Pallister-Killian syndrome diagnosed by chorionic villus sampling

The first prenatal diagnosis of Pallister-Killian syndrome by chorionic villus sampling is presented. Fetal hydrops was noted on ultrasound in early pregnancy, and the karyotype revealed isochromosome 12p mosaicism.

Ectrodactyly of hands and feet in a child with a complex translocation including 7q21.2

A three-way translocation involving a break point of 7q21.2 was found in a boy with tetramelic ectrodactyly.

Some observations on variations in filament overlap in tetanized muscle fibres and fibres stretched during a tetanus, detected in the electron microscope after rapid fixation

Anomalous tension development which would not be predicted from the descending limb of the length-tension curve occurs during prolonged tetani and after stretch during a tetanus. Variations in filament overlap might account for all or part of the tension enhancement. Fibres isolated from frog skeletal muscle were rapidly fixed during a tetanus with mercuric chloride in ethanol and chloroform so that the correct alignment of the filaments in the overlap zones was preserved. The fibres were examined in polarized light with compensation, and in the electron microscope. There were variations in striation spacing along the length of the fibres, and severe shortening with contraction bands near the tendon insertions, confirming observations made by others on live fibres. Many variations in filament overlap which would not be detectable by light microscopy or laser diffraction were seen in the electron microscope. In a pilot study we measured differences in the width of the overlap zones between half-sarcomeres in a small area and within individual half-sarcomeres. In the latter case the variations were greater in a fibre which developed creep of tension and one which did not. Even greater variations were seen in three fibres stretched during a tetanus, and, in two of these, there were some grossly elongated half-sarcomeres in which the filaments had pulled out of the overlap zones, leaving gaps.

Monoclonal antibody L6-daunomycin conjugates constructed to release free drug at the lower pH of tumor tissue

Measurements in cancer patients showed that the pH of tumors averages 0.8 unit lower than that of the surrounding normal tissues, confirming published work. Based on this, the anti-carcinoma monoclonal antibody (mAb) L6 was used to prepare immunoconjugates with daunomycin (DM), the drug being released at the acidic pH of the tumor. A direct linking of the aconitic derivative of DM (AcoDM) to mAb L6 led to conjugates that either had a low drug/antibody ratio (less than 5:1) or precipitated in vitro. In order to increase the drug load and avoid precipitation, several biopolymers were tested as spacers between the drug and the L6. To attach the polymer derivative to the mAb, the former was maleimidized and the mAb was thiolated. The AcoM/mAb ratio obtained was 20, and the mAb retained its highly specific binding to tumor cells. At pH 6 the AcoDM-L6 conjugate was toxic to cultured C-3347 carcinoma cells with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5 micrograms/ml. The conjugate was less effective than the free DM with an IC50 of 0.2 micrograms/ml. The L6 alone was not toxic. At a tumor pH of 6.5, 15% of the AcoDM was released. The amount of released drug reached a maximum 24-48 h after exposure to the acidic medium. In vivo localization studies demonstrated a similar tumor uptake of the conjugate and mAb L6 with 18% of the injected dose/g tumor and a maximum uptake in tumor 48 h after injection. Our data indicate that it is possible to construct conjugates based on a pH-sensitive linker that can be targeted successfully to a tumor with release of a portion of the drug at the tumor site, but testing is needed to establish whether such release has anti-tumor activity in vivo and offers an advantage over treatment with unconjugated drug.

Radiotherapy of brain tumours: reduced irradiation of normal brain

We analysed the dose-volume distribution in normal brain in eight patients undergoing localized external beam radiotherapy for brain tumours. The results have been represented as integral dose-volume histograms and show that large volumes of normal brain receive clinically significant doses of radiation. A mean of 43% (range 24%-57%) of normal brain volume received more than 50% and a mean of 22% (range 9%-38%) received more than 85% of the maximum tumour dose. The amount of normal brain irradiated increased with enlarging target volume. With the use of customized shielding blocks the mean volume reduction of normal brain receiving more than 50% and 85% maximum tumour dose was 178 ml (median 183 ml; range 89-244 ml) and 110 ml (median 110 ml; 40-179 ml) respectively. This represents an average reduction of 13% and 8% of normal brain volume. Although clinically important this may not be sufficient for a significant improvement in therapeutic ratio.

Australian Ogeria Distant (Heteroptera : Schizopteridae)

Ogeria Distant is redefined in comparison with Pachyplagia Gross. Thirteen species are newly described from Australia: O. spinera, O. convexicauda, O. quadridentata, O. illumata, O. obliquicauda, O. multidentata, O. dentispina, O. arcuata, O. parallela, O. bifurca, O. biprojecta, O. cavatica, and O. quadrivenata. The species are keyed. The occurrence of Ogeria outside Australia is outlined. A cryptic arboreal inquiline niche is suggested. Character variation in the genus is discussed.

Identification and characterization of a Mr 50,000 adrenal protein in human hepatocellular carcinoma

A Mr 50,000 cell surface protein antigen (p50) was identified on a human hepatocellular carcinoma derived cell line (FOCUS) by two monoclonal antibodies (SF 31 and SF 90). This antigen was subsequently shown to be expressed in vivo in human hepatocellular carcinoma. All 18 tumors tested by Western immunoblotting demonstrated high levels of p50 with undetectable amounts observed in the adjacent normal liver counterparts. Further characterization revealed that p50 is a monomeric polypeptide with a neutral pI (6.5-7.2) and appears not to be glycosylated. The cellular localization was determined by direct antibody binding to intact cells, immunoprecipitation of 125I-labeled cell surface proteins, and Western immunoblotting of subcellular fractions. p50 was found on the cell surface as well as in the cytoplasm. In vitro monoclonal antibody binding studies indicate that the protein is expressed in all human malignant cells (n = 34) tested thus far regardless of the embryonic tissue of origin and the degree of differentiation. p50 was present at very low levels in normal tissues with the notable exception of high expression in adrenal glands. The protein is conserved in mammalian evolution since a similar protein was also found in bovine adrenals. The molecular characteristics and the pattern of expression of p50 indicate that this normal adrenal protein is associated with the transformed phenotype.

Asthma

Acute episodes of asthma disrupt the lives of children at home and at school and low grade symptoms are often ignored or regarded as inevitable. With a better understanding of the asthmatic process, the on-going symptoms can be treated and acute attacks avoided.

Human chorionic gonadotropin and free subunits' serum levels in patients with partial and complete hydatidiform moles

Serum levels of hCG and its free subunits were measured in patients with partial and complete hydatidiform moles and in women with normal 10-week pregnancies. whereas complete moles had higher levels of percent-free beta-hCG than partial moles (2.4 versus 1.0; P less than or equal to .005), partial moles had higher levels of percent-free alpha-hCG than complete moles (0.85 versus 0.17; P less than or equal to .005). Normal 10-week pregnancies had lower levels of both percent-free beta-hCG and percent-free alpha-hCG than partial moles (0.40 versus 1.0, P less than or equal to .005 and 0.27 versus 0.85, P less than or equal to .005, respectively). Percent-free beta-hCG and beta-hCG levels did not distinguish which patients with complete mole were more likely to develop persistent post-molar tumor. The trophoblastic cells in complete and partial moles differ significantly in the manner in which they secrete the free subunits of hCG.

Organization and structure of the Qa genes of the major histocompatibility complex of the C3H mouse: implications for Qa function and class I evolution

We have determined the structure and organization of the entire Qa family of class I genes from the major histocompatibility complex of the C3H mouse. Restriction maps of overlapping lambda and cosmid clones reveal that there are only five Qak genes: Q1k, Q2k, Q4k, Q10k and a Q5/9 hybrid, presumably generated by unequal homologous recombination. The resulting deletion of Q6-Q9 is consistent with the Qa-2null phenotype of this mouse strain. We have sequenced the Qak genes, and predict that each may encode a class I molecule with a structure comparable with that proposed for the transplantation antigens. Furthermore, these Qa products should be able to bind peptides and interact with appropriate T-cell receptors. Interestingly, in comparing Qak and H-2k sequences, we find limited evidence of interlocus gene conversion between Qa and H-2 loci, suggesting that the Qa genes are not likely to serve as a reservoir of genetic information for the generation of H-2 diversity within this haplotype.

A revision of Australian Pachyplagia gross (Heteroptera : Schizopteridae)

Pachyplagia Gross is redefined; P. australia Gross, an inquiline, is redescribed; and P. sporadohylaea, sp, nov., P. acracantheis, sp. nov., P. spanohylaea, sp, nov., P. ombriohylaea, sp. nov., P. aremenohylaea, sp. nov. and also P. nesohylaea, sp. nov. are described. The species are keyed. The occurrence of Pachyplagia in Sulawesi is recorded. The male and unusual female terminalia are discussed.

A community mental health group designed by clients

"Support," a group learning project, was conceived and designed by patients who completed a twenty-four hour occupational therapy stress management program offered by an occupational therapy assistant at a community mental health day treatment center in Upstate New York. The patients had become a very "close knit" group because of the nature and intensity of the therapeutic activities. As they moved to ex-patient status and to a self-directed group they identified familial and community stressors they expected would arise and wanted to strengthen their network. They sought resources to provide knowledge and practice for themselves and their families in the management of those stressors. This paper describes the rationale and the process of the "Support" group and the ways in which patients contributed to its formation, ongoing activities and closure.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in an Indochinese population

One hundred seventeen Indochinese adults were screened for heart disease risk factors at a San Diego community health facility during December 1986. Two levels of excess risk, moderate-high and high, were categorically defined for blood pressure, total cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and obesity. Overall, 61% were at moderate-high or high risk in at least one category, and 34% were at high risk by these criteria. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol were positively correlated to age, and ethnicity was a significant covariate for cholesterol, body mass index, and cigarette smoking. The Hmong, compared with other Indochinese, had a significantly lower mean cholesterol level, which remained after adjusting for age and body mass. High rates of cigarette smoking were found among Vietnamese men and young Indochinese men. If confirmed, the high prevalence of heart disease risk factors in Indochinese refugees and immigrants suggests that cardiovascular health education programs are appropriate in Indochinese communities.

Human granulocyte activity against moxalactam-induced filamentous forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The purpose of this investigation was to study the kinetics of human granulocyte (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) phagocytosis and bactericidal activity against beta-lactam antibiotic (moxalactam)-induced filamentous bacterial forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ultrastructural observations of rod and filamentous forms of P. aeruginosa and their interaction with polymorphonuclear leukocytes are presented. Growth of P. aeruginosa 1348A in the presence of 4 micrograms of moxalactam per ml (one-fourth the MIC) resulted in filamentous forms. Phagocytosis of 75Se-radiolabeled filaments was more efficient than that of rods during the first 20 min of the assay; subsequently, phagocytosis of both forms was equal. The polymorphonuclear leukocyte bactericidal activities against both forms, which were standardized to equal bacterial particle and viable-cell counts, were equivalent. Considering the greater size and mass of filaments compared with those of rods, we concluded that filaments are more susceptible to both phagocytosis and killing than are bacillary forms.

Maternal drug histories and congenital malformations: limb reduction defects and oral clefts

In a case control study, prescription data were examined for the three months before the last menstrual period and for the first trimester of pregnancy in (a) 115 mothers of children with limb reduction defects, (b) 676 mothers of children with oral cleft, and (c) an equal number of control mothers of normal babies from the same doctor's practice for each case. In the limb reduction study, the study mothers were prescribed more drugs generally although this did not reach statistical significance, nor were there significant differences between study and control mothers for individual groups of drugs. In the oral cleft study, significantly more drugs were prescribed to study mothers in the three months before the last menstrual period, and a similar trend, which did not reach statistical significance, was observed in the first trimester. Anticonvulsant drugs were prescribed significantly more frequently to study mothers during the whole period of the study. A significant association was also demonstrated between oral contraceptives taken in the three months before the last menstrual period and oral cleft, but doubt must remain concerning this relationship; the risk is not well understood and is likely to be nonspecific. A number of other significant associations were identified, although their importance in practice is uncertain in view of the confounding factors that may affect a study of this kind.

Lung morphological and permeability changes induced by intravascular coagulation in dogs

The objectives of this study were to describe the morphological alterations of the pulmonary microvasculature in anesthetized dogs infused intravenously with alpha-thrombin (111-233 NIH U/kg) and to measure the protein reflection coefficient (sigma d), an index of pulmonary vascular permeability to proteins. Quantitative electron microscopy of lung biopsies from a group of four dogs showed an increase in the volume density of the alveolar interstitium and an increase in intravascular fibrin at 30 min after the thrombin infusion. The pulmonary microvascular endothelium was often swollen, blistered, highly vacuolized, or rarefied when close to or in contact with fibrin but appeared normal when not closely associated with fibrin. Fibrin-endothelial interactions often included projections of endothelium surrounding fibrin, the presence of fibrin within endothelial cells, 10- to 15-nm bridges connecting fibrin and endothelium, and disruption of the endothelial plasmalemma in contact with fibrin. Alveolar epithelial cells were unaffected by the thrombin infusion. Pulmonary lymph was collected from an afferent lymphatic to the left tracheobronchial lymph node in a second group of five dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium intravenously. Thrombin increased pulmonary lymph flow by sevenfold and also increased the extravascular lung water-to-bloodless dry lung weight ratio. Left atrial pressure was elevated after thrombin infusion until a filtration-independent state was approached for the calculation of sigma d. Thrombin decreased sigma d from a normal value of 0.62 +/- 0.02 to 0.53 +/- 0.02. Thus thrombin-induced intravascular coagulation in dogs produced focal disruptions of the microvascular endothelium associated with intravascular fibrin and increased the pulmonary vascular permeability to proteins.

The effects of anterior hypothalamic deafferentation on FSH-releasing activity in the intact female hamster

To study the role of the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) in the control of the estrous (E) rise of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), female hamsters were subjected to anterior hypothalamic deafferentation (D) or sham deafferentation (S) on 1500 h of proestrus (P). Serum levels of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by radioimmunoassay and FSH and LH releasing activities measured by bioassay in the anterior (AH) and medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) at several time periods during P and E. D did not affect serum levels of LH, whereas there was an attenuation of FSH levels during P and E. D caused an increase in FSH releasing activity in the AH within 1 h, while LH releasing activity was elevated 8 h after D. In animals with D, LH releasing activity in the MBH was elevated during P and was similar to controls during E. FSH releasing activity in the MBH increased during early E and dropped precipitously by 1400 h of E. Collectively, these data demonstrate dichotomous changes in FSH and LH releasing activities and provide further evidence for dual control mechanisms for these two gonadotropins.

Autoradiographic measurement of tritiated agmatine as an indicator of physiologic activity in Hermissenda visual and vestibular neurons

[3H]Agmatine (amino-4-guanidobutane) has been shown to be potentially useful for identifying and assessing the ACh sensitivity of specific neurons. Small cationic amines are able to permeate ACh-activated ion channels in sympathetic neurons and vertebrate endplates. Sensory neurons of the photic pathway in the nudibranch mollusc Hermissenda crassicornis are cholinergic and the synaptic interactions between the photic and vestibular systems have been well characterized electrophysiologically. We have therefore tested the feasibility of using autoradiography with [3H]agmatine, (a) to identify known ACh-responsive postsynaptic cells and (b) to examine its ability to serve as an indicator of physiologic activity within the photic and vestibular pathways under conditions of darkness and light stimulation. Scintillation counting revealed that approximately 70% of the radioactivity was associated with the CNS while approximately 30% was found in the processing fluids, indicating that routine glutaraldehyde-osmium fixation and subsequent processing for epoxy embedding allows retention of substantial amounts of the radiolabel. The autoradiographic results consistently demonstrated that the uptake patterns for [3H]agmatine did reflect some of the known neuronal interactions under the experimental conditions of light and dark. The accuracy extended to the second order cells of the optic ganglion and to putative interneurons along the photic tract in the cerebropleural ganglion. Since all the neurons in these pathways are unipolar with their synaptic interactions occurring only at the terminal endings, the radiolabel accumulated in the somata resulted from retrograde axonal transport. In the photic-vestibular pathways, the highest silver grain densities were found over structures (cell bodies or axon tracts) with increased synaptic activity coupled with higher levels of cellular activity (i.e. increased excitatory postsynaptic potentials or increased spontaneous impulse activity). Slightly less label was found in cells which received increased numbers of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials that produced hyperpolarization and a transient cessation of impulse activity under conditions of illumination. Therefore, the uptake levels of [3H]agmatine as revealed by autoradiography appear to reflect not only changes in sensitivity or density of ACh-activated channels but also changes in cellular activity as indicated by increased amounts of retrograde transport. These results represent the first example of the effective use of this radiolabel as an indicator of synaptic activity in invertebrates and in sensory systems.

The concept and reality of shared hospital services

This decentralized model of sharing health care services, in which a small community hospital through its own initiative has continued to successfully provide services not only to its peer hospitals but to larger secondary hospitals, is a useful example of the effective co-operation and co-ordination between hospitals. Shared Services has successfully evolved from a concept to its present reality as a provider of quality health care services. These programs supply co-ordinated services which both enhance patient care and benefit all hospital staff members. As the merits of both the Respiratory Therapy and Library Services Programs continue to demonstrate themselves, and as the spirit of cooperation between member hospitals continues to grow, the potential for future development of the Shared Services Program is yet to be realized.

Interstitial deletion of chromosome 7p detected antenatally

An interstitial deletion in chromosome 7(p13p15) detected in amniotic fluid cells is presented. After termination, the fetus was noted to have an asymmetrical skull, low set ears, a flattened nose, bifid thumbs and right big toe, pyloric adenomyosis, hypospadias, and simian creases. A brief comparison is made with previously reported cases involving deletions of 7p, including those associated with craniosynostosis.

Four New Species of Duonota Hill (Heteroptera: Schizopteridae)

Duonota spathulata, sp. nov., and D. lumata, sp. nov., from the Atherton Tableland of north Queensland, and D. fusca, sp. nov., and D, decoricaudula, sp. nov., from New South Wales are described. A key to the 12 Duonota species is given and the relationships of the species discussed.

New Records and Species of Pateena Hill (Heteroptera: Schizopteridae)

Pateena elimata Hill and P, polymitarior Hill are recorded from mainland Australia, and P. elimatula, sp. nov., and P.curta, sp. nov. are described from south-east Australia. The generic definition is revised and a key given to the four species. The relationships of paleena to Duonota Hill and Macromannus Hill are discussed, as well as the conservation status and possible fire-refuge indicator value of Pateena species.

Prognostic factors in patients with resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer. A report from the Lung Cancer Study Group

The authors present prognostic information on recurrence and survival for resected Stage I lung cancer patients with squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma. The data derive from 392 carefully staged patients and include results from the history and physical examination, preoperative laboratory tests, nature of the surgery, complications, initial pathologic findings following surgical resection, and final pathologic review. A simple multivariate model of recurrence, which is used to classify patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, is based on tumor size and location (T1, T2), histologic type (squamous, nonsquamous/mixed) and nodal status (N0, N1). To model survival, the performance status and the presence of empyema, pneumonia, or wound infection were added to the previous factors. Not all factors associated with increased mortality are associated with increased risk of recurrence, and, in particular, postoperative empyema, pneumonia or wound infections carry an increased risk of death only. Serial measurements of performance status and leukocyte count have the potential for monitoring for increased risk of recurrence and death.

Early mobilization of repaired flexor tendons within digital sheath using an internal profundus splint: experimental and clinical data

The repair of severed flexor tendons in Zone II continues to be a problem. A new technique using an internal splint prevents disruption of the repair and allows early active motion. The technique was first tested in the rhesus monkey and then used in a clinical series of 29 repairs with encouraging results.

Bronchial reactivity in asthmatic adults with normal spirometric values

A comparison was made between airways obstruction produced by exercise. Hyperventilation of cold air, hyperventilation of room air, and inhalation of ultrasonically nebulised distilled water. Seven asthmatics with no airflow obstruction were studied together with seven normal controls. All four provocations produced comparable mean reductions in forced expired volume in one second in the asthmatic patients, but no reduction was obtained in the controls. Whereas exercise, hyperventilation of cold air, and hyperventilation of room air were associated with heat loss from airways, inhalation of nebulised distilled water was not. Inhalation of ultrasonically nebulised distilled water offers a simple additional diagnostic test for asthma. Changes in the osmolality of airway surface liquid may possibly be the common mechanism by which "fog" and hyperventilation produce bronchoconstruction.

Effects of catecholamines and cyclic amp on excitation--contraction coupling in isolated skeletal muscle fibres of the frog

1. In skeletal muscle the presence of a positive inotropic effect induced by adrenaline has been a matter of controversy. If it exists, it could be due to catecholamines acting on the actomyosin system, on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pump or on the release or influx of Ca2+. We investigated these possibilities by using intact, split and skinned skeletal muscle fibres. We also investigated whether adrenaline acts directly or through cyclic AMP. 2. Catecholamines produced an increase in twitch tension and in maximum rates of tension development and tension decay. The inotropic effect took 3 min to appear and 8 min to reach its maximum level. With tetanic stimulations the extra force appeared only at the beginning of the tetanus while approaching the same maximum level, and tended to disappear faster, the higher the frequency of stimulation. At 4 shocks/sec the peak twitch tension with catecholamines decreased during the first seven to ten twitches and became steady afterwards at a level that was still greater than the control. 3. Resting and action potentials showed no important changes in the presence of adrenaline that could explain the inotropic effect. 4. In split fibres the force produced with the release of Ca2+ from the SR by caffeine was 60-100% larger when cyclic AMP was added to the previous loading solution. In skinned fibres adrenaline given directly to the interior of the cell produced no changes in contraction--relaxation cycles induced by fixed amounts of Ca2+ applied with a pipette. 5. These results strongly suggest that catecholamines through cyclic AMP stimulate the SR Ca2+ pump, increasing thereby the concentration of Ca2+ within the SR. This extra Ca2+ when released during subsequent activation may produce the increase in twitch tension.

Human monoclonal antibody against Forssman antigen

Hybrid cells formed between human lymphocytes and mouse myeloma cells produce human immunoglobulin in culture. Stable antibody-producing cell lines can be isolated after multiple cycles of low-density passage, cloning, and continued selection for immunoglobulin production. The origin and characteristics of a hybrid of human and mouse cells is described. This hybrid produces high concentrations (8.3 micrograms per milliliter) of human immunoglobulin M reactive with the terminal disaccharide of the Forssman glycolipid. These findings point to the potential use of human-mouse hybrid cells as a source of human monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

High concentration solar collector of the stepped spherical type: optical design characteristics

An analysis of the optical design characteristics of a new high concentration solar collector is presented. This type of collector consists of spherical segments that are sections of a spherical cap by planes perpendicular to its axis. These ring-shaped spherical segments are so arranged along their common axis that the planes of their circles of least confusion are superposed. The optical characteristics and simulation of this system are developed to provide information for the engineering design of this type of solar energy collector system. The calculations are checked by a laser scanning onto a breadboard mock-up.

G1549, a new cyclic hydroxamic acid antibiotic, isolated from culture broth of Pseudomonas alcaligenes

Antibiotic G1549, isolated from culture broth of Pseudomonas alcaligenes, is a new cyclic hydroxamic acid with a 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone structure that complexes with metals. The structure of G1549 is suggested to be 1-hydroxy-5-methoxy-6-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinone. In vitro, G1549 and its copper and ferric complexes show moderate activity against Gram-positive bacteria, fungi and Trichomonas vaginalis. Topical application of G1549 and its copper and ferric complexes protect guinea pigs against cutaneous infection with Microsporum canis. The compounds, however, have some systemic toxicity in mice.

Optical simulation for a fixed spherical solar collector

To calculate the absorber dimensions for a fixed spherical solar collector, an optical simulation of the raytracing type is proposed. The physical quantities, which have an effect upon these dimensions, are described as well as the measurement methods. Once the dimensions are determined, the incident flux on the absorber surface can be calculated by the same program in terms of different zenith distances. These calculations can be checked by comparing the calculated flux on the surface of the absorber with the measured flux at different points along the absorber aimed at the full moon instead of at the sun. Through the data obtained from the measurements, fluctuating points of high flux and permanent zones which receive double and triple reflection rays have been studied.

Experiences with the tensor fascia lata flap

Our experience with 60 TFL flaps is reviewed. The anatomy and the arcs of rotation of this flap are described. Our clinical experience--particularly in reconstruction of the groin and abdominal wall, and in free flap transfers--has been detailed, including the use of a free osteomyocutaneous sensory TFL flap for reconstruction of the heel.

A-band length, striation spacing and tension change on stretch of active muscle

1. Single muscle fibres of the frog were stretched during tetanus and filmed down the interference microscope. 2. Sarcomere lengths and A- and I-band widths were measured from cine films taken of the experimental sequences. 3. When a fibre was stretched during a tetanus, its A-band widths remained constant while its I-band widths changed according to the extent of the stretch. This behaviour is identical with that of a fibre stretched at rest. 4. Sarcomere lengths remained uniform along the fibre during a tetanus plus stretch, increasing as the I-band widths increased when the fibre was stretched. 5. At sarcomere lengths longer than LPmax (the length corresponding to greatest isometric tetanus tension) where the isometric tension diminishes as the fibre is lengthened, if the stretch was imposed during a tetanus the tension was higher after the stretch than before, showing a plateau which lasted for the duration of the tetanus. 6. This effect increased with longer sarcomere lengths and was not due to increased resting tension.

Running amok

This study examines twenty-four cases of amok, believed the largest number of cases ever collected. They were observed in Sarawak, East Malaysia. They occurred in all indigenous groups in Sarawak, excluding the Chinese, such as Malay, Sea Dayak, Land Dayak, Kayan, Punan and Melanau at frequencies more or less following the proportion of these groups in the total population. No differences were found according to religion, the Malay being Muslim and the other groups either predominantly Christian like the Iban or animistic. Only slight diminution in the frequency was observed from 1954 to 1968. The education level of the amok runners was much lower than that of the average population. The weapons used were those immediately at hand be it parang (short sword), ax, sticks, knives, guns, bare hands or a lorry. The classical four stages were largely present: (a) brooding and withdrawal, (b) homicidal paroxysm, (c) continuation of homicidal behaviour until killed, restrained or falling into stupor of exhaustion, (d) complete or partial amnesia. While in 14 no motive could be ascertained, insult, jealousy and paranoid ideation was present in the others. Both family history of mental illness and personal psychiatric history were predominant. All cases fell into accepted diagnostic categories from organic and endogenous psychosis to neurosis and behaviour disorder.

Binding of nuclear triiodothyronine (T3) binding protein-T3 complex to chromatin

Nuclear tirrodothyronine (T3) binding protein (NTBP)-T3 complex, prepared from liver nuclei of rats given [125I]T3 in vovo, rebinds to rat nuclear chromatin at pH 7.4 and at low, but not high, KCl concentrations. Liver NTBP-T3 complex binds to chromatin from liver, kidney, heart, brain, testis, and spleen. Binding was depressed at pH8, by addition of 10 mm CaCl2 or 100 mM MgCl2, and by 1 mM GTP or UTP. Although heart chromatin bound the most NTBP-T3 complex and brain the least, there is no clear separation of binding activity on comparison of three T3-responsive tissues (heart, liver, kidney) to the T3 insensitive tissues. Under the conditions of these experiments, there was no evident competition for binding sites on any of the six chromatins tested.