Low dietary intake of linoleic acid predisposes to myocardial infarction

Thirty-two men who had recently had a myocardial infarction were matched individually for age with controls who had no evidence of heart disease. The patients had a significantly lower proportion of linoleic acid and a higher proportion of palmitic acid in their plasma triglyceride fatty acids. Analysis of the composition of red-cell membrane phosphatidyl choline, which reflects long-term dietary fat intake, showed a significantly lower proportion of linoleic acid in the patients.These differences suggest that the type of dietary fat consumed might be an important factor in the genesis of ischaemic heart disease.

Endogenous depression improvement and REM pressure

In the treatment of endogenous depression by rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation, depression improvement, measured on Hamilton and Global scales, correlated positively and significantly (P less than .05) with REM pressure (increase of REM sleep stimulated by REM sleep deprivation). This dose-response relationship suggests that (1) REM pressure was an indicator of a process that mediated the antidepressant effects of REM sleep deprivation, and (2) since improvement varied with stimulation of REM sleep, an unknown stimulus of REM sleep is a naturally occurring, endogenous antidepressant.

A comparison of the effects of flurazepam 30 mg and triazolam 0.5 mg on the sleep of insomniacs

The effects of oral, bedtime triazolam 0.5 mg and flurazepam 30 mg, on the laboratory sleep of 12 insomniacs were compared in a double blind, crossover study. A 22 consecutive night schedule was used: Nts. 1--2 placebo; 3--6 first drug; 7--8 placebo; 9--14 no drugs; 15--16 placebo; 17--20 second drug; 21--22 placebo. In 6 Ss first drug was triazolam and second drug was flurazepam. In the other 6 Ss the drug order was reversed. Effects on sleep were assessed objectively by conventional EEG/EOG/EMG sleep recordings and subjectively by questionnaires administered each morning. Side or toxic effects were assessed by physical exams, clinical lab tests, and twice daily questionnaires. During their administration the two drugs were practically indistinguishable in their effects. Both significantly reduced objective and subjective measures of insomnia, such as total wake time and sleep latency. On discontinuation the drugs differentially affected sleep, e.g., on the first post flurazepam night total sleep time was significantly more than baseline whereas on first post triazolam night, total sleep time was significantly less than baseline. There were no remarkable side or toxic effects with either drug.

Mass reduction of inguinal hernia. Description of a new physical sign of diagnostic value and aetiological significance

Mass reduction of an inguinal hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, and the diagnosis may be overlooked if there is a temporary cessation of symptoms.

Two personal patients with this complication are now recorded, in both of whom a previously undescribed sign is recorded, consisting of retraction of the testicle on the affected side into the upper part of the scrotum, tautness of the spermatic cord, and pain deep in the iliac fossa when attempts were made to draw the testicle down.

The diagnostic value of this sign is stressed and also its significance in the current controversy as to the exact mechanism of production of this complication.