepatic transport of BSP by reducing the conjugation of the dye and that free BSP induces an inhibitory effect on bile flow.

Short-term stimulation by adenosine of basal and insulin-induced glycogen synthesis in rat adipose tissue

The effects of adenosine on glycogen metabolism have been studied in isolated fat-pads from epididymal adipose tissue. Adenosine caused a sustained short-term increase in the incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into glycogen, as well as a stimulation of both basal and insulin-induced [1-14C]glucose oxidation. Adenosine produced changes also in the activity of glycogen synthase and phosphorylase, these effects being apparent only when glucose was present in the incubation medium. The addition of adenosine prevented the depressed synthesis of glycogen observed in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. In the presence of adenosine deaminase, the stimulation by insulin of glycogen synthesis was markedly decreased. The results suggest that adenosine may have a regulatory role on glycogen synthesis by facilitating the glucose transport.

Production of monoclonal antibodies to metacyclic trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

Monoclonal antibodies were produced and characterized to the metacyclic trypomastigotes stage of Trypanosoma cruzi. All the monoclonal antibodies (GR-12C/5; GR-P2B/5; GR-F2B/1; GR-J2C/6; GR-E6B/3; GR-A5B/5) also recognized antigens of epimastigotes of T. cruzi. These antigens are associated with the plasma membrane, flagellum, and an intracellular structure located by the nucleus. Immunoprecipitation using the monoclonal antibodies GR-J2C/6 and GR-E6B/3 followed by SDS-PAGE analysis has led to the following results: GR-J2C/6 precipitated two molecules with apparent molecular weights of 58 and 60 kD; the antigen recognized by GR-E6B/3 was a molecule with molecular weight of 68 kD. Only two of the monoclonal antibodies (GR-12C/5 and GR-P2B/5) recognized antigens of promastigotes of both Leishmania mexicana and L. infantum, and are associated with the plasma membrane.

Efficacy and safety of esmolol vs propranolol in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: a multicenter double-blind clinical trial

The efficacy and safety of intravenous esmolol infusion was compared to that of intravenous propranolol injection in patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) in a multicenter double-blind parallel study. A total of 127 patients were randomized to either the esmolol (n = 64) or propranolol (n = 63) group. Therapeutic response was achieved in 72% of esmolol and 69% of propranolol patients (p = NS). The average dose of esmolol in responders was 115 +/- 11 micrograms/kg/min. Therapeutic response was sustained in the 4-hour maintenance period in 67% of esmolol and 58% of propranolol patients (p = NS). Rate of conversion to normal sinus rhythm was similar in the two treatment groups. After discontinuation, rapid recovery from beta blockade (decrease in heart rate reduction) was observed in esmolol patients (within 10 minutes) compared to propranolol patients (no change in heart rate up to 4.3 hours). The principal adverse effect was hypotension, reported in 23 esmolol (asymptomatic in 19) and four propranolol (asymptomatic in three) patients. In the majority of esmolol patients, hypotension resolved quickly (within 30 minutes) after esmolol was discontinued. It was concluded that esmolol was comparable in efficacy and safety to propranolol in the treatment of patients with SVT. Unlike propranolol, because of the short half-life of esmolol, rapid control of beta blockade is possible with esmolol in clinical conditions when required.

Sexual rehabilitation of urologic cancer patients: a practical approach

Sexual rehabilitation is an important aspect of preserving a patient's quality of life after treatment for urogenital cancer. Sexual rehabilitation does not usually require a specialized program, but can be an integral part of cancer treatment. Members of the health care team can provide sexual information for the patient and partner, as well as assess the need for more intensive marital or sex therapy. This paper presents specific sexual issues related to prostate, bladder, testicular, and penile cancers.

Synthesis and structural study of N-substituted nortropane spirohydantoins

A series of N8-alkyloxycarbonylalkyl-nortropane-3-spiro-5'-hydantoins has been synthesized and studied by spectral and crystallographic methods. The crystal and molecular structure of one [8(gamma-ethoxycarbonyl)nortropane-3-spiro-5'-hydantoin, VI] was determined by X-ray diffraction. The preferred conformations of these compounds and subsequent changes on protonation were determined from 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR data.

Effect of biliverdin and bilirubin on the hepatic excretion of bile pigments in the rabbit

1. A study has been carried out on the effect of i.v. infusion of biliverdin and bilirubin at four different dose strengths in sodium pentobarbital-anaesthetized rabbits. 2. Both pigments show similar values for the maximum excretion rate in bile. 3. At doses of 0.45 and 0.60 mg/kg/min, the infusion of biliverdin does not affect bile flow in the resting state, contrary to the negative effect on flow induced by bilirubin. 4. This negative effect induced by bilirubin on bile flow is explained on the basis of its inhibitory action on the bile salt independent fraction (BSIF).

Entrapment of the median nerve after posterior dislocation of the elbow

The authors present two cases of complete median nerve paralysis due to entrapment after posterior dislocation of the elbow. Previous literature on the subject matter is reviewed, and management and therapeutic indication of these lesions are discussed.

Metabolic alkalosis secondary to baking soda treatment of a diaper rash

A 4-month-old infant was seen with hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis that was associated with prior application of liberal amounts of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to a diaper rash. After exclusion of other etiologies of the infant's acid-base disturbance, a complete resolution occurred following discontinuation of the baking soda applications. This case report provides a reminder of the significant side effects that may result from the excessive use of a seemingly harmless household substance.

Medicinal plants in Colombia

The botanical aspects of the plants of Colombia have been studied thoroughly since the 18th century. Nevertheless, although plants are used to a large extent in traditional medicine in Colombia, there has been little investigation into their properties. Some research has not been initiated. This work is supported by the existence of the National Herbarium in Bogotá, in which there are 180 000 specimens belonging to 10 000 different species.

Effects of ethnicity, sex, and age on MMPI profiles

Planned comparisons of Mexican-American and Anglo-American profiles were made to probe previous inconsistent findings regarding source of scale differences. While cultural and socioeconomic factors have been demonstrated to affect this inventory, variables of ethnicity, sex, and age and their interactions have not been thoroughly assessed, due to variations in methodology, populations, and sample sizes. The applicability of MMPI to the Mexican-American population was also questioned. Variables of ethnicity, sex, and age, allowed to vary and function as independent measures through multiple analyses of variance, proved to be potent sources of variance. Cultural factors seem related to elevations for the Mexican-Americans on the Lie and Frequency scales. Effects attributable to sex alone occurred on the Hypochondriasis, Masculinity-Femininity, and Mania scales. Elevations on the Hypochondriasis, Psychopathic Deviate, and Paranoia scales were linked to effects of age. Elevations for Mexican-American women on the Hypochondriasis and Paranoia scales were ascribed to the interaction of ethnicity and sex. An interaction of sex and age occurred on the Correction scale, with women elevating the scale as a function of aging.

Human sperm penetration into zona-free hamster oocytes as a test to evaluate the sperm fertilizing ability

Human sperm entry into zona-free hamster oocytes was used to test the fertile ability of spermatozoa from semen samples of men attending an Infertility Clinic. Sperm chromatin dispersion as seen under the phase-contrast microscope, was used as criterion for sperm entry. The ultrastructural study showed that the behaviour of the gamete membranes during fusion did not basically differ from that of normal fertilization. Eighty four samples were classed as normal (according to the spermiogram) but only 62 (74%) gave a positive test, as compared to only 30 (32%) positive test of 95 samples with abnormal spermiograms. Eight hundred and ten oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa from normal samples gave a 25% penetration, while 1046 oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa from abnormal samples gave a 7% penetration. The normality of hamster oocytes was demonstrated by contemporary insemination with human and hamster spermatozoa. While the percentages of human sperm penetration remained low, hamster sperm penetration was over 70%. The present bioassay is recommended as an additional parameter to the spermiograms for the study of male fertility.

Effect of Metabolic Control with Insulin on Plasma von Willebrand Factor Activity Growth Hormone, and Platelet Aggregation in Diabetes Mellitus

Elevated plasma von Willebrand factor activity (ristocetin method:VIIIR:WFj and high plasma growth hormone (GH) levels occur in diabetes mellitus. Hypersensitivity of plate lets to aggregating agents is also seen. We have therefore studied the effect of short-term diabetic control with insulin on plasma VIIIR:WF, GH, and platelet aggregation.

Tight metabolic control with insulin was instituted for two weeks in five insulin depend ent diabetic patients after a period of inadequate diabetic control. Overnight sleep studies were performed before and after the period of closely monitored insulin administration, and frequent determinations of plasma glucose, VIIIR:WF, and GH levels were done during sleep. Platelet aggregation thresholds to ADP, epinephrine, and arachid’lic acid were measured before and after tight control.

We found that: (1) elevated plasma VIIIR:WF levels in diabetics persist during overnigh sleep, but were not altered by wide swings in GH levels; (2) short-term careful diabetic control with insulin lowered plasma VIIIR:WF levels towards normal in the majority of subjects tested; and (3) increased sensitivity of platelets to aggregating agents appeared during tight insulin therapy in those subjects studied.

Decreased Platelet Vitamin C in Diabetes Mellitus; Possible Role in Peraggregatoon

To determine whether Vitamin C might relate to the increased platelet sensitivity in the diabetic, we have measured levels of platelet Vitamin C and studied the effects of Vitamin C on platelet aggregation. Ascorbic acid levels in washed platelets from diabetics were significantly lower than from normals (4s.2±3 μg/1010 platelets vs. 2s.s±2 μg/1010 platelets, p<.001). The effects of ascorbic acid on platelet aggregation in vitro were studied by adding ascorbic acid in buffered solution (pH 7.35) prior to-aggregating agents. Ascorbic acid in platelet-rich plasma consistently inhibited platelet aggregation with threshold concentrations of ADP, epinephrine, and collagen. With washed platelets, ascorbic acid inhibited arachidonic, acid-induced aggregation. When platelets were incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes with varying concentrations of ascorbic acid, rewashed, and aggregation with arachidonic acid tested, aggregation was inhibited in a linear dose-dependent fashion. Oral ingestion of ascorbic acid (2 gm/day) for seven days by normal non-smoking males produced a marked inhibition of aggregation. In a similar study, platelets from an insulin-dependent diabetic showed no change in aggregation. These results suggest that platelet levels of ascorbic acid may relate to the hyperaggregat ion of platelets from diabetics.

Prophylaxis of the laminectomy membrane. An experimental study in dogs

Sixty laminectomies were performed in dogs to investigate the prevention of the laminectomy membrane and its side effects. These operations were distributed in six groups of 10, one was a control group, and in the others the bone defect was protected with different materials (Oxicel, Silastic, Dacron, methyl methacrylate, and Kiel bone graft). After a survival of 2 months, suboccipital myelography was performed, immediately after which the animals were sacrificed and the operated spinal slice obtained. The different radiographic densities of the tissues of each slice were calculated and the diverse histological nature identified by hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Masson's trichrome, and Gomori's reticulin strains. Only the acrylic plastic and the Kiel bone graft prevented expansion of the scar tissue inside the spinal canal and adhesions between the dura and the cicatrical overlying muscles. Therefore, the authors suggest that a solid barrier is necessary to effectively prevent the so-called "laminectomy membrane."

"Idiopathic" Bence-Jones proteinuria

During a prospective screening for proteinuria in diabetic patients, isolated Bence-Jones proteinuria was detected in 2 cases. The first patient, a 52-year-old black female, was seen for evaluation of a slow but progressive weight loss which was attributed to poor adjustment of insulin therapy. The patient gained weight after an increase of the daily insulin administration. She had plasmocytosis in a bone marrow aspirate, but no other evidence of myelomatosis. The second patient, a 59-year-old black male who was seen for routine evaluation of his diabetes, had no clinical or laboratory evidence of myelomatosis. Although precise definition of these cases as "benign" or "idiopathic" Bence-Jones proteinuria is impossible without prolonged follow-up, at the time of presentation they appeared to fit this classification. This observation is one further example that isolated Bence-Jones proteinuria may be seen without any evidence of malignant B-cell dyscrasia.

A lymphoproliferative disease in Japanese Quail

A naturally occurring lymphoproliferative disease was found in 3 flocks of Japanese quail in Mexico. The tumorlike lesions were detected mainly in livers and spleens. Histopathology revealed a pleomorphic lymphoproliferative infiltration with dark-staining large cells, lymphocytes of different sizes, and reticulumlike cells. Marek's disease (MD) herpesvirus was not isolated from 74 quail tested, nor were antibodies to MD detected in 84 sera. Antibodies to reticuloendotheliosis (3/24) and avain leukosis virus subgroup A (2/24) were present. The possible etiology of this disease is discussed.

An angiographic study of meningiomas of the posterior fossa

✓ The meningeal vasculature of the posterior cranial fossa was studied on injected normal anatomical specimens and in angiograms of patients with posterior fossa meningiomas. The correlated results indicate that the dura anterior to the foramen magnum is supplied by meningeal vessels from the carotid siphon, the ascending pharyngeal and middle meningeal arteries. The dura posterior to the foramen magnum is supplied primarily by the occipital artery and secondarily by the vertebral artery.